U.S. patent application number 13/654904 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for vacuum cleaner suction pipe.
This patent application is currently assigned to FISCHER ROHRTECHNIK GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is Fischer Rohrtechnik GmbH. Invention is credited to Martin CORDES, Stephan CORDES.
Application Number | 20130093182 13/654904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47137430 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130093182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CORDES; Martin ; et
al. |
April 18, 2013 |
VACUUM CLEANER SUCTION PIPE
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner suction pipe (1) having first, second, and
third pipe segments (1, 2, 3), respectively, the pipe segments (2,
3, 4) being telescopically connected to one another, the first pipe
segment (2) being located between the second pipe segment (3) and
the third pipe segment (4). So as to be easily manufactured and
have an actuation that is optimized with respect to its telescoping
ability, there is a control device (5), and the pipe segments (2,
3, 4) are mechanically in interaction with one another via the
control device (5) so that when the second pipe segment (3) or the
third pipe segment (4) is moved manually in an axial direction
relative to the first pipe segment (2) the respective other of the
second or third pipe segment (3, 4) is moved at the same time by
the control device (5).
Inventors: |
CORDES; Martin; (Sundern,
DE) ; CORDES; Stephan; (Arnsberg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fischer Rohrtechnik GmbH; |
Achern-Fautenbach |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
FISCHER ROHRTECHNIK GMBH
Achern-Fautenbach
DE
|
Family ID: |
47137430 |
Appl. No.: |
13/654904 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/302 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/302 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/24 20060101
A47L009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2011 |
DE |
10 2011 116 074.8 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner suction pipe, comprising: a first pipe segment,
a second pipe segment, and a third pipe segment, wherein the pipe
segments are telescopically connected to one another with the first
pipe segment being located between the second pipe segment and the
third pipe segment, wherein a control device is provided a
mechanical coupling that is adapted to mechanically interact with
the pipe segments in a manner causing manual movement of one of the
second and third pipe segments in an axial direction relative to
the first pipe segment to produce movement of the other of the
second and third pipe segments at the same time.
2. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising an actuating mechanism for the control device, the
actuating mechanism blocking a relative movement of the pipe
segments relative to one another when the actuating mechanism not
actuated and wherein when the actuating mechanism is manually
actuatable by a user to enable a relative movement of the second
pipe segment and the third pipe segment relative to the first pipe
segment.
3. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 2, wherein
the actuating mechanism is a pressure mechanism.
4. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the second pipe segment and the third pipe segment are slidable on
on opposite ends of the first pipe segment.
5. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the mechanical coupling of the control device is connected to the
second pipe segment and the third pipe segment in a manner causing
the second pipe segment and the third pipe segment to move in
opposite directions.
6. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the control device comprises at least one control rod.
7. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 6, wherein
said at least one control rod comprises at least two control rods
of which a first control rod is connected to an end of the second
pipe segment which faces away from the first pipe segment and a
second control rod is connected to an end of the third pipe segment
which faces away from the first pipe segment, and wherein the first
control rod and the second control rod are in interaction with one
another via an actuating mechanism attached to the first pipe
segment.
8. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 7, wherein
the control rods are have toothed racks, and wherein the racks are
in interaction with one another via at least one gear located on
the actuating mechanism so that the gear transfers motion of one of
the racks to the other when one of the two pipe segments is moved
manually.
9. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 8, wherein
said at least one gear comprises a plurality of gears adapted to
provide a different transmission ratio between the racks of the
second pipe segment and of the third pipe segment.
10. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the control device comprises four control rods of which two control
rods interact with the second pipe segment and two control rods
interact with the third pipe segment.
11. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 1, wherein
the pipe segments have a droplet-shaped cross section, wherein a
suction channel passes through each pipe segment, and wherein the
control device is located in the pipe segments outside of the
suction channel.
12. Vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with claim 11,
wherein on an end of each of the second pipe segment and the third
pipe segment that faces away from the first pipe segment there is a
connector which is permanently connected to the control device and
which positions the suction channel within the pipe segments.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner suction pipe,
comprising a first pipe segment, a second pipe segment, and a third
pipe segment, the pipe segments being telescopically connected to
one another and the first pipe segment being located between the
second pipe segment and the third pipe segment.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Vacuum cleaner suction pipes are known in the prior art in a
host of configurations. Telescoping vacuum cleaner suction pipes
offer the advantage that they can be matched to the body size of
the operator or to different usage situations by changing the
length for short or long distances in order, on the one hand, to
enable ergonomic operation, and on the other hand, to ensure
multifunctional use of the vacuum cleaner for various vacuuming
tasks.
[0005] These vacuum cleaner suction pipes for implementing the
telescoping capacity usually comprise a plurality of pipe segments
which are arranged in succession and are inserted into one another
so that they can be telescoped relative to one another by axially
moving the pipe segments. In order to change the length of the
vacuum cleaner suction pipe, the pipe segments are displaced
manually by the operator, i.e., they are pushed axially into or
onto one another. To lock a certain position of the pipe segments,
the most varied catch mechanisms are known which reliably prevent
unwanted relative motion of the pipe segments during use of the
vacuum cleaner suction pipe. Often, depressions in the walls of the
pipe segments are used; they interact with corresponding blocking
elements on the other pipe segments. For producing the depressions
in the walls, the pipe segments must have a certain minimum wall
thickness as a result of which the production cost is raised in
addition to the material cost.
[0006] In vacuum cleaner suction pipes known from the prior art,
the position of each pipe segment relative to the following pipe
segment can be adjusted independently of one another. This has the
advantage that the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is adjustable in a
plurality of length configurations. However, the disadvantage
arises that, each pipe segment must have its own latching
mechanisms with a blocking element which ensures latching of the
pipe segments and which must be blocked or opened separately by the
operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Proceeding from the aforementioned prior art, a primary
object of this invention is to devise a telescoping vacuum cleaner
suction pipe which can be easily produced and whose actuation is
optimized with respect to the telescoping capacity.
[0008] This object is achieved in a vacuum cleaner suction pipe in
accordance with the invention in that the pipe segments are
mechanically in interaction with one another via a control device
so that when the second pipe segment or the third pipe segment is
moved manually in the axial direction relative to the first pipe
segment the respectively other pipe segment is moved at the same
time by the control device.
[0009] The three pipe segments of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe
are arranged in succession, the first pipe segment being located in
the middle between the second pipe segment and the third pipe
segment. The length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe corresponds
to the distance between the end of the second pipe segment facing
away from the first pipe segment and the end of the third pipe
segment facing away from the first pipe segment. The second pipe
segment and the third pipe segment can be displaced relative to the
first pipe segment by manually pushing by the user, as a result of
which the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe can be
adjusted. The transition regions between the second pipe segment
and the first pipe segment or the first pipe segment and the third
pipe segment are preferably provided with a seal so that, between
the outer end of the second pipe segment and the outer end of the
third pipe segment, a continually tight suction channel is formed
to guide the intake air. The "outer ends" here mean the ends of the
second pipe segment and the third pipe segment facing away from the
first pipe segment.
[0010] On the pipe segments, there is a control device which
mechanically connects the pipe segments to one another so that,
when the second pipe segment or the third pipe segment is moved
manually relative to the first pipe segment, the respectively other
pipe segment--the second pipe segment or the third pipe segment--is
moved at the same time by the control device. Preferably, the
control device interacts with all three pipe segments by, for
example, the second pipe segment and the third pipe segment being
moved and the control device being supported on the first pipe
segment. However, alternatively, it is also provided that the
control device is located only on the second pipe segment and on
the third pipe segment.
[0011] If a user moves the second pipe segment or the third pipe
segment relative to the first pipe segment, consequently therefore,
in the axial direction away from the first pipe segment or toward
the first pipe segment, the respectively other pipe segment which
is not being manually actuated by the user is moved at the same
time by the control device which causes a mechanical interaction.
The mechanical interaction of the control device is, on the one
hand, provided such that the movement of the pipe segment which has
been moved at the same time takes place in the same direction as
that of the manually moved pipe segment, and on the other hand,
however, it is provided that the movement takes place in opposite
directions relative to one another so that if, for example, the
second pipe segment is moved in the direction of the first pipe
segment, the third pipe segment is also moved by the control device
in the direction of the first pipe segment, as a result of which
the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is reduced.
