EP0630604B1 - Vacuum cleaner, more particularly nozzle or part of same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner (floor-type vacuum cleaner, cylinder vacuum cleaner) (43), more particularly nozzle (attachment) or part of same (1), preferably a suction brush device (10) for the care of carpeted floors or hard floors, having a drivable rotating brush (11) and a suction space (15) bounded by skirt means (V), the skirt means (V) being liftable and lowerable relative to the vacuum cleaner (43). In order to improve a vacuum cleaner (43) of the generic type in a manner which is simple in terms of production, especially to the effect that optimal suction power is achieved both on carpets and on hard floors, it is proposed that a movement of the skirt means (V) can be executed independently of a floor clearance of the vacuum cleaner (43). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a floor suction device, in particular Attachment or part of an electric vacuum cleaner, preferably Suction brush device for the care of carpets or Hard floors, with a drivable, rotating brush and a suction space limited by curtain means with the curtain means relative to the floor suction device can be raised or lowered. Such a device is such. B. from JP-A-584166 known.

Floor suction devices of this type are known, and these for example via a pipe coupling on an electric vacuum cleaner or the like are arranged. This Floor suction devices have a separate electric drive for rotating a brush roller arranged in the device. Textile surfaces are cleaned in the Usually by vacuuming the dirt that is in through the a mouthpiece that reaches into the carpet Brush roller is released. When cleaning hard floors there is a risk that those touching the hard floor Damage the edges of the mouthpiece. To do this to avoid, the suction mouth becomes a piece on hard floors lifted off the floor to be maintained. This happens, for example through bristle strips around the suction mouth are arranged around. By raising the overall nozzle the air inlet opening of the suction mouthpiece increases. Because from a certain size of this opening however, efficient suction is no longer possible, must said opening by means of sealing in the form of curtain means be made smaller. Here it is, for example known, the curtain means all on a vertical movable plate to the working surface arrange which plate around the suction mouthpiece is arranged. This carrier plate can by means of a Mechanics can be retracted and extended, causing a lifting of the suction mouth from the floor to be maintained becomes. It proves to be particularly disadvantageous here that such a device a relatively high Storage space required in the mouthpiece and thus the overall height of the Mouthpiece enlarged. However, this prevents one Cleaning the floor under furniture or the like.

The object of the present invention is a generic Floor suction device in a technically simple way Way above all to improve that a optimal suction power both on carpets and on Hard floors are given.

This task is solved by the main claim specified invention.

The subclaims represent advantageous developments of the subject of the invention.

As a result of such a configuration is a floor suction device created, which optimal suction power both on carpets as well as on hard floors. For this it is contemplated that movement of the curtain means regardless of a floor clearance of the floor suction device is feasible. Accordingly, the variability of the Suction space or an adjustability of itself with regard suction gap of the suction space resulting on the floor can be achieved without curtain means a change in the height of the floor suction device in total or the brush or brush roller can be raised are lowerable. In contrast to the known state technology is one for activating the curtain means Raising the floor suction device or the suction brush device not mandatory. It is rather the case that the Distance between a base plate of the device and the to maintain flooring both when caring for carpets as well as when maintaining hard floors can. This distance is known in this way given that the device with impellers or the like is provided. The persist in the care of carpets Curtain means in a raised position. Here is done a suction of the dirt caused by the in a mouthpiece of the device, and in the Carpet brush is released from this. The Air inlet opening of the suction mouthpiece is through the support of the edge of the suction mouthpiece on the Carpet pile limited. When vacuuming hard floors However, this requirement does not apply, so that due to the Ground clearance of the floor suction device is an enlargement the air inlet opening of the suction mouthpiece. As of a certain size of this opening, however, none efficient suction is possible due to that the speed of the air gap is too large sucked air is too low to remove the dirt The opening must be carried along by means of curtain means be made smaller. The latter are lowered for this purpose that they rest on the hard floor to be maintained and thus cause a limitation of the suction space. The activation or reactivation of the curtain means can be solved, for example, in that the curtain means from a lowered position to a raised position Position or vice versa are pivotable. The curtain means can, for example, be hinged on the floor of the floor suction device. The above As already mentioned, curtain means serve as a seal to limit the suction space when caring for hard floors in the form of a lip or a row of brushes. In a preferred embodiment provides that the Lowering the curtain funds through a essential horizontal shifting lineup is feasible. The curtain means can continue be performed in a setting, such that by an essentially translational movement of a Frame edge of the curtain means a lowering and pivoting the curtain means. This configuration can cause a certain stiffness of the curtain means. Furthermore, it is preferred that the lowering or Raising the curtain means is switch operated, for example via a foot switch of the floor suction device. This can help lower the curtain means be that a spring preload in the lowered position works. Here it is conceivable to over curtain funds Bowden cables or the like in the raised position to hold what after pressing a switch or the Bowden cables are relaxed and thus the curtain means due to the spring preload in the lowered position can be moved. Especially it is important if curtain means that are in the setting edge, the frame edge at the same time is an axis of rotation. For example, is a lip as Curtain means provided, this can also be so in one Leadership, especially marginal leadership with respect to a longitudinal extension of the lip, so be included that even in the raised state with her Tip is still caught in this leadership. At a essentially moving the frame edge horizontally or the axis of rotation becomes the tip of the curtain means or the lip automatically through the guide in the (Desired down position moved and swiveled. For this purpose can the axis of rotation on a substantially translational movable carriage and with this be movable. For example, the aforementioned Execution be formed so that to seal the Suction chamber in the front area and possibly also on the side Bristle strips can be lowered as curtain means in the rear area (with regard to a direction of travel of the floor suction device) a very thin, flexible Sealing lip is arranged, which is also a Carry out translatory and rotary movement can, which means that when vacuuming hard surfaces assumes this vertical position. With such functions, where there is no sealing of the suction chamber is required or appears appropriate, the Sealing lip essentially in one to be extracted Surface parallel position free from mechanical tension and protected against unnecessary pollution positioned, this position at the same time due to wear Avoids malfunctions and the risk of incorrect operation greatly reduced. When maintaining hard floors is the rear boundary of the suction chamber according to the invention sealed by a thin and flexible sealing lip, which is in a position perpendicular to the hard floor located. With sufficiently high flexibility of the sealing lip can damage the hard surface to clean can be avoided by dirt particles. At the same time such a sealing lip has a high self-cleaning effect, so that in connection with the translational - rotational movement of the lip the risk of jamming the sealing lip due to the accumulation of dirt can be avoided. The design described above the invention allows by using small dimensions Components have a very small overall height of only a few millimeters. Furthermore, one can very low height due to the use of small wall thicknesses the backdrop and its direct integration into realize the bottom of the floor suction device. Is further conceivable that in the hard floor cleaning operation Reduction of the air intake opening, d. H. of the gap of the suction chamber with regard to the floor, thereby reaching leaves that the suction mouthpiece by means of a two-part Provide seal on the bottom of the mouthpiece is. On the front, for example, a - usually not adjustable in height - row of bristles be provided as a seal while on the back a height-adjustable seal in the form of a sealing lip, but possibly also in the form of a further row of bristles is provided. The seal can be divided into two one across a width and one or both sides of the mouthpiece or over a width of the mouthpiece extending sealing mechanism or from one extending over the motor or brush side of the mouthpiece Sealing mechanism or curtain means exist. Here, for example, it is assumed that the floor suction device has its own motor, which in Direction of travel of the floor suction device behind the mouthpiece is arranged. The one curtain means that the height-adjustable seal in the form of a lip or a row of brushes can be wider than one over a portion of the bottom of the mouthpiece extending and across a width of the mouthpiece in Bulged direction of the floor, especially the hard floor Sealing film be formed. This can be beneficial Be realized in such a way that a lowering or raising the curtain means, especially one in Shape of a lip-shaped, height-adjustable seal, by folding or unfolding a membrane part is feasible. It is also proposed that the unfolded membrane part essentially on an underside of a floor of the floor suction device. Hereby is also a low overall height of the curtain means thus formed given in the form of a membrane part. That in shape of a membrane part formed curtain means a preferred embodiment raised or be lowered by folding or unfolding transverse to an essentially horizontal displacement movement a folding end region of the membrane part he follows. When forming the membrane part as a sealing film a bulge can be carried out so far that it extends to the hard floor to be vacuumed. An outer The vertex of the bump formed in this way can therefore be seen on the Lay on the ground or grind over it, at one Movement of the floor suction device. When using the Floor vacuum cleaner for carpet cleaning can be an adjustment be made in that the sealing film without Bulge, d. H. in a stretched form, on the bottom side the mouthpiece is mounted or extends. The Sealing film itself can be made from an elastic, resettable Material, especially plastic or one Metal foil exist. Otherwise, the one you want Function of bulge to seal and reset to the bottom of the mouthpiece in the textile cleaning company not achieved. In particular, the sealing film also be built up in multiple layers, namely from one or more layers of an elastic, resilient Material, especially plastic material, and one or more layers of elastic and resilient metal foil. Furthermore can in more detail the sealing film on the outside also be covered with bristle hair. So there is one Combined row of bristles and sealing film as a seal or curtain means then in front. Across the width of the mouthpiece the sealing film can also have one or more interruptions exhibit. In particular, it is then possible, only individual sections of the sealing film in the sense to activate a dent. In addition, the Sealing film also have two bulges, in particular seen in a longitudinal cross section, so that in the direction of travel two bump apex lines formed one behind the other are. The sealing film can also have two or more Have material thicknesses. The bulge and provision The sealing film can be replaced by the sealing film compressing or tightening slider must be reached, which can be moved mechanically. The can continue Slider also by means of an inside or on the suction mouthpiece located energy source to be movable. For example electric motor. Overall, it is essential that the lowering of the lip by an im essential horizontal shift lineup is feasible. So the long edges by moving a longitudinal edge essentially pushed horizontally towards each other and lowering the Lip is done by training one down reaching crease. Combinative can also with a floor suction device of the previously described embodiments known overall height adjustability provided which, however, is not mandatory for lifting or lowering the curtain means. The latter are independent can be raised by a possible height adjustment or lowerable. This means in such a combinative Embodiment that the curtain means both in a subscript as well as a superscript Height-adjustable floor suction device can be raised or lowered are. In addition, height adjustment is also possible the rotatable brush - if necessary, additional and combinative - be provided, this training too an independence of the movement of the curtain means granted.

