DE102011083505B4 - Dust collector for vacuum cleaners - Google Patents

Abstract

A dust collector (10) for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a lid (12) which in a closed state defines the interior volume (40) of the dust collector (10); and a movable operating element (14) which, in a first position, enables locking of the closed lid (12) with respect to the dust collecting container (10) and which, in a second position, unlocks the lid (12), the operating element (14) being further an inlet (22) for air supplied by the vacuum cleaner, wherein the operating element (14) is linearly movable in an opening direction (24) from the first position to the second position, the dust collecting container (10) having two of the operating element (14 ) operable clips (26a, 26b) each having a latching hook (28a, 28b), wherein the latching hooks (28a, 28b) by means of the operating element (14) when moving it in the opening direction (24) of an engagement with the cover (12 ), and wherein the clamps (26a, 26b) are respectively rotatably mounted about an axis (32a, 32b) and also a different from the latch hook (28a, 28b) of the operating element (14) actuated cams (34a, 34b), so that the cam (34a, 34b) contacts the operating element (14) when the control element (14) is in the second position.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

Embodiments of the present invention are concerned with dust collecting containers for vacuum cleaners, in particular for filterless vacuum cleaners in which the dust collector can be used and emptied several times.

STATE OF THE ART

In vacuum cleaners, such as in vacuum cleaners, one can generally distinguish between bagless vacuum cleaners and those that have a bag. In bagless vacuum cleaners, a dust collector is often provided, which is mounted in the vacuum cleaner and within which collect the dust or collected by means of the vacuum cleaner vacuum soil. To clean or empty the dust collector, it is typically removed from the vacuum cleaner to dispose of the contaminants collected in the dust collector. For this purpose, the dust collector often have an opening or a lid, which can be opened in order to empty or dispose of the dust through the open lid. This opening and closing mechanism is often constructed comparatively complex together with the other parts of the dust collection container or consists of several individual components. This can partially reduce the economic advantage that is achieved by dispensing with vacuum cleaner or filter bag, since increased production costs for the dust collector or higher parts costs incurred. Overall, this also worsens the principle conditionally better environmental balance of the vacuum cleaner.

For example, the German patent application DE 102 48 087 A1 a dust collector, which is located completely within a vacuum cleaner. The dust collector can be removed in its entirety from the vacuum cleaner housing or from the vacuum cleaner after removal of a cover attached for design reasons. To enter the air conveyed by means of the vacuum cleaner, the dust collector has an air inlet in a bottom part. A lid of the dust collector is connected by means of a plurality of clips to the bottom part, so that it can be removed to empty the vacuum cleaner container from the ground. Representative of the prior art, the dust collector of the patent application DE 102 48 087 A1 a plurality of individual components or functional parts, such as the separate design cover and several unlocking clips.

The US 2005/0 115 409 A1 describes a dust container for a surface cleaning device. In this case, the dust container on two parts, which are connected to each other via a hinge, so that the dust container can be opened to empty. At the edges of the two parts there are edges that face each other when closed. By sliding a cover over the closed dust collector, the dust collector can be kept in its closed state. For this purpose, the cover also has edges that are pushed along the edges of the dust container and include the edges of the dust collector so that the cover is fixed on the dust collector and the dust collector can not be opened.

The publication US 2011/0 209 303 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner with a dust container having a lid which is connected via a hinge with the remaining dust container and can be opened to empty the dust container. When closed, the lid is locked to the dust container via a latching hook. By pulling on a grip element connected to the latching element, the latch can be released and the cover can be opened.

The DE 601 21 652 T2 describes an electric vacuum cleaner with a dust collection chamber, which is connected via a frame member with an ejection tube. In this case, first projections are formed at two opposite points on the peripheral edge of the flange of the ejection tube, which extend horizontally. On the frame member, on the other hand, a peripheral edge portion is formed so as to extend upward from the peripheral edge of the flange. At two opposite locations, first recesses are formed in the peripheral wall portion which are L-shaped and first extend downwardly from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion along the axis of the ejection pipe and then counterclockwise along the peripheral wall portion. The ejection tube can then be connected to the frame element by a rotational movement of the projections in the incisions. In a corresponding way, the frame element can be connected to the dust collection chamber.

