Surface cleaning device

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus can include a cleaner body and a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body. The dust cup can be configured to pivot between at least three indexed positions.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 058,395, filed July 29, 2020, entitled Surface Cleaning Apparatus, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to surface cleaning equipment, and more specifically to vacuum cleaners. Background Technology

[0004] Surface cleaning equipment may include a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor, a dust cup, and an inlet. The suction motor is fluidly connected to the dust cup and the inlet, allowing air to flow from the inlet into the dust cup and through the suction motor. The air flowing into the dust cup may contain debris. At least some of the entrained debris may dislodge as it passes through the dust cup.

[0005] One example of a vacuum cleaner can be an upright vacuum cleaner. An upright vacuum cleaner may include a surface cleaning head and an upright portion, wherein the upright portion is pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head. The upright portion is configured to pivot between a storage position and a use position. Another example of a vacuum cleaner can be a handheld vacuum cleaner, which is configured to be supported in the user's hand independently of the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, handheld vacuum cleaners may be easier to operate when compared to upright vacuum cleaners. Attached Figure Description

[0006] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a surface cleaning apparatus consistent with embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 It is consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure and has a dust collection cup in an empty position. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of surface cleaning equipment.

[0009] Figure 3 It is consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure, having a dust collection cup in the removed position. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of surface cleaning equipment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner consistent with embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 It is consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure along line V V-cut Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner.

[0012] Figure 6 It is consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5 Region VI corresponding Figure 4 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner. Detailed Implementation

[0013] This disclosure generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus may include a cleaner body, a suction motor, and a dust cup. The cleaner body defines an air inlet fluidly connected to the dust cup and the suction motor. The suction motor is configured to draw in air along an airflow path extending from the air inlet into the dust cup and through the suction motor. The air flowing along the airflow path may carry debris. At least a portion of the entrained debris may be dislodged as it passes through the dust cup. The dust cup is removably and / or pivotally coupled to the cleaner body such that the dust cup pivots between at least three indexed positions. For example, the dust cup may be configured to pivot from a closed position toward an empty position and from the empty position toward a removed position. When in the empty position, debris within the dust cup can be removed therefrom. When in the removed position, accessibility of one or more components of the surface cleaning apparatus may be improved relative to the empty position (e.g., for cleaning and / or maintenance purposes).

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic example of a surface cleaning device 100 is shown. As illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 includes a cleaner body 102, a suction motor 104 (shown in dashed lines), and a dust cup 106. The cleaner body 102 includes a handle 108 and an inlet 110. The inlet 110 is opposite the handle 108 along a longitudinal axis 112 of the cleaner body 102. The suction motor 104 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 110 and the dust cup 106. The suction motor 104 is configured to draw air into the inlet 110 along an airflow path 114. As illustrated, the airflow path 114 extends from the inlet 110 into the dust cup 106 and through the suction motor 104 before being discharged into the surrounding environment. The air flowing along the airflow path 114 may carry debris. Therefore, as the air passes through the dust cup 106, at least a portion of the entrained debris may be deposited in the dust cup 106 for later processing.

[0015] Dust cup 106 is pivotally and / or removably (e.g., directly or indirectly) coupled to cleaner body 102. In some cases, dust cup 106 may be configured to pivot between a closed position and at least one open position. For example, dust cup 106 may be pivotally coupled to cleaner body 102 such that dust cup 106 can pivotally switch between at least three indexed positions (e.g., a closed position, a first open position, and a second open position). Dust cup 106 may be configured to selectively remain at each indexed position (e.g., via a user-actuable release mechanism).

[0016] The first position can generally be described as the closed position. When in the closed position, the dust collection cup 106 is fluidly connected to the inlet 110. Figure 1 An example of the closed position is shown in the image.