The invention further relates to a suction mouthpiece for a cleaning device, in particular for a floor suction device with one to be sung in the carpet cleaning company Touching the floor and in hard floor cleaning preferably lifted off the floor to be vacuumed, with a rotatable, motor-operated brush roller or similar mouthpiece. Here is one Cleaning hard floors provided that the demarcation of the suction area partly through stationary curtain means and partly by an activatable curtain is achievable. Here, for example, training be chosen so that the stationary curtain means stationary are arranged on the bottom of the floor suction device, preferably before (with regard to a direction of travel of the floor suction device) the suction chamber and the side of the Suction chamber. The curtain agent that can be activated becomes corresponding can preferably be lifted at the rear of the suction chamber or arranged lowerable, with a lifting also here or lowering the curtain means that can be activated independently achieved by the respective height of the mouthpiece can be. Here are all the aforementioned embodiments of raising or lowering curtain means applicable. The curtain means mentioned can be used as Lip be formed. A row of bristles is also conceivable to train as curtain means. With a realization of the suction mouthpiece, the suction chamber partially through stationary and partly through activatable curtain means is delimited, it is preferred that the stationary Curtain means as a row of bristles and the activatable Curtain means is designed as a lip. It is however also conceivable, both the stationary and that Train curtain means that can be activated as a row of bristles. Furthermore, the stationary and the activatable Curtain means can be designed as a lip, in particular in the form of a sealing film, which is covered with bristle hair is.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a suction brush device for the care of carpets or hard floors, with a rotating brush driven by an electric motor and with front brushes. Here is in a preferred one Design provided that the bristles are vertical between a lowered, on a switch operation lying on the floor and one raised Position are movable and that the electromotive Drive of the brush can be switched on or off at the same time, the sweeping bristle curtain means as defined in the preceding Description are. Switching the on or off electric motor drive of the rotating brush can here in the course of the switch actuation of the bristles respectively. Depending on the surface, i.e. H. ever after whether to be sucked on carpets or hard floors the bristles should be lowered or raised, where at the same time also switching on or off the electromotive drive of the brush can be done. So is for example when vacuuming carpets Switching on the electric motor drive required with the bristles in a raised position remain. When vacuuming carpet fringes or the like it is expedient to drive the electric motor switch off, here also the bristles are raised. Hard floors, on the other hand, are then optimal Way vacuumed when the bristles on the floor and the electric motor drive is switched off is. However, it is also conceivable to improve Care to switch on this drive. Around different positions of the bristles or switch positions of the electric motor drive, the suction brush device has a switch, which both lowering and raising the bristles as well switching the drive on or off. In a preferred embodiment provides that when lowered Bristles the brush drive is switched off. This means that in the course of lowering the before the rotating brush arranged bristles at the same time the electromotive drive of the brush is switched off.

It can also be advantageously provided be that with raised bristles the brush drive too or can be switched off. When vacuuming carpets or the like, it is desirable that the bristles are raised and the electric motor drive the rotating brush is switched on. Such The position of the switch can be defined as the basic position be. From this basic position, the Switch of the electric motor drive switched off be, for example, when carpet fringes or the like should be suctioned off. Here would be one Switch on the drive to wind up the fringe of the rotating brush cause damage on the carpet or a defect in the suction brush device can lead. The device according to the invention is especially optimized in terms of handling technology in that the switching operation can be carried out via a foot switch is. This foot switch is useful in one good accessible area of the suction brush device arranged. It is also conceivable here to have two arranged in parallel Foot switch on both sides of the tubular foot of the electric vacuum cleaner to arrange. With foot switches, which one Mechanism for lowering or lifting the bristles and Have the drive switched on or off Footswitch rotatably connected. Prefers Such a mechanism can be designed so that the Foot switch via a Bowden cable with the bristles or is connected to a bristle strip. One in one Suction brush device preferably uses bristle strips can thus by means of the Bowden cable over pulleys a lowered or raised position in Dependence on the actuation of the foot switch brought will. This training can be optimized be that the bristles or bristle strip over a Compression spring are loaded in their lowered position.

