DE19718497A1 - Floor treatment apparatus with peripheral vacuum strip and rotary brush - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (1) has a plastic peripheral strip (6) defining a suction area or a row of brushes. One or more height-adjustable through-flow openings belong to a floor-side suction opening (3, 4). The lower part of the plastic strip is more flexible than the upper part. The plastic strip may consist of adjacent strip elements and has a cavity whose height is a fraction such as a half of the height of the strip.

Description

The invention relates to a device for floor care a rotating powered care insert, such as a brush, in particular a brush disc, wherein the device has a peripheral suction chamber end strip, e.g. in the form of a row of brushes, which by frontal support on a floor to a suction chamber conclusion leads, and being assigned to a Bodensei suction opening of the device to optimize loading drives one or more through in the end bar flow openings are formed by a recess in the bottom bar in this area with a height, which is a fraction, for example half of the amount of End strip corresponds.

Devices for floor care are known, most of them have one or more suction areas to fine to vacuum up dust or coarse material. Here it is known the local extraction area with bristle strips seal, the bristle strip opening up small windows points through which coarse material with a defined size can pass can. Such a solution is, for example, from EP-OS 0 681 445 known. Here are in one, one on the bottom Intake opening associated with an or several flow openings in the form of recesses in the end strip is formed, with a height that corresponds to a fraction of the height of the end strip. Furthermore, suction nozzles for hard floor cleaning often instruct a bristle strip with windows on its front on, with a seal towards the back of the nozzle by means of a sealing lip or a bristle strip he follows.  

A compromise is usually used in the marketable solutions between fine dust intake and coarse material intake To achieve good particulate matter absorption, are the highest possible local flow velocities in the To strive for near the hard floor. These can be mostly achieved by making the suction area local limited and to the ground with the help of bristle streaks fen or sealing lips is sealed. On the other hand, must for a coarse material intake, the suction area if possible be kept open so that coarse material can be run over can and can get into the local extraction area.

With regard to the prior art described above nik a technical problem is seen in it Floor care device of the type in question ben, which in terms of coarse and fine dust is improved.

