EP1138244A1

EP1138244A1 - Handle incorporating switches for cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: EP1138244A1
Application number: EP00830237A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Franco Polti; Fabio Fassina
Original assignee: Polti SpA
Current assignee: Polti SpA
Priority date: 2000-03-29
Filing date: 2000-03-29
Publication date: 2001-10-04

Abstract

A machine for cleaning (1), in particular for domestic use, comprising a body (2), electrical devices (17) for the actuation of cleaning operations housed inside body (2) and at least one switch (33, 34) for operating the said electrical devices (17), characterized in that it comprises a handle (21) for lifting and carrying the machine (1) fixed rigidly to body (2) at a predetermined distance from it, the said at least one switch (33, 34) being housed in the said handle (21).

Description

The present invention relates to a machine for cleaning, particularly for domestic use, as defined in the preamble of Claim 1.
It is known that machines for cleaning contain, within a body, one or more switches that can be operated from the outside, for controlling electrical devices that are provided for executing the cleaning operations.
For example, in a vacuum cleaner, the aforesaid electrical devices comprise a vacuum pump driven by a motor, both housed within the body of the machine. The pump is in fluid communication with a duct connected to the body for the aspiration of dust from an external environment.
A unit for controlling the electrical devices, normally an electronic board, is also housed inside the body of the machine. This unit is provided with sensitive elements, for example microswitches, that are operated from. outside by means of suitable push-buttons provided on the body of the machine for the purpose of starting or stopping the motor and for adjusting the power of the motor.
Although the aforesaid machines are satisfactory from the standpoint of operation, they have the serious drawback that the switches are constantly liable to fouling or can even be damaged during the useful life of the machine.
Thus, in the aforementioned vacuum cleaners, the air leaving the body can still contain residual dust which can settle on the contacts of the switches and can in time cause their electrical isolation.
Moreover, in the case of vacuum cleaners that employ a fluid, normally water, to lay the dust, it is possible for the water to come into contact with the switches, causing corrosion effects or even jeopardizing the electrical protection of the user.
Similarly, the aforementioned drawback can also arise with machines for steam cleaning. Inside the body of these machines there is a boiler for generating the steam, which is supplied from a suitable nozzle, so that the unit that controls the electrical devices and the switches are also subject disadvantageously to heating by heat exchange with the heat that is propagated from the boiler in the body of the machine.
The technical problem forming the basis of the present invention is to devise a machine for cleaning that possesses structural and functional characteristics such as to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known technology.
This problem is solved by a machine for cleaning according to Claim 1.
Further characteristics and advantages of the machine for cleaning according to the present invention will become clear from the description of one of its preferred embodiments within the scope of a vacuum cleaner provided with a tank containing water for laying the dust, this description being given for guidance without limitation, referring to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a vacuum cleaner using water according to the invention,
Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the machine of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of the machine of Fig. 1,
Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the detail in Fig. 3,
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view in partial section of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, the number 1 is used throughout for indicating a machine, for domestic use, for cleaning by aspiration of dust.
The vacuum cleaner comprises a body 2 equipped at the bottom with wheels 3 and 4 so that it can be transported easily.
The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises in addition, contained in body 2, a removable tank 5 for collecting the dust contained in a fluid 6 up to a predetermined maximum level, for example water which may be mixed with deodorants, detergents, etc.
Tank 5 contains a hollow filter holder 7, through which a tube 8 passes, substantially coaxially, for delivering a flow of air and dust into tank 5.
Tube 8 is terminated on the outside of machine 1 with an element 10 for the insertion of a hose 12 of a conventional type, which enables the operator to vacuum the dust from a surface that is to be cleaned.
Inside tank 5, tube 8 has an end portion 9 that is bent to form an elbow and is provided with a mouth 11 for delivering a flow of air and dust into the said tank 5 below the free surface of fluid 6.
Filter holder 7 also has, externally, an annular grating 13 constituting a first filter element, and internally, an annular spongy filter 14 for retaining water particles transported by the air from which the dust has been removed.
Tank 5 has in addition two opposite ducts 15 made integrally with it to permit the discharge of the dust-free air at the bottom of tank 5. These ducts extend vertically from the bottom end of tank 5 and end inside the hollow filter holder 7.
Machine 1 further comprises, contained within body 2, an aspirating pump 16 driven by a motor 17 in fluid communication with filter holder 7 and with tank 5 via ducts 15 and a duct 18.
At the rear end of body 2 there is in addition a filter 19 through which the air aspirated by pump 16 is passed before it is returned to the surroundings.
Machine 1 also has a handle 21 fixed rigidly to body 2 at a predetermined distance from it.
In particular, handle 21 is positioned on top of body 2 in a region above its centre of gravity, so as to make it easy to pick up and carry the machine 1.
Handle 21 has a cross-piece 22 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of body 2, supported at its opposite ends by two uprights 23 and 24 which extend vertically from body 2.
