GB2468151A

GB2468151A - A surface-treating appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2468151A
Application number: GB0903409A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Andrew Mcleod
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2009-02-27
Filing date: 2009-02-27
Publication date: 2010-09-01
Also published as: GB0903409D0

Abstract

A surface-treating appliance such as a vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a main body 2 and a door 21 attached to the main (body 2, fig 2) by means of a hinge 25. A filter 16 is provided and is removably attached to an inner surface of the door 21. The door 21 forms part of the outer casing of the main body 21, and in one embodiment forms part of a wheel 4. The upstream surface 15 of the filter 16 faces away from the door 21, so that this is the surface that is presented to the user as the door is opened. Thus, the user can easily monitor the condition of the filter 16, remove it, wash it and replace it as necessary.

Description

A Surface-Treatiig Appliance The present invention relates to a surface-treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.

Vacuum cleaners are designed to separate dirt and dust from an airflow. In a typical vacuum cleaner an airflow generator (for example, a motor and fan unit) generates an airflow which draws dirt-and dust-laden air into the vacuum cleaner through a dirty air inlet. The airflow then passes through a form of separating apparatus to remove dirt and dust from the airflow. Some vacuum cleaners make use of a porous bag through which the dirty air is sucked so that the dirt and dust is retained in the bag whilst cleaned air is exhausted to the atmosphere. In other vacuum cleaners, cyclonic separators are used to separate dirt and dust from the airflow.

Irrespective of the type of separating apparatus used, there is a risk of a small amount of dirt and dust passing through the separating apparatus and being carried to the airflow generator. It is undesirable for dirt and dust particles to pass through the fan of an airflow generator because the fan may become damaged or may operate less efficiently.

In order to reduce this problem, some vacuum cleaners include a fine filter in an airflow path between the separating apparatus and the airflow generator. This filter is commonly known as a pre-motor filter and is used to extract fine dirt and dust particles remaining in the airflow after it has passed through the separating apparatus.

During normal operation of a vacuum cleaner, fme dirt and dust may be deposited on the pre-motor filter and, after a period of time, it could become blocked. Blockages reduce the efficiency at which a vacuum cleaner operates. Therefore, the pre-motor filter will occasionally need to be replaced or cleaned in order to maintain the performance of the vacuum cleaner. In order to allow cleaning or replacement of the pre-motor filter, it is common for such filters to be removable from a vacuum cleaner.

It is also known to provide a filter downstream of the airflow generator. This is known as a post-motor filter, and is typically employed to filter carbon dust which may be generated by brushes on the motor, as well as allergens and any microscopic particles of dirt and dust remaining in the airflow. After a period of use, the post-motor filter may need to be cleaned or replaced. Typically, the post-motor filter will need such attention much less frequently than does the pre-motor filter.

It is beneficial to permit the user to be able to monitor the condition of one or both of the filters, and to remove and replace them as required. To this end, access to one or both of the filters may be provided. It is important that the manner by which access is obtained is clear to the user, and the location and condition of the filters be easily discemable.

The invention provides a surface-treating appliance comprising a main body, a door hingedly attached to the main body and a filter, wherein the filter is removably attached to an inner surface of the door.

By mounting the filter on the inner surface of the door itself, the filter is presented to the user as the door is opened, so that the user can more easily see where and how to access the filter. Thus, the user is able to carry out servicing and maintenance procedures. The provision of a hinged door makes the manner of access to the filter intuitive to use.

Preferably, the door forms part of the outer casing of the appliance, so that it is visible to the user and accessible at all times.

Even more preferably, the door comprises part of a wheel or roller arranged to allow the appliance to travel across a floor surface. This provides for a particularly compact configuration, allowing smaller, more compact appliances to be manufactured.

Advantageously, the filter is attached to the door such that its upstream surface faces away from the door. By opening the door, the user automatically is presented with the filter surface that faces the dirty airstream. Thus, the user can easily monitor the condition of the filter and see when it needs to be cleaned.

The filter may include a flexible rim around its edge, which can be employed to locate the filter on a lip running along the edge of the door. This makes the filter easy to remove and replace.

The region delimited by the door and the downstream surface of the filter may itself provide a flow path for fluid being drawn through the appliance. This provides a compact arrangement, with no need for further ducting arrangements.

The filter may be annular in shape, and arranged so that air exiting the downstream surface of the filter then travels through the aperture of the annulus. A flexible rim may also be provided at the centre of the annulus.

A user-operable catch may be provided for the door, so that it is held shut when the appliance is in use, thus preventing leakage of fluid from the appliance.

