Vacuum cleaner system

Abstract

The invention relates to a hand held vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a handle (7), a suction nozzle (6), a cyclonic dust separation device, and a dust container (4) for collecting particles sucked into through the nozzle and separated by the dust separation device The dust container (4) comprises a lid (30) having a closed configuration in which dust is retained within the dust container (4) by the lid (30) and an open configuration for the removal of dust from the dust container (4), wherein the lid (30) comprising a release bar (31). The invention also relates to a system (60) for emptying a dust container (4) of a hand held vacuum cleaner (1). The system comprises a docking station (50) for emptying the dust container. The docking station comprises a lid releaser (51).

Description

[0001] VACUUM CLEANER SYSTEM

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner in particular to a hand held vacuum cleaner with a dust container to be emptied in a docking station and to a system used for emptying the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] Background

[0005] A vacuum cleaner is typically a device having a fan motor generating a suction power and configured to suck particles, such as dust, together with air through the suction power generated by the fan motor, separate and collect the suctioned particles from the air so that cleaning is performed.

[0006] In order to collect the suctioned particles, the vacuum cleaner can include a dust collecting container for collecting particles. However, the user then needs to remove the particles from the dust collecting container. When the user removes the particles from the dust collecting container, the particles may be scattered, which may increase the concentration of dust in the room and / or the user may come in contact with the particles which is not desired.

[0007] To solve this problem, vacuum cleaners, such as battery powered stick vacuum cleaners, can be provided with different types of arrangements for emptying dust therefrom. For example, US2021068603 sets out a solution where a docking station can be provided where the dust collecting container can be emptied. The docking station includes a suction device configured to move air from the dust collecting container to an inside of the docking station, a collector configured to collect a foreign substance that is moved together with the air by driving of the suction device, a suction flow path along which air moves inside the docking station. Dust from the dust container of the battery powered vacuum cleaner can then be moved to the docking station without being scattered into the room.

[0008] Classified as Internal A particular problem when emptying a vacuum cleaner in a docking station relates to opening and closing of the dust container such that the dust container is only open when dust is actually removed. A partial solution to this problem is described in US 2023 / 0346183, which describes a mechanism for automatically closing the dust container when the vacuum cleaner is removed from the docking station.

[0009] There is a constant desire to improve vacuum cleaners to make them more efficient. Hence there is a need for an improved vacuum cleaner configured to be docked to a docking station and having an automatic closing mechanism for closing the dust container when removed from a docking station.

[0010] Summary

[0011] One object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide an improved vacuum cleaner having a secure opening and / or closing of the lid of a dust container, and preferably an automatic opening and / or closing of the dust container.

[0012] This object and or others are achieved by the vacuum cleaner and the system as set out in the appended claims.

[0013] In embodiments a hand held vacuum cleaner comprising a handle, a suction nozzle, a cyclonic dust separation device, a dust container for collecting particles sucked into through the nozzle and separated by the dust separation device is disclosed. The dust container comprises a lid having a closed configuration in which dust is retained within the dust container by the lid and an open configuration for the removal of dust from the dust container, wherein the lid comprising a release bar.

[0014] In embodiments the release bar is hinged and spring biased by a spring force to keep the lid in the closed configuration.

[0015] Classified as Internal In embodiments said spring force being configured to be overcome by a push force on the release bar, the push force is preferably from a lid releaser of a docking station when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in the docking station.

[0016] In embodiments the lid is configured to be held in a closed configuration by a lid lock configured to be releasable by a force, preferably a force created by vacuum from a motor-fan unit in a docking station when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in the docking station.

[0017] In embodiments the lid lock comprises a magnet.

[0018] In embodiments the release bar comprises a locking section biased by a spring force to keep the lid in a closed configuration.

[0019] In embodiments the release bar comprises a push section, the locking section and push section are separated by a hinge.

