EP1713369B1 - Vacuum cleaner nozzle - Google Patents

Vacuum cleaner nozzle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1713369B1
EP1713369B1 EP05704783A EP05704783A EP1713369B1 EP 1713369 B1 EP1713369 B1 EP 1713369B1 EP 05704783 A EP05704783 A EP 05704783A EP 05704783 A EP05704783 A EP 05704783A EP 1713369 B1 EP1713369 B1 EP 1713369B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
suction opening
vacuum cleaner
suction
cleaner nozzle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP05704783A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1713369A1 (en
Inventor
Tommy Lindquist
Bo Pilsmo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Electrolux AB
Original Assignee
Electrolux AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux AB filed Critical Electrolux AB
Publication of EP1713369A1 publication Critical patent/EP1713369A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1713369B1 publication Critical patent/EP1713369B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/0072—Mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
    • A47L9/0633—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like with retractable brushes, combs, lips or pads
    • A47L9/064—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like with retractable brushes, combs, lips or pads actuating means therefor
    • A47L9/0646—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like with retractable brushes, combs, lips or pads actuating means therefor with pneumatic actuation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
    • A47L9/0673—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like with removable brushes, combs, lips or pads
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising the combined features of the preamble portion of claim 1.
  • Vacuum cleaner nozzles for multi purpose use of the type mentioned above are previously known, see for instance DE 2846847 .
  • Such nozzles are provided with a retractable plate that is provided with a brush strip surrounding the suction opening.
  • the retractable plate is released manually by the operator such that the nozzle is partly supported by the brush whereas the retractable plate is moved by the operator to its upper position out of engagement with the floor when cleaning soft materials such as pile carpets.
  • the suction plate is in engagement with the surface and air is drawn through the material into the suction opening. Since the suction plate is pivotally supported in the nozzle body the suction plate will follow the irregularities in the floor and decrease the forces that are necessary to move the nozzle on the floor.
  • a disadvantage with this type of nozzle is that manual efforts are necessary to shift between bare floor and soft floor cleaning.
  • JP-A-2003-339586 discloses a nozzle where manual shifting is not necessary.
  • the main object of our invention is to achieve a nozzle that can be used on hard surfaces as well as on soft carpets without any cumbersome procedures from the operators side and also to eliminate the shifting mechanism.
  • Fig. 1 is an exploded view of the nozzle
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view from above of a suction plate that is an inner part of the nozzle
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of said suction plate from below
  • Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a strip shaped element supported by the suction plate
  • Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a nozzle body that supports the suction plate
  • Fig. 6 is a vertical section at the central part of the nozzle.
  • the suction plate 10 is also provided with a strip shaped element 16 made of elastic material such as rubber, plastic or bristles.
  • the strip shaped element is removably secured on an elongated strip support 17 arranged parallel to and behind the suction opening.
