DEVICE FOR HOLDING A VACUUM CLEANER FILTER BAG IN A VACUUM CLEANER, AND HOLDING PLATE FOR A VACUUM CLEANER FILTER BAG

Abstract

A device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner includes: a holding plate mount for mounting a holding plate of the vacuum cleaner filter bag on a support surface of the holding plate mount; and a closing element pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The closing element includes a snap-in hook. The snap-in hook, when the closing element is in a closed position, latches on the holding plate mounted in the holding plate mount such that the closing element is held in the closed position by the snap-in hook. On a side facing the holding plate mount, the closing element includes an engagement element that engages with a key portion of the holding plate such that, when the closing element is in its closed position, the engagement element holds the holding plate mounted by the holding plate mount in a predetermined position.

Claims

1: A device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner, the device comprising: a holding plate mount configured to mount a holding plate of the vacuum cleaner filter bag on a support surface of the holding plate mount; and a closing element pivotable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closing element comprises a snap-in hook, wherein the snap-in hook is configured, when the closing element is in a closed position, to latch on the holding plate mounted in the holding plate mount such that the closing element is held in the closed position by the snap-in hook, and wherein, on a side facing the holding plate mount, the closing element comprises an engagement element configured to engage with a key portion of the holding plate such that, when the closing element is in its closed position, the engagement element holds the holding plate mounted by the holding plate mount in a predetermined position.

2: The device of claim 1, wherein the holding plate mount comprises a bearing element configured to hold the holding plate so as to prevent the holding plate from moving perpendicularly to the support surface of the holding plate mount, and/or wherein the bearing element is configured to hold the holding plate so as to prevent the holding plate from moving laterally on the holding plate mount in parallel with the support surface.

3: The device of claim 1, further comprising: a spring element configured to exert, a spring force that pushes the closing element toward the open position.

4: The device of claim 1, wherein the engagement element comprises: a projection that meshes with a cut-out in the holding plate when the closing element is in the closed position, and/or a clip that engages around a projection in the holding plate when the closing element is in the closed position.

5: The device of claim 1, wherein the closing element comprises two snap-in hooks that are arranged such that the two snap-in hooks latch on different sides of the holding plate, in particular opposite sides of the holding plate.

6: The device of claim 1, further comprising: a stop element that is part of the closing element and is configured such that, when the holding plate strikes the stop element, the closing element pivots out of the open position toward the closed position.

7: A holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, the holding plate being configured to be held by the device of claim 1, the holding plate comprising: a snap-in hook bearing portion formed in a first edge portion of the holding plate; and a first key portion formed in the first edge portion, wherein the snap-in hook bearing portion is configured to interact with the snap-in hook of the closing element such that the closing element latches to the snap-in hook bearing portion when in the closed position, and wherein the first key portion is configured to interact with the engagement element such that the holding plate is held in the predetermined position when the closing element is in the closed position.

8: The holding plate of claim 7, further comprising: a second key portion formed in a second edge portion of the holding plate, wherein the first edge portion is opposite the second edge portion, and wherein the second key portion is configured to interact with the engagement element such that the holding plate is held in the predetermined position when the closing element is in the closed position.

9: The holding plate of claim 7, further comprising: a snap-in hook release portion adjacent to the snap-in hook bearing portion and formed in the first edge portion of the holding plate, wherein the snap-in hook release portion is configured to release the snap-in hook because no latching to the snap-in hook is taking place.

10: The holding plate of claim 7, wherein the first key portion and/or the second key portion comprise(s) a plurality of projections and comprise(s) recesses arranged between two adjacent projections.

11: The holding plate of claim 8, wherein the holding plate is mirror-symmetrical in relation to the first key portion and the second key portion.

12: The holding plate of claim 8, wherein a further snap-in hook bearing portion is formed in the second edge portion, wherein a further snap-in hook release portion adjacent to the further snap-in hook bearing portion is arranged in the second edge portion, and wherein, optionally, the holding plate is mirror-symmetrical in relation to the first edge portion and the second edge portion.

13: The holding plate of claim 7, wherein the holding plate comprises recycled materials and/or sustainable raw materials.

14: A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a housing having a lid; and the device of claim 1, wherein the device is arranged in a dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner, wherein the lid is pivotably fastened to the housing and is configured to seal 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.

15: The vacuum cleaner of claim 14, further comprising: the holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag of the vacuum cleaner, the holding plate being configured to be held by the device, the holding plate comprising: a snap-in hook bearing portion formed in a first edge portion of the holding plate; and a first key portion formed in the first edge portion, wherein the snap-in hook bearing portion is configured to interact with the snap-in hook of the closing element such that the closing element latches to the snap-in hook bearing portion when in the closed position, wherein the first key portion is configured to interact with the engagement element such that the holding plate is held in the predetermined position when the closing element is in the closed position, wherein the holding plate is arranged on the holding plate mount of the device, and wherein the holding plate is unable to move away from a pivot pin of the closing element by more than 2 mm, in particular more than 1 mm, when the closing element is in the closed position and the engagement element is meshed with the first key portion, or with the first key portion and the second key portion, of the holding plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to a first embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag according to a second embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of a device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner, with the closing element in the open position;

[0011] FIG. 4 is an oblique view of the device together with a holding plate and the closing element in the closed position; and

[0012] FIG. 5 is an oblique view of a vacuum cleaner comprising a device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner and comprising a holding plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner, and an associated holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, which prevent the holding plate from potentially becoming misaligned and make handling simpler.

