VACUUM CLEANER

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner comprises a suction generator to generate an airflow, a dirt separator comprising an opening to permit the airflow to pass into the dirt separator, a filter assembly to separate dirt from the airflow, and a dirt collection chamber to collect dirt separated from the airflow, and an attachment attached to the dirt separator. The attachment comprises a housing comprising a duct to deliver the airflow to the opening of the dirt separator, and a compaction member movable between a first position in which all of the compaction member is upstream of the opening, and a second position in which the compaction member extends through the opening of the dirt separator and into the dirt collection chamber to compact dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a suction generator to generate an airflow; a dirt separator comprising an opening to permit the airflow to pass into the dirt separator, a filter assembly to separate dirt from the airflow, and a dirt collection chamber to collect dirt separated from the airflow; and an attachment attached to the dirt separator, the attachment comprising: a housing comprising a duct to deliver the airflow to the opening of the dirt separator; and a compaction member movable between a first position in which all of the compaction member is upstream of the opening, and a second position in which the compaction member extends through the opening of the dirt separator and into the dirt collection chamber to compact dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the compaction member is movable between the first and second positions in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the attachment.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein an end of the compaction member is disposed at an acute angle relative to a direction of travel of the compaction member between the first and second positions.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the compaction member comprises a wiper configured to wipe a surface of the dirt separator as the compaction member is moved between the first and second positions.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the wiper wipes a surface of the filter assembly.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises a recess defined in the housing and arranged to accommodate the compaction member.

8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein the attachment comprises a sealing element disposed at an opening of the recess through which the compaction member extends in the second position, the sealing element arranged to provide a seal between the housing and the compaction member when the compaction member is in the first position.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the compaction member comprises a user actuator configured to cause the compaction member to move between the first and second positions upon application of a force to the user actuator by a user.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the user actuator protrudes through a slot in the housing.

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises a biasing assembly configured to bias the compaction member towards the first position.

12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the filter assembly extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator.

13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: the dirt separator comprises a valve disposed at the opening; the valve is movable between a closed position in which airflow is prevented from entering the dirt separator via the opening, and an open position in which airflow is permitted to enter the dirt separator via the opening; and movement of the compaction member from the first position to the second position causes the valve to move to the open position to permit entry of the compaction member into the dirt separator.

14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the attachment is removably attached to the dirt separator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vacuum cleaner according to an example;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a dirt separator according to an example;

[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the dirt separator of FIG. 3;

[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the dirt separator of FIG. 3;

[0046] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the dirt separator of FIG. 3;

[0047] FIG. 7 is a front view of a vacuum cleaner according to an example;

[0048] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 7;

[0049] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 7;

[0050] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 7;

[0051] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 7; and

[0052] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the portion of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The example vacuum cleaner 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a main body 10, a attachment 20 and a cleaner head 30. The cleaner head has an inlet aperture 32 arranged to face a surface to be cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 1, and an outlet 34 fluidly connected to the inlet aperture 32. The attachment 20 in this example is a tool, but in other examples may be a wand or other suitable attachment type. In any event, the attachment 20 comprises a duct 21 between a first end 22 and a second, opposite end 24 of the attachment 20. When assembled, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaner head 30 is removably attached to a first end 22 of the attachment 20, and a second end 24 of the attachment 20 is removably attached to the main body 10 such that an airflow pathway is formed from the cleaner head 30, through the attachment 20, to the main body 10.

[0054] When attached to the main body 10, the attachment 20 is arranged co-axially with a central longitudinal axis 2 of the main body 10. In this example, the main body 10 and the attachment 20 are generally cylindrical in shape, with each having an outer housing 12, 23 of a substantially constant outer diameter. The outer housing 12 of the main body 10 surrounds a suction generator 14 to generate an airflow along the airflow pathway, and a battery assembly 16 to power the suction generator 14. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the main body 10 may be provided with a power supply unit, to replace or supplement the battery assembly 16, for connection to a mains power outlet.

