WO2007025895A1

WO2007025895A1 - Floor nozzle for a vaccum cleaner comprising a controlable brush

Info

Publication number: WO2007025895A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/065518
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas GÖPPNER; Albert Kleinhenz; Michael Krammer; Heribert Schwarz
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2005-09-02
Filing date: 2006-08-21
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Also published as: ES2336366T3; EP1924185B1; ATE456322T1; DE102005041809A1; DE502006006051D1; RU2424759C2; RU2008106839A; CN101252867A; CN101252867B; EP1924185A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor nozzle for a vaccum cleaner (10) comprising a control device and a brush (22), wherein said brush adopts a first position during a first control positon of the control device and a second position during a second control position of the control device. The aim of the invention is to improve the operation of said nozzle. According to the invention, the control device comprises a third control position wherein the brush (22) can automatically adopt the first and the second position.

Description

Vacuum cleaner floor nozzle with switchable bristle strip

The invention relates to a Staubsaugerbodendüse according to the preamble of claim 1.

The various vacuum cleaner types according to the prior art can basically be subdivided into two different designs:

In so-called canister vacuum cleaners, the motor, blower, filter unit and electronic devices are arranged in a housing, which is usually mounted on rollers. An often telescopically adjustable in length suction pipe is connected at one end by means of a flexible suction hose to the housing or the blower of the vacuum cleaner and has at its other end to a floor nozzle, which comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned.

A second design form the so-called hand vacuum cleaner. In contrast to the cylinder vacuum cleaners here, the suction pipe is rigidly connected to the vacuum cleaner housing. Again, engine, blower, electrical and filter unit are housed in the housing. This additionally has on the side opposite the suction pipe connection on an extension of the suction pipe attached handle for handling.

By means of the floor nozzle, the negative pressure generated by the motor and blower is applied to the surfaces to be cleaned. These are usually either hard, smooth surfaces of floor coverings such as parquet, PVC, stone, etc., or textile surfaces such as carpets, furniture upholstery, etc. Here, the different nature of the surface partially conflicting demands on the functionality of floor nozzle. In structured, air-permeable surfaces, such as carpets, the best possible resting of the floor nozzle is desirable in order to achieve a deep and high suction effect. For smooth surfaces, however, the direct suction is often insufficient to release stuck dirt particles from the surface. In addition, depending on the structural design, there is the risk of a fixed suction of the floor nozzle and thus possibly also of damage to the floor covering by scratching. Floor nozzles according to the prior art are therefore usually equipped with one or more bristle strips. These are arranged so that their bristles extend from the bottom of the floor nozzle, which contacts the surface to be cleaned, substantially perpendicular to the floor nozzle. These bristles are usually by means of a foot switch on the floor nozzle via a mechanism between a extended position in which the bristles protrude from the bottom of the floor nozzle and so can come into contact with the floor covering and optionally create a distance between the nozzle and floor covering and one lowered position in which they are essentially retracted without function in the floor nozzle, switchable.

