WO2019242841A1

WO2019242841A1 - Suction device for cleaning purposes

Info

Publication number: WO2019242841A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/066223
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Hess; Sebastian KÜMMERLE; Armin FELLMETH; Rainer FLÜGEL; Marcel ENACHE; Alexandru George GIUCLEA
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Priority date: 2018-06-19
Filing date: 2018-06-19
Publication date: 2019-12-26
Also published as: EP3809937B1; CN111918591B; CN111918591A; EP3809937A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction device for cleaning purposes. The suction device comprises a lower part (14) which has or forms a dirt collection container (30) with a suction inlet (28), an upper part (16) which can be detachably attached to the lower part (14), and which has a suction assembly (56) and a battery recess (88) for at least one battery (102) for providing electrical energy for the suction device (10) and has or forms a container wall (48) limiting the dirt collection container (30), as well as a filter unit (84) having a filter element (134) for filtering the air suctioned out of the dirt collection container (30) by the suction assembly (56), wherein the filter element (134) is a flat-fold filter (138) and is arranged on the side of the container wall (48) facing the dirt collection container (30), wherein the upper part (16) has or forms an extraction chamber (70) and suction air is extracted by the suction assembly (56), via the extraction chamber (70) and the filter element (134) and out of the dirt collection container (30), and wherein the extraction chamber (70) is positioned between the suction assembly (56) and the battery recess (88).

Description

SUCTION UNIT FOR CLEANING PURPOSES

The present invention relates to a suction device for cleaning purposes, comprising a lower part which comprises or forms a dirt collecting container with a suction inlet, an upper part which can be detachably placed on the lower part, a suction unit and a battery holder for at least one battery for providing electrical energy for the suction device comprises and forms or forms a container wall delimiting the dirt collecting container, and a filter device with a filter element for filtering the air sucked out of the dirt collecting container by the suction unit.

In such a suction device, suction material is usually sucked in through a suction hose connected to the suction inlet and separated in the dirt collecting container. The dirt collector is from

Suction unit acted on with vacuum, the suction air sucked in flows through the filter element before entering the suction unit and is thereby cleaned. Electrical energy for the suction device and in particular the suction unit is provided by means of at least one battery in the battery holder. A suction device of the type mentioned at the outset is, for example, a so-called multi-purpose vacuum cleaner or wet-dry vacuum cleaner, with which dust and solid particles such as water can also be sucked up.

The following explanations relate to the intended use of the suction device, which is positioned on a, for example, horizontally oriented shelf. When used as intended, the upper part is placed on the lower part. The dirt collecting container can be accessed by detaching the upper part from the lower part, for example to empty it or to remove a dirt collecting bag arranged in the dirt collecting container. Accordingly, position and orientation information such as "below", "above", "below" and "above" refer to the intended use of the Suction device. Unless otherwise stated, it is also 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 described in WO 2014/044296 A1.

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 which comprises or forms a dirt collecting container with a suction inlet, an upper part which can be detachably placed on the lower part, which has a suction unit and a battery holder for at least one battery for providing electrical energy for the suction device comprises and forms or forms a container wall delimiting the dirt collecting container, and a filter device with a filter element for filtering the air sucked out of the dirt collecting container by the suction unit, the filter element being a flat pleated filter and on the side of the side facing the dirt collecting container Container wall is arranged, wherein the upper part comprises or forms a suction chamber and suction air is sucked out of the suction unit via the suction chamber and the filter element from the dirt collecting container, and wherein the suction chamber between the suction unit and the battery recording is positioned.

In the suction device according to the invention, the filter element is a flat pleated filter with which a relatively large filter performance can be achieved due to the large surface area. In the present case, the term “flat pleated filter” particularly refers to a filter element with a frame or a collar and with pleated filter material bordered or held by the latter 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 collecting container and accordingly in particular on a ceiling wall of the dirt collecting container when the upper part is placed on the lower part. In this way, the filter element protrudes into the interior of the dirt collecting container, which is advantageous, for example, for the inflow of air into the filter element, which favors the suction of the suction air and improves the cleaning result. By using the flat pleated filter, a lower 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 structurally compact between the suction unit and the battery holder. This offers, for example, the possibility of arranging an optional external air opening on the suction chamber with a cover element in a structurally compact manner between the suction unit and the battery receptacle. In the suction chamber, the suction air can be redirected before entering the suction unit, the suction unit, the suction chamber and the battery holder being positioned laterally next to one another and above the dirt collecting container. As a result, a small overall height can also be achieved for the upper part and an overall compact design for the suction device.

