CN106687018B

CN106687018B - Suction nozzle and hard surface suction cleaning equipment

Info

Publication number: CN106687018B
Application number: CN201480081602.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 贝恩德·格鲁贝尔; 于尔根·祖格尔; 梅勒妮·克内德勒; 桑德拉·巴特尔; 丹尼尔·克罗姆; 曼纽尔·福尔; 索柳斯·马丁克纳斯; 克里斯蒂安·施特文; 迈克尔·沙尔马赫; 京特·埃贝尔
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2014-08-29
Filing date: 2014-08-29
Publication date: 2020-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-29
Also published as: CN106687018A; EP3185742A1; EP3185742B1; WO2016029966A1

Abstract

In order to improve the above-mentioned suction nozzle, in particular to improve the operation of the suction nozzle when cleaning vertical hard surfaces in a low-to-ground manner, it is proposed that at least one rotation or swivel axis extends transversely to the suction opening. An improved hard face cleaning device is also proposed.

Description

Suction nozzle and hard surface suction cleaning equipment

Technical Field

The invention relates to a suction nozzle, in particular for a hard-surface cleaning device comprising a cleaning device, having a suction opening to which a suction channel is connected, the end of the suction channel facing away from the suction opening being connected or connectable to the cleaning device, wherein a first coupling device is arranged or designed on the suction nozzle for coupling with a second coupling device in a rotationally articulated manner about at least one rotational or pivot axis, the second coupling device being arranged or designed on the hard-surface cleaning device.

The invention further relates to a hard-surface cleaning device having a cleaning device and a suction nozzle which cooperates with the cleaning device and has a suction opening into which a suction channel is connected, which suction channel is connected or connectable with its suction channel end facing away from the suction opening to the cleaning device, wherein a hinge is provided for connecting the suction nozzle to the hard-surface cleaning device in a rotationally articulated manner about at least one rotational or pivot axis.

Background

Hard-surface cleaning devices are known in particular in the form of hard-surface cleaning devices of the type mentioned at the outset, which are used, for example, as window cleaners. In particular, with such a device it is possible to clean window panes wetted with cleaning liquid in a simple and rapid manner without streaking.

However, a problem with the window aspirators available on the market is that the vertical surface down to the ground is to be cleaned with a single continuous vertical movement of the window aspirator from top to bottom. It has hitherto been necessary, when cleaning window panes down to floor level with a portable hard-surface cleaning device, as is known, for example, from WO 2009/086891 a1, to clean the surface to be cleaned in the vicinity of the floor surface with a substantially vertically oriented cleaning opening by means of a horizontal movement of the hard-surface cleaning device parallel to the surface.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present application is therefore to improve a suction nozzle and a hard-surface suction device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that, in particular, the operation of the suction nozzle and the hard-surface suction device is improved when cleaning vertical hard surfaces in a low-to-floor manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved for a suction nozzle and a hard-surface cleaning device of the type mentioned at the outset in that at least one axis of rotation or pivoting extends transversely to the suction opening.

The development proposed according to the invention makes it possible in particular for the suction nozzle and the hard-surface suction device to be twisted or pivoted relative to one another about a rotational or pivot axis. Since the pivot axis of rotation or swivel extends transversely, i.e. at any angle, in particular 90 °, but not parallel, to the suction opening, the suction nozzle can be moved in the vertical direction, for example from the top to the bottom, along the vertical hard surface, wherein the hard surface cleaning apparatus or its housing can be pivoted about the pivot axis of rotation or swivel, so that the hard surface cleaning apparatus substantially assumes the position as it would be in the case of horizontal cleaning with hard surface cleaning apparatuses known from the prior art. Thus, due to the pivotability of the suction nozzle and the hard-surface cleaning apparatus about at least one swivel or pivot axis extending transversely to the suction opening, it is possible to clean a vertical hard surface, for example a window down to the floor, for cleaning purposes in a single travel from top to bottom without streaks.

Advantageously, the suction channel is arranged or configured to extend through the first coupling device and has a suction channel coupling end directed away from the suction opening, which is connected or connectable to the suction device. The arrangement or configuration of the suction channel can in particular be configured to realize an arbitrary hinge for coupling the suction nozzle to the hard-surface cleaning device. The suction flow formed by air and dirty cleaning liquid can thus flow from the suction opening through the suction channel to the suction device independently of the arrangement and type of the hinge.

Preferably, the suction channel is constructed in the form of a flexible and/or elastic hose or tube. In this way, the suction channel can be deformed in a desired manner during the pivoting movement of the suction nozzle relative to the hard-surface cleaning appliance.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can preferably be provided that the suction channel end forms the first coupling device or a part thereof. This embodiment makes it possible in particular for the suction flow to be guided through a first coupling means which can engage in particular a second coupling means of the hard-face cleaning device in the coupled position. In particular, a particularly compact design of the suction nozzle and of the hard-surface cleaning device is thus possible, since the suction channel can in particular thus form part of an articulated connection between the suction nozzle and the hard-surface cleaning device.

