CA2154758A1 - Appliance for floor care - Google Patents
Appliance for floor careInfo
- Publication number
- CA2154758A1 CA2154758A1 CA002154758A CA2154758A CA2154758A1 CA 2154758 A1 CA2154758 A1 CA 2154758A1 CA 002154758 A CA002154758 A CA 002154758A CA 2154758 A CA2154758 A CA 2154758A CA 2154758 A1 CA2154758 A1 CA 2154758A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- brush
- appliance
- carrier disc
- appliance according
- sealing strip
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/28—Floor-scrubbing machines, motor-driven
- A47L11/282—Floor-scrubbing machines, motor-driven having rotary tools
- A47L11/283—Floor-scrubbing machines, motor-driven having rotary tools the tools being disc brushes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
- A47L11/4038—Disk shaped surface treating tools
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/02—Floor surfacing or polishing machines
- A47L11/10—Floor surfacing or polishing machines motor-driven
- A47L11/14—Floor surfacing or polishing machines motor-driven with rotating tools
- A47L11/16—Floor surfacing or polishing machines motor-driven with rotating tools the tools being disc brushes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4052—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface
- A47L11/4055—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface for lifting the tools to a non-working position
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4063—Driving means; Transmission means therefor
- A47L11/4069—Driving or transmission means for the cleaning tools
Landscapes
- Brushes (AREA)
- Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an appliance (G) for floor care having a driven care insert, such as for example a polisher disc (13), mounted on a carrier disc (10), and a special front or corner brush (B), which is releasably engageable, a drive for the brush (B) being effected after engagement by means of the rotating carrier disc (10), and the carrier disc (10) being mounted on an appliance housing (16) by provision of a bearing pin (18). In order to expose the appliance to the least possible negative influence by introduction of an external force, in respect of the drive performance, the invention proposes that on engagement of the brush (B), a line of action of the pressing force (F) between a drive wheel (48) which acts on the brush (B) and the carrier disc (10) extends through the axis (18) or at a close spacing to the axis (18).
Description
215~758 -APPLIANCE FOR FLOOR CARE
The invention relates to an appliance for floor care having a driven care insert, such as for example a polisher disc, mounted on a carrier disc, and a special front or corner brush, which is releasably engageable, a drive for the brush being effected after engagement by means of the rotating carrier disc, the carrier disc being mounted on an appliance housing by provision of a bearing pin.
An appliance for floor care formed in this manner is known from German published Patent Specification No. 4 110 682. In this, a brushing and polishing machine for floor servicing is shown, which is provided on its underside with three brushing or polishing discs, these being driven in common by means of an electric motor. This appliance is provided with corner brushes in the two forward corner regions, each corner brush being disposed on an angular lever or arm which is pivotable against a spring force. On impact of a moveable portion of the housing in the form of a front apron, the extra brushes are brought into engagement against the respective adjacent brush or polisher disc, so that the supplementary brushes are engaged.
It is an object of the present invention to realise in an improved manner an appliance of this kind for floor care, in such a way that the drive behaviour of the appliance is not exposed to any negative effects by introduction of an external force.
This object is met by the invention defined in the main claim.
The subsidiary claims set out advantageous further embodiments.
As a result of this realisation, there is provided an appliance for floor care having a driven insert mounted on a carrier disc and a special front or corner brush, the device in its drive characteristics not being exposed to any negative influences by introduction of external force. This is achieved in that on engagement of the brush, a line of action of the pressing force between a drive wheel acting on the brush and the carrier disc extends through the axis or at a close spacing to the axis. The pressing point between the drive wheel - 215q758 associated with the brush and the carrier disc, and the direction in which the drive wheel acts on the carrier disc, are set out so that a resultant force direction extends through the axis of the carrier disc or at a close spacing to this axis. It is thus ensured that on engagement of the brush, no negative effects are applied to the carrier disc. This means that in the region of the axis of the carrier disc, no turning moments are introduced which would bring about any negative effects on the behaviour of the carrier disc, or only very small turning moments. This is particularly advantageous in the case of appliances which have carrier discs with their point of rotation on pivotably disposed rocker arms or levers, which in turn are mounted on a bearing pin in the housing. These rocker arms are urged by springs about their respective axes against one another or against a motor pinion. In the known embodiment mentioned initially, the force resulting on engagement of the brushes acts at a spacing distant from the carrier disc associated with this brush. This has the result that a relatively great turning moment acts on the rocker arm of the carrier disc, which leads to a reduction in the-pressing force between carrier disc and the motor pinion. A uniform drive of the carrier discs is thus not provided in the engaged condition of the brush as compared with the disengaged condition of the brush. The invention by contrast proves to be especially advantageous also in this regard, that the line of action of the pressing force, as already mentioned, extends through the axis of the rocker arm or at a close spacing to this axis. There exists therefore no turning moment, or only an extremely small turning moment, to act in a negative manner on the pressing force between carrier disc and motor pinion. The engagement of the brush brings about therefore no slip, so that the carrier discs operate continuously at the same speed, independently of whether or not the brush is engaged or disengaged. By this arrangement, it is ensured that the pressure forces between the carrier discs and the motor pinion are not changed by engagement of the brush. This also means that no increase results in the pressure forces between a carrier disc and the motor pinion, which would lead to increased wear of the components. The construction is advantageously so selected that the force resultant extends at a maximum spacing of approximately one-eighth of the diameter of a carrier disc with respect to the axis of the carrier disc. By this spacing there is to be understood the path extending through the axis 215g758 -at right angles to the optimal line of action of the force, this path corresponding approximately to one-eighth of the diameter of the carrier disc and extending, proceeding from the axis, to both sides of the optimal line of action of the force. By this there results a scissors-shaped or divergingly tapering region running from the pressing point of the drive wheel for the brush on the carrier disc into the region of the axis, in which scissors-shaped region, the force resultant extends. The amount of the spacing is so small that no negative influences are applied to the carrier disc, and in particular no turning moments acting negatively upon the carrier disc. In an advantageous further embodiment of the subject of the invention, it is provided that the engagement of the brush is achieved by means of a tension spring acting on the drive wheel. When the appliance meets up with an object, for example an article of furniture or the like, the brush is moved in a direction towards the carrier disc by means of a tension spring acting on the drive wheel, after which the carrier disc drives the drive wheel for the brush. The brush is thus engaged. In the previous state of the art, the engagement of the brush is effected by means of a compressive spring disposed between the drive wheel and the moveable part of the appliance housing. This has the disadvantage that in the event of excessive impact on the movable housing portion, the compressive spring bottoms or is fully compressed and thus the maximum pressure force is transferred onto the drive wheel. This leads to an excessive load on the carrier disc, which is therefore adversely affected in its drive characteristics. Furthermore, there is introduced by this, excessive wear of the carrier disc which is provided for example with a resilient or rubber surface. This is not the case for the present invention. For this, it is by contrast the case that excessive forces, which come about especially in the event of a heavy bump of the appliance against an article of furniture or the like, are almost completely absorbed by the tension spring. This concept is of independent importance in regard to the object of the present invention. The formation of a front or corner brush, in which, on engagement, the line of action of the pressing force extends through the axis of the carrier disc or at a close spacing to this axis, and in which the engagement of the brush is effected by means of a tension spring, is an optimal solution in regard to the drive conditions.
