US20160262587A1 - Surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Surface cleaning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20160262587A1
US20160262587A1 US15/033,468 US201415033468A US2016262587A1 US 20160262587 A1 US20160262587 A1 US 20160262587A1 US 201415033468 A US201415033468 A US 201415033468A US 2016262587 A1 US2016262587 A1 US 2016262587A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
storage device
axis
cleaning apparatus
surface cleaning
cable storage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US15/033,468
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English (en)
Inventor
Simon Matthew Pougher
Darren David Holmes
Thomas Robert Harries
Daniel William Carter
Mark Barnsley
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Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Assigned to TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED reassignment TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BARNSLEY, Mark, CARTER, DANIEL WILLIAM, HARRIES, Thomas Robert, HOLMES, DARREN DAVID, POUGHER, Simon Matthew
Publication of US20160262587A1 publication Critical patent/US20160262587A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
    • A47L5/362—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back of the horizontal type, e.g. canister or sledge type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/165—Construction of inlets
    • 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
    • A47L9/26—Incorporation of winding devices for electric cables
    • 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
    • A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1608—Cyclonic chamber constructions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616—Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616—Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1625—Multiple arrangement thereof for series flow
    • A47L9/1633—Concentric cyclones
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1616—Multiple arrangement thereof
    • A47L9/1641—Multiple arrangement thereof for parallel flow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1658—Construction of outlets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1683—Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
    • 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
    • A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L9/2805—Parameters or conditions being sensed
    • A47L9/2821—Pressure, vacuum level or airflow
    • 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
    • A47L9/2889—Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
    • 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
    • A47L9/327—Handles for suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing

Definitions

  • a surface cleaning apparatus having:
  • a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet
  • a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for
  • a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet
  • a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for providing
  • the source of suction, the chamber for receiving dirt and the cable storage device are positioned in a generally side by side configuration.
  • a surface cleaning apparatus having:
  • a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet
  • a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for
  • the apparatus includes a valve for permitting fluid to flow from the cable storage device space to the source of suction.
  • a surface cleaning apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of any one of the first and second aspects of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a main body of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 b is an alternative perspective view of the main body of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of the main body of the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with a valve in a closed position
  • FIG. 6 a is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with the valve in an open position
  • FIG. 6 b is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with the valve in a closed position
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the main body.
  • the apparatus 10 includes a main body 12 , a first wheel 14 positioned at a first end of the main body 12 and a second wheel 16 positioned at an opposite, second, end of the main body 12 .
  • the wheels are rotatable about a respective wheel axis.
  • the main body 12 is generally cylindrical and has a generally elongate axis A which extends lengthwise of the main body 12 between the wheels 14 , 16 .
  • the main body 12 is shaped such that an exterior surface thereof is generally concave, with the exterior surface extending circumferentially around the axis A.
  • the main body 12 has a central region C with respective side portions R, L which sit between the central region C and each of the wheels 14 , 16 .
  • a radius Y of each of the portions R, L increases as the exterior surface of that portion extends from the central region C towards each wheel 14 , 16 .
  • the portions R, L flare outwardly as they extend towards the wheels 14 , 16 .
  • the shape of the main body 12 ensures that there is a generally concave portion provided on a floor facing portion of the exterior surface of the main body 12 , which provides a space S when the apparatus is positioned on a floor surface F with both wheels 14 , 16 contacting the floor surface F.
  • the main body 12 is generally symmetrical about a plane which extends transversely through the central portion C and the axis A, it should be appreciated that other shapes of the main body 12 could be utilised without departing from the scope of the present invention. It need not be the case that the exterior surface of the main body 12 is generally symmetrical about the axis A.
  • the main body 12 could be shaped such that a space S is provided between the main body 12 and the floor surface F whilst an upwardly facing surface of the main body 12 is not provided with any concave portion or the like (it could be convex, for example).
  • the radius of the ground engaging surfaces of the first and second wheels 14 , 16 is beneficial for the radius of the ground engaging surfaces of the first and second wheels 14 , 16 to be greater than the largest width of the main body 12 when measured transversely of the axis A. This ensures that the main body 12 does not foul the floor surface F when the apparatus is in use.
