US2507043A - Suction cleaner - Google Patents

Description

y 1950 R. c. OSBORN 2,507,043

SUCTION CLEANER Filed April 8, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ILE=E INVENTOR. RALPH C. OSBORN May 9, 1950 R. c. OSBORN SUCTION CLEANER Filed April 8, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 \\\\\\\\\\\\\"lllll'k\\ INVENTOR. RALPH C. OSBORN A 7'TORNc'V I Patented May 9, 1950 s'rrss TENT OFFICE SUCTION CLEANER Ralph C. Osborn, Eloomington, 11L, assignor to Eureka Williams Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a

corporation of Michigan This invention relates to vacuum cleaners and has particular relation to tank type vacuum cleaners having handles and cleaner tools by which a tank may be pulled or moved around the room by the operator.

In such type cleaners it has been the custom heretofore to provide various kinds of vents associated principally with the wand or cleaning tools attached to the air hose through which air may be admitted continuously to the cleaner for cooling the cleaner motor at all times and regardless of the fact that the cleaning tool is being used in such manner that very little air is otherwise admitted. This method of cooling the motor has been found objectionable for the reason that such air vents sometimes cause whistling noises which are objectionable and in any event do not provide the air for cooling the motor in the event the air hose, dust separator or the tank outlet should become obstructed to such an extent as to prevent the flow of air through the tank.

It is now proposed to provide the tank with conduit means adapted for the admission of air directly to the tank for cooling the motor.

In the various embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings it is proposed to admit air directly to the suction side of the tank by recirculating some of the air in the tank from the discharge to the suction side thereof, and this admission of air is capable of control by the operator by any of the various means shown for several different purposes.

An object of the invention is to provide for cooling the motor by the admission of air directly to the suction side of the tank and to provide means for controlling this admission if desired, either automatically or manually, to any desired extent.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means for modulating the suction of a suction cleaner so as to make it possible to obtain the most efiicient operation of various suction cleaning tools.

Other and further objects of the invention will be apparent by reference to the accompanying drawings of which there are two sheets, which, by way of illustration, show preferred embodiments and the principles thereof and what I now consider to be the best mode in which I have contemplated applying these principles. Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same or equivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made as desired by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention and the purview of the appended claims. I also contemplate that of the several different features of my invention, certain ones thereof may be advantageously employed in some applications separate and apart from the remainder of the features.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view with a portion thereof in vertical cross section of a tank cleaner embodying one form of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view of a tank cleaner handle embodying another form of the invention, as this handle might be seen in the plane of line 22 when employed on the tank illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view through the handle illustrated by Fig. 2, taken substantially in the plane of line 33 in Fig. 2

Fig. 4 isa fragmentary view of a portion of the handle shown by Fig. 3 illustrating the valve mechanism thereof ina different operative position;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a cleaner handle illustrating another form of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of the handle shown by Fig. 5 with the valve mechanism thereof in a different position;

Fig. 7 is a plan View partly in cross section showing a portion of the handle illustrated by Figs. 2, 3 and 4, taken substantially in the plane of line 1-1 in Fig. 3; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective View of the operating knob of the handle illustrated by Figs. 5 and 6.

Referring to Fig. 1 the numeral it indicates a cylindrical tank'supported at one end by a pair of wheels H and at the other end by a slidable support I2. The two ends of the tank are closed by end bells l3 and Ii, the former being provided with a discharge opening it and the latter with a flexible air hose ll through which air is admitted to the tank it. The hose ll may be any desired length and may have attached thereto the usual operating wand to which cleaning tools of various kinds may be attached. The discharge opening it is constructed in any suitable manner so that a hosemayalso be attached thereto if desired, and in connection with which various kinds of pressure tools and devices may be employed.

The tank it is divided internally thereof into a suction compartment 18 and discharge compartment Hi, this being accomplished by providing a wall formed by placing a fan 2! adjacent the central portion of the tank and sealing the outside of the fan to the inside of the tank by a rubher support and sealing ring 22. The ring 22 also provides for absorbing vibration resulting from the operation of the fan. The fan 21 is located inside a casing 23 having an inlet opening 24 adapted to admit air to the fan from the suction compartment [8 of the casing Ill. The opposite or discharge end 26 of the casing 23 supports an electric motor 21 for the fan 2 l, the motor 2'! having a casing or frame 28 secured to the fan casing 23 in such manner that the air discharged from the fan casing is circulated through and/or over the motor for cooling the same. The motor casing is provided with an outlet opening 29 through which air escapes into discharge compartment.

