US20080016646A1 - Housing assembly for a vacuum - Google Patents
Housing assembly for a vacuum Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080016646A1 US20080016646A1 US11/731,185 US73118507A US2008016646A1 US 20080016646 A1 US20080016646 A1 US 20080016646A1 US 73118507 A US73118507 A US 73118507A US 2008016646 A1 US2008016646 A1 US 2008016646A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing member
- housing
- collection chamber
- vacuum
- central vacuum
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/38—Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
- A47L9/1427—Means for mounting or attaching bags or filtering receptacles in suction cleaners; Adapters
- A47L9/1436—Connecting plates, e.g. collars, end closures
- A47L9/1445—Connecting plates, e.g. collars, end closures with closure means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
- A47L9/149—Emptying means; Reusable bags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2805—Parameters or conditions being sensed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2805—Parameters or conditions being sensed
- A47L9/2821—Pressure, vacuum level or airflow
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2889—Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- the present invention relates to vacuum systems and, more particularly, to a central vacuum system for an inhabitable structure.
- Central vacuum systems are often mounted in inhabitable structures, such as, for example, homes, commercial buildings, and the like.
- central vacuum systems include a system of ducts, which extend throughout the structure into various rooms of the structure.
- Vacuum hoses or nozzles can be connected to the ducts to collect debris.
- Central vacuum systems generally include a housing supporting a vacuum motor which draws debris through the hoses and the ducts and into a collection chamber.
- the central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure.
- the central vacuum system includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a side wall defining a collection chamber, the side wall defining an opening communicating between atmosphere and the collection chamber, and a vacuum motor supported in the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber.
- some embodiments of the invention provide a vacuum bag assembly for a central vacuum system, the central vacuum system including a housing defining a collection chamber and having a bag mounting assembly extending into the collection chamber.
- the vacuum bag assembly can include a flange connectable with the bag mounting assembly to secure the bag in the collection chamber, the flange defining an inlet and supporting a cover, the cover being moveable relative to the flange between a closed position, in which the cover substantially covers the inlet, and an opened position, in which at least a portion of the cover is moved away from the inlet.
- the cover can be connectable to the bag mounting assembly so that, when the flange is disconnected from the bag mounting assembly, the cover is moved between the opened position and the closed position.
- a central vacuum system including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber, a bag mounting assembly extending into the collection chamber, a bag having a flange connectable with the bag mounting assembly to secure the bag in the collection chamber, the flange defining an inlet and supporting a cover, the cover being moveable relative to the flange between a closed position, in which the cover substantially covers the inlet, and an opened position, in which at least a portion of the cover is moved away from the inlet, and a vacuum motor supported in the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the bag.
- the cover can be connectable to the bag mounting assembly so that when the flange is removed from the bag mounting assembly, the cover is moved between the opened position and the closed position.
- some embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum system including a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a side wall defining a collection chamber, the side wall defining an opening communicating between atmosphere and the collection chamber.
- Some embodiments include the acts of providing a vacuum motor supported in the housing, inserting a bag into the collection chamber through the opening in the side wall, and directing debris from the interior portion into the bag with the vacuum motor.
- Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum system including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber, a vacuum motor supported in the housing, and a bag mounting assembly extending into the collection chamber.
- the method can include the acts of inserting a bag into the collection chamber, the bag having a flange defining an inlet and supporting a cover, connecting the flange to the bag mounting assembly, moving the cover relative to the flange toward an opened position, in which the cover is moved away from the inlet, connecting the cover to the bag mounting assembly, moving debris from the interior portion into the bag with the vacuum motor, disconnecting the flange from the bag mounting assembly, and removing the bag from the collection chamber.
- the cover can be moved relative to the flange between the opened position and a closed position, in which the cover substantially covers the inlet.
- a central vacuum system including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber, a vacuum motor supported in the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber, a sensor positioned in the collection chamber and being operable to record pressure data in the collection chamber, and a controller supported in the housing and being in communication with the sensor to receive the pressure data from the sensor, the controller being operable to calculate a quantity of debris in the collection chamber using the pressure data.
- Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber, a sensor positioned in the collection chamber, and a controller supported in the housing.
- the method includes the acts of moving debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber, recording pressure data in the collection chamber with the sensor, transmitting the pressure data from the sensor to the controller, and estimating a quantity of debris in the collection chamber using the pressure data from the sensor.
- Some embodiments of the invention further provide a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber and a motor housing, the motor housing having an elliptical cross section, and a vacuum motor supported in the motor housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber.
- Some embodiments of the invention further provide a central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, including a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member secured to the first housing member. Together the first housing member and the second housing member can at least partially defining a collection chamber.
- the central vacuum can also include a vacuum motor supported by the housing and operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber and an adapter extending into the collection chamber for supporting a bag. At least one of the bag and the adapter can be accessible through an opening defined in one of the first housing member and the second housing member.
- the present invention also provides a method of assembling a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure.
- the method can include the acts of providing a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member, securing the first housing member to the second housing member to at least partially enclose a collection chamber, moving debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber with a vacuum motor supported by the housing, and positioning a bag in the collection chamber to receive the debris.
- the present invention further provides a central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, including a housing at least partially defining a collection chamber, a vacuum motor supported by the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber, and an acoustic dampening system supported in the housing and positioned along an exhaust flow path extending outwardly from the motor.
- the acoustic damping system can include a damping member at least partially defining three side walls of a dampening chamber.
- the present invention provides a central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, including a housing having a housing member and a cover at least partially defining a collection chamber.
- the housing member can including a body and a rib extending inwardly from and around a perimeter of the body of the housing member.
- the cover can include a body and a rib extending outwardly from and around a perimeter of the body of the cover.
- the rib of the housing member can be secured to one of the body and the rib of the cover and the rib of the cover can be secured to the body of the housing member.
- the central vacuum can also include a vacuum motor supported by the housing and operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is another rear perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a left side view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 is a right side view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed.
- FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed.
- FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed.
- FIG. 14 is a rear view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed.
- FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 15A is an enlarged perspective view of the vacuum bag shown in FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 16 is an enlarged front view of a control panel of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed.
- FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the vacuum shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating air flow through the vacuum system.
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a lower portion of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 19A-19G illustrate a method of removing a bag from a vacuum system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a vacuum system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 21 is a top view of a portion of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 20 and illustrating travel paths of the airflow generated by the vacuum motors of the vacuum system.
- FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a vacuum system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 22 .
- FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a vacuum system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a first housing member of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 24 .
- FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a second housing member of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 24 .
- FIG. 27 is a top view of an upper housing portion of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 24 , including the first and second housing members shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 .
- FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the upper housing portion shown in FIG. 27 including a motor plate at an upper interface thereof.
- FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the upper housing portion shown in FIG. 28 .
- FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the upper housing portion shown in FIG. 28 .
- FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the upper housing portion shown in FIG. 28 .
- FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional detail view of the interface between the motor plate and the second housing member as shown in FIG. 31 .
- FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the motor plate shown in FIGS. 28-32 .
- FIG. 34 is a front view of the motor plate shown in FIG. 33 .
- FIG. 35 is a partial rear perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 24 with a first housing portion, cap, and upper dampening chamber plate removed to illustrate a motor chamber and a sound dampening chamber.
- FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 24 with the cap removed to illustrate the sound dampening chamber.
- FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum system shown in FIG. 24 with the cap removed to illustrate the sound dampening chamber.
- FIG. 38 is a top view of a lower dampening chamber plate and spacer shown in FIGS. 35-37 .
- FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the cap of the housing shown in FIGS. 24 .
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an alternate first housing member.
- FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an alternate second housing member.
- FIGS. 1-19G illustrate a portion of a vacuum system 10 and a vacuum bag 12 according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- the vacuum system 10 can be installed or used in any inhabitable structure, such as, for example, a home, a commercial building, and the like.
- the vacuum system 10 can include a duct system 14 , which extends throughout the structure into various rooms of the structure. Vacuum inlets can be located in various locations throughout the structure and can be in fluid communication with the duct system 14 so that a vacuum hose or nozzle can be connected to the duct system 14 . As explained in greater detail below, to operate the vacuum system 10 , an operator inserts a hose or nozzle into one of the inlets or actuates a switch adjacent to an inlet. The vacuum system 10 then draws air and debris through the hose, nozzle, or inlet and through the duct system 14 toward a collection area.
- the vacuum system 10 can have a housing 18 having any shape desired, such as a round shape, a rectangular, triangular, or other polygonal shape, an irregular shape, and the like.
- the housing 18 of the illustrated embodiment has a generally elongated configuration and has an elliptical cross sectional shape.
- the housing 18 can have a relatively small profile so that the housing 18 can be installed or located in relatively confined areas.
- the housing 18 comprises a first module or housing portion 20 , a second module or housing portion 22 , and a third module or housing portion 24 .
- the first and second modules 20 , 22 at least partially define a drive space or motor chamber 26
- the second and third housing portions 22 , 24 substantially enclose a collection chamber 28 .
- the housing 18 can include ribs 30 or other structural supports extending through one or more of the first, second, and third modules 20 , 22 , 24 .
- the housing 18 of the central vacuum system 10 can be installed in a number of locations throughout the structure, such as, for example, in the garage, basement, or utility room of a home or a business, or alternatively, the housing 18 can be installed in a closet.
- the illustrated embodiment includes a number of inlet openings 32 , each of which can be connected to the duct system 14 to fluidly connect the housing 18 (and the vacuum motor 48 , which is described in greater detail below) to the duct system 14 .
- inlets 32 are located on the left and right sides of the housing 18 . In other embodiments, inlets 32 can extend through other portions of the housing 18 and can have other orientations to provide further installation options.
- an elastomeric material e.g., santaprene, neoprene, and polymers of butyl and supronyl, and the like
- santaprene, neoprene, and polymers of butyl and supronyl, and the like is positioned between an outer wall of an inlet 32 and the connector 34 to provide a seal and to prevent and/or reduce movement of air and debris between the inlet 32 and the connector 34 .
- the connector 34 and the elastomeric material can be sealingly connected to the duct system 14 without requiring additional clamps, clamping tools, and other conventional sealing devices and elements, although such sealing devices and elements can also be used.
- the connector 34 and the elastomeric material of the illustrated embodiment can be manufactured relatively easily and inexpensively and do not require complex tooling and assembly.
- An elastomeric material can also or alternately be positioned between the connector 34 and a portion of the duct system 14 to sealingly connect the connector 34 and the duct system 14 . Covers 35 are then placed over the other inlets 32 to seal these inlets 32 .
- the first module 20 includes a cap 36 , a motor cage 38 , and a baffle 40 positioned between the cap 36 and the motor cage 38 .
- An upper wall 54 of the second module 22 and the motor cage 38 of the first module 20 substantially enclose the vacuum motor 48 and define a drive space 26 having a substantially elliptical cross sectional shape.
- the vacuum motor 48 is positioned on a left side of drive space 26 .
- the vacuum motor 48 can have other orientations within the drive space 26 .
- the vacuum motor 48 can be positioned in a central location in the drive space 26 or the vacuum motor 48 can be positioned on a right side of the drive space 26 .
- two or more vacuum motors 48 can be positioned in the drive space 26 .
- the vacuum motors 48 can be supported on the upper wall 54 of the second module 22 and can be spaced apart so that airflow generated by one motor 48 does not interfere with airflow generated by the other motor 48 .
- the airflow generated by the motors 48 follows two generally circular travel paths (represented by arrows 56 a, 56 b in FIG. 21 ). As shown in FIG.
- the travel paths 56 a, 56 b extend through substantially the entire drive space 26 , thereby preventing the formation of dead spaces wherein the vacuum motors 48 do not generate airflow.
- Such a construction can improve the efficiency of one or both of the vacuum motors 48 and can reduce noise generation.
- Some embodiments space two or more vacuum motors 48 close enough that airflow generated by one vacuum motor 48 interferes with the airflow generated by the other motor 48 . This interference creates a lower air velocity region that drops debris entrained in the airflow.
- elements of the vacuum system 12 can be constructed so that common elements can be used in constructions of the vacuum system 12 having one or more vacuum motors 48 located in any number of locations in the drive space 26 . In these embodiments, no or relatively minor modifications are made to assemble various vacuum systems 12 having a number of different configurations.
- a network extends throughout the structure.
- the housing 18 can support an electrical adapter 57 , which is electrically connectable to the network for communication with control switches positioned throughout the structure.
- control switches can be positioned in inlets so that when an operator opens an inlet to connect a hose or nozzle to the duct system, the control switch is triggered, thereby transmitting an activation system through the network to the vacuum motor 48 .
- control switches can be located on wall switches or in other locations throughout the structure.
- cooling vents 58 can extend through the housing 18 to cool the vacuum motor 48 .
- the cooling vents 58 extend through the motor cage 38 and the cap 36 and communicate between atmosphere and the drive space 26 .
- air is drawn into the drive space 26 through the cooling vents 58 as represented by arrows 60 in FIG. 17 .
- the air is then drawn through the drive space 26 between an upper surface of the motor cage 38 and a lower surface of the baffle 40 before being drawn downwardly through an opening 62 in the upper surface of the motor cage 38 and into the vacuum motor 48 .
- acoustic dampening material e.g., elastomeric materials, such as, for example, polyester, polyurethane, melamine, and the like
- acoustic dampening material 64 can be positioned in the drive space 26 to absorb noise generated by air flowing through the drive space 26 .
- acoustic dampening material 64 is secured to the undersides of the baffle 40 and the cap 36 .
- acoustic dampening material 64 can be positioned in other locations in the drive space 26 to absorb noise generated by air flowing through the drive space 26 .
- the vacuum system 10 can also include an exhaust system 66 , which provides an exit for air exhausted from the vacuum motor 48 . As shown in FIG. 17 , exhaust air (represented by arrows 67 ) exits the vacuum motor 48 and is directed upwardly and outwardly through the exhaust system 66 toward the atmosphere.
- the vacuum system 10 can also include an acoustic dampening system 68 positioned along the exhaust system 66 for absorbing noise generated by exhaust air exiting the housing 18 through the exhaust system 66 .
- the exhaust system 66 and the acoustic dampening system 68 include a conduit 70 and a muffler 69 , which direct exhaust air 67 upwardly and outwardly from the vacuum motor 48 and dampen noise generated by the exhaust air 67 .
- the muffler 69 extends through openings in the cap 36 and the baffle 40 .
- the exhaust system 66 and the acoustic dampening system 68 of the illustrated embodiment also include an elbow 71 connected to a downstream end of the muffler 69 and a dampening chamber 72 defined between a first dampening wall 73 and a second dampening wall 74 .
- the elbow 71 directs the exhaust air 67 laterally into the dampening chamber 72 , which provides a substantially U-shaped path for exhaust air 67 .
- the first and second dampening walls 73 , 74 can have other shapes and orientations to provide other non-linear paths (e.g., semicircular, L-shaped, and the like) for the exhaust air 67 .
- portions of the dampening chamber 72 can also include or be covered with acoustic dampening material (e.g., elastomeric materials, such as, for example, polyester, polyurethane, melamine, and the like) to absorb noise generated by the exhaust air 67 .
- acoustic dampening material e.g., elastomeric materials, such as, for example, polyester, polyurethane, melamine, and the like
- the exhaust system 66 and the acoustic dampening system 68 of the illustrated embodiment direct the exhaust air 67 outwardly through an opening 76 in the cap 36 toward the atmosphere.
- the second module 22 defines an upper portion of the collection chamber 28 and includes an upper wall 54 and a side wall 80 having a downwardly extending ridge 82 .
- An opening 84 extends through the side wall 80 and provides access to the collection chamber 28 and, in embodiments having vacuum bags 12 , provides access to vacuum bags 12 located in the collection chamber 28 .
- the opening 84 also provides access to other elements and systems of the vacuum system 10 , such as, for example, the vacuum motor 48 and the controller 160 (described below) so that operators can perform maintenance operations.
- the second module 22 includes a door 88 , which is connected to the side wall 80 .
- the door 88 is moveable relative to the side wall 80 between a closed position, in which the door 88 substantially covers the opening 84 , and an opened position, in which the door 88 is moved away from the opening 84 .
- FIGS. 19A-19F the door 88 is moveable relative to the side wall 80 between a closed position, in which the door 88 substantially covers the opening 84 , and an opened position, in which the door 88 is moved away from the opening 84 .
- the door 88 also includes a handle 90 for moving the door 88 between the opened and closed positions and a viewing window 92 so that operators can view the contents of the collection chamber 26 (e.g., the vacuum bag 12 and/or debris collected in the collection chamber 28 ) without having to open the door 88 .
- a handle 90 for moving the door 88 between the opened and closed positions and a viewing window 92 so that operators can view the contents of the collection chamber 26 (e.g., the vacuum bag 12 and/or debris collected in the collection chamber 28 ) without having to open the door 88 .
