Cleaning appliance and method for protecting a cleaning appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning appliance, in particular a suction appliance, comprising a fan driven by an electric motor and at least one electrical energy storage device for supplying the electric motor with electrical energy, wherein the at least one electrical energy storage device has two electrical connection poles, wherein the cleaning appliance comprises a discharge unit for discharging the cleaning appliance which is electrostatically charged during operation, wherein the discharge unit is electrically conductively connected to one of the two electrical connection poles, and wherein the discharge unit is arranged or designed such that it shields the at least one electrical energy storage device in a discharge position, in particular surrounds or covers same, such that access to the at least one electrical energy storage device by the hand of a user is prevented, and wherein the discharge unit, in a release position, releases the at least one energy storage device to such an extent that access to the at least one electrical energy storage device by way of a hand is made possible, in particular for removing the at least one energy storage device from the cleaning appliance. The invention further relates to a method for protecting a cleaning appliance from damage caused by electrostatic discharge.

Description

[0001] Cleaning device and method for protecting a cleaning device

[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular a vacuum device, comprising a vacuum device driven by an electric motor, in particular a blower or a turbine, and at least one electrical energy storage device for supplying the electric motor with electrical energy, wherein the at least one electrical energy storage device has two electrical connection poles.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for protecting a cleaning device from damage caused by electrostatic discharge, which includes a cleaning device, in particular in the form of a vacuum device, a vacuum device driven by an electric motor, and at least one electrical energy storage device for supplying the electric motor with electrical energy, wherein the electrical energy storage device has two electrical connection poles.

[0004] Cleaning devices of the type described above are known in a wide variety of designs. Particularly in vacuum cleaners, the many moving parts lead to large electrostatic charges. These are undesirable and can, in particular, damage the electrical and electronic components of the cleaning device.

[0005] US patent 2023 / 0309774 Al describes the reduction of electrostatic discharges in vacuum cleaners.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a cleaning device and a method of the type described above in such a way that the cleaning device is protected against damage as effectively as possible. This object is achieved in a cleaning device of the type described above according to the invention in that the cleaning device comprises a discharge device for discharging the cleaning device which becomes electrostatically charged during operation, in that the discharge device is electrically connected to one of the two electrical terminals, and in that the discharge device is arranged or designed in such a way that it shields, in particular surrounds or covers, the at least one electrical energy storage device in a discharge position in such a way that access to the at least one electrical energy storage device with a user's hand is prevented.and that the discharge device, in a release position, releases the at least one energy storage device at least to such an extent that one-handed access to the at least one electrical energy storage device is enabled, in particular for removing the at least one energy storage device from the cleaning device.

[0007] The further development proposed according to the invention can reliably protect a cleaning device of the type described above, in particular, from damage caused by electrostatic charging. In particular, the electrical energy storage device can also be protected in this way. This can be, for example, a battery or a battery pack. If such a device is not adequately protected against electrostatic discharge, the discharge device enables a controlled discharge of the cleaning device after electrostatic charging. This is achieved, in particular, by equipotential bonding, by connecting the discharge device to one of the two electrical terminals of the at least one energy storage device. Equipotential bonding can be carried out, in particular, directly or indirectly via the device's electronics.Preferably, the discharge device is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the electrical energy storage device. The proposed arrangement and design of the discharge device ensures, in particular, that a user can only touch the at least one electrical energy storage device after touching the discharge device, thus enabling a controlled discharge through the established potential equalization. This prevents undefined discharges through the electrical energy storage device and, consequently, damage to it. The discharge device is preferably designed such that it must be touched by the user before the user can touch the electrical energy storage device.This allows electrostatic charge buildup in the cleaning device to be dissipated in a defined manner via the discharge device. Damage to the cleaning device, particularly its electrical or electronic components, or to the electrical energy storage device, can thus be prevented simply and reliably.

[0008] It is advantageous if the electrical energy storage device is designed to provide a DC voltage and if the DC voltage is applied to both terminals. The discharge device can be connected to one of the two terminals. Preferably, it is connected to the negative terminal of the electrical energy storage device.

[0009] Advantageously, the electrical energy storage device comprises at least one rechargeable battery cell. This makes it possible, in particular, to operate the cleaning device independently of the mains power supply and, if necessary, continuously. When the electrical energy storage device is depleted, it can be replaced with a charged one. To prevent damage to the energy storage device during replacement, a discharge device is provided.

[0010] It is advantageous if the electrical energy storage device is designed in the form of a battery pack, which includes a control and / or regulating device and at least one rechargeable battery cell, and in particular, a plurality of rechargeable battery cells. Electrostatic discharge can, in the case of unprotected energy storage devices, lead to damage, in particular to the control and / or regulating device of the at least one electrical energy storage device. The control and / or regulating device of the electrical energy storage device is also referred to as a battery management system. It serves, in particular, to monitor the energy storage device during charging and discharging. Specifically, it can, for example, monitor the temperature of the energy storage device and prevent overheating of the electrical energy storage device by limiting charging and discharging currents.

