Upright battery-operated wet-removal vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery-operated vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction tube for connecting a nozzle; a liquid container for holding a liquid for binding collected dirt; a suction head having a motor and a separator; a battery and a housing.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] Floor model battery-operated water vacuum cleaner

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The application relates to a battery-operated vacuum cleaner, comprising a suction tube for connecting a nozzle, a liquid container, a suction head, and a battery.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] A variety of vacuum cleaners are known that use a liquid to collect and bind the dust and dirt they pick up, instead of the usual (replaceable) bags. This eliminates the need for conventional collection bags, which means that the continuous suction power is not impaired, which is typical for vacuum cleaners with increasingly full bags. Using water as the liquid reduces costs, conserves resources, and thus also protects the environment. In addition, the liquid binding binds the collected dust and dirt safely and odorlessly, making it easy to dispose of. Because the dust and dirt are bound in the liquid, no additional stirring or agitation is created, which is beneficial for people with respiratory diseases or allergies.

[0007] However, due to the required liquid container, conventional devices are usually large and unwieldy, and are also dependent on the power supply.

[0008] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a vacuum cleaner with a liquid container for binding dirt, which is compact in its shape, simple and flexible in its handling and can be operated independently of the power supply.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0011] This object is achieved by a battery-operated vacuum cleaner according to claim 1.

[0012] The vacuum cleaner according to the invention comprises a suction tube for connecting a nozzle, a liquid container, a suction head, a battery and a housing, wherein the liquid container is suitable for holding a liquid for binding collected dirt, and wherein the suction head comprises a motor and a separator, and the battery is suitable for supplying power to the suction head.

[0013] The fluid reservoir is filled with a liquid, usually water, which binds the dust and dirt sucked up via the suction tube or nozzle. A separator positioned above the fluid level swirls the fluid. The sucked-up dust / dirt particles bind to the swirled droplets. The bound dust / dirt particles are collected in the fluid bath. Therefore, no additional collection element for the collected dirt in the form of a bag or filter is required. This also does not impair suction power, which occurs with vacuum cleaners with increasingly full bags. If the water bath becomes dirty, the water in the fluid reservoir is replaced. The dust binding in the water bath also prevents increased dust recirculation, which is very beneficial for people with allergies.

[0014] The liquid container can have any shape, e.g., spherical, cylindrical, barrel-shaped, barrel-shaped, or oval. Furthermore, the liquid container can have at least a partially transparent design.

[0015] Air is sucked in through the suction head, which collects dust via the nozzle and directs it through a pipe into the water tank. The separator rotates, swirling water from the water bath. The dirt particles bind to the swirled water particles. These are then trapped or collected in the water bath of the water tank. The suction head should generally be positioned above the liquid tank so that the separator can reach into the liquid tank.

[0016] The battery supplies power to the motor. By using the battery, the vacuum cleaner according to the invention is independent of a power connection, allowing for flexible use. The battery can be replaceable (replaceable battery) to simplify replacement or charging. The current charge level can be read on the battery via an additional display element, if required. The vacuum cleaner includes a base station for charging the battery.

[0017] The battery is preferably removable and is located under a hinged protective cover.

[0018] The fluid reservoir, the suction head, and the battery form a so-called motor package. The arrangement of the individual components of the motor package is possible in various ways. For example, the separator can be mounted directly on the motor or flanged to it.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner may have an additional filter for exhaust air.

[0020] The engine exhaust air can also be used.

[0021] The vacuum cleaner can also feature additional accessories, such as additional nozzles, attachments, swivel rods, etc. These accessories allow the user to, for example, wet mop while simultaneously cleaning and drying with a microfiber cloth. A light element can be installed in or on the floor nozzle.

[0022] Preferably, the liquid container comprises an inlet region, a liquid region, a drive region and a separating device, wherein the inlet region is suitable for arrangement on the suction pipe and is suitable for the intake of air, and wherein the suction head is arranged on the drive region, and wherein the liquid region is suitable for receiving the liquid, and wherein the separating device is arranged between the inlet region and the liquid region and is suitable so that the liquid of the liquid region cannot reach the inlet region.

