KR20140009340A - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner without a dust bag. The vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a dust outlet 29 for separating dust from the inflow air flow, and a dust separator for accommodating dust via the dust outlet from the dust separator. And a dust collecting container 7 disposed therein. The dust separation device comprises a first part 5a and a second part 5b, which can be releasably connected to each other, and the first part 5a of the dust separation device for compressing the dust contained in the dust collection container. The second part 5b of the dust separation device is arranged to be movable in the dust collection container 7 after it has been released from it.

Description

Vacuum cleaner {VACUUM CLEANER}

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, to a bagless vacuum cleaner. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in vacuum bagless vacuum cleaners that include one or more dust separation steps where dust separation takes place in one or more cyclone separation units, but is not intended for use only with vacuum bagless vacuum cleaners.

In general, a vacuum cleaner includes a dust collecting device and a main body having a suction nozzle for sucking air and dust while moving along a surface, a motor and a fan for generating air suction force through the suction nozzle.

Especially in vacuum cleaners without a dust bag, gravity is used to sink dust and other debris into the dust collector. The space in the dust collector is rather narrow and easily filled with loosely compressed dust. Therefore, the dust collector must be emptied frequently, which may cause inconvenience to the user. However, if the dust container is not emptied often enough, the accumulation of dust in the dust collector will disturb the air flow and reduce the dust separation efficiency.

A cyclone type vacuum cleaner is disclosed in WO2009 / 011478A1. The dust collector is detachably attached to the body of the vacuum cleaner and includes a dust storage chamber for receiving dust separated by the first cyclone unit and the first cyclone. The rotating dust compaction apparatus is arranged in the dust storage chamber to compress the dust between the first and second pressing members. A drive located at the bottom of the dust storage chamber rotates at least one of the pressing members for compressing the dust in the dust storage chamber.

A disadvantage of the system described in International Publication No. WO2009 / 011478A1 is that it requires an additional drive for compressing the dust in the dust storage container in addition to the drive or motor for generating the air suction force. The system also includes a number of components, which makes the system expensive and susceptible to failure of one of the components. Moreover, if the dust storage chamber is to be emptied, the user has to take several steps since both the first cyclone and the top cover must be removed before the dust can be removed through the top.

US Patent Publication No. US2006 / 0123749A1 discloses a dust collector of a vacuum cleaner without a dust bag. The dust collector is divided into a dust separation compartment with a separation filter and a dust storage compartment for accommodating the separated dust. The two compartments are separated by an opening plate, through which the dust or foreign matter can fall into the dust storage compartment. In order to compress the dust in the storage compartment, the dust collector must be removed from the vacuum cleaner, in which a handle is used to move the plate downward in the dust collector to compress the dust. The disadvantage with the described device is that the dust cannot be compressed during the operation of the vacuum cleaner.

As can be seen from above, there is a need for improvement in the field of vacuum bags without dust bags for dust separation and dust collection devices.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages.

Another object is to provide an effective and reliable solution to dust separation, dust collection and dust compression in vacuum bags without dust bags.

Another object is to provide an improved solution which is quick, easy and convenient for the user to empty the dust in a vacuum cleaner without a dust bag.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dust outlet for separating dust from an incoming air stream, and a dust collecting container disposed in the dust separator for receiving dust via the dust outlet from the dust separator. At least one of these objects is achieved by a vacuum cleaner comprising. The dust separation device includes a first part and a second part that can be detachably connected to each other, wherein the second part of the dust separation device is separated from the first part of the dust separation device to compress the dust contained in the dust collection container. After being separated it is arranged to run in the dust collection container.

Since the first and second parts of the dust separation apparatus can be detachably connected to each other, all of the effective configurations for dust separation, dust collection and dust compression can be achieved in a vacuum cleaner without space saving and dust bag. When the first and second parts of the dust separation device are separated from each other, the first and second parts of the separation device are separated at the point where the dust separation device is relatively clean, i.e. the separation point may accumulate or accumulate minimal dust. The place to be chosen. Thus, the risk of the presence of dust to interfere with either the dust compression in the dust collection container or the seal between the dust collection container and the dust separator is minimized.

