U.S. patent application number 11/683541 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-13 for vacuum cleaner with improved hygenic performance.
This patent application is currently assigned to BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.. Invention is credited to Joseph A. Fester, Aaron P. Griffith, Daniel M. Heidenga, James A. Krzeminski, Sue A. Potter.
Application Number | 20070209144 11/683541 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37988789 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070209144 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fester; Joseph A. ; et
al. |
September 13, 2007 |
VACUUM CLEANER WITH IMPROVED HYGENIC PERFORMANCE
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner comprises a handle assembly pivotally attached
to a foot assembly, where the handle assembly removably mounts a
cyclone separator module. An ultraviolet sanitation assembly is
provided on the vacuum cleaner for sanitizing the working air
before it is exhausted from the vacuum cleaner. One or more
component parts of the vacuum cleaner, particularly the components
making up the working air path of the vacuum cleaner can be made
from a plastic material that includes at least one anti-microbial
agent in an effective amount sufficient to impart
microbe-inhibiting properties to the working air path.
Inventors: |
Fester; Joseph A.; (Ada,
MI) ; Griffith; Aaron P.; (Grand Rapids, MI) ;
Krzeminski; James A.; (Grand Rapids, MI) ; Potter;
Sue A.; (Grand Rapids, MI) ; Heidenga; Daniel M.;
(Wyoming, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR PC
32 Market Ave. SW, SUITE 500
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Assignee: |
BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
Grand Rapids
MI
|
Family ID: |
37988789 |
Appl. No.: |
11/683541 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60743454 |
Mar 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/339 ;
15/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/32 20130101; A61L
9/00 20130101; A47L 9/244 20130101; A47L 5/30 20130101; A47L 7/04
20130101; A47L 9/00 20130101; A47L 9/02 20130101; A47L 9/04
20130101; A47L 9/1691 20130101; A47L 9/1625 20130101; A47L 5/34
20130101; A47L 9/122 20130101; A47L 9/1641 20130101; A47L 9/1683
20130101; A47L 9/325 20130101; A61L 9/20 20130101; A47L 9/24
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/339 ;
15/347 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/10 20060101
A47L009/10; A47L 5/28 20060101 A47L005/28 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing; a cleaning head assembly
in the housing and having a suction nozzle and a working air path
therethrough; a dirt collector in the housing for removing dirt
from a dirt-containing airstream; a suction source having an inlet
connected to the dirt collector and adapted to draw the
dirt-containing airstream from the suction nozzle and through the
dirt collector, and an outlet; a filter positioned between the dirt
collector and the inlet to the suction source; and an ultraviolet
light source positioned between the dirt collector and the filter,
wherein the ultraviolet light source is positioned to illuminate
the filter.
2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the housing
comprises a handle assembly pivotally coupled with the cleaning
head assembly and the ultraviolet light source is positioned in the
handle assembly.
3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the dirt
collector and the suction source are positioned in the handle
assembly.
4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, and further comprising
a second filter positioned downstream of the outlet of the suction
source.
5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein at least one of
the first and second filters is a HEPA filter.
6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet
light source is annular and the airstream passes through the open
center of the ultraviolet light source.
7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the ultraviolet
light source is mounted in an annular casing.
8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein the annular
casing is transparent.
9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein the annular
casing comprises a plurality of openings.
10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the filter is
treated with a photocatalyst.
11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the
photocatalyst is titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2).
12. A vacuum cleaner comprising a working air path formed at least
in part from a plastic material that includes at least one
anti-microbial agent in an effective amount sufficient to impart
microbe-inhibiting properties to the working air path.
13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the at least
one anti-microbial agent is incorporated in the plastic
material.
14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the at least
one anti-microbial agent is selected from the group consisting of
phenol derivatives, organotins, and mixtures thereof.
15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, wherein the phenol
derivative is 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenol and the organotin
is Tri-n-butyltin maleate.
16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the plastic
material is treated with the at least one anti-microbial agent to
impart microbe-inhibiting properties to the working air path.
17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16 wherein the plastic
material is soak-treated in an aqueous solution containing the at
least one anti-microbial agent, and the at least one anti-microbial
agent comprises stabilized chlorine dioxide.
18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, and further
comprising: a housing; a cleaning head assembly in the housing and
having a suction nozzle; a dirt collector in the housing for
removing dirt from a dirt-containing airstream; and a suction
source having an inlet connected to the dirt collector and adapted
to draw the dirt-containing airstream from the suction nozzle and
through the dirt collector, and an outlet; wherein the working air
path is positioned at least between the cleaning head assembly and
the dirt collector.
19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 18 wherein the working
air path includes the dirt collector.
20. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 18 wherein the working
air path includes a conduit between the dirt collector and the
suction source.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/743,454, filed Mar. 10, 2006, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to vacuum cleaners. In one
aspect, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having improved
filtration and hygienic performance. In another aspect, the
invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having an ultraviolet light.
In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a vacuum
cleaner that has microbe-inhibiting properties.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Upright vacuum cleaners having cyclone separators are
well-known in the art. These vacuum cleaners may employ a
frusto-conical shape separator, while others use high-speed
rotational motion of the air/dirt in a cylindrical separator to
separate the dirt by centrifugal force. Typically, working air
enters and exits at an upper portion of the cyclone separator and
the bottom portion of the cyclone separator is used to collect
dirt. It is further known to employ multiple serial cyclone
separators to improve the collection of fine dirt particles that
may not be collected by a single separator.
[0006] Vacuum cleaners further have at least one motor/fan assembly
for generating suction to draw air and dirt into the vacuum
cleaner, and frequently have a second motor/fan assembly to drive
an agitator, such as a brushroll, housed in the foot of the vacuum
cleaner. Air to cool to the motor/fan assemblies is drawn into the
vacuum cleaner and subsequently exhausted from the housing through
separate ports in vacuum cleaner housing. As the air passes through
the motor, carbon dust discharged from the motor brushes can become
entrained in the air and thus also exhausted from the vacuum
cleaner, leading to contamination of the home environment. Some
effort has been made to filter the motor cooling air after it has
passed through the vacuum cleaner. A filter can be placed at the
inlet or exhaust port to remove carbon dust from the motor cooling
air, however, this filter adds expense and bulk to the vacuum
cleaner.
