CN114129088A - Vacuum cleaner nozzle with combined first and second suction head - Google Patents

Abstract

A suction nozzle (1) of a vacuum cleaner, which suction nozzle is designed to be moved over a surface to be cleaned, comprises a first head (2) comprising a first suction duct (6) which is pneumatically connected with a first suction opening provided on a lower surface of the first head (2). The suction nozzle (1) of the cleaner comprises a second head (3) extending the first head (2) forward and comprising a second suction opening arranged on a lower surface of the second head (3). The suction nozzle (1) of the vacuum cleaner comprises a second suction duct (9) which extends at least partially into said second head (3) and is pneumatically connected with said second suction opening. The suction nozzle (1) of the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one distributor element allowing to vary the suction distribution between the first suction opening and the second suction opening, wherein the distributor element can be in at least a first distribution position, in which the distributor element allows suction through at least the first suction opening, and a second distribution position, in which the distributor element allows suction through at least the second suction opening. The suction nozzle (1) of the vacuum cleaner further comprises a pneumatic actuator (21) allowing the dispenser element to be moved between a first dispensing position and a second dispensing position.

Description

Vacuum cleaner nozzle with combined first and second suction head

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners, in particular to the design of a suction nozzle, also called suction head or suction head, of a vacuum cleaner, through which dust is sucked.

The present invention aims to design a suction cleaner nozzle which ensures optimum suction over the entire surface to be cleaned, even if obstacles may be present.

Background

Conventionally, a canister type cleaner or a broom type cleaner includes a suction nozzle composed of a rectangular or triangular head.

The latest design of nozzles with rectangular head allows to effectively remove dust from all types of surfaces, such as carpets, rugs, smooth floors, parquet floors, etc., the most difficult operation being on carpets. In particular, the field of vacuum cleaners has started to use energy tags, which have led manufacturers to reduce the power of the vacuum cleaner motor and thus to reduce the flow rate of the sucked air, and to develop nozzles with rectangular heads which maintain maximum suction performance at a lower suction air flow rate.

However, such rectangular head nozzles do not provide sufficient access to all types of surfaces to be cleaned. For example, such rectangular-head nozzles do not provide sufficient access to difficult to reach surfaces, such as surfaces in the corners of a room or along a skirting line. When using a special suction nozzle, such as a triangular-head suction nozzle, the dust removal efficiency is much higher in the room corners or the skirting lines.

Ideally, each cleaner is equipped with two suction nozzles, one with a rectangular head and the other with a different head more suited to surfaces that are difficult to reach, in order to have optimal performance in all situations (no obstructing surfaces or presence of obstacles such as room corners, skirting lines or furniture).

Some designs of rectangular head nozzles attempt to overcome this drawback.

Patent US3936903 describes a rectangular head nozzle with a variable air flow to facilitate the suction of the corners of a room.

Patent US7051401 describes a rectangular head nozzle which also comprises corner suction means on the side of the rectangular head.

In patent GB2402329A, the suction nozzle consists of a suction head with two rectangular side members which can be folded up to suck dust in the corners of a room.

However, the above-described suction nozzle does not provide a solution that is both ergonomic and obtains a desirable efficiency for suctioning dirt in the corners of a room or along the skirting line.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to devise a suction cleaner nozzle which allows to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks.

To this end, the invention relates to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, which suction nozzle is designed to be moved over a surface to be cleaned, the suction nozzle comprising a first head comprising a first suction duct, which first suction duct is pneumatically connected to a first suction opening provided in a lower surface of said first head.

The suction nozzle further comprises:

a second head extending the first head forward and comprising a second suction port provided on a lower face of the second head,

a second suction duct extending at least partially into the second head and pneumatically connected with the second suction port,

at least one dispenser element for varying the suction distribution between the first suction opening and the second suction opening, wherein the dispenser element can assume at least a first dispensing position, in which the dispenser element allows suction through at least the first suction opening, and a second dispensing position, in which the dispenser element allows suction through at least the second suction opening,

-at least one pneumatic actuator for moving the dispenser element between the first dispensing position and the second dispensing position.

The invention allows to provide a suction attachment the suction configuration and suction performance of which can be varied by varying the suction distribution between the two heads. Therefore, a suction nozzle having suction performance close to that of the first head alone, the second head alone or a mixture of the two heads can be obtained.

Therefore, the suction nozzle is capable of simultaneously combining the performance of the first head, which has been intensively studied and the suction performance of which has been optimized to pass various performance tests, and the performance of the second head, which allows providing auxiliary functions such as dust removal in an area difficult to access.

In particular, the suction nozzle according to the invention has the following advantages: partly constituted by a first head, which may be standard and sold in large numbers, without being associated with a second head, which is different from the first head, and more particularly allows to distinguish the suction nozzle according to the invention from a suction nozzle constituted only by the first head. Therefore, by reusing the first head having the perfect performance, development and production costs of the suction nozzle according to the present invention can be reduced.

Furthermore, using a pneumatic actuator to move the dispenser element between the first and second positions, the user does not need to perform any or only a few operations to allow the dispenser element to change position. The use of a pneumatic actuator is also a simple and reliable way of moving the dispenser element between the first and second positions. Finally, a simple and robust construction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention can be obtained with a pneumatic actuator.

Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

The pneumatic actuator includes a pneumatic chamber and an actuating member movable between a first actuating position and a second actuating position in response to a pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic chamber.

Preferably, the first actuation position corresponds to a first dispensing position and the second actuation position corresponds to a second dispensing position.

Advantageously, the actuating member is an elastically deformable diaphragm which is movable between a first actuating position and a second actuating position in dependence on the air pressure in the pneumatic chamber.

