EP3454706B1 - Operating device and cleaning appliance which can be carried on the back - Google Patents

Operating device and cleaning appliance which can be carried on the back Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3454706B1
EP3454706B1 EP16722234.8A EP16722234A EP3454706B1 EP 3454706 B1 EP3454706 B1 EP 3454706B1 EP 16722234 A EP16722234 A EP 16722234A EP 3454706 B1 EP3454706 B1 EP 3454706B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
switch member
housing
operating
cleaning appliance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16722234.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3454706A1 (en
Inventor
Zheyi Jin
Britt WIRBEL
Timo SCHÖNEMANN
Markus Oesterle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG filed Critical Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Publication of EP3454706A1 publication Critical patent/EP3454706A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3454706B1 publication Critical patent/EP3454706B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2857User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/36Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4002Installations of electric equipment
    • A47L11/4008Arrangements of switches, indicators or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4011Regulation of the cleaning machine by electric means; Control systems and remote control systems therefor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2884Details of arrangements of batteries or their installation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2894Details related to signal transmission in suction cleaners
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/30Arrangement of illuminating devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a backpack cleaning device with a cleaning device, a mains-independent energy supply device for supplying the cleaning device with energy, in particular electrical energy, and an operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device, which operating device has a control signal generating device for generating of control signals for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, the control signal generating device comprising at least one first button for activating and deactivating the cleaning device, the operating device having at least one second button for activating and deactivating an operating mode of the cleaning device comprises and that the at least one first feeler element and the at least one second feeler element are designed to be haptically distinguishable, the operating device being arranged separately from the cleaning device and comprising a housing.
  • Backpack cleaning devices are known in particular in the form of backpack blowers or backpack suction devices, in particular leaf vacuums or the like. If these are operated with electrical energy, batteries, in particular rechargeable batteries, are preferably used to supply the cleaning device, for example a suction or blower device, with energy.
  • an operating device for a backpack cleaning device of the type described above in the form of a switch or a button with which the cleaning device can be activated, in particular by closing a circuit.
  • the switch or button is arranged, for example, on a housing of the cleaning device.
  • a backpack-type blower is known.
  • a suction device which is operated with propane, is in the U.S. 2013/0061419 A1 described.
  • the GB 2 364 896 A discloses a belt-carried portable aspirator.
  • a cleaning device and methods for controlling access to a cleaning device are from DE 10 2009 033 944 A1 known.
  • the EP 1 593 334 A2 describes a mobile floor cleaning machine.
  • the operating device comprises a display device for displaying a status of the energy supply device and/or for displaying the at least one operating mode of the cleaning device
  • an operating device proposed according to the invention makes it possible not only to activate the cleaning device, in particular the cleaning device it includes and/or the energy supply device, but also to activate or deactivate at least one operating mode. This also includes switching between at least two different operating modes. For example the cleaning device can be activated with the first touch element and the cleaning device can be switched from normal operation to energy-saving operation with the at least one second touch element. In particular, several energy-saving levels or operating modes with an increased cleaning performance, for example an increased suction performance in the case of a suction device, are conceivable.
  • the cleaning device Due to the special configuration of the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element, it is easy for an operator to operate the cleaning device, since the operator can use the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element, even without direct visual contact with the operating device can distinguish haptically easily and reliably. This is achieved through the different haptic design of the feeler elements.
  • an operator for example when reaching backwards for the cleaning device that can be carried on the back or an operating device carried on the side of the body, can feel the feeler elements and thus distinguish them from one another. In this way, the cleaning device can be activated easily and safely and, if required, a special operating mode can be activated or switched between operating modes.
  • the operating device can be embodied in the form of an operating device that is separate or can be separated from the cleaning device.
  • the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element can optionally also be designed in the form of a switch which remains in a predetermined switching position after actuation.
  • Designing the at least one first and/or at least one second touch element in the form of an electric button has the particular advantage that a control current only has to flow for a short time for actuation, which helps to reduce power consumption, particularly in the case of an electrical energy supply device in the form of a battery, so that the cleaning device can be used for cleaning for longer overall.
  • the operating device can be handled ergonomically in a simple manner in that it includes a housing.
  • the operating device has a display device for displaying a Includes status of the power supply device and / or for displaying an operating mode of the cleaning device.
  • the display device allows an operator to receive visual feedback as to whether the cleaning device is activated or deactivated and/or in which operating mode the cleaning device is currently being operated.
  • a status of the energy supply device can also be optionally displayed with the display device. In this way, an operator can determine at any time how much energy is still available and, if necessary, estimate another possible cleaning time or operating time of the cleaning device or read it off directly on the display device.
  • the cleaning device Arranged separately from the cleaning device means in particular that although this is in operative connection with the cleaning device, for example via a cable connection, the actual operating device is designed separately from the cleaning device, in particular from a housing of the same.
  • the operating device can be arranged separately from the cleaning device and in a manner desired by an operator. An operator can thus easily control the cleaning device that can be carried on a backpack with the operating device, for example activate or deactivate it and/or activate or change an operating mode, in particular without having to be in direct visual contact with the operating device. Due to the haptic distinguishability of the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element from one another, an operator can operate the cleaning device easily and safely.
  • the housing has at least one side wall and if the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element are arranged or formed in or on the at least one side wall. In this way, an operator can easily feel where the at least one second touch element is located when the at least one first touch element has been felt. This is possible in particular without direct visual contact with the sensing elements.
  • a particularly compact and user-friendly design of the operating device is possible in particular in that the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element are arranged or formed on the same side wall of the housing.
  • the operating device can optionally also be inserted into a receptacle on the cleaning device, in which case all the feelers provided on the operating device, which are arranged or formed on the same side wall of the housing, can then still be freely accessible.
  • the operating device can be actuated in a simple manner, for example with an operator's thumb.
  • the at least one side wall forms an upper side of the housing which, in a correct arrangement and alignment of the operating device, points in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.
  • This configuration has the particular advantage that an operator can easily obtain direct visual contact with the feeler elements if required.
  • the at least one first and at least one second button can be easily distinguished if the at least one first button is in the form of an electromechanical push button or switch and if the at least one second button is in the form of a membrane button or switch.
  • Such tactile elements can be felt in a simple and reliable manner and can be haptically distinguished by an operator.
  • a membrane button can be designed in the form of an elastically deformable touch surface, which is deformed in the manner of a clicky frog in order to generate a control signal, for example.
  • an actuation noise of the feeler elements as a result of an actuation can also be different, so that an operator can receive acoustic feedback about an actuation of the feeler elements.
  • the at least one first feeler element and the at least one second feeler element are designed such that a first actuating force for actuating the at least one first touch element and a second actuating force for actuating the at least one second touch element.
  • the at least one first touch element can be actuated with a greater or lesser actuating force than the at least one second touch element.
  • the second actuating force is preferably greater than the first actuating force.
  • the second actuating force can be at least twice as great as the first actuating force. In this way, it is possible to prevent the at least one second touch element from being actuated in an unintentional manner, in particular when the first touch element is actuated.
  • the operating device comprises a fastening device for fastening or fixing the operating device to an operator's clothing.
  • the fastening device can be designed to fix the operating device to a belt.
  • the operating device can be easily arranged on an operator's belt, so that the operator can operate the cleaning device with the operating device in the desired manner with his left or right hand, depending on where the operating device is fixed on the belt.
  • the fastening device is preferably designed in the form of a belt clip.
  • the operating device can thus be arranged easily and quickly on an operator's belt.
  • the operating device can be designed in a particularly simple and compact manner if the fastening device is arranged or designed on a side wall of the housing.
  • this can be a side wall of the housing that defines the largest side surface of the housing.
  • the operating device can be designed in a simple and cost-effective manner, in particular in that the fastening device is designed in one piece with the housing.
  • the housing can be made in one or more parts from a plastic by injection molding, with the fastening device, for example a belt clip or a passage or eyelet for a retaining strap or the like, being integrally formed on the side wall. In this way, the outlay involved in installing the operating device can also be minimized.
  • the display device is designed in the form of a battery display.
  • the state of charge of the battery can be displayed. In this way, an operator can check the state of charge of the battery in particular at any time.
  • the display device is preferably designed in the form of an optical and/or acoustic display device. Desired information can be read directly by an operator on an optical display device. If the operating device is arranged in such a way that a visual display device is difficult to see, an acoustic display device has the particular advantage that it can give an operator acoustic feedback to display the at least one operating mode and/or a status of the energy supply device in an acoustic manner. In particular, when the battery charge falls below a certain level, an acoustic signal or a certain characteristic noise can be generated.
  • the operating device can be designed in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner if the display device comprises an optical segment display.
  • the segment display can have at least two light-emitting elements.
  • two, three, four or more light-emitting elements can be provided, in particular to indicate a state of charge of the energy supply device to display. The more light elements that light up, the better the charge status of the battery, for example.
  • the operating device can be designed in a particularly simple and compact manner if the display device is arranged or designed on or on the same side wall as the at least one first touch element and/or the at least one second touch element.
  • both the display device and the touch elements can be formed on the same side wall of the operating device.
  • this also enables the operating device to be arranged temporarily or permanently in a corresponding receptacle provided for this purpose on the cleaning device.
  • the operating device can thus be accommodated in the housing, with at least one side wall being freely accessible and visible.
  • the display device and the feeler elements are preferably located on this.
  • the display device is arranged or formed between the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element.
  • the operating device can be produced inexpensively and, in particular, also assembled in a simple manner if the at least one second touch element and the display device form a structural unit.
  • the structural unit can therefore in particular comprise an optical and/or acoustic display device and the at least one second touch element, for example in the manner of a membrane keyboard with an integrated display device.
  • the structural unit can in particular have window-like openings, optionally also closed with a transparent cover element, through which light-emitting elements of the display device can be seen by an operator.
  • the at least one first touch element has a first actuating surface and that the at least one second button has a second actuating surface and that a distance between a surface of the side wall, in or on which the at least one first button and the at least one second button are arranged or formed, and the first actuating surface is greater than one Distance between the surface and the second actuating surface.
  • the at least one first feeler element and the at least one second feeler element can be easily and reliably distinguished by an operator, purely haptically, without the feeler elements having to be visible to an operator.
  • the first actuating surface can protrude further from the side wall than the second actuating surface. In this way, an operator can distinguish the at least one first touch element for activating the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device from the at least one second touch element in a simple and reliable manner.
  • the second actuation surface is set back into the housing in relation to the surface.
  • the signal transmission device is designed in the form of at least one electrical connecting line or in the form of a non-contact signal transmission device.
  • the operating device can be completely separated from the cleaning device.
  • an operator can hold the operating device in his hand without a cable connection being provided between the operating device and the cleaning appliance.
  • the operating device can also be easily arranged by an operator as desired during operation of the cleaning appliance.
  • the operating device can be arranged on a belt or in some other way on or in an item of clothing of the operator.
  • Providing at least one electrical connecting line enables the operating device to be configured in such a way that it can remain connected to the cleaning device at least during operation. In particular, such a Risk of unwanted loss of the operating device can be minimized.
  • connecting line is sufficiently long, a desired positioning of the same, for example on an item of clothing of an operator, can also be made possible in the case of an operating device with a connecting line.
  • Providing a signal transmission device in the form of an electrical connecting line also has the advantage that no additional power supply is required for the operating device.
  • the operating device can be designed in a simple and cost-effective manner if the at least one electrical connecting line is designed in the form of a connecting line.
  • the connecting line can include one or more control lines for transmitting the control signals generated by the control signal generating device.
  • a first end of the electrical connecting line is non-detachably connected to the housing and if at least one plug-in connection element is arranged or formed at a second end of the electrical connecting line for positive and/or non-positive engagement with the cleaning device.
  • a permanent connection of the connecting line to the housing ensures, in particular, that the connecting line for connecting to the cleaning device is always provided with the operating device.
  • the connecting line can also have a second end that is permanently connected to the cleaning device. As described, it can alternatively also include at least one plug connection element. This makes it possible to disconnect the connecting line and thus also the operating device from the cleaning device, for example for storing or transporting the cleaning device.
  • the electrical connecting line is routed out of a side wall of the housing and if the distance between this side wall and the at least one second sensing element is smaller than the distance between this side wall and the at least one first feeler.
  • Control signals can be transmitted in a simple manner from the operating device to the cleaning device without an electrical connecting line and vice versa if the contactless signal transmission device includes a transmission device for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals.
  • Radio signals can, in particular, be electromagnetic signals of any type. In particular, these can be radio signals according to the Bluetooth standard.
  • the cleaning device includes a housing and if the operating device is arranged spatially separate from the housing. In this way, the operating device can be arranged in an ergonomically optimized manner by an operator in order to operate the cleaning device.
  • the operating device can optionally be connected or coupled to the cleaning device, in particular its housing, in a contactless or wired manner.
  • the cleaning device can be arranged in particular in the housing of the cleaning device in order to protect it from external influences and damage.
  • the operating device is preferably connected to the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device in a control-effective manner.
