Vacuum cleaner, dust bag, system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner (1) for cleaning and maintaining floor surfaces, comprising a housing (2), a blower (3) for generating a negative pressure for collecting dust by means of an airflow, wherein a dust chamber (5) for receiving a dust bag (6) for cleaning the collected air of dust is arranged in the housing, wherein the dust chamber (5) has a retaining plate receptacle (31) for receiving a retaining plate (14) of a dust bag (6), wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) has a control unit (7) for controlling the blower (2), wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) has a radiation source (9) emitting radiation (8), wherein the radiation (8) of the radiation source (9) is configured to be reflected by dust bags (6) received in the dust chamber (5), wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) has a receiving unit (11) for receiving the reflections (10) of the radiation (8) at the received dust bag (6), and wherein the control unit (7) is configured toThe invention relates to controlling the blower (3) depending on the reflections (10) of the radiation (8) received by the receiving unit (11), wherein the radiation (8) emitted by the radiation source (9) is configured to be reflected by the retaining plates (14) of the dust bags (6) received in the retaining plate receptacle (30). Furthermore, the invention relates to a dust bag (1) for the vacuum cleaner (1), a system comprising such a vacuum cleaner (1) and such a dust bag (6), and a method for operating such a vacuum cleaner (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner for cleaning and maintaining floor surfaces, comprising a housing, a blower for generating a negative pressure for absorbing dust by means of an air stream, wherein a dust chamber for receiving a dust bag for cleaning the absorbed air of dust is arranged in the housing, wherein the dust chamber has a holding plate holder for receiving a holding plate of a dust bag, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a control unit for controlling the blower, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a radiation-emitting radiation source, wherein the radiation from the radiation source is designed to be reflected by dust bags received in the dust chamber, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a receiving unit that receives the reflections of the radiation on the received dust bag, wherein the control unit is designed to control the blower depending on the reflections of the radiation received by the receiving unit.The invention also relates to a dust bag for a vacuum cleaner, a system comprising such a vacuum cleaner and such a dust bag, and a method for operating such a vacuum cleaner.

[0002] In both private households and businesses, vacuum cleaners are used to clean surfaces such as textile floor coverings and smooth floors. The floor surface can be a textile floor covering such as a carpet or rug, or a hard floor such as wood parquet, laminate, or PVC flooring.

[0003] Vacuum cleaners only achieve their optimal performance through the use of suitable dust bags. Instead of the original dust bags supplied with the vacuum cleaner, customers regularly purchase dust bags from other manufacturers, which often have poorer filtration performance than the original dust bags. This can lead to dust deposits in the fan, shortening the lifespan of the vacuum cleaner, giving rise to unjustified warranty claims, and compromising product safety. The dust bag change indicators, which operate on the differential pressure principle, also do not function properly with some bags. If the dust bags from other manufacturers are not coordinated with the dust bag change indicators, partially filled dust bags are regularly displayed as full, resulting in premature bag changes, which generates additional waste and unnecessarily pollutes the environment.

[0004] A vacuum cleaner mentioned above is known, for example, from EP 4 147 622 A1. Even though the vacuum cleaner described there is better protected against damage caused by unsuitable dust bags, it has been found to be disadvantageous that the radiation emitted by the radiation source is not reflected reliably enough by the filter bag to automatically detect the dust bag in every situation.

[0005] The invention therefore addresses the problem of providing an improved vacuum cleaner. In particular, the vacuum cleaner should be more reliably protected against damage caused by unsuitable dust bags. Furthermore, a dust bag whose suitability can be better automatically recognized by vacuum cleaners should be provided. Furthermore, an improved method for the safe operation of such a vacuum cleaner should be provided.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a vacuum cleaner having the features of patent claim 1. Because the radiation emitted by the radiation source is configured to be reflected by the dust bag retaining plates accommodated in the retaining plate holder, the vacuum cleaner can be more reliably protected in a simple manner against damage caused by unsuitable dust bags. To this end, the reflections of the radiation from the dust bag retaining plate in the dust compartment are simply measured, and the fan is activated, deactivated, or throttled, for example, depending on this measurement. This effectively prevents damage to the device if the received reflections do not correspond to the reflections expected, for example, from a suitable original dust bag.In alternative embodiments, depending on the radiation reflections received by the receiving unit, the control unit can also activate display elements to visualize a malfunction. In another alternative embodiment, the radiation source in the dust chamber can be replaced by at least one opening in the dust chamber, which is designed to direct ambient light into the dust chamber.

