SEPARATOR UNIT WITH DRIP ELEMENT FOR A FILTER MODULE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a suction device, such as a handheld vacuum cleaner. In particular, the invention relates to a separation unit for a suction device that enables convenient and reliable emptying of the collection area and / or convenient and reliable cleaning of the filter module of the separation unit.

[0002] A vacuuming device, particularly a handheld vacuum cleaner, typically includes a separator unit with a filter module designed to separate dust particles from the suction air and collect them in a collection area of ​​the separator unit. The separator unit may be configured such that the collection area is a ring around a cylindrical filter module, creating a cyclone-like suction airflow within the collection area. This can cause hair to wrap around the filter module during operation, and it is often difficult to remove the hair from the filter module and the collection area of ​​the separator unit. Emptying and / or cleaning the separator unit often requires disconnecting it from the vacuuming device and / or removing the filter module from the separator unit.This may be perceived as uncomfortable and unhygienic by a user of the suction device. Examples of suction devices are known from WO 2009 / 132757 A1, DE 915 855 C and DE 10 2020 212983 A1.

[0003] This document addresses the technical task of providing a separation unit for a suction device that enables particularly convenient and thorough emptying and / or cleaning of the separation unit, especially the filter module and / or the collection area.

[0004] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent patent claims, described in the following description, or illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

[0005] According to one aspect, a separation unit for a suction device (especially for a cyclone-based suction device, such as a handheld vacuum cleaner) is described. The separation unit can be designed as a cyclone separator.

[0006] The separation unit comprises a collection container with a collection area for receiving (protective and / or dust) particles from the suction airflow of the suction device. The collection container can be cylindrical, in particular circular. Furthermore, the collection container can extend along a longitudinal axis from a first end face, facing the blower of the suction device, to a second end face, with a lid for emptying the collection container being arranged at the second end face. The longitudinal axis can correspond to the vertical axis of the cylindrical collection container.

[0007] The separation unit further comprises a filter module arranged in the collection container, which is designed to filter particles from the suction airflow. The collection area of ​​the container can adjoin the surface of the filter module. In other words, the surface of the filter module can define the boundary of the collection area. The surface of the filter module can correspond to the lateral surface of a cylinder, in particular a circular cylinder. The collection area can thus be arranged in a ring around the filter module.

[0008] The surface of the filter module can be formed by a sieve (or by a lint filter). The sieve can enclose a dust filter.

[0009] The suction airflow can enter the collection container, specifically the collection area of ​​the container, from the suction nozzle. The suction airflow can then pass across the surface of the filter module towards its central longitudinal axis. The particles are retained by the filter module. After passing through the filter module, the suction airflow can be directed to the blower of the suction device and then out of the device. Within the collection area of ​​the container, the suction airflow can exhibit a cyclone-like flow pattern around its (central) longitudinal axis.

[0010] The separation unit further comprises a scraper element designed to move (along its longitudinal axis) across the surface of the filter module in order to clean the surface of the filter module. The scraper element may include a scraper ring, in particular a scraper ring that (partially or completely) encloses the circumferential surface of the (cylindrical) filter module.

[0011] The surface of the filter module can have a specific total length along its longitudinal axis. The scraper element can extend along this longitudinal axis over a length that is 20% or less (e.g., between 2% and 10%) of the total length. This allows for significant movement of the scraper element to thoroughly clean the surface of the filter module.

[0012] The scraper element can have a radial dimension of 0.5 cm or more relative to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the scraper element can be designed radially relative to the longitudinal axis such that dirt particles from the collection area of ​​the collection container are conveyed by the scraper element towards the lid of the collection container when the scraper element is moved towards the second end face of the surface of the filter module or the collection container.

[0013] A scraper element, in particular a scraper ring, can therefore be provided that ensures thorough cleaning of the filter module and the collection area of ​​the collection container.

[0014] The separation unit may further comprise a coupling element connected to the scraper element, which is configured to be detachably connected to a complementary coupling element of an actuating element (for a user of the suction device), so that the scraper element can be moved across the surface of the filter module by the actuating element connected to the coupling element (along its longitudinal axis). The coupling element may be configured to effect the detachable connection with the complementary coupling element of the actuating element by means of a magnetic force and / or by means of a locking mechanism with the complementary coupling element of the actuating element and / or by means of a bayonet fitting.

