EP2975992B1 - Vacuum cleaner nozzle with sealing edge - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner nozzle with sealing edge Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2975992B1 EP2975992B1 EP13731339.1A EP13731339A EP2975992B1 EP 2975992 B1 EP2975992 B1 EP 2975992B1 EP 13731339 A EP13731339 A EP 13731339A EP 2975992 B1 EP2975992 B1 EP 2975992B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- sealing edge
- nozzle
- air duct
- suction opening
- suction plate
- 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.)
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- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 title claims description 99
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 14
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009191 jumping Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010137 moulding (plastic) Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- 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
- A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
- A47L9/0666—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like with tilting, floating or similarly arranged brushes, combs, lips or pads
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to the field of vacuum cleaner nozzles having a sealing edge at the suction opening.
- Vacuum cleaner nozzles comprising multiple joints in the connection between the nozzle outlet and the extension tube and/or suction hose for increased performance on uneven and soft surfaces are known.
- the multiple joints allow the vacuum cleaner nozzle to adapt to the surface and thereby pick-up more dust as the hose and the vacuum cleaner nozzle is operated over a floor or a carpet.
- WO 02/26097 discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle which is pivotally mounted with respect to a nozzle outlet, such that movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle in a forward and backward direction alternately brings one of two working edges of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (or sealing edges which are arranged to restrict the air flow from areas surrounding the active suction area of the vacuum cleaner nozzle on soft surfaces) in closer contact with the surface being vacuumed.
- the protrusion provides a first secondary sealing edge extending along at least a portion of a first primary sealing edge and is further horizontally displaced from the first primary sealing edge.
- the sealing edges are arranged for engaging with a surface being cleaned and for at least partly sealing the suction opening against the surface being cleaned.
- the first secondary sealing edge decreases the size of under pressure drops that are created at the inlet side if the vacuum cleaner nozzle for some reason suddenly loses its close contact with the surface being cleaned (i.e. if the first primary sealing edge of the suction plate is suddenly tilted too far up from the surface).
- the under pressure drop of the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be kept more controlled as the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved across carpets or any textile or soft surface, and when the nozzle is tilted too much so that under pressure would otherwise have dropped. If the under pressure is lost under the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the dust removal ability is temporary decreased, as the under pressure has to be built up again.
- the nozzle obtains a more controlled under pressure of the vacuum cleaner nozzle by allowing the under pressure to decrease in smaller steps as the first secondary sealing edge supports a less abrupt change in surface contact to the surface being cleaned.
- the annoying jumping effect and vibration effect in the vacuum cleaner nozzle due to sudden under pressure drops are then decreased.
- the secondary sealing edge provides better dust removal ability from carpets as well as a more comfortable cleaning experience.
- the protrusion of the suction opening providing the first secondary sealing edge implies challenges in manufacturing of the suction plate, as the plastic moulding tool must be inserted from the top of the suction plate, which requires a rather large opening in the air duct of the suction plate. Alternatively, a separate part must be attached to the suction plate for forming the protrusion.
- DE 103 01 113 A discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle with improved thread pick-up features.
- the nozzle comprises thread pick-up modules swiveling around a pivot axis. Each module swivels outwards for the intake of fibers and swivels inwards for releasing the fibers.
- the thread pick-up is inclined towards the suction mouth opening, after an inwardly swivel movement of the thread pick-up module.
- a nozzle having the features defined in the independent claim is provided.
- Preferable embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
- a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprises a suction plate which comprises a suction opening for the purpose of taking in dust from a surface being cleaned, an outlet and an air duct extending through the suction plate from the suction opening to the outlet, the air duct having an end portion arranged to extend towards (such as up to) the suction opening in a direction being substantially vertical when the nozzle is in an operation position on the surface being cleaned.
- the suction plate further comprises a sealing edge arranged to engage with the surface being cleaned and to at least partially seal the suction opening against the surface being cleaned.
- the sealing edge extends along at least a portion of the suction opening, wherein a first portion of the sealing edge is arranged to be displaced in a natural (or normal) movement direction of the nozzle with respect to a second portion of the sealing edge. Further, the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be constantly flared and/or straight in the vertical direction towards and up to the first portion of the sealing edge and constantly flared and/or straight in the vertical direction towards and up to the second portion of the sealing edge.
- vertical and horizontal directions are the directions which are vertical and horizontal, respectively, when the nozzle is positioned on a surface (such as a floor) to be (or being) cleaned, such as during normal operation of the nozzle.
- the horizontal plane may be equal to the plane in which the suction plate generally extends (i.e. a plane being substantially parallel with the surface to be cleaned).
- a horizontal direction may be any direction along the plane in which the suction plate generally extends.
- a vertical direction may be a direction substantially perpendicular (or transverse) to the plane in which the suction plate generally extends.
