EP1560513A1 - Vacuum cleaner control - Google Patents

Vacuum cleaner control

Info

Publication number
EP1560513A1
EP1560513A1 EP03751696A EP03751696A EP1560513A1 EP 1560513 A1 EP1560513 A1 EP 1560513A1 EP 03751696 A EP03751696 A EP 03751696A EP 03751696 A EP03751696 A EP 03751696A EP 1560513 A1 EP1560513 A1 EP 1560513A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vacuum cleaner
attachment
handle
cleaner according
tube
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03751696A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Joakim Smith
Leif Gustafsson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Electrolux AB
Original Assignee
Electrolux AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux AB filed Critical Electrolux AB
Publication of EP1560513A1 publication Critical patent/EP1560513A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2894—Details related to signal transmission in suction cleaners
    • 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
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
    • A47L9/2842—Suction motors or blowers
    • 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
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
    • 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
    • A47L9/327—Handles for suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner handle or tube, which comprises at least one attachment.
  • the handle or tube is used as a past of a vacuum cleaner, such as an upright cleaner or a cylinder cleaner.
  • Vacuum cleaners have been available on the market for a long time. Two different constructions have dominated. The upright cleaners are mainly used in America and the
  • One result is that the consumer can buy different brand vacuum cleaners from the same manufacture and company in which, in some parts, the same components are used.
  • Tubes and handles are such standard parts, which are mainly used in several vacuum cleaner models. Often the tubes and handles are adapted to support other constructional details such as wires, brush holders etc. In order to achieve a suitable attachment of these details, the standard part therefore often has to be adapted. There is a problem which standard parts that have to be adapted. Since the development philosophy is to use standard handles and tubes, the adapting forces the development in wrong direction. In addition, if the manufacture adapts the standard handle or tube part for different constructional details, the adaptation will be visible as a constructional "error" when the detail is not used with a specific model. In a marketing sense, such an "error" reduces the consumers satisfaction with the product and in the end this could result in lower market shares.
  • the main object of the invention is therefore to achieve adaptations for standard parts, especially handles and tubes, which can be used for more than one constructional detail. Thereby, since every vacuum cleaner model needs at least some constructional details, every adaptation is used in every cleaner model. The visible "errors" will thereby be avoided.
  • Another object of the invention is also to achieve adaptations, which makes it easy for the manufacture or consumer to attach or mount the constructional detail on the standard in a simple cost effective manner.
  • a third object of the invention is to achieve adaptations that are positioned in a suitable matter for the user.
  • a fourth object of the invention is to achieve adaptations as cheap as possible, with low cost materials and few parts. The present invention is developed in order to solve the above-mentioned objects.
  • the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner handle or tube, which comprises at least one attachment.
  • the handle or tube is used as a part of a vacuum cleaner, such as an upright cleaner or a cylinder cleaner.
  • the attachment is designed in order to cooperate with one of at least two different units, said unit intended to be used together with the vacuum cleaner.
  • Each unit comprises means which during said cooperation interacts with the attachment so that said unit is being substantially secured to said handle or tube.
  • the attachment constitutes at least one groove that interacts with the means of the units.
  • the attachment is parallel with the airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner and constitutes at least one projection that interacts with the attachment.
  • the attachment is close to an opening which enables an airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner to pass and at least one of the supported units is movable along the extension of the attachment whereby the unit in at least one position closes the opening.
  • At least one of the supported units comprises an electronic control unit by which the operation of the vacuum cleaner is controlled, which unit comprises means communicating with other electronic means by using infrared signals, radio signals and/or ultrasonic signals.
  • At least one of the supported units comprises of at least two parts attached to one another, at least one part including means for attaching the unit to the attachment and at least one of the supported parts constitutes a vacuum cleaner accessory or an accessory holder.
