Classifications

• • 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
• • 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
  • A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
• • 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
  • A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
• • 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
  • A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
  • A47L9/1427—Means for mounting or attaching bags or filtering receptacles in suction cleaners; Adapters
  • A47L9/1463—Means for mounting or attaching bags or filtering receptacles in suction cleaners; Adapters specially adapted for rigid filtering receptacles
• • 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

Definitions

• This invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus.
• this invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus which utilises a source of suction to draw dirt etc. from a surface being cleaned and to store said dirt in a chamber which can be emptied by a user.
• Such surface cleaning apparatus are often referred to a "vacuum cleaners”.
• a surface cleaning apparatus having a dirt collection container which is removable from a remainder of the apparatus, wherein the dirt collection container is held in a stored position relative the remainder of the apparatus by a holding device, said holding device including: a first co-operating member provided in, provided on or connected to the dirt collection container; and
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention
• Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of figure 1 ;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of a dirt collection container and holding device of the apparatus of figure 1 ;
• Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the component parts shown in figure 3;
• Figure 5 is yet a further perspective view of the components parts shown in figure 3;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of the components parts shown in figure 3, viewed from an opposite end of the container;
• Figure 7 is a further view of the component parts shown in figure 6;
• Figure 8 is a yet further view of the component parts shown in figure 6;
• Figures 9, 10 and 1 1 are side cross-sectional views of the apparatus of figure 1 with the dirt collection container in a stored condition;
• Figures 12 and 13 are side cross-sectional views of the apparatus of figure 1 with the dirt collection container in an ejected condition;
• Figures 14 to 16 are perspective views of a dirt collection container and holding device of a second embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention
• Figures 17 to 19 are side views of the component parts shown in figure 14.
• the container is in a stored condition - in figure 19 the container is in an ejected condition;
• Figure 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of apparatus with the dirt collection container in a stored condition
• Figure 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of apparatus with the dirt collection container in an ejected condition
• Figures 22 is a perspective view of component parts of the first embodiment of apparatus, with the dirt collection container in an ejected condition; and Figure 23 is an end view of the first embodiment of apparatus.
• FIGS. 1 through 13 show a first embodiment of an apparatus 10 according to the present invention.
• the surface cleaning apparatus 10 is of the kind typically known as a vacuum cleaner.
• the apparatus 10 is generally cylindrical and includes first and second wheels 40, 42 each positioned at respective ends of a housing 1 1 of the apparatus 10.
• Each wheel 40, 42 includes an annular member 43 which is supported for rotation by an exterior surface of a part of a housing 1 1 .
• the housing 1 1 is pulled across a floor surface by a user, with the wheels 40, 42 rolling thereover.
• the apparatus 10 is generally symmetrical about a plane X which extends midway through an axis A extending through the wheels 40, 42.
• the apparatus 10 includes a source of suction, in this example a motor 140 and fan 150 for drawing dirt-entrained air into the apparatus 10 through a primary air inlet 120.
• the primary inlet 120 connects to a tube / hose and then to a floor head, which may include a motor driven brush bar, as is known in the art.
• the dirt is separated from the air drawn in to the apparatus 10 by a cyclonic separator indicated generally at 90.
• the cyclonic separator 90 includes an inlet 91 which communicates with the primary air inlet 120, and a dirt outlet 92 which communicates with a dirt collection container 12.
• An end of the dirt collection container 12 which sits within the wheel 40 includes a moveable lid 17 which is pivotally movable about a hinge 17a.
• the dirt collection container 12 includes a locking mechanism 17b which permits a user to open the lid 17 to empty the contents of the container 12.
• the dirt collection container 12 is removable from the remainder of the apparatus 10 in a direction which is parallel/coaxial with the rotational axis A of the wheels 40, 42. It will also be noted that the dirt collection container 12 is removable through an opening of the end of the housing 1 1 which sits within the space surrounded by the annular member 43. As mentioned previously, the dirt collection container 12 is removable from the remainder of the apparatus 10 so that the contents of dirt therein can be emptied, once the lid 17 is moved to its open condition.