Furthermore, it is provided in the case of an appliance of this kind 215g758 for floor care, the engagement of the brush being actuatable by an impact of the moveable coupling portion in the region of the brush of the appliance, that the coupling portion is mounted on a pivot axis disposed substantially at right angles to the direction of engagement.
This coupling portion may be for example a circular projection in one of the front corner regions of the appliance, which is pivotably mounted in the housing of the appliance. When the appliance is pushed against an article of furniture or the like, there is impact on the coupling portion, which now moves about the pivot axis and thus actuates the engagement of the brush. Advantageously the brush is for this purpose disposed in the region of this coupling portion. It is envisaged that a pot-shaped coupling portion is provided with the brush disposed therein. In order to engage the brush of the device, it is further provided that the tension spring is fixedly secured at one end to the coupling portion and that at the other end it acts on a connecting rod between the drive wheel and the brush. On impact of the coupling portion, for example by meeting a skirting board, an article of furniture or the like, the coupling portion pivots about its axis of rotation and brings along with it, by means of the tension spring, the connecting rod between the drive wheel and the brush into an engaged position. Advantageously, this connecting rod is in this regard likewise mounted to be pivotably displaceable, a pivotal movement effecting a pivoting of the drive wheel in the direction of the carrier disc. In an advantageous further embodiment, it is in this regard provided that the tension spring acts on the connecting rod in the engaged and disengaged condition of the brush under pre-stressing. In this manner, the pressing force of the drive wheel on the drive disc is predefined for the avoidance of slip and wear. The pressing force between the drive wheel and the carrier disc is always predetermined at a minimum value. The maximum pressing force is established by the spring characteristic selected. This embodiment is optimised by the pre-stressing of the tension spring being taken up by a tension portion. This tension portion is mounted on the moveable coupling portion and carries the prestressed tension spring, which acts on the connecting rod between the drive wheel and the brush. In this regard, a connecting end projects in advantageous manner outwardly beyond the tension portion. This connecting end engages advantageously on the connecting rod in a manner such that the connecting rod has a pin, - ~2154758 about which the connecting end of the tension spring engages. In order to assure trouble-free operation during pivoting of the coupling portion, it is provided that the tension portion is pivotably mounted on the coupling portion. In an advantageous further embodiment of the subject of the invention, there is provided in the case of an appliance of the present kind for floor care, the appliance having a peripheral suction chamber sealing strip, for example in the form of a row of brushes, which by endwise engagement against a floor leads to sealing of the suction chamber, that seepage openings are formed in the sealing strip, in each case associated with a downwardly directed suction opening of the appliance, the seepage/open~lngs each being formed by a recess in the sealing strip in this region, the recess having a height which corresponds to a fraction, for example one half, of the height of the sealing strip. In the case of treatment of a floor, for example a parquet floor, particles are loosened and sucked away by means of one or more polishing discs. These particles may be particles of dust, but there may also be released particles of polish wax or the like. In order to intercept or catch the particles which are accelerated outwardly by the centrifugal force, the appliance has a peripheral suction chamber sealing strip, for example in the form of a series of brushes. These form therefore a closed suction chamber underneath the floor care appliance, this sealing strip surrounding the polishing discs mounted on the carrier discs. In order to increase the suction effect of the appliance, the suction chamber sealing strip is provided with seepage openings in the region of a suction opening of the device. In a favoured embodiment, the appliance has three polishing discs arranged in a triangle, each mounted on a carrier disc, two polishing discs being mounted in the front region of the appliance beside one another and one polishing disc being mounted in the rearward region of the appliance. In this regard, two downwardly directed suction openings for the device are provided, each of which is locateOdr alrflowin the angle region between a front and a rear polishing disc. Seepage/
openings in the suction chamber sealing strip are thus associated with each suction opening of the appliance. The arrangement is in this regard so formed that the particles released during the polishing operation are moved into the region of the downwardly directed suction openings, following which these particles are carried away through the suction openings by means of the strengthened flow of air brought about .
by the seepage openings. The flow of air is in this regard so great that the outwardly accelerated particles are not able to pass through the seepage openings. A sucking away of the released particles is accordingly achieved in optimal manner. On the one hand, these particles are not able to pass to the exterior, that is outside the suction chamber, since they are caught by the suction chamber sealing strip. On the other hand, the suction effect is increased exactly in the region into which the released particles enter. The formation of the suction chamber sealing strip in the form of a row of brushes is especially of advantage in that by this a double effect is provided.
The row of brushes prevents on the one hand the exit of the particles from the suction chamber, and on the other hand there is given by this a uniform flow of air downstream of the seepage openings, the speed of the air flowing in this downstream region being substantially less than the speed of air flow in the region of the seepage openings of the sealing strip. Finally, it is thus possible to arrange in the simplest manner that the sealing strip is provided with recesses which, proceeding from the floor, extend to approximately one half of the height of the sealing strip. In the case of the embodiment of the sealing strip in the form of a row of brushes, the brushes are in this regard formed in the most simple manner to be shortened in the region of the seepage openings. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the width of the seepage opening is approximately in the region of two thirds to four thirds of the sealing strip. Optimal flow conditions are for example then given when the height of the seepage opening is approximately in the region of one quarter to three quarters of the height of the sealing strip. The height of the sealing strip relates to the visible height from the exterior. Finally, it is of further advantage for four to eight seepage openings in the sealing strip to be associated with one suction opening of the appliance. In this manner, the sucking away of the particles is optimally achieved in the most simple manner.
The subject of the invention is subsequently described in more detail having regard to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings.
Figure 1 is a front view of a vacuum cleaner provided with an appliance according to the invention for floor care, 215q758 Figure 2 shows the appliance according to the invention in a representation on its own, and in a side view, Figure 3 shows the appliance in a view from above, Figure 4 shows the floor care appliance in a perspective view from below, Figure 5 is a further view of the appliance from below, Figure 6 is a representation corresponding to Figure 5, with however polisher discs and base plate removed, a carrier disc being here partially cut-away for better representation, Figure 7 is a detailed representation of a corner region, derived to anenlarged scale from Figure 6, a corner brush being here shown in disengaged condition, Figure 8 is a further enlargement of the corner region according to Figure 7, Figure 9 is a representation following on Figure 8, the corner brush being here engaged, Figure 10 is a perspective representation of the region according to Figure 8, with however housing and coupling portion omitted, Figure 11 is a representation corresponding to Figure 7, relating however to the situation according to Figure 9, Figure 12 is a representation following on Figure 9, Figure 13 is a sketch showing the principles relating to force transfer on impact of the coupling portion disposed in the corner region, which effects engagement of the corner brush, and Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the component parts of the corner brush drive.
- 215 l758 There is shown in Figure 1 an electrical vacuum cleaner 1 formed as a hand appliance. This consists of a housing 2, to which there is connected from above a handle 3, the handle 3 having a gripping portion 4 at its end. In the transition region between gripping portion 4 and handle 3, there is an on and off switch 5. The connection for the electrical cable is indicated by the reference numeral 9.
