Patent Grant
11627849
This specification relates to a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base with a removable portable surface cleaning unit such as a pod or other hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus wherein the portable surface cleaning apparatus is usable when mounted on the base or when removed therefrom.
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 apparatuses are known in the art. Such surface cleaning apparatuses include vacuum cleaners, including upright vacuum cleaners, hand carriable vacuum cleaners, canister type vacuum cleaners, and Shop-Vac™ type vacuum cleaners. Some such vacuum cleaners are provided with wheels. For example, typical upright vacuum cleaners are provided with a surface cleaning head that includes wheels mounted to a bottom surface thereof. Upright vacuum cleaners are easy for a consumer to use since the consumer does not have to carry the vacuum cleaner but merely push it over a surface. However, depending on the size of the surface cleaning head, an upright vacuum cleaner may not be useable in smaller or crowded areas. Canister vacuum cleaners have a flexibly hose extending between a surface cleaning head and the canister body, thereby improving mobility of the cleaning head. However, consumers must separately move a canister body, which can add an extra step during the cleaning process.
This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.
According to one broad aspect of this invention, a surface cleaning apparatus comprises a portable cleaning unit, which may be carried by hand or a shoulder strap such as a pod or handvac (hand vacuum cleaner), which is removably mounted on an upright section that is moveably mounted to a surface cleaning head between a storage position and a reclined in use position. The upright section may be an up flow duct or conduit which is rigid and suitable to support the pod or handvac. The portable cleaning unit may be provided with a suction motor (a portable cleaning unit suction motor) and an energy storage member (such as one or more battery). Accordingly, the suction motor of the portable cleaning unit may be operable on DC current. However, in accordance with this embodiment, the surface cleaning head or the upright section, and preferably the surface cleaning head, may include a second or upstream suction motor (e.g. an AC powered suction motor). Accordingly, when the portable cleaning unit is provided on the upright section and the surface cleaning head and/or the upright section is connected to a source of current, the upstream suction motor may be operated, e.g. on AC current, and used to cause air to travel through an airflow path (e.g., push the air in the case of a dirty air motor) to the air treatment member in the portable cleaning unit. An advantage of this design is that the upstream suction motor may provide more air watts than a smaller motor provided in the portable cleaning unit so as to produce a higher airflow and therefore increase cleanability when the portable cleaning unit is provided on the upright section. Alternately, or in addition, the upstream suction motor, when combined with the portable cleaning unit suction motor, may provide more air flow and air watts than the portable cleaning unit suction motor alone and therefore provide increased cleanability. However, when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the upright section, a smaller and lighter suction motor is utilized. While the velocity of the airflow through the portable cleaning unit when removed from the upright section may be decreased, the reduced weight of the suction motor may be beneficial. In addition, a smaller airflow path may be provided when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the upright section, and, accordingly, a smaller AC or DC power suction motor may provide substantially similar airflow in the hand carriable mode.
The portable cleaning unit may comprise at least one air treatment member and a suction motor. The air treatment member may be a cyclonic separation stage, a swirl chamber, a filter bag or any other means known in the vacuum cleaner arts. Accordingly, the portable cleaning unit is useable, e.g., as a vacuum cleaner or the like, when removed from the base. The cyclonic separation stage comprises a cyclone chamber and a material collection chamber. The portable cleaning unit is configured such that the material collection chamber is removable for emptying when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the base. For example, the material collection chamber may be removed by itself when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the base. Alternately, the material collection chamber and the cyclone chamber may be removable as a unit (e.g. a cyclone bin assembly). It will be appreciated that the material collection chamber, either by itself or in conjunction with the cyclone chamber and possibly other elements, may be removable from the portable cleaning unit when the portable cleaning unit has been removed from the base. An advantage of this design is that the usability of the surface cleaning apparatus is increased. In particular, when it is needed to empty the dirt collection chamber, all that is needed is to remove the dirt collection chamber either by itself, or, for example, together with the cyclone chamber for emptying. Accordingly, a user did not carry the weight of the motor when the user is emptying the dirt collection chamber.
Preferably, in accordance with this embodiment, the dirt collection chamber and, optionally, the cyclone chamber may be provided on an upper portion of the portable cleaning unit so as to be removable upwardly therefrom.
It will be appreciated by a skilled person in the art that any of the features of the configuration of a portable cleaning unit to permit a dirt collection chamber to be removed from the portable cleaning unit when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the base as discussed herein may not be utilized with dual motor design disclosed herein, but may be used by itself or in combination with any other feature disclosed herein.
In accordance with another embodiment, the portable cleaning unit may be provided with a pod hose which is removable with the portable cleaning unit from the base. The pod hose may have a smaller diameter and, accordingly, may be used only when the portable cleaning unit has been removed from the base. Accordingly, when the portable cleaning unit is on a base, the pod hose does not form part of the fluid flow path. Accordingly, the smaller diameter of the pod hose does not restrict the airflow path when the portable cleaning unit is placed on a base. An advantage of this design is that the portable cleaning unit may carry a longer hose without increasing the volume taken by the pod hose. In addition, the pod hose, being a smaller diameter, may be more flexible and enhance the usability of the portable cleaning unit in a hand carriable mode. For example, the pod hose may have a greater stretch ratio, for example, of 4:1 to 7:1 or more.
