Patent Application
20240180379
This disclosure relates generally to surface cleaning apparatus such as hand vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners or canister vacuum cleaners, and, in particular, portable surface cleaning apparatus, such as hand vacuum cleaners.
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, including upright surface cleaning apparatus, canister surface cleaning apparatus, stick surface cleaning apparatus, central vacuum systems, and hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus such as hand vacuum cleaners. Further, various designs for cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus, including battery operated cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners are known in the art.
The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended 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 accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a surface cleaning apparatus includes an air treatment assembly. A rib extends into a chamber of the assembly from a wall of the chamber, which may be a cyclone. The rib interrupts air flow, which may be cyclonic air flow, and encourages dirt accumulation adjacent the rib. The rib may be at one of the ends of the chamber, and optionally at an end at which an air outlet of the chamber is located. The rib may extend inwardly into the air treatment chamber from the air treatment chamber end wall (e.g., the outlet end wall). The rib may extend radially into the air treatment chamber from an air treatment chamber sidewall (e.g., radially inwardly) and/or axially from the air treatment chamber end wall. The air treatment chamber air outlet may comprise an air permeable portion through which the air flow path extends. The outlet may also include an air impermeable portion. The air permeable portion may be a porous portion comprising a porous material that extends inwardly from the air impermeable portion. The rib may extend co-extensively (i.e., with respect to a cyclone axis) along at least a portion of the cyclone chamber in which the impermeable portion of the outlet is provided.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the air treatment inlet conduit extends into the air treatment chamber from an upstream opening to a downstream opening. The downstream opening may be a tangential opening into the chamber when the chamber is a cyclone chamber. The inlet may include an air permeable section (e.g., covered by porous material such as a mesh) that is discrete from the downstream opening of the inlet conduit. The bulk of air is directed through the downstream opening, which may be referred to as the primary opening. A lesser volume of air is allowed to pass through the air permeable section from the air treatment inlet conduit into the air treatment chamber. The downstream opening and the air permeable section provide alternate air exits which concurrently permit air flow therethrough. The air permeable section forms a secondary pathway between the air treatment inlet conduit and the air treatment chamber. This secondary pathway results in a reduction of the power required for the motor to produce a given air flow rate.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the axial length of the downstream opening of the inlet conduit is variable. The axial length of the downstream opening may be varied to change the separation characteristics of the surface cleaning apparatus, such as to change backpressure or to change the ratio between an effective air inlet axial length and the chamber axial length. The ratio between the effective air inlet axial length and the chamber axial length affects the number of turns that air passing through the cyclone chamber is subject to, and so affects the efficiency of the surface cleaning apparatus. The axial length may be changed manually by a user or automatically, e.g., in response to, e.g., detecting that finer particles are being collected or that particles are making past the air treatment assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the air treatment inlet is selectively closeable by a closure member. When the closure member is in the open position, during operation of the surface cleaning apparatus, air flows through the air treatment inlet to the air treatment chamber. When the closure member is in the closed position, air flow through the air treatment inlet is inhibited. The closure member may be curved along at least one dimension with respect to a coordinate system defined by the apparatus longitudinal axis, the apparatus vertical axis, and the apparatus tangential axis. The closure member may therefore be referred to as a curved member. Optionally, the closure member is curved with respect only to a single dimension, as exemplified. In other words, the closure member may be arcuate in shape. The closure member may pivot about a closure axis of rotation between an open position and a closed position.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the closure member moves axially with respect to the air treatment member longitudinal axis and/or the inlet conduit axis. The closure member may be an end wall of the air treatment inlet. The inlet end wall may extend transverse to the flow direction. The inlet end wall may include a generally planar inlet end wall upstream face, which may extend generally perpendicular to the flow direction. Alternatively, the closure member may close a tangential inlet to the air treatment chamber. The closure member may be received against a sidewall of the air treatment inlet and translate axially to close the tangential inlet.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the air treatment assembly has an assembly free volume that includes the chamber free volume within the chamber and an inlet free volume within the air treatment inlet. The chamber free volume is an open space within the air treatment chamber outside the air treatment inlet and the air treatment outlet. The inlet free volume is an open space within the air treatment inlet that would be included in the air flow path if the closure member was not included in the surface cleaning apparatus. The closure member in the open position may be at least partially removed from the assembly free volume. The closure member in the open position may be fully removed from the assembly free volume. This aspect reduces the extent to which the closure member inhibits air flow when in the open position and/or reduces turbulence caused by a significant discontinuity in the transverse cross sectional area of the air treatment inlet at a downstream edge of the closure member when the closure member is in the open position. The closure member is moveable between the open and closed positions, and, when in the open position, may be at least partially received in a closure recess or partially moved into or through a closure passage. The recess may have a mouth or port through which it is open to the assembly free volume, and the closure member may close the port when the closure member is in the open position.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus includes a driving member drivingly connected to the closure member. The closure member may move in a first direction from the open position to the closed position. The closure member may move in a second direction from the closed position to the open position. The driving member may be operable to move the closure member in at least one of the first and second directions. The driving member may be any suitable driving member. The driving member may include a closure member actuator, such as an electromechanical actuator. The driving member may include a manually moveable member. The driving member may include a suction-powered piston. The driving member may include an external conduit (e.g., a removable wand) removably insertable into the surface cleaning apparatus.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, at least a portion of a first end of the chamber is moveable between a closed operating position and an open position. The chamber first end may include the evacuation opening, and the evacuation opening may be closed when the moveable portion of the chamber first end is in the closed operating position and open when the moveable portion of the chamber first end is in the open position. The moveable portion may be rotationally moveable, translationally moveable, or inflatable and deflatable. A docking station may be operable to move the moveable portion of the chamber first end between the closed operating position and the open position.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, at least a portion of an end of the air treatment chamber is translatable generally parallel to the chamber longitudinal axis. The axially moveable end portion is moveable between a first position and a second position that is axially spaced from the first position. The second position may be forward of the first position. The axially moveable end portion may act as a plunger, e.g., to move debris through the chamber.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, opening at least a portion of the chamber first end moves at least a portion of the chamber second end. The at least a portion of the chamber second end that moves in response to opening the at least a portion of the chamber first end may be joined thereto by a linking member. The at least a portion of the chamber second end that moves in response to opening the at least a portion of the chamber first end may be an axially moveable second end portion. The at least a portion of the chamber first end may be an axially moveable first end portion.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a fluid driven moveable member of the surface cleaning apparatus is moveable via fluid pressure through the surface cleaning apparatus, and is moveable via the fluid pressure between a first position and a second position. It will be appreciated that the fluid pressure may be air pressure (i.e., suction) generated by an air moving member of the surface cleaning apparatus or docking station. The fluid driven moveable member may be received in the apparatus air flow path and/or the evacuation air flow path. The fluid driven moveable member may include or consist of the chamber first end or a moveable portion thereof. The fluid driven moveable member may include or consist of the chamber second end or a moveable portion thereof.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a user interface is provided at an upper end of a pistol grip handle. This location provides the user interface at a convenient location for a user of the interface.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the user interface overlies the main body housing. The main body housing may contain the suction motor. The user interface may overly the suction motor housing. The user interface may be separated such that the user interface is not attached to the suction motor housing. The user interface may be spaced from the main body housing, and may be spaced from the main body housing by a separation air gap.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus includes an annular portion. The user interface may be provided on the annular portion. The user interface may be secured to the annular portion. Optionally, the annular portion is part of the apparatus rear end. The user interface may be curved to follow an annular surface of the annular portion. The user interface may include an information display having a display surface that faces radially outward. The user interface may also, or alternatively, include an information display having a display surface that faces rearwardly.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus includes a filter that is removeable from an installed position to a removed position outside the main body housing. The filter is moveable between the installed and removed positions along a removal path. The removal path may extend past the user interface between the installed position and the removed position. The removal path may extend through the user interface. The filter may be, e.g., the post-motor filter. The post-motor filter may remove rearwardly though an annular user interface body.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a filter is removable radially outwardly with respect to the apparatus longitudinal axis. The filter may be removeable in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the apparatus longitudinal axis. The filter is removeable between an installed position and a removed position, and is removeable along a removal path. The removal path may be a radially extending path, as exemplified. The removal path may be a laterally extending path. The removal path may be generally horizontal when the apparatus upper end is above the apparatus lower end, and may be generally parallel to the apparatus transverse axis. The surface cleaning apparatus may include a plurality of radially removable filters.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a filter is at least partially nested within the air treatment outlet. Nesting the filter may allow the surface cleaning apparatus to have a shorter axial length. The filter at least partially nested within the air treatment outlet may be the pre-motor filter.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus includes an ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light source is operable to generate ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light may be used to disinfect an interior or external surface of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., a handle external surface or an internal surface facing the air flow path). The ultraviolet light source may be arranged to direct the ultraviolet light into a light carrying structure (such as a light pipe). The apparatus may include at least one wall that is transparent to ultraviolet light.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a dirt scoop. The dirt scoop is moveable between an operational position and an evacuation position. In the operational position, the dirt scoop extends into the air treatment chamber. As it moves to the evacuation position, the dirt scoop sweeps through the chamber to dislodge debris.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a cyclone having a cyclone axis of rotation that intersects first and second axially opposed ends of the cyclone. The air outlet comprises a porous member that extends axially inwardly into the cyclone from the second end. The porous member has an axially inner end and an axially outer end located at the second end. The axial outer end is positioned at the cyclone sidewall.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a cyclone having a cyclone axis of rotation that intersects first and second axially opposed ends of the cyclone. The air outlet is provided at the second end. The second end of the cyclone has a width in a plane transverse to the cyclone axis of rotation. The air outlet includes a porous member extending axially inwardly into the cyclone from the second end. The porous member has an axially inner end and an axially outer end. The axial outer end has a width in the plane transverse to the cyclone axis of rotation that is at least 80%, 90% or more than 90%, such as 95% or more than 95% of the width of the cyclone.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a filter assembly positionable comprising two or more discrete portions which, when combined, define a filter. For example, each discrete portion may have a portion of a post-motor filter media and, when the discrete portions are installed, the discrete portions together define the post-motor filter. Similarly, each discrete portion may have a portion of a pre-motor filter media and, when the discrete portions are installed, the discrete portions together define the pre-motor filter. Optionally, each discrete portion may have a portion of the pre- and post-motor filter media.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatus or method disclosed herein 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.
These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.
For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
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.
Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are 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 apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition 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 applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.
As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.
Referring to
The surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a main body 120. The main body 120 includes a main body housing 122 and a handle 124.
As exemplified, the handle 124 may be a pistol grip handle with a hand grip portion 126 that extends generally vertically. The handle 124 has a longest dimension in the direction of a handle longitudinal axis 128. As exemplified, the handle longitudinal axis 128 may be generally transverse to the apparatus longitudinal axis 110.
The handle 124 may be a pistol grip handle with a handle upper end 130 of the pistol grip handle mounted to a lower end of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The handle 124 may extend away from the main body housing 122. The handle may be below the suction motor, the pre-motor filter, and/or the air treatment assembly. Arranging the handle below a heavy and/or bulky component of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may result in a more desirable hand-feel of the surface cleaning apparatus 100.
The handle upper end 130 may be mounted to one or more of a suction motor housing, the pre-motor filter housing and the air treatment assembly. For example, the handle upper end 130 may be mounted to each of the air treatment assembly and the pre-motor filter housing. Alternately, the handle upper end 130 may be mounted to each of the pre-motor filter housing and the suction motor housing.
It will be appreciated that the main body housing 122 and/or handle 124 may be in other configurations, shapes, and/or positions in other embodiments.
The illustrated example surface cleaning apparatus is a hand vacuum cleaner, which may also be referred to as a “handvac” or “hand-held vacuum cleaner”. As used herein, a hand vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that can be operated to clean a surface generally one-handedly. That is, the entire weight of the vacuum may be held by the same one hand used to direct a dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner with respect to a surface to be cleaned. For example, the handle and a clean air inlet may be rigidly coupled to each other (directly or indirectly) so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. This is to be contrasted with canister and upright vacuum cleaners, whose weight is typically supported by a surface (e.g., a floor) during use.
It will be appreciated that any one or more of the features of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 set out herein may alternately be used in any type of surface cleaning apparatus, such as an upright surface cleaning apparatus, a stick vac, a canister surface cleaning apparatus, an extractor or the like. It will also be appreciated that a surface cleaning apparatus may use any configuration of the operating components and the airflow paths exemplified herein.
As exemplified in
The external conduit 140 may be a rigid conduit (e.g., formed of rigid plastic and/or metal). The external conduit 140 extends between an external conduit inlet end 142 and an external conduit outlet end 144. The external conduit 140 includes an external conduit sidewall 146 extending between the external conduit inlet end 142 and the external conduit outlet end 144. The external conduit 140 may be a linear rigid conduit extending linearly along an external conduit longitudinal axis 148 between the external conduit inlet end 142 and the external conduit outlet end 144, the longitudinal axis extending along a longest dimension of the external conduit 140. Alternatively, or additionally, the external conduit 140 may include a flexible portion and/or a non-linear portion. For example, the external conduit 140 may include a flexible hose portion and a rigid portion.
Optionally, the external conduit 140 is mounted (e.g., rotationally such as pivotally mounted) at an upstream end 142 to a surface cleaning head 150, whereby the surface cleaning apparatus forms a stick type surface cleaning apparatus 152. It will be appreciated that the external conduit 140 may be provided without the surface cleaning head 150. For example, the external conduit 140 may be removably receivable in the surface cleaning apparatus 100 whereby an effective nozzle of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is extended to the upstream end 142, thereby extending the reach of the hand vacuum cleaner for, e.g., above floor cleaning.
As exemplified in
In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is operable in different modes, and may include a mode for use with the floor cleaning head 150 and a mode for use without the floor cleaning head. For example, when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is mounted to the floor cleaning unit 154, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be operable in a floor cleaner mode. When the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is removed from the floor cleaning unit 154, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be operable in an above floor cleaning mode. The floor cleaning mode may provide a different (e.g., lesser) level of power to an air moving member of the hand vacuum unit than the above floor cleaning mode, resulting in, e.g., a different efficiency, run time, and/or physical configuration of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, as discussed further elsewhere herein.
