Assembly for a vacuum cleaning appliance

Abstract

An assembly 100 for a vacuum cleaning appliance comprises a first part 102 mountable on a nozzle (202, fig 3A) of a vacuum cleaner and a second part 104 comprising a suction inlet 104a for receiving an airstream drawn by the vacuum cleaner, the second part is pivotably coupled to the first part and the assembly is configured to slidably move along the nozzle. The assembly may include a first and second pivoting mechanisms 106a, 106b, and a biasing element such as a torsion spring (134, fig 6A) to pivotably bias an end of the first part. The assembly may be moveable between retracted and extended positions along the nozzle. The assembly may include a detachable cover 128 which extends between the first and second parts to at least partially enclose an airflow path of the airstream. The first part may include a first engagement element (124, fig 2A) to releasably couple with a second engagement element (204, fig 4A) on the nozzle when the assembly is arranged in the retracted position, the first engagement element may be a protrusion formed on an underside of the button (122, fig 2A) on the first part.

Description

B ACKGROUND Vacuum cleaning appliances (also known as vacuum cleaners) may be usable with one or more attachment tools, such as a brush or crevice tool. Attachment tools can improve the versatility of the vacuum cleaner, for example by enabling the vacuum cleaner to be used in a wider range of circumstances or situations. Different tools may be adapted for different purposes. SUMMARY An aspect of the present invention provides an assembly for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the assembly comprising: a first part mountable on a nozzle of a vacuum cleaning appliance; and a second part comprising / delimiting a suction inlet for receiving an airstream (such as debris or air) that is drawn through the assembly by the vacuum cleaning appliance. The second part is pivotably coupled to the first part and the assembly is configured to slidably move along the nozzle. The assembly (which may also be known as a tool or attachment tool) can provide advantages over conventional attachment tools. For example, when the assembly is attached to the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner, the assembly can be arranged in a retracted position along the nozzle. This can allow the nozzle to be used as intended. For example, the nozzle may extend through the assembly and out of the suction inlet. In examples, in this retracted position, the assembly may not be in use, and may therefore be stowed. From this retracted position, a user of the vacuum cleaner may slide the assembly along the nozzle until the assembly is arranged in an extended position. For example, the assembly may be arranged at, or close to, an end of the nozzle. In this extended position, the assembly may be useable for cleaning. The pivoting nature of the first and second parts can allow the assembly to be used in a wider range of scenarios. For example, the pivoting ability may allow the user to use the assembly in locations that may not otherwise be reachable, such as under furniture or around corners. The assembly described herein is therefore more adaptable than existing attachment tools. In examples, “mountable on a nozzle of the vacuum cleaning appliance” may mean that the first part is adapted or configured to be coupled to or mounted on the nozzle. In examples, when the assembly is arranged in the retracted position along the nozzle, a range of pivotable motion between the first and second parts may be more limited than when the assembly is arranged in the extended position along the nozzle. In a particular example, the first and second parts may be substantially restricted from pivoting with respect to each other when the assembly is arranged in the retracted position. This may avoid unwanted movement of the assembly when it is not in use. The second part of the assembly may be upstream of the first part along an airflow path through the assembly. The airflow path may be at least partially defined by the first and second parts. For example, an airstream may be drawn into the second part via the suction inlet and from the second part into the first part. The airstream may then flow out of the first part, such as via a suction outlet. In examples, the airstream may then flow along the nozzle. The suction inlet may have a cross-sectional width measured along a particular direction that is greater than a cross-sectional width of an inlet of the nozzle measured along the same direction. In examples, the second part is configured to contact a surface for cleaning. The second part may comprise a surface cleaning component, such as a plurality of bristles, or a cloth or a mop head, etc. The second part may be referred to as a soleplate. In one example, a plurality of bristles extend around the suction inlet. In examples, the nozzle is part of or is attachable to the vacuum cleaning appliance. The nozzle may be referred to as a crevice tool, in certain examples. In examples, the nozzle is generally linear along its length. The nozzle may define an axis. In examples, the first part delimits a nozzle opening for receiving therein the nozzle of the vacuum cleaning appliance. The nozzle opening may be formed at an end of the first part that is furthest away from the second part. The nozzle opening may be referred to as a suction outlet, in some examples. In examples, the first part is tubular. For example, the first part may be cylindrical in shape. The first part may have a cross-sectional shape that is similar (in the mathematical sense) to a cross-sectional shape of the nozzle, thereby allowing the first part to be slidably mounted on the nozzle. In examples, the assembly is detachable from the nozzle. In examples, the assembly comprises one or more pivoting mechanisms, such as a hinge or joint to pivotably couple the first part to the second part. In