EP1525837B1 - Vacuum cleaner with mobile motor housing - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner with mobile motor housing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1525837B1 EP1525837B1 EP03425671A EP03425671A EP1525837B1 EP 1525837 B1 EP1525837 B1 EP 1525837B1 EP 03425671 A EP03425671 A EP 03425671A EP 03425671 A EP03425671 A EP 03425671A EP 1525837 B1 EP1525837 B1 EP 1525837B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- machine body
- bearing structure
- electric broom
- suction pipe
- articulated
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 244000007853 Sarothamnus scoparius Species 0.000 claims description 67
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 abstract description 19
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000031872 Body Remains Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/32—Handles
- A47L9/325—Handles for wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
- A47L5/32—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with means for connecting a hose
Definitions
- the present invention refers to an electric broom.
- the term “electric broom” is used to indicate an electrically operated suction cleaning device intended to be globally and directly manoeuvred by the user during cleaning operations.
- an electrically operated suction cleaning device either an electric broom or a vacuum cleaner
- a suction cleaning device comprises an electric motor which actuates a rotor connected, by means of a suction pipe, to a suction mouth.
- Further tools such as extension tubes, sliding blocks, brushes or nozzles with different shapes and functions can be mounted on such a suction mouth.
- the dust and dirt sucked up reach a collection bag through suitable filtration means.
- the electric motor, the rotor and the collection bag are housed in a machine body, from which the suction pipe extends.
- the two types of device identified above are, however, manoeuvred and/or used in a substantially different way.
- the user directly manoeuvres the entire device (i.e. both the machine body and the suction pipe); in the case of vacuum cleaners, on the other hand, the user directly manoeuvres just the suction pipe, whereas the machine body is typically mounted on a trolley moved by towing or it is carried over the shoulder.
- a general technical problem common both to electric brooms and to vacuum cleaners is that relating to the difficulty and awkwardness of use of such devices in cleaning hidden or difficult-to-reach zones, which may be, for example, the spaces between a bed or another piece of furniture and the floor.
- zones which may be, for example, the spaces between a bed or another piece of furniture and the floor.
- the user To carry out the cleaning of such zones the user must, indeed, bend down or take up awkward and/or tiring positions.
- the user is forced to tilt the whole electric broom towards the floor to a greater degree the smaller is the space and, to do this, he has to bend down.
- patent application EP 1 226 777 discloses an extension tube for suction pipes of a vacuum cleaner comprising an upper portion equipped with grip means and able to be associated with the suction pipe and a lower portion carrying the suction mouth, connected together through an articulated joint which allows the user to bend one portion of the extension tube with respect to the other portion by a predetermined angle and to maintain such a position by locking means of the articulated joint.
- Patent FR 2 772 585 gives an alternative solution to the same problem. It describes an articulated pipe, particularly suitable for suction or ejection pipes of cleaning devices, comprising a first arm constituting a gripping element provided with a grip, a second mobile arm rotatably mounted on the first arm and suitable actuation means of the articulation placed between the two arms.
- the actuation means of the articulation can be of the mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic type and are driven by suitable driving members arranged at the grip.
- the technical problem at the basis of the present invention is therefore that of improving the functionality and the operating possibilities of an electric broom in cleaning difficult-to-reach zones, like the spaces between furniture and floor, so as to overcome the drawbacks indicated above with reference to conventional electric brooms.
- the present invention therefore relates to an electric broom, comprising:
- the electric broom of the present invention thus has an articulated structure, this characteristic allowing the user to also carry out cleaning of spaces or other difficult-to-reach zones, maintaining a comfortable working position (i.e. without bending over or stooping down).
- the electric broom of the present invention has the possibility of taking up different operating configurations according to the needs of use.
- it can take up a first non-articulated operating configuration, in which the machine body is in the first operating position and locks the articulated joint of the bearing structure thus preventing the articulation of the bearing structure (in this configuration the electric broom is used in a conventional manner), and a second articulated operating configuration, specific to the present invention, in which the machine body is in the second operating position and unlocks the articulated joint, thus allowing the articulation of the bearing structure.
- the upper part of the electric broom can maintain the most comfortable tilt for the user gripping it, whereas the lower part can take up a different tilt, up to being substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned, so as to be able to easily introduce it under furniture or in other spaces otherwise difficult to reach.
- the suction pipe being flexible, can easily adapt to both of the configurations discussed above.
- the motor means comprise, in particular, an alternating current electric motor supplied via a cable; however, it is possible to foresee alternative embodiments comprising direct current electric motors supplied through batteries, that may be rechargeable.
- the articulated joint in the electric broom of the present invention is therefore locked or else unlocked by simply moving the machine body on the bearing structure.
- This way of actuating the articulated joint avoids the provision of specific actuation means (such as those disclosed in patent application EP 1 226 777 and in patent FR 2 772 585 discussed above) which could be subject to failure and/or breaking.
