EP4646982A1

EP4646982A1 - Industrial vacuum cleaner with a support for removable battery

Info

Publication number: EP4646982A1
Application number: EP24174788.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ali Gallaher; Alessandra UGUCCIONI; Marco RISO
Original assignee: Nilfisk AS
Current assignee: Nilfisk AS
Priority date: 2024-05-08
Filing date: 2024-05-08
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: WO2025233378A1

Abstract

The present invention refers to an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped with a particularly practical and safe support for removable power batteries. Specifically, the support advantageously allows a rechargeable battery pack to be housed in a compact manner that is easy to extract for replacement, when discharged, with a charged battery pack, as well as its locking in operating conditions in extreme safety.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped with a particularly practical and safe support for power batteries. Specifically, the support advantageously allows a battery pack to be housed in a compact manner that is easy to extract for replacement, when discharged, with a charged battery pack, as well as its locking in operating conditions in extreme safety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the vacuum cleaner sector, it is known that the electric motor driving the expiring fan can be powered directly by the source of electric current by means of a connection cable equipped with a first end fixed to the body of the vacuum cleaner and a second end equipped with a plug for connecting to the electrical source socket.
Alternatively, vacuum cleaners equipped with fixed electrical energy storage batteries on the machine body are becoming increasingly widespread, which are recharged once discharged by connection to the electrical source using a suitable cable. According to a different construction method, the body of the vacuum cleaner with the built-in battery can be directly connected to a special charging station fixed near an electrical source. A further variant provides that the battery can be detached from the body of the vacuum cleaner and inserted into a special charging station fixed nearby or connectable with a cable to an electrical source.
The use of rechargeable batteries, fixed or removable from the body of the vacuum cleaner, is undoubtedly very practical since it does not involve the use of a power cable, usually long, to allow you to reach areas even very distant from the electrical source. Furthermore, eliminating the cable also leads to greater safety for the operator and any people who are near the cable itself.
Nonetheless, the system which involves the use of a battery charging cable forces the operator to move the entire vacuum cleaner close to the electrical source and, in any case, is forced to interrupt the activity once the battery runs out . Similarly, the machine body must be directly connected to the charging station.
On the contrary, the system which involves the release of the battery from the machine body is particularly practical since it allows you to immediately replace the flat battery with a charged one and continue the activity. However, this solution also has limitations. In particular, batteries that can be removed from corresponding machines are usually small in size and applied to domestic vacuum cleaners, i.e. vacuum cleaners with limited power and/or autonomy.
For industrial vacuum cleaners, however, where the batteries are of significant size but above all weight for reasons of power and duration, it is necessary to provide a dedicated housing of significant dimensions and usually positioned downwards. Furthermore, precisely due to the size, the batteries are generally fixed and the entire machine must be brought closer and connected to an electrical network via cable for charging. Alternatively, for removable batteries, replacement becomes difficult and cumbersome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is therefore to design a vacuum cleaner equipped with a support for large capacity rechargeable batteries which allows their replacement in a practical and safe manner.
A first object of the present invention is therefore an industrial vacuum cleaner comprising a support for a removable battery designed so as to keep the dimensions of the vacuum cleaner compact without affecting its stability.
A second object is an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped with a support that makes it easy to remove the battery.
A third object is an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped with a support with a safe locking/unlocking system for extracting the battery.
A further object is an industrial vacuum cleaner equipped with a battery support with a quick and intuitive system for the correct positioning of the battery inside.
The aforementioned objects and others that will appear better in the following description, are achieved by an industrial vacuum cleaner comprising a support for removable rechargeable batteries as defined in claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the following description of an embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

