GB2477302A

GB2477302A - A suction tool assembly for a vacuum cleaning appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2477302A
Application number: GB1001387A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew William Ford; Peter David Gammack
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2010-01-28
Filing date: 2010-01-28
Publication date: 2011-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2030-01-28
Also published as: GB2477302B; GB201001387D0; WO2011092484A1

Abstract

A suction tool assembly comprising a first part 2 and a second part 3. The first part 2 is arranged for connection to a suction source on the appliance, and is also provided with an expandable crevice nozzle 4. The crevice nozzle 4 is arranged to form a relatively narrow suction inlet 6a under the biasing action of a negative internal suction pressure inside the nozzle. The second part 3 incorporates a relatively wide suction inlet 12b which releasably push-fits onto the crevice nozzle 4, and is configured to force open the expandable crevice nozzle 4 as it is push-fitted onto the crevice nozzle. The two parts are additionally configured for push-fitting connection through the open nozzle to form a relatively wide suction passage for connecting the suction inlet 12b on the second part to the suction source. The second part 3 is preferably a upholstery brush.

Description

A Suction Tool Assembly for a Vacuum Cleaning Appliance The present invention relates generally to the field of vacuum cleaning appliances, including vacuum cleaners, wet floor cleaners etc. More specifically, the invention is applicable to vacuum cleaning appliances of the general type incorporating a hose and wand assembly.

The invention is particularly suitable for use on so-called cylinder (or "canister") vacuum cleaners.

In a typical cylinder cleaner a, shown in Figure 1, a main body b of the cleaner a is fluidly connected to a floor tool c via a hose and wand assembly. The hose and wand assembly consists of a relatively in-extendable, flexible hose d which is connected at one end to a suction inlet on the main body b, and a rigid, hollow, telescopic wand e which connects the opposite end of the flexible hose d to the floor tool c. During normal operation of the cleaner a, a user grasps the wand e manually to manoeuvre the floor tool c across the floor, dragging the main body b behind with the in-extendible, flexible hose d.

In certain situations, it is convenient to interchange the floor tool c for a different suction tool, for example a crevice tool which provides a relatively narrow suction inlet, or an upholstery brush tool for cleaning fabric surfaces. These auxiliary suction tools are ordinarily sold with the vacuum cleaner a as separate accessories for interchange with the floor tool c as and when desired.

The problem with providing the auxiliary suction tools as separate accessories, is that the user may temporarily misplace a given tool, or possibly lose the tool altogether. This problem can be alleviated to a certain extent by providing for on-board storage of each auxiliary tool on the main body of the cleaner when the auxiliary tool is not in use, but user feedback tends to suggest that users do not always make use of the availability of such on-board tool storage.

The present invention seeks to provide a better way of storing one or more auxiliary suction tools for a vacuum cleaning appliance, and in particular a crevice tool.

According to the present invention there is provided a suction tool assembly comprising: a first part for connection to a suction source on the appliance, the first part being provided with an expandable crevice nozzle, the crevice nozzle being arranged to form a relatively narrow suction inlet under the biasing action of a negative internal suction pressure inside the nozzle; a second part which incorporates a relatively wide suction inlet and which releasably push-fits onto the crevice nozzle, the second part being configured to force open the expandable crevice nozzle as it is push-fitted onto the crevice nozzle; wherein the two parts are additionally configured for push-fitting connection through the open nozzle to form a relatively wide suction passage for connecting the suction inlet on the second part to the suction source.

The suction tool assembly thus has two configurations: a first configuration, in which the two parts are disconnected and the crevice nozzle forms a relatively narrow suction inlet for connection to a suction source, and a second configuration in which the two parts are connected to define a relatively wide suction passage for fluidly connecting the relatively wide suction inlet on the second part to the suction source.

In the second configuration, the nozzle is in an open storage position, and the two parts connect to one another through the open nozzle, so that the open nozzle is thus stored on the outside of the relatively wide suction passage. Advantageously therefore, the crevice nozzle does not present a flow restriction inside the relatively wide suction passage in the second configuration.

The crevice nozzle is forcibly moved to the open storage position by push-fitting the second part onto the crevice nozzle, prior to push-fitting connection of the two parts to form the relatively wide suction passage. When the two parts are disconnected, the crevice nozzle is free to form a relatively narrow suction opening under a negative internal suction pressure inside the nozzle (generated in use by the suction source).

