EP2049000A1 - Vacuum cleaner with dust collecting chamber release inhibiting mechanism - Google Patents

Vacuum cleaner with dust collecting chamber release inhibiting mechanism

Info

Publication number
EP2049000A1
EP2049000A1 EP07766245A EP07766245A EP2049000A1 EP 2049000 A1 EP2049000 A1 EP 2049000A1 EP 07766245 A EP07766245 A EP 07766245A EP 07766245 A EP07766245 A EP 07766245A EP 2049000 A1 EP2049000 A1 EP 2049000A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
appliance
catch
chassis
component
separating apparatus
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP07766245A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2049000B1 (en
Inventor
Stuart Lloyd Genn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dyson Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dyson Technology Ltd filed Critical Dyson Technology Ltd
Publication of EP2049000A1 publication Critical patent/EP2049000A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2049000B1 publication Critical patent/EP2049000B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • 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
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1683—Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
    • 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
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1691—Mounting or coupling means for cyclonic chamber or dust receptacles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a domestic appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.
  • Vacuum cleaners which separate dirt and dust from an airflow without the use of a filter bag, so-called bagless vacuum cleaners, are becoming increasingly popular.
  • Most bagless cleaners use cyclonic or centrifugal separation to spin dirt and dust from the airflow.
  • an airflow in which dirt and dust is entrained enters a first cyclonic separator via a tangential inlet.
  • the inlet causes the airflow to follow a spiral or helical path within a collection chamber so that dirt and dust is separated from the airflow. Relatively clean air passes out of the chamber whilst the separated dirt and dust is collected therein.
  • the airflow is then passed to a second cyclone separator which is capable of separating finer dirt and dust than the upstream cyclone.
  • the airflow is thereby cleaned to a greater degree so that, by the time the airflow exits the cyclonic separating apparatus, the airflow is almost completely free of dirt and dust particles.
  • the dirt and dust is left behind inside the collecting chamber.
  • a user When the collecting chamber becomes full, a user typically removes the collecting chamber from the chassis of the machine, carries the chamber to a dust bin or refuse sack and empties the contents of the chamber into the bin or sack.
  • the chamber may be emptied by inverting it.
  • a manually operable catch may release the base portion of the chamber so that the dirt and dust falls out of the chamber into the bin or sack.
  • a handle is provided to enable the user easily to carry the collecting chamber to the bin or sack for emptying.
  • the same handle may be employed by the user for lifting the vacuum cleaner in its entirety when the collecting chamber is attached to the chassis, to facilitate carrying the cleaner between different locations.
  • a problem which may be encountered with such appliances is that, when the user is carrying the appliance by means of the handle, he may accidentally release the catch that holds the collecting chamber to the chassis. Thus, the chassis may be released completely from the chamber and fall to the ground. This may cause damage to the chassis as well as being an inconvenience and potential safety hazard to the user.
  • the invention provides a domestic appliance comprising a component carried by a chassis and a catch operable to releasably hold the component to the chassis arranged such that there is relative movement, against the force of resilient means, between the component and the chassis when the appliance is lifted, so that the catch occupies a position that inhibits its release.
  • the resilient means may also be employed to urge the catch into its latched position and to return the actuator to its original position when released.
  • a stop may be provided so that, when the catch is in the unreleasable position, the stop prevents release of the catch if the appliance is subjected to a sudden vertical movement. This feature prevents the catch from returning to a releasable position even if the appliance is shaken.
  • the invention is particularly applicable to vacuum cleaners.
  • the invention prevents a user from releasing the separating apparatus comprising a collecting chamber employed for collecting dirt and dust from the chassis when the user is carrying the vacuum cleaner.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a domestic appliance constructed according to the invention in the form of an upright vacuum cleaner
  • Figure 2 is perspective view of the cleaner of Figure 2, showing release of the separation apparatus
  • Figure 3 is a side view of the cleaner of Figures 1 and 2 being carried by a user;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic sectional side view of part of a domestic appliance constructed according to the invention in a first position
  • Figure 6 is a schematic sectional side view of part of the appliance of Figure 4 in a third position.