This problem is first and foremost with Subject of claim 1 solved, being abge is that the flow opening in height is changeable. This is a good coarse and Particulate matter achieved, which still further can be improved that a relatively narrow, after open suction channel is formed at the bottom, with a Width of preferably less than 20 mm, which is in a high flow rate in the suction area sets. The seal to the rear area of the Suction channel takes place especially when used in one Polisher or the like, over a conventional one Bristle strips. When used in a suction nozzle for Hard floors can also be a common sealing lip Come into play. Forward, in the main direction of work a special suction channel limitation is used. In case of use in a suction polisher, the  Suction channel in a ring around a front working disc, For example, brush disc arranged. Additionally integrated is a tip suction for such a variant improved absorption of dirt from corners. The chosen te arrangement of suction area, front, with in the Height adjustable throughflow opening provided end strip and rear bristle strips or Sealing lip ensures that on the one hand coarse and Fine dirt is absorbed by the device, but different not in the working area of the brush discs can reach. Thus the centrifugal effect is Coarse dirt and the whirling up of fine dust are low held. In a preferred embodiment of the Erfin The subject of the provision is that the change the height is accompanied by a change in the vacuum goes. It is provided that in a rest position End strip touches the surface to be maintained. By putting the device into operation, i.e. H. by scarf ten of the naturally aspirated engine there is a pressure difference between the outside area and that between the front end ledge and the rear seal formed suction channel achieved what a deflection of the end bar in Direction of the lower absolute pressure and thus in Direction of the suction channel. this means in practice that with a negative pressure in the suction channel or in the area of the bottom suction opening End strip is deflected towards the center of the suction channel, analogous to one known from technical mechanics Bending beam with constant line load. Through the Deflection of the end bar from its rest position ent stands between the edge of the edge and Underground suction gap. Due to the resulting suction gap now flows a partial volume flow of the suction volume current, which is essentially due to the suction gap height chen is limited. Coarse material is sucked up  in a first case by driving over it ben, the coarse parti the end strip parti ell deflects so that the coarse material can get into the suction channel gen where it can due to attacking flow forces te is sucked up. The condition for this case is that the holding force of the coarse material on the ground is greater is as a horizontal component of the deflection by virtue of the end strip. Is the holding force however less, the coarse material arrives in a second case first in front of the end bar. The part of the Flow forces attacking coarse material are sufficient To retain the holding force of the coarse material on the surface to deflect the and the end strip up to a flow opening corresponding to the particle height height. Furthermore, the suction gap height or through current opening height by regulating the negative pressure vari Which control must be set manually by the operator is feasible, for example via secondary air slide or by regulating the suction motor. In a preferred one Design of the subject of the invention is vorese hen that the suction chamber end strip as a plastic is trained. The latter takes on a change of the negative pressure, which is in the immediate vicinity tion is formed in a circular arc. This deformation, the plastic strip forming the end strip supported in particular by the fact that the plastic Most flexible in a lower section is as in an upper section. This can, for example. by designing the cross-section of the final office be given by the lower section of art Fabric strip is formed thinner than the upper Ab cut, with a plastic film as Ab end bar can be used. The can continue Flexibility thanks to the elastic modulus of the last material to be influenced. It is further conceivable that  an essentially continuous increase in flexi is given. In an advantageous development manure is provided that the suction chamber end strip at least over part of their height side by side arranged strip elements there. Through this Design are only for the suction of coarse material areas to be passed through by the coarse material deflected further. Those not affected by the coarse material Areas linger in the under pressure called, slightly inward towards the suction channel bent position. With regard to the main extension direction, for example along an entire front of the device side, this configuration is extremely flexible ble end bar given. The arranged side by side The strip elements form lamellar curtains tel. It is further preferred that in the main extension attention to the suction space end strip strip elements are of different lengths. Usually se is the suction opening approximately in the middle of the entire Ab arranged suction area, which increases with increasing Distance to the suction opening different underpressure set ke. Depending on these differ Chen negative pressure ranges are the lengths of the respective Strip elements selected. This is how strip elements become with greater length in areas of smaller negative pressures arranged so that in the area of this about the same Adjust the flow openings as in the size area lower pressures, in which strip elements are shorter Length are provided. In an alternative configuration device can be provided that the different Flexibility is achieved through a multilayer, with an overlap of the layers to adjust the different flexibility is used. The arrangement voltage can be chosen so that the conclusion line by layering several different lengths  Layers, for example made of plastic, wherein in Direction towards the underground in the rest position touching end cap limitation the number of layers decreases continuously. It is preferred that in Area of the end skirting only one Location, which gives this area the greatest flexibility lity is assigned. It is also conceivable that in the Suction chamber end strip by thinning the material Hinge point is formed. The latter is preferred formed near the socket area. To change the height of the flow opening vers In this exemplary embodiment, the closing line is pivoted around the joint. Regarding the training of the End strip in the form of layers in a row arranged layers, it is also conceivable that the flexibility act in the main direction of extension, d. H. dependent on to the prevailing, different oppressions in the area of the suction channel, by changing the individual layer heights or by changing the number of layers to manufacture. When the end strip is formed as a flexible plastic strip or as one with a Jointed bar is alternative or in combination with the strip solution that the wall Strengthen the suction space end strip in the main extension direction for setting the different Flexibility has changed. In a training course suggested that the end strip by the user zer can be set so that different che flow opening heights result. This can, for example. be solved in that the suction space end strip a height-adjustable support element is assigned. The latter is preferably the suction chamber side on the suction chamber side end bar arranged. Through this support element the end strip is supported locally, with what on this Make a deflection of the end strip towards the  Suction channel and thus an adjustment or an increase the flow opening is prevented. The support the end strip by such a support element can over the entire main direction of extension End strip are made. However, one is also conceivable locally limited support, for example in side areas of the suction space. Finally, it can also be provided that the flow opening height manually by the operator ner by changing the height of the end bar is cash. By the previously described, according to the invention There are advantageous features. So is the flow opening height between the closure line and surface of the one in the suction channel Vacuum dependent, the bottom bar with under pressurizing toward the larger sub pressure is deflected from its rest position. By the tilting movement of the end strip creates a through current opening, the height of which is not constant. When over driving larger coarse material increases the through current opening height due to the flexibility of the Ab end bar, with which the suction material in the suction area can reach. It also proves to be advantageous that the bending stiffness along the end strip their main direction of extension to the vacuum distribution is adapted in the suction channel. This, for example, via Settings wall thickness or over the free bending length. Furthermore, the bending stiffness can vary by long transverse slots must be set. It turns out further it is advantageous that the end strip is preferably se is made of a plastic film. Alterna tive is also a compliant, dense bristle strip conceivable. The end strip is in another Ausge staltung by the user so adjustable that result in different flow opening heights. It there is an improved coarse material pickup  in particular the size of the coarse goods not by the Be the height of the flow opening in the cover strip is bordered. Furthermore, even coarse goods with lower Height but great length, such as flat wood shavings, Strips of paper or the like can be sucked up. As It also proves advantageous here that fibers, Hair or the like indicate a slight inclination the end strip, especially during training the end strip as a plastic strip, hang lead ben. This allows the end strip to be easily cleaned gene, which is associated with improved hygiene.