[0017] The second position can typically be described as the first open position (e.g., the emptied position). When the dust cup 106 transitions from the closed position to the emptied position, the dust cup 106 pivots through the emptied angle. Exhaust angle It can be measured, for example, in the range of 30° to 70°. As a further example, the venting angle... It can be measured essentially as 50° (e.g., within 1°, 2°, 3°, 4° or 5° of said 50°). Figure 2 An example of the emptied position is shown. In the emptied position, the dust cup 106 is disconnected from the fluid inlet 110, and the emptied angle between the longitudinal axis 112 of the cleaner body 102 and the dust cup 106 can be measured. .

[0018] The third position can typically be described as the second open position (e.g., the removal position). When the dust cup 106 transitions from the empty position to the removal position, the dust cup 106 pivots through the removal angle. For example, removing angles. It can be measured within the range of 30° to 50°. As a further example, the angle is removed. It can be measured essentially as 40° (e.g., within 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5° of said 40°). The total removal angle when measured from the longitudinal axis 112. The measurement is greater than the venting angle. For example, the total removal angle ε can be measured in the range of 70° to 110°. As a further example, the total removal angle... It can be measured essentially as 90° (e.g., within 1°, 2°, 3°, 4° or 5° of the 90°). Figure 3 The image shows an example of a location being removed.

[0019] In some cases, the removable portion 116 is removably coupled to the cleaner body 102. The dust cup 106 is pivotally coupled to the removable portion 116. Therefore, the dust cup 106 and the removable portion 116 can be removed together from the cleaner body 102. For example, when the dust cup 106 is switched to an empty position or a removal position, the dust cup 106 and the removable portion 116 can be removed from the cleaner body 102. Thus, the dust cup 106 can be configured to switch to the removal position after the dust cup 106 and the removable portion 116 are separated from the cleaner body 102. The removable portion 116 may define a filter chamber for receiving a filter and may be fluidly coupled to the suction motor 104. Examples of filters include, but are not limited to, cyclone filters, mesh filters, pleated filters, and / or any other type of filter.

[0020] When the dust cup 106 has a closed position, an empty position, and a removed position, it may be easier to clean the dust cup 106 (compared to a dust cup that only has, for example, a closed position and only has one of an empty position or a removed position). For example, when the dust cup 106 is emptied, this configuration can reduce the plume of debris while still allowing easy access to clean at least a portion of the dust cup 106. A plume of debris can generally be described as debris scattered into the environment due to the emptying of the dust cup 106.

[0021] Figure 4 The image shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400, which may be... Figure 1 An example of a surface cleaning device 100. A vacuum cleaner 400 includes a cleaner body 402, a suction motor 404, and a dust cup 406. The cleaner body 402 may include a handle 403 and an inlet 408. The suction motor 404 may be disposed within a suction motor cavity defined within the cleaner body 402, and the dust cup 406 may be pivotally and / or removably coupled to the cleaner body 402. As shown, the suction motor 404 and the dust cup 406 may be disposed between the handle 403 and the inlet 408 of the cleaner body 402. For example, the dust cup 406 may be disposed between the inlet 408 and the suction motor 404, and the suction motor 404 may be disposed between the dust cup 406 and the handle 403. In this example, at least a portion of the suction motor 404 may overlap with at least a portion of the dust cup 406 and / or at least a portion of the handle 403 (e.g., the longitudinal axis 405 of the cleaner body 402 intersects with the suction motor 404).

[0022] The suction motor 404 is configured to draw air into the inlet 408 and into the dust collection cup 406, and then through the suction motor 404. Therefore, the suction motor 404 can generally be described as fluidly connected to the dust collection cup 406 and the inlet 408. The air flowing through the inlet 408 may carry debris. At least a portion of the entrained debris may deposit in the dust collection cup 406.

