EP1748717B1 - Cleaning appliance - Google Patents
Cleaning appliance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1748717B1 EP1748717B1 EP05735569A EP05735569A EP1748717B1 EP 1748717 B1 EP1748717 B1 EP 1748717B1 EP 05735569 A EP05735569 A EP 05735569A EP 05735569 A EP05735569 A EP 05735569A EP 1748717 B1 EP1748717 B1 EP 1748717B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- hose
- main body
- connector
- cleaning appliance
- appliance
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 28
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing 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
- A47L9/0009—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders
- A47L9/0018—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders integrated in or removably mounted upon the suction cleaner for storing parts of said suction cleaner
- A47L9/0036—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders integrated in or removably mounted upon the suction cleaner for storing parts of said suction cleaner specially adapted for holding the suction hose
-
- 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
- A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
- A47L5/362—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back of the horizontal type, e.g. canister or sledge type
-
- 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
- A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
- A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
Definitions
- the invention relates to a cleaning appliance, particularly but not exclusively to a vacuum cleaner.
- Vacuum cleaners are usually of the upright or cylinder type.
- Cylinder cleaners consist of a main body containing a motor and fan unit for drawing an airflow into the main body and separating apparatus for extracting dirt and dust from the airflow and retaining it for disposal.
- the separating apparatus can be a cyclonic arrangement, bags or filters or a combination of these.
- a hose and wand assembly is connected to the inlet of the main body and an accessory in the form of a floor tool having a suction opening is attached to the end of the wand remote from the main body so that the suction opening can be manoeuvred across the surface to be cleaned by the user.
- Upright cleaners commonly have a cleaner head permanently attached to the main body of the vacuum cleaner which is manoeuvred, together with the main body, across the surface to be cleaned.
- many upright cleaners can also be operated in the manner of a cylinder machine by having a removable or releasable hose and wand assembly provided to which an accessory such as a floor tool can be attached.
- the hose and wand is stored on the main body of the vacuum cleaner. It is also becoming more popular to store the hose of a cylinder vacuum cleaner on the main body by wrapping it around the main body.
- a disadvantage of the known arrangements for storing a hose on the main body of a vacuum cleaner is that the connection between the hose and the main body is designed to suit either the storage configuration or the in-use configuration. Designs which favour the storage configuration provide a connection between the hose and the main body which can make the machine unstable in use. Designs which favour the in-use configuration are awkward to store.
- Document FR-A-2 425 227 discloses another known cleaning appliance having a main body and a hose attached thereto, the hose being attached to the main body by means of a connector, the connector being movable between a first position in which the hose is stored on the main body and a second position in which the hose is usable for carrying a dirty airflow to the main body for cleaning purposes, and when the connector is in the second position, the hose extends away from the main body in a plane which passes through the centre of the main body.
- the invention provides a cleaning appliance having a main body and a hose attached thereto, the hose being attached to the main body by means of a connector, the connector comprising an elbow-shaped curved member connected to the main body and to the hose, the connector being movable between a first position in which the hose is stored on the main body and a second position in which the hose is usable for carrying a dirty airflow to the main body for cleaning purposes, characterised in that , when the connector is in the second position, the hose extends away from the main body in a plane which passes through the centre of the main body.
- a movable connector allows the hose to be aligned with the centre of the main body when the appliance is in use so as to maximise stability, and to be stored efficiently on the main body when the appliance is not in use.
- the connector will form an elbow having a substantially right-angled bend and, for cylinder machines, the angle will be approximately 135°.
- the preferred arrangement for cylinders provides a particularly efficient solution when the hose is to be stored by wrapping around the main body.
- the connector forms a sleeve through which the hose passes.
- the hose is then connected directly to the main body of the appliance, preferably in a rotatable manner so that the movement of the connector is accommodated by the hose. This avoids the need to provide a separate hose or conduit between the connector and the main body and so has cost benefits.
- the vacuum cleaner shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a cylinder cleaner 10.
- the vacuum cleaner 10 has a main body 12 which houses a motor (not shown) for drawing an airflow into cyclonic separating apparatus 14.
- the main body 12 has wheels 16 which allow the main body 12 to be manoeuvred across a surface to be cleaned during cleaning operations.