[0015] By providing a coupling element for a detachably coupled actuating element for actuating the scraper element, particularly convenient and thorough cleaning of the separation unit can be made possible.

[0016] On the inside of the collection container, facing the collection area, at least one guide rail (extending along the longitudinal axis) can be arranged to guide the movement of the scraper element. The scraper element can have a guide element, e.g., a T-nut, which interacts with the guide rail to guide the movement of the scraper element (along its longitudinal axis). This ensures particularly reliable movement of the scraper element along its longitudinal axis and thus particularly reliable cleaning of the separator unit.

[0017] As already explained above, the surface of the filter module can extend along the longitudinal axis from the first end face, which faces the blower of the suction device during operation, to the second end face, which faces the lid of the collection container.

[0018] The scraper element can be designed such that it can be moved along its longitudinal axis by the actuating element connected to the coupling element, from a suction position, in which the scraper element is located at the first end face of the filter module surface, to an end position, in which the scraper element is located at the second end face of the filter module surface. This allows movement along the entire surface of the filter module to enable particularly thorough cleaning of the separation unit.

[0019] The scraper element can be designed such that its front surface, facing the lid of the collection container, extends at least partially beyond the second end face of the filter module's surface towards the lid of the collection container. The front surface of the scraper element can, for example, be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. A scraper element designed in this way can achieve particularly thorough cleaning of the filter module.

[0020] The coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that the actuating element connected to the coupling element can exert a force in the first direction, particularly in the forward direction (from the first end face to the second end face of the filter module), so that the scraper element is moved in the first direction (along the longitudinal axis) across the surface of the filter module. Furthermore, the coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that the actuating element connected to the coupling element can exert a force in the opposite second direction, particularly in the reverse direction (from the second end face to the first end face of the filter module), so that the scraper element is moved in the second direction across the surface of the filter module.

[0021] This allows for a coupling with the actuating element, enabling the actuating element to push (in the first direction) and pull (in the second direction) the scraper element. This facilitates particularly convenient cleaning of the separator unit.

[0022] The coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that the actuating element connected to the coupling element can exert a force with a motion value in the second direction, particularly in the reverse direction, thereby moving (in particular pulling) the scraper element in the second direction across the surface of the filter module. Furthermore, the coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that the actuating element connected to the coupling element can exert a force with a decoupling value greater than the motion value in the second direction, particularly in the reverse direction, thereby releasing the actuating element from the coupling element.

[0023] This allows the user to decouple the actuating element from the separator unit by applying appropriate force. This further increases the user-friendliness of the separator unit.

[0024] In addition, another separation unit for a suction device is described. It should be noted that the characteristics of a separation unit described in this document are also applicable to this separation unit, individually and / or in combination.

[0025] As previously explained, the separation unit comprises a collection container with a collection area for receiving particles from the suction air stream of the suction device. Furthermore, the separation unit includes a filter module arranged in the collection container, which is designed to filter particles out of the suction air stream.

[0026] The surface of the (cylindrical) filter module can have at least one (guide) groove extending along its longitudinal axis. As explained above, the filter module can include a screen with a supporting structure. The one or more (guide) grooves can be arranged in the screen's supporting structure. Each of the one or more (guide) grooves can extend from the first end face to the second end face of the filter module's surface.

[0027] Furthermore, the separation unit comprises a scraper element designed to move along the longitudinal axis across the surface of the filter module (e.g., by an actuating element) to clean the surface of the filter module. As already explained, the scraper element can include a scraper ring, in particular a scraper ring that circumferentially encloses the outer surface of the filter module.

[0028] The scraper element can have at least one rib which engages in the corresponding groove on the surface of the filter module as the scraper element moves along its longitudinal axis. The rib can engage in the groove along the entire movement of the scraper element (in particular, along the entire length of the filter module from the suction position to the end position). The rib can be located on the inner surface of the scraper element facing the filter module.

