EP1925247B2 - Vacuum cleaner nozzle - Google Patents

Vacuum cleaner nozzle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1925247B2
EP1925247B2 EP07356168.0A EP07356168A EP1925247B2 EP 1925247 B2 EP1925247 B2 EP 1925247B2 EP 07356168 A EP07356168 A EP 07356168A EP 1925247 B2 EP1925247 B2 EP 1925247B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
vacuum cleaner
connection area
sole
suction
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.)
Active
Application number
EP07356168.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1925247B1 (en
EP1925247A1 (en
Inventor
Eric Marchal
Fabien David
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.)
SEB SA
Original Assignee
SEB SA
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=38180089&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1925247(B2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by SEB SA filed Critical SEB SA
Publication of EP1925247A1 publication Critical patent/EP1925247A1/en
Publication of EP1925247B1 publication Critical patent/EP1925247B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1925247B2 publication Critical patent/EP1925247B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • 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
    • A47L9/0081—Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Means for sound or vibration damping
    • 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 present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle, and more particularly the internal architecture of said nozzle.
  • the present invention aims to reduce the aeraulic noise generated by the passage of air through the nozzle.
  • a suction nozzle having a connection zone of at least one suction channel to a suction pipe connected to the frame of the vacuum cleaner, of which the radius of curvature of the walls of the connection zone over the entire perimeter of said zone has been studied to make the flow more fluid.
  • the figure 1 has such a nozzle 100 in a cross section approximately at mid-height.
  • the nozzle of triangular shape, comprises two lateral channels 102 open at one of their end and connected, by their other end, to a large connection zone 104, itself connected to a duct (not shown).
  • the radii of curvature of the connection zone, and in particular the radii 106 of the side walls are greater than 8 mm.
  • EP 1 520 503 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the present invention is achieved with the aid of a vacuum cleaner nozzle open towards the surface to be cleaned by at least one suction channel formed in the sole of the nozzle and extending substantially horizontally, said channel being connected by a connection area, to a suction tube connected to the vacuum cleaner, said connection area being delimited by walls, characterized, among other things, in that the side walls of said connection area have a radius of curvature greater than 20 mm, and in that the tube connected to the connection area is a flexible pipe.
  • a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention is defined by claim 1.
  • the suction channels extend essentially horizontally, the sucked air then enters the suction tube through the side walls of the connection zone connecting a suction channel to the suction tube.
  • this force is reinforced by the presence of the flexible tube at the level of the articulation, which makes it possible to maintain fluid continuity whatever the orientation of the nozzle.
  • a pipe makes it possible to obtain flexibility of torsion in all directions while maintaining sufficient mechanical resistance to negative pressure.
  • This torsion takes on the appearance of an arc of a circle of relatively large radius, which is therefore favorable to the maneuverability of the suction head as well as to silent operation.
  • the suction tube connected to the connection zone, has a circular section, the inside diameter of which is substantially that of the various successive ducts leading to the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, by providing a connecting tube whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the various ducts leading to the vacuum cleaner, the acoustic phenomena linked to changes in section are avoided.
  • connection zone is delimited by two parts arranged one on top of the other, facilitating the implementation of the invention.
  • the lower part preferably comes from the sole of the nozzle.
  • the upper part is attached by a screw system or by clipping.
  • the upper part has a dome shape, the different curvatures of the part preventing the air knives from coming apart as they pass through the connection zone.
  • the radii of curvature of the other walls of the connection zone are designed to limit detachment of the air knives, while avoiding increasing the size and reducing the efficiency of the nozzle.
  • these radii of curvature are greater than 10 mm.
  • the flexible pipe is guided by two rigid lateral arms allowing better comfort of use.
  • the nozzle comprises two suction channels connected to one another at the level of the connection zone, making it possible to arrange said connection zone at the central level of the nozzle.
  • the nozzle is preferably triangular in shape, the two channels extending along two of the sides of the triangle, an opening being made in the tip of the nozzle formed. by the meeting of the two channels, said opening being made in the sole of the nozzle.
  • the triangular shape makes it possible to use a longer nozzle length than for a rectangular nozzle, in order to achieve the present invention, the large radius of curvature of the side walls of the connection zone tending to move the mouth backwards. of the connection tubing.
  • the opening in the tip of the nozzle is arranged in the axis of the suction tube linked to the connection zone, the architecture of the sole of the nozzle forming a direct connection between said opening and said tube.
  • direct connection is meant a connection in a straight line, so that some waste sucked through the opening in the tip of the nozzle enters directly into the tube linked to the connection area, without touching, or touching very little the walls of the nozzle. nozzle. Part of the air also follows this direct path between said opening and the rear duct.
  • the base of the triangular nozzle is set back relative to the lower level of the front part of the sole defining in particular the suction channels.
  • This withdrawal between 4 and 7 mm, makes it possible to facilitate the movement of the nozzle and to limit the regeneration of noise under the nozzle.
  • the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle 1.
  • the nozzle is triangular in shape.
  • the present invention is not limited to this triangular shape, and can be implemented on a rectangular nozzle.
  • the nozzle 1 comprises a sole 2 on which is arranged a cover 4.
  • Brushes 6 can be actuated in a vertical movement by a pedal 8 to allow the nozzle to be in contact with the ground by means of said brushes 6, such as that he is known in the field.
  • the nozzle also has wheels (not shown) movable vertically in openings 10 made in the solid rear part 12 of the sole, as visible. figure 4 .
  • the triangular nozzle 1 has suction channels 13, 14 arranged along two of its sides.
  • the tip of the nozzle formed by the meeting of these two sides, has a front opening 16, in connection with the channels 13, 14, allowing suction in a direction substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned.
  • Strips of threads 18, 20 are arranged on either side of the suction channels, in the region of the tip of the nozzle.
  • the suction channels 13, 14 open at the level of the sole 2 of the nozzle in contact with the floor to be cleaned and are connected, in an a Vogellic manner, to a connecting tube 22, by means of a connection zone 24
  • the connecting tube 22 is connected, by a suction pipe, such as the pipe 25, to a vacuum cleaner body, not shown, the vacuum cleaner having in particular a motor-fan capable of creating a suction flow of air.
  • the tube 22 is a flexible tube composed of a core in the form of a metal spring wire coated in a plastic covering.
  • the deformation of such a tube replaces the ball joint type often encountered, the deformation taking place in an arc of a circle, which is favorable when low noise generation is desired.
  • two lateral arms 23 connect the end of the tube 22, located outside the nozzle, to the rear base of the nozzle, said arms being articulated at this level.
  • the figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the nozzle.
  • the suction channels 13, 14 are closed, on the one hand by an internal structure produced in part during the manufacture by molding of the sole, such as parts 130, 140, and on the other hand by an upper part 30 in the form of a fin which is fixed to the sole 2 by screwing in suitable locations 32.
  • Other equivalent means, such as clips, can be used to attach the part 30 to the sole 2.
  • the part 30 has a front part 42, as well as lateral extensions 33, 34 which cover part of the channels 13, 14.
  • the upper part 30 defines, with an underlying part 40 coming from the sole 2, the connection zone 24 of the suction channels to the connecting tube 22.
  • the part 30 and the part 40 each have a connection portion for connection to the tube 22.
  • the latter preferably being of circular section
  • the part 30 and the part 40 have, respectively, at the rear, a curvature 39, 49 in a semicircle such that the assembly of the part 30 on the sole 2 produces, in the rear part, a portion of the tube slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tube 22, in order to easily connect said tube to the zone thus formed.
  • Maintaining the tube on the connection zone 24 can be achieved by any known means, such as, for example, a circlip.
  • side walls 240, 242 of the connection zone 24 have a large radius of curvature, greater than 20 mm, in order to limit the aeraulic turbulence during operation.
  • connection zone is formed by the union of the part 30 and of the part 40.
  • These two subassemblies therefore have portions of side walls, respectively 36, 38 for the upper part 30, and 46, 48 for part 40, portions presented to figures 7 , 9 and 12 .
  • the realization of the part 30, independent, and attached to the sole 2, in order to create the connection zone, facilitates the creation of large radii of curvature, in particular at the level of the side walls of said zone.
  • the figure 8 shows another embodiment of the invention.
  • the upper part 30 has a dome shape 50, that is to say that its upper wall has a lateral curvature 502, as shown in the figure. figure 8 , as well as a longitudinal curvature 504, as illustrated figures 10 and 11 especially.
  • This specific shape allows optimum guidance of the air and the waste, as will be explained later.
  • the lateral extensions 33, 34 closing the suction channels have also been worked on in terms of their shape in order to present curvatures, such as a curvature 330, which promotes the fluidity of the flow and ensures the seal between the upper part 30 and the sole 2.
  • the figures 12 to 15 present the sole 2 of the nozzle, associated with the connecting tube 22.
  • this sole has a central part 40 forming, with the upper part 30, the connection zone 24.
  • This part 40 delimits, by its front zone 200 , the front edges of the suction channels 13, 14.
  • the zone 200 is characterized in particular by its pointed shape, by having a front nose 210 at the meeting of the two channels.
  • the front zone 200 has specific curvatures that are as gentle as possible in the direction of the suction channels, such as a curvature 212 at the level of the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, in order to to convey air and waste with minimum turbulence.
  • the angle of attack ⁇ at the nose, for the air entering through the tip of the nozzle is advantageously less than 45 °, and preferably of the order of 35 °.
  • the different curvatures of the front zone 200 are presented in figures 19 to 21 where a part of the sole of the nozzle has been cut vertically to better visualize the zone 200.
  • the various figures show that the entire zone 200 is curved, without a rectilinear portion, from the front edge of the channels 13, 14, up to the mouth of the tube 22.
  • the oblique suction directions F and G also follow a curve along the portion of the corresponding zone 200.
  • the sole 2 defines the suction opening 16 by presenting in particular an upper wall 202 curved along a radius r close to 10 mm, suitable for allowing air to enter the nozzle without noise.
  • the opening 16 in the tip of the nozzle is in direct connection with the tube 22.
  • direct connection it is necessary to understand a connection in a straight line, such as the line xx 'presented to the users. figures 13 and 16 .
  • the waste and the air entering through the opening 16 in the tip of the nozzle can thus reach the tube 22 without hitting the wall, thanks to the tapered shape of the zone 200 and to the curvature 212 of said zone.
  • the full rear part 12 of the sole 2 of the nozzle which in a way defines the base of the nozzle, is not at the same level as the front part of said sole defining in particular the suction channels.
  • the shrinkage h of the solid part is of the order of 5 mm according to the example proposed and makes it possible to limit the effort of displacement of the nozzle by the user, by reducing the friction of the solid area on the ground, in particular on carpet or rug type floors. This removal also makes it possible to reduce the noise level regenerated under the solid rear part 12.
  • connection zone 24 via the side walls 240, 242.
  • the flow remains fairly fluid and laminar, the air thus having a strong tendency. to stay in contact with these walls.
  • curvatures 502, 504 in the upper wall of the connecting piece 24 greatly avoid the turbulence phenomena that may result from the meeting of the flows coming from each channel.
  • This aspect is all the more important since part of the flow entering the tube 22 also comes from the opening 16 made in the tip of the nozzle.
  • the shape of the dome 50 of the connection zone as well as the volume of this dome also contributes to fluidifying the flows.
  • the air and the waste entering the nozzle through this opening 16 have a high speed, both due to the small size of this opening, the passage section of which is of the order of 0.5 cm 2. , that by the direct connection with the tube 22, as previously explained.
  • This high speed makes it possible to direct the flows coming from the channels 13, 14 while limiting the shocks between these two flows and the resulting noise.
  • connection zone In addition, the air and the waste, through the connection zone thus formed, enter directly into the connecting tube 22, a tube of substantially the same diameter as the tubing 25 leading the air and the waste to the vacuum cleaner. As the absence of section breakage may result from connections between ducts of different diameters, no turbulence and therefore no noise are generated.
  • the nozzle being “articulated” by the flexibility of the duct, a flexibility which results in curvatures of the tube 22 in an arc of a circle, the flow of air and of the waste in the duct 22 takes place without abrupt variation of direction or section.
  • a nozzle which is already efficient in terms of noise reduction and as described in the application FR 2860413 , it can be estimated that a nozzle according to the present invention allows a gain on noise greater than 5 dBa, depending on the engine speed.
  • the present invention in several of its aspects, can quite well be applied to a nozzle of rectangular shape.
  • the curvature of the side walls of the connection zone, as well as the angle formed by the zone defining the front part of the channels can be implemented in a rectangular nozzle without considerably increasing the size, and in particular the length, of the nozzle. .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un suceur d'aspirateur à poussières, et plus particulièrement l'architecture interne dudit suceur.The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle, and more particularly the internal architecture of said nozzle.

