EP1713368A1

EP1713368A1 - Carpet and floor brush for a vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: EP1713368A1
Application number: EP05701642A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Markus Cornelissen; Markus Koch
Original assignee: Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Current assignee: Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Priority date: 2004-02-10
Filing date: 2005-02-04
Publication date: 2006-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2025-02-04
Also published as: JP2007521872A; DE102004006402A1; ES2285675T3; EP1713368B1; CN1917800A; ATE365018T1; WO2005077241A1; DE502005000899D1; PL1713368T3; RU2006132323A; CN100453022C

Abstract

The nozzle has a rotating brush (6) and a suction volume (3) limited by a fixed part of the housing (9) having holes (15) to the brush area and a flexible volume limiter (10) which is deflected by the direction of motion to alter the suction area.

Description

Floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner

The invention relates to a floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner with a in the feed direction by fixed limiting means, for example, by skids front and rear delimited suction, wherein within the suction space, if necessary, a rotatable brush is arranged.

Floor nozzles of the type in question are known. The front and rear side of the suction chamber, for example, arranged in the form of skids limiting agents occur in particular in the processing of Teppichbö the effect, the floor nozzle is supported on the skids on the Flor and they offer an approximately sealing completion of the suction chamber. In this case, it proves to be disadvantageous that a high negative pressure builds up in particular on dense and / or high-pile carpets in the suction chamber, which leads to an increase in the sliding forces due to increased friction. These increased pushing forces complicate the use of the vacuum cleaner.

With regard to the prior art described above, a technical problem of the invention is seen in improving a floor nozzle of the type in question, in particular with regard to the handling in the suction processing.