  • Figure 7 is a magnified view of part of Figure 6.
  • an upright vacuum cleaner indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprises a main chassis 2 which supports dirt and dust separation apparatus 3 incorporating a collecting chamber 4.
  • the lower part of the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a cleaner head 5 for engaging with the floor surface.
  • the cleaner head 5 has a downwardly facing suction inlet and a brush bar (not shown), mounted in the mouth of the inlet, for agitating the floor surface.
  • the cleaner head 5 is pivotably mounted to a motor housing 6, which houses the motor and fan of the cleaner 1.
  • Support wheels 7 are mounted to either side of the motor housing 6 for supporting the cleaner 1 and allowing movement across a floor surface.
  • a spine 8 of the chassis 2 extends upwardly from the motor housing 6 to provide support for the components of the cleaner 1.
  • a cleaning wand 9 having a second dirty air inlet 10 is connected by way of a hose (not shown) to the chassis 2 at the base of the spine 8.
  • the wand 9 is releasable from the spine 8 so as to allow a user to carry out above-the-floor cleaning and cleaning in places which are inaccessible by the main cleaning head 5.
  • the wand 9 forms the handle of the cleaner 1.
  • a hand grip 9' at the remote end of the wand 9 allows a user to manoeuvre the cleaner 1.
  • the dirt- and dust- separating apparatus 3 comprises a cyclonic arrangement but this could readily be replaced by a filter, a bag or a combination of different known separation devices.
  • the vacuum cleaner 1 In normal upright use, the vacuum cleaner 1 is manoeuvred over the floor surface to be cleaned whilst the motor causes dirty air to be sucked into the cleaner 1 via the cleaner head 5.
  • the dirty air is passed to the dirt- and dust-separating apparatus 3 where the dirt and dust is extracted and clean air is expelled to the atmosphere.
  • the separating apparatus 3 is releasable from the main chassis 2.
  • a manually releasable catch 11 is provided on the spine 8 of the chassis 2 and is arranged to locate the separating apparatus 3, including the collection chamber 4, on the appliance.
  • the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 releases the catch 11 and removes the separating apparatus 3 by means of a handle 12 provided on the upper portion of the separating apparatus.
  • the user then carries the separating apparatus 3 by means of the handle 12 to a refuse bin or sack for emptying.
  • the collection chamber 4 may be emptied by releasing it from the separating apparatus 3 and inverting it over the bin or sack.
  • the collection chamber 4 may have a moveable base portion that can be released, by means of a further manually releasable catch, to allow dirt and dust to fall from the bottom of the collection chamber.
  • the handle 12 on the separating apparatus 3 also serves to allow the user to lift and carry the appliance as a whole, as shown in Figure 3. When the user does this, his hand is close to the catch 11 for releasing the separating apparatus 3 from the chassis 2. With conventional vacuum cleaners, there has been a risk that the user may accidentally release the catch whilst carrying the appliance 1.
  • the catch 11 of the vacuum cleaner constructed according to the invention is shown schematically in Figures 4 to 7 inclusive.
  • the catch 11 comprises a main catch member 13 having a pivot 14 on its lower portion to enable it to be pivotably connected to the spine 8.
  • the centre portion 15 of the main catch member projects outwardly away from the spine and has a downwardly depending lip 16 at its free end.
  • the upper portion of the main catch member 13 comprises an actuator for the catch 11 in the form of a user-operable button 17.
  • the button 17 is conveniently located adjacent the carrying handle 12. When the user pushes the button 17, the main catch member 13 pivots away from the user, towards the spine 8, and the projecting portion 15 of the main catch member is elevated.
  • Resilient means in the fo ⁇ n of a helical spring 18 is provided between the centre portion 15 of the main catch member and a projecting lip 19 on the spine 8 of the chassis.