- the second module 22 can also include a seal or gasket 94 secured in the opening 84 , or alternatively, secured to the door 88 for movement with the door 88 relative to the side wall 80 .
- the gasket 94 provides a seal and prevents and/or reduces movement of air and debris through the opening 84 when the door 88 is in the closed position.
- the third module 24 defines the lower portion of the collection chamber 28 and includes a bottom wall 96 and a side wall 98 . Together, the bottom and side walls 96 , 98 can define a pail 100 , which is operable to collect and contain debris and/or support a vacuum bag 12 . In some embodiments, the third module 24 can also support one or more replacement bags 12 . In other embodiments, replacement bags 12 can be housed in other locations throughout the housing 18 .
- the vacuum system 10 can include a locking assembly 104 for securing the third module 24 to the second module 22 .
- the vacuum system 10 includes two locking assemblies 104 positioned between the second and third modules 22 , 24 .
- the vacuum system 10 can include one, three, or more locking assemblies 104 .
- the locking assembly 104 of the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-15 , 18 , and 19 A- 19 G include protrusions 106 extending outwardly from the side wall 80 of the second module 22 and latches 108 connected to the side wall 98 of the third module 24 .
- the locking assemblies 104 can include protrusions 106 extending outwardly from the side wall 98 of the third module 24 and latches 108 connected to the side wall 80 of the second module 22 .
- the locking assembly 104 can include other inter-engaging elements and fasteners, such as for example, screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, and any combination of such fasteners.
- the latches 108 are pivotably connected to the side wall 98 for movement between locking positions (shown in FIGS. 1-14 ), in which the latches 108 lockingly engage the protrusions 106 to secure the third module 24 to the second module 22 , and unlocking positions (not shown), in which the latches 108 are moved away from and out of engagement with the protrusions 106 , thereby allowing the third module 24 to be separated from the second module 22 .
- the locking assemblies 104 are operable to lift the third module 24 from a floor, table, or shelf and to move the third module 24 toward the second module 22 .
- an operator positions the third module 24 under the second module 22 and positions the upper ends of the latches 108 on the protrusions 106 . The operator then pivots the latches 108 downwardly from the unlocking positions toward the locking positions to lift the third module 24 upwardly and into engagement with the second module 22 .
- a lip 110 extends upwardly from the side wall 98 of the third module 24 and is engageable with the ridge 82 and the side wall 80 of the second module 22 to form a seal between the second and third modules 22 , 24 and to prevent and/or reduce movement of air and debris between the second and third modules 22 , 24 .
- the vacuum system 10 can also include a gasket or seal 112 positioned between the lower end of the second module 22 and an upper end of the third module 24 .
- the vacuum system 12 can also include an adapter 116 , which extends into the collection chamber 28 and is engageable with a vacuum bag 12 to fluidly connect the vacuum motor 48 and the duct system 14 to the vacuum bag 12 .
- the adapter 116 can extend through an upper portion of the second module 22 and can be oriented to direct debris downwardly into the collection chamber 28 and/or the bag 12 .
- the adapter 116 can have other orientations and can extend through other portions of the collection chamber 28 .
- the vacuum system 10 can also include a bag mounting assembly 118 , which extends into the upper portion of the collection chamber 28 and is operable to support a vacuum bag 12 in the housing 18 .
- the bag mounting assembly 118 includes a mounting plate 120 , which is connected to the adapter 116 and the side wall 80 of the second module 22 , and a bag plate 122 , which is pivotably connected to the side wall 98 of the second module 22 for pivoting movement relative to the side wall 80 and the mounting plate 120 between a locking position, in which the bag plate 122 is adjacent to the mounting plate 120 , and an unlocking position, in which at least a portion of the bag plate 122 is moved away from the mounting plate 120 .
- the bag plate 122 defines a central opening 126 and includes rails 130 located on opposite sides of the opening 126 .
- a bag 12 or a portion of a bag 12 can be inserted through the opening 126 in the bag plate 122 and the bag plate 122 can be moved from the unlocking position toward the locking position to trap or lock the bag 12 or a portion of the bag 12 between the bag plate 122 and the mounting plate 120 and to connect the bag 12 to the adapter 116 .
- the vacuum bag 12 includes a body 132 enclosing an interior space and having an opening through which debris can pass.
- the bag 12 also includes a flange 134 positioned adjacent to the opening in the body 132 .
- the flange 134 defines an inlet 136 and supports a cover 138 for sliding movement relative to the flange 134 . As shown in FIG.
- the cover 138 includes an opening 140 and is moveable relative to the flange 134 between an opened position, in which the opening 140 of the cover 138 is substantially aligned with the inlet 136 of the flange 134 , and a closed position, in which the opening 140 of the cover 138 is moved out of alignment with the inlet 136 of the flange 134 so that at least a portion of the cover 138 substantially covers the inlet 136 of the flange 134 .
- the flange 134 can be secured to the bag plate 122 for movement with the bag plate 122 between the locking position and the unlocking position.
- the flange 126 is inserted between the rails 130 and is moved rearwardly along the rails 130 into engagement with the bag plate 122 .
- the bag plate 122 can then be moved from the unlocking positioned toward the locking position to secure the bag 12 to the adapter 116 so that at least a portion of the adapter 116 extends through the opening 140 of the cover 138 and the inlet 136 of the flange 140 to direct debris into the bag 12 .
- a latch or fastener 144 can secure the bag plate 122 to the mounting plate 118 .
- the bag mounting assembly 118 can include a protrusion 146 , which extends outwardly from the bag plate 122 and which is engageable in a recess 148 in the cover 138 of the bag 12 .
- the protrusion 146 engages the recess 148 so that when the flange 134 is removed from the bag plate 122 , the engagement between the protrusion 146 of the bag plate 122 and the recess 148 of the cover 138 will cause the cover 138 to move relative to the flange 134 between the opened position and the closed position.
- the cover 138 can be moved across the inlet 136 in the flange 134 before the bag 12 is removed from the collection chamber 28 , thereby preventing debris from exiting the bag 12 through the inlet 136 as the bag 12 is removed from the vacuum system 10 .
- the vacuum system 10 can also include a filter 154 positioned between the vacuum motor 48 and the vacuum bag 12 .
- the filter 154 substantially prevents debris from moving from the collection chamber 28 into the drive space 26 , thereby preventing debris from moving from the collection chamber 28 into the vacuum motor 48 or from a bag 12 located in the collection chamber 28 into the vacuum motor 48 .
- the filter 154 can also prevent debris from entering the drive space 26 when a bag 12 located in the collection chamber 28 is punctured or torn.
- the filter 154 is removeably secured in the collection chamber 28 between brackets and is accessible through the opening 84 in the side wall 88 of the second module 22 .
- an operator can open the door 80 to clean or change the filter 154 when the filter 154 becomes soiled, or alternatively, an operator can clean the filter 154 each time the operator inserts a new bag 12 into the collection chamber 28 or each time the operator removes debris from the collection chamber 28 .
- the filter 154 can include a tab 156 , which extends downward into the collection chamber 28 .
- the tab 156 is oriented to be accessible through the opening 84 .
- an operator can clean the filter 154 by inserting a hand into the collection chamber 28 through the door 88 and tapping or shaking the filter 154 . Debris trapped in the filter 154 will then fall to the bottom of the collection chamber 26 .
- the vacuum system 10 can also include a controller 160 operable to control and monitor operation of the vacuum system 10 and a display panel 162 for displaying system data relating to the operation of the vacuum system 10 .
- the controller 160 is located in the first module 20 and the display panel 162 is positioned on the outer wall of the motor cage 38 .
- the controller 160 and the display 162 can have other orientations and can be supported in other locations in the housing 18 .
- the vacuum system 10 can also include a number of sensors 164 distributed throughout the housing 18 for monitoring and controlling operation of the vacuum system 10 .
- a pressure sensor 164 is supported in the collection chamber 28 and is connected to the controller 160 to transmit pressure data to the controller 160 .
- the controller 160 is operable to calculate the volume of debris collected in the collection chamber 28 and/or the volume of debris collected in a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 using the data received from the pressure sensor 164 .
- the controller 160 can calculate the volume of empty space or debris capacity remaining in the collection chamber 28 or in a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 .
- a base pressure value corresponding to an empty collection chamber 28 or empty bag 12 is stored in the controller memory unit.
- the pressure sensor 164 records these increases and transmits the pressure data to the controller 160 .
- the controller 160 continuously compares the pressure data from the sensor 164 to the base pressure value to calculate the volume of debris in the collection chamber 28 or in a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 .
- the controller 160 continuously compares the pressure data from the sensor 164 to the base pressure value to calculate the volume of empty space or capacity remaining in the collection chamber 28 or in a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 as debris is collected.
- a maximum pressure value corresponding to a full collection chamber 28 or a full bag 12 is stored in the controller memory unit.
- the pressure sensor 164 records the increases in pressure as debris is collected in the collection chamber 28 , or alternatively, in a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 .
- the pressure sensor 164 transmits the pressure data to the controller 160 and the controller 160 continuously compares the pressure data from the sensor 164 to the maximum pressure value to calculate the volume of debris in the collection chamber 28 or in a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 .
- the controller 160 continuously compares the pressure data from the sensor 164 to the maximum pressure value to calculate the volume of empty space or capacity remaining in the collection chamber 28 or in a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 as debris is collected.
- the display panel 162 displays the remaining capacity in the collection chamber 28 or in the bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 , or alternatively, displays the volume of debris in the collection chamber 28 or in the bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 .
- the display panel 162 includes a number of lights (e.g., light emitting diodes or “LEDs”), which are illuminated to inform the operator of the remaining capacity or to inform the operator of the volume of debris collected.
- the display panel 162 can include one or more green lights, one or more amber lights, and one or more red lights, which are sequentially illuminated to indicate the changing collection chamber capacity.
- the display panel 162 can include other indicators or display screens (e.g., a video screen, a liquid crystal display, or the like) which are operable to display data corresponding to collection chamber capacity.
- the vacuum motor 48 can become overheated and/or damaged when the vacuum system 10 is operated after the collection chamber 28 or a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 is filled to a maximum allowable capacity.
- the controller 160 is operable to shutdown the vacuum motor 48 when the collection chamber 28 or a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 is full to prevent damage to the vacuum motor 48 .
- a maximum allowable pressure value corresponding to a maximum allowable capacity of debris is stored in the controller memory unit.
- the controller 160 shuts down the vacuum motor 48 .
- the controller 160 can be programmed to display a warning message or to activate a warning light when the pressure sensor 164 records a pressure value in the collection chamber 28 which is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable pressure value.
- the vacuum system 10 includes temperature sensors 168 , which are positioned in the drive space 26 and are operable to record the temperature of the vacuum motor 48 .
- a maximum temperature value corresponding to a maximum allowable motor temperature is stored in the controller memory unit.
- the controller 160 shuts down the vacuum motor 48 to prevent or reduce damage to the vacuum motor 48 .
- the controller 160 can be programmed to display a warning message or to activate a warning light when the temperature sensor 168 records a temperature value in the collection chamber 28 which is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable temperature value.
- other sensors can be positioned in the collection chamber 28 to record data corresponding to the capacity of the collection chamber 28 or a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 to monitor operation of the vacuum system 10 .
- the vacuum system 12 can include microphones positioned in the collection chamber 28 .
- sound data is transmitted from the microphones to the controller 160 and the controller 160 calculates the capacity of the collection chamber 28 or a bag 12 supported in the collection chamber 28 .
- the controller 160 can also include a timer.
- a maximum motor operation time is stored in the controller memory unit and the controller 160 is programmed to alert the operator or shut down the vacuum motor 48 when the vacuum motor 48 is operated longer than the maximum motor operation time.
- the controller 160 can be programmed to shut down the vacuum motor 48 if the vacuum motor 48 is continually operated for 3 hours.
- the controller 160 can be programmed to shut down the vacuum motor 48 when the vacuum motor 48 is operated for more than 3 hours during a 4 hour period.
- the controller 160 can be programmed to estimate the length of time the vacuum motor 48 is operated between bag replacements or occasions in which the collection chamber 28 is emptied. In these embodiments, the controller 160 can be programmed to progressively illuminate lights on the control panel 162 corresponding to the length of time the vacuum motor 48 has been operated between bag replacements or occasions in which the collection chamber 28 is emptied. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 160 is programmed to illuminate a first green light after one hour of vacuum motor operation, a second green light after a second hour of vacuum motor operation, an amber light after a third hour of vacuum motor operation, and a red light after a fourth hour of vacuum motor operation.
- the vacuum system 10 can also include a reset button 170 .
- the reset button 170 is located on the display panel 162 .
- the reset button 170 can be located in other locations on the housing 18 .
- the reset button 170 can be located on the hose which is connected to the duct system 14 so that the operator can reset the vacuum system 10 without having to walk to the housing 18 .
- an operator can press the reset button 170 to restart the vacuum motor 48 after replacing the full vacuum bag 12 with a new bag 12 or after the operator empties the collection chamber 28 .
- the controller 160 can be programmed to record a new pressure value in the collection chamber 28 after the reset button 170 has been pressed. If after being shut down, the pressure sensor 146 again records a pressure value greater than the maximum allowable pressure value, the controller 160 can be programmed to shut down the vacuum motor 48 or to alert the operator. In other embodiments having other sensors, such as, for example, temperature sensors or microphones, the controller 160 can be programmed to record new values after the reset button 170 is pressed and to compare these new values to predetermined maximum values.
- the controller 160 can be programmed to shut down the vacuum motor 48 a second time, or alternatively, to alert the operator (e.g., by illuminating a warning light on the display panel 162 .
- an operator opens the door 88 to insert a new bag 12 into the collection chamber 28 .
- the operator then pivots the bag plate 122 downwardly from the locking position toward the unlocking position.
- the operator inserts a vacuum bag 12 into the collection chamber 28 so that the body 132 extends downwardly into the third module 24 and aligns the flange 134 of the vacuum bag 12 with the rails 130 of the bag plate 122 .
- the operator then moves the flange 134 into engagement with the bag plate 122 .
- the cover 138 is moved forwardly with respect to the flange 134 to align the opening 140 in the cover 138 with the inlet 136 in the flange 134 and to engage the protrusion 146 of the bag mounting assembly 118 in the recess 148 in the cover 138 .
- the operator next pivots the bag plate 122 upwardly toward the locking position, moving the flange 134 into engagement with the adapter 116 so that at least a portion of the adapter 116 extends through the inlet 136 in the flange 134 and through the opening 140 in the cover 138 .
- the operator secures the bag plate 122 in the locking position with the latch 144 and closes the door 88 , sealing the bag 12 in the collection chamber 28 .
- the operator can then operate the vacuum system 10 in a conventional manner to draw debris into a hose, nozzle, or other port and through the duct system 14 toward the adapter 116 , which directs the debris into the vacuum bag 12 .
- the vacuum system 10 fills the bag 12 with debris.
- the controller can be operable to alert the operator when the bag 12 is filled and when bag replacement is necessary, as mentioned above.
- the operator can open the door 88 to determine when bag replacement is necessary or the operator can look through the viewing window 92 in the door 88 to determine when bag replacement is required.
- the operator When bag replacement is required, the operator shuts down the vacuum motor 48 and opens the door 88 . The operator then grasps the latch 144 to unlock the bag assembly 118 and pivots the bag plate 122 and the bag flange 134 downwardly toward the unlocking position. The operator then slides the bag flange 134 forwardly along the rails 130 and away from the bag mounting assembly 118 .
- the protrusion 146 on the bag mounting assembly 118 remains engaged in the recess 148 in the cover 138 , causing the cover 138 to move relative to the flange 134 from the opened position toward the closed position so that the cover 138 extends across and substantially covers the inlet 136 in the flange 134 .
- the operator then removes the bag flange 134 from the bag mounting assembly 118 and lets the bag 12 fall to the bottom of the collection chamber 28 (i.e., the bottom of the third module 24 ).
- the operator moves the locking assemblies 104 from the locking positions toward the unlocking positions and removes the third module 24 (and consequently the bag 12 supported in the third module 24 ) from the second module 22 .
- the operator can then remove the bag 12 from the third module 24 and dispose of the bag 12 in a conventional manner.
- the operator reconnects the third module 24 to the second module 22 and moves the locking assemblies 104 toward the locking positions to secure the third module 24 to the second module 22 .
- the operator can then insert a new bag 12 into the collection chamber 28 , as explained above.
- the operator operates the vacuum system 10 in a conventional manner to draw debris into a hose or nozzle and through the duct system 14 toward the adapter 116 , which directs the debris into the collection chamber 28 .
- the vacuum system 10 fills the collection chamber 28 with debris.