- the motor is positioned in the main body between the wheels 16.
- the cyclonic separating apparatus 14 shown in the embodiment uses centrifugal forces to spin the dirt and dust particles out of the airflow passing through the vacuum cleaner.
- the cyclonic separating apparatus 14 shown here could easily be replaced by other separating apparatus such as filters, bags or a combination of the two. The nature of the separating apparatus is immaterial to the present invention and will not be described any further here.
- the vacuum cleaner 10 also has a hose 20 which is connected to an inlet 18 of the cyclonic separating apparatus 14.
- the hose 20 is normally attached to a wand (not shown) by means of which a floor tool or other cleaning accessory can be manoeuvred across the surface to be cleaned. In use, dirt and dust is picked up by the floor tool or other accessory and carried along the wand and hose to the inlet 18. It is then separated from the airflow in which it is entrained in the cyclonic separating apparatus 14 before being passed across the motor for cooling purposes and then exhausted to atmosphere.
- the invention concerns with the connection between the hose 20 and the main body 12.
- a connector 30 for holding and guiding the hose 20 is provided on the main body 12 close to the forward end of the main body 12.
- This connector 30 is supported on the main body 12 by a projecting arm 22 which is rigidly fixed to or formed integrally with the main body 12 and has a cylindrical collar 24 formed at the end thereof.
- the connector 30 and the collar 24 are shown together in Figure 3 .
- the connector 30 comprises a curved member 31 which has a first cylindrical end 32 adapted to fit inside the collar 24 so that the first cylindrical end 32 can rotate with ease within the collar 24.
- the first cylindrical end 32 and the collar 24 thus have a common axis 34.
- the curved member 31 also has a second cylindrical end 36 which has an axis 38.
- the axes 34, 38 intersect at an angle a .
- the interior of the curved member 31 is dimensioned so as to be able to receive the hose 20 as shown in Figures 1 and 2 .
- the curved member 31 thus takes the form of a sleeve through which the hose 20 passes.
- the first cylindrical end 32 incorporates a resilient catch 40 by means of which the first cylindrical end 32 is held inside the collar 24. This connection allows the first cylindrical end 32 to rotate within the collar 24 but axial movement is prevented unless the catch 40 is released.
- the second cylindrical end 36 incorporates apertures 42 used to locate means for gluing the hose 20 to the connector 30 so that, following the gluing process, no relative movement is permitted between the hose 20 and the connector 30.
- connection between the hose 20 and the inlet 18 is a simple friction fit which permits relative rotation between the end of the hose 20 and the inlet 18. Hence, if the hose 20 were to be twisted about its longitudinal axis, the end thereof located in the inlet 18 would also twist without becoming disconnected therefrom.
- the connector 30 is movable, by means of the rotation of the first cylindrical end 32 within the collar 24, between a first position in which the hose is stored on the main body of the machine, as shown in Figure 1 , and a second position in which the hose is usable for carrying a dirty airflow to the main body for cleaning purposes, as shown in Figure 2 .
- the first position although only part of the hose 20 is shown in Figure 1 , it can be seen that the hose 20 is wrapped around the main body 12 of the vacuum cleaner 10 for storage.
- the shape of the connector 30 and the position of the collar 24 allow the hose 20 to wrap neatly around the front of the main body 12 and to follow the shape thereof so that, when the hose 20 is stored, the vacuum cleaner is compact and tidy.
- the hose 20 When the vacuum cleaner 10 is to be used for cleaning purposes, the hose 20 is released from its storage position shown in Figure 1 .
- the in-use position is illustrated in Figure 2 from which it can be seen that the hose 20 extends generally forwardly of the main body 12.
- the connector 30 moves with respect to the collar 24, simply by means of the first cylindrical end 32 rotating with respect to the collar 24 about the axis 34.
- the second cylindrical end 36 is thereby moved into the position shown in Figure 2 with the axis 38 extending directly forward of the main body 12 and passing through the centre of the main body 12.
- the axis 38 lies in a vertical plane passing through a point midway between the wheels 16.
- the axis 38 passes through the centre of mass of the main body.
- the centre of mass is determined to a large extent by the position of the motor, which is usually the heaviest component within a vacuum cleaner main body.
