EP3809937B1 - Suction unit for cleaning applications - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a suction device for cleaning purposes, comprising a lower part which comprises or forms a dirt collection container with a suction inlet, an upper part which can be detachably placed on the lower part and which comprises a suction unit and a battery holder for at least one battery for providing electrical energy for the suction device and comprises or forms a container wall delimiting the dirt collection container, and a filter device with a filter element for filtering the air sucked in by the suction unit from the dirt collection container, with the filter element being arranged on the side of the container wall facing the dirt collection container, with the upper part comprising or forming a suction space and suction air is extracted from the dirt collection container by the suction unit via the suction chamber and the filter element.

With a suction device of this type, suction material is usually sucked in through a suction hose connected to the suction inlet and deposited in the dirt collection container. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure by the suction unit, whereby the sucked-in suction air flows through the filter element before it enters the suction unit and is thereby cleaned. At least one battery in the battery holder provides electrical energy for the suction device and in particular the suction unit. A suction device of the type mentioned is, for example, a so-called multi-purpose vacuum cleaner or wet-dry vacuum cleaner, with which dust and solid particles as well as water can be sucked up.

The following explanations relate to the intended use of the suction device, in which case it is positioned on a floor space that is oriented horizontally, for example. When used as intended, the upper part is placed on the lower part. The dirt collection container can be accessed by detaching the upper part from the lower part, for example in order to empty it or to remove one arranged in the dirt collection container remove the dirt collection bag. Accordingly, position and orientation information such as "below", "above", "below" and "above" relate to the intended use of the suction device. Furthermore, unless otherwise explained, it is assumed that the upper part is placed on the lower part.

Suction devices of the type mentioned above are for example in the WO 2012/062579 A1 and in the WO 2014/044296 A1 described.

the DE 10 2012 102 631 A1 describes a suction device of the type mentioned.

The object of the present invention is to provide a battery-operated suction device with which a compact design can be achieved.

This object is achieved by a suction device according to the invention for cleaning purposes, comprising a lower part that includes or forms a dirt collection container with a suction inlet, an upper part that can be detachably placed on the lower part, that has a suction unit and a battery holder for at least one battery to provide electrical energy for the suction device and comprises or forms a container wall delimiting the dirt collection container, and a filter device with a filter element for filtering the air sucked in by the suction unit from the dirt collection container, wherein the filter element is a flat pleated filter and is arranged on the side of the container wall facing the dirt collection container, the upper part having a Suction chamber includes or forms and suction air is sucked out of the suction unit via the suction chamber and the filter element from the dirt collection container, and wherein the suction chamber is positioned between the suction unit and the battery holder.

In the suction device according to the invention, the filter element is a flat pleated filter with which a relatively high filter performance can be achieved due to the large surface area. In the present case, “flat pleated filter” refers in particular to a filter element with a frame or collar and with folded filter material that is bordered or held by this at least on one side. The filter material is, for example, a paper material or a polyester material. The filter element is arranged on the side of the container wall facing the dirt collection container and accordingly in particular on a top wall of the dirt collection container when the upper part placed on the base. In this way, the filter element protrudes into the interior of the dirt collection container. This is advantageous, for example, for the inflow of air into the filter element, which promotes the extraction of the suction air and improves the cleaning result. By using the flat pleated filter, a low overall height can be achieved for the lower part, in contrast to conventional suction devices with cartridge filters. After flowing through the filter element, the suction air enters the suction chamber, which is arranged in a structurally compact manner between the suction unit and the battery holder. This offers the possibility, for example, of arranging an optional external air opening on the suction area with a cover element in a structurally compact manner between the suction unit and the battery holder. In the suction area, the suction air can be deflected before it enters the suction unit, with the suction unit, the suction unit and the battery holder being positioned side by side and above the dirt collection container. As a result, a low overall height can also be achieved for the upper part and an overall compact design can be achieved for the suction device.

It proves to be favorable if the suction space is arranged in relation to a plane parallel to a contact plane defined by the suction device with a footprint for the suction device between the suction unit and the battery holder. The suction device can define a contact plane, for example via the shutdown device mentioned below. The contact plane coincides with a plane defined by the footprint when the suction device is positioned on the footprint. The suction space between the suction unit and the battery holder is arranged in the plane parallel to the contact plane, advantageously a horizontal plane. It goes without saying that the suction unit, the suction space and/or the battery holder do not necessarily have to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane.

Preferably, the suction space is positioned in relation to a longitudinal direction of the suction device between the suction unit and the battery holder, with the suction unit in the direction of a front side of the suction device next to is arranged the suction space and the battery holder is arranged toward a rear side of the suction device next to the suction space. In the present case, in particular that side of the suction device on which the suction inlet is positioned is regarded as the front side. The suction hose can be connected to the suction inlet, by means of which the suction device can be moved over the floor surface, for example by pulling, if the parking device of the suction device has wheels and/or rollers for this purpose. In the present exemplary embodiment, the suction unit and the battery holder are positioned on opposite sides of the suction space, facing the front and facing the rear. This is advantageous for the balance of the suction device, since the suction unit and the at least one battery have a not inconsiderable mass. With the arrangement described, an advantageous mass distribution can be achieved, resulting in a high level of stability of the suction device.

Preferably, the suction unit comprises or forms a fan device, which is arranged horizontally in the upper part, with an axis defined by the fan device being aligned parallel to a contact plane defined by the suction device with a footprint for the suction device, or with the contact plane at an acute angle of less than approximately 20 ° includes. The horizontal arrangement of the blower device in the upper part makes it possible to reduce the overall height of the upper part.

The axis of the fan device is preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the suction device.