[0007] Even those vacuum cleaners having means to collect fine dirt
and to filter the motor cooling air after it passes through the
motor do not protect the home environment from certain bacteria and
molds that may be drawn from a carpet or other surface and rendered
airborne by the exhaust form the vacuum cleaner, spreading
unpleasant odors and unhealthy bacteria. The vacuum cleaner can
suction up bacteria and mold, but then these undesirable items are
exhausted back into the home environment because their small size
prohibits collection by a cyclone separator. Ultraviolet lights and
ion generators have been used in some vacuum cleaners in an attempt
to neutralize or destroy odor-causing bacteria and mold. These
efforts concentrate on sanitizing the working air as it enters the
suction nozzle of the foot, in the cyclone separator (or other
collecting means) or as it is exhausted. Bacteria and mold can
accumulate in multiple areas of the vacuum cleaner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the present invention, a vacuum cleaner
comprises a housing, a cleaning head assembly in the housing and
having a suction nozzle and a working air path therethrough, a dirt
collector in the housing for removing dirt from a dirt-containing
airstream, and a suction source having an inlet connected to the
dirt collector and adapted to draw the dirt-containing airstream
from the suction nozzle and through the dirt collector, and an
outlet. A filter is positioned between the dirt collector and the
inlet to the suction source. An ultraviolet light source is
positioned between the dirt collector and the filter, wherein the
ultraviolet light source is positioned to illuminate the filter
assembly.
[0009] In one embodiment, the housing includes a handle assembly
pivotally coupled with the cleaning head assembly and the
ultraviolet light source is positioned in the handle assembly. The
dirt collector and the suction source can also be positioned in the
handle assembly.
[0010] In another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner can further
comprise a second filter positioned downstream of the outlet of the
suction source. At least one of the first and second filters can be
a HEPA filter.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the ultraviolet light source is
annular and the airstream passes through the open center of the
ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light source can be
mounted in an annular casing. The annular casing can be
transparent. The annular casing can further include a plurality of
openings.
[0012] In still another embodiment, the filter is treated with a
photocatalyst. Preferably, the photocatalyst is TiO.sub.2.
[0013] Further according to the invention, a vacuum cleaner
comprises a working air path formed at least in part from a plastic
material that includes at least one anti-microbial agent in an
effective amount sufficient to impart microbe-inhibiting properties
to the working air path.
[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one anti-microbial agent can
be incorporated in the plastic material. The at least one
anti-microbial agent can be selected from the group consisting of:
phenol derivatives, organotins, and mixtures thereof. The phenol
derivative can be 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenol and the
organotin can be Tri-n-butyltin maleate.
[0015] In another embodiment, the plastic material can be treated
with the at least one anti-microbial agent to impart
microbe-inhibiting properties to the working air path. The plastic
material can be soak-treated in an aqueous solution containing the
at least one anti-microbial agent, and the at least one
anti-microbial agent comprises stabilized chlorine dioxide.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner can further
comprise a housing, a cleaning head assembly in the housing and
having a suction nozzle, a dirt collector in the housing for
removing dirt from a dirt-containing airstream, and a suction
source having an inlet connected to the dirt collector and adapted
to draw the dirt-containing airstream from the suction nozzle and
through the dirt collector, and an outlet, wherein the working air
path is positioned at least between the cleaning head assembly and
the dirt collector. The working air path can include one or more of
the dirt collector and a conduit between the dirt collector and the
suction source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner
according to the present invention comprising a handle assembly
pivotally mounted to a foot assembly.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a vacuum cleaner
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the vacuum cleaner
from FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the foot assembly from FIG.
1.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a partial cut-away view of the foot assembly
illustrating a height-adjustment mechanism.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner, illustrating
the foot assembly in a lowered position with respect to a floor
surface.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view similar to FIG. 6, illustrating the
foot assembly in a raised position with respect to a floor
surface.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view taken through line 8-8 of
FIG. 3 that is partially cut-away to illustrate a detent pedal in
an engaged or locked position where the handle assembly is immobile
with respect to the foot assembly.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, illustrating the detent
pedal in an unengaged or unlocked position where the handle
assembly is movable with respect to the foot assembly.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a partial cut-away view of the foot assembly
illustrating the drive attachment between the brush assembly and a
motor/fan assembly.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a top cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner
through the foot assembly, illustrating a path for motor cooling
air through the foot assembly.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a rear, close-up view of the vacuum cleaner.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a partial cut-away of the rear handle assembly
illustrating a diverter mechanism.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a side view of the diverter assembly from FIG.
13, where the diverter assembly is in a first orientation.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a side view similar to FIG. 14, where the
diverter assembly is in a second orientation.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the handle assembly illustrating a
second embodiment diverter mechanism.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of the air flow path
through the diverter mechanism from FIG. 16.
[0035] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a cyclone module assembly
according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 19-19
of FIG. 3.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 20-20
of FIG. 3.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a separator unit from the
cyclone module assembly.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view through the middle portion
of the vacuum cleaner illustrating a latching mechanism between the
handle assembly and the cyclone module assembly.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
cyclone module assembly illustrating an emptying mechanism.
[0041] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the cyclone module assembly
with the emptying mechanism actuated to empty the dirt collected in
the cyclone module assembly.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view through line 25-25 of FIG.
3 illustrating a motor/fan assembly and a UV sanitation
assembly
[0043] FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the motor/fan assembly and
the UV sanitation assembly.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
vacuum cleaner illustrating a post-motor filter assembly.
[0045] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a telescoping wand for use
with the vacuum cleaner in a retracted position.
[0046] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the telescoping wand in an
extended position.
[0047] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view through the telescoping
wand from FIG. 29.
[0048] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a flexible crevice tool for
use with the vacuum cleaner.
[0049] FIG. 32 is a top view of the flexible crevice tool from FIG.
31 illustrating the side-to-side flexing of the crevice tool.
[0050] FIG. 33 is a side view of the flexible crevice tool from
FIG. 31 illustrating the up-and-down flexing of the crevice
tool.
