EP2328449B1 - Floor treatment appliance with a damping element - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a floor care appliance, in particular domestic vacuum cleaner, with a base body which has at least one space for at least one removable, mobile or detachable functional element such as Staubabscheideeinheit, filter device and / or accessory; with at least one housing part which at least partially closes off the at least one space in the base body, the housing part being movably arranged on the base body; an opening means which releases the at least one housing part from a closed position; and at least one force-generating element, which moves the housing part from a closed position via an opening in an open position; wherein the force-generating element is in operative connection with at least one damping element.

State of the art

There are known on-the-market floor care appliances which store under a cover, a flap or a shutter a Staubabscheideeinheit, filter devices and / or different Kleinzubehör. Using an opening device, drive-less lids can be unlocked and opened by hand. Alternatively, over spring-driven lid are known. In both options, the lid reaches a stop or locked in an end position. A disadvantage of such arrangements is that the lid abuts at high speed in the end position and causes unpleasant noise. In addition, damage to the joint or the stop can occur due to incorrect operation. Furthermore, in the case of a closing operation, the cover can fall unimpeded into the opening means and hit the base body. This has on the one hand in addition to the possibility of injury further to the detriment that loud falling and closing noises occur.

To avoid this is for example from the KR 2002 0056309 A a floor care device is known in which the force-generating element is at least a damping element in operative connection. Such an arrangement of Damping element has the advantage that accelerations as well as delays of the movable housing part are largely uniform and smooth. The known damping element has a single, constant damping force and is thus dimensioned so that the force-generating element moves the movable housing part securely into the end position. However, the known damping allows no realization of progressive or different, especially in the context of the cover movement varying, damping.

task

The invention has the object of developing a ground care device of the type described in more detail so that in particular the disadvantages of said opening and closing operations are eliminated. Next, a suction effect between the lid and the dust bag to be reduced during the opening process. In addition, a cost-effective device is to be provided, largely avoided in the injury and incorrect operation, and preferably additionally noise is reduced.

solution

The solution of the object is achieved by a floor care device having the features of claim 1.

The floor care appliance according to the invention is based on generic floor care appliances in that at least one damping element exerts a resistance force counteracting the force-generating element at least along a part or section of the opening path from the closed position to the open position on the housing part such that either the resistance force increases towards the open position , or the resistance force varies so that the damping element initially a stronger, then normal and then exerts a stronger course of damping, or another cyclic course of damping exerts, so that a speed-reduced approach to the end position is possible.

Depending on the configuration of the damping element, at least one damping element thus exerts a resistance force counteracting the force-generating element at least along a part or section of the opening path from the closed position to the open position on the housing part such that the resistance force increases towards the open position. Such an arrangement causes the mechanical wear on the end stop parts is minimized and a particularly quiet end position is achieved.

Alternatively, in order to achieve different velocity profiles, at least one damping element may exert a resistance force counteracting the force-generating element at least along a part or portion of the opening path from the closed position to the open position on the housing part such that the resistance force varies such that the damping element initially has a stronger, then normal and then again a stronger, or another cyclic course of attenuation exercises. Such an arrangement causes different velocity profiles of the lid to be generated, such as slow opening to reduce the suction between the cap and the dustbag, rapid opening movement in the middle of the sequence of movements for a short opening, and slow approach to the end position Reduction of noise.

• Vorzugsweise übt zumindest entlang eines Teils oder Abschnitts des Öffnungsweges aus der Schließstellung in die Offenstellung wenigstens ein Dämpfungselement auf das Gehäuseteil eine dem krafterzeugenden Element entgegenwirkende Widerstandskraft aus. Diese Ausführung des Dämpfungselements besitzt den Vorteil, dass die Geschwindigkeitsänderungen des Gehäuseteils wenigstens über Teile oder Abschnitte stetig erfolgt und dadurch schlagartige Bewegungen vermieden sind.

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims:

• Preferably, at least along a part or portion of the opening path from the closed position into the open position, at least one damping element exerts on the housing part a resistance force counteracting the force-generating element. This embodiment of the damping element has the advantage that the speed changes of the housing part takes place continuously at least over parts or sections, thereby avoiding sudden movements.

At least one damping element counteracts the force-generating element, at least in one end region of the opening path of the housing part. This is in advantageously ensures a slow and quiet, as well as a smooth reaching the end position. Due to a speed-reduced approach to the end position also experience the bearings, as well as the end stops only low loads.

Depending on the arrangement or position of the damping elements, at least one damping element counteracts the force-generating element over the entire opening path of the housing part. Such an arrangement also has the advantage that the moving housing part largely slides over the entire opening area at a uniform speed.

