SUCTION NOZZLE APPARATUS FOR A CLEANING DEVICE, AND CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

A suction nozzle apparatus for a cleaning device is proposed, including a connector for the application of negative pressure, a suction body and a suction head with at least one intake opening, the suction head being rotatably arranged on the suction body, wherein the at least one intake opening is fluidically connected to the connector, and wherein the suction head is rotatably mounted in an interior space of a housing of the suction body.

Description

This application is a continuation of international application number PCT/EP2013/069694 filed on Sep. 23, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a suction nozzle apparatus for a cleaning device, comprising a connector for the application of negative pressure, a suction body and a suction head with at least one intake opening, the suction head being rotatably arranged on the suction body, wherein the at least one intake opening is fluidically connected to the connector.

From U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,482, there is known a suction cleaning device which comprises a cleaning nozzle.

From EP 1 880 651 B1, there is known a spray extraction nozzle having a suction duct and a suction mouth as well as a spray nozzle associated with said spray extraction nozzle and an adapter for treating surfaces having different textures. The adapter is connected via a pivot axis to the spray extraction nozzle and is pivotable from a rest position remote from the suction mouth into a working position in front of the suction mouth of the spray extraction nozzle. The adapter serves, in its rest position, as a support surface for the spray extraction nozzle.

From EP 0 176 696 A2, there is known a cleaning device for dry or wet suction and/or for spray extraction cleaning, having a suction head comprising suction openings which is connected to a suction line and with a spray line for a cleaning liquid ending at the suction head in a spray nozzle. The suction head has a suction opening at both its underside and its front end face, one of the two suction openings being closable in each case.

From WO 87/01920 A1, there is known a variable cleaning nozzle.

From DE 10 2011 050 697 A1, there is known a liquid suction device for drawing off and sucking up liquids.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a suction nozzle apparatus is provided, which has optimized suction properties with a simply designed construction.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the suction head is rotatably mounted in an interior space of a housing of the suction body.

Inward suction takes place by means of the suction body. The suction body herein makes contact directly with the surface to be cleaned or, for example, by means of lips such as rubber lips.

Due to the rotatability of the suction head, an angular position of the suction nozzle apparatus relative to the surface being cleaned can be set. In this way, an adaptation to different heights of an operator is possible in a simple and, in particular, an automatic manner. In particular, when spraying of the surface to be cleaned with cleaning liquid is intended, an identical spraying pattern is achieved regardless of the angular position of the suction nozzle apparatus relative to the surface to be cleaned.

Due to the internal positioning of the suction head on the housing, the suction head is protected. A corresponding rotation bearing can be configured in a constructionally simple manner.

Furthermore, the suction head can be positioned on the suction body so that its rotation axis has a minimum spacing from the surface to be cleaned. This minimum spacing is substantially half the diameter of the suction head.

In a corresponding configuration of the rotation bearing of simple construction, the suction head can also be removed from the suction body and re-installed easily and in particular without tools, for example, for cleaning.

Due to the mounting of the suction head in the interior space of the housing of the suction body, a fluid path for the inward suction can be realized which has minimal cross-sectional jumps regardless of the rotational position of the suction head on the suction body. By this means, an optimum suction result is achieved with minimum flow losses.

In particular, the housing of the suction body has a first wall and a second wall arranged opposite thereto, between which the suction head is positioned. The walls can be used, in particular, to form a rotation bearing. By this means, a compact structure results with a protected mounting of the suction head.

It is advantageous if seatings for rotational mounting of the suction head are arranged on the first wall and the second wall, respectively. As a result, a corresponding rotation bearing can be configured in a constructionally simple manner.

In particular, a seating is provided as a recess, in each case, on the corresponding wall. In this way, part of the rotation bearing can be configured to a certain extent as a hole. It is herein advantageous if at least one seating is configured as a through recess. By this means, an operator can release the suction head from the suction body from outside by suitable application of pressure.

It is constructionally favorable if oppositely positioned shaft journals are arranged on the suction head for rotational mounting on the suction body. The shaft journals are herein arranged, in particular, rotationally fixed on the suction body. On suitable insertion into an associated seating, rotatability or pivotability of the suction head on the suction body can be realized easily.

It is favorable if at least one shaft journal is displaceable parallel to a rotation axis of the suction head. By this means, a suction head which is releasable from the suction body can be easily realized, wherein the releasability (and also insertability) is achievable, in particular, without tools.