- the end portion of the air duct being arranged to be constantly flared and/or straight with respect to the vertical direction (or with respect to a direction perpendicular and/or transverse to the plane in which the suction plate generally extends) towards and up to the first portion of the sealing edge and towards and up to the second portion of the sealing edge, facilitates manufacturing of the suction plate.
- the vertical direction as defined in the present specification may be the same as the tooling direction, i.e. the direction in which a tool for moulding the shape of the end portion of the air duct is inserted and removed.
- the moulding tool may be inserted from the underside of the suction plate into the suction opening.
- the protrusion of the sealing edge i.e. the displaced portion
- the air duct being partially tapered in the vertical direction towards the sealing edge.
- Such tapered shape of the air duct necessitates that the moulding tool is inserted in the air duct from the upper side of the suction plate (to enable removal of the tool at the end of the moulding process), whereby a relatively large opening has to be provided in the air duct on the upper side of the suction plate.
- the opening must be sealed with a lid in order to make the air duct air tight.
- a lid may require rather complex fastening methods, such as welding, to reduce the risk of air leakage.
- fastening of the lid may be facilitated.
- the lid may be force fitted (press fitted) at the opening.
- first and second portions of the sealing edge being displaced relative to each other in the natural movement direction of the nozzle provides similar benefits as the prior art nozzle shown in WO 2009/128763 and described above, i.e. improved dust removal ability from carpets as well as a more comfortable cleaning experience.
- the end portion of the air duct being "constantly flared and/or straight" it is meant that the end portion of the air duct does not have any portion being tapered in the vertical direction towards (and up to) the first and second portions of the sealing edge.
- the end portion of the air duct may be flared (i.e. divergent with respect to the vertical direction) and/or straight (i.e. substantially parallel with the vertical direction) at any given portion.
- the suction plate may be made of plastic.
- the suction plate may be moulded in plastic.
- Plastic is a light weight and low cost material, thereby reducing the weight of the nozzle and manufacturing costs. The moulding operation is facilitated as the moulding tool may be inserted and removed from the underside of the suction plate.
- the first portion of the sealing edge may be positioned at a mid (or center) portion of the sealing edge, such as at a mid portion of the suction opening.
- the under pressure created between the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the surface being vacuumed may be larger at the mid portion of the suction plate.
- the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be more flared in (or with respect to) the vertical direction towards and up to the second portion of the sealing edge compared to in (or with respect to) the vertical direction towards and up to the first portion of the sealing edge so as to provide the displacement of the first portion of the sealing edge relative to the second portion of the sealing edge in the natural movement direction of the nozzle.
- the suction opening may be elongated, such as having a substantially rectangular shape, and the first portion of the sealing edge may be arranged at the centre of a long side of the elongated suction opening.
- the present embodiment is advantageous in that that the rectangular shape of the suction opening is better adapted for the normal operation of the vacuum cleaner nozzle during vacuuming, i.e. the forward and backward stroke of the vacuum cleaner nozzle in a direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rectangular suction opening.
- the positioning of the first portion of the sealing edge at the centre of one of the long sides of the suction opening then provides for encountering a plurality of irregularities in the surface being vacuumed simultaneously, while still having the most advantageous positioning with respect to the distribution of the strength of the under pressure created beneath the suction plate.
- the first portion of the sealing edge may be displaced in the natural movement direction of the nozzle with respect to the second portion of the sealing edge by a distance corresponding to between 0.5 to 40 %, such as 0.5 to 10 %, of the width of the suction opening.
- the width of the suction opening means the width of the suction opening in the natural movement direction of the nozzle.
- the sealing edge may be a first sealing edge and the suction plate may comprise a second sealing edge arranged opposite to the first sealing edge.
- the suction opening may be sealed both during the forward stroke and the backward stroke during cleaning.
- the first portion of the second sealing edge may be arranged to be displaced in the natural movement direction of the nozzle with respect to a second portion of the second sealing edge, and the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be constantly flared (or divergent with respect to the vertical direction of the vertical portion of the air duct) and/or straight (i.e.
- the second sealing edge may be similarly configured as the first sealing edge, thereby providing the same benefits as the first sealing edge at the opposite stroke during operation of the nozzle.
- the nozzle may further comprise at least one lint picker arranged at the suction plate along the first portion of the sealing edge, which facilitates picking up hair and fibres from soft surfaces, such as carpets.
- a vacuum cleaner may comprise a nozzle according to any one of the preceding embodiments.
- the nozzle may be configured as the nozzle described in WO 2009/128763 , except that the step provided by the protrusion forming the secondary sealing edge of the nozzle described in WO 2009/128763 is replaced by the second portion of the sealing edge according to the present aspect, whereby the vertical end portion of the air duct may be at least partly flared instead of tapered in order to form the step.
- Figure 1 shows a vacuum cleaner 100 comprising a nozzle 101 according to an embodiment.