[0051] FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of a turbine-powered brush
for use with the vacuum cleaner.
[0052] FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of the turbine-powered
brush from FIG. 34.
[0053] FIG. 36 is an exploded view of the turbine-powered brush
from FIG. 34.
[0054] FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment
of a turbine-powered brush for use with the vacuum cleaner.
[0055] FIG. 38 is a view similar to FIG. 20 illustrating the path
of working air through the cyclone assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0056] Referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-2,
an upright vacuum cleaner 10 according to the present invention
comprises an handle assembly 12 pivotally mounted to a cleaning
head or foot assembly 14. The handle assembly 12 further comprises
a primary support section 16 with a closed-loop handgrip 18 on one
end to facilitate movement by a user. The handgrip 18 is preferably
overmolded with a soft low durometer material for providing a
comfortable grip for the user. A motor cavity 20 is formed at an
opposite end of the handle assembly 12 and houses a source of
suction, illustrated herein as a vertically-oriented motor/fan
assembly 22 (FIG. 27). The handle assembly 12 pivots relative to
the foot assembly 14 through an axis of rotation formed
perpendicular to a shaft within the motor/fan assembly 22. An
electric cord (not shown) extending from the motor/fan assembly 22
is stored on a pair of opposed cord wraps 24 provided on the rear
of the primary support section 16. A first push button 26 operating
a first switch for actuating the motor/fan assembly 22 and a second
push button 28 operating a second switch for actuating an agitator
in the foot assembly are provided near the handgrip 18. A light
bulb 30 (FIG. 27) housed in a casing 32 is positioned in front of
the motor cavity 20 for illuminating an area to be cleaned in front
of the foot assembly 14.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, the handle assembly 12 further receives
a removable cyclone module assembly 34 on a slotted platform 36
within a recess 38 provided on the primary support section 16. The
cyclone module assembly 34 separates and collects dirt from a
working air stream and can be emptied of collected dirt after a
cleaning operation is complete.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the foot assembly 14 further comprises
a lower housing 40 that mates with an upper housing 42 creating a
brush chamber 44 in a forward position thereon. An agitator brush
assembly 46 is positioned within the brush chamber 44 for
rotational movement via a bearing assembly (not shown), as is well
known in the vacuum cleaner art. A suction nozzle 48 is formed in
the lower housing beneath the brush chamber 44 and is in fluid
communication with a surface to be cleaned. The suction nozzle 48
can be overmolded with a soft low durometer material. A transparent
or semi-transparent window 50 can be provided on the brush chamber
44 to allow the user to view the agitator brush assembly 46. A foot
conduit 52 provides a working air path through the foot assembly
14, from the suction nozzle 48 and through a curved conduit 54. In
the preferred embodiment, the foot conduit 52 is a smooth, rigid,
blow-molded tube connected to the bendable curved conduit 54, which
coincides with the pivot point between the foot assembly 14 and the
handle assembly 12 to allow the handle assembly 12 to pivot
relative to the foot assembly 14. In an alternate embodiment, one
or both of the foot conduit 52 and the curved conduit 54 is a
flexible hose as is commonly known in the vacuum cleaner industry.
A pair of rear wheels 56 are mounted for rotation at a rearward
portion of the foot assembly 14 on respective axle pins 57. A
circuit breaker 58 is provided in the foot assembly 14 to protect
the electrical wiring of the vacuum cleaner 10 from damage caused
by an overload or a short circuit.
[0059] Referring additionally to FIG. 5, a rotatable height
adjustment knob 60 is provided on the foot assembly 14 and operates
a height adjustment assembly 62 such as is commonly known to adjust
the vertical height of the suction nozzle 48 relative to the
surface to be cleaned. The height adjustment knob 60 comprises a
cylindrical body 64 having a handle 66 on an upper surface thereof
for the user to grip and a stepped portion 68 of incremental steps
having a constant height difference formed on the bottom edge of
the body 64. The stepped portion 68 can be formed with a protrusion
69 at either extreme of rotation to limit the movement of the
height adjustment knob. The height adjustment assembly 62 comprises
a carriage assembly 70 that interacts with the height adjustment
knob 60. The carriage assembly 70 comprises a pair of wheels 72
mounted to a support 74 that is pivotable with respect to the foot
assembly 14. The support 74 is received in a molded cavity in the
bottom of the lower housing 40. An arm 76 extends upwardly at an
angle from the support 74 and engages the stepped portion 68 on the
height adjustment knob 60.
[0060] The height of the suction nozzle 48 can be adjusted relative
to the surface to be cleaned by rotating the height adjustment knob
60 in either direction, i.e. clockwise or counterclockwise. The
stepped portion 68 riding on the arm 76 moves such that the arm 76
engages an adjacent incremental step on the adjustment knob 60. In
this way, the height of the suction nozzle 48 can be adjusted up or
down a predetermined height, from a fully lowered position shown in
FIG. 6 where the suction nozzle 48 is close to the surface being
cleaned to a fully raised position shown in FIG. 7 where the
suction nozzle 48 is farther from the surface being cleaned.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 8-9, a detent pedal 78 is provided on the
rearward portion of the foot assembly 14, near one of the rear
wheels 56. The detent pedal 78 operates a locking mechanism between
the handle assembly 12 and the foot assembly 14. The detent pedal
78 is pivotally mounted to the lower housing 40 of the foot
assembly 14 through a pivot pin 80 formed at one end of a shaft 82
extending downwardly from the detent pedal 78. The shaft 82 is
received in an angled recess 84 in the lower housing 40. A latch 86
is formed on a forward portion of the detent pedal 78 and is
selectively received in a latch recess 88 formed on handle assembly
12. A spring 90 biases the detent pedal 78 upwardly to add
additional force to the locking mechanism when the latch 86 is
received by the latch recess 88. To unlock the handle assembly 12
from the foot assembly 14, the user depresses the detent pedal 78
with their foot. The downward force on the detent pedal 78 causes
the pivot pin 80 to rotate counterclockwise, with respect to the
orientation of FIGS. 8-9, such that the shaft 82 is pivoted
rearwardly in the recess 84. This motion causes the latch 86 to
pivot out of engagement with the latch recess 88, thus unlocking
the handle assembly 12 from the foot assembly 14.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, the agitator brush assembly 46 is
rotated by a dedicated agitator motor assembly 92 housed in a motor
recess 116 formed in the lower housing 40. An endless belt 118 is
coupled between a drive shaft 120 of the motor assembly 92 and the
belt mounting portion 114 to transmit rotational movement of the
shaft 120 to the brushroll 94. Two pairs of upper and lower
retainers 115 on either side of the belt 118 prevent the belt 118
from slipping off the belt mounting portion 1 14. The retainers can
be made of a felt material that also helps to prevent dust and dirt
from entering the belt area, thus minimizing damage to the agitator
brush assembly 46. A U-shaped spring clip 122 positioned between
the motor assembly 92 and the motor recess 116 is used during
assembly of the vacuum cleaner 10 to keep tension on the belt 118
before the motor assembly 92 has been tightened into the motor
recess 116 with suitable fasteners, such as screws or bolts (not
shown).
