Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner is disclosed that includes a suction generator that generates an airflow, a dirt separator that includes an opening that allows the airflow to enter the dirt separator, a filter assembly that separates dirt from the airflow, a dirt collection chamber that collects dirt separated from the airflow, and an accessory attached to the dirt separator. The attachment includes a housing including a conduit that delivers an airflow to an opening of the dirt separator, and a hold-down member movable between a first position in which the entirety of the hold-down member is upstream of the opening, and a second position in which the hold-down member is downstream of the opening. A compression member extends through the opening of the dirt separator and into the dirt collection chamber to compress dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner. Background Art

[0002] A vacuum cleaner relies on a suction generator to generate an airflow that is used to pick up dirt from the surface to be cleaned. The airflow passes through one or more filters to separate dirt from the airflow before it is discharged from the vacuum cleaner. The separated dirt can accumulate in a collection chamber, which can then be emptied by the user. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a suction generator for generating an airflow, a dirt separator comprising an opening for allowing the airflow to enter the dirt separator, a filter assembly for separating dirt from the airflow, a dirt collection chamber for collecting the dirt separated from the airflow, and an accessory attached to the dirt separator. The accessory comprises a housing, the housing comprising a conduit for conveying the airflow to the opening of the dirt separator, and a pressing member, the pressing member being movable between a first position and a second position, in which the entirety of the pressing member is located upstream of the opening, and in which the pressing member extends through the opening of the dirt separator and into the dirt collection chamber to press the dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber.

[0004] Compressing the dirt in the collection chamber with the pressing member frees up some space in the dirt collection chamber. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner can be used for a longer time before the dirt collection chamber needs to be emptied.

[0005] The pressing member may be arranged so that movement of the pressing member to the second position causes dirt to be pushed upwards against gravity (the vacuum cleaner is in an orientation to clean a floor surface). The pressing member may be arranged to press dirt at an end of the dirt collection chamber opposite the opening. This arrangement helps prevent blockage at the dirt separator opening.

[0006] The pressing member may be movable between the first and second positions in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment. This may provide a space saving simple arrangement which is more intuitive for a user.

[0007] The longitudinal axis of the dirt separator can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment. This can provide a space-saving and ergonomic vacuum cleaner.

[0008] One end of the compression member may be disposed at an acute angle relative to the direction of travel of the compression member between the first and second positions. This helps prevent the compression member from obstructing airflow along the conduit when the compression member is in the first position.

[0009] The compression member may include a wiper configured to wipe a surface of the dirt separator, such as a surface of the dirt collection chamber, when the compression member moves between the first and second positions. The wiper may be located at the periphery of the compression member. The wiper may remove dirt from the dirt separator surface to increase the amount of dirt that can be compressed by the compression member. The wiper may wipe the surface of the filter assembly. Wiping the surface of the dirt separator with the wiper may increase the time between necessary emptying of the dirt collection chamber and / or replacement or cleaning of the filter assembly.

[0010] The wiper and the compression member may have an outer profile that substantially matches the cross-sectional profile of the dirt collection chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This may allow the wiper to wipe multiple surfaces of the dirt collection chamber when the compression member moves between the first and second positions.

[0011] The attachment may include a recess defined in the housing, the recess being arranged to accommodate the compression member. This may better separate the compression member from the conduit to prevent interference with the airflow by the compression member.

[0012] The accessory may comprise a sealing element provided at an opening of the recess through which the compression member extends in the second position, and the sealing element may be arranged to provide a seal between the housing and the compression member when the compression member is in the first position. This may help to prevent airflow into the recess during use of the vacuum cleaner with the compression member in the first position, which airflow may otherwise cause a loss of suction.

[0013] The clamping member may include a user actuator configured to move the clamping member between the first and second positions when a user applies a force to the user actuator. Manual actuation of the clamping member eliminates the need for complex assemblies to move the clamping member between the first and second positions, which may increase the cost, weight, and power requirements of the vacuum cleaner.

[0014] The user actuator may comprise a recess on an outer surface of the pressing member, the recess being accessible from outside the housing. This may provide a smooth exterior of the vacuum cleaner, without protrusions which may catch on nearby objects during use of the vacuum cleaner.