The use of a pneumatic actuator in a suction cleaner nozzle using an elastically deformable membrane allows to obtain a suction cleaner nozzle, the height of which is still limited, so that the suction cleaner nozzle can more easily pass under low furniture. In fact, pneumatic actuators that use elastically deformable diaphragms are relatively flat compared to piston-cylinder type pneumatic actuators.

Furthermore, the use of an elastically deformable diaphragm as the actuation mechanism allows for a simple and reliable nozzle structure. In fact, the use of an elastically deformable diaphragm instead of, for example, a piston rod as the actuating member avoids the need for components in the pneumatic actuator to slide relative to each other, thus avoiding the need to adjust the translational guide of, for example, a piston sliding in a cylinder.

Advantageously, in the first actuation position the elastically deformable membrane closes at least partially, preferably completely, the second suction duct, while in the second actuation position it opens the second suction duct.

In one embodiment, the elastically deformable membrane also forms the dispenser element. In the first dispensing position, the elastically deformable membrane closes the second suction duct and allows suction through the first suction opening only, and in the second dispensing position, the elastically deformable membrane opens the second suction duct and allows suction through the first suction opening and the second suction opening.

In the above embodiments, the elastically deformable membrane forms the dispenser element. The structure of the subassembly formed by the pneumatic actuator and the distributor element is therefore simplified, since according to this embodiment the pneumatic actuator also forms the distributor element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, set forth below, the distributor element is separate from the pneumatic actuator.

Advantageously, the distributor element is a flap mounted on a pivot link. In the first dispensing position, the flap opens the first suction duct, allowing suction through the first suction opening. In the second dispensing position, the flap opens the second suction duct, allowing suction through the second suction opening.

The use of a flap mounted on the pivot link is a reliable and simple way of distributing the suction flow between the first suction opening and the second suction opening. In fact, simple rotation of the flap about its pivot axis allows the flow distribution to be varied.

Advantageously, the pivot axis of the flap extends in a direction transverse to the suction nozzle and is arranged in front of the flap, i.e. on the side of the front end of the suction nozzle. The pivot axis of the flap is preferably arranged at the intersection between the first suction duct and the second suction duct.

Advantageously, the flap sealingly closes the first or second conduit. A sealing means, such as a lip seal, may be mounted on the periphery of the flap.

Advantageously, in the first dispensing position, the flap closes the second suction duct, preventing suction through the second suction opening.

Such a configuration has the advantage of enabling suction to be performed only through the first head, allowing suction performance similar to that of a suction nozzle generally constituted only by the first head to be obtained.

Advantageously, in the second dispensing position, the flap closes the first suction duct, preventing suction through the first suction opening. Advantageously, the flap closes an upstream portion of the first suction duct, which upstream portion opens into the first suction opening. This second distribution position allows to concentrate the suction air flow at the location of the second suction opening, so that the second suction opening can benefit from the maximum suction force of the device and thus improve the efficiency of the dust extraction, for example at the location of a skirting line, a basement or a corner of a room.

In an alternative embodiment, in the second dispensing position, the flap opens the first suction duct and the second suction duct to allow suction to be performed simultaneously through the first suction opening and the second suction opening.

Advantageously, when the elastically deformable membrane is moved from the second actuation position to the first actuation position in which it closes the second suction duct, the suction underpressure created in the downstream portion of the first suction duct drives the flap to pivot from the second dispensing position to the first dispensing position. The downstream portion is located downstream of the valve flap.

In other words, when the suction unit of the vacuum cleaner is in operation, or when the suction unit is activated when the diaphragm is already in the first actuated position, the change in position of the elastically deformable diaphragm from the second actuated position to the first actuated position drives the pivoting of the valve flap from the second dispensing position to the first dispensing position as soon as the elastically deformable diaphragm moves from the second actuated position to the first actuated position. In effect, in the first actuating position, the elastically deformable diaphragm closes the second suction duct, so that when the cleaner is started, a suction underpressure is created in the first suction duct, but not in the second suction duct, which is closed by the elastically deformable diaphragm in the first actuating position. The suction underpressure generated in the first suction conduit lifts the valve flap from the second dispensing position to the first dispensing position by pivoting the valve flap about its pivot axis.

In this preferred embodiment, the pneumatic actuator thus allows the flap to pivot from the second dispensing position to the first dispensing position without any mechanical connection between the diaphragm and the flap, since it is the suction underpressure created in the first suction duct that moves the flap to the first dispensing position. In other words, the change in the actuation position of the pneumatic actuator drives the change in the dispensing position of the valve flap, while the elastically deformable diaphragm acts directly on the valve flap without a mechanical connection. This enables a simple, reliable and compact design.

Advantageously, when the elastically deformable diaphragm moves from the first actuation position to its second actuation position, in which it opens the second suction duct, the suction underpressure generated in the downstream portion of the first suction duct, located downstream of the flap, drives the flap to pivot from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing position.

The suction underpressure created in the first suction duct pivots the valve flap from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing position. However, this pivoting to the second dispensing position is only possible when the diaphragm is in the second actuating position, in which it is retracted to open the second suction duct. A pressure differential between upstream and downstream of the valve flap actuates the valve flap to pivot toward the second dispensing position. The pivoting of the flap towards the second dispensing position is therefore also a result of the change in the actuation position of the pneumatic actuator, while the elastically deformable diaphragm does not act directly on the flap.

It is advantageous to position the mass of the valve flap and its centre of gravity such that the valve flap is driven by gravity to the second dispensing position of the valve flap.

Preferably, the first and second dispensing positions are defined by valve flap seats or flap supports formed in the first and second aspiration conduits.

Advantageously, the flap is held in the first and/or second dispensing position by at least one magnet.