[0023] The dust collection cup 406 may, for example, be configured to cause air flowing through it to move according to cyclonic motion, thereby generating one or more cyclones. Due to the cyclonic motion, the cyclonic motion of the air can push at least a portion of the entrained debris away from the air. In some cases, the dust collection cup 406 may be configured to generate multiple cyclones, wherein a first cyclone is configured to separate larger debris from the air, and a second cyclone is configured to separate smaller debris from the air. In this case, the dust collection cup 406 can generally be described as a multi-stage cyclone dust collection cup.

[0024] Dust cup 406 is pivotable between a closed position and at least one open position, wherein dust cup 406 can be removed from cleaner body 402 when in the open position. For example, dust cup 406 may be configured to pivot from a closed position to an empty position, and in some cases from an empty position to a removed position. Dust cup 406 may be configured to be selectively held in each position using one or more of, for example, an actuable latch, a sliding stop, a stop, and / or any other holding features. Thus, dust cup 406 can generally be described as being pivotable between two or more (e.g., at least three) indexed positions (e.g., closed position and at least one open position).

[0025] In some cases, actuation of the emptying release 409 allows the dust cup 406 to transition from a closed position (first indexing position) to an empty position (second indexing position), and actuation of the removal release 411 allows the dust cup 406 to transition from the empty position to a removed position (third indexing position). For example, the dust cup 406 may be pivotally coupled to a removable portion (e.g., a removable pre-motor filter chamber 412), which is removably coupled to the cleaner body 402, wherein actuation of the removal release 411 allows the removable portion to be decoupled from the cleaner body 402. The removable portion may be decoupled from the cleaner body 402 along with the dust cup 406 in the empty or removed position. Therefore, in some cases, after the dust cup 406 and the removable portion are decoupled from the cleaner body 402, the dust cup 406 may pivot to the removed position.

[0026] A pre-motor filter 410 (shown schematically in dashed lines) is fluidly coupled to a dust cup 406 and a suction motor 404, such that air passes through the pre-motor filter 410 after exiting the dust cup 406 and before passing through the suction motor 404. The pre-motor filter 410 can capture at least a portion of any debris entrained in the air after it has passed through the dust cup 406. For example, the pre-motor filter 410 may be disposed within a pre-motor filter chamber 412, which is located between the dust cup 406 and the suction motor 404. In some cases, the dust cup 406 may define at least a portion of the pre-motor filter chamber 412.

[0027] Figure 5 It is along V V-line cut Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner 400. As shown, a dust collection cup 406 has a first stage 500 and a second stage 502. The second stage 502 is disposed between the first stage 500 and a pre-motor filter chamber 412. The first stage 500 can be configured to generate a first cyclone therein, and the second stage 502 can be configured to generate a second cyclone therein. The first stage 500 and the second stage 502 can be continuously fluidly connected (e.g., air flows through the first stage 500 before flowing through the second stage 502).

[0028] As shown, the dust cup 406 can be configured to pivot about a pivot point 504. The pivot point 504 is located between the second stage 502 and the suction motor 404. For example, the dust cup 406 can be pivotally coupled to the pre-motor filter chamber 412 such that the pivot point 504 corresponds to a point on the pre-motor filter chamber 412. When the dust cup 406 is switched from the closed position to the empty position, the inlet end 506 of the dust cup 406 pivots away from the cleaner body 402. This configuration reduces debris plumes when the dust cup 406 is emptied. When the dust cup 406 is switched from the empty position to the removal position, the second stage 502 (e.g., for cleaning one or more components of the second stage 502) becomes easier to access. For example, the second stage 502 may include one or more removable components (e.g., one or more removable components configured to facilitate cyclonic motion of air flowing through it), which are easier to remove when the dust cup 406 is in the removed position compared to the emptied position. In some cases, the dust cup 406 may pivot to the removed position after the pre-motor filter chamber 412 and the dust cup 406 have been removed from the cleaner body 402. Alternatively or additionally, the dust cup 406 may pivot to the removed position while the pre-motor filter chamber 412 is engaged with the cleaner body 402.

