WO2023083631A1

WO2023083631A1 - Automatic floor vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: WO2023083631A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/080212
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Hassfurter; Frank Schnitzer; Kristina Daniel
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2021-11-09
Filing date: 2022-10-28
Publication date: 2023-05-19
Also published as: DE102021212605A1

Abstract

A floor vacuum cleaner (105) comprises a dirt container (120); a suction orifice (125) connected to the dirt container (120) via a first duct (130); a removal opening (135) that is connected to the dirt container (120) via a second duct (140); and a valve arrangement (145). The valve arrangement (145) has a first position in which the first duct (130) is open and the second (140) is closed; and a second position in which the first duct (130) is closed and the second (140) is open.

Description

Automatic floor vacuum

The invention relates to an automatic vacuum cleaner. In particular, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that can be supplied at a base station.

An automatic floor vacuum is set up to automatically vacuum a floor area in a household. For this purpose, the floor vacuum includes a turbine for generating an air flow through a suction mouth, which is guided over the floor surface. From the suction mouth, the airflow is directed into a dirt container and from there through a filter before the air is released into an environment. The dirt container must be emptied regularly to ensure a sufficient cleaning effect.

Some vacuum cleaners can automatically move to a base station, where they remain between cleaning runs. The vacuum cleaner can be serviced at the base station, for example by charging an electrical energy store that is carried along. It has been proposed to provide a drainage opening on the dirt container, through which dirt that has accumulated on the base station can be removed from the dirt container. For this purpose, an air flow can be brought about through the suction mouth into the dirt container and from there through the emptying opening into the base station.

The disadvantage here is that the dirt container is only insufficiently flushed with air. Dirt that has settled on a surface of the dirt tank or the filter cannot be loosened. A throughput through the filter can be reduced despite an empty dirt container.

One of the objects on which the present invention is based is to specify an improved technique for automatically emptying a dirt container of a vacuum cleaner. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims reflect preferred embodiments. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vacuum cleaner comprises a dirt container; a suction mouth connected to the dirt container by a first duct; a discharge opening which is connected to the dirt container by means of a second duct; and a valve assembly. The valve assembly has a first position in which the first passage is open and the second is closed; and a second position in which the first channel is closed and the second is open.

By means of the valve arrangement, normal suction operation of the vacuum cleaner can be supported in the first position and automatic emptying of the dirt container can be supported in the second position. In the second position, an air flow from an environment can be caused through the filter into the dirt container, so that the filter can be flowed backwards. Dirt that is in contact with the filter on a side facing the dirt container can be removed better. Even a filter with a complex or jagged surface, such as a pleated filter, can be freed from adhering dirt in an improved manner. A flow resistance of the cleaned filter can be reduced in a subsequent cleaning operation, so that a cleaning effect of the floor cleaner can be improved.

The two channels preferably open into the dirt container essentially parallel to one another. An improved flushing of the dirt container can be effected in this way. Less dirt can remain in the dirt container when it is emptied, so that its capacity can be better utilized for a cleaning operation.

The valve assembly can be constructed in one piece or in two pieces. In a two-part embodiment, a first valve is provided for the first channel and a second valve for the second channel, the valves being coupled to one another such that in each of the predetermined positions of the valve arrangement one of the valves is open and the other is closed.

In a one-piece embodiment, the valve arrangement can be designed as a 3/2-way valve, which has three connections for the dirt container, the first and the second channel, and which can be brought into the two positions mentioned. Valves of the valve arrangement are preferably designed as switching valves. A controller a valve is usually done directly, for example by means of an actuator. Optionally, one of the valves can also be opened or closed based on pneumatic pressure.

The valve assembly may comprise a single closure element lying in the second channel in the first position and in the first channel in the second position. The valve arrangement can thus be implemented simply and effectively. A space required for the valve arrangement can be minimized.

