DE102011084195A1 - Tubing used as suction hose in vacuum cleaner, has compressible closed-pore that is provided in region of inner corrugation trough formed in wall along longitudinal direction, for pneumatic and hydraulic smoothing of tubing - Google Patents

Abstract

The tubing used as suction hose (9), has inner corrugation troughs (23) that are formed in wall along longitudinal direction. The compressible polyurethane closed-pore (24) is provided in region of inner corrugation trough for pneumatic and hydraulic smoothing of the tubing. The tubing is formed of helically wound extruded profile strand (18). An independent claim is included for a manufacturing method of tubing.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a hose with a longitudinally corrugated inner troughs having wall, in particular for use as a suction hose on a vacuum cleaner, wherein provided in the region of the inner troughs for pneumatic or hydraulic smoothing of the hose a barrier in the form of a wave trough filling, compressible foam is, as well as a method for producing such a hose and equipped with such a hose vacuum cleaner.

Background of the invention

Vacuum cleaners serve to absorb dirt from floor surfaces, furniture or the like by a suction air flow. For this purpose, the suction mouth of a suction nozzle is placed on the surface to be cleaned, so that dust or other contaminants are sucked in by the suction air flow. The suction air flow is generated by a suction fan, which is in flow communication with a Staubabscheideeinrichtung, such as a centrifugal separator or a dust filter bag. The dirt particles received by the suction nozzle are collected in the dust separator while the purified air is released to the environment. The suction mouth of a suitable for floor cleaning suction nozzle usually has a rectangular shape and extends transversely to the sliding direction. In order to use the power of the suction fan particularly effective, the lowest possible pressure loss between the suction and suction fan is advantageous.

The suction fan and the Staubabscheideeinrichtung can for example be attached to a torque tube, which is directly connected to the suction nozzle in normal operation and usually also forms part of the flow channel between the suction nozzle and suction fan (Stielstaubsauger). In such vacuum cleaners can be used as a separate piece of equipment to cope with special Saugaufträge temporarily and upstream of the suction fan instead of the suction nozzle, a flexible suction hose, for example, to say deep column. According to another conventional design, the suction fan and Staubabscheideeinrichtung are arranged in the housing of a separate subframe, which can be moved by means of a chassis over the bottom surface and with the inserted into the suction nozzle torque tube through a flexible suction hose is connected (canister vacuum cleaner). In this embodiment, the suction hose usually has a length of 1 600 mm (millimeters) to 2 000 mm and an outer diameter of 30 mm to 60 mm.

The flexible suction hoses such vacuum cleaners are usually designed as corrugated hoses, which have a wavy contour in longitudinal section, which can give the hoses in the axial direction and bending around their longitudinal axes considerable flexibility.

After a first conventional manufacturing process, such corrugated hoses are made of plastic, characterized in that first of all by means of an extruder and a corresponding extrusion tool from a plastic melt, a smooth tube profile is formed. Subsequently, the still hot hose is introduced into a corrugator, which has in the extrusion direction movable chains. The chain links are provided with wave-like recesses running transversely to the extrusion direction, in which the still plastically deformable plastic mass of the hose is pressed in by applying an overpressure in the interior of the pipe and / or a negative pressure in the region of the chain links. After cooling, this wave contour is permanently frozen in the tube, which gives it its desired flexibility in later use.

In a further conventional manufacturing process, an endless, flat extruded profile is formed by means of an extruder and an extrusion die from a plastic melt, the cross section of which has on the one hand a wave-shaped contour and on the other hand a connecting region on the edge. This profile strand is subsequently helically wound into a tube, wherein the connection region is always connected to the connecting region at the opposite second edge of the profile strand at the first edge of the profile strand in a joint region. The connection can be made, for example, positively by locking or cohesively by welding or gluing.

In principle, it is also possible to assemble the corrugated hose from a multiplicity of preformed, in particular injection-molded, ring elements which have a wavy contour in longitudinal section and a connecting region at their axial ends. Also in this case, the connection can be done, for example, positively by locking or cohesively by welding or gluing.

