EP0731660B1 - Device for obturating and ejecting the bag of a vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR94/01411 Sec. 371 Date Jun. 3, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Jun. 3, 1996 PCT Filed Dec. 2, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO95/15110 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 8, 1995An obturation device for the disposable bag (1) of a vacuum cleaner, the bag (1) having a rigid area (1a) in the vicinity of a closable filling inlet, in order to fix the bag (1) to a frame part (13) of the vacuum cleaner, as well as a flap (5) for closing the bag (1) , the flap being displaceable by rotation between an open position and a closed position of the filling inlet in the extension plane of the rigid area (1a). The closing flap (5) is mounted in the rigid area (1a) which is provided with a profiled perforation (4a) whose shape and contour form a guiding structure (4) within which the closing flap (5) can move. Application to disposable bags for vacuum cleaners.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a device closing and ejecting disposable vacuum cleaner bag said bag being fixed, during the cleaning operation on a part of the frame of said vacuum cleaner.

The invention applies generally to any unit mobile vacuum cleaner type, movable by user in a clean area with a bag dust collector, removable and disposable.

PRIOR ART

Generally vacuum cleaner bags have an opening that should be closed when said bag is filled with dust, to keep it in the bag. It is thus already known to use systems shutter comprising a cardboard tab for example and folded in on itself at least in part. The user can then unfold this tab by pulling on this last which has the effect of closing the opening of the bag. Such devices have a number disadvantages. Indeed the user is obliged to access directly to the bag to be able to pull the tab. he It is also essential to use parts of relatively large dimensions to ensure correct sealing of the bag. Such an operation is by otherwise irreversible, by no longer allowing the user open the bag once it has been sealed.

It is also known to make means sealing for bags, for example via the document FR-A-932.776, which describes a bag provided with a means shutter. The latter rotates between a position opening and closing position of the entrance to filling the bag using a mechanical system a pivot axis, an elastic return means as well as a part acting as a stop for the medium shutter, arranged on a rigid plate of the bag. Such system has a number of drawbacks and in particular, in its construction, for which a number of parts separate important is necessary, thus generating a cost high workmanship.

In addition, the arrangement of the system and more particularly the sealing means on the wafer rigid, in an accessible manner, weakens said system, and the particular configuration of the sealing means does not allow not its simple and / or automatic actuation with an organ independent control.

The object of the present invention is to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art and making a bag vacuum cleaner fitted with a shutter closing its inlet filling, simple, solid and not very practical expensive.

The object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum bag closure device that user can operate without coming into contact directly with said bag during the shutter operation.

Another object of the invention is to use a means for closing the vacuum bag occupying a space limited, easily achievable, low cost and can be arranged in the open or closed position as desired the user.

Another object of the invention aims to provide a safety device to prevent the attachment of the vacuum cleaner hose on the vacuum cleaner frame when the bag is closed.

An additional object of the invention aims to provide a device for automatic closing of vacuum cleaner bags.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The objects of the present invention are achieved using a set vacuum cleaner and disposable bag which has a rigid zone in the vicinity of a closable filling inlet, for fixing said bag to a part of the frame the vacuum cleaner, as well as a shutter for closing said bag, movable by rotation between an open position and a closed position of the filling inlet in the plane of extension of the rigid zone, characterized in that the flap shutter is mounted in the rigid zone, which is provided with a perforation profile whose shape and outline provide a guide means in which moves the shutter.

The objects of the invention are also achieved using a disposable bag for vacuum cleaners having a rigid area in the vicinity of its inlet closable filling, for fixing said bag to a part of a vacuum cleaner frame as well as a shutter for closing said bag movable by rotation between a position opening and closing position of the filling inlet, in the plane extension of the rigid area, characterized in that the shutter is mounted in the rigid area in which a profiled perforation is provided whose shape and outline provide a guide means in which moves the shutter.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 représente une vue éclatée du sac d'aspirateur sur lequel est agencé un moyen d'obturation conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente une vue partielle en coupe du bâti de l'aspirateur sur lequel est agencé un organe de commande et l'extrémité du tuyau dudit aspirateur conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 3a représente une vue partielle en coupe d'une buse de tuyau d'aspirateur conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 3b, représente une vue en coupe d'un support de buse conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 3c représente une vue partielle en coupe du bâti de l'aspirateur conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 3d représente un schéma fonctionnel de verrouillage d'une buse sur le bâti d'un aspirateur.
• la figure 4 représente une vue de dessus du support de buse de la figure 3b et conforme à l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and emerge in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting examples in which:

• FIG. 1 represents an exploded view of the vacuum cleaner bag on which a sealing means according to the invention is arranged,
• FIG. 2 represents a partial sectional view of the frame of the vacuum cleaner on which is arranged a control member and the end of the hose of said vacuum cleaner according to the invention,
• FIG. 3a represents a partial sectional view of a vacuum cleaner hose nozzle according to the invention,
• FIG. 3b shows a sectional view of a nozzle support according to the invention,
• FIG. 3c represents a partial sectional view of the frame of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention,
• Figure 3d shows a block diagram of a nozzle on the frame of a vacuum cleaner.
• 4 shows a top view of the nozzle support of Figure 3b and according to the invention.

BEST WAY TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a disposable vacuum bag 1 comprising a rigid zone 1a, which contains a means for closing said bag 1, as well as the arrangement of this means on said bag 1. The rigid zone 1a, produced for example in plastic and / or cardboard material, consists in particular a guide means 4 and a shutter 5 for closing and opening the bag 1. The guide means 4 is produced at from a rigid material, for example cardboard, which has a profiled perforation 4a to guide the flap 5 closing and opening the bag filling inlet 1. The shutter 5 is mounted in the rigid zone 1a, which is provided with the profiled perforation 4a, the shape and contour realize the guide means 4 in which moves the shutter 5.

The profiled perforation 4a, formed in the means of guide 4, has an ear shape associated with a recess 4b, the shutter 5 obturating partially by its shapes the profiled perforation 4a and having a surface below the profiled perforation 4a for allow the rotation of said shutter 5 which is driven by a drive means 10 integral with a tongue 5c associated with flap 5 whose shape is conjugate of the recess 4b. The latter therefore serves as housing for the tab 5c, so that it can rotate in the recess 4b and thus materialize an axis of rotation of the flap 5. The profiled perforation 4a is therefore in the form virtual ear. Shutter 5 shutter, marrying partially by its shapes the profiled perforation 4a, also has an ear shape consisting of a lobe solid 5a and a perforated lobe 5b. The full lobe 5a and the lobe perforated 5b are attached to the tongue 5c so that that the latter can fulfill the role of a tree of pivoting. The tongue 5c is preferably centered on a midline or line of symmetry, not shown in the figures, of the ear representing the full lobe 5a and the perforated lobe 5b. The recess 4b is thus also centered on a line midline or symmetry, not shown in the figures, of the virtual ear defined by the profiled perforation 4a. The pivot shaft thus produced by the tongue 5c, is centered on an axis x-x 'also diagramming the axis of assembly of the different parts constituting the area rigid 1a of the bag 1. The recess 4b is also centered on the axis x-x '. Advantageously, the tongue 5c, the full lobe 5a and the perforated lobe 5b are made in one piece, which is obtained for example by cutting from a cardboard sheet.

The flap 5 is housed in the profiled perforation 4a and the conjugated forms, of the perforation 4a associated with the recess 4b and of the flap 5 associated with the tongue 5c, allow said flap 5 to be movable by rotation in the guide means 4 between an open position and a closing position of the filling bag 1. The shape and contour of the profiled perforation 4a, associated with the configuration of flap 5 in the form of an ear, allow audit part 5 to be guided throughout its trajectory, extending between an open and closed position of the bag filling inlet 1. The profiled perforation 4a, and / or the recess 4b are also used as stops extremes against which flap 5 comes to rest in either of its open or closed position. According to an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, the flap 5 consists of a single full lobe 5a associated with the tongue 5c. Shutter 5 covers part of the surface of the profiled perforation 4a, so as to allow said shutter 5 to be closed move in said profiled perforation 4a. So in the bag 1 open position, the perforated lobe 5b is in look at the bag 1 filling inlet and in the shutter 5 closed position, the full lobe 5a is in look at the bag filling inlet 1.