  • an operator can, for example, activate the cleaning device and/or activate the energy supply device to deliver energy for operating the cleaning device.
  • Connected in a control-effective manner can mean, in particular, connected in a non-contact manner or also connected by a cable.
  • the cleaning appliance has a control and/or regulating device for controlling and/or regulating the cleaning device, the control and/or regulating device being connected in a control-effective manner to the energy supply device, the cleaning device and the operating device.
  • the cleaning appliance can be designed in such a way that control signals generated by the operating device are processed by the control and/or regulating device in order to activate the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device.
  • the control and/or regulation device can be designed to activate the cleaning device and/or to activate and deactivate an operating mode of the cleaning appliance.
  • a cleaning performance can be different depending on the selected operating mode or on a selected operating mode.
  • a cleaning performance can be specified by an operator via the operating device by actuating the at least one second touch element.
  • the cleaning device includes a transmitting and/or receiving device for transmitting and/or receiving control signals to or from the operating device.
  • the transmitting and/or receiving device can be designed to receive control signals from the contactless signal transmission device of the operating device or to transmit display signals for driving the display device.
  • the transmitting and/or receiving device can be comprised by the control and/or regulating device, which can then perform a multiple function.
  • the transmitting and/or receiving device is connected to the control and/or regulating device, the energy supply device and/or the cleaning device in a control-effective manner. This makes it possible, in particular, for control signals sent by the operating device, which are received by the transmitting and/or receiving device, to be sent directly to the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device or indirectly transmitted to them via the control and/or regulation device.
  • the operating device is wired or connected to the cleaning device in a control-effective manner.
  • this enables an embodiment such that the operating device can interact with the cleaning device completely separately, ie without any mechanical connection, for example via radio.
  • a Bluetooth connection can be provided here between the operating device and the cleaning device.
  • a wired connection can also be provided for coupling the operating device and the cleaning device to one another. In this way, in particular, an additional energy supply device for the operating device can be dispensed with.
  • the cleaning device that can be carried on the back can be carried by an operator in a simple manner even for a longer period of time if it comprises a carrying device, for example in the form of a carrying frame. In this way, an operator can use both hands for cleaning in other ways, for example for guiding a cleaning hose of the cleaning device.
  • the cleaning device includes a suction device.
  • the cleaning device can be used to carry out light soiling in rooms with a large number of obstacles and without easily accessible power supply connections such as sockets.
  • such cleaning devices can be used in cinemas, passenger trains or airplanes to quickly and easily remove dry, light coarse dirt.
  • the cleaning device can in particular comprise a dirt collection container which can be emptied as required.
  • FIG. 12 shows a backpack cleaning device denoted overall by the reference numeral 10.
  • FIG. It is designed in particular in the form of a suction device 12 .
  • the cleaning device 10 includes a carrying device 14 with shoulder straps 16 so that an operator 18 can comfortably carry the cleaning device 10 on his back.
  • the carrying device 14 can optionally be stiffened or designed in the form of a carrying frame and also for an ergonomic and comfortably carrying the cleaning device 10 include a lap belt 20 .
  • a housing 22 is arranged on the carrying device 14, in which a cleaning device, not shown in detail, in the form of a suction device 24 is arranged.
  • the suction device 24 can in particular comprise a dirt collecting container 26 .
  • a connecting piece 28 for a suction hose 30 is in fluid connection with the suction device 24 and guided to the outside through the housing 22.
  • a suction nozzle 34 for the respective use of the cleaning appliance 10 can be optionally arranged at a free end 32 of the suction hose 30.
  • An energy supply device 36 in the form of a rechargeable battery 38 is arranged in the housing 22 and is connected in a control-effective manner to a control and/or regulating device 40 .
  • the control and/or regulating device 40 is in turn connected in a control-effective manner to the suction device 24 in order to actuate a motor 42 of the same to drive a fan of the suction device 24 .
  • the battery 38 is located in the lower part of the suction device 12 and is protected by a battery housing 44 .
  • An unlocking button 128 arranged on a rear side of the housing 22 facing away from the carrying device 14 is used to unlock the battery 38 so that it can be removed from the battery housing 44 or the battery housing 44 with the battery 38 can be removed from the cleaning device 10.
  • a button 132 is arranged next to a charge indicator 130, with which the charge indicator 130 can be activated. It is designed in the form of a segment display to indicate the state of charge of the battery 38 . For example, the operator before Use the cleaning device by pressing the button 132 to query the charge level of the battery.
  • Button 132 and charge indicator 130 are connected to control and/or regulating device 40 in a control-effective manner.
  • a container 46 defining a receptacle for an operating device 48 of the cleaning appliance 10 is formed laterally above the battery housing 44 on the middle part of the housing 22 . It includes a removable cover 50 in order to be able to access the operating device 48 in this way. If the cleaning device 10 is not used, the operating device 48 can be stored in the container 46 in a protected manner. The structure of the operating device 48 is described in detail below.
  • An opening 52 pointing away from the carrying device 14 is formed on the housing 22 in the middle area and is closed with a filter cover 54 .
  • the exhaust air from the suction device 24 flows through the filter cover 54.
  • a switching element 56 for example in the form of an electric push button, can optionally be arranged underneath the filter cover 54, which is connected to the control and/or regulating device 40 in a control-effective manner.
  • the cleaning device 10 can be activated by actuating the switching element 56 .
  • an operating mode selector switch 58 can optionally be arranged, with which it is possible to switch between at least two different operating modes of the cleaning appliance 10. In particular, it is possible to switch to an economy mode by actuating the operating mode selector switch 58 . In this economy mode, a suction power of the suction device 24 is reduced in order to save electricity that is provided by the battery 38 .
  • a display device 60 can optionally be arranged between the mode selector switch 58 and the switching element 56, with which a state of charge of the battery 38 and/or the selected mode of operation can be displayed.
  • the switching element 56 and the operating mode selector switch 58 are basically sufficient to work with the cleaning device 10 in the desired manner. However, for ergonomic operation of the cleaning device 10 during use, both the switching element 56 and the operating mode selector switch 58 are difficult for the operator 18 to reach and cannot see, just as little as the display device 60.
  • the operating device 48 which comprises a first touch element 62 , a second touch element 64 and a display device 66 .
  • the function of the first touch element 62 corresponds to the switching element 56. By actuating the first touch element 62, the suction device 24 can be activated or deactivated.
  • the function of the second touch element 64 corresponds to the operating mode selector switch 58.
  • the second touch element 64 can thus be switched between one or more operating modes by actuating it. For example, by actuating the second touch element 64 it is possible to switch to an energy-saving mode in which the suction device 24 is operated with reduced power.
  • the operating device 48 comprises a housing 68 with a top 70 defining a surface 126, an outer side 72 and an inner side 74, on which a fastening device 76 is arranged or formed, in particular in one piece, for example in the form of a belt clip or a passage for a belt.
  • a narrow front 78 and one of this rear side 80 pointing in the opposite direction also delimits an interior space 82 of the operating device 48.
  • three mutually parallel indentations 86 are formed, which serve in particular to accommodate the forefinger, middle finger and ring finger of the operator 18 when the operator is holding the operating device 48 in one hand.
  • the first button 62 On the top 70, the first button 62, the second button 64 and between them the display device 66 are arranged.
  • the sensing elements 62 and 64 are designed to be haptically distinguishable from one another.
  • the first button element 62 is designed in the form of an electric push button 88 which, in a basic position, has a first actuating surface 90 which protrudes from the surface 126 and is at a distance from it.
  • the second touch element 64 is designed in the form of a membrane button 92, which can be actuated in a known manner in the form of a clicker frog. It defines a second actuating surface 94 which is set back relative to the first actuating surface 90 .
  • the second actuation surface 94 is set back only slightly or not at all in the housing 68 in relation to the surface 126 .
  • the display device 66 comprises several, in the exemplary embodiment of the operating device 48 illustrated in the figures there are three, light-emitting elements 96 in the form of light-emitting diodes 98 which are arranged in particular in a battery symbol in order to display the state of charge of the battery 46 .
  • the display device 66 and the second touch element 64 form a structural unit 100.
  • the display device 66 can also be designed to emit acoustic signals in order to display the state of charge of the battery 38 or the selected operating mode.
  • An actuating force for actuating the first button 62 preferably differs from an actuating force for actuating the second button 64.
  • a first actuating force for actuating the first button 62 can be smaller than an actuating force for actuating the second button 64.
  • a circuit board 102 with a plurality of electrical connection contacts is arranged in the operating device. It is used to connect the electrical connection contacts of the sensing elements 62 and 64 and the display device 66 to control lines 104 of a connecting cable 106, also referred to as a connecting line or connection line.
  • the connecting cable 106 is firmly connected to the operating device 48 and secured to the housing 68 by a strain relief device 108 .
  • the connecting cable 106 is led out through an opening in the housing 68 and is sealed relative to the housing 68 by a sealing element 110 .
  • a plug-in connection element 112 is arranged on a free end of the connecting cable 106 and can be plugged into a corresponding plug-in connection receptacle 114 on the cleaning device 10 .
  • the connector receptacle 114 can be arranged in the container 46 so that it is protected by the cover 50 .
  • the plug-in connection element 112 is introduced into the container 46, it is not in engagement with the plug-in connection receptacle 114. So that the operator 18 can operate the cleaning device 10 with the operating device 48, the plug-in connection element 112 and the plug-in connection receptacle 114 must be brought into engagement.
  • the plug-in connection element 112 and the plug-in connection receptacle 114 are preferably disengaged, so that the operating device 48 with the connecting cable 106 can be completely accommodated in the container.
  • connecting cable 106 can also be routed into housing 22 at a different point, for example on a side facing the back of operator 18 in the area of lap belt 20, and be connected to control and/or regulating device 40 in a circuit-effective manner.
  • the operating device 48 includes a control signal generating device 116 which includes the feeler elements 62 and 64 . These can be used to generate control signals, in particular for controlling the suction device 24 forming a cleaning device and/or the energy supply device 36 .
  • a signal transmission device 118 which in particular includes the connecting cable 106 including the control lines 104 , serves to transmit the control signals.
  • the plug-in connection receptacle 114 is connected to the control and/or regulating device 40 in a control-effective manner, optionally also directly to the suction device 24 and/or the energy supply device 36 in order to actuate them.
  • the cleaning device 10 can be designed in connection with the operating device 48 in particular in such a way that a control voltage of the battery 46 is permanently present at a first connection contact of the first feeler element 62 .
  • Actuating the first sensing element 62 transmits a control signal in the form of a wake-up signal to the control and/or regulating device 40 . This then activates the cleaning appliance 10 in such a way that the battery voltage is permanently present at the control and/or regulating device 40 until it is deactivated.
  • a switch-off signal for deactivating the control and/or regulating device 40 and thus also for deactivating the suction device 24 can, in particular by a renewed actuation of the first sensing element 62 or alternatively by the switching element 56.
  • a switch-off signal can also be generated if the voltage of the battery 38 falls below a predetermined minimum.
  • an undervoltage disconnection device can be provided, which is included in the battery 38 or in the control and/or regulation device 40 . This particular configuration prevents, in particular, the control and/or regulating device 40 from consuming power when it is switched off. As described, it can switch itself off completely by itself.
  • the display device 66 is only activated after the cleaning appliance 10 has been activated.
  • the control and/or regulating device 40 queries the operating voltage of the battery 38 and forwards corresponding display signals to the display device 66 .
  • the second touch element 64 can be designed in such a way that a control signal is transmitted to the control and/or regulating device when it is actuated.
  • the control and/or regulation device 40 can, in particular, comprise a storage device in order to store the last selected operating mode. This makes it possible that when the cleaning device 10 is activated, work can continue with the last selected operating mode.
  • the display device 66 can also display the selected operating mode. This can also be done optically by one or more lighting elements, in particular in different colors or in different sizes. Alternatively, display elements can also be provided, with which text can be displayed in any way and, correspondingly, also characters.
  • the signal transmission device 118 can also be embodied in the form of a contactless signal transmission device 118 with a transmission device 120 for sending and/or receiving of radio signals, which is arranged or configured on operating device 48, and a transmitting and/or receiving device 122 on cleaning appliance 10, which is connected to control and/or regulating device 40 in a control-effective manner and is used to transmit and/or receive control signals formed by or by the operating device 48 .
  • the transmission device 120 and the transmission and/or reception device 122 can be designed to transmit control signals via a Bluetooth connection.
  • the cleaning device 10 with the operating device 48 enables the operator 18 not only to activate and deactivate the suction device 24 ergonomically, but also to select between at least two different operating modes.
  • the operator 18 can also check the state of charge of the battery 38 with the operating device 48 held on a belt 124, for example, without having to put the cleaning device 10 down from his back. A glance to the side, for example, is sufficient here when the operating device 48 is arranged on the side of the operator's body on the belt 124 in order to obtain all essential information about the operating state of the cleaning device 10 .
  • the tactile elements 62 and 64 which can be distinguished from one another by touch, make it possible for the operator 18 to be able to operate the cleaning device 10 in a quasi-blind manner, because the tactile elements 62 and 64 can be noticeably distinguished from one another. In addition, they are sufficiently separated from one another by the display device 66 arranged between them. In this way, incorrect operation of the cleaning device can be reliably avoided.
  • the cleaning device 10 can optionally be equipped with a removable battery 38 . In this way, in particular, permanent use of the cleaning device 10 can be made possible, because the battery can be exchanged for a charged battery 38 after it is empty.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein rückentragbares Reinigungsgerät mit einer Reinigungseinrichtung, einer netzunabhängigen Energieversorgungseinrichtung zum Versorgen der Reinigungseinrichtung mit Energie, insbesondere elektrischer Energie, und einer Bedieneinrichtung zum Steuern, insbesondere zum Aktivieren und Deaktivieren der Reinigungseinrichtung und/oder der Energieversorgungseinrichtung, welche Bedienvorrichtung eine Steuersignalerzeugungseinrichtung zum Erzeugen von Steuersignalen zum Steuern der Reinigungsvorrichtung und/oder der Energieversorgungseinrichtung und eine Signalübertragungseinrichtung zum Übertragen der Steuersignale umfasst, wobei die Steuersignalerzeugungseinrichtung mindestens ein erstes Tastglied umfasst zum Aktivieren und Deaktivieren der Reinigungseinrichtung, wobei die Bedieneinrichtung mindestens ein zweites Tastglied zum Aktivieren und Deaktivieren einer Betriebsart der Reinigungseinrichtung umfasst und dass das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied haptisch unterscheidbar ausgebildet sind, wobei die Bedieneinrichtung getrennt von der Reinigungseinrichtung angeordnet ist und ein Gehäuse umfasst.The present invention relates to a backpack cleaning device with a cleaning device, a mains-independent energy supply device for supplying the cleaning device with energy, in particular electrical energy, and an operating device for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device, which operating device has a control signal generating device for generating of control signals for controlling the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device and a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signals, the control signal generating device comprising at least one first button for activating and deactivating the cleaning device, the operating device having at least one second button for activating and deactivating an operating mode of the cleaning device comprises and that the at least one first feeler element and the at least one second feeler element are designed to be haptically distinguishable, the operating device being arranged separately from the cleaning device and comprising a housing.

