NL2018105B1 - Adapter for a filter housing of a vacuum cleaner, filter housing and vacuum cleaner provided with such an adapter, and a method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Adapter for a filter housing that is used for a vacuum cleaner with which dust and dirt particles can be vacuumed, and a filter housing and vacuum cleaner comprising such adapter, and method for vacuum cleaning. The adapter according to the invention 5 comprises: - a first connecting part provided at a first end of the adapter having an outer diameter and configured to be connected to a first connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner tube that have a first inner diameter; - a second connecting part provided at a second end of the adapter having an inner 10 diameter and configured to be connected to a second connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner tube that have a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first inner diameter; and - a transition part between the first and second connecting parts of the adapter.

Description

Patent center

2018105

(2?) Application number: 2018105 (22) Application submitted: 30 December 2016

Int. CL:

A47L 9/10 (2019.01) A47L 9/24 (2019.01) A47L 9/14 (2019.01) B01D 46/02 (2019.01)

0 Priority: 0 Patent holder (s): October 7, 2016 EN 2017589 Ihab Kanaan in Groningen. 0 Application registered: 0 Inventor (s): April 13, 2018 Ihab Kanaan in Groningen. 0 Request published: April 17, 2018 0 Authorized representative: ir. P.J. Hylarides et al. In The Hague. 0 Patent granted: January 14, 2019 0 Patent issued: May 8, 2019

@ ADAPTER FOR A FILTER HOUSING OR A VACUUM CLEANER, FILTER HOUSING AND VACUUM CLEANER PROVIDED WITH SUCH AN ADAPTER, AND A METHOD THEREFOR

57) Adapter for a filter housing that is used for a vacuum cleaner with which dust and dirt particles can be vacuumed, and a filter housing and vacuum cleaner including such an adapter, and method for vacuum cleaning. The adapter according to the invention comprises:

- a first connecting part provided at a first end of the adapter having an outer diameter and configured to be connected to a first connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner tube that have a first inner diameter;

- a second connecting part provided at a second end of the adapter having an inner diameter and configured to be connected to a second connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner tube that have a second outer diameter that is narrower than the first inner diameter; and

- a transition part between the first and second connecting parts of the adapter.

NL B1 2018105

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent differs from the documents originally submitted. All submitted documents can be viewed at the Netherlands Patent Office.

ADAPTER FOR A FILTER HOUSING OR A VACUUM CUEANER, FILTER HOUSING AND VACUUM CUEANER PROVIDED WITH SUCH AN ADAPTER, AND A METHOD THEREFOR

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

Vacuum cleaners are known in practice and include 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 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 with dust and dirt particles 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 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 to enter the space. The effect of the vacuum cleaning is partially lost.

An alternative vacuum cleaner is disclosed in WO 2009/093896. This vacuum cleaner comprises a filter housing that is provided with a reservoir and coupling parts such that the filter housing can be connected to the hose or tube of the vacuum cleaner. This filter housing obviates the need for providing separate vacuum cleaner bags. However, different vacuum cleaners require different filter housings.

The present invention has for its object to provide a device for collecting vacuumed dust and dirt particles, these particles can be discharged in an efficient manner by a user, and a filter housing can be applied to a range of different types or vacuum cleaners.

This object is achie ved with the adapter for a filter housing or a vacuum cleaner according to the invention, where the adapter comprises:

a first connecting part provided at a first end of the adapter having an outer diameter and configured to be connected to a first connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner tube that have a first inner diameter;

a second connecting part provided at a second end of the adapter having an inner diameter and configured to be connected to a second connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner tube that have a second outer diameter that is narrower than the first inner diameter; and a transition part between the first and second connecting parts of the adapter.

In relation to the present invention the tube of the vacuum cleaner may relate to hoses, conduits, pipes etc. that tire is configured for guiding an airflow for the cleaning process with the vacuum cleaner.

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 or the vacuum cleaner is provided.

