U.S. patent application number 12/720584 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for surface cleaning apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to G.B.D. CORP.. Invention is credited to Wayne Ernest Conrad.
Application Number | 20100229325 12/720584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42729300 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100229325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conrad; Wayne Ernest |
September 16, 2010 |
SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
Abstract
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises at least one cyclone and
at least one dirt collection chamber. The at least one cyclone has
a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a removably mounted
shroud surrounding the cyclone air outlet. The at least one dirt
collection chamber comprises an opening and an openable door
covering the opening. The shroud is removable through the opening
when the door is open.
Inventors: |
Conrad; Wayne Ernest;
(Hampton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERESKIN AND PARR LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l.
40 KING STREET WEST, BOX 401
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3Y2
CA
|
Assignee: |
G.B.D. CORP.
Nassau
BS
|
Family ID: |
42729300 |
Appl. No.: |
12/720584 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/344 ;
15/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/1666 20130101;
A47L 5/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/344 ;
15/347 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/24 20060101
A47L005/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 11, 2009 |
CA |
2658046 |
Claims
1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: (a) a front end and a
rear end: (b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet
to a clean air outlet; (c) a first cyclone unit positioned in the
air flow passage, the first cyclone unit comprising at least one
cyclone and at least one dirt collection chamber, the at least one
cyclone having a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, and a
removably mounted shroud surrounding the cyclone air outlet, the at
least one dirt collection chamber comprising an opening and an
openable door mounted in the opening, the shroud is removable
through the opening when the door is open; and, (d) a suction motor
positioned in the air flow passage.
2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dirt
collection chamber is external to the cyclone.
3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at least
one cyclone further comprises a dirt outlet, the opening is
provided in the at least one dirt collection chamber and the
openable door is mounted facing the dirt outlet.
4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim wherein a vortex finder
is provided in the cyclone, and the shroud comprises a screen
surrounding the vortex finder.
5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the deer is
removable.
6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the door is
openable when the first cyclone unit is mounted to the surface
cleaning apparatus
7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least
one cyclone is positioned interior of the at least one dirt
collection chamber and the at least one cyclone is defined by a
cyclone casing that is sized to permit a user to insert a hand in
an annular portion of the cyclone chamber positioned between the
shroud and the cyclone casing.
8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface
cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner and the door is
positioned at the front end.
9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface
cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner and the first
cyclone unit is positioned forward of the suction motor.
10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface
cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner, the at least
one cyclone has a cyclone front end, and a cyclone rear end, and
the cyclone air inlet and the cyclone air outlet are at the same
end.
11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein the cyclone
air inlet and the cyclone air outlet are at the cyclone rear
end.
12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least
one cyclone has a first end, and a second end, and the cyclone air
inlet and the cyclone air outlet are at the same end.
13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein a separation
plate is mounted in facing relation to the dirt outlet.
14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein the surface
cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner, the cyclone has
a separation plate that is mounted in facing relation to the dirt
outlet and the dirt outlet is positioned at the cyclone front end
and the cyclone front end is positioned at the front end of the
hand vacuum cleaner.
15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the
separation plate is mounted to the door.
16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dirt
collection chamber is removable from the surface cleaning apparatus
as a sealed unit for emptying.
17. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dirt
collection chamber is removable from the surface cleaning apparatus
with the first cyclone unit.
18. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the shroud
has a dirt outlet end and the dirt outlet end is positioned
proximate the dirt outlet.
19. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first
cyclone unit has a single cyclone and a single dirt collection
chamber.
20. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
suction motor housing, the suction motor is positioned in the
suction motor housing and the first cyclone unit is removably
mounted to the suction motor housing.
21. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
second cyclone unit downstream from the first cyclone unit.
22. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface
cleaning apparatus is a hand vacuum cleaner.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
Canadian Patent Application. No. 2658046, filed Mar. 11, 2009,
entitled SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
FIELD
[0002] The specification relates to surface cleaning apparatus, and
particularly, to cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the specification relates to
cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners having removably mounted screen.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] The following is not an admission that anything discussed
below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of
persons skilled in the art.
