HK1047026A1

HK1047026A1 - Nozzle for a suction cleaner

Info

Publication number: HK1047026A1
Application number: HK02108817A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Petra Lehmann; Rolf Strohmeyer; Thomas Sand; Carsten Jacobs; Bernhard Scheuren; Markus Cornelissen; Ulrich Keck; Gentile Marafante
Original assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh
Priority date: 2000-12-13
Filing date: 2002-12-04
Publication date: 2003-02-07
Also published as: ES2260147T3; JP2002177173A; DE50110028D1; EP1214902A2; KR20020048866A; EP1214902A3; CN1364439A; HK1047026B; CN1284498C; EP1214902B1; ATE328523T1; JP4159283B2

Abstract

The nozzle (2) is provided with a suction duct (7), which extending from the connection stub (6) through the nozzle body (5) opens out in the nozzle head (4). The nozzle head is designed swivelable relative to the nozzle body. The swiveling ability is achieved with a joint (12) having a vertical joint axis (Z).

Description

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle having the characteristics of the general concept of claim 1.

Such a nozzle is known from the unpublished state of the art according to EP 1110 496 A1.

In addition, nozzles with vertical swivel joints are known, e.g. US 2001/0042285A1 or JP 02084919 and WO 01/89356A1. These nozzles, however, lack a nozzle body which is connected to the nozzle head on the one hand and connected to the vacuum cleaner on the other by a connecting rod, and which also has a suction channel which, extending from the connecting rod through the nozzle body, enters the nozzle head, the nozzle head being (first) deflectable relative to the nozzle head via a joint with a vertical axis.

The present invention is intended to specify an advantageous nozzle for a vacuum cleaner.

