JP2017529970A - Floor nozzle for steam cleaner and steam cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

Steam cleaning for a steam cleaner comprising a storage tank for liquid, a steam generator fluidly connected to the storage tank for generating liquid vapor, and a connecting pipe fluidly connected to the steam generator A machine floor nozzle comprising: a nozzle body having at least one steam outlet; a connection element connected to the nozzle body in a particularly bendable manner, defining a connection element flow path, and having a connection portion; Improved handling of steam cleaner floor nozzles, where the connection is fluidly connected to the steam generator, in particular temporarily connectable or permanently connected to the connecting pipe in the form of a hose or pipe The present invention proposed to define a rotation axis, a rotation joint for relatively twisting the connecting portion and the nozzle body (about the rotation axis), the rotation axis, Tilt extending in the intersecting direction And a tilting joint for relatively swinging the connecting portion and the nozzle body about the tilting axis, and operating in cooperation with the tilting joint, and a braking force or a braking force on the tilting joint. A brake device for applying a moment, and the coupling portion and the nozzle body are relatively swingable about the tilting axis against the action of the brake device. A steam device is also proposed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam cleaner including a storage tank for liquid, a steam generator fluidly connected to the storage tank, and a connection pipe fluidly connected to the steam generator. The present invention relates to a floor nozzle for a steam cleaner. The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner comprises a nozzle body having at least one steam outlet, and a connection element that is particularly flexibly connected to the nozzle body, defines a connection element flow path, and has a connection part, The connecting part is temporarily connectable or permanently connected to a connecting pipe in fluid connection with the steam generator, in particular a hose-like or pipe-like connecting pipe.

  The present invention further includes a storage tank for liquid, a steam generator for generating liquid vapor, fluidly connected to the storage tank, and a floor nozzle fluidly connected to the steam generator through a connecting pipe. It relates to a steam cleaner.

  Various types of steam cleaners having a floor nozzle for a steam cleaner as described at the beginning are known. In this vacuum cleaner, in order to clean various kinds of surfaces (for example, floors), particularly high-temperature steam can be applied and dirt can be removed with the steam. Preferably, by evaporating water as a liquid, high-temperature water vapor is applied to the surface to be cleaned, and the surface can be wiped with, for example, a cloth spread on the floor nozzle.

  The basic structure of a steam cleaner floor nozzle is derived from a simple brush with a handle. However, such a structure can only be handled with ergonomic restrictions. In particular, efficient cleaning of the floor under the furniture can only be done to a limited extent with the known steam cleaner floor nozzles.

EP 2 494 904 A2

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the handling of the floor nozzle and the steam cleaner as described at the beginning.

  This problem is solved as follows in the floor nozzle for a steam cleaner as described at the beginning. That is, the nozzle defines a rotation axis, and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, and a rotation joint for relatively twisting the connecting portion and the nozzle body about the rotation axis. A tilting joint that defines the existing tilting axis, and pivots the connecting portion and the nozzle body relative to each other about the tilting axis, and operates in cooperation with the tilting joint. A braking device for applying a braking force or a braking moment, and the coupling portion and the nozzle body are relatively swingable about the tilting axis against the action of the braking device.

  The development of the floor nozzle for a steam cleaner as proposed at the outset proposed by the present invention makes it particularly easy to handle. For example, when the connecting portion is connected to the hose or the extension pipe, the floor nozzles can swing relative to the connecting portion independently of each other about the two axes, that is, about the rotating shaft and the tilting shaft. Therefore, without connecting the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner from the surface to be cleaned, the connecting portion and, for example, the connecting portion and the extension pipe that is non-rotatably connected can be brought down. Therefore, liquid vapor can be easily applied to the floor under low furniture. Although the tilt joint provides the advantage that the connecting part can be tilted downward with the extension pipe connected thereto as described above, the user has the extension pipe connected to the connecting part and installs the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner. There is a drawback that when the nozzle body is moved over the surface to be cleaned, the nozzle body floats from the surface to be cleaned or at least tilts relative to the floor. A brake device is provided to prevent such swinging, that is, swinging around the tilting axis caused by the liquid vapor ejected under pressure from the nozzle body hitting the surface to be cleaned. The self-oscillation around the tilting axis of the nozzle is substantially prevented, or at least the lower surface of the nozzle body (especially a cleaning cloth can be spread on this surface) is no longer lifted from the floor. Limit. Therefore, even if the connecting portion is greatly lowered together with the extension pipe connected thereto, direct contact between the lower surface of the nozzle body and the surface to be cleaned can be maintained by the tilt joint. In such a case, the brake device effectively prevents the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner from floating from the surface to be cleaned or swinging with respect to the connecting portion about the tilting axis. However, lifting of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner from the surface to be cleaned should be prevented unconditionally as much as possible. This is because the cleaning result is no longer satisfactory. In order to obtain an optimum cleaning effect, it is desirable that the lower surface of the nozzle body is in contact with the surface to be cleaned as well as possible and over the entire surface as much as possible.

