U.S. patent application number 15/630000 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-04 for vacuum cleaner and suction wand therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dyson Technology Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Dyson Technology Limited. Invention is credited to Joshua Timothy Pascal BAGSHAWE, Reuben Thomas Daniel Lawrence KETTLE AIERS, Jonathan George MARSH.
Application Number | 20180000298 15/630000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56891193 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180000298 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KETTLE AIERS; Reuben Thomas Daniel
Lawrence ; et al. |
January 4, 2018 |
VACUUM CLEANER AND SUCTION WAND THEREFOR
Abstract
An upright vacuum cleaner has a handle by which it can be
manoeuvred across a floor in a floor cleaning mode, the handle
being part of a releasable suction wand which can be used in an
above-floor cleaning mode. The suction wand has a first section
which comprises the handle, a second section, and a third section
which comprises a suction nozzle. The first section is movable
relative to the second section between floor cleaning and
above-floor cleaning positions. The third section is extendable and
retractable relative to the second section. The suction wand has a
linkage which is configured to couple movement of the first section
towards one of said positions, and extension or retraction of the
third section.
Inventors: |
KETTLE AIERS; Reuben Thomas Daniel
Lawrence; (Birmingham, GB) ; BAGSHAWE; Joshua Timothy
Pascal; (Stockport, GB) ; MARSH; Jonathan George;
(Swindon, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dyson Technology Limited |
Wiltshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dyson Technology Limited
Wiltshire
GB
|
Family ID: |
56891193 |
Appl. No.: |
15/630000 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/244 20130101;
A47L 5/32 20130101; A47L 9/325 20130101; A47L 9/1641 20130101; A47L
9/248 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/32 20060101
A47L005/32; A47L 9/24 20060101 A47L009/24; A47L 9/16 20060101
A47L009/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 30, 2016 |
GB |
1611465.4 |
Claims
1. An upright vacuum cleaner that has a handle by which it can be
manoeuvred across a floor in a floor cleaning mode, the handle
being part of a releasable suction wand which can be used in an
above-floor cleaning mode, wherein: the suction wand has a first
section which comprises the handle, a second section, and a third
section which comprises a suction nozzle; the first section is
movable relative to the second section between a floor cleaning
position and an above-floor cleaning position; the third section is
extendable and retractable relative to the second section; and the
suction wand has a linkage that is configured to couple movement of
the first section towards one of the floor cleaning and above-floor
cleaning positions and extension or retraction of the third
section.
2. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the linkage is
configured to couple movement of the first section towards the
above-floor cleaning position, and extension of the third
section.
3. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the linkage is
configured to couple movement of the first section towards the
floor cleaning position, and retraction of the third section.
4. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the linkage is
configured both to translate movement of the first section towards
one of said positions into extension or retraction of the third
section, and to translate extension or retraction of the third
section into movement of the first section towards one of said
positions.
5. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the linkage is
configured such that the third section can be both extended and
retracted by moving the first section between said positions in
both directions, or such that the first section can be moved
between said positions in both directions by both extending and
retracting the third section.
6. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein with the first
section in the above-floor cleaning position, the handle is
positioned to be grasped by a user to manipulate the wand in the
above-floor cleaning mode.
7. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the second
section is releasably attachable to a main body of the vacuum
cleaner, and while attached thereto is movable relative to the main
body between extended and retracted positions.
8. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the linkage
comprises an elongate flexible member which runs between the first
and third sections, around a pulley point on the second
section.
9. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein the elongate
flexible member is arranged in a loop which has a first portion
that runs from the first section to the third section around said
pulley point, and a second portion which runs from the first
portion to the third portion around an additional pulley point.
10. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the second
section is elongate and defines first and second ends.
11. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 10, wherein the floor
cleaning position of the first section is a location nearer to the
first end of the second section than the second end, and the
above-floor cleaning position of the first section is a location
nearer to the second end than the first end.
12. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 10, further comprising a
main body with a mounting point for a cleaner head, wherein the
suction wand is releasably attachable to the main body in a
position in which the first end of the second section projects away
from the mounting point for the cleaner head.
13. The upright vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the first,
second and third sections of the wand are arranged telescopically
with respect to one another.
14. A suction wand for an upright vacuum cleaner, the suction wand
being configured for using in an above-floor cleaning mode and a
floor cleaning mode and comprising: a first section that comprises
a handle for maneuvering the upright vacuum cleaner across a floor
in the floor cleaning mode, a second section, and a third section
that comprises a suction nozzle, wherein the first section is
movable relative to the second section between a floor cleaning
position and an above-floor cleaning position, the third section is
extendable and retractable relative to the second section, and the
suction wand has a linkage that is configured to couple movement of
the first section towards one of the floor cleaning and above-floor
cleaning positions and extension or retraction of the third
section.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of United Kingdom
Application No. 1611465.4, filed Jun. 30, 2016, the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners, more
particularly upright vacuum cleaners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are various types of vacuum cleaners available on the
market, and these can generally be categorized into `cylinder`,
`upright`, `handheld` and `stick` vacuum cleaners.
[0004] Handheld and stick vacuum cleaners are portable in the sense
that they are light enough to be carried in the hand rather than
being supported on the floor by a rolling assembly or the like.
Handheld and stick vacuum cleaners are typically powered by
batteries, and are often used for low-duty cleaning jobs such as
spot-cleaning of floors, upholstery and vehicle interiors.
[0005] Cylinder and upright vacuum cleaners are generally used as a
household's primary vacuum cleaner, for heavy-duty cleaning tasks
around the home. Cylinder vacuum cleaners have a main body with a
suction generator and a dust separator, and a suction wand
connected to the base unit by a flexible hose. The suction
generator pulls `dirty` air from a surface into the suction wand,
through the hose, into the main body and into the dust separator.
