Suction Head For Use In A Vacuum Cleaning Appliance, And A Vacuum Cleaning Appliance Comprising Thereof

Abstract

A suction head for use in a vacuum cleaning appliance. The suction head comprises a body adapted to engage a surface to be cleaned, the body comprises an inlet for receiving dust from the surface under suction, and an outlet attachable with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaning appliance; an air passageway adapted to direct air flow from the inlet to the outlet, the air passageway comprises an air channel connecting with the inlet at one end, and a hollow connecting means connecting with the outlet at another end; wherein the connecting means is rotatable to pivot about an axis along a direction of the air flow, such that opening of the air passageway remains substantially constant regardless of the pivotal movement of the connecting means.

Claims

1. A suction head for use in a vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising: a body adapted to engage a surface to be cleaned, the body comprises an inlet for receiving dust from the surface under suction, and an outlet attachable with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaning appliance; an air passageway adapted to direct air flow from the inlet to the outlet, the air passageway comprises an air channel connecting with the inlet at one end, and a hollow connecting means connecting with the outlet at another end; wherein the connecting means is rotatable to pivot about an axis along a direction of the air flow, such that opening of the air passageway remains substantially constant regardless of the pivotal movement of the connecting means.

2. The suction head according to claim 1, wherein the air channel comprises a non-linear air channel arranged on a plane substantially parallel to the surface.

3. The suction head according to claim 2, wherein the non-linear air channel comprises a U-shaped air channel connecting the inlet with the connecting means.

4. The suction head according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means defines an L-shaped air passage connecting the air channel with the outlet.

5. The suction head according to claim 4, wherein the connecting means is arranged in a T-shaped configuration defining the L-shaped air passage at two adjacent arms substantially perpendicularly arranged.

6. The suction head according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means is rotatable to pivot the outlet between a lower position and a raised position, with a pivot angle between about zero degrees to about 90 degrees, respectively, in respect of the surface.

7. The suction head according to claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises a substantially cylindrical body rotatable about a central, longitudinal axis.

8. The suction head according to claim 1, wherein the air channel and the connecting means are connected via one or more sealing means.

9. The suction head according to claim 1, wherein the inlet comprises a forward-facing opening arranged at a front portion of the body.

10. The suction head according to claim 9, wherein the forward-facing opening 24 is configured to extend further downwardly and inwardly to allow for a forward suction and a downward suction from the surface to be cleaned.

11. The suction head according to claim 9, wherein the body further comprises a front suction chamber at the front portion of the body, the front suction chamber being arranged to be in fluid communication with the forward-facing opening.

12. The suction head according to claim 11, wherein the front suction chamber defines a forward-facing nozzle at a front edge the body.

13. The suction head according to claim 12, wherein the forward-facing nozzle comprises an elongated nozzle extending along at least partially the front edge of the body.

14. The suction head according to claim 11, wherein the front suction chamber comprises a cover.

15. The suction head according to claim 14, wherein the cover is movable to adjust size of the forward-facing opening.

16. The suction head according to claim 14, wherein the cover is substantially transparent.

17. The suction head according to claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a substantially planar base portion for positioning the body on the surface.

18. The suction head according to claim 1, wherein the outlet comprises an attaching means for attaching the body with the suction tube of a vacuum cleaning appliance.

19. A vacuum cleaning appliance, comprising a suction head according to claim 1.

20. A method of manufacturing a suction head according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: providing a body for engaging a surface to be cleaned, the body comprises an inlet for receiving dust from the surface under suction, and an outlet attachable with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaning appliance; providing an air passageway adapted to direct air flow from the inlet to the outlet, the air passageway comprises an air channel connecting with the inlet at one end, and a hollow connecting means connecting with the outlet at another end; wherein the connecting means is rotatable to pivot about an axis along a direction of the air flow, such that opening of the air passageway remains substantially constant regardless of the pivotal movement of the connecting means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figures, of which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a suction head for use in a vacuum cleaning appliance in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing pivoting of the attachment of the suction head of FIG. 1 between a raised position and a lower position;

[0016] FIG. 3 is an open bottom view showing the internal structure of the suction head of FIG. 1; and

[0017] FIG. 4 is another perspective view showing the direction of airflow in the suction head of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The following description is of preferred embodiments by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

[0019] Reference in this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0020] In the claims hereof, any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.

[0021] The present invention generally relates to a suction head for use in vacuum cleaning appliances, particularly but not exclusively, to a suction head adapted to facilitate a more effective vacuum cleaning at limited spaces such as underneath furniture.