[0012] When the pipe segments are moved relative to one another,
the pipe segments are pushed into or onto one another so that the
vacuum cleaner suction pipe is altogether lengthened or shortened.
Preferably, all pipe segments are the same length, but especially
preferably the first pipe segment is twice as long as the second
pipe segment and the third pipe segment which are the same
length.
[0013] Advantageously, the control device is self-locking so that a
movement of the pipe segments relative to one another is possible
by an axial displacement force which is caused by the user, but in
the operation of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, the self-locking
of the control device acts such that an unintentional change in
length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is prevented. This
self-locking makes an actuating mechanism for changing the length
of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe unnecessary.
[0014] According to a first configuration of the vacuum cleaner
suction pipe, it is provided that there is an actuating mechanism
for the control device so that, when the actuating mechanism is not
actuated, a relative movement of the pipe segments relative to one
another is blocked, and that, when the actuating mechanism is
manually actuated by the user, a relative movement of the second
pipe segment and of the third pipe segment relative to the first
pipe segment is released. The actuating mechanism acts on the
control device such that, with the actuating mechanism not
actuated, movement of the control device is blocked while the
movement of the control device is released by manually actuation of
the actuating mechanism by a user.
[0015] The actuating mechanism, which is thus used at the same time
as a blocking mechanism for the relative movement of the pipe
segments, therefore, does not act directly on the pipe segments,
but simply indirectly via the control device, as a result of which
the movement of the pipe segments is released or blocked. This has
the advantage that the walls of the pipe segments need no longer be
provided with notches, as a result of which the production of the
vacuum cleaner suction pipe is simplified.
[0016] The actuating mechanism is preferably located in the middle
on the first pipe segment in the longitudinal direction, so that a
user, for example, can grasp the first pipe segment with one hand
at the level of the actuating mechanism in order to hold the vacuum
cleaner suction pipe and to operate the actuating mechanism with
his hand; at the same time, one of the pipe segments, for example,
the third pipe segment, can be moved with the other hand. In doing
so, by manually moving the third pipe segment via the control
device, at the same time, the second pipe segment is moved in order
to easily and comfortably increase or decrease the length of the
vacuum cleaner suction pipe.
[0017] Another configuration of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe
calls for the actuating mechanism to be made as a pressure
mechanism. This configuration has the advantage that the actuating
mechanism can be actuated by the user with one hand, for example,
by the first pipe segment to which the actuating mechanism is
preferably attached being encompassed with one hand. Here, the
actuating mechanism can be actuated, for example, by pressure with
the thumb, as a result of which the movement of the pipe segments
to one another is released.
[0018] Alternatively, the actuating mechanism can also be made such
that the pressure on the actuating mechanism takes place by
encompassing the actuating mechanism by a radial force being
applied to the actuating mechanism by encompassing it. The radial
force, for example, on at least one elastically supported grip area
actuates the actuating mechanism and releases a movement of the
pipe segments to one another.
[0019] Preferably, when the actuating mechanism is actuated, the
movement of the pipe segments is relative to one another, while the
movement is blocked if the actuating mechanism is not actuated. For
this purpose, the actuating mechanism, for example, has an
automatic reset, for example, by a spring.
[0020] In order to keep the cross section for the suction channel
as constant as possible, according to another configuration it is
provided that the second pipe segment and the third pipe segment
are slipped onto the first pipe segment on opposite ends. To do
this, the cross section of the second pipe segment and of the third
pipe segment is slightly larger than the cross section of the first
pipe segment so that the second pipe segment and the third pipe
segment on opposite ends of the first pipe segment can each be
slipped onto the latter. The first pipe segment thus forms the
inner pipe on which the second pipe segment and the third pipe
segment can be displaced as outer pipes. When the length changes,
the first pipe segment thus moves within the second pipe segment
and the third pipe segment.
[0021] Between the first pipe segment and the third pipe segment or
the second pipe segment, respectively, there is preferably a seal
which seals the suction channel. It is preferably made as an
intermediate socket which, at the same time, ensures the guidance
of the first pipe segment within the second or third pipe segment.
