EP3409161B1 - Vacuum cleaner with a combined electrical and mechanical locking device - Google Patents

Description

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner comprising a main vacuum cleaner assembly and an insert which can be removed and reused from the vacuum cleaner, the insert having electrical supply contacts, the vacuum cleaner main assembly having electrical supply counter-contacts, which, when used in the vacuum cleaner, conductively conduct the corresponding supply contacts of the insert can contact, and the vacuum cleaner has an actuating device, by the actuation of which the insert can be released from the main vacuum cleaner assembly.

Background of the Invention

The international publication WO 2014/174 248 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner with a separating device which has an intake port to which cleaning tools can be connected. A connecting end of the intake manifold includes a tube wall as a fluid passage and an electrical connector. The separator is detachably connected to a main body of the vacuum cleaner. On the upper outside of the intake manifold, a contact is freely accessible, which can contact a spring-loaded corresponding contact in the front part of the main body of the vacuum cleaner.

From the European patent application publication EP 2 77 927 A2 is known a locking device for a pivotable cover of a vacuum cleaner. The locking device comprises a pawl which interacts with a complementary locking means to lock the cover in the closed position.

In addition, the pawl is equipped with electrical contacting means, which abut resilient corresponding contact means during the cover is worn to close an electrical circuit. To open the cover, the pawl is moved using a lever, which releases the pawl.

From the subsequently published international publication WO 2017/177 318 A1 a handheld vacuum cleaner is known which consists of two components, a main body and a cyclone unit. A tool can be attached to the cyclone unit, for the electrical supply of which electrical contacts are provided on the cyclone unit. These are set up and arranged such that at least one of the contacts is de-energized when the tool is not attached. The contacts are also connected by suitable means to a power source located on the main body.

The Japanese patent application JP 2002 - 85 297 A discloses a vacuum cleaner with a receptacle for an extension tube. A contact plate is also attached to the receptacle, which can contact a connection of the extension tube.

The British patent application GB 2 269 475 A describes a battery-operated electrical device that has an easily removable battery pack and a charger. The electrical device comprises a housing enclosing the electrical device, a battery pack which is removably inserted into the housing, the battery pack comprising at least one rechargeable battery in a housing and a multiplicity of connection plates which are exposed to the outside of the housing of the battery pack. In addition, the electrical device comprises release means for blocking the removal of the battery pack from the housing, charging means for charging the rechargeable battery or batteries and contact means for energy transfer between the battery pack and the electrical device. The contact means comprise a plurality of contact plates which can be brought into engagement with respective connection plates of the plurality of connection plates.

The U.S. Patent 5,869,947 A describes a rechargeable vacuum cleaner system. The rechargeable, wireless vacuum cleaner system includes a handheld vacuum cleaner and a separable charger. The cleaner includes a circuit board assembly having a first and a second set of contacts for engaging a first and a second set of matching contacts of a battery pack and the charger are arranged. Both contact sets are spring-loaded in order to elastically attack the mating contacts. In addition to the contact set of the charger, a pocket section is formed to prevent the contacts from being directly exposed to an operator of the cleaner.

Object of the invention

The invention is based on the object of providing an improved vacuum cleaner of the type which comprises a vacuum cleaner main assembly and an insert which can be removed and reinserted from the vacuum cleaner, the insert having electrical supply contacts and the vacuum cleaner main assembly having electrical supply mating contacts and the vacuum cleaner having an actuating device the actuation of which can be solved by the vacuum cleaner main assembly. In particular, the handling safety of the vacuum cleaner is to be improved by the invention. In addition, reliable electrical contact between the supply contact and the supply countercontact should be ensured, even when the insert is mechanically loaded relative to the main vacuum cleaner assembly. The construction should be simple and space-saving.

Solution according to the invention

The reference symbols in all claims have no restrictive effect, but are merely intended to improve their legibility.