[0015] The user actuator may extend through a slot in the housing. The slot may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the accessory, and the user actuator may be moved along the slot to move the compression member between the first and second positions. This may provide an ergonomically intuitive arrangement.

[0016] The accessory may include a biasing assembly to bias the compression member toward the first position. This helps ensure that the compression member does not remain in a position to block the pipe. This may allow a user to apply force to the compression member in only one direction to move the compression member toward the second position. This may help ensure a better seal between the compression member and the housing when the compression member is in the first position.

[0017] The filter assembly may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator. This may allow the compression member to compress dirt in a direction parallel to the filter assembly to remove dirt from the filtering surface of the filter assembly. This, in turn, may increase the time between necessary replacement or cleaning of the filter assembly. This may also allow the overall diameter of the vacuum cleaner to be reduced.

[0018] The dirt separator may include a valve disposed at the opening. The valve may be movable between a closed position, in which airflow is blocked from entering the dirt separator through the opening, and an open position, in which airflow is allowed to enter the dirt separator through the opening. The valve may be biased to the closed position. This helps prevent dirt from accidentally escaping from the dirt collection chamber when the vacuum cleaner is not in use.

[0019] Movement of the pressing member from the first position to the second position may cause the valve to move to the open position to allow the pressing member to enter the dirt separator. Movement of the pressing member from the second position to the first position may cause the valve to move to the closed position, e.g. under a biasing force towards the closed position, to prevent dirt from accidentally escaping from the dirt collection chamber. This may provide a space-saving arrangement.

[0020] The attachments may be removably attached to the dirt separator. The advantage of this is that the attachments may be removed for specific cleaning tasks. For example, by removing the attachments, the length of the vacuum cleaner may be reduced, making it easier to maneuver and operate the vacuum cleaner on surfaces such as upholstery, mattresses and other small spaces around the home.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner is provided, the dirt separator comprising an opening for allowing an air flow to enter the dirt separator, a filter assembly for separating dirt from the air flow, a dirt collection chamber for collecting the dirt separated from the air flow, a valve located at the opening and movable between a closed position and an open position, in which the air flow is blocked from entering the dirt collection chamber via the opening, and in which the air flow is allowed to enter the dirt collection chamber via the opening; and a pressing member, which is located in the dirt collection chamber and which is movable between a first position and a second position when the valve is in the closed position, in which the pressing member is a first distance from the valve, and in which the pressing member is a second, smaller distance from the valve, so as to press the dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber against the valve.

[0022] Compressing the dirt in the dirt collection chamber with the pressing member frees up some space in the dirt collection chamber. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner can be used for a longer time before the dirt collection chamber needs to be emptied.

[0023] Providing a compacting member in the dirt collection chamber provides a space-saving and relatively intuitive arrangement for the user to compact the dirt. This also allows the dirt to be compacted without the need for additional tools separate from the dirt separator.

[0024] The pressing member is movable between the first and second positions in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator. This may provide a space saving and simple arrangement, resulting in a less complex dirt separator compared to separators comprising a pressing member movable in different directions.

[0025] The dirt separator may include an outer wall surrounding the filter assembly and defining a wall of the dirt collection chamber, and the pressing member may be attached to the outer wall so that the pressing member and the outer wall move as a single body between the first and second positions. This may provide a space-saving arrangement and facilitate movement of the pressing member parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0026] When the pressing member and the outer wall are moved to the second position, the filter assembly can be exposed to ambient air. This can allow the filter assembly to be removed from the dirt separator for cleaning and / or replacement.

[0027] The compression member may be moved between the first and second positions when a user applies a force to the outer wall. This may provide a simple, relatively intuitive arrangement.

[0028] The inner surface of the outer wall may include an area having a greater surface roughness than the rest of the inner surface. When the compression member moves from the second position to the first position, the area may help to draw the compressed dirt away from the valve due to friction between the area and the compressed dirt. For example, this can ensure that movement of the valve to the open position during the waste separation process is not blocked by the compressed dirt. The area can also help to keep the compressed dirt in a desired position within the waste collection chamber, for example to minimize any negative impact of the compressed dirt on the performance of the waste separator. This also helps to ensure that during the waste separation process, when the valve moves to the open position, the compressed dirt does not escape from the waste collection chamber under the action of gravity.

