US20170265702A1 - Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170265702A1 US20170265702A1 US15/611,939 US201715611939A US2017265702A1 US 20170265702 A1 US20170265702 A1 US 20170265702A1 US 201715611939 A US201715611939 A US 201715611939A US 2017265702 A1 US2017265702 A1 US 2017265702A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum cleaner
- dirt cup
- button
- latch member
- latch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
- A47L9/1691—Mounting or coupling means for cyclonic chamber or dust receptacles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/106—Dust removal
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- F16B9/023—
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/08—Bolts
- Y10T292/096—Sliding
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/08—Bolts
- Y10T292/096—Sliding
- Y10T292/0969—Spring projected
- Y10T292/097—Operating means
- Y10T292/0976—Sliding cam
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/08—Bolts
- Y10T292/096—Sliding
- Y10T292/0969—Spring projected
- Y10T292/097—Operating means
- Y10T292/0977—Cam
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/60—Biased catch or latch
- Y10T403/602—Biased catch or latch by separate spring
Definitions
- Vacuum cleaners can use a removable dirt cup to store collected dirt, dust and other contaminates for later disposal.
- the dirt cup can have an attachment mechanism that selectively secures the dirt cup to the vacuum cleaner in a position to receive dirt, dust, and other contaminates.
- the attachment mechanism also allows the dirt cup to be selectively removed from the vacuum cleaner to be emptied.
- Some known attachment mechanisms require vertical movement of the dirt cup in order to secure or remove the dirt cup relative to the vacuum cleaner. For example, such attachment mechanisms raise the dirt cup to secure it to the vacuum cleaner and lower the dirt cup to remove it from the vacuum cleaner.
- a vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having a locking recess, a dirt cup removably mounted to the main body and having an outwardly-facing side wall, and a latch mechanism carried by the dirt cup for selectively fastening the dirt cup to the main body and movable between a latched position in which the dirt cup is secured to the main body and an unlatched position in which the dirt cup can be removed from the main body, the latch mechanism comprising a latch member movably mounted to the side wall of the dirt cup and having a lower end, an upper end, and a locking projection at the upper end that is selectively received by the locking recess, a latch actuator operably coupled with the latch member and comprising a button, and a spring biasing the upper end of the latch member into the locking recess on the main body and biasing the button upwardly.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a dirt cup and latch mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the foot assembly 14 of the vacuum cleaner from FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner taken through line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner from FIG. 1 , with the dirt cup shown removed from the vacuum cleaner.
- FIG. 5 is a front exploded view of the latch mechanism and dirt cup from FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a rear exploded view of the latch mechanism from FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of areas 7 A and 7 B, respectively, of the vacuum cleaner with the latch mechanism in a latched position.
- FIG. 8 is a rear view of the latch mechanism in the latched position shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B .
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of areas 7 A and 7 B, respectively, of the vacuum cleaner in with the latch mechanism in an unlatched position.
- FIG. 10 is a rear view of the latch mechanism in the unlatched position shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B .
- FIG. 11 is a front exploded view of a latch mechanism and dirt cup according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism from FIG. 11 , with the latch mechanism in a latched position.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism from FIG. 11 , with the latch mechanism in an unlatched position.
- FIG. 14 is a front exploded view of a latch mechanism and dirt cup according to a third embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 15 is a rear exploded view of the latch mechanism from FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism from FIG. 14 , with the latch mechanism in a latched position.
- FIG. 17 is a rear view of the latch mechanism in the latched position shown in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism from FIG. 14 , with the latch mechanism in an unlatched position.
- FIG. 19 is a rear view of the latch mechanism in the unlatched position shown in FIG. 18 .
- the present invention relates generally to dirt cups for vacuum cleaners.
- the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a removably-mounted dirt cup.
- the invention relates to a dirt cup with an improved latch mechanism for removably mounting the dirt cup to a vacuum cleaner.
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 from the perspective of a user behind the vacuum cleaner, which defines the rear of the vacuum cleaner.
- the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- the vacuum cleaner 10 comprises an upright handle assembly 12 pivotally mounted to a foot assembly 14 .
- the upright handle assembly 12 comprises a main body 16 housing a filtration system 18 for separating contaminants from a working airstream and a removable dirt cup 20 for receiving and collecting the separated contaminants from the filtration system 18 .
- the dirt cup 20 has a latch mechanism 22 for selectively latching the dirt cup 20 to the main body 16 .
- the main body 16 also has a first hand grip 24 provided on an upper surface of the main body 16 that can be used for lifting the entire vacuum cleaner 10 .
- a handle 26 extends upwardly from the first hand grip 24 and is provided with a second hand grip 28 at one end that can be used for maneuvering the vacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned.
- FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the foot assembly 14 of the vacuum cleaner from FIG. 1 .
- the foot assembly 14 includes a foot assembly casing 30 having a suction nozzle opening 32 formed therein and an agitator 34 provided adjacent the suction nozzle opening 32 .
- a working airpath (not shown) fluidly communicates the suction nozzle opening 32 with the filtration system 18 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the agitator 34 is illustrated as a stationary brush located rearwardly of the suction nozzle opening 32 ; however, it is within the scope of the invention for other types of agitators to be used, such as a rotating brushroll or a blade-type wiper.
- a pair of rear wheels 36 and a pair of front wheels 38 are provided on the foot assembly casing 30 for maneuvering the vacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 16 taken through line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 .
- a motor cavity 40 is formed at a lower end of the main body 16 and contains a conventional suction source such as a motor/fan assembly 42 oriented vertically therein.
- the motor/fan assembly 42 is in fluid communication with the filtration system 18 .
- Exemplary filtration systems can include a filter bag or a bagless cyclonic filter.
- the filtration system 18 includes at least a cyclone separator 44 .
- the cyclone separator 44 includes a housing 46 having a lower edge 47 and defining a cyclonic chamber 48 having an air inlet 50 in fluid communication with the suction nozzle opening 32 (shown in FIG.
- the inlet 50 can be oriented tangentially, such that the tangential airflow generated from inlet 50 is directed into the cyclonic chamber 48 .
- a grill assembly 54 can be positioned between the cyclonic chamber 48 and the outlet 52 .
- a pre-motor filter housing 56 is formed above the motor cavity 40 and is in fluid communication with the motor/fan assembly 42 .
- the filter housing 56 receives a removable pre-motor filter 58 for filtering working air as it exits the filtration system 18 prior to entering the motor cavity 40 .
- a post-motor filter 60 is positioned downstream of the motor/fan assembly 42 to filter working air prior to exhausting the working air to the atmosphere through exhaust apertures 62 formed in the main body 16 .
- the vacuum cleaner 10 draws in dirt-laden air through the foot assembly 14 and into the filtration system 18 where the dirt is substantially separated from the air.
- the airflow containing particulate matter, passes through air inlet 50 and into the cyclone chamber 48 to travel around the grill assembly 54 .
- heavier dirt particles are forced toward the side wall of the housing 46 . These particles fall under the force of gravity and are collected in the dirt cup 20 .
- the inlet air will be drawn inwardly through the grill assembly 54 , which changes the velocity of the air flow, causing it to shed additional dirt particles.
- the main body 16 comprises a dirt cup recess 64 that receives the dirt cup 20 when the dirt cup 20 is latched to the main body 16 .
- the dirt cup recess 64 includes a rear wall 66 joined to a bottom wall 68 .
- At least one receiving guide 70 is formed within the dirt cup recess 64 , such as on the bottom wall 68 as shown in FIG. 2 , for guiding the insertion of the dirt cup 20 into the dirt cup recess 64 .