Rückentragbare Reinigungsgeräte sind insbesondere in Form von rückentragbaren Blasgeräten oder rückentragbaren Sauggeräten, insbesondere Laubsaugern oder dergleichen, bekannt. Werden diese mit elektrischer Energie betrieben, dienen vorzugsweise Batterien, insbesondere wiederaufladbare Batterien, zur Versorgung der Reinigungseinrichtung, beispielsweise einer Saug- oder Blaseinrichtung, mit Energie.Backpack cleaning devices are known in particular in the form of backpack blowers or backpack suction devices, in particular leaf vacuums or the like. If these are operated with electrical energy, batteries, in particular rechargeable batteries, are preferably used to supply the cleaning device, for example a suction or blower device, with energy.

Es ist bekannt, eine Bedieneinrichtung für ein rückentragbares Reinigungsgerät der eingangs beschriebenen Art in Form eines Schalters oder eines Taster bereitzustellen, mit dem die Reinigungseinrichtung aktiviert werden kann, insbesondere durch Schließen eines Stromkreises. Der Schalter oder Taster ist dabei beispielsweise an einem Gehäuse des Reinigungsgeräts angeordnet.It is known to provide an operating device for a backpack cleaning device of the type described above in the form of a switch or a button with which the cleaning device can be activated, in particular by closing a circuit. The switch or button is arranged, for example, on a housing of the cleaning device.

Ein Problem bei rückentragbaren Reinigungsgeräten ist insbesondere deren einfache und sichere Handhabung. Insbesondere dann, wenn die Bedieneinrichtung von der Bedienperson nicht direkt einsehbar ist, weil sie wie beschrieben beispielsweise am Reinigungsgerät selbst angeordnet ist, ist eine Bedienperson unter Umständen gezwungen, das Reinigungsgerät abzusetzen, um insbesondere das erste Tastglied zu betätigen. Dies hat jedoch den Nachteil, dass das Reinigungsgerät bereits beim Aufsetzen aktiviert ist und Energie verbraucht. Insbesondere beim Einsatz von Batterien wird so eine Reinigungszeit in unerwünschter Weise verkürzt.One problem with cleaning devices that can be carried on a backpack is in particular their simple and safe handling. In particular, when the operating device cannot be seen directly by the operator because it is arranged on the cleaning device itself, for example, as described, an operator may be forced to set the cleaning device down in order to actuate the first button in particular. However, this has the disadvantage that the cleaning device is already activated when it is put on and consumes energy. In particular, when using batteries, a cleaning time is undesirably shortened.

Aus der US 5,813,088 ist ein rückentragbares Blasgerät bekannt. Ein Sauggerät, welches mit Propan betrieben wird, ist in der US 2013/0061419 A1 beschrieben. Die GB 2 364 896 A offenbart einen gürtelgehaltenen tragbaren Saugapparat. Eine Reinigungsvorrichtung sowie Verfahren zur Kontrolle des Zugriffs auf eine Reinigungsvorrichtung sind aus der DE 10 2009 033 944 A1 bekannt. In der EP 1 593 334 A2 ist eine fahrbare Bodenreinigungsmaschine beschrieben.From the U.S. 5,813,088 a backpack-type blower is known. A suction device, which is operated with propane, is in the U.S. 2013/0061419 A1 described. The GB 2 364 896 A discloses a belt-carried portable aspirator. A cleaning device and methods for controlling access to a cleaning device are from DE 10 2009 033 944 A1 known. In the EP 1 593 334 A2 describes a mobile floor cleaning machine.

Es ist daher eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, die Handhabbarkeit eines Reinigungsgeräts der eingangs beschriebenen Art zu verbessern.It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the handling of a cleaning device of the type described above.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Reinigungsgerät der eingangs beschriebenen Art erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass.die Bedieneinrichtung eine Anzeigeeinrichtung zum Anzeigen eines Status der Energieversorgungseinrichtung und/ oder zum Anzeigen der mindestens einen Betriebsart der Reinigungseinrichtung umfasstIn a cleaning appliance of the type described above, this object is achieved according to the invention in that the operating device comprises a display device for displaying a status of the energy supply device and/or for displaying the at least one operating mode of the cleaning device

Die erfindungsgemäß vorgeschlagene Weiterbildung einer Bedieneinrichtung ermöglicht es, zum einen nicht nur das Reinigungsgerät, insbesondere die von diesem umfasste Reinigungseinrichtung und/oder die Energieversorgungseinrichtung zu aktivieren, sondern zusätzlich auch mindestens eine Betriebsart zu aktivieren oder zu deaktivieren. Darunter ist insbesondere auch ein Umschalten zwischen mindestens zwei verschiedenen Betriebsarten zu verstehen. Beispielsweise kann mit dem ersten Tastglied die Reinigungseinrichtung aktiviert werden und mit dem mindestens einen zweiten Tastglied das Reinigungsgerät von einem normalen Betrieb in einen Energiesparbetrieb umgeschaltet werden. Denkbar sind insbesondere mehrere Energiesparstufen oder aber auch Betriebsarten mit einer erhöhten Reinigungsleistung, beispielweise einer erhöhten Saugleistung bei einem Sauggerät. Durch die besondere Ausgestaltung des mindestens einen ersten Tastglieds und des mindestens einen zweiten Tastglieds ist es für eine Bedienperson einfach, das Reinigungsgerät zu bedienen, da die Bedienperson, auch ohne direkten Sichtkontakt mit der Bedieneinrichtung, das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied haptisch einfach und sicher unterscheiden kann. Dies wird durch die unterschiedliche haptische Ausbildung der Tastglieder erreicht. So kann eine Bedienperson, beispielsweise beim Nachhintengreifen an das rückentragbare Reinigungsgerät oder eine seitlich am Körper getragene Bedieneinrichtung, die Tastglieder erfühlen und diese so voneinander unterscheiden. So kann einfach und sicher das Reinigungsgerät aktiviert und bei Bedarf eine besondere Betriebsart aktiviert oder zwischen Betriebsarten umgeschaltet werden. Insbesondere kann die Bedieneinrichtung in Form einer vom Reinigungsgerät getrennt ausgebildeten oder trennbaren Bedieneinrichtung ausgebildet sein. Das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied können wahlweise auch in Form eines Schalters ausgebildet sein, der in einer vorgegebenen Schaltstellung nach einer Betätigung verbleibt. Das mindestens eine erste und/oder mindestens eine zweite Tastglied in Form eines elektrischen Tasters auszubilden hat insbesondere den Vorteil, dass für eine Betätigung nur kurzzeitig ein Steuerstrom fließen muss, was insbesondere bei einer elektrischen Energieversorgungseinrichtung in Form eine Batterie einen Stromverbrauch verringern hilft, so dass das Reinigungsgerät insgesamt länger zum Reinigen eingesetzt werden kann. Die Bedieneinrichtung lässt sich dadurch auf einfache Weise ergonomisch handhaben, dass sie ein Gehäuse umfasst. So kann sie insbesondere separat vom Reinigungsgerät ausgebildet und angeordnet werden, beispielsweise vom Reinigungsgerät getrennt an einem Bekleidungsstück einer Bedienperson. Gemäß der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Bedieneinrichtung eine Anzeigeeinrichtung zum Anzeigen eines Status der Energieversorgungseinrichtung und/oder zum Anzeigen einer Betriebsart der Reinigungsvorrichtung umfasst. Durch die Anzeigeeinrichtung kann eine Bedienperson insbesondere optisch eine Rückmeldung erhalten, ob das Reinigungsgerät aktiviert oder deaktiviert ist und/oder in welcher Betriebsart das Reinigungsgerät aktuell betrieben wird. Zudem kann mit der Anzeigeeinrichtung auch ein Status der Energieversorgungseinrichtung optional angezeigt werden. So kann eine Bedienperson jederzeit feststellen, wie viel Energie noch zur Verfügung steht und so gegebenenfalls eine noch mögliche weitere Reinigungszeit beziehungsweise Betriebszeit des Reinigungsgeräts abschätzen oder direkt an der Anzeigeeinrichtung ablesen. Getrennt von der Reinigungseinrichtung angeordnet bedeutet insbesondere, dass diese zwar in Wirkverbindung mit der Reinigungseinrichtung steht, beispielsweise über eine Kabelverbindung, als eigentliche Bedieneinrichtung jedoch von der Reinigungseinrichtung, insbesondere von einem Gehäuse derselben, getrennt ausgebildet ist. Dadurch lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung getrennt vom Reinigungsgerät und einer von einer Bedienperson gewünschten Weise anordnen. Eine Bedienperson kann das rückentragbare Reinigungsgerät somit auf einfache Weise mit der Bedieneinrichtung steuern, beispielsweise aktivieren oder deaktivieren und/oder eine Betriebsart aktivieren oder ändern, insbesondere ohne dass ein direkter Sichtkontakt zur Bedieneinrichtung bestehen muss. Durch die haptische Unterscheidbarkeit des mindestens einen ersten Tastglieds und des mindestens einen zweiten Tastglieds voneinander kann eine Bedienperson das Reinigungsgerät einfach und sicher bedienen.The further development of an operating device proposed according to the invention makes it possible not only to activate the cleaning device, in particular the cleaning device it includes and/or the energy supply device, but also to activate or deactivate at least one operating mode. This also includes switching between at least two different operating modes. For example the cleaning device can be activated with the first touch element and the cleaning device can be switched from normal operation to energy-saving operation with the at least one second touch element. In particular, several energy-saving levels or operating modes with an increased cleaning performance, for example an increased suction performance in the case of a suction device, are conceivable. Due to the special configuration of the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element, it is easy for an operator to operate the cleaning device, since the operator can use the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element, even without direct visual contact with the operating device can distinguish haptically easily and reliably. This is achieved through the different haptic design of the feeler elements. Thus, an operator, for example when reaching backwards for the cleaning device that can be carried on the back or an operating device carried on the side of the body, can feel the feeler elements and thus distinguish them from one another. In this way, the cleaning device can be activated easily and safely and, if required, a special operating mode can be activated or switched between operating modes. In particular, the operating device can be embodied in the form of an operating device that is separate or can be separated from the cleaning device. The at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element can optionally also be designed in the form of a switch which remains in a predetermined switching position after actuation. Designing the at least one first and/or at least one second touch element in the form of an electric button has the particular advantage that a control current only has to flow for a short time for actuation, which helps to reduce power consumption, particularly in the case of an electrical energy supply device in the form of a battery, so that the cleaning device can be used for cleaning for longer overall. The operating device can be handled ergonomically in a simple manner in that it includes a housing. In particular, it can be designed and arranged separately from the cleaning device, for example separately from the cleaning device on an item of clothing of an operator. According to the invention it is provided that the operating device has a display device for displaying a Includes status of the power supply device and / or for displaying an operating mode of the cleaning device. The display device allows an operator to receive visual feedback as to whether the cleaning device is activated or deactivated and/or in which operating mode the cleaning device is currently being operated. In addition, a status of the energy supply device can also be optionally displayed with the display device. In this way, an operator can determine at any time how much energy is still available and, if necessary, estimate another possible cleaning time or operating time of the cleaning device or read it off directly on the display device. Arranged separately from the cleaning device means in particular that although this is in operative connection with the cleaning device, for example via a cable connection, the actual operating device is designed separately from the cleaning device, in particular from a housing of the same. As a result, the operating device can be arranged separately from the cleaning device and in a manner desired by an operator. An operator can thus easily control the cleaning device that can be carried on a backpack with the operating device, for example activate or deactivate it and/or activate or change an operating mode, in particular without having to be in direct visual contact with the operating device. Due to the haptic distinguishability of the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element from one another, an operator can operate the cleaning device easily and safely.

Günstig ist es, wenn das Gehäuse mindestens eine Seitenwand aufweist und wenn das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied in oder an der mindestens einen Seitenwand angeordnet oder ausgebildet sind. So kann eine Bedienperson auf einfache Weise erfühlen, wo sich das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied befindet, wenn das mindestens eine erste Tastglied erfühlt wurde. Dies ist insbesondere ohne direkten Sichtkontakt zu den Tastgliedern möglich.It is favorable if the housing has at least one side wall and if the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element are arranged or formed in or on the at least one side wall. In this way, an operator can easily feel where the at least one second touch element is located when the at least one first touch element has been felt. This is possible in particular without direct visual contact with the sensing elements.

Eine besonders kompakte und bedienerfreundliche Ausbildung der Bedieneinrichtung wird insbesondere dadurch möglich, dass das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied auf derselben Seitenwand des Gehäuses angeordnet oder ausgebildet sind. So kann beispielsweise die Bedieneinrichtung optional auch in eine Aufnahme am Reinigungsgerät eingesetzt werden, wobei dann immer noch alle an der Bedieneinrichtung vorgesehenen Tastglieder, die auf derselben Seitenwand des Gehäuses angeordnet oder ausgebildet sind, frei zugänglich sein können. Zudem kann die Bedieneinrichtung auf einfache Weise beispielweise mit einem Daumen einer Bedienperson betätigt werden.A particularly compact and user-friendly design of the operating device is possible in particular in that the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element are arranged or formed on the same side wall of the housing. For example, the operating device can optionally also be inserted into a receptacle on the cleaning device, in which case all the feelers provided on the operating device, which are arranged or formed on the same side wall of the housing, can then still be freely accessible. In addition, the operating device can be actuated in a simple manner, for example with an operator's thumb.

