EP2280630B1 - Vacuum cleaner nozzle for a vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle, in particular for use in a feed direction R1 and a return direction R2, with a nozzle head and a nozzle sole, in which at least one suction mouth is formed, which are arranged upstream at least in the feed direction R1 dirt catch elements.

State of the art

Known dirt-catching elements, in particular made of plastic or natural bristles in the form of strips, are for example arranged rigidly on the nozzle head and / or on the nozzle sole.

It is also known, such dirt trap elements optionally at least partially formed retractable into the nozzle head.

To absorb larger dirt particles such as pebbles or "wool mice", etc., however, usually the vacuum cleaner nozzle is raised and aimed at the aufzusagende Good and lower again, so perform a mostly perceived as annoying or even exhausting additional movement.

To avoid this, it is already known to provide recesses or openings in the strip-shaped dirt trap row. In this regard, for example, from the DE 88 14 882 U1 or the DE 196 30 241 C2 Vacuum cleaner nozzles on a vacuum cleaner, which have on all sides or parallel bristle strips or strips in which openings formed or partially cut parallel to the ground by about half the height, so as to pass a coarse suction material. A disadvantage of such embodiments of the bristle strips is the occurrence of a "before him" pushing dirt particles at not recessed areas. The dirt bound in such places is not conveyed directly to the suction mouth and can still be cleaned only by a separate operation.

From the DE 690 20 639 T2 For example, there is known a vacuum cleaner nozzle having a plurality of pile threads bundled or tied together at the root portions arranged upright at the front and rear of the suction port and provided with recesses at the front side. These recesses allow dirt through. Next, according to Fig. 11 of the DE 690 20 639 T2 the individual pile threads are bundled at their root sections and arranged at an angle to the longitudinal direction. The back of the brush area is designed continuously and without interruptions, thus preventing the passage of dirt during a feed movement. Fig. 21 of the DE 690 20 639 T2 shows a vacuum cleaner nozzle, which is circumferentially equipped with bundles of individual pile threads. The accumulated dirt particles are sucked in through the centrally located suction mouth. A disadvantage of this nozzle is that wool mice (small, soft, sometimes furry wool globules) and other smaller dust particles in the individual bristle bundles hold and this dirt does not reach the suction mouth. This dirt can, as with the other vacuum cleaner nozzles, only via an explicit cleaning of the bristles, ie only via an additional separate operation. Dirt particles which were not absorbed by the suction mouth during a feed movement, exit at the existing gaps on the back again from the nozzle.

From the DE 198 29 044 C2 a suction mouthpiece for a vacuum cleaner is known, in which on the nozzle sole of the suction nozzle a worktop is arranged, on which a plurality of subsurface-oriented nubs is formed, wherein adjacent through holes for the sucked solids are present, and wherein the underground pointing nubs a have smooth surface. A disadvantage of this nozzle is that this embodiment only facilitates an improvement in the reception of fibrous materials, but does not allow for the absorption of coarse dirt.

The DE 10 2005 045 575 A1 discloses a one-piece bristle strip for a Staubsaugerbodendüse, with a support member and with bristles, wherein the support member and the bristles are integrally formed, and wherein the support member made of a hard component and the bristles of a soft component and are produced in 2-component plastic injection molding process , The essentially rectified on all sides Conically or conically shaped and tightly arranged in a plurality of rows and / or mutually offset bristles ultimately act like a thread lifter.

