Patent Application
20230084518
The present invention relates to a battery-operated backpack suction appliance, comprising a collection container, a technical unit connected to the collection container in an operating position of the suction appliance, and a backpack device connected to the collection container and/or the technical unit in the operating position for the suction appliance to be worn on the back of an operator.
A suction appliance of the kind described at the outset is known, e.g., from DE 10 2016 112 420 A1. In the known suction appliance, also referred to as a backpack dust collector, the collection container can be emptied only with great effort. A cleaning of the collection container is also possible only with increased effort. In addition, in the case of appliances worn on the back, it is desirable to make them as light as possible.
In a first aspect of the invention, a battery-operated backpack suction appliance is provided, which comprises a collection container, a technical unit connected to the collection container in an operating position of the suction appliance, and a backpack device connected to at least one of the collection container and the technical unit in the operating position for the suction appliance to be worn on the back of an operator. The collection container is made of a foamed plastic material and the collection container is configured to be removable from the technical unit in a toolless manner.
The foregoing summary and the following description may be better understood in conjunction with the drawing figures, of which:
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.
The present invention relates to a battery-operated backpack suction appliance, comprising a collection container, a technical unit connected to the collection container in an operating position of the suction appliance, and a backpack device connected to at least one of the collection container and the technical unit in the operating position for the suction appliance to be worn on the back of an operator, wherein the collection container is made of a foamed plastic material and wherein the collection container is configured to be removable from the technical unit in a toolless manner.
A suction appliance further developed in that way has the advantage, in particular, that by making the collection container from a foamed plastic material, a total weight of the suction appliance can be significantly reduced. Configuring the collection container to be removable from the technical unit, in particular in a toolless manner, furthermore has the advantage that emptying the collection container, with or without a dust collecting bag, is significantly simplified. In particular, when the suction appliance is used as intended, the collection container may be arranged below the technical unit in the direction of gravity, which enables easy access to the collection container. Moreover, such a design makes it possible to optionally use collection containers of different sizes and to connect them to the technical unit, depending on the application. Overall, a suction appliance that also has very good ergonomics can thus be formed. It is advantageous if the suction appliance comprises a suction device. In particular, the technical unit may comprise the suction device. This enables, in particular, a particularly compact structure of the suction appliance. For example, by arranging the suction device in or on the technical unit, an independent unit can be formed, from which the collection container can be removed in a simple, toolless manner. Toolless in this sense means, in particular, that no additional tools like, for example, wrenches, screwdrivers, or the like are required in order to disconnect the collection container from the technical unit. In a toolless design in this sense, all elements that are necessary for separating the technical unit and the collection container are arranged or formed on the suction appliance and can be used by an operator with one or more hands.
The technical unit preferably comprises a control device that cooperates with the suction device. In particular, actuating elements and display elements of the suction appliance may be arranged or formed cooperating with said control device. Preferably all components of that kind that comprise current-carrying or current-conducting elements are arranged or formed on the technical unit.
It is favorable if current-carrying and current-conducting elements are arranged or formed exclusively in or on the technical unit. This makes it possible, in particular, that only the technical unit has to be examined for an electrical approval test, because all other components of the suction appliance bear or comprise neither current-carrying nor current-conducting elements.
The technical unit preferably comprises a housing. Such a housing makes it possible, in particular, to protect all components comprised by the technical unit, i.e., for example the suction device or the control device.
In order to give the suction appliance sufficient stability, it is advantageous if the housing is made of a plastic material. In particular, the plastic material may be a thermoset or a thermoplastic or contain a mixture of thermosets and/or thermoplastics. The plastic material may also be, in particular, a glass fiber-reinforced plastic. The housing can thus be formed in a simple and cost-effective manner and also have a reasonable weight.
The housing can be produced in a simple manner if it is made by injection molding. In particular, it may be made by a compact injection molding process.
It is advantageous if the suction appliance comprises a battery. In particular, the battery may be configured in the form of a rechargeable battery. The battery may, in particular, be fixedly installed on the suction appliance, such that it is not removable from the suction appliance by a user during the intended use of the suction appliance. In the case of such a design, the battery may be arranged, in particular, in or on the technical unit. If the battery is fixedly installed on the suction appliance, a charging possibility is provided on the suction appliance for charging the battery without removing it from the suction appliance.
In order to, in particular, be able to use different batteries, for example from original equipment manufacturers (OEM), with the suction appliance, it is advantageous if the technical unit and the battery are mechanically and electrically completely separated from one another in a separated position and are mechanically and electrically coupled to one another in a coupling position. For example, such a design makes it possible to separate a discharged battery from the suction appliance and replace it with a charged battery. The suction appliance can thus directly continue to be used after a battery swap performed as described.
The suction appliance preferably comprises a coupling device for mechanically coupling the battery to the housing of the technical unit. Such a coupling device enables a secure connection of the battery to the suction appliance when using the suction appliance. The coupling device may, in particular, also be configured in such a way that an electrical connection between the technical unit and the battery is formed in order to be able to supply electrical components of the technical unit with electrical energy from the battery. In particular, the technical unit or the housing thereof may comprise part of the coupling device.
In the operating position, the technical unit is preferably arranged between the battery and the collection container. This makes it possible, in particular, to configure the suction appliance in such a way that during intended use, i.e., when the suction appliance is worn on the back of an operator, the battery is arranged on or above the technical unit and the collection container is arranged below the technical unit in the direction of gravity. A design of that kind makes it possible to easily swap the battery without having to take any action on the collection container. Vice versa, the collection container can thus be separated from the technical unit without the battery having to be removed from the technical unit.
