CN107260065B

CN107260065B - Suction head with improved suction channel

Info

Publication number: CN107260065B
Application number: CN201710163515.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·罗西
Original assignee: New Ermes Europe SRL
Current assignee: New Ermes Europe SRL
Priority date: 2016-03-31
Filing date: 2017-03-20
Publication date: 2021-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-20
Also published as: ES2741829T3; ITUA20162159A1; CN107260065A; PL3225145T3; DK3225145T3; EP3225145B1; EP3225145A2; US20170280956A1; HUE045555T2; EP3225145A3

Abstract

A suction head for a vacuum cleaner is described, the suction head comprising a base plate having a base plate passage opening towards a surface to be vacuumed and a suction passage in fluid communication with the base plate passage. The suction channel includes an inner tube fixed to the substrate channel and an outer tube telescopically rotatable with respect to the inner tube.

Description

Suction head with improved suction channel

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a suction head mounted on a household appliance for cleaning by means of suction, such as a vacuum cleaner, an electric broom, a multi-function vacuum cleaner cartridge or a vacuum cleaner robot, for sucking dust and/or fluid and/or dirt from a surface. In particular, the present invention relates to a suction head having an improved suction channel substantially free of narrow areas.

Background

It is known that vacuum cleaners, electric brooms or similar household appliances for cleaning by means of suction comprise a suction head for sucking dust, dirt or fluid from a surface. In the field of household appliances, the suction head is commonly referred to as a "brush". Thus, for the purposes of the description of the present invention, the terms "suction head" and "brush" are considered equivalent. Also for the purpose of the present invention, the term "vacuum cleaner" will have a very broad meaning so as to include all these appliances for professional or domestic use for cleaning by means of suction. The term "vacuum cleaner" shall thus include vacuum cleaners, electric brooms, so-called multi-functional vacuum cleaner cartridges, vacuum cleaner robots, centralized suction systems for domestic or industrial use and devices for supplying and sucking steam.

Basically, a known suction head comprises: a substrate shaped so as to have at least one substrate channel opening towards a surface to be vacuum cleaned; a suction channel in fluid communication with the substrate and optionally a cover body. The cover body may engage the base plate, the suction channel, or both. The other end of the suction channel is communicated with the suction pipeline.

Suction heads are known, for example, from EP2944242 and EP1600091 in the name of the same applicant.

EP1367931a1 discloses a tilting joint in the suction channel of a vacuum cleaner.

DE8901995U1 discloses a vacuum cleaner.

In the description and claims of the present invention, the expression "suction efficiency" will be understood in general as the percentage ratio of material that has been vacuumed to material that is to be vacuumed. According to the standard EN 60312-1: clauses 2013-05 were vacuum tested.

Although various suction heads are available on the market which perform the function of sucking dust and/or fluid and/or dirt from a surface in a sufficiently efficient manner, the applicant has noted the need to improve the performance of the known suction heads. In particular, the applicant has noted the need to improve the efficiency of the suction of dust and dirt from a surface.

Disclosure of Invention

The applicant has considered carefully the cross section of the aspiration channel and noticed that in the known solutions there are discontinuous and/or narrow zones preventing regular aspiration flow. Due to these discrete areas and significant variations in cross-section, the vacuum sweeping efficiency is significantly reduced compared to what can be achieved from the power of the motor.

Another problem is that these discrete areas and variations in cross-section cause more noise that the user cannot tolerate.

The applicant has found that, in order to keep the cross section of the suction channel substantially constant, the suction channel can be shaped so as to have a first fixed portion having a longitudinal axis following a circular arc and a second portion also having a longitudinal axis following a circular arc and being telescopically movable with respect to said first fixed portion.

According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a suction head for a vacuum cleaner or similar product, comprising:

-a substrate having a substrate channel opening towards a surface to be vacuum cleaned,

-a suction channel in fluid communication with the substrate channel,

wherein the suction channel comprises an inner tube and an outer tube,

wherein the inner tube is fixed to the substrate channel and the outer tube is telescopically rotatable with respect to the inner tube,

-a bushing fixed to the outer tube and a pivot pin, wherein the outer tube is rotatable about a pivot pin axis of rotation,

-a wheel axle and a wheel mounted at the end of the wheel axle for moving the suction head over a surface to be vacuum cleaned,

wherein the pivot pin of the outer tube is arranged in front of the wheel axle, an

-an arm arrangement having a first hole for the pivot pin and a second hole for the axle of the wheel.

The outer tube may include a first portion having a longitudinal axis following a circumferential portion.

The first portion of the outer tube may have a substantially circular cross-section measured along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The inner tube may comprise a first portion receiving the fluid and a second portion, wherein an outer surface of the second portion of the inner tube has an inner surface substantially corresponding to the first portion of the outer tube.

