Vacuum cleaner suction tube nozzle

Abstract

A suction tube nozzle (1) comprising at least a conduit (10) having an inlet (11), an outlet (12) and a conduit wall (100) enclosing a conduit volume (13), wherein the conduit wall (100) has a first end (101) and a second end (102) and an inner wall surface (103), and the first end (101) defines the inlet (11) and the second end (102) defines the outlet (12), and wherein the second end (102) is configured to be connected to a distal end of a suction tube, thereby providing fluid communication between the inlet and the suction tube, in the case of a first rotary bearing having a first rotation axis movably supporting at least one first rotary blade within the conduit volume relative to the conduit wall, which allows insects sucked into the inlet to be reliably chopped up.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner. The suction nozzle includes a conduit having a first end. The first end is configured to connect to the free end of the suction hose of the vacuum cleaner. The conduit also has a second end. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum cleaners are known in the art and are used in many households. They are generally classified into canister vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, and robotic vacuum cleaners. Except for robotic vacuum cleaners, the other types typically have a suction tube with a distal end (the end pointing away from the user). A replaceable nozzle is usually attached to this distal end during cleaning. Dirt, dust, etc. (collectively referred to herein as "dirt") are sucked into the suction tube through this nozzle and conveyed by airflow to a dirt reservoir. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention is based on the observation that vacuum cleaners are frequently used to remove insects from insect-infested areas. Some people generally suffer from insect phobia, or phobia of certain species of insects, such as arachnophobia, and some of these people worry that insects sucked into a vacuum cleaner will not be killed in the removal process, but may escape from the filth reservoir.

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device for reliably killing insects, and in particular, a device for reliably killing spiders.

[0005] The solution to this problem is described in the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to further improvements to the invention.

[0006] A solution is provided by a suction nozzle or suction tube extension for a vacuum cleaner's suction tube. The suction nozzle or suction tube extension is preferably configured to connect to the distal end of the vacuum cleaner's suction tube. In the following text, we will not distinguish between a suction nozzle and a suction tube extension; these two terms are used interchangeably, i.e., a suction nozzle should be understood as a suction nozzle and / or a suction nozzle extension, and vice versa.

[0007] The suction nozzle may include a catheter having a catheter wall with an inlet opening (hereinafter referred to as the "inlet") and an outlet opening (hereinafter referred to as the "outlet"). The catheter wall may enclose a catheter volume extending from the inlet to the outlet. Thus, the inlet and outlet are in fluid communication via the catheter volume. The catheter wall has a first end and a second end, the first end of which may define the inlet, for example by radially defining the inlet, and the second end of which may define the outlet, for example by radially defining the outlet. This does not mean that the inlet and outlet are necessarily rotationally symmetric, but rather that the inlet and outlet may be defined by the catheter wall in a radial direction, i.e., in a direction radially away from the catheter axis, where it is assumed that the catheter is a straight catheter. If the catheter is not straight, the term "catheter axis" may be replaced by a neutral axis. In this document, for conceptual simplicity, we will use the term "longitudinal axis." Those skilled in the art will understand that if the catheter is not straight, this term must be replaced with a more appropriate one. The longitudinal axis can be understood as a line extending from the center of the inlet to the center of the outlet, and centered relative to the contour of the inner surface of the catheter.

[0008] The second end is preferably configured to connect to the distal end of the suction tube, thereby providing fluid communication between the inlet and the suction tube.