The valve flap can be stabilized in the first dispensing position or the second dispensing position by use of a magnet. Furthermore, a magnet or a ferromagnetic component can advantageously be placed at the free end of the flap to make it heavy and move its centre of gravity towards the free end of the flap. The additional mass facilitates a transition from the first dispensing location to the second dispensing location. Preferably, the flap is made of plastic, except for an optional magnet or ferromagnetic element.

In the alternative, the actuation member of the pneumatic actuator is mechanically connected to the valve flap, and movement of the actuation member moves the valve flap, for example, by pulling or pushing the valve flap.

According to the above alternative and according to a first possibility, the actuation member is an elastically deformable diaphragm, which is mechanically connected to the valve flap, for example by a cable or a connecting rod, and the deformation of the elastically deformable diaphragm pulls or pushes the valve flap.

According to the above alternative and according to the second possibility, the actuating member may be a piston rod mechanically connected to the dispenser device, for example realized by a flap mounted on a pivot and movable in rotation about the pivot.

Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises an air-operated distributor which is movable between a first distribution position and a second distribution position. The pneumatic distributor is pneumatically connected to the pneumatic chamber of the pneumatic actuator through an outlet of the pneumatic distributor.

Advantageously, in the first distribution position, the pneumatic distributor communicates the inlet of the pneumatic distributor, which is open to the ambient pressure, with the pneumatic chamber to place the pneumatic chamber at the ambient pressure, and wherein, in the second distribution position, the pneumatic distributor communicates the downstream portion of the first suction duct, which is located downstream of the distributor device, with the pneumatic chamber to generate a negative pressure in the pneumatic chamber when the downstream portion generates the suction negative pressure.

In other words, the pneumatic distributor allows the pneumatic chamber to be pressurized to ambient pressure in the first distribution position. When the pneumatic chamber is at ambient pressure, the diaphragm is in a rest position corresponding to a first actuation position in which it closes the second suction duct.

In the second distribution position, the pneumatic distributor allows to communicate the downstream portion of the first suction duct, located downstream of the distributor device (for example the flap), with the pneumatic chamber so as to generate a negative pressure inside the pneumatic chamber when the downstream portion generates a suction negative pressure. In this second, dispensing position, and when suction underpressure is generated in the downstream portion of the first suction duct, the pneumatic chamber is at underpressure relative to the ambient pressure, which has the effect of retracting the diaphragm to open the second suction duct.

As a result of this configuration and the choice of connections at the pneumatic distributor, the pneumatic actuator is not supplied with any other energy than the energy generated by the cleaner for cleaning the floor.

The position of the pneumatic distributor can be controlled in different ways.

According to a first option, the pneumatic distributor is moved between the first distribution position and the second distribution position by means of an actuation button provided on the suction nozzle. Advantageously, the actuation button is manually actuatable by a user.

According to another option, the pneumatic distributor is moved between the first distribution position and the second distribution position by means of an electric controller or electric actuator provided on the suction nozzle.

Advantageously, the suction nozzle according to the invention may comprise an obstacle detector. The electric controller or the electric actuator is activated or deactivated in accordance with a change in the state of the obstacle detector.

According to another option, the pneumatic distributor is operatively connected to at least one movable stop of the second head. The movable stop is movably mounted relative to the second head between a first stop position in which the movable stop is at least partially extended relative to the second head and a second stop position in which the movable stop is at least partially retracted relative to the second head.

The movable stopper is preferably provided in front of the second head.

The movable stop moves from a first stop position to a second stop position when an obstacle is encountered. Advantageously, a movable stop is provided on the second suction head in order to detect obstacles in front of or to the side of the suction nozzle.

Advantageously, a return spring is provided between the second head and the movable stopper to return the movable stopper to the first stop position.

Advantageously, the pneumatic distributor is operatively connected to the at least one movable stop such that movement of the movable stop from the first stop position to the second stop position drives a change in position of the pneumatic distributor from the first distribution position to the second distribution position, and movement of the movable stop from the second stop position to the first stop position drives a change in position of the pneumatic distributor from the second distribution position to the first distribution position.

The functional connection between the movable stop and the pneumatic distributor enables the movable stop to control the pneumatic distributor between a first distribution position and a second distribution position. According to this embodiment, the pneumatic distributor is thus automatically controlled and there is no additional energy other than that required to move the movable stop between the first stop position and the second stop position. Thus, the suction nozzle is able to adapt the suction construction automatically based on the detection of an obstacle by the movable stop. For example, when the movable stop encounters an obstacle in front or on the side, such as a skirting line, the suction nozzle is automatically adapted by changing the position of the distributor element to suck through the second suction opening of the second suction head instead of only through the first suction opening of the first suction head.

Advantageously, the pneumatic distributor comprises a sliding slide valve slidable between a first distribution position and a second distribution position. One end of the sliding spool is in direct contact with a bearing surface of a movable stop, movement of the movable stop from a first stop position to a second stop position actuates movement of the sliding spool from a first dispense position to a second dispense position, and movement of the movable stop from the second stop position to the first stop position actuates movement of the sliding spool from the second dispense position to the first dispense position. The support surface of the movable stopper is, for example, a surface of the rear of the movable stopper.

Such an embodiment allows to simplify the suction nozzle, since the transfer of the movement between the movable stop and the pneumatic distributor does not require any intermediate moving parts arranged between the movable stop and the pneumatic distributor. This simplification also makes the operation of the dispensing system comprising the dispenser device, the pneumatic actuator, the pneumatic distributor and the movable stop more reliable. In case no intermediate moving part is provided between the movable stop and the distributor, the response time for moving the distributor element between the first and second distribution positions depending on whether the movable stop detects an obstacle is reduced. Such an embodiment allows to increase the reaction capacity of the dispensing system.

