CN107743370B

CN107743370B - Vacuum cleaner nozzle and vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle

Info

Publication number: CN107743370B
Application number: CN201580080933.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: E·达尔贝克
Original assignee: Electrolux AB
Current assignee: Electrolux AB
Priority date: 2015-06-24
Filing date: 2015-06-24
Publication date: 2021-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-24
Also published as: CN107743370A; WO2016206734A1; EP3313251A1; EP3313251B1

Abstract

The invention provides a vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) and a vacuum cleaner (50). The nozzle (1) comprises a rim (3) having a first rim surface (5) extending between a first inner rim surface edge (5a) and a first outer rim surface edge (5b) in a first plane (7), and a second rim surface (9) extending between a second inner rim surface edge (9a) and a second outer rim surface edge (9b) in a second plane (11). The first plane (7) intersects the second plane (11) at an obtuse angle (α). The nozzle (1) further comprises a first ledge (13) arranged offset from the first edge surface (5). The first ledge (13) comprises a first protruding element (15) protruding towards the first plane (7) between the first inner rim surface edge (5a) and the first outer rim surface edge (5 b).

Description

Vacuum cleaner nozzle and vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle

Technical Field

Embodiments herein relate to a vacuum cleaner nozzle for attachment to a vacuum cleaner. Embodiments herein further relate to a vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle.

Background

A vacuum cleaner nozzle is typically designed to be attachable to an end of a vacuum cleaner hose. The other end of the vacuum cleaner hose can be attached to the vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners generally comprise a motor configured to generate a low pressure within the vacuum cleaner, and air is drawn through the vacuum cleaner nozzle and hose due to the low pressure caused by the motor. In a vacuum cleaner, air passes through one or more filters that filter out dust and debris from the air. Some vacuum cleaners include a dust bag to collect dust and debris, or one or more cyclones to separate the dust and debris from the air. The vacuum cleaner may also comprise a processor and/or controller which may influence, for example, flow related parameters, and also comprise several other components, such as a cord reel, wheels, etc.

When in use, some surfaces of the vacuum cleaner nozzle form a flow path for air. Such a surface may be directed towards the floor to be cleaned and/or may face the interior of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

The aim today is to improve the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner, i.e. to reduce the power and action of the motor, while maintaining or improving the cleaning rate (i.e. cleaning capacity). However, as the motor power decreases, other parameters may have to be adjusted in order to maintain the suction efficiency and/or the dust extraction rate at a desired or acceptable level.

Therefore, there is still a need for a vacuum cleaner nozzle which is very efficient and which also provides a high cleaning rate when arranged to cooperate with a vacuum cleaner having a relatively low power motor.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object to provide a more efficient vacuum cleaner nozzle.

According to an embodiment, the object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner nozzle for attachment to a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

an edge having a first edge surface extending in a first plane between a first inner edge surface edge and a first outer edge surface edge, and a second edge surface extending in a second plane between a second inner edge surface edge and a second outer edge surface edge, the first edge surface and the second edge surface being arrangeable to face a surface to be cleaned and the first plane intersecting the second plane at an obtuse angle,

-a first projecting edge, which is,

wherein the first ledge comprises a first protruding element that protrudes towards the first plane between the first inner rim surface edge and the first outer rim surface edge.

Since the first ledge comprises a first protruding element protruding towards the first plane between the first inner rim surface edge and the first outer rim surface edge, fibres and dust collected near the surface of the first ledge may more easily become loose when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved along the surface to be cleaned.

According to some embodiments, the first ledge surface is arranged offset from the first ledge surface and comprises a first ledge surface to which a plush can be attached. In case the first ledge is arranged offset from the first ledge surface, the plush may be securely attached to the first ledge surface.

In some embodiments, the plush is attached to the first ledge surface. As the vacuum cleaner nozzle moves forward and/or backward along a carpet tile or similar surface, dust and debris that has been collected by the pile is released. The dust and debris will be released so that it can enter the flow passage and be collected by the vacuum cleaner. The protruding element may direct at least a portion of the airflow, dust, and debris into a flow passage leading to the vacuum cleaner.