[0011] The cleaning device can be built simply and cost-effectively if it uses at least one rechargeable battery cell in the form of a lithium-ion battery. In principle, it is also possible to use other types of rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-metal hydride or lead-acid batteries. However, these are used less frequently due to their disadvantages compared to lithium-ion batteries, particularly their weight and charge density.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the discharge device may comprise at least one discharge element, the at least one discharge element having at least one electrically conductive outer surface, and the electrically conductive outer surface being electrically connected to one of the two terminal poles. The at least one discharge element must be electrically conductive at least on its outer surface. Of course, it is also possible to make the discharge element entirely electrically conductive. For example, it may be made of a non-conductive material with an electrically conductive coating. For instance, such a discharge element may be made of an electrically non-conductive plastic. Alternatively, the discharge element may also be made of an electrically conductive plastic.This component can, for example, be made of an electrically non-conductive plastic into which an additive is incorporated. The additive itself is preferably sufficiently conductive to allow the electrostatically charged cleaning device to discharge. The non-conductive plastic can be, for example, polypropylene or a polyamide. These plastics can be made sufficiently conductive by incorporating, for example, carbon black particles, carbon fiber particles or fragments, stainless steel particles (e.g., stainless steel fiber fragments), or nanotubes into the plastic material. The electrically conductive additive is preferably made of a material that does not rub off the plastic forming the carrier material. This prevents, in particular, so-called "chalking" on the discharge element. Preferably, an additive is also used that enables the formation of an aesthetically pleasing component surface.The electrical conductivity of the discharge element is preferably not arbitrarily high, and in particular not comparable to that of good conductors such as copper or aluminum. Preferably, an electrically conductive material is used for forming or coating the discharge element, which has a resistance in the range of approximately 10 MΩ to approximately 100 MΩ. In this way, the discharge element forms a series resistor, thus limiting the final current. The additive is selected such that it can be reliably and, in particular, homogeneously incorporated into the non-conductive carrier material. Preferably, a material or material combination is used that allows for injection molding of the discharge element. Furthermore, it can be provided, in particular, that the at least one discharge element is permanently, i.e., not removable by design, arranged on the cleaning device.This can prevent, in particular, an unwanted discharge from the electrical energy storage device if the discharge element were removed.

[0013] It is advantageous if the at least one discharge element is arranged or designed in such a way that, in the discharge position, it shields, in particular surrounds or covers, the at least one electrical energy storage device in such a way that access to the at least one energy storage device with one hand by a user is prevented, and if, in the release position, the at least one discharge element releases the at least one electrical energy storage device at least to such an extent that access to the at least one electrical energy storage device with one hand is enabled, in particular for removing the at least one energy storage device from the cleaning device.The proposed further training makes it possible, in particular, to incorporate a feature into the cleaning device that, for example, replacing the electrical energy storage device is only permitted if the user first touches at least one discharge element, thus enabling a defined discharge through potential equalization with one of the two terminals of the electrical energy storage device. This reliably prevents charge from flowing through a potentially unprotected energy storage device. Electrostatic charges can occur in cleaning devices, especially when dirt particles come into contact with plastic parts.

[0014] It is advantageous if the cleaning device comprises a first electromechanical interface device, if the at least one electrical energy storage device comprises a second electromechanical interface device, and if the first and second electromechanical interface devices are mechanically and electrically engaged in an operating position of the cleaning device and mechanically and electrically disengaged in a disconnected position. Such a design makes it particularly possible to design the cleaning device and the at least one electrical energy storage device to be detachably connected, so that when the electrical energy storage device is depleted, it can be replaced by a charged energy storage device in order to continue operating the cleaning device.

[0015] It is advantageous if the cleaning device includes at least one receptacle for receiving the at least one energy storage device in the working position and at least one protective element, and if the at least one protective element at least partially, and in particular completely, closes the at least one receptacle in a protective position and at least partially releases it in the release position to allow the at least one electrical energy storage device to be moved from the working position to the disconnected position and vice versa. The at least one protective element serves in particular to provide mechanical protection for the electrical energy storage device in the working position, for example, during operation of the cleaning device. Specifically, it can completely close the receptacle in the working position, thus preventing contamination of the receptacle and the electrical energy storage device it contains.In particular, the protective element can also protect the first electromechanical interface device from contamination or damage when the at least one electrical energy storage device is removed from the receptacle.

[0016] It is advantageous if the at least one protective element, when in a protective position, covers the at least one electrical energy storage device. This allows the at least one protective element to protect the at least one electrical energy storage device, in particular, from mechanical damage, such as from impacts or shocks. Furthermore, this also prevents a user from accessing the electrical energy storage device with one hand while it is in the protective position.