- the motor is positioned between the wheels 16 as has been mentioned above.
- the alignment of the plane in which the axis 38 lies with the centre of mass of the main body 12, as determined by the position of the motor, is preferred.
- the connector 30 In order for the connector 30 to move from the first position shown in Figure 1 to the second position shown in Figure 2 , the connector 30 is simply rotated with respect to the collar 24. Because the hose 20 is glued to the connector 30, as has been described above, the movement of the connector 30 results in a twisting movement of the hose 30 about its longitudinal axis.
- the simple connection between the inlet 18 to the cyclonic separating apparatus 14 and the end of the hose 20 closest to the main body 12 allows this twisting movement to be accommodated by rotation of the hose 20 in the inlet 18. No torsion is thus created in the hose 20 between the connector 30 and the inlet 18.
- the gluing of the hose 20 to the connector 30, and the axial fixing of the connector 30 to the collar 24, means that any pull-forces applied to the hose 20 are transferred to the main body 12 via the projecting arm 22. No axial forces are transmitted along the hose downstream of the connector 30 as a result of the user pulling on the hose 20.
- This is advantageous because it allows the connection between the hose 20 and the inlet 18 to be kept as simple as possible and this reduces costs.
- the fact that the hose 20 passes through the interior of the connector 30, which essentially forms a sleeve around the relevant part of the hose 20, means that a single length of hose can be used between the wand carrying the floor tool or other accessory and the inlet 18.
- the fact that the connector 30 is releasably attached to the collar 24 means that, by releasing the catch 40, the hose 20 and connector can together be released from the main body 12 for packaging, storage or blockage removal if required.
- the angle a between the axis 34 and the axis 38 is considerably greater than 90° but less than 180°.
- the ideal angle a would be substantially 135° if the hose 20 were required to wrap symmetrically about the main body 12. However, it is not always necessary for the hose 12 to wrap symmetrically about the main body 12 and so some variation in the angle a is acceptable.
- the angle a is substantially 115°. It is envisaged that the angle a could be varied between 110° and 150° without affecting the suitability of the connector 30 to carry out the function required of it.
- the appliance is an upright vacuum cleaner 50 having, as is well known, a main body 52 including a motor housed in a motor casing 53, cyclonic separating apparatus 54 and a cleaner head 55 rotatably mounted on the motor casing 53. Wheels 56 are also mounted on the motor casing 53 on either side of the motor.
- a releasable hose and wand assembly 57 is provided on the main body 52.
- the hose 60 of the hose and wand assembly 57 is attached to the main body 52 by way of a connector 70.
- the upstream end of the connector 70 is connected to the downstream end of the hose 60.
- This connection can be rigidly formed or can be rotatable so as to allow relative rotation between the hose 60 and the connector 70.
- the downstream end of the connector 70 is rotatably connected to the main body via an inlet 58 which communicates with the cyclonic separating apparatus 54.
- the connection between the downstream end of the connector 70 and the inlet 58 permits the connector 70 to rotate relative to the inlet 58 about an axis which defines the direction of flow of air through the downstream end of the connector 70.
- the connector 70 can move between a first position, in which the hose is stored on the main body 12 as shown in Figure 4 , and a second position in which the hose is usable for cleaning purposes as shown in Figure 5 .
- the hose 60 can be releasably connected to the connector 70 if desired.
- the connector 70 can be releasably connected to the inlet 58.
- the location of the connector 70 is such that, when the hose and wand assembly 57 is released for above-the-floor cleaning, the hose 60 extends away from the main body in a plane which bisects the main body 12.
- the centre of gravity of the main body 52 which is dictated primarily by the position of the motor, also lies in this plane. This configuration means that, when a user applies a pulling force to the hose 60, the direction of that force passes through the plane of the centre of gravity of the main body 52 which reduces the risk of the main body 52 turning unintentionally about its vertical axis or becoming unbalanced.
- the connector 70 consists essentially of a curved member which turns through an angle of substantially 90°.
- the axis about which the connector 70 rotates with respect to the inlet 58 is thus substantially horizontal whilst the hose 60 lies in a substantially vertical position when it is in the stored position.
- the connector 70 can be formed as a simple curved conduit which forms a continuation of the hose 60.