It is favorable if the at least one displaceable shaft journal is spring-loaded, wherein for displacement of the corresponding shaft journal in the direction toward the other shaft journal, a spring force must be overcome. The spring force presses the displaceable shaft journal into a position which enables rotational mounting of the suction head on the suction body. By means of displacement of the corresponding shaft journal against the direction of the spring force, for which an operator intervention is required, a corresponding shaft journal can be withdrawn from its seating and thereby the suction head can be removed from the suction body.

In particular, the suction head is then positioned on the suction body removably and replaceably without tools. By this means, an operator can easily exchange the suction head, for example, for cleaning. It is also possible thereby to adapt the suction nozzle apparatus easily to different uses and therein particularly to different types of surfaces to be cleaned. For example, a special suction head for hard floors can be provided which has, for example, rollers for roller guidance on the hard floor, and pull-off lips. Furthermore, a suitable suction head can be provided for cleaning textile materials such as carpets. By this means, variable usability of the associated suction nozzle apparatus is provided.

It is favorable if the suction head is configured as a shaft and herein, in particular, in its entirety as a shaft. This shaft which has shaft journals, in particular, is rotatable as a whole in the housing interior space of the suction body.

It is favorable if a sliding bearing for the suction head is arranged on the suction body, wherein in particular, a sliding seal is formed between the suction body and the suction head. By means of the sliding bearing, additional support is provided for the rotatability of the suction head in the suction body. At the same time, by this means, a sliding seal can be provided so that the flow path for entry into the suction body is provided substantially only by means of the suction head and therein is provided through the intake opening.

In particular, in the region of the sliding bearing, the suction body and the suction head have cylinder contours adapted to one another. In this way, a rotatability of the suction head in the sliding bearing is enabled by simple means.

It is very particularly advantageous if at least one guide runner is arranged on the suction body for contact on a surface to be cleaned. By this means, an enlarged guide surface is provided. By means of the correspondingly enlarged guide surface and thus also by means of an enlarged contact surface, by simple means, through adaptation of an angular position of the suction nozzle apparatus relative to the surface to be cleaned, adaptation to an operator height can be achieved. Thus by simple means, the suction nozzle apparatus is variably usable.

In particular, a guide runner is arranged in the region of each of the opposing end faces of the suction head. The guide runners are spaced from one another. By this means, an enlarged guide surface is provided wherein guide runners are positionable, for example, so that they are at most minimally impacted by spray liquid, which means that they do not mask the spraying of a surface to be cleaned to a relevant extent.

In particular, the at least one guide runner is oriented transversely to a rotation axis of the suction head in order to achieve an effective contact and thus guidance.

It is herein favorable if the at least one guide runner is oriented in a direction which is parallel to a pulling direction of the suction nozzle apparatus during operation of the cleaning device. By this means, the at least one guide runner does not project beyond a front side of the suction body and the suction body can be guided close to a transverse wall of the surface to be cleaned.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more rollers are arranged on the at least one guide runner. By this means, in particular, a suction head can be realized which is advantageous for the cleaning of hard floors. For example, for the cleaning of textile materials, in general, such rollers are not provided.

It is also favorable if a contact surface of the at least one guide runner for the surface to be cleaned is oriented parallel to a rotation axis of the suction head. By this means, optimal guidance is provided.

It is favorable if the suction head has at least one suction duct which extends between at least one outlet opening and the at least one intake opening. The suction head comprises a body on which the at least one intake opening and the at least one outlet opening are arranged, wherein they extend between the at least one suction duct in the body. Suction material is then sucked in, which means that a flow path for the intake leads through the suction head. It is thereby achievable with simple means that the suction head touches the surface to be cleaned directly or by means of sealing lips and suction material is then sucked into a suction chamber following behind the suction head. By this means, at each rotational position of the suction head, large cross-sectional jumps are prevented and an optimized flow path results.

It is favorable if the suction body has a suction chamber which is fluidically connected to the connector, wherein the at least one suction duct opens into the suction chamber at every rotational position of the suction head. By this means, an optimized connection of the suction head to the suction body with regard to the flow guidance is provided. Large cross-sectional jumps in the flow path can be prevented so that an optimized suction outcome results.

