Attachment for a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The present invention provides an attachment for connection to a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle having bristles. The attachment defines a suction flow path extending from a suction inlet for receipt of a suctioning airflow to a suction outlet, and a cavity for removable receipt of the bristles via the suction outlet, the cavity being within the suction flow path. The attachment comprises a body portion, a cuff mounted on the body portion proximal the suction outlet, the cuff being movable about the suction flow path, and at least one agitator mounted to the cuff and extending into the cavity for agitation of the bristles, when received therein, upon movement of the cuff. An assembly comprising the attachment as well as a vacuum cleaner comprising the assembly are also provided.

Description

[0001] ATTACHMENT FOR A VACUUM CLEANER

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Vacuum cleaners, such as stick vacuum cleaners, typically comprise a main body that is fluidly connected to a floor tool via an attachment such as a wand. Vacuum cleaners can have more than one mode of operation. For example, some vacuum cleaners have a floor cleaning mode during which a user grasps a handle provided on the main body of the vacuum cleaner to manoeuvre the floor tool across the floor, and a handheld mode in which a different suction tool to the wand and the floor tool can be used. The handheld mode can be useful in cleaning narrower spaces such as crevices.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided an attachment for connection to a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle having bristles, the attachment defining: a suction flow path extending from a suction inlet for receipt of a suctioning airflow to a suction outlet; and a cavity for removable receipt of the bristles via the suction outlet, the cavity being within the suction flow path; wherein the attachment comprises: a body portion; a cuff mounted on the body portion proximal the suction outlet, the cuff being movable about the suction flow path; and at least one agitator mounted to the cuff and extending into the cavity for agitation of the bristles, when received therein, upon movement of the cuff.

[0006] The nozzle (of the vacuum cleaner) having bristles may be for example a suction tool for use in a handheld mode of operation of the vacuum cleaner, when the attachment is not attached to the vacuum cleaner. During use in the handheld mode, the bristles of the nozzle may trap 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 the cavity defined by the attachment. The at least one agitator extends into the cavity such that it contacts the bristles in use. Movement of the cuff relative to the suction flow path causes the at least one agitator to also move about the suction flow path, thereby displacing / bending the bristles. This helps agitate any debris and dust particles trapped between the bristles. Due to the cavity being within the suction flow path, the agitated debris and dust particles can be entrained into the suctioning airflow flowing along the suction flow path (e.g. when the vacuum cleaner is active during agitation). Thus, the bristles can be freed of trapped dust and debris in a simple and effective manner.

[0007] Optional features are discussed below. The invention includes the combination of the aspects and optional features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0008] The cuff may be rotatably mounted on the body portion such that the cuff is rotatable about the suction flow path. For example, the cuff may be rotatable relative to the suction flow path (i.e. around the suction flow path) by an angle of at least 30 degrees, or e.g. at least 45 degrees, e.g. around 80 degrees.

[0009] Alternatively, the cuff may be e.g. slidable relative to the body portion. For example, the cuff may be slideable in an axial direction (e.g. parallel to the suction flow path). Alternatively, the cuff may be slideable in a direction that is perpendicular to the suction flow path.

[0010] The cuff may be mounted on the body portion via a bearing, e.g. a rotatable bearing.

[0011] The suction inlet may be defined at or proximal to a first axial end of the body portion. The cuff may be mounted at or proximate to a second axial end of the body portion, opposite the first axial end. In other words, the cuff may be provided at an opposite end of the body portion to the suction inlet.

[0012] The cuff may circumscribe the body portion along at least a part of the cuffs axial length. In some embodiments, the cuff may circumscribe the body portion along the cuffs entire axial length. In other words, the cuff may not extend beyond an axial end of the body portion. The cavity (i.e. for receipt of the bristles) may be entirely defined by the body portion. Accordingly, the body portion may define the suction outlet. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the cuff may extend axially beyond the body portion to at least partially define the cavity. In such embodiments, the cuff may define the suction outlet.

[0013] The at least one agitator may be mounted to the cuff 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). Accordingly, the at least one agitator may be axially offset from the cuff.

[0014] The connector may comprise a radial portion (i.e. extending radially). The radial portion may extend radially inwardly into the body portion. Accordingly, the agitator may be radially offset (e.g. radially inward) of the cuff.

[0015] The axial portion may be connected at a first end to the at least one agitator. The axial portion may be connected at a second end (opposite the first end) to the radial portion. The radial portion may be connected at a first end to the cuff. The radial portion may be connected at a second end, opposite the first end, to the axial portion.

