EP2837318A1 - Handle adapter for a vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes a handle adapter (2) for a suction pipe (4) of a vacuum cleaner (1). The handle adapter (2) has a sleeve (12) and a handle (7). In this case, the sleeve (12) comprises a cutout (8) with a length of at least 1 cm. The grip adapter according to the invention can result in better ergonomics for a user and, moreover, a smaller angle between the suction tube and the floor surface to be cleaned can be achieved, whereby the friction between the floor nozzle and the floor is reduced and the user has to expend less force to move the floor nozzle over the floor To move soil.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a handle adapter for a suction pipe of a vacuum cleaner, wherein the handle adapter has a sleeve and a handle.

Background of the invention

Handle adapters for suction pipes of vacuum cleaners are known from the prior art. Thus, the utility model publication DE 20 2011 000 226 U1 a holding device for a vacuum cleaner nozzle with a mountable to a floor nozzle tube to which a guide member via a locking mechanism on the tube is fixable. In the holding device on the pipe connectable with a floor nozzle, a flexible hose is fixed and the guide element is adjustable relative to the hose. As a result, the handle arranged on the guide element is adjustable relative to the tube and the hose and can be adapted to the size of the respective user.

Furthermore, the utility model describes DE 20 2009 001 354 U1 a vacuum cleaner for a vacuum cleaner having a suction nozzle and a pipe formation attached to the suction nozzle and defining a passage in communication with the interior of the suction nozzle. The suction attachment has a first handle extending from the tubing to form a first handle portion separated from the tubing. Furthermore, the suction attachment comprises a second handle extending from the pipe formation between the first handle and the suction nozzle to form a second handle portion separated from the pipe formation. In this case, the first and the second handle are designed so that a user handles the Saugzusatz with both hands in operation.

A handle for a vacuum cleaner is from the published patent application DE 10 2008 055 049 A1 known in which a secondary air device for a vacuum cleaner which includes a valve and a channel, the channel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening connecting the channel with a suction air duct. In this case, the channel comprises an inlet and an outlet section, wherein the inlet section connects the inlet opening with the valve and the outlet section connects the valve with the outlet opening. The channel with its inlet and outlet portion is disposed in the leg of an angular handle, with which the handle is attached to the connecting piece of the suction air guide. More specifically, a support member of the handle is supported by means of a circumferential collar in the region of the outlet opening on the connecting piece of the suction air guide. At its other leg, the handle is held by the user. A similar handle is also from the published patent application DE 10 2011 004 295 A1 known, in which a remote control device for a floor cleaning device is shown. The remote control device comprises a control unit, which is arranged or can be arranged on a handle of the floor cleaning device. The control unit has a manually operable actuating unit for controlling a fan motor of the floor cleaning appliance and transmits detected actuations of the actuating unit in the form of control signals to a receiving unit. The handle is attached to a connecting piece arranged between a suction pipe and a suction hose and protrudes therefrom.

Task according to the invention

The object underlying the invention is to provide an improved compared to the prior art handle adapter for a vacuum cleaner. In particular, suction tubes should be particularly easy to insert into the handle adapter.

Inventive solution

The object is achieved by a handle adapter for a suction pipe of a vacuum cleaner. In this case, the handle adapter on a sleeve and a handle, wherein the sleeve has a cutout with a length of at least 1 cm.