  It is preferable if the connecting portion is configured in a pipe shape or a substantially pipe shape. Thereby, it is possible to guide the liquid vapor particularly through the connecting portion. Therefore, in particular, the structure of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner can be made very compact.

  It is advantageous if the connecting element comprises a tilt joint, which is connected to the nozzle body so as to be pivotable about a tilt axis in order to form the tilt joint. That is, such a connecting element can be coupled to the nozzle body so as to be directly swingable at the tilt joint portion.

  It is preferable that the tilt joint is configured in a pipe shape or a substantially pipe shape. In this way, in particular, the liquid vapor is guided from the coupling part to the tilting joint part through the connecting element, and further passed therethrough so that the vapor flows out of the nozzle body through at least one vapor outlet. Can do.

  As another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tilt joint part defines a tilt joint part long axis, the connection part defines a connection part long axis, and the tilt joint part long axis and the connection part long axis extend parallel to or crossing each other. To be able to. For example, the long axis of the tilt joint part and the long axis of the connecting part may coincide. If the two axes intersect each other, the two axes can be oriented so that the user can take a very ergonomic posture, especially when using a steam cleaner. In particular, the long axis of the tilt joint part may define a long axis that is extended by an extension pipe connected to the connecting element. In particular, the liquid vapor can be bent through the connecting portion and introduced into the tilt joint and the nozzle body.

  If the tilt joint portion defines the rotation axis, the configuration of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner becomes very compact. In particular, the long axis of the tilt joint can define the rotation axis. According to this configuration, for example, the connecting portion can be twisted with respect to the tilt joint portion around the rotation axis.

  It is advantageous if the tilt joint part and the connecting part are connected to each other in a relatively twistable state around the rotation axis. In particular, both may be connected to each other continuously or may be detachable from each other. In this way, in particular, the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner can be disassembled for cleaning.

  Preferably, the tilt joint portion includes a first connecting member, the connecting portion includes a second connecting member, and the first and second connecting members are engaged with each other by pressure fitting or shape fitting. The first and second connecting members in particular make it possible to connect the tilting joint part and the connecting joint part to each other by a pressure fit or a shape fit. In particular, a safety device may be additionally provided that makes both the connecting members separable from each other, or temporarily or persistently impossible to separate after assembling the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner. For example, the two connecting members are held in contact with each other in a state where they cannot move relative to each other in the axial direction, and can be twisted in the circumferential direction, and in particular, can be twisted around the rotating shaft of the rotating joint. Can be. For example, the pivot joint can also be composed of first and second connecting members meshing with each other.

  If the first and second connecting members are configured in the form of pipes that mesh with each other, the structure of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner is very compact. Furthermore, according to such a structure, liquid vapor | steam can be guide | induced through the connection location formed of the 1st and 2nd connection member among the connection elements.

  It is preferable that the first and second connecting members are connected to each other in a relatively twistable state around the rotation axis. If it does in this way, the above-mentioned rotation joint can be formed with the 1st and 2nd connecting member of the state which mutually meshed especially.

  Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first and second connecting members define a long axis that coincides with each other, and the long axis coincides with the long axis of the tilt joint. If it does in this way, both the connection members can be meshed by a simple and fixed method, for example, one can be inserted into the other. Furthermore, relative twisting of both connecting members can be easily realized, in particular for constituting or defining a rotary joint.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tilt joint major axis and the coupling major axis may have an inclination angle in the range of about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees. This inclination angle is preferably in the range of about 25 degrees to about 35 degrees. In this way, in particular, when the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner is appropriately configured, when the tilt joint portion is directed parallel to the lower surface of the nozzle body, for example, the direction of the connecting portion is relative to the tilt joint portion. The state is shifted by the tilt angle. Therefore, with the extension pipe or directly with the handle part of the connecting hose, the floor nozzle of the steam cleaner can be moved easily across the surface to be cleaned, eg a bow tie with the “8” sideways Can be moved along such a shape.

  Advantageously, the nozzle body comprises a lower surface and the tilt axis extends parallel or substantially parallel to the lower surface. In this way, the user can operate and move the steam cleaner floor nozzle as intended. In particular, the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner can be handled ergonomically and intuitively.

  In order to make the structure of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner as compact as possible, it is advantageous if the pivot axis intersects the tilt axis. It is particularly advantageous if the pivot axis is perpendicular to the tilt axis. If it does in this way, a connection part can be rock | fluctuated to two directions mutually linearly independent with respect to a nozzle main body.