It proves to be advantageous 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 receptacle. The suction device can define a contact level, for example via the storage device mentioned below. The contact plane coincides with a plane defined by the floor space when the suction device is positioned on the floor space. In the plane parallel to the contact plane, advantageously a horizontal plane, the suction space is arranged between the suction unit and the battery holder. It goes without saying that the suction unit, the suction chamber and / or the battery holder need not necessarily be arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane.

The suction space is preferably positioned in relation to a longitudinal direction of the suction device between the suction unit and the battery receptacle, the suction unit being adjacent in the direction of a front side of the suction device the suction chamber is arranged and the battery holder is arranged in the direction of a rear of the suction device next to the suction chamber. In the present case, the side of the suction device on which the suction inlet is positioned is viewed as the front side. The suction hose can be connected to the suction inlet, on which the suction device can be moved, for example, by pulling over the floor surface if the storage device of the suction device has wheels and / or rollers for this purpose. In the present exemplary embodiment, the suction unit and the battery receptacle on opposite sides of the suction chamber face the front or are positioned 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. An advantageous mass distribution with the result of a high stability of the suction device can be achieved by the arrangement described.

The suction unit preferably comprises or forms a blower device which is arranged lying in the upper part, an axis defined by the blower 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 an acute angle of less than approximately 20 ° includes. The lying arrangement of the blower device in the upper part allows the overall height of the upper part to be reduced.

The axis of the blower 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 receptacle is or are positioned centrally or substantially centrally on the suction device in the transverse direction of the suction device. This helps to distribute the mass of the upper part in the transverse direction as evenly as possible, 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, the suction device comprising an actuating device by means of which the cover element can be transferred from a closed position closing the suction space into an open position in which the suction space is, in particular, flow-connected to the atmosphere , The space between the suction unit and the battery holder can be used for other components of the suction device, which are encompassed 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. Outside air can flow through the outside air opening into the suction chamber. The filter element is from the

A pressure surge is applied to the side facing away from the dirt collecting 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 upward in a direction pointing away from the filter element.

The cover element is advantageously arranged on one side of the suction space, which lies opposite an inlet opening through which suction air flows into the suction space after flowing through the filter element. This is advantageous for the flow of the outside air. External air flows through the opposing openings (external air opening and inlet opening) and reaches the filter element.

The cover element and preferably a reset device for transferring the cover element from the open position into the closed position are or 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 designed as a manual actuating device which comprises an operating element mechanically coupled to the cover element for a user. For example, the operating element is a button or push button that is operatively connected to the cover element via a mechanical coupling element, for example an actuating lever.

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

The battery receptacle is preferably arranged on a rear side of the suction device. This makes it possible to insert or remove the at least one battery in the battery holder in a manner that is easy to handle.

The upper part advantageously comprises a cover element for the battery receptacle, which can be transferred from a closed position closing the battery receptacle to an open position in which the at least one battery of the battery receptacle can be removed. In the closed position, the at least one battery is protected from dirt and liquid. For replacement, the cover element can be moved to 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 for transferring from the closed position into the open position can preferably be moved upwards in the direction of a center of the suction device. Beispiels- the cover element is folded from the back to the top, for example up to essentially the middle of the suction device.

It is advantageous if the upper part comprises or forms a parking device for parking on a surface for the upper part in its state released from the lower part, 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 taking up the open position in this state is self-closing, the cover element is transferred from the open position towards 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.

In a corresponding manner, it is expedient if the suction device comprises or forms a parking device for parking on a footprint, the cover element being automatically transferred from the open position to the closed position. In this case, too, the battery holder is largely protected against the entry of dirt and liquid.

Guide elements for suction air are advantageously arranged on the container wall and in particular formed integrally therewith, by means of which guide elements the suction air which has passed through the filter element is directed in the direction of an inlet opening of the suction chamber. The filter element can be supported, for example, on the guide elements. The suction air can flow between spaces between the guide elements and is guided by them in the direction of the inlet opening.

