NZ746830B2 - Connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container and a dust container - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container and a dust container for a vacuum cleaner. The invention seeks to resolve operation and ease of use issues experienced in prior art connector plates and dust containers. Accordingly, the invention provides a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow, a first side surface (1) adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner, a second opposite side surface (2), the second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the opening than the first side surface (1), a third side surface (3) connecting the first and second side surfaces, and a fourth side surface (4) connecting the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate also comprises a flexible zone (7) arranged between the opening (6) and the first side surface (1). The object of the device is to provide a dust container that can be more efficiently used with compact vacuum cleaners, this is achieved by allowing the connector plate to be able to bend out of plane in the holder. This reduces the size of the chamber containing the dust container. nector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow, a first side surface (1) adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner, a second opposite side surface (2), the second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the opening than the first side surface (1), a third side surface (3) connecting the first and second side surfaces, and a fourth side surface (4) connecting the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate also comprises a flexible zone (7) arranged between the opening (6) and the first side surface (1). The object of the device is to provide a dust container that can be more efficiently used with compact vacuum cleaners, this is achieved by allowing the connector plate to be able to bend out of plane in the holder. This reduces the size of the chamber containing the dust container.

Description

(12) Granted patent specificaon (19) NZ (11) 746830 (13) B2 (47) Publicaon date: 2021.12.24 (54) CONNECTOR PLATE FOR A VACUUM CLEANER DUST CONTAINER AND A DUST CONTAINER (51) Internaonal Patent Classificaon(s): A47L 9/14 (22) Filing date: (73) Owner(s): 2016.05.09 Aktiebolaget Electrolux (23) Complete specificaon filing date: (74) Contact: 2016.05.09 HENRY HUGHES IP LIMITED (86) Internaonal Applicaon No.: (72) Inventor(s): WERIUS, Patrik SCHEUFEN, Bert (87) Internaonal Publicaon number: WO/2017/196211 (57) Abstract: The present invenon relates to a connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container and a dust container for a vacuum cleaner. The invenon seeks to resolve operaon and ease of use issues experienced in prior art connector plates and dust containers. Accordingly, the invenon provides a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow, a first side surface (1) adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner, a second opposite side surface (2), the second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the opening than the first side surface (1), a third side surface (3) connecng the first and second side surfaces, and a fourth side surface (4) connecng the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate also comprises a flexible zone (7) arranged between the opening (6) and the first side surface (1). The object of the device is to provide a dust container that can be more efficiently used with compact vacuum cleaners, this is achieved by allowing the connector plate to be able to bend out of plane in the holder. This reduces the size of the chamber containing the dust container.

NZ 746830 B2 CONNECTOR PLATE FOR A VACUUM CLEANER DUST CONTAINER AND A DUST CONTAINER The present disclosure relates to a connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container. A vacuum cleaner dust container com- prises a dust bag made of an air permeable material and a con- nector plate. The connector plate is arranged to surround an opening in the dust bag and to correctly position said opening in a vacuum cleaner.

Background A connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container and a dust container are disclosed in eg. EP 1326420. The connector plate is adapted to be inserted in a holder in a vacuum cleaner and is thereby reliably positioning the dust container in the vacuum cleaner. For safety and reliability reason it is important to position the dust container correctly in the vacuum cleaner, this to avoid that dust laden airflow is entering the motor fan without the dust being separated in the dust container first.

Another aspect of the connector plate is that it should make it easy for the user to handle the dust container.

One problem associated with connector plates and dust bags of this type is how to make the connector plate and dust bag opera- ble and easy to use with even more efficient and compact vacuum cleaners.

Summary One object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide an improved connector plate and dust container that can be more ef- ficiently used with the vacuum cleaners and easy to use for the user.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container, the connector plate comprising a front surface having an opening for an airflow, a first side surface adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner, and a second opposite side surface. The second side surface is arranged closer to the opening than the first side surface. A third side surface is connecting the first and second side surfaces. A fourth side surface is connecting the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate comprises a flexible zone arranged between the opening and the first side surface.

The connector plate may be configured to have a handle arranged on the first surface.

A tab may be arranged on the first surface. The tab extending sideways outside the first surface.

The third and fourth side both being adapted to slide in a holder (40) of a vacuum cleaner.