The housing 2 is divided into a motor housing 6 and a chamber 7 extending upwardly above the housing 6 for receiving a vacuum filter bag, not shown. The blower of the motor is likewise not shown in detail in the drawings.
The motor housing 6 changes on its underside into a tubular coupling 8, which forms the airflow connection to a floor care appliance G.
In regard to the floor care appliance G, there is in question a polishing device or so-called floor polisher appliance, which has three carrier discs 10 driven in common. These latter extend inwardly into the housing, sunk in behind a base plate 11 which is insertable into the housing, and which has openings 12 cut out of it which correspond in shape to the carrier discs.
A care insert in the form of a floor polisher disc 13 is associated with each of the individual carrier discs 10 by way of a clip connection. There is in question a demountable clip connection.
The drive of the carrier discs 10 takes place by means of a motor pinion 14. The carrier discs 10 are for this purpose provided on their radially outer peripheries with a resilient-type annular bearing surface 15. The arrangement of the carrier discs 10 within the housing 16 of the floor care appliance G is so arranged that the annular bearing surface 15 of one carrier disc 10 abuts against the annular bearing surfaces 15 of both of the other carrier discs, the annular bearing surfaces 15 of both of these other carrier discs 10 engaging radially against the motor pinion 14. The electrically driven motor pinion 14 thus effects a uniform rotating action on all three carrier discs 10.
g Each carrier disc 10 is mounted on a rocker lever or arm 17, which i5 pivotably mounted in the housing by means of a pin 18. The three carrier discs 10 are urged against one another and against the motor pinion 14 by way of these pivotable rocker arms 17 by means of tension springs 19 disposed in the housing 16. There therefore results at all times an urging of the carrier discs 10 against one another and against the motor pinion 14, even in the event of wear occurring on the annular bearing surfaces 15 over a period of time.
The bulbous housing 16 of the floor care appliance G has an annular suction channel 20, which at one end changes into a flexible channel 21, channel 21 being in a connectional relationship with the tubular coupling 8 of the electrical vacuum cleaner 1 by way of a connecting branch 22. The annular suction channel 20 has three suction openings 23 to 25 directed towards the floor.
The carrier discs 10 are arranged in the form of a triangle, two carrier discs 10 being disposed to lie adjacent to one another and perpendicular to the principal direction of movement of the floor care appliance G, and in the region of the front of the floor care appliance G. The third carrier disc 10 is correspondingly centrally located in the rearward region of the floor care appliance G. The suction openings 23 and 24 are disposed in the wedge-shaped gaps between a front carrier disc and the rear carrier disc 10. They have a circular cross-section. The third suction opening 25 is located in the front region of the floor care appliance G, and is immediately behind the front wall of the housing, at a small spacing from this wall. This suction opening 25 has an oblong, slot-shaped configuration. The removable base plate 11 is provided with corresponding nozzle-form connectional fittings, so that the suction openings 23 to 25 extend into this base plate 11. In order to improve the suction effect, the base plate 11 has outwardly widening, fan-shaped suction slopes 26, 27 in the region of its suction openings 23 and 24.
In the two forward corner regions, the housing 16 of the floor care appliance G is visibly interrupted, for reception of pivotable coupling portions 28, which engage corner brushes B on impact.
- 215~758 -As may be seen in particular from Figures 1 to 5, the floor care appliance G has on the lower side of the base a sealing strip 29 for the suction chamber which is in the form of a row of brushes and forms a suction chamber seal to the floor to be serviced. This suction chamber sealing strip 29 is disposed on the base plate 11 around its outer edge, corresponding to the shape of the floor care appliance G, the strip 29 only being interrupted in the region of the pot-shaped coupling portions 28. There thus results on the one hand a U-shaped sealing strip 30 and a strip 31 matched to the front shape of the housing 16, which is disposed at a spacing from the front wall of the housing. A further brush strip 32 is mounted ahead of this strip 31 in the principal direction of movement of the floor care appliance G. The suction opening 25 is formed between the strips 31 and 32. The two sealing strips 31 and 32 extend in the front region of the housing 16 between the two pot-shaped coupling portions 28.
The strip 32 has a recess 33 which is open at the edge towards the floor, is located centrally and extends over approximately three quarters of the length of the strip 32. The height of the recess corresponds approximately to one half of the height of the bristle strip 32. The bristles of the bristle strip 32 are therefore formed in a shortened manner to define the recess 33. This latter serves principally to enable larger particles of dirt to be passed over in working w;th the floor care appliance G, these being immediately drawn away through the suction opening 25 and not passing into the region of the rotating polishing discs 13. This would lead to damage, and in particular to scratches in the floor.
In order to raise the suction capability of the floor care appliance G, the suction chamber sealing strip 30 has seepage openings 34 in the region of the suction openings 23 and 24. The wax particles or the like removed during polishing of the floor are accelerated outwardly by the rotating polishing discs 13 and are then on the one hand prevented from leaving the suction chamber by the sealing strip 30 of the suction chamber and on the other hand are sucked away through the suction openings 2.3 and 24. On account of the increased airflow in the region AlrflC~' or of the/seepage openings 34, in part-icular in the region of the suction slopes 26 and 27, optimal suction of the removed particles is - 215~7S8 achieved. Seepage openings 34 of this kind are provided both in the rearward region of the floor care appliance G and also in the front strip 31. The width of each of these seepage openings 34 equates in this regard to approximately two thirds of the visible height of the sealing strip 29, the height of the seepage opening 34 corresponding to approximately one half of the height of the sealing strip 29.
The corner brushes B disposed in the front corner regions of the floor care appliance G are engageable for improved floor care in the region of skirting boards, articles of furniture or the like.
A corner brush B of this kind consists generally of several clusters 36 of bristles disposed on a carrier plate 35. A ring gear 37 is disposed in the carrier plate 35 on the opposite side of the plate from the clusters 36 of bristles. A bearing pin 38 sits axially in this ring gear 37 in a press fit. The corner brush B is mounted in a rocker arm 40 by means of the bearing pin 38 and is secured by means of a circlip 41. The rocker arm 40 is formed as a connecting rod 39, the rocker arm 40 being substantially cylindrical in shape in the region of the bearing for the corner brush B with formation of an annular collar 42.
Proceeding from this cylindrical portion, there extends a lever 43, which in the region of its free end forms a further cylindrical receiving portion 44. A radial collar 45 is formed on the cylindrical receiving portion 44 in extension of the lever 43. In the region of the lever 43, there is disposed a pin 46 passing through this lever.
A drive wheel 48 is mounted in the cylindrical receiving portion 44 by way of a bearing pin 47, which is axially secured by means of a circlip 49. At its lower end, the drive wheel 48 has a gear 50 corresponding to the ring gear 37 of the corner brush B.
The component group consisting of the corner brush B, the rocker arm 40 and the drive wheel 48 is pivotably mounted in the corner region of the housing 16, clips 51 extending from a surface of the housing gripping the annular collar 42 of the rocker arm 40. The axis of rotation x of the corner brush B thus also defines the axis of pivoting of the rocker arm 40. The axis of rotation of the drive wheel 48 is indicated by reference y and is, on account of the arrangement selected, independently of the pivoting of the rocker arm 40, always spaced at the same distance from the axis x, meshing between the gear 50 and the ring gear 37 of the corner brush B being therefore always assured.