[0009] If the conduit includes at least a first rotary bearing having a first axis of rotation that at least movably supports a first rotating blade or a first set of rotating blades relative to the conduit wall within the conduit volume, then these rotating blades can be driven to rotate relative to the conduit wall and shred insects sucked in via the inlet, thereby ensuring that only dead insects leave the outlet. The risk of sucking live insects into the sludge reservoir of the vacuum cleaner no longer exists. Therefore, insects sucked in via the suction nozzle cannot "escape" from the sludge reservoir and cannot frighten or otherwise harm people. In this document, we use the term "first rotating blade" only for conceptual simplicity. The first rotating blade can be a set of first rotating blades, wherein each rotating blade in the set is configured to rotate at the same rotational speed as the other members of the set. For example, members of the first set of rotating blades can be attached to a first hub.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the suction nozzle includes a second rotating blade or a second set of rotating blades, which is also rotatably supported relative to the housing wall by a first and / or second rotating bearing. The second rotating blade may include a second rotating bearing having a second axis of rotation. At least one of the first and second rotating bearings may movably support the second rotating blade relative to the catheter wall within the catheter volume. Just as the term "first rotating blade" should be understood to mean one first rotating blade or a first set of rotating blades, the term "second rotating blade" should be understood to mean one second rotating blade or a second set of rotating blades. Similarly, a set of rotating blades is driven or interconnected such that they rotate at the same rotational speed.

[0011] Preferably, at least one first rotating blade is a rotary turbine blade, which has a first rotational direction based on an assumed airflow from the inlet through the duct volume toward the outlet. Therefore, when the suction nozzle is attached to the suction hose of an operating vacuum cleaner, the airflow through the duct volume drives the first rotating blade to rotate in the first direction. Because no motor, gears, or other means are required to operate the first rotating blade, the cost of the suction nozzle remains low. Furthermore, the use of clutches or other devices to prevent overloading of the transmission system when the rotating blade suddenly slows down during insect rotation can be avoided.

[0012] An optional second rotating blade can be a rotating turbine blade, which has a second rotation direction based on the assumed airflow from the inlet through the duct volume toward the outlet. This second rotation direction is preferably opposite to the first rotation direction. Assuming the first rotating blade is upstream of the second rotating blade (i.e., closer to the inlet than the second rotating blade), because the impacting insect transfers a portion of the angular momentum of the rotating blade to the insect and / or its particles, the particles of the insect transported by the airflow have angular momentum pointing in the same direction as the angular momentum of the first rotating blade. Therefore, the relative angular velocity of the second rotating blade with respect to these insects / particles increases, and lower-mass particles are more likely to be shredded. In short, by rotating the second rotating blade in the opposite direction to the first rotating blade, the risk of insects “passing through” the suction nozzle without being killed is reduced. Just to avoid misunderstanding, the same technical effect can be observed when the second rotating blade is upstream of the first rotating blade. However, it is certainly preferred that the first and second rotating blades are downstream or upstream of a corresponding second rotating blade or first rotating blade.

[0013] As is already apparent, the first and second axes of rotation are preferably at least substantially the same and / or at least substantially parallel. This measure reduces the pressure gradient between the inlet and outlet and further contributes to the technical effect of reducing the risk of insects passing through a series of rotating blades.

[0014] Preferably, the suction nozzle includes at least one static blade having at least a first static cutting edge and / or a second static cutting edge. In a preferred example, the first static cutting edge faces a first rotating cutting edge of a first rotating blade, and / or the second static cutting edge faces a second rotating cutting edge of a second rotating blade. Herein, "facing each other" should be understood as indicating that the first static cutting edge provides a (cutting) stop for the insect loaded by the first rotating cutting edge. This stop does not need to impede any movement, but rather the two cutting edges can form an angle relative to each other. In both cases, this enhances the cutting of the insect transported by the airflow from the inlet to the outlet. As is already apparent, optional static cutting edges(s) can complement corresponding rotating cutting edges(s).

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least one static blade axially supports the first rotating blade and / or the second rotating blade. This provides reduced manufacturing costs and simultaneously reduces the pressure gradient between the inlet and outlet, and prevents insects from becoming trapped in the support structure extending within the duct volume to support (or support one or more) of the rotating blades. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the static cutting edge of at least one static blade provides an axial stop that supports at least one rotating blade (one of the aforementioned rotating blades). Thus, in operation, the axially supported rotating blade can slide its rotating cutting edge on the static cutting edge, thereby ensuring that any insects between these cutting edges that move relative to each other are reliably cut by these cutting edges.