Furthermore, the projecting elements will be able to sweep across the carpet weaving (straw) of the carpet to be cleaned as the first edge surface moves along the carpet. The protruding elements will thus repeatedly come into contact with the carpet braiding. During such sweeping, dust and debris in/on the carpet will be released and sucked in via the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The projecting element will thus act as an edge which, due to its shape and position, can sweep "aggressively" across the carpet.

According to some embodiments, the first protruding element protrudes substantially to the first plane. Thereby, the first protruding element can be swept very efficiently across the carpet as the edge of the vacuum cleaner nozzle moves along the carpet.

According to some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner nozzle further comprises a second protruding rim offset from the second rim surface. The second ledge includes a second protruding element that protrudes toward the second plane. The first protruding element may be configured for interacting with a surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is entrained in a first direction, e.g. during a forward movement from a user. The second protruding element may be configured for interacting with a surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is entrained in a second direction, e.g. during backward movement towards a user. In the case of the first protruding element and the second protruding element, the surface can be vacuumed in a more efficient manner.

According to some embodiments, the first edge surface comprises a first slot, and wherein a longitudinal direction of the first slot is substantially aligned with a longitudinal direction of the first protruding element. Since the first edge surface comprises the first slot and wherein the longitudinal direction of the first slot is substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the first protruding element, the first protruding element may interact with the surface to be cleaned in an efficient manner. The slot allows a carpet tile or the like to project into the slot as the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved along the carpet tile. The first protruding element and/or the second protruding element may efficiently sweep across the grass of the carpet tile during the "raising" process. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner will be positioned closer to the carpet, since the support surface between the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the carpet is reduced due to the slot.

According to some embodiments, the first protruding element protrudes at least 1mm, preferably 2mm, from the first ledge surface. Thereby, dust and debris are efficiently loosened from the carpet and released in the flow channel.

According to some embodiments, the first ledge surface is substantially parallel to the first plane. The plush may then be securely attached to the first ledge surface such that an outer surface of the plush is arranged substantially parallel to the first plane. The plush may have fibres or a braiding directed towards the inlet of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The first protruding element can then efficiently remove dust and debris that has been collected by the plush as the vacuum cleaner nozzle moves along the surface to be cleaned.

According to some embodiments, the first ledge surface is arranged between the first portion of the first slot and the second portion of the first slot. The first ledge surface can have a curvature that at least partially coincides with the curvature of the first slot surface and the second slot surface.

According to some embodiments, the first surface can be arranged to contact the surface to be cleaned in a first vacuum cleaning movement direction and the second rim surface can be arranged to contact the surface to be cleaned in a second vacuum cleaning movement direction opposite to the first vacuum cleaning movement direction. When the vacuum cleaner nozzle is attached to a vacuum cleaner hose in a known manner, the forward direction may correspond to the movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle along the surface to be cleaned as it is moved away from the user operating the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

The angle between the first plane and the second plane is an obtuse angle and may for example be in the range of 120-170 degrees. The vacuum cleaner nozzle may comprise a pivot axis such that the component comprising the first rim surface and the second rim surface is a relatively pivotable component attachable to a vacuum cleaner hose.

According to some embodiments, the first protruding element is arranged to sweep across a carpet braiding of a carpet to be cleaned as the first edge moves along the carpet to be cleaned along a surface in a first vacuum cleaning movement direction.

It is an object of embodiments herein to provide a vacuum cleaner which is efficient. According to some embodiments, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to embodiments described herein. With a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to embodiments described herein, a vacuum cleaner having a relatively low power motor (e.g. a motor with an effect of less than 1000W) is also very efficient.

Drawings

The various aspects of the embodiments herein, including the specific features and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to some embodiments,

figure 2 shows the vacuum cleaner nozzle of figure 1 from another angle,

figure 3 shows the vacuum cleaner nozzle of figures 1 and 2 from below,

figure 4 shows a section of the vacuum cleaner along the cut line D-D in figure 3,

figure 5 shows a close-up of the section in figure 4,

figure 6 illustrates a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to some other embodiments,

figure 7 shows a vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle,

figure 8 shows the cleaning rate of a prior art vacuum cleaner nozzle,

fig. 9 illustrates a cleaning rate of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to embodiments herein.