  • the vacuum cleaner handle or tube is designed in one piece together with the attachment and is designed in plastic or metal.
  • Fig. 1 demonstrates a perspective view of a handle and a remote control as a preferred embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 shows a side view of the handle and the remote according to Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 demonstrates a perspective view of the separated handle and remote control according to Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 demonstrates a perspective view of the handle and remote control according to Fig. 4 from another angle.
  • Fig. 5 shows a side view of the handle according to Fig. 2.
  • Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the handle and the remote control according to Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 7 demonstrates a bottom view of the cover of the remote control according to Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 8 shows the perspective view of the electronic circuit board of the remote control according to Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 9 demonstrates a bottom view of the chassis of the remote control according to Fig. 6.
  • Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of the chassis according to Fug. 9.
  • Fig, 11 shows another cross-section of the chassis according to Fig. 9.
  • the illustrative embodiment discloses a remote control unit 10 adapted to be mounted on a vacuum cleaner handle or tube 11. These two parts together constitutes the most important parts of the invention. Below the handle and the remote are used in order to describe the scope of the invention. Other parts may be used instead.
  • the handle represents a standard part as described above and may be replaced by a tube.
  • the remote control unit represents a constructional detail as described above and may be replaced by such things as a brush holder or a tool holder. For a skilled person varieties of parts may be mounted in such a manner.
  • the remote control unit 10 includes electronics by which it communicates with the vacuum cleaner body, where the main electronics (not shown) is mounted. Thereby, the user can control vacuum cleaner functions without the need to press buttons or controls on the body.
  • the remote control unit and the main electronics In order for the remote control unit and the main electronics to communicate, several options are available. One way of doing this is to use a wire connecting the remote with main electronics. Several systems are available on the market in order to achieve such a communication for vacuum cleaners.
  • a radio frequency transmitter could be mounted on the remote and a receiver on the body.
  • the remote may also be equipped with a radio frequency receiver, receiving information from the body electronics.
  • ultrasonic communication can be used. Both these systems are proper when the vacuum cleaner is operated is a big room. They also have an advantage in comparison with an infrared communication solution.
  • An infrared system which is the most common presently in use, lack in communication. The transferred infrared light often needs to be reflected by the walls or the sealing in order to reach the receiver. This is not as necessary with the other solutions.
  • the electronic card 40 in the remote control of the illustrative embodiment is communicating by using infrared light.
  • Four IR diodes 41 - 44 are mounted, pointing in different directions, in order for some of the transmitted light to reach receivers on the vacuum cleaner body (not shown).
  • the card is also equipped with two switches 45-46 by which different functions can be selected.
  • the remote control has a scroll button 20, which affects the switches when it is pressed. If one end of the scroll button is forced down, one of the switches is pressed down. If the button is forced down by pressing in its middle, both switches are pressed down. Thereby, the sucking effect of the cleaner can be regulated by the user by pressing the button in either end. Then, if both switches are pressed down the vacuum cleaner can be shut ON or OFF.
  • other kind of buttons can be used in order to control the vacuum cleaner. Such buttons could be used to choose program mode or to control a nozzle suction motor.
  • the signals from the switches are sent to the vacuum cleaner main body electronics by the IR diodes 41-44.
  • the remote control has a cover 21 that covers the remote inside. This cover is made to enable the IR signals from the diodes to pass through it in order to reach the main electronics.
  • the remote control electronic card 40 has other components as well, such as a control unit (not shown). Among those is a diode 47 indicating that IR signals are being transmitted.
  • the remote control unit 10 shall now be further described. Its main task is to communicate function and design to the user, and to integrate with the vacuum cleaner handle or tube 11.
  • the unit In fig. 1 -2, the unit is shown mounted on the handle in an eye looking, suitable matter. The cover 21 is shown together with the scroll button 20. The function of those two parts has been described earlier. Further, as seen in the exploded view in fig. 6, the unit constitutes of other parts.