Here is only by means of the foot switch Bowden cable released what a lowering about the compression spring the bristles or the bristle strip causes. To the Vertical movement of the bristles or the bristle strip optimize, two Bowden cables are preferred. It is now also conceivable, such a trained To equip the suction brush device with two bristle strips, one in front and one behind the rotating brush is arranged. As a result, when vacuuming hard floors or the like formed a vacuum space, which leads to optimal suction of the soil. How previously mentioned is in such a position, i.e. H. when the bristles are lowered, the brush drive is switched off. In a preferred development of the subject matter of the invention it is provided that the bristles or Bristle strip in front of the brush roller and a sealing lip are arranged behind the brush roller, which sealing lip also together with the bristles (in the same way) is vertically movable. This sealing lip is here a curtain means as defined above. Based on the previously discussed thought this creates an optimized vacuum space, what especially when vacuuming tile floors or the like is of particular advantage. The one in the tile joints inlaid dirt particles are lowered Bristle strip and sealing lip, due to the formed Vacuum room, extracted in an optimal way. The The sealing lip and the bristle strip are activated when the switch is actuated lowered or raised at the same time. Is too conceivable here, the sealing lip corresponding to the bristle strip via a compression spring into its lowered position to charge. In a further embodiment it can be provided be that two switches are arranged one below the other are, the lower switch operated by the upper is. The design can be selected here that the upper switch turns off or on the electric motor the brush roller and the lower switch Raising or lowering a curtain means. The Curtain means can be used as a brush strip or be designed as a sealing lip. In a preferred one Design is provided that easy actuation the upper switch to turn the Electric motor causes the brush roller and a stronger one Actuation requires the lower switch to be switched, whereby the curtain means are raised or be lowered. As mentioned earlier, it is preferred that when cleaning hard floors, the electric drive Brush roller is switched off. This can also be done with the mentioned training should be taken into account at stronger actuation of the upper switch and with it accompanying actuation of the lower switch on the one hand the curtain means are lowered and on the other hand the electric motor of the brush roller is switched off or vice versa. This training continues optimized so that the lower switch by the upper switch is covered. To ensure that the upper switch always in its after an operation Moved back to the basic position, it is provided that the upper switch on the lower switch spring-supported is. However, it is also conceivable to use the upper switch on the device housing side, d. H. on the chassis of the suction brush device resiliently supported. Likewise is the lower one Switch on the suction device housing is spring-supported. With a curtain that, as described above, a backdrop is such that at one essentially translational assignment of a frame edge of the curtain means a lowering and swiveling this curtain means is preferred Design of the subject matter of the invention provided that the lower switch over a linkage the frame edge of the curtain means is moved substantially horizontally. With a substantially horizontal advance of the Socket edge or the axis of rotation thus formed will Curtain means, which is preferably designed as a sealing lip is moved to the desired down position and pivoted. The curtain means lies as before described in a setting in which the frame edge is movable, the backdrop by a Floor plate on the one hand and a ceiling on the housing side on the other hand is formed. This can advantageously the bottom plate can be made removable, with what after removing the floor panel, the curtain means exposed. It can therefore be replaced Curtain means, for example the sealing lip. To the electric motor of the brush roller according to the To switch requirements, it is also provided that both the top switch and the bottom switch act on one contact switch each, both Switch the contact switch on or off. An arrangement is preferred in which the upper switch acts on a contact switch that at each actuation a pulse to switch on or off of the brush operation sends. As a contact switch of the lower switch an opener is preferably used, which in general when the lower switch is actuated switches off the brush mode, regardless of the last one sent impulse of the upper contact switch. This means a general standstill of the brush roller with lowered curtain means for cleaning Hard floors. Actuation of the lower switch causes a pivoting of the curtain means into a lowered one Position. To provide the user with information for the current To convey the operating state of the suction brush device, it is proposed that a functional lamp for brush and suction operation, for suction operation only and intended for suction operation with lowered curtain means are. This means that during normal operation, i.e. H. when vacuuming carpets, a functional lamp lights up and thus conveys to the user that both the electric motor of the brush roller is switched on and the curtain means are in a raised position. By lightly pressing the upper switch, which is preferably designed as a foot switch this normal position the brush drive is switched off. This operating state is determined by means of a another function lamp is displayed. With strong activity of the upper switch (foot switch) is activated lower the curtain means on the lower switch and, if not previously done, a shutdown of the electric motor drive of the brush roller. This third operating state is also a separate one Function lamp displayed. Advantageously the function lamps are still used in such a way that if the brush drive is blocked, flashing of all function lamps is switched on. For example when vacuuming carpet fringes the brush drive previously not by means of the upper switch (foot switch) turned off, this can lead to blocking of the brush drive. To damage the To avoid carpet fringes and also the suction brush device, the device automatically switches off the Electric drive of the brush roller when the latter is blocked on. This state is now blinking all Functional lamps are displayed, which conveys to the user that the brush roller from the blocking Must free carpet fringes or the like.

In a further embodiment of the foot switch to implement the different switch positions, Lowering or raising the brush strip and / or sealing lip with simultaneous switching on or off of the electromotive Drive of the brush, further provided that the foot switch has a locking pin that interacts with a backdrop, in which in corresponding Switch positions locking receptacles are formed. So from a defined basic position of the foot switch can be switched into several switching stages, whereby here a skipping of several levels as well also switching back from any level to the basic level is possible. A backdrop is preferred here, which has snap-in receptacles for three switch positions. The first switch position concerns the basic position, in which the rotating brush preferably has an electric motor is driven and the bristle strip and / or the sealing lip above the Bowden cable in a raised Position remain. In a second switch position is the electromotive in the preferred embodiment Drive of the brush switched off, leaving the bristle bar and / or the sealing lip remains raised. From this switch position can immediately back to the basic position, i.e. in the first switch position be switched back. Both from the basic position as well as from the second switch position can be switched to the third switch position where the electric motor drive is switched off and at the same time the Bowden cable is relieved, with what, conditionally through the compression springs, the brush strip and / or the sealing lip can be lowered. For this third The stage can then be switched back to the basic position will. An embodiment is preferred here, where the backdrop is rotatably attached, but controllable in rotation by the locking pin is. The arrangement of the Bowden cable on the foot switch is advantageously realized in that the Control pin of the Bowden cable in an elongated hole Hard disk is guided and through a foot switch plate can be actuated. Depending on the switch position, the is in one Elongated hole of the control pin on the housing-side hard disk by means of the foot switch plate in a pull position held or released. For this, the foot switch plate provided with a projection or the like be, which to achieve the raised position of the Bristle strip and / or the sealing lip the control pin holds in a basic position, here the Bowden cable against the spring force of the compression springs of the bristle strip and / or the sealing lip is pulled. When actuated of the foot switch is now the projection of the foot switch plate the control pin free, with which this within the slot is freely movable. Because of the spring force the compression springs are now bristle strips and / or sealing lip lowered. After all, in one advantageous further training provided that in the foot switch plate a control curve is formed by which of the control pins can be moved, which control curve is designed so that only when reached a third switching position of the control pin becomes. As previously described, a first and in a second switch position the brush strip and / or the sealing lip must be raised. The arrangement of the elongated hole in the hard disk and the control curve in the foot switch plate are chosen so that the first and second switching position no release or relocation of the control pin. Switching the on or off electric motor drive of the rotating brush can here via an electrical switch, which in the basic position, i.e. in the first switch position, closes the circuit for driving the brush. This can be realized, for example, in that the foot switch a cam is arranged, which on the Electric switch works. When the second switch position is reached the cam leaves the area of the electric switch, with which this opens and the circuit to Drive of the brush interrupts. As already mentioned, the control pin of the Bowden cable is not yet displaced, with which the bristle strip and / or the sealing lip remain raised.

