ENERGY RECOVERY FROM AIR FLOW IN A VACUUM CLEANER

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household vacuum cleaners and in particular vacuum cleaners, for example with a handle. The invention relates in particular to an energy storage module for a vacuum cleaner that can be integrated into the vacuum cleaner, as well as a vacuum cleaner comprising the module. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A household vacuum cleaner may incorporate a cyclone separator to effectively remove dust from a space, for example on surfaces to be cleaned.

[0003] A cyclonic separation vacuum cleaner typically comprises a motor-fan unit for moving an air flow inside the vacuum cleaner, as well as a tube placed in the path of the air flow and preferably comprising a separator filter arranged downstream of the cyclonic separator. In this context, the cyclonic separator forms a first separation stage and the separator filter a second filtration stage. The dust-laden air rises along the walls of the tube. Small-sized particles, including dust and other waste, are sucked in by an accessory of the vacuum cleaner and entrained in the air flow. The waste is separated by the cyclonic separation stage, then falls by gravity and is collected in a collection space of the vacuum cleaner. The air flow then passes through the separator filter.The airflow separated from the waste continues its path to an upper opening of the tube, until it is expelled from the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] The separator filter includes, for example, a HEPA type filter, for "High-Efficiency Particulate Air", i.e. capable of filtering a very large majority of particles with a diameter of more than 0.3 micrometers present in the air. The efficiency of the mono-cyclonic separation system depends partly on the condition of the separator filter. Over time, the vacuum cleaner is used, dust particles cover the walls of the filter, clogging the filter, reducing the filtration efficiency.

[0005] In many well-known vacuum cleaners, the separator filter is integrated into a waste separation device, which is removable from the vacuum cleaner housing. The user may therefore be required to regularly maintain the separator filter manually.

[0006] To avoid tedious and time-consuming operations for the user, "self-cleaning" vacuum cleaner separator filters have been proposed.

[0007] In some vacuum cleaner models, the user must press a button to activate a filter cleaning element, such as a weight that locally shakes, scrapes, or deforms the filter. Although this device eliminates the need to manually remove the filter, it still requires manual activation of the cleaning. In addition, the cleaning element is often electrically operated, and therefore consumes power from the vacuum cleaner's battery.

[0008] In other known models it has been proposed to automatically operate the cleaning element, pneumatically.

[0009] However, the pneumatic actuation is carried out during the rotational drive of a turbine inside the vacuum cleaner, i.e. during the suction of the air flow, which is of little advantage for several reasons.

[0010] One disadvantage of activating a cleaning element while vacuuming is the risk of causing unwanted jolts or vibrations in the vacuum cleaner housing. Regular vibrations are particularly unpleasant for the user. In the case of a handheld vacuum cleaner with a handle, the user experiences the vibrations and possible jolts while carrying the vacuum cleaner.

[0011] Additionally, activating a cleaning element during vacuuming can reduce airflow performance, which then affects the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.

[0012] Document WO 2019 / 002032 A1, which is considered to be the state of the art closest to the subject matter of claim 1, discloses an energy storage module for a suction appliance. The module comprises a housing, an air inlet and an air outlet. The module further comprises energy storage and restitution means configured to store mechanical energy. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In view of the above, there is a need for a suction device comprising one or more movable actuable devices actuated outside the operating ranges of the suction device, without the user needing to manually carry out this actuation.

[0014] In particular, means of actuating the device are sought that can be activated immediately after the suction device has stopped operating. Preferably, the means sought do not consume more electrical energy.

[0015] In particular, there is a need for a vacuum cleaner implementing an automatic filter cleaning function during non-operating phases, for example for a HEPA type filter integrated into a cyclonic separation device. Preferably, the desired cleaning means are compatible with conventional dust filters.

[0016] The means sought must preferably not reduce the aeraulic performance of the vacuum cleaner or its comfort of use. These means must also not weigh down or make the vacuum cleaner excessively bulky, and must not significantly modify the external dimensions of the vacuum cleaner.

[0017] To meet these needs, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to an energy storage module for a suction appliance, the module comprising a housing, an air inlet and an air outlet, the module further comprising a rotor extending along a longitudinal axis, the rotor being configured to be driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing by an air flow circulating between the air inlet and the air outlet, the module further comprising energy storage and restitution means configured: to store mechanical energy created by rotation of the rotor driven by an air flow circulating between the air inlet and the air outlet, and to supply an actuable device with the stored mechanical energy, only in the absence of an air flow circulating between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0018] Thus, in the proposed energy storage module, the energy generated at the rotor is released at the actuable device only outside the operating ranges of the appliance. Even in the case where vibrations or jolts are generated by the actuable device, little nuisance is produced for the user because the vacuum cleaner experiences these vibrations when the user has finished using the vacuum cleaner. This is particularly advantageous for a handheld appliance, because if vibrations occurred during use, the user would experience these vibrations while carrying the appliance.

[0019] Furthermore, the user does not necessarily need to manually trigger the energy release at the actuable device. For example, a spiral spring integrated into the energy storage and release means may spontaneously relax when the airflow stops circulating between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0020] An additional advantage is that the use of the energy generated by the air flow at the rotor level preferably allows not to use electrical energy for the actuation of the actuable device. Thus, electrical energy can be saved (in particular at the level of a battery of the suction device) and the control logic within the suction device is not complicated.

