Vacuum cleaner nozzle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) comprising a base plate (3); a fork (6) hinged to the base plate (3) via a front pivot coupling (P1) defining a front pivot axis (X1); two main wheels (11) rotatably mounted on the fork (6) about a wheel axle (A); a vacuum cleaner suction tube designed to be fastened to a connecting sleeve (12); and a connecting member (14) mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve (12) to the fork (6), the connecting member (14) being hinged to the fork (6) via a central pivot coupling (P3) defining a rotation axis (X3) extending transversely to the front pivot axis (X1), and the wheel axle (A) being secantly to the connecting member (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with vacuum cleaner nozzles, also known as suction heads, which allow the removal of dust and debris from surfaces to be cleaned, such as tiles, parquet floors, laminates, small blankets, or carpets. Background Technology

[0002] Document FR3062562 discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle, which includes:

[0003] - A base plate having a lower surface and a suction chamber opening on the lower surface.

[0004] - A fork hinged to the base plate via a front pivot joint, which defines a front pivot shaft extending transversely to the displacement direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0005] - Designed to roll on the surface to be cleaned, these two main wheels are rotatably mounted on a fork about an axle substantially parallel to the front pivot.

[0006] - A connecting sleeve that is fluidly connected to the suction chamber.

[0007] The connecting sleeve more specifically includes a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, the first sleeve portion being hingedly mounted on the fork via a rear pivot coupling that defines a rear pivot axis extending parallel to the front pivot axis, and the vacuum cleaner's suction tube being designed to be fastened to the second sleeve portion.

[0008] The first and second sleeve sections are mounted so that they can rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis perpendicular to the front and rear pivot axes. This configuration of the connecting sleeve particularly allows for improved maneuverability of the suction tube fastened to the connecting sleeve, thereby improving the maneuverability of the aforementioned vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0009] However, when a user wants to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with this nozzle to vacuum up debris, such as under furniture or beds, the rearward pivoting of the connecting sleeve, and consequently the rearward pivoting of the suction tube, is restricted because the first sleeve portion quickly contacts the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, due to the relatively large height of the aforementioned nozzle, it is not possible to easily vacuum up debris located under furniture or beds.

[0010] Furthermore, due to the mass of the suction tube applied to the fork, this rearward pivoting of the connecting sleeve may cause the front part of the lower surface of the base plate to rise, which is detrimental to the suction quality of the nozzle. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome these shortcomings.

[0012] The fundamental technical problem of this invention lies in providing a vacuum cleaner nozzle that is simple in structure and economical, while allowing for efficient and easy suction, especially under furniture or beds.

[0013] Therefore, the subject of this invention is a vacuum cleaner nozzle, comprising:

[0014] - A base plate having a lower surface and a suction chamber opening on the lower surface.

[0015] - A fork hinged to the base plate via a front pivot joint, which defines a front pivot shaft extending transversely to the displacement direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0016] - Designed to roll on the surface to be cleaned, these two main wheels are rotatably mounted on a fork about an axle substantially parallel to the front pivot.

[0017] - The vacuum cleaner's suction tube is designed to be securely fastened to a connecting sleeve, which is fluidly connected to the suction chamber.

[0018] The vacuum cleaner nozzle also includes a connecting member that mechanically connects the connecting sleeve to the fork, the connecting member being hinged to the fork via a central pivoting connector that defines a rotation axis extending transversely to the front pivot axis and having the axle secant the connecting member.

[0019] This configuration of the connecting components and the central pivoting connector allows for a reduction in the height of the vacuum cleaner nozzle when the suction tube, fastened to the connecting sleeve, is positioned substantially horizontally near the surface to be cleaned, thus enabling easy displacement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle under furniture or beds.

[0020] This configuration of the central pivot coupling, combined with the main wheel's mounting on the fork, also prevents the main wheel from lifting when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is turned due to torque applied by the user to the suction hose and / or lateral tilting of the suction hose. Therefore, these features ensure improved suction efficiency.