Detailed Description

Embodiments herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 according to some embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 from below in a perspective view such that components and surfaces are depicted which are normally arranged towards a surface to be cleaned.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may be formed as a homogeneous body, for example made of plastic or metal. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may be formed from two or more different pieces which together form the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may be formed, for example, by moulding.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 comprises a rim 3 having a first rim surface 5 extending between a first inner rim surface edge 5a and a first outer rim surface edge 5b on a first plane 7. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 further comprises a second rim surface 9 extending between a second inner rim surface edge 9a and a second outer rim surface edge 9b on a second plane 11. When the vacuum cleaner nozzle is used during normal vacuum cleaning operation, the first edge surface 5 and the second edge surface 9 may be arranged to face the surface to be cleaned, i.e. in order for the first edge surface 5 and the second edge surface 9 to be in contact with the floor or the like.

The first plane 7 intersects the second plane 11 at an obtuse angle α. The angle alpha may depend on the overall design of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 and may be in the range of 120-170 degrees.

The first rim surface 5 on the first plane 7 is arranged to contact the surface to be cleaned in a first vacuum cleaning movement direction, e.g. away from the user and/or the vacuum cleaner hose. The second rim surface 9 on the second plane 11 is arranged to contact the surface to be cleaned in a second vacuum cleaning movement direction, e.g. opposite to the first vacuum cleaning direction. The second vacuum cleaning movement direction may be directed towards the user and/or the vacuum cleaner hose.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 comprises a first protruding rim 13. The first ledge 13 may also be referred to as an offset portion, a central portion, or a plush portion. The first ledge 13 is arranged offset from the first edge surface 5 and comprises a first ledge surface 13a to which plush 14 can be attached. A portion of plush 14 is schematically illustrated in fig. 1. The plush 14 is a piece of fabric or the like having a plurality of plush fibers 14b extending away from the first ledge surface 13 a.

The first ledge 13 comprises a first protruding element 15 protruding towards the first plane 7 between the first inner rim surface edge 5a and the first outer rim surface edge 5 b. The plush fibers 14a may be angled such that they are directed towards the first protruding element 15. The first protruding element 15 may also be referred to as an edge or protrusion.

In some embodiments, the first protruding element 15 extends almost to the first plane 7, and in some other embodiments, the first protruding element 15 extends to the first plane 7. In some other embodiments, the first protruding element 15 intersects the first plane 7.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, the first ledge 13 is illustrated as being arranged at the first edge surface 5. In other embodiments, the first ledge 13 is instead arranged at the second rim surface 9.

The embodiment shown in fig. 1 also comprises a second ledge 17 offset from the second rim surface 9. The second ledge 17 comprises a second protruding element 19 protruding towards the second plane 11. The second ledge 17 further comprises a second ledge surface 17 a. The second ledge surface 17a also comprises plush with plush fibers. The plush fibers at the second ledge surface 17 can be inclined towards the second protruding element 19. A first slot 25 and a second slot 27 are also shown. The

slots

25, 27 are further discussed in connection with fig. 2.

Thus, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may comprise a protruding rim at the first rim surface 5 or the second rim surface 9. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may comprise two protruding rims: a first ledge 13 at the first rim surface 5 and a second ledge 17 at the second rim surface 9.

As illustrated in fig. 1, the first protruding element 15 may be arranged locally at a central portion of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. The first projecting element 15 is distinct from/offset from the first inner edge surface edge 5 a. Some sweeping may also occur at the first inner edge surface edge 5a, but generally not as much as at the first projecting member 15.

The width of the ledge and plush 14 can be freely chosen, for example, depending on the application. A vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 arranged for removing pet hair can have a wider raised rim with a wider pile 14, because the pile 14 is efficient for picking up fibres and hair in one direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and releasing them in the opposite direction.