Preferably, the filter is washable. The filter may be arranged upstream of a motor and fan unit arranged to draw fluid through the appliance.

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 surface treating appliance constructed in accordance with the invention in use; Figure 2 is a sectional rear view of part of the main body of the appliance of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view from behind of the appliance of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of one side of the appliance of Figures 1 and 3, with its door in an open position; Figure 5 is a perspective view of part of the appliance, with its door open and filter removed; and Figure 6 is a view facing the downstream surface of the filter of the appliance.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the specification.

With reference to Figure 1, a surface-treating appliance is shown in the form of a cyclonic vacuum cleaner 1. The vacuum cleaner 1 has a main body 2 housing a motor and fan unit 3. The main body 2 includes means for allowing it travel across a floor surface, which, in this embodiment, comprises a pair of wheels 4. Separating apparatus in the form of a cyclonic separator 5 is releasably attached to the main body 2. A flexible hose 6 is connectable to an inlet port 7 on the main body 2. The other end of the flexible hose 6 is connectable to a wand 8, the distal end of which is adapted to receive a floor tool 9. During use, the main body 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is pulled along the floor surface by the flexible hose 6 as a user moves around a room. When the user switches on the vacuum cleaner 1, the motor 3a (Figure 2) is energized and drives a fan 3b so as to draw in dirty air through the floor tool 9. The dirty air, carrying dirt and dust from the floor surface, is drawn through the hose 6 and wand 8 and into the cyclonic separator 5 via the inlet port 7.

The cyc ionic separator 5 includes an upstream cyclone 10 in a collecting chamber 11.

Air entering the cyclonic separator 5 is encouraged to follow a helical path around the interior of the upstream cyclone 10. Dirt and dust becomes separated from the swirling flow of air and is retained in the collecting chamber 11. A shroud 12 is located inwardly of the cylindrical side wall of the upstream cyclone 10. The shroud 12 comprises a cylindrical wall having a plurality of through-holes. The shroud 12 provides a communication path between the upstream cyclone 10 and a downstream cyclone assembly 13.

The downstream cyclone assembly 13 comprises a plurality of downstream cyclones arranged in parallel. Each of the downstream cyclones has a diameter smaller than that of the upstream cyclone 10. Therefore, the downstream cyclone assembly 13 is able to separate smaller particles of dirt and dust from the partially-cleaned airflow than the upstream cyclone 10. Separated dirt and dust exits the downstream cyclone assembly 13 and passes into the collecting chamber 11. The cleaned air then passes from the cyc Ionic separator 5 into the main body 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1.

Figure 2 shows the path of air as it flows through the main body 2. Air enters via an inlet 14 in fluid communication with the cyclonic separator 5 and then is drawn through the main body 2, around the sides of the motor and fan unit 3. The air then flows into the upstream surface 15 of a pre-motor filter 16, so-called because it is located upstream of the motor and fan unit. The pre-motor filter 16 serves to trap any fine dust or microscopic particles which have not been separated by the two cyclonic separation stages 10, 13. Air then exits through a downstream surface 17 of the pre-motor filter 15. The downstream surface 17 is in fluid communication with the fan and motor unit 3 via an aperture 18 formed at the centre of the pre-motor filter 15, which is annular in shape. The aperture 18 forms part of the fluid flow path.

The fluid flow path 19 between the downstream surface 17 of the pre-motor filter 16 and the aperture 18 includes an inner surface 20 of part of the outer casing of the vacuum cleaner 1. In this embodiment, the part of the outer casing comprises a door 21, on which is rotatably mounted one of the wheels 4.

The motor and fan unit 3 accommodates a fan impeller 3b which is driven by the motor 3a to generate the suction airflow. The outlet of the fan and motor unit 3 communicates with a post-motor filter (not visible in these drawings). The post-motor filter serves to trap any remaining particles in the airflow, as well as carbon particles from the motor.

Air then exits the post-motor filter and is exhausted from the vacuum cleaner 1 through an exhaust 22.

After a period of use, the pre-motor filter 16 will start to become clogged with dust and will need to be washed or replaced so as not to detrimentally affect the performance of the vacuum cleaner 1. In this embodiment, the pre-motor filter 16 is accessible by a user opening the door 21. The door 21 is held against the main body 2 by a catch 23, which is easily releasable by a user. Figure 3 shows the door 21 in a closed position.

The catch 23 is actuable by means of a button 24, which is made to be conspicuous to the user by, for example, manufacturing it a different colour from that of the main body 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1.