During operation of the vacuum cleaner, suction air typically flows from a floor nozzle into the suction pipe and from there through a suction hose into a vacuum cleaner housing. The suction tube has a medial axis which extends in each section of the suction tube through the geometric center of gravity of the respective cross-sectional area. The planes of the cross-sectional areas are aligned at each point of the suction tube so that the smallest cross-sectional areas result. During regular operation of the vacuum cleaner, a laminar flow of the suction air essentially follows the medial axis. The handle adapter according to the invention can be placed on the suction tube. In its fitted state, the handle adapter is in its operating position. In the operating position of the handle adapter is the suction tube at least partially. The handle adapter has two components: the handle and the sleeve. The handle is preferably shaped so that it can be easily grasped by a user. The sleeve is the area of the handle adapter which is in an operating position within an imaginary envelope surface spaced 5 mm from the outer surface of the suction tube. The handle of the handle adapter includes all areas of the handle adapter, which do not belong to the sleeve, so lie outside of said envelope surface. The sleeve has a distal and a proximal opening. The distal opening is located upstream with respect to the Saugluftstrom and the proximal opening downstream. When the handle adapter is plugged onto the suction tube, the suction tube is inserted into the proximal opening so that it protrudes from the distal opening.

The sleeve has two points on its inner surface which are furthest apart along the medial axis and which are referred to as extreme points. According to their position, there is a distal and a proximal extreme point.

According to the invention, the sleeve has a cutout. A passage mouth of the sleeve is the sectional area of the plane lying at the extreme point perpendicular to the medial axis with the outer surface of the suction tube in the operating position. For the distal extreme point, there is a distal passage opening at the distal opening and a proximal passage opening at the proximal opening for the proximal extreme point. The region of the distal or proximal opening, which lies outside the distal or proximal passage opening and adjoins this as well as from the uncovered edge line of the distal or proximal opening, is the cutout according to the invention. According to their location, there is a distal or a proximal cutout. It is also possible that both a distal and a proximal cutout is present or that a distal goes into a proximal cutout. The length of the cutout is the distance, measured along the medial axis, of the plane of the passage mouth to the point furthest away from that plane on the edge line of the associated aperture. According to the invention, the length of the distal and / or proximal cutout is at least 1 cm.

Especially with vacuum cleaners with high air performance often large diameter intake pipes are used. These large diameters can often be insufficiently grasped by small hands. A projecting from the suction pipe handle can advantageously be designed so ergonomic that results in a high comfort for the user in the use of the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, can be done by the spacing of the handle from the suction tube to adapt to different body sizes of the user. Thus, a smaller angle between suction tube and to be cleaned floor surface can be achieved, whereby the friction between the floor nozzle and floor is reduced and the user must spend less force to move the floor nozzle over the floor. It is achievable by the free-cutting according to the invention that even sections of strongly curved intake pipes can be easily inserted into the handle adapter. Especially with long suction pipes, the cutout according to the invention can allow for easier insertion.

Preferred embodiments

Preferably, the clearance is on average at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, and most preferably at least 25 mm wide. The width of the cutout is measured along a circle perpendicular to the medial axis and through the boundaries of the cutout. The cutout preferably has a sufficient width to easily insert a suction tube in the handle adapter can.

The sleeve according to the invention is preferably formed in sections conical, cylindrical and / or curved. As a result, the sleeve can cling particularly well to similarly shaped suction pipes. In this way, a friction between Suction tube and handle adapter arise, so that the handle adapter can not slip while sucking.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle adapter is made in one piece. Preferably, the sleeve is made in one piece together with the handle of the handle adapter. In this way, the handle adapter can be made very stable and at the same time cost and material saving. However, it is also conceivable that the handle adapter is made in two or more parts, whereby a small size can be achieved during transport of the handle adapter.

