U.S. patent application number 14/687533 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-22 for cleaning implement for a vacuum cleaner and cleaning apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dyson Technology Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Dyson Technology Limited. Invention is credited to Daniel James BROOK, Jonathan George MARSH.
Application Number | 20150297045 14/687533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50845120 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150297045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARSH; Jonathan George ; et
al. |
October 22, 2015 |
CLEANING IMPLEMENT FOR A VACUUM CLEANER AND CLEANING APPARATUS
Abstract
A cleaning implement comprising a connector for connecting the
cleaning implement to a vacuum cleaner such that the cleaning
implement is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner. The
connector comprises an engagement portion and a catch pivotally
connected to the engagement portion such that the catch has a pivot
axis X, the catch comprises a pressing portion spaced from the
pivot axis X and a latching element arranged on a portion of the
catch extending from the pivot axis X to the pressing portion. The
catch is arranged such that pressing on the pressing portion pivots
the catch from a first configuration in which the latching element
is in an engagement position for preventing disengagement of the
connector from the vacuum cleaner, to a second configuration in
which the latching element is in a disengagement position in which
the connector can be disengaged from the vacuum cleaner.
Inventors: |
MARSH; Jonathan George;
(Swindon, GB) ; BROOK; Daniel James; (Worcester,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dyson Technology Limited |
Wiltshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dyson Technology Limited
Wiltshire
GB
|
Family ID: |
50845120 |
Appl. No.: |
14/687533 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/328 ;
15/246.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/24 20130101; A47L
5/225 20130101; A47L 9/242 20130101; F16B 7/042 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/22 20060101
A47L005/22; A47L 9/24 20060101 A47L009/24; A47L 5/24 20060101
A47L005/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 16, 2014 |
GB |
1406874.6 |
Claims
1. A cleaning implement comprising a connector for connecting the
cleaning implement to a vacuum cleaner such that the cleaning
implement is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner, the
connector comprises an engagement portion and a catch pivotally
connected to the engagement portion such that the catch has a pivot
axis, the catch comprises a pressing portion spaced from the pivot
axis and a latching element located at a portion of the catch
extending from the pivot axis to the pressing portion, wherein the
catch is arranged such that pressing on the pressing portion pivots
the catch from a first configuration in which the latching element
is in an engagement position for preventing disengagement of the
connector from the vacuum cleaner, to a second configuration in
which the latching element is in a disengagement position in which
the connector can be disengaged from the vacuum cleaner.
2. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the pressing portion
is spaced from the pivot axis by a first distance and the latching
element is spaced from the pivot axis by a second distance which is
less than the first distance.
3. The cleaning implement of claim 2, wherein the second distance
is not greater than half of the first distance.
4. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the connector is a
male connector having an engagement axis which is aligned with the
direction in which the connector is brought into engagement with
the vacuum cleaner.
5. The cleaning implement of claim 4, wherein the portion of the
catch comprising the latching element and the pressing portion
extends from the pivot axis in a direction which is opposite the
direction in which the connector is brought into engagement with
the vacuum cleaner.
6. The cleaning implement of claim 4, wherein the catch is
configured such that, when the connector is engaged with the vacuum
cleaner with the catch in the engagement position, exerting a force
on the connector along the engagement axis away from the vacuum
cleaner urges the latching element away from the disengagement
position.
7. The cleaning implement of claim 6, wherein the latching element
is spaced at a distance from the pivot axis in a direction which is
parallel with the engagement axis and a distance from the pivot
axis in a direction which is orthogonal to the engagement axis,
such that exerting a force on the connector along the engagement
axis away from the vacuum cleaner generates a moment about the
pivot axis thereby urging the latching element away from the
disengagement position.
8. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the cleaning
implement comprises a biasing device which biases the catch into
the first configuration.
9. The cleaning implement of claim 8, wherein the biasing device is
arranged to act on a portion of the catch extending from the
latching element away from the pivot axis.