The dust separator removes dirt and debris entrained in the air,
and the `clean` air is exhausted into the atmosphere. The user
moves the wand over a floor to be cleaned, pulling on the hose when
necessary so as to pull the main body (which is generally provided
with wheels or castors) in the desired direction. When it is
desired to clean above floor-level, for instance to clean furniture
or the corners of ceilings, the user lifts the wand from the floor
and directs it accordingly (often after having changed or removed a
cleaner head mounted on the wand).
[0006] A typical upright vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner head, a
rolling support assembly, and an `upright` body which contains a
dust separator. A suction generator is provided, generally within
the rolling support assembly or the upright body. In a floor
cleaning mode, the suction generator draws `dirty` air into the
dust separator through the cleaner head, and exhausts `clean` air
to the atmosphere. The user grasps the handle and reclines the
upright body until the handle is disposed at a convenient height
for them. The user can then roll the vacuum cleaner across the
floor, using the handle, in order to direct the cleaner head over a
floor to be cleaned.
[0007] Upright vacuum cleaners often include a suction wand which
is releasably attached to a main body, and is also connected to the
main body by a flexible hose. When it is desired to clean above
floor level, the user can detach the suction wand from the main
body and use it in a similar manner to the wand of a cylinder
vacuum cleaner. In this above-floor cleaning mode, the suction
generator is connected to the wand (via the hose), rather than to
the cleaner head.
[0008] In one type of known upright vacuum cleaner, to switch from
floor cleaning mode to above-floor cleaning mode the wand must be
detached from both the main body and the hose of the vacuum
cleaner, turned around by 180 degrees and then re-connected to the
hose. Some users find this operation relatively fiddly and/or time
consuming, especially when repeatedly switching between the floor
cleaning and above-floor cleaning modes. Other designs of upright
vacuum cleaner require utilise expensive, bulky or unreliable
mechanisms for manipulating the wand when switching between
modes.
[0009] It is one object of the present invention to mitigate or
obviate one of the aforesaid disadvantages, and/or to provide an
improved or alternative vacuum cleaner or suction wand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided an upright vacuum cleaner that has a handle by which it
can be manoeuvred across a floor in a floor cleaning mode, the
handle being part of a releasable suction wand which can be used in
an above-floor cleaning mode, wherein the suction wand has a first
section which comprises the handle, a second section, and a third
section which comprises a suction nozzle; the first section is
movable relative to the second section between floor cleaning and
above-floor cleaning positions; the third section is extendable and
retractable relative to the second section; and the suction wand
has a linkage which is configured to couple movement of the first
section towards one of said positions, and extension or retraction
of the third section.
[0011] With the motion of the first and third sections being linked
in this way, the present invention allows one of the first and
third sections to be moved relative to the second section by moving
the other. For instance, it may allow the third section to be
extended by moving the first section to the above-floor cleaning
position, and/or may allow the first section to be moved to the
floor cleaning position by retracting the third section.
Accordingly, the suction wand of a vacuum cleaner according to the
present invention can be reconfigured (for instance when
transitioning between modes) simply by moving one of the first and
third sections relative to the second section. This may offer
improved simplicity, speed and/or ease of use, for instance in
comparison to the above known type of vacuum cleaner where
reconfiguring the wand when switching between modes requires the
wand to be detached and re-attached.
[0012] The suction wand is preferably releasably attachable to a
main body of the vacuum cleaner. In such an arrangement, the
suction wand may be connected to the main body (in particular when
detached therefrom) by a flexible hose. The flexible hose is
preferably extendable in length. The vacuum cleaner is preferably
configured such that the suction wand is attached to the main body
in the floor cleaning mode, and detached from the main body (whilst
potentially still being connected thereto by a hose or the like) in
the above-floor cleaning mode.
[0013] The main body may comprise one or more of a rolling support
assembly, a dust separator, a generally upright structural support
such as a `spine`, a suction generator, and a cleaner head. In some
embodiments, the main body comprises at least a rolling support
assembly, a dust separator and a suction generator.
[0014] The suction nozzle may be configured for attachment to a
cleaning tool such as a dusting tool or a stair cleaning tool.
Alternatively, the suction nozzle may be configured to function as
a cleaning tool itself. For instance, the suction nozzle may
comprise a narrow tip for reaching under furniture or into corners
of a room.
[0015] It is to be understood that the above names of the modes of
the vacuum cleaner are intended to be illustrative in nature.
Although a vacuum cleaner according to the invention must be
suitable for cleaning a floor when in the floor cleaning mode, and
suitable for cleaning above floor level in the above-floor cleaning
mode, it is not intended to imply that use of the vacuum cleaner is
limited in this way. For instance, in some embodiments the vacuum
cleaner may be suitable for cleaning the tops of furniture such as
sofas when in the floor cleaning mode, and/or may be suitable for
cleaning floor surfaces such as tight corners of rooms or spaces
under low furniture when in the above-floor cleaning mode.
[0016] The suction wand is preferably substantially rigid.
[0017] The first section may be slidable between the floor cleaning
and above-floor cleaning positions. Alternatively or in addition,
the third section may be slidable to extend and retract it.
[0018] The linkage may be configured to couple movement of the
first section in one direction relative to the second section, and
extension or retraction of the third section in the opposite
direction relative to the second section.
[0019] The first section may be considered to be any body which
comprises the handle. In some embodiments the first section may be
formed in its entirety by the handle.
[0020] The linkage may be configured to couple movement of the
first section towards the above-floor cleaning position, and
extension of the third section.
[0021] In other words, the linkage may be arranged so that
extending the third section moves the first section towards the
above-floor cleaning position, and/or so that moving the first
section towards the above-floor cleaning position extends the third
section.
[0022] This may be advantageous in that the third section can be
automatically extended (thus potentially making the suction wand
more able to reach into remote locations) when an operator moves
the handle to the above-floor cleaning position (for instance so
that the handle is positioned to be grasped by a user when using
the wand to vacuum above the floor). Or, conversely, the handle can
automatically be moved to the above-floor cleaning position when an
operator extends the third section so as to increase the reach of
the wand.
[0023] The linkage may be configured to couple movement of the
first section towards the floor cleaning position, and retraction
of the third section.
