Accessory for a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The present invention provides an accessory for connection to a vacuum cleaner including a nozzle with bristles. The accessory defines a suction flow path extending from a suction inlet for receiving suction airflow to a suction outlet, and a cavity for removably receiving bristles via the suction outlet, the cavity being located within the suction flow path. The accessory includes a main body portion, a clamp mounted on the main body portion near the suction outlet, and at least one agitator, the clamp being movable about the suction flow path, the at least one agitator being mounted to the clamp and extending into the cavity for agitating the bristles received in the cavity during clamp movement. An assembly including the accessory and a vacuum cleaner including the assembly are also provided.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Vacuum cleaners (such as stick vacuums) typically consist of a main body that is fluidly connected to a floor tool via an attachment, such as a stick. Vacuum cleaners can have more than one operating mode. For example, some vacuum cleaners have a floor cleaning mode and a handheld mode. In floor cleaning mode, the user grips a handle attached to the vacuum cleaner's main body to maneuver the floor tool across the floor. In handheld mode, a different suction tool can be used compared to the stick and floor tool. Handheld mode can be used to clean narrower spaces, such as crevices. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In a first aspect, an accessory is provided for attachment to a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner including a nozzle with bristles, the accessory defining:

[0003] The suction flow path extends from the suction inlet for receiving the suction airflow to the suction outlet; and

[0004] A cavity for removably receiving bristles via a suction outlet, the cavity being located within the suction flow path;

[0005] The attachment includes:

[0006] Main body;

[0007] A sleeve, mounted on the main body near the suction outlet, is movable around the suction flow path; and

[0008] At least one agitator is mounted to the sleeve and extends into the cavity for agitating the bristles received in the cavity when the sleeve moves.

[0009] When the attachment is not attached to the vacuum cleaner, the nozzle (of the vacuum cleaner) with bristles can be a suction tool, for example, for the handheld operation mode of the vacuum cleaner. During use in handheld mode, the bristles of the nozzle can capture debris and dust particles. When the attachment is attached to the vacuum cleaner, the nozzle is inserted into the attachment such that the bristles are received within a cavity defined by the attachment. At least one agitator extends into the cavity such that it contacts the bristles during use. Movement of the clamp relative to the suction flow path causes at least one agitator to also move around the suction flow path, thereby displacing / bending the bristles. This helps to agitate any debris and dust particles captured between the bristles. Since the cavity is within the suction flow path, the agitated debris and dust particles can be entrained into the suction airflow flowing along the suction flow path (e.g., when the vacuum cleaner is active during agitation). Therefore, the bristles can remove captured dust and debris in a simple and effective manner.

[0010] Optional features are discussed below. This invention includes combinations of the described aspects and optional features, unless such combinations are clearly not permitted or explicitly avoided.

[0011] The clamp can be rotatably mounted on the main body, allowing it to rotate about the suction flow path. For example, the clamp can rotate at least 30 degrees relative to the suction flow path (i.e., about the suction flow path), or at least 45 degrees, such as about 80 degrees.

[0012] Alternatively, the sleeve can be slidable relative to the main body, for example. For instance, the sleeve can slide in the axial direction (e.g., parallel to the suction flow path). Alternatively, the sleeve can slide in a direction perpendicular to the suction flow path.

[0013] The clamp can be mounted on the main body via a bearing (e.g., a rotatable bearing).

[0014] The suction inlet may be located at or near the first axial end of the main body. The clamp may be installed at or near the second axial end of the main body opposite to the first axial end. In other words, the clamp may be located at the end of the main body opposite to the suction inlet.

[0015] The clamp may restrict the body portion along at least a portion of its axial length. In some embodiments, the clamp may restrict the body portion along its entire axial length. In other words, the clamp may not extend beyond the axial end of the body portion.

[0016] The cavity (i.e., for receiving bristles) can be entirely defined by the body portion. Therefore, the body portion can define the suction outlet. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a clamp can extend axially beyond the body portion to at least partially define the cavity. In such embodiments, the clamp can define the suction outlet.

[0017] The at least one agitator can be mounted to the sleeve via a connector. The connector may have an axial portion. The axial portion may extend substantially axially along the body portion (i.e., parallel to the suction flow path). Therefore, the at least one agitator can be axially offset from the sleeve.

[0018] The connector may include a radial portion (i.e., radially extending). The radial portion may extend radially inward into the body portion. Therefore, the agitator can be radially offset from the clamp (e.g., radially inward).

[0019] The axial portion may be connected to at least one agitator at a first end. The axial portion may be connected to the radial portion at a second end (opposite to the first end). The radial portion may be connected to a sleeve at the first end. The radial portion may be connected to the axial portion at a second end opposite to the first end.