  • the main body 12 houses a source of suction 18 , a chamber 20 for receiving dirt having an inlet 22 and an outlet 24 , a cable storage device 26 for storing electrical cable 28 for providing power to the source of suction 18 and a fluid flow path 30 for providing fluid communication between the outlet 24 and the source of suction 18 .
  • the source of suction 18 includes a motor 18 a and a fan 18 b drivingly connected to the motor 18 a for providing the suction.
  • the body also houses a cyclonic separator device 32 which is in communication with the chamber 20 in a manner known in the art and so will not be discussed in any further detail herein. The position and shape of these component parts and their interaction will be discussed in more detail later.
  • the main body 12 is made out of a plastics material such as poly carbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • the material is opaque but it could also be made of a translucent or transparent material to permit a visual indication for the user of the level of dirt within the chamber 20 .
  • the wheels are made of a rubber material. Embodiments are envisaged where a further, second, or even third cyclonic separator device is provided. In addition, a multi-cyclonic device may be provided in the apparatus.
  • Each wheel is provided as an annular member which is supported for rotation by a generally circular exterior surface of a part 15 , 17 of the main body 12 .
  • the parts 15 , 17 of the main body 12 provide a race which supports the annular wheel member 14 , 16 and permits it to rotate smoothly about its axis.
  • Alternative configurations of the wheel could be utilised without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • one or both wheels 14 , 16 could be mounted for rotation on a common axle or respective axles which is/are connected to the main body 12 .
  • the wheels 14 , 16 are rotatable about axes which are coaxial with each other and coaxial with the axis A of the main body 12 , this need not be the case.
  • the rotational axes of the wheels are offset from the axis A.
  • the rotational axes of the first and second wheels are neither coaxial with each other nor parallel with each other.
  • the rotational axes of the wheels 14 , 16 maybe inclined relative to the axis A of the main body 12 .
  • the wheels 14 , 16 are positioned at opposite ends of the main body 12
  • embodiments of the invention are envisaged where the wheels are positioned closer towards each other.
  • a respective portion of the main body 12 may extend laterally past each wheel, such that each wheel is positioned inwardly from the opposite ends of the main body 12 .
  • the apparatus 10 includes a handle 34 which is connected to the main body 12 at the end of the main body 12 which supports the wheel 16 .
  • the user graspable handle 34 is connected to the main body 12 through the opening provided by the configuration of the annular wheel member 16 .
  • the handle 34 permits the user to stand the apparatus 10 on the end of the apparatus 10 which supports the wheel 14 such that the axis A of the main body 12 is substantially vertical.
  • this configuration may be utilised when a user is using the apparatus for cleaning a flight of stairs, or when storing the apparatus.
  • the handle 34 extends diametrically across the end of the body 12 through the axis A of the main body 12 and the handle 34 is smaller than a diameter of the exterior surface of the wheel 16 . This ensures that the handle 34 does not foul the floor surface F when the apparatus is being moved along the floor surface F.
  • the handle 34 is moveable between stored (shown in FIG. 3 ) and operable positions. In the operable position the handle 34 is moved outwardly away from the wheel 16 against the biasing of springs 35 .
  • the apparatus 10 includes a plurality of deflector members 36 , 37 connected to the main body 12 .
  • the purpose of the deflector members 36 , 37 is to provide protection to the main body 12 and also to assist a user in maneuvering the apparatus whilst cleaning.
  • the deflector members 36 , 37 advantageously assist the user in maneuvering the apparatus past fixed objects e.g. door frames, chairs, tables.
  • User operable controls 38 - 40 are provided in recesses within the deflector members 37 . The positioning of the user operable controls 38 - 40 in this location ensures that they are somewhat protected from any damage as a result of collisions between the apparatus and fixed objects.
  • the user operable control 38 is pivotally moveable to control the opening of a lid 21 to the chamber 20 .
  • the user operable control 40 is the power button for providing electrical connection between a mains supply and the suction motor 18 a .
  • the user operable control 39 controls activation of the cable storage device 26 to cause retraction of the cable 28 for storage in the main body 12 .