The task is solved by a hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner with the features of claim 1. The vacuum cleaner comprises a main vacuum cleaner assembly and an insert which can be removed and reinserted from the vacuum cleaner, the insert having at least one, preferably several, particularly preferably two, supply contacts ( e), the main vacuum cleaner assembly has at least one, preferably several, in particular preferably two electrical supply mating contact (s), which can conductively contact the corresponding supply contact (s) of the insert when inserted in the vacuum cleaner, and the vacuum cleaner has an actuating device, the actuation of which releases the insert from the main vacuum cleaner assembly can have. By actuating the actuating device, the current-conducting contact between the or at least one of the supply contact (s) and the corresponding supply countercontact (s) is also released.

A vacuum cleaner in the sense of the present invention is a device which can generate a suction air flow which acts on an object, usually a surface, in order to pick up particles, such as dirt or dust particles, but also liquids, from the object in which they are captured by the suction air flow and entrained (also referred to as "suction"). A vacuum cleaner can advantageously achieve a cleaning effect in this way. The vacuum cleaner is generally equipped with a suction blower for generating the suction air flow, a suction opening of the vacuum cleaner being in flow connection with the suction side of the suction blower. The suction opening is typically designed so that it can be guided over the object to be cleaned in order to suck in the particles, for example dust or dirt. The suction fan is usually in flow connection with the centrifugal separator. Dirt particles picked up by the suction air flow can be collected in the dust collecting container.

For the purposes of the present invention, a "hand-held vacuum cleaner" is a vacuum cleaner which is not only designed for use with a suction pipe or a suction hose or which connects a suction air inlet of the vacuum cleaner with a floor nozzle for floor cleaning, but also or is even designed exclusively for use without such a suction pipe or such a suction hose, for example to clean furniture. However, the group of hand-held vacuum cleaners within the meaning of the present invention also includes those vacuum cleaners which, in addition to the abovementioned possibilities, can also be operated with a suction pipe or a suction hose and a floor nozzle which can be connected to the suction pipe or the suction hose for cleaning a floor. When using a suction tube, the user moves the hand-held vacuum cleaner with the attached suction tube and the floor nozzle attached to it over the floor area to be cleaned.

In a preferred hand-held vacuum cleaner, the components motor, blower and dust removal device are in the upper half, particularly preferably in the upper third of the distance from the floor nozzle to in the intended operation with suction pipe or suction hose and a floor nozzle connectable to the suction pipe or the suction hose a handle of the vacuum cleaner arranged.

The hand-held vacuum cleaner is due to its compact size and light weight suitable to be comfortably held and carried in the hand, preferably with only one hand. The weight is particularly preferably less than 2 kg, particularly preferably less than 1.5 kg, in each case without an accumulator. Its preferred length from the handle to the air inlet without a connected suction hose or suction pipe is less than 60 cm, particularly preferably less than 50 cm.

"Battery operated" should be understood to mean that the vacuum cleaner is equipped with an electric accumulator, with which the vacuum cleaner can be operated without an additional power supply. This does not rule out the fact that the vacuum cleaner can additionally or alternatively also be operated via a power supply line, for example when the rechargeable battery is exhausted or while the rechargeable battery is being charged. With the Accumulator operation can advantageously be achieved that the freedom of movement of the vacuum cleaner is no longer restricted by a cable for the power supply of the vacuum cleaner. The preferred hand-held vacuum cleaner is a "battery-operated vacuum cleaner of regular size" according to the draft from February 2017 of DIN EN 62885-4.

In the context of the present invention, "releasing" the insert from the main vacuum cleaner assembly means the transition from a state in which the insert is locked in the vacuum cleaner to a state in which the insert can be removed from the vacuum cleaner. The step of releasing in the sense of the present invention therefore does not necessarily include removing the insert, because the invention also includes those embodiments in which the insert is prevented from being removed by a further means in the released state. The actuating device for releasing the insert is generally different from any aids, for example a handle, for removing the insert from the vacuum cleaner.

In connection with contacting or connecting, “current-conducting” means that current can flow between the contacted or connected components due to the contacting or connecting. A supply contact and a supply counter contact "correspond" if it is provided that they can contact each other in a current-carrying manner. For the purposes of the present invention, a contact is “released” if no current can flow between the components that are separated from one another.