[0016] The at least one agitator may be connected to the connector (or to the cuff) via a support frame. For example, support frame may be mounted to the axial portion of the connector. The support frame may extend circumferentially around an inner wall defining the cavity. In use, the bristles may be received within a central opening of the support frame. The support frame may be curved, e.g. complementary to a curvature of the cavity. The support frame may be annular (e.g. may have a circular shape).

[0017] Central axes of the support frame and cuff may be coaxial (and may extend along the suction flow path). A rotational axis of the cuff may be coaxial with a central axis of the support frame. At least a part of the support frame may be received within a gap formed between spaced walls of the body portion. The spaced walls may thus function to support the support frame (e.g. guide rotational movement of the support frame). In use, at least some of the bristles may extend into the gap. The at least part of the support frame received in the gap may be distal to a location (of the support frame) at which the support frame is connected to the connector or to the cuff.

[0018] The connector, the cuff, and the at least one agitator may together provide an agitator assembly. Two or more of the connector, cuff and at least one agitator may be integrally formed. Thus, the agitator assembly may form a unitary piece.

[0019] The attachment may comprise a plurality of agitators extending into the cavity. The plurality of agitators may be circumferentially spaced around the cavity. The plurality of agitators may be evenly spaced around the cavity. The plurality of agitators may comprise four agitators (e.g. evenly) circumferentially spaced around the cavity. The plurality of agitators may be each mounted to the cuff via the connector. For example, each of the plurality of agitators may be connected to (e.g. may project inwardly from) the support frame. Each of the plurality of agitators may extend from the support frame into the cavity.

[0020] The or each agitator may be axially elongated in the direction of the suction flow path. The or each agitator may be elongated in a circumferential direction of the cavity.

[0021] The body portion may comprise a slot through which the or each agitator is connected to the cuff. The connector may extend through the slot to connect the cuff to the or each agitator. The radial portion of the connector may extend (e.g. substantially radially) through the slot, and into the body portion. The slot may be a circumferentially extending slot, for example extending around at least a part of the circumference of the body portion. Thus, the slot may allow the cuff and the at least one agitator to together rotate about the suction flow path. That is, the agitator assembly may be rotatable about the suction flow path by being movable relative to and at least partially within the slot. The body portion may be a tubular body portion. The body portion may have a greater axial length than the cuff. The body portion may have an axial length that is e.g. at least 5 times greater, or e.g. at least 10 times greater than the length of the cuff. In some examples, the body portion may be around 700mm long.

[0022] The attachment may comprise a gripping portion mounted on the body portion. The gripping portion may be a portion for gripping the attachment e.g. to facilitate attachment to / detachment from the vacuum cleaner. The gripping portion may be sleeved onto the body portion. The gripping portion may circumscribe the body portion along a part of the body portion’s axial length. The gripping portion may be located proximate to or adjacent to the suction outlet. The gripping portion may be located proximate to or adjacent to the cuff.

[0023] The attachment may be a wand for a vacuum cleaner. The suction inlet of the body portion may be configured for removable connection of an auxiliary suction tool.

[0024] Alternatively, the attachment may be an auxiliary suction tool for a vacuum cleaner. The auxiliary suction tool may be for example a floor tool, a dusting brush, a mattress cleaning tool, a stubborn dirt brush, or an articulated cleaning brush.

[0025] In a second aspect, there is provided an assembly comprising; a vacuum cleaner nozzle having bristles; and the attachment of the first aspect attached to the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the bristles being removably received within the cavity.

[0026] The bristles may be provided around an end of the vacuum cleaner nozzle that includes an air inlet of the nozzle through which the suctioning airflow enters the nozzle in use.

[0027] The vacuum cleaner nozzle may have a generally round cross-sectional profile when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. The end of the vacuum cleaner nozzle surrounded by the bristles may be chamfered such that it comprises a flat portion and an angled portion. The flat portion may extend in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The angled portion may extend rearwardly from the flat portion in a plane that is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The angled portion may for example extend in a plane that forms an acute angle of around 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0028] The vacuum cleaner nozzle may be in fluid communication with the suction outlet of the attachment.

[0029] The vacuum cleaner nozzle may comprise a stopper engageable with the cuff of the attachment to limit an extent of insertion of the bristles into the cavity. The stopper may be a flange circumferentially extending around an outer surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0030] In a third aspect, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising: a main body comprising a suction source fluidly connected to a main body inlet; and the assembly of the second aspect, wherein the vacuum cleaner nozzle is fluidly connected to the main body inlet.

[0031] An extent of insertion of the bristles into the cavity may be limited by abutment between main body (e.g. a base plate thereof) and a rim of the attachment defining the suction outlet.

[0032] The vacuum cleaner nozzle may be integral with the main body inlet.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective partial view of a vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle having bristles; Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective partial view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 connected to an attachment;

[0035] Fig. 3 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner and the attachment of Fig. 2;

[0036] Fig. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and an attachment of the vacuum of Fig. 1, in an attached configuration;

[0037] Fig. 5 schematically shows the same view as Fig. 4 with detail removed for clarity;

[0038] Fig. 6 schematically shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the attachment of Fig. 4;

[0039] Fig. 7 schematically shows a perspective view of an agitator assembly of the attachment of Fig. 4;

[0040] Fig. 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and attachment of Fig. 4 in a detached configuration; and

[0041] Fig. 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and attachment of Fig. 8 in an attached configuration.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figures 1 to 7 show a first variant of an attachment 1 (see e.g. Figure 2) for connection to a vacuum cleaner 100 comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle 5 (hereinafter referred to as nozzle 5).

[0044] The vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a main body 10 comprising a suction source (not visible) fluidly connected to a main body inlet 12 (see Figures 4 and 5). The suction source may, for example, be a compressor. The main body inlet 12 is integral with and fluidly connected to the nozzle 5. Bristles 2 are provided around an end of the nozzle 5 opposite to the main body 10. An air inlet 7 of the nozzle 5 is provided at the same end of the nozzle 5 as the bristles 2. Suctioning airflow enters the nozzle 5 in use through the air inlet 7.

[0045] The nozzle 5 has a generally round (e.g. circular) cross-sectional profile when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 5. As best seen in Fig. 5, the end of the nozzle 5 surrounded by the bristles 2 is chamfered such that it comprises a flat portion 3 and an angled portion 4. The flat portion 3 extends in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis the vacuum cleaner nozzle 5. The angled portion 4 extends rearwardly from the flat portion 3 in a plane that is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 5 (at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 5).

[0046] With reference to Figs 2 and 3, the attachment 1 comprises a tubular body portion 18. The body portion 18 comprises a wand portion 6, an insert 11, and a cover 17 sleeved around the insert 11 (the cover 17 is omitted from Fig. 6 for clarity). The attachment 1 also comprises a cuff 15 sleeved on the cover 17 of the body portion 18 such that the cuff 15 circumferentially surrounds the body portion 18 along the entire axial length of the cuff 15 (the body portion 18 having a significantly greater axial length than the cuff 15). The attachment 1 comprises a suction inlet 8 for receipt of a suctioning 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 Figs 4 and 5). The cuff 15 is mounted to the body portion 18 proximal the suction outlet 9. In this example, the cuff 15 is rotatably mounted to the body portion 18 such that the cuff 15 is rotatable about the suction flow path 30.

[0047] As is most apparent from Figures 4 and 5, the body portion 18 defines a cavity 40 (which is within the suction flow path 30) for removable receipt of the bristles 2 via the suction outlet 9. An extent of insertion of the bristles 2 into the cavity 40 is limited by abutment between main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner 100 (for example, a base plate thereof) and a rim of the attachment 1 defining the suction outlet 9.

[0048] Four agitators 21 are mounted to the cuff 15 and are circumferentially spaced around the cavity 40. The agitators 24 are shaped so as each to be elongated in the circumferential direction of the cavity 40. The agitators 21 extend into the cavity 40 such that in use they contact the bristles 2 (see Fig. 5). In use, rotation of the cuff 15 relative to the suction flow path 30 causes the agitators 21 to also rotate about the suction flow path 30, thereby displacing / bending the bristles 2. This helps agitate any debris and dust particles trapped between the bristles 2 so as to dislodge the debris and dust particles from the bristles 2. Due to the cavity 40 being within the suction flow path 30, the agitated debris and dust particles can be entrained in the suctioning airflow flowing along the suction flow path 30. Thus, the bristles 2 can be cleaned from trapped dust and debris by use of the agitators 21.

[0049] As shown best in Fig. 7, a connector 25 connects the cuff 15 to the agitators 21 and has an axial portion 23 and a radial portion 22. The axial portion 23 extends substantially axially along the body portion 18. The axial portion 23 is connected at a first end to the agitators 21, and at an opposite second end to the radial portion 22, and extends partially circumferentially around the cavity 40. The radial portion 22 extends substantially radially into the body portion 18, and is connected at a first end to the cuff 15 and at an opposite second end to the axial portion 23.