[0004] Cyclonic separators, including those used in vacuum cleaners
are known in the art. Typically, a cyclonic separator has an inlet
for fluid (air, liquid or and air and liquid mix) to be treated and
an outlet for treated fluid. Dirt may be collected either in the
cyclone chamber itself (e.g. in the bottom) or in a collection
chamber in fluid communication with the cyclone separator. Various
such constructions are known in the art.
[0005] Typically, a screen or shroud is provided in a cyclone
chamber-surrounding the air outlet. The purpose of the screen is to
retain hair and the like in the cyclone chamber. Accordingly,
material may build up on a screen or shroud, requiring the screen
or shroud to be cleaned. The shroud may be cleaned while mounted to
a vacuum cleaner. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,111, a vacuum
cleaner having s second cyclone nested within an outer cyclone is
disclosed. The outer cyclone casing was removable. Once the outer
cyclone casing was removed, then the shroud was exposed, permitting
the shroud to be cleaned. US2007/0209334 disclosed a design wherein
a screen is configured so as to be removable through or with the
fluid outlet of a cyclone.
[0006] Cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners have also been developed.
These vacuum cleaners have typically used similar operating
principles as full size cyclonic vacuum cleaners. See for example
PCT publication WO 2008/009890; PCT publication WO 2008/009888; PCT
publication WO 2008/009883; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,387.
SUMMARY
[0007] The following introduction is provided to introduce the
reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction
is not intended to limit or define the claims.
[0008] According to one broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus
is provided wherein a screen of shroud (hereinafter "shroud") is
positioned at least partially internal of a cyclone chamber such
that the air will pass through the shroud as it exits the cyclone
chamber. The cyclone has an associated dirt collection chamber that
is openable to empty dirt collected therein. When opened, the
shroud, which is removably mounted in the cyclone, may be removed.
The dirt collection chamber may be in the bottom of the cyclone
chamber. In such a case, a cyclone casing may have an openable
bottom door. The door may be positioned to face the cyclone outlet.
When the door is opened, a user may remove the screen for cleaning.
Alternately, the dirt collection chamber may be external of the
cyclone chamber. For example, the cyclone chamber may have a dirt
outlet at an end of the cyclone opposed to the air outlet. The dirt
collection chamber may have an openable bottom door. The door may
be positioned to face the cyclone outlet. When the door is opened,
a user may remove the screen for cleaning.
[0009] Accordingly, a cyclone unit may have only one openable
portion that is used to remove accumulated dirt and also to remove
a screen for cleaning. It will be appreciated that the reference to
"bottom" is a convenience. In use, a cyclone may be oriented in
various directions.
[0010] In one embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus has a front
end, a rear end and an air flow passage extending from a dirty air
inlet to a clean air outlet. A first cyclone unit is positioned in
the air flow passage. The first cyclone unit comprises at least one
cyclone and at least one dirt collection chamber. The at least one
cyclone has a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, and a
removably mounted shroud surrounding the cyclone air outlet. The at
least one dirt collection chamber comprises an opening and an
openable door covering the opening. The shroud is removable through
the opening when the door is open. A suction motor is positioned in
the air flow passage.
[0011] In some example, the dirt collection chamber is external to
the cyclone.
[0012] In some examples, the at least one cyclone further comprises
a dirt outlet, the opening is provided in the at least one dirt
collection chamber and the openable door is mounted facing the dirt
outlet
[0013] The surface cleaning apparatus may be a hand vacuum
cleaner.
[0014] In some examples, a vortex finder is provided in the
cyclone, and the shroud comprises a screen surrounding the vortex
finder.
[0015] In some examples, the door is removable. The door may be
openable when the first cyclone unit is mounted to the surface
cleaning apparatus and/or when the first cyclone unit is removed
from the surface cleaning apparatus.