It is favorable if the housing comprises a housing top side and a housing bottom side, if the housing top side and the housing bottom side face in opposite directions, and if in the operating position the battery is connected to the housing top side and the housing bottom side is connected to the collection container. This design makes it possible in a simple manner to form a stable connection between the technical unit and the battery on the one hand and the technical unit and the collection container on the other hand, namely also independently of one another. The specifications housing top side and housing bottom side are in relation to an orientation during intended use of the suction appliance, i.e., when it is worn on the back by an operator.
The suction appliance can be formed in a particularly compact manner if the housing bottom side closes the collection container in the operating position. In particular, the housing bottom side may close a collection container top side of the collection container. Such a design makes it possible, in particular, to pull the collection container downwards off of the technical unit in order to empty the collection container. Here, it is not absolutely necessary that the operator removes the suction appliance from their back.
An air channel inlet is preferably arranged or formed on the housing bottom side. This design makes it possible, in particular, to conduct air flowing into the collection container from there through the air channel inlet to a suction device in the technical unit.
The air channel inlet is favorably fluidically connected to a negative pressure side of the suction device. Thus, in particular, an air guidance out of the collection container through the air channel inlet to the suction device can be achieved. In particular, large cross sections of the air guidance can thus be achieved and consequently very good performance data of the suction appliance, in particular a high negative pressure and thus improved suction performance.
In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision may be made that the technical unit is at least partially surrounded by a protective housing. Thus, in particular, the technical unit and all components comprised thereby, in particular a housing thereof, can also be protected. In particular, by a selection of the material from which the protective housing is made, also the damage to objects and buildings can be minimized when the suction appliance comes into contact therewith.
It is favorable if the protective housing is of one-piece or multi-part, in particular two-part configuration. Depending on the construction of the suction appliance, an assembly thereof can be simplified if the protective housing is of one-piece, in particular monolithic, or multi-part configuration.
The suction appliance can be assembled in a simple manner, in particular, if the protective housing or components thereof are configured to be connectable to the technical unit and to one another in a toolless manner. In particular, for connecting the described parts, a first latching or snapping connecting device may be provided. The first latching or snapping connecting device may, in particular, comprise cooperating latching or snapping connecting elements, which are formed on the technical unit on the one hand and on the protective housing or components thereof on the other hand. These can be brought into engagement with one another without the use of tools, i.e., in particular without using wrenches, screw drivers, or the like.
The suction appliance may, in particular, be formed with a low weight if the protective housing is made of a foamed plastic material. In particular, it may be made of the same foamed plastic material as the collection container. Thus, in particular, a production of the suction appliance can be simplified, because only a minimal number of different materials are required for the production thereof.
The suction appliance can be formed in a simple and cost-effective manner if the foamed plastic material is or contains expanded polypropylene (EPP). This plastic material can be shaped in a simple manner with sufficient stability to form the desired components.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, provision may be made that the backpack device comprises a support frame and two shoulder straps arranged or formed on the support frame. The shoulder straps may be arranged or formed, in particular, symmetrically on the support frame, such that the suction appliance can be worn symmetrically on the back of an operator in an ergonomic manner. The shoulder straps may, in particular, be configured to be adjustable in length in order to enable people of different sizes to comfortably wear the suction appliance.
It is favorable if the technical unit is connected to the support frame. In particular, the technical unit and the support frame may be connected to one another in such a way that an intended separation of the two components by an operator is not possible. A defined positioning of the suction appliance on the back of an operator can be predetermined by the connection of the technical unit to the support frame. In addition, a stability of the suction appliance overall can thus be improved.
It is advantageous if the backpack device, in particular the support frame, is connected to the protective housing. This design makes it possible, in particular, to release the protective housing with the backpack device connected thereto as a unit from the technical unit without having to release the connection between the backpack device, in particular the support frame, and the protective housing. For example, maintenance of the suction appliance can thus be simplified.
Preferably at least part of the protective housing is arranged between the support frame and the technical unit. In particular, the support frame and the technical unit may be connected to one another through the protective housing, for example screwed by means of screws. In the case of such a design, for assembling the suction appliance, first the protective housing can be coupled to the technical unit and then the support frame can be connected to the technical unit. In this case, the support frame can then be connected to the technical unit without them directly contacting one another. In this case, the protective housing acts as a kind of spacer. In particular when the protective housing is made of a softer material than the housing, a wearing comfort for an operator can thus also be improved. The backpack device, in particular the support frame, may also be connected only to the protective housing, such that a connection between the technical unit and the backpack device takes place indirectly by way of the connection between technical unit and protective housing on the one hand and between protective housing and backpack device on the other hand.
It is favorable if the collection container defines a receiving space and comprises a collection container top side, a collection container bottom side, and a peripheral collection container wall extending from the collection container bottom side to the collection container top side and if the collection container top side is open. In particular, the collection container top side may be completely or substantially completely open. Such a collection container with a correspondingly formed collection container top side that is open makes it possible to form an optimized air guidance and thus a high-performance suction appliance with minimal energy use.
It is favorable if the peripheral collection container wall comprises a rear wall portion, a front wall portion opposite said rear wall portion, and two lateral wall portions connecting the rear wall portion and the front wall portion to one another and extending opposite one another. This design makes it possible, in particular, to form a cuboidal or a substantially cuboidal collection container.
A suction port that is connected or connectable to a suction hose is preferably arranged or formed on the collection container. In particular, the suction port is formed on one of the two lateral wall portions. Dirt can be sucked into the collection container through the suction port. An arrangement of the suction port on one of the two lateral wall portions enables, in particular, an ergonomic handling of the suction appliance because an operator can then easily grasp and guide a suction hose extending laterally away from the collection container.