[0020] At least one agitator can be connected to the connector (or sleeve) via a support frame. For example, the support frame can be mounted to the axial portion of the connector. The support frame can extend circumferentially around the inner wall defining the cavity. In use, bristles can be received within the central opening of the support frame. The support frame can be curved, for example, complementary to the curvature of the cavity. The support frame can be annular (e.g., it can have a circular shape).

[0021] The central axes of the support frame and the sleeve can be coaxial (and can extend along the suction flow path). The rotation axis of the sleeve can be coaxial with the central axis of the support frame.

[0022] At least a portion of the support frame can be received within the gap formed between the spaced-apart walls of the main body. Therefore, the spaced-apart walls can be used to support the support frame (e.g., guide rotational movement of the support frame). In use, at least some bristles can extend into the gap. At least a portion of the support frame received in the gap can be located away from the position where the support frame connects to the connector or sleeve (of the support frame).

[0023] The connector, sleeve, and at least one agitator can be provided together as an agitator assembly. Two or more of the connector, sleeve, and at least one agitator can be integrally formed. Therefore, the agitator assembly can be formed as a single unit.

[0024] The accessories may include multiple agitators extending into the cavity. The multiple agitators may be circumferentially spaced around the cavity. The multiple agitators may be evenly spaced around the cavity. The multiple agitators may include four agitators circumferentially spaced around the cavity (e.g., evenly). Each of the multiple agitators may be mounted to a sleeve via a connector. For example, each of the multiple agitators may be connected to a support frame (e.g., may project inwardly from the support frame). Each of the multiple agitators may extend from the support frame into the cavity.

[0025] The agitator, or each agitator, may be axially elongated in the direction of the suction flow path. The agitator, or each agitator, may be elongated in the circumferential direction of the cavity.

[0026] The main body may include a groove through which the agitator, or each agitator, is connected to the clamp. A connector may extend through the groove to connect the clamp to the agitator, or each agitator. A radial portion of the connector may extend (e.g., substantially radially) through the groove and into the main body. The groove may be a circumferentially extending groove, such as extending around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body. Thus, the groove may allow the clamp and at least one agitator to rotate together about a suction flow path. That is, the agitator assembly may be rotatable about the suction flow path by being movable relative to the groove and at least partially within the groove.

[0027] The main body may be a tubular main body. The main body may have a greater axial length than the sleeve. The axial length of the main body may be, for example, at least 5 times, or at least 10 times, the length of the sleeve. In some examples, the main body may be approximately 700 mm long.

[0028] Accessories may include a gripping portion mounted on the main body. The gripping portion may be for gripping accessories, such as for attaching to / removing from a vacuum cleaner. The gripping portion may fit over the main body. The gripping portion may surround the main body along a portion of its axial length. The gripping portion may be located near or adjacent to the suction outlet. The gripping portion may be located near or adjacent to the clamp.

[0029] The accessory can be a handle for a vacuum cleaner. The suction inlet of the main body can be configured as a removable connection for auxiliary suction tools.

[0030] Alternatively, the accessory can be an auxiliary suction tool for the vacuum cleaner. This auxiliary suction tool can be, for example, a floor tool, dust brush, mattress cleaner, stubborn dirt brush, or articulated cleaning brush.

[0031] In a second aspect, a component is provided, comprising:

[0032] Vacuum cleaner nozzles with bristles; and

[0033] According to the attachment described in the first aspect, the attachment is attached to the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and the bristles are removably received inside the cavity.

[0034] The bristles can be positioned around the end of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, which includes the air inlet of the nozzle through which the suction airflow enters the nozzle during use.

[0035] When viewed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, a vacuum cleaner nozzle can have a roughly circular cross-sectional profile.

[0036] The end of the vacuum cleaner nozzle surrounded by bristles can be chamfered, such that it includes a flat portion and an angled portion. The flat portion can extend in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The angled portion can extend rearward from the flat portion in a plane inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The angled portion can, for example, extend in a plane forming an acute angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0037] The vacuum cleaner nozzle can be fluidly connected to the suction outlet of the accessory.

[0038] Vacuum cleaner nozzles may include a stop that engages with a sleeve of an accessory to limit the extent of the bristle insertion cavity. The stop may be a flange extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0039] In a third aspect, a vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising:

[0040] The body includes a suction source fluidly connected to the body inlet; and

[0041] According to the component described in the second aspect, the vacuum cleaner nozzle is fluidly connected to the body inlet.

