Cleaning a filter of a suction device by displacing a mass

Abstract

Air filter device for a suction device, the filter device comprising: - a housing (21, 22) with a bottom wall (21), - a filter (23) arranged inside the housing (21, 22), wherein the filter (23) has a filter end (24a) facing the bottom wall (21), wherein the filter (23) extends about a longitudinal axis (A) and extends axially along the longitudinal axis (A) from the filter end (24a), - a rotatable cam disk (40) which is rotatably mounted about a cam disk rotation axis with respect to the housing (21, 22), - Drive means (11, 13, 15) for the rotary drive of the rotatable cam disc (40), - a movable mass (41) which is mounted to be displaceable with respect to the housing (21, 22) and is positioned axially between the bottom wall (21) and the filter end (24a), - Restoring means (42) for acting upon the movable mass (41) to cause a displacement in the direction of approach to the filter end (24a) along the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disk (40), wherein the rotatable cam disk (40) is designed to push the movable mass in the direction away from the filter end (24a) along the cam disk axis of rotation or to release the movable mass (41), depending on the angular position of the rotatable cam disk (40) about the cam disk axis of rotation, wherein the release of the movable mass (41) from the rotatable cam disk (40) due to the acting upon the movable mass (41) by the restoring means (42) causes the filter end (24a) to be tapped by the movable mass.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is located in the technical field of household vacuum cleaners, and in particular vacuum cleaners. The invention particularly relates to an improved filter device for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner with the filter device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A household vacuum cleaner may contain a cyclone separator to effectively remove dust present in a room, for example on surfaces to be cleaned.

[0003] A vacuum cleaner with cyclone separation typically comprises a motor-fan unit for moving an airflow inside the vacuum cleaner, as well as a duct arranged in the airflow path and preferably including a separation filter located downstream of the cyclone separator. In this context, the cyclone separator forms a first separation stage, and the separation filter forms a second filtration stage. The dust-laden air rises along the walls of the duct. Small particles, including dust and other debris, are sucked in via an accessory of the vacuum cleaner and entrained in the airflow. The debris is separated by the cyclone separation stage, falls downwards under gravity, and is collected in a collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner. The airflow then enters the separation filter.The air stream separated from the debris continues its journey to an upper opening of the tube until it is expelled from the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] The separation filter, for example, includes a HEPA filter, which stands for "High-Efficiency Particulate Air," meaning it can filter out the majority of airborne particles with a diameter larger than 0.3 micrometers. The efficiency of the single-cyclone separation system depends in part on the condition of this separation filter. Over time, dust particles cover the filter walls and clog the filter, reducing its filtration efficiency.

[0005] In many well-known vacuum cleaners, the separation filter is integrated into a debris collection device that can be removed from the vacuum cleaner housing. The user may be required to regularly maintain the separation filter manually.

[0006] In order to save the user from laborious and time-consuming work steps, “self-cleaning” separation filters for vacuum cleaners have been proposed.

[0007] For example, the collection container containing the cyclone separation filter may have a mechanical element that scrapes a surface of the filter or an element that deforms the filter's pleats in certain areas. The movement of the rotating element is triggered, for example, by a button pressed by the user or is electronically programmed. However, in such devices that scrape the filter's surface or deform it in certain areas, the filter may wear out over time. Furthermore, the cleaning effect is sometimes insufficient.

[0008] Other suction devices incorporate a sliding or rotating element for tensioning and releasing the filter. However, this solution requires the formation of a sufficiently rigid filter wall, as otherwise the filter may be damaged. Furthermore, this solution is not suitable for smaller filters.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional vacuum cleaner cleaning systems require electrical power. This means that the vacuum cleaner must either be plugged into a wall outlet (which is hardly compatible with portable vacuum cleaners designed to clean hard-to-reach areas), or the cleaning process consumes energy from the vacuum cleaner's battery.

[0010] The filter cleaning devices of state-of-the-art suction devices are therefore not entirely satisfactory. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In view of the above explanation, efforts are being made to improve filter cleaning devices for suction devices, in particular for vacuum cleaners.

[0012] In particular, there is a need for a cleaning device that does not damage the filter during use and effectively removes solid particles from the surface of the filter.

[0013] In addition, the intended cleaning device must be compatible with commercially available dust filters and must not place excessive strain on the vacuum cleaner or significantly change the external dimensions of the vacuum cleaner.

[0014] Furthermore, there is a need for a cleaning device that does not interfere with the operation of the vacuum cleaner and limits inconvenience to the user. Preferably, no electrical energy is consumed during cleaning.

[0015] To meet these requirements, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to an air filter device for a suction device, the filter device comprising: a housing with a bottom wall, a filter arranged within the housing, the filter having a filter end facing the bottom wall, the filter extending about a longitudinal axis and extending axially along the longitudinal axis from the filter end, a rotatable cam disc mounted for rotation about a cam disc rotation axis with respect to the housing,

[0016] Drive means for rotating the rotatable cam disc, a movable mass which is slidably mounted and positioned axially between the bottom wall and the filter end,

[0017] Return means for urging the movable mass to move in the direction of approach to the filter end along the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disc, wherein the rotatable cam disc is designed to urge the movable mass in a direction away from the filter end along the cam disc rotation axis or to release the movable mass, depending on the angular position of the rotatable cam disc about the cam disc rotation axis, wherein the release of the movable mass from the rotatable cam disc causes the filter end to be knocked off by the movable mass due to the action of the return means on the movable mass.

[0018] With this filter device, the end of the removable filter is tapped by the movable mass (located between the base wall and the filter end) due to the force exerted by the return mechanism. This creates vibrations at the filter end. This procedure has the advantage of ensuring thorough cleaning / dust removal of the filter while simultaneously preventing damage to the filter.

[0019] Optional and non-limiting features of the filter device, as defined above, are the following, taken individually or in any of the technically possible combinations: - The housing of the filter device further comprises an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the drive means are designed to cause the rotatable cam disc to rotate only when there is no air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet. - The drive means are designed to store mechanical energy when an air flow circulates between the air inlet and the air outlet and to provide mechanical energy to the rotatable cam disc when there is no air flow between the air inlet and the air outlet, so that the rotatable cam disc is forced to make several complete rotations in succession about the cam disc rotation axis and several impacts on the filter end are achieved.

[0020] The cleaning device, with its rotating cam disc, moving mass, drive means, and return means, can therefore be operated outside of the vacuum cleaner's operating phases. Thus, the cleaning device does not interfere with the proper operation of the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, even if the moving mass generates vibrations, the cleaning device poses only a minimal burden to the user, as these vibrations occur after use of the vacuum cleaner. - The rotating cam disc is located axially between the moving mass and the filter end. - The movable mass and the rotatable cam disc have complementary shapes, the movable mass being designed to be in contact with the rotatable cam disc over the entire displacement range of the movable mass along the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disc. - The rotatable cam disc comprises a first guide ramp extending around the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disc and facing the movable mass, the first guide ramp ending with a first connecting portion. - The movable mass comprises a second guide ramp extending around the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disc and facing the rotatable cam disc, the second guide ramp ending with a second connecting portion, - wherein the second guide ramp is designed to be complementary to the first guide ramp, so that the first guide ramp can slide on the second guide ramp. - The return means are designed so that the movable mass is released from the cam disc and impacts the filter end as a result of an angular displacement of the cam disc of more than 320 degrees, preferably 360 degrees. - The axis of rotation of the rotating cam disc runs parallel to the longitudinal axis and is preferably identical to the longitudinal axis. - The device further comprises an intermediate housing positioned axially between the cam disc and the filter. - The filter end is in contact with the intermediate housing. - The drive means are arranged within the intermediate housing. - The drive means comprise a spiral spring. - The spiral spring extends around the longitudinal axis. - The drive means comprise a rotor shaft which is positioned in the housing along the longitudinal axis and can be rotated about the longitudinal axis. - The drive means comprise a rotor positioned in the housing along the longitudinal axis. - The rotor shaft is advantageously coupled to the rotor so that it can rotate about the longitudinal axis.