If such corrugated hoses are used for the flow guidance of fluids, they generally have the disadvantage that the troughs formed in their inner wall generate turbulence in the fluid flow and thus cause an increased pressure loss. At a Vacuum cleaner leads to a reduction in the suction air volume flow, which can be compensated for ergonomic and economic reasons only limited by increasing the fan power or the hose diameter. Since the suction air volume flow is directly related to the measured dust absorption, the suction behavior is impaired by this pressure loss. The turbulences can also lead to increased noise. In addition, it is possible that in the troughs dust and other contaminants deposit, which can hardly be removed with reasonable effort.

A hose of the type mentioned is in the patent US 4,754,781 disclosed. It consists of an extruded tube, corrugated by using a corrugator, whose inner troughs are filled with a flexible foam made of a thermoplastic material. This foam may for example consist of a polyolefin, a polyurethane or a foamed elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer. Although such a hose line has a good hydraulic or pneumatic smoothness and reliably prevents the deposition of dust and similar contaminants in the trough, but is unfavorable in terms of their production.

From the international patent application WO 2010/086819 A1 Another flexible hose for use as a suction hose in vacuum cleaners is known to be avoided by the use of these disadvantages. This suction hose is made in the manner described above from an endless extruded, helically wound profile strand, wherein at the profile cross section at one edge a first tongue and at the opposite edge a second tongue is provided, which together after winding the profile together a fluid barrier in front of the trough create the inner hose wall and smooth this hydraulically or pneumatically and counteract dust deposits in the trough. Since the cooperating tongues are not rigidly connected to one another but only overlap one another, the flexibility of the corrugated hose is only insignificantly influenced by this design. For example, the tongues are designed to be wedge-shaped or curved in such a way that they complement one another in such a way that the closure of the corrugation is maintained substantially even when the suction hose is bent.

Although the known from the prior art suction hose is improved in terms of its hydraulic or pneumatic smoothness, the ingress of dust into the troughs can not be excluded by the sliding tongues overlapping with prolonged use.

The European patent application EP 1 407 707 A2 discloses a similar coiled suction hose with a corrugated wall, in which the barrier but consists of only one of the profile strand projecting, thick-walled tongue, which subsequently only partially covers the trough. The hose stiffened as a result of bending in this training abruptly as soon as the tongue abuts the opposite wall of the wave trough. Furthermore, this design is less favorable in terms of pneumatic smoothness and dust deposition.

In the German utility model DE 20 2009 009 809 U1 a hose for conveying gaseous or liquid media is described, which consists of a corrugated outer tube and an inner, smooth and fitting to the wave crests of the outer tube inner tube. Although turbulence in the fluid flow is reduced by this design, it also impairs the flexibility of the hose. Furthermore, the introduction and fastening of the inner tube requires a separate manufacturing step.

In the patent application US 2004/0096616 A1 Furthermore, a corrugated suction hose wound from a helical profile bar is disclosed, in which the profile bar has an integrally formed hollow profile area with a square cross section. The wall thickness of this hollow profile area corresponds to the relatively large wall thickness of the rest of the profile bar and is thus relatively stiff. In the hollow profile area, a substantially filling this electrical cable is also inserted, so that it has virtually no compressibility in relation to the longitudinal axis of the suction hose axial direction. In order to minimize the flexibility of the suction hose, the rigid hollow profile area therefore only fills a small part of the inner wave trough and thus does not cause appreciable pneumatic smoothing of the suction hose, but only serves to transfer electrical energy between both ends of the suction hose.

The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object to provide a hose, in particular for use as a suction hose for a vacuum cleaner, which is easy to produce with good hydraulic or pneumatic smoothness. Further, the invention has for its object to provide a simple and suitable for mass production manufacturing process for the suction hose. Finally, the invention is the task to provide a vacuum cleaner that offers a better ratio of suction power and energy consumption.

Inventive solution

The reference numbers in all claims have no limiting effect, but are only intended to improve their readability.

The solution of the problem is achieved by a hose with the features of claim 1, by a method with the features of claim 7 and by a vacuum cleaner with the features of claim 11.

