EP1297775B1 - Vacuum cleaner with several operating elements - Google Patents

Vacuum cleaner with several operating elements Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1297775B1
EP1297775B1 EP02020572A EP02020572A EP1297775B1 EP 1297775 B1 EP1297775 B1 EP 1297775B1 EP 02020572 A EP02020572 A EP 02020572A EP 02020572 A EP02020572 A EP 02020572A EP 1297775 B1 EP1297775 B1 EP 1297775B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vacuum cleaner
material component
cleaner according
softer
control element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02020572A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1297775A2 (en
EP1297775A3 (en
Inventor
Wilma Albert
Herbert Kess
Sebastian Räder
Andreas Schlereth
Jörg Schröter
Thomas Seith
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BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Original Assignee
BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
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Application filed by BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH filed Critical BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Publication of EP1297775A2 publication Critical patent/EP1297775A2/en
Publication of EP1297775A3 publication Critical patent/EP1297775A3/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
    • A47L9/2842—Suction motors or blowers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a plurality of operating elements, wherein at least one operating element as foot-actuated pushbutton and at least one operating element are designed as a foot-operated sliding button.
  • a generic vacuum cleaner is for example from the DE 44 13 884 A1 known.
  • Vacuum cleaners especially vacuum cleaners, have controls such as on / off switches, power adjustment switches, cable winder switches, etc., usually made of hard material components with a smooth user interface.
  • controls such as on / off switches, power adjustment switches, cable winder switches, etc., usually made of hard material components with a smooth user interface.
  • the operation of these switches can be too unsatisfactory for the respective operator, as they can easily slip off the controls.
  • smooth switches can cause false tripping.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a vacuum cleaner with multiple controls that allow improved handling.
  • a vacuum cleaner according to the invention with a plurality of controls that the respective control at least partially on its outer control surface has a softer, grippier material component than its existing of a harder material component remaining areas, and that the controls considered in cross-sections a substantially have concavely curved outer surface.
  • each control element characterized in that at least two components are provided in a hard-soft combination for the respective control element, it is possible, the user interface of each control element an overall larger surface roughness, that is, a larger friction coefficient and thus improved grip compared to conventional smooth, made entirely hard To give materials to manufactured switches.
  • the respective operating element can be made sufficiently stable by the harder operating component in its remaining areas.
  • FIGS. 1 4 each provided with the same reference numerals.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically in a spatial representation of the part of the mobile Staubaufsammel- and engine or fan element of a canister vacuum cleaner having controls to its function control.
  • an operating console KON with two operating elements BE1, BE2 is provided for the vacuum cleaner SS.
  • the control element BE1 serves to switch on and off the fan or motor of the vacuum cleaner SS.
  • In a line of flight of the console KO next to the control element BE2 is attached to adjust the desired performance of the blower or motor and vacuum cleaner SS.
  • the control element BE1 is designed as foot-operated footswitch with vertical stroke.
  • This second control element BE2 can thus be moved by the respective operator with one foot and thereby operate in a simple manner.
  • the control console KO is in the FIG. 1 fitted in the housing GH of the vacuum cleaner SS such that the controls BE1, BE2 terminate substantially flush with the other outer surface of the housing GH. It may be advantageous, if necessary, to allow the operating elements to protrude somewhat more outwardly from the outer surface of the housing GH in order to further improve their foot operability.
  • the respective control element has at least partially on its outer control surface on a softer, grippier material component than its existing of a harder material component remaining areas.
  • FIG. 2 formed a dimensionally stable carrier body KO1 specifiable shape.
  • the softer material component KO2 is provided in the form of nubs on the user interface of the operating element BE2.
  • nubs are preferably arranged at equidistant intervals from each other and thus largely regularly on the top of the carrier body KO1.
  • the softer material component KO2 can preferably be sprayed or glued onto the harder material component in the form of the carrier body KO1.
  • perforations or holes are provided in the carrier body KO1, then it may also be expedient to apply the softer material component KO2 from the interior of the carrier body KO1 to its inside and to allow it to protrude through the perforations or holes on the user interface of the operating element BE2.
  • the knob-like tactile elements KO2 preferably protrude from the otherwise smooth outer surface of the carrier body KO1.
  • a further increased grip for the respective operator can be achieved, since the foot or the hand of the respective operator then touches only these outwardly projecting tactile elements and does not come into contact with the otherwise smooth, hard outer surface of the carrier body KO1.
  • such a structured arrangement of the softer and harder material component also makes it possible for the viewer to have an appealing design for the respective operating element. Due to the harder material component, it is possible to produce substantially dimensionally stable carrier bodies of the desired shape, which are sufficiently stable.
  • control element BE1 preferably spatially designed button-shaped. Preferably, it has a hemispherical shape, thus making it an on / off button for the respective operator identifiable, which can be moved from top to bottom (and / or vice versa).
  • the control element BE2 is in the FIG. 1 designed essentially bean-shaped. It has, viewed in cross-section, a substantially concavely curved outer surface. This curvature of the controls BE1, BE2 results in a pleasant gripping sensation both for the hand and for the foot, which also increases the ease of handling for the respective operator.
  • an elastomer or an elastomeric material is preferably selected.
  • a thermoplastic such as ABS or PP (polypropylene) is preferably used.
  • the respective function such as, for example, of the on / off switch can also be made visually clear by the power controller for the respective operator.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows in a spatial representation of a modified embodiment of the operating element BE2 of FIG. 2
  • This modified operating element BE2 * likewise has the same carrier body KO1 as in its first embodiment variant FIG. 2 on. However, its outer surface is now surrounded by a surface covering WO of the softer material component like a coat. At least the user interface of the carrier body KO1 is thus covered over the entire area with the softer material component. Additionally or independently thereof, it may be expedient to apply the softer material component having a surface structure such as in the form of nubs NO on the carrier body KO1 in order to further increase the surface roughness and thus grip of the operating element BE2 *.
  • the carrier body KO1 is made of the softer material component, while the nubs NO are made of the harder material component.
  • FIG. 4 finally shows schematically in cross-section the operating element BE2 * of FIG. 3 ,
  • the softer material WO is applied over the whole surface like a coat or layer.
  • the two such, different hard plastic materials are injected together or glued together.
  • even a positive connection of the two material components may be sufficient.
  • the softer material component in openings or depressions of the carrier body KO1 protrude largely in a form-fitting manner or be embedded in this.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner (SS) has a number of operating controls (BE1,BE2) including at least one foot-operated push-button and at least one foot-operated slider. Each operating control has an external operating surface component of a material , e.g. an elastomer, which is softer than the relatively hard material for the remainder of the operating control.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Staubsauger mit mehreren Bedienelementen, wobei mindestens ein Bedienelement als fußbetätigbare Drucktaste und mindestens ein Bedienelement als fußbetätigbare Schiebetaste ausgebildet sind.The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a plurality of operating elements, wherein at least one operating element as foot-actuated pushbutton and at least one operating element are designed as a foot-operated sliding button.

