Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02702516 2010-05-03
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO VACUUM CLEANERS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to vacuum
cleaners
and, in particular, relates to improvements in and relating to vacuum suction
heads
for vacuum cleaners. More specifically, the present invention provides
improvements
relating to the agitation of surfaces to be cleaned and/or the flow of air
into a suction
head of a vacuum cleaner.
Background
Vacuum cleaners include suction heads in order to locate and confine an area
of
suction adjacent to a surface to be cleaned. The suction head comprises a
peripheral surface or peripheral seal in order for the suction head to form a
seal
against the surface. A system chamber in the suction head then extracts debris
and
dust from the surface by the suction power generated by the suction generating
means of the vacuum cleaner.
If the suction head creates a firm seal with the surface then a user will not
be able to
manually move the cleaning head across the surface to be cleaned. Accordingly,
vacuum cleaning heads require air inflow regions or air bleeds. These air
bleeds
produce airflow from the external atmosphere into a suction chamber in the
suction
head. The air then flows from the suction head through a connecting tube or
conduit
and into a dust collecting chamber of the vacuum cleaner. The air then flows
out of
the chamber and back into the atmosphere.
The air bleeds on the suction head are necessary but effectively waste suction
energy. On carpeted or other irregular surfaces, the air bleeds may naturally
occur
due to the inability of the peripheral seal of the cleaning head to form an
airtight seal
with the surface. However, on a smooth hard surface, the cleaning head may
readily
create a substantially air tight seal and, therefore, air bleeds are required
or a non-
continuous peripheral surface (for example, a brush seal) may locate around
the
cleaning head and acts as air bleeds and produce air inflow into the cleaning
head
which is approximately co-planar with the surface being cleaned.
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Vacuum cleaners and, in particular, upright vacuum cleaners generally include
an
agitator in the cleaning head. The agitator may include a brush bar which
comprises
a brush mounted on a rotating cylinder such that the brush agitates and
releases dirt
and debris from the surface and, especially, from a carpeted surface. The
cylinder
may be powered and rotated either by a dedicated motor, a motor shared with
the
suction fan of the vacuum cleaner or may be powered by the airflow of the
vacuum
cleaner. Accordingly, use of an agitator requires power and hence uses energy.
If the brush bar has a dedicated motor then this increases the cost of a
vacuum
cleaner. Furthermore, this motor may fail and, thereby increases the
likelihood of
faults occurring with the vacuum cleaner. If the brush bar is powered by the
fan
motor then this requires a drive transfer mechanism to power the brush bar.
Again,
this increases the cost of the vacuum cleaner and also increases the
likelihood of
faults/problems occurring. Similarly, if the brush bar is powered by the
airflow of the
vacuum cleaner then this again requires additional apparatus which increases
the
costs and likelihood of failure. In addition, this also reduces the suction of
the power
generated in the cleaning head since some of the suction power will be lost
due to
the energy required to power the brush bar.
The agitation of carpet fibers is highly beneficial in the cleaning
effectiveness of a
vacuum cleaner due to the effectiveness of the action in releasing dust and
debris
from the carpet fibers to which they may be adhered.
It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem
associated
with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.
Summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner, the suction head comprising at least one air bleed
wherein the
air bleed comprises airflow inducing means in order to create an airflow
directed
substantially towards the surface to be cleaned.
Preferably the airflow inducing means comprises vortex inducing means.
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The axis of the vortex may form an angle with the surface to be cleaned in
which the
angle may be greater than 0 and preferably greater than 45 and more
preferably
greater that 800.
Preferably, in use, the axis of the vortex is substantially perpendicular to
the surface
to be cleaned.
A central longitudinal axis of the airflow may form an angle with the surface
to be
cleaned in which the angle may be greater than 0 and preferably is greater
than 45
and more preferably is greater than 80 .
Preferably, in use, a central longitudinal axis of the airflow is
substantially
perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned.
Preferably the suction head comprises a plurality of air bleeds. Preferably
each air
bleed incorporates respective airflow inducing means and more preferably
vortex
inducing means. The suction head may also comprise auxiliary air bleeds which
are
of a different configuration to the plurality of air bleeds. For example, the
auxiliary air
bleeds may be linear air bleeds and may be located around sides of the suction
head
and may provide substantially planar airflow with the surface to be cleaned.
