RU2765079C2 - Components of vacuum cleaner container for dust collection - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: household appliances.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a connecting plate for a vacuum cleaner container for dust collection, a container for dust collection and an adapter of a connecting plate for a connecting plate of a vacuum cleaner container for dust collection. The connecting plate for the vacuum cleaner container for dust collection contains the adapter of the connecting plate. The connecting plate also contains a hole, and it is adapted for the connection to a dust bag in order to correctly position the hole of the dust bag in the vacuum cleaner by means of a connecting plate inserted into a holding device of the vacuum cleaner. The adapter of the connecting plate is configured to form a continuous section that extends from one of edges of the connecting plate. The adapter of the connecting plate and the connecting plate have the same width, so that the adapter of the connecting plate and the connecting plate can be inserted into a common holding device. The adapter of the connecting plate is removable or separate from the connecting plate. There is at least one cutout on the edge of the adapter of the connecting plate facing away from the connecting plate.

EFFECT: ensuring the best use of the internal space of the vacuum cleaner.

14 cl, 8 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The invention relates to dust containers for vacuum cleaners, having connecting plates that can be inserted into the holding device of the vacuum cleaner.

State of the art

An example of such a container is disclosed, for example, in WO 0224046A1. Thanks to the connection plate, the opening of the dust bag can be securely positioned and oriented to receive the dusty air flow from the inlet of the vacuum cleaner. In addition, the connecting plate, for example, may cause the feedback switch in the vacuum cleaner receiving holder to ensure that the dust collection container is correctly inserted into the receiving device, thus preventing the vacuum cleaner from being used if the collection container is missing or incorrectly installed in it. dust. Otherwise, such use may cause damage to the vacuum cleaner by heavily polluted air entering the fan motor.

One of the challenges with this type of dust container is how to make the dust container more versatile and suitable for use with more efficient and compact vacuum cleaners.

Disclosure of invention

One of the objectives of the present invention is therefore to provide a more versatile dust container. This problem is solved by the combination of a connection plate adapter and a connection plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container as defined in claim 1. More specifically, in such a combination, the connection plate has an opening and is adapted to be connected to the dust bag, so as to correctly position the opening of the dust bag inside the vacuum cleaner by the connection plate being inserted into the holding device of the vacuum cleaner. The adapter is configured to form a continuous portion that extends from one of the edges of the connection plate. The link plate adapter and link plate are substantially the same width so that the link plate adapter and link plate can be inserted into a common holding device. The connection plate adapter is removable or separate from the connection plate. This means that the connection plate together with the adapter of the connection plate can be used in a holding device which is elongated in order to provide a feedback function away from the opening of the dust bag, for example. For example, such a feedback function makes it possible to judge that the dust container is correctly inserted into the vacuum cleaner before allowing the vacuum cleaner to be turned on. The dust container, however, can also be used in older types of vacuum cleaners with a shorter holding device by simply detaching or not using an adapter.

The connector plate adapter may have stiffening means to provide reduced bending stiffness about an axis perpendicular to the direction in which it is inserted into the retainer. This can be achieved by using multiple film hinges to allow the connection plate adapter to flex in a broken curve. The film hinges may be present at 3-6 locations along the direction in which the adapter of the connection plate extends from the connection plate.

More broadly, the adapter plate adapter may have flex zones that reduce its bending stiffness about an axis perpendicular to the direction in which the adapter is inserted into the holder. Such bending zones can, in addition to film hinges, be means from the group including perforations and areas of reduced stiffness.

The connection plate and the connection plate adapter may comprise means for connecting them to each other, such as, for example, a dovetail connection.

The connector plate adapter may have a U-shape containing lateral branches and a bridge interconnecting the branches at their distal ends. This provides space for a shutter mechanism that can be used to close the dust container after use. At least one locking hole may be provided in the web to interact with the locking means in the holding device. In alternative embodiments, at least one notch is provided on the edge of the adapter of the connection plate, facing away from the connection plate, to allow the adapter of the connection plate to be inserted into such a retainer, even if the locking function is not used.

The connector plate adapter and/or the connector plate can be made from an injection molded plastic such as polypropylene or alternatively from thick paper or cardboard.

At least one of the corners of the connection plate, facing away from the adapter of the connection plate, may have a side support. Such a support may rest on the rim of the holding device for additional stabilization and positioning of the connecting plate in it.