La présente invention vise à réduire le bruit aéraulique généré par le passage de l'air dans le suceurThe present invention aims to reduce the aeraulic noise generated by the passage of air through the nozzle.

Il est déjà connu, par le document FR 2860413 au nom du demandeur, un suceur d'aspiration présentant une zone de raccordement d'au moins un canal d'aspiration à une tubulure d'aspiration reliée au bâti de l'aspirateur, dont le rayon de courbure des parois de la zone de raccordement sur tout le périmètre de ladite zone a été étudié pour fluidifier l'écoulement.It is already known, from the document FR 2860413 on behalf of the applicant, a suction nozzle having a connection zone of at least one suction channel to a suction pipe connected to the frame of the vacuum cleaner, of which the radius of curvature of the walls of the connection zone over the entire perimeter of said zone has been studied to make the flow more fluid.

La figure 1 présente un tel suceur 100 selon une coupe transversale environ à mi-hauteur. Le suceur, de forme triangulaire, comporte deux canaux latéraux 102 ouverts à l'une de leur extrémité et reliés, par leur autre extrémité, à une large zone de raccordement 104, elle-même reliée à un conduit (non représenté). Selon ce document, les rayons de courbure de la zone de raccordement, et notamment les rayons 106 des parois latérales, sont supérieurs à 8 mm.The figure 1 has such a nozzle 100 in a cross section approximately at mid-height. The nozzle, of triangular shape, comprises two lateral channels 102 open at one of their end and connected, by their other end, to a large connection zone 104, itself connected to a duct (not shown). According to this document, the radii of curvature of the connection zone, and in particular the radii 106 of the side walls, are greater than 8 mm.

