DE102008021100A1 - Electromotive operated vacuum cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromotive operated Saugreinigungsgerät (S) with a suction port (15) and a suction channel (14), wherein in addition a humidity sensor (17) in the suction channel (14) is arranged. In order to further improve a vacuum cleaning device of the type in question, in particular with regard to the measures for protecting downstream components such as filter bag and suction fan in moisture detection, it is proposed that the suction channel (14) opens upon detection of moisture in the sense of a secondary air opening.

Description

The The invention relates to an electromotive operated Saugreinigungsgerät with a Suction mouth and a suction channel, in addition, a humidity sensor is arranged in the suction channel.

Vacuum cleaners of in Speech standing type are known, especially as a household vacuum cleaner, further than especially hand-held Vacuum cleaners, but also in the form of autonomously working, electric motor movable floor cleaning devices like suction and / or sweeping robots. A humidity sensor arranged in the suction channel detects over the Suction mouth of the vacuum cleaning device absorbed liquid. A correspondingly generated signal when moisturizing leads in the known State of the art for switching off the suction air flow performing Blower motor. However, the electric motor driven fan runs after a shutdown according to this, generates one more, albeit continuously decreasing suction air flow, so that absorbed and over the Humidity sensor detected moisture in the course of the blower outlet in the device is sucked in further. This can lead to malfunctioning or destruction of the device the absorbent material collecting filter bag or beyond the blower motor to lead.

in the With regard to the prior art, a technical Problem of the invention seen in it, a Saugreinigungsgerät in speech particular with regard to downstream measures Components such as filter bag and suction fan for moisture detection continue to improve.

These Problematic is first and substantially solved by the subject-matter of claim 1, wherein It is based on the fact that the suction channel at Erfas solution of moisture opens in the sense of a secondary air opening. These Secondary air opening is spatial spaced from the to the floor to be cleaned facing suction mouth, over which the suction material and optionally moisture is absorbed. So is this secondary air opening preferably in the flow direction considered behind the suction mouth, further between suction mouth and to be protected aspirator or filter bag. Accordingly tears when opening the secondary air opening due Moisture detection of the suction air stream at the suction mouth and thus on Place the moisture to be sucked off, allowing the fan to overrun due to a simultaneously triggered by moisture detection switching off the electric motor a suction over causes the spaced apart from the humidity area secondary air opening. Corresponding will over by the leakage of the blower conditional flow Damp-free secondary air sucked in. Downstream components like a filter bag or the blower motor are, according to this embodiment of absorbed moisture protected. The negative pressure in the humidity range is interrupted. The opening the secondary air opening will be over Humidity sensor signal generated when moisture is applied controlled.

Further Features of the invention are below, also in the figure description, often in their preferred assignment to the rest of the claim 1 or explained features of further claims. But you can also in an assignment to only individual features of the claim 1 or the respective further claim or in each case independently of Meaning.

So is in a preferred embodiment of the subject invention provided that the secondary air opening spatial is provided assigned to the humidity sensor. So, for example, one more the secondary air opening in the normal state of use of the cleaning device occlusive flap positioned laterally and / or above the humidity sensor. In this In addition, it proves to be advantageous if the secondary air opening has an opening cross-section which is at least equal to, more preferably greater than the Saugmundquerschnitt is.

in the Course of the opening movement According to a moisture detection procedure in a preferred embodiment the secondary air opening or the secondary air opening in the usual Suction operation occlusive Cover or a closing Flip a review and / or Detergent in contact with the humidity sensor. This review and / or Cleaning agent is used in a preferred embodiment, a self-test of the device before recommissioning after a moisture detection, beyond more preferably also every time you turn on the device to check the Function. About here it is ensured that the humidity sensors are active and correspondingly react in the suction mode when moisture is applied. In addition, in preferred Design over the wetness sensor coming into contact with the humidity sensor from possibly on this adherent dirt, such as moist Dust particles or the like freed, so as to the proper condition of the humidity sensor when restarting the device. Only after passing self-test by checking the humidity sensor is the vacuum cleaning device preferably reusable after a moisture detection.