To solve the problem, a hose with a corrugated in the longitudinal direction, inner troughs wall is thus suitable, in which in the region of the inner troughs for pneumatic and / or hydraulic smoothing of the hose a barrier in the form of a wave trough filling, compressible foam is provided wherein the tubing consists of a helically wound profile strand. With regard to the method for producing such a hose, the solution is characterized in that a profile strand extruded with at least one U-shaped foam-filled area and is subsequently wound into a hose line. To solve the problem is also suitable a vacuum cleaner with such, serving as a suction hose.

It is irrelevant in the context of this invention whether a feature is directed to one or more wave troughs and / or foam fillings, since the number of wave troughs in a wound hose line depends on the number of waves in the profile strand. Thus, a wound corrugated hose depending on the design of the profile strand only a helical wave trough or a few, helically wound troughs into each other. The term "wave troughs" in the sense of the invention therefore also includes the special case of only one "wave trough".

In the present context, "filling" includes both the possibility of partial and the possibility of complete filling of the troughs. Thus, the invention includes e.g. also embodiments in which at least a portion of the troughs are based on the depth of the troughs only partially filled with the compressible foam. Also, the invention includes embodiments in which the profile strand is not continuous but only partially filled with the foam. Preferably, however, the wave troughs are completely filled and also over the entire depth of the troughs with the foam.

It is an achievable advantage of the invention that the introduction of the foam in the inner trough of the hose is considerably simplified because the foam does not have to be introduced into the interior of a hollow profile, but only from the outside in a concavity of a otherwise flat profile strand. The wound from this provided with a foam filling profile strand hose line has a good hydraulic or pneumatic smoothness, deposits of dust and the like in the wave trough are avoided. Next can be lowered by the invention, the flow resistance and thus the pressure loss in the tubing. In a vacuum cleaner, this can improve the ratio of suction power and energy consumption.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

Advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with each other, are the subject of the dependent claims.

In order to minimize deceleration of the fluid flow through the foam surface, the surface of the foam facing the tube interior should have a particularly good hydraulic or pneumatic smoothness. Preferably, the foam has at its surface a predominantly (i.e. at least 50%) closed pore structure, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 99% closed pore structure. In one embodiment of the invention, the pore structure on the surface is substantially completely closed. In another embodiment, the pore structure on the surface is at least still open to the extent that an exchange of air for the purpose of compression and expansion of the foam during bending of the hose is possible. Due to the predominantly or even completely closed pore structure on the surface, penetration of dust into the foam structure can also be avoided. The hose line thus retains its flexibility even over a long service life.

A first advantageous material for the compressible foam is a (crosslinking) polyurethane (PUR) foam, which has a particularly good Kompressiblität. According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the compressible foam consists of a thermoplastic material, in particular of foamed using a propellant recycled material of the hose, whereby the material recyclability of the hose is facilitated. The density of the foam is preferably less than 70%, more preferably less than 40%, most preferably less than 20%, especially preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5% of the density of the unfoamed material.

In order to further increase the compressibility of the foam, the foam is preferably large pore with an average pore diameter of more than 0.1 mm, more preferably more than 0.3 mm, particularly preferably more than 0.5 mm, particularly preferably more than 1 mm , more preferably more than 2 mm. The mean pore diameter is preferably less than 5 mm, particularly preferably less than 3 mm. It can be provided that the foam for its part contains highly flexible, preferably also foamed, packing to increase its flexibility. Furthermore, it is preferred that the barrier additionally has a tongue which at least partially covers the trough. As a result, especially when using very soft foams, the foam structure is protected against mechanical damage.

With regard to the method, it is advantageous if initially extruded using a first extruder a profile strand with a U-shaped area, then the U-shaped area using a further extruder filled with foam and then the profile strand is wound into a hose line. By this procedure, the contour of the profile strand and the foam filling of the U-shaped area can be controlled particularly well. Furthermore, this broadens the choice of possible foam materials. In principle, however, it is also possible to reduce the apparatus complexity and to form the profile strand and the foam filling in a common extrusion tool, to which two extruders are connected.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the profile strand is cohesively connected during winding, so that a reliable sealing of the wound profile strand is effected. According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the material is bonded by bonding, in particular by means of an adhesive provided by a further extruder, e.g. a hot melt adhesive, or by welding. Preferably, when the profile strand is helically wound into a tube, a connection region at the first edge of the profile strand in a joint region with the connection region at the opposite second edge of the profile strand materially connected by welding or gluing. In a preferred embodiment of the hose according to the invention, the profile strand on a leg and a tab, wherein the legs of a turn is in contact with the tab of an adjacent turn and is firmly connected thereto. However, it is also possible with a corresponding design of the profile strand and selection of the foam material that even the adhesive effect of the foam is sufficient for a dense and mechanically strong connection. In this case, the U-shaped area and the foam filling must of course be arranged in the connection zone of the profile strand.

