EP3500145B1 - Floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, method for suctioning textile surfaces and vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, which has a textile surface cleaning function, comprising a floor body, a suction head which is arranged on the floor body, and a suction mouth which is arranged on the suction head, the suction mouth having a first boundary wall with a first Suction edge and a second delimitation wall spaced apart from the first delimitation wall with a second suction edge, the first suction edge and the second suction edge being provided for immersion in the textile material of a textile surface, the first delimitation wall having a first inside and a first outside, the second delimitation wall having a second Inside and a second outside, the first inside faces the second inside and a suction opening is formed between the first inside and the second inside, with at least one flow path being formed in the suction head through which air from an area around the floor nozzle can be fed through the suction head to the first suction edge on the first outside and / or the second suction edge on the second outside.

The invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner.

the US 2011/0010886 A1 discloses a surface working head having a main body, a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit relative to the main body between a stowed position and an insert position.

From the EP 2 534 990 A2 a floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner is known which has a suction mouth opening and at least one suction channel extending therefrom, the suction channel being delimited by a suction channel edge at least in a normal direction of movement of the floor nozzle during operation. The floor nozzle is in front of the suction channel edge in the direction of movement the floor nozzle in front of the suction channel edge is assigned a further suction channel edge.

From the EP 0 768 834 B1 a suction nozzle is known which is used for the targeted absorption of solid particles and / or fluids, with at least one lateral opening for a further flow extending in a tangential direction to the suction flow being provided in a suction nozzle tube in the area of a suction opening. The side opening is formed by one or more tabs bent outwards or inwards from the suction nozzle tube.

From the DE 197 06 240 A1 a vacuum cleaning tool with a height-adjustable suction mouth is known.

From the DE 490 980 a vacuum cleaner mouthpiece with two or more ribs or edges on the negative pressure side or inside of the mouthpiece is known. The ribs or edges are arranged one behind the other, perpendicular to the direction of flow of the sucked in air.

The invention is based on the object of providing a floor nozzle of the type mentioned at the outset, which has a high suction effect for textile surfaces and is easy to use.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in the case of the floor nozzle mentioned at the outset in that the suction head has a first base wall, which is connected to the first delimiting wall, and a second base wall, which is connected to the second delimiting wall, with at least one opening on the first base wall is formed as an outlet of the at least one flow path and / or at least one opening is formed on the second bottom wall as an outlet of the at least one flow path.

For the suction of dust particles and the like at the suction opening, an air stream must be able to flow to the suction opening. In the case of a textile surface, the air flow occurs through the textile material of the textile surface. This can lead to a throttling and the like of the air flow. This improves the suction result, especially with dense textile materials worsened. Furthermore, the floor nozzle can be sucked into the textile surface.

In the solution according to the invention, in addition to the flow path through the textile material of the surface to be sucked off, at least one further flow path is formed which is arranged in the suction head. As a result, additional air can be provided at the suction edge via a type of bypass flow.

This means that there is an increased volume flow at the corresponding suction edge and thus a greater transport force is present. This results in an improved suction result.

Furthermore, the suction force of the floor nozzle on the textile surface is reduced. This reduces the pushing force of the floor nozzle on the floor surface and simplifies operability.

In particular, the suction opening is provided for a flow-effective connection to a suction unit, and a negative pressure prevailing at the suction opening drives an air flow in the at least one flow path. When the floor nozzle is connected to a vacuum cleaner and the corresponding suction unit of the vacuum cleaner is in operation, a suction current acts on the suction opening. The corresponding negative pressure then also drives the bypass air through the at least one flow path to the corresponding suction edge or edges on the respective outside.

It is favorable if the at least one flow path has at least one inlet which is arranged on the suction head and / or the base body. As a result, the first suction edge and / or the second suction edge can also be provided with air from the area around the floor nozzle, which air has not previously flowed through the textile material of the textile surface. The corresponding air flow that is provided is much less restricted than the air flow through the textile material of the textile surface. He usually has a shorter route.

It is favorable if the at least one flow path has at least one outlet which is arranged on the suction head and is assigned to the respective suction edge from the first suction edge or the second suction edge. As a result, an increased volume flow can be generated in the area of the first suction edge and / or the second suction edge, which brings about an improved suction result and easier pushability of the floor nozzle.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one outlet is oriented along the respective suction edge and in particular has a direction of longitudinal extension which is parallel to a direction of longitudinal extension of the respective suction edge. In this way, a bypass flow can be fed to the respective suction edge in a targeted manner.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the at least one flow path comprises at least one opening in the suction head which is assigned to the first suction edge and / or comprises at least one opening in the suction head which is assigned to the second suction edge.

The suction head has a first bottom wall, which is connected to the first delimiting wall, and has a second bottom wall, which is connected to the second delimiting wall, with at least one opening being formed on the first bottom wall as an outlet of the at least one flow path and / or at least one opening is formed on the second bottom wall as an outlet of the at least one flow path. The first base wall and the second base wall provide boundary surfaces of the suction head downwards towards the surface to be cleaned. The suction opening is then formed between the first delimitation wall and the second delimitation wall. By arranging the opening or openings in the respective bottom wall, a bypass air flow can be provided in a targeted manner to the first suction edge or the second suction edge.

It is particularly favorable if the first base wall has a first area which is designed as a ramp and / or the second boundary wall has a second area which is designed as a ramp, with the first area in particular adjoining the first suction edge and / or the second area adjoins the second suction edge. This enables an optimized suction result to be achieved. In particular, it can thereby be achieved in a simple manner that the first suction edge and the second suction edge can penetrate into the textile material of the textile surfaces. When designed as a ramp, in particular the first area or the second area lies at a small acute angle to an envelope plane of the first suction edge and the second suction edge, this acute angle being in the range between approximately 6 ° and 15 °.

