EP3491988B1 - Click nozzle - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement and comprises a vacuum cleaner nozzle for forming a first suction configuration and an expansion nozzle for forming a second suction configuration, which has a receptacle for connection to the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

Vacuum cleaner nozzles are used to shape and guide a flow of suction air on surfaces to be cleaned. The suction air flow is generated by a vacuum cleaner by means of a fan and enters a suction air duct through the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The suction air flow pulls dirt particles from the surface to be cleaned and carries them with them until they are separated from the suction air flow in a dirt collecting device. Depending on the area of application, different nozzle shapes have emerged, for example vacuum cleaner nozzles for smooth floors and / or carpets, upholstery nozzles, crevice nozzles, etc., which must be carried and provided for the different cleaning scenarios.

In order to reduce the effort involved, it is known to design vacuum cleaner nozzles so that they can be adapted to several application situations, for example in such a way that the floor clearance of the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be switched between a smooth floor position and a carpet floor position by means of adjustable spacer elements. However, the changes in geometry that can be achieved in this way - in particular the sliding sole and the suction mouth - are very limited. Therefore, modular vacuum cleaner nozzle systems have also been proposed, in which a small vacuum cleaner nozzle can be used in an extension body to form a larger overall nozzle.

For example, from EP 1 364 608 A2 a modular vacuum cleaner nozzle with a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle and a mini nozzle which can be used therein is known.

In order to expand the area of application of a modular nozzle, beats EP 2 636 349 A1 before, several expansion stages of a modular nozzle, which can be connected in parallel next to one another and / or in series one behind the other to a base body. The various connection points involve a great deal of design effort and a high susceptibility to faults. The cleaning configurations that can be achieved in this way are only of limited use.

Against this background, the invention is based on the object of specifying a system of vacuum cleaner nozzles which is intended to provide a large number of different suction configurations with little design effort and little use of material. These should be extremely robust and also suitable for professional use.

The object of the invention and solution to this problem is a vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement according to claim 1. Preferred developments are specified in the dependent subclaims.

The generic vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement from which the invention is based comprises a vacuum cleaner nozzle for forming a first suction configuration with a nozzle body, a suction mouth arranged on the underside thereof and connected to a suction channel, which defines a first working width, and a suction connection piece for connecting the suction channel to a suction air guide. Furthermore, it comprises a first extension nozzle for forming a second suction configuration with a first extension body, a suction mouth arranged on the underside thereof and connected to a suction channel, which defines a second working width that is larger than the first working width, and a receptacle for connection to the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the suction channel of the first extension body being connectable to the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. According to the invention, a second expansion nozzle is provided for forming a third suction configuration with a second expansion body, the dimensions of which differ from the first expansion body, a suction mouth arranged on the underside thereof and connected to a suction channel, and a receptacle for connection to the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the suction channel of the second Extension body can be connected to the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

Within the scope of the vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement according to the invention, a total of at least three different suction configurations can be implemented. On the one hand, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be used directly for suction cleaning, a suction air stream being drawn off from a surface to be cleaned and introduced through the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle into its suction channel and passed on to a suction air duct via the suction connection piece. Before different cleaning scenarios - especially if a larger working width is required - the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be connected to the holder of a first extension body. Here, the suction air duct is designed in such a way that the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle is connected to the suction channel of the first extension body. At least the majority of the suction air flow entering the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle has therefore previously passed through the suction mouth of the first extension body and the suction channel connected to it. The cleaning properties of this in the context of the second suction configuration The overall arrangement formed is largely determined by the first extension body and its suction mouth design.

Within the scope of the invention it is provided that, as an alternative to the first extension body, a second extension body can also be connected to the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The suction air duct is also connected to the second extension body in such a way that the major part of the suction air flow through the suction mouth of the second extension body enters the suction channel arranged behind it and is forwarded from there into the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The second expansion nozzle has a geometry that differs from the first expansion nozzle, as a result of which other cleaning scenarios can preferably be processed in the context of the third suction configuration. In particular, it can be provided that the suction mouth of the second extension body defines a third working width that is larger than the second working width. Compared to the second suction configuration, even wider webs can be suctioned off on a surface to be cleaned, which can be helpful in particular depending on the particle size distribution of the dirt to be removed and the number of square meters of the surface to be cleaned.