Ces rayons permettent d'éviter des zones brusques de transition entre les parois délimitant les canaux et conduits d'aspiration, afin de limiter les phénomènes de turbulence créés par le passage de l'air, ce qui réduit le bruit engendré par ces phénomènes.These rays make it possible to avoid abrupt transition zones between the walls delimiting the channels and suction ducts, in order to limit the phenomena of turbulence created by the passage of air, which reduces the noise generated by these phenomena.

Toutefois, la progression de la réduction de bruit au niveau du moteur d'aspirateur, a nécessité de rendre encore plus silencieux le suceur.However, the progress of the noise reduction at the level of the vacuum cleaner motor, made it necessary to make the squeegee even quieter.

De même, EP 1 520 503 A1 divulge un suceur d'aspirateur selon le préambule de la revendication 1.Likewise, EP 1 520 503 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the preamble of claim 1.

La présente invention est atteinte à l'aide d'un suceur d'aspirateur ouvert vers la surface à nettoyer par au moins un canal d'aspiration ménagé dans la semelle du suceur et s'étendant sensiblement horizontalement, ledit canal étant relié, par une zone de raccordement, à un tube d'aspiration relié à l'aspirateur, ladite zone de raccordement étant délimitée par des parois, caractérisé , entre autres, en ce que les parois latérales de ladite zone de raccordement présentent un rayon de courbure supérieur à 20 mm, et en ce que le tube lié à la zone de raccordement est un tuyau flexible.The present invention is achieved with the aid of a vacuum cleaner nozzle open towards the surface to be cleaned by at least one suction channel formed in the sole of the nozzle and extending substantially horizontally, said channel being connected by a connection area, to a suction tube connected to the vacuum cleaner, said connection area being delimited by walls, characterized, among other things, in that the side walls of said connection area have a radius of curvature greater than 20 mm, and in that the tube connected to the connection area is a flexible pipe.

Un suceur d'aspirateur selon la présente invention est défini par la revendication 1.A vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention is defined by claim 1.

Les canaux d'aspiration s'étendant essentiellement horizontalement, l'air aspiré pénètre alors dans le tube d'aspiration par les parois latérales de la zone de raccordement reliant un canal d'aspiration au tube d'aspiration.As the suction channels extend essentially horizontally, the sucked air then enters the suction tube through the side walls of the connection zone connecting a suction channel to the suction tube.

Une telle caractéristique de rayon de courbure était considérée a priori comme rédhibitoire car elle tend à déformer, voire passablement réduire, le canal d'aspiration progressant le long d'un bord du suceur, et tend à déséquilibrer la régularité de puissance d'aspiration le long de ce canal.Such a characteristic of radius of curvature was considered a priori to be prohibitive because it tends to deform, or even somewhat reduce, the suction channel progressing along one edge of the nozzle, and tends to unbalance the regularity of the suction power. along this canal.

Tout au contraire, l'augmentation considérable du rayon de courbure de ces parois latérales facilite l'écoulement d'air tout en gardant, même pour des vitesses d'air élevées, un flux laminaire lors de l'entrée d'air dans le tube.On the contrary, the considerable increase in the radius of curvature of these side walls facilitates the air flow while maintaining, even for high air speeds, a laminar flow during the entry of air into the tube. .

De plus, cet effort se trouve renforcé par la présence du tube flexible au niveau de l'articulation, qui permet de garder une continuité fluidique quelque soit l'orientation du suceur. En effet, un tel tuyau permet d'obtenir une souplesse de torsion dans tous les sens tout en conservant une tenue mécanique à la dépression suffisante. Cette torsion prend l'aspect d'un arc de cercle de rayon relativement important, qui est donc favorable à la maniabilité de la tête d'aspiration ainsi qu'à un fonctionnement silencieux.In addition, this force is reinforced by the presence of the flexible tube at the level of the articulation, which makes it possible to maintain fluid continuity whatever the orientation of the nozzle. In fact, such a pipe makes it possible to obtain flexibility of torsion in all directions while maintaining sufficient mechanical resistance to negative pressure. This torsion takes on the appearance of an arc of a circle of relatively large radius, which is therefore favorable to the maneuverability of the suction head as well as to silent operation.

L'absence de phénomènes de turbulence résultant réduit considérablement le bruit généré par le suceur en fonctionnement tout en maintenant une même efficacité d'aspiration de poussières et de déchets, voire en l'améliorant.The absence of resulting turbulence phenomena considerably reduces the noise generated by the squeegee in operation while maintaining the same dust and waste suction efficiency, or even improving it.

La réalisation de tels rayons de courbure pose toutefois des problèmes dimensionnels et tend à augmenter l'encombrement du suceur ainsi constitué. Afin de conserver un suceur de faible dimension, le tube d'aspiration, relié à la zone de raccordement, présente une section circulaire dont le diamètre intérieur est sensiblement celui des différents conduits successifs menant à l'aspirateur. Par ailleurs, en proposant un tube de liaison dont le diamètre correspond au diamètre des différents conduits menant à l'aspirateur, les phénomènes acoustiques liés à des changements de section sont évités.The production of such radii of curvature, however, poses dimensional problems and tends to increase the size of the nozzle thus formed. In order to keep a small-sized nozzle, the suction tube, connected to the connection zone, has a circular section, the inside diameter of which is substantially that of the various successive ducts leading to the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, by providing a connecting tube whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the various ducts leading to the vacuum cleaner, the acoustic phenomena linked to changes in section are avoided.

Avantageusement, la zone de raccordement est délimitée par deux pièces agencées l'une sur l'autre, facilitant la mise en oeuvre de l'invention. La pièce inférieure est préférentiellement issue de la semelle du suceur. La pièce supérieure est rapportée par un système de vis ou par clipage.Advantageously, the connection zone is delimited by two parts arranged one on top of the other, facilitating the implementation of the invention. The lower part preferably comes from the sole of the nozzle. The upper part is attached by a screw system or by clipping.

Afin d'éviter des turbulences par la rencontre des flux d'aspiration, la pièce supérieure présente une forme en dôme, les différentes courbures de la pièce évitant un décollement des lames d'air lors de leur passage dans la zone de raccordement.In order to avoid turbulence by the meeting of the suction flows, the upper part has a dome shape, the different curvatures of the part preventing the air knives from coming apart as they pass through the connection zone.

De même, les rayons de courbure des autres parois de la zone de raccordement sont conçus pour limiter les décollements des lames d'air, tout en évitant d'augmenter la taille et diminuer l'efficacité du suceur. Ainsi, ces rayons de courbure sont supérieurs à 10 mm.Likewise, the radii of curvature of the other walls of the connection zone are designed to limit detachment of the air knives, while avoiding increasing the size and reducing the efficiency of the nozzle. Thus, these radii of curvature are greater than 10 mm.