It is also advantageous if a thread lifter is arranged on the first base wall and / or the second base wall. This results in an optimized suction result.

It is favorable if the at least one opening which is assigned to the first suction edge and / or the at least one opening which is assigned to the second suction edge is spaced apart (based on an edge facing the closest suction edge) in a spacing direction between the first suction edge and the second suction edge to the associated suction edge, which is in the range between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm. It has been shown that this allows an optimized bypass air supply to the respective suction edge to be achieved and thus an improved suction result with easier operability, in particular for textile surfaces with dense textile material.

For the same reason, it has proven to be advantageous if a width of an opening in a spacing direction between the first suction edge and the second suction edge is in the range between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm.

It has also proven to be beneficial to achieve an optimized bypass air flow to the respective suction edge if a total length in a direction parallel to the first suction edge, which is the sum of the lengths of all openings in this direction, assigned to the first suction edge are at least 30% and in particular at least 70% of a corresponding length of the first suction edge and / or if a total length in a direction parallel to the second suction edge, which is the sum of the lengths of all openings in this direction that are assigned to the second suction edge , at least 30% and at least 70% of a corresponding length of the second suction edge. As a result, an additional bypass flow can be provided over a relevant and, in particular, relatively large area of the respective suction edge.

In one embodiment, the first suction edge is assigned a plurality of spaced-apart openings which lie in a row and / or the second suction edge is assigned a plurality of spaced-apart openings which lie in a row. In particular, the row (row) comprises only one column of openings. Adjacent openings are separated from one another by fluid-tight webs.

In one embodiment, an adjusting device is provided, by means of which an air supply can be adjusted via the at least one flow path in the suction head to the first suction edge and / or the second suction edge. This makes it possible to adapt to the respective textile surface. For example, in the case of coarse textile material which is not tight, a corresponding additional flow path in the suction head is not necessary. This can then be blocked accordingly. The setting device can be designed in such a way that an operator can make a setting or that a fixed setting is made when the floor nozzle is manufactured.

In particular, the adjustment device for changing the cross section is at one or more outlets of the at least one flow path to the first Suction edge and / or the second suction edge formed. It is thereby possible, for example, to block or unblock a flow path or it can also be provided that the volume flow through the corresponding flow path can be adjusted between zero and an upper limit by means of a cross-sectional setting.

It is particularly advantageous if the setting device is designed in such a way that an air supply through the at least one flow path to the first suction edge and / or the second suction edge can be blocked. As a result, the bypass air flow can to a certain extent be switched on or off. For example, when "switching off" in a hard surface cleaning function, the drawing in of false air is prevented. Furthermore, when sucking off coarse textile material, for example, the bypass flow can be blocked in order to achieve an optimized suction result for such materials.

In one embodiment, the setting device comprises at least one movable and in particular lockably movable setting element for setting the air supply, which is in particular a slide or is part of a slide. This allows the appropriate setting to be made in a simple manner.

It can be provided that the at least one setting element is a cover element or immersion element for one or more openings of the at least one flow path in the area of the first suction edge and / or the second suction edge. An opening can be completely or partially covered by a cover element. With complete coverage, the flow path is closed and with non-coverage it is completely open. A flow path can also be completely closed or completely open via an immersion element. In the case of an immersion element, if the opening and the immersion element are designed to be appropriately adapted to one another, it can also be achieved, for example, that an immersion depth determines the cross-sectional area with which the opening is open is. In this way, a bypass flow between the limits “completely open” and “completely closed” can also be set in a structurally simple manner.

In one embodiment, the setting device is coupled to a switching device for switching over from the textile surface cleaning function to a hard surface cleaning function, with the at least one flow path automatically relating to the air supply to the first suction edge and / or the second when switching over to the hard surface cleaning function Suction edge is blocked. It can thus be achieved in a simple manner that the at least one flow path is blocked when switching from the textile surface cleaning function to the hard surface cleaning function. In this way, the extraction of false air is avoided in the hard surface cleaning function.

It is favorable if the floor nozzle has a hard surface cleaning function in which a floor contact device is in an operative position and the first suction edge and the second suction edge are in a non-operative position, and a switching device for switching between the hard surface cleaning function and the textile surface cleaning function is provided, through which in particular between an operative position of the floor system device and an inoperative position of the first suction edge and the second suction edge in the hard surface cleaning function and an inoperative position of the floor system device and an operative position the first suction edge and the second suction edge can be switched in the textile surface cleaning function. This results in expanded application possibilities for the floor nozzle; it can then also be used for vacuuming hard surfaces.

It is favorable if the suction head is arranged pivotably on the base body. It can be achieved that the first suction edge or the second suction edge, depending on the thrust direction of the floor nozzle, deeper into the textile Material of the textile surface is immersed in order to achieve an improved suction result.

It is also advantageous if at least one support wheel is arranged on the base body. This results in simple operability with regard to the displacement of the floor nozzle on a surface to be cleaned.

It is also advantageous if the base body has a first part, on which the suction head is arranged, and a second part, on which a connection and in particular a pipe socket (as a connection to a suction hose or a suction pipe) is arranged, the first Part is arranged pivotably to the second part. As a result, an adjustment to different height settings can be achieved in a simple manner, the different height settings being due to different holding heights for example of a suction tube or a suction body of the vacuum cleaner by an operator.

An optimized suction result can be achieved if the suction opening of the suction mouth extends over a width in a width direction transverse to a distance direction between the first suction edge and the second suction edge of at least 95% of a width (total width) of the floor nozzle on the suction nozzle.

When vacuuming textile surfaces with the floor nozzle according to the invention, the first suction edge and the second suction edge penetrate the textile material of the textile surface. The first suction edge and / or the second suction edge is supplied with air from the surroundings of the floor nozzle through the suction head on an outside of the suction mouth.