Advantageously, the suction channel end has a sleeve-shaped suction channel section which defines a suction channel longitudinal axis, and the suction channel longitudinal axis defines at least one rotation or swiveling axis. For example, the suction channel section can be mounted on the hard surface suction device or on its housing about the longitudinal axis of the suction channel. In particular, the suction channel section can therefore continue to guide a suction flow consisting of a mixture of air and/or cleaning liquid on the one hand and form part of a rotary articulated connection between the suction nozzle and the hard-surface suction device on the other hand. In particular, the suction channel section can be designed in the form of a hollow cylindrical sleeve made of plastic.

Advantageously, the sleeve-shaped suction channel section has a circular or substantially circular cross section. The suction channel section can thus be mounted on the hard-surface cleaning device in a particularly simple and reliable manner in terms of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the suction channel.

A hard surface wetted with cleaning liquid can be particularly cleanly sucked off when the suction attachment comprises at least one flexible scraping lip running along the suction opening and having a scraping edge running pointing away from the suction opening and running in the direction of the suction opening. The cleaning liquid to be suctioned off from the hard surface can be scraped off by the at least one scraping lip and thus guided towards the suction opening. In particular, two flexible wiping lips can also be provided. For example, one of the scraping lips can be designed in the form of a support lip which is formed in particular firmly on the suction nozzle, for example by injection molding. The at least one pivot or pivot axis may extend in particular transversely to the scraping edge.

Advantageously, the scraping lip extends straight or substantially straight, at least one rotation or oscillation axis extending transversely to the scraping edge. The straight or substantially straight configuration of the scraping edge enables a simple and clean cleaning of flat hard surfaces.

It is also advantageous if the wiping edge defines a wiping edge longitudinal axis and the wiping edge longitudinal axis extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the at least one rotational or swiveling axis. This makes it possible in a simple manner to achieve the vertical cleaning of the vertical hard surface described at the outset, and in particular to achieve a lateral swiveling of the hard surface cleaning device relative to the suction nozzle, in particular in the region of the window which is low to the ground in the vicinity of the ground.

For optimal cleaning of the hard surfaces wetted with cleaning liquid, it is advantageous if the suction openings are at least in sections of straight or curved configuration.

Advantageously, the suction nozzle comprises two flexible scraping lips each having a scraping edge, wherein the two scraping lips define a suction opening between them. The two scraping lips enable an optimum sealing of the suction nozzle against the hard surface, so that cleaning liquid present between the scraping lips on the hard surface to be cleaned can be sucked off with as little suction power as possible. This is particularly advantageous for portable, battery-powered, grid-independent devices, since, for example, the service time of the device can be optimized optimally.

Preferably, the hard-face cleaning device comprises a suction nozzle as described above. The hard-surface cleaning device then has the advantages already described above in connection with the preferred embodiment of the suction nozzle.

Advantageously, the suction nozzle and the hard surface cleaning device are connected to each other in the coupled position and are separated from each other in the decoupled position. This design enables the nozzle to be replaced when needed. This is particularly desirable when the mouthpiece is damaged. However, suction nozzles of different widths can also be provided, which can be connected or coupled to the hard-surface cleaning device in the coupling position depending on the size of the hard surface to be cleaned.

When the hinge is constructed in the form of a rotary hinge, a pendulum hinge or a ball hinge, a desired rotational or pendulum axis between the suction nozzle and the hard-face suction device can be achieved in a simple manner. A hinge of this type enables in particular to define a rotation or oscillation axis extending transversely to the suction opening or transversely to the scraping edge of the at least one scraping lip.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a first coupling device is arranged or formed on the suction nozzle, a second coupling device cooperating with the first coupling device is arranged or formed on the hard-surface cleaning appliance, and the first and second coupling devices together form a hinge, which defines at least one pivot or swivel axis. This embodiment makes it possible in particular to achieve a particularly compact design of the hard-surface suction device. In other words, the first and second coupling means serve in particular not only for the connection between the suction nozzle and the hard-surface cleaning appliance, but also for jointly or at least partially forming the joint between the suction nozzle and the hard-surface cleaning appliance.

When the first and second coupling means engage in the coupling position and disengage in the disengagement position, the suction nozzle can be disengaged from the hard-face cleaning device in a simple manner. Thus, for example, it is possible in a simple manner to couple different suction nozzles with a hard-surface cleaning device in the coupled position.

Advantageously, the first coupling device comprises a sleeve-shaped suction channel section which defines a suction channel longitudinal axis which defines at least one rotation or swiveling axis, and the second coupling device comprises a sleeve-shaped channel section, and the suction channel section engages in the channel section in the coupled position or the channel section engages in the suction channel section in the coupled position. The described embodiments of the first and second coupling devices make it possible in particular to plug them into one another in a simple manner in order to couple the suction nozzle and the hard-surface suction device to one another. Either, for example, the suction channel section can be introduced into the channel section or the channel section can be introduced into the suction channel section.