- the controller can be operable to alert the operator when the collection chamber 28 is filled and when it is necessary to empty the collection chamber 28 , as mentioned above.
- the operator can open the door 88 to determine when it is necessary to empty the collection chamber 28 , or alternatively, the operator can look through the viewing window 92 in the door 88 to determine when it is necessary to empty the collection chamber 28 .
- the operator When it is necessary to empty the collection chamber 28 , the operator shuts down the vacuum motor 48 . The operator then moves the locking assemblies 104 from the locking positions toward the unlocking positions and removes the third module 24 (and the debris contained in the third module 24 ) from the second module 22 . The operator can then empty the third module 24 and dispose of the debris in a conventional manner.
- the operator reconnects the third module 24 to the second module 22 and moves the locking assembly 104 toward the locking position to secure the third module 24 to the second module 22 .
- the operator can then resume operation of the vacuum system 10 .
- FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate another embodiment of the vacuum system 10 A according to the present invention.
- the vacuum system 10 A in FIGS. 22 and 23 is similar in many ways to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-21 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23 and the embodiments of FIGS. 1-21 , reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the embodiments of FIGS. 1-21 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23 .
- Features and elements in the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23 corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-21 are identified by the same reference number and the letter “A”.
- FIGS. 22-23 illustrate a vacuum system 10 A having a housing 18 A, which defines a first module 20 A, a second module 22 A, and a third module 24 A. Together, the first and second modules 20 A, 22 A at least partially define a drive space or motor chamber 26 A. Together, the second and third housing portions 22 A, 24 A substantially enclose a collection chamber 28 A.
- the vacuum system 10 A includes a cyclonic drive system 210 , including a vacuum motor 48 A, which is operable to draw debris through the duct system 14 and into the collection chamber 28 A.
- a cyclonic drive system 210 including a vacuum motor 48 A, which is operable to draw debris through the duct system 14 and into the collection chamber 28 A.
- other drive systems including conventional vacuum drive systems can also or alternately be used.
- the second module 22 A defines an upper portion of the collection chamber 28 A and includes an upper wall 54 A and a side wall 80 A.
- An opening 84 A extends through the side wall 80 A and provides access to the collection chamber 28 A and to a filter 12 A supported in the collection chamber 28 A.
- a door 88 A is connected to the side wall 80 A and is moveable relative to the side wall 80 A between a closed position, in which the door 88 A substantially covers the opening 84 A, and an opened position, in which the door 88 A is moved away from the opening 84 A.
- the third module 24 A defines the lower portion of the collection chamber 28 A and includes a bottom wall 96 A and a side wall 98 A. Together, the bottom and the side walls 96 A, 98 A can define a pail 100 A, which is operable to collect and contain debris. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23 , the vacuum system 10 A can include a locking assembly 104 A for securing the third module 24 A to the second module 22 A.
- the vacuum system 10 A can also include a filter mounting assembly 118 A for supporting a filter 12 A in the collection space 28 A.
- the filter mounting assembly 118 A includes a generally cylindrical mounting plate 120 A secured to the side wall 80 A of the second module 22 A and extending circumferentially around the collection chamber 28 A.
- the mounting plate 120 A can have other shapes and can be positioned in other locations in the collection chamber 28 A.
- the mounting plate 120 A can also include a number of radially extending ribs 212 .
- a filter 12 A formed of a flexible or elastomeric material can be secured to the mounting plate 120 A and can include a body 214 enclosing an interior space and an edge 216 defining an opening 218 .
- a body 214 enclosing an interior space and an edge 216 defining an opening 218 .
- a fastener 220 such as, an elastic band, secures the edge 216 of the filter 12 A to the mounting plate 120 A between the ribs 212 for movement relative to the mounting plate 120 A between an inflated orientation, in which at least a portion of the filter 12 A extends upwardly from the mounting plate 12 A through the collection chamber 28 A, and a deflated orientation, in which the filter 12 A hangs downwardly from the mounting plate 120 A through a lower portion of the collection chamber 28 A.
- other conventional fasteners can be employed to secure the filter 12 A to the mounting plate 120 A as just described, such as pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
- the filter 12 A can include a weight 222 , which is secured to a lower end of the filter 12 A and is operable to maintain the filter 12 A in the deflated orientation when the vacuum system 10 is not in operation.
- the side wall 80 A of the second module 22 A defines an inlet 228 communicating between atmosphere and the collection chamber 28 A.
- the mounting plate 120 A can also define an opening 230 , which is generally aligned with the inlet in the second wall 80 A.
- a conduit 234 extends radially through the inlet 228 in the side wall 80 A of the second module 22 A and, in embodiments having a mounting plate 120 A, through the opening 230 into the collection chamber 28 A.
- an operator connects a hose or nozzle to the duct system 14 and activates the vacuum motor 48 A, which operates to draw debris and air through the duct system 14 and into the collection chamber 28 A through the conduit 234 .
- the vacuum system 10 A having a filter mounting assembly 118 A and a filter 12 A supported in the collection chamber 28 A, air and debris entering the collection chamber 28 A move the filter 12 A relative to the mounting plate 120 A from the deflated orientation toward the inflated orientation.
- the filter 12 A can then operate as a filter, allowing air to move upwardly through the collection chamber 28 A and outwardly toward the exhaust system 66 A while preventing debris from exiting the collection chamber 28 A.
- the filter 12 A can prevent or reduce movement of debris from the collection chamber 28 A into the drive space 26 A.
- air and debris entering the collection chamber 28 A is directed along a generally circular flow path within the collection chamber 28 A.
- centrifugal forces cause the debris to be separated from the air.
- the vacuum system 10 A can include other conventional drive systems and filter systems, which can operate to separate the debris from the air in the collection chamber 28 A.
- the operator shuts down the vacuum motor 48 A and removes the third module 24 A from the second module 22 A. The operator can then empty the third module 24 A and dispose of the debris in a conventional manner.
- the operator can open the door 88 A and can reach into the collection chamber 28 A through the opening 84 A.
- the operator can then tap an upper or clean side of the filter 12 A to dislodge any debris accumulated on the filter 12 A.
- the debris will then drop into the third module 24 A and can be disposed as described above.
- FIGS. 24-39 illustrate another embodiment of a central vacuum system 300 according to the present invention.
- the central vacuum system 300 in FIGS. 24-39 is similar in many ways to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-23 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the embodiment of FIGS. 24-39 and the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23 , reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the embodiment of FIGS. 24-39 .
- Features and elements in the embodiment of FIGS. 24-39 corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-23 are numbered in the 300 and 400 series.
- the central vacuum system 300 includes a housing 304 having a first module or housing portion 308 , a second module or housing portion 312 , and a third module or housing portion 316 .
- the first module 308 includes a motor cage 320 and a cap 324 and defines a drive space or motor chamber 328 and a sound dampening chamber 332 .
- the second and third housing portions 312 , 316 together at least partially define a collection chamber 336 .
- the second housing portion 312 at least partially defines an upper portion of the housing 304 and the third housing portion at least partially defines a lower portion of the housing 304 .
- the lower housing portion 316 can be detachable from the upper housing portion 312 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-23 .
- the upper housing portion 312 can include a first housing member 340 and a second housing member 344 , shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , respectively.
- the first and second housing members 340 , 344 have respective lower edges 348 , 350 that together form a lower interface 352 of the upper housing portion 312 for engaging a corresponding interface of the lower housing portion 316 .
- the lower interface 352 of the upper housing portion 312 is substantially oval-shaped or elliptical.
- the upper housing portion 312 is substantially oval-shaped or elliptical in cross-section and each one of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 is semi-elliptical in cross-section.
- each one of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 is formed as a half-ellipse in cross-section, and each one of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can form a long side of the ellipse and portions of both short sides of the ellipse (as viewed in cross-section or in FIG. 27 ).
- the upper housing portion 312 and/or the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can have other cross-sectional shapes and configurations.
- the upper housing portion 312 and/or the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can have a triangular, a circular, a rectangular, an irregular shape, or can have any other polygonal or non-polygonal shape desired.
- the first housing member 340 includes two side edges 356 that, in the illustrated embodiment, extend substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the lower interface 352 .
- the second housing member 344 includes two side edges 360 that, in the illustrated embodiment, extend substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the lower interface 352 and can be arranged parallel to the two side edges 356 of the first housing member 340 and engaged therewith.
- the side edges 356 of the first housing member 340 and the side edges 360 of the second housing member 344 can have other orientations and configurations.
- one or both of the side edges 356 of the first housing member 340 and one or both of the side edges 360 of the second housing member 344 can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the plane defined by the lower interface 352 .
- one or both of the side edges 356 of the first housing member 340 and one or both of the side edges 360 of the second housing member 344 can have a non-linear or irregular shape.
- the side edges 356 of the first housing member 340 are non-removably secured to the side edges 360 of the second housing member 344 .
- the respective side edges 356 , 360 of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can be non-removably secured together (e.g., by welding, chemical bonding, epoxy, etc.) to provide a pair of longitudinal seams 364 (shown in FIGS. 35-37 ) extending along at least a portion of a height of the upper housing portion 312 .
- the respective side edges 356 , 360 of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can be hotplate welded together.
- the seams 364 can be substantially leak-proof to provide adequate sealing from the atmosphere, and thus, adequate vacuuming power and suction. Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one of the first housing member 340 and the second housing member 344 can include at least one flange 368 (shown in FIG. 24 ) that substantially conceals one or more of the seams 364 in the upper housing portion 312 from casual view. In some embodiments, the first housing member 340 is front-facing (i.e., extending outwardly from a wall of a building) during use and is formed with a flange 368 adjacent each of its two side edges 356 to conceal the seams 364 between the first housing member 340 and the second housing member 344 from the front view of the housing 304 .
- the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can be joined together as described above to at least partially define the collection chamber 336 .
- the first housing member 340 can include a generally centrally-located opening 372 through which the collection chamber 336 can be selectively accessed (e.g., such as, for example, during non-operational periods).
- a movable access door 376 (shown in FIG. 24 ) can be pivotably and/or removably mounted to the first housing member 340 to selectively provide access to the collection chamber 336 .
- a latch opening 378 can be formed in the first housing member 340 adjacent the opening 372 .
- the latch opening 378 can either engage a latch member (not shown) on the access door 376 directly, or alternately, the latch opening 378 can receive one or more additional latch components which selectively engage a latch member on the access door 376 to selectively securely retain the access door 376 in a closed position ( FIG. 1 ).
- the second housing member 344 can include one or more inlet openings 380 connectable with a duct system (not shown) and configured to selectively direct dirt, debris, etc. toward the collection chamber 336 as described in detail above.
- the second housing member 344 includes upper and lower inlet openings 380 A, 380 B.
- the second housing member 344 can include one, three, or more inlet openings having other relative orientations and locations.
- one or more inlet openings can be located on or defined by the first housing member 340 .
- the inlet openings 380 A, 380 B are formed as integral portions of the second housing member 344 and need not be connected thereto with any additional components, materials, etc.
- a vacuum bag (not shown) is mounted inside the collection chamber 336 to retain dirt, debris, etc. that is moved into the collection chamber 336 through the upper inlet openings 380 A.
- the upper inlet openings 380 A join together at a discharge aperture 380 A′.
- a mounting interface adjacent the discharge aperture 380 A′ can include a sealing rim 381 and bosses 382 having threaded apertures 382 A.
- a pipe elbow and/or a bag mounting plate (not shown) are connectable to the second housing member 344 at the discharge aperture 380 A′.
- the inlet openings e.g., the lower inlet openings 380 B
- the lower inlet openings 380 B can be capped at their outer ends so as to not reduce the suction power of the vacuum system 300 .
- the vacuum system 300 can be equipped for so-called “bagless” operation.
- the same housing members 340 , 344 can be used either with or without a vacuum bag.
- the pipe elbow and bag mounting plate can be removed from the discharge aperture 380 A′.
- the discharge aperture 380 A can be at least partially covered or sealed.
- each of the housing members 340 , 344 can include a peripheral mounting channel 383 located above the lower inlet openings 380 B.
- the peripheral mounting channels 383 can be integrally formed with the respective first and second housing members 340 , 344 , which can be enabled by the pull direction of the tooling as described in further detail below.
- a filter (e.g., a permanent filter) (not shown) can be mounted in the peripheral mounting channels 383 (which together form a single, a mounting channel 383 when the first and second housing members 340 , 344 are joined together).
- the upper inlet openings 380 A can be blocked off, such as being capped at their outer ends.
- debris drawn into the vacuum system 300 through the lower inlet openings 380 B can be trapped in the collection chamber 336 below the filter so as to keep the debris out of the motor chamber 328 .
- the first housing member 340 and the second housing member 344 of the upper housing portion 312 can be formed by manufacturing processes different than if the upper housing portion 312 were manufactured as a single integral member.
- the first housing member 340 and the second housing member 344 can be incorporated into and/or integrally formed with the first housing member 340 and the second housing member 344 .
- some of these features can be features that can be more difficult or impossible to incorporate in an upper housing portion 312 formed as a single piece.
- the total number of parts in the central vacuum system 300 can be reduced by incorporating several features and/or components integrally into the first and second housing members 340 , 344 .
- the tooling for making the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can allow greater flexibility in the forming of strengthening ribs.
- the upper housing portion 312 can be constructed with a relatively thin outer wall and can provide sufficient strength and/or stiffness.
- the wall thickness of the first housing member 340 and the second housing member 344 can be reduced by between about 35% and about 40% while providing an increase in stiffness (due to ribbing) compared to a unitarily-formed upper housing portion.
- the second housing member 344 (shown FIG. 29 ) includes four longitudinally-extending ribs 384 positioned on an outside surface 388 .
- a large transverse rib 392 intersects the four longitudinal ribs 384 and is flanked by respective upper and lower depressions 396 , 400 .
- a duct at least partially defining the upper inlet openings 380 A can be positioned within the upper depression 396 .
- the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can also or alternatively include a number of ribs 404 arranged along the respective lower edges 348 , 350 (as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 ). Also shown in FIG. 30 are four longitudinal ribs 408 positioned along an inner surface 412 of the first housing member 340 . In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal ribs 408 on the inner surface 412 of the first housing member 340 are arranged in pairs with one pair adjacent to each side of the opening 372 .
- a decorative outer wall portion 409 as shown in FIGS. 24, 25 , and 28 - 30 may be attached to or integrally formed with the first and second housing members 340 , 344 adjacent the lower edges 348 , 350 thereof. The outer wall portion 409 may conceal sink marks that may form in the outer surfaces of the first and/or second housing members 340 , 344 due to the formation (e.g., molding) of internal ribs.
- the second housing member 344 can also or alternatively include upper and lower slots 413 A, 413 B, which receive a wall mount bracket 414 .
- the upper and lower slots 413 A, 413 B can be integrally formed with the second housing member 344 .
- the wall mount bracket 414 can be used to secure the vacuum system 300 to a stationary substrate (e.g., a wall) within an inhabitable structure, such as, for example, a house, commercial building, etc.
- the integration of features into the first and second housing members 340 , 344 is a result of the pull direction of the tooling used to separately manufacture the first and second housing members 340 , 344 .
- Such tooling can also or alternatively allow the formation of an internal stiffening ring portion 415 (shown in FIGS. 25-32 ) adjacent to the lower edges 348 , 350 of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 , respectively.
- apertures 415 A are circumferentially spaced around the internal stiffening ring portion 415 on both the first and second housing members 340 , 344 as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 .
- the apertures 415 A serve as air passages to allow air to move between the opposing sides of the internal stiffening ring portion 415 .
- the ability for air to flow through the apertures 415 A allows pressure equalization, preventing a vacuum bag within the collection chamber 336 from catching and/or sealing to the internal stiffening ring portion 415 .
- a motor plate or third housing member 416 can be connected to the upper housing portion 312 to define an upper wall of the upper housing portion 312 .
- the motor plate 416 can include receptacle portions 420 for supporting vacuum motors 424 mounted within the drive space 328 of the first module 308 .
- the motor plate 416 includes two receptacle portions 420 .
- a single vacuum motor 424 can be mounted to the motor plate 416 , or alternately, two vacuum motors 424 can be mounted to the motor plate 416 , depending at least partially upon the size of the duct network and/or the desired vacuum power.
- the other receptacle portion 420 can be at least partially covered.
- Each receptacle portion 420 can include a peripheral sealing lip 426 and/or a compressible seal on the interior surface of the receptacle portion 420 .
- the sealing lips 426 can directly or indirectly seal with and/or support the respective vacuum motors 424 within the receptacle portions 420 .
- the motor plate 416 can include a generally dome-shaped body portion 428 .
- the dome-shape of the body portion 428 provides increased strength compared to a flat plate to securely support one or more vacuum motors 424 without requiring additional supporting member(s).
- the motor plate 416 includes a lip or rim 432 extending around a periphery of the body portion 428 .
