U.S. patent application number 15/405792 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-11 for apparatus for cleaning a floor surface.
The applicant listed for this patent is TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Charlene Reid, Richard Waters.
Application Number | 20170127894 15/405792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50000363 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170127894 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Waters; Richard ; et
al. |
May 11, 2017 |
APPARATUS FOR CLEANING A FLOOR SURFACE
Abstract
A floor tool for an apparatus having a source of suction for
cleaning a floor surface, the floor tool includes a base assembly
including a base part having a first passage with a respective
inlet, and a second passage with a respective inlet. A device for
effecting movement of the base part is between respective first and
second conditions, and the first and second inlets are positioned
in respective planes.
Inventors: |
Waters; Richard; (West
Midlands, GB) ; Reid; Charlene; (West Midlands,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED |
Tortola |
|
VG |
|
|
Family ID: |
50000363 |
Appl. No.: |
15/405792 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15102741 |
Jun 8, 2016 |
|
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PCT/GB2014/050359 |
Feb 7, 2014 |
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15405792 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/16 20130101; H01J
49/022 20130101; A47L 9/0477 20130101; A47L 5/34 20130101; A47L
5/30 20130101; A47L 9/0444 20130101; A47L 9/0072 20130101; H01J
49/425 20130101; A47L 9/0416 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00; A47L 9/04 20060101 A47L009/04; A47L 5/30 20060101
A47L005/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2013 |
GB |
1321662.7 |
Claims
1. A floor tool for an apparatus for cleaning a floor surface, said
apparatus including a source of suction, the floor tool including:
a base assembly including a base part having: a first passage with
a respective inlet; and a second passage with a respective inlet; a
device for effecting movement of the base part between respective
first and second conditions; wherein the first and second inlets
are positioned in respective planes.
2. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein the respective planes
are spaced from each other.
3. A floor tool according to claim 2 wherein the respective planes
are spaced from each other in a generally vertical direction away
from the floor surface.
4. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein the respective planes
are angularly spaced from each other.
5. A floor tool according to claim 4 wherein the respective plane
of the first inlet is inclined at an angle .beta. with respect to
the respective plane in which the second inlet is positioned.
6. A floor tool according to claim 5 wherein .beta. is between 4 to
8.degree. and preferably .beta. is 6.degree. about 6.degree..
7. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein the planes are
intersecting planes.
8. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein the base part is
pivotally moveable.
9. A floor tool according to claim 8 wherein the base part is
pivotally moveable through an angle .theta., and preferably an
angle of inclination between the respective planes is substantially
equal to or equal to .theta..
10. A floor tool according to claim 8 wherein the base part
includes a ground engaging portion about which the base part is
pivotally moveable as it moves between its first and second
conditions.
11. A floor tool according to claim 10 wherein the ground engaging
portion is positioned between the inlets of the first and second
passages.
12. A floor tool according to claim 10 wherein the planes intersect
each other near or at the ground engaging portion.
13. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein the inlet of the
second passage is positioned rearwardly of the inlet of the first
passage and preferably is positioned in between the inlet of the
first passage and the connection of the base assembly to the
upright part.
14. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein when the base part is
in its first condition the inlet of the first passage is positioned
closer to a floor surface than it is positioned when the base part
is in its second condition.
15. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein when the base part is
in its second condition the inlet of the second passage is
positioned closer to a floor surface than it is positioned when the
base part is in its first condition.
16. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein when the base part is
in its first condition the first inlet is position in a plane which
is substantially parallel or parallel to the floor surface.
17. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein when the base part is
in its second condition the first inlet is position in a plane
which is generally inclined with respect to the floor surface.
18. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein when the base part is
in its second condition the second inlet is positioned in a plane
which is substantially parallel or parallel to the floor
surface.
19. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein when the base part is
in its first condition the second inlet is positioned in a plane
which is generally inclined with respect to the floor surface.
20. A floor tool according to claim 1 wherein the source of suction
is for providing suction to one or both of the first and second
passages, and preferably includes a valve for controlling a flow of
suction to one or both of the first or second passages.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/102,741, filed Jun. 8, 2016, which is a
U.S. national phase of international application PCT/GB2014/050359,
filed Feb. 7, 2014, which claims priority to U.K. Patent
Application No. 1321662.7, filed Dec. 9, 2013, the entire contents
all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a floor
surface and/or a floor tool for such an apparatus. In particular,
this invention relates to an apparatus which utilises a source of
suction to draw dirt and/or debris from a floor surface being
cleaned for storage in a dirt chamber or bag for emptying by a
user. Such apparatus are typically known as "vacuum cleaners".