Starting from this prior art, the object is to provide dust collecting available that allow more efficient designs and production or manufacturing processes and thus are more cost-effective.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

According to the embodiments of the present invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1 and others. achieved in that a movable operating element, which serves to open a lid of the dust collecting container for emptying the same, further comprises an inlet for the air supplied with the vacuum cleaner.

D. h., The control fulfills at least a double function, which makes it possible to both by means of a single component to allow the opening of the dust collector and to ensure its connection to the rest of the vacuum cleaner.

According to the embodiments, the operating element is linearly movable relative to a base body of the dust collecting container, which essentially defines the dust volume enclosed by the dust collecting container. By a linear movement, for example by pulling the operating element in an opening direction, the lock of the closed lid is released. The lid may be formed, for example, by the bottom of the dust collector.

According to some embodiments, a sliding seal is arranged between the control element and the main body of the dust collector to minimize flow losses.

In some other embodiments, the control element of the dust collection container further comprises a sealing surface for sealing the dust collection container with respect to the vacuum cleaner or the vacuum cleaner housing, so that by inserting the dust collector in the vacuum cleaner simultaneously a sealed connection for the inlet of the air extracted with the vacuum cleaner is created. To make this possible, in some embodiments of the invention, the sealing surface, which serves to seal the dust collector with respect to the vacuum cleaner, arranged obliquely. That is, a distance between the sealing surface and the dust collecting container or its inner volume becomes smaller in the direction in which the dust collecting container is inserted into the vacuum cleaner. By this wedge-shaped or oblique arrangement is achieved by inserting the dust collector automatically sealing the dust collector with respect to the vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, a flexible part of a gasket may be attached directly to the dust collector, in alternative embodiments also to the housing of the vacuum cleaner. In summary, the control element can also assume the functionality of sealing the dust collector with respect to the rest of the vacuum cleaner, all functions discussed above being achievable, for example, by means of a one-piece component. This can for example be made of a plastic material by means of an injection molding process.

In the embodiments of the invention, the locking of the lid is made by means of two brackets, each having a latching hook which is locked in the closed state of the lid with this. By actuating the operating member from a first position allowing locking of the closed lid with respect to the dust collecting container to a second position, the lid is unlocked by engaging the locking hooks from the engagement by mechanical interaction between the clamps and the operating member be solved the lid.

In the embodiments, this is effected by a linear movement of the operating element in an opening direction, during which the control element cams or moves from the clip in the direction of the operating lever or actuated, so that the clip pivots out of its locking position and the locking of the latching hooks with the lid is released.

In some other embodiments, the brackets used for locking are further equipped with an integrally formed or connected to this spring element which rests against a contact surface of the dust collector or crashes there, in order by means of the spring force applied, the latching hooks of the clamps into engagement with the closed Cover to bring or hold. As a result, the control element need not have any other mechanical components to effect the locking of the lid. In some embodiments, the brackets are made in one piece of plastic material, such as by injection molding, which can further reduce the manufacturing cost and complexity of the dust collector.

In summary, therefore, embodiments of dust collecting containers according to the invention make it possible to provide vacuum cleaners or dust collecting containers for vacuum cleaners which can be produced efficiently and nevertheless ensure a high degree of tightness of the dust catching container to the vacuum cleaner. Moreover, the operating elements produced in one piece and / or made of plastic in accordance with some embodiments may moreover be used directly as design elements. That is, they may have parts or portions that form a visible part of the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing, to which the invention is not limited.

Show it:

1 an embodiment of a dust collector in a front view;

2 the view of 1 with the lid of the dust catcher unlocked;

3 a sectional view through the in the 1 and 2 embodiment shown; and

4 a partial perspective view of the in 1 - 3 shown embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a view of a dust collector 10 , The dust collector 10 is in the 1 - 4 shown from different perspectives or in a sectional view, so that in the following the operation of the dust collector on the basis of 1 - 4 will be described together, wherein for the description of the individual features in each case reference is made to those figure in which the feature in question is best seen. That is, in the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference characters designate like, similar or functionally comparable components.