  • Two regular AAA batteries 22 gives power to the remote control electronics 40.
  • the chassis 23 The most important part of the remote control unit 10 is the chassis 23. It is mainly shown in fig. 6 and 9 - 11.
  • the chassis is designed in order to co-operate with the electronic card 40, the scroll button 20, the cover 21 and the batteries 22. It also constitutes main solutions in order to solve the above-mentioned objects of the present invention.
  • fig. 9 the chassis is shown from its underside, see also fig. 4.
  • the underside 24 is turned towards the handle or tube 11 as shown in the figures 1 - 4 and 6.
  • the chassis has a recess 24 for the scroll button. See fig. 6 and 9.
  • diode holes 26 interacts with the IR diodes 42 - 43.
  • the chassis also has means 26 in order to interact with the batteries 22.
  • the chassis 23 has pin pairs 25. These pins are shown especially in fig. 4 and 9 - 11.
  • the three pin pairs are adapted to interact with holes 48 on the remote circuit board 40 in order to attach the board inside the chassis. Since the scroll button 20 creates a force on the switches 45 - 46 it is important to use several pins 25 it that area.
  • the board also constitutes of two parts (fig. 8) in order to interact in a proper way with the chassis.
  • head pairs 27 - 29 are shown. These heads are an important part of the scope of the invention. They are adapted to interact with the vacuum cleaner standard part as the handle or tube on which the remote 10 is attached. In fig. 4 one of each head pair is shown. The figure also shows a handle 11 of a vacuum cleaner, on which the remote may be attached. The pin pair 27 is adapted to interact with uppermost adaptations 12 on the handle.
  • the adaptations in the embodiment refer to grooves on the handle, which normally interacts with a suction control lid normally mounted by the groves. This lid covers the opening 14 on the handle through which suction air can pass into the tube. By moving the lid, guided by the grooves, the opening is closed or opened. A suction control is thereby achieved.
  • the handle is a standard Soft-bend end handle, which is used together with a lot of Electrolux Vacuum cleaner.
  • the handle is designed with an esthetic look for the user and has a special design.
  • the handle is on its uppermost part 16 equipped with means 17 in order to interact in snap-fit with means on a standard bendable, soft tube part of almost any Electrolux vacuum cleaner tube.
  • the handles lowermost part 18 is shaped and equipped with stop means 19 in order to fit with a standard hard, metallic or plastic tube of any Electrolux vacuum cleaner.
  • the handle is nice for the user to hold and work with.
  • the remote unit or any other constructional detail for a vacuum cleaner can be attached on a standard part such as a handle or " a tube. Therefore, the handle 11 is adapted to show a preferred embodiment of such a standard part. Another such part could be the hard metallic or plastic tube connecting the vacuum cleaner nozzle with the handle. Secondly, the remote 10 is also adapted to show a preferred embodiment of a constructional detail that could be attached to a standard part. Another such detail could be a vacuum cleaner brush, nozzle or nozzle tube, stiff or bendable. Further, a detail could be a holder for such tools as brushes, nozzles or nozzle tubes. Mainly, in general the details are referred to any assembly for a vacuum cleaner.
  • the adaptation of the preferred embodiment is adapted to work with a suction control lid.
  • This solution is not adapted to narrow the scope of the invention.
  • a suction control could, instead of grooves, be constructed in another manner such as with snap- fits. If such other solutions are used, the constructional detail should be adapted in order to interact with such a solution by the suction control, without going outside the scope of the invention.
  • the suction control as such is also a preferred embodiment. It is possible to use adaptations for other things than a suction control, such as for snap-fit holding of tools or similar. Also using such adaptations is within the scope of the invention.
  • the scope is, adapting a standard part with at least one adaptation adapted to be used together with more than one constructional detail, such as a tool or suction control lid. Every use of one adaptation for more than one constructional detail falls within the scope of the invention such as disclosed in claim 1.
  • the adaptation as such could be of another construction than grooves. Snap-fit solutions, hooks, sticking means or other solutions may be used. The importance in the invention is to use adaptations that are able to interact with more than one detail.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner handle or tube 11, which comprises at least one attachment 12,15. The handle or tube 11 is used as a part of a vacuum cleaner, such as an upright cleaner or a cylinder cleaner. The attachment 12,15 is designed in order to cooperate with one of at least two different units 10, said unit intended to be used together with the vacuum cleaner. Each unit 10 comprises means which during said cooperation interacts with the attachment 10 so that said unit is being substantially secured to said handle or tube 12,15.