Avantageusement le tuyau flexible est guidé par deux bras rigides latéraux permettant un meilleur confort d'utilisation.Advantageously, the flexible pipe is guided by two rigid lateral arms allowing better comfort of use.

Selon une mise en oeuvre préférée de l'invention, le suceur comporte deux canaux d'aspiration reliés l'un à l'autre au niveau de la zone de raccordement, permettant de disposer ladite zone de raccordement au niveau central du suceur.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle comprises two suction channels connected to one another at the level of the connection zone, making it possible to arrange said connection zone at the central level of the nozzle.

Selon cette configuration, le suceur est préférentiellement de forme triangulaire, les deux canaux s'étendant le long de deux des cotés du triangle, une ouverture étant réalisée dans la pointe du suceur formée par la rencontre des deux canaux, ladite ouverture étant réalisée dans la semelle du suceur.According to this configuration, the nozzle is preferably triangular in shape, the two channels extending along two of the sides of the triangle, an opening being made in the tip of the nozzle formed. by the meeting of the two channels, said opening being made in the sole of the nozzle.

La forme triangulaire permet d'utiliser une longueur de suceur plus importante que pour un suceur rectangulaire, afin de réaliser la présente invention, le rayon de courbure important des parois latérales de la zone de raccordement ayant tendance à éloigner vers l'arrière l'embouchure de la tubulure de raccordement.The triangular shape makes it possible to use a longer nozzle length than for a rectangular nozzle, in order to achieve the present invention, the large radius of curvature of the side walls of the connection zone tending to move the mouth backwards. of the connection tubing.

Avantageusement, l'ouverture dans la pointe du suceur est disposée dans l'axe du tube d'aspiration lié à la zone de raccordement, l'architecture de la semelle du suceur ménageant une liaison directe entre ladite ouverture et ledit tube.Advantageously, the opening in the tip of the nozzle is arranged in the axis of the suction tube linked to the connection zone, the architecture of the sole of the nozzle forming a direct connection between said opening and said tube.

Par liaison directe il faut entendre une liaison en ligne droite, de sorte que certains déchets aspirés par l'ouverture dans la pointe du suceur pénètrent directement dans le tube lié à la zone de raccordement, sans toucher, ou en touchant très peu les parois du suceur. Une partie de l'air suit également ce trajet direct entre ladite ouverture et le conduit arrière.By direct connection is meant a connection in a straight line, so that some waste sucked through the opening in the tip of the nozzle enters directly into the tube linked to the connection area, without touching, or touching very little the walls of the nozzle. nozzle. Part of the air also follows this direct path between said opening and the rear duct.

Avantageusement, la base du suceur triangulaire est en retrait par rapport au niveau inférieur de la partie avant de la semelle définissant notamment les canaux d'aspiration. Ce retrait, compris entre 4 et 7 mm, permet de faciliter le déplacement du suceur et de limiter la régénération de bruit sous le suceur.Advantageously, the base of the triangular nozzle is set back relative to the lower level of the front part of the sole defining in particular the suction channels. This withdrawal, between 4 and 7 mm, makes it possible to facilitate the movement of the nozzle and to limit the regeneration of noise under the nozzle.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description qui va suivre, prise à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en référence aux figures annexées dans lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 présente, en perspective tronquée, un suceur de l'art antérieur,
  • la figure 2 présente une vue en perspective d'un suceur selon l'invention,
  • la figure 3 présente, dans une vue en perspective, un suceur selon l'invention où certaines parties non essentielles à l'invention ont été omises,
  • la figure 4 est une vue de dessous de certaines pièces du suceur,
  • la figure 5 est une vue éclatée en perspective de certaines pièces du suceur selon l'invention,
  • La figure 6 est une vue en perspective avant, légèrement de dessous, de certaines parties du suceur,
  • la figure 7 est une vue similaire à la figure 6, où seules certaines pièces sont représentées,
  • les figures 8, 9 et 11 sont respectivement des vues de face, de dessous et de profil des certaines pièces de l'invention,
  • la figure 10 est une vue en coupe selon l'axe A-A de la figure 9,
  • la figure 12 est une vue de dessus de certaines pièces du suceur,
  • la figure 13 est une vue en coupe selon A-A de la figure 11,
  • les figures 14, 15, 16 sont respectivement des vues de face, de profil et en perspective retournée de certaines pièces du suceur selon l'invention,
  • la figure 17 est une vue arrière du suceur où certaines pièces ont été omises,
  • la figure 18 est une vue en coupe selon l'axe A-A de certaines pièces du suceur,
  • les figures 19, 20 et 21 présentent, en perspective, différentes coupes du suceur.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, taken by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended figures in which:
  • the figure 1 presents, in truncated perspective, a nozzle of the prior art,
  • the figure 2 presents a perspective view of a nozzle according to the invention,
  • the figure 3 presents, in a perspective view, a nozzle according to the invention where certain parts not essential to the invention have been omitted,
  • the figure 4 is a bottom view of some parts of the squeegee,
  • the figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of certain parts of the nozzle according to the invention,
  • The figure 6 is a front perspective view, slightly from below, of parts of the nozzle,
  • the figure 7 is a view similar to figure 6 , where only certain parts are represented,
  • the figures 8 , 9 and 11 are respectively front, bottom and profile views of certain parts of the invention,
  • the figure 10 is a sectional view along the AA axis of the figure 9 ,
  • the figure 12 is a top view of some parts of the squeegee,
  • the figure 13 is a sectional view along AA of the figure 11 ,
  • the figures 14, 15, 16 are respectively front, profile and upside-down perspective views of certain parts of the nozzle according to the invention,
  • the figure 17 is a rear view of the squeegee where some parts have been omitted,
  • the figure 18 is a sectional view along the AA axis of certain parts of the nozzle,
  • the figures 19, 20 and 21 present, in perspective, different sections of the nozzle.

La présente invention concerne un suceur 1 d'aspirateur. Selon l'exemple proposé d'illustration de l'invention, tel que le montre la figure 2, le suceur est de forme triangulaire. Toutefois, la présente invention n'est pas limitée à cette forme triangulaire, et peut être mise en oeuvre sur un suceur rectangulaire.The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. According to the proposed illustrative example of the invention, as shown in figure 2 , the nozzle is triangular in shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this triangular shape, and can be implemented on a rectangular nozzle.

Le suceur 1 comporte une semelle 2 sur laquelle est agencé un capot 4. Des brosses 6 peuvent être actionnées dans un mouvement vertical par une pédale 8 pour permettre au suceur d'être en contact avec le sol par l'intermédiaire desdites brosses 6, tel qu'il est connu dans le domaine. Afin de faciliter son déplacement, le suceur possède également des roues (non représentées) mobiles verticalement dans des ouvertures 10 ménagées dans la partie pleine arrière 12 de la semelle, tel que visibles figure 4.The nozzle 1 comprises a sole 2 on which is arranged a cover 4. Brushes 6 can be actuated in a vertical movement by a pedal 8 to allow the nozzle to be in contact with the ground by means of said brushes 6, such as that he is known in the field. In order to facilitate its movement, the nozzle also has wheels (not shown) movable vertically in openings 10 made in the solid rear part 12 of the sole, as visible. figure 4 .