[0029] Figure 6 Showing usually with Figure 5The enlarged cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 400 corresponding to region VI is shown. As illustrated, the dust cup 406 is pivotally connected to the pre-motor filter chamber 412, and the pre-motor filter chamber 412 is removably connected to the cleaner body 402. Therefore, the dust cup 406 can generally be described as pivotally and removably connected to the cleaner body 402.

[0030] A dust cup biasing mechanism 600 (e.g., a spring, such as a torsion spring) is positioned at pivot point 504. The dust cup biasing mechanism 600 is configured to push the dust cup 406 toward the empty position. Therefore, when the empty release member 409 is actuated, the dust cup 406 moves toward the empty position via the dust cup biasing mechanism 600.

[0031] When in the emptied position, the dust cup 406 engages the stop 602, which is configured to hold the dust cup 406 in the emptied position. The stop 602 can be slidably coupled to the pre-motor filter chamber 412 such that the stop 602 slides between a stop position and a retracted position in response to pivoting movement of the dust cup 406 between the emptied and removed positions. For example, the stop 602 can be slidably received within a track 601 defined in the pre-motor filter chamber 412. The track 601 can be at least partially enclosed and includes openings 603 at opposite ends of the track 601, wherein the openings 603 are configured to receive at least a portion of the stop 602. The openings 603 can have the same or different sizes and / or shapes. A stop biasing mechanism 604 (e.g., a spring, such as a compression spring) pushes the stop 602 toward the pivot point 504 (or the stop position). For example, the stop biasing mechanism 604 can push the stop 602 along the track 601 in the direction of the pivot point 504. When the stop 602 is in the stopped position and the dust cup 406 is in the emptied position, the dust cup 406 engages the stop 602, wherein the stop 602 resists further pivoting movement of the dust cup 406. The stop 602 may define an arcuate region 605, which is configured to engage the dust cup 406 when it is in the emptied position. The arcuate region 605 is configured such that the engagement between the arcuate region 605 and the dust cup 406 pushes the stop 602 in a direction away from the pivot point 504, wherein the force applied by the dust cup biasing mechanism 600 is insufficient to overcome the force applied by the stop biasing mechanism 604.

[0032] The release member 411 removably connects the pre-motor filter chamber 412 to the cleaner body 402. As shown, the release member 411 is pivotally connected to the cleaner body 402 such that it can switch between a latched position and a released position. The release member 411 includes an actuating end 608 and a latching end 610, with the actuating end 608 opposite to the latching end 610. The latching end 610 defines a latch 612 configured to engage a catch 614 defined in the pre-motor filter chamber 412. The release member 411 can be biased toward the latched position such that the latch 612 engages the catch 614.

[0033] As also shown, when the removal release member 411 is in the latched position, it is configured to engage the stop member 602, thereby preventing the stop member 602 from sliding in a direction away from the pivot point 504. In other words, when the removal release member 411 is in the latched position, it substantially prevents sliding movement of the stop member 602 (e.g., insufficient sliding movement of the stop member 602 to allow the dust cup 406 to transition to the removal position). When the removal release member 411 transitions to the release position, the latch 612 disengages from the latch 614, the pre-motor filter chamber 412 can be disengaged from the cleaner body 402, and the stop member 602 can slide in a direction away from the pivot point 504. For example, when the release member 411 is in the release position (or when the front motor filter chamber 412 is disengaged from the cleaner body 402), the pivoting movement of the dust cup 406 from the empty position toward the remove position causes the stop 602 to move away from the pivot point 504 and slide toward the retracted position of the stop 602. When the stop 602 is in the retracted position, if the front motor filter chamber 412 is engaged with the cleaner body 402, the stop 602 can prevent the release member 411 from switching back to the latch position. Therefore, when the dust cup 406 is in the remove position, the dust cup 406 can generally be described as removable from the cleaner body 402.