The handling of the suction appliance can be further improved if it comprises a suction hose, which, on the one hand, is connectable or connected to the suction port and, on the other hand, comprises a suction nozzle and/or is coupleable to a suction nozzle or a suction pipe. The suction hose can thus be connected with its one end to the suction port or be permanently connected thereto. The other end of the suction hose may be configured in the form of a suction nozzle or such that it can be temporarily or permanently connected to a separate suction nozzle, for example a floor suction nozzle or the like or a suction pipe. The suction appliance can thus be used universally for different cleaning purposes.
Furthermore, it is favorable if the suction appliance comprises a suction pipe and if the suction pipe, on the one hand, is coupleable to the suction hose and, on the other hand, comprises a suction nozzle and/or is coupleable to a suction nozzle. A suction pipe has the advantage, in particular, that an operator is also able to comfortably vacuum a floor without having to bend over. The suction pipe gives the suction channel formed thereon an improved stability and guidance in comparison to a suction channel formed in a suction hose. Various suction nozzles may optionally be coupled to the suction pipe, depending on the application.
It is advantageous if the collection container top side of the collection container is of mirror symmetrical configuration with respect to two mirror planes extending perpendicularly to one another. Such a design makes it possible, in particular, for the collection container to be coupleable to the technical unit in at least two positions rotated relative to one another by 180°, irrespective of a concrete form of the collection container top side. This has the advantage, in particular, that when one single suction port is arranged or formed on a lateral wall portion of the collection container, the collection container, rotated by 180°, can be brought into engagement with the technical unit in a simple manner in order to thus enable operation of the suction appliance for left-handed and right-handed individuals equally. In other words, only one type of collection container is required, which can be positioned differently relative to the technical unit. The two mirror planes preferably intersect in a line of intersection, wherein the line of intersection defines a longitudinal axis of the collection container. A defined coupling to the technical unit can thus be achieved. In particular, the line of intersection may extend in parallel to the direction of gravity during the intended use of the suction appliance.
Furthermore, it is advantageous if the collection container as a whole is of mirror symmetrical or substantially mirror symmetrical configuration with respect to the two mirror planes. Here, substantially mirror symmetrical means, in particular, that the collection container, except for a suction port arranged or formed on one side, i.e., asymmetrically on the collection container, which suction port causes the collection container as a whole to deviate from a double mirror symmetry, is of symmetrical configuration. However, the suction port may be configured in such a way that it is of symmetrical configuration with respect to one of the two mirror planes.
The housing bottom side is preferably of mirror symmetrical configuration with respect to the two mirror planes. Configuring the housing of the technical unit in this way thus enables a coupling to a collection container, the collection container top side of which is also of mirror symmetrical configuration with respect to the two mirror planes.
It is advantageous if the technical unit and the collection container are clampingly held against one another in the operating position. For example, this can be achieved by way of conical clamping faces. Conical in this sense means that cooperating clamping faces of the technical unit and of the collection container are inclined relative to, e.g., the longitudinal axis of the collection container, wherein the faces that abut against one another in the operating position extend in parallel to one another.
It is favorable if formed on the collection container is a peripheral first clamping face, which has a cross section that increases in the direction toward the technical unit. This design makes it possible, in particular, to provide a correspondingly inclined peripheral clamping face on the technical unit, which then engages into the collection container and abuts against the first clamping face in the operating position.
A peripheral second clamping face is preferably formed on the housing, which abuts against the first clamping face in the operating position. As already mentioned, a clamping connection between the collection container and the technical unit can thus be achieved in a simple manner by the cooperating first and second clamping faces. In addition, an optimal sealing of the collection container without additional sealing elements can thus be achieved in a simple and cost-effective manner.
In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision may be made that the suction appliance comprises a securing device for securing a connection of the collection container and the technical unit in the operating position. When the collection container and the technical unit are, for example, clampingly coupled to one another in the operating position in the described manner, the securing device serves the purpose of additionally securing this clamping connection. If the collection container is arranged below the technical unit in the direction of gravity, the securing device thus prevents an unintentional release of the collection container due to weight force acting from the technical device.
The securing device can be formed in a simple manner if it comprises at least one securing member, which holds the collection container in the operating position on the technical unit. For example, the at least one securing member may be configured in the form of a hook, which in the operating position is in engagement with a corresponding recess. Such a hook may optionally be formed on the technical unit or on the collection container or on the backpack device. Alternatively or in addition, a securing member in the form of a band may be provided, which engages around the collection container. Free ends of the band are, for example, arranged on or fixed to the technical unit or to the technical unit and the backpack device.
It is favorable if the at least one securing member in the operating position at least partially engages around the collection container and is connected to the backpack device on the one hand and to the technical device on the other hand. In particular, the at least one securing member may engage around the collection container bottom side and thus prevent a movement of the collection container away from the technical unit due to an acting weight force. The at least one securing member may, for example, be configured to be connected or connectable to the front side of the housing. A releasable connectability of the at least one securing member with housing makes it possible, in particular, to release the collection container by releasing the connection in order to separate said collection container from the technical unit for emptying.
It is advantageous if the suction appliance comprises a toolless coupling mechanism for releasably connecting the at least one securing member to the backpack device and/or to the technical unit. For example, an end of the at least one securing member may be fixedly connected either to the technical unit or to the backpack device, the other end of the at least one securing member however being releasably connectable to the respective other component of the suction appliance. This simplifies, in particular, a handling of the suction appliance, because only one end of the securing member has to be released for releasing the collection container. The toolless coupling mechanism may, for example, comprise a hook with a clamping lever in order to detension the at least one securing member, which may be, e.g., of band-shaped configuration, for releasing by pivoting the clamping lever, thereby making it possible to release a hooked-in free end of the at least one securing member, for example from the technical unit. One may then proceed in the reverse manner for securing.