[0021] Optional and non-limiting characteristics of the energy storage and restitution module are the following, taken alone or in any of the technically possible combinations: the energy storage and restitution means comprise a spiral spring. the spiral spring extends around the longitudinal axis. the spiral spring comprises a radially inner strand mechanically connected to the rotor so as to be driven in rotation by the rotation of the rotor around the longitudinal axis. the spiral spring comprises a radially outer strand, integral with the housing in rotation around the longitudinal axis. the radially outer strand is connected to the housing. the spiral spring is configured to reach a maximum tension state at the end of a rotation time of the rotor greater than or equal to 15 seconds and less than or equal to 120 seconds, preferably equal to 30 seconds. the module comprises an additional shaft mechanically coupled to the energy storage and restitution means in rotation around the longitudinal axis, and a reducer, an input of the reducer is connected to the rotor and an output of the reducer is connected to the additional shaft.the reducer is positioned axially between the rotor and the energy storage and restitution means. the energy storage module comprises the actuable device. the actuable device comprises an unclogging device mechanically connected to the rotor, the unclogging device being configured to remove solid particles accumulated in a filter of the suction device intended to be arranged inside the module. the module further comprises a drive shaft and a one-way bearing arranged between the drive shaft and the unclogging device, in order to mechanically couple the drive shaft to the unclogging device in one direction of rotation of the drive shaft and to mechanically decouple the drive shaft from the unclogging device in the other direction. the one-way bearing is a needle roller bearing.the unclogging device comprises at least one rotating element, the rotating element preferably comprising a free end configured to deform the filter. the rotating element comprises a flat surface extending in a radial plane relative to the longitudinal axis. the unclogging device comprises a movable mass mounted in translation along the longitudinal axis and configured to strike an axial end of the filter.the unclogging device further comprises: a rotary cam mounted to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing, the rotary cam being configured to be driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis by the energy storage and restitution means, the rotary cam being configured to constrain the mobile mass in a direction away from the axial end of the filter along the longitudinal axis, or to release the mobile mass, depending on the angular position of the rotary cam, and return means configured to force the mobile mass in translation in a direction towards the axial end of the filter along the longitudinal axis, the release of the mobile mass relative to the rotary cam causes the axial end of the filter to be struck by the mobile mass, due to the force exerted by the return means on the mobile mass.the rotating cam comprises a first guide ramp which extends around the longitudinal axis and which faces the moving mass, the first guide ramp terminating in a first connecting portion, and wherein the moving mass comprises a second guide ramp which extends around the longitudinal axis and which faces the rotating cam, the second guide ramp terminating in a second connecting portion, the second guide ramp being complementary to the first guide ramp such that the first guide ramp can slide on the second guide ramp. the filter is integrated into the module. the filter is removable from the module housing. the filter comprises a pleated type filter. the filter comprises a HEPA filter. the filter extends around the longitudinal axis. the filter has a cylindrical shape or a frustoconical shape or a conical shape.the actuable device comprises a dust packing device, the dust packing device being movable in translation relative to the housing. the actuable device comprises a valve, preferably a deodorization line valve. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a suction device, preferably a vacuum cleaner, comprising an energy storage and restitution module as defined above.

[0022] Optional and non-limiting features of this suction device are the following, taken alone or in any of the technically possible combinations: the apparatus comprises a suction inlet, the apparatus being configured so that an airflow admitted by the suction inlet circulates at least partially through the air inlet of the module and then through the air outlet of the module. the apparatus further comprises a collection bowl. the energy storage module is positioned inside the collection bowl. the apparatus further comprises a cyclonic separator disposed in the collection bowl, the collection bowl being configured to collect solid particles collected by the cyclonic separator, the module being positioned radially inside the cyclonic separator. the suction apparatus is a portable vacuum cleaner comprising a gripping handle. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, among which: There Figure 1a is a general view of a handheld vacuum cleaner with a handle including a filtration device, where internal elements of the vacuum cleaner are visible. Figure 1b is a close-up view of a dust collection bowl, on which a filtration device and a cyclonic separation device are visible according to a first example, the bowl being oriented vertically. Figure 2a is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a filtration device of the bowl of the Figure 1b . There Figure 2b is a partial view of the filtration device of the Figure 2a on which the filter and filter wall have been omitted. The Figure 3is an exploded view of the filtration device along a longitudinal axis, corresponding to the Figure 2a . There Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of the filtration device of the Figure 2a . There Figure 5 is a close-up view of a rotating vane of the filtration device of the Figure 2a . There Figure 6 represents in isolation a filter of the filtration device of the Figure 2a . There Figure 7 represents in isolation a filtration device housing visible on the Figure 1b and including a perforated dust filtration wall. The Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a filtration device according to a second example, the filtration device being oriented vertically. The Figure 9 is a partial exploded view of the filtration device along a longitudinal axis, corresponding to the Figure 8 . There Figure 10a is a partial perspective side view of the filtration device of the Figure 8. There Figure 10b is a partial perspective side view of the filtration device of the Figure 8 , on which the filter has been omitted. The Figure 11 is a perspective view of a rotating cam of the filtration device of the Figure 8 . There Figure 12 is a perspective view of a moving mass of the filtration device of the Figure 8 . There Figure 13a represents the filtration device of the Figure 8 in a first position, where the moving mass is away from the lower edge of the filter. The Figure 13b represents the filtration device of the Figure 8 in a second position, where the moving mass is brought closer to the lower edge of the filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The detailed description below concerns the example of a portable vacuum cleaner comprising a waste filtration and separation device equipped with a filter. The filter is cleaned by a device that can be activated outside the operating ranges of the vacuum cleaner. However, it will be understood that the invention applies, with the same advantages, to a non-portable vacuum cleaner, or to any other type of suction device comprising a rotor driven in rotation by an air flow.

[0025] In particular, the energy storage and restitution module described below can be used to trigger any type of actuable device present in a suction device. The energy thus restored can, for example, be used to unclog a filter in the suction device.

[0026] In all the attached figures and throughout the description below, similar elements bear identical references. General architecture of the vacuum cleaner

[0027] There Figure 1a represents a vacuum cleaner 1. Internal elements of the vacuum cleaner 1 are visible in this figure. The vacuum cleaner 1 is here of the portable type, that is to say that it can be grasped by the user, here by means of the gripping handle 6.

[0028] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a battery (not shown), so that the vacuum cleaner 1 is not necessarily connected to a wall outlet during operation, allowing a wider variety of surfaces to be treated.

[0029] In addition, the vacuum cleaner 1 is here a bagless vacuum cleaner, of the "cleanette" type. Cleaning accessories can be removably connected to the vacuum cleaner 1, depending on the type of surface to be cleaned and / or the type of treatment desired. On the Figure 1 , a suction brush, visible on the left side of the Figure 1, is connected to the air inlet 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1. Other types of accessories, such as for example a nozzle connected to the air inlet 5 via a rigid tube, are usable.

[0030] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises an air suction inlet E, here located on the left side (at the nozzle 5). The vacuum cleaner 1 can suck in an air flow from the inlet E. The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises an air expulsion outlet S, here located at the top right. Thus, an external casing of the vacuum cleaner has an opening at the outlet S. The air flow circulating inside the vacuum cleaner 1 is discharged into the environment outside the vacuum cleaner through the outlet S.

[0031] The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises a motor-fan unit 4 configured to set in motion the air flow from the inlet E to the outlet S. Conventionally, the motor-fan unit 4 comprises a motor, for example electric, and a fan.

[0032] Thus, during operating phases of the vacuum cleaner 1, an air flow set in motion by the motor-fan unit 4 enters via the inlet E, and exits via the outlet S. Outside of the operating phases of the vacuum cleaner 1, no air flow circulates within the vacuum cleaner between the inlet E and the outlet S (or a negligible air flow circulates).

[0033] Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner 1 here comprises a waste filtration device 3 described in detail below. The waste filtration device 3 is preferably removable relative to the vacuum cleaner. The waste filtration device 3 comprises in particular an energy storage and restitution module according to an exemplary embodiment. Advantageously, the waste filtration device 3 belongs to a waste separation and filtration assembly in which the waste filtration device forms a second waste separation stage around which a first waste separation stage is formed. The first waste separation stage is arranged, according to the direction of the suctioned air flow, upstream of the second suction stage, and the first waste separation stage is produced by a cyclonic separator.