[0063] Referring to FIG. 11, air for cooling the agitator motor
assembly 92 is drawn into the foot assembly 14 through an inlet
(not shown) where the air passes through the agitator motor
assembly 92 to cool the components of the assembly. The inlet can
be formed in the lower housing 40, near the agitator motor assembly
92. After passing through the agitator motor assembly 92, the motor
cooling air is then ported into the motor cavity 20 upstream of the
suction motor/fan assembly 22 through a first post-motor cooling
conduit 124, as indicated by arrows. The conduit 124 extends
through a pivot 126 forming the axis of rotation between the handle
assembly 12 and the foot assembly 14, and enters the motor/fan
assembly 22 through a second cooling conduit 315 coupled with an
opening 128 (FIG. 26) formed in a upper casing 292 that houses the
motor/fan assembly 22 where the motor cooling air ported through
the conduits 124, 315 joins working air drawn in from the cyclone
module assembly 34. In this way, any carbon particles from the
motor brushes or other dirt that become entrained in the motor
cooling air will be filtered out from the air exhausted from the
vacuum cleaner 10 by a post-motor filter assembly 300, as described
in more detail below.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 12, a rear conduit 130 is provided on the
rear portion of the handle assembly 12 and extends from the curved
conduit 54 to a cyclone inlet housing 132. A flexible hose 134 is
connected at one end to the cyclone inlet housing 132 by a
bayonet-type fastener 136 and the other end is removably stored in
a socket 138. The middle portion of the hose 134 can be placed on a
hose hook 140 (FIG. 1) located on the upper front portion of the
handle assembly 12 for storage and can be further engaged by an
upper hose guide 142 and a lower hose guide 143 located on the rear
portion of the handle assembly 12 to retain the length of the hose
134 substantially against the handle assembly 12. Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 12, the lower hose guide 143 is positioned below the
center of gravity of the handle assembly 12 so that when the hose
is removed from the socket 138 and pulled in a generally horizontal
direction, the vacuum cleaner 10 tends to roll across the surface
to be cleaned instead of tipping.
[0065] Referring additionally to FIG. 13, removal of the hose 134
from the socket 138 automatically actuates a diverter mechanism
assembly 144 that switches the operational mode of the vacuum
cleaner 10 from on-the-floor cleaning, where working air is drawn
into the vacuum cleaner 10 through the suction nozzle 48, to
above-the-floor cleaning, where working air is drawn into the
vacuum cleaner 10 through the hose 134. The diverter assembly 144
comprises a pair of flap valves 146, 148 that define the flow path
of working air through the cyclone inlet housing 132. The first
flap valve 146 is rotatably mounted to a valve plate 150 positioned
within the socket 138. The second flap valve 148 is rotatably
mounted to a valve plate 152 positioned between the rear conduit
130 and the cyclone inlet housing 132. A bypass conduit 154 fluidly
connects the hose 134 to the cyclone inlet housing 132 downstream
of the second flap valve 148. The flap valve 148 is sized to
occlude the conduit 130. The flap valves 146, 148 extend from
shafts 156, 158, respectively, that are rotatably mounted to the
valve plates 150, 152 and form the axis of rotation for the valves.
The flap valves 146, 148 are mechanically linked by a link arm 160
extending between the shafts. Specifically, the shaft 156 has an
orthogonal extension arm 162 that is attached to one end of the
link arm 160. The other end of the link arm 160 is attached to a
similar extension arm 164 on the shaft 158. A spring (not shown)
biases the first flap valve 146 in an upward direction, where
upward is defined as the directed toward the top of the page with
respect to FIG. 13.
[0066] When the hose 134 is inserted into the socket 138, the flap
valves 146, 148 are in a first orientation shown in FIG. 16, where
the end of the hose 134 engages the first flap valve 146 and both
valves are rotated such that the extension arms 162, 164 are in a
relatively horizontal position. In the first orientation, the rear
conduit 130 is unobstructed and working air can flow from the
suction nozzle 48 to the cyclone module assembly 34 through the
cyclone inlet housing 132 and the vacuum cleaner can be used for
on-the-floor cleaning. Upon removal of the hose 134 from the socket
138, the spring forces the first flap valve to rotate clockwise,
with respect to the orientation of FIGS. 14-15, thus also rotating
the shaft 156 clockwise to move the extension arm 162 to a
generally vertical position. The link arm 10 causes the extension
arm 164 to move in a corresponding fashion, whereby the second flap
valve 148 rotates clockwise to the second orientation shown in FIG.
15. In the second orientation, the second flap valve 148 occludes
the rear conduit 130 such that no suction force is created at the
suction nozzle 48 and working air enters the hose 134, flows
through the bypass conduit 154 and cyclone inlet housing 132, and
into the cyclone module assembly 34, whereby the vacuum cleaner 10
can be used for above-the-floor cleaning. Reinsertion of the hose
134 into the socket 138 automatically switches the operational mode
of the vacuum cleaner 10 back to on-the-floor cleaning.