The attachment portion 21 is shown in fig. 1. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may be attached to a vacuum cleaner hose via an attachment portion 21. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may be attached to a second vacuum cleaner nozzle part (not shown) via the attachment part 21. The second vacuum cleaner nozzle portion may in turn be attached to a vacuum cleaner hose. Such a second vacuum cleaner nozzle portion may comprise wheels which allow the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 and the second vacuum cleaner nozzle portion to roll along the surface to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 further comprises a second vacuum cleaner nozzle portion. Such a vacuum cleaner nozzle portion may also comprise a hinge or the like allowing a slight tilting of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. Thereby, the first protruding element 15 may be in contact with the carpet in a forward direction and the second protruding element 19 may be in contact with the carpet in a rearward direction. This is further illustrated in connection with fig. 5.

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of fig. 1 from another angle. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 comprises a first ledge 13 having a first edge surface 13a and a second ledge 17 having a second edge surface 17 a. The first ledge 13 comprises a first protruding element 15 and the second ledge 17 comprises a second protruding element 19.

When the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 is in use, an air flow is guided through the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. The air passes a first edge surface 5 and a second edge surface 9 and a first ledge 13 and a second ledge 17. The air flow B passes through the nozzle interior 23 and leaves the C vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 via the attachment portion 21. The air is then led to the vacuum cleaner via a hose attached to the attachment portion 21.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the first edge surface 5 comprises a first slot 25. The second edge surface 9 comprises a second slot 27. The first slot 25 and the second slot 27 prevent the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 from being sucked too tightly against the surface to be cleaned. In other words, the slot may alter and/or reduce the suction force between the surface to be cleaned and the

rim surface

5, 9. The large slot makes it difficult for a user to move the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 along a surface, because the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may get stuck too much to the surface. In the case of one or

more slots

25, 27, the support surface between the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 and the surface is reduced. Thereby, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be placed lower, e.g. deeper into a carpet. This may increase the suction force.

In this illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the first slot 25 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the first protruding element 15. The longitudinal direction of the second slot 27 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the second protruding element 19.

In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 is not arranged with any slots. Also shown in fig. 2 are two short side portions 28. The rim surfaces 5, 9 and the side edge portions 28 together form an inlet of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1.

Fig. 3 shows the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 from below. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 comprises a first ledge 13 having a first ledge surface 13a and a second ledge 17 having a second ledge surface 17 a. The first ledge 13 comprises a first protruding element 15 and the second ledge 17 comprises a second protruding element 19. Also shown in FIG. 3 is section D-D.

Fig. 4 shows a section D-D of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 shown in fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows a close-up of the first protruding element 15 and the second protruding element 19. Also shown in fig. 5 is the obtuse angle a between the first plane 7 and the second plane 11.

The forward direction F is shown in fig. 5. The forward direction F corresponds to the movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 along the surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is attached to a vacuum cleaner hose in a known manner, away from the user operating the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. When the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 travels in the forward direction F, the first protruding element 15 will be pressed down towards the surface so that it can sweep across a carpet or the like. The dust is thus easily loosened and can enter the nozzle interior 23 due to the low pressure generated by the vacuum cleaner motor.

When the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 travels in the illustrated rearward direction R, the second protruding element 19 will be pressed down towards the surface so that it can sweep across the carpet. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 may be slightly tilted in a backward direction with respect to a forward direction, for example due to a hinge or the like. The forward direction F and the rearward direction R may be opposite to each other or may be arranged with an obtuse angle therebetween, such as the obtuse angle α. The short side portions 28 may be chamfered with respect to the first and

second planes

7, 11, as illustrated for example in fig. 2 and 5. The forward direction F and the rearward direction R may be directed approximately 180 degrees from each other in a horizontal plane.

When the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 is brought along the carpet in the first direction F, the first protruding elements 15 will effectively come into contact with the braiding of the carpet, so that dust will be released and sucked in. The angle between the first plane 7 and the protruding direction of the first protruding element 15 may be 60-120 degrees, such as about 90 degrees.

In fig. 6, a vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 according to an alternative embodiment is illustrated. In this embodiment, the first ledge surface 13a is arranged between the first portion 25a of the first slot 25 and the second portion 25b of the first slot 25. The cross-sectional curvature of the first ledge surface 13a may partially correspond to the curvature of the first slot 25. Accordingly, the second ledge surface 17a is arranged between the first portion 27a of the second slot 27 and the second portion 27b of the second slot 27. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner nozzle is arranged without any plush attachment to the ledge surface. In some embodiments, the first ledge surface 13a may be arranged substantially in the same plane as the first edge surface 5, i.e. the first edge surface 5 and the first ledge surface 13a may substantially coincide. The second ledge surface 17a may substantially coincide with the second rim surface 9.

