Suction Connection Adapter

Abstract

A suction connection adapter for a suction device includes at least one machine connection unit and at least one suction device connection unit. The at least one machine connection unit is detachably connected to a machine tool, in particular a hand-held power tool. The at least one suction device connection unit is detachably connected to a suction hose of the suction device. The suction connection adapter has at least one sensor device.

Claims

1. A suction-extraction coupling adapter for a suction appliance, comprising: at least one machine coupling unit; at least one suction-appliance coupling unit; and at least one sensor device, wherein the at least one machine coupling unit is separably connectable to a power tool, and wherein the at least one suction-appliance coupling unit is separably connectable to a suction hose of the suction appliance.

2. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor device comprises at least one sensor unit configured to sense at least one operating signal of the power tool.

3. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one sensor device comprises at least one signal processing unit configured to receive the at least one operating signal from the at least one sensor unit and process the at least one operating signal into at least one communication signal.

4. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor device has at least one communication unit configured to receive the at least one communication signal from the at least one signal processing unit, to provide at least one communication connection to the suction appliance, and to forward the at least one communication signal.

5. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the at least one signal processing unit is additionally configured to convert the at least one operating signal into at least one evaluation signal with at least one evaluation unit, and the at least one evaluation unit is configured to forward the at least one evaluation signal as the at least one communication signal.

6. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the at least one signal processing unit is additionally configured to convert the at least one operating signal into at least one filter signal with at least one filter unit, and the at least one filter unit is configured to forward the at least one filter signal as the at least one communication signal.

7. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one communication connection is configured as a wireless communication connection.

8. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the at least one sensor device has at least one operator control unit, and the at least one operator control unit comprises at least one operator control element and/or at least one indicating element.

9. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor device is configured to control the suction appliance by open-loop and/or closed-loop control when the at least one sensor device registers at least one predefined signal.

10. A system comprising: at least one suction appliance; and a suction-extraction coupling adapter for the at least one suction appliance, the suction-extraction coupling adapter comprising (i) at least one machine coupling unit, at least one suction-appliance coupling unit, and at least one sensor device, wherein the at least one machine coupling unit is separably connectable to a power tool, and wherein the at least one suction-appliance coupling unit is separably connectable to a suction hose of the suction appliance.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, further comprising: a hand-held power tool.

12. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power tool is a hand-held power tool.

13. The suction-extraction coupling adapter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one communication connection is provided to a suction appliance communication unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The invention is explained in the following on the basis of preferred embodiments. The following drawings show:

[0052] FIG. 1 a suction-extraction coupling adapter according to the invention with a power tool and a suction appliance, in a schematic view;

[0053] FIG. 2 the suction-extraction coupling adapter according to the invention with a sensor device and a suction hose;

[0054] FIG. 3 a sectional view of the suction-extraction coupling adapter according to the invention;

[0055] FIG. 4 the suction-extraction coupling adapter according to the invention with the sensor device, in an enlarged representation;

[0056] FIG. 5 a flow diagram to explain an autostart function;