The filter device advantageously comprises a filter holding part for the filter element, which can be detachably connected to the upper part, the filter element being detachably received in the filter holding part. This makes handling easier exercise 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 force and / or positive locking.

Fixing elements are advantageously 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 advantageous if the filter holding part can be hung on the container wall and can be locked and / or clamped with it. For example, the user can hang the filter holding part on one side on fixing elements of the container wall and then lock and / or clamp on the other side on fixing elements of the container wall. Conversely, the latching and / or jamming can be released, the filter holding part swiveled and detached 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 manually operated by the user on a side facing away from the suction inlet. These are, for example, latching elements, the latching of which can be released by the user with the container part when the upper part has been removed from the lower part and positioned on a footprint.

It proves 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 enclosed in a form-fitting manner 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 collecting container is not exposed and is therefore better protected against damage from objects sucked in.

In an advantageous implementation of the suction device, it is expedient if the filter holding part is configured in a cage-like manner at the inlet section, for example with ribs and slot-shaped through openings located therebetween. The suction air can flow through the through openings, and the ribs can hold back dirt particles from entering the inlet section.

It is advantageous if the inlet section forms an inlet space for suction air which is delimited by the filter element in the outflow direction of the extracted air and which is spaced from a side of the housing facing a bottom of the dirt collecting container. The provision of the inlet 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.

For example, it can be provided 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 inlet section in this direction.

It is expedient if the filter holding part comprises or forms a parking device for parking on a footprint for the upper part in its state detached from the lower part. The upper part can be placed on the shelf using the filter holder. As mentioned above, the cover element of the battery receptacle is preferably automatically transferred from the open position towards the closed position when the at least one battery is arranged in the battery receptacle. Advantageously, storage elements of the storage device protrude in the direction of a bottom of the dirt collecting container via a side of the housing facing the floor, in which side inlet openings for suction air are formed. When the upper part is parked on the floor space, this reduces the likelihood of foreign particles entering the housing and damaging the filter element.

Parking elements of the parking device advantageously also serve as fall protection for the upper part, in order to avoid damage to the upper part when it hits a surface.

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

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

It proves to be advantageous if the filter holding part, relative to a longitudinal direction of the suction device, is positioned off-center and offset in the direction of a rear side 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 at least in sections below the at least one battery.

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 collecting container to the rear, up through the filter element and forward through the suction chamber to the suction unit, which is preferably arranged in a horizontal position.

The upper part and the lower part advantageously comprise mutually facing edges which are joined together when the upper part is in the state in which the upper part is placed. In this way, the dust collection container can essentially be tightly sealed.

Advantageously, the upper part, in the state detached from the lower part, can be set up in a tilted position on a footprint, in which tilted position it can stand on the footprint in deviation from the above-mentioned storage device. The upper part advantageously comprises on a side facing the suction inlet at least one support element, the contact of which with the placement surface means that the edge of the upper part is arranged at a distance from the placement surface. The support element ensures that the edge of the upper part does not contact the footprint in its tilted position. This protects the edge of the top from damage.

The upper part advantageously comprises two support elements which are arranged on opposite sides of the suction inlet. This increases the stability of the upper part in the tilt position. The support elements on sides of the suction inlet facing away from one another preferably do not impair the suction of dirt into the dirt collecting container.

In particular, it can be provided that the upper part assumes the tilted position when the at least one battery is 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 transfers the upper part into the tilted position in order to remove the at least one battery from the battery receptacle in a simpler manner. for example, when they are arranged on the back and thus on the side of the upper part opposite the suction inlet.

It can be provided that the opened cover element of the battery holder remains in the open position in the tilted position of the upper part when the at least one battery is 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 receptacle, 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, by means of which the upper part, in the tilted position, stands on the standing surface with the above-mentioned at least one support element. This allows the upper part to be supported more reliably on the floor space. In particular, two further support elements can be provided.