Description

Vaccum cleaner control
Technical field
The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner handle or tube, which comprises at least one attachment. The handle or tube is used as a past of a vacuum cleaner, such as an upright cleaner or a cylinder cleaner.
Background
Vacuum cleaners have been available on the market for a long time. Two different constructions have dominated. The upright cleaners are mainly used in America and the
UK, while the cylinder cleaners are used over the rest of the world. Development is in progress within both types of cleaners in order to create more cost effective models.
There is an increasing tendency to use the same basic, standard parts in several models.
Different models are made, by adapting a few other known or new developed parts into the vacuum cleaner. This development philosophy has resulted in better vacuum cleaners for a less cost for the consumers, which are more profitable for the Company.
One result is that the consumer can buy different brand vacuum cleaners from the same manufacture and company in which, in some parts, the same components are used.
Tubes and handles are such standard parts, which are mainly used in several vacuum cleaner models. Often the tubes and handles are adapted to support other constructional details such as wires, brush holders etc. In order to achieve a suitable attachment of these details, the standard part therefore often has to be adapted. There is a problem which standard parts that have to be adapted. Since the development philosophy is to use standard handles and tubes, the adapting forces the development in wrong direction. In addition, if the manufacture adapts the standard handle or tube part for different constructional details, the adaptation will be visible as a constructional "error" when the detail is not used with a specific model. In a marketing sense, such an "error" reduces the consumers satisfaction with the product and in the end this could result in lower market shares. In order to avoid that the manufactures has to use different standard parts for different vacuum cleaner models and that is what the Company wants to avoid. The main object of the invention is therefore to achieve adaptations for standard parts, especially handles and tubes, which can be used for more than one constructional detail. Thereby, since every vacuum cleaner model needs at least some constructional details, every adaptation is used in every cleaner model. The visible "errors" will thereby be avoided. Another object of the invention is also to achieve adaptations, which makes it easy for the manufacture or consumer to attach or mount the constructional detail on the standard in a simple cost effective manner. A third object of the invention is to achieve adaptations that are positioned in a suitable matter for the user. A fourth object of the invention is to achieve adaptations as cheap as possible, with low cost materials and few parts. The present invention is developed in order to solve the above-mentioned objects.
Summary of the invention
The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner handle or tube, which comprises at least one attachment. The handle or tube is used as a part of a vacuum cleaner, such as an upright cleaner or a cylinder cleaner. The attachment is designed in order to cooperate with one of at least two different units, said unit intended to be used together with the vacuum cleaner. Each unit comprises means which during said cooperation interacts with the attachment so that said unit is being substantially secured to said handle or tube.
The attachment constitutes at least one groove that interacts with the means of the units. The attachment is parallel with the airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner and constitutes at least one projection that interacts with the attachment. The attachment is close to an opening which enables an airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner to pass and at least one of the supported units is movable along the extension of the attachment whereby the unit in at least one position closes the opening.
At least one of the supported units comprises an electronic control unit by which the operation of the vacuum cleaner is controlled, which unit comprises means communicating with other electronic means by using infrared signals, radio signals and/or ultrasonic signals. At least one of the supported units comprises of at least two parts attached to one another, at least one part including means for attaching the unit to the attachment and at least one of the supported parts constitutes a vacuum cleaner accessory or an accessory holder. The vacuum cleaner handle or tube is designed in one piece together with the attachment and is designed in plastic or metal.
Description of the drawings
The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 demonstrates a perspective view of a handle and a remote control as a preferred embodiment according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows a side view of the handle and the remote according to Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 demonstrates a perspective view of the separated handle and remote control according to Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 demonstrates a perspective view of the handle and remote control according to Fig. 4 from another angle.