[0003] More particularly the invention relates to an apparatus
which has an upright part pivotally connected to a base assembly
supported on wheels. The user can grasp a handle of the upright
part so as to push and pull the base assembly over the floor
surface to clean it as required. The base assembly includes a
passage which terminates at a floor facing opening and to which
suction is applied by a suction source to cause air, and any dirt
entrailed within the air, to travel towards the dirt chamber. The
base assembly includes a cleaning member driven by a motor for
assisting in the cleaning of a carpet or upholstery. The cleaning
member is generally cylindrical and has bristles which extend
radially outwardly from its elongate axis. The cleaning member is
supported for rotation about its elongate axis and remote parts of
the bristles extend through the floor facing opening of the
apparatus during use. A motor is drivingly connected to the
cleaning member by a belt or the like to cause rotation of the
cleaning member.
[0004] When the apparatus is to be used to clean a floor surface
covered by a carpet, it is desirable for the cleaning member to be
positioned close to the carpet so that the bristles are in contact
with the carpet. Dirt is loosened by the cleaning member and
entrailed in the suction air flow. When the apparatus is to be used
to clean a hard floor surface, e.g. a laminate or tiled floor, it
is not desirable for the bristles of the cleaning member to contact
the floor surface as this can cause deterioration in the finish of
the floor surface. The bristles may, for example, cause scratches
or remove any floor surface coating such as polish. To overcome
this issue, it is known to provide means for raising the part of
the base assembly which supports the cleaning member away from the
floor surface to move the cleaning member out of contact with the
floor surface. Dirt from the floor surface is still entrailed in
the suction air flow through the floor facing opening. However, a
disadvantage of this arrangement is that the floor facing opening
is further away from the floor surface meaning that the amount of
suction air flow near or at the floor surface is reduced. The
cleaning process is thus less effective.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an
apparatus for cleaning a floor surface including an upright part
including a user graspable handle, a base assembly including: a
first base part connected to the upright part; and a second base
part connected to the first base part, which second base part
includes a cleaning member; and a device for effecting movement of
the first and second base parts relative to each other.
[0006] According to a second aspect of the invention we provide an
apparatus for cleaning a floor surface including an upright part
including a user graspable handle, a base assembly connected to the
upright part, the base assembly including a base part having a
first passage with a respective inlet and a second passage with a
respective inlet. The apparatus also includes a device for
effecting movement of the base part between respective first and
second conditions and a suction source for providing suction to one
or both of the first and second passages, wherein as the base part
is moved between its first and second conditions by the device, the
suction provided to one or both of the first and second passages is
changed.
[0007] According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a
floor tool for an apparatus for cleaning a floor surface, said
apparatus including a source of suction, the floor tool including a
base assembly including a base part having a first passage with a
respective inlet and a second passage with a respective inlet. The
floor tool includes a device for effecting movement of the base
part between respective first and second conditions; wherein the
first and second inlets are positioned in respective planes.
[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide an
apparatus for cleaning a floor surface including a floor tool
according to the third aspect of the invention.
[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the invention we provide a
floor tool for an apparatus for cleaning a floor surface, said
apparatus including a source of suction, the floor tool including a
base assembly. The base assembly including a passage with an inlet
for communication with the source of suction and the inlet has a
length of between 280 to 350 mm.
[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the invention we provide an
apparatus for cleaning a floor surface including a floor tool
according to the fifth aspect of the invention.
[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the invention we provide a
surface cleaning apparatus according to the first aspect of the
invention including one or more or all of the features of any one
of the second to sixth aspects of the invention.
[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the invention we provide a
surface cleaning apparatus according to the second aspect of the
invention including one or more or all of the features of any one
of the third to sixth aspects of the invention.
[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the invention we provide a
floor tool according to the third aspect of the invention including
one or more or all of the features of any one of the fourth to
sixth aspects of the invention.
[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the invention we provide a
surface cleaning apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the
invention including one or more or all of the features of the fifth
and sixth aspects of the invention.