Advantageously, the movable stop is reset to the first stop position by elastic reset means provided between the movable stop and the second head. Advantageously, the elastic return means are springs.

Advantageously, the pneumatic distributor is of the monostable type, comprising return means, for example a return spring for returning the sliding slide to the first distribution position.

Advantageously, the quiescent state of the distribution system is reached when:

when the movable stop is in the first stop position,

-when the pneumatic distributor is placed in the first distribution position, wherein the position of the pneumatic distributor depends on the position of the movable stop,

-when the pneumatic actuator is placed in a first actuating position, wherein the position of the pneumatic actuator depends on the position of the pneumatic distributor, an

-when the dispenser means is placed in the first dispensing position, wherein the position of the dispenser means depends on the position of the pneumatic actuator.

Advantageously, the second head is different from the first head. The second head is different from the first head in order to be more suitable for more specific and more difficult to access surfaces. The difference may be of geometric order. For example, the second head may be substantially triangular while the first head is substantially rectangular. The difference may be a difference in ground clearance between the two heads. The difference may be a difference in shape between the suction port of the first head and the suction port of the second head.

Advantageously, the second head is triangular and the movable stop is V-shaped. The V-shape extends on both sides of the second head and forms the tip of the triangular second head. This arrangement of movable stops extending on both sides of the triangular second head allows to detect obstacles on the front or sides of the suction nozzle, such as skirting lines, room corners or furniture.

Advantageously, the first head has a rectangular shape. According to another design of the suction nozzle, the first head has a trapezoidal shape.

This characteristic enables the suction nozzle to have a first head of conventional shape and configuration, the performance of which has been demonstrated on other suction nozzles.

According to another design of the suction nozzle, the second head is smaller in width than the first head.

This characteristic allows to obtain a suction nozzle having both a first head of sufficient width to ensure suction over a large width and a second head arranged in front of the first head, which has a smaller width and is easier to suck dust in room corners or corners.

According to the invention, the suction nozzle comprises an end piece for connection to a rigid or flexible tube, said end piece being connected to the rear end of the first suction duct.

According to the invention, the suction nozzle comprises an articulation system arranged between the second head and the first head. The articulated system is configured to allow the under-surface of the first head to tilt relative to the surface to be cleaned during forward and backward or opposite movements of the nozzle, while keeping the under-surface of the second head substantially fixed relative to the surface to be cleaned and advantageously parallel to the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the first head of the suction nozzle according to the invention may contain all the advantageous functions of currently existing suction nozzles, in particular suction nozzles with a rectangular head, such as a function allowing angular calibration of the head, for example in order to scrape a surface while vacuuming.

According to an embodiment of the articulation system, the articulation system comprises at least one connecting rod, the two ends of which are mounted in a pivoting connection on the first head and the second head, respectively. Preferably, the articulation system comprises two links.

According to a preferred design of the suction nozzle, at least a part of the second suction duct is flexible, thereby allowing free movement between the first head and the second head. This freedom of movement allows the first head to operate freely and correctly during cleaning of an unobstructed surface without interference from the second head.

According to the suction nozzle subject of the present invention, the second head comprises a larger ground clearance than the first head. This allows the overall dust removal efficiency to be maintained, particularly when vacuuming carpet-type surfaces; the greater ground clearance of the second head, which is arranged in front of the first head, ensures that the lower surface of said second head does not contact the surface, which will have the effect of keeping dust on the surface during the suction of the first head, particularly in the case of carpets.

The invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a suction nozzle having one and/or another of the above-mentioned features. The cleaner is preferably of the canister type or of the broom type, well known to those skilled in the art.

Drawings

The following description embodies features and advantages of the invention. The description is based on the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an overview of a mouthpiece according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows the nozzle of FIG. 1 in a side sectional view in a first dispensing position of the dispenser element;

FIG. 3 shows the nozzle of FIG. 1 in a side sectional view in a second dispensing position of the dispenser element;

fig. 4 is a pneumatic diagram of the suction nozzle of fig. 2 also in the first dispensing position of the dispenser element.

Fig. 5 is a pneumatic diagram of the nozzle of fig. 3 also in a second dispensing position of the dispenser element.

Detailed Description

In the following description, the vacuum cleaner nozzle is referred to as a nozzle.

In fig. 1, the suction nozzle 1 comprises a first head 2, advantageously constituted by a rectangular head, and a second head 3, advantageously constituted by a triangular head. The second head 3 defines a pointed shape comprising a suction opening 4, which suction opening 4 may also be triangular in shape, so that the suction nozzle 1 can more easily reach surfaces to be cleaned in corners of a room or along a skirting line. The suction opening 4 opens into the lower surface 10 of the second head 3.

During surface cleaning, the suction nozzle 1 is moved back and forth or vice versa. The suction nozzle moves forward when pushed and moves backward when pulled by e.g. a handle (not shown) integral with a suction tube (not shown) attached to the suction nozzle 1. One or more leading edges of the nozzle define a front of the nozzle as the nozzle moves forward. When the second head has a pointed shape, the pointed shape of the suction nozzle 1 also defines the front of the suction nozzle. In the present invention, the second head 3 is disposed in front of the first head, thus extending the first head 2 forward.

