Surface cleaning device

Abstract

A surface cleaning device has an air treatment member including a collection chamber, a cover, an air inlet, and an air outlet. The cover is movable between a closed position that closes the collection chamber and an open position that opens the collection chamber. When the lid is opened, the pouch may be placed into the collection chamber. The cover includes an air handling member air inlet whereby when the bag is located in the collection chamber and the cover is closed, the collection chamber is located downstream of the contaminated air inlet and at least a portion of the air handling member air inlet is located above the upper end of the bag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a surface cleaning device that can be used for wet / dry cleaning, such as a portable surface cleaning device, such as a handheld vacuum cleaner. Background Art

[0002] The following is not an admission that any of the following discussion is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[0003] There are known various types of surface cleaning devices, including upright surface cleaning devices, canister surface cleaning devices, stick surface cleaning devices, central vacuum systems, and portable surface cleaning devices, such as handheld vacuum cleaners. Additionally, various cyclone surface cleaning device designs are known in the prior art, including battery-operated cyclone handheld vacuum cleaners. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following introduction presents to the reader what will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. This introduction is not intended to limit or define any claimed or unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of elements or process steps disclosed anywhere in this document, including the claims and the drawings.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a surface cleaning device includes a main air flow path that includes at least one dust separation member, such as a cyclone separator, and also includes an electric motor and a fan assembly (such as a suction motor) to remove dust from the air flow as the air flow travels from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A bypass motor is provided in a separate (cooling) air flow path through which air travels to cool the suction motor, and this cooling air flow path has an air inlet separate from the dirty air inlet of the main air flow path. Optionally, the surface cleaning device can have a suction motor that drives multiple fans, such as the fan in the main air flow path and the fan in the cooling air flow path. Alternatively, the surface cleaning device can include more than one electric motor and fan assembly, for example, one for the main air flow path and one for the cooling air flow path.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device can be a wet / dry vacuum device, which includes a water-responsive valve disposed in the airflow path downstream of a first-stage air treatment member (such as the air treatment chamber of the first-stage air treatment member), in which water can be separated from the airflow and stored. The water-responsive valve can block the airflow path in response to a water level rising to or exceeding a predetermined level to inhibit or prevent water from reaching downstream components, such as a filter medium and / or a second-stage air treatment chamber, such as one or more second-stage cyclones. Thus, the valve can be located in the partially treated airflow path between the first-stage air treatment member and the second-stage air treatment member.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the air flow rate at the second stage or subsequent stages can be adjusted. The surface cleaning device can include a supplementary air flow inlet located between an upstream component and the second stage or subsequent stages to allow air to be introduced into the airflow path upstream of the second stage or subsequent stages, such as to maintain a predetermined airflow rate or pressure at the second stage or subsequent stages. The supplementary air flow inlet can include a bleed valve that responds to pressure changes. For example, the first-stage air treatment member may become clogged (e.g., the outlet filter screen of the first-stage air treatment member may become covered with dust during use, resulting in a reduced airflow through it). Thus, a bleed valve can be provided upstream of the second air treatment member to maintain an airflow rate sufficient for efficient cyclone separation operation, and the second air treatment member is, for example, one or more cyclones.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a lid that can be opened to a dripping position for a wet / dry surface cleaning device. The surface of the lid can form a wall of the air treatment chamber and / or the airflow path. The air treatment chamber can be used to separate water from the airflow, and the water can accumulate on the surface of the lid, which surface forms, for example, the chamber wall. This surface can be referred to as an accumulation surface. When the lid is opened, the accumulation surface can be at an angle relative to the horizontal plane to cause the water to flow down from the accumulation surface. The lid can include a dripping edge, and there is a flow path between the accumulation surface and the dripping edge to cause the water to flow towards the dripping edge and thus drip from the lid. When the lid is in the dripping position, the dripping edge can be disposed above a catch basin, which catch basin is, for example, the air treatment chamber.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the wet / dry surface cleaning device includes a water pour outlet. The water pour outlet is fluidly coupled to the dust collection area to enable the water collected in the dust collection area to be emptied. The water pour outlet can extend from the container to direct the water to flow out of the container. The container can be, for example, the bucket or the main body of the surface cleaning device, such as a first-stage cyclone or a non-cyclone momentum separation chamber.

[0010] Optionally, the wet / dry surface cleaning device can removably accommodate a bag and can hold the bag in place by suction. In this case, the water pour outlet can be arranged to be spaced apart from and optionally opposite to the position where a vacuum is applied to the bag and / or spaced apart from and optionally opposite to the position of the vacuum line that provides the vacuum to help hold the bag in place during the operation of the wet / dry surface cleaning device.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the wet / dry surface cleaning device includes a pouring handle for emptying the water accumulated in the collection area. Optionally, the surface cleaning device can further include a carrying handle. The carrying handle can be separate from the pouring handle, or the pouring handle can be part of a common handle assembly with a carrying handle. In this case, the handle assembly can be fixed at one end to a support in a recess, and a part of the handle assembly mounted in the recess can form the pouring handle. Alternatively or additionally, when the air handling assembly is mounted on the main body housing and / or when the cover is arranged to hold the collection area in place in the main body, the pouring handle can be different from the carrying handle and the pouring handle can be hidden. In any such case, the pouring handle and the carrying handle can each have a handgrip portion extending along the axis of the gripping portion, and the axis of the carrying handle can be at an angle relative to the axis of the pouring handle. In any such case, the pouring handle can move between a storage position and a use position and can be hidden or lowered in the storage position. Alternatively, the handle can rotate between a pouring handle position and a carrying handle position. The rotating handle can lock and / or release the lock of the surface cleaning device. An air flow path can extend through the body of the handle, such as a vacuum line, to help hold the bag in place in the collection area.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the wet / dry surface cleaning device includes a filter screen in the pour-out path. The filter screen in the pour-out path can be fixed or movable. The pour-out path can be or include a portion that is also part of another path, such as the main air flow path, and when the pour-out path is not used as a pour-out path but is in the cleaning operation mode, the filter screen can be removed from this path. When the air handling assembly or a part thereof is removed from the main body housing, the filter screen can be moved into the pour-out path.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a first-stage air handling member (such as a cyclone or non-cyclone air handling chamber), and the first-stage air handling member has a longitudinal axis of the member that intersects with a second-stage air handling member (such as a cyclone or non-cyclone air handling chamber). The second-stage member can be located above the first-stage member and be generally aligned with the first-stage member (for example, the axis extends through the center of the second-stage member, or the axis can be coaxial with the axis of the second-stage cyclone). The second-stage member can be partially nested or fully nested in the first-stage member (such as in the outlet duct or the vortex finder). The first-stage member and the second-stage member can be generally stacked to reduce air flow turning and back pressure.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device can be a wet / dry surface cleaning device, which has a second-stage air handling member including a multi-inlet cyclone separator, and the multi-inlet cyclone separator can be an inverted multi-inlet cyclone separator. A single multi-inlet cyclone can be provided, and it can be placed on the first-stage air handling member and optionally aligned with the first-stage air handling member. The second-stage member can have a smaller height, and the multiple inlets can improve the efficiency of the cyclone separator. The multi-inlet cyclone separator can also be arranged at the upper end of the surface cleaning device, and the inverted cyclone separator can reduce the piping and / or turning of the main air flow path.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes an air handling member having a side outlet. The outlet can be led out through the side wall of the air handling chamber, such as the side wall of the cyclone separation chamber that extends between the first end and the second end of the cyclone separation chamber. The air handling member having a side outlet can be a second-stage member. In this case, the outlet can include a duct that extends below the second-stage member and above the first-stage air handling member. The axial inner end of the outlet can be curved to improve the indoor air flow around the outlet.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes an air handling member having a plurality of air inlets and an air outlet extending between two of the air inlets. For example, the air handling member can be a multi-inlet cyclone separator, optionally having a lower air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air outlet can extend between two air inlet ducts.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a dust collection area that is, for example, partially annular in shape. The partially annular dust collection area can partially surround an air handling chamber, such as a cyclone separation chamber. The partially annular dust collection area can surround the air handling chamber on multiple sides while leaving at least a portion of the side wall of the air handling chamber uncovered to allow other channels or components to reach the side wall of the air handling chamber without obstructing the dust collection area. Thus, for example, the dust collection area can be used for a second-stage air handling chamber, and the air inlet and / or air outlet duct can extend through the area between the angled opposite ends of the partially annular dust chamber.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes an angled dust outlet that extends between an air handling chamber (such as an inverted cyclone separator having an upper dust outlet) and a dust collection chamber. The angled dust outlet can be angled axially inward. The angled outlet can direct the dust into the dust collection area.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes at least two dust collection areas, and one dust collection area empties into another dust collection area. This reduces the number of dust collection areas that need to be emptied (e.g., by the user). The device may include a selectively openable door located between the dust collection areas. The door may be located between an upper dust collection area and a lower dust collection area, such that when the door is opened, dust falls from the upper area into the lower area due to gravity. The door may open, for example, in response to an event of closing an air moving member or removing or unlocking an air handling assembly or a part thereof from the main body housing. The door may open after a time delay, such as when opening 1 - 2 seconds after the suction motor is powered off and / or may open automatically when the suction motor is powered off. For example, the door may open when the lower dust collection area is opened. Thus, when one dust collection area is opened, that dust collection area receives the dust collected in another dust collection area through an opening controlled by the door, and the door may open simultaneously. The door may open under the action of gravity, and when the dust collection area is closed by driving it against the base, the door may remain closed, and the door may be moved to the closed position by riding along a cam member.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the side wall of the dust collection area is an outwardly inclined wall. The dust collection area is capable of rotating about a generally horizontal axis of rotation, and the side wall is located on the side closest to the axis of rotation. When the dust collection area is in the in - use position, the inclined wall forms an inner surface that slopes downward and outward. When the dust collection area is opened by rotating a cover about a generally horizontal axis of rotation, the inclined wall will face downward and inward, thereby causing the dust collected thereon to fall due to gravity.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, a dust collection chamber having an inclined bottom plate includes a rapid expansion area adjacent to the dust outlet of the air handling chamber to reduce the momentum of the dust brought into the dust collection chamber and to reduce the amount of dust drawn back into the air handling chamber. The rapid expansion area may include a vertical step located between the dust outlet and the inclined bottom plate, and the vertical step leads to or forms part of the dust collection area.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a lateral spacing arrangement located between a first-stage air handling member and a laterally spaced second-stage air handling member. The second-stage air handling member can be laterally spaced from the first-stage air handling member, the longitudinal (vertical) axis of the first-stage air handling member, and / or the projection of the first-stage air handling member along the longitudinal axis of the first-stage air handling member (e.g., horizontally spaced in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the surface cleaning device). The second-stage air handling member can include two or more air handling chambers, where a horizontal plane intersects the first-stage air handling member and the second-stage air handling chambers, or where the second-stage air handling chambers are located above the plane. One or more additional components, such as filters and / or suction motors for each motor, can be located below the second-stage air handling chambers.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device can include a plurality of device covers. The device covers can respectively cover or open different components of the surface cleaning device, such as the first-stage air handling member (which can be or include an air handling chamber) and the mobile member front filter housing. The device covers can be selectively opened independently, so that different components can be accessed without opening all the chambers that can be entered through the device covers. The device covers can open separately from each other like French doors. The device covers can be adjacent to each other. An air flow path (duct) can extend from one device cover to another device cover.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes one or more ribs in the air handling chamber. The ribs can extend from the side wall and / or the bottom wall of the air handling chamber into the air handling chamber. The ribs can extend substantially parallel to each other, or they have a curved profile to reduce turbulence. Air flow channels can be provided between spaced adjacent ribs. Thus, if a bag is located within the air handling chamber, the air flow channels extending between adjacent ribs can be part of a true air flow path that can help hold the bag in place within the air handling chamber during operation of the surface cleaning device. Optionally, wheels can be provided on the outer surface of the wall below the ribs, for example, the wheels can be mounted in recesses formed under the ribs.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a removable air treatment chamber wall. The removable wall can be a side wall and / or a bottom wall, on which ribs are formed. The removable ribbed wall can be removed to facilitate cleaning and / or to reconfigure the air treatment chamber between a ribbed configuration and a non-ribbed configuration.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device can be a wet / dry surface cleaning device, which includes an air treatment chamber, in which a non-porous bag is removably received. The air treatment chamber includes an openable lid, and an air inlet leading to the air treatment chamber can be provided in the lid. An air outlet can also be provided in the lid.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the upper end of the air treatment chamber that can removably receive a bag and has any bag retention features disclosed herein can be wider than the lower end.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device can be a wet / dry surface cleaning device that removably receives a bag and includes a bag holder. The bag holder is provided to hold the bag in place so that it lines the inside of the air treatment chamber.

[0029] The bag holder can include a mechanical bag holder. The mechanical bag holder includes a mechanical member that contacts the bag to restrain the movement of the bag during the operation of the surface cleaning device. The mechanical member can contact the inner surface of the bag that faces the chamber wall lined by the bag. The mechanical member can extend through the interior of the air treatment chamber. The mechanical member can be attached to the air outlet of the air treatment chamber, such as a vortex overflow pipe. The mechanical member can be attached to the device lid so as to be removed from the air treatment chamber when the lid is opened.

[0030] The bag holder can include a pneumatic bag holder. The pneumatic bag holder can include a vacuum air flow path that extends between an inlet and an outlet that face the outer surface of the bag when the bag is installed. The inlet of the vacuum air flow path can include a plurality of inlets along one or more of the side walls and / or the bottom wall of the air treatment chamber in which the bag is removably arranged. Thus, one or more walls of the air treatment chamber can be porous. Alternatively or additionally, if ribs are provided, then the inlet can include one or more channels between the ribs in the air treatment chamber. As described above, the bag holder can be a removable ribbed surface. Alternatively, if the wall is porous, then a non-ribbed non-porous wall insert can be removably received to be placed on the porous wall when the bag is not in use.

[0031] Optionally, the air moving member for creating a vacuum in the vacuum air flow path can be the same air moving member used in the main air flow path. Thus, the outlet (downstream end) of the vacuum air flow path can be at any location along the main air flow path of the surface cleaning device, such as upstream of the air moving member. For example, the outlet can lead to the vortex overflow pipe of the air treatment chamber (such as the first-stage air treatment chamber), downstream of the second-stage air treatment member, downstream of the filter (such as the pre-filter of the moving member), and the path can include multiple outlets. Optionally, when the surface cleaning device is used with a bag placed in the air treatment chamber, the outlet is at a location in the main air flow path that has a lower pressure (higher vacuum level) than the pressure in the bag.

[0032] The vacuum air flow path can extend along the side wall of the air treatment chamber opposite to the pour-out path to cause the water poured out from the air treatment chamber to be discharged from the vacuum air flow path into the air treatment chamber when being poured out through the pour-out path, rather than being discharged towards the air moving member.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, when there is no bag in the air treatment chamber, the vacuum air flow path automatically closes. The vacuum air flow path can be closed by a valve. The valve can be driven by an actuator. The actuator can be manually operated by a user or operated electromechanically, for example. For example, an on-off switch can be drivingly connected to the valve to close the valve when there is no bag and can be disengaged from the valve when there is a bag, and whether there is a bag can be detected by a bag detector, for example. Alternatively, the actuator can be pneumatically driven. For example, the vacuum air flow path can include a piston housed in the air flow path, which is biased to the closed position, but when the bag blocks the upstream end of the vacuum air flow path, the piston is pulled open by the reduced air pressure at the downstream end of the vacuum air flow path.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the ports in the bucket for the vacuum air flow path can be shielded. Such shielding can prevent the bag wall and / or dust from being sucked into the vacuum air flow path through the ports. Such shielding can be achieved by a wire mesh.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a filter that is nested in the air treatment chamber and can be part of the air outlet of the air treatment chamber. The filter can be in a filter housing in the air outlet or directly exposed to the internal space of the air treatment chamber. The air treatment chamber can be a second-stage air treatment chamber. The filter can be a cylindrical filter medium with an open (downstream) interior.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a filter cleaner for cleaning the filter at the air outlet of the air handling chamber. The filter cleaner may include one or more air nozzles that point to the filter during the filter cleaning operation, a mechanical member (such as a vibrator) that impacts the filter, a mechanical wiper that moves along part or all of the filter, or part or all of the filter and / or the filter holder may be flexible. The filter cleaner may be actuated by any of the actuators disclosed herein and may be automatically actuated when the air moving member is powered off.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a user-accessible feature adjacent to the air moving member. The user-accessible feature may be a dirty air inlet, a pour spout, and / or a user interface. The air moving member is typically the heaviest component in the surface cleaning device. When carrying the surface cleaning device, the user can hold the surface cleaning device near the heaviest component and / or near the center of gravity. When the handle is located at the top of the surface cleaning device, the user can hold the handle at a position generally in line with (e.g., above) the center of gravity of the surface cleaning device. The user can also better control the movement of the end of the surface cleaning device closest to the grip point where the user holds the surface cleaning device. Thus, one or more components that require greater user control (i.e., user-accessible features) may be located adjacent to the air moving member (e.g., at the same end).

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a non-circular air handling chamber. The air handling chamber may have a side wall member with a non-circular profile in the lateral plane. The air handling chamber may have a wall portion with a reduced curvature, which has a reduced curvature compared to other wall portions, and the wall portion with the reduced curvature may optionally be substantially flat. Alternatively, the side walls of the air handling chamber may be elliptical. The air handling chamber may have the same cross-sectional area along the length of the side wall, or the cross-sectional area may vary, for example, the lower end may be narrower (have a smaller cross-sectional area) than the upper end. The surface cleaning device may be provided with one or more components located at and / or aligned with the wall portion with the reduced curvature. The air moving member, the pre-filter of the moving member, and / or the secondary air handling member may be arranged at and / or arranged to be laterally spaced from the wall portion with the reduced curvature. The pour spout may be aligned with and / or provided at the wall position with the reduced curvature.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a hose having a wrapped storage position. In the storage position, the hose is wrapped around the surface cleaning device and fixed to the surface cleaning device at both ends.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes an air treatment chamber, the shape and size of which are adapted to accommodate the hose or the hose and one or more auxiliary tools therein when it is closed. The hose can be coiled in the air treatment chamber. The hose or the hose and one or more auxiliary tools can be accommodated in the air treatment chamber for transportation and / or storage of the surface cleaning device.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device is capable of being reconfigured between a suction mode and a blowing mode. The surface cleaning device may include a dirty air inlet and a clean air outlet, and an external conduit (such as a flexible hose) can be attached to the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet (for example, each flexible hose has a conduit attachment member), so that the user can switch the distal end of the external conduit from the suction nozzle when the conduit is attached to the dirty air inlet to the blowing nozzle when the conduit is attached to the clean air outlet. Alternatively, the surface cleaning device may include a switchable port (connected at different positions in the main air flow path) to switch between the clean air outlet and the dirty air inlet. Alternatively or additionally, the surface cleaning device may include one or more selectively openable ports that are opened and / or closed by the insertion of the attachment end of the external conduit into the surface cleaning device.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure that can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes an external conduit, and the external conduit includes a dual suction and blowing conduit. The external conduit (such as a separate flexible hose or a flexible hose combined with a rigid rod) includes two air flow paths passing through the conduit, so that the distal end of the conduit provides a suction nozzle and a blowing nozzle, and the suction nozzle and the blowing nozzle can be used alternately or simultaneously. The distal end of the conduit can be used to expel dust and suck up the expelled dust.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which can be used alone or in combination with any one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning device includes a filter chamber that can only be accessed when the air handling assembly or a part thereof is removed from the main body housing. The filter chamber may have an openable access door that is blocked from opening when the air handling assembly or a part thereof is installed onto the main body housing. The filter chamber may house a pre-filter for the moving member and / or a post-filter for the moving member.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices or methods disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and these features may be used in any specific combination or sub-combination.

[0045] These aspects and features of the various embodiments, as well as other aspects and features, will be described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to more clearly show the manner in which they operate, the following will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 is a top front perspective view of a surface cleaning device according to one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a bottom rear perspective view of the surface cleaning device;

[0049] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side perspective view of the surface cleaning device without the hose;

[0050] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a first cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending along the forward / backward direction;

[0051] Figure 4A is Figure 1 a schematic contour view of the component air inlet of the air handling member of the surface cleaning device;

[0052] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a second cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending along the forward / backward direction;

[0053] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a third vertical cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending along the forward / backward direction;

[0054] Figure 7 is Figure 1 The fourth cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a plane at an angle to the forward / backward direction;

[0055] Figure 8 is Figure 1 The fifth cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device on a horizontal plane;

[0056] Fig. 9 is Figure 1 The sixth cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device on a horizontal plane;

[0057] Fig.10 is Figure 1 The exploded perspective view of the surface cleaning device;

[0058] Fig. 10A is Figure 1 The schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the surface cleaning device, where the bag is accommodated in the air treatment chamber;

[0059] Fig.11 is Figure 1 The top perspective view of the surface cleaning device with the device cover removed;

[0060] Fig.12 is Figure 1 The top perspective view of the bucket (the first-stage air treatment chamber) of the surface cleaning device;

[0061] Fig.13 is Figure 1 The side perspective view of the bucket of the surface cleaning device;

[0062] Fig.14 is Figure 1 The seventh perspective cross-sectional view on a horizontal plane of a part of the surface cleaning device;

[0063] Fig.14A is Figure 1 The contour diagram of the rib of the surface cleaning device;

[0064] Fig. 14B is the contour diagram of the rib according to the second embodiment;

[0065] Fig. 14C is the contour diagram of the rib according to the third embodiment;

[0066] Fig.14D is Figure 1 The top cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the true air flow path of the surface cleaning device, where the valve is in the open position;

[0067] Fig.15 is Figure 1Eighth cross-sectional view of a part of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending in the forward / backward direction;

[0068] Fig.16 is Figure 1 Ninth cross-sectional view of a part of the surface cleaning device in a horizontal plane;

[0069] Fig.17 Top front perspective view of the surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0070] Fig.18 is Fig.17 Bottom rear perspective view of the surface cleaning device;

[0071] Fig.19 is Fig.17 First cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending in the forward / backward direction;

[0072] Fig.19A Schematic cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device with the float valve in the closed position;

[0073] Fig. 20 is Fig.17 Second cross-sectional view of a part of the surface cleaning device in a plane at an angle to the forward / backward direction;

[0074] Fig.21 is Fig.17 Third cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending in the forward / backward direction;

[0075] Fig. 22 is Fig.17 Fourth cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a horizontal plane;

[0076] Fig.23 is Fig.17 Fifth cross-sectional view of a part of the surface cleaning device in a horizontal plane;

[0077] Fig.23A is Fig.17 Contour diagram of the air treatment chamber of the surface cleaning device;

[0078] Fig.24 is Fig.17 Top perspective view of the surface cleaning device with the device cover removed;

[0079] Fig.25 is Fig.17 Bottom perspective view of the bucket of the surface cleaning device;

[0080] Fig.26 is Fig.17Top perspective view of the tub of the surface cleaning device;

[0081] Fig. 27 is Fig.17 Top perspective view of the air handling assembly of the surface cleaning device;

[0082] Fig.28 Top cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a horizontal plane according to another embodiment;

[0083] Fig.29 Top cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a horizontal plane according to another embodiment;

[0084] Fig.30 is Fig.29 Cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending along the forward / backward direction;

[0085] Fig.31 Schematic cross-sectional view of the air handling chamber of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane according to another embodiment;

[0086] Fig.32 is Fig.31 Top view of the mechanical bag retainer of the surface cleaning device;

[0087] Fig.32A Top view of the mechanical bag retainer according to another embodiment;

[0088] Fig.33 Schematic side view of the surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0089] Fig.33A is Fig.33 Schematic side view of the surface cleaning device with the device cover in the closed state;

[0090] Fig.34 Top perspective view of the surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0091] Fig.35 is Fig.34 First cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending along the forward / backward direction;

[0092] Fig.36 is Fig.34 Second cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device in a vertical plane extending at an angle to the forward / backward direction;

[0093] Fig.37 Schematic side view of the surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0094] Fig.38 is a top perspective view of a device cover of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0095] Fig.39 is Fig.38 a side view of the device cover;

[0096] Fig.40 is Fig.38 an end view of the device cover;

[0097] Fig.41 is a schematic side view of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0098] Fig.42 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of a surface cleaning device in a first configuration in a vertical plane extending along a forward / backward direction;

[0099] Fig.43 is Fig.42 a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the surface cleaning device in a second configuration;

[0100] Fig.44 is a schematic side view of a filter in a filter housing of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment, wherein the filter housing is in an open state;

[0101] Fig.45 is Fig.44 a schematic side view of a filter in a filter housing of the surface cleaning device, wherein the filter housing is in a closed state;

[0102] Fig.46 is a side cross-sectional view of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0103] Fig.46A is a side cross-sectional view of a part of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0104] Fig.47 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper end of a first-stage air treatment chamber of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0105] Fig.48 is Fig.47 a cross-sectional side view of the upper end of the first-stage air treatment chamber of the surface cleaning device;

[0106] Fig.49 is a schematic view of an actuator and an operated device in a first position according to an embodiment;

[0107] Fig.50 is Fig.49Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the second position;

[0108] Fig.51 is Fig.49 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the third position;

[0109] Fig.52 is Fig.49 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the fourth position;

[0110] Fig.53 is Fig.49 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the fifth position;

[0111] Fig.54 is a schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the first position according to another embodiment;

[0112] Fig.55 is Fig.54 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the second position;

[0113] Fig.56 is Fig.54 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the third position;

[0114] Fig.57 is Fig.54 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the fourth position;

[0115] Fig.58 is Fig.54 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the fifth position;

[0116] Fig.59 is a schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the first position according to another embodiment;

[0117] Fig.60 is Fig.59 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in the second position;

[0118] Fig.61 is a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0119] Fig.62 is a schematic diagram of an inclination sensor in the first position according to one embodiment;

[0120] Fig.63 is Fig.62 Schematic diagram of the inclination sensor in the second position;

[0121] Fig.64Schematic diagram of a disconnect sensor according to one embodiment;

[0122] Fig.65 is Fig.64 Schematic diagram of the disconnect sensor, where the circuit of the sensor is disconnected;

[0123] Fig.66 Schematic diagram of a disconnect sensor according to another embodiment;

[0124] Fig.67 is Fig.66 Schematic diagram of the disconnect sensor, where the circuit of the sensor is disconnected;

[0125] Fig.68 Schematic diagram of a flexible filter of a surface cleaning device in a deformed state according to one embodiment;

[0126] Fig.69 is in Fig.68 Schematic diagram of the flexible filter in a rest state;

[0127] Fig.70 Schematic diagram of an actuator and an operated device in a first position according to another embodiment;

[0128] Fig.71 is Fig.70 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in a second position;

[0129] Fig.72 Schematic diagram of an actuator and an operated device in a first position according to another embodiment;

[0130] Fig.73 is Fig.72 Schematic diagram of the actuator and the operated device in a second position;

[0131] Fig.74 Schematic diagram of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0132] Fig.75 Schematic diagram of a bucket of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0133] Fig.76 Schematic diagram of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0134] Fig.77 is Fig.76 Schematic diagram of the surface cleaning device, where the handle is rotated;

[0135] Fig.78 Schematic diagram of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0136] Fig.79A is a top perspective view of an air handling component of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0137] Fig.79B is Fig.79A a schematic contour diagram of the air handling chamber outlet of the air handling chamber of

[0138] Fig.79C is a top perspective view of an air handling component according to another embodiment;

[0139] Fig.79D is a top perspective view of an air handling component according to another embodiment;

[0140] Fig.80A is a perspective view of an air handling component according to another embodiment;

[0141] Fig.80B is Fig.80A a perspective cross-sectional view of the air handling component of

[0142] Fig.81 is a top perspective view of the air handling component and the dust collection chamber of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0143] Fig.82 is a schematic diagram of the dust outlet of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0144] Fig.83 is a schematic diagram of the air handling component of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0145] Fig.83A is Fig.83 a schematic diagram of the air handling component of , where the removable wall has been removed;

[0146] Fig.84 is a side schematic view of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0147] Fig.85 is a side schematic view of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0148] Fig.86 is an end schematic view of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0149] Fig.87 is an end schematic view of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0150] Fig.88 is a side schematic view of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0151] Fig.89 is a schematic view of an air handling component of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment, in which a removable wall has been removed;

[0152] Fig.90 is Fig.89 a schematic view of the air handling component of, in which a removable wall has been installed;

[0153] Fig.91 is Fig.89 a schematic view of the air handling component of, in which a removable wall and a bag have been installed;

[0154] Fig.92 is a top rear perspective view of a surface cleaning device according to another embodiment;

[0155] Fig.93 is Fig.92 a top front perspective view of the surface cleaning device of;

[0156] Fig.94 is Fig.92 a first vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device of;

[0157] Fig.95 is Fig.92 a second vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device of;

[0158] Fig.96 is Fig.94 an enlarged view of a portion of a cross-sectional view of;

[0159] Fig.97 is Fig.92 an enlarged view of a portion of a horizontal cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device of, showing Fig.96 the features of;

[0160] Fig.98 is Fig.92 a vertical transverse cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device of, in which the lid is in the closed position; and

[0161] Fig.99 is Fig.92 a vertical transverse cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning device of, in which the lid is in the open position.

