CN112190176A - Ground-engaging suction nozzle for a suction device for cleaning and caring for floor surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a ground-engaging suction nozzle (1) of a suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, for cleaning a floor surface, comprising: a suction opening (2) having at least one suction opening edge (3) arranged on the floor side, which at least partially surrounds a suction opening (4) and which delimits a supplementary air device (5) for supplying supplementary air to the ground-engaging suction nozzle (1), wherein, in the operating state of the ground-engaging suction nozzle (1), the supplementary air device (5) is fluidically connected to the suction opening (2) via the suction opening (4) in such a way that the supplementary air flows from at least one outlet (7) of the supplementary air device (5) into the suction opening (4) below the at least one suction opening edge (3).

Description

Ground-engaging suction nozzle for a suction device for cleaning and caring for floor surfaces

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a suction device for cleaning and/or caring for floor surfaces, in particular a ground-engaging nozzle of a vacuum cleaner.

Background

A problem with known ground-engaging nozzles for suction devices or for vacuum cleaners is that the propelling force is related to the received dust.

The suction efficiency is improved to better receive the dust, and the pushing force or sliding force of the ground suction nozzle is increased. This results in too high an operating force, since the ground engaging suction nozzle is sucked with great force onto the floor or floor surface.

In order to prevent such a firm grip of the ground engaging nozzle, there are different solutions for supplying so-called supplementary air (Falschluft) to the ground engaging nozzle or to the suction device or to the vacuum cleaner, in order thereby to reduce the suction efficiency and at the same time to reduce the thrust on the ground engaging nozzle.

However, a disadvantage known from the prior art solutions is that the additional air is usually supplied after the suction opening of the so-called ground-engaging suction nozzle, for example at a so-called bend of the vacuum cleaner pipe.

Thereby reducing the cleaning effect because the suction force is broken by the supplemental air in this arrangement.

It is also known from the prior art (for example, DE 19805901C 2) to let additional air flow directly into the grounded suction nozzle or its suction opening, so that the suction force is destroyed and can no longer be used for cleaning.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a suction apparatus for cleaning and/or caring for floor surfaces, in particular a ground-engaging nozzle of a vacuum cleaner, which has an improved suction efficiency and thus an improved cleaning efficiency while reducing the pushing force of the ground-engaging nozzle, and which preferably can be manufactured in a cost-effective and material-saving manner.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to further advantageous embodiments.

According to the invention, a ground-engaging nozzle of a suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, for cleaning and/or caring for floor surfaces comprises:

a suction opening with at least one suction opening edge arranged on the ground side, which completely or at least partially surrounds a suction opening delimiting the suction opening, and

and the air supplementing device is used for inputting supplemented air to the grounding suction nozzle.

According to the invention, the ground-engaging suction nozzle comprises a so-called sealing edge, preferably a circumferential sealing edge, on the floor side, in which a vacuum can be generated by means of the suction device. The sealing edge can be interrupted or be composed of several segments. It is important that a negative pressure can be generated in the region formed by the sealing edge in the operating state of the suction device or the ground-engaging suction nozzle.

The at least one sealing edge surrounds the at least one suction opening edge outside the at least one suction opening edge and the at least one outlet of the supplementary air device for supplementary air. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing edge is formed partially or completely by a suction edge or a suction edge section.

Preferably, in an operating state of the ground-engaging suction nozzle, the additional air device is in fluid communication with the suction opening via the suction opening, so that additional air flows or is sucked from the at least one outlet of the additional air device into the suction opening below the at least one suction opening edge. In this way, it is possible to improve the cleaning efficiency of the floor surface, particularly a carpeted floor surface, and to reduce the urging force for urging the ground-engaging suction nozzle. In other words, the additional air device or its outlet is arranged in the vicinity of/beside the suction opening or its edge/suction opening edge in such a way that additional air is sucked into the suction opening through the suction opening under at least one suction opening edge, so that said additional air reduces the pressure of the ground engaging suction nozzle on the one hand in order to reduce the thrust and thus make the ground engaging suction nozzle easier to operate, and on the other hand simultaneously improves the removal and entrainment of dirt particles under the suction opening edge by the swirling of the additional air and better detachment from the ground.

In the present description, the term "suction opening edge" is to be understood as meaning a region which completely or at least partially surrounds or delimits the suction opening, preferably like an edge or an edge region delimiting an aperture. For example, the suction opening edge can preferably be formed by one or more profiles, which at least partially or completely form the underside of the ground engaging suction nozzle. The suction opening edge of the suction opening can also be embodied, for example, as part of a sliding base plate of the ground connection nozzle, which base plate is located on the underside of the ground connection nozzle.

The term "during operation" or "in an operating state" is to be understood in this specification as meaning a state in which the ground-engaging suction nozzle bears against a floor surface and a negative pressure is preferably generated in the suction opening by the suction device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the ground engaging nozzle has a sliding base plate on the underside for sliding on the floor surface and preferably rolling elements, so that the rolling elements and the sliding base plate advantageously produce a support surface for the ground engaging nozzle.

Advantageously, the rolling elements and the sliding bottom plate are arranged on the bottom side of the ground engaging nozzle with the suction opening arranged therebetween.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the suction opening edge forms part of the slide base.

