U.S. patent application number 15/033468 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for surface cleaning apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark BARNSLEY, Daniel William CARTER, Thomas Robert HARRIES, Darren David HOLMES, Simon Matthew POUGHER, TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Mark Barnsley, Daniel William Carter, Thomas Robert Harries, Darren David Holmes, Simon Matthew Pougher.
Application Number | 20160262587 15/033468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49767562 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160262587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pougher; Simon Matthew ; et
al. |
September 15, 2016 |
SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
Abstract
A surface cleaning apparatus having a source of suction, a
chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet, a cable
storage device for storing electrical cable for providing power to
the source of suction, and a fluid flow path for providing fluid
communication between the outlet of the chamber and the source of
suction. At least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through
the cable storage device.
Inventors: |
Pougher; Simon Matthew;
(West Midlands, GB) ; Holmes; Darren David; (West
Midlands, GB) ; Harries; Thomas Robert; (West
Midlands, GB) ; Carter; Daniel William; (West
Midlands, GB) ; Barnsley; Mark; (West Midlands,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
POUGHER; Simon Matthew
HOLMES; Darren David
HARRIES; Thomas Robert
CARTER; Daniel William
BARNSLEY; Mark
TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED |
Queensway Birmingham West Midlands
Queensway Birmingham West Midlands
Queensway Birmingham West Midlands
Queensway Birmingham West Midlands
Queensway Birmingham West Midlands
Road Town, Tortola |
|
GB
GB
GB
GB
GB
VG |
|
|
Family ID: |
49767562 |
Appl. No.: |
15/033468 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
February 4, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2014/050312 |
371 Date: |
April 29, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/36 20130101; A47L
9/1683 20130101; A47L 5/362 20130101; A47L 9/1641 20130101; A47L
9/00 20130101; A47L 9/1633 20130101; A47L 9/1616 20130101; A47L
9/009 20130101; A47L 9/242 20130101; A47L 9/2821 20130101; A47L
9/327 20130101; A47L 9/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/26 20060101
A47L009/26; A47L 5/36 20060101 A47L005/36; A47L 9/32 20060101
A47L009/32; A47L 9/16 20060101 A47L009/16; A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 1, 2013 |
GB |
1319372.7 |
Jan 21, 2014 |
GB |
1400998.9 |
Claims
1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: a source of suction; a
chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet; a cable
storage device for storing electrical cable for providing power to
the source of suction; and a fluid flow path for providing fluid
communication between the outlet of the chamber and the source of
suction; wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends
through a space defined by the cable storage device and the cable
storage device follows a substantially annular path around the
space.
2. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the
source of suction, the chamber for receiving dirt and the cable
storage device are positioned in a generally side by side
configuration.
3. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: a source of suction; a
chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an outlet; a cable
storage device for storing electrical cable for providing power to
the source of suction; and a fluid flow path for providing fluid
communication between the outlet of the chamber and the source of
suction; wherein the source of suction, the chamber for receiving
dirt and the cable storage device are positioned in a generally
side by side configuration.
4. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 3 wherein at
least a portion of the fluid flow path extends through the cable
storage device.
5. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 including: a
body with an elongate axis; wherein the body includes: a first end
which preferably includes a first wheel being preferably positioned
at or near the first end of the body; and a second end which
preferably includes a second wheel being preferably positioned at
or near the second of the body; and wherein the body houses one or
more of the source of suction, chamber and cable storage
device.
6. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the
axis of the main body is generally horizontal when both the first
and second wheels are engaged with a surface to be cleaned.
7. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an
axis of the cable storage device is substantially parallel with an
axis of the source of suction and/or the axis of the chamber and/or
the body.
8. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an
axis of the cable storage device is substantially co-axial with an
axis of the source of suction and/or axis of the chamber and/or the
body.
9. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an
axis of the cable storage device is substantially parallel with the
axis of the body.
10. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 5 wherein an
axis of the cable storage device is substantially co-axial with the
axis of the body.