[0029] The compression member may include a wiper configured to wipe a surface of one or more of the dirt collection chamber and the filter assembly when the compression member moves between the first and second positions. The wiper may be located at the periphery of the compression member. The wiper may remove dirt from the dirt collection chamber and / or the filter assembly to increase the amount of dirt that can be compressed by the compression member. This may increase the time between necessary emptying of the dirt collection chamber and / or replacement or cleaning of the filter assembly.

[0030] The wiper and the compression member may have an outer profile that substantially matches the cross-sectional profile of the dirt collection chamber in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This may allow the wiper to wipe multiple surfaces of the dirt collection chamber when the compression member moves between the first and second positions.

[0031] The dirt separator may be biased to the first position, for example, by a biasing assembly. This helps ensure that the hold-down member does not remain in a position that obstructs airflow through the dirt separator and / or affects the filtering performance of the filter assembly. This may also allow a user to apply force to the hold-down member in only one direction to move the hold-down member toward the second position, thereby simplifying the hold-down sequence that a user may perform.

[0032] The filter assembly may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator, and the hold-down member may be movable between the first and second positions parallel to the filter assembly. This helps to move dirt away from the filtering surface of the filter assembly. This, in turn, may increase the time between necessary replacement or cleaning of the filter assembly. This may also allow the overall diameter of the vacuum cleaner to be reduced.

[0033] When the compression member is in the first position, the compression member may be further away from the port than the filter assembly. This helps ensure that the compression member is not in a position that blocks airflow through the dirt separator and / or affects the filtering performance of the filter assembly.

[0034] The dirt separator may include a frame having one or more guide elements for guiding the movement of the compression member between the first and second positions. For example, the guide element may engage with an outer wall of the dirt separator. The guide element may ensure that the compression member moves in a reliable, repeatable manner, which may improve the safety and / or life of the dirt separator.

[0035] The filter assembly may be removably attached to the frame. When the compression member is in the second position, this allows the compression member to move relative to the filter assembly and allows the filter assembly to be removed and replaced.

[0036] The valve may be attached to the frame. This may ensure that the valve remains in the correct position to prevent dirt from escaping from the dirt collection chamber.

[0037] The valve may be biased to a closed position so that when the dirt separator is not operating to separate dirt from the airflow, the valve is in the closed position. This may help prevent dirt from accidentally escaping from the dirt collection chamber and allow the dirt to be pressed against the valve by the pressing member.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising the dirt separator according to the further aspect of the present invention.

[0039] The vacuum cleaner may include a tool or wand that is removably attached to the dirt separator and configured such that movement of the pressing member between the first and second positions is blocked when the tool or wand is attached to the dirt separator. Movement of the pressing member between the first and second positions is permitted when the tool or wand is removed from the dirt separator. 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] FIG2 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG1 ;

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

[0044] FIG4 is a cross-sectional side view of the dirt separator of FIG3;

[0045] FIG5 is a cross-sectional side view of the dirt separator of FIG3;

[0046] FIG6 is a cross-sectional side view of the dirt separator of FIG3;

[0047] FIG7 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 a portion of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 7 ;

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

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

[0053] The example vacuum cleaner 1 of Figures 1 and 2 includes a main body 10, an attachment 20 and a cleaner head 30. The cleaner head has an inlet hole 32 and an outlet 34, the inlet hole is arranged to face the surface to be cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 1, and the outlet is fluidly connected to the inlet hole 32. In this example, the attachment 20 is a tool, but in other examples, it can be a stick or other suitable attachment type. In any case, the attachment 20 includes a conduit 21 between a first end 22 and an opposite second end 24 of the attachment 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when assembled, the cleaner head 30 is removably attached to the first end 22 of the attachment 20, and the second end 24 of the attachment 20 is removably attached to the main body 10, thereby forming an airflow path from the cleaner head 30 through the attachment 20 to the main body 10.