Ein gattungsbildender Staubsauger ist beispielsweise aus der DE 44 13 884 A1 bekannt.A generic vacuum cleaner is for example from the DE 44 13 884 A1 known.

Staubsauger, insbesondere Bodenstaubsauger, weisen Bedienelemente wie zum Beispiel Ein-/Ausschalter, Leistungseinstellschalter, Kabelaufwickelschalter, usw. aus üblicherweise harten Materialkomponenten mit glatter Bedienoberfläche auf. Dadurch kann in der Praxis die Bedienung dieser Schalter zu unzufriedenstellend für die jeweilige Bedienperson sein, da sie leicht von den Bedienelementen abrutschen kann. Insbesondere kann es bei solchen glatten Schaltern zu Fehlauslösungen kommen.Vacuum cleaners, especially vacuum cleaners, have controls such as on / off switches, power adjustment switches, cable winder switches, etc., usually made of hard material components with a smooth user interface. As a result, in practice, the operation of these switches can be too unsatisfactory for the respective operator, as they can easily slip off the controls. In particular, such smooth switches can cause false tripping.

Zur Vermeidung dessen ist bereits aus der EP 1 127 529 A1 bekannt, einen ein Bedienelement bildenden ebenen Träger mit einer Weichkomponente auszustatten.To avoid this is already out of the EP 1 127 529 A1 known to provide a control element forming a flat carrier with a soft component.