Preferably, in use, the axes of the vortices are each perpendicular to the
surface to
be cleaned.
Preferably the airflow (and preferably vortex) inducing means comprises a
substantially frusto-conical shaped surface. Preferably the frusto-conical
shaped
surface is tapered downwardly.
The airflow inducing means may be substantially tubular.
Preferably an upper cross-section of the frusto-conical shaped surface is
substantially circular having a radius which is greater than the radius of the
frusto-
conical shaped surface at a lower cross-section. Preferably the radius of the
circular
cross-section of the frusto-conical shaped surface reduces (and preferably
reduces
at a uniform rate) downwardly from an upper end to a lower end.
Preferably the vortex inducing means (or airflow inducing means) comprises an
air
inlet and air outlet.
Preferably the air inlet is arranged to induce vortex airflow within the
vortex inducing
means (or airflow inducing means).
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Preferably the air inlet is arranged to direct the air inflow around a frusto-
conical
shaped surface of the vortex inducing means (or airflow inducing means).
Preferably the air inlet is arranged substantially tangentially relative to
the frusto-
conical shaped surface in order to direct the air substantially tangentially
with the
respect to the frusto-conical shaped surface.
Preferably the air outlet is arranged substantially centrally in the vortex
inducing
means (or airflow inducing means) and preferably directs the air generally
outwardly
from the vortex inducing means (or airflow inducing means).
Preferably the suction head comprises an array of air bleeds.
Preferably the array of air bleeds is arranged such that the air inlets of the
air bleeds
are located on an upper surface of the suction head.
Preferably the air outlets of the air bleeds direct the air into a suction
chamber within
the suction head. The suction chamber may be defined by an upper wall and a
peripheral wall which provides an open face for locating adjacent to a surface
to be
cleaned.
The air outlets of the air bleeds may be located on the upper wall of the
suction
chamber.
The air outlets of the air bleeds may comprise a projecting portion which
projects
downwardly into the suction chamber relative to the upper wall of the suction
chamber. Alternatively, the air outlets of the air bleeds may be substantially
flush
with the upper wall of the suction chamber.
Preferably, the vortex inducing means (or airflow inducing means) is arranged
to
produce a vortex (or airflow) directed towards an apex. Preferably, in use,
the apex
is arranged to be located at the surface to be cleaned. For example, the apex
may
be arranged to locate within the carpet fibres of the carpet being cleaned
and/or, for
example, the apex may be arranged to locate on or adjacent to a hard surface
being
cleaned.
The air bleeds may be arranged substantially linearly across the width of the
suction
head. The suction head may comprise a first array or line of air bleeds and a
second
array or line of air bleeds. The air bleeds in the second array or line may be
laterally
offset from the air bleeds in the first array or line.
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The suction head may comprise less than or equal to twenty arrays or lines of
air
bleeds.
Each array or line of air bleeds may comprise less than or equal to twenty air
bleeds
and may comprise less than or equal to ten air bleeds.
The upper wall of the suction chamber may be planar and may be arranged, in
use,
to be co-planar with the surface to be cleaned.
The upper wall of the suction chamber may be angled and, in particular, may
comprise a first section that is angled downwardly from a central location to
a first
lateral side of the suction head and a second section that is angled
downwardly from
a central location to a second lateral side of the suction head.
The suction head may comprise a peripheral sealing member which may be
selectively operable. For example, when cleaning a carpeted surface or the
like, the
peripheral sealing member may not be required and may be moved to a non-
operating position and whilst cleaning a hard surface or the like the
peripheral
sealing may be required and may be moved to an operating position. Preferably,
the
peripheral sealing member comprises a brush member.
The air bleed may comprise fluid introducing means in order to introduce a
fluid into
the airflow.
The fluid may comprise a liquid. The liquid may comprise a perfumed liquid
and/or
an antibacterial solution and/or a cleaning solution. Preferably the liquid is
introduced
into the airflow as liquid droplets. The liquid may be introduced into the
airflow as an
atomised liquid.
The fluid may comprise a powder. The powder may comprise a perfumed powder
and/or an antibacterial powder. The powder may be introduced into the air flow
as
particles.