In one embodiment, the second part of the dust separator is attached to a cover plate that provides a top cover to the dust collection container.

In another embodiment, the second part of the dust separation device at least partially constitutes a cover plate.

The cover plate also has an outline provided with a sealing member for sealing against the inner wall of the dust collecting container. A rim is provided on the inner wall of the dust collection container that cooperates with the sealing member during operation of the vacuum cleaner.

In one embodiment, the sealing member includes a first sealing portion that abuts against an edge providing a vacuum seal for the vacuum created in the dust collection container during operation of the vacuum cleaner. The sealing member also includes a second sealing portion that rubs the inner wall of the dust collecting container when the cover plate with the second part of the dust separating device moves away from the rim in the dust collecting container.

Rubbing of the inner wall of the dust collection container provides efficient dust removal from the container wall. Thus all of the dust collected in the dust collection container together with the dust rubbed from the wall is easily compressed.

In one embodiment, the actuator is arranged to operate the second part of the dust separation apparatus so that the actuator is disposed in the dust collection container and moved within the dust collection container to compress the dust received in the dust collection container. In addition, the actuator is arranged to move between the locked position and the operating position by turning about the pivot axis. The actuator includes a handle including a handle bar and at least one arm slidably disposed on the longitudinal side of the dust collection container. The actuator includes a locking arrangement for locking the dust collection container and the dust separator to the vacuum cleaner in the locked position.

The handle bag of the actuator is designed to be operated by the user of the vacuum cleaner. Compression of dust in the dust collection container and unlocking of the actuator may be performed during operation of the vacuum cleaner. This is an advantage because the dust compression operation is easy and quick. After the dust is compressed in the dust collection container, the actuator returns to the locked position and the user can continue with the cleaning business.

In one embodiment, the dust collection container together with the second part of the dust separation apparatus is removable from the vacuum cleaner. Preferably, the compression of the dust can also take place when the dust collection container with the second part of the dust separation apparatus is removed from the vacuum cleaner. This may be useful if the holding of the dust collecting container and the compression of the dust together with the second part of the dust separation device are arranged to be performed with only one hand. In this way, the dust collection container can be conveniently emptied into a dust bin or the like without causing any spillage or swirling of dust to the surroundings. This compression movement (whether or not compression was performed prior to the emptying procedure) also facilitates the emptying of the dust collection container.

The dust collection container includes an openable bottom plate arranged to be hingedly connected to the dust collection container. The bottom plate includes an opening and closing device attached to an outer wall of the dust collection container spaced from the bottom plate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dust collection container. The opening and closing device also includes at least one arm hingedly connected to the bottom plate and slidably disposed on the outer wall of the dust collection container such that controlled opening of the bottom plate is obtained.

An actuator can be used to move the second part of the dust separator within the dust collection container so that the dust can be pushed out through a hole provided in the open bottom plate. At the same time, the opening and closing of the bottom plate is controlled by the opening and closing device. Thus, the user can smoothly empty the dust collecting container. The user does not have to touch the bottom plate or the dust himself during the procedure of emptying the dust collection container and reclosing the dust collection container again. Thus, it is possible to control how quickly the dust leaves the container by controlling the speed of the actuator pushing the dust and controlling the opening angle to the bottom plate. Furthermore, the described feature of the vacuum cleaner prevents or at least minimizes the flying up of the dust and / or the spilling of the dust.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the appended claims and the following description. Those skilled in the art recognize that other features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described below, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Various aspects of the invention, including the special features and advantages of the invention, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
1A is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 1b is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
2A is a side view of the dust separator and the dust collecting container according to one embodiment,
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a perspective view of the dust separator and the dust collection container of FIG. 2A, and FIG.
3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the dust separator and the dust collection container when the second component of the dust separator is released from the first component of the dust separator;
4 is a perspective view of a second part of the dust collecting container and the dust separating apparatus according to the embodiment when the dust collecting container is removed from the vacuum cleaner;
5 is a perspective view of a dust collecting container and a second part of a dust separating apparatus according to an embodiment when removed from a vacuum cleaner to discharge dust;
6A illustrates a dust separator and a dust collection container according to another embodiment,
6b-6c are cross-sectional views of the dust collection container according to FIG. 6a removed from the vacuum cleaner.