[0016] In some examples, the at least one cyclone is positioned
interior of the at least one dirt collection chamber. The at least
one cyclone may be defined by a cyclone casing that is sized to
permit a user to insert a hand in an annular portion of the cyclone
chamber positioned between the shroud and the cyclone casing.
[0017] In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a
hand vacuum cleaner and the door is positioned at the front
end.
[0018] In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a
hand vacuum cleaner and the first cyclone unit is positioned
forward of the suction motor.
[0019] In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a
hand vacuum cleaner, the at least one cyclone has a cyclone front
end, and a cyclone rear end, and the cyclone air inlet and the
cyclone air outlet are at the same end. The cyclone air inlet and
the cyclone air outlet may be at the cyclone rear end.
[0020] In some examples, a separation plate is mounted in facing
relation to the dirt outlet, preferably at an end opposed to the
air outlet.
[0021] In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a
hand vacuum cleaner, the cyclone has a separation plate that is
mounted in facing relation to the dirt outlet, the dirt outlet is
positioned at the cyclone front end, and the cyclone front end is
positioned at the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner. The
separation plate may be mounted to the door.
[0022] In some examples, the dirt collection chamber is removable
from the surface cleaning apparatus as a sealed unit for emptying.
The dirt collection chamber may be removable from the surface
cleaning apparatus with the first cyclone unit.
[0023] In some examples, the shroud has a dirt outlet end and the
dirt outlet end is positioned proximate the dirt outlet.
[0024] In some examples, the first cyclone unit has a single
cyclone and a single dirt collection chamber.
[0025] In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus further
comprises a suction motor housing. The suction motor may be
positioned in the suction motor housing and the first cyclone unit
may be removably mounted to the suction motor housing.
[0026] In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus further
comprises a second cyclone unit downstream from the first cyclone
unit.
[0027] It will be appreciated that a surface cleaning apparatus may
incorporate one or more of the features of each of these
examples.
DRAWINGS
[0028] In the detailed description, reference will be made to the
following drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an example of a hand vacuum
cleaner;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG.
1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of
FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the
hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the hand vacuum
cleaner of FIG. 1, showing a door in an open configuration;
[0034] FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the hand vacuum
cleaner of FIG. 1, showing a door removed from the hand vacuum
cleaner;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along line 6-6 in FIG.
2;
[0036] FIG. 7A is a bottom perspective view of the hand vacuum
cleaner of FIG. 1; and,
[0037] FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum
cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the cyclone unit removed from the hand
vacuum cleaner.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXAMPLES
[0038] Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to
provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described
below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may
cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The
claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes
having all of the features of any one apparatus or process
described below or to features common to multiple or all of the
apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or
process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed
invention.
[0039] In the drawings attached hereto, the surface cleaning
apparatus is exemplified as used in a hand vacuum cleaner that uses
a cyclone. It will be appreciated that the vacuum cleaner 100 may
be of various types (e.g., an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister
vacuum cleaner, an extractor, etc.) and configurations (e.g.,
different positioning and orientation of the cyclone unit and the
suction motor and differing cyclone units that may comprise one or
more cyclones and one or more filters).
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7B, a first example of a surface
cleaning apparatus 100 is shown. The surface cleaning apparatus 100
(also referred to herein as vacuum cleaner or cleaner 100) is a
hand vacuum cleaner 100, and is movable along a surface to be
cleaned by gripping and maneuvering handle 102. The vacuum cleaner
100 includes an upper portion 104, a lower portion 106, a front end
108, and a rear end 110. In the example shown, handle 102 is
provided at the upper portion 104. In alternate examples, handle
102 may be provided elsewhere on the vacuum cleaner 100, for
example at the rear end 110, and may be of any design.
[0041] In the example shown, the vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a
nozzle 112 and a first cyclone unit 114, which together preferably
form a surface cleaning head 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100. In the
example shown, the surface cleaning head 116 is preferably provided
at the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100.