[0050] The body portion 18 comprises a circumferentially extending slot 13 extending around a part of the circumference of the body portion 18. The radial portion 22 extends radially through the slot 13 into the body portion 18.

[0051] The agitators 21 are each connected to the axial portion 23 of the connector 25 via an annular support frame 24. A central axis of the annular cuff 15 is coaxial with a central axis of the circular support frame 24 (which both extend along the suction flow path 30). The connector 25, the cuff 15, and the agitators 21 together provide an agitator assembly 20. At least a part of the support frame 24 is axially received within a gap 14 formed by walls of the body portion 18. That is, a part of the support frame 24 (distal to where the support frame 24 connects to the axial portion 23) is received within the gap 14 for added structural support. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a variation of the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 7 and described above. It should be appreciated that the variation is substantially the same as the above described arrangement, except for any differences explicitly discussed below.

[0052] In the variation of Figures 8 and 9, the cuff 15 is mounted (i.e. sleeved) on the body portion 18 via a rotatable bearing 27 so as to be rotatable relative to the suction flow path 30.

[0053] Further the attachment 1’ comprises a gripping portion 16 mounted on the body portion 18. The gripping portion 16 circumscribes the body portion 18 proximal the suction outlet 9 and adjacent to the cuff 15 (i.e. such that the gripping portion 16 is interposed between the suction outlet 9 and the cuff 15).

[0054] The agitators 21 are mounted to the cuff 15 via a connector 25 extending through a circumferentially extending slot 13 in the body portion 18. In the present variation, the connector 25 extends radially into the body portion 18 such that the agitators 21 are directly radially inward of the cuff 15.

[0055] Further, the nozzle 5’ comprises a stopper 7 engageable with the body portion 18 of the attachment 1’ to limit an extent of insertion of the bristles 2 into the cavity 40. The stopper 7 is a flange circumferentially extending around an outer surface of the nozzle 5.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An attachment for connection to a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle having bristles, the attachment defining: a suction flow path extending from a suction inlet for receipt of a suctioning airflow to a suction outlet; and a cavity for removable receipt of the bristles via the suction outlet, the cavity being within the suction flow path; the attachment comprising: a body portion; a cuff mounted on the body portion proximal the suction outlet, the cuff being movable about the suction flow path; and at least one agitator mounted to the cuff and extending into the cavity for agitation of the bristles, when received therein, upon movement of the cuff.

2. The attachment of claim 1 wherein the cuff is rotatably mounted on the body portion such that the cuff is rotatable about the suction flow path.

3. The attachment of claim 2 wherein the cuff is rotatable relative to the suction flow path by an angle of at least 45 degrees.

4. The attachment of any preceding claim wherein the suction inlet is defined at or proximal to a first axial end of the body portion and the cuff is mounted at a second axial end of the body portion, opposite the first axial end.

5. The attachment of any preceding claim wherein the cuff circumscribes the body portion along at least a part of the cuffs axial length.

6. The attachment of claim 5 wherein the cuff circumscribes the body portion along the cuff s entire axial length, and the cavity is defined by the body portion.

7. The attachment of claim 4 wherein the cuff extends axially beyond the body portion to at least partially define the cavity.

8. The attachment of any preceding claim wherein the body portion is a tubular body portion.

9. The attachment of claim 8 wherein the tubular body portion has a greater axial length than the cuff.

10. The attachment of claim 8 or 9 wherein the suction inlet of the body portion is configured for removable connection of an auxiliary suction tool.

11. The attachment of any preceding claim wherein the attachment comprises a plurality of agitators extending into the cavity.

12. The attachment of claim 11 wherein the plurality of agitators are circumferentially spaced around the cavity.

13. The attachment of claim 12 wherein the plurality of agitators comprises four agitators equally circumferentially spaced around the cavity.

14. The attachment of any preceding claim wherein the or each agitator is axially elongated in the direction of the suction flow path.

15. The attachment of any preceding claim wherein the attachment comprises a gripping portion mounted on the body portion.

16. The attachment of claim 14 wherein the gripping portion is sleeved onto the body portion.

17. An assembly comprising; a vacuum cleaner nozzle having bristles; andthe attachment of any preceding claim attached to the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the bristles being removably received within the cavity.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the vacuum cleaner nozzle is in fluid communication with the suction outlet of the attachment.

19. The assembly of claim 17 or 18 wherein the vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a stopper engageable with the cuff of the attachment to limit an extent of insertion of the bristles into the cavity.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the stopper is a flange circumferentially extending around an outer surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

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

22. The vacuum cleaner of claim 21 wherein the vacuum cleaner nozzle is integral with the main body inlet.

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