Holding plate for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding plate (2) for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a holding device in a dust collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner, comprising a base (2a) with a through-opening (14) and comprising an engagement portion (8) which is designed to engage with a holding device (20) for holding the holding plate in the holding device (20), said engagement portion comprising a softer material than that of the base. The invention further relates to a holding device (20) for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner.

Description

[0001] Holding plate for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner

[0002] The present invention relates to a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, as well as a device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag with such a holding plate in a vacuum cleaner.

[0003] Conventional vacuum cleaner filter bags typically comprise an air-filtering filter medium and a retaining plate connected to the filter medium for holding the vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner. The retaining plate contains an opening through which the airflow laden with dust and dirt enters the filter bag during vacuuming. To ensure proper operation of the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner filter bag should be compatible. For example, the filter bag must be the correct size to achieve optimal use of space within the vacuum cleaner's dust collection chamber and optimal dust and dirt absorption capacity of the filter bag. To this end, manufacturers are increasingly ensuring that vacuum cleaners can only be operated with filter bags specifically designed for that vacuum cleaner.

[0004] EP 2 744 383 A1 discloses a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, which has a key formed on one side and a concave recess on the outer lateral edge section on the opposite side. In an installed position, a spring on the device presses laterally into the concave recess of the holding plate, so that the key is pressed against a correspondingly designed lock in the housing of the upright vacuum cleaner. This coordination between the key on the holding plate and the lock on the vacuum cleaner, which is also referred to below as coding, prevents the use of a filter bag that is not intended or suitable for the vacuum cleaner.

[0005] A disadvantage of the prior art is that the key and lock must be very precisely matched to ensure exact positioning of the holding plate. This allows only very small manufacturing tolerances, both on the part of the key of the holding plate, but also on the part of the lock on the vacuum cleaner side. It would therefore be desirable to provide a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag which, even with higher manufacturing tolerances, makes it possible to always ensure exact positioning of the holding plate in the vacuum cleaner. In view of this, it is an object of the present invention to provide a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag and an associated device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner, which ensure exact positioning of the holding plate in the vacuum cleaner even with higher manufacturing tolerances.

[0006] This object is achieved by a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to claim 1 and by a device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner according to claim 13. Further aspects can be found in the associated subclaims.

[0007] According to the invention, the holding plate for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a holding device in a dust collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner comprises a base plate with a passage opening and an engagement portion which is designed for engagement with a holding device for holding the holding plate in the holding device, wherein the engagement portion comprises a softer material than that of the base plate.

[0008] The holding plate is held in the holding plate by the engagement between the engagement section and an engagement element of the holding device. If these two components are made of the same or at least a similarly hard material, for example a hard plastic, the engagement element and the engagement section must be precisely matched to one another. Otherwise, the holding plate will not fit neatly into the holding device or there will be too much play, meaning the correct position cannot be defined precisely enough. Only small manufacturing tolerances are then permitted during the manufacture of the holding plates and holding devices. If, on the other hand, the engagement section is made of a softer material than the base plate, its elasticity can compensate for inaccuracies in manufacturing because the softer material can deform more easily and conform to the engagement element.This allows higher manufacturing tolerances while still allowing the holding plate to be precisely fixed in the holding device.

[0009] The material of the base plate and the material of the engagement section are different. The materials are especially different when they do not have the same material composition. A softer material exhibits greater deformation in response to the application of a force than a harder material when the same force is applied. A softer material also has greater elasticity and a lower modulus of elasticity.

[0010] The engagement section can be formed on a side section of the base plate. In particular, the engagement section forms part of the outer contour of the retaining plate. An engagement section attached to the side section or outer contour of the base plate allows for lateral engagement and frontal engagement from a top or bottom side of the retaining plate, respectively. This allows for greater design variability for the engagement section in the outer contour.

[0011] It is also possible for the engagement section to form an inner contour of the retaining plate. For example, the base plate can have another hole next to the through-hole. The engagement section comprising the softer material is then formed at the edge of this hole. In this case, the engagement element of the retaining device accordingly comprises a pin that engages with this hole. Instead of an additional hole, a recess into which the said pin engages or dips is also possible.

[0012] The softer material of the engagement portion can be formed as a coating over the base plate. Alternatively, the engagement portion can be made of the softer material and attached to the base plate.

[0013] In both cases, the aforementioned advantage of higher manufacturing tolerances is achieved while securely securing the retaining plate. The design of the engagement section depends on the preferred manufacturing process. For example, it may be easier to manufacture the base plate and the engagement section separately and then join them together. Conversely, it may be advantageous to print or spray a soft material coating onto the base plate.