According to the invention the adapter has a first and a second connecting part that are configured to fit different sizes or tubes or a vacuum cleaner. More specifically, in a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the two connecting parts are sized such that the outer ends are capable or connecting to different sizes of the tubes or vacuum cleaners. Vacuum cleaners that are known in practice mostly have tubes or one of the two most common diameters. The first and second connecting parts of the adapter have diameters that are configured to be connected to the tubes or one of these common diameters, respectively. In other words, one connecting part is capable or connecting to a tube with a first size and the other connecting part is capable or connecting to another tube with a second size. This adapter is provided as a separate element and allows the filter housing to connect to several vacuum cleaners having different diameters or their tubes. This provides a filter housing that is generically applicable. In this presently preferred embodiment, the first and second connections of the filter housing are preferably provided with different diameters that correspond to the different sizes of the tube types of the common vacuum cleaners.

In the preferred embodiment, depending on the specific type of vacuum cleaner and the corresponding size of the tubes, the adapter can be connected to the relevant side of the filter housing. Therefore, one adapter suffices for connecting the filter housing to different vacuum cleaners. In a presently preferred embodiment, the adapter is provided with a first end and a second end with slightly different diameters. This improves the ease of connecting the adapter to the filter and / or vacuum cleaner tube. In one of the presently preferred embodiment of the adapter the slightly different diameters provide the adapter with a (slightly) conical shape. It will be understood that other configurations for the adapter can be envisaged in accordance with the present invention.

Therefore, the adapter provides the filter housing with more flexibility in view of the different types of vacuum cleaners. In use, one of the connecting parts of the adapter is connected to one of the connections of the filter housing and the other connecting part is capable of connecting to one of the connections of the vacuum cleaner tube.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the adapter further comprises a first locking element configured to lock the adapter to the vacuum cleaner tube or a first type.

Providing a locking element enabling coupling the adapter to the tube. This prevents the adapter and / or filter housing provided therewith to undesirably uncoupling from the tube.

Preferably, the adapter further comprises a second locking element configured to lock the adapter to the vacuum cleaner tube or a second type. This provides an effective locking mechanism capable of coupling to tubes with different sizes. This improves the generic applicability of the filter housing with the adapter.

Preferably, the locking element comprises an opening in the adapter. Such a locking element provides a simple and safe locking between the adapter and a tube or the vacuum cleaner.

The invention further relates to a filter housing for a vacuum cleaner, the filter housing including:

an adapter according to one of the foregoing possibilities; a reservoir for collecting vacuumed dust and dirt particles;

a first connection including a first coupling part which can be connected to the reservoir on the suction side for the purpose of coupling the reservoir to a hose or connecting piece provided with a suction nozzle;

a second connection including a second coupling part which can be connected to the reservoir on the blowing side 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, in use, one of the connecting parts of the adapter is connected to one of the connections or the filter housing and the other connecting part is capable of connecting to one of the connections of the vacuum cleaner tube.

Such a filter housing for a vacuum cleaner provides the same effects and advantages as stated for the adapter.

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 are 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 a simple manner with a known vacuum cleaner as used in most homes. A user can in relatively inexpensive manner declare having to repeatedly purchase vacuum cleaner bags but still continue to use the already available, known vacuum cleaner. In addition, tearing or a vacuum cleaner bag is avoided due to the use of the filter housing. Additional 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 or air with dust and dirt particles from the suction side into the reservoir. Drawing in 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.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the first closing means include 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 or sufficient air displacement.

Providing the closing means as a non-return valve efficiently preventing 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 avoiding the possibility of these particles once again being dispersed in the space. The non-return valve can be manufactured from rubber, plastic and metal for instance. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention the valve is made from a flexible material. This reduces the required number of parts such that a cost effective and reliable non-retum valve is provided. A further effect that has been achieved with such a valve is the additional suspension effect. Also, such a valve can be used in an integral and separate embodiment.

The first closing means on the suction side of the reservoir are preferably combined with the second closing means on the blowing side of the reservoir for selective passage of the air, the dust and dirt particles remain at least to a large extent in the reservoir. Providing second closing means also actively preventing such particles being able to enter the space again on the blowing side of the reservoir after uncoupling the filter housing from the other components of the vacuum cleaner. As additional advantage, the use of the closing means preventing odors being released into the space. Preferably, the second closing means comprises a filter. In a presently preferred embodiment of the 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 an 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 or a gauze filter is that it is available at minimal cost. In addition, it is possible to envisage modifying the mesh in the filter break to a possible specific use or 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 can prevent the possibility of dust and dirt particles exiting on the blowing side of the filter housing after uncoupling and being dispersed again in the space.