[0016] It is particularly preferred that at least one static blade radially supports the rotary bearing and / or defines the bearing surface of the rotary bearing. This measure further helps to reduce the manufacturing cost and flow resistance of the suction nozzle.

[0017] The shaft and / or machine shaft may extend within the conduit volume. The shaft is preferably supported radially and / or axially by at least one support extending from the inner wall surface toward the rotation axis of the first and / or second rotary bearings. The at least one support may be configured as one of the optional static blades described above. In other words, at least one support may be a static blade, and / or at least one static blade may be a support. Therefore, at least one static blade may extend from the inner wall toward the longitudinal axis and radially and / or axially support the shaft and / or machine shaft.

[0018] The shaft can rotatably support a first rotating blade and an optional second rotating blade, for example, via a corresponding rotary bearing. This is a very cost-effective and reliable measure for rotatably supporting one or more rotating blades within the duct volume, with the one or more rotating blades being supported independently of each other.

[0019] Alternatively, the shaft may be rotatably supported in the guide tube volume by a first rotary bearing and / or a second rotary bearing, and the first rotary blade and / or the second rotary blade may be mounted to the shaft.

[0020] The first rotary bearing can be a first fluid bearing, and / or the second rotary bearing can be a second fluid bearing. Such fluid bearings reduce wear and allow the correspondingly supported rotating blades to have very high rotational speeds.

[0021] Preferably, the first fluid bearing may include a first gas inlet and a first gas outlet, and / or the second fluid bearing may include a second gas inlet and a second gas outlet. Specifically, the first gas inlet and / or the second gas inlet are preferably oriented towards the inlet of the conduit, and the first gas outlet and / or the second gas outlet are preferably oriented towards the outlet of the conduit. In operation, the pressure gradient between the first gas inlet and the first gas outlet, and / or between the second gas inlet and the second gas outlet, provides the airflow through the respective fluid bearing. Therefore, no additional gas source is required to provide the fluid flow needed to operate the fluid bearing.

[0022] It is preferred that at least one of the first rotating blade and / or the second rotating blade and / or the static blade and / or the strut is located between the first gas inlet and the first gas outlet of the first fluid bearing, and / or between the second gas inlet and the second gas outlet of the second fluid bearing. "Between" refers to the corresponding axial position, where it is assumed that the duct has a longitudinal axis. The blades (one or more) and / or the struts (one or more) provide an increased pressure gradient between the corresponding gas inlet and gas outlet. Therefore, the airflow through the fluid bearing is enhanced.

[0023] In another example, at least one of the rotary bearings is a sliding bearing. The first bearing surface may be attached to, and / or integrally formed from, the first and / or second rotary blades. The complementary bearing surface may be provided by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and / or the inner surface of the guide wall, i.e., the surface of the guide wall facing the longitudinal axis.

[0024] In this paper, the term "connection" and the corresponding verb "to connect" should be understood not only as a mechanical connection but also as a functionally enhanced connection. For example, when two conduits are connected to each other, the mechanical connection provides fluid communication between the two tubes. In the example of a suction tube and a suction tube nozzle, the connection of these two elements will allow fluid to be drawn into the suction tube via the nozzle inlet.

[0025] Furthermore, as will become obvious below, like Or simply The expression indicates b It can be appropriately selected to take the set. A Any value contained therein. Attached Figure Description

[0026] In the following description, the invention will be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, without limiting the overall inventive concept.

[0027] Figure 1 A simplified cross-sectional view of an example suction cannula nozzle is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 It shows along Figure 1 A simplified cross-sectional view of the suction tube nozzle taken from the plane AA indicated in the figure.

