DE102019209415A1 - Vacuum device and robot vacuum - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (10; 16) which can remove dirt (12) from a substrate (14) by means of suction and friction. A rotatably drivable brush (26) generates the suction force and the friction force at the same time in a suction nozzle (22). It is provided that aerodynamically and mechanically effective functional elements (34) of the brush (26) can be positioned or also oriented relative to the suction nozzle (22) are.

Description

The invention relates to a suction device according to the preamble of claim 1, a vacuum robot according to the preamble of claim 8 and a system according to the preamble of claim 10.

Usually vehicle interiors are currently cleaned manually with vacuum cleaners. Such cleaning of a vehicle interior is laborious, since the person performing the work has to be inside the vehicle and have to work off the surface to be cleaned with the hand-held vacuum cleaner or the hose.

Vacuum robots are now relatively widespread for building interiors. Their use in vehicles would also be desirable. One aspect that has to be adapted on the vacuum robot for this purpose is the cleaning performance, for example the suction performance and the mechanical cleaning performance, in order to make use in the vehicle interior useful.

Due to the type of subsoil and the type of typical pollution, different configurations are often appropriate here.

From the US 2018/0360281 A1 a vacuum robot is known. This includes a rotationally driven suction device on the underside of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The suction device can for example have rotating blades, for example made of elastomer. These suck dirt from the floor and at the same time make mechanical contact with the floor for the purpose of cleaning.

The invention is now based on the object of creating a suction device which is significantly more flexible with regard to its adaptability to different substrates.

The object is achieved by the subjects of the independent patent claims 1, 8 and 10. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the subclaims.

• - ein Gehäuse;
• - eine Ansaugdüse für den Schmutz an einer Unterseite des Gehäuses;
• - Fortbewegungsmittel; und
• - wenigstens eine Bürste, die im Bereich der Ansaugdüse angeordnet und ausgebildet ist, als Querstromventilator sowie als mechanisches Reinigungselement zu fungieren.

A first aspect of the invention relates to a suction device for removing dirt from a substrate, comprising:

• - a housing;
• a suction nozzle for the dirt on an underside of the housing;
• - Means of transport; and
• - At least one brush, which is arranged in the area of the suction nozzle and designed to function as a cross-flow fan and as a mechanical cleaning element.

According to the invention it is provided that the brush comprises brush elements which are adjustable in at least one degree of freedom.

Because the brush elements can be aligned relative to the ground and the suction nozzle, it is possible to influence the mechanical and fluidic conditions in the area of the suction nozzle and the ground. The suction device can thus be configured for different conditions.

The means of locomotion can include, for example, passive means of locomotion, such as at least one roller, roller or belt, or also corresponding driven means of locomotion.

The functional principle of the cross-flow fan is well known. To achieve this function, the driven brush can for example have lamellar, shovel-like or rib-like brush elements or the like.

In order to achieve the mechanical cleaning performance, the brush elements can mechanically contact the substrate permanently or selectively while the brush is being driven. For example, the brush can be arranged in a position in which it penetrates a nozzle opening of the suction nozzle and thus the underside at least in sections.

The degree of freedom of individual or several brush elements can be adjusted in that the brush elements are adjusted indirectly by adjusting the brush or directly by adjusting the brush elements themselves.

In a preferred embodiment of the suction device of the invention, it is provided that the brush elements can be positioned or also oriented.

Positioning can take place, for example, by adjusting the brush as a whole. Particularly preferably, the brush can be displaced at least in sections between a position in which it penetrates a nozzle opening and thus the underside at least in sections and a position in which the brush is located completely in the housing. But it is also possible that the brush elements are adjustably mounted in the brush body.

Orientation can preferably take place by adjusting the brush elements with respect to the brush body, for which purpose the brush elements are also mounted in the brush body so as to be adjustable.

The flexibility of the brush to adopt different configurations to influence the mechanical and fluidic cleaning is particularly great.

In a further preferred embodiment of the suction device of the invention it is provided that the brush elements comprise elastic lamellae. These can for example consist of plastic or rubber.

This offers the advantage that the lamellas are resistant to mechanical contact with the subsurface by reversibly deforming and then returning to their natural aerodynamic shape.

In a further preferred embodiment of the suction device of the invention, it is provided that the brush is designed to exert a driving force on the suction device as a result of mechanical interaction with the ground.

According to the “actio = reactio” principle, the suction device is accelerated due to friction when the brush elements make contact with the surface.

It is thus even possible to dispense with driven means of locomotion, such as motors, and power transmission to the passive means of locomotion, such as free-wheeling wheels. The suction device is thereby significantly simplified. In addition, this offers the possibility of realizing an autonomously moving suction device, such as a suction robot, with particularly little effort.

