VENTILATION UNIT FOR A SUSPENSION DEVICE, METHOD FOR VENTILATING A SUSPENSION DEVICE, SUSPENSION DEVICE AND USE OF AN AIR FLOW FOR CLEANING A FILTER OF THE SUSPENSION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation unit for a vacuum cleaner, wherein the ventilation unit is configured to admit an airflow into an interior of the vacuum cleaner, the ventilation unit comprising a first sliding element and a second sliding element connected by a connecting element, the first sliding element, the second sliding element, and the connecting element forming an operating unit which can be moved by an actuator from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for ventilating a vacuum cleaner with a proposed ventilation unit, wherein a vacuum cleaner with a ventilation unit is initially provided, the operating unit of which is in a closed position.By actuating the actuator, the working unit is moved into an open position, so that the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the suction device can be ventilated by an airflow that can penetrate the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the suction device through a first opening of the ventilation unit released by a first sliding element. In further aspects, the invention relates to the use of an airflow that can be directed into the interior of a suction device using a proposed ventilation unit, as well as to a suction device with a proposed ventilation unit. Background of the invention:

[0002] Current technology includes vacuum cleaners, which are equipped with filters that require regular cleaning. Otherwise, the filters can become clogged, rendering the vacuum cleaner unusable. Clogged filters can also reduce the filter's filtration capacity, allowing dust and contaminants to enter sensitive components of the vacuum cleaner, such as the turbine or motor. Therefore, there is a need to provide technical solutions for cleaning filters in vacuum cleaners.

[0003] For example, mechanical methods for filter cleaning are known in the prior art, in which the filters are tapped. However, these mechanical stresses can lead to undesirable vibrations of the entire vacuum cleaner, which can damage sensitive components of the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] Furthermore, backflushing methods for filter cleaning are known in the prior art, in which the at least one filter is subjected to a cleaning airflow during the cleaning process, the cleaning airflow preferably directed opposite to the suction airflow of the vacuum cleaner. When backflushing filters in vacuum cleaners, to maintain continuous suction operation, two filters and two filter chambers are frequently used, which can be cleaned alternately, so that the vacuum cleaner can always continue operating with at least one chamber. However, a disadvantage of these known solutions is that they are generally very space-intensive and prevent the provision of small, compact vacuum cleaners. A ventilation unit according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, for example, from DE-A-102013007183.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a ventilation unit for a vacuum cleaner with which small, compact vacuum cleaners can be manufactured. Furthermore, the ventilation unit to be provided should have low energy consumption and require little maintenance.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments relating to the subject matter of the independent claims are found in the dependent claims. Description of the invention:

[0007] According to the invention, a ventilation unit is provided for a suction device, wherein the ventilation unit is configured to allow an airflow into an interior space of the suction device. The ventilation unit comprises a first sliding element and a second sliding element connected by a connecting element, wherein the first sliding element, the second sliding element, and the connecting element form an operating unit that can be moved by an actuator from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa.

[0008] The transition of the operating unit from the closed position to the open position is preferably referred to as "opening the ventilation unit" within the meaning of the invention. The introduction of the ventilation flow into the interior of the ventilation unit and / or into the interior of the suction device is preferably referred to as ventilation within the meaning of the invention. It is particularly preferred within the meaning of the invention that opening the ventilation unit generates an airflow that can flow into a negative pressure area of ​​the suction device. The negative pressure area of ​​the suction device is preferably the interior of the suction device, which is subjected to a negative pressure during operation of the suction device, the negative pressure being used to draw in dust or contaminants. The negative pressure preferably generates an airflow with which the contaminants can be drawn into the interior of the suction device. This airflow is preferably referred to as the suction airflow within the meaning of the invention.Preferably, during suction operation of the suction device, there is a pressure difference between the interior of the suction device and the environment of the suction device, wherein atmospheric pressure is present in particular in the environment of the suction device.

[0009] When the ventilation unit is opened, the pressure difference between the atmosphere and the interior of the vacuum cleaner draws air into the interior of the vacuum cleaner at high speed. According to the invention, this accelerated airflow can preferably also be referred to as a ventilation airflow. It penetrates the interior of the vacuum cleaner and can be directed, in particular, towards a filter element, a cleaning unit, or a filter of the vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners have filters to protect sensitive components of the vacuum cleaner, such as the turbine or the motor, from contamination and dust. According to the invention, it is preferred that the airflow generated by the proposed ventilation unit directly or indirectly cleans the filter. This can be achieved, for example, by backflushing the filter or by pressure pulse cleaning.