In a further preferred embodiment, the secondary air opening is achieved by opening a part of the Saugkanalwandung. The guided through the device suction is usually like a tube, with circular or even deviating cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the flow channel can also have a rectangular design in cross-section, wherein the part which opens and opens the secondary air opening is further formed in this case by a ceiling section of the suction channel. To increase the secondary air opening wall sections of the suction channel are formed on the hinged ceiling at the same time, so that exposed after opening the thus designed part of the exposed Saugkanalabschnitt both upwards and laterally to form the secondary air opening. It is created as a sufficiently large secondary air opening, which ensures the drop in the negative pressure in the suction mouth.

In the usual Suction operation is the secondary air opening sealingly closing part the Saugkanalwandung held in the closed position. These Holder is released when moisture is detected via the humidity sensor and is in a further preferred embodiment only after a review by means of of the verification means activated again. Thus, in a further preferred embodiment, that the closure position of the secondary air opening by a magnet is secured, more preferably by an electromagnet, the only after a review of the Moisture sensor and passed self-test of the device energized is, for holding the side air opening closing wall part. With moisture detection, the excitation of the magnet is interrupted, after which the secondary air opening is released. This is in a preferred embodiment achieved that the open position the secondary air opening spring assisted. The spring force is released automatically after the closure position has been canceled. Accordingly, provided springs in the secondary air opening-closing position curious; excited.

Of the Moisture sensor is in a further preferred embodiment as capacitive humidity sensor formed, further consists of two distanced mutually arranged sensor parts. These sensor parts form two Poles around the capacitive field between the sensor surfaces aufzuspannen. The sensor parts are preferably not facing the flow channel isolated. Alternatively, however, insulation may be provided, but this without air gap between insulation and sensor part. Due to the chosen design of the humidity sensor is a capacitor formed with two plates. When dry, the dielectric is air. Once moisture is sucked through the suction channel, this is preferably forcibly guided over the Humidity sensor passed, causing a reduction of the dielectric entails.

The verification means preferably consists of a, the sensor parts bridging short-circuiting means, so on in the form of a wire, a metal bridge or alternatively in the form of an electrically conductive metal tuft or a metal brush. About this Means the sensor parts are short-circuited in the self-test. Of the this measured value must go to zero, since virtually no dielectric between the poles. So is accordingly a clear Detection of moisture allows. If the detected measured value does not approach zero in the event of a short circuit, then is another, in-depth review of Sensor parts required. The vacuum cleaning device is initially not in operation. In addition, the short-circuiting act in particular in the form of an electric conductive brush or a metal tuft as a cleaning agent of the sensor parts. The sensor surfaces are in the course of the opening movement the Kanalwandungsteiles cleaned to expose the secondary air opening. Any dirt is scraped off.

below the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which only two embodiments represents, closer explained. It shows:

1 a Saugreinigungsgerät in the form of a stalk-guided household vacuum cleaner with a header;

2 the attachment in perspective detail view;

3 the top view of this;

4 the schematic section along the line IV-IV in 3 , the closure position of a secondary air opening in the usual suction operation concerning;

5 one of the 4 corresponding representation, but concerning the opening position of the secondary air opening after a moisture detection;

6 a detailed perspective view of the shared secondary air opening;

7 another perspective view of the situation according to 6 ;

8th the enlargement of the area VIII in 7 ;

9 a sectional view through the closed in the usual suction operation region of the secondary air opening, a second embodiment concerning;

10 one of the 9 corresponding representation, but concerning the released secondary air opening.

Shown and described is first with Relation to 1 a Saugreinigungsgerät S, consisting of a vacuum cleaner 1 , in particular household vacuum cleaner, which is designed as a hand-held handle unit, and a header 10 in the form of a hard floor nozzle. The features of the attachment described below 10 However, they are also conceivable for attachments with rotating brushes for carpet cleaning.

