US20210204768A1 - Vacuum cleaner assembly - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210204768A1 US20210204768A1 US17/131,216 US202017131216A US2021204768A1 US 20210204768 A1 US20210204768 A1 US 20210204768A1 US 202017131216 A US202017131216 A US 202017131216A US 2021204768 A1 US2021204768 A1 US 2021204768A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum cleaner
- battery
- handheld
- upright
- upright frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/225—Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/24—Hand-supported suction cleaners
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
- A47L9/2884—Details of arrangements of batteries or their installation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/32—Handles
- A47L9/322—Handles for hand-supported suction cleaners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/32—Handles
- A47L9/325—Handles for wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly.
- the present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner and a handheld accessory.
- the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner, a handheld accessory, and a battery.
- the upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head, an upright frame, and a first battery mount.
- the upright frame is pivotably connected to the cleaning head.
- the first battery mount is connected to at least one of the upright frame or the cleaning head.
- the handheld accessory includes a secondary battery mount.
- the handheld accessory is removably coupled to the upright frame.
- the battery removably couples to the first battery mount to power the upright vacuum cleaner and removably couples to the second battery mount to power the handheld accessory.
- the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner, a handheld accessory, and a battery.
- the upright vacuum cleaner includes a first battery mount.
- the handheld accessory includes a second battery mount.
- the handheld accessory is removably coupled to the upright vacuum cleaner.
- the battery removably couples to the first battery mount and removably couples to the second battery mount.
- the battery powers only the upright vacuum cleaner when the battery is coupled to the first battery mount.
- the battery powers only the handheld accessory when the battery is coupled to the second battery mount.
- the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner and a handheld accessory.
- the upright vacuum cleaner includes a first motor and a first battery connection terminal.
- the first battery connection terminal electrically couples the first motor to a battery.
- the handheld accessory is removably coupled to the upright vacuum cleaner.
- the handheld accessory includes a second motor and a second battery connection terminal.
- the second battery connection terminal electrically couples the second motor to a battery.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner assembly, according to embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 1 with the handheld accessory and the battery exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner assembly taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 1 with the handheld accessory, adapter, and battery exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner and an optional handle shaft exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the adapter of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation view of the adapter of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 1 with an additional battery.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the handheld accessory of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the handheld accessory of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the handheld accessory taken along line 11 - 11 of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the dirt cup of the handheld accessory of FIG. 1 with the shroud exploded therefrom.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a rear elevation view of the dirt cup of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of another embodiment of a handheld accessory of the vacuum cleaner assembly of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the filter access door in a closed position with the latch disengaged from the housing of the handheld accessory of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates the detailed perspective view of FIG. 16 with the filter access door partially removed from the housing.
- FIG. 18 illustrates the detailed perspective view of FIG. 16 with the filter access door completely removed from the housing.
- FIG. 19 illustrates a detailed and partially sectioned perspective view of the handheld accessory of FIG. 15 with the filter access door removed.
- FIG. 20 illustrates the detailed and partially sectioned perspective view of FIG. 19 with the filter removed from the housing.
- FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the handheld accessory of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of the handheld accessory of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the dirt cup of the handheld accessory of FIG. 15 with the shroud exploded therefrom.
- FIG. 24 illustrates a rear elevation view of the dirt cup of FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 25 - 25 of FIG. 23 .
- the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 includes an upright vacuum cleaner 102 , a handheld accessory 104 , and a battery 106 .
- the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 further includes an adapter 108 removably coupling the handheld accessory 104 to the upright vacuum cleaner 102 .
- the battery 106 is usable interchangeably between the vacuum cleaner 102 and the handheld accessory 104 . This interchangeability may allow a user to purchase/own only one battery 106 for multiple cleaning applications. Further, this interchangeability can reduce the overall weight of the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 , since only one battery 106 need be included.
- the upright vacuum cleaner 102 includes a cleaning head 110 , an upright frame 112 pivotably connected to the cleaning head 110 , and a dirt cup 114 .
- the upright frame 112 includes a pivot end 116 and a handheld end (or engagement end) 118 opposite the pivot end 116 .
- the cleaning head 110 is pivotably connected to the upright frame 112 adjacent the pivot end 116 .
- the upright frame 112 defines a longitudinal axis A 1 extending through the pivot end 116 and the handheld end 118 .
- the upright frame 112 also includes a leading surface 120 ( FIG. 1 ) and a trailing surface 122 ( FIG. 2 ) opposite the leading surface 120 .
- the leading surface 120 is forward of the trailing surface 122 in a forward direction of the upright vacuum cleaner 102 during operation.
- the upright vacuum cleaner 102 further includes a first battery mount 124 .
- the first battery mount 124 is illustrated as being connected to the upright frame 112 , but the first battery mount 124 may alternatively be connected to the cleaning head 110 .
- the first battery mount 124 includes a first battery connection terminal 126 .
- the first battery mount 124 includes a plurality of first battery connection terminals 126 .
- the battery 106 is removably coupled to the first battery mount 124 .
- the battery 106 is slidably received on the first battery mount 124 in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A 1 of the upright frame 112 .
- the upright vacuum cleaner 102 further includes a first operating component as a first motor 128 .
- the first motor 128 drives a first impeller (not shown) to generate airflow.
- the first motor 128 may also be considered to be a first suction motor.
- the first motor 128 With the battery 106 coupled to the first battery mount 124 and electrically coupled to the first battery connection terminal 126 , the first motor 128 is electrically coupled to and powered by the battery 106 .
- a flow passage, or first airflow pathway, 130 passes through the cleaning head 110 and is in fluid communication with the dirt cup 114 .
- This flow passage 130 is isolated from the handheld accessory 104 .
- the first motor 128 creates suction to draw air and dirt through the flow passage 130 and into the dirt cup 114 .
- a dirt separator within the dirt cup 114 separates dirt and debris from the incoming air stream, collects the separated dirt within a dirt collection chamber, and directs the clean air to the motor 128 , from which it will be exhausted to ambient.
- the dirt separator is a cyclonic dirt separator.
- the dirt cup 114 is removable and includes a bottom door that is selectively openable by pivoting to empty the debris from the dirt collection chamber when the dirt collection chamber is full.
- the upright vacuum cleaner 102 further includes a connection post 132 coupled to the upright frame 112 .
- the connection post 132 is integrally formed with the upright frame 112 .
- the connection post 132 is removably coupled to the upright frame 112 .
- the connection post 132 includes a proximal end 134 that is received within a connection opening 136 of the upright frame 112 .
- the connection post 132 further includes a distal end 138 that is opposite the proximal end 134 .
- the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 further includes a handle attachment 140 removably coupled to the upright vacuum cleaner 102 .
- the handle attachment 140 includes a handle 142 and a handle shaft 144 coupled to the handle 142 .
- the handle shaft 144 is removably coupled to the connection post 132 . In some embodiments, however, the handle shaft 144 is removably coupled to the upright frame 112 in the connection opening 136 .
- connection post 132 includes one or more fasteners to removably couple the connection post 132 to either the adapter 108 or the handle attachment 140 .
- the fasteners may include, for instance, one or more detent mechanisms. These fasteners pass through one or more through holes 146 defined in the connection post 132 .
- the adapter 108 is not removable from the connection post 132 and is integral with or otherwise fastened to the connection post 132 .
- the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 further includes the adapter 108 removably coupled to the upright vacuum cleaner 102 .
- the adapter 108 in some embodiments, is formed as a single unitary part.
- the adapter 108 is also removably coupled to the handheld accessory 104 .
- the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 is arranged such that only one of the handle shaft 144 and the adapter 108 is able to removably couple to the upright vacuum cleaner 102 at a time.
- the adapter 108 includes an adapter body having an upright vacuum cleaner engagement end 148 configured to connect the adapter 108 to a portion of the upright vacuum cleaner 102 .
- the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end 148 has a recess 150 defined therein.
- the recess 150 is sized to removably receive the distal end 138 of the connection post 132 .
- the adapter 108 further includes a handheld accessory engagement end 152 opposite the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end 148 .
- the handheld accessory engagement end 152 includes a projection 154 . Stated another way, the projection 154 is positioned opposite the recess 150 .
- a longitudinal axis A 2 of the adapter 108 extends through the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end 148 and the handheld accessory engagement end 152 .
- the recess 150 is open in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A 2 .
- the projection 154 also extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis A 2 .
- the longitudinal axis A 2 extends along longitudinal axis A 1 such that the projection 154 also extends away from the upright frame 112 along the longitudinal axis A 1 .
- at least a portion of the free end of the projection 154 is tapered.
- the adapter 108 further includes a peripheral wall 156 about the adaptor body between the handheld accessory engagement end 152 and the upright vacuum cleaner engagement end 148 surrounding the recess 150 and extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis A 2 .
- the peripheral wall 156 also includes a first peripheral wall portion 158 and a second peripheral wall portion 160 .
- the first peripheral wall portion 158 is longer along the longitudinal axis A 2 than the second peripheral wall portion 160 . This difference in lengths creates an angled recess 150 to match the contours of the upright frame 112 in the illustrated embodiment.
- the peripheral wall 156 further includes at least one aperture 162 defined therein.
- the at least one aperture 162 receives a fastener therethrough, thereby coupling the adapter 108 to the connection post 132 .
- a detent mechanism coupled to the connection post 132 at least partially occupies the aperture 162 when the adapter 108 is coupled to the connection post 132 .
- the peripheral wall 156 also has an adapter outer surface 164 .
- the adapter outer surface 164 is arranged in a stepped configuration relative to the projection 154 such that a shoulder 166 extends laterally between the projection 154 and the adapter outer surface 164 .
- the shoulder 166 surrounds the projection 154 in the illustrated embodiment. Also in the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the shoulder 166 is inclined relative to a direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 2 of the adapter 108 .
- the adapter 108 also includes a retainer member 168 .
- the retainer member 168 extends in a direction along the projection 154 .
- the retainer member 168 is aligned with the second peripheral wall portion 160 in a direction along the longitudinal axis A 2 of the adapter 108 .
- retainer member 168 extends parallel to the projection 154 .
- the retainer member 168 includes at least one tooth 170 extending toward the projection 154 .
- the retainer member 168 also includes a user-engageable actuator, such as a tab 172 . A user can engage the tab 172 or another user-engageable actuator to move the at least one tooth 170 away from the projection 154 , such as by sliding or pivoting movement.
- the retainer member 168 and the tooth 170 pivot away from the projection 154 together.
