Filter and method of cleaning

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter (10) for a suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, a water suction device, or the like, to a suction device, and to a cleaning method. The filter comprises a filter housing (11) within which a suction air channel (12) is formed for conducting a suction airflow. The filter housing has a centrifugal separator (13) for separating particles out of the suction airflow and a container (14) for receiving the separated particles, wherein the filter has a metering device (15) which is arranged upstream of the centrifugal separator in the flow direction of the suction airflow, and liquid can be sprayed into the suction airflow by means of the metering device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filter for a vacuum cleaner, in particular a vacuum cleaner, a water vacuum cleaner or the like, a vacuum cleaner and a method for cleaning, wherein the filter comprises a filter housing within which a suction air channel is formed for conducting a suction air flow, wherein the filter housing has a centrifugal separator for separating particles from the suction air flow and a container for receiving the separated particles, wherein the filter has a dosing device (15) which is arranged upstream of the centrifugal separator in a flow direction of the suction air flow, wherein liquid can be sprayed into the suction air flow by means of the dosing device.

[0002] Such filters are well known and regularly used in vacuum cleaners. Vacuum cleaners are mobile devices for cleaning surfaces, especially floor coverings. A turbine for generating a suction air flow and a filter are located within the vacuum cleaner housing. A distinction is made between vacuum cleaners with filter bags, bagless vacuum cleaners, vacuum cleaners with liquid or water filters, and wet vacuum cleaners.

[0003] With liquid filters, a suction air stream is passed through a liquid container, whereby dust particles are wetted and bound with liquid or water. The disadvantage here is that the vacuum cleaner can only be used when the liquid filter is sufficiently filled with liquid. The wettable surface of the liquid, over which an air stream is passed, continually decreases, meaning that dust particles come into less contact with the liquid. Furthermore, such a vacuum cleaner cannot be tilted or moved into a position that impairs the filtering effect of the liquid filter or leads to its leakage. Bagless filters are also known, which usually have one or more centrifugal separators. With a centrifugal separator, a rotating vortex is created in the suction air stream, whereby particles such as dust, fibers, smaller objects, household dust, etc. are separated., due to their mass are directed against a wall of the centrifugal separator and fall downwards into a collection container or the like. However, the disadvantage here is that dust may still be contained in the cleaned suction air flow, particularly since particles in the collection container can also be stirred up. In addition, unwanted odors can be released back into the environment after passing through this filter. When the collection container is emptied, fine dust can easily be released, for example when the collection container is tapped out. Fine dust can also remain in the collection container and get back into the suction air flow.

[0004] WO 98 / 35603 A1 discloses a filter for a vacuum cleaner comprising a filter housing and a liquid tank. The filter housing is equipped with a centrifugal separator for dust, and a removable container for receiving the separated particles is arranged on the filter housing. Furthermore, a dosing device in the form of a Venturi nozzle is provided in an intake channel upstream of the centrifugal separator, through which liquid can be metered from the liquid container into a suction air stream. A filter bag can be inserted into the container for collecting the particles, and the liquid can be directed to a filter outlet as needed via a liquid line and a valve.

[0005] US 2005 / 0126396 A1 describes a filter for a vacuum cleaner. Liquid can be sprayed into a suction air duct in the direction of flow of the suction air stream upstream of a cyclone of the filter to bind dust particles. Dust particles are said to be more effectively separated in the cyclone due to their binding with the liquid and the resulting increased centrifugal forces.

[0006] KR 2011 0128471 A discloses a filter for a vacuum cleaner in which liquid can be introduced into a suction air stream within the filter to bind particles. Furthermore, the filter housing is equipped with a bellows that forms a dip tube of variable length within the filter housing.

[0007] DE 10 2005 047 812 A1 also shows a filter for a vacuum cleaner in which a filter housing is equipped with a centrifugal separator or cyclone. Among other things, a powder can be added to the suction air stream upstream of the cyclone as a dust-binding agent. Furthermore, a so-called spray device is provided for a liquid that can be sprayed into a container to collect particles from the filter housing.

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a filter, a vacuum cleaner with such a filter and a method for cleaning which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0009] This object is achieved by a filter having the features of claim 1, a vacuum cleaner having the features of claim 7 and a cleaning method having the features of claim 8.