- the rim 432 can angled with respect to the body portion 428 and can include a pair of concentric ridges 432 A, 432 B as discussed further below.
- the rim 432 can be oriented at an acute angle with respect to a lower surface of the body portion 428 .
- the rim 432 can have other relative positions and orientations with respect to the lower surface of the body portion 428 .
- each of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can include an inwardly-extending rim 436 positioned adjacent an upper interface 440 of the upper housing portion 312 .
- the upper interface 440 can include an upstanding outer flange 441 that the motor cage 320 fits radially within, thus hiding the lower edge of the motor cage 320 .
- the internal rims 436 of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the sides of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 . Together the internal rims 436 of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 define an internal flange 442 .
- the motor plate 416 can be secured to the upper ends of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 and the internal flange 442 .
- the rim 432 of the motor plate 416 , the side walls of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 , and the internal flange 442 of the first and second housing members 340 , 344 can define a beam 444 having a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.
- the motor plate 416 can be secured to the upper housing portion 312 and the peripheral flange 442 with two perimeter welds. As shown in FIGS.
- a first weld can be formed between the second ridge 432 B of the rim 432 and the interior wall of the upper housing portion 312 .
- a second weld can be formed between the first ridge 432 A and a distal edge 442 A ( FIGS. 27 and 31 ) of the peripheral flange 442 .
- the triangular beam 444 can provide extra stiffness between the motor plate 416 and the upper housing portion 312 . This, in combination with the domed shape of the motor plate 416 , can eliminate and/or reduce the need for additional support members for mounting the motor plate 416 .
- the motor plate 416 can include integrated mesh portions or filters 448 in one or both of the receptacle portions 420 .
- the integrated mesh portions 448 can prevent the passage of particles and debris of substantial size into the vacuum motor(s) 424 .
- the integrated mesh portions 448 can eliminate or significantly reduce the need for secondary filters (e.g., metallic mesh filters, fabric particulate filters, and the like) upstream and/or downstream of the motor plate 416 .
- the integrated mesh portions 448 can also or alternatively prevent or limit access to the motor chamber 328 , the vacuum motor(s) 424 , and associated electrical hardware, wiring, etc. from the collection chamber 336 . This can protect such elements from contact during changing of a vacuum bag, emptying of the collection chamber 336 , and the like.
- the motor plate 416 and the upper housing portion 312 can be constructed of different materials.
- the motor plate 416 which can be subject to greater stresses, vibrations, heat fluctuation, etc., can be constructed of a more rugged material than the first and second housing members 340 , 344 .
- the motor plate 416 can be constructed of a material meeting standards or tolerances relating to housings for electrical components (e.g., motors, wires, electrical contacts, etc.).
- the motor plate 416 can be formed from a 5 VA approved plastic material to meet UL requirements for an electrical enclosure.
- the motor cage 320 and the cap 324 can also or alternatively be constructed of a 5 VA approved plastic material.
- the upper housing portion 312 and lower housing portion 316 can be constructed of HB rated plastic material.
- one or more components of the housing 304 can be constructed of a glass-filled material.
- the motor plate 416 can include one or more supports 450 A-C, which are integrally-formed as a single piece with the motor plate 416 in some embodiments.
- the supports 450 A-C can support and/or orient one or more electrical and/or mechanical components of the vacuum 300 .
- the supports 450 A and 450 B can support exhaust tubes 464 , which are discussed in further detail below.
- the support 450 C can support or have mounted thereto an electrical component, such as a signal wire, power cable, pressure sensor, etc.
- the motor plate 416 can include one, two, or more than three supports, each of which can support and/or orient mechanical and/or electrical components of the central vacuum 300 .
- the motor plate 416 can include a receptacle 451 , which in some embodiments, is formed integrally as one piece with the motor plate 416 .
- the receptacle 451 can be used to receive a power cable (not shown) in order to keep the power cable in a predetermined position and/or reduce the risk of stressing the power cable in an undesirable location.
- FIGS. 35-39 illustrate various features and aspects associated with the sound dampening chamber 332 located above the drive space 328 .
- the sound dampening chamber 332 is at least partially defined by a lower wall 452 , an upper wall 454 , and a side wall 456 .
- the lower wall 452 and the side wall 456 can be integrally formed and define three or four sides of the sound dampening chamber 332 .
- the lower wall 452 can be penetrated by one or more exhaust outlets 460 coupled to an exhaust side of the vacuum motor(s) 424 with respective exhaust pipes 464 .
- the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 35-38 includes two vacuum motors 424 , two exhaust pipes 464 , and two exhaust outlets 460 .
- the central vacuum system 300 can include one, three, or more vacuum motors 424 , exhaust pipes 464 , and/or exhaust outlets 460 .
- the lower wall 452 can include apertures 468 for receiving the exhaust outlets 460 .
- the exhaust outlets 460 can direct exhausted gas (typically air) toward one side of the sound dampening chamber 332 .
- the side wall 456 can be generally crescent-shaped, having several portions having different radii.
- An incident portion 456 A of the side wall 456 which in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 35 is the portion closest to the exhaust outlets 460 , receives the flow of exhaust gas from the vacuum motor(s) 424 and directs the exhaust gas along the side wall 456 .
- the side wall 456 does not extend fully around the sound dampening chamber 332 from one side of the exhaust outlets 460 to the other. Rather, an end 456 B of the side wall 456 opposite the incident portion 456 A terminates short of the exhaust outlets 460 to at least partially define an outlet opening 472 .
- the central vacuum system 300 can include an outlet 474 (e.g., an outlet portion formed integrally as part of the cap 324 or formed separately and connected to the cap 324 ), which can be in fluid communication with the outlet opening 472 to transfer the exhaust gas out of the sound dampening chamber 332 .
- the exhausted gas is directed in a generally spiral flow direction around the sound dampening chamber 332 from the exhaust outlets 460 , along the side wall 456 , and out through the outlet opening 472 adjacent the exhaust outlets 460 .
- portions of the sound dampening chamber 332 can be covered with an acoustic dampening material to absorb sound energy generated by the operation of the vacuum motor(s) 424 .
- the entire side wall 456 or substantial portions of the side wall 456 can be covered with an acoustic dampening material.
- Portions of the upper wall 454 and/or the lower wall 452 can also or alternatively be covered with the acoustic dampening material. In other embodiments, portions of the upper wall 454 and/or the lower wall 452 are not covered with acoustic dampening material adjacent the outlet opening 472 .
- the upper wall 454 of the sound dampening chamber 332 is formed by a planar upper dampening chamber plate 476 .
- the upper dampening chamber plate 476 can be at least partially covered with an acoustic dampening material, or alternately, can be formed of an acoustic dampening material.
- the lower wall 452 of the sound dampening chamber 332 can be formed by a planar lower dampening chamber plate 480 , which, like the upper dampening chamber plate 476 , can be at least partially covered with an acoustic dampening material, or alternatively, can be formed of an acoustic dampening material.
- the side wall 456 can be formed of a generally crescent-shaped spacer 484 , which can at least partially define the space between the upper wall 454 and the lower wall 452 .
- the spacer 484 can be at least partially covered with an acoustic dampening material, or alternately, can be formed of an acoustic dampening material.
- the spacer 484 can be formed integrally with at least one of the upper and lower dampening chamber plates 476 , 480 , or alternately, can be formed separately and coupled to at least one of, or coupled between, the upper and lower dampening chamber plates 476 , 480 .
- the lower dampening chamber plate 480 includes a set of mounting apertures 488 , and a set of notches 492 are formed in the spacer 484 .
- the notches 492 in the spacer 484 can be aligned with the mounting apertures 488 of the lower dampening chamber plate 480 .
- the spacer 484 includes three notches 492 that can be aligned with three of the four mounting apertures 488 .
- the upper dampening chamber plate 476 includes a set of notches 496 that can be aligned with the mounting apertures 488 of the lower dampening chamber plate 480 and/or the notches 492 of the spacer 484 .
- the cap 324 can include posts 500 that are configured to engage the mounting apertures 488 of the lower dampening chamber plate 480 , the notches 492 of the spacer 484 , and the notches 496 of the upper dampening chamber plate 476 .
- the posts 500 can maintain the relative positions of the upper dampening chamber plate 476 , the lower dampening chamber plate 480 , and the spacer 484 when the cap 324 is assembled.
- the posts 500 are integrally-formed as part of the cap 324 , for example, being integrally molded therewith. Ribs 504 can extend along each post 500 toward the distal ends 500 A of the posts 500 . This allows the distal ends 500 A to be inserted into the mounting apertures 488 in the lower dampening chamber plate 480 .
- FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate another embodiment of a central vacuum system according to the present invention.
- the central vacuum system in FIGS. 40 and 41 is similar in many ways to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-39 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the embodiment of FIGS. 40 and 41 and the embodiments of FIGS. 1-39 , reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the embodiments of FIGS. 1-39 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the embodiment of FIGS. 40 and 41 .
- Features and elements in the embodiment of FIGS. 40 and 41 corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-39 are numbered in the 500 series.
- the central vacuum system includes a first housing member 540 having a first motor plate portion 516 A, which can include features similar to the motor plate 416 .
- the first motor plate portion 516 A can be coupled to the first housing member 540 in a manner similar to the manner in which the motor plate 416 is coupled to the first housing member 340 .
- the central vacuum system can also include a second housing member 544 having a second motor plate portion 516 B, which is approximately equivalent to one half of the motor plate 416 .
- the first and second housing members 540 and 544 can be directly joined to at least partially define the collection chamber 336 , complete with an upper wall thereof, which is formed by the motor plate portions 516 A and 516 B.
Abstract
A central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure. The central vacuum system includes a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member secured to the first housing member. Together the first housing member and the second housing member at least partially define a collection chamber. A vacuum motor is supported by the housing and is operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber. An adapter extends into the collection chamber for supporting a bag. At least one of the bag and the adapter are accessible through an opening defined in one of the first housing member and the second housing member.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/032,511 entitled “VACUUM SYSTEM AND METHOD” filed on Jan. 10, 2005, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to vacuum systems and, more particularly, to a central vacuum system for an inhabitable structure.
- Central vacuum systems are often mounted in inhabitable structures, such as, for example, homes, commercial buildings, and the like. In many cases, central vacuum systems include a system of ducts, which extend throughout the structure into various rooms of the structure. Vacuum hoses or nozzles can be connected to the ducts to collect debris. Central vacuum systems generally include a housing supporting a vacuum motor which draws debris through the hoses and the ducts and into a collection chamber.
- Some embodiments of the present invention provide a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure. In some embodiments, the central vacuum system includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a side wall defining a collection chamber, the side wall defining an opening communicating between atmosphere and the collection chamber, and a vacuum motor supported in the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber.
- In addition, some embodiments of the invention provide a vacuum bag assembly for a central vacuum system, the central vacuum system including a housing defining a collection chamber and having a bag mounting assembly extending into the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the vacuum bag assembly can include a flange connectable with the bag mounting assembly to secure the bag in the collection chamber, the flange defining an inlet and supporting a cover, the cover being moveable relative to the flange between a closed position, in which the cover substantially covers the inlet, and an opened position, in which at least a portion of the cover is moved away from the inlet. The cover can be connectable to the bag mounting assembly so that, when the flange is disconnected from the bag mounting assembly, the cover is moved between the opened position and the closed position.
- Some embodiments of the invention provide a central vacuum system including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber, a bag mounting assembly extending into the collection chamber, a bag having a flange connectable with the bag mounting assembly to secure the bag in the collection chamber, the flange defining an inlet and supporting a cover, the cover being moveable relative to the flange between a closed position, in which the cover substantially covers the inlet, and an opened position, in which at least a portion of the cover is moved away from the inlet, and a vacuum motor supported in the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the bag. The cover can be connectable to the bag mounting assembly so that when the flange is removed from the bag mounting assembly, the cover is moved between the opened position and the closed position.
- In addition, some embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum system including a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a side wall defining a collection chamber, the side wall defining an opening communicating between atmosphere and the collection chamber. Some embodiments include the acts of providing a vacuum motor supported in the housing, inserting a bag into the collection chamber through the opening in the side wall, and directing debris from the interior portion into the bag with the vacuum motor.
- Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum system including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber, a vacuum motor supported in the housing, and a bag mounting assembly extending into the collection chamber. In some embodiments, the method can include the acts of inserting a bag into the collection chamber, the bag having a flange defining an inlet and supporting a cover, connecting the flange to the bag mounting assembly, moving the cover relative to the flange toward an opened position, in which the cover is moved away from the inlet, connecting the cover to the bag mounting assembly, moving debris from the interior portion into the bag with the vacuum motor, disconnecting the flange from the bag mounting assembly, and removing the bag from the collection chamber. When the flange is disconnected from the bag mounting assembly, the cover can be moved relative to the flange between the opened position and a closed position, in which the cover substantially covers the inlet.
- Some embodiments of the invention provide a central vacuum system including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber, a vacuum motor supported in the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber, a sensor positioned in the collection chamber and being operable to record pressure data in the collection chamber, and a controller supported in the housing and being in communication with the sensor to receive the pressure data from the sensor, the controller being operable to calculate a quantity of debris in the collection chamber using the pressure data.
- Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber, a sensor positioned in the collection chamber, and a controller supported in the housing. In these embodiments, the method includes the acts of moving debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber, recording pressure data in the collection chamber with the sensor, transmitting the pressure data from the sensor to the controller, and estimating a quantity of debris in the collection chamber using the pressure data from the sensor.
- Some embodiments of the invention further provide a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, including a housing having a wall defining a collection chamber and a motor housing, the motor housing having an elliptical cross section, and a vacuum motor supported in the motor housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber.
- Some embodiments of the invention further provide a central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, including a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member secured to the first housing member. Together the first housing member and the second housing member can at least partially defining a collection chamber. The central vacuum can also include a vacuum motor supported by the housing and operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber and an adapter extending into the collection chamber for supporting a bag. At least one of the bag and the adapter can be accessible through an opening defined in one of the first housing member and the second housing member.
- The present invention also provides a method of assembling a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure. The method can include the acts of providing a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member, securing the first housing member to the second housing member to at least partially enclose a collection chamber, moving debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber with a vacuum motor supported by the housing, and positioning a bag in the collection chamber to receive the debris.
- In some embodiments, the present invention further provides a central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, including a housing at least partially defining a collection chamber, a vacuum motor supported by the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber, and an acoustic dampening system supported in the housing and positioned along an exhaust flow path extending outwardly from the motor. The acoustic damping system can include a damping member at least partially defining three side walls of a dampening chamber.
- In some embodiments, the present invention provides a central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, including a housing having a housing member and a cover at least partially defining a collection chamber. The housing member can including a body and a rib extending inwardly from and around a perimeter of the body of the housing member. The cover can include a body and a rib extending outwardly from and around a perimeter of the body of the cover. The rib of the housing member can be secured to one of the body and the rib of the cover and the rib of the cover can be secured to the body of the housing member. The central vacuum can also include a vacuum motor supported by the housing and operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber.