The suction compartment [.8 of the casing in is provided with a bag or dust separator 3| having the open end thereof attached to the tank and the end bell M in such manner as to receive internally thereof the air discharged by the hose ll. The dust separator 3| receives such air, cleans the dirt therefrom and discharges the air so cleaned into the suction compartment I8 of the tank H].

In order to be able to lift the tank and to carry the same about, the casing I0 is provided with a handle 32 extending longitudinally along the upper portion thereof in such manner that the tank will balance properly when carried by the handle. In such position it will be observed that one end of the handle is adjacent the discharge compartment in the casing I!) while the other is adjacent the suction compartment thereof. In order to provide means for recirculating a small quantity of air within the tank from the discharge to the suction side thereof, the handle 32 is provided with a conduit 33 extending from one end to the other of the handle, and this conduit communicates with the discharge compartment l9 and the suction compartment l8 through openings in the casing in indicated at 34 and 36 respectively. It will be noted that the openings 34 and 33, and particularly opening 33, somewhat restrict the flow of air through the conduit 33 so that only a small quantity of air may pass therethrough in any event. This restriction is provided so that in the event the separator 3| is clean and there is no unusual restriction in the hose H or any of the tools employed with the cleaner, very little air will tend to flow through the conduit 33. The fact that some air will flow through in all events does not particularly affect the normal operation of the cleaner, inasmuch as practically all cleaning tools are provided with openings or vents to by-pass some air through the cleaning tool so that the latter may be easily moved. In normal operation the fan 2! simply receives air and discharges the same through and around the motor 21 and from whence it leaves the discharge compartment l9 through the opening l6.

However, in the event the cleaning tool employed, the hose H, the dust separator 3| or the discharge opening IE (or any of the pressure tools employed with the latter) become restricted so that the normal or predetermined amount of air does not flow through the cleaner, then notwithstanding the restriction provided by the openings 34 and 33 and the conduit 33, some of the air will be recirculated in the tank, and this will be suflicient in all events to cool the motor 2'! and to keep the latter from burning out.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 8, it will be noted that the handle 32 may be provided with a valve 38 for controlling the flow of air through the conduit 33. To receive the valve 38 the conduit 33 is modified adjacent the opening 36 in the tank casing l0 in such manner as to provide a valve seat opening 33, a valve stem opening 4| and a valve operating mechanism compartment 42. The valve head is indicated at 43 and the valve stem at 44. The stem 44 is provided with a transversely disposed pin 43 against which a washer or collar 13 is adapted to be supported against the compressive force of a spring 43. The opposite end of the spring 49 is supported upon the lower end of the compartment 42. It will be noted that the stem 44 is smaller than the opening 4| so as to permit the flow of air through the opening 41 around the stem when the valve head 43 is away from the seat 39.

It will be noted in Fig. 3 that the valve head 43 is shown in two positions: being shown in one position in dot and dash lines in which the head is off its seat and in another position in full lines in which the head is seated or closed. It will be apparent from the structure disclosed that the valve 38 will normally be resiliently closed by the spring 49. However in the event the pressure in the suction compartment l8 becomes abnormally low or that in the discharge compartment 49 becomes abnormally high, as might occur in the events previously described, the valve 38 will open, thus allowing air to be recirculated from the discharge to the suction compartments of the tank through the conduit 33 and the various passages associated with the valve 38.

Under certain circumstances it is desirable to have the conduit 33 remain closed in all events so that no air can be recirculated from the discharge to the suction compartments of the tank casing 13. Such circumstances would occur when the tank might be used as a pressure device as when various kinds of spraying, drying or other pressure tools might be employed in connection with a hose attached to the discharge opening l6. To provide for such contingency the upper end of the valve stem 43 is reduced in cross section to provide an annular groove indicated at 5|, this groove being adapted to be operatively associated with the edge of an opening 52 formed in a transversely disposed bar 53. The opening 52 (see Fig. '7) is formed in such manner as to provide two passages, one large enough to permit the free vertical movement of the valve stem 44 when the bar is in the retracted position shown in Figs. 3 and '7 and the other small enough to limit the movement of the stem when the bar is in the forward position indicated by Fig. 4. In the latter position, as is shown by Fig. 4, the valve head 43 is disposed against its seat 39 in such manner as to prevent the flow of any air through the conduit 33.