  • the strip support 17 is secured to two yokes 18 that are made of flexible material and that extend in the forward direction. Each yoke 18 is at its forward end secured to the front end of the suction plate whereas the strip support 17 rests against the suction plate in order to define a lowest position for the strip shaped element 16.
  • the suction plate 10 has two communicating channels each extending from the air passage between the suction opening 13 and the outlet 14 to a tube shaped shaft 19 on which one end of a flexible bellow 20 is arranged and whose other end is secured to the strip support 17.
  • the nozzle body 11 constitutes at its rear end a bottom plate 21 that continues in the forward direction as an elongated box shaped structure 22 that is open at the bottom side.
  • a support wheel 24 At the front part on each opposite side wall 23 of the box shaped structure there is a support wheel 24 whereas there also are two supporting wheels 25 at the rear part of the nozzle body each arranged in a wheel housing 26.
  • At the central part of the box shaped structure 22 there is an opening 27 through which the upper portion of the suction plate partly extends at the same time as the pivot shafts 15 are arranged in separate pockets 28 in the nozzle body and are secured by means of locking springs 29 such that the suction plate 10 can tilt about the pivot shafts 15 and with respect to the nozzle body 11.
  • the nozzle body is also provided with a cover 30 that can be fixed to the body in order to hide the parts underneath.
  • the nozzle operates in the following manner.
  • the wheels 24, 25 support the nozzle such that the bottom plate 21 of the nozzle body 11 as well as the lower portion of the suction plate 10 with the suction opening 13 are placed somewhat above the floor. This means that a slot is created between the suction opening and the floor through which air is drawn with high velocity. Due to the high pressure (low vacuum) in the outlet 14 the spring forces from the yokes 18 override the suction forces in the bellows 20 which means that the strip shaped element 16 is in its lower position abutting the floor. This means that air is prevented from entering the suction opening from the rear side of the nozzle and the suction force is instead concentrated to the front part and the side parts of the nozzle.
  • the suction plate 10 When the nozzle is moved in the forward direction the suction plate 10 is, because of the friction engagement with the floor material, tilted somewhat backwards about the pivot shafts 15 such that the smooth area in front of the suction opening slides on the material. This even further reduces the horizontal forces that are needed from the operator's side to move the nozzle. When the nozzle is moved in the backward direction the suction plate will tilt towards the front part of the nozzle and the smooth area at the rear outer side of the suction opening will engage the floor with the same consequences as mentioned above.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a nozzle body (11) in which a suction plate (10), having an elongated suction opening (13), is turnably arranged about an axis (15) that is mainly parallel to the suction opening and mainly transverse to the direction of movement of the nozzle. The suction plate (10) is connected to a nozzle outlet (34), such that the suction opening (13) is in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet (34), and the nozzle body (11) is provided with at least two wheels (24,25) that are spaced apart as seen in the direction of movement of the nozzle. When the nozzle is placed on a hard surface the wheels are placed such that a slot is created between the suction opening and the surface being cleaned.