The rigid zone 1a of the bag 1 consists of a assembly forming a sandwich structure including a plate fixing 2 secured to the bag 1 and provided with an orifice 2a, the guide means 4 having the profiled perforation 4a in which is housed the shutter 5 as well as a frontal rigid sheet 6 in which a opening 6a so as to enclose the shutter 5 shutter in the profiled perforation 4a. The rigid zone 1a, made up of plates or strips assembled successively provides optimal rigidity and flexibility to secure and separate the bag 1 from the frame of the vacuum cleaner. The fixing plate 2, preferably made in a rigid material constitutes with the opening 2a the entry of filling the bag 1. Such a preferred embodiment makes the zone 1a rigid, and in particular the device shutter, particularly solid and impact resistant. There is indeed no possibility of accessing part 5 so as to twist or distort it inadvertently. Advantageously, the flap 5 is produced from the means of guide 4 using a portion of material subtracted by any means known to said guide means 4, during the making the profiled perforation 4a. Part 5 is then cut so as to be movable by rotation in the profiled perforation 4a and to be placed opposite the orifice 2a, the perforated lobe 5b or the full lobe 5a for respectively open or close access to bag 1. The sheet rigid front 6 has an opening 6a centered on orifice 2a. The front rigid sheet 6 is for example glued or stapled to the fixing plate 2 so that secure the entire rigid zone 1a with the bag 1. The use of any other means of fixing the sheet rigid front 6 on the fixing plate 2 is possible.

Preferably, the thickness of the flap 5 is slightly less than the thickness of the guide means 4 of so as to facilitate its rotation in the defined free space by the fixing plate 2, the rigid front sheet 6 as well as by an area defined by the thickness of the means of guide 4 and the contour of the profiled perforation 4a.

Advantageously, the rigid zone 1a comprises a membrane sealing 3 in which is formed a hole 3a. The sealing membrane 3 is arranged between the plate fixing 2 and the guide means 4. The hole 3a is preferably made by two perpendicular incisions centered on the opening 2a, on the opening 6a and on the lobe perforated 5b when the flap 5 is in the open position of the bag 1. The use of a waterproofing membrane 3 is particularly advantageous for catching up and by therefore leaks when a pipe of vacuum cleaner is in communication with bag 1 through orifice 2a. The fixing plate 2, the membrane seal 3 and the rigid front sheet 6 have respectively a bore 2b, 3b and 6b which allow the drive means 10, which is integral with the tongue 5c to cross the latter and transmit a rotational movement.

The drive means 10 is controlled by a body of control 11 operated from outside the frame 13 of the vacuum cleaner, said drive means 10 being integral of the tongue 5c via a notch 5d formed in said tongue 5c. The frame 13 constitutes, well heard, a case or an external envelope of a set suction including including suction members of the motor / fan type. Advantageously the notch 5d can be replaced by two crossed notches perpendicular. The drive means 10 has a complementary shape of the notch 5d. The set, made up of the fixing plate 2, of the sealing membrane 3, of the guide means 4, flap 5 and the rigid sheet front 6, shown in Figure 1, thus constitutes the area rigid 1a of bag 1.

The control member 11 is mounted movable in translation above the rigid zone 1a to exert a deformation on said rigid zone 1a making it possible to separate the bag 1 of frame 13 of the vacuum cleaner. The rigid zone 1a has a sufficient flexibility to emerge from a ledge 14 and a groove 14b when the user exerts pressure on the control member 11. Advantageously the control member command 11 returns to the initial position by translation after ejection of the bag 1 via a spring 11a arranged in said control member 11.