[0042] Nozzle 112 engages a surface to be cleaned, and comprises a
dirty air inlet 118, through which dirty air is drawn into the
vacuum cleaner 100. An airflow passage extends from the dirty air
inlet 118 to a clean air outlet 120 of the cleaner 100. In the
example shown, clean air outlet 120 is at the rear end 110 of the
cleaner 100.
[0043] Cyclone unit 114 is provided in the airflow passage,
downstream of the dirty air inlet 118. The cyclone unit 114
comprises at least one cyclone and at least one dirt collection
chamber. In the example shown, the cyclone unit 114 comprises one
cyclone 122, and one dirt collection chamber 124, which are
integrally formed. In alternate examples, the cyclone unit 114 may
include more than one cyclonic stage, wherein each cyclonic stage
comprises one or more cyclones and one or more dirt chambers.
Accordingly, the cyclones may be arranged in parallel and/or in
sequence. Further, in alternate examples, the cyclone 122 and dirt
collection chamber 124 may be separately formed.
[0044] In the example shown, the nozzle 112 is positioned at the
lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as
exemplified, nozzle 112 is positioned at the bottom of the vacuum
cleaner 100, and, preferably, beneath the cyclone unit 114.
However, it will be appreciated that nozzle 112 may be connected to
the cyclone unit or dirt collection chamber at alternate
locations.
[0045] Preferably, as exemplified, nozzle 112 may be on lower
surface 157 of cyclone unit 114 and may share a wall with the
cyclone unit 114. For example in a particularly preferred design,
the upper wall of the nozzle may be a lower wall of the cyclone
unit 114. As shown in FIG. 6, dirt chamber 124 surrounds the lower
portion of cyclone 122. Accordingly, the upper wall of nozzle 112
may be part of the lower wall of the dirt chamber. It will be
appreciated that if dirt chamber 124 does not extend around the
lower portion of cyclone 122, then the upper wall of nozzle 112 may
be part of a lower wall of cyclone 122.
[0046] Preferably, in the example shown, the nozzle 112 is fixedly
positioned at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100. That
is, the nozzle 112 is not movable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to
the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 100, and is fixed at the lower
portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, nozzle 112 has a width WN, and
cyclone unit 114 has a width WC. In the example shown, WN, and WC
are about the same. An advantage of this design is that the nozzle
112 may have a cleaning path that is essentially as wide as the
hand vacuum itself.
[0048] Preferably, nozzle 112 comprises an airflow chamber 136
wherein at least a portion, and preferably a majority, of the lower
surface of the chamber 136 is open. In an alternate design, nozzle
112 may be an enclosed passage and accordingly may have a lower
wall that the closes lower end. Accordingly, nozzle 112 may be of
various designs and may be an open sided passage or a closed
passage. In either embodiment, it will be appreciated that nozzle
112 may be mounted or provided on cyclone unit 114 and as
exemplified on a lower portion of the dirt collection chamber so as
to be removable with the dirt collection chamber.
[0049] An open sided nozzle design is exemplified in FIG. 7A
wherein nozzle 112 comprises an upper nozzle wall 126. In the
example shown, the upper nozzle wall 126 comprises a portion 119 of
a wall 115 of the cyclone unit. Accordingly, nozzle 112 is integral
with cyclone unit 114.
[0050] Preferably, one or more depending walls 128 extend
downwardly from the upper nozzle wall 126. The depending wall 128
is preferably generally U-shaped. In one embodiment, depending wall
is provided rearward of opening 138. In other embodiments,
depending walls may alternately or in addition be provided on the
lateral sides of opening 138. It is preferred that depending walls
are provided on each lateral side of opening 138 and rearward
thereof. Further, depending walls 128 may extend a substantial
distance to the front end 108 and, preferably, essentially all the
way to front end 108. The depending wall 128 may be continuous to
define a single wall as shown, or may be discontinuous. The
depending wall 128 is preferably rigid (e.g., integrally molded
with cyclone unit 114). However, they may be flexible (e.g.,
bristles or rubber) or moveably mounted to cyclone unit 114 (e.g.,
hingedly mounted).
