bypass valve

Abstract

A bypass valve may include: a body defining a dirty air passage; a nozzle connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to a nozzle of a surface cleaning device; a rod connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to a rod of the surface cleaning device; a suction connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to a suction motor of the surface cleaning device; a rod socket configured to removably connect to the rod; and a valve bypass arrangement configured to selectively redirect air flowing through the body such that a majority of the air flowing through the body transitions between flowing through the rod connection port and the nozzle connection port. The valve bypass arrangement redirects the air in response to the rod being connected to or disconnected from the rod socket.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 159,691, filed on March 11, 2021, entitled “ShutOff Valve,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This specification relates generally to surface cleaning devices, and more specifically, to a bypass valve for use in a surface cleaning device, which can at least partially reduce the airflow to the nozzle when the user needs to perform bar cleaning during operation. Background Technology

[0004] The following does not acknowledge that anything discussed herein is part of the prior art or common knowledge to those skilled in the art.

[0005] Surface cleaning devices (such as upright vacuum cleaners) may include a nozzle with one or more brush rollers for driving dirt from the floor surface, and a suction motor for drawing dirt into a dust cup through a dirty air inlet in the nozzle. Such surface cleaning devices may also include a stick to allow the user to perform cleaning operations using the stick instead of the nozzle. Adding such a stick increases the total length of the dirty air passage extending from the dirty air inlet of the nozzle / stick to the suction motor. This increased length of the dirty air passage can increase the load on the suction motor and therefore increase the amount of power required to maintain the nominal suction power due to the extension. For cordless surface cleaning devices, this may mean shorter cycles of use before needing recharging. 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, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1A An example surface cleaning apparatus implementing a bypass valve, consistent with embodiments of this disclosure, is shown.

[0008] Figure 1B The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 1A Another example of a surface cleaning device.

[0009] Figure 2A An example bypass valve consistent with various aspects of this disclosure and with embodiments thereof is shown.

[0010] Figure 2B The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 2A Another example of a bypass valve.

[0011] Figure 2C The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 2A Another example of a bypass valve.

[0012] Figure 3A An example bypass valve consistent with embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 3B The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 3A Another example of a bypass valve.

[0014] Figure 3C The embodiments shown are consistent with those of this disclosure. Figure 3A Another example of a bypass valve.

[0015] Figure 4 An example bypass valve consistent with embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] The accompanying drawings contained herein are used to illustrate various examples of the articles, methods, and apparatuses taught in this specification, and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This disclosure generally relates to a bypass valve. The bypass valve can be used with a surface cleaning device (e.g., a vacuum cleaner). For example, the bypass valve may include a first inlet (e.g., a nozzle connection port), a second inlet (e.g., a rod connection port), and an outlet (e.g., a suction connection port). The first and second inlets are each configured to be fluidly connected to the outlet of the bypass valve. The bypass valve is configured to switch between a bypass orientation and a nozzle orientation. When switching between the bypass and nozzle orientations, the main fluid flow path extending within the bypass valve (e.g., the flow path along most or all of its fluid flow) is redirected. For example, when the bypass valve is in the bypass orientation, the main fluid flow path may extend between the second inlet and the outlet. As another example, when the bypass valve is in the nozzle orientation, the main fluid flow path may extend between the first inlet and the outlet.

[0018] When used in a vacuum cleaner having, for example, a nozzle for cleaning floors and a bar for cleaning surfaces above the floors, a bypass valve can selectively redirect the main fluid flow path to either the nozzle or the bar, based on the user's intended use. This configuration can shorten the overall length of the fluid flow path (compared to a vacuum cleaner without a bypass valve). The bypass valve can be configured to switch between bypass and nozzle orientations based on the bar's mechanical engagement / disengagement (or docking / undocking) to the vacuum cleaner. For example, this switching can occur in response to the engagement / disengagement of the bar with the bypass valve's bar socket.