Par la suite des illustrations, les éléments que sont les brosses, le mécanisme de monte et baisse desdites brosses, ainsi que le capot et les roues ne sont pas représentés, afin de rendre plus compréhensible la présente invention.Following the illustrations, the elements which are the brushes, the mechanism for raising and lowering said brushes, as well as the cover and the wheels are not shown, in order to make the present invention more understandable.

Tel qu'il est bien visible sur la figure 4, le suceur triangulaire 1 possède des canaux d'aspiration 13, 14 disposés le long de deux de ses côtés. La pointe du suceur, formée par la rencontre de ces deux côtés, présente une ouverture frontale 16, en liaison avec les canaux 13, 14, permettant une aspiration dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la surface à nettoyer.As it is clearly visible on the figure 4 , the triangular nozzle 1 has suction channels 13, 14 arranged along two of its sides. The tip of the nozzle, formed by the meeting of these two sides, has a front opening 16, in connection with the channels 13, 14, allowing suction in a direction substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

Des bandes arrache fils 18, 20 sont disposées de part et d'autre des canaux d'aspiration, dans la région de la pointe du suceur.Strips of threads 18, 20 are arranged on either side of the suction channels, in the region of the tip of the nozzle.

Les canaux d'aspiration 13, 14 débouchent au niveau de la semelle 2 du suceur en contact avec le sol à nettoyer et sont reliés, de manière aéraulique, à un tube 22 de liaison, par l'intermédiaire d'une zone de raccordement 24. Le tube de liaison 22 est relié, par une tubulure d'aspiration, telle la tubulure 25, à un corps d'aspirateur, non représenté, l'aspirateur possédant notamment un moto-ventilateur susceptible de créer un flux d'aspiration d'air.The suction channels 13, 14 open at the level of the sole 2 of the nozzle in contact with the floor to be cleaned and are connected, in an aeraulic manner, to a connecting tube 22, by means of a connection zone 24 The connecting tube 22 is connected, by a suction pipe, such as the pipe 25, to a vacuum cleaner body, not shown, the vacuum cleaner having in particular a motor-fan capable of creating a suction flow of air.

Le tube 22 est un tube flexible composé d'une âme se présentant sous la forme d'un fil ressort métallique enrobé dans un habillage plastique. La déformation d'un tel tube remplace l'articulation de type rotule souvent rencontrée, la déformation s'effectuant en arc de cercle, ce qui est favorable lorsqu'une faible génération de bruit est recherchée.The tube 22 is a flexible tube composed of a core in the form of a metal spring wire coated in a plastic covering. The deformation of such a tube replaces the ball joint type often encountered, the deformation taking place in an arc of a circle, which is favorable when low noise generation is desired.

Toutefois, afin de faciliter la manipulation du suceur, deux bras latéraux 23 relient l'extrémité du tube 22, située hors du suceur, à la base arrière du suceur, lesdits bras étant articulés à ce niveau.However, in order to facilitate handling of the nozzle, two lateral arms 23 connect the end of the tube 22, located outside the nozzle, to the rear base of the nozzle, said arms being articulated at this level.

La figure 5 montre une vue éclatée en perspective du suceur. Tel qu'il est bien visible sur cette figure, les canaux d'aspiration 13, 14 sont fermés, d'une part par une structure interne réalisée en partie lors de la fabrication par moulage de la semelle, telles des parties 130, 140, et d'autre part par une pièce supérieure 30 en forme d'aileron venant se fixer sur la semelle 2 par vissage dans des emplacements 32 appropriés. D'autres moyens équivalents, tels des clips, peuvent être utilisés pour rapporter la pièce 30 sur la semelle 2.The figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the nozzle. As is clearly visible in this figure, the suction channels 13, 14 are closed, on the one hand by an internal structure produced in part during the manufacture by molding of the sole, such as parts 130, 140, and on the other hand by an upper part 30 in the form of a fin which is fixed to the sole 2 by screwing in suitable locations 32. Other equivalent means, such as clips, can be used to attach the part 30 to the sole 2.

La pièce 30 présente une partie avant 42, ainsi que des extensions latérales 33, 34 venant couvrir une partie des canaux 13, 14.The part 30 has a front part 42, as well as lateral extensions 33, 34 which cover part of the channels 13, 14.

La pièce supérieure 30 définit, avec une partie sous-jacente 40 issue de la semelle 2, la zone de raccordement 24 des canaux d'aspiration au tube de liaison 22.The upper part 30 defines, with an underlying part 40 coming from the sole 2, the connection zone 24 of the suction channels to the connecting tube 22.

La pièce 30 et la partie 40 présentent, chacune, une portion de liaison de raccordement au tube 22. Ce dernier étant préférentiellement de section circulaire, la pièce 30 et la partie 40 présentent, respectivement, à l'arrière, une courbure 39, 49 en demi-cercle de telle manière que l'assemblage de la pièce 30 sur la semelle 2 réalise, en partie arrière, une portion de tube légèrement inférieur au diamètre intérieur du tube 22, afin de connecter facilement ledit tube à la zone ainsi formée. Le maintien du tube sur la zone de raccordement 24 peut être réalisé par tout moyen connu, tel par exemple, un circlip.The part 30 and the part 40 each have a connection portion for connection to the tube 22. The latter preferably being of circular section, the part 30 and the part 40 have, respectively, at the rear, a curvature 39, 49 in a semicircle such that the assembly of the part 30 on the sole 2 produces, in the rear part, a portion of the tube slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tube 22, in order to easily connect said tube to the zone thus formed. Maintaining the tube on the connection zone 24 can be achieved by any known means, such as, for example, a circlip.

Selon la présente invention, des parois latérales 240, 242 de la zone de raccordement 24 présentent un rayon de courbure important, supérieur à 20 mm, afin de limiter les turbulences aérauliques lors du fonctionnement.According to the present invention, side walls 240, 242 of the connection zone 24 have a large radius of curvature, greater than 20 mm, in order to limit the aeraulic turbulence during operation.

Tel que précédemment expliqué, la zone de raccordement est constituée par la réunion de la pièce 30 et de la partie 40. Ces deux sous-ensembles présentent donc des portions de parois latérales, respectivement 36, 38 pour la pièce supérieure 30, et 46, 48 pour la partie 40, portions présentées aux figures 7, 9 et 12.As previously explained, the connection zone is formed by the union of the part 30 and of the part 40. These two subassemblies therefore have portions of side walls, respectively 36, 38 for the upper part 30, and 46, 48 for part 40, portions presented to figures 7 , 9 and 12 .

La réalisation de la pièce 30, indépendante, et rapportée sur la semelle 2, afin de créer la zone de raccordement, facilite la création de rayons de courbure importants, notamment au niveau des parois latérales de ladite zone.The realization of the part 30, independent, and attached to the sole 2, in order to create the connection zone, facilitates the creation of large radii of curvature, in particular at the level of the side walls of said zone.

La figure 8 montre un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention.The figure 8 shows another embodiment of the invention.