[0020] In embodiments the lid further comprises a latch configured to secure the lid in a closed configuration when the release bar is in a locking position, that is in a position without a force on the push section, e.g. without the lid releaser providing a push force on the release bar.

[0021] In embodiments the release bar comprises a latch locking member, arranged on the locking section of the release bar, the latch locking member locks the latch in a position to secure the lid in a closed position when the release bar is in a closed position.

[0022] Classified as Internal In embodiments the latch is spring biased, towards a position in with the latch do not secure the lid in the closed configuration.

[0023] In embodiments the latch locking member comprises an angled surface arranged to push the latch against the spring force into a position in with the lid is locked in a closed configuration.

[0024] In embodiments a system for emptying a dust container of a hand held vacuum cleaner comprising: a hand held vacuum cleaner comprising a handle, a suction nozzle, a cyclonic dust separation device, a dust container for collecting particles sucked into through the nozzle and separated by the dust separation device. The dust container comprises a lid having a closed configuration in which dust is retained within the dust container by the lid and an open configuration for the removal of dust from the dust container, wherein the lid comprising a release bar. A docking station, wherein the docking station is provided with a suction opening configured to match the dust container when the hand held vacuum cleaner is positioned in the docking station, and where the docking station comprises, a motor-fan unit configured to provide a vacuum for emptying the dust container. Furthermore, the docking station comprises a lid releaser.

[0025] In embodiments the release bar is hinged and spring biased by a spring force, said spring force being configured to be overcome by a push force from the lid releaser of the docking station when the vacuum cleaner is placed in the docking station.

[0026] In embodiments the lid is configured to be held in a closed configuration by a lid lock configured to be released by vacuum created by the motor-fan unit of the docking station.

[0027] In embodiments the lid further comprises a latchconfigured to unlock the lid when the releaser provides a push force on the release bar.

[0028] Classified as Internal In embodiments the release bar is hinged and spring biased by a spring force to keep the lid in the closed configuration.

[0029] In embodiments said spring force being configured to be overcome by a push force on the release bar, the push force is preferably from a lid releaser of a docking station when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in the docking station.

[0030] In embodiments the lid is configured to be held in a closed configuration by a lid lock configured to be releasable by a force, preferably a force created by vacuum from a motor-fan unit in a docking station when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in the docking station.

[0031] In embodiments the lid lock comprises a magnet.

[0032] In embodiments the release bar comprises a locking section biased by a spring force to keep the lid in a closed configuration.

[0033] In embodiments the release bar comprises a push section, the locking section and the push section are separated by a hinge.

[0034] In embodiments the lid further comprises a latch configured to secure the lid in a closed configuration when the release bar is in a locking position, that is in a position without the lid releaser providing a push force.

[0035] In embodiments the release bar comprises a latch locking membe, arranged on the locking section of the release bar, the latch locking locks the latch in a position to secure the lid in a closed position when the release bar is in a closed position.

[0036] Classified as Internal In embodiments the latch is spring biased, towards a position in with the latch do not secure the lid in the closed configuration.

[0037] In embodiments the latch locking member comprises an angled surface arranged to push the latch against the spring force into a position in with the lid is locked in a closed configuration.

[0038] In accordance with one embodiment, the lid further comprises a latch configured to secure the lid when the release bar is in a position without the lid releaser providing a push force. Hereby the lid of the dust container can be secured better minimizing the risk that the lid is opened when not in a docking station. The latch can in accordance with one advantageously be spring biased.

[0039] The invention also extends to a system comprising the vacuum cleaner and a docking station. The docking station can be provided with a lid releaser configured to cooperate with the release bar to rotate the release bar when the vacuum cleaner is placed in the docking station.

[0040] In accordance with another aspect of the invention a hand-held vacuum cleaner is provided comprising a handle and a suction nozzle. The hand-held vacuum cleaner further comprises a dust container for collecting particles sucked into the vacuum cleaner. The dust container comprises a lid and the lid comprises a release bar. By providing a release bar on the lid the lid can be automatically opened and closed when emptied in a docking station using only a mechanical force provided by merely placing the hand-held vacuum cleaner into the docking station.

