AUTOMATIC FLOOR VACUUM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an automatic floor vacuum cleaner. In particular, the invention relates to a floor vacuum cleaner that can be powered by a base station.

[0002] DE 10 2017 126 393 A1 describes a handheld vacuum cleaner and a wall-mounted base station for emptying the vacuum cleaner's dirt container. The handheld vacuum cleaner allows an operator to vacuum any surface manually.

[0003] An automatic vacuum cleaner, on the other hand, is designed to vacuum a floor area in a household automatically. To do this, the vacuum cleaner includes a turbine to generate an airflow through a suction nozzle that is guided across the floor. From the nozzle, the airflow is directed into a dirt container and from there through a filter before being released into the surrounding area. The dirt container must be emptied regularly to ensure adequate cleaning performance.

[0004] Some vacuum cleaners can automatically return to a base station, where they remain between cleaning cycles. The base station allows for maintenance, such as recharging an onboard power bank. It has been suggested that the dirt container be equipped with a drain opening to remove accumulated dirt from the base station. This could be achieved by directing an airflow through the suction nozzle into the dirt container and from there through the drain opening into the base station.

[0005] A disadvantage of this method is that the dirt container is only insufficiently flushed with air. Dirt that has settled on the surface of the dirt container or the filter cannot be loosened. The flow rate through the filter may be reduced even if the dirt container is empty.

[0006] One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for the automatic emptying of a dirt container of a floor vacuum cleaner. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a floor vacuum cleaner comprises a dirt container; a suction nozzle connected to the dirt container by means of a first channel; a discharge opening connected to the dirt container by means of a second channel; and a valve arrangement. The valve arrangement has a first position in which the first channel is open and the second is closed; and a second position in which the first channel is closed and the second is open.

[0008] The valve arrangement allows for normal vacuuming operation of the vacuum cleaner in the first position and automatic emptying of the dirt container in the second position. In the second position, an airflow from the surrounding environment is directed through the filter and into the dirt container, allowing air to flow backward through the filter. This improves the removal of dirt adhering to the side of the filter facing the dirt container. Even filters with complex or irregular surfaces, such as pleated filters, benefit from this improved cleaning action. The reduced flow resistance of the cleaned filter during subsequent cleaning cycles can enhance the cleaning performance of the vacuum cleaner.

[0009] The two channels preferably open into the dirt container essentially parallel to each other. This allows for improved rinsing of the dirt container. When emptying, less dirt remains in the dirt container, thus making better use of its capacity for cleaning operations.

[0010] The valve assembly can be constructed in one piece or in two pieces. In a two-piece embodiment, a first valve is provided for the first channel and a second valve for the second channel, the valves being coupled to each other such that in each of the predetermined positions of the valve assembly, one of the valves is open and the other is closed.

[0011] In a one-piece embodiment, the valve assembly can be designed as a 3 / 2-way valve with three ports for the dirt container, the first and second channels, and which can be moved into the two positions mentioned. The valves of the valve assembly are preferably designed as switching valves. A valve is typically controlled directly, for example by means of an actuator. Optionally, one of the valves can also be opened or closed based on pneumatic pressure.

[0012] The valve assembly can comprise a single closure element that, in the first position, is located in the second channel and, in the second position, in the first channel. This allows for a simple and effective implementation of the valve assembly. The installation space required for the valve assembly can be minimized.

[0013] The locking element can include a slider. The slider can be moved linearly to open the first channel and close the second in the first position, and to close the first channel and open the second in the second position. The slider can be mounted in a guide that may be integrated with one or both channels. This allows for a separately manageable assembly that can be easily mounted or serviced on the vacuum cleaner.

[0014] The closure element can also include a rotary closure. For this purpose, the closure element can include a disc that is rotatable about an axis parallel to the direction of extension of one of the channels. The disc can be rotatable eccentrically or have a recess to allow airflow.