This problem is solved in the case of claim 1, where the joint is penetrated by the suction channel. The nozzle, unlike the known single-piece versions, consists of two relatively rotatable parts, the nozzle basket connected to the vacuum cleaner by the connecting bracket and the relatively rotatable nozzle head. This results in increased nozzle flexibility. For suction of corners or niches or for the extreme suction of, for example, footrests, the nozzle head can be placed in a position optimal for this work.The nozzle remains in its normal nozzle or nozzle position, so that a marginal suction by means of the inclined nozzle head through the nozzle head's further in the direction of displacement does not imply any additional force for the user. The advantage here is that the nozzle head is automatically deflected relative to the nozzle body in the event of a collision with an object, such as a footrest or a chair leg.The solution of the invention also simplifies the suction in niches. When the nozzle is pressed, in particular by applying an extracentral pressure on the front edge of the nozzle, the nozzle head automatically shifts in the course of the forward movement of the vacuum cleaner into a shifting position which allows the nozzle to be inserted into the niche. A particularly advantageous feature of this is that the dual version of the nozzle according to the invention also allows deep niches to be removed. This also results in a convenient and continuous suction around furniture legs and obstacles, with a smooth and automatic adaptation to the surrounding situation while maintaining the usual working mode - no forward and reverse movement - and no forward movement is provided for in the present invention.It is further proposed that the nozzle be flexible in a horizontal plane. Consequently, a flexing of the nozzle head does not affect the even orientation or angle of adjustment of the vacuum cleaner to the nozzle, so that no corrective action is required for the user when the nozzle is flexed. It is further proposed that the nozzle extends below the nozzle in the direction of its bend.The free space under the nozzle to allow the nozzle to be tilted is further chosen to allow at least one tilting of the nozzle to the original normal position, whereby the greatest width of the nozzle in the area of the fixed nozzle is reduced by the nozzle's tilting. In particular, to further improve suction in Nischen, it is proposed that the nozzle in the normal position should have a greater width (i.e. cross-extension to the direction) than the nozzle in the deep direction (extension in the direction). A large width of the nozzle is desirable for large nozzles.The aim is to ensure that the width of the nozzle is more than twice the maximum depth of the nozzle. For example, a ratio of nozzle width to nozzle depth of 3:1 may be provided. For an example of a 300 mm width, a maximum depth of about 100 mm is specified. It is suggested that the nozzle depth is different on the side of the nozzle depth.This rounding of the nozzle is particularly advantageous in handling, particularly when the nozzle is projected from narrow niches, whereas the narrow design of the nozzle, when viewed in a further direction, also improves the suction depth in narrow niches. In the main part, the joint is designed to form a greater advantage in the area of the nozzle depth.The design of the object of the invention provides that the nozzle head may be deflected by 360° or more relative to the body of the nozzle. Accordingly, the nozzle head is preferably rotatable, even to return to its original normal position after a 360° rotation. It is further proposed that one or more of the nozzle head's preferential deflection configurations be crossed, for which purpose, e.g. spring-supported suspension, spring-mounted or rolling roller bodies may be placed in trained positions.The position of the head is set at 90° or 270°, in which the head is so tilted that its depth in the direction of travel is small in relation to the width, e.g. for suctioning out of niches. The preferred position is the position of the head at 0° and 180°, in which the head is tilted so that its width is oriented in the direction of travel, i.e. in the normal position.The nozzle body can be adjusted to the nozzle head with the optimum spring force for handling, e.g. the suction channel entering the nozzle and traversing the joint can have an eccentric or elliptical shape with resting noses, which allows a spring to be used to return. In addition, there is the possibility of simple reciprocal suspension by means of pull, pressure or leaf springs. The position of the nozzle head in the 0° and 180° positions corresponding to the normal positions is preferably shifted backwards. These two positions correspond to the standard application, i.e. the area of the spring.The proposed spring support may also be provided by a corresponding material elasticity in the joint area. Another alternative design may provide for a spring in the form of an elongated element which extends across the suction channel in the nozzle head. For example, an elongated spring steel may be placed in the nozzle head which acts on it in such a way that a deflection of the nozzle head at the spring head momentum build-up affects the return of the nozzle head to the normal position. This normal position of the nozzle head is defined by the unbalanced, elongated orientation of the nozzle.The suction wall is designed with openings radially oriented to the spring throughput or with correspondingly oriented nuts to accommodate the normal suction sections, so that a deflection of the suction head relative to the suction body bends the suction head on both sides beyond the suction channel deflection and acts in the suction head-switch. A reverse thrust is applied to the suction head, which is rotated in the direction of the normal suction head.Other Alternatively, the formation may be chosen so that the spring is connected to the suction channel, whereby preferably the spring does not penetrate the suction channel. Rather, a free end of the spring is held in the area of the suction channel wall, e.g. in a drill or nut in an appropriate orientation. It is also conceivable to spray the free end in the course of producing the suction channel wall.It is also proposed that opposite reversing bearings for the spring be formed in the nozzle head outside the suction channel. Thus, for example, guide pins or the like may be provided on both sides of the spring. In this regard, a design in which the spring is held in a region with an outer boundary for the spring in the expansion joint is also shown to be advantageous.This makes the spring's characteristic line easily controllable by the edge design. Regardless of the design of the support, it is further proven to be advantageous that the spring is free to move with respect to a support. It is also proposed that two springs be provided. Thus, these can be e.g. basically aligned. Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the springs run basically oppositely aligned.The fountain pen material may be steel, fiberglass and plastic. The geometry of the fountain pen - width, thickness - may also be used to determine the desired characteristic of the fountain pen. In order to reduce the hysteresis behaviour to the zero position, i.e. to a minimum, a preferred design suggests that the fountain pen has a curved cross-section. The fountain pen may be formed from a profiled metal or steel sheet.The above solutions result in a regressive torque generation at implicit zero position at low number of parts. A functionally reliable, cost-effective spring mechanism has been implemented which implies zero torque without additional components. It also generates a regressive and not a progressive torque without further constructive measures or components. Further development of the subject of the invention provides that the nozzle head has one or more brush sections on each side, which brush sections serve to delimit the soil, especially in hard soiling.It is proposed that a height of the nozzle head, in relation to the free vertical stretch of a brush of a brush section, including the brushes, should be two to five times the free vertical length of the brush. For example, a normal free brush length of about 10 mm should be provided with a height of the nozzle head of 20-50 mm, which would make it easy to suck up objects leaving a space. It is further proposed that the maximum depth of the nozzle head should be three to six times the height of the nozzle head. It is also proposed that the nozzle body should be supported on the one hand on the nozzle head and on the other hand on the nozzle body, by means of running rollers or slings.In order to achieve a slender design, especially for suction in niches, it is proposed that the width of the nozzle be a fraction of the width of the nozzle head, for example, a preferred embodiment provides that the width of the nozzle head in the nozzle head area is one third to one fifth of the width of the nozzle head, e.g. with a nozzle width of 300 mm approximately 60 mm. It is further proposed that the nozzle head extends in the direction of the runners widthwise, with the further suggestion that the width of the nozzle head in the runners or glide runner area is approximately half the width of the nozzle head.In this area, too, the width of the nozzle is chosen to achieve an overall slender design, particularly to allow suction in niches. In this respect, it is further shown to be advantageous that the width of the nozzle in the area of the nozzles or sliding surfaces is approximately the greatest depth of the nozzle head. A further development of the subject-matter suggests that the nozzle extends bridgetowards between the nozzle head and the nozzles or sliding surfaces, whereby the height of the nozzle section is approximately the height of the nozzle head.The design of the vacuum cleaner, which is connected to the nozzle via the nozzle, allows it to be pushed flat on the whole, regardless of the nozzle head's position, to suck up under furniture. It is also proposed that the nozzle should have a second nozzle with a rotating axis extending away from the centre axis of the nozzle. This second nozzle gives a different overall improvement in handling, particularly in the three nozzle shapes mentioned above.The first swing joint is also intended to have a fixed position, whereby the suspension is not lifted by the nozzle's weight. This design allows the nozzle to be suspended by swinging it upwards around the roll axis to catch larger particles of dirt which would otherwise be pushed in front of the nozzle. To achieve the overall flat position of the vacuum cleaner, this suspension suspension can be removed at will. All the above features are important both in relation to hard-ground nozzles and carpet extraction nozzles, where appropriate with rotary table rollers.In order to simplify the suction head flexibility, it is proposed that means be provided for the control of a suction air flow depending on the position of the suction head. The suction air flow is so controlled that the frictional force below the suction head is reduced so that even when sucking carpet floors, the suction head is deflected to avoid obstacles and reversed in the simplest way. In this respect, a further training is provided that the suction air flow is lower in a suction position than in an un-suctioned position. An example design provides that a side air is opened in a suction position.This is the case not only with passive carpet nozzles but also with carpet nozzles with rotating brush rollers. This is achieved by integrating an electric motor into the movable (roller head) or fixed part (brush body) of the nozzle, which drives the nozzle directly, e.g. via gears, or via a transmission, e.g. a toothbrush, or by incorporating or integrating a brush head.It is also conceivable to implement the drive via an air-stream-driven turbine. The power supply is provided by means of lines which are fed into the moving part (piston head) via grinding rings or other suitable elements. In order to provide a high suction power in a shifting position of the piston head, especially in the outer corner area of the same, a preliminary training proposal suggests that in a shifting position the suction air flow is increased with respect to a first corner area of the piston head.In this respect, it is further preferred that an increase in the intake air flow in relation to a first corner area be achieved by reducing the intake air flow in relation to the second corner area, thus concentrating the suction in the first, preferably in the forward-moving corner area of the nozzle. For example, it may be provided that the opening of the suction duct to the second corner area is reduced in relation to the angle of rotation, while the opening is unaffected in relation to the first corner area. Reducing the opening of the suction duct to the second corner area may lead to a closure of the nozzle to this corner area.This is the case, for example, when a vertical section of the suction channel wall is inserted during the injection head deflection, which results in a reduction in the suction channel opening to the second corner. Another example of the design of the object of the invention provides that in the injection head a vertical section of the suction channel wall is inserted between the suction channel opening and the suction channel deflection by reducing the deflection of the suction channel opening to the second corner.This results in a valve principle whereby a suction-channel endpoint in the direction of the nozzle head consists of a semi-circular closed area in the direction of the nozzle head and an open area separated by the nozzle head divider. In normal working position, i.e. when the nozzle head is perpendicular to the direction of motion, the open area separated by the nozzle head allows a symmetrical flow of the suction channel. In the deflected state of the nozzle head, the area of the suction channel assigned to the second endpoint is reduced or closed by the nozzle wall and preferably by a part of the nozzle head by the floor so that a greater airflow is applied to the first nozzle head.In this respect, an arrangement in which the nozzle head is moved by two horizontal nozzles, 90° apart, is preferable, as this cardan axis arrangement ensures optimal fit of the nozzle head to the floor to be cleaned.

