DE102017208960A1 - Vacuum cleaner with a motor-operated sealant - Google Patents

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner having a suction fan (5) for generating a suction air flow, a suction port (6) in fluid communication with the suction fan (5), wherein closed areas are arranged at a leading edge of the suction port (6) located in the direction of movement (F) , between which open inlet openings (12) are provided, and a variable sealing means (7) for selectively closing the inlet openings (12), wherein in a closed position, the inlet openings of the sealing means (7) are closed and in an open position the inlet openings (12) are open. Suction fan (5) and sealing means (7) are functionally connected in such a way that the suction power of the suction fan (5) depending on the position of the sealant (7) can take one of several power levels or the sealing means (7) in dependence of the suction power of the suction fan (5) can take one of several positions. In addition, a dust cleaning robot (1) with a chassis (3) in which the chassis (3) and sealing means (7) are functionally connected in such a way that the dust cleaning robot (1) depending on the position of the sealant (7) perform one of several driving strategies or the sealing means (7) can take one of several position depending on the driving strategy of the dust cleaning robot (1). The vacuum cleaner and dust cleaning robot according to the invention are advantageously used flexibly in different cleaning situations.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner and a Saugreinigungsroboter with a suction fan for generating a Saugluftstroms, a suction port, which communicates with the suction fan in flow communication and on which one or more closed areas are arranged, between which one or more open inlet openings are provided, and a variable Sealant for selectively closing the inlet openings.

Background of the invention

The German patent application DE 10 2008 012 889 A1 discloses a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner with a suction slot and an array of support and sealing elements, which comprises an opening in front of the suction slot arranged apertured front strip. With a separately switchable additional device for vacuuming coarse dirt, the flow cross-section of openings in the front strip can be changed.

From the international publication WO 2014/180 320 A1 For example, a suction cleaning robot having a movable seal disposed at the dust receiving port is known. The seal seals the intake opening in the direction of travel at the front over the entire width. The movable seal comprises a sealing member and a moving member.

The international publication WO 2008/078 238 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaning robot whose vacuum cleaner nozzle has an edge with a rim portion that is movable between a lower layer and an elevated position. An edge actuation structure may move the edge portion between the lower layer and the raised layer. In this case, the edge-actuating structure should let the edge part during a part of a movement of the nozzle movement over the bottom surface in one direction in the lower layer and then start the lifting in the raised position during a subsequent part of the train.

The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object to provide an improved vacuum cleaner available. Furthermore, it is the object of the invention to provide an improved dust-cleaning robot. The vacuum cleaner and the dust cleaning robot should in particular be used flexibly in different cleaning situations.

Inventive solution

The reference numbers in all claims have no limiting effect, but are only intended to improve their readability.

The vacuum cleaner comprises a suction fan for generating a suction air flow, a suction port, which communicates with the suction fan in flow communication and on which one or more closed areas are arranged, between which a or a plurality of open inlet openings are provided, and a variable sealing means for selectively closing the inlet openings, wherein in a closed position, the inlet openings are closed by the sealing means and in an open position, the inlet openings are opened. The sealant can take several positions; similarly, the aspirator can take on several levels of power. The suction fan and the sealing means are functionally connected in such a way that the suction power of the suction fan can take one of several power levels depending on the position of the sealant or the sealant can take one of several positions depending on the suction power of the suction fan. The one or more closed areas and / or the inlet opening (s) are preferably arranged on a front edge of the suction opening arranged in front of the intended forward direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner in relation to the intended direction of movement.

With the invention is advantageously despite the limited due to a generally comparable low blower available amount of air good dust picking and good edge suction achievable. The fact that the suction channel or the suction port is circumferentially sealed, the air flow can be concentrated. The seal can be varied in order to be able to react to different cleaning situations. With the position of the sealant, the suction power of the suction fan can be adjusted to provide the optimum suction and cleaning performance for each cleaning situation. Likewise, the sealant can be adjusted depending on the suction power of the suction fan. As a result, the dust absorption can be improved in particular hard floor and the edge and Eckensaugen. At the same time a deterioration of the coarse dirt absorption and the suction behavior on carpet can be avoided. Thus, with high flexibility to different situations of the vacuum cleaner can be responded.

A vacuum cleaner in the sense of the present invention is a device which has a Suction air flow, which acts on an object, usually a surface, for example a floor surface, to receive particles such as dirt or dust particles, but also liquids, from the object by being detected and entrained by the suction air flow (hereinafter also referred to as "aspiration"). Advantageously, a vacuum cleaner can achieve such a cleaning effect.