In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision may be made that the suction appliance comprises a permanent filter and that the permanent filter in an operating position is held between the technical unit and the collection container. Such a permanent filter prevents, in particular, that coarse dirt from the collection container is able to enter into the technical unit, in particular into the suction device arranged therein.
The permanent filter preferably comprises a holding frame and a filter element held on the holding frame. The filter element may be configured, e.g., in the form of a nonwoven. A permanent filter of that kind can, in particular, be handled in a simple manner and be exchanged as necessary.
It is advantageous if the holding frame comprises a peripheral clamping wall portion, if the clamping wall portion comprises two clamping faces that face away from one another, and if the clamping faces in the operating position abut against the first clamping face on the one hand and against the second clamping face on the other hand. Configuring the holding frame in this way makes it possible, in particular, to arrange the permanent filter, when it is required, directly clampingly between the collection container and the technical unit. The clamping faces configured, for example, conically as described thus make it possible to use the suction appliance selectively with or without such a permanent filter. For inserting the permanent filter, no additional elements need to be provided, neither on the holding frame nor on the technical unit or on the collection container.
Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the suction appliance comprises a particulate filter, which in the operating position closes the air channel inlet. The particulate filter may, for example, comprise a particulate filter element in the form of a HEPA filter. HEPA filters of that kind fall into the classes H13 and H14 according to EN1822-1:2009.
The particulate filter is favorably coupled to the technical unit in the operating position. This enables a user to use the suction appliance with the particulate filter, but to forgo the permanent filter. The particulate filter is then securely held on the technical unit and cannot fall off when the collection container is separated from the technical unit for emptying.
It is advantageous for the handling of the suction appliance if the particulate filter in the operating position is arranged or formed between the permanent filter and the air channel inlet. In particular, the particulate filter may close the air channel inlet as described, such that the air flowing through the suction appliance always has to flow through the particulate filter.
It is advantageous if the particulate filter comprises a particulate filter frame and a particulate filter element held thereon and if the particulate filter frame is coupled to the technical unit in the operating position. In particular, the particulate filter frame may be coupled to the technical unit by a second latching or snapping connecting device. A connection of that kind enables a simple and quick release and reconnection of the particulate filter to the technical unit. For example, the particulate filter element may be loosely held on the particulate filter frame, such that in case of contamination it can be quickly and securely swapped out and optionally cleaned.
For forming a suction flow, it is advantageous if the suction device comprises a blower. For example, the blower may comprise a rotatably mounted rotor, which is driven by an electric motor. For example, it may be an electronically commutated motor. Compared to a brush motor, which in principle would also be conceivable, such an EC motor has a longer service life.
The blower is preferably arranged or formed in a blower chamber formed on the housing. This makes it possible, in particular, to design the housing itself for optimal air guidance. In particular, the blower chamber may be optimized for the dimensions of a rotor in order to obtain a suction flow that is as efficient as possible with minimal energy use.
It is favorable if a blow-out opening is arranged or formed on the suction appliance and if a pressure side of the suction device is fluidically connected to the blow-out opening. This design makes it possible, in particular, to discharge air conveyed with the suction device in a targeted manner. In principle, the blow-out opening may be arranged on the suction appliance as desired.
The blow-out opening preferably comprises a plurality of blow-out slits. In particular, the blow-out slits are arranged or formed on the housing. In this case, an air guidance can be conducted through the described air channel inlet on the housing bottom side, to the negative pressure side of the suction device, through the suction device to the pressure side of the suction device, and from there to the blow-out opening, namely, in particular, completely within the housing of the technical unit. The collection container is then arranged upstream of this described air guidance, such that contaminants can then be conducted, for example, through a suction hose or suction pipe, which are fluidically connected to the suction port on the suction container, into the collection container and through the collection container top side and optionally through the permanent filter and/or the particulate filter to the air channel inlet of the technical unit. Providing a plurality of blow-out slits enables, in particular, a defined and directed discharge of the air conveyed through the suction appliance. Optionally, the protective housing may also partially delimit the air guidance on the pressure side. This can thus give the protective housing, at least partially, a double function, namely, for one, protecting the housing of the technical unit from damage and simultaneously delimiting part of the air guidance, i.e., of air guidance channels formed in the suction appliance.
The blow-out opening is preferably arranged or formed on a front side of the suction appliance. A front side in this sense forms the side of the suction appliance that faces away from the backpack device. Air flowing out of the suction appliance can thus freely escape. A flow resistance can thus be minimized, thereby making it possible to improve performance values of the suction appliance.
The blow-out opening is preferably arranged or formed on the technical unit. This makes it possible, in particular, to form the blow-out opening on the housing of the technical unit, which housing is preferably of one-piece configuration. The number of parts required for forming the suction appliance can thus be minimized and an assembly thereof can be simplified. The blow-out opening is preferably formed on a front side of the technical unit. The front side may be, in particular, the front side of the housing, which faces away from the backpack device.
It is favorable if the blow-out opening defines at least two outlet regions, if an air guidance device is arranged or formed on the technical unit, if the air guidance device comprises at least two air guidance channels that are separate from one another and that each are fluidically connected to the pressure side of the suction device on the one hand and to a respective one of the at least two outlet regions on the other hand. The at least two air guidance channels that are separate from one another may also be partially delimited by the protective housing. A configuration with at least two air guidance channels that are separate from one another has the advantage, in particular, that cross sections thereof can be optimized in order to convey identical or substantially identical volume flows of air through identically sized outlet regions. Flow characteristics of the suction appliance can thus be optimized and thus a performance thereof can be improved.
It is advantageous for the handling of the suction appliance if feet are arranged or formed on the collection container. This makes it possible, in particular, to set the suction appliance down on the feet.