In this way, a brushing action is exerted on the surface to be cleaned in the extended state and stuck dirt detached from the floor covering, which can then be absorbed. Optionally, by means of the bristle strip by the increased distance between the floor nozzle and the surface, a sufficiently large laterally entering the floor nozzle air flow allows and prevents seizing the floor nozzle or scratching the floor surface. In the retracted state, however, there is a sufficiently large negative pressure for the cleaning of textile surfaces available. Depending on the design of the mechanism, which is provided for extending or retracting the bristle strip, the process of switching is associated with a relatively high expenditure of force. In any case, the process of cleaning the soil surface must be interrupted. This is particularly troublesome with a frequent change between different surfaces.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle which at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved with the features of the independent claim.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The invention builds on the generic Staubsaugerbodendüse in that the switching device has a third switching position in which the bristle strip automa- table can assume the first or the second position. In this third switching position, neither the first nor the second position is prescribed for the bristle strip. In particular, the bristle strip is fixed neither in the first nor in the second position, but can automatically, depending on the current conditions of the cleaning process with the Staubsaugerbodendüse, occupy the first or second position and change between two positions. In contrast to the first or second switching position of the switching device, in which the first position or the second position of the bristle strip is predetermined by the operator of the Staubsaugerbodendüse, the position of the bristle strip in the third switching position takes place without direct intervention of the operator. Consequently, the operator can carry out a targeted floor care via the first or second switching position, in which case the bristle strip is in the first or in the second position. Alternatively, the user can perform a simplified floor care by means of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle by bringing the switching device in the third switching position in which the bristle strip automatically selects their respective position. This frees the user from selecting the respective suitable position of the bristle strip and in particular from interrupting the cleaning operation for actuating the switching device. In this way, the cleaning process with the Staubsaugerbodendüse invention particularly simple.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that in the third switching position of the switching device, the change takes place between the first and the second position of the bristle strip in dependence on the surface to be cleaned. Since, as already explained above, the different surfaces to be cleaned make different demands on the Staubsaugerbodendüse, changing the surface quality is usually the reason for changing the position of the bristle strip. In the case of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle according to the invention, the changeover between the two positions takes place automatically in the third switching position, so that this embodiment particularly facilitates the work.

In particular, in a preferred embodiment it can be provided that, in the third switching position of the switching device, the change takes place between the first and the second position of the bristle strip as a function of the direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle. A change in the position of the bristle strip depending on the direction of movement is particularly on carpets and other structur - A -

rierte surfaces of advantage. When passing carpets in the forward direction, d. h., Usually away from the user, while the bristle strip can move to the first position, which may correspond to the retracted position, for example. Thus, a lower thrust force is needed in the forward direction of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle. When moving the Staubsaugerbodendüse in the reverse direction, d. H. to the user, then the Staubsaugerbodendüse may go to the second position, which may for example correspond to an extended position of the bristle strip, so as to cause a slight combing through the carpet. This can lead to a larger dust intake.

Furthermore, an alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the first position of the bristle strip is primarily for carpets and the second position is primarily for hard floor coverings. In this case, in particular the first position, as already explained above, corresponds to a position which is lowered, for example, into the housing of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle. In the second position, the bristle strip protrudes from the housing of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle and thus exerts a brushing effect on the floor covering to be cleaned.

It can also be advantageously provided that the switching device comprises a roller switch. By means of a roller switch, the desired switching position of the switching device can be adjusted by the user. Alternatively, other switching mechanisms, such as a slide switch, a pressure switch, a transfer switch or the like can be used.

In a likewise advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the switching movement of the switching device is communicated to the bristle strip via a driver-pin mechanism. In this case, for example, a driver may be attached to the switching device, which transmits the movement caused by the actuation of the switching device to a pin and further to the bristle strip. Alternatively, the movement can take place via a linkage, via gears or the like.

In particular, it can be advantageously provided that the driver is designed substantially V-shaped. In this case, the V-shaped carrier can be designed in particular for the realization of the three-stage mechanism for the control of the bristle strip. the. A pivoting of the V-shaped driver about an axis which is perpendicular to the plane spanned by the two legs through the intersection of the two legs, allows a precise definition of the position of the entrained pin at the two end points of the rotational movement. In a middle position, a certain mobility of the pin can be achieved, which allows a change of the bristle strip between the two positions.

In a likewise advantageous embodiment, it is provided that in the third switching position of the switching device, the bristle strip passes from the first to the second position by means of gravity. This allows a particularly simple and cost-effective embodiment of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle according to the invention. Alternatively, reset elements such as springs or the like may be provided.

The invention is based on the knowledge to provide a third switching position in addition to the two switching positions for a bristle strip according to the prior art. In this switching position, the bristle strip can move freely between its two positions. With an appropriate structural design, an automatic function for the bristle strip can be realized in this way. The present invention can be used in all common vacuum cleaner types and cleaning systems.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to a particularly preferred embodiment.