[0162] The drawings included herein are intended to illustrate various examples of articles, methods, and devices in accordance with the teachings of this specification, but are not intended to limit in any way the scope of the teachings. Detailed Description

[0163] The following describes various apparatuses, methods, and components to provide examples of embodiments of each claimed invention. The embodiments described below do not limit any claimed invention, and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods different from those described below. A claimed invention is not limited to an apparatus, method, or component having all the features of any one of the apparatuses, methods, or components described below or the common features of a plurality or all of the apparatuses, methods, or components described below. The apparatuses, methods, or components described below may not be embodiments of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in the following apparatuses, methods, or components that are not claimed herein may be the subject of another protective instrument (e.g., a continuation patent application), and the applicant, inventor, and / or owner do not intend to disclaim, abandon, or dedicate to the public any such invention by the disclosure herein.

[0164] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "some embodiments", "the embodiment", "these embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "certain embodiments", and "a single embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention".

[0165] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "comprising", "including", and their variants mean "including but not limited to". Unless otherwise expressly stated, a list of items does not mean that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms "a", "an", and "the" mean "one or more".

[0166] As used herein and in the claims, two or more components being referred to as "coupled", "connected", "attached", or "fastened" means that these components are joined together or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate components), so long as a linkage occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more components being referred to as "directly coupled", "directly connected", "directly attached", or "directly fastened" means that these components are connected in such a way as to be in physical contact with each other. Any one of the terms "coupled", "connected", "attached", and "fastened" does not distinguish the manner in which two or more components are joined together.

[0167] In addition, it should be understood that, for the sake of brevity and clarity of the description, reference numerals may be reused in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements where considered appropriate. Additionally, numerous specific details are set forth herein in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the exemplary embodiments described herein. Moreover, these descriptions should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0168] General description of surface cleaning equipment

[0169] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning device is generally shown as 100. The surface cleaning device is exemplified in Figure 1 and Figure 2 as a portable vacuum cleaner that has a device front end 112, a device rear end 114, a device upper end 116, and a device lower end 118. A device longitudinal axis 120 extends between the device front end 112 and the device rear end 114 in the front / rear direction. A device vertical axis 122 extends between the device upper end 106 and the device lower end 118. The device vertical axis 122 is perpendicular to the device longitudinal axis 120. A device lateral axis 124 is perpendicular to each of the device vertical axis 122 and the device longitudinal axis 120 and extends through the right and left sides of the device 100.

[0170] The surface cleaning device 100 includes a main body 130. The main body 130 includes a main body housing 132 and a carrying handle 134. It should be understood that the main body housing 132 houses one or more of a motor pre-filter, an air moving member (such as a suction motor), and a motor post-filter. As exemplified, the main body housing 132 can be selectively opened to provide access to the housed components. A cleaning stage can be removably mounted to the main body and / or incorporated as part of the main body. For example, the device 100 can have a first cleaning stage removably mounted to the main body and a second cleaning stage housed within the main body and not removable from the main body.

[0171] It should be understood that the carrying handle 134 can be any suitable handle. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the carrying handle 134 can be a hand-carrying handle. As illustrated, the carrying handle 134 can be mounted to the upper end 116 of the device. When the upper end 116 of the device is above the lower end 118 of the device (i.e., the in-use position of the surface cleaning device), the carrying handle 134 can be placed on the main body housing 132. The carrying handle 134 can be located above the suction motor, the motor pre-filter, and / or the air handling assembly. Arranging the carrying handle 134 above the heavier and / or larger components of the surface cleaning device 100 can result in a more desirable feel of the surface cleaning device 100.

[0172] As illustrated, the carrying handle 134 can extend away from the main body housing 132 to provide an enclosed handgrip area between the handle 134 of the device and the upper surface. It should be understood that the handle can also be a recessed handle formed by providing a recess in the surface of the device. The carrying handle can have a handgrip portion 136 that extends generally horizontally when the upper end 116 of the device is above the lower end 118 of the device. The handgrip portion 136 has its longest dimension in the direction of the grip portion axis 138. As illustrated, the grip portion axis 138 of the carrying handle 134 can be generally transverse to the device lateral axis 124 and / or the device longitudinal axis 122. As illustrated, the grip portion axis 138 of the carrying handle 134 can be generally parallel to the device longitudinal axis 120.

[0173] The carrying handle (e.g., the lower end 140 of the carrying handle for the protruding handle) can be mounted to or formed on one or more of the openable and / or removable device cover, the suction motor housing, the motor pre-filter housing, and the air handling assembly. As illustrated, the lower end 140 of the carrying handle can be mounted to the upper surface of the openable top device cover 150 by an upwardly extending strut that extends between the upper surface of the cover (at the location of the lower end 140 of the carrying handle) and the handgrip portion 136.

[0174] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the main body housing 132 and / or the carrying handle 134 can be of other configurations, shapes, and / or positions.

[0175] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2Illustratively, the surface cleaning device 100 is a handheld vacuum cleaner, which may also be referred to as a "handvac" or "handheld vacuum cleaner". As used herein, a handheld vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that can generally be operated with one hand to clean a surface. That is, the entire weight of the vacuum cleaner can be held by the same hand that is used to direct the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner relative to the surface to be cleaned. For example, the carrying handle and the clean air inlet may be rigidly coupled (either directly or indirectly) to move as a unit while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. This is in contrast to canister and upright vacuum cleaners, which during use, have their weight generally supported by a surface (such as the floor).

[0176] In some embodiments, as Figure 33-37 illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 is a canister vacuum cleaner. As used herein, a canister vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that is used with an external conduit 160 that includes a flexible portion (such as a hose as illustrated in Fig.88 ) that is fluidly coupled and / or directly coupled to the dirty air inlet to provide an inlet nozzle 162 upstream of the flexible conduit 160, optionally upstream of a rigid conduit (such as a wand portion) located upstream of the flexible conduit 160. In some embodiments, the canister vacuum cleaner may include a recessed device dirty air inlet 172 (such as the dirty air inlet 172 of Figure 3 ) that is not suitable for directly serving as the inlet nozzle 162. The recessed dirty air inlet will be further described elsewhere herein. The external conduit 160 may be fixed to the dirty air inlet in any suitable manner, such as by a twist-lock system as illustrated in Figure 3 .

[0177] In some embodiments, the canister vacuum cleaner includes wheels 164 that are used, for example, to support the body 130 and / or the air handling assembly above the ground or other support surface. As illustrated, one or more wheels may be mounted to the body and / or the air handling assembly and / or a wheeled base on which the body is removably mounted. The wheeled support reduces the weight that must be supported by the user, which can be particularly helpful when the vacuum device is a large-capacity vacuum device. The large-capacity vacuum device is capable of accommodating a relatively large weight of separated material (such as dust or liquid), such as greater than 3 kg, greater than 5 kg, greater than 10 kg, or greater than 15 kg of separated material. It should be understood that if the body is removably mounted on the wheeled base, then the body may optionally be operated as a portable unit that can be used with the flexible conduit 160 and / or the rigid conduit.

[0178] It should be understood that any one or more of the features of the surface cleaning device 100 described herein can also or alternatively be used in any type of surface cleaning device, such as an upright surface cleaning device, a stick vacuum cleaner, an air aspirator, etc. It should also be understood that the surface cleaning device can use any configuration of the operating components and air flow paths exemplified herein.

[0179] As Figure 4-7 exemplified, the device air flow path 170 extends from the device dirty air inlet 172 to the device clean air outlet 174.

[0180] The device dirty air inlet 172 can be provided at the device rear end 114. As exemplified, the device dirty air inlet 172 can be provided at the device upper end 116. As exemplified, the device dirty air inlet 172 can be located at the device rear end 114 and / or at one side of the surface cleaning device 100. Arranging the dirty air inlet at one side can help wrap the hose around the main body housing 132, which will be further described elsewhere herein. The device dirty air inlet 172 can have an inlet end, which, as exemplified, faces rearward (i.e., opens rearward). It should be understood that the dirty air inlet 172 can be located at other positions, such as at the device lower end 118 and / or the device front end 112 of the surface cleaning device 100.

[0181] The device dirty air inlet 172 can be provided at the inlet end of the device inlet conduit 180. The device inlet conduit 180 extends from the device inlet conduit inlet end 182 (forward as exemplified) to the device inlet conduit outlet end 184. Optionally, as exemplified, the device inlet conduit outlet end 184 leads into the internal chamber of the surface cleaning device 100. As exemplified, in some embodiments, the device inlet conduit 180 is provided outside the internal chamber and can have an outlet, which is also the inlet of the chamber provided in the wall (such as a side wall or an upper wall) of the internal chamber. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the device inlet conduit outlet end 184 can extend into the internal chamber of the surface cleaning device 100 (such as an air treatment chamber, which can be a cyclone separation chamber).

[0182] The device inlet conduit 180 can be a generally straight conduit having an inlet conduit longitudinal axis 186 along the longest dimension of the device inlet conduit 180 and extending between the device inlet conduit inlet end 182 and the device inlet conduit outlet end 184. The inlet conduit longitudinal axis 186 can extend between the device front end 112 and the device rear end 114, and, as exemplified, when the device upper end 116 is above the device lower end 118, the inlet conduit longitudinal axis 186 can be generally horizontal. The inlet conduit longitudinal axis 186 can be generally parallel to the device longitudinal axis 120 and / or the carrying handle axis 138.

[0183] As Figure 17-18 illustrated by way of example, the device inlet duct 180 may form the nozzle 188 of the surface cleaning device 100. Alternatively or additionally, as Figure 4-7 illustrated by way of example, the inlet duct 180 may be connected or directly connected to an accessory, such as an external duct 160 (such as a hose). The accessory may be any suitable auxiliary tool, such as a flexible duct (such as a wet / dry vacuum hose with or without a rigid duct at its upstream end), a crevice tool, a mini brush, etc. The accessory may be coupled to the surface cleaning device 100 such that the accessory is in fluid communication with the device dirty air inlet 172 (such as in fluid communication with the device inlet duct 180). For example, the accessory may be or include a duct (such as the external duct 160), and the duct of the accessory may be received within the device inlet duct 180, or the device inlet duct 180 may be received within the accessory duct. Optionally, one or more releasable fasteners may be used to couple the accessory to the surface cleaning device 100, such as a clip or a magnet. Alternatively or additionally, the accessory may maintain fluid communication with the dirty air inlet by a friction fit (such as between the outer diameter of the accessory duct and the inner diameter of the device inlet duct 180, or vice versa). Or, it should be understood that the device inlet duct 180 may be slidably received within the accessory duct.

[0184] It should also be understood that in some embodiments, the surface cleaning device 100 may not include the device inlet duct 180, and the device dirty air inlet 172 may instead communicate directly with the downstream chamber (such as the air handling chamber 210) rather than at the upstream end of the duct. However, the device inlet duct 180, for example, allows the nozzle 188 to be formed for application to the surface to be cleaned, provides guidance for the airflow entering the surface cleaning device 100, and / or provides a convenient attachment interface for the accessory.

[0185] As Figure 4-7 illustrated by way of example, the device clean air outlet 174 may be provided at the rear end 114 of the device. The device clean air outlet 174 may be provided at the same end of the surface cleaning device 100 as the device dirty air inlet 172. The device clean air outlet 174 may include a grille 190 located in the side wall 192 of the surface cleaning device 100. As illustrated by way of example, the rear end 114 of the device may have a main body housing side wall 192 extending between the upper end 116 and the lower end 118 of the device. The main body housing side wall 192 may extend between an openable main body cover (which may be the device cover 150) and a device bottom plate 194 that closes the bottom of the main body housing side wall 192.

[0186] It should also be understood that the dirty air inlet 172 of the device and / or the clean air outlet 174 of the device can each be provided at different positions (e.g., they do not necessarily have to be on the same side of the device 100) and / or have different configurations.

[0187] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 Illustrated, the external conduit 160 can be mounted to the surface cleaning device 100. The external conduit 160 extends between an external conduit inlet end 166 and an external conduit outlet end 168. The external conduit 166 can consist of or include a flexible hose 160a. It should be understood that the external conduit 160 can alternatively or additionally include a rigid conduit, such as a rigid rod. For example, the external conduit 160 can include a rigid rod removably connected to the upstream end of the flexible hose. The external conduit 160 is used to effectively extend the nozzle of the surface cleaning device 100. The external conduit 160 can be used, for example, for cleaning above the ground. It should be understood that the external conduit 160 can be mounted to an accessory at the external conduit inlet (upstream) end 166, such as to a floor cleaning head, a crevice tool, etc. In some embodiments, the external conduit 160 together with an accessory mounted at the external conduit inlet end 166 forms a floor cleaning unit that can be releasably mounted to the surface cleaning device 100, such as to form a stick vacuum device (e.g., having an external conduit consisting of a rigid rod) or a canister vacuum device (e.g., having an external conduit including a flexible hose). It should be understood that the surface cleaning device 100 can be provided independently, or provided with the external conduit 160 but without the rest of the floor cleaning unit.

[0188] As Figure 4-7 Illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 includes an air handling assembly 200. The device air flow path 170 extends through the air handling assembly 200. The air handling assembly 200 is configured to remove dust particles and other debris and / or water from the air flow, and / or otherwise process the air flow.

[0189] The air handling assembly includes one or more air handling members 202 in one or more stages. Any air handling members known in the art can be used. For example, the air handling stage of the surface cleaning device can use one or more cyclones, bags, filters, physical filter media (such as foam, felt, HEPA), etc.

[0190] The air handling assembly 200 or a part thereof can be removably mounted to the main body housing 132. It should be understood that the air handling assembly 200 or a part thereof can be removed from the main body housing 132 in any suitable manner, such as by translation or rotation (e.g., as Figure 1-11as shown by the device cover 150 in). It should be understood that the air handling assembly 200 or a part thereof can be removed from the main body housing 132 in any direction, such as upward (e.g., as shown by the bucket 206 in Figure 12-13 and / or downward and / or forward removal.

[0191] The air handling assembly 200 can include two or more separable parts 204. As shown by way of example, the separable parts 204 can include the device cover 150 and the bucket 206. The bucket 206 includes a first-stage air handling chamber 210 and can include an end wall (e.g., member first end wall 222) and member side walls 220. It should be understood that the bucket 206 can have an open end opposite the end wall 222 of the first-stage air handling chamber 210 (e.g., which can be closed by the device cover 150), or can include a wall that closes the end opposite the end wall of the first-stage air handling chamber (e.g., a separable openable bucket lid separate from the device cover 150). It should be understood that the end wall 22 can be integrally formed or non-openably connected to the side walls 220 to provide a waterproof container.

[0192] Optionally, the device cover 150 can include at least one air handling member 202 and / or an air handling stage, and the air handling stage can include a second-stage air handling member 202. The second-stage air handling member 202 or a part thereof (e.g., the second-stage air handling chamber) can be fully contained within the device cover 150. As shown by way of example, the second-stage air handling member 202 or a part thereof can be removed as part of the device cover 150 and can be removed in a closed configuration.

[0193] Each separable part 204 can include at least one air handling member 202 and / or at least one dust collection area 230. In some embodiments, each separable part 204 includes a separation stage. For example, the first separable part 204 includes a first-stage air handling member 202, and the second separable part 204 includes a second-stage air handling member 202. Each air handling member can be an air handling chamber. As shown by way of example, the first separable part 204 can include a first-stage air handling member, and the second separable part 204 can include a second-stage air handling member 202. The separable parts 204 can be separated from each other and can be removed from the main body individually or simultaneously. At least one of the separable parts 204 can be removed from the main body housing 132, and optionally, each separable part 204 can be removed from the main body housing 132. The bucket 206 is a container for holding dust and water. The bucket 206 can be removed from the main body housing 132 independently of another part of the assembly (e.g., the device cover 150) to more easily empty and / or clean the bucket 206. For example, water may accumulate in the bucket 206, and the user can pour the water out of the bucket.

[0194] In any embodiment, as Figure 1-10 illustrated, the main housing 132 may enclose the air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof. The main housing 132 may be adjacent to the air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof on at least two opposing surfaces of the air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof. The two opposing surfaces may be opposite to each other across the air handling member 202, such as across the illustrated air handling chamber. Alternatively, it should be understood that, as Figure 17-27 illustrated, in some embodiments, the main housing 132 may be adjacent to the air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof on only one side, or may be adjacent to adjacent sides of the assembly.

[0195] It should be understood that if the air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof is removable, the removable air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof may be fixed to the main body 130 in any suitable manner. As Fig.10 illustrated, the removable air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof may be disposed on one or more main body placement surfaces 240, or against one or more main body placement surfaces 240. Optionally, the removable air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof is disposed on multiple main body placement surfaces 240, or against multiple main body placement surfaces 240. The removable air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof may be held against the placement surface 240 by a removable member. As Figure 1-10 illustrated, when the device cover 150 is in the closed position, the tub 206 of the air handling assembly 200 is held against the placement surface 240 by the device cover 150. The device cover 150 is capable of moving between an open position ( Fig.11 ) and a closed position ( Figure 1 ). When the device cover 150 is in the closed position, the device cover 150 holds the tub 206 from moving away from one or more main body placement surfaces 240. When the device cover 150 is in the open position, the tub 206 is free to move away from one or more main body placement surfaces 240.

[0196] The device cover 150 can be rotatably (e.g., pivotally) fixed to the device body 130. The device cover 150 can be fixed to the device body through a rotary joint 250 on one end of the device cover 150. As illustrated, the rotary joint 250 has a joint rotation axis 252 about which the rotary joint rotates. The joint rotation axis 252 can be generally parallel to the handle axis 138 and / or the device longitudinal axis 120. Another portion (e.g., the opposite end) of the device cover 150 can be releasably fixed to the device body 130, for example, by a releasable snap 254 or other fastener, such that when the fastener is fixed, the device cover remains closed, and when the fastener is released, the device cover freely rotates about the rotary joint 250 to the open position. It should be understood that the device cover 150 can also or alternatively be fixed to the body in other ways and can be completely removed from the device body 130.

[0197] It should be understood that any suitable rotary joint 250 can be used. As Fig.10 illustrated, the rotary joint 250 can be a releasable joint to allow the device cover 150 to be removed from the body 130 by releasing the joint.

[0198] It should be understood that in some embodiments, a removable air handling assembly or a portion thereof can also or alternatively be fixed to the body 130 via one or more fasteners, such as screws, clips (e.g., the releasable snap 254), or magnets, which can be releasable or overcome by a predetermined force applied by the user. In some embodiments, the air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof can be removed without opening the cover, for example, where the air handling stage has its own cover that can be removed together with the air handling stage and the device does not have the device cover 150 placed over an enclosed chamber, or where the assembly can be removed without opening the cover 150, such as by removing the assembly laterally. In some embodiments, the air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof is released by a user action, such as by the user's interaction with a button or other switch of the user interface 260.

[0199] The air handling member 202 can be openable, for example, to allow removal of dust. One or both of the member end walls (e.g., the upper wall and / or the lower wall) or a portion of one or each member end wall can be openable. Opening one end of the chamber can facilitate access to the member inlet and / or outlet. Alternatively or additionally, the member side wall or a portion thereof can be openable. As Figure 4-11As exemplified by the air handling member 202 of the first stage 280, it is possible to remove the member end wall (e.g., the second end wall 224) from the member side wall 220 to open the chamber. The member end wall can be disposed on the member side wall 220. It should be understood that the member end wall can be fixed to the member side wall in any suitable manner, such as by friction fit or releasable fasteners (e.g., snap or threaded fasteners). As exemplified, the member end wall can be part of the device cover 150.

[0200] The air handling assembly 200 includes a dust collection area 230. As Figure 4-7 exemplified by the air handling member of the first stage 280, the dust collection area 230 can be an internal area of the air handling chamber 210. The dust collection area 230 can be located at the bottom end of the air handling chamber 210. As Figure 4-7 exemplified by the air handling member 202 of the second stage 282, the dust collection area 230 can be located in a dust collection chamber 382 outside the air handling chamber. The dust collection chamber 382 communicates with the air handling chamber 210 via a dust outlet 370 (e.g., an opening in the wall of the air handling chamber or a gap between the walls of the air handling chamber). The dust outlet 370 can be located at the upper end of the dust collection chamber 382. The dust collection chamber 382 and the air handling chamber 210 are separate chambers.

[0201] It should be understood that the air handling assembly 200 can include any suitable number of discrete dust collection areas 230. As Figure 4-7 exemplified, each air handling chamber 202 can include its own dust collection area 230. Of course, it can be understood that in some instances, multiple air handling chambers can share a dust collection area (e.g., two cyclones, each having a dust outlet leading to a common dust collection chamber), and / or an air handling member can include two or more discrete dust collection areas. In some embodiments, the air handling assembly 200 and / or its air handling chambers can include separate collection areas for fine dust and coarse dust, and / or separate dust outlets for fine dust and coarse dust leading to a common dust collection chamber.

[0202] It should be understood that the air handling member 202 and the dust collection area 230 can be any configuration suitable for separating dust from the air stream and collecting the separated dust.

[0203] As Figure 4-7As an example, the surface cleaning device 100 further includes an air moving member 400. The air moving member 400 is located in the device air flow path 170. The air moving member 400 is provided to generate an air flow (such as vacuum suction) through the air flow path 170. The air moving member 400 may include a suction motor and a fan assembly 402. The suction motor and the fan assembly 402 include a motor 532 and at least one fan 534. At least one of the fans 534 is located in the device air flow path 170.

[0204] The air moving member 400 may be contained within a moving member housing 410. The moving member housing 410 may form a part of the outer surface of the main body housing 132 or may be inside thereof. The moving member housing 410 may be of any suitable construction, including any of the constructions exemplified herein.

[0205] In the illustrated example, the air moving member 400 is located downstream of the air handling assembly 200, but it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the air moving member 400 may be located upstream of the air handling assembly 200 or its air handling members (such as the dirty air motor).

[0206] As an example, in some embodiments, the air moving member 400 rotates about a moving member rotation axis 412 (such as the suction motor rotation axis). Preferably, when the upper end 116 of the device is above the lower end 118 of the device, the moving member rotation axis 412 is generally in a vertical orientation and extends between the upper end 116 and the lower end 118 of the device. However, in other examples, the moving member rotation axis 412 may extend at any angle with respect to the vertical direction or may extend horizontally. Thus, the air moving member 400 may face any direction within the surface cleaning device 100. The moving member rotation axis 412 may be spaced apart (such as horizontally spaced apart) from the member longitudinal axis 350 of one or more air handling members and / or may be coaxial with one or more member longitudinal axes 350. As an example, the moving member rotation axis 412 may intersect the carrying handle axis 138. As an example, the moving member rotation axis 412 may be generally parallel to the member longitudinal axis 350 of one or all of the air handling members 202.

[0207] The surface cleaning device 100 may include one or more filters 420 located in the airflow path of the surface cleaning device 100. The filter 420 may be one or more of a foam filter, a felt filter, a HEPA filter, other physical filtration media, an electrostatic filter, etc. Optionally, the filter 420 includes a series of filter meshes, and optionally, each downstream filter mesh of the filter has finer pores than the previous upstream filter mesh. The filter 420 may be formed of any suitable physical porous filtration media and may have any suitable shape, including the examples disclosed herein.

[0208] The surface cleaning device 100 may include a pre-moving member filter 420 upstream of the moving member 400 and / or a post-moving member filter 420 downstream of the moving member. The pre-moving member filter 420 removes dust (e.g., fine dust) that may damage the moving member 400, which may damage the moving member 400, for example, by accumulating on the fan blades or interfering with the motor movement. The post-moving member filter 420 removes dust (e.g., carbon dust from the motor) that will be released by the surface cleaning device 100. For example, the pre-moving member filter 420 may be a pre-motor filter disposed in the airflow path 170 upstream of the motor and fan assembly. If a bypass or cooling of the motor is provided as discussed elsewhere herein, then the pre-moving member filter 420 may be located upstream of the fan blades disposed in the cooling airflow path. The post-moving member filter 420 may be a post-motor filter disposed in the airflow path 170 downstream of the motor and fan assembly. If a bypass or cooling of the motor is provided as discussed elsewhere herein, then the post-moving member filter 420 may be located downstream of the fan blades or the motor disposed in the cooling airflow path. It should be understood that the surface cleaning device 100 may have any suitable number of filters 420.

[0209] The filter 420 may be disposed in a filter housing 442. The filter housing 442 may be of any suitable construction, including any of the constructions exemplified herein. The filter housing 442 may be openable or accessible to allow cleaning and / or replacement of the filter 420. As illustrated, the moving member rotation axis 412 may intersect one or more filter housings 442. In some embodiments, the moving member rotation axis 412 intersects at least one filter housing 442 of the pre-moving member filter 420 housed in the main airflow path 170.

[0210] As Fig.10Illustratively, in some embodiments, at least one wall 444 of the filter housing 442 is part of the device cover 150. Opening the device cover 150 can open the filter chamber 446 of the filter 420 in the air flow path 170. As illustratively shown, in some embodiments, opening the device cover 150 opens the filter housing 442 of the pre-moving member filter 420.

[0211] As Fig.15 and Fig.16 illustrated by the filter housing 442 of the post-moving member filter 420 in [references], the filter housing 442 can form part of the outer surface of the main body housing 132. Optionally, the filter housing 442 forms part of the side wall 192 of the main body housing. As Fig.16 illustrated by the post-moving member filter 420 shown, the post-moving member filter 420 can be located radially outside the moving member 400.

[0212] The pre-moving member filter 420 can be of any suitable shape and can be located at any particular position. Optionally, as illustratively shown, the pre-moving member filter 420 can have its longest dimension in the vertical direction along the longitudinal axis 422 of the pre-moving member filter. As Figure 4-7 and Fig.10 illustrated by the pre-moving member filter 420 in the main air flow path 170 of [references], the pre-moving member filter can be an annular filter, for example having a filter material body surrounding a central cavity. The filter material of the annular filter can be cylindrical or frustoconical. Air can flow into the central cavity from the radially outer surface of the annular filter and then, for example, flow downward to the motor and fan assembly. The annular filter can be arranged such that the central cavity extends generally vertically, the upstream end of the filter housing is closed by the filter end cap 424, and the downstream end of the filter housing is open (e.g., as illustratively shown, open to the moving member housing 410). The longitudinal axis 422 of the pre-moving member filter can be generally parallel to one or more of the device vertical axis 122, the member longitudinal axis 350, and / or the moving member rotation axis 412. The longitudinal axis 422 of the pre-moving member filter can be generally perpendicular to the device longitudinal axis 120 and / or the inlet duct longitudinal axis 186.