[0019] refer to Figure 1A and 1B An example surface cleaning device 100 consistent with various aspects of this disclosure is shown. The surface cleaning device 100 can be implemented as a cordless, e.g., battery-operated surface cleaning device. In some instances, the surface cleaning device 100 can be implemented as a cordless upright vacuum cleaner, as shown. However, other types of surface cleaning devices can implement a bypass valve consistent with this disclosure, with minor modifications, and are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] The surface cleaning device 100 may include a housing 102. The housing 102 may include a power source, such as one or more battery cells. The housing 102 may also include a suction motor 101 (shown schematically in hidden lines) for generating suction and a dust collection cup (not shown) for storing dirt collected during cleaning.

[0021] The surface cleaning device 100 may also include a rod 104 configured to removably engage (or dock) with a rod socket 108 provided by the housing 102, allowing a user to perform cleaning operations via the rod 104 instead of the nozzle 106. The rod socket 108 may be provided by a bypass valve consistent with this disclosure, as discussed further below. The rod 104 may be implemented as a crevice tool, comprising a relatively narrow profile to allow the dirty air inlet 105 of the rod to be inserted into confined spaces, such as between sofa cushions.

[0022] like Figure 1A As shown, the nozzle 106 is fluidly coupled to the housing 102, and more specifically, to the dust cup of the housing 102. A suction motor 101 is fluidly coupled to the dust cup and the nozzle 106, such that air is drawn into the dust cup through the nozzle 106 via the suction motor 101. In this example, the nozzle 106 includes a dirty air inlet 103 fluidly coupled to the housing 102 via a first air passage 110-1 to draw dirty air into the housing 102 during cleaning. The first air passage 110-1 may also be referred to herein as the nozzle passage.

[0023] The dirty air inlet 103 of the nozzle 106 can be fluidly connected to the suction motor 101 via a first air passage 110-1 based on the rod 104 being connected / connected to the rod socket 108. In this example, and as further discussed below, the housing 102 may include a bypass valve configured to allow the dirty air inlet 103 of the nozzle to be fluidly connected to the suction motor 101 via the first air passage 110-1 in response to the rod 104 being connected to the rod socket 108.

[0024] On the other hand, and as Figure 1BAs shown in the example, the rod 104 can be disconnected from the housing 102 of the surface cleaning device 100. In this example, the bypass valve is configured to fluidly disconnect the dirty air inlet 103 of the suction nozzle 106 from the suction motor 101 by disconnecting or otherwise substantially restricting airflow through the first air passage 110-1, for example, by preventing at least 80% or 100% of the airflow.

[0025] Rod 104 may be included at a distal end as a dirty air inlet 105, which is fluidly connected to the suction motor 101 via a second air passage 110-2. The second air passage 110-2 may also be referred to herein as a rod passage. The second air passage 110-2 may be configured to be fluidly connected to the suction motor 101 when rod 104 is disengaged from rod socket 108 of housing 102. The second air passage 110-2 may be configured to be fluidly connected to the suction motor 101 using a bypass valve consistent with this disclosure when rod 104 is disengaged from rod socket 108, examples of which are discussed in detail below.

[0026] refer to Figures 2A to 2C An example bypass valve 200 consistent with various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0027] As shown, the bypass valve 200 includes a body 202. The body 202 may be formed of a material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), although other types of materials are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] The body 202 of the bypass valve 200 can have an elongated profile, such as... Figure 2A As shown. In this example, the body 202 extends along the longitudinal axis 250 from the first end 220-1 to the second end 220-2. As in Figure 2C As shown more clearly in the cross-sectional view, the body 202 may include a nozzle connection port 222, a suction connection port 224, and a rod connection port 229. As shown, a rod channel 221 fluidly connects the rod connection port 229 to the suction connection port 224, and a nozzle channel 223 fluidly connects the nozzle connection port 222 to the suction connection port 224. In some instances, and as shown, the rod channel 221 and the nozzle channel 223 may converge and merge to form a common channel 227 extending from the rod channel 221 and the nozzle channel 223 to the suction connection port 224.

[0029] The body 202 may define a dirty air passage 226 extending between a first end 220-1 and a second end 220-2 of the body 202. The dirty air passage 226 may be fluidly connected to a suction connection port 224 and a rod connection port 229. The nozzle connection port 222 may be configured to be fluidly connected to the dirty air passage 226 via a bypass arrangement 280, which is discussed in more detail below.