It is advantageous if the suction unit, the suction chamber and/or the battery holder is/are positioned centrally or essentially centrally on the suction device in the transverse direction of the suction device. This helps to distribute the mass of the upper part as evenly as possible in the transverse direction, so that a center of gravity of the upper part is positioned in or as close as possible to a longitudinal center plane of the suction device. This increases the stability of the suction device. Advantageously, the suction device comprises an external air opening in a wall of the suction space and a cover element, wherein the suction device comprises an actuating device by means of which the cover element can be moved from a closed position that closes the suction space into an open position in which the suction space is flow-connected in particular to the atmosphere. The space between the suction unit and the battery holder can be used for other components of the suction device that are covered by the upper part. These include, for example, the cover element, which seals the suction chamber in the closed position. The cover element can be moved into the open position by means of the actuating device. External air can flow through the external air opening into the suction area. A pressure surge is applied to the filter element from the side facing away from the dirt collection container. The pressure surge frees the filter element from adhering dirt particles. This allows the cleaning result to be improved.

The cover element can preferably be movably mounted on the upper part, in particular pivotably mounted. For example, the cover element pivots upwards in a direction pointing away from the filter element.

Advantageously, the cover element is arranged on a side of the suction space that is opposite an inlet opening through which suction air flows after flowing through the filter element into the suction space. This is advantageous for the flow of external air. External air flows through the opposite openings (external air opening and inlet opening) and reaches the filter element.

The cover element and preferably a restoring device for transferring the cover element from the open position into the closed position is/are advantageously arranged between the suction unit and the battery receptacle. This enables a compact design of the upper part.

In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating device is configured as a manual actuating device, which comprises an operating element for a user that is mechanically coupled to the cover element. For example, the control element is a button or push button, which is operatively connected to the cover element via a mechanical coupling element, for example an actuating lever.

In another type of advantageous embodiment of the suction device according to the invention, it can be provided that the cover element can be acted upon electrically via a control element; for this purpose, for example, an electric actuator is provided.

The battery holder is preferably arranged on a rear side of the suction device. This gives the option of inserting the at least one battery into the battery holder or removing it in a manner that is easy to handle.

The upper part advantageously includes a cover element for the battery holder, which can be transferred from a closed position closing the battery holder to an open position in which the at least one battery can be removed from the battery holder. In the closed position, the at least one battery is protected from dirt and liquid. For replacement, the cover element can be moved into the open position and the battery can be removed from the battery holder.

The cover element is preferably movably mounted on the upper part, in particular pivotably mounted. A displaceable mounting of the cover element on the upper part is also conceivable.

In an advantageous embodiment of the suction device, the cover element can preferably be moved upwards in the direction of a center of the suction device for transferring from the closed position into the open position. For example the cover element is folded up from the back to the front, for example up to essentially the middle of the suction device.

It is advantageous if the upper part comprises or forms a storage device for placing the upper part on a surface when it is detached from the lower part, with the cover element being automatically transferred from the open position towards the closed position when at least one battery is arranged in the battery holder. If the upper part is detached from the lower part, it can be positioned on the shelf using the storage device. A cover element that assumes the open position in this state is self-closing, the cover element is transferred from the open position in the direction of the closed position. Self-locking can be provided here, but is not absolutely necessary. The self-closing cover element largely prevents dirt and/or liquid from entering the battery holder.

Correspondingly, it is favorable if the suction device includes or forms a parking device for parking on a floor space, with the cover element being automatically transferred from the open position in the direction of the closed position. In this case, too, the battery holder is largely protected against the ingress of dirt and liquid.

Advantageously, guide elements for suction air are arranged on the container wall and formed in one piece with it, by means of which guide elements the suction air that has passed through the filter element is guided in the direction of an inlet opening of the suction chamber. The filter element can be supported on the guide elements, for example. The suction air can flow through spaces between the guide elements and is guided by them in the direction of the inlet opening.

Advantageously, the filter device comprises a filter holding part for the filter element, which can be releasably connected to the upper part, the filter element being releasably accommodated in the filter holding part. This makes handling easier of the suction device. To clean or replace the filter element, the user can remove the filter holding part from the upper part and remove the filter element from the filter holding part.

The filter element is held in the filter holding part in particular by a force fit and/or form fit.

Favorably, fixing elements are arranged on the container wall for fixing the filter holding part, which are preferably formed in one piece with the container wall and which interact with corresponding fixing elements on the filter holding part.

In an advantageous embodiment of the suction device, it is favorable if the filter holding part can be hung on the container wall and can be latched and/or clamped with it. For example, the user can hang the filter holding part with one side on fixing elements of the container wall and then latch and/or jam it with the other side on fixing elements of the container wall. Conversely, the locking and/or jamming can be released, the filter holding part can be pivoted and hung from the container wall.

The handling of the filter holding part is simplified for the user, for example, if the filter holding part comprises fixing elements that can be actuated manually by the user on a side facing away from the suction inlet. These are, for example, latching elements whose latching to the container part can be released by the user when the upper part is removed from the lower part and positioned on a floor space.

It has proven to be advantageous if the filter holding part is designed as a housing which has a frame section enclosing the filter element on the side facing the container wall and an inlet section on the side facing away from the container wall, on which inlet openings for suction air are formed in the housing. In the frame section, the filter element can, for example be positively enclosed to ensure that no suction air flows past the filter material between the housing and the filter element. The suction air can flow into the inlet section via the inlet openings, so that the filter material in the interior of the dirt collection container is not exposed and is therefore better protected from damage by objects that have been sucked in.

In an advantageous implementation of the suction device, it is favorable if the filter holding part is configured like a cage at the inlet section, for example with ribs and intermediate slot-shaped passage openings. The suction air can flow through the passage openings, and the ribs can hold back dirt particles from penetrating into the inlet section.

It is advantageous if the inlet section forms an inlet space for suction air, which is delimited in the outflow direction of the suctioned air from the filter element, which is spaced apart from a side of the housing facing a bottom of the dirt collecting container. The provision of the entry space and the distance of the filter element from the lower side of the housing facing the floor also serves to protect the filter element from penetrating particles.