- connectors 30, 70 described above will be formed economically from a plastics material by injection moulding.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
- Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
- Manufacturing Of Electric Cables (AREA)
- Dry Shavers And Clippers (AREA)
- Surgical Instruments (AREA)
- Cleaning Or Drying Semiconductors (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a cleaning appliance, particularly but not exclusively to a vacuum cleaner.
- Vacuum cleaners are usually of the upright or cylinder type. Cylinder cleaners consist of a main body containing a motor and fan unit for drawing an airflow into the main body and separating apparatus for extracting dirt and dust from the airflow and retaining it for disposal. The separating apparatus can be a cyclonic arrangement, bags or filters or a combination of these. A hose and wand assembly is connected to the inlet of the main body and an accessory in the form of a floor tool having a suction opening is attached to the end of the wand remote from the main body so that the suction opening can be manoeuvred across the surface to be cleaned by the user. Upright cleaners commonly have a cleaner head permanently attached to the main body of the vacuum cleaner which is manoeuvred, together with the main body, across the surface to be cleaned. However, many upright cleaners can also be operated in the manner of a cylinder machine by having a removable or releasable hose and wand assembly provided to which an accessory such as a floor tool can be attached. In such cases, the hose and wand is stored on the main body of the vacuum cleaner. It is also becoming more popular to store the hose of a cylinder vacuum cleaner on the main body by wrapping it around the main body.
- A disadvantage of the known arrangements for storing a hose on the main body of a vacuum cleaner is that the connection between the hose and the main body is designed to suit either the storage configuration or the in-use configuration. Designs which favour the storage configuration provide a connection between the hose and the main body which can make the machine unstable in use. Designs which favour the in-use configuration are awkward to store.
- Document
FR-A-2 425 227 - The invention provides a cleaning appliance having a main body and a hose attached thereto, the hose being attached to the main body by means of a connector, the connector comprising an elbow-shaped curved member connected to the main body and to the hose, the connector being movable between a first position in which the hose is stored on the main body and a second position in which the hose is usable for carrying a dirty airflow to the main body for cleaning purposes, characterised in that, when the connector is in the second position, the hose extends away from the main body in a plane which passes through the centre of the main body.
- The provision of a movable connector allows the hose to be aligned with the centre of the main body when the appliance is in use so as to maximise stability, and to be stored efficiently on the main body when the appliance is not in use. For upright machines, it is envisaged that the connector will form an elbow having a substantially right-angled bend and, for cylinder machines, the angle will be approximately 135°. The preferred arrangement for cylinders provides a particularly efficient solution when the hose is to be stored by wrapping around the main body.
- In a preferred embodiment, the connector forms a sleeve through which the hose passes. The hose is then connected directly to the main body of the appliance, preferably in a rotatable manner so that the movement of the connector is accommodated by the hose. This avoids the need to provide a separate hose or conduit between the connector and the main body and so has cost benefits.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cylinder vacuum cleaner according to the present invention showing the hose in a storage position (only part of the hose being shown for purposes of clarity): -
Figure 2 is a perspective view, similar toFigure 1 , showing the hose in an operational position; -
Figure 3 is a top view of a connector forming part of the vacuum cleaner ofFigure 1 on an enlarged scale; -
Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner according to the present invention showing the hose in a storage position: and -
Figure 5 is a perspective view, similar toFigure 4 , showing the hose in an operational position. - The vacuum cleaner shown in
Figures 1 and2 is acylinder cleaner 10. As is commonly known, thevacuum cleaner 10 has amain body 12 which houses a motor (not shown) for drawing an airflow into cyclonic separatingapparatus 14. Themain body 12 haswheels 16 which allow themain body 12 to be manoeuvred across a surface to be cleaned during cleaning operations. The motor is positioned in the main body between thewheels 16. Thecyclonic separating apparatus 14 shown in the embodiment uses centrifugal forces to spin the dirt and dust particles out of the airflow passing through the vacuum cleaner. However, thecyclonic separating apparatus 14 shown here could easily be replaced by other separating apparatus such as filters, bags or a combination of the two. The nature of the separating apparatus is immaterial to the present invention and will not be described any further here. - The
