Abstract:
A cleaning appliance includes a main body and a collecting chamber releasably held on the main body. The collecting chamber includes a closure member which is movable between a closed position and an open position in which the collecting chamber can be emptied and an actuating member adapted and arranged to release the collecting chamber from the main body and, when the collecting chamber is released from the main body, to release the closure member from the closed position. By providing such an arrangement, a single actuating member can be used to release the collecting chamber from the main body of the cleaning appliance and also to open the closure member to empty the collecting chamber. A single actuating member is less complex, requires less space and is more intuitive for a user to operate.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No. 0708536.8, filed May 3, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a collecting chamber for a cleaning appliance. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a collecting chamber for a vacuum cleaner. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Vacuum cleaners which utilise cyclonic separators are well known. Examples of such vacuum cleaners are shown in EP 0 042 723, EP 1 370 173 and EP 1 268 076. In general, an airflow in which dirt and dust is entrained enters a first cyclonic separator via a tangential inlet which causes the airflow to follow a spiral or helical path within a collecting chamber so that the dirt and dust is separated from the airflow. Relatively clean air passes out of the chamber whilst the separated dirt and dust is collected therein. In some applications, and as described in EP 0 042 723, the airflow is then passed to a second cyclonic separator which is capable of separating finer dirt and dust than the first cyclonic separator. The cleaned airflow then exits the collecting chamber. 
     The absence of a bag in a cyclonic vacuum cleaner can create difficulties for the disposal of the dirt and dust which is collected by the cleaner. When the collecting chamber of a vacuum cleaner such as that described in EP 0 042 723 becomes full, a user typically removes the collecting chamber from the main body of the machine and tips the collecting chamber upside down. Often it may be necessary for the user to dislodge the dirt manually, which can be inconvenient. 
     An improved arrangement is disclosed in EP 1 023 864. EP 1 023 864 describes a vacuum cleaner with a collecting chamber which can be removed from a main body of the cleaner for emptying. A lower closure of the dust-collecting chamber is attached by way of a hinge to the remainder of the chamber and the closure can be released by pressing a release button. 
     However, the arrangement shown in EP 1 023 864 permits the user inadvertently to press the release button whilst the collecting chamber is still attached to the main body. This may result in the lower closure opening as soon as the collecting chamber is lifted away from the main body, spilling dirt and dust from the collecting chamber. EP 1 377 197 discloses a vacuum cleaner in which the operation of the release button is inhibited when the collecting chamber is stored on the main body of the vacuum cleaner. This is achieved by providing a barrier which physically prevents the user from operating the release button when the collecting chamber is stored on the main body. 
     Whilst useful, the arrangements disclosed in EP 1 023 864 and EP 1 377 197 each involve separate mechanisms to release the collecting chamber from the vacuum cleaner and to open the lower closure for emptying purposes. Multiple mechanisms such as these require space, additional parts and can be more difficult for a user to operate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a simpler and more convenient actuating mechanism to enable a user to empty a collecting chamber of a vacuum cleaner. 
     According to the invention, there is provided a cleaning appliance comprising a main body and a collecting chamber releasably held on the main body, the collecting chamber comprising a closure member which is movable between a closed position and an open position in which the collecting chamber can be emptied, wherein the collecting chamber further comprises an actuating member adapted and arranged to release the collecting chamber from the main body and, when the collecting chamber is released from the main body, to release the closure member from the closed position. 
     By providing such an arrangement, a single actuating member can be used to release the collecting chamber from the main body of the cleaning appliance and also to open the closure member to empty the collecting chamber. A single actuating member is less complex, requires less space and is easier for a user to operate. 
     This arrangement only enables the release of the closure member when the collecting chamber has been released from the main body. This prevents accidental opening of the closure member whilst the collecting chamber is located on the main body, which may result in unwanted spillage of dirt and dust and may affect the performance of the cleaning appliance. 
     Preferably, the actuating member forms part of a catch which holds the collecting chamber on the main body. This arrangement enables the actuating member to be operable to release the collecting chamber from the main body of the cleaning appliance. 
     Preferably, the actuating member comprises a first part which forms part of the catch and includes a user-operable button, and a second part which is adapted and arranged to release the closure member. More preferably, the actuating member further comprises a displaceable member which, in a first position, couples the first and second parts of the actuating member, and in a second position, decouples the first and second parts. This arrangement allows the two functions of the actuating member to be decoupled, depending upon the environment or location of the collecting chamber, i.e. whether held on the main body or remote from the main body. 
