Vacuum cleaner assembly and method for its operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner arrangement (1) comprising a vacuum cleaner housing (2), a blower (3) arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing for generating a suction airflow, an electric blower motor (4) for driving the blower (3), a dirt separator (5) arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) for separating dirt particles carried in the suction airflow, a vacuum cleaner nozzle (6), and a suction tube (7) connecting the vacuum cleaner nozzle (6) to the vacuum cleaner housing (2). At least one external energy storage unit (8) is arranged on the suction tube (7). According to the invention, the external energy storage unit (8) is connectable to the blower motor (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner assembly comprising a vacuum cleaner housing, a fan arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing for generating a suction air flow, an electric fan motor for driving the fan, a dirt separator arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing for separating dirt particles entrained in the suction air flow, a vacuum cleaner nozzle, and a suction tube releasably connecting the vacuum cleaner nozzle to the vacuum cleaner housing. The invention is based on a generic vacuum cleaner assembly in which at least one external energy storage unit is further arranged on the suction tube.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner assembly of this type is already known, for example, from the applicant's published patent application DE 10 2016 105 687 A1. The external energy storage unit serves to supply electrical energy to a mechanical cleaning device located within the vacuum cleaner nozzle. A disadvantage of this assembly, however, is the use of a conventional vacuum cleaner, which limits the mobility and flexibility of the vacuum cleaner assembly.

[0003] Furthermore, a market segment has increasingly emerged in recent times in which battery-powered handheld vacuum cleaners are coupled with a conventional suction tube and a vacuum cleaner floor nozzle. These so-called "stick cleaners" can be used for a variety of floor cleaning tasks. In particular, they can be used in areas with limited accessibility or at a great distance from electrical outlets – for example, on stairs. To ensure sufficient portability and to reduce the weight the user has to carry as much as possible, the battery capacity of such stick cleaners is severely limited in most cases.

[0004] Against this background, the invention is based on the object of increasing the running time and cleaning performance of a vacuum cleaner assembly of this type. This should ensure the greatest possible flexibility in handling.

[0005] The subject matter of the invention and the solution to this problem is a vacuum cleaner arrangement according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 5. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent subclaims.

[0006] Based on the generic vacuum cleaner arrangement, the invention provides that the external energy storage unit can be connected to a blower motor that drives the fan. This allows the electrical energy stored in the external energy storage unit carried by the suction tube to also be used for the fan inside the vacuum cleaner housing. The additional weight of the energy storage unit attached to the suction tube is particularly easy to handle, as it can be positioned with a low center of gravity near the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The vacuum cleaner nozzle can be designed, in particular, as a floor nozzle, which at least partially dissipates the weight force—in particular of the external energy storage unit—into the floor.

[0007] Furthermore, the center of gravity of the external energy storage device is located close to the longitudinal axis of the suction tube, which, in normal operation, also serves as a pivot axis for controlling the vacuum cleaner nozzle. The masses positioned close to this pivot axis result in a low moment of inertia, which also facilitates use.

[0008] Despite the identical weight of an energy storage unit of the same size, it is easier to use when mounted on the suction tube than when mounted inside the vacuum cleaner housing. Conversely, with similar operating characteristics, a heavier energy storage unit with a larger capacity can be used. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner housing can also be detached from the suction tube—and thus from the external energy storage unit—and used in "solo mode," so that the weight of the external energy storage unit alone is not a significant factor when handling the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0009] A particularly lightweight design of the vacuum cleaner housing can be achieved if it does not have its own energy storage unit, and the blower motor is powered exclusively by the external energy storage unit during operation of the vacuum cleaner assembly. Such a design can be used to particularly concentrate the inertial masses in the lower area of ​​the suction tube near the vacuum cleaner nozzle. With such a design, an alternative power supply—particularly in the form of a cable connection—must be provided for stand-alone operation of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment of the vacuum cleaner assembly, an additional internal energy storage unit is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing to supply the fan. This allows for particularly flexible use, both in conjunction with the entire vacuum cleaner assembly and in standalone operation of the vacuum cleaner housing as a so-called "handheld vacuum cleaner" without using the suction tube and the attached vacuum cleaner nozzle. Preferably, the suction tube is detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner housing, the external energy storage unit, and / or the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0011] This allows the vacuum cleaner assembly to be used, stored, or transported in a variety of configurations. Detaching the vacuum cleaner housing allows for standalone operation as a handheld vacuum. For cleaning hard-to-reach areas, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can also be detached and the vacuum cleaner housing can be used with a suction tube connected upstream. Preferably, the vacuum cleaner nozzle can also be connected directly to the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0012] Separating the external energy storage unit from the intake manifold not only allows for a significant short-term weight reduction, but also allows for separate charging of the external energy storage unit. Especially in professional use, it is also possible to swap the battery for a fully charged alternative external energy storage unit.