  It is preferred if the tilt joint includes a bearing shaft that is swingably laid on the nozzle body and that defines a tilt axis. With the bearing shaft, it is possible to easily realize a bendable connection between the tilt joint part and thus the connecting element and the nozzle body.

  The bearing shaft is preferably hollow and fluidly connected to the connecting element flow path. According to this configuration, in particular, the liquid vapor is introduced into the bearing shaft through the connection element, and the liquid vapor is aimed again according to the configuration of the nozzle body by guiding the guide from the shaft into the nozzle body. The at least one vapor outlet can preferably flow directly in the direction of the surface to be cleaned.

  The braking device preferably includes at least one braking member which operates on the one hand with the tilt joint or the bearing shaft and / or on the other hand with the nozzle body. Such a braking member is particularly intended to operate directly or indirectly in conjunction with a component connected to the tilting joint of the floor nozzle for a steam cleaner, or directly in cooperation with the components forming the tilting joint. to enable. This directly prevents relative movement between the connecting portion and the nozzle body, that is, it becomes difficult. Therefore, in particular, due to the ejection of liquid vapor from the at least one vapor outlet of the nozzle body toward the surface to be cleaned, the nozzle body is automatically rocked with respect to the connecting element around the tilting axis by reaction, It is possible to prevent the steam cleaner floor nozzle connected to the extension pipe from swinging and rising about the tilting axis when pulled forward.

  It is advantageous if the braking member is engaged by pressure fitting on the one hand with the tilt joint or bearing shaft and on the other hand with the nozzle body. In this way, it is possible to directly suppress the swing around the tilt axis, or to effectively prevent or at least make it difficult to lift the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner from the surface to be cleaned. The rocking can be made difficult in any desired manner. In particular, the pressure fitting here means that the braking member is pressed against the tilt joint part or the bearing shaft on the one hand and the nozzle body on the other hand, thereby generating a braking force or a braking moment oriented in the lateral direction with respect to the pressing direction, It can be understood that this prevents the nozzle body and the connecting portion from swinging about the tilting axis.

  If the braking member is configured in the form of an annular plate or on the one hand on the tilt joint or bearing shaft and on the other hand in the form of a preload element supported on the nozzle body, the configuration of the braking device is Easy and compact. In this way, for example, in order to generate a braking moment or a friction moment that prevents the relative swinging of the connecting portion and the nozzle body, the braking force can be generated and introduced in parallel to the tilting axis.

  It is further advantageous if the preload element held on the nozzle body presses the braking member against the tilt joint or bearing shaft. When the nozzle body is swung about the tilting axis with respect to the connecting part, the force applied through the braking member connected to the preload element generates a frictional force depending on the coefficient of friction of the closely contacting materials. To prevent swinging.

  If the braking member is arranged or formed so as to surround the bearing shaft, the structure of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner is very compact. For example, a braking member in the form of an annular plate can enclose the bearing shaft as well as a torsion spring or coil spring-like preload element.

  Depending on the structure of the nozzle body and the available space, it is preferable if the preload element is arranged or formed to act in a direction parallel to or intersecting the tilt axis. In particular, the preload element can be arranged or formed to act perpendicular to the tilt axis.

  In order to be able to adjust the friction moment or friction force applied from the braking device according to the size and weight of the nozzle body and according to the material used for the wipes fixed to the nozzle body, Is preferably in the form of an elastic element. In particular, the elastic element can be configured to have spring elasticity.

  If the preload element is configured in the form of a spring or a synthetic material body having elasticity, the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner can be configured very inexpensively.

  It is particularly advantageous if the spring is configured in the form of a coil spring. In this way, in particular, the spring can be arranged or formed so as to surround the bearing shaft on the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner.

  The coil spring preferably defines a coil spring axis that coincides with the tilt axis. In particular, this form can be realized by surrounding the bearing shaft with a coil spring or pressing the axially perpendicular end face of the bearing shaft or the annular flange of the bearing shaft.

  In order to facilitate the assembly of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner, it is advantageous if the bearing shaft and the tilt joint are integrally formed. For example, this unit can be made of synthetic material by injection molding.

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle body further includes a bearing device, and the bearing shaft and / or the tilt joint is laid on the bearing device so as to be tiltable about the tilt axis. be able to. When the bearing device is used, it is particularly easy to connect the connecting element and the nozzle body to each other so that the tilt joint portion is disposed on the nozzle body so as to be swingable about the tilt axis.

  In particular, a symmetrical steam cleaner floor nozzle can be easily configured by including at least two bearing shaft accommodating portions for accommodating the bearing shaft portions of the bearing shaft. In particular, the bearing shaft accommodating portion may include a hollow cylindrical portion capable of accommodating a columnar or substantially cylindrical bearing shaft portion. For example, the bearing shaft accommodating portion can be configured to accommodate the end portion of the bearing shaft in a bag hole shape.