[0017] Easy handling of the cleaning device can be achieved, in particular, by including a housing and by having at least one protective element on the housing movably arranged or designed, especially rotatable, pivotable, and / or slidable. In particular, the at least one protective element can be permanently and non-removably arranged or mounted on the housing. The movable arrangement allows it to be easily switched from the protective position to the release position and vice versa.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one protective element forms or comprises the at least one discharge element. In this way, it can, in particular, perform a dual function. On the one hand, it can, for example, protect the at least one electrical energy storage device from damage caused by an undefined electrostatic discharge. On the other hand, it can also simply serve the purely mechanical protection of the electrical energy storage device.

[0019] It is advantageous if the at least one protective element is designed in the form of a protective cover or a protective bracket. These can be easily manufactured and positioned on the cleaning device, and in particular, they can be movable. Furthermore, they can be designed, for example, so that a user can only access the at least one energy storage device after first touching the at least one protective element to trigger a defined electrostatic discharge. If the at least one protective element also forms the at least one discharge element, or vice versa, the protective cover or bracket can be made of an electrically conductive material or coated with an electrically conductive material. As explained, limiting the electrical conductivity is advantageous in order to restrict the flow of current.

[0020] Advantageously, the at least one protective element can be locked in the protective position. This prevents, in particular, the unintentional release of the at least one energy storage device. Specifically, it can be provided that the at least one protective element or the at least one discharge element is automatically moved into the protective or discharge position, for example, by a reset device. Thus, to access the electrical energy storage device, a user must first open the receptacle on the cleaning device by moving, in particular pivoting or sliding, a protective cover or guard that forms the at least one discharge element or the at least one protective element. The locking device can, in particular, ensure that the at least one protective element maintains the protective position in a defined manner.It is advantageous if the cleaning device, in particular the discharge device (48), includes a locking device for locking the at least one protective element in the protective position. This ensures, in particular, that the at least one protective element retains the protective position. If the at least one protective element forms the at least one discharge element, this also ensures that the at least one discharge element can be secured in the discharge position.

[0021] It is advantageous if the locking device comprises at least one locking element which engages directly or indirectly with the at least one protective element in a locked position, particularly mechanically, and prevents the at least one protective element from being moved from the protective position to the release position, and which, in an unlocked position, is disengaged from the at least one protective element and allows the at least one protective element to be moved from the protective position to the release position. Such a design particularly facilitates easy handling of the cleaning device. For example, the at least one locking element can be movably arranged or designed on the cleaning device so that the locking device can be moved from the locked position to the release position and vice versa by appropriate movement of the locking element.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one locking element forms or comprises the at least one discharge element. In this way, it can be ensured, in particular, that an electrostatic charge is forcibly dissipated when a user touches the at least one locking element. If the at least one locking element forms the at least one discharge element, it is preferably connected to one of the two terminals of the electrical energy storage device. This establishes a potential equalization between the at least one locking element and one of the two terminals of the energy storage device. Such a design also allows, in particular, the use of a protective element that is itself electrically non-conductive, i.e., made, for example, of an electrically non-conductive material.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning device can be designed in the form of a vacuum cleaner, comprising a suction inlet and a collection container, with the suction inlet being flow-effectively connected to the suction device and the suction device being flow-effectively connected to the collection container. Such a cleaning device makes it possible, in particular, to collect vacuumed dirt in the cleaning container. When sufficiently full, this container can be easily emptied.

[0024] It is advantageous if the vacuum cleaner is designed as a canister vacuum and includes a removable lid for closing the collection container in a suction position, and if the electric motor, the suction unit, at least one electrical energy storage device, and the discharge device are located on or integrated into the lid. This allows for a particularly compact cleaning device. In particular, the cleaning container can then be opened for emptying, for example, by completely removing the lid from the collection container. Furthermore, it is advantageous for handling such a cleaning device if the collection container is mobile. For example, it can be equipped with three or more wheels, especially swivel casters, so that a user can pull the cleaning device behind them during use.

[0025] The problem set out at the beginning is further solved in a method of the type described at the beginning according to the invention in that, before accessing the electrical energy storage device with a user's hand, an electrostatic charge of the cleaning device is discharged to one of the two terminal poles via a discharge device encompassed by the cleaning device and electrically connected to one of the two electrical terminal poles.In particular, the electrostatic charge of the cleaning device can be dissipated via the discharge device enclosed by the cleaning device and electrically connected to one of the two electrical terminals. This dissipation occurs when the cleaning device becomes electrically charged during operation. The discharge device is then forced or unavoidable, and the user must touch the electrical energy storage device before the user can touch the electrical energy storage device. Such a method can, in particular, ensure that an electrical energy storage device that is not adequately protected against electrostatic charging cannot be damaged by an undefined discharge of the charge, for example, as a result of unintentional contact by a user.To prevent an undefined discharge of the cleaning device, the proposed procedure brings about a defined discharge via the discharge device, in particular through the proposed potential equalization with one of the two terminals of the at least one electrical energy storage device. As explained, this can be achieved, in particular, by selectively discharging the electrostatic charge before the user can touch the electrical energy storage device. This can be achieved, for example, by forcing the user to touch the discharge device.

