Telescopic extension for a vacuum cleaner

Abstract: The invention relates a telescopic extension for a vacuum cleaner comprising an internal tube (11), an external tube (12), sliding one inside the other, wherein the internal tube is provided with a row of notches (15) of a preselected shape, appropriately spaced, suitable for receiving a selected element of constraint (22); said element of constraint (22) is provided with an appendix (23) preferably constituted by at least one small plate, with which an element of thrust (30) is capable of coming into contact at least along a line running substantially in the direction of movement of the same element of thrust (30).

Description: The present invention relates to a telescopic extension for an intake conduit of a vacuum cleaner, comprising an internal tube and an external tube sliding one inside the other, so that the length of the same extension can be adjusted telescopically and that the same tubes can be clamped in a relative selected positions to form a handle of desired length. Generally in vacuum cleaners a suction mouth or a cleaning brush are connected to a vacuum cleaner by means of a conduit comprising a rigid section that facilitates its grasp, and a flexible section. The rigid conduit section is formed by a telescopic extension comprising an internal tube and an external tube, sealingly sliding one inside the other, so as to convey air and dust in the flexible section and to constitute a handle that can be adjusted in length, suitable for maneuvering the suction mouth or the cleaning brush; thus the extension should be capable of transmitting longitudinal forces of some magnitude. DE-A- 3917351 describes a telescopic extension for a vacuum cleaner, said extension comprising an internal tube and an external tube to which is fixedly arranged a bushing. In a first embodiment, the internal tube is provided with an axial sequence of bulgings and said bushing supports a leaf spring having its free end wave-like shaped suitable for cooperating with one bulging under the action of operating means formed by a push button, actuating cams and a compression spring. Normally said leaf spring is biased by said cams, under the action of the compression spring, to overlap one of said bulgings and to lock said telescopic extension, while actuating said push-button, said cams disengage said leaf spring from said bulging, leaving it free to lift, so that the internal tube can slide relative the external tube and the length of the extension can be adjusted. In a second embodiment, the internal tube is provided with a row of notches suitable for housing a constraining cylinder, while a rotational body is provided with hemicyclindrical grooves suitable for holding said cylinder in one of said notches or for releasing it to adjust the length of said extension. The telescopic extension of DE-A- 3917351 has the disadvantage that the contact between said cams, leaf spring and bulging or between said rotational body and cylinder takes place in a area substantially limited to a line and thus the specific pressure is very high. As a consequence, impressions are formed in said cams and rotational body, exspecially if they are made in plastic material; said impressions tend to increase in time and clearance appears in the extension so that internal and external tubes cannot firmly locked in the desired relative position. US-A- 5,031,266 relates to a wand seal assembly for a vacuum cleaner wand providing an improved seal between the telescopic connecting elements of the wand. The seal comprises a two piece, dual durometer seal having a rigid portion with locking tabs for securing to the wand portion, and a flexible portion. This reference does not teach or suggest, either alone or in combination with DE-A- 3917351, some relevant features of the present invention such as i) a sleeve comprising one second tubular casing fitted over a first tubular casing, ii) operating means slidingly supported by the first and second tubular casing. The European patent application No. 0293518 describes a telescopic extension for a vacuum cleaner, comprising an internal tube and an external tube, sliding one inside the other, wherein a sleeve of suitable plastic material is mounted inside a flared section of the external tube, so that it fits over the internal tube; the internal tube is provided with a row of notches of a preselected shape, hemispherical or hemicylindrical, appropriately spaced, suitable for receiving a constraining element formed by a sphere or by a small cylindrical bar, supported by the sleeve itself. In the sleeve there is also a means for manual operation, constituted by a ring nut or by a pushbutton which, normally, under the action of a spring, keeps an element of thrust in engagement with said constraining element and forces it into one of the notches of the internal tube, so as to lock the latter with respect to the external tube; by pressing said means for operation, against the action of the spring, the element of thrust is disengaged from the constraining element, which leaves the internal tube free to slide with respect to the external tube, allowing the length of the same extension to be adjusted. In this telescopic extension, however, clearances appear in time which hinder the adjustment of its length, because in the element of thrust in plastic material impressions appear due to the fact that the contact with the constraining element made of steel takes place in an area substantially limited to a point or a line, and thus the specific pressure is very high; these impressions, which are formed in a direction substantially normal to the direction of movement of the element of thrust, tend to increase in time. When the element of thrust is deformed, the constraining element remains loose in the notches of the internal tube, and is no longer capable of firmly locking the latter with respect to the external tube, in the desired position. Another problems of said known telescopic extension arise from said flared section of the external tube, which needs complex operations for manufacturing. The US patent No. 3.351.363 describes a telescopic extension for vacuum cleaners, comprising an internal tube and an external tube, sealingly sliding one inside the other, wherein a sleeve in plastic material is mounted overhanging on the external wall of the external tube and is fastened to it by deformation of the same external tube inside an annular groove on it, or it is mounted inside a flared section of said external tube and is fastened by upseting an edge of said external tube to act as a guide of the internal tube; the internal tube is provided with a row of hemispherical notches, appropriately spaced, suitable for receiving a constraining element formed by a ball that can be movably supported radially by the same sleeve. In the sleeve there is also mounted a sliding or rotating manually-operated ring nut which, normally, under the action of a spring, thrusts said ball radially, through a element of thrust, into one of the notches of the internal tube, so as to lock the latter in the desired position with respect to the external tube; by moving said ring nut, against the action of the spring, the ball is disengaged and leaves the internal tube free to slide with respect to the external tube and allows the length of the extension itself to be adjusted. One of the main disadvantages of this telescopic extension is represented by the fact that the connection between sleeve and external tube is accomplished by the latter's deformation through expansion instruments and through an upseting instrument; this operation, in addition to making the manufacturing cycle more complex and more expensive, can jeopardize the integrity of the tube, thus increasing the number of rejects. Another disadvantage of the embodiement of the extension described having said sleeve overhanging, is represented by the fact that the sleeve constitutes a component that is too weak to effectively support the repeated stresses to which it is subjected during the operations for which the extension is destined. Also in said latter telescopic extension impressions appear in the element of thrust in plastic material due to the fact that the contact with the element of constraining made of steel takes place in a very narrow area substantially limited to a point. Therefore in time clearence appears between the element of thrust and the element of constraining which remains loose in the notches of the internal tube, and is no longer capable of firmly locking the latter with respect to the external tube, in the desired position. An object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic extension for vacuum cleaners in which the problems connected with the contact between the element of thrust and the constraining element are overcome, so as to to maintain maximum efficiency in time. Another object of the invention is to provide a telescopic extension that should be made and assembled in a manner that is easy and safe, without involving deformations of the external tube. A further object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic extension that is strong, functional, reliable, and exempt from loose clearances even after prolonged use. According to the invention, it is provided a telescopic extension for a vacuum cleaner as defined by the characterizing portion of claim 1. According to a preferred embodiment said small plate is integral with said pivot and said sleeve is provided with a recess for receiving said pivot. According to another preferred embodiment said constraining element is constituted by a small substantially cylindrical bar and said small plate is integral with said small bar. Preferably said thrust element is provided with a pressure wall capable of coming into contact with said portion of said small plate accross its entire surface. Advantageously at least said portion of said small plate is supported in said sleeve inclined at a selected angle with respect to the axis of said tubes, and said element of thrust is provided with a pressure wall inclined at the same angle with respect to the axis of the tubes, said pressure wall being capable of coming into contact with the surface of said portion of said small plate to force said constraining element into one of said notches. According to a further preferred embodiment said sleeve comprises at least a first tubular casing mounted on an external wall of said external tube and said constraining element is movably supported by said first tubular casing and said sleeve comprises at least one second tubular casing fitted over said first tubular casing, said operating means being slidingly supported by said first and second tubular casing. Preferably said first tubular casing is provided with snap-on connecting means with which it is connected to said external wall of said external tube. According to a preferred embodiment said snap-on connecting means are constituted by at least one partially-elastic tang, obtained in said first tubular casing and provided with at least one protrusion capable of engaging a corresponding opening of said external tube. Preferably said first tubular casing is provided with a further tang, partially elastic, provided with a longitudinal projection suitable for engaging a corresponding longitudinal slot of said external tube and a corresponding longitudinal groove of said internal tube, so that relative sliding motions are allowed and relative rotations are prevented between said tubes. Advantageously, said first tubular casing is provided with a projection suitable for engaging a centering port of said external tube; it is also provided with a seat capable of supporting said constraining element and is provided with guide recesses suitable for slidingly supporting a pushbutton constituting said operating means, said pushbutton being slidingly supported in a guide port of said second tubular casing. With the solution according to this invention the element of thrust acts on the element of constraining and on the appendix constituted by the small plate, through a contact that is directed substantially in the direction of thrust, and that is preferably extended to a surface; there are thus avoided those deformations of the element of thrust which would jeopardize the engagement between the same element of thrust and the element of constraining. With this invention a strong, functional, reliable telescopic extension is accomplished, having a sleeve firmly connected to the external tube by means of easily assembled connecting means. The features and advantages of the invention shall now be described with reference to the drawings which, as non-limiting examples, represent preferred embodiments of this invention, and of which: Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiement of a telescopic extension for a vacuum cleaner, accomplished according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows the telescopic extension of Fig. 1 in a different operational condition; Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the plane III-III of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along the plane IV-IV of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the plane V-V of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of some components of the telescopic extension of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a top plan view of other components of the telescopic extension of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a second embodiement of a telescopic extension for vacuum cleaners according to the invention; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view according to the plane indicated with IX-IX in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a plan view from above of a first tubular casing, of a pushbutton and of a constraining element of the telescopic extension of Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is a partially sectioned enlarged view according to the plane indicated with XI-XI in Fig. 8. In the figures there is indicated as a whole with 10 a telescopic extension for a vacuum cleaner constituted by an internal tube 11 and by an external tube 12, made of a steel sheet, sliding one inside the other, with the interposition of a usual sealing ring, not shown; the tube 11 is provided with a series of hemicylindrical notches 15 placed at a preset distance one from the other; the external tube 12 is provided with a flared section 16 in which there is a sleeve 18 in suitable plastic material, which is fastened by means of teeth, not shown; the sleeve 18 is fitted over the internal tube 11 and is provided with a projection 13 which engages with a groove 14 of the internal tube 11, so that the latter can slide, but not rotate, with respect to the same sleeve; in the sleeve 18 there are a hemicylindrical recess 19, a ramp 20, an opening 21, and a recess 17 with a rectangular area connected with a recess 26 which also has a rectangular area. There is indicated with 22 a constraining element comprising a small bar 220 having a substantially cylindrical, or other suitable, shape, made of steel, suitable for introducing itself into the notches 15; with the small cylindrical bar 220 there is integral an appendix formed by a small plate indicated as a whole with 23, which in turn is integral with the pivot 24; the small plate 23 is constituted by two portions 230 and 231, at an angle to one another of slightly less than 180°; the pivot 24 and the portion 231 of the small plate 23 are up against the recess 19 and the ramp 20, so that the portion 230 of the same plate is arranged at a given angle, in the specific case, 5°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubes 11 and 12. There is indicated as a whole with 25 a pushbutton in a suitable plastic material slidably fitted in the rectangular recess 26 of the sleeve 18, to which it is constrained by means of tabs 34, which engage with the walls of an appropriate opening 35 obtained in a relief 36 of the section 16; the pushbutton 25 has a dead hole 27 in which a preloaded helical spring 28 is housed, which reacts with the wall 29 of the sleeve 18; the pushbutton 25 is provided with an element of thrust, indicated as a whole with 30, provided with a thrust wall 31 and a mouth wall 32, bevelled; the thrust wall 31 is inclined at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubes 11 and 12 by the same angle selected for the portion 230 of the small plate 23, in the specific case 5°. Under the action of the spring 28, the pushbutton 25 keeps the thrust wall 31 in contact with the entire surface of the portion 230 of the small plate 23, as shown in Fig. 1, and forces the small bar 220 into the notch 15 of the tube 11, which is below the opening 21 of the sleeve 18. To adjust the length of the telescopic extension 10, the pushbutton 25 is pulled from left to right, in the position represented in Fig. 1, so that the thrust wall 31 moves away from the portion 230 of the small plate 23 and allows the small bar 220 to leave the notch 15; this allows the tube 11 to be made to slide inside the tube 12 until the desired length is reached; when, under the action of the spring 28, the pushbutton 25 is released, the thrust wall 31 returns to being in contact with the portion 230 of the small plate 23, as shown in fig. 2 and once again pushes the small bar 220 into another notch 15 of the tube 11, which has been brought opposite the opening 21, thus firmly locking the tubes 11 and 12 one with respect to the other and forming a very strong handle, suitable for operating the intake conduit of a vacuum cleaner. The main advantage of the telescopic extension described is represented by the fact that the element of thrust 30 acts on the small bar 220 and on the appendix constituted by the small plate 23, through a contact that is directed substantially in the direction of thrust, and that preferably is extended to a surface; this allows the distribution of the applied thrust over a fairly large area and the reduction of the specific pressure between the parts in contact; there are thus eliminated the causes of deformation of the element of thrust and wear is also reduced considerably. Another advantage of the proposed solution is represented by the mounting of the small plate 23 in the sleeve 18 at an angle with respect to the tubes 11 and 12; this arrangement, combined with the fact that any deformations would take place in the same direction of movement of the element of thrust, implies a self-locking effect, which ensures contact between the thrust wall 31 and the small plate 23, even if the same wall 31, in time, becomes worn or in the limit is deformed. In Fig.s 8 and 9 there is indicated as a whole with 18 a sleeve for a telescopic extension for vacuum cleaners constituted by an internal tube 11 and by an external tube 12 in steel sheet chromium-plated externally, slidable one inside the other, with the interposition of a usual sealing ring, not shown; the tube 11 is provided with a series of semicylindrical notches 15 located at a predetermined distance one from the other and with a longitudinal groove 5; the external tube 12 is provided with two diametrically opposite openings 6, with a longitudinal slot 7 and with a port 8 that are also diametrically opposite to one another. The sleeve 18 is formed by a first tubular casing 100 of suitable plastic material, and by a second tubular casing 110 in steel sheet chromium-plated externally, fitted with a slight interference over said first tubular casing 100. The tubular casing 100 is fitted over the external wall 9 of the external tube 12 and is provided with snap-on connecting means constituted by two tangs 120, partially elastic, each provided with a protrusion 130 suitable for engaging a corresponding opening 6 of the external tube 12; the tubular casing 100 is also provided with a tang 140, partially elastic, provided with a longitudinal projection 150 suitable for engaging the slot 7 of the external tube 12 and the longitudinal groove 5 of the internal tube 11, so that the latter can slide, but not rotate, with respect to the external tube 12. There is indicated with 160 a projection of the tubular casing 100 suitable for engaging a centering port 8 of said external tube 12; as is also shown in Fig. 8, in the projection 160 there are obtained a recess 170 with a rectangular area connected to a recess 180 also with a rectangular area, an opening 190, a ramp 20 and a semicylindrical recess 19; the tubular casing 100 is finally provided with an annular edge 221 which acts as an abutment to the external tube 12 and to the second tubular casing 110 and that is fitted over the internal tube 11. The second tubular casing 110 is provided with a port 232 and with a relief 240 located opposite the projection 160 of the first tubular casing 100. There is indicated as a whole with 22 a constraining element, also visible in Fig. 8, comprising a small partially cylindrical bar 220, in steel, preferably in hardened stainless steel, suitable for being inserted in the notches 15 of the internal tube 11; the constraining element 22 can be constituted by a ball or by a roller, but preferably it is made by a small cylindrical bar 220 which is integral with an appendix formed by a small plate indicated as a whole with 23, which in turn is integral with a pin 24; the small plate 23 is constituted by two portions 230 and 231, inclined at an angle to one another of slightly less than 180°; the pin 24 and the portion 231 of the small plate 23 rest up against the recess 19 and the ramp 20, so that the portion 230 of said small plate is inclined at a given angle, in the specific case 5°, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubes 11 and 12. There is indicated as a whole with 25 a pushbutton in suitable plastic material, also visible in Fig. 8, slidingly mounted in the rectangular recesses 170 and 180 of the tubular casing 100 and engaged by means of tongues 300 with the guide port 232 of the tubular casing 110; the pushbutton 25 is provided with a blind hole 27 in which there is housed a pre-loaded helical spring 28, reacting against the wall 29 of the tubular casing 100; the pushbutton 25 is provided with an element of thrust, indicated as a whole with 30, provided with a thrust wall 31 inclined at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubes 11 and 12 that is the same as the one selected for the portion 230 of the small plate 23, in the specific case 5°. The pushbutton 25, under the action of the spring 28, keeps the thrust wall 31 in contact with the entire surface of the portion 230 of the small plate 23, forcing the small bar 220 inside the slot 15 of the tube 11, that is under the opening 190 of the tubular casing 100. To adjust the length of the extension, the sleeve 18 is grasped and the pusbutton 25 is pulled from left to right, in the position represented in Fig. 8, so that the thrust wall 31 moves away from the portion 230 of the small plate 23 and releases the small bar 220 to exit from the notch 15; this allows the tube 11 to slide inside the tube 12 until the desired length is reached. When the pushbutton 25 is released, under the action of the spring 28, the thrust wall 31 returns in contact with the portion 230 of the small plate 23 and again pushes the small bar 220 inside the notch 15 of the tube 11 that has been brought opposite the opening 190, so that the tubes 11 and 12 are safely locked one with respect to the other. For mounting the sleeve 18 proceed by mounting the tubular casing 100 on the wall 9 of the external tube 12 and by firmly fastening it to said wall 9 by means of the protrusions 130 of the tangs 120 and the projection 150 of the tang 140, and by means of the tubular casing 110, that is fitted with a slight interference over said first tubular casing 100; a handle is thus formed with a very strong grip, suitable for maneuvering the suction conduit of vacuum cleaners. The advantages of the described sleeve 1 are represented by its strength, efficiency, reliability, and by the simplicity of assembly, due to the presence of the two tubular casings 100 and 110 and of the tangs 120, 140 with respective protrusions 130 and projection 150.

Claims: Telescopic extension for vacuum cleaners comprising an internal tube (11), an external tube (12), sealingly sliding one inside the other, a sleeve (18) connected to said external tube (12), the internal tube (11) being provided with a row of notches (15) of a predetermined shape, appropriately spaced, a constraining element (22) movably supported in said sleeve (18) and a manual operating means (25) subjected to the action of elastic means (28), capable of keeping an element of thrust (30) in engagement with said constraining element (22), to force it into one of the notches (15) of said internal tube (11) and to lock the latter with respect to the external tube (12), and capable, against the action of said elastic means (28), of disengaging said element of thrust (30) from said constraining element (22), leaving said internal tube (11) free to slide inside the external tube (12), said constraining element (22) being provided with an appendix (23), characterized in that said appendix (23) is formed by at least one small plate integral with said constraining element (22) and connected by means of a pivot (24) to said sleeve (18), said element of thrust (30) being capable of coming into contact with at least a portion (230) of said small plate (23) accross a surface to force said constraining element (22) into one of said notches (15). Telescopic extension according to claim 1, characterized in that said small plate (23) is integral with said pivot (24) and said sleeve (18) is provided with a recess (19) for receiving said pivot (24). Telescopic extension according to claim 1, characterized in that said constraining element (22) is constituted by a small substantially cylindrical bar (220) and said small plate (23) is integral with said small bar (220). Telescopic extension according to claim 1, characterized in that said thrust element (30) is provided with a pressure wall (31) capable of coming into contact with said portion (230) of said small plate (23) accross its entire surface. Telescopic extension according to claim 1, characterized in that at least said portion (230) of said small plate (23) is supported in said sleeve (18) inclined at a selected angle with respect to the axis of said tubes (11, 12), and said element of thrust (30) is provided with a pressure wall (31) inclined at the same angle with respect to the axis of the tubes (11, 12), said pressure wall (31) being capable of coming into contact with the surface of said portion (230) of said small plate (23) to force said constraining element (22) into one of said notches (15). Telescopic extension according to claim 1, in which said sleeve (18) comprises at least a first tubular casing (100) mounted on an external wall (9) of said external tube (12) and said constraining element (22) is movably supported by said first tubular casing (100) characterized in that said sleeve (18) comprises at least one second tubular casing (110) fitted over said first tubular casing (100), said operating means (25) being slidingly supported by said first and second tubular casing (100, 110). Telescopic extension according to claim 6, characterized in that said first tubular casing (100) is provided with snap-on connecting means (120,130) with which it is connected to said external wall (9) of said external tube (12). Telescopic extension according to claim 6, characterized in that said snap-on connecting means (120, 130) are constituted by at least one partially-elastic tang (120), obtained in said first tubular casing (100) and provided with at least one protrusion (130) suitable for engaging a corresponding opening (6) of said external tube (12). Telescopic extension according to claim 6, characterized in that said first tubular casing (100) is provided with a further tang (140), partially elastic, provided with a longitudinal projection (150) suitable for engaging a corresponding longitudinal slot (7) of said external tube (12) and a corresponding longitudinal groove (5) of said internal tube (11), so that relative sliding motions are allowed and relative rotations are prevented between said tubes (11,12). Telescopic extension according to claim 6, characterized in that said second tubular casing (110) is fitted with a slight interference over said first tubular casing (100). Telescopic extension according to claim 6, characterized in that said first tubular casing (100) is provided with a projection (160) suitable for engaging a centering port (8) of said external tube (12). Telescopic extension according to claim 6, characterized in that said first tubular casing (100) is provided with a seat (190, 200, 210) suitable for supporting said constraining element (22) and is provided with guide recesses (170, 180) suitable for slidingly supporting a pushbutton (25) constituting said operating means, said pushbutton (25) being slidingly supported in a guide port (232) of said second tubular casing (110). Telescopic extension according to claim 12, characterized in that said constraining element (22) comprises a small partially cylindrical bar (220) integral with a small plate (23) in turn integral with a pin (24), at least one portion (230) of said small plate (23) being supported in a ramp (200) of said seat (190, 200, 210) of said first tubular casing (100) inclined at a given angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of said tubes (11,12), said pin (24) being supported in a semicylindrical recess (19) of said first tubular casing (100), said element of thrust (30) being provided with a thrust wall (31) inclined at the same angle with respect to said axis of the tube (11,12), capable of coming into contact, under the action of said elastic means (28), with the entire surface of said portion (230) of the same small plate (23).

Inventors: CANALE GIUSEPPE, CANALE, GIUSEPPE
Applicants: OMEC SPA, OMEC S.P.A.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: A47L9
IPC codes: F16L27, A47L9