[0034] A function of the vacuum cleaner 1 is to ensure filtration of the sucked air flow, so as to collect solid particles such as dust and other waste present in this air flow and to gather them in a dedicated space, instead of rejecting these solid particles into the external environment. The vacuum cleaner 1 can thus clean a surface. To do this, the waste separation and filtration assembly is arranged on the air path between the inlet E and the outlet S, so that the air flow set in motion by the motor-fan unit 4 penetrates inside the waste separation and filtration assembly.

[0035] The air path between the inlet E and the outlet S here comprises a series of pipes which direct the air flow inside the vacuum cleaner 1. Here, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises in particular a first connecting pipe which extends from an air inlet 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1 to a bowl air inlet 27 (visible on the Figure 1b ) and a second connecting pipe which extends from a bowl air outlet 28 to the motor-fan unit 4. In the present example, the second connecting pipe is bent. Cyclonic filtration waste separation device

[0036] A function of the vacuum cleaner 1 is to ensure filtration of the sucked air flow, so as to collect solid particles such as dust and other waste present in this air flow and to gather them in a dedicated space, instead of rejecting these solid particles into the external environment. The vacuum cleaner 1 can thus clean a surface. To do this, the waste separation and filtration assembly is arranged on the air path between the inlet E and the outlet S, so that the air flow set in motion by the motor-fan unit 4 penetrates inside the waste separation and filtration assembly.

[0037] The air path between the inlet E and the outlet S here comprises a series of pipes which direct the air flow inside the vacuum cleaner 1. Here, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises in particular a first connecting pipe which extends from the air inlet 5 to a bowl air inlet 27 (visible on the Figure 1b) and a second connecting pipe which extends from a bowl air outlet 28 to the motor-fan unit 4. In the present example, the second connecting pipe is bent. • Collection bowl and perforated wall

[0038] The waste separation and filtration assembly 3 is here arranged inside a collection bowl 2.

[0039] The collection bowl 2 is shown in isolation from the rest of the vacuum cleaner 1 on the Figure 1b. As can be seen in this figure, the collection bowl 2 comprises a bowl bottom wall 201, and a side wall 200 extending along a longitudinal axis A from the bowl bottom wall 201 to an upper opening. The bottom wall 201 and / or the upper opening are preferably circular in shape. The outer walls of the collection bowl 2 comprise a bowl air inlet 27 oriented substantially tangentially to the outer walls of the bowl, to rotate the air flow entering the collection bowl 2 and allow the air flow to swirl around a perforated wall 22, so as to allow cyclonic separation of the waste. The perforated wall 22 is preferably made of an openwork wall.

[0040] The cyclone separator extends between the side wall 200 of the collection bowl 2 and the perforated wall 22. The filtration device is preferably removable from the collection bowl 2. The collection bowl 2 is located here in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner 1, so that the vacuum cleaner 1 rests partly on a bowl bottom wall 201 of the collection bowl 2 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is placed upright.

[0041] The collection bowl 2 further comprises a bowl handle 26, which allows the collection bowl 2 to be carried when the latter is detached from the vacuum cleaner 1. The bowl handle 26 is preferably fixed to the side wall 200 by its two ends.

[0042] When the vacuum cleaner 1 is standing upright, the longitudinal axis A of the collection bowl 2 is oriented vertically. When separated from the vacuum cleaner 1, the collection bowl 2 can be turned upside down.

[0043] The collection bowl 2 is configured to collect solid particles such as waste that have been separated by the cyclone separator. Provision is made to accumulate the separated waste in a lower portion of the collection bowl 2, in particular in the vicinity of the bottom wall 201.

[0044] The waste filtration device 3 is arranged, preferably removably, inside the collection bowl 2, through the upper opening of the collection bowl 2. An advantage of the removable nature of the waste filtration device 3 is to facilitate its maintenance and possible replacement, as well as to facilitate the emptying of the collection bowl 2.

[0045] The waste filtration device 3 extends along the axis A, towards the bowl bottom wall 201, from a cover 10. The cover 10 preferably has a shape complementary to the shape of an upper edge of the collection bowl 2.

[0046] The waste filtration device 3 is coaxial with the collection bowl 2 by being embedded in the collection bowl 2.

[0047] The cover 10 of the waste filtration device 3, which is here substantially circular in shape, closes the collection bowl 2. The waste filtration device 3 is removably secured to the collection bowl 2.

[0048] The waste filtration device 3 comprises a housing 21, 22, formed mainly of a housing bottom wall 21 and the perforated wall 22. In the state attached to the bowl, the bottom wall 21 extends opposite the bowl bottom wall 201 with a slight recess, allowing the accumulation of dust particles in the housing. Furthermore, the housing 21, 22 here comprises, on its outer surface, a corolla 222 above the bottom wall 201. The corolla 222 provides a non-return function and limits the risks of the waste accumulated in the collection bowl 2 being separated from the bottom of said bowl.

[0049] The housing 21, 22 is visible separately from the rest of the collection bowl 2 on the Figure 7 attached.

[0050] The perforated wall 22 is here of truncated cone shape. The perforated wall 22 extends along the longitudinal axis A, from the bottom wall 201 to an upper portion of the housing 21 which is complementary with the cover 10. Thus, the cover 10 closes the housing 21, 22.

[0051] As it is visible on the Figure 7 , the perforated wall 22 comprises a plurality of perforations 220 on at least a lower portion of its longitudinal extension. The perforations 220 are for example circular.

[0052] The perforations 220 materialize an air inlet 17 of the second waste separation stage on the lower part of the perforated wall 22. Furthermore, the air can exit through an air outlet 18 made here on a central portion of the cover 10. Thus, the air flow set in motion between the inlet E and the outlet S of the vacuum cleaner can pass at least partially inside the waste filtration device 3, via the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18.

[0053] Thanks to the perforated wall 22, the air flow entering tangentially into the collection bowl 2 can swirl long enough to allow effective separation of the dust by centrifugal force and gravity.

[0054] The 220 perforations allow the air flow to enter the second stage of waste separation while stopping larger waste or dust that would not have been separated by the cyclone separator.

[0055] The internal volume of the housing 21 is mainly hollow. This volume contains the filter 23 and other elements of the waste filtration device 3. • Removable filter

[0056] In addition to the perforated wall of the first separation stage, the waste filtration device 3 comprises an additional filter 23. The filter 23 provides the second filtration stage. The filter 23 comprises a filter wall 230 arranged inside the perforated wall 22, preferably of generally frustoconical shape. Inside the filter wall 230, the filter 23 also comprises a filter medium 231 preferably configured as a cylinder or a truncated cone. The filter 23 therefore preferably has a cylindrical or frustoconical shape as a whole.