It can be provided, for example, that the extension of the frame section in the direction pointing from the container wall in the direction of a bottom of the dirt collecting container is approximately as large as the extension of the entry section in this direction.

It is favorable if the filter holding part comprises or forms a storage device for placing the upper part on a storage area when it is detached from the lower part. The upper part can be placed on the floor above the filter holding part. As mentioned above, the cover element of the battery holder is preferably automatically transferred from the open position towards the closed position when the at least one battery is arranged in the battery holder.

Beneficially, storage elements of the storage device protrude in the direction of a bottom of the dirt collecting container beyond a side of the housing facing the bottom, in which side inlet openings for suction air are formed. This reduces the likelihood of foreign particles entering the housing and damaging the filter element when the upper part is placed on the shelf.

Storage elements of the storage device advantageously also serve as fall protection for the upper part, in order to avoid damaging it when it hits a floor space.

The storage elements are arranged, for example, in corner areas of the housing.

The storage device favorably comprises four storage elements, two of which are preferably arranged symmetrically or substantially symmetrically to one another with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the suction device. Greater stability of the upper part can be achieved with the four storage elements. Two storage elements are advantageously located opposite one another with respect to the central longitudinal plane and are preferably arranged symmetrically or essentially symmetrically to one another.

It has proven to be advantageous if the filter holding part is positioned eccentrically and offset in the direction of a rear side of the suction device, in relation to a longitudinal direction of the suction device. In practice, this proves to be favorable for the stability of the upper part. The filter holding part is preferably positioned below the at least one battery, at least in sections.

The last-described embodiment is also advantageous for guiding the suction air when the suction unit is arranged near the front of the suction device. Suction air flows through the suction inlet into the dirt collector backwards, through the filter element upwards and through the suction chamber forwards to the suction unit, which is preferably arranged horizontally.

The upper part and the lower part advantageously comprise mutually facing edges which are joined together when the upper part is placed on the lower part. In this way, the dust collection container can be sealed in a substantially tight manner.

Advantageously, when the upper part is detached from the lower part, it can be set up in a tilted position on a floor space, in which tilted position it can stand up on the floor space, in contrast to the above-mentioned storage device. Conveniently, the upper part comprises at least one support element on a side facing the suction inlet, and when it comes into contact with the floor space, the edge of the upper part is arranged at a distance from the floor space. The support element ensures that the edge of the upper part does not come into contact with the floor space in its tilted position. This protects the edge of the upper part from damage.

Conveniently, the top includes two support members located on opposite sides of the suction inlet. This increases the stability of the upper part in the tilted position. The support elements on opposite sides of the suction inlet preferably do not impair the suction of dirt into the dirt collection container.

Provision can in particular be made for the upper part to assume the tilted position when the at least one battery has been removed from the battery holder. For example, removing the at least one battery causes the upper part to assume the tilted position by shifting the center of gravity forward. In this, the edge of the upper part is protected from damage as explained above. In particular, it can also be provided that a user moves the upper part into the tilted position in order to remove the at least one battery from the battery holder in a simpler manner, for example when they are arranged on the rear side and thus on the side of the upper part opposite the suction inlet.

Provision can be made for the opened cover element of the battery holder to remain in the open position in the tilted position of the upper part when the at least one battery has been removed from the battery holder. This makes it easier for the user to insert the at least one battery into the battery holder. After inserting the battery into the battery holder, the cover element is preferably automatically transferred in the direction of the closed position.

It is advantageous if the upper part comprises at least one further support element, via which the upper part stands up in the tilted position with the above-mentioned at least one support element on the floor space. This allows the upper part to be more reliably supported on the floor space. In particular, two further support elements can be provided.

The support elements, i. H. in particular the support elements for protecting the edge and the two last-mentioned additional support elements preferably protrude from the container wall in the direction of a bottom of the dirt collecting container and/or are formed in one piece with the container wall. This enables a structurally simple configuration of the upper part.

The suction device preferably comprises an electrical device which comprises two electrodes projecting into the dirt collecting container, with one electrode being arranged on or in each of the further support elements.

In the tilted position of the upper part, fixing elements for fixing the filter device are preferably freely accessible. For example, the upper part assumes a tilted position tilted forward, so that fixing elements pointing in the direction of the rear side of the upper part can be easily detached by the user.

Figur 1:

eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Sauggerätes auf einer Stellfläche, das ein Unterteil und ein auf dieses aufgesetztes Oberteil umfasst;

Figur 2:

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Sauggerätes in einer Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 3:

eine Schnittansicht des Sauggerätes, wobei der Schnitt entlang einer Mittellängsebene verläuft;

Figur 4:

eine vereinfachte Ansicht des Oberteils des Sauggerätes von unten;

Figur 5:

eine vereinfachte Ansicht des Oberteils des Sauggerätes von oben unter Ausblendung einer Deckenwand;

Figur 6:

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Filtereinrichtung des Sauggerätes;

Figur 7:

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung der Filtereinrichtung, in einer Schnittansicht;

Figur 8:

eine Seitenansicht des Oberteils des Sauggerätes auf einer Stellfläche; und

Figur 9:

eine Seitenansicht des Oberteils auf der Stellfläche in einer Kippstellung.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawing to explain the invention in more detail. Show it:

Figure 1:

a side view of a suction device according to the invention on a footprint, which comprises a lower part and an upper part placed on this;

Figure 2:

a perspective view of the suction device in an exploded view;

Figure 3:

a sectional view of the suction device, the section running along a central longitudinal plane;

Figure 4:

a simplified view of the upper part of the suction device from below;

Figure 5:

a simplified view of the upper part of the suction device from above, omitting a ceiling wall;

Figure 6:

a perspective view of a filter device of the suction device;

Figure 7:

another perspective view of the filter device, in a sectional view;

Figure 8:

a side view of the upper part of the suction device on a footprint; and

Figure 9:

a side view of the upper part on the footprint in a tilted position.

figure 1 shows a side view of an advantageous embodiment of a suction device according to the invention, which is given the overall reference number 10 . The suction device 10 is positioned on a footprint 12 and assumes an operating position that the suction device 10 holds when used as intended. The footprint 12 can be viewed in particular as horizontally aligned.

