WO2005084513A1

WO2005084513A1 - Vacuum cleaner nozzle

Info

Publication number: WO2005084513A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/001496
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrik Rust; Timo Spengler; Christian Stewen; Erich Moritsch
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2004-03-03
Filing date: 2005-02-15
Publication date: 2005-09-15
Also published as: EP1720437A1; US20070039128A1; DE102004011745A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle (10, 55) for vacuuming the floor with the aid of a suction channel which leads into a suction mouthpiece. The aim of the invention is to configure a vacuum cleaner nozzle in such a way that it constantly has a more powerful suction effect. According to the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a lifting mechanism (42, 57) which cooperates with the floor (12) and which is used to periodically modify the distance of the suction mouthpiece (18) to the floor.

Description

Staubsaugerduse

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle for vacuuming a surface with a suction channel that opens into a suction mouth.

Such vacuum cleaner nozzles are usually connected to the free end of a suction hose or suction pipe, which is in flow connection with a suction unit for suctioning the substrate. A suction flow is generated by the suction unit and is guided through the suction channel from the suction mouth. To increase the cleaning effect, the suction flow can be intensified by increasing the volume flow. This requires the use of a more powerful suction unit, with the risk that the vacuum cleaner nozzle will permanently stick to the surface. In utility model DE 93 12 261 Ul, it was therefore proposed to interrupt the suction flow periodically by means of a flap valve arranged in the suction channel. When the valve is closed, the vacuum between the suction unit and the valve increases due to the action of the suction unit. If the valve is opened, the increased vacuum causes an increased suction flow, so that an increased suction effect can be achieved within this period without a more powerful suction unit having to be used and without the risk that the vacuum cleaner nozzle is permanently stuck to the surface ,

A disadvantage of such a configuration of a vacuum cleaner nozzle, however, is that dirt particles can settle in the area of the flap valve, causing leakage and damage to the valve being able to lead. This reduces the lifespan of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and also its suction effect.

The object of the present invention is to develop a vacuum cleaner nozzle of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that its suction effect can be increased permanently.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a vacuum cleaner nozzle of the generic type in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle has a lifting mechanism which interacts with the surface, the distance between the suction mouth and the surface being periodically variable by means of the lifting mechanism.

The idea flows into the invention that a periodic variation in the suction flow can be achieved by periodically changing the distance between the suction mouth and the subsurface without the risk of a leakage or damage to a valve element. By means of the lifting mechanism, which interacts with the surface, the position of the suction mouth can be periodically moved back and forth between two end positions. In a first end position, the suction mouth assumes a position which is as close as possible to the substrate, and in a second setting, the suction mouth assumes a position which is at a maximum distance from the substrate. In the first end position, the suction flow in the area of the suction mouth experiences a considerable pressure loss due to the small distance that the suction mouth has from the ground. The consequence of this is that, with the suction unit remaining in the same position, there is an increased vacuum in the area between the suction unit and the suction mouth established. If the suction mouth is subsequently transferred into its second end position by means of the lifting mechanism, the distance between the suction mouth and the subsurface increases, and this results in a significant reduction in the pressure loss of the suction flow in the area of the suction mouth, so that a pulsating suction flow is formed overall, which has a significant increase in the suction effect without the need to use valve elements closing the suction channel.

It can be provided, for example, that the suction mouth is at least partially delimited in the circumferential direction by a border, for example by one or more webs, the border being able to be raised from the subsurface and lowered onto it at least in regions by means of the lifting mechanism. Depending on the position that the border occupies in relation to the subsurface, a certain pressure loss of the suction flow can be achieved, and a periodic distance variation in turn results in the formation of a pulsating suction flow.

It is expedient if the suction mouth is held rigidly on a base plate of the vacuum cleaner nozzle which can be raised from the surface and lowered onto it by means of the lifting mechanism.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle has a support wheel which can be rotated about an axis of rotation and can be placed on the ground, and can be pivoted back and forth about a pivot axis which is aligned parallel or coaxially to the axis of rotation. In such an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner nozzle performs a periodic pivoting movement due to the lifting mechanism interacting with the base through, the support wheel supporting the vacuum cleaner nozzle on the ground and the axis of rotation of the support wheel defining a pivot axis of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The swiveling movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle results in a periodic variation in the distance between the suction mouth and is caused by the lifting mechanism.