The support elements, i.e. H. in particular the support elements for protecting the edge and the two further support elements mentioned last, 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, an 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 forward position, so that fixing elements pointing in the direction of the rear of the upper part can be easily released by the user. The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawing to explain the figure in more detail

Invention. Show it :

Figure 1: a side view of a suction device according to the invention on a

Footprint that includes a lower part and an upper part placed on this;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the suction device in an exploded view;

FIG. 3: a sectional view of the suction device, the section running along a central longitudinal plane;

FIG. 4: a simplified view of the upper part of the suction device from below;

FIG. 5: a simplified view of the upper part of the suction device from above with the blanking of a ceiling wall;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a filter device of the suction device;

FIG. 7: a further perspective illustration of the filter device, in a sectional view;

FIG. 8: a side view of the upper part of the suction device on a shelf; and

Figure 9: a side view of the upper part on the footprint in a

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

Position and orientation information such as "below", "above", "below", "above" are to be understood in the present case 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 part 14 (hereinafter lower part 14) and a detachable upper part 16 (hereinafter upper part 16).

For parking on the shelf 12, the lower part 14 comprises a storage device 18. The storage device 18 defines a contact plane which coincides with the level of the storage surface 12 when the lower part 14 is positioned as intended on the storage surface 12. The storage device 18 in the present case comprises two wheels 20 and at least one and preferably two steering casters 22. The present two steering casters 22 are arranged in the region of a front side 24 of the suction device 10, the impellers 20 in the region of a rear side 26.

The side 24 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. By the Suction inlet 28 can be used to suck suction material into a dirt collecting container 30 formed by the lower part 14 and to separate it therein, as will be explained below.

To form the dirt collecting container 30, the lower part 14 comprises a peripheral side wall 32 and a bottom wall 34, which forms a bottom of the dirt collecting container 30. The side wall 32 and the bottom wall 34 enclose an interior 36 of the dirt collecting container 30. On the upper 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. The dirt collecting container 30 is essentially sealed in this way. In a manner known per se, the upper part 16 can be detachably 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 collecting container 30 in the state placed on the lower part 14. For this purpose, the upper part 16 forms a container wall 48, which in the present case is a top wall 50 of the dirt collecting container 30. The container wall 48 is a lower wall of the housing 42, which has a top wall 52 on the top. This and a side wall 54 of the housing 42 are hidden in FIG. 5 in order to expose the interior of the upper part 16. FIG. 4 shows a top view of the top wall 50 in a bottom view of the upper part 16.

The upper part 16 receives a suction unit 56 in order to pressurize the dirt collecting container 30. The suction unit 56 comprises a blower device 58, which, in relation to the longitudinal direction 60 of the suction device 10, is arranged in the front region of the suction device 10. With respect 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 blower device 58 is arranged horizontally in the upper part 16. An axis 62 defined by the blower 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 essentially arranged in the region of a central longitudinal plane 66. In the present case, the blower device 58 is positioned slightly off-center, so that the axis 62 has a slight offset with respect to the central longitudinal plane 66 (FIG. 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. On the top side, 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 the manner explained below.

The container wall 48 delimits the suction space 70 at the bottom. An inlet opening 78 is formed in the container wall 48 (FIGS. 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 (FIG. 4). For the sake of clarity, details of the container wall 48 are not shown within the area shown in FIG. 3 by means of a dashed line 82.

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

Exhaust air from the blower device 58 is distributed in the upper part 16 within the housing 42 so as to reduce noise and is released into the atmosphere via outlet openings 86.

The suction space 70 is arranged in the longitudinal direction 60 between the suction unit 56 and a battery receptacle 88 of the suction unit 56. In relation to the longitudinal direction 60, the suction unit 56, the suction chamber 70 and the battery receptacle 88 are positioned laterally next to one another to save space. In the transverse direction 64 there is space to the side next to the suction unit 56, the suction space 70 and the battery receptacle 88. For example, room areas 90 and 92 on the left and right of the suction unit 56 and the suction chamber 70 serve to distribute the exhaust air from the suction unit 56. In the room area 90, an electrical device 94 of the suction device 10 is also accommodated, which, for example, has a circuit board arranged in the housing 42 96 (Figure 5).

The arrangement of the components of the upper part 16 favors its compact structure with the consequence of a low overall height for the upper part 16.

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

The battery receptacle 88 in the longitudinal direction 60 behind the suction space 70 extends to the rear side 26. In the battery receptacle 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 can be recharged, it being possible for the battery 102 in the suction device 10 to be provided can be charged 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 removal 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 receptacle 88, depending on the type and application. In a departure from the connection element 104 for the battery 102 shown in the drawing, it can accordingly be provided that more than just one connection element 104 is provided.