The coupling portion 28 has a generally pot-shaped form, which projects over the housing contour of the floor care appliance G in the corner regions. This coupling portion 28 is mounted in the region of a corresponding receiving portion 53 by means of a pin 52. As is to be seen from Figure 8, the axis of rotation z of the coupling portion 28 stands in the non-engaged condition of the corner brush B at an angle of approximately 135 to the axis y of the drive wheel 48, relative to the axis x of the corner brush B. The axis z of the coupling portion 28 stands substantially vertical to the direction of engagement of the corner brush B.
The coupling portion 28 has an actuating arm 54 which has a recess 55.
A pivot pin 56 is provided in this recess 55.
A tension portion 57 is located in the recess 55, the tension portion 57 being mounted on the pivot pin 56 by means of a corresponding receiving portion 58. Axial securing of the tension portion 57 is achieved by a clip 59, which engages in a corresponding recess in the actuating arm 54. This recess is so formed that pivoting of the tension portion 57 in the region of the recess 55 is assured, the path of the pivoting being limited by the wall of the recess 55.
The tension portion 57 has a tension spring 60, which is inserted under pre-stressing. At one end, the tension spring engages the receiving portion 58 of the tension portion 57 by means of a ring-shaped end 61.
At the other end, a connecting end 62 extends outwardly over the tension portion 57, the tension portion 57 having here corresponding recesses.
The coupling portion 28 mounted in the housing 16 of the floor care appliance G surrounds in the region of its pot-shaped profile, the component group consisting of corner brush B, rocker arm 40 and drive wheel 48. In this regard, the connecting end of the tension spring 60 projecting from the tension portion 57 engages around the pin 46 of the 21S~7S8 rocker arm 40.
The coupling portion 28 is held in a disengaged position, as is to be seen in Figure 8, by means of a further tension spring 63, which i5 secured at one end to the housing and at the other end, is engaged in the region of the actuating arm 54 of the coupling portion 28.
The pivotability of the coupling portion 28 is limited by stops.
When the coupling portion Z8 meets a skirting board, an article of furniture or the like, the coupling portion 28 is pivoted about its axis z, so that the tension spring 60 disposed on the actuating arm 54 by means of the tension portion 57 moves the rocker arm 40 about the axis x. As soon as the drive wheel 48 meets the annular bearing surface 15 of the carrier disc 10 associated with this corner brush B, the rotary movement of the carrier disc 10 is transferred to the corner brush B by way of the drive wheel 48 and the gear connection, so that this brush also rotates with the carrier disc. If the floor care appliance G is now moved still further against the obstruction, the coupling portion 28 is pivoted further about the axis z. The excess forces engendered by this, which are not to be introduced into the carrier disc system, are almost completely taken up by the pre-stressed tension spring 60 (see Figure 12).
On reverse movement of the floor care appliance G away from the obstruction, reverse displacement of the coupling portion 28 into the original position takes place by means of the spring 63, the tension spring 60 in the tension portion 57 being relieved by this and the rocker arm 40 being displaced back into the starting position about the axis x by means of the tension portion 57.
In Figure 13, there is shown in schematic representation how the forces take effect in the carrier disc system on impact of the coupling portion 28. The impact position is shown here in chain-dotted lines.
On impact of the coupling portion 28 and thus inwardly acting urging of the drive wheel 48 onto the annular bearing surface 15 of the carrier disc 10, a pressing force results, which has a line of action running in optimal manner through the axis 18 of the rocker arm 17. The pressing force is designated by reference F. This may however also lie at a close spacing to the axis 18. This maximum deviation should however be no more than approximately one eighth of the diameter of the carrier disc 10. This spacing is designated by reference A in Figure 13. There thus results a region extending from the pressure point P in a divergent manner similar to a scissors, within which the line of action of the pressing force F lies.
The location of the rocker arms 17 receiving the carrier discs 10 is so selected that the forces take effect in the system to correspond to the rotational moments to be transferred. The axes 18 of the rocker arms are so arranged that these lie in the line of action of the external force introduced by the drive wheel system or at a close spacing to the line of action. It is thus assured that the pressure forces between the carrier discs 10 and the motor pinion 14 and between two carrier discs 10 are not changed by the corner brush system. There is thus - counteraction against any slippage or any increased wear of the annular bearing surfaces 15 of the carrier discs 10.
The features of the invention disclosed in the present description, the drawings and the claims may be of importance for the realisation of the invention both individually and also in any desired combination. All features disclosed are relevant to the invention. In the publication - of the application, there is in this regard also to be taken into account as to their complete content, the disclosure contents of the associated/accompanying priority documents (copy of the earlier application).
The invention relates to an appliance for floor care having a driven care insert, such as for example a polisher disc, mounted on a carrier disc, and a special front or corner brush, which is releasably engageable, a drive for the brush being effected after engagement by means of the rotating carrier disc, the carrier disc being mounted on an appliance housing by provision of a bearing pin.
An appliance for floor care formed in this manner is known from German published Patent Specification No. 4 110 682. In this, a brushing and polishing machine for floor servicing is shown, which is provided on its underside with three brushing or polishing discs, these being driven in common by means of an electric motor. This appliance is provided with corner brushes in the two forward corner regions, each corner brush being disposed on an angular lever or arm which is pivotable against a spring force. On impact of a moveable portion of the housing in the form of a front apron, the extra brushes are brought into engagement against the respective adjacent brush or polisher disc, so that the supplementary brushes are engaged.
It is an object of the present invention to realise in an improved manner an appliance of this kind for floor care, in such a way that the drive behaviour of the appliance is not exposed to any negative effects by introduction of an external force.
This object is met by the invention defined in the main claim.
The subsidiary claims set out advantageous further embodiments.