[0029] This describes a separation unit with a scraper element that has at least one rib engaging in a groove of the filter module. This ensures particularly reliable movement of the scraper element. Furthermore, this allows for the highly reliable removal of hair from the surface of the filter module.

[0030] The surface of the filter module can have several grooves extending along its longitudinal axis, arranged at different locations, particularly evenly distributed, along the circumferential direction of the filter module's surface. The wiper element can correspondingly have several ribs for these multiple grooves. Each rib can engage in a corresponding groove in a one-to-one relationship.

[0031] By providing multiple grooves and ribs, the movement of the scraper element and the cleaning of the filter module can be further improved.

[0032] The one or more ribs can each be designed as knives, particularly for cutting hair, on the front side facing the lid of the collection container. This further improves the removal of hair from the separation unit.

[0033] The separation unit can include an actuating element (optionally detachable) designed to act on the scraper element, moving it along its longitudinal axis across the surface of the filter module. The actuating element can comprise a rod (extending along the longitudinal axis) with a handle, allowing the rod to be moved along the longitudinal axis by the handle to move the scraper element along the longitudinal axis (between the suction position and the end position) across the surface of the filter module. Providing an actuating element can further enhance the ease of use of the separation unit.

[0034] The separating unit can have a web extending along its longitudinal axis from the first end face of the filter module (the one facing the blower of the suction device) away from the filter module. The actuating element can be arranged in the web, in particular mounted for movement. This ensures particularly reliable movement of the scraper element for cleaning the separating unit.

[0035] The actuating element can be designed to be moved from a starting position along the first direction, in particular along the forward direction, in order to move the scraper element from the suction position along the first direction across the surface of the filter module.

[0036] Furthermore, the actuating element can include a spring module, in particular a (return) spring, which is designed to automatically move the actuating element back to its starting position along the opposite second direction, in particular along the reverse direction, in order to move the scraper element back into the suction position. This allows for automatic return of the scraper element. In this way, the convenience of the separator unit can be further increased.

[0037] According to another aspect, a suction device is described which includes a separation unit described in this document. The suction device further includes a base unit with a blower designed to generate the suction airflow through the separation unit.

[0038] The suction device may further include an actuating element. As already explained above, the actuating element may comprise a rod with a handle, wherein the rod can be moved along the longitudinal axis to move the scraper element of the separation unit (along the longitudinal axis).

[0039] The actuating element can include a coupling element for connecting it to the coupling element of the separation unit. The actuating element can, for example, be integrated into the base unit. The suction device can be designed such that the separation unit can be removed from the base unit. The actuating element can optionally remain attached to the base unit. This allows for particularly convenient handling of the separation unit.

[0040] As already explained above, the actuating element can be designed to be moved from a starting position along the first direction, in particular along the forward direction, in order to move the scraper element from the suction position along the first direction over the surface of the filter module.

[0041] Furthermore, the actuating element can include a spring module, in particular a (return) spring, which is designed to automatically move the actuating element back to its starting position along the opposite second direction, in particular along the reverse direction, in order to move the wiper element back into the suction position. This allows for automatic return of the wiper element, further increasing the user-friendliness of the suction device.

[0042] It should be noted that any aspects of the separation units and / or suction devices described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the patent claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0043] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing.

[0044] This shows: Figure 1a an exemplary suction device with a separation unit having a scraper ring; Figure 1b the suction device made of Fig. 1a with an actuating rod coupled to the wiper ring; Figure 1c the suction device made of Fig. 1a , in which the wiper ring is arranged in a wiping position; Figure 2a a perspective view of the suction device made of Fig. 1a Figure 2b the suction device made of Fig. 2a with an attached rod; Figure 2c the suction device made of Fig. 2a , in which the wiper ring is arranged in a wiping position; Figure 3 shows the suction device made of Fig. 1a with a decoupled separation unit; Figure 3: perspective view of the suction device made of Fig. 3a Figure 4a shows a suction device with a scraper ring having one or more scraper ribs; Figure 4b shows the suction device made of Fig. 4a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in the end position; Figure 5a an exemplary separation unit in which the scraper ring is arranged in the suction position; Figure 5b the separation unit made of Fig. 5a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in the end position; Figure 6 a perspective view of the separation unit made of Fig. 5a Figure 7 shows the separation unit. Fig. 5a in a side view; Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the separation unit. Fig. 7a ; and Figure 7, a detail view of a section from Fig. 7b .