  It is advantageous if the clearance of the bearing shaft relative to the bearing device is closed. In particular, the clearance of the bearing shaft relative to the bearing device can be closed by at least one sealing element. Here, a sealing element in the form of a packing ring made of a synthetic material (especially an elastomer) can be considered.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the bearing shaft includes a first contact surface that is in close contact with a stationary surface that surrounds one bearing shaft housing portion, and a second contact surface on which the preload element is supported. . According to this configuration, in particular, by applying a pressing force acting parallel to the tilting shaft, frictional force acting in the circumferential direction with respect to the tilting shaft, or relative swinging of the connecting portion and the nozzle body is prevented. A frictional moment directed parallel to the tilt axis can be generated.

  If the first and second contact surfaces face each other or face each other, the structure of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner is very compact. In particular, the abutment surface can be formed on a protrusion disposed or formed on the bearing shaft, such as an annular flange extending radially from the tilt axis. Depending on the selection and configuration of the abutment surface, the preload element can be configured in the form of a push member or a pull member.

  If the preload element is supported on the one hand on the braking member and on the other hand on the second abutment surface, a very good braking effect is obtained. According to this configuration, a necessary braking force or a necessary braking force can be obtained by selecting a braking member made of a material exhibiting an optimum coefficient of friction when combined with a material constituting the nozzle body, the bearing shaft or the tilt joint. The moment can be adjusted in the desired manner.

  It is preferable that the braking member presses the annular or substantially annular axial right end surface of the bearing device surrounding the bearing shaft. For example, the shaft perpendicular end surface may surround the bearing shaft accommodating portion.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the steam cleaner as described at the beginning, the steam cleaner includes the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner described above, thereby solving the problems presented at the beginning.

  The steam cleaner likewise has the advantages described above in connection with the preferred embodiment of the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner.

  If the connecting pipe includes a connecting hose and / or a connecting pipe, handling of the steam cleaner is very simple. In particular, a connecting part or handle part can be arranged or formed at the end of the connecting hose which can be connected directly to the connecting element or to an extension pipe which can be connected to the connecting element at one end. This makes it possible in particular to handle a steam cleaner like a suction cleaner. It should be noted that in the case of a suction cleaner, it is not necessary to provide a braking device as proposed by the present invention. This is because the suction flow generated by the suction device creates a negative pressure in the region of the suction nozzle during operation of the suction cleaner, and as a result, the lower surface of the suction nozzle is pressed against the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, the above-mentioned problem of floating the floor nozzle for the steam cleaner does not occur at all in the case of the suction type cleaner.

  Furthermore, it is preferable if the connecting pipe includes a connecting portion, and the connecting portion can be temporarily or permanently connected to the connecting element. In particular, the connecting part can be temporarily connectable or permanently connected to the connecting part of the connecting element. The connection is in particular an extension pipe that forms a connection or handle at the end of the connection hose, or on the one hand the connection part of the extension hose and on the other hand the connection element of the floor cleaner floor nozzle. These parts can be formed at one end.

  In the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, a more detailed description is given in connection with the drawings.

The schematic perspective whole figure of a steam cleaner. The schematic principle figure of the structure of a steam cleaner. The schematic perspective view of the floor nozzle for steam cleaners connected to the extension pipe. The top view of the floor nozzle for steam cleaners which removed the cover. The expansion perspective view which cut out the field of the tilt joint of the floor nozzle for steam cleaners. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the arrangement | positioning changed from FIG. Sectional drawing along line 5-5 in FIG. The schematic sectional drawing similar to FIG. 6 which shows the 2nd Example of the floor nozzle for steam cleaners. The schematic sectional drawing similar to FIG. 7 which shows the 3rd Example of the floor nozzle for steam cleaners.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a steam cleaner 10 generally designated by reference numeral 10. The vacuum cleaner includes a movable case 12 and stores therein a storage tank 14 and a steam generator 18 fluidly connected to the tank through a connection pipe 16. The steam generator 18 preferably includes an electrically driven heater 20.

  The discharge port 22 of the steam generator 18 is connected to a steam cleaner floor nozzle 26 (hereinafter referred to as “floor nozzle 26”) through an external connection pipe 24. The connecting pipe 24 includes a flexible connecting hose 28, and a handle portion 30 is provided at the end of the hose facing away from the case 12. In particular, a switch element can be arranged or configured in the handle portion 30 to control the discharge of the liquid vapor produced by the vapor generator 18 from the discharge port 22.

  A part of the connection pipe 24 may be an extension pipe 32. This pipe can be configured to be particularly telescopic. The extension pipe 32 has a first end 34 connectable to the handle portion 30 and a second end 36 connectable to the connecting element 38 of the floor nozzle 26, in particular to the pipe-like coupling 40 of the connecting element 38. It is.