As a result of this realisation, there is provided an appliance for floor care having a driven insert mounted on a carrier disc and a special front or corner brush, the device in its drive characteristics not being exposed to any negative influences by introduction of external force. This is achieved in that on engagement of the brush, a line of action of the pressing force between a drive wheel acting on the brush and the carrier disc extends through the axis or at a close spacing to the axis. The pressing point between the drive wheel - 215q758 associated with the brush and the carrier disc, and the direction in which the drive wheel acts on the carrier disc, are set out so that a resultant force direction extends through the axis of the carrier disc or at a close spacing to this axis. It is thus ensured that on engagement of the brush, no negative effects are applied to the carrier disc. This means that in the region of the axis of the carrier disc, no turning moments are introduced which would bring about any negative effects on the behaviour of the carrier disc, or only very small turning moments. This is particularly advantageous in the case of appliances which have carrier discs with their point of rotation on pivotably disposed rocker arms or levers, which in turn are mounted on a bearing pin in the housing. These rocker arms are urged by springs about their respective axes against one another or against a motor pinion. In the known embodiment mentioned initially, the force resulting on engagement of the brushes acts at a spacing distant from the carrier disc associated with this brush. This has the result that a relatively great turning moment acts on the rocker arm of the carrier disc, which leads to a reduction in the-pressing force between carrier disc and the motor pinion. A uniform drive of the carrier discs is thus not provided in the engaged condition of the brush as compared with the disengaged condition of the brush. The invention by contrast proves to be especially advantageous also in this regard, that the line of action of the pressing force, as already mentioned, extends through the axis of the rocker arm or at a close spacing to this axis. There exists therefore no turning moment, or only an extremely small turning moment, to act in a negative manner on the pressing force between carrier disc and motor pinion. The engagement of the brush brings about therefore no slip, so that the carrier discs operate continuously at the same speed, independently of whether or not the brush is engaged or disengaged. By this arrangement, it is ensured that the pressure forces between the carrier discs and the motor pinion are not changed by engagement of the brush. This also means that no increase results in the pressure forces between a carrier disc and the motor pinion, which would lead to increased wear of the components. The construction is advantageously so selected that the force resultant extends at a maximum spacing of approximately one-eighth of the diameter of a carrier disc with respect to the axis of the carrier disc. By this spacing there is to be understood the path extending through the axis 215g758 -at right angles to the optimal line of action of the force, this path corresponding approximately to one-eighth of the diameter of the carrier disc and extending, proceeding from the axis, to both sides of the optimal line of action of the force. By this there results a scissors-shaped or divergingly tapering region running from the pressing point of the drive wheel for the brush on the carrier disc into the region of the axis, in which scissors-shaped region, the force resultant extends. The amount of the spacing is so small that no negative influences are applied to the carrier disc, and in particular no turning moments acting negatively upon the carrier disc. In an advantageous further embodiment of the subject of the invention, it is provided that the engagement of the brush is achieved by means of a tension spring acting on the drive wheel. When the appliance meets up with an object, for example an article of furniture or the like, the brush is moved in a direction towards the carrier disc by means of a tension spring acting on the drive wheel, after which the carrier disc drives the drive wheel for the brush. The brush is thus engaged. In the previous state of the art, the engagement of the brush is effected by means of a compressive spring disposed between the drive wheel and the moveable part of the appliance housing. This has the disadvantage that in the event of excessive impact on the movable housing portion, the compressive spring bottoms or is fully compressed and thus the maximum pressure force is transferred onto the drive wheel. This leads to an excessive load on the carrier disc, which is therefore adversely affected in its drive characteristics. Furthermore, there is introduced by this, excessive wear of the carrier disc which is provided for example with a resilient or rubber surface. This is not the case for the present invention. For this, it is by contrast the case that excessive forces, which come about especially in the event of a heavy bump of the appliance against an article of furniture or the like, are almost completely absorbed by the tension spring. This concept is of independent importance in regard to the object of the present invention. The formation of a front or corner brush, in which, on engagement, the line of action of the pressing force extends through the axis of the carrier disc or at a close spacing to this axis, and in which the engagement of the brush is effected by means of a tension spring, is an optimal solution in regard to the drive conditions.
Furthermore, it is provided in the case of an appliance of this kind 215g758 for floor care, the engagement of the brush being actuatable by an impact of the moveable coupling portion in the region of the brush of the appliance, that the coupling portion is mounted on a pivot axis disposed substantially at right angles to the direction of engagement.
This coupling portion may be for example a circular projection in one of the front corner regions of the appliance, which is pivotably mounted in the housing of the appliance. When the appliance is pushed against an article of furniture or the like, there is impact on the coupling portion, which now moves about the pivot axis and thus actuates the engagement of the brush. Advantageously the brush is for this purpose disposed in the region of this coupling portion. It is envisaged that a pot-shaped coupling portion is provided with the brush disposed therein. In order to engage the brush of the device, it is further provided that the tension spring is fixedly secured at one end to the coupling portion and that at the other end it acts on a connecting rod between the drive wheel and the brush. On impact of the coupling portion, for example by meeting a skirting board, an article of furniture or the like, the coupling portion pivots about its axis of rotation and brings along with it, by means of the tension spring, the connecting rod between the drive wheel and the brush into an engaged position. Advantageously, this connecting rod is in this regard likewise mounted to be pivotably displaceable, a pivotal movement effecting a pivoting of the drive wheel in the direction of the carrier disc. In an advantageous further embodiment, it is in this regard provided that the tension spring acts on the connecting rod in the engaged and disengaged condition of the brush under pre-stressing. In this manner, the pressing force of the drive wheel on the drive disc is predefined for the avoidance of slip and wear. The pressing force between the drive wheel and the carrier disc is always predetermined at a minimum value. The maximum pressing force is established by the spring characteristic selected. This embodiment is optimised by the pre-stressing of the tension spring being taken up by a tension portion. This tension portion is mounted on the moveable coupling portion and carries the prestressed tension spring, which acts on the connecting rod between the drive wheel and the brush. In this regard, a connecting end projects in advantageous manner outwardly beyond the tension portion. This connecting end engages advantageously on the connecting rod in a manner such that the connecting rod has a pin, - ~2154758 about which the connecting end of the tension spring engages. In order to assure trouble-free operation during pivoting of the coupling portion, it is provided that the tension portion is pivotably mounted on the coupling portion. In an advantageous further embodiment of the subject of the invention, there is provided in the case of an appliance of the present kind for floor care, the appliance having a peripheral suction chamber sealing strip, for example in the form of a row of brushes, which by endwise engagement against a floor leads to sealing of the suction chamber, that seepage openings are formed in the sealing strip, in each case associated with a downwardly directed suction opening of the appliance, the seepage/open~lngs each being formed by a recess in the sealing strip in this region, the recess having a height which corresponds to a fraction, for example one half, of the height of the sealing strip. In the case of treatment of a floor, for example a parquet floor, particles are loosened and sucked away by means of one or more polishing discs. These particles may be particles of dust, but there may also be released particles of polish wax or the like. In order to intercept or catch the particles which are accelerated outwardly by the centrifugal force, the appliance has a peripheral suction chamber sealing strip, for example in the form of a series of brushes. These form therefore a closed suction chamber underneath the floor care appliance, this sealing strip surrounding the polishing discs mounted on the carrier discs. In order to increase the suction effect of the appliance, the suction chamber sealing strip is provided with seepage openings in the region of a suction opening of the device. In a favoured embodiment, the appliance has three polishing discs arranged in a triangle, each mounted on a carrier disc, two polishing discs being mounted in the front region of the appliance beside one another and one polishing disc being mounted in the rearward region of the appliance. In this regard, two downwardly directed suction openings for the device are provided, each of which is locateOdr alrflowin the angle region between a front and a rear polishing disc. Seepage/
openings in the suction chamber sealing strip are thus associated with each suction opening of the appliance. The arrangement is in this regard so formed that the particles released during the polishing operation are moved into the region of the downwardly directed suction openings, following which these particles are carried away through the suction openings by means of the strengthened flow of air brought about .
by the seepage openings. The flow of air is in this regard so great that the outwardly accelerated particles are not able to pass through the seepage openings. A sucking away of the released particles is accordingly achieved in optimal manner. On the one hand, these particles are not able to pass to the exterior, that is outside the suction chamber, since they are caught by the suction chamber sealing strip. On the other hand, the suction effect is increased exactly in the region into which the released particles enter. The formation of the suction chamber sealing strip in the form of a row of brushes is especially of advantage in that by this a double effect is provided.