[0054] When attached to the main body 10, the accessory 20 is arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis 2 of the main body 10. In this example, the main body 10 and the accessory 20 are generally cylindrical, each having a housing 12, 23 with a substantially constant outer diameter. The housing 12 of the main body 10 surrounds the suction generator 14 to generate an airflow along the airflow path, and the battery assembly 16 to drive the suction generator 14. It should be understood that in other examples, the main body 10 can be provided with a power supply unit to replace or supplement the battery assembly 16 for connection to a mains power socket.

[0055] The body 10 includes a dirt separator 100 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 3-6 ) located upstream of the suction generator 14. Like the housing 12, the dirt separator 100 is also cylindrical and has a substantially constant outer diameter. The dirt separator 100 includes an opening 102 located at the interface between the body 10 and the attachment 20. The opening 102 serves as an air inlet and a dirt outlet of the dirt separator 100. When used as an air inlet, the opening 102 allows the airflow generated by the suction generator 14 to enter the dirt separator 100 from the conduit 21 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10 (which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the dirt separator 100). The dirt separator 100 also includes an air outlet 112 fluidly connected to the suction generator 14 to allow the airflow to leave the dirt separator 100.

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

[0057] The filter assembly 106 is removably attached to the frame 104. The filter assembly 106 is configured to separate dirt D from the dirt-laden airflow received via the opening 102, and to this end includes multiple layers of filter material 107. The filter assembly 106 is substantially u-shaped when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2, and is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2. Therefore, the airflow enters the dirt separator 100 in a direction parallel to the filter assembly 106, so that the airflow scours the filter assembly 106 to help reduce 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 a dirt-laden airflow through the opening 102 during vacuum cleaning and is filled with dirt D separated from the dirt-laden airflow by the filter assembly 106. The dirt collection chamber 108 is elongated in shape and extends between the opening 102 at one end and the housing 12 of the body 10 at the opposite end. The dirt collection chamber 108 extends along the filter assembly 106 and has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile along the length of the filter assembly 106, as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2. For a given diameter of the dirt separator 100, the elongated shape of the dirt collection chamber 108 allows for a larger volume.

[0059] The valve 110 is connected to the second end 105 of the frame 104 so that the valve 110 is located 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 block the opening 102 and thus block the airflow path. That is, when in the closed position, the valve 110 blocks the opening 102, thereby preventing the airflow from entering the dirt collection chamber 108 via the opening 102, and preventing the dirt D from escaping the dirt collection chamber 108 via the opening 102. In the open position, the opening 102 is not obstructed by the valve 110, thereby allowing the airflow carrying dirt to enter the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0060] The dirt separator 100 includes an outer wall 114 extending along the length of the dirt separator 100 and surrounding the frame 104, the filter assembly 106 and the valve 110. Thus, the dirt collection chamber 108 is 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 access to the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0061] The outer wall 114 includes a first end adjacent to or near the body 10 and a second end 113 distal to the body 10. Together 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 an 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 accidentally escaping from the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3 , during vacuum cleaning, the suction force 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 hole 32 of the cleaner head 30 through the conduit 21 of the attachment 20 and through the dirt separator 100. The airflow carrying dirt enters the dirt separator 100 through the opening 102 and travels in a direction parallel to the filter assembly 106, so that the dirt D is pushed toward the end 109 of the dirt collection chamber 108 opposite to the opening 102. The airflow carrying dirt passes through the filter assembly 106 to separate the dirt D from the airflow, and the filtered airflow leaves the dirt separator 100 via the outlet 112. Larger and / or heavier dirt entrained in the airflow has greater momentum than smaller and / or lighter dirt. This momentum causes the larger and / or heavier dirt to push the smaller and / or lighter dirt in the dirt collection chamber 108 toward the opposite end 109 of the chamber 108. Therefore, smaller and / or lighter dirt also accumulates at the opposite end 109 of the dirt collection chamber 108, as shown by the accumulation of dirt D in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, after vacuum cleaning, when the suction generator 14 is turned off, the valve 110 returns to the closed position to prevent the dirt D from falling out of the dirt collection chamber 108 under the action of gravity. In this example, the valve 110 is biased to the closed position, so when the suction generated by the suction generator 14 is removed, the valve 110 returns to the closed position.