[0007] The vacuum cleaner has a fan to create a vacuum, which causes a floor nozzle to be moved over a floor area to be cleaned to pick up dust and dirt from the floor surface. To do this, the user moves the floor nozzle back and forth in the direction of travel using pushing and pulling movements. This causes the floor nozzle to glide over the floor area to be cleaned. Particularly with long-pile carpets, the underside of the floor nozzle glides over the carpet, while with smooth floors the underside hovers over these floor surfaces at a distance, possibly using spacer bristles. The user can do this, for example, by using a handle on the vacuum cleaner that is connected to the suction tube. To ensure that the floor covering can be cleaned and cared for as effectively as possible, the suction mouth of the floor nozzle is elongated and runs essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel.In this context, "elongated" means that the preferably substantially rectangular suction nozzle has a greater length transverse to the working direction than its width in the working direction. The suction nozzle is preferably between 20 and 30 cm long transverse to the working direction. The vacuum cleaner can also be designed as a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, in particular a robot vacuum cleaner, so that the working direction of the floor nozzle corresponds to the direction of travel of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the following dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can also be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner, thus revealing further embodiments of the invention.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receiving unit comprises at least one optical sensor, preferably a phototransistor or a photodiode, which is configured to generate a measurable voltage change depending on the received reflections of the radiation on the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber. Using a phototransistor, the reflections of the radiation on the holding plate of the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber can be determined very easily and robustly. Using inexpensive analog technology, the received reflections can be very easily and automatically assigned, for example, to an original dust bag. In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable to evaluate the received reflections using digital components.

[0010] Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the receiving unit has an operational amplifier configured to transmit corresponding operational signals to the control unit depending on the measurable voltage change at the optical sensor. The operational amplifier advantageously provides additional analog technology, which allows for simple and robust determination of the reflections on the retaining plate of the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber.

[0011] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention therefore provides that the receiving unit comprises a fiber optic cable designed to transmit the received reflections to an optical sensor of the receiving unit located outside the dust chamber. The optical sensor can also be arranged directly on the control unit via the fiber optic cable, for example, which reduces the wiring effort required for the optical sensor. The fiber optic cable can be easily integrated into the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the radiation source is arranged outside the dust chamber, with the optical fiber being designed to guide the radiation emitted by the radiation source into the dust chamber. Using the optical fiber, the radiation source can also be arranged directly on the control unit, for example, which reduces the cabling required for the radiation source. The optical fiber can be easily integrated into the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0013] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the dust chamber is accessible for changing the dust bag via a dust chamber opening that can be closed with a dust chamber cover. The light guide is arranged in the dust chamber cover and, when the dust chamber opening is closed with the dust chamber cover, ends on a dust bag holding plate inserted into the holding plate receptacle. The arrangement of the light guide in the dust chamber cover ensures in a simple manner that the optical sensor and / or the radiation source can be arranged outside the dust chamber, but that the dust bag holding plate inserted into the holding plate receptacle can still be irradiated and / or the reflections thereon can be detected.

[0014] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the optical fiber has two separate channels, each channel being configured to transmit the reflections received from two separate measuring points to one of the optical sensors of the receiving unit located outside the dust chamber. By detecting the reflections at two separate measuring points, the automatic detection of suitable bags can be improved, since the optical sensors can detect two degrees of reflection at different locations on the holding plate via the two separate measuring points.

[0015] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention therefore provides that each channel is configured to direct radiation emitted by the radiation source to one of the measuring points. Each channel can also be equipped with its own radiation source.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the radiation emitted by the radiation source is light, in particular light with a wavelength in the infrared range from 870 nm to 950 nm. With such radiation, the reflection of the radiation on the received filter bag can be measured particularly easily using a phototransistor. With light with a wavelength of 870 nm to 950 nm, the radiation source does not necessarily have to be deactivated when the dust compartment is opened in order not to unsettle the customer. On the other hand, when visible light is used, the radiation source can simply be illuminated when the dust bag is changed in order to make handling easier. The dust bag should preferably be irradiated by an LED that is matched to the phototransistor, i.e. that primarily emits radiation in the wavelength range to which the phototransistor is sensitive.