10. The cleaning implement of claim 9, wherein the biasing device
is arranged to act on the portion of the catch which extends from,
and including, the latching element to the pressing portion.
11. The cleaning implement of claim 8, wherein the biasing device
is a resilient member disposed between the pressing portion and the
engagement axis.
12. The cleaning implement of claim 8, wherein at least part of the
catch is disposed within a channel provided along the engagement
portion and the biasing device is disposed between the catch and a
base of the channel.
13. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the cleaning
implement comprises one or both of a wand and a cleaner head.
14. A cleaning apparatus comprising a vacuum cleaner and the
cleaning implement of claim 1.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to United Kingdom
Application No. 1406874.6, filed Apr. 16, 2014, the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a cleaning implement for a vacuum
cleaner and a cleaning apparatus comprising a cleaning
implement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] GB2497944A discloses a handheld vacuum cleaner comprising a
main body 4, a grip 6, a separator 12 and an inlet nozzle 14. The
handheld vacuum cleaner is similar to a vacuum cleaner that has
been sold by Dyson in the United Kingdom having the model number
DC59. The inlet nozzle 14 is configured to receive a brush tool and
is provided with a catch 16 which secures the brush tool to inlet
nozzle 14. The catch 16 is pivotally connected to the inlet nozzle
14 midway along the catch 16. The catch 16 has a circular pressing
portion at the end nearest the inlet and a latching element at the
other end. The catch 16 is released by pressing the pressing
portion against a spring disposed between the pressing portion and
the inlet nozzle 14.
[0004] It is desirable to provide a catch that is more ergonomic
and which provides a secure connection between the brush tool and
the inlet nozzle 14.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A cleaning implement comprising a connector for connecting
the cleaning implement to a vacuum cleaner such that the cleaning
implement is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner, the
connector comprises an engagement portion and a catch pivotally
connected to the engagement portion such that the catch has a pivot
axis, the catch comprises a pressing portion spaced from the pivot
axis and a latching element located at a portion of the catch
extending from the pivot axis to the pressing portion, wherein the
catch is arranged such that pressing on the pressing portion pivots
the catch from a first configuration in which the latching element
is in an engagement position for preventing disengagement of the
connector from the vacuum cleaner, to a second configuration in
which the latching element is in a disengagement position in which
the connector can be disengaged from the vacuum cleaner.
[0006] The pressing portion may be spaced from the pivot axis by a
first distance and the latching element spaced from the pivot axis
by a second distance which is less than the first distance. The
second distance may, for example, be not greater than half of the
first distance.
[0007] The connector may be a male connector having an engagement
axis which is aligned with the direction in which the connector is
brought into engagement with the vacuum cleaner.
[0008] The portion of the catch comprising the latching element and
the pressing portion may extend from the pivot axis in a direction
which is opposite the direction in which the connector is brought
into engagement with the vacuum cleaner.
[0009] The catch may be configured such that, when the connector is
engaged with the vacuum cleaner with the catch in the engagement
position, exerting a force on the connector along the engagement
axis away from the vacuum cleaner urges the latching element away
from the disengagement position. The latching element may be urged
into the engagement position.
[0010] The latching element may be spaced at a distance from the
pivot axis in a direction which is parallel with the engagement
axis and a distance from the pivot axis in a direction which is
orthogonal to the engagement axis, such that exerting a force on
the connector along the engagement axis away from the vacuum
cleaner generates a moment about the pivot axis thereby urging the
latching element away from the disengagement position. The latching
element may be urged into the engagement position.
[0011] The cleaning implement may comprise a biasing device which
biases the catch into the first configuration. For example, the
biasing device may be a spring, such as a compression spring, or
other resilient element. The biasing device may be a resilient
portion of the catch. The biasing device may be arranged to act on
a portion of the catch extending from the latching element away
from the pivot axis.