With the surface cleaning apparatus 100 mounted to the floor cleaning unit 154, the surface cleaning head 150 and the external conduit 140 may be moveably mounted between an upright storage position (
As exemplified in
The apparatus dirty air inlet 162 may be provided at the apparatus front end 102. As exemplified, the apparatus dirty air inlet 162 may be provided at the apparatus upper end 106. The apparatus dirty air inlet 162 may be at a forwardmost part of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and may be directed forwardly as exemplified (i.e., opening forwardly). It will be appreciated that the dirty air inlet may be located elsewhere, such as the lower end of the lower end of the air treatment assembly.
The apparatus dirty air inlet 162 may be provided at an inlet end of an inlet conduit 170. The inlet conduit extends from the apparatus dirty air inlet 162 rearwardly.
The inlet conduit 170 extends from an inlet conduit inlet end 172 to an inlet conduit outlet end 174. Optionally, as exemplified, the inlet conduit outlet end 174 is within an internal chamber of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., an air treatment chamber which may be a cyclone chamber). Accordingly, the inlet conduit may be inserted into the air treatment chamber. Alternately, the inlet conduit 170 may be provided external to the internal chamber and may have an outlet port that is also an inlet port provide din a wall (e.g., a sidewall) of the internal chamber. The inlet conduit 170 may be a generally linear conduit having an inlet conduit longitudinal axis 176 along a longest dimension of the inlet conduit and extending between the inlet conduit inlet end 172 and the inlet conduit outlet end 174. The inlet conduit longitudinal axis 176 may extend between the apparatus front end 102 and the apparatus rear end 104, and, as exemplified, may be generally horizontal when the apparatus upper end 106 is above the apparatus lower end 108. The inlet conduit longitudinal axis 176 may be generally parallel to the apparatus longitudinal axis 110.
As exemplified, the inlet conduit 170 may form a nozzle 180 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. Alternatively, or additionally, the inlet conduit 170 may be connected or directly connected to an accessory, such as the external conduit 140 (e.g., a wand). The accessory may be any suitable accessory tool such as a rigid air flow conduit (e.g., an above floor cleaning wand), a crevice tool, a mini brush, and the like. The accessory may be coupled to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 such that the accessory is in air flow communication with the dirty air inlet (e.g., in air flow communication with the inlet conduit 170). For example, the accessory may be or include a conduit (e.g., external conduit 140), and the conduit of the accessory may be received within the inlet conduit 170 or may receive the inlet conduit 10 within the accessory conduit. Optionally, one or more releasable fasteners may be used to couple the accessory to the surface cleaning apparatus 100, such as clips or magnets. Alternatively, or additionally, the accessory may be held in air flow communication with the dirty air inlet via a friction fit (e.g., between an outer diameter of an accessory conduit and an inner diameter of the inlet conduit 170, or vice versa). Alternately, it will be understood that the inlet conduit 170 could be slideably receivable in an accessory conduit.
As exemplified in
It will also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may not include an inlet conduit 170, and the apparatus dirty air inlet 162 may instead open directly into a downstream chamber (e.g., an air treatment chamber 210) rather than being at an upstream end of a conduit. However, a conduit 170 allows a nozzle 180 to be formed for application to a surface that is to be cleaned.
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the apparatus rear end 104 may have a main body housing sidewall 192 that extends to a main body rear face 194 of the main body housing 122. The apparatus clean air outlet 164 may be provided in the main body housing sidewall 192. Optionally, the main body housing sidewall 192 is a generally cylindrical wall, and the main body rear face 194 includes a rear surface of a planar rear wall 196, as exemplified. Optionally, the main body rear face 194 is a rear face of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 as a whole (i.e., nothing overlying the main body rear face 194). However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a body overlying the rear face 194 of the housing 122, such as a user interface support body as discussed further elsewhere herein.
It will also be appreciated that the apparatus dirty air inlet 162 and/or the apparatus clean air outlet 164 may be provided at different locations and/or be of different configurations.
As exemplified in
It will be appreciated that the air treatment assembly 200 may include any suitable number of air treatment stages, each with any suitable number of air treatment members in parallel. For example, the air treatment member 202 may include a first separation stage with a single air treatment member (e.g., a cyclone or momentum separator) and a downstream second stage comprising a plurality of air treatment members (e.g., an array of mini cyclones in parallel with one another).
As exemplified in
An air treatment member longitudinal axis 204 extends between an air treatment member first end 206 (e.g., front end) and an air treatment member second end 208 (e.g., rear end). As exemplified, the air treatment member longitudinal axis 204 may be generally parallel to the apparatus longitudinal axis 110 and/or the inlet conduit longitudinal axis 176. The air treatment member longitudinal axis 204 may be generally transverse to the handle longitudinal axis 128. The air treatment member longitudinal axis 204 may be generally horizontal when the apparatus upper end 106 is above the apparatus lower end 108.
The exemplary air treatment member 202 includes an air treatment chamber 210. The air treatment chamber 210 has a chamber housing 212 having a chamber first end 214 and a chamber second end 216 axially spaced from the chamber first end 214 along the chamber longitudinal axis 218. The air treatment chamber 210 may be a cyclone chamber, as exemplified, and the chamber longitudinal axis 218 may be a cyclone axis of revolution. The chamber longitudinal axis 218 may be a generally horizontal axis when the apparatus upper end 106 is above the apparatus lower end 108, and may extend between the apparatus front end 102 and the apparatus rear end 104. The chamber first end 214 may be a front end and the chamber second end 216 may be a rear end.
The air treatment chamber 210 includes a chamber sidewall 220 extending between the chamber first end 214 and the chamber second end 216. The air treatment chamber sidewall 220 may be a generally cylindrical sidewall. A generally cylindrical sidewall encourages cyclonic air flow within the chamber. The air treatment chamber sidewall 220 may have a generally constant diameter along the chamber longitudinal axis 218. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable shape may be used for the air treatment chamber.
The chamber longitudinal axis 218 may be the same as the air treatment member longitudinal axis 204. The air treatment member longitudinal axis 204 may be centrally located within the air treatment chamber 210. The air treatment member longitudinal axis 204 may be a central axis extending through a radial centre of the chamber sidewall 220. The chamber longitudinal axis 218 may extend along a longest dimension of the air treatment chamber 210, as exemplified. As exemplified, the air treatment chamber 210 may include a chamber first end wall 222 (e.g., front end wall) at the chamber first end 214 and a chamber second end wall 224 (e.g., rear end wall) at the chamber second end 216. The end walls may close the ends of the chamber. The chamber sidewall 220 may extend between the chamber first end wall 222 to the chamber second end wall 224. The first end wall may be a front end wall and the second end wall may be a rear end wall. The first and second end walls may each extend generally vertically and/or transversely when the apparatus upper end 106 is above the apparatus lower end 108.
One or both of the end walls, or a portion of one or each of the end walls, may be openable to, e.g., allow for dirt removal. Alternatively, or additionally, the sidewall or a portion thereof may be openable. As exemplified, the chamber first end wall 222 may be pivotally coupled to the chamber sidewall 220 at pivot joint 226. The chamber first end wall 222 may be openable by pivoting the first end wall 222 about a pivot axis 228 of the pivot joint 226 (see, e.g.,
The air treatment inlet 230 includes a chamber inlet opening 234, and the air treatment outlet 232 includes a chamber outlet opening 236, with the air flow path extending through the chamber inlet opening 234 and the chamber outlet opening 236. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the air treatment inlet 230 and/or the air treatment outlet 232 may include more than just an opening. As exemplified, the air treatment outlet 232 may include a screen that may be a vortex finder 238 extending into the air treatment chamber, and the air treatment inlet 230 may include a projecting conduit 240 extending into the air treatment chamber 210. Including bodies that extend into the air treatment chamber 210 allows for greater control over air flow within the chamber and/or a more compact construction. It will be appreciated that the air treatment member may have any air inlet and any air outlet known in the art.
Optionally, the treatment inlet 230 comprises a projecting conduit 240 into which the outlet end of the inlet conduit 170 may be removably insertable. It will be appreciated that part or all of the air treatment inlet 230 may be positioned exterior or interior of the air treatment member. For example, the air treatment inlet 230 may be exterior (e.g., above) the air treatment chamber and a sidewall of the air treatment inlet 230 may have a port that communicates with the air treatment chamber via a port in the sidewall of the air treatment chamber. Alternately, the air treatment inlet 230 may have an outlet end that is within the air treatment chamber. In such a case, the air treatment inlet 230 may be located radially inward of the chamber sidewall 220. The air treatment inlet 230 may extend axially inward of the chamber first end 214 and have an outlet end that is located axially inwardly of the chamber second end 216, as exemplified. As exemplified, the air treatment inlet 230 may extend axially into the air treatment chamber 210 by an axial projecting length 242. The axial projecting length 242 may be between 10 mm and 100 mm, between 25 mm and 75 mm, or, optionally, between 40 mm and 60 mm. Optionally, the air treatment inlet 230 located radially in the air treatment chamber 210 by a radial projecting distance 244 that is between 0.1 times and 0.5 times the cyclone diameter 246, between 0.25 times and 0.45 times the cyclone diameter 246, or, optionally, between 0.3 times and 0.4 times the cyclone diameter 246. However, it will also be appreciated that in some embodiments the air treatment inlet may be located in the chamber sidewall 220 of the air treatment assembly (i.e., include or consist of an opening through the chamber sidewall 220).
The air treatment inlet 230 may optionally have an axial inner (outlet) end that is closer to the chamber first end 214 than the chamber second end 216, and may project into the air treatment chamber 210 from the air treatment chamber first end 214. An inlet at the air treatment first end 214 allows for a more compact construction. However, it will be appreciated that the air treatment inlet 230 may alternatively be located at a rear or midway position of the air treatment assembly 200, and may be located on the same or the opposite end from the air treatment outlet 232. The exemplary air treatment member 202 is a uniflow cyclone, however it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the air treatment member 202 may be a reverse flow cyclone.
It will be appreciated that in embodiments in which the air treatment inlet 230 projects into the air treatment chamber 210, the air treatment inlet 230 includes an inlet upstream end 250 and an inlet downstream or outlet end 252. The air treatment inlet 230 includes an inlet longitudinal axis 254 extending between the inlet upstream end 250 and the inlet downstream end 252. The inlet upstream end 250 includes an inlet upstream opening 256 through which the air flow path enters the air treatment inlet 230 and the inlet downstream end includes an inlet downstream opening 258 through which the air flow path exits the air treatment inlet 230 and enters the air treatment chamber 210. The air treatment inlet 230 includes an inlet sidewall 260 extending between the inlet upstream end 250 and the inlet downstream end 252. The inlet upstream opening 256 may be an axial opening through which the inlet longitudinal axis 254 extends. The air treatment inlet may extend axially to an open downstream end which may be the inlet downstream opening 258. Alternately, or in addition, the inlet downstream opening 258 may be a sidewall opening in the inlet sidewall 260.
The air treatment assembly 200 includes a dirt collection region 300. In some embodiments, the dirt collection region 300 may be external to the air treatment chamber 210. The dirt collection region may be located in a separate dirt collection chamber from the air treatment chamber 210. The separate dirt collection chamber may communicate with the air treatment chamber 210 via a dirt outlet (e.g., an opening in a wall of the air treatment chamber or a gap between walls of the air treatment chamber).
Alternatively, as exemplified, the dirt collection region 300 may be an area of the air treatment chamber 210 (i.e., is internal to the air treatment chamber 210). The dirt collection region 300 may include, e.g., a lower portion of the air treatment chamber 210. The dirt collection region 300 may be at the air treatment front end 206 and/or the air treatment rear end 208. The dirt collection region 300 may be axially outward (e.g., forward) of the chamber inlet port 294 and/or axially outward (e.g., rearward) of an air permeable portion of the air treatment outlet 232.
It will be appreciated that the air treatment assembly 200 may include any suitable number of discrete dirt collection regions 300. In some embodiments, the air treatment assembly 200 may include separate collection regions for fine dirt and for coarse dirt, or separate dirt outlets to a common dirt collection chamber for fine dirt and for coarse dirt. It will be understood that the air treatment chamber 210 and dirt collection region 300 may be of any configuration suitable for separating dirt from an air stream and collecting the separated dirt, respectively.
As exemplified in
The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a closure seat 312 against which the closure member 310 seats when closed (see for example
Optionally, the closure member 310 is biased to the closed position (e.g.,
The closure member 310 may be operable to close the apparatus air flow path 160 to prevent dirt from traveling up the path towards the apparatus dirty air inlet 162. For example, the closure member 310 may prevent dirt from falling out of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is not operating (i.e., when the suction motor is not powered up). It will be appreciated that the closure member 310 may be used when the dirt collection region 300 is an internal dirt collection region within the air treatment chamber 210. The closure member 310 may be particularly useful with an internal dirt collection region 300 to prevent dirt from retreating along the air flow path out of the air treatment chamber 210.
As exemplified in
The suction motor 322 is contained within a suction motor housing 324. The suction motor housing 324 may form part of the outer surface of the main body housing 122, or may be internal thereto. The suction motor housing 324 may be of any suitable construction, including any of those exemplified herein.
The suction motor 322 in the illustrated example is positioned downstream from the air treatment member 202, although it will be appreciated that the suction motor 322 may be positioned upstream of the air treatment member 202 (e.g., a dirty air motor) in alternative embodiments. As exemplified, the motor 322 may be rearward of the cyclone air treatment assembly 200. The suction motor 322 may be located at the apparatus rear end 104, and may be located at the apparatus upper end 106, as exemplified. In other embodiments, such as in the embodiments of
The suction motor 322 rotates about a central motor axis of rotation 326. Preferably, when the apparatus upper end 106 is positioned above the apparatus lower end 108, the motor axis of rotation 326 is oriented generally horizontally and extends between the apparatus front end 102 and the apparatus rear end 104. In other examples, however, the motor axis of rotation 326 may extend at any angle to the horizontal, or it may extend vertically. Accordingly, the suction motor 322 may be oriented in any direction within the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The suction motor axis of rotation 326 may be spaced (e.g., vertically spaced) from the apparatus longitudinal axis 110, or it may be coaxial therewith as exemplified. As exemplified, the suction motor axis of rotation 326 may intersect the air treatment assembly 200.