[0024] In other words, the linkage may be arranged so that
retracting the third section moves the first section towards the
floor cleaning position, and/or moving the first section towards
the floor cleaning position retracts the third section.
[0025] This may be advantageous in that the third section can be
automatically retracted (thus potentially making the suction wand
more compact and manoeuvrable as part of the vacuum cleaner as a
whole) when an operator moves the first section to the floor
cleaning position (for instance so that the handle is positioned to
be grasped by a user to move the vacuum cleaner over a surface).
Or, conversely, the first section can automatically be moved to the
position preferred for manoeuvring the vacuum cleaner over a floor
when an operator retracts the third section.
[0026] As an alternative, the linkage may be configured to couple
movement of the first section towards the above-floor cleaning
position and retraction of the third section. For example,
retracting the third section may move the first section towards the
above-floor cleaning position. As another alternative, the linkage
may be configured to couple movement of the first section towards
the floor cleaning position and extension of the third section. For
example, moving the first section towards the floor cleaning
position may extend the third section.
[0027] The linkage may be configured both to translate movement of
the first section towards one of said positions into extension or
retraction of the third section, and to translate extension or
retraction of the third section into movement of the first section
towards one of said positions.
[0028] In other words, the linkage can be configured so that the
first section can be moved by moving the third section, and also so
that the third section can be moved by moving the first section.
This may improve the ease of use of the vacuum cleaner in that an
operator may be free to move whichever of the first and third
sections is more convenient at that time, that movement resulting
in complementary movement of the other of the first and third
sections.
[0029] As an alternative, the linkage may be configured to
translate movement of only one of the first and third sections into
movement of the other.
[0030] The linkage may be configured such that the third section
can be both extended and retracted by moving the first section
between said positions in both directions, or such that the first
section can be moved between said positions in both directions by
both extending and retracting the third section.
[0031] In other words, one of the first and third sections can be
moved in either direction by moving the other in either direction.
This may be advantageous in that the functionality discussed above
(one of the first and third sections moving automatically when a
user moves the other) may be extended so that the component which
is moved automatically can be moved in either direction. For
instance, the vacuum cleaner may be arranged such that moving the
first section towards the above-floor cleaning position extends the
third section, and moving the first section towards the floor
cleaning position retracts the third section.
[0032] As an alternative, movement of the first and third sections
may only be linked in one direction of respective movement. For
example, retracting the third section may move the first section
towards the floor cleaning position, but extending the third
section may not move the first section towards the above-floor
cleaning position.
[0033] Optionally, the linkage is configured to translate movement
of the first section towards the floor cleaning position into
retraction of the third section; movement of the first section
towards the above-floor cleaning position into extension of the
third section; retraction of the third section into movement of the
first section towards the floor cleaning position; and extension of
the third section into movement of the first section towards the
above-floor cleaning position.
[0034] In such an arrangement, moving either of the first and third
sections in either direction can provide automatic complementary
movement of the other section.
[0035] Optionally, with the first section in the above-floor
cleaning position, the handle is positioned to be grasped by a user
to manipulate the wand in the above-floor cleaning mode.
[0036] This may be beneficial in that the same handle can be
grasped by a user whether the vacuum cleaner is in the floor
cleaning mode or the above-floor cleaning mode. This, in turn, can
reduce the bulk of the vacuum cleaner by eliminating the need for a
separate handle, thereby enabling easier storage, improved
manoeuvrability, better aesthetics and/or reduced material
cost.
[0037] As an alternative, when in the above-floor cleaning position
the handle may be positioned so as to have a reduced impact on the
size and/or manoeuvrability of the suction wand. For instance, the
handle may fold into a stowed position when moved to the
above-floor cleaning position, so that the suction wand is narrower
and can reach into smaller spaces. In this embodiment a separate
handle, positioned to be grasped by a user when the vacuum cleaner
is in the above-floor cleaning mode, may be provided.
Alternatively, no such additional handle may be provided and the
user may simply grasp a portion of the wand.
[0038] The second section may be releasably attachable to a main
body of the vacuum cleaner, and while attached thereto may be
movable relative to the main body between extended and retracted
positions.
[0039] The ability to retract the second section may allow the
vacuum cleaner to have a particularly compact configuration for
storage, while still allowing the second section to be extended
when needed (for example so as to position the handle within easy
reach of a user for use in the floor cleaning mode).
[0040] The vacuum cleaner may have a flexible hose for connecting
the suction wand to the main body, and a portion of the second
section may be received within the hose when in the retracted
position. Preferably, at least half or at least three quarters of
the length of the second section may be received within the hose
when the second section is in the retracted position.
[0041] Preferably, when the second section is in the extended
position at least 75% of its length projects from the hose. For
instance, when the second section is in the extended position
substantially its entire length may project from the hose.
[0042] The linkage may comprise an elongate flexible member which
runs between the first and third sections, around a pulley point on
the second section.
[0043] The elongate flexible member may be a single flexible
component, such as a woven or sheet plastic strip, or may be an
assembly of rigid components such as a chain. The pulley point may
be a plain axle or an axle with a pulley wheel mounted thereon, or
may take any other suitable form.
[0044] As an alternative, the first and third sections may be
provided with counterposed elongate racks of gear teeth which
interact with one another via one or more intermediate gear wheels
rotatably mounted on the second section.
[0045] The use of an elongate flexible member running around a
pulley point may provide an advantageously simple or
low-maintenance linkage, a linkage which requires relatively
relaxed manufacturing tolerances, and/or a linkage which can be
arranged to occupy relatively little space. For instance, in
contrast to the above arrangement utilising counterposed racks of
gear teeth, an arrangement utilising an elongate flexible member
may be less bulky, simpler and thus less difficult to assemble,
less reliant on lubricant, and/or more tolerant of manufacturing
variation.
[0046] The elongate flexible member is preferably arranged whereby
moving one of the first and third sections pulls on the elongate
flexible member, the elongate flexible member transmitting tension
around the pulley point and pulling the other of the first and
third sections.