Expediently, at least one damping element ensures a uniform speed course along a part or section of the opening path of the closed position into the open position. As a result, jerky movements and thus unnecessary loads on the housing part are avoided and achieved a smooth movement pattern.

Depending on the configuration, at least one damping element and at least one force-generating element form a common component. With a summary of a damping element and a force-generating element to a component, a compact component is achieved with a simple structure, and achieved a part reduction. Such combined components are available on the market in different sizes, forces and damping properties.

Preferably, according to the invention, at least one transmission is provided between a damping element and the housing part. As a result, a simple conversion of forces or torques with an adaptation to the given space conditions is possible in an advantageous manner. Next is the implementation of different constructive ways to lift the lid possible with a gear. Furthermore, a standard component of a damping element can be used for different large housing parts.

Appropriately, the transmission is a gear transmission. With a rack gear arrangement, slip-free motion transmission is achieved. The Damping element can be covered under a housing part and is protected from environmental influences, such. For example dust. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to use standard components, both of the damping element and on the moving part.

It is also advantageous if at least one damping element is linearly or rotationally movable. A rotating damping element is advantageously integrated directly into or on the rotary joint. Such damping elements are also known as silicone dampers or rotational brakes known and available on the market with different properties, such as different power consumption, constant braking force and a smooth, smooth movement. Furthermore, designs with limited or unlimited rotation angles are available, as well as with fixed or adjustable braking torque. Optionally, such damping elements are offered with a free return, d. H. in a rotational movement without any braking force. The damping elements are characterized by a compact design, which allow installation in different operating conditions. A linear damping element is advantageous if an arrangement takes place on the side of the housing part. The advantages of the rotating damping elements also apply to the linear versions.

Appropriately, at least one damping element has an adjustment for changing the resistance force over the opening path. Advantageously, here is the resistance to different versions adaptable, such as with or without suction hose. It is also of distribution, that over the life of the damping element, a different resistance force is adjustable.

Appropriately, the at least one damping element is an air, oil and / or silicone damper. This advantageously allows the use of commercially available low-cost standard components. Furthermore, such standard components are already available on the market with force-generating elements and thus combine the functions of a damping element, as well as a force-generating element.

The housing part is a closure element such as a lid, a flap, a blind or a pivoting part. These parts are used when the device is used and are advantageous to facilitate the handling of mobile functional elements.

Appropriately, the damper acts in both directions of movement. As a result, in addition to the opening movement and the manual closing movement is advantageously damped.

The present invention allows a simple design and inexpensive means a high-quality appearance of the movement processes and avoids advantageous unnecessary noise in an opening or closing operation. Furthermore, the end position of moving parts is reached safely.

embodiment

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to two embodiments shown in the drawing, to which the invention is not limited.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines rotierend ausgeführten Dämpfungselements für ein Bodenpflegegerät in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 2

das Dämpfungselement gemäß Fig. 1 an einem geöffneten Gehäuseteil eines Bodenpflegegerätes in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 3

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines linearen Dämpfungselements an einem geschlossenem Gehäuseteil eines Bodenpflegegerätes in einer perspektivischen Ansicht; und

Fig. 4

das lineare Dämpfungselement gemäß Fig. 3 an einem geöffneten Gehäuseteil in einer perspektivischen Ansicht.

They show schematically:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a rotating executed damping element for a floor care device in a perspective view;

Fig. 2

the damping element according to Fig. 1 on an open housing part of a floor care appliance in a sectional view;

Fig. 3

a second embodiment of a linear damping element on a closed housing part of a floor care device in a perspective view; and

Fig. 4

the linear damping element according to Fig. 3 on an open housing part in a perspective view.

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

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a rotating damping element 1 for a ground care device 20 in a perspective view with an output gear 2. Side of the output gear 2 - as shown - two mounting options 3 may be provided. The attachment of the damping element 1 to the base body 4, not shown, via the mounting options 3, for example by means of screws, rivets or clamping. Clearly visible is a flattened on both sides pin 5 of the damping element 1, which is connected to the output gear 2. As an alternative to a power transmission directly via the rotating output gear 2 are further drives such. B. via coupling gear possible.