- the nozzle 101 may be connected to a main body 104 of the vacuum cleaner 100 via a tube 102 and a hose 103.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a nozzle 1 comprising several rigid parts 7, 16, 17 interconnected to each other by one or more joints 14, 15 (or hinged connections).
- the nozzle 1 comprises a suction plate 7 connected to an intermediate part 16 via a hinged connection 14, whereby the suction plate 7 is arranged to pivot relative to the intermediate part 16.
- the nozzle 1 further comprises an outlet part 17 adapted to be (directly or indirectly) coupled to the hose of the vacuum cleaner and connected to the intermediate part 16 via a hinged connection 15.
- the three rigid parts 7, 16, 17 may be arranged to, at least slightly, pivot relative to each other in order to facilitate movement of the nozzle over uneven surfaces.
- An air duct is formed in the suction plate 7, the intermediate part 16 and the outlet part 17 for guiding air and dust from a surface being cleaned towards the hose of the vacuum cleaner.
- the suction plate 7 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4 .
- the suction plate 7 may be moulded, preferably as a single piece, in plastic.
- the suction plate 7 comprises a suction opening 2 and an outlet 4 for connection to the hose via the intermediate part 16 and the outlet part 17.
- An air duct is defined in the suction plate 7 extending from the suction opening 2 to the outlet 4 of the suction plate 7.
- the suction plate 7 comprises a first sealing edge 18 extending along at least a portion of the suction opening 2 and preferably also a second sealing edge 19 extending along another portion of the suction opening 2 and arranged opposite to the first sealing edge 18.
- the sealing edges 18, 19 are arranged to engage with a surface being cleaned during operation of the nozzle 1 and to at least partially seal the suction opening 2 against the surface being cleaned.
- the suction plate 7 will tilt during forward movement of the nozzle 1 (as allowed by the pivotal connection between the suction plate 7 and the intermediate part 16), whereby the first sealing edge 18 will engage with the surface being cleaned.
- the suction plate 7 will tilt in the opposite direction such that the second selaing edge 19 engages with the surface being cleaned.
- the tiliting motion of the suction plate 7 occurs naturally during movement of the nozzle 1 back and forth in the natural (or normal) movement direction 20 of the nozzle 1.
- the suction opening 2 may preferably be elongated, and the first and second sealing edges 18, 19 may extend along the long sides of the suction opening 2.
- a first portion 5a of the first sealing edge 18 is displaced in the natural movement direction 20 of the nozzle 1 with respect to a second portion 6a of the first sealing edge 18.
- a first portion 5b of the second sealing edge 19 may be displaced in the natural movement direction 20 of the nozzle 1 with respect to a second portion 6b of the second sealing edge 19.
- the suction opening 2 is (slightly) more narrow at the first portions 5a, 5b, of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19 than at the second portions 6a, 6b, of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19.
- the first portions 5a, 5b, of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19 are arranged at a mid portion of the elongated suction opening 2.
- the displacement of the first portions 5a, 5b relative to the second portions 6a, 6b may correspond to between 0.5 to 40 %, such as 0.5 to 10 %, of the width of the suction opening 2 (in the natural movement direction 20 of the nozzle 1).
- the nozzle 1 may further comprise lint pickers 21 arranged at the underside of the suction plate 7, such as along the first and second portions 5a, 5b of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19.
- the lint pickers 21 may comprise a strip of a material in which tufts of fine fibre are secured during cleaning.
- the lint pickers 21 may attract dust from the surface being cleaned, and the dust is further sucked in through the suction opening 2.
- the nozzle 1 When moving the nozzle 1 alternatingly forwards (away from the user) and backwards (towards the user), fibres are alternatingly picked up by, and peeled of from, the lint pickers 21.
- Figures 5 and 6 show cross-sections of the suction plate 7 taken along lines A-A and B-B, respectively, in Figure 4 .
- the air duct 12 comprises an end portion 3 extending in a direction 10 being (substantially) vertical when the nozzle is in a normal operation position (e.g. on a horizontal floor) up to the suction opening 2.
- the end portion 3 of the air duct 12 is constantly flared and/or straight with respect to the vertical direction 10 towards and up to the first portions 5a, 5b of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19, as illustrated in Figure 5 .
- the a part (the upper part) of the end portion 3 is straight and another part (the lower part) of the end portion 3 is slightly flared towards and up to the first portions 5a, 5b of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19. It can also be envisaged that the end portion 3 is merely flared or merely straight.
- the end portion 3 of the air duct 12 being flared means that the end portion 3 gets wider in direction towards the suction opening 2.
- the end portion 3 of the air duct 12 is constantly flared and/or straight with respect to the vertical direction 10 towards and up to the second portions 6a, 6b of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19, as illustrated in Figure 6 .