[0213] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As illustrated, power may be supplied to the surface cleaning device 100 from an external power source (e.g., to components or elements such as the air moving member 400). As illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 may include a power cord 432 connectable to a household power supply. Optionally, as illustrated, the power cord 432 may enter the main body housing 132 at the bottom end of the housing. However, it should be understood that the power cord may be provided in any configuration and / or location of the surface cleaning device 100. It should be understood that the power supply may alternatively or additionally include one or more on-board energy storage members (e.g., batteries, capacitors, and optionally, multiple may be provided in a pack, e.g., in a removable pack).

[0214] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 As illustrated, it should also be understood that the surface cleaning device 100 may include a user interface 260. The user interface 260 may be part of the control system 438 of the surface cleaning device 100. As illustrated, the user interface 260 may be a single power on / off button. The control system 438 may include circuitry that couples the power on / off button to the air moving member 400 to control the operation of the air moving member 400. However, it should be understood that any suitable control system 438 may be used. For example, the control system may include a more complex user interface having multiple buttons, switches, and / or screens (e.g., multiple soft buttons provided on a touch screen). As another example, the control system may include one or more on-board processors communicatively coupled to one or more on-board data storage systems storing instructions, e.g., for responding to a user's selection between two or more operating modes or in response to sensor input from on-board sensors (e.g., by changing the rotational speed of the air moving member 400 in response).

[0215] As illustrated, the user interface 260 may be provided at the upper end 116 of the device. Optionally, the user interface 260 is provided on the top surface 440 of the main body housing 132 (e.g., on the lid 150). As illustrated, the user interface may face upward (i.e., visible when looking down at the surface cleaning device 100 along the device vertical axis 122). The user interface at the upper end 116 of the device is more accessible to the user compared to a user interface at the lower end 118 of the device. As illustrated, the user interface may be provided in a position adjacent to the carrying handle 134. The user interface adjacent to the carrying handle is easily accessible to a user interacting with the carrying handle. However, it should be understood that the user interface 260 may be provided at any location on the surface cleaning device 100.

[0216] The following aspects are discussed, namely, actuators, a bucket that can be removed in a closed configuration, angled mating surfaces, dual actuators, an air handling assembly, air flow regulation at a second or subsequent stage, deflectors, windows, a bypass motor, a water-responsive valve in an air flow path, a lid that can be opened to a drip position, a pour spout, a pour handle, a filter in a pour path, an intersection of a first stage axis and a second stage, an inverted multi-inlet cyclone separator, a side air outlet, an air outlet between air inlets, a partially annular dust collection zone, an angled dust outlet, mutually evacuated dust collection zones, a door that opens by opening a dust collection chamber, an inclined sidewall of a dust collection zone, a dust collection expansion zone, laterally spaced arrangement, vertically stacked with an air moving member, multiple device lids, a rib retention structure, a removable ribbed wall, a non-porous bag in an air handling member, a bag retainer, a mechanical bag retainer, a pneumatic bag retainer, automatic control of a true air flow path, a shielded true air flow path outlet, a filter nested in an air handling chamber, filter screen cleaning, positioning features accessible by a user near the air moving member, a non-circular air handling chamber, a hose wrapped around, a nested storage or transport configuration, capable of being reconfigured between a suction mode and a blowing mode, dual suction and blowing external ducts, and a filter door held closed by a removable air handling assembly or a portion thereof. These aspects are set forth herein. It is understood that any one or more of these aspects can be used in combination with any one or more of the actuators, a bucket that can be removed in a closed configuration, angled mating surfaces, dual actuators, an air handling assembly, air flow regulation at a second or subsequent stage, deflectors, windows, a bypass motor, a water-responsive valve in an air flow path, a lid that can be opened to a drip position, a pour spout, a pour handle, a filter in a pour path, an intersection of a first stage axis and a second stage, an inverted multi-inlet cyclone separator, a side air outlet, an air outlet between air inlets, a partially annular dust collection zone, an angled dust outlet, mutually evacuated dust collection zones, a door that opens by opening a dust collection chamber, an inclined sidewall of a dust collection zone, a dust collection expansion zone, laterally spaced arrangement, vertically stacked with an air moving member, multiple device lids, a rib retention structure, a removable ribbed wall, a non-porous bag in an air handling member, a bag retainer, a mechanical bag retainer, a pneumatic bag retainer, automatic control of a true air flow path, a shielded true air flow path outlet, a filter nested in an air handling chamber, filter screen cleaning, positioning features accessible by a user near the air moving member, a non-circular air handling chamber, a hose wrapped around, a nested storage or transport configuration, capable of being reconfigured between a suction mode and a blowing mode, dual suction and blowing external ducts, and a filter door held closed by a removable air handling assembly or a portion thereof set forth herein.

[0217] Actuator

[0218] The following is a description of the actuator. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein. As Figures 49 to 58 Illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 may include one or more actuators 450. The actuator 450 operates the operated device 452 of the surface cleaning device 100. The actuator 450 may be pneumatically, mechanically, or electromechanically connected to the operated device 452 to operate the operated device. The actuator 450 may be part of the user interface 260.

[0219] The operated device 452 may be a movable device, such as a valve, door, baffle, biasing member, or wiper, and the actuator may apply a force to move the movable device between a first position (e.g., an open position or an extended position) and a second position (e.g., a closed position or a compressed position). For example, the actuator may be a linear actuator that drives a door between an open position and a closed position. Multiple operated devices 452 are discussed in detail elsewhere herein, and any one or more of these devices may be included in the surface cleaning device 100 and may be actuated by any of the actuators 450 discussed herein.

[0220] It should be understood that the actuator may operate one operated device, which in turn operates another operated device. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may simultaneously or independently operate more than one operated device in parallel.

[0221] As Figures 54 to 58 Illustrated, the actuator 450 may be pneumatically connected to the operated device 452, such as by an actuator air flow path 454. As Figures 54 to 58 Illustrated, the actuator air flow path 454 may extend between the actuator 450 and the operated device 452. The actuator 450 (e.g., a piston moving within a piston chamber, as illustrated) may pressurize or depressurize the actuator air flow path 454 (e.g., by moving into or out of the piston chamber) to actuate the operated device 452.

[0222] Additionally or alternatively, the actuator 450 may be mechanically connected to the operated device 452, such as by a mechanical linkage 456. As Figures 49 to 53 Illustrated, the mechanical linkage 456 may be or include a shaft or rod 458 extending between the actuator 450 and the operated device 452 to drive the operated device 452. It should be understood that other mechanical linkages, such as gears, pivot levers, or rotating shafts, may be used additionally or alternatively. Optionally, for example, the rod 458 may be pneumatically driven, such as by the air flow path 454, or the rod 458 may be driven by an electromechanical component, such as a solenoid.

[0223] As Fig.59 and Fig.60 illustrated, the mechanical linkage 456 can travel within a closed space. The enclosed linkage 456 is separated from an air flow space such as an air handling chamber or an air flow path by a housing 468. For example, the illustrated mechanical linkage 456 is enclosed within a bellows 468. Enclosing the mechanical linkage 468 can prevent mud from accumulating on the mechanical linkage. It should be understood that any mechanical linkage of any suitable actuation system can be enclosed to protect the linkage. The linkage can extend through or into an air flow path, such as the main air flow path 170, and enclosing the linkage or at least a portion of the linkage within the air flow path can prevent or reduce dust buildup on the linkage.

[0224] The actuator 450 can be a manual actuator 450, such as a button or a joystick, that operates the operated device 452 by being manually moved (e.g., pressed or slid) by a user. As Fig.59 and Fig.60 illustrated, the manual actuator 450 can include a button 460 that is pressed by a user. The button 460 can be mechanically coupled to the operated device 452 (either directly, such as by engaging the operated device 452 by itself, or indirectly by moving a mechanical linkage that engages the operated device 452). For example, as discussed elsewhere herein, the actuator 450 can be mechanically coupled to a dump door between a second-stage dust collection zone and a first-stage air handling chamber to move the dump door between an open position and a closed position. It should be understood that a manually moved actuator can actuate an electromechanical component (e.g., closing a circuit that causes a solenoid to operate).

[0225] Optionally, the actuator 450 is also coupled to a control system 438, such as to provide a signal to operate an electric component of the surface cleaning device 100. For example, a button can be both a manual actuator of the surface cleaning device and a power button. Operating the actuator (e.g., pressing the button) can send a signal to the control system 438 to turn on the air moving member 400 and also operate the mechanical linkage 456 to actuate the operated device 452 (e.g., move a filter or a door).

[0226] The actuator 450 can be an automatic actuator 450 that automatically operates the operated device 452 in response to changing conditions, such as an electric actuator, a pressure-responsive actuator, a float actuator, or a motion-responsive actuator.

[0227] As Fig.61As an example, an electric or electromechanical actuator 450, such as a solenoid or an electric motor, can be actuated in response to a signal, such as a signal received from a control system 438 and / or a communicatively coupled sensor 462. The sensor 462 can be, for example, an incline sensor, a break sensor (such as an electrical or optical break sensor), a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, and / or a pressure sensor. It should be understood that any sensor can be used. For example, as discussed elsewhere herein, a sensor (such as a break sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, and / or a pressure sensor) can detect whether there is no bag in the bucket and can send a signal to close the vacuum line (such as closing a valve) or cut off the power supply to the vacuum line motor that holds the bag in place. Alternatively, a sensor (such as an incline sensor and / or an optical sensor) can detect the water fill level in the bucket and, if an overfilled water condition is detected, send a signal to cut off the power supply to the motor and the fan assembly.

[0228] As Fig.62 and Fig.63 As an example, the incline sensor 462 can include a pair of electrical contacts 464 electrically coupled by a conductive member 466, which can move freely between a bridging position ( Fig.63 ) and a spaced position ( Fig.62 ). The conductive member 466 can move between positions in response to changing conditions. For example, the incline sensor 462 can be housed in a chamber, such as the air handling chamber 210 of the first stage 280, and the incline sensor 462 can move from a first position where the conductive member is in the spaced position ( Fig.62 ) to an inclined position where the conductive member is in the bridging position ( Fig.63 ) due to a rise in the water level in the chamber. It should be understood that if a user carries the surface cleaning device when there is water in the air handling chamber 210, the incline sensor can shut off the motor if the user tilts the bucket to a position where water can enter the air outlet of the air handling chamber 210. It should be understood that any sensor can be used, including any water level responsive incline sensor.

[0229] As Fig.64 and Fig.67Illustratively, the break sensor 462 includes a loop 470 (e.g., an electrical or optical path) that can be interrupted (e.g., interrupted by an object inserted between portions of the loop, e.g., interrupted by a bag). For example, the optical sensor 472 can include a light beam source 474 and a light beam receiver 476. The light beam source 474 and the light beam receiver 476 are arranged to detect an interruption of the light beam path 480 between the light beam source 474 and the light beam receiver 476, e.g., an interruption caused by the intervening presence of a detectable object (e.g., a bag). In some embodiments, the light beam path extends beyond the direct path between the light beam source and the light beam sensor. At this time, a detectable object 482 that does not appear between the light beam source and the light beam receiver can be detected. For example, as Fig.66 and Fig.67 Illustratively, a reflective surface 478 can be located opposite the light beam source 474 to redirect the light beam path 480 from the incident direction to the light beam detector 476. For example, this enables detection of a detectable object (i.e., interruption of the light beam path 480) if the detectable object is located between the light beam source or the light beam receiver and the reflective surface. Alternatively, the electrical break sensor can include spaced-apart electrical contacts 462 on one body (e.g., the device cover), which are electrically coupled to each other by a conductive member 466 on another body (e.g., the barrel), and can sense a foreign object (e.g., a bag) when the foreign object breaks the circuit (e.g., located between the conductive body and the electrical contact).

[0230] A pressure-responsive actuator 450, such as a flexible member (e.g., a diaphragm) or a piston moving within a piston housing, is in fluid communication with the airflow path 170 and actuates in response to a change in pressure, e.g., in response to the inlet or outlet of the airflow path being opened or blocked and / or in response to the air moving member 400 being turned on, turned off, or changed from one operating mode to another (e.g., changing between a high suction or high power mode and a low suction or low power mode).

[0231] As Figures 49 to 53 Illustratively, the pressure-responsive actuator 450 can include a piston 490 located within a piston housing 492. The piston 490 can be in a first or extended position ( Fig.49 ) and a second or retracted position ( Fig.51) move between. The piston 490 can be mechanically coupled to the device 452 to be operated through a mechanical linkage 456. Alternatively or additionally, the piston 490 can be pneumatically drivingly coupled to the device 452 to be operated through the illustrated actuator air flow path 454. For example, the device 452 to be operated can be a baffle 494 or a door of the second-stage dust collection chamber, and the baffle 494 or the door moves between a first position and a second position in response to a pressure change in the actuator air flow path 454. Thus, when the motor and fan assembly is turned on, the pressure-responsive actuator 450 can move the door of the second-stage dust collection chamber to the closed position, and / or when the motor and fan assembly is powered off, the pressure-responsive actuator 450 can open the door, thereby emptying the dust from the second-stage dust collection chamber into the first-stage dust collection area.

[0232] As Fig.70 and Fig.71 illustrated, the float actuator 450 can include a buoyancy member 500 (such as a float valve). The buoyancy member 500 is housed in a chamber. The buoyancy member 500 responds to a change in the liquid level of the liquid 502 in the chamber that houses it. As the liquid level rises, the buoyancy member 500 rises with the liquid level. The buoyancy member 500 is drivingly connected to the device 452 to be operated, so that the movement of the buoyancy member 500 between a first position and a second position actuates the device 452 to be operated. The first position and the second position can be separated by a predetermined distance (for example, such that a predetermined liquid accumulation level in the chamber actuates the device 452 to be operated). The buoyancy member can be directly or indirectly mechanically or electromechanically connected to a valve or a door to close a passage (such as a vacuum pipeline and / or a flow path downstream of the first-stage air treatment chamber 210) when the liquid level rises above a predetermined level.

[0233] The mechanical movement-responsive actuator 450 responds to the movement (such as removal or reattachment) of a component (such as the bucket 206) of the surface cleaning device 100 relative to another component (such as the main body housing 130) of the surface cleaning device 100. In some embodiments, the movement-responsive actuator 450 responds to the removal of a component of the surface cleaning device from another component, such as the removal of the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof from the main body housing 132. As Figure 72-73 illustrated, the movement-responsive actuator 450 can be a mechanical member movably mounted on the first component and capable of moving between a first position ( Fig.72 ) and a second position ( Fig.73 ). The movement of the mechanical member 510 between the first position and the second position can be driven by the movement of the first component toward and / or away from the second component. For example, the mechanical member 510 can be a lever biased (such as by a biasing member 512) to the second position and driven to the first position by the movement of the first component toward the second component.

[0234] Actuator 450 can be communicatively coupled to control system 438 to send and / or receive signals from the control system. Actuator 450 can respond to signals from the control system (e.g., actuate in accordance with the instructions of control system 438, thereby causing the actuated device to be activated). Actuator 450 can provide signals to control system 438 (e.g., provide a status update to control system 438 for use by the control system to determine subsequent actions of the control system, which subsequent actions can then be used to actuate the actuated device).

[0235] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the actuator can be independent of control system 438, even an electric actuator, such as an electric actuator controlled by a simple circuit. The simple circuit may not include a processor or data storage device, such as a circuit having a trigger (e.g., a switch, slider or button) that closes the circuit when activated and opens the circuit when deactivated. For example, the actuator itself can close the circuit to actuate a solenoid.

[0236] It should be understood that the actuator can be a dedicated actuator for moving only one actuated device, or can be a common actuator operable to move more than one actuated device (e.g., simultaneously or individually, e.g., under the guidance of control system 438).

[0237] Actuator 450 can respond to an activation event. The activation condition can be any suitable event, such as the airflow path being active (e.g., air moving member 400 has been turned on) and / or the airflow path having been deactivated (e.g., air moving member 400 has been turned off). Actuator 450 can operate continuously when the activation event occurs, or can operate intermittently when the activation event is satisfied. Actuator 450 can operate once in response to the activation event.

[0238] In some embodiments, actuator 450 is pre-activated by a first event and triggered by a second event to actuate operable device 452. The pre-activatable actuator 450 can only be triggered if it is first pre-activated. For example, actuator 450 can be pre-activated by air moving member 400 being turned off or on, or by the air pressure near the actuator reaching a predetermined level or dropping below a predetermined level.

[0239] As Figure 49-53 illustrated, the pre-activatable actuator 450 can be a unidirectional actuator that moves from a first position ( Fig.49 ) to a second position ( Fig.51), but without actuating the actuatable device 452, and then from the second position ( Fig.51 ) is moved back to the first position ( Fig.53 ) due to a second event (e.g., an increase in air pressure behind the piston, which may be caused, for example, by the upstream air moving member 400 being shut off), thereby actuating the actuatable device. As illustrated, the pre-activatable actuator 450 can be, for example, a piston drivingly coupled to a baffle 514 that raises as it passes in one direction 518 to clear a lever 516, but moves the lever as it passes in the other direction 520.

[0240] In some embodiments, the actuator operation actuates the actuatable device 452 after a predetermined time delay from the triggering event. For example, the activation event can be shutting off the air moving device and / or a decrease in air pressure below a predetermined threshold, and the actuator can act after a predetermined delay after the activation event. For example, after a predetermined delay after shutting off the air moving device, the actuator 450 can open a door (a second-stage dust collection chamber door that opens the second-stage dust collection chamber to empty dust by gravity into the first-stage dust collection area). It should be understood that any suitable delay can be used to operate the actuator. As Figures 49 to 53 illustrated, the delay-operated actuator 450 can include a piston 492 that is moved by a biasing member 522 when the air pressure from the spring side of the piston chamber ( Fig.49 the left side of the piston chamber where the spring 522 is located) drops below a predetermined threshold, and the piston may need to travel a certain distance 524 ( Fig.51 ) to actuate the actuatable device 452. For example, it should be understood that once the air moving member 400 is de-energized, the vacuum level in the air flow path 170 slowly returns to atmospheric pressure. Thus, the biasing member 522 can be selected to apply a force to move the piston when the spring side of the piston chamber reaches a predetermined pressure level.

[0241] In some embodiments, the actuator 450 automatically reverses the operation of the actuatable device 452 after a predetermined waiting time. For example, the actuator 450 can open a door in response to a triggering event and then close the door after a predetermined waiting time in the absence of a further applicable event. For example, the actuator can include a piston that moves in response to a predetermined pressure threshold, and that movement can change the pressure, causing the piston to move back (e.g., driven by a biasing member).

[0242] It should be understood that any suitable actuator and / or actuatable device can be used, and any actuator disclosed herein can be used with any actuatable device disclosed herein.

[0243] A barrel that can be removed in closed form

[0244] The following is a description of a surface cleaning device 100 that can remove the air handling assembly 200 or a part thereof (such as the bucket 206) from the main housing 132 in a closed configuration. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0245] The removable air handling assembly 200 can be a first-stage air handling chamber. Optionally, when the first-stage air handling member is removed, a second-stage air handling member (such as a processing chamber) can remain in the main housing. In this case, the material separated by the second-stage air handling member can be emptied into the first-stage air handling member, as described elsewhere herein.

[0246] Optionally, the removable air handling assembly 200 is an air handling chamber, such as the bucket 206, and the bucket can be enclosed, for example, by the device lid 150 and / or a separate lid of the bucket 206 itself. Removing the assembly or a part thereof in a closed configuration can prevent dust and / or water from falling when the user carries the assembly or a part thereof to a disposal location. In the case where the assembly or a part thereof (such as the bucket 206) is used to collect water, removing the assembly or a part thereof in a closed configuration inhibits water from splashing out of the carried assembly or a part thereof. The enclosed assembly or a part thereof can have an open pouring channel 600 (described elsewhere herein) so that the user can pour the liquid without opening the enclosed assembly or a part thereof.

[0247] Angled mating surfaces

[0248] The following is a description of the surface cleaning device 100, where the air handling assembly 200 or a part thereof is removable. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0249] As Figure 37-40 Illustrated, the removable air handling assembly 200 or a part thereof can have a mating interface 270 that is angled relative to the removal direction 272, and the assembly or a part thereof can be removed along the removal direction 272 from another component (such as the main housing 132) of the surface cleaning device. Optionally, the angled mating interface includes an air flow path port that aligns with an air flow path port on a part of the surface cleaning device 100 from which the above-mentioned assembly or a part of the assembly can be removed. When installing the above-mentioned assembly or a part thereof, to facilitate an airtight connection between the ports, one of the ports or both ports can include a seal around the port. One of the ports or both ports extend at an angle relative to the removal direction. The angled interface reduces friction between the ports and / or the seals during relative movement between the ports.

[0250] Dual actuator

[0251] The following is a description of a surface cleaning device 100 having two actuators to provide an evacuation separation stage (e.g., a first stage separation chamber) in an alternative manner. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0252] Accordingly, the surface cleaning device 100 can include a first actuator (e.g., a button) to allow a user to release a bucket 206 in a closed configuration (e.g., the bucket lid is still open), so that the user can remove the bucket in the closed configuration; the surface cleaning device 100 further includes a second actuator (e.g., another button) to allow the user to release the lid to open the bucket, whether the bucket is held fixed to the main body housing or has been removed from the main body housing. Thus, the user is provided with a choice as to how to handle the separated material. Any actuator disclosed herein can be used. Thus, if a bag is provided in the bucket, the bucket can be opened while the bucket is installed on the main body, so that the bag can be removed. Alternatively, if water has been collected, the bucket (optionally closed) can be removed and moved to a location such as a sink, where the water can be poured out of the bucket, for example, through an optional pour spout as described at other locations herein.

[0253] Air handling components

[0254] The following is a description of an air handling assembly 200 that can be used in the surface cleaning device 100. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0255] It should be understood that the air handling assembly 200 can include any suitable number of air handling stages, each air handling stage having any suitable number of parallel air handling members. The air handling member 202 can be any suitable air handling member, such as an air handling chamber, which can be a non-cyclone momentum separator or a cyclone separator (inverted, countercurrent, unidirectional flow, multi-inlet, single-inlet, single-outlet, etc.). For example, the air handling assembly 200 can include a single air handling stage having one or more parallel air handling members (e.g., multiple momentum separators or cyclone separators). As another example, the air handling member 202 can include a first separation stage (e.g., a cyclone separator or a momentum separator) having a single air handling chamber and a downstream second stage including multiple air handling chambers (e.g., an array of small cyclone separators parallel to each other).

[0256] As Figure 4-7 illustrated, the air handling assembly 200 can include a first air handling stage 280 and a second air handling stage 282 located downstream of the first air handling stage 280. As Figure 4-7 As an example, the first air treatment stage 280 may include only a single air treatment chamber, and the second air treatment stage 282 may also include only a single air treatment chamber. A single air treatment component in a stage simplifies the construction and / or use (e.g., user evacuation) of the surface cleaning device 100. As Figure 22-23 shown as an example, the first air treatment stage 280 may include only a single air treatment chamber 202, while the second air treatment stage may include a plurality (e.g., two) of parallel air treatment chambers 202. The plurality of air treatment chambers in an air treatment stage allows the air treatment chambers to be physically smaller (e.g., having a reduced height along the device vertical axis 122), and the surface cleaning device to be more compact in at least one dimension.

[0257] It should be understood that the surface cleaning device 100 may include more than one type of air treatment component. For example, the first stage may include a first type of air treatment chamber (e.g., a non-cyclone momentum separator), while the second stage includes a second type of air treatment chamber (e.g., a cyclone separator). Additionally or alternatively, the surface cleaning device 100 may include more than one configuration of one type of air treatment chamber. For example, the first stage may include a single-inlet cyclone separator, while the second stage includes a multi-inlet cyclone separator.

[0258] As shown as an example, each air treatment chamber includes a component (treatment chamber) inlet 290 and a component (treatment chamber) outlet 292. An air flow path 170 extends through each of the inlet 290 and the outlet 292. If the air treatment component is parallel to another air treatment component, then the air flow path may include a plurality of air flow path branches 294, as Fig. 22 shown, or a manifold may be provided that communicates with each air treatment component.

[0259] The air treatment component 202 may include only a single inlet 290 and / or outlet 292 (e.g., see the air treatment chamber 202 of the first stage 280 in Figure 4-7 ). A single inlet and / or outlet simplifies the construction of the surface cleaning device and / or reduces the need for duct or manifold space in the surface cleaning device. Alternatively, the air treatment chamber 202 may include a plurality of inlets 290 and / or outlets 292. As shown as an example of the second-stage air treatment chamber 202 in Figure 4-7 , the air treatment component 202 may include a plurality of component inlets 290 (e.g., a multi-inlet cyclone separator). The plurality of inlets and / or outlets may allow for a reduction in the length of the cyclone separator in the direction of the axis of rotation of the cyclone separator.

[0260] The air inlet 290 and the air outlet 292 can be of any design known in the art. The air inlet 290 can consist of an inlet opening 304 (such as a port) provided in the air handling chamber wall of the air handling member 202, and the member air outlet 292 can consist of an outlet opening 302 (such as a port) provided in the air handling chamber wall. Thus, the member air inlet 290 and / or the member air outlet 292 can each consist of an opening or a port in the air handling chamber wall. For example, if the air handling chamber is a non-cyclone air handling chamber, then the port 304 can be the outlet end of the conduit 180 (see, for example, Figure 4 ). Alternatively, if the air handling chamber is a cyclone separator, then the port can be the outlet end of a tangential air inlet provided outside the cyclone separator.

[0261] Alternatively or additionally, the air inlet 290 and / or the air outlet 292 can include a guide conduit (see, for example, the guide conduit 310 extending into the air handling chamber 210 in Figure 4 ). The guide conduit 310 can extend into the air handling chamber radially inside the side wall (such as the side wall 220) and / or axially inside the end wall of the vacuum handling chamber (such as the wall 222 or the wall 224). For example, if the air handling chamber is a cyclone separator, then the air inlet 290 can be a tangential air inlet, at least a part of which is inside the cyclone separator chamber, and the tangential air inlet can terminate at a downstream end or an opening. Alternatively, as shown by the member air inlet 290 of the air handling member 202 of the first stage 280 in Figure 19-23 , the guide conduit 310 can be the downstream end of the device inlet conduit 180. Alternatively or additionally, the guide conduit 310 can be an outlet conduit extending between an upstream end 320 and a downstream end 322 (see, for example, Figure 4 ). The guide conduit 310 includes a guide conduit side wall 324 extending between the upstream end 320 and the downstream end 322. The guide conduit side wall can be non-porous, so that the guide conduit 310 includes an opening or a port at the upstream (inlet end). Alternatively or additionally, the guide conduit can have a porous side wall (for example, it can be covered with a filter or a mesh material, as exemplified in Figure 4 ).

[0262] If the air handling chamber is a cyclone separator, then the guide conduit 310 can be a vortex overflow pipe 340. As shown in Figure 4-7Exemplarily, the air outlet 292 includes a breathable portion 346 upstream of an air-impermeable portion 342 (e.g., a solid wall portion). The component air outlet 292 may include a filter screen 344 located above the component air outlet opening 302. The breathable portion 346 may include a filter screen or mesh material, which may be made of plastic or metal. The filter screen may be of any suitable shape, such as cylindrical or frustoconical. The air-impermeable portion 342 may separate the breathable portion 346 from the wall of the air treatment chamber 210 and may be coextensive with the outlet port of the air inlet. Thus, as exemplarily shown, the component air outlet 292 may include a laterally closed conduit that extends into the air treatment chamber 210, and air may enter the air treatment chamber 210 at one end thereof.

[0263] Although specific component air inlets and component air outlets are illustrated, it should be understood that the air treatment component 202 may have any air inlet and any air outlet known in the art.

