DE102017120799A1 - Suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction nozzle (1) for a vacuum cleaning device (2), wherein the suction nozzle (1) has a suction channel (4) providing a flow connection to a suction fan and opening into a suction mouth (3), wherein the suction channel (4) has a suction channel (4) Circumferential direction of the suction channel (4) has a substantially ring-shaped sensor (5) for detecting electrically charged particles of a suction air stream flowing through the suction channel (4). In order to simplify the handling during assembly as well as to reduce interference in the sensor (5), it is proposed that an electrically conductive detection region (6) of the sensor (5) viewed in the circumferential direction of the suction channel (4) of an electrically insulating intermediate region (7) is interrupted.

Description

Field of engineering

The invention relates to a suction nozzle for a Saugreinigungsgerät, wherein the suction nozzle has a flow connection to a suction fan and opening into a suction mouth suction channel, wherein the suction passage in the circumferential direction of the suction substantially annularly shaped sensor for detecting electrically charged particles of a flowing through the suction channel Suction air flow has.

State of the art

Suction nozzles and Saugreinigungsgeräte of the aforementioned type are known in the art.

The suction nozzle may for example be designed in the manner of a header and be releasably connected to a base unit of a Saugreinigungsgerätes. Alternatively, the suction nozzle may also be formed integrally with the vacuum cleaning device. The suction nozzle has a suction channel which, on the one hand, has a flow connection to a blower of the vacuum cleaning device and, on the other hand, opens into the suction mouth. During operation of the blower, a surface to be cleaned is subjected to negative pressure via the suction mouth, so that dust and / or dirt located on the surface can be conveyed through the suction channel in the direction of a suction material collecting container.

In order to be able to adapt individual settings of the suction nozzle or of the vacuum cleaning device to a current soil condition, in particular soiling situation, it is further known in the prior art to install within the suction channel a sensor which measures a concentration and / or quantity of the particles sucked in. The patent DE 10 2008 026 884 B4 discloses, for example, a cleaning device, in whose flow channel a sensor for generating a dependent of the concentration and / or the amount of particles sucked measuring signal is provided, the sensor between the suction port and the collecting container is arranged and wherein an evaluation device for generating at least one of the Concentration and / or the amount of sucked particles dependent control signal is provided. The sensor is a ring sensor which completely encloses a plane of the suction channel in the circumferential direction, ie, which is designed in the manner of a hollow cylinder. The sensor measures an influence of electrically charged particles flowing through the suction channel. The electrically charged particles generate an electric field, which in turn causes a charge redistribution on an electrode of the sensor by influence, the influence effect being dependent on the amount of the charge surrounded annularly by the electrode.

A disadvantage of this prior art is that the closed annular configuration of the sensor increases susceptibility to external disturbances, in particular to eddy currents, an inductance of the simulated by the closed ring form coil and an associated voltage induction by external magnetic field changes. Furthermore, there are disadvantages in the assembly, since it is not always possible with respect to suction nozzles to connect a closed ring sensor with the suction channel.

Summary of the invention

Based on the aforementioned prior art, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a suction nozzle with an alternative sensor, in which an influence is reduced by external disturbances. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to be able to use the sensor with the least possible installation effort in the suction nozzle or the suction channel.

To achieve the above object, it is proposed that an electrically conductive detection region of the sensor, viewed in the circumferential direction of the suction channel, is interrupted by an electrically insulating intermediate region.

According to the invention, the sensor of the suction nozzle is not formed in the circumferential direction now closed, but has at least one gap in the circumferential direction, over which two free end portions of the sensor are spaced from each other. In essence, the sensor thus has the form of an open ring, the opening of which delimits an electrically insulating intermediate region, which can be filled either by material of the suction channel or by ambient air. This refinement results in an improved and more flexible design possibility for introducing the sensor into the suction channel, in that the sensor can be clipped onto or into the suction channel, for example. Furthermore, by avoiding a closed ring shape of the sensor, a coupling of disturbance variables into the sensor is reduced. In particular, no eddy currents can be expressed within the sensor. Furthermore, the inventively proposed sensor has a lower inductance than a closed ring sensor.