- the tooth 170 is movable relative to the retainer member 168 .
- the tab 172 extends in a direction away from the projection 154 .
- a gap 174 is defined between the tooth 170 and the projection 154 .
- User engagement to move the at least one tooth 170 away from the projection 154 widens the gap 174 .
- the tooth 170 moves against the force of a spring or other resilient member configured such that the spring presses the tooth 170 toward its rest or seated position.
- the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 further includes the handheld accessory 104 removably coupled to the upright frame 112 .
- the handheld accessory (illustrated as a handheld vacuum cleaner) 104 is coupled to the adapter 108 which, in turn, is coupled to the upright frame 112 .
- the handheld accessory 104 is coupled to the upright frame 112 nearer the handheld end 118 than the pivot end 116 .
- the handheld accessory 104 projects beyond the handheld end 118 of the upright frame 112 in a direction away from the pivot end 116 when the handheld accessory 104 is coupled to the upright frame 112 .
- the handheld accessory 104 includes a handle 176 having a grip portion. With the handheld accessory 104 coupled to the upright frame 112 , the handle 176 functions as the handle for the upright vacuum cleaner 102 . With the handheld accessory 104 removed from the upright frame, the handle 176 functions as the handle for the handheld accessory 104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 176 is a pistol grip style handle.
- the handheld accessory 104 further includes an elongate structural member 178 having a nozzle, or nozzle end, 180 .
- the handle 176 of the handheld accessory 104 is opposite the nozzle end 180 , and the handle 176 extends at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis A 3 of the elongate structural member 180 .
- the elongate structural member 178 includes a body portion 178 A that extends from the nozzle end 180 and a tang portion 178 B that extends from the body portion 178 A and into the grip portion of the handle 176 .
- the elongate structural member 178 is a continuous, unitary part.
- the handle 176 of the handheld accessory 104 extends along a direction that is at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A 3 . In some embodiments, the handle 176 extends along a direction that is at an angle between 10 and 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A 3 , and more particularly at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees. With the handheld accessory 104 connected to the upright frame 112 , the handle 176 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A 1 of the upright frame 112 . To connect the handheld accessory 104 to the adapter 108 , at least a portion of the projection 154 is removably received in the nozzle end 180 . As such, the nozzle 180 is substantially blocked when the handheld accessory 104 is coupled to the upright frame 112 .
- the retainer member 168 engages the handheld accessory 104 .
- the at least one tooth 170 engages the handheld accessory 104 by entering a corresponding cavity 182 defined in an elongate structural member outer surface 184 of the passage wall 186 of the elongate structural member 178 (shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the passage wall 186 extends from the nozzle end 180 , and at least a portion of the passage wall 186 includes a passage wall thickness 188 that is thicker than the gap 174 between the tooth 170 and the projection 154 . In the illustrated embodiment, this difference in thickness forces the at least one tooth 170 into engagement with the handheld accessory 104 .
- the at least one tooth 170 is forced into engagement with the handheld accessory 104 by a resilient member (such as a spring) or by flexing the retainer member 168 such that the retainer member 168 exhibits a return force.
- a resilient member such as a spring
- a user actuates the tab 172 to move the retainer member 168 , thereby disengaging the at least one tooth 170 from the handheld accessory 104 .
- the adapter 108 and the handheld accessory 104 are sized such that the adapter outer surface 164 is generally flush with the elongate structural member outer surface 184 . Stated another way, these surfaces 164 , 184 form a substantially tangential transition.
- the nozzle 180 is further angled in a manner that matches the incline of the shoulder 166 .
- the handheld accessory 104 further is coupled to the upright frame 112 such that the elongate structural member 178 is nearer the leading surface 120 than the trailing surface 122 .
- at least a portion of the elongate structural member outer surface 184 is substantially aligned with the leading surface 120 of the upright frame 112 . This continuity of surfaces between the upright frame 112 , the adapter 108 , and the handheld accessory 104 is aesthetically pleasing and functions to give the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 sturdiness and a sleek appearance.
- the handle 176 of the handheld accessory 104 functions as the handle for the upright vacuum cleaner 102
- forces applied to the handle 176 for manipulating the upright vacuum cleaner 102 are transferred through the elongate structural member 178 , the nozzle end 180 , and the adaptor 108 to the upright frame 112 .
- the novel improvement disclosed with the continuous elongate structural member 178 extending from the nozzle end 180 into the grip portion of the handle 176 and the projection 154 removably received in the nozzle end 180 is advantageous over prior art connections in providing a sturdy connection between the user-manipulable grip and the upright frame 112 while achieving a desired appearance.
- the assembled vacuum cleaner assembly 100 resembles a single upright vacuum cleaner with no accessories, while still offering a detachable handheld accessory 104 .
- the handheld accessory 104 further includes a second battery mount 190 .
- the second battery mount 190 is identical to the first battery mount 124 .
- the second battery mount 190 includes at least one second battery connection terminal 192 .
- the battery 106 removably couples to the second battery mount 190 to power at least one operating component of the handheld accessory 104 .
- the operating component may be, for example, a suction motor, brushroll motor, a pump, a valve, an actuator, a microprocessor, a controller, or other operating component.
- the battery 106 is slidably received on the second battery mount 190 in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A 3 of the elongate structural member 178 .
- the battery 106 is slidably received on the second battery mount 190 in a direction extending parallel with the longitudinal axis A 3 .
- the handheld accessory 104 also includes a second operating component as a second motor 194 .
- the second motor 194 drives a second impeller (not shown) to generate airflow.
- the second motor 194 may also be considered to be a second suction motor.
- the second motor 194 is electrically coupled to and powered by the battery 106 when the battery is coupled to the second battery mount 190 and electrically coupled to the at least one second battery connection terminal 192 .
- the battery 106 When the battery 106 is coupled to the first battery mount 124 , only the first motor 128 is electrically coupled to the battery 106 ; the second motor 194 receives no electric power. When the battery 106 is coupled to the second battery mount 190 , only the second motor 194 is electrically coupled to the battery 106 ; the first motor 128 receives no electric power. Stated another way, the battery 106 powers only one of the first motor 128 (when the battery 106 is coupled to the first battery mount 124 ) and the second motor 194 (when the battery 106 is coupled to the second battery mount 190 ) at a time, being interchangeable between the vacuum cleaner 102 and the handheld accessory 104 .
- a second battery 106 B is provided interchangeable with the battery 106 , and the first battery mount 124 and the second battery mount 190 are configured to receive one of the battery 106 and the second battery 106 B.
- Providing the second battery 106 B onboard interchangeable with the battery 106 gives the user the ability to exchange, for example, the second battery 106 B for the battery 106 when the battery 106 is depleted, extending the continuous operating time of the vacuum cleaner assembly 100 .
- providing the second battery 106 B onboard gives the user the ability to use both the upright vacuum cleaner 102 and the handheld accessory 104 without exchanging batteries 106 , 106 B.
- the second battery 106 B may essentially be a duplicate of the battery 106 having the same battery characteristics.
- the battery 106 has different characteristics than the second battery 106 B.
- the battery 106 may have a first battery capacity (e.g., 2 A-h), while the second battery 106 B may have a second battery capacity (e.g., 4 A-h).
- the characteristics may further be any of, or any combination of, voltage, current, resistance, number of cells, etc.
- the handheld accessory 104 further includes a second airflow pathway 196 in some embodiments.
- the second airflow pathway 196 is substantially blocked.
- the first airflow pathway 130 and the second airflow pathway 196 are separated and discrete from each other regardless of whether the handheld accessory 104 is coupled to the upright frame 112 .
- the handheld accessory 104 functions as a stand-alone device when removed from the adapter 108 (and/or upright frame 112 ) and when fitted with the battery 106 .
- the handheld accessory 104 is a handheld vacuum, but other embodiments may include alternative accessories.
- Such alternative accessories include a powered scrub brush, wherein the operating component is a brush motor or other operating component; a powered upholstery or stair cleaning tool, wherein the operating component is a brush motor, suction motor, or other operating component; a powered cleaning solution sprayer, wherein the operating component is a pump, a valve, or other operating component; a drill, wherein the operating component is a drill motor or other operating component; a flashlight, wherein the operating component is a light or other operating component; or any other power tool and operating component.
- a powered scrub brush wherein the operating component is a brush motor or other operating component
- a powered upholstery or stair cleaning tool wherein the operating component is a brush motor, suction motor, or other operating component
- a powered cleaning solution sprayer wherein the operating component is a pump, a valve, or other operating component
- a drill wherein the operating component is a drill motor or other operating component
- a flashlight wherein the operating component is a light or other operating component; or any other power tool and operating component.
- the handheld accessory 104 includes a housing 198 , the motor (or second motor) 194 , a filter access door 200 , a filter 202 , a dirt cup 204 , and a shroud 206 .
- the housing 198 includes a top 208 , a bottom 210 opposite the top 208 , a front 212 , and a rear 214 opposite the front 212 .
- the housing 198 further includes a motor chamber 216 defined therein, a dirty air inlet 218 defined by the nozzle end 180 at the front 212 of the housing 198 , the handle 176 positioned at the rear 214 of the housing 198 , a clean air outlet 222 defined therein, and the airflow pathway (or second airflow pathway) 196 fluidly connecting the dirty air inlet 218 with the clean air outlet 222 .
- the motor 194 is disposed in the motor chamber 216 and defines a motor axis A 4 .
- the filter access door 200 is removably coupled to the housing 198 and cooperates with the housing 198 to define a filter chamber 224 (shown best in FIG. 10 ).
- the filter 202 is disposed in the filter chamber 224 and defines a filter axis A 5 .
- the dirt cup 204 is movably coupled to the housing 198 and defines a dirt cup axis A 6 extending from a front 226 of the dirt cup 204 to a rear 228 of the dirt cup 204 .
- the motor axis A 4 , the filter axis A 5 , and the dirt cup axis A 6 extend parallel to each other, and generally extend along the longitudinal axis A 3 of the elongate structural member 178 .
- the motor axis A 4 and the filter axis A 5 extend coaxially.
- the shroud 206 includes a longitudinal axis A 7 that extends parallel to the dirt cup axis A 6 .
- the filter access door 200 is located below the filter axis A 5 such that the filter 202 is removable in a downward direction from the filter chamber 224 when the filter access door 200 is removed.
- the filter access door 200 includes a latch 230 with a user actuation portion 232 . Actuation of the user actuation portion 232 by a user causes the latch 230 to retract. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 230 translates upon actuation of the user actuation portion 232 .
- the filter access door 200 may further include a spring or another biasing member to bias the latch toward an extended position.