Figur 1

eine Ansicht eines mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Saug-Bürstengerät versehenen Elektro-Staubsaugers, gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Figur 2

das Saug-Bürstengerät in schematischer Darstellung in Draufsicht,

Figur 3

eine schematische Darstellung der Anordnung einer Fußschaltermechanik des Saug-Bürstengerätes,

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Fußschalters in einer Grund- bzw. ersten Schaltstellung,

Figur 5

die Vorderansicht auf den Fußschalter in der Grund- bzw. ersten Schaltstellung, wobei zur verbesserten Darstellung eine Fußschalterplatte strichpunktiert dargestellt ist,

Figur 6

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie VI-VI in Figur 2, die Stellung einer Borstenleiste und einer Dichtlippe, welche beide als Vorhangmittel ausgebildet sind, in Abhängigkeit von der Stellung des Fußschalters gemäß Figur 5 betreffend, ebenfalls in schematischer Darstellung,

Figur 7

eine der Figur 5 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch eine zweite Schaltstellung betreffend,

Figur 8

eine weitere Darstellung gemäß Figur 5, eine dritte Schaltstellung betreffend,

Figur 9

eine der Figur 6 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch die Schaltstellung des Fußschalters gemäß Figur 8 betreffend,

Figur 10

ein Bodensauggerät einer zweiten Ausführungsform im Teppichbodenbetrieb, schematisch in einer Seitenansicht,

Figur 11

das Bodensauggerät gemäß Fig. 10 im Hartbodenbetrieb,

Figur 12

ein Bodensauggerät einer dritten Ausführungsform, in einer Darstellung gemäß Fig. 10, im Teppichbodenbetrieb,

Figur 13

ein Bodensauggerät gemäß Fig. 12 im Hartbodenbetrieb,

Figur 14

eine Einzeldarstellung der in dem Bodensauggerät gemäß Fig. 12 bzw. Fig. 13 verwirklichten Dichtlippe,

Figur 15

eine Abfolge des Ausfahrens der Dichtlippe gemäß Fig. 14,

Figur 16

das Bodensauggerät in schematischer Darstellung in Draufsicht,

Figur 17

eine schematische Ansicht zu Darstellung des Ein- bzw. Ausfahrens der Dichtlippe in Abhängigkeit von einer Betätigung einer Fußtaste, die ausgefahrende Stellung der Dichtlippe betreffend,

Figur 18

eine der Fig. 17 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch bei Betätigung des Fußschalters und damit einhergehendem Einfahren der Dichtlippe,

Figur 19

eine weitere Ausführungsform des Bodensauggerätes in schematischer Darstellung in Draufsicht,

Figur 20

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Bodensauggerätes im Bereich einer Bürstenwalze, absenkbarer Vorhangmittel und eines Fußschalters, die angehobene Stellung der Vorhangmittel betreffend,

Figur 21

eine Darstellung gemäß der Fig. 20, jedoch bei leichter Betätigung des Fußschalters,

Figur 22

eine weitere Darstellung gemäß der Fig. 20, jedoch bei stärkerer Betätigung des Fußschalters,

Figur 23

die Schnittdarstellung gemäß Fig. 20, jedoch bei abgesenkten Vorhangmitteln und

Figur 24

eine schematische Darstellung der Mechanik zum Anheben bzw. Absenken der Vorhangmittel, in Perspektive.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of four illustrative exemplary embodiments. It shows:

Figure 1

1 shows a view of an electric vacuum cleaner provided with a suction brush device according to the invention, according to a first embodiment,

Figure 2

the suction brush device in a schematic representation in plan view,

Figure 3

1 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of a foot switch mechanism of the suction brush device,

Figure 4

1 shows a perspective illustration of a foot switch in a basic or first switching position,

Figure 5

the front view of the foot switch in the basic or first switching position, with a foot switch plate being shown in dash-dot lines for improved illustration,

Figure 6

the section along the line VI-VI in Figure 2, the position of a bristle strip and a sealing lip, both of which are designed as curtain means, depending on the position of the foot switch according to Figure 5, also in a schematic representation,

Figure 7

5 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 5, but relating to a second switching position,

Figure 8

5 shows a further representation according to FIG. 5, relating to a third switching position,

Figure 9

6 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 6, but relating to the switching position of the foot switch according to FIG. 8,

Figure 10

a floor suction device of a second embodiment in carpet operation, schematically in a side view,

Figure 11

10 in hard floor operation,

Figure 12

10 shows a floor suction device of a third embodiment, in a representation according to FIG. 10, in carpet operation,

Figure 13

12 in the hard floor mode,

Figure 14

12 shows an individual representation of the sealing lip realized in the floor suction device according to FIG. 12 or FIG. 13,

Figure 15

14 a sequence of the extension of the sealing lip according to FIG. 14,

Figure 16

the floor suction device in a schematic representation in plan view,

Figure 17

2 shows a schematic view to show the retraction or extension of the sealing lip as a function of an actuation of a foot switch relating to the extended position of the sealing lip,

Figure 18

17 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 17, but when the foot switch is actuated and the sealing lip is retracted,

Figure 19

another embodiment of the floor suction device in a schematic representation in plan view,

Figure 20

2 shows a schematic sectional illustration of the floor suction device in the area of a brush roller, lowerable curtain means and a foot switch, relating to the raised position of the curtain means,

Figure 21

20, but with a slight actuation of the foot switch,

Figure 22

20 shows a further illustration according to FIG. 20, but with greater actuation of the foot switch,

Figure 23

the sectional view of FIG. 20, but with lowered curtain means and

Figure 24

a schematic representation of the mechanics for raising or lowering the curtain means, in perspective.

The electric vacuum cleaner 1 shown in the figures 1-9 shown first embodiment is as Handheld designed. It has a housing 2 to which a device handle 3 connects at the top with an end Handle 4. In the transition area between the handle 4 and handle 3 there is an on / off switch 5. The electrical cable connection is marked with the number 6.

The housing 2 is divided into a motor housing 7 and an overlying chamber 8 for receiving a filter bag, not shown. The engine fan is also not shown in detail in the drawing.

The motor housing 7 goes into a pipe coupling on the underside 9 over which the air flow connection to a suction brush device 10 manufactures.

This suction brush device 10 contains 10 'in the nozzle mouth a brush roller 11, which has a separate drive 12 can be rotated.

The blower motor works from the bottom up and presses consequently the dust air in the above the motor housing 7 filter bags arranged upside down.

This is shown schematically in particular in FIG. 2 Suction brush device 10 consists essentially of a Housing 13, a pipe connection piece 14, which in one Suction chamber 15 arranged brush roller 11 and in the Housing 13 arranged separate drive 12, which can drive the brush roller 11 via a belt 16. The separate drive 12 is not shown Electrical connection connected to the electric vacuum cleaner 1.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, this shows Suction brush device 10 at its the pipe connection piece 14 facing area two, on both sides of the pipe connection piece 14 arranged foot switch 17 on. This Foot switches 17 are non-rotatable by means of a coupling rod 18 connected to each other.

In the suction chamber 15, the brush roller 11 is in shape a bristle strip 19 formed by a curtain means V. upstream. This extends in the same way as the brush roller 11 accordingly across the direction of displacement of the suction brush device 10. In the same way in the suction nozzle area 15 on the bristle strip 19 opposite side of the brush roller 11 also in Form of a curtain means V formed sealing lip 20th arranged. The lengths of the brush roller 11, the bristle strip 19 and the sealing lip 20 corresponds approximately to that Length of the suction space 15.

Both the bristle strip 19 and the sealing lip 20 are vertically adjustable, each above themselves on the housing 13 supporting compression springs 21, 22 in a lowered position are preloaded.

To both bristle strip 19 and sealing lip 20 in to move a raised position, these are over two Bowden cables 23 connected to the foot switches 17.

