SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus having a body (12), a primary air inlet (70), a first wheel (14), preferably the first wheel being positioned at or near a first end of the body, and a second wheel (16), preferably the second wheel being positioned at or near a second end of the body, a source of suction, and a chamber (100) for receiving dirt, which chamber is in fluid communication with the primary air inlet (70). The primary air inlet (70) is moveable relative to the body (12).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase of International Application PCT/GB2014/050313, filed Feb. 4, 2014, which claims priority to U.K. Patent Application No. 1319372.7, filed Nov. 1, 2013 and to U.K. Patent Application No. 1401002.9, filed Jan. 21, 2014, the entire contents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus which utilises a source of suction to draw dirt etc. from a surface being cleaned and to store said dirt in a chamber which can be emptied by a user. Such surface cleaning apparatus are often referred to a “vacuum cleaners”.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a surface cleaning apparatus having:

a body;

a primary air inlet;

a first wheel, preferably the first wheel being positioned at or near a first end of the body; and

a second wheel, preferably the second wheel being positioned at or near a second end of the body,

a source of suction; and

a chamber for receiving dirt, which chamber is in fluid communication with the primary air inlet;

wherein the primary air inlet is moveable relative to the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a yet further perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a primary air inlet shown in a first position;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a primary air inlet shown in a second, central, position; and

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a primary air inlet shown in a third position;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures, these show a first embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 10. In short, the apparatus 10 includes a body 12, a first wheel 14 positioned at a first end of the body 12 and a second wheel 16 positioned at an opposite, second, end of the body 12. The wheels are rotatable about a respective wheel axis. The body 12 is generally cylindrical and has a generally elongate axis A which extends lengthwise of the body 12 between the wheels 14, 16.

The body 12 is shaped such that an exterior surface thereof is generally concave, with the exterior surface extending circumferentially around the axis A. In more detail, in this particular embodiment the body 12 has a central region C with respective side portions R, L which sit between the central region C and each of the wheels 14, 16. It can be seen from the figures that a radius Y of each of the portions R, L increases as the exterior surface of that portion extends from the central region C towards each wheel 14, 16. In other words, the portions R, L flare outwardly as they extend towards the wheels 14, 16.

It will be appreciated that the shape of the body 12 ensures that there is a generally concave portion provided on a floor facing portion of the exterior surface of the body 12, which provides a space S when the apparatus is positioned on a floor surface F with both wheels 14, 16 contacting the floor surface F.

Whilst in the present example the body 12 is generally symmetrical about a plane which extends transversely through the central portion C, the axis A, the cable rewind device 170 and the primary air inlet 70, it should be appreciated that other shapes of the body 12 could be utilised without departing from the scope of the present invention. It need not be the case that the exterior surface of the body 12 is generally symmetrical about the axis A. For example, the body 12 could be shaped such that a space S is provided between the body and the floor surface F whilst an upwardly facing surface of the body 12 is not provided with any concave portion or the like (it could be convex, for example). In this particular example it is beneficial for the radius of the ground engaging surfaces of the first and second wheels 14, 16 to be greater than the largest width of the body when measured transversely of the axis A. This ensures that the body does not foul the floor surface F when the apparatus is in use.

The body 12 houses a suction motor 140, suction fan 150, a cyclonic separator device 110 and a chamber 100 for receiving and storing dirt. The position and shape of these component parts and their interaction will be discussed in more detail later. The body 12 is made out of a plastics material such as poly carbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The material is opaque but it could also be made of a translucent or transparent material to permit a visual indication for the user of the level of dirt within the chamber 100. The wheels are made of a rubber material. Embodiments are envisaged where a further, second, or even third cyclonic separator device is provided. In addition, a multi-cyclonic device may be provided in the apparatus.