As illustrated, the longitudinal direction of the first slot 25 may be substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the first protruding element 15. The longitudinal direction of the second slot 27 may be substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the second protruding element 19.

Fig. 7 illustrates a vacuum cleaner 50 having a vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 attached to a vacuum cleaner hose 51 according to embodiments described herein. The vacuum cleaner 50 may be a conventional vacuum cleaner or a vacuum cleaner having a relatively low power motor (e.g., such as a motor having an effect of less than 1000W).

Figure 8 shows the results of testing the cleaning rate of different sections of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Dust pick-up is a cleaning performance and can be measured, for example, on hard floors and carpets. In some countries, when a vacuum cleaner is sold, it must be tested and dust suction must be registered in a standardized manner on the packaging of the vacuum cleaner. Dust extraction may be rated, for example, where a higher level cleaner is proven to clean, for example, a carpet tile or > 91% of dust in a carpet, while a lower level cleaner is able to clean, for example, a carpet tile or > 71% of dust in a carpet.

The results of the prior art vacuum cleaner nozzle are shown in fig. 8. The height of each post corresponds to the suction rate of the respective vacuum cleaner nozzle section. A higher post means a higher dust pick-up rate. In fig. 8 and 9, a high post corresponds to a pick-up rate of about 85%. The low height bar corresponds to a dust pick-up rate of about 75%.

As illustrated, the mid-section of the prior art nozzle in fig. 8 vacuums relatively poorly. In fig. 9, the suction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 according to embodiments herein is illustrated. Protruding elements at the central part of the rim have been shown to greatly increase the dust pick-up rate. In some embodiments, the cleaning rate of the intermediate portion has increased by 5% -10% compared to prior art vacuum cleaner nozzles.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) for attachment to a vacuum cleaner (50), the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) comprising:

-a rim (3) having a first rim surface (5) extending between a first inner rim surface edge (5a) and a first outer rim surface edge (5b) in a first plane (7), and a second rim surface (9) extending between a second inner rim surface edge (9a) and a second outer rim surface edge (9b) in a second plane (11), the first rim surface (5) and the second rim surface (9) being arrangeable to face a surface to be cleaned, and the first plane (7) and the second plane (11) intersecting at an obtuse angle (a),

-a first ledge (13),

characterized in that the first ledge (13) comprises a first protruding element (15) protruding towards the first plane (7) between the first inner rim surface edge (5a) and the first outer rim surface edge (5b), wherein the first protruding element (15) protrudes into the first plane (7).

2. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first ledge (13) is arranged offset from the first edge surface (5) and comprises a first ledge surface (13a) to which a plush (14) can be attached.

3. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner nozzle further comprises a second protruding rim (17) being offset from the second rim surface (9), the second protruding rim (17) comprising a second protruding element (19) protruding towards the second plane (11).

4. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first rim surface (5) comprises a first slot (25), and wherein a longitudinal direction of the first slot (25) is aligned with a longitudinal direction of the first protruding element (15).

5. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first protruding element (15) protrudes at least 1mm from the first ledge surface (13 a).

6. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first ledge surface (13a) is parallel to the first plane (7).

7. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first ledge surface (13a) is arranged between a first portion (25a) of the first slot (25) and a second portion (25b) of the first slot (25).

8. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first rim surface (5) can be arranged to contact the surface to be cleaned in a first vacuum cleaning movement direction (F), and the second rim surface (9) can be arranged to contact the surface to be cleaned in a second vacuum cleaning movement direction (R) opposite to the first vacuum cleaning movement direction (F).

9. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first protruding element (15) is arranged to sweep the carpet braiding of a carpet to be cleaned when the first edge is moved along the carpet to be cleaned in a first vacuum cleaning movement direction (F) along the surface (5).

10. A vacuum cleaner (50), characterized in that the vacuum cleaner (50) comprises a vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to any of the preceding claims.