The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. However, the invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, the disclosed features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined. In the description below, like reference numerals have been used to indicate corresponding similar elements, parts, items, or features.

1A and 1B, a vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment is shown. The vacuum cleaner comprises a main body 3, a dust separation device 5 and a dust collection container 7. A suction motor (not shown) is disposed in the body to generate suction force at the air inlet 9. The hose system and nozzle can be connected to the air inlet 9 for cleaning. Basically, any known hose system and nozzle is possible.

The first air passage 11 from the air inlet 9 directs the incoming air to the dust separator 5. In the dust separation apparatus 5, separation of dust from inlet air takes place. At this time, after the dust is removed from the inlet air, the second air passage 13 guides the inlet air out of the dust separator 5. After the inlet air passes through the second air passage 13, the inlet air exits the vacuum cleaner through the body via the suction motor, at least one filter, and exits into the ambient air.

The description and performance of the present invention is that the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises one or several dust separation steps, each step comprises one or several separation devices, and one or more dusts. It does not matter whether you use a collection container. Thus, the invention may be practiced in any type of combination of the above.

According to FIG. 1A, the vacuum cleaner 1 further includes a grip 17 so that the vacuum cleaner can be lifted and / or carried by the user. The gripping portion 17 is disposed on the elongate member 18 of the dust collecting container 7. Alternatively, the gripping portion can be formed as a separate member attached to the dust collection container. The grip 17 can also be used to remove the dust collection container 7 from the vacuum cleaner to empty the dust collection container. An actuator 19 is provided on the outer side of the dust collection container. The dust separation device 5 and the dust collection container 7 are locked to the main body of the vacuum cleaner 1 by the actuator 19 during use. The actuator 19 will be described in further detail below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the grip 17 is located below the dust collection container and above the air inlet 9 and above the first air passage 11. The grip 17 extends onto both sides of the dust collection container and is attached to the sides of the vacuum cleaner body 3. The tube of the first air passage 11 was removed to observe the connection of the grip 17 to the body 3. However, the first air passage 11 is arranged similar to the arrangement of FIG. 1A in the embodiment of the present invention. The actuator 19 is attached on the dust collection container 7 as described below.

In FIG. 2A the dust separation device 5 is shown which is coupled to the dust collection container 7 in the locked position. When a locking groove 21 on the actuator is coupled to a corresponding locking member (not shown) on the body of the vacuum cleaner, the actuator 19 is locked to the body of the vacuum cleaner. In this state, the vacuum cleaner is activated and dust is separated from the air flowing through the first air passage. The actuator 19 has a handle form, with two side arms 19a and 19b and a handle bag 20. The side arms 19a, 19b are arranged on the elongate member 18 of the dust collection container at two points disposed opposite each other. The two side arms each have a longitudinal opening 23. The longitudinal openings are each connected to a projection or pin member 25 on the extension member of the dust collection container. The actuator is further disposed in the extension member of the dust collection container via two substantially parallel slots 27 disposed at each of two points on the extension member of the dust collection container. The provision of the longitudinal opening 23 in each side arm 19a, 19b of the actuator, with the connection of each arm to the elongate member via two substantially parallel slots 27, allows the actuator from the locked position. Makes it possible to move to the operating position. From the operating position the actuator is movable to compress the dust in the dust collection container. Compression order or performance is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In addition to the locked position and the actuated position, the actuator can also be designed to be placed in an additional third position (not shown in the figure). The third position can be located next to the locking position (small angular distance around the same pivot) and can serve to remove the second part of the dust separation device and the dust collection container. Thus, in the first position the dust container structure is locked (normal use), in the third position the dust container structure is unlocked (and can be removed from the vacuum cleaner body if desired by the user) and the second In position, the compression of the dust inside the dust collection container and / or the emptying of the container is possible (emptying is only possible if the dust container structure is removed from the vacuum cleaner body, while the compression can be done irrespective of this).

