WO2007140865A1

WO2007140865A1 - Vacuum cleaner with a housing part comprising a support part and a thermoformed element

Info

Publication number: WO2007140865A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/004442
Authority: WO
Inventors: Burkhard Breternitz; Hans-Dieter Häring; Thomas Hackensellner
Original assignee: Glen Dimplex Deutschland Gmbh
Priority date: 2006-06-03
Filing date: 2007-05-18
Publication date: 2007-12-13
Also published as: DE202006008834U1

Abstract

The cylinder vacuum cleaner comprises a housing which is made up of a plurality of housing parts (1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 23, 60, 62), wherein at least one of the housing parts (1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 23, 60, 62) is formed from a support part (1a, 2a, 3a, 10a, 11a, 23a, 60a, 62a) and a thermoformed element (1b, 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b, 23b, 60b, 62b) which is fixed to said support part, wherein the support part (1a, 2a, 3a, 10a, 11a, 23a, 60a, 62a) defines the shape and the mechanical function and takes over a mechanical supporting function, and the thermoformed element (1b, 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b, 23b, 60b, 62b) imitates the shape predefined by the support part (1a, 2a, 3a, 10a, 11a, 23a, 60a, 62a) and forms the outer surface of the housing part.

Description

description

VACUUM CLEANER WITH HOUSING COMPRISING A BUMPER AND DEEP-TUBE ELEMENT

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, in particular a canister vacuum cleaner, with a housing constructed of a plurality of housing parts.

Such a vacuum cleaner is used in particular in the household sector and usually has a movable on the ground vacuum cleaner housing, in which the individual technical functional components are arranged. In the housing can usually insert a suction hose which is typically connected via a suction pipe with an end suction nozzle.

Not least because of fierce competition, product cycles have significantly shortened in recent years and the market requires new models or variants at shorter and shorter intervals. This results in high demands on the development of new models. On the one hand, the development time must be shortened. Due to the shorter product cycles, on the other hand, the development costs for the respective model must be kept low.

Since a canister vacuum cleaner is also a device subject to high mechanical stress, conventional canister vacuum cleaners have a housing designed as a plastic injection-molded part, which is usually composed of several injection-molded parts. For the plastic injection molding complex and therefore very expensive injection molding tools are required, the production of which is both very time-consuming and very expensive. Since even minor design changes require a new injection molding tool, even comparatively minor model changes are very time- and cost-consuming.

The invention has for its object to provide a vacuum cleaner, in particular vacuum cleaner, in which can be realized cost-effective and with little expenditure of time different model variants. The object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner with the features of claim 1. Thereafter, it is provided that at least one of the housing parts of the housing is formed of a support member and an attached thermoforming element. The carrier part determines the shape and the mechanical function and immediately assumes the mechanical support function of the housing part. The deep-drawing element forms at least largely the shape predefined by the carrier part, thus covering in particular the carrier part and forming the outer surface of the housing part or at least part of the surface. The housing part is therefore constructed in the manner of a sandwich construction, wherein the same carrier parts are used for the different model variants, and different deep-drawing elements are used to differentiate the different models.

This embodiment is based on the consideration that the formation of the mechanical support function is very costly and time-consuming in development, since this support function must be realized by suitable components, usually plastic injection molded parts. With the training in the manner of a sandwich construction, the mechanical support function is decoupled from the design of the exterior and the surface. The external impression which is essential for the customer for the recognition of a model is therefore characterized by the deep-drawn element. The carrier part preferably consists of a mechanically stable plastic, or of metal, in particular light metal.

The particular advantage in the use of a deep-drawing element is to be seen in the simple and inexpensive production of such a deep-drawing element. For deep drawing, no elaborate and expensive injection molding tools are required. Rather, the forming during deep drawing is very simple and flexible. Above all, it is easy to use a wide variety of plastics, which differ, for example, in their properties, such as the choice of material, color, surface finish, surface design, etc. Since this is a forming process, there are also very large freedoms in the design of the surface, in particular can be easily integrated special motifs, manufacturer logos, etc. easily. To produce the thermoforming element usually a plastic plate is pulled over a forming tool and plastic deformed so that the desired final shape is achieved. The wall thickness of the drawn thermoforming element is for example in the range between 0.5 and a few millimeters.

Due to this low wall thickness and the selected manufacturing process of deep drawing, the deep-drawing element does not have sufficient mechanical stability to take over mechanical support functions. In the present case, therefore, preferably no or only a slight mechanical support function is assigned to the deep-drawing element. Rather, the deep-drawing element is supported and supported by the carrier part. The deep-drawing element is therefore drawn in a form-fitting manner over the carrier part, in particular in the manner of a hood. In this case, the term "conforming to shape" means, in particular, that the deep-drawing element adapts in all areas to the outer contour of the carrier part. The carrier part and the deep-drawing element are therefore designed in particular in the manner of negative-positive parts, which lie flat against one another over their entire contour.