[0067] A second embodiment of a diverter mechanism assembly 166 is
shown in FIGS. 16-17. The diverter assembly 166 comprises a pair of
flap valves 168, 170 that regulate the flow path of working air
through a cyclone inlet housing 172. The first flap valve 168 is
positioned in a socket 174 for receiving the hose 134. The second
flap valve 170 is positioned between an air conduit 176 leading
from the suction nozzle 48 to the motor/fan assembly 22 through the
cyclone module assembly 34 and a bypass air conduit 178 that
fluidly connects the hose 134 to the air conduit 176 downstream of
the second flap valve 170. The flaps valves 168, 170 are sized such
that they can occlude their respective conduits, and extend from
shafts 180, 182, respectively that form the axis of rotation for
the flap valves. The flap valves 168, 170 are mechanically linked
by a pair of intermeshing gears 184, 186 on the shafts 180, 182. A
spring (not shown) biases the first flap valve 168 in an upward
direction, where upward is defined as the directed toward the top
of the page with respect to FIG. 16.
[0068] When the hose 134 is received in the socket 174, the flap
valves 168, 170 are in a first orientation where they are both in a
relatively vertical position (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 17)
such that the second flap valve 170 seals off the bypass conduit
178 and working air flows in a path from the suction nozzle 48
through the air conduit 176 and into the cyclone module assembly 34
whereby the vacuum cleaner can be used for on-the-floor cleaning.
Upon removal of the hose 134 from the socket 174, the spring forces
the first flap valve 168 to rotate counterclockwise, with respect
to the orientation of FIG. 17, thus rotating the gear 184
counterclockwise such that the gear 186 rotates clockwise and the
second flap valve 170 is rotated clockwise to occlude the air
conduit 176 and open the bypass conduit 178 and the vacuum cleaner
10 can be used for above-the-floor cleaning. As the hose 134 is
reinserted into the socket 174, the first flap valve 168 is pushed
downward by the end of the hose 134 such that the first flap valve
pivots clockwise to the first orientation, and thus causing,
through the gear transmission, the second flap valve 170 to pivot
upward to unobstruct the air conduit and close the bypass conduit
178.
[0069] Referring to FIGS. 18-19, the cyclone module assembly 34
comprises a unitary cyclone separator and dirt cup assembly having
two stages of separation. The first stage, comprising a primary
cyclone separator 200, is housed in a lower casing 202 which also
forms the dirt cup. The second stage, comprising a plurality of
secondary cyclone separators 204, is housed in an upper casing 206
above the primary cyclone separator 200 and dirt cup and is
partitioned off from the primary cyclone separator 200 by a
separating plate 207. A latch 208 secures the lower casing 202 to
the upper casing 206 so that the casings can be separated to
provide access to the primary and secondary cyclones separators for
repair and maintenance. A gasket 210 is provided at the parting
line between the casings and surrounds the separating plate 207 to
ensure an air tight seal when the casings are assembled. The
casings 202, 206 are preferably transparent or semi-transparent to
allow the user to view the contents of the cyclone module assembly
34. An inlet opening 212 is formed in the lower casing 202 and is
in fluid communication with the cyclone inlet housing 132, 172 when
the cyclone module assembly 34 is removably received on the vacuum
cleaner 10, thus providing an inlet for the working air from the
suction nozzle 48 or flexible hose 134 into the cyclone module
assembly 34. The inlet opening 212 is positioned tangentially with
respect to the wall of the lower casing 202.
[0070] The primary cyclone separator 202 comprises a primary
cyclone chamber 214 defined between the lower casing 202 and a
baffle assembly 216 arranged around a fines collector conduit 218.
The baffle assembly 216 comprises a cylindrical portion 220 having
perforations 222 that allow air to flow from the primary cyclone
chamber 214 to the secondary cyclone separators 204 and multiple
fingers 224 extending downward from the bottom of the cylindrical
portion 220. The dirt separated by the primary cyclone separator
200 is collected in the bottom portion of the cyclone module
assembly 34 in a first collection region 226 defined between the
lower casing 202 and the fines collector conduit 218. The fingers
224 disrupt the circular movement of air in the first collection
region 226 in order to facilitate the settling of dirt and to
reduce re-entrainment of the dirt in swirling air patterns.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 20, an air passage 228 from the baffle
assembly 216 to the entrance into the secondary cyclone separators
204 extends between apertures 230 formed in the fines collector
conduit 218 and is defined laterally between the outer surface of
an air exhaust conduit 246 and the inner surface of an annular wall
231 surrounding the air exhaust conduit 246. The separators 204 are
frusto-conical in shape, having an upper cylindrical portion 234
and a lower conical portion 236, and define multiple secondary
cyclone chambers 238 for separating fines dirt particles from the
working air. Each secondary cyclone separator 204 has a tangential
air inlet 232 formed in the upper cylindrical portion 234 and a
dirt outlet 240 formed in the lower conical portion 236. The upper
cylindrical portion 234 has an open upper end 235 for communication
with an air outlet tube 242 extending centrally into the upper
cylindrical portion 242 to an outlet passage 244 in communication
with an air exit conduit 246.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 21, the secondary cyclone separators 204
can be formed as a single unit 233, where the unit 233 comprises a
circular disc 237 from which the secondary cyclone separators 204
extend in a circular configuration that is concentric with the
outer peripheral edge 239 of the disc 237. The secondary cyclone
separators 204 are arranged with their respective central axes
parallel to one another and to the central axis of the primary
cyclone separator 202. In one embodiment the number of secondary
cyclone separators 204 is eight, although the unit 233 can have any
number. The unit 233 has an annular lip 241 bounded exteriorly by
the circular configuration of secondary cyclone separators 204. The
lip 241 rests on the upper edge of the annular wall 231 and helps
guide working air into the air inlets 232, which are formed at
regular intervals in an annular inlet wall 243 extending vertically
above the lip 241.
[0073] A pair of arms 245 attached to opposite sides of a
vortex-stabilizer surface 247 extends below each of the dirt
outlets 240. The vortex-stabilizer surface 247 is positioned in
such a way that the bottom end of the cyclone vortex or the "vortex
tail" formed by the airflow through the secondary cyclone chamber
238 contacts the vortex-stabilizer surface 247. The vortex
stabilizer surface 247 provides a dedicated location for the vortex
tail to attach. As a result, the vortex stabilizer surface 247
minimizes a walking or wandering effect that might otherwise occur.