The row of brushes prevents on the one hand the exit of the particles from the suction chamber, and on the other hand there is given by this a uniform flow of air downstream of the seepage openings, the speed of the air flowing in this downstream region being substantially less than the speed of air flow in the region of the seepage openings of the sealing strip. Finally, it is thus possible to arrange in the simplest manner that the sealing strip is provided with recesses which, proceeding from the floor, extend to approximately one half of the height of the sealing strip. In the case of the embodiment of the sealing strip in the form of a row of brushes, the brushes are in this regard formed in the most simple manner to be shortened in the region of the seepage openings. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the width of the seepage opening is approximately in the region of two thirds to four thirds of the sealing strip. Optimal flow conditions are for example then given when the height of the seepage opening is approximately in the region of one quarter to three quarters of the height of the sealing strip. The height of the sealing strip relates to the visible height from the exterior. Finally, it is of further advantage for four to eight seepage openings in the sealing strip to be associated with one suction opening of the appliance. In this manner, the sucking away of the particles is optimally achieved in the most simple manner.
The subject of the invention is subsequently described in more detail having regard to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings.
Figure 1 is a front view of a vacuum cleaner provided with an appliance according to the invention for floor care, 215q758 Figure 2 shows the appliance according to the invention in a representation on its own, and in a side view, Figure 3 shows the appliance in a view from above, Figure 4 shows the floor care appliance in a perspective view from below, Figure 5 is a further view of the appliance from below, Figure 6 is a representation corresponding to Figure 5, with however polisher discs and base plate removed, a carrier disc being here partially cut-away for better representation, Figure 7 is a detailed representation of a corner region, derived to anenlarged scale from Figure 6, a corner brush being here shown in disengaged condition, Figure 8 is a further enlargement of the corner region according to Figure 7, Figure 9 is a representation following on Figure 8, the corner brush being here engaged, Figure 10 is a perspective representation of the region according to Figure 8, with however housing and coupling portion omitted, Figure 11 is a representation corresponding to Figure 7, relating however to the situation according to Figure 9, Figure 12 is a representation following on Figure 9, Figure 13 is a sketch showing the principles relating to force transfer on impact of the coupling portion disposed in the corner region, which effects engagement of the corner brush, and Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the component parts of the corner brush drive.
- 215 l758 There is shown in Figure 1 an electrical vacuum cleaner 1 formed as a hand appliance. This consists of a housing 2, to which there is connected from above a handle 3, the handle 3 having a gripping portion 4 at its end. In the transition region between gripping portion 4 and handle 3, there is an on and off switch 5. The connection for the electrical cable is indicated by the reference numeral 9.
The housing 2 is divided into a motor housing 6 and a chamber 7 extending upwardly above the housing 6 for receiving a vacuum filter bag, not shown. The blower of the motor is likewise not shown in detail in the drawings.
The motor housing 6 changes on its underside into a tubular coupling 8, which forms the airflow connection to a floor care appliance G.
In regard to the floor care appliance G, there is in question a polishing device or so-called floor polisher appliance, which has three carrier discs 10 driven in common. These latter extend inwardly into the housing, sunk in behind a base plate 11 which is insertable into the housing, and which has openings 12 cut out of it which correspond in shape to the carrier discs.
A care insert in the form of a floor polisher disc 13 is associated with each of the individual carrier discs 10 by way of a clip connection. There is in question a demountable clip connection.
The drive of the carrier discs 10 takes place by means of a motor pinion 14. The carrier discs 10 are for this purpose provided on their radially outer peripheries with a resilient-type annular bearing surface 15. The arrangement of the carrier discs 10 within the housing 16 of the floor care appliance G is so arranged that the annular bearing surface 15 of one carrier disc 10 abuts against the annular bearing surfaces 15 of both of the other carrier discs, the annular bearing surfaces 15 of both of these other carrier discs 10 engaging radially against the motor pinion 14. The electrically driven motor pinion 14 thus effects a uniform rotating action on all three carrier discs 10.
g Each carrier disc 10 is mounted on a rocker lever or arm 17, which i5 pivotably mounted in the housing by means of a pin 18. The three carrier discs 10 are urged against one another and against the motor pinion 14 by way of these pivotable rocker arms 17 by means of tension springs 19 disposed in the housing 16. There therefore results at all times an urging of the carrier discs 10 against one another and against the motor pinion 14, even in the event of wear occurring on the annular bearing surfaces 15 over a period of time.
The bulbous housing 16 of the floor care appliance G has an annular suction channel 20, which at one end changes into a flexible channel 21, channel 21 being in a connectional relationship with the tubular coupling 8 of the electrical vacuum cleaner 1 by way of a connecting branch 22. The annular suction channel 20 has three suction openings 23 to 25 directed towards the floor.
The carrier discs 10 are arranged in the form of a triangle, two carrier discs 10 being disposed to lie adjacent to one another and perpendicular to the principal direction of movement of the floor care appliance G, and in the region of the front of the floor care appliance G. The third carrier disc 10 is correspondingly centrally located in the rearward region of the floor care appliance G. The suction openings 23 and 24 are disposed in the wedge-shaped gaps between a front carrier disc and the rear carrier disc 10. They have a circular cross-section. The third suction opening 25 is located in the front region of the floor care appliance G, and is immediately behind the front wall of the housing, at a small spacing from this wall. This suction opening 25 has an oblong, slot-shaped configuration. The removable base plate 11 is provided with corresponding nozzle-form connectional fittings, so that the suction openings 23 to 25 extend into this base plate 11. In order to improve the suction effect, the base plate 11 has outwardly widening, fan-shaped suction slopes 26, 27 in the region of its suction openings 23 and 24.
In the two forward corner regions, the housing 16 of the floor care appliance G is visibly interrupted, for reception of pivotable coupling portions 28, which engage corner brushes B on impact.
- 215~758 -As may be seen in particular from Figures 1 to 5, the floor care appliance G has on the lower side of the base a sealing strip 29 for the suction chamber which is in the form of a row of brushes and forms a suction chamber seal to the floor to be serviced. This suction chamber sealing strip 29 is disposed on the base plate 11 around its outer edge, corresponding to the shape of the floor care appliance G, the strip 29 only being interrupted in the region of the pot-shaped coupling portions 28. There thus results on the one hand a U-shaped sealing strip 30 and a strip 31 matched to the front shape of the housing 16, which is disposed at a spacing from the front wall of the housing. A further brush strip 32 is mounted ahead of this strip 31 in the principal direction of movement of the floor care appliance G. The suction opening 25 is formed between the strips 31 and 32. The two sealing strips 31 and 32 extend in the front region of the housing 16 between the two pot-shaped coupling portions 28.
The strip 32 has a recess 33 which is open at the edge towards the floor, is located centrally and extends over approximately three quarters of the length of the strip 32. The height of the recess corresponds approximately to one half of the height of the bristle strip 32. The bristles of the bristle strip 32 are therefore formed in a shortened manner to define the recess 33. This latter serves principally to enable larger particles of dirt to be passed over in working w;th the floor care appliance G, these being immediately drawn away through the suction opening 25 and not passing into the region of the rotating polishing discs 13. This would lead to damage, and in particular to scratches in the floor.