- Further aspects of the present invention, together with the organization and operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum system according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is another rear perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a left side view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a right side view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. -
FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. -
FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. -
FIG. 14 is a rear view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. -
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 15A is an enlarged perspective view of the vacuum bag shown inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 16 is an enlarged front view of a control panel of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. -
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the vacuum shown inFIG. 1 and illustrating air flow through the vacuum system. -
FIG. 18 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a lower portion of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 19A-19G illustrate a method of removing a bag from a vacuum system according to the present invention. -
FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a vacuum system according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 21 is a top view of a portion of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 20 and illustrating travel paths of the airflow generated by the vacuum motors of the vacuum system. -
FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a vacuum system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a vacuum system according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a first housing member of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 24 . -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a second housing member of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 24 . -
FIG. 27 is a top view of an upper housing portion of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 24 , including the first and second housing members shown inFIGS. 25 and 26 . -
FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the upper housing portion shown inFIG. 27 including a motor plate at an upper interface thereof. -
FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the upper housing portion shown inFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the upper housing portion shown inFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the upper housing portion shown inFIG. 28 . -
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional detail view of the interface between the motor plate and the second housing member as shown inFIG. 31 . -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the motor plate shown inFIGS. 28-32 . -
FIG. 34 is a front view of the motor plate shown inFIG. 33 . -
FIG. 35 is a partial rear perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 24 with a first housing portion, cap, and upper dampening chamber plate removed to illustrate a motor chamber and a sound dampening chamber. -
FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 24 with the cap removed to illustrate the sound dampening chamber. -
FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum system shown inFIG. 24 with the cap removed to illustrate the sound dampening chamber. -
FIG. 38 is a top view of a lower dampening chamber plate and spacer shown inFIGS. 35-37 . -
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the cap of the housing shown inFIGS. 24 . -
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an alternate first housing member. -
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an alternate second housing member. - Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
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FIGS. 1-19G illustrate a portion of avacuum system 10 and avacuum bag 12 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Thevacuum system 10 can be installed or used in any inhabitable structure, such as, for example, a home, a commercial building, and the like. - As partially shown in
FIGS. 1-18 , 10-15 and 19A-19F, thevacuum system 10 can include aduct system 14, which extends throughout the structure into various rooms of the structure. Vacuum inlets can be located in various locations throughout the structure and can be in fluid communication with theduct system 14 so that a vacuum hose or nozzle can be connected to theduct system 14. As explained in greater detail below, to operate thevacuum system 10, an operator inserts a hose or nozzle into one of the inlets or actuates a switch adjacent to an inlet. Thevacuum system 10 then draws air and debris through the hose, nozzle, or inlet and through theduct system 14 toward a collection area. - The
vacuum system 10 can have ahousing 18 having any shape desired, such as a round shape, a rectangular, triangular, or other polygonal shape, an irregular shape, and the like. By way of example only, thehousing 18 of the illustrated embodiment has a generally elongated configuration and has an elliptical cross sectional shape. In addition, in some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-19G , thehousing 18 can have a relatively small profile so that thehousing 18 can be installed or located in relatively confined areas. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-19G , thehousing 18 comprises a first module orhousing portion 20, a second module orhousing portion 22, and a third module orhousing portion 24. Together, the first andsecond modules motor chamber 26, and together, the second andthird housing portions collection chamber 28. As shown inFIGS. 15, 17 , 19B-19E, in some embodiments, thehousing 18 can includeribs 30 or other structural supports extending through one or more of the first, second, andthird modules - The
housing 18 of thecentral vacuum system 10 can be installed in a number of locations throughout the structure, such as, for example, in the garage, basement, or utility room of a home or a business, or alternatively, thehousing 18 can be installed in a closet. To simplify installation and to provide a maximum number of possible installation options, the illustrated embodiment includes a number ofinlet openings 32, each of which can be connected to theduct system 14 to fluidly connect the housing 18 (and thevacuum motor 48, which is described in greater detail below) to theduct system 14. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2, 4-8, 11-14, 17, and 19A,inlets 32 are located on the left and right sides of thehousing 18. In other embodiments,inlets 32 can extend through other portions of thehousing 18 and can have other orientations to provide further installation options. - During installation, the
housing 18 is secured to the structure and thehousing 18 is oriented so that one of theinlets 32 can be connected to theduct system 14. Aconnector 34 is then inserted into theinlet 32 to fluidly connect thehousing 18 to the duct system 14 (and thevacuum motor 48, which is described in greater detail below). In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 15 , an elastomeric material (e.g., santaprene, neoprene, and polymers of butyl and supronyl, and the like) is positioned between an outer wall of aninlet 32 and theconnector 34 to provide a seal and to prevent and/or reduce movement of air and debris between theinlet 32 and theconnector 34. In these embodiments, theconnector 34 and the elastomeric material can be sealingly connected to theduct system 14 without requiring additional clamps, clamping tools, and other conventional sealing devices and elements, although such sealing devices and elements can also be used. In addition, theconnector 34 and the elastomeric material of the illustrated embodiment can be manufactured relatively easily and inexpensively and do not require complex tooling and assembly. - An elastomeric material can also or alternately be positioned between the
connector 34 and a portion of theduct system 14 to sealingly connect theconnector 34 and theduct system 14.Covers 35 are then placed over theother inlets 32 to seal theseinlets 32. - As shown in
FIGS. 15 and 17 , thefirst module 20 includes acap 36, amotor cage 38, and abaffle 40 positioned between thecap 36 and themotor cage 38. Anupper wall 54 of thesecond module 22 and themotor cage 38 of thefirst module 20 substantially enclose thevacuum motor 48 and define adrive space 26 having a substantially elliptical cross sectional shape. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 11-15 and 17, thevacuum motor 48 is positioned on a left side ofdrive space 26. In other embodiments, thevacuum motor 48 can have other orientations within thedrive space 26. For example, thevacuum motor 48 can be positioned in a central location in thedrive space 26 or thevacuum motor 48 can be positioned on a right side of thedrive space 26. - In still other embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 20 and 21 , two ormore vacuum motors 48 can be positioned in thedrive space 26. In some embodiments having twovacuum motors 48 and having adrive space 26 with an elliptical cross-sectional shape, thevacuum motors 48 can be supported on theupper wall 54 of thesecond module 22 and can be spaced apart so that airflow generated by onemotor 48 does not interfere with airflow generated by theother motor 48. Additionally, in these embodiments, the airflow generated by themotors 48 follows two generally circular travel paths (represented byarrows FIG. 21 ). As shown inFIG. 21 , thetravel paths entire drive space 26, thereby preventing the formation of dead spaces wherein thevacuum motors 48 do not generate airflow. Such a construction can improve the efficiency of one or both of thevacuum motors 48 and can reduce noise generation. Some embodiments space two ormore vacuum motors 48 close enough that airflow generated by onevacuum motor 48 interferes with the airflow generated by theother motor 48. This interference creates a lower air velocity region that drops debris entrained in the airflow. - In some embodiments, elements of the
vacuum system 12, such as, for example, thecap 36, themotor cage 38, thebaffle 40, and/or thesecond module 22, can be constructed so that common elements can be used in constructions of thevacuum system 12 having one ormore vacuum motors 48 located in any number of locations in thedrive space 26. In these embodiments, no or relatively minor modifications are made to assemblevarious vacuum systems 12 having a number of different configurations. - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 15 and 17 , a network (e.g., a wired network, a wireless network, and the like) extends throughout the structure. In these embodiments, thehousing 18 can support anelectrical adapter 57, which is electrically connectable to the network for communication with control switches positioned throughout the structure. For example, in some embodiments, control switches can be positioned in inlets so that when an operator opens an inlet to connect a hose or nozzle to the duct system, the control switch is triggered, thereby transmitting an activation system through the network to thevacuum motor 48. In other embodiments, control switches can be located on wall switches or in other locations throughout the structure. - With reference to
FIGS. 1-6 , 8-9, 15, 17, and 19A-19F, cooling vents 58 can extend through thehousing 18 to cool thevacuum motor 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling vents 58 extend through themotor cage 38 and thecap 36 and communicate between atmosphere and thedrive space 26. In operation, air is drawn into thedrive space 26 through the cooling vents 58 as represented byarrows 60 inFIG. 17 . The air is then drawn through thedrive space 26 between an upper surface of themotor cage 38 and a lower surface of thebaffle 40 before being drawn downwardly through anopening 62 in the upper surface of themotor cage 38 and into thevacuum motor 48. - In some embodiments, acoustic dampening material (e.g., elastomeric materials, such as, for example, polyester, polyurethane, melamine, and the like) 64 can be positioned in the
drive space 26 to absorb noise generated by air flowing through thedrive space 26. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 15 , acoustic dampeningmaterial 64 is secured to the undersides of thebaffle 40 and thecap 36. In other embodiments, acoustic dampeningmaterial 64 can be positioned in other locations in thedrive space 26 to absorb noise generated by air flowing through thedrive space 26. - The
vacuum system 10 can also include anexhaust system 66, which provides an exit for air exhausted from thevacuum motor 48. As shown inFIG. 17 , exhaust air (represented by arrows 67) exits thevacuum motor 48 and is directed upwardly and outwardly through theexhaust system 66 toward the atmosphere. Thevacuum system 10 can also include an acoustic dampeningsystem 68 positioned along theexhaust system 66 for absorbing noise generated by exhaust air exiting thehousing 18 through theexhaust system 66. - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 15 and 17 , theexhaust system 66 and the acoustic dampeningsystem 68 include aconduit 70 and amuffler 69, whichdirect exhaust air 67 upwardly and outwardly from thevacuum motor 48 and dampen noise generated by theexhaust air 67. As shown inFIG. 17 , themuffler 69 extends through openings in thecap 36 and thebaffle 40. - The
exhaust system 66 and the acoustic dampeningsystem 68 of the illustrated embodiment also include anelbow 71 connected to a downstream end of themuffler 69 and a dampeningchamber 72 defined between a first dampeningwall 73 and a second dampeningwall 74. As shown inFIG. 17 , theelbow 71 directs theexhaust air 67 laterally into the dampeningchamber 72, which provides a substantially U-shaped path forexhaust air 67. In other embodiments, the first and second dampeningwalls exhaust air 67. In addition, in some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 17 , portions of the dampeningchamber 72, including the first and second dampeningwalls cap 36, can also include or be covered with acoustic dampening material (e.g., elastomeric materials, such as, for example, polyester, polyurethane, melamine, and the like) to absorb noise generated by theexhaust air 67. From the dampeningchamber 72, theexhaust system 66 and the acoustic dampeningsystem 68 of the illustrated embodiment direct theexhaust air 67 outwardly through anopening 76 in thecap 36 toward the atmosphere. - As mentioned above, portions of the second and
third modules collection chamber 28. Thesecond module 22 defines an upper portion of thecollection chamber 28 and includes anupper wall 54 and aside wall 80 having a downwardly extendingridge 82. Anopening 84 extends through theside wall 80 and provides access to thecollection chamber 28 and, in embodiments havingvacuum bags 12, provides access tovacuum bags 12 located in thecollection chamber 28. In some embodiments, theopening 84 also provides access to other elements and systems of thevacuum system 10, such as, for example, thevacuum motor 48 and the controller 160 (described below) so that operators can perform maintenance operations. - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 1-3 , 15, and 19A-19F, thesecond module 22 includes adoor 88, which is connected to theside wall 80. As shown inFIGS. 19A-19F , thedoor 88 is moveable relative to theside wall 80 between a closed position, in which thedoor 88 substantially covers theopening 84, and an opened position, in which thedoor 88 is moved away from theopening 84. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3 , 15, and 19A-19F, thedoor 88 also includes ahandle 90 for moving thedoor 88 between the opened and closed positions and aviewing window 92 so that operators can view the contents of the collection chamber 26 (e.g., thevacuum bag 12 and/or debris collected in the collection chamber 28) without having to open thedoor 88. - As shown in
FIGS. 15 and 19 B-19E, thesecond module 22 can also include a seal orgasket 94 secured in theopening 84, or alternatively, secured to thedoor 88 for movement with thedoor 88 relative to theside wall 80. In these embodiments, thegasket 94 provides a seal and prevents and/or reduces movement of air and debris through theopening 84 when thedoor 88 is in the closed position. - The
third module 24 defines the lower portion of thecollection chamber 28 and includes abottom wall 96 and aside wall 98. Together, the bottom andside walls pail 100, which is operable to collect and contain debris and/or support avacuum bag 12. In some embodiments, thethird module 24 can also support one ormore replacement bags 12. In other embodiments,replacement bags 12 can be housed in other locations throughout thehousing 18. - In some embodiments, the
vacuum system 10 can include a lockingassembly 104 for securing thethird module 24 to thesecond module 22. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-15 , 18, and 19A-19G, thevacuum system 10 includes twolocking assemblies 104 positioned between the second andthird modules vacuum system 10 can include one, three, ormore locking assemblies 104. - The locking
assembly 104 of the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-15 , 18, and 19A-19G includeprotrusions 106 extending outwardly from theside wall 80 of thesecond module 22 and latches 108 connected to theside wall 98 of thethird module 24. In other embodiments, the lockingassemblies 104 can includeprotrusions 106 extending outwardly from theside wall 98 of thethird module 24 and latches 108 connected to theside wall 80 of thesecond module 22. In other embodiments, the lockingassembly 104 can include other inter-engaging elements and fasteners, such as for example, screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, and any combination of such fasteners. - With reference to the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 1-15 , 18, 19A-19G, thelatches 108 are pivotably connected to theside wall 98 for movement between locking positions (shown inFIGS. 1-14 ), in which thelatches 108 lockingly engage theprotrusions 106 to secure thethird module 24 to thesecond module 22, and unlocking positions (not shown), in which thelatches 108 are moved away from and out of engagement with theprotrusions 106, thereby allowing thethird module 24 to be separated from thesecond module 22. - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 1-19G , the lockingassemblies 104 are operable to lift thethird module 24 from a floor, table, or shelf and to move thethird module 24 toward thesecond module 22. In these embodiments, an operator positions thethird module 24 under thesecond module 22 and positions the upper ends of thelatches 108 on theprotrusions 106. The operator then pivots thelatches 108 downwardly from the unlocking positions toward the locking positions to lift thethird module 24 upwardly and into engagement with thesecond module 22. - As shown in
FIGS. 15 and 19 G, alip 110 extends upwardly from theside wall 98 of thethird module 24 and is engageable with theridge 82 and theside wall 80 of thesecond module 22 to form a seal between the second andthird modules third modules vacuum system 10 can also include a gasket or seal 112 positioned between the lower end of thesecond module 22 and an upper end of thethird module 24. - The
vacuum system 12 can also include anadapter 116, which extends into thecollection chamber 28 and is engageable with avacuum bag 12 to fluidly connect thevacuum motor 48 and theduct system 14 to thevacuum bag 12. As shown inFIGS. 15 and 19 C-19E, theadapter 116 can extend through an upper portion of thesecond module 22 and can be oriented to direct debris downwardly into thecollection chamber 28 and/or thebag 12. In other embodiments, theadapter 116 can have other orientations and can extend through other portions of thecollection chamber 28. - The
vacuum system 10 can also include abag mounting assembly 118, which extends into the upper portion of thecollection chamber 28 and is operable to support avacuum bag 12 in thehousing 18. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 11, 12 , 15, and 19C-19E, thebag mounting assembly 118 includes a mountingplate 120, which is connected to theadapter 116 and theside wall 80 of thesecond module 22, and abag plate 122, which is pivotably connected to theside wall 98 of thesecond module 22 for pivoting movement relative to theside wall 80 and the mountingplate 120 between a locking position, in which thebag plate 122 is adjacent to the mountingplate 120, and an unlocking position, in which at least a portion of thebag plate 122 is moved away from the mountingplate 120. - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 15 , thebag plate 122 defines acentral opening 126 and includesrails 130 located on opposite sides of theopening 126. In some embodiments, abag 12 or a portion of abag 12 can be inserted through theopening 126 in thebag plate 122 and thebag plate 122 can be moved from the unlocking position toward the locking position to trap or lock thebag 12 or a portion of thebag 12 between thebag plate 122 and the mountingplate 120 and to connect thebag 12 to theadapter 116. - In the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 15A , thevacuum bag 12 includes abody 132 enclosing an interior space and having an opening through which debris can pass. Thebag 12 also includes aflange 134 positioned adjacent to the opening in thebody 132. Theflange 134 defines aninlet 136 and supports acover 138 for sliding movement relative to theflange 134. As shown inFIG. 15A , thecover 138 includes anopening 140 and is moveable relative to theflange 134 between an opened position, in which theopening 140 of thecover 138 is substantially aligned with theinlet 136 of theflange 134, and a closed position, in which theopening 140 of thecover 138 is moved out of alignment with theinlet 136 of theflange 134 so that at least a portion of thecover 138 substantially covers theinlet 136 of theflange 134. - In embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 1-15 in which thebag 12 includes aflange 134, theflange 134 can be secured to thebag plate 122 for movement with thebag plate 122 between the locking position and the unlocking position. In these embodiments, theflange 126 is inserted between therails 130 and is moved rearwardly along therails 130 into engagement with thebag plate 122. Thebag plate 122 can then be moved from the unlocking positioned toward the locking position to secure thebag 12 to theadapter 116 so that at least a portion of theadapter 116 extends through theopening 140 of thecover 138 and theinlet 136 of theflange 140 to direct debris into thebag 12. Once thebag plate 122 is moved toward the locking position, a latch orfastener 144 can secure thebag plate 122 to the mountingplate 118. - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 1-19E , thebag mounting assembly 118 can include aprotrusion 146, which extends outwardly from thebag plate 122 and which is engageable in arecess 148 in thecover 138 of thebag 12. As shown inFIGS. 15A, 19C , and 19D, when theflange 134 is inserted into thebag plate 122, theprotrusion 146 engages therecess 148 so that when theflange 134 is removed from thebag plate 122, the engagement between theprotrusion 146 of thebag plate 122 and therecess 148 of thecover 138 will cause thecover 138 to move relative to theflange 134 between the opened position and the closed position. In this manner, at least a portion of thecover 138 can be moved across theinlet 136 in theflange 134 before thebag 12 is removed from thecollection chamber 28, thereby preventing debris from exiting thebag 12 through theinlet 136 as thebag 12 is removed from thevacuum system 10. - As shown in