examples, “configured to slidably move along the nozzle” may mean that the assembly, or more specifically the first part, is adapted to extend around the nozzle, or vice versa. Additionally, or alternatively, “configured to slidably move along the nozzle” may mean that one or more features of the assembly, such as grooves, rails, surface features, and / or or engagement elements may enable the assembly, or more specifically the first part, to move along the nozzle. In examples, the assembly further comprises: a first pivoting mechanism and a second pivoting mechanism, the first and second pivoting mechanisms arranged on opposite sides of the assembly. The first and second pivoting mechanisms may operate / function independently of each other. Having first and second pivoting mechanisms arranged in this way can provide increased stability and durability to the assembly, and may mean that an axle does not need to extend through the assembly, which may reduce airflow and / or lead to blockages within the assembly. In examples, the assembly comprises a biasing element to pivotably bias the first and second parts. For example, the assembly comprises a biasing element to pivotably bias an end of the first part that is nearest the second part in rotational direction towards a midpoint of the suction inlet. When the assembly is biased towards this rotational position, the airflow through the assembly may have a relatively low resistance and / or the suction force through the assembly may be increased when compared to a rotational position in which the end of the first part is directed away from the midpoint of the suction inlet. Air may therefore flow more easily in this position, and so it is preferable to bias the assembly in this way. Expressed in another way, the first and second parts may be pivotable between a first configuration and a second configuration, and an angle between rear side of the first part and a rear side of the second part may be less in the second configuration than in the first configuration, and the assembly may comprise a biasing element to pivotably bias the assembly into the first configuration. The rear sides may be defined in reference to the position of a user. For example, during normal use, a front side of the first and second parts may face outwards from a user, and so the rear sides face towards the user. In examples with first and second pivoting mechanisms, there may be a biasing element associated with each pivoting mechanism to provide a more balanced biasing force. In examples, the biasing element is a spring. A spring provides a low cost, and simple and effective mechanism to bias the assembly into the desired configuration. In examples, the spring is a torsion spring. A torsion spring has a low profile, reducing the volume of space that the assembly occupies. In examples, the suction inlet of the second part defines a plane, the first part defines a first axis, the first and second parts are pivotable between a first configuration and a second configuration, and the biasing element biases the assembly into the first configuration. In the first configuration, a smallest angle between the plane and the first axis is between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees, and in the second configuration, a smallest angle between the plane and the first axis is less than in the first configuration. An angular separation between the axis defined by the first part and the plane defined by the second within this range is suitable for use by a user of average height, allowing the assembly to be used in a configuration that does not need the user to apply a force to overcome the biasing mechanism. In examples, in general use, the plane is parallel to a plane defined by the ground. The angle is therefore the angle between the axis and the ground. Accordingly, pivoting the first part towards the ground reduces the angle between the plane / ground and the first part from that defined above. The axis defined by the first part may be parallel to an axis defined by the nozzle. In examples, a range of pivotable motion between the first and second parts is between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees. Put another way, the first part may pivot relative to the second part through a range of between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees. In a particular example, the range of pivotable motion between the first and second parts is 53 degrees. A range of motion within this range enables the assembly to be used for normal upright use, as well as in locations that may not otherwise be reachable, such as under furniture and around comers. In examples, the assembly is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position along the nozzle, wherein: in the retracted position, the assembly is configured such that the nozzle fully extends through the assembly and out of the suction inlet, and in the extended position, the assembly is configured to receive the nozzle such that an inlet of the nozzle is positioned within the assembly. As discussed above, the assembly is therefore configured to be arranged in the extended position when the user wishes to use the assembly for cleaning purposes, and can be arranged in the extended position when the user no longer needs to use the assembly. For example, the user may instead wish to use the nozzle for cleaning. Positioning the inlet of the nozzle within the assembly enables the vacuum cleaner to draw air / debris through the nozzle via the assembly while taking advantage of the functionality provided by the assembly. The inlet of the nozzle may be upstream of the suction inlet when the assembly is in the retracted position and the inlet of the nozzle may be downstream of the suction inlet when the assembly is in the extended position. In examples, a travel distance relative to the nozzle between a point on the assembly in the extended and the point on the assembly in the retracted position is greater than a length