[0012] The biasing device may be arranged to act on the portion of
the catch which extends from, and including, the latching element
to the pressing portion. The biasing device may be a resilient
member disposed between the pressing portion and the engagement
axis.
[0013] At least part of the catch may be disposed within a channel
provided along the engagement portion. The biasing device may be
disposed between the catch and a base of the channel.
[0014] The cleaning implement may comprise a wand and/or a cleaner
head.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a cleaning apparatus comprising a vacuum cleaner and a
cleaning implement in accordance with the first aspect of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In order to better understand the present invention, and to
show more clearly how the invention may be put into effect, the
invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference
to the following drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the cleaning apparatus
shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part of the cleaning
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of part of the cleaning apparatus
shown in FIG. 1; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the cleaning
apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a disengaged configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a vacuum cleaning apparatus 2 comprising a
handheld vacuum cleaner 4 and a cleaning implement 6 comprising a
tubular wand 8 and a cleaner head 10.
[0023] The handheld vacuum cleaner 4 comprises an elongate handle
12, an airflow generator 14 disposed at one end of the handle 12
and a power source 16 disposed at the other end of the handle 12.
The handle 12 is arranged such that a user gripping the handle
supports the vacuum cleaning apparatus 2 while manoeuvring the
cleaner head 10 across a surface being cleaned. The handle 12 is
located towards the rear of the handheld vacuum cleaner 4 so that
the vacuum cleaner 4 can be supported in front of the user.
[0024] The handheld vacuum cleaner 4 further comprises a separator
18, in the form of a cyclonic separator, and a first connector 20.
The first connector 20 is positioned towards the front of the
handheld vacuum cleaner 4. The separator 18 is arranged between the
first connector 20 and the handle 12.
[0025] The wand 8 comprises a second connector 22 at one end of the
wand 8. The second connector 22 connects to the first connector 20
thereby securing the wand 8 to the handheld vacuum cleaner 4 such
that the handheld vacuum cleaner 4 is in fluid communication with
the wand 8. The wand 8 comprises a third connector 24 at the end of
the wand 8 opposite the second connector 20. The third connector 24
is connected to a fourth connector 26 provided on the cleaner head
10. The fourth connector 26 is substantially identical to the
second connector 22, as described below. The fourth connector 26
can therefore be connected to the first connector 22 so that the
cleaner head 10 can be secured directly to the handheld vacuum
cleaner 4.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows the first and second connectors 20, 22
connected to each other. FIG. 3 shows part of the cleaning
apparatus 2 comprising the first connector 20. FIG. 4 shows part of
the cleaning apparatus 2 comprising the second connector 22.
[0027] The first connector 20 is a female connector having a
cylindrical receiving portion 28. The receiving portion 28 has a
longitudinal axis which defines an engagement axis E.sub.1 of the
first connector 20. A recess 30 is formed in an inner surface of
the receiving portion 28. The recess 30 has a flat forward surface
32 that extends in a plane that it substantially orthogonal to the
engagement axis E.sub.1 and a rearward surface 34, that is inclined
from the base of the recess 30 towards the engagement axis E.sub.1
(i.e. the surface extends radially inwardly and rearwardly). The
first connector 20 has a slot 36 formed at the end of the first
connector 20.
[0028] The second connector 22 is a male connector having a
cylindrical engagement portion 38 and a collar 40. The engagement
portion 38 is configured such that it can be inserted into the
receiving portion 28 of the first connector 20. The engagement
portion 38 has a longitudinal axis which defines an engagement axis
E.sub.2 of the second connector 22.
[0029] The engagement axes E.sub.1, E.sub.2 are aligned when the
second connector 22 is connected to the first connector 20. The
engagement axes E.sub.1, E.sub.2 correspond to the direction along
which second connector 22 is inserted into the first connector
20.