Fig. 5 shows a side view of the handle according to Fig. 2.
Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the handle and the remote control according to Fig. 1.
Fig. 7 demonstrates a bottom view of the cover of the remote control according to Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 shows the perspective view of the electronic circuit board of the remote control according to Fig. 6.
Fig. 9 demonstrates a bottom view of the chassis of the remote control according to Fig. 6. Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of the chassis according to Fug. 9.
Fig, 11 shows another cross-section of the chassis according to Fig. 9.
Description of an illustrative embodiment
An illustrative embodiment of present invention will be described by referring to the accompanying drawing. The illustrative embodiment discloses a remote control unit 10 adapted to be mounted on a vacuum cleaner handle or tube 11. These two parts together constitutes the most important parts of the invention. Below the handle and the remote are used in order to describe the scope of the invention. Other parts may be used instead. The handle represents a standard part as described above and may be replaced by a tube. Further, the remote control unit represents a constructional detail as described above and may be replaced by such things as a brush holder or a tool holder. For a skilled person varieties of parts may be mounted in such a manner.
The remote control unit 10 includes electronics by which it communicates with the vacuum cleaner body, where the main electronics (not shown) is mounted. Thereby, the user can control vacuum cleaner functions without the need to press buttons or controls on the body. In order for the remote control unit and the main electronics to communicate, several options are available. One way of doing this is to use a wire connecting the remote with main electronics. Several systems are available on the market in order to achieve such a communication for vacuum cleaners.
Other solutions for remote controls in vacuum cleaners are in the use of wireless communication. A radio frequency transmitter could be mounted on the remote and a receiver on the body. The remote may also be equipped with a radio frequency receiver, receiving information from the body electronics. As an alternative solution, ultrasonic communication can be used. Both these systems are proper when the vacuum cleaner is operated is a big room. They also have an advantage in comparison with an infrared communication solution. An infrared system, which is the most common presently in use, lack in communication. The transferred infrared light often needs to be reflected by the walls or the sealing in order to reach the receiver. This is not as necessary with the other solutions.
The electronic card 40 in the remote control of the illustrative embodiment is communicating by using infrared light. Four IR diodes 41 - 44 are mounted, pointing in different directions, in order for some of the transmitted light to reach receivers on the vacuum cleaner body (not shown). The card is also equipped with two switches 45-46 by which different functions can be selected. The remote control has a scroll button 20, which affects the switches when it is pressed. If one end of the scroll button is forced down, one of the switches is pressed down. If the button is forced down by pressing in its middle, both switches are pressed down. Thereby, the sucking effect of the cleaner can be regulated by the user by pressing the button in either end. Then, if both switches are pressed down the vacuum cleaner can be shut ON or OFF. Of course, other kind of buttons can be used in order to control the vacuum cleaner. Such buttons could be used to choose program mode or to control a nozzle suction motor.
The signals from the switches are sent to the vacuum cleaner main body electronics by the IR diodes 41-44. On the body IR receivers (not shown) are mounted, which receives the signals from the remote control. The remote control has a cover 21 that covers the remote inside. This cover is made to enable the IR signals from the diodes to pass through it in order to reach the main electronics. The remote control electronic card 40 has other components as well, such as a control unit (not shown). Among those is a diode 47 indicating that IR signals are being transmitted.
The remote control unit 10 shall now be further described. Its main task is to communicate function and design to the user, and to integrate with the vacuum cleaner handle or tube 11. In fig. 1 -2, the unit is shown mounted on the handle in an eye looking, suitable matter. The cover 21 is shown together with the scroll button 20. The function of those two parts has been described earlier. Further, as seen in the exploded view in fig. 6, the unit constitutes of other parts. Two regular AAA batteries 22 gives power to the remote control electronics 40.