11.-12. (canceled)
13. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, the space
being formed substantially centrally of the cable storage
device.
14. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the
space is generally cylindrical.
15. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the
space has an elongate axis substantially parallel/coaxial with an
axis of cable storage device.
16. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the
cable storage device is positioned between the source of suction
and the chamber for receiving dirt, preferably such that they are
sequentially aligned.
17. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 16 when
directly or indirectly dependent on claim 5 wherein the cable
storage device is positioned substantially midway between the ends
of the body.
18. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the
cable storage device includes a moveable part which is rotatable
around the portion of the fluid flow path.
19. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the
moveable part is substantially annular and partially or wholly
extends circumferentially around a surface of the fluid flow
path.
20. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the
moveable part is rotatable about the axis of the cable storage
device.
21. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the
axis of rotation is parallel with the axis of the body.
22. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the
axis of rotation is co-axial with the axis of the body.
23.-51. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a U.S. National Phase application of
International Application PCT/GB2014/050312, filed Feb. 4, 2014,
which claims priority to U.K. Patent Application No. 1319372.7,
filed Nov. 1, 2013 and to U.K. Patent Application No. 1400998.9,
filed Jan. 21, 2014, the entire contents all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. In
particular, this invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus
which utilises a source of suction to draw dirt etc. from a surface
being cleaned and to store dirt in a chamber which can be emptied
by a user. Such surface cleaning apparatus are often referred to as
"vacuum cleaners".
SUMMARY
[0003] According to According to a first aspect of the invention we
provide a surface cleaning apparatus having:
[0004] a source of suction;
[0005] a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an
outlet;
[0006] a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for
[0007] providing power to the source of suction; and
[0008] a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between
the outlet of the chamber and the source of suction;
[0009] wherein at least a portion of the fluid flow path extends
through the cable storage device.
[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a
surface cleaning apparatus having:
[0011] a source of suction;
[0012] a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an
outlet;
[0013] a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for
providing
[0014] power to the source of suction; and
[0015] a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between
the outlet of the chamber and the source of suction;
[0016] wherein the source of suction, the chamber for receiving
dirt and the cable storage device are positioned in a generally
side by side configuration.
[0017] According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a
surface cleaning apparatus having:
[0018] a source of suction;
[0019] a chamber for receiving dirt having an inlet and an
outlet;
[0020] a cable storage device for storing electrical cable for
[0021] providing power to the source of suction, including a space
for storage of the cable;
[0022] a fluid flow path for providing fluid communication between
the outlet of the chamber and the source of suction; and
[0023] an opening through which the cable extends/exits;
[0024] wherein the apparatus includes a valve for permitting fluid
to flow from the cable storage device space to the source of
suction.
[0025] According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a
surface cleaning apparatus according to the third aspect of the
invention including one or more or all of the features of any one
of the first and second aspects of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will now
be described by way of example only, with reference to the
accompany drawings, of which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
apparatus according to the invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a main body of the
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3b is an alternative perspective view of the main body
of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the main body of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with
a valve in a closed position;
[0033] FIG. 6a is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with
the valve in an open position; and
[0034] FIG. 6b is a side cross-sectional view of the main body with
the valve in a closed position; and
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the main
body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Referring to the figures, these show a first embodiment of a
surface cleaning apparatus 10. In short, the apparatus 10 includes
a main body 12, a first wheel 14 positioned at a first end of the
main body 12 and a second wheel 16 positioned at an opposite,
second, end of the main body 12. The wheels are rotatable about a
respective wheel axis. The main body 12 is generally cylindrical
and has a generally elongate axis A which extends lengthwise of the
main body 12 between the wheels 14, 16.
[0037] The main body 12 is shaped such that an exterior surface
thereof is generally concave, with the exterior surface extending
circumferentially around the axis A. In more detail, in this
particular embodiment the main body 12 has a central region C with
respective side portions R, L which sit between the central region
C and each of the wheels 14, 16. It can be seen from the figures
that a radius Y of each of the portions R, L increases as the
exterior surface of that portion extends from the central region C
towards each wheel 14, 16. In other words, the portions R, L flare
outwardly as they extend towards the wheels 14, 16.