This problem is solved first and foremost by the subject matter of claim 1, wherein it is pointed out that one or more Saugraumentlastungs openings are formed in the front and / or rear limiting means, and that the fixed limiting means - based on the suction - upstream movable limiting means are assigned, depending on the direction of movement of the suction nozzle be sucked by the prevailing negative pressure increasing the sealing of the suction chamber or can be lifted to the vacuum relief and that the movable limiting means in any case in the negative pressure relief of the suction chamber enabling position the Saugraumentiastungs opening does not seal sealing. As a result of this embodiment, a floor nozzle is provided in which the negative pressure in the suction chamber is limited to a maximum value. This value is chosen so that the dust pickup, so the cleaning effect is still ensured, with the pushing forces in a bearable for the user area. The skids are arranged parallel to the Saugraumerstreckung, ie transversely to the usual feed direction of the floor nozzle forward and backward of the suction space to limit the same and continue to run parallel to an axis of a possibly arranged in the suction chamber rotatable brush. The arrangement of the skids of the suction through the opening of the suction chamber down in the direction of the bottom to be cleaned shaped suction mouth is narrowed. This proves to be particularly advantageous in the suction treatment of carpets, since in this case the carpet is held down by these skids. However, sealing edges of the suction space may also be achieved by the edges of the ecosystem pressed into the carpet pile, which further leads to an increase and consequently to an increase in the pushing forces. In order to achieve pressure regulation, these limiting means or skids are provided with one or more suction cavity openings, which are preferably uniformly distributed over the entire width of the skids, which extends transversely to the usual feed direction of the floor nozzle. These Saugraumentla- stungs openings may be in the form of holes o of the longitudinal slots and be formed and form secondary air openings. The relative to the suction direction, ie relative to the air flow direction during operation of the floor nozzle the fixed limiting means or skids upstream movable limiting means form self-regulating overload valves out. These movable limiting means are designed in terms of height so that their lower edge facing the floor to be cared for is arranged higher, in particular in the case of hard floors, than the surfaces of the fixed limiting means which correspond to the floor. Here, a height offset of approximately 0.5 to 3 mm, more preferably 1 mm, is preferred. Particularly in the case of carpets, and more particularly in the case of high-pile carpets, the following effect occurs. When the floor nozzle is displaced in the usual feed direction, with the user pushing the vacuum cleaner together with the floor nozzle in front of it, the movable limiting means in the feed direction is lifted when the maximum negative pressure in the suction space is exceeded, so that a valve-like opening or widening occurs the associated Saugraumausungsungs-openings of the adjacent fixed limiting means is reached. In contrast, the rear limiting means in the feed direction is in this case sucked in under pressure so as to be pressed further, in particular further into the carpet pile, so that a closure of the facing suction space load openings is achieved in this case. It is also important here that the action on the movable limiting means takes place only after exceeding a predetermined maximum vacuum value. Even with hard floors, the same effect arises, although equal due to the opposite to the skids or. the fixed limiting means higher-lying movable limiting means always, even if the same minimum, suction air side stream is sucked. When a negative pressure maximum value is exceeded, the movable in the displacement direction (pushing or pulling direction of the floor nozzle) movable front limiting means, so that a larger air volume bypass can be sucked through the Saugraumentlastungs-openings. It is preferred in this regard that the movable limiting means consist of an elastically resilient material, so further preferably form sealing lips, which consist of a rubber material. It is also planned that the movable limiting means practically do not contribute to the support of the suction nozzle on the ground compared to the fixed limiting means, but rather serve the fixed limiting means or the skids. The movable limiting means bound at least in the uninfluenced state with the fixed limiting means a gap, which is further preferably formed in cross-section zwickeiförmig to the ground towards opening. According to the arrangement and orientation of the fixed and also movable limiting means extending in front of and behind the suction space spaces almost over the entire width of the floor nozzle, which further closed in a known manner, the suction on both ends by end caps or the like, at which end caps also after further down on the ground facing further limiting means, for example in the form of sealing lips are arranged. The latter also close the gaps between the movable and fixed limiting means. The length of the movable limiting means, ie their vertical extent, is chosen so that even in the negative pressure permitting state, the movable limiting means do not come into contact with the fixed limiting means, so that the movable limiting means in the raised position not occlusive before the Saugraumentlastungs -Offnungen the fixed limiting means occur, which would be a closure of the same and a further increase in vacuum in the suction chamber. In a development of the subject invention, a secondary air opening is provided, which opens into the intermediate space. In addition, the secondary air opening is open to the environment. Via the latter, additional air can flow to regulate the sliding forces of the floor nozzle. Thus, it is provided that the secondary air opening is closed by the movable limiting means in the vacuum relief enabling position, but in the negative pressure not regulating position is open. Thus, the disadvantageous effect is counteracted in particular in floor nozzles with arranged rotatable brushes that support of the feed and thus a reduction of the pushing forces is achieved by the rotating brush in the feed direction, but counteracts this brush aggravating in the pulling movement of the floor nozzle. In order to reduce the inevitably higher pushing forces or tensile forces, it is preferable to reduce the vacuum in the suction chamber, which is achieved by opening the secondary air opening. In the feed direction on both the Teppichbö and on hard floors, the secondary air opening or preferably a plurality of Nebenluftöffhungen is closed by the associated bewegUche limiting means, as pressed by the proper movement of the preferably lip-like movable limiting means this over the frictional engagement to a carpet in the closed position against the Nebenluftöffhungen becomes. For hard floors, the pressure prevailing in the suction chamber and thus also in the intermediate space attracts the fixed limiting means to close the secondary air openings. The movable limiting means are preferably formed flap-like, with a valve leg serving to close the Nebenluftöffiiungen. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, it is provided that the suction space is supported on both sides by runners or rollers in relation to the ground beyond the fixed and movable limiting means in the feed direction. Thus, the floor nozzle according to the invention, for example, four rollers, wherein viewed in the feed direction, two are arranged in the rear and two in the front region of the floor nozzle chassis. Finally, it proves to be advantageous in this context that the fixed and / or movable limiting means do not touch a support plane in the unloaded state. The invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate only several embodiments, explained in more detail. It shows:

1 shows a floor nozzle according to the invention in a perspective view.

Fig. 2, the bottom nozzles in bottom view;

3 shows the schematic section according to the line ΓΠ-LΠ in Figure 2 with displacement of the floor nozzle in the usual feed direction, a first embodiment concerning ..;

FIG. 4 shows the enlarged section of the region IV in FIG. 3; FIG.

Fig. 5 is a representation corresponding to Figure 3, but illustrating the floor nozzle when processing a carpet.

FIG. 6 shows the enlargement of the area VI in FIG. 5; FIG.

Fig. 7 is a detailed representation corresponding to Fig. 6, but relating to an alternative embodiment;

8 shows the floor nozzle in a representation according to FIG. 3, but when displacing the same against the usual feed direction;

FIG. 9 shows the enlargement of the region IX in FIG. 8; FIG.