In accordance with this embodiment, a valve may be provided on the portable cleaning unit whereby the pod hose is not in airflow communication with the suction motor when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the base. However, when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the base, the valve may be actuated (e.g. automatically upon removal of the portable cleaning unit from the base, manually by the user or automatically when the hose is deployed for use) such that pod hose form part of the air flow path.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any of the features of the pod hose which are discussed herein may not be utilized with the dual motor design disclosed herein, but may be used by itself or in combination with any other feature disclosed herein.
In accordance with another embodiment, the portable cleaning unit may be operable by AC power supplied to the base when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the base and may be operable on DC power when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the base. Accordingly, the portable cleaning unit may include an energy storage member (e.g. one or more batteries) which may power the suction motor when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the base. Accordingly, the suction motor may be operable on DC current. When the pod is mounted on the base, and the base is connected to a source of current by an electrical cord, then the suction motor may be in electrical communication with the base so as to be powered by AC current supplied through the electrical cord. For example, the suction motor could have dual winding so as to be operable on both AC and DC current. Alternately, the base may include a power supply to convert the AC current to DC current which is then supplied to the suction motor when the portable cleaning unit is placed on the base. For example, the power supply may comprise an inverter.
In this particular embodiment, it will be appreciated that the batteries in the portable cleaning unit may be charged while the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the base and the base is plugged into an electrical outlet.
In a further alternate embodiment, instead of utilizing electricity from an electrical outlet, the base may include a fuel cell or an alcohol powered internal or external combustion engine. In such an embodiment, the base may produce AC current or DC current, which is then supplied to the suction motor when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the base and actuated.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any of the features of a portable cleaning unit which is operable on AC and DC current as disclosed herein may not be utilized with the dual motor design disclosed herein, but may be used by itself or in combination with any other feature disclosed herein.
In accordance with the further embodiment, the portable cleaning unit may comprise both an energy storage member and a power supply. Accordingly, when the portable cleaning unit is connected to a power source (e.g. a cord extends from the portable cleaning unit to an electrical outlet), AC power may be supplied to the power supply (e.g. an inverter) to convert the AC current to DC which is then utilized to power the suction motor. When a user is unable to or does not want to plug the portable cleaning unit into a wall outlet, the portable cleaning unit may be powered by the energy storage member (e.g. batteries), which provide DC current to a suction motor. Accordingly, the portable cleaning unit may be powered by both AC current from a wall outlet and DC current supplied by batteries as may be desired. In a further alternate embodiment, the suction motor may be provided with two windings. In such a case, the power supply is not required and the suction motor may be powered by both DC current from the batteries and AC current from a wall outlet.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any of the features of a pod operable with both AC and DC current as discussed herein may not be utilized with dual motor design disclosed herein, but may be used by itself or in combination with any other feature disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise or be connectable to a power cord and the portable cleaning unit may be powered solely by the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the upright section.
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise or be connectable to a power cord, the first energy storage member may comprises one or more batteries and the one or more batteries may be charged when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the upright section.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may not be used to provide motive power to move fluid through the fluid flow path when the surface cleaning apparatus is switched on and when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the upright section.
In some embodiments, the upstream suction motor may be in the fluid flow path and is a dirty air motor.
In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a downstream fluid flow path extending from an inlet of the portable cleaning unit to a clean air outlet and the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be in the downstream fluid flow path.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit may further comprise or be connectable to a power cord.
In some embodiments, the power cord may provide power to the portable cleaning unit suction motor and provide power to the upstream suction motor.
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise a second energy storage member.
In some embodiments, the second energy storage member may charge the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the upright section.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be operable on DC power and the upstream suction motor may be operable on AC power.
In some embodiments, the upright section may be an up flow duct.
In another embodiment, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be operable on DC power.
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise or be connectable to a power cord and the portable cleaning unit may be powered solely by the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the upright section.
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise or be connectable to a power cord, the first energy storage member may comprises one or more batteries and the one or more batteries may be charged when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the upright section.
In some embodiments, the upright section may be an up flow duct.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be operable on DC power and the upstream suction motor may be operable on AC power.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be a dirty air motor and the upstream suction motor may be a clean air motor.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit may further comprise or be connectable to a power cord and the portable cleaning unit suction motor may also be operable on power provided by the external source of power when removed from to the upright section.
In another embodiment, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may further comprise or is connectable to a power cord and the portable cleaning unit is powered solely by the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may further comprise or is connectable to a power cord, the first energy storage member comprises batteries and the batteries are charged when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the suction motor in the portable cleaning unit may not be used to provide motive power to move fluid through the fluid flow path when the surface cleaning unit is switched on and when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the fluid flow path may comprise an upstream portion that extends from the first dirty fluid inlet to the portable cleaning unit and the AC suction motor is in the fluid flow path.
In some embodiments, the fluid flow path may comprise a downstream fluid flow path extending through the portable cleaning unit to the clean air outlet and the portable cleaning unit suction motor is in the downstream fluid flow path.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit may comprise a flexible hose having a second dirty fluid inlet and the flexible hose is part of the downstream fluid flow path when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the flexible hose may be an electrified flexible hose.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may further comprise a second energy storage member.
In some embodiments, the second energy storage member may charge the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be a DC motor.