In one exemplary embodiment, the suction body comprises a tube element in which the suction chamber is formed and the suction head comprises at least one projecting element which projects into the tube element wherein the at least one outlet opening is arranged in the at least one projecting element. By this means, an optimized transition is formed with regard to the flow guidance from the suction head to the suction body. Between the at least one projecting element and the tube element, a seal can be achieved, by simple means, in particular by means of a sliding seal so that the flow path is substantially defined by the at least one suction duct in the suction head and the suction chamber.

It is favorable if, in order to form a sliding seal, the at least one projecting element abuts against a wall of the tube element. By this means, for each rotational position of the suction head, a sealing effect results.

It can be provided that, for rotatability on the tube element, the at least one projecting element has a rounded end face. By this means, at the same time, rotatability and a sliding seal can be realized.

In one exemplary embodiment, a first stop and a second stop for the suction head are provided on the suction body, wherein the suction head is pivotable relative to the suction body between the first stop and the second stop. By this means, an angular position of the suction nozzle apparatus to the surface to be cleaned adapted to an operator can easily be set. The first stop and the second stop are formed, in particular, by corresponding design measures on the suction head and the suction body. For example, a stop is formed in that one or more guide runners make contact at a particular region of the suction body. A further stop is formed, for example, in that a stop element of the suction head, such as a stop strip, makes contact against a corresponding housing part of the suction body.

In particular, the rotatability between the first stop and the second stop is stepless. A stepless rotatability of this type can be simply configured by means of a corresponding rotation bearing. In particular, the suction head is configured in its entirety as a shaft. By this means, a simple adaptation to different user heights results and also for particular cleaning purposes, the angular position of the suction nozzle apparatus relative to the surface to be cleaned can be variably set.

In one exemplary embodiment, at least one spray nozzle is provided for the application of spray to a surface to be cleaned. By this means, a surface to be cleaned can first be sprayed with cleaning liquid and subsequently, any excess liquid can be taken up. By means of the cleaning liquid, dirt can be dissolved and taken up. For example, the corresponding suction nozzle apparatus is then a spray extraction-suction nozzle apparatus. It can also be provided, for example, that by means of the at least one spray nozzle, steam is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned.

It is favorable if the suction nozzle apparatus has a spray connector which is in fluidic connection with the at least one spray nozzle. By means of the spray connector, spray liquid can be fed into the suction nozzle apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one spray nozzle is positioned spaced from the suction head. This concerns, in particular, a spray extraction-suction nozzle apparatus. A surface to be cleaned is sprayed by means of the at least one spray nozzle with spray liquid before inward suction takes place. In the solution according to the invention, the rotation axis lies in a fixed position to the at least one spray nozzle. This means that for each angular position of the suction nozzle apparatus, the same spraying pattern is obtained on the surface to be cleaned.

In one exemplary embodiment, a holder is provided on which the at least one spray nozzle and the suction body are fixed. By this means, a compact construction of the suction nozzle apparatus is provided. Furthermore, a fixed spatial relation between the at least one spray nozzle and the suction head is established.

In front of the holder is a front region and behind the holder is a rear region, wherein the holder covers the front region and the rear region to a certain extent. It is favorable if the at least one spray nozzle is positioned in the rear region and in normal operation of the cleaning device, the suction head is pulled in a pulling direction from the front region to the rear region. By this means, a particular region of the surface to be cleaned can be sprayed and subsequently, by means of the pulling of the suction nozzle apparatus in the pulling direction, the suction head is brought into contact with the previously sprayed surface region and excess liquid can be drawn in, in particular with loosened dirt.

According to the invention, a cleaning device with a blowing device for negative pressure generation (to create a suction air stream) is provided with a suction connector which comprises a suction nozzle apparatus according to the invention, the connector of which is connected to the suction connector.

The cleaning device according to the invention has the advantages set out above in relation to the suction nozzle apparatus according to the invention.

The cleaning device can be configured, for example, as a spray extraction device or steam suction device with a delivery connector for spray fluid which is connected to a spray connector of the suction nozzle apparatus. By means of the suction nozzle apparatus, cleaning fluid and, in particular, spray fluid can then be formed.

It is favorable if a set of different suction heads is provided for different cleaning uses. With the solution according to the invention, the suction head can be removed from and inserted into the suction body by simple means and, in particular, without tools. In this way, by means of a variable choice of a suction head, by simple means, adaptation to a surface to be cleaned is possible.