In the example, the uprights 23 and 24 consist concretely of two tubular bodies that are integral with body 2.
The cross-piece is composed of a lower shell 25 and an upper shell 26 joined together by screws (not shown) so as to form a closed body and prevent the ingress of dust or other impurities.
In the example of embodiment in the diagram, the lower shell 25 consists of two cylindrical sleeves 25a and 25b jutting out of it which are to be inserted in the tubular elements 23 and 24 with fit connection.
Sleeve 25a has a top wall 32 which is intended to come up against a diaphragm 27 constructed inside tubular element 23. The aforesaid top wall 32 of the sleeve and the diaphragm 27 are kept close together by a connecting screw 28. The diaphragm and the top wall constitute sealing elements that prevent dust or other impurities from passing from body 2 of the machine into cross-piece 22 by passing through the upright 23.
To decrease the passage of dust via the upright, a gasket 29 is also provided.
Sleeve 25b and tubular element 24 are held rigidly together by a screw 30, as in the case of sleeve 25a and tubular element 23.
Sleeve 25b and tubular element 24 are open to permit the passage of electrical leads and other elements as will be seen more clearly from the rest of the description.
Furthermore, the lower shell is provided with a sealing element, in the example a shroud 31, positioned at the point of attachment of sleeve 25b. This sealing element prevents dust or other impurities from passing via upright 24 from the body 2 of the machine into the cross-piece 22.
Handle 21 is hollow internally and has a first switch 33 for starting and stopping the suction motor 17 and a second switch 34 for adjusting the power of the aforesaid motor 17.
Switch 33 consists of a microswitch 35 housed in cross-piece 22 and a corresponding operating device 36 which can be actuated from the outside of cross-piece 22.
The operating device 36 comprises a frame 37, a push-button 38 which projects from an opening in the upper shell 26 of cross-piece 22 near its front end 22a, and an arm 39 for actuating the microswitch 35 subsequent to action on push-button 38 against the action of a spring 40 abutting against the top wall 32 of sleeve 25a.
A seal is provided between push-button 38 and the upper shell 26, in the example by means of a flexible gasket 59, to prevent the ingress of dust or other impurities into cross-piece 22.
Switch 34 is composed of two microswitches 41 and 42 housed inside cross-piece 22 and a corresponding operating device 43 that can be actuated from outside of cross-piece 22. Operating device 43 is integral with the upper shell 26 of cross-piece 22 and consists concretely of two opposite push- buttons 44 and 45 which are elastically pliable for operating microswitches 41 and 42 respectively, which are made by cutting into the upper shell 26.
A seal is provided between push- buttons 44 and 45 and the upper shell 26, to prevent the ingress of dust or other impurities into cross-piece 22.
In the present embodiment, actuation of microswitches 41 and 42 respectively permits increase or decrease in power of motor 17.
Associated with the operating device 43, the cross-piece 22 also has a number of LEDs 46 which provide visual indication of the operational state of motor 17.
Cross-piece 22 also houses an electronic board 47 as the control unit of motor 17 of machine 1. This board 47 carries the LEDs 46 and the microswitches 35, 41 and 42.
Board 47 is provided with connecting pads indicated throughout with 48, to each of which is soldered a free end of an electrical lead.
In the example, the electrical leads are gathered together in a sheath 49 which passes through shroud 31, via a through-hole that has been made in it, and sleeve 25b that goes into body 2 of the machine. The end of sheath 39 that is in body 2 is provided with a connector for plugging into a corresponding socket 50 near motor 17.
Machine 1 also has a cable-winding device 51 of a conventional type, contained in body 2. This device 51 has an electrical lead 52 wound upon it for supplying power to machine 1, and can be operated remotely from a transmission rod 53 extending coaxially in sleeve 25b and in shroud 31, the latter being provided with a through-hole for inserting the rod 53.
The transmission rod 53 is operated by an operating device 54 equipped with a push-button 55 that projects from a hole made in the upper shell 26 of cross-piece 22 near its rear end 22b.
A seal is provided between push-button 38 and the upper shell 26, in the example by means of a flexible gasket 59, to prevent the ingress of dust or other impurities into cross-piece 22.
Similarly, a flexible gasket 60 provides a seal between push-button 55 and the upper shell 26.
Push-button 55 permits actuation of transmission rod 53 against the action of a spring 56 housed in sleeve 25b. In the example, transmission rod 53 acts upon a lever 57 hinged to the machine body 2 and it acts in its turn on an entirely conventional operating device 58 that is able to lock and unlock the cable winder 51.
The main advantage of the cleaning machine according to the present invention resides in the fact that the switches and the control unit have little likelihood of being fouled or damaged as they are arranged outside of the machine body containing the electrical devices to which they are connected.
Another advantage of the machine according to the invention is its ease and convenience of use, in that the operator gripping the cross-piece with one hand can easily use the same hand for operating the switch for starting and stopping the motor, the switch for adjusting the power, and the control for the cable winder as required.
It should also be pointed out that by arranging the handle at a predefined distance from the body, it is easier for the user to grip the handle in order to lift and/or carry the machine according to the invention.
A further advantage of the machine according to the invention is its simplicity of construction, reduced weight and extremely compact shape.
For the purpose of satisfying contingent and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art will be able to make numerous changes and variations to the cleaning machine according to the present invention, but all of these are within the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

