WO2017147643A1

WO2017147643A1 - A vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: WO2017147643A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/000056
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shanon Matthew MARTIN; David Kim SCOTT; Hiep Duong
Original assignee: Electrical Home-Aids Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-29
Filing date: 2017-02-24
Publication date: 2017-09-08

Abstract

A hand held vacuum cleaner (600) having an inlet nozzle (604) that communicates with the interior of a dust collection container (602). The container (602) delivers air to an air flow generator (614) driven by an electric motor (613). The handle (607) has a longitudinal axis (608) that is inclined by an angle (609) to the longitudinal axis of the container (602). The angle is about 55°.

Description

A VACUUM CLEANER

Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to handle held vacuum cleaners, frequently referred to as stickvacs, and more particularly but not exclusively to battery operated hand held vacuum cleaners.

Background

[0002] Hand held vacuum cleaners are described in Australian Patents 2007274890,

2007274885, 2007274892 and 201 1309890. The hand held vacuum cleaners described in these Australian patents are of a construction in which the body of the vacuum cleaner includes a handle that is arranged in a "pistol grip" manner. That is, the body of the vacuum cleaner has extending from it a tubular suction (frequently referred to as a wand) that extends to a floor engaging tool. The suction pipe is attached to the body and the handle arranged relative to the suction pipe so that the operator grips it in a "pistol grip" manner.

[0003] Hand held vacuum cleaners of the above discussed type, have the suction tube communicating with a filter that may be of a cyclonic configuration. Attached to the filter is a fan and motor that is located above the handle. The handle extends downwardly from the motor to a battery mounting, with the battery mounting being attached by an upwardly extending portion of the vacuum cleaner. The upper end of the portion is attached to the mounting and filter body.

[0004] A disadvantage of the above discussed vacuum cleaners is that when used to clean elevated surfaces, considerable stress is placed on the user's wrist. A further disadvantage is that the construction is reasonably complex, adds to its manufacturing costs.

Object of the Invention

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages and/or to provide an alternative construction to the constructions discussed above. Summary of Invention

[0006] There is disclosed herein a hand held vacuum cleaner including:

a hollow body providing a duct collection filter chamber, the chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet, with air to pass from the inlet to the outlet;

a filter in the chamber through which the air passes in moving from the inlet to the outlet;

a motor;

an airflow generator attached to the motor so as to be driven thereby, the generator having an air inlet and an air outlet, with the generator inlet connected to the chamber outlet so as to receive air therefrom;

an electric power source connected to the motor so that upon the delivery of electric power to the motor, the generator causes air to be drawn through the chamber inlet to pass through the filter and to the chamber outlet, for delivery to the generator wherefrom air is exhausted via the generator outlet;

a handle having a length to be gripped by the user, the length having opposite end portions including a first end portion and a second end portion; and wherein

said first end portion is attached to said hollow body so that the handle extends away from the hollow body, and the vacuum cleaner further includes a mounting for the power source and motor, with the mounting extending from said second end portion toward said hollow body so that the handle and mounting at least substantially surround an aperture that enables a user to extend a hand through the aperture, thereby enabling the user to grip said length and support the vacuum cleaner.

[0007] Preferably, the hollow body, handle and mounting surround said aperture.

[0008] Preferably, the power source is located adjacent said second end portion, and the motor and airflow generator located adjacent the hollow body so that the power source is located between the handle, and motor and airflow generator.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting includes a first end portion and a second end portion, with the mounting first end portion being located adjacent the handle second end portion, with the vacuum cleaner including a main body providing said handle and mounting, and a main body portion extending between the handle first end portion and the mounting second end portion so that the main body provides said aperture.

[0010] Preferably, the power source is located adjacent the mounting first end portion and the airflow generator is located adjacent the mounting second end portion so that the power source is located between the motor and airflow generator and the handle.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the chamber has a longitudinal axis, and the chamber inlet has a longitudinal axi s, w ith the longitudinal axis of the chamber being inclined to the longitudinal axi s of the chamber inlet by an acute angle that is between 50° to 90°.

[0012] Preferably, the acute angle is about 60° or about 90°.

[0013] Preferably, the handle has a longitudinal axis, with the handle longitudinal axis being inclined to the longitudinal axis of the chamber inlet by a further acute angle that is between 10° and 40°.

[0014] Preferably, the further acute angle is about 20° or 35°.

[0015] Preferably, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the chamber and the longitudinal axis of the handle is between 30° and 60°.

[0016] Preferably, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the chamber and the longitudinal axis of the handle is about 55°.

[0017] Preferably, the main body portion provides ducting to provide for the fluid of air from the filter chamber to the airflow generator.

[0018] Preferably, the hollow body includes a side wall substantially surrounding the filter chamber, and a lid closing the filter chamber, the lid being moved between an open position and a closed position, with the lid in the open position providing for emptying of the filter chamber.

[0019] Preferably, the lid is pivotally attached to the side wall. [0020] Preferably, the hollow body includes an upper end part that closes an upper portion of the filter chamber, with the lid closing a lower portion of the filter chamber.

[0021] Preferably, wherein the upper end part provides ducting for air to leave the chamber.

[0022] Preferably, the upper end part of the holl ow body provides for removable attachment of the hollow body to the main body.

[0023] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner includes ducting providing for the flow of air from the exterior to adjacent the power source for delivery to the hollow body, to provide for airflow past the battery to cool the power source.

[0024] Preferably, the ducting passes through the handle.