In order to raise the suction capability of the floor care appliance G, the suction chamber sealing strip 30 has seepage openings 34 in the region of the suction openings 23 and 24. The wax particles or the like removed during polishing of the floor are accelerated outwardly by the rotating polishing discs 13 and are then on the one hand prevented from leaving the suction chamber by the sealing strip 30 of the suction chamber and on the other hand are sucked away through the suction openings 2.3 and 24. On account of the increased airflow in the region AlrflC~' or of the/seepage openings 34, in part-icular in the region of the suction slopes 26 and 27, optimal suction of the removed particles is - 215~7S8 achieved. Seepage openings 34 of this kind are provided both in the rearward region of the floor care appliance G and also in the front strip 31. The width of each of these seepage openings 34 equates in this regard to approximately two thirds of the visible height of the sealing strip 29, the height of the seepage opening 34 corresponding to approximately one half of the height of the sealing strip 29.
The corner brushes B disposed in the front corner regions of the floor care appliance G are engageable for improved floor care in the region of skirting boards, articles of furniture or the like.
A corner brush B of this kind consists generally of several clusters 36 of bristles disposed on a carrier plate 35. A ring gear 37 is disposed in the carrier plate 35 on the opposite side of the plate from the clusters 36 of bristles. A bearing pin 38 sits axially in this ring gear 37 in a press fit. The corner brush B is mounted in a rocker arm 40 by means of the bearing pin 38 and is secured by means of a circlip 41. The rocker arm 40 is formed as a connecting rod 39, the rocker arm 40 being substantially cylindrical in shape in the region of the bearing for the corner brush B with formation of an annular collar 42.
Proceeding from this cylindrical portion, there extends a lever 43, which in the region of its free end forms a further cylindrical receiving portion 44. A radial collar 45 is formed on the cylindrical receiving portion 44 in extension of the lever 43. In the region of the lever 43, there is disposed a pin 46 passing through this lever.
A drive wheel 48 is mounted in the cylindrical receiving portion 44 by way of a bearing pin 47, which is axially secured by means of a circlip 49. At its lower end, the drive wheel 48 has a gear 50 corresponding to the ring gear 37 of the corner brush B.
The component group consisting of the corner brush B, the rocker arm 40 and the drive wheel 48 is pivotably mounted in the corner region of the housing 16, clips 51 extending from a surface of the housing gripping the annular collar 42 of the rocker arm 40. The axis of rotation x of the corner brush B thus also defines the axis of pivoting of the rocker arm 40. The axis of rotation of the drive wheel 48 is indicated by reference y and is, on account of the arrangement selected, independently of the pivoting of the rocker arm 40, always spaced at the same distance from the axis x, meshing between the gear 50 and the ring gear 37 of the corner brush B being therefore always assured.
The coupling portion 28 has a generally pot-shaped form, which projects over the housing contour of the floor care appliance G in the corner regions. This coupling portion 28 is mounted in the region of a corresponding receiving portion 53 by means of a pin 52. As is to be seen from Figure 8, the axis of rotation z of the coupling portion 28 stands in the non-engaged condition of the corner brush B at an angle of approximately 135 to the axis y of the drive wheel 48, relative to the axis x of the corner brush B. The axis z of the coupling portion 28 stands substantially vertical to the direction of engagement of the corner brush B.
The coupling portion 28 has an actuating arm 54 which has a recess 55.
A pivot pin 56 is provided in this recess 55.
A tension portion 57 is located in the recess 55, the tension portion 57 being mounted on the pivot pin 56 by means of a corresponding receiving portion 58. Axial securing of the tension portion 57 is achieved by a clip 59, which engages in a corresponding recess in the actuating arm 54. This recess is so formed that pivoting of the tension portion 57 in the region of the recess 55 is assured, the path of the pivoting being limited by the wall of the recess 55.
The tension portion 57 has a tension spring 60, which is inserted under pre-stressing. At one end, the tension spring engages the receiving portion 58 of the tension portion 57 by means of a ring-shaped end 61.
At the other end, a connecting end 62 extends outwardly over the tension portion 57, the tension portion 57 having here corresponding recesses.
The coupling portion 28 mounted in the housing 16 of the floor care appliance G surrounds in the region of its pot-shaped profile, the component group consisting of corner brush B, rocker arm 40 and drive wheel 48. In this regard, the connecting end of the tension spring 60 projecting from the tension portion 57 engages around the pin 46 of the 21S~7S8 rocker arm 40.
The coupling portion 28 is held in a disengaged position, as is to be seen in Figure 8, by means of a further tension spring 63, which i5 secured at one end to the housing and at the other end, is engaged in the region of the actuating arm 54 of the coupling portion 28.
The pivotability of the coupling portion 28 is limited by stops.
When the coupling portion Z8 meets a skirting board, an article of furniture or the like, the coupling portion 28 is pivoted about its axis z, so that the tension spring 60 disposed on the actuating arm 54 by means of the tension portion 57 moves the rocker arm 40 about the axis x. As soon as the drive wheel 48 meets the annular bearing surface 15 of the carrier disc 10 associated with this corner brush B, the rotary movement of the carrier disc 10 is transferred to the corner brush B by way of the drive wheel 48 and the gear connection, so that this brush also rotates with the carrier disc. If the floor care appliance G is now moved still further against the obstruction, the coupling portion 28 is pivoted further about the axis z. The excess forces engendered by this, which are not to be introduced into the carrier disc system, are almost completely taken up by the pre-stressed tension spring 60 (see Figure 12).
On reverse movement of the floor care appliance G away from the obstruction, reverse displacement of the coupling portion 28 into the original position takes place by means of the spring 63, the tension spring 60 in the tension portion 57 being relieved by this and the rocker arm 40 being displaced back into the starting position about the axis x by means of the tension portion 57.
In Figure 13, there is shown in schematic representation how the forces take effect in the carrier disc system on impact of the coupling portion 28. The impact position is shown here in chain-dotted lines.
On impact of the coupling portion 28 and thus inwardly acting urging of the drive wheel 48 onto the annular bearing surface 15 of the carrier disc 10, a pressing force results, which has a line of action running in optimal manner through the axis 18 of the rocker arm 17. The pressing force is designated by reference F. This may however also lie at a close spacing to the axis 18. This maximum deviation should however be no more than approximately one eighth of the diameter of the carrier disc 10. This spacing is designated by reference A in Figure 13. There thus results a region extending from the pressure point P in a divergent manner similar to a scissors, within which the line of action of the pressing force F lies.
The location of the rocker arms 17 receiving the carrier discs 10 is so selected that the forces take effect in the system to correspond to the rotational moments to be transferred. The axes 18 of the rocker arms are so arranged that these lie in the line of action of the external force introduced by the drive wheel system or at a close spacing to the line of action. It is thus assured that the pressure forces between the carrier discs 10 and the motor pinion 14 and between two carrier discs 10 are not changed by the corner brush system. There is thus - counteraction against any slippage or any increased wear of the annular bearing surfaces 15 of the carrier discs 10.
The features of the invention disclosed in the present description, the drawings and the claims may be of importance for the realisation of the invention both individually and also in any desired combination. All features disclosed are relevant to the invention. In the publication - of the application, there is in this regard also to be taken into account as to their complete content, the disclosure contents of the associated/accompanying priority documents (copy of the earlier application).