Furthermore, it is preferred that, in particular in the operating state of the ground-engaging suction nozzle, the at least one outlet of the supplementary air device is in fluid communication with the suction opening via the at least one suction opening edge or below it. Thus, the additional air flowing out of the at least one outlet and sucked in by the suction opening can detach and carry away dirt particles from the floor surface, in particular in carpets.

It can also be provided that the at least one outlet and the suction opening of the additional air device are arranged relative to one another such that, in the operating state of the ground-engaging suction nozzle, a fluid flow of additional air from the at least one outlet into the suction opening can be established below the at least one suction opening edge. By forming a flow from the at least one outlet of the additional air device via the at least one suction opening edge above or below the suction opening towards the suction opening, the additional air supplied to the ground engaging suction nozzle, in addition to reducing the pushing force of the ground engaging suction nozzle, also serves to loosen or move dirt before the actual suction through the suction opening, so that the cleaning effect is increased.

Advantageously, the supplementary air means comprises an inlet for supplementary air and at least one outlet. Thus, supplemental air may flow from the inlet to the at least one outlet.

It is also advantageous if the at least one outlet for additional air is arranged outside the at least one suction opening edge, in particular outside the suction opening, and in the vicinity of the suction opening, so that additional air from the additional air device can be used for pre-cleaning the floor surface and for reducing the pushing force. It is by this arrangement that the supplementary air device and the suction opening are brought into fluid communication with each other by a flow from the at least one outlet of the supplementary air device via the at least one suction opening edge to the suction opening, which reduces the propelling force and pre-cleans the floor surface.

In a further alternative, provision can be made for the at least one outlet to be arranged in the pushing direction upstream of the at least one suction opening edge and/or upstream of the suction opening. As an alternative thereto, the at least one outlet opening can be arranged in the pushing direction behind the at least one suction opening edge and/or behind the suction opening. It is also conceivable for the at least one outlet to be arranged alongside or to the side of the at least one suction opening edge and/or alongside or to the side of the suction opening in the pushing direction. As already mentioned, this arrangement serves to simplify the preliminary detachment and transport away or entrainment of dirt on the floor surface by the flow which is established between the at least one outlet of the supplementary air device and the suction opening which is at least partially or completely surrounded or enclosed by the at least one suction opening edge.

Advantageously, the at least one suction opening edge has a front edge region and/or a rear edge region and/or a first transverse edge region and/or a second transverse edge region in the pushing direction of the ground engaging suction nozzle. One or more edge regions of the at least one suction opening edge can have further elements, for example made of rubber and/or plastic, and serve to improve the sealing of the ground-engaging suction nozzle against the environment and the ambient air, so that the (additional air) flow of the at least one outlet of the additional air device below the at least one suction opening edge to the suction opening can be improved.

The edge regions are preferably connected to one another or form an integral or continuous suction opening edge.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the supplementary air device is arranged in the pushing direction of the ground-engaging suction nozzle before or after the front edge region of the at least one suction opening.

In other words, it is advantageous if the at least one outlet of the supplementary air device is arranged in the pushing direction before or after the front edge region of the at least one suction opening.

In other words, it is advantageous if all the outlets of the additional air device are arranged before the front edge of the at least one suction opening edge or after the rear edge region.

It is these arrangements that make it possible to detach dirt from the floor surface before or in advance and to carry it away.

Preferably, the suction opening and the at least one outlet of the supplementary air device are oriented towards a bottom side or a floor side of the ground-engaging suction nozzle.

Preferably, the bottom side can be arranged opposite the floor surface to be cleaned, in particular in the operating state.

Furthermore, the inlet of the supplemental air device may be oriented towards a top side of the ground-engaging suction nozzle, wherein preferably the top side faces away from the floor surface to be cleaned.

Preferably, the inlet of the supplementary air device is oriented towards the bottom side of the ground engaging suction nozzle or towards a side area of the ground engaging suction nozzle. While the top side is advantageously arranged opposite the bottom side, one or more side areas delimit the ground connection nozzle at the side, wherein the side areas connect the top side with the bottom side.

Advantageously, the supplementary air means comprises an inlet for supplementary air and at least one outlet.

Preferably, the two or more outlets are arranged in a row. Advantageously, the row extends over the width of the ground engaging nozzle.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the supplementary air device has at least one fluid channel between the inlet and the at least one outlet. Thus, supplemental air may flow from the inlet to the at least one outlet.

It can also be provided that at least one fluid channel connects a top side of the ground connection nozzle with a bottom side of the ground connection nozzle. In this way, "cleaner" ambient air or supplemental air from the uncontaminated area can be used to clean the floor surface.

The supplementary air means preferably comprise diffuser means and/or at least one mouth means and/or a fluid chamber which together form at least one fluid channel.

The supplemental air device preferably includes a diffuser element, which preferably has an input and an output.

In this case, the inlet is preferably formed by the inlet of the additional air device.

Furthermore, the input portion may have a smaller cross section than the output portion. In the supplementary air device, therefore, a conventional diffuser is arranged, which means an increase in the flow cross section in the flow direction of the flowing medium, as a result of which the fluid or the supplementary air flowing through is decelerated.

Preferably, the output opens into the fluid chamber of the supplementary air device.

Advantageously, the supplementary air means comprise at least one mouth piece, preferably comprising an input and an output.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the outlet is formed by at least one outlet of the supplementary air device.