A foot switch 17 consists essentially of one actuating plate protruding laterally beyond the housing 13 24 and a side, at right angles to the flush plate 24 arranged on this foot switch plate 25. The arrangement is such that the Foot switch plate 25 on the housing 13 facing Side of the actuating plate 24 molded integrally is. Both foot switches 17 have the same components on, but in a mirrored arrangement. As already mentioned, are the foot switches 17 via a coupling rod 18 rotatably connected to each other, the ends of the Coupling rod 18 in the area of the foot switch plates 25 are attached. The foot switch plates are in the installed position 25 with their sides facing the housing 13 evenly on hard disks 26, by which kicks the coupling rod 18 at each end.

Each foot switch plate 25 has a kidney-shaped Control curve 27, in which a hard disk 26 in Area of an L-shaped slot 28 passing through Control pin 29 rests (see FIG. 4). The in the control pin 29 entering each foot switch 17 are rotationally fixed via lever 30 and a control rod 31 connected with each other.

At the free ends of the through the elongated holes 28 and Control cam 27 passing through control pin 29 are the Bowden cables 23 attached.

Each hard disk 26 also has in the slot 28 facing away a recess 32 for receiving of a scenery part 33. This scenery part 33 is via a hard disk-side pin 34 on the Foot switch plate 25 facing side pivoted.

The link part 33 has on the foot switch plate 25 facing side a backdrop 35, which by Milling of slide tracks 36 while maintaining is formed by backdrop islands 37.

In this setting 35, i.e. in the backdrop 36, engages a foot switch plate-side locking pin 38 a.

The actuating plates 24 and the molded thereon Foot switch plates 25 are by means of a coil spring 39 always in a basic position according to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 biased, the coil spring 39 the coupling rod 18 embraces and one end of this and the other end is attached to a housing-side hard disk 26. Furthermore, the coupling rod 18 with a switch cam 40 provided with a push button switch on the housing 41 cooperates.

The operation of a foot switch 17 is as follows: In a first switching position according to Figure 5, which of Corresponds to the basic position, the actuator plate is located 24 of the foot switch 17 in an almost horizontal Position. Here, the locking pin 38 of the foot switch plate engages 25 in a first rest A of the backdrop 35 a. The switching cam 40 of the coupling rod 18th acts on the key switch 41, with which this switches the circuit to the roller drive 12 closes. The brush roller 11 is thus driven by an electric motor. The control pins 29 are in the elongated holes 28 by means of the control curve 27 of the foot switch plate 25 in a basic position captured. This is the position in which the Bowden cables are 23 both the bristle strip 19 and the sealing lip 20 via deflection rollers 42 in a raised position hold according to Figure 6.

The foot switch 17 can now be operated in such a way that the locking pin 38 on the scenery path x in one retracting second catch B. With this movement rotates the coupling rod mounted in the hard drives 26 18 such that the switching cam 40 the area of the push button switch 41, leaving the power supply interrupted to the roller drive 12 and thus the Electromotive drive of the brush roller 11 switched off is. Due to the kidney-shaped design of the control curve 27, the control pin 29 is still in its Home position caught, so that the bristle strip 19 and the sealing lip 20 remain in the raised position (see Figure 7).

Starting from the rest B can senweg on the coolies z a third switch position is taken, by the locking pin 38 on the scenery path z to in a catch C moves and is fixed there. The associated further turning of the foot switch plate 25 around the bearing points of the coupling rod 18 in the hard disk 26 causes that on this foot switch plate 25 arranged kidney-shaped control curve 27 den there through control pin 29 along the slot 28 entrained the hard disk 26. With support the spring force of the compression springs 21 and 22 are thereby the bristle strip 19 and the sealing lip 20 in one lowered position on the floor. The switch cam 40 of the coupling rod 18 remains outside of the area of the key switch 41, here too the power supply to the roller drive 12 is interrupted is. The lowered position of Bristle strip 19 and sealing lip 20 illustrates that at this third switch position of the foot switch 17 in Area of the brush roller 11 of the suction chamber 15 spatially separated from the environment wild, which hereby in the area a vacuum zone is achieved in the floor covering, which optimal when vacuuming tiles or the like affects. By means of the foot switch 17 can also directly from the first switch position, i.e. from from the basic position to the third switch position switched while overrunning the second switching position will. This can be done via the scenery path y. Furthermore, both from the second switching position via the sliding path x 'as well as from the third switching position via the sliding path y 'into the first switch position, i.e. be switched back to the basic position.

When switching back from the third switch position in the basic position is the lifting of the bristle strip 19 and the sealing lip 20 by the restoring force of the Coil spring 39 supports, the here in the basic position of the foot switch plate 25 by means of the control cam 27 along the control pin 29 of the elongated hole 28 entrained. For this it is necessary that the spring force of the coil spring 39 is greater is than that of the compression springs 21 and 22 of the bristle strip 19 or the sealing lip 20.

10 and 11 is in a second embodiment a suction brush device 10 in the form of a floor suction device 43 with an electric motor 12. Means a transmission 44 makes a brush roller 11 rotate driven. One on the is only schematic Brush roller 11 'indicated brush roller. A number of such brush rows are circumferential 11 'provided on the brush roller 11. The floor suction device 43 also has a mouthpiece in the form of a nozzle mouth 10 'with a suction space 15. The suction space 15 is by a front edge 45 or a front bristle strip 19 completed in the form of a curtain means V.

In the operating state shown in FIG. 10 a carpet is the suction chamber 15 through a rear edge 46 completed. Due to the edition on the pile of the carpet there is one still air-permeable, but largely closed Delimitation of the suction space 15, so that due to the achieved high flow velocities of dirt or the like from the carpet he follows.

There is another on the back of the brush roller 11 activatable lip or row of bristles 47 in the form of a Curtain means V provided.

As can be seen from Fig. 11, the lip or row of bristles 47 by an essentially horizontal displacement a slider 48 brought to a fold are created, whereby a downward fold 49 is created is, with its apex line 50 facing the hard floor is or even rests on it.

The one, for example, is formed in strips over its length Lip or bristle row 47 is in the embodiment made of an elastic material, such as Plastic. In particular, it can be here act as a sealing film or a membrane part. The Sealing film can consist of one or more layers Made of plastic or metal. It it is also possible to use bristle hair on the outside of the sealing film to occupy. Over the width (in the drawing: Depth) of the nozzle or the suction space 15 can be provided be that there are several interruptions in the sealing film are flexible to the seal with good sealing properties to design.

In addition, an advantageous embodiment consists in the sealing film with several sections different Execute material thicknesses so that flexible and less flexible parts arise and kinking on the flexible Sub-areas can be done. The sealing film can thus especially over its length (in the drawing: Depth), for example essentially linear Show weakening zones. The slider 48 can Movement of the sealing film mechanically or as required by a located on or in the nozzle mouth 10 ' Energy source, such as the electric motor 12, be operated.

In detail it can be seen that the lip or row of bristles 47 on the one hand in the striped configuration rests on the slide 48 over a section a, the cross-section in the form of a strip with a shoulder 51 is formed. An end face of the heel 51 serves as a system for a leading edge of the section a the lip or row of bristles 47 on the slide 48 rests. A comparable configuration to that Slider 48 is in the edition 52, this but is preferably not movable. It is also possible that the pad 52 is movable and the slide (Edition 48) is then fixed. About that It is also possible that both the slide 48 and the support 52 movable, d. H. on each other are designed to be movable. When cleaning a Textile floor is the nozzle mouth 10 'and its singing room 15 close to the textile floor, with the brush roller 11 loosens the dirt by putting it in the textile floor penetrates. Due to the contact of the nozzle mouth 10 ' on the textile floor is the suction room 15 in the greetings limited. The sealing film or the lip or row of bristles 47 lies on a bottom side 53 of the nozzle mouth 10 ' on or extends substantially parallel to it.