[0010] Preferably, the ventilation unit is integrated into a suction device. In other words, the proposed ventilation unit can form a module integrated into a suction device for its ventilation. The ventilation unit can have at least one open side, which can be connected to an interior space or to the negative pressure area of ​​the suction device. Preferably, a negative pressure exists within the device or its negative pressure area during operation. This negative pressure can be generated, for example, by a turbine driven by a motor. Atmospheric pressure preferably prevails outside the ventilation unit or outside the suction device. Those skilled in the art know that this atmospheric pressure is approximately 1,013 hPa or subject to slight fluctuations.In accordance with the invention, it is preferred that the interior of the ventilation device and the interior of the suction device are connected.

[0011] The ventilation unit comprises a first sliding element and a second sliding element, the sliding elements preferably being operatively connected to the connecting element. The connecting element is preferably configured to connect the sliding elements to each other, thus forming a functional unit. The proposed ventilation unit further includes an actuator configured to move the functional unit from a closed position to an open position ("opening the ventilation unit" or "ventilating"). Naturally, the actuator is also configured to move the functional unit from an open position to a closed position.

[0012] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the first sliding element of the ventilation device acts as an inlet slide and the second sliding element as a compensating slide. In other words, the ventilation airflow can be admitted from the inlet slide into the interior of the ventilation unit or the suction device. It is preferred, according to the invention, to also refer to the first sliding element as the first slide or the first slide element, while the second sliding element can preferably also be referred to as the second slide or the second slide element.

[0013] It is preferred in accordance with the invention that the actuator is configured to move the working unit of the ventilation unit back and forth with a lateral movement. This lateral movement can also be referred to as sideways movement. This lateral displacement of the working unit, which is advantageously effected by the actuator, allows the first opening of the ventilation unit on the inlet slide side to be opened or closed. This advantageously allows a flow of ventilation air to enter the interior of the proposed ventilation unit when the working unit is in the open position, thereby initiating a cleaning process of the at least one filter of the suction device. On the side of the ventilation unit where the compensating slide of the working unit is located, the volume of the interior of the ventilation unit can advantageously be changed by the interaction of the compensating slide with an elastic membrane.Of course, other sealing solutions can also be used in addition or as an alternative within the context of the present invention. For example, O-rings or sealing lips are suitable, but not limited to these.

[0014] To illustrate an embodiment of the invention, the side of the ventilation unit on which the first slide is arranged is referred to below as the left side of the ventilation unit, while the compensating slide side is referred to as the right side of the ventilation unit. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the left side of the ventilation unit has a first opening, while the right side of the ventilation unit has a second opening. The first opening of the ventilation unit preferably interacts with the first sliding element, while the second opening interacts with the second sliding element.

[0015] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for ventilating a suction device with a proposed ventilation unit, wherein the method is characterized by the following process steps: a) Provision of a suction device with a proposed ventilation unit, wherein the operating unit is in a closed position, b) Actuation of the actuator so that the operating unit is brought into an open position by the actuator, c) Ventilation of an interior of the ventilation unit and / or the suction device by an airflow that can penetrate into the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the suction device through a first opening of the ventilation unit released by a first sliding element.

[0016] The terms, definitions, and technical advantages introduced for the ventilation unit preferably apply analogously to the ventilation method, the suction device, and the use of the airflow for cleaning a filter of the suction device. The operating unit is initially in a closed position. In this closed position, preferably no airflow is provided through the ventilation unit, and the suction device can perform a suction operation in which dust is drawn in.