vacuum cleaner 10 also has ahose 20 which is connected to aninlet 18 of thecyclonic separating apparatus 14. Thehose 20 is normally attached to a wand (not shown) by means of which a floor tool or other cleaning accessory can be manoeuvred across the surface to be cleaned. In use, dirt and dust is picked up by the floor tool or other accessory and carried along the wand and hose to theinlet 18. It is then separated from the airflow in which it is entrained in thecyclonic separating apparatus 14 before being passed across the motor for cooling purposes and then exhausted to atmosphere. - The invention concerns with the connection between the
hose 20 and themain body 12. Although thehose 20 communicates with theinlet 18 of thecyclonic separating apparatus 14, aconnector 30 for holding and guiding thehose 20 is provided on themain body 12 close to the forward end of themain body 12. Thisconnector 30 is supported on themain body 12 by a projectingarm 22 which is rigidly fixed to or formed integrally with themain body 12 and has acylindrical collar 24 formed at the end thereof. Theconnector 30 and thecollar 24 are shown together inFigure 3 . - The
connector 30 comprises acurved member 31 which has a first cylindrical end 32 adapted to fit inside thecollar 24 so that the first cylindrical end 32 can rotate with ease within thecollar 24. The first cylindrical end 32 and thecollar 24 thus have acommon axis 34. Thecurved member 31 also has a secondcylindrical end 36 which has anaxis 38. Theaxes curved member 31 follows a smooth curved path. The interior of thecurved member 31 is dimensioned so as to be able to receive thehose 20 as shown inFigures 1 and2 . Thecurved member 31 thus takes the form of a sleeve through which thehose 20 passes. - The first cylindrical end 32 incorporates a
resilient catch 40 by means of which the first cylindrical end 32 is held inside thecollar 24. This connection allows the first cylindrical end 32 to rotate within thecollar 24 but axial movement is prevented unless thecatch 40 is released. The secondcylindrical end 36 incorporatesapertures 42 used to locate means for gluing thehose 20 to theconnector 30 so that, following the gluing process, no relative movement is permitted between thehose 20 and theconnector 30. - The connection between the
hose 20 and theinlet 18 is a simple friction fit which permits relative rotation between the end of thehose 20 and theinlet 18. Hence, if thehose 20 were to be twisted about its longitudinal axis, the end thereof located in theinlet 18 would also twist without becoming disconnected therefrom. - The
connector 30 is movable, by means of the rotation of the first cylindrical end 32 within thecollar 24, between a first position in which the hose is stored on the main body of the machine, as shown inFigure 1 , and a second position in which the hose is usable for carrying a dirty airflow to the main body for cleaning purposes, as shown inFigure 2 . In the first position, although only part of thehose 20 is shown inFigure 1 , it can be seen that thehose 20 is wrapped around themain body 12 of thevacuum cleaner 10 for storage. The shape of theconnector 30 and the position of thecollar 24 allow thehose 20 to wrap neatly around the front of themain body 12 and to follow the shape thereof so that, when thehose 20 is stored, the vacuum cleaner is compact and tidy. - When the
vacuum cleaner 10 is to be used for cleaning purposes, thehose 20 is released from its storage position shown inFigure 1 . The in-use position is illustrated inFigure 2 from which it can be seen that thehose 20 extends generally forwardly of themain body 12. In order to bring thehose 20 to this position, theconnector 30 moves with respect to thecollar 24, simply by means of the first cylindrical end 32 rotating with respect to thecollar 24 about theaxis 34. The secondcylindrical end 36 is thereby moved into the position shown inFigure 2 with theaxis 38 extending directly forward of themain body 12 and passing through the centre of themain body 12. To be more specific, theaxis 38 lies in a vertical plane passing through a point midway between thewheels 16. This balances themain body 12 during normal use, which involves themain body 12 being manoeuvred across a surface by the user applying a pull-force to thehose 20. The central positioning of theaxis 38 along which this pull-force is applied reduces the possibility of the machine becoming unbalanced. - It is even more advantageous if the
axis 38 passes through the centre of mass of the main body. In many cases, the centre of mass is determined to a large extent by the position of the motor, which is usually the heaviest component within a vacuum cleaner main body. In the embodiment shown, the motor is positioned between thewheels 16 as has been mentioned above. Thus the alignment of the plane in which theaxis 38 lies with the centre of mass of themain body 12, as determined by the position of the motor, is preferred. - In order for the
connector 30 to move from the first position shown inFigure 1 to the second position shown inFigure 2 , theconnector 30 is simply rotated with respect to thecollar 24. Because thehose 20 is glued to theconnector 30, as has been described above, the movement of theconnector 30 results in a twisting movement of thehose 30 about its longitudinal axis. The simple connection between theinlet 18 to thecyclonic separating apparatus 14 and the end of thehose 20 closest to themain body 12 allows this twisting movement to be accommodated by rotation of thehose 20 in theinlet 18. No torsion is thus created in thehose 20 between theconnector 30 and theinlet 18. - The gluing of the