Alternatively or additionally, however, the geometry of the third suction configuration can differ from the second suction configuration in other aspects. For example, an enlarged base area of the second extension body can be provided, a greater depth in the working direction or, for example, also a modified sliding sole design, which is optimized for use on certain floor coverings, for example carpets, in particular deep-pile carpets.

Compared to vacuum cleaner nozzle systems, in which several complete, interchangeable, specialized vacuum cleaner nozzles are provided, there is considerable material savings within the scope of the invention. In particular in the area of the suction connection piece and its articulated connection to the body of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, a double design on different vacuum cleaner nozzles is avoided. In accordance with the reduction in material, the vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement can also be transported more easily due to the reduced space requirement, which is particularly advantageous for professional use. Compared to the configuration of a vacuum cleaner nozzle with several extensions that can be used in parallel and in series, the effectiveness and stability of the respective suction configurations can be increased within the scope of the invention. The advantage here is that there is only a single connection point at the connection between the receptacle of the extension body and the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Correspondingly, possible incorrect air flows occur at only one transition point, which can also be sealed with less constructional and material expenditure.

The receptacle of the first extension body and / or the receptacle of the second extension body preferably has a sealing element. As a result, a seal is provided in the connected state in order to avoid incorrect air flows. With a seal, almost the entire suction air flow can be directed through the suction mouth and the suction channel of the corresponding extension body.

The invention can particularly preferably be used in vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangements in which the vacuum cleaner nozzle is in the transverse direction has a greater extension than in the working direction. A particularly stable connection to a vacuum cleaner nozzle and the extension bodies is possible here. The suction air duct can also be designed better because the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle already has a large transverse extension. As a result, the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be particularly easily connected to the suction air duct of a crosswise wider extension nozzle.

The receptacles of the first expansion nozzle and the receptacle of the second expansion nozzle are expediently of identical design. In this way, a particularly easy interchangeability of the two extension nozzles is ensured, and the connection to the vacuum cleaner nozzle can function optimally and equally well in both cases.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle of the first extension nozzle and / or the receptacle of the second extension nozzle enclose the vacuum cleaner nozzle in the connected state in the horizontal plane (that is to say in the transverse direction and in the working direction) in a form-fitting manner. The positive connection is particularly preferably produced by the fact that the receptacle of the first extension nozzle and / or the receptacle of the second extension nozzle abuts the vacuum cleaner nozzle all around in the horizontal plane. As a result, optimal power transmission can take place both in the transverse direction and in the working direction. The vacuum cleaner nozzle from the receptacles is inserted in the vertical direction. In the case of a form-fitting receptacle, a certain seal is already provided, so that an additional sealing element to avoid incorrect air flows can be omitted.

Particularly expediently, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be locked in the receptacle of the first extension nozzle and / or in the receptacle of the second extension nozzle in the vertical direction by means of a latching connection. In the case of a latching connection, at least one latching body is deformed and / or displaced by the insertion of the vacuum cleaner nozzle into the receptacle, the latching body being at least partially deformed and / or displaced back in the receptacle when the final receiving position of the vacuum cleaner nozzle is reached, as a result of which the vacuum cleaner nozzle is shaped in the receptacle - And / or is held non-positively.

For example, the latching connection can be formed by an elastically deformable retaining strip, which is pushed aside when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is inserted into the receptacle and, after reaching the final receptacle position, at least partially deforms within the receptacle. To remove the vacuum cleaner nozzle from the receptacle, increased effort must be exerted in order to deform the holding bar again. A separate release is not necessary.