From the DE 14 28 404 A1 is a suction, such as a suction head or a brush, known, which has on its lower surface a suction opening, which in the forward and backward direction are preceded by triangular reliefs, which let pass between them channels to the opening.

task

The invention has for its object to provide a comparison with the prior art improved vacuum cleaner nozzle which feeds smaller and larger dirt particles and fibrous materials, especially with simple forward or backward movements of the nozzle largely without additional movements far safer the suction mouth.

solution

The solution of the object is achieved by the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

This embodiment of the dust catching elements has the advantage that dirt particles easily pass the individual dust catching elements into the interior of the vacuum cleaner nozzle towards the suction mouth in the first feed direction R1 through the aerodynamic shape. Dirt particles which are not yet in the first feed movement R1 in have passed the suction mouth are retained in the subsequent return movement R2 in the acting as a dirt trap hollow area and prevented from escaping from the area of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

Preferably, at least a part of the dirt-catching elements has a wedge-shaped, arrowed, hemispherical, hyperbolic and / or parabolic-shaped cross section. These shapes are all characterized by a, with respect to their arrangement to the suction mouth, favorable flow resistance coefficients in a thrust direction R1 and R2, and are thus optimally configured for passing or passing the dirt particles to the suction mouth. Depending on the arrangement of the suction mouth, the individual dirt-catching elements of a series may have the same or different shapes.

According to the invention, the openings are preferably realized by spaced apart adjacent dirt catching elements and / or by recesses in dirt catching elements arranged without spacing from one another. The distance between adjacent dirt-catching elements or the recess adjacent dirt-catching elements is particularly chosen so that on the one hand sufficient space is granted, so that even larger dirt particles can flow past the gaps unhindered. On the other hand, the distance between the dirt trapping elements is to be selected so narrow that the air flow of the vacuum cleaner nozzle absorbs the dirt particles supplied to the suction mouth. The distance between adjacent dirt catch elements or the recess adjacent dirt catch elements can be designed differently in a row. Furthermore, it is ensured by such freestanding dirt catching elements that capillary effects between adjacent elements and thus the binding of liquid in the dirt catching elements are largely avoided. This makes the vacuum cleaner nozzle more hygienic to handle.

Depending on the size and configuration of the nozzle, the dirt-catching elements can be aligned in one or more, preferably staggered, rows to the suction mouth. With an array of multiple staggered rows, the debris on the front row is deflected and moved in the direction of the nozzle center. The subsequent series of dirt trap elements deflects the dirt particles on. The dirt particles are deflected with the support of the upcoming air flow preferably to the nozzle mouth out. Dust particles, which are already located after a successful deflection in front of a hollow area, are thus retained in the cavity during a return movement R2 of the nozzle. The dirt particles are thus conveyed closer and closer to the nozzle mouth, similar to a pilgrim step method. By an arrangement of the dirt catch elements in staggered rows will eventually Also, the air flow from the suction mouth in the center of the nozzle held, and thus allows an effective suction of the particles through the suction mouth.

Depending on the arrangement or position of the arrangement of the dirt-catching elements on the nozzle, these dirt-catching elements can be arranged wholly or partially substantially perpendicular to the nozzle sole. A vertical arrangement of the dust catching elements also has the advantage that in the manufacture of the nozzle simple device means suffice.

Alternatively, the dirt trapping elements can be at least partially cranked and / or arranged at an angle α to the nozzle sole. Dust catching elements, which are decoupled or arranged at an angle to the nozzle sole, have the advantage, by virtue of their greater extent, of being able to form larger-scale hollow areas acting as dirt traps. In addition, such dirt catching elements have a lower, yielding rigidity, and this property is advantageous in particular in the cleaning of sensitive and / or uneven surfaces.

The above embodiments of cranked or angularly arranged dirt-catching elements also have the advantage that at least part of the dirt-catching elements are laterally projectable from the base surface formed by the nozzle head and / or nozzle sole, so that a facilitated edge suction is realized. As a result, a dust receptacle from corners or on walls and baseboards is ensured along without touching the nozzle head with the wall or the furniture in an advantageous manner.

Appropriately, the ends of the dirt trapping elements form a predominantly flat surface, whereby stroke-dependent and based on the floor surface to be cleaned an extremely effective dirt trap is formed. By a flat configuration of the ends, in addition to a safe entrainment of the dirt particles in the hollow region, a polishing of the soil surface is advantageously achieved in the return movement.