[0025] There is also disclosed herein the hand held vacuum cleaner including a main body, a dust collection assembly removably coupled to the main body, the main body having a handle to be gripped by a user, an airflow generator for producing a negative pressure in the dust collection assembly, a motor for driving the airflow generator, an airflow generator inlet for delivering air to the airflow generator, and a power source for powering the motor, the dust collection assembly comprising:

a longitudinal axis;

a filter chamber extending about the longitudinal axis;

a first end;

a second end longitudinally spaced apart from the first end with respect to the longitudinal axis;

an assembly inlet proximate the first end;

an assembly outlet proximate the second end, the assembly outlet is in fluid

communication with the airflow generator inlet; and

a filter module disposed within the filter chamber, the filter module having a filter inlet proximate the assembly inlet and a filter outlet coupled to the assembly outlet,

wherein negative pressure applied to the assembly outlet by the airflow generator causes air to flow into the filter chamber through the assembly inlet, air in the filter chamber to flow into the filter module, air in the filter module to flow towards the filter outlet and out of the filter chamber through the assembly outlet. [0026] There is further disclosed herein a hand held vacuum cleaner including a main body, a dust collection assembly removably coupled to the main body of the vacuum cleaner, the main body having a handle to be gripped by a user, an airflow generator for producing a negative pressure in the dust collection assembly, a motor for driving the airflow generator, an airflow generator inlet for delivering air to the airflow generator, and a power source for powering the motor, the dust collection assembly comprising:

a longitudinal axis;

a filter chamber extending about the longitudinal axis;

a first end;

a second end longitudinally spaced apart from the first end with respect to the longitudinal axis, the second end defining an opening about the longitudinal axis;

an assembly inlet proximate the first end;

a cap coupled to the second end, the cap having an aperture; and

a filter module disposed within the filter chamber, the filter module having a filter inlet proximate the assembly and a filter outlet coupled to and in fluid communication with the aperture, wherein the filter outlet coupled to the aperture forms an assembly outlet, and the assembly outlet is in fluid communication with the airflow generator inlet,

wherein negative pressure applied to the assembly outlet by the airflow generator causes air to flow into the filter chamber through the assembly inlet, air in the filter chamber to flow into the filter module, air in the filter module to flow towards the filter outlet and out of the filter chamber through the assembly outlet.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of a hand held vacuum cleaner;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation of the handle of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 showing airflow through the vacuum cleaner;

[0030] Figure 3 is a further schematic side elevation of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure i ; [0031 ] Figure 4 is a parts exploded schematic side elevation of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 ; and

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation of a modification of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a hand held vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 is a cut-away side view of the main body of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 6;

[0035] Figure 8 is a bottom view of a hollow body of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 6 with a cap and filter module removed;

[0036] Figure 9 is a side view of the hollow body of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 6; [0037] Figure 10 is a front view of the hollow body of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure

6;

[0038] Figure 1 1 is a parts exploded side view of the hollow body and filter module of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 6;

[0039] Figure 12 is a bottom view of the hollow body of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 with the cap;

[0040] Figure 13 is a bottom rear perspective view of the main body of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 6;

[0041 ] Figure 14 is a top view of a filter module of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 6;

[0042] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a docking station for the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 6;

[0043] Figure 16 is a front view of the docking station of Figure 15; [0044] Figure 17 is a schematic sectioned side elevation of a modi fication of the hand held vacuum cleaner of Figure 6; and

[0045] Figure 18 is a schematic side elevation of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 17. Description of Embodiments

[0046] In Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted a hand held vacuum cleaner 10. The vacuum cleaner 10 may be provided with a plurality of "tools" such as a nozzle attachment 1 1. However vacuum cleaner 10 would be provided with other tools such as a suction pipe and ground engaging tools and/or brushes.

[0047] The handle held vacuum cleaner 10 includes a hollow body 12 that provides a filter chamber 13.

[0048] The filter chamber 13 has an air inlet 14 and an air outlet 15, with the inlet 14 being connected to the nozzle 1 1 so as to receive air therefrom.

[0049] Located in the chamber 13 is a filter 16. The filter 16 may be a cyclonic separator, or a filter medium through which air passes, and/or combination of cyclonic separator and filter medium.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the filter 16 includes an upper portion 17 that engages the airstream 18 to cause the airstream 18 to circulate angularly about the axis 19 of the body 12. Dust particles engage internal surfaces of the body 12 so as to be removed from the airstream to be collected adjacent a lower portion 20 of the chamber 13. Further, the filter 16 includes a filter medium 21 through which the air passes, to remove even further dust material.

[0051 ] Once air passes through the filter medium 21 , the airstream 18 passes through a central conduit 22 of the filter 16 to be delivered to the outlet 15.

[0052] The vacuum cleaner 10 also includes a handle 23 that includes a length 24 that is gripped by a user. The length 24 includes an end portion 25 and an end portion 26, with the end portion 25 being attached to the body 12. [0053] Attached to the end portion 26 is a mounting 27, the mounting 27 is attached to the portion 26 and engages the body 12. Accordingly, the body 12, handle 23 and mounting 24 at least substantially surround an aperture 28 through which a user's fingers may pass so that the user can grip the length 24.

[0054] Attached to the mounting 27 is a re-chargeable battery 30, electric motor 31 and airflow generator 32. The generator 32 may be a blade type fan or alternatively an impeller construction. The electric motor 31 is electrically connected to the battery 30 via a trigger (switch) 29. Upon operation of the trigger 29, the motor 31 is operated to cause operation of the airflow generator 32.

[0055] The airflow generator 32 has an inlet 33 connected to the outlet 15 so as to receive air therefrom. The airflow generator 32 has an outlet 34 via which air exhausted to atmosphere.

[0056] The mounting 27 has an end portion 35 fixed to the handle 23, and an end portion 36 that is attached to the hollow body 12. Accordingly the body 12 is located between the end portions 25 and 36. In particular, a catch assembly 37 releasably attaches the end portion 36 to the body 12. The battery 30 is located adjacent the end portion 26 and 35, while the motor 31 and airflow generator 32 are located adjacent the end portion 36, so that the motor 31 and air flow generate 32 is located between the battery 30 and body 12.