[0030] As further shown, the nozzle connection port 222 can be located at the second end 220-2 of the body 202. The nozzle connection port 222 can be configured to be fluidly connected to a nozzle, such as nozzle 106, via a first air passage 110-1 (see...). Figure 1A ).

[0031] The rod connection port 229 may be positioned adjacent to the first end 220-1 of the body 202. The rod connection port 229 may be configured to be fluidly connected to a rod, such as rod 104, via a second air passage 110-2. The rod connection port 229 may be positioned adjacent to the suction connection port 224, as through a substantially Y-shaped section as shown.

[0032] The stick socket 208 may be positioned adjacent to the first end 220-1. The stick socket 208 may also be configured to receive and connect to a stick, such as stick 104 (see [link]). Figure 1A In some instances, the rod socket 208 may include a cavity having a shape corresponding to the shape of the distal end of the rod. Therefore, for coupling purposes, the rod may be at least partially inserted into the rod socket 208 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1A The rod socket 208 may further include a rod plug 266, which may also be referred to herein as a plug. The rod plug 266 may be configured to have an overall size of an opening substantially equal to the dirty air inlet of the rod, for example, the dirty air inlet 105 of the rod 104 (see...). Figure 1B Therefore, the plug 266 can be received at least partially in the dirty air inlet of the rod to block / prevent airflow. In one example, the plug is configured to block the dirty air inlet of the rod to limit at least 80-90% of the airflow into the dirty air inlet of the rod or to limit 100% of the airflow into the dirty air inlet of the rod. Note that the dirty air inlet of the rod can also be blocked / sealed by a bypass valve consistent with this disclosure and / or other features / structures of the surface cleaning device implementing the bypass valve. For example, the rod air path can be blocked by sealing the end of the rod (or handle) against the surface of a sealing material such as EPDM foam, for example, within the rod socket 208, or by inserting it into a female socket that is a closed volume (e.g., a blind hole).

[0033] The plug 266 can also be mounted on the actuator 282, which is discussed further below, and can be used to shift the rod when it is connected to the plug 266 via the rod socket 208.

[0034] The rod socket 208 can be configured to actuate the bypass valve 200 to switch the bypass valve 200 between nozzle orientation and bypass orientation, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0035] The bypass valve 200 may include a bypass arrangement 280 (or a valve bypass arrangement). The bypass arrangement 280 may include a nozzle orientation for fluidly connecting the nozzle of the surface cleaning device to the dirty air passage 226 and the suction motor via a nozzle connection port 222, and for fluidly disconnecting the nozzle of the surface cleaning device from the suction motor via the dirty air passage 226. The bypass arrangement 280 may be configured to switch between the nozzle orientation and the bypass orientation based on the connection / disconnection of the rod and rod socket 208. The bypass arrangement 280 may cause a first amount of suction power to occur at the rod connection port 229 in the bypass orientation, and a second amount of suction power to occur at the nozzle connection port 222 in the nozzle orientation, wherein the first amount of suction power is less than the second amount of suction power. In other words, the bypass arrangement 280 is configured to redirect the main fluid flow path extending within the body 202 of the bypass valve 200 (e.g., such that most or all of the fluid flow is diverted from one of the rod connection port 229 or the nozzle connection port 222 to the other of the rod connection port 229 or the nozzle connection port 222).

[0036] As shown, the bypass arrangement 280 includes an actuator 282 having a first end disposed within a rod socket and a second end coupled to an extendable conduit segment 284. The actuator 282 may also be referred to herein as an actuator rod. The bypass arrangement 280 may further include a door 289 pivotally coupled to a second end 220-2 adjacent to the body 202.

[0037] Actuator 282 may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 250 of body 202 (see Figure 2A Actuator 282 may also include biasing mechanism 233 (e.g., spring) configured to bias the extendable conduit segment 284 in a direction extending toward rod socket 208. As shown, biasing mechanism 233 extends concentrically with actuator 282.