- a part of the end portion 3 of is straight (or slightly flared and another part of the end portion 3 is (more) flared towards and up to the second portions 6a, 6b of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19.
- the end portion 3 of the air duct 12 is more flared towards the second portions 6a, 6b, than towards the first portions 5a, 5b of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19, whereby the suction opening 2 is more narrow at the first portions 5a, 5b than at the second portions 6a, 6b of the first and second sealing edges 18, 19.
- the end portion 3 of the air duct 12 may be formed by inserting a moulding tool (or mould) in the vertical direction 10 from the underside of the suction plate 7, i.e. into the suction opening 2.
- a moulding tool or mould
- the moulding tool may be removed out of the suction opening 2 from the underside of the suction plate 7. Therefore, an opening 8 in the air duct 12 at the upper side of the suction plate 7 may optionally be omitted.
- such an opening 8 may be arranged in the air duct 12 in order to allow insertion of a moulding tool from the upper side of the suction plate 7 into the air duct 12 for forming a rounded corner portion 9 of the air duct 12, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5 .
- the size of the opening 8 may be limited to the size of the moulding tool for forming the rounded corner portion 9 and may therefore be rather small.
- the end portion 3 may be constantly (at least slightly) flared towards the suction opening 2, thereby providing a relief angle, which facilitates removal of the moulding tool.
- a suction plate of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to prior art is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 showing cross-sections of the prior art nozzle corresponding to the cross-sections illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 .
- the displacements between the first portions 500 and the second portions 600 of the sealing edge of the suction opening are formed by the vertical end portion 300 of the air duct being tapered towards and up to the first portions 500 of the sealing edge and straight (or slightly flared) towards the second portions 600 of the sealing edge.
- a large opening 800 is required in the air duct at the upper side of the suction plate 700 such that the moulding tool can be inserted in, and removed from, the air duct from above (i.e. the from the upper side of the suction plate 700).
- the large opening 800 may necessitate more complex fastening techniques than press fitting, such as welding, in order to make the air duct air tight.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
Description
- The present invention generally relates to the field of vacuum cleaner nozzles having a sealing edge at the suction opening.
- Vacuum cleaner nozzles comprising multiple joints in the connection between the nozzle outlet and the extension tube and/or suction hose for increased performance on uneven and soft surfaces are known. The multiple joints allow the vacuum cleaner nozzle to adapt to the surface and thereby pick-up more dust as the hose and the vacuum cleaner nozzle is operated over a floor or a carpet.
WO 02/26097 WO 2009/128763 , wherein a portion of the duct wall forms an elongated first protrusion at the suction opening of the nozzle. The protrusion provides a first secondary sealing edge extending along at least a portion of a first primary sealing edge and is further horizontally displaced from the first primary sealing edge. The sealing edges are arranged for engaging with a surface being cleaned and for at least partly sealing the suction opening against the surface being cleaned. - The first secondary sealing edge decreases the size of under pressure drops that are created at the inlet side if the vacuum cleaner nozzle for some reason suddenly loses its close contact with the surface being cleaned (i.e. if the first primary sealing edge of the suction plate is suddenly tilted too far up from the surface). By arranging the air duct wall with the protrusion, the under pressure drop of the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be kept more controlled as the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved across carpets or any textile or soft surface, and when the nozzle is tilted too much so that under pressure would otherwise have dropped. If the under pressure is lost under the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the dust removal ability is temporary decreased, as the under pressure has to be built up again. The nozzle obtains a more controlled under pressure of the vacuum cleaner nozzle by allowing the under pressure to decrease in smaller steps as the first secondary sealing edge supports a less abrupt change in surface contact to the surface being cleaned. The annoying jumping effect and vibration effect in the vacuum cleaner nozzle due to sudden under pressure drops are then decreased. Thus, the secondary sealing edge provides better dust removal ability from carpets as well as a more comfortable cleaning experience.
- The protrusion of the suction opening providing the first secondary sealing edge implies challenges in manufacturing of the suction plate, as the plastic moulding tool must be inserted from the top of the suction plate, which requires a rather large opening in the air duct of the suction plate. Alternatively, a separate part must be attached to the suction plate for forming the protrusion.
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DE 103 01 113 A discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle with improved thread pick-up features. The nozzle comprises thread pick-up modules swiveling around a pivot axis. Each module swivels outwards for the intake of fibers and swivels inwards for releasing the fibers. The thread pick-up is inclined towards the suction mouth opening, after an inwardly swivel movement of the thread pick-up module. - It would be advantageous to achieve a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner overcoming, or at least alleviating, the above mentioned drawback. In particular, it would be desirable to facilitate manufacturing of a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner.