In one embodiment, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be a DC motor.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may further comprise or is connectable to a power cord and the portable cleaning unit is powered solely by the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may further comprise or is connectable to a power cord, the first energy storage member comprises batteries and the batteries are charged when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may further comprise or is connectable to a power cord, the wheeled base further comprises a circuit that receives AC current and outputs DC current and the portable cleaning unit is powered the DC current when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the wheeled base.
In some embodiments the portable cleaning unit suction motor may operate at a first power level when removed from the wheeled base and at a second power level when is mounted on the wheeled base.
In some embodiments the first power level may be less than the second power.
In accordance with another aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus, preferably a canister or Shop-Vac™ style vacuum cleaner is provided which comprises a portable cleaning unit and a wheeled base. Preferably, the cleaning unit is removably mounted to the wheeled base. Alternately, or in addition, the wheeled base has wheels mounted outward of the wheeled base, and which are preferably of a larger diameter (e.g., 1-3 inches in diameter, preferably 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter).
According to this aspect, the surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a member having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a wheeled based. A portable cleaning unit is removably mounted on the wheeled base and comprising at least one cyclonic separation stage and a suction motor positioned in the fluid flow path.
Embodiments in accordance with this broad aspect may be advantageous because the surface cleaning apparatus may have increased maneuverability. That is, the surface cleaning apparatus may be used as a wheel mounted surface cleaning apparatus when convenient for a user since the user need not carry the surface cleaning apparatus, or as a hand or strap carriable surface cleaning apparatus, such as when a stairs or a smaller or crowded area is to be cleaned, according to the user's preference.
In some embodiments, the at least one cyclonic separation stage may comprise a cyclone chamber having at least one material outlet, a divider plate associated with the material outlet and an associated material collection chamber in flow communication with the material outlet.
In some embodiments, the material collection chamber may be positioned below the material outlet. In a further embodiment, the divider plate may be positioned in the material outlet.
In some embodiments, the material collection chamber may be moveable relative to the cyclone chamber. In a further embodiment the material collection chamber may be removable from the at least one cyclone chamber.
In some embodiments, the material collection chamber may have a portion that is openable. In a further embodiment, the portion that is openable may be a bottom wall. Such embodiments may be advantageous because the wheeled base may prevent accidental opening of the material collection chamber.
In some embodiments, the suction motor may be positioned laterally spaced from the at least one cyclonic separation stage. Accordingly, the surface cleaning apparatus may have a relatively wide stance and low center of mass, and therefore may have increased stability.
In some embodiments, the cleaning unit has a front end having the dirty fluid inlet and the front end of the cleaning unit is positioned at a front end of the wheeled base and the suction motor is positioned rearward of the at least one cyclonic separation stage.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may have a length greater than its width. In further embodiments, the wheeled base may be generally polygonal, and preferably generally triangular in shape. Such embodiments may be advantageous because the surface cleaning apparatus may have both increased maneuverability and increased stability.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may have at least one front wheel and at least two rear wheels, the rear wheels may have a larger diameter then the at least one front wheel and the at least one front wheel may be steerable. Such embodiments may be advantageous because the larger rear wheels may provide the wheeled base with increased stability, and the steerable front wheel may provide the wheeled base with increased maneuverability. Alternately, the front wheels may have a larger diameter or essentially the same diameter as the rear wheels.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may have at least one front wheel and at least two rear wheels and the rear wheels may have a larger diameter then the at least one front wheel.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may have at least one front wheel and at least two rear wheels and the rear wheels may have a smaller diameter then the at least one front wheel.
In some embodiments, the at least one front wheel may be steerable.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may have rear wheels that are positioned outwardly of an area occupied by the cleaning unit when the cleaning unit is mounted on the wheeled base. Alternately, or in addition, the wheeled base may have front wheels that are positioned outwardly of an area occupied by the cleaning unit when the cleaning unit is mounted on the wheeled base. Such embodiments may be advantageous because the wheeled base may have a relatively wide stance, thereby providing greater stability to the surface cleaning apparatus. Additionally, the surface cleaning apparatus may be relatively close to the ground, and may therefore have a lower center of mass and increased stability.
In some embodiments, the cleaning unit may have a front end having a fluid inlet downstream from the dirty fluid inlet and the front end of the cleaning unit is positioned at a front end of the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the cleaning unit may be lockably receivable on the wheeled base.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may have at least one front wheel having a diameter of 1 to 3 inches and at least two rear wheels having a diameter of 1 to 3 inches.
In some embodiments, the cleaning unit may have a carry handle and/or a shoulder strap.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may have at least one front wheel and at least two rear wheels, and the cleaning unit is receivable on an open platform.
In some embodiments, the wheeled base may have an absence of operating components.
In accordance with another aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus is operable using an on board storage member in a first mode of operation and may operable using an external power source (e.g., AC power from a wall outlet) in another mode of operation. The first mode may be used when a portable cleaning unit, such as a hand vacuum cleaner, is removed from the remainder of the surface cleaning apparatus.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise or may be connectable to a power cord and the portable cleaning unit may be powered solely by the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the upright section.
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise or may be connectable to a power cord, the first energy storage member may comprise one or more batteries and the one or more batteries may be charged when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the upright section.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may not be used to provide motive power to move fluid through the fluid flow path when the surface cleaning apparatus is switched on and when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the upright section.