The upper part 16 comprises a cover element 106 with which the battery receptacle 88 can be closed. In the present case, the cover element 106 is designed as a flap 108, which is formed by the ceiling wall 52. The flap 108 is otherwise mounted on the housing 42 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 110. The pivot axis 110 extends 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, 8 and 9).

In the closed position, the flap 108 closes the battery holder 88 essentially tightly. The battery 102 is thereby protected against dust and liquid. In the closed position, the flap 108 latches with the side wall 54, for example.

The flap 108 can be moved from the closed position into an open position. After releasing the latch, the flap 108 can move around the

Swivel axis 110 can be pivoted forward from the rear 26 (approximately up to the central transverse plane 68). 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 standing surface 12, assuming its horizontal orientation, the flap 108 is automatically transferred from the open position to 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 entry of dirt and liquid is largely prevented. Automatic latching of the flap 108 can be provided, but is not absolutely necessary.

During operation of the suction device 10, sucked-in particles can adhere to the filter material of the filter device 84. To clean the filter material, the filter device 84 can be supplied with external air via the suction chamber 70 on the clean room side.

In normal operation of the suction device 10, the external air opening 76 of the suction space 70 is essentially sealed off by means of a cover element 114. In the present case, the cover element 114 is designed as a flap 116. The flap 116 is otherwise mounted on the housing 42 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis 118 (FIG. 5).

An actuating device 120 is assigned to the flap 116 in order to transfer the flap 116 from a closed position closing 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. 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 comprises an operating element 122, for example a button. The operating element 122 is operatively connected to the flap 116 via an actuating element 124, in the present case configured as a lever 126. Pressing the control element 122 causes the lever 126 to pivot 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 transferring to the open position.

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

The external air opening 76 is opened in the open position. External air can flow into the suction space 70 as shown schematically in FIG. 3 and act on the filter material of the filter device 84 on the clean room side. The pressure surge releases adhering particles from the filter material.

The flow of the outside air through the filter material into the interior 36 leads to an additional cleaning of the filter device 84.

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

When the flap 116 is opened, work must be carried out via 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 intense pressure surge from external air is formed. For this purpose, the clearly defined pressure point of the at least one leaf spring proves to be particularly advantageous.

The flap 116 and the resetting device 130 are also arranged in the longitudinal direction 60 between the suction unit 56 and the battery holder 88 (FIGS. 3 and 5). The structure and the fastening of the filter device 84 will be 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 folded filter material 144 encircled by it. The frame 142 forms a sealing element 146.

The filter material 144 is, for example, a paper material or a polyester material. Due to the pleated filter material 144, the filter element 134 can achieve a relatively large surface area and thus a large filter performance. In addition, the flat pleated filter 138 requires only a relatively small overall height in order to achieve a low overall height of the lower part 14, into which the filter device 84 projects.

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 in a form-fitting and detachable manner in the frame section 150, so that the latter surrounds the filter element 134. As a result, no suction air can flow 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 thereon. In this way, the filter device 84 projects into the interior 36, in the direction of the bottom wall 34. In the state fixed on the container wall 48, the sealing element 146 lies essentially sealingly against an edge 154 formed by the container wall 48 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The edge 154, viewed in the direction of flow of the suction air, borders the inlet opening 78.

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

Suction air that flows through the filter element 134 is directed 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 rest against the guide elements 156. Bending of the filter material 144 as a result of the suction flow can thereby be avoided. Line 82, facing filter element 134, approximately shows the contour of guide elements 156 (in its entirety). The guide elements 156 are shown in particular in FIG. 4.

To detachably fix the filter device 84, fixing elements 158 are formed on the housing 148, in particular on the frame section 150, 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 68 158 hooks 160 are present as fixing elements (a hook is shown in FIG. 7). 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 aforementioned side, which faces the rear side 26. The locking hook 166 can with Corresponding fixing elements 162 on the container wall 48, designed as snap-in 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 can be fixed on the container wall 48 with the latching catches 168 by latching the latching hooks 166. Conversely, the latching hooks 166 can be released from the latching receptacles 168, after which the filter device 84 can be pivoted and detached 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 of the container wall 48 faces away. The frame section 150 and the entry section 152 have approximately the same extent in the direction of the bottom wall 34.