- To better address one or more of these concerns, a nozzle having the features defined in the independent claim is provided. Preferable embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
- According to an aspect, a nozzle for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The nozzle comprises a suction plate which comprises a suction opening for the purpose of taking in dust from a surface being cleaned, an outlet and an air duct extending through the suction plate from the suction opening to the outlet, the air duct having an end portion arranged to extend towards (such as up to) the suction opening in a direction being substantially vertical when the nozzle is in an operation position on the surface being cleaned. The suction plate further comprises a sealing edge arranged to engage with the surface being cleaned and to at least partially seal the suction opening against the surface being cleaned. The sealing edge extends along at least a portion of the suction opening, wherein a first portion of the sealing edge is arranged to be displaced in a natural (or normal) movement direction of the nozzle with respect to a second portion of the sealing edge. Further, the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be constantly flared and/or straight in the vertical direction towards and up to the first portion of the sealing edge and constantly flared and/or straight in the vertical direction towards and up to the second portion of the sealing edge.
- In the present specification, vertical and horizontal directions are the directions which are vertical and horizontal, respectively, when the nozzle is positioned on a surface (such as a floor) to be (or being) cleaned, such as during normal operation of the nozzle. The horizontal plane may be equal to the plane in which the suction plate generally extends (i.e. a plane being substantially parallel with the surface to be cleaned). Hence, a horizontal direction may be any direction along the plane in which the suction plate generally extends. Further, a vertical direction may be a direction substantially perpendicular (or transverse) to the plane in which the suction plate generally extends.
- The end portion of the air duct being arranged to be constantly flared and/or straight with respect to the vertical direction (or with respect to a direction perpendicular and/or transverse to the plane in which the suction plate generally extends) towards and up to the first portion of the sealing edge and towards and up to the second portion of the sealing edge, facilitates manufacturing of the suction plate. The vertical direction as defined in the present specification may be the same as the tooling direction, i.e. the direction in which a tool for moulding the shape of the end portion of the air duct is inserted and removed. By having a constantly flared and/or straight shape of the (substantially) vertical portion of the air duct for forming the (horizontally) displaced first and second portions of the sealing edge, the moulding tool may be inserted from the underside of the suction plate into the suction opening. In the prior art, the protrusion of the sealing edge (i.e. the displaced portion) is formed by the air duct being partially tapered in the vertical direction towards the sealing edge. Such tapered shape of the air duct necessitates that the moulding tool is inserted in the air duct from the upper side of the suction plate (to enable removal of the tool at the end of the moulding process), whereby a relatively large opening has to be provided in the air duct on the upper side of the suction plate. Subsequent to the moulding process, the opening must be sealed with a lid in order to make the air duct air tight. Such relatively large opening and lid may require rather complex fastening methods, such as welding, to reduce the risk of air leakage. With the present aspect, such opening may be smaller (or even omitted), whereby fastening of the lid may be facilitated. For example, the lid may be force fitted (press fitted) at the opening.
- Further, the first and second portions of the sealing edge being displaced relative to each other in the natural movement direction of the nozzle provides similar benefits as the prior art nozzle shown in
WO 2009/128763 and described above, i.e. improved dust removal ability from carpets as well as a more comfortable cleaning experience. - In the present specification, by the end portion of the air duct being "constantly flared and/or straight" it is meant that the end portion of the air duct does not have any portion being tapered in the vertical direction towards (and up to) the first and second portions of the sealing edge. Thus, the end portion of the air duct may be flared (i.e. divergent with respect to the vertical direction) and/or straight (i.e. substantially parallel with the vertical direction) at any given portion.
- In an embodiment, the suction plate may be made of plastic. Preferably, the suction plate may be moulded in plastic. Plastic is a light weight and low cost material, thereby reducing the weight of the nozzle and manufacturing costs. The moulding operation is facilitated as the moulding tool may be inserted and removed from the underside of the suction plate.
- In an embodiment, the first portion of the sealing edge may be positioned at a mid (or center) portion of the sealing edge, such as at a mid portion of the suction opening. The under pressure created between the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the surface being vacuumed may be larger at the mid portion of the suction plate. Thus, the positioning of the first portion of the sealing edge at the mid portion of the sealing edge is advantageous in that it allows for keeping a higher under pressure for the area covered by the suction plate overall.
- In an embodiment, the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be more flared in (or with respect to) the vertical direction towards and up to the second portion of the sealing edge compared to in (or with respect to) the vertical direction towards and up to the first portion of the sealing edge so as to provide the displacement of the first portion of the sealing edge relative to the second portion of the sealing edge in the natural movement direction of the nozzle.
- In an embodiment, the suction opening may be elongated, such as having a substantially rectangular shape, and the first portion of the sealing edge may be arranged at the centre of a long side of the elongated suction opening. The present embodiment is advantageous in that that the rectangular shape of the suction opening is better adapted for the normal operation of the vacuum cleaner nozzle during vacuuming, i.e. the forward and backward stroke of the vacuum cleaner nozzle in a direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rectangular suction opening. The positioning of the first portion of the sealing edge at the centre of one of the long sides of the suction opening then provides for encountering a plurality of irregularities in the surface being vacuumed simultaneously, while still having the most advantageous positioning with respect to the distribution of the strength of the under pressure created beneath the suction plate.