[0055] The main body 10 comprises a dirt separator 100 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 3-6) upstream of the suction generator 14. As with the outer housing 12, the dirt separator 100 is also cylindrical in shape and has a substantially constant outer diameter. The dirt separator 100 comprises an opening 102 at an interface between the main body 10 and the attachment 20. The opening 102 serves as both an air inlet and a dirt outlet of the dirt separator 100. When serving as an air inlet, the opening 102 permits the airflow generated by the suction generator 14 to pass into the dirt separator 100 from the duct 21 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the main body 10 (which is co-axial with a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator 100). The dirt separator 100 also comprises an air outlet 112 fluidly connected to the suction generator 14, to permit airflow to exit the dirt separator 100.

[0056] The dirt separator 100 comprises a frame 104 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the main body. The frame 104 is fixed at a first end to the outer housing 12 of the main body 10. A second opposite end 105 of the frame 104 partially defines the opening 102 of the dirt separator 100.

[0057] A filter assembly 106 is removably attached to the frame 104. The filter assembly 106 is configured to separate dirt D from dirt-laden airflow received via the opening 102, and comprises a plurality of layers of filtration material 107 for doing so. The filter assembly 106 is substantially u-shaped, as viewed in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis 2, and is elongate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2. Accordingly, airflow enters the dirt separator 100 in a direction parallel to the filter assembly 106 so that the airflow scrubs the filter assembly 106 to help attenuate dirt accumulation on the filter assembly.

[0058] The filter assembly 106 forms a wall of a dirt collection chamber 108. The dirt collection chamber 108 receives dirt-laden airflow via the opening 102 during vacuum cleaning and fills up with dirt D separated from the dirt-laden airflow by the filter assembly 106. The dirt collection chamber 108 is elongate in shape and extends between the opening 102 at one end, and the outer housing 12 of the main body 10 at an opposite end. The dirt collection chamber 108 extends alongside the filter assembly 106 and has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile along the length of the filter assembly 106, as viewed in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis 2. The elongate shape of the dirt collection chamber 108 allows for a larger volume for a given diameter of the dirt separator 100.

[0059] A valve 110 is connected to the second end 105 of the frame 104 such that the valve 110 is positioned at the opening 102. The valve 110 is movable between a closed position (as shown in FIG. 4) and an open position (as shown in FIG. 3). In the closed position, the valve 110 is configured to obstruct the opening 102, and therefore the airflow pathway. That is, when in the closed position, the valve 110 obstructs the opening 102 such that airflow is prevented from entering the dirt collection chamber 108 via the opening 102 and dirt D is prevented from escaping the dirt collection chamber 108 via the opening 102. In the open position the opening 102 is unobstructed by the valve 110 such that dirt-laden airflow is permitted to enter the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0060] The dirt separator 100 comprises an outer wall 114 extending along a length of the dirt separator 100 and surrounding the frame 104, the filter assembly 106 and the valve 110.

[0061] The dirt collection chamber 108 is therefore defined along one side by the outer wall 114 and along an opposite side by the frame 104 and the filter assembly 106. The opening 102 then provides an opening into the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0062] The outer wall 114 comprises a first end that abuts or is proximal the main body 10, and a second end 113 that is distal from the main body 10. Along with the frame 104, the outer wall 114 partially defines the opening 102 at the second end 113. The valve 110 is arranged to abut the inner surface 115 of the outer wall 114 when in the closed position, to form a seal between the frame 104 and the outer wall 114 at the opening 102. This seal prevents dirt D from inadvertently escaping the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0063] During vacuum cleaning, as shown in FIG. 3, the suction generated by the suction generator 14 causes the valve 110 to move to the open position. The suction generator 14 generates an airflow that passes from the inlet aperture 32 of the cleaner head 30, through the duct 21 of the attachment 20 and through the dirt separator 100. Dirt-laden airflow enters the dirt separator 100 via the opening 102 and travels in a direction parallel to the filter assembly 106 so that dirt D is encouraged towards an opposite end 109 of the dirt collection chamber 108 to the opening 102. The dirt-laden airflow passes through the filter assembly 106 to separate the dirt D from the airflow, and a filtered airflow exits the dirt separator 100 via the outlet 112. Larger and/or heavier dirt entrained in the airflow has a greater momentum than smaller and/or lighter dirt. This momentum causes the larger and/or heavier dirt to push smaller and/or lighter dirt within the dirt collection chamber 108 towards the opposite end 109 of the chamber 108. As a result, smaller and/or lighter pieces of dirt also collect at the opposite end 109 of the dirt collection chamber 108, as shown by the accumulation of dirt D in FIG. 4. After vacuum cleaning, as shown in FIG. 4, the valve 110 returns to the closed position to prevent the dirt D falling out of the dirt collection chamber 108 under gravity when the suction generator 14 is switched off. In the example, the valve 110 is biased to the closed position and therefore returns to the closed position when the suction generated by the suction generator 14 is removed.