FIG. 15 , thevacuum system 10 can also include afilter 154 positioned between thevacuum motor 48 and thevacuum bag 12. In these embodiments, thefilter 154 substantially prevents debris from moving from thecollection chamber 28 into thedrive space 26, thereby preventing debris from moving from thecollection chamber 28 into thevacuum motor 48 or from abag 12 located in thecollection chamber 28 into thevacuum motor 48. Thefilter 154 can also prevent debris from entering thedrive space 26 when abag 12 located in thecollection chamber 28 is punctured or torn. - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 15 , thefilter 154 is removeably secured in thecollection chamber 28 between brackets and is accessible through theopening 84 in theside wall 88 of thesecond module 22. In these embodiments, an operator can open thedoor 80 to clean or change thefilter 154 when thefilter 154 becomes soiled, or alternatively, an operator can clean thefilter 154 each time the operator inserts anew bag 12 into thecollection chamber 28 or each time the operator removes debris from thecollection chamber 28. - To facilitate filter replacement, the
filter 154 can include atab 156, which extends downward into thecollection chamber 28. In these embodiments, thetab 156 is oriented to be accessible through theopening 84. - In some embodiments, an operator can clean the
filter 154 by inserting a hand into thecollection chamber 28 through thedoor 88 and tapping or shaking thefilter 154. Debris trapped in thefilter 154 will then fall to the bottom of thecollection chamber 26. - The
vacuum system 10 can also include acontroller 160 operable to control and monitor operation of thevacuum system 10 and adisplay panel 162 for displaying system data relating to the operation of thevacuum system 10. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-15 , thecontroller 160 is located in thefirst module 20 and thedisplay panel 162 is positioned on the outer wall of themotor cage 38. In other embodiments, thecontroller 160 and thedisplay 162 can have other orientations and can be supported in other locations in thehousing 18. - The
vacuum system 10 can also include a number of sensors 164 distributed throughout thehousing 18 for monitoring and controlling operation of thevacuum system 10. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 11 , a pressure sensor 164 is supported in thecollection chamber 28 and is connected to thecontroller 160 to transmit pressure data to thecontroller 160. In embodiments having pressure sensors 164, thecontroller 160 is operable to calculate the volume of debris collected in thecollection chamber 28 and/or the volume of debris collected in abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28 using the data received from the pressure sensor 164. Alternatively or addition, thecontroller 160 can calculate the volume of empty space or debris capacity remaining in thecollection chamber 28 or in abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28. - In these embodiments, a base pressure value corresponding to an
empty collection chamber 28 orempty bag 12 is stored in the controller memory unit. As thecollection chamber 28 or abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28 is filled, the air pressure in thecollection chamber 28 increases. The pressure sensor 164 records these increases and transmits the pressure data to thecontroller 160. Thecontroller 160 continuously compares the pressure data from the sensor 164 to the base pressure value to calculate the volume of debris in thecollection chamber 28 or in abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28. Alternatively or in addition, thecontroller 160 continuously compares the pressure data from the sensor 164 to the base pressure value to calculate the volume of empty space or capacity remaining in thecollection chamber 28 or in abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28 as debris is collected. - In other embodiments, a maximum pressure value corresponding to a
full collection chamber 28 or afull bag 12 is stored in the controller memory unit. In operation, the pressure sensor 164 records the increases in pressure as debris is collected in thecollection chamber 28, or alternatively, in abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28. The pressure sensor 164 transmits the pressure data to thecontroller 160 and thecontroller 160 continuously compares the pressure data from the sensor 164 to the maximum pressure value to calculate the volume of debris in thecollection chamber 28 or in abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28. Alternatively or in addition, thecontroller 160 continuously compares the pressure data from the sensor 164 to the maximum pressure value to calculate the volume of empty space or capacity remaining in thecollection chamber 28 or in abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28 as debris is collected. - In some embodiments, the
display panel 162 displays the remaining capacity in thecollection chamber 28 or in thebag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28, or alternatively, displays the volume of debris in thecollection chamber 28 or in thebag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3 , 11-13, 15, 16, 19A-19F, thedisplay panel 162 includes a number of lights (e.g., light emitting diodes or “LEDs”), which are illuminated to inform the operator of the remaining capacity or to inform the operator of the volume of debris collected. For example, thedisplay panel 162 can include one or more green lights, one or more amber lights, and one or more red lights, which are sequentially illuminated to indicate the changing collection chamber capacity. In other embodiments, thedisplay panel 162 can include other indicators or display screens (e.g., a video screen, a liquid crystal display, or the like) which are operable to display data corresponding to collection chamber capacity. - It has been found that, in some embodiments, the
vacuum motor 48 can become overheated and/or damaged when thevacuum system 10 is operated after thecollection chamber 28 or abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28 is filled to a maximum allowable capacity. - In some embodiments, the
controller 160 is operable to shutdown thevacuum motor 48 when thecollection chamber 28 or abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28 is full to prevent damage to thevacuum motor 48. In these embodiments, a maximum allowable pressure value corresponding to a maximum allowable capacity of debris is stored in the controller memory unit. When the pressure sensor 164 records a pressure value in thecollection chamber 28 which is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable pressure value, thecontroller 160 shuts down thevacuum motor 48. Alternatively or in addition, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to display a warning message or to activate a warning light when the pressure sensor 164 records a pressure value in thecollection chamber 28 which is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable pressure value. - In some embodiments, the
vacuum system 10 includes temperature sensors 168, which are positioned in thedrive space 26 and are operable to record the temperature of thevacuum motor 48. In these embodiments, a maximum temperature value corresponding to a maximum allowable motor temperature is stored in the controller memory unit. When the temperature sensor 168 records a temperature value in thedrive space 26 which is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable temperature, thecontroller 160 shuts down thevacuum motor 48 to prevent or reduce damage to thevacuum motor 48. Alternatively or in addition, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to display a warning message or to activate a warning light when the temperature sensor 168 records a temperature value in thecollection chamber 28 which is greater than or equal to the maximum allowable temperature value. - In other embodiments, other sensors can be positioned in the
collection chamber 28 to record data corresponding to the capacity of thecollection chamber 28 or abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28 to monitor operation of thevacuum system 10. For example, thevacuum system 12 can include microphones positioned in thecollection chamber 28. In these embodiments, sound data is transmitted from the microphones to thecontroller 160 and thecontroller 160 calculates the capacity of thecollection chamber 28 or abag 12 supported in thecollection chamber 28. - The
controller 160 can also include a timer. In these embodiments, a maximum motor operation time is stored in the controller memory unit and thecontroller 160 is programmed to alert the operator or shut down thevacuum motor 48 when thevacuum motor 48 is operated longer than the maximum motor operation time. For example, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to shut down thevacuum motor 48 if thevacuum motor 48 is continually operated for 3 hours. Alternatively or in addition, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to shut down thevacuum motor 48 when thevacuum motor 48 is operated for more than 3 hours during a 4 hour period. - In embodiments having a timer, the
controller 160 can be programmed to estimate the length of time thevacuum motor 48 is operated between bag replacements or occasions in which thecollection chamber 28 is emptied. In these embodiments, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to progressively illuminate lights on thecontrol panel 162 corresponding to the length of time thevacuum motor 48 has been operated between bag replacements or occasions in which thecollection chamber 28 is emptied. For example, in some embodiments, thecontroller 160 is programmed to illuminate a first green light after one hour of vacuum motor operation, a second green light after a second hour of vacuum motor operation, an amber light after a third hour of vacuum motor operation, and a red light after a fourth hour of vacuum motor operation. - In embodiments having a
controller 160, thevacuum system 10 can also include areset button 170. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 16 , thereset button 170 is located on thedisplay panel 162. In other embodiments, thereset button 170 can be located in other locations on thehousing 18. In still other embodiments, thereset button 170 can be located on the hose which is connected to theduct system 14 so that the operator can reset thevacuum system 10 without having to walk to thehousing 18. - In embodiments having a
reset button 170, an operator can press thereset button 170 to restart thevacuum motor 48 after replacing thefull vacuum bag 12 with anew bag 12 or after the operator empties thecollection chamber 28. In embodiments having a pressure sensor 164, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to record a new pressure value in thecollection chamber 28 after thereset button 170 has been pressed. If after being shut down, thepressure sensor 146 again records a pressure value greater than the maximum allowable pressure value, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to shut down thevacuum motor 48 or to alert the operator. In other embodiments having other sensors, such as, for example, temperature sensors or microphones, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to record new values after thereset button 170 is pressed and to compare these new values to predetermined maximum values. If the new values remain greater than the predetermined allowable values, thecontroller 160 can be programmed to shut down the vacuum motor 48 a second time, or alternatively, to alert the operator (e.g., by illuminating a warning light on thedisplay panel 162. - In embodiments having a
bag mounting assembly 118 for supporting avacuum bag 12, an operator opens thedoor 88 to insert anew bag 12 into thecollection chamber 28. The operator then pivots thebag plate 122 downwardly from the locking position toward the unlocking position. Next, the operator inserts avacuum bag 12 into thecollection chamber 28 so that thebody 132 extends downwardly into thethird module 24 and aligns theflange 134 of thevacuum bag 12 with therails 130 of thebag plate 122. The operator then moves theflange 134 into engagement with thebag plate 122. As theflange 134 is engaged with thebag plate 122, thecover 138 is moved forwardly with respect to theflange 134 to align theopening 140 in thecover 138 with theinlet 136 in theflange 134 and to engage theprotrusion 146 of thebag mounting assembly 118 in therecess 148 in thecover 138. - The operator next pivots the
bag plate 122 upwardly toward the locking position, moving theflange 134 into engagement with theadapter 116 so that at least a portion of theadapter 116 extends through theinlet 136 in theflange 134 and through theopening 140 in thecover 138. The operator then secures thebag plate 122 in the locking position with thelatch 144 and closes thedoor 88, sealing thebag 12 in thecollection chamber 28. - The operator can then operate the
vacuum system 10 in a conventional manner to draw debris into a hose, nozzle, or other port and through theduct system 14 toward theadapter 116, which directs the debris into thevacuum bag 12. - Over time, the
vacuum system 10 fills thebag 12 with debris. In embodiments of thevacuum system 10 having acontroller 160 and adisplay panel 162, the controller can be operable to alert the operator when thebag 12 is filled and when bag replacement is necessary, as mentioned above. Alternatively or in addition, the operator can open thedoor 88 to determine when bag replacement is necessary or the operator can look through theviewing window 92 in thedoor 88 to determine when bag replacement is required. - When bag replacement is required, the operator shuts down the
vacuum motor 48 and opens thedoor 88. The operator then grasps thelatch 144 to unlock thebag assembly 118 and pivots thebag plate 122 and thebag flange 134 downwardly toward the unlocking position. The operator then slides thebag flange 134 forwardly along therails 130 and away from thebag mounting assembly 118. - As the
bag flange 134 is moved away from thebag mounting assembly 118, theprotrusion 146 on thebag mounting assembly 118 remains engaged in therecess 148 in thecover 138, causing thecover 138 to move relative to theflange 134 from the opened position toward the closed position so that thecover 138 extends across and substantially covers theinlet 136 in theflange 134. The operator then removes thebag flange 134 from thebag mounting assembly 118 and lets thebag 12 fall to the bottom of the collection chamber 28 (i.e., the bottom of the third module 24). - Next, the operator moves the
locking assemblies 104 from the locking positions toward the unlocking positions and removes the third module 24 (and consequently thebag 12 supported in the third module 24) from thesecond module 22. The operator can then remove thebag 12 from thethird module 24 and dispose of thebag 12 in a conventional manner. - Once the
bag 12 has been removed, the operator reconnects thethird module 24 to thesecond module 22 and moves thelocking assemblies 104 toward the locking positions to secure thethird module 24 to thesecond module 22. The operator can then insert anew bag 12 into thecollection chamber 28, as explained above. - In embodiments not having a
bag mounting assembly 118 for supporting avacuum bag 12, the operator operates thevacuum system 10 in a conventional manner to draw debris into a hose or nozzle and through theduct system 14 toward theadapter 116, which directs the debris into thecollection chamber 28. - Over time, the
vacuum system 10 fills thecollection chamber 28 with debris. In embodiments of thevacuum system 10 having acontroller 160 and adisplay panel 162, the controller can be operable to alert the operator when thecollection chamber 28 is filled and when it is necessary to empty thecollection chamber 28, as mentioned above. Alternatively or in addition, the operator can open thedoor 88 to determine when it is necessary to empty thecollection chamber 28, or alternatively, the operator can look through theviewing window 92 in thedoor 88 to determine when it is necessary to empty thecollection chamber 28. - When it is necessary to empty the
collection chamber 28, the operator shuts down thevacuum motor 48. The operator then moves thelocking assemblies 104 from the locking positions toward the unlocking positions and removes the third module 24 (and the debris contained in the third module 24) from thesecond module 22. The operator can then empty thethird module 24 and dispose of the debris in a conventional manner. - Once the debris has been removed from the
third module 24, the operator reconnects thethird module 24 to thesecond module 22 and moves the lockingassembly 104 toward the locking position to secure thethird module 24 to thesecond module 22. The operator can then resume operation of thevacuum system 10. -
FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate another embodiment of thevacuum system 10A according to the present invention. Thevacuum system 10A inFIGS. 22 and 23 is similar in many ways to the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 1-21 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the embodiment ofFIGS. 22 and 23 and the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-21 , reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-21 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the embodiment ofFIGS. 22 and 23 . Features and elements in the embodiment ofFIGS. 22 and 23 corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-21 are identified by the same reference number and the letter “A”. -
FIGS. 22-23 illustrate avacuum system 10A having ahousing 18A, which defines afirst module 20A, asecond module 22A, and athird module 24A. Together, the first andsecond modules third housing portions - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 22 and 23 , thevacuum system 10A includes acyclonic drive system 210, including a vacuum motor 48A, which is operable to draw debris through theduct system 14 and into the collection chamber 28A. In other embodiments, other drive systems, including conventional vacuum drive systems can also or alternately be used. - As shown in
FIGS. 22 and 23 , thesecond module 22A defines an upper portion of the collection chamber 28A and includes an upper wall 54A and aside wall 80A. Anopening 84A extends through theside wall 80A and provides access to the collection chamber 28A and to a filter 12A supported in the collection chamber 28A. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 22 and 23 , adoor 88A is connected to theside wall 80A and is moveable relative to theside wall 80A between a closed position, in which thedoor 88A substantially covers theopening 84A, and an opened position, in which thedoor 88A is moved away from theopening 84A. - The
third module 24A defines the lower portion of the collection chamber 28A and includes abottom wall 96A and aside wall 98A. Together, the bottom and theside walls pail 100A, which is operable to collect and contain debris. As shown in the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 22 and 23 , thevacuum system 10A can include a lockingassembly 104A for securing thethird module 24A to thesecond module 22A. - The
vacuum system 10A can also include afilter mounting assembly 118A for supporting a filter 12A in the collection space 28A. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 22 and 23 , thefilter mounting assembly 118A includes a generally cylindrical mountingplate 120A secured to theside wall 80A of thesecond module 22A and extending circumferentially around the collection chamber 28A. In other embodiments, the mountingplate 120A can have other shapes and can be positioned in other locations in the collection chamber 28A. As shown inFIG. 23 , the mountingplate 120A can also include a number of radially extendingribs 212. - As shown in
FIG. 23 , a filter 12A formed of a flexible or elastomeric material can be secured to the mountingplate 120A and can include abody 214 enclosing an interior space and anedge 216 defining anopening 218. In the illustrated embodiment, shown inFIG. 23 , afastener 220, such as, an elastic band, secures theedge 216 of the filter 12A to the mountingplate 120A between theribs 212 for movement relative to the mountingplate 120A between an inflated orientation, in which at least a portion of the filter 12A extends upwardly from the mounting plate 12A through the collection chamber 28A, and a deflated orientation, in which the filter 12A hangs downwardly from the mountingplate 120A through a lower portion of the collection chamber 28A. In other embodiments, other conventional fasteners can be employed to secure the filter 12A to the mountingplate 120A as just described, such as pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners. - As shown in
FIG. 23 , the filter 12A can include a weight 222, which is secured to a lower end of the filter 12A and is operable to maintain the filter 12A in the deflated orientation when thevacuum system 10 is not in operation. - In some embodiments, the