[0013] To provide the electrical connection, paired contact elements are arranged at the connection points between the suction pipe on the one hand and the external energy storage unit, the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and the vacuum cleaner housing on the other. These contact elements establish electrical contact when the components are connected. The mechanical connection between the suction pipe and the vacuum cleaner nozzle housing thus also enables electrical contact between the energy storage unit and the blower motor.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the energy storage unit has a measuring device for determining the charge level of the energy storage unit. The measuring device is expediently connectable to a control and / or regulating unit (controller) arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing. Particularly preferably, a charge level indicator is arranged on the vacuum cleaner housing, which can display the charge level of the energy storage unit. The display can be provided, in particular, as a separate fill level value related exclusively to the external energy storage unit. If an internal energy storage unit is additionally arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing, its charge level can also be indicated separately or as a total value including the charge level of the external energy storage unit.

[0015] The measuring device can also be designed, in particular, as a so-called charging controller or energy management system. The measuring device is then further configured to control the energy consumption of the energy storage unit during charging and / or the energy output of the energy storage unit during use of the vacuum cleaner. This is particularly preferably connected to the control electronics within the vacuum cleaner housing via a data line and can be controlled by it.

[0016] The connection between the measuring unit and the controller can be established, in particular, via a separate data line. However, the data line can also be formed by a line from the busbar, with the transmitted information being expressed as an alternating current component of the supply voltage. In the second variant, additional contacting is therefore unnecessary.

[0017] According to the invention, at least one electrically driven cleaning device is arranged on the vacuum cleaner nozzle. This can be, in particular, a rotatable cleaning roller, in particular a rotatably driven brush roller. The electrical power supply to the cleaning device is expediently provided at least partially by the external energy storage unit.

[0018] To control the cleaning device, an external control unit is arranged in the external energy storage unit or the vacuum cleaner nozzle, which controls the electrical energy supplied by the external energy storage unit to the cleaning device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the external control unit is operated by manual control elements, in particular a mechanical switch.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the external control unit is additionally or exclusively controlled by a control unit (controller) arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing. The connection between the external control unit and the controller is preferably connected to the vacuum cleaner nozzle housing via a data line, in particular the same data line as any measuring unit or charge controller.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method according to claim 5 for operating a vacuum cleaner arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4. The vacuum cleaner arrangement comprises a vacuum cleaner housing with a fan arranged in the housing for generating a suction air flow, as well as a dirt separation device arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing for separating dirt particles entrained in the suction air flow. Furthermore, the arrangement comprises at least one vacuum cleaner nozzle and a suction pipe connecting the vacuum cleaner nozzle to the vacuum cleaner housing. An external energy storage unit is arranged on the suction pipe. Within the scope of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the fan is supplied with energy by the external energy storage unit on the suction pipe. By arranging the external energy storage unit on the suction pipe, the handling of the vacuum cleaner arrangement - also referred to as a stick cleaner - is considerably simplified or even eliminated.enables an increase in the capacity of the electrical energy storage unit while maintaining good handling.

[0021] According to a first variant, the external energy storage unit on the suction pipe represents the sole energy source of the blower within the vacuum cleaner arrangement. Optionally, a connection for an external energy source, in particular a cable, can also be provided for use in solo operation of the vacuum cleaner housing as a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment, an additional internal energy storage unit is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing to supply the fan. This can be used, in particular, in stand-alone operation of the vacuum cleaner housing as a handheld vacuum cleaner when a supply from the energy storage unit on the suction tube is not available.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the vacuum cleaner assembly comprises control electronics (controller) installed in the vacuum cleaner housing, which controls the energy flows within the vacuum cleaner assembly. It is preferably provided that the energy storage unit arranged on the suction pipe and the additional energy storage unit arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing are used in parallel and / or serially one after the other to supply energy to the fan.