Preferably the fluid introducing means comprises a fluid inlet. The fluid
inlet may be
arranged substantially tangentially relative to the frusto-conical shaped
surface.
Preferably the fluid is drawn into the air bleed by the airflow and preferably
the
cyclonic airflow in the air bleed.
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The airflow inducing means may comprise a substantially tubular surface (for
example, a cylindrical section) which may have a uniform cross-section. The
airflow
inducing means may induce substantially linear airflow.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a
vacuum
cleaner comprising a suction head wherein the suction head comprises at least
one
air bleed comprising airflow inducing means in order to create an airflow
directed
substantially towards the surface to be cleaned.
The airflow inducing means may comprise vortex inducing means.
The vacuum cleaner may comprise a cylinder type vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum cleaner may comprise an upright type vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum cleaner may comprise a hand held vacuum cleaner.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of
agitating a surface to be cleaned comprising providing a suction head
including a
suction chamber having an open face to be located adjacent to a surface to be
cleaned the method comprising forming an airflow directed substantially
towards the
surface to be cleaned.
The method may comprise forming an airflow directed substantially towards the
surface to be cleaned.
The method may comprise forming a plurality of airflows (or vortex airflows)
directed
substantially towards the surface to be cleaned.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner, the suction head comprising at least one air bleed
wherein the
air bleed comprises an air inlet and fluid introducing means wherein the fluid
introducing means is arranged to introduce a fluid into the airflow within the
air bleed.
Preferably the airflow comprises a substantially cyclonic airflow.
The airflow may be substantially generally linear.
Brief Description of the Drawings
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For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be
carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only,
specific
embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a cross section of a preferred embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 2 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 3 is another side cross section of a preferred embodiment of a suction
head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 4 is a partially cut away view of a preferred embodiment of a suction
head for
a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 5 is a front cross section of a preferred embodiment of a suction head
for a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 6 is a front cross section of part of a preferred embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a part of an array
of air
bleeds for use in a preferred embodiment of a suction head for a vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 8 is a front view of an embodiment of an array of air bleeds for use in
a
suction head of a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of an array of air bleeds of a
preferred
embodiment of a suction head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 10 is a partially cut away view of a preferred embodiment of a suction
head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 11 a is a perspective view of vortex inducing means of a preferred
embodiment of an air bleed.
Figure 11 b is a plan view of vortex inducing means of a preferred embodiment
of an
air bleed.
Figure 11 c is a side schematic view of vortex inducing means of a preferred
embodiment of an air bleed.
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Figure 12 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 13 is a partially cut away plan view of a second embodiment of suction
head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 14 is a partially cut away front view of a second embodiment of a
suction
head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 15 is a side cross-section of a second embodiment of a suction head for
a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 16a is a partially cut away plan view of a third embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 16b is a bottom view of a third embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 16c is a partially cut away front view of a third embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 16d is a side cross-section of a third embodiment of a suction head for
a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 17a is a partially cut away plan view of a fourth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 17b is a bottom view of a fourth embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 17c is a partially cut away front view of a fourth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 17d is a side cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a suction head
for a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 18a is a partially cut away plan view of a fifth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 18b is a bottom view of a fifth embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
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Figure 18c is a partially cut away front view of a fifth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 18d is a side cross-section of a fifth embodiment of a suction head for
a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 19a is a partially cut away plan view of a sixth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 19b is a bottom view of a sixth embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 19c is a partially cut away front view of a sixth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 19d is a side cross-section of a sixth embodiment of a suction head for
a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 20a is a partially cut away plan view of a seventh embodiment of a
suction
head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 20b is a bottom view of a seventh embodiment of suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 20c is a partially cut away front view of a seventh embodiment of a
suction
head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 20d is a side cross-section of a seventh embodiment of a suction head
for a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 21 a is a partially cut away plan view of an eighth embodiment of a
suction
head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 21 b is a bottom view of an eighth embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 21 c is a partially cut away front view of an eighth embodiment of a
suction
head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 21 d is a side cross-section of an eighth embodiment of a suction head
for a
vacuum cleaner.