The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more filters, such as a pre-motor filter 330 in the air flow path 160 upstream of the suction motor 322 (e.g., upstream of the motor 322 and downstream of the air treatment assembly 200) and/or a post-motor filter 332 in the air flow path 160 downstream of the suction motor 322. The pre-motor filter 330 and the post-motor filter 332 may be formed from any suitable physical, porous filter media and may have any suitable shape, including the examples disclosed herein. For example, the pre-motor filter 330 and/or the post-motor filter 332 may be one or more of a foam filter, felt filter, HEPA filter, other physical filter media, electrostatic filter, and the like. Optionally, one or both of the premotor filter 330 and the post motor filter 332 includes a series of screens, and, optionally, each downstream screen of the filter has finer pores than the preceding upstream screen.
The pre-motor filter 330 may be provided in a pre-motor filter housing 334. The pre-motor filter housing 334 may be of any suitable construction, including any of those exemplified herein. The pre-motor filter housing 334 may be openable or accessible to allow the pre-motor filter 330 to be cleaned and/or replaced. As exemplified, the suction motor axis of rotation 326 may intersect the pre-motor filter 330.
As exemplified in
The pre-motor filter 330 may come in any suitable shape or location, however, as exemplified, the pre-motor filter 330 may have a longest dimension in a longitudinal (horizontal) direction along a pre-motor filter longitudinal axis 336. The pre-motor filter may be a donut filter, with a cylindrical body of filtration material surrounding a central cavity, as illustrated. The donut filter may be arranged with the central cavity extending generally horizontally, with an upstream end closed by a filter end cap 338 and the downstream end open (e.g., into the suction motor housing 324, as exemplified). The pre-motor filter longitudinal axis 336 may be generally parallel to and/or coaxial with the apparatus longitudinal axis 110, the air treatment longitudinal axis 204, the motor axis of rotation 326, and/or the inlet conduit longitudinal axis 176. The donut filter may be cylindrical or frusto-conical in shape.
The post-motor filter 332 may be provided in a post-motor filter housing 340. The post-motor filter housing 340 may form part of the outer surface of the main body housing 122. The post-motor filter housing 340 may be of any suitable construction, including any of those exemplified herein. The post-motor filter housing 340 may be openable or accessible to allow the post-motor filter 332 to be cleaned and/or replaced.
The post-motor filter 332 may be located radially outwards of the suction motor 322, as exemplified. Optionally, the post-motor filter 332 may be sandwiched between the suction motor housing 324 and the main body sidewall 192. In other embodiments, such as the one shown in
As exemplified, power may be supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., to components or elements such as the suction motor 322) from an on-board energy storage member 350 (e.g., one or more capacitors or batteries). For example, the on-board energy storage member 350 may be a battery or a plurality of batteries.
The on-board energy storage member 350 may be provided in a pack (e.g., a removeable pack). The pack may be a battery pack. Optionally, the energy storage member 350 is provided at a base of the handle 124. The energy storage member 350 may be provided at a lower end 352 of a pistol grip handle 124. Optionally, the energy storage member 350 is opposite the motor 322 across the handle 124. The handle longitudinal axis 128 may extend through each of the motor 322 and the energy storage member 350. However, it will be appreciated that the on-board energy storage member and/or pack may be provided at any configuration and/or location in the surface cleaning apparatus 100.
It will be appreciated that in some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may alternatively or additionally include a power cord to supply power to the components of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., the motor 322) directly, and/or to supply power to the on-board energy storage member 350 (e.g., a capacitor or battery) to supply power to powered components (e.g., the suction motor 322).
As exemplified in
The control system 370 (e.g., the one or more processors) may be communicatively coupled to the user interface to receive user input and/or provide information. The user interface 360 provides information to the user and/or includes at least one control operable by the user (e.g., an on/off control, which may be a button or touch sensitive area of the user interface). The user interface 360 may provide information about at least one operating mode of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., information about which mode is active). The user interface 360 may provide information about a charge level of an energy storage member 350. The user interface may include at least one interface toggle 362. The interface toggle 362 may be referred to as a control of the surface cleaning apparatus. The interface toggle 362 may be a soft toggle (e.g., a touch sensitive area of the touchscreen) or a physically moveable toggle such as a slider, a pivoting switch, or a depressible button. The user interface may include an information display 364, such as a touchscreen, a display screen, or an illuminable icon.
It will be appreciated that the control system 370 may be communicatively coupled to one or more powered component of the surface cleaning apparatus to control operations thereof (e.g., to activate, deactivate, and/or change a setting such as a mode thereof). A powered component may be, e.g., a powered valve, a powered actuator, or a powered interface (e.g., a display screen, a touchscreen or illuminated icon), such as any of the powered components described subsequently herein. A powered component may be coupled to a power supply of the surface cleaning apparatus, such as a power supply member or a power cord, to receive power therefrom.
A powered actuator may be, e.g., a solenoid or another electromechanical actuator such as a linear actuator or a motor which may be provided for any use described subsequently herein. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments a powered actuator may be independent from the control system 370, such as a powered actuator that is controlled by a simple circuit. A simple circuit may not include a processor or a data storage device, such as a circuit with a toggle (e.g., a switch, slider, or button) that closes the circuit when activated and breaks the circuit when deactivated.
It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus may include one or more actuators that is unpowered or that may be realized by a powered component or an unpowered component as described subsequently herein. An unpowered actuator may be, e.g., an aneroid capsule or piston. It will be appreciated that an actuator as described herein may be powered or unpowered, unless otherwise specified. An actuator may include a mechanical coupling to a moveable member which the actuator is provided to move. An actuator may be a linear actuator. An actuator may be a dedicated actuator provided to move only one movable member, or may be a common actuator operable to move more than one movable member (e.g., at the same time, or separately as directed by the control system 370).
The user interface 360 may provide information about at least one operating mode of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The user interface 360 may include a button that a user may press to toggle between, e.g., operational states of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. For example, the user may toggle between a floor cleaning mode in which the suction motor 322 is provided with a first power level and an above floor cleaning mode in which the suction motor 322 is provided with a second power level that is higher than the first power level (i.e., to rotate the fan faster). In some embodiments, the user interface 360 may provide information about a charge level of the energy storage member 350.
It will be appreciated that the user interface 360 may be provided at any suitable location on the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and may be any suitable user interface. Optionally, the user interface 360 is provided on the handle and/or an upper surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 for ease of access or visibility, as discussed further elsewhere herein.
Optionally, as exemplified in
In some embodiments, the portion of the external conduit 140 (e.g., the wand) which is connected to (e.g., inserted into) the nozzle 180 (e.g., into the air treatment inlet 230 and/or the inlet conduit 170) includes an external conduit electrical connector 380 that is also inserted into the nozzle. The external conduit electrical connector 380 may be on an exterior surface of the sidewall of the external conduit 140, as exemplified. Optionally, the external conduit electrical connector is also an alignment member. Optionally, the external conduit electrical connector 380 is at the end of the external conduit 140.
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
The docking station 390 may be used to evacuate the surface cleaning apparatus 100. When the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked with the docking station 390, an evacuation air flow path 392 may extend through the docking station 390 and the docked surface cleaning apparatus 100. The evacuation air flow path 392 extends from an evacuation dirty air inlet 394 to an evacuation clean air outlet 396. It will be appreciated that the evacuation dirty air inlet 394 may be provided at any suitable location of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 or the docking station 390. It will also be appreciated that the evacuation clean air outlet 396 may be provided at any suitable location of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 or the docking station 390. It will also be appreciated that the evacuation air flow path 392 may include a portion of the apparatus air flow path 160. Optionally, the evacuation air flow path 392 does not include all of the apparatus air flow path 160. The evacuation air flow path 392 may not include the dirty air inlet 162 and/or clean air outlet 164. For example, one or more valves may close off a portion of the apparatus air flow path 160 and/or open a portion of the evacuation air flow path 392, and may be moved manually, in response to a user input, or automatically in response to the surface cleaning apparatus being docked.
The air moving member 400 is configured to move air from the surface cleaning apparatus 100 into the docking station upstream of at least one docking station air treatment member 202 through an evacuation opening 410 in the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The evacuation opening 410 may be a selectively closeable opening, such that the evacuation opening 410 may be closed when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is not docked. Although it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the evacuation opening 410 may not be closeable, for example the evacuation opening may include the dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and may include the air treatment inlet 230 (i.e., air moves out the dirty air inlet 162 through the evacuation air flow path 392 during an evacuation operation). A selectively openable evacuation opening 410 may be opened in any suitable way, including manually or automatically.
It will be appreciated that the evacuation opening 410 may be any suitable opening, and may be part of the chamber first end 214. The evacuation opening 410 may include or consist of the air treatment inlet 230 and the dirty air inlet 162, which may be selectively closed by, e.g., the closure member 310 (see for example
Dirt may be carried out of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and into the docking station 390 through the evacuation opening when the evacuation opening is open. Dirt may be inhibited from moving through the evacuation opening when the evacuation opening is closed, such as by a moveable door.
The docking station 390 optionally provides a charge to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to, e.g., charge an onboard energy storage member 350. In some embodiments, the docking station 390 provides a charge to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 without being configured to evacuate the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., without including an air flow path or treatment member to receive dirt). The docking station 390 may include a cord to be plugged into, e.g., a residential outlet, to supply electrical power to the docking station 390, to be supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and/or to an onboard component such as the motor 322.
It will be appreciated that any suitable docking station 390 may be used, or the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be used and provided without a docking station 390.
The following is a description of a rib arrestor 420 provided in the air treatment assembly 200, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
Optionally, as exemplified in
As exemplified, the outlet air impermeable portion 424 and the outlet porous portion 422 are parts of a vortex finder 238 of a cyclone. In such an embodiment, the air treatment outlet 232 includes the vortex finder 238, and may consist of the vortex finder 238.
The outlet air impermeable portion 424 may be a conduit having an air impermeable sidewall extending between inlet and outlet ends, such as a linear cylindrical conduit as exemplified. The outlet porous portion 422 has an axially inward end 430 and an opposite axially outward end 432. The axially outward end 432 is located at the inner end 434 of the outlet air impermeable portion 424. The outlet air impermeable portion 424 extends between the inner end 434 and an outward end 436. As exemplified, the outlet porous portion 422 may extend further inwardly into the air treatment chamber 210 from the inner end 434 of the outlet air impermeable portion 424.
As exemplified, the air impermeable portion 424 may include, or consist of, an annular portion of the vortex finder 238. As exemplified, the air impermeable portion 424 may include an annular strip extending a predetermined axial length along the longitudinal axis 218, and the strip may have a generally constant axial length around the circumference. For example, the axial length of the strip of the impermeable portion 242 may be between 1 mm and 10 mm, 2 mm and 8 mm, or about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the air impermeable portion may include a projecting portion 425 (
Referring again to
It will be appreciated that the rib 420 may extend further into the air treatment chamber 210 along the air treatment longitudinal axis 218 than the impermeable portion, or the impermeable portion may extend further into the air treatment chamber 210 along the air treatment longitudinal axis 218 than the rib, or the rib 420 and outlet air impermeable portion 424 may extend equally far into the air treatment chamber 210. Optionally, the rib 420 extends into the air treatment chamber only coextensively with the outlet air impermeable portion 424, and not with the outlet permeable portion 422. In other words, the forward end of the rib is located at or rearward of the porous portion 422 and accordingly, the rib 420 may extend into the air treatment chamber 210 to a distance equal to or less than the outlet air impermeable portion 424. Keeping the rib 420 from extending coextensively with the outlet air permeable portion 422 may reduce the obstruction of airflow into the permeable portion.
The rib 420 may extend inwardly, e.g., axially inwardly, into the air treatment chamber 210 from an end wall 224 of the air treatment chamber. However, it will be appreciated that the rib may be provided in any suitable location. For example, the rib may have a rear side that terminates prior to the end wall 224. Accordingly, for example, the rib could extend rearward from the front end of the air impermeable portion 424 or rearward from a location rearward of the air impermeable portion 424 and may terminate at or forward of the rear wall 224. As exemplified, the rib 420 extends into the air treatment chamber 210 from the air treatment chamber rear wall 224.
The rib 420 may also extend inwardly, e.g., radially inwardly, from a sidewall 220 of the air treatment chamber and/or the air impermeable portion 424. As exemplified, the rib 420 extends into the air treatment chamber 210 from the cyclone sidewall 220.
As exemplified, the rib 420 is positioned between the air treatment outlet 232 and the cyclone sidewall 220. Accordingly, the rib 420 is radially outward from the outlet air impermeable portion 424. The rib may have a radial width equal to the distance from the impermeable portion 424 to the sidewall 220 or a distance that is smaller. Accordingly, the radial inner side of the rib may terminate prior to the impermeable portion 424 and/or the radial outer side of the rib 420 may terminate prior to the sidewall 220.
Optionally, as exemplified, the impermeable portion 242 faces the rib 420. It will be appreciated that only the portion of the outlet that faces the rib 420 need be air impermeable. Accordingly, the impermeable portion 244 may extend circumferentially at least 10°, at least 20°, or at least 30° from the location of the rib 420. The impermeable portion 244 may lead the rib 420 (i.e., begins upstream of the rib) in a direction of cyclonic flow within the chamber by at least 1°, at least 2°, or at least 5°.
As exemplified, the rear end of the air treatment chamber 210 is located at the end wall on which the air treatment outlet 232 (vortex finder 238) is provided. This allows the pre-motor filter 330 to have a larger size in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (e.g., a larger diameter) than if the air treatment chamber 210 extended to a position rearward of the front end of the pre-motor filter 330, which allows for the axial length of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to be shortened. Alternately, the rear end of the air treatment chamber 210 may be rearward of the rear end of the vortex finder, in which case, the rear end of the rib 420 may extend rearward of the vortex finder to or towards the rear end of the air treatment chamber.
