Switching device for a vacuuming device and vacuuming device

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device for a vacuum cleaner comprising a suction unit (3) and a filter device (4) with a first and a second filter element (41, 42) as well as a vacuum cleaner with a switching device (5).The switching device (5) comprises a first valve body (51), a second valve body (52), and a switching cam (50) pivotably mounted about a rotary axis (500), wherein the switching cam (50) can be pivoted from a rest position either in a first direction to a first switching position or in a direction opposite to the first direction to a second switching position about the rotary axis (500), wherein the switching cam (50) interacts with the first valve body (51) and the second valve body (52) such that in the rest position of the switching cam (50), the first valve body (51) and the second valve body (52) are arranged in an open position, in the first switching position of the switching cam (50), the switching cam (50) forces the first valve body (51) into a closed position, and in the second switching position of the switching cam (50), the switching cam (50) forces the second valve body (52) into the closed position forces.The vacuuming device has a switching device such that air drawn in by means of the suction unit (3) flows selectively through the first filter element (41) and / or the second filter element (42) to the suction unit (3).

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a switching device for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner with such a switching device.

[0002] Vacuum cleaner devices comprising a suction unit and a filter element for filtering air sucked in by means of the suction unit are known.

[0003] It is also known to provide more than one filter element on the vacuum cleaner. The use of two or more filter elements allows the air flow through one filter element to be temporarily blocked for cleaning purposes, while the vacuuming process continues via the other filter element(s).

[0004] DE 20 2007 015 242 U1 discloses a vacuum cleaner device with at least two filter elements, each filter element being assigned a valve device comprising a valve body, a plunger supporting the valve body, and a solenoid for moving the plunger with the valve body. By means of the solenoids and the plungers, the valve bodies are each movable between an open position and a closed position, so that air sucked in by the suction unit flows selectively through the first filter element, the second filter element, or the first filter element and the second filter element to the suction unit. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0005] The objects of the invention are to provide a compact switching device for a vacuum cleaner comprising at least two filter elements and a vacuum cleaner with a compact switching device, wherein the switching device allows the valve bodies assigned to the filter elements to be moved into a closed position for cleaning the filter elements.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a switching device for a vacuum cleaner comprising a suction unit and a filter device is provided, wherein the filter device has a first filter element and a second filter element. The switching device comprises a first valve body assigned to the first filter element and adjustable between an open position and a closed position, and a second valve body assigned to the second filter element and adjustable between an open position and a closed position. The switching device is operable to move the valve bodies so that air sucked in by the suction unit flows selectively through the first filter element, the second filter element, or the first filter element and the second filter element to the suction unit. The switching device comprises a switching cam pivotably mounted about a rotational axis.which can be pivoted about the axis of rotation from a rest position either in a first direction into a first switching position or in a second direction opposite to the first direction into a second switching position, wherein the switching cam interacts with the first valve body and the second valve body in such a way that in the rest position of the switching cam, the first valve body and the second valve body are arranged in the respective open position, in the first switching position of the switching cam, the switching cam forces the first valve body into the closed position and the second valve body is arranged in the open position, and in the second switching position of the switching cam, the switching cam forces the second valve body into the closed position and the first valve body is arranged in the open position.

[0007] The terms "ein," "eine," "einer," etc., are used in the context of this application solely as indefinite articles and not as number pronouns. Likewise, the terms "first," "second," etc., serve merely to distinguish components and do not indicate any order or ranking.

[0008] The switching cam, which is pivotable in two directions from its rest position, allows for a simple and compact design of the switching device. In some embodiments, an air flow generated by the suction unit during normal operation is sufficient to force the valve bodies into an open position, with the valve bodies being forced into the closed position by the switching cam against a force exerted by the air flow. In other embodiments, additional force elements such as springs or the like are provided to force the valve bodies into an open position.

[0009] The valve bodies are mounted in a movable manner.

[0010] In a further development of the switching device, the valve bodies are designed as valve flaps, which are pivotably mounted about a first or a second pivot axis, each parallel to the rotational axis of the switching cam. The shape of the switching cam can be selected by the person skilled in the art depending on the application in order to effect an adjustment movement of the valve flaps into the closed positions by means of the switching cam and a return movement of the switching cam while avoiding dead centers, and to force the valve bodies into the closed positions in the switching positions.

[0011] In some embodiments, the switching device has a shaft coaxial with the rotational axis, with the switching cam arranged on the shaft. In some embodiments, the switching cam is designed as a single piece with the shaft. In other embodiments, the shaft and the switching cam are manufactured separately and subsequently connected, for example, screwed, glued, welded, or otherwise detachably or permanently connected.