In order to generate the drive force in this way, materials with a high coefficient of friction are particularly suitable for the brush, such as the elastic lamellae made of rubber.

In a further preferred embodiment of the suction device of the invention it is provided that a drive power of the brush can be regulated. The speed or torque can preferably be regulated.

This means that both the mechanical and the aerodynamic effect of the brush can be flexibly adapted. This also applies to the driving force if it is generated via the brush.

In a further preferred embodiment of the suction device of the invention, it is provided that a further brush is arranged in the area of the suction nozzle. This can function preferably rotating in the opposite direction to the brush.

This makes the removal and sucking in of dirt particularly effective.

In a further preferred embodiment of the suction device of the invention, it is provided that the brush and the further brush are drive-connected via a gear.

The drive of the further brush is implemented particularly easily. Furthermore, the two brushes can be driven in a particularly well coordinated manner.

The two brushes can preferably be kinematically coupled via a simple gear drive.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a robot vacuum cleaner comprising a suction device according to the invention according to the preceding description.

In a further preferred embodiment of the robot vacuum cleaner of the invention it is provided that a brush of the robot vacuum cleaner is designed to exert a driving force on the robot vacuum cleaner as a result of a mechanical interaction with the ground.

• - einen erfindungsgemäßen Saugroboter gemäß der vorhergehenden Beschreibung; und/oder
• - eine erfindungsgemäße Saugeinrichtung gemäß der vorhergehenden Beschreibung, sowie
• - ein Fahrzeug mit einem Innenraum, in dem der Saugroboter und/oder die Saugeirichtung angeordnet ist.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising:

• - A vacuum robot according to the invention according to the preceding description; and or
• - A suction device according to the invention as described above, as well as
• - A vehicle with an interior space in which the robot vacuum cleaner and / or the suction device is arranged.

Particularly for vehicles, the robot vacuum and / or the vacuum device can react particularly flexibly to different types of surfaces and soiling.

The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle, particularly preferably an automobile.

Summarized again in other words, the invention relates to a cleaning device that can remove dirt from a surface by means of suction and friction. A rotatably drivable brush produces it in one Suction nozzle at the same time the suction force and the friction force. According to the invention, it is provided that aerodynamically and mechanically effective functional elements of the brush can be positioned or also oriented relative to the suction nozzle.

The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless stated otherwise in the individual case.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Saugeinrichtung;
• 2 die erfindungsgemäße Saugeinrichtung aus 1 in einer Querschnittsansicht;
• 3 eine erfindungsgemäße Saugeinrichtung in einer weiteren Ausführungsform; und
• 4 ein erfindungsgemäßes System.

The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

• 1 a suction device according to the invention;
• 2 the suction device according to the invention 1 in a cross-sectional view;
• 3 a suction device according to the invention in a further embodiment; and
• 4th a system according to the invention.

1 shows a suction device according to the invention 10 to remove dirt 12 from an underground 14th (compare 2 ).

In the 1 suction device shown 10 is a vacuum robot in this example 16 .

The suction device 10 includes a housing 18th with a bottom 20th . On the bottom 20th is a suction nozzle 22nd for the dirt 12 intended.

Furthermore, the suction device comprises 10 Means of transportation 24 on the outside of the case 18th are arranged.

In the area of the suction nozzle 22nd is a brush 26th intended. This is designed to function as a cross-flow fan and as a mechanical cleaning element. When the suction device 10 about the means of transport 24 along the subsoil 14th moves and the brush 26th is driven, the brush separates 26th the dirt 12 mechanically from the ground 14th and sucks it through the suction nozzle 22nd a, owing to that of the brush 26th generated suction.

For further explanations, see below on 2 Reference is made in which a sectional view AA along line A from 1 is shown.

In 2 is the inside of the suction device 10 easily recognizable with an air filter 28 and a recording room 30th for the dirt 12 . Since there is no separate fan inside the suction device 10 must be provided, because the suction effect is from the brush 26th is the structure of the suction device 10 Simplified accordingly and the recording room 30th can be designed generously.

In the area of the suction nozzle 22nd is the brush 26th shown in principle. The brush 26th rotates around an axis of rotation R. in the by the arrow 32 indicated direction. In doing so, it sucks up the dirt 12 along a current S. in the recording room 30th . At the same time the brush makes contact 26th the underground 14th and loosens the dirt 12 so mechanical.

The brush 26th comprises a variety of brush elements 34 , which in the present case are designed like a shovel (see also 1 ). The brush elements 34 are in at least one degree of freedom X , Y , z adjustable so as to the effect of the brush 26th via the suction nozzle 22nd on the dirt 12 to influence.