Each wheel is provided as an annular member which is supported for rotation by a generally circular exterior surface of a part 15, 17 of the body. In other words, the parts 15, 17 of the body provide a race which supports the annular wheel member 14, 16 and permits it to rotate smoothly about its axis. Alternative configurations of the wheel could be utilised without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, one or both wheels 14, 16 could be mounted for rotation on a common axle or respective axles which is/are connected to the body.

Whilst in the present embodiment the wheels 14, 16 are rotatable about axes which are coaxial with each other and coaxial with the axis A of the body 12, this need not be the case. For example, embodiments are envisaged where the rotational axes of the wheels are offset from the axis A. Embodiments are also envisaged where the rotational axes of the first and second wheels are neither coaxial with each other nor parallel with each other. For example, the rotational axes of the wheels 14, 16 maybe inclined relative to the axis A of the body.

Furthermore, whilst in the present embodiment the wheels 14, 16 are positioned at opposite ends of the body 12, embodiments of the invention are envisaged where the wheels are positioned closer towards each other. In such embodiments, it is also envisaged that a respective portion of the body may extend laterally past each wheel, such that each wheel is positioned inwardly from the opposite ends of the body.

It can be seen from the figures that the apparatus 10 includes a handle 18 which is connected to the body 12 at the end of the body 12 which supports the wheel 16. The user graspable handle 18 is connected to the body 12 through the opening provided by the configuration of the annular wheel member 16. This permits a user to move the apparatus 10 to a desired location. For example, the handle 18 permits the user to stand the apparatus 10 on the end of the apparatus 10 which supports the wheel 14 such that the axis A of the body is substantially vertical. For example, this configuration may be utilised when a user is using the apparatus for cleaning a flight of stairs, or when storing the apparatus.

As can be seen from the figures the handle 18 extends diametrically across the end of the body 12 through the axis A of the body and the handle is smaller than a diameter of the exterior surface of the wheel 16. This ensures that the handle 18 does not foul the floor surface F when the apparatus is being moved along the floor surface F.

In the present example the handle 18 is moveable between stored (shown in FIG. 3) and operable positions. In the operable position the handle 18 is moved outwardly away from the wheel 16 under the biasing of springs 18a.

As shown in FIG. 1 the apparatus 10 includes a tool 22 for engaging a floor surface and a conduit/hose 20 connecting the floor tool 22 to the body 12. These components are well known in the art of such cleaners and thus will not be described in further detail.

The conduit 20 includes a flexible section which is releasably connectable to a primary air inlet 70 of the apparatus. The primary air inlet 70 is positioned substantially midway between the first and second wheels 14, 16 (and thus between the first and second ends of the body) and in normal use extends vertically downwardly through an exterior surface of a body and into an interior of the body 12. In this embodiment the primary air inlet 70 includes a formation having an electrical connection for providing power to the floor tool 22, although that is not essential.

In this embodiment, the primary air inlet 70 is moveable relative to the body 12. In particular, the primary air inlet 70 is angularly moveable by virtue of being pivotally connected to the body 12. It should be appreciated, however, that embodiments are envisaged where the primary air inlet is laterally moveable either in isolation or in addition to being angularly and/or pivotally moveable. In this embodiment, a lower portion of the primary air inlet 70 is received in a recess 12a in the body 12, and is pivotally connected to the body with a connection position within the recess 12a.

The primary air inlet 70 is configured for movement in a plane which intersects the elongate axis A of the body 12 (and thus the axis of rotation of the wheels 14, 16). In alternative embodiments the primary air inlet 70 may be configured for movement in a plane which lies close to the elongate axis A of the body 12. In alternative embodiments the primary air inlet 70 may be configured for movement in a plane which intersects or lies close to an axis of one or both wheels (e.g. where such axis is not coaxial with the axis of the body).