The formation of the rotary joint between the suction nozzle and the hard-surface cleaning device can be realized in a simple manner if the channel section comprises a suction channel sleeve which is arranged on the hard-surface cleaning device in a rotatable manner, in particular in a rotatable manner about at least one rotation or swivel axis. The suction channel section can then engage with the channel section, for example, in a manner rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the suction channel or in a manner rotationally fixed relative to the channel section. In particular, a rotary joint can thus be formed on the hard-surface cleaning apparatus already by the suction channel sleeve which is held rotatably on the hard-surface cleaning apparatus, in the case of a rotationally fixed connection between the suction channel section and the suction channel sleeve.

Advantageously, the suction channel extends through the articulated arrangement or configuration and has a suction channel connection end which is directed away from the suction opening and is connected or connectable to the suction device. By means of this arrangement of the suction channel, the hinge can be constructed in practice arbitrarily. The possibility of separating between the coupling end of the suction channel and the suction device makes it possible in particular to separate the suction nozzle from the hard-surface suction device. However, it can also be provided that the suction nozzle is continuously connected firmly to the hard-surface cleaning device. In particular, the suction channel connection end can also be permanently firmly connected directly or indirectly to the suction device via a further connection line.

The handling of the hard-surface cleaning device is particularly simple when the hard-surface cleaning device has a housing in which the cleaning means are arranged or embodied. In particular, the housing can be ergonomically designed with a grip for holding and guiding the hard surface cleaning device.

Advantageously, the suction nozzle is coupled with the housing in the coupled position and decoupled from the housing in the decoupled position. The suction nozzle can thus be detached or removed from the housing in a simple manner for cleaning or replacement with another suction nozzle.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a resetting device can be provided for automatically shifting the suction nozzle and the hard surface cleaning apparatus back into the initial position from a rotational position deflected relative to the initial position as a result of a rotation about at least one rotational or swiveling axis. The reset device makes it possible in particular that the suction nozzle automatically assumes the initial position again when it is lifted off the hard surface to be cleaned. The operator is then not concerned with how to orient the suction nozzle relative to the hard-surface suction device or relative to its housing. In particular in such a way that the initial position is defined in such a way that the suction nozzle has an orientation relative to the housing which is suitable for the user, as is the case for example with the hard surface cleaning device known from WO 2009/086891 a 1.

The resetting device can be constructed in a particularly simple manner if it comprises at least one resetting element. The restoring element can act in particular on the suction nozzle or on the first coupling device on one side and on the hard-surface cleaning device, on the second coupling device or on the housing on the other side. Preferably, the at least one restoring element is designed such that the restoring force is smaller than the frictional force which is normally applied for the purpose of cleaning a hard surface and with which the operator presses the suction nozzle against the hard surface during cleaning. In particular, the suction nozzle is prevented from automatically moving back into the initial position when the hard surface to be cleaned is completely sucked.

When the at least one restoring element is designed in the form of a spring element, a particularly compact and cost-effective design of the hard surface cleaning device is possible.

The spring element is advantageously designed in the form of a leaf spring, a torsion spring or a helical spring. For example, the spring element can be formed in the region of the first and/or second coupling device in such a way as to surround the suction channel. In particular, the spring element can act on the first coupling device on one side and on the second coupling device on the other side.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the hard surface cleaning device comprises a latch adjustment mechanism having a first and a second latch element which engage in at least one latch position and disengage in an adjustment position, the first and second latch elements being assigned to the suction nozzle on one side and to the hard surface cleaning device on the other side, and that in at least one latch position the suction nozzle is held in a non-movable manner on the hard surface cleaning device, and in an adjustment position the suction nozzle is movable relative to the hard surface cleaning device about at least one rotation or pivot axis, the latch adjustment mechanism can be configured in particular in such a way that the latch position is defined in such a way that the suction nozzle occupies a position, which is suitable for the user, which is always provided in hard surface cleaning devices known from the prior art, and the transfer and/or reverse transfer from the latch position to the adjustment position can be effected in particular by overcoming a corresponding adjustment force, and the possibility of the latch elements being able to be pivoted from the latch position to the initial latch position to the adjustment position can be defined in particular by the latch adjustment position or the latch adjustment position, and the latch adjustment position can be released in such as a corresponding, and the latch position can be defined by the release of the latch element.

Advantageously, the first and second latching elements are arranged or formed on one side on the suction channel sleeve and on the other side on the suction channel section. A particularly compact design of the hard-face cleaning device can thus be achieved, specifically in that: the first and second latching elements are arranged or formed on elements that can be rotated relative to one another about at least one rotational or swiveling axis.

Advantageously, the detent adjustment mechanism comprises at least one pretensioned element, which holds the first and second detent elements in the detent position when the detent adjustment mechanism is in the initial position. Thus, the user of the hard surface cleaning device can, for example, deflect the suction nozzle from the initial position of the detent setting relative to the hard surface cleaning device or its housing only when the force generated by the at least one pretensioned element is overcome.

Advantageously, the first and second latching elements can be transferred from the latching position into the adjustment position in a manner counter to the action of the pretensioned element. In other words, the first and second latching elements are thus disengaged against the action of the pretensioned element in order to allow free movement or only partially limited movement between the suction nozzle and the hard surface cleaning device or its housing.

