WO2010018084A1

WO2010018084A1 - Floor treatment appliance with a damping element

Info

Publication number: WO2010018084A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/059972
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcel Merget; Manfred Prell; Jörg Schröter; Heribert Schwarz; Thomas Seith
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2008-08-13
Filing date: 2009-07-31
Publication date: 2010-02-18
Also published as: EP2328449A1; EP2328449B1; DE102008041224A1; DE102008041224B4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floor treatment appliance (20), in particular a domestic vacuum cleaner, having a base body (4) which has at least one space (34) for at least one removable, mobile or detachable functional element (33) such as a dust separation unit, filter device and/or accessory part; having at least one housing part (10) which at least partially closes off the at least one space (34) in the base body (4), wherein the housing part (10) is arranged on the base body (4) such that it can move; an opening means (30) which releases the at least one housing part (10) from a closed position (21); and at least one force-generating element (15) which moves the housing part (10) from a closed position (21) to an open position (31) across an opening path (36). According to the invention, the force-generating element (15) is operatively connected to at least one damping element (1). The present invention permits a high-quality visual impression of the movement processes and avoids advantageously unnecessary development of noise during an opening or closing process using simple structural and cost-effective means. Furthermore, the end position of moving parts is reliably reached.

Description

Floor care device with damping element

description

The invention relates to a floor care appliance, in particular domestic vacuum cleaner, with a base body which has at least one space for at least one removable, mobile or detachable functional element, such as a dust removal unit, filter device and / or accessory; with at least one housing part which at least partially closes off the at least one space in the base body, the housing part being movably arranged on the base body; an opening means, which releases the at least one housing part from a closed position; and at least one force-generating element, which moves the housing part from a closed position via an opening in an open position.

State of the art

There are known on-the-market floor care appliances which store under a cover, a flap or a shutter a Staubabscheideeinheit, filter devices and / or different Kleinzubehör. Using an opening device, drive-less lids can be unlocked and opened by hand. Alternatively, over spring-driven lid are known. In both options, the lid reaches a stop or locked in an end position. A disadvantage of such arrangements is that the lid abuts at high speed in the end position and causes unpleasant noise. In addition, damage to the joint or the stop can occur due to incorrect operation.

Furthermore, in the case of a closing operation, the cover can fall unimpeded into the opening means and hit the base body. This has on the one hand in addition to the possibility of injury further to the detriment that loud falling and closing noises occur. task

The object of the invention is to refine a floor care appliance of the type described in more detail above in such a way that, in particular, the disadvantages of the mentioned opening and closing operations are eliminated. In addition, a cost-effective device is to be provided, largely avoided in the injury and incorrect operation, and preferably additionally noise is reduced.

solution

The solution of the object is achieved by a floor care device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

The floor care appliance according to the invention is based on generic floor care appliances in that the force-generating element is in operative connection with at least one damping element. Such an arrangement of the damping element has the advantage that accelerations as well as delays of the movable housing part are largely uniform and smooth. The damping element is dimensioned such that the force-generating element moves the movable housing part securely into the end position.

Preferably, at least along a part or portion of the opening path from the closed position into the open position, at least one damping element exerts on the housing part a resistance force counteracting the force-generating element. This embodiment of the damping element has the advantage that the speed changes of the housing part takes place continuously at least over parts or sections, thereby avoiding sudden movements.

Expediently, at least one damping element counteracts the force-generating element, at least in one end region of the opening path of the housing part.

This is advantageously a slow and quiet, as well as a gentle

Guaranteed reaching the end position. By a speed reduced start The end position also learn the bearings, as well as the end stops only low loads.

Depending on the arrangement or position of the damping elements, at least one damping element counteracts the force-generating element over the entire opening path of the housing part. Such an arrangement also has the advantage that the moving housing part largely slides over the entire opening area at a uniform speed.

Depending on the configuration of the damping element, at least one damping element exerts a resistance force counteracting the force-generating element at least along a part or section of the opening path from the closed position to the open position on the housing part such that the resistance force increases towards the open position. Such an arrangement has the advantage that the mechanical wear on the end stop parts is minimized and a particularly low-noise end position is achieved.

