EP2928351A1 - A vacuum cleaner handle with a system for coupling a hose - Google Patents

A vacuum cleaner handle with a system for coupling a hose

Info

Publication number
EP2928351A1
EP2928351A1 EP13826945.1A EP13826945A EP2928351A1 EP 2928351 A1 EP2928351 A1 EP 2928351A1 EP 13826945 A EP13826945 A EP 13826945A EP 2928351 A1 EP2928351 A1 EP 2928351A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
handle
coupling
hose
vacuum cleaner
joint
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP13826945.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2928351B1 (en
Inventor
Giacomo Pittalis
Monica Milani
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.)
Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Original Assignee
Indesit Co SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Indesit Co SpA filed Critical Indesit Co SpA
Publication of EP2928351A1 publication Critical patent/EP2928351A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2928351B1 publication Critical patent/EP2928351B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • 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
    • A47L9/32—Handles
    • A47L9/327—Handles for suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of suction and cleaning systems, more specifically to a system for coupling a hose to a vacuum cleaner handle and a vacuum cleaner handle equipped with such a system.
  • the vacuum cleaner is a particular household appliance intended for cleaning floors and other surfaces. Its internal mechanism allows it to suck dust and other particles mixed with air, and to hold them inside its body by means of a filter element, so as to release clean air.
  • the motor in particular, which is typically and electric one, allows sucking external air by creating a sort of a vacuum, by means of a fan, inside the vacuum cleaner.
  • a vacuum cleaner typically consists of a body enclosing the internal mechanism, possibly fitted with castors for ease of movement, to which a flexible and/or at least partly rigid extension tube is connected, which in its turn is connected to cleaning tools such as brushes or nozzles; cleaning tools are characterized by different shapes, each one suitable for a particular application.
  • a vacuum cleaner with the body separated from the cleaning tool is normally equipped with a rigid handle, much like a broom, with a grip at one end; the tool is integrally pivoted to the other end, so that the handle can at least rotate relative to the tool through at least one rotary joint.
  • the rigid handle may consist of two parts connected to each other by means of a central joint, so that the two parts can at least partially rotate relative to each other.
  • the handle has a coupling for a hose to be connected to the vacuum cleaner body.
  • the hose can be fitted in the lower region of the handle, in the vicinity of the cleaning tool connection.
  • a problem arises in this case, since when moving the handle backwards, e.g. in order to insert the tool into small spaces such as under beds or other pieces of furniture, the hose coupling will get in touch with the floor, thus hindering movement; in addition, the hose will be subject to excessive bending, and may thus be cut or choked, hence stopping the air flow.
  • the hose is applied to the upper region of the handle, near the grip, as described, for example, in EP-1226777-A1.
  • Such a design poses the problem that, when tilting the upper part of the handle, especially backwards, the hose will adversely interfere with the grip.
  • the hose coupling is provided in the region of the central joint, extending in a direction substantially parallel to the lower part of the handle, thereby creating a straight line between the lower part of the handle and the hose.
  • the handle becomes independent of the intake region, thus solving the mutual interference problem.
  • the cleaning tool turns out to be independent of the intake region, thus solving the problem of the excessive bending of the hose when the handle is tilted backwards, which might choke the hose.
  • the hose will bend moderately and naturally, thus also facilitating the pulling function exerted by the hose on the body of the vacuum cleaner.
  • the present invention particularly relates to a system for coupling a hose to a vacuum cleaner handle and to a vacuum cleaner handle equipped with such a system, as set out in the claims, which are an integral part of the present description.
  • Figure 1 shows a vacuum cleaner equipped with a rigid handle, a hose and a coupling system in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the handle area, including the hose coupling system.
  • 1 designates the body of the vacuum cleaner
  • 2 designates the hose
  • 3 designates the central joint
  • 6 designates the hose coupling
  • 7 designates the grip
  • 8 designates the cleaning tool, e.g. a suction brush
  • 4 designates the lower part of the handle to be connected to the cleaning tool
  • 5 designates the upper part of the handle to be connected to the grip.
  • the coupling 6 has a shape suitable for firmly but removably receiving the end portion of the hose.
  • the hose coupling 6 is provided in the region of the central joint 3, extending in a direction substantially parallel to the lower part of the handle.
  • the lower part of the handle 4 and the hose 2 will arrange themselves in parallel directions.
  • the hose will be subject to a slight bending, which will not however be detrimental.
  • the grip 7 and the tool 8 are connected to the handle through respective joints that allow the respective angles to be adjusted.
  • the joint 3 is so designed as to offer some resistance to the rotary folding of the two parts of the handle, e.g. by means of a stepped contact or clutch between the two parts.
  • the stepped contact or clutch is controlled through a button fitted to the joint: when pressed, the handle can be folded; when released, the handle locks into the upright or folded position.
  • the joints at the grip and at the tool are designed in a known manner.
  • the upper part of the handle is shaped like a fork with two spaced parallel arms 5' and 5" extending from both sides of the joint, with an empty space at the center.
  • the fork-shaped part with the empty central area allows the upper part of the handle to be fully folded against the lower part without interfering with the joint, resulting in improved storage and transport conditions due to the fact that the handle needs not be disassembled, and halved outer dimensions. Also the grip 7 can be folded towards the central empty area, thereby further reducing the outer dimensions of the handle.
  • the maximum tilting angle of both parts of the handle is approx. 180°C forwards relative to the straight alignment in idle conditions, and approx. 90°C forwards in operation.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