The motor 12 and the brush roller 11 together with the Transmission 44 are located one above the other in the rear area of the nozzle mouth 10 '. When switching the nozzle mouth 10 'in the hard floor cleaning operation according to FIG. 11, the nozzle mouth 10 'can be raised. This is but not a condition for lowering the sealing film or the curtain means V. The latter is independent of the height of the nozzle mouth 10 'can be raised or lowered.

The slider 48 is actuated, whereby the sealing film in Rear area of the nozzle mouth 10 'over its entire Is compressed and the sealing film bulges. The resulting bulge extends to the hard floor and seals in this way, the suction chamber 15. The rest three sides of the nozzle mouth 10 'is conventional Way (mechanics not shown here) of the suction chamber 15 sealed. The latter is due to the combined seal 11 also small in hard floor operation according to FIG.

The third embodiment shown in Figs. 12-18 has an almost identical construction of the floor suction device 43 on, only the execution of the rear Curtain means V (lip or row of bristles) is different.

In the area of the bottom 53 of the device 43 is one Backdrop 54 provided, in which one as a curtain means V serving sealing lip 47 mounted horizontally is.

The sealing lip 47 is eccentric with a cylindrical Element 55 in the form of a socket edge 56 small Radiusses firmly connected. Another in the backdrop 54 inserted carriage 57 engages the sealing lip 47 in Area of the socket edge 56 or cylindrical element 55. Underneath the backdrop 54, d. H. at that too caring floor facing side, has the backdrop 54 a guide groove 58 which two are offset from one another arranged guide edges 59, 60. The sealing lip 47 protrudes at least with its free end region into the Guide groove 58.

The socket edge 56 also forms an axis of rotation b for pivoting the lip 47 from a raised in a lowered position or vice versa.

With a translational displacement of the carriage 57 rolls the cylindrical element 55, supported through the interaction of the sealing lip 47 with the Guide groove 58 arising torque, on its circumference from. The sealing lip 47 moves translationally and rotary until it reaches a certain end position, in which they are free of mechanical stress in one almost parallel to the surface to be cleaned rests. This position is shown for example in Fig. 12. Such surfaces can now be found in this end position without risk of malfunction and unnecessary pollution the sealing lip 47, which are cleaned do not require a sealing of the suction space 15.

The embodiment of the invention shown here allows you use small-sized components (in particular slide 57 and cylindrical element 55) a very small height of just a few millimeters. Furthermore, a very low overall height can be achieved using small wall thicknesses of the backdrop 54 and its direct integration into the floor 53 of the floor suction device 43 realize. The backdrop 54 has the task the carriage 57, the cylindrical element 55 and protect and guide the sealing lip 47 to malfunctions due to improper handling of the floor suction device 43 to be largely prevented by the user.

15 shows a sequence of extending the sealing lip 47. It can be seen that by shifting the Slide 57 a translational and rotary Movement of the sealing lip 47 takes place. The sealing lip 47 always protrudes into the guide groove 58 of the link 54. The Leading edges 59, 60 require a translatory Movement of the sealing lip 47 by means of the carriage 57 a rotation of the sealing lip 47 about the axis of rotation b, with which the sealing lip 47 from a raised position in a lowered position for hard floor cleaning panned. In this position (see in particular 14), the sealing lip 47 is supported on both sides on the leading edges 59, 60, with which a certain Stability in hard floor cleaning operations guaranteed is. The sealing lip 47 is now in a position perpendicular to the hard floor surface. With sufficient high flexibility of the sealing lip 47 can damage the hard surface to be cleaned by dirt particles be avoided. At the same time has such a sealing lip 47 a high self-cleaning effect, so that in connection with the translatory-rotary movement the lip 47 the risk of the sealing lip jamming 47 avoided by the accumulation of dirt or the like can be.

The sealing lip 47 can be made of plastic, for example consist. It is conceivable here that sealing lip 47 over its entire length (in the drawing: depth) several times to subdivide, which increases flexibility of the Sealing lip 47 is given.

It is also conceivable instead of a sealing lip 47 to provide a flexible bristle strip that has at least sufficient inherent stability to a trouble-free raising or lowering of this curtain means V to ensure.

13 shows the floor suction device 43 in hard floor operation. It can be seen that at the same time to lower the sealing lip 47 in the front area and in the side areas of the nozzle mouth 10 'flexible bristle strips 19 den Touch hard floor, the airway at least partially is sealed. Dirt particles can, however, in penetrate the suction chamber 15 so that they are rotating from the Brush 11 detected and with the intake air can be transported. Activating this front and side bristle strips 19 takes place in conventional way (mechanics not shown here).

It is also here, as in the example previously described possible, the nozzle mouth 10 'for hard floor cleaning operation 13 to raise. Here is one too Raising the nozzle mouth 10 'is not a condition for that Function of the lowering of the sealing lips. Rather, it is one Movement of the curtain means V, in particular the sealing lip 47, regardless of a floor clearance of the floor suction device 43 feasible.

16-18 show an exemplary arrangement of the Third embodiment described above in one Floor suction device 43.

The brush suction device shown schematically in FIG. 16 43 consists essentially of a housing 13, a Pipe connection piece 14, which is arranged in a suction chamber 15 Brush roller 11 and arranged in the housing 13 Transmission 44, for driving the brush roller 11.

The floor suction device 43 has at its the pipe connection piece 14 facing area a side of the pipe connection piece 14 arranged foot switch 17 on.

This foot switch 17 can be tilted on an axis of rotation 18 stored.

It is also conceivable to have two on both sides of the pipe connection piece 14 arranged foot switch 17, as in provide the first embodiment.

17 and 18 is a schematic of the mechanics for Raising or lowering the curtain means V, in particular the lip 47 shown, here another embodiment of the curtain means V and the moving it Carriage 57 is shown.

The foot switch 17 is on the axis already mentioned 18 tiltably mounted on the housing 13 of the suction device 43. An arranged on the axis 18, one end of the Housing 13 and the other end on the foot switch 17 supporting Coil spring 39 always causes a reset of the Foot switch 17 in a basic position according to FIG. 17 the foot switch 17 is at one end via a pin 61 a Bowden cable 62 is arranged. The latter extends over a deflection roller mounted on the device housing side 63 to a free end of the in this embodiment finger-shaped carriage 57. This free end of the carriage 57 is via a compression spring 64 supported resiliently against a lug 65 on the housing, in a basic position according to FIG. 17 the alignment of the Bowden cable 62 of the carriage 57 remains in a position in which the compression spring 64 is compressed.

When the foot switch 17 is depressed according to FIG. 18 the compression spring 64 relaxes due to the Sagging of the Bowden cable 62 such that the compression spring 64 moves the carriage 57 away from the lug 65 towards the backdrop 54. This takes place Change in position of the curtain means V, here the lip 47. This is achieved in that the carriage 57 a Socket edge 56 of the lip 47 detected and due to the Displacement of the carriage 57, the lip 47 in such a way Backdrop 54 moves that lip 47 is raised. This is done through a translatory-rotary Movement of the curtain means V or lip 47 allows.

Here it is conceivable to depress the foot switch 17 18 to lock position.

After the pressure load on foot switch 17 has ceased 17 the basic position is reached again. Here, the foot switch 17 pivots due to the Spring force of the coil spring 39 back, the Bowden cable 62 towards the carriage 57 via the deflection roller 63 the spring force of the compression spring 64 moves back. Of the Attack of the carriage 57 on the socket edge 56 of the Lip 47 causes a translatory-rotary movement the lip 47, which leads to a lowering of the lip 47 leads.

