EP2242410A1

EP2242410A1 - Filter housing for a vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner provided with such a filter housing, and a method therefor

Info

Publication number: EP2242410A1
Application number: EP09704543A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ohab Kanaan
Original assignee: Kanaan Ohab
Current assignee: KANAAN, IHAB
Priority date: 2008-01-22
Filing date: 2009-01-22
Publication date: 2010-10-27
Also published as: NL1034941C2; WO2009093896A1

Abstract

Filter housing, vacuum cleaner and method therefor, wherein the filter housing is provided with: - a reservoir for collecting vacuumed dust and dirt particles; - a first coupling part which can be connected to the reservoir on the suction side thereof for the purpose of coupling the reservoir to a hose or connecting piece provided with a suction nozzle; - a second coupling part which can be connected to the reservoir on the blowing side thereof for the purpose of coupling the reservoir to a vacuum cleaner housing; and - a filter with which during use the vacuumed dust and dirt particles can be separated to a large extent from suction air with which these particles are vacuumed.

Description

FILTER HOUSING FOR A VACUUM CLEANER, VACUUM CLEANER PROVIDED WITH SUCH A FILTER HOUSING, AND A METHOD THEREFOR

The present invention relates to a filter housing for a vacuum cleaner with which dust and dirt particles can be vacuumed.

Vacuum cleaners are known in practice and comprise a vacuum cleaner housing with a motor therein for drawing in air through a suction nozzle. In such a vacuum cleaner the suction nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner housing by means of a wholly or partially flexible hose. The indrawn airflow is separated from the dust and dirt particles in the vacuum cleaner housing. These particles enter a vacuum cleaner bag. These known vacuum cleaners have the drawback that the vacuum cleaner bag becomes full and must be exchanged quite regularly. This requires opening of the vacuum cleaner housing, removal of the vacuum cleaner bag and placing of a new, empty vacuum cleaner bag. Some of the dust and dirt particles may here be dispersed through the space again. A new vacuum cleaner bag must also be purchased quite regularly by the user. This latter increases the cost of using such a vacuum cleaner.

Another known vacuum cleaner relates to a bagless vacuum cleaner wherein the dust and dirt particles are separated from the indrawn air. This separation takes place in the vacuum cleaner housing with a type of cyclone. Although no new vacuum cleaner bags need be bought by the user for such a vacuum cleaner, a reservoir in the vacuum cleaner housing must still be emptied by the user. When the vacuum cleaner housing is opened for the purpose of removing the reservoir, it is possible for dust and dirt particles to enter the space. The effect of the vacuum cleaning is hereby partially lost.

The present invention has for its object to provide a device for collecting vacuumed dust and dirt particles, wherein these particles can be discharged in efficient manner by a user. This object is achieved with the device according to the invention, in which a filter housing for a vacuum cleaner is provided with:

- a reservoir for collecting vacuumed dust and dirt particles;

- a first coupling part which can be connected to the reservoir on the suction side thereof for the purpose of coupling the reservoir to a hose or connecting piece provided with a suction nozzle; - a second coupling part which can be connected to the reservoir on the blowing side thereof for the purpose of coupling the reservoir to a vacuum cleaner housing; and

- a filter with which during use the vacuumed dust and dirt particles can be separated to a large extent from suction air with which these particles are vacuumed.

By providing a separate filter housing for a vacuum cleaner in which a reservoir is provided for collecting the vacuumed dust and dirt particles, such a reservoir is separate from a vacuum cleaner housing. This means that a user who wishes to empty the reservoir after a period of time does not need to open the whole vacuum cleaner housing for this purpose. The user can suffice with uncoupling, using the first coupling part, the filter housing from the hose or connecting piece on which the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner is provided. With the second coupling part the filter housing is uncoupled from the vacuum cleaner housing on the other side. By means of this for instance manually operated coupling a user can empty the reservoir in simple manner without possible particles once again being dispersed in the space. Nor does the user, due to the provision of such a filter housing with reservoir, need to repeatedly provide for new vacuum cleaner bags. In addition, the operations required are simplified. The filter housing is preferably provided integrally with the reservoir as a single element. An additional advantage of a filter housing according to the invention is that it can be combined in simple manner with a known vacuum cleaner as used in most homes. A user can in relatively inexpensive manner hereby avoid having to repeatedly purchase vacuum cleaner bags but still continue to use the already J