[0029] Figure 1 It shows along Figure 2 A simplified longitudinal section of an example suction nozzle 1 taken from plane BB as indicated in the diagram. The suction nozzle 1 may include a conduit 10 having a longitudinal axis 2. The preferred flow direction is indicated by arrow 3. The conduit 10 has a conduit wall 100 having an inner wall surface 103, a first end 101, and a second end 102. The first end 101 may radially define an inlet opening 11 (“inlet 11”), and the second end 102 may radially define an outlet opening 12 (“outlet 12”). The terms inlet 11 and outlet 12 refer to the preferred flow direction 3.

[0030] The first set of static blades 141 can extend from the guide tube wall 100 toward the longitudinal axis 2. In the example (see...) Figure 2 (This shows four first static blades 141, but other integers) A first static blade is also possible. An optional second set... ( QUOTE A second static blade 142, i.e. a second group of static blades 142, can extend downstream of the first group of static blades 141 toward the longitudinal axis 2.

[0031] At least some, preferably all, of the static blades 141 and 142 support the shaft 20. Preferably, the shaft 20 is at least substantially aligned with the preferred flow direction 3 and / or longitudinal axis 2. "At least substantially aligned" should mean that perfect alignment is preferred, but deviations from perfect alignment are also acceptable. ( The deviation within the angle, where the smaller value is... (It is the preferred option).

[0032] Shaft 20 can rotatably support the first set of rotating blades 131 and / or the second set of rotating blades 132 via corresponding rotary bearings. As shown in the figure, the two sets of rotating blades 131 and 132 can be turbine blade sets. The two sets of rotating blades 131 and 132 can have opposite directions of rotation (see arrows 135 and 136).

[0033] The bearing can be a sliding bearing, meaning that the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 20 can form a first bearing surface, and the recesses in the corresponding sets of rotating blades 131, 132 can be configured as second sliding bearing surfaces. Alternatively, the recesses can be fitted with sleeves, in which case the sleeves can provide the corresponding bearing surfaces. However, it is preferable if the bearing is a fluid bearing having gas inlets 161, 162 and gas outlets 163, 164. Preferably, the gas inlets 161, 162 face the inlet 11 of the conduit 10, and preferably, the gas outlets 163, 164 face the opposite direction, wherein the gas inlets 161, 162 are preferably in fluid communication with the corresponding gas outlets 163, 164 via the movement gap between the corresponding rotating blades 131, 132 and the shaft 20.

[0034] Rotating blades 131 and 132 may have cutting edges 133 and 134 (see...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cutting edges 133 and 134 of the rotating blades 131 and 132 may point to the rotation directions 135 and 136 of the corresponding rotating blades 131 and 132. The static blades 141 and 142 may also have a cutting edge 143, which preferably points in the opposite (rotational) direction compared to the cutting edges 133 and 134 of the corresponding rotating blades 131 and 132. In other words, a set of static blades 141 and 142 and a set of rotating blades 131 and 132 can form pairs of interacting blades 131, 132, 141, and 142, with cutting edges 133, 134, and 143 facing each other. (Comparison) Figure 1 and Figure 2It can be seen that it is preferable if the cutting edges 133, 134 of one or more rotating blades 131, 132 contact the cutting edges 143 of the corresponding static blades 141, 142. Preferably, the static blades 141, 142 thus provide axial support to the corresponding rotating blades 131, 132. This provides a scissor-like cut to insects entering a gap that opens and closes between the corresponding cutting edges 133, 134, 143 due to the rotation of the rotating blades 131, 132.