hose 20 to theconnector 30, and the axial fixing of theconnector 30 to thecollar 24, means that any pull-forces applied to thehose 20 are transferred to themain body 12 via the projectingarm 22. No axial forces are transmitted along the hose downstream of theconnector 30 as a result of the user pulling on thehose 20. This is advantageous because it allows the connection between thehose 20 and theinlet 18 to be kept as simple as possible and this reduces costs. The fact that thehose 20 passes through the interior of theconnector 30, which essentially forms a sleeve around the relevant part of thehose 20, means that a single length of hose can be used between the wand carrying the floor tool or other accessory and theinlet 18. This reduces the number of parts required which minimises the risk of leaks occurring in the machine. Also, the fact that theconnector 30 is releasably attached to thecollar 24 means that, by releasing thecatch 40, thehose 20 and connector can together be released from themain body 12 for packaging, storage or blockage removal if required. - In the case of the cylinder vacuum cleaner shown in
Figures 1 to 3 , the angle a between theaxis 34 and theaxis 38 is considerably greater than 90° but less than 180°. The ideal angle a would be substantially 135° if thehose 20 were required to wrap symmetrically about themain body 12. However, it is not always necessary for thehose 12 to wrap symmetrically about themain body 12 and so some variation in the angle a is acceptable. In the embodiment shown, the angle a is substantially 115°. It is envisaged that the angle a could be varied between 110° and 150° without affecting the suitability of theconnector 30 to carry out the function required of it. - A second embodiment is shown in
Figures 4 and5 . In this embodiment, the appliance is anupright vacuum cleaner 50 having, as is well known, amain body 52 including a motor housed in amotor casing 53,cyclonic separating apparatus 54 and acleaner head 55 rotatably mounted on themotor casing 53.Wheels 56 are also mounted on themotor casing 53 on either side of the motor. A releasable hose andwand assembly 57 is provided on themain body 52. When the cleaner 50 is to be used as an upright cleaner as shown inFigure 4 , the hose andwand assembly 57 is stored on themain body 52 so that the wand forms a handle 59 by means of which the cleaner 50 can be manoeuvred across the surface to be cleaned. When the cleaner 50 is to be used in cylinder mode for above the floor cleaning as shown inFigure 5 , the hose andwand assembly 57 is released from themain body 52 in a known manner. - The
hose 60 of the hose andwand assembly 57 is attached to themain body 52 by way of aconnector 70. The upstream end of theconnector 70 is connected to the downstream end of thehose 60. This connection can be rigidly formed or can be rotatable so as to allow relative rotation between thehose 60 and theconnector 70. The downstream end of theconnector 70 is rotatably connected to the main body via aninlet 58 which communicates with thecyclonic separating apparatus 54. The connection between the downstream end of theconnector 70 and theinlet 58 permits theconnector 70 to rotate relative to theinlet 58 about an axis which defines the direction of flow of air through the downstream end of theconnector 70. This permits theconnector 70 to move between a first position, in which the hose is stored on themain body 12 as shown inFigure 4 , and a second position in which the hose is usable for cleaning purposes as shown inFigure 5 . Thehose 60 can be releasably connected to theconnector 70 if desired. Furthermore, theconnector 70 can be releasably connected to theinlet 58. - The location of the
connector 70 is such that, when the hose andwand assembly 57 is released for above-the-floor cleaning, thehose 60 extends away from the main body in a plane which bisects themain body 12. The centre of gravity of themain body 52, which is dictated primarily by the position of the motor, also lies in this plane. This configuration means that, when a user applies a pulling force to thehose 60, the direction of that force passes through the plane of the centre of gravity of themain body 52 which reduces the risk of themain body 52 turning unintentionally about its vertical axis or becoming unbalanced. - As can be seen from
Figure 4 , theconnector 70 consists essentially of a curved member which turns through an angle of substantially 90°. The axis about which theconnector 70 rotates with respect to theinlet 58 is thus substantially horizontal whilst thehose 60 lies in a substantially vertical position when it is in the stored position. Theconnector 70 can be formed as a simple curved conduit which forms a continuation of thehose 60. - It is anticipated that the
connectors - It will be appreciated that the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments described above. For example, the nature of the separating apparatus used in the vacuum cleaners need not be cyclonic and any suitable type of separating apparatus can be used. It is also envisaged that a wrap-around hose storage system of the type shown in
Figure 1 to 3 could be used on an upright vacuum cleaner if desired.