[0051] Preferably, the lower end 132 of depending wall 128 is
spaced above the surface being cleaned when the hand vacuum cleaner
is placed on a surface to be cleaned. As exemplified in FIG. 6,
when vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F, lower end 132 of
depending wall 128 may be spaced a distance H above the floor.
Preferably distance H is from 0.01 to 0.175 inches, more preferably
from 0.04 to 0.08 inches.
[0052] The height of the depending wall (between upper nozzle wall
126 and lower end 132) may vary. In some examples, the depending
wall may have a height of between about 0.05 and about 0.875
inches, preferably between about 0.125 and about 0.6 inches, and
more preferably between about 0.2 and about 0.4 inches. The height
of depending wall may vary but is preferably constant.
[0053] As exemplified, the open end of the U-shape defines an open
side 130 of the nozzle 114, and forms the dirty air inlet 118 of
the cleaner 100. In the example shown, the open side 130 is
provided at the front of the nozzle 114. In use, when optional
wheels 135 are in contact with a surface, the open side 130 sits
above and is adjacent a surface to be cleaned (e.g. floor F). As
mentioned hereinabove, preferably, lower end 132 of depending walls
128 is spaced above floor F. Accordingly, some air may enter nozzle
114 by passing underneath depending wall 132. In such a case, the
primary air entry to nozzle 114 is via open side 130 so that dirty
air inlet 118 is the primary air inlet, with a secondary air inlet
being under depending wall 128.
[0054] In the example shown, the lower end 132 of the depending
wall 128 defines an open lower end 134 of the nozzle 114. The open
lower end 134 preferably extends to the front 108 of the cleaner
100, and merges with the open side 130. In use, the exemplified
nozzle has an open lower end 134 that faces a surface to be
cleaned.
[0055] In the example shown, a plurality of wheels 135 are mounted
to the depending wall 128, and extend lower than the lower end 132
of the depending wall 128. Accordingly, in use, when wheels 135 are
in contact with a surface, the lower end 132 of the depending wall
128 is spaced from the surface to be cleaned, and the space between
the lower end of the depending wall 128 and the surface to be
cleaned form the secondary dirty air inlet to the vacuum cleaner
100. It will be appreciated that wheels 135 are optional.
Preferably, wheels 135 are positioned exterior to the airflow path
through nozzle 112, e.g., laterally outwardly from depending wall
128. Preferably a pair of front wheels 135 are provided.
Preferably, the wheels are located adjacent front 108. Optionally,
one or more rear wheels 108 may be provided. In an alternate
embodiment, no wheels may be provided.
[0056] The upper nozzle wall 126, depending wall 128, and open
lower end 134 of the nozzle 112 define the open sided airflow
chamber 136 of the nozzle. In use, when wheels 135 are in contact
with a horizontal surface, the nozzle 112 and the airflow chamber
136 extend generally horizontally, and preferably linearly along a
nozzle axis 113 (see FIG. 7A).
[0057] An opening 138 may be provided in the upper nozzle wall 126,
and is in communication with the airflow chamber 136. Opening 138
may be of any size and configuration and at various locations in
upper nozzle wall 126. In use, when wheels 135 are in contact with
a surface, the opening 138 faces a surface to be cleaned, air
enters the dirty air inlet 118, passes horizontally through the
airflow chamber 136, and passes into the opening 138. Opening 138
is in communication with a cyclone inlet passage 139, which is in
communication with a cyclone air inlet 140 of cyclone 122.
[0058] Cyclone 122 may of any configuration and orientation.
Preferably, cyclone 122 comprises a cyclone casing 142, which in
the example shown, is cylindrical. The cyclone chamber is located
inside cyclone casing 142. The cyclone 122 extends along an axis
123, which, in the example shown, is preferably parallel to the
nozzle axis, and preferably extends generally horizontally when
cleaner 100 is in use and wheels 135 are seated on a surface.
Cyclone 122 has a first end 196, which in the example shown is the
front of the cyclone, and a second end 198, which in the example
shown is a rear 198 of the cyclone. The cyclone air inlet and air
outlet may be at various locations and configurations.
