EP1641376B1 - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a housing having a dirt chamber closable by a cover, into which a suction socket extends and in which a filter bag is insertable, with a inlet opening of the filter bag being connectable to the suction socket. In order to design the vacuum cleaner so that it allows simple and hygienic handling when removing the filter bag from the dirt chamber it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the suction socket be held on the housing so as to be displaceable back and forth between a position in which it extends into the inlet opening of the filter bag and a position in which it releases the inlet opening.

Description

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Vacuum cleaner with a dirt chamber into which a filter bag is used, for example, from DE 37 14 780 A1 known. This document discloses a vacuum cleaner with a two-part housing, wherein a dirt chamber defining the housing part is hinged to a further housing part and between the two housing parts, an intermediate carrier is arranged, to which the suction nozzle is formed. If the filter bag to be removed from the dirt chamber, so it is necessary for this, first to pivot the housing defining the dirt chamber in a release position, and then also hinged to the housing intermediate carrier must be pivoted so that the suction nozzle releases the inlet opening of the filter bag.

From the DE 40 40 099 A1 a vacuum cleaner is known in which the suction nozzle is integrally formed on the housing and the cover comprises a further nozzle and a holding device for the filter bag. The filter bag can be attached to the lid so that the inlet opening and the further nozzle are aligned by placing the lid on the housing in alignment with the suction nozzle, wherein the suction nozzle in the other nozzle and this in turn dips into the inlet opening.

From the DE 30 27 913 A1 an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner is known in which the suction nozzle is fixed to the lid, and by closing the Lids the suction nozzle can be transferred to a dipping into the inlet opening of the filter bag position.

From the utility model DE 94 19 216 U1 a vacuum cleaner is known in which the suction nozzle must be separated from the housing in order to use the filter bag in the dirt chamber can. Subsequently, the suction nozzle can be connected to the housing, wherein it dips into the inlet opening of the filter bag. The filter bag may in this case comprise a closing device with the aid of which the inlet opening can be closed. As a result, the filter bag filled with dirt can be closed before removal from the dirt chamber, so that it is ensured that no dirt can escape during its removal. However, for this it is first necessary to remove the suction nozzle from the housing.

From the European patent application EP 0 677 270 A1 a vacuum cleaner is known in which two diametrically opposite guide pins are formed on the suction nozzle, which are each guided in an axially aligned guide slot. One of the two guide slots passes through a housing wall of the vacuum cleaner and carries at its free end a handle, with the help of which the user can move the suction in the axial direction back and forth.

Object of the present invention is to develop a vacuum cleaner of the type mentioned in such a way that it allows a simple and hygienic handling in the removal of the filter bag from the dirt chamber.

This object is achieved in a vacuum cleaner of the generic type according to the invention that the suction nozzle is coupled via a guide mechanism with a pivot lever, wherein the suction nozzle by pivoting the pivot lever is displaced back and forth.

The embodiment of the invention allows easy handling of the vacuum cleaner when inserting and removing a filter bag. To insert a filter bag, it is only necessary to move the suction nozzle in its releasing position. For this purpose, the user can pivot the pivot lever between a first pivot position, which corresponds to the releasing position of the suction nozzle, and a second pivot position corresponding to the position of the suction port immersed in the inlet port, back and forth, with the aid of the guide mechanism pivotal movement of the pivot lever in a sliding movement of the suction is transmitted. Subsequently, the filter bag can be inserted into the dirt chamber. The filter bag can in this case have a closing device, wherein the inlet opening can be released after insertion of the filter bag into the dirt chamber. Subsequently, the suction can be moved by pivoting the pivot lever in his dipping into the inlet opening of the filter bag position. If a filter bag filled with dirt the dirt chamber can be removed, this can be the suction port by pivoting the pivot lever again move to its releasing position, so that the filter bag then easily the dirt chamber can be removed, with a particularly hygienic handling is made possible by the inlet opening of the filter bag is closed before it is removed from the dirt chamber by means of the closing device held on the filter bag.