In particular, it is recommended that the sensor is an Influenzsensor which is set up, electrically charged particles of the suction air stream due to influential effect on the electric detect conductive detection area. Although as sensor for detecting a degree of contamination of the suction air flowing through the suction channel in principle, other sensor types come into question, for example, those which are designed according to the type of ion current sensors used in internal combustion engines, the use of an influential sensor is recommended, since this particular in inhomogeneously composed suction material from the domestic area has an optimal measurement accuracy. Since the particles normally occurring in house dust are in any case electrically charged, no further measures, for example the application of an electrical charge to the suction air flow, are necessary in order to be able to detect the particles by means of an influence sensor.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the electrically conductive detection region of the sensor, relative to a plane of the suction channel oriented essentially perpendicular to a main flow direction, span an angular range of 180 ° to 350 ° along the circumference of the suction channel. Compared with a closed-ring-shaped sensor, this results in an electrically insulating intermediate region between the free end regions of the detection region of the sensor from, for example, 20 ° to 180 °. A housing and / or a circuit board of the sensor can basically have a closed ring shape, but the electrically conductive detection area does not form a closed ring, but only covers an angular range with the size of, as proposed here, preferably 180 ° to 350 °. In this respect, the sensor could, for example, be a ring, which, relative to a plane extending through the detection area and perpendicular to a main flow direction of the suction air flow, has a limited electrically conductive detection area in the circumferential direction, which is interrupted by an electrically insulating intermediate area, in the sense that the electrically conductive detection area and the electrically insulating intermediate area form circumferentially successive peripheral sections of the sensor, wherein only the electrically conductive detection area forms the sensor-active part of the sensor which is suitable for detecting the electrically charged particles. The electrically conductive detection region preferably has a maximum length relative to the circumferential direction. Proposed here is a training in the circumferential direction up to 350 °. However, at least a training over an angular range of 180 ° is proposed, so that the electrically conductive detection area covers at least half of a circumference of the suction channel. The indication of the angular range for forming the electrically conductive detection range of the sensor with 180 ° to 350 ° here means that all values lying between 180 ° and 350 ° are included. In particular, at least by 10 °, 5 °, 2 ° and also by 1 ° higher or lower values are included, so that the electrically conductive detection range, for example, an angular range of at least 170 ° up to a maximum of 359 ° may have, so that for the electrically insulating intermediate region still gives at least an angular range of 1 °.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the sensor continue helically in relation to an axial direction of the suction channel. The sensor can thus have a spiral-shaped geometry, with the successive turns lying one behind the other in the axial direction of the suction channel. Due to this configuration, the electrically conductive detection region of the sensor in each of the plurality of planes of the suction channel is non-closed ring-shaped solely due to the helical structure, so that an electrically insulating intermediate region always remains, with respect to each turn. The helix structure allows for higher measurement accuracy, as the electrically charged particles flow past several turns of the helical structure. In the area of each turn, a current pulse results from the influence of the charged particles. A current flow which is detected by the sensor can be averaged over a plurality of turns of the helix structure, whereby the measurement accuracy can be increased. In addition, the helical shape also provides advantages with regard to the mounting of the sensor on the suction channel. For example, the helix can be relatively easily deformed due to their shape and thus be pushed onto a flexible or rigid suction channel. Furthermore, the helical sensor can also be introduced into the suction channel in a simplified manner by reducing the helix by previously twisting in relation to its diameter. When releasing the helix within the suction channel, the helix structure returns to its original shape, thereby increasing the diameter again and thus keeping the sensor in position within the suction channel.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor is designed to correspond to an inner wall of the suction channel. According to this embodiment, the sensor, in particular its electrically conductive detection region is not necessarily cylindrical with a circular cross section. Rather, the shape of the sensor can follow the shape of the suction channel, which optionally deviates from a circular shape. For example, the suction channel, and thus also the sensor, may have an oval, angular, polygonal or even a free-form cross-sectional shape.