The invention provides a hose line, in particular for use with a vacuum cleaner, which has a comparatively low flow resistance and yet is simple and inexpensive to produce. There is also provided a method for simple and efficient production of the tubing. When used in a vacuum cleaner, the pressure loss in the suction hose can be reduced and thus the ratio of suction power and energy input can be improved.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited.

They show schematically:

1 the representation of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention equipped according to the invention;

2 a provided for use on the vacuum cleaner, hose assembly according to the invention in a side view ( 2a ), in lateral section ( 2 B ), in perspective view ( 2c ) and in an enlarged section ( 2d );

3 an arrangement for carrying out the method according to the invention;

4 a section of the hose of the 2 in a curved shape;
and finally

5 a section from 4 ,

Detailed description based on an embodiment

In the following description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, like reference characters designate like or similar components.

The in 1 illustrated vacuum cleaner 1 is designed as a vacuum cleaner. In principle, however, the invention is also in other types, for example one with a flexible Saugrohrverlängerung equipped pedestal vacuum cleaner, can be used with advantage.

The vacuum cleaner 1 to 1 consists of a separate subframe 2 , which with a chassis 3 is equipped and thus comfortable over the floor surface to be cleaned can be moved. The housing 4 of the subframe 2 takes in particular a suction fan 5 and a Staubabscheideeinrichtung 6 in the form of a dust filter bag 7 on. Further, not shown components of the subframe are, for example, a coiled-up power cable for electrical connection to a power grid, adjusting devices for switching on and for power adjustment, electronic control devices and a storage compartment for accessories such as suction brushes or the like.

Upstream of the Staubabscheideeinrichtung 6 is a connection 8th for attaching a flexible suction hose 9 provided, which in turn with a telekopierbaren torque tube 10 fluidly connected. The torque tube 10 is sealed in a connecting piece 11 the suction nozzle 12 inserted. Upstream of the articulated with the remaining suction nozzle 12 connected connecting piece 11 has the suction nozzle 12 Further, a suction nozzle housing 13 and a sliding sole leading over the floor surface to be cleaned 14 with a suction mouth 15 on. The suction nozzle 12 is also with a roller assembly 16 for supporting the push tube 10 Mistake.

During the cleaning process lies the sliding sole 14 sealing at the bottom surface, whereby by the suction mouth 15 applied vacuum is sucked in an air flow and carries the dust located on the bottom surface. The dirt-carrying airflow is through the torque tube 10 and the suction hose 9 in the Staubabscheideeinrichtung 6 directed where the dust in the dust filter bag 7 is deposited. The now cleaned air flow passes through the suction fan 5 and then through an opening 17 in the case 4 of the subframe 2 discharged into the environment.

The in 2 illustrated suction hose 9 is made of a profile extruded from plastic 18 helically wound, the profile strand 18 in the joint area provided for the connection by introducing an adhesive 19 cohesively sealed. The profile strand 18 has at one edge a U-shaped extending area 20 with an end leg 21 on, perpendicular to the main extension direction of the profiled rod 18 runs. At the U-shaped area 20 opposite end of the profile strand 18 is also an outwardly projecting tab 22 formed.

