EP2330958B1 - Vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

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

Vacuum cleaner with a dirt collecting container and a suction cup which can be placed on the dirt collecting container, which has at least one suction unit, which is in flow communication with the dirt collecting container via a suction air inlet and a suction air outlet via at least one suction air outlet channel to form a suction air flow, are known in various configurations. The dirt collector is often designed in the manner of a bucket on which the suction head can be placed. In the suction head at least one suction unit is arranged, by means of which the dirt collecting container can be subjected to negative pressure. The dirt collecting container has a suction connection, to which a suction hose can be connected, which carries a suction nozzle at the free end for sucking off a surface, for example a bottom surface. The at least one suction unit generates within the suction head a suction air flow by sucking suction air through the suction air inlet and is discharged via the at least one Saugluftauslasskanal and the Saugluftauslass to the environment.

From the documents EP 0 099 466 A and US 6,219,880 B1 Vacuum cleaner with the features of the preamble of claim 1 are known. They have at least one Saugluftauslasskanal, in which at least one deflecting element is arranged, by means of which the Saugluftströmung can be deflected in the vertical direction upwards or downwards. The noise of the vacuum cleaner can be reduced. However, there is a risk that liquid droplets entrained in the suction air flow accumulate in the suction head in considerable quantities.

Object of the present invention is to develop a vacuum cleaner of the type mentioned in such a way that it operates as quiet as possible, without the risk that collect liquid droplets in considerable quantities in the suction head.

This object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner with the features of claim 1.

By providing at least one deflecting element in Saugluftauslasskanal the noise of the vacuum cleaner can be reduced because the vacuum cleaner operates quietly when the suction between the at least one suction unit and the Saugluftauslass experiences a vertical deflection. Thus, the suction air can not reach the suction outlet directly from the suction unit while maintaining its original flow direction; Rather, the suction air in the region between the at least one suction unit and the Saugluftauslass in the vertical direction, d. h up or down, diverted. Only after such a deflection, the suction air reaches the Saugluftauslass. The noise of the vacuum cleaner can be reduced.

The deflecting element projects upwards from a bottom wall of the suction air outlet channel. In particular, it can be provided that the bottom wall is oriented horizontally in the operating position of the vacuum cleaner, whereas the deflecting element has a vertical orientation. At the deflection element, the suction air is deflected vertically upwards, so it experiences a deflection by 90 °. By means of a further deflection, the suction air can then be directed back to the bottom wall of the Stromauslasskanales downstream of the deflecting element.

Preferably, the vacuum cleaner is designed as a wet-dry vacuum, so that by means of the vacuum cleaner and a liquid can be sucked from a surface. To ensure that liquid droplets emitted by the suction unit can pass through the Saugluftauslasskanal to the Saugluftauslass and not accumulate in considerable quantity in the suction head, the deflection extends only over part of the width of the Saugluftauslasskanals; because this allows the liquid droplets to flow past the deflection without the liquid droplets must undergo a vertical deflection.

It is particularly advantageous if an air guide part is arranged at a distance from the deflecting element, wherein the suction air flow can be guided around the deflecting element in an arc shape by means of the air guiding part. In such an embodiment, the suction air flowing around the deflecting element can be guided in an arcuate manner around the deflecting element in a vertical plane. As a result, the noise of the vacuum cleaner can be kept very low.

It may be provided, for example, that the air guide part is designed as the deflector overlapping vault. The impinging on the deflector suction air is deflected by this vertically in the direction of the vault, where the suction air undergoes an arcuate deflection, so that they can then flow to the suction outlet. The deflection element, in combination with the air guide part, forms a flow labyrinth, in which the suction air flowing from the suction unit to the suction outlet is deflected downwards at least once with a vertical directional component and once with a vertical directional component.

To achieve a particularly effective noise reduction is in a preferred embodiment of the invention on the upstream side of the Deflection arranged a sound-absorbing element. The directed onto the deflecting suction air initially strikes the sound-absorbing element and is then deflected in the vertical direction. The sound-absorbing element can be designed, for example, in the form of an insulating foam.

It can be provided, for example, that the deflection element forms a partition which divides the Saugluftauslasskanal in a first channel portion and a second channel portion, wherein the first channel portion of the at least one suction unit extends to the partition and the second channel portion of the partition to the Suction outlet extends. The dividing wall may, for example, be oriented transversely to the longitudinal walls of the Saugluftauslasskanales and, for example, at least eighty percent, preferably ninety percent of the width of the Saugluftauslasskanales. This ensures that the largest part of the suction air is deflected by the partition in the vertical direction and yet liquid droplets can flow past the side of the partition to get to Saugluftauslass.