[0047] The elongate flexible member may pass through an aperture in
a wall of the second section. An edge of that aperture may form the
pulley point.
[0048] The elongate flexible member may be movable to a position in
which it runs along at least half of the length of the second
section. For instance, the elongate flexible member may be movable
to a position in which it runs along at least 70% or at least 85%
of the length of the second section.
[0049] The elongate flexible member may be arranged in a
substantially continuous loop which has a first portion that runs
from the first section to the third section around said pulley
point, and a second portion which runs from the first portion to
the third portion around an additional pulley point.
[0050] Such an arrangement may allow the linkage to pull one of the
first and third sections in either direction using the elongate
flexible member. In contrast, if the elongate flexible member was
an open loop, for instance taking the general shape of a hairpin,
it could only pull one of the first and third section in one
direction. Movement of that section in the other direction would
therefore need to be provided by alternative means (unless the
flexible elongate member was configured so as to be able to
transmit compressive force as well as tensile force, which would
place significant design constraints on the flexible elongate
member and the suction wand as a whole).
[0051] The additional pulley point may have the same general
structure as the pulley point.
[0052] The second section may be elongate and define first and
second ends.
[0053] The second section may be generally tubular.
[0054] The second section may have a generally flat wall and an
arcuate wall arranged so that the second section is generally
D-shaped in longitudinal cross-section, and the elongate flexible
member may be located on the generally flat wall.
[0055] Optionally, the floor cleaning position of the first section
is a location nearer to the first end of the second section than
the second end, and the above-floor cleaning position of the first
section is a location nearer to the second end than the first
end.
[0056] Further, the floor cleaning position of the first section
may be a location near to the first end of the second section, and
the above-floor cleaning position of the first section may be a
location near to the second end. For instance, when in the first
section is in the floor cleaning position it may lie substantially
entirely within the third of the length of the second section which
is nearest to the first end thereof, and similarly when the first
section is in the above-floor cleaning position it may lie
substantially entirely within the third of the length of the second
section which is nearest to the second end.
[0057] As an alternative, both positions of the first section may
be nearer to the same end of the second section than the other end.
As another alternative, the floor cleaning and above-floor cleaning
positions may be different orientations of the handle at the same
location on the second section.
[0058] The second section may define a longitudinal axis which runs
from the first end to the second end. The handle may comprise a
first grip portion which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
or inclined from perpendicular towards the second end, and a second
grip portion which is inclined from perpendicular towards the first
end. This may make the handle particularly comfortable to hold
whether the user holds the handle with the first end of the second
section facing away from them (for instance when the vacuum cleaner
is in the above-floor cleaning mode, in some embodiments), or with
the second end facing away from them (for instance when the vacuum
cleaner is in the floor cleaning mode, in some embodiments).
[0059] The upright vacuum cleaner may further comprise a main body
with a mounting point for a cleaner head, wherein the suction wand
is releasably attachable to the main body in a position in which
the first end of the second section projects generally away from
the mounting point for the cleaner head.
[0060] This may allow the handle to be positioned at a beneficially
accessible location on the vacuum cleaner when the first section is
in the floor cleaning position.
[0061] The vacuum cleaner may have a storage mode, and when in this
mode the suction wand may be positioned substantially vertically
with its first end uppermost.
[0062] The first, second and third sections of the wand may be
arranged telescopically with respect to one another.
[0063] This may be a particularly strong, simple and/or compact
arrangement of the sections of the suction wand.
[0064] The first section may be positioned radially outwards of the
second section, and the third section may be positioned radially
inwards of the second section. The first section being positioned
radially outermost of the three sections may allow the handle
(which is preferably positioned on the outer surface of the suction
wand) to be connected to the first section with advantageous
ease.
[0065] The above arrangement is not intended to exclude auxiliary
components attached to (or integral with) one of the sections
having a different radial position. For example, the third section
may have a radially enlarged suction nozzle which projects radially
outwards beyond the second section, or the second section may have
a key which projects radially beyond the third section through a
keyway therein.
[0066] In an arrangement where the third section is positioned
radially outwards of the second section and the third section is
positioned radially inwards of the second section, the suction wand
may further comprise a sleeve which is positioned radially inside
the second section, the third section being positioned radially
between the second section and the sleeve. This may increase the
structural strength of the connection between the second and third
section, for instance allowing the third section to be more rigidly
supported relative to the second section, and/or may reduce the air
leakage between the second and third sections.
[0067] As an alternative to telescopic arrangement, two or more of
the first, second and third sections may be arranged side by side
(for instance using a rail and runner arrangement). As another
alternative, they may be spaced apart from one another and
connected by an additional component.
[0068] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a suction wand for an upright vacuum cleaner according
to the first aspect of the invention.
[0069] A suction wand according to the second aspect of the
invention may be retrofitted to a vacuum cleaner so as to provide
one or more of the advantages discussed above in relation to the
first aspect of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0070] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner
according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a storage
mode;
[0072] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1
in an above-floor cleaning mode;
[0073] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a suction
wand of the vacuum cleaner of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0074] FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the suction wand
of the vacuum cleaner, in the position shown in FIG. 1;
[0075] FIG. 5 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the suction wand
of the vacuum cleaner, in the position shown in FIG. 2;
[0076] FIG. 6 is a lateral cross-sectional view of second and third
sections of the suction wand, and a linkage of the suction
wand;
[0077] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIGS.
1 and 3, with the suction wand in a retracted position;
[0078] FIG. 8 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the suction
wand, in the position shown in FIG. 7;
[0079] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic side views of part of an
upright vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the
invention; and
[0080] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic side views of part of an
upright vacuum cleaner according to a further embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0081] FIG. 1 shows an upright vacuum cleaner 2 according to a
first embodiment of the invention. Like a standard upright vacuum
cleaner, the vacuum cleaner 2 of this embodiment has a rolling
support assembly 4, an upright body formed in this case from a
generally upright spine 6 and a dust separator 8 mounted to the
spine, and a cleaner head 10. In this embodiment rolling support
assembly 4 comprises a pair of domed wheels 12, and between the
wheels is provided a mounting point 14 for the cleaner head 10.