[0014] According to the invention, a device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner is provided. The device comprises a holding plate mount for mounting a holding plate of the vacuum cleaner filter bag on a support surface of the holding plate mount, and a closing element that can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, the closing element comprising a snap-in hook, the snap-in hook being configured, when the closing element is in a closed position, to latch on a holding plate mounted on the holding plate mount, such that the closing element is held in the closed position, and the closing element comprising, on a side facing the holding plate mount, an engagement element which is configured to be engaged with a key portion of the holding plate such that when the closing element is in its closed position, it holds the holding plate mounted by the holding plate mount in a predetermined position.

[0015] These features make handling of the vacuum cleaner simpler for a user, especially when inserting and removing the vacuum cleaner filter bag, because the holding plate cannot become misaligned. It is sufficient to place the holding plate of the vacuum cleaner filter bag on the holding plate mount instead of having to push it into a narrow slot. Owing to the engagement element that meshes with a key portion of the holding plate, the holding plate is held on the holding plate mount in a predetermined position when the closing element is in the closed position. Thus, the engagement element forms the lock that can be engaged with the key portion of the holding plate. It may be that the holding plate only needs to be slightly displaced in order to cleanly mesh with the engagement element. Furthermore, the force holding the holding plate in the predetermined position does not act laterally, meaning that the holding plate cannot become misaligned either. When the vacuum cleaner filter bag is removed, it can simply be lifted out of the vacuum cleaner without being able to become misaligned or without having to be threaded through a slot-like inset.

[0016] The holding plate mount is used for mounting the holding plate. In this case, the holding plate mount has a support surface that mounts the holding plate, for example by the holding plate being placed on the support surface. The support surface can be a planar surface. As a result, the holding plate mount can have a simple configuration. The holding plate can be placed on the holding plate mount from above and accordingly removed again in the opposite direction. A holding plate mounted by the holding plate mount rests on the support surface of the holding plate mount.

[0017] If the holding plate mount is structured, the support surface can still be regarded as a plane if a planar holding plate rests on or is arranged on the support surface. For example, the support surface can be the plane spanned by the contact points between the holding plate and the holding plate mount.

[0018] The closing element can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position. Thus, the closing element can have a pivot pin. The pivot pin can be located in the plane of the support surface of the holding plate mount. Alternatively, the pivot pin can be arranged above the support surface of the holding plate mount.

[0019] A snap-in hook (also known as a snap hook) refers to an element for interlockingly connecting components. A snap-in hook can comprise a joining part which can be engaged with the component to be connected and which establishes the latching. For example, the joining part can be a projection on the snap-in hook and is configured to engage with the further component. The snap-in hook can have such a resilience that it deforms when pushed against the holding plate. Next, a joining part of the snap-in hook latches to the holding plate and establishes the interlocking fit in this way. The latching can be reversible in that the interlocking fit between the holding plate and the snap-in hook can be undone.

[0020] The engagement element formed on or in the closing element is configured to hold the holding plate in the predetermined position when the closing element is in the closed position. For this purpose, the engagement element is engaged with the key portion of the holding plate. Possible configurations of the engagement element and holding plate will be set out further below. The holding plate and the engagement element can interlockingly mesh with one another or be engaged with one another. Alternatively, the engagement can leave some degree of movement such that the holding plate remains movable (displaceable) on the holding plate mount. This can be achieved, for example, by a gap being left between the engagement element and the key portion when the two elements are engaged.

[0021] The expressions mesh and be engaged should be construed as synonyms in the context of this description.

[0022] The predetermined position is that position on the holding plate mount in which the holding plate mount has to be arranged so that the vacuum cleaner can be operated as intended. Specifically, this means that the dust-laden air conducted through a suction hose and/or suction nozzle is conducted into the vacuum cleaner filter bag through an opening in the holding plate. In this case, the opening in the holding plate is arranged to correspond to the suction hose or an associated suction nozzle.

[0023] The holding plate mount can further comprise a bearing element that is configured to hold the holding plate so as to prevent it from moving perpendicularly to the support surface of the holding plate mount. Moreover, the bearing element can be configured to hold the holding plate so as to prevent it from moving laterally on the holding plate mount in parallel with the support surface.

[0024] In other words, the bearing element can be configured to hold/retain the holding plate so as to prevent it from moving perpendicularly to the support surface and to hold/retain it so as to prevent it from moving in parallel with the support surface. Thus, the bearing element restricts movement of the holding plate at least along two axes. Moreover, these two axes are perpendicular to one another.

[0025] When the closing element and the holding plate are latched together, it is expedient, with a view to improved stability, to secure the holding plate against any lateral or sideways displacements on the holding plate mount and/or against any separation from the holding plate mount. In addition, the bearing element defines the predetermined position of the holding plate on the holding plate mount and thus guides the user as to how to insert the holding plate. This simplifies proper handling for the user, preventing the holding plate from potentially being incorrectly inserted.

[0026] The bearing element can be a rigid component of the holding plate mount. Alternatively, the bearing element can be a flexible component of the holding plate mount and, for example, can be pivoted into its intended bearing position, in which the holding plate is fixed in place, when the holding plate is arranged on the holding plate mount.

[0027] The advantage of arranging the bearing element in this way is that the holding plate can be freely placed on the holding plate mount and, in the process, cannot be impeded by the bearing element. This further enhances user convenience.

[0028] The device can further comprise a spring element, which exerts a spring force that pushes the closing element toward the open position. Put another way, the spring element can exert a force that acts counter to a holding force of the snap-in hook.