[0045] As stated at the outset, this document deals with enabling a particularly convenient and reliable cleaning of the separator unit of a suction device. In this context, it shows Fig. 1a An exemplary suction device 100, in particular a handheld vacuum cleaner, with a separation unit 150. The separation unit 150 comprises a collection container 102, optionally cylindrical, with a lid 104, which is arranged, for example, on an end face or end of the collection container 102 and which can be opened to empty the collection container 102. A filter module 105 is typically arranged in the center of the collection container 102, which is designed to separate dirt and / or dust particles from the suction airflow 121, 122, 123 of the suction device 100. The filter module 105 may be cylindrical. The dirt and / or dust particles can be collected in an annular collection area 103 of the collection container 102 around the filter module 105.

[0046] The suction device 100 comprises a blower 107 configured to force the suction airflow 121, 122, 123 through the suction device 100, in particular through the separator unit 150. The suction airflow 121 enters the collection container 102, in particular the collection area 103 of the collection container 102, via a suction inlet 101 of the suction device 100. In the collection container 102, the suction airflow 122 is passed through the filter module 105, in particular by suction, so that the dirt and dust particles are separated from the suction airflow 122 and collected in the collection area 103. After passing through the filter module 105, the suction airflow 123 reaches the blower 107 and is blown out of the suction device 100.

[0047] As explained at the outset, emptying and / or cleaning the separator unit 150 may be perceived as inconvenient by a user of the vacuum device 100. For example, it may be necessary to place the vacuum device 100 with the lid 104 of the collection container 102 open over a waste bin and shake it to remove the dirt and dust from the collection area 103. Furthermore, it may be necessary to remove the filter module 105 from the collection container 105 by hand.

[0048] The in Fig. 1a The suction device 100 shown comprises a scraper ring 106 (generally a scraper element) arranged around the (cylindrical) filter module 105. The scraper ring 106 can be movably arranged on the filter module 105 such that it can be moved along the longitudinal or vertical axis of the filter module 105 to clean its surface. The filter module 105 can have a first end face facing the blower 107 and a second end face facing the lid 104 of the collection container 102. The scraper ring 106 can be configured to move along the longitudinal axis from a suction position (at the first end face of the filter module 105) to a final position (at the second end face of the filter module 105).

[0049] As the wiper ring 106 moves from the suction position to the end position, it mechanically acts on the surface of the filter module 105, removing dirt and / or dust particles from the surface of the filter module 105. This allows for convenient cleaning of the filter module 105.

[0050] The scraper ring 106 can have a specific spatial extent in the radial direction (radial to the longitudinal axis). If necessary, the scraper ring 106 can extend radially from the surface of the filter module 105 to the inside of the wall of the collection container 102. In other words, the scraper ring 106 can extend over the entire (annular) cross-section of the collection area 103. This ensures that, by moving the scraper ring 106 from the suction position to the end position, the dirt and dust located in the collection area 103 is conveyed towards the lid 104 of the collection container 102 and out of the collection container 102. This allows for thorough emptying of the collection container 102.

[0051] The blower 107 and the suction nozzle 101 can be arranged on a base unit 140 of the suction device 100. The base unit 140 can further include a handle 108, which allows a user to hold the suction device 100 (with one hand). The handle 108 can be arranged downstream of the blower 107 with respect to the direction of flow of the suction air stream 123. The handle 107 and the suction nozzle 101 can be formed by a housing of the base unit 140 of the suction device 100.

[0052] The suction device 100, in particular the separation unit 150, comprises a rod 110 by means of which movement of the scraper ring 106 can be effected. The rod 110 can be arranged along the longitudinal axis and / or with respect to the flow direction of the suction airflow 123 behind the scraper ring 106, so that the scraper ring 106 can be pushed by the rod 110 from the suction position to the end position. The rod 110 can be, as exemplified in Fig. 1a The rod 110 is arranged in a guide 112, e.g., in a guide channel, on the housing of the suction device 100, in particular the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. Furthermore, a handle 111 can be arranged on the rod 110, which allows a user to act on the rod 110 to move the rod 110 along its longitudinal axis and thus cause the wiper ring 106 to move from the suction position to the end position. The rod 110 and / or the handle 111 can generally be referred to as the actuating element.