Conveniently, a passage is arranged between the deflecting element and a first side wall of the Saugluftauslasskanals, and upstream of the passage is from the first side wall from a baffle from. The passage may be formed, for example, in the form of a gap which extends to the bottom wall of the Saugluftauslasskanals. Through the passage liquid droplets can flow through, without having to be deflected in the vertical direction. Preferably, the baffle is at least as wide as the passage. The baffle covers the passage in the flow direction at least partially and defines in combination with the deflecting a flow labyrinth, which ensures that starting from the suction unit virtually no suction air can flow directly through the passage. The suction air must first flow around the baffle wall.

A particularly effective noise reduction is achieved in a preferred embodiment in that the at least one suction unit has an axial-radial fan, which is surrounded by an annular wall, which is followed by the side walls of the Saugluftauslasskanals. Preferably, the side walls of the Saugluftauslasskanals are each integrally connected to one end of the annular wall. The ring wall represents an effective soundproofing.

Conveniently, a sound-damping element is arranged on the axial-radial fan side facing the annular wall, for example, an insulating foam. In order to fix the soundproofing element, holding elements can be arranged at a distance from the annular wall, and the soundproofing element can be inserted between the retaining elements and the annular wall. The holding elements may be designed, for example, peg-shaped.

Conveniently, the suction head comprises a base plate which carries the at least one suction unit and protrude from the top of the annular wall and the side walls of the Saugluftauslasskanals in the manner of a collar. This increases the mechanical stability of the base plate. The base plate may form the bottom wall of the Saugluftauslasskanals. In particular, can be provided be that the base plate, the annular wall and the side walls form a common plastic molding. It is advantageous if the deflecting element is integrally formed on the base plate.

Preferably, the suction head has an intermediate wall which is arranged at a distance from the base plate and subdivides the interior of the suction head into a suction air space arranged below the intermediate wall and a cooling air space arranged above the intermediate wall, wherein in the suction air space the at least one axial-radial fan and in the cooling air space an air-cooled Electric motor is arranged to drive the axial-radial fan. The intermediate wall forms a mechanical stabilization of the suction head and preferably runs substantially parallel to the base plate. In the area between the intermediate wall and the base plate, the air discharged from the axial-radial fan flows to the at least one Saugluftauslass. Above the intermediate wall of the electric motor is arranged, which drives the axial-radial fan and cooling air can be supplied to the cooling. The intermediate wall thus separates the suction air from the cooling air.

As already mentioned, an air guide part can be arranged above the deflecting element, with the aid of which the suction air can be guided in an arc around the deflecting element. It is advantageous if the intermediate wall of the suction head forms the air guide part. It may be provided, for example, that the intermediate wall is shaped like a vault above the deflecting element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction head on a hood on which a lid is arranged, and the cooling air space divided into a cooling air inlet area and a cooling air outlet area. The hood can engage over the intermediate wall and extend with a jacket area to the base plate of the suction head.

Preferably, the hood defines the at least one suction air outlet and at least one cooling air outlet, and the lid defines at least one cooling air inlet. It is favorable if the cooling air inlets and outlets and the at least one suction air outlet are arranged offset from each other in the circumferential direction.

A particularly high suction power with low noise development is achieved in an advantageous embodiment in that the suction head has at least two suction units, which are connected via a funnel-shaped suction air inlet channel with a common suction air inlet. For example, three suction units may be used, which are connected via the funnel-shaped suction air inlet channel to a single suction air inlet, which is in flow connection with the dirt collection container. By using two or more suction units, a very high suction power is achieved. The suction air sucked in by the suction units can preferably be guided via two Saugluftauslasskanäle to Saugluftauslässe, where it undergoes a vertical deflection in the Saugluftauslasskanäle by providing each of a deflection element for noise reduction.

Figur 1:

eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugers mit einem Schmutzsammelbehälter und einem Saugkopf;

Figur 2:

eine Seitenansicht des Saugkopfes aus Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine Draufsicht auf den Saugkopf aus Figur 1;

Figur 4:

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 4-4 in Figur 3;

Figur 5:

eine schematische Darstellung des Saugkopfes aus Figur 1 nach Art einer Explosionszeichnung und

Figur 6:

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Grundplatte des Saugkopfes.

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

FIG. 1:

a side view of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention with a dirt collecting container and a suction head;

FIG. 2:

a side view of the suction head FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3:

a plan view of the suction head FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4:

a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5:

a schematic representation of the suction head FIG. 1 in the manner of an exploded view and

FIG. 6:

a perspective view of a base plate of the suction head.