• the apparatus 10 includes a holding device for holding the dirt collection container 12 in a stored position (i.e. within the housing 1 1 ) relative to the remainder of the apparatus 10.
• the stored position of the container 12 in the present embodiment is that corresponding to its position shown in figure 1 where it sits within an end of the housing 1 1 .
• a clean air outlet 93 from the separator 90 communicates through a disc shaped filter element 80 and passage 50 to the motor 140 and fan 150.
• different forms of filter may or may not be utilised and the flow of clean air from the separator to the motor 140 and fan 150 need not necessarily be directed through a cable rewind system 160 (as is shown in the present embodiment).
• the holding device includes a number of component parts formed in or connected to the dirt collection container 12 and the remainder of the apparatus 10.
• An advantage of a holding device in accordance with the present invention is that movement of the dirt collection container 12 towards its stored position (e.g. by a user pushing the container 12 into the end of the housing 1 1 ) engages co-operating members of the holding device with each other which lock / hold the container 12 in a stored condition. Thus, it is not necessary for the user to place the container in its stored position and then press any kind of additional member or lock to hold the device therein.
• the dirt collection container 12 is only moveable towards the remainder of the apparatus 12, i.e. towards its stored position, in one rotation orientation thereof.
• the dirt collection container 12 can only be inserted into the open end of the housing 1 1 in one rotational position. This ensures that the dirt collection container 12 is only moveable linearly, in this embodiment axially along the axis A, relative to the remainder of the apparatus 10 as it is moved towards its stored position.
• there is no relative rotation between the dirt collection container 12 and the remainder of the apparatus 10 although embodiments are envisaged where such relative rotation could be provided for.
• the apparatus 10 includes one or more formations or recesses engageable with a corresponding one or more recesses or formations on the remainder of the apparatus 10.
• the formations and recesses permit the dirt collection container 12 only to be inserted in the housing 1 1 in one orientation of the container 12, but also prevent relative rotation of the container 12 relative to the remainder of the apparatus 10.
• the relevant formations and recesses are shown in figures 22 and 23.
• the exterior surface of the container 12 is provided with formations 201 a, 201 b which are different widths, and opposite each other. These formations engage with corresponding recesses 202a, 202b in the interior surface of the housing 1 1 which is surrounded by the wheel 40. Because the recesses 202a, 202b are sized according to their respective formations 201 a, 201 b, it is not possible for the user to insert the dirt collection container 12 in an incorrect rotational position. Furthermore, the recesses 202a, 202b include generally parallel walls which extend into the housing 1 1 and thus guide the dirt collection container 12 in a linear/axial path towards its stored position.
• each recess 202a, 202b includes curved guiding walls 203a, 203b at the entrances thereof which assist in guiding the dirt collection container 12.
• the curved guiding walls 203a, 203b permit there to be minor rotational misalignment of the dirt collection container 12 with the remainder of the apparatus when the user pushes the container 12 to its stored position.
• the apparatus 10 includes a holding device for holding the dirt collection container 12 in a stored position relative to the remainder of the apparatus 10.
• the holding device includes a plurality (three in this example, although there could be more or fewer) first co- operating members 18 which are provided on an exterior surface of the container 12.
• the first cooperating members 18 are positioned substantially at 120 Q from each other about the axis A and are wedge-shaped in side view, the purpose of which will become apparent later.
• the members 18 taper in the same rotational direction, that being a clockwise direction when viewing the apparatus 10 from the end with the wheel 40.
• the tapered surface 18a of each member 18 faces axially inwardly towards the motor 140.
• the holding device includes a second co-operating member in the form of an annular part 16 which is supported relative to the remainder of the apparatus.
• the annular part 16 is supported by and is rotatable relative to the housing 1 1 .
• the annular part 16 includes three elongate openings 61 which receive projections 62, the latter of which is connected to the housing 1 1 .
• the projections 62 which are substantially cylindrical, sit within respective elongate openings 61 and permit, but limit, rotational movement of the part 16 about the axis A relative to the housing 1 1 .
• the annular part 16 includes three further openings 63.
• Each opening 63 is positioned adjacent a respective one of the openings 61 , and in use received as respective one of the members 18.
• An entrance to the openings 63 includes a sloped circumferentially extending part 63a, which tapers in a circumferential direction opposite to that of the tapering surfaces 18a of the members 18.
• the sloped surfaces 18a, 63a engage each other and effect rotation of the part 16 about the axis A.