To tip over the entire width of the To avoid suction chamber 15 extending lip 47 two grip areas of the lip 47 may be provided. This is shown schematically in FIG. 16. Here it is so that two carriages 57 approximately in the region of the end regions of the lip 47 to the socket edge 56 of the lip 47 attack and shiftable via Bowden cables 62 and 62 ' are. Here, a carriage 57 within the housing 13 arranged so that this in a different vertical plane lies as the foot switch 17 (see in FIG. 16 left carriage 57), it is necessary to have at least one to provide further deflection roller 63 '.

In this embodiment it is also conceivable Form curtain means V as a brush strip, the Bristles of such a brush strip have sufficient rigidity must have a conflict-free process to ensure when operating the foot switch 17.

Furthermore, there is the possibility, in addition to the activatable Curtain means V in the form of a lip 47, as described, one or more other stationary curtain means V to be provided. For example, brush strips be in the direction of travel of the floor suction device 43 in front of the suction chamber 15 and to the side of the suction chamber 15 are arranged.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 19-24 shown.

In the floor suction device 43 shown in FIG. 19, as in FIG a separate from the previously described embodiments Drive 12 provided in the form of an electric motor, which has a brush roller 11 via a transmission 44 drives. The latter is provided with rows of brushes 11 '.

The device 43 essentially consists of a housing 13, a pipe connection piece 14, which, as already mentioned, arranged in the suction chamber 15 brush roller 11 and the electric drive 12.

The floor suction device 43 has at its the pipe connection piece 14 facing area one, to the side of the pipe connection piece 14 arranged foot switch 17 on.

The side of the foot switch 17 are in the device housing 13 three function lamps 66-68 are provided, each Function lamp 66 - 68 one via the foot switch 17 adjustable operating mode of the device 43 signals.

Essentially, the different modes of operation of the floor suction device 43 via two arranged one below the other Switch reached, the foot switch 17 a represents the upper switch. The upper switch or foot switch 17 is on an axis 18 on the device housing side tilted. The lower, plate-shaped switch 69 is arranged inside the device housing 13 and there non-rotatable with a device housing also rotatable mounted rod 70 attached. The arrangement of the lower Switch 69 in the device housing 13 is designed such that this through the upper switch, here the foot switch 17, is covered.

The lower switch 69 is opposed by a compression spring 71 the device housing 13 or against the bottom 53 resilient supported. The foot switch 17 or the upper one Switch is against the other spring 72 lower switch 69 spring-supported. However, it is also conceivable, the upper switch or the foot switch 17th resilient against the housing 13 by means of a compression spring 63 to support.

The foot switch 17 or the upper switch has one at its bottom, d. H. on the inside of the device housing facing side an actuating pin 73. The lower switch 69 is above this by means of the upper one Switch 17 actuated.

Furthermore, two contact switches are in the device housing 13 74 and 75 are provided, both of which are contact switches 74 and 75 switch the brush mode on or off.

A contact switch 74 is arranged so that this in a basic position, d. H. if not operated of the foot switch 17, always from the bottom of the upper Switch or the foot switch 17 is applied. If the upper switch or foot switch 17 becomes light, d. H. actuated without greater resistance, the leaves Bottom of the upper switch or foot switch 17 den Contact switch 74, which this a signal to Electronics not shown for switching on or off of the brush operation sends. For example, a light actuation of the foot switch 17 to switch off the brush drive. The next time you press The foot switch 17 is the brush operation again switched on.

The aforementioned bar 70, on which the lower Switch 69 is arranged extends almost over the entire width of the suction chamber 15 and has one middle, U-shaped cranked area 76 to a To allow transmission 44 to pass through. Furthermore the rod 70 points downward in its end regions there, d. H. towards the bottom side 53 of the device housing 13 cranked L-shaped end areas 77.

At the central, U-shaped bent portion 76 of the Rod 70 is a Bowden cable 62 which is fixed a guide roller 78 mounted on the device housing side its other free end with a bristle strip 19 connected is. This bristle strip 19 is used as a curtain V and is against the device housing 13 spring-supported by means of compression springs 21 and 22. Here the compression springs 21 and 22 cause a constant load the bristle strip 19 in the direction of the to be maintained Ground. Remains in a basic position according to FIG. 20 the bristle strip 19 or the curtain means V in in a raised position or in a hidden position Position within the device housing 13 due to the against the spring loading of the compression springs 21 and 22 tensile stress acting on the Bowden cable 62.

At the L-shaped cranked end regions 77 of the rod 70 are each a gripper arm 79 in the form of a carriage 57 rotatably arranged. The arrangement of the gripper arms 79 the end regions 77 can be in the form of a clip connection be realized.

The gripping arms 79 enter one with their free end the backdrop 54 arranged on the bottom 53 of the device 13 a. The latter is through a cover 80 on the housing side on the one hand and by a removable bottom plate 81 of the Device housing 13 formed.

The free end of each gripper arm 79 is one provided circular section-shaped receptacle 82, in which a cylindrical element 55 of a curtain means in FIG Form of a socket edge 56 is rotatably mounted. To the cylindrical member 55 is off-center with respect to the axis of rotation b attached a sealing lip 47. The free End of the lip 47, which is designed as a curtain means V. protrudes into a guide groove 58 which passes through two leading edges 59 and 60 are formed, which are mutually are staggered. Here is the leading edge 59 through a recess in the base plate 81 and the leading edge 60 through a corresponding recess formed in the bottom 53 of the device 13.

That consisting of lip 47 and the cylindrical element 55 Curtain means V is translational in the backdrop 54 and rotatably arranged.

The lower switch 69 has one arranged laterally Locking pin 83, which according to a basic position 20 in a guide groove 84 on the device housing side pivoted and spring-loaded locking element 85 attacks.

On the underside, the lower switch 69 has a side outstanding spring plate 86, which in a basic position 20 the contact switch already mentioned 75 acted upon.

If the foot switch 17 is further than as shown in Fig. 21 depressed, d. H. actuated more vigorously an action on the lower switch 69 by means of arranged on the upper switch or on the foot switch 17 Actuating pin 73 such that the lower Switch 69 due to the interaction of locking pins 83 and guide groove 84 of the locking element 85 the latter leaves and in a swiveled-up position according to FIG. 23 pivoted. Here, the spring plate 86 leaves the lower switch 69, the contact switch 75, which the The brush drive thus switches off. This turning off the Brush drive occurs regardless of which signal the upper contact switch 74 has last sent.

The lower contact switch 75 can be, for example Interruption of the power supply to the electric drive 12 the brush roller 11 cause. The upper contact switch 74, on the other hand, can be activated with every actuation Signal to an electronic flip-flop for switching on or Send off the electric motor 12.

In addition to switching off the brush drive, this causes Swinging up the lower switch 69 further on Swiveling the U-shaped bent portion 76 and also of the L-shaped cranked end region 77 of the rod 70. On the one hand, this causes the Bowden cable to give way 62 in that the compression springs 21 and 22 die Bristle bar 19 move into a lowered position. On the other hand, the L-shaped cranked end areas 77 relocated such that the arranged thereon Gripping arms 79 the curtain means V, here in the form of a Lip 47, translational and rotational within the Move the backdrop 54, thereby lowering the lip 47 in a perpendicular to the hard floor to be maintained Position is effected.