The closure element can comprise a slider. The slider can be moved linearly to open the first channel and close the second in the first position and to close the first channel and open the second in the second position. The slider may be housed in a guide which may be integral with one or both channels. This can result in a separately manageable assembly that can be easily installed or serviced on the vacuum cleaner.

The closure element can also comprise a twist lock. For this purpose, the closure element can comprise a disc which can be rotated about an axis which runs parallel to a direction of extension of one of the channels. The disk can be eccentrically rotatable or have a recess for the passage of an air stream.

The closure element can also include a roller blind, which, in the manner of a roller shutter, includes a plurality of slats which are movably connected to one another on their longitudinal sides. The shade can be rolled up to reveal a channel or unrolled so that it extends in one plane and closes the channel. The roller blind can have a small footprint.

The vacuum cleaner can include an actuator for actuating the valve arrangement. The actuator can be controlled depending on an operation of the floor cleaner. A first mode in which the valve assembly is in the first position may include a rest mode or a vacuum mode in which a floor surface is vacuumed. A second operation in which the valve arrangement is in the second position may include a drain operation in which the dirt container is drained can. The actuator can be controlled by a controller that can be on board the floor cleaner or external to it.

The actuator is preferably set up to move the valve arrangement from one position to the other. In addition, a restoring element can be provided in order to return the valve arrangement from the other position to one position. The restoring element can comprise an elastic element, a magnet arrangement or a restoring actuator. In a further embodiment, the valve arrangement can also be reset pneumatically, in that the air flowing through the second duct exerts a restoring force on a closure element in one of the ducts. The actuator can also be set up to bring the valve arrangement into both positions alternatively. An actuator is preferably electrically actuated and can include an electromagnet or an electric motor.

The vacuum cleaner may include a filter for filtering air exiting the debris container while the valve assembly is in the first position. The filter is preferably designed as a flow-through filter and, in one embodiment, comprises a suction bag. In vacuum mode, the filter can retain dirt in the dirt bin while allowing airflow to an environment. In the emptying mode, the filter can be cleaned better. Dirt adhering to it can be loosened and transported out of the dirt container through the second channel.

The floor cleaner can have a fan that is set up to bring about a flow of air into the dirt container and/or out of the dirt container. In different embodiments, the fan can be located between the dirt container and the filter or between the filter and an environment in terms of airflow. The fan can cause an air flow from the dirt container into an environment in the suction mode and from the environment into the dirt container in the emptying mode. Other positions for the fan are also possible. The fan may also include a turbine, the flow direction of which is generally not reversible. In this case, the air flow in the evacuation mode can be effected by means of another fan, which can also comprise a turbine. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a base station for a vacuum cleaner described herein is set up to receive an air flow from the dirt container of the vacuum cleaner through the second channel. For this purpose, the base station can have a flange in order to be fluidly connected to the second channel. The flange can also be provided on the side of the floor cleaner. The base station is preferably set up to separate dirt from the air flow and preferably also to collect it. Purified air can be released into an environment.

The base station can include a fan for generating the air flow through the second channel. The fan may include a turbine. In the emptying mode, fans of the base station and the vacuum cleaner can work together to cause the air flow through the second duct. The fan of the base station can also work alone, for example if the floor cleaner does not include a fan that can cause the air flow through the second duct.

An actuator for actuating the valve arrangement of the vacuum cleaner can be provided on the part of the base station. The actuator can be controlled electrically, for example. Alternatively, the actuator can be set up to actuate the valve arrangement of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner positions itself at the base station or mechanically connects to it. The actuator does not have to be controlled separately by a control device.