[0057] The filter 23 is arranged inside the housing, preferably coaxially with the housing and the bowl, and preferably removably with respect to the housing (i.e. with respect to the housing bottom wall 21, and with respect to the perforated wall 22).

[0058] In the present example, the filter 23 is positioned on a radially inner side of the perforated wall 22. From a lower end 24a facing the housing bottom wall 21, 22, which is here circular, the filter 23 extends along the longitudinal axis A to an upper end 24b facing the cover 10. The upper end 24b of the filter 23 may comprise an upper sealing disc fixed in a sealed manner to the upper end 24b of the filter medium 231, the upper sealing disc is then removably connected or irreversibly fixed to the cover 10. Advantageously and as shown in Figure 8, the upper end 24b of the filter can also be directly and irreversibly fixed to the cover 10. In other words, in the latter case the cover 10 forms the upper sealing disc. The lower end 24a of the filter 23 can comprise a lower sealing disc fixed in a sealed manner to the filter medium 231. The lower end 24a and the upper end 24b are connected to each other by the filter medium 231 of the filter 23, which extends around the longitudinal axis A and facing the perforated wall 22.

[0059] Advantageously, the filter 23 is here a HEPA type filter, for “High Efficiency Particulate Air”, whose filter medium 231 has a very high filtration efficiency. A filter meeting the HEPA filter standard is capable of blocking at least 99.97% of solid particles with a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 µm, in a single pass through said filter. Thus, the combined action of the cyclonic separator and the filter 23 makes it possible to filter a very large majority of the particles carried in the air flow sucked in by the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0060] The filter 23 is here a pleated filter, preferably having accordion pleats whose edges extend in a substantially rectilinear manner between the lower end and the upper end of the filter 23. In a variant not shown, the filter could be smooth, that is to say without pleats.

[0061] Optionally, the waste filtration device 3 further comprises an openwork support tube 25, which is here coaxial with the filter 23. Such an openwork support tube is shown in relation to Example 2 below and is notably illustrated in the Figures 8 And 9 annexed. The perforated support tube 25 is arranged radially inside the filter 23, and provides internal support to the filter medium 231, to prevent the filter medium 231 from deforming inwards due to the suction depression downstream of the filter medium 231.

[0062] The perforated support tube 25 is advantageously non-deformable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A, so as to prevent deformations of the filter 23 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A. This is particularly advantageous when the mobile mass 41 strikes the lower end 24a of the filter or an intermediate housing in contact with the lower end 24a, since axial deformations of the filter 23 are limited during percussion. However, in an alternative example, the perforated support tube 25 and the filter 23 may be axially deformable.

[0063] In the example of the Figures 1b to 7 , the openwork support tube 25 is fixed to the cover 10 which closes the upper opening of the waste filtration device 3.

[0064] Alternatively or in combination, the filter 23 can itself be designed in a material which is virtually non-deformable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0065] As indicated above, the cyclonic separator extends between the side wall 200 of the collection bowl 2 on the one hand, and the perforated wall 22 of the filter 23 on the other hand. The cyclonic separator forms a first stage of waste separation. After the air flow enters through the air inlet 27, the densest dust separates from the air flow and is accumulated at the bottom of the collection bowl 2, and the dust of smaller diameter is entrained in the air set in rotary motion around the perforated wall 22.

[0066] Following the cyclonic separation of the densest dust, the less dense and small-diameter dust passes through the perforations 220 of the perforated wall 22 to enter the filtration device forming a second stage of waste separation. The air flow passes radially through the filter medium 231 of the filter 23, from the outside to the inside. The rest of the dust (i.e. the dust of smaller diameter) is retained on the external wall of the filter 23 and / or inside the filter medium 231, and the air escapes through the air outlet 28. Example 1 - Filter cleaning by a rotating element

[0067] It has been represented on the Figures 2a to 7 a waste filtration device 3 according to a first example. The Figure 3 provides an exploded schematic view of the elements of the waste filtration device 3, excluding the housing and the radial support element. This device may be included in the collection bowl 2. • Turbine driven by air flow

[0068] The waste filtration device 3 comprises a rotor shaft 12, here rotatable about the longitudinal axis A relative to the housing. The rotor shaft 12 is placed on the air path between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18. Preferably, the rotor shaft 12 is positioned in the vicinity of the air outlet 18, on a flared side of the filter 23. The rotor shaft 12 is thus positioned opposite the bottom wall 21 of the housing 21, 22, and is located on the air path downstream of the perforated wall 22.

[0069] The rotor shaft 12 is advantageously coupled to an air turbine 11 that can be driven in rotation by an air flow generated between the air inlet and the air outlet. The rotor shaft 12 is thus integral with a turbine 11. The turbine 11 is mounted on a rotor shaft 12. The rotor shaft 12 extends rectilinearly along the longitudinal axis A. The turbine 11 and the rotor shaft 12 are integral in rotation about the longitudinal axis A. In an alternative embodiment, the rotor shaft 12 could be coupled to an electric motor.

[0070] The turbine 11 is here placed inside a circular-shaped cavity of the cover 10. A lower wall of said cavity has an opening for the passage of the rotor shaft 12. Advantageously, the turbine 11 has a general propeller shape. The blades of the propeller are movable along a direction of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0071] The rotor shaft 12 is advantageously coupled to a reducer 13, a role of which will be described below. An input of the reducer 13 is mechanically connected to the rotor shaft 12 and an output of the reducer 13 is mechanically connected to an additional shaft 14, preferably also rotatable about the longitudinal axis A and extending along said axis.

[0072] In the present example, the rotor shaft 12 is placed directly at the input of the reducer, and a coupling part 140 secured to the additional shaft 14 rotating about the longitudinal axis A is placed at the output of the reducer. Alternatively, the additional shaft 14 is placed directly at the output of the reducer 13.

[0073] The reducer 13 is here positioned axially under the turbine 11 and above the energy storage and restitution means as described below.

[0074] In the example of the Figures 2a to 7, the reducer 13 is attached to a lower part of the cover 10 of reduced diameter compared to the upper part of the cover 10. • Means of energy storage and restitution

[0075] The waste filtration device 3 further comprises energy storage and restitution means. One function of said means is to store mechanical energy created by the rotation of the turbine 11, to then restore it to an actuable device integrated into the vacuum cleaner 1. The energy storage and restitution means provide mechanical energy to the actuable device only in the absence of air flow circulating between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18.

[0076] Most preferably, the energy storage and restitution means do not require electric current to operate. Thus, the energy from the battery of the vacuum cleaner 1 to operate the actuable device is avoided. For example, the energy storage and restitution means operate mechanically.

