Handle device and handheld vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle device (110) for a household appliance (100). The handle device (110) comprises a handle (112) with a free end and a device-side end opposite the free end, a battery-side connection (116) for connecting a battery (118) for operating the household appliance (100), wherein the battery-side connection (116) is arranged at the device-side end of the handle (112), and a component-side interface (114) for connecting at least one component of the household appliance (100), wherein the component-side interface (114) is arranged at a distance from the battery-side connection (116) at the device-side end of the handle (112).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a handle device and a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0002] A handheld vacuum cleaner is usually equipped with a battery for cordless operation.

[0003] EP 3 349 633 B1 reveals a pistol grip with a battery located at its free end.

[0004] The approach presented here aims to create an improved handle device and an improved handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a handle device and a handheld vacuum cleaner with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0006] The advantages achievable with the invention consist of making it easier for the user to handle a battery-operated household appliance, for example a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0007] A handle for a household appliance has the following features: a handle with a free end and a device-side end opposite the free end; a battery-side connection for connecting a battery to operate the household appliance, wherein the battery-side connection is located at the device-side end of the handle; and a component-side interface for connecting at least one component of the household appliance, wherein the component-side interface is arranged at a distance from the battery-side connection at the device-side end of the handle.

[0008] The household appliance can be a battery-operated device, such as a vacuum cleaner, a mop, or similar. The handle allows the user to hold and operate the appliance. The handle can be shaped like a familiar grip, for example, to be held by the user's hand. The component interface allows the appliance's necessary component for a specific function—for example, a vacuum cleaner's blower for sucking up dust and dirt—to be connected to the handle. The battery connection allows the electrical and mechanical connection of the battery used to operate the appliance to the handle. The battery can be a rechargeable battery.Because the battery and the component can be positioned on two opposite or adjacent sides of the same end of the handle, the arrangement of the connector and interface allows for optimal weight balance between these two parts, resulting in more comfortable handling for the user. For example, this makes it easier to rotate the handle when operating a vacuum cleaner.

[0009] The battery-side connection and the component-side interface can be located on opposite or adjacent sides of the device-side end. Positioning the connection and interface on opposite sides of the device-side end optimizes weight distribution. Positioning the connection and interface on adjacent sides of the handle provides more space for the user's hand. While this reduces the leverage effect of the battery on the device-side end of the handle, the spatial arrangement of the battery and other components, with the battery and components positioned at an angle to each other, still results in a favorable tilting moment when the handheld vacuum cleaner rotates along its longitudinal axis.

[0010] The device-side end of the handle can form a connecting piece that links the battery-side connection and the component-side interface. Starting from this connecting piece, the battery, at least one component, and a handle section leading to the free end of the handle can extend in different directions when the household appliance is ready for operation.

[0011] The handle can accommodate the battery, which is connected to the battery-side port. The battery can be either permanently or removable connected to the port. Connecting the battery to a separate port allows for easy battery replacement. The battery can provide the electrical energy required to operate the household appliance.

[0012] The battery can have a rod-shaped housing. The battery cells can be enclosed within this housing. The rod-shaped design allows for a slim profile and, compared to a compact design, improved leverage when the battery is used as a counterweight to at least one component.

[0013] The battery can be angled relative to the handle, for example at an angle between 70° and 90°. This angled position offers greater user comfort, as it prevents the battery from being touched by the hand gripping the handle.

[0014] A handheld vacuum cleaner has the following characteristics: a aforementioned handle device; and a blower unit which is connected as at least one component along a longitudinal axis of the handheld vacuum cleaner at the component-side interface.

[0015] A handheld vacuum cleaner is a compact and lightweight vacuum cleaner that can be held by one user, offering greater mobility compared to a standard vacuum cleaner and thus making it easier to clean hard-to-reach places and corners. Thanks to its battery, the handheld vacuum cleaner can be cordless. The blower unit can be permanently attached or, for example, detachable by the user at the component interface. The blower unit can include the components of a vacuum cleaner responsible for airflow and dust filtration, such as an electric motor, a fan, and a dust collector.

[0016] The blower system of a handheld vacuum cleaner can, for example, comprise a blower and a dust separator. The blower and dust separator can be arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis. A dust separator can be a unit that filters dust and dirt from the intake air and directs or collects it in a dust container. This allows for the use of familiar handheld vacuum cleaner designs. Positioning the blower system along the longitudinal axis of the handheld vacuum cleaner enables a compact design that is therefore easy for the user to handle.

[0017] The battery can be angled, specifically at an angle between 179° and 120°, to the longitudinal axis of the handheld vacuum cleaner. A smaller angle can result in more space for the user's hand. Conversely, a larger angle can allow for better weight distribution between the battery and the components of the handheld vacuum cleaner. For example, the battery can be angled between 179° and 135° to the longitudinal axis of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0018] The handheld vacuum cleaner may have a receptacle for attaching a nozzle or extension tube. This receptacle can be located on the side of the blower unit opposite the handle. A nozzle may be a narrowed attachment for targeted use in hard-to-reach or tight corners. An extension tube may be an elongated component made of, for example, metal or hard plastic, designed to increase the vacuum cleaner's reach. This design allows the user to modify the handheld vacuum cleaner to suit their needs, depending on whether greater reach or higher precision is desired.