side wall 80A of thesecond module 22A defines aninlet 228 communicating between atmosphere and the collection chamber 28A. In embodiments of thevacuum system 10A having a mountingplate 120A, such as the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 22 and 23 , the mountingplate 120A can also define anopening 230, which is generally aligned with the inlet in thesecond wall 80A. As shown inFIGS. 22 and 23 , aconduit 234 extends radially through theinlet 228 in theside wall 80A of thesecond module 22A and, in embodiments having a mountingplate 120A, through theopening 230 into the collection chamber 28A. - During operation, an operator connects a hose or nozzle to the
duct system 14 and activates the vacuum motor 48A, which operates to draw debris and air through theduct system 14 and into the collection chamber 28A through theconduit 234. In embodiments of thevacuum system 10A having afilter mounting assembly 118A and a filter 12A supported in the collection chamber 28A, air and debris entering the collection chamber 28A move the filter 12A relative to the mountingplate 120A from the deflated orientation toward the inflated orientation. The filter 12A can then operate as a filter, allowing air to move upwardly through the collection chamber 28A and outwardly toward the exhaust system 66A while preventing debris from exiting the collection chamber 28A. In addition, the filter 12A can prevent or reduce movement of debris from the collection chamber 28A into the drive space 26A. - In embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 22 and 23 having acyclonic drive system 210, air and debris entering the collection chamber 28A is directed along a generally circular flow path within the collection chamber 28A. In these embodiments, centrifugal forces cause the debris to be separated from the air. In other embodiments, thevacuum system 10A can include other conventional drive systems and filter systems, which can operate to separate the debris from the air in the collection chamber 28A. - To remove debris from the collection chamber 28A, the operator shuts down the vacuum motor 48A and removes the
third module 24A from thesecond module 22A. The operator can then empty thethird module 24A and dispose of the debris in a conventional manner. - In embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 22 and 23 having afilter mounting assembly 118A and a filter 12A, the operator can open thedoor 88A and can reach into the collection chamber 28A through theopening 84A. The operator can then tap an upper or clean side of the filter 12A to dislodge any debris accumulated on the filter 12A. The debris will then drop into thethird module 24A and can be disposed as described above. -
FIGS. 24-39 illustrate another embodiment of acentral vacuum system 300 according to the present invention. Thecentral vacuum system 300 inFIGS. 24-39 is similar in many ways to the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 1-23 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the embodiment ofFIGS. 24-39 and the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-23 , reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-23 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the embodiment ofFIGS. 24-39 . Features and elements in the embodiment ofFIGS. 24-39 corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-23 are numbered in the 300 and 400 series. - As shown in
FIG. 24 , thecentral vacuum system 300 includes ahousing 304 having a first module orhousing portion 308, a second module orhousing portion 312, and a third module orhousing portion 316. Thefirst module 308 includes amotor cage 320 and acap 324 and defines a drive space ormotor chamber 328 and asound dampening chamber 332. The second andthird housing portions collection chamber 336. As used herein and in particular relation to thecollection chamber 336, thesecond housing portion 312 at least partially defines an upper portion of thehousing 304 and the third housing portion at least partially defines a lower portion of thehousing 304. Thelower housing portion 316 can be detachable from theupper housing portion 312 as described above with reference toFIGS. 1-23 . - The
upper housing portion 312 can include afirst housing member 340 and asecond housing member 344, shown inFIGS. 25 and 26 , respectively. The first andsecond housing members lower edges lower interface 352 of theupper housing portion 312 for engaging a corresponding interface of thelower housing portion 316. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
lower interface 352 of theupper housing portion 312 is substantially oval-shaped or elliptical. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, theupper housing portion 312 is substantially oval-shaped or elliptical in cross-section and each one of the first andsecond housing members second housing members second housing members FIG. 27 ). In other embodiments, theupper housing portion 312 and/or the first andsecond housing members upper housing portion 312 and/or the first andsecond housing members - The
first housing member 340 includes twoside edges 356 that, in the illustrated embodiment, extend substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by thelower interface 352. Similarly, thesecond housing member 344 includes twoside edges 360 that, in the illustrated embodiment, extend substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by thelower interface 352 and can be arranged parallel to the twoside edges 356 of thefirst housing member 340 and engaged therewith. In other embodiments, the side edges 356 of thefirst housing member 340 and the side edges 360 of thesecond housing member 344 can have other orientations and configurations. For example, in some embodiments, one or both of the side edges 356 of thefirst housing member 340 and one or both of the side edges 360 of thesecond housing member 344 can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the plane defined by thelower interface 352. Alternatively or in addition, one or both of the side edges 356 of thefirst housing member 340 and one or both of the side edges 360 of thesecond housing member 344 can have a non-linear or irregular shape. - In some embodiments, the side edges 356 of the
first housing member 340 are non-removably secured to the side edges 360 of thesecond housing member 344. In some embodiments, the respective side edges 356, 360 of the first andsecond housing members FIGS. 35-37 ) extending along at least a portion of a height of theupper housing portion 312. In some such embodiments, the respective side edges 356, 360 of the first andsecond housing members - The
seams 364 can be substantially leak-proof to provide adequate sealing from the atmosphere, and thus, adequate vacuuming power and suction. Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one of thefirst housing member 340 and thesecond housing member 344 can include at least one flange 368 (shown inFIG. 24 ) that substantially conceals one or more of theseams 364 in theupper housing portion 312 from casual view. In some embodiments, thefirst housing member 340 is front-facing (i.e., extending outwardly from a wall of a building) during use and is formed with aflange 368 adjacent each of its twoside edges 356 to conceal theseams 364 between thefirst housing member 340 and thesecond housing member 344 from the front view of thehousing 304. - The first and
second housing members collection chamber 336. As shown inFIG. 25 , thefirst housing member 340 can include a generally centrally-locatedopening 372 through which thecollection chamber 336 can be selectively accessed (e.g., such as, for example, during non-operational periods). A movable access door 376 (shown inFIG. 24 ) can be pivotably and/or removably mounted to thefirst housing member 340 to selectively provide access to thecollection chamber 336. As shown inFIG. 25 , alatch opening 378 can be formed in thefirst housing member 340 adjacent theopening 372. Thelatch opening 378 can either engage a latch member (not shown) on theaccess door 376 directly, or alternately, thelatch opening 378 can receive one or more additional latch components which selectively engage a latch member on theaccess door 376 to selectively securely retain theaccess door 376 in a closed position (FIG. 1 ). - The
second housing member 344 can include one or more inlet openings 380 connectable with a duct system (not shown) and configured to selectively direct dirt, debris, etc. toward thecollection chamber 336 as described in detail above. In the illustrated embodiment and as shown inFIG. 26 , thesecond housing member 344 includes upper andlower inlet openings second housing member 344 can include one, three, or more inlet openings having other relative orientations and locations. In still other embodiments, one or more inlet openings can be located on or defined by thefirst housing member 340. In some embodiments, theinlet openings second housing member 344 and need not be connected thereto with any additional components, materials, etc. - In some embodiments, a vacuum bag (not shown) is mounted inside the
collection chamber 336 to retain dirt, debris, etc. that is moved into thecollection chamber 336 through theupper inlet openings 380A. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 26 , theupper inlet openings 380A join together at adischarge aperture 380A′. A mounting interface adjacent thedischarge aperture 380A′ can include a sealingrim 381 andbosses 382 having threadedapertures 382A. In some embodiments, a pipe elbow and/or a bag mounting plate (not shown) are connectable to thesecond housing member 344 at thedischarge aperture 380A′. When a vacuum bag is used with thevacuum system 300, some of the inlet openings (e.g., thelower inlet openings 380B) are not necessarily used, and can be blocked off or closed. In some such embodiments, thelower inlet openings 380B can be capped at their outer ends so as to not reduce the suction power of thevacuum system 300. - In alternate embodiments, the
vacuum system 300 can be equipped for so-called “bagless” operation. In some such embodiments, thesame housing members discharge aperture 380A′. In some such configurations thedischarge aperture 380A can be at least partially covered or sealed. - As shown in
FIGS. 25 and 26 , each of thehousing members channel 383 located above thelower inlet openings 380B. The peripheral mountingchannels 383 can be integrally formed with the respective first andsecond housing members - A filter (e.g., a permanent filter) (not shown) can be mounted in the peripheral mounting channels 383 (which together form a single, a mounting
channel 383 when the first andsecond housing members upper inlet openings 380A can be blocked off, such as being capped at their outer ends. During operation of thecentral vacuum system 300, debris drawn into thevacuum system 300 through thelower inlet openings 380B can be trapped in thecollection chamber 336 below the filter so as to keep the debris out of themotor chamber 328. - By constructing the
upper housing portion 312 from two or more pieces (e.g., two halves), thefirst housing member 340 and thesecond housing member 344 of theupper housing portion 312 can be formed by manufacturing processes different than if theupper housing portion 312 were manufactured as a single integral member. By initially manufacturing thefirst housing member 340 and thesecond housing member 344 as separate pieces, detailed features can be incorporated into and/or integrally formed with thefirst housing member 340 and thesecond housing member 344. In some embodiments, some of these features can be features that can be more difficult or impossible to incorporate in anupper housing portion 312 formed as a single piece. In some such embodiments, by manufacturing theupper housing portion 312 in more than one piece, the total number of parts in thecentral vacuum system 300 can be reduced by incorporating several features and/or components integrally into the first andsecond housing members - Additionally, the tooling for making the first and
second housing members upper housing portion 312 can be constructed with a relatively thin outer wall and can provide sufficient strength and/or stiffness. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of thefirst housing member 340 and thesecond housing member 344 can be reduced by between about 35% and about 40% while providing an increase in stiffness (due to ribbing) compared to a unitarily-formed upper housing portion. - In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the second housing member 344 (shown
FIG. 29 ) includes four longitudinally-extendingribs 384 positioned on anoutside surface 388. A largetransverse rib 392 intersects the fourlongitudinal ribs 384 and is flanked by respective upper andlower depressions upper inlet openings 380A can be positioned within theupper depression 396. - As shown in
FIG. 30 , the first andsecond housing members ribs 404 arranged along the respectivelower edges 348, 350 (as shown inFIGS. 25 and 26 ). Also shown inFIG. 30 are fourlongitudinal ribs 408 positioned along aninner surface 412 of thefirst housing member 340. In the illustrated embodiment, thelongitudinal ribs 408 on theinner surface 412 of thefirst housing member 340 are arranged in pairs with one pair adjacent to each side of theopening 372. A decorativeouter wall portion 409 as shown inFIGS. 24, 25 , and 28-30 may be attached to or integrally formed with the first andsecond housing members lower edges outer wall portion 409 may conceal sink marks that may form in the outer surfaces of the first and/orsecond housing members - As shown in
FIGS. 30, 35 , and 37, thesecond housing member 344 can also or alternatively include upper andlower slots wall mount bracket 414. In some embodiments, the upper andlower slots second housing member 344. Thewall mount bracket 414 can be used to secure thevacuum system 300 to a stationary substrate (e.g., a wall) within an inhabitable structure, such as, for example, a house, commercial building, etc. The integration of features into the first andsecond housing members second housing members FIGS. 25-32 ) adjacent to thelower edges second housing members -
Several apertures 415A are circumferentially spaced around the internalstiffening ring portion 415 on both the first andsecond housing members FIGS. 25 and 26 . Theapertures 415A serve as air passages to allow air to move between the opposing sides of the internalstiffening ring portion 415. The ability for air to flow through theapertures 415A allows pressure equalization, preventing a vacuum bag within thecollection chamber 336 from catching and/or sealing to the internalstiffening ring portion 415. - As shown in
FIGS. 28-34 , a motor plate orthird housing member 416 can be connected to theupper housing portion 312 to define an upper wall of theupper housing portion 312. Themotor plate 416 can includereceptacle portions 420 for supportingvacuum motors 424 mounted within thedrive space 328 of thefirst module 308. In the illustrated embodiment, themotor plate 416 includes tworeceptacle portions 420. Asingle vacuum motor 424 can be mounted to themotor plate 416, or alternately, twovacuum motors 424 can be mounted to themotor plate 416, depending at least partially upon the size of the duct network and/or the desired vacuum power. In embodiments having asingle motor 424, theother receptacle portion 420 can be at least partially covered. Eachreceptacle portion 420 can include aperipheral sealing lip 426 and/or a compressible seal on the interior surface of thereceptacle portion 420. The sealinglips 426 can directly or indirectly seal with and/or support therespective vacuum motors 424 within thereceptacle portions 420. - The
motor plate 416 can include a generally dome-shapedbody portion 428. The dome-shape of thebody portion 428 provides increased strength compared to a flat plate to securely support one ormore vacuum motors 424 without requiring additional supporting member(s). In the illustrated embodiment, themotor plate 416 includes a lip or rim 432 extending around a periphery of thebody portion 428. - As shown in
FIG. 34 , therim 432 can angled with respect to thebody portion 428 and can include a pair ofconcentric ridges rim 432 can be oriented at an acute angle with respect to a lower surface of thebody portion 428. In other embodiments, therim 432 can have other relative positions and orientations with respect to the lower surface of thebody portion 428. - As shown in
FIGS. 25-27 , 31, and 32, each of the first andsecond housing members rim 436 positioned adjacent anupper interface 440 of theupper housing portion 312. In some constructions, as illustrated inFIGS. 26-29 , 31, and 32, theupper interface 440 can include an upstandingouter flange 441 that themotor cage 320 fits radially within, thus hiding the lower edge of themotor cage 320. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 24-39 , theinternal rims 436 of the first andsecond housing members second housing members internal rims 436 of the first andsecond housing members internal flange 442. - As shown in
FIGS. 31 and 32 , themotor plate 416 can be secured to the upper ends of the first andsecond housing members internal flange 442. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 31 and 32 , therim 432 of themotor plate 416, the side walls of the first andsecond housing members internal flange 442 of the first andsecond housing members beam 444 having a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. In some such embodiments, themotor plate 416 can be secured to theupper housing portion 312 and theperipheral flange 442 with two perimeter welds. As shown inFIGS. 32 and 34 , a first weld can be formed between thesecond ridge 432B of therim 432 and the interior wall of theupper housing portion 312. A second weld can be formed between thefirst ridge 432A and adistal edge 442A (FIGS. 27 and 31 ) of theperipheral flange 442. - As shown in
FIGS. 31 and 32 , thetriangular beam 444 can provide extra stiffness between themotor plate 416 and theupper housing portion 312. This, in combination with the domed shape of themotor plate 416, can eliminate and/or reduce the need for additional support members for mounting themotor plate 416. - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 24-39 , themotor plate 416 can include integrated mesh portions orfilters 448 in one or both of thereceptacle portions 420. In some such embodiments, theintegrated mesh portions 448 can prevent the passage of particles and debris of substantial size into the vacuum motor(s) 424. In some embodiments, theintegrated mesh portions 448 can eliminate or significantly reduce the need for secondary filters (e.g., metallic mesh filters, fabric particulate filters, and the like) upstream and/or downstream of themotor plate 416. Theintegrated mesh portions 448 can also or alternatively prevent or limit access to themotor chamber 328, the vacuum motor(s) 424, and associated electrical hardware, wiring, etc. from thecollection chamber 336. This can protect such elements from contact during changing of a vacuum bag, emptying of thecollection chamber 336, and the like. - In some embodiments, the
motor plate 416 and theupper housing portion 312 can be constructed of different materials. For example, themotor plate 416, which can be subject to greater stresses, vibrations, heat fluctuation, etc., can be constructed of a more rugged material than the first andsecond housing members motor plate 416 can be constructed of a material meeting standards or tolerances relating to housings for electrical components (e.g., motors, wires, electrical contacts, etc.). In some such embodiments, themotor plate 416 can be formed from a 5VA approved plastic material to meet UL requirements for an electrical enclosure. Themotor cage 320 and thecap 324 can also or alternatively be constructed of a 5 VA approved plastic material. Theupper housing portion 312 andlower housing portion 316 can be constructed of HB rated plastic material. In some embodiments, one or more components of thehousing 304 can be constructed of a glass-filled material. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 28, 29 , 33, and 35, themotor plate 416 can include one ormore supports 450A-C, which are integrally-formed as a single piece with themotor plate 416 in some embodiments. The supports 450A-C can support and/or orient one or more electrical and/or mechanical components of thevacuum 300. For example, as shown inFIG. 35 , thesupports exhaust tubes 464, which are discussed in further detail below. Thesupport 450C can support or have mounted thereto an electrical component, such as a signal wire, power cable, pressure sensor, etc. In some embodiments, themotor plate 416 can include one, two, or more than three supports, each of which can support and/or orient mechanical and/or electrical components of thecentral vacuum 300. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 33 , themotor plate 416 can include areceptacle 451, which in some embodiments, is formed integrally as one piece with themotor plate 416. Thereceptacle 451 can be used to receive a power cable (not shown) in order to keep the power cable in a predetermined position and/or reduce the risk of stressing the power cable in an undesirable location. -
FIGS. 35-39 illustrate various features and aspects associated with thesound dampening chamber 332 located above thedrive space 328. In the illustrated embodiment, thesound dampening chamber 332 is at least partially defined by alower wall 452, anupper wall 454, and aside wall 456. As shown inFIG. 35 , thelower wall 452 and theside wall 456 can be integrally formed and define three or four sides of thesound dampening chamber 332. - As shown in
FIGS. 35, 37 , and 38, thelower wall 452 can be penetrated by one or moreexhaust outlets 460 coupled to an exhaust side of the vacuum motor(s) 424 withrespective exhaust pipes 464. The illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 35-38 includes twovacuum motors 424, twoexhaust pipes 464, and twoexhaust outlets 460. In other embodiments, thecentral vacuum system 300 can include one, three, ormore vacuum motors 424,exhaust pipes 464, and/orexhaust outlets 460. As shown inFIGS. 35-38 , thelower wall 452 can includeapertures 468 for receiving theexhaust outlets 460. Theexhaust outlets 460 can direct exhausted gas (typically air) toward one side of thesound dampening chamber 332. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 35 and 38 , theside wall 456 can be generally crescent-shaped, having several portions having different radii. Anincident portion 456A of theside wall 456, which in the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 35 is the portion closest to theexhaust outlets 460, receives the flow of exhaust gas from the vacuum motor(s) 424 and directs the exhaust gas along theside wall 456. In the illustrated embodiment, theside wall 456 does not extend fully around thesound dampening chamber 332 from one side of theexhaust outlets 460 to the other. Rather, anend 456B of theside wall 456 opposite theincident portion 456A terminates short of theexhaust outlets 460 to at least partially define anoutlet opening 472. - As shown in