To achieve different stiffnesses, at least individual dirt-catching elements can have slots and / or recesses. Different stiffnesses of individual dirt traps can be most easily with slots or recesses achieve different size. Also, in a simple manner, the rigidity of a dirt trap element (further) can be reduced.

Insofar as the dirt traps consist at least partially of a soft component, this has lower friction against a floor covering advantage. Also prevent protruding elements made of soft components advantageous scratching of furniture, as is usually observed in Ecksaugen through the nozzle head usually. Furthermore, dirt-collecting elements formed from soft components advantageously leave no traces of abrasion on the surfaces.

Conveniently, at least part of the dirt trapping elements with the nozzle sole are made in one piece, in particular in a 1K or 2K plastic injection molding process, in a cost-effective and easy to assemble manner. For example, individual dirt-catching elements may be injection-molded onto the nozzle sole in an injection molding process, which increases the ease of assembly due to the one-piece effect achieved thereby. Optionally, the nozzle sole may be made of a different material than any or all of the dirt traps. The nozzle sole then consists, for example, of a hard component and the dirt-catching elements at least partially of a soft component. The choice of materials with different degrees of hardness for different areas of the nozzle allows a versatile integration into functionalities in a nozzle. For example, portions of the nozzle sole may be made of PP, PP-GF or the like. The individual elements, however, can be made of TPE, PVC, silicone, elastomer or the like, for example. In this way, the stability-determining regions of the carrier part can be defined with regard to their strength-determining function; At the same time, the individual dirt traps can be sufficiently flexible. In addition, this eliminates after mounting the nozzle sole with the dirt trapping elements further assembly steps, such as the attachment of further stiffening elements, which allows cost savings. Furthermore, can be dispensed with additional assembly steps. Also, the integrity due to the lack of bonding materials, such as adhesives, adds to the reliability of the bristle strip.

Alternatively or cumulatively, to achieve various fiber-absorbing properties, at least a portion of the dirt-trapping elements may be made from individual plastic and / or natural hair bristles consist. With different materials, different, in particular antistatic, properties and / or functionalities such as fold-away regions can also be combined in a simple manner, as well as representing effective color designs.

In particular, the present invention provides a nozzle for floor care appliances which is suitable for coarse as well as fine dirt, on hard floors, as well as on carpets. It is equally suitable as a floor or upholstery nozzle, or as a so-called furniture brush.

embodiment

Further advantages and embodiments are described below with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, to which the present invention is not limited, however, described in more detail.

Fig. 1a

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Bodendüse mit auf einer gezackten Leiste gehalterten Haar-Borsten in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 1b

die Bodendüse gemäß Fig. 1 a in einer Vorderansicht;

Fig. 1c

die Bodendüse gemäß Fig. 1a in einer Unteransicht;

Fig. 1d

die Bodendüse gemäß Fig. 1a in einer perspektivischen Oberansicht;

Fig. 1e

die Bodendüse gemäß Fig. 1a in einer perspektivischen Unteransicht;

Fig. 2a

beispielhaft alternative Ausführungsformen von Schmutzfangelementen in einer Unteransicht;

Fig. 2b

die alternativen Schmutzfangelemente gemäß Fig. 2a in einer perspektivischen Unteransicht;

Fig. 3a

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Bodendüse mit an einer Düsensohle gehalterten Kunststoff-Borsten in einer perspektivischen Unteransicht;

Fig. 3b

die Bodendüse gemäß Fig. 3a in einem vergrößerten Ausschnitt in einer Unteransicht;

Fig. 4a

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Boden- oder Polsterdüse mit seitlich überstehenden Schmutzfangelementen in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 4b

die Boden- bzw. Polsterdüse gemäß Fig. 4a in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 4c

die Boden- bzw. Polsterdüse gemäß Fig. 4a in einer perspektivischen Unteransicht;

Fig. 5

beispielhaft weitere alternative Ausführungsformen von Schmutzfangelementen in einer perspektivischen Vorderansicht;

Fig. 6a

eine als Möbelpinsel ausgebildete Staubsaugerdüse in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 6b

den Möbelpinsel gemäß Fig. 6a in einer Vorderansicht;

Fig. 6c

die Möbelpinsel gemäß Fig. 6a in einer perspektivischen Vorderansicht;

Fig. 7a

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Polsterdüse in einer Unteransicht;

Fig. 7b

die Polsterdüse gemäß Fig. 7a in einer perspektivischen Unteransicht;

Fig. 8

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Polsterdüse; und

Fig. 9

ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Polsterdüse.

