CN111386063A

CN111386063A - Vacuum cleaner assembly

Info

Publication number: CN111386063A
Application number: CN201780097235.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·瓦德柳斯; F·奥斯特
Original assignee: Electrolux AB
Current assignee: Electrolux AB
Priority date: 2017-12-14
Filing date: 2017-12-14
Publication date: 2020-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-14
Also published as: KR20200097706A; JP7069507B2; WO2019114964A1; JP2021505222A; EP3723569A1; KR102454022B1; CN111386063B

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner assembly (1) is disclosed, comprising a rechargeable stick-type vacuum cleaner (3) and a charging stand (5). The vacuum cleaner (3) comprises an elongated body (7). The vacuum cleaner (3) is configured to be releasably positioned in the charging dock (5) such that the elongate body (7) extends in a first direction (d 1). The assembly (1) further comprises a magnetic assembly (9, 9 ') configured to secure a first portion (11) of the vacuum cleaner (3) to the charging stand (5), and a second securing assembly (13, 13') configured to secure a second portion (15) of the vacuum cleaner (3) to the charging stand (5). The second portion (15) is arranged at a distance (d) from the first portion (11) in the first direction (d 1).

Description

Vacuum cleaner assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly comprising a rechargeable stick-type vacuum cleaner and a charging stand.

Background

Rechargeable stick-vac cleaners have become increasingly popular. The reason for this may be that they are easy to use, do not require power cords and require little space when not in use. Rechargeable stick-vac cleaners are often sold with a charging dock in which they can be releasably positioned when not in use. The charging dock includes a power cord configured to connect to a power outlet. The charging stand further comprises electrical contact units configured to abut against the electrical contact units of the rechargeable stick vacuum cleaner when the rechargeable stick vacuum cleaner is positioned in the charging stand.

There are problems with vacuum cleaner assemblies that include a rechargeable stick vacuum and a charging stand. One problem is to provide a secure and safe positioning of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand. A vacuum cleaner assembly comprising a rechargeable stick vacuum cleaner and a charging stand typically comprises a mechanical securing assembly configured to secure the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand when the vacuum cleaner is positioned therein. Some stationary assemblies include a protrusion at the vacuum cleaner and a recess at the charging dock, or vice versa, wherein the protrusion is configured to extend into the recess when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in the charging dock. Thus, when positioning the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand, the user typically must lift the vacuum cleaner relative to the charging stand and align the protrusions relative to the recesses. This process is cumbersome and requires the user's attention to align the tab with respect to the recess.

Also, when removing the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand, the user typically has to lift the vacuum cleaner in a certain direction relative to the charging stand, which is also burdensome and requires the user's attention to lift the vacuum cleaner in the correct direction. If the user lifts the vacuum cleaner in a direction other than the correct direction, there is a high probability that the charging stand will be displaced along or lifted from the floor surface on which it is located. The user will negatively see both cases.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate at least some of the above problems and disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner assembly comprising a rechargeable stick vacuum cleaner and a charging stand. The vacuum cleaner includes an elongated body. The vacuum cleaner is configured to be releasably positioned in the charging dock such that the elongate body extends in a first direction. The assembly further includes a magnetic assembly configured to secure a first portion of the vacuum cleaner to the charging dock and a second securing assembly configured to secure a second portion of the vacuum cleaner to the charging dock. The second portion is arranged at a distance from the first portion in the first direction.

As a result, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner into a charging stand. Further, the vacuum cleaner assembly provides that it is less dependent on the orientation direction of the vacuum cleaner when it is positioned in the charging stand. This is because the assembly comprises a magnetic assembly configured to secure a first portion of the vacuum cleaner to the charging dock and a second securing assembly configured to secure a second portion of the vacuum cleaner to the charging dock. Thus, when positioning the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand, the user can simply grasp the vacuum cleaner and position the second part of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand and align the vacuum cleaner such that the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are brought into proximity with each other. When the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are brought into proximity with each other, the magnetic assembly secures the first portion of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand such that the vacuum cleaner is positioned at a predetermined and safe location in the charging stand.

