EP3326504B1 - Anti-blockage accessory for vacuum cleaning a carpet or mat which can be adapted to a vacuum cleaner suction head - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head for sucking up dust and waste of small particle size. The invention aims most particularly to alleviate the problems of blocking of the suction head during the suction of a surface of carpet or carpet type having long fibers.

State of the art

Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market, the latter making it possible to clean surfaces by suction for the removal of dust and small particle size waste based thereon.

The suction head traditionally comprises a body provided with a suction duct and a sole comprising an external face and a cavity extending transversely over the head, said cavity communicating with the suction duct. The outer face of the sole is positioned adjoining the surface to be sucked during use of the suction head, with a very slight spacing with respect to the latter thanks to the presence of at least one wheel resting on the surface to be sucked, which avoids the plating of said outer face on said surface. This at least one wheel can be arranged on the sole or on the body, below the suction head. The cavity forms with the outer face two ridges extending transversely, said ridges being more or less sharp to allow the sole to scratch the surface sucked during the movements of the suction head.

When the surfaces to be vacuumed are of the carpet or carpet type having long fibers, a phenomenon frequently occurs when the suction head is blocked on the surface during the vacuuming.

Indeed, the long fibers are engulfed in the cavity of the sole and block the latter or even the suction duct, producing a suction cup phenomenon.

Furthermore, this engulfing of the long fibers can generate a total blockage of the suction head on the suction surface, given that the sharp edges of the sole come into abutment against the long fibers engulfed in the carpet or carpet.

The plaintiff is aware of the prior art JP2001008867A and US2015121649A1 .

In the document JP2001008867A , the sole of the suction head comprises, in addition to the aforementioned characteristics, orifices arranged transversely on each side of the cavity, said orifices being housed in recesses on the sole so that when the sole rests on the surface to be sucked, these orifices are released from said surface. These orifices communicate with the suction duct. Thus, when the fibers rush into the cavity and block it, the air flow continues to circulate through the orifices, which prevents the aforementioned suction cup phenomenon. Although beneficial when it comes to vacuuming carpet type surfaces or rugs with long fibers, this implementation has the disadvantage of reducing the air flow sucked in other cases of use where it is necessary to '' vacuum smooth surfaces or surfaces coated with short fibers.

The implementation described in the document US2015121649A1 overcomes this aforementioned drawback of loss of flow thanks to the presence of orifices on the lateral sides of the suction head which communicate with the suction duct, said orifices being closed by valves in normal operating mode, these valves s' opening during a suction cup phenomenon. However, there are still risks of blockage of the suction head when the long fibers are engulfed in the cavity and that the sharp edges come into abutment on these fibers.

It is also known, from the document DE8627076U , an accessory which is attached to a suction head for cleaning smooth floors. However, this accessory is not suitable for cleaning rugs or carpets because it generates too much suction.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to alleviate the aforementioned suction cup and blocking phenomena when vacuuming surfaces of the carpet or carpet type based on long fibers.

To this end, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner suction head accessory, said suction head comprising a suction duct and a sole provided with an external face and a cavity, said cavity communicating with the duct of the vacuum cleaner. aspiration.

The accessory comprises a plate provided with an internal face, an external face and a slot which opens onto said internal and external faces and which defines an opening of substantially identical shape to the cavity.

The accessory also comprises means for assembling the plate under the sole of the suction head. These assembly means are configured so that the light corresponds with the cavity during said assembly.

In addition, the accessory comprises air duct means configured to open upstream on the contour of the plate and downstream on the lumen. Upstream and downstream are defined by the direction of air circulation which takes place from the edge of the plate towards the lumen.

Mounting the accessory on the suction head makes it possible to ensure a permanent supply of air to the cavity during suction, which prevents any suction cup phenomenon.

In addition, removing the accessory from the suction head avoids an unnecessary reduction in flow when it comes to vacuuming other types of more or less smooth surfaces for which there is no risk of the phenomenon. suction cup during suction.

Moreover, the presence of the accessory on the suction head makes it possible to add a thickness under the sole, which reduces the risks of engulfing long fibers of the carpet or the carpet in the cavity. This is to prevent blockage of the suction head during suction.

According to the accessory that is the subject of the invention, the air channeling means comprise grooves arranged on the internal face of the plate. These grooves extend from the outline of the plate to the lumen.