[0026] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves for further explanation. The drawing shows:

[0027] Figure 1: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning device with a protective element in the form of a protective cover in the protective position; Figure 2: a view of the arrangement from Figure 1 with the protective cover open;

[0028] Figure 3: a schematic representation of the cleaning device from Figures 1 and 2 with a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of its electrical components;

[0029] Figure 4: a schematic perspective representation of another

[0030] Exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device with a protective element in the form of a protective bar in the protective position;

[0031] Figure 5: a view of the arrangement from Figure 4, with the guard in the release position; and

[0032] Figure 6: a schematic representation of the cleaning device from Figures 4 and 5 with a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of its electrical components;

[0033] Figure 7: a schematic perspective representation of another

[0034] Exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device with a locking device and a protective element locked in a locking position;

[0035] Figure 8: a view of the arrangement from Figure 7, but with the protective element unlocked and moved into a release position;

[0036] Figure 9: a schematic representation of the cleaning device from Figures 7 and 8 with a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of its electrical components; and Figure 10: a schematic representation of a photograph of the cleaning device with an electrical energy storage device in the disconnected position.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 schematically show a first embodiment of a cleaning device designated in general by reference numeral 10. It is designed in the form of a suction device 12, which serves as a vacuum cleaner 14.

[0038] The vacuum cleaner 14 is designed in the form of a canister vacuum cleaner 16. It comprises a suction container 18 with a suction inlet 20 shown schematically in Figure 3, which can be coupled, for example, to a suction hose (not shown).

[0039] The suction inlet 20 is flow-effectively connected to a suction device 22 in a manner not shown in detail. This, in turn, is flow-effectively connected to the suction container 18 in order to convey dirt particles through the suction inlet 20 into the suction container 18 in a known manner.

[0040] The suction device 22 comprises a blower 24 for generating a vacuum to convey dirt particles and the like through the suction inlet 20 into the suction container 18. In alternative embodiments of cleaning devices, a turbine may be provided instead of a blower 24.

[0041] An electric motor 26 is used to drive the blower 24. In the embodiment of the cleaning device 10 shown in the figures, an electrical energy storage device 28 is provided to supply the electric motor 26 with electrical energy. It comprises two electrical terminals 30 and 32 and provides a DC voltage to these terminals. Terminal 30 forms a positive terminal 34, and terminal 32 a negative terminal 36 of the electrical energy storage device 28. The electrical energy storage device 28 comprises one or more rechargeable battery cells 38. A battery cell 38 is shown schematically as a dashed line in Figure 3.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the electrical energy storage device 28 is designed in the form of a battery pack 40, which, in addition to at least one battery cell 38, also includes a control and / or regulating device 42. This forms a so-called battery management system ("BMS"), which in particular controls and / or regulates charging and / or discharging processes. In particular, the BMS is designed to prevent overheating of the energy storage device during operation, i.e., both during charging and discharging.

[0043] The at least one rechargeable battery cell 38 of the energy storage device 28 is designed in the form of a lithium-ion battery.

[0044] The cleaning device 10 has a receptacle 44 for receiving the electrical energy storage device 28 in a working position of the cleaning device 10. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the receptacle 44 is arranged or formed on a container lid 46 for closing the suction container 18 in a suction position. The container lid 46 is removable from the suction container 18 in order to empty the material collected in the suction container 18.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, not only is the receptacle 44 for the energy storage device 28 arranged or formed on the container lid 46, but also the electric motor 26 and the suction device 22.

[0046] In order to protect the electrical energy storage device 28 from damage caused by an undefined discharge of an electrostatic charge from the cleaning device 10, the cleaning device 10 includes a discharge device 48 for discharging the cleaning device 10 which becomes electrostatically charged during operation.

[0047] The discharge device 48 is electrically connected to one of the two terminals 30, 32. A connecting line 50 is provided for this purpose, which, in the embodiment of the cleaning device 10 shown schematically in Figures 1 to 3, is connected to the negative terminal 36 of the electrical energy storage device 28.

[0048] The discharge device 48 comprises a discharge element 52. At least one outer surface 54 of the discharge element 52 is electrically conductive. The discharge element 52 is designed as a protective element which, in a working position of the cleaning device 10 in which it can be operated, at least partially, and in fact completely as shown in the figures, closes the receptacle 44 in a protective position, as schematically depicted in Figures 1 and 3.

[0049] In a release position, as schematically depicted in Figure 2, the protective element 56 releases the receptacle 44 sufficiently to allow the electrical energy storage device 28 to be moved from the operating position to a disconnected position and vice versa. In the disconnected position, the electrical energy storage device 28 is completely separated from the cleaning device 10.

[0050] As can be clearly seen in Figures 1 and 3, the protective element 56 overlaps the electrical energy storage device 28 in the protective position.

[0051] The cleaning device 10 comprises a housing 58 on which the protective element 56 is movably arranged or formed. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the protective element 56 is pivotally mounted on the container lid 46 about a pivot axis 60. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the protective element 56 is designed in the form of a protective cover 62, which completely closes the receptacle 44 and allows access with one hand 64 by a user to the electrical energy storage device 28 in the release position, as shown schematically in Figure 2.