Machine for cleaning (1), in particular for domestic use comprising a body (2), electrical devices (17) for actuating the cleaning operations contained within body (2) and at least one switch (33, 34) for operating the said electrical devices (17), characterized in that it comprises a handle (21) for lifting and carrying the machine (1) fixed rigidly to body (2) at a predetermined distance from it, the said at least one switch (33, 34) being housed in the said handle (21).
Machine (1) according to Claim 1, in which the said handle (21) is positioned above the said body (2) in a region above its centre of gravity.
Machine (1) according to Claim 2, in which the said handle (21) is hollow internally.
Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said handle (21) comprises a cross-piece (22) extending in a direction that is substantially parallel to body (2) of the machine and at least one upright (23, 24) extending from body (2) of machine (1) for supporting the said cross-piece (22).
Machine according to Claim 4, in which the said cross-piece (26) is supported by a first upright (23) and a second upright (24) both of which are integral with the said body (2).
Machine according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the said cross-piece (22) comprises a lower shell (25) and an upper shell (26) joined together, the said lower shell (25) being provided with a first sleeve (25a) and with a second sleeve (25b) jutting out from it and inserted respectively in the first upright (23) and in the second upright (24).
Machine according to Claim 6, in which the said first sleeve (25a) has a top wall (32) that comes up against a diaphragm (27) made in the said upright (23), the said top wall (32) and the said diaphragm (27) being kept close together by a connecting screw (28).
Machine according to Claim 6 or 7, in which the said second sleeve (25b) is connected rigidly to the said second upright (24) by means of a connecting screw (30) and the said lower shell (25) is provided with a gasket (31) at the point of attachment of the said second sleeve (25b).
Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said electrical devices comprise a motor (17) driving a suction pump (16).
Machine according to Claim 9, in which the said handle (21) contains a first switch (33) for starting and stopping the said motor (17) housed in the said cross-piece (22).
Machine according to Claim 10, in which the said first switch (33) comprises a first microswitch (35) housed in cross-piece (22) and a first operating device (36) that can be actuated from outside the said cross-piece (22) for acting upon the said first microswitch (35).
Machine according to Claim 11, in which the said first operating device (36) comprises a push-button (38) that projects from a hole made in the said upper shell (26) and an arm (39) for actuating the said first microswitch (35) subsequent to the action on the said push-button (38) against the action of a spring (40), with a seal being provided between push-button (38) and the upper shell (26) to prevent the ingress of dust.
Machine according to any one of the claims from 10 to 12 comprising a second switch (34) for adjusting the power of the said suction motor (17) housed in the said cross-piece (22).
Machine according to Claim 13, in which the said second switch (34) comprises a second microswitch (41) and a third microswitch (42) housed in the said cross-piece (22) respectively for increasing and decreasing the power of the said motor (17) and a second operating device (43) that can be operated from outside the said cross-piece (22) for alternate actuation of the said second and third microswitches (41, 42).
Machine according to Claim 14, in which the said second operating device (43) comprises two opposite push-buttons (44, 45) for actuating the said second and third microswitches (41, 42) made by cutting into the said upper shell (26), a seal being provided between the push-buttons (44, 45) and the upper shell (26) to prevent the ingress of dust.
Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cable winder (51) housed in the said body (2) and having an electrical lead (52) wound upon it, the said cable winder (51) being operable remotely for locking and unlocking by mechanical means (53, 55) connected to the said handle (21).
Machine according to Claim 16, in which the said mechanical means (53, 55) comprise a transmission rod (53) extending coaxially in the sleeve (25b) and in the gasket (31) for remote operation of the said cable winder (51) for locking and unlocking, and an operating device (54) of the said transmission rod (53) that can be operated from outside the said cross-piece (22).
Machine according to Claim 17, in which the said operating device (54) comprises a push-button (55) which projects from a hole made in the said upper shell (26) for operating the said transmission rod (53) against the action of a spring (56), a seal being provided between push-button (55) and the upper shell (26) to prevent the ingress of dust.