En effet, tel qu'il est bien visible sur cette figure, ainsi que sur les figures 9 à 11, la pièce supérieure 30 présente une forme en dôme 50, c'est-à-dire que sa paroi supérieure présente une courbure latérale 502, tel que le montre la figure 8, ainsi qu'une courbure longitudinale 504, comme illustré figures 10 et 11 notamment. Cette forme spécifique permet un guidage optimum de l'air et des déchets, tel qu'il sera expliqué ultérieurement.Indeed, as it is clearly visible in this figure, as well as on the figures 9 to 11 , the upper part 30 has a dome shape 50, that is to say that its upper wall has a lateral curvature 502, as shown in the figure. figure 8 , as well as a longitudinal curvature 504, as illustrated figures 10 and 11 especially. This specific shape allows optimum guidance of the air and the waste, as will be explained later.

En complément, les extensions latérales 33, 34 fermant les canaux d'aspiration, ont également été travaillés au niveau de leur forme afin de présenter des courbures, telle une courbure 330, qui favorise la fluidité de l'écoulement et assure l'étanchéité entre la pièce supérieure 30 et la semelle 2.In addition, the lateral extensions 33, 34 closing the suction channels, have also been worked on in terms of their shape in order to present curvatures, such as a curvature 330, which promotes the fluidity of the flow and ensures the seal between the upper part 30 and the sole 2.

Les figures 12 à 15 présentent la semelle 2 du suceur, associée au tube de liaison 22. Tel que précédemment expliqué, cette semelle présente une partie centrale 40 formant, avec la pièce supérieure 30, la zone de raccordement 24. Cette partie 40 délimite, par sa zone avant 200, les bords antérieurs des canaux d'aspiration 13, 14. La zone 200 se caractérise notamment par sa forme en pointe, en présentant un nez avant 210 à la réunion des deux canaux. La partie 40 assurant la liaison entre les canaux et le tube de liaison, la zone avant 200 présente des courbures spécifiques les plus douces possibles en direction des canaux d'aspiration, telle une courbure 212 au niveau de l'axe longitudinal du suceur, afin d'acheminer l'air et les déchets avec le minimum de turbulence.The figures 12 to 15 present the sole 2 of the nozzle, associated with the connecting tube 22. As previously explained, this sole has a central part 40 forming, with the upper part 30, the connection zone 24. This part 40 delimits, by its front zone 200 , the front edges of the suction channels 13, 14. The zone 200 is characterized in particular by its pointed shape, by having a front nose 210 at the meeting of the two channels. Part 40 ensuring the connection between the channels and the connecting tube, the front zone 200 has specific curvatures that are as gentle as possible in the direction of the suction channels, such as a curvature 212 at the level of the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, in order to to convey air and waste with minimum turbulence.

En particulier, l'angle d'attaque α au niveau du nez, pour l'air pénétrant par la pointe du suceur, est avantageusement inférieur à 45°, et préférentiellement de l'ordre de 35°.In particular, the angle of attack α at the nose, for the air entering through the tip of the nozzle, is advantageously less than 45 °, and preferably of the order of 35 °.

Les différentes courbures de la zone avant 200 sont présentées aux figures 19 à 21 où une partie de la semelle du suceur a été coupée verticalement pour mieux visualiser la zone 200. Les différentes figures montrent que toute la zone 200 est en courbe, sans portion rectiligne, depuis le bord antérieur des canaux 13, 14, jusqu'à l'embouchure du tube 22.The different curvatures of the front zone 200 are presented in figures 19 to 21 where a part of the sole of the nozzle has been cut vertically to better visualize the zone 200. The various figures show that the entire zone 200 is curved, without a rectilinear portion, from the front edge of the channels 13, 14, up to the mouth of the tube 22.

Notamment, tel que le montre la figure 21, les directions obliques F et G d'aspiration suivent également une courbe le long de la portion de la zone 200 correspondante.In particular, as shown in figure 21 , the oblique suction directions F and G also follow a curve along the portion of the corresponding zone 200.

Par ailleurs, la semelle 2 définit l'ouverture d'aspiration 16 en présentant notamment une paroi supérieure 202 courbée selon un rayon r voisin de 10 mm, propice à faire pénétrer l'air dans le suceur sans bruit.Furthermore, the sole 2 defines the suction opening 16 by presenting in particular an upper wall 202 curved along a radius r close to 10 mm, suitable for allowing air to enter the nozzle without noise.

Selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ouverture 16 dans la pointe du suceur est en liaison directe avec le tube 22. Par liaison directe, il faut comprendre une liaison en ligne droite, telle la ligne x-x' présentée aux figures 13 et 16. Les déchets et l'air pénétrant par l'ouverture 16 dans la pointe du suceur peuvent ainsi atteindre le tube 22 sans heurter de paroi, grâce à la forme effilée de la zone 200 et à la courbure 212 de ladite zone.According to a third embodiment of the invention, the opening 16 in the tip of the nozzle is in direct connection with the tube 22. By direct connection, it is necessary to understand a connection in a straight line, such as the line xx 'presented to the users. figures 13 and 16 . The waste and the air entering through the opening 16 in the tip of the nozzle can thus reach the tube 22 without hitting the wall, thanks to the tapered shape of the zone 200 and to the curvature 212 of said zone.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention, la partie pleine arrière 12 de la semelle 2 du suceur, qui définit en quelque sorte la base du suceur, n'est pas au même niveau que la partie avant de ladite semelle définissant notamment les canaux d'aspiration. Le retrait h de la partie pleine est de l'ordre de 5 mm selon l'exemple proposé et permet de limiter l'effort de déplacement du suceur par l'utilisateur, en réduisant les frottements de la zone pleine sur le sol, notamment sur les sols de type moquette ou tapis. Ce retrait permet également de diminuer le niveau de bruit régénéré sous la partie pleine arrière 12.According to another embodiment of the present invention, the full rear part 12 of the sole 2 of the nozzle, which in a way defines the base of the nozzle, is not at the same level as the front part of said sole defining in particular the suction channels. The shrinkage h of the solid part is of the order of 5 mm according to the example proposed and makes it possible to limit the effort of displacement of the nozzle by the user, by reducing the friction of the solid area on the ground, in particular on carpet or rug type floors. This removal also makes it possible to reduce the noise level regenerated under the solid rear part 12.

En fonctionnement, lorsque le moteur de l'aspirateur est mis en marche, un flux d'aspiration est créé. La majeure partie de l'air et des déchets sont aspirés par les canaux latéraux 13, 14. L'écoulement de l'air et des déchets dans ces canaux est facilité par la forme arrondie de la paroi délimitant notamment la voûte des canaux, telle la paroi courbée 330.In operation, when the vacuum cleaner motor is turned on, a suction flow is created. Most of the air and the waste are sucked in by the side channels 13, 14. The flow of air and waste in these channels is facilitated by the rounded shape of the wall delimiting in particular the vault of the channels, such as the curved wall 330.

L'air et les déchets pénètrent ensuite dans la zone de raccordement 24 par les parois latérales 240, 242. En réalisant un rayon de courbure de ces parois important, l'écoulement reste passablement fluide et laminaire, l'air ayant ainsi une forte tendance à rester au contact de ces parois.The air and the waste then enter the connection zone 24 via the side walls 240, 242. By producing a large radius of curvature of these walls, the flow remains fairly fluid and laminar, the air thus having a strong tendency. to stay in contact with these walls.