[0059] As exemplified, the cyclone air inlet 140 may be defined by
an aperture in the cyclone casing 142, and may be at the rear 198
of the cyclone 122. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the inlet passage 139
is configured such that air enters the cyclone 122 in a tangential
flow path, e.g., passage 139 may be arcuate. The air travels in a
cyclonic path in the cyclone, and dirt in the air is separated from
the air. The air exits the cyclone via air outlet 145. Outlet 145
may be in rear wall 179 of the cyclone unit 114. Accordingly,
cyclone inlet 140 and outlet 145 may be at the same end of the
cyclone 122. Preferably, the cyclone air inlet and the cyclone air
outlet are at the same end of the cyclone 122 and the dirt outlet
is at an opposed end.
[0060] In the exemplified embodiment, a vortex finder 144 is
provided in the cyclone, upstream from and in communication with
the dirt outlet 145. As exemplified, the vortex finder is a
cylindrical conduit, having an inlet 176 facing the outlet 145.
[0061] Preferably, a shroud 182 surrounds the cyclone air outlet.
The shroud 182 serves to prevent elongate material and larger,
lighter dirt from passing through dirt outlet 145. As exemplified,
the shroud 182 surrounds the vortex finder 144. Preferably, as
shown, the shroud 182 comprises a plate 174 at a first end 189
thereof. The plate 174 is spaced from and facing the inlet 176 to
vortex finder 144. Legs 178 extend from plate 174, along vortex
finder 144. A ring 185 is at a second end 191 of the shroud 182,
which is positioned proximate the dirt outlet 145. The second end
191 may also be referred to herein as the air outlet end 191. The
ring 185 is integral with legs 178 and surrounds vortex finder 144.
The ring and legs provide a mount for plate 174. A screen 183
extends from plate 174, around legs 178, to ring 185. Accordingly,
the screen 183 is positioned in the air flow path of air exiting
the cyclone chamber and entering the vortex finder 144. It will be
appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the shroud may be any
other suitable configuration. For example, a plate 174 need not be
provided. End 189 may be covered by screen 183. Screen 183 may be
made of a wire mesh. Alternately, shroud 182 may be a molded
plastic covering vortex finder 144 and may have a plurality of
apertures therein.
[0062] The dirt collection chamber may be internal or external to
the cyclone chamber. Preferably, as exemplified, the dirt
collection chamber 124 is external. That is, the cyclone 122 may be
positioned interior of or adjacent the dirt collection chamber 124.
The dirt collection chamber may be in communication with the
cyclone chamber by any means known in the art. Accordingly, one or
more dirt outlets may be provided.
[0063] In the exemplified embodiment, the cyclone chamber is
positioned internal of the dirt collection chamber 124.
Accordingly, the cyclone chamber is provided with a dirt outlet
146. Dirt outlet 146 may be of various designs provided access is
provided to access shroud 182. Preferably as exemplified, dirt
outlet 146 faces the air outlet and according in the exemplified
design, is at the front 196 of the cyclone 122, and further, is at
the front end 108 of the cleaner 100.
[0064] Preferably, as in the example shown, dirt collection chamber
124 comprises two portions. A first portion 148 is provided
immediately adjacent the dirt outlet 146, and is at the front end
108 of the cleaner 100. A second portion 150 is concentric with the
cyclone 122. A lower portion 152 of the second portion 150 is below
the cyclone. As exemplified, nozzle 112 may be positioned below
first portion 148, and lower portion 152. Accordingly, dirt chamber
124 may comprise an annular chamber surrounding the cyclone
122.
[0065] A separation plate 154 may be provided in the dirt
collection chamber 124, adjacent the dirt outlet 146, and in facing
relation to the dirt outlet. The separation plate 154 aids in
preventing dirt in dirt collection chamber 124 from re-entering
cyclone 122. Preferably, plate 154 is spaced from dirt outlet 146.