[0017] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the control unit is configured to operate the fan in a normal operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber, as detected by the receiving unit, is within a defined range. The control unit is further configured to operate the fan in an emergency operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber, as detected by the receiving unit, is outside the defined range. In this way, the fan can be protected when unsuitable dust bags are used. For example, the fan power of the fan in emergency operating mode can be throttled by 20%, more preferably 40%, more preferably 60%, compared to normal operating mode in order to prevent excessive wear on the vacuum cleaner.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the control unit is configured to operate the fan in a normal operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber, as detected by the receiving unit, is within a defined range. The control unit is further configured to deactivate the fan when the reflectance of the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber, as detected by the receiving unit, is outside the defined range. This allows for even better protection of the fan when unsuitable dust bags are used. The fan can be easily deactivated when unsuitable dust bags are used to prevent damage to the device.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention relates to a dust bag for a vacuum cleaner, in particular for a vacuum cleaner already described above and in more detail below, with a holding plate for receiving in a holding plate receptacle in a dust chamber of the vacuum cleaner, wherein an inlet opening for receiving a dust-laden air stream of the vacuum cleaner is let into the holding plate, wherein a filter bag made of an air-permeable material is arranged on the holding plate and is open to the inlet opening, wherein the material of the filter bag is designed to filter the dust from the air stream as the air stream passes through, wherein the dust bag has at least one identification surface, wherein the identification surface is designed to identify a manufacturer-specific approval of the suitability of the dust bag for a manufacturer-specific vacuum cleaner, wherein the identification surface has a defined degree of reflection,The reflectance is configured to identify the appropriate dust bag, with the identification surface being arranged on a top side of the retaining plate. The retaining plates of the dust bags fulfill the task of correctly positioning the inlet opening of the dust bag in the dust compartment. For this purpose, the retaining plates are usually inserted into retaining plate receptacles in the dust compartment when the dust bag is positioned in the dust compartment of the vacuum cleaner. The material of the filter bag should then filter the dust from the airflow. However, even the correct positioning of the retaining plate in the retaining plate receptacle is not possible with some unsuitable dust bags.This causes the dust to be blown past the inlet opening into the fan and then further into the environment or downstream filter stages. This can lead to damage to the fan and excessive strain on downstream filter stages. If the filter bag material is not optimally matched to the vacuum cleaner, the filtration performance is also limited, which also leads to corresponding problems. Therefore, the proposed dust bag features an identification surface on the top of the retaining plate, which makes it easy to mark the manufacturer-specific suitability approval of the dust bag for the manufacturer-specific vacuum cleaner. Only dust bags bearing the identification surface have the manufacturer's suitability approval.Therefore, no such problems are to be expected. The vacuum cleaner can easily and automatically identify the suitability of the dust bag using the defined reflectance of the identification surface. The defined reflectance of the identification surface is characteristic of dust bags that have manufacturer-specific approval for unrestricted use in the manufacturer's vacuum cleaner. The defined reflectance leads to a clearly identifiable optical reflectivity of the holding plate. Non-approved dust bags do not have such an identification surface with the defined reflectance on the holding plate, so that use in the manufacturer's vacuum cleaner is only possible to a limited extent, if at all. The arrangement of the identification surface on the top of the holding plate of the filter bag is designed such thatThe radiation source's rays reflected by the identification surface fall into the reception area of ​​the receiving unit in the dust compartment. The mounting plate is positioned in the vacuum cleaner's dust compartment by fully inserting the mounting plate into the vacuum cleaner's mounting plate holder. By positioning the identification surface in the radiation source's beam path, the identification surface is directly irradiated by the radiation source. The positioning of the identification surface on the dust bag's mounting plate enables easy identification of the manufacturer's specific approval for suitability.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the dust bag, the identification area is provided with a graphic design on the surface of the retaining plate, preferably a manufacturer-specific design, more preferably a manufacturer-specific design for the manufacturer-specific vacuum cleaner. The graphic design of the surface of the retaining plate can visually distinguish it from other filter bags. For this purpose, the brand names of the vacuum cleaner manufacturer or the dust bag manufacturer can preferably be used. This allows the brand names to stand out from the rest of the material of the retaining plate due to the defined degree of reflection.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a vacuum cleaner already described in more detail above and below, and a dust bag already described in more detail above and below. According to an advantageous embodiment of this system, it is provided that the radiation from the at least one radiation source is configured to be reflected on the identification surface of the holding plate received in the holding plate holder, wherein the at least one receiving unit receiving the reflections of the radiation on the received dust bag is configured to determine the reflectance of the irradiated identification surface, wherein the control unit is configured to control the fan depending on the reflectance of the identification surface determined by the receiving unit.By determining the defined reflectance of the vacuum cleaner bag's identification surface, the vacuum cleaner can easily and automatically identify the bag's suitability. The defined reflectance of the identification surface is characteristic of dust bags that have manufacturer-specific approval for unrestricted use in the manufacturer's vacuum cleaner. This ensures safe operation of the coordinated system consisting of vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner bag.

[0022] Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the system which provides that the receiving unit is configured to determine a difference in the degree of reflection of irradiated partial regions of the identification surface, wherein the control unit is configured to control the fan depending on the difference between the partial regions of the identification surface determined by the receiving unit. In this way, the fan can be protected when unsuitable dust bags are used in the dust compartment of the vacuum cleaner. For example, the fan power of the fan can be throttled in an emergency operating mode compared to the normal operating mode, preferably by 20%, more preferably 40%, more preferably 60%, in order to prevent excessive wear on the vacuum cleaner. However, it can also be provided that the fan remains switched off in an emergency operating mode. This can protect the fan when unsuitable dust bags are used.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a vacuum cleaner, in particular a vacuum cleaner already described above and in more detail below, comprising the following steps: Inserting a dust bag, in particular a dust bag described in more detail above and below, into a dust chamber in the housing of the vacuum cleaner by receiving the holding plate of the dust bag in the holding plate receptacle of the dust chamber, irradiating the received holding plate, in particular an identification surface of the holding plate, in the dust chamber with at least one radiation source of the vacuum cleaner that emits radiation, detecting the reflections of the radiation on the received holding plate with a receiving unit of the vacuum cleaner, controlling the fan of the vacuum cleaner by a control unit of the vacuum cleaner depending on the reflections of the radiation on the dust bag received by the receiving unit.