The vacuum cleaner 1 first has a base unit 2 on, with an electric motor for a suction fan, not shown. On the base unit 2 is a provided for receiving the vacuumed dust, air-impermeable filter cartridge 3 docked. This includes a filter bag 4 ,

The power supply in the base unit 2 integrated electric motor via an electric cable 5 ,

Next has the base unit 2 a gooseneck-shaped extension, which extends over the region of the filter cartridge 3 extends. In the area of the free end of this extension forms a plug-in receptacle for a stem 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1 out. In the area of the free end of the stalk 6 is an operating handle 7 intended. This has a thumb actuatable actuator 8th in the form of a slide switch, over which the power of the base unit 2 recorded electric motor or the driven via this suction fan is adjustable.

The attachment 10 consists essentially of one, on the floor to be cleaned 9 seated nozzle head 11 and one the nozzle head 11 with the vacuum cleaner 1 connecting nozzle body 12 together, wherein on the nozzle body 12 a connecting piece 13 is designed for connection of the attachment 10 to the vacuum cleaner 1 , Through the nozzle body 12 extends from the spigot 13 starting, a suction channel 14 which is in the nozzle head 11 empties. The formed there, the ground 9 facing suction port carries the reference numeral 15 ,

The suction channel 14 is from a nozzle housing 16 surrounded, wherein further the suction channel 14 in the illustrated embodiment has a rectangular, approximately square cross-section with rounded corner areas.

In the suction channel 14 is in the direction of flow r the nozzle head 11 or the suction mouth 15 downstream of a humidity sensor 17 arranged. This sits in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom side of the suction channel 14 and is formed as a capacitive humidity sensor of two transversely to the usual flow direction r distant from each other arranged sensor parts 18 , These, measuring poles forming sensor parts 18 are designed lens-shaped and are electrically connected to an evaluation / tripping unit, not shown.

The sensor parts 18 are in the area of a baffle-like water barrier 19 arranged to supply via the air flow entrained drops targeted to the sensor area.

Spatially assigned to the humidity sensor 17 , in the illustrated embodiment further upstream in the flow direction r is an openable secondary air opening 20 formed. If necessary, this opens to the environment, and this continues both on both sides transversely to the longitudinal extent of the suction channel 14 as well as vertically above. For this purpose, first, the suction channel 14 in the area of both opposing Saugkanalwandungen 21 as well as in the area of the suction channel ceiling 22 cut free. This results in lateral opening areas 23 and an upper opening area transiting into this 24 , These lateral and upper opening areas 23 and 24 can be found again in the adjacent sections of the nozzle housing 16 , These areas are identified by the reference numerals 23 ' respectively. 24 ' Mistake.

In the usual suction operation for suction treatment of the soil 9 is the suction channel 14 and moreover the nozzle housing 16 closed. Accordingly, the opening areas 23 . 24 respectively. 23 ' respectively. 24 ' covered, in particular with regard to the suction channel 14 this cover is sealingly formed so as to ensure the proper suction flow.

This cover is achieved by a hinged flap 25 whose folding axis associated with the the moisture sensor 17 facing opening edge of the secondary air opening 20 transverse to the longitudinal extent of the suction channel 14 is aligned. The flap 25 is initially part of the suction channel 14 , this by training the in the upper opening area 24 covering ceiling section 26 and the wing-like Seitenwandungsabschnitten formed laterally thereto 27 in the flap closing position the side opening areas 23 are assigned to the sealing closure of the same.

The folding edge x facing away from the end edge edges of the side wall sections 27 , further also the corresponding marginal edges of the lateral opening areas 23 are the pivoting of the flap 25 around the folding axis x allowing approximately circular section designed.