Likewise, the locking connection can be provided by an undeformable locking body which is slidably mounted on the receptacle. The latching body is pressed into the receptacle by an elastic application of force in such a way that the vacuum cleaner nozzle has a certain excess compared to the receptacle reduced by the latching body. When the vacuum cleaner nozzle is pushed in, the locking body is pushed back by the vacuum cleaner nozzle against the application of force, so that the locking body clears the way into the receptacle. After reaching the final receiving position of the vacuum cleaner nozzle in the receptacle - the second or third suction configuration being formed - the locking body can are at least partially moved back to its starting position, thereby preventing the vacuum cleaner nozzle from being removed from the receptacle, at least by applying force, but preferably by blocking it. In the second case, the locking element must be unlocked by pulling it back out of the locked position in order to be able to remove the vacuum cleaner nozzle from the holder.

In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum cleaner nozzle is delimited in the transverse direction by a first narrow side and an opposite second narrow side. For locking in the vertical direction within the receptacle, the vacuum nozzle with the first narrow side engages behind an overhang of the receptacle of the first extension nozzle or the second extension nozzle. At the same time, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be locked on the second narrow side by a locking element arranged on the receptacle. In this case, the locking in the vertical direction is also released on at least one side by positive locking, which entails little construction effort and high robustness.

The latching element can preferably be unlocked by a switching element, in particular a foot pressure switch. This can be triggered by an operator with his foot with little effort during use in order to be able to remove the vacuum cleaner nozzle from the receptacle of the respective extension nozzle. The latching element and the switching element can preferably be formed in one piece.

At least one thread lifter is preferably arranged on the vacuum cleaner nozzle. This means that it can be used as an upholstery nozzle within the first suction configuration.

Expediently, however, sealing, carrying and / or cleaning elements are also arranged on the first extension nozzle and / or on the second extension nozzle. In particular, these can be bristle strips, sealing lips, thread lifters and / or rubber strips and / or lips which are covered with plush thread plush. The effectiveness of the second and / or third suction configuration for specific types and / or sizes of dirt particles can be specifically set by suitable selection.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one roller is arranged on the first extension nozzle and / or on the second extension nozzle. Rollers are also used to support a vacuum cleaner nozzle on smooth hard floors, whereby the floor clearance can be adjusted precisely. At the same time, castors can also be used to ensure automatic adjustment to different floor coverings, at least in limited frames. This is based on the fact that at least narrow casters with a running width of a few millimeters sink into soft carpets and do not develop a load-bearing effect there.

The suction connector is particularly preferably movably arranged on the nozzle body by means of a joint arrangement. The suction connector is pivoted about at least one axis to enable control of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and / or adaptation to the floor. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement further comprises an alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle, which can be connected alternatively to the receptacle of the first expansion nozzle and / or the receptacle of the second expansion nozzle. The alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle can have additional suction openings, which are not included the receptacle can be coupled, and / or have support elements. For example, it is possible to design the alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle in such a way that in the context of suction configurations in connection with the first extension nozzle or the second extension nozzle, a double-joint arrangement is formed, in which the extension nozzle is movable relative to the suction connection piece around two mutually spaced, parallel and transverse pivot axes connected is.

In a further preferred embodiment, the alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle has a nozzle body which is identical to the vacuum cleaner nozzle and a different suction connection piece and / or a different joint arrangement for connecting the suction connection piece to the nozzle body. The vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement according to the invention can be adapted particularly easily for applications with different controllability of the suction configurations by means of correspondingly coordinated suction connection pieces and / or articulated arrangements. Likewise, the same extension nozzles can be used with different suction air routing formats - for example, different pipe diameters of a suction pipe. The alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle also functions as an adapter with its different design of the suction connector. This makes it easier to use in the professional area, where vacuum cleaners from different manufacturers and models are used side by side.

Fig. 1

Eine Oberansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugerdüsenanordnung,

Fig. 2

eine zweite, im Rahmen der erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugerdüsenanordnung gebildete Saugkonfiguration,

Fig. 3

eine dritte, im Rahmen der Erfindung gebildete Saugkonfiguration,

Fig. 4A

eine Unteransicht der Staubsaugerdüse aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 4B

eine Unteransicht der dritten Saugkonfiguration aus Fig. 3 und

Fig. 5

eine zweite Saugkonfiguration entsprechend Fig. 2 mit einer alternativen Staubsaugerdüse.

