BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, to a nozzle
assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, which can clean an area
to be cleaned by spraying and sucking water while moving on and along a surface of
the area to be cleaned.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0002] As is well known, a vacuum cleaner is one of household electric appliances, which
can perform cleaning by generating a strong suction force in a main body of the vacuum
cleaner, sucking external contaminants existing on a floor or the like into the main
body and collecting them therein. Recently, there has been proposed a vacuum cleaner
that can perform cleaning with a wet duster mounted thereon, or perform wet cleaning
by exchanging a simple accessory tool such as a nozzle assembly, spraying water and
a detergent from the vacuum cleaner itself and sucking the water and detergent, even
while performing the basic function of collecting dry dust and the like.
[0003] Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a conventional nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner
for wet cleaning as described above, as for example disclosed in
US 5797161. Referring to this figure, the nozzle assembly comprises a suction head 2 fixed to
an end of an extension tube 1 to suck water on a floor such as a carpet, and a sprayer
3 mounted on a back surface of the suction head 2 to spray water or a detergent.
[0004] In performing wet cleaning, a user manipulates a handle or a water/detergent spraying
handle (not shown) mounted on a main body of the vacuum cleaner, so that the water
or detergent is sprayed onto the carpet though the sprayer 3 mounted on the back surface
of the suction head 2 and the suction head 2 sucks the water while moving on the carpet
in a fore and aft direction, thereby cleaning the carpet.
[0005] However, the conventional nozzle assembly of the vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning
described above has the following problems.
[0006] Since the sprayer 3 is installed on the back surface of the suction head 2 and the
water and/or detergent sprayed from the sprayer 3 are deposited on a region of the
carpet on the side of the back surface of the suction head 2, the user should pull
the suction head 2 abutting against the carpet in order to perform cleaning by sufficiently
sucking the water and/or detergent deposited on the carpet.
[0007] When the cleaning is performed by pulling the extension tube 1 in such a manner,
it depends on only a force of the user's arm without loading the user's weight on
the suction head 2. Thus, greater efforts are required as compared with a case where
cleaning is performed by pushing the extension tube 1.
[0008] Further, since the moving direction of the nozzle assembly is a direction facing
the user's body, there is inconvenience in that a phenomenon in which the extension
tube or a hose connected thereto interferes with the user's body occurs. Moreover,
there is a problem in that sufficient cleaning cannot be performed due to deterioration
of close contact of the suction head with the surface of the carpet.
[0009] In addition, since the water sprayed from the sprayer 3 is not dispersed but concentrated
on a certain region in case of the conventional nozzle assembly for wet cleaning,
an area cleaned upon passage of the nozzle assembly is narrow. Therefore, there is
a problem in that a cleaning efficiency is lowered.
[0010] Furthermore, since the sprayed water is directed to the surface of the carpet in
case of the conventional nozzle assembly for wet cleaning, the water permeates up
to the bottom of the carpet. Even though the nozzle assembly passes through the water-sprayed
region and sucks the water, the water that has permeated up to the bottom of the carpet
cannot be completely sucked and thus remains in the carpet until the remaining water
evaporates by means of natural drying. Therefore, the complete drying of the carpet
cannot be achieved for a long time on a rainy or cloudy day. Thus, there are problems
in that an unpleasant smell lasts and a possibility of propagation of bacteria or
the like is raised, resulting in poor hygiene.
[0011] A nozzle assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in
US 5 555 598.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Accordingly, the present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems
in the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle assembly
for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, which can more easily perform
the wet cleaning.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to allow water and/or a detergent to be
sprayed from a nozzle assembly onto a wider area.
[0014] A further object of the present invention is to allow water and/or a detergent sprayed
from a nozzle assembly onto a cleaned area to be sucked within a shorter period of
time.
[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the objects, there
is provided a nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning,
comprising a suction head to be installed at an end of an extension tube connected
to a main body of the vacuum cleaner to suck a cleaning fluid and foreign substances
while moving on a floor; a sprayer installed on an upper surface of the suction head
to spray the cleaning fluid toward a front end of the suction head; a nozzle cover
for defining a spray flow passage on the upper surface of the suction head, the cleaning
fluid sprayed from the sprayer flowing through the spray flow passage; and downstream
ribs provided at a downstream side of the spray flow passage defined by the nozzle
cover and having penetrating portions formed at predetermined intervals between adjacent
downstream ribs, the cleaning fluid passing through the penetrating portions.
[0016] Preferably, an upstream rib provided across the spray flow passage corresponding
to a space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs to disperse the cleaning fluid
sprayed from the sprayer and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs.
[0017] More preferably , the upstream rib is formed to protrude from a recessed portion
of the suction head and there is a gap between the upstream rib and the nozzle cover.
[0018] Still more preferably , the upstream rib is formed on a lower surface of the nozzle
cover, and a sealing material is provided between the upstream rib and the upper surface
of the suction head.
[0019] Still more preferably, an installation guide for guiding the sealing material to
a seated position is formed on the upper surface of the suction head.
[0020] Still more preferably, the upstream rib blocks the spray flow passage corresponding
to the space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs except both lateral ends
of the spray flow passage, and the upstream rib is formed with a penetrating portion
for enabling passage of the cleaning fluid therethrough at a position offset toward
each of the both ends of the upstream rib from a portion to which the cleaning fluid
sprayed from the sprayer is directly delivered.
[0021] Still more preferably, a plurality of penetrating portions are formed at positions
on the upstream rib relatively close to the portion to which the cleaning fluid is
directly delivered, between each of the both ends of the upstream rib and the portion
to which the cleaning fluid is directly delivered.
[0022] Still more preferably, the spray flow passage defined by the nozzle cover and the
upper surface of the suction head has a width gradually increasing from the sprayer
to the downstream side.
[0023] Still more preferably, a central portion of the upstream rib and central ones of
the downstream ribs are formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the
spray flow passage, and both ends of the upstream rib and ones of the downstream ribs
positioned at both lateral ends of the spray flow passage are formed to be biased
toward the downstream side.
[0024] Still more preferably, the assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein radii of curvature
are defined from the central downstream ribs to the downstream ribs at the both lateral
ends and from the central portion to the both ends of the upstream rib, respectively.
[0025] Still more preferably, some of the downstream ribs over a predetermined length at
the both lateral ends are formed to define a straight line.
[0026] Still more preferably, the nozzle cover is made of a transparent material.
[0027] Still more preferably, the upper surface of the suction head is formed to be inclined
toward the floor at the front end of the suction head, and the downstream ribs are
formed on a portion of the upper surface inclined toward the floor such that one surface
of each of the downstream ribs faces the floor.
[0028] Preferably an upstream rib is provided across the spray flow passage corresponding
to a space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs, formed on a lower surface
of the nozzle cover, and installed such that a tip thereof is in close contact with
the suction head, so as to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer and
deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs.
[0029] Preferably, at least a front end of the nozzle cover is mounted on the suction head
in such a manner that hooks are caught in hook holes formed in the suction head, and
shield members are provided in the spray flow passage at the both ends of the upstream
rib and the series of downstream ribs to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing to
the hook holes.
[0030] More preferably, blocking ribs are further formed at positions from which the linear
downstream ribs begin between the both ends of the upstream rib and the series of
downstream ribs, and blocking members are provided adjacent to the blocking ribs,
thereby blocking movement of the cleaning fluid through spaces between the both ends.
[0031] With the present invention constructed as above, the installation of the sprayer
on the upper surface of the suction head allows the water and/or the detergent to
be sprayed onto an area in front of the suction head, so that a user can perform cleaning
by pushing the suction head. Thus, less cleaning efforts are required and the user
can perform cleaning while directly viewing the operation of the sprayer, resulting
in improvement of a cleaning efficiency.
[0032] Further, since the water and/or the detergent sprayed from the sprayer are sprayed
while being dispersed uniformly over the entire suction head, the cleaning efficiency
can be further enhanced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent
from the following description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a conventional nozzle
assembly of a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a nozzle assembly of a
vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a sectional side view schematically showing the structure of the first embodiment
of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of a second embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the structure of the second embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a third embodiment
of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the third embodiment of
the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view schematically showing the structure of a major portion
of the third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a fourth embodiment
of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of the fourth embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 11 is a operational view showing an operation of the first embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 12 is a operational view showing an operation of the second embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 13 is a operational view showing an operation of the third embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 14 is a operational view showing an operation of the fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiment of a nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner for both
wet and dry cleaning according to the present invention will be described in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0035] Figs. 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of the nozzle assembly of the vacuum cleaner
for both wet and dry cleaning according to the present invention. Referring to these
figures, the nozzle assembly comprises a suction head 20 coupled to an end of an extension
tube 10 connected to a main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner; and a sprayer
30 fixedly installed on an upper surface of the suction head 20 to spray water and/or
a detergent (hereinafter, referred to as "cleaning fluid") supplied through a hose
31 connected to the main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner.
[0036] The suction head 20 serves to suck the cleaning fluid and foreign substances on an
area to be cleaned by means of a suction force generated within the main body of the
vacuum cleaner while moving on the area to be cleaned such as a carpet. The suction
head 20 is shaped to gradually flare from a portion thereof connected to the extension
tube 10 toward a front end thereof. A suction opening 21 through which the cleaning
fluid and the foreign substances are sucked is formed at a front end portion of a
lower surface of the suction head facing an area to be cleaned. The suction opening
21 communicates with the extension tube 10.
[0037] A recessed portion 23 corresponding to the shape of the suction head 20, which gradually
flares toward the front end of the suction head, is formed in the upper surface of
the suction head 20. The recessed portion 23 forms a spray flow passage 27 in cooperation
with a nozzle cover 26 to be described later. A front end of the recessed portion
23, i.e. a front end of the upper surface of the suction head 20, is formed to be
inclined toward a floor.
[0038] Downstream ribs 24 are formed to protrude from a portion of the suction head corresponding
to the front end of the recessed portion 23. The downstream ribs 24 are laterally
formed at the front end of the recessed portion 23 of the suction head 20. Ones of
the downstream ribs 24 positioned at the center of the recessed portion 23 are formed
at a relatively upstream side of the recessed portion 23 and ones of the downstream
ribs 24 positioned at both lateral ends of the recessed portion 23 are formed at a
relatively downstream side of the recessed portion. That is, the respective downstream
ribs 24 have different heights from the floor, which gradually decrease from the central
ones of the downstream ribs to ones thereof positioned at the lateral ends, so that
the cleaning fluid sprayed to the center can be smoothly guided to the both lateral
ends. Penetrating portions 25 are formed between adjacent downstream ribs 24. Therefore,
the cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 24 are discharged through the
penetrating portions 25.
[0039] Meanwhile, the downstream ribs 24 are formed on the front end surface of the recessed
portion 23 of the suction head 20, so that front surfaces of the downstream ribs 24
face the floor. Consequently, the downstream ribs 24 positioned at the center and
the both lateral ends, respectively, have different heights from the floor. That is,
the downstream ribs 24 positioned at the center are placed on a relatively higher
level, whereas those positioned at the both lateral ends are placed on a relatively
lower level with respect to the floor.
[0040] The front end of the upper surface of the suction head 20 is formed to be inclined
toward the floor, and the downstream ribs are formed on the front end inclined toward
the floor such that one surface of each of the downstream ribs faces the floor.
[0041] The nozzle cover 26 is installed on the recessed portion 23. The nozzle cover 26
is installed such that there is a predetermined gap between a lower surface of the
nozzle cover 26 and a bottom surface of the recessed portion 23. Therefore, the spray
flow passage 27 is formed between the nozzle cover 26 and the bottom surface of the
recessed portion 23. The cleaning fluid flows through the spray flow passage 27. It
is apparent that upper ends of the downstream ribs 24 are in close contact with the
lower surface of the nozzle cover 26.
[0042] It is preferred that the nozzle cover 26 be made of a transparent material. This
is to allow a user to visually check the flow of the cleaning fluid through the spray
flow passage 27.
[0043] Meanwhile, two fixing stands 28 are formed to protrude from upstream portions of
the recessed portion 23. The fixing stands 28 are shielded by the nozzle cover 26.
Opposite surfaces of the fixing stands 28 are formed with guide grooves 29.
[0044] The sprayer 30 is installed on the fixing stands 28. The sprayer 30 is a portion
for spraying the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 27. Fixing projections
32 are formed at both ends of the sprayer 30 to be fixedly inserted into the guide
grooves 29. The sprayer 30 is mounted on the suction head 20 without using screws
or the like in such a manner that the fixing projections 32 are inserted into the
guide grooves of the fixing stands 28 downward from above the guide grooves and seated
therein. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the sprayer 30 through the hose 31.
[0045] Wheels 50 are provided at both lateral sides of a rear end of the suction head 20.
The wheels 50 serve to ensure smooth movement of the nozzle assembly.
[0046] Next, Figs. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring
to these figures, the nozzle assembly comprises a suction head 120 coupled to an end
of an extension tube 110 connected to a main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner;
and a sprayer 130 fixedly installed on an upper surface of the suction head 120 to
spray a cleaning fluid supplied through a hose 131 connected to the main body (not
shown) of the vacuum cleaner.
[0047] The suction head 120 is shaped to gradually flare from a portion thereof connected
to the extension tube 110 toward a front end thereof. A suction opening 121 through
which the cleaning fluid and foreign substances are sucked is formed at a front end
portion of a lower surface of the suction head facing an area to be cleaned. The suction
opening 121 communicates with the extension tube 110.
[0048] A recessed portion 123 is formed in the upper surface of the suction head 120 such
that it gradually flares toward the front end of the suction head. The recessed portion
123 forms a spray flow passage 127 in cooperation with a nozzle cover 126 to be described
later.
[0049] Downstream ribs 124 are formed to protrude from a portion of the suction head corresponding
to a front end of the recessed portion 123. The downstream ribs 124 are formed widthwise
at the front end of the recessed portion 123 of the suction head 120. Ones of the
downstream ribs 124 positioned at the center of the recessed portion 123 are formed
at a relatively upstream side of the recessed portion 123 and ones of the downstream
ribs 124 positioned at both lateral ends of the recessed portion 123 are formed at
a relatively downstream side of the recessed portion. Penetrating portions 125 are
formed between adjacent downstream ribs 124. Therefore, the cleaning fluid is discharged
through the penetrating portions 125.
[0050] The recessed portion 123 is covered by the nozzle cover 126. The nozzle cover 126
is installed such that there is a predetermined gap between a lower surface of the
nozzle cover 126 and a bottom surface of the recessed portion 123. Therefore, the
spray flow passage 127 is formed between the nozzle cover 126 and the bottom surface
of the recessed portion 123. The cleaning fluid flows through the spray flow passage
127. It is apparent that upper ends of the downstream ribs 124 are in close contact
with the lower surface of the nozzle cover 126. It is preferred that the nozzle cover
126 be made of a transparent material.
[0051] Meanwhile, two fixing stands 128 are formed to protrude from upstream portions of
the recessed portion 123. Opposite surfaces of the fixing stands 128 are formed with
guide grooves 129. The sprayer 30 is installed on the fixing stands 128. The sprayer
130 is a portion for spraying the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 127.
Fixing projections 132 are formed at both ends of the sprayer 130 to be fixedly inserted
into the guide grooves 129. The sprayer 130 is mounted on the suction head 120 without
using screws or the like in such a manner that the fixing projections 132 are inserted
into the guide grooves of the fixing stands 128 downward from above the guide grooves
and seated therein. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the sprayer 130 through the
hose 131.
[0052] An upstream rib 140 is formed in the spray flow passage 127 between the sprayer 130
and the downstream ribs 124. That is, the upstream rib 140 is formed at a side on
the bottom surface of the recessed portion 123 so that the cleaning fluid sprayed
from the sprayer 130 can be delivered to the entire spray flow passage 127. A central
portion of the upstream rib 140 is formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream
side of the spray flow passage 127, and both ends thereof are formed to be biased
toward a relatively downward side of the spray flow passage 127. Therefore, when the
recessed portion 123 is viewed in a plan view, the upstream rib 140 takes the shape
of a bamboo hat.
[0053] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 5, there is a predetermined gap between an upper end
of the upstream rib 140 and the nozzle cover 126. Therefore, the cleaning fluid sprayed
from the sprayer 130 is delivered to the downstream ribs 124 though the gap between
the upstream rib 140 and the nozzle cover 126 and through sections of the recessed
portion 123 at the both ends of the upstream rib 140.
[0054] Wheels 150 are provided at both lateral sides of a rear end of the suction head 120.
The wheels 150 serve to ensure smooth movement of the nozzle assembly.
[0055] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference
to Figs. 6 to 8. Referring to these figures, the nozzle assembly comprises a suction
head 220 coupled to an end of an extension tube 210 connected to a main body (not
shown) of the vacuum cleaner; and a sprayer 230 fixedly installed on an upper surface
of the suction head 220 to spray a cleaning fluid supplied through a hose 231 connected
to the main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner.
[0056] The suction head 220 serves to suck the cleaning fluid and foreign substances on
an area to be cleaned by means of a suction force while moving on the area to be cleaned,
and is shaped to gradually flare from a portion thereof connected to the extension
tube 210 toward a front end thereof. A suction opening 221 through which the cleaning
fluid and foreign substances are sucked is formed at a front end portion of a lower
surface of the suction head facing an area to be cleaned. The suction opening 221
communicates with the extension tube 210.
[0057] A recessed portion 223 corresponding to the shape of the suction head 220, which
gradually flares toward the front end of the suction head, is formed in the upper
surface of the suction head 220. Downstream ribs 224 are formed to protrude from a
portion of the suction head corresponding to the front end of the recessed portion
223. The downstream ribs 224 are formed across the front end of the recessed portion
223 of the suction head 220. Ones of the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the center
of the recessed portion 223 are formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side
of the recessed portion 223 and ones of the downstream ribs 224 positioned at both
lateral ends of the recessed portion 23 are formed to be biased toward a downstream
side of the recessed portion. That is, the respective downstream ribs 224 have different
heights from a floor, which gradually decrease from the central ones of the downstream
ribs to ones thereof positioned at the lateral ends, so that the cleaning fluid sprayed
to the center of the suction head 220 can be smoothly guided to the both lateral ends.
[0058] Meanwhile, the downstream ribs 224 are formed on the front end surface of the recessed
portion 223 of the suction head 220, so that front surfaces of the downstream ribs
224 face the floor. Consequently, the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the center
and the both lateral ends, respectively, have different heights with respect to the
floor. In other words, the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the center are placed
on a relatively higher level, whereas those positioned at the both lateral ends are
placed on a relatively lower level with respect to the floor.
[0059] The downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both ends are formed to define a straight
line. That is, the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both ends are formed such
that there is no difference in height. Penetrating portions 225 are formed between
adjacent downstream ribs 224. The penetrating portions 225 are formed at an almost
regular interval. Thus, the cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 224 is
discharged through the penetrating portions 225.
[0060] The nozzle cover 226 is installed on the recessed portion 223. The nozzle cover 226
is installed such that there is a predetermined gap between a lower surface of the
nozzle cover 226 and a bottom surface of the recessed portion 223 and edges of the
nozzle cover are in close contact with edges of the recessed portion 223. Therefore,
a spray flow passage 227 is formed between the nozzle cover 226 and the bottom surface
of the recessed portion 223. The cleaning fluid flows through the spray flow passage
227. It is apparent that upper ends of the downstream ribs 224 are in close contact
with the lower surface of the nozzle cover 226.
[0061] It is preferred that the nozzle cover 226 be made of a transparent material. This
is to allow a user to visually check the flow of the cleaning fluid through the spray
flow passage 227. Reference numeral 226' designates a fixing rib formed with a fastening
hole for use in fastening the nozzle cover 226 to the suction head 220.
[0062] Meanwhile, two fixing stands 228 are formed to protrude from upstream portions of
the recessed portion 223. The fixing stands 228 are shielded by the nozzle cover 226.
Opposite surfaces of the fixing stands 228 are formed with guide grooves 229.
[0063] The sprayer 230 is installed on the fixing stands 228. The sprayer 230 is a portion
for spraying the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 227. Fixing projections
232 are formed to protrude from both ends of the sprayer 230 so as to be fixedly inserted
into the guide grooves 229. The sprayer 230 is mounted on the suction head 220 without
using screws or the like in such a manner that the fixing projections 232 are inserted
into the guide grooves 229 of the fixing stands 228 downward from above the guide
grooves and seated therein. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the sprayer 230 through
the hose 231.
[0064] An upstream rib 240 is formed in the spray flow passage 227 between the sprayer 230
and the downstream ribs 224. In this embodiment, the upstream rib 240 is formed to
protrude from the lower surface of the nozzle cover 226. The upstream rib 240 is formed
over a substantially entire portion of the spray flow passage 227 except some sections
of both end portions thereof. A central portion of the upstream rib 240 is formed
to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the spray flow passage 227, and
both ends thereof are formed to be biased toward a relatively downward side of the
spray flow passage 227.
[0065] Penetrating portions 241 are formed in the upstream rib 240. The penetrating portions
241 are portions for allowing the cleaning fluid to pass through the upstream rib
240. In this embodiment, the penetrating portions 241 formed in the upstream rib 240
are provided at positions except a position directly opposite to the sprayer 230 and
positions of the ends of the upstream rib 240. That is, the penetrating portions 241
are formed close to the central portion of the upstream rib 240 between the central
portion and each of the both ends of the upstream rib. In this embodiment, the penetrating
portions are formed in a pair at each side so that they are formed at four positions
in total. This is to cause the cleaning fluid to be uniformly dispersed and delivered
to the downstream rib 224.
[0066] Meanwhile, as can be seen from Fig. 8, there is no gap between a tip of the upstream
rib 240 and the recessed portion 223. To this end, an installation guide 245 is formed
in the recessed portion 223. A sealing material 247 is provided in the installation
guide 245. The installation guide 245 has an area or space in which the entire tip
of the upstream rib 240 can be accommodated. The sealing material 247 provided within
the installation guide is compressed by the tip of the upstream rib 240. Therefore,
the cleaning fluid delivered to the upstream rib 240 flows the penetrating portions
241 and sections of the spray flow passage 227 at the both ends of the upstream rib
240.
[0067] Wheels 250 are provided at both lateral sides of a rear end of the suction head 220.
The wheels 250 serve to ensure smooth movement of the nozzle assembly.
[0068] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference
to Figs. 9 and 10. Referring to theses figures, the nozzle assembly of the embodiment
comprises a suction head 320 coupled to an end of an extension tube 310; and a sprayer
330 fixedly installed on an upper surface of the suction head 320 to spray a cleaning
fluid supplied through a hose 331 connected to a main body (not shown) of the vacuum
cleaner.
[0069] The suction head 320 serves to suck the cleaning fluid and foreign substances on
an area to be cleaned by means of a suction force while moving on the area to be cleaned,
and is shaped to gradually flare from a portion thereof connected to the extension
tube 310 toward a front end thereof. A suction opening through which the cleaning
fluid and foreign substances are sucked is formed at a front end portion of a lower
surface of the suction head 320 facing an area to be cleaned. The suction opening
communicates with the extension tube 310.
[0070] A recessed portion 323 that gradually flares toward the front end of the suction
head is formed in the upper surface of the suction head 320. The recessed portion
323 forms a spray flow passage in cooperation with a nozzle cover 326 to be described
later. The recessed portion 323 is formed with a plurality of rib holes 323r for use
in coupling the nozzle cover 326 thereto, and with hook holes 323h at both lateral
ends of a downstream side thereof.
[0071] Downstream ribs 324 are formed to protrude from a portion of the suction head corresponding
to a front end of the recessed portion 323. The downstream ribs 324 are formed throughout
the front end of the recessed portion 323 of the suction head 320. Ones of the downstream
ribs 324 positioned at the center of the recessed portion 323 are formed to be biased
toward a relatively upstream side of the recessed portion 323 and ones of the downstream
ribs 324 positioned at both lateral ends of the recessed portion 323 are formed to
be biased toward a relatively downstream side of the recessed portion. In other words,
the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the center are placed on a relatively higher
level, whereas those positioned at the both lateral ends are placed on a relatively
lower level with respect to the floor, so that the cleaning fluid sprayed toward the
center can be smoothly guided to the both lateral ends.
[0072] Further, the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the both ends are formed to define
a straight line. Penetrating portions 325 are formed between adjacent downstream ribs
324. The penetrating portions 325 are formed at an almost regular interval. Thus,
the cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 324 is discharged through the
penetrating portions 325.
[0073] The nozzle cover 326 is installed on the recessed portion 323. The nozzle cover 326
is installed such that there is a predetermined gap between a lower surface of the
nozzle cover 326 and a bottom surface of the recessed portion 323 and edges of the
nozzle cover are in close contact with edges of the recessed portion 323. Therefore,
a spray flow passage is formed between the nozzle cover 326 and the bottom surface
of the recessed portion 323. The cleaning fluid flows through the spray flow passage.
It is apparent that upper ends of the downstream ribs 324 are in close contact with
the lower surface of the nozzle cover 326. It is preferred that the nozzle cover 326
be made of a transparent material.
[0074] A plurality of fixing ribs 326' are formed on the lower surface of the nozzle cover
326 to fasten the nozzle cover 326 to the suction head 320. The fixing ribs 326' are
formed with fastening holes to which screws passing through a lower surface of the
suction head 320 are fastened. Although the nozzle cover 326 can be fastened to the
suction head by using only screws, both lateral ends of a relatively wide front end
of the nozzle cover 326 are formed with hooks 326h that are inserted into and caught
in the hook holes 323h.
[0075] Meanwhile, two fixing stands 328 are formed to protrude from upstream portions of
the recessed portion 323. The fixing stands 328 are shielded by the nozzle cover 326.
Opposite surfaces of the fixing stands 328 are formed with guide grooves 329.
[0076] The sprayer 330 is installed on the fixing stands 328. The sprayer 330 is a portion
for spraying the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 227. Fixing projections
332 are formed to protrude from both ends of the sprayer 330 so as to be fixedly inserted
into the guide grooves 329. The sprayer 330 is mounted on the suction head 320 without
using screws or the like in such a manner that the fixing projections 332 are inserted
into the guide grooves 329 of the fixing stands 328 downward from above the guide
grooves and seated therein. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the sprayer 330 through
the hose 331.
[0077] An upstream rib 340 is formed in the spray flow passage between the sprayer 330 and
the downstream ribs 324. In this embodiment, the upstream rib 340 is formed to protrude
from the lower surface of the nozzle cover 326. The upstream rib 340 is formed over
a substantially entire portion of the spray flow passage except some sections of both
end portions thereof. A central portion of the upstream rib 340 is formed to be biased
toward a relatively upstream side of the spray flow passage, and both ends thereof
are formed to be biased toward a relatively downward side of the spray flow passage.
[0078] Penetrating portions 341 are formed in the upstream rib 340. The penetrating portions
341 are portions for allowing the cleaning fluid to pass through the upstream rib
340. In this embodiment, the penetrating portions 341 formed in the upstream rib 340
are provided at positions except a position directly opposite to the sprayer 330 and
positions of the ends of the upstream rib 340. That is, the penetrating portions 341
are formed close to the central portion of the upstream rib 340 between the central
portion and each of the both ends of the upstream rib. In this embodiment, the penetrating
portions are formed in a pair at each side so that they are formed at four positions
in total. This is to cause the cleaning fluid to be uniformly dispersed and delivered
to the downstream rib 324.
[0079] Meanwhile, there is no gap between a tip of the upstream rib 340 and the recessed
portion 323. To this end, an installation guide 345 is formed in the recessed portion
323. A sealing material 347 is provided in the installation guide 345. The installation
guide 345 has an area or space in which the entire tip of the upstream rib 340 can
be accommodated. The sealing material 347 provided within the installation guide is
compressed by the tip of the upstream rib 340. Therefore, the cleaning fluid delivered
to the upstream rib 340 flows the penetrating portions 341 and sections of the spray
flow passage at the both ends of the upstream rib 340.
[0080] To prevent the cleaning fluid to leaking through the hook holes 323h, portions corresponding
to the both ends of the downstream ribs 324 are provided with shield members 348 between
the bottom surface of the recessed portion 323 and the lower surface of the nozzle
cover 326.
[0081] Blocking ribs 349 are provided between the ends of the downstream and upstream ribs
324 and 340. The blocking ribs 349 are formed to protrude from the bottom surface
of the recessed portion 323. However, there may be a certain gap between the blocking
ribs 349 and the lower surface of the nozzle cover 326. It is preferred that the blocking
ribs 349 be formed at positions from which the linear downstream ribs 324 at the both
lateral ends begin. The blocking ribs 349 serve to allow the cleaning fluid delivered
to the linear and curved downstream ribs 324 to be discharged without being mixed
with each other. Particularly, the blocking ribs 349 serve to allow the cleaning fluid,
which has passed by the both ends of the upstream rib 340, to be completely discharged
through the linear downstream ribs 324.
[0082] Meanwhile, additional blocking members 349' may be provided adjacent to the blocking
ribs 349. The additional blocking members 349' serve to ensure uniform discharge of
the cleaning fluid in cooperation with the blocking ribs 349. Wheels 350 are provided
at both lateral sides of a rear end of the suction head 220. The wheels 350 serve
to ensure smooth movement of the nozzle assembly.
[0083] The operation of the nozzle assembly of the vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning
according to the present invention constructed as above will be described in detail
below.
[0084] First, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained
with reference to Fig. 11. When a user operates the vacuum cleaner, a strong suction
force is generated by a driving source provided in the main body of the vacuum cleaner.
When the user manipulates a water/detergent spraying handle or button (not shown)
mounted on a grip portion (not shown) of the extension tube 10 in such a state, water
or a detergent is selectively sprayed from the sprayer 30 installed on the upper surface
of the suction head 20. The sprayed cleaning fluid is sucked back together with foreign
substances, air and the like through the suction opening 21.
[0085] The sprayed cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 30 is guided along the spray
flow passage 27 that gradually flares toward the front end of the suction head. Then,
the cleaning fluid is dispersed by the downstream ribs 24 and discharged onto an area
to be cleaned. That is, as the cleaning fluid flows toward a downstream side of the
spray flow passage 27, the flow width of the cleaning fluid increases, and the cleaning
fluid is more uniformly dispersed by the downstream ribs 24 and then finally discharged.
In other words, the downstream ribs 24 prevent the cleaning fluid to flow randomly
and cause it to flow through the penetrating portions 25 between the downstream ribs
24, thereby dispersing the cleaning fluid as a whole and delivering it to the area
to be cleaned.
[0086] For reference, it is preferred that a water-cleaning accessory be mounted at the
front end of the suction head 20. The accessory uniformly disperses the cleaning fluid
and simultaneously generates a friction force while coming into contact with the area
to be cleaned, thereby performing cleaning.
[0087] Then, the cleaning fluid and foreign substances are sucked through the suction opening
21 by means of the suction force transmitted from the main body of the vacuum cleaner.
The cleaning fluid and foreign substances sucked through the suction opening 21 are
transferred through the extension tube 10 to the main body of the vacuum cleaner.
[0088] Meanwhile, Fig. 12 shows that the cleaning fluid is dispersed and discharged in the
second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cleaning fluid
sprayed from the sprayer 130 is dispersed by the upstream rib 140. The upstream rib
140 first guides the cleaning fluid to the both ends thereof and thus disperses the
cleaning fluid. Further, the cleaning fluid flows through the gap between the upper
end of the upstream rib 140 and the lower surface of the nozzle cover 126.
[0089] Thus, the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 130 is first dispersed by the upstream
rib 140 and then delivered to the downstream ribs 124. The cleaning fluid delivered
to the downstream rib 124 is dispersed while flowing through the penetrating portions
125 formed between adjacent downstream ribs 124. In this embodiment, the upstream
rib 140 allows the cleaning fluid to be more dispersed and delivered to the downstream
ribs 124.
[0090] Next, Fig. 13 shows the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.
In this embodiment, a large amount of the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer
230 to the spray flow passage 227 reaches the center of the upstream rib 240. Since
the center of the upstream rib 240 is formed to be relatively biased toward the sprayer
230 and the both ends thereof are formed to be biased toward the downstream side,
the cleaning fluid is guided along the upstream rib 240.
[0091] A part of the cleaning fluid flows through the penetrating portions 241 of the upstream
rib 240 into a space between the upstream and downstream ribs 240 and 224. The remainder
of the cleaning fluid flows to the both ends of the upstream rib 240 and toward the
downstream ribs 224 through regions where the upstream rib 240 has not been formed.
[0092] First, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the penetrating portions 241 of
the upstream rib 240 flows to the substantially central ones of the downstream ribs
224. Since the central ones of the downstream ribs 224 are formed to be relatively
biased toward the sprayer 230 and ones of the downstream ribs positioned at the both
lateral ends are formed to be relatively biased toward the downstream side, the cleaning
fluid that has flowed to the central ones of the downstream ribs 224 can flow toward
the ones of the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both lateral ends to a certain
extent. The cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 224 in such a manner leaves
the nozzle assembly through the penetrating portions 225 of the downstream ribs 224
and is then discharged onto the area to be cleaned.
[0093] Further, the cleaning fluid delivered to the ones of the downstream ribs 224 positioned
at the both lateral ends flows toward the central ones thereof to a certain extent.
This is because the cleaning fluid flowing through the both ends of the upstream rib
240 cannot be fully discharged through the relevant penetrating portions 225 formed
at the both ends of the series of downstream ribs 224. Particularly, since the downstream
ribs 224 positioned at the both lateral ends are formed to define a straight line
without difference in height, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the both
ends of the upstream rib 240 can flow toward the central downstream ribs 224 from
the linear downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both lateral ends.
[0094] If a user pushes the suction head 220 forward upon discharge of the cleaning fluid
from the nozzle assembly in such a manner, the discharged cleaning fluid first drops
onto the area to be cleaned and then is sucked together with air and foreign substances
through the suction opening 221 by means of the suction force transmitted therethrough.
[0095] At this time, if an additional water-cleaning accessory (not shown) is mounted at
the front end of the suction head 220, the accessory uniformly disperses the cleaning
fluid and simultaneously generates a friction force while coming into contact with
the area to be cleaned, thereby performing cleaning. The cleaning fluid, foreign substances
and air sucked through the suction opening 221 are delivered into the main body (not
shown) of the vacuum cleaner through the extension tube 210. The cleaning fluid and
the foreign substances are collected within the main body and only the air is discharged
to the outside.
[0096] Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described
with reference to Fig. 13. A large amount of the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer
330 to the spray flow passage reaches the center of the upstream rib 340. Since the
center of the upstream rib 340 is formed to be relatively biased toward the sprayer
330 and the both ends thereof are formed to be biased toward the downstream side,
the cleaning fluid is guided along the upstream rib 340.
[0097] A part of the cleaning fluid flows through the penetrating portions 341 of the upstream
rib 340 into a space between the upstream and downstream ribs 340 and 324. The remainder
of the cleaning fluid flows to the both ends of the upstream rib 340 and toward the
downstream ribs 324 through regions where the upstream rib 340 has not been formed.
[0098] First, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the penetrating portions 341 of
the upstream rib 340 flows to the substantially central ones of the downstream ribs
324. Since the central ones of the downstream ribs 324 are formed to be relatively
biased toward the sprayer 330 and ones of the downstream ribs positioned at the both
lateral ends are formed to be relatively biased toward the downstream side, the cleaning
fluid that has flowed to the central ones of the downstream ribs 324 can flow toward
the ones of the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the both lateral ends to a certain
extent. The cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 324 in such a manner leaves
the nozzle assembly through the penetrating portions 325 of the downstream ribs 324
and is then discharged onto an area to be cleaned.
[0099] Further, the cleaning fluid delivered to the ones of the downstream ribs 324 positioned
at the both lateral ends flows toward the central ones thereof to a certain extent.
This is because the cleaning fluid flowing through the both ends of the upstream rib
340 cannot be fully discharged through the relevant penetrating portions 325 formed
at the both ends of the series of downstream ribs 324. Particularly, since the downstream
ribs 324 positioned at the both lateral ends are formed to define a straight line
without difference in height, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the both
ends of the upstream rib 340 can flow toward the central downstream ribs from the
linear downstream ribs 324 positioned at the both lateral ends.
[0100] However, the blocking ribs 349 and the blocking members 349' block the linear downstream
ribs 324 from the curved downstream ribs 324 to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing
therebetween, thereby more uniformly dispersing and discharging the cleaning fluid.
[0101] Meanwhile, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the both ends of the upstream
rib 340 and has been delivered toward the both lateral ends of the series of downstream
ribs 324 is blocked by the shield members 348 and thus prevented from being delivered
to the hook holes 323h. This is indispensable to a structure using the hooks 326h
for causing the both ends of the front end of the nozzle cover 326 to be in closer
contact with the suction head 320, since the front end of the nozzle cover has a relatively
larger width.
[0102] If a user pushes the suction head 320 forward upon discharge of the cleaning fluid
from the nozzle assembly in such a manner, the discharged cleaning fluid first drops
onto the area to be cleaned and then is sucked together with air and foreign substances
through the suction opening by means of the suction force transmitted therethrough.
[0103] At this time, if an additional water-cleaning accessory (not shown) is mounted at
the front end of the suction head 320, the accessory uniformly disperses the cleaning
fluid and simultaneously generates a friction force while coming into contact with
the area to be cleaned, thereby performing cleaning.
[0104] The cleaning fluid, foreign substances and air sucked through the suction opening
are delivered into the main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner through the extension
tube 310. The cleaning fluid and the foreign substances are collected within the main
body and only the air is discharged to the outside.
[0105] According to the present invention described in detail above, it can be expected
to obtain the following advantages.
[0106] Since the cleaning fluid is discharged through the upper surface of the suction head
of the nozzle assembly, a user can perform cleaning while exerting a large force upon
pushing the nozzle assembly. Therefore, a less force is required and cleaning can
be more firmly performed as compared with a conventional vacuum cleaner that requires
a large force when a user pulls a suction head.
[0107] Further, since the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer is dispersed by the upstream
rib and the downstream ribs in the present invention, the cleaning fluid can be uniformly
delivered to an entire area on which the nozzle assembly passes. Thus, a wider area
can be cleaned at one time, resulting in improvement of a cleaning efficiency.
[0108] Moreover, the sprayed water is not discharged directly to an area to be cleaned but
is delivered thereto via the upstream rib and the downstream ribs so that, for example,
upon cleaning of a carpet, the pressure of the cleaning fluid sprayed to the carpet
can be relatively lowered. Thus, the cleaning fluid properly sprayed to the surface
of the carpet can be immediately sucked through the suction opening, thereby greatly
shortening a drying time.
[0109] Finally, since there is no leakage through structures for fixing the nozzle cover
in a configuration in which edges of the nozzle cover are in closer contact with the
suction head, the reliability of the product can be further improved.
[0110] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments
but is defined by the appended claims. It will be apparent that those skilled in the
art can make various modifications and adaptations within the scope of the invention
defined by the claims.
1. A nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, comprising:
a suction head (20) to be installed at an end of an extension tube (10) connected
to a main body of the vacuum cleaner to suck a cleaning fluid and foreign substances
while moving on a floor;
a sprayer (30) installed on an upper surface of the suction head to spray the cleaning
fluid toward a front end of the suction head;
characterised by
a nozzle cover (26) for defining a spray flow passage (27) on the upper surface of
the suction head, the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer flowing through the
spray flow passage (27), and
downstream ribs (24) provided at a downstream side of the spray flow passage defined
by the nozzle cover (26) and having penetrating portions (25) formed at predetermined
intervals between adjacent downstream ribs (24), the cleaning fluid passing through
the penetrating portions (25).
2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upstream rib (140) provided across
the spray flow passage (127) corresponding to a space between the sprayer (130) and
the downstream ribs (124) to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer
(130) and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs (124).
3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upstream rib (140) is formed to protrude
from a recessed portion of the suction head and there is a gap between the upstream
rib (140) and the nozzle covert (126).
4. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upstream rib (240) is formed on a
lower surface of the nozzle cover (226), and a sealing material (247) is provided
between the upstream rib (240) and the upper surface of the suction head (220).
5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein an installation guide (245) for guiding
the sealing material (247) to a seated position is formed on the upper surface of
the suction head (220).
6. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upstream rib (140) blocks the spray
flow passage corresponding to the space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs
(124) except both lateral ends of the spray flow passage, and the upstream rib (140)
is formed with a penetrating portion (125) for enabling passage of the cleaning fluid
therethrough at a position offset toward each of the both ends of the upstream rib
from a portion to which the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer is directly delivered.
7. The assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein a plurality of penetrating portions (241)
are formed at positions on the upstream rib (240) relatively close to the portion
to which the cleaning fluid is directly delivered, between each of the both ends of
the upstream rib (240) and the portion to which the cleaning fluid is directly delivered.
8. The assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, the spray flow passage defined
by the nozzle cover (26) and the upper surface of the suction head (20) has a width
gradually increasing from the sprayer (30) to the downstream side.
9. The assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, wherein a central portion of
the upstream rib (240) and central ones of the downstream ribs (224) are formed to
be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the spray flow passage, and both ends
of the upstream rib (240) and ones of the downstream ribs (224) positioned at both
lateral ends of the spray flow passage are formed to be biased toward the downstream
side.
10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein radii of curvature are defined from the
central downstream ribs (224) to the downstream ribs (224) at the both lateral ends
and from the central portion to the both ends of the upstream rib (240), respectively.
11. The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein some of the downstream ribs (224) over
a predetermined length at the both lateral ends are formed to define a straight line.
12. The assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the nozzle cover (26,126,226,326)
is made of a transparent material.
13. The assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the upper surface of
the suction head (20) is formed to be inclined toward the floor at the front end of
the suction head, and the downstream ribs (24) are formed on a portion of the upper
surface inclined toward the floor such that one surface of each of the downstream
ribs faces the floor.
14. A nozzle assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising
an upstream rib (340) provided across the spray flow passage corresponding to a space
between the sprayer and the downstream ribs (324), formed on a lower surface of the
nozzle cover (326), and installed such that a tip thereof is in close contact with
the suction head (320), so as to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer
(330) and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs (324).
15. The assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least a front end of the nozzle cover
(326) is mounted on the suction head (320) in such a manner that hooks (3264) are
caught in hook holes (3234) formed in the suction head (300), and shield members (342)
are provided in the spray flow passage at the both ends of the upstream rib (340)
and the series of downstream ribs (324) to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing
to the hook holes (3234).
16. The assembly as claimed in claims 14 or 15, wherein blocking ribs (349) are further
formed at positions from which the linear downstream ribs (324) begin between the
both ends of the upstream rib (340) and the series of downstream ribs (324), and blocking
members (349') are provided adjacent to the blocking ribs (349), thereby blocking
movement of the cleaning fluid through spaces between the both ends.
17. A nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, comprising:
a suction head (320) to be installed at an end of an extension tube and having a suction
opening communicating with the extension tube to suck a cleaning fluid and foreign
substances while moving on a floor;
a sprayer (330) installed on an upper surface of the suction head to spray the cleaning
fluid toward a front end of the suction head;
characterized by
a nozzle cover (326) for defining a spray flow passage has a width gradually increasing
to the downstream side on the upper surface of the suction head, the cleaning fluid
sprayed from the sprayer flowing through the spray flow passage;
downstream ribs (324) provided at a downstream side of the spray flow passage defined
by the nozzle cover and having penetrating portions formed at predetermined intervals
between adjacent downstream ribs, the cleaning fluid passing through the penetrating
portions;
an upstream rib (340) provided across the spray flow passage corresponding to a space
between the sprayer and the downstream ribs, formed on a lower surface of the nozzle
cover, and installed such that a tip thereof is in close contact with the suction
head, so as to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer through a plurality
of penetrating portions and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs; and
a sealing material (347) provided between the tip of the upstream rib and the upper
surface of the suction head to perform sealing therebetween.
1. Eine Mundstück- bzw. Düsenanordnung für einen Sauger zur Naß- und Trockenreinigung,
mit:
einem Saugkopf (20), der an einem Ende eines Verlängerungsrohrs (10) zu installieren
ist, welches mit einem Hauptkörper des Saugers verbunden ist, um ein Reinigungsfluid
und Fremdkörper anzusaugen, während er sich auf einem Boden bewegt,
einem Sprüher (30), der an einer oberen Oberfläche des Saugkopfes installiert ist,
um das Reinigungsfluid zu einem Vorderende des Saugkopfes zu sprühen,
gekennzeichnet durch
eine Mundstück- bzw. Düsenabdeckung (26) zum Definieren eines Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgangs
(27) an bzw. auf der oberen Oberfläche des Saugkopfes, wobei das von dem Sprüher versprühte
Reinigungsfluid durch den Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgang (27) strömt, und
stromabwärtigen Rippen (24), die an einer stromabwärtigen Seite des Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgangs,
welcher durch die Mundstückabdeckung (26) definiert ist, vorgesehen sind und Durchlaßabschnitte
(25) besitzen, die in vorbestimmten Intervallen zwischen benachbarten stromabärtigen
Rippen (24) ausgebildet sind, wobei das Reinigungsfluid durch die Durchlaßabschnitte (25) passiert.
2. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei eine stromaufwärtige Rippe (140) quer über dem
Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgang (127) entsprechend einem Zwischenraum zwischen dem Sprüher
(130) und den stromabwärtigen Rippen (124) vorgesehen ist, um das Reinigungsfluid,
das von dem Sprüher (130) versprüht wird, zu verteilen und das Reinigungsfluid zu
den stromabwärtigen Rippen (124) zu liefern.
3. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei die stromaufwärtige Rippe (140) so ausgebildet
ist, daß sie von einem zurückgesetzten Abschnitt des Saugkopfes vorsteht und ein Zwischenraum
zwischen der stromaufwärtigen Rippe (140) und der Mundstückabdeckung (126) besteht.
4. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei die stromaufwärtige Rippe (240) an bzw. auf
einer unteren Oberfläche der Mundstückabdeckung (226) ausgebildet ist, und ein Dichtungsmaterial
(247) zwischen der stromaufwärtigen Rippe (240) und der oberen Oberfläche des Saugkopfes
(220) vorgesehen ist.
5. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 4, wobei eine Installationsführung (245) zum Führen des
Dichtungsmaterials (247) zu einer Sitzposition an der oberen Oberfläche des Saugkopfes
(220) ausgebildet ist.
6. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei die stromaufwärtige Rippe (140) den Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgang
entsprechend dem Zwischenraum zwischen dem Sprüher und den stromabwärtigen Rippen
(124) blockiert mit Ausnahme beider lateraler Enden des Sprüh-Strömungsdurchganges,
und die stromaufwärtige Rippe (140) mit einem Durchlaßabschnitt (125) ausgebildet
ist, um den Durchgang des Reinigungsfluids durch diesen an einer Position versetzt
zu jedem der beiden Enden der stromaufwärtigen Rippe von einem Abschnitt, zu dem das
von dem Sprüher versprühte Reinigungsfluid direkt geliefert wird, zu ermöglichen.
7. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei mehrere Durchlaßabschnitte (241) an Positionen
an bzw. auf der stromaufwärtigen Rippe (240) relativ nahe an dem Abschnitt ausgebildet
sind, zu dem das Reinigungsfluid direkt geliefert wird, zwischen jedem der beiden
Enden der stromaufwärtigen Rippe (240) und dem Abschnitt, zu dem das Reinigungsfluid
direkt geliefert wird.
8. Die Anordnung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei der Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgang,
der durch die Mundstückabdeckung (26) und die obere Oberfläche des Saugkopfes (20)
definiert ist, eine Breite besitzt, die allmählich von dem Sprüher (30) zu der stromabwärtigen
Seite zunimmt.
9. Die Anordnung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei ein zentraler Abschnitt der
stromaufwärtigen Rippe (240) und zentrale der stromabwärtigen Rippen (224) so ausgebildet
sind, daß sie zu einer relativ stromaufwärtigen Seite des Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgangs
vorbelastet sind, und beide Enden der stromaufwärtigen Rippe (240) und solche der
stromabwärtigen Rippen (224), die an beiden lateralen Enden des Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgangs
positioniert sind, so ausgebildet sind, daß sie zu der stromabwärtigen Seite vorgelastet
sind.
10. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei Krümmungsradien jeweils von den zentralen stromabwärtigen
Rippen (224) zu den stromabwärtigen Rippen (224) an den beiden lateralen Enden und
von dem zentralen Abschnitt zu den beiden Enden der stromaufwärtigen Rippe (240) definiert
sind.
11. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei einige der stromabwärtigen Rippen (224) über
einer vorbestimmten Länge an den beiden lateralen Enden so ausgebildet sind, daß sie
eine gerade Linie definieren.
12. Die Anordnung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei die Mundstückabdeckung (26,126,226,326)
aus einem transparenten Material gemacht ist.
13. Die Anordnung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei die obere Oberfläche des Saugkopfes
(20) so ausgebildet ist, daß sie zu dem Boden an dem Vorderende des Saugkopfes geneigt
ist, und die stromabwärtigen Rippen (24) an bzw. auf einem Abschnitt der oberen Oberfläche
so ausgebildet sind, daß sie zu dem Boden so geneigt sind, daß eine Oberfläche jeder
der stromabwärtigen Rippen dem Boden zugewandt ist.
14. Eine Mundstückanordnung gemäß Anspruch 1, mit
einer stromaufwärtigen Rippe (340), die quer über den Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgang entsprechend
einem Zwischenraum zwischen dem Sprüher und den stromabwärtigen Rippen (324), die
an einer unteren Oberfläche der Mundstückabdeckung (326) ausgebildet sind, vorgesehen
und so installiert ist, daß ein Außenende davon in engem Kontakt mit dem Saugkopf
(320) ist, derart, daß das von dem Sprüher (330) versprühte Reinigungsfluid verteilt
und das Reinigungsfluid zu den stromabwärtigen Rippen (324) geliefert wird.
15. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 14, wobei mindestens ein Vorderende der Mundstückabdeckung
(326) an dem Saugkopf (320) auf solche Weise angebracht ist, daß Haken (3264) in Hakenlöchern
(3234), welche in dem Saugkopf (300) ausgebildet sind, eingreifen, und Abschirmelemente
(348) in dem Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgang an den beiden Enden der stromaufwärtigen Rippe
(340) und der Reihe von stromabwärtigen Rippen (324) vorgesehen sind, um ein Strömen
des Reinigungsfluids zu den Hakenlöchern (3234) zu verhindern.
16. Die Anordnung gemäß Anspruch 14 oder 15, wobei Blockierrippen (349) ferner an Positionen
ausgebildet sind, von denen die linearen stromabwärtigen Rippen (324) zwischen den
beiden Enden der stromaufwärtigen Rippe (340) und der Reihe von stromabwärtigen Rippen
(324) beginnen, und Blockierelemente (349') angrenzend an die Blockierrippen (349)
vorgesehen sind, um dadurch eine Bewegung des Reinigungsfluids durch Zwischenräume zwischen den beiden Enden
zu blockieren.
17. Eine Mundstück- bzw. Düsenanordnung für einen Sauger zur Naß- und Trockenreinigung,
mit:
einem Saugkopf (320), der an einem Ende eines Verlängerungsrohrs zu installieren ist
und eine Saugöffnung besitzt, die mit dem Verlängerungsrohr kommuniziert, um ein Reinigungsfluid
und Fremdkörper anzusaugen, während er sich auf einem Boden bewegt,
einem Sprüher (330), der an bzw. auf einer oberen Oberfläche des Saugkopfes installiert
ist, um das Reinigungsfluid zu einem Vorderende des Saugkopfes zu sprühen,
gekennzeichnet durch
eine Mundstück- bzw. Düsenabdeckung (326) zum Definieren eines Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgangs,
der eine Breite besitzt, die allmählich zu der stromabwärtigen Seite an der oberen
Oberfläche des Saugkopfes zunimmt, wobei das von dem Sprüher versprühte Reinigungsfluid
durch den Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgang strömt,
stromabwärtige Rippen (324), die an einer stromabwärtigen Seite des Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgangs
vorgesehen sind, der durch die Mundstückabdeckung definiert ist, und Durchlaßabschnitte besitzen, die in vorbestimmten
Intervallen zwischen benachbarten stromabwärtigen Rippen ausgebildet sind, wobei das
Reinigungsfluid durch die Durchlaßabschnitte passiert,
eine stromaufwärtige Rippe (340), die quer über dem Sprüh-Strömungsdurchgang entsprechend
einem Zwischenraum zwischen dem Sprüher und den stromabwärtigen Rippen vorgesehen
ist, die an einer unteren Oberfläche der Mundstückabdeckung ausgebildet ist und so
installiert ist, daß ein Außenende davon in engem Kontakt mit dem Saugkopf ist, um
das von dem Sprüher durch eine Mehrzahl von Durchlaßabschnitten versprühte Reinigungsfluid zu verteilen und
das Reinigungsfluid zu den stromabwärtigen Rippen zu liefern, und
ein Dichtungsmaterial (347) das zwischen dem Außenende der stromaufwärtigen Rippe
und der oberen Oberfläche des Saugkopfes vorgesehen ist, um dazwischen eine Abdichtung
zu bewirken.
1. Ensemble d'embout pour un aspirateur à la fois pour le nettoyage par voie humide et
par voie sèche, comprenant :
une tête (20) d'aspiration à monter à une extrémité d'un tube (10) de rallonge relié
à un corps principal de l'aspirateur, pour aspirer un fluide de nettoyage et des substances
étrangères tout en se déplaçant sur un sol ;
un pulvérisateur (30) monté sur une surface supérieure de la tête d'aspiration, pour
pulvériser le fluide de nettoyage vers une extrémité avant de la tête d'aspiration
;
caractérisé par
un couvercle (26) d'embout définissant un passage (27) de courant de pulvérisation
sur la surface supérieure de la tête d'aspiration, le fluide de nettoyage pulvérisé
par le pulvérisateur s'écoulant dans le passage du courant de pulvérisation ; et
des nervures (24) en aval prévues sur un côté en aval du passage de courant de pulvérisation
défini par le couvercle (26) d'embout et ayant des parties (25) pénétrantes formées
à des intervalles déterminés à l'avance entre des nervures (24) voisines en aval,
le fluide de nettoyage passant dans les parties (25) pénétrantes.
2. Ensemble suivant la revendication 1, dans lequel une nervure (140) en amont, prévue
à travers le passage (127) de courant de pulvérisation correspondant à un espace entre
le pulvérisateur (130) et les nervures (124) en aval, disperse le fluide de nettoyage
pulvérisé par le pulvérisateur (130) et distribue le fluide de nettoyage aux nervures
(124) en aval.
3. Ensemble suivant la revendication 2, dans lequel la nervure (140) en amont est formée
pour faire saillie d'une partie en retrait de la tête d'aspiration et il y a un intervalle
entre la nervure (140) en amont et le couvercle (126) d'embout.
4. Ensemble suivant la revendication 2, dans lequel la nervure (240) en amont est formée
sur une surface inférieure du couvercle (226) de l'embout et une matière (247) d'étanchéité
est prévue entre la nervure (240) en amont et la surface supérieure de la tête (220)
d'aspiration.
5. Ensemble suivant la revendication 4, dans lequel un guide (245) de montage, pour guider
la matière (247) d'étanchéité vers une position étanche, est formé sur la surface
supérieure de la tête (220) d'aspiration.
6. Ensemble suivant la revendication 2, dans lequel la nervure (140) en amont bloque
le passage de courant de pulvérisation correspondant à l'espace entre le pulvérisateur
et les nervures (174) en aval, à l'exception des deux extrémités latérales du passage
du courant de pulvérisation, et la nervure (140) en amont est formée en ayant une
partie (125) de pénétration pour y permettre le passage du fluide de nettoyage en
une position décalée vers chacune des deux extrémités de la nervure en amont à partir
d'une partie à laquelle le fluide de nettoyage pulvérisé par le pulvérisateur est
distribué directement.
7. Ensemble suivant la revendication 6, dans lequel une pluralité de parties (241) de
pénétration sont formées en des positions sur la nervure (240) en amont relativement
proches de la partie à laquelle le fluide de nettoyage est distribué directement entre
chacune des deux extrémités de la nervure (240) en amont et de la partie à laquelle
le fluide de nettoyage est distribué directement.
8. Ensemble suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel le passage de courant
de pulvérisation, défini par le couvercle (26) de l'embout et par la surface supérieure
de la tête (20) d'aspiration, a une largeur augmentant peu à peu du pulvérisateur
(30) au côté en aval.
9. Ensemble suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel une partie centrale de
la nervure (240) en amont et des parties centrales des nervures (224) en aval sont
formées de manière à s'incliner vers un côté relativement en amont du passage du courant
de pulvérisation et les deux extrémités de la nervure (240) en amont et les extrémités
des nervures (224) en aval, placées aux deux extrémités latérales du passage du courant
de pulvérisation, sont formées de manière à être inclinées vers le côté en aval.
10. Ensemble suivant la revendication 9, dans lequel des rayons de courbure sont définis
en allant des nervures (224) centrales en aval aux nervures (224) en amont aux deux
extrémités latérales et en allant de la partie centrale aux deux extrémités de la
nervure (240) en amont respectivement.
11. Ensemble suivant la revendication 9, dans lequel certaines des nervures (224) en aval
sont, sur une longueur déterminée à l'avance aux deux extrémités latérales, formées
pour définir une ligne droite.
12. Ensemble suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel le couvercle (26, 126,
226, 326) d'embout est en un matériau transparent.
13. Ensemble suivant l'une des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel la surface supérieure
de la tête (20) d'aspiration est formée de manière à être inclinée vers le sol à l'extrémité
avant de la tête d'aspiration et les nervures (24) en aval sont formées sur une partie
de la surface supérieure inclinée vers le sol de manière à ce qu'une surface de chacune
des nervures en aval fasse face au sol.
14. Ensemble suivant la revendication 1, comprenant
une nervure (340) en amont, prévue à travers le passage du courant de pulvérisation
correspondant à un espace entre pulvérisateur et des nervures (324) en aval, formée
sur une surface inférieure du couvercle (326) de l'embout et montée de manière à ce
que l'une de ses pointes soit en contact étroit avec la tête (320) d'aspiration de
manière à disperser le fluide de nettoyage pulvérisé par le pulvérisateur (330) et
à distribuer le fluide de nettoyage aux nervures (324) en aval.
15. Ensemble suivant la revendication 14, dans lequel au moins une extrémité avant du
couvercle (326) de buse est montée sur la tête (320) d'aspiration de manière à ce
que des crochets (326h) soient pris dans des trous (323h) de crochets formés dans
la tête (300) d'aspiration et des éléments (348) d'écran sont prévus dans le passage
du courant de pulvérisation aux deux extrémités de la nervure (340) en amont et à
la série de nervures (324) en aval, pour empêcher le fluide de nettoyage de s'écouler
vers les trous (323h) de crochets.
16. Ensemble suivant la revendication 14 ou 15, dans lequel des nervures (349) de blocage
sont formées, en outre, en des positions à partir desquelles les nervures (324) linéaires
en aval commencent entre les deux extrémités de la nervure (340) en amont et la série
de nervures (324) en aval et des éléments (349) de_blocage sont prévus au voisinage
des nervures (349) de blocage en empêchant ainsi le fluide de nettoyage de se déplacer
dans des espaces entre les deux extrémités.
17. Ensemble d'embout pour un aspirateur pour à la fois le nettoyage par voie humide et
par voie sèche, comprenant :
une tête (320) d'aspiration à monter à une extrémité d'un tube de rallonge et ayant
une ouverture d'aspiration communiquant avec le tube de rallonge pour aspirer un fluide
de nettoyage et des substances étrangères tout en se déplaçant sur un sol ;
un pulvérisateur (330) monté sur une surface supérieure de la tête d'aspiration pour
pulvériser le fluide de nettoyage vers une extrémité avant de la tête d'aspiration
;
caractérisé par
un couvercle (326) d'embout pour définir un passage du courant de pulvérisation, qui
a une largeur qui augmente peu à peu vers le côté en aval sur la surface supérieure
de la tête d'aspiration, le fluide de nettoyage pulvérisé par le pulvérisateur s'écoulant
dans le passage du courant de pulvérisation ;
des nervures (324) en aval, prévues sur un côté en aval du passage du courant de pulvérisation
défini par le couvercle de l'embout ayant des parties pénétrantes formées à des intervalles
déterminés à l'avance entre des nervures voisines en aval, le fluide de nettoyage
passant dans les parties de pénétration ;
une nervure (340) en amont, prévue à travers le passage du courant de pulvérisation
correspondant à un espace entre le pulvérisateur et les nervures en aval, formée sur
une surface inférieure du couvercle de l'embout et montée de manière à ce que l'une
de ses pointes soit en contact étroit avec la tête d'aspiration, de manière à disperser
le fluide de nettoyage pulvérisé par le pulvérisateur dans une pluralité de parties
de pénétration et à distribuer le fluide de nettoyage vers les nervures en aval ;
et
un matériau (347) d'étanchéité prévu entre la pointe de la nervure en amont et la
surface supérieure de la tête d'aspiration pour effectuer une étanchéité entre elles.