Figure 2 shows a connection device between a vacuum cleaner hose and a bag 1 dust collector arranged on the frame 13 of a vacuum cleaner, said device comprising a fixing nozzle 20 forming the end of the suction hose, nozzle locking means 20 on the frame 13 as well as the shutter 5 for closing the bag 1 movable between an open position and a position of closing the filling bag 1. The device includes the control member 11, and arranged cooperation means on the control member 11 and on the nozzle 20 to cooperate when the shutter 5 is in the position opening and thus allow locking of the nozzle 20 on the frame 13. The means of cooperation are for example consist of means of the male / female type. Preferably, the device comprises a male means arranged on the nozzle 20 and a female means arranged on the member 11. According to an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, the latter comprises a male means arranged on the control member 11 and a means female arranged on the nozzle 20.

Advantageously, the means of cooperation are consist of a lug 21 arranged on the nozzle 20 and a clearance 11b formed in a part of the control member 11, said lug 21 being housed in the clearance 11b during the locking operation. Locking the nozzle 20 on the frame 13. Locking can only be obtained when the lug 21 is introduced into the clearance 11b or passes through clearance 11b. Such cooperation is only possible when the mobile control member 11 by rotation, is in an angular position well determined. The latter corresponds to the position opening the bag closure means 1. A rotation of the control member 11 corresponds to a rotation of the means 10 which is mechanically secured to the control unit 11.

Advantageously, the nozzle 20 is connected to a pipe hose constituting the vacuum cleaner hose which is in free rotation with respect to the nozzle 20 via by any known means. Thus the user of the vacuum cleaner does not is in no way bothered by the fixed locking of the nozzle 20 on the frame 13. The control member 11 is thus mounted movable by rotation to close or open the bag 1 on the one hand and by translation to separate the bag 1 from the frame 13.

According to an alternative embodiment of the conforming device to the invention and shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, this the latter comprises a nozzle 20 provided with at least one spur 22 on its periphery, a nozzle support 30 movably mounted by rotation on the frame 13 and comprising on the one hand at least one slot 31 in which the spur 22 moves and on the other hand a finger 32 cooperating with the drive means 10 of the control member 11, said spur 22 extending towards outside of slot 31 to support a system stop 15 in the form of a two-level staircase 16, 17 for guide the locking of the nozzle 20 on the frame 13 in using four separate positions for the spur 22.

The drive means 10 cooperates with the finger 32 by via a cam 10b, shown in FIG. 4 and arranged integrally on said drive means 10. The cam 10b is arranged on the drive means 10 in the free space between the frame 13 and the rigid zone 1a. Thus, the finger 32 causes the cam 10b to tilt during a rotation of the nozzle 20 corresponding either to a obturation either to an opening of the bag 1 by the closure means.

FIG. 3b represents the nozzle support 30, provided with the slot 31 in which the spur 22 and the finger move 32 controlling the control member 11.

FIG. 3c represents the stop system 15 presenting two distinct levels 16 and 17 allowing the nozzle 20 to occupy successively several positions during placing said nozzle 20 on the nozzle support 30. The first position corresponds to a support of the spur 22 on the first level 16 of the stop system 15 after a first depression E1 of nozzle 20, the second position corresponding to a positioning of the spur 22 beyond the first level 16 after a first rotation R1 in the plane extension of the first level 16, the third position corresponding to a support of the spur 22 on the second level 17 after a second depression E2, the fourth position corresponding to the locking of the spur 22 on the frame 13 after a second rotation R2 in the plane extension of the second level 17. The stop system 15, integral with the frame 13 and extending in the vicinity of the periphery of the nozzle support 30, has levels 16 and 17 sufficiently extended along an internal periphery 19 of the frame 13 so as to allow successively the opening of bag 1 during the first rotation R1 and locking of the nozzle 20 on the frame 13 during the second rotation R2. In addition the first depression E1 allows to house the spur 22 in slot 31 and the second depression E2 corresponds when the nozzle 20 is introduced into the bag 1 so as to cross the waterproofing membrane 3.

In this embodiment, the implementation of means such as a lug 21 and a clearance 11b is no longer essential.