In the present case, the brush elements 34 exemplarily in the translational degrees of freedom X and Y be positioned. In the present case, this is done by positioning the brush accordingly 26th overall, the kinematics (not shown) designed for this in the housing 18th is stored.

The brush elements 34 can for example in the direction of the ground 14th or be shifted away from this by positioning in the translational degree of freedom Y takes place, and so set an intensity of the mechanical cleaning.

The brush elements 34 for example in the direction of entry E. the current S. into the suction nozzle 22nd or be shifted away from it, resulting in a positioning in the translational degree of freedom X corresponds. For example, one for the flow S. available space between the brush elements 34 and a wall 36 the suction nozzle 22nd be increased or decreased.

The brush elements 34 can in the present case also exemplarily in a rotational degree of freedom z be oriented. For example, the mechanical contacting of the substrate 14th fine-tuned as well as the aerodynamic effect of the brush elements 34 can be set.

With the brush elements 34 In the present case, it is elastic lamellae, here made of rubber.

When the brush elements 34 the underground 14th with driven brush 26th contact, there is a mechanical interaction with the substrate 14th . In addition to cleaning, this also has a driving force F. on the suction device 10 result. Are the brush elements 34 , one Drive power of the brush 26th and the underground 14th coordinated accordingly, the driving force leads F. for moving the suction device 10 all in all.

In the present case, this is used to control the vacuum robot mentioned at the beginning 16 to control. For this purpose, the driving power is the brush 26th adjustable accordingly.

3 shows a suction device according to the invention 10 in a further embodiment. The cross-sectional view shown corresponds to that from 2 in relation to 1 .

As the suction device 10 out 3 as a further development of the suction device 10 out 1 can be viewed, only the further additions are described here and the same reference numerals are otherwise used.

In 3 it can be seen that the suction device 10 in the area of the suction nozzle 22nd another brush 46 having. This is next to the brush 26th arranged and rotates in the opposite direction to the brush 26th , indicated by the arrow 38 .

To do this are the brush 26th and the other brush 46 In terms of drive technology, it is connected via a transmission (not shown here), here a simple gear transmission.

The other brush 46 can, for example, the dirt 12 from the underground 14th Peel off in preparation and in the direction of the brush 26th promote.

4th furthermore shows a system according to the invention 40 .

The system 40 includes a robot hoover 16 , for example as shown in the other figures.

The system also includes 40 a vehicle 42 , in this case a motor vehicle that is shown in sections as an automobile.

The vehicle 42 includes an interior 44 , in which the vacuum robot 16 as a suction device according to the invention 10 is arranged.

List of reference symbols

10

Suction device

12th

dirt

14th

Underground

16

Vacuum robot

18th

casing

20th

bottom

22nd

Suction nozzle

24

Means of transportation

26th

brush

28

Air filter

30th

Recording room

32

arrow

34

Brush element

36

Wall

38

arrow

40

system

42

vehicle

44

inner space

46

another brush

E.

entry

F.

Driving force

R.

Axis of rotation

S.

flow

X, Y

translational degrees of freedom

z

rotational degree of freedom

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• US 2018/0360281 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Suction device (10) for removing dirt (12) from a substrate (14), comprising: - a housing (18); - A suction nozzle (22) for the dirt (12) on an underside (20) of the housing (18); - means of locomotion (24); - At least one brush (26), which is arranged in the area of the suction nozzle (22) and designed to function as a cross-flow fan and as a mechanical cleaning element, characterized in that the brush (26) comprises brush elements (34) which are in at least one Degrees of freedom (X; Y; z) are adjustable. Suction device (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the brush elements (34) can be positioned or also oriented. Suction device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush elements (34) comprise elastic lamellas. Suction device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush (26) is designed to exert a driving force (F) on the suction device (10) as a result of a mechanical interaction with the substrate (14). Suction device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive power of the brush (26) can be regulated. Suction device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further brush (46) is arranged in the area of the suction nozzle (22). Suction device (10) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the brush (26) and the further brush (46) are drive-connected via a gear. A vacuum robot (16) comprising a suction device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Robot vacuum cleaner (16) Claim 8 , characterized in that a brush (26) of the robot vacuum cleaner (16) is designed to exert a driving force (F) on the robot vacuum cleaner (16) as a result of mechanical interaction with the substrate (14). System (40) comprising: - a vacuum robot (16) according to Claim 8 or 9 ; and / or - a suction device (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th and - a vehicle (42) with an interior space (44) in which the robot vacuum cleaner (16) and / or the suction device (10) is arranged.

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