Claims (12)
- A cleaning appliance (10) having a main body (12) and a hose (20) attached thereto, the hose (20) being attached to the main body (12) by means of a connector (30), the connector (30) comprising an elbow-shaped curved member (31) connected to the main body (12) and to the hose (20), the connector (30) being movable between a first position in which the hose (20) is stored on the main body (12) and a second position in which the hose (20) is usable for carrying a dirty airflow to the main body (12) for cleaning purposes, characterised in that, when the connector (30) is in the second position, the hose (20) extends away from the main body (12) in a plane which passes through the centre of the main body (12).
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the connector is in the second position, the hose extends away from the main body along a line which passes through the centre of mass of the main body.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector is rotatably connected to the main body.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angle through which the curved member turns is substantially 90°.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angle through which the curved member turns is between 110° and 150°.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in claim 5, wherein the angle through which the curved member turns is substantially 135°.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises a sleeve through which the hose passes.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hose is connected directly to the main body.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in claim 8, wherein the hose is connected to the main body in a rotatable manner.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hose is removably attached to the main body.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the connector is in the first position, the hose is wrapped around the main body of the appliance for storage purposes.
- A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the appliance is a vacuum cleaner.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0410700A GB2413943B (en) | 2004-05-13 | 2004-05-13 | Cleaning appliance |
PCT/GB2005/001531 WO2005110178A1 (en) | 2004-05-13 | 2005-04-21 | Cleaning appliance |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1748717A1 EP1748717A1 (en) | 2007-02-07 |
EP1748717B1 true EP1748717B1 (en) | 2009-12-02 |
Family
ID=32526991
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP05735569A Not-in-force EP1748717B1 (en) | 2004-05-13 | 2005-04-21 | Cleaning appliance |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070226944A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1748717B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007535354A (en) |
CN (1) | CN100534372C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE450184T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005244378B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2567214A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602005018041D1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2413943B (en) |
MY (1) | MY142449A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005110178A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB0314932D0 (en) * | 2003-06-26 | 2003-07-30 | Black & Decker Inc | Mounting device for vacuum cleaner accessory |
GB2416296B (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2007-06-27 | Dyson Ltd | Handle assembly for a cleaning appliance |
GB2440718B (en) | 2006-08-08 | 2010-10-13 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Handle assembly for a cleaning appliance |
GB2451679B (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2011-07-20 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A cleaning appliance |
DE102007040957A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Upright vacuum cleaner |
DE102007040952A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-05 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Upright vacuum cleaner |
GB2455811B (en) | 2007-12-22 | 2012-08-01 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Wand assembly for a cleaning appliance |
FR2948005B1 (en) * | 2009-07-17 | 2015-02-27 | Seb Sa | DEVICE FOR FASTENING A SUCTION TUBE FOR A WASTE RECOVERY APPARATUS |
JP5477392B2 (en) * | 2010-02-05 | 2014-04-23 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Electric vacuum cleaner |
CN102210575A (en) * | 2010-04-12 | 2011-10-12 | 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 | Hose connection structure |