[0017] The closed position of the operating unit is preferably characterized in that the first slide or its closing element covers the first opening of the ventilation unit. This closes the first opening of the ventilation unit. The closure or covering of the first opening by, preferably, the upper bar of the first sliding element can be further improved by providing sealing elements between a housing of the ventilation unit and the first sliding element. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the air volume inside the proposed ventilation unit is sufficiently large to allow for dynamic air exchange when the first opening of the ventilation unit is opened.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the second slider closes substantially flush with the housing of the proposed ventilation unit. This preferably means that an elastic element, which may be connected to the upper region of the second slider, lies flat against an outer surface of the proposed ventilation unit and, together with the second slider, closes the second opening of the ventilation unit. Furthermore, it is preferred that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped second slider is smaller than the second opening of the ventilation unit. This allows the upper bar to be guided through the second opening until it closes substantially flush with the second opening. By activating the actuator, the operating unit can be moved, for example, to the left in a spatial direction.During this lateral movement of the actuating unit to the left in the spatial direction, the actuating unit is advantageously moved from the closed position to the open position. It is particularly preferred, in accordance with the invention, that the actuator moves the actuating unit into the open position by means of a lateral sideways movement. Preferably, the elastic element is caused to bulge by the sideways movement of the actuating unit, the bulge being concave with respect to the interior of the proposed ventilation unit. This means that the bulge of the elastic element in this embodiment of the invention points into the interior of the proposed ventilation unit, so that the lowest point of the elastic element lies within the interior of the ventilation unit.The preferably concave curvature of the elastic element can be achieved, in particular, by connecting the elastic element, at least partially, to the upper beam of the second sliding element, so that it is moved to the left by the lateral movement of the actuating unit or the second sliding element. This movement to the left preferably causes the curvature of the elastic element to extend into the interior of the ventilation unit. It is preferred, in accordance with the invention, that the elastic deformation of the elastic element eliminates the need for additional mechanical solutions for moving the actuating unit back and forth. For example, the elastic properties of the elastic element, preferably designed as an elastomeric membrane, can be used to move the actuating unit from the closed state to the open state of the ventilation unit.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the second slide, in the closed state, projects or protrudes a short distance s beyond the housing of the ventilation unit. This projection of the second slide beyond the housing of the ventilation unit is made possible by the fact that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped second sliding element is smaller than the second opening of the ventilation unit. This allows the upper bar to be guided or slid through the second opening and to tension the elastic element. By activating the actuator, the working unit can be moved, for example, in a spatial direction to the left. During this lateral movement of the working unit to the left, the working unit is advantageously moved from the closed position to the open position.In accordance with the invention, it is particularly preferred that the actuator brings the working unit into the open position by means of a lateral sideways movement.

[0020] In the open position, the first opening on the inlet side of the ventilation unit, preferably referred to as the left side of the ventilation unit, is opened by the first sliding element releasing it. It is preferred, according to the invention, that gaps form between the first sliding element and the housing of the ventilation unit, through which air can penetrate into the interior of the ventilation unit or the vacuuming device. This penetrating air preferably forms the ventilation airflow with which the at least one filter or cleaning unit of the vacuuming device can be backwashed or rinsed. The movement of the operating unit to the left in a spatial direction, caused by the actuator, results in the second sliding element on the right side of the ventilation unit also moving to the left, thereby reducing the protrusion of the second sliding element.At the end of the lateral movement of the actuating unit, the protrusion of the compensating slide is essentially completely removed, and the upper bar of the second slide preferably no longer protrudes beyond the housing of the ventilation unit. This allows the elastic element to rest essentially across its entire surface on the outside of the ventilation unit or on the upper bar of the second slide. Even in this open position of the actuating unit, the second opening remains closed by the second slide and the elastic element.

[0021] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the actuator comprises an electromagnetic lifting magnet. Preferably, the actuator can interact with the connecting element of the working unit such that activation of the actuator causes or results in movement of the working unit. The actuator can, for example, comprise a hollow interior in which the connecting element is guided. The connecting element of the working unit can, for example, be rigid and / or designed as a push rod. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the actuator can generate an opening force with which the working unit can be laterally displaced such that the first sliding element is lifted from the first opening of the ventilation unit and the first opening is thus released.Air from the environment of the suction device, preferably at atmospheric pressure, flows into the ventilation unit at a high dynamic rate. The interior of the ventilation unit is preferably in fluidic communication with the at least one filter of the suction device. The filter can be cleaned by the incoming air, and the ventilation airflow can be used, for example, for membrane filter cleaning, pressure surge filter cleaning, or backwash filter cleaning, but is not limited to these uses.

[0022] Of course, other types of actuators can also be used in the proposed ventilation unit, either additionally or as an alternative. For example, a manually operated actuator can be used. A pneumatic lifting cylinder is also conceivable for moving the working unit.