[0034] When the dust cup 406 is switched to the removal position, the dust cup 406 can be configured to remain in the removal position until a user applies force to the dust cup 406 to switch it toward the empty position. For example, the dust cup 406 may include a dust cup stop surface 618 configured to engage (e.g., contact) a stop surface 620 of a stop member 602, wherein the engagement between the stop surfaces 618 and 620 resists rotational movement of the dust cup 406 from the removal position toward the empty position.

[0035] When the release element 411 is in the release position and / or the dust cup 406 is in the removal position, the pre-motor filter chamber 412 and the dust cup 406 can be removed from the cleaner body 402. For example, the pre-motor filter chamber 412 and the dust cup 406 can be removed from the cleaner body 402 in response to a force applied in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 405 of the cleaner body 402. Once removed, the pre-motor filter 410 can be removed (e.g., for cleaning or replacement).

[0036] Examples of surface cleaning devices consistent with this disclosure may include a cleaner body and a dust collection cup coupled to the cleaner body, the dust collection cup being configured to pivot between at least three indexed positions.

[0037] In some cases, the surface cleaning device may further include a filter chamber removably coupled to the cleaner body. In some cases, the dust cup is pivotally coupled to the filter chamber. In some cases, the at least three indexing positions may include a closed position, an empty position, and a removed position, with the dust cup configured to transition from the closed position to the empty position and from the empty position to the removed position. In some cases, when the dust cup is in the removed position, the dust cup can be removed from the cleaner body. In some cases, the surface cleaning device may further include a sliding stop configured to hold the dust cup in the empty position. In some cases, the sliding stop may be configured to slide in response to pivoting movement of the dust cup from the empty position toward the removed position. In some cases, the surface cleaning device may also include a removal release member pivotally coupled to the cleaner body, the removal release member being configured to switch between a latched position and a released position, wherein when the removal release member is in the latched position, it substantially prevents sliding movement of the slidable stop.

[0038] Examples of vacuum cleaners consistent with this disclosure may include: a cleaner body having a handle and an inlet; a suction motor fluidly connected to the inlet; a pre-motor filter chamber removably connected to the cleaner body and fluidly connected to the suction motor; and a dust collection cup fluidly connected to the suction motor and pivotally connected to the pre-motor filter chamber.

[0039] In some cases, the dust cup may be configured to pivot between at least three indexing positions. In some cases, the at least three indexing positions may include a closed position, an empty position, and a removed position, with the dust cup configured to transition from the closed position to the empty position and from the empty position to the removed position. In some cases, when the dust cup is in the removed position, the pre-motor filter chamber may be removed from the cleaner body. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may also include a sliding stop slidably coupled to the pre-motor filter chamber and configured to hold the dust cup in the empty position. In some cases, the sliding stop may be configured to slide in response to pivoting movement of the dust cup from the empty position toward the removed position. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may also include a removal release member pivotally coupled to the cleaner body, the removal release member being configured to switch between a latched position and a released position, wherein when the removal release member is in the latched position, it substantially prevents sliding movement of the slidable stop.

[0040] Another example of a vacuum cleaner consistent with this disclosure may include: a cleaner body having a handle and an inlet, the inlet being opposite the handle along a longitudinal axis of the cleaner body; a suction motor fluidly coupled to the inlet; a pre-motor filter chamber removably coupled to the cleaner body and fluidly coupled to the suction motor; and a dust collection cup fluidly coupled to the suction motor and pivotally coupled to the pre-motor filter chamber, the dust collection cup being configured to pivot at least between a closed position, an empty position, and a removed position, the dust collection cup also being configured to transition from the closed position to the empty position and from the empty position to the removed position.