The vacuum cleaner is usually equipped with a suction fan for generating a suction air flow, wherein a suction port of the vacuum cleaner is in flow communication with the suction side of the suction fan. The suction port is typically designed so that it over the object to be cleaned, for. B. a floor surface, can be performed to the particles, for. As dust or dirt to suck. The suction fan is usually in fluid communication with at least one dust separator, such as a generally interchangeable dust filter bag, a filter device or a centrifugal separator. Dirt particles taken up by the suction air stream are generally collected in a dust collecting chamber, with the dust filter usually being present in the dust collection chamber in the case of a vacuum cleaner with a dust filter bag.

The vacuum cleaner can be designed, for example, as a wet vacuum cleaner, as a dry vacuum cleaner or as a combined wet / dry vacuum cleaner. For example, the cleaning robot may comprise a wet vacuum and be adapted to apply liquid to a surface to be cleaned or an object to be cleaned and to suck the liquid by means of the wet vacuum again.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a dust-cleaning robot having a landing gear for moving the dust-cleaning robot in a direction of movement, the dust-cleaning robot further comprising a suction fan for generating a suction air flow, a suction port in fluid communication with the suction fan and one or more closed areas are, between which one or more open inlet openings are provided, and a variable sealing means for selectively closing the inlet openings, wherein in a closed position, the inlet openings are closed by the sealing means and in an open position, the inlet openings are opened. The sealant can take several positions; Similarly, the landing gear can also execute several driving strategies. The chassis and the sealant are functionally connected in such a way that the dust cleaning robot can perform one of several driving strategies depending on the position of the sealant or the sealant can take one of several positions depending on the driving strategy of the dust cleaning robot. The one or more closed areas and / or the inlet opening (s) are preferably arranged on a front edge of the suction opening arranged at the front in front in the intended operation of the dust-cleaning robot with respect to the intended direction of movement.

With the invention is advantageously achievable that the driving strategy and the position of the sealant are mutually dependent. Depending on a driving strategy of the vacuum cleaner, the position of the sealant can be adjusted or. Conversely, it is also conceivable that the driving strategy of the vacuum cleaner is or will be adjusted depending on the sealant. For example, in the detection of coarse dirt when the sealant is opened and changed to a spot mode or is. In the spot mode, a particular area is then cleaned, for example by means of a spiral travel. After cleaning this particularly soiled area, the normal or previous driving or cleaning strategy can then be resumed. For the purposes of the present invention, a driving strategy is understood here to mean a driving pattern followed by the vacuum cleaner. This driving pattern may be selected from a number of stored driving patterns, such as a random driving strategy, a spot mode or a meandering strategy. The selection can be made automatically, for example based on a detection of the degree of contamination and / or the spatial conditions. In addition, the same advantages and modifications apply as described above.

It is also advantageously possible with the invention that the position of the sealant, the driving strategy and the suction power are mutually dependent. In other words, one or more of the three components may be dependent or conditional on the other components. In this way, even complex operating modes of the vacuum cleaner can be realized with which can be flexibly responded to different environmental conditions such as pollution, space geometry, etc.

A dust cleaning robot in the sense of the present invention is a cleaning robot equipped with a vacuum cleaner. In addition to the vacuum cleaner, the cleaning robot may include other cleaning devices such as brushes, rollers, wipers, cloths or other cleaning devices. Preferably, the cleaning action of the vacuum cleaner is supported by these additional cleaning devices.

A cleaning robot is a cleaning device that is capable of self-propelling relative to one to move to cleaning surface or to an object to be cleaned and to clean the area or the object in whole or in part. For this purpose, the cleaning robot is equipped with one or more cleaning devices. For example, the cleaning robot may be equipped with fixed or driven brushes, rollers, wipers, cloths or other cleaning equipment.

A cleaning robot is usually equipped with a chassis. The landing gear can be controlled, for example, by a controller which may be present in the cleaning robot or outside the cleaning robot. The controller draws data for controlling the landing gear provided by one or more sensors which, at least in part, may be present in the cleaning robot or outside the cleaning robot. Typical sensors include a mechanical collision sensor, a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a distance sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a compass. A cleaning robot may include or may be operatively connected to one or more mapping means. Mapping means comprise, in particular, devices for receiving, storing or evaluating geometrical properties of the room in which the cleaning robot is to work or work. The mapping means can advantageously contribute to a planned navigation of the cleaning robot in the room. Rooms can be outside or inside, z. B. interiors of buildings such as living spaces or household spaces, be.