[0052] The described discharge device 48 is thus arranged and designed such that it shields the electrical energy storage device 28 in a discharge position, as exemplified in Figures 1 and 3, i.e., in particular surrounds or covers it, in such a way that access to the electrical energy storage device 28 with a user's hand 64 is prevented. In Figures 1 and 3, the protective cover 62 overlaps the electrical energy storage device 28 and closes the receptacle 44. In order to access and grasp the electrical energy storage device 28, a user must first touch or grasp the protective cover 62, which forms the discharge element 52, with their hand 64.The discharge element 52 enables potential equalization between the discharge element 52, the user, and the electrically conductive terminal 32 connected to the discharge element 52 via the surface 54, which is touched by the hand 64. In this way, after opening the protective cover 62, as schematically shown in Figure 2, a user can grasp the electrical energy storage device 28 with their hand 64. Since potential equalization has already occurred at this point, an undesirable and undefined discharge of the electrostatic charge of the cleaning device 10 via the electrical energy storage device 28, particularly into its housing, is no longer possible. Damage to the device is thus effectively prevented by the discharge device 48.

[0053] Thus, in the release position, the discharge device 48 releases the energy storage device 28 at least to the extent that the user's hand 64 can access the electrical energy storage device 28, for example, to remove it from the cleaning device 10, and in particular to remove it from the receptacle 44. Once the electrical energy storage device 28 is discharged, it can either be recharged and then reinserted or replaced by another charged energy storage device to continue operating the cleaning device.

[0054] In the described embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the discharge element 52 is arranged or designed such that, in the discharge position, it shields, in particular surrounds or covers, the electrical energy storage device 28 in such a way that access to the energy storage device 28 with a user's hand 64 is prevented. In the release position, the discharge element 52, in the form of the protective cover 62, releases the electrical energy storage device 28 at least to the extent that access to the energy storage device 28 with the hand 64 is possible.

[0055] The cleaning device 10 is protected from damage caused by an undefined discharge of electrostatic charge in the manner described. This is achieved by discharging any electrostatic charge on the cleaning device 10 via the discharge device to one of the two electrical terminals 30, 32 before a user's hand 64 accesses the electrical energy storage device. The specific design of the cleaning device 10 automatically ensures the desired discharge, as the discharge element 52 prevents access to the energy storage device 28 in the operating or protective position. The discharge element 52, which is electrically connected via the connecting cable 50 to one of the two terminals 30, 32, preferably to the negative terminal 36, thus automatically enables potential equalization and the controlled dissipation of any electrostatic charge.A discharge contact 66 of the discharge device 48 is electrically conductively connected to a pivot bearing 68 of the protective cover 62, so that, regardless of the opening position of the protective cover 62, an electrically conductive connection exists with the terminal pole 32.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, further contacts 70 and 72 can be arranged on the cleaning device such that they touch the protective cover 62 in the protective position, as schematically shown in Figures 1 and 3. The two contacts 70 and 72 are designed like leaf springs and clamp the protective cover 62 between them in the protective position. The contacts 70 and 72 are electrically connected via connecting lines 74 to one of the two terminals 30 and 32, respectively. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, this is the negative terminal 36. The connecting line 74 is shown with a dashed line, as it can only be provided optionally or as an alternative.

[0057] The cleaning device 10 comprises a control and / or regulating device 76, which is electrically connected to the terminals 30 and 32 of the electrical energy storage devices 28 in the operating position via two connecting lines 78 and 80.

[0058] A switching element 82 is used to operate the cleaning device 10 by a user, in particular to activate and deactivate the suction device 22. It is designed in the form of a rotary switch, which is electrically connected to the control and / or regulating device 76 via two connecting lines 84 and 86.

[0059] The control and / or regulating device 76 is electrically connected to the electric motor 26 via two further connecting lines 88 and 90.

[0060] In order to be able to detach the electrical energy storage device 28 from the cleaning device 10 as needed and then reconnect it, the cleaning device 10 comprises a first electromechanical interface device 92. The electrical energy storage device 28 comprises a second electromechanical interface device 94. In the operating position, the first and the second electromechanical interface devices are mechanically and electrically engaged, and in the disconnected position, they are mechanically and electrically disengaged.

[0061] Figure 10 schematically shows the two interface devices 92 and 94 in the disconnected position. The first electromechanical interface device 92 comprises first and second electrical interface contacts 96 and 98. These are arranged and designed such that, in the operating position, they are at least electrically conductively connected to the terminals 30 and 32 of the energy storage device 28.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first electromechanical interface device 92 is arranged or formed in or on the receptacle 44.

[0063] The connecting lines 78 and 80 are electrically conductively connected to the first interface contact 96 and the second interface contact 98, respectively.