[0064] Build-up of dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 can negatively impact the pick-up performance of the vacuum cleaner 1. However, it can be time-consuming and labour-intensive for a user to have to empty the dirt collection chamber 108 too frequently. Accordingly, the dirt separator 100 comprises a compaction member 116 to compact the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 and so free up space in the dirt collection chamber 108. This at least partly restores the pick-up performance of the vacuum cleaner 1 to an acceptable level without a user needing to empty the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0065] In this example, the compaction member 116 is attached to the outer wall 114 and positioned in the dirt collection chamber 108. In this example, the compaction member 116 protrudes from an inner surface 115 of the outer wall 114 into the dirt collection chamber 108 along a plane normal to the longitudinal axis 2 of the main body 10. The compaction member 116 and the outer wall 114 are movable as a single body between a first, or stowed, position (as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) and a second, or extended, position (as shown in FIG. 5). Movement between the first and second positions is in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the main body 10. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the compaction member 116 is not attached to the outer wall 114 and is instead movable relative to the outer wall 114 between the first and second positions.

[0066] In the first position, the compaction member 116 is remote from the valve 110. In the second position, the compaction member 116 is proximate the valve 110. That is, movement of the compaction member 116 from the first position to the second position effectively reduces the volume of the dirt collection chamber 108 so that the dirt D is compacted between the compaction member 116 and the valve 110.

[0067] In use, a user performs a compaction sequence to compact the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108. In this example, in a first stage of the compaction sequence a user applies a force to the outer wall 114 to move the outer wall 114 and the compaction member 116 from the first position to the second position, as shown in FIG. 5. The outer wall 114 and the compaction member 116 slide relative to the frame 104 and the main body 10. The valve 110 is in the closed position so that the compaction member 116 compacts the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 against the valve 110.

[0068] To assist in compacting as much of the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 as possible, the compaction member 116 comprises a resilient wiper 118 at a periphery of the compaction member 116. The wiper 118 is configured to wipe a surface of the filter assembly 106 as the compaction member 116 is moved between the first and second positions. The wiper 118 dislodges dirt D from the filter assembly 106 to better restore filtration performance of the filter assembly 106.

[0069] In this example, in a second stage of the compaction sequence the user applies a force to the outer wall 114 to move the outer wall 114 and the compaction member 116 from the second position to the first position, as shown in FIG. 6. As a result, the effective volume of the dirt collection chamber 108 increases. Friction between the inner surface 115 of the outer wall 114 and the compacted dirt D draws the compacted dirt D away from the valve 110, and thus the opening 102, towards the main body 10. Space is therefore freed-up within the dirt collection chamber 108. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the user may provide any other suitable input to cause the compaction member 116 to move between the first and second positions. For example, the vacuum cleaner 1 may comprise a motor or the like to automatically move the compaction member 116 between the first and second positions in response to a user input or power-off of the vacuum cleaner.

[0070] In order to assist in drawing the compacted dirt D away from the valve 110, the inner surface 115 of the outer wall 114 has a region 117 having a surface roughness greater than a remainder of the inner surface 115. The region 117 is proximal to the compaction member 116 and extends around that part of the outer wall 114 that defines the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0071] The frame 104 comprises slots (not visible) adjacent to the outer wall 114. The slots extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the main body 10 and engage with ridges 119 on the inner surface 115 of the outer wall 114. The ridges 119 are slidable in the slots to constrain rotational movement of the outer wall 114 and compaction member 116 relative to the frame 104.