figure 1 shows an axonometric view from a first angle of an industrial vacuum cleaner according to the present invention with an open support for a rechargeable battery extracted from said support;
figure 2 shows an axonometric view of the industrial vacuum cleaner in figure 1 with a battery inserted in the open support;
figure 3 shows an axonometric view of the industrial vacuum cleaner in figure 2 with the battery support closed;
figure 4 shows an axonometric view of the industrial vacuum cleaner in figure 3 with the battery holder closed, from a second angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, terms of spatial reference and positioning such as "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "rear", "horizontal, "vertical" or similar refer to an industrial vacuum cleaner in its normal working position, i.e. in use. In particular, this setup involves the vacuum cleaner resting on a floor by means of a frame that allows an operator to move the vacuum cleaner and be able to operate it to carry out the necessary suction.
With reference to figure 1, the industrial vacuum cleaner of the invention is globally indicated with the reference number 1 and comprises a support and movement frame 2 on which a body 3 of the vacuum cleaner is mounted.
The body 3 of the vacuum cleaner, or machine body, is preferably a cylindrical body that extends along a vertical axis with respect to the ground, when in use, and includes a completely conventional electric motor connected to a waste collection tank or bag for dust, debris, etc. (not shown).
As shown in figure 1, the frame 2 is a preferably shaped tubular support structure on which said body 3 of the vacuum cleaner, or machine body, is fixed. A plurality 5 of wheels (only two are shown) for moving the frame are preferably rotatably fixed directly to said frame or by means of support arms 6, such as the two rear wheels shown in the figures. Preferably, the frame 2 includes a handle 7 transverse to the machine body and capable of being gripped by an operator to push the vacuum cleaner 1 and move it easily. The frame also includes two side uprights 8 (figures 1 and 4).
In correspondence with the handle 7, there is then a conventional console 9 for command and control of the vacuum cleaner motor and any accessories connected to it. In particular, the console 9 includes a display 10 for viewing the functions and status of the vacuum cleaner as well as a series of completely conventional digital or electromechanical controls (not indicated in the figures). A plug 11 (figure 2) is then connected to the console 9 for the electrical connection with an electrical energy storage battery and an electrical connector 12 (figure 1) for sending and receiving electrical signals respectively to and from the machine body 3.
Advantageously, in accordance with the present invention, the frame 2 includes a support 13 for an extractable rechargeable battery 14 comprising a bottom 15 hinged on said support so as to assume a first closed position in which said battery is not accessible and a second opening position in which the battery is accessible for extraction from said bottom via a grip handle 4 (figure 1).
The support 13 is a box-like element open on the opposite side to that of the machine body 3 to allow the insertion of the battery 14. Furthermore, it comprises two side walls 13A, a top 13B and said bottom 15 for supporting the battery 14 (figure 1). The side walls 13A are each fixed to a side upright 8 of the frame 2 directly or via plates 16 (figures 1 and 4).
It should be noted that the support 13 is positioned below the console 9 so as not to substantially protrude with respect to the console itself. With this configuration, the console 9 can rest on the top 13B of the support itself and the presence of the support does not affect the overall dimensions of the vacuum cleaner.
The top 13B acts as a support for the console 9 and comprises a window 13C for the insertion of the aforementioned plug 11 into the battery 14 (figure 1).
Advantageously, moreover, the bottom 15 is connected to the side walls 13A of the support 13 via a tilting or swinging system which allows the easy extraction of the battery 14. Preferably, the bottom 15 is a container open towards the top 13B of the support 13 and it comprises a base 15A, two larger side walls 15B transverse to the side walls 13A of the support 13 and two smaller side walls 15C parallel to said side walls of the support. The smaller lateral walls 15C are each connected to a lateral wall 13A of the support 13 via a first pin 17 (figures 1-4) which engages a corresponding through hole (not indicated in the figures) obtained on each of said lateral walls 13A of the support 13 so as to allow the rotation, swinging or tilting of the bottom 15 with respect to the support 13.
To avoid a complete overturning of the bottom 15, a second pin 18 preferably for each of said smaller side walls 15C of the bottom 15 engages a corresponding arcuate hole 19 of the side walls 13A of the support 13, effectively allowing limited rotation or tilting of the bottom 15 with respect to the support 13. In practice, in the closed position, the bottom 15 faces vertically, i.e. with its opening substantially below, aligned and parallel with respect to the top 13B and the second pin 18 abutting against the edge of the slot 19 closest to the machine body 3 (figures 3 and 4); in the open position (figure 1), the bottom rotates on the first pin 17 away from the machine body 3 until the second pin 18 abuts against the edge of the slot 19 furthest from the machine body 3 so that the opening of the bottom 15 is inclined away from the machine body itself.