  • other user operable controls could be provided within the spaces or recesses in the deflective members 37 . Whilst no user operable controls are provided in the corresponding spaces in the deflector members 36 they could be provided if desired as an alternative or addition to the controls 38 - 40 .
  • the apparatus 10 includes a tool 42 for engaging a floor surface and a conduit/hose 44 connecting the floor tool 42 to the main body 12 .
  • a tool 42 for engaging a floor surface and a conduit/hose 44 connecting the floor tool 42 to the main body 12 .
  • conduit/hose 44 connecting the floor tool 42 to the main body 12 .
  • the main body 12 includes a primary air inlet 46 which is positioned on the main body 12 , midway between the first and second ends of the main body 12 .
  • the primary air inlet 46 extends through a generally upwardly facing exterior surface of the main body 12 .
  • the primary air inlet 46 is for connection to the conduit/hose 44 .
  • the primary are inlet 46 includes a formation having an electrical connection for providing power to the floor tool 42 , although it is not essential.
  • the main body 12 also includes an opening 48 through which the cable 28 can exit from or enter towards the cable storage device 26 .
  • the chamber 20 is generally cylindrical and removably connected to the main body 12 such that it can be removed through the end of the main body 12 for emptying by the user.
  • Inlet 22 is provided on a side wall of the chamber 20 and is in fluid communication with the primary air inlet 46 .
  • a pre-filter 50 is provided on the outlet 24 to remove any particulates present in the flow of air leaving the chamber 20 to prevent them from entering the fluid flow path 30 and causing any damage by coming into contact with the fan 18 b and motor 18 a.
  • the source of suction 18 , chamber 20 and cyclonic separator device 32 are positioned along the axis A of the main body 12 and, when powered, provide a suitable source of suction in order to draw air through the primary air inlet 46 , cyclonic separator device 32 and pre-filter 50 .
  • a post-motor filter 52 Positioned around the motor 18 a (near the wheel 16 ) is a post-motor filter 52 . Air passes through this filter 52 and apertures 54 at the end of the main body 12 to atmosphere.
  • the source of suction 18 , the cable storage device 26 and the chamber 20 are positioned in a generally side by side configuration within the main body 12 .
  • the fluid flow path 30 is a cylindrically shaped passage having one end in fluid communication with the outlet 24 and the other end of which is in fluid communication with the source of suction 18 .
  • the cable storage device 26 is positioned substantially midway between the ends of the main body 12 , between the source of suction 18 and the chamber 20 such that the component parts are sequentially aligned. In other embodiments the cable storage device 26 may be positioned in a different position away from the midway point and/or placed in a different sequential position with respect to the source of suction 18 and the chamber 20 . The cable storage device 26 could be positioned elsewhere, for example between the motor 18 a and the filter 52 , or between the filter 50 and the suction fan 18 b , or indeed in any other location within the interior of the main body 12 .
  • the cable storage device 26 is of an annular shape and has a space 60 within which the cable 28 is stored.
  • the cable storage device 26 includes an annular moveable part 62 which is rotatable about the axis A around the fluid flow path 30 .
  • the cable storage device 26 includes a means for biasing the cable 28 to be pulled into an interior of the main body 12 via the opening 48 provided on the main body 12 so that the cable 28 is coiled around the moveable part 62 .
  • a free end of the cable 28 is connected to a plug 56 which, when the cable 28 is fully stored, is at least partially received in a recess 58 in the main body 12 .
  • the moveable part 62 is rotatable around the portion of the fluid flow path 30 and extends circumferentially around a surface of the fluid flow path.
  • the moveable part 62 is thus parallel and coaxial with the axis A of the main body 12 . This provides for an optimum use of the interior space of the main body 12 allowing for a more compact configuration of the surface cleaning apparatus 10 . In other embodiments the moveable part 62 may only extend partially around the fluid flow path 30 .
  • the cable storage device 26 defines a space 64 into and through which the fluid flow path 30 extends and around which space 64 the cable storage device 26 follows a substantially annular path.