In order to ensure that the surface is cleaned evenly despite the periodic variation in the distance between the suction mouth, it is advantageous if the width of the suction mouth in the working direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle is at least that within a lifting-lowering cycle of the lifting mechanism from the vacuum cleaner nozzle at a speed of 0.5 m / s corresponds to the distance covered along the underground. The speed of 0.5 m / s corresponds to a standard speed at which the vacuum cleaner nozzle is usually moved along the surface by the user. If the width of the suction mouth in the working direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle is greater than or equal to the distance covered at the standard speed mentioned within a lifting-lowering cycle of the lifting mechanism, it is ensured that every area of the surface is also covered by an increased suction flow and not Form areas of the subsurface, for example, which are only subjected to a minimal suction flow.

It is particularly advantageous if the width of the suction mouth corresponds to at least 1.5 times the distance covered by the vacuum cleaner nozzle at a speed of 0.5 m / s along the surface within a lifting-lowering cycle of the lifting mechanism. For example, it can be provided that the lifting mechanism the distance of the Suction mouth to the surface periodically changed with a frequency of about 25 Hz and the width of the suction mouth is at least 20 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the lifting mechanism can be switched on and off. This gives the option of only switching on the lifting mechanism and, consequently, of varying the distance of the suction mouth from the substrate only if a stronger suction effect is desired for cleaning the substrate, for example on a carpet. If the vacuum cleaner nozzle is used on a surface that is only slightly dirty or on a hard surface, the cleaning of which does not require increased suction, the lifting mechanism can be switched off.

It can be provided that the lifting mechanism can optionally be switched on and off by the user. This gives the user the option of manually switching the lifting mechanism on or off, depending on the degree of contamination of the surface.

In many cases, the vacuum cleaner nozzle has a bristle ring which can be moved back and forth between two different positions by means of an actuating device, so that when cleaning a hard surface the bristle ring can be moved out of a housing of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and inserted into the housing when cleaning a carpet. It is advantageous if the lifting mechanism is coupled to the actuating device of the bristle ring. This gives the possibility of switching on the lifting mechanism by means of the actuating device when cleaning a carpet, while it is designed when cleaning a hard surface. The greater the difference between the minimum and maximum distance between the suction mouth and the surface, the greater the suction effect. If there is a large difference between the minimum and maximum distance, i.e. if the suction mouth is large, there is a strongly pulsating suction flow, which results in an increased suction effect. If, on the other hand, the difference between the minimum and the maximum distance between the suction mouth and the subsurface is reduced, the pulsation of the suction flow is reduced. It is therefore favorable if the extent of the periodic distance variation, ie the stroke of the suction mouth, can be changed. This makes it possible to adapt the suction effect of the vacuum cleaner nozzle to the degree of soiling of the surface.

No details have so far been given on the design of the lifting mechanism. It is advantageous if the lifting mechanism has at least one rotatable rolling element that engages the substrate, which is coupled to the suction mouth, for example rigidly connected to the suction mouth, wherein the suction element can be raised from the substrate and lowered onto it by means of the rolling element. If the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved along the surface, the rolling element engaging the surface is set in rotation, and since the rolling element is coupled to the suction mouth, a rolling movement of the rolling element can cause the suction mouth to move back and forth in the direction of the surface or into the direction away from the ground. The distance between the suction mouth and the surface can therefore be changed periodically in a structurally simple manner by means of the rolling element. It is expedient if the rolling element is exchangeable, for example releasably connectable, in particular latchable, on a housing of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Depending on the nature of the surface, this makes it possible to use different rolling elements which differ, for example, in the extent to which the suction mouth moves back and forth or in the frequency of this movement.

The rolling element is preferably mounted eccentrically, because this allows the rolling movement of the rolling element to be transmitted to a reciprocating movement of the suction mouth in a structurally simple manner.