[0015] The closure element can also include a roller blind, which, like a roller shutter, comprises several slats that are movably connected to each other along their long sides. The roller blind can be rolled up to open a channel or unrolled so that it lies flat and closes the channel. The roller blind can be compact and require little space.

[0016] The floor vacuum cleaner can include an actuator for operating the valve assembly. The actuator can be controlled depending on the operation of the floor cleaner. A first operation, in which the valve assembly is in the first position, can be a standby mode or a vacuuming mode, in which a floor area is vacuumed. A second operation, in which the valve assembly is in the second position, can be an emptying mode, in which the dirt container can be emptied. The actuator can be controlled by a control unit, which may be located on board the floor cleaner or externally.

[0017] The actuator is preferably configured to move the valve assembly from one position to the other. Additionally, a return element can be provided to return the valve assembly from the other position to the first. The return element can comprise an elastic element, a magnetic arrangement, or a return actuator. In a further embodiment, the return of the valve assembly can also be effected pneumatically, by the air flowing through the second channel exerting a return force on a closing element in one of the channels. The actuator can also be configured to move the valve assembly into both positions alternatively. An actuator is preferably electrically actuated and can comprise an electromagnet or an electric motor.

[0018] The vacuum cleaner can include a filter for filtering air exiting the dirt container while the valve assembly is in the first position. The filter is preferably designed as a flow-through filter and, in one embodiment, includes a suction bag. During vacuuming, the filter retains dirt in the dirt container while allowing airflow into the surrounding area. During emptying, the filter can be cleaned more effectively. Dirt adhering to it can be loosened and transported out of the dirt container through the second channel.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner may have a blower designed to create an airflow into and / or out of the dirt container. In various embodiments, the blower may be positioned between the dirt container and the filter, or between the filter and the surrounding environment. During vacuuming, the blower may create an airflow from the dirt container into the surrounding environment, and during emptying, it may create an airflow from the surrounding environment into the dirt container. Other blower positions are also possible.

[0020] The blower can also include a turbine, the direction of flow of which is generally irreversible. In this case, the airflow during discharge operation can be generated by another blower, which may also include a turbine.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a base station for a floor vacuum cleaner described herein is configured to receive an airflow from the dirt container of the floor vacuum cleaner through the second channel. For this purpose, the base station can have a flange for fluid connection to the second channel. The flange can also be provided on the side of the floor vacuum cleaner. The base station is preferably configured to separate dirt from the airflow and preferably also to collect it. Cleaned air can be released into the environment.

[0022] The base station can include a blower to generate the airflow through the second channel. The blower can include a turbine. During emptying, the blowers of the base station and the floor cleaner can work together to create the airflow through the second channel. The base station blower can also operate independently, for example, if the floor cleaner does not include a blower capable of creating the airflow through the second channel.

[0023] The base station can be equipped with an actuator to operate the vacuum cleaner's valve assembly. This actuator can be electrically controlled, for example. Alternatively, the actuator can be configured to operate the vacuum cleaner's valve assembly when the vacuum cleaner positions itself against the base station or connects to it mechanically. The actuator does not necessarily require separate control by a control device.

[0024] In one embodiment, the valve assembly of the floor cleaner is composed of two parts, with the first valve being formed by a cover over the suction nozzle. This cover can be attached to the base station in such a way that the suction nozzle is closed when the floor cleaner is in a predetermined position relative to the base station. The cover can be designed, for example, as a tray, a plate, or a flexible sealing element, such as a cushion or sponge that is pressed against or into the suction nozzle. The second valve can be opened when the floor cleaner is positioned against the base station or by the floor cleaner itself. The second valve can be mechanically actuated by a relative movement between the floor cleaner and the base station.