Furthermore, the sensor may comprise an electrically conductive foil or plate. The electrically conductive foil or plate forms the electrically conductive detection region of the sensor, which is subject to the influence of the electrically charged particles which flow through the suction channel. The film or plate may in particular be made of a conductive plastic. As a result, a simple integration of the sensor function in the suction channel is possible. In particular, a simple assembly results from the fact that an electrically conductive foil or plate is fixed in the suction channel. The conductive foil can be attached to an inner wall of the suction channel, for example, in the manner of a flexible sensor band. Likewise, a conductive plate can be attached to an inner wall of the suction channel.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor is embedded in an electrically insulating material of the suction channel. According to this embodiment, the sensor, in particular the electrically conductive detection region of the sensor, is located at least with a partial region within the electrically insulating material of the suction channel, so that the sensor is not completely mounted outside the inner wall. The at least partial embedding of the sensor in the electrically insulating material of the suction channel results, on the one hand, optionally in a streamlined design of the suction channel, and on the other hand, a formation of the electrically insulating intermediate region of the sensor by the electrically insulating material of the suction channel.

In particular, it is proposed that the sensor is encapsulated with respect to a radial direction of the suction channel of an electrically insulating material of the suction channel or disposed between two electrically insulating peripheral layers of the suction channel. The sensor may, for example, be overmolded with the material of the suction channel, in particular a plastic. Furthermore, it is possible that the suction channel has a plurality of different circumferential positions which, viewed in relation to a radial direction of the suction channel, form different layers when viewed from outside to inside. First, for example, a shielding layer against electrical and / or magnetic interference fields can be provided on the outside. This shield may be an insulating layer of, for example, aluminum or copper. In particular, the use of a thin sheet offers. Behind this, for example, can be a non-electrically conductive plastic layer. This is followed preferably by the electrically conductive detection region of the sensor and optionally by a further non-electrically conductive plastic layer which protects the electrically conductive detection region of the sensor against contamination by the suction air flow guided inside the suction channel. In this case, one of the electrically insulating plastic layers may preferably form the electrically insulating intermediate region for the sensor, wherein the sensor with one or both plastic layers may also be designed as a two-component part. Alternatively, the various circumferential layers may also be connected to one another mechanically, for example by gluing or welding.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the sensor forms a partial region of an inner wall of the suction channel. According to this embodiment, the sensor with its electrically conductive detection region forms a partial region of the inner wall. In particular, the sensor is embedded with a partial region in the material of the suction channel, so that the material of the suction channel forms the electrically insulating intermediate region. The sensor can either come into contact with the suction air flow or the particles contained therein, or not. In the latter case, this is achieved in that there is a protective layer, in particular a plastic layer, above the electrically conductive detection region of the sensor.

Finally, it is proposed that the suction channel, relative to a plane oriented perpendicularly to a main flow direction, has at least one circumferential section, which forms the detection zone, of an electrically conductive material and at least one circumferential section, which forms the intermediate zone, of an electrically insulating material. According to this embodiment, a portion of the suction channel forms the sensor. This section has, relative to a circumferential direction, the electrically conductive detection area and the adjacent electrically insulating intermediate area. In particular, there is a one-part design of the suction channel section forming the sensor, wherein preferably there are no edges or undercuts on the inner wall of the suction channel to which particles of the suction air stream could settle. In particular, the suction channel can also be formed in one piece by the sensor is embedded, for example, by encapsulation in the material of the suction channel.