Further, in this particular embodiment a suction generator (not
visible), which has a motor and fan and is arranged to draw air
into the dust separator 8, is provided inside the rolling assembly
4 in the space between the wheels 12. The rolling support assembly
4 is positioned to support at least a portion of the weight of the
vacuum cleaner 2 when in a floor cleaning mode, as discussed in
more detail below. FIG. 1 shows the vacuum cleaner 2 in a storage
mode, where the weight of the machine is taken by the cleaner head
10 and a movable stand 15, and the wheels 12 are lifted slightly
above the ground.
[0082] In this particular embodiment the dust separator 8 is a
multi-stage cyclonic separator of generally conventional design,
which has a first cyclone stage comprising a single cyclone chamber
16a, a second cyclone stage comprising a plurality of smaller
cyclone chambers 16b arranged in parallel, and a filter (not
visible). In other embodiments, however, the dust separator may
take any other suitable form.
[0083] The cleaner head 10 of the vacuum cleaner 2 of this
embodiment has a generally conventional design, and will not be
described in detail. In this case the cleaner head 10 is releasably
mounted on the mounting point 14, enabling the cleaner head to be
removed for storage or so that it can be repaired or replaced. The
cleaner head 10 is connectable to the dust separator 8, via a
changeover valve 20 which will be discussed in more detail below,
so that the suction generator (not visible) can draw dirty air into
the vacuum cleaner 2 through the cleaner head 16 and into the dust
separator 8.
[0084] The vacuum cleaner 2 also has a suction wand 22 which in
this case is releasably attachable to the spine 6. In this
embodiment, the suction wand 22 is substantially rigid. The skilled
person will understand that there are numerous ways of releasably
attaching a suction wand 22 to a spine 6 (or indeed to a different
component of the vacuum cleaner), for instance using interlocking
lugs or ribs, an interference fit between an end of the wand and a
complementary aperture, or a manually-operable release catch. The
particular mechanism employed here is not of significance to the
present invention and therefore will not be described in detail.
The wand 22 has a handle 23 by which the vacuum cleaner 2 can be
manoeuvred, as discussed in more detail below.
[0085] The body to which the suction wand 22 is releasably
attachable is referred to herein as the `main body` 24. In this
particular case, the main body 24 comprises the spine 6, the
rolling support assembly 4 (and thus the suction generator
contained therein), dust separator 8, stand 15 and changeover valve
20. It should be noted, however, that in other cases the main body
may be considered to include the cleaner head 10 and/or exclude one
or more of the above components (such as the dust separator 8,
which is removable for emptying in a known fashion).
[0086] In this embodiment, whether the suction wand 22 is attached
to the spine 6 or not, the suction wand is connected to the dust
separator 8 (via the changeover valve 20) by a flexible hose 26. In
this case, the hose 26 can be stretched along its axis to extend
it, allowing the suction wand 22 to move further away from the main
body 24. The hose 26 of this embodiment if of generally
conventional type, having membrane wall with a helical reinforcing
wire embedded therein.
[0087] As noted above, FIG. 1 shows the vacuum cleaner 2 of this
embodiment in a storage mode. The vacuum cleaner 2 also has a floor
cleaning mode and an above-floor cleaning mode. In this particular
embodiment, to enter the floor cleaning mode from the storage mode,
the wand 22 and spine 6 (and thus also the dust separator 8) are
reclined relative to the cleaner head 10 (i.e. tilted clockwise
from the perspective of FIG. 1). This disengages the stand 15,
which rotates anticlockwise towards the changeover valve 20 and
brings the wheels 12 of the rolling support assembly 4 into contact
with the ground. In this particular case the rolling support
assembly 4 takes the majority of the weight of the vacuum cleaner
2, and the cleaner head 10 rests on the floor under only its own
weight. In other embodiments, however, the cleaner head 10 may be
arranged to bear some, most or even all of the weight of the other
components of the vacuum cleaner 2.
[0088] With the spine 6, dust separator 8 and wand 22 in this
reclined position, the changeover valve is positioned to connect
the cleaner head 10 to the dust separator 8. In this case, the
changeover valve 20 is moved to this position automatically upon
reclining of the spine 6, in conventional fashion, however in other
cases it may be operated differently (for instance it may be
manually operated). The suction generator (not visible) can
therefore draw air up into the cleaner head 10, entraining dust and
debris from the surface on which the cleaner head 10 is resting,
and then into the dust separator 8. To use the vacuum cleaner 2 in
this floor cleaning mode, the user grasps the handle 23 of the
suction wand 22 and uses it to manoeuvre the vacuum cleaner 2 over
the floor (in this case supported by the rolling support assembly
4) so that the cleaner head 10 can pick up dust and debris from
different regions thereof.
[0089] To enter the above-floor cleaning mode, the user detaches
the suction wand 22 from the main body 24 (in this case after
having returned the spine 6 to the upright position and re-engaged
the stand 15, if moving to the above-floor cleaning mode from the
floor cleaning mode). Also, the changeover valve 20 is positioned
so that the wand 22 and hose 26, rather than the cleaner head 10,
is in communication with the dust separator 8. In this case the
changeover valve 20 automatically moved to this position whenever
the stand 15 is deployed, but again in other embodiments which have
a changeover valve a different mechanism may be provided.
[0090] FIG. 2 shows the vacuum cleaner 2 of this embodiment in the
above-floor cleaning mode. After entering this mode, the suction
wand 22 can be held by the handle 23 and directed into areas of a
room above the floor, for instance onto furniture or into corners
of the ceiling, while the main body 24 remains stationary. The
suction generator (not visible) draws air into the wand through a
suction nozzle 28, through the hose 26 and changeover valve 20, and
into the dust separator 8.