  • FIG 4 shows the catch in its closed or latched position, with the separating apparatus 3 being attached to the chassis 2.
  • the lip 16 on the projecting centre portion 15 of the main catch member 13 is arranged to engage with a shoulder 20 on the separating apparatus 3.
  • the user wishes to release the separating apparatus 3, he pushes against the button 17 against the force of the spring 18.
  • This causes the main catch member 13 to move pivotably towards the spine 8 and the rear surface 23 of the catch member moves into a cavity 21 on the spine.
  • the central projecting portion 15 pivots upwardly until the lip 16 clears the top of the shoulder 20 on the separating apparatus.
  • the spine 8 itself acts as a stop to limit rearward motion of the rear surface 23 of the catch member 13.
  • the lower portion 22 of the main catch member 13 is arranged so that, as the catch member pivots towards the spine 8, the lower portion is urged against the separating apparatus 3, thereby pushing it away from the chassis 2 as the catch 11 is released. This feature assists the user in removing the component.
  • the actuator 17 remains on the chassis 2. If the actuator were to be located on the component itself, this might be confusing to the user when trying to discern another catch or mechanism on the component for operation, such as an actuator for releasing a catch for emptying the collection chamber.
  • the catch is arranged so as to allow relative movement between the separating apparatus 3 and the chassis 2 in such a manner that, when the appliance 1 is lifted by the user by means of the handle 12, the catch 11 occupies a position that inhibits its release.
  • the separating apparatus 3 and chassis 2 are arranged so as to permit a limited amount of relative movement between them, typically less than 0.5 cm.
  • the lower portion 22 of the catch member 13 is arranged to support the separating apparatus 3 in the elevated position.
  • both the separating apparatus 3 and the catch 11 move upwardly with respect to the spine 8 of the chassis 2.
  • the main catch member 13 occupies a position where at least part of its rear surface 23 is adjacent the spine 8 and is clear of the cavity 21 in the spine.
  • FIG. 7 shows the catch in more detail.
  • a catch stop in the form of a lip 24 is provided on the chassis 2 to prevent the catch member 13 from moving into a position where the catch 11 can released while the appliance 1 is lifted, even if the appliance is shaken or receives some other sudden force.
  • the lip 24 engages with a ledge or notch in the rear surface 23 of the catch member 13. If the user attempts to release the catch 11 whilst shaking the appliance 1, the catch member 13 may move vertically against the spine 8, but the lip 24 prevents the catch member from moving vertically downwardly into a position adjacent the cavity 21, where it may pivot into the released position.
  • the spring 18 in Figures 6 and 7 is compressed and is biased so as to urge the catch member 13 and the separating apparatus 3, in the absence of external forces, downwardly into the position where the catch 11 may be released.
  • the spring force is not sufficient to do so while the appliance 1 is lifted because of the weight of the chassis 2 reacting against the spring 18.
  • the provision of a spring 18 or other resilient means provides a reaction force that prevents the separating apparatus 3 from being inadvertently lifted into a position that inhibits release of the catch 11. For example, if the user grabs the handle 12 and attempts to lift the separating apparatus 3 away from the chassis 2 whilst trying to activate the catch 11, the user may inadvertently apply a vertically upwardly-directed force. In the absence of the resilient spring 18 pushing the catch member 13, and hence the separating apparatus 3, downwards, the lifting force may be sufficient to urge the catch 11 from the configuration shown in Figure 4 to that shown in Figure 6, thereby accidentally preventing release.
  • the spring 18 or other resilient means is multi-functional: it returns the actuator 17 to its original position after it is pressed, it returns the catch member 13 to a latched position, so that the separating apparatus is secured to the chassis 2 and, as described above, it prevents the catch 11 from being moved accidentally into a position that inhibits release.
  • the spring 18 By using one spring 18 to perform a plurality of functions, the number of components employed in manufacturing the catch 11 can be reduced.
  • the resilient means may be provided between the component and the spine. Separate resilient means may be provided to return the catch member into the latched position and to return the actuator to its original position when the catch has been released.