As shown in fig. 1, the first head 2 and the second head 3 are connected to each other by two links 119, 120, the rear ends 119a, 120a of which are mounted in a pivotal connection along axis 117 with respect to the body of the first head 2, and the front ends 119b, 120b of which are mounted in a pivotal connection along axis 121 with respect to the body of the second head 3. During the forward and backward or reverse movement of the suction nozzle 1, the first head 2 can be tilted or lifted slightly; the links 119, 120 ensure that the second head 3 moves flat relative to the first head 2. In other words, the second head 3 can be moved forwards or backwards with respect to the first head 2, while keeping the lower face 10 of said second head 3 parallel to the surface 5 to be cleaned.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the first head 2 includes a first suction duct 6 and a suction port 7 connected to an upstream portion 61 of the first suction duct 6. The suction port 7 has, for example, a rectangular shape that opens on a lower surface 8 of the rectangular head 2.

In this specification, upstream and downstream are defined relative to the direction of airflow drawn in by the cleaner when in operation.

Furthermore, as shown in figures 1 to 3, the cleaner 1 comprises a second suction duct 9, the second suction duct 9 extending between the suction opening 4 of the second head and the first suction duct 6. In other words, the second suction duct 9 allows providing a pneumatic communication between the suction opening 4 and the first suction duct 6.

As shown in fig. 2 to 5, the second suction duct 9 opens at the intermediate portion 64 of the first suction duct 6. The intermediate portion 64 extends between the first suction opening 7 and the rear end 65 of the first suction duct 6. More specifically, the intermediate portion 64 is located between the upstream portion 61 of the first suction duct and the downstream portion 62 connected to the rear end 65. As shown in fig. 2-5, the intermediate portion 64 is advantageously bent at an angle of about 90 degrees (90 °). The rear end 65 is intended to be connected, directly or indirectly, for example via an intermediate connecting end piece (not shown), to a rigid suction duct (not shown) which is itself connected to a suction unit (not shown).

As mentioned above, the second suction duct 9 comprises an intermediate portion 93, which intermediate portion 93 is advantageously flexible to allow the second head 3 to move freely flat back and forth or vice versa with respect to the first head 2, as mentioned above.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, both the first suction duct and the second suction duct can open in parallel to the air collector of the suction nozzle. Such an air collector may be provided downstream of the first suction duct and the second suction duct. Such an air collector may comprise a so-called air inlet aperture for each of the first and second suction ducts and a so-called air outlet aperture leading to a downstream duct of the collector, which downstream duct extends between the air collector and a rear end for direct or indirect connection to a rigid suction duct.

As shown in fig. 2 to 5, the suction nozzle 1 comprises at least one distributor element 20 which allows to vary the suction distribution between the first suction opening 7 and the second suction opening 4. The dispenser element 20 can occupy a first dispensing position, in which the dispenser element 20 allows suction through at least the first suction opening 7, and at least one second dispensing position, in which the dispenser element 20 allows suction through at least the second suction opening 4.

The shown suction nozzle 1 further comprises a pneumatic actuator 21 allowing to move the dispenser element 20 between the first dispensing position and the second dispensing position.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the dispenser element advantageously comprises a flap 20 pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 201.

In the first dispensing position, the flap 20 opens the first suction duct 6, allowing suction through the first suction opening 7 and, preferably, sealingly closes the second suction duct 9, preventing suction through the second suction opening 4. In the second dispensing position, the flap 20 opens the second suction duct 9, allowing suction through the second suction opening 4.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, in the second dispensing position, the flap 20 opens the second suction duct 9 and sealingly closes the first suction duct 6, preventing suction through the first suction opening 7. More precisely, the flap 20 closes the upstream portion 61 of the first suction duct 6 opening on the first suction opening 7. This embodiment allows to direct the suction force into the second suction head. This second dispensing position is advantageous in particular when the suction nozzle hits a corner of a basement, furniture or room, because it allows to increase the suction efficiency of the second head, the preferred triangular shape of which makes it possible to close as possible to these areas which are difficult to access by conventional suction nozzles.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown, in the second dispensing position, the flap 20 opens the first suction duct 6 and opens the second suction duct 9, allowing suction to be performed simultaneously through the first suction opening 7 and the second suction opening 4.

As shown in fig. 2 to 5, the flap 20 is arranged in the first suction duct 6. Advantageously, the flap 20 is arranged in the intermediate portion 64 of the first suction duct 6. The downstream portion 62 of the first suction duct 6 is located downstream of the flap 20.

The pivot axis 201 of the flap 20 preferably extends in a direction transverse to the suction nozzle 1 and is arranged in front of the flap 20, i.e. at the front end side of the suction nozzle 1. The pivot axis 201 of the flap 20 is preferably arranged at the intersection between the first suction duct 6 and the second suction duct 9.

In an alternative embodiment, the flap may be provided in a suction collector as described previously.

The pneumatic actuator 21 comprises a pneumatic chamber 22 and an actuating member 23, the actuating member 23 being movable between a first actuating position and a second actuating position according to the pressure of a gas (advantageously air) inside the pneumatic chamber 22. The first actuating position corresponds to a first dispensing position and the second actuating position corresponds to a second dispensing position when the cleaner is in operation.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2 to 5, the actuating member 23 is an elastically deformable diaphragm which is movable between a first actuating position and a second actuating position depending on the air pressure inside the pneumatic chamber 22.

In the first actuating position, the elastically deformable membrane 23 closes the second suction duct 9, and it opens the second suction duct 9 in the second actuating position. More precisely, in the first actuation position, the elastically deformable membrane 23 has a convex shape towards the outside of the pneumatic chamber 22 to close the second suction duct 9, and in the second actuation position, the membrane has a retracted shape to open the second suction duct 9.

When the second suction duct 9 has just been closed by the elastically deformable diaphragm 23, which has been deformed to occupy the first actuating position, the suction underpressure generated in the first suction duct 6 drives the flap 20 to pivot from the second dispensing position to the first dispensing position.