The sealing lip 47 has a sufficiently high level Flexibility on, causing damage to the clean Hard surface can be avoided by dirt particles. At the same time such a sealing lip 47 has a high self-cleaning effect, so that in connection with the translatory-rotary Movement of the lip 47 the danger of Jamming of the sealing lip 47 by the addition of Dirt can be avoided.

This is due to the fact that the lower region of the backdrop 54 is formed by the bottom plate 81, is also a replacement of the curtain means V, in particular the sealing lip 47 allows. Here is the easiest way Bottom plate 81 removed from the device housing 13, for example unscrewed, with which the backdrop 54 and the recordings 82 of the gripper arms 79 are exposed. Conditional on this Design also allows cleaning of the backdrop 54.

As in the previously described embodiments a movement also in this described embodiment the curtain means V, on the one hand the bristle strip 19 and on the other hand, the sealing lip 47, regardless of one Ground clearance of the floor suction device 43 can be carried out. The Ground clearance of the floor suction device 43 is always through given impellers, not shown.

The respective operating state of the floor suction device is can be displayed using the function lamps 66 - 68. Here can be provided by an electronic circuit that the function lamp 66 a brush and suction operation displays. This is equivalent to the position of the Switches 17 and 69 of FIG. 20, in which the lower Switch 69 remains in a lowered position, by the locking pin 83 being caught by the locking element 85 and by means of the upper switch 17 via the contact switch 74 a signal to switch on the brush drive was sent. After lightly pressing the foot switch 17 according to FIG. 21 is via the contact switch 74 switching off the electric drive 12 of the brush roller 11 causes. The function lamp 66 goes out. The new Operating state for suction-only operation is now through the function lamp 67 is displayed. Become the curtain agent V as described by depressing the Foot switch 17 lowered and the electric motor 12 of the brush roller 11 is turned off, so this is Operating state indicated by the function lamp 68, wherein either the function lamp 66 or the function lamp 67, depending on the previous operating status, goes out.

As can be seen from FIG. 23, when the curtain means are lowered V, due to the raised position of the lower switch 69 a light actuation of the upper Switch or foot switch 17 prevented because the upper Switch or foot switch 17 itself with its actuating pin 73 on the upper side of the lower switch 69 supports. It is just a more vigorous exercise of the Foot switch 17 possible, with the actuating pin 73 the lower switch 69 is displaced such that the locking pin 83 along a control slope 87 of the Locking element 85 pivoted the latter such that a Engagement of locking pin 83 and guide groove 84 reached becomes.

The function lamps 66-68 can also be one Show malfunction. For example, at blocking the brush drive, for example when threading carpet fringes or the like in the brush roller 11, a flashing operation of all function lamps 66 - 68 can be switched.

Claims (35)

1. Suction appliance (43), particularly an attachment or part of an electric vacuum cleaner (1), preferably a vacuum brush appliance (10) for the care of carpeted floors or hard floors, with a driveable rotating brush (11) and a suction chamber (15), having a nozzle mouth (10'), and which is defined by curtain means (V), the curtain means (V) being capable of being raised or lowered relative to the suction appliance (43), characterised in that the curtain means (V) can be raised or lowered independently of the ground clearance of the nozzle mouth (10').
2. Suction appliance according to claim 1, characterised n that the curtain means (V) may be pivoted from the lowered position into a raised position or vice-versa.
3. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the curtain means (V) may be lowered by an alignment effected during a substantially horizontal movement of the curtain means (V).
4. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the curtain means (V) are led in a connecting link (54) in such a way that the curtain means (V) can be raised and lowered by a substantially translatory movement of a frame edge (56) of the curtain means (V).
5. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the raising or lowering is operated by a switch.
6. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a spring bias acts in the direction of the lowered position.
7. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the frame edge (56) is simultaneously an axis of rotation (b).
8. Suction appliance according to claim 7, characterised in that the axis of rotation (b) is movable by means of a slide (57) which is movable in a substantially translatory manner.
9. Suction appliance according to claim 8, characterised in that raising or lowering of the curtain means (V) may be effected by folding or unfolding of a membrane portion.
10. Suction appliance according to claim 9, characterised in that the unfolded membrane portion abuts substantially on an underside of a base (53) of the suction appliance (43).
11. Suction appliance according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the folding or unfolding is effected transversely to a substantially horizontal displacement movement of a folding end area of the membrane portion.
12. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the limitation of the suction chamber (15) may be partly achieved by stationary curtain means (V) and partly by an actuable curtain means (V).
13. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the curtain means (V) are in the form of a lip (47).
14. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the curtain means (V) are in the form of a row of brushes (19).
15. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the curtain means (19) are movable vertically between a lowered position bearing on the floor upon actuation of a switch and a raised position, and in that an electric motor drive (12) of the brush (11) is simultaneously switchable on and off.
16. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the curtain means (19) are lowered, the brush drive (12) is switched off.
17. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that when the curtain means (19) are raised, the brush drive (12) may be switched on or off.
18. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 5 to 17, characterised in that the switch is a foot switch (17).
19. Suction appliance according to claim 18, characterised in that the foot switch (17) is connected by a Bowden cable (23) to the curtain means (19).
20. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the curtain means (19) are urged into their lowered position by a compression spring (21).
21. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that bristles or a bristle strip (19) are disposed in front of the brush roller (11) and a seal lip (20) is disposed behind the brush roller (11), said seal lip (20) likewise being vertically movable in an identical way together with the bristles (19).
22. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that two switches (17,69) are disposed together, the lower switch (69) being actuable by the upper switch (17).
23. Suction appliance according to claim 11, characterised in that the lower switch (69) is covered by the upper switch (17).
24. Suction appliance according to claim 22 or 23, characterised in that the upper switch (17) is spring-supported on the lower switch (69).
25. Suction appliance according to claim 22 to 24, characterised in that the lower switch (169) is resiliently supported on the casing (13) of the suction appliance.
26. Suction appliance according to claim 22 to 25, characterised in that the lower switch (69) moves the frame edge (56) of the curtain means (V) substantially horizontally via a linkage (70).
27. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 4 to 26, characterised in that a connecting link (54) in which the frame edge (56) is movable, is formed by a base plate (81) on the one hand and a cover (80) on the casing side on the other hand.
28. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 22 to 27, characterised in that both the upper switch (17) and the lower switch (69) respectively act on a contact switch (74,75), both contact switches (74,75) switching the brush drive on or off.
29. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 22 to 28, characterised in that, by actuation of the lower switch (69), the curtain means (V) can be moved into a lowered position.
30. Suction appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that an indicator lamp (66-68) for brush and suction operation, for suction operation only and for suction operation with lowered curtain means (V) are provided.
31. Suction appliance according to claim 30, characterised in that upon blockage of the brush drive blinking operation of all indicator lamps (66-68) is switched on.
32. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 18 to 31, characterised in that the foot switch (17) has a resiliently engaging pin (38), which co-operates with a linkage (35), in which resilient engagement means (A,B,C) are formed in corresponding switch positions.
33. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 27 to 32, characterised in that the linkage (35) is secured in a rotarily movable manner, yet may be controlled in its rotary movement by the resiliently engaging pin (38).
34. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 19 to 33, characterised in that the control pin (29) of the Bowden cable (23) is guided in a slot (28) of a fixed plate (26), and is actuable by a foot switch plate (25).
35. Suction appliance according to one or more of claims 19 to 34, characterised in that there is formed in the foot switch plate (25) a control cam (27), by means of which the control pin (27) may be displaced, said control cam (27) being so formed that the control pin (29) is displaced only upon reaching a third switch position.

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