- the machine body of the electric broom of the present invention is slidable on said bearing structure between said first operating position, in which the machine body covers said at least one articulated joint preventing the articulation of said at least two rigid elements, and said second operating position, in which the machine body uncovers said at least one articulated joint, allowing the articulation of said at least two rigid elements.
- the user can thus advantageously arrange the broom for passage from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration, and vice-versa, by simply displacing the machine body from the first to the second operating position (i.e. displacing the machine body upwards) and vice-versa (i.e. displacing the machine body downwards).
- the machine body instead of being able to slide on the bearing structure, is rotatable with respect to the bearing structure, again so as to be able to lock/unlock the articulated joint with a simple movement of the machine body with respect to the bearing structure.
- said at least one articulated joint comprises at least one hinge acting between said at least two rigid elements and, optionally, at least one return spring acting on said at least one hinge.
- said at least one hinge allows passage from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration by simply applying a pressure on the bearing structure or on the machine body and passage from the articulated configuration to the non-articulated configuration by simply lifting the bearing structure or the machine body, without the need to carry out further movements.
- said return spring whilst still being optional, allows better control of said at least one articulated joint, both in the step of passage from one operating configuration to the other, and during the cleaning operations carried out in the articulated configuration.
- the rigidity of such a return spring can be calibrated based upon the relative weight of the at least two rigid elements and of the machine body.
- the electric broom of the present invention comprises stop means adapted to keep said machine body in said first and second operating positions.
- stop means adapted to keep said machine body in said first and second operating positions.
- the presence of such stop means is particularly advantageous because they allow the machine body to remain in said first and second operating positions without having to constantly be supported by the user, thisbeing somewhat awkward and tiring.
- the electric broom of the present invention comprises support and sliding means of said machine body on a floor when said electric broom is in said articulated configuration. This allows the user to carry out the cleaning of the spaces between furniture and floor without having to bear the weight of the electric broom.
- said support and sliding means comprise a wheel associated at a lower end of said machine body.
- a wheel associated at a lower end of said machine body.
- said bearing structure has at least one longitudinal seat having a substantially C-shaped section for at least partially housing said suction pipe in a removable manner.
- said bearing structure comprises, at a lower end thereof, a seat for removably receiving said second end of said suction pipe.
- the flexible suction pipe can, however, also be removed from the bearing structure and be handled separately from the rest of the electric broom (in particular from the machine body); this is useful for reaching angles or other points which the electric broom could not reach or even to carry out the cleaning of sofas or other furnishings.
- said machine body is removably associated with said bearing structure.
- This characteristic gives further versatility in use of the electric broom object of the present invention.
- the user has, indeed, the possibility, after having removed said suction pipe from the seats described above, of withdrawing or completely extracting said bearing structure from said machine body and then using the electric broom substantially as a conventional vacuum cleaner, carrying the machine body over the shoulder and gripping the free end of said suction pipe for cleaning.
- the electric broom 1 comprises a machine body 2, a flexible suction pipe 3 and a bearing structure 4 for the machine body 2 and for the suction pipe 3.
- the machine body 2 comprises a front body 11 and a rear body 12, able to be associated with each other (through corresponding pins 110a and 110c respectively visible in figure 4 and 5) and overall forming an outer shell having a substantially ovoidal cross section.
- the machine body 2 also comprises an inner support structure 13 placed between the front body 11 and the rear body 12 and associated with them through corresponding pins 110b (visible in figure 4).
- the inner support structure 13 is suitable for supporting an electric motor 14 and a collection bag 15 of the dust sucked up (schematically illustrated in figures 1-3).
- a space 110 is formed for housing the bearing structure 4 (see in particular figure 7).
- the inner support structure 13 of the machine body 2 comprises: un upper space 134 suitable for housing the motor 14; a lower space 135 suitable for housing the collection bag 15; a first shelf 136 suitable for supporting the motor 14 and provided with a through-hole 137 which allows the connection between the motor 14 and the collection bag 15; a second shelf 138, arranged below the first shelf 136, suitable for supporting the collection bag 15 and provided with a through-hole 139 which allows the connection between the collection bag 15 and the suction pipe 3.
- the side walls of the upper space 134 are provided with air vents 16a and 16b which ensure the ventilation of the electric motor 14.
- the front body 11 is manufactured in a single piece and comprises, at the air vents 16a and 16b, a plurality of slits 17a and 17b for allowing the passage of air between the inside of the machine body 2 and the outside.
- the rear body 12 is, on the other hand, manufactured in three distinct portions 12a, 12b and 12c, respectively corresponding to the upper space 134, the lower space 135, and the connection zone between collection bag 15 and suction pipe 3. This advantageously allows inspection or intervention on the motor 14 or on the collection bag 15 without necessarily having to disassemble all of the rear body 12.
- the rear body 12 comprises a hole 120 for housing the bearing structure 4.
- the machine body 2 slides on the bearing structure 4 between a first operating position, illustrated in figure 1, and a second operating position, illustrated in figure 2.