A system is described for coupling a hose to a vacuum cleaner handle. The handle is divided into at least two parts (4, 5) through a central joint (3), and the coupling system comprises the central joint and a coupling (6), located in the region of the central joint and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the lower part of the handle. An end portion of the hose can be firmly and removably fitted into the coupling.

Description

A VACUUM CLEANER HANDLE WITH A SYSTEM FOR COUPLING A HOSE
DESCRIPTION
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to the field of suction and cleaning systems, more specifically to a system for coupling a hose to a vacuum cleaner handle and a vacuum cleaner handle equipped with such a system.
Background art
The vacuum cleaner is a particular household appliance intended for cleaning floors and other surfaces. Its internal mechanism allows it to suck dust and other particles mixed with air, and to hold them inside its body by means of a filter element, so as to release clean air. The motor, in particular, which is typically and electric one, allows sucking external air by creating a sort of a vacuum, by means of a fan, inside the vacuum cleaner.
A vacuum cleaner typically consists of a body enclosing the internal mechanism, possibly fitted with castors for ease of movement, to which a flexible and/or at least partly rigid extension tube is connected, which in its turn is connected to cleaning tools such as brushes or nozzles; cleaning tools are characterized by different shapes, each one suitable for a particular application.
A vacuum cleaner with the body separated from the cleaning tool is normally equipped with a rigid handle, much like a broom, with a grip at one end; the tool is integrally pivoted to the other end, so that the handle can at least rotate relative to the tool through at least one rotary joint.
The rigid handle may consist of two parts connected to each other by means of a central joint, so that the two parts can at least partially rotate relative to each other. The handle has a coupling for a hose to be connected to the vacuum cleaner body.
In some known embodiments, the hose can be fitted in the lower region of the handle, in the vicinity of the cleaning tool connection. A problem arises in this case, since when moving the handle backwards, e.g. in order to insert the tool into small spaces such as under beds or other pieces of furniture, the hose coupling will get in touch with the floor, thus hindering movement; in addition, the hose will be subject to excessive bending, and may thus be cut or choked, hence stopping the air flow.
In other known embodiments, the hose is applied to the upper region of the handle, near the grip, as described, for example, in EP-1226777-A1. Such a design poses the problem that, when tilting the upper part of the handle, especially backwards, the hose will adversely interfere with the grip.
Summary of the invention
It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a system for coupling a hose to a vacuum cleaner handle, as well as a vacuum cleaner handle equipped with such a coupling, which can overcome the above-mentioned problems.
According to the invention, the hose coupling is provided in the region of the central joint, extending in a direction substantially parallel to the lower part of the handle, thereby creating a straight line between the lower part of the handle and the hose.
In this manner, the handle becomes independent of the intake region, thus solving the mutual interference problem. At the same time, also the cleaning tool turns out to be independent of the intake region, thus solving the problem of the excessive bending of the hose when the handle is tilted backwards, which might choke the hose. In fact, in any case the hose will bend moderately and naturally, thus also facilitating the pulling function exerted by the hose on the body of the vacuum cleaner.
The present invention particularly relates to a system for coupling a hose to a vacuum cleaner handle and to a vacuum cleaner handle equipped with such a system, as set out in the claims, which are an integral part of the present description.
Brief description of the drawings
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment (and variants) thereof and from the annexed drawings, which are only supplied by way of non-limiting example, wherein: Figure 1 shows a vacuum cleaner equipped with a rigid handle, a hose and a coupling system in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the handle area, including the hose coupling system.
In the drawings, the same reference numerals and letters identify the same items or components.
Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention
With reference to the drawings, 1 designates the body of the vacuum cleaner, 2 designates the hose, 3 designates the central joint, 6 designates the hose coupling, 7 designates the grip, 8 designates the cleaning tool, e.g. a suction brush, 4 designates the lower part of the handle to be connected to the cleaning tool, and 5 designates the upper part of the handle to be connected to the grip. The air being sucked enters the tool 8, flows through the lower part of the handle 4, the coupling 6 and the hose 2, and then enters the body 1 of the vacuum cleaner.
The coupling 6 has a shape suitable for firmly but removably receiving the end portion of the hose.
As can be seen, the hose coupling 6 is provided in the region of the central joint 3, extending in a direction substantially parallel to the lower part of the handle. In this manner, in the most adverse condition, i.e. when the lower part of the handle is fully folded backwards and parallel to the ground, the lower part of the handle 4 and the hose 2 will arrange themselves in parallel directions. Also in normal conditions, with the lower part of the handle tilted backwards at an average angle, the hose will be subject to a slight bending, which will not however be detrimental.
The grip 7 and the tool 8 are connected to the handle through respective joints that allow the respective angles to be adjusted.
The joint 3 is so designed as to offer some resistance to the rotary folding of the two parts of the handle, e.g. by means of a stepped contact or clutch between the two parts. For example, the stepped contact or clutch is controlled through a button fitted to the joint: when pressed, the handle can be folded; when released, the handle locks into the upright or folded position. The joints at the grip and at the tool are designed in a known manner. The upper part of the handle is shaped like a fork with two spaced parallel arms 5' and 5" extending from both sides of the joint, with an empty space at the center. The fork-shaped part with the empty central area allows the upper part of the handle to be fully folded against the lower part without interfering with the joint, resulting in improved storage and transport conditions due to the fact that the handle needs not be disassembled, and halved outer dimensions. Also the grip 7 can be folded towards the central empty area, thereby further reducing the outer dimensions of the handle.
Therefore, the maximum tilting angle of both parts of the handle is approx. 180°C forwards relative to the straight alignment in idle conditions, and approx. 90°C forwards in operation.
The above-described example of embodiment may be subject to variations without departing from the protection scope of the present invention, including all equivalent designs known to a man skilled in the art.
The elements and features shown in the various preferred embodiments may be combined together without however departing from the protection scope of the present invention. From the above description, those skilled in the art will be able to produce the object of the invention without introducing any further construction details.