[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention we provide
a floor tool according to the fifth aspect of the invention
including one or more or all of the features of the sixth aspect of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will now
be described by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, of which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for cleaning a
floor surface in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a base assembly of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 in a first condition with some component parts
removed;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 in a second condition, again with some component parts
removed;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a first side cross-sectional view of the base
assembly of FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a first side cross-sectional view of the base
assembly in a first condition;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a second side cross-sectional view of the base
assembly in a first condition;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a first side cross-sectional view of the base
assembly in a second condition;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a second side cross-sectional view of the base
assembly in a second condition;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a side view of part of a second base part of the
base assembly;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a side view of the second base part of the base
assembly in both its first (dashed lines) and second (solid lines)
conditions;
[0027] FIG. 11 is an underside view of the base assembly;
[0028] FIG. 12a is a first side cross-sectional view of a floor
tool in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 12b is a second side cross-sectional view of the floor
tool shown in FIG. 12a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Referring to the figures, these show an embodiment of an
apparatus 10 embodying various aspects of the invention. The
apparatus 10 includes an upright part 12 including a user graspable
handle and a base assembly 14. The base assembly 14 includes a
first base part 16 and a second base part 18 which are connected to
each other. The first base part 16 is positioned rearwardly of the
second base part 18. The first base part 16 is connected to the
upright part 12. The second base part 18 includes a cleaning member
20. An aspect of the present invention is that the apparatus 10 has
a device 22 for effecting movement of the first and second base
parts 16, 18 relative to each other.
[0031] The upright part 12 is pivotally connected to the base
assembly 14 remote from a leading edge of the base assembly 14. The
upright part 12 contains operative components of the apparatus 10
such as a suction source in the form of a suction motor and fan to
provide the suction to the base assembly 14, and a dirt chamber for
receiving any dirt entrailed in the suction air flow drawn through
the base assembly 14. The upright part 12 includes a dirt separator
in the form of a cyclonic separator for separating dirt entrailed
in the suction air flow from the base assembly 14. These components
are not shown in the figures but are well known in the art and so
will not be discussed in any further detail. Although this
embodiment includes a cyclonic separator, other embodiments of the
invention may have no such separator, but instead rely on a bag for
collection of dirt from the air flow.
[0032] The first base part 16 includes first and second side
portions 24, 26 spaced apart from one another to define part of an
interior space 28. Within the space 28 a lower portion of the
upright part 12 is positioned near a rear portion of the base
assembly 14. The lower portion of the upright part 12 is pivotally
connected to the respective side portions 24, 26. The side portions
24, 26 support respective wheels 30, 32 which permit the base
assembly 14 to be rolled over a floor surface. One of the side
portions 24 includes an air flow passage 34 one end of which
includes a connection for a hose 25 and the other end of which is
fluidly connected to the second base part 18 as will be described
in more detail. The hose 25 is connected to the air flow passage 34
at one end and at its opposite end to a passage in the upright part
12 which is in fluid communication with the suction source (not
shown). This arrangement permits the flow of suction through the
second base part 18 from the first base part 16 and towards the
dirt chamber.
[0033] The second base part 18 has a generally elongate main
portion 36 which expands laterally across the apparatus with a
curved, semi-circular (inside cross section), outer surface. The
second base part 18 has two portions 38, 40 spaced apart from one
another and which extend away from the main portion 36 towards the
first base part 16. The portions 38, 40 connect to the respective
side portions 24, 26 of the first base part 16 as will be described
below.
[0034] The second base part 18 has a first passage 42 with a
respective inlet 44 and a second passage 46 with a respective inlet
48. A part of the first passage 42 passes around the outer surface
of the main portion 36 whilst a part of the second passage 46 is
formed from an interior space defined by the main portion 36. The
passages 42, 46 pass through one of the side portions 38 and
communicate with a valve 49 which has a valve member 50. The valve
49 is also in fluid communication with the air flow passage 34 of
the first base part 16. The suction source provides suction to both
of the first and second passages 42, 46 and movement of the valve
member 50 controls the flow of suction to the passages 42, 46.