Advantageously, the input section has a larger cross section than the output section. In the supplementary air device, therefore, at least one conventional nozzle element or at least one conventional constriction (Konfusor) is arranged, which means a reduction in the flow cross section in the flow direction of the flowing medium, as a result of which the velocity of the fluid or supplementary air flowing through increases.

Preferably, the input is connected to the fluid chamber of the supplemental air device.

Advantageously, the supplementary air device comprises a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber essentially functions to make a connection between the diffuser element and the at least one mouth element.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the fluid chamber has a funnel-shaped cross section in a section along the pushing direction of the grounded suction nozzle. Thus, the fluid chamber forms a mouth shape at the cross section along the pushing direction of the grounded suction nozzle.

Preferably, the fluid chamber has a rectangular cross-section in a section transverse to the pushing direction of the ground engaging nozzle.

Furthermore, the output of the diffuser means may be connected with the input of the at least one mouth means via the fluid chamber.

Preferably, the fluid chamber has a first sub-area and a second sub-area in a cross-section transverse to the pushing direction of the ground engaging nozzle.

It is also preferred that the first sub-area is arranged above the second sub-area. Thus, the first sub-area is closer to the top side of the ground nozzle than the second sub-area, or the second sub-area is closer to the lower side of the ground nozzle than the first sub-area.

Advantageously, the first sub-region is connected to a diffusion device of the supplementary air device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first sub-area has a rectangular cross section in a section transverse to the pushing direction of the ground engaging nozzle.

The first subregion preferably has a larger cross-section than the output of the diffusion device. In this way, the flow cross section is therefore increased in the flow direction of the flowing medium.

Advantageously, the second sub-region is connected to at least one mouth means of the supplementary air device.

Advantageously, the second subregion has a cross section which is enlarged by the output of the at least one mouth piece. The flow cross section therefore decreases in the flow direction of the flowing medium.

Preferably, the second sub-area has a funnel-shaped cross-section in a cross-section transverse to the pushing direction of the ground engaging nozzle.

It can also be provided that the ground-engaging suction nozzle comprises a sealing edge which is arranged opposite the at least one outlet of the supplementary air device such that a fluid flow is carried from the at least one outlet in the direction of the suction opening or assists a fluid flow from the at least one outlet to the suction opening.

It should be noted that the term "suction opening edge" is preferably different from the term "sealing edge". The sealing edge or edges of the ground-engaging suction nozzle advantageously serve on the one hand to convey or assist the fluid flow from the at least one outlet of the supplementary air device towards the suction opening of the ground-engaging suction nozzle, and on the other hand preferably to improve the formation of a negative pressure in or below the ground-engaging suction nozzle in the operating state.

The sealing edge may also surround the at least one suction opening edge and the at least one outlet of the additional air device for additional air outside the at least one suction opening edge. In this way, not only in the suction opening, a negative pressure can be generated by the suction device, but also the negative pressure present at the suction opening can act on the at least one outlet.

Advantageously, the sealing edge is arranged on the rear edge region and/or the front edge region and on a first side edge region and a second side edge region of at least one suction opening edge on the suction opening edge.

The area enclosed by the sealing edge, in particular the circumferential sealing edge, is advantageously greater than the area of the suction opening, so that the sealing edge encloses at least one suction opening edge and at least one outlet of an air supply device for supplying additional air is provided outside the at least one suction opening edge.

Furthermore, the sealing edge is preferably formed by a rubber material or a contour-like projection on the underside of the ground nozzle.

Preferably, the inlet of the supplementary air device has a polygonal shape, in particular a rectangular shape. This is easy to manufacture.

Preferably, the inlet can be controllably closed, so that the ground engaging nozzle according to the invention can advantageously be used on different floor coverings, to advantageously be able to set the desired pushing force.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the supplementary air device comprises push control means for manually, gradually opening and closing the inlet.

In other words, it is advantageous if the supplementary air device comprises a push control device, which is embodied as a path control valve.

Advantageously, the push control means comprise a push control element by means of which the cross section of the inlet of the supplementary air device can be adjusted advantageously gradually.

It is also advantageous if the push control element comprises at least one latching lug for engaging into the locking reception.

Preferably, the at least one locking lug is arranged laterally, in particular elastically, on the push control element. Thereby, the locking lug can be locked in different predetermined positions on the lock receiving portion and can be switched between these positions.

Advantageously, the push control means comprise at least one locking receptacle for the at least one locking lug. Preferably, the locking reception provides just a plurality of predetermined positions or locking points for locking the at least one locking lug, on which the push control element or the at least one locking lug of the push control element can be locked. It is thus possible to lock the push control element in a plurality of positions relative to the lock accommodation and thus to determine the position of the two relative to one another.

It is also advantageous if at least one latching receptacle is formed by the housing of the ground-engaging suction nozzle.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the ground-engaging suction nozzle comprises a housing which forms the suction opening, the at least one suction opening edge, the additional air device, the inlet or diffuser element and the at least one outlet or the at least one nozzle element.

Preferably, the housing is constructed in multiple pieces.

Preferably, the supplementary air device comprises control means for automatically opening and closing the inlet.

Preferably, the control means is implemented as a force-controlled valve.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the control means comprise a closure element by means of which the inlet can be opened and closed.