Claims

1. A system for coupling a hose to a vacuum cleaner handle, said handle being divided through a central joint (3) into at least a lower part (4), adapted to be connected to a cleaning tool, and an upper part (5), characterized in that it comprises said central joint and a coupling (6), located in the region of said central joint and extending in a direction substantially parallel to said lower part (4), wherein an end portion of the hose is firmly and removably insertable into said coupling.
2. A coupling system according to claim 1, wherein said two parts of the handle (4, 5) comprise an upper part (5) and a lower part (4), said upper part (5) being shaped like a fork with two spaced parallel arms (5', 5") extending from both sides of the joint (3) and defining an empty intermediate area, and wherein said joint is adapted to allow the upper part of the handle to be fully folded against the lower part.
3. A coupling system according to claim 1, wherein said joint (3) is adapted to offer a resistance to the rotary folding of said two parts of the handle.
4. A coupling system according to claim 3, wherein said resistance to folding is obtained by means of a stepped contact or clutch between the two parts of the handle.
5. A coupling system according to claim 4, wherein said stepped contact or clutch is controlled through a button fitted to the joint.
6. A vacuum cleaner handle, characterized in that it comprises a coupling system according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP13826945.1A 2012-12-10 2013-12-09 A vacuum cleaner handle with a system for coupling a hose Not-in-force EP2928351B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT001061A ITTO20121061A1 (en) 2012-12-10 2012-12-10 SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING A FLEXIBLE TUBE TO A VACUUM CLEANER HANDLE, AND VACUUM CLEANER HANDLE EQUIPPED WITH THIS SYSTEM
PCT/IB2013/060749 WO2014091391A1 (en) 2012-12-10 2013-12-09 A vacuum cleaner handle with a system for coupling a hose

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2928351A1 true EP2928351A1 (en) 2015-10-14
EP2928351B1 EP2928351B1 (en) 2016-11-16

Family

ID=47683941

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13826945.1A Not-in-force EP2928351B1 (en) 2012-12-10 2013-12-09 A vacuum cleaner handle with a system for coupling a hose

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2928351B1 (en)
IT (1) ITTO20121061A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2014091391A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4098170A1 (en) 2021-06-03 2022-12-07 Seb S.A. Accessory for canister vacuum cleaner provided with a mobile joint cover

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3123553B1 (en) * 2021-06-03 2023-05-19 Seb Sa Accessory for canister vacuum cleaner

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6695352B2 (en) 2001-01-29 2004-02-24 Lg Electronics Inc. Extension tube in vacuum cleaner
JP2005040246A (en) * 2003-07-25 2005-02-17 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Upright vacuum cleaner
ATE365017T1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2007-07-15 Imetec Spa VACUUM CLEANER WITH MOBILE MOTOR HOUSING
JP2006311943A (en) * 2005-05-09 2006-11-16 Silver Seiko Ltd Vacuum cleaner

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2014091391A1 *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4098170A1 (en) 2021-06-03 2022-12-07 Seb S.A. Accessory for canister vacuum cleaner provided with a mobile joint cover
WO2022254155A1 (en) 2021-06-03 2022-12-08 Seb S.A. Accessory for canister vacuum cleaner provided with a movable hinge cover
FR3123552A1 (en) 2021-06-03 2022-12-09 Seb S.A. Accessory for sled vacuum cleaner fitted with a movable joint cover

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITTO20121061A1 (en) 2014-06-11
EP2928351B1 (en) 2016-11-16
WO2014091391A1 (en) 2014-06-19

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