[0053] The rod 110 can be connected and / or coupled to the scraper ring 106 via a coupling 113, preferably a detachable coupling. The provision of a coupling 113 makes it possible to decouple the separator unit 150 from the suction device 100 while leaving the rod 110 (within the guide 112) attached to the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. The coupling 113 can, for example, have a mechanical and / or magnetic coupling mechanism.

[0054] Fig. 1a The coupling 113 is shown in an open state, so that the rod 110 and the wiper ring 106 are decoupled from each other. Fig. 1b The coupling 113 is shown in a closed state, so that the rod 110 is coupled to the wiper ring 106, and can thus cause a movement of the wiper ring 106 along the longitudinal axis. Fig. 1c shows the wiper ring 106 in a wiper position between the suction position and the end position. Furthermore, illustrates Fig. 1c how the scraper ring 106 can be moved from the suction position to the end position by pushing the rod 110 forward (towards the lid 104 of the collection container 102). It should be noted that in Fig. 1c the wiper ring 106 is additionally shown in the original suction position.

[0055] The coupling 113 is preferably designed such that the wiper ring 106 can be moved back to the suction position via the rod 110. The coupling 113 can therefore also be designed to withstand tensile forces along its longitudinal axis. The tensile forces it can withstand can be sufficiently high to pull the wiper ring 106 to the suction position by means of the rod 110. Furthermore, the tensile forces it can withstand can be sufficiently low to allow the user to decouple the rod 110 from the wiper ring 106 by moving it further beyond the suction position.

[0056] Figuren 2a bis 2c show perspective views of the suction device 100 with open coupling 113 ( Fig. 2a ), with the clutch 113 closed and with the wiper ring 106 in the suction position ( Fig. 2b ), and with the wiper ring 106 in a wiper position (between the suction position and the end position).

[0057] In the Figuren 3a and 3bFigure 1 illustrates how the separator unit 150 can be separated from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. A first coupling element 301 of the coupling 113 can be arranged on the rod 110. Furthermore, a second coupling element 302 of the coupling 113 can be arranged on the wiper ring 106. The two coupling elements 301, 302 can be connected to each other to close the coupling 113. Furthermore, the two coupling elements 301, 302 can be separated to open the coupling 113. The two coupling elements 301, 302 can each include a (permanent) magnet. Alternatively or additionally, the two coupling elements 301, 302 can be designed to be mechanically complementary to each other such that a (releasable) latching connection can be formed by the two coupling elements 301, 302.

[0058] For example, from Fig. 1a As can be seen, the scraper ring 106 can be designed such that the front side of the scraper ring 106, facing the lid 104 of the collection container 102, is inclined (with respect to the longitudinal axis 201). Conversely, the rear side of the scraper ring 106, facing away from the lid 104, can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 201. This allows the scraper ring 106 to be positioned in a final position where the front side of the scraper ring 106 extends at least partially beyond the outer surface of the filter module 105 along the longitudinal axis, while the rear side of the scraper ring 106 remains on the outer surface of the filter module 105. This ensures particularly reliable cleaning of the outer surface of the filter module 105. Furthermore, this design allows the dirt in the collection area 103 of the collection container 102 to be pushed out of the collection area 102 in a particularly reliable manner.

[0059] The sloping front surface 406 of the wiper ring 106 is particularly evident in Fig. 4a to see. Furthermore, it shows Fig. 4b the wiper ring 106 in the end position, and it can be seen that the front 406 of the wiper ring 106 extends at least partially beyond the outer surface of the filter module 105.