The rib 420 may extend in a generally axial direction. As exemplified, the rib 420 may be a planar body extending in a plane that is generally parallel to the air treatment longitudinal axis 218 (e.g., the cyclone axis of rotation). The rib 420 extends to a rib axially inner end 442. As exemplified, the rib axially inner end 442 may be closer to the front end of the air treatment chamber 210 than the opposite end of the rib 420. Optionally, as exemplified, the rib axially inner end 442 is curved. The curved end extends further into the air treatment chamber 210 on a radially outer side 444 of the rib 420 than on a radially inner side 446 of the rib 20. As exemplified, the rib axially inner end 442 may include a rounded curve between a radially inner side 446 and an axially innermost edge 448.
Optionally, the rib 420 has an axial length 450 of 4 mm to 50 mm, 8 mm to 25 mm, or, optionally, 12 mm to 18 mm. The outlet air impermeable portion 424 may have an axial length 452 of 0 mm to 50 mm, 0 mm to 25 mm, or, optionally, 0 mm to 15 mm. Optionally, the rib 420 has a radial height 454 that is equal to or a fraction of the radial distance 456 between the outlet air impermeable portion 424 and the chamber sidewall 220. The rib 420 may have a height 454 of 0.1 to 1 times the radial distance 456, 0.25 time to 0.75 times the radial distance 456, or, preferably, 0.4 times to 0.6 times the radial distance 456. However, it will be appreciated that the rib 420 may be provided in any suitable shape and size.
It will also be appreciated that the assembly 200 may include one or more ribs. Where the assembly 200 includes a plurality of discrete ribs, the ribs may be angularly spaced apart about the cyclone axis of rotation 218. Additionally, or alternatively, the ribs may be angularly spaced apart about the air treatment outlet 232. The ribs 420 may be evenly spaced apart, may be of the same or different sizes and may be provided on the same or different walls.
Air Inlet with a Side Opening
The following is a description of air inlet with a side opening that may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, the air inlet 230 of an air treatment chamber, which may be a cyclone chamber, has a side opening. The air inlet may comprise an axial extending conduit, such as inlet conduit 170 which has an opening in the axial extending sidewall thereof. In such a case, the external conduit, when provided, may have a downstream end that terminates forward of (upstream of) the sidewall opening. Alternately, the side opening 474, 476 may be in external conduit sidewall 146 (see, e.g.,
If a sidewall opening of the external conduit sidewall 146 is provided, then the external conduit 140 may have an inlet end wall 262 at a downstream end thereof. Such an end wall may close of the downstream end of the external conduit such that the sidewall opening(s) are the only air outlet. In such a case, the inlet end wall 262 may provide rigidity to the downstream end of the external conduit.
If the air flow conduit (external conduit 140 and/or internal conduit 170) has a closed end, e.g., inlet end wall 262 or external conduit end wall 270, then part of the sidewall opening may comprise an air permeable section 460 (e.g., mesh may be provided to cover part of the sidewall opening). For example, two sidewall openings may be provided, which may be on opposed sides of the air flow conduit. In such a case, one of the sidewall openings may be provided with an air permeable section 460.
If the air flow conduit (external conduit 140 and/or internal conduit 170) has an open end, then part or all of the sidewall opening may comprise an air permeable section 460. One or more air permeable sections 460 may be provided upstream of the inlet downstream opening 258 in a sidewall of the inlet conduit 170.
In any embodiment, the air permeable section 460 may extend to the downstream end of the air flow conduit (e.g., inlet end wall 262 if the air flow conduit has a closed downstream end) or may terminate upstream thereof.
The following is a discussion of an inlet conduit with a side opening wherein the external conduit terminates forward of the sidewall opening. It will be appreciated that the same features may be used with an external conduit with a sidewall opening.
If the inlet downstream opening 258 into the air treatment chamber is only through the sidewall, then the inlet downstream end 252 may include an inlet end wall 262. The inlet sidewall 260 may extend along part or all of the inlet longitudinal axis and may optionally extend forwardly from the end wall 262.
The inlet end wall 262 may extend across the inlet longitudinal axis 254 and may close off the downstream end of the inlet sidewall 260. The inlet end wall 262 may optionally be planar, and may optionally extend generally perpendicular to the inlet longitudinal axis 254. The inlet end wall 262 may be removeable from the inlet sidewall in some embodiments.
As exemplified in
Alternately, as exemplified in
As exemplified in
The external conduit end wall 270 may be a removeable end wall or cap, although it will be appreciated that if the external conduit 140 is received in the projecting conduit 240 and the projecting conduit 240 includes the projecting conduit end wall 264, the external conduit 140 may not require an end wall or end cap to direct airflow through sidewall openings and may not include an end wall or end cap closing the end of the external conduit sidewall 146. However, the end cap 270 may provide greater structural strength to the downstream end of the external conduit 140. In some embodiments, the external conduit 140 is made of metal. Optionally, the external conduit 140 is a thin-walled conduit. The external conduit sidewall 146 may be a thin wall formed of metal. The external conduit end cap 270 may support the end of the external conduit 140 in embodiments in which one or more openings 474, 476 are formed in the sidewall, particularly where the openings extend to the downstream end of the external conduit sidewall 146.
It will also be appreciated that the inlet end wall 262 and/or inlet sidewall 260 may include an alternative member, such as a further body received within the external conduit 140 and/or the projecting conduit 240, such as a moveable inlet member 280 as discussed further elsewhere herein.
Referring again to
The air treatment inlet 230 may be a hooked inlet. As exemplified, the projecting conduit inlet opening 284 and the projecting conduit outlet opening 282 may extend in non-parallel planes to change the direction of air flow along the apparatus air flow path 160. The air treatment inlet 230 may also be a tangential inlet for a cyclone. As exemplified, the projecting conduit outlet opening 282 may extend generally parallel to the air treatment member longitudinal axis 204 (e.g., a cyclone axis). The projecting conduit outlet opening 282 may extend in a plane that is generally parallel to the air treatment member longitudinal axis 204.
In some embodiments, the air treatment inlet 230 has an effective air inlet length 290, the effective air inlet length 290 being the axial length of the inlet downstream opening 258. As exemplified, this may be the axial length of the projection conduit outlet opening 282 where the protection conduit outlet opening 282 defines the inlet downstream opening 258. The effective air inlet length 290 may be between 10 mm and 100 mm, between 25 mm and 75 mm, or, optionally, between 40 mm and 60 mm. The effective air inlet length 290 may be generally equal to the projecting length 242 when the projecting conduit outlet opening 282 extends the length of the projecting conduit, as exemplified in
The air treatment chamber 210 may have a chamber axial length 292 that is between 1.5 times and 10 times the effective air inlet length 290, between 2.5 times and 6 times the effective air inlet length 290, or, optionally, between 3 times and 4 times the effective air inlet length 290. The ratio between the effective air inlet length 290 and the chamber axial length 292 affects the number of turns that air is subject to as it passes through the air treatment chamber 210. Optionally, the ratio is selected to provide at least 2, 2.5, 3 or more turns. As discussed further elsewhere herein, the ratio between the effective air inlet length 290 and the chamber axial length 292 may be variable.
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the air treatment inlet 230 may include a downstream portion of the inlet conduit 170. The downstream portion of the inlet conduit 170 may form the projecting conduit 240, as exemplified. As exemplified in
The inlet conduit 170 includes an inlet conduit sidewall 178 extending between the inlet conduit upstream end 172 and the inlet conduit downstream end 174. As exemplified, the projecting conduit sidewall 248 may form an outlet end portion of the inlet conduit sidewall 178.
The projecting conduit outlet opening 282 is provided at the inlet conduit downstream end 174. As exemplified, the projecting conduit outlet opening 282 may be a port opening into the air treatment chamber 210. As exemplified, the projecting conduit outlet opening 282 may be an unobstructed opening (e.g., not covered by a screen or other porous member). As exemplified, the projecting conduit outlet opening 282 may be located at a chamber inlet port 294 of the air treatment chamber 210.
As discussed previously, if a sidewall opening is provided and an end wall is not provided, or if two sidewall openings are provided, whether or not an end wall is provided, then an air treatment chamber air inlet 230 may include an air permeable section 460
As exemplified in
The air permeable section 460 may comprise or consist of an opening 462 through the inlet sidewall 260 with a barrier 464 to reduce airflow therethrough. The barrier 464 is permeable to air (i.e., porous) thereby essentially partially closing the opening 462 while permitting air flow therethrough. The barrier 464 may encourage air flow through the inlet downstream opening 258. As exemplified in
The air permeable section 460 and the inlet downstream opening 258 each open into the free volume 470 of the air treatment chamber 210. Upon exiting either of the air permeable section 460 or the inlet downstream opening 258, the air enters the free volume 470 of the air treatment chamber 210. The air permeable section 460 forms a secondary pathway between the air treatment inlet 230 and the air treatment chamber 210. This secondary pathway results in a reduction of the power required for the motor 322 to produce a given air flow rate. Optionally, this secondary pathway results in a reduction in the power requirement of between 0.5 Watts and 10 Watts, 1 Watt and 6 Watts, or 2 Watts and 4 Watts.
In the exemplified embodiment of
As exemplified, the secondary opening 472 may be an opening in the projection conduit sidewall 248. The secondary opening may have the same axial length as the outlet opening 282 or it may be longer or shorter. Alternately, or in addition, the secondary opening may be opposed to the outlet opening or it may be axially spaced from the projecting conduit outlet opening 282 by, e.g., a portion of the projecting conduit sidewall 248.
Alternatively, as exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
Optionally, the air permeable section 460 is opposed to the inlet downstream opening 258 across an interior passage of the air treatment inlet 230. The air permeable section 460 may include a portion that is opposite (i.e., directly across from) the inlet downstream opening 258, as exemplified.
The air permeable section 460 and/or the inlet downstream opening 258 may be provided upstream of the inlet end wall 262. Optionally, the air permeable section 460 and/or the inlet downstream opening 258 is downstream of a wand or auxiliary cleaning tool. In some embodiments, the air permeable section 460 and/or the inlet downstream opening 258 have downstream ends that are located at the inlet end wall 262 (e.g., abutting the end wall). However, it will be appreciated that the air permeable section 460 and/or the inlet downstream opening 258 may be provided at any suitable location opening into the air treatment chamber 210.
As exemplified in
Optionally, one of the projecting conduit alignment member 480 and the external conduit alignment member 482 is a male member and the other is a corresponding female member. For example, the male member may be a radial projection (e.g., a key), and the female member may be a corresponding channel. In some embodiments, the alignment members may be electrical connectors. The projecting conduit alignment member 480 may be a female electrical connector, and the external conduit alignment member 482 may be a male electrical connector.
The following is a description of an inlet downstream opening 258 having a variable cross sectional area, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
Accordingly, the first cross sectional area may have a first effective air inlet length and the second cross sectional area may have a second effective air inlet length that is less than the first effective air inlet length. Air flowing through a cyclone may have a greater number of turns in the cyclone chamber 210 when the inlet downstream opening 258 has the second, shorter effective air inlet length rather than the first effective air inlet length.
It will be appreciated that the cross sectional area of a sidewall inlet may be changed in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the air treatment inlet 230 is reconfigured by moving a moveable inlet member 280 of the air treatment inlet 230 to adjust the size of the cross sectional area (e.g., axial length) of the inlet downstream opening 258. It will be appreciated that the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may vary as the moveable inlet member 280 moves. The moveable inlet member 280 may be moveable between a first member position in which the inlet downstream opening 258 has a first cross sectional area and a second member position in which the inlet downstream opening 258 has a second cross sectional area that is less than the first cross sectional area.
The moving member 280 may be any suitable member. For example, in embodiments in which the air treatment inlet 230 includes one conduit (e.g., external conduit 140) received within another (e.g., inlet conduit 170) with the inlet downstream opening 258 formed by overlapping sidewall openings of the conduits, one conduit may be the moveable inlet member 280 and may be adjusted within the other to change the size (e.g., axial length) of the inlet downstream opening 258.
Alternatively, as exemplified in
The moveable inlet member 280 may be moveable from a first member position to a second member position. In the first position, the moveable inlet member 280 may block or partially block the downstream end of a conduit and in the second position, the moveable inlet member 280 may open or partially open the downstream end of a conduit. Accordingly, adjusting the position of the moveable inlet member 280 may adjust the amount of air exiting axially out of the downstream end of a conduit and the amount exiting through a sidewall opening of a conduit. Alternately, the first position may be upstream of the second position whereby, as the moveable inlet member 280 is moved from a second downstream position to a first upstream position, the length of a sidewall outlet is shortened.
It will be appreciated that the moveable inlet member 280 may be moveable in any suitable way. The movable member 280 may be moveable between a position in an air inlet conduit of the air treatment chamber and a position removed therefore. For example, the moveable member may move about a pivot axis or along a liner path (e.g., a radial path with respect to the air treatment member longitudinal axis) between a position received in the projecting conduit 240 and/or the external conduit 140 and a position removed from within the projecting conduit 240 and/or the external conduit 140. Alternately, or in addition, the moveable inlet member 280 may be axially moveable parallel to the air treatment member longitudinal axis 204 and/or the inlet conduit axis 174. The moveable inlet member 280 is moveable to a position at which it blocks off a portion of a sidewall opening that would otherwise be available to the air flow path 160 and may therefore be referred to as a blocking member.
The moveable inlet member 280 may form a terminal end 490 of the air treatment inlet 230 or of the external conduit 140 or of any conduit in which it is provided.
As exemplified in
The moveable inlet member may be part of the air treatment assembly and may be slideable receivable in the external conduit 140 when the external conduit 140 is inserted into the dirty air inlet. Accordingly, when the external conduit 140 is inserted into the dirty air inlet and the moveable member is at its axially inner (rearward) position, the moveable inlet member 280 may extend across the downstream end of the external conduit 140 to close off an internal passage of the external conduit 140 through which the air flow path 160 extends, effectively forming an end wall thereof. Alternately, the moveable inlet member 280 may be a moveable inlet end wall 262 of the external conduit 140 (e.g., a wand). Optionally, the moveable inlet member 280 may be part of the external conduit end cap 270 of the external conduit. As such, it may be removable with the external conduit from the surface cleaning apparatus. Alternately, if the external conduit 140 does not extend into the surface cleaning apparatus to the upstream (forward) position of the moveable member 280, then the moveable member may move within the inlet conduit 170.