To achieve different speed profiles, at least one damping element exerts a resistance force counteracting the force-generating element at least along a part or portion of the opening path from the closed position to the open position on the housing part, such that the resistance force varies so that the damping element initially becomes stronger, then normal and then again a stronger, or another cyclical course of damping exercises. Such an arrangement has the advantage of producing different speed profiles of the lid, such as slow opening to reduce the suction between the lid and the dust bag, a quick opening movement in the middle of the movement for a short opening and a slow one Approaching the end position to reduce noise.

Expediently, at least one damping element ensures a uniform speed course along a part or section of the opening path of the closed position into the open position. Advantageously jerky movements and thus unnecessary loads on the housing part are avoided and achieved a smooth movement pattern. Depending on the configuration, at least one damping element and at least one force-generating element form a common component. With a summary of a damping element and a force-generating element to a component, a compact component is achieved with a simple structure, as well as a part reduction achieved. Such combined components are available on the market in different sizes, forces and damping properties.

Preferably, according to the invention, at least one transmission is provided between a damping element and the housing part. As a result, a simple conversion of forces or torques with an adaptation to the given space conditions is possible in an advantageous manner. Next is the implementation of different constructive ways to lift the lid possible with a gear. Furthermore, a standard component of a damping element can be used for different large housing parts.

Appropriately, the transmission is a gear transmission. With a rack gear arrangement, slip-free motion transmission is achieved. The damping element can be covered under a housing part and is protected from environmental influences, such. For example dust. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to use standard components, both of the damping element and on the moving part.

It is also advantageous if at least one damping element is linearly or rotationally movable. A rotating damping element is advantageously integrated directly into or on the rotary joint. Such damping elements are also known as silicone dampers or rotational brakes known and available on the market with different properties, such as different power consumption, constant braking force and a smooth, smooth movement. Furthermore, designs with limited or unlimited rotation angles are available, as well as fixed or adjustable braking torque. Optionally, such damping elements are offered with a free return, ie in a rotational movement without any braking force. The damping elements are characterized by a compact design, which allow installation in different operating conditions. A linear damping element is of Advantage, if an arrangement takes place on the side of the housing part. The advantages of the rotating damping elements also apply to the linear versions.

Appropriately, at least one damping element has an adjustment for changing the resistance force over the opening path. Advantageously, here is the resistance to different versions adaptable, such as with or without suction hose. It is also of distribution, that over the life of the damping element, a different resistance force is adjustable.

Appropriately, the at least one damping element is an air, oil and / or silicone damper. This advantageously allows the use of commercially available low-cost standard components. Furthermore, such standard components are already available on the market with force-generating elements and thus combine the functions of a damping element, as well as a force-generating element.

The housing part is a closure element such as a lid, a flap, a blind or a pivoting part. These housing parts are used in use of the device and are advantageous to facilitate the handling of mobile functional elements.

Appropriately, the damper acts in both directions of movement. As a result, in addition to the opening movement and the manual closing movement is advantageously damped.

The present invention allows a simple design and inexpensive means a high-quality appearance of the movement processes and avoids advantageous unnecessary noise in an opening or closing operation. Furthermore, the end position of moving parts is reached safely.

embodiment

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to two embodiments shown in the drawing, to which the invention is not limited. They show schematically:

1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a rotationally embodied damping element for a floor care appliance;

FIG. 2 shows the damping element according to FIG. 1 on an opened housing part of a floor care appliance in a sectional view; FIG.

3 shows a second embodiment of a linear damping element on a closed housing part of a floor care device in a perspective view; and

Fig. 4, the linear damping element according to FIG. 3 on an open housing part in a perspective view.

In the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a rotating damping element 1 for a ground care device 20 in a perspective view with a driven gear 2. Side of the driven wheel 2 - as shown - two mounting options 3 may be provided. The attachment of the damping element 1 to the base body 4, not shown, via the mounting options 3, for example by means of screws, rivets or clamping. Clearly visible is a double-sided flattened pin 5 of the damping element 1, which is connected to the output gear 2. As an alternative to a power transmission directly via the rotating output gear 2 are further drives such. B. via coupling gear possible.

FIG. 2 shows the damping element 1 according to FIG. 1 on an opened housing part 10 of a floor care appliance 20 in a sectional view. The open housing part 10 is formed, for example, as a lid 11, but may also be another component such as an accessory cover (not shown). On the housing part 10 and the lid 11 engages a force-generating element 15, which is supported on the base body 4. Further is on the main body 10 and cover 1 1 via a bearing pin 12, a drive gear

13 attached. The rotating damping element 1 is gem. Fig. 1 equipped with a driven gear 2 and connected via the gear transmission 14 with the drive gear 2 of the lid 11. The opening or closing movement of the lid 11 is thus transmitted simultaneously to the damping element 1. The damping element 1 is concealed, so that it is largely protected from environmental influences and is not visible to the user. Further design possibilities of the gear transmission

14 are conceivable, such as. B. that only one sector gear is attached directly to the lid 1 1 and the housing part 10.