of the assembly. The inlet of the nozzle is at a free / distal end of the nozzle. In examples, the retracted position may be referred to as a stowed position / configuration. In examples, in the extended position, the first part is configured to receive the nozzle such that the inlet of the nozzle is positioned within the first part. Positioning the inlet of the nozzle within the first part means that the nozzle does not extend into the second part, which may limit or affect the pivoting range of the assembly. In a particular example, the inlet of the nozzle is positioned at the end of the first part that is closest to the second part. For example, the nozzle may be positioned within 10mm or within 5mm or within 4mm or within 3mm or within 2mm or within 1mm of the end of the first part. In examples, the first part comprises a first engagement element configured to releasably couple with a second engagement element on the nozzle when the assembly is arranged in the extended position. A distance between the first engagement element and an end of the first part that is nearest the second part corresponds to a distance between the second engagement element and the inlet of the nozzle, such that the inlet of the nozzle is positioned at the end of the first part when the assembly is arranged in the extended position. This spacing between corresponding engagement features defines how the inlet of the nozzle can be positioned relative to the end of the first part. In a particular example, a button on the first part comprises the first engagement element and the button is configured to pivot upon application of a force by a user to decouple the first engagement element from the second engagement element. In examples, the first engagement element is one of a protrusion or a recess, and the second engagement element is the other of the protrusion or the recess. For example, the button on the first part may comprise the protrusion which is received in the recess formed along the nozzle. The engagement elements may therefore lock in place, and hold the assembly in a particular position relative to the nozzle. In an example, a third engagement is positioned on the nozzle and the first engagement element is configured to releasably couple with the third engagement element when the assembly is arranged in the retracted position. In examples, an airflow path that extends between the first and second parts is at least partially enclosed by a cover. Enclosing the airflow with a cover can increase the suction force through the suction inlet by increasing the volume of air drawn through the suction inlet. This can maximise the cleaning ability of the assembly. In examples, the cover forms part of the first part or the second part. In other examples, the cover is coupled to the first part or the second part. In examples, the cover is attached to the assembly and covers the one or more pivoting mechanisms when attached to the assembly. This can protect the pivoting mechanism(s) and / or protect users from the pivoting mechanism(s). The cover may be triangular shaped. In an example, the cover is coupled to or forms part of the second part, and therefore pivots relative to the first part in tandem with the second part. In examples, the cover is detachable from at least one of the first and second parts. This can allow access to the parts for maintenance. For example, a pivoting mechanism that enables the pivoting motion between the first and second parts may be accessed. The cover may comprise one or more engagement elements configured to releasably engage with one or more corresponding engagement elements on the first or second parts. For example, one or more recesses may be formed on the second part to receive corresponding protrusions formed on the cover, to enable the cover to be releasably affixed to the second part. In examples, the cover is coupled to or forms part of the second part, and wherein the cover delimits a notch for receiving the first part when the first part pivots relative to the second part. The notch allows the pivoting motion to happen when a cover is included in the assembly. The notch may extend along a rear side of the cover and a rear side of the second part, and thereby receive a rear side of the first part. The notch may define a stop surface to limit rotational / pivoting motion of the first part. For example, the first part may contact the stop surface and be unable to pivot any further. The size (such as the depth) of the notch and therefore control the range of pivotable motion between the first and second parts. In alternative examples, the cover is coupled to or forms part of the first part, and wherein the cover delimits a notch for receiving the second part when the second part pivots relative to the second part. In examples, the assembly comprises the nozzle. In some cases, the first and second parts may be “permanently” attached to the nozzle. That is, the user may be unable to remove the first and second parts without damaging the nozzle and or the first and second parts. Collectively, the first and second parts may be referred to as pivoting assembly. For example, the pivoting assembly may be coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle and the pivoting assembly may be collectively referred to as the assembly. In examples, the assembly is detachable from the vacuum cleaning appliance. In examples where the assembly does not comprise the nozzle, the first and second parts may be detachable from the nozzle and therefore also the vacuum cleaning appliance. In examples where the assembly does comprise the nozzle, the assembly may be detachable either as one or separately from the vacuum cleaning appliance. Another aspect of the present invention provides a vacuum cleaning appliance comprising the assembly described above or herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure lisa perspective view of an assembly for a vacuum cleaner; Figure 2A schematic side view of an