- a deflectable tab 71 is also formed on the bottom wall 68 to aid in securing the dirt cup 20 within the dirt cup recess 64 .
- the dirt cup 20 includes a bottom wall 72 with a peripheral side wall 74 extending upwardly therefrom to an upper edge 76 defining an open top 78 .
- the upper edge 76 is oriented along an oblique plane relative to the bottom wall 72 .
- the angle of the upper edge 76 may correspond to the angle of the lower edge 47 of the cyclone housing 46 .
- a seal or gasket 79 can be provided between the lower edge 47 and the upper edge 76 to form an air-tight seal between the dirt cup 20 and the cyclone separator 44 when the dirt cup 20 is mounted to the main body 16 beneath the cyclone separator 44 .
- One or more upstanding projection(s) or finger(s) 80 protrude upwardly from the inner surface of bottom wall 72 to inhibit the vacillation of the debris deposited in the dirt cup 20 , thereby disrupting the currents that would tend to carry smaller dirt particles upwardly and back into the cyclonic air flow.
- the fingers 80 can also deflect dirt particles within the dirt cup 20 to further encourage agglomeration of the dirt particles within the dirt cup 20 .
- the fingers 80 can be omitted if, for example, space is limited along the bottom wall 72 .
- the bottom wall 72 further includes a receiving protrusion 82 on its outer surface that interacts with the receiving guide 70 to guide the insertion of the dirt cup 20 into the dirt cup recess 64 .
- the receiving protrusion 82 can be received within the inner boundary defined by the receiving guide 70 when the dirt cup 20 is mounted to the vacuum cleaner 10 .
- FIG. 5 is a front exploded view of the latch mechanism 22 on the dirt cup 20 .
- the latch mechanism 22 comprises a latch member 84 movably mounted to the side wall 74 of the dirt cup 20 , a latch actuator 86 operably coupled to the latch member 84 for actuating the latch mechanism 22 , and a cover 88 that at least partially mounts and encloses the latch member 84 and the latch actuator 86 .
- the latch member 84 includes an elongated, generally flat body 90 having a first end 92 and a second end 94 opposite the first end 92 .
- the latch member 84 has a medial vertical axis X that conceptually divides the body 90 into two lateral halves.
- a locking projection 96 is provided at the first end 92 and a relief projection 98 is provided at the second end 94 .
- a first pair of rails 100 are provided on a front surface of the body 90
- a second and third pair of rails 104 , 106 are provided on a rear surface of the body 90 .
- the latch member 84 includes a cam follower surface illustrated herein as guide projection 110 .
- the guide projection 110 is also provided on the rear surface of the body 90 between the second and third pair of rails 104 , 106 .
- the guide projection 110 may be segmented, such that the cam follower surface is divided into different segments.
- the guide project 110 is shaped like a triangle, and includes a pair of segments in the form of two ramped cam follower surfaces 112 extending upwardly toward each other to form a common edge 114 positioned along the medial vertical axis X.
- One or more springs or biasing elements 116 can be provided to bias the latch mechanism 22 to a latched position or an unlatched position. As illustrated, two biasing elements 116 are provided, and bias the latch mechanism 22 to a latched position as will be described in more detail below.
- the biasing elements 116 can comprise springs in the form of resilient arms 118 integrally formed with the body 90 of the latch member 84 . Each resilient arm 118 projects laterally from an opposing side of the body 90 , and includes a curved portion 120 .
- the latch actuator 86 includes a pair of juxtaposed buttons 122 having a user-engagable portion 124 and a ramped portion 126 .
- the user-engagable portion 124 can include a depression 128 formed therein to facilitate tactile location of the button 122 by a user.
- the ramped portion 126 can include a pair of tabs 130 projecting upwardly and downwardly therefrom and a cam surface 132 . As shown herein, the cam surface 132 is ramped along the same direction as the cam follower surfaces 112 .
- the cover 88 includes a front wall 134 having two side walls 136 joined by an upper wall 138 and a lower wall 140 to define an open rear surface.
- a button aperture 142 is formed in each side wall 136 , and receives one of the buttons 122 for slidable movement therein.
- At least one stop surface 144 is formed on the interior surface of each side wall 136 adjacent the button apertures 142 .
- a locking projection aperture 146 is formed in the upper wall 138 , with two tabs 148 formed on either side of the locking projection aperture 146 .
- a relief aperture 150 is formed in the lower wall 140 , with two hollow bosses 152 formed on either side of the relief aperture 150 .
- a guide track 154 is formed on the interior surface of the front wall 134 and receives the first rails 100 on the latch member 84 to restrict the movement of the latch member 84 in a vertical direction along the medial vertical axis X, and prevent lateral movement of the latch member 84 with respect to the cover 88 .
- a pair of bosses 156 also project from the interior surface of the front wall 134 and interact with the resilient arms 118 to limit the vertical movement of the latch member 84 relative to the cover 88 .
- the lower wall 140 also includes a recessed portion 168 bordered on one side with an upstanding wall 170 .
- the latch mechanism 22 can be assembled to the dirt cup 20 using any suitable means.
- the locking projection 96 is aligned with the locking projection aperture 146
- the relief projection 98 is aligned with the relief aperture 150
- the first rails 100 are received within the guide track 154
- the biasing elements 116 are above the bosses 156 .
- buttons 122 are received in the button apertures 142 , with the tabs 130 adjacent the stop surfaces 144 and the cam surfaces 132 facing the cam follower surfaces 112 of the guide projection 110 .
- the dirt cup 20 can be provided with features to simplify assembly and operation of the latch mechanism 22 .
- the dirt cup 20 is provided with an upper track 158 and a lower track 160 .
- the upper track 158 receives the second rails 104 on the latch member 84 and the lower track 160 receives the third rails 106 on the latch member 84 to restrict the movement of the latch member 84 in a vertical direction along the medial vertical axis X, and prevent lateral movement of the latch member 84 with respect to the dirt cup 20 .
- Two slots 162 are formed in the upper edge 76 of the dirt cup 20 and receive the tabs 148 on the cover 88 .
- two cylindrical protrusions 164 with blind holes (not shown) formed therein are provided, and are aligned with the hollow bosses 152 on the cover 88 to receive fasteners (not shown) to secure the cover 88 in place over the latch member 84 on the dirt cup 20 .
- a protruding wall 172 extends from the side wall 74 between the cylindrical protrusions 164 .
- a tab recess 174 is formed by recessed portion 168 , the upstanding wall 170 , and the protruding wall 172 when the cover 88 is secured to the dirt cup 20 .
- the latch mechanism 22 is movable between a latched position, shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 , in which the dirt cup 20 is secured to the vacuum cleaner 10 , and an unlatched position, shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10 , in which the dirt cup 20 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner 10 .
- the latched position the dirt cup 20 is received within the dirt cup recess 64 , with the bottom wall 72 of the dirt cup 20 resting on the bottom wall 68 of the dirt cup recess 64 .
- the locking projection 96 is received within a locking recess 166 provided on the main body 16 .
- the locking recess 166 can be formed in a portion of the cyclone separator 44 , such as the lower wall 47 of the housing 46 .
- the deflectable tab 71 is received within a tab recess 174 .
- the biasing elements 116 are relaxed and the buttons 122 are spaced from each other by the guide projection 110 .
- the latch actuator 86 is actuated. To do so, the buttons 122 are pressed inwardly toward medial vertical axis X as indicated by arrows A. As the buttons 122 are pressed inwardly, the cam surfaces 132 bear against the cam follower surfaces 112 and force the guide projection 110 , and thus the latch member 84 , downwardly along medial vertical axis X.