The flexible zone is flexible about an axis parallel to the first side surface.

The connector plate may be configured so that the opening is ar- ranged in a first plane. Perpendicular from and along the first side surface a second plane is extending. The flexible zone is adapted to arrange the first side surface so that an alpha angle between the first plane and the second plan is more than 30 de- grees, preferably more than 40 degrees, and most preferred more than 70 degrees.

The connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container may be configured so that the connector plate comprises, a front sur- face having an opening for an airflow from a vacuum cleaner. A first side surface and a second opposite side surface. The sec- ond side surface is arranged closer to the opening than the first side surface. A first normal is extending perpendicular from the first side surface and a second normal (N2) is extend- ing perpendicular from the second side surface. In a first posi- tion of the connector plate a beta angle between the first nor- mal and the second normal is less than 170 degrees, preferably less than 150 degrees.

Connector plate may be configured so that the beta angle between the first normal and the second normal is in the range of 170-90 degrees, preferably in the range of 150-110 degrees.

Connector plate may be configured so that in a second position if the connector plate the beta angle between the first normal and the second normal is substantially 180 degrees.

Connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container may be con- figured so that the connector plate comprises, a front surface having an opening for an airflow from a vacuum cleaner. The opening being arranged in a first plane. The connector plate also comprises, a first side surface, a second opposite side surface, a third side surface and fourth side surface connecting the first and second side surfaces. The first side surface is arranged furthest away from the opening among the first and sec- ond side surfaces. Along with and perpendicular from the first side surface a second plane is extending. The connector plate is adapted to arrange the first side surface so that an alpha angle between the first plane and the second plane is more than 30 de- grees, preferably more than 40 degrees.

Connector plate may be configured so that the alpha angle be- tween the first plane and the second plane is more than 50 de- grees, preferably more than 70 degrees.

Connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container may be con- figured so that the connector plate comprising a front surface, a first side surface adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner, a second side surface, a third side surface con- necting the first and second side surfaces, and forth side sur- face connecting the first and second side surfaces. The front surface comprising an opening. The second side surface is ar- ranged closer to the opening than the first side surface. In a first position a first distance between the first side and the second side is 75-90 % less than the length of the third side surface or the length of the fourth side surface.

In a second position of the connector plate a second distance between the first side surface and the second side surface is substantially the same as the length of the third side surface or the length of the fourth side surfaces.

Connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container may be con- figured so that the connector plate comprises a front surface having an opening for an airflow from a vacuum cleaner, a first side edge, and a second opposite side edge. The second side edge being arranged closer to the opening than the first side edge. A third normal extending in the direction of the front surface at the first side edge and a fourth normal extending in the direc- tion of the front surface at the second side edge. In a first position of the connector plate a gamma angle between the third normal and the fourth normal is less than 170 degrees, prefera- bly less than 150 degrees.

In a second position of the connector plate the gamma angle be- tween the third normal and the fourth normal is substantially 180 degrees.

Connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container may be con- figured so that the connector plate comprises a first side sur- face, a second side surface, a third side surface connected to the first and second side surfaces, and a fourth side surface connected to the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate also comprises a front surface having an opening. The opening having a center. The collector plate in a first posi- tion, is arranged such that the distance between a line through the center of the opening and parallel to the second side sur- face or the first side surface is less than the length of the third side surface from the line to the first side surface or the length of the fourth side surface from the line to the first side surface.

The connector plate in a second position the distance between the line through the center of the opening and the first side surface is substantially the same as the length of the third side surface from the line to the first side surface or the length of the fourth side surface from the line to the first side surface.

The connector plate may be configured so that the connector plate comprises a flexible zone (7). The flexible zone is ar- ranged between the opening and the first side surface.

The flexible zone may be configured to comprise a living hinge, a perforation, a rib structure, or a flexible material.

Connector plate may be configured so that a part of the first side surface has a sensing area adapted to interact with a sen- sor or safety mechanism in a vacuum cleaner.

Connector plate may be configured so that the first side surface comprises at least one hole and/or recess (15).

Connector plate may be configured so that the connector plate close to the second side surface is provided with at least one tab extending sideways outside of the side edge surface.

Connector plate may be configured so that the second side edge is arranged closer to the opening than the first side edge.