[0022] Without limited by the embodiments herein described or illustrated, the suction head of the present invention and the vacuum cleaning appliance comprising said suction head can be provided in any applicable forms, such as but are not limited to, a hand-held vacuum cleaner, upright cleaning cleaner, or canister vacuum cleaner, which may be adapted for wet or dry cleaning purposes. In one embodiment, the suction head can be connected to an extended handle or pole, which incorporates a suction hose or tube for conveying the air stream carrying the received dust, dirt or debris, to enable the user to maintain a comfortable distance from the surface being cleaned. The connection between the suction head and the handle can be fixed or detachable, providing flexibility to the user for different cleaning purposes. Moreover, the suction head may further be configured for compatibility with different cleaning apparatuses, facilitating interchangeability of different types of suction heads for various cleaning tasks.

[0023] The invention is advantageous by addressing the limitations commonly associated with traditional vacuum suction heads, which often require downward suction, i.e. where the suction inlet or nozzle is positioned at the bottom face of suction head. Under a typical cleaning action, the dust and debris on the surface are often pushed away from the suction head. Additionally, with the traditional suction heads, users are generally required to pivot the handle towards a lower position in order to achieve a more compact or planar configuration to facilitate easier insertion into confined that require cleaning. Under this arrangement, the air passageway connecting with the outlet tube are often obstructed during the pivoting action, resulting in reduced suction effectiveness.

[0024] In the present invention, the suction head preferably incorporates a forward-facing suction inlet for receiving dirt and debris directly in front of the suction head. The front-facing dirt inlet is connected, via an air passageway integrated within the suction head, to an outlet connectable with a suction tube integrated into the pole or handle of the vacuum cleaner. The air passage way comprises an air channel which is strategically arranged in a non-linear, U-shaped configuration, with one end of the U-shaped channel connects to the outlet through a T-shaped connecting means as a junction. This unique combination of the non-linear, U-shaped channel and the T-shaped junction allows for a continuous, fully opened or unobstructed air passageway to be maintained at any pivoting angle of the handle, even when the handle is arranged in a lowered position with a pivoting angle of around zero degree to the surface, i.e. where the suction head is arranged to lie substantially flat on and in parallel to the surface.

[0025] The advantages of the present invention become particularly evident when used for cleaning restricted spaces such as underneath furniture. The forward-facing air inlet, also assisted by the substantially flat base portion of the suction head, prevents the suction head from tilting upward, and especially, when the suction head is being inserted underneath furniture. This ensures constant contact with the surface, allowing for efficient removal of dirt and debris. Furthermore, the combination of the U-shaped air channel and T-shaped connecting junction minimizes any potential restrictions in airflow during pivoting, enabling uninterrupted suction even when the handle is lowered or pivoted towards the floor at a pivot angle of about zero degree relative to the floor surface. This degree of pivoting results in a substantially planar configuration of the suction head, which further facilitates effective cleaning in restricted spaces.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown is an embodiment of a suction head 10 of a cleaning appliance, such as a vacuum cleaning appliance or a vacuum cleaner. The suction head 10 comprises a body 20 adapted to engage and clean surfaces. The body 20 further comprises a base portion 22, which is preferably configured to be substantially planar and parallel to the surface required cleaning to facilitate a stable positioning of the body 20 on the surface during cleaning operations.

[0027] The body 20 preferably comprises an inlet 24 and an outlet 26. The inlet 24 is adapted to receive dust and debris from the surface under suction, while the outlet serves as a point of exit of the received dust and dirt from the suction head 10. In one embodiment, the outlet 26 is preferably attachable with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner (not shown). The received dust and dirt will be subsequently carried by the air stream via the suction tube towards the main body of the vacuum cleaner, where the dust and dirt are filtered. Preferably, the inlet 24 comprises a forward-facing opening 24 arranged at a front portion of the body 20. In one further embodiment, the forward-facing opening 24 can be configured to extend further downwardly and inwardly to the base portion 22 to allow removal of dusts and dirt from both the front edge and also the bottom side facing the surface to be cleaned, as shown in the figures.

[0028] The outlet 26 can be incorporated as part of a grip or handle portion 25 of the suction head 10 to facilitate a convenient holding of the suction head 10. In another embodiment, the outlet 24 and/or the grip or handle portion 25 incorporating thereof may further comprise an attaching means 28 for attaching the suction head 10 to the suction tube, or a pole or handle incorporating the suction tube, of the vacuum cleaner. In the context of the present invention, the pivot action of the outlet 24, as described in further detail below, can be considered equivalent to a pivot action of the grip or handle portion 25 of the suction head 10. Pivoting of the outlet 24 and/or the grip or handle portion 25 facilitates a compact, substantially planar configuration of the suction head 10, enabling its insertion and thus use in restricted spaces, such as underneath furniture, or in between a wall surface and furniture, etc.

[0029] As more clearly shown in the opened view of FIG. 3, the body 20 of the suction head 10 preferably comprises an air passageway 30 adapted to direct air flow from the inlet 24 to the outlet 26. Preferably, the air passageway 30 comprises an air channel 32 connecting with the inlet 24 at one end, and a hollow connecting means 34 connecting with the outlet 26 at another end. In one embodiment, the air channel 32 preferably comprises a non-linear air channel 32 arranged on a plane substantially parallel to the base portion 22 and thus, the surface to be cleaned. More preferably, the non-linear air channel 32 comprises a U-shaped air channel 32 lying on the plane of the base portion 22, with one arm of the U-shaped air channel 32 connecting the inlet 24, and the other arm of the U-shaped air channel 32 joining the connecting means 34, as shown in the figure. The air channel 32 therefore effectively connecting the inlet 24 with the connecting means 34, to direct the received dust and debris from the inlet 24 towards to the outlet 26 via the connecting means 34 as a junction.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connecting means 34 preferably defines an L-shaped air passage connecting the air channel 32 with the outlet 26. In another embodiment, the connecting means 34 is preferably arranged in a T-shaped configuration, providing the L-shaped air passage through two adjacent, perpendicularly arranged arms. More preferably, the connecting means 34 comprises a substantially cylindrical body rotatable about a central, longitudinal axis (A-A), as shown in FIG. 3. By employing the rotatable connecting means 34, the outlet 26 and thus the grip or handle portion 25 of the suction head 10 can be pivoted between a lowered position and a raised position, such as at a pivot angle ranged between about zero degrees in respect of the surface, rendering it substantially parallel to the surface, to about 90 degrees in respect of the surface, making it substantially perpendicular to the surface, respectively. In one embodiment, the pivoting action of the connecting means 34 may optionally be assisted by a resilient means (not shown), to facilitate controlled adjustments of the pivot angle.

[0031] The specific configuration of the air passageway 30, comprising the combination of the air channel 32 and the rotatable connecting means 34 offers the advantages in allowing the connecting means 34 to pivotally rotate about the longitudinal axis (A-A) along the direction of the air flow in the air channel 32, that is, with the axis of rotation (A-A) of the connecting means 34 aligns substantially with the direction of the air flow. Consequently, the opening of the air passageway 30 remains consistently unobstructed and maintains a substantially constant size, regardless of the pivotal movements of the connecting means 34 and the outlet 26. This represents a significant improvement over existing solutions in the relevant field, where the pivoting action of handles in traditional suction heads often leads to reduced airflow due to the constriction of the air path during the pivot. The configuration of the air passageway 30 allows for versatile maneuverability and adaptability of the suction head, accommodating various cleaning scenarios and surface orientations to ensure efficient and effective cleaning performance.

[0032] In one embodiment, the air channel 32 and the connecting means 34 are preferably connected with via one or more sealing means 36 to ensure a secure and air tight sealing between the components.

[0033] FIG. 4 further illustrates the direction of air flow inside the body 20 according to an embodiment of the suction head 10 of the present invention.

[0034] As described earlier, the inlet 24 of the suction head 10 preferably comprises a forward-facing opening 24 located at the front portion of the body 20. In the context of this invention, the terms forward and front refer to the side of the body 20 opposing to where the grip or handle portion 25 of the suction head 10 is located More preferably, the forward-facing opening 24 can be configured to extend further downwardly towards and inwardly into the base portion 22, to allow for removal of dusts and dirt from both the front edge and also the bottom side facing the surface to be cleaned.

[0035] Preferably, the body 20 may further comprise a front suction chamber 40 at its front portion. The front suction chamber 40 is arranged to be in fluid communication with the forward-facing opening 24, creating a space which facilitates the collection of dirt and debris in close proximity to the opening of the inlet 24, allowing for more direct and efficient suction via the inlet 24. More preferably, the front suction chamber 40 defines a forward-facing nozzle 42 positioned at the front edge the body 20. The nozzle 42 is preferably elongated and extends at least partially along the length of the front edge. In one specific embodiment, the elongated nozzle 42 is positioned to space apart from the inlet 24 at a distance. Furthermore, the elongated nozzle 42 further defines a clearance or gap 44, with a height of about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm above the surface being cleaned. This clearance 44 ensures that debris can enter the front suction chamber 40 instead of being pushed away by the front edge, enabling effective suction of debris near the inlet 24.

[0036] The forward-facing inlet 24 and nozzle 42 of the present invention offer significant advantages by enabling suction to take place at the front side of the suction head. This is in contrast to the prior art technology, which often requires the opening or nozzle to be positioned underneath or at the bottom face of the vacuum head, opposing the surface with the debris to be cleaned. The present invention is therefore advantageous for cleaning and vacuuming under furniture or in restricted spaces, such as between walls and furniture, where the suction head is generally required to be inserted into limited spaces rather than placed on top of the surface to be cleaned. In such situations, traditional downward-facing suction heads may inadvertently push dust and debris away from the suction head, compromising the effectiveness of the cleaning. The present invention therefore ensures that the suction process remains efficient and effective, even in challenging and confined environments. It allows for thorough cleaning in areas that are typically hard to reach, enhancing the overall cleaning performance.

[0037] Optionally, the front suction chamber 40 can be equipped with a top cover 46 that is substantially transparent. The inclusion of a transparent cover 46 enables user to conveniently observe the collected dirt and debris, providing visual indications on the cleaning progress. In one embodiment, the top cover 46 is designed to be movable, such as by a closing means resembling a movable door or window, which allows for the adjustment of the elongated nozzle 42 and thus size of the clearance or gap 44. This adjustment enables customization of the clearance or gap 44 to accommodate different cleaning applications. For example, the top cover 46 can be lowered towards the floor to thereby reduce the size of the clearance or gap 44. This adjustment assists in increasing the suction power to enhance the cleaning effectiveness. In yet a further embodiment, the top cover 46 is adapted to be fully lowered towards the floor, effectively closing the opening at the front edge. This configuration leaves only the opening at the bottom side along the base portion 22 to direct the suction downwardly towards the surface being vacuumed, which will be particularly advantageous for applications such as the cleaning rugs. Optionally, to provide additional control over suction direction, a front cover or plug can be manually applied to block the forward-facing opening. This configuration allows suction to be directed solely in a downward direction.

[0038] In another aspect of the present invention, it provides a cleaning appliance, such as a vacuum cleaning appliance which comprises or integrates the suction head 10 as above described.

[0039] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, it provides a method of manufacturing the described suction head 10. The method comprises the steps of providing a body 20 designed for engaging a surface to be cleaned. The body 20 comprises an inlet 24 for receiving dust from the surface under suction, and an outlet 26 attachable to a suction tube of the vacuum cleaning appliance. The method further provides an air passageway 30 adapted to direct air flow from the inlet 24 to the outlet 26. The air passageway 30 comprises an air channel 32 that connects to the inlet 24 at one end, and a hollow connecting means 34 that connects with the outlet 26 at the other end. The connecting means 34 constructed to be rotatable, allowing it to pivot about an axis along or aligned with a direction of the air flow, such that opening of the air passageway 30 remains consistently unobstructed and substantially constant, regardless of the pivotal movements of the connecting means 34.

[0040] The present invention provides a suction head for vacuum cleaning appliances, offering enhanced dirt and debris capture and suction in confined spaces, such as under furniture. The suction head preferably incorporates a forward-facing front edge as the dirt or air suction inlet. The front-facing dirt inlet is connected, via an integrated air passageway within the suction head, to an outlet connectable with a pole or handle of the vacuum cleaner. The air passage way comprises an air channel which is strategically arranged in a non-linear, U-shaped configuration, with one end of the U-shaped channel connects to the outlet through a T-shaped connecting means, functioning as a junction. This unique combination of the non-linear, U-shaped channel and the T-shaped junction allows for the maintenance of a continuous, fully opened air passageway at any pivoting angle of the handle, even when the handle is arranged in a lowered position with a pivoting angle of around zero degree to the surface, causing the suction head to lie substantially flat and in parallel in respect of the surface. This feature proves particularly advantageous when cleaning within restricted spaces, such as underneath furniture. The nozzle of the suction head, incorporating the forward-facing air inlet, facilitates efficient vacuum suction of the debris located at the front of the suction head. As assisted also by the substantially flat base portion, the suction head prevents the nozzle from tilting upward, especially during insertion underneath furniture. This ensures constant contact with the surface, promoting effective removal of dirt and debris without the risk of pushing the debris further away by the suction head during the cleaning process. Furthermore, the U-shaped air channel and T-shaped junction minimize potential restrictions in airflow during pivoting, enabling uninterrupted suction even when the handle is lowered or pivoted towards the floor at a pivot angle of about zero degree relative to the floor surface. This degree of pivoting results in a substantially planar, flat configuration of the suction head along the handle or pole of the vacuum cleaner, which further facilitates effective cleaning in restricted spaces.

[0041] Without limited by the described embodiments, it will be readily understood by a skilled person in the art that any variations to the cleaning apparatus in terms of, for example, dimensions, configurations, constructions, designs and/or materials forming one or more parts thereof, should also be encompassed by the present invention, as long as the variations are considered suitable and applicable without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention.

[0042] The present description illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope.

[0043] Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

[0044] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.

[0045] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0046] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.