[0023] The vacuum cleaner has a so-called "dry" zone, which usually houses the motor, and a "wet" zone with the liquid. To ensure the vacuum cleaner functions properly, at least the motor should always be in the "dry" zone, as it should not come into contact with the liquid. Due to their function, the separator and the parts surrounding it, as well as the suction head outlet, become moist / wet. This must also be ensured if the position and orientation of the suction pipe are changed, for example if the pipe is tilted. The separation between the wet and dry zones in the container or liquid tank can be achieved using a separating element that prevents the separator and the suction head from coming into contact with the water bath, regardless of the position of the suction pipe.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment, contact of the suction head and possibly the separator into the liquid bath can be prevented by ensuring that the orientation of the separator and / or the container is stable with respect to a movement of the suction pipe.

[0025] It is also conceivable that only the position of the separator and / or the suction head opening changes so that the latter are always located above the liquid bath, regardless of the orientation of the suction pipe.

[0026] Advantageously, the suction pipe is arranged at least partially within the liquid container, and the separating device essentially encloses the suction pipe. This, on the one hand, directs the absorbed air into the liquid. On the other hand, it also separates the "wet area" so that the liquid cannot escape into the suction pipe and via the nozzle.

[0027] The liquid container preferably comprises a sieve element suitable for cleaning the liquid. The sieve element is suitable for retaining collected solids when the liquid container is removed to replace the liquid. When the dirty water / liquid is poured out, coarse dirt particles, hair, etc., are already sieved out and are not necessarily poured into the toilet with the dirty water to prevent a potential risk of clogging, but rather to allow the sieved dirt particles to be disposed of separately, for example, in the trash / waste.

[0028] Alternatively, the sieve can be suitable for retaining dirt particles from the suction head or the separator.

[0029] The vacuum cleaner preferably comprises a housing, and the liquid container is pivotably mounted on the housing. The housing encloses or at least partially covers the liquid container. This protects the liquid container from external influences during use, such as falling over and / or scratches, etc., and also provides stability.

[0030] Advantageously, the liquid container remains partially visible to provide insight into the technology and, above all, the condition of the water bath (particularly the degree of contamination and the fill level). For this purpose, the liquid container can have at least a partially transparent wall.

[0031] By arranging the liquid container or water tank on or in the housing, the vacuum cleaner is very compact, which makes it much easier to use.

[0032] Conventional water vacuum cleaners typically have the water tank and suction head housed in a separate unit, which must be pulled behind the suction tube during operation. The new concept, however, also requires fewer connections.

[0033] The housing has a hinged connection, usually a swivel joint, to which the liquid container is pivotally mounted. This rotatable arrangement / pivotability allows the liquid container to be opened or folded away from the housing for filling or emptying, or for replacing the water bath.

[0034] Preferably, the liquid container is removably mounted on the housing. When filling or emptying the water tank, the liquid container can be swung open and away from the housing, and the liquid container can be removed. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner comprises a locking device that is suitable for locking and / or unlocking pivoting and / or removal of the liquid container. The locking device locks the liquid container to the housing, i.e., the locking device prevents unintentional rotation or pivoting out.

[0035] The fluid container can thus be detached from the housing via the locking device. This releases a locking device located in a corresponding receptacle of the fluid container, e.g., a pin, a cotter pin, etc., so that the fluid container can be removed from the housing.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid container comprises a lighting element. The lighting element serves for illumination and can also serve as an indicator of an operating status, e.g., the level or degree of contamination of the liquid or an operating mode.

[0037] The vacuum cleaner preferably comprises a handle portion that is rotatably mounted on the housing. The housing comprises a handle portion that is located at the opposite end to the nozzle, i.e., the nozzle is located at one end of the housing and the handle portion is located at the other end. The liquid container / water tank is located between them. The handle portion is rotatable and can preferably be locked in two positions (e.g., unfolded for vacuuming / folded for storage).

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the handle section comprises at least one control element and / or a display element. The control element is used to operate and control the vacuum cleaner (e.g., controlling the suction power, etc.). The control panel (so-called user interface - UI) can be graphically designed. Operation can also be via touchscreen. Operation via a corresponding app is also conceivable. The display element can show the status of individual elements of the vacuum cleaner (battery level, fluid level, suction power, etc.).

[0039] The control and display element can also be combined and can alternatively be arranged at another suitable location on the vacuum cleaner (e.g. on the housing, etc.).

[0040] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner can be arranged in a position so that the fluid container can be removed and / or the vacuum cleaner can be parked. Starting from the standing position, the handle section is pivoted so that it is arranged largely parallel to the vacuum cleaner housing in a storage position (e.g., when not in use or when parked), thus saving space. The storage position can also be used to remove the fluid container.