Thus, a user may switch between the first and second configuration directly, simply by connecting and disconnecting the two parts: no intermediate steps are required provided that the suction source is activated.

One or more resilient biasing members may be provided for closing the crevice nozzle in the absence of a negative internal suction pressure, so that a user may switch between the first and second configuration without the suction source between activated. This helps to avoid the misconception that the crevice nozzle may somehow be broken or malfunctioning if a user attempts to switch configurations without the suction source being activated (particularly if the user is unaware that, in use, the crevice nozzle will in fact be biased towards a closed position under the negative suction pressure generated by the suction source).

In use, the first part will typically be connected to the suction source via a hose, and may be connected to the hose via an intermediate suction component. The second part may also be arranged for connection to a downstream suction component. Thus, the suction assembly may be connected in-line between upstream and downstream suction components. For example, the suction assembly may be connected in-line between a wand and some other suction tool, such as a floor tool. Alternatively the suction assembly may be connected in-line between upstream and downstream sections of a multi-section wand, so that the first and second parts of the suction tool assembly effectively become adjacent wand sections forming an integral part of the wand. In the latter arrangement, the upstream section may be a wand handle and the down stream section may be a wand extension tube. The multi-section wand may then be used to connect the hose to a separate floor tool, in the manner of the conventional wand shown in Figure 1, and the crevice tool may be deployed directly as and when desired simply by disconnecting the first and second parts of the suction tool assembly. When the crevice tool is no longer required, the two parts can be re-connected conveniently to store the crevice tool "on-the-spot" i.e. without the need to return to the main body of the vacuum cleaning appliance.

The second part may itself incorporate a suction tool, for example a floor tool or a brush tool, which defines the suction inlet on the second part. In the case where the second part is arranged for connection to a downstream suction component, the suction tool may be arranged for direct deployment by disconnecting the second part from the downstream suction component. For example, in the case of a brush tool, the tool may comprise an annular brush which is fixed at the downstream end of the second part to form said suction inlet on the second part, and the second part may be arranged so that the downstream component connects to the second part through the annular brush. This arrangement would also have the advantage that the brush sits on the outside of the downstream suction component when not in use, so as not to interfere with flow between the downstream component and the second part.

The first part may comprise a tube for push-fitting connection to the second part to form said suction passage; the crevice nozzle being telescopically mounted on the tube for movement between an operative position, in which the crevice nozzle projects beyond the front end of the tube for use, and a retracted position, in which the front end of the tube extends at least part way through, and preferably beyond, the crevice nozzle for said push-fitting connection to the second part; the second part being arranged to push against the open crevice nozzle in the operative position for moving the crevice nozzle from the operative position to the retracted position, and additionally being arranged subsequently to pull against the open crevice nozzle in the refracted position for moving the open crevice nozzle back to the operative position.

This arrangement provides for relatively compact storage of the crevice tool, because the crevice tool occupies a relatively short length when the two parts are connected, but telescopes to a relatively long length when the two parts are disconnected from one another. In addition, because the tube extends at least part way through the open nozzle when the crevice nozzle is in the retracted storage position, the second part need likewise only be arranged to extend a relatively short length through the open nozzle for push-fitting connection with the tube. Deployment of the crevice tool is nevertheless still direct', with the crevice tool telescoping automatically to the operative position as the two parts are disconnected from one another.

The movement of the crevice nozzle back and forth between the operative position and the refracted position may be by means of a transmission member on the second part configured for push-pull engagement with the crevice nozzle, optionally via a corresponding fransmission member on the crevice nozzle.

The transmission member on the second part may be an axial stop. One or both of the crevice nozzle and the second part may be resiliently deformable for allowing the crevice nozzle to ride, or "bump", over the axial stop when the crevice nozzle is manually forced against the axial stop in either the operative position or the retracted position.