[0019] The handheld vacuum cleaner may have a suction tube that is attached to the base. Additionally, the handheld vacuum cleaner may have a floor nozzle that is movably attached to one side of the suction tube, away from the base. A floor nozzle is a component of the vacuum cleaner designed to be placed on a surface, such as a floor, to cover a larger area. It may also be equipped with wheels, allowing the user to move the floor nozzle comfortably, flexibly, and with minimal effort across a large area.

[0020] Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1. A representation of an exemplary embodiment of a handheld vacuum cleaner; Fig. 2 a representation of an embodiment of a handheld vacuum cleaner with a suction tube; Fig. 3. An illustration of an embodiment of a handheld vacuum cleaner with a nozzle; and Fig. 4 A representation of an exemplary embodiment of a handheld vacuum cleaner with a suction tube.

[0022] In the following, identical and / or functionally equivalent elements may be designated with the same reference numerals. The absolute values ​​and dimensions given below are only exemplary and do not constitute a limitation of the invention to such dimensions.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a handheld vacuum cleaner 100 as an example of a household appliance. The handheld vacuum cleaner 100 has a handle 110 with a handle 112, which in the illustration is held by the user's hand. The handle 110 has an interface 114, shown here with dashed lines, to other components 120, in this example at least a blower 121, of the handheld vacuum cleaner 100. Furthermore, the handle 110 has a connection 116, also shown with dashed lines, for attaching a battery 118. The battery 118 has, by way of example, a rod-shaped battery housing 119.

[0024] The battery 118 and the components 120 are connected to opposite sides of the handle 110. This creates a favorable weight balance between the battery 118 and the components 120, making handling easier for the user. The battery 118 is positioned at an angle α to a longitudinal axis 122 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 100. The angle α is, for example, between 179° and 120°. Depending on the size of the angle α, the distance 124 between the battery 118 and the user's hand increases or decreases. A smaller angle α results in a greater distance 124, providing more space for the user's hand. Conversely, a larger angle α results in a smaller distance 124, thus optimizing the weight balance between the battery 118 and the components 120.

[0025] According to one embodiment, components such as the battery 118 or a blower of the blower unit 121, described in more detail below, are arranged in an elongated part of the device located above the handle 112. This part can be angled upwards at an angle to the longitudinal axis 122, also called the device's longitudinal axis, to ensure greater freedom of movement during vacuuming by increasing the distance to the user's arm. The angle can be in a range between 179° and 135° to find the best compromise between handle ergonomics and center of gravity.

[0026] One advantage of the fact that the battery 118 is not located at the free end of the handle 112, also referred to as grip or pistol grip, is a favorable moment behavior during rotational movement of the handle 112 when handling the handheld vacuum cleaner 100, also referred to as vacuum cleaner, vacuum, cordless vacuum cleaner or slim cordless vacuum cleaner, during operation.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the battery 118, also referred to as the battery pack, is mounted behind the handle 112, extending along the axis of the suction pipe 206, also referred to as the pipe. In this variant, the angle α is 180°, which aligns the battery 118 along the longitudinal axis 122.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment, the angle a is between 180° and 270°.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a handheld vacuum cleaner 100, as described in Fig. 1 is described. The components 120, which are in Fig. The components 2 connected to interface 114 include, for example, a blower 200 and a dust separator 202, which are arranged along the longitudinal axis 122 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 100. A recess 204, concealed here, is formed at one end of the components 120 facing away from the handle 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 204 accommodates a suction tube 206. A floor nozzle 208 is attached to one end of the suction tube 206 facing away from the recess 204.

[0030] The components are arranged in such a way that no adverse forces are exerted on the user's hand when twisting the stick to guide the floor nozzle 208. This makes handling easier and / or better.

[0031] In this compact solution with a detachable handheld vacuum unit, also referred to as the hand unit, the battery 118 is not located in the handle 112. This means that the battery capacity is neither significantly limited, nor does the handle 112 become excessively bulky and unwieldy with a larger, higher-capacity battery 118. Other components, such as the blower 200, are also not integrated into the handle 112, as this would be difficult to implement within the limited space available due to the ergonomics of the hand.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the hand vacuum cleaner 100 is a cordless hand vacuum cleaner with separator, cyclone or filter bag and a fluid-technically flat-mounted filter arrangement.

[0033] The assembly from bottom to top of a vertically positioned device, according to one exemplary embodiment, is as follows: A floor nozzle 208 is arranged at the bottom, followed by a suction tube 206, and then the handheld vacuum unit, also referred to as the main unit. The handheld vacuum unit consists of a receptacle 204, or interface, for a suction tube 206 at the bottom, above that an elongated dust separator 202, above that a compact blower 200, above that angled forward the battery 118, and above that, angled towards the user, the handle 112.