[0029] If the snap-in hook is not latched to the holding plate, the spring force ultimately causes the closing element to be pushed into the open position or at least toward the open position. If the snap-in hook is latched to the holding plate, the latching holds the closing element in the closed position counter to the spring force. For this purpose, the holding plate is accordingly fixed in place by the bearing element such that the holding plate is not lifted off the holding plate mount by the spring force.

[0030] The spring element can comprise a leg spring, a torsion spring, a scroll spring, a coil spring, a wheel spring, a bow spring, a rod spring, or a leaf spring, or include a combination of the aforementioned spring types.

[0031] The spring element can be attached to the holding plate mount and/or the closing element. Alternatively, the spring element can also be attached to another component, for example a housing of the vacuum cleaner. In the embodiment of a leg spring, the center of the leg spring can be arranged on the pivot pin of the closing element. In this case, one of the two legs of the leg spring pushes against the closing element whereas the other leg pushes against the holding plate mount or the housing.

[0032] If the latching between the closing element and the holding plate is undone, the closing element automatically opens owing to the spring force and need not be opened by the user in a separate handling step. This makes the device simpler to use.

[0033] The engagement element can comprise one or both of the following configuration options. The engagement element can comprise a projection that is engaged with a cut-out in the holding plate when the closing element is in the closed position. The engagement element can comprise a clip that engages around a projection in the holding plate when the closing element is in the closed position. The second option can also mean that parts of the clip abut the projection in the holding plate when the closing element is in the closed position.

[0034] All the above options ensure that the holding plate is securely held in the predetermined position owing to the meshing between the engagement element and the projection/recess in the holding plate. In addition, an interlocking fit can also be achieved in this way. This holding principle can be used to design the holding plate flexibly, and, moreover, the holding plate and the engagement element can be specifically tailored to one another. The latter point allows for so-called encoding, in which holding plates that have said meshing owing to a particular pattern of projections and recesses can be used together with the device.

[0035] The engagement element can comprise a plurality of projections and/or clips. In particular, the respective numbers of these projections and/or clips can match the number of projections and cut-outs in the holding plate.

[0036] Furthermore, the closing element can comprise two snap-in hooks (a first snap-in hook and a second snap-in hook) arranged such that they latch on different sides of the holding plate. This can also mean that the two snap-in hooks are arranged on different, in particular opposite, sides of the closing element.

[0037] Owing to a second snap-in hook that latches to the holding plate, the load on each individual snap-in hook is reduced, and the stability and reliability of the device are increased, since it is less likely that a snap-in hook will be damaged, and if damage does occur, there is still a second snap-in hook available. If the latching to the holding plate takes place on different sides of the holding plate, this also prevents the holding plate being loaded on one side by one-sided tension from the snap-in hook, because the force of the snap-in hook acts on the holding plate in a symmetrical, not one-sided, manner. This also improves the stability of the device.

[0038] The device can also comprise a stop element, which is part of the closing element and is configured such that, when the holding plate strikes the stop element, this leads to the closing element pivoting out of the open position toward the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the holding plate striking the stop element can even lead to the closing element pivoting fully into the closed position. In the process, the snap-in hook can also be latched to the holding plate. In particular, the stop element can be part of the closing element.

[0039] The stop element can serve as an indicator that the holding plate is in the predetermined position on the holding plate mount. Since the closing element has been made to pivot, the user can easily see that the holding plate has been properly inserted. This ensures that the vacuum cleaner is used properly since the holding plate is reliably inserted into the correct/predetermined position. In addition, to hold the holding plate in the predetermined position, the closing element has to be pivoted into the closed position. This can be done at least partly automatically by means of the stop element. In a preferred embodiment, it is also possible for the stop element to pivot fully into the closed position when the user moves the holding plate into the predetermined position, thereby enhancing user convenience and making the device simpler to handle.

[0040] A holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, as can be used in the above-described device, will now be described below.

[0041] The present invention relates to a holding plate for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, said holding plate being configured to be held by an above-described device. The holding plate comprises a snap-in hook bearing portion formed in a first edge portion of the holding plate, and a first key portion formed in the first edge portion, the snap-in hook bearing portion being configured to interact with the snap-in hook of the closing element such that the closing element latches to the snap-in hook bearing portion when in the closed position, and the first key portion being configured to interact with the engagement element such that the holding plate is held in the predetermined position when the closing element is in the closed position.

[0042] The holding plate can be configured to be mounted by the holding plate mount of the above-described devices. In addition, the holding plate can be configured to interact with the closing element of the device such that the snap-in hook latches to the snap-in hook bearing portion, and to interact with the engagement element such that the first key portion, together with the engagement element, ensures that the holding plate is held in the predetermined position. The engagement element can be engaged with the first key portion.

[0043] In addition, encoding can be implemented by means of the above-described shape of the holding plate. Owing to the snap-in hook bearing portion and the first key portion, the holding plate and the closing element of the device can interact in the stated manner only when the key portion is tailored to the engagement element and the snap-in hook bearing portion is tailored to the position of the snap-in hook. Otherwise, the closing element cannot be moved into the closed position because the holding plate and the closing element block each other, for example. In addition, there has to be latching between the snap-in hook and the holding plate on the snap-in hook bearing portion. If these two elements are not tailored to one another, latching cannot occur, meaning that the closing element is improperly held in the closed position. This effect is all the more pronounced when the device also has an above-described spring element, because then the closing element is always pivoted into the open position.

[0044] This ensures that the vacuum cleaner is used only in combination with an intended vacuum cleaner filter bag having a holding plate tailored to the device. When the wrong holding plate is used, the closing element cannot be properly moved into the closed position.

