EP1961357B1 - Vacuum cleaner with removable dust container - Google Patents

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner (1) has a removable dust collection holder (4) which can be releasable locked on the bottom (2) of the vacuum cleaner (1) and a centrifugal separator (3) for separating the dust from the dust-laden air into the dust collection holder (3). The locking element is designed so that it can be actuated by the centrifugal separator (3).

Description

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a removable dust collector according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

From the prior art is a sold under the name "Siemens VSX32510" and in the WO 2007/036529 A1 described vacuum cleaner, which operates on the principle of centrifugal force and comprises a lower part, a removable dust collector and a centrifugal separator. In operation, the dust collector is anchored in the lower part of the vacuum cleaner and is covered by the centrifugal separator, so that it is inaccessible from the outside. The centrifugal separator is pivotally mounted on the lower part and held during operation by a locking element in the position in which it covers the dust collector, the dust collector. To empty the dust collector, the user first solves the attachment of the centrifugal separator to the dust collector by means of a control element, pivots the centrifugal separator in an open position in which the dust collector is accessible solves the anchorage of the dust collector at the bottom by means of another control element and then finally takes the Dust collector by means of a handle attached to the dust collector. The dust collector itself is equipped with a bottom flap, which can be opened by means of a control element near the handle to empty the dust collector.

Next is from the prior art the EP 1 656 871 A2 known which a vacuum cleaner with a removable dust collector, which can be releasably anchored by means of a locking element on the lower part of the vacuum cleaner, and with a centrifugal separator, through which the dust from the dust-laden air is deposited in the dust collection container, disclosed, wherein the centrifugal separator for removing the dust container is movable, wherein the locking element is formed and arranged on the vacuum cleaner that it can be operated by the centrifugal separator.

The problem underlying the invention

In the known vacuum cleaners may be disadvantageous on the one hand, that several elements of the vacuum cleaner must be operated by the user until he can remove the dust collector for emptying from the vacuum cleaner. This can complicate the operation; In addition, it requires a complex construction of the vacuum cleaner with multiple controls, which can increase the cost of manufacturing. On the other hand, it can be disadvantageous that such an arrangement only locks the centrifugal separator with the dust collecting container. This connection may have insufficient stability when the vacuum cleaner is carried on the handle of the dust container.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide an improved vacuum cleaner with removable dust collection available, which is easy to handle and inexpensive to manufacture. Next is to be made a reliable and stable connection between the dust container and the housing.

Inventive solution

To solve the problem, the present invention teaches a vacuum cleaner with the features of claim 1.

By the invention can be advantageously achieved that by moving the centrifugal force at the same time the locking element which removably anchored the dust collector to the lower part of the vacuum cleaner is actuated. As a result, the user no longer has to release the locking element himself in order to be able to remove the dust collecting container. This can facilitate the handling of the vacuum cleaner. In addition, it can simplify the construction of the vacuum cleaner, because it can be dispensed with an operating element.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element is arranged on the dust collecting container. This may allow a particularly simple construction of the locking element, preferably with an operating section on the side of the dust collecting container, on which the centrifugal separator adjoins the dust collecting container during operation, and a locking section on the side of the dust collecting container, with which the dust collecting container is in operation against the lower part of the dust collecting container Vacuum cleaner adjacent. However, embodiments of the invention are also conceivable in which the locking element on the centrifugal separator, the lower part or a other part of the vacuum cleaner is arranged. The preferred locking element is an elongated bolt, which is particularly preferably mounted in a guide in the dust collecting container. The locking element is preferably operated by the centrifugal separator to displace the locking element in a direction away from the centrifugal separator. For actuating the locking element and the centrifugal separator is preferably equipped on its outer side with an actuating portion.

The preferred centrifugal separator is movable between an operating position and a removal position in which the collecting container is accessible from outside. The operating position of the centrifugal separator is the position in which it is arranged with respect to the other components of the vacuum cleaner so that the vacuum cleaner can be operated. In the operating position, the dust collector is preferably not accessible from the outside. In the removal position, the user can remove the dust collector from the vacuum cleaner to empty and / or clean it, replace filters or perform similar activities. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that the user can easily prepare the dust collecting container for removal on the vacuum cleaner which is initially ready for operation by moving the centrifugal separator. The centrifugal separator is preferably pivotable between the operating position and the removal position. For this purpose, it is particularly preferably attached by a hinge on the lower part of the vacuum cleaner.

In its operating position, the centrifugal separator can bring the locking element preferably in a locking position in which it anchors the dust collector to the lower part of the vacuum cleaner. In this way it can be achieved that the dust collector can be anchored by moving, preferably pivoting, the centrifugal separator in the operating position without further action by the user in the base to allow proper operation of the vacuum cleaner.