According to the invention, it is preferred that the handle adapter is releasably connectable to the suction tube. In this case, the handle adapter can be preferably detached from the suction tube without the use of tools and preferably non-destructive. Thus it can be achieved that the handle adapter can be placed on the suction tube and removed again, for example, to achieve an adaptation to different body sizes of different users. It is also possible to design the handle adapter in such a way that it can no longer be released without destruction or without the use of tools after being plugged on. A non-detachable connection can be particularly robust, so that the handle adapter can be particularly firmly connected to the suction tube. The non-detachable handle adapter can be preassembled, for example, at the factory. However, it is also possible that the handle adapter is packaged in a disassembled state and only assembled by the user. Thus, a particularly low transport volume can be achieved and a vacuum cleaner can be arranged very compactly in a sales package.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle adapter has a latching device for releasable connection with the suction tube. In this case, a latching nose on the handle adapter, preferably the sleeve, be formed. The detent is preferably formed on a latching tongue. The locking lug can preferably engage at least one recess and / or at least one hole of the suction tube and thus lock the handle adapter to the suction tube. Thus, a detachable connection of the handle adapter with the suction tube can be achieved particularly easily. Preferably, the handle adapter has an actuating element in order to release a latched connection of the handle adapter with the suction tube. Particularly preferably, the user can Release locking connection by pressing on the actuating element. Preferably, the latching tongue is designed as a rocker. Thus, a user can lift the locking tongue by pressing on the rocker and thus cause a release of the handle adapter. In this way, the handle adapter is particularly easy to remove.

Preferably, the maximum extent of the handle adapter along the medial axis of the suction tube is at least 5 cm and at most 25 cm. The extension of the handle adapter is measured along the medial axis between the extreme points. Preferably, this extent is at least 7 cm, more preferably at least 9 cm, more preferably at least 10 cm and most preferably at least 12 cm. At the same time, said expansion is preferably at most 20 cm, more preferably at most 18 cm, particularly preferably at most 16 cm and most preferably at most 14 cm. For sufficient attachment of the handle adapter to the suction tube, the handle adapter must have a sufficient length. Too great a length, however, could make the handle adapter unwieldy.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle adapter has a distal cutout. Preferably, the cutout merges into the distal opening. It can thereby be achieved that a particularly long or sections of particularly strongly curved suction tube can be easily inserted into the handle adapter and also easily removed again. Also, tilting and jamming of the suction tube relative to the handle adapter is avoided, so that it is achievable that the handle adapter can be easily removed again.

Preferably, the handle adapter has a proximal cutout. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cutout is connected to the proximal opening of the handle adapter. As a result, the handle adapter can be particularly material-saving and easily produced and at the same time stable.

In one embodiment, it is preferred that the length of the cutout is more than 10% and less than 90% of the length of the sleeve. The length of the sleeve is measured along the medial axis between the extreme points. Preferably, the length of the cutout is at least 20%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40% and most preferably at least 50% of the length of the sleeve. At the same time, the length of the cutout is preferably less than 80%, more preferably less than 70% and most preferably less than 60% of the length of the sleeve. If both distal and proximal recesses are present, the percentages described are preferably independent of each other for each individual cut-out. In a further preferred embodiment, the cutout extends over the entire length of the sleeve from the distal to the proximal opening of the handle adapter. By an adequate length of the cutout, a good adaptation to the curvature and length of the suction pipes used can be achieved with good fixation of the handle adapter on the intake manifold.

It is preferred that the distal and / or proximal cutouts have a length of at least 1.5 cm. Preferably, the length of the distal and / or proximal recess is at least 2 cm, more preferably at least 3 cm, particularly preferably at least 4 cm, particularly preferably at least 5 cm, more preferably at least 6 cm, particularly preferably at least 7 cm and most preferably at least 8 cm.

In a preferred embodiment, the cutout is completely in the half of the sleeve facing away from the handle. The half of the sleeve facing away from the handle preferably faces the ground during operation of the vacuum cleaner. By this arrangement of the cutout curved tubes can be easily inserted into the handle adapter.

In a particular embodiment, the handle adapter has a twist protection. The anti-rotation prevents the handle adapter is placed twisted on the suction tube, which could otherwise jam the handle adapter on the suction pipe. Preferably, the anti-rotation prevents twisting of the handle adapter even after the correct placement of the handle adapter on the suction pipe, especially when the suction process lateral forces acting on the handle.

Preferably, the anti-rotation comprises a tongue and groove connection. By a twisting can be advantageously achieved that the handle adapter is placed in the correct orientation on the suction pipe. Careless putting on otherwise a curved sleeve with a curved suction tube could be misjudged, so that the correct position of the handle adapter is not achievable and also a problem-free removal of the handle adapter is no longer possible.