It can also be provided that the rolling element is non-circular, for example in the form of a rolling cam that is supported on the ground and raises the vacuum cleaner nozzle at least in the area of the suction mouth and then lowers it again.

It is favorable if the rolling element has a contour in the form of a polygon, in particular a pentagon.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the rolling element has a star-shaped contour. The rolling element can be designed, for example, in the form of a star wheel, preferably a star wheel with five arms or teeth.

It can be provided that the rolling element is designed as a wheel or as a roller or brush. It is advantageous here if the width of the rolling element corresponds approximately to the width of a classic thread lifter. Alternatively, a rolling element can be used, the width of which essentially corresponds to the width of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

It can also be provided that a plurality of rolling elements rigidly connected to one another are used, which are arranged distributed over the width of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. In this way, a lateral tilting of the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be prevented in a structurally simple manner.

The rolling element shows a slip against the ground when rolling. It is advantageous if the contour of the rolling element is asymmetrical, because it can be ensured in a structurally simple manner that the rolling element has a different slip behavior, depending on whether the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved in the forward or backward direction. This in turn ensures that the suction mouth driven by the rolling element for a back and forth movement covers all areas of the substrate even at a short distance from the substrate, so that a uniform cleaning effect is achieved along the substrate.

In a preferred embodiment of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention, the contour of the rolling element is star-shaped and has a plurality of arms or prongs, each with two flanks that converge towards one another, the two flanks having a different inclination to the radial direction of the rolling element. The different flank inclination with a star-shaped contour ensures that a different slippage of the rolling element occurs when the vacuum cleaner nozzle moves forwards and backwards. The different slip in turn means that when the vacuum cleaner nozzle moves forwards and backwards, agreed area of the subsurface result in different positions of the rolling element and thus also different positions of the suction mouth to the subsurface. This ensures that every part of the surface is cleaned with an increased suction flow.

The rolling element preferably has a friction-increasing coating. For example, it can be provided that the rolling element is coated with a rubber or latex covering or also with a felt. The friction-increasing coating ensures that a movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle along the surface results in a rotary movement of the rolling element and thus in a variation in the distance of the suction mouth.

It is particularly advantageous if the friction-increasing coating gives the rolling element a different friction behavior when rolling along the surface in the working direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle than when rolling against the working direction, because this allows different slip to be ensured during a forward and backward movement of the vacuum nozzle ,

It can be provided, for example, that the friction-increasing covering is structured and exerts a frictional force that depends on the rolling direction of the rolling element on the substrate.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle preferably has a support wheel that can be placed on the ground, the rolling element being arranged between the support wheel and the suction mouth in the working direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Alternatively, you can be provided that the rolling element is positioned in the working direction in front of the suction mouth.

It is expedient if the vacuum cleaner nozzle has at least one thread lifter, the rolling element being arranged between the suction mouth and the thread lifter. It is particularly advantageous if the rolling element and the suction mouth are positioned between two thread lifters.

As already explained, it has proven to be advantageous if the width of the suction mouth corresponds to approximately 20 mm. It has been shown that such a configuration of the suction mouth enables reliable and uniform cleaning of the substrate.

It is favorable if the position of the rolling element can be changed in relation to the ground. This gives the user the opportunity to switch off the action of the rolling element by positioning the rolling element in a position in which it has no contact with the ground. On the other hand, if the rolling element is to develop its effect, the user transfers it to a position closer to the ground. So it can be provided that the rolling element is held obliquely or perpendicular to the ground.

It is particularly advantageous if the position of the rolling element is coupled to the position of an adjustable bristle ring of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The bristle ring is only used when cleaning a hard surface, while it is moved away from the carpet when cleaning a carpet. Conversely, the rolling element can the floor can be approximated, while it can be moved away from the hard surface when cleaning a hard surface. The consequence of this is that the rolling element is used only when cleaning a carpet, that is to say only when cleaning a carpet, the distance between the suction mouth and the surface is changed periodically.