[0038] It will be appreciated that the shape of the main body 12
ensures that there is a generally concave portion provided on a
floor facing portion of the exterior surface of the main body 12,
which provides a space S when the apparatus is positioned on a
floor surface F with both wheels 14, 16 contacting the floor
surface F.
[0039] Whilst in the present example the main body 12 is generally
symmetrical about a plane which extends transversely through the
central portion C and the axis A, it should be appreciated that
other shapes of the main body 12 could be utilised without
departing from the scope of the present invention. It need not be
the case that the exterior surface of the main body 12 is generally
symmetrical about the axis A. For example, the main body 12 could
be shaped such that a space S is provided between the main body 12
and the floor surface F whilst an upwardly facing surface of the
main body 12 is not provided with any concave portion or the like
(it could be convex, for example). In this particular example it is
beneficial for the radius of the ground engaging surfaces of the
first and second wheels 14, 16 to be greater than the largest width
of the main body 12 when measured transversely of the axis A. This
ensures that the main body 12 does not foul the floor surface F
when the apparatus is in use.
[0040] The main body 12 houses a source of suction 18, a chamber 20
for receiving dirt having an inlet 22 and an outlet 24, a cable
storage device 26 for storing electrical cable 28 for providing
power to the source of suction 18 and a fluid flow path 30 for
providing fluid communication between the outlet 24 and the source
of suction 18. The source of suction 18 includes a motor 18a and a
fan 18b drivingly connected to the motor 18a for providing the
suction. The body also houses a cyclonic separator device 32 which
is in communication with the chamber 20 in a manner known in the
art and so will not be discussed in any further detail herein. The
position and shape of these component parts and their interaction
will be discussed in more detail later. The main body 12 is made
out of a plastics material such as poly carbonate or acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS). The material is opaque but it could also
be made of a translucent or transparent material to permit a visual
indication for the user of the level of dirt within the chamber 20.
The wheels are made of a rubber material. Embodiments are envisaged
where a further, second, or even third cyclonic separator device is
provided. In addition, a multi-cyclonic device may be provided in
the apparatus.
[0041] Each wheel is provided as an annular member which is
supported for rotation by a generally circular exterior surface of
a part 15, 17 of the main body 12. In other words, the parts 15, 17
of the main body 12 provide a race which supports the annular wheel
member 14, 16 and permits it to rotate smoothly about its axis.
Alternative configurations of the wheel could be utilised without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, one
or both wheels 14, 16 could be mounted for rotation on a common
axle or respective axles which is/are connected to the main body
12.
[0042] Whilst in the present embodiment the wheels 14, 16 are
rotatable about axes which are coaxial with each other and coaxial
with the axis A of the main body 12, this need not be the case. For
example, embodiments are envisaged where the rotational axes of the
wheels are offset from the axis A. Embodiments are also envisaged
where the rotational axes of the first and second wheels are
neither coaxial with each other nor parallel with each other. For
example, the rotational axes of the wheels 14, 16 maybe inclined
relative to the axis A of the main body 12.
[0043] Furthermore, whilst in the present embodiment the wheels 14,
16 are positioned at opposite ends of the main body 12, embodiments
of the invention are envisaged where the wheels are positioned
closer towards each other. In such embodiments, it is also
envisaged that a respective portion of the main body 12 may extend
laterally past each wheel, such that each wheel is positioned
inwardly from the opposite ends of the main body 12.
[0044] It can be seen from the figures that the apparatus 10
includes a handle 34 which is connected to the main body 12 at the
end of the main body 12 which supports the wheel 16. The user
graspable handle 34 is connected to the main body 12 through the
opening provided by the configuration of the annular wheel member
16. This permits a user to move the apparatus 10 to a desired
location. For example, the handle 34 permits the user to stand the
apparatus 10 on the end of the apparatus 10 which supports the
wheel 14 such that the axis A of the main body 12 is substantially
vertical. For example, this configuration may be utilised when a
user is using the apparatus for cleaning a flight of stairs, or
when storing the apparatus.