In some embodiments, the upstream suction motor may be in the fluid flow path and may be a dirty air motor.
In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may further comprise a downstream fluid flow path extending from an inlet of the portable cleaning unit to a clean air outlet and the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be in the downstream fluid flow path.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit may further comprise or may be connectable to a power cord.
In some embodiments, the power cord may provide power to the portable cleaning unit suction motor and may provide power to the upstream suction motor.
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise a second energy storage member.
In some embodiments, the second energy storage member may charge the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the upright section.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be operable on DC power and the upstream suction motor may be operable on AC power.
In some embodiments, the upright section may comprise an up flow duct and the portable cleaning unit may be a hand vacuum cleaner.
In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be operable on DC power.
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise or may be connectable to a power cord and the portable cleaning unit may be powered solely by the first energy storage member when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the upright section.
In some embodiments, one of the surface cleaning head and the upright section may further comprise or may be connectable to a power cord, the first energy storage member comprises one or more battery and the one or more battery may be charged when the portable cleaning unit is mounted on the upright section.
In some embodiments, the upright section may comprise an up flow duct and the portable cleaning unit is a hand vacuum cleaner.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be operable on DC power and the upstream suction motor may be operable on AC power.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be a dirty air motor and the upstream suction motor may be a clean air motor.
In some embodiments, the portable cleaning unit may further comprise or may be connectable to a power cord and the portable cleaning unit suction motor may be also operable on power provided by the external source of power when removed from to the upright section.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that a surface cleaning apparatus may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination.
The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.
In the drawings:
Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
It will be appreciated that technologies discussed with respect to an embodiment using a wheeled base as exemplified in
Portable Cleaning Unit Construction
The following is a description of portable cleaning unit constructions that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
Referring to
Dirty fluid inlet 12 is provided in a member 34. In the embodiment shown in
Referring to the exemplified embodiments of
For example, in the embodiments exemplified, cyclonic cleaning stage 18 includes a single cyclone chamber 22. Cyclone chamber 22 comprises a dirty air inlet 24, a separated or dirty material outlet 26, and a clean air outlet 28. A dirty or separated material collection chamber 30 is mounted below dirty material outlet 26, for collecting material removed from the air in cyclone chamber 22. In the embodiment shown, a divider plate 32 is associated with dirty material outlet 26. Divider plate 32 is positioned below the dirty material outlet 26, within the material collection chamber 30. It will be appreciated that a divider plate may be used any one or more of the cyclones and it may be of any configuration and located at any position known in the art. Alternately, a divider plate may not be used and the cyclone chambers may be of any design.
Material collection chamber 30 may be of any configuration and may be emptied by a user in any manner known in the art. In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, a filter or a screen may be associated with clean air outlet 28. For example, as shown in
In the embodiment of
In the exemplified embodiment of
In other embodiments, cleaning unit 16 may be otherwise configured. For example, cleaning unit 16 may not comprise a filter assembly, or may comprise a plurality of filter assemblies. Additionally, cleaning unit 16 may comprise additional cleaning stages, which may be positioned laterally adjacent each other or above each other.
In the embodiments shown, the first 44 and second 46 housings are integrally molded. In other embodiments, the first 44 and second 46 housings may be separately manufactured and then secured together, such as by a common base or by gluing, welding or mechanically securing the two housings together. In some embodiments, first 44 and/or second 46 housing may be provided with an openable lid 45, as shown in
Referring to
Surface cleaning apparatus 110 comprises a dirty fluid inlet 112, a clean air outlet 114, and a fluid flow path extending therebetween. A portable cleaning unit 116 is provided in the fluid flow path. Cleaning unit 116 comprises at least one cyclonic separation stage 118 for removing dirt from air, or for removing liquid from air or to pick up liquid. Cleaning unit 116 further comprises a suction motor 120 for drawing fluid from the dirty fluid inlet 112 to the clean air outlet 114. Dirty fluid inlet 112 is provided in a member 134, which in this embodiment is a surface cleaning head.