As a result of the fact that the current-conducting contact between at least one of the supply contacts and a corresponding supply countercontact is released by actuating the actuating device, and not only, for example, when the insert is removed from the vacuum cleaner, the handling safety can be improved. Furthermore, the property of the actuating device, which is designed for a reliable mechanical fixing of the insert on the main vacuum cleaner assembly, can be used in order to also establish a reliable electrical contact between supply contact (s) and supply counter contact (s). With the invention it is particularly possible to achieve that mechanical loading of the insert relative to the main vacuum cleaner assembly not only ensures the mechanical locking but also the electrical contact. The invention also allows, as shown below by way of example, a simple and space-saving construction with regard to the attachment of the supply and supply counter contacts and the cables or conductor tracks which connect to the supply and supply counter contacts.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

Advantageous training and further developments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

The preferred insert is equipped with a suction nozzle for connecting a suction nozzle, a suction pipe, or a suction hose, of which the suction pipe or the suction hose are each provided for the connection of a suction nozzle. In addition to a suction opening for suction air, a preferred suction nozzle also has other tools, for example fixed or movable, preferably rotatingly movable, brushes.

The preferred suction nozzle has an electrical connection for operating an electrical device of the suction nozzle. The preferred suction nozzle has an electrical connection corresponding to the electrical connection of the suction nozzle in order to supply the suction nozzle with electricity. A preferred suction nozzle has at least one of the following electrical components: a motor, preferably a motor-driven rotating brush, lighting, a dust quantity sensor, a sensor for determining a surface condition of a surface processed with the nozzle.

Preferably, at least one electrical supply contact of the insert is electrically connected to the electrical connection of the suction connector, for example by conductor tracks or cables. In this way, the electrical current from the supply contact can be directly to the electrical connection without great design effort of use. The current-conducting connection between the supply contact (s) and the electrical connection is preferably permanent.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the supply contacts or at least one of the supply mating contacts is functionally connected to the actuating device in such a way that it moves from a contact position in which the supply contact or the supply mating contact contacts the corresponding supply mating contact or supply contact into an open position in the current-conducting contact between the supply contact or supply counter contact and the corresponding supply counter contact or supply contact is released, is moved when the actuating device is actuated. Particularly preferably, all supply contacts or all supply counter-contacts are functionally connected to the actuating device in such a way that from a contact position in which the supply contacts or supply counter-contacts conductively contact the corresponding supply counter-contacts or supply contacts in an open position in which the current-conducting contact between the supply contacts or supply counter-contacts and the corresponding ones Supply counter contacts or supply contacts is released, are moved when the actuating device is actuated.

Alternatively or additionally, the release of the current-conducting contact can also be realized by a movable separating element. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one separating element is functionally connected to the actuating device in such a way that it can be brought from a contact position in which at least one supply contact contacts the corresponding supply counter contact in a current-conducting manner into a disconnected position in which the separating element separates the supply contact and the supply counter contact from one another disconnects when the actuator is actuated to release the current-carrying contact between the supply contact and the supply mating contact. Particularly preferably, all supply contacts can be separated from all supply mating contacts by the one separating element or the several separating elements.

Preferably at least one of the supply contacts is particularly preferred all supply contacts, or at least one of the supply counter contacts, particularly preferably all supply counter contacts, are arranged on the actuating element. In this way, a movement of the actuating element can advantageously be converted directly into a movement of the supply or supply counter-contacts. This embodiment of the invention thus allows a particularly simple and reliable construction. With this embodiment of the invention it is also possible to ensure that there is a safe electrical contact even when the insert is loaded relative to the main vacuum cleaner assembly, as long as the insert is mechanically locked in the main vacuum cleaner assembly.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the supply contacts, particularly preferably all supply contacts, or at least one of the supply counter contacts, particularly preferably all supply counter contacts, are designed as spring contacts (e) or resiliently mounted, for example on the actuating element or on the main vacuum cleaner assembly , With this embodiment of the invention, it can advantageously be achieved that supply contact (s) or supply counter-contact (s) can be biased in the direction of corresponding supply counter or supply contact (s). In this way, a particularly secure contact can be guaranteed. The invention also includes embodiments in which both one or more supply contacts and one or more supply mating contacts are designed as spring contacts and / or are resiliently mounted. While the invention also encompasses embodiments in which both a supply contact and the corresponding supply contact are a spring contact or a spring-mounted contact, it is particularly preferred that the contact corresponding to the spring contact or the spring-mounted contact is not rigid, but rigid, on the vacuum cleaner main assembly or the insert is arranged. Advantageously, this allows the construction to be simplified and yet a sufficiently reliable contact to be made.