Referring to FIG. 2B, the dust separation device 5 includes a first part 5a and a second part 5b. In FIG. 2B the air flow in the first part 5a and the second part 5b of the dust separation apparatus 5 is illustrated by a block arrow. Via the first air passage 11, the incoming air stream enters the first part 5a of the dust separation device 5. The first part 5a and the second part 5b of the dust separation device 5 constitute a cyclone unit. Incoming air flow in the cyclone unit flows along the inner surfaces of the first and second parts of the dust separator. Due to the cyclone effect, the major part of the dust and other foreign matter present in the air stream is separated and transferred through the dust outlet 29 into the dust collection container 7. The dust outlet 29 is provided on the side wall of the second part 5b of the dust separation device 5. The bottom of the second part 5b of the dust separation device 5 is provided with a cone shape. At the bottom of the second part 5b of the dust separation device the air flow rotates and flows back toward the first part 5a of the dust separation device 5 and into the second air passage 13. This is shown by the arrow in the direction away from the bottom of the cone shape in the middle of the cyclone unit.

The first and second parts 5a, 5b of the dust separation device 5 are releasably connected to each other and the sealing connection 31 between the first and second parts 5a, 5b of the dust separation device 5 Are sealed against each other in the locked position. The second part 5b of the dust separator is attached to the cover plate 33. The cover plate 33 acts as a cover in the dust collection container 7. A dust outlet 29, which provides communication between the second part 5b of the dust separation device and the dust collection container 7, extends through the cover plate 33. In the operating position, the sealed connection 31 is separated and the second part 5b and the cover plate 33 of the dust separation device 5 can move together in the dust collection container 7 so that the dust collection container 7 Compresses the dust in the dust collection container against the bottom plate 32 of the. The arrow with the gray dotted line shows the dust and other foreign matter separated from the air discharged into the dust collection container 7 through the dust outlet 29.

In FIG. 3A the actuator 19 is unlocked from the body of the vacuum cleaner. By unlocking the actuator 19 from the main body, the second part 5b of the dust separation device is also released from the first part 5a of the dust separation device. By moving the actuator 19 away from the main body 3 about the pin member 25 or the pivot axis around the protrusion, the actuator 19 reaches the operating position shown in FIG. 3B. As the second part 5b of the dust separation device is released from the first part 5a of the dust separation device, it is now possible to move the second part 5b into the dust collection container 7. The second part 5b and the cover plate 33 collect dust when the connecting member 35 connects the second part 5b and the actuator 19 so that the actuator 19 is moved downward with respect to the dust collecting container. It moves downward in the container 7 (see FIG. 4B).

This process can be performed while the dust collection container is still on the vacuum cleaner and also with the vacuum cleaner switched on. The air flow generated by the motor then results in the inflow of air into the first part 5a mainly at the point of separation from the second part 5b. Thereby, any dust that can swirl upwards in the dust collection container 7 will be sucked into the first part 5a instead of around.

The cover plate 33 forms a cover for the dust collection container. The second part 5b of the dust separation device is connected to the cover plate 33. The lid plate 33 has an outline on which the sealing member 37 is provided. The sealing member 37 abuts against the inner wall of the dust collecting container 7 to seal it. The sealing member 37 includes a first sealing portion 37a and a second sealing portion 37b. When the second part 5b of the dust separation device is connected to the first part 5a of the dust separation device in the locked position, the first sealing portion 37a has an edge disposed around the inner wall of the dust collection container 7. Provide a vacuum seal for 39). As soon as the second part 5b of the dust separation device is released from the first part 5a of the dust separation device, the first sealing portion 37a is also released from the seal to the edge 39. When the cover plate 33 is moved in the dust collection container 7, the second sealing part 37b rubs the inner wall of the dust collection container 7. The second sealing part 37b is always in contact with the inner wall of the dust collecting container 7. Provision of the second sealing portion 37b prevents dust from interfering with the first sealing portion 37a.