At the entry section 152, the housing 148 is configured 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 spaced from the side of the inlet section 152 facing the bottom wall 34. Accordingly, the filter element 134 is at a distance 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 largely be avoided that the inlet side of the filter element 134 is damaged by sucked-in particles which are carried along by the suction flow and impinge on the filter material.

In comparison to a conventional suction device, in which a cartridge filter is used, the suction device 10 can use the flat pleated filter 138 to achieve, on the one hand, a low overall height of the lower device part 14 and, on the other hand, ensure a high filter performance. The filter holding part 136 forms a storage device 176 with storage elements 178. The storage device 176 can be used to place the upper part 16 on the standing surface 12 in the state detached from the lower part 14 (FIG. 8). In the present case, the contact level defined by the parking device 176 is parallel to the contact level defined by the parking device 18.

If the upper part 16 is placed on the standing surface 12, the flap 108 is also automatically transferred from the open position towards the closed position, as explained above. The battery receptacle 88 is thus largely protected against the entry of dirt and liquid even during breaks in operation of the suction device 10.

In the present case, four storage elements 178 are provided, so that the upper part 16 has a high level of stability. The storage elements 178 are arranged at corner areas of the filter holding part 136 and protrude from the inlet 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 each lie 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 off-center 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 (FIG. 3). This is advantageous for the guidance of the suction air. Incoming suction air is circulated through the interior 36 with the separation of dirt and, after having passed through the filter element 134 through the suction chamber 70, flows back again directly to 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-center, with an offset in the direction of the battery receptacle 88, has proven 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 tip backwards when the battery 102 is arranged in the battery receptacle 88.

The upper part 16 comprises 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 (FIG. 8). , The free ends of the support elements 180 are accordingly arranged somewhat above the contact plane defined by the parking device 176.

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

The electrical device 94 comprises electrodes 82 which are held on the support elements 180 (FIG. 4). In this way, the electrodes 182 protrude into the interior 36 and serve to detect a liquid level in the dirt collecting container 30. The arrangement on the support elements 180 can protect the electrodes 182 from damage.

The upper part 16 comprises two further support elements 184, which are arranged on or near the front side 24. The support elements 184 are arranged essentially symmetrically to one another with respect to the central longitudinal plane 66. The support elements 184 are positioned on opposite sides of the suction inlet 28, so that the support elements 184 do not impair the suction of suction air.

The support elements 184 are preferably formed in one piece with the container wall 48. The upper part 16, detached from the lower part 14, can be placed in a tilted position on the shelf 12 (FIG. 9). The upper part 16 assumes the tilted position in particular when the battery 102 is 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 support surface 12 via the support elements 184 and the support elements 180. This ensures that the edge 44 of the upper part 16 is at a distance from the support surface 184 when the support surface 12 contacts it. This ensures that damage to the edge 44 can be avoided in the tilted position and that the sealing effect of the edge 44 together with the edge 40 is ensured 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 against damage.

In the tilted position of the upper part 16, the flap 108 maintains the open position (dashed outline in FIG. 9) when it has been 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 in the tilted position of the upper part 16. This makes it easier for the user to detach and connect the filter device 84 from the upper part 16.

If the battery 102 is reinserted into the battery receptacle 88, the upper part 16 tilts backwards until the upper part 16 stands on the storage surface 12 as explained above by the shifting center of gravity (FIG. 8). The flap 108 pivots again automatically in the direction of the closed position. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 suction device

12 footprint

14 lower part of the device

16 upper part of the device

18 storage device 20 impeller

22 swivel castor

24 front

26 back

28 suction inlet

30 dirt collection container 32 side wall

34 bottom wall

36 interior

40 rand

42 housing

44 edge

46 locking device 48 container wall

50 ceiling wall

52 ceiling wall

54 side wall

56 Suction unit

58 blower device 60 longitudinal direction

62 axis

64 transverse direction

66 median longitudinal plane

68 central transverse plane

70 suction chamber

72 front wall back wall

External air inlet inlet opening

rib

dashed line filter device outlet opening

Battery room area

Room area electrical equipment circuit board

recess

handle element

battery

Connection element cover element flap

swivel axis

Cover element flap

swivel axis

Actuator control

Actuator lever

swivel axis

Pressure spring return device

compression spring

filter element

Filter holding part

Flat pleated filter frame

Filter material sealing element housing

Frame section entrance section edge

Guide element fixing element hook

Fixing element eyelet

latch hook

Snap rib

Through opening, entry space, storage device, storage element, support element, electrode