The most important part of the remote control unit 10 is the chassis 23. It is mainly shown in fig. 6 and 9 - 11. The chassis is designed in order to co-operate with the electronic card 40, the scroll button 20, the cover 21 and the batteries 22. It also constitutes main solutions in order to solve the above-mentioned objects of the present invention. In fig. 9 the chassis is shown from its underside, see also fig. 4. The underside 24 is turned towards the handle or tube 11 as shown in the figures 1 - 4 and 6. The chassis has a recess 24 for the scroll button. See fig. 6 and 9. Further, diode holes 26 interacts with the IR diodes 42 - 43. The chassis also has means 26 in order to interact with the batteries 22.
The chassis 23 has pin pairs 25. These pins are shown especially in fig. 4 and 9 - 11. The three pin pairs are adapted to interact with holes 48 on the remote circuit board 40 in order to attach the board inside the chassis. Since the scroll button 20 creates a force on the switches 45 - 46 it is important to use several pins 25 it that area. The board also constitutes of two parts (fig. 8) in order to interact in a proper way with the chassis.
In fig. 4 and 9 - 11 head pairs 27 - 29 are shown. These heads are an important part of the scope of the invention. They are adapted to interact with the vacuum cleaner standard part as the handle or tube on which the remote 10 is attached. In fig. 4 one of each head pair is shown. The figure also shows a handle 11 of a vacuum cleaner, on which the remote may be attached. The pin pair 27 is adapted to interact with uppermost adaptations 12 on the handle. The adaptations in the embodiment refer to grooves on the handle, which normally interacts with a suction control lid normally mounted by the groves. This lid covers the opening 14 on the handle through which suction air can pass into the tube. By moving the lid, guided by the grooves, the opening is closed or opened. A suction control is thereby achieved.
In order for the remote 10 to be attached to the adaptation 12, and thereby cover and close the opening 14, further pin pairs 28 - 29 interact at other positions on the adaptation grooves. The outer pin pairs 27 and 29 have a special shape by which they interacts with end stops 12 and 15 by the grooves. Thereby, the remote unit 10 is prevented from being able to move along the adaptation. The remote is therefore fixable attached at a specific position on the handle 11 and can only be removed by force or by using a tool. Since the remote is larger and stretches longer than the adaptation, the remote will stick out upper of the uppermost means 12. In order for the remote 10 to fit with the handle, the underside 24 is U-shaped. In fig. 1 - 2 the remote 10 is shown attached in a eye-looking manner on the handle. The handle is a standard Soft-bend end handle, which is used together with a lot of Electrolux Vacuum cleaner. The handle is designed with an esthetic look for the user and has a special design. The handle is on its uppermost part 16 equipped with means 17 in order to interact in snap-fit with means on a standard bendable, soft tube part of almost any Electrolux vacuum cleaner tube. The handles lowermost part 18 is shaped and equipped with stop means 19 in order to fit with a standard hard, metallic or plastic tube of any Electrolux vacuum cleaner. The handle is nice for the user to hold and work with.
The inventive idea is that the remote unit or any other constructional detail for a vacuum cleaner can be attached on a standard part such as a handle or "a tube. Therefore, the handle 11 is adapted to show a preferred embodiment of such a standard part. Another such part could be the hard metallic or plastic tube connecting the vacuum cleaner nozzle with the handle. Secondly, the remote 10 is also adapted to show a preferred embodiment of a constructional detail that could be attached to a standard part. Another such detail could be a vacuum cleaner brush, nozzle or nozzle tube, stiff or bendable. Further, a detail could be a holder for such tools as brushes, nozzles or nozzle tubes. Mainly, in general the details are referred to any assembly for a vacuum cleaner.
Thirdly, the adaptation of the preferred embodiment is adapted to work with a suction control lid. This solution is not adapted to narrow the scope of the invention. A suction control could, instead of grooves, be constructed in another manner such as with snap- fits. If such other solutions are used, the constructional detail should be adapted in order to interact with such a solution by the suction control, without going outside the scope of the invention.
Fourthly, the suction control as such is also a preferred embodiment. It is possible to use adaptations for other things than a suction control, such as for snap-fit holding of tools or similar. Also using such adaptations is within the scope of the invention. The scope is, adapting a standard part with at least one adaptation adapted to be used together with more than one constructional detail, such as a tool or suction control lid. Every use of one adaptation for more than one constructional detail falls within the scope of the invention such as disclosed in claim 1. Also, the adaptation as such, could be of another construction than grooves. Snap-fit solutions, hooks, sticking means or other solutions may be used. The importance in the invention is to use adaptations that are able to interact with more than one detail.