  The handle part 30 and the end part 36 are connection parts 42 to 44, respectively, which are temporarily connectable or permanently connected to the connection element 38, in particular its coupling part 40. Of course, it is also possible to connect the handle part 30 directly to the connecting element 38 so that the user can directly operate the floor nozzle 26 with the handle part 30 and move it over the surface to be cleaned to which the liquid vapor is to be applied. it can.

  Hereinafter, the structure and function of the floor nozzle 26 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  The floor nozzle 26 includes a nozzle body 46 that is flexibly connected to the connecting element 40. The nozzle body 46 is formed with a fluid flow path 48 that is fluidly connected to the vapor outlet formed on the lower surface 52 of the nozzle body 46.

  The connecting element 38 further includes a tilt joint 54 that is tiltably coupled to the nozzle body 46 about a tilt shaft 58 to form a tilt joint 56. The tilt joint portion 54 is also formed in a pipe shape, and defines the tilt joint long axis 60.

  The connecting portion 40 defines a connecting portion long axis 62. In the embodiment of the floor nozzle 26 depicted in FIGS. 1-7, the tilt joint major axis 60 and the coupling major axis 62 extend obliquely to each other. These axes are inclined with respect to each other with an inclination angle 64 therebetween. The angle can in particular be between about 0 degrees and about 50 degrees. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-7, the tilt angle 64 is about 30 degrees.

  The connecting portion 40 and the tilt joint portion 54 can be relatively twisted about the rotation shaft 66. A rotary joint 68 that defines the rotary shaft 66 and relatively twists the connecting portion 40, the tilt joint portion 54, and the nozzle body 46 around the rotary shaft 66 is provided on the tilt joint portion 60 side. 1 connecting member 70 and a second connecting member 72 on the connecting portion 40 side.

  The first and second connecting members 70 to 72 are each configured in the form of a pipe piece, and are configured to mesh with each other in the connected state. This is realized in such a manner that the first connecting member 70 defines the inner diameter, and as a result, the second connecting member 72 can be inserted therein.

  In order to seal the connection element flow path 74 extending through the connection element, a packing ring-shaped sealing element 78 is mounted in an annular groove 76 on the second connection member 72, which is the first connection. The gap of the second connecting member 72 with respect to the member 70 is blocked. Thus, after the liquid vapor has passed through the connecting tube 24, it can flow through the connecting element 38.

  As described above, the first and second connecting members 70 and 72 are connected to each other in a relatively twistable state around the rotation shaft 66, while in the axial direction, that is, the rotation shaft 60. In the parallel direction, they are held together so as not to move. The major axes of the first and second connecting members 70 and 72 coincide with each other and define the tilt joint long axis 60.

  Although not shown, as an optional configuration of the floor nozzle 26, the tilt joint major axis 60 and the coupling major axis 62 may extend in parallel or may particularly coincide.

  The tilt joint portion 54 includes a pipe-shaped bearing shaft 80 at the end facing the side opposite to the connecting portion 40. This shaft defines a long axis, which becomes the tilting axis 58. Since this shaft is in fluid connection with the connecting element flow path 74, liquid vapor can flow through the connecting element flow path 74 into the bearing shaft flow path 82 defined within the bearing shaft 80.

  The tilt joint 56 includes a bearing shaft 80 and a bearing device 84 arranged or formed on the nozzle body 46 side corresponding to the bearing shaft 80. The bearing device 84 includes two bearing shaft accommodating portions 86 configured in the form of short pipe pieces having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. These bearing shaft housings 86 are closed on opposite sides and open on opposite sides. Both receptacles define annular axially perpendicular end faces 88 and 90 that face each other and extend parallel to each other and parallel to the pivot axis 66. Further, the bearing shaft housing portion 86 is fluidly connected to the fluid flow path 48.

  The inner diameter of the bearing shaft accommodating portion 86 is adapted to the outer diameter of the bearing shaft 80. The free ends 92 and 94 of the bearing shaft 80 are provided with annular grooves 96 and 98, respectively, in which the sealing elements 100 to 102 are mounted, respectively. The sealing elements 100 and 102 block the gap of the bearing shaft 80 with respect to the bearing shaft housing portion 86.

  The bearing shaft 80 further includes an annular flange 104 having an annular contact surface 106 that is in close contact with the axially perpendicular end surface 90.

  The braking member 108 of the braking device denoted by reference numeral 110 as a whole is in close contact with the axially perpendicular end surface 88. The braking member 108 is configured in the form of an annular plate 112 having a short hollow cylindrical pipe portion 114 facing the axially perpendicular end surface 90.