The feet are preferably molded on the collection container. In particular, they may project outwardly, i.e., away from the receiving space. Thus, for example, the suction appliance can be securely and stably set down in upright position, i.e., in particular with the longitudinal axis of the collection container oriented in parallel or substantially in parallel to the direction of gravity.
It may also be advantageous for the handling of the suction appliance if it comprises a suction bag, if the suction bag comprises a suction bag opening, if the suction bag is arranged in the collection container, and if the suction bag opening and a suction port of the suction appliance are fluidically connected to one another in the operating position. Air flowing into the suction appliance with dirt contained therein is thus conducted through the suction port directly into the suction bag. If said suction bag is air-permeable, the air can flow through the suction bag, contaminants in the air flow being retained, however.
The suction bag is preferably of air-permeable configuration. Air flowing into the collection container can thus flow through the suction bag, but contaminants contained in the air flow cannot. They are retained in the suction bag. A suction bag can be removed from the collection container in a simple manner. This enables a simple disposal of the dirt sucked up with the suction appliance.
In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, provision may be made that at least one holding element for an accessory is arranged or formed on the backpack device. In particular, the holding element may be configured to hold a suction pipe or a suction hose. For example, the holding element may be arranged on the support frame pointing away from the suction appliance. A suction pipe can thus, for example, be temporarily fixed to the holding element, which may serve as an additional support for the suction appliance when setting it down on the feet of the collection container described above.
It is further advantageous for the handling of the suction appliance if it comprises a carrying handle and if the carrying handle is arranged or formed on an appliance side that faces away from the collection container. In particular, the carrying handle may be arranged pointing away from a housing top side of the technical unit. This enables an operator to grasp and securely carry the suction appliance with one hand.
It is advantageous if the carrying handle in the operating position is connected to the backpack device on the one hand and to the technical unit or part of the protective housing on the other hand. In particular, a corresponding fixing of the carrying handle may enable an operator to carry the suction appliance in a balanced manner.
A center of gravity of the suction appliance in the operating position when a longitudinal axis of the suction appliance is oriented in parallel to the direction of gravity lies preferably below the carrying handle. This makes it possible, in particular, to carry the suction appliance with one hand with low effort without the suction appliance tending to swing when lifted up.
Furthermore, it is favorable if the suction appliance is configured in the form of a canister vacuum cleaner. A canister vacuum cleaner in this sense is a suction appliance, the collection container of which is arranged below the suction device in the direction of gravity during the intended use of the suction appliance. When, for example, the suction device is separated from the collection container, all of the dirt collected in the collection container remains in the container because said container is open at the top, i.e., facing counter to the direction of gravity. Dirt therefore cannot unintentionally fall out of the collection container. Configuring the battery-operated backpack suction appliance in the form of a canister vacuum cleaner can be achieved, in particular, by the technical unit in the operating position being arranged above the collection container counter to the direction of gravity during intended use.
An embodiment of a battery-operated backpack suction appliance is schematically depicted in
A battery 18, which in the depicted embodiment is configured in the form of a rechargeable battery 18, serves for operating the suction appliance 10.
Further optional components of the suction appliance 10 are a permanent filter 20 and a particulate filter 22.
Furthermore, the suction appliance 10 comprises a protective housing 24, which partially surrounds the technical unit 14.
The components of the suction appliance 10 stated above are described in more detail in the following.
Depicted in
The suction appliance 10 depicted in the operating position in
With the canister vacuum cleaner principle, as schematically depicted in
The collection container 12 comprises a substantially cuboidal shape and defines a receiving space 34 for collecting sucked up dirt, also referred to as suctioned material.
The collection container 12 comprises a collection container top side 36, a collection container bottom side 38 opposite said collection container top side 36, and a peripheral collection container wall 40 extending from the collection container bottom side 36 to the collection container top side 38. The collection container top side 36 is of open configuration, namely substantially completely open configuration, and defines a collection container opening 42.
The peripheral collection container wall 40 comprises a rear wall portion 44, a front wall portion 46 opposite said rear wall portion 44, and two lateral wall portions 48 and 50 connecting the rear wall portion 44 and the front wall portion 46 to one another and extending opposite one another.
A suction port 52 is arranged on the collection container 42, namely on the lateral wall portion 48. The suction port 52 is arranged closer to the collection container top side 36 than to the collection container bottom side 38.
The suction portion 52 is rotatable about a suction port longitudinal axis 54, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 26. A free end of the suction port 52 is configured in the form of a coupling piece 56, which is coupleable to a corresponding coupling piece 58 on an end of a suction hose 60.
The suction hose 60 comprises a further coupling piece 62 on a second end, which is coupleable to an optional suction pipe 64, namely a free end 66 thereof. On the other end of the suction pipe 64, a suction nozzle 68 is optionally arranged or is releasably connectable to the suction pipe 64. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the suction nozzle 68 is configured in the form of floor nozzle 70.
Optionally, the floor nozzle 70 may also be connected with a coupling piece thereof 72 directly to the suction hose 60, namely the coupling piece 62, depending on the desired application of the suction appliance 10.
The suction hose 60 may optionally also be used without the floor nozzle 70. In this case, the coupling piece 62 forms a suction nozzle 74.
The suction pipe 68 may optionally also be used without the suction nozzle 68. In this case, a free end of the suction pipe 64 likewise forms a suction nozzle 76.
The collection container 12 is configured in such a way that the collection container top side 36 is of mirror symmetrical configuration with respect to two mirror planes 78 and 80 extending perpendicularly to one another. The two mirror planes 78 and 80 intersect in a line of intersection, which defines the longitudinal axis 26 both of the suction appliance 10 and of the collection container 12.
The collection container 12 as a whole is of mirror symmetrical or substantially mirror symmetrical configuration with respect to the two mirror planes 78 and 80. However, a deviation from the mirror symmetry arises due to the arrangement of the suction port 52 on one side.