Showing:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the Staubsaugerbodendüse invention;

Figures 2a and 2b are perspective views of a roller switch bristle strip arrangement according to the invention;

FIGS. 3a-3d are sectional views of a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle according to the invention; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the invention Staubsaugerbodendüse.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle 10 according to the invention. It has a housing 12 which is divided into an upper shell 14 and a housing lower part 16. Furthermore, a suction pipe connection 18 as well as two roller switches 20 inserted in the upper shell 14 are provided. The Staubsaugerbodendüse 10 further includes a bristle strip 22, which is not visible in Figure 1. The interaction of the roller switch 20 and the bristle strip 22 will be explained with reference to Figures 2a and 2b.

Figures 2a and 2b show a perspective view of a Rollenschalter- bristle strip arrangement in two different positions of the bristle strip 22. Figure 2a shows the bristle strip in the second position, ie the position in which the bristle strip is extended. By contrast, FIG. 2b shows the bristle strip 22 in its retracted position. Both Figures 2a and 2b show the roller switch pair 20 which is rotatably mounted about a common axis A. The roller switches 20 each have a pair of drivers 24, 26. The drivers 24, 26 are arranged in a V-shape. The imaginary point of intersection or the line of intersection of the two drivers 24, 26 lies on an axis of rotation A about which the roller switches 20 and the drivers 24, 26 are rotatably mounted. In the intermediate spaces, which are located between the drivers 24, 26, engage pin 28, which are arranged on a rotatably mounted about an axis B support member 30. On the support member 30, the bristle strip 22 is additionally attached.

In the position shown in Figure 2a, the pins 28 contact the driver 24. In the position shown in Figure 2a, the roller switch 20 is a rotation of the support member 30 such that its pin 28 in the direction of the driver 24, in the present illustration against in the clockwise direction, prevented by the pin 24 of the roller switch 20. Although, as already mentioned above, the roller switch 20 is rotatably supported about its axis A, but are held in the desired position, for example by a pin of the Staubsaugerbodendüse which engages in recesses of the roller switch 20. These and other possibilities of locking are not shown. For example, it is possible that a pin sits on the switch and engages in recesses of the housing of the Staubsaugerbodendüse 10. Likewise, the latching over a Disk with Rastnoten or the like done. In this way, block the roller switch 20 via their drivers 24, a rotation of the support member 30 in the counterclockwise direction about the axis B, thus keeping the bristle strip 22 in a position in which this protrudes from the housing 12 of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle 10. A movement of the bristle strip 22 and the support member 30 in a clockwise direction is prevented by further stop elements, not shown. If the roller switches 20 are now actuated, ie rotated in the clockwise direction about their axis A, the roller switch carrier element bristle strip arrangement shown in FIG. 2a is converted into the configuration shown in FIG. 2b as the end position. During this movement take the driver 26, the pins 28 of the support member 30 and thus cause a rotation of the support member 30 together with bristle strip 22 in the counterclockwise direction about the axis B. Now prevent the driver 28 that the support member 30 moves in a clockwise direction and bring the bristle strip 22 in its sunk in the housing 12 of the Staubsaugerbodendüse 10 position.

The positions of the bristle strip 22 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b correspond explicitly to selectable positions which are suitable for hard floors or carpets. According to the invention, however, a further switching position of the roller switch 20 is provided, in which the bristle strip 22 or the carrier element 30 fulfill an automatic function. This will be described in connection with FIGS. 3a-3d.

FIGS. 3a-3d show sectional views of a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle 10 according to the invention. FIG. 3a shows the roller switch carrier element mechanism in the first position, in which the bristle strip 22 is sunk into the housing 12 of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle 10. In the sectional view, the upper shell 14 and a lower housing part 16 are shown. In the position shown in FIG. 3 a, the drivers 26 contact the pins 28 of the carrier element 30 and thus prevent a sinking of the bristle strip 22, which is attached to the carrier element 30.