[0041] Advantageously, the housing includes an air valve suitable for directing air into the intake area. The air valve can be used for air cleaning (so-called airwash). For air cleaning / washing, the air valve is opened as an air bypass. Air now flows in directly through the upper area of ​​the intake duct, rather than through the floor nozzle. To do this, the air valve slider on the front of the device must be pushed upwards.

[0042] The Airwash is started by the user using a corresponding button and runs for a factory-preset time (can be stopped prematurely by pressing the button again)

[0043] If the fluid reservoir has an illuminated element, a different color may appear. For example, during normal vacuuming, the water tank will glow blue, while in air purification mode, it will glow green.

[0044] In addition, the tank can be vented when not in use. To prevent odors from residual water or dirt in the fluid reservoir, the reservoir can be vented. To do this, the air valve is also opened. A user notification appears on the display after the device is turned off.

[0045] SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0046] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention in a standing position in the assembled, operational state (liquid in the liquid container);

[0047] Figure 1 B shows the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 A from the front;

[0048] Figure 1C shows the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1A from the side;

[0049] Figure 1 D shows the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 A from behind;

[0050] Figure 1 E shows the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 A from the side and from behind;

[0051] Figure 1 F shows the structure of the vacuum cleaner in cross section for floor vacuuming;

[0052] Figures 2A and 2B show the interior of the vacuum cleaner in detail / cross-section;

[0053] Figure 3A shows the structure of the vacuum cleaner in cross section for air washing;

[0054] Figures 3B and 3C show detailed views of the air valve for air washing;

[0055] Figure 4 shows the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 in perspective from the rear with a view of the liquid container;

[0056] Figures 4A, 4B show the pivoting out of the liquid container for removal;

[0057] Figures 4C and 4D show the (removed) liquid container;

[0058] Figure 5 shows the battery compartment with battery indicator in detail;

[0059] Figure 5A shows the opened battery compartment with the removable battery in detail;

[0060] Figure 6 shows a storage position in which the handle is rotated to the rear to save space, starting from the standing position of Figure 1;

[0061] Figure 6A shows a detailed view of the storage position of Figure 6 with the handle turned to the rear;

[0062] Figure 6B shows a view from behind the storage position of Figure 6A with the handle rotated to the rear;

[0063] Figure 7 shows the control buttons of the control element in detail.

[0064] PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] Figures 1A to 1F show a vacuum cleaner 1 according to the invention in a standing position in the assembled, operational state (liquid is in the liquid container 4). The battery-operated vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a suction tube 2 for connecting a nozzle 3, a housing 7, a liquid container 4, a battery compartment 61 for receiving the battery 6 (not shown), and a handle section 8.

[0066] The liquid container 4 is partially visible or transparent in order to provide insight into the condition of the water bath (in particular the degree of contamination and the fill level).

[0067] Figure 1F shows the detailed design of the vacuum cleaner 1 for floor cleaning. The motor package (suction head 5, motor 51, separator 52) and the battery are located in the upper area above the liquid container 4.

[0068] The air containing dust / dirt is sucked in via the nozzle 3 and guided via the suction pipe 2 into the liquid bath of the liquid container 4, where it is bound. For this purpose, the absorbed air enters the inlet area 41, which serves as the air intake channel, and then via a separating device 44 into a liquid area 42, which serves as the internal volume / working area of ​​the water filtration. The inlet area 41 is suitable for arranging the suction pipe 2 for air intake. In this case, the suction pipe 2 is located relatively centrally beneath the liquid container 4. The suction pipe 2, coming from the nozzle 3, has a pivoted section 21 that opens into a deflection section 22, in which the direction of the sucked-in air is changed. The deflection section 22 opens into the inlet area 41 and then leads into the liquid area 42.

[0069] The suction head 5 with the separator 52 and the motor 51, which is powered by electricity from the battery 6, is arranged on the upper drive area 43.

[0070] The liquid region 42 in the center of the liquid container 4 is suitable for holding a liquid (usually water) that is suitable for holding dirt particles. The separating device 44 is arranged between the inlet region 41 (inside) and the liquid region 42 (outside) and is designed to prevent the liquid in the liquid region 42 from entering the inlet region 41. In this case, the separating region 44 largely encloses the suction pipe 2 in the inlet region 41.