This intermediate socket or the seal is preferably made of a
plastic with good sliding properties, for example, PTFE, so that
simple displacement of the pipe segments relative to one another is
possible.
[0022] This configuration with the first pipe segment as the
smallest cross section has the advantage that the minimum cross
section of the suction channel is the cross section of the first
pipe segment since both the cross section of the second pipe
segment and also of the third pipe segment is slightly larger.
[0023] If the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is telescoped, therefore
changed in its length, when shortened both the second pipe segment
and also the third pipe segment are moved preferably toward the
middle, especially preferably in the direction of the actuating
mechanism. To lengthen the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, both the
second pipe segment and also the third pipe segment are moved
toward the outside away from the first pipe segment.
[0024] According to one configuration which has proven especially
advantageous, it is provided that the second pipe segment and the
third pipe segment are moved opposite one another by the mechanical
coupling of the control device. When one of the two outer pipe
segments is manually moved by the user, specifically the second
pipe segment or the third pipe segment, the control device causes a
movement opposite in direction to the movement of the manually
moved pipe segment so that the second pipe segment and the third
pipe segment are always moved at the same time toward the middle of
the first pipe segment or are always moved at the same time toward
the outside away from the middle of the first pipe segment.
[0025] This configuration has the advantage that the length of the
vacuum cleaner suction pipe can be quickly and easily increased or
decreased without a plurality of actuating elements having to be
actuated. In this configuration, it is sufficient to actuate a
single actuating element, as a result of which the movement of both
the second pipe segment and also of the third pipe segment is
released and is synchronized by the control device. When only one
pipe segment is moving, consequently, the correspondingly opposite
pipe segment is automatically moved at the same time so the desired
length status of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe can be reached
very quickly since only one of the movable pipe segments must be
moved by half the desired change of length and the other moves
automatically at the same time to achieve the desired change in
length.
[0026] According to another configuration, it is provided that the
control device is made as at least one control rod which acts
between the second pipe segment and the third pipe segment, on the
one hand, such that movement of the second pipe segment and of the
third pipe segment takes place in the same direction when actuated
manually, and on the other hand, it can also be set up such that,
with a suitable transmission ratio, opposite movement of the pipe
segments relative to one another is accomplished. Depending on the
configuration and arrangement of the control rod, there is support
or attachment to the first pipe segment and/or an interaction with
the actuating mechanism. Two control rods which are joined together
via a joint can also interact in this sense as a single control
rod.
[0027] According to another configuration which has proven
advantageous, it is provided that there are at least two control
rods, that a first control rod is connected to the end of the
second pipe segment facing away from the first pipe segment and a
second control rod is connected to the end of the third pipe
segment facing away from the first pipe segment, and that the first
control rod and the second control rod interact with one another
via the actuating element which is attached to the first pipe
segment. The control rods are consequently attached in the end
regions of the second pipe segment and third pipe segment facing
away from the first pipe segment. Attachment of the control rods to
the pipe segments can also take place indirectly, for example, via
a socket.
[0028] The control rods run normally within the pipe segments. The
force is transferred during the movement of the second pipe segment
or of the third pipe segment relative to the first pipe segment via
the control rods via which the direction of motion of the
individual pipe segments is also controlled and optionally
synchronized. The manual movement of one control rod always causes
a movement of the other control rod in order to move the other pipe
segment at the same time.
[0029] The actuating element is advantageously located in the
longitudinal direction in the middle on the first pipe segment and
guides the control rods such that movement of the control rods can
be blocked and released by the actuating mechanism. The mechanical
coupling of the control rods takes place either via the actuating
mechanism or is implemented independently of the actuating
mechanism. The force is transferred between the control rods in the
case of motion such that the second and third pipe segments move
oppositely or in the same direction.
[0030] According to one especially preferred configuration, it is
provided that the control rods are made as toothed racks, and that
the control rods interact with one another via a gear located on
the actuating mechanism so that the gear transfers motion of the
two racks when one of the two pipe segments is moved manually. The
racks preferably are made of a plastic and are provided over the
entire length with teeth which can mesh with the teeth of the gear.