The following illustration, which is merely a few examples, gives a detailed description of the invention and shows: Fig. 1a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner fitted with a nozzle according to the invention;Fig. 2a perspective view of the nozzle;Fig. 3a perspective view of the nozzle when the nozzle head is in the normal position for surface treatment;Fig. 4a view of the nozzle in the position according to Fig. 3;Fig. 5a downward view of the nozzle when the nozzle head is in a 90° inclined position;Fig. 6a side view of the nozzle showing a stop of the nozzle's attachment support, when the nozzle is in a pointed up position;Fig. 7a side view of the nozzle when the nozzle is in the flat position of attachment;Fig. 8a corresponding representation of the nozzle;Fig. 7 or 6a corresponding representation of the nozzle.However, the lower nozzle is shown in a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 9 for the upturned parking position of the support;Figure 9 for a second nozzle, as shown in Figure 4;Figure 10 for a third nozzle, as shown in Figure 10;Figure 11 for a fourth nozzle;Figure 12 for a fifth nozzle;Figure 13 for a schematic partial cut-off of the joint area between the nozzle body and the nozzle head, when the nozzle head is in the normal position for surface treatment;Figure 14 for a second nozzle;Figure 15 for a third nozzle;Figure 11 for a fourth nozzle;Figure 12 for a fifth nozzle;Figure 16 for an alternative nozzle head;Figure 17 for an alternative nozzle head, as shown in Figure 14;Figure 14 for a corresponding nozzle head, but with a corresponding position for 90°;Figure 16 for an alternative nozzle head;Figure 17 for an exhibition of the corresponding position;Figure 14 for an exhibition of the corresponding nozzle head;Figure 14 for an alternative nozzle head;Figure 14 for an exhibition of the corresponding nozzle head.18a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation, as shown in Fig. 17, but with the nozzle head in the position of rotation of 90°; 19a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation of the nozzle head; 20a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation; 22a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation; 23a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation of 90°; 22a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation of 90°; 23a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation of 90°; 22a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation of 90°; 23a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head in Fig. XXIII-XXIII; 22a diagram of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation of rotation of 90°; 22a diagram of the intersection of the intersection of the nozzle head with the nozzle head in the position of rotation of rotation of 90°.25 a representation corresponding to Fig. 22 but with a different embodiment;Fig. 26 the 90° deflected position of the nozzle head according to the embodiment in Fig. 25;Fig. 27 another representation corresponding to Fig. 22 in another embodiment;Fig. 28 the representation of the nozzle head according to Fig. 27 in a deflected position;Fig. 29 another representation of the nozzle head in a representation according to Fig. 22;Fig. 30 the deflected position of the nozzle head according to Fig. 29;Fig. 31 to 36 further representations, the representation in Fig. 22 corresponding to other embodiments;Fig. 37 the deflected position of a nozzle head according to Fig. 36;Fig. 38 corresponding to Fig. 12 another representation of the embodiment.