- In an embodiment, the first portion of the sealing edge may be displaced in the natural movement direction of the nozzle with respect to the second portion of the sealing edge by a distance corresponding to between 0.5 to 40 %, such as 0.5 to 10 %, of the width of the suction opening. In this context, the width of the suction opening means the width of the suction opening in the natural movement direction of the nozzle.
- In an embodiment, the sealing edge may be a first sealing edge and the suction plate may comprise a second sealing edge arranged opposite to the first sealing edge. With the present embodiment, the suction opening may be sealed both during the forward stroke and the backward stroke during cleaning. Further, the first portion of the second sealing edge may be arranged to be displaced in the natural movement direction of the nozzle with respect to a second portion of the second sealing edge, and the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be constantly flared (or divergent with respect to the vertical direction of the vertical portion of the air duct) and/or straight (i.e. parallel with the vertical direction of the vertical portion of the air duct) in a vertical direction towards and up to the first portion of the second sealing edge and constantly flared and/or straight in a vertical direction towards and up to the second portion of the second sealing edge. Hence, the second sealing edge may be similarly configured as the first sealing edge, thereby providing the same benefits as the first sealing edge at the opposite stroke during operation of the nozzle.
- In an embodiment, the nozzle may further comprise at least one lint picker arranged at the suction plate along the first portion of the sealing edge, which facilitates picking up hair and fibres from soft surfaces, such as carpets.
- In an embodiment, a vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may comprise a nozzle according to any one of the preceding embodiments. According to an embodiment, the nozzle may be configured as the nozzle described in
WO 2009/128763 , except that the step provided by the protrusion forming the secondary sealing edge of the nozzle described inWO 2009/128763 is replaced by the second portion of the sealing edge according to the present aspect, whereby the vertical end portion of the air duct may be at least partly flared instead of tapered in order to form the step. - The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present aspect, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
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Figure 1 shows a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment; -
Figure 2 is an exploded view of a nozzle according to an embodiment; -
Figure 3 shows a suction plate of the nozzle shown inFigure 2 ; -
Figure 4 shows the underside of the suction plate shown inFigure 3 ; -
Figure 5 is a cross-section of the nozzle shown inFigures 3 and 4 taken along line A-A; -
Figure 6 is a cross-section of the nozzle shown inFigures 3 and 4 taken along line B-B; -
Figure 7 is a cross-section of a suction plate of a prior art nozzle; and -
Figure 8 is another cross-section of the suction plate of the prior art nozzle. - All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.
-
Figure 1 shows avacuum cleaner 100 comprising anozzle 101 according to an embodiment. Thenozzle 101 may be connected to amain body 104 of thevacuum cleaner 100 via atube 102 and ahose 103. - A vacuum cleaner nozzle according to an embodiment will be described with reference to
Figure 2. Figure 2 is an exploded view of anozzle 1 comprising severalrigid parts more joints 14, 15 (or hinged connections). Thenozzle 1 comprises asuction plate 7 connected to anintermediate part 16 via a hingedconnection 14, whereby thesuction plate 7 is arranged to pivot relative to theintermediate part 16. Thenozzle 1 further comprises anoutlet part 17 adapted to be (directly or indirectly) coupled to the hose of the vacuum cleaner and connected to theintermediate part 16 via a hingedconnection 15. Thus, the threerigid parts suction plate 7, theintermediate part 16 and theoutlet part 17 for guiding air and dust from a surface being cleaned towards the hose of the vacuum cleaner. - The
suction plate 7 will be described in more detail with reference toFigures 3 and 4 . Thesuction plate 7 may be moulded, preferably as a single piece, in plastic. Thesuction plate 7 comprises asuction opening 2 and anoutlet 4 for connection to the hose via theintermediate part 16 and theoutlet part 17. An air duct is defined in thesuction plate 7 extending from thesuction opening 2 to theoutlet 4 of thesuction plate 7. Thesuction plate 7 comprises afirst sealing edge 18 extending along at least a portion of thesuction opening 2 and preferably also asecond sealing edge 19 extending along another portion of thesuction opening 2 and arranged opposite to thefirst sealing edge 18. The sealing edges 18, 19 are arranged to engage with a surface being cleaned during operation of thenozzle 1 and to at least partially seal thesuction opening 2 against the surface being cleaned. In the present example, thesuction plate 7 will tilt during forward movement of the nozzle 1 (as allowed by the pivotal connection between thesuction plate 7 and the intermediate part 16), whereby thefirst sealing edge 18 will engage with the surface being cleaned. When thenozzle 1 is moved backwards, thesuction plate 7 will tilt in the opposite direction such that thesecond selaing edge 19 engages with the surface being cleaned. The tiliting motion of thesuction plate 7 occurs naturally during movement of thenozzle 1 back and forth in the natural (or normal)movement direction 20 of thenozzle 1. Thesuction opening 2 may preferably be elongated, and the first and second sealing edges 18, 19 may extend along the long sides of thesuction opening 2. Afirst portion 5a of thefirst sealing edge 18 is displaced in thenatural movement direction 20 of thenozzle 1 with respect to asecond portion 6a of thefirst sealing edge 18. Similarily, afirst portion 5b of thesecond sealing edge 19 may be displaced in thenatural movement direction 20 of thenozzle 1 with respect to asecond portion 6b of thesecond sealing edge 19. Thus, thesuction opening 2 is (slightly) more narrow at thefirst portions second portions first portions elongated suction opening 2. Further, the displacement of thefirst portions second portions natural movement direction 20 of the nozzle 1). Thenozzle 1 may further compriselint pickers 21 arranged at the underside of thesuction plate 7, such as along the first andsecond portions lint pickers 21 may comprise a strip of a material in which tufts of fine fibre are secured during cleaning. Thelint pickers 21 may attract dust from the surface being cleaned, and the dust is further sucked in through thesuction opening 2. When moving thenozzle 1 alternatingly forwards (away from the user) and backwards (towards the user), fibres are alternatingly picked up by, and peeled of from, thelint pickers 21. -