Hiervon ausgehend liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Staubsauger mit mehreren Bedienelementen bereitzustellen, die eine verbesserte Handhabung erlauben.On this basis, the present invention seeks to provide a vacuum cleaner with multiple controls that allow improved handling.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Staubsauger mit mehreren Bedienelementen vorgesehen, dass das jeweilige Bedienelement mindestens teilweise an seiner äußeren Bedienoberfläche eine weichere, griffigere Materialkomponente als seine aus einer härteren Materialkomponente bestehenden übrigen Bereiche aufweist, und dass die Bedienelemente im Querschnitte betrachtet eine im Wesentlichen konkav gewölbte Außenoberfläche aufweisen.To solve this problem is provided in a vacuum cleaner according to the invention with a plurality of controls that the respective control at least partially on its outer control surface has a softer, grippier material component than its existing of a harder material component remaining areas, and that the controls considered in cross-sections a substantially have concavely curved outer surface.

Dadurch, daß mindestens zwei Komponenten in einer Hart-Weich-Kombination für das jeweilige Bedienelement vorgesehen sind, ist es ermöglicht, der Bedienoberfläche des jeweiligen Bedienelements eine insgesamt größere Oberflächenrauhigkeit, das heißt einen größeren Reibungskoeffizienten und damit verbesserte Griffigkeit gegenüber herkömmlich glatten, ganz aus harten Materialien hergestellten Schaltern zu geben. Gleichzeitig kann das jeweilige Bedienelement durch die härtere Bedienkomponente in seinen übrigen Bereichen ausreichend stabil ausgeführt werden.Characterized in that at least two components are provided in a hard-soft combination for the respective control element, it is possible, the user interface of each control element an overall larger surface roughness, that is, a larger friction coefficient and thus improved grip compared to conventional smooth, made entirely hard To give materials to manufactured switches. At the same time, the respective operating element can be made sufficiently stable by the harder operating component in its remaining areas.

Sonstige Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen wiedergegeben.Other developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

Die Erfindung und ihre Weiterbildungen werden nachfolgend anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert.The invention and its developments are explained in more detail with reference to drawings.

Es zeigen:

Figur 1
ausschnittsweise in perspektivischer Darstellung das fahrbare Staubaufsammel- und Motorenteil eines Bodenstaubsaugers mit zwei erfindungsgemäßen Bedienungselementen,
Figuren 2, 3
jeweils schematisch in räumlicher Darstellung zwei verschiedene Varianten für die Bedienelemente nach Figur 1, und
Figur 4
schematisch im Querschnitt den Aufbau des Bedienelements nach Figur 3.
Show it:
FIG. 1
a detail in perspective view of the mobile Staubaufsammel- and engine part of a vacuum cleaner with two operating elements according to the invention,
FIGS. 2, 3
each schematically in a spatial representation of two different variants for the controls after FIG. 1 , and
FIG. 4
schematically in cross section the structure of the control element FIG. 3 ,

Elemente mit gleicher Funktion und Wirkungsweise sind in den Figuren 1 mit 4 jeweils mit denselben Bezugszeichen bezeichnet versehen.Elements with the same function and mode of action are in the FIGS. 1 4 each provided with the same reference numerals.