[0014] The engagement portion may comprise two projections and a recess arranged between each two adjacent projections. Alternatively, the engagement portion may comprise a plurality of projections and recesses arranged between two adjacent projections.

[0015] The engagement portion essentially fulfills two functions, which result from interaction with an engagement element of the holding device. The holding device can comprise an engagement element that can be brought into engagement with the engagement portion. This engagement, on the one hand, allows the holding plate to be held in the intended position in the holding device. On the other hand, this engagement can also implement coding, in that engagement is only achieved when the engagement portion and the engagement element fit together. Thus, a holding plate that is not provided for cannot be used in a vacuum cleaner with such a holding device. The holding plate can further comprise a further engagement portion arranged on a second side portion of the base plate. The engagement portion can comprise two projections and a recess arranged between each two adjacent projections.The further engagement portion may alternatively comprise a plurality of projections, as well as recesses arranged between two adjacent projections. The first side portion is opposite the second side portion with respect to an axis parallel to an insertion direction of the retaining plate.

[0016] The engagement sections formed on both sides allow the engagement element to engage in both areas. This improves the stability of the retaining plate in the holding device.

[0017] The insertion direction refers to the direction in which the retaining plate is inserted into the holding device in order to be used as intended. Accordingly, an edge can be defined that is at the front in the insertion direction. This is referred to below as the front edge (in the insertion direction).

[0018] The engagement portion and the further engagement portion may comprise a plurality of projections and recesses arranged between two adjacent projections. In particular, each engagement portion may comprise two, three, four, or more projections. Accordingly, each engagement portion may comprise one, two, three, or more recesses.

[0019] The projections and recesses ensure a secure interlock between the engagement element and the engagement sections. Furthermore, the interlocking makes the holder more stable when a plurality of projections and recesses are involved. A higher number of projections can contribute to improved stability of the holder in the described device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0020] The projections can have a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape. These shapes are well suited to being gripped by a clamp of the engagement element, thus improving the stability of the mount.

[0021] The individual projections of the engagement sections can be of identical design. The individual projections can be of different design in terms of their shape and / or size. The spacing between adjacent projections, wherein the spacing is determined by the width of the corresponding recesses, particularly along the insertion direction, can also be of identical or different design in one or both engagement sections. The material of the base plate can comprise polyethylene or polypropylene. The material of the engagement section can comprise polypropylene, polyethylene, a thermoplastic elastomer, or polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0022] If the base plate and the engagement section comprise the same material, a different composition must be chosen to ensure that the engagement section is softer than the base plate.

[0023] POM has self-lubricating properties and enables precise manufacturing of the engagement section with its contour, as well as clean engagement with the engagement element. Polyethylene and polypropylene have the advantage of being cheaper than POM. Manufacturing the retaining plate with a base plate and engagement section made of polyethylene or polypropylene has the advantage of being easier to recycle because different plastics do not need to be separated.

[0024] In particular, the base plate can be made of recycled polypropylene or recycled polyethylene. In particular, it can be recycled polypropylene according to DIN standard EN 15345:2008-02 or recycled polyethylene according to DIN standard EN 15344:2008-02.

[0025] Vacuum cleaner filter bags, including the retaining plate, can be disposable. They can be designed to be disposed of after use, e.g., when full. Therefore, for sustainability reasons, it is advantageous to manufacture at least the retaining plate from a recycled or renewable raw material.

[0026] The engagement portion can have a width of between 5 mm and 5 cm, in particular between 1 cm and 3 cm, viewed from a front edge in an insertion direction of the retaining plate. A width of the engagement portion perpendicular to the insertion direction of the retaining plate can be between 5 mm and a full width of the retaining plate, in particular between 1 cm and 3 cm. A thickness of the engagement portion along a thickness direction of the retaining plate can be at least 0.1 mm and not more than twice the thickness of the base plate in an area adjacent to the engagement element.

[0027] The retaining plate may further comprise a sealing element around the passage opening.

[0028] The sealing element can comprise a softer material than the base plate. The sealing element and the engagement portion can comprise the softer material. In other words, the sealing element and the engagement portion can comprise the same material. When the vacuum cleaner is in operation, a suction air stream laden with dust and dirt is directed through the passage opening into the interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. The sealing element fulfills the task of ensuring that no dust or dirt can bypass the passage opening and into the interior of the vacuum cleaner. This could lead to unwanted contamination of the vacuum cleaner and damage to the vacuum cleaner fan. A soft and elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer is usually used for the sealing element, although polyethylene or polypropylene are also possible.It is now possible to produce the sealing element and the engagement section together during the manufacturing process, without the need for retooling, for example, to change the material. Especially in injection molding (or two-component injection molding), the engagement section and the sealing element can be molded in a single step. This ensures efficient and cost-effective production.