- the buttons 122 are held pressed inwardly, and the dirt cup 20 is slid out of the dirt cup recess 64 .
- the tab 71 will flex downwardly out of the tab recess 174 , allowing separation of the dirt cup 20 from the tab 71 .
- the cover 88 can conveniently form a hand grip for carrying the dirt cup 20 .
- the latch mechanism 22 is held in the unlatched position while the dirt cup 20 is seated in the dirt cup recess 64 . Again, as the edge of the dirt cup 20 defined by the bottom wall 72 and the side wall 74 strikes the deflectable tab 71 , the tab 71 will flex downwardly, allowing the dirt cup 20 to slide past the tab 71 . Once the dirt cup is properly seated, the tab 71 will snap back into the tab recess 174 . Releasing the buttons 122 causes automatic movement of the latch mechanism 22 back to the latch position by the biasing force of the biasing elements 116 .
- Upward vertical movement of the latch member 84 can be configured to cease once the tabs 130 on the buttons 122 meet the stop surfaces 144 . It should be noted that while the actuator 86 is shown with two buttons 122 that are pressed inwardly toward each other, the latch mechanism 22 can employ only one button to deflect the latch member 84 .
- FIG. 11 is a front exploded view of a latch mechanism 22 ′ and dirt cup 20 ′ according to a second embodiment of the invention, where like features are indicated with the same reference numerals bearing a prime symbol (′).
- the second embodiment of the latch mechanism 22 ′ and dirt cup 20 ′ can be employed within the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in place of the first embodiment of the latch mechanism 22 and dirt cup 20 .
- the latch actuator 86 ′ comprises a single button 122 ′, which can be provided on the latch member 84 ′. As illustrated, the button 122 ′ protrudes from a front surface of the body 90 ′ and can be integrally formed with the body 90 ′.
- the cover 88 ′ includes a single aperture 142 ′ formed in the front wall 134 ′, through which the button 122 ′ protrudes when the latch mechanism 22 ′ is assembled with the dirt cup 20 ′.
- the spring or biasing element 116 ′ comprises a single coil spring that is coupled between the latch member 84 ′ and the cover 88 ′, and that biases the latch mechanism 22 ′ to the latched position.
- the body 90 ′ can be provided with a frame 176 for receiving the coil spring 116 ′.
- a U-shaped catch 178 is formed on the inside of the front wall 134 ′ of the cover 88 ′, and fits within a lower portion of the frame 176 ; as such, the upper end of the coil spring 116 ′ is bounded by the upper end of the frame 176 and the lower end of the coil spring 116 ′ is bounded by the catch 178 .
- the latch mechanism 22 ′ is movable between a latched position, shown in FIG. 12 , in which the dirt cup 20 ′ is secured to the vacuum cleaner 10 , and an unlatched position, shown in FIG. 13 , in which the dirt cup 20 ′ can be removed from the vacuum cleaner 10 .
- the latch actuator 86 ′ is actuated. To do so, the button 122 ′ is pressed downwardly, as indicated by arrow D, which causes downward movement of the latch member 84 ′ along medial vertical axis X′.
- the button 122 ′ is held pressed downwardly, and the dirt cup 20 ′ is slid out of the dirt cup recess 64 .
- the latch mechanism 22 ′ is held in the unlatched position while the dirt cup 20 ′ is seated in the dirt cup recess 64 .
- Releasing the latch actuator 86 ′ causes automatic movement of the latch mechanism 22 ′ back to the latch position by the expansion of the coil spring 116 ′. Upward vertical movement of the latch member 84 ′ can be configured to cease once the coil spring 116 ′ has expanded.
- FIG. 14 is a front exploded view of a latch mechanism 22 and dirt cup 20 according to a third embodiment of the invention, where like features are indicated with the same reference numerals of the first embodiment.
- the second embodiment of the latch mechanism 22 and dirt cup 20 can be employed within the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 , with or without some modification.
- the cyclone separator 44 of FIG. 1 can be modified to function with a bottom air outlet, as defined by an air conduit 180 extending through the dirt cup 20 .
- the third embodiment of the latch mechanism 22 comprises the latch member 84 movably mounted to the side wall 74 of the dirt cup 20 , the latch actuator 86 operably coupled to the latch member 84 for actuating the latch mechanism 22 , and the cover 88 that at least partially mounts and encloses the latch member 84 and the latch actuator 86 .
- the latch member 84 is split and includes a first latch member 84 A and a second latch member 84 B, which are illustrated herein as two elongated, generally flat bodies, an upper body 90 A and a lower body 90 B, respectively.
- the first and second latch members 84 A, 84 B can be vertically aligned with each other along medial vertical axis X that passes through each latch member 84 A, 84 B and conceptually divides each latch member 84 A, 84 B into two lateral halves.
- the locking projection 96 is provided at an upper end of the upper body 90 A and the relief projection 98 , which in the third embodiment may also be considered a second or lower locking projection 98 , is provided at a lower end of the lower body 90 B.
- the latch members 84 A, 84 B can each include a cam follower surface respectively illustrated herein as an upper guide projection 110 A provided on the upper body 90 A and a lower guide projection 110 B provided on the lower body 90 B.
- the guide projections 110 A, 110 B can be in opposing vertical relationship to each other, and may be segmented, such that the cam follower surfaces are each divided into different segments.
- the upper guide projection 110 A includes a pair of segments in the form of two ramped cam follower surfaces 112 A, and may generally be shaped like a triangle, with the ramped cam follower surfaces 112 A extending upwardly toward each other to form a common edge 114 A positioned along the medial vertical axis X.
- the lower guide projection 110 B also includes a pair of segments in the form of two ramped cam follower surfaces 112 B, and may generally be shaped like a triangle, with the ramped cam follower surfaces 112 B extending downwardly toward each other to form a common edge 114 B, also positioned along the medial vertical axis X.
- One or more springs or biasing elements 116 can be provided to bias the latch mechanism 22 to a latched position or an unlatched position. As illustrated, two biasing elements 116 are provided, an upper biasing element 116 A associated with the upper body 90 A and a lower biasing element 116 B associated with the lower body 90 B, and together bias the latch mechanism 22 to a latched position as will be described in more detail below.
- the biasing elements 116 A, 116 B can comprise coil springs coupled between the latch members 84 A, 84 B and the dirt cup 20 .
- Each of the upper and lower body 90 A, 90 B can be provided with a frame 182 , 184 , respectively for receiving the coil springs 116 A, 116 B.
- the latch actuator 86 can be similar to the latch actuator 86 of the first embodiment, but the ramped portion 126 can include a groove 186 having a pair of opposing ramped cam surfaces, an upper cam surface 188 and a lower cam surface 190 .
- the cover 88 can also be similar to the cover 88 of the first embodiment, but the button apertures 142 in each side wall 136 may be formed in a contoured or depressed portion 192 of the side wall 136 .
- a locking projection recess 194 is formed in the upper wall 138 , and the two tabs 148 are formed on the front wall 140 below the locking projection recess 194 .
- An intermediate wall 196 is spaced from the lower wall 140 , and includes the relief aperture 150 and two through-holes 198 formed on either side of the relief aperture 150 .
- a series of lateral rails 200 are formed on the interior surface of the front wall 134 and space the bodies 90 A, 90 B of the latch members 84 A, 84 B away from the front wall 134 of the cover 88 to reduce the friction between the latch members 84 A, 84 B and the cover 88 as the bodies 90 A, 90 B move relative to the cover 88 .