• Each opening 63 is substantially L shaped and it includes an entrance 63c which is connected to a circumferentially extending portion 63d. The portion 63d of the opening 61 extends in circumferential direction opposite to that of part 63a.
• the apparatus 1 0 includes a bin ejection button 100 which is movable in directions D and E parallel to the axis A (although it need not necessarily be moveable in that direction).
• the button 100 is biased by a spring (not shown) in the direction E.
• Extending downwardly from the button 100 towards the axis A is a projection 101 an end of which engages in an angular opening 64 in the annular part 16.
• the opening 64 extends at an angle to the axis A such that as the button 100 is moved in the direction D the parts 101 and 64 act as cam and cam follower to effect rotation of the part 16 about the axis A.
• the apparatus includes a biasing device 30 for biasing the dirt collection container 12 away from its stored position.
• Figures 2, 10, 12 and 13 show the biasing device of the present embodiment in more detail.
• the biasing device includes an annular member 35 which is positioned within the housing 1 1 .
• the annular member 35 is supported relative to the housing 1 1 by a plurality of spring-biased supports 32, 33 which permit the annular member 35 to be displaced towards the motor 140, whilst the annular member 35 is biased away therefrom to an extended position (that shown in figure 2).
• An opening 34 within the annular member 35 provides space to receive the inwardly facing end of the dirt collection container 12 such that the filter 80 passes through that opening 34 when the container 12 is in its stored condition.
• the above embodiment is configured such that as the dirt collection container 12 is moved towards its stored position the part 1 6 is caused to rotate relative to the dirt collection container 1 2 and, in this particular embodiment, relative to the housing 1 1 .
• the part 16 or equivalent thereof may be provided on the container 1 2 itself, with parts 1 8 or equivalents thereof being provided on or connected to the housing 1 1 .
• the holding device of the present invention permits for easy docking and undocking of the container 1 2 by a user because all that is required is for a user to move the button 100 in the direction of arrow D, and when reconnecting the container 1 2 simply push the container 1 2 axially into the end of the housing 1 1 .
• the relative rotation of the parts 1 6, 1 8 ensures effective locking of the container 1 2 in its stored condition.
• first and second co-operating members may each be moveable, preferably rotationally moveable, in directions opposite or substantially opposite to each other, with the members each being biased towards their positional conditions which ensure locking of the container within the apparatus.
• Figures 14 to 21 show a second embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
• the apparatus 1 0' includes a holding device with an annular member 16' rotationally supported relative to the housing 1 1 ' by a plurality of supports 62'.
• a user actual button 100' includes an axially projecting peg 101 ' which engages in an arcuate channel 64' in the annular part 16'.
• the container 12' is provided with three substantially equally spaced apart wedge shaped portions 18' each with a tapering surface 18a'.
• Figures 14 and 17 show the container 12' in its stored condition with the parts 18' positioned inwardly of the annular member 16'. Their engagement with the inwardly facing surface of the annular member 16' ensures that the dirt collection container 12' is held in its stored condition. Depression of the button 100' by the user rotates the annular member 16' in the direction R 2 ', which aligns openings 63 in the part 16' with the formations 18'. This ensures that the dirt collection container 12' is free to be removed from the apparatus.
• a biasing device 30' acts to eject the dirt collection container 12a from the remainder of the apparatus 10' upon full depression of the button 100'. This can be seen in figures 15 and 18.
• FIGS 16 and 19 show how the sloping surfaces 18a' and 65' engage with each other. Axial movement of the dirt collection container 12' into the housing 1 1 ' effects rotation of the annular member 16' in the direction of Arrow R-i ' allowing the members 18' to pass through the openings 63 in the annular part 16' until they reach the position as shown in figures 13 and 17.
• a spring 130' is provided to bias the button 100' to its un-depressed position, which has the effect of providing a biasing force to rotate the annular member 16' in the direction arrow R 2 ', which effects locking of the dirt collection container 12' within the apparatus 10'.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
• Cleaning In General (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=54337794

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (4)

Family Cites Families (6)

• 2014
  • 2014-12-23 GB GB1423137.7A patent/GB2533623A/en not_active Withdrawn
• 2015
  • 2015-09-28 US US15/539,404 patent/US20180140150A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2015-09-28 EP EP15781992.1A patent/EP3236828B1/en active Active
  • 2015-09-28 WO PCT/GB2015/052808 patent/WO2016102911A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2015-09-28 CN CN201580075576.7A patent/CN107205598B/zh active Active

Patent Citations (4)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events