In one embodiment, the valve arrangement of the floor cleaner is constructed in two parts and the first valve is formed by a cover of the suction mouth. The cover can be attached to the base station in such a way that the suction mouth is closed when the vacuum cleaner is in a predetermined position with respect to the base station. The cover can be designed, for example, as a shell, as a plate or as a flexible closure element, for example in the manner of a cushion or a sponge that is pressed onto or into the suction mouth. The second valve can be opened when the vacuum cleaner has positioned itself at the base station or by positioning itself. The second valve can be actuated mechanically by a relative movement between the vacuum cleaner and the base station. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a system includes a vacuum cleaner as described herein and a base station as described herein. The base station can be set up to carry out further maintenance or service measures on the vacuum cleaner, for example charging an electrical energy store, refilling consumables such as a cleaning fluid or replacing a wearing part such as a filter. Features or benefits of the vacuum cleaner or the base station can be transferred to the system or vice versa.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for emptying a dirt container of a vacuum cleaner described herein comprises the steps of closing the open first channel; opening the closed second channel; and causing air to flow through the filter into the dirt bin and thence through the second duct.

The method can be carried out on a vacuum cleaner, on a base station or with the participation of the vacuum cleaner and the base station on a system described herein. The method can be carried out by means of a control device, which can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller. The method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means and can optionally be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device or vice versa.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figures 1 and 2, a system with an exemplary vacuum cleaner in one

longitudinal section;

FIG. 3 shows a partially dismantled example of a vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary floor vacuum cleaner from below; and

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method. Figures 1 and 2 show a system 100 with an exemplary vacuum cleaner 105 in longitudinal section. A base station 110 included in the system 100 is also shown in FIG. 2 by way of example. The floor vacuum cleaner 105 is set up to clean a floor surface 115 by means of an air flow and in doing so to pick up dirt from the floor surface 115 and to store it in a dirt container 120 . For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 105 comprises a suction mouth 125 which is connected to the dirt container 120 by means of a first channel 130; a discharge opening 135 which is connected to the dirt container 120 by means of a second duct 140; and a valve arrangement 145. Furthermore, a filter 150 for cleaning and a blower 155 for generating the air flow are preferably provided. The vacuum cleaner 105 can include another element that is usual for a device of this class, for example a control device, a brush roller in the area of the suction mouth 125, an environment sensor or a drive wheel.

The valve assembly 145 is configured to assume either a first or a second position. In the first position, the first channel 130 is open and the second 140 is closed, and the first position can be used for suction operation. In the second position, the first channel 130 is closed and the second 140 is open, with the second position being able to be used for an emptying operation.

In the first position of the valve arrangement 145 , an air flow can enter the suction mouth 125 in the area of the bottom surface 115 and flow along the first channel 130 into the dirt container 120 . In the process, dirt and other particles can be picked up by the air flow and transported into the dirt container 120 . There, the filter 150 can be used to separate or hold back particles from the air flow before the air flow is released into an area surrounding the vacuum cleaner 105 . The filter 150 may include a vacuum bag received within the debris container 120 . The air stream can enter the suction bag through the first channel 130 and be freed of particles as it passes through its wall before being released into an environment. The air flow is generated by the blower 155, which is preferably located upstream or downstream of the filter 150 with respect to the air flow described. In one embodiment, the fan 155 is arranged in the dirt container 120, for example in one of the filter 150 leading area. The second channel 140 is closed in this position, so that no other air flow enters or exits the dirt container 120 .

In the second position of the valve assembly 145, air flow from the environment through the filter 150 and into the dirt container 120 can be effected. From there, the air flow can flow through the second channel 140 and the discharge opening 135 . In this case, the first channel 130 is closed. The air flow can loosen dirt or other particles in the area of the filter 150 and transport them away through the second channel 140 .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the floor vacuum cleaner 105 is in a predetermined position relative to the base station 110. The floor vacuum cleaner 105 can be held mechanically in the predetermined position on the base station 110. In the present case, the base station 110 includes a ramp 160 onto which the vacuum cleaner 105 has moved, and a trough 165 into which a wheel of the vacuum cleaner 105 has engaged.