The first example is a vacuum cleaner 1 with a nozzle 2 for working a floor 3. In the examples shown, the nozzle 2 is a hard floor nozzle. However, the characteristics described below of this nozzle 2 are also conceivable for nozzles with rotating brushes for carpet cleaning.

Nozzle 2 consists essentially of a nozzle head 4 mounted on the floor 3 and a nozzle body 5 connecting nozzle head 4 to vacuum cleaner 1, with a connecting nozzle 6 attached to nozzle head 5 to connect nozzle 2 to vacuum cleaner 1. The suction nozzle is marked with reference 8.

The connecting rod 6 is arranged on the upper side in the area of one end of the nozzle 5 in such a way that the connecting rod 6 can be rotated on an axis x in a first pivot 9 in the direction r of the nozzle 2.

In addition, the coupling bracket 6 has a second swing joint 11 with a swing axis y extending away from the centre axis a of the coupling bracket 6.

These two swivel joints 9 and 11 enable the vacuum cleaner 1 to be tilted around the x axis and the vacuum cleaner 1 to be handled more easily around the y axis, thus providing easy steering of the nozzle 2.

The nozzle 5 extends between the nozzle head 4 and the rolls 10 in a bridge-like manner, the nozzle 5 narrowing in its width measured transversely to the direction of travel r, starting from the area of the rolls 10 to the opposite end.

In the area of this rejuvenated free end, the nozzle head 4 is held flexibly relative to the nozzle head 5 at the nozzle body 5 and this flexiblity is formed by a joint 12 with a vertical joint axis z, which is crossed by the suction channel 7.

As a result, the nozzle head 4 can be deflected around the vertical axis z in a horizontal plane.

The 12 joint is so designed that the nozzle head 4 can be deflected by 360° or more, i.e. completely free of deflection.

The nozzle head 4 is partly extended below the projection of the nozzle body, which is formed as a bridge 13. In the course of a deflection of the nozzle head 4, it passes through a bridge clearance 29 formed under the bridge 13, the length 1 of which, measured in direction r, is more than half the width b1 of the nozzle head 4, the nozzle head width b1 being the extension transversely to the direction of travel in the normal position shown in Fig. 3.

The nozzle head 4 has a circular segmental base with a straight front edge 14 extending in the normal position in the direction of travel r in the direction of travel r as shown in Fig. 3 and a rear edge with a circular section connecting the ends of the front edge 14 in the basic plan 15.

The circular segmental design of the nozzle base gives different depths over the width of nozzle head 4, the greatest depth t being reached, measured perpendicular to the forehead edge 14, in the middle of the width extension of nozzle head 4.

The ratio of nozzle width b1 to maximum depth t of nozzle 4 is chosen as 3:1; accordingly, nozzle 4 has a maximum depth t of 100 mm at an example width b1 of 300 mm.

On the bottom side, the nozzle head 4 is known to have several, in the illustrated example four brush sections 16 to limit the suction chamber, the brushes of which have a free vertical stretch h1 of about 10 mm (see Fig. 6).

The jet body 5 resting on the jet head 4 over the deck 13 has a height h3 in the area of its deck 13 which is approximately two thirds of the height h2 of the jet head 4.

As can be seen from the diagrams, the joint 12 between nozzle head 4 and nozzle body 5 is formed in the area of the greatest depth of nozzle head 4, whereby the width b2 of nozzle head 5 or its bridge 13 in the area of nozzle head 4 or nozzle head 12 corresponds to about one fifth of the width b1 of nozzle head 4.

The nozzle head 4 is arranged in four preferential bending positions, as shown in Figures 1 to 8, firstly in the normal (0°) position for surface treatment shown in Figure 4, secondly in a 180° deflected position, where the edge 15 of the circular section in the floor plan is in the forward direction, and then in the 90° and 270° positions, where the nozzle head 4 with its narrow depth points transversely to the direction t.

This surprise is achieved by the action of two spring-supported restraint elements 18 acting in the direction of the vertical joint axis at the bottom of the nozzle head 4 on a nozzle plate 20 with four nozzles 19 arranged at 90° angles to each other, the latter being connected to the nozzle body 5 in a rotary manner.

The 20 has an elliptical ground plan, which, after a swing of the nozzle head 4 into an intermediate position, provides a spring-supported next ground or resting position.

This design allows the nozzle head 4 to be deflected to suck an object 30 in which case the nozzle head 4 is deflected about the axis z. In Fig. 5 such a 90° deflected position of the nozzle head 4 is shown, with this position also being secured.

Figures 6 to 8 show three more rotation positions of the coupling bracket 6. The first rotation joint 9 has a fixed position according to Figure 6 which can be raised by the user only at will, not by the weight of the nozzle 2. In this fixed position the nozzle 2 can be raised, for example, to pick up larger particles of dirt pushed forward, otherwise only in front of the nozzle 2, around the rotation axis or roll axis x (see dashed representation in Figure 6).

By deliberately overlapping this secure position, the connecting rod 6 can be moved further down the x-axis to push the vacuum cleaner 1 forward flat.

In addition, a parking position beyond the vertical orientation of the coupling bracket 6 is provided, preferably a parking position with a restraint as shown in Figure 8.

Figures 9 to 12 show further examples of spring-supported airfoil spring-locking systems.