[0021] The rotor is advantageously an air turbine that can be set in rotation by an air flow generated between the air inlet and the air outlet, with the rotor shaft coupled to the air turbine. In one variant, the rotor is an electric motor, and the rotor shaft is coupled to the electric motor.

[0022] Therefore, the drive means do not necessarily have to be electrical and may, for example, comprise a turbine which is set in rotation by the air flow sucked in between the air inlet and the air outlet, and a spiral spring which is tensioned by the rotation of the turbine.

[0023] When the vacuum cleaner is turned off, the tensioned coil spring releases the stored energy to rotate the rotating cam. This saves electrical energy (particularly in the device's battery) and reduces the complexity of the vacuum cleaner's control logic. - The spiral spring comprises a radially inner strand which is mechanically connected to the rotor so that it is set in rotation by the rotation of the rotor about the longitudinal axis. - The spiral spring comprises a radially outer strand which is connected to the housing or the intermediate housing in a rotationally fixed manner about the longitudinal axis. - The radially outer strand is connected to the housing or the intermediate housing. - The spiral spring is designed to reach a maximum tension state after a tensioning period of the spiral spring of more than or equal to 15 seconds and less than or equal to 120 seconds. - The drive means comprise a rotor shaft which can be rotated about the longitudinal axis, for example by an air turbine or an electric motor. - The drive means further comprise a reduction gear, wherein an input of the reduction gear is connected to the rotor. - The reduction gear is arranged axially along the longitudinal axis between the rotor shaft and the spiral spring. - The device further comprises a drive shaft and a single-acting rolling bearing arranged between the drive shaft and the rotatable cam disc to mechanically couple the drive shaft to the rotatable cam disc in one direction of rotation of the drive shaft and to mechanically decouple the drive shaft from the cam disc in the other direction of rotation. - The single-acting rolling bearing is a needle bearing. - The housing further comprises a perforated wall, separate from the filter and extending along the longitudinal axis from the bottom wall. The perforated wall is preferably formed from a perforated wall of the housing. - The filter is arranged on a radially inner side of the perforated wall. - The perforated wall has a cylindrical or truncated cone shape. - The perforated wall includes a plurality of perforations so that solid particles entrained in an air stream passing through the perforated wall are filtered out. - The filter has a cylindrical, truncated or conical shape. - The device further comprises a perforated support tube which runs coaxially with the filter and is arranged inside the filter. - The perforated support tube is dimensionally stable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. - The filter is removable from the housing. This allows the filter to be removed from the filter assembly, allowing cleaning outside the filter assembly. - The filter extends around the longitudinal axis. - The filter includes a pleated type filter. - The filter includes a HEPA filter.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a suction device, preferably a vacuum cleaner, with a filter device as defined above.

[0025] Optional and non-limiting features of this suction device are the following, individually or in any technically possible combination: - The suction device comprises an air intake inlet and an air discharge outlet, wherein the filter device is arranged in the device such that an air flow from the air intake inlet to the air discharge outlet comes into contact with the filter. - The suction device further comprises a motor-blower unit designed to move the air flow from the air intake inlet to the air discharge outlet. - The cleaning device, comprising the cam disc, the moving mass, the drive means, and the return means, is activated outside the operating phases of the motor-blower unit. For example, if the drive means comprise a turbine rotated by the drawn-in airflow and a coil spring tensioned by the rotation of the turbine, the tensioned coil spring releases the stored energy to rotate the rotating cam disc after the motor-blower unit is switched off. Thus, even if the moving mass generates vibrations, the user is only minimally affected, as these vibrations occur after the vacuum cleaner has been used. - The suction device comprises a collection container in which a cyclone separator is arranged. The collection container is designed to collect solid particles separated by at least the cyclone separator. Preferably, the collection container is designed to receive solid particles separated by the cyclone separator and the filter. - The filter device is located inside the collection container and the cyclone separator. - The suction device is a portable vacuum cleaner with a handle. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0026] Further features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given only as an example and not as a limitation and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1a is an overall view of a portable vacuum cleaner with handle, which includes a filter device, wherein the internal parts of the vacuum cleaner can be seen. Fig. 1b is a close-up view of a dust collection container showing a filter device and a cyclone separation device according to a first example, the container being oriented vertically; Fig. 2a a longitudinal section partial view of a filter device of the container from Fig. 1b; Fig. 2b a partial view of the filter device from Fig. 2a, where the filter and the filter wall are omitted; Fig. 3 an exploded view of the filter device along a longitudinal axis, the Fig. 2a corresponds; Fig. 4 a perspective top view of the filter device from Fig. 2a; Fig. 5 a close-up view of a rotary valve of the filter device from Fig. 2a; Fig. 6 separately a filter of the filter device Fig. 2a; Fig. 7 separately a filter device housing, which in Fig. 1b and includes a perforated dust filter wall; Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a filter device according to a second example, wherein the filter device is oriented vertically; Fig. 9 is an exploded partial view of the filter device along a longitudinal axis, Fig. 8 corresponds; Fig. 10a a perspective partial view from the side of the filter device according to Fig. 8; Fig. 10b a perspective partial view from the side of the filter device Fig. 8, where the filter is omitted; Fig. 11 a perspective view of a rotatable cam disc of the filter device from Fig. 8; Fig. 12 a perspective view of a movable mass of the filter device from Fig. 8; Fig. 13a the filter device from Fig. 8 in a first position in which the movable mass is located away from the lower edge of the filter; Fig. 13b the filter device from Fig. 8 in a second position in which the movable mass is close to the lower edge of the filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The following detailed description refers to the example of a portable vacuum cleaner comprising a device equipped with a filter for filtering and separating debris. Cleaning of the filter is ensured by a device that can be operated outside the vacuum cleaner's operating phases.

[0028] Two main examples of an actuatable device are described below. A first type of actuatable device consists of a rotary valve that partially deforms the pleats of a HEPA filter that runs coaxially with a perforated wall. A second type of actuatable device comprises a rotatably mounted cam disc designed to urge a movable mass for displacement in a direction away from one end of the filter or to release the movable mass, depending on the angular position of the rotatable cam disc. It is understood that each of these two actuatable devices could be used to clean a different type of filter and / or integrated into a different type of suction device. Furthermore, these two actuatable devices do not necessarily have to be actuated via a coil spring, as is the case below.