list of figures

• 1 ein erfindungsgemäßes Saugreinigungsgerät mit einer Saugdüse,
• 2 eine Saugdüse gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 3 eine Saugdüse gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform,
• 4 eine Saugdüse gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform,
• 5 eine Saugdüse gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform,
• 6 eine Saugdüse gemäß einer fünften Ausführungsform,
• 7 einen Querschnitt eines Sensors der in 6 dargestellten Ausführungsform,
• 8 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Sensors gemäß den 6 und 7.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1 an inventive suction cleaning device with a suction nozzle,
• 2 a suction nozzle according to a first embodiment,
• 3 a suction nozzle according to a second embodiment,
• 4 a suction nozzle according to a third embodiment,
• 5 a suction nozzle according to a fourth embodiment,
• 6 a suction nozzle according to a fifth embodiment,
• 7 a cross section of a sensor of in 6 illustrated embodiment,
• 8th a perspective view of the sensor according to the 6 and 7 ,

Description of the embodiments

1 merely shows an example Saugreinigungsgerät 2 , which here as a hand-held device with a base unit 11 and a suction nozzle 1 is trained. The suction nozzle 1 is separable on the base unit in the manner of a header 11 arranged. The basic device 11 has a handle 12 on, which is designed to be telescopic, so that a user of Saugreinigungsgerätes 2 the length of the stem 12 can adapt to his height. On the stalk 12 Here is further a handle 13 arranged at which the user of the vacuum cleaner 2 during a normal work operation lead, ie push over a surface to be cleaned, can. During operation, the user guides the vacuum cleaning device 2 usually in opposite directions of movement over the surface to be cleaned. He pushes the vacuum cleaner 2 alternately away from or pulls to himself. At the handle 13 Here is further example, a switch 14 arranged, for example, the on and off of a motor of a motor-blower unit of Saugreinigungsgerätes 2 can serve.

The suction nozzle 1 has a housing 15 with a connection area 18 on, on which the base unit 11 of the vacuum cleaning device 2 can be connected. The suction nozzle 1 has wheels 16 on which the rolling of the suction nozzle 1 serve at a work operation. Inside the case 15 is a suction channel 4 guided, which a flow connection to a motor-blower unit of Saugreinigungsgerätes 2 provides. The suction channel 4 flows into a suction mouth 3 , which is turned toward a surface to be cleaned when the Saugreinigungsgerät 2 performs a usual work operation. The suction mouth 3 Here is further a cleaning element 17 assigned here, for example in the form of a about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation rotating bristle roller, which a plurality of bristle elements 19 having. The cleaning element 17 is powered by a motor, for example.

The 2 to 8th show in the following different embodiments of a suction nozzle 1 with a suction channel 4 assigned sensor 5 , The sensor 5 is used to detect electrically charged particles within a suction air stream, which starting from the suction mouth 3 to the connection area 18 or to a blower of Saugreinigungsgerätes 2 flows. The sensor 5 allows the determination of an amount or concentration of dust particles within the suction channel 4 and thus also on a surface to be cleaned, whereby, for example, parameters of the working operation of Saugreinigungsgerätes 2 or the suction nozzle 1 can be adjusted.

2 shows first a first embodiment of a suction nozzle 1 , The suction nozzle 1 has a suction channel 4 in which a sensor 5 is arranged. The sensor 5 is an Influenzsensor, which is set up electrically charged particles of the through the suction channel 4 flowing Saugluftstroms due to an influenza effect to detect. The sensor 5 has an electrically conductive detection area 6 on. This detection area 6 has substantially the shape of a non-closed circular ring, which here, for example, a circular circumferential path of the suction channel 4 follows. The detection area 6 extends for example over an angular range of about 300 °. The electrically insulating intermediate area 7 Accordingly, it extends over approximately 60 °. The sensor 5 , in particular its detection area 6 , Here is, for example, a bent copper part, which in the suction channel 4 is introduced. When mounting the sensor 5 be reduced by applying an externally inwardly acting radial force with respect to its diameter, so that an insertion into the suction channel 4 is particularly easy. Due to the elasticity of the material, the sensor takes 5 when the radial force is removed again its original shape and is supported against the inner wall of the suction channel 4 which correspond to the outside diameter of the sensor 5 having corresponding inner diameter. Alternatively, it would also be possible to use the sensor 5 from the outside to the suction channel 4 aufklipsen or postpone. Alternatively, the sensor 5 at least partially in the material of the suction channel 4 be embedded.