Position and orientation information such as "below", "above", "below", "above" are to be understood in relation to the intended use of the suction device 10 in the operating position.

The suction device 10 is designed as a so-called multi-purpose vacuum cleaner or wet-dry vacuum cleaner, with which solid particles and liquid can be sucked up.

The suction device 10 comprises a lower device part 14 (hereinafter lower part 14) and a device upper part 16 (hereinafter upper part 16) which is detachably attached to this.

For parking on the footprint 12, the lower part 14 includes a storage device 18. The storage device 18 defines a contact plane that coincides with the plane of the footprint 12 when the lower part 14 is positioned as intended on the footprint 12. In the present case, storage device 18 comprises two running wheels 20 and at least one, and preferably two, castor(s) 22. The present two castors 22 are arranged in the area of a front side 24 of suction device 10, and the running wheels 20 in the area of a rear side 26.

That side of the suction device 10 on which a suction inlet 28 of the suction device 10 is arranged is regarded as the front side 24 . In the present case, the suction inlet 28 is formed by the lower part 14 . A suction hose (not shown in the drawing) can be connected to the suction inlet 28 for connecting a suction nozzle or a processing tool. through the Through suction inlet 28 , suction material can be sucked into a dirt collection container 30 formed by lower part 14 and separated therein, as explained below.

To form the dirt collection container 30, the lower part 14 comprises a peripheral side wall 32 and a bottom wall 34, which forms a bottom of the dirt collection container 30. The side wall 32 and the bottom wall 34 enclose an interior space 36 of the dirt collection container 30 . On the top side, facing the upper part 16, the side wall 32 has an edge 40.

The upper part 16 forms a suction head with a housing 42. The housing 42 has an edge 44 on its side facing the lower part 14. When the upper part 16 is placed on the lower part 14, the edges 40 and 44 are joined together. In this way, the dirt collection container 30 is essentially tightly closed. In a manner known per se, the upper part 16 can be releasably locked on the lower part 14 by means of a locking device 46 which can be actuated by the user.

The upper part 16 closes the dirt collection container 30 when placed on the lower part 14 . For this purpose, the upper part 16 forms a container wall 48, which is a top wall 50 of the dirt collection container 30 in the present case. The container wall 48 is a lower wall of the housing 42, which has a top wall 52 at the top. This and a side wall 54 of the housing 42 are in figure 5 hidden to reveal the view of the interior of the upper part 16. figure 4 shows a top view of the top wall 50 in a bottom view of the upper part 16.

The upper part 16 accommodates a suction unit 56 in order to apply negative pressure to the dirt collection container 30 . The suction unit 56 comprises a blower device 58 which is arranged in the front area of the suction device 10 in relation to the longitudinal direction 60 of the suction device 10 . In relation to a central transverse plane 68 of the suction device 10 , the blower device 58 accordingly has an offset in the direction of the front side 24 .

The fan device 58 is arranged horizontally in the upper part 16 . An axis 62 defined by the fan device 58 is aligned parallel to the contact plane of the storage device 18 and thus parallel to the footprint 12 . Due to the horizontal arrangement of the blower device 58, the upper part 16 has a relatively low overall height, so that the upper part 16 has an overall compact design.

In the transverse direction 64 of the suction device 10 , the blower device 58 is arranged essentially in the area of a central longitudinal plane 66 . In the present case, the fan device 58 is positioned slightly off-center, so that the axis 62 has a slight offset in relation to the central longitudinal plane 66 ( figure 4 ).

In the longitudinal direction 60 behind the suction unit 56, the upper part 16 comprises a suction space 70. The suction space 70 is bounded at the front by a front wall 72 of the housing 42 and at the rear by a rear wall 74 of the housing 42. At the top, the suction space 70 has an external air opening 76 through which external air can flow into the suction space 70 and the interior 36 in a manner explained below.

The container wall 48 delimits the suction chamber 70 at the bottom. An inlet opening 78 is formed in the container wall 48 ( Figures 3 and 4 ). In the present case, the inlet opening 78 is divided into individual segments by means of ribs or strips 80 formed by the container wall 48 ( figure 4 ). For the sake of clarity, within the in figure 3 Details of the container wall 48 are not shown in the area shown by a dashed line 82 .

Suction air can be sucked in by the blower device 58 through the suction inlet 28 into the interior space 36 . The suction air is sucked from the interior 36 through a filter device 84 of the suction device 10 and then through the inlet opening 78 into the suction chamber 70 . The sucked air already has the correct flow direction, see above that further deflection of the suction air is not required. The suction air flows axially from the suction chamber 70 through an opening in the front wall 72 into the fan device 58.

Exhaust air from the blower device 58 is distributed in the upper part 16 within the housing 42 in a noise-reducing manner and released into the atmosphere via outlet openings 86 .

The suction chamber 70 is arranged in the longitudinal direction 60 between the suction unit 56 and a battery holder 88 of the suction unit 56 . In relation to the longitudinal direction 60, the suction unit 56, the suction space 70 and the battery holder 88 are thus positioned side by side to save space. In the transverse direction 64 , there is remaining space on the side next to the suction unit 56 , the suction space 70 and the battery holder 88 . For example, areas 90 and 92 to the left and right of suction unit 56 and suction area 70 are used to distribute the exhaust air from suction unit 56. Room area 90 also accommodates electrical equipment 94 of suction device 10, which has a printed circuit board 96 arranged in housing 42, for example ( figure 5 ).

The arrangement of the components of the upper part 16 favors its compact design, resulting in a low overall height for the upper part 16.