[0077] Preferably, the energy storage and restitution means comprise a part that can rotate about the longitudinal axis A relative to the housing 21, 22, being integral with the additional shaft 14 (or, alternatively, integral with the rotor shaft 12). Thus, said part of the energy storage and restitution means is driven in rotation when the turbine 11 rotates under the effect of the air flow circulating between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18, with a reduced rotation speed relative to the turbine 11.

[0078] Here, the energy storage and restitution means comprise a spiral spring 15, preferably extending around the longitudinal axis A. Here, the spiral spring 15 is located below the lower end 24a of the filter 23, and is centered on the longitudinal axis A.

[0079] Preferably, a winding plane of the spiral spring 15 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The spiral spring 15 is for example formed from a metal strip wound on itself. It can also be a leaf spring.

[0080] The spiral spring 15 is arranged inside a spring housing 153. The spring housing 153 is located on a lower part of the waste filtration device 3, on a side opposite the cover 10. The filter 23 is located axially between the cover 10 and the spring housing 153.

[0081] Here, the spring housing 153 is a hollow disc defining an internal cavity in which the spiral spring 15 is arranged. The spring housing 153 here comprises a side wall 154 and a cover 16 which closes the side wall 154 on the lower side. The spring housing 153 further comprises an upper wall 155 opposite the cover 16. The upper wall 155 is in contact with the lower end 24a of the filter 23. Advantageously, the lower end of the filter medium 231 is fixed in a sealed manner, for example glued, to the upper wall 155 of the spring housing 153.

[0082] In one embodiment, the lower end of the filter media 231 is sealingly attached to a lower sealing disc which is in contact with the upper wall 155 of the spring housing 153.

[0083] In the present example, the side wall 154 of the spring housing 153 is cylindrical in shape and has an outside diameter very close to or identical to an outside diameter of the filter 23, as can be seen in the top view of the Figure 4 .

[0084] The upper wall 155 of the spring housing 153 here comprises a central opening allowing the passage of the additional shaft 14. Thus, a lower end of the additional shaft 14 is inside said housing.

[0085] The spiral spring 15 comprises, at its ends, a radially internal strand 151 and a radially external strand 150. The “radially internal” and “radially external” directions are identified relative to the longitudinal axis A.

[0086] The radially internal strand 151 is mechanically connected to the turbine 11, so that it can be driven in rotation around the longitudinal axis A by the turbine 11, during the operating phases of the vacuum cleaner 1. Here, the radially internal strand 151 is driven in rotation by means of the additional shaft 14 and a spring support ring 152 located inside the spiral spring 15.

[0087] The radially external strand 150, for its part, is integral in rotation with the spring housing 153 and / or with the housing 21, 22 comprising the perforated wall 22 and is not driven in rotation by the additional shaft 14. For example, the radially external strand 150 is connected to the side wall of the spring housing 153, the latter itself being integral with the housing 21, 22 comprising the perforated wall 22. In a first direction of rotation of the radially internal strand 151, which corresponds to the rotation of the turbine 11 during the passage of an air flow between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18, the spiral spring 15 is stretched; In a second direction of rotation of the radially internal strand 151, which is opposite to the aforementioned first direction of rotation, the spiral spring 15 is relaxed.

[0088] Thanks to the reducer 13, the torque generated at the spiral spring 15 by the rotation of the turbine 11 is sufficient to tension the spiral spring 15.

[0089] It will be understood that the radially external strand 150, which is integral in rotation with the spring housing 153, does not move relative to the housing 21, 22 during the tension and relaxation of the spiral spring 15.

[0090] The energy storage and restitution means comprising the spiral spring 15 operate as follows.

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

[0092] Then, the radially inner strand 151 is rotated about the longitudinal axis A by the movement of the turbine 11, with a reduced rotation speed relative to the turbine 11 (due to the presence of the reducer 13). The radially inner strand 151 begins to rotate relative to the spring housing 153 in the first direction. The spiral spring 15 is stretched and thus stores mechanical energy.

[0093] Preferably, the spiral spring 15 is designed to reach a maximum state of tension at the end of a rotation time of the turbine 11 greater than or equal to 5 seconds and less than or equal to 5 minutes, for example greater than or equal to 15 seconds and less than or equal to 120 seconds. The rotation time at the end of which the spiral spring 15 is wound is for example equal to 30 seconds. Preferably, at the end of this rotation time, the spiral spring 15 cannot be stretched further.

[0094] If the vacuum cleaner 1 continues to operate while the spiral spring 15 has reached its maximum tension state, the radially inner strand 151 does not move further around the longitudinal axis A. Thus, since said radially inner strand 151 is rotatably connected to the turbine 11, the turbine 11 no longer rotates, despite the air flow. However, the spiral spring 15 does not relax, due to the resistive torque exerted by the air flow.

[0095] When the vacuum cleaner 1 is stopped, for example after the user has switched off the vacuum cleaner 1, there is no longer any airflow circulating inside the waste filtration device 3.

[0096] Thus, the spiral spring 15 spontaneously tends towards its mechanical equilibrium, that is to say towards its relaxed state. Due to the elasticity of the spiral spring 15, the radially internal strand 151 thus begins to rotate relative to the radially external strand 150 in the second direction, preferably until the spiral spring 15 is relaxed.

[0097] The radially inner strand 151 is mechanically connected to the actuable device (for example via a one-way bearing, as will be described below) in this non-operating phase of the vacuum cleaner 1. Thus, when it is relaxed, the spiral spring 15 provides the actuable device with the stored mechanical energy.

[0098] The energy storage and restitution means are thus capable of storing the mechanical energy transmitted by the air flow to the turbine 11 during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1. The stored energy is spontaneously supplied to the actuable device, only outside the operating phases of the vacuum cleaner 1. It is advantageous for the actuable device to be actuated outside the operating phases, in particular when said device causes vibrations on the vacuum cleaner 1 which would be unpleasant for the user during operation. Furthermore, the user does not need to intervene to actuate the actuable device. • Rotating unclogging element

[0099] In the first example illustrated on the Figures 1b to 7 , the actuable device comprises a filter cleaning device, which comprises a rotating element.

[0100] By "unclogging device" is meant an element or a set of elements capable of removing dust particles or waste which cover the walls of the filter 23 during uses of the vacuum cleaner 1, so as to at least partially restore the filtration efficiency of the filter 23.

[0101] The unclogging device is here integrated directly into the waste filtration device 3.

[0102] The unclogging device is linked to a part of the means for storing and restoring energy in the rotation of said part around the longitudinal axis A. Here, the unclogging device is connectable to the radially internal strand 151.

[0103] The unclogging device here comprises a rotating element movable in rotation around the longitudinal axis A. The rotating element comprises a free portion which is positioned relative to the filter 23 so as to locally deform the filter 23 when the rotating element begins to rotate around the longitudinal axis A.