[0029] In all attached figures and throughout the following description, similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals. General architecture of the vacuum cleaner

[0030] Fig. Figure 1a shows a vacuum cleaner 1. This figure shows the internal parts of the vacuum cleaner 1. The vacuum cleaner 1 is of the portable type, meaning it can be grasped by the user, in this case using the handle 6.

[0031] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a battery (not shown) so that the vacuum cleaner 1 does not necessarily have to be connected to a power outlet during operation, thereby allowing a greater variety of surfaces to be cleaned.

[0032] In addition, vacuum cleaner 1 here is a bagless vacuum cleaner of the cordless handheld type ("cleanette"). Cleaning accessories can be detachably connected to vacuum cleaner 1, depending on the type of surface to be cleaned and / or the type of treatment desired. Fig. 1 is a removable suction brush 5, which is located on the left in Fig. 1, is connected to the vacuum cleaner 1. Other types of accessories, such as a nozzle, can be used.

[0033] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises an air intake inlet E, located here on the left side (at the nozzle 5). The vacuum cleaner 1 can draw in an air flow from the inlet E. The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises an air outlet S, located here on the upper right side. Thus, an outer casing of the vacuum cleaner has an opening at the outlet S. The air flow circulating inside the vacuum cleaner 1 is expelled through the outlet S into the environment outside the vacuum cleaner.

[0034] The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises a motor-blower unit 4 designed to move the air flow from the inlet E to the outlet S. Conventionally, the motor-blower unit 4 comprises a motor, for example an electric motor, and a fan.

[0035] During the operating phases of the vacuum cleaner 1, an air flow set in motion by the motor-blower unit 4 enters via the inlet E and exits via the outlet S. Outside the operating phases of the vacuum cleaner 1, no air flow circulates within the vacuum cleaner between the inlet E and the outlet S (or a negligible air flow circulates).

[0036] In addition, the vacuum cleaner 1 here comprises a debris filter device 3, which is described in more detail below. The debris filter device 3 is preferably removable from the vacuum cleaner. The debris filter device 3 particularly comprises a module for storing and returning energy according to one exemplary embodiment. Advantageously, the debris filter device 3 belongs to a debris separation and filter unit in which the debris filter device forms a second debris separation stage, around which a first debris separation stage is formed. The first debris separation stage is arranged upstream of the second suction stage in the direction of the sucked-in air flow, and the first debris separation stage is formed by a cyclone separator.

[0037] One function of the vacuum cleaner 1 is to filter the sucked-in airflow so that solid particles such as dust and other debris contained in this airflow are captured and collected in a designated space, rather than releasing these solid particles into the outside environment. In this way, the vacuum cleaner 1 can clean a surface. For this purpose, the debris separation and filter unit is arranged in the air path between the inlet E and the outlet S, so that the airflow set in motion by the motor-blower unit 4 penetrates into the interior of the debris separation and filter unit.

[0038] The air path between the inlet E and the outlet S comprises a series of nozzles that direct the air flow inside the vacuum cleaner 1. In particular, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a first connecting nozzle that extends from an outlet of the suction brush 5 to a container air inlet 27 (visible in Fig. 1b), and a second connecting piece extending from a container air outlet 28 to the motor-blower unit 4. In the present example, the second connecting piece is angled. • Collection container and perforated wall

[0039] The waste separation and filter unit 3 is arranged here within a collection container 2.

[0040] The collection container 2 is in Fig. 1b, separated from the rest of the vacuum cleaner 1. As can be seen in this figure, the collection container 2 comprises a container bottom wall 201 and a side wall 200 extending along a longitudinal axis A from the container bottom wall 201 to an upper opening. The bottom wall 201 and / or the upper opening are preferably circular. The outer walls of the collection container 2 have a container air inlet 27, which is oriented substantially tangentially to the outer walls of the container to rotate the air flow entering the collection container 2 and to allow the air flow to swirl around a perforated wall 22, thus enabling cyclonic separation of the debris.

[0041] The cyclone separator extends between the side wall 200 of the collection container 2 and the perforated wall 22. The filter device is preferably removable from the collection container 2. The collection container 2 is located here in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner 1, so that the vacuum cleaner 1 partially rests on a container bottom wall 201 of the collection container 2 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is in an upright position.

[0042] The collection container 2 further comprises a container handle 26, with which the collection container 2 can be transported when it is separated from the vacuum cleaner 1. The container handle 26 is preferably attached at both ends to the side wall 200.

[0043] When the vacuum cleaner 1 is upright, the longitudinal axis A of the collection container 2 is vertically aligned. When separated from the vacuum cleaner 1, the collection container 2 can be turned over.

[0044] The collection container 2 is designed to receive solid particles such as debris separated by the cyclone separator. The separated debris is intended to accumulate in a lower part of the collection container 2, particularly near the bottom wall 201.

[0045] The waste filter device 3 is arranged, preferably removable, inside the collection container 2 through the upper opening of the collection container 2. An advantage of the removability of the waste filter device 3 is that it can be more easily maintained and replaced if necessary, and the collection container 2 can be emptied more easily.

[0046] The waste filter device 3 extends along the axis A in the direction of the container bottom wall 201 from a lid 10. The lid 10 preferably has a shape that is complementary to the shape of an upper edge of the collection container 2.

[0047] The waste filter device 3 runs coaxially to the collecting container 2 by being embedded in the collecting container 2.

[0048] The lid 10 of the waste filter device 3, which is essentially circular here, closes the collection container 2. The waste filter device 3 is detachably connected to the container.

[0049] The waste filter device 3 comprises a housing 21, 22, which is primarily formed by a housing bottom wall 21 and the perforated wall 22. When attached to the container, the bottom wall 21 extends with a slight recess relative to the container bottom wall 201, allowing dust particles to accumulate in the housing. Furthermore, the housing 21 has a collar 222 on its outer surface above the bottom wall 201. The collar 222 serves as a backflow preventer and reduces the risk of the waste accumulated in the collection container 2 being separated from the bottom of the container.

[0050] The housing 21 is shown in the enclosed Fig. 7 can be seen separately from the rest of the collection container 2.

[0051] The perforated wall 22 is frustoconical here. The perforated wall 22 extends along the longitudinal axis A from the bottom wall 21 to an upper portion of the housing, which is designed to complement the cover 10. In this way, the cover 10 closes the housing 21, 22.

[0052] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the perforated wall 22 has a plurality of perforations 220 along at least a lower portion of its longitudinal extent. The perforations 220 are, for example, circular.

[0053] The perforations 220 illustrate an air inlet 17 of the second debris separation stage at the lower part of the perforated wall 22. Furthermore, the air can exit through an air outlet 18, which is formed here at a central portion of the lid 10. Thus, the air flow set in motion between the inlet E and the outlet S of the vacuum cleaner can reach the interior of the debris filter device 3 at least partially via the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18. Due to the perforated wall 22, the air flow entering the collecting container 2 tangentially can rotate long enough to enable effective dust separation by centrifugal force and gravity.

[0054] The 220 perforations ensure that the air flow enters the second debris separation stage, retaining larger debris or dust that was not separated by the cyclone separator.