Since the second part is at a distance from the first part in the first direction, the vacuum cleaner is firmly and safely secured to the charging stand. Further, the fact that the second portion is at a distance from the first portion in the first direction facilitates the removal of the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand. This is because, if the user wants to remove the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand, the user can simply grip the vacuum cleaner and apply a force to the vacuum cleaner in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. As a result, a separation force between the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly is obtained, which separation force causes separation of the magnetically attractive members. When the magnetically attractive members are disengaged, the securing of the first part of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is released. The user can then release the second part of the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand in a simple manner to release the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand.

Thus, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided which provides a secure and safe positioning of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand, while facilitating positioning of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand and removal of the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand.

Accordingly, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided to overcome or at least alleviate at least some of the above problems and disadvantages. As a result, the above object is achieved.

Optionally, the distance is greater than 5%, 10% or 15% of the length of the vacuum cleaner in the first direction. Thereby, it is ensured that the vacuum cleaner is firmly and safely fixed to the charging stand. In addition, it is ensured that removal of the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand is facilitated.

Optionally, the charging dock is configured to be positioned on a floor surface, and wherein a plane comprising the first direction and the magnetic assembly is substantially perpendicular to the floor surface when the charging dock is positioned on the floor surface. Thereby, a secure and safe fixation of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is provided.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one wheel, and wherein the second portion is part of the at least one wheel. Thus, an assembly is provided in which, when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in the charging stand, a user can position at least one wheel relative to the charging stand and then align the vacuum cleaner so that the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are brought into proximity with one another. The positioning of the at least one wheel relative to the charging dock may be performed, for example, by rolling the at least one wheel over a portion of the charging dock. As a result, a safe and simple securing of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is provided, and a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that further facilitates the positioning and removal of the vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner comprises a floor cleaning nozzle, and wherein the second portion is part of the floor cleaning nozzle. Thus, an assembly is provided in which when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in a charging stand, a user can position the floor cleaning nozzle relative to the charging stand and then align the vacuum cleaner so that the magnetically attractable members of the magnetic assembly are brought into proximity with one another. As a result, a safe and simple securing of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is provided, and a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand.

Optionally, the second securing component comprises at least one protrusion. Thereby, a safe and simple fixation of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is provided.

Optionally, the second securing assembly comprises a protrusion arranged at the charging dock, and wherein the protrusion is configured to abut the floor cleaning nozzle when the vacuum cleaner is releasably positioned in the charging dock. Thus, an assembly is provided in which when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in a charging stand, a user can position the floor cleaning nozzle so that the protrusions abut the floor cleaning nozzle, and then align the vacuum cleaner so that the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are brought into proximity with each other. As a result, a safe and simple securing of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is provided, and a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand.

Optionally, the second fixing assembly comprises at least one recess. Thereby, a safe and simple fixation of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is provided.

Optionally, the second securing assembly comprises a recess arranged in the floor cleaning nozzle, and wherein the charging dock comprises a protrusion configured to extend into the recess when the vacuum cleaner is releasably positioned in the charging dock. Thus, an assembly is provided in which when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in a charging stand, a user can position the floor cleaning nozzle such that the projection extends into the recess and then align the vacuum cleaner such that the magnetically attractable members of the magnetic assembly are brought into proximity with one another. As a result, a safe and simple securing of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is provided, and a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand.

Optionally, the second stationary component comprises a second magnetic component. Thus, an assembly is provided whereby, when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in the charging stand, a user can position the vacuum cleaner relative to the charging stand such that one of the first and second magnet assemblies is engaged, and then align the vacuum cleaner relative to the charging stand such that the other of the first and second magnet assemblies is engaged. Thus, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand. Further, an assembly is provided wherein a user can position the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand simply by displacing the vacuum cleaner in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. As a result, a simpler positioning of the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand can be provided.

Further, the provided assembly further facilitates removal of the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand. This is because a user who wants to remove the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand can simply grip the vacuum cleaner and apply a force to the vacuum cleaner in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. As a result, a separation force between the magnetically attractive members of one of the first and second magnetic assemblies is obtained, which separation force causes the magnetically attractive members to separate. When these magnetically attractive members are separated, the fixing of a part of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is released. The user may then release the securing force between the other of the first and second magnetic assemblies in a simple manner, for example by applying a force to the vacuum cleaner in a first direction to release the vacuum cleaner from the charging dock.