support element

Claims

1. Suction device for cleaning purposes, comprising a lower part (14) which comprises or forms a dirt collecting container (30) with a suction inlet (28), an upper part (16) which can be releasably placed on the lower part (14) and which has a suction unit (56 ) and a battery receptacle (88) for at least one battery (102) for providing electrical energy for the suction device (10) and comprises or forms a container wall (48) delimiting the dirt collecting container (30), and a filter device (84) a filter element (134) for filtering the air drawn in from the dirt collecting container (30) by the suction unit (56), the filter element (134) being a flat pleated filter (138) and on the side of the container wall (48) facing the dirt collecting container (30) ) is arranged, the upper part (16) enclosing or forming a suction space (70) and suction air from the suction unit (56) through the suction space (70) and the filter element (134) being sucked out of the dirt collecting container (30) gt, and wherein the suction chamber (70) between the suction unit (56) and the battery holder (88) is positioned.

2. Suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction space (70) with respect to a plane parallel to a contact plane defined by the suction device (10) with a footprint (12) for the suction device (10) between the suction unit (56) and the battery holder (88) is arranged.

3. Suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction chamber (70) is positioned in relation to a longitudinal direction (60) of the suction device (10) between the suction unit (56) and the battery holder (88), the suction unit (10 ) is arranged in the direction of a front side (24) of the suction device (10) next to the suction space (70) and the battery holder (88) is arranged in the direction of a rear side (26) of the suction device (10) next to the suction space (70) is.

4. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction unit (10) comprises or forms a blower device (58) which is arranged lying in the upper part (16), with an axis defined by the blower device (58) (62) is aligned parallel to a contact plane defined by the suction device (10) with a footprint (12) for the suction device (10) or encloses an acute angle of less than approximately 20 ° with the contact plane.

5. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis (62) is aligned in the longitudinal direction (60) or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the suction device.

6. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction unit (56), the suction chamber (70) and / or the battery receptacle (88) in the transverse direction (64) of the suction device (10) in the center or substantially in the center on Suction device (10) is / are positioned.

7. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction device (10) comprises an external air opening (76) in or on a wall of the suction space (70) and a cover element (114), and that the suction device (10) comprises an actuating device (120) by means of which the cover element (114) can be transferred from a closed position closing the suction chamber (70) to an open position.

8. Suction device according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover element (114) is movably mounted on the upper part (16), in particular that the cover element (114) is pivotally mounted on the upper part (16).

9. Suction device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the cover element (114) is arranged on one side of the suction chamber (70) which is opposite an inlet opening (78) through which suction air flows after flowing through the filter element (134) into the suction chamber (70).

10. Suction device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the cover element (114) and preferably a reset device (130) for transferring the cover element (114) from the open position into the closed position between the suction unit (56) and the battery holder (88) is arranged.

11. Suction device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the actuating device (120) is designed as a manual actuating device (120) which comprises a control element (122) mechanically coupled to the cover element (114) for a user.

12. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the battery receptacle (88) is arranged on a rear side (26) of the suction device (10).

13. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (16) comprises a cover element (106) for the battery receptacle (88) which can be converted into an open position from a closed position closing the battery receptacle (88) , in which the at least one battery (102) of the battery holder (88) can be removed.

14. Suction device according to claim 13, characterized in that the cover element (106) is movably mounted on the upper part (16), in particular that the cover element (106) is pivotally mounted on the upper part (16).

15. Suction device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the cover element (106) for transferring from the closed position into the open tion position upwards in the direction of a center of the suction device (10) is movable.

16. Suction device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the upper part (16) has a parking device (176) for parking on a footprint (12) for the upper part (16) in its state released from the lower part (14) comprises or forms, the cover element (106) being automatically transferred from the open position towards the closed position when at least one battery (102) is arranged in the battery receptacle (88).

17. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that guide elements (156) for suction air are arranged on the container wall (48) and in particular are formed in one piece with the container wall (48) by means of which the filter element (134 ) passed suction air is directed in the direction of an inlet opening (78) of the suction chamber (70).

18. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device (84) comprises a filter holding part (136) for the filter element (134) which can be detachably connected to the upper part (16), and that the filter element (134) is detachably received in the filter holding part (136).

19. Suction device according to claim 18, characterized in that fixing elements (162) are arranged on the container wall (48) for fixing the filter holding part (136), which are preferably formed in one piece with the container wall (48) and with corresponding ones Fixing elements (158) on the filter holding part (136) interact.

20. Suction device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the filter holding part (136) can be suspended on the container wall (48) and can be locked and / or clamped with it.

21. Suction device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the filter holding part (136) on a side facing away from the suction inlet (28) comprises fixing elements (158) which can be operated manually by the user.

22. Suction device according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the filter holding part (136) is designed as a housing (148) which on the side facing the container wall (48) has a frame section enclosing the filter element (134) (150) and on the side facing away from the container wall (48) has an inlet section (152) on which inlet openings (172) for suction air are formed in the housing (148).

23. Suction device according to claim 22, characterized in that the filter holding part (136) is configured in a cage-like manner at the inlet section (152), for example with ribs (170) and slot-shaped through openings (172) located therebetween.

24. Suction device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the inlet section (152) forms an inlet space (174) for suction air which is delimited in the outflow direction of the extracted air by the filter element (134), which is from a bottom of the dirt collecting container (30) facing side of the housing (148) is spaced.

25. Suction device according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the extension of the frame section (150) in the direction pointing from the container wall (48) towards a bottom of the dirt collecting container (30) is approximately as large as the extension of the entry section (152) in this direction.

26. Suction device according to one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that the filter holding part (136) has a storage device (176) for storage. place on a footprint (12) for the upper part (16) in its released state from the lower part (14).

27. Suction device according to claim 26, characterized in that storage elements (178) of the storage device (176) protrude in the direction of a bottom of the dirt collecting container (30) over a side of the housing (148) facing the floor, in which inlet openings (172) are formed for suction air.

28. Suction device according to claim 27, characterized in that the storage elements (178) are arranged at corner regions of the housing (148).

29. Suction device according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the storage device (176) comprises four storage elements (178), two of which are preferably arranged symmetrically or essentially symmetrically to one another with respect to a central longitudinal plane (66) of the suction device (10) are.

30. Suction device according to one of claims 19 to 29, characterized in that the filter holding part (136), based on a longitudinal direction (60) of the suction device (10), off-center and in the direction of a rear side (26) of the suction device (10) is positioned offset, preferably at least in sections below the at least one battery (102).

31. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (16) and the lower part (14) face one another in the state of the upper part (16) which is joined onto the lower part (14) (40, 44), and that the upper part (16), when released from the lower part (14), can be set up in a tilted position on a footprint (12), the upper part (16) facing the suction inlet (28) Side comprises at least one support element (184), when it comes into contact with the footprint (12) Edge (44) of the upper part (16) is arranged at a distance from the footprint (12).

32. Suction device according to claim 31, characterized in that the upper part (16) comprises two support elements (184) which are arranged on opposite sides of the suction inlet (28).

33. Suction device according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the upper part (16) assumes the tilted position when the at least one battery (102) is removed from the battery holder (88).

34. Suction device according to one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the cover element (106) of the battery holder (88) remains in the open position in the tilted position of the upper part (16) when the at least one battery (102) of the battery holder (88) is removed.

35. Suction device according to one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that the upper part (16) comprises at least one further supporting element (180), via which the upper part (16) in the tilted position with the above-mentioned at least one supporting element (184) stands on the footprint (12), in particular that two further support elements (180) are provided.

36. Suction device according to one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that the supporting elements (180, 184) project from the container wall (48) in the direction of a bottom of the dirt collecting container (30) and / or in one piece with the container wall (48) are formed.

37. Suction device according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the suction device (10) comprises an electrical device (94) which comprises two electrodes (182) projecting into the dirt collecting container (30), wherein an electrode (182) is arranged on or in each of the further support elements (180).

38. Suction device according to one of claims 31 to 37 in conjunction with one of claims 19 to 30, characterized in that in the tilted position of the upper part (16) fixing elements (158) for fixing the filter device (84) are freely accessible ,