Preferably, the control means comprise a stop element against which the closure element can abut.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the latching element has a magnetic or magnetizable material.

The closure element can also have a magnetizable or magnetic material.

Advantageously, the closure element has a magnetic/magnetizable material and the stop element has a magnetizable/magnetic material, so that the two can attract each other and close the inlet.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the magnetic force between the stop element and the closure element is predeterminable, so that the closure element opens the inlet, preferably as soon as the underpressure in the suction opening is greater than the magnetic force between the stop element and the closure element, as a result of which additional air reaches the suction opening via the additional air device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control means comprise a spring element for exerting a force on the closing element towards the stop element.

It can also be provided that the spring element acts with a force on the closing element towards a position in which the closing element closes the inlet, and that the closing element opens the inlet to such an extent that additional air passes through the closing element into the suction opening as soon as the underpressure in the suction opening is greater than the pressure of the spring element.

Furthermore, the spring force of the spring element can be adjusted by means of a rotary control element for adjusting the length of the spring element between the closing element and the rotary control element.

Preferably, the spring element is arranged between the rotary control element and the closure element.

Preferably, the rotary control element and the closure element are connected to each other by a threaded connection.

It is also advantageous if the cross-section of the rotary control element is cup-shaped.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the rotary control element comprises an internal thread.

Advantageously, the closing element is screwed into the open side of the rotating control element.

The closure element may further comprise an external thread.

In a further preferred embodiment, the control means of the force control valve can have both a magnetic or magnetizable material and a spring element. Thereby a higher accuracy of the adjustment of the valve to the working pressure of the ground engaging nozzle is achieved.

Hereinafter, the above inventive concept is described in additional ways.

The inventive concept preferably-in a simplified representation-relates to a ground-engaging suction nozzle with an additional air device with which the ground can be cleaned with the ability to make use of additional air.

Drawings

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a ground engaging nozzle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the ground engaging nozzle of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a bottom view of the ground engaging nozzle of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention; and

fig. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a ground engaging nozzle similar to that of fig. 1, but according to the present invention.

List of reference numerals

1, a grounding suction nozzle; 2 a suction port; 3, suction port edge; 4 a suction opening; 5 adding air device; 6, an inlet; 7 an outlet; 8 a leading edge region; 9 rear edge region; 10 a first side edge region; 11 a second side edge region; 12 a fluid channel; 13 a diffusion device; a 14-mouth device; 15 a fluid chamber; 16 an input of the diffusion device; 17 an output of the diffusion device; an input of an 18-mouth device; an output of the 19-nozzle device; 20 a first sub-region; 21 a second sub-region; 22 sealing the edge; 23 pushing the control device; 24 pushing the control element; 25 locking projections; 26 a locking lug; 27 locking the accommodation part; 28 a housing; 29 a control device; 30 a closure element; 31 a stop element; 32 a spring element; 33 rotating the control element;

s, pushing direction; a U bottom side; an O topside; p flow arrows.

Detailed Description

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same objects.

Fig. 1 shows a sectional view and a partially enlarged sectional view of a ground engaging nozzle 1 according to the invention.

More specifically, fig. 1 shows a ground-engaging nozzle 1 of a suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, for cleaning and/or caring for floor surfaces.

According to fig. 1, the ground-engaging suction nozzle 1 comprises a suction opening 2, the suction opening 2 having a suction opening edge 3 (better shown in fig. 3) arranged on the ground side, the suction opening edge 3 completely surrounding a defined suction opening 4. The suction opening edge 3 thus delimits the suction opening 4.

Furthermore, the ground suction nozzle 1 comprises a supplementary air device 5, which is configured to supply supplementary air to the ground suction nozzle 1, whereby the pushing force for pushing the ground suction nozzle 1 can be reduced.

In an operating state of the ground-engaging suction nozzle 1, in which the ground-engaging suction nozzle 1 rests on a floor surface and the suction device generates a negative pressure in the suction opening 2, the supplementary air device 5 is in fluid connection with the suction opening 2 via the suction opening 4, so that supplementary air flows from an outlet 7 of the supplementary air device 5 into the suction opening 4 below the suction opening edge 3. Thereby, the cleaning capacity of the floor surface, in particular of a carpeted floor, is improved and at the same time the pushing force for pushing the ground engaging nozzle 1 is reduced.

The multiple outlets 7 of the supplementary air device 5 are thus in fluid communication with the suction opening 4 via the suction opening edge 3, in order to detach and carry away dirt particles from the floor surface, in particular in carpets, by the supplementary air flowing out of the outlets 7 and sucked in by the suction opening 2.

In other words, fig. 1 shows that the plurality of outlets 7 of the supplementary air device 5 and the suction opening 4 are arranged relative to each other such that a fluid flow of supplementary air from the outlets 7 into the suction opening 4 can be established below the suction opening edge 3.

For the purpose of explaining the above, in fig. 1 flow arrows P are shown, along which additional air flows from the inlet 6 to the outlet 7 and into the suction opening 4 when a negative pressure is generated in the suction opening 2 or in an operating state.

The supplementary air device 5 is described in detail below.