[0041] Brief description of the drawings

[0042] Classified as Internal The invention will now be described in more detail by means of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] - Fig. 1a is a general view in perspective of a stick vacuum cleaner in a docking station,

[0044] - Fig. 1 b is a view in perspective of the docking station,

[0045] - Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vacuum cleaner placed in a docking station,

[0046] - Fig. 3 is a bottom view in perspective of a dust container with a closed lid,

[0047] - Figs. 4a and 4b are cross-sectional views of a dust container,

[0048] - Figs. 5a and 5b are views of a part of a lid for a dust container,

[0049] - Fig. 6 is a view of the lid when fully opened, and

[0050] - Figs. 7a and 7b are views of the lid during closing of the lid.

[0051] Detailed description

[0052] Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for ease of understanding and / or clarity. It is further to be understood that the features described can be combined in any suitable manner to meet different implementational needs. Some elements can be omitted in a specific implementation.

[0053] The present disclosure relates to a hand held vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner system comprising a hand held vacuum cleaner. In Fig. 1a, a hand held vacuum cleaner 1 is placed in a stand 2. The hand held vacuum cleaner 1 is of a type where parts may be attached, such as a tube and floor nozzle to facilitate floor cleaning. In Fig. 1 a. The hand held vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to a tube and nozzle to form a stick type vacuum cleaner. However, the vacuum cleaner could be of any type. For example, the vacuum cleaner can be a stick, canister or robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0054] Classified as Internal The hand held vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a nozzle or air inlet with may be attached to a tube and a floor nozzle. The dust sucked by the hand held vacuum cleaner from the nozzle, passes a dust separation and can there be collected in a dust container 4. The dust separation may also have a fine-dust filter for filtering our fine dust from the air flow, The vacuum cleaner is driven by a motor, a battery powered motor (not visible) and has a suction fan (not visible) driven by the battery powered motor to provide suction at the suction nozzle.

[0055] The dust separator is typically a cyclone separator, a single stage or two or more stage cyclone separator may be used.

[0056] In embodiments a two-stage cyclone separator may be used. The first cyclone separator typically separates larger particles and hair. The second cyclone typically separates smaller particles and fine dust. The second stage is usually a plurality of smaller cyclones. The dust and particles from both cyclone stages end up in a dust container. However, the invention is not limited to such dust separators, but can be applied to any type of dust separators.

[0057] The dust container 4 is typically generally cylindrical. The dust container is typically in a mainly vertical position when the hand held vacuum cleaner 1 is in use, but do not need to. The dust container is typically in a vertical position when the dust container 4 is emptied as described in more detail below.

[0058] When the dust container 4 is filled with dust and other particles, the dust container 4 should be emptied. The emptying procedure should preferably, as set out above, be performed such that no or a minimal amount of dust is scattered during the emptying procedure.

[0059] The dust container 4 is provided with an opening for emptying the dust container 4. In the embodiment of Fig. 1a the vacuum cleaner is configured to be placed in a

[0060] Classified as Internal docking station 50 in a vertical movement as is seen in Fig. 1a. The dust container opening can typically be placed at the bottom side of the dust container as seen when the vacuum cleaner is held in an upright position with the suction nozzle pointing in a downwards direction.

[0061] In Fig. 1b, the docking station 50 is seen in a perspective view. The docking station 50 is provided with a suction opening 59 configured to match the dust container 4 when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in the docking station 50. Advantageously, an air tight space is formed between the bottom of the dust container and the suction opening 59 when the hand held vacuum cleaner is in place. Hereby a vacuum can be formed between the docking station 50 and the dust container when the hand held vacuum cleaner is placed in the docking station as will be explained in more detail below. The docking station 50 further comprises a lid releaser 51 as will be described in more detail below.