[0029] The base plate may comprise a locking recess which is designed to engage with a locking hook.

[0030] This means that a locking hook on the device can lock into the locking recess or, at the locking recess, into the holding plate. A locking hook (also known as a snap hook) is an element for the positive connection of components. A locking hook can comprise a joining part that can be brought into engagement with the component to be connected and creates the locking connection. For example, the joining part can be a projection on the locking hook that is designed to engage with the other component. The locking hook can be elastic so that it deforms when it is pressed against the holding plate. The joining part of the locking hook then locks into the holding plate, thus creating the positive connection. The locking connection can be reversible if the positive connection between the holding plate and the locking hook is releasable.

[0031] The locking recess can be formed in the form of an edge on the retaining plate. The edge can be a section of an outer contour or an inner contour of the retaining plate and / or the base plate. In particular, the locking recess has an undercut. A joining part of the locking hook can then engage with the undercut and be held in place.

[0032] The holding plate can further comprise a further locking recess. The further locking recess can be arranged such that the arrangement of the two locking recesses is axially symmetrical. This axis of symmetry can be the aforementioned central axis. The central axis can in particular also be an axis of symmetry of the holding plate. For a holding plate with two locking recesses, two locking hooks are also provided on the device side. This improves the stability of the holding plate holder in the vacuum cleaner compared to a holder with only one locking recess. A symmetrical arrangement of the locking recesses around the central axis of the holding plate is particularly advantageous in terms of stability requirements because the locking occurs in the same way on both sides of the holding plate. However, non-symmetrical arrangements of two locking recesses also offer greater stability than a single locking recess after locking with the respective locking hook.

[0033] The locking recess and / or the additional locking recess can have an edge made of the softer material (the material of the engagement section). This offers the advantage that the locking recess can also be manufactured with a higher manufacturing tolerance. The reasons for this are analogous to the engagement section.

[0034] The holding plate can have a maximum width perpendicular to an insertion direction of the holding plate between 55 mm and 94 mm, and a distance between the center of the passage opening and a front edge of the base plate in the insertion direction can be between 28 mm and 53 mm.

[0035] The retaining plate can be manufactured by injection molding. In particular, it is a two-component injection molding process.

[0036] Injection molding offers the advantage of allowing for efficient and reproducible production of variable shapes. In cases where the base plate and clamping element are made of different materials, two-component injection molding is particularly advantageous, as the complete retaining plate can be produced in one injection molding machine and a single production step. Furthermore, two-component injection molding makes it easy to create a wide variety of shapes for both the clamping element and the base plate. The above-mentioned materials for the base plate and clamping element are suitable for injection molding.

[0037] Alternatively, the base plate and clamping element can be produced separately. The clamping element is then connected to the base plate using methods such as welding, gluing, clipping, hot-staking, or other methods.

[0038] The present invention further provides a holding device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner. The device comprises a holding plate receptacle with a support surface, wherein the support surface is designed to receive a holding plate according to one of the preceding claims, and an engagement element designed to be engaged with the engagement portion of the holding plate.

[0039] Likewise, the present invention provides a holding device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner, comprising a holding plate receptacle with a support surface, wherein the support surface is designed to receive a holding plate with an engagement portion, and an engagement element which is designed to be brought into engagement with the engagement portion of the holding plate.

[0040] The engagement element formed on or in the closing element is designed to hold the holding plate in the predetermined position when the closing element is in the closed position.

[0041] For this purpose, the engagement element is engaged with the engagement section of the retaining plate. The retaining plate and the engagement element can engage or be engaged with each other in a form-fitting and / or frictional manner. Due to the soft and elastic properties of the engagement section, lower manufacturing tolerance requirements are placed on the retaining plate and the engagement section. Possible deviations in the shape of the engagement element can also be compensated for by the engagement section.

[0042] The retaining plate holder serves to hold the retaining plate. The retaining plate holder has a support surface that accommodates the retaining plate, for example, by placing the retaining plate on the support surface. The support surface can be a flat surface. This allows the retaining plate holder to be designed simply. The retaining plate can be placed onto the retaining plate holder from above and removed again in the opposite direction. A retaining plate held by the retaining plate holder rests on the support surface of the retaining plate holder.

[0043] Even if the retaining plate holder has a structure, the support surface can still be considered a plane if a flat retaining plate rests / is arranged on the support surface. For example, the support surface can be the plane spanned by the contact points between the retaining plate and the retaining plate holder.

