Station for vacuum cleaner

Abstract

Described is a station for a vacuum cleaner where the vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle having a rotatable brush roller. The station comprises a reciprocating cutting tool (4) configured to move along a line (6) in a linear motion parallel to the brush roller for cutting hair entangled around the brush roller. The station also comprises a motor (5) for driving the cutting tool in the reciprocating motion along the line. The cutting tool is further configured to perform a second continuous motion in addition to the linear motion when the cutting tool moves along the line. Hereby. Hair can be cut efficiently in that the cutting tool is in continuous motion such that active cutting is always performed when hair is removed from the rotatable brush roller.

Description

[0001] STATION FOR VACUUM CLEANER

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a station configured to receive a nozzle for a cleaning device, in particular a vacuum cleaner. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a station configured to remove hair from a nozzle for a cleaning device.

[0004] Background

[0005] Vacuum cleaners can be provided with different types of suction nozzles.

[0006] The suction nozzles can be designed to optimize cleaning of different types of material and for different types of environments. The suction nozzle may have different sizes and can have different types of agitators depending on the specific cleaning situation, e.g., hard floor cleaning, carpet cleaning or furniture cleaning.

[0007] One type of suction nozzles can be provided with a motor driven agitator such as a rotating brush. The rotating brush can typically be referred to as a brush roller.

[0008] One example of such a suction nozzle with an agitator is described in the patent application US2020 / 0196813, which describes a reciprocating brush roller removing hair mechanism.

[0009] There is a constant desire to improve cleaning devices such as vacuum cleaner and in particular to improve hair removal from nozzles provided with a rotating brush. Summary

[0010] One object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide an improved station for a cleaning device.

[0011] This object is achieved by a station for a cleaning device as set out in the appended claims.

[0012] In accordance with the invention, a station for a vacuum cleaner where the vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle having a rotatable brush roller. The station comprises a reciprocating cutting tool configured to move along a line in a linear motion parallel to the brush roller for cutting hair entangled around the brush roller. The station also comprises a motor for driving the cutting tool in the reciprocating motion along the line. The cutting tool is further configured to perform a second continuous motion in addition to the linear motion when the cutting tool moves along the line.

[0013] Advantageously, the brush roll is stationary when the cutting tool move along the brush roll. Hereby, hair can be cut efficiently in that the cutting tool is in continuous motion such that active cutting is always performed when hair is removed from the rotatable brush roller.

[0014] In accordance with one embodiment, the cutting tool comprises a rotating disc. Hereby a continuous cutting can be achieved by the disc rotating as the cutting tool moves along the line. The motor driving the cutting tool in the reciprocating motion can in some embodiments also drive the rotation movement of the rotating disc. Alternatively, the station is configured to rotate the rotating disc by a friction force against the brush roller when the cutting tool moves in the reciprocating motion along the line.

[0015] In accordance with one embodiment, the cutting tool comprises a scissor tool.

[0016] Hereby a continuous cutting can be achieved by a scissor cutting as the cutting tool

[0017] Classified as Internal moves along the line. The motor driving the cutting tool in the reciprocating motion can in some embodiments also drive the cutting motion of the scissor tool.

[0018] In accordance with one embodiment, the cutting tool is configured to be in a retracted position when no vacuum cleaner nozzle is placed in the station. Hereby it is achieved that the cutting tool can hidden when not in use such that the risk of injury is reduced. For example, the cutting tool, in particular the sharp part of the cutting tool, can be hidden for example inside the station.

[0019] In accordance with one embodiment, the cutting tool is spring biased to press against the brush roller when the cutting tool is driven along the line by the motor. Hereby, hair entangled on the brush roller can be more easily removed.

[0020] In accordance with one embodiment, the motor is configured to be driven in a back and forward motion to cause the reciprocating movement of the cutting tool. In an alternative embodiment, the motor is operatively connected to drive the reciprocating cutting tool via a reciprocating screw rod. Hereby different options for providing the reciprocating movement of the cutting tool are provided.

[0021] The station can be combined with other functions. For example, the station can be a charging station for charging a battery in a vacuum cleaner and / or a docking station configured to empty dust from a vacuum cleaner.

[0022] In accordance with one embodiment, the station comprises a pivotable lever, the first end of the pivotable lever being connected to the cutting tool and the second end pivotable lever being connected to a tab such that when the nozzle is arranged in the station said tab is depressed to cause the cutting tool to be raised against the brush roller. Hereby the cutting tool can be in an active position only when the nozzle is located in the station.

[0023] Classified as Internal In accordance with one embodiment, the station can be configured to receive a stick vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle for floor cleaning.

[0024] In accordance with one embodiment, the station can be a home station for a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0025] Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The invention will now be described in more detail by means of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] - Fig. 1 is a general view in perspective of a vacuum cleaner,

[0028] - Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of a nozzle placed in a station for a vacuum cleaner,

[0029] - Fig. 3 is a top view in perspective of a station,

[0030] - Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional frontal view of a nozzle placed in a station,

[0031] - Fig. 5 is a view of a bottom section of a station,

[0032] - Fig. 6 is a front view of a station in accordance with another embodiment,

[0033] - Fig. 7 is a view illustrating a drive mechanism, and

[0034] - Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting tool that can move from side- to side.