4 and 5 show the dust collection container 7 when the dust collection container has been removed from the vacuum cleaner. The collection container 7 is first removed from the vacuum cleaner together with the second part 5b and the actuator 19 of the dust separation device. In order to empty the dust collected in the dust collection container 7, the bottom plate 32 must be opened to discharge the dust to the outside. The bottom plate 32 is connected to the dust collecting container via at least one hinge 41. The bottom plate 32 is opened by operating the opening and closing devices 43 and 45 located on the outside of the dust collecting container 7. The opening and closing devices 43, 45 comprise a handle 43 and a connecting bag 45 (see FIG. 4). The connecting bag 45 connects the bottom plate 32 and the handle 43. The connecting bag 45 is hingedly connected to the bottom plate 32. The handle 43 is connected to the connecting bag and the handle is slidably disposed along the flange 47 on the outside of the dust collecting container.

In FIG. 5 a dust collecting container with a bottom plate 32 in the open position is shown. The actuator 19 was pressed downward to remove all the dust through the open bottom of the dust collecting container with the cover plate 33 and the second part 5b of the dust separating apparatus. As already shown above, it is not necessary to compress the dust before opening the bottom plate 32 for the removal of the dust. The function of the cover plate 33 and the second sealing portion 37b further ensures that a complete emptying occurs. The actuator 19 and the elongate member 18 (FIG. 4) preferably allow the user to hold the dust collection container with one hand while pointing the actuator toward the bottom opening with the same hand while controlling the opening of the bottom plate 32 with the other hand. Configured to allow pressurization. This gives the user complete control over the emptying process of applying any suitable compression / empty pressure on the actuator 19 and at the same time control of the opening / closing degree of the bottom plate 32. In this way, controlled opening and closing of the bottom plate 32 can be made and utilized.

By moving back the handle 43 of the opening and closing devices 43 and 45 back along the flange 47, the bottom plate 32 is closed and the dust collection container is ready to be reinstalled in the vacuum cleaner.

6A-6C show another embodiment of a dust separation apparatus 7, a dust collection container and an actuator suitable for being placed in a vacuum cleaner of the type described in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Also in this embodiment, the second part 5b of the dust separation apparatus 5 constitutes at least partly the cover plate. The dust outlet 29 is provided at the bottom of the second part 5b of the dust separating apparatus 5. The actuator 19 is disposed on the inner wall of the dust collecting container. In Figure 6a the actuator is locked to the body of the vacuum cleaner. The actuator can be unlocked and the second part of the dust separation device is released from the first part of the dust separation device according to the same principle as for the embodiment according to FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIG. 6B the actuator is located in the operating position. The actuator includes at least one side arm connected to the first part of the dust separator and disposed within the inner wall of the dust collection container. By pressing down on the handle bag 20 on the actuator 19, the second part 5b of the dust separation device moves into the dust collection container 7 to compress the dust in the dust collection container (see FIG. 6C). . The cover plate 33, which consists in part from the bottom of the second part of the dust separation apparatus in this embodiment, has an outline provided with a sealing member for sealing against the inner wall of the dust collecting container. In this embodiment the first and second sealing portions operate in the same manner as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The dust collecting container along with the second part of the dust separating apparatus is removed from the vacuum cleaner by lifting from the handle bag of the actuator. To facilitate the emptying of dust from the dust collection container, the side handle 49 is provided on the outer wall of the dust collection container.