It can also be provided that the axial position of the rolling element, that is to say its height in relation to the suction mouth, cannot be changed. If in such a case a bristle ring is used which can be changed in its position, this has the consequence that, depending on the position of the bristle ring, the rolling element comes into mechanical contact with the substrate and can therefore develop its effect, or else it will due to the bristle ring kept at a distance from the surface and therefore remains inoperative.

It is particularly advantageous if the rotational movement of the rolling element is visually or acoustically recognizable for the user. For example, a viewing window can be provided through which the user can recognize the rolling element. Here, the viewing window can comprise a transparent cover with a colored marking, which is rolled over by the rolling element during a rotary movement, so that a kind of "stroboscopic effect" is formed and the rotation of the rolling element is shown more intensely. Alternatively and / or in addition, the rotary movement of the rolling element can be used to generate a noise.

The rotational movement of the rolling element along the surface leads, as explained above, to a back and forth movement of the suction mouth. In a preferred embodiment, this movement can be haptically detected by the user.

However, it can also be provided that the vacuum cleaner nozzle has damping elements so that mechanical vibrations of the vacuum cleaner nozzle can only be transmitted to a small extent to a suction hose or a suction pipe which can be connected to the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

Instead of the use of a rolling element, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the lifting mechanism comprises a turbine wheel which can be acted upon by a suction flow and rotatably held about an axis of rotation, the center of gravity of which is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation, and one in the working direction at a distance from the axis of rotation on the ground attacking support element. In such a configuration, the lifting and lowering movement of the suction mouth is caused by the rotation of the eccentric turbine wheel, which can be set in rotation by the suction flow. The turbine wheel has a center of gravity arranged at a distance from its axis of rotation, this leads to an imbalance when the turbine wheel rotates, so that the vacuum cleaner nozzle in the bearing area of the turbine wheel is subjected to inertial forces. Since a support element, for example a support wheel, which can be placed on the ground is positioned at a distance from the axis of rotation of the turbine wheel, the imbalance of the turbine wheel leads to a periodic pivoting movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle in such a way that the suction mouth is periodically raised and lowered, while the support element maintains a constant position relative to the Occupies underground. It is expedient if the turbine wheel is arranged within the suction channel and only partially fills the suction channel cross section, since this ensures that the turbine wheel only insignificantly impairs the suction flow guided through the suction channel.

The turbine wheel is preferably arranged in an end section of the suction channel that opens into the suction mouth. It is particularly favorable if the turbine wheel is positioned above the suction mouth.

The configuration of the turbine wheel with an imbalance is achieved in a preferred embodiment in that the turbine wheel has turbine blades with different masses. For example, it can be provided that the turbine wheel has four turbine blades oriented at an angle of approximately 90 ° to one another, although one turbine blade has a considerably greater mass than the other turbine blades.

In order to be able to selectively switch the effect of the turbine wheel on and off, it is provided in an advantageous embodiment of the invention that the turbine wheel can be locked. Alternatively, it can be provided that the turbine wheel can be inserted into and out of the suction channel, so that a periodic variation in the distance of the suction mouth can be switched on and off in accordance with the position of the turbine wheel.

It can be provided that the rotational mobility of the turbine wheel is coupled to the position of a bristle ring of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The bristle ring is only used when cleaning a hard surface, and in this case the mobility of the turbine wheel can be blocked. Becomes instead, the bristle ring is deactivated, so the turbine wheel can be activated at the same time, because in this case the vacuum cleaner nozzle is used to clean a carpeted floor, where it is beneficial if an increased suction effect can be achieved.

It is expedient if the rotary movement can be recognized optically or acoustically and / or haptically by the user. For example, it can be provided that the vacuum cleaner nozzle has a viewing window through which the user can recognize the turbine wheel. The viewing window can have a transparent cover with a colored marking, which is swept by the turbine blades of the turbine wheel. Alternatively and / or additionally, a noise can be generated by means of the turbine wheel, on the basis of which the user can recognize that the turbine wheel is rotating.