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0057] FIG. 1 shows a suction appliance 100, comprising a suction appliance housing 105, comprising a suction hose 110, and comprising a suction-appliance communication unit 130, in a schematic view. Also represented in FIG. 1 are a suction-extraction coupling adapter 10 according to the invention, comprising a sensor device 40, and a power tool 200, which in this case, by way of example, is realized as a sander. The power tool 200 comprises a power tool housing 205 and a power-tool coupling unit 210, see also FIG. 2. The sensor device 40 is arranged on, in particular attached to, the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10. In this design of the invention, the suction hose 110 can be separably attached to the suction appliance housing 105. In this embodiment, the suction-appliance communication unit 130 is arranged substantially in the suction appliance housing 105. The suction appliance 100 additionally has a sensor device 70. The suction appliance 100 has a suction- appliance drive 119, a suction-appliance energy supply unit 118, a dust collection device 120 and a dust-collection filter element 123. The suction appliance housing 105 in this case comprises the dust collection device 120, and they are separably connectable to each other by means of at least one locking element 124. The functioning and combined action of the suction-appliance drive 119, suction-appliance energy supply unit 118 and dust collection device 120 are sufficiently well known by persons skilled in the art. The suction appliance additionally comprises a suction-appliance control unit 121, which is designed to control the suction appliance 100 by open-loop and/or closed-loop control. In addition, the suction appliance housing 105 is separably connected to a first accessory carrier 125 and a second accessory carrier 126. A suction-appliance holding means 127 has a suction-appliance grip region 128 and is arranged on the suction appliance housing 105, in particular on one side of the suction appliance housing 105, specifically on a top side of the suction appliance housing 105. The suction-appliance grip region 128 is designed, in particular, to be encompassed by a hand of the user of the suction appliance 100. The suction-appliance holding means 127 advantageously enables the suction appliance 100 to be carried when in use or when being transported. The suction-appliance holding means 127 additionally has two fastening elements 129. In this embodiment, the fastening elements 129 are realized as eyes. The fastening elements 129 serve as a fastening means, for example for a shoulder strap having two spring clips. The suction-appliance holding means 127 is connected to the housing 105 so as to be immovable relative to the housing 105. It is also conceivable for the suction-appliance holding means 127 to be mounted so as to be movable relative to the housing 105, for example foldable. The suction appliance housing 105 has a suction-appliance operator control unit 140, the suction-appliance operator control unit 140 comprising a suction-appliance operator control element 141 and a suction-appliance indicating element 142. The suction-appliance operator control unit 140 is designed to be operated by a user. By means of the suction-appliance operator control element 141, the user can switch on and switch off the suction appliance 100, or activate an autostart function. The suction-appliance indicating element 142 in this case indicates a set operating mode of the suction appliance 100 to the user. The suction-appliance indicating element 142 can be switched on and/or off by means of the suction-appliance operator control element 141. The dust collection device 120 is substantially cylindrical, in particular substantially realized as a truncated cone. The dust collection device 120 comprises a stand element 150, which is designed to increase the stability of the suction appliance 100. The stand element 150 increases a diameter of the contact surface of the suction appliance 100. In particular, the points of contact of the suction appliance 100 with a standing surface 155 are increased. Further, the stand element 150 is configured to enhance the ergonomics of the suction appliance 100. Advantageously, the stand element 150 comprises at least one grip region, which may be realized, for example, as a recess. Advantageously, the stand element 150 is designed to absorb impacts and, in particular, for this purpose it is made of an elastic material. Further, it is possible for a suction-appliance movement unit, for example comprising rollers, to be arranged on the stand element 150. In an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable for the stand element 150 to have a substantially rectangular cross section that fits, in particular is compatible with, existing transport containers, in particular dust collection devices.

[0058] The separable connection of the suction appliance housing 105 to the dust collection device 120 is effected via the at least one locking element 124. In this embodiment, the at least one locking element 124 is arranged on an outer side 135 of the suction appliance housing. The at least one locking element 124 is arranged in a movable manner on the suction appliance housing 105, in particular connected to it. In addition, the at least one locking element 124 effects a frictional and positive-locking connection between the suction appliance housing 105 and the dust collection device 120. In this embodiment, the suction appliance housing 105 comprises two locking elements 124, arranged opposite each other on the outer side 135 of the suction appliance housing 105.

[0059] Advantageously, the first accessory carrier 125 is designed to support the suction hose 110. In particular, the first accessory carrier 125 is designed to support the suction hose 110 in a secure manner, such that the suction hose 110 does not impede the user when the suction appliance 100 is being transported. In this embodiment, the second accessory carrier 126 comprises three receiving openings, which are designed to receive at least three accessory elements 136. The accessory elements 136 may be designed such that they can be plugged into each other, such that more than three accessory elements 136 can be received by the second accessory carrier 126. Preferably, tubular elements 137 that can be connected to each other can be received by the accessory carrier 126.

[0060] In this embodiment, the suction appliance 100 is realized as an accumulator-battery-operated suction appliance that is operated by means of at least one accumulator battery 122, in particular by means of a hand-held power-tool accumulator-battery pack. The required energy for the suction appliance 100 is thus provided by the at least one suction-appliance energy supply unit 118, by means of the at least one accumulator battery 122. In addition, the suction-appliance indicating element 142 is realized as a charge-state indicator. The charge-state indicator is designed to indicate the charge state of the accumulator battery 122. Advantageously, the charge state of the accumulator battery 122 can be indicated, via the suction-appliance indicating element 142, while the suction appliance 100 is in operation. In addition, it is conceivable for the suction-appliance indicating element 142 to indicate further information relating to the accumulator battery 122 of the suction appliance 100, or also relating to the fill level of the dust collection device 120.

[0061] The suction hose 110 comprises a suction opening 111, and can be separably attached to the suction appliance housing 105, see also FIG. 2. The suction opening 111 is configured to receive accruing particles, in particular dust particles, while the suction appliance 100 is in operation and to transport them, by means of the suction hose 110, to the dust collection device 120. The suction hose 110 is separably connectable to the power tool 200, in particular the hand-held power tool, by means of the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10 according to the invention in an enlarged schematic representation. The suction-extraction coupling adapter 10 according to the invention has a main tubular body 13, having a first and at least one second end region 11, 12. A machine coupling unit 20 is arranged at the first end region 11. A suction-appliance coupling unit 30 is arranged at the second end region 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the first end region 11 faces substantially toward the power tool 200. The second end region 12 is located on an opposite side of the first end region 11, in particular facing toward the suction appliance 100. The main tubular body 13 is configured to extend a suction current, generated by the suction appliance 100, into a housing 205 of the power tool 200, by means of the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10.