[0024] This method enables safe operation of the vacuum cleaner, as the irradiation of the retaining plate, the detection of radiation reflections, and the resulting control of the fan ensure that the vacuum cleaner is protected from damage caused by unsuitable dust bags. To do this, the radiation reflection from the retaining plate in the dust chamber is simply measured, and the fan is activated, deactivated, or throttled based on this measurement. This effectively prevents damage to the device if the received reflections do not correspond to what the control unit expects, for example, from a suitable original dust bag.

[0025] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the method relates to the control unit operating the fan in a normal operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber, as detected by the receiving unit, lies within a defined range, wherein the control unit operates the fan in an emergency operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag accommodated in the dust chamber, as detected by the receiving unit, lies outside the defined range. Thus, for example, the fan power of the fan in emergency operating mode can be reduced by 20%, more preferably 40%, more preferably 60%, compared to normal operating mode in order to prevent excessive wear on the vacuum cleaner. In this way, the vacuum cleaner can be protected when unsuitable dust bags are used. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the fan remains switched off in emergency operating mode.

[0026] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings. An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the following drawings and is described in more detail below. Corresponding objects or elements are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures. Figure 1: Vacuum cleaner according to the invention with floor nozzle, Figure 2: Sectional view through the vacuum cleaner, Figure 3: Detailed view of the holding plate, and Figure 4: Schematic view of radiation sources and receiving unit.

[0027] In the Figur 1 Denoted by the reference numeral 1, a vacuum cleaner 1 with floor nozzle 20 is shown purely schematically. The representation according to Figur 1 shows a vacuum cleaner 1 according to the invention with a floor nozzle 20 connected to the vacuum cleaner 1. The vacuum cleaner 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment is a so-called canister vacuum cleaner. The floor nozzle 20 is connected here via its connecting piece 21 to a preferably telescopic suction tube 22. Furthermore, the floor nozzle 1 in this exemplary embodiment has its own housing 23 that is independent of the vacuum cleaner housing 2, 2a. The telescopic suction tube 22 merges into a handle 24, to which a suction hose 25 is connected, which is connected to the vacuum cleaner housing 2, 2a. A fan (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner 1, which is integrated into the vacuum cleaner housing 2, 2a, is powered by an electrical connecting cable 26 in order to generate a vacuum.By means of this negative pressure, dirt and grime from the floor surface 100 to be cleaned are picked up by an air stream via the suction mouth of the floor nozzle 20 and transported via the suction pipe 22 and the suction hose 25 into the housing 2, 2a of the vacuum cleaner 1. Provided in this housing 2, 2a is a separation system which is designed as a dust bag 6. This separation system is located in a dust chamber 5 formed by the housing parts 2 and 2a of the vacuum cleaner 1. This dust chamber 5 is accessible and open via a folding mechanism between the vacuum cleaner housing parts 2 and 2a, so that the dust bag 6 is visible and removable. The dust chamber 5 is therefore accessible for changing the dust bag 6 via a dust chamber opening 32 which can be closed with the dust chamber cover 2a. For operation of the vacuum cleaner 1, the dust chamber 5 is closed and a negative pressure is generated.The air flow generated by the negative pressure is freed of dirt and grime in the separation system and guided out of the vacuum cleaner 1 via an exhaust air grille 27. For switching the vacuum cleaner 1 on and off, the latter has a foot switch 28. This foot switch 28 comprises switches that are large enough for users to operate them with their foot. The foot switch 28 usually also has a switch for operating the automatic winding mechanism (not shown) for the connecting cable 26 integrated in the vacuum cleaner housing 2, 2a. Also located on the handle 24 is a manual switch 29 with which functions of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be activated. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be switched on and off using the manual switch 29, and power levels of the fan (not shown) can be selected.Users of the vacuum cleaner 1 can grasp the handle 24 and thus push the floor nozzle 20 back and forth by means of a pushing and pulling movement in the processing direction 101 marked by a double arrow in order to clean the floor surface 100. The floor nozzle 1 glides over the floor surface 100 to be cleaned. Particularly with long-pile carpets, the underside of the floor nozzle 1 glides over the floor surface 100, while with hard floors the underside hovers over these floor surfaces 100 at a distance, optionally by spacer bristles. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor nozzle 20 also has support elements 30 in the form of wheels, which ensure a defined distance between the underside and the floor surfaces 100 to be cleaned and easy handling when pushing the floor nozzle 20 back and forth.