As explained at the beginning, the periodic change in the distance of the suction mouth from the substrate results in an increased suction effect, on the basis of which an improved cleaning effect can be achieved. A further increase in the cleaning effect is achieved in a particularly advantageous embodiment in that the suction mouth is at least partially delimited in the circumferential direction by a border which forms the area of the vacuum cleaner nozzle which protrudes furthest towards the surface. The border of the suction mouth thus forms a protruding area with which the substrate can be mechanically cleaned when the suction mouth assumes its position which is minimally spaced from the substrate. In this position, the surface of the suction mouth is machined mechanically. When cleaning a carpet, the border penetrates into the pile of the carpet, so that it is rubbed off mechanically. The The cleaning effect can be increased considerably without the disadvantage for the user that he has to exert an increased pushing force to move the vacuum cleaner nozzle, rather the periodic change in distance of the suction mouth and thus also the border which at least partially delimits the suction mouth in the circumferential direction ensures that despite the mechanical processing of the surface, the pushing forces required to move the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be kept low.

According to a preferred embodiment, the suction mouth border forms the contact surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle on the surface. Compared to known vacuum cleaner nozzles, the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention therefore has a small contact area. As a result, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can penetrate more carpeted floors. The increased pushing forces that occur here are reduced by the action of the lifting mechanism interacting with the surface, which causes the suction mouth to be raised and lowered cyclically. Thus, despite improved cleaning performance, the pushing forces are not increased compared to conventional vacuum cleaner nozzles.

It is favorable if the border of the suction mouth forms a web. It can be provided here that, based on the working direction of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, a front and a rear web are used, which extend at a constant distance from one another over the entire width of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. It is advantageous if the vacuum cleaner nozzle has at least one thread lifter held on a base plate, the border projecting beyond the thread lifter in the direction of the substrate and having no interruption in its area adjacent to the thread lifter. It has been shown that the cleaning effect of the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be enhanced.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawing for a more detailed explanation. Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention with a minimal distance to a surface;

FIG. 2 shows a basic illustration of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to FIG. 1 with a maximum distance from the substrate;

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention with a minimal distance from the ground and

Figure 5: a schematic diagram of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to Figure 4 with a maximum distance to the ground. 1 to 3 schematically show a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention, which is denoted overall by reference number 10 and can be moved along a surface, in the embodiment shown along a carpet 12. The vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 comprises a housing 14 with a suction channel 16 which extends through the housing 14 and opens into a suction mouth 18 which is arranged on a base plate 20 of the housing 14 and faces the carpet 12.

The suction mouth 18 is delimited in the circumferential direction by a border 21 which, with respect to a working direction 22 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10, has a front and a rear crosspiece 24 or 25, which practically extend at a constant distance from one another over the entire width of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 and at the ends are integrally connected to one another via longitudinal webs 26, 27.

At its end facing away from the base plate 20, the suction channel 16 forms a connecting piece 29 for connecting a suction pipe, known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing, or a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner. The latter has a suction unit (not shown), with the aid of which a suction flow leading through the suction channel 18 can be achieved.

In the working direction 22, in front of and behind the border 21 of the suction mouth 18, two thread lifters 31, 32 are arranged on the underside of the base plate 20, which effect a fiber absorption from the surface to be sucked and can be designed, for example, in the form of a plastic strip, which are covered with a bristle velor in the direction of the carpet 12.

In its rearward area with respect to the working direction 22, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 has a support wheel 34 which is rotatably mounted on the housing 14 about an axis of rotation 35 oriented perpendicular to the working direction 22. For support on the carpet 12, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 also has two support rollers 37, 38 which are rotatably mounted on the housing 14 and are arranged approximately at the level of the free ends of the crosspieces 24, 25 in the working direction 22 behind the rear crosspiece 25.

As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2, the transverse webs 24, 25 protrude in the direction of the carpet 12 over the thread lifters 31, 32 and the circumference of the support wheel 34. The edge regions of the crosspieces 24 and 25 facing the carpet 12 form the area of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 which projects furthest in the direction of the carpet 12, i.e. the crosspieces 24, 25 form the contact surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 on the carpet 12 and penetrate into the pile 40 the carpet 12, so that it is machined by the crosspieces 24 and 25.