In the production of the suction hose 9 becomes the profile strand 18 helically wound, with the leg 21 in contact with the tab 22 arrives and is connected to this by material connection insoluble and gas-tight. The U-shaped area 20 of the profile string 18 subsequently forms the trough 23 of the corrugated suction hose 9 made out with a compressible foam 24 is completed. Due to the barrier effect of the foam 24 becomes the suction hose 9 inside pneumatic significantly smoother, which reduces the flow resistance and thus the pressure loss during vacuuming. Furthermore, the deposition of dust and other contaminants is counteracted. At a bend of the suction hose 9 initially deforms the U-shaped area 20 and thus the trough 23 which is on the inside of the curvature by narrowing the troughs 23 is compressed while the suction hose 9 is stretched on its outside by the troughs 23 expand there. The foam located there is elastically compressed. The broadening of the wave trough 23 on the outside of the curvature is by stretching the foam 24 compensated, so that the barrier effect is not interrupted there.

How out 3 can be seen in the manufacture of the previously described tubing initially using a first extruder 25 and a not shown calibration and cooling device of the profile strand 18 with the U-shaped area 20 formed, which subsequently using a second extruder 26 with the compressible and closed-cell foam 24 is filled. In this case, flexible, preferably also foamed packing can be added to the foam material. The profile strand 18 Finally, it becomes a flexible suction hose 9 wound, with a third extruder the adhesive 19 provides for sealing and fixing the connection area. The suction hose is thereby continuously rotated by the use of a Förderritzels about its longitudinal axis in order to maintain the winding process.

The suction hose according to the invention 9 indicates due to the foam 24 a low flow resistance and is still easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Due to the low flow resistance, the pressure loss in the suction hose is reduced, thereby improving the ratio of suction power and energy input. In the manufacture of the introduction of the foam 24 into the inner wave valley 23 of the suction hose 9 considerably simplifies the foam 24 not in the interior of a hollow profile, but only from the outside in a concavity of a otherwise flat profile strand 18 must be introduced. The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments of importance.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 vacuum cleaner

2

 assembly carrier

3

 landing gear

4

 casing

5

 aspirator

6

 dust collector

7

 Vacuum Cleaner Bags

8th

 connection

9

 suction

10

 torque tube

11

 spigot

12

 suction nozzle

13

 suction nozzle

14

 soleplate

15

 saugmund

16

 roller assembly

17

 opening

18

 extruded

19

 adhesive

20

 Area (of the profile strand)

21

 leg

22

 flap

23

 trough

24

 foam

25

Extruder (for the profile strand 18 )

26

Extruder (for the foam 24 )

27

Extruder (for the glue 19 )

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4754781 [0009]
• WO 2010/086819 A1 [0010]
• EP 1407707 A2 [0012]
• DE 202009009809 U1 [0013]
• US 2004/0096616 A1 [0014]

Claims (12)

Hose line with a longitudinally corrugated, inner wave troughs ( 23 ), in particular for use as a suction hose ( 9 ) on a vacuum cleaner ( 1 ), whereby in the area of the inner troughs ( 23 ) for the pneumatic and / or hydraulic smoothing of the hose line a barrier in the form of a wave trough ( 23 ) filling, compressible foam ( 24 ) is provided, characterized in that the hose line of a helically wound profile strand ( 18 ) consists. Hose line according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressible foam ( 24 ) is closed-pore. Hose line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compressible foam ( 24 ) is a polyurethane (PUR) foam. Hose line according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the compressible foam ( 24 ) consists of a thermoplastic material, in particular from foamed using a propellant recycled material of the hose. Hose line according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the foam ( 24 ) contains flexible, preferably also foamed packing. Hose line according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the barrier additionally has a wave trough ( 23 ) has at least partially covering tongue. Hose line according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile strand ( 18 ) a thigh ( 21 ) and a tab ( 22 ), wherein the leg ( 21 ) a turn with the tab ( 22 ) is located in an adjacent turn in investment and is firmly connected to this. Method for producing a hose line according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a profile strand ( 18 ) with at least one U-shaped, with foam ( 24 ) filled area ( 20 ) is extruded and subsequently wound into a hose line. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that first a profile strand ( 18 ) with a U-shaped area ( 20 extruded, subsequently the U-shaped area ( 20 ) filled with foam ( 23 ) and then the profile strand ( 18 ) is wound into a hose line. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the profiled strand ( 18 ) is cohesively connected during winding. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the material is closed by bonding. Vacuum cleaner ( 1 ) with a suction hose ( 9 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7 or manufactured according to a method according to one of claims 8 to 11.

Images