[0064] Another embodiment of a cleaning device is shown schematically in Figures 4 to 6 and is also designated by reference numeral 10. The same reference numerals are used to designate further elements and components of the cleaning device 10 as in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0065] The cleaning device 10 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6 differs from the embodiment of the cleaning device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 in the design of the discharge element 52. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, it is designed in the form of a protective bracket 100, which is movably arranged on the container lid 46 and thus on the housing 58 encompassing the container lid 46 via a pivot bearing 68.

[0066] The protective bracket 100 is pivotably mounted about the pivot axis 60 by means of the swivel bearing 68.

[0067] The protective bracket 100, like the protective cover 62, can be moved from a release position shown schematically in Figure 5, in which a free end 102 of the protective bracket 100 is pivoted away from the container cover 46, into the working position, unloading position, or protective position by pivoting the free end 102 towards the electrical energy storage device 28 inserted into the receptacle 44. In the protective position, the protective bracket 102 at least partially closes the receptacle 44 and also at least partially overlaps or surrounds the energy storage device 28.

[0068] In the area of ​​the free end 102, a recess 104 is formed that, in the intended use of the cleaning device 10, opens in the direction of gravity. This recess is in the form of a groove into which a user can engage the fingers 106 of their hand 64 and pivot the free end 102 upwards against the direction of gravity. This allows the protective bracket 100 to release the receptacle 44, as schematically shown in Figure 5, sufficiently for the user to grasp the electrical energy storage device 28 with their hand 64 and remove it from the receptacle 44. In doing so, the user disengages the first and second electromechanical interface devices 92 and 94, which are engaged with each other in the working position, and moves the electrical energy storage device 28 into the disconnected position, as schematically shown in Figure 10.

[0069] The discharge device 48, which in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6 is part of the cleaning device 10, also enables the automatic dissipation of an electrostatic charge in the cleaning device 10 when a user comes into contact with the electrically conductive protective guard 110. The protective guard 110 is connected via the connecting cable 50 to one of the two terminals 30 or 32, preferably the negative terminal 36, of the electrical energy storage device 28, or to one of the two interface contacts 96, 98 of the first electromechanical interface device 92.

[0070] Furthermore, the construction of the cleaning device 10 according to Figures 4 to 6 is identical to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, so reference can be made to the above description in this regard.

[0071] A third embodiment of a cleaning device is shown schematically in Figures 7 to 9 and is designated by reference numeral 10. Here too, identical or functionally comparable components and elements are designated with the same reference numerals as in the embodiment of cleaning device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0072] The embodiment of the cleaning device 10 according to Figures 7 to 9 differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 in that the protective cover 62 does indeed form a protective element 56 to close the receptacle 44 in the protective position, as schematically shown in Figures 7 and 9. However, the protective element 56 does not form the discharge element 52 of the discharge device 48.

[0073] The protective element 56 of the cleaning device 10 can be locked in the protective position according to Figures 7 to 9. For this purpose, the cleaning device 10 includes a locking device 108 for locking the protective element 56 in the protective position.

[0074] The locking device 108 comprises a locking element 110. It is designed in the form of a rotary knob 112 with a locking projection 114 extending radially from it. The locking element 110 is rotatably mounted on the housing 58 of the cleaning device 10 about a pivot axis 116. It can be moved from an unlocked position, as shown schematically in Figure 8, in which the locking element 110 is disengaged from the guard element 56, to a locked position, shown schematically in Figures 7 and 9, in which the guard element 56 engages directly or indirectly with the locking element 110. In the locked position, the locking element 110 prevents the guard element 56 from moving from the guard position to the release position.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the locking projection 114, in the unlocked position, releases the protective cover 62, allowing it to pivot from the protective position to the release position, as schematically depicted in Figure 8, about the pivot axis 60 of the pivot bearing 68. In the locked position, the locking projection 114 is positioned in front of a cover surface 118 of the protective cover 62 and thus blocks any pivoting movement of the protective cover from the protective position to the release position.

[0076] When the cleaning device 10 is used as intended, i.e., when the container lid 46 closes the suction container 18 against the direction of gravity, the locking projection 114 points against the direction of gravity in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking projection 114 is oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity. To move the locking device 108 from the unlocked position to the locked position, the rotary knob 112 simply needs to be turned by 90°. Conversely, to move it from the locked position to the unlocked position, the rotary knob 112 must also be turned back by 90°.

[0077] In the embodiment of the cleaning device 10 according to Figures 7 to 9, the locking element 110 forms the discharge element 52. At least one outer surface 120 of the rotary knob 112 is electrically conductive. However, the rotary knob 112 can also be made entirely of an electrically conductive material.

[0078] The rotary knob 112 is electrically connected via the connecting line 74 to one of the two terminal poles 30 or 32, preferably to the negative pole 36.

[0079] As already explained in detail in the other embodiments of cleaning devices 10, contact of the user's hand 64 with the locking element 110 forming the discharge element 52 also automatically leads to the discharge of an electrostatic charge of the cleaning device 10 via the potential equalization established by means of the connecting line 74 between the locking element 110 and the terminal pole 30 of the energy storage device 28.