In particular, the set comprises at least one suction head for spray extraction cleaning of textile materials and one suction head for cleaning hard floors. For example, in a suction head for spray extraction cleaning of textile materials, a sliding surface is provided on the suction head and, in particular, no sealing lips such as rubber lips are provided. In a suction head for cleaning hard floors, rollers can be provided, and sealing lips between which the at least one intake opening lies.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves for more detailed description of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a suction nozzle apparatus which is connectable to the cleaning device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another view of the suction nozzle apparatus according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the line 4-4 according to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the line 5-5 according to FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along the line 6-6 according to FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device which is shown in FIG. 1 and is identified therein as 10 comprises a housing 12. Arranged protected in the housing 12 are components of the cleaning device 10. One component of the cleaning device 10 is a blower device 14 which generates a suction stream.

Arranged on the housing 12 is a suction connector 16 to which a suction nozzle apparatus 18 (FIGS. 2 to 6) is connectable.

The blower device 14 is fluidically connected to the suction connector 16.

A separator which is arranged on the housing 12 (not visible in FIG. 1) is associated with the blower device 14. Furthermore, a tank is arranged in the housing 12 for receiving dirty liquid that is sucked in.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 10 is configured as a spray extraction device. A device 19 is provided which provides and, in particular, conveys spray liquid. This is in fluidic connection with a delivery connector 20 for spray fluid.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 10 is configured as a steam suction device. The device 19 is then in particular a steam generating device with a conveying device for steam to the delivery connector 20.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 10 is configured movable with a wheel apparatus 22 by means of which the cleaning device 10 is placeable on a surface.

The suction nozzle apparatus 18 comprises a handle piece 24. Held on the handle piece 24 is a flexible hose 26. The hose 26 has a connector 28 for the application of negative pressure.

This connector 28 of the suction nozzle apparatus 18 is connectable to the suction connector 16.

Arranged on the handle piece 24 is a switch device 30 by means of which a suction operation and/or a spray operation is switchable.

Arranged on the handle piece 24 on a side which faces away from the side on which the hose 26 is positioned is a tubular piece 32. This tubular piece 32 comprises a rigid tube.

Arranged on the tubular piece 32 is a stirrup handle 34 by means of which an operator can hold the suction nozzle apparatus 18.

The tubular piece 32 is fixed, in particular, by means of a clamping nut 36 to a thread of the handle piece 24.

Arranged on the tubular piece 32 is a further tubular piece 38 which is fixed, in particular, by means of a clamping nut 40 to a thread of the handle piece 32.

Arranged on the tubular piece 38, in turn, is a suction nozzle 42.

In an exemplary embodiment, the suction nozzle 42 is fixed by means of a clamping nut 44 to a thread of the tubular piece 38. The suction nozzle 42 comprises a suction body 46 with a housing 48. Arranged on the housing 48 is a tubular piece 50 which is connected by means of the clamping nut 44 to the tubular piece 38.

Fluid can be drawn in by means of the suction body 46. A fluid transport path is provided through the suction body 46, the tubular piece 50, the tubular piece 38, the tubular piece 32 and the handle piece 24, through the hose 26 to the connector 28, so that fluid (dirt-laden fluid which can also contain liquid) is able to be sucked in by means of the cleaning device 10 via the suction connector 16.

The tubular piece 38 forms a holder 52 for the suction nozzle 42 on the suction body 46. This holder 52 holds a spray nozzle 54 (FIGS. 2 and 4). The suction nozzle apparatus 18 has a spray connector 56 (FIG. 2) which is connectable to the delivery connector 20. Extending from this spray connector 56, a line 58 for spray liquid extends along the handle piece 24 of the tubular piece 32, the tubular piece 38 and partially along the tubular piece 50 as far as the spray nozzle 54.

The spray nozzle 50 itself is spaced from the tubular piece 50 on an underside 60 of the holder 52 and spaced from the suction body 46.

In a normal operating position, the tubular piece 50 is inclined at an acute angle 62 to a surface 64 to be cleaned. The underside 60 then faces toward the surface 64 to be cleaned.

The spray nozzle 54 is oriented so that a region 66 of the surface 64 to be cleaned which lies in front of the suction body 46 is sprayed.

By means of the holder 52, the space in which the holder 52 is positioned is subdivided into a front region 68 and a rear region 70. The spray nozzle 54 is positioned in the rear region 70. In a normal operation of the suction nozzle apparatus 18 on the cleaning device 10, said nozzle is pulled in a pulling direction 72 from the front region 68 into the rear region 70.