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Figure 22a is partially cut away plan view of a ninth embodiment of a suction
head of
a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 22b is a bottom view of a ninth embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 22c is a partially cut away front view of a ninth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 22d is a side cross-section of a ninth embodiment of a suction head for
a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 23a is a partially cut away plan view of a tenth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 23b is a bottom view of a tenth embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
Figure 23c is a partially cut away front view of a tenth embodiment of a
suction head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 23d is a side cross-section of a tenth embodiment of a suction head for
a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 24a is a partially cut away plan view of an eleventh embodiment of a
suction
head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 24b is a bottom view of an eleventh embodiment of a suction head for a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 24c is a partially cut away front view of an eleventh embodiment of a
suction
head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 24d is a side cross-section of an eleventh embodiment of a suction head
for a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of vortex inducing means
for
use in an air bleed of a suction head for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 26a is a plan view of a further embodiment of vortex inducing means
including
powder introducing means for use in an air bleed of a suction head for a
vacuum
cleaner.
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Figure 26b is a side schematic view of a further embodiment of vortex inducing
means including powder introducing means for use in an air bleed of a suction
head
for a vacuum cleaner.
Figure 27a is a plan view of a yet further embodiment of vortex inducing means
including fluid introducing means for use in an air bleed of a suction head
for a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 27b is a side schematic view of a yet further embodiment of vortex
inducing
means including fluid introducing means for use in an air bleed of a suction
for a
vacuum cleaner.
Figure 28a is a bottom view of a suction head in accordance with the present
teaching.
Figure 28b is a top view of the suction head of Figure 28a.
Figure 28c is a cross-section through the suction head of Figure 28a.
Description of the preferred embodiment
There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by
the
inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set
forth in order
to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one
skilled in
the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to
these
specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have
not
been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.
As shown in figures 1 to 4, an attachment for a vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a
cleaning head or suction head 12 which includes a suction chamber 14 to create
and
contain a region of relatively low pressure adjacent to a surface 16 to be
cleaned. As
previously explained, the suction head 12 includes a peripheral member 18
which is
arranged to locate against the surface 16. The peripheral member 18 is
required to
provide an effective suction chamber 14. However, on certain surfaces, a
peripheral
member 18 may form a very effective seal which prevents the suction head 12
from
being manually moved over the surface 16. Accordingly, air inlet means (air
bleeds
20) are required for the suction head 12. In the embodiment shown in figures 1
to 4,
the suction head 12 includes side bleeds 19 which allow some air to enter into
the
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suction chamber 14. This air flows substantially co-planar with the surface 16
to be
cleaned. The suction head 12 induces a brush blade holder 50 which is arranged
to
retain a brush blade to aid the cleaning of the surface 16 and to help disturb
and
remove dust and debris. The suction head also includes rear wheels 52 and
front
wheels 54 to enable the suction head 12 to easily travel over a surface. In
the
preferred embodiment, the air inlet means comprise air bleeds 20 which produce
a
cyclonic airflow 28 as the atmospheric air passes through the air bleeds 20
into the
suction head 12. This cyclonic airflow 27 is arranged to be directed towards
the
surface 16 to be cleaned and is arranged to travel (or penetrate) into the
surface 16
to be cleaned. This cyclonic airflow is arranged to agitate the surface 16 to
be
cleaned and to, thereby, increase the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner 10. In
an
alternative embodiment, the air bleeds comprise airflow inducing means which
may
enable substantially generally linear airflow through the suction head 12 into
the
suction chamber 14. For example, the air bleeds 20 may comprise tubular
portions
which induce the substantially linear airflow into the suction chamber 14.
As shown in figure 11 a, figure 11 b and figure 11 c, in the preferred
embodiment the
airflow creates a cyclone directed towards an apex 30 wherein the apex 30 is
arranged to be located below the level of the upper level of the surface 16
being
cleaned. For example, the apex 30 of the cyclonic airflow 28 is arranged to
locate
within the fibers of a carpet such that the cyclonic airflow 28 agitates the
fibers of the
carpet and is arranged to disturb and disrupt dirt, debris and dust within the
carpet.
Accordingly, the cyclonic bleeds 20 form the dual function of providing the
essential
air bleeds for the suction head 12 whilst also providing the function of a
surface
agitator.