The inner tube can terminate with a sealing lip.

The arm arrangement may comprise two arms.

The outer tube may include a second portion having a reduced wall thickness and a rounded notch for rotationally engaging an end edge of the fitting.

The substrate channel may comprise a front edge and a rear edge, wherein a surface of the lower face extending at least along the front edge of the substrate channel and a surface of the lower face extending at least along the rear edge of the substrate channel lie on the same plane.

Drawings

The invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which is provided by way of non-limiting example only, and which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a suction head according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration;

figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a suction head according to an embodiment of the invention in a second configuration;

figure 3 shows a plan view of the base plate of the suction head shown in figures 1 and 2;

fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E are cross-sections along the respective lines a to E of fig. 3;

figure 4 is a schematic top view of a suction duct according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4A, 4B and 4C are cross-sections through the suction duct along lines A, B and C in fig. 4;

figure 5 shows the suction channel partially disassembled;

FIG. 6 is a view on a larger scale of a portion of FIG. 5;

figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suction channel of the suction head according to figures 1 and 2;

figures 8.1 and 8.2 show, in schematic form, the inner and outer tubes of the suction channel, respectively; and

fig. 9 shows in schematic form an embodiment of the joint between the suction channel and the joint.

Detailed Description

In the various figures, some elements that are considered unnecessary for the present invention have been omitted for clarity. In particular, pedals and associated control mechanisms for moving bristle supports or rubber fins that may be present in some embodiments are not shown. The suction head is designated as a whole by reference numeral 1.

In the description of the invention, much of the description will be used with reference to airflow during suction. For example, the term "inlet" of certain elements denotes a cross-section, area, region or point at which suction air enters the element when the suction head is mounted on the vacuum cleaner and it is in use. Similarly, the term "outlet" of certain elements denotes a cross-section, area, region or point at which air is drawn away from the element when the suction head is mounted on the vacuum cleaner and it is in use.

The relative terms "lower" and "upper" relate to the suction head in its operating configuration, i.e. when resting on a surface to be vacuumed.

Finally, the terms "front" and "rear" relate to the suction head in its configuration for use in: the "front" shows the elements located or oriented in the forward direction of movement of the suction head, while the "rear" shows the elements located or oriented in the return direction.

With reference to the figures, the suction head 1 comprises a base plate 2 having at least one base plate channel 3 which is open downwards, i.e. towards the surface to be vacuumed. The suction head 1 further comprises a curved and suitably shaped suction channel 4 and a rotatable joint 5 rotating about an axis 6. The assembly of substrate channel 3, suction channel 4 and joint 5 forms a suction duct 7.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the base plate 2 of the suction head according to figures 1 and 2. Fig. 3A to 3E are cross-sections along respective lines a to E of fig. 3.

According to the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the substrate comprises a channel 3 of the substrate 2 extending substantially over the entire width of the suction head. Preferably, the channel 3 has a substantially constant width, except for the end portion where it is narrower.

At the ends, the channels 3 have a smaller thickness (fig. 3E). The substrate channel increases in thickness towards the center (fig. 3A-3C). In the center (fig. 3D), the substrate channel opens out so that it can be connected to the suction channel 4.

The front edge of the channel 3 is marked by reference numeral 31 and the rear edge of the channel is marked by reference numeral 32. The surface of the substrate near the front edge 31 is substantially flat and horizontal. Similarly, the surface of the substrate near the rear edge 32 is substantially flat and horizontal.

Preferably, there are two velvet strips 36 or the like, i.e., front and rear strips, in the central region of the base plate. The strip 36 may be inserted into a specially shaped cavity (shown in cross-section in fig. 3C and 3D).

The suction channel 4 is in fluid communication with the channel 3 of the substrate 2. The suction channel 4 according to the invention comprises a first portion 41 and a second portion 42. The first portion is also referred to as the "inner tube" 41 and the second portion is also referred to as the "outer tube" 42.

Preferably, the inner tube 41 of the suction channel 4 is connected to the substrate channel 3 via any known connection mechanism. For example, the connection may be of the press-fit type or a fixing system with screws or rivets. In addition, the inner tube 41 of the suction channel 4 can be connected to the base plate 2 and the base plate channel 3 by means of welding (e.g. ultrasonic welding) or by means of gluing with an adhesive. By further alternative, the inner tube 41 of the suction channel 4 may be formed as a single piece with the base plate 2 and thus with the base plate channel 3.