Optionally, the charging dock is configured to be positioned on a floor surface, wherein the charging dock comprises a ramp portion, and wherein the ramp portion is adjacent to the floor surface when the charging dock is positioned on the floor surface. Thus, the provided assembly further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand. This is because when positioning the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand, the user can use the ramp to displace a portion of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand. For example, the user may use the ramp to displace the wheels of the vacuum cleaner and/or the floor cleaning nozzle of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand.

Optionally, the ramp portion comprises a ramp surface, and wherein the angle between the ramp surface and the floor surface is less than 20 degrees. Thus, the provided assembly further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand.

Optionally, the charging stand comprises a first contact unit and the vacuum cleaner comprises a second contact unit configured to abut against the first contact unit when the vacuum cleaner is releasably positioned in the charging stand, and wherein at least one of the first contact unit and the second contact unit is displaceably arranged. Thus, the provided assembly further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand. Further, electrical contact between the contact unit of the first contact unit and the contact unit of the second contact unit is also ensured.

Optionally, the magnetic assembly is configured to fix the first part of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand in a fixed direction, and wherein at least one of the first contact unit and the second contact unit is displaceably arranged in a second direction at an angle relative to the fixed direction. Thus, the provided assembly further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand. This is because when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in the charging stand such that the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are close to each other, the attractive force between the magnetically attractive members will displace at least one of the first contact unit and the second contact unit at an angle separated from the fixed direction. Thereby, at least one of the first contact unit and the second contact unit may be displaced with a force greater than the attractive force of the magnetically attractive member. As a result, it is further facilitated to keep the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand.

Further, since at least one of the first contact unit and the second contact unit is displaceably arranged in a second direction angled with respect to the fixing direction, a more secure and safer fixing of the vacuum cleaner is provided. This is because the abutment force between at least one of the first and second contact units and the other contact unit will be at an angle relative to the fixing direction and as a result will have less influence on the attraction force (i.e. the fixing force) between the magnetically attractive members of the magnet assembly.

Optionally, the angle between the second direction and the fixed direction is between 15 and 90 degrees apart. Thereby, the provided assembly further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand and ensures that the vacuum cleaner is more securely and safely secured in the charging stand.

Optionally, the fixed direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. As a result, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand. This is because when positioning the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand, the user can simply displace the first part of the vacuum cleaner in a direction perpendicular to the first direction to align the vacuum cleaner such that the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are brought closer to each other. When the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are brought into proximity with each other, the magnetic assembly secures the first portion of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand such that the vacuum cleaner is positioned at a predetermined and safe location in the charging stand.

Further, since the fixing direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a safe and secure fixing of the vacuum cleaner is ensured.

Optionally, the charging dock is configured to be positioned on a floor surface, and wherein the fixed direction and the second direction are substantially parallel to the floor surface. Thereby, a safe and secure fixation of the vacuum cleaner is ensured. Further, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that further facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand. This is because when positioning the vacuum cleaner in the charging stand, the user can simply displace the first part of the vacuum cleaner in a direction perpendicular to the first direction to align the vacuum cleaner such that the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are brought closer to each other. When the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly are brought into proximity with each other, the magnetic assembly secures the first portion of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand such that the vacuum cleaner is positioned at a predetermined and safe location in the charging stand. Further, the attraction force between the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly may ensure electrical contact between the contact units and may ensure displacement of at least one of the contact units.

Further, a vacuum cleaner assembly is provided that further facilitates removal of the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand. This is because a user who wants to remove the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand can simply grip the vacuum cleaner and apply a force to the vacuum cleaner in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. As a result, a separation force between the magnetically attractive members of the magnetic assembly is obtained, which separation force causes separation of the magnetically attractive members. When the magnetically attractive members are disengaged, the securing of the first part of the vacuum cleaner to the charging stand is released. The user can then release the second part of the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand in a simple manner to release the vacuum cleaner from the charging stand.

Optionally, at least one of the first contact unit and the second contact unit is dome-shaped. Hereby, the vacuum cleaner assembly provides that it is further less dependent on the orientation direction of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in the charging stand. Furthermore, during positioning of the vacuum cleaner into the charging stand, a displacement of at least one of the first contact unit and the second contact unit may be facilitated.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

Drawings

The various aspects of the invention, 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 vacuum cleaner assembly according to some embodiments,

figure 2 shows the charging stand of the vacuum cleaner assembly shown in figure 1,

figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of the ramp portion of the charging dock illustrated in figure 2,

figure 4 shows a vacuum cleaner of the vacuum cleaner assembly shown in figure 1, and

figure 5 illustrates a cross-section of a vacuum cleaner assembly according to some further embodiments.

