Patent Publication Number: US-9420929-B2

Title: Vacuum appliance

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of international application number PCT/EP2011/068776, filed on Oct. 26, 2011, and claims the benefit of German application number 10 2010 043 577.5, filed Nov. 8, 2010, the entire specification of both being incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a vacuum appliance comprising a dirt collection container for sucked-in vacuumed material, a suction unit for subjecting the dirt collection container to the action of negative pressure via a suction chamber, at least one filter element situated between the dirt collection container and the suction chamber in the flow direction of the air which is sucked in by the suction unit, at least one rechargeable battery for providing electrical energy for the suction unit, and at least one battery receptacle for holding the at least one battery on the vacuum appliance. 
     An object underlying the present invention is to provide a vacuum appliance which is operable in a more user-friendly manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an aspect of the invention, a vacuum appliance comprises a dirt collection container for sucked-in vacuumed material, a suction unit for subjecting the dirt collection container to the action of negative pressure via a suction chamber, at least one filter element situated between the dirt collection container and the suction chamber in the flow direction of the air which is sucked in by the suction unit, at least one rechargeable battery for providing electrical energy for the suction unit, and at least one battery receptacle for holding the at least one battery on the vacuum appliance. The vacuum appliance includes a filter cover which is transferrable from a closed position in which the at least one filter element is covered, into a removal position in which the at least one filter element is removable from and insertable into the vacuum appliance on the clean space side, and vice versa, and which filter cover comprises the at least one battery receptacle for the at least one battery. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       The foregoing summary and the following description may be better understood in conjunction with the drawing figures, of which: 
         FIG. 1 : shows a perspective illustration of a preferred embodiment of a vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 2 : shows a perspective illustration of a appliance top part of the vacuum appliance from  FIG. 1  with a battery compartment cover omitted, thus affording a view of two rechargeable batteries of the vacuum appliance; 
         FIG. 3 : shows the appliance top part from  FIG. 2  after removal of the two batteries of the vacuum appliance from the appliance top part; 
         FIG. 4 : shows a longitudinal sectional view of the appliance top part, with a battery compartment cover of the vacuum appliance in an open position and a filter cover of the vacuum appliance in a closed position (corresponding to a sectional view along the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 6 ); 
         FIG. 5 : shows the appliance top part from  FIG. 4 , with the filter cover in a removal position and the filter cover and the battery compartment cover arrested against one another; and 
         FIG. 6 : shows a (partial) sectional view along the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. 
     The present invention relates to a vacuum appliance comprising a dirt collection container for sucked-in vacuumed material, a suction unit for subjecting the dirt collection container to the action of negative pressure via a suction chamber, at least one filter element situated between the dirt collection container and the suction chamber in the flow direction of the air which is sucked in by the suction unit, at least one rechargeable battery for providing electrical energy for the suction unit, and at least one battery receptacle for holding the at least one battery on the vacuum appliance. The vacuum appliance includes a filter cover which is transferrable from a closed position in which the at least one filter element is covered, into a removal position in which the at least one filter element is removable from and insertable into the vacuum appliance on the clean space side, and vice versa, and which filter cover comprises the at least one battery receptacle for the at least one battery. 
     In the vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention, the user may transfer the filter cover from a closed position in which it covers the at least one filter element and closes off the suction chamber, into a removal position. In the removal position of the filter cover, the at least one filter element may be removed from the vacuum appliance on the clean space side in a user-friendly manner. The user is thus relieved of having to remove the at least one filter element from the dirty side, i.e., from the side of the filter element facing the dirt collection container. In addition, the filter cover has a further function, in that it comprises the at least one battery receptacle for the at least one battery, which is thus held on the filter cover on the vacuum appliance. As the result of single access on the vacuum appliance, the user can carry out servicing operations that typically must be performed most frequently during maintenance of the vacuum appliance, namely, replacing the at least one filter element and exchanging the at least one rechargeable battery, in a user-friendly manner. In addition, the user does not have to take note of where on the vacuum appliance, he must take hold in order to replace the at least one filter element and to exchange the at least one battery. Confusion in this regard by the user are no longer possible, so that the vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention is easier for the user to service. 
     As the result of integrating two functions into the filter cover, namely, covering the at least one filter element and holding the at least one battery, a simpler construction and a more compact design of the vacuum appliance may also be achieved. The more compact design results in a higher degree of mobility of the vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention, which proves to be advantageous in particular for the specialized design of the vacuum appliance as a battery-operated vacuum appliance. 