The electrically charged particles of the suction air flow arrive within the suction channel 4 also in the plane 8th the electrically conductive detection area 6 of the sensor 5 which level 8th perpendicular to the main flow direction of the suction air flow within the suction channel 4 stands. The electric field of the electrically charged particles causes a charge shift on the electrically conductive detection region by influence 6 of the sensor 5 , wherein the charge shift to the Charge the at the detection area 6 of the sensor 5 passing particles corresponds. The charge shift within the detection range 6 leads to a flow of current which flows from the sensor 5 associated evaluation device 20 can be evaluated. On the basis of the detected current determines the evaluation 20 a concentration and / or amount of in the suction channel 4 located electrically charged particles, which at the same time a conclusion on, for example, a degree of contamination of a current of the suction nozzle 1 overrun area allowed.

3 shows an alternative embodiment of a suction nozzle 1 , The suction nozzle 1 again has a suction channel 4 with a sensor 5 on. The sensor 5 here extends along an axial direction of the suction channel 4 helical, with the sensor 5 a variety of turns 22 each having a plane 8th span, within which a corresponding to the amount of electrically charged particles current can be measured. The helical sensor 5 For example, on the suction channel 4 be deferred. The suction channel 4 For example, it may be a flexible plastic tube or a rigid plastic tube. In addition, an electromagnetic shielding from the outside on the suction channel 4 and the sensor 5 be applied. Alternatively, the sensor 5 for example, be encapsulated with a cylindrical plastic, which the suction channel 4 forms. In addition, an electrically shielding insulation can be applied as an additional layer on the suction channel thus formed. Furthermore, the helical sensor 5 also within the suction channel 4 , namely to be arranged on the inner wall. By turning the sensor 5 before being introduced into the suction channel 4 its diameter can be reduced. If the sensor 5 at the desired position within the suction channel 4 is placed, the sensor becomes 5 released. As a result, the diameter of the sensor increases 5 turn and pushes against the inner wall of the suction channel 4 , The sensor 5 is preferably formed of a resilient material or has at least a resilient portion, so that the sensor 5 after insertion into the suction channel 4 back to its original diameter. If the sensor 5 from the outside to the suction channel 4 can be arranged, it may be at the sensor 5 in contrast, also act, for example, a sensor band, which surrounds the suction channel 4 is wound. The sensor strip is formed, in particular, from a foil which has an electrically conductive material, for example copper.

4 shows an embodiment in which the sensor 5 a sensor strip made of an electrically conductive material. The sensor 5 is here in a plurality of turns 22 around the suction channel 4 guided. Alternatively, it would be possible, for example, the sensor band in the material of the suction channel 4 embed by, for example, an additional circumferential position 9 . 10 (please refer 7 and 8th ) on the suction channel 4 or on the sensor 5 applied, in particular sprayed, is.

5 shows a further embodiment of a suction nozzle 1 with a sensor 5 , The sensor 5 Here, for example, is an electrically conductive plate which, based on a circumferential direction, a partial region of the wall of the suction channel 4 forms, here in a peripheral portion of for example 180 °. The remaining part of the wall of the suction channel 4 forms an electrically insulating intermediate area 7 ,