In one arrangement, the crevice nozzle comprises a nozzle jaw pivotable about a pivot axis to effect said opening of the nozzle and the second part may push-fit axially against the front of the nozzle jaw to pivot open the nozzle jaw; the taper angle of the crevice jaw, in combination with the position of the pivot axis relative to the front end of tube in said operative position, is such that, if the front end of the tube is pushed axially forward against the rear of the crevice nozzle jaw in the operative position, the resulting moment of the push-force on the nozzle jaw, about the pivot axis, either: a) tends to close the crevice nozzle jaw or b) has a moment arm which is smaller than the respective moment arm of the axial push-force generated when the second part is axially push-fitted against the front of the nozzle jaw. This helps to ensure that the nozzle remains closed during use of the crevice tool.

In general, the crevice nozzle may comprise two or more jaws pivotally connected for movement between a closed configuration, in which the jaws define the relatively narrow suction opening, and an open configuration, allowing push-fitting connection of the two parts through the open crevice nozzle. The use of pivoting jaws provides for convenient passive expansion of the crevice nozzle, as required.

The second part may incorporate an outer storage tube which push-fits onto the crevice nozzle, the outer storage tube being configured to engage the outside of the jaws to pivot the jaws from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The outer tube advantageously provides protection for the crevice tool when it is not in use. The outer storage tube may be transparent, so that the crevice tool is visible in use. This has the advantage that the crevice tool remains visible, even though the tool is located inside the protective outer tube, so that a user (particularly one coming across the tool assembly for the first time) is intuitively aware that the wand incorporates an "integrated" crevice tool.

The assembly may comprise a manual release catch for locking the first part in said push-fitting connection with the second part.

The crevice nozzle may be configured to key into a respective key-way on the inner wall of the outer tube, or vice-versa, with the key-way incorporating a flared entry portion for guiding correct orientation of the crevice nozzle and the outer tube.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a conventional "cylinder" vacuum cleaner; Figure 2a is a side view of a two-part suction tool assembly, showing the assembly in a first configuration in which the two parts are disconnected from one another; Figure 2b is a partial cut-away view showing the suction tool assembly in Figure 2a in a second configuration, in which the two parts are connected to one another; Figure 3 is a side view showing the suction tool assembly connected to a wand handle and hose; Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the suction tool assembly, illustrating an initial stage of connecting the two parts; Figure 5 is a schematic close-up view showing engagement of respective transmission members on the two parts; Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the suction tool assembly, illustrating a later stage of connecting the two parts; Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly with the two parts connected; Figure 8 is a schematic close-up view showing relative movement of the respective transmission members; Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing engagement of a key on one part with a key-way on the other part; Figures 1 Oa-10 show, respectively: a side view, front view and sectional view of a hose and wand assembly, incorporating a suction tool assembly.

Figure ha is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect of push forces F and F' on the crevice nozzle; and Figure 1 lb is a schematic diagram illustrating the effect on the moment of the force F by altering the taper angle of the crevice nozzle.

Figures 2a and 2b show a suction tool assembly 1 comprising a first part 2 and a second part 3. In Figure 2a, the suction tool assembly 1 is shown with the two parts 2, 3 disconnected from one another. In figure 2b, the suction tool assembly 1 is shown with the two parts 2, 3 connected to one another.

The first part 2 comprises a crevice tool 4, which incorporates a relatively wide tube 5 and a crevice nozzle 6 arranged to form a relatively narrow suction inlet 6a at the front end of the tube 5. An enlarged connecting portion 7 is integrally formed with the tube 5 for connecting the crevice tool 4 to a suction source such as a vac-motor, typically via a wand handle 8 and hose 9 (shown in Figure 3).

The crevice nozzle 6 is telescopically mounted on the tube 5 for sliding movement between an extended, operative position and a refracted, storage position. In the operative position (shown in solid lines in Figure 2a) the crevice nozzle 6 projects beyond the tube 5. In the storage position (dotted outline 6' in Figure 2A) the front end of the tube 5 projects beyond the crevice nozzle 6. The operative and refracted positions for the crevice nozzle 6 are effectively defined by respective front and rear end-stops (not visible) which limit travel of the crevice nozzle 6 relative to the tube 5. The end-stops themselves may take any suitable form.