A cleaning robot is usually accumulator-operated. So that the accumulator of such a cleaning robot can be reloaded after a cleaning phase, a charging station separate from the cleaning robot can be provided. The cleaning robot can be designed so that it automatically starts the charging station for charging the battery and / or automatically connects to the charging station.

Cleaning robots that are equipped with a vacuum cleaner, collect dirt and dust usually in a arranged in the cleaning robot dust collector. The space available on the cleaning robot is usually limited, so that the space provided for the dust collector is limited. In this respect, it is advantageous to provide a dust collection station to which dust and dirt from the dust collection container of the cleaning robot can be delivered from time to time. The cleaning robot can be designed so that it automatically starts to pick up the dust, the dust collection station and / or automatically connects to the dust collection station. In this case, the dust collecting station can be designed as a dust collecting station connected to a charging station or as a dust collecting station separate from a charging station.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims and the description below.

The preferred vacuum cleaner is a dust cleaning robot with a landing gear for movement of the dust cleaning robot in a direction of movement. The preferred suspension can execute several driving strategies. The chassis and the sealant are preferably functionally connected in such a way that the dust cleaning robot can perform one of several driving strategies depending on the position of the sealant or the sealant can take one of several positions depending on the driving strategy of the dust cleaning robot.

Preferably, in the open position, the suction fan on a high suction power. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that in this mode improved coarse dirt can be accommodated.

Preferably, the opening position is adopted in a wall following mode. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that thereby a high suction power can be provided to the edge, so as to reliably clean even on walls.

Preferably, in the detection of coarse dirt in front of the vacuum cleaner, the open position is taken. In heavily contaminated areas, the driving strategy can thus be changed to a spot mode in which the sealing means is open. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that can be reacted quickly and flexibly to different levels of pollution.

Preferably, in a hard floor cleaning before cornering, the open position is taken. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that the dirt pushed in front of the hitherto sealed sealing means can be better removed before the dirt is possibly lost during cornering. Preferably, the open position is taken in hard floors cleaning and straight ahead at intervals. Time and / or distance intervals, for example every meter, may be provided. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention, that coarse dirt was pushed in front of the bristle strip, then safely sucked. The previously worn route was thoroughly cleaned because the sealant was in the closed position.

Preferably, an optical sensor detects coarse dirt in front of the vacuum cleaner. The sensor may be, for example, a light barrier or an at least partially existing camera. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that the cleaning or the driving strategy can be adapted via the detection of coarse dirt, for example by means of the control of the sealing strip and / or the adaptation of the suction power.

Preferably, the sealing means is a sealing strip with spaced passage openings. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that such a sealing strip is simple and space-saving to implement and reliable in operation.

Preferably, the passage openings of the sealing strip each have a triangular profile, wherein the bases are arranged on a lower edge facing a surface to be cleaned. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that can be channeled or controlled by the profile of the intake stream. The profile may also be trapezoidal or U-shaped. It is also possible that the profile, that is the cross-sectional opening, corresponds to the open inlet opening of the suction opening, which may be, for example, a rectangular opening.

list of figures

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to several embodiments illustrated in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited.

• 1: ein Blockschaltbild eines Reinigungsroboters mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Staubsauger;
• 2: die Ansaugöffnung eines Staubsaugers in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von unten mit geschlossener Dichtungsleiste;
• 3: die Ansaugöffnung eines Staubsaugers in einer perspektivischen Ansicht von unten mit geöffneter Dichtungsleiste;
• 4: die Ansaugöffnung eines Staubsaugers in einer Vorderansicht mit geschlossener Dichtungsleiste;
• 5: die Ansaugöffnung eines Staubsaugers in einer Vorderansicht mit geöffneter Dichtungsleiste;
• 6: ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Dichtungsleiste mit einem Zahnrad zum Antrieb; und
• 7: ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Dichtungsleiste mit einem Zahnrad zum Antrieb.

It shows schematically:

• 1 a block diagram of a cleaning robot with a vacuum cleaner according to the invention;
• 2 : the suction opening of a vacuum cleaner in a perspective view from below with closed sealing strip;
• 3 : the suction opening of a vacuum cleaner in a perspective view from below with open sealing strip;
• 4 : the suction opening of a vacuum cleaner in a front view with closed sealing strip;
• 5 : the suction opening of a vacuum cleaner in a front view with open sealing strip;
• 6 a first embodiment of a sealing strip with a gear for driving; and
• 7 a second embodiment of a sealing strip with a gear for driving.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

In 1 is a vacuum cleaning robot 1 shown in a block diagram. The vacuum cleaning robot 1 includes a controller 2 such as a microcontroller, which performs the functions of the vacuum cleaning robot 1 controlled. The control 2 is with a landing gear 3 connected, which wheels 4 two of which are shown by way of example. Next is the controller 2 with a suction fan 5 connected to control this. In particular, the suction power of the suction fan 5 be raised or lowered. The suction fan 5 stands with a suction port 6 in fluid communication. About the intake 6 Dirt is absorbed by a surface to be cleaned.