- Such sliding takes place thanks to a plurality of sliding elements suitably placed between the machine body 2 and the bearing structure 4.
- a plurality of sliding elements comprises a first group of rollers 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d positioned at the upper end of the machine body 2 and visible in detail in the section of figure 7, and a second group of rollers 9a, 9b, 9c positioned at the lower end of the machine body 2 and also visible in figure 4.
- the first group of rollers comprises: a front roller 8a, a rear roller 8d and two side rollers 8b and 8c; the seats of the front roller 8a and of the two side rollers 8b, 8c are formed in the front body 11, whereas the seat of the rear roller 8d is formed in the inner support structure 13.
- the second group of rollers comprises: a front roller 9a and two side rollers 9b and 9c, the seats of which are all formed in the front body 11 (see figure 4).
- Such an arrangement of the rollers on the front body 11 and on the inner support structure 13 of the machine body 2 allows better guiding during the sliding of the machine body 2 on the bearing structure 4 and eases possible maintenance or replacement operations of one or more rollers; such operations can, indeed, be carried out by simply disassembling the front body 11 and/or the inner support structure 13 of the machine body 2.
- the sliding of the machine body 2 on the bearing structure 4 can be realised through technical solutions different to the one described above, such solutions in any case being conventional and easily identifiable for a person skilled in the art.
- the sliding of the machine body 2 from the first to the second operating position is commanded by the user who grips the machine body 2 at a suitable handle 200 formed on the front body 11.
- the electric broom 1 of the present invention is provided with means for keeping the machine body 2 in the aforementioned first and second operating position.
- Such means comprise a pawl 21, formed on the inner surface of the front body 11, near to its upper end.
- a pawl 21 is suitable for engaging in a cut 22a when the machine body 2 is in the first operating position (see figure 1) and in a cut 22b when the machine body 2 is in the second operating position (see figure 2), the cuts 22a and 22b being formed on the outer surface of the bearing structure 4.
- a limit stroke projection 23 is also provided, against which the machine body 2 abuts by gravity when it is in the first operating position.
- a plurality of guide means is provided for the sliding of the machine body 2 on the bearing structure 4, suitable for keeping the bearing structure 4 in the correct position within the machine body 2 during the use of the electric broom 1.
- Such guide means comprise, in particular, a sliding rail 31, partially visible in figure 4, formed on the inner surface of the front body 11, a guide 32, visible in figure 5, formed on the outer surface of the inner support structure 13 and a sleeve 33, visible in figures 1-5, associated with the outer surface of the inner support structure 13 and adapted to house the bearing structure 4 in such a way as to still be able to withdraw or completely extract the bearing structure 4 from the machine body 2.
- the bearing structure 4 comprises, at the upper end thereof, a grip 400 with a greater section with respect to that of the bearing structure 4 and of the hole 120 of the rear body 12, such a grip 400 being removably associated telescopically to the bearing structure 4 to allow the extraction of the bearing structure 4 from the machine body 2.
- the bearing structure 4 comprises a substantially elongated first rigid element 41 and a second rigid element 42 also substantially elongated, connected with each other through an articulated joint 43, which allows the relative articulation of the aforementioned rigid elements.
- such an articulated joint 43 comprises a hinge 44; in another embodiment considered to be of interest (not shown), the articulated joint also comprises a return spring acting upon the hinge 44.
- the rigidity of such a return spring can be suitably chosen based upon the relative weight of the two rigid elements 41, 42 and of the machine body 2. In both of the quoted embodiments it is possible to pass from a non-articulated electric broom configuration (figure 1) to an articulated electric broom configuration (figure 3) by simply applying a pressure upon the grip 400 or upon the machine body 2 and to pass from the articulated configuration to the non-articulated configuration by simply lifting the grip 400 or the machine body 2.
- At least one portion of the first rigid element 41 and of the second rigid element 42 (in the embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings, all of the second rigid element) have a C-shaped section, visible in figure 4 and in figure 8, for housing the suction pipe 3 so as to hold it in position during operation at the same time ensuring its protection and support.
- the keeping in position of the flexible suction pipe 3 in the rigid element 42 takes place with the help of two tabs 420a and 420b.
- the second rigid element 42 of the bearing structure 4 comprises, at its lower end, a seat 45 for removably receiving a suction mouth 30 of the suction pipe 3.
- the coupling between the suction mouth 30 and the seat 45 is of the bayonet type, as shown in detail in figure 8.
- the seat 45 comprises, in particular, a sleeve 46 adapted to house the free end of the suction pipe 3 defining the suction mouth 30.
- a substantially L-shaped cut 47 is formed on the sleeve 46, this cut being suitable for engaging a corresponding engagement projection 48 formed on the surface of the suction mouth 30.
- a coupling with a snap mechanism comprising an ovoidal button acting in the seat 45 and adapted to snap engage in a corresponding recess or hole formed on the side surface of the suction mouth 30 and disengageable from the aforementioned recess or hole through a suitable release pedal.