The crevice nozzle 6 is formed by a pair ofjaws 6b, 6c, with the second jaw 6c being pivotally mounted on respective trunnions provided on either side of the first jaw 6b (only one trunnion 6d is visible in Figure 2a). This allows the jaws 6b, 6c to open, effectively expanding the crevice nozzle 6 to accommodate the relatively wide tube 5 SO that the crevice nozzle 6 can be refracted from the operative position to the storage position. The jaws 6b, 6c are arranged asymmetrically either side of the center-line A (Figure 2a), but this is not essential.

The second part 4 comprises a rear section and a front section, marked approximately by the horizontal dotted line B in Figure 2a. The rear section incorporates an outer storage tube 11 for storing the crevice tool 6 in its retracted storage position, and the front section incorporates a brush tool 12 which is in fluid communication with the outer storage tube 11 via a connecting port 13. The brush tool 12 comprises an annular ring of bristles 12a fixed at the front end of the second part 3 and arranged to form a flared skirt, which defines a suction inlet 12b. A gasket 13a is provided around the connecting port 13 for push-fitting engagement with the front end of the tube 5 when the crevice tool 4 is stored in the retracted position inside the outer tube 11.

The outer storage tube 11 push-fits onto the front end of the crevice nozzle 6 when it is in the operative position, and can be used manually to slide the crevice nozzle 6 between the operative position and the retracted storage position (somewhat reminiscent of manual sliding movement of the pump handle on a pump-action shotgun).

In order to allow retraction of the crevice nozzle 6 on the relatively wide tube 5, the outer storage tube 11 is dimensioned initially to engage the crevice nozzle jaw 6c in order to force open the pivoting crevice nozzle jaw 6c as the storage tube 11 is push-fitted onto the nozzle 6. This opening action of the outer storage tube 11 is illustrated by the arrows C and D in Figure 4, which illustrate pivoting movement of the nozzle jaw 6c about an axis P defined by the trunnion 6d and the respective opposing trunnion (not visible). Following opening of the crevice nozzle 6, the outer storage tube 11 can then be used manually to push the crevice nozzle 6 back to the retracted storage position 6' by means of corresponding transmission members provided on the outer storage tube 11 and the crevice nozzle 6. In this case the transmission members are in the form of a raised tooth 15 on the outside of the crevice nozzle 6, and an axial stop 16 (see Figure 5) on the outer tube 11 which pushes axially against the raised tooth 15. During retraction of the nozzle 6, the tube 5 effectively slides telescopically through the open nozzle 6; this is best illustrated in Figure 6, where the front edge of the tube 5 is just visible between the open jaws 6b, 6c of the crevice nozzle 6.

In the fully refracted storage position 6' (Figure 2a), the crevice nozzle 6 bears against the rear end-stop, so that the crevice nozzle 6 cannot retract any further. From this position, the front end of the tube 5 can subsequently be push-fitted against the gasket 13a to form a sealed, fluid connection between the brush tool 12 and the tube 5, as shown in Figure 7.

A manual release catch 17 on the connecting portion 14 engages a catch portion 1 la (Figure 3) on the outer tube 11 as the tube 5 is push-fitted against the gasket 1 3a surrounding the connecting port 13, in order securely to connect the two parts 2, 4.

The storage tube 11 and/or crevice nozzle 6 are resiliently deformable to allow the tooth to ride, or bump', over the axial stop 16 as the tube 10 is push-fitted against the gasket 13a, so that the tooth 15 is positioned axially between the connecting port 13 and the axial stop 16. This is illustrated in Figure 8. Following release of the catch 17, the outer tube 11 may thus subsequently be used manually to move the crevice nozzle 6 back to the operative position, in which the crevice nozzle 6 bears against the front end stop on the tube 5. From this position, the first part 2 can be disengaged from the second part 3 by pulling on the two parts 2, 3 so that the tooth 15 bumps back over the axial stop 16.

Thus, the suction tool assembly 1 has two basic operating configurations: a first configuration (Figure 2a), in which the two parts 2, 3 are disconnected from one another and the tube 5 connects the suction source to the crevice nozzle 6 for use; and a second configuration (Figure 2b) in which the two parts 2, 3 are engaged with one another and the tube 5 fluidly connects the suction source to the brush tool 12 for use. A user may switch automatically between the two configurations simply by disconnecting and re-connecting the two parts 2, 3 as described.