[0063] The machine coupling unit 20 realizes a separable connection to the power tool 200, in particular the hand-held power tool. For this purpose, the power tool 200, in particular the power tool housing 205, comprises a power-tool coupling unit 210. The power-tool coupling unit 210 is configured to receive the machine coupling unit 20. The machine coupling unit 20 effects axial and radial securing to the power tool housing 205. For this purpose, the machine coupling unit 20 comprises a positive-locking element 21, for example in the form of a groove 22. The power-tool coupling unit 205 has a compatible positive-locking receiving element, which is configured to receive the positive-locking element 21, for example in the form of a spring.

[0064] The suction-appliance coupling unit 30 is arranged at the second end region 12 of the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10, and effects a separable connection to the suction hose 110 of the suction appliance 100. The suction-appliance coupling unit 30 is designed to effect axial and/or radial securing of the suction hose 100. The suction appliance 100 comprises a suction-appliance connection unit 115 that has a main tubular body 117, such that the separable axial/and/or radial securing can be effected. The suction-appliance coupling unit 30 is realized, for example, as a sleeve. The suction-appliance coupling unit 30 has a receiving unit 31, which is configured to realize a positive-locking and frictional connection to the suction-appliance connection unit 115. For this purpose, the suction-appliance connection unit 115 comprises a securing unit 116. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 31 is realized so as to correspond to the securing unit 116, such that the receiving unit 31 can receive the securing unit 116, and the positive-locking and frictional connection can be effected.

[0065] The suction-extraction coupling adapter 10 comprises the sensor device 40. The sensor device 40 comprises a sensor-device housing 41, and is arranged on, in particular attached to, the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10. In this embodiment, the sensor device 40 is arranged on a region on the machine coupling side, in particular on the first end region 11. Alternatively, it would also be possible for the sensor device 40 to be arranged on a region on the suction-appliance coupling side, in particular in the second end region 12. The sensor device 40 is mechanically coupled to the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10.

[0066] The sensor device 40 is designed to sense the operating signal 210 of the power tool 200, in particular of a hand-held power tool, see also FIG. 1. The sensor device 40 then processes the operating signal 210 into a communication signal 60 and transmits it, by means of a communication connection 80, to the suction appliance 100, in particular to the suction-appliance communication unit 130, see also FIG. 3. In this design, the communication connection 80 is realized as a wireless communication connection 81.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10. In particular, FIG. 3 shows a screwed connection 50, by means of screws 51, of the sensor device 40 to the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10. In addition, the communication unit 48 is also shown arranged on a printed circuit board 59.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the sensor device 40 as an enlarged detail. The sensor device 40 has a sensor-device energy supply unit 41, which supplies the sensor device 40 with energy. In this embodiment, the sensor-device energy supply unit 41 is supplied with energy by a battery, in particular at least one button cell. Alternatively, it would also be possible for energy to be supplied by an accumulator-battery unit, by means of energy harvesting.

[0069] In this embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor device 40 has a sensor unit 46. The sensor unit 46 senses the operating signal 210 of the power tool 200, in particular of the hand-held power tool. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 46 is realized as an acceleration sensor that senses the operating signal 210 of the power tool 200, in particular its vibrations, during operation. The acceleration sensor senses substantially acceleration values of three spatial directions 90. However, other sensor units, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, are also conceivable. In this embodiment, the power tool 200, in particular the hand-held power tool, generates the operating signal 210 while it is in operation. The operating signal 210 in this case is the vibration, caused by a rotation of the power tool motor and/or by working on a workpiece. Owing to the connection of the power tool 200 to the suction-extraction coupling adapter 10, the sensor unit 46 can sense the operating signal 210.

[0070] As described at the beginning, the sensor device 40 additionally comprises the signal processing unit 47 and the communication unit 48. The sensor unit 46 transmits the sensed operating signal 210 to the signal processing unit 47. The signal processing unit 47 then processes the operating signal 210 into the communication signal 60, for example by means of at least one microprocessor and/or at least one microcontroller. The communication signal 60 comprises information relating to an operating state of the power tool 200, in particular of the hand-held power tool, such as, for example, switched on or switched off, or at least one pre-filtered signal, or other operating parameters considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. In addition, the signal processing unit 47 transmits the communication signal 60 to the communication unit 48, in particular via a line.

[0071] The communication unit 48 is designed to receive the communication signal 60 from the signal processing unit 47. The communication unit 48 provides the communication connection 80 to the suction-appliance communication unit 130, and transmits the communication signal 60 to the suction-appliance communication unit 130, see also FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the communication connection 80 is effected wirelessly.

