JP2009507598A - Suction nozzle and vacuum cleaner provided with the suction nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suction nozzle (10) for a vacuum cleaner (1). The suction nozzle comprises a suction head (12) having an elongated suction opening extending in a direction substantially transverse to the movement direction (T) of the nozzle (10) in a first position, the nozzle (10) during movement. And a coupling body (15) for connecting the suction head (12) to the cleaner (1). The suction head (12) is rotatable around the first rotational axis (R1) to a position where the elongated suction opening extends substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the suction nozzle (10). During and during rotation of the suction head (12) to this position, the carrier means (16) moves from a position within the rotation area occupied by the suction head (12) during rotation from the rotation area of the suction head (12). Is moved to the position positioned at. The invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner provided with such a suction nozzle (10).

Description

  The present invention relates to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner. The suction nozzle has a suction head provided with an elongated suction opening, a coupling for connecting the suction head to the vacuum cleaner, and a supporting means for carrying the suction head. The suction head is rotatably connected to the combination about a first axis of rotation and is elongated with a first position where the elongated suction opening extends substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the nozzle. The suction opening can be rotated between a second position where it extends substantially parallel to the direction of movement. Also, in the first position, the carrier means is arranged behind the trailing edge of the suction head.

  The invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner having a suction nozzle.

  A suction nozzle of the type described above is known from EP 1 110 496. The known suction nozzle is versatile due to its rotatable nature and support means. Rotation allows the width of the nozzle to be reduced when viewed in its direction of movement, thus allowing its use for narrow space cleaning. The carrier means comprises a roller which facilitates the movement of the nozzle and allows the suction nozzle to be used on both hard and soft surfaces.

The disadvantage of this known suction nozzle is that when the suction head is in the first position, the carrier means is relatively far behind the trailing edge of the suction head, in particular from the first position to the second position. It is arranged out of the rotation area occupied by the suction head when rotating. This arrangement of the carrier means is necessary so as not to disturb the suction head when rotating to the second position. However, the distant position of the carrier means adversely affects the maneuverability of the suction nozzle.
EP 1 110 496

  The present invention aims to provide a suction nozzle and a vacuum cleaner of the kind described at the outset. The disadvantages of known suction nozzles are avoided and the advantages are retained. More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a suction nozzle that is as versatile as known suction nozzles and has improved maneuverability at least in the first position.

  In order to achieve this object, the suction nozzle according to the invention is a rotating nozzle in which the carrier means in the first position of the suction head is occupied by the suction head during rotation from the first position to the second position. It is arranged that the suction nozzle has means for moving the carrier means out of the rotation area of the suction head during and during rotation of the suction head from the first position to the second position.

  To achieve this object, the vacuum cleaner according to the invention is characterized in that the suction nozzle used is a suction nozzle according to the invention.

  A carrier means having a suction nozzle according to the invention and having a suction head extending in a first position can infer a position as close as possible to the suction head, thereby improving the maneuvering of the suction head Sex is obtained. On the other hand, the carrying means in rotation with respect to the second position of the suction head is adapted to infer a position outside the rotation range of the suction head so that the suction head rotates freely without being disturbed by the carrying means can do. In this application, the term “rotation region” of a suction head refers to the space occupied by the suction head as it rotates from a first position to a second position.

  Furthermore, since the position change of the holding means is brought about through the rotation of the suction head, the user does not need to perform a special operation. In other words, when the suction head is rotated, the supporting means is automatically moved out of the rotation area of the suction head, and the ease of use of the suction head is increased.

  One particular embodiment of the suction nozzle according to the invention is characterized in that the carrier means is connected to the combination. In this embodiment, it has a suction head in a first position, and the carrier means is preferably arranged just behind the trailing edge of the suction head as seen in the direction of movement, and more preferably in combination during use. Is placed in line with the suction tube where it can be coupled. In this way, the force applied on the suction tube to move the suction nozzle along the surface to be cleaned is transmitted directly to the surface via the carrier means. This frees the suction head from the aforementioned force and allows direct operation of the carrier means, resulting in better maneuverability and control of the suction nozzle.

  More particularly, the carrier means may be arranged to move in the rotation area of the suction head to a position that exits the rotation area. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier means may be arranged to move perpendicular to the rotation area to a position above the suction head. Of course, a combination of these two movements is possible. In any case, conventional transmission means such as one or more gear wheels, tooth racks, cams and / or cam followers, or the like carry the rotational movement of the suction head. It can be used to translate the desired movement of the means.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first axis of rotation is inclined with respect to the bottom plate of the suction head. When the suction head is positioned with its bottom plate on a flat surface, such an inclined axis of rotation causes the coupling body, and in particular the carrier means connected thereto, to be rotated around the inclined axis. When drawing a spiral motion. With such a helical movement, the carrier means can be positioned above the suction head without having to be moved relative to the combination, allowing a relatively simple and robust design.

  The above-described effect is sufficient when the first rotating shaft is inclined toward the rear or the side as viewed in the moving direction of the nozzle. However, in a very advantageous embodiment, the first axis of rotation is inclined in both the rear and side directions. By doing so, the combined body is prevented from being twisted with respect to the suction head during rotation from the first position to the second position. By tilting the first axis of rotation over a similar tilt angle in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the combination is moved from the first position to the second position. Upon completing its rotation, it is untwisted and in the first position, the combination and the suction head extend substantially “parallel” to each other. “Parallel” in the present application means that the carrying surface of the carrying means is substantially parallel to the bottom plate of the suction head at any position. Such “parallel” orientation is beneficial to the operating characteristics and maneuverability of the nozzle.

  More particularly, the nozzle can be provided with locking means to lock the suction head in the first and second positions. Such locking means can be provided with a hook or recess in the coupling, which can be engaged with a respective recess or hook in the suction head, for example, to prevent relative movement between them. The known locking means is normally maintained in its locked position by the biasing means and can be unlocked by applying a force on the suction head that exceeds the biasing force. A disadvantage of such locking means is that, for example, when the suction head unintentionally collides with an object during use, the locking means can be unlocked prematurely. Thus, in the nozzle according to the invention, the locking means are preferably designed to be reliably locked and / or unlocked by the user.

  In a further advantageous embodiment, in the first position, the suction head is rotatable relative to the rotating body about a second axis extending substantially parallel to the suction opening. With such a second axis of rotation, the orientation of the suction head can be adjusted with respect to irregularities in the surface to be cleaned, and the elongated suction opening can hold a position substantially parallel thereto. Hence, excellent constant suction performance can be achieved.

  In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the suction nozzle according to the invention, the coupling body comprises a flexible coupling tube that connects the suction opening to the vacuum cleaner. Such a flexible tube adjusts for changes in the length and orientation of the suction head relative to the combination as the suction head rotates from the first position to the second position. Furthermore, the tube is easy to manufacture and the suction head has a low height. Similarly, it is only necessary to raise the low height when the carrying means brings the suction head to the second position, and therefore the inclination angle of the first rotating shaft is reduced.

  Embodiments of a suction nozzle and a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a cleaner 1 according to the invention provided with a suction nozzle 10 according to the invention connected to the cleaner 1 via a suction tube 2 and a flexible suction hose 3, respectively. FIG. 1 shows a specific type of vacuum cleaner 1 which is a canister or cylinder type vacuum cleaner in particular, but the suction nozzle 10 according to the invention can be of any kind, such as an upright type or a handheld type. It should be understood that this is also applicable.

  As best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the suction nozzle 10 has a suction head 12 and a combination 15. The suction head 12 has a substantially wedge-shaped housing 13 and a substantially rectangular bottom plate 14 and has a width W, a depth D, and a longitudinal axis L. The bottom plate 14 is provided with an elongated suction opening 5 (see FIGS. 3B and 3C), preferably extending over the entire width W of the bottom plate 14 and ending in the central suction channel 17. The flow path extends from the upper surface of the housing 13 and also ends at the tubular coupling end 21. In use, the suction head 12 is moved along the surface to be cleaned in a direction T, which will be referred to as “movement direction” in the following.