Figures 5 and 6 show cross-sections of thesuction plate 7 taken along lines A-A and B-B, respectively, inFigure 4 . Theair duct 12 comprises anend portion 3 extending in adirection 10 being (substantially) vertical when the nozzle is in a normal operation position (e.g. on a horizontal floor) up to thesuction opening 2. Theend portion 3 of theair duct 12 is constantly flared and/or straight with respect to thevertical direction 10 towards and up to thefirst portions Figure 5 . In the present example, the a part (the upper part) of theend portion 3 is straight and another part (the lower part) of theend portion 3 is slightly flared towards and up to thefirst portions end portion 3 is merely flared or merely straight. Theend portion 3 of theair duct 12 being flared means that theend portion 3 gets wider in direction towards thesuction opening 2. - Further, the
end portion 3 of theair duct 12 is constantly flared and/or straight with respect to thevertical direction 10 towards and up to thesecond portions Figure 6 . In the present example, a part of theend portion 3 of is straight (or slightly flared and another part of theend portion 3 is (more) flared towards and up to thesecond portions end portion 3 of theair duct 12 is more flared towards thesecond portions first portions suction opening 2 is more narrow at thefirst portions second portions - With the present configuration of the
suction plate 7, theend portion 3 of theair duct 12 may be formed by inserting a moulding tool (or mould) in thevertical direction 10 from the underside of thesuction plate 7, i.e. into thesuction opening 2. As theend portion 3 of theair duct 12 is constantly flared and/or straight towards thesuction opening 2, the moulding tool may be removed out of thesuction opening 2 from the underside of thesuction plate 7. Therefore, anopening 8 in theair duct 12 at the upper side of thesuction plate 7 may optionally be omitted. However, such anopening 8 may be arranged in theair duct 12 in order to allow insertion of a moulding tool from the upper side of thesuction plate 7 into theair duct 12 for forming arounded corner portion 9 of theair duct 12, as illustrated inFigures 3 and5 . The size of theopening 8 may be limited to the size of the moulding tool for forming therounded corner portion 9 and may therefore be rather small. As theopening 8 is rather small, it may be sealed with a lid 11 (shown inFigure 2 ) being press fitted into theopening 8. - Preferably, the
end portion 3 may be constantly (at least slightly) flared towards thesuction opening 2, thereby providing a relief angle, which facilitates removal of the moulding tool. - The displacement of the
first portions second portions end portion 3 of the air duct being more flared towards thesecond portions first portions - A suction plate of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to prior art is illustrated in
Figures 7 and 8 showing cross-sections of the prior art nozzle corresponding to the cross-sections illustrated inFigures 5 and 6 . In the prior art, the displacements between thefirst portions 500 and thesecond portions 600 of the sealing edge of the suction opening are formed by thevertical end portion 300 of the air duct being tapered towards and up to thefirst portions 500 of the sealing edge and straight (or slightly flared) towards thesecond portions 600 of the sealing edge. In order to enable moulding of such a form of theend portion 300 of the air duct, alarge opening 800 is required in the air duct at the upper side of thesuction plate 700 such that the moulding tool can be inserted in, and removed from, the air duct from above (i.e. the from the upper side of the suction plate 700). Thelarge opening 800 may necessitate more complex fastening techniques than press fitting, such as welding, in order to make the air duct air tight. - While specific embodiments have been described, the skilled person will understand that various modifications and alterations are conceivable within the scope as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (10)
- A nozzle (1, 101) for a vacuum cleaner (100), the nozzle comprising a rigid suction plate (7) which comprises:a suction opening (2) for the purpose of taking in dust from a surface being cleaned,an outlet (4),an air duct (12) extending through the suction plate from the suction opening to the outlet, the air duct having an end portion (3) arranged to extend towards the suction opening in a direction (10) being substantially vertical when the nozzle is in an operation position on the surface being cleaned, anda sealing edge (18) arranged to engage with the surface being cleaned and to at least partially seal the suction opening against the surface being cleaned, the sealing edge extending along at least a portion of the suction opening,wherein a first portion (5a) of the sealing edge is arranged to be displaced in a natural movement direction (20) of the nozzle with respect to a second portion (6a) of the sealing edge, andwherein the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be constantly flared and/or straight in said vertical direction towards and up to the first portion of the sealing edge and constantly flared and/or straight in said vertical direction towards and up to the second portion of the sealing edge.