[0264] The air treatment component 202 has a component longitudinal axis 350. The component longitudinal axis 350 extends between a component first end 352 and a component second end 354. The component first end 352 is axially spaced from the component second end 354 along the component longitudinal axis 350. As Figure 4-7 exemplarily shown for the air treatment components in each of the first and second stages, when the upper end 116 of the device is located above the lower end 118 of the device, the component first end 352 may be the bottom end, while the component second end 354 may be the top end. Gravity may cause dust to be removed from the top or second end 354 of the component. The component longitudinal axis 350 may be generally parallel to the device vertical axis 122 and / or generally perpendicular to the carrying handle axis 138 and / or the device longitudinal axis 120. If the air treatment chamber is a cyclone separator, then the component longitudinal axis 350 is the cyclone separator rotation axis.

[0265] The air treatment chamber 210 may be the space within an air treatment chamber housing 360. The air treatment chamber housing may include a set of walls that enclose the air treatment chamber 210. As Figure 4-7 exemplarily shown, the air treatment chamber housing 360 may include a component first end wall 222 at the component first end 352, a component second end wall 224 at the component second end 354, and a component side wall 220 that extends between the component first end wall 222 and the component second end wall 224. The end walls may enclose the ends of the air treatment chamber. When the upper end 116 of the device is located above the lower end 118 of the device, the first end wall and the second end wall may each extend generally horizontally.

[0266] The component side wall 220 may be a generally cylindrical side wall, as Figure 4-7The example shown. The generally cylindrical sidewall promotes cyclone airflow within the air handling chamber. The member sidewall 220 may have a generally constant diameter along the member longitudinal axis 350. However, it should be understood that any suitable shape may be employed for the air handling chamber.

[0267] The member longitudinal axis 350 may be located at the center of the air handling chamber 210. The member longitudinal axis 350 may be a central axis extending through the radial center of the air handling chamber 210. The member longitudinal axis 350 may extend along the longest dimension of the air handling chamber 210, as Figure 4-7 illustrated by the air handling member of the first stage 280.

[0268] As Figure 4-7 illustrated by the air handling member of the first stage 280, the member air inlet 290 and / or the member air outlet 292 may be located at the member second (upper) end 354. If the first stage is operable to remove water from the airflow, then arranging the inlet and outlet at the upper end 354 allows air to enter and leave the air handling chamber 210 at a position above the fill level. As Figure 4-7 illustrated by the air handling member of the second stage 282, the member air inlet 290 and / or the member air outlet 292 may be located at the member first end 352. Arranging the inlet and / or outlet at the member first end or bottom end 352 may cause dust exiting the air handling chamber (e.g., through a dust outlet, which may be located at the top end) at a point remote from the first end or bottom end 352 to fall from the dust outlet 370. It should be understood that the member air inlet 290 and / or the member air outlet 292 may be located at any other position within the air handling chamber 210, such as at the midpoint between the first end and the second end.

[0269] As illustrated, the member air inlet 290 and the member air outlet 292 may be located at a common end of the first stage air handling chamber 210, or at different ends. For example, the first stage air inlet 290 and the first stage air outlet 292 may be located at opposite ends of the first stage air handling chamber 210. The first stage air handling chamber 210 may be a unidirectional flow chamber (e.g., a unidirectional flow cyclone separator).

[0270] Air flow regulation at the second or subsequent stages

[0271] The following is an explanation of the air flow regulation at the air handling component. During the operation of the surface cleaning device, the characteristics of the air flow received at the second or downstream air handling component can be maintained at or above a predetermined level. Such air flow characteristics can be, for example, air flow velocity, volume, or pressure. For example, in response to a change in the air flow characteristics at the downstream air handling component, the air flow supplied to the air handling component can be supplemented by an optionally open intake port (such as a bleed valve) that introduces air into the air flow path upstream of the second or downstream air handling component. The bleed valve can be a second bleed valve that supplements the bleed valve provided upstream of the suction motor and downstream of the motor pre-filter. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0272] The air handling component can be selected to have a predetermined efficiency in response to a predetermined air flow characteristic, such as the velocity of air passing through the cyclone separator. As the air flow through the air handling component decreases, the efficiency of the air handling component will decrease. In the case where the air handling component is located downstream of another upstream component of the air handling device, during a period of operation of the surface cleaning device, the air flow downstream of the other component may decrease. The other upstream component can be, for example, a filter screen or a physical filtering medium (such as foam, felt, HEPA, etc.). The performance characteristics of the other upstream component may deteriorate because dust is picked up and accumulates inside the surface cleaning device, resulting in a decrease in the air flow flowing downstream to the air handling component. For example, the filter screen or physical filtering medium upstream of the downstream air handling component may be partially or completely blocked.

[0273] An optionally open intake port that admits air into the air flow path upstream of the upstream air handling component and downstream of the other component can introduce an auxiliary air flow into the air flow path to maintain one or more air flow characteristics at the air handling component. The optionally open intake port can include a bleed valve. For example, the bleed valve is selected to respond to a predetermined pressure at the upstream air handling component.

[0274] The filter screen or physical filtering medium, etc. can be part of the upstream air handling component (such as a filter screen on the outlet of the first-stage cyclone separator or other air handling components). Introducing supplementary air into the air flow path upstream of the second-stage or subsequent-stage air handling component can partially or completely compensate for the reduction in the air flow entering the second-stage or subsequent-stage air handling component due to the blockage of the downstream filter screen or filtering medium, thereby maintaining or helping to maintain the efficiency of the second-stage or subsequent-stage air handling component.

[0275] As Fig.94 and Fig.95As an example, an optionally open intake port 920 is provided. The optionally open intake port 920 communicates with an air flow path 170 upstream of the second-stage air treatment member 202. The optionally open intake port 920 communicates with the air flow path 170 upstream of another component 922 (such as the first-stage air treatment chamber 210) upstream of the air treatment member 202. The performance characteristics of another component 922 may deteriorate as the surface cleaning device 100 operates. As dust is collected in the surface cleaning device 100 (such as when dust is collected on or within another component 922), the air flow traveling downstream from another component 922 may decrease as the surface cleaning device 100 operates.

[0276] As an example, the above-mentioned another component 922 may be a filter screen. The illustrated filter screen is the filter screen of the breathable portion 346 of the air outlet 292 of the first-stage air treatment chamber 210. The filter screen includes small holes, which may be blocked when dust accumulates on the filter screen, thereby changing the characteristics of the air flowing downstream of the filter screen.

[0277] As an example, the optionally open intake port 920 may be provided in a portion 924 of the air flow path 170 between another component 922 (the illustrated first-stage air treatment chamber 210) and the upstream air treatment member 202. This portion 924 may be a portion extending between stages of the air treatment assembly (such as between the illustrated first stage and the second stage). The optionally open intake port 920 may communicate with a portion 924 of the air flow path 170 directly upstream of the air treatment member 202. In other words, there may be no additional filter components (such as filter screens or physical filter media, etc.) between the optionally open intake port 920 and the intake port 290 of the downstream air treatment member that may become blocked and reduce the air flow to the air treatment member. However, it should be understood that in some instances, the optionally open intake port 920 may communicate with a portion 924 of the air flow path 170 that is downstream of the upstream component 922 but is also separated from the intake port 290 of the next downstream air treatment member 202 by at least one filter component (such as a filter screen or physical filter media, etc.) to filter the air that has passed through the downstream air treatment member 202. Alternatively, the optionally open intake port 920 may be provided downstream of the upstream air treatment member 202 but downstream of any subsequent filter media or filter screens, such as downstream of the motor pre-filter.

[0278] The selectively openable air inlet 920 can be opened and / or closed in any suitable manner. For example, the selectively openable air inlet 920 can be opened and / or closed by an actuator, such as an actuator controlled by a computer processor of the surface cleaning device 100. The selectively openable air inlet 920 can include a piston, a baffle, or a door. However, in some instances, the selectively openable air inlet 920 is opened and / or closed directly in response to a change in air pressure. The selectively openable air inlet 920 can include any conventional bleed valve 926. The bleed valve 926 can control when the selectively openable air inlet 920 is opened and / or closed. The bleed valve 926 can be selected to respond to a predetermined air pressure drop in a portion 924 of the air flow path 170. The air pressure in the portion 924 of the air flow path 170 can be the same as the air pressure at the inlet of the downstream air handling member 202 (e.g., as illustrated, the portion 924 is directly upstream of the air handling member 202).

[0279] In some instances, the selectively openable air inlet 920 is selected such that additional air flow is provided to the downstream air handling member, thereby maintaining good efficiency at a cost of 2 AW to 20 AW, 5 AW to 15 AW, or approximately 10 AW.

[0280] Flow deflector

[0281] The following is an explanation of the deflector 380. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0282] As Figure 4 、 Fig.10 and Fig.14 illustrated, the air handling member 202 can include a deflector 380 located downstream of the member air inlet 290. The deflector 380 can be or include a deflector plate. The deflector 380 guides the air flow in a desired direction and inhibits the air entering the air handling chamber from traveling directly to the air outlet. Thus, the deflector 380 can direct the air flow towards the outer (side) wall of the air handling chamber. Therefore, the deflector 380 can help prevent the air flow from taking the shortest path between the air inlet and the air outlet to promote dust separation within the air handling chamber. In the case where the air handling member 202 includes a member air inlet 290 and a member air outlet 292 at a common end of the air handling chamber 210, the deflector can generally be disposed between the member air inlet 290 and the member air outlet 292.

[0283] window

[0284] The following is an explanation of the window 390. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0285] Optionally, as Fig.18 illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 includes a window 390 located on at least one outer surface of the surface cleaning device 100. The window 390 is formed of a transparent material, such as transparent plastic. The window 390 provides the user with the ability to observe the interior of the surface cleaning device 100 without the user having to open the surface cleaning device 100. For example, the window 390 may be located in the wall of the airflow path 170 to show a portion of the airflow path to the user. Alternatively or additionally, the window 390 may be provided in the wall of the device inlet duct 180 (e.g., to provide the ability to observe the device inlet duct 180 to allow the user to determine if it is blocked), in the wall of the dust collection area 230 (e.g., to provide the ability to observe the dust collection area 230 to allow the user to determine when the dust collection area is full and should be emptied), and / or in the device cover 150. The window in the device cover 150 can provide the ability to observe the secondary dust chamber within the device cover 150 so that the user can see the fullness of the dust chamber and / or whether it is properly emptied into the primary dust chamber as discussed elsewhere in this document.

[0286] Bypass motor

[0287] The following is a description of the surface cleaning device 100, which has a bypass airflow path, and wherein the air moving member 400 may include a bypass motor 530 or a fan in the bypass airflow path, which is driven by the motor and fan assembly used in the airflow path 170. The surface cleaning device 100 may be a wet / dry vacuum cleaner. This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0288] As Figure 4-7 illustrated, the air moving member 400 is a bypass motor 530, which includes a fan 534 located in the flow path 170 for moving air through the airflow path 170, a second fan located outside the airflow path 170 (e.g., in the cooling airflow path 540), and a motor 532 located outside the airflow path 170. The motor 532 is located outside the airflow path 170, i.e., the main airflow path 170 bypasses the motor 532. Thus, any water in the airflow path 170 will not pass through the motor 532.

[0289] Optionally, as Figure 15-16 shown, the motor 532 may be cooled by the cooling airflow path 540. The cooling airflow path 540 extends between a cooling path inlet 542 and a cooling path outlet 544. The motor 532 is housed in the cooling airflow path 540. As Figure 15-16As an example, the cooling path inlet 542 and / or the cooling path outlet 544 may be located on the side of the main body housing 132. It should be understood that the cooling path inlet and the cooling path outlet may be located at other positions, such as in the bottom wall or the top wall of the main body housing.

[0290] As Figure 15-16 shown as an example, the second fan 534 is located in the cooling air flow path 540. The fan in the cooling air flow path is used to make air flow through the cooling air flow path to cool the motor. Therefore, the second fan 534 in the cooling air flow path 540 is driven by the same motor as the fan in the main air flow path 170 and may have the same operating characteristics (such as the same rotational speed per unit time) or different operating characteristics (such as different rotational speeds per unit time, for example, one of the fans operates through a clutch system).

[0291] It should be understood that the surface cleaning device 100 may also or alternatively include more than one motor 532, such as a first motor that drives the first fan 534 in the main air flow path 170 and a second motor 532 that drives the second fan 534 in the cooling air flow path 540. The motors 532 may optionally operate with different characteristics (such as operating at different rotational speeds per unit time) and may be independently controlled.

[0292] It should also be understood that the surface cleaning device 100 may include more than two fans, such as more than one fan located in the main air flow path 170, more than one fan located in the cooling air flow path 540, and / or may include more than two air flow paths, each air flow path including a fan. The fans 534 may operate with different characteristics (such as operating at different rotational speeds per unit time). The fans operating with different characteristics may be operated by different motors, but may also be operated by a common motor with different characteristics (for example, one of the fans or both of these fans operate through a clutch system to allow the fans to rotate at different rotational speeds per unit time).

[0293] As Figure 4-7 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 shown as an example, the cooling air flow path 540 may be separate from the main air flow path 170. However, it should be understood that the cooling air flow path 540 may also or alternatively include a part of the main air flow path 170. For example, the cooling air flow path 540 and the main air flow path 170 may have independent surface cleaning device inlets, but have a common surface cleaning device outlet, where the cooling air flow path combines with the main air flow path 170 upstream of the clean air outlet 174 and optionally downstream of the motor 532.

[0294] Optionally, as Figure 15-16Illustratively, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more filters located in the cooling air flow path 540 (e.g., the filter 420 may be disposed at the cooling path inlet 542 and / or the cooling path outlet 544). The pre-moving member filter 420 may be disposed upstream of the motor 532 and downstream of the cooling path inlet 542. The pre-moving member filter 420 removes particles that may potentially damage the motor. The post-moving member filter 420 may be disposed downstream of the motor 532 and upstream of the cooling path outlet 544. The post-moving member filter 420 filters the air (e.g., removes particles coming out of the motor) before the air is discharged from the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The post-moving member filter 420 may be a HEPA filter. Incorporating a filter in the cooling air flow path 540 reduces the amount of particles emitted by the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0295] Optionally, as Figure 15-17 illustrated, the filter 420 may be disposed in a filter housing 442, and the cooling path inlet 542 or the cooling path outlet 544 may extend through the wall of the filter housing 442. Optionally, as Figure 15-16 illustrated for the pre-moving member filter in Figure 15-16 the filter 420 is arranged against the housing wall through which the inlet or outlet passes (i.e., there is substantially no plenum space between the filter and the perforated wall of the housing). Optionally, as

[0296] illustrated for the post-moving member filter in

[0297] the filter 420 is spaced apart from the housing wall through which the inlet or outlet passes to provide a plenum space 548 between the filter and the housing wall through which the inlet or outlet passes.

[0298] If the air moving member 400 includes a bypass motor 530, then the main air flow path 170 may still include the air handling member 202 and / or the filter 420, even if the motor 532 is not in the main air flow path 170. Particles carried by the main air flow path 170 to the first fan 534 may accumulate on the fan 534. Particles accumulated on the fan 534 may cause an imbalance of the fan 534. An unbalanced fan may operate with reduced efficiency and / or reduce the lifespan of the fan or mechanically coupled components.

[0299] Water responsive valve in the air flow path

[0300] The following is a description of the water-responsive valve 560 disposed in the airflow path. The water-responsive valve 560 is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the water-responsive valve 560 does not close the airflow path, such as the airflow path 170 and / or the vacuum line. In the closed position, the water-responsive valve 560 closes the airflow path, such as the airflow path 170 and / or the vacuum line. The surface cleaning device 100 including the water-responsive valve 560 can be a wet / dry vacuum cleaner. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0301] As Figure 19-19A illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 can include a water-responsive valve 560 that is operable to selectively close the air handling path 170. As Figure 19-19A illustrated, the water-responsive valve 560 can include a valve body 562 that blocks an opening in the end of a conduit or pipe. However, it should be understood that other types of valves can also or alternatively be used, such as a valve inserted into a conduit or pipe (e.g., a gate valve), a valve that clamps a conduit or pipe (e.g., a diaphragm valve), or a valve that rotates to close a conduit or pipe (e.g., a butterfly valve). It should also be understood that the surface cleaning device 100 can also or alternatively include a water-responsive actuator that drives the valve, as described at other locations herein.

[0302] The valve 560 is a water-responsive valve that moves between an open position and a closed position in response to a change in the amount of water contained in the surface cleaning device. In some embodiments, the valve can operate based on the water level 502 in the first-stage air handling member 202 to close the airflow path. As the water level 502 in the first-stage air handling member 202 approaches the upper end of the air handling member 202 (e.g., due to water accumulation or tilting in the first-stage air handling chamber 210), the valve responds by moving from the open position to the closed position. When the water level 502 reaches a predetermined level, the water-responsive valve 560 can move to the closed position.

[0303] The airflow path 170 may include a partially processed airflow path 570 extending downstream from the first-stage air treatment member 202. The water-responsive valve 560 may selectively close the partially processed airflow path 570, such as the partially processed airflow path 570 extending between the first-stage air treatment chamber 210 and the downstream filter 420. The valve inhibits or prevents water from reaching the filter 420 and the motor 532. Water may damage the filter 420 or combine with dust on the filter 420, thereby forming an airtight layer on the filter 420 or a part thereof. In some embodiments, the partially processed airflow path 570 extends between the first-stage air treatment member 202 and the downstream air treatment member 202. The water-responsive valve 560 helps prevent water from reaching the downstream air treatment member 202. The downstream air treatment member 202 may not be optimized to hold or drain water (e.g., lacking a dump opening and / or having an outlet at the lower end of the member).

[0304] As illustrated, the water-responsive valve 560 may close the path at the upstream end of the partially processed airflow path 570.

[0305] As Figure 19-19A illustrated, the air outlet 292 of the first-stage air treatment member 202 may include a guiding conduit 310 (such as a vortex overflow pipe) extending into the air treatment chamber 210. The guiding conduit 310 may include a sidewall 572 having a water-impermeable portion 574 (i.e., a solid portion). The water-impermeable portion 574 may be located at the downstream end of the guiding conduit 310. The water-impermeable portion 574 may be located at the upper end wall of the first-stage air treatment member 202. The water-responsive valve 560 may close the water-impermeable portion 574 of the conduit 310 or the outlet port of the conduit 310. For example, as Fig.19A illustrated, the valve may include a body designed in shape and size to close or cover the outlet port at the upstream end of the guiding conduit.

[0306] The air outlet 292 of the first-stage air treatment chamber 210 may include a filter screen 344 (such as a metal or plastic mesh fluff filter screen) located upstream of the water-impermeable portion 574. In some embodiments, the valve is located within the filter screen 344 and is capable of moving between a first position within the filter screen and a second position within the filter screen. In the first position, the valve does not close the airflow path 170 (e.g., as Fig.19 illustrated, a lower position along the longitudinal axis 350 of the member), and in the second position, the valve closes the airflow path 170 (e.g., as Fig.19A illustrated, a higher position along the longitudinal axis 350 of the member).

[0307] As Figure 19-19AIllustratively, the water-responsive valve 560 can be a float valve. The float valve includes a buoyant ball member 500, and the buoyant ball member 500 blocks the airflow path 170 when lifted by the rising water level. It should be understood that the buoyant member can be of any shape and size that closes a portion of the airflow path being processed, such as the outlet guide 310, and the buoyant member can be as Fig.70 and Fig.71 illustrated.

[0308] Alternatively, the water-responsive valve 560 can be an actuated device 452 driven by an actuator 450, such as one of the actuated devices described elsewhere in this document.

[0309] Cover that opens to dripping position

[0310] The following is a description of the device cover 150 that can move between a closed position and an open drip position. The device cover 150 that can be opened to an open drip position can be included in a wet / dry vacuum device. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed in this document.

[0311] As Fig.74 illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 can include a device cover 150 that forms at least one wall of the air treatment chamber of the air treatment member 202. The exemplary device cover 150 forms part or all of the upper end wall of the air treatment chamber of the first-stage air treatment member 202. It should be understood that the device cover 150 can form more than one wall of the air treatment chamber of the air treatment member 202, such as in the case where the air treatment chamber is entirely within the cover.

[0312] When the cover is closed and water is contained in the air treatment member 202, water may accumulate on the inner surface of the cover. When the cover is subsequently opened (e.g., as Fig.74 illustrated), the water on the inner surface of the cover will run off the cover. For example, when the device cover is in the drip position, water droplets on the inner surface may run down and drip off the device cover 150.

[0313] As illustrated, the device cover 150 can move between a closed position (e.g., Figure 1 ) and a drip position (e.g., Fig.74 ). The drip position can be a stable open position. In some embodiments, the hinge 250 between the device cover 150 or the cover and the air treatment assembly (e.g., the bucket 206) rests on a support surface (e.g., the base) in the drip position to prevent further opening movement of the cover 150.

[0314] In the drip position, the device cover 150 can remain coupled to the air treatment assembly 200 (e.g., the bucket 206).

[0315] At the drip position, water dripping from the lid is prevented from falling onto the surface where the surface cleaning device 100 is located. For example, the water can directly fall into the air handling member 202 or onto a surface that channels the water into the air handling member 202.

[0316] For example, at the drip position, the accumulation surface 580 of the device lid 150 that forms the wall of the air handling chamber 210 in the closed position can be angled relative to the horizontal plane to cause water to flow along the accumulation surface 580. The accumulation surface 580 can be joined to a drip edge 582 on the device lid 150 such that water flowing along the accumulation surface is directed to the drip edge 582. At the drip position, the device lid 150 forms a drip flow path 584 that extends between the accumulation surface 580 and the drip edge 582. The drip flow path 584 is generally inclined downward relative to gravity to facilitate the flow of water along the drip flow path. In some embodiments, the drip flow path 584 is inclined downward at each point along the drip flow path.

[0317] At the drip position, the drip edge 582 can be located above a sump 586 in the surface cleaning device. The sump 586 can be, for example, the dust collection area 230 of the first-stage air handling member 202.

[0318] Pour spout

[0319] The following is a description of the pour spout 590 of the surface cleaning device. The pour spout 590 is fluidly coupled to the dust collection area 230 within the surface cleaning device 100. The device including the pour spout 590 can be a wet / dry vacuum device. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0320] As Figure 28-30 illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 includes a pour spout 590. The pour spout 590 can extend from a container to direct the flow of water poured from the container. As illustrated, the pour spout 590 extends from the device body housing 132.

[0321] It should be understood that the pour spout 590 can alternatively be provided on the air handling assembly 200, such as on a removable air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the pour spout 590 is provided on the bucket 206. As Fig.75Illustratively, in some embodiments, the pour spout 590 is disposed on or near the upper lip 592 of the bucket 206, where the bucket 206 includes an upper lip 592 at an opening or open end of the sidewall 220 of the member, and the opening or open end is opposite the end wall of the member (such as the first end wall 222 of the member) that forms the bottom of the bucket 206. After removing the air handling assembly or a portion thereof from the main housing 132, the pour spout 590 on the removable air handling assembly 200 or a portion thereof can be used to drain water from the air handling assembly 200. For example, a user can remove the air handling assembly or a portion thereof from the main housing and take it to a dumping area, such as a toilet, to pour out the water from the air handling assembly 200. As described elsewhere herein, the bucket can be removed in a closed configuration, such as when the bucket is enclosed by the device cover 150 or a separate cover of the bucket 206.

[0322] Water can be collected in the dust collection area 230. The pour spout 590 is fluidly coupled to the dust collection area 230, enabling the water collected in the dust collection area 230 to be poured out through the pour spout 590. As Figure 28-30 Illustratively, the surface cleaning device 100 includes a dumping flow path 600 that extends between the dust collection area 230 and the pour spout 590. The dumping flow path 600 can extend through a laterally extending enclosed conduit, such as through the Figure 28-30 Illustratively shown device inlet conduit 180. Alternatively, it should be understood that the dumping flow path can be a shorter path, such as a top-opening slot extending from the lip 592 of the open end of the air handling member, as Fig.75 Illustratively shown.

[0323] As Figure 12-13 Illustratively shown, it can be understood that water can be poured out of the device or a portion thereof (such as the bucket 206) without a pour spout. For example, water can be poured out of the bucket 206 at any part of the periphery 592.

[0324] The surface cleaning device can include more than one pour spout 590, such as pour spouts 590 for each of more than one air handling member 202 and / or dust collection area 230. In some embodiments, the pour spout 590 is coupled to each air handling member 202 and / or dust collection area 230 of the second stage 282, as Figure 17-27 Illustratively shown. The pour spout 590 can be arranged on each side of the inlet conduit 180.

[0325] It should be understood that if water is poured out through a conduit, for example through inlet conduit 180, a filter screen can be provided in the flow path to retain larger particulate material in the dust collection area. If the conduit is the inlet air conduit 180, then as described elsewhere in this document, when the device is used to clean a surface, the filter screen can be moved into the conduit to empty the dust collection area and removed from the inlet conduit 180. Any actuator disclosed in this document can be used, and the filter screen can be the operating device 452.

[0326] Dump handle

[0327] The following is a description of a pouring handle mounted to a liquid container. The pouring handle can be used with a wet / dry vacuum device. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed in this document.

[0328] According to this aspect, the pouring handle 610 can be mounted to the liquid container in a configuration that facilitates pouring liquid from the liquid container. It should be understood that the liquid container can be any container capable of holding the liquid picked up by the surface cleaning device. The liquid container can be, for example, the bucket 206, the entire air handling assembly 200, or the entire surface cleaning device 100.

[0329] The pouring handle 610 includes a handgrip portion 136 having a grip portion axis 138 that extends in a direction facilitating pouring. For example, the pouring handle can have a grip portion that extends vertically and is located at one end of the dust collection area spaced apart (opposite) from the pouring opening. Thus, the grip portion axis 138 of the grip portion of the pouring handle can extend generally perpendicular to the pouring axis 622 of the pouring opening 590 (e.g., see Fig.19 ). The pouring axis 622 can extend along the longest dimension of the pouring opening 590 and / or along the direction in which water flows through the pouring opening 590. It should be understood that the carrying handle can include a grip portion whose axis extends through the pouring opening 590, extends generally parallel to the pouring axis 622 of the pouring opening 590, and / or intersects the pouring axis 622 of the pouring opening 590.

[0330] Alternatively, the pouring handle can be located on the upper surface of the dust collection area and extend transversely to the direction of the water when water is poured out through the pouring opening. In this case, the grip portion axis 138 of the grip portion of the pouring handle 610 can extend at an angle 612 to the grip portion axis 138 of the grip portion of the carrying handle 134 (e.g., see Figure 17-27 ). The angle 612 can be at least 20%, at least 40%, or at least 60%. In some embodiments, the angle 612 is approximately 90%.

[0331] As Figure 17-27 As an example, the surface cleaning device 100 includes at least two discrete handles, including a dumping handle 610 and a carrying handle separate from the dumping handle 610. As Figure 17-27 As an example, at least one end of the handle assembly 620 is fixed to a support (such as the device cover 150 as shown) in a recess 632 formed in the upper surface of the support 630. The handle assembly includes a mounting end 634 fixed to the support 630. The recess 632 provides a finger gripping space 636 between the mounting end 634 and the side wall of the recess 632. As an example, this gripping space allows a user to grip a hand-hold portion 136, which forms the dumping handle 610, and the dumping handle 610 includes the mounting end 634. Mounting one end of the handle assembly 620 in the recess of the support 630 reduces the extent to which the handle assembly 620 projects from the lip 638 of the recess 632.