- a guide track for the latch members 84 A, 84 B is formed on the interior surface of the front wall and is defined by an upper pair of lateral protrusions 202 and a lower pair of lateral protrusions 204 that restrict the movement of the latch members 84 A, 84 B in a vertical direction along the medial axis X, and prevent lateral movement of the latch members 84 A, 84 B with respect to the cover 88 .
- the upper pair of lateral protrusions define a space between them that receives a portion of the upper body 90 A and restricts the upper body 90 A from moving laterally.
- the lower pair of lateral protrusions define a space between them that receives a portion of the lower body 90 B and restricts the lower body 90 B from moving laterally.
- the latch mechanism 22 can be assembled to the dirt cup 20 using any suitable means.
- the locking projection 96 is aligned with the locking projection recess 194
- the relief projection 98 is aligned with the relief aperture 150
- the upper and lower bodies 90 A, 90 B are received within the space defined by the lateral protrusions 202 , 204
- the biasing elements 116 A, 116 B are within the frames 182 , 184 .
- buttons 122 are received in the button apertures 142 and the guide projections 110 A, 110 B partially received within the grooves 186 , with the upper and lower cam surfaces 188 , 190 facing the cam follower surfaces 112 A, 112 B.
- the dirt cup 20 can be provided with features to simplify assembly and operation of the latch mechanism 22 .
- the dirt cup 20 is provided with the upper track 158 and the lower track 160 , which respectively receive the upper body 90 A and the lower body 90 B to restrict movement of the latch members 84 A, 84 B in a vertical direction along medial vertical axis X and prevent lateral movement of the latch members 84 A, 84 B with respect to the dirt cup 20 .
- the two slots 162 are formed in the upper edge 76 of the dirt cup 20 and receive the tabs on the cover 88 .
- the two cylindrical protrusions 164 with blind holes (not shown) formed therein are aligned with the through holes on the cover 88 to receive fasteners 210 to secure the cover 88 in place over the latch members 84 A, 84 B on the dirt cup 20 .
- An upper catch 206 is formed on the side wall 74 , and fits into the lower end of the frame 182 of the upper body 90 A.
- the upper end of the biasing element 116 A is bounded by the upper end of the frame 182 and the lower end of the biasing element 116 A is bounded by the upper catch 206 .
- a lower catch 208 is formed on the side wall 74 , and fits into the upper end of the frame 184 of the lower body 90 B.
- the upper end of the biasing element 116 B is bounded by the upper end of the catch 208 and the lower end of the biasing element 116 B is bounded by the lower catch 208 .
- the latch mechanism 22 is movable between a latched position, shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , in which the dirt cup 20 is secured to the vacuum cleaner 10 , and an unlatched position, shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 , in which the dirt cup 20 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner 10 .
- the latched position the dirt cup 20 is received within the dirt cup recess 64 , with the bottom wall 72 of the dirt cup 20 resting on the bottom wall 68 of the dirt cup recess 64 .
- the locking projection 96 is received within the locking recess 166 provided on the main body 16 and the relief projection 98 is received within the relief aperture 150 and a second locking recess 212 provided on the main body 16 .
- the locking recess 212 can be formed in a portion of the bottom wall 68 of the dirt cup recess 64 .
- the biasing elements 116 A, 116 B are relaxed and the buttons 122 are spaced from each other by the guide projections 110 A, 110 B.
- the latch actuator 86 is actuated by pressing the buttons 122 inwardly toward medial vertical axis X, as shown in arrow A.
- the buttons 122 are pressed inwardly, the upper cam surfaces 188 bear against the cam follower surfaces 112 A of the upper guide projection 110 A and force the upper guide projection 110 A, and thus the upper body 90 A, downwardly along the medial vertical axis X.
- the lower cam surfaces 190 bear against the cam follower surfaces 112 B of the lower guide projection 110 B and force the lower guide projection 110 B, and thus the lower body 90 B, upwardly along the medial vertical axis X.
- the biasing elements 116 A, 116 B are compressed by movement of their respective frame 182 , 184 relative to their respective catch 206 , 208 on the dirt cup. With the latch mechanism 22 in the unlatched position, the dirt cup 20 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner 10 .
- the latch mechanism 22 is held in the unlatched position while the dirt cup 20 is seated in the dirt cup recess 64 .
- Releasing the latch actuator 86 expands the biasing elements 116 A, 116 B and automatically returns the latch mechanism 22 back to the latched position.
- Upward vertical movement of the upper body 90 A and downward vertical movement of the lower body 90 B can be configured to cease once their respective biasing element 116 A, 116 B have expanded.
- the actuator 86 is shown with two buttons 122 that are pressed inwardly toward each other, the latch mechanism 22 can employ only one button to deflect the upper and lower bodies 90 A, 90 B of the latch members 84 A, 84 B.
- the illustrated vacuum cleaner is but one example of the variety of vacuum cleaners with which this invention or some slight variant can be used. While shown and described for use with an upright or “stick”-type vacuum cleaner, the dirt cup 20 and latch mechanism 22 can be used with any type of vacuum cleaner, such as canister vacuum cleaners, robotic vacuum cleaners, hand-held vacuum cleaners, or built-in central vacuum cleaning systems. The dirt cup 20 and latch mechanism 22 can also be used with vacuum cleaners adapted to take up fluids, such as extractors and steam cleaners.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/165,731, filed, Jan. 28, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/032,125, filed, Feb. 22, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,301, issued Feb. 4, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/353,384, filed Jun. 10, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/308,619, filed Feb. 26, 2010, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- Vacuum cleaners can use a removable dirt cup to store collected dirt, dust and other contaminates for later disposal. The dirt cup can have an attachment mechanism that selectively secures the dirt cup to the vacuum cleaner in a position to receive dirt, dust, and other contaminates. The attachment mechanism also allows the dirt cup to be selectively removed from the vacuum cleaner to be emptied.
- Some known attachment mechanisms require vertical movement of the dirt cup in order to secure or remove the dirt cup relative to the vacuum cleaner. For example, such attachment mechanisms raise the dirt cup to secure it to the vacuum cleaner and lower the dirt cup to remove it from the vacuum cleaner.