[0023] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the actuator is energized when filter cleaning is to be carried out. If the actuator is designed as an electromagnetic lifting magnet, the energizing advantageously generates a magnetic field with which the working unit can be moved. To close the inlet slide, the actuator can be reversed. Alternatively, the energization can be stopped or reversed, or a spring element or the elastic properties of the elastic element can be used to close the ventilation unit or its first opening again. Closing the ventilation unit stops the ventilation airflow and terminates the cleaning of the at least one filter of the suction device. It is preferred, according to the invention, that a tension spring can be arranged between the first sliding element and the actuator, whereby the opening or closing of the ventilation unit or its first opening is controlled by the spring.Its initial opening can be significantly facilitated by the tension spring. In particular, the spring's tension forces can be used to simplify opening or closing the ventilation unit.

[0024] A significant advantage of the invention is that the actuator only needs to exert a small force or overcome only minor counterforces to move the working unit, particularly to open the ventilation unit. These counterforces are primarily frictional or shear forces inherent in the elastic element. This allows for the use of a particularly compact and energy-efficient actuator. When a proposed ventilation unit is used in a battery-powered vacuum cleaner, the invention advantageously extends the battery life. In mains operation, energy consumption and operating costs of the device are reduced. Preferably, a proposed ventilation unit requires less installation space than comparable conventional units known from the prior art. This allows the vacuum cleaner to be manufactured in a compact and volume-optimized manner overall.

[0025] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the ventilation unit has a first opening which can be closed by the first sliding element. It is particularly preferred, according to the invention, that the first opening of the ventilation unit is closed by the first sliding element, especially when the operating unit is in the closed position, while the first opening of the ventilation unit is released by the first sliding element when the operating unit is in the open position, so that the ventilation airflow can penetrate into the interior of the suction device. The inflow of the ventilation airflow is advantageously facilitated by the pressure difference that exists between the environment of the suction device and the interior of the suction device during operation. Therefore, in the context of the present invention, this is also referred to as the intake of the ventilation airflow.Preferably, the first opening of the ventilation unit can be closed by the first slide when the operating unit is in the closed position. The first slide can, for example, be T-shaped, with the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped first slide having a larger area than the first opening of the ventilation unit and thus covering and closing the opening. The lower part of the preferably T-shaped first slide preferably projects into the interior of the ventilation unit and forms the transition to the connecting element.

[0026] It is preferred according to the invention that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped first slide is arranged on an outer surface of the proposed ventilation unit. In other words, it is preferred that the first slide covers or seals the ventilation unit towards the area surrounding the suction device. The upper bar of the preferably T-shaped first slide can preferably be referred to as a sealing element.

[0027] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the first sliding element has a first effective surface which essentially corresponds to the size of the first opening of the ventilation unit. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped first sliding element is larger than the first opening of the ventilation unit. Preferably, the surface of this closing element corresponds to the effective surface of the first sliding element with which the first opening of the ventilation unit is covered or closed.

[0028] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the ventilation unit has a second opening. Preferably, the second opening of the ventilation unit can be closed by the second sliding element in conjunction with an elastic element. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the first opening and the second opening are arranged on opposite side walls of the ventilation unit. This preferably means, according to the invention, that the first and the second opening are arranged on opposite sides of the ventilation unit. Preferably, the openings are openings in the housing of the ventilation unit, wherein the second opening is closed in all operating states of the ventilation unit or the suction device, while the first opening can be either closed or open.

[0029] The second slide can, for example, also be T-shaped, wherein the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped second slide has a smaller area than the second opening of the ventilation unit. This allows the upper bar of the second slide to be moved through the second opening of the ventilation unit without blocking or coming into contact with the second opening. The lower portion of the preferably T-shaped second slide preferably projects into the interior of the ventilation unit and forms the transition to the connecting element. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the first and second slides are arranged in the proposed ventilation unit in a mirror-image configuration with respect to each other.In the context of the invention, this preferably means that the lower areas of the preferably T-shaped sliding elements project into the interior of the ventilation unit and would meet if they were not separated from each other by the connecting element.

[0030] In accordance with the invention, it is preferred that the second opening of the ventilation unit is closed by the second slide in conjunction with an elastic element at all operating times of the suction device and in the various positions of the working unit, while the first opening of the ventilation unit is released by the first slide in the open position of the working unit, so that the ventilation airflow can penetrate into the interior of the suction device.

[0031] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the second slide is configured to close the second opening of the ventilation unit. This closure is preferably achieved in conjunction with an elastic element, which may, for example, be designed as an elastomeric membrane. The elastic element can be stretched over the second slide element and the second opening, thereby covering or closing the second opening of the ventilation unit. In the closed position of the operating unit, the elastic element can rest substantially over its entire surface on the compensating slide and, in this position, enclose the volume V together with the second slide. A significant advantage of the invention is that the pressure equalization can occur, in particular, independently of the differential pressure in the suction device.