The suction head 12 includes a plurality of cyclonic air bleeds 20, as shown
in
figures 5 to 10.
The cyclonic air bleeds 20 are arranged in at least one array and in the
preferred
embodiment the suction head 12 comprises two linear arrays of cyclonic air
bleeds
20. The suction head 12 comprises a first linear array of first cyclonic air
bleeds 20a
which extends across the width of the suction head 12 and a second linear
array of
second cyclonic air bleeds 20b which extends across the width of the suction
head
12. The second array is arranged to be located behind the first array. The
second
cyclonic air bleeds 22a in the second array are linearly offset from the first
cyclonic
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air bleeds located in the first array, as shown in figure 2 and figure 4. This
offset
configuration increases the surface area which is subjected to agitation by
the
cyclones 28 created by the cyclonic air bleeds 20, for example, a suction head
12 is
generally moved forwards and backwards and since the cyclones are offset then
this
reduces the likelihood of an area of the surface 16 not being subjected to
direct
agitation.
The arrays of cyclonic bleeds 20 may be arranged around the central connecting
conduit 34 as shown in figure 10. Alternatively the first array of first
cyclonic air
bleeds 20a may be continuous whilst the second array of second cyclonic air
bleed
20b may be arranged either side of the conduit 34, as shown in figure 4. Each
cyclonic air bleed 20 comprises a chamber 22 including a frusto-conical
surface 24
and has a tangential air inlet 26, as shown in figure 11 a, figure 11 b and 11
c. Each
cyclonic air bleed 20 includes an outlet 27 which is located centrally at the
lower end
and directs the air flow outwardly into the suction chamber 14. In use, air
enters
through the tangential air inlet 20 and is drawn through the air bleed 20 by
travelling
around the frusto-conical surface 24 in a generally spiral or helical pattern
28 as
shown in figure 11 c. Accordingly, the air flows downwardly in a helical
manner with a
decreasing diameter such that the airflow accelerates and travels towards an
apex
30 (shown schematically in figure 11c). The air at the apex 30 is arranged to
disturb
and disrupt the carpet fibers in order to disturb and release dust and debris
and the
air then travels through the suction chamber 14 and through an outlet 32
whilst also
carrying the dust and debris. As with conventional vacuum cleaners, the
airflow
including the dust and debris then travels through a conduit 34 and into a
dust
collecting chamber where the dust and debris is collected. The dust collecting
chamber may comprise a conventional system or may comprise a cyclonic system.
Once the dust and debris has been deposited or at least a significant portion
thereof,
the air then flows back to the external atmosphere.
The suction chamber 14 is defined by an upper wall 36 and at least one
peripheral
wall 38. The outlets 27 of the cyclonic air bleeds 20 are located on the upper
wall 36.
In the preferred embodiment, as shown in figure 2, the suction chamber 14
comprise
a generally "H" shape such that the first array of cyclonic air bleeds 20a are
located
in a first linear section of the suction chamber 14 and the second array of
cyclonic air
bleeds 20b are located in a second linear section of the suction chamber and
the two
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sections are connected centrally where the outlet 32 to the conduit 34 is
located.
This reduces the surface area of the effective suction chamber 14 and thereby
relatively increases the suction power. As shown in figure 5, the upper wall
36 of the
suction chamber 14 is planar and is arranged, in use, to be co-planar with the
surface 16 being cleaned. In addition, the suction chamber 14 may also
incorporate
auxiliary air bleeds 19 which are located around the peripheral wall 38 of the
suction
chamber 14. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in figures 1 to 5, the
outlets 27
of the cyclonic air bleeds 20 are arranged to be flush with the upper wall 36
of the
suction chamber 14.
The suction head 12 incorporates two main air paths which both share a central
aperture 32 for suction. On each air path there are a series of vortex cones
which
terminate within the air path. In between each air path there is a brush to
further help
with the floor surface agitation. The floor head also has side bleeds 19 to
help with
wall/side pick-up. The suction floor head also incorporates a flexible hose
linking the
main aperture 32 and the pivoting arm. This allows flexibility and improved
sealing of
the air path. The main conduit for the vacuum cleaner is connected to a
suction head
12 by a telescopic tube clip 56 and the suction head 12 includes a pivoting
arm 58
and a pivoting joint 60. The suction head 12 comprises and is constructed from
a top
clamshell 62 and a bottom clamshell 64.