In FIG. 1 schematically, an inventive vacuum cleaner 10 is shown with a dirt collecting container 11 which is movable by means of a chassis 12, and on which a suction head 13 is placed. The chassis 12 has a push bar 15 for moving the vacuum cleaner 10 along a floor surface.

Like from the FIGS. 2 to 6 becomes clear, the suction head 13 comprises a base plate 17 which carries three suction units 18, 19 and 20, and on the underside, facing the dirt collecting container 11, a funnel-shaped Saugeinlassteil 22 is releasably held. The suction inlet part 22 is substantially triangular in plan view and has rounded corner areas. Two side portions 23, 24 are straight, whereas a third side region 25 has a concave indentation 26. In the amount of indentation 26, a suction port 28 is disposed on the dirt collecting 11, to which a known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing suction hose can be connected, which can carry at its free end a suction nozzle for sucking a surface.

The suction inlet part 22 has a suction inlet 30 on an end wall 29 facing the dirt collecting container 11. About the suction inlet 30 of the dirt collecting 11 can be acted upon by the suction units 18, 19 and 20 with negative pressure.

The base plate 17 has for each suction unit 18, 19 and 20, a cylindrical recess 32, 33 and 34, in which an end-side end portion of the respective suction unit 18, 19 and 20 can be used. The depressions 32, 33 and 34 each comprise a central suction opening 35, 36, 37, via which the suction units 18, 19 and 20 are in flow connection with the suction inlet part 22.

On the upper side of the base plate 17 is a ring-shaped annular wall 39 with a first annular wall portion 40 which completely surrounds the recesses 32 and 33 in the circumferential direction with the exception of a respective free space 42 and 43, and with a second annular wall portion 45 which the recess 34 their side facing away from the first annular wall portion 40 surrounds. At a first end 47 of the first annular wall portion 40, a first side wall 48 of a first Saugluftauslasskanals 49 is formed, the second side wall 50 is integrally formed on a first end 51 of the second annular wall portion 45.

The second end 54 of the second annular wall portion 45 is integrally connected to a first side wall 55 of a second Saugluftauslasskanals 56, the second side wall 57 is integrally formed on a second end 58 of the first annular wall portion 40. This is especially true FIG. 6 clear. The bottom wall of the first Saugluftauslasskanals 49 is formed as well as the bottom wall of the second Saugluftauslasskanals 56 of the base plate 17.

In the first Saugluftauslasskanal 49, a first deflecting element in the form of a first partition 61 is arranged, which extends substantially transversely to the two side walls 48, 50 of the first Saugluftauslasskanals 49 and is integrally formed on the first end 51 of the second annular wall portion 45. The width of the first partition wall 61 is smaller than the width of the first Saugluftauslasskanals 49, i. smaller than the distance between the first side wall 48 and the second side wall 50, so that between the free end of the first partition wall 61 and the first side wall 48 of the first Saugluftauslasskanals 49, a first gap-shaped passage 62 is arranged.

In a corresponding manner, in the second Saugluftauslasskanal 56 transverse to the side walls 55 and 57, a second deflecting element in the form of a second partition 64 is arranged, which is integrally formed on the second end 58 of the first annular wall portion 40. The width of the second partition wall 64 is less than the width of the second Saugluftauslasskanals 56, ie, it is less than the distance between the first side wall 55 and the second side wall 57 of the second Saugluftauslasskanals, so that between the free end of the second partition 64 and the first Side wall 55, a gap-shaped second passage 65 is formed.

Between the first passage 62 and the recess 32 adjacent free space 42, a first baffle wall is arranged, which covers the first passage 62 and is integrally connected to the first end 47 of the first annular wall portion 40.

In a corresponding manner, a second baffle 68, which covers the second passage 65, is formed between the second passage 65 and the recess 34 at the second end 54 of the second annular wall section 45.

On the recesses 32, 33 and 34 side facing the base plate 17 spaced from the annular wall sections 40 and 45 and spaced from the partitions 61 and 64 a plurality of spaced-apart retaining pins. Between the retaining pin and the annular wall sections 40 and 45, as well as between the retaining pin and the partitions 61 and 64, a sound insulating used in the form of insulating foam 72 and 73. The insulating foam 72, 73 thus clothes the annular wall sections 40 and 45 and the partitions 61 and 64 inside out.