[0104] In the present example, the rotating element is a pallet 30, a close-up view of which is shown on the Figure 5 attached. The pallet 30 is mounted on the additional shaft 14 placed at the output of the reducer 13. Thus, in this example, no reduction in rotation speed is made between the pallet 30 and the spiral spring 15.

[0105] Here, the vane 30 has a radially inner end 31 and a radially outer end 32, the latter end constituting the free portion. The radially outer end 32 is here rounded, so as not to tear or damage the folds of the filter 23 during its rotation. The vane 30 further comprises a flat surface extending between the two ends in a radial plane relative to the longitudinal axis A.

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

[0107] The bearing 33 is here a one-way bearing, the rolling elements of which are movable in one direction of rotation (corresponding to the displacement of the radially internal strand 151 in the aforementioned second direction) but not in the opposite direction of rotation (corresponding to the displacement of the radially internal strand 151 in the aforementioned first direction). The bearing 33 is for example a needle cage.

[0108] The vane 30 is thus decoupled from the turbine-reducer-shaft system when the spiral spring 15 is stretched, during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1. The vane 30 is mechanically coupled in rotation with the additional shaft 14 when the spiral spring 15 is relaxed, decoupling the reducer 13.

[0109] When the spiral spring 15 relaxes, the vane 30 therefore shakes the filter 23. If the filter 23 is of the pleated type, like the filter 23 illustrated in the attached figures, the vane 30 then successively slams several folds of the filter 23 and dislodges solid particles accumulated on the surface of these folds.

[0110] More generally, a role of the rotating element is to locally deform the filter to separate the solid particles from the filter. The solid particles are collected in the collection bowl 2 or in an additional collection zone located in the extension of the filtration device, between the filter 23 and the bottom wall 21.

[0111] By construction of the unclogging device of Example 1, the filter 23 is thus automatically unclogging after the vacuum cleaner 1 is switched off. It is not necessary for the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 to take any action to trigger this unclogging.

[0112] Alternatively to the example illustrated, the unclogging device could comprise a plurality of rotating elements, for example a plurality of vanes. However, it is advantageous to use a single rotating element to carry out the unclogging, and / or it is advantageous for this rotating element (here the vane 30) to be of low mass, so that the rotary torque delivered by the spiral spring 15 during its relaxation is sufficient to move the rotating element over a large angular range.

[0113] Preferably, when the spiral spring 15 relaxes from its maximum tension state to its state of mechanical equilibrium, the rotating element (here the pallet 30) moves around the longitudinal axis A over an angular range sufficient to successively and locally deform several folds.

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

[0115] Optionally, not illustrated in the attached figures, the mechanical connection between the output of the reducer 13 and the rotating element 30 could comprise a series of wheels meshing with each other, for example located axially between the rotating element 30 and the spring 15. For example, a wheel driving the rotating element 30 can mesh with an additional wheel, being guided in an oblong during its rotational movement. Due to this guidance, the rotating element 30 can be decoupled from the radially internal strand 151 while the spiral spring 15 is tensioned. Example 2 - Filter cleaning by a moving mass striking the filter

[0116] According to a second example, illustrated in relation to the Figures 8 to 13b, the waste filtration device comprises an alternative filter unclogging device which notably comprises a rotating cam 40, a moving mass 41 and return means 42.

[0117] The elements other than the unclogging device are here identical to the elements of the previous example of the Figures 1b to 7 . We therefore do not describe again the cover 10, the turbine 11, the rotor shaft 12, the reducer 13, the additional shaft 14, the energy storage means (here the spiral spring 15), the perforated wall 22 and the filter 23.

[0118] As for reducer 13, its function here is identical to that of the previous example of Figures 1b to 7, that is to say to achieve a reduction in rotational speed between the rotor shaft 12 (connected to the turbine 11) and the additional shaft 14 (connected to the radially internal strand 151). On the other hand, the reducer 13 is preferably received inside the same spring housing 153 as the spiral spring 15, unlike the previous example in which the reducer 13 is attached to a lower part of the cover 10.

[0119] So, as shown on the Figures 8 And 9 , the reducer 13 is preferably housed axially between the upper wall of the spring housing 153 and the spiral spring 15, in an upper portion of the spring housing 153 which is of reduced diameter compared to the rest of the spring housing 153. The reducer 13 is thus in a lower axial position in this second example than in the first example. The lower end 24a of the filter 23 extends here around the reducer 13.

[0120] In this way, the output of the reducer 13 (additional shaft 14) directly drives the radially internal strand 151. An additional transmission part can be dispensed with.

[0121] The energy storage and restitution means operate in a similar manner to the previous example; said means accumulate mechanical energy during an operating phase of the vacuum cleaner 1, more precisely an operating phase where the motor-fan unit is running, while an air flow circulates between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18, and said means restore to the unclogging device the energy accumulated during a non-operating phase of the vacuum cleaner 1. • Rotary cam

[0122] The rotary cam 40 is shown in isolation on the Figure 11attached. When the rotary cam 40 is mounted in the waste filtration device 3, the rotary cam 40 extends around the longitudinal axis A. The rotary cam 40 has an outer annular cam portion 400.

[0123] The outer annular cam portion 400 has a lower surface 408 forming a first guide ramp 401. The first guide ramp 401 extends around the cam rotation axis Z and faces the moving mass 41, here with a helical shape. The first guide ramp 401 extends progressively towards the moving mass 41. A thickness “e” of the outer annular cam portion 400 parallel to the cam rotation axis Z is therefore variable. The first guide ramp 401 ends with a first connecting portion 404.

[0124] In the present example, from the first connecting portion 404, the thickness “e” of the first guide ramp 401 along the cam rotation axis Z decreases as the first guide ramp 401 wraps around said axis. The thickness of the first guide ramp 401 decreases here over an angular sector of 360 degrees, from a portion of maximum thickness 403 to a portion of minimum thickness 402.

[0125] The first connecting portion 404 preferably forms a sharp connection between the minimum thickness portion 402 and the maximum thickness portion 403.

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

[0127] The rotary cam 40 is positioned axially under the cover 16, in contact with the cover 16 at the level of the outer annular portion of cam 400. The filter 23 being positioned above the cover 16, the rotary cam 40 is thus placed outside the filter 23.

[0128] The rotary cam 40 preferably has a central through opening 406, by which the rotary cam 40 is removably mounted on a lower part of the spring support ring 152. It is recalled that, during the relaxation phase of the spiral spring 15, the spring support ring 152 is integral with the radially internal strand 151 in its rotation around the longitudinal axis A.

