DE102013103086A1 - Extraction station for a self-moving floor cleaning device and combination of a suction station with such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention first relates to a suction station (1) for an automatically movable floor cleaning device (2), with a suction line (11) which has a suction mouth (18) and is movable for suction of an object to be suctioned out. In order to further improve a suction station of the type in question, in particular with regard to the operation of the suction mouth for establishing a flow-tight connection to the floor cleaning device, it is proposed that the movement can be carried out with the aid of a negative pressure prevailing in the suction line (11) and / or an air flow caused thereby is. The invention further relates to a combination of a suction station (1) with an automatically movable floor cleaning device (2). In order to improve a combination of the type in question, it is proposed that as a result of a switch actuation by the floor cleaning device (2) entering or retracting into the suction station (1), a coupling effect of a suction line (11) with the mouth cross section on the floor cleaning device (2) , across an opening (5) of a dust container (4) in the floor cleaning device (2), can be triggered.

Description

The invention firstly relates to a suction station for an automatically movable floor cleaning appliance, with a suction line, which has a suction mouth and is movable for the suction of an object to be sucked out.

Suction stations of the type in question are known. These are used in particular for dust or dirt emptying of self-moving floor cleaning devices, so-called cleaning robots. In these devices, a dirt collecting cassette or the like is preferably provided, in which the recorded in the course of the automatic cleaning of a particular floor by sweeping and / or suction dirt is deposited. It is further known in this context that such floor cleaning devices, in particular when reaching a predetermined degree of filling the dirt cassette, beyond, where appropriate, depending on a state of charge of any provided in the floor cleaning device accumulators, automatically anfährt the suction. In this station, more preferably automatically, optionally depending on the degree of filling of the dirt cassette, a discharge takes place according to suction through the suction. For this purpose, the known suction stations are provided with a suction line, which suction line as an interface to the floor cleaning device or to its dirt cassette or the like, having a suction mouth. Further known embodiments provide, in this connection, to adjust the suction line, in particular the area of the suction opening, movably, which given mobility is used to produce a flow-tight connection between the suction station-side suction line and a drain line of the floor cleaning device. Further known solutions provide for a mobility of the suction orifice in dependence on a method of the device within the suction station or of a parking position of the device within the suction station.

In view of the known prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in a suction of the type in question, in particular with regard to the operation of the suction port to produce a flow-tight connection to the floor cleaning device on.

A possible solution to the problem is given according to a first idea of the invention in a suction, in which is geared to that the movement with the aid of a prevailing in the suction vacuum and / or an air flow caused thereby can be performed. Accordingly, a movement of the suction orifice, in particular in the direction of a suction opening of the floor cleaning appliance, can preferably be carried out at the moment of activation of a suction air flowing through the suction line of the suction station. The movement of the suction port is preferably not directly dependent on a positioning and / or movement of the device within the suction, but rather solely dependent on activation of Saugluftströmung for emptying the device-side dirt cartridge according to the proposed embodiment. The activation of the suction air flow is preferably carried out automatically, in particular according to a corresponding signal transmission from the device to the suction, more particularly in the case that a degree of filling of the cassette is reached. Also, an extraction can generally take place when the floor cleaning device is in a corresponding parking position within the suction. Further alternatively or in combination, activation of the suction air flow within the suction station can be activated manually by the user. The prevailing with activation of the suction air flow within the suction of the suction low pressure preferably leads to a corresponding movement of the suction mouth at least in the direction of an optionally provided suction opening of the floor cleaning device, whereupon a corresponding flow-tight coupling for emptying the device-side cassette is reached. Alternatively or also in combination with the movement of the suction orifice as a function of the negative pressure, such a movement is also directly caused by the air flow, for example according to drive of the drive means causing the movement of the suction orifice through the airflow. Thus, it is provided in a possible embodiment, that within the suction pipe, a bucket wheel drivable via the air flow is provided, the rotational movement of which is used to move the suction mouth. The above-described movement of the suction orifice as a function of the vacuum prevailing in the suction line and / or due to the air flow produced relates in particular to a movement of the suction orifice in the direction of a suction opening of the floor cleaning appliance. In this respect, further preference is given to a return movement of the suction orifice, ie a removal of the same from the suction opening of the device automatically feasible, further in particular with elimination of the pressure prevailing in the suction or the induced air flow. Accordingly, the prevailing in the suction negative pressure or the induced air flow acts in a movement of the suction muzzle in the direction of the device preferably against a restoring force, for example against a spring force, which with discontinuation of Underpressure or falling below a Unterdruckmaßes, further or with the elimination of the air flow is released for the return displacement of the suction port.