Detailed Description

Various aspects of the invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner assembly 1 according to some embodiments. The vacuum cleaner assembly 1 comprises a rechargeable stick-type vacuum cleaner 3 and a charging stand 5. For the sake of brevity and/or clarity, the rechargeable stick-type vacuum cleaner 3 is referred to herein, in some places, as a "vacuum cleaner 3". The vacuum cleaner 3 comprises an elongated body 7, a handle portion 4 arranged at a first end 8.1 of the elongated body 3, and a floor cleaning nozzle 21 arranged at a second end 8.2 of the elongated body 3. The vacuum cleaner 3 further comprises a rechargeable battery, an electric motor and an impeller. These components are not indicated in fig. 1 for brevity and/or clarity. The motor is configured to drive the impeller with energy stored in the rechargeable battery when a button at the handle portion 4 is pressed. The impeller is connected to the floor cleaning nozzle 21 and the filter unit of the vacuum cleaner 3. The impeller is configured to pump air from the floor cleaning nozzle 21 through the filter unit in order to clean a surface, such as the floor surface 17. The rechargeable battery, motor, impeller and filter unit are arranged in the elongated body 7 between the handle portion 4 and the floor cleaning nozzle 21.

In fig. 1, the vacuum cleaner 3 is releasably positioned in the charging stand 5 such that the elongated body 7 extends along the first direction d 1. The assembly 1 comprises a magnetic assembly 9, 9' configured to secure a first part 11 of the vacuum cleaner 3 to the charging stand 5. The assembly 1 further comprises a second fixing assembly 13, 13' configured to fix a second portion 15 of the vacuum cleaner 3 to the charging stand 5. As illustrated in fig. 1, the second portion 15 is arranged at a distance d from the first portion 11 in the first direction d 1. According to the illustrated embodiment, the distance d is about 17% of the length L of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the first direction d 1. The length L of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the first direction d1 may be defined as the distance between the first end 8.1 of the vacuum cleaner 3 and the second end 8.2 of the vacuum cleaner 3, i.e. the distance between the outermost portion of the handle 4 in the first direction d1 and the outermost portion of the floor cleaning nozzle 21 in the direction opposite to the first direction d 1. According to further embodiments, the distance d may be greater than 5%, 7%, 10%, 12% or 15% of the length L of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the first direction d 1. Further, according to some embodiments, the distance d may be within an interval of 5% -70%, 7% -60%, 8% -50%, 10% -40%, 12% -35% or 15% -30% of the length L of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the first direction d 1. Since the second portion 15 is arranged at a distance d from the first portion 11 in the first direction d1, a safe and secure fixation of the vacuum cleaner 1 in the charging stand 5 is provided, and as further explained herein, facilitates positioning of the vacuum cleaner 3 into the charging stand 5 and removal of the vacuum cleaner 3 from the charging stand 5.

Figure 2 shows the charging stand 5 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 1 shown in figure 1. The charging dock 5 includes a base portion 18, an elongated portion 20, and a support portion 22. The base portion 18 of the charging dock 5 is configured to be positioned on the floor surface 17. The elongated portion 20 connects the support portion 22 to the base portion 18. The elongated portion 20 extends in a direction substantially coinciding with the first direction d 1. The support portion 22 is configured to support the first portion 11 of the vacuum cleaner 3 illustrated in fig. 1, as further explained herein.

According to the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the charging dock 5 includes a ramp portion 29 disposed at the base portion 18. When the charging stand 5 is positioned on the floor surface 17, the slope portion 29 is adjacent to the floor surface 17. The ramp portion 29 assists in positioning the vacuum cleaner 3 shown in figure 1 into the charging stand 5 shown in figure 2.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-section of the ramp portion 29 illustrated in fig. 2. As illustrated, the ramp portion 29 includes a ramp surface 31. According to the illustrated embodiment, the angle a1 between the ramp surface 31 and the floor surface 17 is about 19 degrees. According to further embodiments, the angle a1 between the ramp surface 31 and the floor surface 17 may be within an interval of 12-20 degrees, 14-20 degrees, 16-20 degrees, 17-20 degrees, or 18-20 degrees. The positioning of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the charging stand 5 is further facilitated due to the small angle a1 between the ramp surface 31 and the floor surface 17.