[0038] The bypass arrangement 280 may include at least one support member 281. For example, the bypass arrangement may include multiple support members 281 (see...). Figure 2BMultiple support members 281 may extend along a longitudinal axis 250 between a first end 220-1 and a second end 220-2 of the body 202. The multiple support members 281 may comprise a relatively rigid material, such as metal, to provide increased structural integrity to the body 202. In one example, a bypass valve 200 forms part of a support structure in an upright vacuum cleaner, and the multiple support members 281 may be used to withstand forces applied by the user to a rod coupled to a rod socket 208, which, in the context of this example, acts as a handle when cleaning with a nozzle. The multiple support members 281 may also serve as guides / tracks to allow movement of the extendable conduit section 284 along an axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 250 of the body 202.

[0039] The extendable conduit segment 284 may comprise a relatively flexible material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The extendable conduit segment 284 may include a first end defined as an upper portion of a first end 220-1 fixed to the body 202 and a second end slidably connected to a plurality of supports 281. Additionally, the second end of the extendable conduit segment 284 is connected to an actuator 282. Therefore, the extendable conduit segment 284 can be displaced by the actuator 282 to change between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the extendable conduit segment 284 retracts toward the rod socket 208, as... Figure 2C As shown. In this position, the extendable catheter section 284 can be held in place by a spring biasing force supplied by the biasing mechanism 233. Therefore, the biasing mechanism 233 can bias the extendable catheter section 284 away from the nozzle connection port 222, so that the extendable catheter section 284 automatically changes from the first position based on the disengagement of the rod and rod socket 208.

[0040] When in the first position, door 289 may abut / engage (e.g., directly) the second end of the extendable catheter segment 284. When transitioned to the second position, the extendable catheter segment 284 extends (e.g., to fluidly connect with a suction nozzle). When in the first position, the extendable catheter segment 284 has a first total length, and when in the second position, the extendable catheter segment 284 has a second total length, wherein the first total length is less than the second total length.

[0041] As shown, door 289 can be pivotally connected to the housing and can be configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation 290. Figure 2C The first axis of rotation 290 may extend laterally (e.g., vertically) relative to the longitudinal axis 250 of the body 202. Figure 2C As further shown, when the extendable conduit segment 284 is in the first position, the gate 289 can extend laterally (e.g., vertically) relative to the longitudinal axis 250 of the body 202 (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 2C(As shown). In this position, door 289 can be configured to form an airtight seal (or substantially airtight seal) with opening / hole 288 at the second end of extendable conduit section 284. In such a configuration, door 289 can prevent at least 80% of airflow through the interface formed between door 289 and the second end of extendable conduit section 284, or prevent 100% of airflow.

[0042] The extendable conduit section 284 can be displaced, for example, by an actuator 282, based on the rod receiving within the rod socket 208. This displacement can then extend the extendable conduit section 284 to a second position. Moving to the second position can cause displacement of the door 289 (e.g., rotational movement of the door 289 about a first axis of rotation 290). When the extendable conduit section 284 is in the second position, the door 289 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 202. The displacement of the door 289 also disengages the aforementioned airtight seal from the second end of the extendable conduit section 284. The second end of the extendable conduit section 284 can engage / connect to a surface 294 adjacent to the second end 220-2 of the body 202. The second end of the extendable conduit section 284 can form an airtight seal with the second end of the body 202, and thus fluidly connect the nozzle connection port 222 to the dirty air passage 226 and the suction motor of the surface cleaning device.

[0043] In operation, when cleaning with the stick is required, the user can then remove the stick from the stick socket 208. The bypass arrangement 280 can then rotate the extendable conduit section 284 to a first position that fluidly disengages the extendable conduit section 284 from the nozzle connection port 222, preventing the intake of dirty air from the nozzle. The door 289 can then rotate toward the extendable conduit section 284 to form an airtight or at least substantially airtight seal at a second end of the extendable conduit section 284. This configuration reduces the overall length of the dirty air passage 226 and, therefore, reduces the current consumption of the suction motor of the surface cleaning device to maintain nominal suction power due to the extension. This reduced load on the suction motor can then extend the operating life of the surface cleaning device, for example, when operating on battery power.