[0062] Fig. 2 is a schematic view illustrating emptying of the dust container 4 in a docking station 50. Fig. 5 shows a system 60 comprising a vacuum cleaner 1 placed in the docking station 50. When placed in the docking station, an opening 41 can be opened to allow the dust I particles in the dust container 4 to be emptied to the docking station 50 via the opening. The docking station 50 typically has a motor / fan unit 52 for providing a suction force to draw dust and particles from the dust container 4. The docking station 50 also typically has a dust compartment 54, preferably a dust bag, where the dust can be collected. During the emptying procedure when a vacuum cleaner with a dust container is placed in the docking station and when the lid of the dust container is still closed but the fan is operated, a vacuum can be generated between the docking station and a part, typically the bottom part, of the dust container. The vacuum thus formed will exercise a force on the lid of the dust container drawing the lid of the dust container towards the docking station. Thereby having the lid in an open configuration and dust in the dust container may be removed.

[0063] Classified as Internal io

[0064] In Fig. 2, air flow in the hand held vacuum cleaner and a docking station 50 is shown by arrows during emptying of the dust container 4 when a lid (not shown) of the dust comtainer is opened. The hand held vacuum cleaner comprises a dust container 4 for collecting particles sucked into the vacuum cleaner.

[0065] Thus, air is drawn by the motor / fan unit 52 from the dust container 4 via the opening 41 to the dust compartment 54 such that dust from the dust container 4 is moved to the dust compartment 54 of the docking station 50 during an emptying procedure.

[0066] In an emptying procedure, the user places the hand held vacuum cleaner in the docking station 50. The dust from the dust container is thereby moved into the docking station when the fan of the docking station 50 is activated. The docking station 50 is further provided with a lid releaser 51 . The lid releaser can for example be a projection or a pin or some other member that can press against a push section on the dust container lid as will be described more in detain below. Also, during the entire emptying procedure, it is ensured that dust is not scattered as will be described in more detail below.

[0067] When the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station 50, the dust container lid should only be opened when the docking station generates a vaccum by activating the fan so that dust is not scattered. In accordance with some embodiments the container lid is provided with a lock keeping the lid in a closed position and where the lock can be overcome by a sucktion force formed by fan in the docking station. In other words, the vaccum formed between the docking station and the dust container will realease the lock of the lid of the dust container.

[0068] In Fig. 3, an exemplary lid 30 of a dust container 4 is depicted. The lid 30 can close the opening of the dust container 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the lid is located at a bottom section of the dust container when the vacuum cleaner is held in an upright vertical position.

[0069] Classified as Internal In Figs. 4a and 4b, a cross sectional view of the dust container 4 is shown. The opening of the dust container 4 is closable by the lid 30. The lid 30 can comprise a release bar 31. The release bar 31 will be described in more detail below. The lid 30 can also in some embodiments comprise a latch 32. The latch 32 can be advantagous to prevent accidental opening of the lid 30. The latch 32 can cooperate with a latch locking member 33 formed on the release bar 31 . The latch locking member 33 can for example be formed by bumps or similar means such as a heel formed on the latch release bar 31. The release bar 31 comprises a push section 34. When the push section 34 is pushed, the force on the push section will rotate the release bar 31 as will be explained in more detail below.

[0070] In the position shown in Figs. 4a and 4b, the lid 30 is still closed and covers the opening of the dust container 4. The lid is held in place by a lid lock 38. The lid lock 38, can for example by one or a plurality of magnets holding the lid in place by a magnetic force. The lid lock can also be formed by a snap fit or some other similar means. The lid lock 38 provides a relatively weak lock and the lock will be opened by a force generated by a vacuum in the docking station 50. Thus, when the vacuum cleaner is placed in the docking station 50 and the fan of the docking station is activated, the vacuum force in the docking station will overcome and open the lid lock 38 by a pulling force. The entire lid 30 will then open and the dust container will be opened so that dust in the dust container 4 can be sucked via the dust container opening 41 into the docking station.