The bar 53 is supported in the aforesaid position in a horizontally disposed slot in the handle 32 indicated by the numeral 54, the rear end of the slot being provided with an enlarged opening 55, the upper end of which is exposed to the upper part of the handle 32. In the opening 55 there is located a button or knob 56 attached to the rear end of the bar 53 by which the bar may be moved from its retracted to its forward position at the will of the operator.

It will be noted from Fig. 4 that in the forward position the bar 53 extends outwardly a short distance beyond the end of the handle 32. This outwardly extending end may be marked in such manner as to indicate that the valve 38' is in the off or inoperative position. This may be done by painting or coloring the end of the h d o so the amiable co or, o as sho F 7, di la ng the Word Ot h e ose po tio h re i- Al o as ma be seen from Fig. 7, the bar in its retracted position will be located entirel within the opening so that the end thereof may notice seen.

It w be app re t ii om th mod fic t on shown by Figs. 2, 3, 1 7 that the valve .38 may be operated automatically in response to the difi en n pre s r e w n th -cl sehars and the suction compa tme ts or the va ve to b re d r d perative o lose th o duit 33 ent ly b pe atin he button .55 to .m v th bar 5 3 to the outward of 01f position.

In th st uctur d sc osed y F gs. 5, 6 a d 8 h valve so is p ovid d with a di ferent kind of controlling mechanism from that employed in Figs,..2, 3, i and 7. This latter controlling mechanism comprises a rotary button or iii adapted to rotate in a vertical cylindrical vopening 52 which is for-med in the handle 32 in such manner that the upper end of .the opening terminates in the upper surface of the handle while the .lower end thereof communicates with the operating mechanism compartment d2. The position of the opening 62 withrespect to compartment 42 is such that the forward .end of the knob .8! is always directly above the upper end of the 'yalve stem In order to hold the knob 66 in the opening 52 in such manner as to permit rotation thereof without vertical movement in the opening, the knob is provided with an integral outwardly. projecting flange 63 adjacent the lower extremity thereof which is rotatabiy positioned in an annular groove formed around the opening 62. The upper end of the knob 51 projects far enough above the upper surface of the handle that it can be clasped in the fingers and rotated within the opening 52. The lower end of the knob is provided with a variable cam surface indicated at 66 against which the upper end of the valve stem as is held by the spring 49. The formation of the cam surface .65 is such that when the knob ii! is in the position illustrated by Fig.5 the valve 38 rests upon its seat, although it is possible for the valve to be opened against the pressure of the spring t5 by a sufficient diiference in pressure between the suction compartment #8 and the discharge compartment It. When the knob is in the position illustrated by Fig. 6 it is apparent that the valve 38 will be held in an open position at all times, although it is still possible for the valve to be opened to a greater extent in response to any unusually large difference in pressure between the suction compartment [8 and the discharge compartment l9.

It will be apparent that between the position in which knob 64 is shown in Fig. 5 and its position in Fig. 6 it will be possible to vary to any desired extent the position of the valve between these two extremes.

The possibility of making these various adjustments in the position of the valve 3% permits the operator to control manually or automatically, or both, the conditions under which air will flow through the conduit 33 into the suction compartment i8 and consequently makes it possible to provide Sufficient cooling for the motor 2'! under any of the various diiferential pressure conditions to which the compartments i8 and I9 may be subjected when the various suction and pressure tools with which "tank cleaners may be provided are employed.

Also by varying the extent to which the valve 38 may e automatically opened inirespqnse to the differential pressure between thecsuction and di rg compartments of the \Cleaner,;itfis possible to vary the amount of suction or pressure affecting the operation of any of the suction 10! Pre sure tools which may be employed with the cleaner.

While Ihave illustrated and described preferred embodiments :of my invention, itis understood that these are capable ,of modification, and I therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth, but desire to avail (myself f such ha es and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.

1. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a motor, a fan and a dust separator arranged therein, a sealingmeans dividing said easing into suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being ar ranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartment and to provide a pressure differential between said compartments, said motor being arranged in said lasing to be Cooled by said air pumped by said fan, a handle for moving said casing, said handle being provided with a conduit therein communicating with said suction compartment in said casing between said dust separator and said fan for supplying a limited amount of air to said suction compartment in addition to that-supplied to said suction com,- partment through 'the'air inlet thereof.