[0091] It will be apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2 that the
configuration of the suction wand 22 varies between the floor
cleaning and above-floor cleaning modes. In particular, the wand is
longer when in the above-floor cleaning mode than when in the floor
cleaning mode, and the handle is in a different position. These
differences will be discussed in more detail below, with reference
to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0092] The suction wand 22 has three sections, a first section 30
which comprises the handle 23, a second section 32, and a third
section 34 which comprises the suction nozzle 28. The first section
30, and thus the handle 23, is movable relative to the second
section 32 between a floor cleaning position and an above-floor
cleaning position (the two positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), and
the third section is extendable and retractable (i.e. is movable
between retracted and extended positions, the two positions shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2). In this embodiment the first and third sections
30, 34 are each slidably mounted relative to the second section 32,
however in other embodiments one or both sections 30, 34 may be
mounted to the second section 32 so as to be movable relative to it
through a different type of motion, such as pivoting movement or
non-sliding relative translation.
[0093] In this particular case, with the vacuum cleaner 2 in the
floor cleaning mode the first section 30 is in the floor cleaning
position and the third section 34 is in the retracted position, and
with the vacuum cleaner 2 in the above-floor cleaning mode the
first section 30 is in the above-floor cleaning position and the
third section is in the extended position. With the first section
30 in the floor cleaning position the handle 23 is positioned at a
convenient location for a user to manoeuvre the vacuum cleaner over
a floor in the floor cleaning mode. With the first section 30 in
the above-floor cleaning position the handle 23 is positioned at a
convenient location for a user to manoeuvre the suction wand 22 to
vacuum above the floor. FIG. 1 shows the first section 30 in the
floor cleaning position and the third section 34 in the retracted
position, and FIG. 2 shows the first section 30 in the above-floor
cleaning position and the third section 34 in the extended
position. It should be noted that in FIG. 1 only a nozzle structure
36 of the third section 34, on which the suction nozzle 28 is
provided, is visible in FIG. 1. The third section 34 being
retracted when the vacuum cleaner 2 is in the floor cleaning mode
can improve the manoeuvrability of the vacuum cleaner, and the
third section being extended when the vacuum cleaner is in the
above-floor cleaning mode can increase the reach of the suction
wand 22, as discussed in more detail below.
[0094] As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the second section 32 of
the suction wand 22 is elongate, defining a first end 38 and a
second end 40. As also shown in this figure, when the suction wand
22 is attached to the main body 24, it is positioned so that its
first end 38 projects generally away from the mounting point 14 of
the cleaner head 10 (and thus projects away from the cleaner head
when this is mounted to the mounting point). In this particular
embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner 2 is in the storage mode (and
the suction wand 22 is attached to the main body 24) the suction
wand is positioned generally upright with its first end 38
uppermost.
[0095] The first, second and third sections 30, 32, 34 of the
suction wand 22 of this embodiment are arranged telescopically with
respect to one another in that the three sections are `nested`
partially or fully within one another. In this case, the third
section 30 is positioned radially outwards of the second section 32
(relative to the longitudinal axis of the second section), and the
third 34 section is positioned radially inwards of the second
section 32. However, the nozzle structure 36 of the third section
is radially enlarged and extends radially beyond the second section
(in a manner similar to how the eye-piece of a collapsible
telescope projects outwards beyond the adjacent segment).
[0096] A cross-section of the suction wand, at position `A` in FIG.
1, is shown in FIG. 3. From this figure it can be seen that both
the second and third sections 32, 34 are hollow in cross section,
having a central void 42. They are therefore both generally tubular
in shape (as is the first section 30 if one discounts the handle
23, but this is not visible in FIG. 3). In the above-floor cleaning
mode of the vacuum cleaner 2, the central voids 42 of the three
sections co-operatively provides a path by which dirty air entering
the suction nozzle 28 can pass along the wand 22 and into the hose
26.
[0097] As is also shown in FIG. 3, the second and third sections
32, 34 are generally D-shaped in cross section, each having a
generally flat wall 44 and an arcuate wall 46. In this case the
arcuate wall 46 of each section 32, 34 takes the form of a major
sector of a hollow cylinder. This non-circular shape provides a
high inner volume for air to flow, while being non-circular so that
relative rotation of the sections 32, 34 is limited. The first
section 30 has a generally D-shaped aperture (not shown), which
receives the second section 32, for the same reasons.
[0098] FIG. 3 also shows an additional tube 48, positioned radially
inward of the third section 34. This tube 48 is fixed relative to
the second section, and increases the structural support offered to
the third section 34 (since the second section 32 supports the
third section from the outside, and the tube 48 supports it from
the inside). The tube 48 also improves the sealing between the
second and third sections 32, 34, so less air outside the wand 22
can be sucked into the wand between these sections (which would
reduce the flow rate of air drawn into the wand through the suction
nozzle, thereby reducing dust entrainment and thus cleaning
performance).
[0099] In this particular embodiment, the floor cleaning position
of the first section 30 is located at the first end 38 of the
second section 32, and the above-floor cleaning position of the
first section is located at the second end 40 of the second
section. Further, in this embodiment the third section 34 extends
and retracts with respect to the first end 38 of the second section
32.
[0100] As will be apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2, changing the vacuum
cleaner 2 between modes involves moving both the first section 30
and the third section 34 relative to the second section 32. In this
particular case, changing from the floor cleaning mode to the
above-floor cleaning mode involves moving the first section 30 to
the above-floor cleaning position by moving it from the first end
38 of the second section 32 to the second end 40, and extending the
third section 34. Similarly, in this case changing from the
above-floor cleaning mode to the floor cleaning mode involves
moving the first section 30 to the floor cleaning position by
moving it from the second end 40 of the second section 32 to the
first end 38, and retracting the third section 34.
[0101] In the present invention, movement of the first section 30
towards one of the floor cleaning and above-floor cleaning
positions, and extension or retraction of the third section 34, is
coupled by a linkage. This will be discussed in more detail below
with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, which show cross sections of the
suction wand 22 with the vacuum cleaner 2 in the floor cleaning and
above-floor cleaning positions respectively, and FIG. 6 which shows
the two ends of the second section 32 in more detail but does not
show the first section 30.