[0060] During the Figuren 4a und 4b In the illustrated suction device 100, the rod 110 for actuating (in particular for moving) the wiper ring 106 is arranged in a lower region of the housing of the base unit 140. Furthermore, a guide rail 401 (e.g., in the form of a groove) for guiding the wiper ring 106 is arranged on the inside of the wall of the collection container 102. The wiper ring 106 has a guide element 402 (e.g., a T-nut) by which the wiper ring 106 can be moved along the guide rail 401 between the suction position and the end position. The provision of a guide rail 401 increases the reliability of the movement of the wiper ring 106.

[0061] In the Figuren 5a und 5b The separating unit 150, decoupled and / or detached from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100, is shown. Fig. 5a The wiper ring 106 is in the suction position (for suction operation) and in Fig. 5b The scraper ring 106 is in the end position (for cleaning the separator unit 150).

[0062] The separating unit 150 has a web 502 extending along the longitudinal axis 201 from the first end face of the collection container 102. The rod 110 and the rod handle 111 for actuating (in particular, for effecting movement of) the scraper ring 106 are arranged in the web 502. The web 502 can have a length along the longitudinal axis 201 such that the scraper ring 106 can be moved along the entire length of the outer surface of the filter module 105 by pushing the rod handle 111. The base unit 140 can have a recess for receiving the web 502 of the separating unit 150.

[0063] Fig. 6 The separation unit 150 shows from the Figuren 5a und 5b in a perspective view.

[0064] The filter module 105 can have at least one groove 416, which is arranged on the outer surface of the filter module 105 and which runs along the longitudinal axis 201 between the first and the second end face or end side of the filter module 105. Furthermore, the wiper ring 106 can have at least one rib 616 on its inner side facing the outer surface of the filter module 105, which engages in the groove 416 of the outer surface of the filter module 105 (see Fig. 6, und Figuren 7a , 7b and 7c ).

[0065] The rib 616, which engages in the groove 416, ensures that hair and / or threads wrapped around the outer surface of the filter module 105 are reliably pushed away from the outer surface of the filter module 105 when the scraper ring 106 is moved from the suction position to the end position. The removed hair and / or threads are pushed particularly towards the first end face of the filter module 105 and beyond, through the lid 104 and out of the dust container 102. This allows for particularly convenient cleaning of the filter module 105.

[0066] Fig. 7b shows a cross-sectional view through the collection container 102 and through the filter module 105 along the in Fig. 7a The section surface AA shown is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 201. In the illustrated example, the filter module 105 comprises a cylindrical screen 702 (also referred to as a lint filter). The screen 702 surrounds a fan-shaped dust filter 701. One or more grooves 416 can be arranged in the outer surface of the screen 702, particularly in the supporting structure of the screen 702, each extending along the longitudinal axis 201. One or more corresponding ribs 616 can be arranged on the inside of the scraper ring 106, engaging in the corresponding one or more grooves 416.

[0067] This document describes an ejection mechanism for expelling dirt from the collection container 102, which also enables the removal of the collection container 102 and the filter module 105 from the suction device 100, in particular from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. For this purpose, the ejector rod 110 can be completely detached and / or disconnected from the collection container 102 and from the ejection and / or scraper ring 106. The ejector rod 110 can be integrated into the base unit 140 of the suction device 100 and / or be movably mounted.

[0068] At the rear end of the ejector rod 110 (where the rear end faces away from the collection container 102), a handle 111 can be arranged, which allows a user to push the rod 110 forward (towards the collection container 102). The rod 110 can be actuated by means of a (return) spring 114 (see Fig. 1b) are held in their starting position (where the starting position of the rod 110 corresponds to the suction position of the wiper ring 106). The spring 114 can be designed to automatically return the rod 110 to its starting position after actuation of the ejection mechanism.

[0069] By actuating the rod 110 (i.e., by pushing the rod 110 forward), a cover of the filter module 105 and / or the collection container 102 can be opened, and the rod 110 can be coupled to the ejection and / or scraper ring 106 via a coupling 113 (e.g., by means of a magnet, a bayonet fitting, and / or a locking mechanism). By further pushing the rod 110 and the ejection and / or scraper ring 106 forward (i.e., the ejection mechanism), the dirt in the collection area 103 of the collection container 102 is pushed forward and out of the open cover flap 104 of the collection container 102. Simultaneously, the lint filter 702 of the filter module 105 is cleaned, so that subsequent removal of hair or other dirt is not necessary.