In fact, when the elastically deformable diaphragm 23 has just moved, for example, from the second actuation position to the first actuation position, in which it closes the second suction duct 9, the vacuum cleaner in operation generates a suction underpressure in the first suction duct 6 instead of the second suction duct 9, the second suction duct 9 being closed by the elastically deformable diaphragm 23. The suction underpressure generated in the first suction conduit 6 lifts the valve flap 20 from the second dispensing position to the first dispensing position by rotating about its pivot axis 201.

Conversely, when the elastically deformable diaphragm 23 moves from the first actuation position to the second actuation position in which it opens the second suction duct 9, the suction underpressure generated in the downstream portion 62 of the first suction duct 6 causes the flap 20 to pivot from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing position.

In fact, when the elastically deformable membrane is in the second actuation position, it retracts to open the second suction duct 9. The suction depression created by the first suction conduit 6 creates a pressure difference between upstream and downstream of the flap 20, having the effect of activating the pivoting of the flap 20 towards the second dispensing position.

Preferably, the mass of the flap 20 and its centre of gravity position are determined such that the flap 20 is also driven by its weight to the second dispensing position of the flap.

Preferably, the first and second dispensing positions are defined by a flap seat or flap support formed in the first suction duct 6 and/or the second suction duct 9. Preferably, these are valve seats formed in the first suction duct 6. Each seat is preferably in sealing contact with the flap 20 when the flap 20 is in the first or second dispensing position.

Advantageously, the flap 20 is held in the first and/or second dispensing position by at least one magnet.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 3, the magnet 31 is integrally associated with the bottom wall of the first conduit 6 and the ferromagnetic element 32 is arranged at the free end of the flap 20. The magnet 31 and the ferromagnetic element 32 are arranged with respect to each other so as to exert a pulling force and to hold the flap 20 in its second dispensing position, in which the flap 20 closes the first suction opening 7, as shown in figure 3. The magnetic force generated by the magnet 31 on the ferromagnetic element 32 of the flap 20 and the mass of the ferromagnetic element 32 contribute to the flap 20 reaching its second position and ensure a minimum pressure of the flap 20 on its support in the second dispensing position, to prevent the flap 20 from rising in an uncontrolled manner towards an intermediate position in which it will open both the first suction duct 6 and the second suction duct 9.

The nozzle also comprises a pneumatic distributor 40 as shown in figures 1 to 5. The pneumatic distributor 40 is movable between a first distribution position and a second distribution position. The pneumatic distributor 40 is pneumatically connected to the pneumatic chamber 22 of the pneumatic actuator 21.

In the first distribution position, the pneumatic distributor 40 communicates the first orifice 41 (see fig. 4) of the pneumatic distributor 40, which is open to ambient pressure, with the pneumatic chamber 22 to place the pneumatic chamber 22 at ambient pressure. In the second distribution position, the pneumatic distributor 40 communicates the downstream portion 62 of the first suction duct 6 with the pneumatic chamber 22 to generate a negative pressure inside the pneumatic chamber 22 when a suction negative pressure is generated in the downstream portion 62 (see fig. 5).

In order to achieve communication of the downstream portion 62 of the first suction duct 6 with the pneumatic chamber 22, at least two pneumatic ducts are provided. The first pneumatic conduit 45 connects the downstream portion 62 of the first suction conduit 6 to the second orifice 46 of the pneumatic distributor 40 (see fig. 1 and 5). A second pneumatic conduit 47 connects the third port 48 of the pneumatic distributor 40 to the pneumatic chamber 22 (see fig. 1 and 5).

When the pneumatic chamber 22 is at ambient pressure, the elastically deformable diaphragm 23 is in a rest position in which it is raised to close the second suction duct 9. Placing the pneumatic chamber 22 at ambient pressure thus corresponds to the first actuating position of the pneumatic actuator and the first dispensing position of the flap 20.

When negative pressure is applied to the pneumatic chamber 22, the elastically deformable diaphragm deforms to retract. In this position, the elastically deformable membrane opens the second suction duct 9. Thus, the application of negative pressure to the pneumatic chamber 22 corresponds to the second actuation position of the pneumatic actuator 21 and the second dispensing position of the flap 20.

Thus, the position of the pneumatic distributor 40 determines the actuation position of the pneumatic actuator 21.

The position of the pneumatic distributor 40 may be controlled in various ways.

According to a possibility (not shown), the pneumatic distributor 40 can be moved between the first and second distribution positions by means of a manual actuation button provided on the suction nozzle 1 and connected to the pneumatic distributor 40 by means of a mechanical transmission.

According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the pneumatic distributor 40 is an electrically controlled distributor or is moved between the first and second distribution positions by an electric actuator provided on the suction nozzle 1. The electric controller or electric actuator is activated or deactivated, for example, in dependence on a change of state of an obstacle detector or a manual control button provided on the suction nozzle or on a gripping member provided on a suction duct connecting the suction nozzle to the cleaner. When an obstacle detector is used to control the change of position of the pneumatic distributor, the obstacle detector is preferably arranged on the second suction head, and preferably in front of the second suction head.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in fig. 1 to 5, the pneumatic distributor 40 is operatively connected to at least one movable stop 50 of the second head 3. The movable stopper 50 is movable relative to the second head 3 between a first stop position where the movable stopper 50 is extended and a second stop position where the movable stopper 50 is retracted. The first stop position corresponds to a rest position of the movable stopper 50 without encountering an obstacle, and the second stop position corresponds to a movable position of the movable stopper 50, the movable stopper 50 being pushed toward the inside of the second suction head 9 when the movable stopper 50 encounters an obstacle. A stop is preferably provided on the second suction head in order to detect obstacles in front of or at the side of the suction nozzle 1.