[0072] Although not shown in this example, the dirt separator 100 comprises a biasing assembly to bias the compaction member 116 towards the first position. The biasing assembly comprises a spring disposed in each of the slots and attached to the respective ridges 119. The springs assist in moving the compaction member towards the first position, and thus in drawing compacted dirt D away from the valve 110.

[0073] In this example, the user grips an outer surface of the outer wall 114 to perform the compaction sequence. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the dirt separator 100 may comprise a handle, knob or other suitable element connected directly or indirectly to the compaction member 116 for a user to grip and cause the compaction member 116 to slide parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 relative to the frame 104. Examples are shown in FIGS. 13-15, described hereinafter with reference to an alternative example, but equally applicable to this example.

[0074] The example vacuum cleaner 3 of FIGS. 7 and 8 has similarities to the vacuum cleaner 1 of FIGS. 1-6. Similar components have the same reference numbers, but increased by 200. The vacuum cleaner 3 comprises a main body 210, an attachment 220 and a cleaner head 230 arranged in the same manner and having the same dimensions as described with reference the vacuum cleaner 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0075] The main body 210 comprises a dirt separator 300, shown in more detail in FIGS. 9-12, upstream of the suction generator 214. The dirt separator 300 comprises an opening 302, outlet 312, frame 304, filter assembly 306, dirt collection chamber 308 and valve 310 similar to those described above with reference to the dirt separator 100 of FIGS. 3-6, and will not be described again, for brevity. The outer wall 314 in this example is not movable relative to the frame 306.

[0076] In this example, the outer housing 223 of the attachment 220 comprises recess 225 to accommodate a compaction member 226. The compaction member 226 is movable between a first position (as shown in FIGS. 7-10 and 12) and a second position (as shown in FIG. 11). Movement of the compaction member 226 between the first and second positions is in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 202 of the main body 210.

[0077] In the first position, substantially all of the compaction member 226 is in the recess 225. Accordingly, the compaction member 226 is upstream of the opening 302 and does not obstruct the duct 221 or the opening 302 so that, during vacuum cleaning, airflow generated by the suction generator 214 can pass into the dirt collection chamber 308 from the duct 221. An end face 228 of the compaction member 226 closest to the dirt separator 300 is disposed at an acute angle relative to the direction of travel of the compaction member 226. The end face 228 forms a portion of a wall of the duct 221 when the compaction member 226 is in the first position, so that the compaction member 226 does not constrict the duct 221 when in the first position.

[0078] In the second position, compaction member 226 extends through the opening 302 of the dirt separator 300 and into the dirt collection chamber 308. The recess 225 has an opening through which the compaction member 226 extends when in the second position. A seal 227 is disposed at the opening and is arranged to provide a seal between the housing 223 and the compaction member 226 when the compaction member 226 is in the first position, to prevent airflow in the duct 221 from entering the recess 225.

[0079] In use, a user performs a compaction sequence to compact the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 308. In this example, in a first stage of the compaction sequence the user applies a force to the compaction member 226 to move the compaction member 226 from the first position to the second position, as shown in FIG. 11. The compaction member 226 slides relative to the attachment 220 and the main body 210 and pushes against the valve 310 to move the valve 310 to the open position. The compaction member 226 then enters the dirt collection chamber 308 and compacts dirt D collected in the dirt collection chamber 308 against the opposite end 309 of the dirt collection chamber 308 to the opening 302. It will be appreciated that in other examples, a mechanism may be provided to independently move the valve 310 to the open position, rather than the valve 310 moving to the open position in response to a force applied directly to the valve 310 by the compaction member 226.

[0080] To assist in compacting as much of the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 308 as possible, the end 228 of the compaction member 226 comprises a resilient wiper 229 at a periphery of the compaction member 226. The wiper 229 is configured to wipe a surface of the filter assembly 306 and other surfaces of the dirt collection chamber 308 as the compaction member 226 is moved between the first and second positions. The wiper 229 dislodges dirt D from the filter assembly 306 to better restore filtration performance of the filter assembly 306.