- the machine body 2 comprises, at a lower end portion thereof, a wheel 19 housed in a suitable seat 190 and adapted to rest the machine body 2 on the floor when the broom is in the articulated configuration (figure 3) at the same time avoiding the machine body sliding on the floor itself.
- the broom of the present invention can be equipped with conventional accessories such as a sliding block 100 associated with the lower end of the bearing structure 4 and of the suction pipe 3 in a totally conventional manner.
- the non-articulated configuration is represented, in which the machine body 2 abuts against the limit stroke projection 23 and the pawl 21 engages in the cut 22a; the broom body 1 is thus in said first operating position and covers the articulated joint 43 locking it.
- the user makes the machine body 2 slide in the direction indicated by the arrow 10 in figure 1, acting upon the handle 200, until the pawl 21 is positioned in the cut 22b; the machine body is thus in said second operating position and uncovers the articulated joint 43, making it operative.
- the user then applies a light pressure upon the front part of the machine body 2 to actuate the articulation.
- FIG 3 a typical articulated configuration is represented, particularly advantageous for carrying out cleaning under furniture or in other spaces being difficult to reach in a non-articulated configuration.
- the second rigid element 42 of the bearing structure 34 is substantially parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned, whereas the first rigid element 41, on which the machine body 2 abuts in said second operating position, keeps a tilt with respect to such a surface which is comfortable for the user; the machine body 2 comes into contact with the floor surface through the support wheel 19.
- first of all the user slightly lifts the electric broom, by acting on the grip 400, so as to allow the articulated joint 43 to go back into the non-articulated rest position.
- the user disengages the pawl 21 from the cut 22b and makes the machine body 2 slide in the opposite direction to the one indicated by the arrow 10 until it is once again brought into said first operating position, in which the machine body 2 abuts against the limit switch projection 23 and locks the articulated joint 43.
- figure 6 shows the electric broom of the present invention in the non-articulated configuration, with the suction pipe 3 extracted from its housing in the bearing structure 4 and the suction mouth 30 free from the seat 45, so that the user can directly manoeuvre just the suction pipe 3.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention refers to an electric broom.
- Throughout the present description and the subsequent claims, the term "electric broom" is used to indicate an electrically operated suction cleaning device intended to be globally and directly manoeuvred by the user during cleaning operations.
- Electrically operated suction cleaning devices are known; in particular, for domestic cleaning, today electric brooms and vacuum cleaners are commonly used.
- The operating principle of an electrically operated suction cleaning device, either an electric broom or a vacuum cleaner, is known in the art. Normally, such a device comprises an electric motor which actuates a rotor connected, by means of a suction pipe, to a suction mouth. Further tools, such as extension tubes, sliding blocks, brushes or nozzles with different shapes and functions can be mounted on such a suction mouth. The dust and dirt sucked up reach a collection bag through suitable filtration means. The electric motor, the rotor and the collection bag are housed in a machine body, from which the suction pipe extends.
- Whilst still being based upon the same operating principle, the two types of device identified above are, however, manoeuvred and/or used in a substantially different way. In the case of electric brooms, during cleaning operations the user directly manoeuvres the entire device (i.e. both the machine body and the suction pipe); in the case of vacuum cleaners, on the other hand, the user directly manoeuvres just the suction pipe, whereas the machine body is typically mounted on a trolley moved by towing or it is carried over the shoulder.
- A general technical problem common both to electric brooms and to vacuum cleaners, is that relating to the difficulty and awkwardness of use of such devices in cleaning hidden or difficult-to-reach zones, which may be, for example, the spaces between a bed or another piece of furniture and the floor. To carry out the cleaning of such zones the user must, indeed, bend down or take up awkward and/or tiring positions. In particular, in the case of use of an electric broom, the user is forced to tilt the whole electric broom towards the floor to a greater degree the smaller is the space and, to do this, he has to bend down. This, in addition to involve awkward positions during the cleaning operations, can be even more tiring with respect to use, in analogous conditions, a vacuum cleaner, since in the case of electric brooms the user must support the weight of the whole broom and not just of the suction pipe.
- The prior art has some solutions to the problem discussed above. In particular, in the field of vacuum cleaners, these solutions foresee the use of flexible suction pipes and articulated extension tubes.
- For example,
patent application EP 1 226 777 -
Patent FR 2 772 585 - In the field of electric brooms, on the other hand, the known solutions to the problem discussed above substantially are reduced to the use of additional flexible suction pipes, possibly extendable through rigid extension tubes. The electric broom, in such a case, is used like a conventional vacuum cleaner; i.e. the user grips just the additional flexible suction pipe, whereas the machine body remains stationary with respect to the floor. However, the presence of a machine body that is stationary with respect to the floor substantially limits the functionality of such an electric broom with respect to that of a trolley-type vacuum cleaner, in which the machine body can, however, move with respect to the floor and follow the user during the cleaning operations. Such a solution is shown in
US-A-6317921 , this document forming the basis for the preamble of the independent claim. - The technical problem at the basis of the present invention is therefore that of improving the functionality and the operating possibilities of an electric broom in cleaning difficult-to-reach zones, like the spaces between furniture and floor, so as to overcome the drawbacks indicated above with reference to conventional electric brooms.