The preferred actuating element is designed and arranged on the vacuum cleaner in such a way that it moves linearly in an actuating direction when actuated. This direction of actuation is particularly preferably also a direction in which supply and supply counter-contacts are brought together or separated.

Alternatively, the actuating element can be designed to be rotatable and arranged on the vacuum cleaner so that it is rotated or pivoted when actuated.

The actuating element is preferably acted upon in the direction opposite to the actuating direction by a spring element, for example a coil spring, a spiral spring, a leaf spring or a compressible rubber-elastic element. The spring element can advantageously hold or pretension the actuating device in its non-actuated position. In particular, it can help to ensure that the insert remains in the locked position relative to the main vacuum cleaner assembly and / or that the electrical contact is not released in this case. The spring force of the spring element preferably acts in the same direction as that of the spring contact or the resilient mounting of at least one of the, preferably all, supply contacts or at least one of the, preferably all, supply counter-contacts. In this way, the effect of the latter contacts can be increased, so that the contact security can be increased even further.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating element arranged on one of the two assemblies of the main vacuum cleaner assembly and insert is functionally connected to a bolt. The latch is in the non-actuated state of the actuating element in a locking position, in which it interacts with a stop on the other of the two assemblies of the vacuum cleaner main assembly and insert in such a way that the vacuum cleaner main assembly and the insert cannot be separated from one another. In contrast, the latch is in the actuated state of the actuating element in an open position in which it no longer interacts with the stop, so that the vacuum cleaner main assembly and insert can be separated from one another.

The preferred latch is firmly connected to the actuating element. This allows a particularly simple construction. In particular, latch and actuating element can be formed in one piece. The bolt can, for example, be a projection which is attached to the actuating element and can engage behind the stop.

The preferred actuator is located on the insert. In this way, a particularly obvious placement of the actuating device is possible. Indeed The invention also includes embodiments in which the actuating device is arranged on the main vacuum cleaner assembly.

The preferred use is a centrifugal separator or includes a centrifugal separator. The preferred centrifugal separator includes a separator and a dust collector. The main vacuum cleaner assembly preferably comprises one or more of the following elements: a motor-blower unit, a handle, a switch for switching the motor-blower unit on and off and an electrical accumulator.

The suction nozzle is preferably essentially tubular, the longitudinal axis of the tube particularly preferably running essentially perpendicular to the orientation of the insert. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that the suction nozzle can be used as a handle to handle the insert. In particular, the suction nozzle can be used as a handle for removing the insert from the vacuum cleaner when the insert is detached from the vacuum cleaner.

It is particularly preferred that the actuating element is arranged on the suction nozzle - preferably not more than 7 cm, particularly preferably not more than 5 cm, particularly preferably not more than 3 cm, particularly preferably not more than 1 cm from the end of the suction nozzle, that is adjacent to the mission. Alternatively, the actuating element cannot be on the suction nozzle but also not more than 7 cm, particularly preferably not more than 5 cm, particularly preferably not more than 3 cm, particularly preferably not more than 1 cm from the end of the nozzle which is adjacent to the insert , be spaced apart. With this embodiment of the invention it can advantageously be achieved that the actuating element can be actuated with one hand, which engages the suction nozzle in order to handle the insert, particularly preferably with a finger of this hand. In other words, the same hand that is used to detach the insert from the vacuum cleaner by means of the actuating element can also be used to handle the detached insert to remove it from the vacuum cleaner. This can make it particularly easy to remove the insert from the vacuum cleaner.