  • the handle for lifting the appliance need not be the same as that provided for carrying the separating apparatus.
  • a separate handle or hand-grip may be provided.
  • the handle for lifting the appliance may be provided on the chassis, in which case the catch would need to be reconfigured so that relative downward movement of the catch and component with respect to the chassis causes the catch to occupy a position where its release is inhibited.
  • the catch of the invention may be provided to locate other components on the chassis, so that those components are not releasable whilst the appliance is being carried.
  • a lawn mower may be provided with a chassis and a chamber for collecting grass clippings produced by the mower.
  • the invention may be employed to prevent the collecting chamber from being released when the user is carrying the lawn mower.
  • the invention may also be applied to, for example, other surface-treating appliances, such as those that apply polish or paint to a surface.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)

Abstract

A domestic appliance, such as a cyclonic vacuum cleaner (1), comprises a component, such as separating apparatus (3), carried by a chassis (2). A catch (11) is provided and is operable to release the component from the chassis. The component and the chassis are able to move slightly with respect to each other. When the appliance is lifted there is relative movement, against the force of resilient means, between the component and the chassis, so that the catch (11) occupies a position that inhibits its release. Previous proposals for catches inhibited from release when the appliance is lifted had a drawback in that slight relative movement between the component and the chassis when the appliance was resting on a surface tended to put the catch into the unreleasable position. For example, it was found that the action of grabbing the handle on the collecting chamber of a vacuum cleaner was sometimes sufficient to urge the catch into the locked position. The provision of resilient means provides some resistance to the catch moving into the locked position, thereby ensuring that the catch is inhibited from release only when the appliance is lifted from a surface.

Description

VACUUM CLEANER WITH DUST COLLECTING CHAMBER RELEASE INHIBITING MECHANISM
The invention relates to a domestic appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.
Vacuum cleaners which separate dirt and dust from an airflow without the use of a filter bag, so-called bagless vacuum cleaners, are becoming increasingly popular. Most bagless cleaners use cyclonic or centrifugal separation to spin dirt and dust from the airflow. By avoiding the use of a filter bag as the primary form of separation, it has been found possible to maintain a consistently high level of suction, even as the collecting chamber fills with dirt and dust.
In a typical cyclonic vacuum cleaner, an airflow in which dirt and dust is entrained enters a first cyclonic separator via a tangential inlet. The inlet causes the airflow to follow a spiral or helical path within a collection chamber so that dirt and dust is separated from the airflow. Relatively clean air passes out of the chamber whilst the separated dirt and dust is collected therein. In some cyclonic vacuum cleaners, the airflow is then passed to a second cyclone separator which is capable of separating finer dirt and dust than the upstream cyclone. The airflow is thereby cleaned to a greater degree so that, by the time the airflow exits the cyclonic separating apparatus, the airflow is almost completely free of dirt and dust particles. The dirt and dust is left behind inside the collecting chamber.
When the collecting chamber becomes full, a user typically removes the collecting chamber from the chassis of the machine, carries the chamber to a dust bin or refuse sack and empties the contents of the chamber into the bin or sack. The chamber may be emptied by inverting it. Alternatively, a manually operable catch may release the base portion of the chamber so that the dirt and dust falls out of the chamber into the bin or sack.
Typically, a handle is provided to enable the user easily to carry the collecting chamber to the bin or sack for emptying. Conveniently, the same handle may be employed by the user for lifting the vacuum cleaner in its entirety when the collecting chamber is attached to the chassis, to facilitate carrying the cleaner between different locations.
A problem which may be encountered with such appliances is that, when the user is carrying the appliance by means of the handle, he may accidentally release the catch that holds the collecting chamber to the chassis. Thus, the chassis may be released completely from the chamber and fall to the ground. This may cause damage to the chassis as well as being an inconvenience and potential safety hazard to the user.