A particularly simple handling of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention can be achieved in a preferred embodiment in that a connecting piece is held on the housing for connection of a suction hose, which is in flow connection via the connecting piece with the suction nozzle. The connection piece can be molded onto the housing. Alternatively it can be provided that the connection piece is detachably connectable to the housing. The connecting piece establishes a flow connection between the suction nozzle and a suction hose of the vacuum cleaner, wherein the suction nozzle between its releasing position and its immersed in the inlet opening of the filter bag position is slidably held on the housing, while it is not required for replacing the filter bag, the connecting piece and to move the suction hose held against it relative to the housing.

Conveniently, the guide mechanism forms a slotted guide. The slotted guide can in this case have a sliding guide in which a guide pin is mounted displaceably, wherein by generating a relative movement between the sliding guide and the guide pin, a transmission of the pivoting movement of the pivot lever in a sliding movement of the suction is achieved.

Preferably, the slotted guide on a coupled to the pivot lever rotary sleeve which surrounds the suction nozzle and which is rotatably held about its longitudinal axis on the housing, wherein the rotary sleeve comprises a sliding guide in which a suction nozzle arranged on the guide pin is slidably held. By pivoting the pivot lever, the rotary sleeve can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, so that a relative movement between the sliding guide and the guide pin forms, so that the suction nozzle can be moved together with the guide pin arranged on it.

Preferably, the pivot lever is integrally formed on the rotary sleeve. This allows a particularly cost-effective production.

In order to avoid pressure losses, it is advantageous if a sealing element is arranged between the rotary sleeve and the suction nozzle, as this can be avoided in a structurally simple way the inflow of false air into the suction nozzle.

As low it has proven to be when the sealing element as the suction nozzle in the circumferential direction surrounding sealing ring, preferably as an O-ring, is configured.

A particularly interference-insensitive embodiment of the vacuum cleaner can be achieved in that the sealing element is held immovably on the suction nozzle. This has the consequence that the sealing element is displaceable back and forth together with the suction nozzle.

In order to avoid that the displaceable suction nozzle canted, it is advantageous if a guide part is arranged on the housing, on which the end of the suction port facing away from the filter bag at least partially slidably. By using the guide member tilting of the suction nozzle can be prevented in a structurally simple manner.

It is advantageous if the guide part is formed on the housing, because this can simplify the assembly of the vacuum cleaner.

In a preferred embodiment, the guide part comprises a guide sleeve, in which the end of the suction tube facing away from the filter bag is immersed. It has been shown that by using the guide sleeve an extremely low susceptibility to failure of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention can be achieved.

Between the guide sleeve and the suction nozzle, a sealing element is arranged in an advantageous embodiment that prevents the supply of false air into the suction nozzle. It can be provided that the sealing element is designed as a rollable on the outside of the suction and the inside of the guide sleeve sealing ring. Due to the unwinding of the sealing ring frictional forces between the suction nozzle and the guide sleeve are significantly reduced, so that the displacement of the suction can be done with very little effort and yet the inflow of false air is reliably prevented in the suction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention, the guide part comprises a guide nozzle, which dips into the filter bag facing away from the end of the suction nozzle. The guide piece forms part of the flow connection between the suction nozzle and the suction hose connectable to the connecting piece, it being favorable if the guide piece additionally forms a guide for the suction nozzle, it can be provided, for example, that the suction nozzle slides on the outside of the guide nozzle ,

The guide neck is preferably integrally connected to the guide sleeve. It is particularly advantageous in this case if the guide neck, the guide sleeve and the housing form a one-piece plastic molding.

It is advantageous if the guide sleeve and the guide sleeve define an annular space between them, into which the end portion of the suction nozzle facing away from the filter bag is inserted.