A preferred actuating element is in the upper or left area of the nozzle arranged. The upper region means the region of an upper half-shell when the suction nozzle is imagined divided along its longitudinal extent in the middle by a cutting plane which is essentially horizontal when the vacuum cleaner is intended to be operated, and divided into two half-shells. The left area means the area of a left half-shell of the suction nozzle when looking at the suction nozzle in the flow direction if, when the vacuum cleaner is intended to be operated, the suction nozzle is centered along its longitudinal extent through an imaginary cutting plane in two half-shells when the vacuum cleaner is intended to be operated shared. In this way it can advantageously be achieved that the actuating element can be actuated with the thumb of a hand encompassing the suction nozzle. In particular, it can be achieved that the actuating element can be actuated simply with the thumb of a right hand, which includes the suction nozzle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle is arranged at a medium height or above the center of the removable insert. "Center" is to be understood in relation to the vertical orientation of the insert. This embodiment of the invention advantageously prevents the insert from being inadvertently rotated around the axis of the suction nozzle during or after removal from the vacuum cleaner and in this way being emptied unintentionally. The suction nozzle is particularly preferably arranged above the dust collection container in the intended use in relation to the orientation of the insert.

A preferred suction nozzle has a circumference of less than 30 cm at at least one point at a distance of less than 7 cm from the actuating element. Particularly preferably, the suction nozzle has a circumference of less than 5 cm, particularly preferably less than 3 cm, particularly preferably less than 1 cm from the actuating element at a point of less than 25 cm, particularly preferably less than 20 cm. With this embodiment of the invention, it can advantageously be achieved that the suction nozzle can be comfortably gripped at a point from which the actuating element can be easily reached with a finger of the hand.

The invention also includes embodiments in which a handle on the insert is arranged, which is not a suction nozzle. In such an embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is preferably at this handle - particularly preferably not more than 7 cm from the end of the handle which is adjacent to the insert. Alternatively, the actuating element is not spaced apart on the handle, but also not more than 7 cm from the end of the handle which adjoins the insert. The actuating element is particularly preferably not more than 5 cm, particularly preferably not more than 3 cm, particularly preferably not more than 1 cm from the end of the handle which is adjacent to the insert. With this embodiment of the invention, it can advantageously be achieved that the actuating element can be actuated by hand, particularly preferably with a finger of the hand that engages the handle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is ready for actuation at least when the vacuum cleaner is switched off. By this, "switched-off state" means the state in which the vacuum fan of the vacuum cleaner is not in operation. "Ready to operate" means that the operating element can be operated in such a way that it releases the insert in order to be able to be removed from the vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment of the invention, the actuating element can only be actuated when the vacuum cleaner is switched off. In this way, accidental removal of the centrifugal separator from the vacuum cleaner can be avoided during its operation.

The insert can preferably be removed from the vacuum cleaner by a tilting movement of the suction nozzle, particularly preferably counter to the intended flow direction of the suction air. The tilting movement particularly preferably takes place around a pivot point which lies on a side of the insert which lies opposite the side on which the suction nozzle is attached.

The tilting movement preferably takes place around a releasable joint which consists of a first coupling element which is arranged on the insert and a second coupling element which can be connected to the first coupling element and which is arranged on the vacuum cleaner main assembly, preferably a part which forms a motor-blower. Unit and an electrical accumulator for driving the motor-blower unit of the vacuum cleaner comprises instead. These two coupling element elements are preferably designed such that they are in the vacuum cleaner arranged, not tilted state of the insert can not be separated from each other, but can be brought by tilting the insert relative to the vacuum cleaner main assembly in a separation position in which they can be separated from each other to remove the insert from the vacuum cleaner.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first coupling element comprises a shell or a pin. An axis of the pin defines the pivot axis about which the insert is pivotally mounted against the other part of the vacuum cleaner. This enables a particularly simple and robust joint to be formed, which enables easy pivoting, separating and bringing together.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited, however.