Furthermore, the vacuum cleaning robot includes 1 a sealant, here in the form of a sealing or bristle strip 7 , which in a front area of the suction opening 6 is arranged. The term front or front area is in relation to the direction of travel F of Saugreinigungsroboters 1 Are defined. In the following, the term sealing strip is used to explain the figures. The structure and function of the sealing strip 7 will be described below on the basis of 2 to 7 described in detail. The sealing strip 7 is from a motor 8th , For example, an electric motor operated. The motor 8th stands with the controller 2 in connection and is driven by this.

The vacuum cleaning robot 1 also has at least one optical sensor 9 , which detects the contamination conditions before the Saugreinigungsroboter 1 and / or the soil condition before the vacuum cleaning robot 1 serves. The optical sensor 9 is with the controller 2 connected and provides this the sensor data.

Based on 2 and 3 Now the suction opening 6 with the motor-operated sealing strip 7 described in more detail. At a front edge 10 the suction opening 6 are closed areas 11 and open entrance openings 12 arranged alternately. The closed areas 11 have here in the direction of travel or direction F tapered shape, on the one hand through the open inlet openings 12 to lead running air flow and on the other hand lying on the soil to be cleaned dirt the inlet openings 12 supply. The closed areas 11 are formed, for example, from bristle strips or rubber lips. In a rear region of the suction opening and a lateral region, which serves for the cleaning of wall sections, bristle strips or rubber lips are also arranged for sealing. In the lateral area are openings 13 present, through which dirt in the area of a wall or other objects can be sucked.

In 2 is a closed position of the motor-operated sealing strip 7 shown. There are passage openings 14 the sealing strip 7 in the direction of travel 11 behind the closed areas 11 arranged. In the area of the open inlet openings 12 are sealing areas 15 the sealing strip 7 arranged. The sealing areas 15 block the open entrance openings 12 , This can be used for example with the same or increased suction power, over the side openings 13 to intensively clean a wall area. On the other hand, the suction power can be reduced to optimally soak fine dirt on a hard floor, for example. Coarse dirt now collects in the funnel-shaped areas of the open inlet openings 12 between the closed areas 11 ,

To absorb this coarse dirt can now as in 3 represented the sealing strip 7 to be opened by motor. This means that in the in 3 illustrated opening position, the passage openings 14 in the area of the open inlet openings 12 are arranged. Thus, several parallel to the direction of travel 11 arranged flow channels from the closed areas 11 in connection with the passage openings 14 the sealing strip 7 educated. These can be the passage openings 14 have a special opening cross-section or a special profile in order to optimize the flow flow. In the open position are then the sealing areas 15 in the direction of travel 11 behind the closed areas 11 arranged. The open position can be taken, for example, to optimize the coarse dirt pickup or the suction behavior on carpets. In addition, the opening position can be taken before certain driving maneuvers such as cornering. It is also possible for the open position to be taken periodically, ie at intervals, in particular for hard floor cleaning and / or straight-ahead driving. This serves to between the closed areas 11 to collect accumulated dirt in a targeted manner.

In the 4 and 5 is a schematic front view of the vacuum cleaner robot 1 shown. In 4 is the closed position shown and in 5 the open position is shown.

In 4 is shown as the sealing areas 15 the sealing strip 7 the passage openings 12 close. The lateral bristle strips or sealing lips of the closed areas 11 are in the direction of travel F , in the 4 pointing out of the paper plane, tilted upwards. This facilitates, among other things, the crossing of obstacles. In the closed position shown here form the rear bristle strips or rear walls 16 the closed areas 11 and the sealing areas 15 the sealing strip 7 a closed contour in the region of the front edge of the intake opening.

In 5 is the opening position of the sealing strip 7 shown. Here now form the closed areas 11 and the passage openings 14 the sealing strip 7 an opening contour of the suction port. Both the airflow and the dirt from the closed areas 11 and the passage openings 14 guided and transported into the intake.