For example, two pressure springs 17 acting on the joint axis can act on the elliptical contour of the rustler 20 by means of two pressure springs 21 according to Fig. 9, whereupon the elliptical design of the rustler 20 automatically takes the normal position according to Fig. 9 after a nozzle head 4 support is removed from an object 30.

According to Fig. 11, draw springs 24 attached to the restraint 20 on one side and to the bottom of the nozzle 4 on the other side can also be used to bring the nozzle 4 back to its normal position automatically.

Figure 12 shows a solution in which the spring arms 25 attached to the bottom of the nozzle head 4 act on the nozzle 20 with their free ends, which form nozzles 23.

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 38, the free ends of the feeder arms 25 can also support 60 rollers 61 on axle bodies, for resting interaction with the resting excesses 19 of the counting device 20.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 38, the nozzle head 4 can be tilted by two horizontal tilting heads h1 and h2 arranged 90° apart and mounted on the bridge 13; the nozzle head 4 can therefore adjust itself over the two cardanally arranged axes h1 and h2 to the floor irregularities, which results in an improved cleaning result.

The depicted and described embodiments for the restraint or restraint of the nozzle head 4 shall preferably be located in a concealed position within the nozzle head 4.

Figures 13 to 15 show in a further embodiment a nozzle 2 according to the invention in which the suction channel 7 is projected with a semi-circular suction channel end section 35 in the area of a suction nozzle 36 of the nozzle head 4 The nozzle 36 extends symmetrically from the suction nozzle 37 into both corner areas 38 and 39 of the nozzle head 4 and is bounded in the direction of the suction nozzle 37 by a brush strip 40 running along the front wall of the nozzle head 4 and rearward by the nozzle head housing 41.

The suction manifold 7 ends in the suction manifold end section 35 in the nozzle 4 in such a way that the suction manifold 36 is symmetrically drained by the suctioned air 1.

In the shifting position shown in Fig. 15, e.g. for suctioning niches or the like, the downward-facing suction duct end section 35 acts as a barrier to the volume flow from the backward-facing area, i.e. the corner area 39 of the nozzle head 4, thus increasing the suction air flow 1 in relation to the first corner area 38 and decreasing the suction air flow 1 in relation to the second corner area 39.

The open area of the suction manifold 37 outside the suction nozzle 36 in the shift position is covered by a 41' section of the nozzle housing 41 and the z axis of the nozzle nozzle 4 continues to coincide with the suction nozzle axis in the area of the suction nozzle end section 35.

The ratio between the closed and open suction chamber can be adjusted by the distance of the rotation centre, i.e. the z axis, from the front suction chamber edge (brush strip 40), so that the backward-swinging part of the suction chamber 36 can be isolated from the volume current by 50% e.g.

However, Fig. 16 shows a design where 100% insulation is achieved, whereby, alternatively, the open area of the suction channel end section 35 outside the suction nozzle 36 is covered by a suitably shaped nozzle wall 42.

Another alternative to reinforcing the intake air flow 1 in a forward-tended corner area is shown in Figures 17 and 18 where the intake duct end section 35 consists essentially of a closed, semi-circular area 43 and two, through a divider 44 extending at right angles to the front edge of the nozzle head, i.e. at right angles to the brush bar 40, divided areas 45 which empty into the quarter-circular areas 45 into the intake duct 36.

The open areas 45 of the suction channel end section 35 allow a symmetrical flow of the suction nozzle 36 with the latter divided into two equal sections by the partition 44

In the deflected state as shown in Figure 18, the access to the rearward-pointed corner area 39 of suction cup 36 is covered by the closed area 43. The correspondingly shaped floor plate 46 of the nozzle head 4 now covers the left quarter-circular open area 45 in the figure, so that the entire intake air flow 1 flows through the forward-sloping corner area 38.

To facilitate the flexibility of the nozzle 4 especially when vacuuming carpet floors, an alternative embodiment as shown in Figures 19 to 21 may be provided, which provides means to influence the intake air flow depending on a position of the nozzle 4 to be flexibly positioned.

When the nozzle head 4 is deflected from the normal position (0°), an auxiliary airway is opened, which reduces the frictional force to deflect the nozzle head 4.