[0102] The linkage 50 of this embodiment comprises an elongate
flexible member 52, which in this embodiment takes the form of a
woven polymer belt in a continuous loop, and two pulley points 54a,
54b provided on the second section 32. In this embodiment, the
elongate flexible member 52 has a first portion 56a which runs
between mounting points 57, 59 on the first and third sections 30,
34 respectively, around one of the pulley points 54a. It also has
and a second portion 56b which runs between the mounting points 57,
59 of first and third sections 30, 34 around the other of the
pulley points 54b. In this case, each of the pulley points 54a, 54b
takes the form of a plain axle formed by a pin 58a, 58b embedded in
the second section 32, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the
second section (which is vertical in FIGS. 4 to 6), so as to form
an edge of an aperture 60a, 60b through which the associated
portion 56a, 56b of the elongate flexible member 52 passes. As
shown most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 6, the belt 52 runs along the
second section 32, both on its outside and on its inside, between
the pivot points 54b. In this case the belt 52 is provided on (and
in this case runs through) the flat wall 44 of the second
section.
[0103] As outlined below, the linkage 50 of this embodiment couples
movement of the first and third sections 30, 34 in several
different (mutually complementary) ways. In other embodiments,
however, the linkage may couple movement of these sections in only
one or some of the ways discussed below, and/or in one or more
different ways which are not discussed in relation to this
embodiment.
[0104] In the present embodiment, the linkage 50 is configured to
couple movement of the first section 30 towards the above-floor
cleaning position, and extension of the third section 34. In other
words, extending the third section 34 (for instance by hand)
results in movement of the first section 30 towards the above-floor
cleaning position, or moving the first section 30 towards the
above-floor cleaning position results in extension of the third
section 34. In this particular embodiment, both of the above are
true--the linkage is configured both to translate movement of the
first section 30 towards the above-floor cleaning position into
extension of the third section 34, and to translate extension of
the third section 34 into movement of the first section 30 towards
the above-floor cleaning position. In other words, either one of
the first and third sections 30, 34 can be moved by moving the
other one.
[0105] In this embodiment, the above functionality is provided by
the first portion 56a of the belt 52 in conjunction with the
corresponding pulley point 54a. If a user moves the first section
30 towards the above-floor cleaning position (downwards from the
perspective of FIGS. 4-6), this applies tension to the first
portion 56a of the belt 52. The first portion 56a transmits this
tension around the pulley point 54a and to the third section 34,
pulling the third section towards the extended position (upwards
from the perspective of FIGS. 4-6). Similarly, if a user extends
the third section 34 this applies tension to the first portion 56a
of the belt 52. This tension is transmitted by the first portion
56a around the pulley point 54a and to the first section 30,
pulling the first section towards the above-floor cleaning
position.
[0106] In addition to the above, in this embodiment the linkage 50
is also configured to couple movement of the first section 30
towards the floor cleaning position, and retraction of the third
section 34. In other words, moving the first section 30 towards the
floor cleaning position results in retraction of the third section
34, or retracting the third section 34 results in movement of the
first section 30 towards the floor cleaning position. In this
particular embodiment, both of the above are true--the linkage is
configured both to translate movement of the first section 30
towards the floor cleaning position into retraction of the third
section 34, and to translate retraction of the third section 34
into movement of the first section 30 towards the floor cleaning
position.
[0107] In the present embodiment, this functionality is provided by
the second portion 56b of the elongate flexible member 52 in
conjunction with pulley point 54b. If a user moves the first
section 30 towards the floor cleaning position (upwards from the
perspective of FIGS. 4-6), this pulls on the second portion 56n of
the belt 52, which transmits this tension around the pulley point
54b and pulls the third section towards the retracted position
(downwards from the perspective of FIGS. 4-6). Similarly, if a user
retracts the third section 34, this pulls on the second portion 56b
of the belt 52 which transmits tension around the pulley point 54a
and pulls the first section 30 towards the floor cleaning
position.
[0108] It is noteworthy that in this embodiment, the third section
34 can be both extended and retracted by moving the first section
30 between the floor cleaning and above-floor cleaning positions in
both directions (i.e. in this case the third section can be both
extended by moving the first section towards the above-floor
cleaning position, and retracted by moving the first section
towards the floor cleaning mode). It is also of note that in this
case the first section 30 can be moved between the floor cleaning
and above-floor cleaning positions in both directions by both
extending and retracting the third section 34 (i.e. in this case
the first section can be moved towards the floor cleaning position
by retracting the third section 34, and moved towards the
above-floor cleaning position by extending the third section). In
summary, in this particular embodiment the linkage 50 is configured
to translate movement of the first section 30 towards the floor
cleaning position into retraction of the third section 34; movement
of the first section 30 towards the above-floor cleaning position
into extension of the third section 34; retraction of the third
section 34 into movement of the first section 30 towards the floor
cleaning position; and extension of the third section 34 into
movement of the first section 30 towards the above-floor cleaning
position.
[0109] It will be apparent from the above that in the present
embodiment, the linkage 50 is configured to translate movement of
one of the first and third sections 30, 34 in one direction
relative to the second section 32, and movement of the other of the
first and third sections in the opposite direction. In the present
embodiment, this means that extending the third section 34 moves
the first section in the opposite direction (or vice versa). The
distance between the handle 23 and the suction nozzle 28 is
therefore increased, meaning that the `reach` of the suction wand
22 is increased when the vacuum cleaner is in the above-floor
cleaning mode (i.e. when the wand 22 is being used to reach into
remote locations).
[0110] As shown most clearly in FIGS. 4 and 6, the elongate
flexible member 52 runs along the longitudinal axis of the second
section 32, through substantially the entire length of the second
section. This can advantageously increase the range of motion of
the components connected thereto (i.e. the first and third sections
30, 34 in this case). For instance, if the flexible elongate member
52 only ran along half the length of the second section 32 then the
first section 30 could only move half way along the second section
and the third section 34 could only extend half as far (in the
absence of a relatively complex gearing arrangement or the like).