[0032] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the second sliding element has a second effective surface, which essentially corresponds to the size of an upper beam of the second sliding element. The pressure equalization made possible by the present invention is preferably based on the fact that the forces acting on the sliding elements of the active unit of the ventilation unit are opposite to each other and essentially equal or similar in magnitude. Preferably, a first force acts on the first sliding element, which, according to the invention, is also preferably referred to as the inlet force F_AE. It acts in a spatial direction to the right, i.e., from the inlet side of the ventilation unit towards the compensation side of the ventilation unit, in accordance with the spatial directions introduced above. The directions of action of the corresponding forces are indicated by arrows in the figures.It is preferred, according to the invention, that a second force acts on the second sliding element, which, according to the invention, is also preferably referred to as the compensation force F_AK. This force acts in a spatial direction to the left, i.e., from the compensation side of the ventilation unit towards the inlet side of the ventilation unit, in accordance with the spatial directions introduced above. It is particularly preferred, according to the invention, that the forces F_AE and F_AK act in opposite directions to each other and are approximately equal in magnitude. This is achieved, in particular, by the fact that, according to the present invention, a first effective area of ​​the first sliding element and a second effective area of ​​the second sliding element are preferably of essentially the same size.

[0033] It is preferred in the context of the invention that a force F_AE acts on the first effective surface and a force F_AK acts on the second effective surface, wherein the forces F_AE and F_AK are essentially equal in magnitude. Thus, in the context of the present invention, the relation F_AE = F_AK aspired to.

[0034] It is preferred in accordance with the invention that an upper bar of the first sliding element is larger than an upper bar of the second sliding element. This advantageously ensures that the first sliding element is able to cover and close the first opening of the ventilation unit, while the second sliding element can move within and slide through the second opening. The preferred size ratio between the upper bars of the sliding elements enables the inventive interaction of the elements of the proposed ventilation unit, so that an aeration flow can be generated for cleaning a filter.

[0035] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of an airflow that can be directed into the interior of a vacuum cleaner using a proposed ventilation unit. This can, in particular, be used to clean a filter of the vacuum cleaner. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with at least one proposed ventilation unit, wherein the at least one ventilation unit is configured to generate an airflow for cleaning a filter of the vacuum cleaner. It is preferred, according to the invention, that a vacuum cleaner may, for example, have two, three, or four proposed ventilation units, which may preferably be arranged in parallel or substantially parallel to one another. For example, each ventilation unit may be assigned to a filter to be cleaned.A particular advantage of using multiple ventilation units is that continuous operation of the vacuum cleaner is possible. For example, if a first ventilation unit is in an open position to allow the cleaning of the vacuum cleaner's first filter, the vacuum cleaner can continue operating with a second ventilation unit. This second ventilation unit is in a closed position while the first filter is being cleaned, in order to maintain the vacuum operation and the necessary pressure differential between the inside of the vacuum cleaner and the ambient atmospheric pressure.

[0036] Further advantages arise from the following description of the figures. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0037] In the figure, identical and similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols.

[0038] They show: Fig. 1 View of a preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit. Fig. 2 View of a preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit, showing in particular the effective surfaces. Fig. 3 View of a preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit, showing in particular the forces acting on the effective surfaces. Fig. 4 View of a preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit in the open state or in the open position of the operating unit, showing in particular the airflow. Fig. 5 View of an alternative preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit.Fig. 6 View of an alternative preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit, in particular showing the operating surfaces. Fig. 7 View of an alternative preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit, in particular showing the forces acting on the operating surfaces. Fig. 8 View of an alternative preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit in the open state or in the open position of the operating unit, in particular showing the airflow. Examples of implementation and description of figures:

[0039] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit 6. The operating unit 6 comprises a first sliding element 3, a second sliding element 4, and a connecting element 5. The connecting element 5 is preferably designed as a push rod. It is particularly preferred, according to the invention, that the connecting element 5 is rigid and holds the sliding elements 3 and 4 at a constant distance from each other. Preferably, the first sliding element 3 is configured to close a first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1, while the second sliding element 4 is configured to close a second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1.Between the first sliding element 3 and an outer surface of the housing of the ventilation unit 1, at least one sealing element 13 can be arranged, with which the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 can be sealed airtight.