The pivot lever is arranged in a particularly preferred embodiment in its the immersing position of the Saugstutzens corresponding pivot position within the dirt chamber and covered by the lid. The pivot lever is thus accessible to a user only after removing the lid. This allows a quasi-intuitive operation of the vacuum cleaner, since the user usually decreases the lid when a filled with dirt filter bag is to be replaced. After removal of the lid, the user recognizes the preferably arranged in the region of the inlet opening of the filter bag pivoting lever and can easily pivot it such that the suction nozzle assumes its the inlet opening of the filter bag releasing position in which the filter bag of the dirt chamber can be removed.

It is particularly advantageous if the pivot lever blocks the placement of the lid on the dirt chamber in its pivoting position corresponding to the releasing position of the suction nozzle. As a result, the risk is reduced that the user touches the lid after removing a filter bag back to the dirt without a new filter bag in to have used the dirt chamber. The risk that the vacuum cleaner is operated without filter bag inserted into the dirt chamber is thereby reduced.

An erroneous placement of the lid on the dirt chamber can be avoided in a structurally simple manner that the free end portion of the pivot lever projects beyond the dirt chamber to the outside when the pivot lever occupies its release position of the Saugstutzens corresponding pivot position. In this position, the outwardly projecting pivot lever blocked the placement of the lid on the dirt chamber. As a result, the user is reminded that he should first insert a filter bag in the dirt chamber before placing the lid to then move by pivoting the pivot lever into the interior of the dirt chamber the suction in his submerged in the inlet opening of the filter bag position.

It is particularly advantageous if the pivot lever in its release position of the Saugstutzens corresponding pivot position is automatically locked by removing the filter bag from the dirt chamber. Consequently, the pivot lever can not be inadvertently pivoted after removal of a filter bag so that the lid can be placed on the dirt chamber, but first it is necessary to unlock the pivot lever.

It can be provided, for example, that the pivot lever can be locked by means of a resiliently biased in a locking position bolt, wherein the bolt by inserting a filter bag into the dirt chamber against the action of an elastic restoring force in an unlocked position can be transferred. The elastically biased bolt thus ensures a structurally simple way that the pivot lever is locked when removing a filter bag from the dirt chamber, and by inserting a filter bag in the dirt chamber, the lock is automatically canceled by the bolt against the action of its elastic restoring force in a Unlocked position is transferred.

It is advantageous if the latch is designed as a leaf spring which cooperates with a latching element of the pivot lever. The latching element may for example be designed as a radially outwardly projecting latching projection which is integrally formed on the pivot lever or on the suction nozzle.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugers;

Figur 2:

eine schaubildliche, teilweise aufgeschnittene Darstellung eines oberen Endabschnittes des Staubsaugers aus Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine schaubildliche Ansicht in Richtung von Pfeil A aus Figur 2;

Figur 4:

eine Schnittansicht des in Figur 2 dargestellten oberen Endbereiches des Staubsaugers;

Figur 5:

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 5-5 in Figur 3 vor dem Einsetzen eines Filterbeutels und

Figur 6:

eine Schnittansicht entsprechend Figur 5 nach dem Einsetzen eines Filterbeutels.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a schematic representation of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention;

FIG. 2:

a diagrammatic, partially cutaway view of an upper end portion of the vacuum cleaner FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3:

a perspective view in the direction of arrow A from FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4:

a sectional view of the in FIG. 2 illustrated upper end portion of the vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 5:

a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3 before inserting a filter bag and

FIG. 6:

a sectional view accordingly FIG. 5 after inserting a filter bag.

In the drawing, a total occupied by the reference numeral 10 vacuum cleaner is shown schematically, which is designed as a so-called handle unit and a two-part housing 12 having an upper housing part 13 and a lower housing part 14 has. To the upper housing part 13, a handle 16 connects, which carries a handle 17 at its free end. The lower housing part 14 takes in an ordinary and therefore not shown in the drawing manner an electric motor and a suction unit and defines in combination with the upper housing part 13 a dirt chamber 19 which is coverable by means of a cover 20. In the lid 20, a recessed grip 21 is formed, by means of which the user, the placement and removal of the lid 20 is simplified, and to the upper housing part 13, a handle 23 is formed on the upper side.