[0057] To provide for removal of collected dust from the chamber 13, the body 12 includes an end cap 38 that is pivotable between a closed position (as shown in Figure 1) closing the chamber 13 and an open position exposing the chamber 13 (as shown in Figure 3).

[0058] To provide for movement of the end cap 38 as described above, the handle 23 is pivotally attached to the body 12 by means of a pivot connection 39 so that the handle 23 can pivot angularly in the direction 40 about an axis transverse relative to the longitudinal axis 41 of the handle 23. More particularly, the pivot axis would be generally perpendicular relative to the axis 41 , and generally perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis 42 of the tool 1 1 and inlet 14. [0059] When the end cap 38 is moved to a position exposing the chamber 13, dust can be removed from the chamber 13 and/or dust collected on the internal surfaces of the end cap 38, while still further, the filter 16 can be removed for cleaning purposes.

[0060] n an alternative embodiment, the battery 30 may be located adjacent or below the motor 31 and airflow generator 32.

[0061 ] n a further preferred form, the filter 16 may include further filter body 47, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, through which the air passes so as to remove dust therefrom. Additionally, and as illustrated in Figure 2, a still further filter 48 may be provided adjacent the outlet 34 so that air passing through the outlet 34 passes through the filter 48 prior to being exhaust to atmosphere.

[0062] With reference to Figure 2, in one preferred form the vacuum cleaner 10 includes ducting 46 that extends from adjacent the battery 30 to the chamber 13 to provide for the flow of air past the battery 30 to cool the battery 30. Preferably, the ducting 46 extends from an air inlet adjacent the battery 30, through the handle 23 and pivot assembly 39, to provide for the flow of air from adjacent the battery 30 to the chamber 13.

[0063] Preferably, the axis 41 extends relative to the axis 42 by an acute angle 43 that is between 10° and 30°, most preferably about 20°. Preferably, the longitudinal axis 41 of the handle 23 is inclined to the longitudinal axis 42 by an acute angle 43. Preferably, the angle 43 is 10° to 30°, most preferably about 20°. Preferably, the longitudinal axis 19 of the chamber 13 is inclined to the longitudinal axis 42 by an acute angle 45. Preferably, the angle 45 is between 50° and 70°, most preferably about 60°. Preferably, the longitudinal axis 41 is inclined to the axis 19 by an acute angle 44. Preferably, the acute angle 44 is between 30° and 50°, most preferably about 40°.

[0064] Figure 6 shows a hand held vacuum cleaner 100 according to another embodiment. The hand held vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a main body 101, a suction pipe 200, floor engaging heads 300, 302, attachment tools 400, 402, docking/charging station 500 and an additional rechargeable battery pack 600. The hand held vacuum cleaner 100 has a longitudinal axis 10. [0065] Referring to Figure 7, the main body 101 comprises a removable hollow body 102 having a hollow body axis 1 1. The hollow body 102 defines an annular filter chamber 103 extending about the hollow body axis 11 . Referring to Figure 7, the removable hollow body 102 has a hollow body inlet 104 and a central channel 107. The hollow body inlet 104 is in fluid communication with the annular filter chamber 103. Referring to Figure 8, the hollow body 102 further comprises top passages 108, filter receiving bayonet portions 109 and base bayonet portions 110. The central channel 107 is in fluid communication with the top passages 108. Referring to Figure 9, the hollow body 102 has a pair of couplings 106. Referring to Figure 10, the hollow body 102 further comprises a top connecting portion 105. Referring to Figure 7, the hollow body 102 further comprises a nozzle 1 1 1 that allows for the connection of the suction pipe 200, engaging heads 300, 302, and/or attachments tools 400, 402 to the hand held vacuum cleaner 100. The nozzle 1 1 1 has a nozzle latch 1 12 that releasably engages any of the suction pipe 200, engaging heads 300, 302, or attachments tools 400, 402. Referring to Figure 8, the nozzle 1 1 1 further comprises a flow directing surface 1 13.

[0066] Referring to Figure 7, the hollow body axis 1 1 and the longitudinal axis 10 of the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 intersect at an acute angle of σ. Preferably, the angle σ is between 50° and 70°, most preferably 60°.

[0067] Referring to Figure 1 1 , a cap 1 14 is removably engaged with an open lower end 166 of the hollow body 102 by engaging cap bayonet portions 1 15 of the cap 1 14 with corresponding base bayonet portions 110 of the hollow body 102. The open lower end 166 being an opening about the hollow body axis 1 1. Referring to Figure 12, the cap 1 14 further comprises a plurality of apertures 1 16 arranged around a central disk portion 158. Referring to Figure 13, the cap 1 14 further comprises a recess 1 17 that tapers in a direction towards the nozzle 1 1 1. It is also envisaged that the cap 1 14 is coupled/decoupled from the hollow body 102 by a threaded coupling.

[0068] Referring to Figure 1 1, a filter module 1 18 is removably located within the hollow body 102 by en gaging filter bayonet portions 164 of the filter module 118 with corresponding filter receiving bayonet portions 109 of the hollow body 102. The filter module 1 18 further comprises a course filter 1 19 and a fine filter 125. Fine filter 125 is removably coupled within the filter module 1 18 by a snap fitting. It is envisaged that the fine filter 125 can be coupled within the filter module 118 by other means known in the art. [0069] Referring to Figure 14, it can be seen that there are three flow directing portions 123 and three filter openings 123 arranged in an alternating manner about the hollow body axis 1 1 (only one of each is labelled for clarity of illustration). It will be appreciated that any number of flow directing portions 122 and filter openings 123 can be utilized.