Alternatively, one control rod can also be provided with teeth only
in sections, specifically in the regions in which contact with the
gear is possible within the framework of the freedom of movement of
the pipe segments.
[0031] The racks are each attached to the end of the second pipe
segment or of the third pipe segment facing away from the first
pipe segment and overlap in the region of the actuating mechanism
which is preferably attached to the first pipe segment. "Overlap"
here means that they run at least in one segment parallel to one
another, the proportion of the overlapping being dependent on the
length configuration of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe. Continuous
overlapping of the racks takes place in the region of the gear.
[0032] The gear is advantageously located on the actuating
mechanism and is preferably pivotally mounted between the two racks
so that the racks run parallel to one another oppositely on
different sides of the gear. The gear engages the teeth of the
respective racks so that it is ensured that, when one of the two
pipe segments and thus also the respective rack are moved manually
by a user, force is transmitted via the gear, as a result of which
the respective other pipe segment is moved at the same time
preferably in the opposite direction. The racks are guided on the
gear such that the teeth are prevented from skipping.
[0033] This configuration enables advantageous and simple
adaptation of the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe. The
use of racks and a gear has the advantage that the length of the
vacuum cleaner suction pipe can be set almost in a continuous
manner since the smallest possible variable distance is the
distance between the two teeth of a rack or of the gear.
[0034] In order to block the movement of the racks and thus the
movement of the pipe segments relative to one another, which is
necessary for the use of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, the gear
is blocked by the actuating mechanism so that the racks cannot move
relative to one another, and thus, also the pipe segments cannot
move relative to one another. By actuating the actuating mechanism,
the movement of the gear, especially the rotation, can be released
again so that a manual adaptation of the length of the vacuum
cleaner suction pipe is possible.
[0035] In order to move the pipe segments relative to one another
with different speeds, according to another configuration, it is
provided that there is a plurality of gears so that a different
transmission ratio is implemented between the racks of the second
pipe segment and of the third pipe segment. This transmission ratio
can be implemented differently, for example, such that the third
pipe segment is always moved only by half the distance by which the
second pipe segment is moved by a manual movement or vice versa.
Other transmission ratios can also be provided which, depending on
the application, can be configured and implemented
differently--number of gears, arrangement, etc. Via a plurality of
gears, in the sense of a gearbox, simplified force transmission
between the racks can also be implemented. Furthermore, it is also
provided that the transmission ratio between the racks can be
switched over on the actuating mechanism, for example, by a slider
control.
[0036] Within the framework of another configuration of the vacuum
cleaner suction pipe, it has proven advantageous if there are four
control rods, and that two control rods interact with the second
pipe segment and two control rods interact with the third pipe
segment. The first control rod of one pipe segment is attached, for
this purpose, to the end of the respective pipe segment facing away
from the first pipe segment and has a length which corresponds
roughly to the length of the pipe segment. On the end of each pipe
segment--here the second or third pipe segment--the rack in the
transition region between the second pipe segment and first pipe
segment or the third pipe segment and first pipe segment engages
the rack which belongs to one pipe segment and which for this
purpose is turned by 180.degree. with respect to its teeth.
[0037] The second control rod of an outer pipe segment--second or
third--then runs within the first pipe segment where it is guided
in the actuating mechanism. This configuration has the advantage
that the length of the engagement of the two racks of one pipe
segment in the transition region between the second pipe segment
and the first pipe segment or third pipe segment and first pipe
segment can be changed so that movement of the second pipe segment
and of the third pipe segment in the same or opposite direction is
implemented with a uniform transmission ratio, but the overlapping
length between the second pipe segment and the first pipe segment
or third pipe segment and first pipe segment is different between
the second pipe segment and third pipe segment. Overlapping length
here means the length with which the first pipe segment runs within
the second pipe segment or within the third pipe segment. The
overlapping ratio is adjusted preferably via two others, on the
second pipe segment and on the third pipe segment, on the end
facing the first pipe segment at the time. The maximum overlapping
length between the second pipe segment and the first pipe segment
is reached in the middle of the first pipe segment, therefore at
half the length of the first pipe segment.