The collection container 12 is of one-piece, namely monolithic configuration, except for the suction port 52.
Feet 82 are arranged or formed on the collection container 12, namely substantially in the four corners of the collection container bottom side 38, and which extend away from the collection container bottom side 38. The feet 82 are molded on the collection container 12. In a different embodiment, the feet 82 are configured as separate components and are fixed to the collection container, namely in a force-locking and/or positive-locking manner.
The collection container 12 is made of a foamed plastic material. The protective housing 24 is made of a foamed plastic material.
In the embodiment of the suction appliance 10 depicted in the Figures, both the protective housing 24 and the collection container 12 are made of the same foamed plastic material. In the embodiment that is depicted and described, expanded polypropylene (EPP) is used as the plastic material.
Formed on the collection container 12 is a peripheral first clamping face 84 that extends up to the collection container top side 36. The first clamping face 84 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 26 by a clamping angle 86. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, it is about 20°, in alternative embodiments it is in a range of about 5° to about 25°. Due to the described inclination, the first clamping face 84 has a cross section that increases in the direction toward the technical unit 14. In other words, the receiving space 34 expands conically toward the collection container top side 36.
The technical unit 14 comprises a housing 88, which is of multi-part configuration in the embodiment depicted. It comprises a housing bottom part 90, which is connected to a base plate 92, and a housing top part 94, which is connected to the housing bottom part 90 in the operating position of the suction appliance 10. Arranged on a housing top side 96 of the housing 88 is a coupling device 98, which is configured for mechanically coupling the battery 18 to the technical unit 14, in particular the housing 88 thereof.
The housing 88 is made of a plastic material by injection molding. In the embodiment that is depicted and described, the plastic material is a thermoset. In the described embodiment, a compact injection molding process is used for forming the housing 88. In another embodiment, the plastic material is a thermoplastic. In another embodiment, the plastic material is entirely or partially a glass fiber-reinforced plastic.
The housing 88 further comprises a housing bottom side 100, which is formed by the housing bottom part 90. The housing top side 96 is formed on the housing top part 94 and faces in an opposite direction relative to the housing bottom side 100.
In the operating position of the suction appliance 10 depicted in
In the operating position, the housing 88 closes the collection container 12, namely its collection container top side 36, with the housing bottom side 100.
An air channel inlet 102 is formed on the housing bottom side 100. It is divided into a plurality of smaller openings, which are separated from one another by webs. The base plate 92 comprises a perforation 104 corresponding to the air channel inlet 102.
The perforation 104 is arranged directly below a blower chamber 106, which is formed in the housing 88. The blower chamber 106 is thus open at the bottom seen in the direction of gravity.
The suction device 32 of the suction appliance 10 is arranged in the blower chamber 106. It comprises a blower 108 with a rotor 110, which is driven by an electric motor 112 in the form of an EC motor. A longitudinal axis 114 of the suction device 32 is oriented coaxially to the perforation 104.
The blower chamber 106 comprises a lateral outlet opening 116, through which air suctioned through the air channel inlet 102 with the blower 108 is able to flow laterally into a distribution space 118. The distribution space 118 comprises an upper outlet 120 and a lower outlet 122. The upper outlet 120 is approximately as large as the lower outlet 122 in cross section. In addition, they are arranged next to one another. The upper outlet 120 opens into a right outlet chamber 124, the lower outlet 122 into a left outlet chamber 126. The two outlet chambers 124 and 126 are partially delimited by a front side 128 of the protective housing 24.
Furthermore, arranged or formed on the suction appliance 10 is a blow-out opening 130, which fluidically connects the outlet chambers 124 and 126 to an environment 132 of the suction appliance 10.
The outlet opening 116 of the blower chamber 106 defines a pressure side 134 of the suction device 32. The pressure side 134 is fluidically connected to the blow-out opening 130.
The blow-out opening 130 comprises a right outlet region 136 and a left outlet region 138. The two outlet regions 136 and 138 each comprise two respective blow-out slits 140 and 142. The blow-out slits 140 and 142 are formed on the housing 88, namely on the housing bottom part 90.
The blow-out opening 130 is arranged on a front side 144 of the suction appliance 10, namely directly below the front side 128 of the protective housing 24. The blow-out opening 130 is thus arranged or formed on the technical unit 14, namely on a front side thereof. With respect to the direction of gravity, the blow-out opening 130 is delimited at the top by the front side 128 of the protective housing 24 and at the bottom by the front wall portion 46 of the collection container 12.
The technical unit 14 further comprises an air guidance device 146, which comprises two air guidance channels 148 and 150 that are separate from one another and that are each fluidically connected to the pressure side 134 of the suction device 32. On the other hand, the air guidance channels 148 and 150 are each fluidically connected to a respective one of the two outlet regions 136 and 138. In the described embodiment depicted in the Figures, the right outlet chamber 124 forms the air guidance channel 148, the left outlet chamber 126 the air guidance channel 150.
Furthermore, formed on the housing 88 is a control chamber 152, which is arranged next to the blower chamber 106 in the direction of gravity. Arranged in the control chamber 152 is a control device 154, which, in particular, is in control-operative connection with the suction device 32.
In one embodiment, the control device 154 comprises a receiver unit, which is not depicted in the Figures and with which control signals, for example from a control unit formed separately from the suction appliance 10 for activating and deactivating the suction device 32, are able to be received. Optionally, different operating modes can also be predetermined, which are activatable by way of the external control unit. A communication between the control device 154 and a separate control unit, which may be configured, e.g., in the form of a belt controller that is fixable to a belt of an operator of the suction appliance or a carrying strap of the backpack device 16, may take place, in particular, via radio, for example via Bluetooth, or via a connecting cable.