When the pretensioned elements are arranged or formed on the first or second coupling device, a particularly compact design of the hard-face cleaning device can be achieved.

In particular, the detent adjustment mechanism can be produced and constructed at low cost when the pretensioned element is in the form of a spring. In particular, the spring is constructed in the form of a leaf spring. The spring may, for example, carry or comprise a latching projection or a latching recess, i.e. one of the cooperating latching elements.

It is also advantageous if the hard-surface cleaning device is designed in the form of a window extractor. In particular, the hard surface cleaning device can be constructed in a portable and/or grid-independent manner. In particular, hard surfaces can be cleaned simply and effectively without cumbersome cables.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for the purpose of illustration in the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hard face cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a suction nozzle;

FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of the mouthpiece from FIG. 2;

fig. 4 shows a partially enlarged sectional view of the arrangement from fig. 3 in the region of the cooperating first and second coupling devices;

fig. 5 shows a sectional, partially cut-away view of the hard face suction device from fig. 1 in the region of the second coupling device;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a view similar to FIG. 6, but with the suction nozzle deflected from an initial position relative to the hard surface cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but with the suction nozzle deflected from an initial position relative to the hard face cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged sectional view of the first and second coupling devices with the suction nozzle and the hard surface cleaning apparatus connected;

FIG. 11 shows a view similar to FIG. 10, but with the suction nozzle coupled with a hard face cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 12 shows a partially exposed and cut-away view of the suction nozzle and the hard surface cleaning device in the area of the first and second coupling means;

FIG. 13 shows a side view in partial cross-section of a hard surface cleaning apparatus having a suction nozzle coupled thereto;

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13; and

fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view similar to fig. 14, but with the suction nozzle deflected from an initial position relative to the hard face cleaning apparatus.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 schematically shows a portable hard surface cleaning device 10, more specifically a hard surface cleaning device 12, which is designed in particular as a portable, power-independent handheld device and can be operated with no power supply, and by means of which liquid can be cleaned from a hard surface, for example water from a window pane. The hard face cleaning device 10 can be held by the user at its grip 14 with his hand and guided along the hard face in the manner of a conventional stripper with a rubber lip.

The hard-surface cleaning device 10 comprises a housing 16, which housing 16 also forms the grip 14 and accommodates a cleaning device 18 with a suction turbine 20 and an electric motor 22 for driving the suction turbine.

Furthermore, at least one rechargeable battery, in particular a lithium-ion battery, is arranged in the housing 16 for supplying the electric motor 22 with energy.

Furthermore, the housing 16 defines an upright surface 26 which is designed such that the hard face extraction apparatus 10 can be erected in an upright position as schematically shown in fig. 1 on a placement surface, for example a table top.

A recess is formed in the housing 16, in which recess a removable dirty liquid tank 28 is arranged. The dirty liquid tank is used to contain dirty liquid that is transported by the suction device 18.

On the upper side, i.e. facing away from the upright 26, the housing 16 of the hard surface cleaning appliance 10 can be detachably connected to the suction nozzle 30. The suction nozzle 30 can be removed from the housing 16, in particular for cleaning purposes.

The construction of the suction nozzle 30 is explained in detail below with reference to fig. 2 to 6.

The suction nozzle 30 comprises a suction nozzle housing, which is shown in its entirety by reference numeral 32 and is formed in multiple parts. In the nozzle housing lower part 34, a suction channel 36 is arranged, the rear end 38 of which can be coupled with the housing 16. In this way, the end 38 of the suction channel 36 is coupled with the suction device 18.

The suction channel 36 defines, with its end facing away from the end 38, a straight (optionally curved) running suction opening 40, which is formed between two cooperating scraping

lips

42 and 44, the scraping

lips

42 and 44 being composed of a flexible material, wherein the scraping lip 44 carries a plurality of ribs 46 arranged parallel to one another, which ribs 46, when the scraping

lips

42 and 44 rest against one another in an unloaded manner, define openings 48 between them in the initial position of the scraping

lips

42 and 44 resting against one another in an unloaded manner, which openings 48 are in fluid connection (Fluidverbindung) with the suction opening 40. The scraping lip 42 has a scraping edge 43 which defines a straight scraping edge longitudinal axis 45 extending substantially parallel to the suction opening 40. The scraping lip 44 forms a support lip for the suction nozzle 30 due to its arrangement.

The suction nozzle 30 comprises a first coupling device 50 which, in the coupled position, can engage with a second coupling device 52 of the hard-surface cleaning appliance 12.

The first coupling device 50 comprises a suction channel end 54 having a sleeve-shaped suction channel section 58 which delimits a suction channel longitudinal axis 56.

The second coupling device 52 comprises a short, substantially sleeve-shaped channel section 60, into which channel section 60 the suction channel section 58 engages in the coupled position.

The channel section 60 comprises a suction channel sleeve 62, the suction channel sleeve 62 being rotatable in a correspondingly configured receptacle 64 on the housing 16 about a rotational axis 66 defined by the longitudinal axis of the suction channel sleeve 62.