[0045] The holding plate can also comprise a second key portion formed in a second edge portion of the holding plate, the first edge portion being opposite the second edge portion, and the second key portion being configured to interact with the engagement element such that the holding plate is held in the predetermined position when the closing element is in the closed position. The engagement element can be engaged with the second key portion.

[0046] Engagement with the closing element can also occur on both edge portions by means of key portions formed in both edge portions. This improves the stability of the hold of the holding plate on the holding plate mount.

[0047] Furthermore, the holding plate can comprise a snap-in hook release portion that is adjacent to the snap-in hook bearing portion and likewise formed in the first edge portion of the holding plate, the snap-in hook release portion being configured to release the snap-in hook because no latching with the snap-in hook is taking place.

[0048] A width of the snap-in hook bearing portion can match a width or length of the snap-in hook. In particular, the width of the snap-in hook bearing portion can match a width or length of the joining part of the snap-in hook.

[0049] The interlocking fit between the snap-in hook and the holding plate (or the snap-in hook bearing portion) can thus be undone, in particular reversibly undone. Since the snap-in hook bearing portion and the snap-in hook release portion are adjacent, i.e., are arranged next to one another in the first edge portion of the holding plate, displacement of the holding plate leads to the snap-in hook no longer being latched on the snap-in hook bearing portion but being released at the snap-in hook release portion. Consequently, the latching connection can be undone by displacement of the holding plate. Since the snap-in hook bearing portion and the snap-in hook release portion are adjacent, even just slight displacement is sufficient here. Such slight displacement can correspond in particular to a width or length of the snap-in hook or of its joining part. For a user, this makes the holding plate and device simpler to handle since the latching can be achieved in a simple manner by slightly displacing the holding plate.

[0050] The first key portion and the second key portion can comprise a plurality of projections and comprise recesses arranged between two adjacent projections. In particular, each of the key portions can comprise two, three, four, or more projections. Accordingly, each key element can comprise one two, three, or more recesses. In this context, the first and second key portions correspond to the projection and/or recess that has/have been previously introduced into the device and used to define the engagement element. In other words, the engagement element meshes with the first key portion, or with the first key portion and the second key portion, of the holding plate.

[0051] The projections and recesses ensure secure meshing between the engagement element and the key portions. In addition, if a plurality of projections and recesses are involved, the meshing makes the hold sturdier. In this regard, a higher number of projections can help improve the stability of the hold in the described device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0052] The projections can have a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape. These shapes are well suited for a clip of the engagement element to engage around, and thus for enhancing the stability of the hold.

[0053] The individual projections of the key portions can be formed identically. The individual projections can be formed differently in terms of their shape and/or size. Moreover, the gaps between adjacent projections (the gap being provided by a width of the corresponding recesses) can be the same or different in one or both key portions.

[0054] The projections of both the first key portion and the second key portion can be resilient.

[0055] This feature is advantageous if there is an interlocking fit between the engagement element and the key portions when the closing element is in the closed position. By definition, an interlocking fit does not allow the holding plate to be displaced on the holding plate mount. If the projections that mesh with the engagement element are resilient, however, then the holding plate can still be displaced (slightly) without affecting the interlocking fit. This displacement alone can be sufficient to undo the latching of the snap-in hook on the holding plate since the snap-in hook ends up in the region of the snap-in hook release portion such that the closing element can be moved into the open position and the interlocking fit is undone.

[0056] The holding plate can be mirror-symmetrical in relation to the first key portion and the second key portion.

[0057] The first key portion, or the first key portion and the second key portion, can be arranged on an end of the first (and, where applicable, second) edge portion. The snap-in hook bearing portion can be arranged in the relevant edge portion spatially separately from the associated key portion.

[0058] A further snap-in hook bearing portion can be formed in the second edge portion of the holding plate. In particular, a further snap-in hook release portion is formed adjacently to the further snap-in hook bearing portion. Not only can the first key portion and the second key portion be congruent, but so too can the snap-in hook bearing portion and the further snap-in hook bearing portion and the snap-in hook release portion and the further snap-in hook release portion, respectively. Optionally, the first edge portion of the holding plate and the second edge portion of the holding plate are congruent. In a preferred embodiment, the holding plate can be mirror-symmetrical in relation to the first edge portion and the second edge portion.

[0059] As set out in relation to the key portions, when a second snap-in hook is used, the holding force of the snap-in hook is also distributed more effectively, and one-sided loading of the holding plate is reduced. This is particularly true when the snap-in hooks latch on different edge portions. In this case, the holding force of the snap-in hooks is not one-sided. A further advantage is that even when one snap-in hook is damaged, the holding plate and device can continue to be used with the second/further snap-in hook.

[0060] The holding plate can be symmetrical in relation to a plane that is parallel to a thickness direction of the holding plate.

[0061] The holding plate can also have a grip portion at which the holding plate has a locally thickened portion.

[0062] As explained above, the latching between the holding plate and the snap-in hook of the closing element can be undone by displacement. To do so, the user can conveniently grip the holding plate at the grip portion and pull accordingly. The locally thickened portion gives the user good grip on the holding plate.

[0063] The holding plate can comprise a material made of recycled materials and/or sustainable raw materials. By way of example, recycled materials include reused (or recycled) plastics material. Sustainable raw materials include in particular paper, cardboard, hay, or other plant-based materials. Examples of recycled plastics materials are recycled polypropylene (rPP), recycled polyethylene (rPE), recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), or mixtures thereof. In particular, the recycled plastics materials may be those according to one or more of DIN standards EN 15342:2008-02, EN 15344:2008-02, EN 15345:2008-02, or EN 15346:2015-01.