[0072] As shown by FIG. 4, the sensor device 40 comprises the sensor unit 46, the signal processing unit 47, the communication unit 48 and the sensor-device energy supply unit 45, these elements being arranged, in particular, within a sensor-device housing 41. The sensor unit 46 has a line connection 56 to the signal processing unit 47, such that the operating signal 210 is transmitted directly and immediately. The signal processing unit 47 processes the operating signal 210 into the communication signal 60. The signal processing unit 47 then sends the communication signal 60, by means of a line connection 57, 58, to the communication unit 48. The sensor device 40 also comprises an operator control unit 42. The operator control unit 42 additionally has an operator control element 43 and an indicating element 44. The operator control unit 42 enables the user to operate the sensor device 40, in particular to switch on and off. The operator control unit 42 of the sensor device 40 is also designed to provide and indicate to the user an operating state and/or an operating parameter and/or operating information of the sensor device 40 and/or the suction appliance 100. It would be possible in this case for the operator control unit 42 to indicate whether the sensor device 40 is switched on or switched off, whether the autostart function is activated, the charge state of the accumulator battery 122 of the suction appliance 100, or other information considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the operator control unit 42 of the sensor device 40 to indicate the operating state of the power tool 200. The operator control unit 42 of the sensor device 40 is also designed to change operating states and/or operating parameters of the sensor device 40 and/or of the suction appliance 100, via the operator control element 43 and/or the indicating element 44, in particular to control the sensor device 40 and/or the suction appliance 100 by open-loop and/or closed-loop control. The operating states and/or operating parameters of the sensor device 40 are, for example, as described at the beginning. In this embodiment, the operator control unit 42 of the sensor device 40 is arranged on the sensor device housing 41. The sensor device 40 may additionally comprise an analog/digital converter unit 49 (A/D converter unit). By means of a suitable evaluation algorithm, the at least one A/D converter unit 49 converts an analog signal into a digital signal, as described at the beginning.

[0073] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention, as well as a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the invention. In the first embodiment of the invention, the signal processing unit 47 additionally has an evaluation unit 52. The evaluation unit 52 is provided to process the operating signal 210 into an evaluation signal 53. The evaluation unit 52 then transmits the evaluation signal 53, as the communication signal 60, to the communication unit 48 by means of a line connection 57. The communication unit 48 is designed to receive the evaluation signal 53 as a communication signal 60, and to send the communication signal 60, via the communication connection 80, to the suction-appliance communication unit 130. The suction-appliance communication unit 130 receives the communication signal 60 and forwards it by line to the suction-appliance control unit 121, see also FIG. 2. The suction-appliance control unit 121 receives the communication signal 60 and then controls the suction appliance 10 by open-loop and/or closed-loop control.

[0074] In the second embodiment of the invention, the signal processing unit 47 additionally comprises a filter unit 54, which is designed to convert the operating signal 210 into a filter signal 55. By means of a line connection 58, the filter unit 54 forwards the filter signal 55, as the communication signal 60, to the communication unit 48. The communication unit 48 sends the communication signal 60 wirelessly, via the communication connection 80, to the suction-appliance communication unit 130. The suction-appliance communication unit 130 receives the communication signal 60 and transmits it by line to the suction-appliance control unit 121. The suction-appliance control unit 121 evaluates the communication signal 60, in particular the filter signal 55, and controls the suction appliance 100 by open-loop and/or closed-loop control.

[0075] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram to explain the sensor device 40 and the autostart function. The user activates the autostart function 300, in that the user sets the suction-appliance operator control element 141 or the operator control element 43 of the sensor device 40 to an autostart function position 310. The sensor unit 46 of the sensor device 40 is thereby activated, and the sensor unit 46 is in an activated state 320. The control unit 46 begins to monitor the power tool 200, in particular the hand-held power tool, such that the operating signal 210 can be sensed. The sensor unit 46 in this case is then in a monitoring state 330. As soon as the power tool is in operation 340, the sensor unit 46 senses the operating signal 210, and the suction appliance 100 is started. The suction appliance 100 in this case is then in an activated state 350. While the suction appliance 100 is in the activated state 350, the sensor unit 46 remains in the monitoring state 330 and continues to sense the operation 340 of the power tool 200. As soon as the power tool 200 is no longer in operation 340, this change is sensed by the sensor unit 46, and the suction appliance 100 is deactivated 360. In this case a message to the user, concerning this change of state of the power tool 200, is then sent to the suction-appliance indicating element 142 and/or to the indicating element 44 of the sensor device 40.

[0076] If the suction-appliance operator control element 141 and the operator control element 43 of the sensor device 40 are not on the autostart function position 310, information is likewise transmitted to the suction-appliance indicating element 142 and to the indicating element 44 of the sensor device 40. This informs the user that the sensor device 40 is not yet activated and that the autostart function 300 is not available. In particular, the user is informed of the fact that the autostart function position 310 is not yet set.