- The nozzle as defined in claim 1, wherein the suction plate is made of plastic.
- The nozzle as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion of the sealing edge is positioned at a mid portion of the sealing edge.
- The nozzle as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be more flared in the vertical direction towards and up to the second portion of the sealing edge compared to in the vertical direction towards and up to the first portion of the sealing edge.
- The nozzle as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction opening is elongated, and the first portion of the sealing edge is arranged at the centre of a long side of the elongated suction opening.
- The nozzle as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the sealing edge is displaced in the natural movement direction of the nozzle with respect to the second portion of the sealing edge by a distance corresponding to between 0.5 to 40 %, such as 0.5 to 10 %, of the width of the suction opening.
- The nozzle as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing edge is a first sealing edge (18) and the suction plate comprises a second sealing edge (19) arranged opposite to the first sealing edge.
- The nozzle as defined in claim 7, wherein a first portion (5b) of the second sealing edge is arranged to be displaced in the natural movement direction of the nozzle with respect to a second portion (6b) of the second sealing edge, and
wherein the end portion of the air duct is arranged to be constantly flared and/or straight in a vertical direction towards and up to the first portion of the second sealing edge and constantly flared and/or straight in a vertical direction towards and up to the second portion of the second sealing edge. - The nozzle as defined in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one lint picker (21) arranged at the suction plate along the first portion of the sealing edge.
- A vacuum cleaner (100) comprising a nozzle (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE1300215 | 2013-03-21 | ||
PCT/EP2013/063274 WO2014146730A1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2013-06-25 | Vacuum cleaner nozzle with sealing edge |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2975992A1 EP2975992A1 (en) | 2016-01-27 |
EP2975992B1 true EP2975992B1 (en) | 2018-08-08 |
Family
ID=48699031
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP13731339.1A Active EP2975992B1 (en) | 2013-03-21 | 2013-06-25 | Vacuum cleaner nozzle with sealing edge |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2975992B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105142480B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014146730A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE29803415U1 (en) * | 1998-02-27 | 1998-06-25 | Kurz, Gerhard, 75382 Althengstett | Floor nozzle for vacuum cleaners |
JP3457553B2 (en) * | 1998-11-30 | 2003-10-20 | シャープ株式会社 | Suction port for vacuum cleaner |
FR2792817B1 (en) * | 1999-04-29 | 2001-06-29 | Seb Sa | VACUUM CLEANER WITH RECLAMATION BLADE |
GB0023732D0 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2000-11-08 | Notetry Ltd | A floor tool |
DE10301113B4 (en) * | 2002-03-04 | 2006-04-13 | Schneiderfilz Schneider Gmbh & Co. Kg | vacuum cleaner nozzle |
KR100662642B1 (en) * | 2005-06-22 | 2007-01-02 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Vacuum cleaner having wet cleaning function |
KR100667885B1 (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2007-01-16 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Brush assembly for vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner having the same |
DE102008012889B4 (en) * | 2008-03-06 | 2012-04-19 | Wessel-Werk Gmbh | Suction nozzle for vacuum cleaner |
SE532299C2 (en) * | 2008-04-17 | 2009-12-08 | Electrolux Ab | Nozzle |
US8522395B2 (en) * | 2011-07-04 | 2013-09-03 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Vacuum cleaner having shredder |
-
2013
- 2013-06-25 WO PCT/EP2013/063274 patent/WO2014146730A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-06-25 CN CN201380075857.3A patent/CN105142480B/en active Active
- 2013-06-25 EP EP13731339.1A patent/EP2975992B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN105142480B (en) | 2018-07-10 |
CN105142480A (en) | 2015-12-09 |
WO2014146730A1 (en) | 2014-09-25 |
EP2975992A1 (en) | 2016-01-27 |
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