[0070] When the handle 111 of the ejector rod 110 is released, the ejector rod 110 returns to its initial position due to the restoring force of the spring 114, thereby moving the ejection and / or scraper ring 106 back into the suction position. Subsequently, the ejector rod 110 decouples from the ejection and / or scraper ring 106, if necessary, so that the collection container 102 can be removed from the base unit 140 (and the rod 110 remains attached to the base unit 140).

[0071] The emptying speed can be adjusted (by the user) to minimize the formation of a dust cloud. The emptying process takes place while the collection container 102 is attached to the suction device 100. Alternatively, the collection container 102 can be detached from the suction device 100 by disconnecting the ejector rod 110. This allows for hygienic removal of the filter module 105, as it can be pulled out from the rear (i.e., across the dust-free area). This also facilitates easy maintenance of the filter module 105.

[0072] This enables improved handling during the emptying process of a removable (Cycletech and / or cyclone-based) collection container 102. For this purpose, a compression, scraping, and / or ejection element 106 is provided for the accumulated dust within the collection container 102. The ejection rod 110 can be disconnected and / or detached between the manual handling (e.g., the handle 111) of the rod 110 and the scraper ring 106 of the collection container 102.

[0073] In the working or suction position, the handle or actuating element 110, 111 can be separated from the compression, scraping, or ejection element 106. The handle or actuating element 110, 111 can optionally be coupled to the compression, scraping, or ejection element 106 only during a compression, scraping, or ejection process. As a result, in a removal position of the dust collection unit 150, the handle or actuating element 110, 111 can remain in the base body 140 of the suction device 100, so that no freestanding element obstructs the handling of the dust collection unit 150 during emptying. In particular, this ensures that the removed dust collection unit 150 does not have a protruding actuating element 110, 111.

[0074] A bagless dust collection unit 150 with a scraper element 106 for cleaning a cylindrical filter module 105 is described. The scraper element 106 can be moved by an actuating element 110, 111, which can be coupled to or decoupled from the scraper element 106. The coupling point or coupling 113 can be arranged at the transition between the dust collection unit 150 and the base unit 140, so that there is no protrusion on the dust collection unit 150.

[0075] The wiper ring 106 can have one or more ribs 616 that project into the lint filter 702. This provides reliable (longitudinal) guidance for the wiper ring 106. Furthermore, the one or more ribs 616 ensure the removal of hair. Thus, hair can be removed from the filter unit 105 while simultaneously guiding the wiper ring 106. In other words, a rotationally secure (in particular, a non-rotatable arrangement about the longitudinal axis) arrangement of a wiper ring 106 can be provided for cleaning a cylindrical filter module 105, especially a lint filter 702.

[0076] For this purpose, at least one guide groove 416 can be provided on the cylindrical filter 105 of the separation unit 150. This reliably prevents rotational movement between the wiper ring 106 and the filter 105. The actuating element 110, 111 for the wiper ring 106 can be arranged off-center and / or axially movable. The wiper ring 106 can have at least one rib 616 that engages in the groove 416 on the filter 105. This groove 416 ensures reliable guidance of the wiper ring 106 during a cleaning process. Furthermore, it allows for the reliable removal of dirt particles and / or hair trapped on the filter 105, which can be completely wiped off into the collection area 103 of the collection container 102.

[0077] The filter module 105 preferably has a free filter end (on the end face facing the lid 104) so ​​that the stripped hairs can fall off the filter module 105.

[0078] A blade for cutting the hair can be arranged on the front side of the slide or on the rib 616. In particular, a rib 616 can be designed as a blade. This allows wrapped hair to be cut during the movement of the scraper ring 106 and removed from the filter module 105 with increased reliability. Furthermore, tension on the wrapped hair can be avoided, thus reducing the force required to move the scraper ring 106.