According to an expedient embodiment, the support member is formed as a plastic injection-molded part. Preferably, the support member is further formed as a support grid. This is for example a plastic part or metal. The support grid saves material and costs while maintaining the same mechanical functionality. The support grid therefore has at least material perforations or grid-like struts or is designed in the manner of a honeycomb structure.

Alternatively or additionally, the carrier part comprises a foam part. The carrier part may also be formed overall as a foam part. By choosing a suitable plastic and a suitable foam density, it is possible to condition the foam part with regard to different requirements. In principle, it is generally possible, even with a foam part all mechanical support and fastening functions to design, if a sufficiently solid foam is used. By choosing the foam, the carrier component can be optimized, for example, with regard to sound absorption in a housing region close to the motor. Conveniently, several thermoforming elements used differ from each other. As a result, it is possible, depending on the technical or other requirements, to use regions of differently configured thermoforming elements for different housing parts. The thermoforming elements differ in this case, in particular with regard to the material used, with regard to the wall thicknesses and / or to different surface textures. By choosing different wall thicknesses, for example, the heat flow from the housing interior to the outside as the inherent rigidity of the thermoforming element can be adjusted. Due to the different choice of material, the thermoforming element in

10 with regard to the stresses, for example, in a covered by the thermoformed foot switch etc. are made particularly robust. The same applies to the surface texture, which has, for example, a high quality and scratch resistance, or has a pleasant feel for a control element or also provides different attractive designs. In addition to the mechanical or thermal properties, the acoustic properties can also be adjusted selectively and in areas.

For attachment of the deep-drawing element on the support part, the formation of a positive connection is preferably provided. Here, in particular edges or edges 20 of the support member are formed with the deep-drawing element or it will be formed in the manner of locking elements Hintergriffe. Alternatively, a clamp is possible. Finally, it is provided in a preferred alternative or in addition thereto, that the thermoforming element is attached to the support member by gluing.

The executed in sandwich construction housing part is in preferred developments optionally or in combination a vacuum cleaner cover, another cover, an operating element or part of an operating element, a housing part of an accessory or a wheel or part of a wheel. All housing parts are in this case arranged in particular movable on another housing part or on a chassis forming a floor o group. Such housing parts form in particular special functional elements that allow operation or handling of the vacuum cleaner by a manual operation. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Each shows in schematic exploded views:

1 a cover assembly of a canister vacuum cleaner,

FIG. 2 shows a floor assembly associated with the cover assembly. FIG.

3 shows a vacuum cleaner cover of the cover assembly according to FIG. 1 formed from a carrier part and a deep-drawn element, FIG. 4 shows an accessory cover of the cover assembly according to FIG. 1 formed from a carrier component and deep-drawing element, FIG.

5 is a formed from a support member and a thermoforming element closure element for the vacuum cleaner cover of FIG. 1,

6 shows a control panel consisting of a carrier part and a deep-drawn element of the cover assembly according to FIG. 1, FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a rotary knob formed from a carrier part and a deep-drawing element for use in the control panel according to FIG. 6, FIG.

8 shows a cover for a bottom suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner formed by a carrier part and a deep-drawn element, FIG. 9 shows a hose grip piece for a suction hose with a secondary air slider, consisting of a carrier part and a deep-drawn element, and FIG

FIG. 10 shows a wheel of the base assembly according to FIG. 2 formed from a carrier part and a diaphragm designed as a deep-drawing element. FIG.

In the figures, like-acting parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

Figures 1 and 2 each show in an exploded view components of a cover assembly A and a bottom assembly B, which together form a vacuum cleaner. The function and the interaction of the individual components results from the exploded views and the following information, so that it is dispensed with in-depth explanations. The cover assembly A shown in FIG. 1 comprises a vacuum cleaner cover 1, an accessory cover 2 pivotally hinged thereto, a closure element 3 with which the vacuum cleaner cover 1 is locked to the floor assembly B shown in FIG. 2, and in a recessed grip 4 on the vacuum cleaner cover 1 is present. The cover assembly A further comprises a cover 7, a switching electronics 9 with a pressure switch 9b, a knob 10, a control panel 11, a filter made of foam filter 13, a filter bridge with bracket 14 and a paper filter 15 with sanitary closure.

In the vacuum cleaner cover 2, an accessory compartment 16 is provided. The cover 7 is arranged below the vacuum cleaner cover and below the control panel 11 which adjoins the back of the vacuum cleaner cover 2.