[0042] The extent of the bristle insertion cavity can be limited by the adjacency between the body (e.g., its substrate) and the edge of the attachment defining the suction outlet.

[0043] The vacuum cleaner nozzle can be integrated with the main body inlet. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a vacuum cleaner is schematically shown, which includes a vacuum cleaner nozzle with bristles;

[0045] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the connection to the accessory. Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a vacuum cleaner;

[0046] Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner and its accessories;

[0047] Figure 4 The attached configuration is shown schematically. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and accessories of a vacuum cleaner;

[0048] Figure 5 It schematically shows the relationship with Figure 4 The same view, with details removed for clarity;

[0049] Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 4 A perspective cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle and accessories;

[0050] Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 4 A perspective view of the agitator assembly of the accessory;

[0051] Figure 8 The schematic diagram shows the components in a separate configuration. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a variant of a vacuum cleaner nozzle and accessories; and

[0052] Figure 9 The attached configuration is shown schematically. Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle and accessories. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figures 1 to 7 Accessory 1 for connecting to vacuum cleaner 100 is shown (see example). Figure 2 The first variant of the accessory includes a vacuum cleaner nozzle 5 (hereinafter referred to as nozzle 5).

[0054] Vacuum cleaner 100 includes a body 10, which includes a suction source (not visible) fluidly connected to a body inlet 12 (see [link]). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The suction source can be, for example, a compressor. The main body inlet 12 is integrated with and fluidly connected to the nozzle 5. Bristles 2 are disposed around the end of the nozzle 5 opposite to the main body 10. The air inlet 7 of the nozzle 5 is located at the same end as the bristles 2. During use, the suction airflow enters the nozzle 5 through the air inlet 7.

[0055] When viewed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 5, the nozzle 5 has a generally circular (e.g., annular) cross-sectional profile. Figure 5 As best shown, the end of the nozzle 5 surrounded by bristles 2 is chamfered, such that it includes a flat portion 3 and an angled portion 4. The flat portion 3 extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 5. The angled portion 4 extends rearward from the flat portion 3 in a plane inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 5 (at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 5).

[0056] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Annex 1 includes a tubular main body portion 18. The main body portion 18 includes a rod portion 6, an insert 11, and a cap 17 surrounding the insert 11 (for clarity, ...). Figure 6(The cover 17 is omitted). Annex 1 also includes a clamp 15 fitted onto the cover 17 of the body portion 18, such that the clamp 15 circumferentially surrounds the body portion 18 along its entire axial length (the body portion 18 has a significantly larger axial length than the clamp 15). Annex 1 includes a suction inlet 8 for receiving suction airflow and a suction outlet 9 defined by the body portion 18. A suction flow path 30 extends between the suction inlet 8 and the suction outlet 9 (see Annex 17). Figure 4 and Figure 5 The clamp 15 is mounted to the main body 18 near the suction outlet 9. In this example, the clamp 15 is rotatably mounted to the main body 18 such that the clamp 15 can rotate about the suction flow path 30.

[0057] As from Figure 4 and Figure 5 Most notably, the main body portion 18 defines a cavity 40 (within the suction flow path 30) for removably receiving the bristles 2 via the suction outlet 9. The extent of the bristle 2 insertion into the cavity 40 is limited by the adjacency between the body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 100 (e.g., its substrate) and the edge of the attachment 1 defining the suction inlet 9.

[0058] Four agitators 21 are mounted to the sleeve 15 and spaced circumferentially around the cavity 40. The agitators 24 are shaped such that each agitator is elongated in the circumferential direction of the cavity 40. The agitators 21 extend into the cavity 40 such that they contact the bristles 2 (see [link to actuation code]) during use. Figure 5 In use, the rotation of the sleeve 15 relative to the suction flow path 30 causes the agitator 21 to also rotate around the suction flow path 30, thereby displacing / bending the bristles 2. This helps to agitate any debris and dust particles trapped between the bristles 2, so as to remove debris and dust particles from the bristles 2. Since the cavity 40 is within the suction flow path 30, the agitated debris and dust particles can be entrained in the suction airflow flowing along the suction flow path 30. Therefore, by using the agitator 21, dust and debris trapped on the bristles 2 can be removed.

[0059] like Figure 7 As best shown, connector 25 connects sleeve 15 to agitator 21 and has an axial portion 23 and a radial portion 22. Axial portion 23 extends substantially axially along body portion 18. Axial portion 23 connects to agitator 21 at a first end and to radial portion 22 at the opposite second end, and extends partially circumferentially around cavity 40. Radial portion 22 extends substantially radially into body portion 18, connects to sleeve 15 at a first end and to axial portion 23 at the opposite second end.