Based on 6 and 7 will now be two examples of the sealing strip 7 described in more detail. The sealing strip 7 has an L-shaped elongated body with a longer leg, in which alternately the passage openings 14 with the sealing areas 15 are arranged, and a shorter leg, in which at least partially a rack 17 is trained. By means of a gear 18 that of the engine, not shown here 8th is driven and engaged with the rack 17 is the weatherstrip 7 laterally displaceable in the direction of travel. The shorter leg can be used in addition to the storage of the sealing strip 7 be used. He then intervenes, for example, in a corresponding guide recording.

In 6 are passage openings 14 each represented with a triangular profile. The bases of the triangles are at a lower edge facing a surface to be cleaned 19 arranged. In the 6 illustrated passage openings 14 have a comparatively large opening cross-section. This is achieved by making the tips of the triangle-shaped profiles each up to or almost to the top of the weatherstrip 7 pass.

In 7 are passage openings 14 shown with smaller opening cross-sections. Here is enough the tip of the triangular profile of a passage opening 14 only about half the height of the sealing strip 7 , In other words, the triangular profile of the passage openings extends 14 according to 7 about half the height of the open inlet openings 12 the suction opening 6 , The triangular profile of the passage openings 14 according to 6 On the other hand, it extends approximately over the entire height of the open inlet openings 12 the suction opening 6 , Depending on the application or depending on the specification of the vacuum cleaner robot, such as width of the suction port and / or strength of the suction fan, the height, width and / or shape of the passage openings 14 be formed differently.

The dust cleaning robot according to the invention can advantageously be used flexibly in various cleaning situations.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.

Saugreinigungsroboter

Second

control

Third

landing gear

4th

wheel

5th

aspirator

6th

suction

7th

weatherstrip

8th.

engine

9th

optical sensor

10th

leading edge

11th

closed area

12th

inlet opening

13th

opening

14th

Port

15th

sealing area

16th

rear wall

17th

rack

18th

gear

19th

edge

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102008012889 A1 [0002]
• WO 2014/180320 A1 [0003]
• WO 2008/078238 A1 [0004]

Claims (11)

Vacuum cleaner having a suction fan (5) for generating a suction air stream, a suction opening (6) which is in fluid communication with the suction fan (5) and at which one or more closed areas (11) are arranged, between which one or more open inlet openings (11). 12), and a variable sealing means (7) for selectively closing the inlet openings (12), wherein in a closed position, the inlet openings (12) of the sealing means (7) are closed and in an open position, the inlet openings (12) are open, characterized in that suction fan (5) and sealing means (7) are functionally connected in such a way that the suction power of the suction fan (5) depending on the position of the sealant (7) can take one of several power levels or the sealing means (7) in dependence the suction power of the suction fan (5) can take one of several positions. Dust cleaning robot (1) with a chassis (3) for a movement of the dust cleaning robot (1) in a direction of movement (F); a suction fan (5) for generating a suction air flow; an intake opening (6) in fluid communication with the suction fan (5) and having one or more closed areas (11) between which one or more open inlet openings (12) are provided, and a variable sealing means (7) for selectively closing the inlet openings (12), wherein in a closed position the inlet openings (12) of the sealing means (7) are closed and in an open position, the inlet openings (12) are opened, characterized in that the chassis (3) and sealing means (7 ) are functionally connected in such a way that the dust cleaning robot (1) can perform one of several driving strategies depending on the position of the sealant (7) or the sealing means (7) can take one of several positions depending on the driving strategy of the dust cleaning robot (1). Vacuum cleaner after Claim 1 or dust cleaning robot (1) after Claim 2 , characterized in that in the closed position, the suction fan (5) has a low suction power. Vacuum cleaner or dust cleaning robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the open position, the suction fan (5) has a high suction power. Vacuum cleaner or dust cleaning robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a wall follow mode, the closed position is taken. Vacuum cleaner or dust cleaning robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when detecting coarse dirt in front of the vacuum cleaner (1), the open position is taken. Vacuum cleaner or dust cleaning robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a hard floor cleaning before cornering the open position is taken. Vacuum cleaner or dust cleaning robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in hard floor cleaning and driving straight ahead at intervals the open position is taken. Vacuum cleaner or dust cleaning robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optical sensor (9) detects coarse dirt in front of the vacuum cleaner (1). Vacuum cleaner or dust-cleaning robot (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means (7) is a sealing strip (7) with spaced passage openings (14). Vacuum cleaner or dust cleaning robot (1) according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the passage openings (14) of the sealing strip (7) each have a triangular profile, wherein the bases are arranged on a lower, a surface to be cleaned facing edge (19).

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