In an advantageous preferred embodiment according to the present invention the filter housing is substantially made from a transparent material.

Providing the filter housing substantially from a transparent material allowing a user to have a direct view of the quantity of already vacuumed dust and dirt particles. A user can easily assess whether it is necessary to empty the reservoir. The effect hereof is greatly enhanced for the user by providing the filter housing for a height, for instance halfway along the hose between the vacuum cleaner housing and the suction nozzle. During vacuuming a user can 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 and adapter as described earlier. The invention likewise further relates to a method for vacuuming dust and dirt particles, including the steps of:

- providing a vacuum cleaner with a filter housing and adapter in one of the previously described expires;

- connecting the filter housing and the vacuum cleaner with the adapter;

- vacuuming dust and dirt particles; and

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

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

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of the preferred alternative, where 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 or 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 handle 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 illustrated embodiment one of couplings 14, 18 comprises adapter 102. In one embodiment coupling 14 is provided with adapter 102a and in an alternative embodiment coupling 18 is provided with adapter 102b. 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 or 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.

Adapter 102 (figure 2) has first connecting part 104 and second connecting part 106. First part 104 has outer diameter D ₍ and second part 106 has inner diameter D ₂ with transition part 108 connecting both parts 104, 106 In the illustrated first connection of coupling 14 has first inner diameter D ₃ and second connection of coupling 18 has second outer diameter D ₄ that is narrower than inner diameter D _3. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment D; fits in D ₃ and D ₂ fits over D ₄ . This provides adapter 102 that is applicable to vacuum cleaners 2 having different sizes for tubes / hoses 12, 20.

Preferably, housing 24 is made of a transparent material. In an alternative embodiment, provided in the casing or housing 24 or filter housing 16, window 26 (dashed in figure 2). Transparent housing 24 or window 26 provide a user with 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 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 or vacuum cleaner 2 is realized on either side or filter housing 16 using coupling parts 28, 30 in the form of nuts.

Locking elements 110, 112 (figure 3) or different types are provided in adapter 102. Depending on the specific type of vacuum cleaner 2 one of the locking elements 110, 112 can be used to provide a secured connection.

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 or a flexible material is situated on the inner side or 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 , ie not being used, the suction force ceases and valve 32 will return to the closed position. In closed position the non-retum 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 or 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 a dustbin instance, 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 a window 26 if necessary.

Filter 38 (figure 4) can be connected in a 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, the required 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 ease vacuum cleaner 2 has a multiple or mutually connected tubes 20.

The present invention is by no means limited to the preferred expiry described above; 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 or 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 a screw thread. It is also possible to use filter housing 16 selectively in combination with a known vacuum cleaner 2 by placing a type or filter 38 or, conversely, not placing this filter, using a known use or the vacuum cleaner is obtained.

Claims (12)