FIG. 10 is a representation corresponding to FIG. 3, however, relating to a further embodiment of the floor nozzle; FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the enlargement of the area XI in FIG. 10; FIG. FIG. 12 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 10 when using the floor nozzle on a carpet; FIG.

FIG. 13 shows the enlargement of the region XLπ in FIG. 12; FIG.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view according to FIG. 12, but in the case of soil cultivation contrary to the usual feed direction; FIG.

Fig. 15 shows the enlarged area XV in Fig. 14 and

Fig. 16 is a representation corresponding to Fig. 15, concerning a further embodiment.

Shown and described is first with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, a first embodiment of a floor nozzle 1 according to the invention for a vacuum cleaner, not shown. The floor nozzle 1 is designed as a header device, which is connected via a connecting piece 2 both electrically and fluidly connected to the vacuum cleaner.

The connecting piece 2 is in fluid communication with a - viewed in the usual direction of feed r - frontal suction chamber 3, which extends transversely to the feed direction r in the floor nozzle 1 and downward, ie facing the floor to be cared 4 forms a slot-like suction mouth 5. In the suction chamber 3, an electric motor drivable, rotatable brush 6 is further arranged, which also extends transversely to the feed direction r almost over the entire Saugraumbreite. In the illustrated embodiment, two brushes 6 positioned in axial juxtaposition are provided. The bristles of the brushes 6 protrude on the side over the device bottom 7 through the suction mouth 5 for brushing the bottom 4 before.

The suction chamber 3 and. the suction mouth 5 is viewed in the feed direction r forward and backward delimited by also transverse to the feed direction r extending first limiting means 8. These are designed in the form of skids 9, which contact the bottom 4 to be processed, in particular carpet, with their suction mouth 5 delimiting, rounded marginal edges.

The skids 9 are formed lα-eisabschnittsförmig and arranged concentrically to the brush axis, further limiting the down over the device bottom 7 projecting skids 9 to the device interior while approximately maintaining the circular section shape the suction chamber 3.

These fixed limiting means 8 and. Skids 9 are - based on the suction direction, d. H. in relation to the orientation of the suction air flow (arrow s), in each case upstream there are associated movable limiting means 10 which, as shown, preferably consist of an elastically resilient material. For example, attached sealing lips 11 are used here in the area of the device base.

The sealing lips 11 extend approximately perpendicularly from the device base 7, starting in the direction of the floor 4 to be machined, wherein these are in comparison to the fixed limiting means 8 or 8. the skids 9 for supporting the floor nozzle 1 on the ground or floor 4 practically do not contribute. Rather, in particular in the case of a carpet finishing operation according to the illustrations in FIGS. 5 and 6, a support in the region of the suction mouth 5 takes place through the sliding edge edges. As further in Figs. 1 to 6 illustrated, a general support of the floor nozzle 1 by beyond the fixed limiting means 8 and movable limiting means 10 in the feed direction r arranged rollers 12 and 13 are carried out, wherein a pair of rollers 12 in the rear region in association with the connecting piece 2 posi tioned. Furthermore, viewed in the feed direction r, end faces, ie in the region of the side of the suction space facing away from the first pair of rollers 3, are provided for forming a four-point support of the floor nozzle 1. As is further apparent from the illustration in FIG However, in the front region of the floor nozzle 1, the support can alternatively also be made in a direct manner, omitting the front rollers 13 via the skids 9.

Each movable limiting means 10 extends, as does the fixed limiting means 8, over the entire width of the suction space 3 viewed transversely to the direction of travel r, wherein each movable limiting means 10 is further spaced from the associated fixed limiting means 8, to limit an intermediate space 14 formed between them This is, as can be seen in particular from the enlarged detailed representations in FIGS. 4 and 6, in cross-section in a zwy-shaped manner to the substrate BZ. Bo formed the 4 opening.