[0080] The locking device 108 is operatively connected to the control and / or regulating device 76 in a manner not described in detail, such that the cleaning device 10 can only be put into operation when the locking device 108 is in the locked position. If a user wishes to disconnect the energy storage device 28 from the cleaning device 10, for example, to recharge it or replace it with another energy storage device 28, they must first move the locking device 108 from the locked position to the unlocked position. To do this, they contact the rotary knob 112 with their hand 64. When their hand 64 comes into contact with the rotary knob 112, the electrostatic charge of the cleaning device 10 is automatically dissipated.The user can now pivot the protective cover 62 from the protective position to the release position and grasp the energy storage device 28 with their hand 64 and remove it from the receptacle 44. Since the electrostatic charge has already been dissipated, no further damage to the energy storage device 28 can occur. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the protective cover 62 can, but need not, be electrically conductive, as is the case with the protective cover 62 of the cleaning device 10 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0081] The described embodiments of cleaning devices 10 further include an optional chassis 122, which is arranged or formed on the underside of the suction container 28. In the described embodiments, it includes four swivel casters 124, so that the cleaning device 10 can be pulled or pushed by a user over a surface to be cleaned, for example, a carpet.

[0082] To enable the cleaning device 10 to be carried, a handle 126 is arranged or formed on the container lid 46. In the embodiments described in the figures, the handle 126 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 128 running parallel to the pivot axis 60 from a storage position (schematically shown in Figures 1 to 9), in which a free end 130 of the handle rests against the container lid 46, to a carrying position, in which the free end 130 is pivoted 90° away from the container lid 46 about the pivot axis 128. The carrying position is schematically symbolized in Figure 9 by the handle 126 shown with dashed lines.

[0083] All described embodiments of cleaning devices 10 have in common that they each include a discharge device 48, which enables the automatic dissipation of an electrostatic charge in the cleaning devices to prevent damage to the electrical energy storage device 28. All described discharge devices 48 are designed such that access to the electrical energy storage device 28 with a hand 64 is only permitted once the electrostatic charge has been dissipated. For this purpose, contact between a user's hand 64 and the discharge element 52 of the discharge device 48 is virtually forced by the design of the cleaning devices 10 before the respective protective element 56 can release the energy storage device 28 for access.

[0084] The described discharge elements 52 have at least one electrically conductive outer surface 54 or 120. Each discharge element 52 can be made of an electrically conductive plastic or of a metallic, electrically conductive material.

[0085] An electrically conductive plastic is made conductive, particularly by the incorporation of an additive, to reliably enable the discharge of the electrostatically charged cleaning device 10. The non-conductive plastic can be, for example, polypropylene or polyamide. To make these non-conductive plastics sufficiently conductive, they are enriched with an additive, in particular carbon black particles, carbon fiber particles or carbon fiber fragments, stainless steel particles, in particular stainless steel fiber fragments, or nanotubes, which are incorporated into the plastic material. Alternatively, the discharge element 52, for example the protective element 56, can also be coated with an electrically conductive material.

[0086] To limit current peaks during discharge, the discharge element 52 is designed to have a resistance in the range of approximately 10 MΩ to approximately 100 MΩ. Thus, the discharge element 52 forms a series resistor that limits the outflowing current.

[0087] All described embodiments include discharge elements 52 that are permanently arranged or designed on the cleaning device 10, i.e., not removable by design. This reliably prevents the unwanted dissipation of an electrostatic charge from the cleaning device to or via the electrical energy storage device 28. The proposed discharge device 48 adequately protects the energy storage device 28 from damage during the dissipation of electrostatic charges from the cleaning device 10.

[0088] Reference symbol list

[0089] Cleaning device

[0090] suction device

[0091] Vacuum cleaner

[0092] Suction cup

[0093] Suction container

[0094] Intake

[0095] Suction system

[0096] fan

[0097] Electric motor electrical energy storage device

[0098] Connection pole

[0099] Connection pole

[0100] positive terminal

[0101] negative terminal

[0102] Battery cell

[0103] Battery pack

[0104] Control and / or regulatory device

[0105] Recording

[0106] Container lid

[0107] Discharge device

[0108] Connection line

[0109] discharge element

[0110] surface

[0111] Protective element

[0112] Housing

[0113] Swivel axis

[0114] Protective cover

[0115] hand

[0116] discharge contact

[0117] Swivel bearing contact

[0118] contact

[0119] Connection line

[0120] Control and / or regulatory device

[0121] Connection line

[0122] Connection line

[0123] Switching element

[0124] Connection line

[0125] Connection line

[0126] Connection line

[0127] Connecting cable first electromechanical interface device second electromechanical interface device first interface contact second interface contact