Also considered is a container containing a dust bag and such a combination of a connection plate adapter and a connection plate.

Next, a connector plate adapter for a vacuum cleaner dust container connector plate is discussed, wherein the adapter includes means for interacting with a device in the cleaner's holder, and stiffness reduction means such as film hinges, perforations, or areas of reduced stiffness to provide reduced stiffness. bending about an axis perpendicular to the direction in which the adapter is inserted into the holding device.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings show:

in fig. 1 - container for collecting dust;

in fig. 2 is a fragment of those shown in FIG. 1 connection plate and connection plate adapter, enlarged view;

in fig. 3 - connecting plate of the dust collector with the disconnected adapter of the connecting plate;

in fig. 4 is an example of a connection plate and a connection plate adapter after being inserted into the holding device, in perspective view;

in fig. 5 is a fragment of the example shown in FIG. 4 is an enlarged view;

in fig. 6 - one of the alternative configurations of the connecting plate, side view;

in fig. 7 is a fragment of the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is an enlarged view;

in fig. 8 is a simplified version of the connection plate and connection plate adapter.

Implementation of the invention

The present invention relates to a combination of a connection plate adapter and a connection plate for a dust container, as well as corresponding dust containers and adapters.

In FIG. 1 shows an example of a dust container 1 for a vacuum cleaner. The dust container 1 has a dust bag 5, shown schematically in the drawing, made of a breathable material, as is well known in itself. The connection plate 3 is attached to the dust bag 5, for example by gluing thereto, and has an opening 9 which matches the opening in the dust bag 5. The connection plate 3 is configured to position the hole 9 in the correct position relative to the air inlet hole in the cleaner body. This can be done by inserting the connection plate 3 into a holder or holding device in the vacuum cleaner. This operation correctly positions the opening 9 so that the dust bag 5 receives a dust-containing air stream, while the dust bag is able to remove most of the dust from the air stream. A gasket 7 can be attached to the connection plate 3 in the region of the opening 9 to provide a seal to reduce leakage in the air flow from the inlet hose to the dust bag 5.

Applicant's previous application PCT/EP 2016060308 describes a dust container connection plate adapted to a vacuum cleaner with improved use of its internal space. Such a connecting plate has a central portion with the aforementioned hole and a portion extending from the central hole. The continuing section has less rigidity than the central section and therefore can deviate from the plane of the rest of the connecting plate without causing the central section to bend. Such a connection plate can be inserted into a vacuum cleaner holder which is not flat but curved and thus can follow the curvature of the vacuum cleaner inner wall. A better use of the interior space of the vacuum cleaner can be made, and therefore the vacuum cleaner can be more efficient. The end of the continuing section can be used to activate the functions of the vacuum cleaner, for example, indicating that the dust container is installed correctly to allow the use of the vacuum cleaner. Such an indicator function of the retainer may, due to the length of the extension, be at some distance from the hole in the bag/connection plate. The extended portion also helps to keep the dust container in place in the holding device. The edges of the connecting plate 3 are supported by a holding device.

The dust container described here can be used in a vacuum cleaner having said curved holder, but can also be used in conjunction with older types of vacuum cleaners that do not have this feature and have a much shorter holder.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connecting plate 3 shown in FIG. 1 includes a removable adapter 11. The adapter 11 forms a continuous portion which extends from one of the edges of the connection plate 3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the connecting plate 3 has a linear perforation 13, more clearly visible in the enlarged detail shown in FIG. 2. If the connection plate 3 is made in one piece with the adapter 11, for example, from injection molded polypropylene, then the perforation can be used to separate the adapter 11 from the connection plate 3 by folding the connection plate 3 over the perforation 13 several times and then tearing off the adapter 11, as shown in FIG. 3. The dust container with a built-in connection plate 3 can then be used in a vacuum cleaner with a much shorter holding device, allowing only a connection plate of length L to be used.