[0021] Furthermore, the fact that the axle and the connecting member are secant allows for improved stability of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

[0022] Vacuum cleaner nozzles may also have one or more of the following features, either individually or in combination.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, a central pivoting connector is located between the front pivoting connector and the axle. This arrangement of the central connector prevents the front portion of the lower surface of the base plate from lifting when the suction tube, fastened to the connecting sleeve, pivots rearward, thus ensuring optimal suction efficiency even when suctioning debris located under furniture or beds. Furthermore, this arrangement of the central connector allows for better distribution of the vertical force caused by the mass of the suction tube onto the nozzle, particularly preventing this vertical force from being applied directly to the main wheel.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the front pivot axis.

[0025] According to embodiments of the invention, when the two main wheels of the vacuum cleaner nozzle rest on a horizontal surface, the axis of rotation is substantially horizontal or tilted at an angle of less than 10° relative to the horizontal surface, for example, less than 5°. These arrangements allow for convenient nozzle displacement without compromising suction efficiency when the user applies thrust to the nozzle via the suction tube fastened to the connecting sleeve.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the plane passing through the front pivot and the axle is perpendicular to the connecting member. These arrangements allow for a further reduction in the height dimension of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting sleeve is hingedly mounted on the connecting member via a rear pivoting connector, which defines a rear pivoting axis that is substantially parallel to the front pivoting axis.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, a central pivot connector is located between a rear pivot connector and a front pivot connector. This arrangement of the pivot connectors allows for avoiding the rigid bending of the connecting sleeve (such bending would then exist, for example, in a flexible connecting conduit that fluidly connects the connecting sleeve to the suction chamber), and thus enables the connecting sleeve to be positioned substantially horizontally for easy suction of debris from under furniture.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the planes passing through the front and rear pivots are secant from the connecting members. These arrangements allow for a further reduction in the height dimension of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the two main wheels of the vacuum cleaner nozzle rest on a horizontal surface, the distance between the rear pivot shaft and the horizontal surface is substantially equal to or greater than the distance between the wheel axle and the horizontal surface.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rear pivot axis substantially corresponds to the wheel axle.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rear pivot is offset rearward relative to the wheel axis. This arrangement of the rear pivot further improves the stability of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fork includes two fork arms hinged to the base plate via a front pivoting connector, and a connecting portion that connects the two fork arms to each other and extends laterally to the fork arms.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, each fork extends substantially parallel to the displacement direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting portion extends below the connecting member. On the one hand, these arrangements further reduce the height dimension of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention; on the other hand, they allow the fork to support and distribute the torque generated by the left / right rotational movement.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each fork arm includes a free end, and the free ends of the two fork arms each include two lugs, which are substantially coaxial and protrude in a direction transverse to the fork arm, and the two lugs partially form a front pivot connection.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, a central pivot coupling is disposed between the two forks. These arrangements allow for a further reduction in the height of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member includes a mounting portion that is annular and rotatably mounted on the fork about a rotation axis.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the mounting portion and the rear pivot is less than the distance between the mounting portion and the front pivot. These arrangements allow the mass of the suction tube to be distributed more on the main wheel than on the base plate, thereby preventing the base plate from sinking too much on soft, blanket-like surfaces.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member further includes a support portion, and the connecting sleeve is hingedly mounted on the support portion.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention, the main wheels are arranged on both sides of the fork. This arrangement of the main wheels further reduces the height of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the main wheels are disposed on both sides of the connecting member. This arrangement of the main wheels further improves the stability of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention and further reduces the height dimension of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotation axis is located below the plane passing through the front pivot axis and the wheel axle. This arrangement of the rotation axis further improves the stability of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating shaft is located in the middle vertical longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle includes a flexible connecting conduit that fluidly connects the suction chamber to the connecting sleeve.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting member defines a channel in which a flexible connecting conduit extends. Advantageously, the mounting portion extends around the flexible connecting conduit.

[0048] The present invention also relates to a household vacuum cleaner, such as a canister vacuum cleaner, which includes a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The objects, aspects, and advantages of the invention can be better understood from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, presented as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle;

[0052] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle;

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial 3D view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle;

[0054] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial top view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle;

[0055] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the VV line;

[0056] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial longitudinal sectional view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The figures only show those elements necessary for understanding the invention. For ease of reading, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals in different figures.