[0128] Protective bar free end

[0129] procedure

[0130] finger

[0131] locking device

[0132] locking element

[0133] rotary knob

[0134] locking projection

[0135] axis of rotation

[0136] Cover surface

[0137] surface

[0138] chassis

[0139] caster

[0140] handle

[0141] Swivel axis free end

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cleaning device (10), in particular a suction device (12), comprising a suction device (22) driven by an electric motor, in particular a blower (24) or a turbine, and at least one electrical energy storage device (28) for supplying the electric motor (26) with electrical energy, wherein the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) has two electrical connection poles (30, 32), characterized in that the cleaning device comprises a discharge device (48) for discharging the cleaning device (10) which is electrostatically charged during operation, that the discharge device (48) is electrically connected to one of the two electrical connection poles (30, 32) and that the discharge device (48) is arranged or designed such that it shields, in particular surrounds or covers, the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) in a discharge position.that access to the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) with one hand of a user is prevented, and that the discharge device (48) in a release position releases the at least one energy storage device (28) at least to such an extent that access to the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) with one hand is enabled, in particular for removing the at least one energy storage device (28) from the cleaning device (10).

2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical energy storage device (28) is designed to provide a DC voltage and that the DC voltage is applied to the two terminal poles (30, 32).

3. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical energy storage device (28) comprises at least one rechargeable battery cell (38).

4. Cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical energy storage device (28) is designed in the form of a battery pack (40) which comprises a control and / or regulating device (42) and at least one rechargeable battery cell (38), in particular a plurality of rechargeable battery cells (38).

5. Cleaning device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least one rechargeable battery cell (38) is designed in the form of a lithium-ion battery.

6. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge device (48) comprises at least one discharge element (52), that the at least one discharge element (52) has at least one electrically conductive outer surface (54) and that the electrically conductive outer surface (54) is electrically connected to one of the two terminal poles (30, 32).

7. Cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one discharge element (52) is arranged or designed such that in the discharge position it shields, in particular surrounds or covers, the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) in such a way that access to the at least one energy storage device (28) with a hand (64) of a user is prevented, and that in the release position the at least one discharge element (52) releases the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) at least to such an extent that access to the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) with a hand (64) is enabled, in particular for removing the at least one energy storage device (28) from the cleaning device.

8. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) comprises a first electromechanical interface device (92), that the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) comprises a second electromechanical interface device (94), and that the first and the second electromechanical interface devices (92, 94) are mechanically and electrically engaged in a working position of the cleaning device (10) and are mechanically and electrically disengaged in a disconnected position.

9. Cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) comprises at least one receptacle (44) for receiving the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) in the working position and at least one protective element (64), and that the at least one protective element (56) at least partially, in particular completely, closes the at least one receptacle in a protective position and at least partially releases it in the release position for transferring the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) from the working position to the disconnect position and vice versa.

10. Cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one protective element (56) in the protective position overlaps the at least one electrical energy storage device (28).

11. Cleaning device according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) comprises a housing and that at least one protective element (56) is movably arranged or designed on the housing (58), in particular rotatable, pivotable and / or displaceable.

12. Cleaning device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the at least one protective element (56) forms or comprises the at least one discharge element (52).

13. Cleaning device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the at least one protective element (56) is designed in the form of a protective cover (62) or a protective bracket (102).

14. Cleaning device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the at least one protective element (56) can be locked in the protective position.

15. Cleaning device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the cleaning device (10), in particular the discharge device (48), comprises a locking device (108) for locking the at least one protective element (56) in the protective position.

16. Cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking device (108) comprises at least one locking element (110) which engages directly or indirectly with the at least one protective element (56) in a locking position, in particular mechanically, and prevents the at least one protective element (56) from being moved from the protective position to the release position, and in an unlocking position is disengaged from the at least one protective element and enables the at least one protective element (56) to be moved from the protective position to the release position.

17. Cleaning device according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one locking element (110) forms or comprises the at least one discharge element (52).

18. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) is designed in the form of a vacuum cleaner (14) which comprises a suction inlet (20) and a suction container (18), that the suction inlet (20) is flow-effectively connected to the suction device (22) and that the suction device (22) is flow-effectively connected to the suction container (18).

19. Cleaning device according to claim 18, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner (14) is designed in the form of a canister vacuum cleaner (16) and comprises a removable container lid (46) for closing the suction container (18) in a suction position and that the electric motor (26), the suction device (22), the at least one electrical energy storage device (28) and the discharge device (48) are arranged or formed on the container lid (46).

20. Method for protecting a cleaning device (10) from damage by electrostatic discharge, which cleaning device (10), in particular in the form of a vacuum device (12), comprises a vacuum device (22) driven by an electric motor, and at least one electrical energy storage device (28) for supplying the electric motor (26) with electrical energy, wherein the electrical energy storage device (28) has two electrical connection poles (30, 32), characterized in that, prior to accessing the electrical energy storage device (28) with a user's hand (64), an electrostatic charge of the cleaning device (10) is dissipated to one of the two connection poles (30, 32) via a discharge device (48) encompassed by the cleaning device (10) and electrically connected to one of the two electrical connection poles (30, 32).

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