The primary air inlet 70 is fluidly connected to the inlet 72 of the cyclonic separator 110 by way of a flexible conduit 73, which is substantially hidden from view. The conduit 73 is positioned within the body 12 of the apparatus. The flexible conduit 73 in this example is of the corrugated type (although a simplified illustration is shown in the drawings), but other flexible conduits are envisaged. The conduit 73 extends away from the primary air inlet 70 in a direction towards the wheel 14. The flexible characteristics of the conduit 73 means that movement of the primary air inlet 70 is not restricted and that a fluid-tight conduit is provided between the inlet 70 and the cyclonic separator 110 during use, irrespective of the position of the inlet 70.

The primary air inlet 70 is moveable between a first position (see FIG. 5) in which an axis P of the inlet 70 is angled towards the first wheel 14, and a second position (see FIG. 7) in which the axis P of the inlet 70 is angled towards the second wheel 16. In FIG. 6 a third position of the inlet 70 is shown which lies midway between the first and second positions. In this third position, the axis P of the inlet 70 is substantially perpendicular to the axis A of the body 12 and wheels 14, 16.

Embodiments are envisaged wherein the primary air inlet is biased to the third position, e.g. by way of a spring or the like. Whilst in the present embodiment the primary air inlet 70 is moveable in a single plane, embodiments are envisaged where the inlet 70 is more freely moveable. For example, the inlet 70 may be moveable transversely relative to the axis of the body. For example, the inlet 70 may be moveable in a manner similar to that of a universal joint, e.g. 360° of movement, though the utilisation of a universal joint, ball joint or the like.

The cyclonic separator device 110 in the present example is a “throw-off” separator, the operation of which is well known in the art. The separator device 110 has a tangential inlet 72 into a generally cylindrical chamber 112, which has an axis coaxial with axis A. A dirt outlet 113 is positioned peripherally at one end of the chamber 112 (the end closest the wheel 14), and the device 110 also includes an air outlet 114, which is also generally cylindrical with apertures 115 through which air passes in a direction of arrow 116 (coaxial with axis A) to a post separator filter device.

The chamber 112 sits within the chamber 100 for receiving dirt and the dirt outlet 113 is in fluid communication with the chamber 100 so that dirt can pass therethrough and into the chamber 100.

Positioned within the body 12 is a suction motor 140 which has a rotor 141 driveably connected to a suction fan 150. These component parts are positioned along the axis A of the body 12 and, when powered, provide a suitable source of suction in order to draw air through the primary air inlet 70, first cyclonic separation device 110 and filter 90. Positioned around the suction motor 140 (near the wheel 16) is a post-motor filter 160. Air passes through this further filter 160 and apertures that end of the body 12 to atmosphere.

The apparatus 10 also includes a cable storage device 170 for storing electrical cable 68 for providing power to the suction motor 140. In the present example the cable storage device 170 is positioned in between the filter 90 and the suction motor 140 and includes an annularly shaped moveable part 171 which is rotatable about the axis A. In the present example the cable storage device 170 includes means for biasing the cable 68 to be pulled into an interior of the body 12 such that the cable is coiled around the annular part 171. A free end of the cable 68 is connected to a plug 69 which, when the cable 68 is fully stored, is at least partially received in a recess 67 in the body 12.

Whilst in the present example the cable storage device 170 is rotatable about an axis which is coaxial with the elongate axis A of the body, it need not be so. It could be parallel with an axis which is offset from the rotational axis A. In addition, whist the rotational axis of the cable storage device 170 is coaxial with the rotational axis of the wheels 14, 16, it could be parallel to those axes or indeed inclined relative thereto.

Also, whilst the cable storage device 170 includes means for biasing the cable 68 to be drawn into the interior of the body 12, embodiments are envisaged which include a manually operable means for winding the cable 68 into the body 12. For example there could be a handle accessible outside of the body 12 which a user moves so as to rotate the annular member 171 so as to wind the cable into the interior of the body 12.

Advantageously, the apparatus 10 includes a plurality of deflector members 41, 42 connected to the body 12. The purpose of the deflector members 41, 42 is to provide protection to the body 12 and also to assist a user in manoeuvring the apparatus whilst cleaning. The deflector members 41, 42 advantageously assist the user in manoeuvring the apparatus past fixed objects e.g. door frames, chairs, tables.