The pneumatic distributor 40 is operatively connected to the movable stop 50 such that movement of the movable stop 50 from the first stop position to the second stop position drives a change in position of the pneumatic distributor 40 from the first distribution position to the second distribution position, and movement of the movable stop from the second stop position to the first stop position drives a change in position of the pneumatic distributor 40 from the second distribution position to the first distribution position.

Advantageously, elastic return means, such as a return spring (not shown), are provided between the second head 3 and the movable stopper 50 to return the movable stopper to the first stop position. The movable stop 50 may be pivotally mounted or translationally mounted in e.g. the longitudinal direction of the nozzle. The longitudinal direction of the nozzle corresponds to the direction in which the nozzle is moved back and forth when a user pushes or pulls the nozzle to suck dust from a surface.

The functional connection between the pneumatic distributor 40 and the movable stop 50 is preferably a mechanical connection made by mechanical transmission or direct contact, as described below.

As shown in fig. 1-5, the pneumatic distributor 40 advantageously includes a sliding spool valve 42 slidable between a first distribution position and a second distribution position. One end 43 of the sliding spool valve 42 is preferably in direct contact with a bearing surface 51 located at the rear of the movable stopper 50. Movement of the movable stop 50 from the first stop position to the second stop position actuates movement of the sliding spool valve 42 from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing position. Conversely, movement of the movable stop 50 from the second stop position to the first stop position actuates movement of the sliding spool valve 42 from the second profile position to the first profile position.

The pneumatic distributor 40 described above is advantageously of the monostable type, in that a return means, such as a return spring 70, returns the sliding spool 42 to the first distribution position (see figures 4 and 5).

The pneumatic distributor 40 is advantageously of the monostable type, movable between 2 positions and comprises 3 orifices.

The quiescent state of the dispensing system is reached when:

when the movable stop 50 is in the first stop position,

when the pneumatic distributor 40 is placed in the first distribution position, wherein the position of the pneumatic distributor depends on the position of the movable stop,

when the pneumatic actuator 21 is placed in a first actuation position, wherein the position of the pneumatic actuator depends on the position of the pneumatic distributor 40, an

When the dispenser element 20 is placed in the first dispensing position, wherein the position of the dispenser element depends on the position of the pneumatic actuator.

The dispensing system comprises a dispenser element 20, a pneumatic actuator 21, a pneumatic distributor 40 and a movable stop 50.

The second head 3 is advantageously triangular. According to this triangular shape of the second head 3, the movable stop 50 is V-shaped, with two branches extending on either side of the second head 3. Then, the movable stopper 50 forms the tip of the second head 3.

The operation of the suction nozzle 1 is described below.

When the nozzle 1 is ready to operate, when the movable stop 50 does not encounter any obstacle, the movable stop 50 is extended and the pneumatic distributor 40 is in the first distribution position, which places the first orifice 41 of the pneumatic distributor 40 (open to the ambient pressure) in communication with the pneumatic chamber 22 to place the pneumatic chamber 22 at the ambient pressure. The pneumatic actuator 21 and therefore the elastically deformable membrane 23 are in the first actuation position, in which they close the second suction duct 9. The flap 20 is then in the first dispensing position in which it opens the first suction duct 6 allowing suction through the first suction opening 7 and closes the second suction duct 9 preventing suction through the second suction opening 4 of the second suction head 3. In other words, in normal operation with no obstacle in contact with the moving stop 50, only the first suction opening 7 of the first suction head sucks dust from the surface to be cleaned.

When the movable stopper 50 encounters a frontal or side obstacle, the movable stopper 50 is retracted under the pressure of the obstacle. The spool valve 42 of the pneumatic distributor 40 is then pushed by the moving stop 50, causing the position of the pneumatic distributor 40 to change from the first distribution position to the second distribution position. When the second distribution position is reached, the pneumatic distributor 40 puts the downstream portion 62 of the first suction duct 6 into communication with the pneumatic chamber 22 to generate a negative pressure inside the pneumatic chamber 22. The elastically deformable membrane 23 retracts and opens the second suction duct 9. The suction underpressure generated in the downstream portion 62 of the first suction duct 6 drives the flap 20 to pivot from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing position, in which the flap 20 opens the second suction duct 9, allowing suction through the second suction opening 4 of the second suction head and closes the first suction duct 6, preventing suction through the first suction opening 7. In an alternative embodiment, the first suction duct 6 remains open in the second dispensing position.

The features of the two variants of the suction nozzle 1 described above are not limitative, as other variants are also possible.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated above, which are given as examples only. Modifications are possible, particularly in respect of the construction of the various elements or by substitution of equivalent techniques, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Thus, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, the first head may comprise a shape different from that described in the above embodiments. For example, the first head may have a generally trapezoidal shape with a trailing edge slightly larger than the leading edge. The side edges of the first head may also be slightly curved. The first head may also have a rectangular shape. The second head may have a trailing edge having a width less than or equal to the width of the leading edge of the first head, and a shape converging toward a leading end having a smaller width. Thus, the second head may have an arcuate leading edge, for example, in the shape of a semicircle. The second head may have a different ground clearance than the first head.

Claims (23)

1. A suction nozzle (1) of a vacuum cleaner, which nozzle is designed to be moved over a surface (5) to be cleaned, the nozzle comprising a first head (2) comprising a first suction duct (6) which is pneumatically connected to a first suction opening (7) provided in a lower surface (8) of the first head (2), characterized in that the nozzle (1) comprises:

-a second head (3) extending the first head (2) forward and comprising a second suction opening (4) provided on a lower face (10) of the second head (3),

-a second suction duct (9) extending at least partially into the second head (3) and pneumatically connected with the second suction opening (4),

-at least one dispenser element (20) allowing to vary the suction distribution between said first suction opening (7) and said second suction opening (4), said dispenser element (20) being at least able to assume a first dispensing position, in which it allows suction at least through said first suction opening (7), and a second dispensing position, in which it allows suction at least through said second suction opening (4),

-at least one pneumatic actuator (21) allowing to move said dispenser element (20) between said first dispensing position and said second dispensing position.