[0063] The accumulation of dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108 can have a negative impact on the pickup performance of the vacuum cleaner 1. However, it may be time-consuming and laborious for the user to empty the dirt collection chamber 108 too frequently. Therefore, the dirt separator 100 includes a pressing member 116 to compact the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108, thereby freeing up space in the dirt collection chamber 108. This at least partially restores the pickup performance of the vacuum cleaner 1 to an acceptable level without requiring the user to empty the dirt collection chamber 108.

[0064] In this example, a compression member 116 is attached to the outer wall 114 and is located in the dirt collection chamber 108. In this example, the compression member 116 protrudes from the inner surface 115 of the outer wall 114 into the dirt collection chamber 108 along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10. The compression member 116 and the outer wall 114 are movable as a single body between a first or stowed position (as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6) and a second or deployed position (as shown in Figure 5). The movement between the first and second positions is in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10. It should be understood that in other examples, the compression member 116 is not attached to the outer wall 114, but is movable relative to the outer wall 114 between the first and second positions.

[0065] In the first position, the pressing member 116 is away from the valve 110. In the second position, the pressing member 116 is close to the valve 110. That is, the movement of the pressing 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 compressed between the pressing member 116 and the valve 110.

[0066] In use, the user performs a compaction sequence to compact the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 108. In this example, in the first 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 first position to the second position, as shown in FIG5 . The outer wall 114 and the compaction member 116 slide relative to the frame 104 and the 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.

[0067] To help compact as much dirt D as possible in the dirt collection chamber 108, the compacting member 116 includes an elastic wiper 118 located at the periphery of the compacting member 116. The wiper 118 is configured to wipe the surface of the filter assembly 106 when the compacting member 116 moves between the first and second positions. The wiper 118 removes dirt D from the filter assembly 106 to better restore the filtering performance of the filter assembly 106.

[0068] In this example, in the 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 FIG6 . As a result, the effective volume of the dirt collection chamber 108 increases. The friction between the inner surface 115 of the outer wall 114 and the compacted dirt D pulls the compacted dirt D away from the valve 110, thereby pulling away from the outlet 102 and toward the main body 10. As a result, the space within the dirt collection chamber 108 is released. It should be understood that in other examples, the user may provide any other suitable input to move the compaction member 116 between the first and second positions. For example, the vacuum cleaner 1 may include 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 a power failure of the vacuum cleaner.

[0069] To help draw compacted dirt D away from valve 110, inner surface 115 of outer wall 114 has region 117 having a greater surface roughness than the remainder of inner surface 115. Region 117 is adjacent to compression member 116 and extends around the portion of outer wall 114 defining dirt collection chamber 108.

[0070] The frame 104 includes a slot (not visible) adjacent the outer wall 114. The slot extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 2 of the body 10 and engages with a ridge 119 on the inner surface 115 of the outer wall 114. The ridge 119 is slidable in the slot to limit rotational movement of the outer wall 114 and the compression member 116 relative to the frame 104.

[0071] Although not shown in this example, the dirt separator 100 includes a biasing assembly to bias the pressing member 116 toward the first position. The biasing assembly includes a spring disposed in each slot and attached to the corresponding ridge 119. The spring helps move the pressing member toward the first position, thereby sucking the compressed dirt D out of the valve 110.

[0072] In this example, the user grasps the outer surface of the outer wall 114 to perform the compaction sequence. It should be understood that in other examples, the dirt separator 100 may include a handle, a knob, or other suitable element directly or indirectly connected to the compaction member 116 for the user to grasp and slide the compaction member 116 relative to the frame 104 parallel to the longitudinal axis 2. Examples are shown in Figures 13-15, which are described below with reference to alternative examples, but are equally applicable to this example.

[0073] The exemplary vacuum cleaner 3 of Figures 7 and 8 is similar to the vacuum cleaner 1 of Figures 1-6. Similar parts have the same reference numerals, but increased by 200. The vacuum cleaner 3 comprises a main body 210, an attachment 220 and a cleaner head 230, which are arranged in the same manner and have the same dimensions as described with reference to the vacuum cleaner 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0074] The body 210 includes a dirt separator 300 located upstream of the suction generator 214. Figure 9-12 3-6 . The dirt separator 300 includes an opening 302, an outlet 312, a frame 304, a filter assembly 306, a dirt collection chamber 308, and a valve 310, similar to those described above with reference to the dirt separator 100 of FIGS. 3-6 , which will not be described again for the sake of brevity. In this example, the outer wall 314 is immovable relative to the frame 306.