As exemplified in
In some embodiments, as exemplified in
The cross sectional area may be changed automatically or manually, or the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be configured such that both automatic and manual options are available. In embodiments in which the air treatment inlet 230 includes a moveable member 280, the moveable inlet member 280 may be moved manually and/or automatically. For example, the moveable member may be moved by a manually moved mechanical link, air pressure or suction caused by the suction motor, and/or a further motor or a solenoid that is provided in addition to the suction motor, including any of the mechanisms described herein.
The moveable inlet member 280 may move in response to pressure changes within the surface cleaning apparatus 100, such as within the air treatment inlet 230 and/or the free volume 470 of the air treatment chamber 210. Optionally, the moveable inlet member 280 moves to keep the pressure at a constant level. For example, if air pressure drops (due to dirt accumulating on a pre-motor filter or the screen of the vortex finder in a cyclone chamber), then the movable member 280 may move to increase the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 thereby reducing the back pressure through the opening 258 and offsetting or partially offsetting the air pressure drop. This may assist in maintaining cyclonic flow as despite the pressure drop.
As exemplified in
An actuator 502 may be provided to control the movement of the moveable inlet member 280.
As exemplified in
The manual toggle 500 is drivingly coupled to the moveable inlet member 280 to move the moveable inlet member 280 between the first member position and the second member position
The manual toggle 500 may be mechanically linked directly to the moveable inlet member 280 such that moving the manual toggle 500 pushes and/or pulls the moveable inlet member 280. In some embodiments, the when the manual toggle 500 is in the first toggle position the moveable inlet member 280 is in the first member position, and when the manual toggle 500 is in the second toggle position the moveable inlet member 280 is in the second member position. Accordingly, the manual toggle 500 may be a body that is directly secured to the moveable inlet member 280 as exemplified in
Alternatively, as exemplified in
Alternately, an actuator 502 which actuates an electromechanical member, such as a motor (e.g., a stepper motor) or a solenoid may be provided to move the moveable inlet member 280 between the first member position and the second member position. Such an actuator, which may be referred to as a powered actuator may be coupled to a power supply of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., a battery). A powered actuator may be communicatively coupled to the control system to be controlled thereby.
Alternately, the actuator 502 may be an unpowered actuator such as, e.g., an aneroid capsule responsive to pressure changes. The moveable member actuator 502 may be controlled in any suitable way, such as by the manual toggle or automatically by signals generated by the control system 370 of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., in response to changes in pressure, changes in sensor values, or changes in operational modes).
The moveable member actuator 502 may optionally be a dedicated actuator for controlling only the moveable inlet member 280. Any actuator discussed herein may be used.
Alternatively, moveable member actuator 502 may control another function of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 in addition to the moveable inlet member 280. For example, the actuator 502 may be provided to control another setting of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (i.e., presented to the user as being for the control of the other setting). For example, the actuator 502 may be a cleaning mode setting toggle (e.g., selecting between an above floor cleaning mode and a floor cleaning mode), and actuating the actuator 502 may select a mode of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and the moveable inlet member 280 may be adjusted to compliment the selected mode, as disused further elsewhere herein. In such a case, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may not include any indicia indicating that the actuator 502 controls the moveable inlet member 280.
Alternatively, or additionally (e.g., indirectly, as discussed further elsewhere herein), the cross-sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may be automatically varied based upon an air flow rate of air in the air flow path 160. When the air flow rate is a first flow rate, the inlet downstream opening 258 has a first cross-sectional area and when the air flow rate is a second flow rate that is lower than the first flow rate, the inlet downstream opening 258 has a second cross-sectional area that is different from the first cross-sectional area and may be smaller. The air flow rate may vary the cross-sectional area directly and/or indirectly.
The air flow rate may vary the cross sectional area directly, as the force of air impinging the moveable inlet member 280 may cause a change in the positioning of the moveable inlet member 280. The moveable member may be biased to an upstream (forward) position. In such a case, if the first air flow rate is higher than the second air flow rate, then air impinging the moveable inlet member 280 at the first air flow rate (i.e., the higher air flow rate) may carry greater force and so moves the moveable inlet member 280 farther downstream (rearwardly) than air impinging the moveable inlet member 280 at the second air flow rate. Moving the moveable inlet member 280 farther downstream increases the axial length of the inlet downstream opening 258 and thereby enables a higher airflow into the air treatment member. Accordingly, the force of air may move the moveable inlet member 280 automatically to increase the axial length of the opening 258 and the biasing member (e.g., a spring) may move the moveable member to reduce the axial length of the opening 258 when the air flow rate decreases, all without user intervention.
As exemplified in
Alternatively, or additionally, the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may vary automatically as the surface cleaning apparatus is reconfigured wherein the reconfiguration results in a change in the air flow rate. The change in air flow rate may be due to a change in power level provided to the suction motor and, accordingly, each of the air flow rate and the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may respond to a common input (e.g., a change in power level). Accordingly, the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 and the air flow rate both respond to the same user action, such as a user activating a toggle, such as pushing a soft button (touch screen) or a hard button or moving a slider to change an operating mode of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., changing from a low flow mode to a high flow mode), or reconfiguring the surface cleaning apparatus 100, such as mounting a portable unit to a floor cleaning unit 154 to form, e.g., a stick vacuum.
For example, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is removably mountable to the floor cleaning unit 154 whereby, when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is mounted to the floor cleaning unit 154 the surface cleaning apparatus is operable in an upright vacuum cleaner mode and, when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the floor cleaning unit 154, the portable cleaning unit is operable in an above floor (hand vac) cleaning mode. The above floor vacuum cleaner mode may comprise the first air flow rate, e.g., as a result of a first power level being supplied to the suction motor 322. The upright vacuum cleaning mode may comprise the second air flow rate that is lower than the first air flow rate, e.g., as a result of a second power level being supplied to the suction motor 322 that is less than the first power level. The above floor cleaning mode may be a high-power mode and the upright cleaning mode may be a low-power mode, wherein a low-power mode may allow for a longer run time. If the power level of the suction motor 322 is automatically varied as an operating mode of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is changed from the upright vacuum cleaner mode to the above floor cleaning mode, then the cross-section area of the air treatment inlet 230 may also be automatically varied as an operating mode of the surface cleaning apparatus is changed from the upright vacuum cleaner mode to the above floor cleaning mode.
This change in the cross-sectional area may be due to the change in air flow as discussed previously. Alternately, the change may be due to the moveable member being moved by the insertion of the external conduit 140 driving the moveable member 280 to the upright vacuum cleaner mode and the moveable member returning to the hand vac cleaning mode when the external conduit 140 is removed. The external conduit may be driving connected to the moveable member upon insertion and a biasing member may return the moveable member to the hand vac cleaning mode upon withdrawal of the external conduit. Alternately, the change may be due to an electromechanical member moving the moveable member in response to mounting and removing the surface cleaning apparatus from the floor cleaning unit (e.g., insertion and/or removal of the external conduit).
A lower power mode may result in a lower air flow rate which may result in a lower cyclone efficiency. The moveable inlet member 280 may be moved to decrease the axial length of a cyclone inlet to thereby to increase the number of turns of the air flow path 160 within the cyclone chamber 210. The moveable inlet member 280 may be moved by any method discussed herein in response to the mode change or in response to the same user command that caused the mode change.
Alternately, or in addition, the cross-sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may be varied based on dirt characteristics in the surface cleaning apparatus. The dirt characteristics may be one or more of the size (i.e., particle size) of dirt which is collected, the size of dirt that is expected to be collected (e.g., based on a mode selection), the size of dirt that is carried by an air flow path 160 downstream of a selected component 510 of the surface cleaning apparatus, and the dirt loading of an air flow path downstream of the selected component 510 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. It will be appreciated that the selected component 510 referred to above may be the inlet conduit 170, a dirt separating component such as the air treatment chamber 210, the air treatment assembly 200 as a whole, or the pre-motor filter 330. The cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may be varied (e.g., the effective air inlet length 290 varied) to change (i.e., increase or decrease) the efficiency of the air treatment chamber 210. For example, the effective air inlet length 290 may be reduced to produce more turns in a cyclone chamber and to thereby remove finer dirt from the air flow path 160.
For example, when dirt having a first size is collected the inlet downstream opening 258 may have the first cross-sectional area, and when dirt having a second size that is smaller than the first size is collected the inlet downstream opening 258 may have the second cross-sectional area. Alternately or in addition, when air downstream of the selected component 510 has a first dirt loading the inlet downstream opening 258 may have the first cross-sectional area, and when air downstream of the inlet downstream opening 258 has a second dirt loading that is higher than the first dirt loading the inlet downstream opening 258 may have the second cross-sectional area.
It will be appreciated that dirt particle size or dirt loading may be determined in any suitable way, such as via a dirt sensor 512, as exemplified in
It will be appreciated that the dirt sensor 512 may be any suitable sensor. In some embodiments, the dirt sensor 512 is an acoustic sensor (e.g., a microphone). For example, the output of the acoustic sensor may be used to gauge particle size. In some embodiments, the dirt sensor 512 is an optical sensor. In some embodiments, the dirt sensor 512 is a laser sensor.
The dirt sensor 512 may be located at any suitable location of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a dirt sensor 512 in, or arranged to detect dirt in (i.e., directed towards), the air treatment chamber, the dirt collection region 300 and/or in a dirt outlet between the dirt collection region 300 and an air treatment chamber 210. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a dirt sensor 512 in the air flow path 160 (e.g., in the inlet 170) or arranged to detect dirt travelling towards the air flow path 160 (e.g., in the external conduit 140).
In embodiments in which a dirt sensor 512 is in, or arranged to detect dirt in, the air flow path 160, it will be appreciated that the dirt sensor may be in, or arranged to detect dirt in, any suitable location. That location may be within (e.g., as exemplified by sensor 512a, see
A user may manually change the position of the moveable inlet member 280 due to changing dirt characteristics. For example, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may generate an alert to prompt a user to adjust the position of the moveable inlet member 280 based upon a dirt characteristic that is determined. The alert may be, e.g., an audible alert played by a speaker of the apparatus, or a visual alert displayed on the apparatus (e.g., a flashing light or an illuminated icon). In use, the user may respond to the alert by using actuator 502 to move the moveable inlet member 280.
The alert may be generated in response to detecting a change in the size of dirt that is being collected or the size or amount of dirt that is travelling downstream of the air treatment chamber and/or the air treatment assembly. In some embodiments, the alert is generated in response to the output of the dirt sensor 512. Alternatively, or additionally, the alert may be generated in response to a user action indicative that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is being or will be used to collect dirt of a different size, such as switching a mode of operation (e.g., above floor vs. upright) or adding an attachment.
Alternatively or in addition, the cross-sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may be automatically varied due to changing dirt characteristics. The variation may be in response to an output of a dirt sensor 512 or in response to a user action indicative that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is being or will be used to collect dirt of a different size or to a reconfiguration of the surface cleaning apparatus to a different cleaning mode. The moveable member actuator 502 may move the moveable inlet member 280 in response to an output from the dirt sensor 512 indicative of a change in the dirt characteristics (e.g., particle size or dirt loading of an air flow stream), or in response to a user mode selection or accessory attachment. For example, when an output of the dirt sensor 512 is indicative of finer dirt being detected, the moveable member actuator 502 may move the movable member 280 to shorten the effective air input length 290.
While in some embodiments the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 changes in response to changes in the surface cleaning apparatus' operational mode, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may also vary within a single mode. For example, the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may vary during an upright mode if there is a change in dirt characteristics (e.g., a sensed change in dirt loading of an air stream). Similarly, the cross sectional area of the inlet downstream opening 258 may change during an above floor cleaning mode if there is a change in dirt characteristics (e.g., a sensed change in particle size).
The following is a description of a closure member 310 which is curved, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
The closure member 310 may have a curved surface 520 which, in the closed position, curves in at least one plane of a set of axial planes, wherein the set of axial planes are each defined by any two of the apparatus longitudinal axis 110, the apparatus vertical axis 112, and the apparatus transverse axis 114 extending therein. As exemplified in
As exemplified in
Optionally, at least one dimension of the curved surface 520 is linear with respect to the apparatus longitudinal axis 110, the apparatus vertical axis 112, and the apparatus transverse axis 114. In other words, the closure surface may be arcuate in shape. Optionally, the curved surface 520 curves in only one plane of the set of axial planes when the closure member 310 is in the closed position. In other words, the curved surface 520 extends generally parallel to at least one of the set of axial planes.
In embodiments in which the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a closure seat 312, the closure seat 312 may be a curved seat. The curved surface 520 may seat against (i.e., touch at each point along the closure perimeter 534) the curved closure seat 312 when the closure member 310 is in the closed position. The closure seat 312 may have a curvature that matches the curvature of the curved surface 520.
As exemplified, the closure member 310 may be a thin body, such as a curved plate. The closure member 310 may have a first face 536 and an opposite second face 538. The first face 536 and the second face 538 may extend generally parallel to one another, and may be of generally the same size and/or shape. The curved surface face 520 may be first face 536 or the second face 538.
Optionally, the closure member 310 is shaped to match a shape of a component or opening of the air treatment inlet 230. The closure member 310 may be shaped to match the shape of the inlet upstream opening 256 or the inlet downstream opening 258. As exemplified in
The closure member 310 may pivot about a closure axis of rotation 540 between an open position (
As exemplified, the curved closure member may close an opening that is directed generally parallel to the conduit axis 254 or an opening in the inlet sidewall 260. Optionally, as exemplified in
As discussed subsequently, it will be appreciated that the closure member 310 may be external to the air flow path 160 when in the closed position. For example, the closure member 310 may rotate or translate into a pocket that is located exterior to the air flow path (e.g., a pocket provided on an exterior surface of the inlet conduit 170). The pocket may have a port that opens onto the, e.g., inlet conduit 170. When received in the pocket, the closure member may close the port and, optionally, form part of the surface of the air flow path (e.g., part of the inlet conduit 170) to thereby provide a smooth continuous surface of the air flow path.