Above the suction unit 56 and the suction chamber 70, the housing 42 forms a recess 98 in which accessories for the suction device 10 can be accommodated. Above the recess 98, the housing 42 forms a grip element 100 by which a user can grip the upper part 16.

The battery holder 88 in the longitudinal direction 60 behind the suction chamber 70 extends to the rear 26. In the battery holder 88, at least one battery 102 for providing electrical energy for the suction device 10 can be accommodated. In the present case, the battery 102 is rechargeable, it being possible for the battery 102 to be installed in the suction device 10 can be charged by yourself. For example, the battery 102 is operatively connected to the electrical device 94 so that the charging of the battery 102 can be controlled via the electrical device 94 . Conversely, the drawing of electrical energy from the battery 102 can be controlled by the electrical device 94 .

Deviating from the illustration in the drawing, it can be provided that more than just one battery 102 can be accommodated in the battery holder 88 depending on the design and intended use. Deviating from the connection element 104 for the battery 102 shown in the drawing, provision can accordingly be made for more than just one connection element 104 to be provided.

The upper part 16 includes a cover element 106 with which the battery holder 88 can be closed. In the present case, the cover element 106 is designed as a flap 108 which is formed by the top wall 52 . The flap 108 is also mounted on the housing 42 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis 110 . The pivot axis 110 runs in the transverse direction 64 and in the present case is aligned parallel to the contact plane of the storage device 18 .

The flap 108 can assume a closed position ( figures 1 , 3 , 8th and 9 ). In the closed position, the flap 108 closes the battery receptacle 88 essentially tightly. The battery 102 is thereby protected from dust and liquid. In the closed position, the flap 108 latches with the side wall 54, for example.

The flap 108 can be transferred from the closed position to an open position. After releasing the latching, the flap 108 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 110 from the rear 26 forward (approximately up to the central transverse plane 68). the figures 2 and 9 show the flap 108 in the open position. In the open position, the battery 102 can be removed from the battery receptacle 88 or inserted into it.

The flap 108 is designed such that when the suction device 10 is positioned on the footprint 12, assuming its horizontal orientation, the flap 108 is automatically transferred from the open position towards the closed position without the user having to do anything. This ensures that during normal operation of the suction device 10 the battery receptacle 88 is closed at least to the extent that the ingress of dirt and liquid is largely prevented. Automatic latching of the flap 108 can be provided, but is not absolutely necessary.

When the suction device 10 is in operation, sucked-in particles can adhere to the filter material of the filter device 84 . In order to clean the filter material, the filter device 84 can be subjected to external air via the suction area 70 on the clean room side.

During normal operation of the suction device 10, the external air opening 76 of the suction chamber 70 is essentially tightly closed by means of a cover element 114. In the present case, the cover element 114 is configured as a flap 116. The flap 116 is also pivotably mounted on the housing 42 about a pivot axis 118 ( figure 5 ).

The flap 116 is assigned an actuating device 120 in order to convert the flap 116 from a closed position, which closes an external air opening 76, into an open position. In the open position, the flap 116 is raised from the edge of the external air opening 76 by pivoting about the pivot axis 118 . the Figures 3 and 5 show the flap 116 in the closed position.

In the present case, the actuating device 120 is designed for manual actuation by a user. For this purpose, the actuating device 120 includes a control element 122, for example a button. The operating element 122 is in operative connection with the flap 116 via an actuating element 124 , configured here as a lever 126 . A pressure on the operating element 122 leads to the pivoting of the lever 126 about a pivot axis 128 relative to the housing 42. In this way, the flap 116 is acted upon by an actuating force and is pivoted about the pivot axis 118 for transfer into the open position.

In the present case, the operating element 122 and the lever 126 are arranged on or in the spatial area 90 .

In the open position, the external air opening 76 is released. External air can enter the suction space 70 as in figure 3 flow shown schematically and act on the filter material of the filter device 84 on the clean room side. Adhering particles are loosened from the filter material by the pressure surge. The flow of external air through the filter material into the interior 36 leads to an additional cleaning of the filter device 84.

A resetting device 130 is assigned to the flap 116 . Under the action of the restoring device 130, the flap 116 can be transferred from the open position to the closed position. In the present case, the restoring device 130 comprises a compression spring 132 in the form of a helical spring. The compression spring 132 is supported on the flap 116 and on the top wall 52. Additionally or alternatively, a compression spring 133 in the form of at least one leaf spring can be provided, for example a package of leaf springs according to the click frog principle. The compression spring 133 is supported on the flap 116 and the top of the top wall 50 ( figure 5 ).

When the flap 116 is opened, work must be performed by the actuating device 120 against the action of the compression springs 132, 133. This has the advantage that the flap 116 opens abruptly and an intensive pressure surge of external air develops. For this purpose, the clearly defined pressure point of the at least one leaf spring proves to be particularly advantageous.

In the present case, the flap 116 and the return device 130 are also arranged in the longitudinal direction 60 between the suction unit 56 and the battery receptacle 88 ( Figures 3 and 5 ).

The structure and attachment of the filter device 84 is discussed below.

The filter device 84 comprises a filter element 134 and a filter holding part 136 for fastening the filter element 134 to the container wall 48.

In the present case, the filter element 134 is a flat-pleated filter 138. The flat-pleated filter 138 comprises a frame or collar 142 and pleated filter material 144 surrounded by it. The frame 142 forms a sealing element 146.

The filter material 144 is, for example, a paper material or a polyester material. The folded filter material 144 allows a relatively large surface area to be achieved with the filter element 134 and, as a result, a high filter performance. In addition, the flat pleated filter 138 requires only a relatively low overall height in order to achieve a low overall height of the lower part 14 into which the filter device 84 protrudes.

The filter holding part 136 forms a housing 148 with a frame section 150 and an inlet section 152. The filter element 134 can be inserted into the frame section 150 in a form-fitting and detachable manner, so that the latter encloses the filter element 134. As a result, no suction air can flow through between the frame section 150 and the filter element 134 . This ensures that air sucked in by the suction unit 56 only reaches the inlet opening 78 through the filter device 84 .