The housing 48 of the suction body 46 has a housing interior space 74. In this housing interior space 74, a suction head 76 is arranged rotatable about a rotation axis 78.

When the suction head 76 lies on the surface 64 to be cleaned, then the rotation axis 78 is parallel to the surface 64 to be cleaned.

The housing 48 has, opposing and spaced from one another, a first wall 80 and a second wall 82 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Positioned between the first wall 80 and the second wall 82 is the suction head 76.

The first wall 80 has a seating 84. The seating 84 is formed by a recess which is, in particular, hollow cylindrical.

The second wall 82 has a corresponding seating 86 which is also formed as a recess on the second wall 82 and, in particular, as a hollow cylindrical recess.

The suction head 76 comprises a body 88. This body 88 is configured at least approximately cylindrical.

The body 88 has a first end face 90 facing toward the first wall 80 and a second end face 92 facing toward the second wall 82. Situated at the first end face 90 is a first shaft journal 94 which is formed cylindrically and is positioned in the seating 84. Accordingly, situated at the second end face 92 is a second shaft journal 96 which is also formed cylindrically and is positioned in the seating 86.

By means of the first shaft journal 94 with associated seating 84 and the second shaft journal 96 with associated seating 86, a rotation bearing 98 is formed by means of which the suction head 76 is rotatably mounted in the housing interior space 74.

The suction head 76 forms, with its shaft journals 94 and 96, a shaft rotatably positioned at the housing 48 and in the housing interior space 74 between the first wall 80 and the second wall 82.

At least one shaft journal is configured displaceable. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second shaft journal 96 is configured displaceable in a direction 100 which is parallel to the rotation axis 78.

The second shaft journal 96 is herein spring-loaded; a spring device 102 is provided which is arranged in a recess 104 in the region of the second end face 92 of the suction head 76. The second shaft journal 96 is displaceable in the recess 104 in the direction 100, wherein the spring device 102 is supported at a rear side 106 of the second shaft journal 96 and a bottom 108 of the recess 104. The spring device 102 presses the second shaft journal 96 away from the bottom 108.

Arranged on the second shaft journal 96 is a contact element 110 which is, for example, disk-shaped. A cover 112 for the recess 104 forms a contact surface for the contact element 110 which delimits the displacement of the second shaft journal 96 away from the bottom 108. The contact element 110 and the cover 112 are dimensioned so that when the contact element 110 abuts against the cover 112, the second shaft journal 96 is positioned in the seating 86 so that the suction head 76 is rotatably held in the housing interior space 74 on the first wall 80 and the second wall 82.

In order to guide the second shaft journal 96 out of the seating 86, the second shaft journal 96 must be pushed in the direction toward the first shaft journal 94 against the spring force of the spring device 102. By this means, the second shaft journal 96 can emerge from the seating 86. It is then possible to remove the suction head 76 as a whole from the housing 48.

The seating 86 (and advantageously also the seating 84) is configured as a through recess. An operator can then push the second shaft journal 96 out of the seating 86 from outside in order to enable removal of the suction head 76.

A guide runner device 114 by means of which an enlarged contact surface is brought about for the contact of the suction head 76 on the surface 64 to be cleaned is arranged on the suction head 76.

In an exemplary embodiment, the guide runner device 114 comprises a first guide runner 116 which is arranged in the region of the first end face 90. Furthermore, a spaced second guide runner 118 is provided which is arranged in the region of the second end face 92. A free space lies between the first guide runner 116 and the second guide runner 118.

The first guide runner 116 and the second guide runner 118 are oriented parallel to one another. They each extend in a direction transverse to the rotation axis 78.

The first guide runner 116 and the second guide runner 118 face toward the underside of the holder 52 and extend into the rear region 70. By this means, contact of the guide runners 116, 118 on a transverse surface to the surface 64 to be cleaned when the suction body 56 is moved in the contrary direction to the direction 72 toward this transverse surface is prevented.

An underside 120 of the guide runner device 114 is also configured, in particular, planar or forms a planar envelope surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, rollers 122 are arranged on the guide runner device 114 (indicated in FIG. 4). A corresponding suction nozzle apparatus with such rollers 122 is suitable, in particular, for cleaning hard floors.

In a suction nozzle apparatus which is used for cleaning textile materials and, in particular, for cleaning carpets, the guide runner device 114 is configured as a sliding guide without rollers 122.