[0040] It is preferred according to the invention that the movement of the connecting element 5 is effected by an actuator 7. In other words, the connecting element 5 can be moved by the actuator 7. In particular, the actuator 7 can move the connecting element 5, preferably designed as a push rod, back and forth within the proposed ventilation unit 1, this movement of the connecting element 5 being preferably referred to as "lateral movement" according to the invention. Preferably, the movement of the connecting element 5 effected by the actuator 7 moves the entire working unit 6, which comprises the sliding elements 3, 4 and the connecting element 5, back and forth inside the ventilation unit 1.

[0041] It is preferred in accordance with the invention that a movement of the actuating unit 6 in the direction of the first opening 8 is referred to as "movement to the left", while a movement of the actuating unit 6 in the direction of the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1 is referred to as "movement to the right". When the actuating unit 6 – as in Figure 1 As shown – in the closed position – the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is closed. The first opening 8 can be opened by moving the actuating unit 6 to the left. This opening movement can be effected, for example, by energizing the actuator 7. Alternatively or additionally, the restoring forces of an elastic element 11 can be used to move the actuating unit 6 to the left to open it.

[0042] By moving the actuating unit 6 to the left, the upper area of ​​the first sliding element 3 is lifted from the first opening 8, creating a gap through which an airflow LS can enter the interior of the ventilation unit 1. The sliding elements 3, 4 are preferably T-shaped, with the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped sliding element 3, 4 preferably being referred to as the upper bar of the sliding element 3, 4. By moving the actuating unit 6 to the right, the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit can be closed again.

[0043] The actuator 7 can preferably be designed as a lifting magnet, which is in particular an electromagnetic lifting magnet. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the actuator 7 can be energized by an electric current, thereby causing movement of the working unit 6. It is also preferred, according to the invention, that the direction of movement of the working unit 6 depends on the current applied to or the polarity of the current in the actuator 7.

[0044] It is preferred in accordance with the invention that the second sliding element 4 of the operating unit 6 in its closed position (see Fig. 1The second sliding element 4 rests flat against an outer surface of the housing of the proposed ventilation unit 1. Preferably, the second sliding element 4 and the elastic element 11 together close the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1 by the contact of the elastic element 11. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped second sliding element 4 is smaller than the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1. Preferably, there is an atmospheric pressure on the outside of the ventilation unit 1, for example in the range of 1,013 hPa. A negative pressure exists inside the ventilation unit 1 during the suction operation of the suction device. Preferably, this negative pressure is generated by a turbine, which can be driven by an electric motor of the suction device.The negative pressure during vacuuming is used to draw dust or contaminants into the interior of the vacuum cleaner, where they can be collected in a dust collection container. However, some of the dust or contaminants can also enter a filter of the vacuum cleaner and clog or block it over time. This clogging of the filter is to be prevented by regular cleaning of the filter. For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner can have a proposed ventilation unit 1 that can generate an airflow LS for flushing the filter. It is particularly preferred, according to the invention, that the airflow LS used to clean the filter of the vacuum cleaner flushes the filter in a direction opposite to the direction of a suction airflow during the vacuuming operation of the vacuum cleaner.This flushing of the filter in the opposite direction of suction is preferably referred to as "backflushing" within the meaning of the invention. It is particularly preferred within the meaning of the invention that a backflushing airflow LS can be generated with the proposed ventilation unit 1, with which the filter of a suction device can be flushed. For this purpose, the ventilation unit 1 can be fluidically connected to the interior 2 of the suction device. For example, the interior of the ventilation unit 1 and the interior 2 of the suction device can be connected to each other, so that an exchange of air and pressure can take place between the interiors. This can lead to a situation where, during the operation of the suction device, a negative pressure can prevail in both the interior of the ventilation unit 1 and the interior 2 of the suction device, while atmospheric or ambient pressure prevails in the surrounding area of ​​the suction device.Opening the ventilation unit 1 allows pressure equalization between the interior of the ventilation unit 1 (or the vacuum cleaner) and the surrounding environment, creating the airflow LS for cleaning the vacuum cleaner's filter. This airflow LS can penetrate the interior 2 of the ventilation unit 1 (or the vacuum cleaner) with high dynamic force and flow through the vacuum cleaner's filter at high speed. This advantageously fast-flowing airflow LS enables particularly efficient and effective cleaning of the vacuum cleaner's filter.