[0055] The interior volume of the housing is predominantly hollow. This volume contains the filter 23 and other elements of the waste filter device 3. • Removable filter

[0056] In addition to the perforated wall of the first separation stage, the waste filter device 3 contains an additional filter 23. The filter 23 represents the second filter stage. The filter 23 comprises a filter wall 230, which is arranged within the perforated wall 22 and preferably has a generally frustoconical shape. Within the filter wall 230, the filter 23 also comprises a filter medium 231, which is preferably cylindrical or frustoconical in shape. The filter 23 therefore preferably has a cylindrical or frustoconical shape overall.

[0057] The filter 23 is arranged within the housing, preferably coaxial with the housing and the container and preferably removable from the housing (ie from the housing bottom wall 21 and from the perforated wall 22).

[0058] In the present example, the filter 23 is arranged on a radially inner side of the perforated wall 22. From a lower end 24a, which faces the housing bottom wall 21, which is circular here, the filter 23 extends along the longitudinal axis A to an upper end 24b, which faces the cover 10. The upper end 24b of the filter 23 may comprise an upper sealing disc, which is sealingly attached to the upper end 24b of the filter medium 231, wherein the upper sealing disc is detachably connected to the cover 10 or irreversibly attached thereto. Advantageously, and as in Fig. 8, the upper end 24b of the filter may also be directly and irreversibly attached to the cover 10. In other words, in the latter case, the cover 10 forms the upper sealing disc. The lower end 24a of the filter 23 may include a lower sealing disc that is sealingly attached to the filter medium 231.

[0059] The lower end 24a and the upper end 24b are connected to each other by the filter medium 231 of the filter 23, which extends around the longitudinal axis A and opposite the perforated wall 22.

[0060] Advantageously, filter 23 here is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) type filter, whose filter medium 231 exhibits very high filtration efficiency. A filter that meets the HEPA filter standard is capable of retaining at least 99.97% of solid particles with a diameter of 0.3 µm or larger in a single pass through the filter. The combined action of the cyclone separator and filter 23 thus makes it possible to filter out the vast majority of particles entrained in the airflow of vacuum cleaner 1.

[0061] The filter 23 here is a pleated filter, which preferably has accordion pleats whose edges extend essentially straight between the lower and upper ends of the filter 23. In a variant not shown, the filter could be smooth, ie, fold-free.

[0062] Optionally, the waste filter device 3 further comprises a perforated support tube 25, which here runs coaxially to the filter 23. Such a perforated support tube is shown in connection with the following example 2 and in particular in the attached Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The perforated support tube 25 is arranged radially inside the filter 23 and provides internal support for the filter medium 231 to prevent the filter medium 231 from deforming inward due to the negative pressure during suction downstream of the filter medium 231.

[0063] The perforated support tube 25 is advantageously dimensionally stable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A, so that deformations of the filter 23 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A are prevented. This is particularly advantageous when the movable mass 41 impacts the lower end 24a of the filter or an intermediate housing in contact with the lower end 24a, since axial deformations of the filter 23 are limited upon impact. In an alternative example, however, the perforated support tube 25 and the filter 23 can be axially deformable.

[0064] In the example of Fig. 1b to 7, the perforated support tube 25 is attached to the cover 10, which closes the upper opening of the waste filter device 3.

[0065] Alternatively or in combination, the filter 23 itself may consist of a material that is almost dimensionally stable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0066] As already mentioned, the cyclone separator extends between the side wall 200 of the collection container 2 on the one hand and the perforated wall 22 of the filter 23 on the other. The cyclone separator forms a first debris separation stage. After the air flow enters through the air inlet 27, denser dust is separated from the air flow and accumulates at the bottom of the collection container 2, while the smaller-diameter dust is entrained in the air, which is set in a rotating motion around the perforated wall 22.

[0067] Following the cyclone separation of the denser dust, the less dense dust with a smaller diameter passes through the perforations 220 of the perforated wall 22 into the filter device, which forms a second debris separation stage. The air flow flows radially from the outside inward through the filter medium 231 of the filter 23. The remaining dust (i.e., dust with a smaller diameter) is retained on the outer wall of the filter 23 and / or inside the filter medium 231, and the air escapes through the air outlet 28. Example 1 - Filter cleaning by a rotating element.

[0068] In the Fig. 2a to 7, a waste filter device 3 according to a first example is shown. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded view of the parts of the debris filter device 3, excluding the housing and radial support element. This device can be contained in the collection container 2. • Turbine driven by the air flow

[0069] The waste filter device 3 comprises a rotor shaft 12, here rotatable about the longitudinal axis A with respect to the housing 21, 22. The rotor shaft 12 is arranged in the air path between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18. Preferably, the rotor shaft 12 is positioned near the air outlet 18 on a widening side of the filter 23. The rotor shaft 12 is thus arranged opposite the bottom wall 21 of the housing and is located downstream of the perforated wall 22 in the air path.

[0070] The rotor shaft 12 is fixedly connected to a turbine 11. The turbine 11 is mounted on a rotor shaft 12. The rotor shaft 12 extends linearly along the longitudinal axis A. The turbine 11 and the rotor shaft 12 are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner about the longitudinal axis A.

[0071] The turbine 11 is arranged inside a circular cavity in the cover 10. A lower wall of this cavity has an opening for the passage of the rotor shaft 12. Advantageously, the turbine 11 has the general shape of an impeller. The impeller blades are movable along a direction of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Alternatively, an electric motor could be used instead of the turbine 11, which in this case would be coupled to the rotor shaft 12.

[0072] The rotor shaft 12 is advantageously coupled to a reduction gear 13, one function of which is described below. An input of the reduction gear 13 is mechanically connected to the rotor shaft 12, and an output of the reduction gear 13 is mechanically connected to an auxiliary shaft 14, which is preferably also rotatable about the longitudinal axis A and extends along this axis.

[0073] In the present example, the rotor shaft 12 is arranged directly at the input of the reduction gear, and a coupling part 140 is arranged at the output of the reduction gear, which is connected to the additional shaft 14 in a rotationally fixed manner about the longitudinal axis A. Alternatively, the additional shaft 14 is arranged directly at the output of the reduction gear 13.

[0074] The reduction gear 13 is arranged here axially below the turbine 11 and above the energy storage and return means, as described below.

[0075] In the example of Fig. 2a to 7, the reduction gear 13 is attached to a lower part of the cover 10, the diameter of which is reduced compared to the upper part of the cover 10. • Means of storing and returning energy

[0076] The debris filter device 3 further comprises energy storage and return means. One function of these means is to store mechanical energy generated by the rotation of the turbine 11 and subsequently deliver it to an actuatable device integrated into the vacuum cleaner 1. The energy storage and return means only provide mechanical energy to the actuatable device when no airflow is circulating between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18.

[0077] Particularly preferably, the energy storage and return means do not require electrical power for operation. This prevents the energy from the battery of the vacuum cleaner 1 from being used to actuate the actuatable device. For example, the energy storage and return means operate mechanically.

[0078] Preferably, the energy storage and return means comprise a portion rotatable about the longitudinal axis A relative to the housing 21, 22 and rigidly connected to the auxiliary shaft 14 (or alternatively, rigidly connected to the rotor shaft 12). Thus, said portion of the energy storage and return means is set in rotation when the turbine 11 rotates under the influence of the air flow circulating between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18, at a reduced speed compared to the turbine 11.