[0064] Vacuum cleaner filter bags, including the holding plate, may be disposable bags. Thus, they may be designed to be disposed of after use, i.e., when they are full. Therefore, for sustainability reasons, it is advantageous to use one of the aforementioned materials for producing at least the holding plate.

[0065] The present invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a filter medium, in particular comprising a nonwoven fabric, and a holding plate rigidly connected to the filter medium, the holding plate being a holding plate as described above. The connection between the holding plate and the filter medium can be airtight. The connection can be an adhesive connection, a clamping connection, or a welded connection. The vacuum cleaner filter bag can be a flat bag.

[0066] In addition, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a housing having a lid, and comprising the above-described device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag, the device being arranged in a dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner, the lid being pivotably fastened to the housing and provided for sealing the dust collection chamber, it being possible to close the lid of the housing when the closing element is in the closed position, and it not being possible to close the lid of the housing when the closing element is in the open position.

[0067] The closing element being in the open position prevents the lid of the housing from being able to be closed. For example, the lid can be a pivotable housing part that latches to the rest of the housing for sealing purposes. The closing element being in the open position can block the lid from pivoting since when the closing element is in the open position, it projects on the housing such that the lid cannot latch to the rest of the housing.

[0068] The closing element remains in the open position when a spring element is provided and no holding plate is arranged on the holding plate mount, because the snap-in hook cannot latch and the spring force pushes the closing element toward the open position. However, if, as a result, the lid cannot be closed and remains open, no vacuum operation can be carried out because the vacuum cleaner draws ambient air into the fan through the open lid and no suction action is obtained. This can efficiently prevent damage to the vacuum cleaner as a result of suction without a vacuum cleaner filter bag present; such damage may be caused in particular by dust and dirt ending up in the fan.

[0069] A holding plate as described above can be arranged on the holding plate mount of the device arranged in the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner, the holding plate being unable to move away from a pivot pin of the closing element by more than 2 mm, in particular more than 1 mm, when the closing element is in the closed position and the engagement element is meshed with the first key portion, or with the first key portion and the second key portion, of the holding plate.

[0070] The meshing of the engagement element and the projections and cut-outs in the holding plate does not necessarily constitute an interlocking fit. The holding plate may be able to move away from the pivot pin of the closing element by a short distance. This can be done by meshing in which the holding plate has a corresponding degree of movement because there is a gap between the engagement element and the projections of the key portion(s). Alternatively, the projections of the key portions can be resilient such that the holding plate remains movable even when there is an interlocking fit. While the holding plate is arranged on the holding plate mount in the predetermined position and the closing element is in the closed position, the snap-in hook(s) is/are latched to the snap-in hook bearing portion of the holding plate. If the holding plate is now moved on the holding plate mount, this latching is undone, and the snap-in hook(s) end(s) up at the snap-in hook release portion. However, since no latching is possible there, the closing element can be opened. This can be done either manually or by a spring element as mentioned above. In summary, slight mobility of the holding plate makes it simple to undo the latching to the closing element.

[0071] The invention further provides a method for inserting a vacuum cleaner filter bag into a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a holding plate as described above. The method comprises providing a device as described above, the closing element being in the open position; placing the holding plate onto the holding plate mount; closing the closing element by pivoting it into the closed position, the snap-in hook latching to the holding plate, and the engagement element meshing with the first key portion and the second key portion in the holding plate such that the closing element is held in the closed state and the holding plate is held on the holding plate mount in a predetermined position.

[0072] The method using the above-described holding plate and the above-described device benefits the user in terms of handling because the holding plate does not have to be threaded into a slot, like in the prior art, but merely has to be placed on the holding plate mount. When the closing element pivots from the open position into the closed position, the engagement element and the first and second key portions mesh such that the holding plate is held in the predetermined position. Any deviation between the predefined position and the support position can be compensated for by the holding plate automatically moving into the predetermined position when the engagement element and the key portion(s) mesh. In addition, if there is no holding plate arranged on the holding plate mount, the closing element cannot latch in the closed position.

[0073] In addition, the invention provides a method for removing a vacuum cleaner filter bag from a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a holding plate as described above. The method comprises providing a device as described above for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner, the closing element being in the closed position and the holding plate being arranged on the holding plate mount; pulling the holding plate in a direction parallel to the plane of the holding plate mount such that the latching between the holding plate and the snap-in hook(s) is undone; pivoting the closing element into the open position; and removing the vacuum cleaner filter bag.

[0074] There are also benefits for the user in terms of handling when removing the vacuum cleaner filter bag because when the closing element is in the open position, the holding plate is free and the vacuum cleaner filter bag can simply be removed (upward) out of the dust collection chamber. For example, it is not necessary to thread the holding plate out of a slot.

[0075] The closing element can be pivoted automatically once the latching has been undone. By way of example, the spring element which exerts a spring force that pushes the closing element toward the open position is suitable for this purpose. This saves the user having to manually pivot the closing element, thereby enhancing the convenience of use.

[0076] Hereinafter and in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding features in the various embodiment examples, unless specified otherwise.

[0077] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a holding plate 2 for a vacuum cleaner filter bag 1 according to a first embodiment. A top side of the holding plate 2 is thus shown. The vacuum cleaner filter bag 1 itself comprises a filter medium and a holding plate 2 connected to the filter medium, the connection being able to be an adhesive, clamping, or welded connection. The holding plate 2 has an opening 14 through which the suction air stream loaded with dust and dirt is conducted into the filter medium during vacuuming. Around the opening 14 there is a seal 15, which consists of or comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, for example. The vacuum cleaner filter bag 1 can be a flat bag.