Connector plate may be configured so that the first side surface is adapted to be inserted into a dust container holder of a can- ister vacuum cleaner.

Connector plate may be configured so that the connector plate comprises a closing mechanism adapted to be able to close the opening, the closing mechanism preferable comprises a slidable shutter, a lid or a hatch.

Connector plate may be configured so that the connector plate is mainly or wholly made of plastic, preferably polypropylene, pa- per, preferably cardboard, metal, or a wood-based material.

Connector plate may be configured so that the connector plate is mainly man of paper, preferably cardboard, wherein the flexible zone comprises one or more perforations or holes substantially parallel to the second side surface.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a dust container for a vacuum cleaner comprising an air permeable bag having a bag opening, and a connector plate as described above.

The connector plate is attached to the bag so that the bag opening and the opening of the connector plate coincide.

Brief description of the drawings Fig 1 shows a dust container for a vacuum cleaner.

Fig 2 shows a connector plate for a dust container.

Fig 3 shows a perspective view of a connector plate, where an extending portion is bent out of the plane of a central portion.

Fig 4 shows a cross section along AA in Fig. 3 Fig 4a-c show a cross section along AA in Fig 3 Fig 5 shows a cross section along AA in Fig. 2 Fig. 6 shows a connector plate inserted into a holder of a vac- uum cleaner Detailed description The present disclosure relates to a connector plate and a dust container for a vacuum cleaner, as illustrated in Fig. 1. Figure 1 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust con- tainer (30). The connector plate (10) comprises a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow form a vacuum cleaner, preferably a canister vacuum cleaner. The connector plate also comprises a first side surface (1) adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner and a second opposite side surface (2). The second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the open- ing (6) than the first side surface (1). A third side surface (3) is connecting the first and second side surfaces, and a forth side surface (4) is also connecting the first and second side surfaces. The connector plate (10) also comprises a flexi- ble zone (7) arranged between the opening (6) and the first sur- face (1).

The connector plate has a handle (11) arranged on the first sur- face (1). The handle (11) is intended to be used by a user when the connector plate and dust container is to be removed from the holder.

The connector plate also has a tab (12) arranged on the first surface (1). The tab (12) is extending sideways outside the first surface for stopping the connector plate for being in- serted too much in the holder. It is possible to have one tab on either side or two tabs on opposite sides, as shown in Figure 1 The third and fourth side surfaces are both being adapted to slide in the holder (40). The holder typically comprises a curved or step-wise curved track into which the third and fourth side surfaces slides.

The flexible zone (7) is flexible about an axis parallel to the first side surface. The flexible zone makes it possible for the connector plate to follow the curved or step-wise curved track of the holder (40).

Figure 3 shows a connector plate having the opening (6) arranged in a first plane (P1) which is extending perpendicular from and along the first side surface a second plane (P2). The flexible zone (7) is adapted to arrange the first side surface (1) so that an alpha angle (α) between the first plane (P1) and the second plan (P2) is more than 30 degrees. Preferably the alpha angle is more than 40 degrees, or most preferred more than 70 degrees.

Figure 3 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises, a front sur- face (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow (F) from a vacuum cleaner, a first side surface (1), and a second opposite side surface (2). The second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side surface (1). A first normal (N1) is extending perpendicular from the first side surface (1) and a second normal (N2) is extending perpendicular from the second side surface (2). In a first position a beta angle (β) between the first normal (N1) and the second normal (N2) is less than 170 degrees, preferably less than 150 degrees.

The beta angle is preferably in the range of 170-90 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 150-110 degrees.

In a second position of the connector plate the beta angle (β) between the first normal (N1) and the second normal (N2) is sub- stantially 180 degrees.

The Figures shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises, a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow (F) from a vac- uum cleaner. The opening (6) being arranged in a first plane (P1), the connector plate also comprises, a first side surface (1), a second opposite side surface (2), a third side surface (3) and fourth side surface (4) connecting the first and second side surfaces. The first side surface (1) is arranged furthest away from the opening (6) among the first and second side sur- faces. Along with and perpendicular from the first side surface (1) a second plane (P2) is extending. The connector plate (10) is adapted to arrange the first side surface (1) so that an al- pha angle (α) between the first plane (P1) and the second plane (P2) is more than 30 degrees, preferably more than 40 degrees.