Claims (13)
1. Appliance (G) for floor care having a driven care insert, such as for example a polisher disc (13), mounted on a carrier disc (10), and a special front or corner brush (B), which is releasably engageable, a drive for the brush (B) being effected after engagement by means of the rotating carrier disc (10), the carrier disc (10) being mounted on an appliance housing (16) by provision of a bearing pin (18), characterised in that on engagement of the brush (B), a line of action of the pressing force (F) between a drive wheel (48) which acts on the brush (B) and the carrier disc (10) extends through the axis (18) or at a close spacing to the axis (18).
2. Appliance according to Claim 1, characterised in that the force resultant (F) extends at a maximum spacing (A) with respect to the axis (18) of the carrier disc (10) of approximately one eighth of the diameter of the carrier disc (10).
3. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the engagement of the brush (B) is effected by means of a tension spring (60) which acts on the drive wheel (40).
4. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, the engagement of the brush (B) being actuatable by means of impact of a movable coupling portion (28) in the region of the brush (B) of the appliance (G), characterised in that the coupling portion (28) is mounted on an axis of rotation (z) which is substantially perpendicular to the engagement direction.
5. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tension spring (60) is fixedly secured at one end to the coupling portion (28) and at the other end acts on a connecting rod (39) between the drive wheel (48) and the brush (B).
6. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tension spring (60) acts under pre-stressing on the connecting rod (39) in the engaged condition of the brush (B) and in the disengaged condition of the brush (B).
7. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pre-stressing of the tension spring (60) is taken up in a receiving portion (57).
8. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that a connecting end (62) of the tension spring (60) projects over the receiving portion (57).
9. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tension portion (57) is pivotably mounted on the coupling portion (28).
10. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, the suction appliance having a peripheral suction chamber sealing strip (29), for example in the form of a series of brushes, which by engaging against a floor at the front leads to sealing of the suction chamber, characterised in that seepage openings (34) are formed in the sealing strip (29), in each case associated with a suction opening (23, 24) directed towards the floor, the seepage openings being formed by a recess in the sealing strip (29) in this region with a height which corresponds to a fraction, for example one half, of the height of the sealing strip (29).
11. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the width of the seepage opening (34) is approximately in the region of two thirds to four thirds of the height of the sealing strip (29).
12. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the height of the seepage opening (34) is approximately in the region of one quarter to three quarters of the height of the sealing strip (29).
13. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that four to eight seepage openings (34) in the sealing strip (29) are associated with one suction opening (23, 24) of the appliance (G).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP4340367.0 | 1993-11-26 | ||
| DE4340367A DE4340367C2 (en) | 1993-11-26 | 1993-11-26 | Floor care device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2154758A1 true CA2154758A1 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
Family
ID=6503540
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002154758A Abandoned CA2154758A1 (en) | 1993-11-26 | 1994-10-28 | Appliance for floor care |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0681445A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH08508665A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR960700021A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1116818A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2154758A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4340367C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995014423A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19728927A1 (en) | 1997-05-02 | 1998-11-05 | Vorwerk Co Interholding | Floor care equipment |
| DE19718497B4 (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 2010-04-15 | Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh | Device for soil care |
| JP3429289B2 (en) * | 2001-04-20 | 2003-07-22 | 株式会社富永製作所 | Electric cleaning device |
| DE102006022945A1 (en) * | 2006-05-17 | 2007-11-22 | Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh | Potholder for a polisher |
| JP5243879B2 (en) * | 2008-08-04 | 2013-07-24 | 富士重工業株式会社 | Side brush support device for cleaning robot |
| DE102008064211A1 (en) | 2008-12-08 | 2010-06-10 | Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh | Electric motor-driven, hand-guided surface processing device i.e. hand vacuum cleaner, has conductor lying freely on surface, and sensor formed for effecting suction force and/or drive of unit in dependence of detection of cable |
| CN103142192B (en) * | 2011-12-06 | 2016-04-06 | 陈海水 | Cleaning structure |
| CN105813527A (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2016-07-27 | 伊莱克斯公司 | Autonomous cleaner |
| KR102117263B1 (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2020-06-01 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Robot cleaner |
| JP2016052472A (en) * | 2014-09-04 | 2016-04-14 | 株式会社マキタ | Self-propelled dust collection robot |
| CN105433876B (en) * | 2015-04-15 | 2019-03-01 | 小米科技有限责任公司 | Cleaning assembly of intelligent cleaning equipment and intelligent cleaning equipment |
| CN105769056B (en) * | 2016-04-29 | 2018-09-18 | 上海应用技术学院 | A kind of automatic sweeping machine |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1064218B (en) * | 1956-12-18 | 1959-08-27 | Siemens Elektrogeraete Gmbh | Floor polisher with friction wheel drive |
| DE7401143U (en) * | 1974-01-15 | 1974-04-04 | Leifheit G Gmbh | Drive device for an edge sweeping brush arranged in the front area of a floor sweeping machine |
| DE2401685C3 (en) * | 1974-01-15 | 1978-06-22 | Leifheit International Guenter Leifheit Gmbh, 5408 Nassau | Drive device for an edge sweeping brush arranged in the front area of a floor sweeping machine |
| GB1426686A (en) * | 1974-03-04 | 1976-03-03 | Prestige Group Ltd | Carpet sweepers |
| DE4110682A1 (en) * | 1991-04-03 | 1992-10-08 | Vorwerk Co Interholding | ELECTRICALLY OPERATED BRUSHING AND POLISHING MACHINE FOR FLOOR PROCESSING |
| DE4211789C2 (en) * | 1992-04-08 | 1996-07-25 | Kaercher Gmbh & Co Alfred | Floor sweeper |
-
1993
- 1993-11-26 DE DE4340367A patent/DE4340367C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1994
- 1994-10-28 CA CA002154758A patent/CA2154758A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-10-28 CN CN94191020A patent/CN1116818A/en active Pending
- 1994-10-28 WO PCT/EP1994/003552 patent/WO1995014423A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-10-28 KR KR1019950703015A patent/KR960700021A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-10-28 JP JP7514773A patent/JPH08508665A/en active Pending
- 1994-10-28 EP EP95900093A patent/EP0681445A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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| US10874274B2 (en) | 2015-09-03 | 2020-12-29 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | System of robotic cleaning devices |
| US11712142B2 (en) | 2015-09-03 | 2023-08-01 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | System of robotic cleaning devices |
| US11169533B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2021-11-09 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Robotic cleaning device and a method at the robotic cleaning device of performing cliff detection |
| US11122953B2 (en) | 2016-05-11 | 2021-09-21 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Robotic cleaning device |
| US11474533B2 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2022-10-18 | Aktiebolaget Electrolux | Method of detecting a difference in level of a surface in front of a robotic cleaning device |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE4340367C2 (en) | 2003-12-11 |
| DE4340367A1 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
| CN1116818A (en) | 1996-02-14 |
| KR960700021A (en) | 1996-01-19 |
| EP0681445A1 (en) | 1995-11-15 |
| JPH08508665A (en) | 1996-09-17 |
| WO1995014423A1 (en) | 1995-06-01 |
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