They show schematically:

Fig. 1a

a first embodiment of a floor nozzle with held on a serrated strip hair bristles in a side view;

Fig. 1b

the floor nozzle according to Fig. 1 a in a front view;

Fig. 1c

the floor nozzle according to Fig. 1a in a bottom view;

Fig. 1d

the floor nozzle according to Fig. 1a in a perspective top view;

Fig. 1e

the floor nozzle according to Fig. 1a in a perspective bottom view;

Fig. 2a

exemplary alternative embodiments of dirt catching elements in a bottom view;

Fig. 2b

the alternative dirt catching elements according to Fig. 2a in a perspective bottom view;

Fig. 3a

a second embodiment of a floor nozzle with held on a nozzle sole plastic bristles in a perspective bottom view;

Fig. 3b

the floor nozzle according to Fig. 3a in an enlarged section in a bottom view;

Fig. 4a

a third embodiment of a floor or upholstery nozzle with laterally projecting dirt catching elements in a plan view;

Fig. 4b

the floor or upholstery according to Fig. 4a in a side view;

Fig. 4c

the floor or upholstery according to Fig. 4a in a perspective bottom view;

Fig. 5

exemplary further alternative embodiments of dirt catch elements in a perspective front view;

Fig. 6a

a trained as a furniture brush vacuum cleaner nozzle in a side view;

Fig. 6b

according to the furniture brush Fig. 6a in a front view;

Fig. 6c

according to the furniture brush Fig. 6a in a perspective front view;

Fig. 7a

a second embodiment of a cushion nozzle in a bottom view;

Fig. 7b

the upholstery nozzle according to Fig. 7a in a perspective bottom view;

Fig. 8

a third embodiment of a cushioning nozzle; and

Fig. 9

A fourth embodiment of a cushion nozzle.

In the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

Fig. 1a to 1e show a first embodiment of a floor nozzle 1 with eg on a serrated bar (not shown) content Erten, formed for example from hair bristles, dirt catch elements 5 in different views. The execution on a bar advantageously allows the possibility of the dirt trap elements 5 esp. On deep-pile carpet fold away to design. Regardless of a realized or missing foldability have in the feed direction R1 and / or Rückschubrichtung R2 at least a portion of the dirt trap elements 5 away from the suction mouth 4 a such tapered cross-section Q, that on the suction mouth 4 side facing acting as a dirt trap hollow portion 6 is formed , Laterally, preferably at the level of the maximum cross-sectional width Qmax of each dirt-catching element 5, openings 7b realized as recesses for the passage of dirt particles are provided, in particular. During use of the nozzle 1 so depending on the direction of thrust dirt particles are either fed directly to the suction mouth 4 or prevented in acting as a dirt trap hollow portion 6 at the re-exit from the nozzle 1.

Fig. 2a and 2b show by way of example alternative embodiments of dirt trap elements 5 in a frontal or perspective bottom view. Clearly recognizable, dust catching elements 5 can have a wedge 5a, arrow 5c, hemispherical 5d, hyperbolic 5b and / or parabolic 5e cross section. Other freeforms are conceivable, as far as they also act as dirt traps in the context of the invention.