[0044] The engagement portion may comprise a softer material than that of the engagement element. In particular, the base plate of the retaining plate and the engagement element comprise the same material.

[0045] Due to friction between the engagement element and the engagement section, both wear over time. In particular, wear occurs on the engagement element every time the vacuum cleaner filter bag is changed. Over time, the engagement element can become significantly worn, meaning that it no longer engages cleanly and the holding force for the holding plate decreases. However, if the engagement section is made of a softer material than the engagement element, wear occurs almost exclusively on the engagement section, while the engagement element remains virtually unchanged. Wear on the engagement section of the holding plate is generally not a problem, however, because the holding plate is replaced after every bag change. This means that the holding force of the holding device remains consistently high, even over a long period of time.

[0046] The holding device can further comprise a closing element which can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closing element comprises a latching hook on a side facing the holding plate receptacle, wherein the latching hook is designed to latch in the closed position of the closing element onto the latching recess of the holding plate arranged on the holding plate receptacle, so that the closing element is held in the closed position by the latching hook, and wherein the engagement element is located on the closing element.

[0047] The locking element together with the locking hook serves as an additional fixing mechanism for the holding plate and thus improves its holding.

[0048] The locking element can be pivoted between an open and a closed position. Thus, the locking element can have a pivot axis. The pivot axis can lie in the plane of the support surface of the retaining plate holder. Alternatively, the pivot axis can be arranged above the support surface of the retaining plate holder.

[0049] The holding device may further comprise a spring element that exerts a spring force that pushes the closing element towards the open position.

[0050] The spring element may comprise a leg spring, a torsion spring, a roller spring, a coil spring, a wheel spring, a bow spring, a bar spring or a leaf spring or may include a combination of the aforementioned spring types.

[0051] The spring element can be attached to the retaining plate holder and / or the locking element. Alternatively, the spring element can also be attached to another component, such as a vacuum cleaner housing. In the case of a leg spring, the center of the leg spring can be arranged on the pivot axis of the locking element. One of the two legs of the leg spring presses against the locking element, while the other leg presses against the retaining plate holder or the housing. When the locking mechanism between the locking element and the retaining plate is released, the locking element opens automatically due to the spring force and does not need to be opened by the user in a separate handling step. This simplifies the use of the device.

[0052] The retaining plate holder can further comprise a bearing element configured to hold the retaining plate against movement perpendicular to the support surface of the retaining plate holder. The bearing element can also be configured to hold the retaining plate against lateral movement on the retaining plate holder parallel to the support surface.

[0053] In other words, the bearing element can be configured to hold / secure the retaining plate against movement perpendicular to the support surface and to hold / secure it against movement parallel to the support surface. Thus, the bearing element restricts movement of the retaining plate along at least two axes. These two axes are perpendicular to each other. The only possible movement of the retaining plate remains along the insertion direction.

[0054] For improved stability, when locking the locking element and the retaining plate, it is advisable to secure the retaining plate against any lateral or sideways movement on the retaining plate holder and / or against removal from the retaining plate holder. Furthermore, the bearing element defines the predefined position of the retaining plate on the retaining plate holder, thus providing the user with guidance on how to insert the retaining plate. This simplifies correct handling for the user and prevents any incorrect insertion of the retaining plate.

[0055] If the locking hook is not engaged with the retaining plate, the spring force ultimately forces the locking element into the open position, or at least toward the open position. If the locking hook is engaged with the retaining plate, the locking element is held in the closed position by the locking mechanism, counteracting the spring force. For this purpose, the retaining plate is fixed by the bearing element, preventing the retaining plate from being lifted from the retaining plate holder by the spring force.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a housing with a lid and the described holding device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag, wherein the device is arranged in a dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner, wherein the lid is pivotally attached to the housing and is provided for closing the dust collection chamber, wherein the lid of the housing is closable when the closing element is in the closed position, and wherein the lid of the housing is not closable when the closing element is in the open position. The closing element in the open position prevents the lid of the housing from being closed. For example, the lid can be a pivotable part of the housing which engages with the rest of the housing for closing.The locking element in the open position can block the pivoting of the lid by the locking element protruding from the housing in the open position so that the lid cannot lock with the rest of the housing.

[0057] The locking element remains in the open position if a spring element is provided and no retaining plate is arranged on the retaining plate holder, because the locking hook cannot engage and the spring force pushes the locking element towards the open position. If, as a result, the lid cannot be closed and remains open, no suction can take place because the vacuum cleaner draws ambient air into the fan through the open lid and achieves no suction. Damage to the vacuum cleaner caused by vacuuming without a vacuum cleaner filter bag, which can be caused in particular by dust and dirt getting into the fan, can thus be effectively prevented.