Figur 1 zeigt schematisch in räumlicher Darstellung den Teil des fahrbaren Staubaufsammel- und Motoren- bzw. Gebläseelements eines Bodenstaubsaugers, das Bedienelemente zu seiner Funktionssteuerung aufweist. Hier im Ausführungsbeispiel ist für den Bodenstaubsauger SS eine Bedienkonsole KON mit zwei Bedienelementen BE1, BE2 vorgesehen. Das Bedienelement BE1 dient dabei dem Ein- und Ausschalten des Gebläses bzw. Motors des Bodenstaubsaugers SS. In einer Fluchtlinie der Konsole KO daneben ist das Bedienelement BE2 zur Einstellung der gewünschten Leistung des Gebläses bzw. Motors und Staubsaugers SS angebracht. Das Bedienelement BE1 ist dabei als fußbetätigbare Fußtaste mit Vertikalhub ausgebildet. Demgegenüber ist das Bedienelement BE2 zur Leistungsregelung des Staubsaugers SS entlang einer im wesentlichen rechteckförmigen Führungsschiene FS entlang deren Längserstreckung verschiebbar ausgebildet, was in der Figur 1 durch einen Doppelpfeil VS angedeutet ist. Auch dieses zweite Bedienelement BE2 läßt sich somit von der jeweiligen Bedienperson mit einem Fuß verschieben und dadurch in einfacher Weise betätigen. Die Bedienkonsole KO ist in der Figur 1 in das Gehäuse GH des Staubsaugers SS derart eingepaßt, daß die Bedienelemente BE1, BE2 mit der sonstigen Außenoberfläche des Gehäuses GH im wesentlichen bündig abschließen. Vorteilhaft kann es gegebenenfalls sein, die Bedienelemente etwas erhöht aus der Außenoberfläche des Gehäuses GH nach außen abstehen zu lassen, um ihre Fußbetätigbarkeit weiter zu verbessern. FIG. 1 shows schematically in a spatial representation of the part of the mobile Staubaufsammel- and engine or fan element of a canister vacuum cleaner having controls to its function control. In the exemplary embodiment, an operating console KON with two operating elements BE1, BE2 is provided for the vacuum cleaner SS. The control element BE1 serves to switch on and off the fan or motor of the vacuum cleaner SS. In a line of flight of the console KO next to the control element BE2 is attached to adjust the desired performance of the blower or motor and vacuum cleaner SS. The control element BE1 is designed as foot-operated footswitch with vertical stroke. In contrast, the operating element BE2 for the power control of the vacuum cleaner SS along a substantially rectangular guide rail FS along the longitudinal extent of which is displaceable, which in the FIG. 1 is indicated by a double arrow VS. This second control element BE2 can thus be moved by the respective operator with one foot and thereby operate in a simple manner. The control console KO is in the FIG. 1 fitted in the housing GH of the vacuum cleaner SS such that the controls BE1, BE2 terminate substantially flush with the other outer surface of the housing GH. It may be advantageous, if necessary, to allow the operating elements to protrude somewhat more outwardly from the outer surface of the housing GH in order to further improve their foot operability.

Um nun die Griffigkeit des jeweiligen Bedienelements BE1, BE2 zu erhöhen und damit das taktile Empfinden der jeweiligen Bedienperson zu verbessern, weist das jeweilige Bedienelement mindestens teilweise an seiner äußeren Bedienoberfläche eine weichere, griffigere Materialkomponente als seine aus einer härteren Materialkomponente bestehenden übrigen Bereiche auf. Dazu ist zum Beispiel für das Bedienelement BE2 entsprechend Figur 2 ein formsteifer Trägerkörper KO1 vorgebbarer Form gebildet. Auf dessen Außenoberfläche ist als Oberflächenbelag die weichere Materialkomponente KO2 mit einer vorgebbaren Struktur aufgebracht. Hier im Ausführungsbeispiel ist die weichere Materialkomponente KO2 in Form von Noppen auf der Bedienoberfläche des Bedienelements BE2 vorgesehen. Diese Noppen sind dabei vorzugsweise in äquidistanten Abständen zueinander und damit weitgehend regelmäßig auf der Oberseite des Trägerkörpers KO1 angeordnet. Die weichere Materialkomponente KO2 kann dabei vorzugsweise auf die härtere Materialkomponente in Form des Trägerkörpers KO1 aufgespritzt oder aufgeklebt sein. Gegebenenfalls kann es auch zweckmäßig sein, in dem härteren Trägerkörper KO1 Durchbrechungen oder auf dessen Oberseite Eintiefungen vorzusehen, in denen die aus dem weicheren Material bestehenden noppenartigen Taktilelemente KO2 eingebracht sind. Sind Durchbrechungen bzw. Löcher im Trägerkörper KO1 vorgesehen, so kann es auch zweckmäßig sein, die weichere Materialkomponente KO2 vom Inneren des Trägerkörpers KO1 her auf dessen Innenseite aufzutragen und durch die Durchbrechungen bzw. Löcher an die Bedienoberfläche des Bedienelements BE2 hindurchragen zu lassen. Vorzugsweise stehen die noppenartigen Taktilelemente KO2 gegenüber der sonstigen glatten Außenoberfläche des Trägerkörpers KO1 ab. Dadurch läßt sich eine weiter erhöhte Griffigkeit für die jeweilige Bedienperson erreichen, da der Fuß oder die Hand der jeweiligen Bedienperson dann lediglich diese nach außen hin abstehenden Taktilelemente berührt und mit der ansonsten glatten, harten Außenoberfläche des Trägerkörpers KO1 nicht in Berührung kommt. Gleichzeitig läßt sich durch eine solche strukturierte Anordnung der weicheren und härteren Materialkomponente auch ein für den Betrachter ansprechendes Design für das jeweilige Bedienelement ermöglichen. Durch die härtere Materialkomponente lassen sich dabei weitgehend formsteife Trägerkörper gewünschter Form herstellen, die ausreichend stabil sind.In order to increase the grip of the respective control element BE1, BE2 and thus to improve the tactile sensation of the respective operator, the respective control element has at least partially on its outer control surface on a softer, grippier material component than its existing of a harder material component remaining areas. For this purpose, for example, for the operating element BE2 accordingly FIG. 2 formed a dimensionally stable carrier body KO1 specifiable shape. On its outer surface is applied as a surface covering the softer material component KO2 with a predetermined structure. Here in the exemplary embodiment, the softer material component KO2 is provided in the form of nubs on the user interface of the operating element BE2. These nubs are preferably arranged at equidistant intervals from each other and thus largely regularly on the top of the carrier body KO1. The softer material component KO2 can preferably be sprayed or glued onto the harder material component in the form of the carrier body KO1. Optionally, it may also be expedient to provide recesses in the harder carrier body KO1 or recesses on its upper side in which the knob-like tactile elements KO2 consisting of the softer material are introduced. If perforations or holes are provided in the carrier body KO1, then it may also be expedient to apply the softer material component KO2 from the interior of the carrier body KO1 to its inside and to allow it to protrude through the perforations or holes on the user interface of the operating element BE2. The knob-like tactile elements KO2 preferably protrude from the otherwise smooth outer surface of the carrier body KO1. As a result, a further increased grip for the respective operator can be achieved, since the foot or the hand of the respective operator then touches only these outwardly projecting tactile elements and does not come into contact with the otherwise smooth, hard outer surface of the carrier body KO1. At the same time, such a structured arrangement of the softer and harder material component also makes it possible for the viewer to have an appealing design for the respective operating element. Due to the harder material component, it is possible to produce substantially dimensionally stable carrier bodies of the desired shape, which are sufficiently stable.