In one embodiment, the grooves extend from a leading edge of the stage to a leading edge of the lumen. As a variant or in addition, the grooves extend from the rear edge of the plate to the rear edge of the light. As a variant or in addition, the grooves extend from the side edges of the plate to the respective side edges of the lumen.

According to the accessory that is the subject of the invention, the channeling means comprise obstacle pieces at the level of the contour of the plate. These obstacle pieces are configured to block the introduction of large waste which may obstruct the passage of air.

According to the accessory which is the subject of the invention, the assembly means comprise two tabs arranged on the lateral edges of the plate and extending from the side of the internal face. These tabs are configured to snap onto the suction head. As a variant or in addition, the assembly means comprise at least one tab arranged on an outline of the lumen and extending on the side of the internal face, said at least one tab being configured to snap inside the slot. the cavity.

According to the accessory that is the subject of the invention, the assembly means comprise studs arranged on the internal face of the plate, said studs being configured to fit into existing screw passage holes on the sole. This makes it possible to properly center the plate under the sole, the interlocking also participating in maintaining the accessory on the suction head.

According to the accessory which is the subject of the invention, the light defines with the external face of the plate a front edge and a rear edge, said edges being softened. This further reduces the risk of the suction head jamming when long fibers are engulfed in the cavity.

According to the accessory that is the subject of the invention, the external face of the plate comprises two sections arranged respectively at the front and at the rear of the light, said sections being inclined outwards in the direction of the light. This allows the light to be closer to the surface to be aspirated in order to scrape it during the movements of the suction head.

According to the accessory that is the subject of the invention, the plate comprises at least one opening allowing the passage of at least one wheel arranged under the suction head.

According to the accessory which is the subject of the invention, the external face comprises ribs which extend from the contour of the plate towards the lumen. These ribs also promote air infiltration into the cavity during suction.

According to the accessory object of the invention, the light comprises reinforcements which make it possible to stiffen the plate.

The invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner suction head comprising a suction duct and a sole comprising an external face and a cavity extending transversely on the suction head, said cavity communicating with the suction duct.

The suction head further comprises an accessory having one and / or the other of the aforementioned characteristics, said accessory being assembled in a removable manner under the sole. The light on the accessory plate corresponds with the cavity on the sole during assembly of said elements.

Brief description of the figures

• Les figures 1 et 2 illustrent un mode de réalisation de l'accessoire objet de l'invention selon deux angles de vues différents ;
• La figure 3 illustre un mode de réalisation de la tête de succion d'un aspirateur en position retournée ;
• Les figures 4 et 5 illustrent deux vues de la tête de succion avec l'accessoire monté dessus ;
• Les figures 6 et 7 illustrent deux vues de la tête de succion avec l'accessoire monté dessus, en position retournée.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description of an embodiment of the accessory and of the suction head based on figures, among which:

• The figures 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of the accessory that is the subject of the invention from two different viewing angles;
• The figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the suction head of a vacuum cleaner in the inverted position;
• The figures 4 and 5 show two views of the suction head with the accessory mounted on it;
• The figures 6 and 7 show two views of the suction head with the attachment mounted on it, in the inverted position.

detailed description

Traditionally, as illustrated by figure 3 , a suction head 100 of the vacuum cleaner (not illustrated) comprises a suction duct 101 and a sole 102 constituting the lower part of said head. This sole has an external face 103 which adjoins the surface to be vacuumed during use of the vacuum cleaner. This sole 102 also includes a cavity 104 on the outer face 103, this cavity 104 communicating with the suction duct 101. Two wheels 105, 106 project on this outer face 103, which makes it possible to maintain a spacing between said outer face. 103 and the surface to be vacuumed. The sole 102 comprises four holes 107-110 distributed over the external face 103, these four holes 107-110 allowing the passage of fixing screws for the assembly of said sole 102 on said suction head 100.

During the use of the vacuum cleaner on normal surfaces, that is to say without long fibers, the suction head 100 is used directly, without accessories, the suction duct 101 being connected to a connection nozzle on vacuum cleaner body (not shown) either directly or through a rigid tube or flexible hose.

On the contrary, when it is appropriate to vacuum surfaces with long fibers, for example rugs or carpets, the accessory 1 object of the invention is mounted on the suction head 100, as illustrated on the figures 4 to 7 .

As shown on figures 1 and 2 , the accessory 1 comprises a plate 2 provided with an internal face 3, an external face 4 and a slot 5 which extends transversely on the plate 2 and which passes through the thickness of this plate 2 to open on one side on the internal face 3 and on the other on the external face 4. This slot 5 is provided with reinforcements 6 making it possible to stiffen said plate 2.