In a preferred embodiment, there is a groove on the handle adapter, which can cooperate with a spring of the suction tube. In an alternative embodiment, there is a spring on the handle adapter, which can cooperate with a groove of the suction tube. Preferably, the groove is designed as a groove. Preferably, the channel is located in the sleeve. By introducing a groove in the handle adapter, particularly preferably in the sleeve, a twist protection can be particularly easily realized.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the groove is designed as a groove that tapers from the proximal opening. In this way, a particularly secure insertion of the spring can be achieved in the channel. It is also conceivable that a channel is made on the suction tube, which can cooperate with a spring on the handle adapter.

In a preferred embodiment, the cutout occupies at least 10% and at most 70% of the surface area of the overall surface of the sleeve. Preferably, the cut-off occupies at least 20%, more preferably at least 30% and most preferably at least 40%, of the surface area of the overall surface of the sleeve. At the same time, the cut-off preferably occupies at most 60% and particularly preferably at most 50% of the surface area of the overall surface of the sleeve. If there is both a distal and a proximal cutout, then the percentages mentioned for the two recesses apply together. The surface area of the overall surface of the sleeve is the area of the outer surface of the suction tube between the two planes passing through the extremes and oriented perpendicular to the medial axis when the sleeve is in its operative position. The surface area of the cutout corresponds to the proportion of the total surface area of the sleeve against which the cutout rests. The area of the cutout preferably corresponds to the proportion of the radial - with respect to the medial axis - projection of the cutout on the entire surface of the sleeve. By an adequate surface portion of the cutout on the sleeve is sufficient Ensures stability of the plugged sleeve while ensuring that even long suction tubes are easy to insert into the handle adapter.

The sleeve has imaginary circumferential lines extending on the inside of the sleeve in planes perpendicular to the medial axis. In the area of the cutout, the circumferential lines are interrupted. The circumferential lines are preferably substantially each on a circular arc. The midpoint angle of the circular arcs is preferably greater than 180 ° in the region of the cutout, based on a full angle of 360 °. Particularly preferably, the center angle of the circular arcs in the region of the cutout is on average greater than 200 °, particularly preferably greater than 220 ° and very particularly preferably greater than 240 °. At the same time, the center angle of the circular arcs in the region of the cutout is on average preferably less than 358 °, particularly preferably less than 355 °, particularly preferably less than 350 °, particularly preferably less than 340 °, particularly preferably less than 320 °, particularly preferably less than 300 °, preferably less than 280 ° and most preferably less than 260 °. With an appropriate center angle, the suction tube can be easily inserted into the handle adapter and at the same time held securely in the handle adapter.

Brief description of the drawings

• Figur 1 zeigt einen Staubsauger mit einem Griffadapter;
• Figur 2 zeigt den erfindungsgemäßen Griffadapter mit dem Saugrohr in einer Zwischenstellung beim Einführen und in Betriebsposition;
• Figur 3 zeigt den Griffadapter mit einem langen Saugrohrabschnitt beim Einführen und in Betriebsposition;
• Figur 4 zeigt den Griffadapter in einer Ansicht von unten mit dem Saugrohr in einer Zwischenposition und in Betriebsposition;
• Figur 5 stellt den Verdrehschutz in einer rückseitigen Ansicht und eine Ansicht in den Griffadapter dar;
• Figur 6a zeigt die Rasteinrichtung;
• Figur 6b zeigt einen Griffadapter aus dem Stand der Technik;
• Figur 6c zeigt den erfindungsgemäßen Griffadapter; und
• Figur 7 zeigt die Einzelkomponenten der Rasteinrichtung an Saugrohr und Griffadapter.