The filter holding part 136 is arranged on the side of the container wall 48 facing the interior space 36 and is detachably fixed to it. In this way, the filter device 84 protrudes into the interior space 36 in the direction of the bottom wall 34.

In the state fixed to the container wall 48, the sealing element 146 rests essentially sealingly against an edge 154 formed by the container wall 48 ( Figures 3 and 4 ). The edge 154 encloses the inlet opening 78 viewed in the flow direction of the suction air.

Guide elements 156 , which are also bordered by the edge 154 in the direction of flow of the suction air, are arranged on the container wall 48 . The rim 154 and/or the guide elements 156 are preferably formed in one piece with the container wall 48 . The guide elements 156 are designed as ribs, for example, and are aligned in the direction of the inlet opening 78 .

Suction air that flows through the filter element 134 is guided in the direction of the inlet opening 78 by means of the guide elements 156 . In addition, the guide elements 156 protrude from the container wall 48 to such an extent that the filter material 144 can bear against the guide elements 156 . Deflection of the filter material 144 as a result of the suction flow can thereby be avoided. The line 82 approximately shows the contour of the guide elements 156 (in their entirety) facing the filter element 134 . The guide elements 156 are in particular in figure 4 shown.

Fixing elements 158 are formed on the housing 148, in particular on the frame section 150, for releasably fixing the filter device 84, preferably in one piece with the housing 148. On a first side of the frame section 150, which is arranged approximately in the region of the central transverse plane 68, there are hooks as fixing elements 158 160 present (a hook in figure 7 shown). The hooks 160 can interact with fixing elements 162 in the form of eyelets 164 on the container wall 48 . In this way, the filter device 84 can be hung on the container wall 48 .

Fixing elements 158 in the form of latching hooks 166 are arranged on the side of the frame section 150 opposite the above-mentioned side, which side faces the rear side 26 . The locking hooks 166 can with corresponding fixing elements 162 on the container wall 48, designed as locking receptacles 168, interact.

The fixing elements 162 are preferably formed in one piece with the container wall 48 .

The suspended filter device 84 can be pivoted to the rear and fixed to the container wall 48 by locking the locking hooks 166 with the locking receptacles 168 . Conversely, the latching hooks 166 can be released from the latching receptacles 168, after which the filter device 84 can be pivoted and hung from the container wall 48.

When the filter device 84 is fastened, the frame section 150 faces the container wall 48 and the inlet section 152 faces away from the container wall 48 . The frame portion 150 and the entry portion 152 have approximately the same extent toward the bottom wall 34 .

At the inlet section 152, the housing 148 is designed like a cage and has ribs 170, between which through-openings 172 are formed. The side of the filter element 134 facing the bottom wall 34 is at a distance from the side of the inlet section 152 facing the bottom wall 34 . Accordingly, the filter element 134 is spaced apart from the ribs 170 and an inlet space 174 for the suction air is formed between these and the filter element 134 .

In this way, it can be largely avoided that the inlet side of the filter element 134 is damaged by sucked-in particles, which are entrained by the suction flow and impinge on the filter material.

Compared to a conventional suction device in which a cartridge filter is used, the suction device 10 using the flat pleated filter 138 can achieve a low overall height of the lower part 14 of the device and also ensure a high filter performance.

The filter holding part 136 forms a storage device 176 with storage elements 178. The storage device 176 allows the upper part 16 to be placed on the storage surface 12 when it has been detached from the lower part 14 ( figure 8 ). In the present case, the contact plane defined by the shut-off device 176 is parallel to the contact plane defined by the shut-off device 18 .

If the upper part 16 is placed on the footprint 12, the flap 108 is also automatically transferred from the open position towards the closed position, as explained above. The battery holder 88 is thus largely protected against the ingress of dirt and liquid, for example when the suction device 10 is not in use.

In the present case, four storage elements 178 are provided, so that the upper part 16 has a high degree of stability. The storage elements 178 are arranged at corner regions of the filter holding part 136 and protrude from the entry section 152 in the direction of the bottom wall 34 .

The stability of the upper part 16 is also ensured in particular by the fact that two storage elements 178 are opposite one another with respect to the central longitudinal plane 66, as a result of which an essentially uniform weight distribution takes place.

The filter device 84 is arranged eccentrically on the upper part 16 in the longitudinal direction 60 . In this case, approximately the front half of the filter device 84 is positioned below the suction space 70 ( figure 3 ). This is advantageous for guiding the suction air. Inflowing suction air is circulated through the interior space 36 with dirt being separated and, after passing through the filter element 134 , flows forward again through the suction space 70 , directly towards the blower device 58 . The number of deflections of the suction air is minimized. This is advantageous for the cleaning result.

In addition, the arrangement of the filter device 84 off-centre, with an offset in the direction of the battery holder 88, proves to be advantageous. In view of the fact that the battery 102 can have a not inconsiderable weight, this ensures that the upper part 16 does not tilt backwards when the battery 102 is arranged in the battery receptacle 88 .

The upper part 16 includes support elements 180. The support elements 180 protrude from the container wall 48, with which they are preferably formed in one piece, into the interior 36. The support elements 180 extend less far in the direction of the bottom wall 34 than the storage elements 178 ( figure 8 ). Accordingly, the free ends of the support elements 180 are arranged somewhat above the contact plane defined by the storage device 176 .

The support elements 180 are preferably positioned essentially symmetrically with respect to the central longitudinal plane 66 and are arranged, for example, near the left and the right side on the upper part 16 .

The electrical device 94 includes electrodes 82 held on the support members 180 ( figure 4 ). In this way, the electrodes 182 protrude into the interior 36 and are used to detect a liquid level in the dirt collection container 30 . The arrangement on the support elements 180 allows the electrodes 182 to be protected from damage.