[0024] For this purpose, control electronics (charge controller) can be arranged, in particular, within the energy storage unit, which controls the energy output and absorption of the respective energy storage unit.

[0025] Particularly preferably, electrical energy from the external energy storage unit arranged on the suction pipe is supplied to the blower in a prioritized manner. In this embodiment, during normal operation, the additional internal energy storage unit arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing is only activated when the charge level of this energy storage unit falls below a certain level. This maintains the highest possible charge level of the internal energy storage unit for as long as possible, so that the vacuum cleaner housing remains ready for use as long as possible in standalone operation as a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that in order to achieve a particularly high performance (for example as a so-called "boost mode") both energy storage units are used simultaneously - at least for a limited period of time - and thereby preferentially deliver the maximum permissible power.

[0027] In one variant, at least one electrically driven cleaning device is provided in the vacuum cleaner nozzle. This device is also supplied with electrical energy by the external energy storage unit located on the suction tube. However, it is also possible for it to be supplied by the internal energy storage unit and / or both energy storage units together.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the electrically driven cleaning device is controlled, or its speed is regulated, by an electronic control unit (motor control). The motor control can in particular be arranged in the vacuum cleaner nozzle or in or on the external energy storage unit. The motor control is operated either via a connected control element - such as a button or switch, which can be arranged on the housing of the vacuum cleaner nozzle or the external energy storage unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can also be controlled by the controller within the vacuum cleaner housing. In particular, it is provided that when the blower motor is activated, the electrical cleaning device is also activated at the same time. However, this can also be switched on or off separately.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the external energy storage unit further comprises a charge controller or an energy management system. This charge controller can be self-regulating depending on external operating parameters or can be controlled by external control signals—for example, from the control electronics (controller) within the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0030] In particular, it is provided that the energy input and output of the external energy storage unit can be regulated directly by the controller. For example, it can be provided - especially with a limited charging power - that the internal energy storage unit is charged first during charging operation. As soon as this is full or has exceeded a threshold value during a normal charging cycle, which triggers a limitation of the charging current, the charging of the external energy storage unit is successively initiated or increased. In particular, the charge regulator and the controller can form a battery management system that provides prioritized charging of the internal energy storage unit and uses the surplus available charging current to serve the external energy storage unit as a secondary option.

[0031] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can further be provided that – without connecting an external power source – the internal energy storage unit is charged with electrical energy drawn from the external energy storage unit. This is particularly useful if the internal energy storage unit was (partially) discharged during stand-alone operation and subsequently reconnected to the suction tube and vacuum cleaner nozzle. This "transfer charging" can occur, in particular, when the vacuum cleaner assembly is switched off. If the electrical parameters permit, this can also occur during ongoing operation. Despite the conversion losses that occur during this process, the electric range in stand-alone operation can thus be maximized.

[0032] The electrical connection between the external energy storage unit and the fan is preferably established via a busbar with at least two separate conductors. This is expediently formed by a plug-in or contact connection at the transition between the suction tube and the vacuum cleaner housing. Thus, if the suction tube is mechanically separated from the vacuum cleaner housing, the voltage busbar is simultaneously electrically separated, and conversely, it is automatically reconnected when the two components are reconnected. The busbar preferably extends continuously into the vacuum cleaner nozzle, where it enables the operation of lighting and / or an electrically powered cleaning device.

[0033] A data line can be provided to control the electronics of the external energy storage unit and / or the electrical components installed in the vacuum cleaner nozzle. This can be implemented as a separate additional line. Alternatively, it is also possible to apply the control signals as alternating voltage components to the direct voltage applied to the busbar. Communication between the individual components—in particular, the charge controller, controller, and motor control—preferably takes place via a bus system.

[0034] Alternatively, the components can also be designed to operate independently of one another. This capability is particularly advantageous when central control by a controller is not provided or does not function as intended. It also enables mixed operation of different components that only partially have the necessary control capabilities.

[0035] For example, it can be provided that the charging electronics of the external energy storage device or the internal energy storage unit automatically switches to charging mode when a certain limit voltage on the busbar is exceeded and automatically carries out a charging process by drawing electrical energy from the busbar.

[0036] The maximum voltage that can be provided by an energy storage unit can also depend on the state of charge of that energy storage unit. If the charging controller determines that the voltage currently applied to the busbar is higher than this voltage value, it disconnects the energy storage unit from the busbar - at least without a corresponding control input - to prevent unintentional charging of the electrical storage cells. If the voltage value at the busbar has fallen below this threshold - as a result of the discharge of another energy storage unit - the respective energy storage unit is switched on so that both can now be available as electrical energy sources. Such automatic switching on and off enables operation that does not require a central control system.