To clean the carpet 12, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 is moved back and forth in the working direction 22 and the carpet 12 is suctioned off. At the same time, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 is periodically pivoted back and forth about the axis of rotation 35 of the support wheel 34, so that the distance that the suction mouth 18 occupies from the carpet 12 is periodically increased and decreased, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A lifting mechanism is used to generate the periodic movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 to use, which is formed in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 as rotatably mounted on the housing 14, non-circular rolling element in the form of a star wheel 42, which engages the carpet 12 and is set in rotation when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 is moved. The star wheel 42 has the contour of a five-pointed star, which is designed asymmetrically in such a way that the five points 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49 of the star each have two converging side flanks 43, 44, which have a different inclination to the radial direction of the star wheel 42 have. At the end, the teeth 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49 of the star wheel 42 are rounded off, so that they each form a minimum contact area of the star wheel 42 on the carpet 12, which ensures that the star wheel 42 only slightly in the pile 40 of the carpet 12th dips.

Due to the non-circular design of the star wheel 42, its rolling movement along the carpet 12 periodically raises and lowers the front area of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 in the working direction 22, in particular the suction mouth 18. This assumes a position approximating the carpet 12, as shown in FIG 1 is shown, then an increased flow resistance forms in the area of the border 21, so that an increased negative pressure is created within the suction channel 16. During a further rolling movement of the star wheel 42, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 is raised in the area of the suction mouth 18, as shown in FIG. 2. This leads to a reduced flow resistance in the area of the border 21, so that ambient air can be sucked into the suction channel 16. The continuous periodic lifting and lowering movement of the suction mouth 18 consequently has a pulsating suction flow within the Suction channel 16 result, through which the suction effect of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 can be increased considerably.

The axial position of the star wheel 42 can be changed by means of an actuator known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing, for example a pull rod or a pivoting lever, so that the star wheel 42 can be brought into a distance from the carpet 12 so that it becomes inoperative , Conversely, the starwheel 42 can also be approximated to the carpet 12 by means of the actuator, so that an increased stroke, that is to say an increased movement amplitude of the suction mouth 18 during its back and forth movement is formed.

The star wheel 42 can be covered with a friction-increasing coating, in particular with a bristle velor, as is used for the thread lifters 31, 42.

The periodic raising and lowering of the suction mouth 18 and the front and rear crosspieces 24, 25 also ensures that mechanical processing of the pile 40 of the carpeted floor 12 can take place, but that no increased pushing force is required by the user of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 to move the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 along the carpet 12.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention, which is denoted overall by reference number 55. This is configured similarly to the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. For identical components the same reference numerals are therefore used as in FIGS. 1 to 3. To avoid repetition, reference is made in this regard to the explanations given above.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle 55 differs from the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10 in that no lifting element in the form of a star wheel is used as the lifting mechanism, but the lifting mechanism ^' is formed by a turbine wheel 57 arranged within the suction channel 16, which has four mirror symmetries to one another and each at a distance of Turbine wheels 58, 59, 60 and 61 aligned at 90 ° to one another, the turbine wheel 58 having a significantly greater mass than the turbine wheels 59, 60 and 61. This has the consequence that the center of gravity of the turbine wheel 57, which is freely rotatable about an axis of rotation 63 is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation 63. The turbine wheel 57 thus forms an imbalance, and rotation of the turbine wheel 57, as is caused by the suction flow that is passed through the suction channel 16, has the result that the front region of the housing 14 in the working direction 22 is periodically raised and lowered is, while its rear area is supported by the support wheel 34 on the carpet 12. The periodic raising and lowering of the front area of the housing 14 and thus in particular of the suction mouth 18, as explained above, results in a pulsating suction flow since the flow resistance in the area of the border 21 changes periodically. Thus, by using the turbine wheel 57, which is subject to imbalance, in combination with the support wheel 34, which is supported on the carpet 12, an increased suction effect can be achieved in a structurally simple manner. At the same time, the use of the turbine wheel 57 makes it possible to design the front and rear transverse webs 24, 25 in this way. the that they protrude beyond the thread lifter 31, 32 and the support wheel 34 in the direction of the carpet 12 and mechanically edit the pile 40 of the carpet 12 without this, however, requiring an increased pushing force for moving the vacuum cleaner nozzle 10.