The top 16 includes two further support members 184 located at or near the front 24 . The support elements 184 are arranged essentially symmetrically to one another with respect to the central longitudinal plane 66 . In this case, the support elements 184 are positioned on opposite sides of the suction inlet 28 so that the support elements 184 do not impair the intake of suction air.

Preferably, the support members 184 are formed integrally with the container wall 48.

The upper part 16, detached from the lower part 14, can be parked in a tilted position on the shelf 12 ( figure 9 ). The upper part 16 assumes the tilted position in particular when the battery 102 has been removed from the battery receptacle 88 . The associated shift in the center of gravity leads to the upper part 16 tipping forward.

In the tilted position, the upper part 16 is supported on the supporting surface 12 via the supporting elements 184 and the supporting elements 180 . It is thereby ensured that the edge 44 of the upper part 16 is at a distance from the standing surface 12 when the supporting element 184 comes into contact with the latter. This ensures that damage to the rim 44 can be avoided in the tilted position and that the sealing effect of the rim 44 together with the rim 40 remains guaranteed during operation.

The support elements 180 contact the footprint 12 in such a way that the electrodes 182 are free from contact with the footprint 12 and are also protected from damage.

In the tilted position of the upper part 16, the flap 108 maintains the open position (dashed contour in figure 9 ) when opened by the user. This makes it easier for the user to insert the battery 102 into the battery receptacle 88.

In addition, the latching hooks 166, which point in the direction of the rear side 26, are particularly easily accessible to the user when the upper part 16 is in the tilted position. This makes it easier for the user to detach the filter device 84 from the upper part 16 and connect it to it.

If the battery 102 is reinserted into the battery receptacle 88, the shifting center of gravity causes the upper part 16 to tilt backwards until the upper part 16 stands on the set-down device 176, as explained above, on the standing surface 12 ( figure 8 ). The flap 108 pivots again automatically in the direction of the closed position.

Reference list:

10

suction device

12

footprint

14

device base

16

Device top

18

storage facility

20

Wheel

22

swivel castor

24

front

26

back

28

suction inlet

30

dirt collection container

32

Side wall

34

bottom wall

36

inner space

40

edge

42

Housing

44

edge

46

locking device

48

container wall

50

ceiling wall

52

ceiling wall

54

Side wall

56

suction unit

58

fan device

60

longitudinal direction

62

axis

64

transverse direction

66

median longitudinal plane

68

central plane

70

suction room

72

front wall

74

back wall

76

external air opening

78

entry opening

80

rib

82

dashed line

84

filter device

86

exhaust port

88

battery intake

90

space area

92

space area

94

electrical facility

96

circuit board

98

recess

100

grip element

102

battery

104

connection element

106

cover element

108

flap

110

pivot axis

114

cover element

116

flap

118

pivot axis

120

actuating device

122

control element

124

actuator

126

lever

128

pivot axis

130

reset device

132

compression spring

133

compression spring

134

filter element

136

filter holding part

138

flat pleated filter

142

frame

144

filter material

146

sealing element

148

Housing

150

frame section

152

entry section

154

edge

156

guiding element

158

fixing element

160

hook

162

fixing element

164

eyelet

166

latch hook

168

snap-in mount

170

rib

172

passage opening

174

entry room

176

storage facility

178

storage element

180

support element

182

electrode

184

support element

Claims (17)

1. Suction apparatus for cleaning purposes, comprising a lower part (14) which comprises or forms a dirt collection container (30) having a suction inlet (28), an upper part (16) releasably placeable on top of the lower part (14) which comprises a suction unit (56) and a battery receptacle (88) for at least one battery (102) for providing electrical energy to the suction apparatus (10) and comprises or forms a container wall (48) forming a boundary for the dirt collection container (30), and a filter device (84) having a filter element (134) for filtering the air drawn out of the dirt collection container (30) by the suction unit (56), wherein the filter element (134) is arranged on the side of the container wall (48) that faces towards the dirt collection container (30), wherein the upper part (16) comprises or forms a suction space (70) and suction air is drawn out of the dirt collection container (30) by the suction unit (56) via the suction space (70) and the filter element (134), characterized in that the filter element (134) is a flat pleated filter (138) and in that the suction space (70) is positioned between the suction unit (56) and the battery receptacle (88).
2. Suction apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

   - the suction space (70) is arranged, relative to a plane parallel to a plane of contact defined by the suction apparatus (10) with a supporting surface (12) for the suction apparatus (10), between the suction unit (56) and the battery receptacle (88);

   - the suction space (70) is positioned, relative to a longitudinal direction (60) of the suction apparatus (10), between the suction unit (56) and the battery receptacle (88), wherein the suction unit (10) is arranged next to the suction space (70) in a direction towards a front side (24) of the suction apparatus (10) and the battery receptacle (88) is arranged next to the suction space (70) in a direction towards a rear side (26) of the suction apparatus (10);

   - the suction unit (56), the suction space (70) and/or the battery receptacle (88) is or are positioned centrally or substantially centrally at the suction apparatus (10) in a transverse direction (64) of the suction apparatus (10);

   - the battery receptacle (88) is arranged on a rear side (26) of the suction apparatus (10).
3. Suction apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction unit (10) comprises or forms a blower device (58) which is arranged in a lying manner in the upper part (16), wherein an axis (62) defined by the blower device (58) is oriented parallel to a plane of contact defined by the suction apparatus (10) with a supporting surface (12) for the suction apparatus (10) or encloses an acute angle of less than approximately 20° with said plane of contact, preferably in that the axis (62) is oriented in the longitudinal direction (60) or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the suction apparatus.
4. Suction apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction apparatus (10) comprises an external air opening (76) in or at a wall of the suction space (70) and a cover element (114), and in that the suction apparatus (10) comprises an actuating device (120) by way of which the cover element (114) is transferable from a closed position closing the suction space (70) to an open position.
5. Suction apparatus in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