     It is advantageous if the at least one battery receptacle is situated on a side of the filter cover facing away from the suction chamber, since this allows better protection of the at least one battery from dirt. 
     The at least one battery receptacle is preferably situated on a top side of the filter cover, wherein in the present context, location and position indications such as “top side,” “bottom side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and the like are to be construed as relating to an operating position of the vacuum appliance in which the vacuum appliance is positioned on a horizontally oriented standing surface. Situating the at least one battery receptacle on the top side of the filter cover makes it easier for the user to access the at least one battery in order to change it. In addition, the weight of the at least one battery can be used to sealingly close the suction chamber, for example by directing the weight onto an edge of the filter cover which covers the at least one filter element. 
     The vacuum appliance advantageously includes a filter cleaning device for cleaning the at least one filter. This makes it possible for the suction power of the vacuum appliance to remain substantially at a constant level as the result of cleaning the at least one filter element. In addition, the replacement interval for the at least one filter element is prolonged. The filter cleaning device may be manually activatable. It may also be provided that the filter cleaning device is activated automatically, for example in a time-controlled manner, by control electronics of the vacuum appliance. In addition, demand-related control of the filter cleaning device in dependence on the type and quantity of the sucked-in vacuumed material is conceivable. 
     It is advantageous if the filter cleaning device is mounted on the filter cover, particularly preferably situated in the suction chamber. This allows a configuration having a simple construction, and a compact design of the vacuum appliance. As the result of transferring the filter cover into the removal position. the filter cleaning device is also easily accessible to the user for maintenance, so that the filter cleaning device for the vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention may also be serviced in a user-friendly manner. 
     It is advantageous if the filter cover in the closed position, or a filter cleaning device mounted on the filter cover in the closed position of the filter cover, sealingly closes the suction chamber. This allows a configuration of the vacuum appliance having a simple construction, in which separate sealing of the suction chamber may be dispensed with. 
     The filter cover is preferably mounted on the vacuum appliance so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis. The filter cover can thus be transferred from the closed position into the removal position, and vice versa, in a defined way in a user-friendly manner. For example, the first pivot axis is horizontally aligned, and the filter cover can be swung upwardly for transferring from the closed position into the removal position, so that the user easily gains access to the at least one filter element. 
     It is advantageous if the vacuum appliance includes a first arresting device for arresting the filter cover in the removal position. As a result, the user does not have to hold the filter cover in the removal position, thus simplifying replacement of the at least one filter element. 
     Correspondingly, it may be provided that the vacuum appliance has a first locking device for locking the filter cover in the closed position, in particular to ensure a sealing closure of the suction chamber. 
     The first arresting device and the first locking device may each be configured as latching devices, for example. A configuration in each case as clamping devices is also conceivable. The first arresting device and/or the first locking device is/are advantageously manually activatable for user-friendly operation. 
     The vacuum appliance preferably includes a battery compartment in which the at least one battery and the at least one battery receptacle are located, as well as a battery compartment cover which is transferrable from a closed position in which the battery compartment cover closes the battery compartment, into an open position in which the battery compartment is open, and vice versa. In the closed position, the battery compartment cover covers the at least one battery receptacle and the at least one battery mounted in the battery receptacle. The battery compartment cover thus protects the at least one battery and the at least one battery receptacle from dirt and moisture in order to ensure proper functioning of the vacuum appliance. The battery compartment is opened by transferring the battery compartment cover from the closed position into the open position. In this way, the user gains access to the at least one battery, for example to change it. 
     It may be provided that the user gains access to the filter cover only after the battery compartment cover has been transferred from the closed position into the open position, in order to likewise transfer the filter cover from its closed position into its removal position for replacing the at least one filter element. 
     The vacuum appliance preferably includes a second arresting device for arresting the battery compartment cover in the open position. The user is thus relieved, for example, of having to hold the battery compartment cover in the open position while exchanging the at least one battery, and optionally while transferring the filter cover from its closed position into its removal position, and vice versa, for replacing the at least one filter element. 
     Similarly, it may be provided that the vacuum appliance has a second locking device by means of which the battery compartment cover is lockable in its closed position in order to ensure reliable protection of the at least one battery from dirt and moisture. 
     The second arresting device and the second locking device may each be configured as a latching device. A configuration in each case as a clamping device is also conceivable. The second arresting device and the second locking device are advantageously manually activatable for user-friendly operation. 