- According to one aspect of the invention, a vacuum cleaner comprises a main body having a locking recess, a dirt cup removably mounted to the main body and having an outwardly-facing side wall, and a latch mechanism carried by the dirt cup for selectively fastening the dirt cup to the main body and movable between a latched position in which the dirt cup is secured to the main body and an unlatched position in which the dirt cup can be removed from the main body, the latch mechanism comprising a latch member movably mounted to the side wall of the dirt cup and having a lower end, an upper end, and a locking projection at the upper end that is selectively received by the locking recess, a latch actuator operably coupled with the latch member and comprising a button, and a spring biasing the upper end of the latch member into the locking recess on the main body and biasing the button upwardly.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a dirt cup and latch mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of thefoot assembly 14 of the vacuum cleaner fromFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner taken through line 3-3 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner fromFIG. 1 , with the dirt cup shown removed from the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 5 is a front exploded view of the latch mechanism and dirt cup fromFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a rear exploded view of the latch mechanism fromFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views ofareas -
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the latch mechanism in the latched position shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B . -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views ofareas -
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the latch mechanism in the unlatched position shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B . -
FIG. 11 is a front exploded view of a latch mechanism and dirt cup according to a second embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism fromFIG. 11 , with the latch mechanism in a latched position. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism fromFIG. 11 , with the latch mechanism in an unlatched position. -
FIG. 14 is a front exploded view of a latch mechanism and dirt cup according to a third embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 15 is a rear exploded view of the latch mechanism fromFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism fromFIG. 14 , with the latch mechanism in a latched position. -
FIG. 17 is a rear view of the latch mechanism in the latched position shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism fromFIG. 14 , with the latch mechanism in an unlatched position. -
FIG. 19 is a rear view of the latch mechanism in the unlatched position shown inFIG. 18 . - The present invention relates generally to dirt cups for vacuum cleaners. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a removably-mounted dirt cup. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a dirt cup with an improved latch mechanism for removably mounting the dirt cup to a vacuum cleaner. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 from the perspective of a user behind the vacuum cleaner, which defines the rear of the vacuum cleaner. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of avacuum cleaner 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, thevacuum cleaner 10 comprises anupright handle assembly 12 pivotally mounted to afoot assembly 14. Theupright handle assembly 12 comprises amain body 16 housing afiltration system 18 for separating contaminants from a working airstream and aremovable dirt cup 20 for receiving and collecting the separated contaminants from thefiltration system 18. Thedirt cup 20 has alatch mechanism 22 for selectively latching thedirt cup 20 to themain body 16. Themain body 16 also has afirst hand grip 24 provided on an upper surface of themain body 16 that can be used for lifting theentire vacuum cleaner 10. Ahandle 26 extends upwardly from thefirst hand grip 24 and is provided with asecond hand grip 28 at one end that can be used for maneuvering thevacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned. -
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of thefoot assembly 14 of the vacuum cleaner fromFIG. 1 . Thefoot assembly 14 includes afoot assembly casing 30 having asuction nozzle opening 32 formed therein and anagitator 34 provided adjacent thesuction nozzle opening 32. A working airpath (not shown) fluidly communicates the suction nozzle opening 32 with the filtration system 18 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Theagitator 34 is illustrated as a stationary brush located rearwardly of the suction nozzle opening 32; however, it is within the scope of the invention for other types of agitators to be used, such as a rotating brushroll or a blade-type wiper. A pair ofrear wheels 36 and a pair offront wheels 38 are provided on thefoot assembly casing 30 for maneuvering thevacuum cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of themain body 16 taken through line 3-3 ofFIG. 1 . Amotor cavity 40 is formed at a lower end of themain body 16 and contains a conventional suction source such as a motor/fan assembly 42 oriented vertically therein. The motor/fan assembly 42 is in fluid communication with thefiltration system 18. Exemplary filtration systems can include a filter bag or a bagless cyclonic filter. As illustrated, thefiltration system 18 includes at least acyclone separator 44. Thecyclone separator 44 includes ahousing 46 having alower edge 47 and defining acyclonic chamber 48 having anair inlet 50 in fluid communication with the suction nozzle opening 32 (shown inFIG. 2 ) and anair outlet 52 in fluid communication with the motor/fan assembly 42. Theinlet 50 can be oriented tangentially, such that the tangential airflow generated frominlet 50 is directed into thecyclonic chamber 48. Agrill assembly 54 can be positioned between thecyclonic chamber 48 and theoutlet 52. - A
pre-motor filter housing 56 is formed above themotor cavity 40 and is in fluid communication with the motor/fan assembly 42. Thefilter housing 56 receives a removablepre-motor filter 58 for filtering working air as it exits thefiltration system 18 prior to entering themotor cavity 40. Apost-motor filter 60 is positioned downstream of the motor/fan assembly 42 to filter working air prior to exhausting the working air to the atmosphere throughexhaust apertures 62 formed in themain body 16. - In operation, the
vacuum cleaner 10 draws in dirt-laden air through thefoot assembly 14 and into thefiltration system 18 where the dirt is substantially separated from the air. The airflow, containing particulate matter, passes throughair inlet 50 and into thecyclone chamber 48 to travel around thegrill assembly 54. As the airflow travels about thecyclone chamber 48, heavier dirt particles are forced toward the side wall of thehousing 46. These particles fall under the force of gravity and are collected in thedirt cup 20. As the inlet air traverses through thecyclone chamber 48, casting dirt particles toward the side wall of thehousing 46, the inlet air will be drawn inwardly through thegrill assembly 54, which changes the velocity of the air flow, causing it to shed additional dirt particles. These dirt particles are also urged toward thedirt cup 20 by the circulating air flow incyclone chamber 48. The air flow then passes through theoutlet 52 to thepre-motor filter housing 56 where the air passes through thepre-motor filter 58 where additional fine dirt particles are removed from the airflow. Therefore, the airflow continues on to themotor cavity 40, past the motor/fan assembly 42, and through thepost-motor filter 60 to filter the airflow one final time prior to being exhausted through theexhaust apertures 62. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , in which thedirt cup 20 is shown removed from thevacuum cleaner 10, themain body 16 comprises a dirt cup recess 64 that receives thedirt cup 20 when thedirt cup 20 is latched to themain body 16. The dirt cup recess 64 includes arear wall 66 joined to abottom wall 68. At least one receivingguide 70 is formed within the dirt cup recess 64, such as on thebottom wall 68 as shown inFIG. 2 , for guiding the insertion of thedirt cup 20 into the dirt cup recess 64. Adeflectable tab 71 is also formed on thebottom wall 68 to aid in securing thedirt cup 20 within the dirt cup recess 64. - With reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thedirt cup 20 includes abottom wall 72 with aperipheral side wall 74 extending upwardly therefrom to anupper edge 76 defining an open top 78. Theupper edge 76 is oriented along an oblique plane relative to thebottom wall 72. The angle of theupper edge 76 may correspond to the angle of thelower edge 47 of thecyclone housing 46. A seal orgasket 79 can be provided between thelower edge 47 and theupper edge 76 to form an air-tight seal between thedirt cup 20 and thecyclone separator 44 when thedirt cup 20 is mounted to themain body 16 beneath thecyclone separator 44. One or more upstanding projection(s) or finger(s) 80 protrude upwardly from the inner surface ofbottom wall 72 to inhibit the vacillation of the debris deposited in thedirt cup 20, thereby disrupting the currents that would tend to carry smaller dirt particles upwardly and back into the cyclonic air flow. Thefingers 80 can also deflect dirt particles within thedirt cup 20 to further encourage agglomeration of the dirt particles within thedirt cup 20. Alternatively, thefingers 80 can be omitted if, for example, space is limited along thebottom wall 72. Thebottom wall 72 further includes a receivingprotrusion 82 on its outer surface that interacts with the receivingguide 70 to guide the insertion of thedirt cup 20 into the dirt cup recess 64. Specifically, the receivingprotrusion 82 can be received within the inner boundary defined by the receivingguide 70 when thedirt cup 20 is mounted to thevacuum cleaner 10. -