  The coupling body 15 has a first coupling end 20 that is rotatably coupled to the aforementioned coupling end 21 of the suction head 12 so that the suction head 12 has a first “wide area”. It can rotate between a “broad reach” position and a second “narrow reach” position, making the nozzle 10 suitable for use in a confined space. In the first “wide range” position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the elongated suction opening 5 extends substantially transverse to the direction of movement T of the nozzle 10 and is shown in FIGS. 2B and 3C. In the second “narrow range” position, the suction opening 5 extends substantially parallel to the transverse direction T and has a width corresponding to the depth D of the bottom plate 14.

  The coupling 15 further has a second coupling end 22 for connection to the cleaner 1 and a tube 18 extending between the first coupling end 20 and the second coupling end 22. As described in more detail below, the tube 18 desirably comprises a flexible tube because the relative orientation of the first and second coupling ends 20, 22 can change during use. Other alternatives, such as a tube made with a stretchable part, can be used, but the flexible tube is the simplest to manufacture and reduces the overall height of the suction head 12 To play a role. This reduction in height is beneficial for reasons that will become apparent below.

  The combination 15 further comprises carrier means 16 formed in the illustrated embodiment as a set of wheels, although other embodiments may have alternative rotating and / or sliding means. With this carrying means 16, the suction head 12 can be used either on a soft carpeted surface or on a lubricious and hard surface. For such a lubricious and hard surface advantage, the suction head 12 is desirably provided with a retractable brush 23 (shown in FIG. 3A in the retracted position). The brush can be tilted to the extended position using lever 24 to be actuated by the user. Such retractable brushes and levers are known and will not be further described herein. In the extended position, the brush 23 and the carrier means 16 prevent direct contact between the bottom plate 14 and the hard surface and prevent possible damage. On the soft surface, the wheel 16 causes the suction head 12 to be slightly inclined to slightly lift the tip portion of the suction head 12 from the surface, thereby preventing the suction head 12 and the surface from interfering with movement. Prevent the vacuum formed between them.

  As seen in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the wheel 16 is preferably mounted just behind the trailing edge of the suction head 12, preferably in line with the suction tube 2 where the nozzle 10 can be connected in use. . With such an arrangement, the force applied on the suction tube 2 to move the nozzle 10 is transmitted directly to the carrier means 16.

  The coupling body 15 according to the invention can further be provided with a second axis of rotation R2, preferably coincident with the axis of rotation of the carrier wheel 16. Such a second axis of rotation, for example, adjusts different carpet heights and / or allows a portion of the suction head 12 and the combination 15 to be lifted to pass through an inclined surface. Desirably, a third axis of rotation R3 is provided. As best seen in FIG. 3A, the third rotation axis is substantially half between the second rotation axis R2 and the suction flow path 17 and substantially parallel to the second rotation axis R2. Extend. Such a third rotation axis R3 allows the suction head 12 to be substantially parallel to the surface on which the bottom plate 14 is to be cleaned as it is brought to a high position via rotation around the second axis R2. It can be tilted back to the extended position, which is effective for suction and cleaning performance. This adjustment of the orientation of the suction head is automatically performed by the suction force acting on the head 12 during use. Furthermore, the third axis R3 allows the suction nozzle 10 and the suction tube 2 to predict a “low reach” position. In the low range, the suction tube 2 extends substantially flat with respect to the surface to be cleaned, so that it is possible to clean a space with a limited height, for example under a sofa, cupboard etc. To do.

  As best seen in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, respectively, the first axis of rotation R1 is inclined rearwardly over an angle α and laterally over an angle β with respect to the normal position N of the bottom plate 14. With such angles α, β, the suction head 12 and the coupling body 15 extend perpendicular to the first rotation axis R1 and rotate relative to each other along a plane S having the angles α, β of the bottom plate 14. To do. As a result, when rotating the suction head 12 relative to the combined body 15, the carrier means 16 is lifted with respect to the bottom plate 14 to a position extending above the head 12. Therefore, the suction head can be freely rotated with a single rotational motion from its wide range position to its narrow range position.