In the second configuration, in which the tube 5 connects to the brush tool 12, the crevice nozzle 6 is held in an open configuration on the outside of the tube 5 so as not to present any restriction to flow through the relatively wide tube 5. The two parts 2, 3 are thus effectively arranged for push-fitting connection through the open nozzle 6 to form a relatively wide suction path through the nozzle 6.

A user is free to switch between the operating configurations either after the vac-motor has been switched on, or prior to switching on the vac-motor. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the outer tube 11 and crevice nozzle 6 may not be resiliently deformable, and instead opening and closing movement of the crevice nozzle 6 may act to engage and disengage the transmission members. In this arrangement, one or more biasing resilient members may be required for closing the crevice tool in the operative position if it is intended that a user should be able to deploy the crevice tool 4 before the vac-motor is switched on.

Figure ha shows the relative position of the pivot axis P and the front end of the tube 5 when the crevice nozzle 6 is in the operative position. The jaws 6b, 6c are shown very schematically in a closed position under the action of a negative' suction pressure Pve inside the crevice nozzle 6 (the positive' ambient air pressure is likewise represented by P+ve in Figure 11 a).

In use, a user may effectively push the tube 5 axially against jaw 6c, for example by bumping the crevice tool 4 against furniture or the like. The resulting axial force F exerted on the jaw 6c is shown in Figure 1 ha. This force F may be resolved into a component f1 extending along the jaw 6c and a component f2 which exerts a moment f2x1 about the pivot point P, tending to open the nozzle jaw 6c.

In Figure 12a, the relative positioning of the pivot axis P and the front end of the tube 5 in the operative position is designed to ensure that the moment arm x1 is relatively small, so that the force F must consequently be relatively large in order to force open the nozzle 6. This helps to ensure that the nozzle 6 remains closed during use.

By contrast, during push-fitting of the outer tube 11 onto the crevice nozzle 6, the outer tube 11 engages the jaw 6c with an axial force F' having a relatively large moment arm x2 about the pivot axis P, so that only a relatively small force F' is required in order to force open the jaw 6c using the outer tube, specifically.

In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the crevice nozzle 6 may be designed to ensure that the pivot axis P sits in front of the front end of the tube 5 in the operative position, so that the corresponding moment f2x1 of the force F acts in an anti (counter) clockwise sense, tending to close the jaw 6c rather than open it. In the case where the front end of the tube is positioned in front of the pivot axis P in the operative position, it may be possible to achieve the same effect by increasing the taper angle 0 of the crevice nozzle jaw 6c (at the cost of the effective nozzle length), so that the moment of the component f2 consequently tends to close the nozzle jaw 6c; a nozzle jaw 6c' is shown very schematically in Figure 1 ib, having relatively steep taper angle 0 (compared to the relatively shallow taper angle 02 of the crevice nozzle jaw 6c specifically, shown in dotted lines in Figure 1 ib).

Although, in the embodiment described, the manual push-pull forces are transmitted between the outer storage tube 11 and the crevice nozzle 6 via a pair of transmission elements, this is not essential. For example, additionally or alternatively the outer tube 11 may axially engage the crevice nozzle 6 in a friction-fit. Indeed, it is not essential that the parts 2, 3 are arranged for automatic disengagement from one another as they are pulled apart. For example, in a yet further arrangement (not shown), the crevice nozzle 6 may engage a manual release catch on the outer tube 11, as the outer tube 11 is push-fitted onto the crevice nozzle 12, in order to secure the crevice nozzle 6 to the outer tube 11. During subsequent deployment of the crevice tool 4, a user may manually release the catch order to disengage the crevice nozzle 6 from the outer tube 11, once the crevice nozzle 6 has reached the operative position.

In the case where a pair of transmission members is used to transmit the push-pull forces between the crevice nozzle 6 and the outer tube 11, the transmission members themselves may take any suitable form; in particular, they may comprise a male and a female member resiliently biased for engagement with one another (e.g. a spring-loaded pawl and corresponding detent), rather than two male members.

The outer storage tube 11 may optionally be provided with a key 18 configured to key into a respective key-way 19 on the crevice nozzle 6 in order to guide the crevice nozzle 6 (see Figure 9). The key-way 19 has a flared entry portion 19a for guiding entry of the key 18 into the key-way 19. A plurality of keys and respective key-ways may be provided.