[0081] In this example, in a second stage of the compaction sequence the user applies a force to the compaction member 226 to move the compaction member 226 from the second position to the first position, as shown in FIG. 12. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the user may provide any other suitable input to cause the compaction member 226 to move between the first and second positions. For example, the vacuum cleaner 3 may be configured to automatically move the compaction member 226 between the first and second positions in response to a user input at a user interface remote from the compaction member 226.

[0082] In this example, the valve 310 is biased to the closed position. Accordingly, when the compaction member 226 passes back through the opening 302 as it moves from the second position to the first position, the valve 310 returns to the closed position.

[0083] In this example, the housing 223 of the attachment 220 comprises an opening 221 through which a user can access the compaction member 226. The compaction member 226 comprises a user actuator, in this example in the form of a recess 240 towards an end 242 of the compaction member 226 that is opposite the main end face 228. During the compaction sequence, a user places a finger in the recess 240 and applies a force in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 202 to push the compaction member 226 from the first position to the second position and/or pull the compaction member 226 from the second position to the first position.

[0084] In other examples, alternative forms of user actuator may be employed. For example, the housing 223 may comprise a longitudinal slot rather than the opening 221 and the user actuator may comprise a projection, to be gripped by a user, that protrudes through the slot. Accordingly, during the compaction sequence, a user grips the user actuator and slides the user actuator, along with the compaction member, relative to the housing 223 along the length of the slot. In a further example, the user actuator may comprise a grip handle or a collar extending around the outer housing.

[0085] In an embodiment, a dirt separator for a vacuum may be provided with the following clauses.

[0086] 1. A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: [0087] an opening to permit airflow to pass into the dirt separator, [0088] a filter assembly to separate dirt from the airflow, [0089] a dirt collection chamber to collect dirt separated from the airflow; [0090] a valve positioned at the opening and movable between a closed position, in which airflow is prevented from entering the dirt collection chamber via the opening, and an open position, in which airflow is permitted to enter the dirt collection chamber via the opening; and [0091] a compaction member positioned in the dirt collection chamber and movable, when the valve is in the closed position, between a first position in which the compaction member is a first distance from the valve, and a second position in which the compaction member is a second, lesser distance from the valve, to compact dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber against the valve.

[0092] 2. A dirt separator according to clause 1, wherein the compaction member is movable between the first and second positions in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator.

[0093] 3. A dirt separator according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the dirt separator comprises an outer wall surrounding the filter assembly and defining a wall of the dirt collection chamber, and wherein the compaction member is attached to the outer wall such the compaction member and outer wall move as a single body between the first and second positions.

[0094] 4. A dirt separator according to clause 3, wherein the compaction member is movable between the first and second positions upon application of a force by a user to the outer wall.

[0095] 5. A dirt separator according to clause 3 or clause 4, wherein an inner surface of the outer wall comprises a region having a greater surface roughness than a remainder of the inner surface.

[0096] 6. A dirt separator according to any preceding clauses, wherein the compaction member comprises a wiper configured to wipe a surface of one or more of the dirt collection chamber and the filter assembly as the compaction member is moved between the first and second positions.

[0097] 7. A dirt separator according to any preceding clauses, comprising a biasing assembly configured to bias the compaction member towards the first position.

[0098] 8. A dirt separator according to any preceding clauses, wherein the filter assembly extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator and the compaction member is movable between the first and second positions parallel to the filter assembly.

[0099] 9. A dirt separator according to clause 8, wherein, when the compaction member is in the first position, the compaction member is further from the opening than the filter assembly.

[0100] 10. A dirt separator according to any preceding clauses, comprising a frame having one or more guiding elements for guiding movement of the compaction member between the first and second positions.

[0101] 11. A vacuum cleaner comprising a dirt separator according to any preceding clauses.

[0102] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. For example, features described with reference to the vacuum cleaner 1 may be applied to the vacuum cleaner 3, and vice versa. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.