In the embodiment of the suction appliance 10 depicted in the Figures and described above, all current-carrying or current-conducting components are arranged or formed on the technical unit 14 in the described manner.
The perforation 104 defines a negative pressure side 156 of the suction device 32. The air channel inlet 102 is thus in fluidic connection with the negative pressure side 156 of the suction device.
In the described embodiment, the protective housing 24 is of one-piece, namely monolithic configuration. In other embodiments, the protective housing 24 may also be of multi-part configuration.
In the described embodiment, the protective housing 24 and the technical unit 14 are configured to be connectable to one another in a toolless manner. For this purpose, cooperating latching or snapping elements of a first latching or snapping connecting device 158 are formed on the protective housing 24 and on the technical unit 14. This makes it possible to connect the protective housing 24 to the technical unit 14 in a familiar manner for the person skilled in the art by simply pushing together and latching together.
The protective housing 24 comprises a perforation 160 on its top side, which is configured corresponding to the coupling device 98. Furthermore, the protective housing 24 is open at the bottom.
For assembly, i.e., for connecting the protective housing 24 to the technical unit 14, the protective housing 24 is guided in parallel to the direction of gravity from above over the technical unit 14, namely until the coupling device 98 at least partially engages through the perforation 160 and the latching or snapping elements of the first latching or snapping connecting device 158 engage in one another.
The housing bottom side 102 of the housing 88 is of mirror symmetrical configuration with respect to the two mirror planes 78 and 80. Furthermore, formed on the housing 88, namely on the housing bottom part 90, is a peripheral second clamping face 162, which abuts against the first clamping face 84 in the operating position in which the technical unit 14 and the collection container 12 are connected to one another. The second clamping face 162 is inclined by the same clamping angle 86 as the first clamping face 84 relative to the longitudinal axis 26. This makes it possible, as schematically depicted in
The backpack device 16 comprises a support frame 164 and two shoulder straps 166 arranged or formed thereon, also referred to as carrying straps. These are arranged or formed symmetrically on the support frame 164 with respect to the mirror frame 78, said support frame 164 also being of symmetrical configuration with respect to this mirror plane 78. The shoulder straps 166 extend from an upper end of the support frame 164 up to a lower end thereof and have a length such that an operator can place a respective one of the two shoulder straps 166 on one shoulder.
A holding hook 168 is arranged or formed in the middle on the support frame 164, pointing counter to the direction of gravity in the operating position.
In one embodiment, a holding element 170 for an accessory 172, for example the suction pipe 64, is arranged or formed on the backpack device 16. The holding element 170 comprises two resilient clip arms 174, which are formed on the support frame 164 symmetrically to the mirror plane 72, pointing in a direction away from the protective housing 24, and which partially engage around and clampingly hold the accessory 172. Schematically depicted with dashed lines in
In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the support frame 164 is first connected to the protective housing 24. This takes place by way of screws, which are not depicted in the Figures. This unit of support frame 164 and protective housing 24 is then slid over the technical unit 14 in the direction of gravity and clipped or latched in. The support frame 164 and the technical unit 14 are thus fixedly connected to one another. Part of the protective housing 24, namely its rear wall abutting against the support frame 164, is thus arranged between the support frame 164 and the technical unit 14.
The support frame 164 and the technical unit 14 are fixedly connected to one another in an alternative embodiment, too. Fastening elements in the form of screws serve to connect the support frame 164 and the technical unit 14. In this alternative embodiment, it is not intended that a user is able to release this connection. Before connecting the technical unit 14 and the support frame 164, however, the protective housing 24 must first be connected to the technical unit 14. The support frame 164 is then connected to the coupled unit of protective housing 24 and technical unit 14. In this embodiment, too, part of the protective housing 24, namely its rear wall abutting against the support frame 164, is thus arranged between the support frame 164 and the technical unit 14. The protective housing 24 connected to the technical unit 14 is additionally secured by the connection between the support frame 164 and the technical unit 14.
The suction appliance 10 further comprises a carrying handle 176. The carrying handle 176 is arranged or formed on the suction appliance 10 on an appliance side that faces away from the collection container 12. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, it points counter to the direction of gravity in the operating position.
The carrying handle 176 that is convexly curved pointing away from the suction appliance 10 extends above the battery 18 when said battery 18 is coupled to the technical unit 14. It is fastened to the backpack device 16 on the one hand and to the protective housing 24 on the other hand and thus indirectly on the technical unit 14.
The described arrangement of the carrying handle 176 results in a center of gravity of the suction appliance 10 lying below the carrying handle 176 in the operating position, i.e., when the longitudinal axis 26 is oriented in parallel to the direction of gravity.
It is schematically depicted in
Depicted partially in section in
In particular,
A sliding element 188, which is displaceable in parallel to a bottom side of the battery 18 in the direction toward the lever 182 that is pivotable about a pivot axis 190, serves to unlock the battery 18. An actuating face 192 of the sliding element 188 projecting laterally below the battery 18 is freely accessible for a user, such that the sliding element 188 can be displaced in the direction toward the pivot axis 190. A wedge-shaped end of the sliding element 188, which points in the direction toward the pivot axis 190, is beveled and defines a sliding face 194 for another end 196 of the lever 182.
The end 196 and the end of the lever 182 bearing the projection 184 point substantially in opposite directions. When the sliding element 188 is displaced in the direction toward the pivot axis 190, the end 196 slides on the sliding face 194, thereby pivoting the lever 182 against the action of the spring 118. The projection 184 is thereby moved out of the recess 186 so that, as depicted in
When inserting the battery 18 into the coupling device 98, a beveled side face 198 of the lever 182 comes into contact with the bottom side of the battery 18 when the battery 18 is slid forward, and thereby pivots the lever 182 away from the battery 18. The spring 118 is thereby compressed by the lever 182. As soon as the recess is positioned directly over the projection 184, the lever 182 is moved into the recess 186 due to the action of the spring 180 configured as a compression spring and locks the battery 18 in the coupling position, which is schematically depicted in
As is schematically shown with dashed lines in
The suction bag 200 is made of an air-permeable material, for example of a porous paper material.