     The battery compartment cover is preferably arrestable in the open position only when the at least one battery has been removed from the battery compartment. In order to be approved for sale, certain configurations of the vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention must undergo a splash water test. According to requirements, this type of splash water test must be carried out with the covers of the vacuum appliance open; i.e., the battery compartment cover must be in its open position, and the filter cover must be in its removal position. Thus, in this embodiment of the vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention, it may be ensured that the at least one battery is not situated in the battery compartment during the splash water test. This is particularly important when the at least one battery is a high-power accumulator, which, for cooling, may have housing openings through which entry of spray water during the splash water test in principle cannot be excluded. However, this may be avoided by removing the at least one battery from the battery compartment prior to the splash water test, only after which removal is the battery compartment cover arrestable in the open position for carrying out the splash water test. 
     It is advantageous if the filter cover in the removal position and the battery compartment cover in the open position are arrestable against one another to prevent transfer into the respective closed position. A configuration of the vacuum appliance which has a particularly simple construction may thus be achieved. In the present case, the above-mentioned first arresting device for arresting the filter cover in its removal position is, in a manner of speaking, formed by the battery compartment cover or is located on same. Similarly, the above-mentioned second arresting device for arresting the battery compartment cover in its open position is formed by the filter cover or is situated on same. The battery compartment cover and the filter cover thus form an assembly for mutual arresting in the removal position and in the open position. 
     In a configuration having a particularly simple construction, the battery compartment cover in the open position and the filter cover in the removal position are latchable to one another. 
     The structural configuration of the vacuum appliance is advantageously further simplified in that, apart from the filter cover, no further arresting device for arresting the battery compartment cover is provided, and that, apart from the battery compartment cover, no further arresting device for arresting the filter cover on the vacuum appliance is provided. 
     The battery compartment cover is preferably mounted on the vacuum appliance so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis. This allows the user to easily transfer the battery compartment cover from its closed position into the open position, and vice versa, in a defined manner. The second pivot axis is horizontally aligned, for example, and the battery compartment cover can be swung upwardly to make it easier for the user to access the at least one battery. 
     It is advantageous if the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are different, for example being parallel to one another and in each case horizontally aligned. When the filter cover is in its removal position and the battery compartment cover is in its open position, and the battery compartment cover and the filter cover are arrested against one another, the filter cover and the battery compartment cover are secured against being transferred into their respective closed position, as already described above. 
     The vacuum appliance preferably includes a cooling device for cooling the at least one battery. It is thus possible to avoid overheating of the at least one battery and to ensure proper functioning of the vacuum appliance. 
     The cooling device advantageously includes at least one exhaust air duct for exhaust air from the at least one battery, which exhaust air duct has at least one inlet opening, for the exhaust air, at the at least one battery receptacle. This allows waste heat from the at least one battery to be transported away from its site of generation in order to ensure reliable cooling of the at least one battery. 
     It is advantageous if the at least one inlet opening is formed as a through-opening in a support surface for the at least one battery in the at least one battery receptacle, the through-opening at least partially overlapping a housing opening of the at least one battery. Warn exhaust air from the at least one battery can exit from the at least one housing opening, and can pass through the at least one through-opening into the at least one exhaust air duct. It has been shown in practice that the waste heat from the at least one battery may thus be discharged in a particularly reliable manner. 
     In a structurally simple embodiment of the cooling device, the filter cover is configured, at least in part, as a hollow body which forms the at least one exhaust air duct. 
     The cooling device preferably includes at least one fan wheel for conveying cooling air for the at least one battery and/or for conveying exhaust air from the at least one battery. The at least one battery may be cooled even more effectively by use of the fan wheel. 
     It is particularly advantageous if the at least one fan wheel is situated in the at least one exhaust air duct of the cooling device. The air stream which is generatable by the at least one fan wheel allows particularly effective cooling of the at least one battery. 
     The vacuum appliance is advantageously a hybrid vacuum cleaner having a connecting cable which is connectable to a energy supply network for providing electrical energy to the suction unit. This allows more versatile use of the vacuum appliance, which may be operated on the energy supply network as well as on battery power. Furthermore, it may be provided that the at least one battery is chargeable when the at least one connecting cable is connected to the energy supply network. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective illustration of a preferred embodiment of a vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention, denoted overall by reference numeral  10 . The vacuum appliance  10  is configured as a so-called wet-dry vacuum cleaner by means of which solids as well as liquids may be sucked in. The vacuum appliance includes an appliance bottom part  12 , which in a manner known per se has a dirt collection container  14  for separating sucked-in vacuumed material, and which may be moved on a floor surface by means of rollers  16 ,  18  and wheels (only one wheel  20  being shown). 