[0075] In this example, the housing 223 of the accessory 220 includes a recess 225 that receives a compression member 226. The compression member 226 can be in a first position (as shown in FIGS. 7-10 and 12) and a second position (as shown in FIGS. Fig.11 The movement of the compression member 226 between the first and second positions is in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 202 of the body 210.

[0076] In the first position, substantially all of the compression member 226 is in the recess 225. Thus, the compression member 226 is located upstream of the opening 302 and does not block the conduit 221 or the opening 302, so that during vacuum cleaning, the airflow generated by the suction generator 214 can enter the dirt collection chamber 308 from the conduit 221. The end face 228 of the compression member 226 closest to the dirt separator 300 is disposed at an acute angle relative to the direction of travel of the compression member 226. When the compression member 226 is in the first position, the end face 228 forms a portion of the wall of the conduit 221, so that the compression member 226 does not compress the conduit 221 when in the first position.

[0077] In the second position, the pressing 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 pressing member 226 extends when in the second position. A seal 227 is provided at the opening and is arranged to provide a seal between the housing 223 and the pressing member 226 when the pressing member 226 is in the first position to prevent the airflow in the conduit 221 from entering the recess 225.

[0078] In use, the user performs a compaction sequence to compact the dirt D in the dirt collection chamber 308. In this example, in the 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. Fig.11As shown. The pressing member 226 slides relative to the attachment 220 and the main body 210 and pushes the valve 310 to move the valve 310 to the open position. The pressing member 226 then enters the dirt collection chamber 308 and presses the dirt D collected in the dirt collection chamber 308 against the end 309 of the dirt collection chamber 308 opposite to the opening 302. It should be understood 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 directly applied to the valve 310 by the pressing member 226.

[0079] To help compact as much dirt D as possible in the dirt collection chamber 308, the end 228 of the pressing member 226 includes an elastic wiper 229 located at the periphery of the pressing member 226. The wiper 229 is configured to wipe the surface of the filter assembly 306 and other surfaces of the dirt collection chamber 308 when the pressing member 226 moves between the first and second positions. The wiper 229 removes the dirt D from the filter assembly 306 to better restore the filtering performance of the filter assembly 306.

[0080] In this example, in the second stage of the clamping sequence, the user applies force to the clamping member 226 to move the clamping member 226 from the second position to the first position, such as Fig.12 It should be understood that in other examples, the user may provide any other suitable input to move the clamping member 226 between the first and second positions. For example, the vacuum cleaner 3 may be configured to automatically move the clamping member 226 between the first and second positions in response to a user input at a user interface away from the clamping member 226.

[0081] In this example, the valve 310 is biased to the closed position. Thus, when the compression member 226 returns through the opening 302 as it moves from the second position to the first position, the valve 310 returns to the closed position.

[0082] In this example, the housing 223 of the accessory 220 includes an opening 221 through which a user can access the compression member 226. The compression member 226 includes a user actuator, in this example, in the form of a recess 240 towards an end 242 of the compression member 226 opposite the main end face 228. In a compression sequence, the user places a finger in the recess 240 and applies a force in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 202 to push the compression member 226 from the first position to the second position, and / or pull the compression member 226 from the second position to the first position.

[0083] In other examples, alternative forms of user actuators may be employed. For example, the housing 223 may include a longitudinal slot instead of the opening 221, and the user actuator may include a protrusion that is grasped by the user, the protrusion protruding through the slot. Thus, during the compression sequence, the user grasps the user actuator and slides the user actuator and the compression member relative to the housing 223 along the length of the slot. In another example, the user actuator may include a gripping handle or collar that extends around the housing.

[0084] In an embodiment, a dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner may be provided with the following items.