To begin with, it should be noted that the adapter 11 may be provided as a part separate from the connecting plate 3. A separate adapter like that shown in FIG. 3 can be inserted into the vacuum cleaner holder in advance to activate any functions therein, and the connection plate 3 can be inserted later to correctly position the hole in the dust container. While this does not provide the advantage of the adapter 11 helping to stabilize the position of the connection plate 3 in the holding device, it does mean that the adapter can, if desired, remain permanently in the holding device, thus saving material. In general, the connecting plate 3 and the adapter 11 may have the same width W (see Fig. 1) along the direction in which they are inserted into the holding device, at least along its part. The connection plate 3 may be provided with side supports 31 which protrude laterally and thus rest on the rim of the opening of the vacuum cleaner holder, further stabilizing the connection plate 3 in the holder after insertion.

In FIG. 4-7 show two other embodiments of the invention in which the link plate 3 and adapter can be temporarily connected to each other so that the link plate adapter 11 can be reused with a number of link plates 3 and thus help stabilize the position of the link plate 3 in the holding device. .

In FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the connection plate 3 and the adapter 11 of the connection plate. In the example shown, the connecting plate 3 and its adapter 11 are interconnected by means of dovetail joints 15 with tongues and grooves made on the front surface of the connecting plate 3 and the adapter 11, as shown in the enlarged detail in FIG. 5 so that the adapter 11 can be detached and reused by attaching to another connection plate when the dust bag with the existing connection plate 3 is full.

In FIG. 6 shows a side view of one of the alternative connection plate configurations. In this example, the dovetail connection 17 is instead positioned along the edge of the connection plate 3 and the corresponding edge of the connection plate adapter 11 such that the dovetail connection is visible from the side of the connection plate and adapter combination, shown in FIG. 7. The tongue of the connecting plate 3 is inserted into the groove of the adapter 11 of the connecting plate.

Of course, a person skilled in the art can use other ways of connecting the connecting plate 3 to the adapter, such as dovetail types.

With the combination illustrated in FIG. 4 and 5 or FIG. 6 and 7, a combination is provided in which the adapter 11 can be reused with a series of connection plates 3. At the same time, the adapter 11 contributes to the correct positioning of the dust container in the vacuum cleaner.

As shown in FIG. 3, the adapter 11 may have side branches 19 extending from the connection plate 3 and a bridge 21 connecting the distal ends of the branches, i.e. ends remote from the connecting plate 3. This design allows free space between the branches 19, which can be used, for example, for the mechanism 23 of the additional shutter. The bridge 21 may have locking holes 25 that cooperate with the locking device of the vacuum cleaner holder, which enters the holes when the connection plate 3 is inserted, and requires a certain force when pulling out said combination in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, in order to remove the dust bag if the connecting plate 3 and the adapter 11 are not separated. Thus, the dust bag cannot be accidentally removed.

The closure mechanism 23 can be designed, as a rule, in the form of a soft flexible sheet with an opening that initially coincides with the opening 9 of the connecting plate 3. When the bag is full, the closing mechanism 23 is pulled so that its opening is shifted relative to the opening 9 in the connecting plate 3 and closed bag. The shutter mechanism 23 can be guided in the connection plate 3 by the tongues 27.

The adapter 11 may have a reduced bending stiffness compared to the connecting plate 3. In particular, the bending stiffness about an axis perpendicular to the direction along which the adapter 11 and the connecting plate 3 are inserted into the holding device is reduced by stiffening means. This facilitates the bending of the adapter 11 when inserted into the holding device.

In FIG. 4 and 6 show a combination of connecting plate 3 and adapter 11 in which adapter 11 flexes as it is inserted into the holding device. Generally, adapter 11 can be configured to bend backwards more easily, i.e. towards the dust bag, as is the case with the best placement of the dust container inside the vacuum cleaner. This can be achieved as shown in FIG. 4 and 6 by means of film hinges 29. In FIG. 6 shows a side view of the combination of connecting plate 3 and adapter 11. As shown in the figure, film hinges 29 can be mounted on adapter 11 at four locations along the direction in which the combination is inserted into the holding device. Said film hinges 29 provide articulations that flex to a degree determined by the curvature of the holding device and do not have to flex uniformly as shown in FIG. 5. Of course, there may be fewer or more than four joints, although the adapter 11 must bend in multiple places along the insertion direction to provide a broken curve. A suitable number of joints may be considered 3-6.

Alternatively, a reduced bending stiffness of the adapter 11 can be achieved by making the adapter 11 thinner, or an adapter made of a material with a lower modulus of elasticity than the connection plate 3. It is also possible to make the adapter 11 configured with a reduced bending stiffness due to a series of perforations. , made along its length, or other geometric feature that reduces stiffness, such as areas of reduced thickness.