[0070] Referring to Figure 14, the filter module 1 18 further comprises a cyclonic passage 121, a flow directing portion 122, filter openings 123, and filter annulus 165. Referring to Figure 7, the filter module 118 further comprises an annular filter outlet 120 and an annular filter cavity 124. The cyclonic passage 121 has an upper end 162 and a lower end 163. The annular filter cavity 124 is in fluid communication with the filter openings 123 and the annular filter outlet 120. Referring to Figures 7 and 12, when the cap 1 14 is coupled to the hollow body 102, the apertures 1 16 of the cap 1 14 align, and engage, with the annular filter outlet 120 thereby forming a hollow body outlet 161. It is also envisaged that the filter module 1 18 is coupled/decoupled from the hollow body 102 by a threaded coupling.

[0071] Referring to Figure 7, the main body 101 further comprises a handle 126 that is to be gripped by a user. The handle 126 defines a handle axis 12. The handle axis 12 and the longitudinal axis 10 of the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 intersect at an acute angle a.

Preferably, the angle a is between 10° and 30°, most preferably about 20°. Further, the handle axis 12 and the hollow body axis 1 1 of the hollow body 102 intersect at an acute angle of β. Preferably, the angle β is between 30° and 50°, most preferably about 40°

[0072] The handle 126 comprises a handle connecting portion 127, a pair of catches 128 disposed on a release rod 133, a distal end 129 and a lower end 130. The handle 126 further comprises a handle catch spring 131 , a release button 132 and spring 134. The spring 134 engages with and urges the release button 132 and the release rod 133 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 14. The handle 126 further comprises an activation switch 135, an activation rod 136, a sliding contact 137 and a stop 138.

[0073] The main body 101 further comprises a mounting 139 having a first portion 159 and a second portion 160. The first portion 159 is coupled to the lower end 130 of the handle 126, and the second portion 160 is coupled to the distal end 129 of the handle 126. The mounting 139 houses a control unit 140, an electric motor 141 and an airflow generator 142. The mounting 139 further comprises a battery mount 143, a motor air inlet 144, a removable exhaust 145, a removable exhaust filter 146 and a bleed valve 147. It will be appreciated that the airflow generator 142 can be an axial, centrifugal or any other type of airflow generator known in the art. The handle 126 and mounting 139 partially define an aperture 148 through which a user's fingers may pass.

[0074] A replaceable rechargeable battery pack 149 is removably mounted to the battery mount 143. The battery pack 149 is comprised of multiple battery cells 150 (only one illustrated for clarity of illustration). Referring to Figure 6, the battery pack 149 can be removed from the battery mount 143 and the additional battery pack 600 can then subsequently be mounted to the battery mount 143. Although Figure 7 illustrates the battery pack 149 being comprised of multiple battery cells 150, it is also envisaged that other types of power sources known in the art may be employed.

[0075] Referring to Figure 13, the mounting 139 further comprises a base profile generally indicated by 151. The base profile 151 has a pair of projections 152 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration), a hollow body guide portion 153 and a pair of vacuum electrical contacts 154.

[0076] Figure 15 shows a docking/charging station 500 of the hand held vacuum cleaner 100. The docking/charging station 500 is configured to be mounted on a wall or the like. The docking/charging station 500 has a receiving profile generally indicated by 502 and a pair of storage projections 504,506. Each of the storage projections 504,506 has a corresponding projection latch 508,510. Referring to Figure 16, the docking/charging station 500 further comprises a pair of cavities 512 and a pair of docking/charging electrical contact 514 (only one labelled for clarity of illustration).

[0077] Referring to Figure 6, the suction pipe 200 has tool attachment end 202, a tool attachment latch 204 and a vacuum attachment end 206. Each of the floor engaging heads 300,302 and attachment tools 400,402 has an engaging profile 304. Although the engaging profile 304 is only labelled with respect to the floor engaging head 302, it will be appreciated that the engaging profiles of the floor engaging head 300, attachment tools 400,402 and vacuum attachment end 206 of the suction pipe 200 are identical.

[0078] Assembly of the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 will now be discussed. Referring to Figure 10, the nozzle 1 1 1 is coupled to the hollow body 102 and surrounds the hollow body inlet 104. The nozzle 11 1 is in fluid communication with the hollow body inlet 104 so as to receive air therefrom.

[0079] Referring to Figure 7, the top connecting portion 105 is configured to releasably couple with the handle connecting portion 127 thereby forming a first releasable connection 156. As can be seen in Figure 7, the top connecting portion 105 and the handle connecting portion 127 have complementary profiles. Each base coupling 106 is configured to releasably couple with a respective catch 128 to form a second releasable connection 157. When the top connecting portion 105 is coupled to the handle connecting portion 127 and the base connecting portion 106 is coupled to the base catch 128, the hollow body 102 is retained between the first releasable connection 156 and the second releasable connection 157.

[0080] Referring to Figure 13, the recess 117 of the cap 1 14 is configured to slidably engage with the hollow body guide portion 153 of the mounting 139. Referring to Figure 7, when the hollow body 102 is coupled between the first releasable connection 156 and second releasable connection 157, the hollow body outlet 161 is in fluid communication with the motor inlet 144. The bleed valve 147 is in fluid communication between the motor inlet 144 and atmosphere. The bleed valve 147 is biased in a closed position that prevents air flowing between the motor inlet 144 and atmosphere through the bleed valve 147.

[0081 ] The electric motor 141 is coupled to the airflow generator 142 either directly or indirectly. The airflow generator 142 exhausts air to atmosphere through the exhaust filter 146 and ultimately through the exhaust 145. The exhaust filter 146 is removably positioned between the electric motor 141 and the exhaust 145 such that it can be cleaned, repaired or replaced.

[0082] The electric motor 141 and sliding contact 137 are electrically coupled to the control unit 140. The battery pack 149, or additional battery pack 600, is electrically coupled to the control unit 140 when mounted to the battery mount 143. The control unit 140 is programmed to control operation of the electric motor 141 and battery pack 149, and delivery of power from the battery pack 149 to the electric motor 141. The control unit 140 is also programmed to control charging of the battery pack 149 (charging will be discussed in more detail below).