[0058] The vacuum cleaner may further comprise a vacuum cleaner filter bag with a previously described holding plate, wherein the holding plate is arranged on the holding plate receptacle of the holding device.

[0059] Further features and advantages are explained below using the example figures. They show:

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a first holding plate;

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a second retaining plate;

[0062] Figure 3 is an oblique view of a holding device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner; and

[0063] Figure 4 is an oblique view of the device with a holding plate arranged therein.

[0064] In the following and in the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements in the various embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0065] Figure 1 shows a first retaining plate 2 in a schematic plan view. The upper side of the retaining plate 2 is shown. The retaining plate 2 comprises a base plate 2a with a passage opening 14 through which the suction air stream laden with dirt and dust is directed into the interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag during vacuuming. A sealing element 15, which consists of or comprises, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer, polyethylene, or polypropylene, is located around the passage opening 14. The sealing element 15 serves the purpose of directing the suction air stream completely into the vacuum cleaner filter bag, so that no dust or dirt enters the interior of the vacuum cleaner.

[0066] The retaining plate 2 further comprises an engagement region 8 on a side section of the retaining plate 2. The retaining plate 2 has an insertion direction E indicated by an arrow. The insertion direction E denotes the direction in which the retaining plate is inserted into the holding device as intended in order to be used in the intended manner. The engagement section 8 is located, in particular, in a section of the outer contour of the retaining plate 2 that lies laterally from a front edge in the insertion direction E.

[0067] The engagement portion 8 comprises a softer material than the base plate 2a. Under the action of a force, the engagement portion 8 thus deforms more than the base plate 2a. Suitable materials for the engagement portion 8 include polyoxymethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polypropylene, polyethylene, or a thermoplastic elastomer, or mixtures thereof. In particular, polypropylene and polyethylene (including recycled polypropylene and recycled polyethylene) may be preferred because they are more cost-effective than the other materials.

[0068] The engagement portion 8 comprises a plurality (two or more) of projections 8a. These projections 8a lie in a plane of the holding plate 2. The projections 8a can, in particular, be rectangular or trapezoidal (also referred to as teeth). However, the shape of the projections 8a is not limited by this. A recess 8b is located between two adjacent projections 8a or teeth. The first key portion 8 shown has a total of four projections 8a and three recesses 8b, although other suitable values ​​can also be used. The engagement portion 8 is designed to cooperate with an engagement element of the holding device, so that the holding plate 2 is held in a predetermined position. In particular, this holding / fixing is achieved by an intermeshing between the engagement element and the key portions (see Figure 4).

[0069] The sealing element 15 and the engagement portion 8 can comprise the same material. This simplifies the production of the retaining plate 2 because the sealing element 15 and the engagement portion 8 can be manufactured in a single work step, for example, by injection molding. Overall, the retaining plate 2 can be manufactured by two-component injection molding. The retaining plate optionally has a grip portion 18. This can, for example, be formed in a region of the outer contour of the retaining plate 2 that lies opposite the front edge 19 with respect to the center point M. The grip portion 18 has a local thickening. In other words, the retaining plate 2 has a greater thickness in the region of the grip portion 18. In this region, a user can easily grasp the retaining plate and pull it in a direction parallel to the support surface. This step is required to release a locking connection between the locking recess 12a and the locking hook.The handle section 18 further improves the handling of the holding plate 2 for a user.

[0070] The illustrated retaining plate 2 can be part of a vacuum cleaner filter bag (not shown). The vacuum cleaner filter bag comprises a filter medium, which is connected to the retaining plate, for example, glued or welded. During vacuuming, an air stream laden with dirt and dust is directed through the passage opening 14 into the filter bag. The vacuum cleaner filter bag can, for example, be a flat bag.

[0071] In addition to the advantage of higher manufacturing tolerances described above, the retaining plate offers further advantages, which are explained below.

[0072] Over the course of a vacuum cleaner's (many years of) use, a large number of vacuum cleaner filter bags are replaced. Each time the retaining plate is inserted and secured, the engagement element rubs against the engaging section of the retaining plate, which over time leads to wear of the engaging element, particularly if both elements are made of a similarly hard material. This wear wears out the engaging element, meaning precise engagement with the engaging section is no longer possible. If the engaging section is made of a softer material, this soft material is predominantly worn away, while the harder material of the engaging element does not experience any significant wear. However, since the retaining plate is replaced regularly, a new engaging section is provided with each replacement. Therefore, the retaining device can be used over a long period of time.