[0028] The Figur 2 shows the housing 2 of a vacuum cleaner 1 according to the invention in a section view. The dust chamber 5 serves, as in Figur 2 as can be seen, for accommodating a dust bag 6. The dust-laden air drawn into the vacuum cleaner 1 by the fan is cleaned by the dust bag 6, as the dust is separated in the dust bag 6. The dust bag 6 has a holding plate 14 for receiving in the holding plate receptacle 31 in the dust chamber 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1. The dust bag 6 has a filter bag 16 made of an air-permeable material. This material of the filter bag 16 is designed to filter the dust from the air stream as it passes through.

[0029] The dust bag 6 has an identification surface 17 on the holding plate 14, which Figur 3 is shown. In the holding plate 14 there is an inlet opening 15 for receiving a dust-laden air stream from the vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 1 ) is inserted. A filter bag 16 ( Fig. 2 ) made of an air-permeable material. The material of the filter bag 16 ( Fig. 2 ) is designed to filter the dust from the air stream as it passes through. The identification surface 17 is designed to provide a manufacturer-specific approval of the suitability of the dust bag 6 for the manufacturer-specific vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 1 ). The identification surface 17 has a defined degree of reflection. In Figur 3 It can also be seen that the identification surface 17 is divided into two differently reflective partial areas 35, 36. A first partial area 35 has a first degree of reflection and a second partial area 36 has a second degree of reflection which is different from the first. A binary code can be generated via the partial areas 35, 36. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, this degree of reflection is achieved by a deep black color in a first partial area of ​​the identification surface 17. This color can be applied, for example, using a contrast agent. The contrast agent does not have to be applied completely homogeneously, but can have slight differences in partial sections of the area. The identification surface 16 created in this way reflects light significantly worse. In order to create an identification surface 17 that reflects light significantly worse, for example,a black acrylic-based paint (RAL color 9005) can be used. The paint can be applied to the material of the holding plate 14, for example, by spraying or offset printing. The identification surface 17 can also have a very high reflectivity in the second partial area 36. To create an identification surface 17 with significantly higher reflectivity, a solvent-based acrylic paint containing micro glass spheres with a high degree of roundness can be used (e.g., reflector spray). As an alternative to the paint with micro glass spheres, paints or solutions containing or imitating metallic particles, so-called metallic paints or chrome paints, can also be applied. They create a metallically shimmering surface and also reflect light well. When using a reflective surface as the identification surface 17, the illuminance of the radiation source 9 (. Fig. 4 ) can be reduced to such an extent that the voltage change at the phototransistor 12 ( Fig. 4 ) makes the marked dust bags 6 identifiable. The identification surface 17 on the upper side 18 of the holding plate 14 is designed to indicate a manufacturer-specific approval of the suitability of the dust bag 6 for a manufacturer-specific vacuum cleaner 1. For this purpose, the identification surface 17 has at least a defined degree of reflection, wherein the degree of reflection is designed to identify the suitable dust bag 1. The identification surface 17 on a top side 18 of the holding plate 14 is, when the holding plate 14 is arranged in the holding plate receptacle 31 ( Fig. 2 ) the dust chamber cover 2a ( Fig. 2 ). In the housing 2 of the vacuum cleaner 1 there is also a control unit 7 ( Fig. 2 ) to control the fan. The vacuum cleaner 1 has a radiation 8 ( Fig. 4 ) emitting radiation source 9. The radiation 8 ( Fig. 4 ) of the radiation source 9 ( Fig. 2 ) is designed to be reflected on dust bags 6 accommodated in the dust chamber 5. More precisely, according to the invention, the radiation emitted by the radiation source is designed to be reflected on dust bags 6 accommodated in the holding plate receptacle 31 ( Fig. 2 ) retaining plates 14 of the dust bags 6 ( Fig. 1 ) to be reflected. The vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 2 ) has a reflections 10 ( Fig. 4 ) of radiation 8 ( Fig. 4 ) on the picked up dust bag 6 receiving unit 11 ( Fig. 2 ). The control unit 7 ( Fig. 2 ) of the vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 2 ) is designed to control the fan depending on the signal received from the receiving unit 11 ( Fig. 2 ) received reflections 10 ( Fig. 4 ) of radiation 8 ( Fig. 4 ) to control the reflections 10 of the radiation 8 ( Fig. 4 ) on the holding plate 14 is received by a receiving unit 11 ( Fig. 2 ) are received. The control unit 7 is advantageously designed to control the fan depending on the reflections 10 ( Fig. 4 ) of radiation 8 ( Fig. 4 ). This provides a simple way to protect the vacuum cleaner 1 from damage caused by unsuitable dust bags. This simply involves reducing the reflections of the radiation from the dust bag 6 in the dust chamber 5 ( Fig. 2 ) is measured and the fan is activated, deactivated, or throttled, for example, depending on this measurement. This can effectively prevent damage to the fan if the received reflections do not correspond to those of a suitable original dust bag. Using the identification surface 17, the dust bag 6 can be easily marked with a manufacturer-specific approval for the manufacturer-specific vacuum cleaner 1. Thus, only dust bags 6 provided with the identification surface 17 have the manufacturer's approval, so that no damage to the vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 1 ) are to be expected. Based on the defined reflectance of the identification surface 17 ( Fig. 3 ), the suitability of the dust bag 6 can be easily and automatically identified by the vacuum cleaner 1. Since the at least one defined degree of reflection of the identification surface 17 is characteristic of dust bags 6 which have the manufacturer-specific suitability approval for unrestricted use in the manufacturer's vacuum cleaner 1, non-approved dust bags 6 can be used in the vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 1 ) of the manufacturer may not be used or may only be used to a limited extent.