[0045] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit 6, with particular emphasis on the operating surfaces 9 and 12. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the size of the operating surfaces 9 and 12 corresponds substantially to the size of the associated openings 8 and 10. This preferably means, according to the invention, that the first operating surface 9 of the first sliding element 3 corresponds substantially to the size of the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1. This first operating surface 9 is preferably smaller than the area of ​​the upper beam of the preferably T-shaped first sliding element 3. It is also preferred, according to the invention, that the second operating surface 12 of the second sliding element 4 corresponds substantially to the size of the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1.This second effective surface 12 is essentially as large as the upper beam of the preferably T-shaped second sliding element 4. It is preferred according to the invention that both the sizes of the openings 8, 10 and the two effective surfaces 9, 12 are essentially the same size.

[0046] This advantageously results in the forces acting on the sliding elements 3 and 4 being essentially equal in magnitude. These forces F_AK and F_AE are in Fig. 3As illustrated. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the force F_AE acts on the first slide 3, which, according to the invention, can also be referred to as the inlet force. Accordingly, the first slide 3 can preferably also be referred to as the inlet slide. Preferably, the compensating force F_AK acts on the second slide 4, wherein the inlet force F_AE preferably acts in a spatial direction to the right, while the compensating force F_AK preferably acts in a spatial direction to the left.

[0047] To move the operating unit 6 out of the closed position, which is used, for example, in the Figs. 1 to 3 is shown in an open position (see Fig. 4To bring the air inwards, the inlet force F_AE must be overcome. This can be achieved, for example, with the compensating force F_AK. A significant advantage of the invention is that the ventilation unit 1 is designed with particularly low friction, so that only minimal energy losses occur during the movement of the connecting element 5 or the working unit 6. It is particularly advantageous for the purposes of the invention that the pressure difference between the interior 2 of the suction device or the ventilation unit 1 and the environment of the suction device can be compensated independently of any differential pressure relative to atmospheric pressure within the suction device.

[0048] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the open state or in the open position of the operating unit 6, in particular showing the airflow LS with which a filter of the suction device can be cleaned or rinsed. In the Fig. 4In the depicted state of the proposed ventilation unit 1, the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is open, the opening of the first opening 8 being effected in particular by a lateral movement of the working unit 6 inside the ventilation unit 1. It is particularly preferred within the scope of the invention that the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is opened by a movement of the connecting element 5 or the working unit 6 to the left. This is achieved in particular by lifting the upper area of ​​the first sliding element 3 away from the first opening 8, so that a gap is created through which the cleaning airflow LS can flow into the interior 2 of the ventilation unit 1 or the suction device. The movement of the working unit 6 to the left to open the ventilation unit 1 is described in Fig. 4The left-pointing arrow inside the connecting element 5 indicates the airflow. The dashed arrows inside 2 of the suction device or the ventilation unit 1 indicate the airflow LS and possible paths. In the open position of the operating unit 6, the elastic element 11 is preferably curved inwards into an interior space of the proposed ventilation unit 1. The elastic element 11 can, for example, be attached to the preferably T-shaped beam of the second sliding element 4, so that it is drawn inwards, i.e., to the left, into the interior of the ventilation unit 1 by the lateral movement of the operating unit 6.

[0049] It is preferred according to the invention that the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1 is closed in both the closed and open positions of the actuating unit 6. Furthermore, it is preferred according to the invention that the ventilation unit 1 can be closed by electrically reversing the polarity of the actuator 7, particularly if it is designed as an electromagnetic lifting magnet. This preferably means that the direction of current flow is reversed compared to opening the ventilation unit 1. Thus, the current flows in the opposite direction through the actuator 7, and the actuating unit 6 can be used to close the ventilation unit 1 instead of opening it.

[0050] Figure 5Figure 1 shows an alternative preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit 6. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the second sliding element 4 of the operating unit 6, in its closed position, is located in the Fig. 5 In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown, the second sliding element 4 projects beyond the housing of the proposed ventilation unit 1. This projection of the second sliding element 4 allows the elastic element 11 to be stretched. Preferably, the second sliding element 4 and the elastic element 11 together close the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped second sliding element 4 is smaller than the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1, so that the second sliding element 4 can be guided through the second opening 10.