Par ailleurs, les courbures 502, 504 dans la paroi supérieure de la pièce de raccordement 24 évitent fortement les phénomènes de turbulence pouvant résulter de la rencontre des flux provenant de chaque canal.Furthermore, the curvatures 502, 504 in the upper wall of the connecting piece 24 greatly avoid the turbulence phenomena that may result from the meeting of the flows coming from each channel.

Cet aspect est d'autant plus important qu'une partie du flux pénétrant dans le tube 22 provient également de l'ouverture 16 ménagée dans la pointe du suceur. La forme du dôme 50 de la zone de raccordement ainsi que le volume de ce dôme contribue également à fluidifier les flux.This aspect is all the more important since part of the flow entering the tube 22 also comes from the opening 16 made in the tip of the nozzle. The shape of the dome 50 of the connection zone as well as the volume of this dome also contributes to fluidifying the flows.

De plus, l'air et les déchets pénétrant dans le suceur par cette ouverture 16 présentent une vitesse élevée, tant par le fait de la taille réduite de cette ouverture, dont la section de passage est de l'ordre de 0,5 cm2, que par la liaison directe avec le tube 22, tel que précédemment expliqué. Cette vitesse élevée permet de diriger les flux provenant des canaux 13, 14 tout en limitant les chocs entre ces deux flux et le bruit résultant.In addition, the air and the waste entering the nozzle through this opening 16 have a high speed, both due to the small size of this opening, the passage section of which is of the order of 0.5 cm 2. , that by the direct connection with the tube 22, as previously explained. This high speed makes it possible to direct the flows coming from the channels 13, 14 while limiting the shocks between these two flows and the resulting noise.

De plus, l'air et les déchets, par la zone de raccordement ainsi formée, pénètrent directement dans le tube de liaison 22, tube sensiblement de même diamètre que la tubulure 25 menant l'air et les déchets vers l'aspirateur. L'absence de rupture de section pouvant résulter de liaisons entre conduits de diamètre différent, aucune turbulence et donc aucun bruit ne sont générés.In addition, the air and the waste, through the connection zone thus formed, enter directly into the connecting tube 22, a tube of substantially the same diameter as the tubing 25 leading the air and the waste to the vacuum cleaner. As the absence of section breakage may result from connections between ducts of different diameters, no turbulence and therefore no noise are generated.

Par ailleurs, le suceur étant « articulé » par la flexibilité du conduit, flexibilité qui se traduit par des courbures du tube 22 en arc de cercle, l'écoulement de l'air et des déchets dans le conduit 22 se réalise sans variation brusque de direction ni de section.Moreover, the nozzle being “articulated” by the flexibility of the duct, a flexibility which results in curvatures of the tube 22 in an arc of a circle, the flow of air and of the waste in the duct 22 takes place without abrupt variation of direction or section.

L'ensemble de ces caractéristiques se traduit par une baisse considérable du bruit aéraulique généré par un tel suceur lorsque l'aspirateur est en fonctionnement.All of these characteristics result in a considerable reduction in the aeraulic noise generated by such a nozzle when the vacuum cleaner is in operation.

Par rapport au suceur présenté en introduction, suceur déjà performant au niveau de la réduction du bruit, et tel que décrit dans la demande FR 2860413 , on peut estimer qu'un suceur selon la présente invention permet un gain sur le bruit supérieur à 5 dBa, selon le régime moteur.Compared to the nozzle presented in the introduction, a nozzle which is already efficient in terms of noise reduction, and as described in the application FR 2860413 , it can be estimated that a nozzle according to the present invention allows a gain on noise greater than 5 dBa, depending on the engine speed.

L'invention n'est pas limitée au mode précis de réalisation illustré, mais comprend notamment les équivalents techniques des différents modes de réalisation.The invention is not limited to the precise embodiment illustrated, but includes in particular the technical equivalents of the various embodiments.

Par ailleurs, la présente invention, dans plusieurs de ses aspects, peut tout à fait être appliquée à un suceur de forme rectangulaire. Notamment la courbure des parois latérales de la zone de raccordement, ainsi que l'angle formé par la zone définissant la partie antérieure des canaux peuvent être mis en oeuvre dans un suceur rectangulaire sans augmenter considérablement l'encombrement, et notamment la longueur, du suceur. Moreover, the present invention, in several of its aspects, can quite well be applied to a nozzle of rectangular shape. In particular the curvature of the side walls of the connection zone, as well as the angle formed by the zone defining the front part of the channels can be implemented in a rectangular nozzle without considerably increasing the size, and in particular the length, of the nozzle. .

Claims (10)

  1. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) open towards the surface to be cleaned by at least one suction channel (13, 14) formed in the sole (2) of the nozzle (1) and extending substantially horizontally, said channel (13, 14) being connected, via a connection area (24), to a suction pipe (22) connected to the vacuum cleaner, said connection area (24) being delimited by walls (50, 240, 242), characterised in that the radius of curvature of the side walls (240, 242) of said connection area (24) is greater than 20 mm, and in that the pipe (22) connected to the connection area (24) is a flexible hose consisting of a metal spring wire embedded in a plastic casing forming the nozzle joint and able to form, during operation, a circular arc, in that the connection area (24), is delimited by two parts (30, 40) arranged one above the other, and in that the upper part (30) is dome-shaped.
  2. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the suction pipe (22), connected to the connection area (24), has a circular section whose internal diameter is substantially that of the different successive channels leading to the vacuum cleaner.
  3. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the lower part (40) is derived from the sole (2) of the nozzle (1).
  4. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the radiuses of curvature of the other walls (50) of the connection area (24) are greater than 10 mm.
  5. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the suction pipe (22) is guided by two lateral rigid arms (23).
  6. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises two suction channels (13, 14) connected to each other at the connection area (24).
  7. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to the previous claim, characterised in that it is triangular in shape, the two channels (13, 14) extending along two sides of the triangle, and in that an opening (16) is formed at the tip of the nozzle (1) formed by the meeting of the two channels (13, 14), said opening (16) being formed in the sole (2) of the nozzle (1).
  8. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the opening (16) at the end of the nozzle (1) is arranged at the centre of the suction pipe (22) connected to the connection area (24) and in that the architecture of the sole (2) of the nozzle (1) forms a direct connection between said opening (16) and said pipe (22).
  9. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterised in that the base (12) of the triangular nozzle (1) is recessed in relation to the lower level of the front part of the sole (2) defining in particular the suction channels (13, 14).
  10. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the recess is between 4 and 7 mm.
EP07356168.0A 2006-11-23 2007-11-19 Vacuum cleaner nozzle Active EP1925247B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0610265A FR2908972B1 (en) 2006-11-23 2006-11-23 VACUUM SUCKER.