[0071] Figures 2A and 2B (in conjunction with Figure 1D) show the detailed structure of the interior of the vacuum cleaner 1. The liquid container 4, as a tank for holding a liquid, has an inlet area 41 serving as an air intake channel, a liquid area 42 serving as the internal volume / working area for water filtration, a drive area 43 with the separator 52, and a separating device 44 for forced air flow (below the water line).

[0072] The inlet area 41 in the rear area of ​​the liquid container 4 is suitable for arranging the suction pipe 2 for air intake. 41 In this case, the suction pipe 2 is located centrally beneath the liquid container 4. Coming from the nozzle 3, the suction pipe 2 has a pivoted section 21 that opens into a deflection section 22, in which the direction of the sucked-in air is changed (shown in Figs. 2A and 2B). The deflection section 22 opens into the inlet area 41 and then leads into the liquid area 42.

[0073] The suction head 5 with the separator 52 and the motor 51, which is powered by electricity from the battery 6, is arranged on the upper drive area 43.

[0074] The liquid region 42 in the center of the liquid container 4 is suitable for holding a liquid (usually water) that is suitable for holding dirt particles. The separating device 44 is arranged between the inlet region 41 (inside) and the liquid region 42 (outside) and is designed to prevent the liquid in the liquid region 42 from entering the inlet region 41. In the present case, the separating region 44 largely encloses the suction pipe 2 in the inlet region 41. The separating region 44 comprises an annular cavity that extends along a section of the suction pipe 2. The overlap creates a separation between the inlet region 41 and the liquid region 42, similar to a siphon.

[0075] The separating device 44 encloses the top of the suction pipe 2 and part of the length of the suction pipe 2 and thus forms a line that guides the absorbed air into the liquid of the liquid container 4.

[0076] Figure 2B also shows a sieve 45, which is arranged on the liquid container 4 (which can be removed if necessary) to retain solid particles of the liquid when the liquid container 4 is removed. The sieve 45 is designed so that when the dirty water is poured out, coarse dirt particles, hair, etc., are already sieved out there. They are not necessarily poured into the toilet with the dirty water, preventing a potential risk of blockage. Instead, the sieved dirt particles can be disposed of separately, e.g., in the trash. Alternatively, the sieve 45 can be designed to retain dirt particles from the suction head 5 or the separator 51.

[0077] Figures 3A to 3C show the air washer, specifically the structure of the vacuum cleaner 1. The air valve 72 on the front of the device is opened by sliding it upwards (see Figure 3C), allowing air to flow in through the front of the vacuum cleaner 1. This opens the air bypass for the air washer. Air now flows in not through the floor nozzle 2, but directly through the upper area of ​​the intake duct.

[0078] The air purification / airwash is usually started with a corresponding button and runs for a preset time if necessary (can be stopped prematurely by pressing the button again).

[0079] The air cleaning / airwash function also allows for tank ventilation (if necessary via the opening of the sieve 45; see Figure 3C) when not in use. To prevent odors from residual water / dirt in the fluid reservoir 4, the fluid reservoir 4 should be ventilated.

[0080] For this purpose, the airwash valve 72 is also opened. If necessary, a message for the user appears on the display after the device is switched off.

[0081] Figures 4 to 4B show the removal of the liquid container 4. Figure 4 shows the rear of the vacuum cleaner 1 with the liquid container 4. The liquid container 4 is pivotally mounted on the housing 7 and can preferably be pivoted out in the standing position for removal and, if necessary, removed, as can be seen from Figures 4A and 4B. The liquid container 4 can be detached from the housing 7 via a locking device 9 in the form of an opening button (so-called push-to-open). In this process, a locking means arranged in a corresponding receptacle in the liquid container 4, e.g., a pin, a split pin, etc., is released, so that the liquid container 4 can be removed from or out of the housing 7. The housing has a pivot joint 71 so that the liquid container 4 can be folded out (cf. Figures 4A and 4B).

[0082] Figures 4C and 4D show the (removed) liquid container 4. The liquid container 4, as a tank, can be removed. For easy and hygienic cleaning, the inner part 47, including the upper collar 48, can be removed. The sieve element 45, which serves as a coarse sieve in the upper area of ​​the inlet area 41, catches coarse particles when air is sucked in and / or when the dirty water is poured out, preventing them from entering the drain.