[0030] A channel 42 extends along the engagement portion 38 in a
direction which is parallel with the engagement axis E.sub.2. An
elongate catch 44 is located within the channel 42 such that part
of the outer surface of the catch 44 lies substantially within the
same circumferential plane as the outer surface of the engagement
portion 38. FIG. 2 shows the catch 44 in a first configuration in
which disengagement of the second connector 22 from the first
connector 20 is prevented.
[0031] The catch 44 is pivotally connected at one end to the
engagement portion 38 by trunnions 46 (only one of which is visible
in FIG. 4) provided on opposite lateral sides of the catch 44,
which engage respective bores 48 provided in the sides of the
channel 42. The pivot axis X of the catch 44 extends in a direction
which is substantially orthogonal to the engagement axis E.sub.2 of
the second connector 22.
[0032] The catch 44 comprises a latching element 50 and a pressing
portion 52. The pressing portion 52 is located towards the end of
the catch 44 opposite the pivotal connection. The latching element
50 is located closer to the pivot axis X than the pressing portion
52. In the embodiment shown, the latching element 50 is located
approximately midway between the pressing portion 52 and the pivot
axis X (it will be appreciated that the latching element need not
lie in the same plane as a plane passing through the pressing
portion 52 and the pivot axis X). The latching element 50 is spaced
at a distance from the engagement axis E.sub.2 which is greater
than the distance by which the pivot axis X is spaced from the
engagement axis E.sub.2.
[0033] The latching element 50 comprises a protrusion 54 that
corresponds to the shape of the recess 30 provided on the first
connector 20. The protrusion 54 has a leading surface 56 that is
inclined with respect to the engagement axis E.sub.2 of the second
connector 22 and a trailing surface 58 that extends around the rear
of the protrusion. The rearmost part of the trailing surface 58
extends in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the
engagement axis E.sub.2. The trailing surface 58 abuts the flat
forward surface 32 of the recess 30 such that the catch 44 prevents
withdrawal of the engagement portion 38 from the receiving portion
28.
[0034] The channel 42 extends into the collar 40 such that it
defines a slot 60 into which the portion of the catch 44 comprising
the pressing portion 52 extends. At least part of the pressing
portion 52 extends forward of the slot 60, and hence forward of the
collar 40. A flange portion 62 surrounds at least part of the
periphery of the pressing portion 52. The flange portion 62 abuts
the underside of a lip 64 provided at the end of the channel
42.
[0035] A biasing member in the form of a spring 66 is disposed
between the catch 44 and the bottom of the channel 42. The spring
66 is disposed beneath the pressing portion 52 and is arranged to
bias the pressing portion 52 away from the engagement axis E.sub.2
such that the catch 44 is held in the first configuration in which
the latching element 50 is locates in the recess 30 and the flange
portion 62 is pressed against the lip 64.
[0036] A user disconnects the wand 8 from the handheld vacuum
cleaner 4 by gripping the collar 40 of the second connector 22, and
pressing down on the pressing portion 52 with the thumb or a finger
of the hand gripping the wand 8. While doing so, the user can keep
hold of the handle 12 of the vacuum cleaner 4 with their other hand
It will be appreciated that the user may grip the end of the wand 8
adjacent the collar 40 as well as, or instead of, the collar 40
itself.
[0037] Pressing down on the pressing portion 52 pushes the catch 44
against the spring 66 into the channel 42 thereby rotating the
pressing portion 52 towards the engagement axis E.sub.2 and
disengaging the latching element 50 from the recess 30. The catch
44 is then in a second configuration in which the user can slide
the engagement portion 38 out from the receiving portion 28 and so
disconnect the wand 8 from the vacuum cleaner 4. Because the user
can simultaneously grip the end of the wand 8 and operate the catch
with the same hand, the user is able to quickly and easily remove
the wand 8 without having to let go of the handle 12 of the
handheld vacuum cleaner 4. This greatly enhances the usability of
the vacuum cleaner 4 because cleaning implements can be removed and
replaced quickly and easily. The spring 66 urges the catch 44 back
into the first configuration in which the flange portion 62 is
pressed against the lip 64.