The dust collector 10 has a lid 12 on, the interior volume, so the dust collection volume of the dust collector 10 , limited. In the present case is the lid 12 as the bottom of the dust collector 10 educated. For emptying the dust collector 10 can the lid 12 opened and either completely from the dust collector 10 be removed or folded by a hinge of this, so that the internal volume is accessible for cleaning.

The dust collector 10 also has an operating element 14 auf, in the manner described below in a first, in 1 shown position a lock of the closed lid 12 allows and in a second, in 2 shown position, a release of the lid 12 causes. For this purpose, the operating element 14 with respect to a basic body 16 the dust collector 12 , which may for example consist of a single or multi-part plastic part, movable. In the in the 1 - 4 illustrated embodiment is a linear movement of the operating element 14 relative to the main body 16 allows, as the operating element 14 two long holes 18a and 18b in which two fixed to the main body 16 connected pins or guide pins 20a and 20b run, leaving the control 14 linear with respect to the basic body 16 can be moved.

The operating element 14 also has a round inlet 22 for the air supplied by the vacuum cleaner, that is an inlet 22 through which the conveyed air into that of the lid 12 closed interior volume of the dust collector 10 can get. That is, the operating element 14 provides both an inlet opening and an inlet 22 available for the air and allows in the first, in 1 shown position, a lock of the lid 12 concerning the main body 16 , In addition, by pressing the operating element 14 that is, by moving the operating element 14 in the opening direction 24 the operating element 14 be brought into a second position in which there is a release of the lid 12 causes. In the in the 1 - 4 illustrated embodiment, the control element on the handle 25 further provided with a surface that fits seamlessly into a surface of the dust collection container or the base body 16 inserts so that further components for optical integration of the operating element 14 are not required.

The locking of the lid 12 is by two brackets 26a and 26b causes which latch hooks 28a and 28b in turn, with the lid closed 12 are engaged when the operating element in the in 1 is shown in the first position shown. In the locked position are the brackets 26a and 26b through to the brackets 26a , b molded spring elements 30a and 30b held, each at a contact surface on the body 16 supported and by means of the spring force around the axes 32a and 32b rotatably mounted brackets 26a , b engaged with the closed lid 12 or to keep with the ground. When you drag the control 14 in the opening direction 24 be on the brackets 26a , b located cams 34a and 34b of recesses in the control 14 taken along, so that the brackets 26a , b around the axles 32a , b and thus the locking of the latching hook 28a , b is solved. In other words, the movement of the operating element causes 14 in the opening direction 24 a release of the lid 12 , at the latest, when the operating element 14 located in the second position.

To ensure reliable sealing of the dust collector 10 is to be achieved between the operating element 14 and the body 16 one the inlet 22 arranged surrounding sliding seal, which is not shown here for clarity.

The operating element 14 also serves to the dust collector used in a vacuum cleaner 10 with respect to the environment, so that the air supplied by the vacuum cleaner without flow losses through the inlet 22 in the dust collector 10 can get.

As seen from the sectional view through the dust collector 10 in 3 shows, is for this purpose a sealing surface 36 on the control panel 14 is arranged or formed by this, obliquely formed. This means it closes with the opening direction 24 an angle. This causes that when the dust collector 10 against the opening direction 24 is inserted into a vacuum cleaner housing, the sealing surface 36 without causing friction can come into contact with a mating surface on the vacuum cleaner housing. Thus, it can be avoided that by repeated removal and insertion of the dust collector 10 the sealing effect wears off due to wear.

Furthermore, the design of the sealing surface, in particular its property ensures that a distance between the sealing surface 36 and the internal volume 40 the dust collector 10 against the opening direction 24 continuously reduced, to a continuous with the insertion of the dust collector 10 increasing contact pressure on the sealing surface 36 and thus a reliable seal. It goes without saying that, in addition or as an alternative to the embodiment shown in the figures, in which the sealing surface on the operating element 14 is inelastic, so that an elastic part to compensate for manufacturing tolerances on the part of the vacuum cleaner housing is mounted, in a further embodiment, a sealing lip on the operating element 14 can be molded or molded.