The supplementary air device 5 thus has an inlet 6 for supplementary air and a plurality of outlets 7, wherein the outlets 7 for supplementary air are arranged outside the suction opening edge 3, outside the suction opening 2 and in the vicinity of the suction opening 4. In this way, additional air from the additional air device 5 can be used to pre-clean the floor surface and reduce the propelling force.

In this case, the outlet 7 is arranged in the pushing direction S before the suction opening edge 3 and before the suction opening 2.

More precisely, the suction opening 4 and the outlet 7 of the supplementary air device 5 are oriented towards the bottom side U or the floor side of the ground nozzle 1, wherein the bottom side U and the floor surface to be cleaned can be arranged opposite each other.

Furthermore, the inlet 6 of the supplementary air device 5 is oriented towards the top side O of the ground engaging suction nozzle 1, wherein the top side O faces away from the floor surface to be cleaned.

As previously mentioned, the supplementary air device 5 has an inlet 6 for supplementary air and a plurality of outlets 7, the supplementary air device 5 having a fluid passage 12 therebetween.

Here, the fluid channel 12 connects the top side O of the ground nozzle 1 with the bottom side U of the ground nozzle 1.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the grounding nozzle 1 according to the invention shown in fig. 1.

Thus, in fig. 2, it is shown that the supplementary air device 5 comprises a diffuser element 13, a plurality of nozzle elements 14 and a fluid chamber 15 which together form the fluid channel 12.

The diffuser element 13 has an inlet 16 and an outlet 17, the inlet 16 being formed by the inlet 6 of the supplementary air device 5.

As can be readily seen from fig. 2, the inlet 16 has a smaller cross section than the outlet 17, which opens into the fluid chamber 15 of the supplementary air device 5. The flow cross section thus increases in the flow direction of the flowing medium, whereby the throughflowing fluid or the additional air can be decelerated or decelerated.

As mentioned above, the supplementary air device 5 has a plurality of mouth pieces 14, which respectively comprise an input 18 and an output 19.

Each output 19 is formed by the outlet 7 of the supplementary air device 5, wherein the input 18 has a larger cross section than the output 19. In this way, the flow cross section decreases in the flow direction of the flowing medium, whereby the throughflowing fluid or the additional air can be accelerated or accelerated.

In summary, the output 17 of the diffuser element 13 is connected via the fluid chamber 15 to the input 18 of the mouth element 14.

Furthermore, in fig. 2 it is shown that the input 18 of the mouth piece 14 is connected to the fluid chamber 15 of the supplementary air device 5.

As shown in fig. 1, the fluid chamber 15 has a funnel-shaped cross-section in a section along the pushing direction S of the ground engaging nozzle 1, wherein the fluid chamber 15 is rectangular in cross-section transverse to the pushing direction S of the ground engaging nozzle 1, as shown in fig. 2.

Furthermore, fig. 2 shows that the fluid chamber 15 has a first sub-area 20 and a second sub-area 21 in a cross-section transverse to the pushing direction S of the ground engaging nozzle 1.

Here, the first subregion 20 is arranged above the second subregion 21 and is connected to the diffusion means 13 of the supplementary air device 5.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the first sub-area 20 has a rectangular cross-section in a section transverse to the pushing direction S of the ground nozzle 1, wherein the first sub-area 20 has a larger cross-section than the output 17 of the diffuser element 13.

On the other hand, the second sub-region 21 is connected to the mouth piece 14 of the supplementary air device 5 and has a larger cross section than the output 19 of the mouth piece 14.

In a section along the pushing direction S of the grounding nozzle 1, the second sub-area 21 has a funnel-shaped cross-section like the first sub-area 20 (see fig. 1).

As can be seen in particular in fig. 2, the inlet 6 of the supplementary air device 5 has a rectangular shape and can be closed in a controllable manner.

In other words, the supplementary air device 5 has a push control means 23 for manually, gradually opening and closing the cross section of the inlet 6.

In this case, the push control means 23 comprises a push control element 24, which push control element 24 has two locking projections 25, 26 for engaging into a locking receptacle 27, the push control means 23 also comprising a locking receptacle 27 for the locking projections 25, 26.

When the two locking projections 25, 26 are arranged laterally elastically on the push control element 24, the locking reception 27 has a plurality of locking points for engaging the locking projections 25, 26. It is thus possible to lock the push control element 24 in a plurality of positions relative to the lock accommodation 27 and thus to determine the position of the two relative to each other.

As can also be seen from fig. 2, the push control element 24 is formed in one piece, and the locking receptacle 27 is formed by a housing 28 of the ground connection nozzle.

The housing 28 of the ground-engaging suction nozzle 1 is constructed in multiple parts and forms the suction opening 2, the suction opening edge 3, the supplementary air device 5, the inlet 6 or the diffuser element 13 and the outlet 7 or the nozzle element 14.

Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of the grounding nozzle 1 according to the invention of fig. 1.

As can be seen in fig. 3, the suction opening edge 3 has a front edge region 8, a rear edge region 9, a first side edge region 10 and a second side edge region 11 in the pushing direction S of the ground nozzle 1.

The edge regions 8, 9, 10, 11 are connected to one another or form an integral suction opening edge 3.

The supplementary air device 5 is arranged in front of the front edge region 8 of the suction opening edge 3 in the pushing direction S of the ground-engaging suction nozzle 1, wherein all the outlets 7 of the supplementary air device 5 are arranged in front of the front edge region 8 of the suction opening edge 3.