Confining the vortex tail improves separation efficiency of the
secondary cyclone separators 204 and further prevents
re-entrainment of dirt already separated from the working air.
[0074] Referring again to FIG. 20, the air outlet passage 244 is
formed by a flared portion 248 extending radially outward from an
upper portion of the air exit conduit 246 and a cover portion 250.
The air outlets 242 can be integrally formed with the flared
portion 248 or can be formed separately. Dirt separated by the
secondary cyclone separators 204 fall through the dirt outlets 240
that are in communication with dirt chutes 252 formed between the
apertures 230 in the fines collector conduit 218. A second
collection region 254 is formed in the bottom of the cyclone module
assembly 34, between the fines collector conduit 218 and the air
exit conduit 246. The air exit conduit 246 extends from the air
outlets 242 of the secondary cyclone separators 204 to an air exit
256 formed in a bottom wall 258 of the cyclone module assembly 34
that is in direct communication with the slotted platform 36. A
first gasket 251 is positioned between the upper surface of the
flared portion 248 and the lower surface of the cover portion 250,
a second gasket 253 is positioned between the lower surface of the
flared portion 248 and the upper surface of the secondary cyclone
separator unit 233, and a third gasket 255 is positioned between
the dirt outlets 240 and the dirt chutes 252 to provide an
air-tight working air path through the cyclone module assembly
34.
[0075] The vacuum cleaner 10 further comprises an ion generator
259, shown schematically in FIGS. 19-20. The ion generator 259 is
preferably located in the cyclone module assembly 34 and emits a
stream of ions into the working airstream. The force of the
accelerated air in the cyclone module assembly 34 drives ions into
substantially every surface and crevice of the working air path
therethrough. The ions react with odor-causing molecules to render
them inert and thus improve the odor of the air before it is
exhausted from the vacuum cleaner 10 into the home environment. In
an alternate embodiment not illustrated, the ion generator 259 is
located outside the working air path, which can be provided with a
bleed inlet for introducing ions into the working air path. This
configuration advantageously allows for controlling the speed of
ion emissions into the working airstream. Exemplary positions for
the bleed inlet include, but are not limited to, the inlet 212 of
the primary cyclone separator 200, the inlet of the secondary
cyclone separators 204, the motor casing 292, 294, 296, the
entrance into the pre-motor filter assembly, and the housing 332 of
the post-motor filter assembly 300. Furthermore, multiple ion
generators 259 can be provided, such that ions can be emitted at
multiple points within the vacuum cleaner 10.
[0076] The ion generator 259 can be powered through the vacuum
cleaner 10 such that it is in continuous operation when the vacuum
cleaner 10 is energized. Alternately, the ion generator 259 can be
separately powered, such as by a battery, so that it can remain in
operation for a period of time after the vacuum cleaner 10 is
de-energized. The time of operation can be controlled by a timing
circuit, mechanical timer, or thermal switch located near the
motor/fan assembly 22.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 22, a carry handle 260 is located on the
upper casing 206 of the cyclone module assembly 34 that is useful
for lifting the entire vacuum cleaner 10 or for lifting the cyclone
module assembly 34 when it is separated from the vacuum cleaner 10.
The carry handle 260 can be overmolded with a low durometer
material to provide a comfortable grip to the user. The carry
handle 260 further has an actuator comprising a push button 262
that operates a latching mechanism that releasably secures the
cyclone module assembly 34 within the recess 38. The latching
mechanism comprises a movable upper latch 264 received in an upper
slot 266 and an immobile lower latch 268 received in a lower slot
270. The upper latch 266 has a catch 272 that engages a
complementary formation 273 on the upper slot 266 to secure the
cyclone module assembly 34 within the recess 38. The lower latch
268 is received in the lower slot 270 to relieve stress on the
upper latch 264 caused by the weight of the cyclone module assembly
34. The upper latch 264 extends laterally from the push button 262
such that when the push button 262 is depressed, the upper latch
264 moves downward and out of engagement with the upper slot 266.
While the push button 262 is still depressed, the user can remove
the cyclone module assembly 34 from the vacuum cleaner 10 by
tilting the cyclone module assembly 34 away from the recess 38,
such that both latches 264, 268 are moved from their respective
slots 266, 270, and then lifting the cyclone module assembly 34 off
the platform 36.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 23, the bottom wall 258 of the cyclone
module assembly 34 is connected to the lower casing 202 by a hinge
274 (FIG. 19) and is further movable through actuation of an
emptying mechanism to permit emptying of the collect dirt. A recess
276 is provided on the rear side of the lower casing 202 for
receiving components of the emptying mechanism, specifically for
receiving a pivoting lever 278. The pivoting lever 278 comprises an
elongated flat body 280 with a push button 282 at one end, a catch
284 at the opposite end and two pivot pins 286 extending laterally
from the midsection of the body 280. The catch 284 engages a slot
288 on the bottom wall 258 to secure the bottom wall 258 in a
closed position. The pins 286 are rotatably received in holes 290
formed in the recess 276 and define the axis about which the lever
278 pivots.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 24, when the push button 282 is depressed,
as indicated by the arrow, the body 280 pivots about the axis
defined by the pivot pins 286, such that the catch 284 is drawn
away from the slot 288, and the bottom wall 258 is released to an
open position (shown) where the dirt collected in the cyclone
module assembly 34 is free to fall into a waste receptacle or
equivalent.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 25-26, the motor/fan assembly 22 is
housed in a three-part casing, comprising an upper, a lower front,
and a lower rear motor casing 292, 294, 296, respectively, received
in the motor cavity 20. The motor/fan assembly 22 is oriented
vertically in the casing. The upper casing 292 includes a cavity
298 for a pre-motor filter assembly comprising a removable filter
tray 300 and a pre-motor filter 302 received in the tray. A handle
304 is provided on the front of the filter tray 300 so that the
user may open the filter tray 300 and replace the pre-motor filter
302 as needed. The upper casing 292 and filter tray 300 further
have openings or slots 306, 308, respectively to allow working air
to pass therethrough. The opening 128 for porting the motor cooling
air in from the second cooling conduit 315 is positioned such that
the motor cooling air enters the upper casing 292 downstream of the
pre-motor filter assembly but upstream of the motor/fan assembly
22. The motor/fan assembly 22 rests on a motor isolator 310
positioned in the lower casing 294. The lower rear casing 296
includes a motor/fan assembly outlet conduit 312 leading to a
post-motor filter assembly 330 (FIG. 27). A first gasket 314 is
positioned between the slotted platform 36 and the upper casing
292. A second gasket 316 is positioned between the motor/fan
assembly 22 and the upper casing. A third gasket 318 is positioned
between the handle 304 of the filter tray 300 and the cavity 298.