The connection plate and adapter may be injection molded from a plastic such as polypropylene either as a single unit or as two separate pieces as discussed above. The connecting plate and adapter can also be made of thick paper/cardboard, additionally laminated with a plastically deformable material.

In FIG. 8 shows a simplified version of the combination of the connection plate 3 and the adapter 11 of the connection plate. Such a combination can be made of thick paper and cardboard and does not have a shutter mechanism. The connecting plate 3 and the connecting plate adapter 11 can be made as a single unit with the possibility of separation, for example, along the tear line 35, or can be made in two separate parts. The connection plate has an opening 9 and may be provided with a gasket 7. In order to provide bending zones that reduce the rigidity of the adapter 11 of the connection plate about an axis perpendicular to the direction of insertion into the holding device, linear perforations 37 may be performed on it.

The connection plate 3 may be provided with side supports 31 which rest on the rim of the opening of the vacuum cleaner holder to further stabilize the connection plate 3 in the holder after insertion. There may be a handle 39 made in one piece with the connecting plate 3 and facilitating the removal of the latter. Even if fixing holes such as those shown in FIG. 3, notches 33 can be provided on the edge of the adapter 11 of the connection plate, facing away from the connection plate 3, so that the adapter of the connection plate can be easily inserted into a holding device provided with this type of locking means.

The present invention is not limited to the examples described above, and may be modified and changed in various ways within the scope of the appended claims. For example, plastic materials other than polypropylene may be considered.

Claims (14)

1. Connection plate (3) for the dust container of a vacuum cleaner (1), including an adapter (11) of the connection plate, while the connection plate (3) has an opening (9) and is adapted to be connected to the dust bag in order to properly positioning the opening of the dust bag in the vacuum cleaner by means of a connecting plate inserted into the holding device of the vacuum cleaner, and while the adapter (11) is configured to form a continuous portion that extends from one of the edges of the connecting plate (3), and the adapter (11) of the connecting plate and the connection plate (3) have the same width, so that the adapter of the connection plate and the connection plate can be inserted into a common holding device, while the adapter (11) of the connection plate is removable or separate from the connection plate (3), and at the edge of the adapter (11 ) of the connection plate facing away from the connection plate (3) has at least one notch (33). 2. The plate (3) according to claim 1, in which the adapter (11) of the connecting plate contains a stiffening means configured to reduce the bending stiffness of the adapter about an axis perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the combination into the holding device. 3. The plate (3) according to claim 2, in which the stiffening means is a plurality of film hinges (29) allowing the adapter (11) of the connection plate to bend in a broken curve. 4. The plate (3) according to claim 3, in which there are film hinges in 3-6 places along the direction in which the adapter (11) of the connection plate extends from the connection plate (3). 5. Plate (3) according to claim 2, in which the stiffening means is a means from the group including: perforations and areas of reduced thickness. 6. Plate (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the connection plate (3) and the adapter (11) of the connection plate have connection means (15, 17) for connecting them to each other. 7. Plate (3) according to claim 6, in which the connection means (15, 17) is a dovetail connection. 8. Plate (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the adapter (11) of the connecting plate is U-shaped and contains side branches (19) and a jumper (21) connecting the distal ends of the branches. 9. Plate (3) according to claim 8, in which the web (21) has at least one fixing hole (25). 10. Plate (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, in which the adapter (11) of the connecting plate and/or the connecting plate (3) are made by injection molding of a plastic material such as polypropylene. 11. Plate (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, in which the adapter (11) of the connecting plate and the connecting plate (3) are made of thick paper or cardboard. 12. Plate (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which at least one edge of the connecting plate (3), facing away from the adapter (11) of the connecting plate, has a side support (31). 13. Container for collecting dust, containing a bag (5) for dust and a connecting plate (3) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, including the adapter (11) of the connecting plate. 14. Connection plate adapter (11) for vacuum cleaner dust container connection plate, comprising means (25) for interacting with a device in the vacuum cleaner holder and means for reducing stiffness such as film hinges, perforations, or reduced thickness areas configured to provide reduced stiffness adapter to bend about an axis perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the adapter into the holding device.

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