- the filter access door 200 further includes a catch 234 positioned opposite the latch 230 .
- the filter 202 is a cylindrical filter in the illustrated embodiment, in which air enters the filter radially from the peripheral surfaces into a central filter air path ( FIG. 11 ) along the filter axis A 5 .
- the central filter air path is disposed in fluid communication with the motor chamber 216 through a filter chamber outlet ( FIG. 10 ).
- the cylindrical filter 202 may be a pleated or non-pleated filter, and may be non-woven media, foam media, or other filter media, and in some embodiments may include combinations of two or more layers.
- the filter 202 is a planar filter disposed in the filter chamber 224 in the airflow path 196 transverse to the motor axis A 4 .
- the housing 198 further includes a filter access opening 236 that is exposed upon removal of the filer access door 200 .
- the housing 198 also includes a first ledge 238 adjacent the filter access opening 236 and a second ledge 240 adjacent the filter access opening 236 on an opposite side of the filter access opening 236 from the first ledge 238 .
- the catch 234 engages the first ledge 238 of the housing 198 .
- the latch 230 engages the second ledge 240 of the housing 198 .
- the user retracts the latch 230 and swings the filter access door 200 about at least a portion of the catch 234 . As such, the latch 230 travels along an arc R 1 .
- the filter access door 200 further includes at least one door filter support 242 .
- the housing 198 also includes at least one corresponding housing filter support 244 .
- the door filter support 242 and the housing filter support 244 are located in the filter chamber 224 when the filter access door 200 is coupled to the housing 198 .
- One or both of the door filter support 242 and the housing filter support 244 are provided to orient the filter 202 , and may be configured to hold the filter 202 , in position within the filter chamber 224 .
- the filter 202 is located directly upstream of the motor 194 (and a corresponding fan/impeller) when the filter 202 is in position.
- the second airflow pathway 196 enters the dirty air inlet 218 , which is located in the nozzle end 180 in some embodiments, travels through the elongate structural member 178 in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A 3 of the elongate structural member, turns and enters the dirt collection chamber 260 of the dirt cup 204 via the dirt cup inlet 256 , passes through the mesh screen 278 ( FIG. 12 ) of the shroud 206 , exits the dirt cup 204 via the dirt cup outlet 258 ( FIG. 12 ), enters the filter chamber 224 , passes through the filter 202 , enters the motor chamber 216 , and exits the clean air outlet 222 ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ) defined in the housing 198 .
- the housing 198 further includes the second battery mount (or battery mount) 190 .
- the battery mount 190 is disposed below the motor 194 . At least a portion of the battery mount 190 is also located on an opposite side of the filter access door 200 from the filter 202 . In an alternative embodiment, the battery mount 190 is positioned on the top 208 disposed above the motor 194 . Stated another way, in some embodiments at least a portion of the battery mount 190 is not located on an opposite side of the filter access door 200 from the filter 202 .
- the battery mount 190 includes an open end 246 , a closed end 248 opposite the open end 246 , and at least one battery connection terminal (second battery connection terminal) 192 .
- the at least one battery connection terminal 192 is positioned nearer the closed end 248 than the open end 246 .
- the battery mount 190 further includes a first rail 250 and a second rail 252 extending generally parallel to each other.
- the first rail 250 and the second rail 252 extend between the open end 246 and the closed end 248 .
- the rails 250 , 252 function to slidably guide the battery 106 into engagement with the at least one battery connection terminal 192 .
- the arrangement of the rails 250 , 252 creates a recessed face 254 of the battery mount 190 disposed therebetween.
- the filter access door 200 is adjacent the battery mount 190 .
- at least a portion of the filter access door 200 is substantially flush with the recessed face 254 of the battery mount 190 .
- the filter access door 200 is shown as a stepped door, but may be a plate that is substantially planar or other desired shape.
- the portion of the filter access door 200 that is substantially flush with the recessed face 254 is also positioned adjacent the open end 246 of the battery mount 190 .
- the user actuation portion 232 of the latch 230 is positioned adjacent the open end 246 of the battery mount 190 and extends toward the closed end 248 of the battery mount 190 .
- the latch 230 is disposed nearer the battery mount 190 than the catch 234 is. At least a portion of the first rail 250 is disposed on an opposite lateral side of the user actuation portion 232 from at least a portion of the second rail 252 . Stated another way, the user actuation portion 232 may be at least partially disposed between portions of the first and second rails 250 , 252 . As such, the arc R 1 along which the latch 230 travels upon installation or removal of the filter access door 200 is at least partially surrounded by the battery mount 190 . Stated another way, installation or removal of the filter access door 200 is blocked by the battery 106 when the battery 106 is received within the battery mount 190 .
- the battery 106 is removably coupled to the battery mount 190 of the housing 198 .
- the battery 106 when the battery 106 is coupled to the battery mount 190 , the battery 106 at least partially covers the filter access door 200 . Stated another way, the battery 106 may cover at least a portion of the filter access door 200 when the battery 106 is received within the battery mount 190 .
- the user actuation portion 232 of the latch 230 is covered by the battery 106 when the battery 106 is coupled to the battery mount 190 .
- the battery 106 covers at least a portion of the user actuation portion 232 of the latch 230 inhibiting access to the user actuation portion 232 when the battery 106 is received within the battery mount 190 .
- the user In order to remove the filter 202 from the illustrated filter chamber 224 , the user must first remove the battery 106 from the battery mount 190 . Once the battery 106 is removed, the user may access and remove the filter access door 200 from the housing 198 . Only once the filter access door 200 has been removed can the user remove the filter 202 from the filter chamber 224 .
- the handheld accessory 104 includes the dirt cup 204 movably coupled to the housing 198 .
- the dirt cup 204 is removably coupled to the housing 198 , but other embodiments include the dirt cup 204 pivotally or translatably coupled to the housing 198 without being removable from the housing 198 .
- the dirt cup 204 includes a dirt cup inlet 256 , a dirt cup outlet (or dirt cup opening or dirt cup exhaust opening) 258 , and a dirt collection chamber 260 defined at least partially between the dirt cup inlet 256 and the dirt cup outlet 258 .
- the dirt cup outlet 258 is positioned adjacent to and facing the filter chamber 224 .
- the illustrated embodiment includes the dirt cup 204 having a plurality of dirt cup sidewalls 262 .
- the handheld accessory 104 also includes at least one wipe member 264 disposed about the dirt cup opening 258 .
- the wipe member 264 extends inwardly to reduce the size of the dirt cup opening 258 , such that the wipe member 264 extends adjacent to or in contact with lateral sides of the shroud 206 as the shroud 206 is removed from the dirt cup opening 258 inhibiting debris from being removed with the shroud 206 .
- the wipe member 264 is flexible relative to the dirt cup 204 , such as an elastomeric wiper or an array of bristles. In the illustrated embodiment, the wipe member 264 is a polymer that is overmolded onto the dirt cup 204 .
- the illustrated embodiment includes the dirt cup opening 258 having a plurality of opening sides 266 .
- the wipe member 264 is disposed on fewer than all of the plurality of opening sides 266 .
- the wipe member 264 is a continuous body that is disposed on all of the plurality of opening sides 266 except one, as further described below.
- the handheld accessory 104 also includes the shroud 206 .
- the shroud 206 includes a first end 268 and a second end 270 opposite the first end 268 .
- the second end 270 is spaced farther from the dirt cup outlet 258 than the first end 268 is.
- the shroud 206 could be cylindrical or another shape
- the illustrated embodiment includes the shroud 206 has plurality of shroud lateral sides 272 extending between the first and second ends 268 , 270 of the shroud 206 .
- the shroud 206 is shown as being a generally hexagonal prism. Other embodiments could include, for instance, a shroud 206 being a generally rectangular prism or a cylinder.
- the second end 270 of the shroud 206 could be rounded or pointed
- the illustrated embodiment includes the shroud 206 having a shroud end facet at the second end 270 .
- the shroud 206 further includes a shroud frame 276 supporting a mesh screen 278 coupled thereto. As shown in FIG. 14 , the shroud frame 276 and the mesh screen 278 cooperate to give the shroud 206 its shape and to define a lateral outer perimeter of the shroud 206 . In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the shroud lateral sides 272 is at least partially closed to airflow therethrough while the other shroud lateral sides 272 are permeable to airflow therethrough, forming an air path from inside of the dirt cup 204 into the shroud 206 .
- the mesh screen 278 allows the shroud 206 to at least partially filter debris from the airflow that passes from the dirt cup inlet 256 to the dirt cup outlet 258 .
- the mesh screen 278 is selected with a mesh size as desired for operation with the selected filter 202 .
- the mesh size is between about 100 micron and 1 mm, and more particularly between about 200 micron and 500 micron.
- the mesh screen 278 may be woven or non-woven media, wire mesh, perforated media, etched media, or other mesh media as desired.
- the shroud lateral side 272 that is at least partially closed to airflow therethrough is illustrated as being entirely closed to airflow therethrough.
- the shroud 206 includes a shroud lateral sidewall 280 that forms the entirety of one of the shroud lateral sides 272 .
- the shroud lateral sidewall 280 blocks the airflow from passing through the shroud lateral side 272 such that the shroud lateral side 272 is entirely closed to airflow therethrough.
- Other embodiments include the shroud lateral sidewall 280 blocking only a portion of the shroud lateral side 272 .
- all of the shroud lateral sides 272 are permeable to airflow therethrough, such as including the mesh screen 278 on at least a portion of each lateral side 272 forming an air path from inside of the dirt cup 204 into the shroud 206 .
- the shroud lateral sidewall 280 is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroud frame 276 .
- the second end 270 is closed to airflow therethrough in the illustrated embodiment.
- the second end 270 includes a shroud endwall 282 that blocks airflow through at least a portion of the second end 270 .
- the shroud endwall 282 blocks airflow through the entirety of the second end 270 .
- the shroud endwall 282 is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroud frame 276 .
- the second end 270 is permeable to airflow therethrough, such as including the mesh screen 278 on at least a portion of the second end 270 .
- the shroud 206 is coupled to the dirt cup 204 in the illustrated embodiment and extends at least partially through the dirt cup opening 258 and into the dirt collection chamber 260 . As such, at least a portion of the shroud 206 is disposed between the dirt cup inlet 256 and the dirt cup outlet 258 , such that the mesh screen 278 is provided in the air path between dirt cup inlet 256 and the dirt cup outlet 258 .
- the shroud 206 may include a pull tab 284 or other handle such that the shroud 206 may more easily be removed from the dirt cup 204 .