A volume flow at the suction mouth in the textile surface cleaning function can thereby be increased in order to achieve an improved suction result achieve. Furthermore, a suction force can be reduced, so that the floor nozzle can be displaced more easily on a textile surface.

The air provided on an outside of the suction mouth of the first suction edge and / or the second suction edge is provided via the suction head through the at least one opening in the suction head, which is assigned to the first suction edge and / or is assigned to the second suction edge. This results in an improved suction result with simplified operability, especially for dense textile materials.

According to the invention, a vacuum cleaner is provided which comprises a floor nozzle according to the invention, wherein the floor nozzle can be connected to the vacuum cleaner in a fixed or detachable manner.

Figur 1

eine schematische seitliche Teilschnittansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Bodendüse in einer Textilflächen-Reinigungsfunktion;

Figur 2

die gleiche Ansicht wie Figur 1, wobei im Vergleich zu Figur 1 eine andere Position einer Einstelleinrichtung gezeigt ist;

Figur 3

eine Variante der Bodendüse gemäß Figur 1 mit einer alternativen Ausführungsform einer Einstelleinrichtung;

Figur 4

eine Ansicht eines Saugkopfs der Bodendüse gemäß Figur 1 von unten;

Figur 5

eine Ansicht von unten eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Saugkopfs;

Figur 6

eine Ansicht von unten eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Saugkopfs;

Figur 7

die Bodendüse gemäß Figur 1 in einer Hartflächen-Reinigungsfunktion;

Figur 8

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Bodendüse in einer Hartflächen-Reinigungsfunktion.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in greater detail in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a schematic side partial sectional view of an embodiment of a floor nozzle according to the invention in a textile surface cleaning function;

Figure 2

the same view as Figure 1 , being compared to Figure 1 another position of an adjuster is shown;

Figure 3

a variant of the floor nozzle according to Figure 1 with an alternative embodiment of an adjusting device;

Figure 4

a view of a suction head of the floor nozzle according to Figure 1 from underneath;

Figure 5

a view from below of a further embodiment of a suction head;

Figure 6

a view from below of a further embodiment of a suction head;

Figure 7

the floor nozzle according to Figure 1 in a hard surface cleaning function;

Figure 8

Another embodiment of a floor nozzle in a hard surface cleaning function.

A first embodiment of a floor nozzle according to the invention, which is shown schematically in the Figures 1 and 2 and is denoted there by 10, is provided for connection to a vacuum cleaner with a suction unit 12. The floor nozzle 10 is designed in particular for connection to a suction pipe or a suction hose of the vacuum cleaner.

The floor nozzle 10 has a floor body 14. A connection 16, via which the floor nozzle 10 can be connected to the vacuum cleaner, is arranged on the base body 14 in order, in particular, to establish a fluid-effective connection to the suction unit 12.

In one embodiment, the connection 16 comprises a pipe socket 18 into which a pipe of the vacuum cleaner can be inserted.

Provision can be made for the pipe socket 18 at the connection 16 to be rotatable about an axis of rotation 22 via a joint 20.

In one embodiment, the bottom body 14 has a first part 24 and a second part 26. At least one support wheel 28 and in particular a pair of support wheels 28, via which the floor nozzle 10 can be supported on a surface 30 to be cleaned, is arranged on the floor body 14. The at least one support wheel 28 can be arranged on the first part 24, the second part 26 or on both parts 24, 26.

The support wheel or wheels 28 can in particular be rotated about an axis of rotation 32.

The first part 24 is arranged pivotably on the second part 26 via a joint 34. The connection 16 is seated on the second part 26.

A corresponding pivot axis 36 is in particular parallel to the axis of rotation 32.

In one embodiment, the joint 34 is arranged such that the pivot axis 36 coincides with the axis of rotation 32 or is in the vicinity of this axis of rotation 32.

Different holding heights can be compensated for via the joint 34; Different holding heights correspond in particular to different angles at which a suction tube arranged on the connection 16 is positioned relative to the surface 30 to be cleaned. The joint 34 enables precisely such different holding heights.

A suction head 38 is arranged on the base body 14. The suction head 38 provides support for the floor nozzle 10 at a distance from the support wheel or wheels 28 and causes suction current to be applied to the surface 30 to be cleaned.

The suction head 38 is arranged on the first part 24 of the base body 14. In one embodiment, the suction head 38 is mounted on the first part 24 of the base body 14 via a swivel joint 40. The pivot joint 40 defines a pivot axis 42 which is parallel to the axis of rotation 32 or the pivot axis 36.

The suction head 38 is mounted on the base body 14 in the manner of a rocker. This enables an improved cleaning result, in particular in a textile surface cleaning function, in that a front suction edge (first suction edge 74, see below) when the floor nozzle 10 is pushed forward over the surface 30 to be cleaned compared to a rear suction edge deeper into the textile material of the surface to be cleaned Surface 30 can penetrate, and when pushed backwards, the rear suction edge (second suction edge 76, see below) can penetrate deeper into the textile material than the front suction edge.

A suction mouth 48 is arranged on the suction head 38. The suction mouth 48 comprises a first delimitation wall 50 and a second delimitation wall 52 opposite the first delimitation wall (see also FIG Figure 4 ).

A ceiling wall 54, which is connected to the first delimiting wall 50 and the second delimiting wall 52, is positioned transversely to the first delimiting wall 50 and the second delimiting wall 52. The top wall 54 closes the suction mouth 48 at the top, away from the surface 30 to be cleaned, when the floor nozzle 10 is supported on the surface 30 to be cleaned via the support wheel or wheels 28 and the suction head 38.