[0044] In one example, a surface cleaning device implementing bypass valve 200 can detect when it is in bypass orientation, for example, when a user removes a stick from stick receptacle 208 during a cleaning operation. For example, the surface cleaning device can utilize a contact switch (not shown) coupled to extendable conduit section 284, which is actuated based on its movement. Alternatively or additionally, the surface cleaning device can receive an electrical signal from a proximity sensor (not shown), such as a proximity switch, which can detect extendable conduit section 284 in a first position. In any such case, the surface cleaning device can then detect that bypass valve 200 has switched to bypass orientation, and vice versa, and adjust one or more operating modes. One such operating mode adjustment can include the surface cleaning device increasing suction power when bypass valve 200 switches to bypass orientation, for example, based on the user disengaging the stick from stick receptacle 208. Thus, stick cleaning operation can then be enhanced with additional suction power relative to nozzle cleaning operation. Other adjustments to the operating mode include, but are not limited to: turning the power supply on / off, activating / deactivating the light, turning the brush roller on / off, and / or highlighting / illuminating the release indicator.

[0045] Continuing with the previous example, the surface cleaning device implementing the bypass valve 200 can also detect when the bypass valve 200 is in nozzle orientation, for example, when the rod is positioned in the rod socket 208 and connected to the rod plug 266, so that dirty air is not received from the rod / handle. The user can then utilize the nozzle, such as nozzle 106 (see...). Figure 1A During cleaning operations, the nozzle of the surface cleaning device is fluidly connected to the dirty air passage 226 via the nozzle connection port 222 based on the extendable conduit section 284 to receive dirty air from the nozzle.

[0046] Figures 3A to 3C Another example bypass valve 300 consistent with aspects of this disclosure is shown. The example bypass valve 300 is suitable for use in surface cleaning devices, as described above regarding... Figures 1A to 1B The surface cleaning device 100 under discussion.

[0047] As shown, the example bypass valve 300 may include a body 302 comprising a first end 320-1 defining a section for fluidly connecting with the suction motor of a surface cleaning device, and a second end 320-2 defining a section for fluidly connecting with the nozzle of the surface cleaning device. The first end 320-1 and the second end 320-2 may be positioned at opposite ends along a longitudinal axis 350 of the body 302. The body 302 may define a dirty air passage 326 extending along the longitudinal axis 350 from the first end to the second end. The body 302 may comprise a relatively rigid first material. Some such example materials for the first material include ABS.

[0048] The main body 302 may further include a section defining a rod socket 308 and a bypass arrangement 380 (or a valve bypass arrangement). The rod socket 308 may include a rod plug (not shown), which may be configured substantially similar to Figure 2C The example shown is a rod stopper 266. The bypass arrangement 380 may include a nozzle orientation for fluidly connecting the nozzle of the surface cleaning device to the dirty air passage 326 and the suction motor, and for fluidly disconnecting the nozzle of the surface cleaning device from the suction motor. The bypass arrangement 380 may include an actuator 382 and a deformable / flexible conduit section 384. The actuator 382 may be actuated to switch the bypass valve 300 between the nozzle orientation and the bypass orientation based on rod connection / disconnection to the rod socket 308, as discussed in further detail below.

[0049] The first end 320-1 may define a suction connection port 324 for fluidly connecting the dirty air passage 326 to the suction motor of the surface cleaning device. The first end 320-1 may define a suction connection port 324 for fluidly connecting the dirty air passage 326 to a rod 104 (see...). Figure 1A The rod connection port 329 is located adjacent to the suction connection port 324.

[0050] The second end 320-2 may define a nozzle connection port 322 for fluidly connecting the dirty air passage 326 to the nozzle of the surface cleaning device.

[0051] like Figures 3A to 3C As further illustrated in the example, body 302 includes a deformable conduit segment 384 extending along body 302 between a first end and a second end. The deformable conduit segment 384 may define at least a portion of dirty air passage 326. The deformable conduit segment 384 may include a second material that is relatively flexible relative to the first material of body 302. Some example materials for the second material may include silicone rubber or foam rubber.

[0052] The bypass arrangement 380 may include a nozzle orientation for fluidly connecting the nozzle of the surface cleaning device to the dirty air passage 326, and more specifically, for drawing from the suction motor of the surface cleaning device; and a bypass orientation for fluidly disconnecting the nozzle of the surface cleaning device from the suction motor through the dirty air passage 326.