In the fixed limiting means 8 and the skids 9, a plurality of suction chamber opening openings 15 are formed via their length, which is viewed in both directions of the floor nozzle, which can be formed in the form of bores 0 of the slot-shaped elongated holes. These suction chamber opening openings 15 open at one end in the suction chamber 3 and at the other end in the intermediate space 14 formed between the fixed limiting means 8 and the movable limiting means 10. The described embodiments are used to limit the negative pressure prevailing in the suction chamber 3 during the suction processing of the bottom 4 to a maximum value, which maximum value is selected such that on the one hand the dust absorption, ie the rhombic effect is still ensured, but on the other hand is chosen so low, that the pushing forces in a tolerable for the user area. If the negative pressure in the suction chamber 3 rises to too high a value, secondary air (arrow n), in particular in the case of hard floor processing according to the illustrations in FIGS. 3 and 4, can be under the movable limiting means 10 or sealing lips 11 and through the associated suction chamber load openings 15 flow into the suction chamber 3, resulting in a reduction of the negative pressure in the suction chamber 3. Here, the movable limiting means 10 serve in the form of overload valves, which depending on the direction of movement of the floor nozzle 1 (usual feed direction r, in which the user pushes the vacuum cleaner in front of him, or opposite feed direction r ', in which the user

Vacuum cleaner over the bottom pulls by the pressure prevailing in the suction chamber 3 negative pressure, the seal of the suction chamber 3 are sucked increasing or lifted to vacuum relief.

The mode of operation of the front fixed limiting means 8 and movable limiting means 10 considered in the usual feed direction r will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9. In the preliminary stroke as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 (or in Fig. 7, in which a front-side support of the floor nozzle 1 in the region of the skids 9 takes place with omission of the front rollers 13), ie upon displacement of the floor nozzle 1 in usual feed direction r, the sealing lip 11 tends to be sucked by the pressure prevailing in the suction chamber 3 negative pressure, so that depending on the height of the negative pressure between the sealing lip 11 and bottom 4 to be machined a more or less large gap adjusts, by which secondary air through the Saugraun entiastungs openings 15 can be sucked. A strong increase of the negative pressure in the suction chamber 3, which also leads to an increase in the pushing forces, arises in particular when processing carpets according to the illustrations in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pile of the suction opening 5 extending in the carpet section in conjunction with the Skids 9 closes the suction chamber 3 almost sealing. In the course of the movement in the feed direction r, the sealing lip 12, which slides off the carpet pile during the processing of carpets with its free end edge edge, undergoes a deflection which is adjustable due to its elastic properties in the direction of an underpressure-overload-dependent open position. The viewed in the direction of feed r rear sealing lip 11, however, acts due to their bending and the effect of the negative pressure itself sealing.

When relocating the floor nozzle 1 in the opposite direction r ', the above-described mode of action with respect to the vacuum-controlled valve-like opening at the rear in the usual feed direction of the sealing lip 11 a. This serves for displacement in the direction r 'of the negative pressure regulation in the suction space 3, the other, now in this direction r' rear sealing lip 11 due to their elastic properties, thereby characterized in particular at a Saugbearbeitung of carpets as shown in Fig. 9 itself adjusting bending and due to the action of the negative pressure acts self-sealing.

The cross-sectional configuration and the choice of material of the movable limiting means 10 and the distance of the same to the fixed limiting means 8 and the associated Saugraumentlastungs- openings 15 is chosen so that these Saugraumentlastungs-Öffhungen 15 regardless of the direction of movement of the floor nozzle 1 always kept free are, so can not be closed by the movable limiting means 10 sealing.

In the illustrations, constructions are provided so as before as well as behind the suction chamber 3. However, it is also conceivable to provide such an arrangement only in front of or behind the suction chamber 3.

FIGS. 10 to 15 show a further embodiment of the subject matter of the invention, wherein in these representations recourse is again made to a 4-point support as described above via rollers 12 and 13. Fig. 16 shows an alternative embodiment without front rollers 13, d. H. with a front-side support of the floor nozzle 1 via the skids 9.

The arrangement and orientation of the fixed and moving limiting means 8 and 9 corresponds to the embodiment described above. In contrast to this, however, one or more side by side hegend arranged arranged Nebenluftöffhungen 16 is provided in the usual direction of feed r considered front end of the floor nozzle 1, the one end in the gap 14 between the fixed limiting means 8 and the beweghchen limiting means 10 and the other end to the environment am ,

Each auxiliary air opening 16 is closed on the space side in the position enabling vacuum relief, ie when the floor nozzle 1 is displaced in the usual feed direction r, by the movable limiting means 10 or the sealing lip 11, for which the latter is formed like a flap and for integrating the secondary air openings 16 Flap leg 17 has. The latter is preferably integrally attached to the sealing lip 11 forms, wherein further the root portion of the flap leg 10 at the same time forms the hinge portion of the beweghchen limiting means 10. The operation of the two front and rear of the suction chamber 3 arranged movable limiting means 10 in conjunction with the Saugraument- load openings 15 in übchcher feed direction r corresponds to that of the first embodiment, so that in this case by the pressure prevailing in the suction chamber 3 negative in the feed direction r front Dichtiippe 11 tends to be moved into an open position, due to which a path for a secondary air flow n for Unterdruckreguheiung in the suction chamber 3 is opened. In this case, the flap leg 17 of the movable limiting means 10 displaces the separate secondary air opening 16.