The invention is explained below with reference to figures which merely illustrate exemplary embodiments. This shows schematically:

Fig. 1

A top view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a second suction configuration formed within the scope of the vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 3

a third suction configuration formed within the scope of the invention,

Figure 4A

a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle Fig. 1 ,

Figure 4B

a bottom view of the third suction configuration Fig. 3 and

Fig. 5

a second suction configuration accordingly Fig. 2 with an alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle.

In the Fig. 1 the individual parts of the vacuum cleaner arrangement according to the invention are shown side by side. The vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement comprises a vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 with a nozzle body 2 and a suction mouth 16 on the underside thereof, not visible in the illustration and connected to a suction channel 17, which defines a first working width a ₁ in a transverse direction x. In the working direction y, a suction connection piece 3 connects to the nozzle body 2. The suction connection piece is fastened to the nozzle body 2 so that it can rotate about a pivot axis running parallel to the working direction y.

Also shown is a first expansion nozzle 4, which has a first expansion body 5 with a suction mouth 7 arranged on the underside thereof and opening into a suction channel 6. The suction mouth 7 defines the working width a ₂ extending in the transverse direction x, which is enlarged compared to the first working width a ₁ . At the top of the first extension body 5, a receptacle 8 is provided for connection to the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. The receptacle is designed so that the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 is held in a form-fitting manner in the working direction y and in the transverse direction x. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 is encircled by the receptacle 8 on three sides. In the case of the vacuum cleaner nozzle inserted into the receptacle 8, the suction channel 6 of the first extension body 5 is connected to the suction mouth of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1.

For fastening in the vertical direction, an overhang 9 is provided on one narrow side of the receptacle 8, which can be gripped behind by a narrow side of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. On the opposite second narrow side of the receptacle 8, a latching element 10 is provided, by means of which the second narrow side of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 can be locked in the receptacle. In the connected state, the latching element 10 holds the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 by positive locking within the receptacle 8. The latching element 10 can be unlocked by a switching element designed as a foot pressure switch 11.

According to the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle arrangement furthermore has a second expansion nozzle 12 with a second expansion body 13 and a suction mouth 15 arranged on the underside thereof and connected to a suction channel 14. The dimension of the second extension body 13 differs from the first extension body 5 in such a way that the suction mouth 15 defines a third working width a ₃ that is larger than the second working width a ₂ . Both the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 and the first extension nozzle 4 and also the second extension nozzle 12 have a greater extent in the transverse direction x than in the working direction y.

On the upper side of the second extension body 13 there is also a receptacle 8 ′, which is identical to the receptacle 8 of the first extension nozzle 4. The vacuum cleaner nozzle is also fixed in the horizontal direction by positive locking. The fixing in the vertical direction by an overhang 9 'and a locking element 10' which can be unlocked by a switching element 11 '.

In the Fig. 1 The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 shown can be used in the context of a first suction configuration without additional attachments and can be connected directly to a suction air duct by means of the connecting piece 3.

Fig. 2 shows a second suction configuration, in which the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 is inserted with its nozzle body 2 into the receptacle 8 of the first extension body 5 of the extension nozzle 4. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 and the first extension nozzle 4 are firmly locked to one another and releasably by positive locking and form a common unit.

In Fig. 3 the third suction configuration is shown in a corresponding manner: Here, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 with its nozzle body 2 is inserted into the receptacle 8 'of the second extension body 13 of the second extension nozzle 12. As a result, a static vacuum cleaner nozzle of particularly large working width a _{3 is} formed.

In the Figures 4A and 4B the undersides of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 and, by way of example, the second extension nozzle 12 are shown. A thread lifter strip 18 connects to the suction mouth 16 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 on the front and rear in the working direction y. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 1 can thus be used in particular as an upholstery nozzle.