The invention is based on the attached Drawing, however, only several execution represents examples, explained in more detail. It shows:

Fig. 1 a device for floor care in the form of a Saugpo liergerätes in bottom view with an end bar;

Fig. 2 shows the section along the line II-II in Figure 1 by a means of a cover strip and a bristle strip closed suction chamber, in a rest position of the termination strip.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of Figure 2, but in the operating state of the device.

FIG. 4 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 3, however, in the course of a deflection of the end bar by a coarse material sucked in;

Fig. 5 shows several alternative embodiments of the end strip, each in sectional representations;

FIG. 6 shows a detail of an end view of an end strip according to the embodiment in FIGS. 2-4;

FIG. 7 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 2 but relating to a further embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, but with the cover strip shifted up manually to increase the height of the flow opening;

FIG. 9 shows another representation corresponding to FIG. 2, however, relating to a further exemplary embodiment; and

Fig. 10, the embodiment of Figure 9 however saugraumseitig supported by downward displacement of the end bar supporting element Fig..

Shown and described is first with reference to Fig. 1, a device 1 for floor care in the form of a Saugpo liergerätes. This has rotatingly driven care inserts 2 in the form of brush disks. To the front care insert 2 is annular, a first, a suction port 3 is arranged forming the suction channel. A tip extractor is also integrated for improved absorption of dirt from corners. Furthermore, a second suction opening 4 is provided in a rear area, approximately in the gusset of the two rear care inserts 2 .

The front suction opening 3 is designed so that high flow rates occur. Sealing to the rear, ie towards the care inserts 2 , is carried out using a conventional bristle strip 5 .

Towards the front in the main working direction, a special end strip 6 for the suction channel or intake opening limitation is provided.

The selected arrangement of suction area, front end strip 6 and bristle strips 5 ensures that on the one hand coarse and fine dirt from the device 1 is taken up but on the other hand can not get into the working area of the care inserts 2 , thus further the centrifugal effect of coarse dirt and the Aufwir belung is kept low by fine dust. The end bar 6 is preferably in the form of a plastic strip, such as a plastic film. However, this can also be replaced by a compliant, dense bristle strip.

The in the embodiment shown as a plastic strip 6 is formed to the rest in the rest position on the base 7 Limitation edge 8 molded out, whereby in the lower section a higher flexibility than in the upper section.