[0038] To optimize the suction performance, according to another
configuration of the vacuum cleaner suction pipem it is provided
that the pipe segments have a droplet-shaped cross section that has
a suction channel within the cross section of each pipe segment,
and that the control device in the pipe segments is outside of the
suction channel. This configuration has the advantage that the
actual suction channel in which the intake air is routed runs
independently of the control device so that no swirling of the
intake air occurs, and thus, a power loss is not caused by the
control device. The suction channels of the individual pipe
segments preferably engage one another exactly like the pipe
segments themselves on the length of the vacuum cleaner suction
pipe and are sealed and can move relative to one another. The
suction channel preferably has a round cross section so that it can
be located advantageously in the lower part of the droplet-shaped
cross section of the pipe segments. In the upper section of the
droplet-shaped cross section of the pipe segments there is then the
control device, especially the rack.
[0039] While the pipe segments preferably are made of high-grade
steel or another metal, the suction change or channels are made of
plastic. The suction channels are used solely to guide the air and
can be freely moved relative to one another. The locking of the
respective position, and thus, of the length of the vacuum cleaner
suction pipe takes place as usual via the locking of the pipe
segments relative to one another via the control device.
[0040] According to a last configuration of the vacuum cleaner
suction pipe, it is provided that, on the end of the second pipe
segment and of the third pipe segment facing away from the first
pipe segment, there is a socket which is permanently connected to
the control device and which positions the suction channel within
the pipe segments. The respective socket is inserted positively on
the end of the second pipe segment or on the end of the third pipe
segment into the latter and thus closes it off. Only the suction
channel which runs within the pipe segments is exposed and can be
connected via a corresponding adapter piece on the socket to the
suction foot or to the suction hose of a vacuum cleaner. Depending
on the configuration, the respective socket is made integral with
the suction channel which runs within the pipe segment or separate
from it so that the socket and the suction channel positively
engage one another. The socket is used for positioning and
attachment of the suction channel within the respective pipe
segment. The control device, especially the racks, is attached to
the socket so that the racks are attached to the end of the second
pipe segment or of the third pipe segment facing away from the
first pipe segment and force is transferred from the racks via the
sockets to the pipe segments and vice versa.
[0041] In addition, preferably on the ends of the second pipe
segment and of the third pipe segment facing the first pipe
segment, there is an intermediate socket which, on the one hand,
improves the sliding properties between the pipe segments, and on
the other hand, is used for sealing of the pipe segments relative
to one another. The intermediate socket also positions the suction
channel.
[0042] In particular there are a host of possibilities for
embodying and developing the vacuum cleaner suction pipe in
accordance with the invention. In this regard reference is made to
the following detailed description of a preferred exemplary
embodiment in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
telescoping vacuum cleaner suction pipe,
[0044] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an end portion of an exemplary
embodiment of a vacuum cleaner suction pipe,
[0045] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a transition section between
two pipe segments of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaner
suction pipe,
[0046] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pipe segment with a gear
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaner
suction pipe,
[0047] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second end section of the
exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaner suction pipe,
[0048] FIG. 6 shows the control device and the sockets of the
exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, and
[0049] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a
vacuum cleaner suction pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum cleaner
suction pipe 1 with a first pipe segment 2, a second pipe segment 3
and a third pipe segment 4. The three pipe segments 2, 3, 4 are
telescopically connected to one another, the first pipe segment 2
being located between the second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe
segment 4. In the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1, there is a control
device 5 (shown in FIG. 6) mechanically connecting the three pipe
segments 2, 3, 4 to one another so that, when the second pipe
segment 3 or the third pipe segment 4 is displaced manually by a
user in the axial direction relative to the first pipe segment 2,
the pipe segment 3, 4 which is the other at the time is moved at
the same time by the control device 5. The movement of the second
pipe segment 3 and of the third pipe segment 4 is consequently
coupled via the control device 5. The second pipe segment 3 and the
third pipe segment 4 are moved in opposite directions relative to
one another by the control device 5, i.e., the two pipe segments 3,
4 are moved at the same time toward the middle of the first pipe
segment 2 or away from it.