[0083] Referring to Figure 7, depressing release button 132 in a direction opposite to arrow 14 causes the release rod 133 to move in the same direction. When the release button 132 is depressed, the release rod 133 decouples each catch 128 from a respective coupling 106.

Referring to Figure 13, after each catch 128 and respective coupling 106 have been decoupled, the cap 114 is able to slide along the hollow body guide portion 153 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 16. Referring to Figure 7, moving the hollow body 102 in the direction of arrow 16 causes the catch spring 131 to move in the direction of arrow 14 thereby decoupling the top connecting portion 105 from the handle connecting portion 127. When the top connecting portion 105 is decoupled from the handle connecting portion 127 and each coupling 106 is decoupled from a respective catch 128, the hollow body 102 can be removed from the main body 101. When the hollow body 102 is removed from the main body 101 , the nozzle 1 1 1 remains coupled to the hollow body 102. After the hollow body 102 has been removed from the main body 101, the cap 1 14 can be decoupled from the hollow body 102 to allow removal of the contents within the annular filter chamber 103 or to allow for removal/cleaning of the filter module 118.

[0084] The cap 1 14 is moved angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 with respect to the hollow body 102 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In either of the locked or unlocked positions, the cap 1 14 still engages the lower portion of the hollow body 102.

[0085] To move the cap 1 14 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the cap 1 14 is moved angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 with respect to the hollow body 102 until the cap bayonet portions 115 of the cap 1 14 disengage from corresponding base bayonet portions 1 10 of the hollow body 102. When the cap 114 is in the unlocked position, the cap 1 14 is removed from the hollow body 102 by moving the cap 1 14 in direction along the hollow body axis 1 1 away from the hollow body 102 thereby disengaging the cap 1 14 from the hollow body 102. Removal of the cap 1 14 from the hollow body 102 allows for removal of the filter module 1 18 for cleaning and also allows for cleaning of the annular filter chamber 103.

[0086] To couple the cap 1 14 to the hollow body 102, the cap 1 14 is moved in a direction toward the hollow body 102 along the hollow body axis 1 1 until the cap 1 14 engages with the hollow body 102. After the cap 114 has engaged the hollow body 102, the cap 1 14 is moved angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 with respect to the hollow body 102 in a direction opposite to that discussed in the above paragraph until the cap bayonet portions 1 15 of the cap 1 14 engage with corresponding base bayonet portions 1 10 of the hollow body 102. [0087] The filter module 1 18 is moved angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 with respect to the hollow body 102 between a secured position and an unsecured position. In either of the secured or unsecured positions, the filter module 1 18 still engages the hollow body 102.

[0088] To move the filter module 1 18 from the secured position to the unsecured position, the filter module 1 18 is moved angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 with respect to the hollow body 102 until the filter bayonet portions 164 of the filter module 1 18 disengage from

corresponding filter receiving bayonet portions 109 of the hollow body 102. When the filter module 1 18 is in the unsecured position, the filter module 1 18 is removed from the hollow body 102 by moving the filter module 1 18 in direction along the hollow body axis 1 1 away from the hollow body 102 thereby disengaging the filter module 118 from the hollow body 102. Removal of the filter module 1 18 from the hollow body 102 allows the filter module 1 18 and its associated components to be cleaned.

[0089] To couple the filter module 1 18 to the hollow body 102, the filter module 1 18 is moved in a direction toward the hollow body 102 along the hollow body axis 1 1 until the upper end 162 of the filter module 1 18 engages with the top passages 108 of the hollow body 102. After the filter module 1 18 has engaged the top passages 108, the filter module 1 18 is moved angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 with respect to the hollow body 102 in a direction opposite to that discussed in the above paragraph until the filter bayonet portions 164 of the filter module 1 18 engage with corresponding filter receiving bayonet portions 109 of the hollow body 102 thereby coupling the filter module 1 18 and the hollow body 102.

[0090] When the filter module 1 18 is coupled to the hollow body 102, the top passages 108 of the hollow body 102 are in fluid communication with the filter openings 123 of the filter module 1 18. Further, when the filter module 118 is coupled to the hollow body 102, the central disk portion 158 of the cap 1 14 engages with the lower end 163 of the cyclonic passage 121 thereby sealing the lower end 163 of the cyclonic passage 121. Still further, when the filter module 1 18 is coupled to the hollow body 102, the central passage 107 of the hollow body 102 projects into the upper end 162 of the fi lter module 1 18 such that the central passage 107 is in fluid communication with the cyclonic passage 121.

[0091] To couple the hollow body 102 to the main body 101 , the recess 117 of the cap 1 14 is moved along the hollow body guide portion 153 in a direction opposite to arrow 16 until each coupling 106 couples with a respective catch 128 and the catch spring 131 of the handle connecting portion 127 couples with the top connecting portion 105 thereby forming the second releasable connection 157 and first releasable connection 156, respectively.

[0092] The activation switch 135 is pivotable around the axis generally indicated by 18. The activation switch 135 is coupled to the activation rod 136 and the activation rod 136 slidably engages with the sliding contact 137. Rotation of the activation switch 135 causes the activation rod 136 to slide linearly along the sliding contact 137. With respect to Figure 7, pivoting the activation switch 135 anti-clockwise causes the activation rod 136 to move towards the stop 138, and rotating the activation switch 135 clockwise causes the activation rod 136 to move away from the stop 138. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the activation switch 135 is pivotable between a position which is illustrated in Figure 7 and a position where the activation rod 136 engages the stop 138 thereby preventing further pivoting of the activation switch 135. It is also envisaged that the activation switch 135 is a linearly sliding switch such that linear motion of the activation switch 135 results in linear motion of the activation rod 136.