  • the space 64 is formed substantially centrally of the cable storage device 26 so as to further minimise the space taken by the component parts and maximise the length of cable 28 which can be accommodated within the interior space of the main body 12 .
  • the space 64 is generally cylindrical and has an elongate axis which is substantially parallel and coaxial with the axis of the cable storage device 26 .
  • the cable storage device 26 has an axis which is substantially parallel with an axis of the source of suction 18 , an axis of the chamber 20 and the axis A of the main body 12 so as to provide a generally substantially coaxial arrangement.
  • the components may not be co-axial and, instead, their respective axes may be offset from one another and/or the axis A of the main body 12 .
  • the side by side configuration of the cable storage device 26 , source of suction 18 and the chamber 20 means that the respective component parts are positioned along the axis A of the main body 12 .
  • the component parts are in an end to end relationship by which it is meant that each component occupies a respective space which is separate from a space in which another component is positioned.
  • the present invention could equally be applied to that of an upright type cleaner. More particularly, the configuration of having a cable storage device 26 positioned such that the fluid flow path 30 that connects the source of suction 18 to the chamber 20 extends through the cable storage device 26 provides for space savings which can equally apply to upright cleaners and other types of shapes of the main body 12 .
  • the fluid flow path 30 may be provided by an integral portion of the cable storage device 26 such that the cable storage device 26 moves together with the portion of the fluid flow path 30 during use.
  • the cable storage device 26 is supported on the fluid flow path 30 but it could, alternatively, be mounted and rotatable with the fluid flow path 30 in other embodiments.
  • the cable storage device 26 includes means for biasing the cable 28 to be drawn into the interior of the main body 12
  • a manually operable means for winding the cable 28 into the main body 12 For example there could be a handle accessible outside of the main body 12 which a user moves so as to rotate the annular member 62 so as to wind the cable 28 into the interior of the main body 12 .
  • the cable storage device 26 includes the space 60 for storage of the cable 28 and the apparatus 10 includes an opening 48 through which the cable 28 can exit and enter the cable storage device 26 .
  • the apparatus 10 also includes a valve 66 , in the form of pressure relief valve, which provides for fluid communication between the cable storage device space 60 and the source of suction 18 .
  • the valve 66 includes an actuator having a seal 67 which is mechanically operable to move between a closed position in which air is not permitted to flow from the space 60 to the source of suction 18 , and an open position in which air is permitted to flow from the space 60 to the source of suction 18 . In the closed position, the seal 67 prevents air from flowing from the valve 66 to the source of suction 18 .
  • the space 60 in which the cable 28 is stored is substantially sealed from atmosphere apart from the opening 48 .
  • the valve 66 is provided in a wall 68 between the cable storage device 26 and the space in which the source of suction 18 is positioned.
  • the valve 66 is biased by a spring to the closed position ( FIG. 6 a ) and is configured to move to the open position ( FIG. 6 b ) in which it permits air to flow from the space 60 to the source of suction 18 when the pressure in the fluid flow path 30 reaches a predetermined threshold.
  • the source of suction 18 will provide suction to the chamber 20 and primary air inlet 46 causing a drop in pressure. This will cause air to flow through the primary air inlet 46 , through the cyclonic separator device 32 which separates dirt entrailed in the air, and the substantially cleaned air passes through the outlet 24 of the chamber 20 and pre-filter 50 .
  • the air will follow the fluid flow path 30 through the motor housing and to atmosphere through the apertures 54 provided in the end of the main body 12 . This has the effect of cooling the motor 18 a during operation and preventing overheating. This flow path is shown in FIG. 5 .
  • valve 66 is a mechanical valve but in other embodiments it is envisaged that an automated valve is provided which is operated by electronic means.
  • an automated valve is provided which is operated by electronic means.
  • Embodiments of apparatus are envisaged which do not include a cyclonic separator device, but instead utilise a receptacle, bag or the like for collecting dirt which is supported within the chamber 20 .
  • embodiments are envisaged which do not include a cable storage device 26 , although it is desirable for the apparatus to be provided with such a device in order to ensure compact storage of the electrical cable 28 .