Plate 154 may be mounted by any means to any component in cyclone
unit 114. As exemplified, the separation plate is preferably
mounted to a front wall 158, which is at the front 108 of the
cleaner 100 and preferably faces the dirt outlet 146. The
separation plate 154 is mounted to front wall 158 by an arm 156,
which preferably extends from front wall 158.
[0066] Cyclone unit 114 may be emptied through an opening 187,
which is covered by a removable door. The door may be removable
while the cyclone unit is mounted to the vacuum cleaner.
Alternately, or in addition, the door may be removable when the
cyclone unit has been removed from the vacuum cleaner. The door may
be removably secured to the cyclone unit or another portion of
vacuum cleaner 100 by any means. For example, one or more latches
159 may secure the door in position. Alternately, the door may be
opened, e.g., pivoted open, and then be removable. For example, as
exemplified in FIGS. 4 to 5B, front wall 158 covers opening 187,
and is pivotally mounted to the cyclone unit wall 115 at pivots
177. Front wall 158 serves as an openable door 158 of the dirt
chamber 124, such that dirt collection chamber 124 is openable, and
dirt collection chamber 124 may be emptied through opening 187. As
shown in FIG. 6, pivots 177 are separable into two portions. As
exemplified, pivots 177 have an upper recess 199 that is semi
circular in transverse section and define an axis in which an axle
197 provided on front wall 158 may rotate. When front wall 158 is
pivoted to the open position, the axles 197 may be lifted off the
pivots 177 thereby permitting front wall 158 to be lifted off the
vacuum cleaner.
[0067] The removable door is preferably provided at the front of
the vacuum cleaner, or on a surface that does not face another
component of the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, the dirt collection
chamber is openable both when the dirt collection chamber is
mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner, or when it is removed. When
door 158 is pivoted away or removed from the remainder of the
cyclone unit 114, separation plate 154 and arm 156 also pivot away
from the remainder of the cyclone unit.
[0068] The rear portion of the dirt collection chamber 124 may be
closed by wall 179.
[0069] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 5B, the shroud 182 is
removably mounted to the cyclone 122, and is removable through
opening 187 when the door 158 is open. The shroud 182 may be
removably mounted in any manner, to any portion of the cleaner 100.
For example, the ring 185 of the shroud 182 may frictionally mount
to the vortex finder 144. Alternately, the ring 185 of the shroud
may be mountable to wall 179 or vortex finder 144 by a bayonet
mount. Alternately, the ring 185 of the shroud may be provided with
screw threads that screw into screw threads on wall 179 or vortex
finder 144 or magnets may be used to secure the shroud in
position.
[0070] In an alternate embodiment, dirt collection chamber may be a
portion of the cyclone (i.e. internal of the casing defining the
cyclone chamber). In such a case a plate 154 may be provided inside
the cyclone chamber to define the dirt collection chamber 124. In
any event, a door may be provided so as to empty the cyclone and
the shroud may be removable through the door.
[0071] Preferably, the cyclone casing 142 is sized to permit a user
to insert a hand in the annular portion of cyclone chamber 122
positioned between the shroud 182 and the cyclone casing 142.
Accordingly, the user may grip the shroud 182 to remove the shroud
182 from the cyclone 122. Preferably, a portion of shroud 182 is
located adjacent dirt outlet 146 such that a user may grasp the
shroud without having to insert much of their hand into the cyclone
casing.
[0072] The clean air exiting cyclone 122 passes through outlet 145
of vortex finder 144, exits surface cleaning head 116, and passes
into the cleaner body 160. As the example shown, a cleaner body 160
may be positioned rearward of the surface cleaning head 116. The
cleaner body may comprise a suction motor housing 168, which houses
an optional pre-motor filter 162, a suction motor 164 and may house
an optional post-motor filter 166.
[0073] In the example shown, suction motor housing 168 further
houses a pre-motor filter 162. Pre-motor filter 162 is provided in
the airflow path adjacent and downstream of the vortex finder 144,
and facing the outlet 145. Pre-motor filter 162 serves to remove
remaining particulate matter from air exiting the cyclone 122, and
may be any type of filter, such as a foam filter. One or more
filters may be used. In the exemplified embodiments, the vacuum
cleaner has a linear configuration. If the vacuum cleaner is of a
non-linear configuration, then pre-motor filter 162 need not be
located adjacent vortex finder 144.