[0078] The holding plate 2 has a first edge portion 9a and a second edge portion 9b, the first edge portion 9a being opposite the second edge portion 9b. The opening 14 can be arranged between the first edge portion 9a and the second edge portion 9b.

[0079] First, there is a snap-in hook bearing portion 12a on or in the first edge portion 9a, said snap-in hook bearing portion being configured to interact with the snap-in hook of a device (as described in detail in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4) such that the snap-in hook latches to the holding plate 2 at the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a. In the example shown, the first edge portion 9a has a concave recess for this purpose. The snap-in hook bearing portion 12a is that part of the concave recess which leads to a decreasing width of the holding plate 2. The upper part of the concave recess, as shown in the figure, is particularly relevant as a snap-in hook bearing portion 12a, as will become apparent from the rest of the description. In the first edge portion 9a, a snap-in hook release portion 13 adjoins the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a. In the snap-in hook release portion, there is no latching between the holding plate 2 and the snap-in hook, meaning that the snap-in hook is released. In the case of a concave recess, the snap-in hook release portion 13 is in particular the portion around the local minimum of the width of the holding plate 2.

[0080] Other shapes are also conceivable for the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a and the snap-in hook release portion 13. What is important is that there is a local curvature in the first edge portion 9a. It is also possible, for example, to have a convex projection or a rectangular or trapezoidal recess (which cannot necessarily be defined as concave or convex since the radius of curvature is zero).

[0081] As can be seen, the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a and the snap-in hook release portion 13 are adjacent or adjoining. The advantage of this is that the latching of the holding plate 2 to the snap-in hook can be undone by slightly displacing the holding plate 2. If the snap-in hook is latched to the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a, the holding plate 2 can be displaced, for example substantially in parallel with the first edge portion 9a, such that the snap-in hook no longer abuts the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a but rather is located in the region of the snap-in hook release portion 13. Here, however, there is no latching between the snap-in hook 12 and the holding plate 2, meaning that the snap-in hook is free (i.e., is not in engagement). The latching is thus undone.

[0082] A width of the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a can match a width or length of the snap-in hook. In particular, the width of the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a can match a width or length of the joining part of the snap-in hook. The joining part of the snap-in hook is shown in FIG. 3.

[0083] In addition, a first key portion 8 is formed in the first edge portion 9a. The first key portion comprises a plurality of projections 8a. These projections 8a are located in a plane of the holding plate 2 or in parallel with the support surface. The projections 8a can in particular be rectangular or trapezoidal (also referred to as teeth). The shape of the projections 8a is, however, not limited thereby. There is a recess 8b 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 could also be used.

[0084] A second key portion 8 is formed in the second edge portion 9b. The same considerations apply to the second key portion 8 as to the first key portion 8. The two key portions can be formed symmetrically or congruently. In other words, the holding plate 2 is mirror-symmetrical in relation to the two key portions 8. However, the two key portions can also have different shapes.

[0085] The two key portions are configured to interact with an engagement element of the device such that the holding plate 2 is held in a predetermined position. In particular, this retention/fixing in place is obtained by the engagement element and the key portions meshing (see FIG. 4). Since the key portions are formed in both edge portions 9a, 9b of the holding plate 2, the hold is not only on one side, and the holding plate can be better secured against displacement, in particular twisting.

[0086] The first key portion 8 and the second key portion 8 are also used for encoding so that only holding plates having the correct key portion can be used in combination with a device as described below. This can efficiently prevent the use of vacuum cleaner filter bags that are unsuitable for a vacuum cleaner. This aspect will be explained in more detail below.

[0087] The holding plate 2 also has a grip portion 18. This can be formed on a third edge portion of the holding plate 2. The grip portion 18 has a locally thickened portion. In other words, the holding plate 2 has a greater thickness in the region of the grip portion. In this region, a user can easily grip the holding plate 2 and pull it in a direction parallel to the support surface. This step is needed in order to undo latching between the holding plate 2 and the snap-in hook. The grip portion thus improves the handling of the holding plate 2 for a user. Alternatively, it is conceivable to obtain better grip by using a texture on the surface of the holding plate rather than a thickened portion of said edge portion and to potentially omit the thickened portion.

[0088] FIG. 2 shows a holding plate 2 according to a second embodiment. This holding plate largely corresponds to the first embodiment, so explanations will not be repeated at this juncture. One difference is that a further snap-in hook bearing portion 12a is formed on or in the second edge portion 9b. Adjacent to the further snap-in hook bearing portion 12a, there is also a further snap-in hook release portion 13 on or in the second edge portion 9b. The further snap-in hook bearing portion 12a and the further snap-in hook release portion 13 fulfill the same tasks and have the same properties as set out above in relation to the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a and the snap-in hook release portion 13. Therefore, latching between the holding plate 2 and two snap-in hooks can be accomplished, a first snap-in hook latching on the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a, and a second snap-in hook latching on the further snap-in hook bearing portion 12a.

[0089] The advantage of latching on both edge portions of the holding plate 2 is that the force acting on the holding plate and exerted by the snap-in hooks 12 is distributed better, and the force is not applied to just one side of the holding plate 2.

[0090] The first edge portion 9a and the second edge portion 9b can be formed symmetrically or congruently. Overall, the holding plate 2 can be mirror-symmetrical in relation to the two edge portions 9a, 9b. A symmetrical configuration of this kind not only brings the aforementioned advantage of better distribution of forces but also simplifies the production and bearing of the holding plate by comparison with an asymmetrical shape.