- The present invention therefore relates to an electric broom, comprising:
- a machine body adapted to house motor means,
- a suction pipe having a first end connected to said machine body and a second end defining a suction mouth,
- a bearing structure for said machine body and said suction pipe,
- Advantageously, the electric broom of the present invention thus has an articulated structure, this characteristic allowing the user to also carry out cleaning of spaces or other difficult-to-reach zones, maintaining a comfortable working position (i.e. without bending over or stooping down).
- Even more advantageously, the electric broom of the present invention has the possibility of taking up different operating configurations according to the needs of use. In particular, it can take up a first non-articulated operating configuration, in which the machine body is in the first operating position and locks the articulated joint of the bearing structure thus preventing the articulation of the bearing structure (in this configuration the electric broom is used in a conventional manner), and a second articulated operating configuration, specific to the present invention, in which the machine body is in the second operating position and unlocks the articulated joint, thus allowing the articulation of the bearing structure. In this last configuration, the upper part of the electric broom can maintain the most comfortable tilt for the user gripping it, whereas the lower part can take up a different tilt, up to being substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned, so as to be able to easily introduce it under furniture or in other spaces otherwise difficult to reach. Advantageously, the suction pipe, being flexible, can easily adapt to both of the configurations discussed above.
- In the preferred embodiment of the electric broom of the present invention, the motor means comprise, in particular, an alternating current electric motor supplied via a cable; however, it is possible to foresee alternative embodiments comprising direct current electric motors supplied through batteries, that may be rechargeable.
- In accordance with the present invention, in the electric broom of the present invention the articulated joint is therefore locked or else unlocked by simply moving the machine body on the bearing structure. This way of actuating the articulated joint avoids the provision of specific actuation means (such as those disclosed in
patent application EP 1 226 777patent FR 2 772 585 - Preferably, the machine body of the electric broom of the present invention is slidable on said bearing structure between said first operating position, in which the machine body covers said at least one articulated joint preventing the articulation of said at least two rigid elements, and said second operating position, in which the machine body uncovers said at least one articulated joint, allowing the articulation of said at least two rigid elements. The user can thus advantageously arrange the broom for passage from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration, and vice-versa, by simply displacing the machine body from the first to the second operating position (i.e. displacing the machine body upwards) and vice-versa (i.e. displacing the machine body downwards).
- In a less preferred, but still useful, alternative embodiment, the machine body, instead of being able to slide on the bearing structure, is rotatable with respect to the bearing structure, again so as to be able to lock/unlock the articulated joint with a simple movement of the machine body with respect to the bearing structure.
- In an embodiment of the electric broom of the present invention, said at least one articulated joint comprises at least one hinge acting between said at least two rigid elements and, optionally, at least one return spring acting on said at least one hinge. Advantageously, the use of said at least one hinge allows passage from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration by simply applying a pressure on the bearing structure or on the machine body and passage from the articulated configuration to the non-articulated configuration by simply lifting the bearing structure or the machine body, without the need to carry out further movements.
- The additional use of said return spring, whilst still being optional, allows better control of said at least one articulated joint, both in the step of passage from one operating configuration to the other, and during the cleaning operations carried out in the articulated configuration. The rigidity of such a return spring can be calibrated based upon the relative weight of the at least two rigid elements and of the machine body.
- Preferably, the electric broom of the present invention comprises stop means adapted to keep said machine body in said first and second operating positions. The presence of such stop means is particularly advantageous because they allow the machine body to remain in said first and second operating positions without having to constantly be supported by the user, thisbeing somewhat awkward and tiring.
- In a preferred embodiment thereof, the electric broom of the present invention comprises support and sliding means of said machine body on a floor when said electric broom is in said articulated configuration. This allows the user to carry out the cleaning of the spaces between furniture and floor without having to bear the weight of the electric broom.
- More preferably, said support and sliding means comprise a wheel associated at a lower end of said machine body. The presence of such a wheel advantageously allows to avoid said machine body resting directly upon the floor and/or sliding upon it, thus easing the moving of the electric broom and avoiding scratches or damage to the floor surface.
- Preferably, said bearing structure has at least one longitudinal seat having a substantially C-shaped section for at least partially housing said suction pipe in a removable manner. Even more preferably, said bearing structure comprises, at a lower end thereof, a seat for removably receiving said second end of said suction pipe. Such characteristics allow the electric broom object of the present invention to be given greater versatility. Indeed, it can be used in a conventional manner, when the flexible suction pipe is housed in the longitudinal seat with a C-shaped section of the bearing structure and its free end, defining the suction mouth, is housed in the respective seat provided at the lower end of the bearing structure. The flexible suction pipe can, however, also be removed from the bearing structure and be handled separately from the rest of the electric broom (in particular from the machine body); this is useful for reaching angles or other points which the electric broom could not reach or even to carry out the cleaning of sofas or other furnishings.