     Preferably, when the collecting chamber is held on the main body, a part of the main body is adapted and arranged to displace the displaceable member from the first position to the second position. More preferably, the displaceable member is rotatable between first and second positions. This arrangement is a simple and convenient way of providing a movable displaceable member. 
     Alternatively, the displaceable member is deformable between first and second positions. The displaceable member may be deformed by a part of the main body in order to move the displaceable member from the first position to the second position. Such an arrangement requires few components and is simple to manufacture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an upright vacuum cleaner incorporating a collecting chamber according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the collecting chamber according to the invention removed from the remainder of the upright vacuum cleaner of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a section through the collecting chamber of  FIG. 2  showing the base of the collecting chamber in a closed position; 
         FIG. 4  is a section through the collecting chamber of  FIG. 2  showing the collecting chamber located on the main body of the upright vacuum cleaner of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a section through the collecting chamber of  FIG. 2  showing the base of the collecting chamber in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an upright vacuum cleaner  10  having a main body  12  which includes a motor and fan unit (not shown) and a pair of wheels  14 . A cleaner head  16  is pivotably mounted on the lower end of the main body  12  and a dirty air inlet  18  is provided in the underside of the cleaner head  16  facing the floor surface. The main body  12  further includes a spine  20  which extends vertically upward and merges into a handle  22 . The handle  22  can be manipulated by a user to manoeuvre the vacuum cleaner  10  across a floor surface. The main body  12  further includes a plurality of outlet ports  24  for exhausting air from the vacuum cleaner  10 . 
     A collecting chamber  100  is releasably held on the main body  12 . The collecting chamber  100  is supported on the main body  12  above the outlet ports  24  and lies adjacent the spine  20 . The interior of the collecting chamber  100  is in communication with the dirty air inlet  18  through ducting in the spine  20 . The collecting chamber  100  can be removed from the main body  12  for emptying purposes. 
     In use, the motor and fan unit draws dirty air into the vacuum cleaner  10  via the dirty air inlet  18 . The dirty air is carried to the collecting chamber  100  via the ducting in the spine  20  and entrained dirt and dust is separated from the airflow and retained in the collecting chamber  100 . The cleaned air is passed across the motor for cooling and then ejected from the vacuum cleaner  10  via the outlet ports  24 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show the collecting chamber  100  in more detail. The collecting chamber  100  includes an upstream cyclone  102  having a cylindrical side wall  104  and a base  106 . An air inlet  108  is formed in the cylindrical side wall  104 . When the collecting chamber  100  is held on the main body  12  of the vacuum cleaner  10 , the air inlet  108  is in communication with the dirty air inlet  18  and forms a communication path between the ducting in the spine  20  and the interior of the upstream cyclone  102 . The air inlet  108  is arranged tangentially to the upstream cyclone  102  so that the incoming air is encouraged to follow a helical path around the interior of the upstream cyclone  102 . 
     A shroud  110  is located inwardly of the cylindrical wall  104  of the upstream cyclone  102 . The shroud  110  comprises a cylindrical wall having a plurality of through-holes  111 . The shroud  110  provides a communication path between the upstream cyclone  102  and a downstream cyclone assembly  112 . 
     The downstream cyclone assembly  112  comprises a plurality of downstream cyclones  114  arranged in parallel. In this embodiment, five downstream cyclones  114  are provided. Each downstream cyclone  114  is in communication with a downstream collector  116  having a collector wall  118  located inwardly of the shroud  110 . Dirt and dust separated by the downstream cyclones  114  is deposited in the downstream collector  116 . Each of the downstream cyclones  114  is also in communication with a duct  120 . The duct  120  provides an airflow path from the collecting chamber  100  into other parts of the vacuum cleaner  10 . A pre-motor filter  122  is located in the duct  120 . The pre-motor filter  122  comprises a porous material such as a foam. 
     A handle  124  is located above the duct  120  and is arranged to allow a user to carry the collecting chamber  100 . If the collecting chamber  100  is held on the main body  12  of the vacuum cleaner  10  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) then the handle  124  may also be used to carry the vacuum cleaner  10 . 