     The vacuum appliance  10  also includes an appliance top part  22 , which in an operating position of the vacuum appliance  10  is detachably mounted on the device bottom part  12  and can be fixed to same. In the device top part  22 , also referred to as the “suction head,” a suction unit  24  which is only schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  is accommodated in an accommodating chamber  26 . By means of the suction unit  24 , a negative pressure can be generated in the dirt collection container  14  via a suction chamber  28  formed in the device top part  22 , so that vacuumed material can be sucked into the dirt collection container  14  via a suction hose, not illustrated in the drawing, which is connected to a connecting element  30  of the device top part  22 . 
     In the flow direction of the air sucked in by the suction unit  24 , a filter element  32  which is detachable by an operator is mounted between the dirt collection container  14  and the suction chamber  28 . The filter element  32 , which may be a flat-fold filter, for example, is supported in a manner known per se in the direction of the dirt collection container  14  on a circumferential edge  34 , shown only partially in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     The location of the connecting element  30  on the vacuum appliance  10  defines the front side  36  of the vacuum appliance. On its opposite side, the vacuum appliance  10  has a rear side  38 . In the present case, other position and direction indications such as “bottom side,” “top side,” and the like are to be construed as relating to an operating position, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , of the vacuum appliance  10 , in which the vacuum appliance  10  is positioned on a horizontally oriented standing surface, not shown. 
     In the transition from a top side  40  of the device top part  22  to the rear side  38 , the device top part  22  includes a battery compartment cover  42 . The battery compartment cover  42  is mounted on the device top part  22  so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis  44  extending in the transverse direction of the device top part, and is thus transferable from a closed position, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , into an open position illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , and vice versa. 
     In the open position, the battery compartment cover  42  opens up a battery compartment  46 , situated underneath, in which two rechargeable batteries  48  and  50  can be removably positioned. The batteries  48  and  50  are used for providing electrical energy in particular to the suction unit  24 , so that the vacuum appliance  10  can be operated even when it is not connected to a energy supply network. In its closed position, the battery compartment cover  42  covers the battery compartment  46  and the batteries  48  and  50  accommodated therein in order to protect them from dirt and moisture ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In the closed position, the battery compartment cover  42  is lockable to a carrier part  54  of the device top part  22  by means of a locking device  52 . For this purpose, the carrier part  54  has a locking element  56  which can cooperate with a corresponding locking element  58  of the battery compartment cover  42 , for example by latching. 
     The vacuum appliance  10  is a hybrid vacuum cleaner which may be operated not only by means of the batteries  48  and  50 , but also on a energy supply network. For this purpose, the vacuum appliance  10  includes a connecting cable, not illustrated in the drawing, which in a conventional manner has a plug for connection to a energy supply network in order to supply the vacuum appliance  10  with electrical energy. 
     For mounting the batteries  48  and  50 , the device top part  22  has two battery receptacles  60  and  62  which have a mirror-image configuration relative to one another with respect to a central longitudinal plane of the vacuum appliance  10 . The batteries  48  and  50  have an identical configuration, and can be inserted into the battery receptacles  60  and  62 , respectively, so that only the battery  48  and the battery receptacle  60  are discussed below. 
     As is apparent in particular from  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the battery receptacle  60  includes a plate-shaped support element  64  for a housing  66  of the battery  48 . Furthermore, the housing  66  can engage in a positive-fit manner with two L-shaped guides  68  and  70  adjacent to the support element  64 , so that the battery  48  is securely held in the battery receptacle  60  via a positive-fit connection. With reference to the illustration in  FIG. 6 , it has to be borne in mind that only the approximate outer contours of the batteries  48  and  50  are represented by dashed lines, but for reasons of clarity the positive-fit seat of the batteries  48  and  50  in the guides  68  and  70  is not shown. 
     A contact element  72  having electrical contacts is used for electrically contacting the battery  48 , which for this purpose has a corresponding contact element, not illustrated in the drawing. 
     The battery receptacles  60  and  62  are comprised by a substantially plate-shaped filter cover  74  for covering the filter element  32 , on the top side of which the battery receptacles are formed. The filter cover  74  serves to delimit the suction chamber  28  on the top side, and a filter cleaning device  76  is mounted on the bottom side of the filter cover  74  facing the filter element  32 . 