2. Nozzle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pneumatic actuator (21) comprises a pneumatic chamber (22) and an actuating member (23) movable between a first actuating position and a second actuating position depending on the pneumatic pressure inside the pneumatic chamber (22).

3. Nozzle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first actuation position corresponds to said first dispensing position and said second actuation position corresponds to said second dispensing position.

4. Nozzle (1) according to claim 3, wherein the actuation member (23) is an elastically deformable diaphragm which is movable between the first and the second actuation position depending on the air pressure inside the pneumatic chamber (22).

5. Nozzle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein in the first actuation position the elastically deformable membrane at least partially, preferably completely, closes the second suction duct (9), and in the second actuation position it opens the second suction duct (9).

6. Nozzle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said elastically deformable membrane forms said distributor element (20), in said first dispensing position it closes said second suction duct (9), allowing suction only through said first suction opening (7), and in said second dispensing position it opens said second suction duct (9) and allows suction through said first suction opening (7) and through said second suction opening (4).

7. Nozzle (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dispenser element (20) comprises a flap mounted on a pivot link, which flap in the first dispensing position opens the first suction duct (6) to allow suction through the first suction opening (7) and in the second dispensing position opens the second suction duct (9) to allow suction through the second suction opening (4).

8. Nozzle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein in the first dispensing position the flap closes the second suction duct (9) preventing suction through the second suction opening (4).

9. Nozzle (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein in the second dispensing position the flap closes the first suction duct (6) preventing suction through the first suction opening (7).

10. Nozzle (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein in the second dispensing position the flap opens the first suction duct (6) and the second suction duct (9) allowing suction through the first suction opening (7) and the second suction opening (4).

11. Nozzle (1) according to claim 4 and any of claims 7 to 10, wherein when the elastically deformable diaphragm moves from the second actuation position to its first actuation position closing the second suction duct (9), the suction underpressure created in the downstream portion (62) of the first suction duct (6) located downstream of the flap drives the flap to pivot from the second dispensing position to the first dispensing position.

12. Nozzle (1) according to claim 4 and any of claims 7 to 11, wherein when the elastically deformable diaphragm moves from the first actuation position to its second actuation position opening the first suction duct (9), the suction underpressure created in the downstream portion (62) of the first suction duct (6) located downstream of the flap drives the flap to pivot from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing position.

13. Nozzle (1) according to any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the flap is held in the first and/or second dispensing position by at least one magnet (31).

14. Nozzle (1) according to claim 2 and any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pneumatic distributor (40) movable between a first distribution position and a second distribution position, said pneumatic distributor (40) being pneumatically connected with a pneumatic chamber (22) of said pneumatic actuator (21).

15. Nozzle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, in the first distribution position, the pneumatic distributor (40) communicates the inlet (41) of the pneumatic distributor (40) open to the ambient pressure with the pneumatic chamber (22) to place the pneumatic chamber (22) at the ambient pressure, and wherein, in the second distribution position, the pneumatic distributor (40) communicates the downstream portion (62) of the first suction duct (6) located downstream of the distributor element (20) with the pneumatic chamber (22) to generate a negative pressure inside the pneumatic chamber (22) when a suction negative pressure is generated in the downstream portion (62).

16. Nozzle (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the pneumatic distributor (40) is moved between the first and second distribution positions by means of an actuation button provided on the nozzle (1), which actuation button can be manually actuated by a user.

17. Nozzle (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the pneumatic distributor (40) is moved between the first and second distribution positions by means of an electric controller or actuator provided on the nozzle (1).

18. Nozzle (1) according to claim 17, comprising an obstacle detector, said electric controller or said electric actuator being activated or deactivated depending on a change of state of said obstacle detector.

19. Nozzle (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the pneumatic distributor (40) is operatively connected to at least one movable stop (50) of the second head (3), the movable stop (50) being movably mounted with respect to the second head (3) between a first stop position, in which the movable stop (50) is at least partially extended with respect to the second head (3), and a second stop position, in which the movable stop (50) is at least partially retracted with respect to the second head (3).

20. Nozzle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pneumatic distributor (40) is operatively connected to the at least one movable stop (50) such that a movement of the movable stop (50) from the first stop position to the second stop position drives a change in position of the pneumatic distributor (40) from the first distribution position to the second distribution position and a movement of the movable stop (50) from the second stop position to the first stop position drives a change in position of the pneumatic distributor (40) from the second distribution position to the first distribution position.

21. Nozzle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pneumatic distributor (40) comprises a sliding slide (42) slidable between the first distribution position and the second distribution position, one end (43) of the sliding slide (42) being in direct contact with a bearing surface (51) of the movable stop (50), the movement of the movable stop (50) from the first stop position to the second stop position driving the movement of the sliding slide (42) from the first distribution position to the second distribution position, and the movement of the movable stop (50) from the second stop position to the first stop position driving the movement of the sliding slide (42) from the second distribution position to the first distribution position.

22. Nozzle (1) according to any of the claims 19 to 21, wherein the second head (3) is triangular and the movable stop (50) is V-shaped extending on both sides of the second head (3) and forming the tip of the triangular second head (3).

23. Nozzle (1) according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the movable stop (50) is reset to the first stop position by elastic return means provided between the movable stop (50) and the second head (3).

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