3 shows a second embodiment of a linear damping element 1 in a perspective view, wherein the hinged housing part 10 is in a closed position 21. For better illustration, the side surface of the floor care device 20 is shown in broken lines. The linear damping element 1 is a gas pressure spring 22, which integrates two functions in one component, both the damping element 1 and the force-generating element 15. Gas pressure springs 22 are advantageously characterized in that they can generate the same or different forces via an opening path 36 , As a result, the opening process can take place at different speeds. The gas spring 22 is rotatably mounted on one side with the base body 4 of the floor care device 20; on the opposite side of the gas spring 22, it is rotatably connected to the hinged housing part 10.

Finally, FIG. 4 shows the linear damping element 1 according to FIG. 3 on an open housing part 10 in a perspective view. By actuation of the opening means 30, the cover 1 1 has been released and moved into an open position 31. The open position 31 of the lid 11 is here the end position 32 of the lid 11. Alternatively, a linear damping element 1 is actuated by a lever which is connected to the lid 11. The removable functional elements 33 of a floor care device 20 are now freely accessible and can be easily removed by the user from the space 34 otherwise obscured by the housing part 10.

The present invention allows a simple design and cost-effective means a high-quality appearance of the movement processes and avoids advantageous unnecessary noise during an opening or closing operation. Furthermore, the end position of moving parts is reached safely.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 damping element

2 output gear

3 mounting options

4 main body

5 cones

10 housing part

11 lid

12 journals

13 drive gear

14 gears

15 force generating element

20 floor care device

21 closed position

22 gas spring

23 component

30 opening means

31 open position

32 end position

33 functional elements

34 room

35 adjustment option

36 opening path

Claims

A floor care appliance (20), in particular a household vacuum cleaner, having a base body (4) which has at least one space (34) for at least one removable, mobile or detachable functional element (33), such as a dust separation unit, filter device and / or accessory; with at least one housing part (10) which at least partially closes off the at least one space (34) in the base body (4), wherein the housing part (10) is movably arranged on the base body (4); - An opening means (30) which releases the at least one housing part (10) from a closed position (21); and at least one force-generating element (15), which moves the housing part (10) from a closed position (21) via an opening path (36) into an open position (31); characterized in that the force-generating element (15) is in operative connection with at least one damping element (1).

2. Floor care device (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least along a part or portion of the opening path (36) from the closed position (21) in the open position (31) at least one damping element (1) on the housing part (10) the force-generating element (15) exerts counteracting resistance.

3. Floor care appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) at least in one end region of the opening path

(36) of the housing part (10) counteracts the force-generating element (1).

4. Floor care device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) over the entire opening path (36) of the housing part (10) counteracts the force-generating element (15).

5. Floor care device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) the force-generating element (15) counteracting resistance at least along a portion or portion of the opening path (36) from the closed position (21) in the Open position (31) on the housing part (10) exerts such that increases the resistance force to the open position (31) out.

6. ground care device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) the force-generating element (15) counteracting resistance at least along a portion or portion of the opening path (36) from the closed position (21) in the Open position (31) on the housing part (10) exerts such that the resistance force varies so that the damping element (1) initially a stronger, then normal and then exerts a stronger, or another cyclic course of damping.

7. Ground care device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) for a uniform speed course along a portion or portion of the opening path (36) of the closed position (21) in the open position (31).

8. Floor care device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) and at least one force-generating element (15) form a common component (23).

9. ground care device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between at least one damping element (1) and the housing part (10) is provided a transmission (14).

10. Ground care device (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that the gear (14) is a gear transmission.

11. Floor care device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) is linearly or rotationally movable.

12. Floor care device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) has a setting possibility (35) for changing the resistance force on the opening path (36).

13. Floor care device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) is an air, oil and / or SiIi- condor.

14. Floor care appliance (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing part (10) is a closure element such as a cover (1 1), a flap, a blind or a pivoting part.

15. Floor care device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one damping element (1) additionally acts from the open position (31) in the closed position (21).