Description

  • This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising the combined features of the preamble portion of claim 1.
  • Vacuum cleaner nozzles for multi purpose use of the type mentioned above are previously known, see for instance DE 2846847 . Such nozzles are provided with a retractable plate that is provided with a brush strip surrounding the suction opening. When the nozzle is used on bare floors the retractable plate is released manually by the operator such that the nozzle is partly supported by the brush whereas the retractable plate is moved by the operator to its upper position out of engagement with the floor when cleaning soft materials such as pile carpets. In this position the suction plate is in engagement with the surface and air is drawn through the material into the suction opening. Since the suction plate is pivotally supported in the nozzle body the suction plate will follow the irregularities in the floor and decrease the forces that are necessary to move the nozzle on the floor. A disadvantage with this type of nozzle is that manual efforts are necessary to shift between bare floor and soft floor cleaning. JP-A-2003-339586 discloses a nozzle where manual shifting is not necessary.
  • The main object of our invention is to achieve a nozzle that can be used on hard surfaces as well as on soft carpets without any cumbersome procedures from the operators side and also to eliminate the shifting mechanism.
  • An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings on which Fig. 1 is an exploded view of the nozzle, Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view from above of a suction plate that is an inner part of the nozzle, Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of said suction plate from below, Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a strip shaped element supported by the suction plate, Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a nozzle body that supports the suction plate whereas Fig. 6 is a vertical section at the central part of the nozzle.
  • The nozzle comprises three main parts that are linked to one another, a suction plate 10, a nozzle body 11 and a shaft support 12. The suction plate has an elongated suction opening 13 that faces the surface being cleaned and that extends in the transverse direction with respect to the direction of movement of the nozzle. The suction opening 13 communicates via an air passage with a tubular outlet 14 that is placed at the upper part of the suction plate. The suction plate 10 is further provided with two pivot shafts 15 extending sideways, outwards at each side at the upper central part of the suction plate such that the pivot shafts 15 are mainly parallel to the suction opening.
  • The suction plate 10 is also provided with a strip shaped element 16 made of elastic material such as rubber, plastic or bristles. The strip shaped element is removably secured on an elongated strip support 17 arranged parallel to and behind the suction opening. The strip support 17 is secured to two yokes 18 that are made of flexible material and that extend in the forward direction. Each yoke 18 is at its forward end secured to the front end of the suction plate whereas the strip support 17 rests against the suction plate in order to define a lowest position for the strip shaped element 16. The suction plate 10 has two communicating channels each extending from the air passage between the suction opening 13 and the outlet 14 to a tube shaped shaft 19 on which one end of a flexible bellow 20 is arranged and whose other end is secured to the strip support 17.
  • The nozzle body 11 constitutes at its rear end a bottom plate 21 that continues in the forward direction as an elongated box shaped structure 22 that is open at the bottom side. At the front part on each opposite side wall 23 of the box shaped structure there is a support wheel 24 whereas there also are two supporting wheels 25 at the rear part of the nozzle body each arranged in a wheel housing 26. At the central part of the box shaped structure 22 there is an opening 27 through which the upper portion of the suction plate partly extends at the same time as the pivot shafts 15 are arranged in separate pockets 28 in the nozzle body and are secured by means of locking springs 29 such that the suction plate 10 can tilt about the pivot shafts 15 and with respect to the nozzle body 11. The nozzle body is also provided with a cover 30 that can be fixed to the body in order to hide the parts underneath.
  • The shaft support 12 comprises a sleeve 31 that is provided with two opposite stub shaft holders 32 whose stub shaft 33 are inserted into the hub of the rear support wheels 25 such that the sleeve can be turned about a horizontal wheel shaft transverse to the direction of movement of the nozzle. The sleeve is at its outer end by means of a turnable connection secured to a bent tube portion 34 serving as a nozzle outlet for the air sucked from the suction opening 13 through the nozzle. The inner end of the sleeve 31 is by means of a flexible hose 35 connected the outlet 14 of the suction plate.
  • The nozzle operates in the following manner. When the nozzle is used on a hard floor the wheels 24, 25 support the nozzle such that the bottom plate 21 of the nozzle body 11 as well as the lower portion of the suction plate 10 with the suction opening 13 are placed somewhat above the floor. This means that a slot is created between the suction opening and the floor through which air is drawn with high velocity. Due to the high pressure (low vacuum) in the outlet 14 the spring forces from the yokes 18 override the suction forces in the bellows 20 which means that the strip shaped element 16 is in its lower position abutting the floor. This means that air is prevented from entering the suction opening from the rear side of the nozzle and the suction force is instead concentrated to the front part and the side parts of the nozzle.
  • When the operator moves the nozzle on a soft material such as a carpet the wheels 24,25 will sink down into the material. Consequently the suction plate will come into engagement with the soft material and the air will instead be drawn through the material to pick up dirt particles. Since the suction opening is now partly blocked the pressure in the outlet will decrease (high vacuum) resulting in that the pressure in the bellows 20 also decreases such that the strip shaped element 16 is raised out of engagement with the floor material. This means that the horizontal resistance forces that the operator has to transfer to the nozzle and that would be created with the strip shaped element in the lower position is automatically eliminated. When the nozzle is moved in the forward direction the suction plate 10 is, because of the friction engagement with the floor material, tilted somewhat backwards about the pivot shafts 15 such that the smooth area in front of the suction opening slides on the material. This even further reduces the horizontal forces that are needed from the operator's side to move the nozzle. When the nozzle is moved in the backward direction the suction plate will tilt towards the front part of the nozzle and the smooth area at the rear outer side of the suction opening will engage the floor with the same consequences as mentioned above.