[0051] To actuate the control device 5, according to FIG. 1, there
is an actuating mechanism 6 which acts on the control device 5 so
that, when the actuating mechanism 6 is not actuated, movement of
the three pipe segments 2, 3, 4 relative to one another is blocked,
and that when the actuating mechanism 6 is manually actuated,
relative movement of the second pipe segment 3 and of the third
pipe segment 4 relative to the first pipe segment 2 is enabled. The
manually set length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is thus
locked by the control device 5 which acts on the three pipe
segments 2, 3, 4.
[0052] The second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4 are
slipped onto the first pipe segment 2 on opposite ends of the first
pipe segment 2. To do this, the cross sections of the second pipe
segment 3 and of the third pipe segment 4 are slightly larger than
the cross section of the first pipe segment 2. If the vacuum
cleaner suction pipe 1 is being telescoped, the first pipe segment
2 is moved within the second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe
segment 4. The first pipe segment 2 accordingly forms an inner pipe
while the second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4
constitute outer pipes.
[0053] The control device 5 (which is shown in FIG. 6) is
configured for the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 such
that the second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4 are
moved opposite one another by the mechanical coupling of the
control device 5 if one of the two pipe segments 3, 4 is moved
manually by a user. A manual movement by a user can also take place
such that the second pipe segment 3 or the third pipe segment 4 is
held and fixed by the user and then the first pipe segment 2 is
moved relative thereto.
[0054] According to FIG. 6, the control device 5 encompasses a
total of four control rods which are made as racks 7. The second
pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4 each encompass a first
rack 7a and a second rack 7b, the first rack 7a and the second rack
7b, in the mounted state, being arranged turned by 180.degree.
relative to one another so that, in a transition region, a
plurality of teeth of the first rack 7a and of the second rack 7b
engage one another. This transition region is preferably in the
region in which the first pipe segment 2 passes into the second
pipe segment 3 or into the third pipe segment 4.
[0055] The two second control rods 7b, specifically that of the
second pipe segment 3 and that of the third pipe segment 4, overlap
in the region of the actuating mechanism 6. Here, "overlap" means
that the second racks 7b run parallel to one another in one
section, the length of this section depending on the set length of
the vacuum cleaner suction pipe. The shorter the total length of
the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 is set, the longer the section in
which the second racks 7b overlap. If the vacuum cleaner suction
pipe 1 is set to its maximum length, the overlapping of the racks
7b is the smallest.
[0056] A detailed view of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 in the
region of the actuating mechanism 6 is shown in FIG. 4. According
to FIG. 4, the second racks 7b overlap in the first pipe segment 2
in the region of the actuating mechanism 6 (not shown in detail).
As part of the actuating mechanism 6, a gear 8 is arranged
rotationally mounted, the teeth of the gear 8 engaging the teeth of
the two second control racks 7b. The racks 7b run parallel to one
another on opposite sides of the gear 8. The racks 7b are coupled
via the gear 8 such that any movement of one of the two racks 7b is
transmitted via the gear to the other rack 7b. The gear 8 is
rotationally mounted and connected to the other components of the
actuating mechanism 6 such that the rotation capacity of the gear 8
is released by actuating the actuating mechanism 6. When the
actuating mechanism 6 is not actuated, rotation of the gear 8 is
blocked by the actuating mechanism 6 so that, altogether, a
relative movement of the control device 5, and thus, of the pipe
segments 2, 3, 4 relative to one another is blocked. The second
racks 7b on their overlapping ends have blocking elements 9. The
blocking elements 9 prevent the second racks 7b from being
withdrawn from the gear 8, and thus, also the second pipe segment 3
from being withdrawn from the first pipe segment 2 and the third
pipe segment 4 from being withdrawn from the first pipe segment
2.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1 & 6, the actuating mechanism 6 is
made as a pressure mechanism so that the movement of the pipe
segments 2, 3, 4 relative to one another is released by pressure on
the button 14. The button 14 is spring-loaded so that the movement
of the pipe segments 2, 3, 4 relative to one another is blocked if
pressure is not applied to the button 14.