As already described and schematically depicted in
The permanent filter 20 may also optionally be used. It comprises a holding frame 210 on which a filter element 212 is held. The filter element 212 extends transversely to the direction of gravity in the operating position. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the filter element 212 is made of a nonwoven material.
The holding frame 210 comprises a peripheral clamping wall portion 214, with two clamping faces 216 and 218 that face away from one another. In the operating position, the clamping wall portion 214 continuously expands in cross section in a direction counter to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, it is also inclined by the clamping angle 86 relative to the longitudinal axis 26.
A peripheral flange 220, pointing away from the longitudinal axis 26, projects from the peripheral rim of the clamping wall portion 214, which points in the direction toward the technical unit 14. Extending from the other end of the clamping wall portion 214 is a double S-shaped frame portion 222, which defines a peripheral groove 224 that is open facing upward and a peripheral groove 226 that is open facing in the direction toward the collection container 12. The filter element 212 is held on the free end of the frame portion 222.
The particular shape of the described holding frame 210 makes it possible for the permanent filter 20 to be used to close the collection container opening 42. Here, the flange 220 then rests on the collection container top side 36 and the clamping face 216 of the clamping wall portion 214 abuts against the collection container 12 on the first clamping face 84. The clamping face 218 abuts against the second clamping face 162 when the technical unit 14 is placed. The technical unit 14 engages with a peripheral projection 228, on which the second clamping face 162 is formed, into the groove 224.
The groove 226 is positioned such that the frame plate 202 of the suction bag 200 can engage into it, the suction bag 200 thereby being held, as described, on the suction port 52 in a defined manner.
When the permanent filter 20 is inserted, the clamping wall portion 214 is clampingly held between the clamping faces 84 and 162.
The optional particulate filter 22 can be coupled to the technical unit 14 in the operating position. It can then be arranged in such a way that it completely closes the air channel inlet 102. Thus, only air that flowed through the particulate filter 22 can flow through the air channel inlet 102.
The particulate filter 22 comprises a particulate filter frame 230 and a particulate filter element 232 held thereon. The particulate filter element 232 is configured in the form of HEPA filter element.
A second latching or snapping connecting device 234, which comprises cooperating latching elements 236 on the particulate filter frame 230 on the one hand and on the technical unit 14, namely on the housing bottom part 90 of the housing 88, on the other hand, serves for temporarily connecting the particulate filter 22 to the technical unit 14.
So far, only a clamping connection between the collection container 12 and the technical unit 14 has been described. To prevent the collection container 12 from being able to release from the technical unit 14 due to its weight, a securing device 238 is provided on the suction appliance 10. It serves to secure a connection of the collection container 12 and the technical unit 14 in the operating position.
In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the securing device 238 comprises a securing member 240, which holds the collection container 12 on the technical unit 14 in the operating position. It is configured in the form of a band 242, a first end 244 thereof being fastened to a lower end 246 of the support frame 164. The band 242 engages around the collection container 12 partially, namely the collection container bottom side 38, and extends along the front wall portion 46 of the collection container 12.
A second end 248 of the band 242 is configured in the form of a loop and is held on a holding pin 250 oriented transversely to the direction of gravity on a clamping lever 252. The clamping lever 252 is pivotably mounted on one end on a bearing pin 254. The bearing pin 254 extends in parallel to the holding pin 250 and is held on the lower end 256 of a holding hook 258. An upper end 260 of the holding hook 258 is bent in the direction toward the longitudinal axis 26 and back pointing in the direction toward the collection container 12 and defines a holding groove 262.
In the operating position, the securing device 238 is locked, as is depicted schematically in
For releasing the collection container 12 from the technical unit 14, the clamping lever 252 has to be pivoted with its free end away from the technical unit about a pivot axis extending from the bearing pin 254 transversely to the longitudinal axis 26. During this pivot movement, the holding pin 250 also moves about the pivot axis, namely first away from the collection container 12 and then back towards it. The band 242 is thereby detensioned and the holding hook 258 can be released from the technical unit 14 by being moved away upwardly, such that the projection 264 clears the holding groove 262. The band 242 guided in a groove 266 formed on the outside on the collection container 12 can now be removed and the collection container 12 can be taken off downwardly. The described configuration of the suction appliance 10 as a canister vacuum cleaner 30 thereby ensures that dirt in the collection container 12 cannot fall out, independently of whether a suction bag 200 is used or not.
In the described manner, the suction appliance 10 is equipped with a toolless coupling mechanism 268 for releasably connecting the securing member 240 to the technical unit 14. In an alternative embodiment, the other end of the securing member 240 can selectively be coupled in a similar manner to the backpack device 16 without tools.
The described suction appliance 10 has a schematic structure, as is depicted in
The described suction appliance 10, also referred to as a backpack vacuum cleaner, can be made very light and compact with excellent performance data in the described manner, in particular a high negative pressure with a high volume flow, a long service life, and very good ergonomics can be achieved.
The partially symmetrical configuration of the collection container 12 makes it possible to connect same to the technical unit 14 with the suction port 52 on the left or right, so that the suction appliance 10 can selectively be used for left- or right-handed operation.
In further embodiments, differently sized collection containers 12 may be used, so that differently sized collection containers 12 can be used for different applications.
This application is a continuation of international application number PCT/EP2020/063779, filed on May 18, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/EP2020/063779 | May 2020 | US |
| Child | 17989338 | US |