assembly in a first rotational position; Figure 2A schematic side view of an assembly in a second rotational position; Figure 3A is a perspective view of an assembly arranged at a retracted position along a nozzle of a vacuum cleaner; Figure 3B is a second perspective view of the assembly of Figure 3 A; Figure 4A is a perspective view of an assembly arranged at an extended position along a nozzle of a vacuum cleaner; Figure 4B is a second perspective view of the assembly of Figure 4A; 5 Figure 5A is a perspective view of an assembly arranged in a non-rest configuration at an extended position along a nozzle of a vacuum cleaner; Figure 5B is a second perspective view of the assembly of Figure 5 A; Figure 6A is perspective view of a first part of an assembly; and Figure 6B is an exploded view of the first part shown in Figure 6A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 depicts an assembly 100 in the form of an attachment tool for a vacuum cleaner. The assembly can be used to clean a surface, such as a carpet, wall, ceiling or floor. The assembly 100 comprises a first part 102 and a second part 104 that is pivotably coupled to the first part 102. The assembly 100 can be mounted on a nozzle 202 of a vacuum cleaner, as shown in Figure 3A for example. In particular, the first part 102 is configured to be mounted on the nozzle 202. For example, the first part 102 delimits a nozzle opening 102a at an end of the first part 102. The nozzle 202 may be received within the nozzle opening 102a. The first part 102 of the present example is generally tubular in form and has a hollow interior extending therethrough, allowing the nozzle 202 to be received within the first part 102. The first part 102 is configured to move / slide along the nozzle 202 while the nozzle 202 passes through the hollow interior of the first part 102. The assembly 100 further comprises a pivot assembly to enable the first and second parts 102, 104 to pivot / rotate relative to each other. In this example, the pivot assembly comprises a first pivoting mechanism 106a and a second pivoting mechanism 106b, where the first and second pivoting mechanisms 106a, 106b are arranged on opposite sides of the assembly 100. In this example, the first and second pivoting mechanisms 106a, 106b function independent of each other, but in other examples, a single pivoting mechanism may be used instead, or two or more pivoting mechanism may operate in unison. The second part 104 delimits a suction inlet 104a along an underside of the second part 104 (more clearly visible in Figures 3B and 4B). The assembly 100 couples the suction inlet 104a to the nozzle opening 102a. For example, when the assembly 100 is coupled to a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner draws an airstream through the suction inlet 104a, through the assembly 100 and through the nozzle 202. As the airstream flows through the nozzle 202, the airstream flows through the nozzle opening 102a in the first part 102. The airstream may draw debris, such as dust, into the vacuum cleaner via the assembly 100. The airstream can therefore flow through the second part 104 via the suction inlet 104a. The second part 104 is configured to contact a surface for cleaning, such as a floor, a ceiling, a wall, a carpet, or upholstery. As shown in Figure 1, the second part 104 comprises a plurality of bristles 108 which extend around the suction inlet 104a. For example, the second part 104 may comprise a base 110, and the plurality of bristles 108 may be attached to and extend from the base 100. The bristles 108 can agitate the surface that is being cleaned, loosening any debris and increasing the likelihood of the debris being drawn into the vacuum cleaner with the airstream. In the present example, the assembly 100 comprises a biasing element to pivotably bias an end 112 of the first part 102 that is nearest the second part 104 in rotational direction towards a midpoint, M, of the suction inlet 104a. The midpoint M may be a midpoint of a length 118 of the suction inlet 104a. Due to the biasing element, a force must be applied to overcome a biasing force of the biasing element when rotating the first part 102 in a clockwise direction 114 or in an anticlockwise direction 116 relative to the second part 104. Figure 1 depicts the assembly 100 arranged in a rest / biased configuration and rotating the first part 102 relative to the second part 114 in either direction 114, 116 arranges the assembly 100 into a non-rest configuration. Removal of the applied force would result in the assembly 100 moving back towards the rest position as a result of the biasing element. As mentioned, when the assembly 100 is biased towards this rotational position, the airflow through the assembly 100 may have a relatively low resistance when compared to a rotational position in which the end of the first part is directed away from the midpoint M of the suction inlet 104a. The first and second parts 102, 104 are therefore pivotable between a rest configuration (as shown in Figure 1) and a non-rest configuration. An angle A extends between a rear side 102b of the first part 102 and a rear side 104b of the second part 104. The angle A is less in the non-rest configuration than in the rest configuration when the rear sides 102b, 104b are brought together. Figure 2A depicts a schematic side view of the assembly 100 in the rest configuration. Figure 2B depicts a schematic side view of the assembly 100 in the non-rest configuration when a force has been applied to the first part 102 to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element. In Figure 2B, the nozzle opening 102a is closer to the second part 104 than in Figure 2 A. As shown, the suction inlet 104a of the second part 104 defines a plane P that extends into the page, and the first part 102 defines a first axis 120. For example, the first axis 120 may extend along the first part 102 through the hollow interior of the first part 102 and out of the nozzle opening 102a. In the rest configuration shown in Figure 2A, a smallest angle B between the plane P and the first axis 120 is between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees. In the non-rest configuration shown in Figure 2B, the smallest angle C between the plane P and the first axis 120 is less than in the rest configuration. In some cases, the minimum angle C between the plane P and first axis 120 may be 0 degrees (that is, the first axis 120 may be parallel to the plane P at the maximum point of rotation). In this example, the range of pivotable motion between the first and second parts is between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees, such as 53 degrees. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the end 112 of the first part 102 that is nearest the second part 104 is rotationally biased towards the midpoint M of the suction inlet 104a. In particular, in Figure 2A, the first axis 120 intersects the midpoint M of the suction inlet 104a in the plane P. Figures 3 A and 3B depict the assembly 100 attached to a nozzle 202 of a vacuum cleaner. In Figures 3A and 3B, the assembly 100 is arranged in a retracted position along the nozzle 202. Figure 3A shows an upper side of the assembly 100 and Figure 3B shows an underside of the assembly 100. In use, the underside of the assembly 100 is generally facing a surface being cleaned. As shown, the nozzle 202 extends through the nozzle opening 102a, through the assembly 100 and through the suction inlet 104a. The nozzle 202 therefore fully extends through the assembly 100 and out of the suction inlet 104a. The suction inlet 104a is therefore large enough to allow the nozzle 202 to extend through it. The suction inlet 104a may also be sized so as to limit or reduce rotational movement of the second part 104 when the assembly 100 is in the retracted position. The suction inlet 104a may therefore be only slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle 202. For example, the suction inlet 104a may have an area that is between 100% and 120% of a cross-sectional area of the nozzle 202 and more preferably have an area that is between 100% and 110% of a cross-sectional area of the nozzle 202. As shown in Figure 3B, the second part 104 comprises a pad 132. In this example, the pad 132 is adjacent the suction inlet 104a. The pad 132 has a rough surface (such as a surface roughness that is greater than a surface roughness of the nozzle and / or first part 102). The pad 132 of this example is formed from resilient material, for example it may be formed of from sponge. In use, the pad 132 is configured to contact a surface to be cleaned, such as a carpet, and agitate dust or debris. The pad 132 may also function to stop or reduce the likelihood of scratching the surface being cleaned. In this example, the nozzle 202 is detachable from the vacuum cleaner. For example, an end 202a of the nozzle 202 is attachable to the vacuum cleaner. One or more engagement mechanisms on the nozzle and vacuum cleaner can allow the nozzle 202 to be coupled to the vacuum cleaner. In examples, in this retracted position, the assembly 100 may “lock” into place relative to the nozzle 202. The assembly 100, and in particular the first part 102, comprises a first engagement element 124 (shown in Figures 2A and 2B) configured to releasably couple with a second engagement element 204 on the nozzle 202 when the assembly is arranged in the retracted position shown in Figure 3A. In this example, the first engagement element 124 is protrusion 124 formed on an underside of the button 122 on the first part 102. The protrusion 124 extends into the hollow interior of the first part 102. The second engagement element 204 is a recess 204 formed on the nozzle 202, as shown in Figure 4A. The button 122 is configured to pivot relative to the first part 102 upon application of a force by a user to remove the protrusion 124 from the recess 204. Figure 2A depicts the button in a first rotational position (solid outline) and a second rotational position (dashed outline). In the first rotational position, the protrusion 124 can be received within a recess. In the second rotational position (that is, after a user has pressed the button, causing it to pivot relative to the first part 102), the protrusion 124 is removed from a recess, allowing the assembly 100 to be moved along the nozzle 202). When the first and second engagement elements are coupled / interlocked, movement along the nozzle 202 may be restricted. From the retracted position, a user of the vacuum cleaner may slide the assembly 100 along the nozzle 202 until the assembly 100 is arranged in an extended position. For example, the assembly may be arranged at, or close to, an end 202b of the nozzle 202. The end 202b of the nozzle 202 delimits an inlet 202c through which an airstream may be drawn. In this extended position, the assembly 100 may be useable for cleaning. For example, the first and second parts 102, 104 are pivotable, unlike when they are arranged in the retracted position. Figures 4A and 4B also depict the assembly 100 attached to the nozzle 202 and the assembly 100 is arranged in the extended position along the nozzle 202. Figure 4A shows an upper side of the assembly 100 and Figure 4B shows an underside of the assembly 100. As shown, in the extended position, the nozzle 202 and assembly are arranged relative to each other such that the inlet 202c of the nozzle 202 (formed at the end 202b of the nozzle 202) is positioned within the assembly 100. In particular, in the extended position, the first part 202 is configured to receive the nozzle 202 such that the inlet 202c of the nozzle 202 is positioned within the first part 102. The nozzle 202 therefore does not extend into the second part 104 and does not extend beyond the end 112 of the first part 102. The inlet 202c may therefore reside within the hollow interior of the first part 102 in the extended position. For example, the inlet 202c of the