Günstig ist es, wenn die mindestens eine Seitenwand eine Oberseite des Gehäuses bildet, welche in einer bestimmungsgemäßen Anordnung und Ausrichtung der Bedieneinrichtung in einer Richtung entgegen der Schwerkraftrichtung weist. Diese Ausgestaltung hat insbesondere den Vorteil, dass eine Bedienperson bei Bedarf auf einfache Weise direkten Sichtkontakt zu den Tastgliedern erhalten kann.It is favorable if the at least one side wall forms an upper side of the housing which, in a correct arrangement and alignment of the operating device, points in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity. This configuration has the particular advantage that an operator can easily obtain direct visual contact with the feeler elements if required.

Auf einfache Weise lassen sich das mindestens eine erste und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied unterscheiden, wenn das mindestens eine erste Tastglied in Form eines elektromechanischen Drucktasters oder -schalters ausgebildet ist und wenn das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied in Form eines Folientasters oder -schalters ausgebildet ist. Derartige Tastglieder lassen sich auf einfache und sichere Weise erfühlen und von einer Bedienperson haptisch unterscheiden. Insbesondere kann ein Folientaster ausgebildet sein in Form einer sich elastisch verformbaren Tastfläche, die nach Art eines Knackfroschs verformt wird, um beispielsweise ein Steuersignal zu erzeugen. Optional kann auch ein Betätigungsgeräusch der Tastglieder in Folge einer Betätigung unterschiedlich sein, sodass eine Bedienperson eine akustische Rückmeldung über eine Betätigung der Tastglieder erhalten kann.The at least one first and at least one second button can be easily distinguished if the at least one first button is in the form of an electromechanical push button or switch and if the at least one second button is in the form of a membrane button or switch. Such tactile elements can be felt in a simple and reliable manner and can be haptically distinguished by an operator. In particular, a membrane button can be designed in the form of an elastically deformable touch surface, which is deformed in the manner of a clicky frog in order to generate a control signal, for example. Optionally, an actuation noise of the feeler elements as a result of an actuation can also be different, so that an operator can receive acoustic feedback about an actuation of the feeler elements.

Ferner kann es vorteilhaft sein, wenn das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied derart ausgebildet sind, dass sich eine erste Betätigungskraft zum Betätigen des mindestens einen ersten Tastglieds und eine zweite Betätigungskraft zum Betätigen des mindestens einen zweiten Tastglieds unterscheiden. So kann beispielsweise das mindestens eine erste Tastglied mit einer größeren oder kleineren Betätigungskraft als das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied betätigbar sein.Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the at least one first feeler element and the at least one second feeler element are designed such that a first actuating force for actuating the at least one first touch element and a second actuating force for actuating the at least one second touch element. For example, the at least one first touch element can be actuated with a greater or lesser actuating force than the at least one second touch element.

Vorzugsweise ist die zweite Betätigungskraft größer ist als die erste Betätigungskraft. Insbesondere kann die zweite Betätigungskraft mindestens doppelt so groß sein als die erste Betätigungskraft. Auf diese Weise kann verhindert werden, dass das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied in unbeabsichtigter Weise betätigt wird, insbesondere bei einer Betätigung des ersten Tastglieds.The second actuating force is preferably greater than the first actuating force. In particular, the second actuating force can be at least twice as great as the first actuating force. In this way, it is possible to prevent the at least one second touch element from being actuated in an unintentional manner, in particular when the first touch element is actuated.

Um die Handhabung der Bedieneinrichtung weiter zu verbessern, ist es günstig, wenn die Bedieneinrichtung eine Befestigungseinrichtung zum Befestigen oder Festlegen der Bedienvorrichtung an einem Bekleidungsstück einer Bedienperson umfasst. Insbesondere kann die Befestigungseinrichtung ausgebildet sein zum Festlegen der Bedieneinrichtung an einem Gürtel. So kann die Bedieneinrichtung auf einfache Weise an einem Gürtel einer Bedienperson angeordnet werden, so dass die Bedienperson mit ihrer linken oder rechten Hand, je nachdem wo die Bedieneinrichtung am Gürtel festgelegt wird, das Reinigungsgerät mit der Bedieneinrichtung in gewünschter Weise bedienen kann.In order to further improve the handling of the operating device, it is favorable if the operating device comprises a fastening device for fastening or fixing the operating device to an operator's clothing. In particular, the fastening device can be designed to fix the operating device to a belt. The operating device can be easily arranged on an operator's belt, so that the operator can operate the cleaning device with the operating device in the desired manner with his left or right hand, depending on where the operating device is fixed on the belt.

Vorzugsweise ist die Befestigungseinrichtung in Form eines Gürtelclips ausgebildet. So lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung einfach und schnell am Gürtel einer Bedienperson anordnen.The fastening device is preferably designed in the form of a belt clip. The operating device can thus be arranged easily and quickly on an operator's belt.

Besonders einfach und kompakt ausbilden lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung, wenn die Befestigungseinrichtung an einer Seitenwand des Gehäuses angeordnet oder ausgebildet ist. Insbesondere kann es sich dabei um eine Seitenwand des Gehäuses handeln, die die größte Seitenfläche des Gehäuses definiert.The operating device can be designed in a particularly simple and compact manner if the fastening device is arranged or designed on a side wall of the housing. In particular, this can be a side wall of the housing that defines the largest side surface of the housing.

Auf einfache und kostengünstige Weise ausbilden lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung insbesondere dadurch, dass die Befestigungseinrichtung einstückig mit dem Gehäuse ausgebildet ist. Beispielsweise kann das Gehäuse ein- oder mehrteilig aus einem Kunststoff durch Spritzgießen hergestellt sein, wobei die Befestigungseinrichtung, beispielsweise ein Gürtelclip oder eine Durchführung oder Öse für ein Halteband oder dergleichen, einstückig an die Seitenwand angeformt ist. So kann zudem auch ein Montageaufwand der Bedieneinrichtung minimiert werden.The operating device can be designed in a simple and cost-effective manner, in particular in that the fastening device is designed in one piece with the housing. For example, the housing can be made in one or more parts from a plastic by injection molding, with the fastening device, for example a belt clip or a passage or eyelet for a retaining strap or the like, being integrally formed on the side wall. In this way, the outlay involved in installing the operating device can also be minimized.

Günstig ist es, wenn die Anzeigeeinrichtung in Form einer Batterieanzeige ausgebildet ist. So lässt sich beispielsweise ein Ladezustand der Batterie anzeigen. Damit kann eine Bedienperson jederzeit insbesondere einen Ladezustand der Batterie überprüfen.It is favorable if the display device is designed in the form of a battery display. For example, the state of charge of the battery can be displayed. In this way, an operator can check the state of charge of the battery in particular at any time.

Vorzugsweise ist die die Anzeigeeinrichtung in Form einer optischen und/oder akustischen Anzeigeeinrichtung ausgebildet. Auf einer optischen Anzeigeeinrichtung lassen sich gewünschte Informationen von einer Bedienperson direkt ablesen. Ist die Bedieneinrichtung derart angeordnet, dass eine optische Anzeigeeinrichtung nur schlecht einsehbar ist, hat insbesondere eine akustische Anzeigeeinrichtung den Vorteil, dass sie einer Bedienperson eine akustische Rückmeldung geben kann zum Anzeigen der mindestens einen Betriebsart und/oder eines Status der Energieversorgungseinrichtung auf akustische Weise. Insbesondere kann beim Unterschreiten eines bestimmten Ladestatus der Batterie ein akustisches Signal oder ein bestimmtes charakteristisches Geräusch erzeugt werden.The display device is preferably designed in the form of an optical and/or acoustic display device. Desired information can be read directly by an operator on an optical display device. If the operating device is arranged in such a way that a visual display device is difficult to see, an acoustic display device has the particular advantage that it can give an operator acoustic feedback to display the at least one operating mode and/or a status of the energy supply device in an acoustic manner. In particular, when the battery charge falls below a certain level, an acoustic signal or a certain characteristic noise can be generated.

Besonders einfach und kostengünstig ausbilden lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung, wenn die Anzeigeeinrichtung eine optische Segmentanzeige umfasst. Insbesondere kann die Segmentanzeige mindestens zwei Leuchtelemente aufweisen. Insbesondere können es drei oder vier Leuchtelemente sein. Beispielsweise können zwei, drei, vier oder mehr Leuchtelemente vorgesehen sein, um insbesondere einen Ladezustand der Energieversorgungseinrichtung anzuzeigen. Je mehr Leuchtelemente leuchten, umso besser ist beispielsweise der Ladezustand der Batterie.The operating device can be designed in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner if the display device comprises an optical segment display. In particular, the segment display can have at least two light-emitting elements. In particular, there can be three or four light-emitting elements. For example, two, three, four or more light-emitting elements can be provided, in particular to indicate a state of charge of the energy supply device to display. The more light elements that light up, the better the charge status of the battery, for example.

Auf besondere einfache und kompakte Weise lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung ausbilden, wenn die Anzeigeeinrichtung an oder auf derselben Seitenwand angeordnet oder ausgebildet ist wie das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und/oder das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied. Insbesondere können sowohl die Anzeigeeinrichtung als auch die Tastglieder auf derselben Seitenwand der Bedieneinrichtung ausgebildet sein. Dies ermöglicht insbesondere auch das temporäre oder dauerhafte Anordnen der Bedieneinrichtung in einer hierfür vorgesehenen korrespondierenden Aufnahme am Reinigungsgerät. Die Bedieneinrichtung lässt sich so im Gehäuse aufnehmen, wobei mindestens noch eine Seitenwand frei zugänglich und sichtbar ist. Auf dieser befinden sich vorzugsweise die Anzeigeeinrichtung und die Tastglieder.The operating device can be designed in a particularly simple and compact manner if the display device is arranged or designed on or on the same side wall as the at least one first touch element and/or the at least one second touch element. In particular, both the display device and the touch elements can be formed on the same side wall of the operating device. In particular, this also enables the operating device to be arranged temporarily or permanently in a corresponding receptacle provided for this purpose on the cleaning device. The operating device can thus be accommodated in the housing, with at least one side wall being freely accessible and visible. The display device and the feeler elements are preferably located on this.

Um für eine Bedienperson eine möglichst deutliche haptische Unterscheidung und Trennung zwischen dem mindestens einen ersten und dem mindestens einen zweiten Tastglied zu ermöglichen, ist es günstig, wenn die Anzeigeeinrichtung zwischen dem mindestens einen ersten Tastglied und dem mindestens einen zweiten Tastglied angeordnet oder ausgebildet ist.In order to allow an operator to distinguish and separate the at least one first and at least one second touch element by touch as clearly as possible, it is favorable if the display device is arranged or formed between the at least one first touch element and the at least one second touch element.

Kostengünstig herstellen und insbesondere auch auf einfache Weise montieren lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung, wenn das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied und die Anzeigeeinrichtung eine Baueinheit bilden. Die Baueinheit kann also insbesondere eine optische und/oder akustische Anzeigeeinrichtung und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied umfassen, beispielsweise nach Art einer Folientastatur mit integrierter Anzeigeeinrichtung. Die Baueinheit kann insbesondere fensterartige Öffnungen, optional auch mit einem durchsichtigen Abdeckelement verschlossen, aufweisen, durch die hindurch Leuchtelemente der Anzeigeeinrichtung für eine Bedienperson sichtbar sind.The operating device can be produced inexpensively and, in particular, also assembled in a simple manner if the at least one second touch element and the display device form a structural unit. The structural unit can therefore in particular comprise an optical and/or acoustic display device and the at least one second touch element, for example in the manner of a membrane keyboard with an integrated display device. The structural unit can in particular have window-like openings, optionally also closed with a transparent cover element, through which light-emitting elements of the display device can be seen by an operator.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass das mindestens eine erste Tastglied eine erste Betätigungsfläche aufweist und dass das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied eine zweite Betätigungsfläche aufweist und dass ein Abstand zwischen einer Oberfläche der Seitenwand, in oder an der das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied angeordnet oder ausgebildet sind, und der ersten Betätigungsfläche größer ist als ein Abstand zwischen der Oberfläche und der zweiten Betätigungsfläche. Auf diese Weise lassen sich das mindestens eine erste Tastglied und das mindestens eine zweite Tastglied einfach und sicher von einer Bedienperson unterscheiden, und zwar rein haptisch, ohne dass die Tastglieder für eine Bedienperson einsehbar sein müssen. Insbesondere kann so die erste Betätigungsfläche weiter von der Seitenwand vorstehen als die zweite Betätigungsfläche. So kann eine Bedienperson insbesondere das mindestens eine erste Tastglied zum Aktivieren der Reinigungseinrichtung und/oder der Energieversorgungseinrichtung auf einfache und sichere Weise haptisch vom mindestens einen zweiten Tastglied unterscheiden.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the at least one first touch element has a first actuating surface and that the at least one second button has a second actuating surface and that a distance between a surface of the side wall, in or on which the at least one first button and the at least one second button are arranged or formed, and the first actuating surface is greater than one Distance between the surface and the second actuating surface. In this way, the at least one first feeler element and the at least one second feeler element can be easily and reliably distinguished by an operator, purely haptically, without the feeler elements having to be visible to an operator. In particular, the first actuating surface can protrude further from the side wall than the second actuating surface. In this way, an operator can distinguish the at least one first touch element for activating the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device from the at least one second touch element in a simple and reliable manner.