[0083] Figures 5 and 5A show the battery compartment 61 with the battery level indicator 63. Figure 5A shows the opened battery compartment 61 with the battery 6. The battery 6 is removable and is located under a hinged battery compartment cover 62.

[0084] The battery 6 can be replaceable (replaceable battery) to simplify replacement or charging. For this reason, the battery compartment 61 can be opened. To charge the battery 6, the vacuum cleaner 1 can include a base charging station (not shown).

[0085] The current charge level of the battery 6 can be read on the battery level indicator 63 (e.g. by a bar display).

[0086] Figures 6 to 6B show the storage position of the vacuum cleaner. Starting from the standing position shown in Figures 1 to 1C, the handle section 8 is pivoted backward in the direction of rotation D to be arranged largely parallel to the housing 7 of the vacuum cleaner in a space-saving storage position (e.g., when not in use or when parked). A release button 73 releases and locks the handle section 8. The handle section 8 can be locked in two positions (folded out for vacuuming / folded in for airwashing (optional) or for storage (storage position). The storage position also serves to remove the liquid container 4.

[0087] The adjustment is carried out by one-handed operation of the mechanical push button of the adjustment button 73. The adjustment in both positions is carried out automatically by a snap-back mechanism, such as a spring element.

[0088] Figure 7 shows the control buttons 811, 812 of the control element 81 in detail.

[0089] Control button 811 is used to turn the suction mode on and off. Control button 812 is used for the so-called power mode (activating / deactivating a higher power level).

[0090] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0091] D Rotating range handle section

[0092] 1 vacuum cleaner

[0093] 2 intake manifold

[0094] 21 pivoted section

[0095] 22 Deflection section

[0096] 3 nozzles

[0097] 4 liquid containers

[0098] 41 Entrance area

[0099] 42 Liquid area

[0100] 43 Drive range

[0101] 44 Separator

[0102] 45 sieve element

[0103] 46 lighting element

[0104] 47 Inside

[0105] 48 collars

[0106] 5 suction head

[0107] 51 engine

[0108] 52 Separator

[0109] 6 Battery

[0110] 61 Battery compartment

[0111] 62 Battery compartment cover

[0112] 63 Battery level indicator

[0113] 7 housings

[0114] 71 Swivel joint

[0115] 72 Air valve

[0116] 73 Dearretier key

[0117] 8 Handle section Control element Control button Control button Display element Locking device

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1), comprising a suction tube (2) for connecting a nozzle (3), a liquid container (4), a suction head (5), and a battery (6), wherein the liquid container (4) is suitable for holding a liquid for binding picked-up dirt, and wherein the suction head (5) comprises a motor (51) and a separator (52), and the battery (6) is suitable for supplying power to the suction head (5).

2. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container (4) comprises an inlet area (41), a liquid area (42), a drive area (43) and a separating device (44), wherein the inlet area (41) is suitable for arrangement on the suction pipe (2) and is suitable for the intake of air, and wherein the suction head (2) is arranged on the drive area (43), and wherein the liquid area (42) is suitable for receiving the liquid, and wherein the separating device (44) is arranged between the inlet area (41) and the liquid area (42) and is suitable so that the liquid of the liquid area (42) cannot get into the inlet area (41).

3. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 and 2, wherein the suction pipe (2) is arranged at least in sections within the liquid container (4), and wherein the separating device (44) substantially encloses the suction pipe (2).

4. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid container (4) comprises a sieve element (45) which is suitable for cleaning the liquid.

5. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) comprises a housing (7), and wherein the liquid container (4) is pivotably arranged on the housing (7).

6. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid container (4) is removably arranged on the housing (7).

7. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims 5 and 6, wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) comprises a locking device (9) which is suitable for locking and / or releasing pivoting and / or removal of the liquid container (4).

8. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid container (4) comprises a lighting element (45).

9. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to one of the preceding claims 7 and 8, wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) comprises a handle portion (8) which is rotatably arranged on the housing (7).

10. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 9, wherein the handle portion (8) comprises at least one operating element (81) and / or one display element (82).

11. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, wherein the vacuum cleaner (1) can be arranged in a position so that the liquid container (4) can be removed and / or the vacuum cleaner (1) can be put down.

2. Battery-operated vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing (7) comprises an air valve (72) which is suitable for leading air into the inlet area (41).

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