CLAUSES 1. An adapter for a filter housing or a vacuum cleaner, which includes the adapter: a first connecting part provided at a first end of the adapter having an outer diameter and configured to be connected to a first connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner tube that have a first inner diameter; a second connecting part provided at a second end of the adapter having an inner diameter and configured to be connected to a second connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner tube that have a second outer diameter that is narrower than the first inner diameter; and a transition part between the first and second connecting parts of the adapter. 2. Adapter according to clause 1, further including a first locking element configured to lock the adapter to the vacuum cleaner tube or a first type. 3. Adapter according to clause 2, further including a second locking element configured to lock the adapter to the vacuum cleaner tube or a second type. 4. Adapter according to clause 2 or 3, with the locking element comprising an opening in the adapter. 5. Filter housing for a vacuum cleaner, including: an adapter according to one of the foregoing clauses; a reservoir for collecting vacuumed dust and dirt particles; a first connection including a first coupling part which can be connected to the reservoir on the suction side for the purpose of coupling the reservoir to a hose or connecting piece provided with a suction nozzle; a second connection including a second coupling part which can be connected to the reservoir on the blowing side 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, in use, one of the connecting parts of the adapter is connected to one of the connections or the filter housing and the other connecting part is capable of connecting to one of the connections of the vacuum cleaner tube. 6. Filter housing according to clause 5, where the filter housing is provided with first closing means for one-way passage or air with dust and dirt particles from the suction side into the reservoir. 7. Filter housing according to clause 6, where the first closing means include 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 or sufficient air displacement, and non-return valve is from a flexible material. 8. Filter housing as claimed in clause 5, 6 or 7, the filter housing is provided with second closing means for selective passage of the air on the blowing side of the reservoir, with the dust and dirt particles remain at least to a large extent in the reservoir. 9. Filter housing according to clause 8, where the second closing means include a filter. 10. Filter housing according to one of the clauses 5-9, the filter housing is manufactured from a transparent material. 11. Vacuum cleaner provided with a filter housing and adapter according to one of the foregoing clauses. 12. Method for vacuuming dust and dirt particles, including the steps of: providing a vacuum cleaner with a filter housing and adapter as claimed in one of the foregoing clauses; connecting the filter housing and the vacuum cleaner with the adapter; vacuuming dust and dirt particles; and collecting the dust and dirt particles in a reservoir provided in the filter housing. CONCLUSIONS I. Adapter for a filter housing of a vacuum cleaner, wherein the adapter comprises: a first coupling part provided at a first end of the adapter with an outer diameter and configured to couple with a first connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner hose with a first inner diameter; a second coupling part provided at a second end of the adapter with an inner diameter and configured to couple with a second connection of the filter housing or the vacuum cleaner hose with a second outer diameter that is smaller than the first inner diameter; and a transition part between the first and second coupling parts of the adapter, the head parts being adapted to connect with different dimensions of the tube or rod of the vacuum cleaner. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a first closure element configured to close the adapter on the vacuum cleaner hose of a first type. The adapter of claim 2, further comprising a second closure element configured to close the adapter on the vacuum cleaner hose of a second type. Adapter according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the closing element comprises an opening in the adapter. 5. Filter housing for a vacuum cleaner, provided with: an adapter according to any of the preceding claims; a reservoir for collecting vacuumed dust and dirt particles; a first connection comprising a first coupling part connectable thereto on the suction side of the reservoir for coupling the reservoir to a hose or connecting piece provided with a suction mouth; a second connection comprising a second coupling part connectable thereto on the bladder side of the reservoir for coupling the reservoir to a vacuum cleaner housing; and a filter with which, in use, the extracted dust and dirt particles can be separated to a large extent from suction air with which these particles have been sucked up, wherein, in use, one of the coupling parts of the adapter is connected to one of the connections of the filter housing and the other coupling part is suitable for connecting to one of the connections of the vacuum cleaner hose. 6. Filter housing as claimed in claim 5, wherein the filter housing is provided with first closing means for passage of air with dust and dirt particles on one side from the suction side into the reservoir. A filter housing according to claim 6, wherein the first closing means comprises a non-return valve which can be opened at least partially by the air displacement of the suction side of the reservoir and which is closed in the absence of sufficient air displacement, and wherein the non-return valve is of a flexible material. 8. Filter housing as claimed in claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the filter housing is provided with second closing means for selectively passing the air on the bladder side of the reservoir, wherein the dust and dirt particles remain at least for a large part in the reservoir. The filter housing according to claim 8, wherein the second coupling part comprises a hose or connecting piece. The filter housing according to any of the preceding claims 5-9, wherein the filter housing is made of a transparent material. A vacuum cleaner provided with a filter housing according to the preceding claims. 12. Method for vacuuming up dust and dirt particles, comprising the steps of: providing a filter housing and an adapter according to any one of the preceding claims on a vacuum cleaner; connecting the filter housing and the vacuum cleaner to the adapter; vacuuming up dust and dirt particles; and collecting the dust and dirt particles in a reservoir provided in the filter housing. 2/2