An opening 56 is formed in the top wall 54. At least one channel 58, which runs through the suction head 38 and the base body 14 to the connection 16, is connected to this opening 56. A suction space 60 is formed between the first delimitation wall 50, the second delimitation wall 52 and the top wall 54. The suction chamber 60 is connected to the suction unit 12 in a fluid-effective manner via the channel 58, so that in the event of a corresponding negative pressure by the suction unit 12 in the suction space 60, a suction flow can act.

The first delimitation wall 50 has a first inner side 62a which delimits the suction space 60. It has a first outer side 62b, which faces away from the first inner side 62a. The second delimiting wall 52 has a second inner side 64a which delimits the suction space 60 and faces the first inner side 62a. The second delimitation wall 52 also has a second outer side 64b, which faces away from the second inner side 64a.

The suction space 60 is laterally closed by opposing side walls 66, 68 which are connected to both the first delimitation wall 50 and the second delimitation wall 52.

A suction opening 70 of the suction mouth 48 is formed between the first delimitation wall 50, the second delimitation wall 52 and the side walls 66, 68. Through the suction opening 70, the suction space 60 is open to the surface 30 to be cleaned (when the floor nozzle 10 is operatively positioned on the surface 30 to be cleaned). A suction current can be applied to the surface 30 to be cleaned via the suction opening 70 and thus sucked off. The suction mouth 48 forms, via the suction space 60 and the suction opening 70, a suction channel which is open to the surface 30 to be cleaned.

In the textile surface cleaning function, the floor nozzle 10 is provided for suctioning off textile surfaces 72 as surfaces 30 to be cleaned. Such a textile surface 72 consists of textile material. The corresponding textile surface 72 is, for example, a carpet or a carpet.

A first suction edge 74 is formed on the end face of the first delimiting wall 50 in the region of the suction opening 70. A second suction edge 76 is formed on the end face of the second delimitation wall 52 in the region of the suction opening 70.

The first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76 are formed, for example, by a correspondingly thin design of the first delimiting wall 50 and the second delimiting wall 52 on their respective end faces.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the first delimitation wall 50 and the second delimitation wall 52 are wedge-shaped at the end in order to form the respective suction edge 74 or 76.

The first boundary wall 50 is at a greater distance from the connection 16 or the support wheel 28 than the second boundary wall 52 the textile material penetrates as the second suction edge 76. Correspondingly, the suction head 38 is designed and mounted in such a way that, on a backward stroke 46, the second suction edge 76 penetrates deeper into the textile material of the textile surface 72 than the first suction edge 74.

The first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76 are designed in such a way that, in the textile surface cleaning function, they are in an operative position and can dip or penetrate into the textile material of the textile surface 72. As a result, dust can be effectively sucked out of the textile material of the textile surface 72.

In the case of a wedge-shaped design of the first suction edge 74 or the second suction edge 76, in particular a wedge surface for the first suction edge 74 is oriented such that it lies between the first inside 62a and the first outside 62b and from the first inside 62a to the first outside 62b backs away. A corresponding wedge surface on the second suction edge 76 is then designed in particular such that it lies between the second inner side 64a and the second outer side 64b and recedes towards the second outer side 64b.

The suction head 38 finally has a first bottom wall 78 opposite a surface 30 to be cleaned. This first bottom wall 78 is connected to the first delimiting wall 50. It adjoins this directly and is oriented transversely to the first delimiting wall 50.

The first bottom wall 78 leads from the first delimiting wall 50 in one direction to a front end 80 of the suction head 38. The suction head 38 also has a rear end 82 which faces away from the front end. The rear end 82 is closer to the support wheel 28 or to the connection 16 than the front end 80.

The first bottom wall 78 has a first region 84 which is oriented at a (small) acute angle 86 to an envelope 88 to the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76. The acute angle 86 is oriented in such a way that the first bottom wall 78 in the first region 84 recedes in the direction of the front end 80 in relation to the envelope 88.

Furthermore, the suction head 38 has a second bottom wall 90. This second bottom wall 90 is connected to the second delimitation wall 52 and adjoins it. It runs from the second delimitation wall 52 (from the outside 64b) in the direction of the rear end 82 of the suction head 38.

The second bottom wall 90 has a second region 92 which is oriented at an acute angle 94 to the envelope 88.

The second region 92 is designed in such a way that, in relation to this envelope 88, it recedes from the second delimiting wall 52 towards the rear end 82.

The first area 84 and the second area 92 are designed as ramps due to their angled arrangement with respect to the envelope 88. The top Angle 86 or 94 is in particular in the range between 6 ° and 15 °.

The first delimitation wall 50 and the second delimitation wall 52 can be arranged perpendicular to or at an angle to the envelope 88. They can be aligned parallel or only in partial areas parallel or not parallel to one another.

In one embodiment, the second area 92 is followed by an area 96 which is oriented, for example, parallel to the envelope 88.

In particular, it is provided that the first bottom wall 78 in its first area 84 and / or the second bottom wall 90 in its second area 92 can come into contact with the textile material of the textile surface 72. Usually, no contact of the area 96 with the textile surface 72 is provided during normal use.

In one embodiment, a thread lifter 98a, 98b is arranged in each case on the first region 84 of the first base wall 78 and on the second region 92 of the second base wall 90.

So that a suction effect occurs at the suction opening 70 when the floor nozzle 10 is in operation (when the suction unit 12 is in operation and is in fluid communication with the suction chamber 60), an air stream 100, 100 '(cf. Figure 1 ) flow through the textile material of the textile surface 72 past the first suction edge 74 or the second suction edge 76 into the suction space 60.

In the floor nozzle 10 according to the invention, (at least) one further flow path 102, 102 'is provided, which is formed in the suction head 38, and via which the outside 62b of the first suction edge 74 and the second outside 64b of the second suction edge 76 air can be fed to the textile surface 72 independently of the flow through the textile material.