The vacuum cleaner 10 comprises for cleaning a bottom surface of a conventional, known per se and therefore only schematically illustrated in the drawing suction nozzle 25 to which a suction channel 26 connects in Saugströmungsrichtung, which extends within the housing 12 and with a projecting beyond the upper housing part 13 Suction tube 28 is connected. At the free end of the suction pipe 28, a suction hose 30 is connected, the suction pipe 28 facing away from the end with an upper side on the upper housing part 13th releasably connectable held connecting piece 32 is in flow communication. This is especially true FIG. 2 clear.

Like from the Figures 2 and 4 it can be seen, in the region of the connecting piece 32 to the upper housing part 13, a guide member 34 is formed, which comprises a guide sleeve 36 and a coaxial therewith and surrounded by the guide sleeve 36 guide sleeve 38 which define an annular space 40 between them.

The guide nozzle 38 dips into a suction nozzle 42, the lower end portion 43 facing away from the guide piece 38 is immersed in the dirt chamber 19, while its upper end portion 44 facing the guide piece 38 dips into the annular space 40. The upper end portion 44 is surrounded by a sealing ring 46 which is disposed between the suction nozzle 42 and the guide sleeve 36, wherein it can roll both on the outside of the suction nozzle 42 and on the inside of the guide sleeve 36 when the suction nozzle 42, as described below, is moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis 60.

As in particular from FIG. 2 becomes clear, in the dirt chamber 19, a per se known and therefore only in the drawing shown in phantom filter bag 47 are used, which has a filling opening 49, which are closed by means of a known per se and therefore also shown schematically only in the drawing closing device 50 can. The filter bag 47 carries in the region of the filling opening 49 on known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing to achieve a better overview holding means a retaining flange 52, and for fastening the Filter bag 47 within the dirt chamber 19 has these two mutually parallel retaining strips 54, 56 which engage under the retaining flange 52 of the filter bag 47, so that the filter bag 47 can be fixed within the dirt chamber 19.

The dirt chamber 19 can be sucked in the usual way by means of the suction unit already mentioned above, d. H. By means of the suction air flow provided by the suction unit, dirt can be transferred from the suction nozzle 25 via the suction channel 26, the suction pipe 28 and the suction hose 30 through the suction nozzle 42 into the filter bag 47.

The suction nozzle 42 is surrounded in its central portion between the lower and upper end portions 43 and 44 of a rotary sleeve 58 which is aligned coaxially with the suction nozzle 42 and is rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis 60 in the upper housing part 13. At its lower end region immersed in the dirt chamber 19, the rotary sleeve 58 carries a radially projecting pivot lever 61, and in its upper end region facing the guide part 34, the rotary sleeve 58 has two diametrically opposed, helical guide grooves 62, 63. The guide grooves 62, 63 are respectively penetrated by an integrally formed on the suction nozzle 42, radially projecting outwardly therefrom guide pin 64, to which in the circumferential direction of the suction nozzle 42 each integrally formed in the axial direction of the guide sleeve 36 guide plate 66, 67, which define an axially aligned guide channel 69 between them. The guide channel 69 forms an axially oriented guide for the guide pin 64. Between the suction nozzle 42 and the rotary sleeve 58 is in Height of the lower end portion of the rotary sleeve 58, a sealing ring 59 is arranged, which is externally fixed to the suction nozzle 42.

The helical guide groove 62 forms in combination with the guide pin 64 a slotted guide. If the pivot lever 61 is pivoted, the rotary sleeve 58 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 60, wherein the guide pin 64 due to the relative movement of the guide groove 62 in the axial direction, d. H. in the longitudinal direction of the guide channel 69, is moved back and forth. A Verschenkbewegung the pivot lever 61 thus has a sliding movement of the suction nozzle 42 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 60 result.