Claims

GODFATHER CLAIMS

Vacuum cleaner nozzle for vacuuming a substrate with a suction channel which opens into a suction mouth, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (10; 55) has a lifting mechanism (42; 57) which interacts with the substrate (12), the lifting mechanism (42; 57 ) the distance of the suction mouth (18) to the substrate (12) can be changed periodically.

Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction mouth (18) is at least partially delimited in the circumferential direction by a border (21) which can be raised and lowered onto the base (12) by means of the lifting mechanism (42; 57).

Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction mouth (18) is rigidly held on a base plate (20) which can be raised and lowered onto the base (12) by means of the lifting mechanism (42; 57).

Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (10; 55) has a support wheel (34) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (35) and can be placed on the base (12) and which is aligned parallel or coaxially to the axis of rotation (35) Swivel axis is pivotable back and forth.

5. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width of the suction mouth (18) in the working direction (22) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (10; 55) at least within a lifting / lowering cycle of the lifting mechanism (42; 57) the vacuum cleaner nozzle (10; 55) corresponds to the distance covered at a speed of 0.5 m / s along the surface (12).

6. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting mechanism (42; 57) can be switched on and off.

7. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extent of the periodic distance variation is variable.

8. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting mechanism has at least one rotatable, on the ground engaging rolling element (42) which is coupled to the suction mouth (18), by means of the rolling element (42) of the suction mouth (18) can be lifted from the surface (12) and lowered onto it.

9. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 8, characterized in that the rolling element (42) is replaceable.

10. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the rolling element is mounted eccentrically.

11. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the rolling element (42) is non-circular.

12. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 11, characterized in that the rolling element (42) has a contour in the form of a polygon.

13. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 11, characterized in that the rolling element (42) has a star-shaped contour.

14. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the contour of the rolling element (42) is asymmetrical.

15. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 14, characterized in that the contour of the rolling element (42) is star-shaped and has a plurality of teeth (45, 46, 47, 48, 49), each with two converging flanks (43, 44), the two Flanks (43, 44) have a different inclination to the radial direction of the rolling element (42).

16. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the at least one rolling element (42) has a friction-increasing coating.

17. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that the at least one rolling element (42) is designed as a wheel or roller.

18. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of claims 8 to 17, characterized in that the rolling element (42) in the working direction (22) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (10) is arranged between a support wheel (34) and the suction mouth (18).

19. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of claims 8 to 18, characterized in that the at least one rolling element (42) is held adjustable obliquely or perpendicular to the base (12).

20. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lifting mechanism comprises a turbine wheel (57) which can be acted upon by a suction flow and rotatably held about an axis of rotation (63), the center of gravity of which is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation (63), and a support element (34) engaging in the working direction (22) at a distance from the axis of rotation (63) on the substrate (12).

21. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 20, characterized in that the turbine wheel (57) is arranged within the suction channel (16), wherein it only incompletely fills the suction channel cross section.

22. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the turbine wheel (57) is arranged in an end section of the suction channel (16) opening into the suction mouth (18).

23. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that the turbine wheel (57) has turbine blades (58, 59, 60, 61) with different masses.

24. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction mouth (18) is at least partially delimited in the circumferential direction by a border (21) which protrudes the area of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (10; 55) trains.

25. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (10; 55) has at least one thread lifter (31, 32) held on a base plate (20), a border which at least partially delimits the suction mouth (18) in the circumferential direction (22) has no interruption in its area adjacent to the thread lifter (31, 32).

26. Vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an edge (21) at least partially delimiting the suction mouth (18) in the circumferential direction at least one front web (24) extending transversely to the working direction (22) and one transversely to the working direction (22) extending rear web (25).