In this embodiment the cleaning unit 116 is mounted to a wheeled base 158. Wheeled base 158 comprises a plurality of wheels 160, and a cradle 162, which receives cleaning unit 116. The portable cleaning unit 116 can be operated while seated in the cradle 162 (
Referring to
Material collection chamber 130 may be of any configuration and may be emptied by a user in any manner known in the art. In the embodiment shown in
Referring to
Referring to
In this embodiment the cleaning unit 516 is mounted to a wheeled base 558. Wheeled base 558 comprises a plurality of wheels 560, and a cradle 562 (
Referring to
Material collection chamber 530 may be of any configuration and may be emptied by a user in any manner known in the art. In the embodiment shown in
Referring to
Referring to
In this embodiment, the cleaning unit 616 is mounted to upright section 689 which is moveably mounted to surface cleaning head 634 between a storage position and a reclined in use position, and may use any connection member (e.g., a pivot) as is known in the art. Surface cleaning head 634 may be a wheeled base comprising a plurality of wheels 660 (e.g. two rear wheels 660). Alternatively, surface cleaning head 634 may not include any wheels 660 (e.g. surface cleaning head 634 may slide over surfaces to be cleaned). Cleaning unit 616 may be connected to surface cleaning head 634 by an up flow conduit 689. An up flow conduit 689 may be pivotally connected to surface cleaning head 634 by a pivot joint 635. For example, up flow conduit 689 may be formed by or in pivot joint 635, or up flow conduit 689 may comprise a rigid extension conduit (e.g. wand) extending upwardly from pivot joint 635 as shown. The portable cleaning unit 616 can be operated while mounted to the conduit 689 (e.g. as a stick vac or stair cleaner) and can be disconnected from air flow communication with surface cleaning head 634 and used as a hand carriable apparatus (e.g. handvac, see
Referring to
Material collection chamber 630 may be of any configuration and may be emptied by a user in any manner known in the art. In the embodiment shown in
Wheeled Base Construction
The following is a description of a wheeled base construction that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
Referring again to
In some embodiments, cleaning unit 16 may be permanently mounted to wheeled base 58, for example via one or more bolts. In other embodiments, cleaning unit 16 may be removably mounted to wheeled base 58. For example, a user may remove cleaning unit 16 from wheeled base in order to maneuver cleaning unit 16, or to empty material collection chamber 30. In such embodiments, cleaning unit 16 is portable. For example, as shown in
In any embodiment, surface cleaning apparatus 10 may comprise a handle 64, and/or a shoulder strap 65 (shown in
Surface cleaning apparatus 10 may further comprise a locking member (not shown), such that cleaning unit 16 may be lockably received on wheeled base 58. The locking member may comprise any suitable locking member known in the art, such as, for example, a quick release latch, a friction or snap fit, a set screw, a tie down strap (e.g., a strap which may be wrapped around cleaning unit 16) or the like. The lock may be actuatable by a foot pedal. Alternately wheeled base 58 may have side wall extending up around cradle 62 within which portable cleaning unit 16 is received. It will be appreciated that cradle 64 may be any member on which portable cleaning unit 16 may be received or secured, such as a flat base with or without side walls.
In the embodiments exemplified, wheeled base 58 comprises a front wheel 66, and two rear wheels 68a, 68b. Accordingly, cradle 62 is a platform that is generally polygonal and, preferably, generally triangular in configuration. This configuration may provide increased maneuverability to surface cleaning apparatus 10. In other embodiments, wheeled base 58 may comprise another number of wheels. For example, in some embodiments, wheeled base 58 may comprise two front wheels and two rear wheels. It will be appreciated that, as exemplified, housings 44, 46 may be oriented on cradle 62 with the suction motor at the rearward end of portable cleaning unit 16 and the inlet to portable cleaning unit 16 at the forward end of the front housing. In alternate configurations, housings 44, 46 may be positioned side by side. Further, if more than two housings 44, 46 are provided, then the housings may be arranged linearly, in a triangular configuration or any other desired configuration.
In some embodiments, front wheel 66 is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis to cradle 62 (e.g., is a caster wheel), and rear wheels are non-rotatably mounted about a vertical axis. Accordingly, front wheel 66 may be steerable. In other embodiments, all of front wheel 66 and rear wheels 68 may be caster wheels, or may be non-rotatably mounted wheels.
In some embodiments, wheeled base 58 has a length greater than its width. That is, the distance L between front wheel 66 and axis 67 extending between rear wheels 68a, 68b, is greater than the distance W between rear wheels 68a, 68b, along axis 67. In other embodiments, wheeled base 58 may have a width W greater than its length L, or may have width W equal to its length L.
In the embodiments shown, front wheel 66 is of a smaller diameter than rear wheels 68a, 68b. Alternately, rear wheels 68a, 68b may be smaller than front wheel 66. Preferably, both the front and rear wheels are each relatively large. For example, in some embodiments, front wheel(s) may have a diameter of between about 0.5-4 inches, preferably 1-3 inches and more preferably 1.5-2.5 inches. In some embodiments, rear wheels may have a diameter of between about 0.5-4 inches, preferably 1-3 inches and more preferably 1.5-2.5 inches. In one particular embodiment, both front wheel(s) 66 and rear wheels 68a, 68b have a diameter in the same range. Such embodiments may be advantageous to provide surface cleaning apparatus 10 with increased maneuverability and with increased stability.
In the embodiments shown, wheeled base 58 is configured such that, when cleaning unit 16 is mounted on cradle 62, rear wheels 58 are positioned outwardly of cleaning unit 16. That is, rear wheels 58 are separated by a distance W that is greater than the width W of cleaning unit 16. Such embodiments may provide surface cleaning apparatus 10 with a wider stance, and accordingly with increased stability. Additionally, because rear wheels 68 are positioned outwardly of cleaning unit 16, rear wheels 68 may be provided with an increased diameter, as previously mentioned, without increasing the distance between cleaning unit 16 and a surface such as a floor. Accordingly, the center of mass of cleaning unit 16 may remain low, which further increases the stability of surface cleaning apparatus 10.