[0091] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of a device 20 according to the invention for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag 1 in a vacuum cleaner. The device 20 comprises a holding plate mount 5 having a support surface and a closing element 4. The closing element 4 can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position. FIG. 3 shows the closing element 4 in the open position.

[0092] The holding plate mount 5 is configured for a holding plate of a vacuum cleaner filter bag to be mounted on the support surface of the holding plate mount 5. For this purpose, the holding plate can, for example, be placed on the support surface of the holding plate mount 5. By comparison with slot-like insets for the holding plate, as are known from the prior art, the device shown makes inserting the holding plate considerably simpler because the user no longer has to thread the holding plate into the inset but merely has to place the holding plate on the holding plate mount 5. The holding plate mount 5 has a recess (shown by hatching in the opposite direction in FIG. 3) which is located below the opening in the holding plate when this holding plate is arranged on the holding plate mount. The purpose of this is to ensure that a filter medium attached to the holding plate has adequate space and that the dust-laden air can be conducted into the filter medium through the opening.

[0093] The closing element 4 has an engagement element 10 on an edge portion facing the holding plate mount 5. The engagement element is configured to mesh with a recess and/or a projection in the holding plate. Specifically, for the holding plate from FIGS. 1 and 2, this means that the engagement element 10 comprises at least one projection that can mesh with the recess in the holding plate and/or that the engagement element 10 comprises at least one clip that can engage around a projection in the holding plate. In the example shown, the engagement element 10 comprises a plurality of projections and clips, in particular one clip and two projections. This pattern can thus be complementary to the key portion of the holding plate, which accordingly comprises three recesses. This means that the number of projections and clips in particular matches the number of recesses and projections in the associated key portions of the holding plate. The clips can also be adapted to a projection in the holding plate. The exact functions of the engagement element 10 become even clearer when the closing element 4 is in the closed position; see FIG. 4.

[0094] In addition, a snap-in hook 12 is arranged on the closing element 4. Like the engagement element 10, the snap-in hook 12 is also arranged on the side of the closing element 4 facing the holding plate mount 5. The functioning of the snap-in hook 12 will be explained in even more detail in connection with FIG. 4. The snap-in hook comprises a joining part. This is the outer projection of the snap-in hook 12 configured for the latching. In a preferred embodiment, the snap-in hook 12 of the closing element 4 can also enter the holding plate mount 5 through a cut-out, in order to achieve better latching on the holding plate 2.

[0095] The holding plate mount 5 further comprises a bearing element 16. The bearing element 16 is configured to hold the holding plate so as to prevent it from moving perpendicularly to the support surface of the holding plate mount 5. The holding plate accordingly cannot be removed upward, i.e., vertically in relation to the support surface of the holding plate mount 5. In addition, the bearing element 16 also fixes the holding plate in place so as to prevent it from moving sideways (laterally) in parallel with the support surface of the holding plate mount 5. As a result, the holding plate 5 can be displaced substantially only along one axis. This one axis along which the holding plate remains displaceable can, for example, be perpendicular to the pivot pin of the closing element. For a user, finding the predetermined position of the holding plate on the holding plate mount thus becomes easier.

[0096] The device 20 further comprises a spring element 3. The spring element 3 exerts a spring force on the closing element 4, such that it is pushed toward the open position. The spring element 3 is connected to the closing element 4 and to the holding plate mount 5 but is not limited to this arrangement since there are multiple options for implementing the spring element 3 that achieve said effect. For example, as shown in the figure, a leg spring can be arranged on the pivot pin 11 of the closing element 4 and exerts a torque when the closing element 4 is pivoted toward the closed position. Alternatively, a torsion or helical spring can be used. The center of the leg spring is located on the pivot pin 11, and one of the two legs pushes against the closing element 4 whereas the other leg pushes against the holding plate mount 5 or a part of the housing. The connection to the holding plate mount 5 stabilizes the support of the spring element 3. Another option is a curved leaf spring or flat spring attached to the support surface of the holding plate mount 5. When the closing element 4 is in the closed position, it pushes on the leaf spring or flat spring, which accordingly exerts a spring force in the direction of the open position.

[0097] Lastly, the device 20 comprises a stop element 17. In principle, the stop element 17 is part of the closing element 4 and is configured such that, when the holding plate strikes the stop element 17, this leads to the closing element pivoting toward the closed position. By way of example, the stop element 17 is a projection on the closing element 4, the holding plate striking said projection when in the predetermined position. Since the pivot pin 11 of the closing element 17 does not coincide with the strike point of the holding plate, a torque is exerted on the closing element 4, causing it to pivot. Among other things, therefore, the stop element 17 serves as an indicator that the holding plate is in the predetermined position on the holding plate mount 5. Since the closing element 4 has been made to pivot, the user can directly see that the holding plate has been properly inserted.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible that the holding plate striking the stop element 17 leads to the closing element 4 pivoting fully into the closed position. When the holding plate is placed in the predetermined position on the holding plate mount 5, the closing element 4 is thus pivoted into the closed position and consequently latches to the holding plate.

[0099] The closing element 4 can be formed to be substantially U-shaped having two legs. In this case, the two legs are in particular formed symmetrically. The holding plate is thus held symmetrically on the two edge portions of the holding plate, thereby enabling an optimal hold and uniform distribution of the active forces. One advantage of the U shape is that the two legs fix the holding plate firmly in place, but at the same time adequate space remains between the two legs so that the opening and the seal of the holding plate do not come into contact with the closing element. The U shape thus constitutes an efficient design that does not restrict the function or geometry of the holding plate.