[0074] Suction motor 104 is provided in the airflow path adjacent
and downstream of the pre-motor filter 162. The suction motor 164
may be any type of suction motor. The suction motor draws air into
the dirty air inlet 118 of the cleaner 100, through the airflow
path past the suction motor 164, and out of the clean air outlet
120. The suction motor 164 has a motor axis 165. In the example
shown, the motor axis 165 and the cyclone axis 123 preferably
extend in the same direction and are preferably generally parallel.
In the exemplified embodiments, the vacuum cleaner has a linear
configuration. If the vacuum cleaner is of a non-linear
configuration, then motor 164 need not be located adjacent
pre-motor filter 162.
[0075] The cleaner body 160 further comprises a post-motor filter
housing 170. A post motor filter 166 is provided in the post-motor
filter housing 170. The post-motor filter 166 is provided in the
airflow path downstream of, and preferably adjacent, the suction
motor 164. Post motor filter 166 serves to remove remaining
particulate matter from air exiting the cleaner 100. Post-motor
filter 166 may be any type of filter, such as a HEPA filter. If the
vacuum cleaner is of a non-linear configuration, then post motor
filter 166 need not be located adjacent suction motor 164.
[0076] Clean air outlet 120 is provided downstream of post-motor
filter 166. Clean air outlet 120 may comprise a plurality of
apertures formed in housing 170.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 7B, the dirt collection chamber 124 is
preferably removable from the hand vacuum cleaner 100 and, more
preferably as a sealed unit for emptying. In the example shown, the
cyclone unit 114 comprises the dirt collection chamber 124.
Accordingly, the cyclone unit 114 is removable from the hand vacuum
cleaner, and the dirt collection chamber 124 is removably from the
hand vacuum cleaner 100 with the cyclone unit 114. As the cyclone
unit 114 is integral with nozzle 112 and airflow chamber 136,
nozzle 112 and airflow chamber 136 are removable from the cleaner
100 with cyclone unit 114. In the exemplified embodiment, the
cyclone unit 114 is removably mounted to the suction motor housing
168.
[0078] As can be seen in FIG. 7B, when the cyclone unit 114 is
removed from the hand vacuum cleaner, and particularly from motor
housing 168, it is sealed, except for the fluid flow passages
leading to and from the first cyclone unit (i.e. opening 138 and
outlet 145). That is, wall 179 and front wall 158 seal the cyclone
unit 114. In order to empty the dirt collection chamber 124, the
front wall 158 may be removed, and the dirt may be emptied from
dirt chamber 124.
[0079] As exemplified, in order to remove cyclone unit 114 from the
surface cleaning apparatus, the cyclone unit comprises a first
mounting member 173, and the suction motor housing 168 has a second
mounting member 175. The first 173 and second 175 mounting members
are releasably engageable with each other. In the example shown,
the first 173 and second 175 mounting members comprise a bayonet
mount. In alternate examples, the first and second mounting members
may be another type of mounting member, such as mating screw
threads, magnets, mechanical members such as screws or any other
type of mounting members.
[0080] One or more rear wheels 180 may be mounted to housing 161,
preferably at lower portion 106, and may be used in conjunction
with wheels 135. Preferably, a single rear wheel 180 is provided.
Preferably, rear wheel 180 is located on a centre line of the
vacuum cleaner and rearward of the depending wall 128.
[0081] In an alternate embodiment (not shown), the surface cleaning
apparatus may further comprise a second cyclone unit. The second
cyclone unit may comprise one or more cyclones. The cyclones may be
arranged in series or in parallel. The second cyclone unit may be
mounted in motor housing 168, or in a separate housing. The second
cyclone unit may be removably mounted to the first cyclone unit
114, or to the motor housing 168.
* * * * *