- the pull tab 284 is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroud frame 276 . This pull tab 284 is arranged on the first end 268 of the shroud 206 , which may be considered an open shroud attachment end.
- the shroud 206 is positioned nearer one of the dirt cup sidewalls 262 than another of the dirt cup sidewalls 262 such that the shroud 206 is off-center with respect to the dirt cup 204 in cross-section.
- the shroud lateral sidewall 280 is closed to airflow, inhibiting collection of debris in the reduced space between the shroud 206 and the dirt cup sidewall 262 adjacent the shroud lateral sidewall 280 .
- the at least one of the shroud lateral sides 272 that has at least a portion closed to airflow therethrough is blocked due to its proximity to the nearest dirt cup sidewall 262 .
- a shroud lateral side 272 is at least partially blocked by a corresponding dirt cup sidewall 262 such that airflow cannot pass through at least a portion of the respective shroud lateral side 272 .
- the respective shroud lateral side 272 of the shroud 206 is removably coupled to the corresponding dirt cup sidewall 262 .
- the wipe member 264 of the dirt cup 204 wipes the shroud 206 upon removal of the shroud 206 from the dirt cup 204 .
- the wipe member 264 wipes debris/dirt from the shroud 206 upon removal of the shroud 206 and keeps the debris/dirt in the dirt collection chamber 260 .
- the wipe member 264 is disposed on all of the plurality of opening sides 266 of the dirt cup opening 258 except for the opening side 266 corresponding to the shroud lateral sidewall 280 . In this manner, the wipe member 264 is not needlessly worn due to wiping a shroud lateral side 272 that does not require wiping.
- all of the shroud lateral sides 272 are air permeable and the wipe member 264 extends around all of the corresponding opening sides 266 .
- the shroud frame 276 which is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroud lateral sidewall 280 in the illustrated embodiment, blocks airflow from passing through a continuous section of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lateral outer perimeter of the shroud 206 in cross-section. In some embodiments, this continuous section is greater than twenty-five percent (25%) and less than fifty percent (50%). In some embodiments, the continuous section blocking airflow with the shroud lateral sidewall 280 is greater than 5% and less than 25% of the lateral outer perimeter of the shroud 206 in cross-section.
- the cross-section in FIG. 14 is taken through a plane that is perpendicular to the longest dimension of the shroud 206 . Stated another way, the cross-section in FIG. 14 is taken through a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A 7 of the shroud 206 .
- the upright cleaner 102 can be a floor cleaner including a cleaning solution tank, fluid dispensing nozzles, and scrubbing members for carpet cleaning or the like.
- the handheld accessory 104 can be a handheld fluid dispensing device including a dispensing nozzle to spray cleaning solution for spot treatment cleaning or the like.
- the handheld accessory 104 can be a handheld powered upholstery or stair cleaning tool, including an motor driven agitator or brush, or other powered cleaning implement.
- FIG. 15 another embodiment of a handheld accessory 1104 is shown.
- the handheld accessory 1104 is similar in many ways to the handheld accessory 104 shown in FIG. 10 . As such, only differences between the handheld accessories 104 , 1104 will be discussed herein with regard to the handheld accessory 1104 shown in FIG. 15 .
- the similar features between the handheld accessories 104 , 1104 have the same number, only increased by a value of one thousand for the handheld accessory 1104 shown in FIG. 15 .
- the handheld accessory 1104 includes a filter access door 1200 that can be removed to access the filter 1202 .
- the filter access door 1200 includes a user actuation portion 1232 , which actuates two opposing latches 1230 .
- the latches 1230 extend laterally outwardly in opposing directions. Actuation of the user actuation portion 1232 causes the latches 1230 to retract along the length of the filter access door 1200 .
- a spring or another biasing member may resist retraction of the latches 1230 .
- the filter access door 1200 further includes a catch 1234 positioned generally opposite the user actuation portion 1232 . In the illustrated embodiment, the catch 1234 extends outwardly in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the laterally outward directions in which the latches 1230 extend.
- the housing 1198 includes a filter access opening 1236 that is exposed upon removal of the filter access door 1200 .
- the housing 1198 includes a ledge 1238 adjacent the filter access opening 1236 .
- the housing 1198 also includes two opposing channels 1500 defined therein generally opposite the ledge 1238 .
- FIGS. 16-18 removal of the filter access door 1200 from the housing 1198 is illustrated.
- the catch 1234 engages the ledge 1238 and each of the latches 1230 engages the corresponding channel 1500 while the filter access door 1200 is on the housing 1198 .
- a user removes the filter access door 1200 by retracting the latches 1230 through actuation of the user actuation portion 1232 ( FIG. 16 ).
- the user may next swing the filter access door 1200 open by pivoting the filter access door 1200 about the contacting interface between the catch 1234 of the filter access door 1200 and the ledge 1238 of the housing 1198 ( FIG. 17 ). This pivoting causes each of the latches 1230 to travel along an arc R 2 (shown in FIG. 21 ).
- the user may fully remove the filter access door 1200 by pulling the catch 1234 of the filter access door 1200 out of engagement with the ledge 1238 of the housing 1198 ( FIG. 18 ).
- the filter 1202 includes a handle 1502 for a user to grasp to more easily remove the filter 1202 from the filter chamber 1224 .
- the handle 1502 is pivotable relative to the body of the filter 1202 in order to more easily store the handle 1502 in the filter chamber 1224 .
- the handle 1502 pivots from a storage position ( FIG. 18 ) to a deployed position ( FIG. 19 ).
- the handle 1502 may be biased toward one of the storage position and the deployed position.
- the filter 1202 further includes an angled surface 1504 having a block receiving recess 1506 defined therein.
- the handheld accessory 1104 further includes a corresponding block, or rail, 1508 that projects into the filter chamber 1224 and is received in the block receiving recess 1506 to assist in maintaining the filter 1202 in place in the filter chamber 1224 .
- the angled surface 1504 of the filter 1202 at least partially surrounds the block 1508 .
- This interface between the block 1508 and the block receiving recess 1506 locates the filter 1202 at least one of laterally and rotationally relative to the housing 1198 .
- Some embodiments further include the filter access door 1200 having one or more door filter supports 1242 and/or the housing 1198 having one or more housing filter supports 1244 .
- the block 1508 is illustrated as being a single unitary piece with an elongate structural member 1178 .
- the block 1508 may be less susceptible to breaking due to improper installation or removal of the filter 1202 .
- the elongate structural member 1178 is made of a more durable material than other components of the handheld accessory 1104 .
- the elongate structural member 1178 made of metal or rigid nylon and the housing 1198 made of a less rigid plastic. Other material choices are also contemplated herein.
- the housing 1198 may be made of multiple separate components. These components of the housing 1198 surround and are fastened to the elongate structural member 1178 to form a box beam shape.
- two side panel sections 1510 surround the tang portion 1178 B and at least some of the body portion 1178 A of the elongate structural member 1178 .
- Fasteners 1512 couple the side panel sections 1510 of the housing 1198 to the elongate structural member 1178 .
- the fasteners 1512 extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the longitudinal axis A 3 of the elongate structural member 1178 , the dirt cup axis A 6 , and the tang portion 1178 B in order to add rigidity to the handheld accessory 1104 .
- the housing 1198 further includes a longitudinal section 1514 .
- fasteners 1513 also couple the longitudinal section 1514 of the housing 1198 to the elongate structural member 1178 .
- the fasteners 1513 extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the longitudinal axis A 3 of the elongate structural member 1178 , albeit a different plane in this instance.
- the handheld accessory 1104 has a dirt cup 1204 with no wipe members.
- the shroud 1206 includes a seal member 1516 around the periphery of the shroud 1206 for sealing engagement with the dirt cup 1204 .
- the shroud 1206 further includes a shroud endwall 1282 coupled to a shroud collar 1518 via a plurality of shroud ribs 1520 .
- the shroud endwall 1282 , the shroud collar 1518 , and the shroud ribs 1520 are formed together as a unitary part to make up the shroud frame 1276 .
- the shroud 1206 further includes two laterally opposed grips 1522 for a user to engage in order to pull the shroud 1206 from the dirt cup 1204 .
- the grips 1522 are formed as a unitary part with the rest of the shroud frame 1276 .
- the dirt cup 1204 also includes grip indentations 1524 to receive the grips 1522 of the shroud 1206 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
- Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
- Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/956,755, filed Jan. 3, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner and a handheld accessory.
- In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner, a handheld accessory, and a battery. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaning head, an upright frame, and a first battery mount. The upright frame is pivotably connected to the cleaning head. The first battery mount is connected to at least one of the upright frame or the cleaning head. The handheld accessory includes a secondary battery mount. The handheld accessory is removably coupled to the upright frame. The battery removably couples to the first battery mount to power the upright vacuum cleaner and removably couples to the second battery mount to power the handheld accessory.
- In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner, a handheld accessory, and a battery. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a first battery mount. The handheld accessory includes a second battery mount. The handheld accessory is removably coupled to the upright vacuum cleaner. The battery removably couples to the first battery mount and removably couples to the second battery mount. The battery powers only the upright vacuum cleaner when the battery is coupled to the first battery mount. The battery powers only the handheld accessory when the battery is coupled to the second battery mount.
- In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner assembly including an upright vacuum cleaner and a handheld accessory. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a first motor and a first battery connection terminal. The first battery connection terminal electrically couples the first motor to a battery. The handheld accessory is removably coupled to the upright vacuum cleaner. The handheld accessory includes a second motor and a second battery connection terminal. The second battery connection terminal electrically couples the second motor to a battery.
- Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various was. Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner assembly, according to embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly ofFIG. 1 with the handheld accessory and the battery exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner assembly taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly ofFIG. 1 with the handheld accessory, adapter, and battery exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner and an optional handle shaft exploded from the upright vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the adapter of the vacuum cleaner assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the adapter ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates a side elevation view of the adapter ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner assembly ofFIG. 1 with an additional battery. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the handheld accessory of the vacuum cleaner assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the handheld accessory ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the handheld accessory taken along line 11-11 ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the dirt cup of the handheld accessory ofFIG. 1 with the shroud exploded therefrom. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a rear elevation view of the dirt cup ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 14-14 ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of another embodiment of a handheld accessory of the vacuum cleaner assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the filter access door in a closed position with the latch disengaged from the housing of the handheld accessory ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 illustrates the detailed perspective view ofFIG. 16 with the filter access door partially removed from the housing. -
FIG. 18 illustrates the detailed perspective view ofFIG. 16 with the filter access door completely removed from the housing. -
FIG. 19 illustrates a detailed and partially sectioned perspective view of the handheld accessory ofFIG. 15 with the filter access door removed. -
FIG. 20 illustrates the detailed and partially sectioned perspective view ofFIG. 19 with the filter removed from the housing. -
FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the handheld accessory ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of the handheld accessory ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the dirt cup of the handheld accessory ofFIG. 15 with the shroud exploded therefrom. -
FIG. 24 illustrates a rear elevation view of the dirt cup ofFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 25-25 ofFIG. 23 . - Referring to
FIG. 1 , avacuum cleaner assembly 100 is shown. Thevacuum cleaner assembly 100 includes anupright vacuum cleaner 102, ahandheld accessory 104, and abattery 106. In some embodiments, thevacuum cleaner assembly 100 further includes anadapter 108 removably coupling thehandheld accessory 104 to theupright vacuum cleaner 102. In some embodiments, thebattery 106 is usable interchangeably between thevacuum cleaner 102 and thehandheld accessory 104. This interchangeability may allow a user to purchase/own only onebattery 106 for multiple cleaning applications. Further, this interchangeability can reduce the overall weight of thevacuum cleaner assembly 100, since only onebattery 106 need be included. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theupright vacuum cleaner 102 includes acleaning head 110, anupright frame 112 pivotably connected to thecleaning head 110, and adirt cup 114. Theupright frame 112 includes apivot end 116 and a handheld end (or engagement end) 118 opposite thepivot end 116. Thecleaning head 110 is pivotably connected to theupright frame 112 adjacent thepivot end 116. Theupright frame 112 defines a longitudinal axis A1 extending through thepivot end 116 and thehandheld end 118. Theupright frame 112 also includes a leading surface 120 (FIG. 1 ) and a trailing surface 122 (FIG. 2 ) opposite the leadingsurface 120. The leadingsurface 120 is forward of the trailingsurface 122 in a forward direction of theupright vacuum cleaner 102 during operation. - With reference to
FIG. 2 , theupright vacuum cleaner 102 further includes afirst battery mount 124. Thefirst battery mount 124 is illustrated as being connected to theupright frame 112, but thefirst battery mount 124 may alternatively be connected to thecleaning head 110. Thefirst battery mount 124 includes a firstbattery connection terminal 126. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2 , thefirst battery mount 124 includes a plurality of firstbattery connection terminals 126. Thebattery 106 is removably coupled to thefirst battery mount 124. In some embodiments, thebattery 106 is slidably received on thefirst battery mount 124 in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A1 of theupright frame 112. In the illustrated embodiment, thebattery 106 is slidably received on thefirst battery mount 124 in a direction extending parallel with the longitudinal axis A1. With thebattery 106 removably coupled to thefirst battery mount 124 and electrically coupled to the firstbattery connection terminal 126, thebattery 106 powers at least one operating component of theupright vacuum cleaner 102. The operating component may be, for example, a suction motor, brushroll motor, a pump, a valve, an actuator, a microprocessor, a controller, or other operating component. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , theupright vacuum cleaner 102 further includes a first operating component as afirst motor 128. Thefirst motor 128 drives a first impeller (not shown) to generate airflow. In embodiments including thefirst motor 128 driving the first impeller, thefirst motor 128 may also be considered to be a first suction motor. With thebattery 106 coupled to thefirst battery mount 124 and electrically coupled to the firstbattery connection terminal 126, thefirst motor 128 is electrically coupled to and powered by thebattery 106. - Also shown in
FIG. 3 , a flow passage, or first airflow pathway, 130 passes through the cleaninghead 110 and is in fluid communication with thedirt cup 114. Thisflow passage 130 is isolated from thehandheld accessory 104. Thefirst motor 128 creates suction to draw air and dirt through theflow passage 130 and into thedirt cup 114. A dirt separator within thedirt cup 114 separates dirt and debris from the incoming air stream, collects the separated dirt within a dirt collection chamber, and directs the clean air to themotor 128, from which it will be exhausted to ambient. In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt separator is a cyclonic dirt separator. Thedirt cup 114 is removable and includes a bottom door that is selectively openable by pivoting to empty the debris from the dirt collection chamber when the dirt collection chamber is full. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , theupright vacuum cleaner 102 further includes aconnection post 132 coupled to theupright frame 112. In some embodiments, theconnection post 132 is integrally formed with theupright frame 112. In the illustrated embodiment, theconnection post 132 is removably coupled to theupright frame 112. Theconnection post 132 includes aproximal end 134 that is received within aconnection opening 136 of theupright frame 112. Theconnection post 132 further includes adistal end 138 that is opposite theproximal end 134. - In some embodiments, the
vacuum cleaner assembly 100 further includes ahandle attachment 140 removably coupled to theupright vacuum cleaner 102. Thehandle attachment 140 includes ahandle 142 and ahandle shaft 144 coupled to thehandle 142. In the illustrated embodiment, thehandle shaft 144 is removably coupled to theconnection post 132. In some embodiments, however, thehandle shaft 144 is removably coupled to theupright frame 112 in theconnection opening 136. - The
connection post 132, in some embodiments, includes one or more fasteners to removably couple theconnection post 132 to either theadapter 108 or thehandle attachment 140. The fasteners may include, for instance, one or more detent mechanisms. These fasteners pass through one or more throughholes 146 defined in theconnection post 132. In some embodiments, theadapter 108 is not removable from theconnection post 132 and is integral with or otherwise fastened to theconnection post 132. - Also shown in
FIG. 4 , thevacuum cleaner assembly 100 further includes theadapter 108 removably coupled to theupright vacuum cleaner 102. Theadapter 108, in some embodiments, is formed as a single unitary part. Theadapter 108 is also removably coupled to thehandheld accessory 104. In the illustrated embodiment, thevacuum cleaner assembly 100 is arranged such that only one of thehandle shaft 144 and theadapter 108 is able to removably couple to theupright vacuum cleaner 102 at a time. - With reference to
FIGS. 5-7 , theadapter 108 includes an adapter body having an upright vacuumcleaner engagement end 148 configured to connect theadapter 108 to a portion of theupright vacuum cleaner 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the upright vacuumcleaner engagement end 148 has arecess 150 defined therein. Therecess 150 is sized to removably receive thedistal end 138 of theconnection post 132. Theadapter 108 further includes a handheldaccessory engagement end 152 opposite the upright vacuumcleaner engagement end 148. The handheldaccessory engagement end 152 includes aprojection 154. Stated another way, theprojection 154 is positioned opposite therecess 150. A longitudinal axis A2 of theadapter 108 extends through the upright vacuumcleaner engagement end 148 and the handheldaccessory engagement end 152. In the illustrated embodiment, therecess 150 is open in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A2. Theprojection 154 also extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis A2. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis A2 extends along longitudinal axis A1 such that theprojection 154 also extends away from theupright frame 112 along the longitudinal axis A1. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the free end of theprojection 154 is tapered. - The
adapter 108 further includes aperipheral wall 156 about the adaptor body between the handheldaccessory engagement end 152 and the upright vacuumcleaner engagement end 148 surrounding therecess 150 and extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis A2. Theperipheral wall 156 also includes a firstperipheral wall portion 158 and a secondperipheral wall portion 160. The firstperipheral wall portion 158 is longer along the longitudinal axis A2 than the secondperipheral wall portion 160. This difference in lengths creates anangled recess 150 to match the contours of theupright frame 112 in the illustrated embodiment. - The
peripheral wall 156 further includes at least oneaperture 162 defined therein. The at least oneaperture 162 receives a fastener therethrough, thereby coupling theadapter 108 to theconnection post 132. In some embodiments, a detent mechanism coupled to theconnection post 132 at least partially occupies theaperture 162 when theadapter 108 is coupled to theconnection post 132. - The
peripheral wall 156 also has an adapterouter surface 164. The adapterouter surface 164 is arranged in a stepped configuration relative to theprojection 154 such that ashoulder 166 extends laterally between theprojection 154 and the adapterouter surface 164. Theshoulder 166 surrounds theprojection 154 in the illustrated embodiment. Also in the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of theshoulder 166 is inclined relative to a direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 of theadapter 108. - The
adapter 108 also includes aretainer member 168. Theretainer member 168 extends in a direction along theprojection 154. In some embodiments, theretainer member 168 is aligned with the secondperipheral wall portion 160 in a direction along the longitudinal axis A2 of theadapter 108. In the illustrated embodiment,retainer member 168 extends parallel to theprojection 154. Theretainer member 168 includes at least onetooth 170 extending toward theprojection 154. Theretainer member 168 also includes a user-engageable actuator, such as atab 172. A user can engage thetab 172 or another user-engageable actuator to move the at least onetooth 170 away from theprojection 154, such as by sliding or pivoting movement. In the illustrated embodiment, theretainer member 168 and thetooth 170 pivot away from theprojection 154 together. In some embodiments, thetooth 170 is movable relative to theretainer member 168. Thetab 172 extends in a direction away from theprojection 154. In the illustrated embodiment, agap 174 is defined between thetooth 170 and theprojection 154. User engagement to move the at least onetooth 170 away from theprojection 154 widens thegap 174. In some embodiments, thetooth 170 moves against the force of a spring or other resilient member configured such that the spring presses thetooth 170 toward its rest or seated position. - Returning to