[0079] The energy storage and return means comprise a spiral spring 15, which preferably extends around the longitudinal axis A. The spiral spring 15 is located below the lower end 24a of the filter 23 and is centered on the longitudinal axis A.

[0080] Preferably, a winding plane of the spiral spring 15 runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The spiral spring 15 is formed, for example, from a metal strip wound around itself. It can also be a leaf spring.

[0081] The coil spring 15 is arranged within a spring housing 153, which is also referred to as an "intermediate housing" in the present application. The spring housing 153 is located at a lower portion of the debris filter device 3 on a side opposite the cover 10. The filter 23 is located axially between the cover 10 and the spring housing 153.

[0082] The spring housing 153 is a hollow disc that defines an inner cavity in which the coil spring 15 is arranged. The spring housing 153 comprises a side wall 154 and a cover 16 that closes off the side wall 154 from the underside. The spring housing 153 further comprises an upper wall 155 that lies opposite the cover 16. The upper wall 155 is in contact with the lower end 24a of the filter 23. Advantageously, the lower end of the filter medium 231 is sealingly attached to the upper wall 155 of the spring housing 153, for example, glued thereto. In one variant, the lower end of the filter medium 231 is sealingly attached to a lower sealing disc that is in contact with the upper wall 155 of the spring housing 153.

[0083] In the present example, the side wall 154 of the spring housing 153 is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is very close to or corresponds to an outer diameter of the filter 23, as shown in the plan view from Fig. 4 is recognizable.

[0084] The upper wall 155 of the spring housing 153 includes a central opening through which the auxiliary shaft 14 can pass. Thus, a lower end of the auxiliary shaft 14 is located inside the aforementioned housing.

[0085] The spiral spring 15 comprises at its ends a radially inner strand 151 and a radially outer strand 150. The directions “radially inner” and “radially outer” are to be understood with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0086] The radially inner strand 151 is mechanically connected to the turbine 11 so that it can be rotated by the turbine 11 about the longitudinal axis A during the operating phases of the vacuum cleaner 1. The radially inner strand 151 is rotated via the additional shaft 14 and a spring support ring 152 located inside the spiral spring 15.

[0087] The radially outer strand 150, on the other hand, is rotationally fixed to the spring housing 153 and is not rotated by the auxiliary shaft 14. For example, the radially outer strand 150 is connected to the side wall of the spring housing 153, which in turn is fixedly connected to the housing 21, 22, which has the perforated wall 22. - In a first direction of rotation of the radially inner strand 151, which corresponds to the rotation of the turbine 11 when an air flow passes between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18, the spiral spring 15 is tensioned; - in a second direction of rotation of the radially inner strand 151, which is opposite to the above-mentioned first direction of rotation, the spiral spring 15 relaxes.

[0088] Due to the reduction gear 13, the torque generated by the rotation of the turbine 11 on the spiral spring 15 is sufficient to tension the spiral spring 15.

[0089] It is understandable that the radially outer strand 150, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the spring housing 153, does not move relative to the housing 21, 22 when the spiral spring 15 is tensioned and relaxed.

[0090] The energy storage and return means with the spiral spring 15 work as follows.

[0091] During use of the vacuum cleaner 1, an air flow circulates between the inlet E and the outlet S. The turbine 11 begins to rotate. Initially, at the beginning of the rotation of the turbine 11, the coil spring 15 is relaxed. The relaxed state represents a mechanical balance of the coil spring 15.

[0092] The radially inner strand 151 is then rotated about the longitudinal axis A by the movement of the turbine 11, with the rotational speed being reduced compared to the turbine 11 (due to the presence of the reduction gear 13). The radially inner strand 151 begins to rotate relative to the spring housing 153 in the first direction. The spiral spring 15 is tensioned, thereby storing mechanical energy.

[0093] Preferably, the spiral spring 15 is designed such that it reaches a maximum tension state after a rotation period of the turbine 11 that is greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 5 minutes, for example, greater than or equal to 15 seconds and less than or equal to 120 seconds. The rotation period after which the spiral spring 15 is tensioned is, for example, 30 seconds. Preferably, the spiral spring 15 cannot be tensioned any further after this rotation period has elapsed.

[0094] If the vacuum cleaner 1 continues to run while the coil spring 15 has reached its maximum tension, the radially inner strand 151 stops moving around the longitudinal axis A. Since the radially inner strand 151 is non-rotatably connected to the turbine 11, the turbine 11 stops rotating despite the air flow. However, the coil spring 15 is not released due to the resistance moment exerted by the air flow.

[0095] When the vacuum cleaner 1 is switched off, for example after the user has switched off the vacuum cleaner 1, no air flow circulates inside the debris filter device 3.

[0096] As a result, the coil spring 15 spontaneously tends toward its mechanically balanced state, i.e., its relaxed state. Due to the spring action of the coil spring 15, the radially inner strand 151 thus rotates in the second direction relative to the radially outer strand 150, preferably until the coil spring 15 is relaxed.

[0097] During this phase of non-operation of the vacuum cleaner 1, the radially inner strand 151 is mechanically connected to the actuatable device (e.g. via a single-acting roller bearing, as described below), so that the spiral spring 15 releases the stored mechanical energy to the actuatable device when it is relaxed.

[0098] The energy storage and return means are thus capable of storing the mechanical energy transferred to the turbine 11 by the air flow during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1. The stored energy is spontaneously supplied to the actuatable device, specifically only outside the operating phases of the vacuum cleaner 1. It is advantageous that the actuatable device is actuated outside the operating phases, particularly when the device causes vibrations in the vacuum cleaner 1 that would be unpleasant for the user during operation. Furthermore, the user does not need to intervene to actuate the actuatable device. • Rotating element for filter cleaning

[0099] In the first example, which is shown in the Fig. 1b to 7, the actuatable device comprises a filter cleaning device comprising a rotary element.

[0100] The term "cleaning device" means an element or group of elements capable of removing dust or debris particles that cover the walls of the filter 23 during use of the vacuum cleaner 1, so that the filtering action of the filter 23 is at least partially restored.

[0101] The cleaning device is integrated directly into the waste filter device 3.

[0102] The cleaning device is connected to a part of the means for storing and returning energy during rotation of this part about the longitudinal axis A. The cleaning device is connectable to the radially inner strand 151.

[0103] The cleaning device here comprises a rotating element which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis A. The rotating element comprises a free section which is positioned with respect to the filter 23 in such a way that it deforms the filter 23 in regions when the rotating element rotates about the longitudinal axis A.

[0104] In this example, the rotary element is a slider 30, a close-up of which is shown in the attached Fig. 5. The slide 30 is mounted on the auxiliary shaft 14, which is located at the output of the reduction gear 13. Therefore, in this example, no speed reduction occurs between the slide 30 and the spiral spring 15.

[0105] The slider 30 has a radially inner end 31 and a radially outer end 32, with the latter forming the free section. The radially outer end 32 is rounded here so that it does not tear or damage the folds of the filter 23 during rotation. The slider 30 further comprises a flat surface extending between the two ends in a plane radial to the longitudinal axis A.

[0106] Preferably, the cleaning device further comprises a rolling bearing 33, which is arranged between the auxiliary shaft 14 and the radially inner end 31 of the slide 30 and mechanically couples the auxiliary shaft 14 and the slide 30. The rolling elements of the rolling bearing 33 are in contact with the radially inner end 31.

[0107] The rolling bearing 33 here is a single-action rolling bearing whose rolling elements are movable in one direction of rotation (corresponding to the movement of the radially inner strand 151 in the above-mentioned second direction), but not in the opposite direction of rotation (corresponding to the movement of the radially inner strand 151 in the above-mentioned first direction). The rolling bearing 33 is, for example, a needle roller cage.

[0108] The slider 30 is thus decoupled from the turbine-gearbox-shaft system when the spiral spring 15 is tensioned during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1. When the spiral spring 15 is released, the slider 30 is mechanically rotatably coupled to the auxiliary shaft 14 by decoupling the reduction gear 13.

[0109] When the coil spring 15 is released, the slider 30 therefore shakes the filter 23. If the filter 23 is a pleated filter, such as the filter 23 shown in the attached figures, the slider 30 shakes several pleats of the filter 23 one after the other and detaches solid particles that have accumulated on the surface of these pleats.

[0110] More generally, one function of the rotating element is to deform the filter in certain areas to separate the solid particles from the filter. The solid particles are collected in the collection container 2 or in an additional collection area located in the extension of the filter device between the filter 23 and the bottom wall 21.

[0111] Due to the design of the cleaning device in Example 1, the filter 23 is automatically cleaned after the vacuum cleaner 1 is switched off. The user of the vacuum cleaner 1 is not required to contribute in any way to triggering this cleaning.

[0112] As an alternative to the illustrated example, the cleaning device could comprise a plurality of rotating elements, for example, a plurality of slides. However, it is advantageous to use a single rotating element for cleaning, and / or it is advantageous if this rotating element (here, the slide 30) has a low mass, so that the torque emitted by the coil spring 15 during its relaxation is sufficient to move the rotating element over a larger angular range.

[0113] Preferably, when the spiral spring 15 relaxes from its maximum tension state to its mechanically balanced state, the rotary element (here the slider 30) moves about the longitudinal axis A over an angular range sufficient to deform several folds in succession in regions.

[0114] Since the slider 30 is only operated outside of the operating phases, it does not cause any vibrations of the vacuum cleaner 1 during operation.

[0115] Optionally, not shown in the attached figures, the mechanical connection between the output of the reduction gear 13 and the rotating element 30 could comprise a series of meshing gears, arranged, for example, axially between the rotating element 30 and the spring 15. For example, a gear that drives the rotating element 30 can mesh with another gear by being guided in a slot during its rotational movement. Due to this guidance, the rotating element 30 can be decoupled from the radially inner strand 151 while the coil spring 15 is tensioned. Example 2 - Filter cleaning by a moving mass that hits the filter

[0116] According to a second example, which is related to the Fig. 8 to 13b, the debris filter device comprises an alternatively designed filter cleaning device, which in particular comprises a rotatable cam disc 40, a movable mass 41 and return means 42.

[0117] Apart from the cleaning device, the other elements here are identical to the elements of the previous example from Fig. 1b to 7. The cover 10, the turbine 11, the rotor shaft 12, the reduction gear 13, the auxiliary shaft 14, the energy storage means (here the spiral spring 15), the perforated wall 22 and the filter 23 are therefore not described again.

[0118] As for the reduction gear 13, its function is different here compared to the previous example from Fig. 1b to 7, which consists in effecting a speed reduction between the rotor shaft 12 (connected to the turbine 11) and the auxiliary shaft 14 (connected to the radially inner strand 151). However, the reduction gear 13 is preferably housed in the same spring housing 153 as the spiral spring 15, in contrast to the previous example, in which the reduction gear 13 is attached to a lower part of the cover 10.

[0119] As in Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the gear 13 is preferably axially housed between the upper wall of the spring housing 153 and the coil spring 15 in an upper section of the spring housing 153, which has a smaller diameter than the rest of the spring housing 153. As a result, the reduction gear 13 is located at a lower axial position in this second example than in the first example. The lower end 24a of the filter 23 extends around the reduction gear 13 here.

[0120] In this way, the output of the reduction gear 13 (additional shaft 14) directly drives the radially inner strand 151. An additional gear component is unnecessary.

[0121] The energy storage and return means operate similarly to the previous example; the means store mechanical energy during an operating phase of the vacuum cleaner 1, more precisely an operating phase in which the motor-blower unit is switched on while an air flow circulates between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18, and the means return the stored energy to the cleaning device during a non-operating phase of the vacuum cleaner 1. • Rotating cam disc

[0122] The rotating cam disc 40 is supplied separately in the enclosed Fig. 11. When the rotatable cam disc 40 is mounted in the debris filter device 3, the rotatable cam disc 40 extends about the longitudinal axis A. The rotatable cam disc 40 has an outer annular cam disc portion 400.

[0123] The outer annular cam portion 400 has a lower surface 408 of the outer annular cam portion 400, which forms a first guide ramp 401. The first guide ramp 401 extends around the cam rotation axis and faces the movable mass 41, here with a helical shape. A thickness "e" of the outer annular cam portion 400 along the cam rotation axis is therefore variable. The first guide ramp 401 extends progressively toward the movable mass 41. The first guide ramp 401 terminates with a first connecting portion 404.

[0124] In the present example, starting from the first connecting section 404, the thickness "e" of the first guide ramp 401 decreases along the cam disk rotation axis as the first guide ramp 401 is progressively wound around the axis. The thickness of the first guide ramp 401 decreases here over an angular sector of 360 degrees from a section with maximum thickness 403 to a section with minimum thickness 402.

[0125] The first connecting section 404 forms an abrupt connection between the minimum thickness section 402 and the maximum thickness section 403.

[0126] Alternatively, the rotatable cam disc 40 could have a first guide ramp 401 extending over a smaller angular range and / or a plurality of guide ramps.

[0127] The rotatable cam disc 40 is positioned axially below the cover 16 and contacts the cover 16 via the upper cam disc portion 400. Since the filter 23 is positioned above the cover 16, the rotatable cam disc 40 is thus arranged outside the filter 23.

[0128] The rotatable cam disc 40 has a central through-opening through which the rotatable cam disc 40 is detachably attached to a lower part of the spring support ring 152. It should be noted that the spring support ring 152 is non-rotatably connected to the radially inner strand 151 about the longitudinal axis A during the relaxation phase of the coil spring 15.

[0129] The rotatable cam disc 40 is rotatable about a cam disc rotation axis, wherein this axis preferably runs parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Advantageously, the cam disc rotation axis coincides with the longitudinal axis A. The rotatable cam disc 40 is preferably connected to the lower part of the spring support ring 152 via a unidirectional cam disc rolling bearing 404. The rolling elements of the cam disc rolling bearing 404 then transmit the rotation of the radially inner strand 151 to the rotatable cam disc 40 when the spiral spring 15 is relaxed, but not when the spiral spring 15 is tensioned. The cam disc rolling bearing 404 is, for example, a needle cage.

[0130] The spiral spring 15 is thus provided to cause the rotatable cam disc 40 to rotate only when no air flow circulates between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18, in particular during the relaxation phase of the spiral spring 15. During this relaxation, the spiral spring 15 can forcibly cause the rotatable cam disc 40 to rotate at least once, preferably several complete rotations in succession, about the cam disc rotation axis. • Movable mass

[0131] The movable mass 41 is shown in the attached Fig. 12. The movable mass 41 has a hollow, frustoconical upper portion 410 that is open at the top.

[0132] The rotatable cam disc 40 is shaped such that it engages the movable mass 41 via the opening of the upper frustoconical section 410, specifically within the frustoconical edge 412 of the upper frustoconical section 410.

[0133] The movable mass 41 has a through-opening 413 in its center through which a mass carrier 43 extending along the longitudinal axis A can be inserted.

[0134] When the movable mass 41 is mounted in the debris filter device 3, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the movable mass 41 is positioned axially above the bottom wall 21 and below the lower end 24a of the filter 23. In the present example, the movable mass 41 is positioned between the rotatable cam disc 40 and the return means 42.

[0135] The movable mass 41 is mounted around the mass carrier 43 and is translationally displaceable along the longitudinal axis A relative to the mass carrier 43. An actuating element 414 can be arranged radially between the movable mass 41 and the mass carrier 43.

[0136] The movable mass 41 is between a lower position ( Fig. 13a), in which the outside of the frustoconical edge 412 is approximated to the bottom wall 21 of the housing 21, 22, and an upper position ( Fig. 13b), in which the upper frustoconical portion 410 is remote from the bottom wall 21 and is in contact with the cover 16.

[0137] Preferably, the movable mass 41 comprises (for example, on the outside of its frustoconical edge 412) a retaining lug 44. The retaining lug 44 has a shape complementary to an internal groove in the perforated wall 22 of the housing of the filter device. Thus, in the lower position of the movable mass 41, the retaining lug 44 is inserted into the internal groove of the perforated wall 22 and exerts a resistance that tends to prevent rotation of the movable mass 41.

[0138] In the upper position of the movable mass 41, the rotatable cam disc 40 is positioned radially inside the frustoconical edge 412.

[0139] The rotatable cam 40 and the movable mass 41 have complementary shapes overall. The rotatable cam 40 is designed to urge the movable mass 41 in a direction away from the lower end 24a of the filter 23 by rotating along the cam rotation axis (i.e., here along the longitudinal axis A), and to release the movable mass 41 once the rotatable cam 40 has reached a certain angular position.

[0140] For this purpose, the upper frustoconical portion 410 of the movable mass 41 comprises a second guide ramp 411 within the frustoconical edge 412, the second guide ramp 411 being complementary to the first guide ramp 401 of the rotatable cam disc 40.

[0141] The top view in Fig. 12 shows a portion of the second guide ramp 411. The second guide ramp 411 extends around the cam disk rotation axis and progressively extends toward the rotatable cam disk 40. The second guide ramp 411 includes a second connecting portion 414 at one end. The second connecting portion 414 forms an abrupt junction between the minimum thickness portion and the maximum thickness portion of the second guide ramp 411.

[0142] The second guide ramp 411 of the movable mass 41 is complementary to the first guide ramp 401 of the rotatable cam disc, and the first guide ramp 401 is designed to slide on the second guide ramp 411. When the rotatable cam disc 40 reaches an angular position sufficient for the first connecting portion 404 to exceed the second connecting portion 414, the movable mass 41 is released for displacement.

[0143] It should be noted that, alternatively, the first guide ramp 401 could end in a recessed portion and the second guide ramp 411 could end in a projecting portion complementary to the recessed portion, fulfilling the same function of enabling the movable mass 41 to move after a certain angular displacement of the rotatable cam disc 40. • Means for resetting the movable mass

[0144] In order to urge the movable mass 41 in a direction in which it approaches the lower end 24a of the filter 23, the cleaning device advantageously further comprises return means designed to urge the movable mass 41 to a displacement along the longitudinal axis A.

[0145] In the example of Fig. 8 to 13b, the return means comprise an axial spring 42 extending along the longitudinal axis A. A first end of the axial spring 42 bears against the bottom wall 21 of the housing 21, 22. A second end of the axial spring 42 bears against the movable mass 41.

[0146] The movable mass 41 is thus positioned axially between the rotatable cam disc 40 and the axial spring 42.

[0147] The cleaning device works as follows.

[0148] In the Fig. In the position shown in Figure 13a, the axial spring 42 is compressed. The resistance force exerted by the rotatable cam disc 40 on the movable mass 41 counteracts a relaxation of the axial spring 42. The position in Fig. 13a corresponds to a position of the cleaning device in which the coil spring 15 is relaxed. The rotatable cam disc 40 has begun to move relative to the radially outer strand 150 due to the rotation of the radially inner strand 151 of the coil spring 15.

[0149] During a prolonged non-operational phase of the vacuum cleaner 1, and if the coil spring 15 has previously stored sufficient mechanical energy, the coil spring 15 can continue to release the stored mechanical energy via the radially inner strand 151. The rotatable cam disc 40 thus continues its angular displacement. The movable mass 41 continues its displacement toward the base wall 21. The axial spring 42 is compressed.

[0150] As a result of a sufficient angular displacement of the rotatable cam disc 40 (for example, a displacement of 320 degrees or more from an initial position of the rotatable cam disc 40), the first connecting portion 404 for the rotatable cam disc 40 exceeds the second connecting portion 414 for the movable mass 41.

[0151] The movable mass 41 is then released relative to the rotatable cam disc 40. This allows the axial spring 42, which was previously compressed, to relax. The axial spring 42 then exerts a restoring force on the movable mass 41, which tends to displace the movable mass 41 toward the lower end 24a of the filter 23.

[0152] The release of the movable mass 41 from the rotatable cam disc 40 and the relaxation of the return means urge the movable mass 41 to strike the lower end 24a. The movable mass 41 moves into the Fig. Position shown in 13b.

[0153] In the present example, the lower end 24a of the filter 23 rests on the spring housing 153.

[0154] Thus, the impact of the movable mass 41 on the lower end 24a occurs indirectly: Under the load of the axial spring 42, the movable mass 41 impacts the cover 16. This cover 16 is firmly connected to the rest of the spring housing 153. As a result of the impact, the lower end 24a is subject to vibrations that tend to separate the solid particles from the filter 23.

[0155] Advantageously, the movable mass 41 strikes a rigid structure capable of transmitting vibrations to the filter 23. The rigid structure then potentially deforms the filter 23, particularly in the case of a perforated support tube 25 that is deformable upon axial compression, but the rigid structure preferably does not strike the filter 23 directly.

[0156] Alternatively, the movable mass 41 could come into direct contact with the lower end 24a or with another part of the filter 23 upon impact.

[0157] The tapping of the filter 23 by the movable mass 41 preferably occurs following an angular displacement of the rotatable cam disc 40 by 320 degrees or more, preferably by 360 degrees (relative to the initial position of the cleaning device, in which the rotatable cam disc 40 is raised). As a result of this movement of the cam disc 40, the contact between the cam disc guide ramp and the mass guide ramp is temporarily interrupted, thereby releasing the movable mass 41 and causing the tapping of the filter 23.

[0158] Preferably, after the release of the movable mass 41 and the impact, the coil spring 15 can continue to provide mechanical energy to the cleaning device, provided that the vacuum cleaner 1 is not in operation. Indeed, when the turbine 11 is rotated again, the force exerted on the coil spring 15 does not allow the rotatable cam disc 40 to be rotated by the movement of the radially inner strand 151.

[0159] The Fig.The position of the movable mass 41 shown in Figure 13b can represent a starting point for a further translational displacement of the movable mass 41. If mechanical energy continues to be supplied to the cleaning device, contact can be re-established between the guide ramp 401 of the rotatable cam disc 40 and the guide ramp 411 of the movable mass 41. The movable mass 41 can then be displaced again toward the bottom wall 21 by the rotatable cam disc 40 until a position is reached that allows the movable mass 41 to be released.

[0160] The movable mass 41 can then again hit the lower end 24a of the filter 23.

[0161] It is understandable that, depending on the dimensioning of the means for storing and returning energy (here the spiral spring 15), the mechanical energy stored during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be sufficient to cause repeated impacts in the subsequent phase of non-operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0162] Due to the design of the cleaning device of Example 2, the filter 23 is thus automatically cleaned during non-operational phases by preferably repeatedly tapping the filter 23. As in Example 1, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 is not required to contribute in any way to triggering the cleaning.

[0163] According to a further example, and optionally in combination with Example 1 and / or Example 2, the actuatable device could comprise further elements that can be actuated by the mechanical energy absorbed by the energy storage and return means and that perform a function within the suction device.

[0164] For illustration, the actuatable device may comprise a dust presser (not shown) that is displaceable relative to the collection container 2. For example, the dust presser is arranged inside the collection container 2 and presses down the dust accumulated in the collection container 2 or any other collection container. The presser may be connected to the coil spring 15 so that the relaxation of the spring produces a displacement of the presser.

[0165] Alternatively, or in combination, the actuatable device may comprise a valve (not shown) that performs a function within the vacuum cleaner 1. The valve is, for example, a deodorization line valve, the opening of which allows the release of deodorizing fluid, or a vacuum cleaner air path valve that allows a filter chamber to be at least partially closed off.

[0166] Regardless of the function assigned to the actuatable device, the energy storage and return means described above enable automatic activation of the actuatable device outside of the vacuum cleaner's operating phases. The mechanical energy generated at a turbine (or other turbine-like power generation device) by the flow of air inside the vacuum cleaner can be returned to the actuatable device at an appropriate time without the need to provide additional electrical energy for actuating the actuatable device.

Claims

[1] Air filter device for a suction device, the filter device comprising: - a housing (21, 22) with a bottom wall (21), - a filter (23) arranged within the housing (21, 22), the filter (23) having a filter end (24a) facing the bottom wall (21), the filter (23) extending about a longitudinal axis (A) and extending axially along the longitudinal axis (A) from the filter end (24a), - a rotatable cam disc (40) which is rotatably mounted about a cam disc rotation axis with respect to the housing (21, 22), - drive means (11, 13, 15) for rotating the rotatable cam disc (40), - a movable mass (41) which is mounted displaceably with respect to the housing (21, 22) and is positioned axially between the bottom wall (21) and the filter end (24a), - Return means (42) for urging the movable mass (41) to move in the direction of approach to the filter end (24a) along the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disc (40), wherein the rotatable cam disc (40) is designed to urge the movable mass in the direction away from the filter end (24a) along the cam disc axis of rotation or to release the movable mass (41), depending on the angular position of the rotatable cam disc (40) about the cam disc axis of rotation, wherein the release of the movable mass (41) from the rotatable cam disc (40) due to the action of the return means (42) on the movable mass (41) causes the filter end (24a) to be knocked off by the movable mass. [2] Filter device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (21, 22) further comprises an air inlet (17) and an air outlet (18), wherein the drive means (11, 13, 15) are designed to set the rotatable cam disc (40) in rotation only when there is no air flow between the air inlet (17) and the air outlet (18). [3] Filter device according to claim 2, wherein the drive means (11, 13, 15) are designed to store mechanical energy when an air flow circulates between the air inlet (17) and the air outlet (18) and to provide the mechanical energy to the rotatable cam disc (40) when there is no air flow between the air inlet (17) and the air outlet (18), so that the rotatable cam disc (40) is forced to make several complete rotations in succession about the cam disc rotation axis and several impacts on the filter end (24a) are achieved. [4] Filter device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotatable cam disc (40) is located axially between the movable mass (41) and the filter end (24a). [5] Filter device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movable mass (41) and the rotatable cam disc (40) have complementary shapes, wherein the movable mass (41) is designed to be in contact with the rotatable cam disc (40) over the entire displacement range of the movable mass (41) along the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disc (40). [6] Filter device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rotatable cam disc (40) comprises a first guide ramp (401) extending around the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disc (40) and facing the movable mass (41), wherein the first guide ramp (401) ends with a first connecting portion (404), and wherein the movable mass (41) comprises a second guide ramp (411) extending around the cam disc rotation axis and facing the rotatable cam disc (40), wherein the second guide ramp (411) ends with a second connecting portion (414), wherein the second guide ramp (411) is designed to be complementary to the first guide ramp (401) so that the first guide ramp (401) can slide on the second guide ramp (411). [7] Filter device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the return means (42) are designed such that the movable mass (41) is released from the rotatable cam disc (40) as a result of an angular displacement of the rotatable cam disc (40) of more than 320 degrees, preferably equal to 360 degrees, and strikes the filter end (24a). [8] Filter device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the axis of rotation of the rotatable cam disc runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), preferably is identical to the longitudinal axis (A). [9] Filter device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device further comprises an intermediate housing (16, 153) positioned axially between the rotatable cam disc (40) and the filter (23), the filter end (24a) being in contact with the intermediate housing (16, 153). [10] Filter device according to claim 9, wherein the drive means (15) are arranged within the intermediate housing (16, 153). [11] Filter device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drive means comprise a spiral spring (15), wherein the spiral spring (15) preferably extends around the longitudinal axis (A). [12] Filter device according to claim 11, wherein the spiral spring (15) is designed to reach a maximum tension state after a duration of tensioning of the spiral spring (15) of more than or equal to 15 seconds and less than or equal to 120 seconds. [13] Filter device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the drive means comprise a rotor (11) positioned in the housing (21, 22) along the longitudinal axis (A). [14] Filter device according to claim 13, wherein the drive means comprise a rotor shaft (12) coupled to the rotor (11) for rotation about the longitudinal axis (A), and further comprise a reduction gear (13), an input of the reduction gear (13) being connected to the rotor (12). [15] Filter device according to claim 14, wherein the reduction gear (13) is positioned axially along the longitudinal axis (A) between the rotor (11) and the spiral spring (15). [16] Suction device, preferably a vacuum cleaner, the device comprising a filter device according to one of claims 1 to 15, the device comprising an air intake inlet (E) and an air discharge outlet (S), the filter device being arranged in the device (1) such that an air flow from the air intake inlet (E) to the air discharge outlet (S) comes into contact with the filter (23).

Images