[0010] The filter according to the invention for a vacuum cleaner, in particular a vacuum cleaner, water vacuum cleaner or the like, comprises a filter housing within which a suction air channel is formed for conducting a suction air flow, wherein the filter housing has a centrifugal separator for separating particles from the suction air flow and a container for receiving the separated particles, wherein the filter has a metering device which is arranged upstream of the centrifugal separator in a flow direction of the suction air flow, wherein liquid can be sprayed into the suction air flow by means of the metering device, wherein liquid can be conveyed from the container or from a liquid reservoir of the vacuum cleaner by means of the metering device, wherein the metering device is formed by at least one jet pump which is connected to the container or the liquid reservoir via at least one liquid line.

[0011] The filter is therefore essentially made up of the centrifugal separator and the container for collecting the separated particles. This makes it possible to use the filter as a bagless filter, namely by using only the centrifugal separator, with the separated particles falling into the container. The particles can be common household contaminants such as dust, fibers, small objects, house dust, etc. The fact that the filter has a dosing device makes it possible to also use the filter as a liquid filter. When the container is filled with liquid, for example water, it is possible to use the dosing device to suck liquid from the container or another liquid reservoir, or to use a pump to convey it to the dosing device and spray it into the suction air stream.Because the dosing device is positioned upstream of the centrifugal separator in the direction of flow of the suction air stream, the sucked-in or pumped liquid or water from the container or liquid reservoir is atomized in the suction air stream and transported into the centrifugal separator. Because the suction air duct runs through the dosing device, the suction air stream can be used as a driving medium for the dosing device, which draws in the water. On the way to the centrifugal separator and also within the centrifugal separator, the atomized water mixes with the suction air, whereby particles or dust particles in the suction air are then wetted with water and thus bound. The fact that the suction air duct opens into the centrifugal separator also increases the pressure of the suction air stream, allowing effective wetting of particles with liquid, similar to a diffuser.By continually wetting the inner walls of the filter, they are constantly moistened and can thus be continuously cleaned. The liquid and the comparatively heavier particles can be particularly easily removed from the suction air stream in the centrifugal separator and collected in the container. The proportion of dust that is expelled from the filter can be significantly reduced and unwanted odors can be effectively bound. When the container is emptied, any fine dust that may be present is already bound in the liquid and thus cannot cause any health problems. This eliminates the need for additional cleaning of fine dust residues. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the respective filter or vacuum cleaner to vacuum up liquids, which can also be collected in the container.

[0012] According to the invention, the dosing device can be used to pump liquid from the container or from a liquid reservoir of the vacuum cleaner. The liquid reservoir can be designed as a further, separate container, which can be part of the filter or the vacuum cleaner. The liquid can be pumped by suction through the dosing device or a separate pump. A specific amount of liquid can then be metered independently of the suction power of the vacuum cleaner.

[0013] According to the invention, the dosing device is formed by at least one jet pump, which is connected to the container or the liquid reservoir via at least one liquid line. The jet pump can be formed by a Venturi nozzle as an annular nozzle or by a plurality of Venturi nozzles, which can be connected to the container or the liquid reservoir via at least one liquid line. Liquid or water can be sucked in from the container or the liquid reservoir via the liquid line and continuously fed to the jet pump. In a particularly simple embodiment, the jet pump can already be formed by an opening in a channel wall of the suction air channel. The dosing device can be coupled to the centrifugal separator and the container as a separate assembly, for example in such a way that the dosing device can be easily disassembled and cleaned.

[0014] The dosing device and the centrifugal separator can form the suction air duct, and the container can be adjacent to the centrifugal separator. Accordingly, the suction air duct can run solely through the dosing device and the centrifugal separator, not through the container. In contrast to liquid filters known from the prior art, the suction air flow is then not guided through the container containing the liquid, which can significantly improve the suction effect. The container can then be used as a collection container for particles or dirt, either for dry operation of the filter without liquid or for wet operation of the filter with liquid.

[0015] The centrifugal separator can be formed by a cyclone, in particular a single cyclone, with a dip tube, in particular a concentric dip tube. The suction air flow coming from the dosing device can then enter the cyclone, whereby the cyclone can then also form a diffuser if liquid is added to the suction air flow via the dosing device. During a suction process, particles in the suction air flow can reach a wall of the cyclone and fall downwards. The suction air thus cleaned exits the cyclone via the dip tube or exits it. If liquid sprayed into the cyclone via the suction air with the dosing device is conveyed into the cyclone, this liquid also rinses off particles on the wall of the cyclone, thereby continuously cleaning the cyclone. Optionally, the centrifugal separator can also be formed from a plurality of cyclones or as a multi-cyclone.