[0332] Alternatively, the handle assembly 620 can be an integrally formed assembly or a single-piece assembly that includes the dumping handle 610 and the carrying handle 134. For example, the handle assembly 620 can be L-shaped, having a horizontally extending carrying handle 134 and a vertically extending dumping handle 610 or a T-shaped handle. In the latter case, as Figure 37-40 As an example, the handle assembly 620 that includes a dumping handle and a carrying handle can include a plurality of hand-hold portions 136, and at least one gripping portion axis 138 extends at an angle relative to at least one other gripping portion axis 138. As an example, the handle assembly can include a T-shaped body 624, where one axis of the T-shape (such as the long portion) forms the carrying handle and the other axis of the T-shape (forming the cross portion of the "T") forms the dumping handle. Thus, the handle assembly 620 can include a carrying handle 134 having hand-hold portions with an axis 138 that extends generally horizontally and optionally longitudinally (i.e., generally parallel to the device longitudinal axis 120).

[0333] It should be understood that the gripping portion axis 138 of the gripping portion of the dumping handle can extend generally parallel to the dumping axis 622 of the dumping opening 590 and / or intersect the dumping axis 622 of the dumping opening 590 (such as if the handle assembly is T-shaped).

[0334] Alternatively or additionally, as Figures 76-77Illustratively, the surface cleaning device 100 can be a reconfigurable (e.g., rotatable or movable) handle that forms a carrying handle 134 in a first configuration and a pouring handle 610 in a second configuration (i.e., a pouring handle in the pouring configuration and a carrying handle in the carrying configuration). Reconfiguring the handle can include rotating (e.g., rotating along direction 640) the handgrip portion 136 such that when the handle is in the pouring configuration, the grip portion axis 138 extends along a first direction, and when the handle is in the carrying configuration, the grip portion axis 138 of the same handle portion extends along a second direction that is at an angle to the first direction. For example, the handgrip portion can be rotatable such that the grip portion axis 138 passes through the pour opening 590 or extends parallel to the pour axis 622 in the carrying configuration and does not pass through the pour opening 590 or extend parallel to the pour axis 622 in the pouring configuration (e.g., it can be transverse to the pour axis 662). Optionally, the rotation can be at least 20%, at least 45%, or approximately 90%.

[0335] Optionally, reconfiguring the handle between the pouring configuration and the carrying configuration can open and / or close a latch or lock (e.g., lock or unlock a lid on the main housing and / or lock or unlock a bucket). For example, the bucket 206 can be secured to the main body housing 132 by a releasable latch or lock, and reconfiguring the handle from the carrying configuration to the pouring configuration can release the latch or lock. Reconfiguring from the pouring configuration to the carrying configuration can close the latch or lock, and vice versa.

[0336] As previously described, the surface cleaning device 100 can include two or more discrete handles (e.g., see Figure 17-27 ), i.e., a carrying handle 134 and a pouring handle 610 separate from the carrying handle 134. Each of the pouring handle 610 and the carrying handle 134 can be independently secured to one or more supports of the surface cleaning device 100. In some embodiments, the pouring handle is secured to a removable component (e.g., the bucket 206, the device lid 150, or the entire air handling assembly 200) that can be removed from the main body housing 132. The pouring handle 610 can be removed from the main body housing 132 together with the removable component. In some embodiments, when the removable component is removed from the main body housing 132, the carrying handle is secured to the main body housing 132 to remain with the main body housing 132.

[0337] It should be understood that the end of the handle can be rigidly mounted to the support or movably mounted to the support. For example, the end of the handle can be rotatably mounted to the support to allow the handle to be reconfigured. As Figure 17-27Illustratively, the pour handle 610 can be a wire handle with a handgrip portion 136 formed by a handgrip body mounted, for example, to the middle of the wire 642. The wire 642 can be rotatably fixed at each end to a support (such as the bucket 206). Thus, the pour handle 610 can rotate about the axis of rotation 644. However, as illustrated by the handle assembly 620, the end of the handle assembly 620 can be rigidly mounted to the support 630.

[0338] Accordingly, as illustrated, the pour handle can rotate from a storage position (see, for example, Fig.24 ) and a pour position (see, for example, Fig. 27 the illustrated transition position), where in the storage position, the pour handle does not interfere with using the device for cleaning a surface (e.g., it rests against the wall of the device), and in the pour position, the pour handle is spaced from the wall of the device 10. In the storage position, the pour handle 610 is accessible but not in the way. In some embodiments, in the storage position, the handgrip portion 136 of the pour handle 610 is away from the upper end 116 of the device (e.g., at the lower end 118 of the device, as Fig.17 illustrated).

[0339] Optionally, the handle can be hidden in the storage position. As Fig.41 illustrated, the storage position can be between a removable member (such as the bucket 206) and the body (such as the body housing 132) from which the removable member is removed. Optionally, the pour handle 610 can only be accessed after removing the removable member from the body.

[0340] Optionally, as Fig.41 illustrated, the handle can form a fluid flow conduit (such as a vacuum airflow path 660 or a portion of the main airflow path 170) that extends through the handle from one end to the other.

[0341] As previously described, the handle can include a body that extends from a support surface and is fixed to the support surface at one or both ends thereof, and can be referred to as a projecting or protruding handle. However, it should be understood that, as illustrated at the bottom of the first-stage air handling member in Fig.18 , the handle can also or alternatively include a recessed handle 646 (such as a removable bucket). The recessed handle 646 includes a recess 648 formed in the outer surface of the surface cleaning device 100. The recess 648 is shaped to receive a hand. The recessed handle 646 can be provided on a removable component, such as on the bucket 206.

[0342] Strainer in the pour path

[0343] The following is an explanation of the pour filter in the pour path. The pour filter is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the pour filter spans the pour path, and in the second position, the pour filter is partially or completely removed from the pour path. The movable pour filter can be moved manually or automatically. The movable pour filter can be automatically moved when the first body of the surface cleaning device 100 is removed from the second body of the surface cleaning device 100 (e.g., removing the dust collection area for emptying, such as a bucket). The movable filter can be part of the first body. The first body can be the air handling assembly 200 or a part thereof (e.g., the bucket 206). The second body can be the main body housing 132. The pour filter 650 can be used in wet / dry vacuum devices. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0344] As Fig.75 Illustrated, the pour filter 650 traverses the pour path to filter out large-size debris from the pour path. Thus, when water is poured out of the bucket, the larger debris is retained in the bucket. The pour filter 650 can traverse any suitable pour path through which liquid can be poured out of the collection area of a container. If the surface cleaning device 100 includes a dedicated pour spout 590, then the pour filter 650 can traverse the pour flow path 600 and can optionally remain in place at all times (e.g., even when the device is being used to clean a surface, the pour filter can remain in the same position). However, if a portion of the airflow path 170 (e.g., the conduit 180) is used as the pour flow path 600, it should be understood that the pour filter 650 can be removed from the airflow path during use of the device to clean a surface.

[0345] Optionally, the filter can extend from the lip 592 of the bucket 206 or a portion of the lip 592, even if the bucket 206 does not include a pour spout. The pour filter 650 can be provided to encourage the user to filter the water being poured out. Of course, it should be understood that the container from which water is being emptied can also include one or more potential pour paths that do not extend through the pour filter, such that the user can choose whether to filter the water being poured out. The pour filter 650 removes large-size debris that would otherwise clog a processing device, such as a toilet, that is used to handle the liquid being poured out through the pour path.

[0346] The pour filter 650 can be fixed in place (e.g., rigidly fixed to the wall of the pour path). However, it should be understood that the pour filter 650 can be movable. The filter can be moved from a first position, in which the filter traverses the pour path, to a second position, in which the filter is at least partially removed from the pour path. Moving the filter can reduce the degree of obstruction of the filter to the path. For example, the path can be a multi-purpose path for another purpose at another time. For example, the pour path can include a portion of the airflow path 170, and when the path is used as the airflow path 170, at least partially removing the filter can reduce the back pressure.

[0347] The movable pour filter 650 can be moved automatically or manually. The movable pour filter 650 can be moved by an actuator 450, such as any actuator 450 described herein. For example, when the bucket is removed from the body, the filter can be moved into the pour flow path 600 (e.g., conduit 180), and when the bucket is reinserted into the body, the filter can be moved out.

[0348] The first level axis intersects with the second level axis

[0349] The following is a description of a surface cleaning device in which the longitudinal axis 350 of the member of the first stage 280 extends through the second stage 282. The second stage 282 can be partially or completely located above the first stage 280 and / or partially or completely nested within the first stage 280. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0350] The first stage and the second stage are arranged such that the longitudinal axis 350 of the member of the first stage 280 intersects the second stage 282 to make the structure of the multi-stage air handling assembly 200 compact, and / or to reduce the back pressure by straightening the airflow path 170. The second stage 282 can be outside the first stage 280 or completely or partially nested inside the first stage 280, such as completely or partially inside the air handling chamber 210 and / or the air outlet 292 of the first stage 280.

[0351] As Fig.78 Illustrated, the second stage 282 includes an air handling member 202 that is at least partially nested inside the first stage 280. The second stage air handling member 202 includes an air handling chamber 210 that is partially located inside the vortex overflow tube 340 of the air handling member 202 of the first stage 280.

[0352] As illustrated, in some embodiments, when the component longitudinal axis 350 of the first-stage air handling component 202 extends through the second-stage air handling component 202, the first stage and / or the second stage includes a single air handling component 202. In some embodiments, when the surface cleaning device 100 is in the use position, the second stage 282 is placed on top of the first stage and / or vertically above or directly above the first stage 280.

[0353] Accordingly, the first stage can be a single air handling chamber (cyclone chamber or non-cyclone momentum separation chamber), and the second stage can be a single second-stage air handling chamber (optionally a cyclone). The second-stage cyclone can be a multi-inlet cyclone, and the multi-inlet cyclone can be inverted (i.e., the air inlet and the air outlet can be at its lower end). Optionally, the longitudinal axis of the first stage (e.g., the rotational axis of the cyclone) can extend through the second-stage cyclone and can optionally be coaxial with the second-stage multi-inlet cyclone.

[0354] Inverted multi-inlet cyclone separator

[0355] The following is a description of the air handling chamber 202, which includes a plurality of air inlets 290, and where the air inlets 290 and the air outlets 290 are optionally located at the lower end of the air handling chamber 202. The air handling chamber 202 can be a cyclone. The air handling chamber 202 can have an air handling chamber longitudinal axis 350 (e.g., cyclone rotational axis) that extends generally vertically (e.g., parallel to the device vertical axis 122 and the optional first-stage cyclone rotational axis). The air handling chamber 202 can be part or all of the second stage 282. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0356] Multi-inlet cyclones are efficient for small axial lengths, allowing the second-stage cyclone to be used with a reduced axial length compared to previous requirements. An inverted cyclone is a cyclone where the inlet and outlet are at the lower end (e.g., relative to gravity) when the surface cleaning device is in the use position, and when the cyclone is located at the upper end of the surface cleaning device 100, e.g., as illustrated, when located above the first stage and optionally partially or fully placed on top of the first stage, the inverted cyclone reduces the length of the air flow path 170.

[0357] The inverted cyclone can also or alternatively allow the dust outlet 370 to be located at the upper end of the cyclone, thereby facilitating the dust to fall into the dust collection chamber 382, which is on the side of the cyclone rather than below the cyclone.

[0358] As described elsewhere herein, by providing an inverted second-stage air treatment chamber, portions of the airflow path leading to and from the inverted second-stage air treatment chamber can be located between the first air treatment chamber and the second air treatment chamber. Additionally, when the lid 150 is open, one or both of the airflow paths leading to and from the inverted second-stage air treatment chamber can be open.

[0359] Side air outlet

[0360] The following is a description of an air treatment member having a side outlet duct. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0361] The outlet 292 can extend through an end wall (e.g., the lower wall) of the air treatment chamber 202 and then extend laterally to the outer periphery 676 of the air treatment chamber 210, and this lateral extension can be in a radial direction or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 350 of the air treatment chamber 202 (e.g., see Figures 79C-80B ).

[0362] Alternatively, part or all of the side outlet can exit through the air treatment chamber side wall 220. For example, as Figures 79A-79B illustrated, the upper end 670 of the laterally extending duct of the air treatment chamber outlet 292 can extend through the air treatment chamber side wall 220. Thus, the outlet can be a laterally extending duct.

[0363] The laterally extending portion of the outlet 292 can include a top or bottom end that extends further axially (in the direction of the axis 350) into the air treatment chamber 210 than another top or bottom end, and at least the end that extends further into the air treatment chamber 210 can be curved. As illustrated, the upper end 670 of the outlet 292 is curved along the direction 674.

[0364] Optionally, the entire perimeter of the laterally extending portion of the side outlet is curved (e.g., having a circular or elliptical cross-sectional profile in a direction transverse to the axis 672 of the duct), for example, in the case where the laterally extending duct is vertically spaced from the air treatment chamber (e.g., below the air treatment chamber).

[0365] As Figures 79A-80B illustrated, the air treatment member 202 can be an inverted cyclone separator or an inverted air treatment chamber.

[0366] Alternatively, the air inlet can be at the upper end and the air outlet can be at the lower end. Thus, the laterally extending duct of the air outlet 292 can be located between the lower wall of the second-stage air treatment chamber and the upper wall of the first-stage air treatment chamber. If the air moving member 400 is laterally located in the first treatment stage or the second treatment stage, the air treated by the second treatment stage may have to travel laterally to the air moving member 400, for example, when the second stage is above the first stage. Thus, as described elsewhere herein, the laterally extending duct of the air outlet 292 can pass through an area containing other ducts or an air treatment area, thereby reducing the height of the device.

[0367] The laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292 can have an axis 672 that extends substantially perpendicular to the member axis 350.

[0368] Alternatively, a portion of the laterally extending air outlet can be curved (e.g., rounded) along a direction 674 that is perpendicular to the air treatment chamber axis 350.

[0369] Air outlet between air inlets

[0370] The following is a description of an air treatment chamber air outlet that extends between air treatment chamber air inlets. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0371] For example, as Figures 79A-80B illustrated, the air treatment chamber can have a plurality of air inlets (e.g., see Fig. 22 the two second-stage cyclone separators in), the air treatment chamber being, for example, a second-stage air treatment chamber, which can be a second-stage cyclone separator. The plurality of air inlets can be equally spaced around the cyclone separator. In this case, the laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292 can be located between two air inlets, for example, between two tangential inlets of the cyclone separator. Thus, a horizontal plane (e.g., perpendicular to the cyclone separator axis or the rotation axis 350) can intersect the air inlets and the laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292.

[0372] Optionally, the plurality of inlets can be spaced around the cyclone separation chamber except for one location (sector). The laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292 can be located at the sector and between two air inlets.

[0373] It should be understood that the inlet and the laterally extending outlet duct may be coextensive, i.e., their upper ends may be at the same height and their lower ends may be at the same height). Thus, a horizontal plane may intersect the vertical center of the air inlet and the laterally extending portion of the air outlet 292. Alternatively, the inlet and the laterally extending outlet duct may be partially coextensive, i.e., the inlet and the laterally extending outlet duct may be vertically offset such that the horizontal plane can intersect the laterally extending portions of the air inlet and the air outlet 292, but not the vertical center of each. Alternatively, the inlet and the laterally extending outlet duct may not be coextensive, i.e., the inlet and the laterally extending outlet duct may be vertically offset such that the horizontal plane does not intersect the laterally extending portions of the air inlet and the air outlet 292.

[0374] Partially annular dust collection area

[0375] The following is a description of the dust collection area 230 which is, for example, partially semi-circular in shape. This partially annular area may be a dust collection chamber 382 outside the air handling chamber 210 and is in communication with the air handling chamber 210 through a dust outlet 370. This partially annular area may be the dust collection chamber 382 which may be arranged adjacent to or contiguous with the air handling chamber (e.g., the inner wall of the dust collection chamber may be the outer wall of the air handling chamber). This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0376] The partially annular collection area 230 may be arranged around a portion of the outer periphery of the air handling chamber 210. For example, the air handling chamber 210 may be a cylindrical chamber and the dust collection area 230 may surround the air handling chamber on multiple sides without completely surrounding it. Thus, if the air handling chamber and the dust collection chamber are contiguous, a portion of the side wall 220 of the air handling chamber may form the wall of the dust collection area 230 while at least one other portion of the side wall 220 of the air handling chamber does not form the wall of the dust collection area. The uncovered portion of the air handling chamber (e.g., the uncovered portion of the member side wall 220) may be used for other purposes, such as having one or more air inlets and / or air outlets as described at other locations herein.

[0377] As Fig.82 Illustrated, the dust collection area 230 is semi-circular and is disposed against the air handling member 202. The portion of the air handling chamber 210 not covered by the dust collection area 230 may be used for other purposes. As illustrated, the air outlet 292 may extend laterally from the air handling chamber 210.

[0378] It should be understood that the air handling chamber 202 may also or alternatively include another laterally extending or laterally adjacent feature, such as a laterally extending component inlet 290 or a laterally adjacent chamber, outer wall, or component (such as a motor). The dust collection zone 230 is not obstructed by laterally extending or adjacent features.

[0379] For example, in Fig.79D the embodiment, the dust collection chamber 382 is partially annular, and the inlet 290 is located on the perimeter 676 of the air handling chamber 210, except at the location of the dust collection chamber 382. Thus, the dust collection chamber 382 is located between two inlets, and the inlet 290 may define or be located at the angularly spaced opposite ends of the dust collection chamber 210. The semi-annular dust collection chamber 382 may allow the dust collection chamber to have a larger size than an annular dust collection chamber (e.g., Fig.79D the chamber has a greater height (axial length along the air handling chamber axis) than Fig.79C the chamber, because Fig.79D the chamber extends downwardly between the inlets, while Fig.79C the chamber remains above the inlet 290).

[0380] As Figure 8-10 and Fig.15 illustrate, the dust collection chamber 382 may be spaced from the air handling chamber 202, but may also be partially annular. In this case, as illustrated, the inlet 290 may extend around the entire perimeter of the air handling chamber, and the outlet 292 may be an axially extending conduit that extends downwardly to another air handling component 202 (such as a motor pre-filter) or directly to the inlet of the air moving component 400. In an alternative embodiment, it should be understood that the outlet 292 may consist of or include a laterally extending conduit, as described at other locations herein. In this case, the inlet 290 may be arranged such that the laterally extending conduit 292 is located between two adjacent inlets 290 (and, optionally, the horizontal plane may intersect the laterally extending conduit 292 and the adjacent inlets 290).

[0381] In Fig.15 the embodiment, the lower end of the second stage dust collection zone 230 is disposed on the first stage dust collection zone 230. Thus, as described at other locations herein, a door 690 (such as the entire lower portion of the second stage dust collection zone) that can be opened may be opened to empty dust into the first stage dust collection zone.

[0382] Providing a partially annular second-stage dust collection chamber allows the second-stage dust collection area or a part thereof to be positioned over the first-stage dust collection area and / or on a slope of a downwardly extending path leading to the first-stage dust collection area, such that the door can be opened to empty the dust into the first-stage dust collection area.

[0383] It should be understood that the partially annular second-stage dust collection area can alternatively or additionally be located between two second-stage air inlets, or between a second-stage air inlet and a second-stage air outlet.

[0384] Thus, the space between the upper end of the first-stage air treatment chamber and the lower end of the second-stage air treatment chamber can accommodate all or part of the air flow path from the first-stage air treatment chamber to the second-stage air treatment chamber, all or part of the flow path from the second-stage air treatment chamber to the motor pre-filter and / or the air inlet of the fan and motor assembly, and / or part or all of the second-stage dust collection chamber or the passage from the second-stage dust collection chamber to the first-stage dust collection area.

[0385] Angled dust outlet

[0386] The following is a description of the dust outlet 370 between the dust collection chamber 382 and the air treatment chamber 210 with angled walls. The angled walls can be angled downward. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0387] The angled dust outlet directs the dust into the dust collection area 230 and can prevent the dust from re-entering the first collection chamber. For example, as Fig.82 illustrated, the dust outlet 370 can be a channel enclosed by walls. At least one of these walls can extend at an angle 680 relative to a plane 682 extending perpendicular to the component axis 350. The angle 680 can be greater than 5°, greater than 10°, or greater than 20°.

[0388] As illustrated, the angled wall 684 can be the wall closest to the end of the air treatment chamber 210 (e.g., the upper end of the cyclone as illustrated). The angled wall 684 can be angled downward in the direction of dust flow, with the first end (inlet end) of the angled wall 684 closer to the air treatment chamber 210 than the second end (outlet end) of the angled wall 684 opposite the first end and closer to the nearest end (e.g., the upper end) of the air treatment chamber 210.

[0389] The angled wall 684 can extend at a generally constant angle along the length 686 of the channel 688 of the dust outlet 370. However, it should be understood that the angled wall 684 can alternatively curve along the length of the channel 688.

[0390] It should be understood that the angled dust outlet can be a gap that defines a dust outlet in the sidewall 220. Alternatively, as Fig.15 illustrated, the angled dust outlet can be part of a downwardly extending passage (e.g., a ramp) leading to a second-stage dust collection chamber.

[0391] Mutually emptied dust collection areas

[0392] The following is a description of a surface cleaning device 100 having multiple discrete dust collection zones, where at least one of these dust collection zones can be selectively emptied into another. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0393] Emptying one dust collection zone into another simplifies the emptying by reducing the number of dust collection zones. The number of dust collection zones that need to be accessed to empty the dust is reduced. The dust collection zones themselves can be placed in a more desirable position relative to the air handling components of the air handling assembly 200.

[0394] As Figure 8-9 illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 can include a selectively openable door 690 located between a first dust collection zone 230 and a second dust collection zone 230. In some embodiments, the first dust collection zone is a dust collection zone for a first stage 280, and the second dust collection zone is a dust collection zone for a second stage 282. For example, the second-stage dust collection chamber or zone can be selectively connected to communicate with the first stage, such as by gravity, e.g., with the first-stage dust collection zone, thereby introducing the dust collected in the second stage into the first stage. Thus, by emptying the first stage, the user can also empty the material collected in the second stage. In this case, it should be understood that the second-stage dust collection zone itself does not need to be openable for emptying, or removable for emptying.

[0395] Thus, the first dust collection zone and the second dust collection zone can be located in different parts of the surface cleaning device 100, where only the first dust collection zone is removable for emptying. For example, the second-stage dust collection zone 230 can be in the device cover 150, while the first-stage dust collection zone can be the bucket 206.

[0396] In some embodiments, when the device is in the use position, the height of the first dust collection zone 230 is lower than the height of the second dust collection zone 230 relative to gravity. Due to gravity (i.e., without an actuator driving the movement of the dust), the dust can move from the second collection zone to the first collection zone. However, it should be understood that the device can include an actuator for driving the movement of the dust, such as a motor that operates a wiper to push the dust out of the first dust collection zone, or a vibrating or agitating member.

[0397] As illustrated, the selectively openable door 690 may provide direct access to the first collection area. The selectively openable door 690 may open directly from the second collection area (e.g., it may be part of the wall or floor of the second dust collection area). However, it should be understood that the surface cleaning device may include a transfer channel located upstream or downstream of the selectively openable door 690.

[0398] The selectively openable door 690 may be opened and / or closed in any suitable manner, such as manually or automatically. Any of the actuators 450 described herein may be used to open and / or close the door 690.

[0399] The opening and / or closing of the selectively openable door 690 may be triggered in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the opening and / or closing of the door 690 is triggered by one or more of the following: activating the air moving member 400, deactivating the air moving member 400, removing the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof, reattaching the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof, releasing a lock or latch that holds the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof to the main body housing 132, fastening a lock or latch that holds the air treatment assembly 200 or a part thereof to the main body housing 132, the air pressure in one of the dust collection areas reaching a predetermined level, and / or the air pressure in one of the dust collection areas dropping below a predetermined level.

[0400] As Figure 17-27 illustrated, when the cover 150 is opened ( Figure 22-24 ), the secondary air treatment dust collection area 230 may be open to the primary air treatment dust collection area 230. When the cover 150 is opened, dust may fall into the primary collection area 230.

[0401] By opening the door of the dust collection chamber

[0402] The following is a description of the selectively openable door 690, which, when opened, and optionally when the second dust collection area 230b is opened, allows the dust in the first dust collection area 230a to be emptied into the second dust collection area 230b. When the second dust collection area 230b is opened, the first dust collection area 230a may be emptied into the second dust collection area. For example, the dust may pass through the second dust collection area and be emptied simultaneously with the dust collected in the second dust collection area. This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0403] As Fig.98 and Fig.99In the example shown, the selectively openable door 690 is located between the first dust collection area 230a and the second dust collection area 230b. The door can be located at any position relative to the second dust collection area 230b. Optionally, it is located at the lowermost end of the first dust collection area 230a and can form part or all of the lower surface of the first dust collection area 230a. When the door 690 is opened, it can form a ramp to guide dust, for example, into the second dust collection area 230b under the influence of gravity.

[0404] The door 690 is movably mounted between a closed position ( Fig.98 ) and an open position ( Fig.99 ). The door 690 can be movably fixed, for example, by a rotary hinge 691, a linear track or a guide rail for moving between the open position and the closed position, rotatably, translationally or otherwise, to an adjacent wall or the like.

[0405] The door 690 can be non-biased to move freely between the open position and the closed position. For example, it moves freely between the open and closed positions under the influence of gravity. Thus, for example, when the second dust collection area 230b is opened, the door 690 can rotate open under the influence of gravity. For example, when the second dust collection area 230b is closed, the door 690 can also rotate back to the closed position, for example, by moving along a cam surface. Alternatively, the door 690 can be biased in one direction.

[0406] As shown in the example, the door 690 can be located at the lower end of the openable member 693 (such as the cover 150) of the surface cleaning device 100. The door 690 can form part of the bottom surface of the cover 150. The openable member 693 such as the cover 150 can be located at the upper end 116 of the surface cleaning device 100.

[0407] The openable member 693 such as the cover 150 can be opened in an upward direction, that is, along a vector including an upwardly directed (i.e., from the lower end 118 towards the upper end 116) component parallel to the vertical axis 122. For example, the cover 150 can be lifted vertically upward or rotated about a horizontal axis so that it extends, for example, substantially vertically. When the openable member 693 is opened, the door 690 can move to the open position under the influence of gravity. When the door is closed, the door may encounter a cam member that moves the door to the closed position.

[0408] As illustrated, when the openable component 693 is closed, the door 690 can be closed by driving the door 690 against the base 930. The base 930 is provided on a part of the surface cleaning device 100, and when the openable component 693 is closed, the outer surface of the door 90 can abut against the base 930. Thus, the base 930 can be shaped as a cam surface so that when the openable component 693 is moved from the open position to the closed position, for example, when rotated from the open position to the closed position, the door 690 can travel along the cam surface and move to the closed position. As illustrated, the base 930 can be provided on the wall of a chamber in which a second dust collection area 230b is formed. When the lid is closed, the base 930 can keep the door 690 closed. The base 930 can define a fixed position relative to one or both of the separate dust collection areas 230a, 230b, the door 690 controls the communication between the two dust collection areas, and when the door 690 moves towards the fixed position, the door 690 can move to the closed position.

[0409] When the dust collection chamber 230b is opened (e.g., the lid 150 is opened), the door 690 is removed from the base 930, e.g., lifted, and the door 690 is opened to allow dust to move from the first dust collection area 230a to the second dust collection area 230b. Then, for example, the second dust collection area 230b can be removed for emptying. When the second dust collection area 230b is in the operating configuration where the second dust collection area 230b is closed to allow use of the surface cleaning device 100, the door 690 is forced closed.

[0410] Sloped side walls of the dust collection area

[0411] The following is an explanation of the dust collection area. A part of the dust collection area that can rotate between an in-use position and an emptying position has a side wall that is shaped to cause dust to fall from the wall when that part of the dust collection area is in the emptying position. When a part of the dust collection area is in the in-use position, the side wall can form an inner surface that extends outwardly and downwardly (e.g., faces downward). This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0412] As Fig.98 and Fig.99As illustrated, the dust collection chamber 382 can be rotatably mounted to another part of the surface cleaning device 100, which is the part into which the dust collection chamber can be emptied. As illustrated, the dust collection chamber 382 is part of the lid 150, and the lid 150 is rotatably mounted about an axis to the body of the surface cleaning device 100 between a use position and a dumping position. The axis of rotation extends offset from the vertical direction and can be a generally horizontal axis. As illustrated, the dust collection chamber 382 is capable of rotating about the hinge axis 252 of the lid 150.