On the base plate 17, an intermediate wall 75 is mounted with through holes 76, 77 and 78, in each of which one of the suction units 18, 19 and 20 can be used. Above the first partition wall 61, the intermediate wall 75 forms a first air guide part in the form of a first arch 81, which covers the first partition wall 61. Above the second partition wall 64, the intermediate wall 75 forms a second air guide part in the form of a second arch 82, which covers the second partition wall 64. The first arch 81 forms in the region of the first partition 61, a top wall of the first Saugluftauslasskanals 49, and the second arch 82 forms in the region of the second partition wall 64 from a top wall of the second Saugluftauslasskanals 56.

On the intermediate wall 75 of the suction head 13, a hood 85 is placed, which has a parallel to the intermediate wall 75 extending ceiling wall 86 from which a jacket 87 facing the dirt collector 11 projects downwards. The jacket 87 surrounds the intermediate wall 75 and also the base plate 17. At the level of the first Saugluftauslasskanals 49, the jacket 87 has a first Saugluftauslass 89 which is covered by a grid 90, and at the level of the second Saugluftauslasskanals 56, the jacket 87 has a second Saugluftauslass 91, which is covered by a grid 92. In the circumferential direction between the first Saugluftauslass 89 and the second Saugluftauslass 91 of the jacket 87 defines a cooling air outlet 94 which is covered by a grid 95.

On the hood 85, a lid 98 of the suction head 13 is placed. The cover 98 defines a first cooling air inlet 99 and a second cooling air inlet 100 which, relative to the circumferential direction of the cover 98, are each arranged on the side of a suction air outlet 89 or 91 facing away from the cooling air outlet 94.

The interior of the suction head 13 is subdivided by the intermediate wall 75 into a suction air space arranged between the intermediate wall 75 and the base plate 17 and a cooling air space arranged between the intermediate wall 75 and the cover 98. The latter is arranged by the top wall 86 of the hood 85 in a between the top wall 86 and the lid 98 Cooling air inlet area and a arranged between the ceiling wall 86 and the intermediate wall 75 cooling air outlet area divided.

On its underside facing away from the cover 98, the suction head 13 carries at the suction inlet 30 a filter basket 102, which surrounds a float 103 and in turn is surrounded by a filter element 104. By means of the float 103, the suction inlet 30 can be closed and opened in dependence on the level of the dirt collecting container 11, and by means of the filter element 104, the dirt-laden suction air sucked into the dirt collecting container 11 can be filtered. Such floats 103 and filter elements 104 are known per se to those skilled in the art and therefore require no further explanation in the present case.

The suction units 18, 19 and 20 each include a forced-air-cooled electric motor 106, 107 and 108, respectively, which drives an axial-radial fan 110, 111 and 112, respectively. The respective axial-radial fan 110, 111 or 112 dips into the associated recess 32, 33 or 34 of the base plate 17 and extends up to the level of the intermediate wall 75. Above the intermediate wall 75, the electric motors 106, 107, 108 are arranged, wherein these on their respective axial-radial fan 110, 111, 112 facing away from the back each carry a fan, which is not shown in the drawing to achieve a better overview. By means of the fan wheel cooling air can be sucked from the arranged between the top wall 86 and the lid 98 cooling air inlet area. The cooling air then flows axially along the corresponding electric motor 106, 107, 108 and is discharged again in the cooling air outlet region between the top wall 86 and the intermediate wall 75. turned suction The cooling air may be transmitted via the cooling air inlets 99 and 100, and the cooling air is discharged via the cooling air outlet 94.

During operation of the vacuum cleaner 10, a strong suction air flow is achieved by means of the three suction units 18, 19 and 20. The suction air is sucked by the axial-radial fans 110, 111 and 112 in the axial direction and discharged radially. It then flows via Saugluftauslasskanäle 49 and 56 to Saugluftauslässen 89 and 91, and can be discharged through this to the environment. Within the Saugluftauslasskanäle 49 and 56, the suction air strikes the first partition wall 61 and the second partition 64 and experiences at this a deflection in the vertical direction, so that they are arranged on the above the first partition 61 first vault 81 and on the above second partition 64 disposed second vault 82 of the intermediate wall 75 meets. At the vaults 81 and 82, the suction air undergoes an arcuate deflection in the direction of the respectively adjacent Saugluftauslass 89 and 91st

The vertical deflection of the suction air in the region of Saugluftauslasskanäle 49 and 56 by means of the partitions 61 and 64 has a considerable noise reduction. The vacuum cleaner 10 is therefore characterized by a relatively low noise from at the same time high suction power.