It can be seen that the present invention provides an improved cleaning head
12 for
a vacuum cleaner 10 which includes agitation means which is produced
efficiently
and without any additional moving parts which could increase the risk of
failure. The
present invention achieves this advantage whilst also being energy efficient.
It is
appreciated that the present invention may be incorporated in a cleaning head
having a conventional brush bar agitator such that the action of the cyclonic
bleeds
20 will complement the action of the brush bar.
As shown in figures 12 to figure 15, a second embodiment of a suction head 12
for a
vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a first array of first cyclonic air bleeds 20a and
a
second array of second cyclonic air bleeds 20b. The outlets 27 of each
cyclonic
comprises a projecting portion 70 which projects downwardly from the upper
wall 36
of the suction chamber 14. These projecting portions 70 effectively form pips
and in
this embodiment the pips are teardrop shaped with the apex 71 of the teardrop
being
located towards the outlet 32. This tear drop shape helps to improve the
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aerodynamics of the suction head 12 and prevents or inhibits any debris being
built
up and collected on the dead air side of the pips. This also allows the vortex
to
terminate closer to the floor surface 16 and therefore creates greater
agitation.
Figure 16a to figure 16d shows a third embodiment of a suction head 12 for a
vacuum cleaner. The outlets 27 of the cyclonic air bleeds 20a, 20b are located
on a
raised bar portion 74 which extends downwardly from the upper wall 36 of the
suction chamber 14. The aim of the bar 74 is to prevent build up of debris and
to
create a clean air path within the suction chamber 14.
A fourth embodiment of a suction head 12 for a vacuum cleaner 10 is shown in
figure
17a to figure 17d. In this embodiment, the suction head 12 comprises a first
array of
first cyclonic air bleeds 20a which are directed and angled rearwardly on the
suction
head 12. In addition, the suction head 12 comprises a second array of second
cyclonic air bleeds 20b which are directed forwardly and angled downwardly on
the
suction head 12. This angled design provides a single linear arrangement of
the
apexes of the cyclonic air bleeds 20a, 20b in both the arrays and, thereby,
aims to
provide an even agitation of the surface to be cleaned.
A fifth embodiment of a suction head 12 for a vacuum cleaner 10 is shown in
figure
18a to figure 18b. In this embodiment, the cyclonic air bleeds 20 have
projecting
portions 76 which extend downwardly from the upper wall 36 of the suction
chamber
14. The projection portions 76 or pips are generally circular and enable the
vortex to
terminate closer to the floor surface 16 and thereby create greater agitation.
A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 19a to figure
19d. In
this embodiment the outlets 27 of the cyclonic air bleeds 20a, 20b are
arranged to be
flush with the upper wall 36 of the suction chamber 14. The aim of this
arrangement
is to prevent obstacles or debris and dirt within the suction chamber 14
wherein such
dirt and debris may build up within the suction chamber 14 and reduce the
effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner 10.
A seventh embodiment of a suction head 12 for a vacuum cleaner 10 is shown in
figure 20a to figure 20d. In this embodiment, the suction head 12 comprises a
first
array of first cyclonic air bleeds 20a, a second array of second cyclonic air
bleeds
20b and also a third array of third cyclonic air bleeds 20c. The third array
of cyclonic
air bleeds 20c is located in between the first array of cyclonic air bleeds
20a and the
CA 02702516 2010-05-03
second array of a second cyclonic air bleed 20b. In addition, the first array
of first
cyclonic air bleeds 20a are generally angled rearwardly such that the apexes
of the
cyclones created by the first cyclonic air bleeds 20a generally coincide with
the
apexes of the cyclone as created by the third array of third cyclonic air
bleeds 20c.
Similarly, the second cyclonic air bleeds 20b in the second array are angled
downwardly and forwardly such that the apexes of the cyclones created in the
second cyclonic air bleeds 20b coincide with the apexes of the cyclones
created by
both the first cyclonic air bleeds 20a and the third cyclonic air bleeds 20c.