[0016] A shut-off valve can be installed on the liquid line. The shut-off valve can be used to completely close, partially open, or completely open the liquid line, allowing the introduction of liquid into the suction air stream via the dosing device to be prevented or adjusted as needed. If the liquid line is closed with the shut-off valve, the filter can be used in dry operation. This prevents liquid from entering the container, even if it is present in the container. However, it is possible to vacuum up liquid with a vacuum cleaner fitted with the filter and separate it in the filter. The shut-off valve can be implemented particularly simply by means of a flexible hose section of the liquid line, which can be mechanically clamped and thus closed.

[0017] A liquid filter can be arranged on a base of the container, wherein the liquid filter can be formed by a dam formed on the base, which can be closed off from an interior of the container with a sieve, wherein the liquid line can be connected to the liquid filter and can open within the dam. The dam can, for example, be arranged centrally on the base. In a particularly simple embodiment, the dam can be formed by a circumferential, circular web on the base. The sieve can be arranged on the dam or plugged onto it and thus separate the interior of the container from an interior of the dam.If the liquid level in the container rises or if contaminated liquid accumulates in the container, particles can sink due to gravity and become trapped outside the dam. The sieve allows liquid with less particle content to be drawn in through the liquid line. Essentially purified liquid can then be fed to the dosing device. During operation of a vacuum cleaner, the liquid or water in the container can then become progressively saturated with dust particles, with the drawn-in water being purified by the sieve, thus preventing clogging of the liquid line.

[0018] A bottom wall with at least one opening for passing separated particles from the centrifugal separator into the container can be formed between the centrifugal separator and the container. The bottom wall can then separate the centrifugal separator from the container, wherein the bottom wall can be attached to the centrifugal separator or the container. The opening or a plurality of openings formed in the bottom wall can serve to pass particles that have been separated from the suction air flow in the centrifugal separator and sink downwards. The particles that pass through the opening can then fall into the container and be collected therein. The size of the opening is advantageously dimensioned such that there is no renewed swirling of particles in the container as a result of the suction air flow passing past the opening. In one embodiment, the opening can be continuously annular.This prevents fibers from adhering to the opening. When the filter is operated wet, liquid can also enter the container through the opening.

[0019] The bottom wall can form a substantially flat base of the centrifugal separator, wherein an annular web can be formed in sections on the base, which can be interrupted in an area of ​​the opening. Compared to the conical wall otherwise used in centrifugal separators, the flat base can significantly reduce the overall height of the centrifugal separator. The flat base is also much easier to clean. The annular web can have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a dip tube of the centrifugal separator. Particles can thus collect between the annular web and the outer wall of the centrifugal separator without being transported to the center of the centrifugal separator and thus below the dip tube. This increases the functional reliability of the filter during extended use.However, due to the vortex created in the centrifugal separator, these particles can be carried along the ridge in the suction air flow to the opening. The ridge can be interrupted in the area of ​​the opening, allowing particles located below the dip tube to enter the opening. The design of the ridge can significantly improve the filter's cleaning efficiency in both dry and wet operation.

[0020] The opening can be arranged at ≤ 90° on a radially outer edge of the base wall relative to an inlet opening of the suction air flow in the centrifugal separator. Since the particles or liquid collect on the radial wall of the centrifugal separator, they can then easily enter the opening if the opening is formed on the outer edge of the base wall. As has surprisingly been shown, a particularly good cleaning effect of the suction air can be achieved if the opening is at an angle of ≤ 90°, for example at an angle of ≥ 70° relative to the inlet opening in the base wall. The angle is defined here as an angle relative to a rotation axis of the centrifugal separator.