Claims (10)

  1. Vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a nozzle body (11) in which a suction plate (10), having an elongated suction opening (13), is turnably arranged about an axis (15) that is mainly parallel to the suction opening and mainly transverse to the direction of movement of the nozzle, which suction plate (10) is connected to a nozzle outlet (34), such that the suction opening (13) is in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet (34), whereby the nozzle body (11) is provided with at least two wheels (24,25) or the like that are spaced apart as seen in the direction of movement of the nozzle and that are placed such that a slot is created between the suction opening (13) and the surface being cleaned when the nozzle is placed on a hard surface, characterized in that said nozzle outlet (34) is connected to said suction plate via a flexible hose (35).
  2. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 1 characterized in that at least one wheel (25) is placed behind the suction opening (13) and at least one wheel (24) is placed in front of the suction opening.
  3. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 1 characterized in that the nozzle body (11) is turnably supported about the rear wheel axis.
  4. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 3 characterized in that the nozzle outlet (34) constitutes a rear part of a support (31) that is turnably arranged about said rear wheel axis.
  5. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to any of the previous claims characterised in that the area of the suction plate (10) that is placed in front of the suction opening (13) is inclined upwards, forwards whereas the corresponding surface placed behind the suction opening (13) is inclined upwards, rearwards, when the plane of the suction opening is mainly parallel to the surface being cleaned.
  6. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to any of the previous claims characterized in that that the nozzle is provided with a sealing strip (16) that is movable in the vertical direction.
  7. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 6 characterized in that there are means for pneumatically connecting the movement of said sealing strip to the air pressure in the suction opening (13) or a space fluidly communicating with the suction opening.
  8. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 6 or 7 characterized in that the sealing strip (16) is placed behind the suction opening (13) as seen in the forward movement direction of the nozzle.
  9. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that said means comprise a bellow (20) arrangement or a cylinder/piston arrangement.
  10. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to any of claims 6-9 characterized in that the nozzle is provided with at least one resilient arm (18) connected to a support (17) for the sealing strip (16).
EP05704783A 2004-02-06 2005-02-01 Vacuum cleaner nozzle Active EP1713369B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0400243A SE0400243D0 (en) 2004-02-06 2004-02-06 Vacuum cleaner nozzie
PCT/SE2005/000120 WO2005074778A1 (en) 2004-02-06 2005-02-01 Vacuum cleaner nozzle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1713369A1 EP1713369A1 (en) 2006-10-25
EP1713369B1 true EP1713369B1 (en) 2011-08-10

Family

ID=31885242

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05704783A Active EP1713369B1 (en) 2004-02-06 2005-02-01 Vacuum cleaner nozzle

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1713369B1 (en)
CN (1) CN100455248C (en)
AT (1) ATE519409T1 (en)
SE (1) SE0400243D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2005074778A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2908972B1 (en) * 2006-11-23 2010-11-05 Seb Sa VACUUM SUCKER.
GB2466290B (en) * 2008-12-19 2012-10-03 Dyson Technology Ltd Floor tool for a cleaning appliance
SE533482C2 (en) * 2009-02-20 2010-10-05 Electrolux Ab Nozzle
GB2468514B (en) 2009-03-12 2012-07-11 Dyson Technology Ltd A surface-treating head
EP2442701B1 (en) 2009-06-17 2016-08-17 Dyson Technology Limited A tool for a surface treating appliance
EP2453778B1 (en) * 2009-07-16 2015-04-29 Dyson Technology Limited A surface treating head
GB0912356D0 (en) 2009-07-16 2009-08-26 Dyson Technology Ltd A surface treating head
WO2011007160A1 (en) 2009-07-16 2011-01-20 Dyson Technology Limited A surface treating head
US9370288B2 (en) 2012-03-14 2016-06-21 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising flexible bellow arrangement
DK2944242T3 (en) 2014-05-14 2019-11-11 New Ermes Europe Srl Suction head for a vacuum cleaner or similar with improved base plate channel
DE102018119176A1 (en) * 2018-08-07 2020-02-13 Miele & Cie. Kg Floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003339586A (en) * 2002-05-23 2003-12-02 Toshiba Tec Corp Suction port body and vacuum cleaner using the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1913817A (en) 2007-02-14
CN100455248C (en) 2009-01-28
SE0400243D0 (en) 2004-02-06
EP1713369A1 (en) 2006-10-25
WO2005074778A1 (en) 2005-08-18
ATE519409T1 (en) 2011-08-15

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