[0025] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a system comprises a floor vacuum cleaner and a base station described herein. The base station can be configured to perform further maintenance or service operations on the floor vacuum cleaner, for example, charging an electrical energy storage device, refilling consumables such as cleaning fluid, or replacing a wear part such as a filter. Features or advantages of the floor vacuum cleaner or the base station can be transferred to the system, or vice versa.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for emptying a dirt container of a floor vacuum cleaner described herein comprises steps of closing the open first channel; opening the closed second channel; and causing an airflow through a filter into the dirt container and from there through the second channel.

[0027] The method can be performed on a vacuum cleaner, on a base station, or with the participation of both the vacuum cleaner and the base station on a system described herein. The method can be performed by means of a control device, which may include a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller. The method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code and may optionally be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device or vice versa.

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figures 1 and 2 show a system with an exemplary floor vacuum cleaner in a longitudinal section; Figure 3 shows a partially disassembled exemplary floor vacuum cleaner; Figure 4 shows an exemplary floor vacuum cleaner from below; and Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a process. represents.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 They show a System 100 with an exemplary floor vacuum cleaner 105 in longitudinal section. In Figure 2A base station 110 included in the system 100 is also shown as an example. The floor vacuum 105 is designed to clean a floor surface 115 by means of an airflow, thereby picking up dirt from the floor surface 115 and storing it in a dirt container 120. The floor vacuum 105 comprises a suction nozzle 125, which is connected to the dirt container 120 by means of a first channel 130; a discharge opening 135, which is connected to the dirt container 120 by means of a second channel 140; and a valve assembly 145. Furthermore, a filter 150 for cleaning and a blower 155 for generating the airflow are preferably provided. The floor vacuum 105 may include a further element customary for a device of this class, for example, a control device, a brush roller in the area of ​​the suction nozzle 125, an ambient sensor, or a drive wheel.

[0030] The valve assembly 145 is configured to assume either a first or a second position. In the first position, the first channel 130 is open and the second 140 is closed, and the first position can be used for suction operation. In the second position, the first channel 130 is closed and the second 140 is open, and the second position can be used for draining operation.

[0031] In the first position of the valve arrangement 145, an airflow can enter the suction nozzle 125 in the area of ​​the floor surface 115 and flow along the first channel 130 into the dirt container 120. Dirt and other particles can be picked up by the airflow and transported into the dirt container 120. There, particles can be separated or retained from the airflow by means of the filter 150 before the airflow is released into the surrounding area of ​​the vacuum cleaner 105. The filter 150 can include a suction bag that is housed in the dirt container 120. The airflow can enter the suction bag through the first channel 130 and, as it passes through its wall, is freed of particles before being released into the surrounding area. The airflow is generated by the blower 155, which is preferably located downstream or upstream of the filter 150 with respect to the described airflow.In one embodiment, the blower 155 is arranged in the dirt container 120, for example in a section leading to the filter 150. The second channel 140 is closed in this position, so that no other airflow enters or exits the dirt container 120.

[0032] In the second position of the valve assembly 145, an airflow from the environment can pass through the filter 150 and into the dirt container 120. From there, the airflow can flow through the second channel 140 and the drain opening 135. In this position, the first channel 130 is closed. The airflow can loosen dirt or other particles in the area of ​​the filter 150 and transport them away through the second channel 140.

[0033] In the Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 105 is in a predetermined position relative to the base station 110. The vacuum cleaner 105 can be mechanically held in the predetermined position on the base station 110. In this case, the base station 110 comprises a ramp 160 onto which the vacuum cleaner 105 has driven, and a recess 165 into which a wheel of the vacuum cleaner 105 is engaged.