     The base  106  closes one end of the upstream cyclone  102 . The base  106  is pivotably mounted on the lower end of the cylindrical wall  104  by means of a hinge  126 . The base  106  is retained in a closed position (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) by means of a catch  128  located on the base  106 . The catch  128  includes a lug  130  and a flange  132 . The lug  130  is received by a cooperating groove  134  formed in the external surface of the cylindrical wall  104 . The catch  128  is formed from a resilient material which biases the lug  130  into the groove  134  when the base  106  is in the closed position. 
     The collecting chamber  100  further includes an actuating member  150 . The actuating member  150  comprises a first part  152 , a second part  154  and a displaceable member  156 . The first part  152  is arranged at the upper end of the collecting chamber  100  and has a user-operable button  158  located at an upper end. The button  158  is located at an upper end of the handle  124  and is biased upwardly by a spring (not shown). The first part  152  is arranged to be slideably movable relative to the collecting chamber  100  by depression of the button  158  against the bias of the spring. The first part  152  is supported by guides  160  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     The first part  152  also includes a catch  162 . The catch  162  is formed integrally with the upper end of the first part  152  and is able to slide vertically up/down therewith. The catch  162  is arranged to engage with a catch face on the main body  12  of the vacuum cleaner  10 . This will be described later. 
     The second part  154  is located on the external surface of the cylindrical wall  104  and is supported by a plurality of guides  164  ( FIG. 2 ). A spring (not shown) biases the second part  154  upwardly. When moved downwardly, the lowermost end of the second part  154  is operable to engage the flange  132  and push the lug  130  out of the groove  134  to release the base  106 . This will be described later. 
     The displaceable member  156  is located between the first and second parts  152 ,  154  of the actuating member  150 . The displaceable member  156  has a dog leg shape ( FIG. 2 ) and is rotatably coupled to one end of the first part  152 . The rotatable coupling between the first part  152  and the displaceable member  156  allows the displaceable member  156  to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. The dog leg shape of the displaceable member  156  enables the lowermost part of the displaceable member  156  to rotate between a first position in which the displaceable member  156  couples the first and second parts  152 ,  154 , and a second position in which the displaceable member  156  is spaced from the second part  154  so that the first and second parts  152 ,  154  are decoupled. A spring (not shown) biases the displaceable member  156  towards the first position. 
     In other words, when the displaceable member  156  is in the first position, the whole of the actuating member  150  (including the first part  152 , the second part  154  and the displaceable member  156 ) moves slideably within the guides  160 ,  164  when the button  158  is pressed. When the displaceable member  156  is in the second position, only the first part  152  and the displaceable member  156  move slideably within the guides  160  when the button  158  is pressed. 
       FIG. 4  shows the collecting chamber  100  located on the main body  12  of the vacuum cleaner  10 . When held on the main body  12 , the collecting chamber  100  is supported by a base  170  of the main body  12  and is located adjacent the spine  20  of the vacuum cleaner  10 . The catch  162  is arranged to engage with a catch face  172  formed in the spine  20  adjacent the collecting chamber  100 . When the catch  162  is engaged with the catch face  172  on the main body  12  of the vacuum cleaner  10 , the entire vacuum cleaner  10  can be lifted by the handle  124  of the collecting chamber  100 . 
     The spine  20  of the vacuum cleaner comprises a projection  174  which projects into the space between the spine  20  and the collecting chamber  100 . When the collecting chamber  100  is held on the main body  12 , the projection  174  is arranged to engage with the displaceable member  156  and to move the displaceable member  156  from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the lowermost end of the displaceable member  156  is spaced from the second part  154  and is located above a cavity  176 . If the button  158  is pressed whilst the displaceable member  156  is in the second position, the lowermost end of the displaceable member  156  will enter the cavity  176 , thereby decoupling the first and second parts  154 ,  156  and preventing the base  106  from being opened. The displaceable member  156  will remain trapped in the cavity  176  until the button  158  is released. 
     In use, the motor and fan unit (not shown) draws a flow of dirt-laden air into the dirty air inlet  18  and into the collecting chamber  100 . Dirt-laden air enters the collecting chamber  100  through the air inlet  108 . Due to the tangential arrangement of the air inlet  108 , the airflow is encouraged to follow a helical path around the interior of the wall  104 . Larger dirt and dust particles are separated by cyclonic motion around the wall  104 . These particles are then collected at the base  106  of the upstream cyclone  102 . 