[0053] The bypass arrangement 380 may include an actuator 382 extending laterally (e.g., vertically) relative to the longitudinal axis 350 of the body 302. The actuator 382 may include and / or define an arm, also referred to herein as a clamping arm, aligned with a portion of the deformable conduit segment 384 and configured to supply a clamping force to the deformable conduit segment 384. The clamping arm of the actuator 382 may further include a closing mechanism 333 (e.g., a spring, resilient material, linear actuator, motor, and / or any other mechanism configured to apply a closing force on the actuator 382), configured to supply a compressive force to the deformable conduit segment 384 when the rod is disengaged from the rod socket 308. In this scenario, the closing mechanism 333 supplies clamping force to restrict airflow through the deformable duct section (e.g., at least 20%, at least 30% or more of the airflow), substantially restrict airflow (e.g., at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the airflow), or restrict 100% of the airflow, depending on the desired configuration. In any case, this orientation may be referred to as a bypass orientation.

[0054] On the other hand, and as Figure 3B and Figure 3C As shown more clearly in the diagram, actuator 382 may include a pivot section 377 configured to cause the clamping arm to rotate and move along direction D1 when the rod is inserted into rod socket 308. In this example, the rod may then be displaced at the end of actuator 382 within rod socket 308, and thus the clamping arm rotates via pivot section 377 due to extension. This rotation can reduce or minimize the clamping force supplied to deformable conduit section 384. Inserting the rod in this manner can reduce the clamping force by at least 10%-20% or 50%-100% to allow airflow through deformable conduit section 384 and allow the nozzle of the surface cleaning device to be fluidly coupled to the suction motor. In any case, this orientation may be referred to as nozzle orientation.

[0055] In operation, the user can then disconnect the rod from the rod socket 308, and in response, the bypass arrangement 380 can introduce a clamping force into the deformable duct section 384 and partially and / or completely restrict the airflow through it (e.g., 100% restriction of the airflow), as discussed above. This can result in a reduction in the length of the dirty air passage 326, thus reducing the amount of power utilized by the suction motor of the surface cleaning device to maintain nominal suction. Surface cleaning devices implementing the bypass valve 300 can also increase power when the rod is disconnected from the rod socket 308 to provide enhanced suction during the rod cleaning process, as discussed above. In any such case, the surface cleaning device can reduce the length of the dirty air passage 326 by fluidly disconnecting the nozzle when the user requires rod cleaning.

[0056] Figure 4 Another example bypass valve 400 consistent with aspects of this disclosure is shown. The bypass valve 400 can be configured to... Figures 3A to 3C The bypass valve 300 is basically similar, and its features and descriptions are equally applicable to the bypass valve 400, and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0057] However, as Figure 4 As shown, the bypass valve 400 includes a bypass arrangement 480 (or valve bypass arrangement) comprising a frame and a pinion configuration. Specifically, the bypass arrangement 480 includes an actuator 482 extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 450 of the body 402. The actuator 482 may define a first arm configured to travel along a first axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 450 of the body. The first arm of the actuator 482 may be configured to move in response to movement of a second arm 483 of the bypass arrangement 480. For example, a transfer mechanism 489 may be configured to transfer rotational movement between the first arm and the second arm 483 of the actuator 482. The first and second arms may be configured to include notches that engage the teeth of the transfer mechanism 489. In this example, the transfer mechanism 489 is implemented as a gear defining a plurality of such teeth.

[0058] In operation, the first arm of actuator 482 can be configured to shift based on biasing mechanism 499, which is configured to bias the first arm of actuator 482 in a direction along a first axis to engage transfer mechanism 489 and cause rotation of the transfer mechanism, the first arm extending away from body 402 along longitudinal axis 450 (and the second arm 483). This rotation of transfer mechanism 489 can cause the second arm 483 to shift along a second axis toward deformable duct section 484, wherein the second axis is transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the first arm along the first axis to which it extends. As discussed above in the previous example, the second arm 483 then provides compressive force to deformable duct section to at least partially restrict airflow through it. In this example, rod coupling port 429 can remain fluidly coupled to suction motor via suction coupling port 424 to provide nominal suction at the dirty air inlet of the rod (e.g., dirty air inlet 105 of rod 104) (see Figure 1B ).