[0129] The rotary cam 40 is rotatable about the cam rotation axis Z, the latter axis preferably being parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the filter 23. Advantageously, in operation, the cam rotation axis Z coincides with said longitudinal axis A. The rotary cam 40 is preferably connected to the lower part of the spring support ring 152 by a one-way cam bearing 409. The rolling elements of the cam bearing 409 then transmit to the rotary cam 40 the rotation of the radially inner strand 151 when the spiral spring 15 relaxes, but not when the spiral spring 15 tightens. The cam bearing 409 is for example a needle cage.

[0130] The spiral spring 15 is thus designed to drive the rotary cam 40 in rotation only in the absence of air flow circulating between the air inlet 17 and the air outlet 18, in particular in the relaxation phase of the spiral spring 15. During this relaxation, the spiral spring 15 can force the rotary cam 40 to perform at least one rotation, and preferably several complete rotations in a row, around the cam rotation axis Z. • Moving mass in translation

[0131] The moving mass 41 is shown in isolation on the Figure 12 attached. The moving mass 41 has a hollow, truncated upper portion, open on top.

[0132] The rotary cam 40 is shaped to fit inside the moving mass 41 via the opening of the upper frustoconical portion 410, inside the outer frustoconical edge 412 of the upper frustoconical portion 410.

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

[0134] When the moving mass 41 is mounted in the waste filtration device 3, as illustrated in the Figure 8 , the moving mass 41 is positioned axially above the bottom wall 21 and below the lower end 24a of the filter 23. In the present example, the moving mass 41 is positioned between the rotary cam 40 and the return means 42.

[0135] The moving mass 41 is mounted around the mass support 43, and is movable in translation along the longitudinal axis A relative to the mass support 43. A positioning element 419 can be placed radially between the moving mass 41 and the mass support 43.

[0136] The moving mass 41 is movable between a low position ( Figure 13a), in which the external frustoconical edge 412 is brought closer to the bottom wall 21 of the housing 21, 22, and a high position ( Figure 13b ) in which the upper truncated portion 410 is distant from the bottom wall 21 and in contact with the cover 16.

[0137] Preferably, the mobile mass 41 comprises (for example on the external frustoconical edge 412) a retaining lug 44. The retaining lug 44 has a shape complementary to an internal groove of the perforated wall 22 of the housing of the filtration device. In this way, in the low position of the mobile mass 41, the retaining lug 44 is in the retracted position in the internal groove of the perforated wall 22 and exerts a resistance which tends to prevent rotation of the mobile mass 41.

[0138] In the high position of the moving mass 41, the rotating cam 40 is positioned radially on the inner side relative to the external frustoconical edge 412.

[0139] The rotary cam 40 and the moving mass 41 have complementary general shapes. The rotary cam 40 is configured to constrain the moving mass 41 in a direction away from the lower end 24a of the filter 23, by rotating along the cam rotation axis Z (here coincident with the longitudinal axis A), and to release the moving mass 41 once the rotary cam 40 reaches a certain angular position around said cam rotation axis Z.

[0140] To do this, a second guide ramp 411 is present inside the moving mass 41, on the inner side relative to the external frustoconical edge 412. The second guide ramp 411 is complementary to the first guide ramp 401 of the rotary cam 40.

[0141] The bird's eye view of the Figure 12illustrates a portion of the second guide ramp 411. The second guide ramp 411 extends around the cam rotation axis Z, gradually extending toward the rotary cam 40.

[0142] The second guide ramp 411 comprises, at one end, a second connecting portion 414. The second connecting portion 414 forms a sharp connection between a portion of minimum thickness and a portion of maximum thickness of the second guide ramp 411.

[0143] The second guide ramp 411 of the moving mass 41 is complementary to the first guide ramp 401 of the rotating cam. The first guide ramp 401 is thus configured to slide on the second guide ramp 411.

[0144] When the rotary cam 40 reaches a sufficient angular position around the cam rotation axis Z so that the first connecting portion 404 exceeds the second connecting portion 414, the moving mass 41 is released in translation.

[0145] It will be noted that as an alternative, the first guide ramp 401 could end with a hollow portion, and the second guide ramp 411 could end with a projecting portion complementary to said hollow portion, while performing the same function of releasing the mobile mass 41 in translation at the end of a certain angular displacement of the rotary cam 40. • Means of recalling the moving mass

[0146] To force the moving mass 41 in a direction of approach relative to the lower end 24a of the filter 23, the unclogging device further advantageously comprises return means configured to force the moving mass 41 in translation along the longitudinal axis A.

[0147] In the example of the Figures 8 to 13b , the return means comprise an axial spring 42 extending along the longitudinal axis A. A first end of the axial spring 42 bears on a surface of the housing 21, 22 of the waste filtration device 3, here on the bottom wall 21. A second end of the axial spring 42 bears on the moving mass 41.

[0148] The moving mass 41 is thus positioned axially between the rotating cam 40 and the axial spring 42.

[0149] The unclogging device works for example as follows.

[0150] In the position shown in Figure 13a, the axial spring 42 is compressed. The resistive force exerted by the rotating cam 40 on the moving mass 41 opposes a relaxation of the axial spring 42. The position of the Figure 13a corresponds to a position of the unclogging device during the relaxation of the spiral spring 15. The rotary cam 40 has started to move under the effect of the rotation of the radially internal strand 151 of the spiral spring 15 relative to the radially external strand 150.

[0151] If the non-operating phase of the vacuum cleaner 1 continues, and if the spiral spring 15 has previously accumulated sufficient mechanical energy, the spiral spring 15 can continue to release the accumulated mechanical energy via the radially internal strand 151. The rotating cam 40 therefore continues its angular displacement. The moving mass 41 continues the displacement towards the bottom wall 21. The axial spring 42 is compressed.

[0152] Following a sufficient angular displacement of the rotary cam 40 (for example, a displacement greater than or equal to 320 degrees relative to an initial position of the rotary cam 40), the first connecting portion 404 of the rotary cam 40 exceeds the second connecting portion 414 of the moving mass 41.

[0153] The moving mass 41 is then released relative to the rotating cam 40. The axial spring 42, which has previously compressed, can thus relax. The axial spring 42 then exerts a restoring force on the moving mass 41 which tends to move the moving mass 41 towards the lower end 24a of the filter 23.

[0154] The release of the moving mass 41 relative to the rotating cam 40 and the relaxation of the return means push the moving mass 41 to strike the lower end 24a. The moving mass 41 moves to the position shown in the Figure 13b .

[0155] In the present example, the lower end 24a of the filter 23 rests on the spring housing 153.

[0156] Thus, the impact of the moving mass 41 on the lower end 24a is indirect: under the stress of the axial spring 42, the moving mass 41 impacts the cover 16. This cover 16 is integral with the rest of the spring housing 153. As a result of the impact, the lower end 24a undergoes vibrations which tend to separate the solid particles relative to the filter 23.