     The filter cleaning device  76  is a device, known per se, for automatically cleaning the filter element  32 , in particular in a time-controlled manner, by means of a pressure surge which acts on the filter element  32  on the clean space side. The pressure surge penetrates the filter element  32  in the direction of the dirt collection container  14 , so that dirt particles adhering to the filter element  32  on the dirt collection container side are detached from the filter element  32  and fall into the dirt collection container  14 . 
     To initiate the pressure surge, an inflow of external air, also referred to as “additional air,” into the suction chamber  28  is necessary. For this purpose, the filter cleaning device  76  is provided with an automatically activatable closing valve  78  which may be controlled in a time-dependent manner by control electronics of the vacuum appliance  10 , not illustrated in the drawing and likewise known per se. By opening the closing valve  78 , additional air from the atmosphere can enter through gaps formed between the filter cover  74  and the rest of the device top part  22 , and through the filter cleaning device  76  into the suction chamber  28 , and can act on the filter element  32  on the clean space side. 
     The suction chamber  28  is sealed by means of the filter cleaning device  76 , which, adjoining the edge  34  at a wall  80 , can sealingly abut against an edge  82  of the filter element  32  with a wall  80  ( FIG. 4 ). In addition, the suction chamber  28  is sealed by means of a border  84  opposite to the wall  80 . The border  84  bounds a through opening  86  via which the suction chamber  28  and the accommodating chamber  26  for the suction unit  24  open into one another. 
     The same as the battery compartment cover  42 , the filter cover  74  is pivotably mounted on the device top part  22 , in particular so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis  88  aligned parallel to the pivot axis  44 . The filter cover  74  is thus transferable, relative to the device top part  22 , from a closed position illustrated in  FIGS. 2 to 4  and  FIG. 6  into a removal position illustrated in  FIG. 5 , and vice versa. 
     In the closed position, the filter cover  74  covers the suction chamber  28  and thus in particular the filter element  32 . In addition, as explained above, the suction chamber  28  is sealingly closed by means of the filter cleaning device  76 . This occurs in the normal operating state of the vacuum appliance  10 . 
     A locking device  90 , for example in the form of a latching device, is provided in order to lock the filter cover  74  in its closed position on the device top part  22 . For this purpose, a locking element  92  is situated on the device top part  22 , and a locking element  94  is situated on the filter cover  74  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     When the filter cover  74  has been transferred from the closed position into the removal position, the filter element  32  is removable from the device top part  22 , on the clean space side, by the user through the suction chamber  28 . Correspondingly, the filter element  32  can be inserted through the suction chamber  28  on the clean space side into the device top part  22  and placed against the edge  34 . The user is thus able to replace the filter element  32  in a user-friendly manner with little or no soiling. 
     In addition, the filter cleaning device  76  in the removal position of the filter cover  74  is easily accessible to the user. The filter cleaning device  76  may thus be serviced in a user-friendly manner. Access to the filter element  32  and to the filter cleaning device  76  by the user is further simplified in that the filter cover  74  can be pivoted upwardly, so that turning the vacuum appliance  10  beforehand and/or an excessively stooped posture for the user is/are not necessary. 
     As is apparent from  FIG. 5 , the battery compartment cover  42  is arrestable in the open position and the filter cover  74  is arrestable in the removal position, and in particular the battery compartment cover  42  and the filter cover  74  are arrestable against one another. Thus, the battery compartment cover  42  has an arresting device  96  for the filter cover  74  having an arresting member  98 , and the filter cover  74  has an arresting device  100  for the battery compartment cover  42  having an arresting member  102 . 
     The arresting members  98  and  102  are latching elements which can engage with one another in the open position of the battery compartment cover  42  and the removal position of the filter cover  74  ( FIG. 5 ). The arresting member  98  is a latching hook situated on the underside of the battery compartment cover  42 , and the arresting member  102  is a latching projection situated on the upper side of the filter cover  74 . This latching projection is biased with respect to the arresting member  98  by means of an elastic element  104 , so that forced latching between the filter cover and the battery compartment cover  42  occurs when the filter cover  74  is opened. By activating a release member  106  against the action of the elastic element  104 , the latching between the arresting members  98  and  102  may be released, thus returning the filter cover  74  and the battery compartment cover  42  to their respective closed position. 