The invention provides a domestic appliance comprising a component carried by a chassis and a catch operable to releasably hold the component to the chassis arranged such that there is relative movement, against the force of resilient means, between the component and the chassis when the appliance is lifted, so that the catch occupies a position that inhibits its release.
The provision of a catch that is not releasable when the appliance is lifted against resilient means prevents the chassis and the component from being released accidentally from each other.
Previous proposals for catches inhibited from release when the appliance is lifted had a drawback in that slight relative movement between the component and the chassis when the appliance was resting on a surface tended to put the catch into the unreleasable position. For example, it was found that the action of grabbing the handle on the collecting chamber of a vacuum cleaner was sometimes sufficient to urge the catch accidentally into the locked position. This was inconvenient and confusing to the user, especially when trying to release the collecting chamber for emptying. The provision of resilient means provides some resistance to the catch moving into the locked position, thereby ensuring that the catch is inhibited from release only when the appliance is lifted from a surface. Advantageously, a member is provided that is arranged, to push the component away from the chassis when the catch is released, so as to assist the user in releasing the component.
Preferably, a user-operable actuator is provided. For the convenience of the user, this may be provided adjacent a handle used to carry the component when it is released.
Advantageously, the resilient means may also be employed to urge the catch into its latched position and to return the actuator to its original position when released.
A stop may be provided so that, when the catch is in the unreleasable position, the stop prevents release of the catch if the appliance is subjected to a sudden vertical movement. This feature prevents the catch from returning to a releasable position even if the appliance is shaken.
The invention is particularly applicable to vacuum cleaners. The invention prevents a user from releasing the separating apparatus comprising a collecting chamber employed for collecting dirt and dust from the chassis when the user is carrying the vacuum cleaner.
A handle may be provided to enable the user to carry the appliance. When the invention is applied to a vacuum cleaner having separating apparatus, this handle may also be the handle provided for carrying the separating apparatus when it is removed from the chassis.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a side view of a domestic appliance constructed according to the invention in the form of an upright vacuum cleaner; Figure 2 is perspective view of the cleaner of Figure 2, showing release of the separation apparatus;
Figure 3 is a side view of the cleaner of Figures 1 and 2 being carried by a user;
Figure 4 is a schematic sectional side view of part of a domestic appliance constructed according to the invention in a first position;
Figure 5 is a schematic sectional side view of part of the appliance of Figure 4 in a second position;
Figure 6 is a schematic sectional side view of part of the appliance of Figure 4 in a third position; and
Figure 7 is a magnified view of part of Figure 6.
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the specification.
Referring to Figure 1 , an upright vacuum cleaner indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprises a main chassis 2 which supports dirt and dust separation apparatus 3 incorporating a collecting chamber 4. The lower part of the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a cleaner head 5 for engaging with the floor surface. The cleaner head 5 has a downwardly facing suction inlet and a brush bar (not shown), mounted in the mouth of the inlet, for agitating the floor surface. The cleaner head 5 is pivotably mounted to a motor housing 6, which houses the motor and fan of the cleaner 1. Support wheels 7 are mounted to either side of the motor housing 6 for supporting the cleaner 1 and allowing movement across a floor surface. A spine 8 of the chassis 2 extends upwardly from the motor housing 6 to provide support for the components of the cleaner 1. A cleaning wand 9 having a second dirty air inlet 10 is connected by way of a hose (not shown) to the chassis 2 at the base of the spine 8. The wand 9 is releasable from the spine 8 so as to allow a user to carry out above-the-floor cleaning and cleaning in places which are inaccessible by the main cleaning head 5. When the wand 9 is fixed to the spine 8, the wand forms the handle of the cleaner 1. A hand grip 9' at the remote end of the wand 9 allows a user to manoeuvre the cleaner 1.
In the embodiment, shown, the dirt- and dust- separating apparatus 3 comprises a cyclonic arrangement but this could readily be replaced by a filter, a bag or a combination of different known separation devices.