The connector plate may alternatively be arranged so the alpha angle (α) is more than 50 degrees, preferably more than 70 de- grees.

Fig 3 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises a front sur- face (5), a first side surface (1) adapted to be inserted into holder (40) of a vacuum cleaner, a second side surface (2), a third side surface (3) connecting the first and second side sur- faces, and forth side surface (4) connecting the first and sec- ond side surfaces. The front surface (5) comprises an opening (6) for an air flow (F) from a vacuum cleaner. The second side surface (2) is arranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side surface (1). In a first position of the connector plate a first distance (D1) between the first side (1) and the second side is 75-90 % less than the length of the third side surface (L1) or the length of the fourth side surface (L2).

In a second position of the connector plate a second distance (D2) between the first side surface (1) and the second side sur- face (2) is substantially the same as the length of the third side surface (L1) or the length of the fourth side surfaces (L2).

Fig 3 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container (30). The connector plate (10) comprises, a front sur- face (5) having an opening (6) for an airflow (F) from a vacuum cleaner, a first side edge (1´), a second opposite side edge (2´), the second side edge (2´) being arranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side edge (1´). A third normal (N3) is extending in the direction of the front surface at the first side edge. A fourth normal (N4) is extending in the direction of the front surface at the second side edge. In a first position a gamma angle (γ) between the third normal (N3) and the fourth normal (N4) is less than 170 degrees, preferably less than 150 degrees.

In a second position of the connector plate the gamma angle (γ) between the third normal (N3) and the fourth normal (N4) is sub- stantially 180 degrees.

Fig 3 shows a connector plate (10) for a vacuum cleaner dust container. The connector plate (10) comprises a first side sur- face (1), a second side surface (2), a third side surface (3) connected to the first and second side surfaces, and a fourth side surface (4) connected to the first and second side sur- faces. The connector plate also comprises a front surface (5) having an opening (6) for an air flow of a vacuum cleaner. Said opening (6) have a center. The collector plate (10) in a first position, is arranged such that the distance (D) between a line (L) through the center of the opening and parallel to the second side surface (2) or the first side surface (1) is less than the length of the third side surface from the line to the first side surface (L1´) or the length of the fourth side surface from the line to the first side surface (L2´).

In a second position of the connector plate the distance (D) be- tween the line through the center of the opening and the first side surface is substantially the same as the length of the third side surface from the line to the first side surface (L1´) or the length of the fourth side surface from the line to the first side surface (L2´).

The connector plate shown in the Figures has a gasket (9) around the opening (6) so as to provide a sealing function, reducing leaks in the flow from an inlet hose to the dust bag. The con- nector plate has a flexible zone (7) arranged between the open- ing (6) and the first side surface (1). The flexible zone (7) may comprise a living hinge, a perforation, a rib structure, or a flexible material.

While the flexible zone (7) make it easy to bend a part of the connector plate, it is still desired that the connector plate remains substantially flat during production and/or during transportation and handling. That is, until the dust container is to be used, it is preferred that the connector remains in the flat shape illustrated in Fig 1. This makes it easier for in- stance to attach the connector plate 3 to the dust bag 5 in an efficient automated process. This may be achieved by a flexible zone that requires some force to be flexible, like living hinge, a perforation, a rib structure or a flexible material.

A part of the first side surface (1) has a sensing area (14) adapted to interact with a sensor or safety mechanism in a vac- uum cleaner.

The first side surface (1) comprises at least one hole and/or recess (15). The hole or recess is adapted to lock the connector plate in that holder so that some force is required to remove the connector plate and dust bag from the holder.

Close to the second side surface (2) the connector plate is pro- vided with at least one tab (12) extending sideways outside of the side edge surface.

As can be seen in the Figures the second side edge (2´) is ar- ranged closer to the opening (6) than the first side edge (1´).

The first side surface (1) is adapted to be inserted into the dust container holder of the canister vacuum cleaner.

The connector plate may also comprise a closing mechanism (not shown) adapted to be able to close the opening (6). The opening (6) is preferably closed before the user remove the dust con- tainer form the vacuum cleaner to avoid that dust falls out dur- ing the removal and disposal of the dust container. The closing mechanism may be a slidable shutter, a lid or a hatch.

The connector plate (10) is mainly or wholly made of a plastic material, preferably Polypropylene, PP, and/or polyethylene, PE, paper, preferably cardboard, metal, or a wood-based material.