FIG. 39 , thecentral vacuum system 300 can include an outlet 474 (e.g., an outlet portion formed integrally as part of thecap 324 or formed separately and connected to the cap 324), which can be in fluid communication with theoutlet opening 472 to transfer the exhaust gas out of thesound dampening chamber 332. During operation, the exhausted gas is directed in a generally spiral flow direction around thesound dampening chamber 332 from theexhaust outlets 460, along theside wall 456, and out through theoutlet opening 472 adjacent theexhaust outlets 460. - In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 24-39 , portions of thesound dampening chamber 332 can be covered with an acoustic dampening material to absorb sound energy generated by the operation of the vacuum motor(s) 424. In some embodiments, theentire side wall 456 or substantial portions of theside wall 456 can be covered with an acoustic dampening material. Portions of theupper wall 454 and/or thelower wall 452 can also or alternatively be covered with the acoustic dampening material. In other embodiments, portions of theupper wall 454 and/or thelower wall 452 are not covered with acoustic dampening material adjacent theoutlet opening 472. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
upper wall 454 of thesound dampening chamber 332 is formed by a planar upper dampeningchamber plate 476. The upper dampeningchamber plate 476 can be at least partially covered with an acoustic dampening material, or alternately, can be formed of an acoustic dampening material. Thelower wall 452 of thesound dampening chamber 332 can be formed by a planar lower dampeningchamber plate 480, which, like the upper dampeningchamber plate 476, can be at least partially covered with an acoustic dampening material, or alternatively, can be formed of an acoustic dampening material. - The
side wall 456 can be formed of a generally crescent-shapedspacer 484, which can at least partially define the space between theupper wall 454 and thelower wall 452. Thespacer 484 can be at least partially covered with an acoustic dampening material, or alternately, can be formed of an acoustic dampening material. As mentioned above, thespacer 484 can be formed integrally with at least one of the upper and lower dampeningchamber plates chamber plates - In the illustrated embodiment, the lower dampening
chamber plate 480 includes a set of mountingapertures 488, and a set ofnotches 492 are formed in thespacer 484. Thenotches 492 in thespacer 484 can be aligned with the mountingapertures 488 of the lower dampeningchamber plate 480. In the illustrated embodiment, thespacer 484 includes threenotches 492 that can be aligned with three of the four mountingapertures 488. The upper dampeningchamber plate 476 includes a set ofnotches 496 that can be aligned with the mountingapertures 488 of the lower dampeningchamber plate 480 and/or thenotches 492 of thespacer 484. - As shown in
FIG. 39 , thecap 324 can includeposts 500 that are configured to engage the mountingapertures 488 of the lower dampeningchamber plate 480, thenotches 492 of thespacer 484, and thenotches 496 of the upper dampeningchamber plate 476. Thus, theposts 500 can maintain the relative positions of the upper dampeningchamber plate 476, the lower dampeningchamber plate 480, and thespacer 484 when thecap 324 is assembled. In the illustrated embodiment, theposts 500 are integrally-formed as part of thecap 324, for example, being integrally molded therewith.Ribs 504 can extend along eachpost 500 toward the distal ends 500A of theposts 500. This allows the distal ends 500A to be inserted into the mountingapertures 488 in the lower dampeningchamber plate 480. -
FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate another embodiment of a central vacuum system according to the present invention. The central vacuum system inFIGS. 40 and 41 is similar in many ways to the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 1-39 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the embodiment ofFIGS. 40 and 41 and the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-39 , reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-39 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the embodiment ofFIGS. 40 and 41 . Features and elements in the embodiment ofFIGS. 40 and 41 corresponding to features and elements in the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-39 are numbered in the 500 series. - As shown in
FIGS. 40 and 41 , the central vacuum system includes afirst housing member 540 having a firstmotor plate portion 516A, which can include features similar to themotor plate 416. The firstmotor plate portion 516A can be coupled to thefirst housing member 540 in a manner similar to the manner in which themotor plate 416 is coupled to thefirst housing member 340. - The central vacuum system can also include a
second housing member 544 having a secondmotor plate portion 516B, which is approximately equivalent to one half of themotor plate 416. Thus, rather than assembling the first andsecond housing members motor plate 416 thereto to at least partially define thecollection chamber 336, the first andsecond housing members collection chamber 336, complete with an upper wall thereof, which is formed by themotor plate portions - The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention.
Claims (44)
1. A central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum system comprising:
a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member secured to the first housing member, together the first housing member and the second housing member at least partially defining a collection chamber;
a vacuum motor supported between the first and second housing members and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber; and
an adapter extending into the collection chamber for supporting a bag, at least one of the bag and the adapter being accessible through an opening defined in one of the first housing member and the second housing member.
2. The central vacuum of claim 1 , wherein the first housing member is formed from a glass-filled material.
3. The central vacuum of claim 1 , wherein the first housing member is hotplate welded to the second housing member.
4. The central vacuum of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a third housing member secured to the first and second housing members to at least partially define the collection chamber.
5. The central vacuum of claim 4 , wherein the third housing member supports the vacuum motor adjacent to the collection chamber.
6. The central vacuum of claim 5 , wherein the first housing member is formed from HB material.
7. The central vacuum of claim 4 , wherein the third housing member has a substantially domed configuration.
8. The central vacuum of claim 5 , wherein the third housing member includes an integral filter.
9. The central vacuum of claim 1 , wherein the first housing member is secured to the second housing member along an interface which is non-perpendicular to an axis extending through the motor and the collection chamber.
10. The central vacuum of claim 9 , wherein the housing includes a third housing member secured to the first and second housing members along an interface which is substantially perpendicular to the interface between the first and second housing members to at least partially define the collection chamber.
11. The central vacuum of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes an upper portion and a lower portion removably secured to the upper portion, and wherein the first housing member and the second housing member at least partially define the upper portion.
12. The central vacuum of claim 1 , wherein the second housing member is non-removably secured to the first housing member.
13. A method of assembling a central vacuum system connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the method comprising the acts of:
providing a housing having a first housing member and a second housing member;
securing the first housing member to the second housing member to at least partially enclose a collection chamber;
moving debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber with a vacuum motor supported by the housing; and
positioning a bag in the collection chamber to receive the debris.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein positioning the bag in the collection chamber includes inserting the bag through an opening defined in one of the first housing member and the second housing member.
15. The method of claim 13 , further comprising forming at least one of the first housing member and the second housing members from a glass-filed material.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein securing the first housing member to the second housing member includes hotplate welding the first housing member to the second housing member.
17. The method of claim 13 , further comprising securing a third housing member to the first and second housing members to at least partially enclose the collection chamber.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising supporting the vacuum motor on the third housing member adjacent to the collection chamber.
19. The method of claim 17 , further comprising forming the first and second housing members from a first material and forming the third housing member from a second material, the second material being different from the first material.
20. The method of claim 17 , further comprising forming one of the first and second housing members from HB material.
21. The method of claim 13 , wherein securing the first housing member to the second housing member includes securing the first housing member to the second housing member along an interface which is non-perpendicular to an axis extending through the motor and the collection chamber.
22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising securing a third housing member to the first and second housing members along an interface which is substantially perpendicular to the axis extending through the motor to at least partially define the collection chamber.
23. The method of claim 17 , further comprising providing the third housing member with an integral filter.
24. The method of claim 13 , further comprising covering the collecting chamber with a third housing member.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein the third housing member has a substantially domed configuration.
26. The method of claim 13 , wherein the housing includes an upper portion and a lower portion removably secured to the upper portion, wherein the first housing member and the second housing member at least partially define the upper portion, and further comprising removably securing the lower portion to the upper portion and removing the lower portion from the upper portion to remove debris from the collection chamber.
27. The method of claim 13 , wherein securing the first housing member to the second housing member includes non-removably securing the first housing member to the second housing member.
28. A central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum system comprising:
a housing at least partially defining a collection chamber;
a vacuum motor supported by the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber; and
an acoustic dampening system supported in the housing and positioned along an exhaust flow path extending outwardly from the motor, the acoustic damping system including a damping member at least partially defining three side walls of a dampening chamber.
29. The central vacuum of claim 28 , wherein the exhaust flow path extends vertically into an opening in the acoustic damping chamber.
30. The central vacuum of claim 28 , wherein the exhaust travels along the three side walls before exiting the damping chamber.
31. The central vacuum of claim 28 , wherein the damping member forms a base of the damping chamber.
32. The central vacuum of claim 28 , wherein an underside of the damping member at least partially defines an air intake passage communicating between the inhabitable structure and the vacuum motor.
33. A central vacuum connectable to an interior portion of an inhabitable structure, the central vacuum system comprising:
a housing having a housing member and a cover at least partially defining a collection chamber, the housing member including a body and a rib extending inwardly from and around a perimeter of the body of the housing member, the cover including a body and a rib extending outwardly from and around a perimeter of the body of the cover, the rib of the housing member being secured to one of the body and the rib of the cover and the rib of the cover being secured to the body of the housing member; and
a vacuum motor supported by the housing and being operable to move debris from the interior portion into the collection chamber.
34. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the rib of the cover extends outwardly from the body of the cover and is oriented at an acute angle with respect to a lower surface of the body of the cover.
35. The central vacuum of claim 33 , further comprising an adapter extending into the collection chamber for supporting a bag, at least one of the bag and the adapter being accessible through an opening defined in the housing member.
36. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the housing member and the cover are formed from different materials.
37. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the housing member is hotplate welded to the cover.
38. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the housing member is a first housing member, and wherein the housing includes a second housing member secured to the first housing member and the cover to at least partially define the collection chamber.
39. The central vacuum of claim 38 , wherein the first housing member is secured to the second housing member along an interface which is non-perpendicular to an axis extending through the motor and the collection chamber.
40. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the cover supports the vacuum motor adjacent to the collection chamber.
41. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the cover has a substantially domed configuration.
42. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the cover includes an integral filter.
43. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the housing includes an upper portion and a lower portion removably secured to the upper portion, and wherein the housing member and the cover at least partially define the upper portion.
44. The central vacuum of claim 33 , wherein the rib of the housing member and the rib of the cover at least partially define a channel extending around the perimeter of the body of the housing member, the channel having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/731,185 US20080016646A1 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2007-03-30 | Housing assembly for a vacuum |
PCT/US2007/009827 WO2008121114A1 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2007-04-19 | Housing assembly for a vacuum |
CA002682560A CA2682560A1 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2007-04-19 | Housing assembly for a vacuum |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/032,511 US7461430B2 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2005-01-10 | Vacuum system and method |
US11/731,185 US20080016646A1 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2007-03-30 | Housing assembly for a vacuum |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/032,511 Continuation-In-Part US7461430B2 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2005-01-10 | Vacuum system and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080016646A1 true US20080016646A1 (en) | 2008-01-24 |
Family
ID=39809673
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/731,185 Abandoned US20080016646A1 (en) | 2005-01-10 | 2007-03-30 | Housing assembly for a vacuum |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080016646A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2682560A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008121114A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100199454A1 (en) * | 2009-02-06 | 2010-08-12 | Electrolux Home Care Products,Inc. | Latch Assembly for a Vacuum System |
EP2301405A2 (en) * | 2009-09-04 | 2011-03-30 | Miele & Cie. KG | Method for operating a vacuum cleaner, control device for implementing the method and vacuum cleaner with such a device |
US20130216271A1 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2013-08-22 | Junji Yamabe | Sieve device, powder transporting unit, image forming apparatus, and method of transporting powder |
US20130216270A1 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2013-08-22 | Junji Yamabe | Sieve device, supply unit, developing unit, image forming apparatus, and method of supplying toner particles |
US8726457B2 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2014-05-20 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Vacuum cleaner with display |
US20140141710A1 (en) * | 2012-11-21 | 2014-05-22 | Dyson Technology Limited | Hand dryer |
US9078550B2 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2015-07-14 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Latch assembly for a vacuum system |
US9131816B2 (en) | 2013-01-18 | 2015-09-15 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Central vacuum cleaner apparatus |
US20190343358A1 (en) * | 2018-05-10 | 2019-11-14 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Robotic device performing autonomous self-service |
US10582823B2 (en) | 2017-03-03 | 2020-03-10 | Tti (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited | Vacuum cleaner including a surface cleaning head having a display |
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Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100199454A1 (en) * | 2009-02-06 | 2010-08-12 | Electrolux Home Care Products,Inc. | Latch Assembly for a Vacuum System |
EP2301405A2 (en) * | 2009-09-04 | 2011-03-30 | Miele & Cie. KG | Method for operating a vacuum cleaner, control device for implementing the method and vacuum cleaner with such a device |
EP2301405A3 (en) * | 2009-09-04 | 2013-11-20 | Miele & Cie. KG | Method for operating a vacuum cleaner, control device for implementing the method and vacuum cleaner with such a device |
US9078550B2 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2015-07-14 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Latch assembly for a vacuum system |
US8726457B2 (en) | 2011-12-30 | 2014-05-20 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Vacuum cleaner with display |
US20130216271A1 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2013-08-22 | Junji Yamabe | Sieve device, powder transporting unit, image forming apparatus, and method of transporting powder |
US20130216270A1 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2013-08-22 | Junji Yamabe | Sieve device, supply unit, developing unit, image forming apparatus, and method of supplying toner particles |
US8929777B2 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2015-01-06 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Sieve device, supply unit, developing unit, image forming apparatus, and method of supplying toner particles |
US8934816B2 (en) * | 2012-02-17 | 2015-01-13 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Sieve device, powder transporting unit, image forming apparatus, and method of transporting powder |
US10018417B2 (en) * | 2012-11-21 | 2018-07-10 | Dyson Technology Limited | Hand dryer |
US20140141710A1 (en) * | 2012-11-21 | 2014-05-22 | Dyson Technology Limited | Hand dryer |
US9131816B2 (en) | 2013-01-18 | 2015-09-15 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Central vacuum cleaner apparatus |
US20170119224A1 (en) * | 2013-01-18 | 2017-05-04 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Central vacuum cleaner fan motor mount |
US9986882B2 (en) * | 2013-01-18 | 2018-06-05 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Central vacuum cleaner fan motor mount |
US9579004B2 (en) | 2013-01-18 | 2017-02-28 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Central vacuum cleaner utility port |
US20180255996A1 (en) * | 2013-01-18 | 2018-09-13 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Central vacuum cleaner with modular electronic control unit |
US10939790B2 (en) * | 2013-01-18 | 2021-03-09 | Nuera Enterprises Canada Inc. | Central vacuum cleaner with modular electronic control unit |
US10582823B2 (en) | 2017-03-03 | 2020-03-10 | Tti (Macao Commercial Offshore) Limited | Vacuum cleaner including a surface cleaning head having a display |
US20190343358A1 (en) * | 2018-05-10 | 2019-11-14 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Robotic device performing autonomous self-service |
US10918254B2 (en) * | 2018-05-10 | 2021-02-16 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Robotic device performing autonomous self-service |
US20210113049A1 (en) * | 2018-05-10 | 2021-04-22 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Robotic device performing autonomous self-service |
US11712144B2 (en) * | 2018-05-10 | 2023-08-01 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Robotic device performing autonomous self-service |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008121114A1 (en) | 2008-10-09 |
CA2682560A1 (en) | 2008-10-09 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BROAN-NUTONE LLC, WISCONSIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GAGNON, MARTIN;LAFOND, SEBASTIEN;REICK-MITRISIN, CHRISTIAN;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019950/0489;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070510 TO 20070924 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |