Separator unit with replaceable disposal unit, vacuum system and process

Abstract

The invention relates to a separator unit (10) for separating suction material from a suction stream (200), comprising a housing (11) which surrounds a separation chamber (21) for separating the suction material, wherein the housing (11) has an inlet opening (12) through which the suction stream (200) can be introduced at least partially into the separation chamber (21), and an outlet opening (13) through which the suction stream (200) can be directed at least partially out of the separation chamber (21), wherein the inlet opening (12), the separation chamber (21) and the outlet opening (13) form a separation path (201) for cyclone-like turbulence of the suction stream (200) in order to separate the suction material in a boundary region (21.1) of the separation chamber (21). The invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner system (1) and a method (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a separator unit for separating suction material from a suction stream of a vacuum cleaner, a vacuum cleaner system and a method for operating a vacuum cleaner system.

[0002] Various types of vacuum cleaners are known from current technology. Classic vacuum cleaners, for example, often have a vacuum cleaner bag in which the suction air is directed through the bag to filter out the debris from the suction air using a filtration principle.

[0003] In contrast, cyclone vacuum cleaners are based on the principle of centrifugal separators, in which a suction flow is set into rotation. This creates a vortex flow, the centrifugal forces of which cause the vacuumed material to settle around the perimeter of a container, which is usually bagless. The container typically has an opening mechanism, allowing it to be emptied, for example, over a waste bin. One advantage of cyclone vacuum cleaners is that the suction power is independent of the container's fill level. However, emptying the container can be unpleasant for allergy sufferers due to the release of dust. Furthermore, areas where the vacuumed material flows along the inner wall of the container can become abrasive, potentially dulling previously smooth or transparent areas. This detracts from the vacuum cleaner's appearance.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to simplify the disposal of the vacuumed material, preferably in a manner suitable for allergy sufferers.

[0005] The foregoing problem is solved by a separator unit with the features of claim 1, a vacuum cleaner system with the features of claim 8, and a method with the features of claim 13. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the separator unit according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vacuum cleaner system and / or the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure relating to the individual aspects of the invention always includes, or allows for, reciprocal reference.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a separator unit is provided for separating the suction material from the suction stream of a vacuum cleaner. The separator unit comprises a housing that surrounds a separation chamber for separating the suction material, in particular from the suction stream. The housing has an inlet opening through which the suction stream can be introduced, at least partially, into the separation chamber, and an outlet opening through which the suction stream can be directed, at least partially, out of the separation chamber. At least the inlet opening, the separation chamber, and the outlet opening form a separation path for cyclone-like turbulence of the suction stream in order to separate the suction material in a peripheral region of the separation chamber. The separation chamber is at least partially or completely integrated into a replaceable disposal unit, which can be disposed of along with the suction material separated in the separation chamber.

[0007] The vacuum cleaner is preferably a household vacuum cleaner. The material being vacuumed preferably consists of dirt particles, such as household dust. However, it is also conceivable that the material being vacuumed includes other types of unwanted and / or transportable substances. The suction flow can preferably be generated by a fan within the vacuum cleaner. The fan can advantageously be driven by an electric motor. The separator unit can be arranged upstream and / or downstream of the fan in the vacuum cleaner.

[0008] The separation chamber can preferably comprise a volume within the housing, e.g., in the form of a cavity. Thus, the separation chamber can include a free space through which the suction flow can be directed and / or in which the suctioned material can be collected. The housing can have a wall that surrounds the separation chamber. The wall can be made of plastic, in particular transparent plastic.

[0009] The suction flow can also be referred to as suction current. Furthermore, the suction flow can preferably comprise a mixture of air and the material being suctioned. During the separation of the material being suctioned, it can be separated from the air and / or removed from the suction flow. The vortex flow can include a suction flow in which the suction flow is guided around a preferably central axis of the separation chamber, particularly by means of a rotational movement. The separation path can be understood, in particular, as a flow path through which the suction flow can at least partially or completely pass and in which the suction flow can be at least partially or completely swirled. The separator unit preferably forms a centrifugal and / or inertial force separator. In particular, the suction flow can be swirled within the separation chamber.The separation path can be designed in such a way that the vortex flow causes centrifugal forces to act on the material being suctioned, so that the material being suctioned settles around the periphery in the edge region.

[0010] The separation chamber can be part of a cyclone and / or a multicyclone. The vacuum cleaner can be a cyclone vacuum cleaner. The separation chamber can have at least a partially or fully conical and / or cylindrical shape along its inner and / or outer diameter, i.e., in particular, a partially or fully conical and / or cylindrical shape along the wall of the separation chamber. The boundary region of the separation chamber can preferably be formed by a wall of the housing or by a disposable insert element.

[0011] In addition to the inlet and outlet openings, the separation chamber can have a suction reservoir in which the separated material can be collected. The suction reservoir can be connected to the separation path via a fluid communication system. Preferably, the suction reservoir is formed by the housing.

[0012] During replacement, the disposal unit can be exchanged, in particular, for an identical, preferably empty, disposal unit. The disposal unit can preferably be made of a recyclable material and / or designed for single use. The disposal unit can have a closing device by which the separation chamber and / or the disposal unit itself can be closed in the area of ​​the inlet and / or outlet opening. In particular, the disposal unit can be closed manually and / or automatically by means of the closing device when the disposal unit is removed from the vacuum cleaner. The separation chamber can be completely enclosed by a wall that is interrupted only by the inlet and outlet openings. The housing can, for example, be made of a recyclable and / or fiber-based material.It is also conceivable that the disposal unit is designed without a lid if, due to the disposal process, a later opening of the separation chamber is not necessary.

[0013] In particular, the vacuumed material can thus be separated in the separation chamber and simultaneously collected in the disposal unit. It has therefore been recognized within the scope of the invention that the integration of the separation chamber into the replaceable disposal unit simplifies the disposal of the vacuumed material in a vacuum cleaner with cyclone-like turbulence for separating the vacuumed material. In particular, despite the cyclone-like action, it is therefore not necessary to tip the vacuumed material out of the separation chamber for disposal and potentially release it again. Specifically, a re-release of the vacuumed material can be avoided by completely disposing of the disposal unit along with the separated material.

[0014] In the context of this application, the term "integration" or "to integrate" is understood to mean both the "partial or complete insertion or partial or complete inclusion or enclosing of possibly separate or different components" and the "one-piece, materially uniform and materially interlocking formation of two components into a common assembly (as is done, for example, in injection molding) or the joining of two components into an assembly (such as by screwing or riveting)."

[0015] Furthermore, in a separator unit according to the invention, it is conceivable that the disposal unit comprises a collection container which has a flexible wall surrounding the separation chamber. In particular, the disposal unit can be formed by the collection container. The collection container can thus comprise a bag or be designed in a bag-like manner. For example, the collection container can be made of a paper, woven, and / or nonwoven material, preferably consisting of a paper, woven, and / or nonwoven material. Preferably, the material of the collection container comprises plastic and / or natural fibers. This allows the disposal unit to be manufactured cost-effectively and thus be replaced cost-effectively. The collection container can then be disposed of along with the collected material. The collection container, in particular the flexible wall, can at least partially or completely rest against a housing wall within an interior space of the housing.Thus, the collection container can form an insert element, particularly in the form of a liner, for the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the collection container can at least partially or completely surround the housing. Preferably, the collection container is detachably attached to the housing. The collection container therefore allows the advantages of a cyclone vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner with a dust bag to be combined.

[0016] Furthermore, in a separator unit according to the invention, it is conceivable that the disposal unit, in particular the separation chamber and / or the collection container, has a first opening with a first opening closure that encloses the inlet opening, preferably sealingly, and / or a second opening with a second opening closure that encloses the outlet opening, preferably sealingly, in particular wherein the first and / or second opening closure (each) has a pre-tensioned closing element that automatically closes the first and / or second opening when the disposal unit (each) is replaced. The first and / or second opening closure can have an elastic band and / or a hinged and / or sliding closing element. Furthermore, the first and / or second opening closure can comprise an elastomer, in particular in the form of rubber.This ensures that the separation chamber is sealed around the inlet and / or outlet opening. Furthermore, the disposal unit can be easily closed when removed from the vacuum cleaner to prevent the release of collected debris.

[0017] Furthermore, in a separator unit according to the invention, it is advantageously provided that the disposal unit is formed by the housing. Preferably, the housing itself can be made of recyclable material and / or designed for single filling with suction material. Thus, the disposal unit can, in particular, form a disposable cyclone. The housing can have fixing means for fixing the housing, especially for a single use, to a receiving device of the vacuum cleaner. For removal of the separator unit from the receiving device, the fixing means can be released non-destructively or have a predetermined breaking point. The concept of the disposable housing allows for particularly easy replacement of the disposal unit by simply replacing the entire assembly.

[0018] Furthermore, in a separator unit according to the invention, it is conceivable that the housing is made of a recyclable and / or fiber-based material, particularly wherein the disposal unit is made of a single material. Preferably, the housing can consist of the recyclable and / or fiber-based material. The recyclable material can, for example, be a plastic or a natural material. Preferably, the housing can be made of a paper, woven, and / or nonwoven material. Preferably, one material of the housing comprises plastic and / or natural fibers. This allows the disposal unit to be manufactured cost-effectively and thus be replaced cost-effectively. The material uniformity of the disposal unit can improve its recyclability. All components of the disposal unit can be made of the recyclable and / or fiber-based material and / or be integrally formed with one another.

[0019] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable that the fiber-based material is a paper material, particularly in the form of cardboard. For example, the housing can be designed at least partially or completely as a molded part. The housing can be formed from a cardboard compound, particularly in the form of papier-mâché. This enables cost-effective manufacturing and improves the environmental friendliness of the disposal unit. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the housing forms a wall to delimit the separation chamber and the separation path. The material being collected can then accumulate directly on the housing wall during turbulence in the separation chamber. The housing wall can, for example, have a structured surface, particularly with a checkerboard and / or honeycomb structure. This allows the material being collected to accumulate advantageously on the housing wall, thereby improving the separation of the material.

[0020] Furthermore, in a separator unit according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the inlet opening is formed by a dip tube which projects into an interior space of the housing, wherein the separation chamber at least partially surrounds the dip tube, and in particular, wherein the dip tube is integrated into the disposal unit. The dip tube can be understood to be, in particular, a tube in which the suction flow is guided at least partially or completely through the interior space. In this way, turbulence of the suction flow around the dip tube can be generated. In particular, the dip tube can define an inner diameter of the separation chamber. The dip tube can preferably be part of the housing. For example, the dip tube can be formed, in particular materially identical to the other parts of the housing, from a recyclable and / or fiber-based material, e.g., in the form of plastic and / or natural fibers.Preferably, the dip tube can be made of paper, fabric, and / or nonwoven material. This allows the dip tube to be easily replaced and disposed of as part of the disposal unit. Separation of the dip tube and the collected material is therefore unnecessary.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, a vacuum system is provided. The vacuum system comprises at least one separator unit according to the invention and a vacuum cleaner with a receiving device for receiving the separator unit.

[0022] Thus, a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a separator unit according to the invention. The separator unit can preferably be fixed in the mounting device. The mounting device can include at least one fastening interface for attaching the separator unit and / or the disposal unit to the vacuum cleaner, preferably in a detachable manner. With this vacuum cleaner system, the effort required to empty the vacuum cleaner can be minimized.

[0023] Preferably, in a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention, the receiving device may include a chamber, which is particularly closable, into which the separator unit and / or the disposal unit can be inserted. The closable chamber allows the separator unit to be fully mounted within the receiving device. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the receiving device has several support elements that engage positively with the disposal unit. For example, the receiving device may have a dip tube support onto which the dip tube can be slid when the disposal unit is inserted. The chamber may also have a shape corresponding to the separator unit, so that the separator unit is supported over its entire surface, preferably completely, within the chamber.This allows the stability of the separator unit, particularly the disposal unit of the separator unit, to be supported by the receiving device, especially under the suction flow during operation. Furthermore, the disposal unit can be designed with thin walls to minimize waste volume and / or to improve the strength of the disposal unit for increased performance.

[0024] Furthermore, in a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention, it is conceivable that the vacuum cleaner system comprises two identical separator units that are interchangeable. Each separator unit can form a complete disposal unit. Both separator units can be arranged in the receiving device and preferably be automatically interchangeable. Additionally or alternatively, the vacuum cleaner system can, for example, have a holding device for one of the two separator units while the other separator unit is arranged in the receiving device. The two separator units allow for a quick exchange of the respective separator unit.

[0025] Furthermore, in a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention, it is conceivable that the vacuum cleaner is a battery-powered vacuum cleaner and / or a robotic vacuum cleaner. A battery-powered vacuum cleaner can be understood, in particular, as a cordless vacuum cleaner that does not require a direct connection to an external power source for vacuuming. Specifically, the battery-powered vacuum cleaner can have a battery pack that serves as the power source for the vacuuming operation. The robotic vacuum cleaner can preferably be designed to perform an autonomous cleaning process. With a battery-powered vacuum cleaner, the use of the separator unit with the disposal unit has the advantage that the disposal unit can be detached and subsequently disposed of in the immediate vicinity of the waste bin without a cable restricting freedom of movement.This prevents the disposal unit from being carried over areas that have already been cleaned.

[0026] Furthermore, in a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention, it is conceivable that a base station is provided which has a changing device for automatically exchanging at least one disposal unit of the separator unit, wherein the base station has a disposal compartment for receiving exchanged disposal units and / or a storage compartment for storing disposal units, in particular empty ones. The base station can define a holding position for the vacuum cleaner in which the vacuum cleaner can be charged by the base station and / or the disposal unit can be exchanged. Preferably, the changing device has a removal mechanism for removing the disposal unit and / or a feeding mechanism for feeding the exchanged disposal units to the disposal compartment.For example, the exchange device can include a gripper, particularly in the form of a gripper arm, by which the disposal unit can be removed from the receiving device and transported to the disposal chamber. The exchanged disposal units can preferably be stacked in the disposal chamber. Particularly if the vacuum cleaner is a robotic vacuum cleaner, the base station with the exchange device can extend the autonomous operation of the vacuuming system until an operator empties the disposal chamber and / or refills the storage chamber.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for operating a vacuum cleaner system, in particular a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention, is provided. The vacuum cleaner system comprises, in particular in the form of process steps: - Generating a suction flow which is guided at least section by section through a separation chamber of a separation path, in which the suction flow is swirled cyclone-like and the suction material is separated in a boundary area of ​​the separation chamber, wherein the separation chamber is at least partially or completely integrated into a replaceable disposal unit which can be disposed of with the suction material separated in the separation chamber, - Replacing the disposal unit with the separated suction material with another, identical disposal unit.

[0028] Thus, a method according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to a separator unit and / or a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention. The suction flow can be generated by a blower of the vacuum cleaner. The replacement of the disposal unit can be carried out manually and / or automatically.

[0029] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 a separator unit according to the invention in a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention with a battery-powered vacuum cleaner, Fig. 3 a sequence of a method according to the invention for operating the vacuum cleaner system, Fig. 4 a separator unit according to the invention in a further embodiment, and Fig. 5 a vacuum cleaner system according to the invention with a vacuum cleaner robot.

[0030] In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a separator unit 10 according to the invention for separating suction material from a suction stream 200 of a vacuum cleaner 2. Fig. Figure 2 shows a vacuum cleaner system 1 according to the invention, comprising the separator unit 10 and the vacuum cleaner 2, here in the form of a manually operated, battery-powered vacuum cleaner 2, in particular in the form of a stick and / or handheld vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 2 can be, according to the illustration in Fig. 5. For example, it could be a battery-powered vacuum cleaner 2 in the form of a robotic vacuum cleaner. However, it is equally conceivable that a different vacuum cleaner 2, e.g., a corded vacuum cleaner 2, is used.

[0032] The separator unit 10 comprises a housing 11, which surrounds a separation chamber 21 for separating the suction material from the suction flow 200. The housing 11 has an inlet opening 12, through which the suction flow 200 can be introduced at least partially into the separation chamber 21, and an outlet opening 13, through which the suction flow 200 can be discharged at least partially from the separation chamber 21. The inlet opening 12 is formed by a dip tube 14, which projects into an interior space 11.2 of the housing 11, with the separation chamber 21 at least partially surrounding the dip tube 14. The dip tube 14 is, in particular, a part, preferably an integral part, of the housing 11.

[0033] The inlet opening 12, the separation chamber 21, and the outlet opening 13 form a separation path 201 for cyclone-like turbulence of the suction flow 200, in order to separate the suction material in a boundary region 21.1 of the separation chamber 21, e.g., at an outer diameter of the separation chamber 21. The suction material can then collect in the boundary region 21.1 and / or in a suction material reservoir 22, which is formed in the lower part of the separation chamber 21. To facilitate disposal of the suction material, the separation chamber 21 is also integrated into a replaceable disposal unit 20, which can be disposed of along with the suction material separated in the separation chamber 21.

[0034] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment of the separator unit 10 shown in Figure 1, the disposal unit 20 is formed by the housing 11 with a housing wall 15 and the immersion tube 14. The housing 11 is made of a recyclable and / or fiber-based material 11.1, in particular a paper material, preferably in the form of cardboard. Preferably, the housing 11, the housing wall 15, and the immersion tube 14 are made of a single material. Thus, the disposal unit 20 is made entirely of a single material.

[0035] According to the in Fig. In the embodiment of the separator unit 10 shown in Figure 4, the disposal unit 20 comprises a collection container 30, which has a flexible wall 31 surrounding the separation chamber 21. The wall 31 can, for example, comprise a woven material and / or a nonwoven material. The collection container 30 is inserted into the housing 11, in particular placed inside it, so that the collection container 30 rests against the housing wall 15. For disposal of the disposal unit 20, the collection container 30 can be removed from the housing 11. To remove the collection container 30, the separation chamber 21 can be opened, preferably by means of a hinge, e.g., in an area with the suction reservoir 22.

[0036] The disposal unit 20 preferably has a first opening 32 with a first opening closure 33 that seals around the inlet opening 12. Furthermore, the disposal unit 20 preferably has a second opening 34 with a second opening closure 35 that seals around the outlet opening 13. The first and second opening closures 33 and 35 each comprise a pre-tensioned closing element that automatically closes the first and second openings 32 and 34, respectively, when the disposal unit 20 is replaced.

[0037] Thus, a method 100 according to the invention can be used to operate the vacuum cleaner system 1 according to the procedure in Fig. 3. The system comprises generating 101 the suction flow 200, which is guided at least sectionally through the separation chamber 21, in which the suction flow 200 is swirled in a cyclone-like manner and the vacuumed material is separated in the edge region 21.1 of the separation chamber 21. Subsequently, the vacuum system 1 with the separator unit 10 enables the replacement 102 of the disposal unit 20 with the separated and / or accumulated vacuumed material for another, structurally identical disposal unit 20.

[0038] By integrating the separation chamber 21 into the replaceable disposal unit 20, the disposal of the vacuumed material can be simplified. In particular, it is no longer necessary to tip the vacuumed material out of the separation chamber 21 for disposal and potentially release it again.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the vacuum cleaner 2 has a receiving device 3 for receiving the separator unit 10. For example, the receiving device 3 can include a closable chamber into which the separator unit 10 and / or the disposal unit 20 can be inserted. For example, the disposal unit 20 can rest flat against the receiving device 3 in the chamber. This allows the disposal unit 20 to be supported externally when the suction flow 200 is applied. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner system 1 can include two identical separator units 10 that are interchangeable.

[0040] Furthermore, the vacuum system 1 can include a base station 4 which has a changing device 4.1 for automatically exchanging at least one disposal unit 20 of the separator unit 10. The base station 4 can be configured as shown in Fig. 5 shows a disposal room 4.2 for receiving exchanged disposal units 20 and / or a storage room 4.3 for storing disposal units 20.

[0041] It is also conceivable that the described embodiments, in particular the embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, can be combined. This makes it possible, for example, to replace the collection container 30 with each filling and the housing 11 after a specified number of fillings.

[0042] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Reference symbol list 1 vacuum cleaner system 2 vacuum cleaners 3 Recording device 4 Base stations 4.1 Changeover device 4.2 Disposal room 4.3 Reserve space 10 separator units 11 cases 11.1 Material 11.2 Interior 12 Entrance 13 Exit 14 dip tube 15 Housing wall 20 disposal units 21 Separation chamber 21.1 Edge area of ​​21 22 suction material depot 30 collection containers 31 wall 32 first opening 33 first opening lock 34 second opening 35 second opening lock 100 procedures 101 Generating 200 102 Replacing 20 200 suction flow 201 Separation path

Claims

[1] Separator unit (10) for separating suction material from a suction stream (200) of a vacuum cleaner (2), comprising a housing (11) which surrounds a separation chamber (21) for separating the suction material, wherein the housing (11) has an inlet opening (12) through which the suction flow (200) can be introduced at least partially into the separation chamber (21), and an outlet opening (13) through which the suction flow (200) can be directed at least partially out of the separation chamber (21), wherein at least the inlet opening (12), the separation chamber (21) and the outlet opening (13) form a separation path (201) for cyclone-like turbulence of the suction flow (200) in order to separate the suction material in a marginal area (21.1) of the separation chamber (21), characterized by , that the separation chamber (21) is at least partially integrated into a replaceable disposal unit (20) which can be disposed of with the suction material separated in the separation chamber (21). [2] Separator unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the disposal unit (20) comprises a collection container (30) which has a flexible wall (31) surrounding the separation chamber (21). [3] Separator unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the disposal unit (20) has a first opening (32) with a first opening closure (33) which seals around the inlet opening (12), and / or a second opening (34) with a second opening closure (35) which seals around the outlet opening (13), wherein the first and / or second opening closure (35) have a pre-tensioned closing means which seals the first and / or the second opening (34) closes automatically when the disposal unit (20) is replaced. [4] Separator unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the disposal unit (20) is formed by the housing (11). [5] Separator unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (11) is made of a recyclable and / or fiber-based material (11.1), in particular wherein the disposal unit (20) is made of a single material. [6] Separator unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fiber-based material (11.1) is a paper material, in particular in the form of cardboard. [7] Separator unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the inlet opening (12) is formed by a dip tube (14) which projects into an interior space (11.2) of the housing (11), wherein the separation chamber (21) at least partially surrounds the dip tube (14), wherein the dip tube (14) is integrated into the disposal unit (20). [8] Vacuum cleaner system (1) comprising at least one separator unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a vacuum cleaner (2) with a receiving device (3) for receiving the separator unit (10). [9] Vacuum cleaner system (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the receiving device (3) comprises a lockable chamber into which the separator unit (10) and / or the disposal unit (20) can be inserted. [10] Vacuum cleaner system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that the vacuum system (1) comprises two identical separator units (10) which are interchangeable. [11] Vacuum cleaner system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the vacuum cleaner (2) is a battery-powered vacuum cleaner (2) and / or a robot vacuum cleaner. [12] Vacuum cleaner system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a base station (4) is provided which has a changer device (4.1) for automatically exchanging at least one disposal unit (20) of the separator unit (10), wherein the base station (4) has a disposal space (4.2) for receiving exchanged disposal units (20) and / or a storage space (4.3) for storing disposal units (20). [13] Method (100) for operating a vacuum cleaner system (1), in particular according to one of claims 8 to 12, comprising: - Generating (101) a suction flow (200) which is guided at least sectionally through a separation chamber (21) of a separation path (201) in which the suction flow (200) is swirled cyclone-like and the suction material is separated in a boundary region (21.1) of the separation chamber (21), wherein the separation chamber (21) is at least partially integrated into a replaceable disposal unit (20) which can be disposed of with the suction material separated in the separation chamber (21), - Replacing (102) the disposal unit (20) containing the separated suction material with another disposal unit (20) of the same design.

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