[0035] The inlet 48 of the second passage 46 is positioned
rearwardly of the inlet 44 of the first passage 42 and is
positioned in between the inlet 44 of the first passage 42 and the
connection of the first base part 16 to the upright part 12. The
inlets 44, 48 are rectangular in shape and extend lengthwise of the
main portion 36 of the second base part 18. The lengthwise
direction is defined as the direction which is perpendicular to the
forward and rearward direction in which the base assembly 14 is
moved by the user during cleaning. The widthwise direction is
defined as the direction which is parallel to the forward and
rearward direction in which the base assembly 14 is moved by the
user during cleaning. The inlets 44, 48 permit the flow of air
through them. The inlet of the first passage 42 is relatively
narrow in comparison to the inlet of the second passage 46. The
inlets 44, 48 each include respective rib portions which extend
widthwise across the inlets 44, 46 to divide the inlets 44, 48 into
a plurality of respective apertures. The width of each of the ribs
of the inlet 44 is 4 mm and the width of each of the ribs of the
inlet 48 is 4 mm. In other embodiments the rib portions may not be
present or there may be more or fewer. The second base part 18
includes a ground engaging portion 52 which is positioned between
the inlets 44, 48 of the first and second passages 42, 46.
[0036] The cleaning member 20 is positioned in the second passage
46 and its respective inlet 48. The cleaning member 20 is generally
cylindrical in shape and has bristles which extend radially
outwardly from its elongate axis. The cleaning member 20 is
supported for rotation about its elongate axis and remote portions
of the bristles extend through the inlet of the second passage 48.
A motor (not shown) for driving the cleaning member 20 is
positioned in the first base part 16 and is drivingly connected to
the cleaning member 20 by a belt 54.
[0037] The connection between the first and second base parts 16,
18 includes an elongate generally cylindrical rod 56 which extends
width wise of the interior space 28. The rod 56 passes through
respective apertures provided in end portions of the side portions
24, 26, 38, 40 to pivotally connect the parts 16, 18 together. The
valve member 50 is connected to the rod 56 such that rotation of
the rod 56 causes pivotal movement of the valve member 50.
[0038] The device 22 includes a generally wedge shaped cam member
58 which is connected to the rod 56 (they are formed as a single
component part), and a cam follower 60 which is pivotally connected
to the first base part 16. The cam member 58 tapers to a respective
free end. The cam member 58 extends radially away from the rod 56.
The cam follower 60 is a generally rectangular part which extends
width wise across part of the interior space 28 and is supported on
a pair of respective ground engaging wheels 61. An upwardly facing
surface of the cam follower 60 co-operates with the cam member 58.
Rotation of the rod 56 causes movement of the cam member 58 to
effect relative movement between the first and second base parts
16, 18 as will be described.
[0039] The apparatus includes a user operable member 62 which is
pivotally supported and positioned on one side of the base assembly
14 for actuating the device 22. The user operable member 62 is disc
shaped and is connected to one end of the rod 56. The pivot axis of
the user operable member 62 is coaxial with the pivotal connection
of the first and second base parts 16, 18. The pivotal connection
of the first and second base parts 16, 18 is parallel to the
pivotal connection of the first base part 16 with the upright part
12. The user operable member 62 can be operated by a user using his
or her hand to cause it to rotate.
[0040] The user connects the apparatus 10 to an electricity source
through a cable (not shown), although the apparatus could be
powered by a battery. The user must put the apparatus 10 either
into a first condition which is more suited to hard floor cleaning
or a second condition which is more suited to carpet cleaning. As
will be described, components of the apparatus 10 such as the first
and second base parts 16, 18, the valve 49 and valve member 50 are
moveable between respective first and second conditions that
correspond to the first and second conditions of the apparatus
10.
[0041] Considering the user putting the apparatus 10 into its first
condition to clean a hard floor, the user uses his or her hand to
hold the user operable member 62 and rotate it in a first, forward,
direction and actuate the device 22 which effects a corresponding
rotation of the rod 56. The end of the cam member 58 then pushes
onto and slides across the upwardly facing surface of the cam
follower 60 as the cam member 58 pivots. The upwardly facing
surface of the cam follower 60 has a slight gradient which makes it
easier for the cam member 58 to slide over it until the cam member
58 eventually reaches a generally vertical position. In doing so
the connection between the first and second base parts 16, 18 is
moved generally upwards, i.e. away from the floor surface, into its
respective first condition.