nozzle 202 may be positioned within a distance of 10mm or 5mm or 4mm or 3mm or 2mm or 1mm of the end 112 of the first part 102. The distance is measured along the first axis 120. This can avoid impeding the rotational movement of the first and second parts 102, 104. In examples, in this extended position, the assembly 100 may “lock” into place relative to the nozzle 202. As mentioned, the first part 102 comprises a first engagement element 124 and the first engagement element 124 may additionally releasably couple with a third engagement element 206 on the nozzle 202 when the assembly 100 is arranged in the extended position shown in Figure 4A. In this example, the third engagement element 206 is a recess 206 formed on the nozzle 206, as shown in Figure 3A. The button 122 is configured to pivot upon application of a force by a user to remove the protrusion 124 from the recess 206. This then allows the user to slide / move the assembly 100 along the nozzle 202. When the first and third engagement elements are coupled / interlocked, movement along the nozzle 202 may be restricted. In examples, a distance 126 between the first engagement element 124 and the end 112 of the first part 102 that is nearest the second part 104 (shown in Figure 2A) corresponds to a distance 208 between the third engagement element 206 and the inlet 202c or end 202b of the nozzle 202, such that the inlet 202c or end 202b of the nozzle 202 is positioned at the end 112 of the first part 102 when the assembly 100 is arranged in the extended position. Figures 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B all show the assembly 100 in the rest / biased configuration, which may be suitable for most cleaning situations. As mentioned, a user may move the assembly 100 into a non-rest configuration at certain times. For example, in the non-rest configuration, the user may be able to move the assembly 100 and nozzle 202 under furniture that may not otherwise be reachable without pivoting the first and second parts 102, 104 relative to each other. In the non-rest configuration, the assembly 100 may have a lower overall profile as a result of the angle between the plane P and the first axis 120 being reduced. Figures 5 A and 5B depict the assembly 100 in a non-rest configuration, and in particular at the position of maximum achievable rotation. In this configuration, the angle A between the plane P and first axis 120 is 0 degrees. As discussed earlier, an airstream is drawn through the assembly 100 by the vacuum cleaner during use. The airstream therefore passes through the second part 104 and the first part 102 along an airflow path. As shown in Figures 3A-5B, the assembly 100 further includes a cover 128 which extends between the first and second parts 102, 104 to at least partially enclose an airflow path of the airstream. This increases the suction force through the suction inlet 104a. Figures 1, 2A and 2B depict the assembly 100 with the cover 128 removed and the airflow path 130 extending through the assembly 100. The cover 128 of this example fully extends around the airflow path 130. The airflow path 130 extends through the suction inlet 104a and generally along the first axis 120. In Figure 2A (where the assembly 100 is in the rest configuration), the airflow path 130 may generally be straighter and / or shorter than when the assembly 100 is in a non-rest configuration (such as that shown in Figure 2B). In this example, the cover 128 is attachable to at least the second part 104 and can be completely detached from the assembly 100. When attached, the cover 128 also covers the first and second pivoting mechanisms 106a, 106b. The cover 128 comprises a plurality of engagement elements, each in the form of a protrusion, on an inner surface of the cover 130. Each protrusion is configured to releasably engage with a corresponding engagement element 210 (shown in Figure 1) on the second part 104. For example, a plurality of engagement elements 210, each in the form of a recess 210, are formed on the base 110. Each recess 210 receives and couples with a corresponding protrusion formed on the cover 128, to enable the cover 128 to be releasably affixed to the second part 104. The cover 128 delimits a notch 128a (shown in Figure 4A) along a rear side of the cover 128 for receiving the first part 102 when the first part 102 pivots relative to the second part 104. For example, as shown most clearly in Figure 5A, the first part 102 rotates and the rear side 102b of the first part 102 is received in the notch 128a. The notch defines a stop surface 128b to limit rotational / pivoting motion of the first part 102. As briefly mentioned earlier, the assembly 100 comprises one or more biasing elements. In the present example, each pivoting mechanism 106a, 106b is associated with a separate biasing element. In particular, associated with the first pivoting mechanism 106a is a first biasing element, in the form of a torsion spring, and associated with the second pivoting mechanism 106b is a second biasing element, in the form of a torsion spring. Figure 6A depicts the first part 102 in isolation of the second part 104, and a first torsion spring 134 coupled to a first portion of the first pivoting mechanism 106a. The first portion of the first pivoting mechanism 106a is provided on the first part 102, and connects with a second, corresponding portion of the first pivoting mechanism 106a that is provided on the second part 104. When the first and second parts 102, 104 are connected together, the spring 134 is additionally coupled to the second part 104, and in particular is coupled to the second portion of the first pivoting mechanism 106a. Rotational movement of the first and second parts 102, 104 relative to each other causes the torsion spring 134 to be compressed as it resists the rotational force. The spring 134 therefore biases the assembly 100 to its rest 5 position. Figure 6B is an exploded view of the spring 134 and the first part 102.