FIG. 2 , thevacuum cleaner assembly 100 further includes thehandheld accessory 104 removably coupled to theupright frame 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the handheld accessory (illustrated as a handheld vacuum cleaner) 104 is coupled to theadapter 108 which, in turn, is coupled to theupright frame 112. Thehandheld accessory 104 is coupled to theupright frame 112 nearer thehandheld end 118 than thepivot end 116. Specifically, thehandheld accessory 104 projects beyond thehandheld end 118 of theupright frame 112 in a direction away from thepivot end 116 when thehandheld accessory 104 is coupled to theupright frame 112. - The
handheld accessory 104 includes ahandle 176 having a grip portion. With thehandheld accessory 104 coupled to theupright frame 112, thehandle 176 functions as the handle for theupright vacuum cleaner 102. With thehandheld accessory 104 removed from the upright frame, thehandle 176 functions as the handle for thehandheld accessory 104. In the illustrated embodiment, thehandle 176 is a pistol grip style handle. - The
handheld accessory 104 further includes an elongatestructural member 178 having a nozzle, or nozzle end, 180. Thehandle 176 of thehandheld accessory 104 is opposite thenozzle end 180, and thehandle 176 extends at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis A3 of the elongatestructural member 180. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongatestructural member 178 includes a body portion 178A that extends from thenozzle end 180 and a tang portion 178B that extends from the body portion 178A and into the grip portion of thehandle 176. In some embodiments, the elongatestructural member 178 is a continuous, unitary part. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
handle 176 of thehandheld accessory 104 extends along a direction that is at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A3. In some embodiments, thehandle 176 extends along a direction that is at an angle between 10 and 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A3, and more particularly at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees. With thehandheld accessory 104 connected to theupright frame 112, thehandle 176 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis A1 of theupright frame 112. To connect thehandheld accessory 104 to theadapter 108, at least a portion of theprojection 154 is removably received in thenozzle end 180. As such, thenozzle 180 is substantially blocked when thehandheld accessory 104 is coupled to theupright frame 112. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , with theprojection 154 received in thenozzle end 180, theretainer member 168 engages thehandheld accessory 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least onetooth 170 engages thehandheld accessory 104 by entering acorresponding cavity 182 defined in an elongate structural memberouter surface 184 of thepassage wall 186 of the elongate structural member 178 (shown inFIG. 2 ). Thepassage wall 186 extends from thenozzle end 180, and at least a portion of thepassage wall 186 includes apassage wall thickness 188 that is thicker than thegap 174 between thetooth 170 and theprojection 154. In the illustrated embodiment, this difference in thickness forces the at least onetooth 170 into engagement with thehandheld accessory 104. The at least onetooth 170 is forced into engagement with thehandheld accessory 104 by a resilient member (such as a spring) or by flexing theretainer member 168 such that theretainer member 168 exhibits a return force. To remove thehandheld accessory 104 from theadapter 108 in the illustrated embodiment, a user actuates thetab 172 to move theretainer member 168, thereby disengaging the at least onetooth 170 from thehandheld accessory 104. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
adapter 108 and thehandheld accessory 104 are sized such that the adapterouter surface 164 is generally flush with the elongate structural memberouter surface 184. Stated another way, thesesurfaces nozzle 180 is further angled in a manner that matches the incline of theshoulder 166. In the illustrated embodiment, thehandheld accessory 104 further is coupled to theupright frame 112 such that the elongatestructural member 178 is nearer the leadingsurface 120 than the trailingsurface 122. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the elongate structural memberouter surface 184 is substantially aligned with the leadingsurface 120 of theupright frame 112. This continuity of surfaces between theupright frame 112, theadapter 108, and thehandheld accessory 104 is aesthetically pleasing and functions to give thevacuum cleaner assembly 100 sturdiness and a sleek appearance. - When the
handle 176 of thehandheld accessory 104 functions as the handle for theupright vacuum cleaner 102, forces applied to thehandle 176 for manipulating theupright vacuum cleaner 102 are transferred through the elongatestructural member 178, thenozzle end 180, and theadaptor 108 to theupright frame 112. The novel improvement disclosed with the continuous elongatestructural member 178 extending from thenozzle end 180 into the grip portion of thehandle 176 and theprojection 154 removably received in thenozzle end 180 is advantageous over prior art connections in providing a sturdy connection between the user-manipulable grip and theupright frame 112 while achieving a desired appearance. In some embodiments, the assembled vacuumcleaner assembly 100 resembles a single upright vacuum cleaner with no accessories, while still offering a detachablehandheld accessory 104. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thehandheld accessory 104 further includes asecond battery mount 190. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecond battery mount 190 is identical to thefirst battery mount 124. As such, thesecond battery mount 190 includes at least one secondbattery connection terminal 192. Thebattery 106 removably couples to thesecond battery mount 190 to power at least one operating component of thehandheld accessory 104. The operating component may be, for example, a suction motor, brushroll motor, a pump, a valve, an actuator, a microprocessor, a controller, or other operating component. In some embodiments, thebattery 106 is slidably received on thesecond battery mount 190 in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis A3 of the elongatestructural member 178. In the illustrated embodiment, thebattery 106 is slidably received on thesecond battery mount 190 in a direction extending parallel with the longitudinal axis A3. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thehandheld accessory 104 also includes a second operating component as asecond motor 194. Thesecond motor 194 drives a second impeller (not shown) to generate airflow. In embodiments including thesecond motor 194 driving the second impeller, thesecond motor 194 may also be considered to be a second suction motor. Thesecond motor 194 is electrically coupled to and powered by thebattery 106 when the battery is coupled to thesecond battery mount 190 and electrically coupled to the at least one secondbattery connection terminal 192. - When the
battery 106 is coupled to thefirst battery mount 124, only thefirst motor 128 is electrically coupled to thebattery 106; thesecond motor 194 receives no electric power. When thebattery 106 is coupled to thesecond battery mount 190, only thesecond motor 194 is electrically coupled to thebattery 106; thefirst motor 128 receives no electric power. Stated another way, thebattery 106 powers only one of the first motor 128 (when thebattery 106 is coupled to the first battery mount 124) and the second motor 194 (when thebattery 106 is coupled to the second battery mount 190) at a time, being interchangeable between thevacuum cleaner 102 and thehandheld accessory 104. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, asecond battery 106B is provided interchangeable with thebattery 106, and thefirst battery mount 124 and thesecond battery mount 190 are configured to receive one of thebattery 106 and thesecond battery 106B. Providing thesecond battery 106B onboard interchangeable with thebattery 106 gives the user the ability to exchange, for example, thesecond battery 106B for thebattery 106 when thebattery 106 is depleted, extending the continuous operating time of thevacuum cleaner assembly 100. Also, providing thesecond battery 106B onboard gives the user the ability to use both theupright vacuum cleaner 102 and thehandheld accessory 104 without exchangingbatteries second battery 106B may essentially be a duplicate of thebattery 106 having the same battery characteristics. In some embodiments, thebattery 106 has different characteristics than thesecond battery 106B. For example, but not limited to, thebattery 106 may have a first battery capacity (e.g., 2 A-h), while thesecond battery 106B may have a second battery capacity (e.g., 4 A-h). The characteristics may further be any of, or any combination of, voltage, current, resistance, number of cells, etc. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thehandheld accessory 104 further includes asecond airflow pathway 196 in some embodiments. When thehandheld accessory 104 is coupled to theadapter 108, thesecond airflow pathway 196 is substantially blocked. Thefirst airflow pathway 130 and thesecond airflow pathway 196 are separated and discrete from each other regardless of whether thehandheld accessory 104 is coupled to theupright frame 112. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , thehandheld accessory 104 functions as a stand-alone device when removed from the adapter 108 (and/or upright frame 112) and when fitted with thebattery 106. In the illustrated embodiment, thehandheld accessory 104 is a handheld vacuum, but other embodiments may include alternative accessories. Such alternative accessories include a powered scrub brush, wherein the operating component is a brush motor or other operating component; a powered upholstery or stair cleaning tool, wherein the operating component is a brush motor, suction motor, or other operating component; a powered cleaning solution sprayer, wherein the operating component is a pump, a valve, or other operating component; a drill, wherein the operating component is a drill motor or other operating component; a flashlight, wherein the operating component is a light or other operating component; or any other power tool and operating component. - With reference to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , thehandheld accessory 104 includes ahousing 198, the motor (or second motor) 194, afilter access door 200, afilter 202, adirt cup 204, and ashroud 206. Thehousing 198 includes a top 208, a bottom 210 opposite the top 208, a front 212, and a rear 214 opposite thefront 212. Thehousing 198 further includes amotor chamber 216 defined therein, adirty air inlet 218 defined by thenozzle end 180 at thefront 212 of thehousing 198, thehandle 176 positioned at the rear 214 of thehousing 198, aclean air outlet 222 defined therein, and the airflow pathway (or second airflow pathway) 196 fluidly connecting thedirty air inlet 218 with theclean air outlet 222. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , themotor 194 is disposed in themotor chamber 216 and defines a motor axis A4. Thefilter access door 200 is removably coupled to thehousing 198 and cooperates with thehousing 198 to define a filter chamber 224 (shown best inFIG. 10 ). Thefilter 202 is disposed in thefilter chamber 224 and defines a filter axis A5. Thedirt cup 204 is movably coupled to thehousing 198 and defines a dirt cup axis A6 extending from afront 226 of thedirt cup 204 to a rear 228 of thedirt cup 204. The motor axis A4, the filter axis A5, and the dirt cup axis A6 extend parallel to each other, and generally extend along the longitudinal axis A3 of the elongatestructural member 178. In some embodiments, the motor axis A4 and the filter axis A5 extend coaxially. In the illustrated embodiment, theshroud 206 includes a longitudinal axis A7 that extends parallel to the dirt cup axis A6. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thefilter access door 200 is located below the filter axis A5 such that thefilter 202 is removable in a downward direction from thefilter chamber 224 when thefilter access door 200 is removed. In the illustrated embodiment, thefilter access door 200 includes alatch 230 with auser actuation portion 232. Actuation of theuser actuation portion 232 by a user causes thelatch 230 to retract. In the illustrated embodiment, thelatch 230 translates upon actuation of theuser actuation portion 232. Thefilter access door 200 may further include a spring or another biasing member to bias the latch toward an extended position. Thefilter access door 200 further includes acatch 234 positioned opposite thelatch 230. - The