- Preferably, said machine body is removably associated with said bearing structure. This characteristic gives further versatility in use of the electric broom object of the present invention. The user has, indeed, the possibility, after having removed said suction pipe from the seats described above, of withdrawing or completely extracting said bearing structure from said machine body and then using the electric broom substantially as a conventional vacuum cleaner, carrying the machine body over the shoulder and gripping the free end of said suction pipe for cleaning.
- Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention shall become clearer from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, made with reference to the attached drawings. In such drawings,
- figure 1 is a partial section side view of an electric broom in accordance with the present invention in a first operating configuration thereof;
- figure 2 is a side view of the electric broom of figure 1 in a second operating configuration thereof;
- figure 3 is a side view of the electric broom of figure 1 in a third operating configuration thereof;
- figure 4 is an exploded perspective view, from a first observation point, of a portion of the electric broom of figure 1;
- figure 5 is an exploded perspective view, from a second observation point, of the electric broom of figure 1;
- figure 6 is a side view of the electric broom of figure 1 in a further operating configuration thereof;
- figure 7 is a cross section of the electric broom of figure 1 taken at the line A - A;
- figure 8 is a perspective view of a detail of the electric broom of figure 1.
- In the figures an electric broom in accordance with the present invention is indicated with 1. The
electric broom 1 comprises amachine body 2, aflexible suction pipe 3 and abearing structure 4 for themachine body 2 and for thesuction pipe 3. - With particular reference to figures 1, 4 and 5, the
machine body 2 comprises afront body 11 and arear body 12, able to be associated with each other (through correspondingpins machine body 2 also comprises aninner support structure 13 placed between thefront body 11 and therear body 12 and associated with them through correspondingpins 110b (visible in figure 4). Theinner support structure 13 is suitable for supporting anelectric motor 14 and acollection bag 15 of the dust sucked up (schematically illustrated in figures 1-3). - Between the
front body 11 and the inner support structure 13 aspace 110 is formed for housing the bearing structure 4 (see in particular figure 7). - The
inner support structure 13 of themachine body 2, as shown in figure 1 and in greater detail in figure 4, comprises: unupper space 134 suitable for housing themotor 14; alower space 135 suitable for housing thecollection bag 15; afirst shelf 136 suitable for supporting themotor 14 and provided with a through-hole 137 which allows the connection between themotor 14 and thecollection bag 15; asecond shelf 138, arranged below thefirst shelf 136, suitable for supporting thecollection bag 15 and provided with a through-hole 139 which allows the connection between thecollection bag 15 and thesuction pipe 3. The side walls of theupper space 134 are provided withair vents 16a and 16b which ensure the ventilation of theelectric motor 14. - The
front body 11, as can be seen in figures 4 and 5, is manufactured in a single piece and comprises, at theair vents 16a and 16b, a plurality ofslits machine body 2 and the outside. - The
rear body 12 is, on the other hand, manufactured in threedistinct portions upper space 134, thelower space 135, and the connection zone betweencollection bag 15 andsuction pipe 3. This advantageously allows inspection or intervention on themotor 14 or on thecollection bag 15 without necessarily having to disassemble all of therear body 12. - On the outer surface of the
upper portion 12a and of thelower portion 12c some cable-windinghooks electric broom 1 is not used. At its upper end, therear body 12 comprises ahole 120 for housing the bearingstructure 4. - The
machine body 2 slides on thebearing structure 4 between a first operating position, illustrated in figure 1, and a second operating position, illustrated in figure 2. Such sliding takes place thanks to a plurality of sliding elements suitably placed between themachine body 2 and thebearing structure 4. Preferably, such a plurality of sliding elements comprises a first group ofrollers machine body 2 and visible in detail in the section of figure 7, and a second group ofrollers machine body 2 and also visible in figure 4. The first group of rollers comprises: afront roller 8a, arear roller 8d and twoside rollers front roller 8a and of the twoside rollers front body 11, whereas the seat of therear roller 8d is formed in theinner support structure 13. The second group of rollers comprises: afront roller 9a and twoside rollers 9b and 9c, the seats of which are all formed in the front body 11 (see figure 4). Such an arrangement of the rollers on thefront body 11 and on theinner support structure 13 of themachine body 2 allows better guiding during the sliding of themachine body 2 on thebearing structure 4 and eases possible maintenance or replacement operations of one or more rollers; such operations can, indeed, be carried out by simply disassembling thefront body 11 and/or theinner support structure 13 of themachine body 2. However, it is obvious that the sliding of themachine body 2 on thebearing structure 4 can be realised through technical solutions different to the one described above, such solutions in any case being conventional and easily identifiable for a person skilled in the art. - The sliding of the