The vacuum cleaner 10 is designed as a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. Thus, liquid can also be sucked into the dirt collecting container 11. Individual liquid droplets can pass through the filter element 104 and the axial-radial fans 110, 111 and 112 on top of the base plate 17 arrive. In order to ensure that these liquid droplets can then escape from the suction head 13, the passages 62 and 65 are provided, which can be flowed through by the liquid droplets without the liquid droplets having to undergo a vertical deflection for this purpose. However, in order to ensure that suction air can not reach a considerable amount directly from the axial-radial fans 110, 111 and 112 through the passages 62 and 65 to the Saugluftauslässen 89 and 91, in front of the passages 62 and 65 each have a baffle 68th arranged. In combination with the partitions 61, 64 and the side walls 48, 50 and 55, 57 of Saugluftauslasskanäle 49 and 56 and in combination with the vaults 81 and 82 form the baffles 68 a labyrinth-like flow system, within which the suction air multiple deflection in Vertical direction, and flowing through liquid droplets undergo a deflection in the horizontal direction.

An additional noise insulation, in particular in the area of the baffles 68 and the partition walls 61 and 64, is achieved by the inside lining of these walls by means of the Dämmschaumes 72, 73. This insulating foam absorbs a considerable part of the sound energy and thus contributes to noise reduction.

Claims (14)

1. Vacuum cleaner (10) with a dirt collection container (11) and a suction head (13) which is positionable on the dirt collection container (11) and comprises at least one suction unit (18, 19, 20) which for formation of a flow of suction air is in flow connection via a suction air inlet (30) with the dirt collection container (11) and via at least one suction air outlet channel (49, 56) with a suction air outlet (89, 91); wherein at least one redirection element (61, 64) is arranged in the at least one suction air outlet channel (49, 56), and the flow of suction air can be redirected upwards or downwards in the vertical direction by means of the redirection element (61, 64), and wherein the redirection element (61, 64) protrudes upwards from a bottom wall (17) of the suction air outlet channel (49, 56); characterized in that the redirection element (61, 64) only extends over part of the width of the suction air outlet channel (49, 56).
2. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that an air guide part (81, 82) is arranged at a distance from the redirection element (61, 64), and the flow of suction air can be guided in the shape of an arc around the redirection element (61, 64) by means of the air guide part (81, 82).
3. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the air guide part (81, 82) is configured as an arch (81, 82) covering the redirection element (61, 64).
4. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that a sound insulation element (72, 73) is arranged on the upstream side of the redirection element (61, 64).
5. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the redirection element forms a separating wall (61, 64) which divides the suction air outlet channel (49, 56) into a first channel section and a second channel section, the first channel section extending from the at least one suction unit (18, 19, 29) to the separating wall (61, 64) and the second channel section extending from the separating wall (61, 64) to the suction outlet (89, 91).
6. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a passage (62, 65) is arranged between the redirection element (61, 64) and a first side wall (48, 55) of the suction air outlet channel (49, 56), and upstream from the passage (62, 65) an impact wall (67, 68) protrudes from the first side wall (48, 55) of the suction air outlet channel (49, 56).
7. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one suction unit (18, 19, 20) comprises an axial-radial fan (110, 111, 112) which is surrounded by an annular wall (39) adjoined by the side walls (48, 50, 55, 57) of the suction air outlet channel (49, 56).
8. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that a sound insulation element (72, 73) is arranged on the side of the annular wall (39) facing the axial-radial fan (110, 111, 112).
9. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the suction head (13) comprises a base plate (17) which carries the at least one suction unit (18, 19, 20), and from the upper side of which the annular wall (39) and the side walls (48, 50, 55, 57) of the suction air outlet channel (49, 56) protrude in the manner of a collar.
10. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the suction head (13) has an intermediate wall (75) which is arranged at a distance from the base plate (17) and divides the interior of the suction head (13) into a suction air space arranged below the intermediate wall (75) and a cooling air space arranged above the intermediate wall (75), the at least one axial-radial fan (110, 111, 112) being arranged in the suction air space, and an electric motor (106, 107, 108), cooled by external air, for driving the axial-radial fan (110, 111, 112) being arranged in the cooling airspace.
11. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the intermediate wall (75) forms a hood-like air guide part (81, 82) covering the redirection element (61, 64) for guiding the flow of suction air around the redirection element (61, 64).
12. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the suction head (13) comprises a hood (85) on which a lid (98) is arranged, and which divides the cooling air space into a cooling air inlet area and a cooling air outlet area.
13. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the hood (85) defines the at least one suction air outlet (89, 91) and at least one cooling air outlet (94), and in that the lid (98) defines at least one cooling air inlet (99, 100).
14. Vacuum cleaner (10) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction head (13) comprises at least two suction units (18, 19, 20) which are connected by way of a funnel-shaped suction inlet part (22) to the common suction air inlet (30).

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