Hier im Ausführungsbeispiel von Figur 1 ist das Bedienelement BE1 vorzugsweise räumlich betrachtet knopfförmig ausgebildet. Vorzugsweise weist es eine halbkugelförmige Form auf und macht es somit für den jeweiligen Bediener als Ein/Ausschalterknopf kenntlich, der sich von oben nach unten (und/oder umgekehrt) bewegen läßt. Das Bedienelement BE2 ist in der Figur 1 im wesentlichen bohnenförmig gestaltet. Es weist im Querschnitt betrachtet eine im wesentlichen konkav gewölbte Außenoberfläche auf. Durch diese Wölbung der Bedienelemente BE1, BE2 ergibt sich für die jeweilige Bedienperson ein angenehmes Greifempfinden sowohl für die Hand als auch für den Fuß, was ebenfalls die einfachere Handhabbarkeit erhöht.Here in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is the control element BE1 preferably spatially designed button-shaped. Preferably, it has a hemispherical shape, thus making it an on / off button for the respective operator identifiable, which can be moved from top to bottom (and / or vice versa). The control element BE2 is in the FIG. 1 designed essentially bean-shaped. It has, viewed in cross-section, a substantially concavely curved outer surface. This curvature of the controls BE1, BE2 results in a pleasant gripping sensation both for the hand and for the foot, which also increases the ease of handling for the respective operator.

Für die weichere Materialkomponente ist vorzugsweise ein Elastomer oder ein elastomerartiger Werkstoff gewählt. Für die härtere Materialkomponente ist vorzugsweise ein Thermoplast wie zum Beispiel ABS oder PP (Polypropylen) verwendet.For the softer material component, an elastomer or an elastomeric material is preferably selected. For the harder material component, a thermoplastic such as ABS or PP (polypropylene) is preferably used.

Zweckmäßig kann es gegebenenfalls sein, der weicheren Materialkomponente andersfarbige Farbpigmente als der härteren Materialkomponente beizumengen, wodurch sich optisch ansprechende Außenoberflächen gestalten lassen. Insbesondere kann dadurch auch die jeweilige Funktion wie zum Beispiel des Ein-/Ausschalters von der des Leistungsreglers für den jeweiligen Bediener auch optisch deutlich gemacht werden.It may be expedient, if appropriate, to add differently colored color pigments to the softer material component than to the harder material component, as a result of which visually appealing outer surfaces can be designed. In particular, the respective function, such as, for example, of the on / off switch can also be made visually clear by the power controller for the respective operator.