[0093] When the activation switch 135 is in the position illustrated in Figure 7, power from the battery pack 149 is not delivered to the electric motor 141 and, therefore, the airflow generator 142 is not driven by the electric motor 141. Accordingly, when the activation switch 135 is in the position illustrated in Figure 7, the airflow generator 142 does not cause air to flow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100.

[0094] Referring to Figure 7, when the activation switch 135 is pivoted anti-clockwise, the activation rod 136 is moved to a position along the sliding contact 137 which results in power being delivered from the battery pack 149 to the control unit 140. Subsequently, the control unit 140 delivers power to the motor 141 which in turn drives the airflow generator 142 resulting in air to flow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100. Further anti-clockwise pivoting of the activation switch 135 moves the activation rod 136 further along the sliding contact 137 in a direction toward to stop 138 and when the activation rod 136 is in this position, the control unit 140 is programmed to deliver more power from the battery pack 149 to the electric motor 141 thereby resulting in the airflow generator 142 generating a greater rate of airflow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100. When the activation switch 135 is pivoted to a position where the activation rod 136 engages the stop 138, the control unit 140 is programmed to deliver a maximum amount of power from the battery pack 149 to the electric motor 141 thereby resulting in the airflow generator generating a maximum rate of airflow through the vacuum cleaner 100. It will be appreciated that the rate of airflow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 is dependent on the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery pack 149. Accordingly, the rate of airflow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 will vary depending on the SOC of the battery pack 149.

[0095] Referring to Figure 7, the control unit 140 is programmed to reduce the power delivered from the battery pack 149 to the electric motor 141 when the activation switch 135 is pivoted clockwise. Reducing the power delivered to the motor 141 reduces the rate of airflow generated by the airflow generator 142 through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100. When the activation switch 135 is pivoted clockwise to the position illustrated in Figure 7, the control unit 140 prevents power being deli vered from the battery pack 149 to the electric motor 141 thereby resulting in the airflow generator 142 generating no airflow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100. Subsequently, power to the control unit 140 from the battery pack 149 will cease.

[0096] Referring to Figure 6, the vacuum base profile 151 and the docking/charging station profile 502 are complimentary such that the main body 101 of the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 can be stored/charged when not in use. It will be appreciated that the docking/charging station 500 can be electrically coupled to the mains electricity grid by any means known in the art.

[0097] Each cavity 512 of the docking/charging station 500 is dimensioned to receive a respective projection 152 of mounting 139. Mating each cavity 512 with a respective projection 152 allows for the vacuum base profile 151 to be correctly positioned within the

docking/charging station 500 such that the vacuum electrical contacts 154 form an electrical connection with the docking/charging electrical contacts 514. When the vacuum electrical contacts 154 are electrically coupled to the docking/charging electrical contacts 514, the battery pack 149 can be charged with electricity from the mains electricity grid.

[0098] When the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 is not in use it is typically stored in the docking/charging station 500. The control unit 140 is programmed to control charging of the battery pack 149. When the control unit 140 determines that the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery pack 149 is below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 140 allows the battery pack 149 to be charged with electricity from the mains electricity grid. When the control unit 140 determines that the SOC of the battery pack 149 is at a predetermined level, the control unit 140 prevents further charge flowing from the mains electricity grid to the battery pack 149 to avoid damaging the battery pack 149 by over-charging and/or to reduce power consumption of the hand held vacuum cleaner 100.

[0099] t can be seen from Figure 6 that the engaging profile 304 of the floor engaging head 300 has been inserted into the tool attachment end 202 of the suction pipe 200 such that the tool attachment latch 204 of the suction pipe 200 releasably couples the engaging profile 304 of the floor engaging head 300. Depressing the tool attachment latch 204 disengages the tool attachment latch 204 from the engaging profile 304 of the floor engaging head 300 thereby allowing the floor engaging head 300 to be removed from the suction pipe 200. It will be appreciated that the floor engaging head 302 and the tool attachments 400,402 can be coupled/decoupled from the tool attachment end 202 of the suction pipe 200 in a similar manner to that described above.

[00100] Referring to Figure 6, it can be seen that the engaging profile 304 of the vacuum attachment end 206 of the suction pipe 200 has been inserted into the nozzle 1 1 1 such that the nozzle latch 1 12 releasably couples the engaging profile 304 of the vacuum attachment end 206. Depressing the nozzle latch 1 12 disengages the nozzle latch 112 from the engaging profile 304 of the suction pipe 200 thereby allowing the suction pipe 200 to be removed from the nozzle 1 1 1. It will be appreciated that the floor engaging heads 300,302 and attachment tools 400,402 can be coupled/decoupled from the nozzle 1 1 1 in a similar manner to that described above.

[00101 ] Still referring to Figure 6, it can be seen that the engaging profile 304 of the attachment tool 400 has been inserted into the storage projection 504 such that the storage projection latch 508 releasably couples the engaging profile 304 of the attachment tool 400. Depressing the storage projection latch 508 disengages the storage projection latch 508 from the engaging profile 304 of the attachment tool 400 thereby allowing the attachment tool 400 to be removed from the storage projection 504. It can also be seen that the engaging profile 304 of the attachment tool 402 has been inserted into the storage projection 506 such that the storage projection latch 510 releasably couples the engaging profile 304 of the attachment tool 402. Depressing the storage projection latch 510 disengages the storage projection latch 510 from the engaging profile 304 of the attachment tool 402 thereby allowing the attachment tool 402 to be removed from the storage projection 506. It will be appreciated that any of the suction pipe 200, floor engaging heads 300,302 and attachments tool 400,402 can be coupled/decoupled from either of the storage projections 504,506 in a similar manner to that described above.

[00102] Airflow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 will now be discussed. It will be appreciated that despite what attachment described above is connected to the nozzle 1 1 1 , the airflow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100 will not vary significantly.