[0012] In embodiments for filter cleaning, the shaft is manually rotatable in order to move the switching cam from the rest position into the first or second switching position and / or from a switching position into the rest position.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided in embodiments that the shaft is rotatable by means of a drive, so that the switching cam can be pivoted by means of the drive from the rest position in the first direction into the first switching position and from the rest position in a direction opposite to the first direction into the second switching position, wherein the drive is designed in particular as an electric motor with a reversible direction of rotation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the valve bodies are made of a comparatively rigid, non-elastically deformable material, particularly plastic, to enable deformation-free movement of the valve bodies by means of the switching cam. For secure sealing, sealing elements are arranged on the valve bodies in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the sealing elements are made of a more elastic material than the valve bodies.

[0015] According to a second aspect, a vacuum cleaner device comprising a housing, a suction unit, a filter device with at least two filter elements and a switching device with a first valve body, a second valve body and a switching cam is provided, wherein by means of the switching cam the first valve body or the second valve body can be adjusted selectively from an open position to a closed position.

[0016] The vacuum cleaner device can be designed to suit a variety of applications. In particular, the vacuum cleaner device is a vacuum cleaner for industrial applications, wherein the vacuum cleaner device can be used with a working device for vacuuming up the material generated during operation of the working device. The switching device allows a filter element to be cleaned while the vacuum cleaner device is in use. The valve body assigned to the filter element to be cleaned is forced into the closed position by the switching cam, counter to the force of the air flow generated by the suction unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, it is provided that the housing has a first filter chamber in which the first filter element is arranged, a second filter chamber in which the second filter element is arranged, and a valve chamber in which the switching cam is arranged, wherein the valve chamber is arranged downstream of the first filter chamber and the second filter chamber in the flow direction of the air sucked in by means of the suction unit and has a first opening fluidically connecting the valve chamber to the first filter chamber, which first opening can be closed by means of the first valve body, and a second opening fluidically connecting the valve chamber to the second filter chamber, which second opening can be closed by means of the second valve body.

[0018] The valve bodies are arranged downstream of the filter elements in the flow direction of the air drawn in by the suction unit during normal operation. Thus, even in the closed position, the valve bodies do not prevent suction material falling from the filter element from moving toward a dust collection chamber located upstream of the filter elements (viewed in the direction of the air drawn in during normal operation) during cleaning of the filter elements. One embodiment provides for a cleaning air flow through the filter element in a direction opposite to the direction of the air drawn in during normal operation.

[0019] In one embodiment, the housing has an electronics compartment that is fluidically separated from the valve chamber, with a drive for adjusting the switching cam being arranged in the electronics compartment. The electronics compartment is easily accessible for maintenance.

[0020] The arrangement of the switching device in the vacuum cleaner can be suitably selected depending on the application. In some embodiments, the rotational axis of the switching cam is perpendicular to a mounting and / or travel plane of the vacuum cleaner. This enables a compact arrangement, particularly in a vacuum cleaner with a suction unit that has a fan that also rotates about an axis arranged perpendicular to the mounting and / or travel plane.

[0021] In some embodiments, the suction unit has exactly one fan and exactly one drive. In other embodiments, the suction unit has two fans operating in parallel, each driven by its own drive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the description of an embodiment of the invention, which is explained below with reference to the schematic figures. Showing: Fig. 1 a vacuum cleaner device with a first housing part and a second housing part; Fig. 2 an embodiment of the second housing part of the vacuum cleaner device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view; Fig. 3 the housing part according to Fig. 2 in a plan view; Fig. 4 the housing part according to Fig. 2 in a sectional view IV-IV according to Fig. 3; Fig. 5 the housing part according to Fig. 2 in a sectional view V- V according to Fig. 3; Fig. 6 the housing part according to Fig. 2 in a front view; Fig. 7 the housing part according to Fig. 2 in a sectional view VII-VII according to Fig. 6 in a rest position of a switching cam of a switching device of the vacuum cleaner and Fig. 8 the housing part according to Fig. 2 in a sectional view VII-VII according to Fig. 6 in a first switching position of a switching cam of a switching device of the vacuum cleaner device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Fig. 1 schematically shows a vacuum cleaner device 1. The illustrated vacuum cleaner device 1 comprises a two-part housing 2 with a first housing part 21 and a second housing part 22. However, the design is merely exemplary.

[0024] The first housing part 21 has a dust collection chamber 210. The second housing part 22 is designed as a suction head. A suction inlet 220 is provided on the second housing part 22, which is designed as a suction head. A device or an accessory (also not shown) can be connected to the suction inlet in a known manner via a suction hose (not shown). In other embodiments, the suction inlet 220 is provided on the lower housing part 21.

[0025] The suction head accommodates a suction unit 3 comprising a drive and a fan, and a filter device 4. The flow of suction air through the vacuum cleaner 1 is represented highly schematically by a dashed arrow. Air drawn in by the suction unit 3 at a suction connection 220 flows, as schematically shown, through the filter device 4, wherein any dust present in the drawn-in air is retained by the filter device. The dust can fall downward from the filter device 4 into the dust collection chamber 210.

[0026] The Fig. 1 further comprises rollers 13, by means of which the vacuum cleaning device 1 can be moved along a schematically indicated installation and / or travel plane 10.

[0027] Fig. 2 to 8 show an embodiment of the second housing part 22 designed as a suction head in different views, wherein the suction unit 3 and the filter device 4 are arranged in the suction head.

[0028] In the Fig. 2 to 8, the suction unit 3 comprises - as best shown in Fig. 5 - two fans 30 operating in parallel, each driven by its own drive 32, an electric motor in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the suction unit 3 comprises only one fan 30.

[0029] The filter device 4 comprises in the illustrated embodiment a first filter element 41 and a second filter element 42, which as in the sectional views according to the Fig. 4, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, are arranged on opposite sides of the housing part 22.

[0030] Over time, filter elements 41, 42 of the filter device 4 become clogged, so that they must be cleaned. For cleaning the filter elements 41, 42, a cleaning device designed as a vibrating device is provided in some embodiments, by means of which a filter element 41, 42 to be cleaned can be set into vibration, so that the suction material adhering to an outer side of the filter element 41, 42 falls off and downwards into the dust collection chamber 210 (see Fig. 1). In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to the vibrating device for cleaning the filter elements 41, 42, a device is provided by means of which an air flow opposite to the suction air can be briefly applied to a filter element 41, 42 for cleaning it.

[0031] To allow cleaning of a filter element 41, 42 without interrupting a suction process, a switching device 5 comprising two valve bodies 51, 52 is provided, wherein the valve bodies 51, 52 are each adjustable between an open position and a closed position in order to allow an air flow over an associated filter element 41, 42 in the open position and to block an air flow over an associated filter element 41, 42 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter elements 41, 42 are arranged upstream of the valve bodies 51, 52 in a flow direction of the suction air during normal operation.

[0032] The housing 2 of the vacuum cleaner device 1, in the illustrated embodiment the second housing part 22 of the housing 2, has a first filter chamber 221 in which the first filter element 41 is arranged, a second filter chamber 222 in which the second filter element 42 is arranged, and a valve chamber 223.

[0033] The valve chamber 223 is arranged downstream of the first filter chamber 221 and the second filter chamber 222 in the flow direction of the air sucked in by the suction unit 3. On the housing 2, more precisely on the second housing part 22, a first opening fluidically connects the valve chamber 223 to the first filter chamber 221, which can be closed by the first valve body 51, and a second opening fluidically connects the valve chamber 223 to the second filter chamber 222, which can be closed by the second valve body 52, are provided.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve bodies 51, 52 are each designed as a valve flap, which can each be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the installation and travel plane 10 (cf. Fig. 1) arranged pivot axis 510, 520 can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position.

[0035] Fig. 7 shows a state of the switching device 5 in which both valve bodies 51, 52 are in the open position and each release an air flow via an associated filter element 41, 42.

[0036] Fig. 8 shows a state of the switching device 5 in which the second valve body 52 is in the open position and releases an air flow via the associated filter element 42, while the first valve body 51 is in the closed position and blocks an air flow via the associated filter element 41.

[0037] The valve bodies 51, 52 designed as valve flaps are made of a rigid material in embodiments, wherein sealing elements are arranged on the valve flaps for a sealing engagement of the valve flaps with the openings in the housing 2 in the closed position.

[0038] For movement of the valve bodies 51, 52, the switching device 5 comprises a switching cam 50 pivotably mounted about a rotation axis 500. The switching cam 50 is arranged in the valve chamber 223.

[0039] The pivot axes 510, 520 of the valve bodies 51, 52 designed as valve flaps are aligned parallel to the rotation axis 500 of the switching cam 50. The switching cam 50 is made of a Fig. 7 shown rest position optionally by a pivoting movement in a first direction, in the illustrated embodiment by a pivoting movement clockwise, into a first, in Fig. 8 or by a pivoting movement in a direction opposite to the first direction, in the illustrated embodiment by a pivoting movement counterclockwise, into a second switching position (not shown) about the rotation axis 500. The switching cam 50 cooperates with the first valve body 51 and the second valve body 52 in such a way that in the Fig. 7, the first valve body 51 and the second valve body 52 are arranged in the respective open position in which Fig. In the first switching position of the switching cam 50 shown in Figure 8, the switching cam 50 forces the first valve body 51 into the closed position, and the second valve body 52 remains in the open position. In the second switching position of the switching cam 50 (not shown), the switching cam 50 forces the second valve body 52 into the closed position, while the first valve body 51 remains in the open position.

[0040] The switching cam 50 shown has a drop-shaped cross-section and has two contact surfaces 501, 502 enclosing an angle (see Fig. 8), against which the valve bodies 51, 52 rest in the rest position of the switching cam 50 - as in Fig. 7. The two contact surfaces 501, 502 are connected via a curved section, wherein the switching cam 50 shown has a flattening 503 on the curved section for a stable contact of the switching cam 50 with the valve bodies 51, 52 in the closed position.

[0041] How best in Fig. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the switching cam 50 is formed integrally with a shaft 53 for bearing and actuating movement, which is supported on a counter bearing 225 in the housing part 22. On a side of the shaft 53 opposite the counter bearing 225, a drive 54, for example an electric motor with reversible direction of rotation, is provided. The shaft 53 is coupled to the drive 54, so that the shaft 53 and thus the switching cam 50 can be moved by means of the drive 54 from the Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 shown rest position in a first direction (clockwise in the illustrated embodiment) in the direction shown in Fig. 8 and alternatively from the rest position in a direction opposite to the first direction (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment) into the second switching position.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive 54 for the switching cam 50 and the drives 30 of the suction unit 3 are arranged in an electronics chamber 224 that is fluidically separated from the valve chamber 223.

[0043] The illustrated embodiment of the vacuum cleaner device 1 is merely an example and the switching device 5 can also be used in other vacuum cleaner devices. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2007 015 242 U1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Switching device for a vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a suction unit (3) and a filter device (4), wherein the filter device (4) has a first filter element (41) and a second filter element (42), wherein the switching device (5) comprises a first valve body (51) assigned to the first filter element (41) and adjustable between an open position and a closed position, and a second valve body (52) assigned to the second filter element (42) and adjustable between an open position and a closed position, and the switching device (5) is operable to move the valve bodies (51, 52) so that air sucked in by means of the suction unit (3) flows selectively through the first filter element (41), the second filter element (42) or the first filter element (41) and the second filter element (42) to the suction unit (3), characterized bythat the switching device (5) comprises a switching cam (50) pivotably mounted about a rotational axis (500), wherein the switching cam (50) is pivotable about the rotational axis (500) from a rest position selectively in a first direction into a first switching position or in a direction opposite to the first direction into a second switching position, wherein the switching cam (50) interacts with the first valve body (51) and the second valve body (52) in such a way that in the rest position of the switching cam (50), the first valve body (51) and the second valve body (52) are arranged in the respective open position, in the first switching position of the switching cam (50), the switching cam (50) forces the first valve body (51) into the closed position and the second valve body (52) is arranged in the open position,and in the second switching position of the switching cam (50), the switching cam (50) forces the second valve body (52) into the closed position and the first valve body (51) is arranged in the open position., [2] Switching device according to claim 1, characterized by that the valve bodies (51, 52) are designed as valve flaps which are pivotably mounted about a first and a second pivot axis (510, 520) respectively, each parallel to the axis of rotation (500) of the switching cam (50). [3] Switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the switching device (5) has a shaft (53) coaxial with the axis of rotation, wherein the switching cam (50) is arranged on the shaft (53). [4] Switching device according to claim 3, characterized bythat the shaft (53) is rotatable by means of a drive (54), so that the switching cam (50) can be pivoted by means of the drive (54) from the rest position in the first direction into the first switching position and from the rest position in the direction opposite to the first direction into the second switching position, wherein the drive (54) is designed in particular as an electric motor with a reversible direction of rotation. [5] Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that sealing elements (512, 522) are arranged on the valve bodies (51, 52). [6] Vacuum cleaner device comprising a housing (2), a suction unit (3), a filter device (4) with a first filter element (41) and a second filter element (42) and a switching device (5) according to one of claims 1 to 5. [7] Vacuum cleaner device according to claim 6, characterized byin that the housing (2) has a first filter chamber (221) in which the first filter element (41) is arranged, a second filter chamber (222) in which the second filter element (42) is arranged, and a valve chamber (223) in which the switching cam (50) is arranged, wherein the valve chamber (223) is arranged downstream of the first filter chamber (221) and the second filter chamber (222) in the flow direction of the air sucked in by means of the suction unit (3) and has a first opening which fluidically connects the valve chamber (223) to the first filter chamber (221) and which can be closed by means of the first valve body (51), and a second opening which fluidically connects the valve chamber (223) to the second filter chamber (222) and which can be closed by means of the second valve body (52). [8] Vacuum cleaner device according to claim 7, characterized bythat the housing (2) has an electronics chamber (224) which is fluidically separated from the valve chamber (223), wherein a drive (54) for an adjusting movement of the switching cam (50) is arranged in the electronics chamber (224). [9] Vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized by that the axis of rotation (500) of the switching cam (50) is perpendicular to a mounting and / or travel plane (10) of the vacuum cleaner device (1). [10] Vacuum cleaner device according to claims 6 to 9, characterized by that the suction unit (3) has two fans (30) operating in parallel, each of which is driven by its own drive (32).

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