     The partially-cleaned airflow then flows back up the interior of the upstream cyclone  102 , exits the upstream cyclone  102  via the through-holes  111  in the shroud  110  and passes into the downstream cyclone assembly  112 . Each of the downstream cyclones  114  forming part of the downstream cyclone assembly  112  has a diameter smaller than that of the upstream cyclone  102 . Therefore, the downstream cyclones  114  are able to separate smaller particles of dirt and dust from the partially-cleaned airflow than the upstream cyclone  102 . Separated dirt and dust exits the downstream cyclones  114  and passes into the downstream collector  128 . 
     Cleaned air then flows back up through the downstream cyclones  114  and enters the duct  120 . The cleaned air then passes from the duct  120  sequentially through the pre-motor filter  122 , the motor and fan unit, and a post-motor filter (not shown) before being exhausted from the vacuum cleaner  10  through the outlet ports  24 . 
     When a cleaning operation is finished, the collecting chamber  100  may require emptying. To do this, the user releases the collecting chamber  100  from the main body  12  by depressing the button  158 . This pushes the first part  152  and the displaceable member  156  downwardly. The catch  162  moves downwardly and disengages from the catch face  172 , releasing the collecting chamber  100 . At the same time, the displaceable member  156  (which is biased into the second position by engagement with the projection  174 ) enters the cavity  176 . The second part  154  does not move downwardly because, in the second position, the displaceable member  156  is spaced from the second part  154  of the actuating member  150 . Therefore, the user can remove the collecting chamber  100  from the main body  12  with no risk of the base  106  being pushed open. Once the collecting chamber  100  has been removed from the main body, the button  158  can be released. The user can then place the collecting chamber  100  over a suitable dirt and dust receptacle such as a dustbin. 
     When the button  158  is released, the first part  152  and the displaceable member  156  move upwardly under the bias of the spring. The displaceable member  156  moves out of the cavity  176  and the spring biases the displaceable member  156  into the first position. Thus, when the user pushes the button  158  again, the displaceable member  156  is in the first position (and therefore in alignment with the second part  154 ) and so the second part  154  moves downwardly against the catch  128 . The lower end of the second part  154  engages the flange  132  and pushes the lug  130  out of the groove  134 . This releases the base  106 , pushing the base  106  away from the wall  104  and allowing the base  106  to pivot downwardly about the hinge  126  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The dirt and dust collected in the collecting chamber  100  can thus be emptied conveniently and efficiently. The upstream cyclone  102  and the downstream collector  116  are emptied simultaneously during this process. 
     When the collecting chamber  100  has been emptied as described above, the user may close the collecting  100  by manually moving the base  106  back into the closed position shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The collecting chamber  100  can then be replaced on the main body  12  of the vacuum cleaner  10  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) for further cleaning operations. 
     The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, the displaceable member need not be rotatable between the first and second positions. A resilient displaceable member may be used so that, when a part of the main body of the vacuum cleaner engages with the displaceable member, the displaceable member is deformed. This deformation prevents the displaceable member from coupling with the second part of the actuating member. 
     Any suitable resilient means could be used for the displaceable member. Plastics such as nylon or ABS could be used. Alternatively, rubbers or metallic strips may be used. The displaceable member may be deformed so that it is pushed away from the second part. Alternatively, the displaceable member may be urged into a buckled or compressed arrangement so that it cannot transmit force between the first and second parts of the actuating member. Other arrangements may be used; what is important is that the displaceable member is able to move between first and second positions in which the first and second parts are coupled and decoupled respectively. 
     The separating apparatus need not be a cyclonic separator. Other forms of separating apparatus could be used, for example, a porous bag or filter. Additionally, the separating apparatus need not be located in the collecting chamber. A separate collecting chamber may be provided. What is important is that the collecting chamber collects dirt and dust which is then emptied by the user. 
     A part of the collecting chamber other than the base of the collecting chamber may be movable for emptying purposes. Other forms, arrangements and locations of closure members may be used. For example, the side or top of the collecting chamber may be movable. Further, the closure member need not be pivotable. Other opening arrangements for the closure member may be used; for example, sliding, retracting or rotating closure members. 
     The cleaning appliance need not be an upright vacuum cleaner. The invention is applicable to other types of vacuum cleaner, for example, cylinder machines, stick-vacuums or hand-held cleaners. Further, the present invention is applicable to other types of cleaning appliances, for example, a wet and dry machine or a carpet shampooer.