[0035] List of reference numerals

[0036] 1. Suction tube nozzle

[0037] 2. Longitudinal axis

[0038] 3. Flow direction

[0039] 10 catheters

[0040] 11. Catheter entry point

[0041] 12. Catheter exit

[0042] 14. Catheter volume

[0043] 20-axis

[0044] 100 Catheter wall

[0045] 101 First end

[0046] 102 Second end

[0047] 103 Inner wall surface

[0048] 120 rotary bearing

[0049] 131 First Rotating Blade

[0050] 132 Second Rotating Blade

[0051] 133 First cutting edge of the first rotating blade

[0052] 134 The second cutting edge of the second rotating blade

[0053] 135 First rotation direction

[0054] 136 Second Rotation Direction

[0055] 141 First static blade

[0056] 142 Second static blade

[0057] 143 First static cutting edge

[0058] 144 Second static cutting edge

[0059] 161 Gas Inlet

[0060] 162 Gas Inlet

[0061] 163 Gas outlet

[0062] 164 Gas outlet

Claims

1. A suction tube nozzle (1), the suction tube nozzle comprising at least a conduit (10), the conduit (10) having an inlet (11), an outlet (12) and a conduit wall (100), the conduit wall enclosing a conduit volume (14), wherein: (i) The catheter wall (100) has a first end (101) and a second end (102) as well as an inner wall surface (103). (ii) The first end (101) defines the inlet (11), and the second end (102) defines the outlet (12), and (iii) The second end (102) is configured to connect to the distal end of the suction tube, thereby providing fluid communication between the inlet (11) and the suction tube. (iv) A first rotary bearing having a first axis of rotation (2) movably supports at least one first rotary blade (131) relative to the conduit wall (100) within the conduit volume (14). Its features are, The suction nozzle (1) further includes a first static blade (141) and a second static blade (142), wherein the first static blade (141) has at least a first static cutting edge, and / or the second static blade (142) has at least a second static cutting edge, wherein the first static cutting edge faces the first rotating cutting edge (133) of the first rotating blade (131), and / or the second rotating cutting edge (134) faces the second static cutting edge of the second static blade (142).

2. The suction tube nozzle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction nozzle (1) further includes a second rotary bearing having a second rotation axis (2), and the second rotary bearing movably supports at least one second rotary blade (132) relative to the conduit wall (100) within the conduit volume (14).

3. The suction tube nozzle (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one first rotating blade (131) is a turbine blade that has a first rotation direction (135) based on the assumed airflow (3) from the inlet (11) through the duct volume (14) toward the outlet (12).

4. The suction tube nozzle (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one second rotating blade (132) has a second rotation direction (136) based on the assumed airflow (3) from the inlet (11) through the duct volume (14) toward the outlet (12), and the second rotation direction (136) is opposite to the first rotation direction (135).

5. The suction nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first rotation axis (2) and the second rotation axis (2) are the same.

6. The suction nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first static blade (141) and the second static blade (142) axially support the first rotating blade (131) and / or the second rotating blade (132).

7. The suction nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first static blade (141) and the second static blade (142) radially support the rotary bearing and / or define the bearing surface of the rotary bearing.

8. The suction nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, A shaft (20) extends in the conduit volume (14), wherein the shaft (20) is supported radially and / or axially by at least one support extending from the inner wall surface (103) toward the axis of rotation (2) of the first rotary bearing and / or the second rotary bearing, and the first rotary blade (131) and the second rotary blade (132) are rotatably supported relative to the shaft (20).

9. The suction nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The machine shaft is rotatably supported in the conduit volume (14) by the first rotary bearing and / or the second rotary bearing, and the first rotary blade (131) and the second rotary blade (132) are mounted to the machine shaft.

10. The suction nozzle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The first rotary bearing is a first fluid bearing, and / or the second rotary bearing is a second fluid bearing; the first fluid bearing has a first gas inlet (161), and / or the second fluid bearing has a second gas inlet (162), the first gas inlet (161) and the second gas inlet (162) facing the inlet (11); and the first fluid bearing has a first gas outlet (163), and / or the second fluid bearing has a second gas outlet (164), the first gas outlet (163) and / or the second gas outlet (164) facing the outlet (12).

11. The suction tube nozzle (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, At least one of the first rotating blade (131) and / or the second rotating blade (132) and / or the first static blade (141) and / or the second static blade (142) is located between the first gas inlet (161) and the first gas outlet (163) of the first fluid bearing, and / or between the second gas inlet (162) and the second gas outlet (164) of the second fluid bearing.

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