Figures lOa -lOc show an arrangement in which the suction tool assembly 1 is integrated as part of a multi-section wand 20. The wand 20 comprises four sections: the wand handle 8, representing the uppermost section of the wand 20, the first part 2, representing a first intermediate wand section, the second part 3, representing a second intermediate wand section, and an extension tube 21 representing the lower most section of the wand 20. The extension tube 21 is telescopic in this example, but this is not essential and the extension tube 21 might instead be in the form a simple, rigid suction tube.

The various wand sections are connected in flow series with one another. Thus, the first part 2 of the suction tool assembly 1 is fluidly connected to the downstream end of the wand handle 8, the second part 3 of the suction tool assembly 1 is fluidly connected to the downstream end of the first part 2, and the extension tube 21 is fluidly connected to the downstream end of the second part 3. The suction flow through the wand 20 is illustrated by the arrows in the cross-sectional view in Figure 1 Oc; thus, air flows in through the extension tube 21 and then passes serially through the second part 3, the first part 2 and the wand handle 8.

The various wand sections are secured to one another by respective manual release catches. Thus, the wand handle 8 is secured to the first part by a release catch 22, the first part 2 is secured to the second part by the catch 17, and the second part is secured to the extension tube 21 by a release catch 23. In order to disconnect an adjacent pair of wand sections, a user simply operates the respective manual release catch and pulls the wand sections apart.

The lower end of the extension tube 21 is arranged to connect to a separate suction tool, for example the floor tool c in Figure 1.

With the wand sections assembled as shown in Figures lOa -lOc, each of the crevice tool 4 and brush tool 12 is stored in a non-deployed position. In the case of the crevice tool 4, this is stored inside the outer storage tube 11 on the second part 4, and hence is not visible in Figures 1 Oa and 1 Ob (the crevice tool 4 has also been omitted from Figure lOc for clarity). In the case of the brush tool 12, this is stored on the outside of the extension tube 21, with the upper end of the extension tube in sealing engagement with a respective gasket 13b (visible in Figure 2a) around the connecting port 13.

In its assembled state, the wand 20 may be used in the manner of a conventional wand, optionally with a separate suction tool attached to the lower end of the wand 20.When it is desired to use the brush tool 12, this may be deployed directly by disconnecting the extension tube 21 from the second part 3. Similarly, when it is desired to use the crevice tool 4, this may be deployed directly by disconnecting the second part 3 from the first part 2, as described above. The crevice tool 4 and brush tool 12 may be stored following use simply by re-connecting the respective wand sections to return the given tool to its non-deployed position. The wand 20 thus incorporates a plurality of directly-deployable auxiliary tools.

The suction tool assembly 1 is essentially modular in configuration to allow the relative position of the assembly 1 along the wand 20 to be changed to suit the user. For example, the suction tool assembly 1 may alternatively be positioned at the lower end of the extension tube 21, optionally in-line between the extension tube 21 and a separate suction tool such as a floor tool. In this manner, the effective operational "reach" of the crevice tool 4 and brush tool 12 can be pre-selected by a user to suit individual preference.

It is not essential that the second part of the suction tool assembly incorporates a brush tool, nor is it essential that the second part be arranged for downstream connection to some other component, such as the extension tube 21. For example, the front section of the second part may instead constitute the head of a floor tool with the suction tool assembly accordingly being arranged for single positioning at the lower end of a wand (such as the wand 20). Alternatively, the second part may not incorporate any auxiliary suction tool at all, and instead simply act as a connector for connecting the first part to some other component, such as the extension tube 21, or a floor tool. In the latter case, if it was desired nevertheless to provide a directly deployable brush tool as part of a multi-section wand, in addition to the crevice tool 4, this could be included as an entirely separate (and possibly modular) wand section, as appropriate. Further auxiliary suction tools could likewise be incorporated as separate wand sections.