[0045] As can be seen from the figures the handle 34 extends
diametrically across the end of the body 12 through the axis A of
the main body 12 and the handle 34 is smaller than a diameter of
the exterior surface of the wheel 16. This ensures that the handle
34 does not foul the floor surface F when the apparatus is being
moved along the floor surface F.
[0046] In the present example the handle 34 is moveable between
stored (shown in FIG. 3) and operable positions. In the operable
position the handle 34 is moved outwardly away from the wheel 16
against the biasing of springs 35.
[0047] Advantageously, the apparatus 10 includes a plurality of
deflector members 36, 37 connected to the main body 12. The purpose
of the deflector members 36, 37 is to provide protection to the
main body 12 and also to assist a user in maneuvering the apparatus
whilst cleaning. The deflector members 36, 37 advantageously assist
the user in maneuvering the apparatus past fixed objects e.g. door
frames, chairs, tables.
[0048] User operable controls 38-40 are provided in recesses within
the deflector members 37. The positioning of the user operable
controls 38-40 in this location ensures that they are somewhat
protected from any damage as a result of collisions between the
apparatus and fixed objects.
[0049] In the present example the user operable control 38 is
pivotally moveable to control the opening of a lid 21 to the
chamber 20. The user operable control 40 is the power button for
providing electrical connection between a mains supply and the
suction motor 18a. The user operable control 39 controls activation
of the cable storage device 26 to cause retraction of the cable 28
for storage in the main body 12. It should be appreciated that
other user operable controls could be provided within the spaces or
recesses in the deflective members 37. Whilst no user operable
controls are provided in the corresponding spaces in the deflector
members 36 they could be provided if desired as an alternative or
addition to the controls 38-40.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1 the apparatus 10 includes a tool 42 for
engaging a floor surface and a conduit/hose 44 connecting the floor
tool 42 to the main body 12. These components are well known in the
art of such cleaners and thus will not be described in further
detail.
[0051] The main body 12 includes a primary air inlet 46 which is
positioned on the main body 12, midway between the first and second
ends of the main body 12. The primary air inlet 46 extends through
a generally upwardly facing exterior surface of the main body 12.
The primary air inlet 46 is for connection to the conduit/hose 44.
In this embodiment the primary are inlet 46 includes a formation
having an electrical connection for providing power to the floor
tool 42, although it is not essential. The main body 12 also
includes an opening 48 through which the cable 28 can exit from or
enter towards the cable storage device 26.
[0052] The chamber 20 is generally cylindrical and removably
connected to the main body 12 such that it can be removed through
the end of the main body 12 for emptying by the user. Inlet 22 is
provided on a side wall of the chamber 20 and is in fluid
communication with the primary air inlet 46. A pre-filter 50 is
provided on the outlet 24 to remove any particulates present in the
flow of air leaving the chamber 20 to prevent them from entering
the fluid flow path 30 and causing any damage by coming into
contact with the fan 18b and motor 18a.
[0053] The source of suction 18, chamber 20 and cyclonic separator
device 32 are positioned along the axis A of the main body 12 and,
when powered, provide a suitable source of suction in order to draw
air through the primary air inlet 46, cyclonic separator device 32
and pre-filter 50. Positioned around the motor 18a (near the wheel
16) is a post-motor filter 52. Air passes through this filter 52
and apertures 54 at the end of the main body 12 to atmosphere.
[0054] The source of suction 18, the cable storage device 26 and
the chamber 20 are positioned in a generally side by side
configuration within the main body 12. The fluid flow path 30 is a
cylindrically shaped passage having one end in fluid communication
with the outlet 24 and the other end of which is in fluid
communication with the source of suction 18.