Fig. 2 shows the damping element 1 according to Fig. 1 on an open housing part 10 of a floor care appliance 20 in a sectional view. The open housing part 10 is formed, for example, as a lid 11, but may also be another component such as an accessory cover (not shown). On the housing part 10 and the lid 11 engages a force-generating element 15, which is supported on the base body 4. Next, a drive gear 13 is attached to the base body 10 or cover 11 via a bearing pin 12. The rotating damping element 1 is gem. Fig. 1 equipped with a driven gear 2 and connected via the gear transmission 14 with the drive gear 2 of the lid 11. The opening or closing movement of the lid 11 is thus transmitted simultaneously to the damping element 1. The damping element 1 is concealed, so that it is largely protected from environmental influences and is not visible to the user. Other design options of the gear transmission 14 are conceivable, such as. B. that only one sector gear is attached directly to the lid 11 and the housing part 10.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a linear damping element 1 in a perspective view, wherein the hinged housing part 10 is in a closed position 21. For better illustration, the side surface of the floor care appliance 20 is shown in broken lines. The linear damping element 1 is a gas pressure spring 22, which has two functions in one component integrated, both the damping element 1 and the force-generating element 15. Gas springs 22 are advantageously characterized by the fact that they can generate the same or different forces via an opening path 36. As a result, the opening process can take place at different speeds. The gas spring 22 is rotatably mounted on one side with the base body 4 of the floor care device 20; on the opposite side of the gas spring 22, it is rotatably connected to the hinged housing part 10.

Finally shows Fig. 4 the linear damping element 1 according to Fig. 3 on an open housing part 10 in a perspective view. By actuating the opening means 30, the lid 11 has been released and moved into an open position 31. The open position 31 of the lid 11 is here the end position 32 of the lid 11. Alternatively, a linear damping element 1 is actuated by a lever which is connected to the lid 11. The removable functional elements 33 of a floor care device 20 are now freely accessible and can be easily removed by the user from the space 34 otherwise obscured by the housing part 10.

The present invention allows a simple design and inexpensive means a high-quality appearance of the movement processes and avoids advantageous unnecessary noise in an opening or closing operation. Furthermore, the end position of moving parts is reached safely.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

damping element

2

output gear

3

mounting option

4

body

5

spigot

10

housing part

11

cover

12

pivot

13

drive gear

14

transmission

15

force-generating element

20

Land maintenance equipment

21

closed position

22

Gas spring

23

component

30

opening means

31

open position

32

end position

33

functional elements

34

room

35

adjustment

36

Opening stroke

Claims (13)

1. Floor treatment appliance (20), in particular domestic vacuum cleaner, having

   - a base body (4) which has at least one space (34) for at least one removable, mobile or detachable functional element (33) such as a dust separation unit, filter device and/or accessory part;

   - having at least one housing part (10) which at least partially closes off the at least one space (34) in the base body (4), wherein the housing part (10) is arranged on the base body (4) such that it can move;

   - an opening means (30) which releases the at least one housing part (10) from a closed position (21); and

   - at least one force-generating element (15) which moves the housing part (10) from a closed position (21) to an open position (31) across an opening path (36);

   wherein the force-generating element (15) is operatively connected to at least one damping element (1),
   characterised in that
   at least one damping element (1) exerts on the housing part (10) a resisting force counteracting the force-generating element (15) along one part or section of the opening path (36) from the closed position (21) to the open position (31), such that

   - either the resisting force on the open position (31) increases,
   or

   - the resisting force varies such that

   - the damping element (1) initially exerts a stronger, then normal and then again a stronger profile of damping,
   or

   - exerts another cyclical profile of damping, such that a reduced-speed approach to the end position is possible.
2. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to claim 1, characterised in that along at least one part or section of the opening path (36) from the closed position (21) to the open position (31) at least one damping element (1) exerts on the housing part (10) a resisting force counteracting the force-generating element (15).
3. Floor treatment appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one damping element (1) counteracts the force-generating element (1) in at least one end region of the opening path (36) of the housing part (10).
4. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one damping element (1) counteracts the force-generating element (15) across the whole opening path (36) of the housing part (10).
5. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one damping element (1) ensures a uniform speed profile along one part or section of the opening path (36) from the closed position (21) to the open position (31).
6. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one damping element (1) and at least one force-generating element (15) form a common component (23).
7. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a gear unit (14) is provided between at least one damping element (1) and the housing part (10).
8. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to claim 7, characterised in that the gear unit (14) is a gear transmission.
9. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one damping element (1) can be moved linearly or in a rotary manner.
10. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one damping element (1) has a setting option (35) for varying the resisting force across the opening path (36).
11. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one damping element (1) is an air, oil and/or silicone damper.
12. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing part (10) is a closure element such as a lid (11), a flap, a shutter or a pivoting part.
13. Floor treatment appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one damping element (1) additionally acts from the open position (31) to the closed position (21).

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