[0021] The bottom wall can form an edge at the opening, wherein the edge can be formed in sections, based on a cross-section of the bottom wall, with a curve, preferably with a rounded projection extending into the container. If the particles separated by the filter are fibers, hair, or even smaller objects, these can get caught in the opening or on its edge due to the suction air flow swirled in the centrifugal separator and cannot easily pass through the opening into the container. This can be remedied in particular by forming the edge with a curve. The curve can be dimensioned so that it is larger than a cross-section of the bottom wall. This can be achieved by forming a projection on the bottom wall that extends into the container. The projection can be designed in the form of a nose or a rounded web.Due to the comparatively large roundness, the adhesion of fibers or the like to the edge of the opening can be effectively avoided.

[0022] The base wall can be connected to a hinge, which allows the container to be opened and closed by pivoting the base wall relative to the container. The container and the base wall can also optionally be connected to a hinge, which allows the container to be opened and closed by pivoting the base wall or the centrifugal separator relative to the container. This makes it possible to empty the container without it having to be completely separated from the centrifugal separator. If, for example, a handle is arranged or formed on the container, the hinge can be arranged in the area of ​​the handle in such a way that the container and base wall can be easily pivoted by operating a lever with a finger. The container can then be opened and closed with one hand, which makes handling the filter much easier. In principle, it is also possible toThe centrifugal separator is pivotally mounted on a vacuum cleaner housing using a hinge. A seal, such as a rubber seal, can be arranged between the container and the base wall or centrifugal separator, creating a tight seal and thus preventing particles or liquid from escaping. Sealing can be achieved, in particular, by the formation of a suction air flow, as this creates a negative pressure in the centrifugal separator and the container. A special seal between the container and the base wall or centrifugal separator is then no longer necessary.

[0023] A handle for handling the container can be arranged on the container. The handle can, for example, be molded onto the container and designed like a handle. This handle makes the container particularly easy to handle and clean. The handle can be designed so that it can be easily grasped with one hand. Optionally, a liquid line of the dosing device can be routed through the handle. A shut-off valve can be integrated into the handle, which can then be easily operated with the hand holding the handle.

[0024] A separation plate for separating fine dust can be arranged above a base of the container, which can divide an interior of the container into an upper receiving space and a lower receiving space, wherein the separation plate can rest with an outer contour against an inner wall or inner side of the container and a gap can be formed in sections between the contour and the inner wall. The separation plate can be essentially flat so that the separation plate is easy to clean. Dust accumulating in the container, in particular fine dust, can pass through the gap between the inner wall and the contour of the separation plate into the lower receiving space, whereby larger particles, such as fibers or smaller objects, can remain in the upper receiving space.The separation plate thus prevents unwanted stirring up of fine dust by the suction air flow generated in the centrifugal separator, which can also lead to air movement in the container. Emptying the container is also made easier because the fine dust is not necessarily stirred up during emptying. If a liquid filter is arranged in the container, the separation plate can be combined with this. For example, the separation plate can be arranged on a sieve of the liquid filter or formed together with it. It is also advantageous if the base of the container is continuously smooth so that the container can be easy to clean. In addition, the container can be circular, which is particularly advantageous if there is liquid in the container. If a vacuum cleaner moves, this can lead to liquid sloshing around in the container orThis can lead to the formation of a wave, which can cause liquid to flow back into the centrifugal separator. The circular design of the container effectively prevents this, as a wave cannot strike a flat surface head-on. Especially during wet filter operation, smaller particles can advantageously accumulate in the lower receiving chamber. The liquid filter can therefore be located in the upper receiving chamber, preventing the smaller particles from being sucked into a liquid line.

[0025] The gap can be arranged on a side of the separation plate facing away from or towards a handle. If a handle is formed on the container, it is advantageous if the gap is formed on the side of the separation plate facing the handle, so that when the container is emptied and tilted with one hand starting from the handle, fine dust remains in the lower receiving space and does not pass through the gap into the upper receiving space. Conversely, if the gap is arranged facing away from the container, fine dust can be conveniently disposed of when the container is emptied. Alternatively, the gap can be arranged at an angle of 90° or 270° relative to the handle. The separation plate can then be attached to the bottom of the container, for example by means of a plug connection, so that the desired orientation of the gap is always achieved.When cleaning the container, the separation plate can then be easily removed from the container.

[0026] The filter can be equipped with a fill level sensor that detects the fill level of a liquid bath in the container. It is sufficient if the fill level sensor can detect a maximum fill level. This ensures that the container is not overfilled when liquid is being sucked up. When the maximum fill level is reached, the vacuum cleaner can be shut off.