A side wall 13A is then equipped with an arched notch 20 obtained on its opposite edge with respect to the machine body 3. A locking lever 21 as a battery safety device 14 is fixed in a rotatable manner in correspondence with said notch 20 and on the external surface of the side wall 13A, as explained below (figures 1, 2 and 3). In particular, the lever 21 includes a free end provided with a groove 22 (figure 1).
The rechargeable battery 14 has the general shape of a parallelepiped suitcase with an upper face 14A provided with a handle 4, two larger lateral faces 14B (only one shown in figure 1) and two smaller lateral faces 14C (one is shown in figure 1). In particular, one of the two smaller lateral faces 14C includes a protruding piece pin 23 for engagement with the corresponding notch 20 of the lateral wall 13A of the support 13. Alternatively, the smaller lateral faces of the battery are provided with a hole (not indicated) preferably threaded onto which said pin is screwed, as explained below.
In addition, the upper face 14A includes a socket 24 for connection with the aforementioned plug 11 of the console 9 through the window 13C of the top 13B of the support 13 on which the console itself is fixed.
The support 13 described above can be operated in a simple and intuitive way in extreme safety. In fact, as shown in figure 1, when the support is in the open condition and must be loaded with a battery 14, the bottom 15 is rotated towards the operator and i.e. opposite to the machine body 3. This position is maintained thanks to the aforementioned engagement of the second pin 18 abutting on the edge of the curved slot 19 furthest from the machine body itself. In this way, the bottom 15 can easily accommodate the battery 14 which is inserted into it from its side opposite to that of the grip handle 4.
Advantageously, the pin 23 of the battery 14 indicates the correct and safe positioning to allow the insertion of the plug 11 into the socket 24. In fact, the socket 24 must be oriented so as to be in correspondence with the window 13C of the top 13B of the support 13.
Once the battery 14 is placed on the base 15A of the bottom 15 and received between the larger side walls 15B and smaller 15C (figure 2), the battery can be pushed so that the bottom 15 rotates on the first pin 17 of engagement with the side walls 13A of the support 13 so as to bring the battery into a vertical position with its upper face 14A equipped with the handle 4 below the top 13B of the support itself (figure 3). This rotation is controlled both by the second pin 18 which abuts against the edge of the slot 19 closest to the machine body 4 and by the pin 23 of the battery 14 which engages the notch 20 of the side wall 13A of the support 13 as far as it will go. Alternatively, as mentioned previously, the pin 23 is screwed onto the smaller side wall 14C of the battery 14 after the aforementioned rotation, passing through the opening of the notch 20 (figure 3).
At this point, the safety locking lever 21 of the battery 14 is operated by engaging its groove 22 with said pin 23 of the battery (figure 3). Advantageously, therefore, the support 13 includes a safety system to prevent the aforementioned opening from occurring involuntarily and therefore the battery from being inadvertently released from its operating position.
Furthermore, this safety position guarantees that the connection between the power supply plug 11 and the battery 14 can take place correctly and safely. In fact, the socket 24 is positioned exactly below the window 13C of the top 13B of the support 13. Therefore, simply insert the plug through said window until it fits into the socket to allow the electrical connection to the console 9 (figure 4).
From what has been described up to now it is clear that the drawbacks of the known art have been overcome and important advantages have been achieved. First of all, the support of the invention allows industrial vacuum cleaners to be equipped with removable rechargeable batteries, avoiding excessive bulk. In fact, the support has been designed to contain a battery powerful enough to allow the vacuum cleaner to operate for a long time, without protruding from the conventional frame and from its command and control console. This advantage was achieved by the tilting system of the battery containment bottom created on the support. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner is compact despite the presence of a powerful rechargeable battery.
Furthermore, the same positioning immediately below the battery console and its placement on a bottom greatly facilitates replacement as the lifting movement for an operator is reduced.
In addition, the accessibility of the battery itself is particularly facilitated so as to also allow an operator to grip it with both hands in the case of very heavy batteries or with limited strength with only one arm.
The battery locking safety system is also very useful for avoiding accidental and dangerous release.
The system for controlling the correct positioning of the battery, thanks to the pin 23 of the battery 24 in combination with the window 13C of the support 13 which indicates the side from which it must be inserted into the bottom 15, is advantageously useful, intuitive and safe.
Numerous modifications and variations to the support for industrial vacuum cleaners according to the present invention can be adopted by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims. For example, the materials, shapes and dimensions of the individual components of the frame and support can be modified according to specific needs or preferences, such as the dimensions of the machine body and its engine, which in turn are determined by power and weight. The bottom can extend up to the top of the frame so as to protect the battery against accidental impacts.