Um eine unbeabsichtigte Betätigung des mindestens einen zweiten Tastglieds zu vermeiden, ist es günstig, wenn die zweite Betätigungsfläche gegenüber der Oberfläche in das Gehäuse hinein zurückgesetzt ist.In order to avoid unintentional actuation of the at least one second touch element, it is advantageous if the second actuation surface is set back into the housing in relation to the surface.

Ferner kann es vorteilhaft sein, wenn die Signalübertragungseinrichtung in Form mindestens einer elektrischen Verbindungsleitung oder in Form einer berührungslosen Signalübertragungseinrichtung ausgebildet ist. So lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung insbesondere vollständig vom Reinigungsgerät trennen. Beispielweise kann eine Bedienperson die Bedieneinrichtung in der Hand halten, ohne dass eine Kabelverbindung zwischen der Bedieneinrichtung und dem Reinigungsgerät vorgesehen ist. So lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung zudem von einer Bedienperson auf einfache Weise wie gewünscht während des Betriebs des Reinigungsgeräts anordnen. Insbesondere kann die Bedieneinrichtung an einem Gürtel oder auf eine andere Art und Weise an oder in einem Bekleidungsstück der Bedienperson angeordnet werden. Mindestens eine elektrische Verbindungsleitung vorzusehen ermöglicht eine Ausgestaltung der Bedieneinrichtung derart, dass diese mit dem Reinigungsgerät mindestens während eines Betriebs verbunden bleiben kann. Insbesondere kann so ein Risiko für einen unerwünschten Verlust der Bedieneinrichtung minimiert werden. Ist die Verbindungsleitung hinreichend lang, kann auch bei einer Bedieneinrichtung mit Verbindungsleitung eine gewünschte Positionierung derselben beispielweise an einem Bekleidungsstück einer Bedienperson ermöglicht werden. Eine Signalübertragungseinrichtung in Form einer elektrischen Verbindungsleitung vorzusehen hat zudem den Vorteil, dass keine zusätzliche Energieversorgung für die Bedieneinrichtung erforderlich ist.Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the signal transmission device is designed in the form of at least one electrical connecting line or in the form of a non-contact signal transmission device. In particular, the operating device can be completely separated from the cleaning device. For example, an operator can hold the operating device in his hand without a cable connection being provided between the operating device and the cleaning appliance. In this way, the operating device can also be easily arranged by an operator as desired during operation of the cleaning appliance. In particular, the operating device can be arranged on a belt or in some other way on or in an item of clothing of the operator. Providing at least one electrical connecting line enables the operating device to be configured in such a way that it can remain connected to the cleaning device at least during operation. In particular, such a Risk of unwanted loss of the operating device can be minimized. If the connecting line is sufficiently long, a desired positioning of the same, for example on an item of clothing of an operator, can also be made possible in the case of an operating device with a connecting line. Providing a signal transmission device in the form of an electrical connecting line also has the advantage that no additional power supply is required for the operating device.

Auf einfache und kostengünstige Weise lässt sich die Bedieneinrichtung ausbilden, wenn die mindestens eine elektrische Verbindungsleitung in Form einer Anschlussleitung ausgebildet ist. Insbesondere kann sie dauerhaft oder temporär mit dem Reinigungsgerät verbunden sein. Die Verbindungsleitung kann insbesondere eine oder mehrere Steuerleitungen zum Übertragen der von der Steuersignalerzeugungseinrichtung erzeugten Steuersignalen umfassen.The operating device can be designed in a simple and cost-effective manner if the at least one electrical connecting line is designed in the form of a connecting line. In particular, it can be permanently or temporarily connected to the cleaning device. In particular, the connecting line can include one or more control lines for transmitting the control signals generated by the control signal generating device.

Günstig ist es, wenn ein erstes Ende der elektrischen Verbindungsleitung unlösbar mit dem Gehäuse verbunden ist und wenn an einem zweiten Ende der elektrischen Verbindungsleitung mindestens ein Steckverbindungselement zum kraft- und/oder formschlüssigen in Eingriff Bringen mit dem Reinigungsgerät angeordnet oder ausgebildet ist. Eine dauerhafte Verbindung der Verbindungsleitung mit dem Gehäuse stellt insbesondere sicher, dass mit der Bedieneinrichtung auch stets die Verbindungsleitung zum Verbinden mit dem Reinigungsgerät bereitgestellt ist. Optional kann die Verbindungsleitung auch ein zweites Ende aufweisen, das dauerhaft mit dem Reinigungsgerät verbunden ist. Wie beschrieben kann es alternativ auch mindestens ein Steckverbindungselement umfassen. Dies gestattet es, die Verbindungsleitung und damit auch die Bedieneinrichtung vom Reinigungsgerät zu trennen, beispielsweise zum Lagern oder zum Transportieren des Reinigungsgeräts.It is favorable if a first end of the electrical connecting line is non-detachably connected to the housing and if at least one plug-in connection element is arranged or formed at a second end of the electrical connecting line for positive and/or non-positive engagement with the cleaning device. A permanent connection of the connecting line to the housing ensures, in particular, that the connecting line for connecting to the cleaning device is always provided with the operating device. Optionally, the connecting line can also have a second end that is permanently connected to the cleaning device. As described, it can alternatively also include at least one plug connection element. This makes it possible to disconnect the connecting line and thus also the operating device from the cleaning device, for example for storing or transporting the cleaning device.

Ferner kann es günstig sein, wenn die elektrische Verbindungsleitung aus einer Seitenwand des Gehäuses herausgeführt ist und wenn ein Abstand zwischen dieser Seitenwand und dem mindestens einen zweiten Tastglied kleiner ist als Abstand zwischen dieser Seitenwand und dem mindestens einen ersten Tastglied. Diese Ausgestaltung ermöglicht es insbesondere, die Bedieneinrichtung zwangslos so an der Bekleidung einer Bedienperson anzuordnen, dass das mindestens eine erste Tastglied weiter vom Reinigungsgerät entfernt ist, mithin also weiter vorne am Körper angeordnet ist und so von einer Bedienperson leichter betätigt werden kann.Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the electrical connecting line is routed out of a side wall of the housing and if the distance between this side wall and the at least one second sensing element is smaller than the distance between this side wall and the at least one first feeler. This configuration makes it possible in particular to arrange the operating device casually on an operator's clothing in such a way that the at least one first touch element is further away from the cleaning device, i.e. it is therefore arranged further forward on the body and can therefore be operated more easily by an operator.

Auf einfache Weise lassen sich Steuersignale von der Bedieneinrichtung zum Reinigungsgerät ohne elektrische Verbindungsleitung übertragen und umgekehrt, wenn die berührungslose Signalübertragungseinrichtung eine Sendeeinrichtung zum Senden und/oder Empfangen von Funksignalen umfasst. Funksignale können insbesondere elektromagnetische Signale jedweder Art sein. Insbesondere kann es sich um Funksignale nach dem Bluetooth-Standard handeln.Control signals can be transmitted in a simple manner from the operating device to the cleaning device without an electrical connecting line and vice versa if the contactless signal transmission device includes a transmission device for transmitting and/or receiving radio signals. Radio signals can, in particular, be electromagnetic signals of any type. In particular, these can be radio signals according to the Bluetooth standard.

Günstig ist es, wenn das Reinigungsgerät ein Gehäuse umfasst und wenn die Bedieneinrichtung vom Gehäuse räumlich getrennt angeordnet ist. So kann die Bedieneinrichtung von einer Bedienperson ergonomisch optimiert angeordnet werden zum Bedienen des Reinigungsgeräts. Die Bedieneinrichtung kann dennoch wahlweise berührungslos oder kabelgebunden mit dem Reinigungsgerät, insbesondere dessen Gehäuse, verbunden oder gekoppelt sein. Die Reinigungseinrichtung kann insbesondere im Gehäuse des Reinigungsgeräts angeordnet sein, um sie vor äußeren Einflüssen und Schäden zu schützen.It is favorable if the cleaning device includes a housing and if the operating device is arranged spatially separate from the housing. In this way, the operating device can be arranged in an ergonomically optimized manner by an operator in order to operate the cleaning device. However, the operating device can optionally be connected or coupled to the cleaning device, in particular its housing, in a contactless or wired manner. The cleaning device can be arranged in particular in the housing of the cleaning device in order to protect it from external influences and damage.

Vorzugsweise ist die Bedieneinrichtung mit der Reinigungseinrichtung und/oder der Energieversorgungseinrichtung steuerungswirksam verbunden. Auf diese Weise kann eine Bedienperson beispielsweise die Reinigungseinrichtung aktivieren und/oder die Energieversorgungseinrichtung aktivieren zum Abgeben von Energie zum Betreiben der Reinigungseinrichtung. Steuerungswirksam verbunden kann insbesondere berührungslos oder auch kabelgebunden verbunden bedeuten.The operating device is preferably connected to the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device in a control-effective manner. In this way, an operator can, for example, activate the cleaning device and/or activate the energy supply device to deliver energy for operating the cleaning device. Connected in a control-effective manner can mean, in particular, connected in a non-contact manner or also connected by a cable.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Reinigungsgerät eine Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung zum Steuern und/oder Regeln der Reinigungseinrichtung umfasst, wobei die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung mit der Energieversorgungseinrichtung, der Reinigungseinrichtung und der Bedieneinrichtung steuerungswirksam verbunden ist. Beispielsweise kann das Reinigungsgerät derart ausgebildet sein, dass Steuersignale, die von der Bedieneinrichtung erzeugt werden, von der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung verarbeitet werden zum Ansteuern der Reinigungseinrichtung und/oder der Energieversorgungseinrichtung. Insbesondere kann die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung ausgebildet sein zum Aktivieren der Reinigungseinrichtung und/oder zum Aktivieren und Deaktivieren eines Betriebsmodus des Reinigungsgeräts. Beispielsweise kann eine Reinigungsleistung abhängig vom gewählten Betriebsmodus oder von eine gewählten Betriebsart unterschiedlich sein. So kann insbesondere abhängig von einer zu beseitigenden Verschmutzung eine Reinigungsleistung von einer Bedienperson über die Bedieneinrichtung durch Betätigung des mindestens einen zweiten Tastglieds vorgegeben werden.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the cleaning appliance has a control and/or regulating device for controlling and/or regulating the cleaning device, the control and/or regulating device being connected in a control-effective manner to the energy supply device, the cleaning device and the operating device. For example, the cleaning appliance can be designed in such a way that control signals generated by the operating device are processed by the control and/or regulating device in order to activate the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device. In particular, the control and/or regulation device can be designed to activate the cleaning device and/or to activate and deactivate an operating mode of the cleaning appliance. For example, a cleaning performance can be different depending on the selected operating mode or on a selected operating mode. In particular, depending on the dirt to be removed, a cleaning performance can be specified by an operator via the operating device by actuating the at least one second touch element.

Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn das Reinigungsgerät eine Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung zum Senden und/oder oder Empfangen von Steuersignalen an die oder von der Bedieneinrichtung umfasst. Insbesondere kann die Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung ausgebildet sein zum Empfangen von Steuersignalen von der berührungslosen Signalübertragungseinrichtung der Bedieneinrichtung oder zum Übertragen von Anzeigesignalen zum Ansteuern der Anzeigeeinrichtung. Insbesondere kann die Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung von der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung umfasst sein, die dann eine Mehrfachfunktion ausüben kann.It is advantageous if the cleaning device includes a transmitting and/or receiving device for transmitting and/or receiving control signals to or from the operating device. In particular, the transmitting and/or receiving device can be designed to receive control signals from the contactless signal transmission device of the operating device or to transmit display signals for driving the display device. In particular, the transmitting and/or receiving device can be comprised by the control and/or regulating device, which can then perform a multiple function.

Ferner kann es günstig sein, wenn die Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung mit der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung, der Energieversorgungsvorrichtung und/oder der Reinigungseinrichtung steuerungswirksam verbunden ist. Dies ermöglicht es insbesondere, von der Bedieneinrichtung gesendete Steuersignale, die von der Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung empfangen werden, direkt an die Reinigungseinrichtung und/oder die Energieversorgungseinrichtung oder indirekt an diese über die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung zu übertragen.Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the transmitting and/or receiving device is connected to the control and/or regulating device, the energy supply device and/or the cleaning device in a control-effective manner. This makes it possible, in particular, for control signals sent by the operating device, which are received by the transmitting and/or receiving device, to be sent directly to the cleaning device and/or the energy supply device or indirectly transmitted to them via the control and/or regulation device.

Vorteilhaft ist es zudem, wenn die Bedieneinrichtung kabelgebunden oder berührungslos mit der Reinigungseinrichtung steuerungswirksam verbunden ist. Dies ermöglicht insbesondere eine Ausgestaltung derart, dass die Bedieneinrichtung völlig getrennt, also ohne jegliche mechanische Verbindung, mit der Reinigungseinrichtung zusammenwirken kann, beispielsweise über Funk. Insbesondere kann hier eine Bluetooth-Verbindung zwischen der Bedieneinrichtung und dem Reinigungsgerät vorgesehen sein. Alternativ kann auch eine kabelgebundene Verbindung zum Koppeln der Bedieneinrichtung und der Reinigungseinrichtung miteinander vorgesehen sein. Auf diese Weise kann insbesondere auf eine zusätzliche Energieversorgungseinrichtung für die Bedieneinrichtung verzichtet werden.It is also advantageous if the operating device is wired or connected to the cleaning device in a control-effective manner. In particular, this enables an embodiment such that the operating device can interact with the cleaning device completely separately, ie without any mechanical connection, for example via radio. In particular, a Bluetooth connection can be provided here between the operating device and the cleaning device. Alternatively, a wired connection can also be provided for coupling the operating device and the cleaning device to one another. In this way, in particular, an additional energy supply device for the operating device can be dispensed with.