[0058] Figures 1 to 7 A vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 is shown, which includes a base plate 3, the base plate 3 having a lower surface 4 designed to be positioned close to the surface to be vacuumed during use of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0059] The base plate 3 is also provided with a suction chamber 5 that opens on the lower surface 4. Advantageously, the suction chamber 5 is elongated and extends along an extension direction D1 that is transverse to the displacement direction D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, for example, perpendicular to the displacement direction D2.

[0060] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also includes a fork 6, which comprises two fork arms 7 and a connecting portion 8 that connects the two fork arms 7 to each other and extends laterally to the fork arms 7. Each fork arm 7 extends substantially parallel to the displacement direction D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, for example, and includes a free end. However, the fork arms 7 may be slightly tilted relative to each other and forked, for example, in the direction of the base plate 3.

[0061] Two fork arms 7 are hinged to the base plate 3 via a front pivot connector P1. The front pivot connector P1 defines a front pivot shaft X1, which extends perpendicular to the displacement direction D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. When the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, the front pivot shaft X1 is substantially horizontal. Thus, the fork 6 can tilt backward or forward relative to the base plate 3, as shown in the figure below. Figure 6 Arrows F1 and F2 are shown in the diagram.

[0062] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the free ends of the two forks 7 each include two lugs 9, which are substantially coaxial and protrude in opposite directions to each other in a direction transverse to the forks 7. The two lugs 9 are received in corresponding recesses provided on the base plate 3 and partially form the front pivot connector P1.

[0063] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also includes two main wheels 11, also known as rear wheels, designed to roll on the surface to be cleaned. The two main wheels 11 are rotatably mounted on the fork 6 about axle A, which is parallel to the front pivot axis X1, so that when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface, axle A is also substantially horizontal. Advantageously, the main wheels 11 are positioned on both sides of the fork 6, and more specifically, on both sides of the connecting portion 8.

[0064] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also includes a connecting sleeve 12, the end of which is connected to a suction tube nozzle (not shown), which in turn is connected to the vacuum cleaner's suction system (not shown). Various variations of vacuum cleaners are available on the market that can be used with the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 according to the present invention; these variations are known to those skilled in the art and are not described in detail herein.

[0065] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also includes a flexible connecting tube 13 (see Figure 4 It fluidly connects the suction chamber 5 to the connecting sleeve 12.

[0066] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also includes a connecting member 14 that mechanically connects the connecting sleeve 12 to the fork 6. Advantageously, the connecting portion 8 of the fork 6 extends below the connecting member 14, and the main wheels 11 are located on both sides of the connecting member 14.

[0067] More specifically, the connecting sleeve 12 is hinged to the connecting member 14 via a rear pivoting connector P2, which defines a rear pivot axis X2 parallel to the front pivot axis X1. Thus, the connecting sleeve 12 can tilt rearward or forward relative to the connecting member 14, such as... Figure 6 As shown by arrows F3 and F4 in the diagram.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, when the two main wheels 11 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rest on a horizontal surface, the distance between the rear pivot X2 and the horizontal surface is greater than the distance between the wheel axle A and the horizontal surface. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the rear pivot X2 is slightly offset rearward relative to the wheel axle A. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rear pivot X2 may correspond to the wheel axle A or be slightly offset forward relative to the wheel axle A. This arrangement of the rear pivot X2 allows the nozzle to be prevented from tilting when the user applies pressure to the suction tube connected to the connecting sleeve 12.

[0069] The connecting member 14 is hinged to the fork 6 via a central pivoting connector P3, which defines a rotation axis X3 extending perpendicularly to the front pivot axis X1. The central pivoting connector P3 is located between the rear pivoting connector P2 and the front pivoting connector P1, and more specifically, between the front pivoting connector P1 and the wheel axle A. Advantageously, the central pivoting connector P3 is positioned between the two fork arms 7.

[0070] like Figure 6 More specifically, when the two main wheels 11 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 are placed on a horizontal surface, the rotation axis X3 is substantially horizontal or tilted at an angle of less than 10° relative to the horizontal surface, for example, less than 5°.