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1925247A1 EP1925247A1 (en) 2008-05-28
EP1925247B1 EP1925247B1 (en) 2015-07-08
EP1925247B2 true EP1925247B2 (en) 2021-07-21

Family

ID=38180089

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07356168.0A Active EP1925247B2 (en) 2006-11-23 2007-11-19 Vacuum cleaner nozzle

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1925247B2 (en)
FR (1) FR2908972B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2967883B1 (en) * 2010-11-26 2013-08-23 Seb Sa VACUUM SUCKER
FR3003744B1 (en) * 2013-03-26 2015-09-04 Seb Sa VACUUM SQUEEGEE COMPRISING A LIGHT SOURCE
WO2020264205A1 (en) 2019-06-26 2020-12-30 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Vacuum tools

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2235226A (en) † 1939-07-11 1941-03-18 Electrolux Corp Suction nozzle
US5189757A (en) † 1991-10-31 1993-03-02 Williams William H Head assembly for a vacuum cleaning apparatus
RU1U1 (en) † 1993-07-01 1994-06-25 Напетваридзе С.О. Device for afforestation of steep mountain slopes
DE19624360A1 (en) † 1996-06-19 1998-01-02 Wessel Werk Gmbh Suction head for vacuum cleaner
GB2346076A (en) † 1999-01-28 2000-08-02 Numatic Int Ltd Vacuum cleaner where the swivelling connection between the work head and the body portion comprises a detachable conduit
US6510584B2 (en) † 2001-01-12 2003-01-28 Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Flow cut-off and brushroll shut-off mechanism for vacuum cleaner
EP1520503A1 (en) † 2003-10-01 2005-04-06 Seb S.A. Suction nozzle of a vacuum cleaner
WO2005074778A1 (en) † 2004-02-06 2005-08-18 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Vacuum cleaner nozzle
FR2871046A1 (en) † 2004-06-08 2005-12-09 Seb Sa Suction nozzle for low power upright vacuum cleaner, has suction passage delimited by front wall and rear wall such that front wall forms arc of circle symmetric with respect to middle of passage

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB191327539A (en) 1913-11-29 1914-08-07 Walter Greenwood Doty Vacuum Sweepers.
DE19800388C2 (en) * 1998-01-08 1999-12-02 Wessel Werk Gmbh Suction head for vacuum cleaner
FR2773457B1 (en) * 1998-01-14 2000-03-03 Seb Sa SUCTION CIRCUIT OF A VACUUM CLEANER
FR2789880B1 (en) * 1999-02-19 2001-05-04 Seb Sa COMPLEMENTARY PIECE FOR BASE PLATE OF A VACUUM CLEANER
US6421875B1 (en) * 2000-06-12 2002-07-23 Pro-Team, Inc. Vortex floor tool
US20050022340A1 (en) * 2003-08-01 2005-02-03 Hafling Danielle M. Nozzle assembly with high efficiency agitator cavity
KR100592095B1 (en) * 2004-11-03 2006-06-22 삼성광주전자 주식회사 Suction structure assembly of vacuum cleaner

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2235226A (en) † 1939-07-11 1941-03-18 Electrolux Corp Suction nozzle
US5189757A (en) † 1991-10-31 1993-03-02 Williams William H Head assembly for a vacuum cleaning apparatus
RU1U1 (en) † 1993-07-01 1994-06-25 Напетваридзе С.О. Device for afforestation of steep mountain slopes
DE19624360A1 (en) † 1996-06-19 1998-01-02 Wessel Werk Gmbh Suction head for vacuum cleaner
GB2346076A (en) † 1999-01-28 2000-08-02 Numatic Int Ltd Vacuum cleaner where the swivelling connection between the work head and the body portion comprises a detachable conduit
US6510584B2 (en) † 2001-01-12 2003-01-28 Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Flow cut-off and brushroll shut-off mechanism for vacuum cleaner
EP1520503A1 (en) † 2003-10-01 2005-04-06 Seb S.A. Suction nozzle of a vacuum cleaner
FR2860413A1 (en) † 2003-10-01 2005-04-08 Seb Sa VACUUM SUCKER
WO2005074778A1 (en) † 2004-02-06 2005-08-18 Aktiebolaget Electrolux Vacuum cleaner nozzle
FR2871046A1 (en) † 2004-06-08 2005-12-09 Seb Sa Suction nozzle for low power upright vacuum cleaner, has suction passage delimited by front wall and rear wall such that front wall forms arc of circle symmetric with respect to middle of passage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1925247B1 (en) 2015-07-08
EP1925247A1 (en) 2008-05-28
FR2908972A1 (en) 2008-05-30
FR2908972B1 (en) 2010-11-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0928252B1 (en) Device for drawing fuel for motor vehicle tank
EP1173085B1 (en) Vacuum cleaner nozzle with scraper blade
EP2760325B1 (en) Vacuum cleaner nozzle
EP2457481B1 (en) Vacuum cleaner nozzle
FR2872401A1 (en) ASPIRATION DEVICE FOR ASPIRATOR AND ASPIRATOR CORRESPONDING
EP1925247B2 (en) Vacuum cleaner nozzle
FR2497453A1 (en) SUCKER FOR DUST VACUUM CLEANER
EP2374393B1 (en) Vacuum cleaner nozzle
FR2871046A1 (en) Suction nozzle for low power upright vacuum cleaner, has suction passage delimited by front wall and rear wall such that front wall forms arc of circle symmetric with respect to middle of passage
FR3045422B1 (en) DEVICE FOR LAUNDRYING A SEAL CORD
EP2314799B1 (en) Guiding device for a device for automatic cleaning of a surface submerged in a liquid
EP3626148B1 (en) Suction device for a home vacuum cleaner
EP3626147B1 (en) Suction device for a home vacuum cleaner
EP3626143B1 (en) Suction device for a home vacuum cleaner
EP1369074B1 (en) Suction nozzle with scraping device
EP4311464A1 (en) Suction head comprising a sole provided with a curved front sliding surface
FR2611489A1 (en) Fume suction mask for welder
EP1520503A1 (en) Suction nozzle of a vacuum cleaner
FR2918259A1 (en) Sealed joint for vacuum cleaner pipe sections has coaxially protruding cylindrical lip thinner than section wall, external diameter slightly greater than internal diameter of part of other section to ensure deformation when joining sections
WO2022167764A1 (en) Canister-type suction assembly equipped with a cyclonic separation device
FR2820659A1 (en) HIGH POOL SENSITIVITY POOL CLEANER ROBOT

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20081126

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20090113

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: DE

Ref document number: 1121658

Country of ref document: HK

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20150310

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 734707

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150715

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602007042029

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 734707

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150708

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20150708

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151009

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20151116

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151109

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151108

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R026

Ref document number: 602007042029

Country of ref document: DE

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: WESSEL-WERK GMBH

Effective date: 20160408

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: WD

Ref document number: 1121658

Country of ref document: HK

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151130

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: SEB S.A.

PLAF Information modified related to communication of a notice of opposition and request to file observations + time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCOBS2

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151119

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20071119

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CA

Effective date: 20170518

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20161119

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

RIN2 Information on inventor provided after grant (corrected)

Inventor name: MARCHAL, ERIC

Inventor name: DAVID, FABIEN

PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 20210721

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R102

Ref document number: 602007042029

Country of ref document: DE

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231124

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231107

Year of fee payment: 17