Figure 4 illustrates the vacuum cleaner 3 of the vacuum cleaner assembly 1 illustrated in figure 1. According to the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 3 comprises wheels 19 arranged at the second end 8.2 of the vacuum cleaner 3. The floor cleaning nozzle 21 is articulated relative to the elongate body 7 on an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of the wheels 19. Thus, during cleaning, a user can grip the handle portion 4 of the vacuum cleaner 3 and move the floor cleaning nozzle 21 along the floor surface 17. The wheels 19 support the elongate body 7 and a portion of the floor cleaning nozzle 21. Further, when the vacuum cleaner 3 is positioned in the charging stand 5 illustrated in fig. 2, the wheels 19 can roll on the floor surface 17 and up the ramp portion 29 into the charging stand 5.

The charging dock 5 shown in fig. 2 comprises the first magnetically attractive means 9 of the magnetic assembly 9, 9' shown in fig. 1. The vacuum cleaner 3 illustrated in fig. 4 comprises the second magnetically attractive member 9 'of the magnetic assembly 9, 9' illustrated in fig. 1. When the second magnetically attractive member 9 'illustrated in fig. 4 is close to the first magnetically attractive member 9 illustrated in fig. 2, the second magnetically attractive member 9' will be pulled in the fixed direction fd towards the first magnetically attractive member 9 illustrated in fig. 2. As a result, the first part 11 of the vacuum cleaner 3 shown in fig. 1 is fixed to the charging stand 5.

Further, according to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, 2 and 4, the second fixing assembly 13, 13 'comprises a second magnetic assembly 23, 23' configured to fix the second portion 15 of the vacuum cleaner 3 to the charging stand 5. The charging dock 5 shown in fig. 2 comprises a first magnetically attractive member 23 of a second magnetic component 23, 23'. The vacuum cleaner 3 shown in fig. 4 comprises the second magnetically attractive member 23 'of the second magnetic assembly 23, 23'. When the second magnetically attractive member 23 'illustrated in fig. 4 is close to the first magnetically attractive member 23 illustrated in fig. 2, the second magnetically attractive member 23' will be pulled in the fixed direction fd towards the first magnetically attractive member 23 illustrated in fig. 2. As a result, the second part 15 of the vacuum cleaner 3 shown in fig. 1 is fixed to the charging stand 5.

Further, according to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, 2 and 4, the second stationary component 13, 13' also comprises a recess 25.1, which is arranged in the base portion 18 of the charging stand 5. A portion of the wheels 19 illustrated in figure 4 are configured to extend into the recess 25.1 illustrated in figure 2 when the vacuum cleaner 3 is in the charging stand 5. As a result, the second part 15 of the vacuum cleaner 3 is further secured to the charging stand when the vacuum cleaner 3 is positioned in the charging stand 5.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, 2 and 4, the second fixing assembly 13, 13' also comprises a projection 27.1 arranged at the base portion 18, immediately adjacent to the recess 25.1. A portion of the wheel 19 illustrated in figure 4 is configured to abut the projection 27.1 illustrated in figure 2. As a result, the second part 15 of the vacuum cleaner 3 is further secured to the charging stand when the vacuum cleaner 3 is positioned in the charging stand 5.

According to some embodiments, the second fixing assembly 13, 13 ' may comprise only one or only two of the second magnetic assembly 23, 23 ', the recess 25.1 and the projection 27.1, or, as is the case according to the illustrated embodiment, may comprise the second magnetic assembly 23, 23 ', the recess 25.1 and the projection 27.1.

As indicated in fig. 2, the charging stand 5 includes first contact units 33, 33' disposed at the support portion 22 of the charging stand 5. As indicated in fig. 4, the vacuum cleaner 3 comprises a second contact unit 35, 35'. The second contact unit 35, 35 'is configured to abut against the first contact unit 33, 33' when the vacuum cleaner 3 is releasably positioned in the charging stand 5. The charging stand 5 is configured to charge the rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner 3 via the first contact unit 33, 33 'and the second contact unit 35, 35'. According to the embodiment shown, the first contact units 33, 33' are each displaceably arranged in the second direction d 2. For the sake of brevity and/or clarity, only one second direction d2 is indicated in fig. 2. However, as further explained herein, the contact unit 33 ', indicated by reference numeral "33'", is also displaceably arranged in a second direction corresponding to the second direction d 2. Furthermore, the first contact units 33, 33' are each biased (e.g., spring biased) in a direction opposite to their respective second direction d 2.