As shown on figures 1, 2 , and 4 at 7 , the accessory 1 comprises two tabs 7, 8 which extend on the side of the internal face 3 at the level of the lateral ends 2a, 2b of the plate 2. The ends 7a, 8a of these tabs 7, 8 are curved towards the 'inside the plate 2 so as to be arranged vis-à-vis. When the accessory 1 is mounted on the suction head 100, the tabs 7, 8 are positioned respectively on the lateral sides 100a, 100b of said head and the ends 7a, 8a snap onto the upper edges 111a, 111b of said sides lateral 100a, 100b. During the assembly of the accessory 1 on the suction head 100, the internal face 3 of the plate 2 is placed against the external face 103 of the sole 102, the slot 5 corresponding to the cavity 104. It is possible to provide a accessory variant 1 with a central tab (not shown) arranged at the level of the slot 5 and extending from the side of the internal face 3, said central tab being configured to snap into the cavity 104 configured for this purpose, when assembling the accessory 1 with the suction head 100.

As illustrated next to figures 1 and 2 , accessory 1 comprises four studs 9-11 (only three are shown on the figure 1 ) which extend on the side of the internal face 3 on the plate 2, these pins 9 corresponding with and fitting into the four holes 107-110 on the external face 103 of the sole 102 during the assembly of the accessory 1 on the suction head 100. This makes it possible to strengthen the assembly between these two elements.

As illustrated next to figures 1, 2 and 6 , the plate 2 comprises two openings 12, 13 which respectively receive the two wheels 105, 106 during the assembly of the accessory 1 on the suction head 100. Note on the figures 3 , 6 and 7 that the wheels 105, 106 protrude slightly from the outer face 4 of the plate 2 once the assembly between said elements has been made. This makes it possible to maintain a very slight spacing between lumen 5 and suction surface and facilitates the movement of the suction head 100 provided with the accessory 1, on this suction surface.

As illustrated next to figures 1, 2 , 6 and 7 , the plate 2 comprises first grooves 14 arranged on the internal face 3. These first grooves 14 extend from a front edge 2c of the plate 2 to a front edge 5a of the slot 5. These first grooves 14 open out on the one hand on the first orifices 15 on the front edge 2c of the plate 2 and, on the other hand, on second orifices 16 on the front edge 5a of the slot 5.

Likewise, the plate 2 comprises second grooves 17 arranged on the internal face 3. These second grooves 17 extend from a rear edge 2d of the plate 2 to a rear edge 5b of the light 5. These second grooves 17 open on the one hand to third orifices 18 on the rear edge 2d of the plate 2 and, on the other hand, to fourth orifices 19 on the rear edge 5b of the port 5.

When the accessory 1 is mounted on the suction head 100 and the vacuum cleaner is running, the air is drawn mainly through the lumen 5 and then infiltrates into the cavity 104 and then into the suction duct 101. In the event of engulfment of long fibers in the lumen 5 and the cavity 104, the air continues to infiltrate said cavity 104 passing through the first grooves 14 and through the second grooves 17, which prevents the suction cup phenomenon. .

Similarly to the above, one could consider third and fourth grooves (not shown) on the internal face 3 of the plate 2, extending from the side edges 2a, 2b of said plate 2 to the side edges 5c , 5d respective light 5.

On the figure 2 , we see that the first orifices 15 are of reduced size on the front edge 2c of the plate 2, which allows said front edge 2c to obstruct the introduction of large waste between the internal face 3 of the plate 2 and the outer face 103 of the sole 102, so as not to obstruct the first grooves 14.

Similarly, we see on the figure 1 that the third orifices 18 are separated from each other by bars 20 which constitute obstacles on the rear edge 2d of the plate 2, preventing the introduction of large waste into the second grooves 17 so as not to obstruct them.

As illustrated next to figures 2 , 6 and 7 , the plate 2 comprises on its outer face 4 front ribs 21 which extend from the front edge 2c of said plate 2 to the front edge 5a of the slot 5. Likewise, rear ribs 22 extend from the rear edge 2d of the plate to the rear edge 5b of the slot on this outer face 4. Likewise, lateral ribs 23, 24 extend respectively between the lateral edges 2a, 2b of the plate 2 and the lateral edges 5c, 5d light 5. These grooves 21-24 also promote the introduction of air into the cavity.