available, known vacuum cleaner. In addition, tearing of a vacuum cleaner bag is avoided due to the use of the filter housing. Additionally the filter housing can also be combined with different types of vacuum cleaner almost irrespectively of the type of vacuum cleaner, and in any case more easily than is the case with vacuum cleaner bags. In an advantageous embodiment the filter housing is provided with first closing means for one-way passage of air with dust and dirt particles from the suction side into the reservoir. Drawing in of the air during use will prevent these particles being able to return from the reservoir to the hose or connecting piece of the vacuum cleaner and the suction side of the reservoir. These closing means actively prevent possible particles returning to the suction nozzle, even in a rest position, and the possibility of their once again being dispersed in the space. These first closing means on the suction side of the reservoir are preferably combined with second closing means on the blowing side of the reservoir for selective passage of the air, wherein the dust and dirt particles remain at least to a large extent in the reservoir. Providing second closing means also actively prevents such particles being able to enter the space again on the blowing side of the reservoir after uncoupling of the filter housing from the other components of the vacuum cleaner. As additional advantage, the use of the closing means prevents odours being released into the space. In an embodiment according to the present invention the second coupling part comprises a hose or connecting piece with which the blowing side of the reservoir can be connected to the vacuum cleaner housing.

Providing a hose or connecting piece on the blowing side of the reservoir for the connection between the filter housing according to the invention and the vacuum cleaner housing also realizes that the filter housing can be provided at any desired position. This means for instance that uncoupling of the filter housing can be carried out in simple manner by a user while standing. In known vacuum cleaners a user must perform this uncoupling of a reservoir or vacuum cleaner bag close to the ground, since these vacuum cleaners cannot be handled easily with one hand. This enhances convenience of use of the filter housing according to the invention.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the first closing means comprise a non-return valve which can be at least partially opened by the air displacement from the suction side of the reservoir and which is closed in the absence of sufficient air displacement.

Providing the closing means as a non-return valve efficiently prevents dust and dirt particles being able to return to the hose or connecting piece on the suction side of the reservoir. This avoids the possibility of these particles being dispersed in the space again. The non-return valve is preferably provided in the entrance to the reservoir of the filter housing such that, after uncoupling of the filter housing, the non-return valve still prevents the possibility of these particles once again being dispersed in the space. The non-return valve can for instance be manufactured from rubber, plastic and metal.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the filter is a gauze filter provided on the blowing side of the reservoir.

The dust and dirt particles in the indrawn air are separated from this air in efficient manner through the use of a relatively simple gauze filter provided on the blowing side of the reservoir. By providing such a gauze filter on the blowing side of the reservoir these particles remain in the reservoir. An additional advantage of a gauze filter is that it is available at minimal cost. In addition, it is possible to envisage modifying the mesh in the filter gauze to a possible specific use of a vacuum cleaner provided with a filter housing according to the present invention. In an advantageous embodiment the filter forms part of the second closing means. Having the filter form part of the reservoir on the blowing side thereof can prevent the possibility of dust and dirt particles exiting on the blowing side of the filter housing after uncoupling thereof and being dispersed again in the space.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the filter housing is provided with an inspection window. Providing an inspection window in the filter housing enables a user to have a direct view of the quantity of already vacuumed dust and dirt particles. A user can hereby easily assess whether it is necessary to empty the reservoir. The effect hereof is greatly enhanced for the user by providing the filter housing at a height, for instance halfway along the hose between the vacuum cleaner housing and the suction nozzle. During vacuuming a user can hereby keep track of the quantity of particles vacuumed, and optionally even check what kind of particles have been vacuumed and for instance whether undesirable particles or objects have been vacuumed.

The invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner provided with a filter housing according to any of the foregoing claims. The invention likewise further relates to a method for vacuuming dust and dirt particles, comprising the steps of:

- providing the vacuum cleaner with a filter housing according to the foregoing claims;

- vacuuming dust and dirt particles; and

- collecting the dust and dirt particles in a reservoir provided in the filter housing.

If desired, the filter housing can be uncoupled from the vacuum cleaner after vacuuming, optionally followed by emptying of the filter housing.

Such a vacuum cleaner and method provide the same effects and advantages as stated in the case of the filter housing.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of the preferred embodiments, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows a vacuum cleaner according to the invention;

- figure 2 shows a view of the filter housing according to the invention;

- figure 3 shows a view of the coupling parts of the filter housing of figure 2; and - figure 4 shows a view of the coupling parts and filter of the filter housing of figure 2.

A vacuum cleaner 2 (figure 1), as present in most homes, has a housing 4 in which, among other parts, a drive is provided. Vacuum cleaner 2 further has a handgrip 6 with a closure 8 for opening vacuum cleaner 2. Provided on the side directed upward during use of vacuum cleaner 2 is a coupling 10 to which hose 12 can be attached. The other outer end of hose 12 is connected to filter housing 16 by means of coupling 14. On the suction side of filter housing 16 the filter housing 16 is connected to a connecting piece or tube 20 using coupling 18. In the shown embodiment the couplings 14, 18, hose 12 and tube 20 all have a round cross-section. Situated at the outer end of tube 20 is suction nozzle 22 with which dust and dirt particles can be vacuumed.