Das rückentragbare Reinigungsgerät lässt sich auf einfache Weise auch für längere Zeit von einer Bedienperson tragen, wenn es eine Trageeinrichtung, beispielsweise in Form eines Tragegestells, umfasst. So kann eine Bedienperson beide Hände anderweitig zum Reinigen nutzen, beispielsweise zum Führen eines Reinigungsschlauchs des Reinigungsgeräts.The cleaning device that can be carried on the back can be carried by an operator in a simple manner even for a longer period of time if it comprises a carrying device, for example in the form of a carrying frame. In this way, an operator can use both hands for cleaning in other ways, for example for guiding a cleaning hose of the cleaning device.

Günstig ist es, wenn die Reinigungsvorrichtung eine Saugeinrichtung umfasst. Beispielsweise kann das Reinigungsgerät eingesetzt werden, um geringe Verschmutzungen in Räumen mit einer Vielzahl von Hindernissen und ohne leicht zugängliche Energieversorgungsanschlüsse wie Steckdosen durchzuführen. Insbesondere können derartige Reinigungsgeräte zum Einsatz kommen in Kinos, Personenzügen oder Flugzeugen, um trockenen, leichten Grobschmutz schnell und einfach zu beseitigen. Die Reinigungseinrichtung kann hierfür insbesondere einen Schmutzauffangbehälter umfassen, der abhängig vom Bedarf entleerbar ist.It is favorable if the cleaning device includes a suction device. For example, the cleaning device can be used to carry out light soiling in rooms with a large number of obstacles and without easily accessible power supply connections such as sockets. In particular, such cleaning devices can be used in cinemas, passenger trains or airplanes to quickly and easily remove dry, light coarse dirt. For this purpose, the cleaning device can in particular comprise a dirt collection container which can be emptied as required.

Die nachfolgende Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsformen der Erfindung dient im Zusammenhang mit den Zeichnungen der näheren Erläuterung. Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
eine schematische Darstellung eines von einer Bedienperson getragenen rückentragbaren Reinigungsgeräts mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedieneinrichtung;
Figur 2a:
eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Bedieneinrichtung;
Figur 2b:
eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht der Bedieneinrichtung aus Figur 2a;
Figur 3:
eine weitere perspektivische, teilweise durchbrochene Ansicht der Bedieneinrichtung aus Figur 2a;
Figur 4:
eine perspektivische Ansicht der Bedieneinrichtung aus Figur 2a mit teilweise entferntem Gehäuse;
Figur 5:
eine Seitenansicht eines Teils der Anordnung aus Figur 4; und
Figur 6:
eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung im Zusammenwirken mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Bedieneinrichtung.
The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for more detailed explanation. Show it:
Figure 1:
a schematic representation of a backpack carried by an operator cleaning device with a control device according to the invention;
Figure 2a:
a schematic perspective view of an operating device;
Figure 2b:
a further perspective view of the operating device from FIG. 2a;
Figure 3:
Another perspective, partially broken view of the operating device Figure 2a ;
Figure 4:
a perspective view of the operating device Figure 2a with partially removed housing;
Figure 5:
a side view of part of the assembly figure 4 ; and
Figure 6:
a schematic representation of a cleaning device according to the invention in cooperation with an operating device according to the invention.

Figur 1 zeigt ein insgesamt mit dem Bezugszeichen 10 bezeichnetes rückentragbares Reinigungsgerät. Es ist insbesondere in Form eines Sauggeräts 12 ausgebildet. figure 1 FIG. 12 shows a backpack cleaning device denoted overall by the reference numeral 10. FIG. It is designed in particular in the form of a suction device 12 .

Das Reinigungsgerät 10 umfasst eine Trageeinrichtung 14 mit Schultergurten 16, sodass eine Bedienperson 18 das Reinigungsgerät 10 bequem auf dem Rücken tragen kann. Die Trageeinrichtung 14 kann optional ausgesteift oder in Form eines Tragegestells ausgebildet sein und ferner für ein ergonomisches und angenehmes Tragen des Reinigungsgeräts 10 einen Beckengurt 20 umfassen.The cleaning device 10 includes a carrying device 14 with shoulder straps 16 so that an operator 18 can comfortably carry the cleaning device 10 on his back. The carrying device 14 can optionally be stiffened or designed in the form of a carrying frame and also for an ergonomic and comfortably carrying the cleaning device 10 include a lap belt 20 .

An der Trageeinrichtung 14 ist ein Gehäuse 22 angeordnet, in welchem eine nicht näher dargestellte Reinigungseinrichtung in Form einer Saugeinrichtung 24 angeordnet ist. Die Saugeinrichtung 24 kann insbesondere einen Schmutzauffangbehälter 26 umfassen. Mit der Saugeinrichtung 24 in Fluidverbindung stehend und durch das Gehäuse 22 nach außen geführt ist ein Anschlussstutzen 28 für einen Saugschlauch 30. An einem freien Ende 32 des Saugschlauchs 30 kann wahlweise eine Saugdüse 34 für den jeweiligen Einsatz des Reinigungsgeräts 10 angeordnet werden.A housing 22 is arranged on the carrying device 14, in which a cleaning device, not shown in detail, in the form of a suction device 24 is arranged. The suction device 24 can in particular comprise a dirt collecting container 26 . A connecting piece 28 for a suction hose 30 is in fluid connection with the suction device 24 and guided to the outside through the housing 22. A suction nozzle 34 for the respective use of the cleaning appliance 10 can be optionally arranged at a free end 32 of the suction hose 30.

Im Gehäuse 22 ist eine Energieversorgungseinrichtung 36 in Form einer wiederaufladbaren Batterie 38 angeordnet, die steuerungswirksam mit einer Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 verbunden ist. Die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 ist wiederum steuerungswirksam mit der Saugeinrichtung 24 verbunden, um einen Motor 42 derselben zum Antreiben eines Lüfters der Saugeinrichtung 24 anzusteuern.An energy supply device 36 in the form of a rechargeable battery 38 is arranged in the housing 22 and is connected in a control-effective manner to a control and/or regulating device 40 . The control and/or regulating device 40 is in turn connected in a control-effective manner to the suction device 24 in order to actuate a motor 42 of the same to drive a fan of the suction device 24 .

Die Batterie 38 ist im unteren Teil des Sauggeräts 12 angeordnet und durch ein Batteriegehäuse 44 geschützt.The battery 38 is located in the lower part of the suction device 12 and is protected by a battery housing 44 .

Ein auf einer von der Trageeinrichtung 14 abgewandten Rückseite des Gehäuses 22 angeordneter Entriegelungsknopf 128 dient zur Entriegelung der Batterie 38, damit diese aus dem Batteriegehäuse 44 entnommen beziehungsweise das Batteriegehäuse 44 mit der Batterie 38 vom Reinigungsgerät 10 abgenommen werden kann.An unlocking button 128 arranged on a rear side of the housing 22 facing away from the carrying device 14 is used to unlock the battery 38 so that it can be removed from the battery housing 44 or the battery housing 44 with the battery 38 can be removed from the cleaning device 10.

Unterhalb des Entriegelungsknopf 128 ist neben einer Ladeanzeige 130 ein Taster 132 angeordnet, mit welchem die Ladeanzeige 130 aktiviert werden kann. Sie ist in Form einer Segmentanzeige zum Anzeigen des Ladezustands der Batterie 38 ausgebildet. Beispielsweise kann die Bedienperson vor dem Einsatz des Reinigungsgeräts durch Betätigen des Tasters 132 den Ladezustand der Batterie abfragen.Below the release button 128, a button 132 is arranged next to a charge indicator 130, with which the charge indicator 130 can be activated. It is designed in the form of a segment display to indicate the state of charge of the battery 38 . For example, the operator before Use the cleaning device by pressing the button 132 to query the charge level of the battery.

Der Taster 132 und die Ladeanzeige 130 sind steuerungswirksam mit der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 verbunden.Button 132 and charge indicator 130 are connected to control and/or regulating device 40 in a control-effective manner.

Oberhalb des Batteriegehäuses 44 ist seitlich am mittleren Teil des Gehäuses 22 ein eine Aufnahme definierender Behälter 46 für eine Bedieneinrichtung 48 des Reinigungsgeräts 10 ausgebildet. Sie umfasst eine abnehmbare Abdeckung 50, um so auf die Bedieneinrichtung 48 zugreifen zu können. Wird das Reinigungsgerät 10 nicht benutzt, kann im Behälter 46 die Bedieneinrichtung 48 geschützt gelagert werden. Der Aufbau der Bedieneinrichtung 48 wird nachfolgend noch im Einzelnen beschrieben.A container 46 defining a receptacle for an operating device 48 of the cleaning appliance 10 is formed laterally above the battery housing 44 on the middle part of the housing 22 . It includes a removable cover 50 in order to be able to access the operating device 48 in this way. If the cleaning device 10 is not used, the operating device 48 can be stored in the container 46 in a protected manner. The structure of the operating device 48 is described in detail below.

Am Gehäuse 22 ist im mittleren Bereich von der Trageeinrichtung 14 weg weisend eine Öffnung 52 ausgebildet, die mit einer Filterabdeckung 54 verschlossen ist. Durch die Filterabdeckung 54 strömt die Abluft der Saugeinrichtung 24.An opening 52 pointing away from the carrying device 14 is formed on the housing 22 in the middle area and is closed with a filter cover 54 . The exhaust air from the suction device 24 flows through the filter cover 54.

Unterhalb der Filterabdeckung 54 kann optional ein Schaltelement 56, beispielsweise in Form eines elektrischen Drucktasters, angeordnet sein, welcher steuerungswirksam mit der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 verbunden ist. Durch Betätigung des Schaltelements 56 kann das Reinigungsgerät 10 aktiviert werden.A switching element 56, for example in the form of an electric push button, can optionally be arranged underneath the filter cover 54, which is connected to the control and/or regulating device 40 in a control-effective manner. The cleaning device 10 can be activated by actuating the switching element 56 .

Neben dem Schaltelement 56 kann optional ein Betriebsartenwahlschalter 58 angeordnet sein, mit dem zwischen mindestens zwei verschiedenen Betriebsarten des Reinigungsgeräts 10 umgeschaltet werden kann. Insbesondere kann durch Betätigen des Betriebsartenwahlschalters 58 in einen Sparmodus umgeschaltet werden. In diesem Sparmodus ist eine Saugleistung der Saugeinrichtung 24 verringert, um Strom zu sparen, der durch die Batterie 38 bereitgestellt wird.In addition to the switching element 56, an operating mode selector switch 58 can optionally be arranged, with which it is possible to switch between at least two different operating modes of the cleaning appliance 10. In particular, it is possible to switch to an economy mode by actuating the operating mode selector switch 58 . In this economy mode, a suction power of the suction device 24 is reduced in order to save electricity that is provided by the battery 38 .

Ferner kann optional zwischen dem Betriebsartenwahlschalter 58 und dem Schaltelement 56 eine Anzeigeeinrichtung 60 angeordnet sein, mit welcher ein Ladezustand der Batterie 38 und/oder die gewählte Betriebsart angezeigt werden können.Furthermore, a display device 60 can optionally be arranged between the mode selector switch 58 and the switching element 56, with which a state of charge of the battery 38 and/or the selected mode of operation can be displayed.

Das Schaltelement 56 sowie der Betriebsartenwahlschalter 58 reichen grundsätzlich aus, um mit dem Reinigungsgerät 10 in gewünschter Weise zu arbeiten. Allerdings ist für eine ergonomische Bedienung des Reinigungsgeräts 10 während des Einsatzes sowohl des Schaltelements 56 als auch der Betriebsartenwahlschalter 58 für die Bedienperson 18 nur schlecht erreichbar und nicht einsehbar, ebenso wenig wie die Anzeigeeinrichtung 60.The switching element 56 and the operating mode selector switch 58 are basically sufficient to work with the cleaning device 10 in the desired manner. However, for ergonomic operation of the cleaning device 10 during use, both the switching element 56 and the operating mode selector switch 58 are difficult for the operator 18 to reach and cannot see, just as little as the display device 60.

Um hier Abhilfe zu schaffen, ist die Bedieneinrichtung 48 vorgesehen, die ein erstes Tastglied 62, ein zweites Tastglied 64 und eine Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 umfasst.In order to remedy this, the operating device 48 is provided, which comprises a first touch element 62 , a second touch element 64 and a display device 66 .

Die Funktion des ersten Tastglieds 62 entspricht dem Schaltelement 56. Durch eine Betätigung des ersten Tastglieds 62 kann die Saugeinrichtung 24 aktiviert oder deaktiviert werden.The function of the first touch element 62 corresponds to the switching element 56. By actuating the first touch element 62, the suction device 24 can be activated or deactivated.

Die Funktion des zweiten Tastglieds 64 entspricht dem Betriebsartenwahlschalter 58. Mit dem zweiten Tastglied 64 kann also zwischen einer oder mehreren Betriebsarten durch Betätigen gewechselt werden. Beispielsweise kann durch eine Betätigung des zweiten Tastglieds 64 in einen Energiesparmodus umgeschaltet werden, in dem die Saugeinrichtung 24 mit reduzierter Leistung betrieben wird.The function of the second touch element 64 corresponds to the operating mode selector switch 58. The second touch element 64 can thus be switched between one or more operating modes by actuating it. For example, by actuating the second touch element 64 it is possible to switch to an energy-saving mode in which the suction device 24 is operated with reduced power.