As illustrated in figure 2 , the slot 5 and the outer face 4 define two front 25 and rear 26 edges at the level of the front 5a and rear 5b edges of said slot 5. Preferably, these front 25 and rear 26 edges are softened to further reduce the risks of blocking of long fibers capable of being engulfed in said lumen 5 and in the cavity 104, which prevents the blocking of the suction head 100 with the accessory 1 during the suction of the surface.

As shown on figures 2 , 6 and 7 , the slot 5 separates the external face 4 of the plate into two sections 4a, 4b. These two sides 4a, 4b are inclined slightly outwards in the direction of the lumen 5, which promotes the scratching of the suction surface during the movement of the suction head 100 provided with the accessory 1.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, strips of textile thread or fiber pullers are positioned on either side of the light 5.

During use of the vacuum cleaner, the suction head 100 can be used alone to vacuum a surface, for example tiles or parquet. When the surface to be vacuumed changes and suction cup phenomena occur, in particular when the user starts vacuuming a rug or carpet, the accessory 1 can be attached very simply by snap-fastening onto the suction head 100, thus overcoming said suction cup phenomenon.

The preceding description of a preferred embodiment is in no way limiting. Thus, numerous variants could be envisaged within the framework of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. Accessory (1) of vacuum cleaner suction head (100), where said suction head comprises a suction duct (101) and a base plate (102) having an outer face (103) and a cavity (104) that communicates with the suction duct, where the accessory comprises:

   - a plate (2) having an inner face (3), an outer face (4) and an elongated hole (5) that opens onto said inner and outer faces,

   - means (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) of assembling the plate beneath the base plate of the suction head, where said assembly means are configured so that the elongated hole corresponds with the cavity during said assembly,

   - and air channelling means (14, 17) opening downstream onto the elongated hole, characterised in that said air channelling means (14, 17) open upstream onto the contour (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the plate.
2. Accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the air channelling means comprise grooves (14, 17) that are arranged on the inner face (3) of the plate (2) and which extend from the contour (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the plate to the elongated hole (5).
3. Accessory (1) according to claim 2, wherein the grooves (14) extend from a front edge (2c) of the plate (2) to a front edge (5a) of the elongated hole (5).
4. Accessory (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the grooves (17) extend from the rear edge (2d) of the plate (2) to the rear edge (5b) of the elongated hole (5).
5. Accessory (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the grooves extend from the lateral edges (2a, 2b) of the plate (2) to the respective lateral edges (5c, 5d) of the elongated hole (5).
6. Accessory (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the channelling means comprise obstacle parts (20) at the contour (2c, 2d) of the plate (2) that are configured to block the inflow of bulk waste that could obstruct the passage of air.
7. Accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly means comprise two tabs (7, 8) arranged on the lateral edges (2a, 2b) of the plate (2) and extending from the side of the inner face (3), where said tabs are configured to snap onto the suction head (100).
8. Accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly means comprise at least one tab arranged on the contour (5a, 5b) of the elongated hole (5) and extending from the side of the inner face (3), where said at least one tab is configured to snap into the cavity (104).
9. Accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly means comprise pins (9, 10, 11) arranged on the inner face (3), where said pins are configured to fit inside existing screw holes (107-110) on the base plate (102).
10. Accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated hole (5) defines with the outer face (4) of the plate (2) a front ridge (25) and a rear ridge (26), where said ridges are smoothed.
11. Accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer face (4) of the plate comprises two flat surfaces (4a, 4b) disposed respectively in front of and to the rear of the elongated hole (5), where said flat surfaces are inclined outwards towards the elongated hole.
12. Accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (2) comprises at least one opening (12, 13) allowing the passage of at least one wheel (105, 106), arranged beneath the suction head (100).
13. Accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer face (4) comprises ribs (21-24) that extend from the contour (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the plate (2) towards the elongated hole (5).
14. Accessory (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated hole (5) comprises reinforcements (6).
15. Vacuum cleaner suction head (100) comprising a suction duct (101) and a base plate (102) comprising an outer face (103) and a cavity (104) extending transversely over the suction head, where said cavity communicates with the suction duct, where said suction head comprises an accessory (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 assembled removably beneath the base plate, where the elongated hole (5) on the plate (2) of the accessory corresponds with the cavity on the base plate during assembly of said elements.

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