Fig. 3a and 3b show a second embodiment of a floor nozzle 1 with held on a nozzle base 3 dirt trap elements 5 in different, esp. Enlarged, views. Unlike in Fig. 1 illustrated, the openings 7a are now realized by arranged at a distance 7a adjacent dirt-catching elements 5. The individual dirt catching elements 5 may have the same or different geometry. In Fig. 3 is shown, for example, made of plastic, dirt catch element 5b Fig. 2 , Clearly recognizable are a plurality of such preferably designed as plastic bristles 5b dirt catching elements 5 in a plurality of mutually offset rows aligned with the suction mouth 4 out. With an array of multiple staggered rows, the debris on the front row is deflected and moved in the direction of the center of the nozzle 1. The subsequent series of dirt trap elements 5 deflects the dirt particles on. The dirt particles are with support the upcoming air flow preferably deflected towards the nozzle mouth 4 back. Dust particles, which are already after a successful deflection in front of a hollow region 6, are thus retained in the cavity 6 during a return movement R2 of the nozzle 1. The dirt particles are thus conveyed closer and closer to the nozzle mouth 4, similar to a pilgrim step method. By arranging the dirt trapping elements 5 in staggered rows, finally, the air flow from the suction mouth 4 is held in the center of the nozzle 1 and thus enables an effective absorption of the particles via the suction mouth 4. The process described above is in Fig. 3b again illustrated by arrows.

Fig. 4a to 4b show a third embodiment of a floor or a first example of a cushion nozzle 1 with laterally projecting dirt catch elements 5 in different views. It can clearly be seen how at least some of the dirt trapping elements 5 are cranked (in FIG Fig. 4b shown on the left in the image) and / or at an angle α to the nozzle base 3 (in FIG Fig. 4b shown on the right in the picture). As a result, a nozzle 1 can be realized, in which, in particular, the dirt-catching elements 5 of the outer rows project laterally out of the base surface formed by the nozzle head 2 and / or nozzle sole 3, which is esp Fig. 4a is shown clearly. With protruding dirt catching elements 5, a dust receptacle from corners or on walls and baseboards is advantageously ensured along without touching the nozzle head 2 associated with the wall or the furniture. Finally shows Fig. 4b how expediently form the ends 8 of the dirt-catching elements 5 a predominantly flat surface, whereby a highly effective dirt trap is formed depending on the stroke and based on the floor surface to be cleaned.

Fig. 5 shows by way of example further alternative embodiments of dirt catching elements 5 in a perspective front view. It is clearly recognizable how at least individual elements 5 recesses 9a or slots 9b have, which allow the advantageous embodiment of dirt trap elements 5 different stiffness without giving up their dirt trap function.

The dirt catching elements 5 shown in previous figures can be made of hair, synthetic hair or plastic injection elements. They can be held separately or molded on the nozzle head 2 or the bottom plate 3. They can be the same Plastics as said housing parts or made of different plastics, esp. With a 2K injection molding, be made. In this case, in particular made of soft components and / or supernatant elements 5 spare the surfaces to be cleaned or adjacent.

The present invention thus provides a nozzle 1 in particular for floor care equipment, which is suitable for coarse as well as fine dirt, on hard floors as well as on carpets. It is equally suitable as a floor or upholstery nozzle or as a so-called furniture brush.

Fig. 6a to 6c show a designed as a furniture brush vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 in different views. In the furniture brush designed especially for cleaning furniture, the dirt catching elements 5 are preferably arranged in a star shape around the suction mouth 4. This ensures that in any direction in which the furniture brush is guided, the dust and dirt particles are supplied to the suction mouth 4 in a simple and reliable manner. In contrast to a floor or upholstery nozzle, the furniture brush does not require any special running or supporting elements.

Fig. 7a and 7b show a second embodiment of a cushion nozzle 1 in a frontal or perspective bottom view. It can be clearly seen how, in particular, the laterally arranged dirt catching elements 5 can also have different leg lengths. In particular, in the case of rather small-sized nozzles 1 such as a upholstery nozzle, dirt-collecting regions 6 can also be formed laterally, without the need for specially arranged elements 5.