[0055] The cable storage device 26 is positioned substantially
midway between the ends of the main body 12, between the source of
suction 18 and the chamber 20 such that the component parts are
sequentially aligned. In other embodiments the cable storage device
26 may be positioned in a different position away from the midway
point and/or placed in a different sequential position with respect
to the source of suction 18 and the chamber 20. The cable storage
device 26 could be positioned elsewhere, for example between the
motor 18a and the filter 52, or between the filter 50 and the
suction fan 18b, or indeed in any other location within the
interior of the main body 12.
[0056] Advantageously at least a portion of the fluid flow path 30
extends through the cable storage device 26. The cable storage
device 26 is of an annular shape and has a space 60 within which
the cable 28 is stored.
[0057] The cable storage device 26 includes an annular moveable
part 62 which is rotatable about the axis A around the fluid flow
path 30. In the present example the cable storage device 26
includes a means for biasing the cable 28 to be pulled into an
interior of the main body 12 via the opening 48 provided on the
main body 12 so that the cable 28 is coiled around the moveable
part 62. A free end of the cable 28 is connected to a plug 56
which, when the cable 28 is fully stored, is at least partially
received in a recess 58 in the main body 12. In other words, the
moveable part 62 is rotatable around the portion of the fluid flow
path 30 and extends circumferentially around a surface of the fluid
flow path. The moveable part 62 is thus parallel and coaxial with
the axis A of the main body 12. This provides for an optimum use of
the interior space of the main body 12 allowing for a more compact
configuration of the surface cleaning apparatus 10. In other
embodiments the moveable part 62 may only extend partially around
the fluid flow path 30.
[0058] In particular, the cable storage device 26 defines a space
64 into and through which the fluid flow path 30 extends and around
which space 64 the cable storage device 26 follows a substantially
annular path. The space 64 is formed substantially centrally of the
cable storage device 26 so as to further minimise the space taken
by the component parts and maximise the length of cable 28 which
can be accommodated within the interior space of the main body 12.
The space 64 is generally cylindrical and has an elongate axis
which is substantially parallel and coaxial with the axis of the
cable storage device 26.
[0059] It will be seen that the cable storage device 26 has an axis
which is substantially parallel with an axis of the source of
suction 18, an axis of the chamber 20 and the axis A of the main
body 12 so as to provide a generally substantially coaxial
arrangement. However, in other embodiments the components may not
be co-axial and, instead, their respective axes may be offset from
one another and/or the axis A of the main body 12.
[0060] The side by side configuration of the cable storage device
26, source of suction 18 and the chamber 20 means that the
respective component parts are positioned along the axis A of the
main body 12. In this way the component parts are in an end to end
relationship by which it is meant that each component occupies a
respective space which is separate from a space in which another
component is positioned.
[0061] Although the example is described with respect to the
surface cleaning apparatus 10 of the cylinder type, it will be
appreciated that the present invention could equally be applied to
that of an upright type cleaner. More particularly, the
configuration of having a cable storage device 26 positioned such
that the fluid flow path 30 that connects the source of suction 18
to the chamber 20 extends through the cable storage device 26
provides for space savings which can equally apply to upright
cleaners and other types of shapes of the main body 12.
[0062] It will also be appreciated that in this embodiment there is
a separate passage which provides the fluid flow path 30 between
the chamber 20 and the source of suction 18. However, other
embodiments are envisaged where the fluid flow path 30 may be
provided by an integral portion of the cable storage device 26 such
that the cable storage device 26 moves together with the portion of
the fluid flow path 30 during use. In the present example the cable
storage device 26 is supported on the fluid flow path 30 but it
could, alternatively, be mounted and rotatable with the fluid flow
path 30 in other embodiments.
[0063] Also, whilst the cable storage device 26 includes means for
biasing the cable 28 to be drawn into the interior of the main body
12, embodiments are envisaged which include a manually operable
means for winding the cable 28 into the main body 12. For example
there could be a handle accessible outside of the main body 12
which a user moves so as to rotate the annular member 62 so as to
wind the cable 28 into the interior of the main body 12.