The inner tube 41 of the suction channel 4 comprises a first connecting portion 41a and a second portion 41b, the outer surface of which follows a curved tubular section. Preferably, the curved tubular section has a longitudinal axis 41c following a circular arc. Preferably, the outer cross-section of the inner tube 41 (except for its first connecting portion 41a to the substrate passage 3) is substantially circular. By way of non-limiting example, the cross-section of the suction channel along its second portion 41b may have an internal diameter of about 30mm to 55 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the inner tube 41 of the suction channel widens from the inlet towards the outlet and does not have narrow and/or discontinuous regions.

Preferably, the outlet edge of the inner tube 41 of the suction channel 4 terminates with a sealing lip 44. The sealing lip 44 ensures a smooth transition between the inner tube of the suction channel 4 and the outer tube 42 (to be described below). As an alternative to the sealing lip 44, a gasket and/or an O-ring made of rubber, plastic, teflon or the like may be provided.

In order to ensure that the outer surface of the inner tube 41 has a circular cross-section with an axis 41c following a circular portion, it is conceivable to shape the outer surface of the inner tube 41 appropriately without changing the inner cross-section of the inner tube 41. Fig. 8.1 shows the inner tube separated from the outer tube and shows the surface 41d, said surface 41d forming a surface suitable for the rotational telescopic movement of the outer tube 42. As can be seen from fig. 8.1, the internal cross-section of the inner tube 41 also has a regular and increasing extension along the surface 41d towards the outlet end of the inner tube 41.

Preferably, inner tube 41 includes a stop 45 for limiting movement of outer tube 42 relative to inner tube 41. The stop 45 is shown in fig. 1 and 8.1. Fig. 2 shows that outer tube 42 has an edge in its end travel position against stop 45. In the position shown in fig. 1, the end portion of the joint 5 can be inclined at an angle α of about 40 °. In the position shown in fig. 2, the end portion of the joint 5 can be inclined at an angle α of about 70 °. Preferred values of α are 41 ° and 73 °, respectively.

The outer tube 42 of the suction channel 4 is telescopically associated with the inner tube 41, so that the inner surface of the outer tube 42 cooperates with the outer surface of the inner tube 41. This telescopic fit is illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, which show two different positions of the inner tube 41 relative to the outer tube 42.

Thus, preferably, the outer tube 42 comprises a first portion 42a shaped as a curved tubular section, preferably substantially circular, and a second connecting portion 42 b. The curved tubular section is shaped so as to have a longitudinal axis 42c following an arc of a circle. When the inner tube 41 is telescopically associated with the outer tube 42, the longitudinal axis 41c of the inner tube 41 following an arc of a circle substantially coincides with (or forms an extension of) the longitudinal axis 42c of the outer tube 42 following an arc of a circle.

As mentioned above, the inner tube 41 of the suction channel 4 terminates with a sealing lip 44 for providing a fluid seal between the inner tube 41 and the outer tube 42. Preferably, the sealing lip 44 narrows towards the outlet so as to ensure a smooth transition between the two elements.

As mentioned above, the inner tube 41 of the inlet channel 4 is fixed, while the outer tube 42 is rotatable and telescopically associated with the inner tube 41. Due to this telescopic coupling, the inner tube 41 is always at least partially retained inside the outer tube 42.

With reference to fig. 4, 5 and 6, the articulation allowing relative rotational movement of the outer and inner tubes will now be described.

The outer tube 42 preferably includes a bushing 46 having a hole 47 for a pin 48. A bushing 46 is secured to the outer tube 42 along a bottom portion of the outer tube. The axis 48' of the bushing corresponds to the axis of rotation of the outer tube 42.

A pair of arms 9 are fixed to the base plate 2 and/or the inner tube 41 and project towards the outer tube 42 and the rear portion of the suction head 1. The arms 9 may be strong or light weight as shown in fig. 5.

Two

holes

91 and 92 for each arm are provided near the free end of the arm 9. The hole 91 is designed to cooperate with the pin 48 and rotatably support the pin 48. The length of the sleeve 46 corresponds to the distance between the two facing walls of the arm 9. Thus, when the inner and outer tubes are telescopically engaged together, the pin 48 will be inserted inside the hole 91 of the arm 9 and inside the hole 47 of the sleeve 46. Fig. 7 shows in schematic form the relative rotational movement of the outer tube 42 and the inner tube 41.

The bore 92 is configured to rotatably support the axle 81 for the wheel 8.

Preferably, the axis 82 of the wheel 8 is located at the rear with respect to the axis 48' for the relative rotation of the outer tube and the inner tube.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to fig. 1, 2, 4 and 9, the fitting 5 and its rotatable connection with respect to the suction channel 4 will now be described.