Figur 1a

einen erfindungsgemäßen Staubsauger in Seitenansicht;

Figur 1b

den Staubsauger aus Figur 1a in perspektivischer Ansicht von links oben;

Figur 2

den Staubsauger der vorgenannten Figuren in einem Längsquerschnitt durch eine vertikale Schnittebene mit eingesetztem und in dem Staubsauger verankertem Einsatz in Form eines Fliehkraftabscheiders;

Figur 3

einen Ausschnitt aus Figur 2, der das Betätigungselement in verriegelter Stellung vergrößert darstellt;

Figur 4

den gleichen Ausschnitt wie Figur 3, wobei sich das Betätigungselement diesmal in gelöster Stellung befindet;

Figur 5

die gleiche Querschnittsansicht wie in Figur 2, diesmal jedoch mit gelöstem und gekipptem Einsatz;

Figur 6

einen Ausschnitt aus Figur 5, der die Betätigungselement vergrößert darstellt;

Figur 7

eine perspektivische teilweise Schnittansicht des Staubsaugers in der bereits in Figur 5 dargestellten Position;

Figur 8

den Fliehkraftabscheider mit eingesetztem Filter; und

Figur 9

den Fliehkraftabscheider in einer in Entleerstellung über einem Müllbehälter zur Aufnahme des in dem Fliehkraftabscheider entleerten Staubs.

It shows schematically:

Figure 1a

a vacuum cleaner according to the invention in side view;

Figure 1b

the vacuum cleaner Figure 1a in perspective view from top left;

Figure 2

the vacuum cleaner of the aforementioned figures in a longitudinal cross section through a vertical sectional plane with an inserted and anchored in the vacuum cleaner insert in the form of a centrifugal separator;

Figure 3

a cut out Figure 2 , which represents the actuator in the locked position enlarged;

Figure 4

the same section as Figure 3 , the actuating element being in the released position this time;

Figure 5

the same cross-sectional view as in Figure 2 , but this time with the insert loose and tilted;

Figure 6

a cut out Figure 5 , which shows the actuator enlarged;

Figure 7

a partial perspective sectional view of the vacuum cleaner in the already in Figure 5 position shown;

Figure 8

the centrifugal separator with an inserted filter; and

Figure 9

the centrifugal separator in an emptying position over a waste container for receiving the dust emptied in the centrifugal separator.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, identical reference symbols designate identical or comparable components.

In the Figures 1a and 1b the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the invention is shown from the outside. The vacuum cleaner 1 has a handle 2 so that it can be held in the hand. In addition, a removable electric battery pack 3 is provided (shown in the figures only without the actual battery elements), which supplies a blower motor (not shown in the figures) with a motor-blower unit 4 of the vacuum cleaner. The blower motor can be switched on and off via a gun switch 5. With a boost or turbo button 6, the blower motor can be temporarily operated at a particularly high speed. Below the motor-blower unit 4 there is a blow-out opening 7 for the suction air emerging from the motor-blower unit 4.

In addition, the vacuum cleaner has a generally upright centrifugal separator 8 as an insert. This centrifugal separator 8 is arranged essentially parallel to the motor-blower unit 4, which is also arranged upright. On the centrifugal separator 8, in its upper area, a suction nozzle 9 is provided, with which suction air can be drawn into the centrifugal separator 8. The suction nozzle 9 is essentially tubular, the longitudinal axis of the tube being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the centrifugal separator 8. Various suction nozzles (not shown) or a suction pipe (also not shown) can be attached to the end of the suction nozzle 9 facing away from the centrifugal separator 8.

The vacuum cleaner 1 also has an actuating element 10 with which the centrifugal separator 8 can be released from the rest of the vacuum cleaner 1 in order to be able to remove it from the rest of the vacuum cleaner 1. On the actuator 10 is in Figures 3 . 4 and 6 Easily recognizable latch 11, which is in a locked position when the centrifugal separator 8 is inserted in the vacuum cleaner 1 and at the same time is not actuated, in which it interacts with a stop 12 on a cover component 13 of the main vacuum cleaner assembly in such a way that the centrifugal separator 8 is not removable from the vacuum cleaner 1. In contrast, when the actuating element 10 is actuated, the bolt 11 is in an open position in which it no longer interacts with the stop 12 so that the centrifugal separator 8 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner 1.