[0041] In some cases, the pre-motor filter chamber can be removed from the cleaner body when the dust cup is in the remove position. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may also include a sliding stop slidably coupled to the pre-motor filter chamber and configured to hold the dust cup in the empty position. In some cases, the sliding stop may be configured to slide in response to pivoting movement of the dust cup from the empty position toward the remove position. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may also include a removal release member pivotally coupled to the cleaner body, the removal release member being configured to switch between a latched position and a released position, wherein when the removal release member is in the latched position, sliding movement of the sliding stop is substantially prevented.

[0042] While the principles of the invention have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that this description is by way of example only and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Other embodiments, in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, are also covered within the scope of the invention. Modifications and substitutions made by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the invention, which is not limited to anything other than the following claims.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning device, comprising: The main body of the cleaner includes an inlet; as well as A dust collection cup, connected to the cleaner body, is configured to pivot between at least three indexing positions and to selectively remain at each of the three indexing positions, the at least three indexing positions including: In the first position, the dust collection cup is fluidly connected to the inlet; In the second position, the dust collection cup is disconnected from the inlet fluid, wherein, when the dust collection cup transitions from the first position to the second position, the dust collection cup pivots away from the cleaner body; and In the third position, the dust cup can be removed from the cleaner body.

2. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a filter chamber removably coupled to the body of the cleaner.

3. The surface cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the dust collection cup is pivotally connected to the filter chamber.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a slidable stop configured to hold the dust cup in the second position.

5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the slidable stop is configured to slide in response to a pivoting movement of the dust cup from the second position toward the third position.

6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a removal release member pivotally coupled to the cleaner body, the removal release member being configured to switch between a latched position and a released position, wherein when the removal release member is in the latched position, it substantially prevents sliding movement of the slidable stop member.

7. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: The main body of the cleaner has a handle and an inlet; A suction motor, which is fluidly connected to the inlet; A pre-motor filter chamber is removably connected to the cleaner body and fluidly connected to the suction motor; as well as A dust collection cup, fluidly connected to the suction motor and pivotally connected to the pre-motor filter chamber, is configured to pivot between at least three indexing positions and selectively remain at each of the at least three indexing positions, the at least three indexing positions including: In the first position, the dust collection cup is fluidly connected to the inlet; In the second position, the dust collection cup is disconnected from the inlet fluid, wherein, when the dust collection cup transitions from the first position to the second position, the dust collection cup pivots away from the cleaner body; and In the third position, the pre-motor filter chamber can be removed from the cleaner body.

8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7 further includes a slidable stop slidably coupled to the pre-motor filter chamber and configured to hold the dust collection cup in the second position.

9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein the slidable stop is configured to slide in response to a pivoting movement of the dust cup from the second position toward the third position.

10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 9, further comprising a removal release member pivotally coupled to the cleaner body, the removal release member being configured to switch between a latched position and a released position, wherein when the removal release member is in the latched position, it substantially prevents sliding movement of the slidable stop.

11. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: A cleaner body having a handle and an inlet, the inlet being opposite the handle along the longitudinal axis of the cleaner body; A suction motor, which is fluidly connected to the inlet; A pre-motor filter chamber is removably connected to the cleaner body and fluidly connected to the suction motor; as well as A dust collection cup, fluidly connected to the suction motor and pivotally connected to the pre-motor filter chamber, is configured to pivot between at least the following positions: In the first position, the dust collection cup is fluidly connected to the inlet; In the second position, the dust collection cup is disconnected from the inlet fluid, wherein when the dust collection cup is switched from the first position to the second position, the dust collection cup pivots away from the cleaner body; as well as In the third position, the pre-motor filter chamber can be removed from the cleaner body.

12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, further comprising a slidable stop slidably coupled to the pre-motor filter chamber and configured to hold the dust collection cup in the second position.

13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 12, wherein the slidable stop is configured to slide in response to a pivoting movement of the dust cup from the second position toward the third position.

14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, further comprising a removal release member pivotally coupled to the cleaner body, the removal release member being configured to switch between a latched position and a released position, wherein when the removal release member is in the latched position, it substantially prevents sliding movement of the slidable stop.

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