Further features of the invention are explained below, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claim 1 or with features of further claims. But they can also be in an assignment to only individual features of claim 1 or the respective further claim or each independently of importance.

Thus, it is provided in a further preferred embodiment that the suction line is connected to a handlebar for transmitting a motive force. The handlebar is preferably a mechanically acting component which acts at one end directly or indirectly on the region of the suction orifice. The handlebar is moved in a preferred embodiment depending on the pressure prevailing in the suction negative pressure and / or by the induced air flow within the suction, such that the suction port is displaced towards a corresponding suction opening of the device.

In order to offer in particular the mobility of the exhaust port, in a further preferred embodiment, the suction line in the flow direction before a linkage of the link to the suction on a joint portion. This joint portion is further preferably chosen so that, according to a movement of the exhaust duct provided with the suction or the corresponding suction line section, triggered by a displacement of the arm, in the direction of a suction opening of the device or from this opening away.

The joint section is preferably formed by a flexible suction line section, more preferably as a hose section. Such flexible Saugleitungs sections are known for example from conventional household vacuum cleaners, in particular of traversable on the floor vacuum cleaner, which have a suction hose.

The negative pressure is preferably transmitted by means of a bellows on the handlebar. In a preferred embodiment, this bellows has an opening which is in fluid communication with the inside of the suction line through which the suction air flows. A prevailing in the suction flow leads to a corresponding negative pressure of the bellows, whereupon it contracts in a preferred embodiment, starting from a negative pressure-unloaded basic position. The bellows is preferably in communication with the handlebar. The resulting change in length of the bellows is correspondingly transmitted directly or indirectly to the handlebars, for the corresponding lowering of the suction line having the suction line section. With elimination of the suction air flow, d. H. with switching off the corresponding suction fan, also eliminates the pressure acting on the bellows negative pressure, whereupon this preferably resets itself automatically. The above-described restoring force preferably results here from the return property of the preferably flexible bellows. Bellows, handlebars and hereof the suction line section are accordingly shifted back to a basic position with elimination of the air flow, in which basic position the suction mouth of the suction line is spaced from the corresponding suction opening of the device.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a combination of a suction with an automatically movable floor cleaning device.

Combinations of the type in question are known.

In view of the known prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in a combination of the type in question improved ausgestetalten.

A possible solution of the problem is given according to a further inventive concept in such a combination, in which it is aimed that as a result of a switch operation by the retracting or retracted into the suction floor cleaning device a coupling effect of a suction with the mouth cross-section of the floor cleaning device, across an opening of a dust container in the floor cleaning device, can be triggered. Due to the retracting or retracted floor cleaning device is correspondingly preferably triggered by electrical or electromechanical means following a switch operation, a process that leads to a flow-tight coupling of the station-side suction with the device-side dust container opening. The switch is preferably provided on the station side and operated by the floor cleaning device. Accordingly, this may be a conventional electrical button or the like. Also, non-contact switches are possible in this regard, such as proximity sensors, which generate a signal with appropriate approximation of the floor cleaning device. The correspondingly generated signal leads to the coupling effect, in which the suction mouth of the station-side suction line an opening of a dust container in the Floor cleaning device overflows fluid-tight. The suction air flow through the suction line, which is preferred here or hereafter, leads to an emptying of the device-side dust container.

In a further preferred embodiment, the dust container opening can be opened by a closure flap which can be displaced automatically as a result of the vacuum applied from the outside. This closure flap is further preferably loaded according to a restoring force, in particular a spring force in its closed position. By attaching the suction line in the parking position of the floor cleaning device in the suction and hereafter inserting the Saugluftströmung initially the negative pressure in the suction line, the shutter is moved against the restoring force of the spring or the like in an open position. According to this embodiment, it is preferable that no user-side action, in particular with regard to the exposure of the dust container for emptying the same.

The invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawing, which illustrates only one embodiment. On the drawing shows:

1 in perspective view of a suction and a self-propelled floor cleaning device;

2 one of the 1 corresponding representation concerning the parking position of the floor cleaning device in the suction station;

3 the schematic vertical section through the base station concerning the parking position of the floor cleaning device in the base station;

4 in side view, the suction in the Absaugstellung;

5 in a sectional view, the zoom out of the area V in 4 ,

Shown and described is first with reference to 1 a suction station 1 for a self-moving floor cleaning device 2 ,

In the floor cleaning device 2 it is, for example, such as in the DE 10242257 A1 described. The floor cleaning device 2 has a chassis and a hood covering the chassis 3 , Preferably, the chassis bottom passes through a brush aligned transversely to the usual direction of travel and rotatable about a horizontal axis. This is used for brushing the floor to be cleaned. The dirt loosened by the brush is preferably fed to a suction channel, wherein the brush further preferably rests in a suction mouth opening downwards to the floor to be cleaned.