In the present embodiment the elongate flexible member 52 always
runs along substantially the entire length of the second section
32, because the elongate flexible member is a continuous loop and
does not change absolute position relative to the second section
32. In other embodiments, however, for instance where the elongate
flexible member has a hairpin-type shape the ends of which move up
and down the second section so as to move the first and third
sections, the elongate flexible member may only run along a
particular length of the second section in some positions.
[0111] In the vacuum cleaner 2 of this embodiment, the suction wand
22 can be retracted relative to the main body 24 while attached
thereto. This reduces the vertical height of the vacuum cleaner 2
when in the storage mode, enabling the vacuum cleaner to be stored
in smaller spaces. More particularly, the second section 32 of the
suction wand 22 is movable relative to the main body 24 between an
extended position in which substantially its entire length projects
from the hose 26, and a retracted position in which it a portion of
it (in this case around two thirds of its length) is received
within the hose. The second section 32 is shown in the extended
position relative to the main body 24 in FIG. 1, and is shown in
the retracted position relative to the main body in FIG. 7. The
relative positions of the second section 32 and the hose 26 when
the second section is in the retracted position is more clear in
FIG. 8, which is a cross-section showing only the suction wand 22,
the hose 26 and the spine 6.
[0112] Since in the present embodiment the second section 32 of the
suction wand 22 is received inside the hose 26, this places an
additional design constraint on the second section 32 (and thus on
the components which must interact with the second section). In the
present case, the internal diameter of the hose 26 is 32 mm, and
therefore the outer diameter of the second section 32 (or at least
the part which is receivable within the hose) must not exceed 32
mm. Referring back to FIG. 3, the belt 52 being provided on the
flat wall 44 of the second section 32 is beneficial in this regard.
The second section can have a notional diameter of 32 mm about most
of its circumference (or slightly less, to allow a slight clearance
to allow easy sliding movement, and to allow for manufacturing
variation), so as to maximise airflow through the void 42. The
presence of the flat wall 44, however, provides space on the
outside of the second section for the belt 52 to run, without
exceeding 32 mm in diameter and rubbing against the hose 26. To
give the belt 52 extra protection from any potential contact with
the hose 26, the belt runs between a pair of protective ribs 62. A
further pair of ribs 64 are provided on the inside of the second
section 32, to protect the belt 52 from abrasion from the third
section 34.
[0113] It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the
above described embodiment may be made without departing from the
scope of invention as defined in the appended claims. For instance,
whilst the above embodiment utilises a rolling support assembly, in
other embodiments the weight of the vacuum cleaner may be borne
entirely by the cleaner head, by a support assembly provided with
skids rather than wheels or rollers, or in any other suitable way.
Similarly, although in the above embodiment the third section is
extended in the above-floor cleaning mode, so as to increase the
reach of the wand, other embodiments may function differently. For
instance, in some embodiments the third section may be extended
when in the floor cleaning mode, and retracted when in the
above-floor cleaning mode so that the wand is more manoeuvrable
inside cupboards and underneath furniture.
[0114] Whilst in the above embodiment the two positions of the
first section are at different ends of the second section, in other
embodiments the two positions may take another form. Indeed,
although it is preferred for the two positions of the first section
to be different locations on the second section, in other
embodiments this may not be the case. FIGS. 9A and 9B show
schematic representations of another embodiment of the invention,
where the first section 30' moves between floor cleaning and
above-floor cleaning positions while staying at the same location
on the second section 32' Corresponding features are given the same
reference numeral, followed by a single prime. In this embodiment,
to change from the floor cleaning mode (shown in FIG. 9A) to the
above-floor cleaning mode (shown in FIG. 9B), the first section 30'
is rotated 180 degrees relative to the second section 32' about an
axis B that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the
second section 32'. The linkage in this embodiment may take the
form of a pinion gear which is rotatable with the third section
about the axis B, which is meshed with a toothed rack positioned on
the third section 34'.
[0115] Furthermore, in embodiments where moving the first section
between positions does involve moving the third section between
locations on the second section, the first and third sections need
not travel in opposite directions. Indeed, in some embodiments the
first and third sections may travel in the same direction. FIGS.
10A and 10B show schematic representations of such an embodiment of
the invention. Corresponding features are given the same reference
numeral, followed by a double prime. In this case, to change from
the floor cleaning mode (shown in FIG. 10A) to the above-floor
cleaning mode (shown in FIG. 10B) the first section 30'' is moved
in the same direction as that in which the third section 34''
extends. Moving the handle 23'' in the direction in which the third
section 34'' is to move may be particularly intuitive for some
users. The linkage in this embodiment may take the form of toothed
racks provided on the first and third sections 30'', 34'' which
interact through a set of gears provided therebetween, those gears
being arranged so as to `gear up` the motion of the third section
so that a small movement of the first section results in a larger
movement of the third section.
[0116] Whilst the first embodiment of the invention utilises a
flexible elongate member in the form of a continuous loop, other
embodiments may have a flexible elongate member which is a
substantially continuous loop but which has one or more breaks in
it. For instance, such a substantially continuous loop may be
formed from two separate strips, the two strips being connected to
one another via small portions of the first and third sections so
that they co-operatively function in the same way as a continuous
loop. Further, in other embodiments with a flexible elongate member
that member may not be in the shape of a loop at all. For instance,
an embodiment may have the same general structure as the first
embodiment but may only have a flexible elongate member in the
shape of the first section (whereupon the ability to move either
the first or third section in either direction by moving the other
section would no longer be provided).
[0117] For the avoidance of doubt, the optional and/or preferred
features described above may be utilised in any suitable
combinations, and in particular in the combinations set out in the
appended claims. Features described in relation to one aspect of
the invention may also be applied to another aspect of the
invention, where appropriate.
* * * * *