     However, when the battery compartment cover  42  in the open position and the filter cover  74  in the removal position are arrested against one another, pivoting into their respective closed positions is not possible, since the pivot axes  44  and  88  are different. The arresting of the battery compartment cover  42  and the filter cover  74  against one another is advantageous for the user, since the user easily gains access to the filter element  32  and the filter cleaning device  76  without having to hold one of the two covers. 
     However, it must be borne in mind that arresting the battery compartment cover  42  in the open position and the filter cover  74  in the removal position is possible only when the batteries  48  and  50  have previously been removed from the battery receptacles  60  and  62 , respectively. Only after this has been carried out, can the filter cover  74  be pivoted far enough about the pivot axis  88  that the arresting members  98  and  102  can be brought into latching engagement with one another. This type of configuration of the vacuum appliance  10  results from requirements for the vacuum appliance  10  to undergo a splash water test in order to be approved for sale. This splash water test provides for spraying the vacuum appliance  10  with spray water with the covers  42  and  74  open; no spray water must be allowed to penetrate into the electrical devices of the vacuum appliance  10 . Removing the batteries  48  and  50  from the battery receptacles  60  and  62  before the covers  42  and  74  are arrested against one another ensures that the batteries  48  and  50  are protected from spray water. This is important, since the batteries have inlet openings  108  and  110  on the top side for cooling air, into which water could possibly penetrate. However, in the arrested state of the covers  42  and  74  against one another, the contact elements  72  are reliably protected from spray water and are able to withstand the splash water test. 
     Since the battery compartment cover  42  and the filter cover  74  are arrestable against one another only in the open position and the removal position, respectively, and the vacuum appliance  10  has no further arresting devices for the battery compartment cover  42  and the filter cover  74 , the vacuum appliance  10  may have a structural configuration which is as simple as possible. In addition, the vacuum appliance according to an aspect of the invention has a compact design, and therefore a high degree of mobility. This is advantageous in particular due to the special configuration of the vacuum appliance as a battery-operated vacuum appliance. Servicing of the vacuum appliance  10  in a user-friendly manner is possible since the user can access the batteries  48  and  50  as well as the filter element  32  from only one side, by first transferring the battery compartment cover  42  from the closed position into the open position and, if necessary, subsequently transferring the filter cover  74  from its closed position into the removal position. 
     The batteries  48  and  50  are high-power accumulators which have a high level of heat generation during operation. To maintain proper functioning of the batteries  48  and  50 , the vacuum appliance includes a cooling device  112  by means of which the batteries  48  and  50  can be effectively cooled. 
     To allow cooling of the batteries  48  and  50 , the filter cover  74  is configured as a hollow body in regions. The filter cover  74  has a base plate  114  ( FIG. 6 ) on which the support elements  64  are mounted in the region of the battery receptacles  60  and  62  to form a space in between. A cover  116  is mounted on the base plate  114  between the battery receptacles  60  and  62 . An exhaust air duct  118  is thus formed between the base plate  114  on the one hand and the support elements  64  and the cover  116  on the other hand. 
     Starting from the rear side  38 , the exhaust air duct  118  extends approximately along the central longitudinal plane of the vacuum appliance  10 , and at the middle of the filter cleaning device  76  branches in a T-shaped manner toward the battery receptacles  60  and  62 . On the side of the filter cover  74  facing away from the arresting member  102 , the exhaust air duct  118  opens downwardly into a ventilation chamber  120  in which a fan wheel  122  of the cooling device  112  is situated. 
     In addition, in each case a plurality of inlet openings  124  for exhaust air from the batteries  48  and  50  into the exhaust air duct  118  of the cooling device  112  are formed in the support elements  64 . The inlet openings  124  can align with outlet openings  126  formed on the bottom side of the housings  66  of the batteries  48  and  50  when the batteries  48  and  50  are held in the receptacles  60  and  62 , respectively. This is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     The fan wheel  122  is in operation at least in battery mode of the vacuum appliance  10 . This allows generation of a negative pressure in the exhaust air duct  118  so that cooling air can enter through the inlet openings  108  and  110  into the housings  66  of the batteries  48  and  50 . Exhaust air from the batteries  48  and  50  can enter the exhaust air duct  118  through the outlet openings  126  and the inlet openings  124 , and can be discharged through this exhaust air duct by means of the fan wheel  122 . In practice, it has been shown that effective cooling of the batteries  48  and  50  can be achieved in this way.