Mounted on top of the upper casing 292 and beneath the slotted
platform 36 is an ultraviolet (UV) sanitation assembly 320 for
sanitizing the pre-motor filter 302 and, in part, the working air
from the cyclone module assembly before it enters the motor/fan
assembly. The UV sanitation assembly 320 comprises an annular
casing 322 that houses an annular UV light bulb 324 through which
the working air can pass. The casing 322 is open at the bottom to
reflect UV light towards the pre-motor filter 302 to sanitize,
disinfect and/or neutralize pollutants, such as bacteria, molds,
and dust mites, captured by the pre-motor filter 302. The casing
322 can further comprise openings or slots 328 through which a
portion of UV light from the UV light bulb 324 can pass to
partially illuminate a lower region of the cyclone module assembly
34 and create a "glowing" effect in the dirt collection region. The
casing 322 can be transparent or semi-transparent to allow light
from the UV light bulb 324 to shine through the casing 322. UV
light is effective in a direct line of sight only, so for maximum
effectiveness, the ribs that form the slots 306 can be eliminated
thus exposing the maximum amount of pre-motor filter 302 surface to
the UV light 324.
[0081] The pre-motor filter 302 can optionally be treated with a
photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) or compounds of
TiO.sub.2, for increasing the hygienic performance of the UV
sanitation assembly 320. When the photocatalyst is irradiated by UV
light from the UV light bulb 324, it behaves as a catalyst and
enables oxidation of pollutants on the pre-motor filter 302. For
maximum results, the catalyst can be applied to the surface(s) of
the pre-motor filter 302 in direct line of sight with the UV
sanitation assembly 320.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 27, the post-motor filter assembly 330
comprises a filter housing 332 positioned on one side of the handle
assembly 12 for receiving a removable and replaceable post-motor
filter 334. An opening 336 in the bottom of the housing 332 is in
communication with the motor/fan assembly outlet conduit 312. The
filter housing 332 further has a removable cover 338 having
openings or slots 340 forming an air exhaust. The cover 338 can be
removed to replace the post-motor filter 334 as needed. The
post-motor filter 334 is preferably a HEPA filter.
[0083] In addition to the porting of the motor cooling air, the
two-stage cyclone separation, the UV sanitation assembly 320, the
pre-motor filter 302, the post-motor filter 334, and the ion
generator 259, the vacuum cleaner 10 can further promote a sanitary
and hygienic home environment by using an anti-microbial material
for many of its components, especially the components making up the
working air path of the vacuum cleaner 10. In particular, many of
the components can be made of a plastic having incorporated therein
an anti-microbial compound, such as phenol derivatives, especially
2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenol (e.g., Triclosan.RTM.,
Irgasan.RTM., Microban.RTM.), that reduce and/or prevent bacterial
and mold growth on surfaces. Other anti-microbial compounds such as
organotins, especially Tri-n-butyltin maleate (as in Ultra Fresh
DM-50), can also be used to impart antimicrobial activity to
plastic molded components Soak-treating in an aqueous solution
containing stabilized chlorine dioxide can also be used to impart
anti-microbial properties to molded plastic parts.
[0084] The vacuum cleaner 10 can further be provided with one or
more above-the-floor tools for use in conjunction with the flexible
hose 134, such as, but not limited to, a telescoping wand 342
(FIGS. 28-30), a flexible crevice tool 344 (FIGS. 31-33), and/or a
turbine-powered brush 346 (FIGS. 34-37). Referring to FIGS. 28-30,
the telescoping wand 342 comprises first and second tube sections
348, 350 that are joined by a locking device 352. The first tube
section 248 has a suction or inlet end 353 for ingestion of dirt.
The second tube section 350 can be received within the first tube
section 348 and has an attachment end 354 that is sized to receive
a flexible hose by a friction fit. The telescoping wand 342 can be
adjusted to any length, from a fully retracted length shown in FIG.
30 to a fully extended length shown in FIG. 29.
[0085] Referring additionally to FIG. 30, the locking device 352
comprises a locking collar 356 that retains a split ring 358, as is
known in the vacuum cleaner wand art. The locking collar 356 has
internal threads 360 that mate with complementary external threads
362 on the first tube section 348. Loosening the locking collar 356
opens the split ring 358 and allows the second tube section 350 to
be moved relative to the first tube section 348. When a desired
length has been reached, the locking collar 356 is tightened,
whereby the split ring 358 is closed to secure the telescoping wand
342 at the desired length. Markings can be provided on the
telescoping wand 342 to indicate to the user the proper end to
attach to the flexible hose and/or the direction to rotate the
collar 356 to loosen or tighten the locking device 352 when make a
length adjustment.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 31, the flexible crevice tool 344
comprises an elongated hollow body 364 that is made of a flexible
material that allows the crevice tool 344 to bend or deform as
needed, such as when the user is cleaning a hard to reach area, for
example underneath or behind furniture. The material has sufficient
resilience to otherwise retain a relatively straight shape. The
body 364 has a suction opening 366 at one end that can be angled
such that user can hold the crevice tool 344 in an ergonomic manner
while maintaining the suction opening 366 relatively flat against a
surface being cleaned. The body 364 can further be formed with a
plurality of circumferential furrows 368 along the length of the
body. The furrows 368 function to increase the flexing of the
crevice tool as illustrated by FIGS. 32-33, whereby the crevice
tool 344 can be flexed in multiple directions as indicated by the
phantom line drawings of the body 364. The body 364 has an
attachment end 370 opposite the suction opening 366 that is sized
to receive a flexible hose by a friction fit. A circumferential
flange 372 on the attachment end 370 provides a stop for the end of
the flexible hose. The attachment end 370 can be made of a stiffer
material than the body 364 and can be attached to the body using
any suitable means.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 34-36, the turbine-powered brush 346 is
substantially disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/594,773, entitled "Vacuum Accessory Tool", and filed on May 5,
2005, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and thus
will only be described briefly. The turbine-powered brush 346
comprises a nozzle body formed by an upper housing 374 and a lower
housing 376 secured together by a rotatable and removable retaining
ring 378. A brush chamber 380 is formed in a forward portion of the
lower housing 376 in close proximity to and in fluid communication
with a suction nozzle 382 formed in the lower housing 376. A
commonly known agitator assembly in the form of a brush roll 386
comprising a dowel 388 that supports a plurality of bristles 390,
as is well-known in the vacuum cleaner art, is rotatably mounted
within the brush chamber 380 via bearing assemblies 392, which are
located on the ends of the dowel 388. An agitator pulley 394 is
formed on the dowel 388 between the bearing assemblies 392. A
working air conduit in the form of a connector 396 for attachment
to a flexible hose is positioned on an end opposite the suction
nozzle 382. An impeller chamber 398 is formed between the suction
nozzle 382 and the connector 396 and receives an impeller assembly
400 having a set of arcuate blades 402. The impeller assembly 400
is mounted within the impeller chamber 398 to freely rotate upon
air impinging the blades 402. A belt 404 is installed between the
impeller assembly 400 and the agitator pulley 394 such that the
brush roll 386 will rotate as the impeller assembly 400
rotates.