The wand 20 and hose 9 together form one example of a hose and wand assembly comprising: a hose for connection at one end to a suction source, and a wand connected to the opposite end of the hose, the free end of the wand being arranged for connection to a separate suction tool, wherein the wand is made up of a plurality of wand sections releasably connected in flow series, at least two of the wand sections being in the form of an auxiliary suction tool, each auxiliary suction tool having a downstream working end arranged, in use, for direct deployment by disconnecting the working end from the respective adjacent, downstream wand section, or from said separate suction tool as the case may be. The separate suction tool is "separate" from (i.e. does not form part of) the wand in the sense that it is not itself arranged for connection with any downstream wand section or suction tool. Typically, the separate suction tool will be a floor tool.

In addition, at least one auxiliary suction tool and two other wand sections have a modular configuration allowing the relative position of the auxiliary suction tool along the length of the wand to be changed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A suction tool assembly for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the assembly comprising: i) a first part for connection to a suction source on the appliance, the first part being provided with an expandable crevice nozzle, the crevice nozzle being arranged to form a relatively narrow suction inlet under the biasing action of a negative internal suction pressure inside the nozzle; ii) a second part which incorporates a relatively wide suction inlet and which releasably push-fits onto the crevice nozzle, the second part being configured to force open the crevice nozzle as it is push-fitted onto the crevice nozzle; wherein the two parts are additionally configured for push-fitting engagement through the open nozzle to form a relatively wide suction passage for connecting the suction source to the suction inlet on the second part.
2. A suction tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a tube for push-fitting engagement with the second part to form the relatively wide suction passage; the crevice nozzle being telescopically mounted on the tube for movement between an operative position, in which the crevice nozzle projects beyond the front end of the tube for use, and a retracted position, in which the front end of the tube projects at least part-way through the crevice nozzle for said press-fitting engagement with the second part; the second part being arranged for pushing against the open crevice nozzle in the operative position to move the crevice nozzle from the operative position to the retracted position, and additionally being arranged for pulling against the open crevice nozzle in the retracted position to move the open crevice nozzle back to the operative position.
3. A suction tool according to claim 2, wherein said movement of the crevice nozzle back and forth between the operative position and the retracted position is by means of one or more transmission members provided on the second part for push-pull engagement with the crevice nozzle.
4. A suction tool assembly according to claim 3, wherein one or both of the crevice nozzle and the second part are resiliently deformable for allowing the crevice nozzle to ride axially over each transmission member in the operative position and the refracted position.
5. A suction tool assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the crevice nozzle comprises two or more jaws pivotally connected for movement between a closed configuration, in which the jaws define the relatively narrow suction opening, and an open configuration, allowing push-fitting engagement of the two parts through the open crevice nozzle.
6. A suction tool assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second part incorporates an outer storage tube which push-fits onto the crevice nozzle, the outer storage tube being configured to engage the outside of the jaws to pivot the jaws from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
7. A suction tool assembly according to claim 6, wherein the outer storage tube is transparent.
8. A suction tool assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part incorporates a suction tool which defines the relatively side suction inlet on the second part.
9. A suction tool assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second part incorporates a brush tool having an annular brush which defines the relatively wide suction inlet on the second part.
10. A suction tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part is configured for series flow connection with a downstream suction component.
11. A suction tool according to claim 9, wherein the second part is configured for series flow connection with a downstream suction component, through the annular brush.
12. A suction tool assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a manual release catch for releasably locking the first part in said push-fitting connection with the second part.
13. A suction tool assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the crevice nozzle keys into a respective key-way on the outer storage tube, or vice versa, the key-way incorporating a flared entry portion for guiding correct orientation of the crevice nozzle and the outer tube.
14. A suction tool assembly according to claim 2, wherein the crevice nozzle comprises a nozzle jaw pivotable about a pivot axis to effect said opening of the nozzle and the second part push-fits axially against the front of the nozzle jaw to pivot open the nozzle jaw, and wherein the taper angle of the crevice jaw, in combination with the position of the pivot axis relative to the front end of tube in said operative position, is such that if the tube is pushed axially forward against the rear of the crevice nozzle jaw in the operative position, the resulting moment about the pivot axis either: a) tends to close the crevice nozzle jaw or b) has a moment arm which is smaller than the respective moment arm of the axial push force generated when the second part is axially push-fitted against the front of the nozzle jaw.
15. A hose and wand assembly incoiporating a suction tool assembly according to any preceding claim.
16. A vacuum cleaner incorporating the hose and wand assembly of claim 15.