The flap 25 continues to carry a the upper opening area 24 ' of the nozzle housing 16 to be assigned housing cover portion 28 , At these are laterally spaced from the flap side Sei tenwandabschnitten 27 Housing wall sections 29 for closing the lateral opening areas 23 formed.

The folding axis x is formed directly above the Saugkanaldecke, according to vertical distance below the housing cover. To a pivoting of the housing cover section 28 in order to enable the folding axis x, ends of the folding axis x associated peripheral edge of the housing cover portion 28 at a distance to the associated edge of the upper opening area 24 ' of the nozzle housing 16 , It is such a Einschwenkbereich for the housing cover section 28 provided, which for closing the nozzle housing 16 especially in the basic position according to 4 is bridged by a flexible housing section 30 , This may be a flexible band bridging the gap.

Adjacent to the folding axis x is at the flap 25 , more particularly in the area of the ceiling section 26 a rigid lever 31 formed. At this engages a tension spring 32 on, the other end, the folding axis x across to a top side of the Saugkanaldecke shaped support bracket 33 is fixed. According to this arrangement, the flap 25 According to the spring load always in the opening direction to expose the secondary air opening 20 loaded.

Associated with the folding axis x facing away from the edge edge of the flap-side ceiling section 26 is at this one, in the flap closing position associated edge portion of the suction channel 14 or the Saugkanaldecke 22 overarching boom 34 formed. This carries a metal plate on the underside 35 to interact with one on the suction channel ceiling 22 arranged magnets 36 in the form of an electromagnet. The latter keeps his mouth shut when aroused 25 in her the suction channel 14 final closed position.

Further assigned to the folding axis x carries the flap 25 or its ceiling section 26 viewed in the width direction centered in the suction channel 14 in the direction of flow r protruding arm 37 , End is on the arm 37 a cross-aligned to this review means 40 in the form of a short-circuiting agent 38 attached. This is where in the 1 to 8th illustrated first embodiment, a metal strip. The arm length and the extension length of the short-circuit means considered transversely thereto 38 are designed so that the short-circuiting means 38 in the valve opening position according to 5 on the sensor parts 18 abutting causes a short circuit between these.

In the normal operating state of the Saugreinigungsgerätes S, that is the usual absorption of dry dusts and dust particles is the door 25 according to attachment over the magnet 36 closed; in addition, according to the nozzle housing 16 (see. 4 ). Accordingly, there is an air flow through the suction mouth 15 and the suction channel 14 to the vacuum cleaner 1 or to the filter bag arranged in this 4 arrives. depending on the specification, that is depending on the specified tolerance of the humidity sensor 17 The normal suction operation may also be present up to a predetermined moisture value of the flow medium.

Moisture, with the suction air flow through the suction channel 14 inevitably passes over the water barrier 19 at the sensor parts 18 past. Due to the design of the humidity sensor 17 As a capacitive sensor, the dielectric decreases in this case. If a predefined value of moisture exposure is exceeded, the magnet is activated via the downstream evaluation unit 36 and moreover, the suction motor driving electric motor in the vacuum cleaner 1 switched off. The flap 25 pivots according to the application of the tension spring 32 in the open position according to 5 and accordingly gives the generously dimensioned secondary air opening 20 free. The pending after switching off the fan motor still during the expiration of the electric motor suction air flow now passes through the secondary air opening 20 and not through the suction mouth 15 one. The negative pressure in the area of the suction mouth 15 is due to open the flap 25 abruptly interrupted, so that even by the running of the fan motor no further, on the ground 9 For example, absorbed moisture is absorbed. It is accordingly brought about an immediate interruption of the moisture-carrying suction air flow.

To restart the Saugreinigungsgerätes S, here the attachment 10 , is first to perform a self-test. This self-test primarily serves to check the function of the humidity sensor 17 , The in the flap opening position according to 5 at the sensor parts 18 fitting short circuit medium 38 closes the sensor parts 18 short. If no dielectric is measured between the poles, this is an indication of the proper condition of the humidity sensor 17 , The downstream evaluation unit excites the magnet after a positive self-test 36 again, after which the user the flap 25 against the force of the tension spring 32 can close. The Saugreinigungsgerät S is hereafter prepared for further use.