[0030] The receiving unit 11 has in the embodiment shown according to Figur 4 two phototransistors 12 which are designed to, depending on the received reflections 10 of the radiation 8 at the in the holding plate receptacle 31 ( Fig. 2 ) retaining plate 14 ( Fig. 3 ) to generate a measurable voltage change. Using this photoelectric effect, an electrical signal can be generated very easily. The electrical signal of the phototransistors 12 is directly proportional to the received radiation intensities. The phototransistor 12 is preferably connected in series with an ohmic resistor. A voltage changes at the phototransistor 12 depending on the reflectivity of the measured surface. A low reflectivity generates a high voltage drop at the phototransistor 12. A high reflectivity corresponds to a low voltage drop across the phototransistor 12. The phototransistor 12 is therefore used to measure the reflectivity of the identification surface 17 ( Fig. 3 ). It is assumed that the voltage drop across the phototransistor 12 is a measure of the reflectance of the identification surface 17 ( Fig. 3 ) and behaves proportionally. The receiving unit 11 also has at least one operational amplifier (not shown) which is designed to transmit corresponding operational signals to the control unit 7 ( Fig. 2 ). In the embodiment shown here, the optical fiber 13 comprises two separate channels 33, 34. Each of these channels 33, 34 of the optical fiber 13 is configured to receive the reflections 10 from one of the two separate measuring points M1, M2. The channels 33, 34 of the optical fiber 13 transmit the reflections 10 to one of the optical sensors 12 of the receiving unit 11 arranged outside the dust chamber 5. As shown in Figur 4 As can also be seen, each channel can conduct radiation 8 emitted by a radiation source 9 to one of the measuring points M1, M2. The radiation sources 9 can be implemented via two independent LEDs. The comparison of the measured values ​​of the phototransistors 12 with threshold values ​​of the defined range for the defined reflection range can be carried out, for example, via inexpensive electronics consisting exclusively of analog components. The comparison of the measured values ​​is preferably carried out in an operational amplifier that is connected as an adder. At the output of the analog amplifier (Out), either the supply voltage or the ground potential is present, depending on whether a dust bag with identification surface 17 is mounted on the holding plate ( Fig. 3 ) or a foreign bag is detected at measuring point M1. This signal can be routed to the control unit of the vacuum cleaner 1 at the "Out" point for further processing. Due to the implementation exclusively using analog components without special optics, the space required in the device is minimal. However, at least one line 19 can also be provided on the light guide 13. The evaluation of the phototransistor 12 can also be performed by a microprocessor. This reads the voltage applied to the phototransistors 12 in analog form and continuously compares it with the threshold values ​​of the defined range. Instead of comparing with the threshold values, a comparison of the measured value with an external reference can be useful. This external reference can be the second phototransistor 12, which measures a second measuring point M2. This measuring point M2 is located in the identification area 17 ( Fig. 3 ) next to the first measuring point M1, thus representing a part of the holding plate 14. The advantage of this design is that aging of the radiation source 9 no longer leads to a change in the comparison. The control unit 7 can be configured to operate the fan in a normal operating mode with a reflection factor of the dust chamber 5 ( Fig. 2 ) dust bag 6 ( Fig. 2 ) in the defined area. Furthermore, the control unit 7 can be configured to operate the fan in an emergency mode when the reflectance of the dust in the dust chamber 5 ( Fig. 2 ) dust bag 6 ( Fig. 2 ) outside the defined range. In this way, the blower can be protected when using unsuitable dust bags. For example, the blower power of the blower in emergency mode can be throttled by 20%, more preferably 40%, more preferably 60%, compared to normal mode, in order to prevent excessive wear of the vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 1 ). It may also be provided that the fan remains switched off in emergency mode. In addition, a signaling device, e.g., a yellow LED on the control panel of the vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 1 ) and light up to signal to customers that the vacuum cleaner 1 is in emergency mode. The receiving unit 11 can also have a light guide 13 ( Fig. 2 ) which is designed to transmit the received reflections 10 to a receiver outside the dust chamber 5 ( Fig. 2 ), preferably on the control unit 7 ( Fig. 2 ), arranged phototransistor of the receiving unit 11. Both the receiving unit 11 and the radiation sources 9 can be integrated into the electronics of the control unit 7 ( Fig. 2 ) itself. The light from the radiation sources 9 and the captured light for the phototransistors 12 could then be transmitted by means of a light guide 13 ( Fig. 2 ), which is located between the control unit 7 and the dust chamber 5. The position of the module comprising radiation sources 9 and receiving unit 11 can also be located at any point in the dust chamber 5. Preferred are positions that represent a spatially short connection to the holding plate receptacle 31. The dust chamber 5 ( Fig. 1 ) is for changing the dust bag 6 ( Fig. 2 ) via a dust chamber cover 2a ( Fig. 2 ) closable dust compartment opening 32 ( Fig. 1 ) accessible. The light guide 13 can be inserted into the dust compartment cover 2a ( Fig. 2 ) and with the dust chamber cover 2a ( Fig. 2 ) closed dust chamber opening 32 ( Fig. 1 ) on a retaining plate holder 31 ( Fig. 2 ) retaining plate 14 ( Fig. 2 ) of a dust bag 6 ( Fig. 2 ) end. The radiation 8 emitted by the radiation sources 9 can be visible light, but also light with a wavelength in the infrared range from 870 nm to 950 nm. The radiation sources 9 of the vacuum cleaner 1 ( Fig. 1 ) irradiate a measuring point M1 and M2 in which the sub-areas 34, 35 ( Fig. 3 ) of the identification surface 17 of the holding plate 14 ( Fig. 3 ) condition.