[0037] The invention is explained below with reference to figures that merely illustrate exemplary embodiments. They show schematically: Fig. 1A a vacuum cleaner arrangement according to the invention in a three-dimensional representation, Fig. 1B the vacuum cleaner arrangement from Fig. 1A in an exploded view, Fig. 2B is a schematic diagram of a vacuum cleaner arrangement according to the invention and Fig. 2A and 2C schematic circuit diagrams of designs not according to the invention.

[0038] The Fig. 1A shows a vacuum cleaner arrangement 1 according to the invention with a vacuum cleaner housing 2. In the vacuum cleaner housing 2, a fan 3 is arranged to generate a suction air flow, which fan can be driven by an electric fan motor 4. In the Fig. 1 Furthermore, a dirt separation device 5 for separating dirt particles entrained in the suction air stream can be seen. In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt separation device is designed as a combination of a cyclone and a fiber filter. However, any other commercially available technologies can also be used here.

[0039] The vacuum cleaner assembly 1 further comprises a vacuum cleaner nozzle 6 and a suction pipe 7 connecting the vacuum cleaner nozzle 6 to the vacuum cleaner housing 2. An external energy storage unit 8 is arranged on the suction pipe 7.

[0040] The individual components of the vacuum cleaner assembly 1 are detachably connected to one another. Fig. 1B shows these components separately in an exploded view. In particular, the vacuum cleaner housing 2 can be detached from the other components of the vacuum cleaner assembly 1 and used as a so-called "handheld vacuum cleaner" in solo operation. In the overall arrangement of the vacuum cleaner assembly 1 - as shown in Fig. 1A As shown, this can also be used as a so-called "stick cleaner" as a full-fledged replacement for a vacuum cleaner - for example, for cleaning large areas of floors.

[0041] In the Fig. 2A A possible wiring configuration for vacuum cleaner assembly 1 is shown: The assembly of suction tube 7 is indicated by a dashed outline, while the assembly of vacuum cleaner housing 2 is indicated by a dash-dotted outline. Associated with suction tube 7 is the external energy storage device 8, which comprises a plurality of electrical storage cells 9 as well as a combined measuring unit and energy management system (charge controller) 10. The external energy storage device 8 is connected to a control unit (controller) 12 within vacuum cleaner housing 2 via a conductor-containing busbar 11. The busbar 11 runs from the external energy storage unit 8 via the suction tube 7 into the vacuum cleaner housing 2.At the respective interfaces, detachable electrical contacts are provided via a first contact strip 13a and a second contact strip 13b, which automatically connect and disconnect when the individual components of the vacuum cleaner assembly 1 are mechanically connected and disconnected. It is intended that the external energy storage unit 8 can be connected to the blower motor 4. In the exemplary embodiment, this is realized via the busbar 11 and the controller 12.

[0042] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, an internal energy storage unit 14 with internal storage cells 15 and an internal charge controller 16 is also arranged within the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The figure schematically shows that the internal energy storage unit 14 has a smaller number of storage cells 15 and a lower capacity—and thus a lower weight and smaller dimensions.

[0043] The controller 12 arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing carries out the motor control depending on the switch position of a slide selector switch 17, which is in the Figuren 1A and 1B is also indicated. Furthermore, a charge level indicator 18 is provided, which displays the charge level of the external energy storage unit 8 and the internal energy storage unit 14. For this purpose, the external charge controller 10 and the internal charge controller 16 transmit the current charge level of the battery cells 9 and 15, respectively, to the controller 12 via a data line 19.

[0044] Furthermore, in the Fig. 2A A connection element 20 for the external power supply of the vacuum cleaner housing 2 is indicated. This can be used to charge the external energy storage unit 8 and the internal energy storage unit 14, or for power supply in (solo) operation. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the connection unit 20 must be used in solo operation of the vacuum cleaner housing 2, provided no internal energy storage unit 14 is provided.

[0045] Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable for the external energy storage unit 8 to be charged separately in a separate charging station. Particularly preferably, the external energy storage unit 8 also has a charge level indicator 21, which displays the current charge level either continuously during charging or after pressing a push button 21a. For this purpose, a series of indicator lights 21b, preferably multicolored, can be provided.