By pivoting the pivot lever 61 of the suction nozzle between a front position in which it dips into the filling opening 49 of the filter bag 47, and a rear position in which it releases the filling opening 49, are moved back and forth.

As in particular from the Figures 3 . 5 and 6 becomes clear, a latching projection 71 is integrally formed on the rotary sleeve 58, the pivot lever 61 substantially diametrically opposite, which upon pivoting of the pivot lever 61 in the releasing position of the Saugstutzens 42 corresponding pivot position to a stop 73 can be applied, the pivotal movement of the pivot lever 61st limited. At a distance from the stop 73, a latch in the form of a leaf spring 75 is disposed within the dirt chamber 19, which is biased in the direction of the lower end portion 44 of the suction nozzle 42. The leaf spring 75 is aligned obliquely to the latching projection 71, so that they 61 against the latching projection 71 during pivoting of the pivot lever its elastic restoring force parallel to the longitudinal axis 60 can be elastically bent back so far that the locking projection 71, the leaf spring 75 can happen. The latching projection 71 then comes to rest on the stop 73 and releases the leaf spring 75. If no filter bag 47 is inserted into the dirt chamber 19, the leaf spring 75 assumes a locking position in which the stop projection 73 abutting the catch projection 71 is locked between the stop 73 and the leaf spring 75. This is especially true FIG. 3 clear. If the latching projection 71 is to be released, it is necessary for this purpose to insert a filter bag 47 into the dirt chamber 19, wherein the retaining flange 52, as in FIG FIG. 6 shown, the leaf spring 75 is transferred against its elastic restoring force in its unlocked position in which the locking projection 71, the leaf spring 75 can pass. For better clarity, see FIG. 6 only the retaining flange 52 of the filter bag 47 inserted into the dirt chamber 19 is shown.

From the foregoing it is clear that by pivoting the pivot lever 61 of the suction nozzle 42 can be moved back and forth in the direction of the longitudinal axis 60. To replace a filter bag 47, it is only necessary, the pivot lever 61 relative to the in FIG. 3 shown in the clockwise direction to pivot so far that the locking projection 71 reaches the stop 73 to the plant. By pivoting the pivot lever 61 of the suction nozzle 42 is moved to its the filling opening 49 of the filter bag 47 releasing position upwards. The filter bag 47 can now be easily removed from the dirt chamber 19, wherein optionally the filling opening 49 can be closed by means of the locking device 50, so that the user remove the filter bag 47 can, without the risk that can escape from the filter bag 47 dirt. If the filter bag 47 is removed from the dirt chamber 19, the retaining flange 52 releases the leaf spring 75, so that it automatically transitions into its locking position due to its elastic restoring force, in which it arrests the latching projection 71 resting against the stop 73 and thus also the pivoting lever 61.

As in particular from FIG. 3 becomes clear, the pivot lever 61 is in its locked pivot position, which corresponds to the releasing position of the suction nozzle 42, beyond the outer periphery of the dirt chamber 19 to the outside. This has the consequence that the lid 20 can not be placed on the dirt chamber 19. The dirt chamber 19 can only be closed by means of the lid 20 after the pivot lever 61 relative to FIG. 3 counterclockwise in the interior of the dirt chamber 19 is pivoted back. For this purpose, however, it is necessary to cancel the locking of the locking projection 71 by inserting a new filter bag 47 by the leaf spring 75 is transferred from the retaining flange 52 of the filter bag 47 in its unlocked position. After inserting a new filter bag 47, therefore, the pivot lever 61 can be swung back, and then the lid 20 can be placed on the dirt chamber 19, so that the vacuum cleaner 10 can be put into operation again.