[0059] On the other hand, actuator 482 can be displaced in a direction opposite to the direction of the biasing force supplied by biasing mechanism 499. This can occur, for example, based on a rod coupled to a rod socket (not shown). This displacement of actuator 482 can then cause the second arm of actuator 282 to be suctioned / pulled away from deformable conduit section 484 based on the rotation generated by transfer mechanism 489. Thus, in this scenario, the compressive force supplied to deformable conduit section 484 can then be at least partially reduced to allow airflow through it, and thus, due to the extension, bypass valve 400 fluidly connects the nozzle of the surface cleaning device to the suction motor via nozzle coupling port 422 and suction coupling port 424.

[0060] An example of a bypass valve for a surface cleaning apparatus consistent with this disclosure may include: a body defining a dirty air passage; a nozzle connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to a nozzle of the surface cleaning apparatus; a rod connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to a rod of the surface cleaning apparatus; a suction connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to a suction motor of the surface cleaning apparatus; a rod socket configured to be removably connected to the rod; and a valve bypass arrangement configured to selectively redirect air flowing through the body such that a majority of the air flowing through the body is diverted between flowing through the rod connection port and the nozzle connection port. The valve bypass arrangement redirects the air in response to the rod being connected to or disconnected from the rod socket.

[0061] In some instances, the body may comprise acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. In some instances, the body extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, and the rod socket may be disposed adjacent to the first end of the body. In some instances, the valve bypass arrangement may include an actuator coupled to an extendable conduit section fluidly coupled to a dirty air passage. In some instances, the extendable conduit section is configured to transition between a first position where the nozzle connection port is fluidly disconnected from the dirty air passage and a second position where the nozzle connection port is fluidly coupled to the dirty air passage. In some instances, the extendable conduit section may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some instances, the actuator may be configured to transition the extendable conduit section between the first and second positions. In some instances, the valve bypass arrangement may further include at least one support extending between the nozzle connection port and the rod socket. In some instances, at least one support may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. In some instances, an extendable duct section is coupled to the at least one support member and can be configured to slidably move along the at least one support member when changing between a first position and a second position. In some instances, the valve bypass arrangement may further include a door rotatably coupled to the body. In some instances, the door may be configured to abut a second end of the extendable duct section when the extendable duct section is in the first position to at least partially prevent air from entering the dirty air passage through the extendable duct section. In some instances, the extendable duct section may be configured to displace the door and cause rotational movement of the door when the extendable duct section changes from the first position to the second position. In some instances, the door may be biased toward the extendable duct section. In some instances, an actuator may be biased such that the actuator moves the extendable duct section toward the first position when the rod is disengaged from its connection with the rod socket. In some instances, the valve bypass arrangement may include a deformable duct section that defines at least a portion of the dirty air passage. In some instances, the valve bypass arrangement may include an actuator that supplies a clamping force to the deformable duct section to reduce suction power at the nozzle coupling port. In some instances, the actuator includes a first arm configured to displace in response to movement of a transfer mechanism that moves in response to movement of a second arm, wherein the movement of the first arm is transverse to the movement of the second arm. In some instances, the second arm is configured to travel toward the deformable duct section to engage the deformable duct section, thereby reducing airflow through the deformable duct section. In some instances, the second arm may be configured to introduce a clamping force into the deformable duct section to fluidly disengage the nozzle coupling port from the dirty air passage.

[0062] While the principles of this disclosure 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 this disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that surface cleaning devices may embody any one or more features contained herein, and that these features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure, the scope of which is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A bypass valve for use in a surface cleaning device, the bypass valve comprising: The main body defines a dirty air passage; A nozzle connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to the nozzle of the surface cleaning device; A rod connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air channel to a rod of the surface cleaning device; A suction connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to the suction motor of the surface cleaning device; A rod socket, the rod socket being configured to be removably connected to the rod; as well as A valve bypass arrangement is configured to selectively redirect airflow through the body, such that a majority of the airflow through the body is diverted between flowing through one of the rod connection port and the nozzle connection port; The valve bypass arrangement redirects the air in response to the rod being connected to or disconnected from the rod socket, wherein: The body extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, and the rod socket is disposed adjacent to the first end of the body; The valve bypass arrangement includes an actuator coupled to an extendable duct section fluidly coupled to the dirty air passage. The extendable conduit section is configured to transition between a first position where the nozzle connection port is fluidly disconnected from the dirty air passage and a second position where the nozzle connection port is fluidly connected to the dirty air passage; and The actuator is configured to change the extendable catheter segment between the first position and the second position.

2. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein, The main body includes acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

3. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein, The extendable conduit section comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

4. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein, The valve bypass arrangement further includes at least one support extending between the nozzle connection port and the rod socket.

5. The bypass valve of claim 4, wherein, The at least one support extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

6. The bypass valve according to claim 4, wherein, The extendable conduit segment is coupled to the at least one support and is configured to slidably move along the at least one support when changing between the first position and the second position.

7. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein, The valve bypass arrangement further includes a door rotatably connected to the body.

8. The bypass valve according to claim 7, wherein, The door is configured to abut a second end of the extendable duct section when the extendable duct section is in the first position, so as to at least partially prevent air from entering the dirty air passage through the extendable duct section.

9. The bypass valve of claim 7, wherein, The extendable conduit section is configured to displace the door and cause rotational movement of the door when the extendable conduit section changes from the first position to the second position.

10. The bypass valve according to claim 7, wherein, The gate is biased toward the extendable conduit section.

11. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein, The actuator is biased such that it moves the extendable conduit segment toward the first position when the rod is disengaged from the connection with the rod socket.

12. A bypass valve for use in a surface cleaning device, the bypass valve comprising: The main body defines a dirty air passage; A nozzle connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to the nozzle of the surface cleaning device; A rod connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air channel to a rod of the surface cleaning device; A suction connection port configured to fluidly connect the dirty air passage to the suction motor of the surface cleaning device; A rod socket, the rod socket being configured to be removably connected to the rod; as well as A valve bypass arrangement is configured to selectively redirect airflow through the body, such that a majority of the airflow through the body is diverted between flowing through one of the rod connection port and the nozzle connection port; The valve bypass arrangement redirects the air in response to the rod being connected to or disconnected from the rod socket, wherein: The valve bypass arrangement includes a flexible conduit fluidly connected to the dirty air passage; The flexible conduit is configured to transition between a retracted position where the nozzle connection port is fluidly disconnected from the dirty air passage and an extended position where the nozzle connection port is fluidly connected to the dirty air passage. The flexible conduit changes from the retracted position to the extended position in response to the rod socket receiving the rod; and The flexible conduit changes from the extended position to the retracted position in response to the rod being removed from the rod socket.

13. The bypass valve of claim 12, wherein, The flexible conduit is configured to displace the door and cause rotational movement of the door when the flexible conduit changes from the retracted position to the extended position.

14. The bypass valve of claim 12, wherein, The flexible catheter is offset toward the retracted position.

15. A bypass valve for a surface cleaning device, the bypass valve comprising: A suction connection port, the suction connection port being configured to be fluidly connected to the suction motor of the surface cleaning device; A nozzle connection port configured to be fluidly connected to the nozzle of the surface cleaning device; A rod connection port, which is configured to be fluidly connected to a rod of the surface cleaning device; A rod socket, the rod socket being configured to be removably connected to the rod; as well as A valve bypass arrangement configured to selectively fluidly connect the suction connection port to either the suction nozzle connection port or the rod connection port based on the presence or absence of the rod in the rod socket, the valve bypass arrangement comprising: A flexible catheter is configured to transition between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein, in the extended position, the flexible catheter fluidly connects the suction connection port to the nozzle connection port, and in the retracted position, the flexible catheter fluidly disconnects from the nozzle connection port, wherein: The flexible conduit changes from the retracted position to the extended position in response to the rod socket receiving the rod; The flexible conduit changes from the extended position to the retracted position in response to the rod being removed from the rod socket; and The flexible catheter has a first total length at the retracted position and a second total length at the extended position, the first total length being less than the second total length.

16. The bypass valve of claim 15, wherein, The flexible conduit is configured to displace the door and cause rotational movement of the door when the flexible conduit changes from the retracted position to the extended position.

17. The bypass valve of claim 15, wherein, The flexible catheter is offset toward the retracted position.

Images