In Figs. 2 to 4 show different states of the serving for variable Saugkanalbegrenzung termination strip 6 are shown. In FIG. 2, no pressure difference between the ambient pressure P1 and the pressure P2 in between the bristle strip 5 and the cover strip 6 9 there is formed the suction channel. In this rest position, the boundary edge 8 of the end bar 6 touches the bottom 7th After switching on the suction device, there is a pressure difference between P1 and P2, so that the end bar 6 , as shown in FIG. 3, is deflected in the direction of the lower absolute pressure. At a negative pressure P1 in the suction channel, the end strip 6 is deflected towards the center of the channel, analogously to a bending beam known from technical mechanics with constant line load. By the deflection of the Abschlußlei ste 6 from its rest position arises between the limita edge 8 and the underground 7 a Durchströmöff voltage 10th The opening height s which arises can be influenced by various parameters. Thus, the height s of the throughflow opening 10 can be changed, for example, by changing the pressure difference, in particular by regulating the negative pressure in the suction channel 9 , for example by means of auxiliary air slides which can be actuated manually. Furthermore, the height s depends on the modulus of elasticity of the material of the end strip 6 and the same through the design of the cross section. In an embodiment of the end strip 6 , as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, it assumes an arcuate shape in a first approximation at a given pressure difference.

A partial volume flow V1 of the suction volume flow V now flows through the resulting throughflow opening 10 , which is essentially limited by the throughflow opening height s.

In FIG. 4, the absorption is shown of the coarse material 11 whose height is a greater than the Durchströmöffnungshöhe s. In this case, two cases can occur when coarse material 11 is sucked up.

On the one hand, the coarse material 11 can be run over, this partially deflecting the end strip 6 , so that the coarse material 11 can get into the suction channel 9 , where it is sucked up due to the attacking flow forces. In this case, the adhesive force H of the coarse material 11 on the substrate 7 is greater than the horizontal component F1 of the deflection force F of the end bar 6 . In this connection, the curvature of the end strip 6 has a positive side effect. The transferring from the end bar 6 to the coarse material 11 has a horizontal component F1 and a vertical component F2, the latter acting that coarse material 11 is pressed more strongly onto the substrate 7 , which also increases the holding force H and slipping away of the coarse material particle is thus made more difficult (cf. FIG. 4).

In a further case, the coarse material 11 first reaches the end strip 11 . The flow forces partially attacking the coarse material 11 are sufficient to overcome the adhesive force H of the coarse material 11 on the substrate 7 and to further deflect the end bar 6 until the flow opening height s is equal to the particle height a.

In FIG. 5, various embodiments of the cover strip 6 are shown. As described above, this can be designed in the form of a plastic strip tapering towards the base 7 , with an essentially continuous increase in flexibility towards the free end. This is in the above-described embodiment by the decreasing wall thickness of the end strip 6 starting from its version in the direction of the free end. In the formation of an end strip 6 'with a constant cross-section, the increase in flexibility can be given by the material properties. Furthermore, alternative designs are conceivable, in which a cover strip 6 '' forms a hinge position 12 by thinning material near its socket, around which the cover strip 6 '' deflects towards the latter at a negative pressure in the suction channel 9 .

Furthermore, the different flexibility of a bottom bar 6 '''can be achieved by a multi-layer, an overlap of the individual layers of different lengths 13 being used to set the different flexibility.

Provision can also be made for a terminating strip 6 ″ ″ to run out in a pointed manner towards the free end, the boundary edge 8 generally being arranged at a distance from the substrate 7 . In one prevailing in the suction duct 9 the flexible vacuum having formed te termination strip is deflected towards the suction channel 9 6, to further increase the flow-through 10th

Regardless of the design of the end strip 6 , in particular with regard to its cross section, it is easily seen that the end strip 6 consists of elements 14 arranged next to one another in any case over part of their height. As a result, local Auslenkun conditions of the end bar 6 with a suction of roughly 11 are made possible.