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

• FIG. 1 shows a vacuum cleaner with a handle adapter;
• FIG. 2 shows the handle adapter according to the invention with the suction tube in an intermediate position during insertion and in the operating position;
• FIG. 3 shows the handle adapter with a long Saugrohrabschnitt during insertion and in the operating position;
• FIG. 4 shows the handle adapter in a view from below with the suction tube in an intermediate position and in the operating position;
• FIG. 5 represents the twist protection in a back view and a view into the handle adapter;
• FIG. 6a shows the latching device;
• FIG. 6b shows a handle adapter of the prior art;
• FIG. 6c shows the handle adapter according to the invention; and
• FIG. 7 shows the individual components of the locking device on intake manifold and handle adapter.

Detailed description with reference to several embodiments

In the following the invention with reference to several embodiments, which do not limit the invention, illustrated in more detail.

FIG. 1 shows a vacuum cleaner 1 with the handle adapter according to the invention 2. The vacuum cleaner 1 has a floor nozzle 3, through which the suction air flows during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 in a multi-part intake manifold 4. The multi-part intake manifold 4 consists in this embodiment of a length-adjustable metal tube 5, in which a made of plastic, upper part 6 of the suction pipe 4 can be inserted. The upper part 6 of the suction tube 4 is inserted into the handle adapter 2 in the illustrated embodiment. The handle adapter 2 has on its side facing away from a handle 7 a distal cutout 8, which is not shown here. From the upper part of the suction pipe 4, the suction air continues to flow into a suction hose 9, which ends in the housing 10 of the vacuum cleaner 1. From the suction hose 9, the air flows into a filter bag, not shown, are deposited in the dust particles in an engine fan unit 11 and is then filtered back to the room air.

In FIG. 2a It can be seen how the upper part 6 of the suction tube 4 is inserted into the handle adapter 2 according to the invention. In this case, the cutout 8 according to the invention, in this case designed as a distal cutout 8, facilitates the insertion of the section-wise curved upper part 6 of the suction tube 4. Figure 2b shows the handle adapter 2 according to the invention with its handle 7 and a sleeve 12 in an operating position. In the operating position of the handle adapter 2 is frictionally connected to the suction tube 4, preferably the handle adapter 2 is locked to the upper part of the suction tube 4.

FIG. 3a clearly shows how longer suction tubes 4 can be inserted through the inventive distal recess 8 in the handle adapter 2. It shows FIG. 3b the handle adapter 2 in its operating position. In addition, the show Figures 2 and 3 the medial axis of the suction tube 4, which extends in each section of the suction tube 4 by the geometric center of gravity of the respective cross-sectional areas. In regular operation of the vacuum cleaner 1, a laminar suction air flow moves substantially along this medial axis.

FIG. 4a shows a view of the handle adapter 2 from below. It can be seen that the distal cutout 8 is located on the side facing away from the handle 7 of the sleeve 12 of the handle adapter 2. FIG. 4b shows the insertion of the suction tube 4 in the handle adapter 2, wherein the distal recess 8 facilitates the insertion of the curved suction tube 4, so that, as in Figure 4c shown, the suction pipe 4 can reach its operating position within the handle adapter 2 without the suction tube 4 is tilted in the handle adapter 2.

Tilting and jamming of the suction tube 4 by a twisted insertion of the suction tube 4 in the handle adapter 2 can often be avoided by a rotation 13. FIG. 5a shows a rotation 13, which is realized here by a connection through groove 14 and spring 15. In this case, there is a spring 15, here designed as elongated nose 16, positioned at the upper end of the suction tube 4, less than 5 cm from the transition of the suction tube 4 to the suction hose 9. When attaching the handle adapter 2 on the suction pipe 4, the spring 15 of the suction tube 4 cooperates with a groove 14 on the inside of the sleeve 12 of the handle adapter 2. The groove 14 is designed as a groove 17. In FIG. 5b an interior view of the sleeve 12 of the handle adapter 2 is shown. Clearly visible here is the groove 17, which is preferably in the handle 7 remote part of the sleeve 12 is located. In this case, the channel 17 at the transition of the channel 17 to the proximal opening 18 of the sleeve 12 is at least 1 cm wide. The channel 17 extends from the proximal opening 18 substantially parallel to the medial axis of the suction tube 4 in the direction of the distal opening 19. The channel 17 tapers from the proximal opening 18. As a result, the channel 17 near the proximal Opening 18 is particularly wide, the suction tube 4 with its spring 15 can be particularly easily inserted into the groove 17. Upon further insertion to the operating position, the spring 15 is then brought by the always tapered groove 17 in the correct position, so that tilting of the suction tube 4 is avoided on the handle adapter 2.