[0034] The airflow for emptying the dirt container 120 can be generated by the blower 155 of the floor vacuum 110, with the direction of airflow being reversed compared to suction operation. Alternatively, the airflow can be generated by a blower 155 integrated into the base station 110. Optionally, the blower 155 in the floor vacuum 105 and the blower 155 in the base station 110 can operate together. Preferably, the airflow leads into a further dirt container 120 in the base station 110, which can be larger than the dirt container 120 of the floor vacuum 105. A filter or other device can be provided to retain dirt from the airflow, and the cleaned airflow can be released into the environment.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the valve arrangement 145 comprises a 3 / 2-way valve having three ports and capable of assuming two positions, which can also be called a changeover valve. A slide 170 is slidably mounted in a guide such that it can be pushed upwards to close the first channel 130, with the second channel 140 open, or downwards to close the second channel 140, with the first channel 130 open. Although both channels 130 and 140 can be partially open in an intermediate position, it is preferred that the slide 170 be moved as completely as possible into one of the described positions in which only one of the channels 130 or 140 is open and the other is closed.

[0036] An actuator 175 can be provided to actuate the slide 170; this actuator can be located on board the floor vacuum 110 or externally. In this embodiment, the actuator 175 is enclosed by the base station 110 and can comprise a linear actuator that can be moved by an electric motor. In another embodiment, an element can be provided on the base station 110 that engages the slide 170 in a predetermined manner and moves it into a predetermined position when the floor vacuum 105 enters the base station 110. The slide 170 can be pre-tensioned, for example, by means of an elastic element, by weight, magnetically, or pneumatically, so that it moves into the second position when the floor vacuum 105 leaves the base station 110 or when the actuator 175 is no longer actuated.

[0037] The actuator 175 can also include a pneumatic element that converts a predetermined pressure ratio into an actuation of the slide 170 or a corresponding closure element. The pneumatic element can comprise a diaphragm or a piston housed in a cylinder, which is subjected to different pneumatic pressures on different sides, for example, ambient pressure and pressure in one of the channels 130 or 140. Due to the pressure differential, a force can be exerted on the diaphragm or piston, allowing a closure element coupled to it to be moved depending on the differential pressure. Optionally, a return element is provided to move the closure element to a predetermined position if there is insufficient pressure differential acting on the diaphragm or piston.

[0038] In another embodiment, a rotary valve is provided instead of the slide 170, which can be moved about a rotary axis into two different positions that functionally correspond to the positions described above.

[0039] In yet another embodiment, the slide 170 or another closing element of the vacuum cleaner 105 is configured only to close or open the second channel 140. The closing element can, for example, also include a flap. The first channel 130 can be closed by means of a cover 180 encompassed by the base station 110, by placing the suction nozzle 125 of the vacuum cleaner 110 against the cover 180. The closing can occur automatically when the vacuum cleaner 105 reaches a predetermined position relative to the base station 110, for example as shown in Figure 2 as indicated. Likewise, the cover 180 can release the suction nozzle 125 again when the floor vacuum cleaner 105 has reached the in Figure 2 the displayed position is left again, for example to start a vacuuming operation.

[0040] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a further embodiment of a floor vacuum cleaner 105. Part of the top of the floor vacuum cleaner 105 has been removed, allowing a view into the dirt container 120. It can be seen that the channels 130 and 140 open into the dirt container 120 essentially parallel to each other. The slide 170 is not shown in this illustration.

[0041] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a floor vacuum cleaner 105 from below. An optional bristle roller can be seen in the area of ​​the suction nozzle 125. Behind it is one end of the second channel 140. A seal, flange, or coupling can be provided in this area to achieve the most airtight connection possible to an external element, in particular the base station 110. A flange, coupling, or seal can be provided accordingly on the base station 110.

[0042] Figure 5Figure 505 shows a flowchart of an exemplary procedure 500 for controlling a floor vacuum cleaner 105 described herein. In step 505, the valve arrangement 145 is in the first position, in which the first channel 130 is open and the second channel 140 is closed. In this position, the floor vacuum cleaner 105 can perform a suction operation, in which it moves across the floor surface 115 to clean it, or a standby operation, in which the floor vacuum cleaner 105 is stationary, for example in the base station 110.