FIG. 5 is a front exploded view of thelatch mechanism 22 on thedirt cup 20. Thelatch mechanism 22 comprises alatch member 84 movably mounted to theside wall 74 of thedirt cup 20, alatch actuator 86 operably coupled to thelatch member 84 for actuating thelatch mechanism 22, and acover 88 that at least partially mounts and encloses thelatch member 84 and thelatch actuator 86. - With additional reference to
FIG. 6 , which is a rear exploded view of thelatch mechanism 22, thelatch member 84 includes an elongated, generallyflat body 90 having afirst end 92 and asecond end 94 opposite thefirst end 92. Thelatch member 84 has a medial vertical axis X that conceptually divides thebody 90 into two lateral halves. A lockingprojection 96 is provided at thefirst end 92 and arelief projection 98 is provided at thesecond end 94. A first pair ofrails 100 are provided on a front surface of thebody 90, and a second and third pair ofrails body 90. Thelatch member 84 includes a cam follower surface illustrated herein asguide projection 110. Theguide projection 110 is also provided on the rear surface of thebody 90 between the second and third pair ofrails guide projection 110 may be segmented, such that the cam follower surface is divided into different segments. As shown herein, theguide project 110 is shaped like a triangle, and includes a pair of segments in the form of two ramped cam follower surfaces 112 extending upwardly toward each other to form acommon edge 114 positioned along the medial vertical axis X. - One or more springs or biasing
elements 116 can be provided to bias thelatch mechanism 22 to a latched position or an unlatched position. As illustrated, two biasingelements 116 are provided, and bias thelatch mechanism 22 to a latched position as will be described in more detail below. The biasingelements 116 can comprise springs in the form ofresilient arms 118 integrally formed with thebody 90 of thelatch member 84. Eachresilient arm 118 projects laterally from an opposing side of thebody 90, and includes acurved portion 120. - The
latch actuator 86 includes a pair of juxtaposedbuttons 122 having a user-engagable portion 124 and a rampedportion 126. The user-engagable portion 124 can include adepression 128 formed therein to facilitate tactile location of thebutton 122 by a user. The rampedportion 126 can include a pair oftabs 130 projecting upwardly and downwardly therefrom and acam surface 132. As shown herein, thecam surface 132 is ramped along the same direction as the cam follower surfaces 112. - The
cover 88 includes afront wall 134 having twoside walls 136 joined by anupper wall 138 and alower wall 140 to define an open rear surface. Abutton aperture 142 is formed in eachside wall 136, and receives one of thebuttons 122 for slidable movement therein. At least onestop surface 144 is formed on the interior surface of eachside wall 136 adjacent thebutton apertures 142. A lockingprojection aperture 146 is formed in theupper wall 138, with twotabs 148 formed on either side of the lockingprojection aperture 146. Arelief aperture 150 is formed in thelower wall 140, with twohollow bosses 152 formed on either side of therelief aperture 150. Aguide track 154 is formed on the interior surface of thefront wall 134 and receives thefirst rails 100 on thelatch member 84 to restrict the movement of thelatch member 84 in a vertical direction along the medial vertical axis X, and prevent lateral movement of thelatch member 84 with respect to thecover 88. A pair ofbosses 156 also project from the interior surface of thefront wall 134 and interact with theresilient arms 118 to limit the vertical movement of thelatch member 84 relative to thecover 88. Thelower wall 140 also includes a recessedportion 168 bordered on one side with anupstanding wall 170. - The
latch mechanism 22 can be assembled to thedirt cup 20 using any suitable means. When thelatch member 84 and cover 88 are assembled, which can be done prior to assembling thecover 88 to thedirt cup 20, the lockingprojection 96 is aligned with the lockingprojection aperture 146, therelief projection 98 is aligned with therelief aperture 150, thefirst rails 100 are received within theguide track 154, and the biasingelements 116 are above thebosses 156. When thelatch actuator 86 and cover 88 are assembled, which can be done prior to assembling thecover 88 to thedirt cup 20, thebuttons 122 are received in thebutton apertures 142, with thetabs 130 adjacent the stop surfaces 144 and the cam surfaces 132 facing the cam follower surfaces 112 of theguide projection 110. - The
dirt cup 20 can be provided with features to simplify assembly and operation of thelatch mechanism 22. As illustrated, thedirt cup 20 is provided with anupper track 158 and alower track 160. Theupper track 158 receives thesecond rails 104 on thelatch member 84 and thelower track 160 receives thethird rails 106 on thelatch member 84 to restrict the movement of thelatch member 84 in a vertical direction along the medial vertical axis X, and prevent lateral movement of thelatch member 84 with respect to thedirt cup 20. It should be noted that while guide tracks for thelatch member 84 shown on both thecover 88 and thedirt cup 20 of the present embodiment, the same function of restricting movement of thelatch member 84 in a vertical direction along the medial vertical axis X and preventing lateral movement could be accomplished with a guide track on only one of thecover 88 and thedirt cup 20. - Two
slots 162 are formed in theupper edge 76 of thedirt cup 20 and receive thetabs 148 on thecover 88. On theside wall 74 of thedirt cup 20 near thebottom wall 72, twocylindrical protrusions 164 with blind holes (not shown) formed therein are provided, and are aligned with thehollow bosses 152 on thecover 88 to receive fasteners (not shown) to secure thecover 88 in place over thelatch member 84 on thedirt cup 20. A protrudingwall 172 extends from theside wall 74 between thecylindrical protrusions 164. Atab recess 174 is formed by recessedportion 168, theupstanding wall 170, and the protrudingwall 172 when thecover 88 is secured to thedirt cup 20. - Once assembled, the
latch mechanism 22 is movable between a latched position, shown inFIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 , in which thedirt cup 20 is secured to thevacuum cleaner 10, and an unlatched position, shown inFIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10 , in which thedirt cup 20 can be removed from thevacuum cleaner 10. In the latched position, thedirt cup 20 is received within the dirt cup recess 64, with thebottom wall 72 of thedirt cup 20 resting on thebottom wall 68 of the dirt cup recess 64. The lockingprojection 96 is received within alocking recess 166 provided on themain body 16. As illustrated, thelocking recess 166 can be formed in a portion of thecyclone separator 44, such as thelower wall 47 of thehousing 46. Thedeflectable tab 71 is received within atab recess 174. The biasingelements 116 are relaxed and thebuttons 122 are spaced from each other by theguide projection 110. - To move the
latch mechanism 22 from the latched position to the unlatched position, thelatch actuator 86 is actuated. To do so, thebuttons 122 are pressed inwardly toward medial vertical axis X as indicated by arrows A. As thebuttons 122 are pressed inwardly, the cam surfaces 132 bear against the cam follower surfaces 112 and force theguide projection 110, and thus thelatch member 84, downwardly along medial vertical axis X. Downward vertical movement of thelatch member 84, which is guided relative to thecover 88 and thedirt cup 20 by therails respective tracks projection 96 to move out of thelocking recess 166 as indicated by arrow B. Therelief projection 98 moves into therelief aperture 150. At this time, the biasingelements 116 are deflected, such that thecurved portions 120 engage thebosses 156 on thecover 88 to bend theresilient arms 118 as indicated by arrows C. - To remove the
dirt cup 20 from thevacuum cleaner 10, with thelatch mechanism 22 in the unlatched position, thebuttons 122 are held pressed inwardly, and thedirt cup 20 is slid out of the dirt cup recess 64. As the edge of thedirt cup 20 defined by thebottom wall 72 and theside wall 74 strikes thedeflectable tab 71, thetab 71 will flex downwardly out of thetab recess 174, allowing separation of thedirt cup 20 from thetab 71. Thecover 88 can conveniently form a hand grip for carrying thedirt cup 20. - To remount the