It can be
seen that all of the cyclonic air bleeds 20a, 20b, 20c are laterally offset
along the
suction head in order to provide a comprehensive linear arrangement of apexes
to
agitate the surface to be cleaned.
An eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 21a to figure
21d.
In this embodiment, the upper walls 36 of the suction head 14 is angled
downwardly
from the central position. In particular, the upper wall of the suction
chamber 14
comprises a first lateral section 76 which extends downwardly from the central
outlet
32 to a first lateral side and a second lateral section 78 extends downwardly
from the
central outlet 32 to a second lateral side. In this embodiment, the cyclonic
air bleed
comprise circular pips which project downwardly from the upper wall 36. In
particular, as the pips located further away from the central outlet 32, the
projecting
20 distance decreases until the outlets 27 of the cyclonic air bleeds 20a, 20b
located at
the lateral side of the suction head 12 are flush with the upper wall 36 of
the suction
chamber 14. Accordingly, the vortex terminates inside of the air path with
pips
supporting the end of the vortex cone. This allows the vortex to terminate
closer to
the floor surface and therefore creates greater agitation.
A ninth embodiment of a suction head 12 for use with in a vacuum cleaner 10 is
shown in figure 22a to figure 22d. As previously described, the upper wall 36
of the
suction chamber 14 is angled downwardly from a central location. However, in
this
embodiment, the cyclonic air bleeds 20a, 20b do not include pips but the
outlets 27
of the cyclonic air bleeds 20a, 20b are substantially flush with the two
sections 76, 78
of the upper wall 36 of the suction chamber 14. Accordingly, the vortex
terminates
flush with the air path so that there are no obstacles for debris and dirt to
build up
against.
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A tenth embodiment of a suction head 12 for a vacuum cleaner 10 is shown in
figure
23a to figure 23d. In this embodiment, the suction head 12 includes extra
linear air
bleeds 80 in between the vortexes. In particular, the linear air bleeds 80
include an
air inlet 82 where air from the atmosphere is drawn in to the suction chamber
14.
The linear air bleeds 80 comprise air outlets 84 where the air is introduced
into the
suction chamber 14. These outlets 84 are located between the air outlets 27
for the
cyclonic air bleeds 20a, 20b. In this embodiment, the cyclonic air bleeds 20a,
20b
include circular pips. In particular, the vortex terminates inside of the air
path with
pips supporting the end of the vortex cone. This allows the vortex to
terminate closer
to the floor surface and therefore creates greater agitation. The linear air
bleeds 80
incorporated in between the vortex cones also helps with the agitation. In
this
embodiment, the upper wall of the suction chamber is arranged to be
substantially
co-planar with the surface 16 to be cleaned.
An eleventh embodiment of a suction head 12 for a vacuum cleaner 10 is shown
in
figure 24a to figure 24d. In this embodiment, the suction head 12 includes
linear air
bleeds 80 in order for air to be introduced into the suction chamber 14 to
supplement
that supplied by the cyclonic air bleeds 20. Each linear air bleed 80 includes
an air
inlet and an air outlet 84. The air outlets 84 which introduce the air into
the suction
chamber 14 are located in between adjacent air outlets 27 cyclonic of air
bleeds 20a,
20b. In addition, the suction head 12 includes a linear row of linear air
bleed outlets
84 located between the first array of first cyclonic air bleeds 20a and the
second
array of second cyclonic air bleeds 20b. In this embodiment the vortex
terminates
inside of the air path with pips supporting the end of the vortex cone. This
allows the
vortex to terminate closer to the floor surface and therefore creates greater
agitation.
In addition, the upper wall 36 of the suction chamber 14 is arranged to be
substantially co-planar with the surface 16 to be cleaned. In further
embodiments of
the present invention, the cyclonic air bleeds 20 include fluid introducing
means
whereby liquids or powders etc can be introduced into the cyclonic airflow
path 27 in
order to supplement the cleaning function of the suction head 12 as shown in
figure
25. As shown in figure 26a and figure 26b, the cyclonic air bleed 20 includes
an air
inlet 26 and a powder introducing inlet 90. The powder introducing inlet 90 is
arranged tangentially with the respect to the frusto-conical surface such that
the
17
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powder 92 is drawn into the cyclonic airflow 27. The powder inlet 90 is
arranged to
be located 1800 offset relative to the air inlet 26.