In the example shown, the nozzle head 4 has a neck 47 in the joint area, which is inserted into the suction-channel end section 35 of the nozzle body 5 and has one or two radially oriented holes 48; in the section of the suction-channel end section 35 corresponding to this neck 47, the nozzle head 48 has long holes 49 arranged on either side of the bore 48.

In the normal working position shown in Fig. 20, the 48 holes of nozzle head 4 are closed by the closed wall areas of the suction channel end section 35, but when the nozzle head 4 is deflected, the 48 holes overlap with the long holes 49 and open secondary airways.

An alternative spring principle for returning the nozzle 4 to the normal position or for fixing the nozzle 4 to the zero position is shown in Figures 22 to 37, which give several examples of embodiments. Independently of the respective training of these other embodiments, a spring 51 is provided in the form of an elongated element extending across the suction channel 7 in nozzle 4. The spring 51 may be made of spring steel, fiberglass or the corresponding plastic. However, as shown, a leaf spring with a curved cross-section is inserted. This is made of a bombed leaf steel, which reduces the hysteresis behaviour to the minimum position of the nozzle 51, or the base position of the nozzle 4.

In the example shown in Figures 22 to 24, a spring 51 of this design extends in a straight line parallel to the fore edge 14 of the nozzle head 4 and through the suction channel 7.

To this end, the suction wall 52 is fitted with two diametrically opposed, radially oriented knots 53 which are aligned at the base of the nozzle head 4 as shown in Fig. 22 parallel to the forehead edge 14.

In the area of the two free ends 54 4 bearings 55 are mounted in the nozzle head in the form of guide pins, with a pair of bearings 55 placed on each side of the suction channel 7 in particular.

When the nozzle head 4 is deflected from the base position as shown in Fig. 22, the spring 51, and in particular the leaf springs, are deflected from their resting position due to the lateral support of the free ends 54 on the back bearings 55, thus achieving a reverse torque (see Fig. 24).

The design of the spring 51 as a leaf spring with a curved cross-section not only improves the hysteresis behaviour around the base position, but also the nozzle head always turns back to an exact zero position - base position - and a stable zero position similar to a grate is achieved.

Another embodiment with a spring 51 stretched in the base is shown in Figures 25 and 26. However, unlike the previous example, the spring 51 does not penetrate the suction channel 7 but penetrate the wall 52 of the suction channel 7 secantly in the area of a correspondingly aligned nut 53.

In this embodiment, too, when the nozzle head 4 is deflected as shown in Fig. 26, the bending of the suction section 52 on either side of the suction wall creates a reverse torque (see Fig. 26).

Based on this embodiment, a further study in Figures 27 and 28 shows a design with two springs on either side of the suction channel, both parallel to each other and parallel to the front side. The springs 51 symmetrically aligned with each other secantly impose the suction channel wall.

It is also possible to partially encircle the suction channel 7 by the spring 51, as shown in Figures 29 and 30, so that the spring 51 is fitted to a part of the wall 52 of the suction channel 7 in perimeter direction and is in a correspondingly designed nut 53.

As shown, spring 51 protrudes on both sides of the ring with 4 free ends 54 running parallel to the front edge 14 of the nozzle head, which free ends 54 are also here each between two back-bearings 55.

In this embodiment, too, two springs 51 may be arranged symmetrically towards each other (see Fig. 31).

It is also conceivable to divide the spring 51 in two and to arrange or direct it outwards at the wall 52 of the suction channel 7.

A similar design is shown in Fig. 32 where springs 51 are laid on either side of the suction channel 7 parallel to the forehead edge 14 and opposite to each other, with holes 53 or similarly oriented at the ends facing the suction channel 7.

Alternatively, two springs 51 with diametrically opposite ends attached to the wall 52 may be arranged in this way, as shown in Fig. 33. Here the ends attached to the wall 52 are bound in hoods 56 in the form of wall 52.

It is also possible to place the spring 51 under tension in the nozzle head 4 by means of a lower distance between the free end 54 of the spring 51 and the two back-bearings 55 of a pair than the spring 52 secantly cutting the wall 53 so that the free ends 54 of the spring 51 are slightly inclined against the back-bearings 55.

Here again, two springs 51 symmetrically aligned may be provided as shown in Figure 35.