filter 202 is a cylindrical filter in the illustrated embodiment, in which air enters the filter radially from the peripheral surfaces into a central filter air path (FIG. 11 ) along the filter axis A5. The central filter air path is disposed in fluid communication with themotor chamber 216 through a filter chamber outlet (FIG. 10 ). Thecylindrical filter 202 may be a pleated or non-pleated filter, and may be non-woven media, foam media, or other filter media, and in some embodiments may include combinations of two or more layers. In some embodiments, thefilter 202 is a planar filter disposed in thefilter chamber 224 in theairflow path 196 transverse to the motor axis A4. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thehousing 198 further includes a filter access opening 236 that is exposed upon removal of thefiler access door 200. Thehousing 198 also includes afirst ledge 238 adjacent the filter access opening 236 and asecond ledge 240 adjacent the filter access opening 236 on an opposite side of the filter access opening 236 from thefirst ledge 238. Thecatch 234 engages thefirst ledge 238 of thehousing 198. Thelatch 230 engages thesecond ledge 240 of thehousing 198. To remove thefilter access door 200, the user retracts thelatch 230 and swings thefilter access door 200 about at least a portion of thecatch 234. As such, thelatch 230 travels along an arc R1. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
filter access door 200 further includes at least one door filter support 242. Thehousing 198 also includes at least one correspondinghousing filter support 244. The door filter support 242 and thehousing filter support 244 are located in thefilter chamber 224 when thefilter access door 200 is coupled to thehousing 198. One or both of the door filter support 242 and thehousing filter support 244 are provided to orient thefilter 202, and may be configured to hold thefilter 202, in position within thefilter chamber 224. In the illustrated embodiment, thefilter 202 is located directly upstream of the motor 194 (and a corresponding fan/impeller) when thefilter 202 is in position. - Also shown in
FIG. 11 , thesecond airflow pathway 196 enters thedirty air inlet 218, which is located in thenozzle end 180 in some embodiments, travels through the elongatestructural member 178 in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A3 of the elongate structural member, turns and enters thedirt collection chamber 260 of thedirt cup 204 via thedirt cup inlet 256, passes through the mesh screen 278 (FIG. 12 ) of theshroud 206, exits thedirt cup 204 via the dirt cup outlet 258 (FIG. 12 ), enters thefilter chamber 224, passes through thefilter 202, enters themotor chamber 216, and exits the clean air outlet 222 (FIGS. 9 and 10 ) defined in thehousing 198. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 10 , thehousing 198 further includes the second battery mount (or battery mount) 190. In the illustrated embodiment, thebattery mount 190 is disposed below themotor 194. At least a portion of thebattery mount 190 is also located on an opposite side of thefilter access door 200 from thefilter 202. In an alternative embodiment, thebattery mount 190 is positioned on the top 208 disposed above themotor 194. Stated another way, in some embodiments at least a portion of thebattery mount 190 is not located on an opposite side of thefilter access door 200 from thefilter 202. - The
battery mount 190 includes anopen end 246, aclosed end 248 opposite theopen end 246, and at least one battery connection terminal (second battery connection terminal) 192. The at least onebattery connection terminal 192 is positioned nearer theclosed end 248 than theopen end 246. In the illustrated embodiment, thebattery mount 190 further includes afirst rail 250 and asecond rail 252 extending generally parallel to each other. Thefirst rail 250 and thesecond rail 252 extend between theopen end 246 and theclosed end 248. Therails battery 106 into engagement with the at least onebattery connection terminal 192. The arrangement of therails face 254 of thebattery mount 190 disposed therebetween. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 11 , at least a portion of thefilter access door 200 is adjacent thebattery mount 190. In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of thefilter access door 200 is substantially flush with the recessedface 254 of thebattery mount 190. Thefilter access door 200 is shown as a stepped door, but may be a plate that is substantially planar or other desired shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of thefilter access door 200 that is substantially flush with the recessedface 254 is also positioned adjacent theopen end 246 of thebattery mount 190. Specifically, in some embodiments, theuser actuation portion 232 of thelatch 230 is positioned adjacent theopen end 246 of thebattery mount 190 and extends toward theclosed end 248 of thebattery mount 190. In this arrangement, thelatch 230 is disposed nearer thebattery mount 190 than thecatch 234 is. At least a portion of thefirst rail 250 is disposed on an opposite lateral side of theuser actuation portion 232 from at least a portion of thesecond rail 252. Stated another way, theuser actuation portion 232 may be at least partially disposed between portions of the first andsecond rails latch 230 travels upon installation or removal of thefilter access door 200 is at least partially surrounded by thebattery mount 190. Stated another way, installation or removal of thefilter access door 200 is blocked by thebattery 106 when thebattery 106 is received within thebattery mount 190. - The
battery 106 is removably coupled to thebattery mount 190 of thehousing 198. In the illustrated embodiment, when thebattery 106 is coupled to thebattery mount 190, thebattery 106 at least partially covers thefilter access door 200. Stated another way, thebattery 106 may cover at least a portion of thefilter access door 200 when thebattery 106 is received within thebattery mount 190. In the illustrated embodiment, theuser actuation portion 232 of thelatch 230 is covered by thebattery 106 when thebattery 106 is coupled to thebattery mount 190. In some embodiments, thebattery 106 covers at least a portion of theuser actuation portion 232 of thelatch 230 inhibiting access to theuser actuation portion 232 when thebattery 106 is received within thebattery mount 190. In order to remove thefilter 202 from the illustratedfilter chamber 224, the user must first remove thebattery 106 from thebattery mount 190. Once thebattery 106 is removed, the user may access and remove thefilter access door 200 from thehousing 198. Only once thefilter access door 200 has been removed can the user remove thefilter 202 from thefilter chamber 224. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , thehandheld accessory 104 includes thedirt cup 204 movably coupled to thehousing 198. In the illustrated embodiment, thedirt cup 204 is removably coupled to thehousing 198, but other embodiments include thedirt cup 204 pivotally or translatably coupled to thehousing 198 without being removable from thehousing 198. - With reference to
FIG. 12 , thedirt cup 204 includes adirt cup inlet 256, a dirt cup outlet (or dirt cup opening or dirt cup exhaust opening) 258, and adirt collection chamber 260 defined at least partially between thedirt cup inlet 256 and thedirt cup outlet 258. As shown inFIG. 11 , thedirt cup outlet 258 is positioned adjacent to and facing thefilter chamber 224. Returning toFIG. 12 , although thedirt cup 204 could be cylindrical or another shape, the illustrated embodiment includes thedirt cup 204 having a plurality ofdirt cup sidewalls 262. - As shown in
FIG. 13 , thehandheld accessory 104 also includes at least one wipemember 264 disposed about thedirt cup opening 258. The wipemember 264 extends inwardly to reduce the size of thedirt cup opening 258, such that the wipemember 264 extends adjacent to or in contact with lateral sides of theshroud 206 as theshroud 206 is removed from thedirt cup opening 258 inhibiting debris from being removed with theshroud 206. The wipemember 264 is flexible relative to thedirt cup 204, such as an elastomeric wiper or an array of bristles. In the illustrated embodiment, the wipemember 264 is a polymer that is overmolded onto thedirt cup 204. Although thedirt cup opening 258 could be circular, elliptical, or another shape, the illustrated embodiment includes thedirt cup opening 258 having a plurality of opening sides 266. In this embodiment, the wipemember 264 is disposed on fewer than all of the plurality of opening sides 266. Specifically, the wipemember 264 is a continuous body that is disposed on all of the plurality of openingsides 266 except one, as further described below. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , thehandheld accessory 104 also includes theshroud 206. Theshroud 206 includes afirst end 268 and asecond end 270 opposite thefirst end 268. Thesecond end 270 is spaced farther from thedirt cup outlet 258 than thefirst end 268 is. Although theshroud 206 could be cylindrical or another shape, the illustrated embodiment includes theshroud 206 has plurality of shroud lateral sides 272 extending between the first and second ends 268, 270 of theshroud 206. Specifically, theshroud 206 is shown as being a generally hexagonal prism. Other embodiments could include, for instance, ashroud 206 being a generally rectangular prism or a cylinder. Although thesecond end 270 of theshroud 206 could be rounded or pointed, the illustrated embodiment includes theshroud 206 having a shroud end facet at thesecond end 270. - The
shroud 206 further includes ashroud frame 276 supporting amesh screen 278 coupled thereto. As shown inFIG. 14 , theshroud frame 276 and themesh screen 278 cooperate to give theshroud 206 its shape and to define a lateral outer perimeter of theshroud 206. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the shroud lateral sides 272 is at least partially closed to airflow therethrough while the other shroudlateral sides 272 are permeable to airflow therethrough, forming an air path from inside of thedirt cup 204 into theshroud 206. Themesh screen 278 allows theshroud 206 to at least partially filter debris from the airflow that passes from thedirt cup inlet 256 to thedirt cup outlet 258. Particles that might clog or damage thefilter 202 are, therefore, prevented from reaching thefilter 202. Themesh screen 278 is selected with a mesh size as desired for operation with the selectedfilter 202. In some embodiments the mesh size is between about 100 micron and 1 mm, and more particularly between about 200 micron and 500 micron. Themesh screen 278 may be woven or non-woven media, wire mesh, perforated media, etched media, or other mesh media as desired. - With reference to
FIG. 12 , theshroud lateral side 272 that is at least partially closed to airflow therethrough is illustrated as being entirely closed to airflow therethrough. Specifically, theshroud 206 includes a shroudlateral sidewall 280 that forms the entirety of one of the shroud lateral sides 272. The shroudlateral sidewall 280 blocks the airflow from passing through theshroud lateral side 272 such that theshroud lateral side 272 is entirely closed to airflow therethrough. Other embodiments include the shroudlateral sidewall 280 blocking only a portion of theshroud lateral side 272. In yet another embodiment, all of the shroud lateral sides 272 are permeable to airflow therethrough, such as including themesh screen 278 on at least a portion of eachlateral side 272 forming an air path from inside of thedirt cup 204 into theshroud 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroudlateral sidewall 280 is integrally formed as a unitary part with theshroud frame 276. - The
second end 270 is closed to airflow therethrough in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, thesecond end 270 includes ashroud endwall 282 that blocks airflow through at least a portion of thesecond end 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud endwall 282 blocks airflow through the entirety of thesecond end 270. The shroud endwall 282 is integrally formed as a unitary part with theshroud frame 276. In other embodiments, thesecond end 270 is permeable to airflow therethrough, such as including themesh screen 278 on at least a portion of thesecond end 270. - The
shroud 206 is coupled to thedirt cup 204 in the illustrated embodiment and extends at least partially through thedirt cup opening 258 and into thedirt collection chamber 260. As such, at least a portion of theshroud 206 is disposed between thedirt cup inlet 256 and thedirt cup outlet 258, such that themesh screen 278 is provided in the air path betweendirt cup inlet 256 and thedirt cup outlet 258. - The