[0034] The air path is as follows: The air flows into the floor nozzle 208, is directed via the suction pipe 206 to the main unit 100, and enters an elongated dust separator 202. From there, the air flows through the blower 200 and is subsequently blown out of the unit near the blower.

[0035] The dust container of the handheld vacuum cleaner 100 can, for example, be shaped as a tubular bag, an airtight box with an intermediate filter between the box and the blower, or as a cylindrical surface filter closed on the top with an air inlet at the bottom and a full-surface air outlet across the outer surface.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a handheld vacuum cleaner 100 as described in Fig. 2 is described. Recording 204 takes place in Fig. 3. Attach a nozzle 300. The nozzle 300 is used to achieve higher precision with the handheld vacuum cleaner 100 and to reach small, hard-to-reach corners and angles.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment, the handheld vacuum cleaner 100 has an extension 302 for attaching the suction tube 206, either additionally or instead of the nozzle 300.

[0038] According to another alternative embodiment, the extension 302 is shaped as a nozzle 300.

[0039] The handheld vacuum cleaner 100100, also referred to as a cordless vacuum cleaner, is configured according to one embodiment such that the suction tube 206 with the floor nozzle 208 can be detached from the rest of the device in order to use the remaining handheld unit with all its technical components for vacuuming as a handheld vacuum cleaner. This is useful, for example, for vacuuming a keyboard or for vacuuming in a car. To enable a very compact and slim device design for the handheld vacuum cleaner 100, the technical components, with the exception of the battery 118, also referred to as battery cells, are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis 122 of the device, according to one embodiment. In the handheld vacuum cleaner 100 with an integrated handheld vacuum unit, the battery 118 is mounted either as an extension of the longitudinal axis 122 or at an angle to the extension of the longitudinal axis 122.This prevents the vacuum cleaner from becoming too long and unwieldy, as all the necessary technical components for suction operation do not need to be located in this part of the device. The handheld vacuum cleaner is particularly easy to handle because its center of gravity is very close to the handle 112. This prevents the vacuum cleaner 100 from tipping downwards during operation.

[0040] This enables a slim device design with components 122 and battery cells 118 arranged in series, without compromising grip ergonomics. The device's center of gravity remains close to the handle 112, allowing for fatigue-free operation. This arrangement also allows for a compact, easily accessible, and readily removable interchangeable battery 118.

[0041] Fig.Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the handheld vacuum cleaner 100 with the suction tube 206 and the floor nozzle 208. The compact design of the components 120 and the angled, rod-shaped battery housing 119 can be clearly seen.

[0042] Advantageously, the approach described here enables a slim and compact cordless vacuum cleaner design with components 120 arranged in the longitudinal axis 122 of the device with the highest possible performance, without negatively affecting the ergonomics of the handle. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 349 633 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Handle device (110) for a household appliance (100), wherein the handle device (110) has the following features: a handle (112) with a free end and a device-side end opposite the free end; a battery-side connection (116) for connecting a battery (118) for operating the household appliance (100), wherein the battery-side connection (116) is arranged at the device-side end of the handle (112); and a component-side interface (114) for connecting at least one component (120) of the household appliance (100), wherein the component-side interface (114) is arranged at a distance from the battery-side connection (116) at the device-side end of the handle (112). [2] Handle device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the battery-side connection (116) and the component-side interface (114) are arranged on opposite sides or on adjacent sides of the device-side end. [3] Handle device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device-side end of the handle (112) forms a connecting piece connecting the battery-side connection (116) and the component-side interface (114). [4] Handle device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, with the battery (118), wherein the battery (118) has a rod-shaped battery housing (119) and is connected to the battery-side connection (116). [5] Handle device (110) according to claim 4, wherein the battery (118) is angled relative to the handle (112). [6] Handheld vacuum cleaner (100) with the following features: a handle device (110) according to one of the preceding claims; and a blower unit (121) which is connected as at least one component (120) along a longitudinal axis (122) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (100) at the component-side interface (114). [7] Handheld vacuum cleaner (100) according to claim 6, wherein the blower device (121) comprises a blower (200) and a dust separator (202) arranged in series along the longitudinal axis (122). [8] Handheld vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the battery (118) is angled, in particular at an angle between 179° and 120°, to the longitudinal axis (122) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (100). [9] Handheld vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, with a receptacle (204) for receiving a nozzle (300) or a suction tube (206), wherein the receptacle (204) is arranged on a side of the blower device (121) facing away from the handle device (110). [10] Handheld vacuum cleaner (100) according to claim 9, with the nozzle (300) which is received by the receptacle (204). [11] Handheld vacuum cleaner (100) according to claim 9, with the suction tube (206) which is received by the receptacle (204) and with a floor nozzle (208) which is movably attached to a side of the suction tube (206) facing away from the receptacle (204).

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