Claims

1. An assembly for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the assembly comprising: a first part mountable on a nozzle of a vacuum cleaning appliance; and a second part comprising a suction inlet for receiving an airstream that is drawn through the assembly by the vacuum cleaning appliance;wherein:the second part is pivotably coupled to the first part; and the assembly is configured to slidably move along the nozzle.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, comprising: a first pivoting mechanism and a second pivoting mechanism, the first and second pivoting mechanisms arranged on opposite sides of the assembly.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the assembly comprises a biasing element to pivotably bias an end of the first part that is nearest the second part in rotational direction towards a midpoint of the suction inlet.

4. An assembly according to claim 3, wherein the biasing element is a spring.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein the spring is a torsion spring.

6. An assembly according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein:the suction inlet of the second part defines a plane;the first part defines a first axis;the first and second parts are pivotable between a first configuration and a second configuration;the biasing element biases the assembly into the first configuration;in the first configuration, a smallest angle between the plane and the first axis is between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees; andin the second configuration, a smallest angle between the plane and the first axis is less than in the first configuration.

7. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein:a range of pivotable motion between the first and second parts is between about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees.

8. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position along the nozzle, wherein:in the retracted position, the assembly is configured such that the nozzle fully extends through the assembly and out of the suction inlet; andin the extended position, the assembly is configured to receive the nozzle such that an inlet of the nozzle is positioned within the assembly.

9. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein in the extended position, the first part is configured to receive the nozzle such that the inlet of the nozzle is positioned within the first part.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein:the first part comprises a first engagement element configured to releasably couple with a second engagement element on the nozzle when the assembly is arranged in the extended position; anda distance between the first engagement element and an end of the first part that is nearest the second part corresponds to a distance between the second engagement element and the inlet of the nozzle, such that the inlet of the nozzle is positioned at the end of the first part when the assembly is arranged in the extended position.

11. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an airflow path that extends between the first and second parts is at least partially enclosed by a cover.

12. An assembly according to claim 11, wherein the cover is detachable from at least one of the first and second parts.

13. An assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the cover is coupled to or forms part of the second part, and wherein the cover delimits a notch for receiving the first part when the first part pivots relative to the second part.5 14. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly comprisesthe nozzle.

15. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly is detachable from the vacuum cleaning appliance.

016. A vacuum cleaning appliance comprising the assembly of any preceding claim.

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