[0071] For example Figure 6 As shown, axle A is perpendicular to connecting member 14, and the plane passing through the front pivot axle X1 and axle A is also perpendicular to connecting member 14. Advantageously, the rotating shaft X3 is located in the middle vertical longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. The rotating shaft X3 can be located slightly above or below the plane passing through the front pivot axle X1 and axle A.

[0072] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the connecting member 14 includes an annular mounting portion 14.1, which is rotatably mounted on the fork 6 about a rotation axis X3, and also includes a support portion 14.2, on which the connecting sleeve 12 is hingedly mounted.

[0073] The connecting member 14 defines a channel 15 in which the flexible connecting conduit 13 extends. Advantageously, the mounting portion 14.1 extends around the flexible connecting conduit 13, and the support portion 14.2 has a generally U-shaped cross section and extends below the flexible connecting conduit 13.

[0074] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also includes a guide member 16, which is transverse to the fork arm 7 and extends above the mounting portion 14.1. The guide member 16 includes an arcuate guide portion and two ends disposed on both sides of the connecting member 14, each end being fastened to the fork 6. The fork 6 and the guide member 16 are configured to guide the connecting member 14 to rotate about the rotation axis X3, and thus partially form the central pivoting connector P3.

[0075] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, which are provided merely as examples. Modifications may be made, particularly in the configuration of various elements or through the substitution of equivalent techniques, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (2), comprising: - A base plate (3) having a lower surface (4) and a suction cavity (5) opening on the lower surface (4). - A fork (6) is hinged to the base plate (3) via a front pivot connector (P1), the front pivot connector (P1) defining a front pivot shaft (X1) extending transversely to the displacement direction (D2) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2). - Two main wheels (11) designed to roll on the surface to be cleaned, the two main wheels (11) being rotatably mounted on the fork (6) about an axle (A) substantially parallel to the front pivot (X1), and - The vacuum cleaner's suction tube is designed to be fastened to a connecting sleeve (12), which is fluidly connected to the suction chamber (5). The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) is characterized in that it further includes a connecting member (14) that mechanically connects the connecting sleeve (12) to the fork (6), the connecting member (14) being hingedly mounted on the fork (6) via a central pivoting connector (P3), the central pivoting connector (P3) defining a rotation axis (X3) extending transversely to the front pivot axis (X1), and the axle (A) being perpendicular to the connecting member (14).

2. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The central pivot connector (P3) is located between the front pivot connector (P1) and the wheel axle (A).

3. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rotation axis (X3) is substantially perpendicular to the front pivot axis (X1).

4. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the two main wheels (11) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) rest on a horizontal surface, the rotating shaft (X3) is substantially horizontal or tilted at an angle of less than 10° relative to the horizontal surface.

5. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the two main wheels (11) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) are placed on a horizontal surface, the rotating shaft (X3) is tilted at an angle of less than 5° relative to the horizontal surface.

6. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plane passing through the front pivot (X1) and the wheel axle (A) is perpendicular to the connecting member (14).

7. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting sleeve (12) is hinged to the connecting member (14) via a rear pivoting connector (P2), which defines a rear pivot (X2) that is substantially parallel to the front pivot (X1).

8. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 7, wherein, The rear pivot (X2) is offset rearward relative to the wheel axle (A).

9. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fork (6) includes two fork arms (7) hinged to the base plate (3) via the front pivot connector (P1), and a connecting portion (8) that connects the two fork arms (7) to each other and extends laterally to the fork arms (7).

10. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The connecting portion (8) extends below the connecting member (14).

11. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the forks (7) includes a free end, and the free ends of the two forks (7) each include two lugs (9) that are substantially coaxial and protrude in a direction transverse to the forks (7), and the two lugs (9) partially form the front pivot connector (P1).

12. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The central pivot connector (P3) is located between the two forks (7).

13. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting member (14) includes a mounting portion (14.1) which is annular and rotatably mounted on the fork (6) about the rotation axis (X3).

14. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main wheel (11) is located on both sides of the fork (6).

15. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main wheel (11) is located on both sides of the connecting member (14).

16. A household vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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