The prevailing suction in the suction channel suction air flow is established by means of a device in the device 2 integrated suction fan. This is fed via one in the device 2 taken accumulator, which also serves to feed electric motors for driving traversing wheels. Next, the accumulator is used to supply an electronics, not shown, in the cleaning device, in particular for the control and orientation of the same.

The dissolved dirt and dust particles are traversed during the cleaning drive via the suction air stream, passing through the suction channel, a dust container 4 fed.

This dust container 4 more preferably not from the device 2 removable. For emptying the dust container 4 this is with a dust container opening accessible from outside, more preferably from vertically above 5 Mistake.

The dust container opening 5 is in the usual operation of the floor cleaning device 2 through a flap 6 locked. The latter is outwardly, more preferably in the direction of vertical upward pivotally supported in the region of the opening edge, wherein more preferably a return spring, not shown, the closure flap 6 loaded in the closed position.

The emptying of the dust container 4 takes place in a preferred embodiment using the suction 1 , which further preferred as a possible base station for the floor cleaning device 2 serves. In addition to the suction described in more detail below, the station serves 1 in a further preferred embodiment at the same time also for charging the device-side accumulators.

The electrical supply in the extraction station 1 provided electrical components, in particular for the supply of one in the station 1 provided suction fan 7 , via a power cord 8th ,

The suction station 1 First, one, from the floor cleaning device 2 to be driven platform 9 on.

In the usual direction of travel r of the floor cleaning device 2 is considered in that, the ramp area of the platform 9 the area facing away from one another is substantially vertical to the platform 9 extending end wall 10 educated. This is preferably a partially double-walled Construction wall, for holding aggregates, in particular electrical units.

So there is in a preferred embodiment, the suction fan 7 arranged. This is the vacuum side, a suction line 11 assigned. Überdruckeilig closes to the suction fan 7 a dust collection chamber 12 at.

Also on the vacuum side of the suction fan 7 an actuator is preferably in the form of a bellows 13 intended. Its interior is connected to a suction fan 7 leading channel section 14 ,

The suction line 11 is from the front wall 10 led out, so first on a in operating position of the suction 1 essentially horizontal section. At this closes a joint section 15 at. This is preferably formed by a flexible suction line section, for example in the form of a flexible hose section.

Following the joint section 15 extends the suction line 11 over a substantially 90 ° bent vertically downwards arc section 16 , which in a funnel-shaped widening free end portion 17 passes.

This end section 17 has a substantially vertically downwardly directed exhaust port 18 on. This is in a further preferred embodiment substantially annular surrounded by a bead-like seal 19 ,

With respect to a common flow direction a within the suction line 11 is in front of the joint section 15 , more preferably at the bow section 16 , a handlebar 20 hinged. This extends from the arc section 16 starting preferably in a vertical coverage area to that in the end wall 10 provided channel section 14 , Inside the front wall 10 or the functional wall formed here is the handlebar 20 around a parallel to the articulation at the arc section 16 aligned, more preferably horizontally aligned axis movably supported.

The driver 20 extends over the bellows 13 , Is in a preferred embodiment on the preferably vertically upwardly directed bellows bottom.

When the suction fan is not activated 7 and correspondingly in the channel section 14 prevailing normal pressure is the bellows 13 relieved in his basic position. Accordingly, the bellows 13 established. Its bottom holds the handlebars 20 in a position that is a spacing of the exhaust port 18 relative to the surface of the platform 9 can reach, leaving the floor cleaning device 2 unhindered and preferred without the exhaust port 18 or the suction line 11 to touch on the platform 9 can ascend (compare 3 ).

Overall, it is preferred that the floor cleaning device 2 in the in 3 illustrated parking position, ie in the set-up position on the platform 9 , at least partially through the front wall 10 has moved under formed aggregate wall.

Next are in the front wall 10 in the illustrated embodiment, two electrical contacts 21 provided, which in the direction of the aufzufahrende floor cleaning device 2 exposed. These contacts 21 are contacted via an electronics, not shown. These may be proximity sensors; alternatively to microswitch or the like. In addition, these contacts can 21 at the same time to charge the or in the floor cleaning device 2 serve existing accumulators.

Shown is a solution in which the floor cleaning device 2 a in assignment position, ie contacting position, the contacts 21 bridging mating contact 22 having. This one is, as are the contacts 21 , preferably electrically conductive.