Figure 3d represents the functional diagram of the setting in place of the nozzle 20 on the frame 13. By diagramming the four successive stages of locking including the first indentation E1, the first rotation R1, the second recess E2 as well as the second rotation R2.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention includes a boss 18 arranged on the frame 13 facing the second level 17 of the stop 15, said spur 22 is housed between the boss 18 and the second level 17 in the position for locking the nozzle 20 on the frame 13. Thus the nozzle 20 cannot be separated from the frame 13. Unlocking or the nozzle 20 is separated from the frame 13 by reverse to locking by releasing the spur 22 from the boss 18 against which the spur 22 is supported in the locking position.

Thus, the means of cooperation make it possible to activate automatically open and close bag 1 with respectively the locking operation and unlocking of the nozzle 20 on the frame 13.

According to an advantageous variant of the device according to the invention, the clearance 11b leads to a free space in which a rod not shown in the figures moves and secured to the nozzle support 30 after the second recess E2. Thus a face 11c of the control member 11 overhangs and achieves a stop for the rod when the user exerts pressure on the control 11 when the nozzle 20 is locked on the frame 13 corresponding to a position of an opening of the means for closing the bag 1. The latter cannot then be detached from the frame 13.

According to another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, additional support can be formed on the frame 13 preventing any translation of the member control 11 when the bag closure means 1 is in open position.

According to another variant of the device according to the invention, the boss 18 is replaced by a ramp inclined relative to the horizontal and arranged on the internal periphery 19 of the frame 13.

According to another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, the stop 15 consists of a profiled groove in the frame 13. The spur 22 is thus moves in the profiled groove and cannot way to be released from said profiled groove as long as it is not in the first position corresponding to the first depression E1. The device thus designed prohibits the nozzle 20 to separate from the frame 13 as long as the means or flap 5 for closing the bag 1 is not in the closed position.

Advantageously, the device according to the invention on frame 13 has a second stop 15 symmetrical with respect to at the first to ensure better stability of the locked assembly, which consists of the nozzle 20 and of the frame 13. In this alternative embodiment, the system of stop 15 corresponds to a bayonet type system

Figures 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 4 thus schematize a connection device between a suction unit and a suction pipe, consisting of nozzle 20, means for locking of the nozzle 20 on the frame 13 as well as cooperation means allowing the nozzle 20 to cooperate with the control member 11, so that the locking of said nozzle 20 is possible as soon as the flap 5 is in its open position.

The operation of the device according to the invention is illustrated in the following by the following operations. The user begins by fixing the bag 1 inside the frame 13 via the rim 14 and the groove 14b, so as to engage the drive means 10 in the notch 5d. The user then rotates the control 11 so as to position the flap 5 in its open position. The nozzle 20 can then be fixed on the frame 13. When the bag 1 is filled, the user separates the nozzle 20 of frame 13, turns flap 5 to its position shutter using the control member 11 and separates the part of the frame 13 on which the bag 1 is fixed the rest of the suction unit. The user can then disconnect the bag 1 of the removable part of the frame 13, for example at above a dustbin, by a simple pressure on the organ 11.

Another operation of the device in accordance with the invention and obtained by an alternative embodiment. The user fixes the bag 1 initially closed, for example, on the frame 13. The engagement of the nozzle 20 in the frame 13, by means of spurs 22 and the nozzle support 30, and according to respective movements E1, R1, E2 and R2, allows respectively open the filling inlet of the bag 1, and to lock the nozzle 20 on the frame 13. When the user separates the nozzle 20 from the frame 13, the flap 5 of the bag 1 is automatically in its closed position. The controller 11 is then used only for separate the rigid part la from said frame 13, by a movement of translation of the control member 11. A simplification could in this case be considered, and which would consist to use the drive means 10, associated with the cam 10b, as a control member 11 inside the frame 13. The user should then separate the bag 1 from the frame 13 by its own means and in particular by twisting the area rigid 1a.