In some embodiments, wheeled base 58 may comprise operating components of surface cleaning apparatus 10, such as a suction motor (see
In the embodiments shown, cleaning unit 16 is oriented such that dirty fluid inlet 12 is provided at a front end 70 of surface cleaning apparatus 10, adjacent front wheel 66, and suction motor 20 is provided at a rear end 72 of surface cleaning apparatus 10, adjacent rear wheels 68. In other embodiments, cleaning unit 16 may be otherwise oriented. For example, suction motor 20 may be provided at front end 70, and dirty fluid inlet 12 may be provided at rear end 72. Alternatively, cleaning unit 16 may be oriented such that suction motor 20 and dirty fluid inlet 12 are equally spaced from front wheel 66 and rear wheels 68. That is, cleaning unit 16 may be positioned substantially sideways in wheeled base 58.
In some embodiments, portable cleaning unit 16 may be connected to a remote surface cleaning head by connected in air flow communication with the wheeled base, wherein the remote surface cleaning head may be connected or removably connected in air flow communication with the wheeled base. Accordingly, when portable cleaning unit 16 is placed on the wheeled base, it may be automatically connected in air flow communication with the wheeled base (see for example
As exemplified in
It will be appreciated that in the portable mode, a wand or flexible hose and wand, or other member known in the art may be attached to hose 34 or hose 34 may be removed and the wand or flexible hose and wand, or other member known in the art may be attached directly to the inlet to housing 44.
In some embodiments, one or more accessories, such as cleaning brush 74 and wand extension 76 may be secured to the upper surface of lid 45, such as by means of mounts 78. Accordingly, extension 76 may be configured to function as a handle (e.g. central section 76 may be arcuate in shape or be spaced from lid 45), to define an opening 80 between the upper surface of lid 34 such that extension 76 of brush 74 may be a carry handle 64 for the vacuum cleaner. Alternately, extension 76 may be configured to seat on handle 64 and permit handle 64 to be used when brush 74 is mounted on portable cleaning unit 16. In other embodiments, one or more accessories may be provided in a recess in the lower surface of portable cleaning unit 16 or in an upper surface of wheeled base 58.
Referring to
As shown, cleaning unit 616 may have a handle 664 for maneuvering cleaning unit 616 when it is connected to base 658 and when it is removed from base 658 (
Referring to
As exemplified in
Removable Dirt Chamber
The following is a description of a portable cleaning unit having a removable dirt chamber that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
In the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone chamber 518 and material collection chamber 530, referred to collectively as a cyclone bin assembly 588, can be removed from the portable surface cleaning unit 516 when the portable surface cleaning unit 516 is seated on the base 558 (
Referring to
In this embodiment, the first hose 190a is connected to the surface cleaning unit 516 and extends between a downstream end 592a (with reference to the direction of airflow through the hose 590a) that is connected to the surface cleaning unit 516 and the rigid conduit 589. In this configuration, when the surface cleaning unit 516 is removed from the base 558 the hose 590a comes with the surface cleaning unit 516 (
It will be appreciated that, in alternate embodiments, material collection chamber 130 may be a separate unit and may be removable without the cyclone chamber. Alternately, or in addition, material collection chamber 130 may be removed with the handle of the portable cleaning unit. An advantage of this design is that the handle of the portable cleaning unit may be useable to manipulate the material collection chamber 130 or cyclone bin assembly when removed for emptying.
Automatic Portable Cleaning Unit Hose Connection
The following is a description of automatically connecting a hose of the portable cleaning unit in air flow communication with the base when the portable cleaning unit is placed on the base that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
Referring to
The first hose 190a extends from its upstream that is connected to rigid conduit 189 to its downstream end 192a (with reference to the direction of airflow through the hose 190a) that is connected to the base 158. The first hose 190a has a diameter 191a. While the first hose 190a may be removably connectable to the base 158, first hose 109a remains attached to the base 158 regardless of the position of the surface cleaning unit 116 (
Referring to
The second hose 190b is shown in a wrapped or storage position in
Referring to
Referring to
In order to provide a seal, one or both of base 158 and surface cleaning unit 116 may be configured to provide sufficient abutment therebetween so that an air tight seal is created. As exemplified in
If the cyclone bin assembly is removable, then the remaining body of portable cleaning unit 116 may also or alternately be angled to press the cyclone inlet 524 against opening 195 (see for example
Valve to Switch Between Hoses
The following is a description of alternate air flow paths that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
In accordance with this aspect, the portable cleaning unit may incorporate a hose which is different to first hose 190a. For example, it may have a smaller diameter. Accordingly, it may be preferred not to use such a hose in the air flow path when portable cleaning unit 116 is mounted on the base since the smaller diameter hose would reduce air flow and increase the back pressure. However, the smaller diameter hose may be lighter and easier to use in a portable mode (i.e., when surface cleaning unit 116 is removed from base 158). In such a case, a valve may be provided to selective connect the cyclone air inlet with the different hoses or air flow paths. The valve may be manually operable or automatically operable. For example, the valve may be actuated automatically when the surface cleaning unit 116 is removed from the base or when the smaller diameter hose is deployed from a storage position for use.
Accordingly, if second hose 190b has a smaller diameter into the air flow path when the surface cleaning unit 116 is docked, a user may optionally detach the downstream end 192b of the second hose 190a from the air inlet 124 (thereby removing the second hose 190b from the air flow circuit) and can reposition the downstream end 192a of the hose 190a to be connected directly to the inlet 124. Alternately, inlet 124 could be automatically connected in air flow communication with opening 195 when surface cleaning unit 116 is placed on base 158.