[0071] Figs.5a and 5b show a detailed view of some parts of the lid 30. In Figs. 5a and 5b, the release bar 31 is shown. The release bar 31 can be hinged at a hinge 35. The realease bar 31 can rotate around the hinge 35. The release bar can extend from the hinge 35 towards the centre of the lid 30. The release bar 31 is kept in a closed position by a spring 36 providing a spring force keeping the release bar 31 in the closed position. In the closed position the lid 30 is closed to prevent dust from leaving the dust container by the release bar pressing with the spring force onto other parts of the lid. The release bar 31 further comprises a push section 34. The push section 34 can typically be an extension of the release bar to the outer side of the hinge 35.

[0072] Classified as Internal When the push section 34 is pushed, the force on the push section will couteract the spring 36 and the release bar opens. This position is seen in Figs. 4a and 4b. For example, when the vacuum cleaner is placed in the docking station, the lid releaser 51 of the docking station 50 can press onto the push section so as to rotate the release bar 31 around the hinge 35. Hereby a pure mechanical mechanism for unlocking the lid 30 can be provided.

[0073] Figs. 5a and 5b further shows a latch 32 that can cooperating with with a latch release member 33 formed on the release bar 31 . The latch 32 can be spring biased by a spring 37 such that the latch is released by a spring force when the latch release member is removed when the release bar is rotated.

[0074] When the release bar 31 has been rotated and the latch 32 (if present) has been released, the force of the lid lock 38 can be overcome by a vacuum force of the docking station and the container lid 30 can be opened such that dust can be sucked from the dust container 4 via the dust container opening 41 into the docking station. This position is shown in Fig. 6.

[0075] When the vacuum cleaner 1 is removed from the docking station 50, the force of the press section 34 will be removed and the lid 30 will be automatically closed by the spring force of the release bar 31 by the pressing spring force. In Fig. 7 the lid 30 is shown when closing. The lid 30 will be locked by the lid lock 38 and the latch 32 will be returned to secure the lid by the latch release member 33.

[0076] Thus, in accordance with the invention when the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station and a vacuum is generated by the docking station, the dust container lid will be opened by vacuum and dust inside the container will be cleaned up. When the vacuum cleaner is removed from the docking station, the container lid will be closed automatically using only mechnical forces.

[0077] Classified as Internal In the Figures a hand held vacuum cleaner (1 ) is disclosed. The hand held vacuum cleaner comprising a handle (7), a suction nozzle (6), a cyclonic dust separation device, a dust container (4) for collecting particles sucked into through the nozzle and separated by the dust separation device. The dust container (4) comprises a lid (30) having a closed configuration in which dust is retained within the dust container (4) by the lid (30) and an open configuration for the removal of dust from the dust container (4), wherein the lid (30) comprising a release bar (31 ).

[0078] A release bar is hinged and spring biased by a spring force to keep the lid in the closed configuration. Said spring force being configured to be overcome by a push force on the release bar, the push force is preferably from a lid releaser of a docking station when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in the docking station.

[0079] The lid (30) is configured to be held in a closed configuration by a lid lock (38) configured to be releasable by a force, preferably a force created by vacuum from a motor-fan unit in a docking station when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in the docking station. In an embodiment the lid lock (38) may comprise a magnet.

[0080] The release bar comprises a locking section (39) biased by a spring force to keep the lid in a closed configuration.

[0081] The release bar comprises a push section, the locking section and push section are separated by a hinge.

[0082] The lid further comprises a latch (32) configured to secure the lid in a closed configuration when the release bar is in a locking position, that is in a position without the lid releaser providing a push force.

[0083] Classified as Internal The release bar comprises a latch locking member, arranged on the locking section of the release bar, the latch locking member locks the latch in a position to secure the lid in a closed position when the release bar is in a closed position.

[0084] In embodiments the latch is spring biased, towards a position in with the latch do not secure the lid in the closed configuration.