[00103] Referring to Figure 7, as discussed above, when the activating switch 146 is pivoted anti-clockwise power is delivered to the electric motor 141 , which in turn drives the airflow generator 142 resulting in airflow through the hand held vacuum cleaner 100. The airflow generator 142 draws air from the nozzle 1 1 1 into the annular filter chamber 103 through the hollow body inlet 104 in a direction generally indicated by the arrow 20. Referring to Figure 8, air entering the annular filter chamber 103 engages with the flow directing surface 113 of the nozzle 11 1 causing the air to circulate angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 inside the annular filter chamber 103 in a radial direction generally indicated by arrow 21. Dust particles suspended in the air circulating angularly inside the annular filter chamber 103 engage internal surfaces of the hollow body 102 so as to be removed from the airflow to be collected adjacent the cap 1 14.

[00104] Referring to Figure 7, due to the negative pressure generated by the airflow generator 142, air circulating angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 inside the annular filter chamber 103 is drawn radially inwardly through the course filter 1 19 into the filter annulus 165 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 22. Air is then caused to circulate angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 within the filter annulus 165. The course filter 1 19 is configured to remove even further dust material from the airflow.

[00105] Referring to Figure 14, air circulating about the hollow body axis 11 within the filter annulus 165 is then drawn radially inwardly until the air engages with the flow directing portions 122. The flow directing portions 122 direct the airflow radially inwardly into the cyclonic passage 121 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 24. Referring to Figure 7, the cyclonic passage 121 causes air to circulate angularly about the hollow body axis 1 1 within the cyclonic passage 121 generally as indicated by arrow 25. Dust particles suspended in the airflow circulating within the cyclonic passage 121 engage internal surfaces of the cyclonic passage 121 so as to be removed from the airflow to be collected adjacent the central disk portion 158 of the cap 1 14. Subsequently, the cyclonic passage 121 directs the airflow radially inwardly and axially towards the central channel 107 about the hollow body axis 1 1 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 26. The airflow then flows from the central channel 107, through the top passages 108 of the hollow body 102 to the filter openings 123. Air flowing from the filter openings 123 is then directed to the annular filter chamber 124. The air in the annular filter chamber 124 flows axially towards the cap 1 14 along the hollow body axis 1 1 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 27. Due to the negative pressure generated by the airflow generator 142, the air in the annular filter chamber 124 is then drawn radially inwardly through the fine filter 125 into the annular filter outlet 120. Air then flows from the annular filter chamber 120 and exits the annular filter chamber 103 through the hollow body outlet 161.

[00106] The motor inlet 144 directs the airflow exiting the hollow body outlet 161 towards the electric motor 141 and airflow generator 142 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 29. The airflow generator 142 exhausts airflow through the exhaust filter 146 and exhaust 145 to atmosphere in a direction generally indicated by arrow 30. The exhaust filter 146 removes further dust material before the air is exhausted from the hand held vacuum cleaner 100.

[00107] During operation of the hand held vacuum 100, if the airflow path upstream of the motor inlet 144 becomes obstructed, the bleed valve 147 moves to an open position due to the negative pressure generated by the airflow generator 142. In the open position, the bleed valve 147 allows air to flow from atmosphere through the motor inlet 144 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 32 and into the electric motor 141 thereby preventing the electric motor 141 from overheating, and damage, due the lack of airflow.

[00108] In Figures 17 and 18 there is illustrated a hand held vacuum cleaner 600. The vacuum cleaner 600 is substantially identical to the vacuum cleaner of Figure 6.

[00109] The vacuum cleaner 600 of Fi gures 17 and 18 includes a main body 601 that releasably receives a hollow container 602. In this embodiment the container 602 is generally cylindrical in configuration having a central longitudinal axis 603. The container 602 includes a suction nozzle 604, that provides an inlet passage 605, and to which the suction pipe 200 would be attached. The inlet passage 605 has a longitudinal axis 606. The axis 606 is generally perpendicular to the axis 603. [001 10] The main body 601 provides a handle 607. The handle 607 has a longitudinal axis 608 that is inclined to to the axis 603 via an angle 609. The angle 609 is between 50° and 60°, and is most preferably 55°. The axis 606 is inclined to the axis 608 by an angle 610. The angle 610 is between 30° and 40°, and is most preferably about 35°.

[0011 1 ] The main body 601 also includes a mounting portion 61 1 that provides a mounting for the rechargeable batteries 612 as well as the motor 613 and airflow generator 614. In particular, the handle 607 has a first end portion 615 located adjacent an upper portion of the container 602, and a second end portion 616 adjacent the mounting 61 1. The mounting 61 1 has an end portion 617 adjacent the end portion 616, and an end portion 619 adjacent a lower portion of the container 602. The rechargeable batteries 615 are located between the end portions 616 and 617, and the motor 613 and airflow generator 614, while the motor 613 and airflow generator 614 are located between the batteries 612, and the lower portion of the container 602.

[001 12] The main body 601 has a part 638 projecting from the handle 607, as well as a main body portion 640.

[001 13] The main body 601 provides an aperture 620 through which a user's hand passes to enable the user to grip the handle 607 so that the vacuum cleaner 600 is supported at a raised position by the user.

[001 14] The container 602 has a filter chamber 621 to which air is delivered via the passage 650. Located in the chamber 602 is a filter element 622 through which the air passes so as to be directed upwardly to enter the annular cavity 623. Upon leaving the cavity 623 the air travels into a central chamber 624 from where the air travels upwardly through a duct 625. The duct 625 surrounds a passage 626 that delivers the air to a chamber 627, containing a sponge filter 670, that directs the air to an upper chamber 671 , that delivers the air to a duct 628 in the main body portion 640. The duct 628 extends to the motor 613 and airflow generator 614, to be delivered to atmosphere through the outlet 629. The main body portion 640 extends between the handle portion 615 and mounting portion 619.