[0051] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows the alternative preferred embodiment of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed state or in the closed position of the operating unit 6, with particular emphasis on the operating surfaces 9 and 12. To move the operating unit 6 out of the closed position, which is, for example, in the Figs. 5 to 7 is shown in an open position (see Fig. 8 To bring it about, the inlet force F_AE must be overcome.

[0052] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows the alternative design of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the open state or in the open position of the operating unit 6, in particular showing the airflow LS with which a filter of the suction device can be cleaned or rinsed. In the figure shown in Fig. 8In the depicted state of the proposed ventilation unit 1, the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is open, the opening of the first opening 8 being effected in particular by a lateral movement of the action unit 6 inside the ventilation unit 1. The movement of the action unit 6 to the left to open the ventilation unit 1 is shown in Fig. 8 The left-pointing arrow inside the connecting element 5 indicates the airflow. The dashed arrows inside 2 of the suction device or the ventilation unit 1 indicate the airflow LS and possible paths.

[0053] In this alternative embodiment of the invention, the elastic element 11 lies essentially completely flush against the outer wall of the ventilation unit 1 when the operating unit 6 is in the open position. The projection of the second sliding element 4, which is present when the operating unit 6 is in the closed position, is reduced when the ventilation unit 1 is opened and is no longer present when the operating unit 6 is in the open position. As a result, the elastic element 11 is no longer stretched but can rest against the outer surface of the ventilation unit 1. It is also preferred in this alternative embodiment of the invention that the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1 is closed in both the closed and open positions of the operating unit 6. Reference symbol list

[0054] 1 Ventilation unit 2 Interior of a vacuum cleaner 3 First sliding element 4 Second sliding element 5 Connecting element 6 Actuating unit 7 Actuator 8 First opening 9 First working surface 10 Second opening 11 Elastic element 12 Second working surface 13 Sealing elements LS Airflow

Claims

1. Ventilation unit (1) for a suction device, wherein the ventilation unit (1) is designed to let an air flow (LS) into an interior (2) of the suction device, wherein the ventilation unit (1) has a first sliding element (3) and a second sliding element (4), which are connected by a connecting element (5), wherein the first sliding element (3), the second sliding element (4) and the connecting element (5) form an active unit (6), which is able to be brought from a closed position into an open position, and vice versa, by an actuator (7), characterized in that a first active surface (9) of the first sliding element (3) and a second active surface (12) of the second sliding element (4) are substantially the same size, wherein the ventilation unit (1) has a first opening (8) and a second opening (10), and wherein there is an elastic element (11), which is connected to an upper region of the second sliding element and bears flat against an outer side of the ventilation unit (1) in order to close off, together with the second sliding element (4), the second opening of the ventilation unit (1).

2. Ventilation unit (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (7) comprises an electromagnetic lifting magnet.

3. Ventilation unit (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ventilation unit (1) has a first opening (8), which is able to be closed by the first sliding element (3).

4. Ventilation unit (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first sliding element (3) has a first active surface (9), which corresponds substantially to a size of the first opening (8) of the ventilation unit (1).

5. Ventilation unit (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that sealing elements (13) are arranged in the region of the first opening (8), wherein the sealing elements (13) are designed to seal off the first opening (8) of the ventilation unit (1).

6. Ventilation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation unit (1) has a second opening (10).

7. Ventilation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sliding element (4) has a second active surface (12), which corresponds substantially to a size of an upper bar of the second sliding element (4).

8. Ventilation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a force F_AE acts on the first active surface (9) and a force F_AK acts on the second active surface (12), wherein the forces F_AE and F_AK are substantially the same size.

9. Ventilation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an upper bar of the first sliding element (3) is larger than an upper bar of the second sliding element (4).

10. Ventilation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (5) of the active unit (6) is rigid and / or in the form of a push rod.

11. Method for ventilating a suction device with a ventilation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is characterized by the following method steps: a) providing a suction device having a ventilation unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the active unit (6) is in a closed position, b) actuating the actuator (7) such that the active unit (6) is brought into an open position by the actuator (7), c) ventilating an interior (2) of the suction device by way of an air flow (LS), which can pass into the interior (2) of the ventilation unit (1) and / or of the suction device through a first opening (8), exposed by a first sliding element (3), of the ventilation unit (1).

12. Use of an air flow (LS), which can be conducted into an interior (2) of a suction device using a ventilation unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, to dedust a filter of the suction device.

13. Suction device having at least one ventilation unit (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one ventilation unit (1) is designed to generate an air flow (LS) for dedusting a filter of the suction device.