For this purpose, (at least) a first channel 104 is formed in the suction head 38, which is assigned to the first suction edge 74. This first channel 104 has an inlet 106, from which air from the surroundings of the floor nozzle 10 can be coupled into the corresponding flow path 102 '(that is to say into the channel 104).

In one embodiment, the inlet 106 is formed by one or more openings formed between the first bottom wall 78 and a front wall 108 of the suction head 38. The front end 80 of the suction head 38 lies on the front wall 108.

Due to the inclined arrangement of the first region 84 of the first floor wall 78, when the floor nozzle 10 is operating properly, the corresponding inlet 106 for air is at a distance from an upper side of the textile surface 72.

In the same way, a second channel 110 is formed for the flow path 102 in the suction head 38, which channel has (at least) one inlet 112, which lies, for example, between the region 96 of the second bottom wall 90 and a rear wall 114 of the suction head 38. The rear end 82 of the suction head 38 rests on the rear wall 114.

Due to the above-described configuration of the second bottom wall 90, the inlet 112 is spaced apart from an upper side of the textile surface 72 during normal operation.

The one or more inlets 106 or 112 can also be arranged at another point of the suction head 38 or also of the base body 14 (with a corresponding channel connection to the suction head 38) in order to provide a To enable air to flow from the area around the floor nozzle 10 through the suction head 38.

In one embodiment, the first bottom wall 78 forms a delimitation of the first channel 104 with a corresponding inner side. The second bottom wall 90 forms a delimitation of the second channel 110.

The first channel 104 has an outlet 116 via which air flowing in the flow path 102 ′ can be fed to the first outer side 62b of the first delimiting wall 50 of the first suction edge 74. As a result, an additional air flow 118 'to the air flow 100' is provided at the suction edge 74 via the flow path 102 ', which improves a suction result.

The second channel 110 has an outlet 120 via which an additional air flow 118 can be provided on the second outer side 64b of the second suction edge 76. This additional air flow 118 is an additional air flow based on the air flow 100 through the textile material. This improves the suction effect.

The outlet 116 comprises a plurality of openings 122 in the first bottom wall 78 in the immediate vicinity of the first suction edge 74.

In one embodiment, the openings 122 are slit-shaped and establish a flow-effective connection between the interior of the suction head 38 with the first channel 104 and an exterior in the area of the first suction edge 74.

The openings 122 are arranged in a row, a direction of longitudinal extent 124 of this row being in particular at least approximately parallel to the first suction edge 74.

In a corresponding manner, the outlet 120 is formed by openings 122 ', in particular spaced-apart slot-shaped openings being arranged in a row with a direction of longitudinal extent at least approximately parallel to the second suction edge 76 (cf. Figure 4 ).

In the embodiment according to Figure 1 and 4th a respective outlet 116 with openings 122 and 120 with openings 122 'is assigned to both the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76.

It is also possible ( Figure 5 ) that only the second suction edge 76 is assigned the corresponding outlet 120 with openings 122 '( Figure 5 ).

In Figure 5 are for the same elements as in the embodiment according to FIGS Figures 1 and 4th the same reference numerals are used.

It is also possible that only the first suction edge 74 is assigned a corresponding outlet 116. (Not shown in the drawings.)

It is provided that the openings 122, 122 'have a width B in a distance direction 126 between the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76, which is in the range between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm (cf. Figure 5 ).

This size dimension applies equally to the openings 122, which are assigned to the first suction edge 74, and to the openings 122 ′, which are assigned to the second suction edge 76.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that a distance D in the distance direction 126 between an opening 122 or 122 '(based on an edge of the opening 122, 122' which is closest to the next suction edge 74 or 76) in the range between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

The openings 122, 122 ′ are thereby in the immediate vicinity of the corresponding first suction edge 74 and second suction edge 76, respectively.

A single opening 122 or 122 'has a length L in a transverse direction 128 to the spacing direction 126, which follows the corresponding suction edge 74 or 76. In one embodiment, the openings 122, 122 'have a length L on the order of about 15 mm.

It is provided that over all openings 122 or 122 'of outlet 116 or 120, the total length of outlet 116 or 120 as the sum of all lengths L is at least 30% and preferably at least 70% of the corresponding assigned first suction edge 74 or 76.

It is possible that a suction edge 74 or 76 has a straight extension ( Figures 4 , 5 ).

It is possible that a first suction edge and / or a second suction edge 130 ( Figure 6 ) has a non-rectilinear design, and has, for example, a central region 132, which is adjoined by regions 134a, 134b that are curved on both sides.

A corresponding outlet 136 with openings 138 follows the course of this suction edge (in the exemplary embodiment the second suction edge 130) including the curvature.

A length of a corresponding opening 138 is then a length along a profile line which is parallel to a profile line of the corresponding second suction edge 130.

The size dimensions mentioned for the width B and the distance D also apply here. Furthermore, a total length of the outlet 136 is the length of all Openings 138 along the course line of the second suction edge 130 at least 30% and preferably at least 70% of the corresponding length of the second suction edge 130 along this course line.

In the embodiment shown, in which the openings 122, 122 ', 138 are arranged in a row, there are webs 140 between adjacent openings, which are in particular impermeable to air. This achieves a high level of stability.

It is also possible, for example, for a corresponding outlet 116, 120, 136 to be formed by a single opening.

It is also possible that the corresponding openings are formed, for example, by a plurality of round bores or also square bores.

The slot-shaped openings 122, 122 ', 138 in the exemplary embodiments shown are rounded at their corners.

Through the outlets 116, 120, 136 in the respective bottom wall 78 and 90, the corresponding suction edge 74, 76 can be supplied with a bypass air flow which originates from the vicinity of the floor nozzle 10 and has at least partially flowed through the suction head 38.

The application of negative pressure to the suction chamber 60 via the suction unit 12 drives this bypass air flow.

It can be provided that the outlets 116, 120, 136 are permanently present.