[0046] A further preferred embodiment of the circuit is shown in the Fig. 2B This essentially corresponds to the Fig. 2A . In addition, a cleaning roller 23 driven by a roller motor 22 is provided in the vacuum cleaner nozzle 6 indicated by dashed lines. The cleaning roller - preferably a brush roller - is arranged in a roller chamber within the vacuum cleaner nozzle 6 and, during operation, mechanically loosens dirt particles adhering to a floor surface. These are then transported away with the suction air flow generated by the fan 3. Fig. 2B The electrical circuitry of this exemplary embodiment is shown: The cleaning motor 22 is controlled by a motor control 24 arranged in the vacuum cleaner nozzle 6. This is connected to the data line 19 and can be controlled by the controller 12 in the vacuum cleaner housing 2. This allows the cleaning roller 23 to be automatically switched on or off depending on the cleaning level selected on the selector switch 17. In addition, a foot switch 25 is provided on the vacuum cleaner nozzle for control purposes. This allows separate switching on or off, so that the vacuum cleaner can also be operated in suction mode without the brush roller - or alternatively - only with the cleaning roller without suction air flow. Fig. 1A The foot switch 25 is located on top of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 6. Opposite it is a selector switch 26 for mechanically switching the vacuum cleaner floor nozzle 6 between a carpet and a smooth floor position.

[0047] A further variant of the circuit not according to the invention is shown in the Fig. 2C : Control electronics are completely omitted there. Both the internal energy storage unit 14 and the external energy storage unit 8 are connected to the common busbar 11 without any control. Both the fan motor 4 and the roller motor 22 can be connected to the busbar via a simple mechanical switch 27a or 27b, respectively. This can preferably be designed for power selection with multiple switching positions, which insert different choke resistances into the circuit.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner assembly (1) comprising a vacuum cleaner housing (2), comprising a fan (3) arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) for generating a suction air flow, comprising an electric fan motor (4) for driving the fan (3), comprising a dirt separating device (5) arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) for separating dirt particles entrained in the suction air flow, comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle (6), and comprising a suction pipe (7) connecting the vacuum cleaner nozzle (6) to the vacuum cleaner housing (2), wherein at least one external energy storage unit (8) is arranged at the suction pipe (7), wherein the external energy storage unit (8) can be connected to the fan motor (4), characterized in that a controller (12) for regulating the electrical energy output to the fan motor (4) is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2), that at least one electrically driven cleaning device (22, 23), which can be connected to the external energy storage unit (8), is arranged at the vacuum cleaner nozzle (6), that an external control unit is arranged in the external energy storage unit (8) or the vacuum cleaner nozzle (6) for controlling the cleaning device (22, 23), which external control unit controls the electrical energy provided by the external energy storage unit (8) to the cleaning device (22, 23) and that the external control unit can be operated by means of manual control elements, in particular a mechanical switch and / or can be regulated via the controller (12).

2. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that an internal energy storage unit (14) for supplying the fan motor (4) is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2).

3. The vacuum cleaner assembly according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction pipe (7) is detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner housing (2), to the external energy storage unit (8) and / or the vacuum cleaner nozzle (6).

4. The vacuum cleaner assembly (1) according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that a charge controller (10), which is connected to the controller (12) via a data line (19), is provided in the external energy storage unit (8).

5. A method for operating a vacuum cleaner assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fan motor (4) is at least partially supplied by means of the external energy storage means (8).

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the external energy storage means (8) has an external charge controller (10), that an internal energy storage unit (14) comprising an internal charge controller (16) is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2), that the controller (12) of the vacuum cleaner housing (2) is connected to the internal charge controller (16) and the external charge controller (10), and that during operation, the controller (12) controls the power output of the external energy storage unit (8) and of the internal energy storage unit (14) via the charge controllers (10, 16).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that in a first operating phase, the electrical energy is completely or predominantly taken from the external energy storage means (8) and in a subsequent second operating phase, in particular after completely emptying the external energy storage means (8), is taken completely or predominantly from the internal energy storage means (14).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that for providing a particularly high power output (boost mode), the external energy storage unit (8) and the internal energy storage unit (14) in each case provide the maximally permissible energy output.

9. The method according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that in a transfer-charge mode, the controller (12) activates the external energy storage unit (8) to output energy (discharging) and the internal energy storage unit (14) to absorb energy (charging).

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