  The plate member 112 protrudes slightly outward from the pipe portion 114 in the radial direction with respect to the tilting shaft 58, and defines a contact surface 116 facing the axially perpendicular end surface 90. On this surface, the preload element 118 of the braking device 110 is supported at its first end. The second end of the preload element 118 is supported on the annular flange 120 of the canting joint 54, more specifically on the abutment surface 122 of the annular flange 120 facing towards the axis perpendicular end face 88.

  The preload element 118 is configured in the form of a spring 124 and in the form of a coil spring 126. The spring surrounds the bearing shaft 80, and its long axis is coaxially aligned with the tilting shaft 58. The coil spring 126 is configured in the form of a push spring, and holds the contact surface 106 in close contact with the shaft perpendicular end surface 90 and also holds the annular surface 128 of the braking member 108 on the shaft perpendicular end surface 88. Therefore, the preload element 118 is arranged to act parallel to the tilting axis 58.

  The braking member 108 is preferably made of a synthetic material having a larger coefficient of friction than the bearing shaft 80, and as a result, when the tilt joint portion 54 rotates with respect to the nozzle body 46, the annular surface 128 and the axis perpendicular end surface 88 In the meantime, a frictional force larger than the frictional force between the contact surface 106 and the axis perpendicular end surface 90 acts. In this way, by appropriately selecting the material of the braking member 108, the braking force or the braking moment corresponding to it acting as a result of the swinging of the tilt joint 54 with respect to the nozzle body 46 can be set in advance to a predetermined value. it can.

  A second possibility of adjusting the braking force or braking moment is provided by the preload element 118. This is because the effective braking force or braking moment is proportional to the spring force exerted by the preload element 118.

  As an optional configuration, the braking member 108 of the shape depicted in the figure can be eliminated. In this case, if the preload element 118 is supported on the annular flange 120 and also directly supported on the axially perpendicular end face 88, the element itself can be a braking member.

  FIG. 8 schematically shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the floor nozzle 26. This embodiment differs from the first floor nozzle 26 schematically depicted in FIGS. 1-7 in the way the braking device 118 functions. The braking member 108 is in close contact with the surface of the bearing shaft 80 between the axially perpendicular end surface 88 and the contact surface 122. The braking member is pressed against the bearing shaft 80 by a preloading element 118 supported on a support 130 disposed or formed on either the nozzle body 46 or the connecting element 38. The preload element is preferably configured in the form of a spring 124 whose dimensions are determined so as to press the braking member 108 against the bearing shaft 80 with a predetermined force F. The direction of the force F is directed toward the tilt axis 58. In particular, the long axis of the spring 124 may extend in the radial direction with respect to the tilting axis 58 and intersect (especially orthogonal) the tilting axis 58.

  When the bearing shaft 80 twists with respect to the bearing shaft housing portion 86, a frictional force is generated between the braking member 108 and the bearing shaft 80. Its magnitude depends on the pressing force of the preload element 118 and the coefficient of friction between the braking member 118 and the bearing shaft 80. The frictional force acts on the bearing shaft 80 in the tangential direction.

  Of course, the braking member 108 can be brought into contact with the preload element to act radially at any other location of the bearing shaft 80. The position of the braking device 110 can be determined individually according to the structure of the nozzle body 46 or according to the space available on the floor nozzle 26.

  FIG. 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7 of another embodiment of the floor nozzle 26. The fundamental difference from the floor nozzle 26 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. The braking member 108 is in close contact with the bearing shaft 80 at the close contact surface 132 facing the tilting shaft 58. A preloading element 118 in the form of a spring 124 surrounds the brace 134 of the braking member 108 extending transversely to the tilting axis 58, supported on the connecting element 38 and on the other hand on the braking member 108. Has been. Therefore, the preload element 118 acts tangential to the bearing shaft 80. Although a detailed method is not shown, the braking member 108 is held on the nozzle body 46 side. When the tilt joint portion 54 moves relative to the nozzle body 46 about the tilt shaft 58, a braking moment M that prevents the movement is generated by the brake device 110.

  When the steam cleaner 10 is used, it is preferable to spread the wipe 136 on the floor nozzle 26. The fabric ideally passes liquid vapor so that it can be applied to the surface to be cleaned in the desired manner.

  With respect to the braking device 110, the braking force generated by the device or the braking moment that prevents the coupling portion 40 from swinging with respect to the nozzle body 46 around the tilting shaft 58 is caused by the bearing shaft 80 and the bearing shaft receiving portion 86. Note that it is greater than the friction force between. In particular, the frictional force or moment acting between the sealing elements 100 and 102 and the bearing shaft receiving portion 86 that occurs when the bearing shaft 80 twists in the bearing shaft receiving portion 86 is controlled by the braking device 110. It is smaller than power or frictional force or braking moment or frictional moment.