For the rotationally fixed connection of the channel section 60 to the suction channel section 58, a flat, substantially square projection 68 projecting from an outer surface 70 is formed on the suction channel section 58, which projection is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation 66. A recess 78 in the form of a cutout which opens in the direction of the suction opening is formed on the suction channel sleeve 62 and engages with the projection 68 in a substantially form-locking manner in the coupling position.

The latching projections 74, which project in the direction of the suction channel sleeve 62 and can be deflected from an initial position in the direction of the suction channel longitudinal axis 56, are formed essentially diametrically opposite the projections 68 on the basis of the suction channel longitudinal axis 56. The latching tab 74 carries two latching noses 76 at its free end, which are formed in a flange-like manner in the circumferential direction on the basis of the suction channel longitudinal axis 62.

A coupling projection 78, which points in the direction of the suction connection 30 and has two oblong passages 80, the longitudinal axes of which are oriented in the circumferential direction and which are directed radially away from the suction connection longitudinal axis 56, is formed on the suction connection sleeve 62. The through-openings 80 are arranged and dimensioned in such a way that, in the coupled position, they can receive the latching lugs 76 on the latching projections 74.

In order to simplify the engagement of the latching lug 76 with the through-opening 80, the side of the latching lug 66 pointing toward the suction channel sleeve 62 is inclined.

Two leaf-spring-like projections 82 pointing in the direction of the suction channel sleeve 62 are formed on the suction channel section 58, on account of the longitudinal suction channel axis 56 being offset by 90 ° relative to the projections 68. In the coupled position, a latching projection 84 of the suction channel sleeve 62, which is directed in the direction of the suction nozzle 30, is arranged on the outside of the two leaf-spring-like projections, which latching projection carries a substantially hemispherical latching lug 86 on its free end, in each case, which latching lug 86 projects in the radial direction, directed away from the suction channel longitudinal axis 56. The latching projections 84 are each formed by two cutouts 88 in the suction channel sleeve 62.

The end of the suction channel sleeve 62 close to the base body, i.e. pointing away from the suction channel section 58, is formed by a radially projecting annular collar 90. The annular collar 90 extends approximately in a direction away from the mouthpiece 30 over a circumference of approximately 180 ° and forms a half-annular collar-like ring 92. The ring 92 extends approximately semi-circularly from the height of the latching projection 84 past the recess 72. The end faces of the rings 92 define a common plane 96 containing the longitudinal axis 56 of the suction channel.

The housing 16 is essentially formed in the region of the second coupling device 52 by two half-shells 98, which are formed in correspondence with one another. The guide groove 102 is embodied in a semicircular shape in cross section at a slight distance from the circular end face 100 pointing in the direction toward the suction nozzle 30. The guide grooves run into two guide sections 104 that are spaced apart from one another, between which two latching recesses 106 of the hollow hemisphere are arranged diametrically opposite one another on the basis of the longitudinal axis 56 of the suction channel. The guide section 104 and the latch recess 106 are dimensioned such that the latch lug 86 of the hemisphere can engage in the latch recess.

A further annular groove 108 is formed at a slight distance from the guide groove 102 in the direction of the base body. The annular groove 108 widens in a single step on the inner diameter and has a first annular groove section 110, which is formed corresponding to the annular collar 90, and a second annular groove section 112, which is larger on the inner diameter and is suitable for receiving the annular ring 92, directly adjoins the first annular groove section 110 in the direction pointing away from the mouthpiece 30. The first annular groove section 110, like the annular ring 92, extends over only approximately 180 ° of circumferential angle and has two end faces 114 which together define the plane 96 containing the longitudinal axis 56 of the suction channel.

The helical spring 116 wound coaxially with the axis of rotation 66 and having one and one half turns has two

free end sections

118 and 120 bent in the direction of the mouthpiece 30. In the initial position of the hard face cleaning device, the end section 120 bears not only against one of the end faces 94 but also against one of the two end faces 114, and the end section 118 bears against the substantially diametrically opposite end face 94 of the annular ring 92 and against the other end face 114.

The assembly of the suction nozzle 30 to the hard surface cleaning apparatus 12 and the operation thereof will be described in detail below.

The cooperating first and second coupling means 50 and 52 form a hinge 122 in the form of a pivot hinge 124 which effects a pivoting or swiveling movement of the suction nozzle 30 relative to the hard-surface suction device 12 about a pivot axis 66 which extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the suction opening 40 or transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis of the scraping edge.

As already described, to assemble the suction channel sleeve 62, it is inserted into one of the half-shells 98, so that the annular ring 92 engages in the second annular groove section 112 and the annular collar 90 engages in the first annular groove section 110. The helical spring 116 is inserted as described, so that the end portion 118 rests against one of the two end faces 94 and one of the two end faces 114, and the end portion 120 rests against the other of the two end faces 94 and the other of the two end faces 114. The two half-shells 98 can now be connected to one another, so that the suction channel sleeve 62 is held on the housing 16 in a rotatable manner, as is schematically illustrated in fig. 2.