[0100] FIG. 4 shows the device 20 from FIG. 3 with the closing element 4 in the closed position. Also shown is a holding plate 2 located on the holding plate mount 5. Here, the holding plate can in particular be a holding plate 2 according to the first or second embodiment. Since most components have already been described in relation to FIG. 3, these will not be discussed again at this juncture.

[0101] As shown in the figure, the engagement element 10 of the closing element 4 and the first key portion 8 of the holding plate 2 mesh such that the holding plate 2 is held in the predetermined position. The meshing (engagement) can be an interlocking fit. The meshing between the engagement element 10 and the key portion 8 of the holding plate can also be specifically seen here. The projections of the engagement element 10 engage in the recesses in the holding plate 2, and the clips of the engagement element 10 engage around the projections in the key portion 8 of the holding plate.

[0102] The snap-in hook 12 is latched on the snap-in hook bearing portion 12a of the holding plate. As a result, the closing element 4 is held in the closed position counter to the spring force of the spring element 3. In this context, the bearing element 16, which fixes the holding plate in place so as to prevent it from moving perpendicularly to the support surface of the holding plate mount 5, is also important. In other words, the holding plate 2 is held on the holding plate mount 5 by the bearing element 16 counter to the spring force (due to the latching between the closing element 4 and the holding plate 2 by the snap-in hook). The holding plate 2 thus cannot be lifted upward away from the holding plate mount 5.

[0103] In one embodiment, the closing element 4 can additionally have a projection that can be engaged with the recess comprised by the snap-in hook bearing portion 12 and the snap-in hook release portion 13. This projection can in particular also comprise the snap-in hook 12. This engagement further improves the stability of the hold of the holding plate.

[0104] The closing element 4 can be shaped such that in the closed position a top surface of the closing element 4 runs tangentially to a portion of the holding plate mount 5. Thus, the user can intuitively discern that the holding plate 2 is arranged properly in the predetermined position. This ensures that the holding plate 2, together with its seal 15 around the opening 14, is correctly positioned in all three axes relative to an intake nozzle of a vacuum cleaner, so that the dust-laden air is fully conducted through the opening 14.

[0105] To undo the latching between the snap-in hook 12 and the holding plate 2, the holding plate has to be displaced on the holding plate mount 5 so that the snap-in hook 12 ends up in the region of the snap-in hook release portion 13. Then, the snap-in hook 12 is released, and the spring force of the spring element 3 pushes the closing element 4 into the open position. To enable this displacement, it is conceivable for the engagement between the engagement element 10 and the key portion 8 of the holding plate not to be a perfect interlocking fit but to leave a degree of movement for the holding plate. For this purpose, the projections and clips of the engagement element 10 can, for example, leave a (slight) gap between the recesses and projections in the key portion 8 of the holding plate. It is also possible for the projections in the key portion 8 to be resilient. The necessary displacement of the holding plate 2 can also be obtained using such resilience of the projections, for example when the grip portion 18 of the holding plate 2 is pulled with adequate force. The displacement required can be less than 2 mm, in particular less than 1 mm.

[0106] The above explanations related to the first key portion 8 of the holding plate 2 but also apply equally to the second key portion 8.

[0107] Lastly, FIG. 5 shows a vacuum cleaner 7 according to the present invention. The vacuum cleaner 7 comprises a housing 7a having a pivotable lid 6 provided for sealing the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner 7. The lid is shown in the open position (also referred to as the service position), in which a dust collection chamber arranged in the interior of the housing 7a is uncovered. In the dust collection chamber there is a vacuum cleaner filter bag 1 having a holding plate 2. The holding plate 2 is arranged on a holding plate mount 5 of the device 20. The device 20 is the above-described device for holding a vacuum cleaner filter bag in a vacuum cleaner.

[0108] If the closing element 4 as shown in FIG. 3 is in the open position, the closing element 4 protrudes upward. As a result, the lid 6 of the housing 7a cannot be closed because the closing element 4 prevents the lid 6 from fully pivoting to allow the lid 6 to latch to the rest of the housing 7a. The closing element 4 is thus used as a so-called suction blocker. As explained above, the closing element 4 remains in the open position when no vacuum cleaner filter bag 1 has been placed in the vacuum cleaner 7, because the snap-in hook 12 cannot latch on the holding plate 2 of the vacuum cleaner filter bag and the spring force of the spring element 3 pushes the closing element into the open position. The housing 7a or lid 6 therefore cannot be closed without a vacuum cleaner filter bag in place.

[0109] No vacuum operation can take place with the housing 7a open (or not fully closed) because the vacuum cleaner 7 draws ambient air into the fan through the open housing 7a, meaning that no suction action develops. This can therefore reliably prevent damage to the vacuum cleaner 7 or fan caused by dust and dirt being sucked in, because the vacuum cleaner cannot be used for vacuum operation without a vacuum cleaner filter bag 1 in place.

[0110] This highlights the dual function of the closing element 4 on the device 20. It prevents potential damage to the vacuum cleaner 7 by ensuring firstly that only correct/suitable vacuum cleaner filter bags can be used and secondly that the vacuum cleaner 7 cannot be used without a vacuum cleaner filter bag in place.

[0111] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.

[0112] The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article a or the in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of or should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of A or B is not exclusive of A and B, unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of at least one of A, B and C should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of A, B and/or C or at least one of A, B or C should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.