As mentioned above, the magnetic assembly 9, 9' is configured to fix the first part 11 of the vacuum cleaner 3 to the charging stand 5 in the fixing direction fd. The first contact units 33, 33' are each displaceably arranged in a second direction d2 which is angled with respect to the fixed direction fd. In addition, the first contact units 33, 33' are each offset in a direction angled with respect to the direction opposite to the fixed direction fd. According to the embodiment shown, the angle a2 between the second direction d2 and the fixed direction fd is about 60 degrees. According to further embodiments, the angle a2 between the second direction d2 and the fixed direction fd may be within an interval of 15-90 degrees, 20-85 degrees, 30-80 degrees, 40-80 degrees, 45-75 degrees, 50-70 degrees, or 55-65 degrees. Since the first contact units 33, 33 'are each displaceably arranged in a second direction d2 which is angled with respect to the fixed direction fd, the attraction force between the magnetically attractive members 9, 9' of the magnetic assemblies 9, 9 'will displace the first contact units 33, 33' in a direction d2 which is angled towards the fixed direction fd. Thereby, the first contact unit 33, 33 'may be displaced with a force larger than the attraction force between the magnetically attractive members 9, 9'. As a result, positioning of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the charging stand 5 is further facilitated. As a further result, the vacuum cleaner 3 is more securely and safely secured. This is because the abutment force between the first contact unit 33, 33 'and the second contact unit 35, 35' is angled with respect to the fixation direction fd, as a result of which the fixation between the magnetically attractive members 9, 9 'of the magnet assemblies 9, 9' will be influenced little.

Further, according to the illustrated embodiment, the first contact unit 33, 33' is dome-shaped. Thereby, positioning of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the charging stand 5 is facilitated. Further, the displacement of the first contact unit 33, 33' in the second direction d2 is facilitated. According to further embodiments, the second contact unit 35, 35' of the vacuum cleaner 3 illustrated in fig. 4 may be displaceably arranged and may be dome-shaped.

As indicated in fig. 2, according to the illustrated embodiment, the fixed direction fd is substantially perpendicular to the first direction d 1. Further, the fixing direction fd and the second direction d2 are substantially parallel to the floor surface 17. When the charging dock 5 is positioned on the floor surface 17, the plane p of the first magnetically attractive member 9, including the first direction d1 and the magnetic assembly 9, 9', is substantially perpendicular to the floor surface 17. Since the plane p comprises the first direction d1, the contact unit 33 is also displaceably arranged in the second direction d2 at an angle a2 relative to the plane p, and the contact unit 33' is displaceably arranged in a certain direction at an angle of the same magnitude as the angle a2 relative to the plane p, but on the opposite side of the plane p.

As mentioned above, the plane p comprising the first direction d1 and the magnetic assembly 9, 9' is substantially perpendicular to the floor surface 17. According to some embodiments, the second plane including the first direction d1 perpendicular to the plane p1 may be angled within a spacing of 0 to 20 degrees, 0 to 15 degrees, 0 to 10 degrees, or 0 to 5 degrees with respect to the floor surface 17.

Further, according to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, the supporting portion 22 of the charging stand 5 comprises a first supporting section bar 22.1 and a second supporting section bar 22.2. The first support profile 22.1 and the second support profile 22.2 each extend from the plane p and are each provided with a meandering shape with respect to the plane p. As a result, the support structure 22 also supports the first part 11 of the vacuum cleaner 3 illustrated in fig. 1 in a direction perpendicular to the plane p. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first support structure 22.1 comprises the contact unit 33 of the first contact unit 33, 33 ', and the second support structure 22.2 comprises the other contact unit 33 ' of the first contact unit 33, 33 '. The surface normal of the first support structure 22.1 at the location of the contact element 33 is substantially opposite to the second direction d 2. Likewise, the surface normal of the second support structure 22.2 at the location of the contact unit 33 'is substantially opposite to the direction in which the contact unit 33' can be displaced. Further, according to the illustrated embodiment, the first magnetically attractive member 9 of the magnetic assembly 9, 9' is arranged at the support portion 22 between the first support profile 22.1 and the second support profile 22.2. As a result, when the second magnetically attractive member 9 'of the magnetic assembly 9, 9' illustrated in fig. 4 is close to the first magnetically attractive member 9 illustrated in fig. 2, the second magnetically attractive member 9 will be displaced towards the first magnetic member 9. Thereby, the first contact unit 33, 33' will be displaced in an efficient manner. Further, the respective support structure 22.1, 22.2 will provide support for the first portion 11 of the vacuum cleaner 3 illustrated in fig. 4.