[0038] It will be appreciated that, because the latching element 50
is closer to the pivot axis X than the pressing portion 52, the
force required to release the catch 44 by pressing on the latching
element 50 is much less than the force that would be required
should the pressing portion 52 be arranged at the latching element
50. Consequently, the latching element 50 is held in engagement
with the recess 30 securely, while being relatively easy to release
by pressing on the pressing portion 52.
[0039] In addition, should the wand 8 be pulled away from the
vacuum cleaner 4 along the engagement axes E.sub.1, E.sub.2, for
example, as a consequence of a user pulling against the cleaner
head 10 when trapped by an item of furniture), the trailing surface
58 of the latching element 50 is pressed against the flat forward
surface 32 of the recess 30. Consequently, a moment (which in FIG.
2, is an anti-clockwise moment) is exerted on the catch 44 about
the pivot axis X which presses the latching element 50 into the
recess 28. It will be appreciated that the harder a user pulls on
the vacuum cleaner 4, the harder the latching element 50 is forced
into engagement with the recess 28 and the harder it becomes to
release the catch 44. The arrangement therefore provides a
particularly secure connection between the wand 8 and the vacuum
cleaner 4 which helps prevent accidental disconnection of the wand
8 from the vacuum cleaner 4. It will, however, be appreciated that
it may be desirable to configure the arrangement so that the wand 8
and the vacuum cleaner 4 can be separated when a large force is
applied, for example, in circumstances in which the arrangement is
handled abusively, so as to avoid breaking of the apparatus.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows the first and second connectors 20, 22
separated from each other. The connectors 20, 22 are engaged with
each other by aligning the alignment axis E.sub.2 of the second
connector 22 with the alignment axis E.sub.1 of the first connector
20, and inserting the engagement portion 38 of the second connector
22 into the receiving portion 28 of the first connector 20. In
addition, the pressing portion 52 is aligned with the slot 36 so
that, as the engagement portion 38 is inserted into the receiving
portion 28, the pressing portion 52 is received by the slot 36. The
slot 36 therefore acts as a guide for ensuring correct alignment of
the connectors 20, 22. As the engagement portion 38 is inserted
into the receiving portion 28, the leading surface 56 of the
protrusion 54 rides over the front edge of the slot 36 thereby
pressing the catch 44 against the spring 66 until the protrusion
latches in the recess 30.
[0041] The third connector 24 is the same as the first connector 20
and the fourth connector 26 is the same as the second connector 22.
It will be appreciated that the cleaner head 10 can be removed from
the wand 8 by gripping the fourth connecter 26, and pressing the
catch located on the fourth connector 26, in the same manner as the
wand 8 is removed from the handheld vacuum cleaner 4. Furthermore,
the cleaner head 10 can be used as a cleaning implement itself by
connecting the fourth connector 26 with the first connector 20 so
that the cleaner head 10 is directly connected to the handheld
vacuum cleaner 4.
[0042] Although the cleaning implement described above comprises a
wand 8 and a cleaner head 10, it will be appreciated that the wand
8 could also be used as a cleaning implement by itself (for example
to clean dirt/cobwebs from elevated areas). Other cleaning
implements, such as a flexible hose, or specialised cleaning
implements for cleaning hard floors, soft furnishings, specific
types of carpets or crevices could comprise a connector which is
the same as the second and fourth connectors 22, 26 and so could be
connected to the wand 8 or the vacuum cleaner 4 respectively.
[0043] Although the connector arrangement is particularly
advantageous for handheld vacuum cleaners, it will be appreciated
that the connector arrangement would be suitable for other types of
vacuum cleaner including, but not limited to, cylinder vacuum
cleaners and upright vacuum cleaners, including lightweight stick
vacuum cleaners, in which cleaning implements, such as cleaner
heads, are interchanged.
* * * * *