The displacement of the floor nozzle 1 in the same feed direction r is supported by the rotating brush 6, since its direction of rotation (arrow t) is selected accordingly. If, however, the Bo dendüse in the opposite direction r 'moves, ie pulled by the user on the ground 4, the propulsion of the brush 6 acts in this return stroke for correspondingly high resistance to movement. This increased resistance is counteracted by opening the secondary air opening 16. The during this return stroke in the direction of arrow r 'in the processing of carpets swiveling sealing lip 11 and the associated Abschwenkung of the flap leg 17 releases the gap-side mouth opening of the auxiliary air opening 16, so that through the latter in addition to the opposite in the area over the Saugraunαentiastungs- Opening 15 incoming secondary air n a further secondary air flow n 'on the secondary air opening 16, the intermediate space 14 and the associated SaugraumenUastung opening 15 can flow. As a result, the negative pressure in the suction chamber 3 is further reduced in relation to the measure in the case of a displacement of the floor nozzle 1 in the same feed direction r, to the annealing hernden equalization of the increased by the rotating brushes 6 movement resistance in this return stroke.

Thus, openings are released in the return stroke, by which the negative pressure in the suction chamber 3 is reduced. In the forward stroke and on hard floors Nebenluftöffhungen 16 are closed, since the flap 17 is placed in front of this opening by the proper movement of the sealing lip 11 on the conclusion of the carpet to the carpet floor. In hard floors they remain closed both in Vorais in the return stroke, since here the frictional engagement between the flap leg 17 having Dichtiippe 11 and the soil to be processed is missing and continue the Dichtiippe 11 by the pressure prevailing in the suction chamber 3 and in the intermediate space 14 negative pressure in the Closure control is applied.

According to the above-described solu tion, a stroke direction-dependent controlled valve is realized.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application.

Claims

1. Floor nozzle (1) for a vacuum cleaner with a Vorschübrichtung (r) by fixed limiting means (8), for example by skids (9) front and rear delimited suction chamber (3), wherein within the suction chamber (3), if necessary, a rotatable brush (6) is arranged, characterized in that in the front and / or rear limiting means (8) one or more Saugraumentlastungs-openings (15) are formed and that the fixed limiting means (8) - related to the Sau- gichtung (s) - are associated upstream movable limiting means (10), depending on the direction of movement (rb) of the floor nozzle (1) by the prevailing negative pressure, the seal of the suction chamber (3) are sucked increasing or can be lifted to the vacuum relief and that the movable limiting means ( 10), in any case in the position which makes possible a vacuum relief of the suction chamber (3), does not sealingly close the suction chamber load openings (15).

2. Floor nozzle according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the movable limiting means (10) consist of an elastically resilient material.

3. Floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the movement limiting means (10) compared to the fixed limiting means (8) for supporting the floor nozzle (1) on the ground practically do not contribute.

4. floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the beweghchen Limiting means (10) in the uninfluenced state with the fixed limiting means (8) define a gap (14).

5. floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the intermediate space (14) in cross-section zwickeiförmig is formed opening towards the ground.

6. Floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the length of the moving limiting means (10) is selected so that even in the negative pressure ermgHchenden state the movable limiting means (10) not to rest against the fixed Limiting means (8) come.

7. floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a secondary air opening (16) is provided which opens into the intermediate space (14).

8. floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the secondary air opening (16) by the beweghchen limiting means (10) in the negative pressure-facilitating SteUung is closed.

9. floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the movable limiting means (10) are designed like a flap, with a closing of the secondary air opening (16) serving flap legs (17).

10. Floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the suction chamber (3) against the ground beyond the fixed (8) and moving limiting means (10) in the feed direction (r) on both sides by skids o the Ro llen (12, 13) is supported.

11. Floor nozzle according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the fixed (8) and / or movable limiting means (10) do not touch a support plane in the unloaded state.