In Figure 3b, the Staubsaugerbodendüse 10 of Figure 3a is shown in a state in which the roller switch-carrier element mechanism has brought the bristle strip 22 in a position in which the bristle strip 22 can come into contact with the surface to be cleaned. In this case, contact, as already explained for Figure 2a, the driver 24 the Pin 28 of the support member 30 and thus prevent upward movement of the attached to the support member 30 bristle strip 22 in the direction of the housing upper shell 14th

The switching positions of the roller switch 20 or the bristle strip 22 described in FIGS. 3a and 3b correspond to the outer end points of the rotational freedom of the roller switch 20. According to the invention, a further third switching position is provided for the roller switch 20, in which the bristle strip 22 performs an automatic function. In Figure 3c, the roller switch 20 is in this automatic position. In this switching position, the pin 28 of the support member 30 can move freely between the drivers 24, 26 of the roller switch 20. Thus, it is possible for the carrier element 30 to rotate about the axis B depending on the nature of the ground. FIG. 3c shows the case in which the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle 10 moves, for example, on hard floor. This makes it possible for the carrier element 30 or the bristle strip 22 to sink in the direction of the floor covering and to come into contact therewith. In this way, the bristle strip 22 can perform a brushing or sweeping function during forward and reverse movements. At the same time, the case is shown in Figure 3c that the Staubsaugerbodendüse 10 is on a carpet in a backward movement, that is, it moves in the figure from left to right, ie to the user. In this case, due to the slight tilting of the bristle strip 22, the bristles of the bristle strip 22 are forced into the carpet. The bristles exert on the carpet a combing action, which supports the cleaning process.

In Figure 3d, the roller switch-carrier element mechanism is also shown in the predetermined by the switching position of the s 20 automatic function. The vacuum cleaner nozzle is located here on carpet floor and thereby performs a forward movement, that is, it moves in the figure from right to left, ie away from the user. In this case, the bristle strip 22 is urged by the sinking of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle 10 into the carpet in the direction of the upper shell 14. This movement ends when the pin 28 of the support member 30 abuts the driver 24 of the roller switch 20. In this way, the bristle strip 22 makes no or only a slight resistance during a forward movement of the Staubsaugerbodendüse 10th FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle 10 according to the invention. In this illustration, in particular the bristle strip 22, the carrier element 30 and the interaction with the driver 26 of the roller switch 20 can be clearly seen.

The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 vacuum cleaner floor nozzle

12 housing

14 upper shell

16 lower housing part 18 intake manifold connection

20 roller switches

22 bristle strip

24.26 drivers

28 pin 30 carrier element

A axis of rotation of the roller switch

B axis of rotation of the support element

Claims

claims

1 . Staubsaugerbodendüse (10) having a switching device and a bristle strip (22), wherein the bristle strip (22) at a first switching position of the switching device assumes a first position and at a second switching position of the switching device, a second position, characterized in that the switching device has a third switching position in which the bristle strip (22) can automatically assume the first or the second position.

2. Staubsaugerbodendüse (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the third switching position of the switching device, the change between the first and the second position of the bristle strip (22) takes place in dependence on the surface to be cleaned.

3. Staubsaugerbodendüse (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the third switching position of the switching device, the change between the first and the second position of the bristle strip (22) in dependence on the direction of movement of the Staubsaugerbodendüse (10).

4. Staubsaugerbodendüse (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first position of the bristle strip (22) primarily for carpets and the second position is primarily for hard floors.

5. Staubsaugerbodendüse (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching device comprises a roller switch (20).

6. Staubsaugerbodendüse (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching movement of the switching device via a driver-pin mechanism (24, 26, 28) to the bristle strip (22) is mediated.

7. Staubsaugerbodendüse according to claim 6, characterized in that the driver (24, 26) is designed substantially V-shaped.

8. Staubsaugerbodendüse (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the third switching position of the switching device, the bristle strip (22) passes from the first to the second position by means of gravity.