[0031] Of course, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Further embodiments are possible without departing from the basic idea. List of reference symbols:

[0032] 1 Vacuum cleaner 2 Housing 3 Blower 5 Dust chamber 6 Dust bag 7 Control unit 8 Radiation 9 Radiation source 10 Reflections 11 Receiver unit 12 Optical sensor (phototransistor) 13 Light guide 14 Holding plate 15 Inlet opening 16 Filter bag 17 Identification surface 18 Top side 19 Lens 20 Floor nozzle 21 Connection piece 22 Suction pipe 23 Floor nozzle housing 24 Handle 25 Suction hose 26 Connection cable 27 Exhaust air grille 28 Foot switch 29 Manual switch 30 Support elements 31 Holding plate holder 32 Dust chamber opening 33 First channel 34 Second channel 35 First section 36 Second section 100 Floor area 101 Processing direction M1 First measuring point M2 Second measuring point

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner (1) for cleaning and maintaining floor surfaces, comprising a housing (2), a blower (3) for generating a negative pressure for collecting dust by means of an air stream, wherein a dust chamber (5) for receiving a dust bag (6) for cleaning the collected air of dust is arranged in the housing, wherein the dust chamber (5) has a holding plate receptacle (31) for receiving a holding plate (14) of a dust bag (6), wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) has a control unit (7) for controlling the blower (2), wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) has a radiation source (9) emitting radiation (8), wherein the radiation (8) of the radiation source (9) is designed to be reflected by dust bags (6) accommodated in the dust chamber (5), wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) has a receiving unit (11) receiving the reflections (10) of the radiation (8) on the accommodated dust bag (6), wherein the control unit (7) is designed toto control the fan (3) depending on the reflections (10) of the radiation (8) received by the receiving unit (11), , characterized by that the radiation (8) emitted by the radiation source (9) is designed to be reflected on holding plates (14) of the dust bags (6) accommodated in the holding plate holder (31).

2. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving unit (11) comprises at least one optical sensor (12), preferably a phototransistor (12) or a photodiode, which is designed to generate a measurable voltage change on the dust bag (6) accommodated in the dust chamber (5) depending on the received reflections (10) of the radiation (8).

3. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe receiving unit (11) has an operational amplifier which is designed to transmit corresponding operational signals to the control unit (7) depending on the measurable voltage change at the optical sensor (12).

4. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that an analog-digital converter acts as the receiving unit (11).

5. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving unit (11) comprises a light guide (13) which is designed to transmit the received reflections (10) to an optical sensor (11) of the receiving unit (11) arranged outside the dust chamber (5).

6. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the radiation source (9) is arranged outside the dust chamber (5), wherein the light guide (13) is designed to guide radiation (8) emitted by the radiation source (9) into the dust chamber (5).

7. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the dust chamber (5) is accessible for changing the dust bag (6) via a dust chamber opening (32) which can be closed with a dust chamber cover (2a), wherein the light guide (13) is arranged in the dust chamber cover (2a) and, when the dust chamber opening (32) is closed with the dust chamber cover (2a), ends on a holding plate (14) of a dust bag (6) which is inserted into the holding plate receptacle (31).

8. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the optical fiber (13) has two separate channels (33, 34), each channel (33, 34) being designed to transmit the reflections (10) received from two separate measuring points (M1, M2) to one of the optical sensors (12) of the receiving unit (11) arranged outside the dust chamber (5).

9. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 8, characterized in thateach channel (33, 34) is designed to guide radiation (8) emitted by the radiation source (9) to one of the measuring points (M1, M2).

10. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation emitted by the radiation source (9) is a light, in particular a light with a wavelength in the infrared range from 870 nm to 950 nm.

11. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (7) is configured to operate the blower (3) in a normal operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag (6) accommodated in the dust chamber (5) is within a defined range, as detected by the receiving unit (11), wherein the control unit (7) is further configured to operate the blower (3) in an emergency operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag (6) accommodated in the dust chamber (5) is outside the defined range, as detected by the receiving unit (11).

12. Vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control unit (7) is configured to operate the blower (3) in a normal operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag (6) accommodated in the dust chamber (5) is within a defined range, as detected by the receiving unit (11), wherein the control unit (7) is further configured to switch off the blower (3) when the reflectance of the dust bag (6) accommodated in the dust chamber (5) is outside the defined range, as detected by the receiving unit (11).

13. A dust bag (6) for a vacuum cleaner, in particular for a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a holding plate (14) for receiving a holding plate receptacle (31) in a dust chamber (5) of the vacuum cleaner (1), wherein an inlet opening (15) for receiving a dust-laden air stream from the vacuum cleaner (1) is formed in the holding plate (14), wherein a filter bag (16) made of an air-permeable material is arranged on the holding plate (14) and is open to the inlet opening (15), wherein the material of the filter bag (16) is designed to filter the dust from the air stream as the air stream passes through, wherein the dust bag (6) has at least one identification surface (17), wherein the identification surface (17) is designed to indicate a manufacturer-specific approval of the suitability of the dust bag (6) for a manufacturer-specific vacuum cleaner (1),wherein the identification surface (17) has a defined degree of reflection, wherein the degree of reflection is designed to identify the appropriate dust bag (1), , characterized by that the identification surface (17) is arranged on an upper side (18) of the holding plate (14).

14. Dust bag (6) according to claim 13, characterized in that the identification surface (17) is divided into two differently reflecting partial areas (35, 36), wherein a first partial area (35) has a first degree of reflection and a second partial area (36) has a second degree of reflection different from the first.

15. Dust bag (6) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the identification surface (17) represents a graphic design on the surface of the holding plate (14), preferably a manufacturer-specific indication, more preferably a manufacturer-specific indication of the manufacturer-specific vacuum cleaner (1).

16. System consisting of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and a dust bag (6) according to one of claims 13 to 15.

17. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the radiation (8) of the at least one radiation source (9) is designed to be reflected on the identification surface (17) of the holding plate (14) received in the holding plate holder (31), wherein the at least one receiving unit (11) receiving the reflections (10) of the radiation (8) on the received dust bag (6) is designed to determine the degree of reflection of the irradiated identification surface (17), wherein the control unit (7) is designed to control the fan (3) depending on the degree of reflection of the identification surface (17) determined by the receiving unit (11).

18. System according to claim 17, characterized in thatthe receiving unit (11) is configured to determine a difference in the degree of reflection of irradiated partial areas (35, 36) of the identification surface (17), wherein the control unit (7) is configured to control the fan (3) depending on the difference between the partial areas (35, 36) of the identification surface (17) determined by the receiving unit (11).

19. A method for operating a vacuum cleaner, in particular a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: - Inserting a dust bag, in particular a dust bag (6) according to one of claims 12 to 14, into a dust chamber (5) in the housing (2) of the vacuum cleaner (1) by receiving the holding plate (14) of the dust bag (6) in the holding plate receptacle (31) of the dust chamber (5), - Irradiating the received holding plate (14), in particular an identification surface (17) of the holding plate (14), in the dust chamber (5) with at least one radiation source (9) of the vacuum cleaner (1) emitting radiation (8), - Detecting the reflections (10) of the radiation (8) on the received holding plate (14) with a receiving unit (11) of the vacuum cleaner (1),- Control of the fan (3) of the vacuum cleaner (1) by a control unit (7) of the vacuum cleaner (1) depending on the reflections (10) of the radiation (8) on the dust bag (6) received by the receiving unit (11).

20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the control unit (7) operates the blower (3) in a normal operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag (6) accommodated in the dust chamber (5) detected by the receiving unit (11) lies within a defined range, wherein the control unit operates the blower (3) in an emergency operating mode when the reflectance of the dust bag (6) accommodated in the dust chamber (5) detected by the receiving unit (11) lies outside the defined range.

Images