Figur 3 zeigt schematisch in räumlicher Darstellung eine modifizierte Ausführungsform des Bedienelements BE2 von Figur 2. Dieses modifizierte Bedienelement BE2* weist ebenfalls denselben Trägerkörper KO1 wie in seiner ersten Ausführungsvariante entsprechend Figur 2 auf. Jedoch ist jetzt seine Außenoberfläche von einem Oberflächenbelag WO aus der weicheren Materialkomponente mantelartig umgeben. Zumindest die Bedienoberfläche des Trägerkörpers KO1 ist somit ganzflächig mit der weicheren Materialkomponente bedeckt. Zusätzlich oder unabhängig hiervon kann es gegebenenfalls zweckmäßig sein, die weichere Materialkomponente mit einer Oberflächenstruktur wie zum Beispiel in Form von Noppen NO auf den Trägerkörper KO1 aufzubringen, um die Oberflächenrauhigkeit und damit Griffigkeit des Bedienelements BE2* weiter zu erhöhen. FIG. 3 schematically shows in a spatial representation of a modified embodiment of the operating element BE2 of FIG. 2 , This modified operating element BE2 * likewise has the same carrier body KO1 as in its first embodiment variant FIG. 2 on. However, its outer surface is now surrounded by a surface covering WO of the softer material component like a coat. At least the user interface of the carrier body KO1 is thus covered over the entire area with the softer material component. Additionally or independently thereof, it may be expedient to apply the softer material component having a surface structure such as in the form of nubs NO on the carrier body KO1 in order to further increase the surface roughness and thus grip of the operating element BE2 *.

Gegebenenfalls kann es auch zweckmäßig sein, die beiden Komponenten KO1, KO2 gegenüber den beiden Ausführungsbeispielen von Figur 2, 3 invers zu verwenden. Dann ist der Trägerkörper KO1 aus der weicheren Materialkomponente hergestellt, während die Noppen NO aus der härteren Materialkomponente bestehen.Optionally, it may also be appropriate to the two components KO1, KO2 compared to the two embodiments of FIG. 2, 3 to use inverse. Then, the carrier body KO1 is made of the softer material component, while the nubs NO are made of the harder material component.

Die Figur 4 zeigt schließlich schematisch im Querschnitt das Bedienelement BE2* von Figur 3. Auf dem Trägerkörper KO1 aus dem härteren Material ist mantelartig bzw. schichtartig das weichere Material WO ganzflächig aufgetragen.The FIG. 4 finally shows schematically in cross-section the operating element BE2 * of FIG. 3 , On the support body KO1 made of the harder material, the softer material WO is applied over the whole surface like a coat or layer.

Selbstverständlich lassen sich für das jeweilige Bedienelement auch sonstige harten und weichen Kunststoffmaterialkombinationen verwenden. Vorzugsweise sind die beiden solchen, unterschiedlich harten Kunststoffmaterialien aneinander gespritzt oder miteinander verklebt. Gegebenenfalls kann auch bereits eine formschlüssige Verbindung der beiden Materialkomponenten ausreichend sein. So kann beispielsweise die weichere Materialkomponente in Durchbrechungen oder Vertiefungen des Trägerkörpers KO1 weitgehend formschlüssig hindurchragen oder in diese eingelassen sein.Of course, other hard and soft plastic material combinations can be used for the respective control element. Preferably, the two such, different hard plastic materials are injected together or glued together. Optionally, even a positive connection of the two material components may be sufficient. Thus, for example, the softer material component in openings or depressions of the carrier body KO1 protrude largely in a form-fitting manner or be embedded in this.