The 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment of the short-circuiting means 38 , Here is this as a transverse to the longitudinal extent of the suction channel 14 aligned bristle strip 39 formed, with metal bristles in the manner of a wire brush. About these bristle strip 39 is next to the desired short circuit of the two sensor parts 18 to each other in the context of the self-test at the same time a cleaning of the sensor part surfaces in the course of the up and Zuschwenkens the flap 25 reachable. The sensor surfaces are brushed accordingly, so that any adhering dirt, especially moist dirt particles are removed. The bristle strip 39 serves accordingly in this embodiment at the same time as a checking means 40 as well as a cleaning agent 41 ,

In the illustrated embodiments, two are each on the flap 25 acting tension springs 32 intended. Alternatively, only a centrally arranged tension spring 32 be arranged. Anyway, spring force is designed so that the flap 25 can also be opened against the pending during operation vacuum.

The control of the flap 25 for opening the secondary air opening 20 can alternatively also be done by an electric actuator, by means of solenoid, magnet, memory wire or weakening of a permanent magnet, by means of a servo motor or the like. For detecting moisture, a mechanical solution may also be used, for example in the form of a sponge which loses its stability on contact with liquid or of a powder which immediately dissolves on contact with liquid in order to trigger the locking of the secondary air opening.

All disclosed features are (for itself) essential to the invention. In the disclosure of the application will hereby also the disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (Copy of the advance notice) fully included, too for the purpose, features of these documents in claims present Registration with.

1

vacuum cleaner

2

basic unit

3

filter cassette

4

filter bag

5

electric cable

6

stalk

7

operating handle

8th

actuator

9

ground

10

header

11

nozzle head

12

nozzle body

13

spigot

14

suction

15

suction mouth

16

nozzle housing

17

humidity sensor

18

sensor parts

19

water barrier

20

Secondary air opening

21

Saugkanalwandung

22

Saugkanaldecke

23

lateral opening area

23 '

lateral opening area

24

upper opening area

24 '

upper opening area

25

flap

26

ceiling section

27

Sidewall portions

28

Housing ceiling portion

29

Housing side wall sections

30

flexible housing section

31

lever

32

mainspring

33

mounting support

34

boom

35

metal plate

36

magnet

37

eyes

38

Shorting means

39

bristle strip

40

Checking means

41

cleaning supplies

S

vacuum cleaning

r

flow direction

x

folding axis

Claims (9)

Electromotive operated vacuum cleaning device (S) with a suction mouth ( 15 ) and a suction channel ( 14 In addition, a humidity sensor ( 17 ) in the suction channel ( 14 ), characterized in that the suction channel ( 14 ) opens upon detection of moisture in the sense of a secondary air opening. Vacuum cleaning device according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the secondary air opening ( 20 ) spatially associated with the humidity sensor ( 17 ) is provided. Vacuum cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that in the course of the opening movement of the secondary air opening ( 20 ) a checking and / or cleaning agent ( 40 . 41 ) in contact with the humidity sensor ( 17 ). Vacuum cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the secondary air opening ( 20 ) by opening a part of the Saugkanalwandung ( 21 ) is reached. Vacuum cleaning device after one or more ren of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the closure position of the secondary air opening ( 20 ) by a magnet ( 36 ) is secured. Vacuum cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the open position of the secondary air opening ( 20 ) is spring assisted. Vacuum cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the moisture sensor ( 17 ) is designed as a capacitive humidity sensor. Vacuum cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the moisture sensor ( 17 ) of two spaced sensor parts ( 18 ) consists. Vacuum cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the checking means ( 40 ) from one, the sensor parts ( 18 ) bridging short-circuiting means ( 38 ) consists.