The suction nozzle 30 can now engage with its first coupling means 50 with its second coupling means 52. For this purpose, the suction channel section 58 is introduced into the suction channel sleeve 62 with an inner diameter matched thereto, so that the projection 68 can engage in the recess 72 and the latching lug 76 on the latching projection 74 can slide into the passage 80. The suction nozzle 30 is now coupled in a rotationally articulated manner to the hard-surface cleaning device 12.

The reverse sequence is performed in order to disengage the suction nozzle 30 from the hard face cleaning apparatus 12. The latching lug 76 pivots together with the latching projection 74 toward the axis of rotation 66, so that the latching lug 76 and the passage 80 are disengaged. The suction nozzle 30 can now be pulled out of the hard face cleaning device 12, so that the suction channel section 58 can leave the suction channel sleeve 62 again.

The hard face cleaning apparatus 12 further includes a latch adjustment mechanism 126. The detent adjustment mechanism comprises a first detent element 128 in the form of the detent lug 86 and

second detent elements

130 and 132 in the form of the detent recess 106 and the two guide sections 104. The first latching element 128 is assigned to the suction nozzle 30, so that the suction nozzle can be moved relative to the hard-surface cleaning device 12 by means of the rotationally fixed connection between the suction channel sleeve 62 and the suction channel section 58. The

second locking elements

130 and 132 are assigned to the hard-surface cleaning device 12.

In the latching position, which defines the initial position, the first latching element 128 engages with the second latching element 130, as is schematically illustrated in fig. 6. The detent projections 84 form a pretensioned element 134 of the detent adjustment mechanism 126, which, in the initial position of the detent adjustment mechanism 126, which is schematically illustrated in fig. 6, holds the first and

second detent elements

128 and 130 in the detent position.

The suction channel sleeve 62 may be twisted relative to the housing 16. For this to be achieved, however, the pretensioned element 134 must be pivoted slightly in the direction of the axis of rotation 66, so that the first detent element 128 and the second detent element 130 are disengaged. If the suction channel sleeve 62 is further twisted, the first latching element 128 latches into the second latching element 132, i.e. into the guide section 104. In this guide section, however, a continuous rotation of the suction channel sleeve 62 about the axis of rotation 66 relative to the housing 16 in an angular range of approximately 160 ° is possible.

The pretensioned element 134 is configured as described above on the second coupling device 52. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the pretensioned element 134 to be arranged on the first coupling device 50. The pretensioned element is in the form of a spring, specifically a leaf spring.

The hard surface cleaning device 12 further comprises a resetting means 136 for automatically transferring the suction nozzle 30 and the hard surface cleaning device 12 from a rotational position, which is deflected by rotation about the rotational axis 66 relative to the initial position shown schematically in fig. 14, back into the initial position. Examples of rotational positions for deflection are schematically shown in fig. 9 and 15.

The return device 136 includes a return element 138 in the form of a coil spring 116 defining a spring element 140. The helical spring acts, as already described, on the suction channel sleeve 62 and thus indirectly on the suction nozzle 30 on the one hand and on the housing 16 of the hard-surface cleaning device 12 on the other hand. Alternatively, the spring element 140 can also be designed in the form of a leaf spring or a torsion spring.

The operating principle of the resetting device 136 is illustrated in fig. 8 and 9. Fig. 8 shows an initial position of the hard surface cleaning device 12, which corresponds to the latching position of the latching adjustment mechanism 126 shown in fig. 6. In this essentially force-balanced position of the helical spring 116, the latching

elements

128 and 130 engage into one another.

As shown in fig. 9 and 15, one of the end faces 94 causes the end section 120 to follow in the clockwise direction if the suction nozzle 30 is twisted clockwise about the rotation axis 66 relative to the hard face cleaning apparatus 12 as viewed in the viewing direction towards the suction nozzle 30. However, the end section 118 still rests against the end face 114, which is substantially diametrically opposite the axis of rotation. Thereby, the coil spring 116 is slightly gathered. The more the mouthpiece is deflected clockwise from the initial position, the greater the force applied to effect deformation of the helical spring 116.

If the suction nozzle 30 is released, the reset element 138 forces the suction nozzle 30 back into the initial position again. In the case of a counterclockwise deflection, the additional end face 94 likewise causes the end section 118 of the helical spring 116 to follow and again leads to a compression of the helical spring 116.

In order to keep the hard surface cleaning device 12 in the initial position, a locking device, not shown in the figures, can optionally be provided, which prevents the suction nozzle 20 from twisting relative to the housing 16. This locking can be achieved, for example, as follows: the movement of the latching projections is prevented, so that the latching noses 86 cannot leave the latching recesses 106.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the figures, of the suction nozzle and the hard-surface cleaning device. Instead of a swivel joint 124, a ball joint may optionally be provided. If the hinge ball, which is arranged either on the housing or on the suction nozzle, is located in a corresponding hemispherical recess, this recess is arranged or formed on a further component of the hard-surface cleaning device. The suction channel 36 can optionally extend through the ball joint or by means of a tube or a flexible hose on the ball joint. In this embodiment, the twisting function of the suction nozzle relative to the housing is therefore decoupled from the guidance of the suction flow.