One of the magnetically attractive members 9, 9 ' of the magnet assembly 9, 9 ' may comprise a magnet generating a magnetic field and the other magnetically attractive member 9, 9 ' of the magnet assembly 9, 9 ' may comprise a ferromagnetic material such that an attractive force is obtained between the magnetically attractive members when the magnetically attractive members 9, 9 ' are brought into close proximity to each other. Alternatively, the two magnetically attractive members 9, 9 'of the magnet assembly 9, 9' may comprise magnets that generate a magnetic field. According to such embodiments, the magnetically attractive members are oriented such that an attractive force is obtained between the magnetically attractive members 9, 9' when they are close to each other. Likewise, one of the magnetically attractive members 23, 23 ' of the second magnet assembly 23, 23 ' may comprise a magnet generating a magnetic field, and the other magnetically attractive member 23, 23 ' of the second magnet assembly 23, 23 ' may comprise a ferromagnetic material, such that an attractive force is obtained between the magnetically attractive members when the magnetically attractive members 23, 23 ' are brought into close proximity to each other. Alternatively, the two magnetically attractive members 23, 23 'of the second magnet assembly 23, 23' may comprise magnets that generate a magnetic field. According to such embodiments, the magnetically attractive members are oriented such that an attractive force is obtained between the magnetically attractive members 23, 23' when they are close to each other.

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section of a vacuum cleaner assembly 1 according to some further embodiments. According to these embodiments, the second fixing assembly 13, 13' comprises a first 27.1, a second 27.2 and a third 27.3 projection, each of which is arranged at the base portion 18 of the charging stand 5. Further, according to these embodiments, the second stationary assembly 13, 13' comprises a first recess 25.1 arranged in the base portion 18 of the charging stand 5 and a second recess 25.2 arranged in the floor cleaning nozzle 21.

A portion of the wheels 19 of the vacuum cleaner 3 is configured to extend into the first recess 25.1 when the vacuum cleaner 3 is positioned in the charging stand 5, and the first projection 27.1 is configured to abut against a portion of the wheels 19 when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in the charging stand. Thus, according to these and other embodiments described herein, the second portion 15 of the vacuum cleaner 5 may be part of at least one wheel 19.

Further, according to the illustrated embodiment, the third protrusion 27.3 of the charging stand 5 is configured to extend into the recess 25.2 arranged in the floor cleaning nozzle 21 when the vacuum cleaner 3 is positioned in the charging stand 5. Furthermore, the second projection 27.2 of the charging stand 5 is configured to abut against a front portion of the floor cleaning nozzle 21 when the vacuum cleaner 3 is positioned in the charging stand 5. Thanks to these features, a further secure and secure positioning of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the charging stand 5 is provided. Thus, according to these and other embodiments described herein, the second portion 15 of the vacuum cleaner 5 may be part of the floor cleaning nozzle 21, either as an alternative to the wheels 19 or in addition to the wheels 19. According to some embodiments, one or more of the first, second and third protrusions 27.1, 27.2, 27.3 may be displaceably arranged relative to the base portion 18 of the charging dock 5 to facilitate removal of the vacuum cleaner 3 from the charging dock 5 and/or to facilitate positioning of the vacuum cleaner 3 in the charging dock 5.

According to some embodiments, the second fixation assembly 13, 13' may comprise only one, only two or only three of the first recess 25.1, the first protrusion 27.1, the second protrusion 27.2, the second recess 25.2 and the third recess 25.3. Further, the second fixing element 13, 13 'of the embodiment illustrated in fig. 5 may comprise a second magnetic element 23, 23' as described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in fig. 1, 2 and 4, as an alternative or in addition to one or more of the first recess 25.1, the first projection 27.1, the second projection 27.2 and the second recess 25.2 and the third recess 25.3.