[0085] In embodiments the locking protrusion comprises an angled surface arranged to push the latch against the spring force into a position in with the lid is locked in a closed configuration.

[0086] In embodiments a system (60) for emptying a dust container (4) of a vacuum cleaner comprising: a hand held vacuum cleaner as disclosed above. A hand held vacuum cleaner comprising a handle (7), a suction nozzle (6), a cyclonic dust separation device, a dust container (4) for collecting particles sucked into through the nozzle and separated by the dust separation device. The dust container (4) comprises a lid (30) having a closed configuration in which dust is retained within the dust container (4) by the lid (30) and an open configuration for the removal of dust from the dust container (4), wherein the lid (30) comprising a release bar (31 ). A docking station (50), wherein the docking station (50) is provided with a suction opening configured to match the dust container (4) when the hand held vacuum cleaner is positioned in the docking station (50), and where the docking station comprises, a motor-fan unit configured to provide a vacuum for emptying the dust container. Furthermore, the docking station comprises a lid releaser ()

[0087] The release bar is hinged and spring biased by a spring force, said spring force being configured to be overcome by a push force from the lid releaser of the docking station when the vacuum cleaner is placed in the docking station.

[0088] Classified as Internal

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hand held vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a- a handle (7)- a suction nozzle (6)- a cyclonic dust separation device- a dust container (4) for collecting particles sucked into through the nozzle and separated by the dust separation device, wherein, the dust container (4) comprises a lid (30) having a closed configuration in which dust is retained within the dust container (4) by the lid (30) and an open configuration for the removal of dust from the dust container (4), wherein the lid (30) comprising a release bar (31 ).

2. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein, the release bar is hinged and spring biased by a spring force to keep the lid in the closed configuration.

3. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to claim 2 wherein, said spring force being configured to be overcome by a push force on the release bar, the push force is preferably from a lid releaser (51 ) of a docking station when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in the docking station.

4. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims above, wherein the lid (30) is configured to be held in a closed configuration by a lid lock (38) configured to be releasable by a force, preferably a force created by vacuum from a motor-fan unit in a docking station when the vacuum cleaner is arranged in the docking station.

5. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims above, wherein the lid lock (38) comprises a magnet.

6. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims above, wherein the release bar comprises a locking section (39) biased by a spring force to keep the lid in a closed configuration.

7. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to the claim 6, wherein the release bar comprises a push section (34), the locking section (39) and push section are separated by a hinge (35).

8. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to any of the claim above, wherein the lid further comprises a latch (32) configured to secure the lid in a closed configuration when the release bar is in a locking position, that is in a position without the lid releaser providing a push force.

9. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the release bar comprises a latch locking member (33), arranged on the first part of the release bar, the latch locking member locks the latch in a position to secure the lid in a closed position when the release bar is in a closed position.

10. Hand held vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the latch is spring biased, towards a position in with the latch do not secure the lid in the closed configuration.11 . Hand held vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims 8-9, wherein the latch locking member comprises an angled surface arranged to push the latch against the spring force into a position in with the lid is locked in a closed configuration.

12. A. system (60) for emptying a dust container (4) of a hand held vacuum cleaner (1) comprising:a hand held vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims 1-10- - a docking station (50), wherein the docking station (50) is provided with a suction opening configured to match the dust container (4) when the hand held vacuum cleaner is positioned in the docking station (50), and where the docking station comprises, a motor-fan unit configured to provide a vacuum for emptying the dust container, wherein- the docking station comprises a lid releaser (51)- the release bar is hinged and spring biased by a spring force, said spring force being configured to be overcome by a push force from the lid releaser (51 ) of the docking station when the vacuum cleaner is placed in the docking station.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the lid (30) is configured to be held in a closed configuration by a lid lock (38) configured to be released by vacuum created by the motor-fan unit (52) of the docking station.

14. A system according to any of the claims 12-13, wherein the lid further comprises a latch (32) configured to unlock the lid when the releaser provides a push force on the release bar.

Images