The exemplary embodiment of the hard face cleaning device 10 shown in the figures enables a compact configuration thereof in particular, since the cooperating first and second coupling means 50 and 52 form not only the hinge 122, but at the same time also form a section of the suction channel 36 when cooperating. The bearing shaft, which is held on the housing 16 in a rotatable manner and is in the form of a suction channel sleeve 62 coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the suction channel section 58, is therefore hollow and defines with its longitudinal axis not only the rotational axis 66 but also the suction channel 36.

List of reference numerals

10 hard surface cleaning equipment

12 hard surface suction cleaning equipment

14 grip part

16 casing

18 suction device

20 suction turbine

22 electric motor

24 cell

26 vertical surface

28 dirty liquid jar

30 suction nozzle

32 suction nozzle shell

34 lower part of the suction nozzle shell

36 suction channel

38 end of the pipe

40 suction opening

42 scraping lip

43 scraping edge

44 scraping lip

45 scraping edge longitudinal axis

46 rib

48 openings

50 first coupling device

52 second coupling means

54 suction channel end

56 longitudinal axis of suction channel

58 suction channel section

60 channel segment

62 suction channel cannula

64 accommodating part

66 axis of rotation

68 bulge

70 surface

72 hollow part

74 catch projection

76 latch lug

78 coupling projection

80 penetration part

82 projection

84 latch projection

86 locking lug

88 incision

90 annular flange

92 circular ring

94 end face

96 plane

98 half shell

100 end face

102 guide groove

104 guide section

106 latch clearance

108 annular groove

110 first annular groove section

112 second annular groove section

114 end face

116 helical spring

118 end section

120 end segment

122 hinge part

124 rotating hinge

126 latch adjustment mechanism

128 primary latching element

130 secondary latching element

132 third latch element

134 preloaded element

136 reset device

138 reset element

140 spring element

Claims

1. A suction attachment (30) for a portable, mains-independent hard-surface cleaning appliance (12) in the form of a window extractor comprising a cleaning device (18), the suction attachment (30) having a suction opening (40) to which a suction channel (36) is connected, the suction channel end (54) of which facing away from the suction opening (40) is connected or connectable to the cleaning device (18), wherein a first coupling device (50) is also arranged or designed on the suction attachment (30) for coupling in a rotationally articulated manner about at least one rotational or swivel axis (66) with a second coupling device (52) arranged or designed on the hard-surface cleaning appliance (12), wherein the at least one rotational or swivel axis (66) extends transversely to the suction opening (40), characterized by a first detent element (128) of a detent adjustment mechanism (126) having a first detent element (128) and a second detent element (130, 132) which engage in at least one detent position and disengage in an adjustment position, the first and second detent elements (128, 130, 132) being assigned to the suction nozzle (30) on the one hand and to the hard-surface cleaning device (12) on the other hand, the suction nozzle (30) being held in a non-movable manner on the hard-surface cleaning device (12) in at least one detent position, and the suction nozzle (30) being movable relative to the hard-surface cleaning device (12) about the at least one rotational or swiveling axis (66) in the adjustment position.

2. The suction nozzle as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the suction channel end (54) has a suction channel section (58) defining a suction channel longitudinal axis (56), and the suction channel longitudinal axis (56) defines the at least one rotational or oscillating axis (66).

3. Nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction channel end (54) forms the first coupling means (50) or a part thereof.

4. Nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction channel section (58) is of sleeve-shaped design.

5. A nozzle according to claim 4, characterized in that said sleeve-shaped suction channel section (58) has a circular or substantially circular cross-section.

6. A nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one flexible scraping lip (42, 44) which extends along the suction opening (40) and has a scraping edge (43) which is directed away from the suction opening (40) and which extends in the direction of the suction opening (40).

7. A nozzle according to claim 6, characterized in that said scraping edge (43) extends straight or substantially straight and said at least one rotation or swing axis (66) extends transversely to the scraping edge (43).

8. A nozzle according to claim 6, characterized in that said scraping edge (43) defines a scraping edge longitudinal axis (45) and that said scraping edge longitudinal axis (45) extends transversely to said at least one rotation or oscillation axis (66).

9. A nozzle according to claim 8, characterized in that said scraping edge longitudinal axis (45) extends perpendicularly to said at least one rotation or oscillation axis (66).

10. A nozzle according to claim 6, characterized in that there are two flexible scraping lips (42, 44) each with a scraping edge (43), wherein said two scraping lips (42, 44) define said suction opening (40) between them.

11. Nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction opening (40) is at least sectionally constructed straight or curved.