In normal upright use, the vacuum cleaner 1 is manoeuvred over the floor surface to be cleaned whilst the motor causes dirty air to be sucked into the cleaner 1 via the cleaner head 5. The dirty air is passed to the dirt- and dust-separating apparatus 3 where the dirt and dust is extracted and clean air is expelled to the atmosphere.
Dirt and dust is collected in the collecting chamber 4 of the separating apparatus 3 and needs to be emptied periodically when it is full. Thus, the separating apparatus 3 is releasable from the main chassis 2. A manually releasable catch 11 is provided on the spine 8 of the chassis 2 and is arranged to locate the separating apparatus 3, including the collection chamber 4, on the appliance. The user of the vacuum cleaner 1 releases the catch 11 and removes the separating apparatus 3 by means of a handle 12 provided on the upper portion of the separating apparatus. The user then carries the separating apparatus 3 by means of the handle 12 to a refuse bin or sack for emptying. The collection chamber 4 may be emptied by releasing it from the separating apparatus 3 and inverting it over the bin or sack. Alternatively, the collection chamber 4 may have a moveable base portion that can be released, by means of a further manually releasable catch, to allow dirt and dust to fall from the bottom of the collection chamber. The handle 12 on the separating apparatus 3 also serves to allow the user to lift and carry the appliance as a whole, as shown in Figure 3. When the user does this, his hand is close to the catch 11 for releasing the separating apparatus 3 from the chassis 2. With conventional vacuum cleaners, there has been a risk that the user may accidentally release the catch whilst carrying the appliance 1.
The catch 11 of the vacuum cleaner constructed according to the invention is shown schematically in Figures 4 to 7 inclusive. The catch 11 comprises a main catch member 13 having a pivot 14 on its lower portion to enable it to be pivotably connected to the spine 8. The centre portion 15 of the main catch member projects outwardly away from the spine and has a downwardly depending lip 16 at its free end. The upper portion of the main catch member 13 comprises an actuator for the catch 11 in the form of a user-operable button 17. The button 17 is conveniently located adjacent the carrying handle 12. When the user pushes the button 17, the main catch member 13 pivots away from the user, towards the spine 8, and the projecting portion 15 of the main catch member is elevated. Resilient means in the foπn of a helical spring 18 is provided between the centre portion 15 of the main catch member and a projecting lip 19 on the spine 8 of the chassis.
Figure 4 shows the catch in its closed or latched position, with the separating apparatus 3 being attached to the chassis 2. The lip 16 on the projecting centre portion 15 of the main catch member 13 is arranged to engage with a shoulder 20 on the separating apparatus 3. When the user wishes to release the separating apparatus 3, he pushes against the button 17 against the force of the spring 18. This causes the main catch member 13 to move pivotably towards the spine 8 and the rear surface 23 of the catch member moves into a cavity 21 on the spine. This is shown in Figure 5. The central projecting portion 15 pivots upwardly until the lip 16 clears the top of the shoulder 20 on the separating apparatus. The spine 8 itself acts as a stop to limit rearward motion of the rear surface 23 of the catch member 13. The lower portion 22 of the main catch member 13 is arranged so that, as the catch member pivots towards the spine 8, the lower portion is urged against the separating apparatus 3, thereby pushing it away from the chassis 2 as the catch 11 is released. This feature assists the user in removing the component.
When the separating apparatus 3 or other component is released, the actuator 17 remains on the chassis 2. If the actuator were to be located on the component itself, this might be confusing to the user when trying to discern another catch or mechanism on the component for operation, such as an actuator for releasing a catch for emptying the collection chamber.
When the user wishes to re-attach the separating apparatus 3, he simply pushes the separating apparatus 3 back into position on the chassis 2. As he does so, the pivotable member 13 is pushed backwards until it clears the shoulder 20 on the separating apparatus 3. The spring 18 returns the main catch member 13 to its upright position, with the lip 16 of the projecting portion 15 engaging in the shoulder 20 associated with the separating apparatus 3. Thus, the separating apparatus 3 is secured to the chassis 2.