[0413] The dust collection chamber 382 has a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, and a dumping opening is provided in the bottom end. The dust collection chamber 382 includes side walls 940 that form the inner surface 942 of the dust collection chamber 382. When the upper end 116 of the surface cleaning device 100 is above the lower end 118 of the surface cleaning device 100 and the surface cleaning device 100 is in an operating configuration (i.e., the use position, as Fig.98 illustrated) in which the airflow path 170 is closed for a surface cleaning operation, the side walls 940 are the sides of the dust collection area 230. As illustrated, the lower end 950 of the side walls 940 can terminate at the edge of the dumping opening 689, which is, for example, a dumping opening controlled by a door 690. In the use position, at least and optionally all of the inner surface 942 extends downward and laterally outward. Thus, the side walls 940 flare out from the dust collection chamber. Accordingly, the lower end of the dust collection chamber 382 is larger, which increases the dust collection capacity of the dust collection chamber 382.

[0414] The side walls 940 are the side walls closest to the axis 252 about which the dust collection chamber 382 rotates between the use position ( Fig.98 ) and the dumping position ( Fig.99 ). The dust collection chamber 382 can be rotated upward from the use position to the dumping position. The dust collection chamber 382 can rotate between 10° and 175°, between 20° and 120°, or between 45° and 135°. Optionally, the lid 150 is rotated to a position (e.g., at least 90°) where the first-stage dust collection area 230 can be removed for emptying. In the dumping position, the side walls 940 have rotated such that any dust on the inner surface 942 will tend to fall due to gravity.

[0415] As illustrated, the sidewall 940 can have a non-linear slope between the upper end 948 and the lower end 950. The inner surface 942 can have a smoothly varying surface between the upper end 948 and the lower end 950. As illustrated, the inner surface 942 can be concave. A concave surface is particularly capable of causing debris near the upper end of the dust collection area to move along the inner surface 942. However, it should be understood that when the inner surface 942 rotates, any suitable inclined surface can be used to facilitate the movement of debris on the surface. In some instances, the inclined surface can be a linear inclined surface between the upper end 948 and the lower end 950. For example, the inner surface 942 can be a substantially flat surface. The inner surface 942 can be formed by a plurality of angled flat surfaces intersecting at its edges.

[0416] When the dust collection chamber 382 is in the use position, one or more portions of the inner surface 942 can be inclined at an angle 952 of 100° to 170°, 120° to 160°, or approximately 135° downward from the horizontal plane.

[0417] Dust collection expansion area

[0418] The following is a description of a dust collection chamber having an expansion zone located above an inclined bottom plate extending outward from the dust outlet of the air handling chamber. The expansion zone is formed by a step between the dust outlet and the inclined bottom plate leading to the dust collection chamber or forming part of the dust collection chamber. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0419] As previously described, the dust collection chamber can include an inclined bottom plate that, for example, directs dust toward a dump opening in another dust collection area. The inclined bottom plate is angled downward and outward away from the dust outlet. According to this aspect, a step is provided between the dust outlet and the inclined bottom plate. This step results in a more direct loss of momentum at the dust outlet compared to the case where the inclined bottom plate extends outward from the lower edge of the dust outlet.

[0420] As Fig.96 and 97 As illustrated, the dust collection chamber 382 communicates with the air handling chamber 210 through the dust outlet 370. The dust chamber has an inclined wall 960 that forms the bottom surface or bottom plate of the dust collection chamber 382 when the upper end 116 of the device is above the lower end 118 of the device and the surface cleaning device 100 is in the closed and operating configuration. The dust chamber 382 also includes a step 962 at the dust outlet 370. The step 962 forms a rapid expansion zone 958 in the dust collection chamber 382 at the dust outlet 370. The step 962 can extend generally parallel to the axis of rotation 350 of the adjacent air handling chamber and / or generally perpendicular to the direction of travel 964 of the dust through the dust outlet 370.

[0421] The step 962 has a vertical height between an upper end 966 and a lower end 968 at the bottom edge of the dust outlet. The step 962 may have a height 970 of 1 mm to 20 mm, 2 mm to 15 mm, or approximately 5 mm. Although the step is illustrated as extending vertically, the step may be at a small angle (e.g., 15° from the vertical).

[0422] When the surface cleaning device 100 is in the in-use position, the upper end 972 of the inclined bottom plate 960 may start at the same height as the lower end 968 of the step 962 along the vertical axis 122, and / or may start at the lower end 968 of the step 962 (i.e., be directly connected to the lower end). As a supplement or alternative to the fixed bottom plate, when the door is in the open position, the inclined bottom plate may be formed by a selectively openable door, e.g., formed by the selectively openable door 690 when the door 690 is in the open position.

[0423] As illustrated, the inclined bottom plate 960 is inclined with respect to the dust travel direction 964 and / or the axis of rotation 350 of the adjacent air treatment chamber. As illustrated, the inclined bottom plate 960 may be linearly inclined and may be a generally flat bottom plate. Of course, it should be understood that other inclined bottom plates having any suitable (flat or curved) inclined surface for promoting the movement of dust on the bottom plate may also be used. When the device is in the in-use position (e.g., the upper end 116 of the device is above the lower end 118 of the device, the surface cleaning device 100 is closed and in the operating configuration as Fig.94 illustrated), the upper surface of the inclined bottom plate may form an angle of at least 10°, at least 20°, or at least 30° with the horizontal plane.

[0424] Lateral spacing arrangement

[0425] The following is an explanation of the lateral spacing. The air treatment member 202 of the first stage 280, its member axis 350, and / or its axial projection are completely or partially laterally spaced from the laterally spaced component 700 of the surface cleaning device. The laterally spaced component may be, for example, the air moving member 400, the pre-filter 420 of the moving member, and / or the air treatment member 202 of the second stage. A horizontal plane and / or a plane extending generally perpendicular to the member axis 350 may intersect the first stage air treatment member 202 and one or more laterally spaced components. This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0426] One or more laterally spaced components may be disposed wholly or partially on one side of the first stage air handling member 202 or on its axis or projection, rather than, for example, directly above or below the first stage air handling member 202. The laterally spaced arrangement reduces the axial height of the surface cleaning device and / or reduces the center of gravity of the surface cleaning device 100. When the surface cleaning device 100 is placed on the ground, the lateral spacing may be a spacing in a generally horizontal plane. In some instances, the laterally spaced components may also be partially or fully spaced in a plane extending generally perpendicular to the vertical axis 122 of the device.

[0427] As Figure 4-7 illustrated by the motor pre-filter and the air moving member 400 in, the laterally spaced component 700 may be laterally spaced from the air handling member 202. In this instance, the laterally spaced component is not vertically above the first stage air handling chamber.

[0428] Alternatively, the laterally spaced component 700 may be laterally spaced from the axis 350 of the first stage air handling chamber 202 rather than from the projection of the first stage air handling chamber 202 along its axis 350. For example, part or all of the laterally spaced component 700 may extend within the projection of the air handling chamber along the member axis while remaining spaced from the axis 350 itself.

[0429] Additionally or alternatively, part or all of the laterally spaced component 700 may be within the projection of the first stage air handling chamber along axis 350, and the axis 350 of the first stage air handling member 202 may extend through the laterally spaced component 700 but not through its central portion.

[0430] In any case, the laterally spaced component 700 may be vertically partially or fully spaced from the first stage air handling chamber 202. Thus, as Figure 5 illustrated, the first stage air handling member 202 and the laterally spaced component 700 may each intersect a common horizontal plane 702.

[0431] Additionally or alternatively, the center of gravity of the laterally spaced component 700 may be laterally spaced from the center of gravity of the air moving member 400 or its vertical (e.g., generally parallel to the vertical axis 122 of the device) projection.

[0432] As illustrated, the laterally spaced component (e.g., the air moving member 400) may be in front of the cyclone air handling assembly 200. The first stage air handling member 202 may generally be located at the device rear end 114, while the laterally spaced component may generally be located at the device front end 112.

[0433] In some embodiments, the laterally spaced member 700 is or includes an air moving member 400. In some embodiments, the laterally spaced member 700 is or includes a pre-filter 420 for the moving member.

[0434] As illustrated, the carrying handle 134 can be an elongate handle disposed on the air handling assembly 200 and the laterally spaced member 700. The carrying handle 134 can extend generally horizontally. The elongate handle 134 allows a user to shift their grip along the handle as the center of gravity of the surface cleaning device shifts. The laterally spaced member 700 can be heavier than the empty first-stage air handling member 202, or can include multiple components that together are heavier than the empty first-stage air handling member 202. The first-stage air handling member 202 can include at least one dust collection zone, and as the first-stage air handling member 202 removes dust or liquid, the center of gravity of the surface cleaning device can shift from the first-stage air handling member 202 towards the laterally spaced member 700. The carrying handle 134 can include a handgrip portion 136 having a length 704( Figure 3 ) that is at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm, or at least 20 cm.

[0435] As Fig. 22 illustrated, in some embodiments, the laterally spaced member 700 includes a plurality of second-stage air handling members 202 that are parallel to each other. As illustrated, the plurality of second-stage air handling members 202 can be a plurality of second-stage cyclones.

[0436] Vertically stacked with air moving components

[0437] The following is a description of vertically spacing one or more vertically spaced members 710 from the air moving member 400. The vertically spaced member 710 can be or include a second-stage air handling member 202 and / or a pre-filter 420 for the moving member. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0438] When the surface cleaning device 100 is on the ground or in a cleaning orientation during use, the vertical spacing can be in a generally vertical plane. Thus, the vertical spacing can be in a plane extending generally parallel to the device vertical axis 122.

[0439] Arranging one or more vertically spaced members above or below the air moving member 400 increases the total vertical length of the air moving member and the vertically spaced members. Arranging one or more vertically spaced members above or below the air moving member 400 can make the total vertical length of the air moving member and the vertically spaced members closer to the vertical length (height) of the laterally spaced portion of the surface cleaning device 100 (e.g., the first stage 280 of the surface cleaning device 100).

[0440] The air moving member 400 may be vertically spaced apart (e.g., below) from the second-stage air treatment member 202. Optionally, in such a case, the vertical height of the second-stage air treatment member 202 may be less than the vertical height of another air treatment member (e.g., the first-stage air treatment chamber 202) of the surface cleaning device 100.

[0441] As Figure 5-6 illustrated, the air moving member 400 may be vertically spaced apart from the vertically spaced member 710. The vertically spaced member 710 may include the second-stage air treatment member 202 and / or the pre-filter 420 for the moving member. As illustrated, the vertically spaced member 710 may be vertically above the air moving member 400.

[0442] As Figure 17-27 illustrated, in some embodiments, the vertically spaced member 710 includes a plurality of second-stage air treatment members 202 parallel to each other. As illustrated, the plurality of second-stage air treatment members 202 may be a plurality of second-stage cyclones.

[0443] It should be understood that the vertically spaced members may be vertically aligned. For example, a vertical axis may extend through the centers of two or more vertically spaced members. Thus, the motor rotation axis may extend through the centers of two or more vertically spaced members (e.g., if a single second-stage cyclone is provided, then the motor axis may be coaxial with the rotation axis of the single second-stage cyclone). Alternatively, the projection of the air moving member 400 may extend through two or more vertically spaced members, and the motor axis may also extend through two or more vertically spaced members.

[0444] Multiple device covers

[0445] The following is a description of the surface cleaning device 100 including a plurality of device covers 150. The device covers 150 may be opened independently of each other. This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0446] The covers that can be opened independently allow access to one internal area of the surface cleaning device 100 while keeping another internal area closed. For example, the pre-filter 420 for the moving member can be accessed without opening the dust collection area 230 of the first stage 280.

[0447] As Fig.33 and 33AAs illustrated, the device includes a plurality of device covers 150. As illustrated, the device cover 150 may cover the first-stage dust collection area 230. The cover covering the first-stage dust collection area 230 may include at least one wall of the first-stage air treatment chamber and may include an end wall of the first-stage air treatment chamber 210. The device cover 150 may cover the moving member pre-filter 420. The cover covering the moving member pre-filter 420 may include at least one wall of the associated filter housing 442 and may include a top wall of the filter housing 442. The cover covering the moving member pre-filter 420 may include laterally spaced components, such as the second-stage 282 air treatment member 202.

[0448] The cover covering the first-stage dust collection area 230 may be opened independently of the cover covering the moving member pre-filter 420. The cover covering the first-stage dust collection area 230 may be opened without opening the moving member pre-filter 420 and / or the associated filter housing 442. The cover covering the moving member pre-filter may be opened without opening the first-stage dust collection area 230. It should be understood that, optionally, these covers may be opened simultaneously.

[0449] In some embodiments, one device cover 150 in a closed configuration abuts another device cover 150 in a closed configuration. The airflow path 170 may be defined, in whole or in part, by the device covers. For example, the covers may define an upper portion of the airflow path, such as an upper wall, and when one or both covers are opened, the airflow path is opened. Alternatively, a conduit may extend through the covers, and when the covers are opened, the ends of the conduit are exposed.

[0450] In some embodiments, one device cover 150 opens in a direction substantially opposite to that of another device cover 150. In some embodiments, as illustrated, one device cover 150 opens substantially rearward, while another device cover 150 opens substantially forward. Alternatively, they may open in alternating lateral directions.

[0451] As described elsewhere herein, one of the covers may be opened to a drip position.

[0452] Rib

[0453] The following is a description of the ribs 720 provided in the air treatment assembly 200. This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0454] The rib 720 can be disposed in the air handling chamber 210 (such as a cyclone chamber). The rib 720 disrupts the air flow within the air handling chamber and may cause dust to accumulate near the rib 720. Accordingly, the rib can be disposed in the dust collection area. For example, if the dust collection area is the lower end of the air handling chamber, such as a cyclone or non-cyclone momentum separator, then the rib can be located on the lower wall of the air handling chamber and / or on the lower portion of the side wall of the air handling chamber (such as below the fill line).

[0455] As Figure 4-14 Illustrated, the air handling assembly 200 includes a rib 720 extending from the lower end wall of the chamber of the assembly 200 into the chamber. It should be understood that the rib 720 can be located at an end opposite to the end where the component air outlet 292 and / or the component air inlet 290 are located. Accordingly, when the surface cleaning device is in the in-use position, the rib 720 can be located at the lower end of the chamber. The rib can form an area with reduced or minimal or no air flow in the vicinity of the rib, and thus, dust may accumulate in this area. For example, finer dust may accumulate in this area. The rib 720 can be in the first-stage air handling chamber 210.

[0456] It should be understood that the rib 720 can be disposed at any suitable position. The rib 720 can be disposed at the lower end of the first-stage air handling chamber (such as the lower end of the barrel 206). As Figure 4-14 Illustrated, the rib 720 can extend from the wall of the air handling chamber into the air handling chamber (such as axially or radially into the air handling chamber).

[0457] The rib 720 can be coupled to one or more walls of the air handling chamber. For example, the rib 720 can be fixed only to the end wall (such as the lower wall) of the air handling chamber 210. The rib can also or alternatively be fixed to the side wall 220. The rib 720 can be fixed to the end wall (such as the lower end wall 222) and the side wall 220. As Figure 4-14 Illustrated, the rib fixing structure 720 can be L-shaped and extend downward along the side wall 220 and across the end wall.

[0458] The rib can extend along a part or all of the side wall and / or the end wall. For example, the rib 720 can extend along the entire lower wall and have opposite ends respectively fixed to the side wall (such as extending across the chamber along the end wall).

[0459] The rib 720 can extend upward within the air handling chamber 210 a predetermined minimum distance 722 from the top wall and / or the end wall where the component air outlet 292 is provided. Figure 5) The predetermined distance may be at least 5 cm, at least 10 cm, or at least 20 cm. The predetermined distance may be the vertical height of at least 1.5 turns of cyclones, 2.25 turns of cyclones, or 4 turns of cyclones (where one turn of cyclone is the height of the cyclone column in the cyclone separation chamber, and the height of the cyclone column may be approximately the height of the inlet of the cyclone separator).

[0460] One or more ribs may be provided. Optionally, a plurality of ribs 720 are provided. These ribs may be discrete or interconnected. The plurality of ribs 720 may be of the same shape or different shapes from each other. For example, the plurality of ribs 720 may have different lengths along the end wall. As Figure 6 and Fig.14 illustrated, the plurality of ribs 720 may extend across the end wall of the air handling chamber 210 substantially parallel to each other. The ribs 720 may form channels 730 between the rib fixing structures 720.

[0461] As illustrated, the rib 720 may be a substantially straight structure along the wall from which the rib protrudes. However, it should be understood that the rib fixing structure 720 may be curved along the wall from which the rib fixing structure protrudes.

[0462] As Fig.14A illustrated, the cross-section of the rib 720 may include a corner 732. For example, the joint between the rib and the wall from which the rib protrudes may be 90°. However, as Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C illustrated, in some embodiments, the joint is a smooth fixing structure such that the cross-section of the rib 720 exhibits a curved profile 734 that rises from the surface of the wall to which the rib is fixed. The curved profile 734 may have no corner 732 at the bottom end 736 and / or the distal end 738 of the rib 720 ( Fig. 14C ). The curved profile can reduce the turbulence near the rib 720. The joint 740 may have a gentle radius, for example, its radius is from 0.3 cm to 5 cm, from 0.6 cm to 4 cm, or from 1 cm to 2.5 cm.

[0463] As Fig.37 illustrated, the wheel 164 may be fixed to the wall opposite to the rib 720. The rib 720 may strengthen the wall above the wheel 164. The rib 720 may be formed opposite to the recess 744 in which the wheel 164 is fully or partially received. Compared with the non-recessed wheel 164, the recessed wheel 164 keeps the adjacent body at a reduced height, thereby improving the stability of the body.

[0464] Removable ribbed walls

[0465] The following is a description of a removable wall on the surface of which a plurality of ribs are formed. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0466] The removable ribbed wall allows the chamber to be reconfigured between a first configuration (where the wall is in the chamber) and a second configuration (where the wall is removed from the chamber), for example, between a configuration where the chamber includes ribs and a configuration where the chamber does not include ribs (i.e., if the other walls of the chamber do not include ribs). The removable ribbed wall can be removed for cleaning. Additionally, as described elsewhere herein, the ribbed wall can be insertable to provide a vacuum flow channel to hold the bag in place when the bag is installed in the air treatment chamber.

[0467] As Fig.83 and Fig.83A Illustrated, the removable wall 740 can be an end wall of the air treatment chamber 210. The removable wall 740 can be an end wall of the first-stage air treatment member 202. When housed in the air treatment chamber 210, the removable wall 740 can form the first end wall 222. In some embodiments, when housed in the air treatment chamber 210, the removable wall 740 is generally a complete end wall extending across the entire end of the air treatment chamber 210.

[0468] Illustrated, the removable wall 740 can form a plurality of channels 730 between the ribs, and when the wall is in the air treatment chamber 210, the channels 730 can extend across the lower end of the air treatment chamber. When the removable wall 740 is removed, the lower end of the air treatment chamber can be ribless ( Fig.83 ).

[0469] As Fig.12 Illustrated, ribs can also be provided on the side walls, or only on the side walls. Such ribs can be on the removable wall.

[0470] Non-porous bags in air handling components

[0471] The following is a description of a removable, optionally non-porous bag 750 for the air treatment chamber 210. The bag 750 can be a plastic garbage bag and can line a dust collection area, which can be the air treatment chamber. The bag 750 can be removably housed in the first-stage air treatment chamber 210. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0472] The bag collects dust. If the bag is non-porous, then the bag collects the liquid to be processed. The bag is optionally placed in an air treatment assembly to collect dust or liquid during the operation of the surface cleaning device. The bag lines the dust collection area and can be arranged in the air treatment chamber. The removable bag 750 is arranged in the air treatment member 202 so that the user does not have to empty the air treatment member 202 into an external bag. The user can remove the bag 750 from the air treatment member 202 and dispose of the bag. It should be understood that the user may install the bag only in some cleaning operations and not in other operations. Thus, as described elsewhere in this document, the user can choose to use the bag sometimes and not use it at other times.

[0473] As Fig.10 , Fig. 10A and Fig.31 illustrated, the bag 750 can line the air treatment chamber (e.g., line the bucket 206). The bag 750 can be arranged in the air treatment chamber 210 to line the opposite end (e.g., the first end 222) of the air treatment chamber 210 (e.g., the member first end 352) relative to the member inlet 290 and / or the member outlet 292 during the operation of the surface cleaning device 100.

[0474] The member inlet 290 is configured or arranged such that the bag 750 can be installed in the air treatment chamber 210 and the member inlet 290 does not extend through the bag 750. As Fig.10 , Fig. 10A and Fig.31 illustrated, the member inlet 290 can be arranged above the open end 752 of the bag. The member inlet 290 and the member outlet 292 can each be arranged above the open end 752 of the bag. In some embodiments, when the surface cleaning device 100 is in the in-use position, the open end 752 is the upward-facing end. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the member inlet 290 is above the upper end of the bag 750.

[0475] Thus, the inlet and the outlet can be in a lid that can be opened. Thus, the inlet can pass through the side wall of the lid that can be opened (e.g., it can be a tangential inlet of a cyclone separator), and the outlet can pass through the upper end wall of the lid (e.g., a vortex overflow pipe). As Figure 4-10A illustrated, the first-stage air treatment chamber inlet 290 can be a part of the device lid 150. When the device lid 150 is opened, the first-stage air treatment chamber inlet 290 moves with the device lid 150. Optionally, the inlet conduit 180 or a part thereof (e.g., the downstream end, as illustrated) can be a part of the device lid 150. In some embodiments, the inlet conduit 180 or a part thereof is a part of the main body housing 132 and not a part of the lid. As illustrated, the upstream end can be a part of the main body housing 132.

[0476] It should be understood that the removable bag can be placed in any number of stages. For example, one or more first-stage air handling components, one or more second-stage air handling components, or one or more components of each of the first and second stages can each accommodate a removable bag. In some embodiments, only one stage accommodates the removable bag. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the bag is accommodated in the first stage. The first stage can remove larger and / or more dust and / or water, so the bag can be used to collect dust. In some embodiments, the dust collection area of the stage without a bag is emptied into the dust collection area of the stage with a bag (e.g., the bag in one stage is used to collect dust from more than one stage).

[0477] The device cover 150 can be opened to provide access to the chamber for installing the bag 750. When the device cover 150 is closed over the bag installed in the air handling chamber, the peripheral edge 754 of the bag 750 at the open end 752 can optionally be held between the device cover 150 and another wall (e.g., the side wall 220) of the air handling chamber 210. In some embodiments, the air handling assembly or a part thereof (e.g., the bucket) can be removed from the main body housing while the bag is accommodated in the removable member, and optionally, the removable member can be removed with the air handling chamber closed (i.e., the bag is accommodated in a closed container).

[0478] It should be understood that various component inlet configurations can be used. The component inlet 290 can include a conduit 310 extending below the cover 150, or the cover can form a cavity 758 into which the component inlet 290 opens.

[0479] As Figure 17-27 illustrated, the inlet 290 can extend downward from the device cover 150. The inlet 290 can be a tangential inlet. The inlet 290 can be a hooked inlet or a swivel inlet to turn the airflow in the inlet to the tangential direction. As Fig. 20 illustrated, the inlet 290 can include at least one bend 760 (e.g., a 'hooked' inlet). It should be understood that any inlet 290 can be a hooked inlet or a straight inlet. Each bend 760 turns the airflow from a first vector 762 to a second vector 764 that extends at an angle to the first vector 762. Optionally, the first vector 762 and the second vector 764 extend at an angle of at least 45°, at least 60°, or approximately 90°. Optionally, the inlet includes two or more bends extending in different planes, optionally extending in a vertical plane as Fig. 20 illustrated. As Fig. 20 illustrated, the bend 760 in the inlet can be an arc bend 760 having a radius of at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, or at least 5 cm.

[0480] As Figure 1-10 illustrated by way of example, the device cover 150 may also or alternatively include a cavity 758( Figure 4 ), which forms the upper end of the air handling chamber 210 when the device cover 150 is closed over the air handling chamber 210. The component air inlet 290 extends into the cavity 758. In some embodiments, as illustrated by way of example, the component air inlet 290 opens into the cavity 758. The opening into the cavity in the device cover 150 reduces the need for bends in the component air inlet 290. Reducing the number of bends can reduce back pressure. Optionally, as Figure 4 illustrated by way of example, the component air inlet 290 is a generally straight inlet without bends.

[0481] It should be understood that the inlet profile 766 in the lateral plane 768 can have any suitable shape. The inlet profile 766 can be circular (as Figure 4A illustrated by way of example), square, rectangular, triangular, oval, or irregular.

[0482] As Fig.84 illustrated by way of example, the upper end of the air handling chamber 210 can be larger than the lower end to accommodate the dimensions of the perimeter 754 of the bag 750. Garbage bags are typically sold in a predetermined size with a predetermined perimeter at the perimeter 754. The dimensions of the upper end of the air handling chamber 210 can be designed to have a perimeter 592 that is similar to or slightly smaller (e.g., 1% to 10%, or 2% to 8%, or 3% to 5%) than the perimeter of the perimeter 754. A similarly sized or slightly smaller upper end of the air handling chamber allows the perimeter to reach the edge without leaving much extra bag material that needs to be folded back. The lower end of the air handling chamber can have a smaller perimeter than the upper end to provide space for other components of the surface cleaning device 100 near the air handling chamber.

[0483] It should also be understood that the sidewalls can be angled inwardly and do not need to share a bend as Fig.84 illustrated by way of example.

[0484] It should also be understood that the wider portion of the air handling chamber can be the area for receiving dust from the openable second-stage dust collection chamber, as described elsewhere in this document. Thus, the first-stage air handling chamber can have a wider portion located below the door of the second-stage dust collection area.

[0485] Bag holder

[0486] The following is a description of a cage for holding a bag lined in an air handling chamber while the airflow path 170 is active (i.e., when the air moving member 400 moves air through the airflow path 170, such as during a cleaning operation). This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0487] The bag 750 can be disposed within a chamber in which air moves or circulates when the airflow path 170 is active. In the case where the chamber is a cyclone separation chamber, air can move around the chamber. A negative air pressure is generated at the member air outlet 292. Airflow and / or pressure characteristics may pull the bag 750 out of position lining one or more walls of the chamber, resulting in poor collection or airflow. The bag cage 770 can be used to hold the bag in place.

[0488] It should be understood that the bag cage 770 can be any suitable bag cage. As described herein, the bag cage can be a mechanical cage 770 (e.g., Figure 31-32A ) and / or a pneumatic cage 770 (e.g., Figure 11-14 ).

[0489] It should be understood that the bag cage can optionally be used with a porous bag. The porous bag may also be affected by air flow or pressure differentials, and the bag cage can help keep the porous bag open and / or in place. The bag cage can engage the inner surface (porous or non-porous) of the bag to keep the bag open and / or in place.

[0490] Mechanical bag holder

[0491] The following is a description of the mechanical bag cage. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0492] The mechanical bag cage 770 is easy for a user to understand and operate. The mechanical member 772 contacts the bag 750 to restrict the movement of the bag 750. As Figure 31-32A illustrated, the mechanical member 772 can contact the interior of the bag 750, for example opposite the wall of the air handling chamber 210, to restrain movement of the bag 750 away from the wall.

[0493] The mechanical bag cage 770 can be one or more bag engaging members 774. If multiple bag engaging members 774 are provided, they can be spaced apart from each other.