A sliding bearing 124 is provided in the housing interior space 74 of the housing 48 for the suction head 76. This sliding bearing 124 comprises a sliding surface 126 with a (hollow) cylinder contour which is adapted to a corresponding cylinder contour of the suction head 76. The suction head 76 lies against the sliding surface 126. By means of the sliding bearing 124 with contact of an outer contour of the suction head 76 on the sliding surface 126, a sliding seal is formed.

The sliding surface 126 surrounds a tube element 128 which is arranged in the housing interior space 74. The tube element 128 has a suction chamber 130 which is in fluidic connection with the connector 28. The suction chamber 130 is connected by means of a tube 132 to the tubular piece 50. The tube 132 is herein arranged on a transition region 134 of the suction body 46 of the suction nozzle 42 to the tubular piece 50.

There is arranged on the suction head 76 (at least) one intake opening 136. The intake opening 136 is an opening of one (or a plurality of) suction channels 138 which pass through the body 88 and open in (at least) one outlet opening 140 on a side facing away from the intake opening 136. The outlet opening 140 is positioned independently of the rotational position of the suction head 76 in the suction chamber 130.

On operation of the suction nozzle apparatus 18, the intake opening 136 faces directly toward the surface 64 to be cleaned.

A projecting element 142 which projects into the suction chamber 130 is formed on the body 88 of the suction head 76. Arranged on the projecting element 142 is the outlet opening 140. The projecting element 142 is rotatable in the suction chamber 130, the projecting element 142 abutting against the tube element 128; by this means, a sliding seal is formed between the projecting element 142 and the tube element 128.

For a rotatability (pivotability) of the projecting element 142 in the tube element 128, the projecting element 142 has an end face 144 which is rounded.

In an exemplary embodiment, the intake opening 136 is configured as a slit which extends, in particular, over approximately the whole length of the suction head 76 between the first shaft journal 94 and the second shaft journal 96. By this means, a large opening surface is provided for the intake.

In an exemplary embodiment, the suction duct 138 at the intake opening 136 has a smaller length than the intake opening 136. In particular, a length of the outlet opening 140 is equivalent at least approximately to a corresponding length of the suction chamber 130.

The position of the rotation axis 78 relative to the suction nozzle 42 is independent of the pivot position of the suction head 76. As a result, the same spraying pattern is produced, regardless of the rotation position (pivot position) of the suction head 76.

The suction nozzle apparatus 18 functions as follows.

During operation of the cleaning device 10, the suction nozzle apparatus 18 is connected to it. The connector 28 for the application of negative pressure is connected to the suction connector 16 and the spray connector 56 is connected to the delivery connector 20.

The blower device 14 generates a negative pressure air flow (suction air flow) which arises at the intake opening 136. Spray liquid is provided to the spray nozzle 54 by means of the delivery connector 20.

During cleaning operation, the suction head 76 lies on the surface 64 to be cleaned. In addition, the guide runner device 114 lies on the surface 64 to be cleaned.

By means of the rotatable suction head 76, the acute angle 62 is adjustable to the height of an operator, so that a comfortable operating position is created regardless of the height of the operator.

The suction head 76 adapts automatically so that the intake opening 136 is positioned for corresponding intake.

The same spraying pattern is produced close to the suction head 76 regardless of the angle 62 at the surface 64 to be cleaned; the rotation axis 78 lies in a fixed position relative to the spray nozzle 54.

The suction body 46 defines a first stop 146 (FIG. 4) and a second stop 148 for the rotatability of the suction head 76. The suction head 76 is steplessly rotatable between the first stop 146 and the second stop 148 and thus the angle 62 is adjustable.

The suction head 76 makes contact with the first stop 146, in particular, by means of the guide runner device 114.

In order to make contact with the second stop 148 which is formed, in particular, on an end face of the sliding bearing 124, a stop strip 150 is formed on the body 88.

Due to the free rotatability of the suction head 76 between the first stop 146 and the second stop 148, an operator can also adjust the angular position of the suction nozzle apparatus 18 in order to clean particular surfaces.

The guide runner device 114 faces into the rear region 70. By this means, the suction body 46 can be formed, at a front side 152 facing into the front region 68, at least approximately planar or with a planar envelope surface. In this way, close to a transverse wall, the suction body 46 can be pushed to the surface 64 to be cleaned, wherein in particular, the guide runner device 114 does not hinder this pushing and/or contact.