Claims (23)

1. Vacuum cleaner with a housing(12) having a dirt chamber (19) which is closable by a cover (20), into which a suction socket (42) extends and into which a filter bag (47) is insertable, an inlet opening (49) of the filter bag (47) being connectable to the suction socket (42), and the suction socket (42) being held on the housing (12) so as to be displaceable back and forth between a position in which it extends into the inlet opening (49) of the filter bag (47) and a position in which it releases the inlet opening (49), characterized in that the suction socket (42) is coupled by means of a guide mechanism (62, 64) with a pivot lever (61), and the suction socket (42) is displaceable back and forth by pivoting the pivot lever (61).
2. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a connecting socket (32) is held on the housing (12) for connecting a suction hose (30) which is in flow connection with the suction socket (42) via the connecting socket (32).
3. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the connecting socket (32) is releasably connectable to the housing (12).
4. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide mechanism (62, 64) is formed by a guideway and guide pin connection.
5. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the guideway and guide pin connection comprises a rotary sleeve (58) which is held on the housing (12) for rotation about its longitudinal axis (60), surrounds the suction socket (42) and is coupled with the pivot lever (61), and the rotary sleeve (58) comprises a slide guideway (62) with a guide pin (64) arranged on the suction socket (42) held displaceably therein.
6. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that the pivot lever (61) is formed on the rotary sleeve (58).
7. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a sealing element (59) is arranged between the rotary sleeve (58) and the suction socket (42).
8. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the sealing element is configured as a sealing ring (59) surrounding the suction socket (42) in the circumferential direction.
9. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the sealing element (59) is held immovably on the suction socket (42).
10. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide part (34) is arranged on the housing (12), and the end region (40) of the suction socket (42) that faces away from the filter bag (47) rests slidingly at least in areas thereof against the guide part (34).
11. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the guide part (34) is formed on the housing (12).
12. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the guide part (34) comprises a guide sleeve (36) into which the end region (44) of the suction socket (42) that faces away from the filter bag (47) extends.
13. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that a sealing element (46) is arranged between the guide sleeve (36) and the suction socket (42).
14. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that the sealing element is configured as a sealing ring (46) which is adapted to roll on the outer side of the suction socket (42) and the inner side of the guide sleeve (36).
15. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the guide part (34) comprises a guide socket (38) which extends into the end (44) of the suction socket (42) that faces away from the filter bag (47).
16. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that the guide socket (38) is integrally joined to the guide sleeve (36).
17. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the guide socket (38) and the guide sleeve (36) define between them an annular space (44) into which the end region (44) of the suction socket (42) that faces away from the filter bag (47) extends.
18. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in its pivotal position corresponding to the position in which the suction socket (42) extends into the inlet opening of the filter bag, the pivot lever (61) is located inside the dirt chamber (19) and is able to be covered by the cover (20).
19. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 18, characterized in that in its pivotal position corresponding to the position in which the suction socket (42) releases the inlet opening of the filter bag, the pivot lever (61) blocks placement of the cover (20) on the dirt chamber (19).
20. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 19, characterized in that the free end region of the pivot lever (61) protrudes outwards over the dirt chamber (19) when the pivot lever (61) assumes its pivotal position corresponding to the position in which the suction socket (42) releases the inlet opening of the filter bag.
21. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the pivot lever (61) is automatically lockable in its pivotal position corresponding to the position in which the suction socket (42) releases the inlet opening of the filter bag by removal of the filter bag (47) from the dirt chamber (19).
22. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 21, characterized in that the pivot lever (61) is lockable by means of a lock (75) that is elastically biased into a locking position, and the lock (75) is transferable against the action of an elastic restoring force into an unlocking position by inserting a filter bag (47) into the dirt chamber (19).
23. Vacuum cleaner in accordance with claim 22, characterized in that the lock is configured as a leaf spring (75) which cooperates with a detent element (71) of the pivot lever (61).

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