Zusammenfassend betrachtet läßt sich somit durch das jeweilige erfindungsgemäß ausgebildete Bedienelement eine Aufwertung der Wertigkeit von Staubsaugern erzielen. Es ergibt sich insbesondere eine Bedienungserleichterung durch die verbesserte Griffigkeit und auch Sichtbarmachung von Funktionen der Bedienelemente. In vorteilhafter Weise ist insbesondere die Ergonomie verbessert. Durch die Mixtur von harten und weichen Materialkomponenten wird ein angenehmeres Greifen und Betätigen der Schaltelemente, das heißt ein verbessertes taktiles Empfinden für die jeweilige Bedienperson erreicht.In summary, therefore, an appreciation of the value of vacuum cleaners can be achieved by the respective control element designed according to the invention. In particular, this results in an easier operation due to the improved grip and also visualization of functions of the controls. Advantageously, the ergonomics are improved in particular. By the mixture of hard and soft material components a more pleasant gripping and pressing the switching elements, that is an improved tactile sensation for the respective operator is achieved.

Claims (11)

  1. Vacuum cleaner (SS) with several control elements (BE1, BE2), wherein at least one control element (BE) is constructed as a foot-actuable pushbutton and at least one control element (BE2) is constructed as a foot-actuable slide button,
    characterised in that
    - the respective control element (BE1, BE2) has at least partly at its outer control surface a softer, more grippy material component than its remaining regions consisting of a harder material component; and
    - the control elements (BE1, BE2) considered in cross-section have a substantially concavely curved outer surface.
  2. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterised in that the respective control element (BE1, BE2) is constructed to be approximately pisiform, rectangular or round.
  3. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an elastomer or an elastomer-like material is selected as softer material component.
  4. Vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a thermoplastic, particularly ABS or PP (polypropylene), is selected as harder material component.
  5. Vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the softer material component is mounted in the form of a structure on the control surface of the respective control element (BE1, BE2).
  6. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, characterised in that the structure is formed by nubs (NO) of the softer material component.
  7. Vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a support body is formed from the harder material component and has a plurality of passages or depressions in which tactile elements (K02) consisting of the softer material component are provided.
  8. Vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the entire control surface of the respective control element (BE1, BE2) is provided with a surface covering consisting of the softer material component.
  9. Vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the softer and the harder material components are injection-moulded on one another, glued together or connected together in mechanically positive manner.
  10. Vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the harder material component is admixed from colour pigments different from the softer material component.
  11. Vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control elements (BE1, BE2) are provided for a floor vacuum cleaner.
EP02020572A 2001-10-01 2002-09-17 Vacuum cleaner with several operating elements Expired - Lifetime EP1297775B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10148508A DE10148508B4 (en) 2001-10-01 2001-10-01 Vacuum cleaner with multiple controls
DE10148508 2001-10-01

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1297775A2 EP1297775A2 (en) 2003-04-02
EP1297775A3 EP1297775A3 (en) 2005-06-15
EP1297775B1 true EP1297775B1 (en) 2008-07-30

Family

ID=7701062

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02020572A Expired - Lifetime EP1297775B1 (en) 2001-10-01 2002-09-17 Vacuum cleaner with several operating elements

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1297775B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE402647T1 (en)
DE (3) DE10148508B4 (en)
ES (1) ES2309125T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004004859B4 (en) * 2004-01-30 2013-02-21 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Vacuum cleaner with a rocker switch
CN103251352B (en) * 2013-06-03 2015-07-22 苏州市春菊电器有限公司 Dust collector air-out board with sliding type locking mechanism

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3779283A (en) * 1971-05-28 1973-12-18 Nat Union Electric Corp Push button valve assembly for adjusting the negative pressure of a suction cleaner
DE3603176C2 (en) * 1986-02-03 1994-09-22 Miele & Cie Operating and display unit for a vacuum cleaner
US4817234A (en) * 1988-07-25 1989-04-04 Whirlpool Corporation Vacuum cleaner with shielded electronic control module
DE4413884C2 (en) * 1994-04-21 1997-03-13 Miele & Cie Vacuum cleaner with a speed control device for the motor of the blower unit
US5673597A (en) * 1996-02-16 1997-10-07 Lin; Frank Motorcycle rear wheel brake pedal
DE10007740A1 (en) * 2000-02-19 2001-08-30 Aeg Hausgeraete Gmbh vacuum cleaner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE10148508B4 (en) 2008-12-11
DE50212560D1 (en) 2008-09-11
DE20122502U1 (en) 2005-12-15
DE10148508A1 (en) 2003-04-17
ATE402647T1 (en) 2008-08-15
ES2309125T3 (en) 2008-12-16
EP1297775A2 (en) 2003-04-02
EP1297775A3 (en) 2005-06-15

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