A user of vacuum cleaner 2 will be able to operate it in normal manner. After use, or optionally after a number of uses, the user can uncouple filter housing 16 from vacuum cleaner 2 using couplings 14 and 18. The user can then empty filter housing 16 at any desired location, such as over a dustbin, in order to prevent the dust and dirt particles being dispersed in the space again .

Filter housing 16 (figure 2), which is integrated with the reservoir for connecting the dust and dirt particles, has a suction side on which coupling 18 is situated and where the air enters during use. Coupling 14 is situated on the other side of filter housing 16. This is the blowing side of filter housing 16 from which the air exits. Provided in the casing or housing 24 of filter housing 16 is a window 26 through which a user has a view of the content of the reservoir in filter housing 16. When filter housing 16 is placed with a hose 12 on one side and for instance a connecting tube 20 on the other side, a user can see in simple manner via window 26 how many dust and dirt particles are present in filter housing 16. It is also possible for the user to check what type of dust and dirt particles enter and whether undesirable objects are perhaps being vacuumed. The connection to the other parts of vacuum cleaner 2 is realized on either side of filter housing 16 using coupling parts 28, 30 in the form of nuts.

Connecting parts 28, 30 (figure 3) are connected to filter housing 16 using screw thread 34, 36. Screw thread 34, 36 is provided on the filter housing 16 itself. A non-return valve 32 is situated on the inner side of connecting part 30. Non-return valve 32 is opened by the suction force exerted thereon during use of vacuum cleaner 2. If vacuum cleaner 2 is in the rest position, i.e. not being used, the suction force ceases and valve 32 will return to the closed position. In closed position the non-return valve 32 closes the content of the reservoir in filter housing 16 off from the interior of tube 20. Connecting part 28 on the blowing side of filter housing 16 has a filter 38 on the inner side. This filter 38 is a gauze filter which is clamped onto an edge provided on connecting part 28. Filter housing 16 can be uncoupled from the other parts of vacuum cleaner 2 using coupling parts 14, 18. In this way the connecting parts or fastenings 28, 30 can be removed by the user together with filter housing 16. When the user comes to for instance a dustbin, the user can open connecting parts 28, 30, or one of them, in order to remove the dirt and dust particles from the reservoir. In the same way a user can also replace or clean a filter 38, and optionally inspect or service the valve 32. In this manner the user can also clean window 26 if necessary. Filter 38 (figure 4) can be connected in relatively simple manner to connecting part 28. For this purpose the edge of filter 38 is fixed to an edge 40 provided on connecting part 28. Since vacuum cleaner 2 exerts only a suction force on filter 38, filter 38 will be as it were suctioned fixedly onto edge 40, whereby the reguired clamping force can remain limited. Connecting parts

28, 30 can be pushed in simple manner into similar connecting parts in hose 12 and vacuum cleaner tube 20, such as in the case vacuum cleaner 2 has a plurality of mutually connected tubes 20.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments; the rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. It is thus possible for instance to provide connecting parts 28, 30 as for instance clamping parts instead of with screw thread 34, 36 in order to realize a clamping coupling. Similarly, it is also possible to provide filter 38 in other manner in filter housing 16. It is thus possible for instance to provide an additional clamping ring with which filter 38 can be fastened to edge 40 of connecting part 28. It is also possible in relatively simple manner to connect coupling parts 14, 18 slidably to hose 12 and vacuum cleaner tube 20. Another, more robust coupling is also a possible option. It is possible here to envisage a connection using screw thread. It is also possible to use filter housing 16 selectively in combination with a known vacuum cleaner 2 by placing a type of filter 38 or, conversely, not placing this filter, whereby a known use of the vacuum cleaner is obtained.

Claims

1. Filter housing for a vacuum cleaner, provided with:

- a reservoir for collecting vacuumed dust and dirt particles;

2. Filter housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the filter housing is provided with first closing means for one-way passage of air with dust and dirt particles from the suction side into the reservoir.

3. Filter housing as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter housing is provided with second closing means for selective passage of the air on the blowing side of the reservoir, wherein the dust and dirt particles remain at least to a large extent in the reservoir.

4. Filter housing as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second coupling part comprises a hose or connecting piece.

5. Filter housing as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 1-4, wherein the first closing means comprise a non-return valve which can be at least partially opened by the air displacement from the suction side of the reservoir and which is closed in the absence of sufficient air displacement.

6. Filter housing as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 1-5, wherein the filter is a gauze filter provided on the blowing side of the reservoir.

7. Filter housing as claimed in claim 6, wherein the filter forms part of the second closing means.

8. Filter housing as claimed in one or more of the claims 1-7, wherein the filter housing is provided with an inspection window.

9. Vacuum cleaner provided with a filter housing as claimed in the foregoing claims.

10. Method for vacuuming dust and dirt particles, comprising the steps of:

- providing the vacuum cleaner with a filter housing as claimed in the foregoing claims;

- vacuuming dust and dirt particles; - collecting the dust and dirt particles in a reservoir provided in the filter housing.