The following is a description of a closure member 310 that is axially moveable, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, the user interface on the handle, the user interface overlying the main body housing, the user interface on an annular portion, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
When the closure member 310 is in the open position, airflow through the air flow path 160 may have a flow direction 550 at the location at which the closure member 310 is positioned when in the closed position (e.g., the position exemplified in
Optionally, in the closed position, the closure member abuts and end wall of port in the air flow path. For example, the upstream end of the inlet conduit 170 may have an inlet port and, in the closed position, the closure member 310 abuts the inlet port of the inlet conduit 170 or the upstream end of the air treatment inlet 230 may have an inlet port (i.e., the chamber inlet opening 234), and, in the closed position, the closure member 310 abuts the inlet port of the air treatment inlet 230.
It will be appreciated that the closure member 310 may have any suitable shape. The closure member 310 may be, e.g., circular, oval, or square, and may be, e.g., planar or curved. Optionally, the closure member 310 is shaped to match a shape of a component or opening of the air treatment inlet 230 that is to be closed. Accordingly, for example, the closure member 310 may be shaped to match the shape of the inlet upstream opening 256 or the inlet downstream opening 258. If the inlet upstream opening 256 is planar or circular in shape, then the closure member 310 may be planar and/or circular in shape. The inlet downstream opening 258 may be a rectangular shape curved along one dimension (e.g., along a dimension parallel to the apparatus vertical axis 112, as exemplified) in which case the closure member 310 may be a rectangular shape and/or curved along one dimension. The closure member 310 may cover a cross sectional area that is equal to a cross sectional area of the inlet upstream opening 256 and/or the inlet downstream opening 258 if the closure member is to seat in the opening or larger if the closure member is to overlie the opening when in the closed position.
It will be appreciated that t the closure member 310 may be the inlet end wall 262. Alternatively, as exemplified in
As exemplified in
It will be appreciated that the closure member 310 may be moved in any suitable way. The closure member 310 may be moved manually or automatically. The closure member 310 may be moved, e.g., by air pressure or suction generated by the suction motor or by any of the driving members discussed elsewhere herein. The closure member may be moved by being pushed back by an upstream end of the external conduit 140 when the external conduit 140 is inserted into the nozzle 180, by an actuator of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 other than the suction motor, or by a manual sider or other manual toggle accessible to the user from outside the surface cleaning apparatus as discussed previously.
In some embodiments, the closure member 310 moves along a closure member track 560 which may include a rail. The closure member track 560 may be a linear track. The closure member track 560 may extend only within the air treatment inlet 230, or may extend beyond the air treatment inlet 230 (e.g., into a free volume of the air treatment chamber 210 or elsewhere). Optionally, the closure member 310 moves longitudinally on a rail to the inlet end of the inlet conduit 170 to close the inlet conduit 170.
The following is a description of a closure member 310 that can be withdrawn from the air flow path. The closure member 310 may be at least partially moveable to close a port or into or through a recess or passage formed in a wall or by a plurality of walls of the air treatment member 202. This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
It will be appreciated the closure member 310 may be provided in any portion of the air flow path, optionally upstream of the air treatment assembly 200.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
In the open position, the closure member 310 may be at least partially removed from the assembly free volume 570 or fully removed from the assembly free volume 570. This aspect reduces the extent to which the closure member 310 inhibits air flow when in the open position and/or reduces turbulence caused by a significant discontinuity in the transverse cross sectional area of the air treatment inlet 230 at a downstream edge of the closure member 310 when the closure member 310 is in the open position.
Optionally, when in the open position, the closure member 310 may be at least partially moved into or through a closure passage 574 (as exemplified in
The closure recess may be formed in a single wall, e.g., a recess in a smooth and continuous surface which surface optionally continues a significant portion of the way around the recess (e.g., at least 50%, 75% or 90% of a perimeter of the recess). The closure recess may be formed between walls. The closure recess has a mouth or port which opens into the air flow path, such as into the chamber free volume 470 or into the inlet free volume 572. The recess may be exterior to the assembly free volume.
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
Optionally, the closure member 310 is withdrawn into a sidewall of a generally smooth-walled bore. The smooth-walled bore is optionally a generally linear bore. As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the closure member pocket 580 may include at least a portion that is exterior to the assembly free volume 570. The closure member pocket 580 may extend outward from the assembly free volume 570. Optionally, the pocket may have a depth such that when in the closed position, the closure member may abut an inner surface of the wall defining the pocket 580 and may be flush with the smooth-walled bore 568.
At least a portion of the closure member 310 in the closed position may be positioned in the assembly free volume 570 or the air treatment inlet 230. Optionally, substantially all or all of the closure member 310 in the closed position is positioned in the air treatment inlet 230 in the closed position.
As discussed previously, in the open position, the closure member 310 may merge with a wall of the air treatment assembly 200. In other words, as exemplified in
As exemplified, the closure member pocket 580 may have a mouth or pocket port 600 by which the closure member pocket 580 is open to the assembly free volume 570. The closure member 310 may close the pocket port 600 when the closure member is in the open member position. Accordingly, when the closure member 310 closes the pocket port 600 and is flush with the surrounding surface, the closure member 310 may be referred to as having merged with the surrounding wall of the air treatment assembly 200, and may be referred to as forming a portion of a smooth wall of the air treatment assembly 200. Optionally, the pocket port 600 is in an axially extending sidewall of the air treatment chamber 210, such as the chamber sidewall 220 or the inlet sidewall 260, and the closure member 310 merges with axially extending sidewall.
The closure member 310 may be moveable between the open member position and the closed member position by rotating about the closure axis of rotation 540, the closure axis of rotation is exterior to the assembly free volume 570. Optionally, the closure axis of rotation is exterior to the air treatment chamber 210. The closure axis of rotation 540 may extend through the closure member pocket 580. The closure axis of rotation 540 may be parallel to the air treatment longitudinal axis 218 and/or the flow direction 550. The closure axis of rotation 540 may be perpendicular to the air treatment longitudinal axis 218 and/or the flow direction 550.
As exemplified in
The following is a description of a driving member 630 that is operable to move the closure member 310, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
Optionally, the driving member is operable to move the closure member from the open member position to the closed member position, and the closure member is biased to the open member position by a biasing member. The driving member 630 may move the closure member to the open member position when activated, and the biasing member may move the closure member form the open member position to the closed member position when the driving member is not activated. Optionally, the driving member is operable to move the closure member from the closed member position to the open member position, and the closure member is biased to the closed member position by a biasing member. The driving member 630 may move the closure member to the closed member position when activated, and the biasing member may move the closure member form the closed member position to the open member position when the driving member is not activated.
It will be appreciated that the driving member 630 may be any suitable driving member, including any of the driving members described herein.
The driving member 630 may be any actuator that is operatively connected to (e.g., drivingly connected to) the closure member 310 to move the closure member 310 in at least one direction in response to an event, such as one or more of the suction motor being actuated or deenergized, the surface cleaning apparatus being connected to or removed from a floor cleaning unit and the air treatment assembly or a subcomponent thereof being removed or reinstalled in the surface cleaning apparatus. It will be appreciated that the closure member 310 may be automatically moved upon the occurrence of an event. The actuation of the movement of the closure member may be controlled automatically by signals generated by the control system 370 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g., in response to changes in pressure, changes in sensor values, or changes in operational modes).
Accordingly, the driving member may be mechanically or electromechanically or fluidically connected to the closure member 310 to move the closure member upon the occurrence of the event.
The driving member 630 may comprise a closure member actuator 640, as exemplified in
The closure member actuator 640 may be a powered actuator. A powered actuator may be an electromechanical actuator, such as a motor or solenoid. A powered actuator may be coupled to a power supply of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., a battery). A powered actuator may be a linear actuator. A powered actuator may be communicatively coupled to the control system to be directed thereby. Accordingly, upon actuation (e.g., a button being pushed, a soft control on a touch screen being touched or an event occurring, a signal may be sent to the closure member actuator 640 whereupon the closure member 310 is moved.
Alternately, an unpowered actuator may be used. The unpowered actuator may be any such actuator discussed herein such as an aneroid capsule responsive to pressure changes or a closure mechanical coupling (a mechanical linkage) 646 drivingly coupled to the manually moveable toggle 642. The closure mechanical coupling 646 mechanically drivingly couples an upline apparatus 648 (e.g., any actuator disclosed herein) to the closure member 310. The upline apparatus 648 may be any actuator discussed elsewhere herein, and may be manually actuated by a user or may be actuated automatically upon the occurrence of an event.
The closure member actuator 640 may itself comprise an on/off actuator 650 (see for example
As discussed with respect to actuator 502, the on/off actuator 650 may be mechanically drivingly connected to the closure member 310. In some embodiments, an on/off actuator 650 that is mechanically drivingly connected to the closure member 310 is a manually moveable slider. In embodiments in which the on/off actuator 650 is mechanically drivingly connected to the closure member 310, the driving member 630 may include the on/off actuator 650 and the mechanical linkage 646.
Alternatively, or additionally, when the on/off actuator 650 is transitioned to on or to off, a signal may be issued which causes an electromechanical member 640 (e.g., the moveable member actuator 502) to drive the closure member 310 to the open position or the closed position, respectively.
Optionally, the closure member 310 may move in response to the on/off actuator 650 after a predetermined time delay. For example, the closure member 310 may be moved to the closed position after a closing time delay of between 0.1 seconds and 10 seconds, 1 seconds and 5 seconds, or 2 seconds and 4 seconds following the transition of the on/off actuator to off. Accordingly, the air flow produced by the suction motor may terminate or substantially terminate prior to the closure member moving to the closed position. Alternately or in addition, the closure member 310 may move to the open position after the on/off actuator 650 is moved to on with a lesser opening time delay than the opening time delay.
Suction produced by the suction motor 322 may moves the driving member 630 which moves the closure member 310 from the closed position to the open position. Accordingly, the main on/off switch of the surface cleaning apparatus may be the on/off actuator 650. As exemplified in
Alternately or in addition, the driving member 630 may include the external conduit 140. If an external conduit is removably insertable, then insertion of the external conduit 140 into the nozzle 180 may move the closure member 310. The upstream end of the external conduit 140 may bear against the closure member 310 as the external conduit 140 is inserted into the nozzle, pushing the closure member 310 before it. For example, the closure member 310 may move axially to close the air treatment chamber 210 automatically when the external conduit 140 is removed. The air treatment inlet 230 may include an axially moving closure member 310 which slides closed when the external conduit 140 is removed and slides axially inwardly due to engagement between the upstream end of the external conduit 140 and the closure member 310 when the external conduit 140 is inserted.
As exemplified by
Optionally, the external conduit 140 includes a catch to engage the closure member 310 to draw the closure member 310 to the closed member position when the external conduit 140 is withdrawn.
Optionally, mounting the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to the floor cleaning unit 154 moves the closure member 310 from the closed position to the open position, such as by the external conduit 140 being inserted into the dirty air inlet when the surface cleaning apparatus is mounted to the floor cleaning unit, or an electromechanical member being actuated upon the surface cleaning apparatus being mounted to the floor cleaning unit.
Optionally, the closure member 310 may move to the open member position when the air treatment assembly 200 is coupled to the main body 120, and moves to the closed member position when the air treatment assembly 200 is removed. A mechanical or electromechanical member may move the closure member 310 when the main body 120 and the air treatment assembly 200 are separated. The mechanical member may be, e.g., a physical catch or magnet on the main body 120 that engages the closure member 310 (e.g., a corresponding catch or magnet of the closure member) to drive the closure member to the open or closed position as the air treatment assembly 200 is joined to or removed from the main body 120. The electromechanical member may be, e.g., the closure member actuator 640 which receives a signal to move the closure member 310 in response to detection that the air treatment assembly 200 is being removed from or coupled to the main body 120. Optionally, the closure member 310 is biased to the open member positions by a biasing member. Optionally, removing the air treatment assembly 200 from the main body 120 overcomes the force of the biasing member to move the closure member 310 to the closed position. Optionally, the closure member 310 is biased to the closed member positions by a biasing member. Optionally, coupling the air treatment assembly 200 to the main body 120 overcomes the force of the biasing member to move the closure member 310 to the closed position.
The following is a description of an air treatment chamber 210 wherein the chamber first end 214 is openable and a portion of the opposed end 216 is moveable (e.g., concurrently or subsequently). This aspect may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, the openable chamber first end 214, which may be the forward end of the air treatment chamber or assembly, may be opened to enable the porous outlet member of the chamber (e.g., a vortex finder) to advance to a position wherein the porous member may be cleaned (e.g., to remove hair wrapped therearound) or removed for cleaning. The porous member may advance by itself or with other portions of the assembly, e.g., the rear (outlet) end of the assembly or chamber. The porous member may advance to a position proximate the open first end (the evacuation opening 410) or outwardly of the open first end, i.e., part or all of the porous member may advance to a position outwardly of the open first end.
As exemplified in
Accordingly, at least a portion of the chamber first end 214 may be moveable between a closed operating position (
The moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may comprise or consist of the front wall of the air treatment assembly (e.g., the chamber first end wall 222), a portion of the front wall of the air treatment assembly (e.g., movable first end portion 388, which may be a flap, see
Optionally, the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 is rotatably moveable. The moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may rotate forwardly (see for example
Alternately, or in addition, the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be translationally moveable (see for example
Alternately, or in addition, the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be inflatable and deflatable. Moving between the open and closed positions may include, or consist of, inflating or deflating a member that is drivingly connected to the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214. When an inflatable member is inflated, the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be closed, and when the inflatable member is deflated the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be opened.
It will be appreciated that the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be moved by any suitable actuator and any actuator discussed herein may be sued. Accordingly, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a first end actuator to move the chamber first end 214, which may any of the actuators described herein or a dedicated actuator. For example, the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 is manually moveable, such as by a first end manually moveable member 670. This manually moveable member may extend to an exterior of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and may be a slider or depressible button or pivotal switch. The first end manually movable member 670 may be drivingly coupled to the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 to move the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214. The manually moveable member may be moved by a user or moved by the docking station when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked. It will be appreciated that the first end manually moveable member 670 may be any of the manually moveable members described herein (e.g., the manually movable toggle 500) or a dedicated member the movement of which only affects movement of the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214.
It will be appreciated that the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be moved directly by a user. For example, a user may grasp the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 and pull or push it. In such embodiments, the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be referred to as a manually moveable member.