The base assembly B has a cable reel 20, a cable entry 20a, a base-side housing 21, a star wheel 22 for mounting on the underside of the base-side housing 21, a wheel 23 with a dazzling wheel 24 attached to it with a wheel cover 24a Motor protection filter 25, a filter cartridge 27 with a filter 29, a carbon filter cartridge 30, a triple filter cartridge 31, a filter lock 32, a sealing profile 33, a receiving ring 35, a receiving block 36, connecting cable 37 and a Geräuschdämmblock 38.

According to the exploded view of Fig. 3, the vacuum cleaner cover 1 is constructed in two parts in the manner of a sandwich construction and comprises a plastic injection-molded support part 1a, which is completely covered by a deep-drawn element 1b in the embodiment. Alternatively, there is also the possibility that the deep-drawn element 1 b only partially covers the support part 1 a and that a part of the support part 1 a forms a visible part of the surface. The carrier part 1a has a trough forming the accessory compartment 16. In the area of the accessory compartment 16, the deep-drawn element 1b is open, so that it can be grasped into the accessory compartment 16 through an opening 48 in the deep-drawn element 1b. The deep-drawn element 1b completely conforms to the shape of the support part 1a in a corresponding manner, so that the entire surface of the support part 1a is in contact with the deep-drawn part. is covered. Both parts 1a, 1b therefore also have the same further functional openings or passages for the recessed grip 4 at the front end and an insertion opening 50 at the top for inserting a connecting piece of a suction hose (not shown here). On the support part 1a are further provided on the rear wall two hinge elements 52 to which the accessory cover 2 is pivotally mounted. The deep-drawing element 1 b has no such mechanical fastening options.

Similar to the vacuum cleaner cover 1, the accessory cover 2 is also formed from a carrier part 2a and a thermoformed element 2b which preferably fits over it precisely. The carrier part 2a has on its rear side the articulation elements 52 corresponding to the articulation elements 52 in the manner of hinges, with the aid of which the accessory cover 2 is fastened to the vacuum cleaner cover 1.

The two-part construction also shows the closure element 3 for the vacuum cleaner cover 1, as shown in Fig. 5. The carrier part 3a has a handle strip 56 on its front side and a fastening element 58 on its rear side. In the same way, the deep-drawing element, which is applied to the front of the support member 3 a, provided with a handle bar 56. However, due to the grip strip 56 already formed on the support part 3a, it does not assume any mechanical support function. Also, the attachment takes place exclusively via the fastening element 58 on the support part 3a. By pulling on the handle bar 56, the closure element 3 is displaced in the vertical direction and thus releases the vacuum cleaner cover 1, which can then be opened, so that the paper filter 15 located in the base group B is accessible and can be exchanged.

Similarly, the control panel 11 (Fig. 6), the rotary knob 10 (Fig. 7), a nozzle cover 60 (Fig. 8), and a slave air slider 62 of a handle 64 each consist of a support member 10a, 11a, 60a, 62a as well as a deep-drawn element 10b, 11b, 60b, 62b arranged precisely over it.

The control panel 11 has as functional elements on the edge two operable with the foot buttons for switching on / off and for the cable rewinding. Between in the middle region, a receptacle for the rotary knob 10 is formed, via which the suction force is electronically adjustable.

The mechanical fastening or articulation elements 52, by way of which the individual housing parts 10, 11, 60, 62 are fastened to further housing parts, are each formed exclusively on the support parts 10 a, 11 a, 60 a, 62 a. The coupling elements 52 are in the case of the control panel snap hooks and a circumferential groove in a lateral boundary wall of a cylindrical receptacle for the knob 10. This has correspondingly for engagement in the groove downwardly projecting webs with a nose-like projection as coupling elements 52. In the nozzle cover 60, which forms the upper housing part of a floor nozzle, the coupling elements 52 are formed by guides, engages in particular detent in the corresponding counterparts of a housing lower part of the floor nozzle, not shown here. On the left half of the nozzle cover 60, the arrangement of a Umstellhebels not shown here is provided, with which the floor nozzle can be adjusted for different floors. Usually this change lever is operated with the foot. The deep-drawing element 60b has an opening 48 in this area.

The secondary air slide 62 is used for manual adjustment of the suction by an opening is exposed by moving the secondary air valve 62, so that here secondary air or secondary air enters and the suction power is varied at the nozzle. The secondary air slider 62 is held in a sliding guide.