  As already mentioned, by appropriately selecting the preload element 118 and the braking member 108 according to the size of the floor nozzle 26, particularly the size and mass of the nozzle body 46, the liquid vapor is injected onto the surface to be cleaned. When the nozzle body 46 begins to float from the surface to be cleaned, an optimal pressing force can be set in order to generate a desired braking or friction moment that prevents the nozzle body 46 from swinging with respect to the connecting portion 40.

  It is preferable to put water in the storage tank 14, and in some cases, a water-soluble detergent having a property of removing dirt may be added. The vapor generator 18 can be configured to generate particularly high temperature liquid vapor. The steam receives a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, reaches the floor nozzle 26 through the connection pipe 24, passes through it, and is led to the steam outlet 50.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Steam cleaner 12 ... Case 14 ... Storage tank 16 ... Connection pipe 18 ... Steam generator 20 ... Heater 22 ... Discharge port 24 ... Connection pipe 26 ... Floor nozzle 28 for steam cleaners ... Connection hose 30 ... Handle part 32 ... Extension pipe 34 ... end 36 ... end 38 ... connecting element 40 ... connecting part 42 ... connecting part 44 ... connecting part 46 ... nozzle body 48 ... fluid flow path 50 ... steam outlet 52 ... lower surface 54 ... tilting joint part 56 ... Tilt joint 58 ... Tilt axis 60 ... Tilt joint part long axis 62 ... Connection part long axis 64 ... Tilt angle 66 ... Rotary shaft 70 ... First connection member 72 ... Second connection member 74 ... Connection element flow path 76 ... Annular groove 78 ... Sealing element 80 ... Bearing shaft 82 ... Bearing shaft flow path 84 ... Bearing device 86 ... Bearing shaft receiving part 88 ... Axis perpendicular end face 90 ... Axis perpendicular end face 92 ... End part 94 ... End part 96 ... Annular groove 98 ... Annular groove 100 ... Sealing required DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 ... Sealing element 104 ... Annular flange 106 ... Contact surface 108 ... Braking member 110 ... Braking device 112 ... Plate material 114 ... Pipe part 116 ... Contact surface 118 ... Preloading element 120 ... Annular flange 122 ... Contact surface 124 ... Spring 126 ... coil spring 128 ... annular surface 130 ... support 132 ... contact surface 134 ... arm 136 ... wipe cloth

Claims (38)