Die Bedieneinrichtung 48 umfasst ein Gehäuse 68 mit einer eine Oberfläche 126 definierenden Oberseite 70, einer Außenseite 72 und einer Innenseite 74, an welcher eine Befestigungseinrichtung 76 angeordnet oder ausgebildet ist, insbesondere einstückig, beispielsweise in Form eines Gürtelclips oder einer Durchführung für einen Gürtel. Eine schmale Vorderseite 78 sowie eine von dieser in die entgegengesetzte Richtung weisende Rückseite 80 begrenzen ebenfalls einen Innenraum 82 der Bedieneinrichtung 48.The operating device 48 comprises a housing 68 with a top 70 defining a surface 126, an outer side 72 and an inner side 74, on which a fastening device 76 is arranged or formed, in particular in one piece, for example in the form of a belt clip or a passage for a belt. A narrow front 78 and one of this rear side 80 pointing in the opposite direction also delimits an interior space 82 of the operating device 48.

Auf einer von der Oberseite 70 abgewandten Unterseite 84 sind drei parallel zueinander verlaufende Vertiefungen 86 ausgebildet, die insbesondere dazu dienen, Zeigefinger, Mittelfinger und Ringfinger der Bedienperson 18 aufzunehmen, wenn diese die Bedieneinrichtung 48 in einer Hand hält.On an underside 84 facing away from the top 70, three mutually parallel indentations 86 are formed, which serve in particular to accommodate the forefinger, middle finger and ring finger of the operator 18 when the operator is holding the operating device 48 in one hand.

Auf der Oberseite 70 sind das erste Tastglied 62, das zweite Tastglied 64 und zwischen diesen die Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 angeordnet. Die Tastglieder 62 und 64 sind haptisch voneinander unterscheidbar ausgebildet.On the top 70, the first button 62, the second button 64 and between them the display device 66 are arranged. The sensing elements 62 and 64 are designed to be haptically distinguishable from one another.

Das erste Tastglied 62 ist in Form eines elektrischen Drucktasters 88 ausgebildet, welcher in einer Grundstellung mit einer ersten Betätigungsfläche 90 bezogen auf die Oberfläche 126 vorsteht und zu dieser einen Abstand aufweist.The first button element 62 is designed in the form of an electric push button 88 which, in a basic position, has a first actuating surface 90 which protrudes from the surface 126 and is at a distance from it.

Das zweite Tastglied 64 ist in Form eines Folientasters 92 ausgebildet, welcher in bekannter Weise in Form eines Knackfroschs betätigbar ist. Er definiert eine zweite Betätigungsfläche 94, die bezogen auf die erste Betätigungsfläche 90 zurückgesetzt ist. Die zweite Betätigungsfläche 94 ist bezogen auf die Oberfläche 126 nicht oder nur wenig in das Gehäuse 68 hinein zurückgesetzt.The second touch element 64 is designed in the form of a membrane button 92, which can be actuated in a known manner in the form of a clicker frog. It defines a second actuating surface 94 which is set back relative to the first actuating surface 90 . The second actuation surface 94 is set back only slightly or not at all in the housing 68 in relation to the surface 126 .

Die Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 umfasst mehrere, bei dem in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel der Bedieneinrichtung 48 sind es drei, Leuchtelemente 96 in Form von Leuchtdioden 98, die insbesondere in einem Batteriesymbol angeordnet sind, um den Ladezustand der Batterie 46 anzuzeigen.The display device 66 comprises several, in the exemplary embodiment of the operating device 48 illustrated in the figures there are three, light-emitting elements 96 in the form of light-emitting diodes 98 which are arranged in particular in a battery symbol in order to display the state of charge of the battery 46 .

Die Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 und das zweite Tastglied 64 bilden eine Baueinheit 100.The display device 66 and the second touch element 64 form a structural unit 100.

Optional kann die Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 auch zur Abgabe akustischer Signale ausgebildet sein, um den Ladezustand der Batterie 38 oder die gewählte Betriebsart anzuzeigen.Optionally, the display device 66 can also be designed to emit acoustic signals in order to display the state of charge of the battery 38 or the selected operating mode.

Eine Betätigungskraft zum Betätigen des ersten Tastglieds 62 unterscheidet sich vorzugsweise von einer Betätigungskraft zum Betätigen des zweiten Tastglieds 64. Insbesondere kann eine erste Betätigungskraft zum Betätigen des ersten Tastglieds 62 kleiner sein als eine Betätigungskraft zum Betätigen des zweiten Tastglieds 64.An actuating force for actuating the first button 62 preferably differs from an actuating force for actuating the second button 64. In particular, a first actuating force for actuating the first button 62 can be smaller than an actuating force for actuating the second button 64.

In der Bedieneinrichtung ist eine Platine 102 angeordnet mit mehreren elektrischen Anschlusskontakten. Sie dient dazu, die elektrischen Anschlusskontakte der Tastglieder 62 und 64 sowie der Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 mit Steuerleitungen 104 eines Verbindungskabels 106, auch als Verbindungsleitung oder Anschlussleitung bezeichnet, zu verbinden. Das Verbindungskabel 106 ist fest mit der Bedieneinrichtung 48 verbunden und über eine Zugentlastungseinrichtung 108 am Gehäuse 68 gesichert. Das Verbindungskabel 106 ist durch eine Durchbrechung im Gehäuse 68 herausgeführt und durch ein Dichtelement 110 relativ zum Gehäuse 68 abgedichtet.A circuit board 102 with a plurality of electrical connection contacts is arranged in the operating device. It is used to connect the electrical connection contacts of the sensing elements 62 and 64 and the display device 66 to control lines 104 of a connecting cable 106, also referred to as a connecting line or connection line. The connecting cable 106 is firmly connected to the operating device 48 and secured to the housing 68 by a strain relief device 108 . The connecting cable 106 is led out through an opening in the housing 68 and is sealed relative to the housing 68 by a sealing element 110 .

An einem freien Ende des Verbindungskabels 106 ist ein Steckverbindungselement 112 angeordnet, welches in eine korrespondierende Steckverbindungsaufnahme 114 am Reinigungsgerät 10 eingesteckt werden kann. Die Steckverbindungsaufnahme 114 kann insbesondere im Behälter 46 angeordnet sein, so dass sie durch die Abdeckung 50 geschützt ist. In Figur 1 ist das Steckverbindungselement 112 zwar in den Behälter 46 eingebracht, steht jedoch nicht mit der Steckverbindungsaufnahme 114 in Eingriff. Damit die Bedienperson 18 das Reinigungsgerät 10 mit der Bedieneinrichtung 48 bedienen kann, müssen das Steckverbindungselement 112 und die Steckverbindungsaufnahme 114 in Eingriff gebracht werden. Für die Lagerung und den Transport des Reinigungsgeräts werden das Steckverbindungselement 112 und die Steckverbindungsaufnahme 114 vorzugsweise außer Eingriff gebracht, sodass die Bedieneinrichtung 48 mit dem Verbindungskabel 106 vollständig im Behälter aufgenommen werden kann.A plug-in connection element 112 is arranged on a free end of the connecting cable 106 and can be plugged into a corresponding plug-in connection receptacle 114 on the cleaning device 10 . In particular, the connector receptacle 114 can be arranged in the container 46 so that it is protected by the cover 50 . In figure 1 If the plug-in connection element 112 is introduced into the container 46, it is not in engagement with the plug-in connection receptacle 114. So that the operator 18 can operate the cleaning device 10 with the operating device 48, the plug-in connection element 112 and the plug-in connection receptacle 114 must be brought into engagement. For storage and transport of the cleaning device, the plug-in connection element 112 and the plug-in connection receptacle 114 are preferably disengaged, so that the operating device 48 with the connecting cable 106 can be completely accommodated in the container.

Alternativ kann das freie Ende des Verbindungskabels 106 auch an einer anderen Stelle, beispielsweise auf einer dem Rücken der Bedienperson 18 zugewandten Seite im Bereich des Beckengurts 20, in das Gehäuse 22 geführt und mit der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 schaltungswirksam verbunden sein.Alternatively, the free end of connecting cable 106 can also be routed into housing 22 at a different point, for example on a side facing the back of operator 18 in the area of lap belt 20, and be connected to control and/or regulating device 40 in a circuit-effective manner.

Die Bedieneinrichtung 48 umfasst eine Steuersignalerzeugungseinrichtung 116, welche die Tastglieder 62 und 64 umfasst. Mit diesen können Steuersignale insbesondere zum Steuern der eine Reinigungseinrichtung bildenden Saugeinrichtung 24 und/oder der Energieversorgungseinrichtung 36 erzeugt werden.The operating device 48 includes a control signal generating device 116 which includes the feeler elements 62 and 64 . These can be used to generate control signals, in particular for controlling the suction device 24 forming a cleaning device and/or the energy supply device 36 .

Zum Übertragen der Steuersignale dient eine Signalübertragungseinrichtung 118, die insbesondere das die Steuerleitungen 104 umfassende Verbindungskabel 106 umfasst.A signal transmission device 118 , which in particular includes the connecting cable 106 including the control lines 104 , serves to transmit the control signals.

Die Steckverbindungsaufnahme 114 ist steuerungswirksam mit der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 verbunden, wahlweise auch direkt mit der Saugeinrichtung 24 und/oder der Energieversorgungseinrichtung 36, um diese anzusteuern.The plug-in connection receptacle 114 is connected to the control and/or regulating device 40 in a control-effective manner, optionally also directly to the suction device 24 and/or the energy supply device 36 in order to actuate them.

Das Reinigungsgerät 10 kann in Verbindung mit der Bedieneinrichtung 48 insbesondere derart ausgebildet sein, dass eine Steuerspannung der Batterie 46 dauerhaft an einem ersten Anschlusskontakt des ersten Tastglieds 62 anliegt.The cleaning device 10 can be designed in connection with the operating device 48 in particular in such a way that a control voltage of the battery 46 is permanently present at a first connection contact of the first feeler element 62 .

Durch Betätigen des ersten Tastglieds 62 wird ein Steuersignal in Form eines Wecksignals an die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 übertragen. Diese aktiviert dann das Reinigungsgerät 10 derart, dass die Batteriespannung bis zu einer Deaktivierung dauerhaft an der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 anliegt.Actuating the first sensing element 62 transmits a control signal in the form of a wake-up signal to the control and/or regulating device 40 . This then activates the cleaning appliance 10 in such a way that the battery voltage is permanently present at the control and/or regulating device 40 until it is deactivated.

Ein Abschaltsignal zum Deaktivieren der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 und damit auch zum Deaktivieren der Saugeinrichtung 24 kann insbesondere durch eine erneute Betätigung des ersten Tastglieds 62 oder alternativ durch das Schaltelement 56 erfolgen. Optional kann ein Abschaltsignal auch erzeugt werden, wenn eine vorgegebene Mindestspannung der Batterie 38 unterschritten wird. Hierzu kann eine Unterspannungsabschalteinrichtung vorgesehen sein, die von der Batterie 38 oder von der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 umfasst ist. Durch diese besondere Ausgestaltung wird insbesondere verhindert, dass die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 im ausgeschalteten Zustand Strom verbraucht. Wie beschrieben kann sie sich also selbstständig komplett abschalten.A switch-off signal for deactivating the control and/or regulating device 40 and thus also for deactivating the suction device 24 can, in particular by a renewed actuation of the first sensing element 62 or alternatively by the switching element 56. Optionally, a switch-off signal can also be generated if the voltage of the battery 38 falls below a predetermined minimum. For this purpose, an undervoltage disconnection device can be provided, which is included in the battery 38 or in the control and/or regulation device 40 . This particular configuration prevents, in particular, the control and/or regulating device 40 from consuming power when it is switched off. As described, it can switch itself off completely by itself.

Die Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 wird insbesondere erst nach Aktivieren des Reinigungsgeräts 10 aktiviert. Die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 fragt hierzu die Betriebsspannung der Batterie 38 ab und gibt entsprechende Anzeigesignale an die Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 weiter.In particular, the display device 66 is only activated after the cleaning appliance 10 has been activated. For this purpose, the control and/or regulating device 40 queries the operating voltage of the battery 38 and forwards corresponding display signals to the display device 66 .

Das zweite Tastglied 64 kann ebenso wie der Betriebsartenwahlschalter 58 derart ausgebildet sein, dass durch Betätigen desselben ein Steuersignal an die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung übertragen wird. Die Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 kann insbesondere eine Speichereinrichtung umfassen, um die zuletzt gewählte Betriebsart zu speichern. Dies ermöglicht es, dass bei einer Aktivierung des Reinigungsgeräts 10 mit der zuletzt gewählten Betriebsart weitergearbeitet werden kann.Like the operating mode selector switch 58, the second touch element 64 can be designed in such a way that a control signal is transmitted to the control and/or regulating device when it is actuated. The control and/or regulation device 40 can, in particular, comprise a storage device in order to store the last selected operating mode. This makes it possible that when the cleaning device 10 is activated, work can continue with the last selected operating mode.

Optional oder alternativ kann die Anzeigeeinrichtung 66 auch die gewählte Betriebsart anzeigen. Dies kann ebenfalls optisch erfolgen durch ein oder mehrere Leuchtelement, insbesondere in unterschiedlichen Farben oder in unterschiedlicher Größe. Alternativ können auch Anzeigeelemente vorgesehen sein, mit denen Text in beliebiger Weise und entsprechend auch Zeichen dargestellt werden können.Optionally or alternatively, the display device 66 can also display the selected operating mode. This can also be done optically by one or more lighting elements, in particular in different colors or in different sizes. Alternatively, display elements can also be provided, with which text can be displayed in any way and, correspondingly, also characters.