In one embodiment ( Figures 1 to 3 ) an adjusting device 142 is provided, via which the air flow (bypass air flow) 118, 118 'through the respective outlets 116, 120 can be varied.

The adjusting device 142 comprises an adjusting element 144 assigned to the respective outlets 116, 120, which can act on the corresponding outlet 116, 120, 136 and via which an opening cross section of the outlet 116, 120, 136 can be varied.

In one embodiment, the setting element 144 is designed such that there are the positions “closed outlet” 116 or 120 (with closed openings 122, 122 ') and the position “open outlets”.

For this purpose, in one embodiment, a slide 146 of the adjusting device 142 is guided so as to be lockable and displaceable within the suction head 38 on an outside of the suction mouth 48 with the boundary walls 50, 52. The adjustment elements 144 are corresponding walls of the slide 146.

In an open position of the slide 146, which can be locked ( Figure 1 ) the walls of the slide 146 and thus the setting elements 144 are removed from the respective outlets 116, 120, 136, so that the additional air stream 118, 118 ′ can flow towards the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76.

At a position 148 of this slide 146, which in Figure 2 As shown, the adjustment elements 144 cover the respective outlets 116, 120. As a result, the additional air stream 118 or 118 ′ cannot be fed to the respective suction edge 76 or 74. (Since there is then no negative pressure in the flow paths 102, 102 ', no air is generally sucked into the channels 104 or 110, respectively.)

It is provided in particular that the setting device 142 is controlled by a corresponding operating element 150, which is shown in FIG Figure 2 is displayed, is operable. A user can thereby set whether the additional Air flow 118 or 118 'acts or not, that is, whether the outlets 116, 120 are open.

As mentioned above, the setting device can also be provided if an outlet is assigned to only a single suction edge 74 or 76 (cf. Figure 5 ).

In a variant of an adjusting device 152 (cf. Figure 3 ), whereby for the same elements as for the floor nozzle according to Figures 1 and 2 The same reference numerals are used, the setting device 152 has setting elements 154, which are provided for dipping into corresponding openings 122, 122 '.

The setting elements 144 are provided for covering the opening 122, 122 ′, with a covering in particular taking place between the corresponding first delimiting wall 50 and the first base wall 78 or the second delimiting wall 52 and the second base wall 90 in an interior of the suction head 38.

By immersing the displaceable setting elements 154 into the openings 122, 122 ', their opening areas are basically variable.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the setting elements 154 are designed such that, depending on their immersion depth in the corresponding opening 122, 122 ', a different opening area of the corresponding openings 122, 122' results, which is between zero and, if not immersed, complete opening results.

With the setting device 142, the air flow 118, 118 ', which is then also present at the suction edges 74, 76, can be set between “present” and “not present” (zero air flow). In the case of the setting device 152 with the variant described, depending on the immersion depth of the Adjusting element 154 in the associated openings 122, 122 'vary the additional air flow in intermediate areas.

A setting by an operator via the operating element 150 is possible.

In principle, it is also possible for a fixed setting to take place at the factory when the corresponding floor nozzle 10 is manufactured.

Adjustment device 142 or 152 enables adaptation to different types of textile material such as types of carpets. For example, an additional air flow 118, 118 'is not necessary in the case of highly air-permeable carpets. With the outlets 116 and 120 closed, better suction can then be achieved with such a material.

In the case of denser textile material, when the outlets 116 or 120 are opened or partially opened at the first suction edge 74 or the second suction edge 76, a greater volume flow can be achieved. This results in a greater transport force and a better suction result. Furthermore, the floor nozzle 10 sucks less on the textile surface 72 when the outlets 116 and 120 are open. The additional air flow 118, 118 'has the effect that the pushing force of the floor nozzle 10 on the textile surface 72 (with forward thrust 44 or backward thrust 46) is reduced. This results in easier operability.

The floor nozzle 10 has a width b ₂ on the suction head 38 ( Figure 5 ). The suction opening 70 extends in the same direction over a width b ₁ . It is provided that the width b ₁ corresponds at least approximately to the width b ₂ and in this case the width b _{1 is} preferably at least 90% and preferably at least 95% of the width b ₂ .

The floor nozzle 10 can be designed in such a way that it only has a textile surface cleaning function. The first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76 are then always in an operative position.

In an advantageous embodiment, the floor nozzle 10 also has a hard surface cleaning function.

For this purpose, a floor contact device 156 is arranged on the suction head (cf. for example Figure 2 who is in a non-operative position in the textile surface cleaning function).

The floor contact device 156 comprises, for example, brush lips 157 (or rubber lips) which are in an operative position in the hard surface cleaning function and which are then supported on the surface 30 to be cleaned. (See. Figures 7 and 8th ). With such a support, the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76 are then in a non-operative position. This is based on the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS Figures 7 and 8th explained in more detail.

In Figure 7 the floor nozzle 10 is shown, in which the floor installation device 156 is in an operative position and thus the floor nozzle 10 is in a hard surface cleaning function. In this position, a hard surface 158 can be sucked off as the surface 30 to be cleaned via the floor nozzle 10.

The ground contact device 156 defines an envelope surface 160 over which it rests on the hard surface 158. In a height direction, the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76 are spaced apart from this enveloping surface 160, so that they are non-operative and do not touch the surface 30 to be cleaned.

A switching device 162 is provided, via which it is possible to switch between the textile surface cleaning function and the hard surface cleaning function of the floor nozzle 10.

In the textile surface cleaning function, the floor contact device 156 is in a non-operative position and is displaced into the suction head 38 in such a way that the surface 30 to be cleaned is not acted upon ( Figure 1 ). In the textile surface cleaning function, the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76 are in an operative position and they can penetrate into the textile material of the surface 30 to be cleaned.