DE202010015750U1 (en) * | 2010-11-15 | 2011-12-13 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Floor cleaning machine |
JP2013111228A (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2013-06-10 | Panasonic Corp | Vertical vacuum cleaner |
Family Cites Families (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1472384A (en) * | 1975-01-24 | 1977-05-04 | Wright G | Vacuum cleaners |
FR2425227A1 (en) * | 1978-05-11 | 1979-12-07 | So Ve Mar Co Europ | Storage container for vacuum cleaner hose - consists of groove moulded in plastics housing surface with diameter less than that of hose |
DE8227688U1 (en) * | 1982-10-02 | 1983-01-13 | Rowenta-Werke Gmbh, 6050 Offenbach | VACUUM CLEANER |
JPS62298326A (en) * | 1986-06-17 | 1987-12-25 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Electric cleaner |
DE8913502U1 (en) * | 1989-11-15 | 1990-01-18 | Rowenta-Werke Gmbh, 6050 Offenbach | Electric vacuum cleaner |
US5303447A (en) * | 1992-01-30 | 1994-04-19 | The Hoover Company | Hose and tool rack for upright vacuum cleaner and method for mounting same |
DE4240913A1 (en) * | 1992-12-04 | 1994-06-09 | Siemens Ag | Vacuum cleaner hose with sleeve coupling - has individual locking tongues engaging and releasing with rotational movement at hollow connection part esp. at suction connection or at manipulatable tubular part |
DE4439416A1 (en) * | 1994-11-04 | 1996-05-09 | Vorwerk Co Interholding | Connection piece for a vacuum cleaner |
TW271384B (en) * | 1995-01-13 | 1996-03-01 | Black & Decker Inc | Vacuum cleaner |
DE19525796A1 (en) * | 1995-07-15 | 1997-01-23 | Fedag Romanshorn Fa | Composite suction line for vacuum cleaner |
US6108861A (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 2000-08-29 | Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. | Extendable hose for a vacuum cleaner |
US5742976A (en) * | 1995-12-18 | 1998-04-28 | Black & Decker Inc. | Holding device for an end of a hose in a vacuum apparatus |
DE19907051A1 (en) * | 1999-02-19 | 2000-08-24 | Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | Cleaning device used as a vacuum cleaner has a tube connected to a housing for feeding air clogged with dirt by means of a coupling element |
US6175988B1 (en) * | 1999-07-14 | 2001-01-23 | Overhead Door Corporation | Bypass vacuum cleaner with flexible vacuum hose stored over motor cooling air shroud and carrying handle |
KR100540426B1 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2006-01-10 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Vacuum cleaner |
US6497001B2 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2002-12-24 | Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. | Hand-held vacuum cleaner with a detachable head |
GB2393110A (en) * | 2002-09-14 | 2004-03-24 | Dyson Ltd | A cleaning appliance and hose storage means therefor |
-
2004
- 2004-05-13 GB GB0410700A patent/GB2413943B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-04-21 AU AU2005244378A patent/AU2005244378B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2005-04-21 DE DE602005018041T patent/DE602005018041D1/en active Active
- 2005-04-21 EP EP05735569A patent/EP1748717B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-04-21 CA CA002567214A patent/CA2567214A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-04-21 US US11/596,321 patent/US20070226944A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-04-21 CN CNB2005800150991A patent/CN100534372C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-04-21 AT AT05735569T patent/ATE450184T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-04-21 JP JP2007510097A patent/JP2007535354A/en active Pending
- 2005-04-21 WO PCT/GB2005/001531 patent/WO2005110178A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-05-05 MY MYPI20052008A patent/MY142449A/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2007535354A (en) | 2007-12-06 |
MY142449A (en) | 2010-11-30 |
GB2413943A (en) | 2005-11-16 |
AU2005244378A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
CA2567214A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
CN100534372C (en) | 2009-09-02 |
US20070226944A1 (en) | 2007-10-04 |
GB2413943B (en) | 2007-06-27 |
EP1748717A1 (en) | 2007-02-07 |
CN1976619A (en) | 2007-06-06 |
ATE450184T1 (en) | 2009-12-15 |
DE602005018041D1 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
GB0410700D0 (en) | 2004-06-16 |
WO2005110178A1 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
AU2005244378B2 (en) | 2008-12-18 |
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