The catch is arranged so as to allow relative movement between the separating apparatus 3 and the chassis 2 in such a manner that, when the appliance 1 is lifted by the user by means of the handle 12, the catch 11 occupies a position that inhibits its release. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the separating apparatus 3 and chassis 2 are arranged so as to permit a limited amount of relative movement between them, typically less than 0.5 cm. When the user applies a lifting force to the appliance 1 by lifting the handle 12, the separating apparatus 3 is able to move slightly upwardly with respect to the chassis 2 as the appliance is lifted off the ground. The lower portion 22 of the catch member 13 is arranged to support the separating apparatus 3 in the elevated position.
In accordance with the invention, when the appliance 1 is elevated, the separating apparatus 3 moves with respect to the chassis 2, and the entire catch 11 moves with the separating apparatus against the force of the helical spring 18. In this embodiment, both the separating apparatus 3 and the catch 11 move upwardly with respect to the spine 8 of the chassis 2. The main catch member 13 occupies a position where at least part of its rear surface 23 is adjacent the spine 8 and is clear of the cavity 21 in the spine. Thus, if the user accidentally pushes the button 17, the main catch member 13 cannot pivot rearwardly, because its rear surface 23 abuts the spine 8 of the chassis. The prevention of movement of the main catch member 13, and hence the button 17 provides an indication to the user that the catch 11 is inoperable while the appliance 1 is lifted.
Figure 7 shows the catch in more detail. A catch stop in the form of a lip 24 is provided on the chassis 2 to prevent the catch member 13 from moving into a position where the catch 11 can released while the appliance 1 is lifted, even if the appliance is shaken or receives some other sudden force. The lip 24 engages with a ledge or notch in the rear surface 23 of the catch member 13. If the user attempts to release the catch 11 whilst shaking the appliance 1, the catch member 13 may move vertically against the spine 8, but the lip 24 prevents the catch member from moving vertically downwardly into a position adjacent the cavity 21, where it may pivot into the released position.
The spring 18 in Figures 6 and 7 is compressed and is biased so as to urge the catch member 13 and the separating apparatus 3, in the absence of external forces, downwardly into the position where the catch 11 may be released. However, the spring force is not sufficient to do so while the appliance 1 is lifted because of the weight of the chassis 2 reacting against the spring 18. The provision of a spring 18 or other resilient means provides a reaction force that prevents the separating apparatus 3 from being inadvertently lifted into a position that inhibits release of the catch 11. For example, if the user grabs the handle 12 and attempts to lift the separating apparatus 3 away from the chassis 2 whilst trying to activate the catch 11, the user may inadvertently apply a vertically upwardly-directed force. In the absence of the resilient spring 18 pushing the catch member 13, and hence the separating apparatus 3, downwards, the lifting force may be sufficient to urge the catch 11 from the configuration shown in Figure 4 to that shown in Figure 6, thereby accidentally preventing release.
The spring 18 or other resilient means is multi-functional: it returns the actuator 17 to its original position after it is pressed, it returns the catch member 13 to a latched position, so that the separating apparatus is secured to the chassis 2 and, as described above, it prevents the catch 11 from being moved accidentally into a position that inhibits release. By using one spring 18 to perform a plurality of functions, the number of components employed in manufacturing the catch 11 can be reduced.
When the user puts the appliance 1 back down on a floor surface, the catch member 13 and separating apparatus move back downwardly with respect to the chassis 2 and occupy their normal positions as shown in Figures 4, so that the separating apparatus is once again releasable from the chassis.
Of course, variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the resilient means may be provided between the component and the spine. Separate resilient means may be provided to return the catch member into the latched position and to return the actuator to its original position when the catch has been released.
The handle for lifting the appliance need not be the same as that provided for carrying the separating apparatus. A separate handle or hand-grip may be provided. The handle for lifting the appliance may be provided on the chassis, in which case the catch would need to be reconfigured so that relative downward movement of the catch and component with respect to the chassis causes the catch to occupy a position where its release is inhibited. The catch of the invention may be provided to locate other components on the chassis, so that those components are not releasable whilst the appliance is being carried.