The actuating element 10 is designed as a push button switch which moves linearly in an actuating direction when actuated. It is biased in the locked position by a spring element 14 in the form of a helical spring. If the actuating element is moved downward against the force of the spring element 14, the bolt 11 also moves with it under the stop 12, as a result of which the centrifugal force separator 8 is released so that it can be released from the vacuum cleaner 1.

The centrifugal separator 8 has, as in Figure 8 can be seen, two supply contacts 15, and on the vacuum cleaner main assembly two corresponding electrical supply counter contacts 16 are arranged, which can contact the respective corresponding supply contacts 15 in a current-carrying manner when the centrifugal separator 8 is locked in the vacuum cleaner 1. The electrical supply contacts 15 are spring contacts which are fixedly arranged on the actuating element 20. However, are the supply counter contacts 16 are not resilient, but rigidly arranged on the main vacuum cleaner assembly and designed as flat contacts. The supply contacts 15 are biased in the locked state of the insert by their spring force against the supply mating contacts 16 to ensure a secure contact. Between the supply contacts 15 there is a centering nose 17 which, in the vacuum cleaner 1 locked state of the centrifugal separator 8, engages in a corresponding recess (not shown) in the vacuum cleaner main assembly.

If the actuating element 10 is moved downward against the force of the spring element 14, the supply contacts 15 also move downward, as a result of which the current-conducting contact between the supply contacts 15 and the corresponding supply counter-contacts 16 is released. As in the Figures 1a . 7 and 9 Can be seen particularly well, the suction nozzle 9 is equipped with a two-pole electrical connection 18 for operating an electrical device of the suction nozzle. The electrical connection 18, more precisely the poles of which are connected to the electrical supply contacts 15 in an electrically conductive manner with an electrical line, not shown in the figures, in the form of a cable. In this way, when the centrifugal separator 8 is inserted and locked, electrical current from the main vacuum cleaner assembly via the centrifugal separator 8 can reach an electrical device of the suction nozzle which is attached to the suction nozzle 9.

The actuating element 10 is arranged on the upper side of the suction nozzle 9, so that it can be reached with the thumb or another finger of the hand enclosing the suction nozzle 9. As in Figure 3 clearly visible, the button of the actuating element 10 protrudes out of the plane of the suction port 9 in the non-actuated position. In this way, it can be avoided that it is already accidentally actuated when gripping the suction nozzle 9. A base 19 of the actuating element 10, which likewise protrudes from the plane of the suction nozzle surface, also contributes to this.

To remove the centrifugal separator 8, it can be tilted around the axis of a joint with a hand gripping the suction nozzle 9. The tilted position is in Figure 5 shown. The tilting takes place against the intended Flow direction of the suction air. The joint and thus also the fulcrum are located on the side of the centrifugal separator 8 opposite the suction port 9 in the lower region of the centrifugal separator 8 and the suction port 9. The joint consists of a first coupling element which is arranged on the centrifugal separator and a second which can be connected to it Coupling element, which is located at the level of the blow-out opening 7 of the vacuum cleaner 1 adjacent to the centrifugal separator 8. The first coupling element is designed as a pin 20, the second as a shell 21 in the form of a cylindrical groove, in which the pin 20 comes to rest when the two coupling elements are connected.

When tilting, the pin 20 is rotated about its longitudinal axis with respect to the shell 21. In the tilted state of the centrifugal separator, the pin 20 can be lifted out of the shell 21 by lifting the pin 20 relative to the shell 21 in order to remove the centrifugal separator 8 from the vacuum cleaner 1. In the non-tilted state of the centrifugal separator 8, this is not possible because the lid component 13 of the vacuum cleaner prevents the pin 20 from being lifted relative to the shell 21.

The centrifugal separator 8 comprises a separating device 22 and a dust collecting container 23 underneath. A removable dust filter is provided in the separating device. To empty the vacuum cleaner collecting container, the filter 24 is first removed when the centrifugal separator is removed. Then the centrifugal separator 8 can also be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the suction nozzle 9 by hand, which grips it on the suction nozzle 9, so that the dust, as in FIG Figure 9 shown, can be emptied through the opening of the centrifugal separator 9, for example into a waste container 25. Then the filter 24 can be inserted again into the centrifugal separator 9, and the centrifugal separator 9 can be attached in the tilted position to the vacuum cleaner main assembly, so that the pin 20 in the shell 21 engages. Now the centrifugal separator 8 can be moved back into its non-tilted position until the latch 11 has returned to its blocking position past the lower edge of the stop 12 and, at the same time, the supply contacts 15 have their corresponding supply counter contacts 16 conductively contacted, so that the vacuum cleaner 1 is ready for operation again. The invention enables reliable electrical contact and is simple and space-saving.