12. Hard surface cleaning apparatus (12) in the form of a portable, grid-independent window extractor having a cleaning device (18) and a suction nozzle (30) cooperating with the cleaning device (18), which suction nozzle has a suction opening (40) to which a suction channel (36) is connected, which suction channel is connected or connectable with the cleaning device (18) with its suction channel end (54) facing away from the suction opening (40), wherein a hinge (122) is provided for coupling the suction nozzle (30) with the hard surface cleaning apparatus (12) in a rotationally articulated manner about at least one rotation or swivel axis (66), wherein the at least one rotation or swivel axis (66) extends transversely to the suction opening (40), characterized in that, comprising a latch adjustment mechanism (126) having a first and a second latch element (128, 130, 132) which engage in at least one latching position and disengage in an adjustment position, the first and second latch elements (128, 130, 132) being assigned to the suction nozzle (30) on the one hand and to the hard-surface cleaning device (12) on the other hand, in at least one latching position the suction nozzle (30) being held in a non-movable manner on the hard-surface cleaning device (12), and in an adjustment position the suction nozzle (30) being movable relative to the hard-surface cleaning device (12) about the at least one rotation or swiveling axis (66).

13. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the suction channel end (54) has a suction channel section (58) defining a suction channel longitudinal axis (56), and the suction channel longitudinal axis (56) defines the at least one rotation or oscillation axis (66).

14. Hard face cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized by a suction nozzle (30) according to any of claims 1 to 11.

15. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the suction nozzle (30) and the hard face cleaning apparatus (12) are connected to each other in a coupled position and are separated from each other in a separated position.

16. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the hinge (122) is constructed in the form of a swivel hinge, a pendulum hinge or a ball hinge.

17. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a first coupling means (50) is arranged or constructed on the suction nozzle (30), a second coupling means (52) cooperating with the first coupling means (50) is arranged or constructed on the hard face cleaning apparatus (12), and the first and second coupling means (50, 52) together constitute the hinge (122), which defines the at least one rotation or oscillation axis (66).

18. A hard face cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that the first and second coupling means (50, 52) engage in the coupled position and disengage in the uncoupled position.

19. A hard surface cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that the first coupling means (50) comprises a sleeve-shaped suction channel section (58) which defines a suction channel longitudinal axis (56), the suction channel longitudinal axis (56) defining the at least one rotation or yaw axis (66), and the second coupling means (52) comprises a sleeve-shaped channel section (60), and the suction channel section (58) is embedded in the channel section (60) in the coupled position or the channel section is embedded in the suction channel section (58) in the coupled position.

20. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the channel section (60) comprises a suction channel sleeve (62) arranged rotatably on the hard face cleaning apparatus (12).

21. Hard-face cleaning apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by a housing (16) in which the cleaning device (18) is arranged or constructed.

22. A hard face cleaning device according to claim 21, characterized in that the suction nozzle (30) is coupled with the housing (16) in a coupled position and decoupled from the housing (16) in a decoupled position.

23. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by a reset device (136) for automatically transferring the suction nozzle (30) and the hard face cleaning apparatus (12) from a rotational position deflected relative to an initial position as a result of a rotation about the at least one rotation or swivel axis (66) back into the initial position.

24. Hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that a first coupling means (50) is arranged or constructed on the suction nozzle (30), a second coupling means (52) cooperating with the first coupling means (50) is arranged or constructed on the hard surface cleaning apparatus (12), the first and second coupling means (50, 52) together constructing the hinge (122), which defines the at least one rotation or oscillation axis (66), the restoring means (136) comprising at least one restoring element (138).

25. A hard face cleaning device according to claim 24, characterized in that the at least one return element (138) is configured in the form of a spring element (140).

26. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the spring element (140) is configured in the form of a leaf spring, a torsion spring or a helical spring (116).

27. A hard surface cleaning device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first and second latching elements (128, 130, 132) are arranged or formed on the one hand on the suction channel sleeve (62) and on the other hand on a housing (16) in which the cleaning device (18) is arranged or formed.

28. A hardfacing cleaning apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the latch adjustment mechanism (126) comprises at least one pre-tensioned element (134) which holds the first and second latch elements (128, 130, 132) in a latched position when the latch adjustment mechanism (126) is in an initial position.

29. A hard surface cleaning device according to claim 28, characterized in that the first and second latching elements (128, 130, 132) can be transferred from a latching position into an adjustment position against the action of the pretensioned element (134).

30. Hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 28, characterized in that a first coupling means (50) is arranged or constructed on the suction nozzle (30), a second coupling means (52) cooperating with the first coupling means (50) is arranged or constructed on the hard surface cleaning apparatus (12), the first and second coupling means (50, 52) together constructing the hinge (122), which defines the at least one rotation or swivel axis (66), and the pretensioned element (134) is arranged or constructed on the first or second coupling means (50, 52).

31. Hard face cleaning device according to claim 28, characterized in that the pretensioning element (134) is configured in the form of a spring.

32. Hard face cleaning device according to claim 28, characterized in that the pretensioned element (134) is configured in the form of a leaf spring.

33. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the channel section (60) comprises a suction channel sleeve (62) arranged rotatably about the at least one rotational or swing axis (66) on the hard face cleaning apparatus (12).

34. Hard face cleaning apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that the at least one restoring element acts on one side on the suction nozzle (30) or the first coupling means (50) and on the other side on the hard face cleaning apparatus (12), the second coupling means (52) or a housing (16) in which the cleaning means (18) are arranged or constructed.