Furthermore, it can be seen in fig. 3 that the outlets 7 are arranged in rows and that the rows of outlets 7 extend over the width of the ground engaging nozzle 1.

Fig. 3 furthermore shows that the ground-engaging suction nozzle 1 comprises a circumferential sealing edge 22, in which sealing edge 22 a vacuum can be generated by means of a suction device. The sealing edge 22 can also be interrupted or be composed of several segments. It is important that a sufficient underpressure can continue to be generated in the operating state of the suction device or the ground engaging suction nozzle. At least a part of the sealing edge 22 can be formed by a part of the suction opening edge 3.

The sealing edge 22 surrounds the suction opening edge 3 and the outlet 7 of the supplementary air device 5 for supplementary air beyond the suction opening edge 3, wherein the sealing edge 22 is preferably arranged on the suction opening edge 3 in the vicinity of the rear edge region 9, the first side edge region 10 and the second side edge region 11.

In contrast to the suction opening 4, the circumferential sealing edge 22 advantageously surrounds a larger area, so that the sealing edge 22 surrounds the suction opening edge 3 and the outlet 7 of the supplementary air device 5 for supplementary air, which is arranged outside the suction opening edge 3.

Fig. 1 to 3 are described below in another alternative manner.

The ground-engaging suction nozzle 1 according to fig. 1 and 2 is provided with a controllable supplementary air opening 6 or inlet 6 or with a push control device 23.

The supplementary air openings 6 or the push control means 23 can be more or less open depending on the floor covering. The locking members 25, 26, 27 prevent undesired displacements.

Fig. 2 shows a cut-away fluid channel 12 which delivers additional air to a small opening 7 or outlet 7 at the bottom side U in front of the ground engaging suction nozzle 1. The openings 7 are in the present case embodied as strips (leister).

The opening 7 or the outlet 7 is arranged in a sealing edge 22 of the ground-engaging suction nozzle 1, in which sealing edge 22 a vacuum can be generated by means of a suction device (see fig. 3).

The inflowing additional air flows through the fluid channel 12 towards the bottom side U, as indicated in fig. 1 by the flow arrows P.

This inflow of air serves on the one hand to reduce the negative pressure or to reduce the pushing force and on the other hand it can be injected into the carpet or onto the floor surface through the nozzle device 14 and detach dust particles.

As described above, decreasing the negative pressure results in a decrease in the urging force. An increase in the cleaning efficiency, in particular of a carpeted floor, can be ensured by the use of additional air before the suction opening 2, without the pushing force exceeding the uncomfortable range at the same time.

The inflowing additional air sucked in by the suction opening 2 can detach and carry away dirt particles in the carpet or on the floor surface.

Furthermore, as described above, the cross section of the opening 6 or of the inlet 6 towards the carpet to be cleaned can be adjusted by means of the push control device 23.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the grounding nozzle 1 similar to fig. 1, but according to the invention.

The previous description of the embodiment with reference to fig. 1 to 3 for the grounding nozzle 1 can also be used for the embodiment according to fig. 4, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

Therefore, only the relevant differences between the two embodiments of fig. 1 to 3 and 4 will be explained below.

Fig. 4 therefore shows that, instead of the push control means 23 for manually and gradually opening and closing the cross section of the inlet 6, the supplementary air device 5 has a control means 29 for automatically opening and closing the inlet 6.

The control device 29 has a closure element 30, by means of which the inlet 6 can be opened and closed.

Furthermore, the control means 29 has a stop element 31 against which the closure element 30 can abut.

In the special embodiment according to fig. 4, the closure element 30 has a magnetic material and the stop element 31 has a magnetizable material, whereby the two can attract each other and close the inlet 6.

An operating pressure of approximately 120mbar is usually set in the region of the suction nozzle in operation. The magnetic force mentioned above in the valve in this case enables the valve to yield and open the opening to atmospheric pressure when this operating pressure is reached. Thus, as shown in fig. 1 and 4, air or additional air flows through the air channel towards the carpeted floor surface. This inflow of air serves, on the one hand, to reduce the working pressure at this moment, and, on the other hand, it can penetrate into the carpet through the geometry of the air channel and detach dust particles.

Furthermore, the control means 29 may additionally comprise a spring element 32 for exerting a force on the closure element 30 in the direction of the stop element 31. This is to support accurate adjustment of the valve on the floor surface to be cleaned. In this case, the magnetic force can be additionally assisted by the force of the spring element 32, for which purpose the magnetic force is specifically reduced or assisted by biasing or by releasing the spring in the spring element 32. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic force can be omitted, so that the adjustment of the valve is effected solely by the spring element 32.

The spring element 32 acts with a force on the closing element 30 towards a position in which the closing element 30 closes the inlet opening 6, and as soon as the underpressure in the suction opening 2 is greater than the pressure of the spring element 32, the closing element 30 opens the inlet opening 6 to such an extent that additional air passes through the closing element 30 into the suction opening 2.

The spring force of the spring element 32 can be set by, for example, a rotary control element 33, which rotary control element 33 serves to set the length of the spring element 32 between the closing element 30 and the rotary control element 33, wherein the spring element 32 is arranged between the rotary control element 33 and the closing element 30.