The correct parking position of the floor cleaning device 2 inside the suction station 1 especially on the platform 9 is preferred according to contacting the contacts 21 registered. Accordingly, such a registration is preferably carried out at a standstill of the floor cleaning device 2 inside the suction station 1 , The navigation to the parking position and finding the correct parking position is preferably solved by a corresponding navigation and sensor software of the floor cleaning device 2 ,

In the contacting position according to 3 is triggered, if necessary, by a separate signal, for example, when reaching a predetermined level of the dust container 4 in the floor cleaning device 2 , the aspiration station suction fan 7 activated. In a refinement, this activation is followed by a time delay for contacting the contacts 21 ,

By activating the suction fan 7 especially in the channel section 14 prevailing negative pressure is the bellows 13 drawn together. Accordingly, its relative length decreases accordion-like folding of the bellows wall. This goes hand in hand with a corresponding lowering of the bellows 13 supporting handlebar 20 , continue with a pivoting of the handlebar 20 around that, the suction line 11 remote handlebar axle. This leads to a corresponding lowering of the suction line 11 , which is preferred by the flexible joint section 15 is possible.

In the course of lowering particularly contacted the end section 17 with its exhaust port 18 , further especially with the seal 19 the area around the dust container opening 5 of the floor cleaning device 2 , By the in the suction line 11 at the same time prevailing negative pressure takes place here, a suction of the suction line 11 with its seal 19 on the surface of the, the dust container opening 5 surrounding wall of the dome 3 ,

The flap 6 is torn open by the resulting negative pressure, ie in his, the dust container opening 5 displaced releasing position and held by the hereafter continued prevailing suction air flow in this position.

The dirt from the dust container 4 of the floor cleaning device 2 is correspondingly through the dust container opening 5 , the suction line 11 in the dust collection chamber 12 the suction station 1 promoted.

It is preferred after a predetermined time by a station-side timing, further, where appropriate, according to review of the flow rate of dust and dirt particles through the suction 11 the suction fan 7 switched off, whereupon the initial state of the suction 1 is taken again. Due to the elimination of negative pressure, the bellows turns 13 with towing the handlebar 20 back, which entrainment of the handlebar 20 to a corresponding lifting of the suction line 11 , in particular of the end section 17 from the dust container opening 5 of the device 2 leads away. Before that is the flap 6 due to the in the suction line 11 lacking flow or the lack of negative pressure spring back displaced back into the closed position, so that after lifting the suction line end section 17 a closed dust container 4 of the device 2 is present.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application. The subclaims characterize in their optionally sibling version independent inventive developments of the prior art, in particular to make on the basis of these claims divisional applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

suction

2

Floor cleaning device

3

Hood

4

dust container

5

Dust container opening

6

flap

7

aspirator

8th

Power cord

9

platform

10

bulkhead

11

suction

12

Dust collection chamber

13

bellow

14

channel section

15

hinge section

16

arc section

17

end

18

exhaust mouth

19

poetry

20

handlebars

21

Contact

22

countercontact

a

 flow direction

r

 traversing

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• DE 10242257 A1 [0022]

Claims (8)

Suction station ( 1 ) for a self-moving floor cleaning device ( 2 ), with a suction line ( 11 ), which has a suction mouth ( 18 ) and is movable for the extraction of an object to be sucked, characterized in that the movement by means of a in the suction line ( 11 ) prevailing negative pressure and / or an air flow caused thereby can be carried out. Suction unit according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the suction line ( 11 ) with a handlebar ( 20 ) is connected to transmit a motive force. Suction station according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the negative pressure of the suction line ( 11 ) on the handlebar ( 20 ) acts. Suction station according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the suction line ( 11 ) in the flow direction (a) before an articulation of the handlebar ( 20 ) to the suction line ( 11 ) a joint section ( 15 ) having. Suction station according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the joint section ( 15 ) is formed by a flexible suction line section. Suction station according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the negative pressure by means of a bellows ( 13 ) on the handlebar ( 20 ) is transmitted. Combination of a suction station ( 1 ) with a self-moving floor cleaning device ( 2 ), characterized in that the result of a switch operation through the in the suction ( 1 ) retracting or retracted floor cleaning device ( 2 ) a coupling effect of a suction line ( 11 ) with the mouth cross-section of the floor cleaning device ( 2 ), across to an opening ( 5 ) of a dust container ( 4 ) in the floor cleaning device ( 2 ), can be triggered. Combination according to claim 7 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the dust container opening ( 5 ) by a, as a result of externally applied negative pressure automatically displaceable flap ( 6 ) is openable.

Images