  A liquid storage tank (14), a steam generator (18) for generating liquid vapor, fluidly connected to the storage tank, and a connection pipe (24) fluidly connected to the steam generator (18) A steam cleaner floor nozzle (26) for the steam cleaner (10), the nozzle body (46) having at least one steam outlet (50), and the nozzle body (46) And a connecting element (38) which is connected in a bendable manner, defines a connecting element flow path (74) and has a connecting part (40), the connecting part being in fluid connection with the steam generator (18) In the floor nozzle (26) for a steam cleaner that is temporarily connectable or permanently connected to the connecting pipe (24), particularly in the form of a hose or pipe, the pivot shaft (66) And about the pivot axis (66) A rotating joint (68) for relatively twisting the connecting portion (40) and the nozzle body (46) and a tilting shaft (58) extending in a direction intersecting the rotating shaft (66) are defined. And a tilt joint (56) for relatively swinging the connecting portion (40) and the nozzle body (26) around the tilt shaft (58), and the tilt joint (56). A brake device (110) for operating and applying a braking force or a braking moment to the tilt joint (56), and resisting the action of the brake device (40) and the nozzle body A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner, wherein (46) is relatively swingable about the tilt axis (58).   The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (40) is formed in a pipe shape or a substantially pipe shape.   The connecting element (38) includes a tilt joint (54), and the tilt joint is configured to swing about the tilt shaft (58) so as to form the tilt joint (56). It connects with (46), The floor nozzle for steam cleaners of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the tilt joint (54) is formed in a pipe shape or a substantially pipe shape.   The tilt joint part (54) defines a tilt joint part long axis (60), the connection part (40) defines a connection part long axis (62), the tilt joint part long axis (60) and the connection part long axis ( The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 3 or 4, wherein 62) extend parallel to or crossing each other.   The tilt joint (54) defines the pivot axis (66), in particular the tilt joint major axis (60) defines the pivot axis (66). Item 6. A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of Items 3 to 5.   The tilt joint portion (54) and the connecting portion (40) are connected to each other in a relatively twistable state around the rotating shaft (66). A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 1.   The tilt joint (60) includes a first connecting member (70), the connecting portion (40) includes a second connecting member (72), and the first and second connecting members (70, 72). The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that they are engaged with each other by pressure fitting or shape fitting.   The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and second connecting members (70, 72) are configured in the form of pipe portions that mesh with each other.   The said 1st and 2nd connection member (70, 72) is mutually connected in the state which can be twisted relatively centering | focusing on the said rotating shaft (66). Floor nozzle for steam cleaner.   The said 1st and 2nd connection member (70, 72) prescribes | regulates the major axis which mutually agree | coincides, and this major axis corresponds with the said tilting joint part major axis (60). The floor nozzle for steam cleaners in any one of 10.   The tilt joint long axis (60) and the coupling long axis (62) form an inclination angle (64), and the inclination angle is in the range of about 0 degrees to about 50 degrees, particularly about 25 degrees to about 35. The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the floor nozzle is in a range up to a degree.   The nozzle body (46) comprises a lower surface (52), and the tilting shaft (58) extends parallel or substantially parallel to the lower surface (53). A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner as described in 1.   A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot axis (66) intersects the tilt axis (58), in particular perpendicularly.   The tilt joint (56) includes a bearing shaft (80) slidably laid on the nozzle body (46) and defining the tilt axis (58). The floor nozzle for steam cleaners in any one of 1-14.   A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 15, characterized in that the bearing shaft (80) is hollow and fluidly connected to the connecting element flow path (74).   At least one braking member (110) which operates in cooperation with the tilt joint (60) or the bearing shaft (80) on the one hand and / or the nozzle body (46) on the other hand. 108), The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 16.   18. The brake member (108) according to claim 17, characterized in that it is engaged with the tilt joint (54) or the bearing shaft (80) on the one hand and the nozzle body (46) on the other hand by pressure fitting. Floor nozzle for steam cleaner as described.   The braking member (108) is in the form of an annular plate (112) or on the tilt joint (54) or on the bearing shaft (80) on the one hand and on the nozzle body (46) on the other hand. A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it is configured in the form of a supported preloading element (118).   The preload element (118) held on the nozzle body (46) presses the braking member (108) against the tilt joint (54) or the bearing shaft (80). The floor nozzle for steam cleaners as described in 17 or 18.   The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the braking member (108) is arranged or formed so as to surround the bearing shaft (80).   22. The preload element (118) is arranged or formed to act in a direction parallel to or intersecting with the tilt axis (58), in particular orthogonally. Floor nozzle for steam cleaner.   A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the preload element (118) is configured in the form of an elastic, in particular spring-elastic element.   24. A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that the preload element (118) is configured in the form of a spring (124) or in the form of a synthetic material body having elasticity.   The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 24, characterized in that the spring (124) is in the form of a coil spring (126).   26. The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 25, wherein the coil spring (126) defines a coil spring axis that coincides with the tilt axis (58).   The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the bearing shaft (80) and the tilt joint (54) are integrally formed.   The nozzle body (46) includes a bearing device (84), and the bearing shaft (80) and / or the tilt joint (54) tilts about the tilt shaft (58) on the bearing device (84). The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 27, wherein the floor nozzle is laid down in a possible manner.   29. Steam cleaning according to claim 28, characterized in that the bearing device (84) includes at least two bearing shaft receptacles (86) for respectively accommodating bearing shaft portions of the bearing shaft (80). Floor nozzle for machine.   30. A floor for a steam cleaner according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the clearance of the bearing shaft (80) with respect to the bearing device (84) is in particular closed by at least one sealing element (102). nozzle.   31. A gap according to any one of claims 3 to 30, characterized in that the gap between the tilting joint part (54) and the connecting part (40) is closed, in particular by at least one sealing element (78). Floor nozzle for steam cleaner.   A first abutting surface (106) in which the bearing shaft (80) is in close contact with an axially perpendicular end surface (90) surrounding one bearing shaft housing (86), and the preload element (118) are supported thereon 32. The floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to any one of claims 29 to 31, further comprising a second abutting surface (122).   33. A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 32, wherein the first and second abutment surfaces (106, 122) are opposite or facing each other.   34. The preload element (118) is supported on the brake member (108) on the one hand and on the second abutment surface (122) on the other hand. Floor nozzle for steam cleaner.   35. Any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein the braking member (108) presses an annular or substantially annular axially perpendicular end surface (88) of the bearing device (84) surrounding the bearing shaft (80). A floor nozzle for a steam cleaner according to claim 1.   A liquid storage tank (14), a steam generator (18) for generating liquid vapor, fluidly connected to the storage tank (14), and the steam generator (18) through a connection pipe (24) And a floor nozzle (26) fluidly connected, wherein the floor nozzle (26) is configured in the form of a floor nozzle (26) according to any of claims 1-35. A steam cleaner characterized by   Steam cleaner according to claim 36, characterized in that the connecting pipe (24) comprises a connecting hose (28) and / or a connecting pipe (32).   The connecting pipe (24) includes a connection, the connection (42, 44) being temporarily connectable or permanent to the connection element (38), in particular the connection part (40) of the connection element. The steam cleaner according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the steam cleaner is connected to the steam cleaner.

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