In contrast show FIGS. 8 and 9 However, embodiments of a cushioning nozzle 1 with laterally arranged dirt catching elements 5, which not least facilitate lateral displacement of the nozzle 1 on a cushion. Unlike floor nozzles (cf. Fig. 1 and 3 ), which serve the cleaning of large areas, serve upholstery nozzles to clean and clean mostly small and soft surfaces that are lifted off the floor level, such as seat cushions or sofas. The dirt trap elements 5 are preferably made shorter with respect to a floor nozzle. As a result, improved fiber absorption and alignment of the fabric fiber is achieved.

Based on the teachings of the invention a dirt catch element 5 is understood that the other education and training shown can always be used individually or in combination with each other, even if they should be described in the context of only a particular type of nozzle 1 and / or with other features. In particular, in example Fig. 1 shown strip-shaped configuration with the example in Fig. 3 shown multiple row arrangement of dirt trap elements 5 also be realized within a nozzle 1 combined.

The nozzle 1 according to the invention is equally suitable for receiving coarse as well as fine dirt on hard floors or on carpets. It can be realized in particular as a floor or upholstery nozzle or as a so-called furniture brush.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vacuum cleaner nozzle

2

nozzle head

3

nozzles sole

4

saugmund

5

Dust control elements
5a wedge-shaped dirt catch element
5b hyperbolic dirt catch element
5c arrow-shaped dirt catch element
5d hemispherical dirt catch element
5e parabola-shaped dirt catching element

6

as a dirt catch acting hollow area

7a

by opening realized by distance

7b

through opening realized opening

8th

End of a dirt trap element 5

9a

slots

9b

recess

R1

feed direction

R2

Rear thrust direction

Q

Cross section of a dirt trap element 5

Q _max

maximum cross-sectional width of a dirt trap element 5

Claims (14)

1. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1), in particular for use in a forward direction (R1) and reverse direction (R2), having a nozzle head (2) and a nozzle base (3), in which at least one suction port (4) is implemented, upstream of which at least in the forward direction (R1) are disposed dirt catching elements (5) which are arranged rigidly on the nozzle head and/or on the nozzle base (3) and/or are implemented optionally to be at least partially countersunk into the nozzle head (2), wherein in the forward direction (R1) and/or reverse direction (R2) at least one part of the dirt catching elements (5) has a cross-section (Q) tapering away from the suction port (3), wherein openings (7a, 7b) for the passage of dirt particles are provided to the side of each dirt catching element (5); characterised in that the tapering cross-section (Q) is embodied such that a hollow area (6) acting as a dirt trap is implemented on the side facing the suction port (4).
2. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one part of the dirt catching elements (5) has a wedge-shaped (5a), arrow-shaped (5c), hemispherical (5d), hyperbola-shaped (5b) and/or parabola-shaped (5e) cross-section.
3. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the openings (7a, 7b) are implemented by adjacent dirt catching elements (5) arranged spaced apart (7a) and/or by recesses (7b) in dirt catching elements (5) arranged not spaced apart from one another.
4. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dirt catching elements (5) are orientated in one or more rows, preferably offset with respect to one another, towards the suction port (4).
5. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one part of the dirt catching elements (5) is arranged essentially perpendicular to the nozzle base (3).
6. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one part of the dirt catching elements (5) is implemented as elbowed and/or is arranged at an angle α to the nozzle base (3).
7. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that at least one part of the dirt catching elements (5) protrudes laterally from the footprint formed by the nozzle head (2) and/or nozzle base (3).
8. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ends (8) of the dirt catching elements (5) form a predominantly flat surface.
9. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least individual dirt catching elements (5) have slots (9b) and/or holes (9a).
10. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one part of the dirt catching elements (5) is manufactured as a single part with the nozzle base (2).
11. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one part of the dirt catching elements (5) consists of individual plastic and/or natural hair bristles.
12. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the nozzle (1) is implemented as a floor nozzle.
13. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the nozzle (1) is implemented as an upholstery nozzle.
14. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the nozzle (1) is implemented as a dusting brush.

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