[0157] Thus, advantageously, the mobile mass 41 strikes a rigid structure capable of transmitting vibrations to the filter 23. Said rigid structure then possibly deforms the filter 23, in particular in the case of an openwork support tube 25 deformable in axial compression, but said rigid structure preferably does not directly strike the filter 23.

[0158] Alternatively, the moving mass 41 could come into direct contact with the lower end 24a, or with another part of the filter 23, upon percussion.

[0159] The impact of the filter 23 by the moving mass 41 is preferably carried out following an angular displacement of the rotary cam 40 greater than or equal to 320 degrees, preferably equal to 360 degrees (relative to the initial position of the unclogging device in which the rotary cam 40 is raised). Following this displacement of the rotary cam 40, the contact is momentarily interrupted between the guide ramp 401 of the cam, the rotary cam 40 and the guide ramp 411 of the moving mass 41, which releases the moving mass 41 and generates the impact of the filter 23.

[0160] Preferably, after the release of the moving mass 41 and the percussion, the spiral spring 15 can continue to supply mechanical energy to the unclogging device, provided that the vacuum cleaner 1 is not in operation. Indeed, if the turbine 11 starts rotating again, the force exerted on the spiral spring 15 does not allow the rotary cam 40 to be driven in rotation under the effect of the displacement of the radially internal strand 151.

[0161] The position of the moving mass 41 shown on the Figure 13bcan constitute a starting point for a new translational movement of the moving mass 41. If mechanical energy continues to be supplied to the unclogging device, contact can be re-established between the guide ramp 401 of the rotary cam 40 and the guide ramp 411 of the moving mass 41. The moving mass 41 can then be moved again in the direction of the bottom wall 21 by the rotary cam 40, until it reaches a position allowing the moving mass 41 to be released.

[0162] The moving mass 41 can then strike the lower end 24a of the filter 23 again.

[0163] It will be understood that depending on the sizing of the energy storage and restitution means (here the spiral spring 15), the mechanical energy stored during the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be sufficient to cause repeated percussions during the non-operation phase of the vacuum cleaner 1 which follows.

[0164] By construction of the unclogging device of Example 2, the filter 23 is thus automatically unclogging during non-operating phases, thanks to the preferentially repeated percussions of the filter 23. As in Example 1, it is not necessary for the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 to take any action to trigger the unclogging.

[0165] According to another example, and possibly in combination with Example 1 and / or Example 2, the actuable device could comprise other elements capable of being actuated by the mechanical energy received from the energy storage and restitution means, and providing a function within the suction apparatus.

[0166] By way of illustration, the actuable device may comprise a dust compacting device (not shown), movable in translation relative to the collection bowl 2. For example, the dust compacting device is arranged inside the collection bowl 2, and compacts the dust accumulated in the collection bowl 2 or in any other collection container. The compacting device may be connected to the spiral spring 15 so that the relaxation of the spring generates a translation of the compacting device.

[0167] Alternatively or in combination, the actuable device may comprise a valve (not shown) performing a function within the vacuum cleaner 1. The valve is for example a deodorization line valve, the opening of which allows a release of deodorization fluid, or a valve in the air circuit of the vacuum cleaner allowing at least partial isolation of a filtration chamber.

[0168] Regardless of the function assigned to the actuable device, the energy storage and restitution means as described above allow automatic activation of the actuable device outside the operating ranges of the vacuum cleaner. The mechanical energy generated at a turbine (or at another energy generation device equivalent to a turbine) by the passage of an air flow inside the vacuum cleaner can be returned to the actuable device at the appropriate time, without it being necessary to provide additional electrical energy to actuate the actuable device.

Claims

1. An energy storage module for a suction apparatus, the module comprising a housing (21, 22, 153), an air inlet (17) and an air outlet (18), the module further comprising a rotor (11) extending along a longitudinal axis (A), the rotor (11) being configured to be driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis (A) relative to the housing (21, 22, 153) by an air flow circulating between the air inlet (17) and the air outlet (18), the module further comprising energy storage and restitution means (15) configured: • to store a mechanical energy created by a rotation of the rotor (11) driven by an air flow circulating between the air inlet (17) and the air outlet (18), • and to supply stored mechanical energy to an actuable device (30, 41), only in the absence of air flow circulating between the air inlet (17) and the air outlet (18).

2. The module according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage and restitution means comprise a spiral spring (15), the spiral spring (15) preferably extending about the longitudinal axis (A).

3. The module according to claim 2, wherein the spiral spring (15) comprises a radially internal strand (151) mechanically connected to the rotor (11) so as to be driven in rotation by the rotation of the rotor (11) about the longitudinal axis (A).

4. The module according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the spiral spring (15) comprises a radially external strand (150) secured in rotation to the housing (21, 22, 153) about the longitudinal axis (A).

5. The module according to claim 4, wherein the radially external strand (150) is connected to the housing (21, 22, 153).

6. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the module comprising an additional shaft (14) mechanically coupled to the energy storage and restitution means (15) rotating about the longitudinal axis (A), and a reducer (13), wherein an inlet of the reducer (13) is connected to the rotor (11) and an outlet of the reducer (13) is connected to the additional shaft (14).

7. The module according to claim 6, wherein the reducer (13) is positioned axially between the rotor (11) and the energy storage and restitution means (15).

8. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the module comprising the actuable device.

9. The module according to claim 8, wherein the actuable device comprises an unclogging device (30, 41) in mechanical connection with the rotor (11), the unclogging device (30, 41) being configured to remove solid particles accumulated in a filter (23) of the suction apparatus intended to be arranged inside the module.

10. The module according to claim 9, the module further comprising a drive shaft (14) and a one-way bearing (33) arranged between the drive shaft (14) and the unclogging device (30, 41), in order to mechanically couple the drive shaft (14) to the unclogging device (30, 41) in one direction of rotation of the drive shaft (14) and to mechanically decouple the drive shaft (14) from the unclogging device (30, 41) in the other direction, the one-way bearing (33) preferably being a needle bearing.

11. The module according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the unclogging device comprises at least one rotating element (30), the rotating element (30) preferably comprising a free end (32) configured to deform the filter (23).

12. A suction apparatus, preferably a vacuum cleaner, the apparatus comprising a module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, the apparatus comprising a suction inlet (E), the apparatus being configured so that an air flow admitted by the suction inlet (E) circulates at least partially through the air inlet (17) of the module and then through the air outlet (18) of the module.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 or 13, the apparatus further comprising a collection bowl (2), the module being positioned inside the collection bowl (2).

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, the apparatus further comprising a cyclonic separator disposed in the collection bowl (2), the collection bowl (2) being configured to collect solid particles collected by the cyclonic separator, the module being positioned radially inside the cyclonic separator.