FIG. 6a shows the latching device 20, through which the handle adapter 2 can be releasably connected to the suction pipe 4. In this embodiment, the latching device 20 comprises a latching tongue 21 with a latching nose 24 which can engage in an opening 22 in the vicinity of the upper end of the suction tube 4 and thus prevents slippage of the handle adapter 2 in its operating position. FIG. 6b shows a fixedly connected to a suction tube 4 handle adapter 2 of the prior art, which has no distal recess on its sleeve 12. The in FIG. 6c shown, handle adapter 2 according to the invention, however, has such a distal recess 8, whereby a simple insertion of a suction tube 4 in the handle adapter 2 is made possible. In addition, the handle adapter 2 in the in FIG. 6c embodiment shown releasably connectable to the suction pipe 4. In this case, the handle adapter 2 according to the invention is preferably made in one piece, in order to save production costs and at the same time to allow a high stability of the handle adapter 2 in a material-saving manufacturing manner.

Figure 7a shows the opening 22 in the vicinity of the upper end of the suction tube 4, which can cooperate with a detent 24 of the handle adapter. FIG. 7b shows a locking tab 23 which is made in one piece with the sleeve 12 of the handle adapter 2 and on the inside of the sleeve 12 has a locking lug 24, not shown here, with the in Figure 7a represented opening 22 of the suction pipe can cooperate and can prevent slipping of the handle adapter 2 in the operating position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vacuum cleaner

2

handle adapter

3

floor nozzle

4

suction tube

5

metal pipe

6

upper part of the suction pipe

7

handle

8th

cutout

9

suction

10

Housing of the vacuum cleaner

11

Motor fan unit

12

shell

13

twist protection

14

groove

15

feather

16

elongated nose

17

gutter

18

proximal opening

19

distal opening

20

locking device

21

catch tongue

22

Opening near the top of the suction tube

23

snap tab

24

locking lug

Claims (15)

Handle adapter (2) for a suction pipe (4) of a vacuum cleaner (1), wherein the handle adapter (2) has a sleeve (12) and a handle (7), characterized in that the sleeve (12) has a cutout (8) has a length of at least 1 cm. Handle adapter (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle adapter (2) is made in one piece. Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle adapter (2) is releasably connectable to the suction tube (4). Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle adapter (2) has a latching device (20) for releasable connection with the suction tube (4). Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension of the handle adapter (2) along the medial axis of the suction tube (4) is at least 5 cm and at most 25 cm. Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutout (8) is arranged distally. Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutout (8) is arranged proximally. Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the cutout (8) is more than 10% and less than 90% of the length of the sleeve (12). Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal and / or proximal cutout (8) has a length of at least 1.5 cm. Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutout (8) completely in the handle (7) facing away from half of the sleeve (12). Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle adapter (2) has a rotation protection (13). Handle adapter (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the anti-rotation device (13) comprises a groove (14) and spring (15) connection. Handle adapter (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the groove (14) on the handle adapter (2) which can cooperate with the spring (15) of the suction tube (4). Handle adapter (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that the groove (14) is designed as a groove (17) which tapers from the proximal opening (18). Handle adapter (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutout (8) occupies at least 10% and at most 70% of the surface area of the overall surface of the sleeve (12).

Images