  It is clear that the height at which the carrier means 16 is lifted during rotation can be increased by increasing the distance between the carrier means 16 and the first axis of rotation R1 (arm A in FIGS. 3A, 3C). It is. However, for the excellent maneuverability of the suction head 12, it has been mentioned above that the carrier means 16 are preferably positioned closely behind the suction head corresponding to the relatively short arm A. In such a case, it is understood that the tilt angles α, β can be increased so that the carrier means can be raised to a sufficient height. At the same time or alternatively, the desired lifting height can be reduced by minimizing the height of the suction head 12, for example by using the flexible tube 18 described above. Such a flexible tube 18 further gives further freedom with respect to the design and position of the second and third rotary axes R2, R3 described above and is substantially leak-free so that a high suction force is obtained. .

  It is clear from the above that the optimum angles α and β can vary depending on the situation. Hence, a specific value cannot be given for best results. However, typical angles α, β vary from about 7 ° to 20 °. It is noted that such values are given as examples only and should not be construed as limiting.

  In principle, one inclination angle α or β is sufficient to achieve the desired lifting effect of the carrier means 16. However, by inclining the first rotation axis R1 rearward and laterally, the combined body 15 in the second narrow range position causes the rotation axis of the holding means 16 and the second and third rotation axes R2, R3. Can be inferred from a non-tilted position that extends substantially parallel to the bottom plate 14 and contributes to the maneuverability and operating characteristics of the nozzle 10 in a narrow range position.

  As best seen in FIGS. 3B and 3C, locking means 19 are provided to lock the suction head 12 in the first and second positions. The locking means, in certain embodiments, has a lever 19 that is rotatably connected to the suction head 12 and can be hooked into a recess in the first coupling end 20 of the coupling body 15. A shaped end 25 is provided, thereby blocking the relative rotation of such part. Of course, many other locking means are possible.

  Furthermore, the second locking means may be provided to block or limit the downward rotation of the combination 15 around the third rotation axis R3 (not clearly shown). Such rotation moves the supporting means 16 downward and cancels the lifting effect of the rotation around the first rotation axis R1. Therefore, by limiting the rotation around the third rotation axis R3, the lifting ability of the first rotation axis R1 can be limited, as well as limiting the desired tilt angle of the first rotation axis.

  4A and 4B show another embodiment of the nozzle 10 according to the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like parts. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in that the carrier means 16 is slidably mounted so that it can move back and forth in the movement direction T when the suction head 12 rotates. Is different. Therefore, the combined body 15 ′ is divided into two parts 26, 27, the first part 26 is rotatably connected to the suction head 12, and the second part 27 is for connection to the suction pipe 2. The coupling end 22 and the carrier means 16. The portions 26, 27 can be telescopically interconnected or can be interconnected via other sliding arrangements that are guide slots or the like. Biasing means 28 may be provided to bias the second part 27 towards the first part 26, the carrier means 16 being arranged just behind the trailing edge of the suction head 12. This trailing edge is provided with a curved cam 29 which contacts the leading edge 27A of the second part 27 when the suction head 12 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q, so that as shown in FIG. This part 27 with means is pushed backwards against the biasing means. With this structure, the suction head 12 is freely rotated around the first rotation axis R1 extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate 14 between the wide range position and the narrow range position, and the carrying means 16 Is moved from a first position indicated by a solid line to a second position indicated by a broken line.

  This embodiment may have a more complex design than the previous embodiment due to the slidably connected coupling portions 26, 27, but the carrier means 16 is in either the first or second position. Provides the advantage of being able to play an active loading role. Furthermore, due to the fact that the coupling end 22 and the suction tube 2 move with the carrier means 16, excellent operability is maintained and the relative orientation of the components remains intact.