The air flow for emptying the dirt container 120 can be brought about by the blower 155 of the vacuum cleaner 110, with a conveying direction being able to be reversed compared to the suction operation. However, the air flow can also be brought about by means of a blower 155 included in the base station 110 . Optionally, the fan 155 in the vacuum cleaner 105 and the fan 155 in the base station 110 can also work together. The air flow preferably leads into a further dirt container 120 in the base station 110, which can be larger than the dirt container 120 of the vacuum cleaner 105. A filter or other device may be provided to retain debris from the airflow and the cleaned airflow may be discharged to an environment.

In the present embodiment, the valve assembly 145 includes a 3/2-way valve that has three connections and can assume two positions and can also be called a switching valve. A slider 170 is slidably mounted in a guide such that it can be slid up to close the first channel 130 with the second channel 140 open, or down to close the second channel 140 with the first Channel 130 is open. While both channels 130, 140 may be partially open in an intermediate position It is preferred that the slider 170 is brought as completely as possible into one of the positions described, in which only one of the channels 130, 140 is open and the other one is closed.

To actuate the slider 170, an actuator 175 can be provided, which can be provided on board the vacuum cleaner 110 or outside. In the present case, the actuator 175 is included in the base station 110 and can include a linear actuator that can be moved by an electric motor. In another embodiment, an element can be provided on the base station 110 which engages in the slide 170 in a way provided and brings it into a predetermined position when the vacuum cleaner 105 moves into the base station 110 . The slide 170 can be prestressed, for example by means of an elastic element, by weight, magnetically or pneumatically, so that it moves into the second position when the vacuum cleaner 105 leaves the base station 110 or the actuator 175 is no longer activated.

Actuator 175 may also include a pneumatic element that converts a predetermined pressure ratio into actuation of spool 170 or a corresponding closure element. The pneumatic element may comprise a diaphragm or a piston accommodated in a cylinder which is subjected to different pneumatic pressures on different sides, for example ambient pressure and pressure in one of the channels 130 or 140. Due to the pressure difference, a force can be exerted on the diaphragm or the piston can be effected so that a closure element coupled thereto can be moved as a function of the differential pressure. A restoring element is optionally provided in order to bring the closure element into a predetermined position if there is insufficient pressure difference acting on the membrane or the piston.

In another embodiment, a rotary slide is provided instead of the slide 170, which can be brought into two different positions about an axis of rotation, which functionally correspond to the positions described above.

In yet another embodiment, the slider 170 or another closure element of the vacuum cleaner 105 is only set up to close or open the second channel 140 . The closure element can, for example, a include flap. The first channel 130 can be closed by means of a cover 180 included in the base station 110 by placing the suction mouth 125 of the vacuum cleaner 110 on the cover 180 . Closing can take place automatically when the vacuum cleaner 105 reaches a predetermined position with respect to the base station 110, for example as indicated in FIG. Likewise, the cover 180 can release the suction mouth 125 again when the vacuum cleaner 105 leaves the position shown in FIG. 2, for example to start suction operation.

FIG. 3 shows a vacuum cleaner 105 in a further embodiment. Part of the top of the vacuum cleaner 105 has been removed so that the dirt container 120 can be viewed. It can be seen that the channels 130 and 140 open into the dirt container 120 essentially in parallel. The slider 170 is not shown in this illustration.

Figure 4 shows a vacuum cleaner 105 from below. An optional brush roller can be seen in the area of the suction mouth 125 . An end of the second channel 140 is located behind it. A seal, a flange or a coupling can be provided in this area in order to achieve a connection to an external element, in particular the base station 110, which is as airtight as possible. A flange, a coupling or a seal can be provided on the side of the base station 110 in a corresponding manner.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 for controlling a vacuum cleaner 105 described herein. In a step 505, the valve arrangement 145 is in the first position, in which the first channel 130 is open and the second channel 140 is closed. In this position, the vacuum cleaner 105 can carry out a suction operation, in which it moves on the floor surface 115 in order to clean it, or an idle operation, in which the vacuum cleaner 105 stands still, for example in the base station 110.