Finally, FIG. 10 also shows a two-part wheel 23 with a support part 23a designed as a support ring and a deep-drawing element 23b designed in the manner of a diaphragm. The panel 23b covers the free interior of the support ring 23a. The deep-drawing element 23b has fastening tabs 68 distributed around its circumference, with which it is fastened in particular in a clamping manner in a manner not shown here on the support ring 23a. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Vacuum cleaner cover 24 Blend wheel a Carrier part 24a Wheel cover b Deep-drawn part 25 Motor protection filter

Accessory lid 27 Filter cassette a Carrier section 29 Filter b Deep drawing element 30 Carbon filter cassette

Closure element 31 3-fold filter cassette a carrier part 32 filter barrier b Deep-drawn part 33 sealing profile

Recessed grip 34 engine

Cover 35 receiving ring

Switching electronics 36 Mounting block 36, b Pressure switch 37 Connection cable 0 Rotary knob 38 Sound insulation block 0a Carrier part 48 Opening 0b Deep-drawn part 50 Insertion opening 1 Control panel 52 Connecting elements 1a Carrier part 56 Handle bar 1b Deep-drawn part 58 Fastening element

Blower Filler 60 Nozzle cover

Bracket 60a support part

Paper filter 60b thermoformed part

Accessory compartment 62 Secondary air slide

Cable reel 62a Carrier part a Cable entry 62b Deep-drawn part

Housing 64 Handle

Spur wheel 68 mounting strap

wheel

Carrier element A cover assembly

Deep drawing element B Bottom assembly

Claims

claims

1. Vacuum cleaner, in particular vacuum cleaner, with a housing composed of several housing parts (1, 2,3,10,11, 23,60,62), s, characterized in that at least one of the housing parts (1, 2,3,10, 11, 23,60,62) consists of a carrier part (1a, 2a, 3a, 10a, 11a, 23a, 60a, 62a) and an attached thermoforming element (1b, 2b, 3b, 10b _I 11b, 23b, 60b 62b _I) is formed, wherein the support member (13,23,38,103,113,233,603,623) determines the shape and the mechsnische function and takes a mechsnische support function and dss thermoforming element

(1b, 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b ₎ 23b, 60b, 62b) from the carrier part

(13,23,33,103,113,233,603,62a) given form substantially forms and forms the outer surface of the housing part at least in partial areas.

2. Stsubssuger nsch claim 1, characterized dsdurch, dsss the carrier part (13,28,33,103,113,233,603,623) and dss Tiefzietielement (1b _I 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b, 23b, 60b, 62b) nsch type of positive Negstiv forms are susgebildet and are attached flat to each other.

3. Stsubssuger nsch claim 1 or 2, dsdurch characterized, dsss dss support member (13,28,33,103,113,233,603,623) is a plastic injection molded part.

4. Substrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support part (13, 23, 33, 103, 113, 233, 603, 62a) is a susceptible grid.

5. Substrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support part (1s, 2a, 3s, 10s, 11s, 233, 603, 623) has a skirt portion.

6. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of housing parts (1, 2,3,10,11, 23,60,62) from a carrier s part (1 a, 2a, 3a, 10a ₁ 11th a, 23a, 60a, 62a) and a deep drawing element

(1b, 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b, 23b, 60b, 62b) are formed, wherein the thermoforming elements (1b, 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b, 23b _I 60b, 62b) in addition to their shape differ in a further feature.

7. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoforming elements (1b, 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b, 23b, 60b, 62b) are made of different material and / or have different wall thicknesses and / or different surfaces.

8. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermoforming element (1b _I 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b, 23b, 60b, 62b) on the carrier part (1a, 2a, 3a, 10a, 11a, 23a, 60a, 62a ) is fastened by forming a positive connection.

9. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deep-drawing element 1b, 2b, 3b, 10b, 11b, 23b, 60b, 62b) on the support part (1a, 2a, 3a, 10a, 1 1a, 23a, 60a, 62a ) is attached by gluing.

10. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (1) with the support part (1 a) and the deep-drawing element (1 b) is a vacuum cleaner cover (1) covering a floor group (B), in the functional elements such as engine (34), filter (28), dust chamber, etc. are arranged.

11. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner cover (1) is movably attached to the bottom group (A) and has a recessed grip (4) and / or an insertion opening (50) for a suction hose.

12. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (1) with the support part (2a) and the deep-drawn element (2b) is a movably attached to a further housing part cover (2).

13. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (1) with the support part (3a, 10a, 11a) and the deep-drawing element (10b, 11b) an operating element or part of an operating element such as control panel (11), Switch, button, knob (10), locking lever (3) etc. is.

14. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (1) with the support part (60 a, 62 a) and the deep-drawing element (60 b, 62 b) is a housing part of an accessory such as suction nozzle, hose handle, etc.

15. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (1) with the support part (23 a) and the deep-drawing element (23 b) is a wheel (23) or part of a wheel.