[0079] Several grooves 416 can be formed on the circumference of the filter module 105. Furthermore, the wiper ring 106 can have several ribs 616. This further improves the guidance of the wiper ring 106. In particular, tilting of the wiper ring 106 can be reliably prevented.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed separation units 150 and / or suction devices 100. Reference symbol list

[0081] 100 Suction device 101 Suction nozzle 102 Collection container 103 Collection area 104 Lid (flap) 105 Filter module 106 Scraper element (scraper ring) 107 Blower 108 Handle 110 Rod 111 Handle 112 Guide (rod) 113 Coupling 114 Spring module (spring) 140 Base unit 150 Separation unit 201 Longitudinal axis 301, 302 Coupling element 401 Guide rail 402 Guide element 406 Front (scraper element) 416 Guide groove 502 Web 616 Rib 701 Dust filter 702 Sieve (lint filter)

Claims

1. Separating unit (150) for a suction apparatus (100); wherein the separating unit (150) comprises, - a collection container (102) with a collection area (103) for receiving particles from a suction air flow (121, 122, 123) of the suction apparatus (100); - a filter module (105) arranged in the collection container (102) which is embodied to filter particles out from the suction air flow (121, 122, 123); wherein the collection area (103) borders a surface of the filter module (105); wherein the surface of the filter module (105) has a groove (416) running along a longitudinal axis (201); and - a scraping element (106), which is embodied to be moved along the longitudinal axis (201) over the surface of the filter module (105), in order to clean the surface of the filter module (105); wherein the scraping element (106) has a rib (616) which engages in the groove (416) on the surface of the filter module (105) when the scraping element (106) is moved along the longitudinal axis (201).

2. Separating unit (150) according to claim 1, wherein - the surface of the filter module (105) corresponds to the lateral area of a cylinder, in particular a circular cylinder, around the longitudinal axis (201); and - the scraping element (106) comprises a scraping ring, in particular a scraping ring which encloses the lateral area of the filter module (105) in the peripheral direction.

3. Separating unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the surface of the filter module (105) has a number of grooves (416) running along the longitudinal axis (201), which are arranged along a peripheral direction of the surface of the filter module (105) distributed at different points, in particular uniformly; - the scraping element (106) has a number of ribs (616) for the number of grooves (416); and - in each case a rib (616) engages into a corresponding groove (416).

4. Separating unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the surface of the filter module (105) extends along the longitudinal axis (201) from a first end face, which, during operation of the suction apparatus (100) is facing a fan (107) of the suction apparatus (100), as far as a second end face, which is facing a cover (104) of the collection apparatus (102); and - the rib (616) is embodied as a blade, in particular as a blade for dividing hairs, on a front side facing the cover (104) of the collection container (102).

5. Separating unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the filter module (105) encloses a mesh (702) with a support structure, which encloses a dust filter (701); and - the groove (416) is arranged in the support structure of the mesh (702).

6. Separating unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the surface of the filter module (105) extends along the longitudinal axis (201) from a first end face, which, during operation of the suction apparatus (100) is facing a fan (107) of the suction apparatus (100), as far as a second end face, which is facing a cover (104) of the collection container (102); and - the groove extends from the first end face as far as the second end face of the surface of the filter module (105).

7. Separating unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating unit (150) comprises an actuation element (110, 111) which is embodied to act on the separating element (106) in order to move the scraping element (106) along the longitudinal axis (201) over the surface of the filter module (105).

8. Separating unit (150) according to claim 7, wherein - the surface of the filter module (105) extends along the longitudinal axis (201) from a first end face, which, during operation of the suction apparatus (100) is facing a fan (107) of the suction apparatus (100) as far as a second end face, which is facing a cover (104) of the collection container (102); - the separating unit (150) has a web (502) which extends along the longitudinal axis (201) starting from the first end face of the filter module (105) away from the filter module (105); and - the actuation element (110, 111) is arranged in the web (502).

9. Separating unit (150) according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein the actuation element (110, 111), comprises a rod (110) with a handle (111), which can be moved along the longitudinal axis (201) in order to move the scraping element (106) along the longitudinal axis (201) over the surface of the filter module (105).

10. Separating unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating unit (150) is embodied as a cyclone separator.

11. Suction apparatus (100) which comprises, - a separating unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims; and - a base unit (140) with a fan (107), which is embodied to generate a suction air flow (121, 122, 123) through the separating unit (150).