[0042] The first and second base parts 16, 18 are pivotally
connected and so raising the pivotal connection between them causes
the second base part 18 to pivot downwardly about the connection
under the effect of gravity. The second base part 18 also pivots
about the ground engaging portion 52, although said portion also
translates rearwardly towards the first part 16. It will be seen
that a leading edge of the second base part 18, which is positioned
remote from its connection to the first base part 16, pivots
towards the floor surface whilst a rear portion of the second base
part 18 remote to the leading edge is pivoted away from the floor
surface. Once the device 22 has effected movement of the second
base part 18 to its respective first condition the cleaning member
20 is in a raised position in which it is out of contact with the
floor surface. When the second base part 18 is in its first
condition the leading edge of the second base part 18 is positioned
closer to a floor surface than it is positioned when the second
base part 18 is in its second condition. It will also be seen that
when the second base part 18 is in its first condition the inlet of
the first passage 44 is positioned closer to the floor surface than
it is positioned when the second base part 18 is in its second
condition.
[0043] As the valve member 50 is connected to the rod 56, the
rotation of the rod 56 also causes corresponding movement of the
valve member 50 to its first condition. When the valve member 50 is
in its first condition the valve member 50 is positioned within the
second passage 46 to block the second passage 46 whilst leaving the
first passage 42 open. The suction source will therefore only
provide a flow of suction in the first passage 42 due to the
position of the valve member 50 blocking the flow of suction in the
second passage 46. The user can then commence cleaning of a hard
floor surface.
[0044] Considering a user putting the apparatus into its second
condition for carpet floor cleaning, the user uses his or her hand
to rotate the user operable member 62 to rotate it in a second,
rearward, direction, and actuate the device 22 which effects a
corresponding rotation of the rod 56. The end of the cam member 58
moves away from and out of contact with the upwardly facing surface
of the cam follower 60 as it pivots. The cam member 58 eventually
reaches a generally horizontal position. In doing so the connection
between the first and second base parts 16, 18 is moved generally
downwards, i.e. closer to the floor surface, to its respective
second condition.
[0045] Lowering of the pivotal connection causes the second base
part 18 to pivot about the ground engaging portion 52 such that the
rear portion of the second base part 18 remote to the leading edge
pivots towards the floor surface and the leading edge of the second
base part 18 pivots away from the floor surface. Once the device 22
has effected movement of the second base part 18 to its respective
second condition the cleaning member 20 is in a lowered position
which brings it into contact with the floor surface. It will be
seen that when the second base part 18 is in its second condition
the leading edge of the second base part 18 is positioned further
from a floor surface than it is positioned when the second base
part 18 is in its first condition. When the second base part 18 is
in its second condition the cleaning member 20 is positioned closer
to a floor surface than it is when the second base part 18 is in
its first condition. The apparatus is then in a suitable mode for
carpet cleaning as the cleaning member 20 can agitate the carpet
during cleaning.
[0046] Actuation of the device 22 causes movement of the valve
member 50 to its second condition in which it is positioned in the
first passage 42. As the valve member 50 moves from its first
condition towards its second condition the flow of suction is
diverted from the first passage 42 to the second passage 46. In
other words, as the second base part 18 is moved to its second
condition by the device 22, the valve 49 is caused to decrease the
flow of suction in the first passage 42 and increase the flow of
suction in the second passage 46. When the valve member 50 has
moved to its second condition, the suction source will only provide
a flow of suction in the second passage 46 due to the position of
the valve member 50. The user can then commence cleaning of a
carpet.
[0047] The arrangement for movement of the second base part to its
first condition is advantageous as it means that the first passage
associated with hard floor cleaning is positioned closer to the
floor surface whilst the cleaning member is positioned to be out of
contact with the floor surface. The amount of suction air flow
provided by the first passage through its respective inlet near or
at the floor surface is therefore increased even though the part of
the second base part which contains the cleaning member has been
raised. Thus the cleaning process for the hard floor surface is
more efficient. Similarly the movement of the second base part to
its second condition is advantageous as it brings the passage
associated with carpet cleaning closer to the floor surface to
increase the amount of suction flow through it to make carpet
cleaning more effective.
[0048] The linking of the valve operation with the movement of the
second base part such that the flow of suction is diverted to the
first passage or second passage based on the cleaning operation is
also advantageous. This is because it means that substantially all
of the suction provided by the suction source is directed to the
passage associated with the corresponding cleaning operation. Thus
the amount of suction air flow is maximised which provides more
effective dirt/debris pick up.