[0043] To exit suction or standby mode, the first channel 130 can be closed in step 510 and the second channel 140 opened in step 515. Steps 510 and 515 can be performed simultaneously or concurrently; a different sequence than shown is also possible. Afterwards, the valve assembly 145 is in the second position, in which the first channel 130 is closed and the second channel 140 is open.

[0044] In step 520, the vacuum cleaner 105 can be in an emptying mode. To clear the dirt container 120 of dirt, an airflow can be directed from the surroundings through the filter 150 into the dirt container 120 and from there through the second channel 140.

[0045] After emptying the dirt container 120, the vacuum cleaner 105 can be returned to the suction or standby mode from step 505. To do this, the second channel 140 can be closed in step 525 and the first channel 130 can be opened in step 530. Steps 525 and 530 can also be performed in reverse order, simultaneously, or concurrently.

[0046] In another embodiment, step 530 can be executed first, followed by a pause. After the pause, step 525 can be performed to reach step 505. This approach is particularly suitable if the first channel 130 is closed by the vacuum cleaner 105 resting against the cover 180 of the base station 110. The opening of the second channel 140 can be controlled by the actuator 175 or pneumatically. During the pause, the vacuum cleaner 105 can remain in the base station 110 and, for example, continue to recharge its energy storage. Reference sign

[0047] 100 System 105 Vacuum cleaner 110 Base station 115 Floor area 120 Dirt container 125 Suction nozzle 130 First channel 135 Emptying opening 140 Second channel 145 Valve assembly 150 Filter 155 Blower 160 Ramp 165 Tray 170 Slider 175 Actuator 180 Cover 500 Procedure 505 Suction or Rest 510 Close first channel 515 Open second channel 520 Empty 525 Close second channel 530 Open first channel

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner (105) comprising: - a dirt container (120); - a suction mouth (125), which is connected to the dirt container (120) by means of a first channel (130); - an emptying aperture (135), which is connected to the dirt container (120) by means of a second channel (140); and - a valve arrangement (145) with a first position, in which the first channel (130) is opened and the second (140) is closed; and a second position, in which the first channel (130) is closed and the second (140) is opened.

2. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 1, wherein the two channels (130, 140) open into the dirt container (120) in parallel with one another.

3. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve arrangement (145) comprises a single sealing element (170), which, in the first position, lies in the second channel (140) and, in the second position, lies in the first channel (130).

4. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 3, wherein the sealing element comprises a slider (170).

5. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 3, wherein the sealing element (170) comprises a screw cap.

6. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator (175) for actuating the valve arrangement (145).

7. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to claim 6, wherein the actuator is designed to bring the valve arrangement (145) from one position into the other, further comprising a return element in order to bring the valve arrangement (145) from that other position into the first position.

8. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a filter (150) for filtering air escaping from the dirt container (120) while the valve arrangement (145) is in the first position.

9. Vacuum cleaner (105) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fan (155), which is designed to effect an air flow into or out of the dirt container (120).

10. Base station (110) for a vacuum cleaner (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base station (110) is designed to receive an air flow from the dirt container (120) of the vacuum cleaner (105) through the second channel (140).

11. Base station (110) according to claim 10, further comprising a fan (155) for generating the air flow through the second channel (140).

12. Base station (110) according to one of claims 10 or 11, further comprising an actuator (175) for actuating the valve arrangement (145) of the vacuum cleaner (105).

13. System (100) comprising a vacuum cleaner (105) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a base station (110) according to one of claims 10 to 12.

14. Method (500) for emptying a dirt container (120) of a vacuum cleaner (105), wherein the vacuum cleaner (105) comprises a dirt container (120), a suction mouth, which is connected to the dirt container (120) by means of a first channel (130), and an emptying aperture (135), which is connected to the dirt container (120) by means of a second channel (140), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - sealing (510) the open first channel (130); - opening (515) the closed second channel (140); and - effecting (520) an air flow through a filter (150) into the dirt container (120) and from there through the second channel (140).