[0073] Finally, the elastic design allows for higher manufacturing tolerances, while also preventing misalignment between the engagement section and the engagement element, and thus preventing gaps between the individual elements. These gaps can generate noise during use that the user finds unpleasant. However, such noise is effectively suppressed.

[0074] Figure 2 shows a second retaining plate 2. It is essentially based on the first retaining plate 2, so only the differences will be explained here. First, the retaining plate 2 comprises a further engagement section 8. The two engagement sections 8 are arranged on opposite sides of the retaining plate 2. Opposite here means with respect to an axis parallel to the insertion direction E. The two engagement sections 8 are designed identically, in particular with regard to the number and shape of the projections 8a. However, it is also possible for the two engagement sections 8 to be different.

[0075] In the base plate 2a, there is also a locking recess 13 in each of the opposite side sections. In the area of ​​the recess, the width of the holding plate 2 is smaller than in an area adjacent to the recess. As described in detail in connection with Figures 3 and 4, the locking recess 13 interacts with a locking hook of a device for holding the holding plate 2 in such a way that the locking hook engages the holding plate 2 at the locking recess 12a. This locking with another locking hook is a further fixing mechanism to improve the holding of the holding plate.

[0076] The locking recess 13 can have an edge made of the softer material. This allows for secure locking with the locking hook even with minor deviations in the dimensions of the retaining plate 2. Similar to the engagement section 8, this allows for higher manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, in this case, no significant wear occurs on the locking hook, so it still maintains a high holding force (locking force) even after numerous usage cycles.

[0077] The statements made with reference to Figure 1 essentially apply to the two engagement sections 8. Since the engagement sections are formed in both areas of the outer contour 9 of the retaining plate 2, the retaining is not only one-sided, and the retaining plate 2 can be better secured against displacement, in particular against rotation.

[0078] The first engagement section 8 and the second engagement section 8 also serve as a coding system, ensuring that only holding plates 2 with the correct engagement section can be used in combination with a holding device described below. This effectively prevents unsuitable vacuum cleaner filter bags from being used for a vacuum cleaner. This aspect will be explained in more detail in connection with Figure 4.

[0079] Overall, the holding plate 2 is axially symmetrical with respect to an axis parallel to the insertion direction E and through the center point M of the passage opening 14. Figure 3 shows an oblique view of a holding device 20 according to the invention for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner. The holding device 20 comprises a holding plate receptacle 5 with a support surface and a closing element 4. The closing element 4 can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position. Figure 3 shows the closing element 4 in the open position.

[0080] The holding plate holder 5 is designed to hold a holding plate of a vacuum cleaner filter bag on the support surface of the holding plate holder 5. For this purpose, the holding plate can, for example, be placed on the support surface of the holding plate holder 5 (the holding plate itself is not shown, see Figure 4). The holding plate holder 5 has a recess 22 (shown with opposite hatching) which is located below the opening of the holding plate when this holding plate is arranged on the holding plate holder 5. This serves the purpose of ensuring that a filter medium attached to the holding plate has sufficient space and that the dust-laden air can be guided through the opening into the filter medium.

[0081] A locking hook 12 is arranged on the locking element 4. The locking hook 12 is arranged on the side of the locking element 4 facing the retaining plate receptacle 5. The function of the locking hook 12 will be explained in more detail in connection with Figure 4. The locking hook comprises a joining part. This is the outer projection of the locking hook 12, which is designed for locking.

[0082] The holding plate receptacle 5 further comprises an optional bearing element 16. The bearing element 16 is designed to hold the holding plate against movement perpendicular to the support surface of the holding plate receptacle 5. The holding plate cannot therefore be removed upwards, i.e., vertically to the support surface of the holding plate receptacle 5. In addition, the bearing element 16 also fixes the holding plate against lateral movements of the holding plate parallel to the support surface of the holding plate receptacle 5. As a result, the holding plate 5 can essentially only be moved along one axis parallel to the insertion direction. This one axis, along which the holding plate remains movable, can, for example, be perpendicular to the pivot axis of the closing element 4. This makes it easier for a user to find the predetermined position of the holding plate on the holding plate receptacle 5.