In the hard surface cleaning function, the floor contact device 156 is positioned on the suction head 38 via the switching device 162 in such a way that the enveloping surface 160 lies on the other side of the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76. As a result, the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76 are in a non-operative position and the ground contact device 156 is in the operative position.

The floor contact device 156 in the hard surface cleaning function ensures a flow-effective (approximately) sealing of a space 164 between the floor contact device 156 and the hard surface 158, the suction mouth 48 with the suction opening 70 being positioned in this space.

In one embodiment ( Figure 8 ) the switching device 162 is coupled to an adjusting device 166 for the additional air flows 118, 118 '.

The setting device 166 has setting elements 168 which are coupled to the switchover device 162 and serve to close the outlets 116, 120 with the openings 122, 122 '.

If the ground installation device 156 is in an inoperative position by a corresponding setting on the switching device 162, then are the adjustment elements 168 are positioned so that they release the outlets 116, 120 and so the additional air streams 118, 118 'can act on the first suction edge 74 and the second suction edge 76 on the respective outside of the access and delimitation walls.

When the ground contact device 156 is in its operative position and the switchover is effected by the switchover device 162, the setting elements 168 are positioned so that they close the outlets 116, 120 ( Figure 8 ). As a result, no false air can be drawn in via the outlets 116, 120 in the hard surface cleaning function.

In this exemplary embodiment, in a variant, the setting elements 168 are designed as slides or are arranged on a slide 170 which is guided displaceably in the suction head 38. A displacement movement and positioning of the slide 170 is effected via the switching device 162 in such a way that, as described, in the operative position of the floor contact device 156 the outlets 116, 120 are closed and in the operative position the suction edges 74, 76 (in one not -operative position of the ground installation device 156) the outlets 116, 120 are open.

According to the invention, it is provided that the floor nozzle 10 for the textile surface cleaning function has an additional flow path 102, 102 'for each of its suction edges 74, 76 or only one suction edge 74 or 76, via which air from the environment on an outside of the suction mouth 48 of the respective suction edge 74, 76 can be provided. This results in an improved suction result, especially with dense textile material. A greater volume flow at the suction mouth 48 results in a greater transport force for entrainment of dust particles.

Furthermore, the floor nozzle sucks less on the textile material and the pushing force that is necessary to move the floor nozzle on the textile material is reduced.

In a variant of an embodiment, an outlet 116 or 120 can be closed or its cross section can be adjusted in order to enable adaptation to textile material.

It can also be provided that a coupling of the variation of the opening width (including closability) to a switching device between the textile surface cleaning function and the hard surface cleaning function is possible.

In the solution according to the invention, one or more openings 122, 122 'are arranged close to the corresponding suction edge 74 or 76 on a corresponding bottom wall 78 or 90, which in turn correspond to the respective outer side 62b, 64b of the corresponding boundary wall 50, 52 on which the suction edge 74 and 76 are formed, are assigned. The ambient air, which then flows in via the corresponding additional air flow 118, 118 ′, is less restricted than the air flows 100, 100 ′, which flow through the textile material to the suction opening 70.

The suction air in the additional air streams 118, 118 'has a shorter path through the textile material and is less restricted. As a result, there is a large volume flow at the corresponding suction edge 74, 76.

When the floor nozzle 10 is in operation, it is connected to a suction unit 12. In particular via a suction pipe, an operator moves the floor nozzle 10 over the surface 30 to be cleaned.

List of reference symbols

10

Floor nozzle

12th

Suction unit

14th

Soil body

16

connection

18th

Pipe socket

20th

joint

22nd

Axis of rotation

24

First part

26th

Second part

28

Support wheel

30th

Surface to be cleaned

32

Axis of rotation

34

joint

36

Swivel axis

38

Suction head

40

Swivel joint

42

Swivel axis

44

Forward stroke

46

Reverse stroke

48

Suction mouth

50

First boundary wall

52

Second boundary wall

54

Ceiling wall

56

opening

58

channel

60

Suction chamber

62a

First inside

62b

First outside

64a

Second inside

64b

Second outside

66

Side wall

68

Side wall

70

Suction opening

72

Textile surface

74

First suction edge

76

Second suction edge

78

First bottom wall

80

Front end

82

Back end

84

First area

86

acute angle

88

Enveloping

90

Second bottom wall

92

Second area

94

acute angle

96

area

98a

Thread lifter

98b

Thread lifter

100

Airflow

100 '

Airflow

102

Flow path

102 '

Flow path

104

First channel

106

inlet

108

Front wall

110

Second channel

112

inlet

114

Back wall

116

Outlet

118

Additional airflow

118 '

Additional airflow

120

Outlet

122

opening

122 '

opening

124

Longitudinal direction

126

Distance direction

128

Transverse direction

130

Second suction edge

132

Middle area

134a

Curved area

134b

Curved area

136

Outlet

138

opening

140

web

142

Adjustment device

144

Adjustment element

146

Slider

148

position

150

Control element

152

Adjustment device

154

Adjustment element

156

Ground facility facility

157

Brush lips

158

Hard surface

160

Envelope surface

162

Switching device

164

space

166

Adjustment device

168

Adjustment element

170

Slider

Claims (15)

1. Floor nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, said floor nozzle having a textile surface cleaning function and comprising a floor body (14), a suction head (38) which is arranged at the floor body (14), and a suction mouth (48) which is arranged at the suction head (38), wherein the suction mouth (48) has a first boundary wall (50) with a first suction edge (74) and has, in spaced relation to the first boundary wall (50), a second boundary wall (52) with a second suction edge (76; 130), wherein the first suction edge (74) and the second suction edge (76; 130) are provided for extending into textile material of a textile surface (72), the first boundary wall (50) has a first inner side (62a) and a first outer side (62b), the second boundary wall (52) has a second inner side (64a) and a second outer side (64b), the first inner side (62a) faces towards the second inner side (64a) and a suction opening (70) is formed between the first inner side (62a) and the second inner side (64a), wherein formed in the suction head (38) is at least one flow path (102, 102') through which air from a surrounding of the floor nozzle is suppliable through the suction head (38) to the first suction edge (74) on the first outer side (62b) and/or to the second suction edge (76) on the second outer side (64b), characterized in that the suction head (38) has a first bottom wall (78) which is connected to the first boundary wall (50) and has a second bottom wall (90) which is connected to the second boundary wall (52), wherein formed at the first bottom wall (78) is at least one opening (122) as an outlet of the at least one flow path (102') and/or formed at the second bottom wall (90) is at least one opening (122') as an outlet of the at least one flow path (102).
2. Floor nozzle in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the suction opening (70) is provided for operative flow communication with a suction unit (12) and in that a negative pressure prevailing at the suction opening (70) drives an air flow (118, 118') into the at least one flow path (102, 102').
3. Floor nozzle in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one flow path (102, 102') has at least one inlet (106, 112) which is arranged at the suction head (38) and/or the floor body (14).
4. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flow path (102, 102') has at least one outlet (116, 120) which is arranged at the suction head (38) and is associated with the respective suction edge (74; 76), which is the first suction edge (74) or the second suction edge (76), and in particular characterized in that the at least one outlet (116, 120) is oriented along the respective suction edge (74; 76) and has, in particular, a direction of longitudinal extent which is parallel to a direction of longitudinal extent of the respective suction edge (74; 76).
5. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one flow path (102, 102') comprises the at least one opening (122) in the suction head (38) which is associated with the first suction edge (74) and/or comprises the at least one opening (122') in the suction head (38) which is associated with the second suction edge (76).
6. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first floor wall (78) has a first region (84) which is configured as an upward incline and/or in that the second boundary wall (90) has a second region (92) which is configured as an upward incline, in particular wherein the first region (84) adjoins the first suction edge (74) and/or the second region (92) adjoins the second suction edge (76).
7. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a thread lifter (98a; 98b) is arranged at the first bottom wall (78) and/or the second bottom wall (90).
8. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following:

   - the at least one opening (122) which is associated with the first suction edge (74) and/or the at least one opening (122') which is associated with the second suction edge (76) has a spacing (D) in a direction of spacing (126) between the first suction edge (74) and the second suction edge (76), relative to the associated suction edge (74; 76), which is in the range between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm;

   - a width (B) of an opening (122; 122') in a direction of spacing (126) between the first suction edge (74) and the second suction edge (76) is in the range between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm;

   - a total length in a direction parallel to the first suction edge (74) which is the sum of the lengths (L) of all openings (122) in this direction which are associated with the first suction edge (74) is at least 30 %, and in particular is at least 70 %, of a corresponding length of the first suction edge (74), and/or a total length in a direction parallel to the second suction edge (76) which is the sum of the lengths (L) of all openings (122') in this direction which are associated with the second suction edge (76) is at least 30 %, and in particular is at least 70 %, of a corresponding length of the second suction edge (76);

   - the first suction edge (74) has associated therewith a plurality of spaced-apart openings (122) which lie in a row, and/or the second suction edge has associated therewith a plurality of spaced-apart openings (122') which lie in a row.
9. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an adjustment device (142; 152; 166) by way of which a supply of air via the at least one flow path (102, 102') in the suction head (38) to the first suction edge (74) and/or to the second suction edge (76) is adjustable, and in particular characterized by at least one of the following:

   - the adjustment device (142; 152; 166) is configured for changing a cross-section at one or more outlets (116, 120, 136) of the at least one flow path (102, 102') to the first suction edge (74) and/or the second suction edge (76);

   - the adjustment device (142; 152; 166) is configured such that a supply of air through the at least one flow path (102, 102') to the first suction edge (74) and/or the second suction edge (76) is blockable;

   - the adjustment device (142; 152; 166) has at least one movable, and in particular fixably movable, adjusting element (144; 168) for adjusting the supply of air which is in particular a slider (146; 170) or part of a slider, and in particular

   - the at least one adjusting element (144; 168) is a covering element or an insertion element for one or more openings (122, 122') of the at least one flow path (102, 102') in the area of the first suction edge (74) and/or the second suction edge (76);

   - the adjustment device (166) is coupled to a switching device (162) for switching over from the textile surface cleaning function into a hard surface cleaning function, in particular wherein, when switching to the hard surface cleaning function, the at least one flow path (102, 102') is automatically blocked with respect to supplying air to the first suction edge (74) and/or the second suction edge (76).
10. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a hard surface cleaning function in which a floor contact device (156) is in an operative position and the first suction edge (74) and the second suction edge (76) are in a non-operative position, and a switching device (162) for switching between the hard surface cleaning function and the textile surface cleaning function which in particular allows switching between an operative position of the floor contact device (156) and a non-operative position of the first suction edge (74) and the second suction edge (76) when in the hard surface cleaning function and a non-operative position of the floor contact device (156) and an operative position of the first suction edge (74) and the second suction edge (76) when in the textile surface cleaning function.
11. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction head (38) is pivotably arranged at the floor body (14).
12. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one support wheel (28) is arranged at the floor body (14).
13. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor body (14) has a first portion (24) on which the suction head (38) is arranged and has a second portion (26) which, in particular, has arranged thereon a connection (16), and a pipe connection piece (18) in particular, wherein the first portion (24) is arranged for pivotal movement relative to the second portion (26).
14. Floor nozzle in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction opening (70) of the suction mouth (48) extends over a width (b₁) in a width direction transverse to a direction of spacing (126) between the first suction edge (74) and the second suction edge (76) of at least 95 % of a width (b₂) of the floor nozzle at the suction opening (70).
15. Vacuum cleaner, comprising a floor nozzle in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14.

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