[0085] 1. A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0086] Openings to allow airflow into the dirt separator,

[0087] Filter assembly, which separates dirt from the air flow,

[0088] a dirt collection chamber, for collecting dirt separated from the air flow;

[0089] a valve located at the opening and movable between a closed position, wherein the closed position prevents airflow through the opening into the dirt collection chamber, and an open position, wherein the open position allows airflow through the opening into the dirt collection chamber; and

[0090] A pressing member is located in the dirt collection chamber and can be moved between a first position and a second position to press dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber against the valve when the valve is in the closed position. In the first position, the pressing member is a first distance away from the valve, and in the second position, the pressing member is a second smaller distance away from the valve.

[0091] 2. The dirt separator according to clause 1, wherein the pressing member is movable between a first and a second position in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator.

[0092] 3. A dirt separator according to item 1 or item 2, wherein the dirt separator comprises an outer wall surrounding the filter assembly and defining a wall of the dirt collection chamber, and wherein a clamping member is attached to the outer wall so that the clamping member and the outer wall move as a single body between the first and second positions.

[0093] 4. A dirt separator according to clause 3, wherein the pressing member is movable between the first and second positions when a user applies force to the outer wall.

[0094] 5. A dirt separator according to clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the inner surface of the outer wall comprises a region having a greater surface roughness than the remainder of the inner surface.

[0095] 6. The dirt separator according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the compression member comprises a wiper configured to wipe a surface of one or more of the dirt collection chamber and the filter assembly when the compression member moves between the first and second positions.

[0096] 7. A dirt separator according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a biasing assembly configured to bias the pressing member towards the first position.

[0097] 8. The dirt separator according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the filter assembly extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator, and the pressing member is movable parallel to the filter assembly between the first and second positions.

[0098] 9. The dirt separator according to clause 8, wherein when the pressing member is in the first position, the pressing member is further away from the port than the filter assembly.

[0099] 10. Dirt separator according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a frame having one or more guide elements for guiding movement of the pressing member between the first and second positions.

[0100] 11. A vacuum cleaner comprising a dirt separator according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0101] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are contemplated. For example, features described with reference to vacuum cleaner 1 may be applied to vacuum cleaner 3, and vice versa. It should be understood that any feature described with respect 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 embodiment, or in combination with any combination of any other embodiment. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction generator for generating an airflow; A dirt separator, comprising an opening, a filter assembly and a dirt collection chamber, wherein the opening allows an airflow to enter the dirt separator, the filter assembly separates dirt from the airflow, and the dirt collection chamber collects the dirt separated from the airflow; and An accessory, attached to the dirt separator, the accessory comprising: a housing including a conduit for conveying an airflow to an opening of the dirt separator; and A pressing member is movable between a first position in which the pressing member is entirely located upstream of the opening and a second position in which the pressing member extends through the opening of the dirt separator and into the dirt collection chamber to press dirt collected in the dirt collection chamber.

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

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

4. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one end of the pressing member is arranged at an acute angle relative to the direction of travel of the pressing member between the first position and the second position.

5. The vacuum cleaner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressing member comprises a wiper configured to wipe a surface of the dirt separator when the pressing member moves between the first position and the second position. The vacuum cleaner of claim 5 , wherein the wiper wipes a surface of the filter assembly.

7. A vacuum cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein the accessory comprises a recess defined in the housing, the recess being arranged to accommodate the pressing member.

8. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein the accessory includes a sealing element, which is arranged at an opening of the recess, the clamping member extending through the opening in the second position, and the sealing element is arranged to provide a seal between the housing and the clamping member when the clamping member is in the first position.

9. The vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, wherein the pressing member comprises a user actuator configured to move the pressing member between the first position and the second position when a user applies a force to the user actuator.

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

11. The vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, wherein the accessory comprises a biasing assembly configured to bias the pressing member towards the first position.

12. The vacuum cleaner of any preceding claim, wherein the filter assembly extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dirt separator.

13. A vacuum cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein: The dirt separator includes a valve disposed at the opening; the valve being 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 compression member from the first position to the second position causes the valve to move to the open position to allow the compression member to enter the dirt separator.

14. A vacuum cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein the accessory is detachably attached to the dirt separator.

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