Optionally, instead requiring a user to reconfigure a hose, the surface cleaning apparatus may include a valve positioned in the air flow path that allows the air flow to be switched between the first and second hoses. In this configuration, both hoses can remain attached to their respective components, and the air flow path to the surface cleaning unit 116 can include either of the first and second hoses. Optionally, one of the hoses may be detachable and connectable to the other of the hoses, such that one large hose is created and forms the air flow path to the surface cleaning unit.
Referring to
In this embodiment, the surface cleaning unit 216 includes a valve 297 provided in the air flow path, upstream from the air inlet of the cyclone chamber 218. The valve is connected to the downstream end 292b of the second hose 290b, and the valve 297 and second hose 290b are removable with the surface cleaning unit 216 (
Use of Dual Suction Motors
The following is a description of the use of dual suction motors that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
Optionally, the base of the surface cleaning apparatus may include some operating components of the surface cleaning apparatus, including, for example a suction motor, the power cord and a cord reel. Providing components in the base may help reduce the weight and/or overall size of the portable surface cleaning unit.
Referring to
In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus 310 includes a base 358 and a surface cleaning unit 316 that can be mounted on the base 358 (as illustrated), and can be detached to be used separately from the base 358.
The surface cleaning unit 316 includes a cyclone bin assembly 388 that has a cyclone chamber 318 and a dirt collection chamber 330. The cyclone chamber 318 has an air inlet 324 and an air outlet 328. A dirt outlet in the form of a slot 326 provides communication between the cyclone chamber 318 and the dirt collection chamber 330.
A first suction motor 320a is provided in the surface cleaning unit 316. An air flow conduit 400 provides an air flow path between the air outlet of the pre-motor filter housing and the suction motor 320a. Accordingly, a pre-motor filter 338 is provided in the air flow path between the air outlet 328 of the cyclone chamber 318 and the motor 320a.
In the illustrated embodiment the electrical cord 401 is wound around a cord reel 402 that is provided in the base 358. In addition, a second suction motor 320b is provided in the base 358 and is in electrical communication with the power cord 401 such that the second suction motor 358 can be powered by an external power supply (e.g. a wall socket). A base conduit 403 provides air flow communication between the second suction motor 320b and a port 404 on the upper surface of the base 358.
When the surface cleaning unit 316 is mounted on the base 358, a mating port 406 on the surface cleaning unit 316 may connect to and seal the port 404. Preferably, a valve 407 (e.g. any suitable valve such as a two position valve and a ball valve) is provided, e.g., in the air flow path between the filter 338 and the motor 320a. The valve 407 is also in air flow communication with the port 406, and is operable to selectively connect either port 406 or conduit 400 in airflow communication with the cyclone bin assembly 388. When conduit 400 is connected, suction motor 320a may be used draw air through the surface cleaning unit 316 (and preferably motor 320b is not). When port 406 is connected, suction motor 320b may be used to draw air through the surface cleaning unit 316 (and preferably motor 320a is not). Preferably, the valve 407 is configured (for example via a biasing member or linkage member) so that when the surface cleaning unit 316 is lifted off the base 358 the valve 407 automatically seals port 406 and connects conduit 400.
It will be appreciated that valve may be actuatable by other means, such as a member that is drivingly connected to the valve and the member is operable as the surface cleaning unit is paced and or removed from base 358. It will be appreciated that motor 320b may be connected in air flow communication at an alternate location. For example, it could be downstream of motor 320a. Alternately, it could be a dirty air motor and located upstream of cyclone chamber 318.
Because the electrical cord 401 is provided in the base 358, when the surface cleaning unit 316 is detached from the base 358, it may no longer be connected to the external power source (e.g. wall socket). To provide power to the surface cleaning unit 316 when it is detached, the surface cleaning unit 316 includes an on-board energy storage member, e.g., one or more batteries 405. Alternatively, any other suitable energy storage member or power source can be used (fuel cell, combustion engine, solar cells, etc.). In the illustrated example, the batteries 405 provide DC power. In this configuration, when the surface cleaning unit 316 is detached from base 358, the suction motor 320a may operate using DC power, and may operate solely on the power supplied by batteries 405.
Optionally, when the surface cleaning unit 316 is re-attached to the base 358, power from the base 358 can be transferred to the surface cleaning unit 316, for example via detachable electrical connector 408. Preferably, if an electrical connector 408 is provided the power received from the base 358 can be used to charge the batteries 405 to help ensure the batteries 405 are charged when the surface cleaning unit 316 is removed.
Alternatively, there need not be an electrical connection between the base 358 and the surface cleaning unit 316. In such a configuration the batteries 405 may be charged via an alternate power source, or may be replaced with fresh batteries as needed. For example, the surface cleaning unit 116 may be provided with its own power cord, or the power cord 401 may be removable from base 358 and may be plugged into surface cleaning unit 116.
Optionally, the suction motor 320a may be smaller and/or less powerful than the suction motor 320b. Making the suction motor 320a smaller and lighter than suction motor 320b may help reduce the overall size and weight of the surface cleaning unit 316. For example, the suction motor 320b may be a 1000 watt motor, and the suction motor 320a may be a 600 watt motor. Reducing the power consumption of the suction motor 320a may also help prolong the amount of cleaning time that can be achieved using the batteries 405, before they need to be replaced and/or recharged.