Exemplary operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. During operation of the vacuum cleaner the suction motor is operated to generate suction force. By the suction force generated, air and dust are sucked into the body 3 through suction nozzles (not shown) and through the air inlet 9. The air inlet 9 is connected to the dust separation device 5 via the first air passage 11. In the dust separation device, the separation of dust from the incoming air stream takes place. The first air passage 11 guides air and dust into the dust separating apparatus 5 and the dust separated from the dust separating apparatus falls into the dust collecting container 7. The air continues into the second air passage 13, which directs the air to ambient air via at least one filter outside the suction motor and the vacuum cleaner. In another embodiment, the second air passage 13 leads into a further dust separation step. In this further dust separation step, at least the second cyclone unit performs an additional dust separation step before air enters the suction motor and at least one filter on the way out of the vacuum cleaner.

At some point, the dust collected in the dust collection container may be close to the dust outlet 29. If the collected dust is very close to the dust outlet, the separation efficiency of the dust separation device in the vacuum cleaner is reduced. By compressing the dust in the dust collecting container 7, the density of collected dust is increased and free space is provided in the dust collecting container. During operation of the vacuum cleaner, the actuator 19 can be unlocked from the main body and the second part 5b of the dust separating apparatus moves into the dust collecting container 7 to compress the dust contained in the dust collecting container. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner may be stopped and the dust collection container may be removed from the vacuum cleaner to perform dust compaction and then to empty the dust collection container.

Claims (15)

As the vacuum cleaner 1,
A dust separation device 5, provided with a dust outlet 29, for separating dust from the incoming air stream, and
In the vacuum cleaner (1), comprising a dust collecting container (7) disposed in the dust separating device for receiving dust from the dust separating device via a dust outlet.
The dust separator includes a first component 5a and a second component 5b, which are releasably connected to each other, and the second component 5b of the dust separator is configured to compress dust contained in the dust collection container. Characterized in that it is arranged to be movable in the dust collecting container (7) after being released from the first part of the dust separating device. The method of claim 1,
The second part (5b) of the dust separator is attached to a cover plate (33) which provides a top cover in the dust collection container (7). 3. The method of claim 2,
The second component (5b) of the dust separation device at least partially constitutes the cover plate (33). The method according to claim 2 or 3,
The cover plate (33) has an outline provided with a sealing member (37) for sealing against the inner wall of the dust collecting container (7). 5. The method of claim 4,
A rim (39) provided on the inner wall of the dust collecting container (7) cooperates with the sealing member (37) during operation of the vacuum cleaner. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
The sealing member 37 comprises a first sealing portion 37a which abuts against the rim 39 providing a vacuum seal for the vacuum created in the dust collection container 7 during operation of the vacuum cleaner. , Vacuum cleaner. 7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The sealing member 37 together with the second part 5b of the dust separating apparatus moves the cover plate 33 in a direction away from the edge 39 in the dust collecting container 7. And a second sealing portion (37b) that rubs the inner wall of (7). 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An actuator 19 is disposed in the dust collection container 7, and moves the second part 5b of the dust separation device in the dust collection container 7 to compress the dust contained in the dust collection container. And a vacuum cleaner arranged to operate. 9. The method of claim 8,
The actuator (19) is arranged to be movable between a locked position and an operating position by pivoting about a pivot axis. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
The actuator 19 includes a handle comprising a handle including a handle bag 20 and at least one arm 19a, 19b slidably disposed relative to the longitudinal side of the dust collection container 7. . 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10,
The actuator (19) comprises a locking device (21) for locking the dust collection container (7) and the dust separation device (5) in the locked position. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A vacuum cleaner, wherein the dust collecting container (7) together with the second component (5b) of the dust separation device are removable from the vacuum cleaner. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The dust collecting container 7 is hinged to the dust collecting container 41. A vacuum cleaner comprising an openable bottom plate (32) arranged to be connected. The method of claim 13,
The bottom plate 32 is opened and closed 43 attached to the outer wall of the dust collection container 7, spaced from the bottom plate 32 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dust collection container. 45, 47). 15. The method of claim 14,
The opening and closing devices 43, 45, 47 are hingedly connected to the handle 43 and the bottom plate 32 and are slidably arranged on the outer wall of the dust collection container 7. A vacuum cleaner in which controlled opening of the bottom plate is achieved.

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