In Figure 4B it can be seen that two rollers 19 are arranged on the underside of the second expansion nozzle 12. These allow a suitable floor clearance to be achieved when operating on hard floors. Furthermore, a bristle strip 20 each adjoins the suction mouth 15 on the front and rear. The bristle strip on the front in the working direction has interruptions for the passage of coarse dirt.

In Fig. 5 a further embodiment is indicated. Here, an alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle 21 is connected to the first expansion nozzle 4. This has a nozzle body 2 ′ that is identical to that of the nozzle body 2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 1. This is followed at the rear by an alternative suction connection 3 ', which differs from the first suction connection 3.

Claims (14)

1. A vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) extending an operating direction (y) and in a transverse direction (x) perpendicular thereto, for forming a first suction configuration with a nozzle body (2), a suction mouth (16), which is arranged thereon on the bottom side and is connected to a suction duct (17), and which defines a first operating width (a₁) in the transverse direction (x), and a suction connecting piece (3) for connecting the suction duct (17) to a suction airflow, further comprising a first expansion nozzle (4) for forming a second suction configuration with a first expansion body (5), a suction mouth (7), which is arranged thereon on the bottom side and is connected to a suction duct (6), and which defines a second operating width (a₂) in the transverse direction (x), which is enlarged as compared to the first operating width (a₁), and an accommodation (8) for connection to the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1), wherein the suction duct (6) of the first expansion body (4) can be connected to the suction mouth (16) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1), characterized by a second expansion nozzle (12) for forming a third suction configuration with a second expansion body (13), the dimensions of which differ from the first expansion body (5), a suction mouth (15), which is arranged thereon on the bottom side and which is connected to a suction duct (14), and an accommodation (8') for connection to the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1), wherein the suction duct (14) of the second expansion body (13) can be connected to the suction mouth (16) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1).
2. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensions of the second expansion body (13) differ from the first expansion body (5) in such a way that, in the transverse direction (x), the suction mouth (15) of the second expansion body (13) defines a third operating width (a₃), which is enlarged as compared to the second operating width (a₂).
3. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) has a larger extension in the transverse direction (x) than in the operating direction (y).
4. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the accommodation (8) of the first expansion nozzle (4) and the accommodation (8') of the second expansion nozzle (12) are embodied identically.
5. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the accommodation (8) of the first expansion nozzle (4) and/or the accommodation (8') of the second expansion nozzle (12) encloses the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) in the connected state in the transverse direction (x) and in the operating direction (y) in a positive manner, in particular circumferentially.
6. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) is locked in the accommodation (8) of the first expansion nozzle (4) and/or in the accommodation (8') of the second expansion nozzle (12) in the vertical direction (2) by means of a latching connection (10).
7. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the nozzle body (2) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) is limited in the transverse direction (x) by means of a first narrow side and an opposite second narrow side, that the nozzle body (2) engages with a first narrow side behind a projection (9) of the accommodation (8, 8') of the first expansion nozzle (4) or of the second expansion nozzle (12) for locking in the vertical direction (2), and that the nozzle body (2) can be locked on the second narrow side by means of a latching element (10) arranged on the accommodation (8, 8').
8. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the latching element (10) can be unlocked by means of a switching element (11), in particular by means of a foot-operated push switch.
9. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a thread lifter (18) is arranged on the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1).
10. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one sealing and/or support element (20) is arranged on the first expansion nozzle (4) and/or on the second expansion nozzle (12).
11. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one roller (19) is arranged on the first expansion nozzle (4) and/or on the second expansion nozzle (12).
12. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the suction connecting piece (3) is arranged on the nozzle body (2) so as to be moveable by means of a joint assembly.
13. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly further comprises an alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle (21), which can likewise be alternatively connected to the accommodation (8) of the first expansion nozzle (4) or to the accommodation (8') of the second expansion nozzle (12).
14. The vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the alternative vacuum cleaner nozzle (21) has a nozzle body (2'), which is identical to the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1), and a different suction connecting piece (3') and/or a different joint assembly.

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