[0064] With reference to the figures a second aspect of the present
invention will now be described. The cable storage device 26
includes the space 60 for storage of the cable 28 and the apparatus
10 includes an opening 48 through which the cable 28 can exit and
enter the cable storage device 26. The apparatus 10 also includes a
valve 66, in the form of pressure relief valve, which provides for
fluid communication between the cable storage device space 60 and
the source of suction 18. The valve 66 includes an actuator having
a seal 67 which is mechanically operable to move between a closed
position in which air is not permitted to flow from the space 60 to
the source of suction 18, and an open position in which air is
permitted to flow from the space 60 to the source of suction 18. In
the closed position, the seal 67 prevents air from flowing from the
valve 66 to the source of suction 18. The space 60 in which the
cable 28 is stored is substantially sealed from atmosphere apart
from the opening 48.
[0065] The valve 66 is provided in a wall 68 between the cable
storage device 26 and the space in which the source of suction 18
is positioned. The valve 66 is biased by a spring to the closed
position (FIG. 6a) and is configured to move to the open position
(FIG. 6b) in which it permits air to flow from the space 60 to the
source of suction 18 when the pressure in the fluid flow path 30
reaches a predetermined threshold.
[0066] During normal operation of the apparatus 10, the source of
suction 18 will provide suction to the chamber 20 and primary air
inlet 46 causing a drop in pressure. This will cause air to flow
through the primary air inlet 46, through the cyclonic separator
device 32 which separates dirt entrailed in the air, and the
substantially cleaned air passes through the outlet 24 of the
chamber 20 and pre-filter 50. The air will follow the fluid flow
path 30 through the motor housing and to atmosphere through the
apertures 54 provided in the end of the main body 12. This has the
effect of cooling the motor 18a during operation and preventing
overheating. This flow path is shown in FIG. 5.
[0067] However, if an obstruction occurs upstream of the source of
suction 18, for example, within the chamber 20, there will be no
air passing from the outlet 24 of the chamber 20 through the motor
housing to atmosphere. The pressure will then drop as the source of
suction 18 continues to draw suction on the fluid flow path 30.
There is then little or no cooling of the motor 18a as no air will
pass through the motor housing and as a result the motor 18a will
begin to heat. However, once the pressure reaches a pre-determined
threshold, the valve 66 will move to its open position and then air
from atmosphere can pass through the cable opening 48 on the main
body 12 and the valve 66 to the motor 18a via the fan 18b before
being exhausted to atmosphere. This arrangement therefore allows
for cooling of the motor 18a in the event of an obstruction
occurring in the flow path upstream of the motor 18a. This flow
path is shown in FIG. 6.
[0068] In this embodiment the valve 66 is a mechanical valve but in
other embodiments it is envisaged that an automated valve is
provided which is operated by electronic means. In such embodiments
there may be a pressure sensor positioned, in, for example, the
fluid flow path 30, which senses when the pressure reaches the
pre-determined threshold and provides an output signal to a control
means for moving the automated valve to the open position.
[0069] Embodiments of apparatus are envisaged which do not include
a cyclonic separator device, but instead utilise a receptacle, bag
or the like for collecting dirt which is supported within the
chamber 20. In addition, embodiments are envisaged which do not
include a cable storage device 26, although it is desirable for the
apparatus to be provided with such a device in order to ensure
compact storage of the electrical cable 28.
[0070] Whilst in the above examples a "dry" apparatus is taught, it
should be appreciated that the apparatus could be modified to be a
"wet" system, i.e. utilising a source of cleaning fluid within the
apparatus which is applied to the floor surface before being sucked
back in to a chamber within the main body.
[0071] In each of the embodiments the chamber 20 is capable of
receiving dirt, which definition encompasses either directly
receiving dirt or there being a bag or the like supported within
the chamber 20 which itself collects dirt.
[0072] The axis of the main body is a generally elongate axis
thereof which in this example extends lengthwise of the apparatus
between the first and second wheels.
[0073] When used in this specification and claims, the terms
"comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the
specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are
not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features,
steps or components.
[0074] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the
following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their
specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed
function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed
result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of
such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse
forms thereof.
* * * * *