machine body 2 from the first to the second operating position is commanded by the user who grips themachine body 2 at asuitable handle 200 formed on thefront body 11. - The
electric broom 1 of the present invention is provided with means for keeping themachine body 2 in the aforementioned first and second operating position. Such means comprise apawl 21, formed on the inner surface of thefront body 11, near to its upper end. Such apawl 21 is suitable for engaging in acut 22a when themachine body 2 is in the first operating position (see figure 1) and in acut 22b when themachine body 2 is in the second operating position (see figure 2), thecuts structure 4. Alimit stroke projection 23 is also provided, against which themachine body 2 abuts by gravity when it is in the first operating position. - In the
space 110 a plurality of guide means is provided for the sliding of themachine body 2 on thebearing structure 4, suitable for keeping thebearing structure 4 in the correct position within themachine body 2 during the use of theelectric broom 1. Such guide means comprise, in particular, a slidingrail 31, partially visible in figure 4, formed on the inner surface of thefront body 11, aguide 32, visible in figure 5, formed on the outer surface of theinner support structure 13 and asleeve 33, visible in figures 1-5, associated with the outer surface of theinner support structure 13 and adapted to house the bearingstructure 4 in such a way as to still be able to withdraw or completely extract thebearing structure 4 from themachine body 2. In this respect, the bearingstructure 4 comprises, at the upper end thereof, agrip 400 with a greater section with respect to that of the bearingstructure 4 and of thehole 120 of therear body 12, such agrip 400 being removably associated telescopically to thebearing structure 4 to allow the extraction of the bearingstructure 4 from themachine body 2. - The bearing
structure 4 comprises a substantially elongated firstrigid element 41 and a secondrigid element 42 also substantially elongated, connected with each other through an articulated joint 43, which allows the relative articulation of the aforementioned rigid elements. - In a first embodiment of the present invention, such an articulated joint 43 comprises a
hinge 44; in another embodiment considered to be of interest (not shown), the articulated joint also comprises a return spring acting upon thehinge 44. The rigidity of such a return spring can be suitably chosen based upon the relative weight of the tworigid elements machine body 2. In both of the quoted embodiments it is possible to pass from a non-articulated electric broom configuration (figure 1) to an articulated electric broom configuration (figure 3) by simply applying a pressure upon thegrip 400 or upon themachine body 2 and to pass from the articulated configuration to the non-articulated configuration by simply lifting thegrip 400 or themachine body 2. - At least one portion of the first
rigid element 41 and of the second rigid element 42 (in the embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings, all of the second rigid element) have a C-shaped section, visible in figure 4 and in figure 8, for housing thesuction pipe 3 so as to hold it in position during operation at the same time ensuring its protection and support. The keeping in position of theflexible suction pipe 3 in therigid element 42 takes place with the help of twotabs - The second
rigid element 42 of the bearingstructure 4 comprises, at its lower end, aseat 45 for removably receiving asuction mouth 30 of thesuction pipe 3. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling between thesuction mouth 30 and theseat 45 is of the bayonet type, as shown in detail in figure 8. With reference to such a figure, theseat 45 comprises, in particular, asleeve 46 adapted to house the free end of thesuction pipe 3 defining thesuction mouth 30. A substantially L-shapedcut 47 is formed on thesleeve 46, this cut being suitable for engaging acorresponding engagement projection 48 formed on the surface of thesuction mouth 30. It is, however, possible to foresee types of coupling different to the one described above, like, for example, a coupling with a snap mechanism comprising an ovoidal button acting in theseat 45 and adapted to snap engage in a corresponding recess or hole formed on the side surface of thesuction mouth 30 and disengageable from the aforementioned recess or hole through a suitable release pedal. - The
machine body 2 comprises, at a lower end portion thereof, awheel 19 housed in asuitable seat 190 and adapted to rest themachine body 2 on the floor when the broom is in the articulated configuration (figure 3) at the same time avoiding the machine body sliding on the floor itself. - The broom of the present invention can be equipped with conventional accessories such as a sliding
block 100 associated with the lower end of the bearingstructure 4 and of thesuction pipe 3 in a totally conventional manner. - The operation of the electric broom of the present invention can be illustrated with reference to figures 1, 2 and 3, which show, overall, three different operating configurations thereof.