The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the invention in its various embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vacuum cleaner

2

handle

3

Battery Pack

4

Motor-fan unit

5

gun switch

6

Boost or Turbo button

7

exhaust vent

8th

cyclone

9

suction

10

actuator

11

bars

12

attack

13

cover component

14

spring element

15

supply contact

16

Supply counter contact

17

centering

18

Electrical connection

19

base

20

spigot

21

Bowl

22

separating

23

dust collection

24

filter

25

garbage Bin

Claims (14)

1. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a vacuum cleaner main assembly and an insert (8) which can be removed from and reinserted into the vacuum cleaner (1), wherein the insert (8) has one or more electrical supply contacts (15), the vacuum cleaner main assembly has one or more electrical supply counter-contacts (16) which can conductively contact the corresponding supply contact(s) of the insert (8) in each case when the insert (8) is inserted into the vacuum cleaner (1), and the vacuum cleaner (1) has an actuating device (10), by the actuation of which the insert (8) can be decoupled from the vacuum cleaner main assembly, characterised in that by actuating the actuating device (10) the conductive contact between the or at least one of the supply contact(s) (15) and a corresponding supply counter-contact (16) is decoupled.
2. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the insert (8) is fitted with a suction connecting piece (9) for connecting a suction nozzle, a suction tube or a suction hose, of which the suction tube and the suction hose are respectively in turn provided for the connection of a suction nozzle.
3. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the suction connecting piece (9) has an electrical connector (18) for operating an electrical device of the suction nozzle, and the at least one electrical supply contact (15) of the insert (8) is conductively connected to the electrical connector (18).
4. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that the actuation device (10) is arranged on the suction connecting piece (9) or is spaced apart not more than 7 cm from the end of the suction connecting piece (9) which abuts the centrifugal separator (8).
5. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one supply contact (15) or at least one supply counter-contact (16) is functionally connected to the actuation device (10) such that it is moved from a contact position in which the supply contact (15) or supply counter-contact (16) conductively contacts the corresponding supply counter-contact (16) or supply contact (15) respectively, into an open position in which the conductive contact between the supply contact (15) and the corresponding supply counter-contact (16) is decoupled when the actuation device (10) is actuated.
6. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one supply contact (15) and/or at least one supply counter-contact (16) is arranged on the actuating element.
7. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one supply contact (15) and/or at least one supply counter-contact (16) is a spring contact and/or is spring-mounted.
8. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuator (10) is arranged and designed such that it moves linearly in an actuating direction when actuated.
9. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating element (10) is acted upon by a spring element in the direction opposite to the actuating direction.
10. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating element (10) arranged on one of the two subassemblies - vacuum cleaner main assembly and insert (8) - is functionally connected to a bolt (11), wherein the bolt (11) in the non-actuated state of the actuating element (10) is in a blocking position in which it cooperates with a stop (12) on the other of the two subassemblies - vacuum cleaner main assembly and insert (8) - such that the vacuum cleaner main assembly and the insert (8) are not separable from one another, and the bolt (11) in the actuated state of the actuating element (10) is in an open position in which it no longer cooperates in a blocking manner with the stop (12), so that the vacuum cleaner main assembly and insert (8) can be separated from one another.
11. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the bolt is fixedly connected to the actuating element (10).
12. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the actuating device (10) is arranged on the insert (8).
13. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the insert (8) comprises a centrifugal separator (8).
14. Hand-held battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 13 with reference back to claim 2, characterised in that the decoupled centrifugal separator can be removed from the vacuum cleaner (1) by a tilting movement of the suction connecting piece (9) against the intended flow direction of the suction air.

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