dirt cup 20 to thevacuum cleaner 10, thelatch mechanism 22 is held in the unlatched position while thedirt cup 20 is seated in the dirt cup recess 64. Again, as the edge of thedirt cup 20 defined by thebottom wall 72 and theside wall 74 strikes thedeflectable tab 71, thetab 71 will flex downwardly, allowing thedirt cup 20 to slide past thetab 71. Once the dirt cup is properly seated, thetab 71 will snap back into thetab recess 174. Releasing thebuttons 122 causes automatic movement of thelatch mechanism 22 back to the latch position by the biasing force of the biasingelements 116. Upward vertical movement of thelatch member 84 can be configured to cease once thetabs 130 on thebuttons 122 meet the stop surfaces 144. It should be noted that while theactuator 86 is shown with twobuttons 122 that are pressed inwardly toward each other, thelatch mechanism 22 can employ only one button to deflect thelatch member 84. -
FIG. 11 is a front exploded view of alatch mechanism 22′ anddirt cup 20′ according to a second embodiment of the invention, where like features are indicated with the same reference numerals bearing a prime symbol (′). The second embodiment of thelatch mechanism 22′ anddirt cup 20′ can be employed within the vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 in place of the first embodiment of thelatch mechanism 22 anddirt cup 20. In the second embodiment, thelatch actuator 86′ comprises asingle button 122′, which can be provided on thelatch member 84′. As illustrated, thebutton 122′ protrudes from a front surface of thebody 90′ and can be integrally formed with thebody 90′. As such, thecover 88′ includes asingle aperture 142′ formed in thefront wall 134′, through which thebutton 122′ protrudes when thelatch mechanism 22′ is assembled with thedirt cup 20′. The spring or biasingelement 116′ comprises a single coil spring that is coupled between thelatch member 84′ and thecover 88′, and that biases thelatch mechanism 22′ to the latched position. Thebody 90′ can be provided with aframe 176 for receiving thecoil spring 116′. AU-shaped catch 178 is formed on the inside of thefront wall 134′ of thecover 88′, and fits within a lower portion of theframe 176; as such, the upper end of thecoil spring 116′ is bounded by the upper end of theframe 176 and the lower end of thecoil spring 116′ is bounded by thecatch 178. - Once assembled, the
latch mechanism 22′ is movable between a latched position, shown inFIG. 12 , in which thedirt cup 20′ is secured to thevacuum cleaner 10, and an unlatched position, shown inFIG. 13 , in which thedirt cup 20′ can be removed from thevacuum cleaner 10. To move thelatch mechanism 22′ from the latched position to the unlatched position, thelatch actuator 86′ is actuated. To do so, thebutton 122′ is pressed downwardly, as indicated by arrow D, which causes downward movement of thelatch member 84′ along medial vertical axis X′. Like the first embodiment, downward vertical movement of thelatch member 84′ causes the lockingprojection 96′ to move out of the locking recess 166 (seeFIG. 9A ), as indicated by arrow E. At this time, thecoil spring 116′ is compressed, as indicated by arrow F, by movement of theframe 176 relative to thecatch 178 on thestationary cover 88′. - To remove the
dirt cup 20′ from thevacuum cleaner 10, with thelatch mechanism 22′ in the unlatched position, thebutton 122′ is held pressed downwardly, and thedirt cup 20′ is slid out of the dirt cup recess 64. To remount thedirt cup 20′ to thevacuum cleaner 10, thelatch mechanism 22′ is held in the unlatched position while thedirt cup 20′ is seated in the dirt cup recess 64. Releasing thelatch actuator 86′ causes automatic movement of thelatch mechanism 22′ back to the latch position by the expansion of thecoil spring 116′. Upward vertical movement of thelatch member 84′ can be configured to cease once thecoil spring 116′ has expanded. -
FIG. 14 is a front exploded view of alatch mechanism 22 anddirt cup 20 according to a third embodiment of the invention, where like features are indicated with the same reference numerals of the first embodiment. The second embodiment of thelatch mechanism 22 anddirt cup 20 can be employed within the vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 , with or without some modification. For example, thecyclone separator 44 ofFIG. 1 can be modified to function with a bottom air outlet, as defined by anair conduit 180 extending through thedirt cup 20. - Like the first embodiment shown in
FIG. 5 , the third embodiment of thelatch mechanism 22 comprises thelatch member 84 movably mounted to theside wall 74 of thedirt cup 20, thelatch actuator 86 operably coupled to thelatch member 84 for actuating thelatch mechanism 22, and thecover 88 that at least partially mounts and encloses thelatch member 84 and thelatch actuator 86. - With additional reference to
FIG. 15 , which is a rear exploded view of thelatch mechanism 22, thelatch member 84 is split and includes afirst latch member 84A and asecond latch member 84B, which are illustrated herein as two elongated, generally flat bodies, anupper body 90A and alower body 90B, respectively. The first andsecond latch members latch member latch member projection 96 is provided at an upper end of theupper body 90A and therelief projection 98, which in the third embodiment may also be considered a second orlower locking projection 98, is provided at a lower end of thelower body 90B. Thelatch members upper guide projection 110A provided on theupper body 90A and alower guide projection 110B provided on thelower body 90B. Theguide projections upper guide projection 110A includes a pair of segments in the form of two ramped cam follower surfaces 112A, and may generally be shaped like a triangle, with the ramped cam follower surfaces 112A extending upwardly toward each other to form acommon edge 114A positioned along the medial vertical axis X. Thelower guide projection 110B also includes a pair of segments in the form of two ramped cam follower surfaces 112B, and may generally be shaped like a triangle, with the ramped cam follower surfaces 112B extending downwardly toward each other to form acommon edge 114B, also positioned along the medial vertical axis X. - One or more springs or biasing
elements 116 can be provided to bias thelatch mechanism 22 to a latched position or an unlatched position. As illustrated, two biasingelements 116 are provided, anupper biasing element 116A associated with theupper body 90A and alower biasing element 116B associated with thelower body 90B, and together bias thelatch mechanism 22 to a latched position as will be described in more detail below. The biasingelements latch members dirt cup 20. Each of the upper andlower body frame - The
latch actuator 86 can be similar to thelatch actuator 86 of the first embodiment, but the rampedportion 126 can include agroove 186 having a pair of opposing ramped cam surfaces, anupper cam surface 188 and alower cam surface 190. - The
cover 88 can also be similar to thecover 88 of the first embodiment, but thebutton apertures 142 in eachside wall 136 may be formed in a contoured ordepressed portion 192 of theside wall 136. A lockingprojection recess 194 is formed in theupper wall 138, and the twotabs 148 are formed on thefront wall 140 below the lockingprojection recess 194. Anintermediate wall 196 is spaced from thelower wall 140, and includes therelief aperture 150 and two through-holes 198 formed on either side of therelief aperture 150. A series oflateral rails 200 are formed on the interior surface of thefront wall 134 and space thebodies latch members front wall 134 of thecover 88 to reduce the friction between thelatch members cover 88 as thebodies cover 88. A guide track for thelatch members lateral protrusions 202 and a lower pair oflateral protrusions 204 that restrict the movement of thelatch members latch members cover 88. The upper pair of lateral protrusions define a space between them that receives a portion of theupper body 90A and restricts theupper body 90A from moving laterally. Similarly, the lower pair of lateral protrusions define a space between them that receives a portion of thelower body 90B and restricts thelower body 90B from moving laterally. - The
latch mechanism 22 can be assembled to thedirt cup 20 using any suitable means. When thelatch members cover 88 to thedirt cup 20, the lockingprojection 96 is aligned with the lockingprojection recess 194, therelief projection 98 is aligned with therelief aperture 150, the upper andlower bodies lateral protrusions biasing elements frames latch actuator 86 and cover 88 are assembled, which can be done prior to assembling thecover 88 to thedirt cup 20, thebuttons 122 are received in thebutton apertures 142 and theguide projections grooves 186, with the upper and lower cam surfaces 188, 190 facing the cam follower surfaces 112A, 112B. - The
dirt cup 20 can be provided with features to simplify assembly and operation of thelatch mechanism 22. As illustrated, thedirt cup 20 is provided with theupper track 158 and thelower track 160, which respectively receive theupper body 90A and thelower body 90B to restrict movement of thelatch members latch members dirt cup 20. It should be noted that while guide tracks for thelatch members cover 88 and thedirt cup 20 of the present embodiment, the same function of restricting movement of thelatch members cover 88 and thedirt cup 20. - The two