[0049] In this embodiment the device 22, user operable member 62
and valve member 50 are all connected to the rod 56. In other
words, they are mechanically connected to or form part of the
connection between the first and second base parts 16, 18. Thus,
operation of the user operable member 62 causes simultaneous
actuation of the device 22 and valve member 50. However, in other
embodiments, one or more of the components may be formed separate
from the connection between the base parts. In such embodiments
there may be further mechanical devices to cause actuation or
movement of the components when the user operates the user operable
member 62. In other embodiments one or more of the components may
be electronically activated and controlled by electronic circuitry
operable by the user.
[0050] Similarly, in the present embodiment the flow of suction in
the first and second passages 42, 46 is changed simultaneously on
movement of the first and second parts. In other embodiments the
flow of suction may be changed, i.e. increased or decreased, before
or after movement of the first and second base parts 16, 18 to
their first or second conditions has occurred.
[0051] The present embodiment utilises the valve member 50 to block
one of the passages 42, 46 so that there is no flow of suction or
substantially no flow of suction in it. Other changes of the
suction may take place in other embodiments where rather than
blocking substantially all of the flow of suction in a passage, the
suction is merely decreased by the valve member 50. For example, in
one embodiment the apparatus is arranged so that when the valve
member is in its first condition the flow of suction in the first
passage is greater than it is when the valve member is in its
second condition. In other embodiments the apparatus is arranged
such that when the valve member is in its second condition the flow
of suction in the second passage is greater than it is when the
valve member is in its first condition and/or when the valve member
is in its first condition the flow of suction in the first passage
is greater than the flow of suction in the second passage.
[0052] It will be understood that the terms first and second
conditions need not necessarily correspond to the hard floor or
carpet floor modes of operation of the apparatus 10. One or more
aspects of the invention are applicable to apparatus which need not
be arranged to be switchable between hard floor and carpet floor
modes of operation. The terms first and second conditions are
reference points by which to define the functional operation of the
various components of the apparatus between intermediary or final
stages of operation.
[0053] In certain embodiments, when the first and/or second base
parts are moved between first and second conditions, the flow of
suction may stay constant in one of the passages and the flow of
suction be increased or decreased to the other of the passages. In
alternative embodiments the apparatus may be arranged so that when
the suction provided to the second passage is increased or
decreased, the suction provided to the second passage is the other
of increased or decreased.
[0054] The suction provided to the first and/or second passages may
be increased or decreased. In alternative embodiments the apparatus
need not have a valve. For example, respective suction motors may
provide suction to the passages, and the amount of suction provided
by the suction motors may be increased or decreased when the base
part is moved between its first and second conditions.
[0055] In the present embodiment the cleaning member 20 is in the
form of a motor driven agitator. In other embodiments other types
of cleaning members such as non-motor driven agitators, e.g.
turbine driven agitators, or static brushes may be used.
[0056] An aspect of the present invention is that the base assembly
need not be made of two parts which are connected together or
necessarily include a cleaning member. According to such an aspect
of the present invention, the base assembly includes a base part
having a first passage with a respective inlet and a second passage
with a respective inlet. As the base part is moved between its
first and second conditions by the device, the suction provided to
the first and second passages is changed. The apparatus is
configured so that movement of the base part causes a change in the
suction provided to the first and second passages. In other
embodiments the change in suction may occur before or after the
movement of the base part.
[0057] When the base part is in its first condition the inlet of
the first passage is positioned closer to a floor surface than it
is positioned when the base part is in its second condition. When
the base part is in its second condition the inlet of the second
passage is positioned closer to a floor surface than it is
positioned when the base part is in its first condition. In other
embodiments the suction provided to one, rather than both, of the
passages is changed.
[0058] An aspect of the present invention relates to the
arrangement of the respective inlets 44, 48. According to this
aspect of the present invention, the first and second inlets 44, 48
are positioned in respective planes A, B. The planes A, B intersect
about or close to the ground engaging portion 52 between the
respective inlets 44, 48.
[0059] With reference to the figures, in particular FIG. 9, it will
be seen that the respective plane A of the first inlet 44 is
inclined at an angle .beta. with respect to the respective plane B
of the second inlet 48. The first inlet 44 is spaced apart from the
second inlet 48 in a generally vertical direction.
[0060] With reference to FIG. 10 the second base part 18 is
pivotally moveable through an angle .theta. between its first
condition (shown in dashed lines) and its second condition (shown
in solid lines). The apparatus 10 has been configured such that the
angles .beta. and .theta. are equal or substantially equal, and in
this embodiment are 6.degree..