Although not readily visible in fig. 4, the rotary control element 33 and the closure element 30 are connected to one another by a threaded connection.

The cross section of the rotating control element 33 is thus cup-shaped and has an internal thread, while the closing element 30 is screwed with its external thread into the open side of the rotating control element 33.

Fig. 4 is described in another manner below.

As shown in fig. 4, the ground engaging suction nozzle 1 is provided with a valve 29 and/or with a control device 29 and an air channel 12 or a fluid channel 12.

The valve 29 has a closure element 30, which closure element 30 prevents access to atmospheric pressure. A spring element 32 is also provided below the closure element 30, which spring element 32 can be adjusted to increase or decrease its holding force.

In the region of the location of the ground-engaging suction nozzle 1, which is at least surrounded by the sealing edge 22, an operating pressure of approximately 120mbar is set during operation.

The closing element 30, which interacts with the spring element 32, is designed such that it yields when the operating pressure is reached and opens up an opening to atmospheric pressure. As indicated in fig. 4 by flow arrows P, the additional air or air thus flows through the air or fluid channels 12 towards the bottom side U.

This inflow of air serves, on the one hand, to reduce the operating pressure at this point in time and, on the other hand, enables additional air to be injected into the carpet or onto the floor surface and to detach dirt, for example dust particles, by means of the nozzle-like geometry of the outlet 7.

As described above, the reduction in the working pressure results in a reduction in the pushing force. Thus, an improvement in the cleaning efficiency of the floor surface, such as a carpeted floor, can be ensured, while the urging force does not exceed an uncomfortable range.

Furthermore, the valve 29 or the control means 29 can be adjusted for the floor surface to be cleaned. This is achieved by the spring force of the closing element 30 being influenced by the spring element 32, for which purpose the closing force of the closing element 30 can be adjusted by the bias of the spring element 32.

Claims (15)

1. A ground-engaging nozzle (1) of a suction device, in particular of a vacuum cleaner, for cleaning a floor surface, comprising:

a suction opening (2) having at least one suction opening edge (3) arranged on the ground side, which completely or at least partially surrounds the delimited suction opening (4),

at least one sealing edge (22) arranged on the ground side, in which sealing edge a negative pressure can be generated by means of a suction device, and

-a supplementary air device (5) for feeding supplementary air to the ground-engaging suction nozzle (1),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

-the at least one sealing edge (22) surrounds the at least one suction opening edge (3) and at least one outlet opening (7) of the supplementary air device (5) for supplementary air outside the at least one suction opening edge (3), and wherein

-in an operating state of the ground-engaging suction nozzle (1), the supplementary air device (5) is in fluid connection with the suction opening (2) via the suction opening (4) such that supplementary air flows from at least one outlet (7) of the supplementary air device (5) into the suction opening (4) below the at least one suction opening edge (3).

2. The ground engaging nozzle of claim 1,

-the at least one outlet (7) of the supplementary air device (5) and the suction opening (4) are in fluid communication via the at least one suction opening edge (3) in order to detach and carry away dirt particles from the floor surface, in particular in a carpet, by means of supplementary air flowing out of the at least one outlet (7) and sucked in by the suction opening (2),

-preferably, the at least one outlet (7) of the supplementary air device (5) and the suction opening (4) are arranged relative to each other such that, in the operating state of the ground-engaging nozzle, a fluid flow of supplementary air from the at least one outlet (7) into the suction opening (4) can be established below the at least one suction opening edge (3).

3. The ground engaging nozzle according to claim 1 or 2,

-the supplementary air device (5) comprises an inlet (6) for supplementary air and at least one outlet (7),

preferably, at least one outlet (7) for additional air is arranged outside the at least one suction opening edge (3), in particular outside the suction opening (2), and in the vicinity of the suction opening (4), so that additional air from the additional air device (5) can be used for pre-cleaning the floor surface and for reducing the pushing force,

preferably, the at least one outlet (7) is arranged in the pushing direction (S) before the at least one suction opening edge (3) and/or before the suction opening (2), or the at least one outlet (7) is arranged in the pushing direction (S) after the at least one suction opening edge (3) and/or after the suction opening (2).

4. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-the at least one suction opening edge (3) has a front edge region (8), a rear edge region (9), a first side edge region (10) and a second side edge region (11),

-the supplementary air device (5) is preferably arranged in front of a front edge region (8) of the at least one suction opening edge (3) in the pushing direction (S) of the ground-engaging suction nozzle (1),

-preferably, at least one outlet (7) of the supplementary air device (5) is arranged in the pushing direction (S) before a front edge region (8) or after the rear edge region (9) of the at least one suction opening edge (3),

preferably, all the outlets (7) of the supplementary air device (5) are arranged before the front edge region (8) or after the rear edge region (9) of the suction opening edge (3).

5. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-the suction opening (4) and the at least one outlet (7) of the supplementary air device (5) are oriented towards the bottom side (U) or the ground side of the ground-engaging suction nozzle (1),

-the bottom side (U) and a floor surface to be cleaned can be arranged opposite each other,

-preferably the inlet (6) of the supplementary air device (5) is oriented towards the top side (O) of the ground-engaging suction nozzle (1),

-preferably, the inlet (6) of the supplementary air device (5) is directed towards the bottom side (U) of the ground engaging nozzle (1) or towards a side area of the ground engaging nozzle (1).

6. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-the supplementary air device (5) comprises an inlet (6) for supplementary air and at least one outlet (7),

-the supplementary air device (5) has at least one fluid channel (12) between the inlet (6) and the at least one outlet (7),

-preferably, the at least one fluid channel (12) connects a top side (O) of the ground nozzle (1) with a bottom side (U) of the ground nozzle (1),

-preferably, said supplementary air device (5) comprises diffusing means (13) and/or at least one mouth means (14) and/or a fluid chamber (15) which together constitute said at least one fluid channel (12).

7. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-said supplementary air device (5) comprises a diffuser element (13),

preferably, the diffusing means (13) comprise an input (16) and an output (17),

-preferably, the input (16) is constituted by the inlet (6) of the supplementary air device (5),

-preferably, the input (16) has a smaller cross section than the output (17),

-preferably, the output (17) opens into the fluid chamber (15) of the supplementary air device (5).

8. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-said supplementary air means (5) comprise at least one mouth piece (14),

preferably, said at least one mouth means (14) comprises an input (18) and an output (19),

-preferably, said output (19) is constituted by at least one outlet (7) of said supplementary air device (5),

-preferably, the input (18) has a larger cross section than the output (19),

-preferably, said input (18) is connected to the fluid chamber (15) of said supplementary air device (5).

9. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-the supplementary air device (5) comprises a fluid chamber (15),

-preferably, the fluid chamber (15) has a funnel-shaped cross-section in a section along a pushing direction (S) of the ground engaging nozzle (1),

-preferably, the fluid chamber (15) has a rectangular cross-section in a section transverse to a pushing direction (S) of the ground nozzle (1),

-preferably, the output (17) of the diffusing means (13) is connected with the input (18) of the at least one mouth means (14) via the fluid chamber (15).

10. The ground engaging suction nozzle of claim 9,

-the fluid chamber (15) has, in a cross section transverse to a pushing direction (S) of the ground nozzle (1), a first sub-area (20) and a second sub-area (21),

-preferably, the first sub-area (20) is arranged above the second sub-area (21).

11. The ground engaging nozzle of claim 10,

-said first sub-region (20) is connected to a diffusing means (13) of said supplementary air device (5),

-preferably, the first sub-area (20) has a rectangular cross-section in a section transverse to a pushing direction (S) of the ground nozzle (1),

-preferably, said first sub-region (20) has a larger cross-section than an output (17) of said diffusing means (13).

12. The ground engaging nozzle of claim 10 or 11,

-said second sub-area (21) is connected to at least one mouth means (14) of said supplementary air device (5),

-preferably, the second sub-area (21) has a larger cross-section than the output (19) of the at least one mouth means (14),

-preferably, the second sub-area (21) has a funnel-shaped cross-section in a section transverse to a pushing direction (S) of the ground engaging nozzle (1).

13. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-at least a part of the sealing edge (22) is formed by the at least one suction opening edge (3).

14. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-the inlet (6) of the supplementary air device (5) has a polygonal shape, in particular a rectangular shape,

-preferably, the inlet (6) can be closed in a controllable manner,

preferably, said supplementary air device (5) has push control means (23) for manually, gradually opening and closing the cross section of said inlet (6),

preferably, the push control means (23) comprise a push control element (24),

preferably, the push control element (24) comprises at least one locking lug (25, 26) for engaging into a locking receptacle (27),

preferably, the at least one locking lug (25, 26) is arranged laterally, in particular elastically, on the push control element (24),

preferably, the push control means (23) comprises at least one locking receptacle (27) for the at least one locking lug (25, 26),

preferably, the at least one locking receptacle (27) is formed by a housing (28) of the ground connection nozzle (1).

15. The ground engaging nozzle according to one of the preceding claims,

-the supplementary air device (5) comprises control means (29) for automatically opening and closing the inlet (6),

preferably, the control means (29) comprise a closure element (30) by means of which the inlet (6) can be opened and closed,

preferably, the control means (29) comprise a stop element (31) against which the closure element (30) can abut,

preferably, the closure element (30) has a magnetic/magnetizable material and the stop element (31) has a magnetizable/magnetic material, so that both can attract each other and close the inlet (6),

-preferably, the magnetic force between the stop element (31) and the closure element (30) is predeterminable such that the closure element (30) opens the inlet (6) as soon as the underpressure in the suction opening (2) is greater than the magnetic force between the stop element (31) and the closure element (30), whereby additional air reaches the suction opening (4) through the additional air device (5),

-the control means (29) comprise a spring element (32) for exerting a force on the closing element (30) towards the stop element (31),

-preferably wherein the spring element (32) acts with a force on the closing element (30) towards a position in which the closing element (30) closes the inlet (6), and once the negative pressure in the suction opening (2) is greater than the pressure of the spring element (32), the closing element (30) opens the inlet (6) to such an extent that additional air passes through the closing element (30) into the suction opening (2),

preferably, the spring force of the spring element (32) is adjustable by a rotary control element (33) for adjusting the length of the spring element (32) between the closing element (30) and the rotary control element (33),

-preferably, the spring element (32) is arranged between the rotary control element (33) and the closure element (30),

-preferably, the rotary control element (33) and the closure element (30) are connected to each other by a threaded connection.

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