A preferred vacuum cleaner further comprises a return means for bringing the locking member from the locking position to an unlocking position when the locking member is not actuated by the centrifugal separator. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that the vacuum cleaner container can be released without further action by the user for removal when the centrifugal separator is moved from the operating position to the removal position. The restoring device preferably biases the locking element into the unlocked position. It preferably comprises a spring, particularly preferably a coil spring. The restoring device is preferably arranged on the dust collecting container, particularly preferably together with the locking element. However, embodiments of the invention are also conceivable in which the restoring device is arranged alone or together with the locking element on the centrifugal separator, the lower part or another component of the vacuum cleaner.

In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum cleaner comprises a holding device in order to releasably hold the centrifugal separator in the operating position. The holding device can advantageously hold the centrifugal separator in the operating position in which it actuates the anchoring element to anchor the dust collector in the lower part. Preferably, the holding device holds the centrifugal separator in the operating position on the dust collector. This advantageously achieves that the centrifugal separator is held on the dust collector in its operating position and the dust collector is anchored in turn by the anchoring element actuated by the centrifugal force in the operating position in the lower part. A preferred holding device is a latching device. In one embodiment of the invention, it comprises a projection arranged on the centrifugal separator, which can engage in an undercut on the dust collecting container. The dust collector is preferably provided with a release member operable by the user, preferably by depression, to release the centrifugal separator from the operative position, preferably by releasing the latching connection to allow it to be moved to the removal position.

A preferred dust collector is provided with a handle by means of which it can be removed from the vacuum cleaner. By the handle, the removal of the dust collection container can be facilitated advantageous. By virtue of the fact that the dust collecting container is fixed to the lower part of the vacuum cleaner during operation, in a preferred embodiment of the dust collecting container, a removal handle of the dust collecting container can be designed such that it simultaneously serves as a handle for the entire vacuum cleaner. It is achievable that due to the connection of dust collector and vacuum cleaner base, the entire vacuum cleaner can be lifted as soon as the user lifts the dust collector. The handle is preferably adapted in shape and size to the weight of the entire vacuum cleaner. Particularly preferably, the handle of the dust collection container is arranged in the middle upper region of the vacuum cleaner. By this embodiment of the invention is achievable that can be dispensed with a further handle for the entire vacuum cleaner. Preferably, the release element for releasing the centrifugal separator is arranged from the operating position on the handle or in the immediate vicinity of the handle. In this embodiment of the invention can advantageously be a one-hand operation possible. In particular, it can be achieved that the dust collecting container can be exposed and removed with essentially a movement of the hand.

A preferred dust collection container has an operating mechanism for opening an emptying flap. A trigger of the discharge flap is preferably arranged at or near the handle of the dust collection container. By this embodiment of the invention, a comfortable emptying of the removed dust collection container can be advantageously made possible with one hand. For this purpose, the hand, which encloses the handle of the dust collector, simply press the handle located near the trigger, and thus open the dust collector for emptying. The trigger is preferably a button that is operated by pressing. It is in functional connection with the emptying flap, which is preferably located on the underside of the dust collecting container. For example, when the trigger is actuated, the operating mechanism may press against a latching hook to release it and thus open the dumping flap. With an arranged at the bottom of the dust collector discharge flap is advantageously achieved that it opens automatically due to gravity, as soon as the latching hook is released.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dust collection container closes a vacuum chamber of the vacuum cleaner against the environment, preferably substantially airtight, so that the outer wall of the dust collection container acts as part of the vacuum chamber. For this purpose, a connection point between the dust collecting container and the lower part of the vacuum cleaner is preferably hermetically sealed. With this embodiment of the invention, it is advantageously possible to dispense with a lid of the vacuum cleaner, which is the conclusion of the vacuum chamber in conventional vacuum cleaners. This can simplify the construction of the vacuum cleaner and reduce the manufacturing cost.

A preferred dust collector is equipped with a receptacle for a fine dust filter. With the fine dust filter, a further cleaning of the exiting from the outlet of the centrifugal separator air can be made possible. The fact that the particulate filter can be included in the dust collector, the handling can be simplified insofar as the user when emptying the dust collector easily inspect the particulate filter and replace it if necessary. It is another achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that in the construction of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention, the structure of a conventional vacuum cleaner, which manages without fine dust filter, can be largely adopted. Because the receptacle for the particulate matter filter is integrated into the dust collection container to be removed, which is to be redesigned anyway, the design complexity in the development can be limited to the actually newly added parts.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings of an exemplary embodiment in further detail.

Fig. 1:

Eine perspektivische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugers mit dem Fliehkraftabscheider in Entnahmestellung und dem aus dem Staubsauger herausgehobenem Staubsammelbehälter;

Fig. 2:

Eine Detailansicht des Staubsaugers mit Staubsaugerunterteil und eingesetztem Staubsammelbehälter im Querschnitt wenn der Fliehkraftabscheider in Entnahmestellung vom Staubsammelbehälter weggeschwenkt ist; und

Fig. 3:

Eine Detailansicht des Staubsaugers mit Staubsaugerunterteil, eingesetztem Staubsammelbehälter und Fliehkraftabscheider in Betriebsstellung im Querschnitt.