[0061] It has been noted that an angle of 6.degree. or 7.degree.
for .beta. and/or .theta. leads to an unexpected improvement in
suction/cleaning of the apparatus 10 when it is in the first
condition. However, angles in the range of around 4.degree. to
8.degree. are also envisaged as being beneficial for cleaning.
[0062] This configuration is advantageous as it means that when the
second base part 18 is in its first condition the inlet of the
first passage 44 is positioned in a plane which is parallel or
substantially parallel to the floor surface and when the second
base part 18 is in its second condition the inlet of the second
passage 48 is positioned in a plane which is parallel or
substantially parallel to the floor surface. This reduces suction
flow losses.
[0063] It will seen that when the second base part 18 is in its
first condition the second inlet 48 is positioned in a plane which
is generally inclined with respect to the floor surface and when
the second base part 18 is in its second condition the first inlet
44 is positioned in a plane which is generally inclined with
respect to the floor surface.
[0064] In other embodiments, the respective planes are spaced from
each other and/or spaced from each other, for example, in a
generally vertical direction away from the floor surface. In the
described embodiment, the respective planes intersect about the
ground engaging portion 52 but in alternative embodiments the
planes may not intersect about the ground engaging portion 52 of
the base assembly 14.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 11, the first inlet 44 has a length 64 and
a width 66, and the second inlet 48 has a length 68 and a width 70.
An aspect of the invention relates to the selection of the
dimensions of the first and second inlets so as to provide an
unexpected improvement in cleaning effectiveness and suction
characteristics.
[0066] The first inlet 44 has a width of 17 mm and a length of 338
mm.
[0067] Other advantageous embodiments are envisaged for which the
width 66 of the first inlet 44 is within the following ranges: 12
and 22 mm, or more preferably 15 and 19 mm; and for which the
length 64 of the first inlet 44 is within the following ranges: 280
to 350 mm or more preferably 300 to 340 mm.
[0068] The second inlet 48 has a width of 41 mm and a length of 320
mm.
[0069] Advantageous embodiments are envisaged for which the width
70 of the second inlet 48 is within the following ranges: 30 to 50
mm, more preferably 35 to 45 mm, yet more preferably 40 to 45 mm;
and for which the length 68 is within the following ranges: 280 to
350 mm, more preferably 290 to 340 mm, yet more preferably 310 to
330 mm and yet more preferably 290 to 300 mm. Other advantageous
specific values of the length 68 are 293 mm and 294 mm.
[0070] It will be understood that the one or more features of the
base assembly of one or more of the embodiments described
hereinbefore in relation to upright cleaners can also be
incorporated as part of a floor tool for a suction cleaner. For
example a floor tool for connection to a cylinder or canister type
cleaner. Such a floor tool 101 is shown in FIG. 12a and FIG. 12b
which embodies various aspects of the invention.
[0071] Features in common with the embodiments described above have
been given the same reference number with the addition of 100.
[0072] An aspect of the present invention relates to the floor tool
101 including a base assembly 114 which has a first base part 116
and a second base part 118 which is positioned forwardly of the
first base part 116. The base assembly 114 has a first passage 142
with a respective inlet 144 and a second passage 146 with a
respective inlet 148. The base assembly 114 has a cleaning member
120 and a device 122 for effecting movement of the first and second
base parts 116, 118 relative to each other. The cleaning member 120
is positioned in the second passage 146 and its respective inlet
148.
[0073] The first base part 116 includes a rearwardly extending
connection member for connection with a suction hose (not shown) of
a suction cleaner so as to provide fluid communication between the
source of suction of the suction cleaner and the first and second
passages 142, 146. The first base part 116 includes a turbine 170
having a rotor which is drivingly connected to the cleaning member
by a belt 154. The turbine 170 is positioned within the suction
flow path and rotates during use so as to correspondingly drive
rotation of the cleaning member 120 in a known manner during use. A
motor could be used instead or in addition to the turbine 170.
[0074] The general arrangement, and operation, of the floor tool
and its various components is similar to that described in relation
to the previous embodiments and so will not be described in any
more detail here. It will be understood that the aspects of the
present invention related to the apparatus 10 are similarly
applicable to the floor tool 101.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
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