   - the cover element (114) is movably supported on the upper part (16), and is in particular pivotably supported on the upper part (16);

   - the cover element (114) is arranged on a side of the suction space (70) which is opposite an inlet opening (78) through which suction air flows into the suction space (70) after passing through the filter element (134);

   - the cover element (114) and preferably a return device (130) for transferring the cover element (114) from the open position to the closed position is or are, respectively, arranged between the suction unit (56) and the battery receptacle (88);

   - the actuating device (120) is configured as a manual actuating device (120) which comprises an operating element (122) mechanically coupled to the cover element (114) for a user.
6. Suction apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (16) comprises a cover element (106) for the battery receptacle (88), which cover element (106) is transferable from a closed position closing the battery receptacle (88) to an open position in which the at least one battery (102) is removable from the battery receptacle (88).
7. Suction apparatus in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

   - the cover element (106) is movably supported on the upper part (16), and is in particular pivotably supported on the upper part (16);

   - the cover element (106) is movable upwardly in a direction towards a center of the suction apparatus (10), for transferring from the closed position to the open position;

   - the upper part (16) comprises or forms a parking device (176) for parking on a supporting surface (12) for the upper part (16) when the latter is in the released condition from the lower part (14), wherein the cover element (106) is automatically transferred from the open position in a direction towards the closed position when the at least one battery (102) is arranged in the battery receptacle (88).
8. Suction apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that directing elements (156) for suction air are arranged at the container wall (48), and in particular are formed in one piece with the container wall (48), by which directing elements (156) the suction air which has passed through the filter element (134) is directed in a direction towards an inlet opening (78) of the suction space (70).
9. Suction apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device (84) comprises a filter holding part (136) for the filter element (134) which is releasably connectable to the upper part (16), and in that the filter element (134) is releasably received in the filter holding part (136).
10. Suction apparatus in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

    - fixing elements (162) are arranged at the container wall (48) for fixing the filter holding part (136) in place, which fixing elements (162) are preferably formed in one piece with the container wall (48) and which cooperate with corresponding fixing elements (158) at the filter holding part (136);

    - the filter holding part (136) is hookable onto the container wall (48) and is latchable and/or clampable thereto;

    - the filter holding part (136) comprises, on a side thereof facing away from the suction inlet (28), fixing elements (158) that are manually operable by the user;

    - the filter holding part (136) is configured as a housing (148) which, on the side thereof facing towards the container wall (48), has a frame section (150) enclosing the filter element (134) and has an inlet section (152) on the side facing away from the container wall (48), at which inlet section (152) inlet openings (172) for suction air are formed in the housing (148).
11. Suction apparatus in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

    - at the inlet section (152), the filter holding part (136) is of cage-like configuration with, for example, ribs (170) and slit-shaped through-openings (172) therebetween;

    - the inlet section (152) forms an inlet space (174) for suction air which is bounded in the downstream direction of the suctioned air by the filter element (134) which is spaced apart from a side of the housing (148) that faces towards a bottom of the dirt collection container (30);

    - the extension of the frame section (150) in the direction pointing from the container wall (48) in a direction towards a bottom of the dirt collecting container (30) is approximately as large as the extension of the inlet section (152) in that direction.
12. Suction apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the filter holding part (136) comprises or forms a parking device (176) for parking on a supporting surface (12) for the upper part (16) when the latter is in the released condition from the lower part (14), and/or in that the filter holding part (136), relative to a longitudinal direction (60) of the suction apparatus (10), is positioned off-center and offset in a direction towards a rear side (26) of the suction apparatus (10), and preferably, at least in sections thereof, below the at least one battery (102).
13. Suction apparatus in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

    - parking elements (178) of the parking device (176) project in a direction towards a bottom of the dirt collection container (30) beyond a side of the housing (148) that faces towards the bottom and has inlet openings (172) for suction air formed therein;

    - the parking elements (178) are arranged at corner regions of the housing (148);

    - the parking device (176) comprises four parking elements (178), two of which in each case are arranged preferably symmetrically or substantially symmetrically to one another with respect to a central longitudinal plane (66) of the suction apparatus (10).
14. Suction apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (16) and the lower part (14) comprise edges (40, 44) that face towards one another and which are joined together when the upper part (16) is in the condition of being placed on top of the lower part (14), and in that the upper part (16), in the condition of being released from the lower part (14), is placeable in a tilted position on a supporting surface (12), wherein the upper part (16), on a side thereof that faces towards the suction inlet (28), comprises at least one supporting element (184) which, when in contact with the supporting surface (12) causes the edge (44) of the upper part (16) to be at a distance from the supporting surface (12.
15. Suction apparatus in accordance with claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

    - the upper part (16) comprises two supporting elements (184) which are arranged on opposite sides of the suction inlet (28);

    - the upper part (16) assumes the tilted position when the at least one battery (102) is removed from the battery receptacle (88);

    - in the tilted position of the upper part (16), the cover element (106) of the battery receptacle (88) remains in the open position when the at least one battery (102) is removed from the battery receptacle (88);

    - the upper part (16) comprises at least one further supporting element (180) via which the upper part (16) in the tilted position thereof stands with the above mentioned at least one supporting element (184) on the supporting surface (12), in particular wherein two further supporting elements (180) are provided;

    - the supporting elements (180, 184) project from the container wall (48) in a direction towards a bottom of the dirt collection container (30) and/or are formed in one piece with the container wall (48).
16. Suction apparatus in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that the suction apparatus (10) comprises an electrical device (94) which comprises two electrodes (182) projecting into the dirt collection container (30), wherein an electrode (182) is arranged at or in each of the further supporting elements (180).
17. Suction apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 14 to 16 in conjunction with any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that in the tilted position of the upper part (16), fixing elements (158) for fixing the filter device (84) are freely accessible.

Images