[0083] The holding device 20 further comprises a spring element 3. The spring element 3 exerts a spring force on the closing element 4, so that it is pushed towards the open position. The spring element 3 is connected to the closing element 4 and to the holding plate receptacle 5, but is not limited to this arrangement, as there are several ways of implementing the spring element 3 to achieve the aforementioned effect. For example, as shown in the figure, a leg spring can be arranged on the pivot axis 11 of the closing element 4, which exerts a torque when the closing element 4 is pivoted towards the closed position. More precisely, the center of the leg spring is located on the pivot axis 11, and one of the two legs presses against the closing element 4, while the other leg presses against the holding plate receptacle 5 or a part of the housing.The connection to the retaining plate holder 5 serves to ensure the stability of the suspension of the spring element 3. Another possibility is a curved leaf spring or flat spring mounted on the support surface of the retaining plate holder 5. When the locking element 4 is in the closed position, it presses on the leaf or flat spring, which accordingly exerts a spring force toward the open position.

[0084] Finally, the holding device 20 comprises an optional stop element 17. The stop element 17 is essentially a part of the locking element 4 and is designed such that abutment of the holding plate against the stop element 17 leads to a pivoting of the locking element toward the closed position. For example, the stop element 17 is a projection on the locking element 4 against which the holding plate strikes in the predetermined position. Since the pivot axis 11 of the locking element 17 does not coincide with the stop point of the holding plate, a torque is exerted on the locking element 4, which leads to its pivoting. The stop element 17 thus serves, among other things, as an indicator that the holding plate is in the predetermined position on the holding plate holder 5. The user can therefore directly recognize the triggered pivoting of the locking element 4, indicating that the holding plate has been inserted correctly.

[0085] It is also possible that abutment of the retaining plate against the stop element 17 leads to a (complete) pivoting of the locking element 4 into the closed position. When the retaining plate is inserted into the predetermined position on the retaining plate holder 5, the locking element 4 is pivoted into the closed position and thereby locks into the retaining plate.

[0086] The locking element 4 can be essentially U-shaped with two legs. The two legs are particularly symmetrical, with a locking hook 12 being provided on both legs. The retaining plate is therefore held symmetrically at the two edge sections of the retaining plate, which enables optimal retention and even distribution of the acting forces. One advantage of the U-shape is that the two legs securely fix the retaining plate, but at the same time, sufficient space remains between the two legs to prevent the opening and seal of the retaining plate from coming into contact with the locking element. The U-shape therefore represents an efficient design that does not restrict the function or geometry of the retaining plate.

[0087] Figure 4 shows the holding device 20 from Figure 3 with the locking element 4 in the closed position. Also shown is a holding plate 2 located on the holding plate receptacle 5. This can, in particular, be a holding plate 2 according to Figure 2. Since most of the components of the holding device 20 have already been explained with reference to Figure 3, they will not be introduced again here.

[0088] The closing element 4 has an engagement element 10 on an edge section facing the holding plate receptacle 5. This engagement element is designed to engage with the engagement section 8 (or the engagement sections 8) of the holding plate. Specifically, for the holding plate shown in Figure 2, this means that the engagement element 10 comprises at least one projection that can engage with the recess in the holding plate 2, and / or that the engagement element 10 comprises at least one clamp that can engage around a projection in the holding plate 2. In the example shown, the engagement element 10 comprises a plurality of projections and clamps (one clamp and two projections). This pattern can thus be complementary to the engagement section 8 of the holding plate 2, which can accordingly comprise three recesses.This means that the number of projections and clamps corresponds in particular to the number of recesses and projections in the associated engagement section 8 of the holding plate 2. The clamps can also nestle against a projection in the holding plate 2.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the engagement element 10 of the locking element 4 and the first engagement section 8 of the retaining plate 2 engage with each other, so that the retaining plate 2 is held in the predetermined position. The engagement can be a positive fit. This also specifically shows the engagement between the engagement element 10 and the engagement section 8 of the retaining plate 2. The projections of the engagement element 10 engage in the recesses of the retaining plate 2, and the clamps of the engagement element 10 encompass the projections in the engagement section 8 of the retaining plate.

[0090] Since the engagement element 8 comprises a soft material that is softer than the material of the engagement element 8, the engagement section 8 can conform to the engagement element 10. As already explained, this compensates for any deviations in shape between the two components, thus still achieving a secure fixation of the retaining plate. Furthermore, the harder engagement element 10, compared to the engagement section 8, is practically unwearable and can maintain a high holding force over a long period of time and across usage cycles.

[0091] The locking hook 12 is engaged with the locking recess 13 of the retaining plate 2. This holds the locking element 4 in the closed position against the spring force of the spring element 3. The position of the locking recess 13 must match the position of the locking hook to ensure the locking action. The position of the locking recess on the retaining plate can also ensure that only a specific retaining plate is used for the holding device.