Alternativ zum Verbindungskabel 106 kann die Signalübertragungseinrichtung 118 auch in Form einer berührungslosen Signalübertragungseinrichtung 118 ausgebildet sein mit einer Sendeeinrichtung 120 zum Senden und/oder Empfangen von Funksignalen, welche an der Bedieneinrichtung 48 angeordnet oder ausgebildet ist, und eine Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung 122 am Reinigungsgerät 10, die steuerungswirksam mit der Steuer- und/oder Regelungseinrichtung 40 verbunden ist und die zum Senden und/oder Empfangen von Steuersignalen an die oder von der Bedieneinrichtung 48 ausgebildet ist. Insbesondere können die Sendeeinrichtung 120 und die Sende- und/oder Empfangseinrichtung 122 ausgebildet sein, um Steuersignale über eine Bluetooth-Verbindung zu übertragen.As an alternative to the connecting cable 106, the signal transmission device 118 can also be embodied in the form of a contactless signal transmission device 118 with a transmission device 120 for sending and/or receiving of radio signals, which is arranged or configured on operating device 48, and a transmitting and/or receiving device 122 on cleaning appliance 10, which is connected to control and/or regulating device 40 in a control-effective manner and is used to transmit and/or receive control signals formed by or by the operating device 48 . In particular, the transmission device 120 and the transmission and/or reception device 122 can be designed to transmit control signals via a Bluetooth connection.

Das Reinigungsgerät 10 mit der Bedieneinrichtung 48 ermöglicht es der Bedienperson 18, nicht nur ergonomisch die Saugeinrichtung 24 zu aktivieren und zu deaktivieren, sondern auch zwischen mindestens zwei unterschiedlichen Betriebsarten auszuwählen. Zudem kann die Bedienperson 18 mit der an beispielweise einem Gürtel 124 gehaltenen Bedieneinrichtung 48, ohne das Reinigungsgerät 10 vom Rücken absetzen zu müssen, auch einen Ladezustand der Batterie 38 zu überprüfen. Hier genügt beispielsweise ein Blick zur Seite, wenn die Bedieneinrichtung 48 seitlich am Körper der Bedienperson am Gürtel 124 angeordnet ist, um alle wesentlichen Informationen über den Betriebszustand des Reinigungsgeräts 10 zu erhalten. Zudem ermöglichen es die haptisch voneinander unterscheidbaren Tastglieder 62 und 64, dass die Bedienperson 18 das Reinigungsgerät 10 quasi blind bedienen kann, denn die Tastglieder 62 und 64 lassen sich spürbar voneinander unterscheiden. Zudem sind sie hinreichend voneinander getrennt durch die zwischen ihnen angeordnete Anzeigeeinrichtung 66. Auf diese Weise lassen sich Fehlbedienungen des Reinigungsgeräts sicher vermeiden.The cleaning device 10 with the operating device 48 enables the operator 18 not only to activate and deactivate the suction device 24 ergonomically, but also to select between at least two different operating modes. In addition, the operator 18 can also check the state of charge of the battery 38 with the operating device 48 held on a belt 124, for example, without having to put the cleaning device 10 down from his back. A glance to the side, for example, is sufficient here when the operating device 48 is arranged on the side of the operator's body on the belt 124 in order to obtain all essential information about the operating state of the cleaning device 10 . In addition, the tactile elements 62 and 64, which can be distinguished from one another by touch, make it possible for the operator 18 to be able to operate the cleaning device 10 in a quasi-blind manner, because the tactile elements 62 and 64 can be noticeably distinguished from one another. In addition, they are sufficiently separated from one another by the display device 66 arranged between them. In this way, incorrect operation of the cleaning device can be reliably avoided.

Optional kann das Reinigungsgerät 10 mit einer entnehmbaren Batterie 38 ausgestattet sein. So kann insbesondere ein dauerhafter Einsatz des Reinigungsgeräts 10 ermöglicht werden, denn die Batterie kann nach Entleerung gegen eine aufgeladene Batterie 38 getauscht werden.The cleaning device 10 can optionally be equipped with a removable battery 38 . In this way, in particular, permanent use of the cleaning device 10 can be made possible, because the battery can be exchanged for a charged battery 38 after it is empty.

Der oben beschriebene Aufbau des Reinigungsgeräts sowie der Bedieneinrichtung 48 ist schematisch in Figur 6 dargestellt. Die in Figur 6 verwendeten Bezugszeichen entsprechen den Bezugszeichen, die zur Bezeichnung des Reinigungsgeräts 10 in den Figuren 1 bis 5 genutzt wurden.The structure of the cleaning device and the operating device 48 described above is shown schematically in figure 6 shown. In the figure 6 used reference symbols correspond to the reference numbers used to designate the cleaning device 10 in FIGS Figures 1 to 5 were used.

Bezugszeichenlistereference list

1010
Reinigungsgerätcleaning device
1212
Sauggerätsuction device
1414
Trageeinrichtungcarrying device
1616
Schultergurtshoulder strap
1818
Bedienpersonoperator
2020
Beckengurtlap belt
2222
GehäuseHousing
2424
Saugeinrichtungsuction device
2626
Schmutzauffangbehälterdirt collection container
2828
Anschlussstutzenconnecting piece
3030
Saugschlauchsuction hose
3232
EndeEnd
3434
Saugdüsesuction nozzle
3636
Energieversorgungseinrichtungpower supply device
3838
Batteriebattery
4040
Steuer- und/oder RegelungseinrichtungControl and/or regulation device
4242
Motorengine
4444
Batteriegehäusebattery case
4646
Behältercontainer
4848
Bedieneinrichtungoperating device
5050
Abdeckungcover
5252
Öffnungopening
5454
Filterabdeckungfilter cover
5656
Schaltelementswitching element
5858
Betriebsartenwahlschaltermode selector switch
6060
Anzeigeeinrichtungdisplay device
6262
erstes Tastgliedfirst button
6464
zweites Tastgliedsecond button
6666
Anzeigeeinrichtungdisplay device
6868
GehäuseHousing
7070
Außenseiteoutside
7474
Innenseiteinside
7676
Befestigungseinrichtungfastening device
7878
Vorderseitefront
8080
Rückseiteback
8282
Innenrauminner space
8484
Unterseitebottom
8686
Vertiefungdeepening
8888
Drucktastepush button
9090
erste Betätigungsflächefirst button
9292
Folientastermembrane button
9494
zweite Betätigungsflächesecond button
9696
Leuchtelementlight element
9898
LeuchtiodeLED
100100
Bauelementcomponent
102102
Platinecircuit board
104104
Steuerleitungcontrol line
106106
Verbindungskabelconnection cable
108108
Zugentlastungseinrichtungstrain relief device
110110
Dichtelementsealing element
112112
Steckverbindungselementconnector element
114114
Steckverbindungsaufnahmeconnector receptacle
116116
Steuersignalerzeugungseinrichtungcontrol signal generating device
118118
Signalübertragungseinrichtungsignal transmission device
120120
Sendeeinrichtungtransmission device
122122
Sende- und/oder EmpfangseinrichtungSending and/or receiving device
124124
GürtelBelt
126126
Oberflächesurface
128128
Entriegelungsknopfunlock button
130130
Ladeanzeigecharge indicator
132132
Tasterbutton

Claims (15)

  1. Cleaning appliance (10) that is arranged to be carried on the back, with a cleaning device (24) a mains-network-independent energy supply device (36) for supplying the cleaning device (24) with energy, in particular electrical energy, and an operating device (48) for controlling, in particular for activating and deactivating, the cleaning device (24) and/or the energy supply device (36), which operating device (48) comprises a control signal generating device (116) for producing control signals for controlling the cleaning device (24) and/or the energy supply device (36) and a signal transmission device (118) for transmitting the control signals, wherein the control signal generating device (116) comprises at least one first switch member (62) for activating and deactivating the cleaning device (24), wherein the operating device (48) comprises at least one second switch member (64) for activating and deactivating at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device (24), wherein the at least one first switch member (62) and the at least one second switch member (64) are constructed in a haptically distinguishable manner, wherein the operating device (48) is arranged separately from the cleaning device (10) and comprises a housing (68), characterized in that the operating device (48) comprises an indicator device (66) for indicating a status of the energy supply device (36) and/or for indicating the at least one mode of operation of the cleaning device (24).
  2. Cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the housing (68) comprises at least one side wall and in that the at least one first switch member (62) and the at least one second switch member (64) are arranged or formed in or on the at least one side wall.
  3. Cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 2, characterized in that
    a) the at least one first switch member (62) and the at least one second switch member (64) are arranged or formed on the same side wall of the housing (68)
    and/or
    b) the at least one side wall forms an upper side (70) of the housing (68) which faces in a direction opposed to the direction of the force of gravity when the operating device (48) is arranged and oriented in the intended manner.
  4. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    a) the at least one first switch member (62) is in the form of an electromechanical push-button actuator or switch and in that the at least one second switch member (64) is in the form of a membrane push-button (92) or switch
    and/or
    b) the at least one first switch member (62) and the at least one second switch member (64) are constructed in a manner such that a first actuating force for actuating the at least one first switch member (62) and a second actuating force for actuating the at least one second switch member (64) differ,
    wherein, in particular, the second actuating force is larger than the first actuating force, in particular, is at least twice as big.
  5. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a fixing device (76) for attaching or fixing the operating device (48) to an item of clothing of an operator (18), in particular, to a belt (124),
    wherein further in particular, the fixing device (76)
    a) is in the form of a belt clip
    and/or
    b) is arranged or formed on a side wall of the housing (68)
    and/or
    c) is formed with the housing (68) in one piece manner.
  6. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator device (66) is constructed in the form of
    a) a battery indicator
    and/or
    b) an optical and/or acoustic indicator device,
    wherein, in particular, the indicator device (66) comprises an optical segmental display,
    in particular, having at least two light emitting elements (96), wherein further in particular, the at least two light emitting elements (96) are in the form of light emitting diodes (98).
  7. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator device (66)
    a) is arranged or formed in or on the same side wall as the at least one first switch member (62) and/or the at least one second switch member (64)
    and/or
    b) is arranged or formed between the at least one first switch member (62) and the at least one second switch member (64).
  8. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second switch member (62) and the indicator device (66) form a unit (100).
  9. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first switch member (62) comprises a first actuating surface (90) and in that the at least one second switch member (64) comprises a second actuating surface (94) and in that a spacing between a surface (126) of the side wall, in or on which the at least one first switch member (62) and the at least one second switch member (64) are arranged or formed, and the first actuating surface (90) is greater than the spacing between the surface (126) and the second actuating surface (94),
    wherein, in particular, the second actuating surface (94) is set back into the housing (68) with respect to the surface (126).
  10. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmission device (118) is in the form of at least one electrical connecting line (106) or in the form of a non-contact-making signal transmission device (118).
  11. Cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 10, characterized in that
    a) the at least one electrical connecting line (106) is in the form of a connecting cable (104)
    and/or
    b) a first end of the electrical connecting line (106) is connected non-detachably to the housing (68) and in that at least one plug connector element (112) is arranged or formed at a second end of the electrical connecting line (106) for the purposes of being brought into engagement with the cleaning appliance (10) in force-locking and/or positively-locking manner
    and/or
    c) the electrical connecting line (106) is fed out from a side wall of the housing (68) and in that a spacing between this side wall and the at least one second switch member (64) is smaller than a spacing between this side wall and the at least one first switch member (62)
    and/or
    d) the non-contact-making signal transmission device (118) comprises a transmitting device (120) for transmitting radio signals.
  12. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    a) the cleaning appliance comprises a housing (22) and in that the operating device (48) is arranged spatially separate from the housing (22)
    and/or
    b) the operating device (48) is connected to the cleaning device (24) and/or the energy supply device (36) for control purposes.
  13. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by
    a) a control and/or regulating device (40) for controlling and/or regulating the cleaning device (24), wherein the control and/or regulating device (40) is connected to the energy supply device (36), the cleaning device (24) and the operating device (48) for control purposes
    and/or
    b) a transmitting and/or receiving device (122) for transmitting control signals to and/or for receiving control signals from the operating device (48), in particular from the non-contact-making signal transmission device (118) thereof, the non-contact-making signal transmission device (118) being in the form of a non-contact making signal transmission device (118),
    wherein further in particular, the transmission and/or receiving device (122) is connected to the control and/or regulating device (40), the energy supply device (36) and/or the cleaning device (24) for control purposes.
  14. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (48) is connected to the cleaning device (24) for control purposes in cable-connected manner or in non-contact-making manner.
  15. Cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    a) the cleaning appliance comprises a carrier frame (14) and/or
    b) the cleaning device (24) comprises a suction device (24).
EP16722234.8A 2016-05-12 2016-05-12 Operating device and cleaning appliance which can be carried on the back Active EP3454706B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2016/060764 WO2017194140A1 (en) 2016-05-12 2016-05-12 Operating device and cleaning appliance which can be carried on the back

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3454706A1 EP3454706A1 (en) 2019-03-20
EP3454706B1 true EP3454706B1 (en) 2023-03-22

Family

ID=55967297

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16722234.8A Active EP3454706B1 (en) 2016-05-12 2016-05-12 Operating device and cleaning appliance which can be carried on the back

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20190075990A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3454706B1 (en)
CN (1) CN109310251A (en)
WO (1) WO2017194140A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110315481B (en) * 2018-03-30 2023-07-21 株式会社牧田 Dust collector
CN112704443A (en) * 2020-12-29 2021-04-27 深圳市银星智能科技股份有限公司 Autonomous cleaning device

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5813088A (en) * 1997-07-23 1998-09-29 Wagner; Jeffrey F. Backpack blower
US6393656B1 (en) * 2000-07-20 2002-05-28 Oreck Holdings, Llc Belt-mounted vacuum apparatus and methods
DE102004022359A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2005-11-17 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Mobile floor cleaning machine
DE102009033944A1 (en) * 2009-07-14 2011-01-20 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning device and method for controlling access to a cleaning device
US20130061419A1 (en) * 2010-08-26 2013-03-14 Richard B. Patrono Propane vacuum

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3454706A1 (en) 2019-03-20
US20190075990A1 (en) 2019-03-14
CN109310251A (en) 2019-02-05
WO2017194140A1 (en) 2017-11-16

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