It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various exemplary embodiments and that the invention is limited only by the claims which follow. Those skilled in the art realize that the exemplary embodiments can be modified and different features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, the terms "comprises" or "comprising" are open-ended and include one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions without precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner assembly (1) comprising:

-a rechargeable stick vacuum cleaner (3), and

-a charging cradle (5),

wherein the vacuum cleaner (3) comprises an elongated body (7), and wherein the vacuum cleaner (3) is configured to be releasably positioned in the charging stand (5) such that the elongated body (7) extends in a first direction (d1),

wherein the assembly (1) further comprises:

-a magnetic assembly (9, 9') configured to fix a first portion (11) of the vacuum cleaner (3) to the charging stand (5), and

-a second fixing assembly (13, 13') configured to fix a second portion (15) of the vacuum cleaner (3) to the charging stand (5),

and wherein the second portion (15) is arranged at a distance (d) from the first portion (11) in the first direction (d 1).

2. An assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distance (d) is greater than 5%, 10% or 15% of the length (L) of the vacuum cleaner (3) in the first direction (d 1).

3. The assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said charging dock (5) is configured to be positioned on a floor surface (17), and wherein a plane (p) comprising said first direction (d1) and said magnetic assembly (9, 9') is substantially perpendicular to said floor surface (17) when said charging dock (5) is positioned on said floor surface (17).

4. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum cleaner (3) comprises at least one wheel (19) and wherein the second portion (15) is part of the at least one wheel (19).

5. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum cleaner (3) comprises a floor cleaning nozzle (21), and wherein the second part (15) is part of the floor cleaning nozzle (21).

6. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fixing assembly (13, 13') comprises at least one protrusion (27.1, 27.2, 27.3).

7. An assembly (1) according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the second stationary assembly (13, 13') comprises a protrusion (27.2, 27.3) arranged at the charging seat (5), and wherein the protrusion (27.2, 27.3) is configured to abut against the floor cleaning nozzle (21) when the vacuum cleaner (3) is releasably positioned in the charging seat (5).

8. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fixing assembly (13, 13') comprises at least one recess (25.1, 25.2).

9. An assembly (1) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the second stationary assembly (13, 13') comprises a recess (25.2) arranged in the floor cleaning nozzle (21), and wherein the charging seat (5) comprises a protrusion (27.3) configured to extend into the recess (25.2) when the vacuum cleaner (3) is releasably positioned in the charging seat (5).

10. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fixation assembly (13, 13 ') comprises a second magnetic assembly (23, 23').

11. The assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging dock (5) is configured to be positioned on a floor surface (17), wherein the charging dock (5) comprises a ramp portion (29), and wherein the ramp portion (29) is adjacent to the floor surface (17) when the charging dock (5) is positioned on the floor surface (17).

12. The assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the ramp portion (29) comprises a ramp surface (31), and wherein an angle (a1) between the ramp surface (31) and the floor surface (17) is less than 20 degrees.

13. An assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging stand (5) comprises a first contact unit (33, 33 ') and the vacuum cleaner (3) comprises a second contact unit (35, 35 ') configured to abut against the first contact unit (33, 33 ') when the vacuum cleaner (3) is releasably positioned in the charging stand (5), and wherein at least one of the first and second contact units (33, 33 ', 35, 35 ') is displaceably arranged.

14. Assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic assembly (9, 9 ') is configured to fix the first part (11) of the vacuum cleaner (3) to the charging stand (5) in a fixed direction (fd), and wherein at least one of the first and second contact units (33, 33 ', 35, 35 ') is displaceably arranged in a second direction (d2) at an angle with respect to the fixed direction (fd).

15. Assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein the angle (a2) between the second direction (d2) and the fixed direction (fd) is within an interval of 15 to 90 degrees.

16. Assembly (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said fixed direction (fd) is substantially perpendicular to said first direction (d 1).

17. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said charging dock (5) is configured to be positioned on a floor surface (17), and wherein said fixed direction (fd) and said second direction (d2) are substantially parallel to said floor surface (17).

18. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein at least one of the first contact unit (33, 33 ') and the second contact unit (35, 35') is dome-shaped.