slots 162 are formed in theupper edge 76 of thedirt cup 20 and receive the tabs on thecover 88. On theside wall 74 of thedirt cup 20 near thebottom wall 72, the twocylindrical protrusions 164 with blind holes (not shown) formed therein are aligned with the through holes on thecover 88 to receivefasteners 210 to secure thecover 88 in place over thelatch members dirt cup 20. Anupper catch 206 is formed on theside wall 74, and fits into the lower end of theframe 182 of theupper body 90A. As such, the upper end of the biasingelement 116A is bounded by the upper end of theframe 182 and the lower end of the biasingelement 116A is bounded by theupper catch 206. Alower catch 208 is formed on theside wall 74, and fits into the upper end of theframe 184 of thelower body 90B. As such, the upper end of the biasingelement 116B is bounded by the upper end of thecatch 208 and the lower end of the biasingelement 116B is bounded by thelower catch 208. - Once assembled, the
latch mechanism 22 is movable between a latched position, shown inFIGS. 16 and 17 , in which thedirt cup 20 is secured to thevacuum cleaner 10, and an unlatched position, shown inFIGS. 18 and 19 , in which thedirt cup 20 can be removed from thevacuum cleaner 10. In the latched position, thedirt cup 20 is received within the dirt cup recess 64, with thebottom wall 72 of thedirt cup 20 resting on thebottom wall 68 of the dirt cup recess 64. The lockingprojection 96 is received within thelocking recess 166 provided on themain body 16 and therelief projection 98 is received within therelief aperture 150 and asecond locking recess 212 provided on themain body 16. As illustrated, thelocking recess 212 can be formed in a portion of thebottom wall 68 of the dirt cup recess 64. The biasingelements buttons 122 are spaced from each other by theguide projections - To move the
latch mechanism 22 from the latched position to the unlatched position, thelatch actuator 86 is actuated by pressing thebuttons 122 inwardly toward medial vertical axis X, as shown in arrow A. As thebuttons 122 are pressed inwardly, the upper cam surfaces 188 bear against the cam follower surfaces 112A of theupper guide projection 110A and force theupper guide projection 110A, and thus theupper body 90A, downwardly along the medial vertical axis X. At the same time, the lower cam surfaces 190 bear against the cam follower surfaces 112B of thelower guide projection 110B and force thelower guide projection 110B, and thus thelower body 90B, upwardly along the medial vertical axis X. As such, pressing thebuttons 122 inwardly results in thelatch members upper body 90A, which is guided relative to thecover 88 and thedirt cup 20 by the upperlateral projections 202, causes the lockingprojection 96 to move out of thelocking recess 166 as indicated by arrow B. Upward vertical movement of thelower body 90B, which is guided relative to thecover 88 and thedirt cup 20 by the lowerlateral projections 204, causes therelief projection 98 to move upwardly in therelief aperture 150, as indicated by arrow C, and out of thelocking recess 212. At this time, the biasingelements respective frame respective catch latch mechanism 22 in the unlatched position, thedirt cup 20 can be removed from thevacuum cleaner 10. - To remount the
dirt cup 20 to thevacuum cleaner 10, thelatch mechanism 22 is held in the unlatched position while thedirt cup 20 is seated in the dirt cup recess 64. Releasing thelatch actuator 86 expands thebiasing elements latch mechanism 22 back to the latched position. Upward vertical movement of theupper body 90A and downward vertical movement of thelower body 90B can be configured to cease once theirrespective biasing element actuator 86 is shown with twobuttons 122 that are pressed inwardly toward each other, thelatch mechanism 22 can employ only one button to deflect the upper andlower bodies latch members - While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit. The illustrated vacuum cleaner is but one example of the variety of vacuum cleaners with which this invention or some slight variant can be used. While shown and described for use with an upright or “stick”-type vacuum cleaner, the
dirt cup 20 andlatch mechanism 22 can be used with any type of vacuum cleaner, such as canister vacuum cleaners, robotic vacuum cleaners, hand-held vacuum cleaners, or built-in central vacuum cleaning systems. Thedirt cup 20 andlatch mechanism 22 can also be used with vacuum cleaners adapted to take up fluids, such as extractors and steam cleaners. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. It should also be noted that all elements of all of the claims may be combined with each other in any possible combination, even if the combinations have not been expressly claimed.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/611,939 US20170265702A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2017-06-02 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
US17/089,209 US20210045602A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2020-11-04 | Latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US30861910P | 2010-02-26 | 2010-02-26 | |
US35338410P | 2010-06-10 | 2010-06-10 | |
US13/032,125 US8640301B1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2011-02-22 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
US14/165,731 US9706889B1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2014-01-28 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
US15/611,939 US20170265702A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2017-06-02 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/165,731 Continuation US9706889B1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2014-01-28 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/089,209 Continuation US20210045602A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2020-11-04 | Latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20170265702A1 true US20170265702A1 (en) | 2017-09-21 |
Family
ID=50001485
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/032,125 Active 2032-06-24 US8640301B1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2011-02-22 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
US14/165,731 Active 2032-12-21 US9706889B1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2014-01-28 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
US15/611,939 Abandoned US20170265702A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2017-06-02 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
US17/089,209 Abandoned US20210045602A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2020-11-04 | Latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/032,125 Active 2032-06-24 US8640301B1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2011-02-22 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
US14/165,731 Active 2032-12-21 US9706889B1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2014-01-28 | Dirt cup latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/089,209 Abandoned US20210045602A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2020-11-04 | Latch mechanism for vacuum cleaner |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (4) | US8640301B1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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WO2021147565A1 (en) * | 2020-01-21 | 2021-07-29 | 无锡清易智慧科技有限公司 | Dust container assembly |
WO2021170987A1 (en) * | 2020-02-26 | 2021-09-02 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Latch mechanism for a cleaning device |
USD1017156S1 (en) | 2022-05-09 | 2024-03-05 | Dupray Ventures Inc. | Cleaner |
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JP6420618B2 (en) * | 2014-10-01 | 2018-11-07 | 株式会社パイオラックス | Unlocking device and locking device having the same |
DE102015106664B4 (en) | 2015-04-29 | 2023-09-07 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Filter attachment system for vacuum cleaners and filter unit for such a filter attachment system |
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US10433689B2 (en) * | 2016-08-29 | 2019-10-08 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US11478117B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2022-10-25 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
CN209107189U (en) * | 2017-12-23 | 2019-07-16 | 天佑电器(苏州)有限公司 | Dust catcher |
GB2569821B (en) * | 2017-12-30 | 2020-04-29 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A cleaning appliance |
JP2021523752A (en) * | 2018-05-02 | 2021-09-09 | ドリーミー テクノロジー(テンシン)リミテッドDreame Technology (Tianjin) Limited | Handheld vacuum cleaner |
EP3796822B1 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2023-07-26 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Vacuum cleaner |
USD926401S1 (en) * | 2019-04-11 | 2021-07-27 | Bissell Inc. | Vacuum cleaner |
USD1024466S1 (en) * | 2022-07-11 | 2024-04-23 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Surface cleaning device |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9706889B1 (en) | 2017-07-18 |
US20210045602A1 (en) | 2021-02-18 |
US8640301B1 (en) | 2014-02-04 |
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