Alternately, the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be pneumatically moveable. The moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be arranged to be drawn between the open and closed positions by suction generated by the suction motor 322 or a suction motor of the docking station 390. Pneumatical movement is described further elsewhere herein.
Optionally, the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 may be moved upon or subsequent to the surface cleaning apparatus being docked at a docking station 390. For example, docking the surface cleaning apparatus 100 with the docking station 390 may move the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 from the closed operating position to the open position. Optionally, a portion of the docking station drivingly engage the surface cleaning apparatus to open the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is being docked. A mechanical linkage may be provided whereupon the docking station may push or pull the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 open. The moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 maybe biased to the closed operating position. Undocking the surface cleaning apparatus 100 from the docking station 390 may move the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 from the open position to the closed operating position. Alternately or in addition, a portion of the docking station 390 may be coupled to the moveable portion of the chamber first end 214 to close the chamber first end 214 when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is being undocked. For example, a catch on the docking station 390 may pull a door shut or pull a component to a closed position as the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is pulled away from the docking station.
The axially moveable end portion 680 may be at least a portion of the chamber second end 216 and may also include at least a portion of the chamber first end 214. The chamber second end 216 may be moveable after or with the opening of the chamber first end 214. Optionally, the chamber second end 216 may not be moveable while the chamber first end 214 remains closed.
It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include two axially moveable end portions 680, i.e., at least a portion of the chamber first end 214 and at least a portion of the chamber second end 216. For example, as exemplified in
Portions secured together may be fixed together with a constant separation distance 684 between them (e.g., translate together as one body), or may be separated by a variable separation distance 684. For example, portions may be joined by a telescoping arm such that a range of separation distances are possible.
The axially moveable end portion 680 may include the chamber second end wall 224 or a portion thereof and/or the air treatment outlet 232 or a portion thereof. The air treatment outlet 232 may include a porous member 422 (e.g., a screen or a pre-motor filter received in the air treatment outlet 232) and the axially moveable end portion 680 may include at least a portion of the porous member 422, and optionally the entire porous member.
If a pre-motor filter is provided, then the axially moveable end portion 680 may include at least a portion of the pre-motor filter housing 334, e.g., a forward portion 686 of the pre-motor filter housing and a laterally encircling wall 688. Optionally, the axially moveable end portion 680 may not include an end wall 690 of the pre-motor filter housing 334 that is at an end of the pre-motor filter housing which is farthest from the chamber first end 214 (e.g., a rearward end of the pre-motor filter housing 334, as exemplified).
Alternately, or in addition, the axially moveable end portion 680 may include at least a portion of or the entirety of the suction motor housing 324 and accordingly the suction motor 322 may be moveable with the axially moveable end portion 680.
The axially moveable end portion 680 may be moveably secured to a supporting sidewall 692 of the air treatment assembly 200 and/or the main body 120. As exemplified, the supporting sidewall 692 may include the chamber sidewall 220 and/or the main body sidewall 192.
The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include, as exemplified, a track 730 along which the axially moveable end portion 680 moves. The axially moveable end portion 680 may slide along the track 730. The track 730 may be a linear track 730. The track 730 may be parallel to the supporting sidewall 692 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The track 730 may be provided in the supporting sidewall 692. For example, the track 730 may include a member embedded in the supporting sidewall 692, or may include a channel formed in the supporting sidewall 692. Optionally, the supporting sidewall 692 and the track 730 are each axially extending.
The track 730 may include a sealing member 732 received between the axially moveable end portion 680 and a wall along which the axially moveable end portion 680 moves. The sealing member 732 may be, e.g., a felt sealing member. The sealing member 732 may separate the axially moveable end portion 680 from a wall (e.g., the chamber sidewall 220) along which the axially moveable end portion slides. The sealing member 732 may be sandwiched between the axially moveable end portion 680 and the chamber sidewall 220 throughout the movement between the closed position and the open position.
It will be appreciated that the track 730 may be a dedicated track along which an axially moveable end portion 680 moves, with a separate track provided for each axially moveable end portion. However, as exemplified, in some embodiments more than one axially moveable end portion is carried by a common track 730. As exemplified, an axially moveable second end portion 680b is coupled to the track directly while an axially moveable first end portion 680a is coupled to the track indirectly (e.g., via the axially moveable first end portion 680a). The axially moveable first end portion 680a is an axially moveable end portion 680 that includes at least a portion of the chamber first end 214. The axially moveable second end portion 680b is an axially moveable end portion 680 that includes at least a portion of the chamber second end 216.
The track may include a rail 710 between the axially moveable end portion 680 and the supporting sidewall 692. The axially moveable end portion 680 may ride along the rail 710 as the axially moveable end portion 680 moves between the first and second positions.
In some embodiments, the rail 710 is a telescoping rail, as exemplified. The telescoping rail may include at least a first rail body 712 and a second rail body 714. The second rail body may be moveably secured to the first rail body 712 and moveable between a retracted position generally coextensive with the first rail body 712 and an extended position extending past an end of the first rail body 712. The first rail body 712 may be secured to one of the axially moveable end portion 680 and the supporting sidewall 692, while the second rail body 714 may be secured to the other of the axially moveable end portion 680 and the supporting sidewall 692.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the at least a portion of the second end portion 680b may move concurrently or sequentially (e.g., subsequent to) with the at least a portion of the first end portion 680a. The subsequent movement may be delayed by a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be, e.g., between 0.1 seconds and 10 seconds, between 0.1 seconds and 5 seconds, or between 0.1 seconds and 2 seconds. Additionally, or alternatively, the subsequent movement may be delayed by a predetermined change in the separation distance 684. The predetermined change may be, e.g., between 0.1 times and 2 times the original separation distance, between 0.2 times and 1 time the original separation distance, or between 0.2 times and 0.5 times the original separation distance. A delay allows dirt in the air treatment chamber to decompress, and may loosen the dirt. For example, elongated dirt, such as hair, may decompress.
Optionally, the at least a portion of the second end portion 680b is moved by opening the at least a portion of the first end portion 680a, but the separation distance 684 between the two is greater subsequent to the movement than prior to the movement. A greater separation distance provides further space for the dirt received therebetween to decompress.
The axially moveable end portion 680 may be moved by any suitable driving member, including any discussed with moving the chamber first end 214 to the open position.
The air treatment chamber 210 may be emptiable by opening the chamber first end 214 and moving at least a portion of the chamber second end 216 axially towards the chamber first end 214.
The following is a description of moving a portion a fluid driven moveable member of the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., part or all of the first end 214 and or the second opposed end 216) via fluid pressure, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
If a docking station is provided, then when the apparatus is docked, the fluid driven moveable member 720, which is in the first position, may be received in the evacuation air flow path such that air flow through the evacuation air flow path will act on the fluid driven moveable member 720 when the fluid driven moveable member is in the first position to move the fluid driven moveable member 720 to a second or evacuation position. In other words, air flow through the evacuation air flow path may move the fluid driven member from the first position (i.e., towards the second position). Accordingly, the first position may be referred to as the operational, cleaning or use position. Such air flow may be produced by a suction motor in the surface cleaning apparatus, the docking station or both.
Alternately or in addition, air flow through the apparatus air flow path when the surface cleaning apparatus is not docked may act on the fluid driven moveable member 720 to move the fluid driven member from the first position to the second.
It will be appreciated that the fluid driven moveable member 720 may move (push or pull) part or all of the first end 214 and or the second opposed end 216 axially, such as along a rail 710 as discussed previously.
An air impermeable member may be moved to enable air flow to move the fluid driven moveable member 720. For example, a valve or other closure member may be provided to close part of the air flow path 160 such that air flow may move the fluid driven moveable member 720. When it is desired to empty the dirt collection region 300, the air impermeable member may be moved to an evacuation position, in which air flow may act on the fluid driven moveable member 720 to move the fluid driven moveable member 720 and therefore part or all of the first end 214 and or the second opposed end 216 may be moved. For example, the valve may be moved to close the vortex finder (e.g., it may be moved to close the outlet port at the downstream end of the vortex finder), e.g., by an actuator as discussed elsewhere herein or by air flow from the suction motor of the surface cleaning apparatus and/or the docking station drawing air in a reverse flow direction through the air treatment assembly thereby pushing or drawing the valve to close the port. When this occurs, the air flow path between the suction motor and the vortex finder may become sealed and form an evacuation air flow path and air flow may push the second opposed end 216, and the first end 214 if linked thereto) axially forwardly to open the dirt collection region.
To enable the apparatus air flow path to be active (i.e., the surface cleaning apparatus is to be used to clean a surface), the air impermeable member (e.g., valve) is moved, (e.g., by air flow or a biasing member or an electromechanical member or the like) to an operational position (e.g., the valve does not close the outlet port of the vortex finder). It will be appreciated that the valve may be moveable axially.
It will be appreciated that the fluid driven moveable member 720 may include or consist of the chamber first end 214 and/or a moveable portion thereof and/or the chamber second end 216 or a moveable portion thereof and the ends may be linked for movement as discussed previously.
Accordingly, the moveable portion of the chamber second end may move forwardly as dirt is sucked out of dirt collection region 300 when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked with the docking station 390.
Optionally, the fluid driven moveable member 720 is biased to the evacuation (dirt emptying) position. Air pressure may move the fluid driven moveable member 720 to the operating (surface cleaning) position. When suction is terminated, then the fluid driven moveable member 720 moves to the evacuation position. Alternately, the fluid driven moveable member 720 may be biased to the operating position. Suction may move the fluid driven moveable member 720 to the evacuation position. When suction is terminated, then the fluid driven moveable member 720 moves to the operating position. Alternately, the fluid driven moveable member 720 is not biased to either position. Suction from the air moving member of the evacuation air flow path 392, through the evacuation air flow path 392, may move the fluid driven moveable member 720 to the evacuation position. Suction from the suction motor 322, through the apparatus air flow path 160, may move the fluid driven moveable member 720 to the operating position.
The following is a description of the positioning and mounting of the user interface 360 on the handle, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
The user interface may be provided on the handle, e.g., an upper end of the handle or a lower end of the handle 124, an energy storage member 350, an energy storage member housing 381 (
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
The user interface 360 may be located within an upper half, upper third, or upper quarter of a length of the handle 124 along the handle longitudinal axis 128 when the apparatus upper end 106 is above the apparatus lower end 108.
Alternately, the user interface 360 may be located within a lower half, lower third, or lower quarter of a length of the handle 124 along the handle longitudinal axis 128 when the apparatus upper end 106 is above the apparatus lower end 108.
Optionally, the user interface 360 is on a rear portion of the upper end of the pistol grip handle 124 when the apparatus rear end 104 is rearward of the apparatus front end 102.
Optionally, the user interface 360 may be above the hand grip portion 126 of the handle 124.
Alternately, as exemplified in
As exemplified in
The user interface 360 may include or be provided on a supporting body 740. The supporting body 740 is configured as a mount to receive the user interface 360 at a desired location, e.g., overlying the main body housing 122 (e.g., overlying or rearward of the suction motor housing 324, at a rear end of the main body). Accordingly, the supporting body 740 may extend over (e.g., spaced from and facing, or facing and optionally abutting) the main body housing 122. As exemplified in
In this example, the user interface 360 may include a facing surface 744 facing or directly facing a housing facing surface 746 across the gap 742. Optionally, the facing surface 744 and the housing facing surface 746 are separated by a generally constant distance across the faces.
By using a supporting body 740, the user interface 360 may be rearward of the main body housing. The user interface 360 may overly the main body rear face 194 of the main body housing 122. The main body rear face 194 may form the housing facing surface.
Accordingly, as exemplified, the user interface 360 faces rearwardly. In other words, the user interface includes a surface visible from rearward of the surface cleaning apparatus along the apparatus longitudinal axis.
Optionally, the user interface 360 may form a rear face of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 as a whole. In other words, the surface cleaning apparatus may not include any further body rearwardly overlying a rear face of the user interface 360. Optionally, the user interface 360 forms a rearmost portion of the apparatus upper end 106.
As exemplified in
The second arm end 754 provides support for the user interface 360 and may be secured or directly secured to the user interface 360 and/or secured or directly secured to the supporting body 740. Optionally, as exemplified, the support arm 750 may join lower ends of the supporting body 740 and the main body housing 122. Accordingly, the support arm 750 enables the support body 740 to be mounted at an alternate location, such as a rear end of the main body.
As exemplified, the support arm may extend rearwardly from the main body 120. The support arm 750 may extend from the main body rear face 194, and may extend to the supporting body 740.
Alternately or in addition, the support arm 750 may extend from the pistol grip handle 124, such as the upper end 130 of the pistol grip handle 124 (i.e., above the hand grip portion). The support arm 750 may extend rearwardly from the upper end 130 of the pistol grip handle 124. Accordingly, the support arm may be or may extend to a position that is rearward of the suction motor.
It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the gap 742 may be contained within and/or exterior to cladding 758, which bridges the lateral edges 760 of the gap (i.e., radially outward edges with respect to the apparatus longitudinal axis 110). Accordingly, the gap 742 may not be visible from an exterior of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. Optionally, the cladding 758 holds the supporting member 740 in position, e.g., it may be secured to the rear end of the main body (e.g., the motor housing) and/or upper end 130 of the handle, and the support arm 750 may not be included.
Optionally, the user interface 360 overlying the main body housing does not include any interface toggles or controls 362. The user interface 360 overlying the main body housing 122 may include one or more information displays 364, without including interface toggles 362, such as to avoid running wires from that interface back through the motor housing. If controls are provided or a readout from sensors is required, then wires may extend along of through the support arm 750.
In some embodiments, as exemplified in
The user interface 360 may be separated from the suction motor 322 and/or suction motor housing 324 by a portion of the cavity 770 (i.e., an air gap). The apparatus rear end 104 includes an apparatus rear wall 772, which may be a rear wall of the cavity 770. The user interface 360 may be provided on the apparatus rear wall 772.
Alternately, or in addition, as exemplified in
Optionally, the annular portion is part of the apparatus rear end 104.
The user interface 360 may be provided on the annular portion 780 (e.g., on the radial or generally radial outwardly facing surface). The user interface 360 may be secured to the annular portion or be part of the annular portion.