.2. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a motor, a fan and a dust separator arranged therein, sealing means dividing said easing into suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartments and to provide a-pressure difierential between said compartments, said motor being arranged in said casing to be cooled by said air pumped by said fan, a handle for move ing said casing, said handle being provided with a conduit therein connecting said suction and discharge compartments in said casing for supplying limited amounts of air to said suction compartment between said dust separator and said fan.

3. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a motor, a fan and a dust separator arranged therein, sealing means dividing said casing into suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartments, said motor being arranged in said casing to be cooled by said air pumped by said fan, said dust separator and air inlet being operatively associated with an air hose for the operation of various forms of cleaning tools employed by said cleaner, a handle for moving said casing, said handle being provided with a conduit therein communicating with said suction compartment on the downstream side of said dust separator in said casing for supplying air to said suction compartment for cooling said motor when the flow of air through said casing is reduced below the amount required for cooling said motor, and normally closed valve means associated with said conduit for controlling the flow of air there through, said valve means being constructed and arranged so as to be opened in response to a predetermined amount of suction within said suction compartment on the downstream side of said dust separator.

4. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a motor, a fan and a dust separator arranged therein, sealing means dividing said casing into suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartments, said motor being arranged in said casing to be cooled by said air pumped by said fan, said casing being provided with air inlet means communicating with said suction compartment in said casing on the downstream side of said dust separator for supplying air to said suction compartment for cooling said motor when the pressure in said suction compartment is reduced to an abnormally low value and normally closed valve means associated with said air inlet means for controlling the flow of air therethrough, said valve means being constructed and arranged so as to be opened in response to a predetermined amount of suction within said suction compartment on the downstream side of said dust separator.

5. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a motor, a fan and a dust separator arranged therein, said casing having suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartments, said motor being arran ed in said casing to be cooled by said air, said casing being provided with air inlet means communicating with said suction compartment in said casing on the downstream side of said dust separator for supplying air to said suction compartment for cooling said motor when the flow of air through said separator is reduced below the amount required for cooling said. motor and normally closed valve means associated with said air inlet means for controlling the flow of air therethrough, said air inlet means being constructed and arranged so that the maximum volume of'air flow therethrough is relatively small as compared with that of said air inlet, said valve means being constructed and arranged so as to be opened in response to a predetermined amount of suction within said suction compartment on the downstream side of said dust separator.

6. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a motor, a fan and a dust separatorarranged therein, said casing being divided into suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartments, said motor being arranged in said casing to be cooled by said. air, said casing being provided with an air inlet means communicating with said suction compartment in said casing for supplying air to said suction compartment for cooling said motor when the flow of air through said separator is reduced below the amount required for cooling said motor, and a pressure actuated valve associated with said casing for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means, said valve means being constructed and 8 arranged so as to be opened in response to a predetermined amount of suction within said suction compartment on the downstream side of said dust separator.

7. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a motor, a fan and a dust separator arranged therein, said casing being divided into suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartments, said motor being arranged in said casing to be cooled by said air, said casing being provided with air inlet means communicating with said suction compartment in said casing for supplying air to said suction compartment for cooling said motor when the flow of air through said separator is reduced below the amount required for cooling said motor, and a manually operated valve associated with said casing for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means, said valve means being constructed and arranged so as to be opened in response to a predetermined amount of suction within said suction compartment on the downstream side of said dust separator.

8. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having having a handle, a motor, a fan and a dust separator arranged therein, said casing being divided into suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartments, said motor being arranged in said casing to be cooled by said air, said casing being provided with air inlet means communicating with said suction compartment in said casing for supplying air to said suction compartment for cooling said motor when the flow of air through said separator is reduced below the amount required for cooling said motor, a valve associated with said handle for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means, and manually operated slide means for controlling said valve.

9. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a handle, a motor, a fan and a dust separator arranged therein, said casing being divided into suction and discharge compartments, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air from said suction to said discharge compartments, said motor being arranged in said casing to be cooled by said air, said casing being provided with air inlet means communieating with said suction compartment in said casing for supplying air to said suction compartment for cooling said motor when the flow of air through said separator is reduced below the amount required for cooling said motor, a valve associated with said handle for controlling the flow of air through said air inlet means, and rotary means for controlling said valve.

10. A tank cleaner comprising a casing having a motor, a fan, a suction compartment and a dust separator arranged therein, said suction compartment having an air inlet thereto and said dust separator being arranged between said air inlet and said fan, said fan being arranged to pump air out of said suction compartment, said motor being arranged to be cooled by said air, said casing being provided with air inlet

Images