An advantage of the device according to the invention lies in obtaining automatic closure of bag 1 by the unlocking of the nozzle 20 or by actuation of the member 11 directly by the user.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is obtained by the absence of direct contact between user and bag 1 filled with dust after use of the vacuum cleaner. The ejection is done by simple pressure on the control member 11.

An additional advantage of bag 1 conforms to the invention lies in the realization of a system shutter, comprising a flap 5 pivoting on the one hand and devoid of axis of rotation for said flap 5.

POSSIBILITIES OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the field of bags for vacuum cleaners and especially in the removable and / or disposable bags.

Claims (10)

1. A disposable bag (1) for a vacuum cleaner, the bag including a rigid zone (1a) in the vicinity of a closable filling inlet for the purposes of fixing said bag (1) to a portion of the frame (13) of the vacuum cleaner, and a closure flap (5) for closing said bag (1), which flap is mounted to pivot in the plane in which the rigid zone (1a) extends so that it can be pivoted between an open position in which it opens the filling inlet and a closed position in which it closes said inlet;
      said bag being characterized in that the closure flap (5) is mounted in the rigid zone (1a) which is provided with a shaped perforation (4a) whose shape and outline form guide means (4) in which the closure flap (5) can pivot.
2. A bag according to claim 1, characterized in that the rigid zone (1a) is constituted by an assembly forming a sandwich structure including a fixing plate (2) secured to the bag (1) and provided with an orifice (2a), the guide means (4) provided with the shaped perforation (4a) in which the closure flap (5) is received, and a front rigid sheet (6) provided with an opening (6a) so that the closure flap (5) is clamped in the shaped perforation (4a).
3. A bag according to claim 2, characterized in that the rigid zone (1a) includes a sealing membrane (3) provided with a hole (3a) and disposed between the fixing plate (2) and the guide means (4).
4. A bag according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the shaped perforation (4a) is in the shape of an ear associated with a recess (4b), the shape of the closure flap (5) matching in part the shape of the shaped perforation (4a), and the flap having a surface below the shaped perforation (4a) to enable said closure flap (5) to pivot, said flap being driven by drive means (10) secured to a tab (5c) associated with the flap (5), said tab (5c) having a shape that is complementary to the shape of the recess (4b) so that it can pivot in the recess (4b), thereby acting as a pin about which the flap (5) can pivot.
5. A bag according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the closure flap (5) is in the shape of an ear constituted by an unperforated lobe (5a) and by a perforated lobe (5b).
6. A vacuum cleaner and disposable bag assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner is provided with a control member (11), the drive means (10) being controlled by said control member (11) actuated from outside the frame (13) of the vacuum cleaner, said drive means (10) being secured to the tab (5c) by means of a slot (5d) provided in said tab (5c).
7. A vacuum cleaner and disposable bag assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the control member (11) is mounted to move in translation above the rigid zone (1a) so as to deform said rigid zone (1a), thereby making it possible to release the bag (1) from the frame (13) of the vacuum cleaner.
8. A vacuum cleaner and disposable bag assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it includes a fixing nozzle (20) forming the end of a suction pipe, means for locking the nozzle (20) to the frame (13), and co-operation means provided on the control member (11) and on the nozzle (20) for co-operating when the closure flap is in the open position, thereby enabling the nozzle (20) to be locked to the frame (13).
9. A moveable vacuum cleaner constituted by a frame (13) in which the suction members are disposed, said vacuum cleaner being characterized in that it is equipped with a dust-collecting bag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
10. An assembly comprising a vacuum cleaner and a disposable bag (1) including a rigid zone (1a) in the vicinity of its closable filling inlet for the purposes of fixing said bag (1) to a portion of the frame (13) of the vacuum cleaner, and a closure flap (5) for closing said bag (1), which flap is mounted to pivot in the plane in which the rigid zone (1a) extends so that it can be pivoted between an open position in which it opens the filling inlet and a closed position in which it closes said inlet, said assembly being characterized in that the closure flap (5) is mounted in the rigid zone (1a) which is provided with a shaped perforation (4a) whose shape and outline form guide means (4) in which the closure flap (5) can pivot.

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