Claims

Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a support frame (2) for a machine body (3), said frame resting on a plurality (5) of wheels for moving the vacuum cleaner, the frame in turn comprising a command and control console (9) of the vacuum cleaner, characterized in that said frame (2) further comprises a support (13) for a removable rechargeable battery (14), the support comprising in turn a bottom (15) hinged so as to assume a first closed position in which said battery (14) is not accessible and a second open position in which the battery is accessible to be extracted from said support using a gripping handle (4).
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, wherein said support (13) for the battery (14) is a box-like element open on the opposite side with respect to that of the machine body (3), and includes two side walls (13A ), a top (13B) and said bottom (15) being hinged on said side walls so as to pivot between said first and second closing positions.
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 2, in which said console (9) rests on the top (13B) of the support (13) and said top comprises a window (13C) for the insertion of a plug (11) of electrical connection between said battery (14) and said machine body (3).
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said bottom (15) is a container open towards the top (13B) of the support (13) and comprises a base (15A), two larger side walls (15B) transversal with respect to the lateral walls (13A) of the support (13) and two smaller lateral walls (15C) parallel to said lateral walls of the support.
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 4, in which the smaller lateral walls (15C) are each connected to a lateral wall (13A) of the support (13) via a first pin (17) which engages a corresponding through hole obtained on each of said side walls of the support so as to allow the rotation or tilting of the bottom (15) with respect to the support (13).
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a second pin (18) preferably for each of said smaller side walls (15C) of the bottom (15) engages a corresponding arcuate hole (19) of the side walls ( 13A) of the support (13), effectively allowing a limited rotation or tilting of the bottom (15) with respect to the support (13).
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said side walls (13A) comprise an arcuate notch (20) obtained on the opposite edge with respect to the machine body (3), in correspondence with the notch and on the external surface of at least one of the two side walls (13A), a safety locking lever (21) of the battery (14) being rotatably fixed such as to reversibly engage a pin (23) of the battery which in turn engages said notch (20).
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 7, wherein said lever (21) includes a free end provided with a groove (22) for engagement with said pin (23) of the battery (14).
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said battery (14) comprises an upper face (14A) provided with a handle (4), two larger lateral faces (14B) and two smaller lateral faces (14C), at least one of the two smaller lateral faces comprising a protruding pin (23) for engagement with a corresponding notch (20) of the lateral walls (13A) of the support (13).
Industrial vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 9, wherein said upper face (14A) includes a socket (24) for connection with the plug (11) of the console (9) through the window (13C) of the top (13B) of the support (13) on which the console itself is fixed.