[0060] The main body portion 18 includes a circumferentially extending groove 13 extending around a portion of the circumference of the main body portion 18. A radial portion 22 extends radially through the groove 13 into the main body portion 18.

[0061] Each agitator 21 is connected to the axial portion 23 of the connector 25 via an annular support frame 24. The central axis of the annular sleeve 15 is coaxial with the central axis of the circular support frame 24 (both extend along the suction flow path 30). The connector 25, sleeve 15, and agitator 21 together provide the agitator assembly 20. At least a portion of the support frame 24 is axially received within a gap 14 formed by the wall of the body portion 18. That is, a portion of the support frame 24 (away from the location where the support frame 24 is connected to the axial portion 23) is received within the gap 14 to increase structural support.

[0062] Figure 8 and Figure 9 It shows Figures 1 to 7 A variation of the arrangement shown and described above. It should be understood that, apart from any differences explicitly discussed below, this variation is substantially the same as the arrangement described above.

[0063] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the variant, the sleeve 15 is mounted (i.e., fitted) on the main body 18 via a rotatable bearing 27 so that it can rotate relative to the suction flow path 30.

[0064] In addition, Annex 1' includes a gripping portion 16 mounted on the main body portion 18. The gripping portion 16 surrounds the main body portion 18 near the suction outlet 9 and adjacent to the clamp 15 (i.e., such that the gripping portion 16 is located between the suction outlet 9 and the clamp 15).

[0065] Agitator 21 is mounted to sleeve 15 via connector 25, which extends through a circumferentially extending slot 13 in body portion 18. In this variant, connector 25 extends radially into body portion 18 such that agitator 21 is directly radially inside sleeve 15.

[0066] Furthermore, the nozzle 5' includes a stop 7 that engages with the main body portion 18 of accessory 1' to limit the extent of the bristle 2 insertion cavity 40. The stop 7 is a flange extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the nozzle 5.

Claims

1. An accessory for attachment to a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner including a nozzle with bristles, the accessory defining: The suction flow path extends from the suction inlet, which receives the suction airflow, to the suction outlet. and A cavity for removably receiving the bristles via the suction outlet, the cavity being located within the suction flow path; the accessory includes: Main body; A sleeve, wherein the sleeve is mounted on the main body near the suction outlet, and the sleeve is movable around the suction flow path; and At least one agitator is mounted to the sleeve and extends into the cavity for agitating the bristles received in the cavity when the sleeve moves.

2. The appendix according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp is rotatably mounted on the main body, allowing it to rotate around the suction flow path.

3. The appendix according to claim 2, wherein, The sleeve can rotate at least 45 degrees relative to the suction flow path.

4. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The suction inlet is defined at or near the first axial end of the main body portion, and the clamp is installed at the second axial end of the main body portion opposite to the first axial end.

5. An appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The ferrule surrounds the main body portion along at least a portion of its axial length.

6. The appendix according to claim 5, wherein, The ferrule surrounds the main body portion along its entire axial length, and the cavity is defined by the main body portion.

7. The appendix according to claim 4, wherein, The ferrule extends axially beyond the main body portion to at least partially define the cavity.

8. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main body is a tubular main body.

9. The appendix according to claim 8, wherein, The tubular main body has a greater axial length than the sleeve.

10. The appendix according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The suction inlet of the main body is configured as a removable connection for assisting the suction tool.

11. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The accessory includes a plurality of agitators extending into the cavity.

12. The appendix according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of agitators are spaced apart circumferentially around the cavity.

13. The appendix according to claim 12, wherein, The plurality of agitators includes four agitators that are equidistantly spaced around the cavity circumferentially.

14. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The agitator, or each agitator, extends axially in the direction of the suction flow path.

15. The appendix according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The accessory includes a gripping portion mounted on the main body.

16. The appendix according to claim 14, wherein, The gripping part is fitted onto the main body.

17. A component comprising: Vacuum cleaner nozzle with bristles; and The attachment according to any one of the preceding claims is attached to the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and the bristles are removably received within the cavity.

18. The component of claim 17, wherein, The vacuum cleaner nozzle is in fluid communication with the suction outlet of the accessory.

19. The component according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The vacuum cleaner nozzle includes a stop that engages with the sleeve of the accessory to limit the extent to which the bristles are inserted into the cavity.

20. The component of claim 19, wherein, The stop is a flange that extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

21. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: The body includes a suction source fluidly connected to the body inlet; and The component according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the vacuum cleaner nozzle is fluidly connected to the body inlet.

22. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 21, wherein, The vacuum cleaner nozzle is integrated with the main body inlet.

Images