[001 15] The dust container 602 is removably attached to the main body 601. In particular, the container 602 has a lip 630 that is received within a cavity of the body 601. At the upper end part 638 of the main body 601 has a catch member 631 that is pivotally movable by operation of a button 632. The catch member 631 is resiliently urged to engage in an aperture in an upper end part 637 of the container 602. To release the container 602, a user depresses the button 632 that causes pivoting movement of the catch member 630 to release the container 602. The container 602 is then pivoted about the lip 630 until the lip 630 leaves engagement with the main body 601.

[001 16] The container 602 has a peripheral wall (hollow body) 633 that is generally cylindrical in configuration and that surrounds the filter chamber 621 . Fixed to adjacent the edge extremity of the wall 633 is a lid (cap) 634. A catch 635 retains the lip 634 in a closed position. However, the lip 634 is pivotable as shown in Figure 18 to an open position allowing a user to empty the filter chamber 621 of dust. The lip 634 may be opened irrespective of whether the container 602 is attached to or removed from the main body 601.

[001 17] Preferably, the filter 622 is removably attached to the container 602 for the cleaning purposes. The filter chamber 621 is closed at its upper end by the upper end part 637 of the hollow container 602.

[001 18] The upper end part 637 of the container 602 is provided with a bleed valve 636. Should the filter 622 become clogged, the bleed valve 636 enables air to be delivered to the duct 628 to ensure that the motor 613 does not overheat. A switch and control assembly 637 provide for delivery of electric power from the batteries 612 to the motor 613 for the operation thereof.

[00119] In operation of the above described vacuum cleaner 600, upon the motor 613 being activated by operation of the switch 637 to deliver electric power from the batteries 612to the motor 613, the airflow generator 614 creates low pressure via the duct 628 in the filter chamber 621. Air enters via passage 605 wherefrom it passes through the filter 622from where it travels upwardly and then down to enter the chamber 624. During this movement air also circulates about the axis 603 to aid in causing dust to settle towards the lower end of the duct 624.

Additionally, air entering the filter chamber 621 from the passage 605 is also caused to circulate about the axis 603, again to aid in collecting dust at the lower end of the filter chamber 621.

[00120] Air leaves the duct 626 upwardly to pass through the upper chamber 627 to enter the duct 628. After passing through the airflow generator 614, air exits via the outlet 629.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hand held vacuum cleaner including:

a motor;

2. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the hollow body, handle and mounting surround said aperture.

3. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 or 2, wherein the power source is located adjacent said second end portion, and the motor and airflow generator located adjacent the hollow body so that the power source is located between the handle, and motor and airflow generator.

4. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the mounting includes a first end portion and a second end portion, with the mounting first end portion being located adjacent the handle second end portion, with the vacuum cleaner including a main body providing said handle and mounting, and a main body portion extending between the handle first end portion and the mounting second end portion so that the main body provides said aperture.

5. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 4, wherein the power source is located adjacent the mounting first end portion and the motor and airflow generator are located adjacent the mounting second end portion so that the power source is located between the motor and airflow generator, and the handle.

6. The hand held vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the chamber has a longitudinal axis, and the chamber inlet has a longi tudinal axis, with the longitudinal axis of the chamber being inclined to the longitudinal axi s of the chamber inlet by an acute angle that is between 50° to 90°.

7. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 6, wherein the acute angle is about 60° or about 90°.

8. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 6 or 7, wherein the handle has a longitudinal axis, with the handle longitudinal axis being inclined to the longitudinal axis of the chamber inlet by a further acute angle that is between 10° and 40°.

9. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein the further acute angle is about 20° or 35°.

10. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 9 or 10, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis of the chamber and the longitudinal axis of the handle is between 30° and 60°.

1 1. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 10, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis of the chamber and the longitudinal axis of the handle is about 55°.

12. The hand held vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 4 to 1 1, wherein the main body portion has a duct providing for the flow of air from the filter chamber to the airflow generator.

13. The hand held vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the hollow body includes a side wall substantially surrounding the filter chamber, and a lid closing the filter chamber, the lid being moved between an open position and a closed position, with the lid in the open position providing for emptying of the filter chamber.

14. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein the lid is pivotally attached to the side wall.

15. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 13 or 14, wherein the hollow body includes an upper end part that closes an upper portion of the filter chamber, with the lid closing a lower portion of the filter chamber.

16. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 15, wherein the upper end part provides ducting for air to leave the chamber.

17. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 15 or 16, wherein the upper end part of the hollow body provides for removable attachment of the hollow body to the main body.

18. The hand held vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 1 to 17, including ducting providing for the flow of air from the exterior to adjacent the power source for delivery to the hollow body, to provide for airflow past the battery to cool the power source.

19. The hand held vacuum cleaner of claim 18, wherein the ducting passes through the handle.

20. The hand held vacuum cleaner including a main body, a dust collection assembly removably coupled to the main body, the main body having a handle to be gripped by a user, an airflow generator for producing a negative pressure in the dust collection assembly, a motor for driving the airflow generator, an airflow generator inlet for delivering air to the airflow generator, and a power source for powering the motor, the dust collection assembly comprising: a longitudinal axis;

a filter chamber extending about the longitudinal axis;

a first end; a second end longitudinally spaced apart from the first end with respect to the longitudinal axis;

an assembly inlet proximate the first end;

an assembly outlet proximate the second end, the assembly outlet is in fluid

communication with the airflow generator inlet; and

21. A hand held vacuum cleaner including a main body, a dust collection assembly removably coupled to the main body of the vacuum cleaner, the main body having a handle to be gripped by a user, an airflow generator for producing a negative pressure in the dust collection assembly, a motor for driving the airflow generator, an airflow generator inlet for delivering air to the airflow generator, and a power source for powering the motor, the dust collection assembly comprising:

a longitudinal axis;

a filter chamber extending about the longitudinal axis;

a first end;

an assembly inlet proximate the first end;

a cap coupled to the second end, the cap having an aperture; and