Similarly, the cyclonic air bleed 20 may include a liquid introducing means as
shown
in figure 27a and figure 27b. As with the powder introducing means, the liquid
introducing means includes a liquid inlet 96 whereby a liquid 98 and, in
particular,
droplets of liquid 98 or an atomised liquid are drawn into the cyclonic
airflow 28
within the frusto-conical surface 22 through a liquid inlet 96. There are
various
methods in which the vortex technology can be utilized in household cleaning.
The
aforementioned methods and apparatus can be used to utilize air in helping
with
surface agitation. The main method involves drawing in air tangentially to the
vortex
cone. Due to the geometry, the cone air is encouraged to spin around the
inside
which thereby speeds up the velocity and peaks at the bottom of the cone which
then agitates the surface to be cleaned. As mentioned above, there can be
means to
control the introduction of a powder into a second air duct at the top of the
vortex
cone. The powder can be perfumed or antibacterial depending on the
purpose/application. Similarly, a liquid could be fed into the vortex cone in
a
controlled manner. The liquid would be carried in the air which would
terminate
within the carpet fibers. Depending upon the application, the liquid could be
perfumed, antibacterial/cleaning solution.
Figures 28a to 28c show a further arrangement of a suction head in accordance
with
the present teaching. The same reference numerals will be used for similar
parts. In
this arrangement, in addition to the cyclonic or vortex air bleeds 20, first
and second
linear air bleeds 2800 are provided at each end of the suction head. Each of
the
linear air bleeds 2800 have an exit aperture 2800b provided on an upper
surface of
the suction head and an exit aperture 2900a provided within the suction
chamber 14.
In this way an air-bleed passageway which reduces the suction applied within
the
suction chamber 14 is provided at each end thereof so as to assist in the
movement
of the suction head across surfaces where a seal may otherwise be created. The
linear air bleeds that are provided are desirably located towards the conduit
34
towards the rear of the suction head 12. It will be recalled from the above
that front
wheels 54 are provided to enable the suction head 12 to easily travel over a
surface
and these linear air bleeds are desirably substantially parallel with the
front wheels
54.
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The bottom view provided in Figure 28(a) also shows a wiper 2810 that may be
provided towards the rear 2815 of the suction chamber 14. The wiper 2810 is
desirably formed from a resilient or elastomeric material that will allow it
to flex during
movement of the suction head. The wiper typically has a length sufficient to
allow it
to extend downwardly to the floor surface on which the suction head is
cleaning. By
providing such a wiper, a seal is provided to the chamber which as a result
improves
the suction within the suction chamber 14. The wiper is desirably provided
across
the width of the suction head, extending substantially from a first linear air
bleed
2800a to a second linear air bleed provided at the opposite end of the suction
head.
The wiper 2810 may be provided with an arcuate form, bending outwards in a mid-
portion 2815 of the suction chamber such that its distance from a centre line
A-A' is
greater in the mid-portion of the suction chamber 14 than it is at the edges.
In
addition to improving the suction within the suction chamber 14, the wiper may
provide an additional contact with the surface on which the cleaner is being
used so
as to direct dirt on that surface into the outlet 32. The use of a wiper is
particularly
advantageous when the suction head is used on carpeted surfaces where the
front
wheels 54 may become embedded into the surface and as a result the rear 2820
tilts
forwardly and upwardly causing a gap at that location which would affect the
suction
within the suction chamber 14. By having a wiper 2810 coincident with the rear
2820,
the wiper will minimize any gaps in this rear portion 2820 of the head
irrespective of
any movement of the suction head away from the surface, thereby maintaining
the
suction at a desired level.
It will be appreciated that exemplary embodiments of a suction head have been
described above to assist in an understanding of the teaching of the invention
and it
is not intended to limit the invention in any way except as may be deemed
necessary
in the light of the appended claims. Furthermore, where the invention has been
described with reference to specific figures it will be understood that
features or
components of one figure can be interchanged with those of another figure
without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify
the
presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not
preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers , steps,
components
or groups thereof.
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