As exemplified in
It will be appreciated that, in such an embodiment, the user interface 360 may include one or more interface toggles 362 or controls and/or information displays 364 on the substrate 782.
As exemplified, the user interface 360 may include an information display 364 having a display surface that faces radially outward. For example, the information display 364 may be a screen having a display surface facing radially outward (i.e., generally perpendicular to an annular longitudinal axis 784 of the annular portion 780) and optionally upwardly. The information display 364 may be, e.g., an illuminated icon with an illuminated surface facing radially outward.
Optionally, the substrate 782 has a radially outward-facing surface on which the information display is provided.
The user interface 360 may include a plurality of information displays facing radially outward.
Optionally, a protective cover 786 overlies the information display 364. It will be appreciated that the user interface 360 may also, or alternatively, include an information display 364 having a display surface that faces rearwardly.
The following is a description of a filter that is visible through and/or removeable through the user interface 360, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
As exemplified, the filter 790 may be a rearwardly removeable filter and the removal path 792 may extend generally parallel to the apparatus longitudinal axis 110, or may include at least a rearward component to a motion vector at each point along the removal path 792.
When installed, the filter 790 may be at the apparatus rear end 104. The filter 790 may be part of the apparatus rear end 104. In some embodiments, the apparatus rear end 104 includes a rear wall 772 (e.g., the main body rear wall 196), and the rear wall 772 may be part of a filter housing 796 for the filter 790 (e.g., the post-motor filter housing 340), and may optionally remove with the filter 790.
As exemplified, the user interface 360 is provided at the apparatus rear end 104 and may be part of the apparatus rear end 104.
As discussed previously, the user interface may be on an annular member or an annulus sector or it may be part of an annular member or an annulus sector. As such, the user interface 360 may be provided radially outward of the filter 790 and/or the filter housing 796 in the installed position, radially outward of the filter in a partially removed position, and/or radially outward of the removal path 792. If the user interface 360 is has a central hollow portion (e.g., it may be annular), then the user interface 360 may surround the filter 790 and/or the filter housing 796 in the installed position, radially outward of the filter in a partially removed position, and/or radially outward of the removal path 792.
Optionally, the user interface 360 is part of the filter housing 796.
The following is a description of a radially-removable post-motor filter 332, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
The filter 800 may overly at least a portion of the suction motor 322 and/or the suction motor housing 324. Optionally, the filter 800 is seated on the suction motor housing 324.
The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a plurality of radially removeable filters 800 (e.g., two or more). The plurality of radially removeable filters 800 may each be separately removeable or concurrently removably. Each of the plurality of radially removeable filters may separately overly the at least a portion of the suction motor 322 and/or the suction motor housing 324. Each of the plurality of radially removeable filters may separately be seated on the suction motor housing 324.
One or more of the plurality of radially removeable filters 800 may remove in a different direction to one or more other filters of the plurality of filters.
As exemplified, two filters 800, each of which is shaped as an annulus sector (e.g. they may be semi-circular filters 800), are provided. The filters 800 are removeable in opposite directions. As exemplified, the removal path of each filter is generally horizontal (lateral) when the apparatus upper end 106 is above the apparatus lower end 108, and may be generally parallel to the apparatus transverse axis 114. It will be appreciated that if the position of the filters is rotated 90°, then the filters may be removable radially but one would remove upwardly and one would remove downwardly.
Removeable Pre- and/or Post-Motor Filter Media
The following is a description of removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the nested filter, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
As exemplified in
Accordingly, each of the assembly portions includes a portion of a filter media (a portion of the pre-motor filter media and a portion of the post motor filter media).
It will be appreciated that a filter media may be comprised of more than two portions and, accordingly a plurality of assembly portions 344a, 344b may be provided, each of which comprises a portion of a filter media. Accordingly, when positioned in the surface cleaning apparatus, the assembly portions 344a, 344b together may provide the pre-motor filter media 330. Alternately, when positioned in the surface cleaning apparatus, the assembly portions 344a, 344b together may provide the post-motor filter media 332.
It will also be appreciated that the assembly portions 344a, 344b need not be part of the pre- and post-motor filter media. For example, assembly portions 344a, 344b may comprise only portions of a pre-motor filter media or a post-motor filter media.
The assembly portions 344a, 344b may be separately removable, optionally in the radial direction. It will be appreciated that the assembly portions 344a, 344b may be removable in an alternate direction, e.g., rearwardly. Further the assembly portions 344a, 344b may be removable in different directions assembly portion 344a may be removable radially and assembly portion 344b may be removable rearwardly.
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the first and second assembly portions 344a, 344b have an outer wall 192a that may comprise part or all of the main body housing sidewall 192 and thereby forms a portion of an outer surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 when the filter assembly 342 is positioned in the air flow path 160. Therefore, in the example illustrated, the first and second assembly portions 344a, 344b comprise the clean air outlet 164. In addition, in the example illustrated, the first and second assembly portions 344a, 344b comprise a rearmost portion of the main body housing sidewall 192 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100.
As exemplified in
As shown in
As also exemplified in
In the embodiment of
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In the example illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
The following is a description of a filter that is at least partially nested within the air treatment outlet 232, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, the user interface on the handle, the user interface overlying the main body housing, the user interface on an annular portion, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the porous air treatment outlet, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the ultraviolet disinfection, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
The porous member 422 of the air treatment outlet 232 may be rigid, e.g., it may be a screen that is made of a mesh material. As exemplified, the screen may be conical or frusto-conical in shape. It will be appreciated that the air treatment outlet 232 may be any shaped which enables a filter to be at least partially nested therein.
The filter may itself be rigid. For example, a pre-motor filter 330 may comprise a pleated filter material 814. The pleated filter material includes pleats 816, and the pleats 816 may extend in a forward/rearward direction. The pleats 816 may extend generally parallel to the apparatus longitudinal axis 110. The pre-motor filter 330 may have a hollow interior 818. The hollow interior 818 may be downstream of the pleated filter material 814. The hollow interior 818 may have an outlet end 820, and a suction motor inlet end 822 of the suction motor 322 may face the outlet end 820 of the hollow interior 818 when the filter is in an operational position. It will be appreciated that any filter material f any shape may be used.
The filter is at least partially nested in the air treatment outlet 232, e.g., a vortex finder. The filter may extend part way into the air treatment outlet 232 or substantially the entre way into the air treatment outlet 232. As exemplified in
It will also be appreciated that part or all of the filter may be nested into the air treatment outlet 232. As exemplified in
In order to enable more of the filter to be nested in the air treatment outlet 232, the filter may have a similar shape as the air treatment outlet 232 but with a smaller diameter. As exemplified, the filter is a rigid frusto-conical pre-motor filter. As the air treatment outlet 232 is frusto-conical, the filter may also be frusto-conical but with a diameter at a nested (forward) end 810 that is small enough to allow the air flow path to extend past the nested end 810 internal of the air treatment outlet 232.
As exemplified, the air treatment outlet 232 and the nested end 810 of the filter are each axially inward of the air treatment chamber inlet opening 234.
The following is a description of a porous air treatment outlet, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, the outlet end, the axial outer end, of the porous air treatment outlet 232 is positioned at or adjacent the inner surface of the cyclone chamber sidewall (see for example
Optionally, the porous air treatment outlet 232 may also comprise an air impermeable portion 427 and the outlet air permeable portion 422 may extend axially inwardly therefrom (see for example
In other embodiments, the outlet porous material 426 may be mounted to the treatment chamber second end wall 224. In such a case, the outlet air permeable portion 422 may extend inwardly from the treatment chamber second end 216. In such a case, a portion of the end wall may extend in a radial direction between the outlet porous material 426 and the inner surface of the cyclone chamber sidewall for a distance of less than 20%, 10% or less than 10%, such as 5% or less than 95% of the width of the cyclone.
It will be appreciated that the outlet porous material 426 of the outlet air permeable portion 422 may be located at or adjacent the inner surface of the cyclone chamber sidewall for all or a portion of the perimeter of the sidewall. In other words, in a plane transverse to the cyclone axis of rotation taken through the axially outer (downstream end) of the outlet porous material, all or a portion of the outlet porous material 426 may be located at or adjacent the cyclone chamber sidewall. Optionally all of the outlet porous material 426 is located at or adjacent the cyclone chamber sidewall. However, it will be appreciated that 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more than 90% of the outlet porous material 426 is located at or adjacent the cyclone chamber sidewall.
As exemplified in
It will be appreciated that, as exemplified in
Referring to
An advantage of this feature is that the surface area of the air outlet may be increased, thereby reducing the backpressure through the air treatment chamber 210.
The following is a description of ultraviolet disinfection, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, the porous air treatment outlet, and the dirt scoop, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
The ultraviolet light source 830 may be arranged to direct the ultraviolet light onto an interior and/or exterior surface of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to disinfect the interior and/or exterior surface. For example, the light may be used to kill biological material on an interior surface that would cause an odour. The light may be used to kill biological material on an exterior surface that could be harmful to the user when the user uses the surface cleaning apparatus (e.g., the exterior surface may be a surface of the handle).
The ultraviolet light source 830 may be arranged to direct the ultraviolet light into a light carrying structure 832 (such as a light pipe) to be carried by the light carrying structure 832 to a distal location. For example, the source may be provided in the main body housing and the light carrying structure may carry the light to the handle and/or the interior of the air treatment chamber.
The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include at least one member that is transparent to ultraviolet light, and the ultraviolet light may be directed through the transparent member (inwardly, e.g., into an air treatment chamber, or outwardly, through a handle). For example, the transparent member may be a wall of the handle 124, and light may be directed to the external surface of the UV transparent wall of the handle 124 from within the handle 124 to disinfect an external surface of the handle 124.
The ultraviolet light source 830 may be activated when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked at a docking station or placed in a storage position wherein a user is not holding the surface cleaning apparatus.
The following is a description of a dirt scoop, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more of the rib arrester, the air inlet with a side opening, the variable area inlet downstream opening, the curved closure member, the axially moving closure member, the withdrawable closure member, the closure member moved by a driving member, the openable chamber first end, the axially moveable chamber end, moving using fluid pressure, positioning of the user interface, the filter removeable past the user interface, the radially-removeable post-motor filter, the removable pre- and/or post-motor filter media, the nested filter, and the ultraviolet disinfection, which are set out herein.
In accordance with this aspect, as exemplified in
As exemplified, in the operational position, the dirt scoop 840 is located in the air treatment chamber 210. It will be appreciated that the dirt scoop may be of any shape and may extend any amount into the air treatment member. As exemplified, the dirt scoop 840 is a linearly extending member.
The dirt scoop 840 may be mounted to a moveable carrying member 842. As exemplified, the dirt scoop 840 is mounted to or provided as part of the air treatment inlet 230. The moveable carrying member 842 may move when the evacuation opening 410 is opened. The moveable carrying member 842 may be pivotally mounted, and may move about a pivot axis when the evacuation opening 410 is opened. The dirt scoop 840 moves with the moveable carrying member 842.
As the dirt scoop is moves with, e.g., the air treatment inlet 230, it passes through part of the free volume 470 of the air treatment chamber 210 and may help to dislodge dirt within the air treatment chamber. The dirt scoop may sweep through part or all of the free volume 470 to dislodge dirt and move the dirt towards or out the evacuation opening 410.
As exemplified, the dirt scoop 840 may extend between a first end 850 and an opposite second end 852, with the first end 850 mounted to the moveable carrying member 842 and the second end 852 following an arc-shaped path 854 through the chamber.
As exemplified, the moveable carrying member 842 may be the air treatment inlet 230. The dirt scoop may include a linearly extending member 846 extending into the air treatment chamber from the moveable carrying member. The dirt scoop may extend along a scoop longitudinal axis 844 between a first end and a second end opposite the first end.
The dirt scoop may be rigid or flexible.
The dirt scoop 840 may be positioned adjacent the chamber sidewall 220 in the operational position. The dirt scoop 840 may be spaced from the chamber sidewall 220 by, e.g., less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 1 mm in the operational position. The scoop longitudinal axis 844 may be generally parallel to the chamber sidewall 220 in the operation position. As such, the dirt scoop may be positioned out of the air flow path of air in the air treatment chamber (e.g., it may be flush with or recessed into a sidewall of the air treatment chamber.
As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.
While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. 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.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/126,268, filed on Mar. 24, 2023, which itself is: (A) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/988,594, filed on Nov. 16, 2022, which is itself a continuation-in-part of: a. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/818,438, filed on Mar. 13, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,529,033 on Dec. 20, 2022, which itself claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/818,856, filed on Mar. 15, 2019, and also claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 62/825,148, filed on Mar. 28, 2019;b. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/458,217 which was filed on Aug. 26, 2021 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,771,281 on Oct. 3, 2023, which itself is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/342,410, filed on Jun. 8, 2021, which itself is a continuation of: i. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/822,708, filed on Mar. 18, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,730,327 on Aug. 22, 2023;ii. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/823,191, filed on Mar. 18, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,666,193 on Jun. 6, 2023;iii. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16,823,103, filed on Mar. 18, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,766,156 on Sep. 26, 2023; andiv. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/823,216, filed on Mar. 18, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,445,878 on Sep. 20, 2022;c. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/342,299 which was filed on Jun. 8, 2021 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,737,621 on Aug. 29, 2023, which itself is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/900,465, filed on Jun. 12, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,445,875 on Sep. 20, 2020, which itself is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/642,781, filed Jul. 6, 2017 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,722,086 on Jul. 28, 2020; and,d. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/694,362 which was filed on Mar. 14, 2022 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,745,190 on Sep. 5, 2023, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/471,041, filed on Sep. 9, 2021 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,524,306 on Dec. 13, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/806,726, filed on Mar. 2, 2020 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,219,906 on Jan. 11, 2022, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/447,308, filed on Jun. 20, 2019 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,966,583 on Apr. 6, 2021, which itself is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/254,918, filed on Jan. 23, 2019 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,828,649 on Nov. 10, 2020, and(B) a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/900,088, filed on Aug. 31, 2022, the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62825148 | Mar 2019 | US | |
| 62818856 | Mar 2019 | US |
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