User operable controls 50-53 are provided in recesses within the deflector members 42. The positioning of the user operable controls 51-53 in this location ensures that they are somewhat protected from any damage as a result of collisions between the apparatus and fixed objects.

In the present example the user operable control 51 is pivotally moveable to control the opening of a lid 19 to the bin 100. The user operable control 53 is the power button for providing electrical connection between a mains supply and the suction motor 140. The user operable control 52 controls the automatic rewind function of the cable rewind device 170. It should be appreciated that other user operable controls could be provided within the spaces or recesses in the deflective members 42. Whilst no user operable controls are provided in the corresponding spaces in the deflector members 41 they could be provided if desired as an alternative or addition to the members 51-53.

Embodiments of apparatus are envisaged which do not include a cyclonic separator, but instead utilise a receptacle, bag or the like for collecting dirt which is supported within the chamber 100. In addition, embodiments are envisaged which do not include a cable storage device, although it is desirable for the apparatus to be provided with such a device in order to ensure compact storage of the electrical cable 68.

Whilst in the above examples a “dry” apparatus is taught, it should be appreciated that the apparatus could be modified to be a “wet” system, i.e. utilising a source of cleaning fluid within the apparatus which is applied to the floor surface before being sucked back in to a chamber within the body.

In each of the embodiments the chamber is capable of receiving dirt, which definition encompasses either directly receiving dirt or there being a bag or the like supported within the chamber which itself collects dirt.

The axis of the body is a generally elongate axis thereof which in this example extends lengthwise of the apparatus between the first and second wheels.

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.

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.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning apparatus having:

a body;

a primary air inlet;

a first wheel, preferably the first wheel being positioned at or near a first end of the body; and

a second wheel, preferably the second wheel being positioned at or near a second end of the body,

a source of suction; and

a chamber for receiving dirt, which chamber is in fluid communication with the primary air inlet;

wherein the primary air inlet is pivotally moveable relative to the body and at least a portion of the primary air inlet is received in a recess in the body.

2. (canceled)

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the primary air inlet is laterally moveable relative to the body.

4. (canceled)

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the primary air inlet is moveable between a first position in which an axis of the inlet is angled towards the first wheel, and a second position in which an axis of the inlet is angled towards the second wheel.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein when the primary air inlet is in a third position, between the first and second positions, an axis of the inlet is substantially perpendicular to an axis of the body.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein when the primary air inlet is in a third position, between the first and second positions, an axis of the inlet is substantially perpendicular to an axis of one or both wheels.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the primary air inlet is biased to a third position which is substantially midway between its first and second positions.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the fluid communication between the primary air inlet and the chamber for receiving dirt is provided by way of a flexible conduit.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the flexible conduit is of the corrugated type.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the conduit extends in a direction towards one of the wheels.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the primary air inlet is connected to or is connectable to a floor tool via a conduit/hose/wand or the like.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the primary air inlet includes a formation for the releasable connection of a conduit/hose/wand or the like for connection to a floor tool.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the formation includes an electrical connection for providing power to a floor tool.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the body has an elongate axis.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the primary air inlet is moveable in a plane which intersects the elongate axis of the body.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the primary air inlet is moveable in a plane which lies close to the elongate axis of the body.

18. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the primary air inlet is moveable in a plane which intersects an axis of one or both wheels.

19. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the primary air inlet is moveable in a plane which lies close to an axis of one or both wheels.

20. (canceled)

21. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the body has first and second end, which are substantially opposite each other, and wherein the primary air inlet is positioned substantially midway between the first and second ends.

22. (canceled)

23. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the primary air inlet extends through a generally upwardly facing exterior surface of the body.

24. (canceled)

25. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the body is generally cylindrical and wherein a portion of the body positioned in between a central region of the body and each end and/or wheel of the body has a radius which increases as it extends towards each end and/or wheel.

26.-42. (canceled)