[0088] A second embodiment of the turbine-powered brush 346' is
illustrated in FIG. 37, where like elements are identified by like
numerals bearing a prime (') symbol. The turbine-powered brush 346'
further includes at least one hair removal element 406 in the lower
housing 376' adjacent the suction nozzle 382'. The hair removal
element 406 can comprise a plurality of spaced, flexible nubs or
bristles 408 preferably formed from a suitable polymeric material
that can be chosen from natural or synthetic resins, such as nylon,
rubber, or the like. The material of the bristles 408 is selected
such that it creates an electrostatic charge when in contact with
and moving relative to a carpet or other fabric surface. The
electrostatic charge attracts pet hair and other dirt on the
surface and holds the pet hair and other dirt in the vicinity of
the suction nozzle 382' for ingestion therethrough.
[0089] The telescoping wand 342, flexible crevice tool 344, and
turbine-powered brush 346, 346' can selectively be attached to the
flexible hose 134. The crevice tool 344 and the turbine-powered
brush 346, 346' can also be attached to the suction end 353 of the
telescoping wand 344 by a friction fit. When not in use, the
above-the-floor tools can be stored on the vacuum cleaner 10. A
recess 410 (FIG. 1) is provided on the primary support section 16
above the cyclone module assembly 34 for mounting the
turbine-powered brush 346. The recess 410 has a retaining clip (not
shown) that is sized to engage the connector 396 of the
turbine-powered brush. A first tool support 414 (FIG. 2) is
provided on a side of the primary support section 16 near the motor
cavity 20 for mounting the telescoping wand 342. The attachment end
354 of the telescoping wand 342 is sized to friction fit the tool
support 414. An upper tool clip 416 provided above the first tool
support 414 encircles the first tube section 348 to help retain the
telescoping wand 342 in an upstanding orientation. A second tool
support 418 is provided above the hose guide 140 for mounting the
flexible crevice tool (not shown).
[0090] The air path through the vacuum cleaner 10 will now be
described. The vacuum cleaner 10 can be operated in two modes:
on-the-floor cleaning and above-the-floor cleaning. For
on-the-floor cleaning, working air is drawn through the suction
nozzle 48 and enters the cyclone module assembly 34. For
above-the-floor cleaning, working air is drawn into the vacuum
cleaner 10 through the hose 134 and enters the cyclone module
assembly 34. Once the working air enters the cyclone module
assembly 34, the air path through the vacuum cleaner is the same,
regardless of operational mode.
[0091] Referring to FIG. 38, working air enters the primary cyclone
separator 200 through the inlet opening 212. The primary cyclone
chamber 214 performs centrifugal separation, where larger dirt
particles are separated from the working air by centrifugal force
acting on the dirt swirling around the baffle assembly 216, as
indicated by arrows A. The working air next passes radially
inwardly through the perforations 222 in the baffle assembly 216,
as indicated by arrows B, and then upwardly through the air passage
228, as indicated by arrows C. To enter the secondary cyclone
separators 204, the working air turns outwardly past the lip 241 to
pass through the tangential air inlets 232, as indicated by arrows
D where the working air enters the cyclone module assembly forming
a well-known cyclonic vortex air flow pattern associated with
frusto-conical shaped separators, as indicated by arrows E. Dirt
particles not separated from the working air by the primary cyclone
separator 200 are separated by the cyclonic action created by the
vortex. The vortex tail is in contact with the vortex stabilizer
surface 247. At the vortex stabilizer surface 247, the now
relatively clean working air abruptly turns upward, as indicated by
arrows F, and exits the secondary cyclone separator 204 through the
air outlet tube 242. The secondary cyclone outlet air passes
through the outlet passages 244, as indicated by arrows G, to the
air exit conduit 246 where the outlet air combines and flows
downwardly through the air exit conduit 246, as indicated by arrows
H to exit the cyclone module assembly 34 through the air exit
256.
[0092] Upon exiting the cyclone module assembly 34, the outlet air
passes sequentially through the UV sanitation assembly 320, the
pre-motor filter 302, and on to the motor/fan assembly 22. In the
upper casing 292, the working air is be joined by brush motor
cooling air from the foot assembly 14. The working air mixes with
the motor cooling air and exits the motor/fan assembly 22 through
the outlet conduit 312 and passes through the post-motor filter
assembly 330, whereupon the filtered outlet air is finally
exhausted from the vacuum cleaner 10.
[0093] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that the description is by way of illustration of one
embodiment of the invention and not of limitation. Reasonable
variation and modification are possible within the forgoing
description and drawings without departing from the spirit of the
invention which is defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *