Patent Description:
Often domestic cleaning is carried out with handheld vacuum cleaners. In order to improve the functionality of the handheld vacuum cleaner, one or more nozzle accessories are usually provided with the vacuum cleaner to suit different types of cleaning tasks. Since the handheld vacuum cleaner is compact, there is often no room for onboard storage of the accessories. Usually this means that the user is faced with carrying around several nozzle accessories whilst carrying out a cleaning operation which can be cumbersome and inconvenient for the user.

It is known to provide a built-in expandable nozzle in a handheld vacuum cleaner. Such a vacuum cleaner is shown in <CIT> which comprises a built-in expandable nozzle. The nozzle comprises sliders which outwardly stretch and enlarge the size of the nozzle. A problem with this arrangement is that the built-in expandable nozzle takes up a significant proportion of the width of the end of the handheld vacuum cleaner. This means that when the built-in expandable nozzle is retracted, the width the nozzle inlet is limited in size. This limits the functionality of the handheld vacuum cleaner when the built-in nozzle is in the retracted state.

<CIT> discloses a vacuum cleaner convertible between a hand-held vacuum and a stick-type vacuum. A releasably extensible dirt cup is slidably disposed within a housing of the vacuum cleaner and adapted to move between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position from the housing.

<CIT> discloses a hand-guided suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a tube-like nozzle section having two half-shell tube sections that are pivotable between a longitudinal orientation in which they provide a crevice nozzle, and a transverse orientation in which they provide a surface nozzle.

<CIT> discloses a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the preamble of Claim <NUM> of the appended claims.

Examples of the present invention aim to address the aforementioned problems.

According to the present invention there is a vacuum cleaner according to Claim <NUM>.

Optionally, the retractable nozzle is arranged to slide with respect to the housing when moving in the direction along the longitudinal axis.

Optionally, the portion of the retractable nozzle is arranged to pivot in the direction across the longitudinal axis.

Optionally, the portion of the retractable nozzle is at least one pivotable arm.

Optionally, the retractable nozzle comprises a slidable nozzle carriage and the at least one arm is pivotally mounted on the slidable nozzle carriage.

Optionally, the retractable nozzle comprises a first arm and a second arm pivotally mounted on the slidable nozzle carriage.

Optionally, the housing comprises at least one guide track arranged to receive a portion of the retractable nozzle such that the at least one guide track limits the movement of the retractable nozzle with respect to the housing.

Optionally, the retractable nozzle comprises a pivot and the pivot is arranged to slide within the at least one guide track.

Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the dirty air inlet is larger when the retractable nozzle is in the deployed configuration than when the retractable nozzle is in the retracted configuration.

Optionally, one or more accessories are attachable to the retractable nozzle when the retractable nozzle is in the retracted configuration.

Optionally, the retractable nozzle comprises at least one catch for selectively securing the retractable nozzle in the deployed configuration or the retracted configuration.

Optionally, the retractable nozzle is configured to move along the airflow path when the retractable nozzle moves within the housing.

Optionally, the dirt container is translucent.

Optionally, the dirt container and retractable nozzle are detachable from the housing.

Optionally, the portion of the retractable nozzle defines an open channel in the direction across the longitudinal axis when the retractable nozzle is in the deployed configuration.

Optionally, the retractable nozzle comprises a projecting lip grippable by the user such that the user can move the retractable nozzle from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner is a handheld vacuum cleaner.

Various other aspects and further examples are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The vacuum cleaner <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is a handheld vacuum cleaner (also known as a "handvac"), but in other examples the vacuum cleaner <NUM> may be an upright vacuum cleaner, a stickvac, a canister vacuum cleaner or any other type of vacuum cleaner. References to the vacuum cleaner <NUM> hereinafter will be in reference to the handheld vacuum cleaner as shown in the Figures.

The vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> comprises a clam shell type construction which comprises two halves which are fastened together. The halves of the housing <NUM> are fastened together with screws but in alternative examples any suitable means for fastening the housing together may be used such as glue, clips, bolts and so on. For the purposes of clarity, the fastenings in the housing <NUM> are not shown.

The housing <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is integral with the housing <NUM> and the user grips the handle <NUM> when operating the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

Although not shown in the Figures, in some examples, the handle <NUM> is moveably mounted to the housing <NUM>. In this way, the housing <NUM> comprises a pivot whereby the handle <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the housing <NUM>. This means that the angle of the handle <NUM> with respect to the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> can be adjusted. This can make reaching awkward spaces such as under chairs or on top of cupboards easier. Additionally or alternatively, the handle <NUM> is slidable with respect to the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the handle <NUM> is extendable and means that the flexibility of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is increased. In some examples, the handle <NUM> is telescopic and is stowed within the housing <NUM> when not extended. Alternatively a handle accessory (not shown) is attachable to the handle <NUM> in order to extend the handle <NUM>. In this way, the handle accessory is configured to convert the vacuum cleaner <NUM> into a stickvac.

In some examples, the handle <NUM> comprises an ON/OFF switch <NUM> for operating the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The ON/OFF switch <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is a slide switch <NUM> mounted on a top side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. However in some alternative examples, the ON/OFF switch <NUM> may be a trigger switch mechanically coupled to a microswitch (not shown). The trigger switch <NUM> may be positioned on the underside <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In other examples, the switch <NUM> can be located on any exterior surface of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

In some examples, the handle <NUM> comprises one or more indicators for providing information about the vacuum cleaner <NUM> to the user. A battery indicator <NUM> is mounted on the housing <NUM> for indicating to the user the charge level status of a battery <NUM> (as best shown in <FIG>). In some examples, the battery <NUM> is housed in a battery housing <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cut-away perspective view of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The battery housing <NUM> may be mounted to the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the battery housing <NUM> is integral with the housing <NUM>. In other examples, the battery housing <NUM> and the battery <NUM> are releasably mountable to the housing <NUM>. In this way, the battery <NUM> can be switched with another battery.

Further indicators (not shown) such as filter status indicators (filter blocked / filter cleared) can be mounted on the handle <NUM> or elsewhere on the housing <NUM>. In other examples, the indicator is a symbol indicating to the user when to charge the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

Turning back to <FIG>, the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises a generally elongate shape which extends along the longitudinal axis A-A. The housing <NUM> comprises a dirty air inlet <NUM> and a clean air outlet <NUM>. An air flow path extends between the dirty air inlet <NUM> and the clean air outlet <NUM>. The air flow path will be discussed in further detail below. The dirty air inlet <NUM> extends substantially along the longitudinal axis A-A as shown in <FIG>.

The clean air outlet <NUM> can comprise a plurality of openings <NUM> which are mounted in a motor housing <NUM> (as best shown in <FIG>). The motor housing <NUM> is mounted to the housing <NUM>. In some examples and as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the motor housing <NUM> is integral with the housing <NUM>.

The plurality of openings <NUM> can be directed in a plurality of directions for dissipating the clean air exhaust into the environment. For example, the plurality of openings <NUM> can be orientated to direct the clean air away from the surface to be cleaned. This means that the dirt and debris on the surface to be cleaned is not dislodged by the exhaust clean air and blown away from the dirty air inlet <NUM>. In some alternative examples (not shown), the clean air outlet <NUM> directs clean exhaust air in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A. For example, the clean air outlet <NUM> directs the exhaust clean air out of a back surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

The vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises a motor-fan assembly <NUM> which is best shown in <FIG> shows a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The motor-fan assembly <NUM> comprises a motor <NUM> and a fan <NUM> for generating a negative pressure for sucking up dirt and debris via the dirty air inlet <NUM>. In this way, the motor-fan assembly <NUM> causes the airflow from the dirty air inlet <NUM> to the clean air outlet <NUM>.

The dirty air inlet <NUM> can optionally comprise a coupling engageable with a floor extension tube (not shown) or one or more other accessories such as a brush, a crevice tool or any other accessory. This means that the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> can e.g. allow the user to extend the reach of the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> when the dirty air inlet <NUM> is connected to a floor extension tube and associated accessories. An example of such an accessory is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> whereby a removeable brush accessory <NUM> is mounted to the dirty air inlet <NUM>.

The motor-fan assembly <NUM> is housed within the motor housing <NUM> and electrically connected to a power source. As mentioned above, the power source is a battery <NUM> comprising a plurality of battery cells. In some examples, the battery <NUM> is a lithium ion battery. In other examples, the battery <NUM> can be any suitable type of battery for use in a vacuum cleaner <NUM>. In other examples the vacuum cleaner <NUM> additionally or alternatively comprises a mains electricity supply (not shown).

The rotation axis of the motor-fan assembly <NUM> is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the rotation axis of the motor-fan assembly <NUM> is coaxial with the longitudinal axis A-A of the housing <NUM>. However, in other examples, the rotation axis of the motor-fan assembly <NUM> can be offset from the longitudinal axis of the housing <NUM>.

Turning back to <FIG>, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> will be described in further detail. As shown in <FIG>, a dirt container <NUM> is optionally removeably mounted on the housing <NUM>. The dirt container <NUM> is arranged to receive dirt or debris which is separated from the dirty air flow received via the dirty air inlet <NUM> during operation. In some examples, the dirt container <NUM> is optionally transparent or translucent. This means that the user can visually identify when the dirt container <NUM> is full and empty the dirt container <NUM> accordingly. In some other examples the dirt container <NUM> is opaque and not see-through.

The dirt container <NUM> as shown in <FIG> comprises an external wall <NUM> which forms part of the external surface of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The dirt container <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is a separate removeable part from the housing <NUM>. The dirt container <NUM> comprises a portion which is releasably mountable to the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the entire dirt container <NUM> is releasably mountable to the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the dirt container <NUM> is integral with the housing <NUM>. For example, the dirt container <NUM> optionally comprises a releasable door or lid (not shown) for emptying the dirt container <NUM> In this example, dirt container <NUM> may be hinged to the housing <NUM>.

A filter <NUM> is mounted to the housing <NUM> within the dirt container <NUM>. In this way, dirt and debris entrained in the airflow is removed from the swirling airflow within the dirt container <NUM>. The filter <NUM> prevents dirt and debris from entering the motor housing <NUM> and contaminating the motor-fan assembly <NUM>.

The dirt container <NUM> is represented in <FIG> with dashed lines for the purposes of clarity and showing the inside of the dirt container <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> the vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises a retractable nozzle <NUM> moveably mounted on the housing <NUM>. The retractable nozzle <NUM> is arranged to move between a retracted configuration within the housing <NUM> and a deployed configuration outside the housing <NUM>. The retractable nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is in the retracted configuration.

This means that the vacuum cleaner <NUM> can be compact, but still has space for onboard storage of a nozzle accessory. This means that the user does not need to carry out a nozzle accessory whilst carrying out a cleaning operation which convenient for the user.

When the retractable nozzle <NUM> is in the retracted configuration in some examples, the retractable nozzle <NUM> is completely retracted within the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, in other examples, the retractable nozzle <NUM> is partially retracted within the housing <NUM> in the retracted configuration.

As shown in the Figures, the retractable nozzle <NUM> is retractable into the dirt container <NUM>. In this way, the retractable nozzle <NUM> nests within the space <NUM> within the dirt container <NUM>. The retractable nozzle <NUM> creates a baffle within the dirt container <NUM> when in the retracted configuration. This means that the retractable nozzle <NUM> can increase the swirling of the air within the dirt container <NUM> and help remove dirt and debris entrained in the airflow.

In an embodiment not falling under the invention according to claim <NUM>, the retractable nozzle <NUM> does not extend into the dirt container <NUM> in the retracted configuration. Instead the retractable nozzle <NUM> is positioned within an extended nozzle housing portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG> shows a cross-sectional side view such a vacuum cleaner. The example as shown in <FIG> is the same as shown in <FIG> except that the retractable nozzle <NUM> does not extend in to the dirt container <NUM> when in the retracted configuration. In this way, the retractable nozzle <NUM> is not position in the space <NUM> within the dirt container <NUM>. This means that the capacity of the dirt container <NUM> is not reduced by retracting the retractable nozzle <NUM> into the housing <NUM>.

Turning back to <FIG>, the retractable nozzle <NUM> is moveably mounted on the housing <NUM> and at least a portion of the retractable nozzle <NUM> is arranged to move between a retracted configuration within the housing <NUM> and a deployed configuration outside the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the airflow path at the dirty air inlet <NUM> is parallel with the longitudinal axis A-A of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. This means that the retractable nozzle <NUM> in some examples is configured to move in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis A-A of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The direction of movement is show in <FIG> by arrow labelled B.

By storing the retractable nozzle <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A-A of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and then unfolding one or more parts of the retractable nozzle <NUM> in a lateral direction once the retractable nozzle <NUM> is outside the housing <NUM>, the retractable nozzle <NUM> can be deployed in a configuration with the dirty air inlet <NUM> having a large cross-sectional area. At the same time the retractable nozzle <NUM> comprises an arrangement in the retracted configuration wherein the dirty air inlet <NUM> has a smaller, but still useful cross-sectional area.

A brief reference will be made to <FIG> show a front view of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> with the retractable nozzle <NUM> respectively in the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration. The retractable nozzle <NUM> defines the dirty air inlet <NUM> and the airflow path extends through the retractable nozzle <NUM>. Indeed, it is possible to see the filter <NUM> within the dirt container <NUM>. In the retracted configuration, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> define the nozzle mouth <NUM> as discussed in reference to <FIG> below. In this way, the dirty air inlet <NUM> has a first retracted cross-sectional area <NUM> at the nozzle mouth <NUM>. In the deployed configuration, the dirty air inlet <NUM> is expanded and the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> have been folded out. The dirty air inlet <NUM> has a larger second deployed cross-sectional area <NUM>. The second cross-sectional area <NUM> comprises the first cross-sectional area of the nozzle mouth <NUM> and the area of the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the deployed configuration, the second deployed cross-sectional area <NUM> of the dirty air inlet <NUM> narrows as the airflow path enters the dirt container <NUM>. In some examples, the smallest cross-sectional area of the dirty air inlet <NUM> in the deployed configuration, is the same as the first retracted cross-sectional area <NUM> in the retracted configuration.

As mentioned above, in the retracted configuration the first retracted cross-sectional area <NUM> at the nozzle mouth <NUM> is smaller and the air speed will be higher. This means that there will be better dirt pick up rate through the smaller area of the nozzle mouth <NUM>. In contrast in the deployed configuration, the second deployed cross-sectional area <NUM> at the nozzle mouth <NUM> is approximately is three times wider. In the deployed configuration, there is a slower air speed and lower dirt pick up rate through the larger second deployed cross-sectional area <NUM>. In both the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration, the airflow of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> should be approximately the same. This means that in the retracted configuration the vacuum cleaner <NUM> will be better for imbedded debris (e.g. in a rug or carpet) and in the deployed configuration the vacuum cleaner <NUM> will pick up more loose debris (e.g. circular cereal hoops).

The retractable nozzle <NUM> will now be discussed in further detail with respect to <FIG>. In <FIG> the retractable nozzle <NUM> is in the retracted configuration. As mentioned previously, in <FIG> the removeable brush accessory <NUM> is mounted on the retractable nozzle <NUM>. In some examples, the removeable brush accessory <NUM> is selectively mountable to the retractable nozzle <NUM> in the retracted configuration. In other examples, other accessories such as a crevice tool (not shown), or a rotating brush accessory (not shown) can be mounted to the retractable nozzle <NUM>. This means that the user can mount different accessories to the retractable nozzle <NUM> when the retractable nozzle <NUM> is in the retracted configuration. This can increase the functionality of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

The retractable nozzle <NUM> comprises a nozzle carriage <NUM> which slidably engages with the housing <NUM>. The nozzle carriage <NUM> is a hollow element on to which one or more moveable nozzle parts are mounted. The movement of the one or more moveable nozzle parts will be discussed in further detail below. Since the nozzle carriage <NUM> is hollow, the airflow path is directed through the nozzle carriage <NUM> when the retractable nozzle <NUM> is any configuration e.g. in the retracted configuration and in the deployed configuration.

The nozzle carriage <NUM> is configured to slide between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. In the retracted configuration, the nozzle carriage <NUM> is in a first position and in the deployed position, the nozzle carriage <NUM> is in a second position. The second position is closer to the dirty air inlet <NUM> than the first position.

The nozzle carriage <NUM> optionally comprises one or more guide mechanisms for ensuring that the nozzle carriage <NUM> is seated correctly when moving between the retracted and deployed configurations.

Optionally the nozzle carriage <NUM> comprises a stop tab <NUM> projecting from the side <NUM> of the nozzle carriage <NUM> as shown in Figure. The stop tab <NUM> prevents the user from completely removing the retractable nozzle <NUM> from the housing <NUM>. Although only one side <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, both sides of the nozzle carriage <NUM> may comprise a stop tab <NUM>.

In some examples, the nozzle carriage <NUM> optionally comprises a guide tongue portion <NUM> which is positioned between a pair of guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> mounted on the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> the guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted on the inside of the dust container <NUM>. In this way, the guide tongue portion <NUM> is positioned between the pair of guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> in the retracted configuration. This means that the guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> help seat the nozzle carriage <NUM> correctly in the retracted configuration.

In some examples, the nozzle carriage <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> for receiving a holding protrusion (not shown) mounted on the inside of the housing <NUM>. When the nozzle carriage <NUM> is in the retracted configuration, the holding protrusion engages with the recess <NUM> and the retractable nozzle <NUM> is held in the retracted configuration. In order to release the retractable nozzle <NUM>, the user pulls the retractable nozzle <NUM> such that the holding protrusion flexes and releases from the recess <NUM>. In some other examples, there is no recess <NUM> or holding protrusion. Alternatively in some examples, there is a friction fit between the retractable nozzle <NUM> and the dirt container <NUM> holding the retractable nozzle <NUM> in place with respect to the dirt container <NUM> when in the retracted configuration or in the deployed configuration.

Turning to <FIG>, the retractable nozzle <NUM> will be discussed in more detail. The retractable nozzle <NUM> is again shown in the retracted configuration in <FIG>. Here the retractable nozzle <NUM> extends into the dirt container <NUM>. An internal end <NUM> of the nozzle carriage <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the filter <NUM>. In this way, the retractable nozzle <NUM> does not collide with the filter <NUM> when retracted into the dirt container <NUM>. The retractable nozzle <NUM> can extend any distance into the dirt container <NUM>. For example, although not shown in <FIG>, the internal end <NUM> can abut the end surface <NUM> of the dirt container <NUM>. This means that the retractable nozzle <NUM> can be longer. However, this may be a less preferred example because the volume of the dirt container <NUM> is reduced.

The retractable nozzle <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the retractable nozzle <NUM> in a retracted configuration. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> with the retractable nozzle <NUM> in a retracted configuration.

As shown in <FIG>, the retractable nozzle <NUM> is positioned within the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG> is moulded to form integral nozzle portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The integral nozzle portion <NUM> is optionally moulded as part of the dirt container <NUM>.

The retractable nozzle <NUM> is fully retracted into the housing <NUM>. The retractable nozzle <NUM> optionally comprises lip <NUM> configured to engage the integral nozzle portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in the retracted configuration. The lip <NUM> projects upwardly and provides a surface for the user to grip to pull the retractable nozzle <NUM> from the retracted configuration into the deployed configuration.

The retractable nozzle <NUM> will be discussed in more detail with respect to <FIG>. A first nozzle arm <NUM> and a second nozzle arm <NUM> are pivotally mounted on the nozzle carriage <NUM>. The first nozzle arm <NUM> is pivotally mounted on the nozzle carriage <NUM> at a first pivot <NUM>. Similarly the second nozzle arm <NUM> is pivotally mounted on the nozzle carriage <NUM> at a second pivot <NUM>. The first nozzle arm <NUM> and the second nozzle arm <NUM> are folded forwards so that the first nozzle arm <NUM> and the second nozzle arm <NUM> extend in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis A-A of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

The first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> of the retractable nozzle <NUM> are configured to move between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are shown in the deployed configuration in <FIG> and <FIG>. The deployed configuration of the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> will be discussed in further detail below.

Turning back to <FIG>, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> in the retracted configuration will be discussed in more detail. In some examples, the first and second pivots <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a recess (not shown) for each receiving a pivoting protrusion (not shown) projecting from the surface of the first nozzle arm <NUM> and the second nozzle arm <NUM>. The first and second pivots <NUM>, <NUM> comprise raised projections projecting upwardly from an upper surface <NUM> of the nozzle carriage <NUM>. In some examples the pivoting protrusion on the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> is a circular button (not shown) moulded in each upper surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the first nozzle arm <NUM> and the second nozzle arm <NUM>. The circular button is received in the reciprocal circular recess in the nozzle carriage <NUM>. Similarly, further pivots (not shown) are provided in line with the first and second pivots <NUM>, <NUM> on the underside surface <NUM> of the nozzle carriage <NUM> and the first nozzle arm <NUM> and the second nozzle arm <NUM>.

When the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> in the retracted configuration, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> define a nozzle mouth <NUM>. The nozzle mouth <NUM> is substantially the same size as the integral nozzle portion <NUM> of the dirt container <NUM>. This means that there is negligible difference to the airflow at the dirty air inlet <NUM> when the retractable nozzle <NUM> is mounted to the housing <NUM> when compared to the housing without the retractable nozzle <NUM>. In other words, the configuration of the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> in the retracted configuration does not affect the airflow and the operability of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. For example, the retractable nozzle <NUM> comprises a cross-sectional area which is sufficiently large to suck up large objects like circular cereal hoops, small stones and other large debris one might find on the domestic floor in all configurations.

In some examples, the first and second pivots <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to project respectively into a first guide track <NUM> and a second guide track <NUM>. <FIG> shows the first and second pivots <NUM>, <NUM> slidably mounted within the first and second guide tracks <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second guide tracks <NUM>, <NUM> ensure that the first and second pivots <NUM>, <NUM> move in a straight line in a parallel direction along the longitudinal axis A-A. This means that the first and second guide tracks <NUM>, <NUM> keep the first and second pivots <NUM>, <NUM> and the sides of the nozzle carriage <NUM> parallel with the sides of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the retractable nozzle <NUM> can smoothly move between the retracted and the deployed configurations.

The deployed configuration of the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> will now be discussed in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the retractable nozzle <NUM> in a deployed configuration. <FIG> shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> with the retractable nozzle <NUM> in a deployed configuration. The retractable nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is the same as the retractable nozzle <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. However, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> have pivoted into the deployed configuration.

As the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> pivot with respect to the nozzle carriage <NUM>, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> rotate from being aligned in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis A-A to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A.

Movement of the retractable nozzle <NUM> from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration will now be briefly discussed with reference to <FIG> respectively show a partial plan view of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> and the retractable nozzle <NUM> in different positions.

The user pulls the lip <NUM> away from the housing <NUM> in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis A-A as shown in <FIG>. The nozzle carriage <NUM> then slides with respect to the housing <NUM> and brings the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> outside the housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The nozzle carriage <NUM> is fully extended as shown in <FIG>. The first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are then free to pivot laterally such that the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned along an axis C-C across the longitudinal axis A-A. The user then rotates the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> into the deployed configuration as shown in <FIG>.

Turning back to <FIG>, the retractable nozzle <NUM> in the deployed configuration will be discussed in more detail. In the deployed configuration the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> define an open nozzle channel <NUM> which extends along axis C-C. Axis C-C is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. A first end <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> of the open nozzle channel <NUM> are open. This means that dirt and debris can also be sucked into the vacuum cleaner <NUM> via the first end <NUM>, or the second end <NUM> of the open nozzle channel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are folded out laterally in the deployed position. The retractable nozzle <NUM> comprises a wider configuration which allows for a larger dirty air inlet <NUM>.

In some examples, the nozzle carriage <NUM> optionally comprises a catch <NUM> for engaging a reciprocal recess mounted on the inside of the housing <NUM>. When the nozzle carriage <NUM> is in the deployed configuration, the catch <NUM> engages with the recess and the retractable nozzle <NUM> is held in the deployed configuration. The friction between the catch <NUM> and the reciprocal recess is sufficient to prevent retraction of the retractable nozzle <NUM> if the user engages the retractable nozzle <NUM> with a surface to be cleaned. In some examples, the catch <NUM> comprises a catch surface <NUM> projecting perpendicularly from the surface of the nozzle carriage. The catch surface <NUM> engages with a reciprocal perpendicular surface in the reciprocal recess. When the catch surface <NUM> engages the reciprocal surface, the retractable nozzle <NUM> is prevented from moving from the deployed configuration. Accordingly, the catch <NUM> and the surrounding portion of the nozzle carriage <NUM> may need to be depressed to release the catch <NUM> from the reciprocal recess.

Alternatively in some examples, there is no catch <NUM>. As mentioned above, there is a friction fit between the retractable nozzle <NUM> and the dirt container <NUM> holding the retractable nozzle <NUM> in place with respect to the dirt container <NUM> when in the deployed configuration.

In some examples, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> comprise an arm stop element <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The arm stop element <NUM> is arranged to abut a carriage stop element <NUM> on the nozzle carriage <NUM> when the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are in the deployed configuration. Although only one arm stop element <NUM> and carriage stop element <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, both the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> comprise the arm stop element <NUM> and the carriage stop element <NUM>. The arm stop element <NUM> and the carriage stop element <NUM> ensure that the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> rotate to the correct position.

In some examples the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to pivot <NUM> degrees such that the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are orientated in perpendicular directions in the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration.

Optionally, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a first engagement finger <NUM> and a second engagement finger <NUM>. The first and second engagement fingers <NUM>, <NUM> respectively project from first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second engagement fingers abut each other and exert as force against each other when rotated into in the deployed configuration. This means that the first and second engagement fingers <NUM>, <NUM> push against each other and hold the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> in the deployed configuration. As the first and second engagement fingers <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged, the first and second engagement fingers <NUM>, <NUM> may click to together giving the user an audible and / or tactile feedback that the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned in the deployed configuration.

In alternative examples, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are pivotally mounted with sufficient friction in the pivots <NUM>, <NUM> to keep the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> in position with respect to the nozzle carriage <NUM>.

The first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> in some alternative examples are pivotally mounted to the nozzle carriage <NUM> via a pivot pin (not shown) which extends through the nozzle carriage <NUM>.

In some alternative examples, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are not pivotally mounted on the nozzle carriage <NUM>. Instead the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> are slidably mounted in curved tracks (not shown). In this way the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> slide from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration. As the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> slide in the curved tracks, the first and second nozzle arms <NUM>, <NUM> move from being aligned in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis A-A to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A.

In another example, two or more examples are combined. Features of one example can be combined with features of other examples.

Claim 1:
A vacuum cleaner (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having a longitudinal axis (A-A);
a motor-fan assembly (<NUM>) mounted in the housing (<NUM>) arranged to generate an airflow along an airflow path from a dirty air inlet (<NUM>) to an air exhaust (<NUM>); and
a retractable nozzle (<NUM>) defining the dirty air inlet (<NUM>) and moveably mounted on the housing (<NUM>) and at least a portion of the retractable nozzle (<NUM>) is arranged to move between a retracted configuration within the housing (<NUM>) and a deployed configuration outside the housing (<NUM>);
wherein the portion of the retractable nozzle (<NUM>) in the retracted configuration is aligned in a direction along the longitudinal axis (A-A) and the portion of the retractable nozzle (<NUM>) in the deployed configuration is aligned in a direction across the longitudinal axis (A-A);
characterized in that the housing (<NUM>) comprises a dirt container (<NUM>) and the portion of the retractable nozzle (<NUM>) is arranged to be positioned within the dirt container (<NUM>) when the retractable nozzle (<NUM>) is in the retracted configuration.