shroud 206 may include apull tab 284 or other handle such that theshroud 206 may more easily be removed from thedirt cup 204. In the illustrated embodiment, thepull tab 284 is integrally formed as a unitary part with theshroud frame 276. Thispull tab 284 is arranged on thefirst end 268 of theshroud 206, which may be considered an open shroud attachment end. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , theshroud 206 is positioned nearer one of thedirt cup sidewalls 262 than another of thedirt cup sidewalls 262 such that theshroud 206 is off-center with respect to thedirt cup 204 in cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroudlateral sidewall 280 is closed to airflow, inhibiting collection of debris in the reduced space between theshroud 206 and thedirt cup sidewall 262 adjacent the shroudlateral sidewall 280. In some embodiments, the at least one of the shroud lateral sides 272 that has at least a portion closed to airflow therethrough is blocked due to its proximity to the nearestdirt cup sidewall 262. Stated another way, ashroud lateral side 272 is at least partially blocked by a correspondingdirt cup sidewall 262 such that airflow cannot pass through at least a portion of the respective shroudlateral side 272. In some embodiments, the respective shroudlateral side 272 of theshroud 206 is removably coupled to the correspondingdirt cup sidewall 262. - With reference to
FIGS. 12 and 13 , the wipemember 264 of thedirt cup 204 wipes theshroud 206 upon removal of theshroud 206 from thedirt cup 204. In some instances, the wipemember 264 wipes debris/dirt from theshroud 206 upon removal of theshroud 206 and keeps the debris/dirt in thedirt collection chamber 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the wipemember 264 is disposed on all of the plurality of openingsides 266 of thedirt cup opening 258 except for theopening side 266 corresponding to the shroudlateral sidewall 280. In this manner, the wipemember 264 is not needlessly worn due to wiping ashroud lateral side 272 that does not require wiping. In some embodiments, all of the shroud lateral sides 272 are air permeable and the wipemember 264 extends around all of the corresponding opening sides 266. - As shown in
FIG. 14 , theshroud frame 276, which is integrally formed as a unitary part with the shroudlateral sidewall 280 in the illustrated embodiment, blocks airflow from passing through a continuous section of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lateral outer perimeter of theshroud 206 in cross-section. In some embodiments, this continuous section is greater than twenty-five percent (25%) and less than fifty percent (50%). In some embodiments, the continuous section blocking airflow with the shroudlateral sidewall 280 is greater than 5% and less than 25% of the lateral outer perimeter of theshroud 206 in cross-section. The cross-section inFIG. 14 is taken through a plane that is perpendicular to the longest dimension of theshroud 206. Stated another way, the cross-section inFIG. 14 is taken through a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A7 of theshroud 206. - Although the present disclosure has been discussed with regard to an
upright vacuum cleaner 102 and ahandheld accessory 104 in the form of a handheld vacuum cleaner, this disclosure contemplates combinations of other components. For instance, theupright cleaner 102 can be a floor cleaner including a cleaning solution tank, fluid dispensing nozzles, and scrubbing members for carpet cleaning or the like. Thehandheld accessory 104 can be a handheld fluid dispensing device including a dispensing nozzle to spray cleaning solution for spot treatment cleaning or the like. Thehandheld accessory 104 can be a handheld powered upholstery or stair cleaning tool, including an motor driven agitator or brush, or other powered cleaning implement. - With reference to
FIG. 15 , another embodiment of ahandheld accessory 1104 is shown. Thehandheld accessory 1104 is similar in many ways to thehandheld accessory 104 shown inFIG. 10 . As such, only differences between thehandheld accessories handheld accessory 1104 shown inFIG. 15 . The similar features between thehandheld accessories handheld accessory 1104 shown inFIG. 15 . - The
handheld accessory 1104 includes afilter access door 1200 that can be removed to access thefilter 1202. Thefilter access door 1200 includes auser actuation portion 1232, which actuates two opposinglatches 1230. In the illustrated embodiment, thelatches 1230 extend laterally outwardly in opposing directions. Actuation of theuser actuation portion 1232 causes thelatches 1230 to retract along the length of thefilter access door 1200. A spring or another biasing member may resist retraction of thelatches 1230. Thefilter access door 1200 further includes acatch 1234 positioned generally opposite theuser actuation portion 1232. In the illustrated embodiment, thecatch 1234 extends outwardly in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the laterally outward directions in which thelatches 1230 extend. - Also shown in
FIG. 15 , thehousing 1198 includes afilter access opening 1236 that is exposed upon removal of thefilter access door 1200. Thehousing 1198 includes aledge 1238 adjacent thefilter access opening 1236. Thehousing 1198 also includes two opposingchannels 1500 defined therein generally opposite theledge 1238. - Referring to
FIGS. 16-18 , removal of thefilter access door 1200 from thehousing 1198 is illustrated. Thecatch 1234 engages theledge 1238 and each of thelatches 1230 engages the correspondingchannel 1500 while thefilter access door 1200 is on thehousing 1198. A user removes thefilter access door 1200 by retracting thelatches 1230 through actuation of the user actuation portion 1232 (FIG. 16 ). The user may next swing thefilter access door 1200 open by pivoting thefilter access door 1200 about the contacting interface between thecatch 1234 of thefilter access door 1200 and theledge 1238 of the housing 1198 (FIG. 17 ). This pivoting causes each of thelatches 1230 to travel along an arc R2 (shown inFIG. 21 ). Once thefilter access door 1200 has been swung open a sufficient distance, the user may fully remove thefilter access door 1200 by pulling thecatch 1234 of thefilter access door 1200 out of engagement with theledge 1238 of the housing 1198 (FIG. 18 ). - As shown in
FIG. 19 , with thefilter access door 1200 removed, the user may next remove thefilter 1202 from thefilter chamber 1224. In the illustrated embodiment, thefilter 1202 includes ahandle 1502 for a user to grasp to more easily remove thefilter 1202 from thefilter chamber 1224. In some embodiments, thehandle 1502 is pivotable relative to the body of thefilter 1202 in order to more easily store thehandle 1502 in thefilter chamber 1224. Thehandle 1502 pivots from a storage position (FIG. 18 ) to a deployed position (FIG. 19 ). In some embodiments, thehandle 1502 may be biased toward one of the storage position and the deployed position. - With reference to
FIGS. 19 and 20 , thefilter 1202 further includes anangled surface 1504 having ablock receiving recess 1506 defined therein. Thehandheld accessory 1104 further includes a corresponding block, or rail, 1508 that projects into thefilter chamber 1224 and is received in theblock receiving recess 1506 to assist in maintaining thefilter 1202 in place in thefilter chamber 1224. In the illustrated embodiment, theangled surface 1504 of thefilter 1202 at least partially surrounds theblock 1508. This interface between theblock 1508 and theblock receiving recess 1506 locates thefilter 1202 at least one of laterally and rotationally relative to thehousing 1198. Some embodiments further include thefilter access door 1200 having one or more door filter supports 1242 and/or thehousing 1198 having one or more housing filter supports 1244. - As shown in
FIGS. 21 and 22 , theblock 1508 is illustrated as being a single unitary piece with an elongatestructural member 1178. In such embodiments, theblock 1508 may be less susceptible to breaking due to improper installation or removal of thefilter 1202. In some embodiments, the elongatestructural member 1178 is made of a more durable material than other components of thehandheld accessory 1104. The elongatestructural member 1178 made of metal or rigid nylon and thehousing 1198 made of a less rigid plastic. Other material choices are also contemplated herein. - As shown in
FIG. 22 , thehousing 1198 may be made of multiple separate components. These components of thehousing 1198 surround and are fastened to the elongatestructural member 1178 to form a box beam shape. In the illustrated embodiment, twoside panel sections 1510 surround thetang portion 1178B and at least some of thebody portion 1178A of the elongatestructural member 1178.Fasteners 1512 couple theside panel sections 1510 of thehousing 1198 to the elongatestructural member 1178. Thefasteners 1512 extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the longitudinal axis A3 of the elongatestructural member 1178, the dirt cup axis A6, and thetang portion 1178B in order to add rigidity to thehandheld accessory 1104. In the illustrated embodiment, thehousing 1198 further includes alongitudinal section 1514. As discussed above,fasteners 1513 also couple thelongitudinal section 1514 of thehousing 1198 to the elongatestructural member 1178. Once more, thefasteners 1513 extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane containing the longitudinal axis A3 of the elongatestructural member 1178, albeit a different plane in this instance. - With reference to
FIGS. 23-25 , thehandheld accessory 1104 has adirt cup 1204 with no wipe members. Theshroud 1206 includes aseal member 1516 around the periphery of theshroud 1206 for sealing engagement with thedirt cup 1204. Theshroud 1206 further includes ashroud endwall 1282 coupled to ashroud collar 1518 via a plurality of shroud ribs 1520. In the illustrated embodiment, theshroud endwall 1282, theshroud collar 1518, and the shroud ribs 1520 are formed together as a unitary part to make up theshroud frame 1276. Theshroud 1206 further includes two laterally opposedgrips 1522 for a user to engage in order to pull theshroud 1206 from thedirt cup 1204. In the illustrated embodiment, thegrips 1522 are formed as a unitary part with the rest of theshroud frame 1276. Thedirt cup 1204 also includesgrip indentations 1524 to receive thegrips 1522 of theshroud 1206. - Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (27)
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US20210204776A1 (en) * | 2020-01-03 | 2021-07-08 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Vacuum cleaner with shroud in dirt cup |
USD937513S1 (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2021-11-30 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Floor cleaner |
USD938675S1 (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2021-12-14 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Handheld cleaner |
USD950174S1 (en) * | 2019-12-11 | 2022-04-26 | Dyson Technology Limited | Vacuum cleaner battery |
USD962568S1 (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2022-08-30 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Floor cleaner |
USD1013304S1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2024-01-30 | Bissell Inc. | Floor cleaner |
EP4378361A1 (en) * | 2022-12-01 | 2024-06-05 | Tineco Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device and combined cleaning system |
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CN115315208B (en) * | 2020-01-03 | 2024-08-06 | 创科地板护理技术有限公司 | Hand-held vacuum cleaner |
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KR101788015B1 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2017-10-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Battery charging device and cleaner including the same |
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2020
- 2020-12-22 WO PCT/US2020/066680 patent/WO2021138159A1/en active Application Filing
- 2020-12-22 CN CN202090001087.3U patent/CN218922402U/en active Active
- 2020-12-22 US US17/131,216 patent/US20210204768A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20170172362A1 (en) * | 2015-12-21 | 2017-06-22 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Versatile vacuum cleaners |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD937513S1 (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2021-11-30 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Floor cleaner |
USD938675S1 (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2021-12-14 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Handheld cleaner |
USD962568S1 (en) * | 2019-09-16 | 2022-08-30 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Floor cleaner |
USD950174S1 (en) * | 2019-12-11 | 2022-04-26 | Dyson Technology Limited | Vacuum cleaner battery |
US20210204776A1 (en) * | 2020-01-03 | 2021-07-08 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Vacuum cleaner with shroud in dirt cup |
USD1013304S1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2024-01-30 | Bissell Inc. | Floor cleaner |
EP4378361A1 (en) * | 2022-12-01 | 2024-06-05 | Tineco Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. | Cleaning device and combined cleaning system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN218922402U (en) | 2023-04-28 |
WO2021138159A1 (en) | 2021-07-08 |
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