The door 21 is attached to the main body 2 by means of a hinge 25, so that the door may be pivotably moved between closed and open positions. Figure 4 shows the door 21 in an open position. As the door 21 is opened, the pre-motor filter 16 is immediately conspicuous to the user. The upstream surface 15 of the pre-motor filter 16 faces towards the user, so that the user can see the condition of the upstream surface -this is the surface of the pre-motor filter that will appear dirtier. Thus, the user can monitor the condition of the filter without removing it from the main body 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1, and without removing it from its location on the door 21.

With reference to Figures 4 to 6, the pre-motor filter 16 is held against the periphery of the door 21. A flexible rim 26 extends around the circumference of the pre-motor filter 16. The portion of the flexible rim 26 that extends around the edge of the downstream surface 17 of the filter is provided with a slot 27. The slot 27 engages resiliently with a lip 28 on the inner surface 20 of the door 21. The dirty pre-motor filter 16 can be peeled away from the lip 28 of the door 27 and then can be washed, dried and then returned to its position on the door, or else substituted by a new filter.

The flexible rim 26 is resilient and malleable. The aperture 18 at the centre of the pre-motor filter 16 also has a rim 29 that is flexible and is preferably formed from the same resilient material as the outer flexible rim 26. The pre-motor filter 16 itself comprises layers of deformable material, such as foam or fabric. This means the entire filter assembly is capable of being bent and squashed. Therefore, a user can squeeze and manipulate the filter assembly during the washing procedure, wringing it out and forcing water through the filter assembly to flush out dirt and dust trapped in the filter portions.

When the pre-motor filter 16 is subsequently dried, or if it is replaced by a new filter, the user simply presses the filter back onto the door 21 so that the slot 27 on the downstream surface of the filter re-engages with the lip 28 on the door. This configuration of the pre-motor filter 16 ensures that the user does not accidentally replace the filter the wrong way round. This is particularly important in the case of the pre-motor filter 16 being made of layers of filter materials having different properties.

The engagement of the rim 26 with the door 21 also provides an airtight seal so that fluid does not leak into other parts of the vacuum cleaner. The user then rotates the door 21 on its hinge 25 to its closed position. When the door 21 is fully closed, the catch 23 re-engages automatically so as to hold the door in the closed position. The user can then employ the vacuum cleaner as before.

The invention has been described with reference to a pre-motor filter. However, the invention is equally applicable to a post-motor filter located downstream of the motor and fan unit. The invention could be applied to both a pre-motor filter and a post-motor filter, accessible by separate doors or by a common door. It is important that the user pays more attention to the condition of the pre-motor filter than the post-motor filter, and so the filters may be arranged so that the user is unable to view the post-motor filter until the door obscuring the pre-motor filter has been opened.

The filter need not be held against the door by means of a flexible rim, although this is a convenient configuration. A separate catch mechanism may be provided to attach releasably the filter to the door. The door need not form part of a wheel for the appliance; it could be located elsewhere on the main body.

S

The appliance need not be a cylinder vacuum cleaner 1. The invention is applicable to other types of vacuum cleaner, for example, cylinder machines, stick-vacuums or hand-held cleaners. Further, the present invention is applicable to other types of cleaning appliances, for example, a wet and dry machine or a carpet shampooer, and surface-treating appliances in general -such as polishing/waxing machines, pressure washing machines, ground marking machines and lawn mowers.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A surface-treating appliance comprising a main body, a door hingedly attached to the main body and a filter, wherein the filter is removably attached to an inner surface of the door.
2. An appliance as claimed in claim 1, in which the door comprises part of the outer casing of the appliance.
3. An appliance as claimed in claim I or claim 2, in which the door comprises part of a wheel arranged to allow the appliance to travel across a floor surface.
4. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the filter has an upstream surface and a downstream surface, and the filter is attached to the door such that the upstream surface faces away from the door.
5. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the filter fits completely within the area of the door.
6. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the filter is removably attached to an edge portion of the door.
7. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an edge of the filter comprises a flexible rim.
8. An appliance as claimed in claim 7, in which the flexible rim is arranged to engage with a lip on the door.
9. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the region between the filter and the door comprises, in use, a fluid flow path.
10. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the filter has an aperture that comprises, in use, a fluid flow path.
11. An appliance as claimed in claim 10, in which the aperture is delimited by a flexible rim.
12. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a user-operable catch for the door.
13. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the filter is washable.
14. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a motor and fan unit arranged, in use, to create a flow of fluid through the appliance, in which the filter is arranged upstream of the motor and fan unit.
15. An appliance as claimed in claim 14, in which the inner surface of the door further comprises a passive silencing arrangement arranged to face the fan.
16. A surface-treating appliance as claimed in any preceding claim, in the form of a vacuum cleaner.
17. A surface-treating appliance, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, or as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.