[0092] Also important in this context is the bearing element 16, which fixes the retaining plate against movement perpendicular to the support surface of the retaining plate holder 5. In other words, the retaining plate 2 is held on the retaining plate holder 5 by the bearing element 16 against the spring force (due to the locking between the locking element 4 and the retaining plate 2 by the locking hook). As a result, the retaining plate 2 cannot be lifted upwards away from the retaining plate holder 5.

[0093] The closing element 4 can be designed such that, in the closed position, an upper surface of the closing element 4 extends tangentially with a portion of the retaining plate receptacle 5. This allows the user to intuitively recognize that the retaining plate 2 is correctly arranged in the specified position. This ensures that the retaining plate 2, with its seal 15 located around the opening 14, is correctly positioned in all three axes relative to the intake nozzle of a vacuum cleaner, so that the dust-laden air is completely directed through the opening 14.

[0094] To release the locking connection between the locking hook 12 and the retaining plate 2, the retaining plate 2 can be moved on the retaining plate holder 5 so that the locking hook 12 is released from its locking position. The locking hook 12 is then released, and the spring force of the spring element 3 pushes the closing element 4 into the open position, after which the vacuum cleaner filter bag can be removed with the retaining plate 2 attached to it.

Claims

Claims 1. Holding plate (2) for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a holding device (20) in a dust collection chamber of a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a base plate (2a) with a passage opening (14), and an engagement section (8) which is designed for engagement with a holding device (20) for holding the holding plate (2) in the holding device (20), wherein the engagement section (8) comprises a softer material than that of the base plate (2a).

2. Holding plate (2) according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion (8) is formed on a side region of the base plate (2a).

3. Holding plate (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the softer material of the engagement portion (8) is formed in the form of a coating over the base plate (2a), or wherein the engagement portion (8) consists of the softer material and is fastened to the base plate (2a).

4. Holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion (8) comprises two projections (8a) and a recess (8b) arranged between each two adjacent projections (8a).

5. Holding plate (2) according to claim 4, further comprising a further engagement portion (8) which is arranged on a second side portion of the base plate (2), wherein the further engagement portion (8) comprises two projections (8a) and a recess (8b) arranged between each two adjacent projections (8a), and wherein the first side portion is opposite the second side portion with respect to an axis parallel to an insertion direction (E) of the holding plate (2).

6. Holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the base plate (2a) comprises polypropylene and / or polyethylene, and / or wherein the material of the engagement portion (8) comprises polypropylene, polyethylene, a thermoplastic elastomer or polyoxymethylene.

7. Holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion (8) has a width of between 5 mm and 5 cm, in particular between 1 cm and 3 cm, viewed from a front edge (19) in an insertion direction (E) of the holding plate (2), and / or wherein a width of the engagement portion (8) perpendicular to the insertion direction (E) of the holding plate (2) is between 5 mm and a full width of the holding plate (2), in particular between 1 cm and 3 cm, and / or wherein a thickness of the engagement portion (8) along a thickness direction of the holding plate (2) is at least 0.1 mm and not more than twice the thickness of the base plate (2a) in a region adjacent to the engagement element (8).

8. Holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing element (15) around the passage opening (14), wherein the sealing element (14) in particular comprises the softer material.

9. Holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate comprises a locking recess (13) which is designed for locking with a locking hook (12).

10. Holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding plate (2) has a maximum width perpendicular to an insertion direction (E) of the holding plate (2) of between 55 mm and 94 mm, wherein a distance between the center point (M) of the passage opening (14) and a front edge (19) of the holding plate (2) in the insertion direction (E) is between 28 mm and 53 mm.

11. Holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, produced by injection molding, in particular two-component injection molding.

12. Vacuum cleaner filter bag, comprising the holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, and a filter medium, wherein the filter medium is firmly connected to the holding plate (2).

13. Holding device (20) for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner, the device comprising: a holding plate receptacle (5) with a support surface, wherein the support surface is designed to receive a holding plate (2) according to one of the preceding claims, and an engagement element (10) which is designed to be brought into engagement with the first engagement section (8) of the holding plate (2).

14. Holding device (20) according to claim 13, further comprising a closing element (4) which can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closing element (4) comprises a latching hook (12) on a side facing the holding plate receptacle (5), wherein the latching hook (12) is designed to latch in the closed position of the closing element (4) on the latching recess (13) of the holding plate (2) arranged on the holding plate receptacle (5), so that the closing element (4) is held in the closed position by the latching hook (12), and wherein the engagement element (10) is located on the closing element (4).

15. Holding device according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a spring element (3) which exerts a spring force which presses the closing element (4) towards the open position.

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