Finally, Fig. 36 shows an embodiment in which the back-bearings 55 are formed by the edges of a nozzle head 57 formed in the plane of spring 51 4. The edges of this nozzle 57 form an outer boundary for spring 51 in the deflected state, the nozzle edges symmetrically arranged along an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the front side 14 enclosing the area of the suction channel wall 52.

The present invention is applicable not only to passive carpet nozzles but also to carpet nozzles with rotating brush rollers. To this end, an electric motor is integrated in the movable part (nozzle head 4) or the fixed part (nozzle body 5) of nozzle 2 to drive a carpet nozzle directly via a gear or a power transmission by means of gears or integrated in the nozzle head 4. A drive via a turbine driven by air current is also conceivable. The power supply is provided by means of lines which are fed through sliding rings or other suitable elements in the movable part (nozzle head 4).

Claims

Nozzle (2) for a vacuum cleaner (1), in particular hard-floor nozzle, with a nozzle head (4) sitting on the floor (3) and a nozzle body (5) connecting the nozzle head (4) to a vacuum cleaner (1), wherein on the nozzle body (5) is formed a connecting fitting (6) and the nozzle (2) altogether is movable with castors (10) over sliding surfaces and wherein a suction channel (7) is provided which, extending from the connecting fitting (6) through the nozzle body (5), opens out in the nozzle head, wherein the nozzle head is pivotable relative to the nozzle body via a joint (12) with a vertical axis of rotation (z), characterised in that the suction channel (7) passes through the joint (12).
Nozzle according to claim 1, characterised in that on the nozzle head side of the joint (12) the suction channel opening (37) of the suction channel (7) is formed in the nozzle head.
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the nozzle head (4) in the joint region has a neck (47) extending into the suction channel end section (35) of the nozzle body (5).
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the nozzle head (4) has a suction mouth (36).
Nozzle according to claim 4, characterised in that the suction mouth (36), starting from the suction channel mouth (37), extends symmetrically into both corner regions (38) and (39) of the nozzle head.
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the nozzle head (4) in the normal position has a greater width (b1) than depth (t).
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting fitting (6) is pivotable about a pivot axis (x) formed by a pivot joint (9).
Nozzle according to claim 7, characterised in that the pivot joint (9) has a latch-locked preferential position which can only be cancelled deliberately.
Nozzle according to claim 8, characterised in that the latch-locking cannot be cancelled by the weight of the nozzle.
Nozzle according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that on the pivot axis (x) are arranged the castors (10).
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the depth of the nozzle head varies across the width of the nozzle head.
Nozzle according to claim 11, characterised in that the ends of the straight front edges run to a point due to a curved rear edge.
Nozzle according to either of claims 11 or 12, characterised in that the nozzle head (4) has a circle segment-shaped contour.
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the joint (12) is formed in the region of the maximum depth (t) of the nozzle head (4).
Nozzle according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the maximum depth (t) of the nozzle head (4) corresponds to three to six times the height (h2) of the nozzle head (4).
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that one or more preferential pivot positions of the nozzle head (4) are latched.
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the nozzle head (4) after pivoting outwards into an intermediate position pivots back with spring support into a normal or latched position.
Nozzle according to claim 17, characterised in that a spring (51) in the form of an elongate element is provided, which extends in the nozzle head (4), running transversely to the suction channel (7).
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the nozzle head (4) has on the bottom side one or more bristle sections (16).
Nozzle according to claim 19, characterised in that a height (h2) of the nozzle head (4), referred to the free vertical extent (h1) of a bristle of a bristle section (16), including the bristles corresponds to two to five times the free vertical length (h1) of the bristle.
Nozzle according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that means are provided for influencing a suction air stream (1) as a function of a pivot position of the nozzle head (4).
Nozzle according to claim 21, characterised in that the suction air stream (1) in a pivoted position is smaller than in an unpivoted position.
Nozzle according to either of claims 21 or 22, characterised in that in a pivoted position an auxiliary air path is opened.
Nozzle according to any of claims 21 to 23, characterised in that in a pivoted position the suction air stream (1) is reinforced relative to a first corner region (38) of the nozzle head (4).
Nozzle according to claim 24, characterised in that the opening of the suction channel (7) to the second corner region (39) is reduced as a function of the pivot angle, while the opening in relation to the first corner region (38) is unaffected.