  • the apparatus could be modified to be a “wet” system, i.e. utilising a source of cleaning fluid within the apparatus which is applied to the floor surface before being sucked back in to a chamber within the main body.
  • the chamber 20 is capable of receiving dirt, which definition encompasses either directly receiving dirt or there being a bag or the like supported within the chamber 20 which itself collects dirt.
  • the axis of the main body is a generally elongate axis thereof which in this example extends lengthwise of the apparatus between the first and second wheels.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Suction Cleaners (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)
US15/033,468 2013-11-01 2014-02-04 Surface cleaning apparatus Abandoned US20160262587A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1319372.7A GB2519968A (en) 2013-11-01 2013-11-01 Surface cleaning Apparatus
GB1319372.7 2013-11-01
GB1400998.9A GB2520092B (en) 2013-11-01 2014-01-21 Surface Cleaning apparatus
GB1400998.9 2014-01-21
PCT/GB2014/050312 WO2015063446A1 (en) 2013-11-01 2014-02-04 Surface cleaning apparatus

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US20160262587A1 true US20160262587A1 (en) 2016-09-15

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US15/033,468 Abandoned US20160262587A1 (en) 2013-11-01 2014-02-04 Surface cleaning apparatus
US15/033,463 Abandoned US20160249777A1 (en) 2013-11-01 2014-02-04 Surface cleaning apparatus
US15/033,480 Abandoned US20160249778A1 (en) 2013-11-01 2014-02-04 Surface cleaning apparatus

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US15/033,463 Abandoned US20160249777A1 (en) 2013-11-01 2014-02-04 Surface cleaning apparatus
US15/033,480 Abandoned US20160249778A1 (en) 2013-11-01 2014-02-04 Surface cleaning apparatus

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US (3) US20160262587A1 (zh)
EP (3) EP3062675A1 (zh)
CN (3) CN105828682A (zh)
AU (3) AU2014343484A1 (zh)
GB (13) GB2538640A (zh)
WO (3) WO2015063445A1 (zh)

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GB2520092A (en) 2015-05-13
GB201400998D0 (en) 2014-03-05
AU2014343484A1 (en) 2016-06-16
GB2523304A (en) 2015-08-26
GB2538186A (en) 2016-11-09
GB2538183B (en) 2017-09-06
CN105828683A (zh) 2016-08-03
EP3062676A1 (en) 2016-09-07
GB2538642A (en) 2016-11-23
US20160249778A1 (en) 2016-09-01
GB2538187B (en) 2017-12-20
GB201612086D0 (en) 2016-08-24
GB2538184B (en) 2017-09-06
GB2538641A (en) 2016-11-23
GB2538185A (en) 2016-11-09
GB201612088D0 (en) 2016-08-24
GB2538182A (en) 2016-11-09
GB201612069D0 (en) 2016-08-24
CN105828682A (zh) 2016-08-03
GB2538187A (en) 2016-11-09
GB201612084D0 (en) 2016-08-24
CN105848547B (zh) 2019-02-12
GB201401002D0 (en) 2014-03-05
GB201612070D0 (en) 2016-08-24
GB201612066D0 (en) 2016-08-24
GB201319372D0 (en) 2013-12-18
WO2015063446A1 (en) 2015-05-07
EP3062674A1 (en) 2016-09-07
WO2015063447A1 (en) 2015-05-07
GB201612062D0 (en) 2016-08-24
GB2538185B (en) 2017-10-04
CN105848547A (zh) 2016-08-10
GB2519968A (en) 2015-05-13
AU2014343485A1 (en) 2016-08-04
GB2538183A (en) 2016-11-09
AU2014343483A1 (en) 2016-06-16
GB201612071D0 (en) 2016-08-24
EP3062675A1 (en) 2016-09-07
GB2538643A (en) 2016-11-23
WO2015063445A1 (en) 2015-05-07
GB201612074D0 (en) 2016-08-24
US20160249777A1 (en) 2016-09-01
GB2520092B (en) 2017-03-22
GB2538184A (en) 2016-11-09
GB2538640A (en) 2016-11-23
EP3062676B1 (en) 2019-05-08
GB201612068D0 (en) 2016-08-24

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