  In yet another embodiment, the carrier means 16 may be movable in an upward direction, eg, perpendicular to the movement direction T, as shown in FIGS. In the figure, like parts are indicated with like reference numerals. In this embodiment, the suction means 12 is rotatably mounted between the legs of a U-shaped bracket 30 that can move up and down in a guide slot 32 that can be provided on the inner wall of the coupling piece 15 ''. A guide element 29 'is provided. The guide element is inclined downward from the upper surface of the suction head 12 to a position near the floor and is arranged to scoop up the carrier means 16 when the suction head 12 rotates in the direction of arrow Q. Subsequently, the holding means 16 is pushed upward along the inclination of the guide element 29 ′ to a second position where the holding means 16 indicated by a broken line in FIG. 5B is placed on the upper part of the suction head 12. As the suction head 12 is rotated back to a wide range, the wheel 16 can be moved downward by biasing means, such as a spring (not shown), with the aid of gravity if possible.

  The present invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in this specification and the drawings. Combinations of the (parts) of the embodiments shown and described herein are clearly understood as being within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, many variations are possible within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.

  For example, the first axis of rotation can be replaced with two separate axes. One of the two axes extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the carrier wheel, allowing the combination to be rotated upwards, thereby lifting the wheel from the floor. The other axis extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate, after which the coupling is rotated through 90 ° to a position where the wheel extends above the suction head.

  The rotational movement of the suction head is converted in the linear movement of the carrier means shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 via other conventional transmission means such as one or more gear wheels and / or tooth racks. Can be done.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the suction channel and the first axis of rotation extending centrally within the suction head can be shifted laterally to a position off the center.

  These and many similar variations are understood to be within the scope of the invention circumscribed by the appended claims.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in a normal operating position of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention provided with a suction nozzle according to the invention. Fig. 2 illustrates a suction head according to Fig. 1 in a first "wide range" position. Fig. 2 illustrates a suction head according to Fig. 1 in a second "narrow range" position. 2B is a more detailed side sectional view of the suction head in FIG. 2A in a first position. FIG. 2B is a more detailed front view of the suction head in FIG. 2A in a first position. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the suction head in FIG. 2B at a second position. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the suction head according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a suction head according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of still another embodiment of the suction head according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of still another embodiment of the suction head according to the present invention.

Claims (10)

The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner:
A suction head provided with an elongated suction opening;
A combination for connecting the suction head to the vacuum cleaner;
A carrying means for carrying the suction head;
Have
The suction head is rotatably connected to the combined body around a first rotation axis, and the elongated suction opening extends in a direction substantially transverse to the moving direction of the nozzle. The suction head is rotated between a position and a second position in which the elongate suction opening extends substantially parallel to the direction of movement, and in the first position the carrier Means are arranged behind the trailing edge of the suction head;
In the first position of the suction head, the carrier means is arranged in a rotation area occupied by the suction head during rotation from the first position to the second position, the suction nozzle being Means for moving the carrier means out of the rotation area of the suction head during and during rotation of the suction head from a first position to the second position;
A suction nozzle characterized by that. The carrier means is connected to the combination;
The suction nozzle according to claim 1. The carrying means is lifted above the suction head when the suction head is rotated to the second position.
The suction nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first rotation shaft is inclined with respect to a normal position of a bottom plate of the suction head;
The suction nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suction nozzle is provided. The first rotation axis is inclined backward over an angle as viewed in the moving direction of the nozzle,
The suction nozzle according to claim 4. The first rotation axis is inclined laterally over an angle as seen in the moving direction of the nozzle.
The suction nozzle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein A locking means is provided to lock the suction head in the first position and the second position, and the locking means is preferably designed to be locked or unlocked by a user.
The suction nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suction nozzle is provided. In the first position, the suction head is rotatable relative to the combination about a second axis extending substantially parallel to the suction opening;
The suction nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the suction nozzle is provided. The coupling body has a flexible coupling tube that connects the suction opening to the vacuum cleaner;
The suction nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the suction nozzle is provided. A vacuum cleaner having a suction nozzle,
The suction nozzle is the suction nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
A vacuum cleaner characterized by that.

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