For the sake of clarity of presentation is on the other structures, for example, in the internal volume 40 the dust collector 10 lead to the fact that a dust removal without filter bag is possible, not discussed in detail. In the present embodiment, the lid 12 , by means of which the dust collector 10 can be opened as the bottom of the dust collector 10 formed, which is about a hinge 42 relative to the main body 16 to pan. It goes without saying that in other embodiments, any other parts of the housing can be used as a lid in the sense of this description, for example, entire side walls or parts of side walls or smaller parts of the floor. Furthermore, the lid needs 12 Of course, in the open state not, for example by means of in 3 shown hinge 42 , with the main body 16 stay connected.

Rather, in other embodiments, the lid 12 completely removable from the ground, when the locks by means of the control element 14 be solved.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms.

In the embodiments described above, a simple robust mechanical solution is provided, which is centrally integrated in the design of the device or a vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, this ensures a good seal between the interfaces dust collector-control device device or vacuum cleaner. The floor 12 the box or the dust collector 10 is also locked over a long distance, resulting in a better contact pressure of the soil 12 and thus leads to increased energy efficiency, since flow losses can be effectively avoided.

In summary, therefore, embodiments of dust collecting containers according to the invention make it possible to provide vacuum cleaners or dust collecting containers for vacuum cleaners which can be produced efficiently and nevertheless ensure a high degree of tightness of the dust catching container to the vacuum cleaner. In addition, generated controls beyond can be used directly as design elements.

Although previously described predominantly in connection with a vacuum cleaner, it goes without saying that in other embodiments dust collector can be used in any other vacuum. For example, these can be used in industrial vacuum cleaners, fixed vacuum cleaners, hand or battery or mains powered vacuum cleaners.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Dust catcher

12

cover

14

operating element

16

body

18a, b

slots

20a, b

spigot

22

inlet

24

opening direction

25

Handle

26a, b

clinch

28a, b

latch hook

30a, b

spring elements

32a, b

axes

34a, b

cam

36

sealing surface

40

internal volume

42

hinge

Claims (6)

Dust collector ( 10 ) for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a lid ( 12 ), which in a closed state, the internal volume ( 40 ) of the dust collector ( 10 ) limited; and a movable control element ( 14 ), which in a first position, a locking of the closed lid ( 12 ) with respect to the dust collector ( 10 ) and which in a second position unlocking the lid ( 12 ), whereby the operating element ( 14 ) an inlet ( 22 ) for a vacuum conveyed with the air, wherein the operating element ( 14 ) from the first position to the second position linearly in an opening direction (FIG. 24 ) is movable, wherein the dust collecting container ( 10 ) two of the control element ( 14 ) operable parenthesis ( 26a . 26b ) each with a latching hook ( 28a . 28b ), wherein the latching hooks ( 28a . 28b ) by means of the operating element ( 14 ) when moving it in the opening direction ( 24 ) of an engagement with the lid ( 12 ) and the parentheses ( 26a . 26b ) each about an axis ( 32a . 32b ) are rotatably mounted and also a from the latch hook ( 28a . 28b ) differing from the operating element ( 14 ) actuated cam ( 34a . 34b ), so that the cam ( 34a . 34b ) in the second position located control element ( 14 ) the control element ( 14 ) touched. Dust collector ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein between the operating element ( 14 ) and one the internal volume ( 40 ) enclosing body ( 16 ) of the dust collector ( 10 ) A sliding seal is arranged. Dust collector ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the operating element ( 14 ) on one of the dust collector ( 10 ) side facing away further comprises a sealing surface ( 36 ) for sealing the dust collecting container ( 10 ) with respect to the vacuum cleaner. Dust collector ( 10 ) according to claim 3, wherein a distance between the sealing surface ( 36 ) and the internal volume ( 40 ) of the dust collector ( 10 ) against the opening direction ( 24 ) decreased continuously. Dust collector ( 10 ) according to claim 1, wherein the brackets ( 26a . 26b ) in each case an integrally formed spring element ( 30a . 30b ), which in each case a contact surface of the dust collection container ( 10 ) is applied in such a way that when in the first position located operating element ( 14 ) the latching hook ( 28a . 28b ) by means of the spring force of the spring element ( 30a . 30b ) in engagement with the lid ( 12 ) is brought. Vacuum cleaner with a dust collector ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet of the operating element ( 14 ) is sealed with respect to the vacuum cleaner when the operating element ( 14 ) is in the first position.

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