If the suction or idle mode is to be exited, the first channel 130 can be closed in a step 510 and the second channel 140 can be opened in a step 515 . Steps 510, 515 can occur simultaneously or concurrently; execution in a different order from that shown is also possible. Thereafter, the valve arrangement 145 is in the second position, in which the first channel 130 is closed and the second channel 140 is open.

In a step 520, the vacuum cleaner 105 can be in an emptying mode. In order to remove dirt from the dirt container 120 , an air flow can be effected from an environment through the filter 150 into the dirt container 120 and from there through the second channel 140 .

After the dirt container 120 has been emptied, the vacuum cleaner 105 can be switched back to the suction or idle mode of step 505 . For this purpose, the second channel 140 can be closed in a step 525 and the first channel 130 can be opened in a step 530 . Steps 525 and 530 can also take place in reverse order, simultaneously or concurrently.

In another embodiment, step 530 may be performed first before pausing. After the pause, step 525 may occur to reach step 505. This procedure can be useful if the first channel 130 is sealed by the floor suction device 105 resting against the cover 180 of the base station 110 . The opening of the second channel 140 can be controlled by means of the actuator 175 or pneumatically. During the break, the vacuum cleaner 105 can remain in the base station 110 and, for example, continue to charge its energy store.

Reference sign

100 systems

105 floor vacuum

110 base station

115 floor area

120 dirt bin

125 suction mouth

130 first channel

135 discharge opening

140 second channel

145 valve arrangement

150 filters

155 blowers

160 ramp

165 hollow

170 sliders

175 actuator

180 coverage

500 procedures

505 sucking or resting

510 occlude first channel

515 open second channel

520 emptying

525 occlude second channel

530 open first channel

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

A vacuum cleaner (105) comprising:

- a dirt container (120);

- a suction mouth (125) which is connected to the dirt container (120) by means of a first channel (130);

- an emptying opening (135) which is connected to the dirt container (120) by means of a second channel (140); and

- a valve assembly (145) having a first position in which the first passage (130) is open and the second (140) is closed; and a second position in which the first channel (130) is closed and the second (140) is open.

2. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 1, wherein the two channels (130, 140) open parallel to each other in the dirt container (120).

3. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve arrangement (145) comprises a single closure element (170) which in the first position lies in the second channel (140) and in the second position in the first channel (130).

4. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 3, wherein the closure element comprises a slide (170).

5. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 3, wherein the closure element (170) comprises a screw cap.

6. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator (175) for actuating the valve arrangement (145).

7. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 6, wherein the actuator is adapted to bring the valve assembly (145) from one position to the other; further comprising a restoring element in order to bring the valve arrangement (145) from the other into the one position.

8. Canister (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a filter (150) for filtering air exiting the dirt container (120) while the valve assembly (145) is in the first position.

9. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fan (155) which is adapted to cause an air flow into or out of the dirt container (120).

10. Base station (110) for a vacuum cleaner (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base station (110) is set up to receive an air flow from the dirt container (120) of the vacuum cleaner (105) through the second channel (140).

The base station (110) of claim 10, further comprising a fan (155) for generating the airflow through the second duct (140).

12. Base station (110) according to any one of claims 10 or 11, further comprising an actuator (175) for actuating the valve arrangement (145) of the vacuum cleaner (105).

13. System (100), comprising a vacuum cleaner (105) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a base station (110) according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. Method (500) for emptying a dirt container (120) of a vacuum cleaner (105), the vacuum cleaner (105) having a dirt container (120), a suction mouth which is connected to the dirt container (120) by means of a first channel (130). , and a discharge opening (135) which is connected to the dirt container (120) by means of a second duct (140); the method comprising the following steps:

closing (510) the open first channel (130);

opening (515) the closed second channel (140); and

Causing (520) a flow of air through the filter (150) into the dirt container (120) and thence through the second duct (140).