The second portion 42b of the outer tube 42 of the suction channel 4 is preferably circular and operates as a connection for the rotatable joint 5. Fig. 9 shows by way of example how the rotatable joint 5 is connected to the outer tube 42 of the suction channel 4. In particular, it is conceivable to have a snap-engagement connection between the teeth 51 formed on the rounded edge of the joint 5 and the corresponding notches 49 formed in the outer surface of the second portion 42b of the outer tube 42 of the suction channel 4. Preferably, in the connection zone (as shown in fig. 9), the thickness of the wall of the joint 5 and of the wall of the outer tube 42 is reduced so that the overall thickness remains substantially constant.

The angled joint 5 is rotatable relative to the outer tube 42 of the suction duct 4. Said rotation takes place around the axis 6 of the second portion 42b of the outer tube 4.

The angled joint 5 may thus make two rotations possible. A first rotation relative to the axis of rotation 48' of the outer tube 42 and a second rotation relative to the longitudinal axis 6 of the outlet portion of the outer tube 42. The first rotation is a rotation in a plane, preferably a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane to be vacuumed, and moves the suction head 1 during the rotation.

A rigid or flexible tube (not shown) may be connected to the outlet end of the fitting 5. As an alternative to the angled joint 5 shown in fig. 1 and 2, any other joint, straight, variously angled, rigid or flexible, can also be associated with the outer tube 42 of the suction channel 4.

The brush body 10 may be fixed to one or more of the base plate 2, the inner tube 41 of the suction channel 4, or the outer tube 42 of the suction channel 4. The suction head may also comprise a cover 11.

As can be seen from fig. 1 and 2, in the configuration shown in fig. 1 and in the configuration shown in fig. 2, the air flow flowing from the substrate channel 3 to the suction channel 4 and the joint 5 does not have a large discontinuity or narrow area. This is due to the novel telescopic relationship between the two

parts

41, 42 of the suction channel 4, wherein the first part 41 (which receives air from the substrate channel 3) forms the inner tube 41 and is fixed relative to the substrate 2, while the second part 42 forms the outer tube. The outer tube 42 preferably has a circular cross-section and an axis 42c that follows an arc of a circle. Between the inner tube 41 and the outer tube 42 there is a sealing lip 44 for ensuring a smooth transition between the two

tubes

41, 42 and for ensuring a fluid seal and minimal leakage.

Claims

1. A suction head (1) for a vacuum cleaner, the suction head (1) comprising:

-a substrate (2) having a substrate channel (3) opening towards a surface to be vacuum cleaned,

-a suction channel (4) in fluid communication with the substrate channel (3),

wherein the suction channel (4) comprises an inner tube (41) and an outer tube (42),

wherein the inner tube (41) is fixed to the substrate channel (3), the outer tube (42) is telescopically rotatable with respect to the inner tube (41),

-a bushing (46) fixed to the outer tube and a pivot pin (48), wherein the outer tube (42) is rotatable around a rotation axis (48') of the pivot pin (48),

-a wheel axle (81) and a wheel (8) mounted at the end of the wheel axle (81) for moving the suction head (1) over a surface to be vacuumed,

wherein the pivot pin (48) of the outer tube (42) is arranged in front of the axle (81), and

-an arm arrangement (9), the arm arrangement (9) having a first hole (91) for the pivot pin (48) and a second hole (92) for an axle (81) of a wheel,

wherein the inner tube (41) has an inlet on the substrate passage side and an outlet on the outer tube side, and the cross-sectional area of the inner tube (41) widens from the inlet toward the outlet and does not have a discontinuous region.

2. A suction head (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer tube (42) comprises a first portion (42a) having a longitudinal axis (42c) which is circular-arc shaped.

3. A suction head (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first portion (42a) of the outer tube (42) has a substantially circular cross-section measured along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (42 c).

4. A suction head (1) according to claim 3, wherein the inner tube (41) comprises a first portion (41a) receiving the fluid and a second portion (41b), wherein the outer surface of the second portion (41b) of the inner tube (41) substantially corresponds to the inner surface of the first portion (42a) of the outer tube (42).

5. A suction head (1) according to claim 3, wherein the inner tube (41) terminates with a sealing lip (44).

6. A suction head (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the arm arrangement (9) comprises two arms (9).

7. Suction head (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer tube (42) comprises a second portion (42b) with reduced wall thickness and a circular notch (49) for rotatably engaging an end edge (51) of a joint (5).

8. Suction head (1) according to claim 1, wherein the substrate channel (3) comprises a front edge (31) and a rear edge (32), wherein at least a surface of a lower face extending along the front edge (31) of the substrate channel (3) and a surface of a lower face extending along at least the rear edge (32) of the substrate channel (3) lie on the same plane.