Claims

Patent Claims
1. Vacuum cleaner handle or tube (11), which comprises at least one attachment (12,15) characterized in that said attachment (12,15) is designed in order to cooperate with one of at least two different units (10), said unit intended to be used together with the vacuum cleaner, each unit (10) comprising means (27-29) which during said cooperation interacts with the attachment (10) so that said unit is being substantially secured to said handle or tube(12,15).
2. Vacuum cleaner according to claim lcharacterized in that the attachment (12,15) constitutes at least one groove that interacts with the means (27-29).
3. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims characterized in that the essential direction of extension of the attachment (12,15) is parallel with the airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner.
4. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the predetermined claims characterized i n that said means (27-29) constitutes at least one projection that interacts with the attachment (12,15).
5. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the predetermined claims characterized i n that the attachment (12,15) is close to an opening (14) which enables an airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner to pass.
6. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 5characterized in that at least one of said cooperating units (10) is movable along the extension of the attachment (12,15) whereby the unit (10) in at least one position closes the opening (14).
7. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the predetermined claims characterized i n that at least one of said cooperating units (10) comprises an electronic control unit (40) by which the operation of the vacuum cleaner is controlled.
8. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 7characterized in that the control unit (40) comprises means (41-44) communicating with other electronic means by using infrared signals.
9. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims 7-8characterized in that the control unit (40) comprises means communicating with other electronic means using radio signals.
10. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims 7-9characterized in that the control unit (40) comprises means communicating with other electronic means using ultrasonic signals.
11. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the predetermined claims c h Tac t e r i z e d i n that at least one of said cooperating units (10) comprises of at least two parts (21,23) attached to one another, at least one part (23) including means for attaching the unit to the attachment (12,15).
12. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the predetermined claims characterize d i n that at least one of said cooperating units (10) constitutes in a vacuum cleaner accessory or an accessory holder.
13. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the predetermined claims characterize d in that the vacuum cleaner handle or tube (11) is designed in one piece together with the attachment (12,15).
14. Vacuum cleaner according to any of the predetermined claims characterize d in that the vacuum cleaner handle or tube (11) is designed in plastic or metal.
EP03751696A 2002-11-05 2003-10-13 Vacuum cleaner control Withdrawn EP1560513A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0203264A SE0203264D0 (en) 2002-11-05 2002-11-05 Vacuum cleaner control
SE0203264 2002-11-05
PCT/SE2003/001593 WO2004041052A1 (en) 2002-11-05 2003-10-13 Vacuum cleaner control

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1560513A1 true EP1560513A1 (en) 2005-08-10

Family

ID=20289469

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03751696A Withdrawn EP1560513A1 (en) 2002-11-05 2003-10-13 Vacuum cleaner control

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1560513A1 (en)
CN (1) CN100352392C (en)
AU (1) AU2003269767A1 (en)
SE (1) SE0203264D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2004041052A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9155439B2 (en) 2013-01-16 2015-10-13 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Apparatus and method of utilizing wireless switches to control a vacuum cleaner
DE102013109319A1 (en) * 2013-08-28 2015-03-05 Miele & Cie. Kg Vacuum cleaner with a control for adjusting the fan power
DE102015118643A1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2017-05-04 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Cleaning device and attachment for connection to a basic device of the cleaning device
DE102018108474A1 (en) * 2018-04-10 2019-10-10 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Suction device with remote control

Family Cites Families (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB663610A (en) * 1950-06-23 1951-12-27 Fisker & Nielsen As Improvements in or relating to vacuum cleaner accessories
DE19736595B4 (en) * 1997-08-22 2007-04-12 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wireless remote control device for a vacuum cleaner
DE60039475D1 (en) * 1999-02-12 2008-08-28 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv VACUUM CLEANER WITH ACCESSORIES HOLDER
IT1315384B1 (en) * 2000-02-01 2003-02-10 T P A Impex Spa COMMAND DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR HOUSEHOLD AND / OR INDUSTRIAL CLEANING EQUIPMENT.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See references of WO2004041052A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE0203264D0 (en) 2002-11-05
CN1722974A (en) 2006-01-18
CN100352392C (en) 2007-12-05
AU2003269767A1 (en) 2004-06-07
WO2004041052A1 (en) 2004-05-21

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