In one embodiment the connector plate is mainly man of paper, preferably cardboard. The flexible zone comprises one or more perforations or holes substantially parallel to the second side surface.

In one embodiment a dust container (30) for a vacuum cleaner comprises an air permeable bag (20) and a connector plate. The bag having a bag opening (21). The connector plate (10) is at- tached to the bag (20), preferably by gluing, so that the bag opening (21) and the opening (6) of the connector plate coin- cide.

The disclosure shows that the connector plate can easily be in- serted into a holder where the inner part of the holder, that takes up the connector plate’s flexible zone (7) , can be curved. The insertion into the holder forces the flexible zone (7) to be bent. Thereby the holder can better use the available space inside a vacuum cleaner canister, which may have a curved inner wall. The holder may closely follow the inner wall, such that the dust bag may be allowed to expand to a greater extent, thereby increasing the available dust bag volume. The whole length of the connector plate may still contribute in keeping the dust bag safely in the correct position.

In general, a greater freedom to locate the end of the holder where desired is obtained. In one example, a mechanical function may be provided in the holder end, verifying that a bag is cor- rectly installed and prohibiting closing of a canister hatch un- less a bag is provided. Using a curved holder, allows this func- tion to be located at a number of positions along the canister periphery.

List of features 1. First side surface 2. Second side surface 3. Third side surface 4. Fourth side surface . Front surface 6. Opening 7. Flexible zone 8. Rear surface 9. Gasket . Connector plate 11. Handle 12. Tab 13. Area for fastening dust bag 14. Sensing area . Hole/recess 1´ First side surface edge 2´ Second side surface edge . Dust bag 21. Bag opening Dust container 40 Holder for a vacuum cleaner dust container 41 Track 42 Track N1 First normal extending perpendicular from first surface N2 Second normal extending perpendicular from second surface N3 Third normal N4 Fourth normal P1 Plane which the opening is arranged P2 Plane extending perpendicular form and along first side sur- face α Alpha angle between P1 and P2 β Beta angle between N1 and N2 γ Gamma angle between N3 and N4 L1 Length of the third side surface L2 Length of the fourth side surface F Airflow L1 Length of third side surface L2 Length of forth side surface D Distance L1´ Length of third side surface from the center of the opening to the first side surface L2´ Length of forth side surface from the center of the opening to the first side surface

Claims (13)

1. Connector plate for a vacuum cleaner dust container, the connector plate comprising a front surface having an 5 opening for an airflow, a first side surface adapted to be inserted into holder of a vacuum cleaner, a second opposite side surface, the second side surface is arranged closer to the opening than the first side surface, a third side surface connecting the first and second side surfaces, and 10 a fourth side surface connecting the first and second side surfaces, wherein the connector plate comprises a flexible zone arranged between the opening and the first side surface. 15

2. Connector plate according to claim 1, wherein a handle is arranged on the first surface.

3. Connector plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a tab is arranged on the first surface, said tab is extending 20 sideways outside the first surface.

4. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the third and fourth side both being adapted to slide in a holder of a vacuum cleaner.

5. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the flexible zone is flexible about an axis parallel to the first side surface. 30

6. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-4, wherein the opening is arranged in a first plane, perpendicular from and along the first side surface a second plane is extending, the flexible zone is adapted to arrange the first side surface so that an alpha angle between the first plane and the second plan is more than 30 degrees, preferably more than 40 degrees, and most preferred more than 70 degrees. 5

7. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the flexible zone comprises a living hinge, a perforation, a rib structure, or a flexible material.

8. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-7, 10 wherein a part of the first side surface has a sensing area adapted to interact with a sensor or safety mechanism in a vacuum cleaner.

9. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-8, 15 wherein the first side surface comprises at least one hole and/or recess.

10. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein the connector plate close to the second side 20 surface is provided with at least one tab extending sideways outside of a second side surface edge.

11. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-10, wherein the first side surface is adapted to be inserted 25 into a dust container holder of a canister vacuum cleaner.

12. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-11, wherein the connector plate comprises a closing mechanism adapted to be able to close the opening, the closing 30 mechanism preferably comprises a slidable shutter, a lid or a hatch.

13. Connector plate according to any one of the claims 1-12, wherein the connector plate is mainly or wholly made of