[0494] The mechanical bag cage 770 includes a bag holding member 774 and a member for positioning the bag holding member in place. Thus, as Fig.31 illustrated, the bag holding member 774 can be located at the end of a shaft 776.

[0495] The bag engagement member 774 is any member that contacts the bag to hold the bag in place. The member 774 can have various configurations and can contact the bag at a single location or multiple locations, or can have a dimension that extends across a portion of the interior of the bag. As Fig.32A illustrated, the bag engagement member 774 engages spaced-apart portions of the bag 750 such that the bag is constrained at multiple points. Constraining the bag at multiple spaced-apart points helps hold the bag in place during a cleaning operation.

[0496] As Fig.32A illustrated, the bag engagement member 774 can be arms that project from a common axis 776. These arms can radiate outwardly from the distal end 778 of the axis 776 and can be equally spaced from each other as illustrated.

[0497] The mechanical bag retainer 770 can be a separate element that is placed within the bag and then held in place when the air handling chamber is closed, such as when the cover 150 is closed. Alternatively, the mechanical bag retainer 770 can be rigidly or movably connected to another part of the device, such as an openable part. Thus, when the air handling chamber is opened, the mechanical bag retainer 770 can be removed or partially removed. Thus, for example, the mechanical bag retainer 770 can be fixed to the underside of the cover 150. The bag retainer 770 can extend downwardly from the device cover 150. Fixing the bag retainer to the cover can allow the bag retainer 770 to be within the air handling chamber 210 as part of closing the device cover 150 over the air handling chamber 210. The mechanical bag retainer 770 can be rigidly fixed to the device cover 150 such that the cover and the retainer move as a unit. Thus, if the cover is lifted, then the bag retainer 770 is removed. It should be understood that if the cover 150 is pivotally mounted, a flexible or rotatable mount can be used to connect the bag retainer to the cover such that the cover can pivot open while the bag retainer is held in place. Alternatively, the bag retainer 770 can be removably mounted to the device cover 150. Thus, the bag retainer can then be removed from the bag or separated from the cover and then removed from the bag.

[0498] As Fig.31Illustratively, the mechanical bag retainer 770 can include a central body that extends generally coaxially with the component axis 350 when the mechanical bag retainer 770 is received within the air handling chamber 210. The central body can reduce airflow disruption caused by the mechanical bag retainer. Optionally, the only portion of the mechanical bag retainer 770 that extends through the open space of the air handling chamber 210 extends generally coaxially with the component axis 350. As illustratively shown, the bottom end 780 of the shaft 776 opposite the distal end 778 can be fixed to the device cover 150. The mechanical bag retainer 770 can be fixed to the distal end 782 of the component air outlet 292.

[0499] Pneumatic bag holder

[0500] The following is a description of the pneumatic bag retainer. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0501] The pneumatic bag retainer 770 is easy to use and / or does not include mechanical components that extend through the open space of the air handling chamber 210, although the mechanical bag retainer can be used in combination with the pneumatic bag retainer.

[0502] As Figure 11-14 Illustratively, the vacuum airflow path 660 extends between a vacuum inlet 792 and a vacuum outlet 794. When air is drawn into the vacuum inlet 792, the bag is pulled toward the inlet 794. Thus, the airflow can create a negative pressure (vacuum) that can hold the bag in place or inhibit bag movement during a cleaning operation. Accordingly, the vacuum inlet 792 can be in any wall of the air handling chamber 210 behind the bag 750.

[0503] The vacuum airflow path can provide more than one suction point. Thus, as Figure 11-14 Illustratively shown, the vacuum airflow path 660 can include a plurality of vacuum inlets 792. The vacuum inlets 792 can be spaced apart from each other. The spaced vacuum inlets 792 can be arranged to suction the bag 750 at multiple points. The spaced vacuum inlets 792 can promote a more defined shape of the bag 750.

[0504] Each inlet 974 can be a point source of vacuum (e.g., at the inlet port of a conduit). Alternatively, the inlet 794 can be a passage that extends through a portion of the bag. Thus, when air is drawn through the passage, the bag is pulled toward the passage. Accordingly, the bag can form the wall of the passage, thereby substantially forming a closed airflow path.

[0505] As Figure 11-14Illustratively, the vacuum inlet 792 can be a single channel 730 between adjacent ribs 720. Alternatively, the vacuum inlet 792 can be multiple channels 730, where each channel can extend through a portion or the entire wall of the air handling chamber 210. Optionally, each channel extends through at least two walls of the air handling chamber 210, such as the illustrated member sidewall 220 and end wall. Thus, the channels 730 can create a suction conduit.

[0506] As Figures 89-90 Illustratively, the vacuum inlet 792 can be provided in a porous wall 798 (e.g., having multiple holes 796 therethrough). The porous wall 798 can be a removable plate, such as the removable wall 740 described elsewhere herein. Alternatively, the porous wall can be an integral part of the air handling chamber (e.g., molded as part of the air handling chamber). Optionally, in this case, if a bag is not used, then the wall or portion of the wall is insertable to close the inlet 792.

[0507] Optionally, as Fig.12 Illustratively, any vacuum inlet 792 can be covered with a filter screen 800 (e.g., a wire mesh filter screen). The filter screen can urge the bag wall to remain outside of the vacuum air flow path 660.

[0508] The downstream end of the vacuum flow path can have one or more vacuum outlets 794 that are pneumatically connected to the same air moving member 400 that moves air in the primary air flow path 170. Optionally, the vacuum outlets 794 can terminate in a portion of the primary air flow path 170 that is optionally upstream of the air moving member 400. The vacuum outlets 794 can be located at the member air outlet 292 (e.g., first stage or second stage), the member air inlet 290 (e.g., first stage or second stage), the device inlet conduit 180, the partially processed air flow path 570, the pre-moving member filter housing 442, the post-moving member filter housing 442, and / or the moving member housing 410. The outlet 794 can be located downstream of one or more second stage air handling members 202 or filters 420, such as downstream of the pre-moving member filter 420. The outlet 794 can be located downstream of the filter so that when the filter collects dust and the air flow characteristics of the air flow upstream of the filter change, the force that draws air into the inlet 792 will not be affected or will not be affected as significantly.

[0509] It should be understood that there can be more than one vacuum outlet 794 and the vacuum outlets 794 can open into different portions of the primary air flow path 170. Multiple vacuum outlets 794 can allow for a more regular air flow through the vacuum air flow path 660 during the entire cleaning operation.

[0510] It should also be understood that the vacuum outlet 794 may optionally be located on the outer surface of the surface cleaning device 100, for example, in the case where the vacuum air flow path 660 is isolated from the main air flow path 170. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning device 100 includes only a single air moving member 400. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the surface cleaning device 100 may include separate air moving members for different air flow paths.

[0511] Thus, the vacuum air flow path may have its own suction motor, or alternatively, as described elsewhere herein, if the motor and fan assembly is disposed in the cooling air flow path, then the motor and fan assembly may provide suction for the vacuum air flow path 660.

[0512] The vacuum air flow path 660 may include an intermediate portion 810 between the vacuum inlet 792 and the vacuum outlet 794, which intermediate portion 810 is generally vertical and / or generally parallel to the side wall 220 of the member. The intermediate portion 810 may extend along and / or generally parallel to the side wall 220 of the member.

[0513] As Figure 28-30 illustrated, if a pour opening or passage is provided, then the intermediate portion 810 may be located opposite the position of the pour opening 590 and / or the inlet 602 of the pour-out passage leading to the pour opening 590. The intermediate portion 810 may span the air handling chamber and be directly opposite the pour opening 590 and / or the inlet 602 of the pour-out passage. When the pour opening 590 is used to pour water from the air handling chamber 210, any water in the intermediate portion 810 flows downward and out of the inlet 792, rather than further into the vacuum air flow path 660.

[0514] Optionally, the filter 420 is housed in the vacuum air flow path 660. The filter 420 in the vacuum air flow path 660 can remove dust, which otherwise would be drawn back into the main air flow path 170 downstream of one or more air handling members 202.

[0515] Automatic control of vacuum air flow path

[0516] The following is an illustration of the automatic control of the vacuum air flow path 660. The vacuum air flow path 660 may be automatically opened and / or closed in response to one or more events. The vacuum air flow path 660 may be automatically opened and / or closed in response to the bag 750 being mounted and / or removed on the chamber at the inlet end of the vacuum air flow path 660. This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0517] Optionally, when no bag is installed, the vacuum airflow path 660 is closed to prevent dust or liquid from being suctioned through the vacuum airflow path 660. Dust or liquid suctioned through the vacuum airflow path 660 can bypass one or more air handling components and / or filters. For example, the vacuum airflow path 660 can be manually opened and closed by the user, such as by sliding a plug into or out of the path (e.g., by moving a lever extending outside the surface cleaning device 100). Alternatively, the vacuum airflow path 660 can also or instead be automatically opened and / or closed in response to a bag being installed, removed, detected, or not detected. In some embodiments, the automatic mechanism can be overridden by a parallel manual mechanism. A vacuum airflow path that automatically opens and / or closes in response to whether a bag is in place can be referred to as a bag detection vacuum line.

[0518] Any actuator 450 and / or operated device 452 disclosed herein can be used. For example, the operated device 452 can include a valve, including any valve described herein.

[0519] As Fig.14 and Fig.14D illustrated, the vacuum airflow path 660 can be closed and / or opened by a piston 490 that is capable of moving between an open position ( Fig.14D ) and a closed position ( Fig.14 ). When the piston is closed, the vacuum airflow path 660 is closed. When the piston is open, the vacuum airflow path 660 is open. The piston is biased to the closed position by a biasing member 820. The vacuum outlet 794 communicates with the main airflow path 170. When a bag is housed in the air handling chamber 210 with an open vacuum inlet 792 and the main airflow path 170 is activated, the piston is pulled towards the open position to balance the pressure on both sides of the piston 490, thereby opening the vacuum airflow path. When the suction motor is powered off, the piston travels in the reverse direction, thereby closing the path 660.

[0520] It should also be understood that a detection sensor can be used to open and close the path 660 (e.g., by moving a valve or door), such as a Hall effect sensor or an optical sensor discussed elsewhere herein.

[0521] Alternatively, the on / off control device can have a first open position (bag present) and a second open position (bag absent), and if the user selects the first open position, the path 660 is opened, and if the user selects the second open position, the path 660 is closed. If the actuator is a manually movable button (e.g., a slide control device), the position of the button can open and close the valve manually or electromechanically. If the actuator is on a touch screen, the actuator can send an electrical signal to drive the electromechanical component to open and close the path 660.

[0522] Additionally or alternatively, as Fig.91 illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 may have a separate bag detection airflow path 662. The bag detection airflow path 662 may extend from an inlet 664 to an outlet 668. The outlet 668 may be located in the vacuum airflow path 660 and / or the main airflow path 170. The inlet 664 may be located at any suitable position that can be blocked by the bag when the bag is present. For example, the inlet 664 may be in the periphery 592 of the bucket 206. When the bag is received and lined in the bucket 206, the periphery 754 of the bag 750 may cover the periphery of the bucket 206, including covering the inlet 664. When the inlet 664 is covered, a sensor (such as a piston in the path 662) can detect the bag 750.

[0523] For example, the piston may have a side in communication with the airflow path. When the device is actuated, the vacuum created by the movement of air in the airflow path may cause the piston to move in one direction, and when the airflow terminates, a biasing member may drive the piston in the other direction. The movement of the piston in one direction due to the airflow, for example, may open the path 660, and the movement in the other direction when the airflow terminates, for example, may drive the piston in the other direction.

[0524] Alternatively, each end of the piston may be exposed to the airflow. As Fig.91 illustrated, when the bag is not present, the upper end of the bag detection path 662 is open. This open end may be in fluid communication with the airflow path 170 at a first position. The lower end of the bag detection path 662 may be in fluid communication with the airflow path at a second different position. The second position is connected to the flow path 170 closer to the suction motor such that the lower end is exposed to a greater vacuum (suction air). Thus, if the bag is not present, the piston will be driven downward, which can close the path 660. Alternatively, if the bag is present, the bag can cover the upper end of the bag detection path 662. In this case, the piston will not be pulled downward, and the path 660 can remain open. Thus, when the air moving member 400 is turned on, since the upstream end of the bag detection path 662 is blocked by the bag 750 and the downstream end of the path 662 is open to the main airflow path 170 (e.g., directly or via the vacuum airflow path 660), the piston 492 in the bag detection path 662 can respond to the pressure difference. Thus, the piston can move to open the path 660. If the bag is not present, the differential pressure at each end of the piston can move the piston individually or together with the biasing member to close the path 660.

[0525] Optionally, the vacuum airflow path 660 and the bag detection path 662 are adjacent to each other.

[0526] Shielded vacuum airflow path outlet

[0527] The following is a description of the vacuum air flow path port, which is shielded to prevent the bag from blocking the port. The port penetrates the wall of the air handling chamber, for example, the wall of the bucket 206. The port can be shielded by one or more protruding members or porous members, such as a filter screen. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0528] A vacuum air flow path 660 is provided to hold the bag in a position lining the chamber, and the path 660 includes a vacuum port 980 passing through the wall of the chamber. As Fig.12 and Fig.13 illustrated, the port 980 can be a port in the wall of the bucket 206. The port 980 can form a vacuum inlet 792, or can be located downstream of the vacuum inlet 792. As illustrated, when the bag is installed, the bag can be placed against the rib 720, and the vacuum air flow path 660 can extend between the ribs 720, with the port 980 located at the downstream end of the vacuum air flow path 660. A shield 982 is provided to prevent the bag from clogging the vacuum port 980 and / or being sucked out through the inlet 980.

[0529] The shield 982 can be any member that prevents the bag from blocking part or all of the port 980. Thus, the shield 982 can include a member extending outward from the upper end of the vacuum air flow path 660 at the port 980. Alternatively, the shield 982 can be placed on the port 980, such as an open frame member extending outward from the port 980. The frame member can be open, or partially or fully covered by a filter screen or other porous member. For example, the shield 982 can include ribs 984 and / or a filter screen 800 (such as a wire mesh). Optionally, the shield 982 can be a mesh or filter screen 800 disposed in the port 980.

[0530] Filters nested in air handling plenums

[0531] The following is a description of the filter 420 nested in the air handling chamber 210. The filter 420 can be directly accommodated in the air handling chamber 210, or in a filter chamber 442 accommodated within the air handling chamber 210. The air handling chamber 210 in which the filter 420 is nested can be the second-stage air handling chamber 210. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0532] The filter 420 disposed nested within the air treatment chamber 210 enables the surface cleaning device to be very compact. The filter 420 can be directly accommodated within the air treatment chamber, where the air treatment chamber can form a filtration chamber around the filter, which effectively reduces the number of chambers in the surface cleaning device. Alternatively, the filter 420 can be accommodated within a filtration chamber 442 nested within the air treatment chamber 210. The air treatment chamber can also include an open space in addition to the nested filter 420 and / or the filter housing 442.

[0533] As Fig.46 illustrated, the open space can surround the nested filter 420 and / or the filter housing 442 to allow a cyclone flow around the filter 420 and / or the filter housing. As Fig.46 illustrated by the second-stage air treatment member 202 in, the filter 420 can be centered within the air treatment chamber 210. The member axis 350 can intersect the filter 420 within the air treatment chamber 210. The filter 420 can have a longest dimension that extends generally parallel and optionally coaxially with the member axis 350. The filter 420 can be an annular filter, the filter axis 422 of which extends generally parallel and optionally coaxially with the member axis 350.

[0534] The filter 420 can be accommodated within the member outlet 292 of the air treatment member 202. A dust collection area 230 can be formed within the air treatment chamber against a wall having an airtight portion extending, for example, axially outside the airtight portion 342 of the member outlet 292. As illustrated, the member outlet 292 can exit from the bottom end of the air treatment chamber. The airtight portion 342 can reduce the airflow within the dust collection area 230 in the air treatment chamber 210.

[0535] As Figure 46-46A illustrated, the air treatment member 202 can include an annular plate or flange 830 located between a first portion of the open space of the air treatment chamber 210 and another portion of the open space of the air treatment chamber 210. The annular plate or flange 830 can be located between the member first end 352 and the member second end 354. As illustrated, the annular plate or flange 830 can be a generally annular rib. The area below the annular plate or flange 830 can be the dust collection area of the air treatment member 202.

[0536] The annular plate or flange 830 may extend into the air handling chamber from the sidewall of the air handling chamber and / or from the wall of the component air outlet 292. As illustrated, the annular plate or flange 830 may be a rib extending outwardly from the wall of the air handling chamber and / or the component air outlet 292 (such as sidewall 220) or the airtight portion 342 of the component air outlet 292. In an embodiment where the annular plate or flange 830 extends from the component air outlet 292, as Fig.46A illustrated, the annular plate or flange 830 may extend from the interface 832 between the air permeable portion 346 and the airtight portion 342. In an embodiment where the annular plate or flange 830 extends from the outer wall of the air handling chamber, the annular plate or flange 830 may span or directly span the airtight portion 342. The dust collector 830 may span or directly span the interface 832 between the air permeable portion 346 and the airtight portion 342.

[0537] Filter Cleaning

[0538] The following is a description of the filter cleaner 850 operable to clean the filter of the component air outlet. This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0539] Dust may accumulate on the filter of the component air outlet 292, thereby obstructing the airflow through the filter. Cleaning the filter 344 allows an increase in the airflow through the filter.

[0540] It should be understood that the filter cleaner 850 may be a manual or automatic filter cleaner. The filter cleaner 850 may include any actuator 450 and / or the operating device 452 described herein. The filter cleaner 850 may be a pneumatic filter cleaner, a vibrating screen cleaner, an impact filter cleaner, a wiping filter cleaner, and / or a flexing filter cleaner. The filter cleaner may be activated when the device is turned off, and then the air handling chamber containing the filter may be removed for evacuation, and / or activated when the air handling chamber is open.

[0541] As Figures 47-48Illustratively, the pneumatic filter cleaner 850 can be used to direct one or more air jets toward the filter. The air jets can be directed generally parallel to the filter surface. The air jets can be directed at the upstream surface of the filter 344 to strip dust from the upstream surface. The pneumatic filter cleaner 850 includes a cleaner air flow path 852, an air outlet 854 adjacent to and directed toward the filter. The air inlet 856 can be opened from the main air flow path 170 downstream of the air moving member 400, but it should be understood that the surface cleaning device can alternatively or additionally include another air moving member located in the cleaner air flow path 852 to move air in the cleaner air flow path 852. The pneumatic filter cleaner 850 can operate in response to activation conditions as described at other locations herein. Operating the pneumatic filter cleaner 850 can include opening and / or closing the cleaner air flow path, starting and / or stopping the air moving member housed in the cleaner air flow path 852, and connecting the cleaner air flow path to an active air flow path (e.g., the main air flow path 170 when it is active) or disconnecting the cleaner air flow path from the active air flow path.

[0542] The air outlet 854 of the cleaner air flow path 852 of the pneumatic filter cleaner 850 forms a nozzle to direct an air jet toward the filter. The nozzle can be directed at the downstream surface of the filter (e.g., blowing through the filter to expel dust on the outside). The nozzle can be directed at the upstream surface of the filter. The nozzle directed at the downstream surface of the filter can be directed generally parallel to the downstream surface to generate a jet to strip dust from the upstream surface. The nozzle directed at the upstream surface of the filter can be directed at the filter at a downward tangential angle as illustrated.

[0543] It should be understood that other filter cleaners can be used. For example, the actuator 450 can actuate a vibration motor (operated device 452) operably coupled to the filter 344, whereby the filter 344 can be vibrated by the vibration motor.

[0544] As another example, the surface cleaning device 100 can include an impact member as the operated device 452, which is driven by the actuator against the filter 344 (e.g., a hammer) to knock dust off the filter 344.

[0545] As another example, the device 100 can include a wiper (e.g., a flexible wiper, such as a rubber wiper) as the operated device 452, which is operable to move across the filter 344 (e.g., across the upstream surface of the filter 344) under the action of the actuator 450 to wipe dust off the filter 344.

[0546] As Figures 68-69Illustratively, the flexible filter cleaner includes the filter itself 344 or a flexible outer layer of the filter (such as a flexible member disposed on a generally rigid metal or plastic mesh). The filter 344 or its member of the flexible filter cleaner 850 is formed of a flexible material, such as formed of flexible plastic or rubber. The flexible filter 344 is disposed in the air flow path 170 such that when the air flow path is active, the filter or its flexible member deforms into a deformed shape ( Fig.68 ). The deformed shape may include stretching and / or compression of the downstream surface and / or the upstream surface of the filter. The wall of the filter or its flexible member may bend along the direction of air flow through the filter. The filter or its flexible member may be fixed to the wall of the air flow path along the edge of the filter to hold the edge in place when the filter deforms. The flexible filter 344 or its flexible member is formed of an elastic material and returns to a rest shape when the air flow path 170 is deactivated ( Fig.69 ). The change between the deformed shape and the rest shape changes the surface area and / or the shape of the upstream surface of the filter or its flexible member. Changing the surface area and / or the shape may expel dirt from the surface. Alternatively, the flexible filter may not change shape during the cleaning operation, but is deformed or compressed by any actuator after the cleaning operation, and the deformation may occur simultaneously with or prior to using another filter cleaner (such as a wiper or a vibrating motor).

[0547] Placing the feature approached by the user near the air moving component

[0548] The following is a description of a surface cleaning device 100 having an air moving member 400 near a feature 860 accessible by a user. The feature 860 accessible by the user may be a dirty air inlet 172, a water drain port 590, and / or a user interface 260. The air moving member and the feature accessible by the user may be at a common end or a common side of the surface cleaning device, and the common end or the common side may be the device rear end 114. This aspect may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0549] The air moving member 400 is typically the heaviest component of the surface cleaning device 100, at least when the surface cleaning device 100 is free of debris and water. When carrying the surface cleaning device 100, the user can grip the surface cleaning device 100 near the heaviest component and / or near the center of gravity. When the handle 134 is located at the top of the surface cleaning device, the user can grip the handle at a position that is generally in a straight line (e.g., above it) with the center of gravity of the surface cleaning device along the vertical axis direction. The user can also better control the movement of the end of the surface cleaning device that is closest to the grip point where the user grips the surface cleaning device. Thus, one or more components that require greater user control (i.e., features 860 accessible to the user) can be located adjacent to (e.g., at the same end as) one or more heavy components (such as the air moving member 400).

[0550] As Figure 4-7 illustrated, in some embodiments, the feature 860 accessible to the user includes or consists of the dirty air inlet 172. In some embodiments, as Figure 17-19 illustrated, the feature 860 accessible to the user includes or consists of the water pour opening 590. In some embodiments, the dirty air inlet 172 forms the water pour opening 590. The dirty air inlet may need to be stable when the user attaches an external conduit such as a hose. The water pour opening may need to be stable when the user drains water from the surface cleaning device. The feature 860 accessible to the user can also or alternatively be an actuator for controlling the filter cleaner and / or the vacuum line, etc., so as to hold the bag in place.

[0551] In some embodiments, the feature 860 accessible to the user includes or consists of the user interface 260 ( Figure 4 ). The user interface 260 may need to be stable when the user interacts (e.g., presses a button). As illustrated, the user interface 260 can be adjacent to the handle 134 and / or located above the air moving member 400.

[0552] The first-stage air treatment chamber 210 can be located on the side or end of the surface cleaning device 100 opposite to the air moving member 400, the dirty air inlet 172, the user interface 260, and / or the pour opening 590. The first-stage air treatment chamber 210 can be a lighter component, at least when in an empty state, and it is relatively arranged to further facilitate the lateral shift of the center of gravity.

[0553] In some embodiments, as illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 having a water pour opening 590 at the end opposite to the first-stage air treatment chamber 210 of the surface cleaning device includes at least two discrete handles.

[0554] Non-circular air handling chamber

[0555] The following is a description of an air handling chamber having a non-circular profile in a lateral plane. The non-circular air handling chamber can be a first-stage air handling chamber. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0556] The non-circular air handling chamber 210 provides space for additional components of the surface cleaning device near the laterally extending side of the air handling chamber. As Figure 17-27 illustrated, the air handling chamber 210 can have an element side wall 220 having a non-circular profile 870 in a lateral plane 872 ( Fig.23A ). The chamber can have a wall portion 874 with a reduced curvature, which has a reduced curvature compared to other wall portions and can optionally be an approximately flat or long side of an ellipse. The pour spout 590 can extend from the wall portion 874 with a reduced curvature and / or along a pour axis 622 passing through the wall portion 874 with a reduced curvature.

[0557] In some embodiments, as illustrated, the air moving member 400, the pre-filter 420 of the moving member, and / or subsequent air handling members 202 are closer to the wall portion 874 with a reduced curvature than any other wall portion and can be disposed on that side of the air handling member. Alternatively or additionally, auxiliary tools can be removably placed on an auxiliary tool mounting bracket disposed on that side of the air handling member 202.

[0558] In some embodiments, the air handling chamber 210 has a radius of 1 to 10 inches, 2 to 6 inches, or approximately 4 inches. The arc portion can be joined by a planar portion or a slightly convex-shaped portion (such as the long side of an ellipse), which can be 1 to 15 inches, 2 to 10 inches, or approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches. Optionally, the air handling chamber 210 has three arc portions joined by two shorter portions and one longer portion to form a generally triangular profile.

[0559] According to this aspect, the width (e.g., in the left-right direction) between the wall portions 874 with a reduced curvature of the air handling member can be reduced, so that auxiliary tools and / or downstream components of the air flow path (such as one or more of a second-stage air handling member, a motor pre-filter, and an air moving member) can be disposed on one or both sides.

[0560] The hose wraps around

[0561] The following is a description of an air handling chamber having a storage location for an external hose wrapped around a surface cleaning device. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0562] Wrapping the hose around the surface cleaning device 100 provides a convenient storage location. In some embodiments, the external conduit 160 includes a hose 160a, and the hose 160a is wrapped around the surface cleaning device in the storage location while remaining in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 172.

[0563] As Figure 1-2 Illustrated, the hose 160a can be adjacent to the outer surface of the surface cleaning device 100 along substantially the entire length of the hose 160a, and optionally against and / or abutting the outer surface, such as along more than 80%, more than 90%, or more than 95% of the length of the hose. The hose can be attached to the device 100 at each end, for example, by fixing one end of the hose to the dirty air inlet 172 and coupling the other end of the hose to the device 100 through a releasable fastener 876 (such as a clip). The hose can also be fixed to the device 100 at one or more additional points, or can be placed on one or more bases along the length of the hose.

[0564] In addition or alternatively, as Figure 1-3 Illustrated, the dirty air inlet 172 is recessed relative to at least one adjacent outer surface of the surface cleaning device 100. The hose can be wrapped around from the adjacent outer surface where it is recessed towards the dirty air inlet 172. Thus, the hose 160a can be adjacent to the outer surface of the surface cleaning device 100 at the connection end 878 of the hose 160a, rather than protruding from the outer surface when wrapped and in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 172. As illustrated, the dirty air inlet 172 can be arranged at one end of the surface cleaning device 100 and arranged to one side.

[0565] Optionally, the hose can be wrapped around the upper part of the device, and if a lid 150 that can be opened is provided, then the hose can be wrapped around the lid. Thus, if the lid 150 is pivotally opened, the hose will pivot with the lid 150 and can be removed, enabling the user to more easily remove the first-stage air handling member.

[0566] Nested storage or transport configuration

[0567] The following is a description of an air handling chamber sized and shaped to accommodate an external hose and one or more accessories therein when closed. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0568] When storing or transporting the surface cleaning device, it can be stored or transported together with a mating external hose 160a and one or more accessories 880 (such as a floor cleaning head or a crevice tool). As Fig.85 illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 can include an air handling chamber 210 sized and shaped to be adapted to receive the external hose 160a and one or more accessories 880 therein, and the air handling chamber 210 is in a closed state in the transport or storage configuration. As illustrated, the hose can be coiled within the air handling chamber.