Since different negative pressures can be set in the area of a suction opening, in particular the front suction opening 3 along the connecting bar 6 , the closing bar 6 is formed in its main direction of extension x by strip elements 14 of different lengths (cf. FIG. 6). As a result, the end strip 6 is designed to be correspondingly flexible in accordance with the negative pressures prevailing in the various regions, so that a uniformly high throughflow opening 10 is set when the device 1 is switched on over the entire main direction x.

The setting of the different flexibility in the main direction of extent x of the end strip 6 can also be achieved by different wall thicknesses of the Abschlußlei 6 , in particular the individual strip elements 14 .

As already mentioned, the throughflow opening height s is set by the prevailing pressure difference, this height being further influenced by the modulus of elasticity of the sealing strip material and / or by the design of the cross section of the sealing strip 6 . Accordingly, the flow opening height s can also be changed by changing the pressure difference. It is conceivable, for example, to regulate the negative pressure in the suction channel 9, for example by actuating secondary air slides, which regulation has a direct effect on the deflection of the end strip.

In Figs. 7 and 8, a cover strip 6 is höhenverlagerbare Darge provides in an alternative Ausgestal processing. This relocability can be done manually. However, training is also conceivable in which this shift depending on a pressure difference between suction channel 9 and the environment can be controlled automatically. By a, as shown in Fig. 8 displacement of the end strip 6 in the direction of the interior of the device 1 , a flow opening 10 remains in the rest position. Various, for example, also latching intermediate positions are conceivable, with which different flow opening heights can be set.

This adjustability offers the advantage that the user selectively influence the coarse material intake and to the can adapt the respective suction task.

For this purpose, as shown in FIGS . 9 and 10, it can be provided that the end strip 6 is supported on the suction side by a height-adjustable support element 15 , which prevents the end strip 6 from buckling at this point. This support can also be locally limited over the entire length of the end strip 6 .

All the features disclosed are essential to the invention. In the disclosure of the application is hereby also the Disclosure content of the associated / attached priori full documents (copy of the pre-registration) Lich included, also for the purpose of characteristics of this Documents in the present application with to record.

Claims (12)

1. Device ( 1 ) for floor care with a rotating driven care insert ( 2 ), such as. A brush, especially a brush disc, the device ( 1 ) having a peripheral suction chamber end strip ( 6 ), for example in the form of a row of brushes , which leads to a suction chamber end by a face-end support on a floor and being assigned to a bottom suction opening ( 3 , 4 ) of the device ( 1 ) for optimizing operation in the end strip ( 6 ) one or more through openings ( 19 ) are formed through a recess in the end strip ( 6 ) in this area with a height which corresponds to a fraction, for example. half of the height of the end strip ( 6 ), characterized in that the height (s) of the throughflow opening ( 10 ) can be changed . 2. Device according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the change in height (s) is accompanied by a change in the vacuum (P2). 3. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the suction space end strip ( 6 ) is designed as a plastic strip. 4. Device according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized net that the plastic strip in a lower Ab cut is more flexible than in an upper one Section. 5. Device according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized  net that an essentially continuous increase flexibility. 6. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the suction space end strip in any case over part of its height consists of strip elements ( 14 ) arranged next to one another. 7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that in the main direction of extension (x) of the suction chamber end strip ( 6 ) strip elements ( 14 ) are formed in different lengths. 8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the different flexibility is achieved by a multi-layer, wherein an overlap of the layers ( 13 ) is used to adjust the different flexibility. 9. Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that in the suction chamber end strip ( 6 ) an articulation point ( 12 ) is formed by mate dilution. 10. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the wall thickness of the suction chamber end strip ( 6 ) in the main direction of extension (x) is changed to adjust the different flexibility. 11. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the suction space end strip ( 6 ) is assigned a height-adjustable support element ( 15 ). 12. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the support element ( 15 ) is arranged on the suction chamber side of the suction chamber end strip ( 6 ).