In the illustrated embodiment, because suction motor 320b is in the base 358 with the electrical cord, it may be an AC motor that can run on AC power received from a wall socket. Motor 320a may be operated on DC power supplied by the batteries 405.
In this configuration, a user may be able to select which suction motor 320a or 320b is to be used when the surface cleaning unit 316 is docked. For example, if performing a small job or if it is desirable to keep the noise level low a user may activate the smaller suction motor 320a. Alternatively, if performing a large job a user may select to use the suction motor 320b by activating the motor 320b and positioning the valve 407 as appropriate.
Dual Operational Mode for a Portable Surface Cleaning Unit
The following is a description of the use of a dual operational mode for a portable surface cleaning unit that may be used by itself in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed herein.
In accordance with this aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus may have a single suction motor (e.g., a suction motor 320a that is provided in the portable cleaning unit 616 which may be as shown in
Accordingly, when removed from the base 358, motor 320a may be operable on DC current supplied from batteries 405. However, when mounted on the base 358 and electrical cord 401 is plugged into an electrical outlet, current may be supplied from base 358 to motor 320a. The current may be AC, in which case, motor 320a may be operable on both AC and DC current (e.g., it has dual windings) or the AC current may be converted to DC current (such as by providing a power supply in one or both of the base 358 and the surface cleaning unit 116).
Accordingly, for example, as shown in
It will be appreciated that the suction motor of the portable cleaning unit may be operable on different power levels. It may be operable on a first or higher power level when mounted to the base and operable on power supplied from the base (which may be AC or DC). It may be operable on a lower power level when removed from the base.
Reference is now made to
Alternatively or in addition, suction motor 620b may be powered cordlessly (i.e. while power cord 701 is disconnected from base 658) by, e.g., energy storage members 694b. For example,
In this first operating mode, the upstream suction motor 620b may operate while cleaning unit suction motor 620 is turned off (i.e. unpowered). Alternatively, both suction motors 620 and 620b may be powered (i.e. turned on), and operated in series to develop enhanced suction. In this case, suction motors 620b and/or 620 may be powered by energy storage members 694b (e.g. cordlessly), or from the AC power delivered by power cord 701, or both. For example, portable cleaning unit 616 may be electrically connected to base 658 when mounted to base 658 (e.g. by suitable electrical wiring which may be part of up flow duct 689). Base 658 may transmit AC power (e.g. from power cord 701) or DC power (e.g. from energy storage members 694b) to portable cleaning unit 616. Similar to upstream suction motor 620b, the cleaning unit suction motor 620 may be an AC suction motor, a dual windings AC/DC suction motor, or a DC suction motor. If AC power is delivered to portable cleaning unit 616 and suction motor 620 is a DC suction motor, then portable cleaning unit 616 may include a power supply 692 (
Still referring to the first operating mode, portable cleaning unit 616 and/or base 658 may include energy storage members 694 or 694b for powering one or both of suction motors 620 and 620b independently of or in addition to power from power cord 701. In this case, power from power cord 701 (optionally converted to DC power by a power supply) may charge energy storage members 694, 694b in portable cleaning unit 616, base 658, or both. For example, power from power cord 701 may power suction motor(s) 620 and/or 620a, while simultaneously charging energy storage members 694, 694b in portable cleaning unit 616, base 658, or both. This may help mitigate the possibility that energy storage members 694, 694b have insufficient charge when power cord 701 is disconnected (e.g. unplugged) from the wall outlet or disconnected (e.g. unplugged) from surface cleaning apparatus 610.
In some embodiments portable cleaning unit 616 is itself not directly electrically connectable to an external source of power (e.g. it may not have a power cord and may not have a connector to which an external power cord may be connected). In such a case, energy storage member 694 may be charged when portable cleaning unit 616 is mounted to a base and/or by inserting the portable cleaning unit 616 and/or energy storage member 694 in a charging dock.
Still referring to the first operating mode and
Still referring to
The second cleaning mode may permit power from power cord 701 to supply power to portable cleaning unit 616 uninterrupted by disconnection of the portable cleaning unit 616 from base 658. This may permit uninterrupted operation when transitioning between the second cleaning mode and an above-floor or handvac cleaning mode (or vice versa), especially where the portable cleaning unit 616 has no energy storage members 694.
Still referring to
Referring to
Referring to
It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments or separate aspects, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment or aspect, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/182,947, filed on Nov. 7, 2018, which is allowed and which itself is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/076,060, filed on Mar. 21, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,165,912 on Jan. 1, 2019, which itself is: (a) a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/822,211, which was filed on Aug. 10, 2015 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,888,817 on Feb. 13, 2018, which itself claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/093,189, filed on Dec. 17, 2014; (b) a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/875,381, which was filed on Oct. 5, 2015 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,545,181 on Jan. 17, 2017; which itself is continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,217 which was filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,192,269 on Nov. 24, 2015; which itself is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/720,754 which was filed on Dec. 19, 2012 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,752,239 on Jun. 17, 2014; which itself is a divisional application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/954,331 which was filed on Dec. 12, 2007 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,359,705 on Jan. 29, 2013, which itself claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent applications 60/870,175 (filed on Dec. 15, 2006), and 60/884,767 (filed on Jan. 12, 2007), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
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