- In figure 1 the non-articulated configuration is represented, in which the
machine body 2 abuts against thelimit stroke projection 23 and thepawl 21 engages in thecut 22a; thebroom body 1 is thus in said first operating position and covers the articulated joint 43 locking it. To pass to the articulated configuration, represented in figure 2, the user makes themachine body 2 slide in the direction indicated by thearrow 10 in figure 1, acting upon thehandle 200, until thepawl 21 is positioned in thecut 22b; the machine body is thus in said second operating position and uncovers the articulated joint 43, making it operative. The user then applies a light pressure upon the front part of themachine body 2 to actuate the articulation. In figure 3 a typical articulated configuration is represented, particularly advantageous for carrying out cleaning under furniture or in other spaces being difficult to reach in a non-articulated configuration. In such a non-articulated configuration the secondrigid element 42 of the bearing structure 34 is substantially parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned, whereas the firstrigid element 41, on which themachine body 2 abuts in said second operating position, keeps a tilt with respect to such a surface which is comfortable for the user; themachine body 2 comes into contact with the floor surface through thesupport wheel 19. To go back to the non-articulated configuration, first of all the user slightly lifts the electric broom, by acting on thegrip 400, so as to allow the articulated joint 43 to go back into the non-articulated rest position. Then, by acting upon thehandle 200, the user disengages thepawl 21 from thecut 22b and makes themachine body 2 slide in the opposite direction to the one indicated by thearrow 10 until it is once again brought into said first operating position, in which themachine body 2 abuts against thelimit switch projection 23 and locks the articulated joint 43. - A further way of use is shown in figure 6, which shows the electric broom of the present invention in the non-articulated configuration, with the
suction pipe 3 extracted from its housing in thebearing structure 4 and thesuction mouth 30 free from theseat 45, so that the user can directly manoeuvre just thesuction pipe 3.
Claims (8)
- Electric broom (1), comprising:- a machine body (2) adapted to house motor means,- a suction pipe (3) having a first end connected to said machine body and a second end defining a suction mouth,- a bearing structure (4) for said machine body and said suction pipe, wherein said suction pipe is flexible and wherein said bearing structure comprises at least two substantially elongated rigid elements, (41,42), characterised in that said rigid elements are connected to each other through at least one articulated joint (43), said machine body (2) being mobile with respect to said bearing structure (4) between a first operating position, in which said machine body locks said at least one articulated joint, and a second operating position, in which said machine body unlocks said at least one articulated joint, allowing said electric broom (12) to take up an articulated configuration.
- Electric broom according to claim 1, wherein said machine body is able to slide on said bearing structure between said first operating position, in which said machine body covers said at least one articulated joint preventing the articulation of said at least two rigid elements, and said second operating position, in which said machine body uncovers said at least one articulated joint, allowing the articulation of said at least two rigid elements.
- Electric broom according to any one of the previous claims, comprising stop means adapted to keep said machine body in said first and second operating positions.
- Electric broom according to any one of the previous claims, comprising support and sliding means of said machine body on a floor when said electric broom is in said articulated configuration.
- Electric broom according to claim 4, wherein said support and sliding means of said machine body on a floor comprise a wheel associated with said machine body at a lower end thereof.
- Electric broom according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said bearing structure has at least one longitudinal seat having a substantially C-shaped section for at least partially housing said suction pipe in a removable manner.
- Electric broom according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said bearing structure comprises, at a lower end thereof, a seat for removably receiving said second end of said suction pipe.
- Electric broom according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said machine body is removably associated with said bearing structure.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE60314521T DE60314521D1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Vacuum cleaner with mobile motor housing |
AT03425671T ATE365017T1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | VACUUM CLEANER WITH MOBILE MOTOR HOUSING |
EP03425671A EP1525837B1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Vacuum cleaner with mobile motor housing |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP03425671A EP1525837B1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Vacuum cleaner with mobile motor housing |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1525837A1 EP1525837A1 (en) | 2005-04-27 |
EP1525837B1 true EP1525837B1 (en) | 2007-06-20 |
Family
ID=34384738
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03425671A Expired - Lifetime EP1525837B1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Vacuum cleaner with mobile motor housing |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1525837B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE365017T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60314521D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2563141A1 (en) * | 2005-10-13 | 2007-04-13 | The Hoover Company | Folding vacuum cleaner configuration |
ITTO20121061A1 (en) * | 2012-12-10 | 2014-06-11 | Indesit Co Spa | SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING A FLEXIBLE TUBE TO A VACUUM CLEANER HANDLE, AND VACUUM CLEANER HANDLE EQUIPPED WITH THIS SYSTEM |
US11330949B2 (en) * | 2017-06-12 | 2022-05-17 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Surface cleaning device with compact storage configuration |
JP7477428B2 (en) | 2020-11-05 | 2024-05-01 | 東芝ライフスタイル株式会社 | Vacuum cleaner |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2292317C (en) * | 1999-08-13 | 2004-05-04 | Samsung Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. | Stick-type vacuum cleaner |
CN1332625C (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2007-08-22 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | Electric vacuum cleaner, and vacuum cleaner hose |
-
2003
- 2003-10-16 DE DE60314521T patent/DE60314521D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-10-16 AT AT03425671T patent/ATE365017T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-10-16 EP EP03425671A patent/EP1525837B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE365017T1 (en) | 2007-07-15 |
DE60314521D1 (en) | 2007-08-02 |
EP1525837A1 (en) | 2005-04-27 |
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