[0035] Detailed description

[0036] Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully by way of exemplary embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for ease of understanding and / or clarity. It is further to be understood that the features described can be combined in any suitable manner to meet different implementational needs.

[0037] Classified as Internal The present disclosure relates to a station for vacuum cleaner and in particular to a station suitable for a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle comprising a roller brush. In Fig. 1 , a vacuum cleaner 10 is depicted. The vacuum cleaner 10 of Fig. 1 is of a stick type. However, the vacuum cleaner 10 can be of any type. For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 can be a stick, canister or robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0038] The exemplary vacuum cleaner 10 of Fig. 1 comprises a stick / tube 15 and a suction nozzle 20. The dust sucked by the vacuum cleaner 10 from the suction nozzle 20, passes a dust separation device and can there be collected in a dust container 14. The vacuum cleaner is driven by a motor, (not visible) and has a suction fan (not visible) driven by the motor to provide suction at the suction nozzle 20. The motor is powered by a battery (not shown) or alternatively by a cord to a power outlet. The suction nozzle can be provided with a rotating brush roller as will be described in more detail below. The exemplary vacuum cleaner 10 of Fig. 1 is placed in a station 1.

[0039] The station can be provided with different functions. For example, the station can be configured to charge the vacuum cleaner when placed in the station 1.

[0040] The station can also be configured to remove hair from a nozzle when the suction nozzle is placed in the station 1 .

[0041] In Fig. 2, a view in perspective of a nozzle 20, here a suction nozzle, is depicted placed in a station 1. The nozzle 20 can be any type of nozzle having a rotating brush roller. The nozzle can be used in any type of appliance. Typically, the nozzle 20 can be a vacuum cleaner nozzle. The vacuum cleaner nozzle can be used in any type of vacuum cleaner such as a stick vacuum cleaner or a robotic vacuum cleaner. The station can be used for various purposes. For example, the station can be a charging station used for charging a cleaner appliance such as a vacuum cleaner. The station can then have a charger. The station can also be a docking station used for emptying dust from a vacuum cleaner.

[0042] Classified as Internal In Fig. 3, a top view in perspective of the station 1 is shown. The station 1 is adapted to receive a nozzle 20 placed in the stand and can be provided with a slit 2 at a top side 3 of the station 1 . The slit 2 can be located in a direction along a line where a rotatable brush roller will be located when a nozzle with a rotating brush roller is placed in the station 1 . Typically, the slit 2 can run from side to side in the top section of the station 1 . In the slit, at least a part, of a reciprocating cutting tool can be configured to move along a line in a linear motion parallel to the brush roller for cutting hair entangled around the brush roller.

[0043] In Fig. 4, a cross-sectional frontal view of a nozzle 20, here a suction nozzle, is depicted placed in the station 1 . The nozzle 20 has a rotatable brush roller 22 that can be rotated by a motor 24. The station has a cutting tool 4 that can project up through the top section 3 of the station to reach the rotatable brush roller 22 so as to perform a cutting action in a direction along the axis around which the rotatable brush is rotated. In other words, the cutting tool will be configured to move along a line parallel to the brush roller. During the movement along the line, i.e. along the slit 2, the cutting tool can perform a cutting operation for cutting hair entangled around the brush roller 22. When the hair is cut the brush roller 22 is advantageously stationary. For example, the station can be configured to determine that the brush roller is not moving before initiating a cutting operation. Alternatively, the nozzle or vacuum cleaner can be configured to automatically stop the brush roller when the nozzle is placed in the station 1 .

[0044] In accordance with some embodiments, the cutting tool is configured to be in a retracted position when no nozzle is placed in the station. Thus, when the nozzle is removed from the station 1 , the cutting tool can be retraced into a retracted position. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the cutting tool can then be retracted to a retracted position where the cutting tool 4 is placed beneath the top surface 3 of the station 1 . Thus, at least the sharp parts of the cutting tool 4 will be completely inside the station 1 when the cutting tool is in the retraced position. Hereby the risk of accidents relating to the cutting tool 1 can be reduced in that sharp parts of the

[0045] Classified as Internal cutting tool 1 cannot be reached when the nozzle 20 is removed from the station 1. When the nozzle 20 is placed in the stationl , the nozzle 20 covers the cutting tool 4 such that the cutting tool 1 cannot be reached when the nozzle 20 is placed in the station 20.

[0046] For example, the station 1 can comprise a pivotable lever, where the first end of the pivotable lever us connected to the cutting tool 1 and the second end of the pivotable connected to a tab. The nozzle 20 can then be arranged in the station 1 such that the tab is depressed when the nozzle 20 is placed in the stationl to cause the cutting tool to be raised against the brush roll when the nozzle 20 is placed in the station 1 . Other mechanisms for raising the cutting tool when a nozzle 20 can also be used.

[0047] In Fig 5, a bottom section 11 of a station 1 is shown. The bottom section can comprise a cutting tool 4. The cutting tool 4 can be driven by a motor 5 along a rack 6. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5, the cutting tool 4 is a scissor tool. The motor 5 can be driven in a back-and-forth motion such that the cutting tool 4 moves in a reciprocal motion along the rack 6. For example, the motor 5 can be a stepper motor driven in forward and reverse to move the cutting tool back and forth along the rack 6.

[0048] The scissor tool 4 comprises a pair of pivoted blades 7, 8. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, two pair of blades 7,8 are provided such that the scissor tool 4 can cut in both directions when the cutting tool is moved back and forth along the rack 6. In another embodiment one of the blades 7,8 can be some kind support or some similar device that the blade can cut against. The scissor tool 4 can comprise two upper blades 7 arranged to press against a brush roller. The upper blades 7 are pointing in opposite directions such that hair is forced between an upper blade 7 and the lower blade 8.

[0049] The lower blade 8 can be continuously driven in a generally vertical cutting motion such that hair collected between the blades 7 and 8 are efficiently cut. The lower blade 8 can be driven by a drive mechanism 9. The drive mechanism 9 can in

[0050] Classified as Internal accordance with some embodiments be driven by the same motor 5 that drives the cutting tool 4 along the rack 6. The mechanism is a rotating movement designed to provide an at least partially vertical movement of the lower blade 8.

[0051] In Fig- 6 another exemplary embodiment of a cutting tool 4 is depicted. Fig 6 depicts a front view of the station 1. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the cutting tool 4 comprises a rotating disc 12. The rotating disc 12 can be pressed against the brush roller and continuously rotated when going back and forth along the brush roller to cut hair from the brush roller by the friction force between the disc and the brush roller. In an alternative embodiment, the rotating disc is operatively connected to a motor and is motor driven. The motor can then be the same motor that drives the cutting tool back and forth.

[0052] In Fig. 7, the driving mechanism used to drive the cutting tool 4 in a reciprocal motion in accordance with another embodiment is depicted. In Fig. 7, the reciprocal motion is generated by a reciprocating screw rod 13. Alternatively, a Self-reciprocating ball screw, a Self-reciprocating worm gear or a self-reversing screw rod can be used. Hereby a standard motor turning in one direction can be used to move the cutting tool back and forth along the brush roller to cut hair. Alternatively, the cutting is driven back and forth by driving the motor forward and in reverse.

[0053] In Fig. 8, a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 7 is depicted. The cutting tool 4 is advantageously spring biased to press against the brush roller when the cutting tool is driven along a line from side to side of the station by the motor. For example, a spring 17 can be arranged to press the cutting tool 4 against the brush roller. In Fig. 8, the cutting tool comprises a rotating disc, however any continuously cutting tool such as a scissor tool can be envisaged.

[0054] Classified as Internal

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A station (1 ) for a vacuum cleaner (10) where the vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle (20) having a rotatable brush roller, the station comprising:- a reciprocating cutting tool (4) configured to move along a line in a linear motion parallel to the brush roller (22) when placed in the station, for cutting hair entangled around the brush roller and,- a motor (5) for driving the cutting tool in the reciprocating motion along the line, wherein- the cutting tool (4) is configured to perform a second continuous motion in addition to the linear motion when the cutting tool moves along the line.

2. The station (1 ) according to claim 1 wherein the cutting tool comprises a rotating disc.3 The station (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the motor (5) also drives the rotational movement of the rotating disc.

4. The station (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the station is configured to rotate the rotating disc by a friction force against the brush roller when the cutting tool moves in the reciprocating motion along the line.

5. The station (1 ) according to claim 1 wherein the cutting tool comprises a scissor tool.

6. The station (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the motor (5) also drives the cutting movement of the scissor tool.io7. The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the cutting tool is configured to be in a retracted position when no vacuum cleaner nozzle is placed in the station.

8. The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the cutting tool is spring biased and configured to press against the brush roller when the cutting tool is driven along the line by the motor.

9. The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the motor is configured to be driven in a back and forward motion to cause the reciprocating movement of the cutting tool.

10. The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the motor is operatively connected to drive the reciprocating cutting tool via a reciprocating screw rod.11 . The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 10, wherein the brush roll is stationary when the cutting tool (4) moves along the line.

12. The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 11 , wherein the station is a charging station.

13. The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein the station is a docking station configured to empty dust from a vacuum cleaner.

14. The station (1 ) according to any of the claims 1-13, wherein the station comprises a pivotable lever, the first end of the pivotable lever being connected to the cuttingtool and the second end pivotable lever being connected to a tab such that when the nozzle is arranged in the station said tab is depressed to cause the cutting tool to be raised against the brush roller.

15. The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the station is configured to receive a stick vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle for floor cleaning.

16. The station (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the station is a home station for a robotic vacuum cleaner.

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