[0058] FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the vacuum cleaner suction
pipe 1 in the region of the second pipe segment 3. The pipe
segments 3 & 4 are like the second pipe segment 3, here having
an essentially droplet-shaped cross section. In the lower region of
the droplet-shaped cross section, within the second pipe segment 3,
there is a suction channel 10 which is used to guide the intake air
within the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1. The suction channel 10
has a round cross section and offers the advantage that the intake
air is routed through the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 without
being influenced by the components, and thus consequently, without
swirls being created within the suction channel by those components
7 & 8.
[0059] The individual sections of the suction channel 10 in the
pipe segments 2, 3, 4 are also movable relative one another, i.e.,
they can be telescoped. The sections of the suction channel 10 foam
a continuous and sealed channel between the two ends of the vacuum
cleaner suction pipe 1. The rack 7 likewise runs within the second
pipe segment 3, but outside of the suction channel 10. Because the
racks 7 of the control device 5 are routed outside of the suction
channel 10, power-reducing swirls within the suction channel 10 are
prevented. In FIG. 7, the components of the vacuum cleaner suction
pipe 1 which are present in the posterior planes are not shown.
[0060] In addition to the control device 5, FIG. 6 shows connectors
11 which, in the mounted state of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe
1, are inserted into the ends of the second pipe segment 3 and of
the third pipe segment 4 facing away from the first pipe segment 2.
The connectors 11 encompass the suction channel 10 positively and
keep it at its position within the respective pipe segment 3, 4.
The socket 11 for the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 constitutes the
interface of the suction channel 10 to the suction part of the
vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 (not shown) and on the other side to
the suction hose (not shown). The first racks 7a of the control
device 5 are attached to the connectors 11. Force is transferred
via this connection from the second pipe segment 3 and the third
pipe segment 4 to the racks 7 and vice versa, i.e., from the racks
7 to the second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4.
[0061] Furthermore, in the mounted state, on the end of the second
pipe segment 3 and of the third pipe segment 4 facing the first
pipe segment 2, intermediate sleeves 12 are inserted into the
second pipe segment 3 and the third pipe segment 4. The
intermediate sleeves 12 are used, on the one hand, to hold the
suction channel 10 within the pipe segments 3, 4, and on the other
hand, they are used to simplify the sliding process between the
first pipe segment 2 and the second pipe segment 3 or the third
pipe segment 4. The intermediate sleeves 12 are used as sliding
elements between the pipe segments 2, 3, 4, and at the same time,
seal the transition sites.
[0062] FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of an end region of
the second pipe segment 3 facing away from the first pipe segment 2
in which the suction channel 10 runs and is positively connected to
the connector 11. The first rack 7a is likewise attached to the
connector 11 so that force is transferred from the rack 7a via the
socket 11 to the second pipe segment 3. The connector 11 is also
used as an interface for the suction channel 10 to route the intake
air, especially for connection of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1
to a suction base (not shown).
[0063] FIG. 3 shows the transition region between the second pipe
segment 3 and the first pipe segment 2 of an exemplary embodiment
of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1. Between the first pipe
segment 2 and the second pipe segment 3, there is an intermediate
sleeve 12. The suction channel 10, which runs underneath the racks
7 is not shown here. Within the first pipe segment 2 and the second
pipe segment 3, the first rack 7a and the second rack 7b run; they
are arranged offset by 180.degree. relative to one another and in
the transition region between the first pipe segment 2 and second
pipe segment 3, they engage one another with a plurality of teeth
and are thus connected to one another.
[0064] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an end region of the
third pipe segment 4 facing away from the first pipe segment 2 in a
partial section. A connector 11 which is used as an interface for
the suction channel 10 of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe 1 is
inserted into the pipe segment 4. The suction channel 10 is
inserted positively into the connector 11 so that the connector 11
keeps the suction channel 10 within the third pipe segment 4.
Furthermore, the first rack 7a is also fixed on the socket 11 so
that force is transferred from the rack 7a to the socket 11, and
thus, to the third pipe segment 4. This socket 11 has an actuating
element 13 which is used for detachable latching of the socket 11
to a suction hose which is inserted into the latter and which is
not shown.
* * * * *