Although the invention has been described with reference to an upright vacuum cleaner, it is equally applicable to cylinder cleaners and other appliances that may be carried by a user. For example, a lawn mower may be provided with a chassis and a chamber for collecting grass clippings produced by the mower. The invention may be employed to prevent the collecting chamber from being released when the user is carrying the lawn mower. The invention may also be applied to, for example, other surface-treating appliances, such as those that apply polish or paint to a surface.

Claims

1. A domestic appliance comprising a component carried by a chassis and a catch operable to releasably hold the component to the chassis arranged such that there is relative movement, against the force of resilient means, between the component and the chassis when the appliance is lifted, so that the catch occupies a position that inhibits its release.
■ 2. An appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catch is releasable when the appliance is placed on a surface.
3. An appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which a portion of the catch is arranged to urge the component away from the chassis when the catch is released.
4. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the resilient means is arranged to bias the catch into a position whereby the component is held to the chassis.
5. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a user- operable actuator for releasing the catch.
6. An appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein the actuator is located on the chassis.
7. An appliance as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the actuator is located adjacent a handle for carrying the component.
8. An appliance as claimed in claim 7, wherein actuator is movable between a first position, in which the catch is arranged to hold the component to the chassis and a second position, in which the catch is released, and the resilient means is arranged to bias the actuator into the first position.
9. An appliance as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the actuator is pivotably moveable against the force of the resilient means.
10. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a stop arranged to prevent the catch from moving out of a position that inhibits its release when the appliance is lifted.
11. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a carrying handle.
12. A domestic appliance, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, or as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.
13. A domestic appliance as claimed in claim 12 in the form of a vacuum cleaner.
14. An appliance as claimed in claim 13, in which the component comprises separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from an airflow.
15. An appliance as claimed in claim 14, wherein the separating apparatus further comprises a chamber for collecting the dirt and dust.
16. An appliance as claimed in claims 14 or 15, further comprising a handle for carrying the appliance when the separating apparatus is attached to the chassis and for carrying the separating apparatus when it is released from the chassis.
17. A cyclonic vacuum cleaner, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, or as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.
EP07766245A 2006-08-08 2007-07-16 Vacuum cleaner with dust collecting chamber release inhibiting mechanism Not-in-force EP2049000B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0615681A GB2440715B (en) 2006-08-08 2006-08-08 A Domestic Appliance
PCT/GB2007/002674 WO2008017802A1 (en) 2006-08-08 2007-07-16 Vacuum cleaner with dust collecting chamber release inhibiting mechanism

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2049000A1 true EP2049000A1 (en) 2009-04-22
EP2049000B1 EP2049000B1 (en) 2011-06-01

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EP07766245A Not-in-force EP2049000B1 (en) 2006-08-08 2007-07-16 Vacuum cleaner with dust collecting chamber release inhibiting mechanism

Country Status (10)

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US (1) US20100071153A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2049000B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5046216B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20090034399A (en)
CN (1) CN101500466B (en)
AT (1) ATE511378T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2007283502A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2440715B (en)
TW (1) TW200840536A (en)
WO (1) WO2008017802A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP5046216B2 (en) 2012-10-10
CN101500466A (en) 2009-08-05
CN101500466B (en) 2012-01-11
TW200840536A (en) 2008-10-16
US20100071153A1 (en) 2010-03-25
GB2440715B (en) 2011-02-23
KR20090034399A (en) 2009-04-07
WO2008017802A1 (en) 2008-02-14
GB2440715A (en) 2008-02-13
EP2049000B1 (en) 2011-06-01
GB0615681D0 (en) 2006-09-13
JP2010500067A (en) 2010-01-07
AU2007283502A1 (en) 2008-02-14
ATE511378T1 (en) 2011-06-15

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