If, for example, spray extraction cleaning of a textile material, for example, a carpet is carried out, the suction head 76 is then moved in the direction 72, which means that it is pulled in this direction 72. Then, a surface region to be cleaned is first sprayed with spray liquid and subsequently the suction head 76 moves with the intake opening 136 over the sprayed surface region and sucks in excess liquid (with loosened dirt).

The suction head 76 is positioned between the first wall 80 and the second wall 82 in the housing interior space 74. It is thereby arranged protected and a corresponding rotation bearing 98 can be formed easily by means of the shaft journals 94, 96.

The (at least one) outlet opening 140 opens into the suction chamber 130 in the same way regardless of the rotational position of the suction head 76. By this means, cross-sectional jumps with a negative influence on flow can be prevented and an optimized intake result is obtained.

Due to the configuration of the rotation bearing 98 with at least one spring-loaded shaft journal 96, the suction head 76 can easily be removed from the suction body 46 for cleaning.

It is also possible thereby to adapt the suction nozzle apparatus 18 easily to the surface 64 to be cleaned by modification of the suction head 76.

In one exemplary embodiment, a set of different suction heads 76 is provided in order to obtain an optimized cleaning result for different types of surface 64 to be cleaned.

In particular, the set of suction heads 76 comprises one suction head for cleaning hard floors. A suction head of this type has, in particular, rollers 122 on the guide runner device 114. Furthermore, lips made of an elastic material such as, for example, rubber lips can be provided which extend in the longitudinal direction of the intake opening 136, wherein the intake opening 136 lies between such lips.

Furthermore, a suction head 76 is provided for cleaning textile materials such as carpets. In this exemplary embodiment, the guide runner device 114 is configured as a pure sliding guide which can slide over the textile material. The suction head 76 is also configured for sliding guidance on the surface 64 made of textile material to be cleaned without rubber lips or the like being provided.

In the solution according to the invention, the suction nozzle 42 of the suction nozzle apparatus 18 is configured to be compact. The suction head 76 lies in the housing interior space 74. It is thereby protected against damage and is less sensitive to soiling.

The suction head 76 can easily be removed and replaced again. By this means, firstly, easy cleaning of the suction head 76 is possible and, secondly, the suction nozzle apparatus 18 and thus also the cleaning device 10 can be easily adapted to the type of surface 64 to be cleaned, for example, hard floor or textile material.

Due to the positioning of the suction head 76 in the housing interior space 74, that is, due to an internal rotational mounting of the suction head 76, large cross-sectional jumps in the fluid path starting from the intake opening 136 can be prevented at each rotational position of the suction head 76 and, as a result, an effective suction effect is produced.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• 10 Cleaning device
• 12 Housing
• 14 Blower device
• 16 Suction connector
• 18 Suction nozzle apparatus
• 19 Device
• 20 Delivery connector
• 22 Wheel apparatus
• 24 Handle piece
• 26 Hose
• 28 Connector for application of negative pressure
• 30 Switch device
• 32 Tubular piece
• 34 Stirrup handle
• 36 Clamping nut
• 38 Tubular piece
• 40 Clamping nut
• 42 Suction nozzle
• 44 Clamping nut
• 46 Suction body
• 48 Housing
• 50 Tubular piece
• 52 Holder
• 54 Spray nozzle
• 56 Spray connector
• 58 Line
• 60 Underside
• 62 Acute angle
• 64 Surface to be cleaned
• 66 Region
• 68 Front region
• 70 Rear region
• 72 Pulling direction
• 74 Housing interior space
• 76 Suction head
• 78 Rotation axis
• 80 First wall
• 82 Second wall
• 84 Seating
• 86 Seating
• 88 Body
• 90 First end face
• 92 Second end face
• 94 First shaft journal
• 96 Second shaft journal
• 98 Rotation bearing
• 100 Direction
• 102 Spring device
• 104 Recess
• 106 Rear side
• 108 Bottom
• 110 Contact element
• 112 Cover
• 114 Guide runner device
• 116 First guide runner
• 118 Second guide runner
• 120 Underside
• 122 Roller
• 124 Sliding bearing
• 126 Sliding surface
• 128 Tube element
• 130 Suction chamber
• 132 Tube
• 134 Transition region
• 136 Intake opening
• 138 Suction duct
• 140 Outlet opening
• 142 Projecting element
• 144 End face
• 146 First stop
• 148 Second stop
• 150 Stop strip
• 152 Front side

Claims

1. A suction nozzle apparatus for a cleaning device, comprising:

a connector for the application of negative pressure;

a suction body and a suction head with at least one intake opening, the suction head being rotatably arranged on the suction body;

wherein the at least one intake opening is fluidically connected to the connector; and

wherein the suction head is rotatably mounted in an interior space of a housing of the suction body.

2. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing of the suction body has a first wall and a second wall arranged opposite thereto, between which the suction head is positioned.

3. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein seatings for rotational mounting of the suction head are arranged on the first wall and the second wall, respectively.

4. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein a seating is provided as a recess, in each case, in the corresponding wall.

5. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein oppositely positioned shaft journals are arranged on the suction head for rotational mounting on the suction body.

6. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one shaft journal is displaceable parallel to a rotation axis of the suction head.

7. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one displaceable shaft journal is spring-loaded, wherein for displacement of the corresponding shaft journal in the direction toward the other shaft journal, a spring force must be overcome.

8. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction head is positioned on the suction body removably and replaceably without tools.

9. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction head is configured as a shaft.

10. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sliding bearing for the suction head is arranged on the suction body, and wherein in particular, a sliding seal is formed between the suction body and the suction head.

11. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein in the region of the sliding bearing, the suction body and the suction head have cylinder contours adapted to one another.

12. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one guide runner is arranged on the suction body for contact on a surface to be cleaned.

13. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein a guide runner is arranged in the region of each of the opposing end faces of the suction head.

14. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one guide runner is oriented transversely to a rotation axis of the suction head.

15. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one guide runner is oriented in a direction which is parallel to a pulling direction of the suction nozzle apparatus during operation of the cleaning device.

16. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein one or more rollers are arranged on the at least one guide runner.

17. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein a contact surface of the at least one guide runner is oriented parallel to a rotation axis of the suction head.

18. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction head has at least one suction duct which extends between at least one outlet opening and the at least one intake opening.

19. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the suction body has a suction chamber which is fluidically connected to the connector, and wherein the at least one suction duct opens into the suction chamber at every rotational position of the suction head.

20. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the suction body comprises a tube element in which the suction chamber is formed and the suction head comprises at least one projecting element which projects into the tube element, and wherein the at least one outlet opening is arranged on the at least one projecting element.

21. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein, in order to form a sliding seal, the at least one projecting element abuts against a wall of the tube element.

22. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein, for rotatability on the tube element, the at least one projecting element has a rounded end face.

23. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said suction nozzle apparatus comprising a first stop and a second stop for the suction head on the suction body, wherein the suction head is pivotable relative to the suction body between the first stop and the second stop.

24. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the rotatability between the first stop and the second stop is stepless.

25. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said suction nozzle apparatus comprising at least one spray nozzle for the application of spray to a surface to be cleaned.

26. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 25, said suction nozzle apparatus comprising a spray connector which is in fluidic connection with the at least one spray nozzle.

27. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the at least one spray nozzle is positioned spaced from the suction head.

28. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in one claim 25, said suction nozzle apparatus comprising a holder on which the at least one spray nozzle and the suction body are fixed.

29. The suction nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 28, said suction nozzle apparatus comprising a front region in front of the holder and a rear region behind the holder, wherein the at least one spray nozzle is positioned in the rear region and in a normal operation of the cleaning device, the suction head is pulled in a pulling direction from the front region to the rear region.

30. A cleaning device with a blower device for negative pressure generation and with a suction connector, comprising a suction nozzle apparatus, the connector of which is connected to the suction connector,

said suction nozzle apparatus comprising:

a connector for the application of negative pressure;

a suction body and a suction head with at least one intake opening, the suction head being rotatably arranged on the suction body;

wherein the at least one intake opening is fluidically connected to the connector; and

wherein the suction head is rotatably mounted in an interior space of a housing of the suction body.

31. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 30, said cleaning device being configured as a spray extraction device or steam suction device with a delivery connector for spray fluid which is connected to a spray connector of the suction nozzle apparatus.

32. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 30, said cleaning device comprising a set of different suction heads for different cleaning uses.

33. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 32, wherein the set comprises at least one suction head for spray extraction cleaning of textile materials and one suction head for cleaning hard floors.