Show it:

Fig. 1:

A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention with the centrifugal separator in the removal position and the lifted out of the vacuum cleaner dust collector;

Fig. 2:

A detailed view of the vacuum cleaner with vacuum cleaner base and dust collector inserted in cross-section when the centrifugal separator is pivoted away in the removal position from the dust collector; and

3:

A detailed view of the vacuum cleaner with vacuum cleaner base, dust collector and centrifugal separator in operating position in cross section.

Detailed description of an embodiment

The in Fig. 1 Vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a vacuum cleaner lower part 2, a centrifugal separator 3 pivotally mounted on the vacuum cleaner base 2 by means of a hinge, not shown, and a dust collecting container 4 which can be inserted into the lower part 2. The dust collecting container 4 also carries a fine dust filter 5. Below the dust collecting container 4 is located in the lower part 2 Vacuum chamber 6, the upper limit of which forms the bottom of the dust collection container 4 and which is airtight sealed when inserted dust collecting container by the seal 7 between the lower part 2 and 4 dust collector. The dust collecting container 4 also has a handle 8, on which it can be lifted out of the lower part 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1.

Fig. 2 explains the mechanism for anchoring the dust collector 4 in the lower part 2. For this purpose, the dust collector 4 is provided with a guided in the direction of the double arrow 9 locking pin 10 as a locking element. The locking bolt 10 is by means of a coil spring 11 as in the in Fig. 2 prestressed shown unlocked position. In this position, the dust collector 4 can be removed by a user from the vacuum cleaner base 2.

The locking pin 10 has at its end facing the centrifugal separator 3 a confirmation section 12 and at its the vacuum cleaner lower part 2 facing the end of a locking portion 13 (in the lower part of Fig. 3 shown enlarged again) on. Will, as in Fig. 3 shown, the centrifugal separator 3 brought into its operating position, so pushes an actuating portion 14 of the centrifugal separator 3, the locking pin 10 against the force of the coil spring 11 in the direction of arrow 15 from the centrifugal separator 3, with the result that the locking portion 13 on the other side of the Locking pin 10 engages in a recess 16 in the vacuum cleaner base 2 to anchor the dust collector 4 in the lower part 2 of the vacuum cleaner. The location of the locking bolt 10 in the recess 16 is in the lower part of Fig. 3 shown enlarged again. The dust collector 4 is anchored sufficiently strong in the lower part 2 that a user can lift the entire vacuum cleaner on the handle 8.

The centrifugal separator 3 is held firmly by a projection 17 which abuts on an undercut 18 of a locking element 19 on the handle 8 of the dust collector 4, the dust collector 4 in its operating position. To remove the dust collecting container 4, a user can move the locking element 19 out of the region of the projection 18 of the centrifugal separator by pressing an operating button 20 against the spring force of a spring 21, in order to release the centrifugal separator 3. The centrifugal separator 3 can now in the in Fig. 1 shown tilted open position. In this case, the actuating portion 14 of the centrifugal separator, the locking pin 10 free, the spiral spring 11 in the direction of arrow 22 in Fig. 2 in the in Fig. 2 shown unlocked position is reset. The user can now lift the dust collector 4 with the handle 8 from the lower part 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1. By actuating the trigger 23, he can open an emptying flap at the bottom of the dust collecting container 4, so that the contents fall out of the dust collecting container 4 down.

With the invention, a simply constructed vacuum cleaner can be created with comfortable to be taken Staubsammelbehälter.

Claims (10)

1. Vacuum cleaner (1) with a removable dust collecting container (4), which can be detachably fixed to the lower part (2) of the vacuum cleaner (1) by means of a locking element (10), and a cyclone (3) by which the dust is separable from the dust-laden air in the dust collecting container (4), wherein the cyclone (3) is movable for removal of the dust collecting container (4), and wherein the locking element (10) is so constructed and arranged at the vacuum cleaner (1) that it can be actuated by the cyclone (3), characterised in that a locking section (13) of the locking element (10) engages in a receptacle and/or an undercut in the lower part (2) of the vacuum cleaner (1) in order to fix the dust collecting container (4) to the lower part (2).
2. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking element (10) is arranged at the dust collecting container (4).
3. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the cyclone (3) is movable between an operating setting and a removal setting in which the dust collecting container (4) is accessible from outside.
4. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the cyclone (3) in its operational setting can bring the locking element (10) into a locking setting in which it fixes the dust collecting container (4) to the lower part (2) of the vacuum cleaner (1).
5. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a resetting device (11) in order to bring the locking element (10) from the locking setting to an unlocking setting when the locking element (10) is not actuated by the cyclone (3).
6. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a retaining device (17, 18, 19, 20, 21) in order to releasably retain the cyclone (3) in the operating setting.
7. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dust collecting container (4) is equipped with a handle (8) for the removal from the vacuum cleaner (1).
8. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dust collecting container (4) comprises an operating mechanism for opening an emptying flap, the trigger (23) of which is arranged at or near the handle (8) of the dust collecting container (4).
9. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dust collecting container (4) closes off a vacuum space (6) of the vacuum cleaner (1).
10. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dust collecting container (4) has a receptacle for a fine dust filter (5).

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