[0569] The surface cleaning device 100 can be prepared for storage or transport by opening the air handling chamber, inserting the hose (optionally coiled) within the air handling chamber 210 and inserting one or more auxiliary tools (above, below and / or surrounded by the hose), and closing the air handling chamber 210 (such as closing the device cover 150). Then the surface cleaning device 100 can be transported, displayed and / or stored.

[0570] Ability to reconfigure between suction and blowing modes

[0571] The following is a description of a surface cleaning device capable of being reconfigured between a suction mode and a blowing mode. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0572] The surface cleaning device 100 is operable to generate an air flow (such as by an air moving member 400). The air flow can be used to draw dust into the surface cleaning device (suction mode). The air flow can also or alternatively be directed as a blower output (blowing mode). Thus, the surface cleaning device can be reconfigured as a blower.

[0573] As Fig.86 illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 includes a dirty air inlet 172 and a clean air outlet 174. In some embodiments, the clean air outlet 174 is shaped to couple to one end of an external conduit, such as a hose or a ridged blower nozzle, and the external conduit can be the same external conduit as that used for surface cleaning. The clean air outlet 174 can include a port to which the external conduit can be attached, and after attachment, the external conduit is in air flow communication with the clean air outlet 174. The user can operate the surface cleaning device as a cleaner by applying the dirty air inlet or an upstream conduit to a surface, and / or operate the surface cleaning device as a blower by directing the clean air outlet or a downstream conduit towards an object or a surface.

[0574] As Fig.86Exemplarily, the dirty air inlet 172 can be arranged near the clean air outlet 174. The dirty air inlet 172 can be within 2 cm, 5 cm or 10 cm of the clean air outlet 174. Arranging the inlet near the outlet reduces the distance the user needs to move the conduit to switch modes. Optionally, as opposed to side-by-side, the outlet 174 is below the inlet 172 or directly below the inlet 172, or vice versa.

[0575] In some embodiments, as Fig.87 Exemplarily, the direction of the air flow through the opening 882 in fluid communication with the air flow path 170 is selectively switchable. The opening 882 can be switched from the dirty air inlet 172 to the clean air outlet 174. This switching can be accomplished by any suitable actuator, such as any of the actuators described herein. Exemplarily, the user can use a button or switch 884 external to the surface cleaning device 100 to switch the direction of the air flow through the opening. Changing the direction can include changing the direction of the air flow through the air flow path 170 (e.g., reversing the direction of the air moving member 400) and / or reconfiguring the air flow path 170 to selectively connect the opening to the upstream end or the downstream end of the air flow path 170. Reconfiguring the air flow path can include, for example, moving a conduit (which extends from an opening external to the device to an internal location) from being connected to the upstream portion of the air flow path 170 to being connected to the downstream portion of the air flow path 170, and opening and / or closing valves to selectively connect the conduit to the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the air flow path 170. Reconfiguration of the air flow path 170 can be accomplished by any suitable actuator, such as any of the actuators described herein.

[0576] Alternatively, as Figure 42-43 Exemplarily, the surface cleaning device 100 includes selectively engagable openings 890. Thus, two openings 890 can be provided. An external conduit can be selectively inserted into each opening 890. Exemplarily, one of the openings can extend horizontally (opening 890a), which can be an upstream portion of the air flow path 170 and thus an inlet conduit, and the other opening can extend vertically (opening 890b), which can be a downstream portion of the air flow path 170.

[0577] As Figure 3 and Fig.11 As shown, the device can have a clean air outlet including a grille located on the sidewall of the device. However, if a conduit is installed in the vertically extending opening, then insertion of the conduit can transform the vertically extending opening into a clean air outlet, and thus the vertically extending opening can be used as a blower.

[0578] As Figure 42-43As illustrated, the airflow path 170 can be reconfigured by inserting the downstream end 878 of the external conduit 160. As illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 can include two selectively engageable openings 890, each opening leading to a conduit 892, and the conduits 892 cross each other and open into each other. Thus, the conduits can be in a cross shape. One or both of the conduits can have openings. As illustrated, the horizontal conduit 892 has an opening 892a and the vertical conduit has an opening 892b.

[0579] When the downstream end 878 of the external conduit 160 (e.g., a rigid rod) is inserted into the horizontal conduit 892 (suction mode), the downstream end 878 of the external conduit 160 can be placed over the opening 892a, thereby substantially closing the opening 892a. At the same time, the downstream end 878 of the external conduit 160 connects the right side of the conduit 892r to the left side of the conduit 892l, thereby forming a continuous inlet conduit.

[0580] Similarly, when the downstream end 878 of the external conduit 160 is inserted into the vertical conduit 892 (blowing mode), the downstream end 878 of the external conduit 160 can be placed over the opening 892b, thereby substantially closing the opening 892b. At the same time, the downstream end 878 of the external conduit 160 connects the downward or lower side of the conduit 892d to the upper side of the conduit 892u, thereby forming a continuous outlet conduit.

[0581] In the suction mode, air travels into the conduit 892r and then to the air handling component. The openings in the vertical conduit are open and some or all of the air can be discharged through these openings and out of the surface cleaning device via the grilles on the sidewalls of the surface cleaning device. In the blowing mode, when the hole 892b is closed, air from the downstream side is directed through the opening 890b. Air can be drawn into the flow path 170 through the opening 890a and / or the opening 892a, and the opening 890a and / or the opening 892a are open to the surrounding environment.

[0582] Dual suction and blowing external catheter

[0583] The following is a description of a surface cleaning device having an external conduit with a dual airflow path, where one airflow path is coupled to the inlet of the surface cleaning device and the other airflow path is coupled to the outlet of the surface cleaning device. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0584] When suction acts on a surface, dust can be sucked away from the surface. In some cases, the dust becomes stuck, wedged, or otherwise unable to move freely. In some cases, if the dust is simultaneously acted upon by a blowing air stream, then it is easier to pick up the dust. The blowing air stream can dislodge the dust, for example, by releasing it or lifting it from the surface, thus facilitating the pick-up of the dust by the suction air stream.

[0585] As Fig.88 Illustrated, the surface cleaning device 100 can be used with an external conduit 160 having a dual-conduit air flow path 900. The dual-conduit air flow path 900 can be generally parallel. As illustrated, one of the conduit air flow paths 900 can be coupled to the dirty air inlet 172, while the other conduit air flow path 900 is coupled to the clean air outlet 174. The dirty air inlet 172 and the clean air outlet 174 can be adjacent to each other to facilitate the use of an external conduit having a dual-conduit air flow path. The downstream end of the conduit air flow path coupled to the dirty air inlet can serve as the suction pipe orifice 902, while the downstream end of the conduit air flow path coupled to the clean air outlet 174 can serve as the blowing pipe orifice 904. The blowing pipe orifice and the suction pipe orifice can be adjacent. As illustrated, the blowing pipe orifice and the suction pipe orifice can be directly adjacent to each other.

[0586] Optionally, one or more end tools 906 can be coupled to the external conduit having the dual-conduit flow path. The end tool 906 can be, for example, a floor cleaning head (e.g., having a blowing pipe orifice pointing to a rotating brush 908) configured to direct the blower air stream towards the floor and direct the air stream from the floor towards the suction pipe orifice, as Fig.88 Illustrated.

[0587] Alternatively, as described elsewhere herein, when the device can be used as a blower or a surface cleaning device, a dual-conduit attachment can be used. In this case, the suction and blowing conduits can always be available, and the user can simply change the direction of the air flow path to provide alternating suction and blowing.

[0588] The filter door is held closed by a removable air handling assembly or part thereof

[0589] The following is a description of the access door to the filter chamber 442 of the main body housing 132, which can only be opened when the air handling assembly 200 or a part thereof is removed from the main body housing 132. This aspect can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects disclosed herein.

[0590] As Figure 44-45Illustratively, the filter chamber 442 may include an access door 910. The access door 910 may be openable to provide access to the filter 420 within the filter chamber 442. The access door 910 may be located behind one or more components of the air handling assembly 200. When the air handling assembly 200 is mounted to the main body housing 132 of the surface cleaning device, the air handling assembly can prevent the access door 910 from being opened. The access door that is prevented from being opened by the air handling assembly 200 may be an access door to the filter housing 442 of the post-filter 420 (e.g., HEPA filter) of the air moving member.

[0591] As Figure 44-45 Illustratively, the filter may include a filter guide 912 that is shaped to mate with a housing guide 914 to guide the placement of the filter 420 within the filter housing 442 and / or to guide the removal of the filter 420 from the filter housing 442.

[0592] As used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or". That is, for example, "X and / or Y" is intended to mean X or Y or both. As another example, "X, Y, and / or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0593] While the foregoing description has described the features of the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that certain features and / or functions of the described embodiments can be readily modified without departing from the spirit and principles of the operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various features described by way of the illustrated embodiments or examples can be selectively combined with one another. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate the concepts claimed, rather than to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will understand that other variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the claims should not be limited by these preferred embodiments and examples, but should be read in the broadest manner consistent with the specification as a whole.

[0594] Clause Set A

[0595] 1. A surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0596] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged; and

[0597] (b) an air handling member, the air handling member including a collection chamber, a lid, an air inlet, and an air outlet,

[0598] Wherein the lid is movable between a closed position closing the collection chamber and an open position opening the collection chamber, and wherein when the lid is open, a bag can be placed into the collection chamber, and wherein the lid includes the air handling member air inlet, whereby when the bag is located in the collection chamber and the lid is closed, the collection chamber is downstream of the dirty air inlet, and at least a portion of the air handling member air inlet is above the upper end of the bag.

[0599] 2. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the air handling member air inlet is located in a side wall of the lid.

[0600] 3. The surface cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the air handling member air inlet includes a tangential air inlet.

[0601] 4. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the air handling member air inlet extends through the side wall of the lid.

[0602] 5. The surface cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the air handling member air inlet includes a tangential air inlet.

[0603] 6. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the lid includes an upper wall of the collection chamber, and the air handling member air inlet extends through the upper wall.

[0604] 7. The surface cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the air handling member air inlet extends generally downwardly through the upper wall and includes a tangential air inlet.

[0605] 8. The surface cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the air handling member air inlet extends generally downwardly through the upper wall and includes a hooked outlet portion.

[0606] 9. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a bag holding member.

[0607] 10. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the bag holding member includes a vacuum line.

[0608] 11. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the bag holding member includes a mechanical holding member for the lower portion of the bag.

[0609] 12. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein when the bag is located in the collection chamber and the lid is closed, an outlet end of the air handling member air inlet is above the upper end of the bag.

[0610] 13. The surface cleaning device according to Article 1, wherein the outlet end of the air handling member air inlet is non-circular.

[0611] 14. The surface cleaning device according to Article 13, wherein the outlet end of the air handling member air inlet is polygonal.

[0612] 15. The surface cleaning device according to Article 13, wherein the outlet end of the air handling member air inlet is oval.

[0613] 16. The surface cleaning device according to Article 13, wherein the inlet end of the air handling member air inlet is circular.

[0614] Clause Set B

[0615] 1. A surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0616] (a) An air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged; and

[0617] (b) An air handling member, the air handling member comprising a collection chamber, the collection chamber comprising a bottom wall and side walls,

[0618] wherein a bag can be placed in the collection chamber, and the surface cleaning device further comprises a bag holding member, and wherein, when the bag is placed in the collection chamber, the bag is placed on a portion of the collection chamber having a ribbed inner surface.

[0619] 2. The surface cleaning device according to Article 1, wherein the ribbed inner surface is provided at least on the bottom wall of the collection chamber.

[0620] 3. The surface cleaning device according to Article 2, wherein the ribbed inner surface is further provided on the side walls of the collection chamber.

[0621] 4. The surface cleaning device according to Article 1, wherein the ribbed inner surface is provided on the side walls of the collection chamber.

[0622] 5. The surface cleaning device according to Article 1, wherein the ribbed inner surface comprises at least one rib extending outward from the inner surface of the collection chamber, and the junction of the rib and the inner surface is curved.

[0623] 6. The surface cleaning device according to Article 5, wherein the junction of the rib and the inner surface is circular arc, with a radius of 1 / 8 - 2 inches, 1 / 4 - 1.5 inches or 3 / 8 - 1 inch.

[0624] 7. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the rib includes a part of the bag holding member.

[0625] 8. A surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0626] (a) An air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged;

[0627] (b) An air treatment member, the air treatment member including a collection chamber, the collection chamber including a bottom wall and a side wall; and

[0628] (c) A ribbed member capable of being removably inserted into the collection chamber.

[0629] 9. The surface cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the ribbed member is placed on the bottom wall when in the collection chamber.

[0630] 10. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the ribbed member is also on the side wall when in the collection chamber.

[0631] 11. The surface cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the ribbed member is on the side wall when in the collection chamber.

[0632] 12. The surface cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the ribbed member includes an abutting surface, and at least one rib extends outward from the abutting surface.

[0633] 13. The surface cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein a joint of the at least one rib and the abutting surface is curved.

[0634] 14. The surface cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein a joint of the at least one rib and the abutting surface is circular arc, and its radius is 1 / 8 - 2 inches, 1 / 4 - 1.5 inches or 3 / 8 - 1 inch.

[0635] 15. The surface cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the ribbed member includes a part of the bag holding member.

[0636] Clause Set C

[0637] 1. A surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0638] (a) An air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged;

[0639] (b) An air handling member, the air handling member including a collection chamber, the collection chamber including a bottom wall and side walls, wherein the bag can be placed in the collection chamber; and

[0640] (c) A bag holding member, the bag holding member including a bag fixing vacuum line extending from an upstream end located at the collection chamber to a downstream end, wherein when suction is applied to the downstream end of the bag fixing vacuum line, the upstream end provides more than one suction point source.

[0641] 2. The surface cleaning device according to item 1, wherein the upstream end provides suction at at least two positions.

[0642] 3. The surface cleaning device according to item 2, wherein the upstream end has a first inlet provided in the bottom wall and a second inlet provided in the side wall.

[0643] 4. The surface cleaning device according to item 2, wherein the upstream end has a first inlet at a first position provided in the bottom wall and a second inlet at a second position provided in the bottom wall.

[0644] 5. The surface cleaning device according to item 1, wherein at least a part of one or both of the bottom wall and the side walls includes a ribbed surface, with valleys provided between adjacent ribs, and when suction is applied to the downstream end of the bag fixing vacuum line, at least one of the valleys provides an upstream suction zone.

[0645] 6. The surface cleaning device according to item 5, further including a filter placed on the valley.

[0646] 7. The surface cleaning device according to item 1, wherein at least a part of one or both of the bottom wall and the side walls includes a ribbed surface, with valleys provided between adjacent ribs, and when suction is applied to the downstream end of the bag fixing vacuum line, a plurality of valleys provide an upstream suction zone.

[0647] 8. The surface cleaning device according to item 5, further including a ribbed member that can be removably inserted into the collection chamber and provides the ribbed surface when inserted into the collection chamber.

[0648] 9. The surface cleaning device according to item 8, further including a filter placed on the valley.

[0649] 10. The surface cleaning device according to item 1, wherein the air handling member further includes a pouring opening, the bag fixing vacuum line includes a portion extending upward substantially parallel to the side wall, and the portion of the bag fixing vacuum line is arranged opposite to the position of the pouring opening.

[0650] 11. The surface cleaning device according to Article 1 further includes a bag detection system. When there is no bag in the collection chamber and the motor and fan assembly are actuated, the bag detection system is operable to cut off the air flow through the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline. The bag detection system includes a bag detection vacuum pipeline.

[0651] 12. The surface cleaning device according to Article 11, wherein the bag detection vacuum pipeline includes a part of the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline.

[0652] 13. The surface cleaning device according to Article 11, wherein the bag detection vacuum pipeline is located adjacent to the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline.

[0653] 14. The surface cleaning device according to Article 1, wherein the downstream end of the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline is in fluid communication with the motor and fan assembly.

[0654] 15. The surface cleaning device according to Article 14, wherein the downstream end of the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline is inside the air outlet of the air treatment member.

[0655] 16. The surface cleaning device according to Article 14, wherein the air treatment member includes a first-stage cyclone separator, and the downstream end of the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline is inside the vortex overflow pipe of the first-stage cyclone separator.

[0656] 17. The surface cleaning device according to Article 16 further includes a second-stage air treatment chamber, and the downstream end of the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline is located downstream of the second-stage air treatment chamber.

[0657] 18. The surface cleaning device according to Article 16 further includes a pre-motor filter, and the downstream end of the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline is located downstream of the pre-motor filter.

[0658] 19. The surface cleaning device according to Article 1, wherein the downstream end of the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline is in fluid communication with the motor and fan assembly at two or more positions.

[0659] 20. The surface cleaning device according to Article 1 further includes a filter located in the bag-fixed vacuum pipeline.

[0660] Clause Set D

[0661] 1. A surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0662] (a) An air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged;

[0663] (b) An air handling member, the air handling member including a collection chamber, the collection chamber including a bottom wall and side walls, wherein the bag can be placed in the collection chamber; and

[0664] (c) A mechanical bag retaining member, the mechanical bag retaining member including a plurality of spaced-apart bag engaging members.

[0665] 2. The surface cleaning device according to clause 1, wherein the bag engaging members are spaced apart from each other.

[0666] 3. The surface cleaning device according to clause 1, wherein when the bag is placed in the collection chamber, the bag engaging members engage spaced-apart portions of the bag.

[0667] 4. The surface cleaning device according to clause 1, wherein the bag engaging members include clip members.

[0668] 5. The surface cleaning device according to clause 1, wherein the bag engaging members include adhesive members.

[0669] 6. A surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0670] (a) An air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged;

[0671] (b) A first-stage air handling member, the first-stage air handling member including a collection chamber, the collection chamber including a container and an openable lid, the container including a bottom wall and side walls, and having an internal space, wherein the bag can be placed in the collection chamber; and

[0672] (c) A mechanical bag retaining member that can be removably inserted into the container, wherein when the bag is installed in the container and the openable lid is installed on the container and the lid is in a closed position, the mechanical bag retaining member abuts a portion of the bag located in the internal space of the container.

[0673] 7. The surface cleaning device according to clause 6, wherein the mechanical bag retaining member is attached to the openable lid.

[0674] 8. The surface cleaning device according to clause 6, wherein when the openable lid is installed on the container, the mechanical bag retaining member is inserted into the internal space.

[0675] 9. The surface cleaning device according to clause 6, wherein the mechanical bag retaining member includes feet, and when the bag is inserted into the container and the openable lid is in a closed position, the feet press the bag against the bottom wall of the container.

[0676] 10. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein when the mechanical bag holding member is located in the container, the mechanical bag holding member includes a vertically extending member having feet at its lower end.

[0677] 11. The surface cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the vertically extending member extends downward from the openable lid.

[0678] 12. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein when the mechanical bag holding member is placed in the container, the feet are located at positions adjacent to the periphery of the bottom wall.

[0679] 13. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the feet are flexible.

[0680] 14. The surface cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein the feet are made of an elastic material.

[0681] 15. The surface cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein the first-stage air treatment member includes a cyclone separator having a vortex overflow pipe, and the mechanical bag holding member is fixed to the vortex overflow pipe.

[0682] 16. The surface cleaning device according to claim 6, further comprising a second-stage air treatment member located downstream of the first-stage air treatment member, and the mechanical bag holding member is fixed to the second-stage air treatment member.

[0683] 17. The surface cleaning device according to claim 16, wherein the second-stage air treatment member includes a second-stage air treatment chamber.

[0684] Clause Set E

[0685] 1. A surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0686] (a) An air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged;

[0687] (b) An air treatment member, the air treatment member including a collection chamber, the collection chamber including a bottom wall and side walls, wherein the bag can be placed in the collection chamber;

[0688] (c) A bag holding member, the bag holding member including a bag fixing vacuum pipeline extending from an upstream end located at the collection chamber to a downstream end; and

[0689] (d) A detection sensor, wherein based on the detection sensor, it is determined whether there is a bag in the collection chamber to adjust the air flow through the vacuum pipeline.

[0690] 2. The surface cleaning device according to item 1, wherein the detection sensor detects that there is a bag in the collection chamber.

[0691] 3. The surface cleaning device according to item 1, wherein when the detection sensor detects that there is a bag in the collection chamber, the motor and fan assembly are powered on.

[0692] 4. The surface cleaning device according to item 1, wherein when the detection sensor detects that there is a bag in the collection chamber, the vacuum pipeline is opened.

[0693] 5. The surface cleaning device according to item 4, wherein when the detection sensor detects that there is a bag in the collection chamber, the detection sensor sends a signal to open the valve.

[0694] 6. The surface cleaning device according to item 1, wherein the detection sensor detects that there is no bag in the collection chamber.

[0695] 7. The surface cleaning device according to item 6, wherein when the detection sensor detects that there is no bag in the collection chamber, the motor and fan assembly are powered off.

[0696] 8. The surface cleaning device according to item 6, wherein when the detection sensor detects that there is no bag in the collection chamber, the vacuum pipeline is closed.

[0697] 9. The surface cleaning device according to item 8, wherein when the detection sensor detects that there is no bag in the collection chamber, the detection sensor sends a signal to close the valve.

[0698] 10. A surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0699] (a) An air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and fan assembly are arranged;

[0700] (b) An air treatment member, the air treatment member includes a collection chamber, the collection chamber includes a container and an openable lid, the container includes a bottom wall and side walls, and a bag can be placed in the container;

[0701] (c) A bag holding member, the bag holding member includes a bag fixing vacuum pipeline extending from an upstream end located at the container to a downstream end;

[0702] (d) A main power switch; and

[0703] (e) A detection sensor, wherein the power switch is drivingly connected to at least one of the motor, the fan assembly, and the valve, and when the detection sensor detects the presence of the bag in the collection chamber, the valve is operable to open the bag-fixed vacuum line.

[0704] 11. The surface cleaning device according to clause 10, wherein when the detection sensor detects the absence of the bag in the collection chamber, the main power switch is disconnected from at least one of the motor, the fan assembly, and the valve.

[0705] 12. The surface cleaning device according to clause 10, wherein the detection sensor is at least one of an optical sensor, a capacitance sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a mechanical sensor, and a differential pressure system.

[0706] 13. The surface cleaning device according to clause 10, wherein the detection sensor includes a capacitance sensor, the capacitance sensor includes two electrical contacts separated by a gap, when the bag is present, the bag is located in the gap, and when the bag is present, a signal is sent to at least one of the motor, the fan assembly, and the valve.

[0707] 14. The surface cleaning device according to clause 10, wherein the detection sensor includes a mechanical sensor, the mechanical sensor includes a pin that is movable between a bag-absent position and a bag-present position, and when the bag is present in the container and the lid is in the closed position, the pin is moved to the bag-present position.

[0708] 15. The surface cleaning device according to clause 14, wherein the movement of the pin to the bag-present position opens the valve or energizes the fan and motor assembly.

[0709] 16. The surface cleaning device according to clause 10, wherein the detection sensor includes a differential pressure system, the differential pressur...

Claims

1. A surface cleaning device, comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged; and (b) an air treatment member, the air treatment member comprising a collection chamber, a lid, an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the lid is movable between a closed position closing the collection chamber and an open position opening the collection chamber, and wherein when the lid is open, a bag can be placed into the collection chamber, and wherein the lid comprises the air inlet of the air treatment member, whereby when the bag is in the collection chamber and the lid is closed, the collection chamber is downstream of the dirty air inlet, and at least a portion of the air inlet of the air treatment member is above the upper end of the bag.

2. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The air inlet of the air treatment member is in the side wall of the lid.

3. The surface cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein, The air inlet of the air treatment member comprises a tangential air inlet.

4. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The air inlet of the air treatment member extends through the side wall of the lid.

5. The surface cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein The air inlet of the air treatment member comprises a tangential air inlet.

6. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein The lid comprises the upper wall of the collection chamber, and the air inlet of the air treatment member extends through the upper wall.

7. The surface cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein, The air inlet of the air treatment member extends generally downwardly through the upper wall and comprises a tangential air inlet.

8. The surface cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein, The air inlet of the air treatment member extends generally downwardly through the upper wall and comprises a hooked air outlet portion.

9. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a bag holding member.

10. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein, The bag holding member comprises a vacuum line.

11. The surface cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein, The bag holding member comprises a mechanical holding member for the lower portion of the bag.

12. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, When the bag is in the collection chamber and the lid is closed, the outlet end of the air inlet of the air treatment member is above the upper end of the bag.

13. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein, The outlet end of the air inlet of the air treatment member is non-circular.

14. The surface cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein, The outlet end of the air inlet of the air treatment member is polygonal.

15. The surface cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein, The outlet end of the air inlet of the air treatment member is oval.

16. The surface cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein, The inlet end of the air inlet of the air treatment member is circular.

17. A wet / dry surface cleaning device, comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged; (b) a first-stage air treatment member comprising an air inlet and an air outlet; (c) a second-stage air treatment member downstream of the first-stage air treatment member; (d) a partially treated air flow path extending between the first-stage air treatment member and the second-stage air treatment member; and (e) a valve associated with the partially treated air flow path and operable to close the partially treated air flow path based on the water level in the first-stage air treatment member.

18. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 17, wherein, The motor and the fan assembly are downstream of the first-stage air treatment member.

19. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 17, wherein, The first-stage air treatment member comprises a first cyclone stage, and the air outlet of the first-stage air treatment member comprises a vortex overflow pipe, the vortex overflow pipe comprising a filter, and the filter having an internal space which is part of the partially treated air flow path.

20. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 19, wherein, The vortex overflow pipe includes a solid portion at an end wall of the first-stage air treatment member, and the valve closes the solid portion.

21. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 20, wherein, The solid portion has an outlet port at its downstream end, and the valve closes the outlet port.

22. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 19, wherein, The filter screen is located at an inner end of the solid portion spaced apart from the end wall.

23. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 19, wherein, The valve is located in the internal space.

24. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 19, wherein, The vortex overflow pipe includes a solid portion at an end wall of the first-stage air treatment member, the filter screen is located at an inner end of the solid portion spaced apart from the end wall, and a length of the solid portion in a flow direction is 0.5 - 4 times, 1 - 2.5 times, or 1.1 - 1.5 times a diameter of an air inlet of the first-stage air treatment member.

25. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 17, wherein, The valve includes a mechanical valve.

26. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 25, wherein, The mechanical valve includes a float valve.

27. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 17, wherein, The valve includes an electromechanical valve that closes the partially treated air flow path upon receiving a signal from a water level sensor.

28. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 27, wherein, The water level sensor includes a tilt switch.

29. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 27, wherein, The electromechanical valve includes a solenoid.

30. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 17, wherein, The first-stage air treatment member and the second-stage air treatment member include at least one cyclone separator.

31. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 17, wherein, The first-stage air treatment member has a collection space where water is received when the wet / dry surface cleaning device is operated to collect water. The valve includes a mechanical drive member that is capable of moving between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the valve is open and the partially treated air flow path is open. In the closed position, the valve is closed and the partially treated air flow path is closed, and at least a portion of the mechanical drive member travels through a drive member space isolated from the collection space.

32. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 31, wherein, The mechanical drive member is driven by a water level sensor.

33. A wet / dry surface cleaning device, comprising: (a) An air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, in which a motor and a fan assembly are arranged; (b) A first-stage air treatment member having an air inlet and an air outlet; (c) A treated air flow path extending downstream from the first-stage air treatment member to the clean air outlet; and (d) A valve including an electromechanical member that is operable to close the treated air flow path based on a water level in the first-stage air treatment member.

34. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 33, wherein, The valve includes a solenoid.

35. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 33, further comprising an electronic water level sensor drivingly connected to the valve.

36. The wet / dry surface cleaning device according to claim 33, further comprising a second-stage air treatment member located downstream of the valve.

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