The 6 to 8th Finally, show a further embodiment of the invention, in which the suction channel 4 a sensor 5 having. The sensor 5 forms an axial section of the suction channel 4 , The sensor 5 has a plurality of successive layers in the radial direction, which overall the shape of the suction channel 4 continuous form. The layers point here (see in particular 7 and 8th ) from inside to outside a first circumferential position 9 , the detection area 6 of the sensor 5 , a second circumferential position 10 and a coat 21 on, which forms an electromagnetic shielding insulation. The two circumferential positions 9 . 10 are electrically insulating and close the electrically conductive detection area 6 of the sensor 5 one. The circumferential positions 9 . 10 for example, around the sensor 5 be splashed around mechanically or on the type of separate walls mechanically to the sensor 5 be attached. Here, in particular, an adhesive connection or welded connection comes into consideration. The inner circumferential position 9 is especially optional. If this is not provided, there is the electrically conductive detection area 6 of the sensor 5 directly in contact with electrically conductive particles of the suction air stream. This can be the sensitivity and / or measurement accuracy of the sensor 5 increase. On the other hand result in the use of an additional inner peripheral layer 9 Advantages with regard to the contamination of the sensor 5 through particles. As in particular from 7 the two circumferential positions are visible 9 . 10 and also the coat 21 formed as a closed ring, while the detection area 6 of the sensor 5 describes only a portion of a complete ring shape. There is an electrically insulating intermediate area 7 in the circumferential direction. The suction channel 4 is shown here only with an exemplary diameter and in practice does not have to correspond to the scale shown. In particular, offers for the electrically insulating intermediate area 7 in the circumferential direction, however, a length of at least 3 mm to the Advantages of the invention with respect to an improved and more flexible structural introduction of the sensor 5 in the suction channel 4 to allow or to reduce an external Störgrößeneinkopplung, in particular to prevent eddy currents and / or an inductance within the electrically conductive detection area 6 of the sensor 5 to reduce.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

suction nozzle

2

vacuum cleaning

3

saugmund

4

suction

5

sensor

6

detection range

7

intermediate area

8th

level

9

circumferential position

10

circumferential position

11

basic unit

12

stalk

13

Handle

14

switch

15

casing

16

wheel

17

cleaning element

18

terminal area

19

bristle element

20

evaluation

21

coat

22

convolution

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 102008026884 B4 [0004]

Claims (10)

Suction nozzle (1) for a vacuum cleaning device (2), the suction nozzle (1) having a flow connection to a suction fan and opening into a suction mouth (3) opening suction channel (4), wherein the suction channel (4) in the circumferential direction of the suction channel ( 4) has a substantially ring-shaped sensor (5) for detecting electrically charged particles of a suction air stream flowing through the suction channel (4), characterized in that an electrically conductive detection region (6) of the sensor (5) viewed in the circumferential direction of the suction channel (4) is interrupted by an electrically insulating intermediate region (7). Suction nozzle (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor (5) is an Influenzsensor which is adapted to detect electrically charged particles of the suction air flow due to influential effect on the electrically conductive detection region (6). Suction nozzle (1) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the electrically conductive detection region (6) of the sensor (5) with respect to a substantially perpendicular to a main flow direction oriented plane (8) of the suction channel (4) an angular range of 180 ° to 350 ° along the circumference of the suction channel ( 4) spans. Suction nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (5) continues helically with respect to an axial direction of the suction channel (4). Suction nozzle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (5) is formed in a form corresponding to an inner wall of the suction channel (4). Suction nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (5) has an electrically conductive foil or plate. Suction nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (5) is embedded in an electrically insulating material of the suction channel (4). Suction nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (5) is encapsulated with respect to a radial direction of the suction channel (4) by an electrically insulating material of the suction channel (4) or between two electrically insulating peripheral layers (9, 10) of the suction channel (4) is arranged. Suction nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (5) forms a partial region of an inner wall of the suction channel (4). Suction nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction channel (4) with respect to a perpendicular to a main flow direction oriented plane (8) at least one detection region (6) forming peripheral portion of an electrically conductive material and at least one of the intermediate region (8) forming peripheral portion of an electrically insulating material.

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