[0027] The fill level sensor can be configured as a float inside the container and a reed switch outside the container. For example, the float can be configured with a magnet that actuates the reed switch outside the container. The reed switch can be located in the suction cup adjacent to the float. The filter then has no electrical wires that could come into contact with liquids. This significantly improves filter safety. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to configure the fill level sensor as an optical sensor, proximity sensor, or the like.

[0028] An intermediate filter and / or a HEPA filter can be arranged in the suction air duct, wherein the intermediate filter and / or the HEPA filter can be arranged downstream of the centrifugal separator in the flow direction of the suction air flow. The intermediate filter can, for example, be a filter made of a so-called foam material that is open-celled and thus allows the suction air flow to pass through. The intermediate filter can be arranged downstream of the centrifugal separator in the flow direction of the suction air flow. With the intermediate filter, liquid particles or fine dirt particles can be separated and collected from the suction air flow particularly easily. Such an intermediate filter can also be easily cleaned, for example by washing. The HEPA filter can be arranged downstream of the intermediate filter or the centrifugal separator in the flow direction of the suction air duct.The HEPA filter can remove any finer dust particles still present in the suction air. The HEPA filter can be a HEPA filter. The HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter) can, for example, be made of a fleece or multiple layers of fleece.

[0029] The interior surfaces of the centrifugal separator and / or the container can be provided with a self-cleaning nanostructured surface. The nanostructured surface can be formed by a coating, such as a lacquer. A nanostructured surface can achieve a so-called lotus effect, which essentially prevents particles or liquid from adhering to the surface. This significantly simplifies filter cleaning.

[0030] The vacuum cleaner according to the invention, in particular a vacuum cleaner, water vacuum cleaner or the like, comprises a housing, wherein a suction air duct is formed within the housing, which connects a suction air inlet, in particular for connecting a suction hose to the housing, and a suction air outlet, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a turbine for forming a suction air flow in the suction air duct and a filter according to the invention. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner can comprise a suction hose, a suction nozzle arranged on the suction hose, and a reel arranged within the housing with a cable for supplying power to the vacuum cleaner. Further advantageous embodiments of a vacuum cleaner emerge from the feature descriptions of the subclaims referring back to device claim 1.

[0031] In the cleaning method according to the invention for cleaning surfaces, in particular in buildings, vehicles or the like, the cleaning method is carried out with a vacuum cleaner, in particular a vacuum cleaner, water vacuum cleaner or the like, with a filter, wherein within a filter housing of the filter, a suction air flow is guided through a suction air channel formed in the filter housing, wherein particles are separated from the suction air flow in a centrifugal separator of the filter housing and received in a container of the filter housing, wherein liquid is sprayed into the suction air flow by means of a metering device of the filter, which is arranged upstream of the centrifugal separator in a flow direction of the suction air flow, wherein liquid is conveyed from the container or from a liquid reservoir of the vacuum cleaner by means of the metering device, wherein the metering device is formed by at least one jet pump,which is connected to the container or the liquid reservoir via at least one liquid line. For the advantageous effects of the method, reference is made to the description of the advantages of the filter according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments of the method emerge from the feature descriptions of the subclaims referring back to device claim 1.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a filter; Fig. 2 a longitudinal sectional view of the filter; Fig. 3 a longitudinal sectional view of a dosing device.

[0034] A summary of the Fig. 1 bis 3shows a filter 10 for a vacuum cleaner not shown in detail here, wherein the filter 10 is formed from a filter housing 11, within which a suction air duct 12 is formed for conducting a suction air stream not shown here. The filter housing 11 comprises a centrifugal separator 13 for separating particles from the suction air stream and a container 14 for receiving the separated particles. The filter 10 further has a metering device 15, which is arranged upstream of the centrifugal separator 13 in a flow direction of the suction air stream, wherein by means of the metering device 15, liquid located in the container 14 and not shown here can be sucked out of the container 14 and sprayed into the suction air stream.

[0035] The centrifugal separator 13 is formed by a cyclone 16 with a dip tube 17, a circumferential annular outer wall 18, and a substantially flat bottom wall 19. An opening 20 is formed in the bottom wall 19 for conveying separated particles into the container 14. A foam pre-filter 21 is arranged above the cyclone 16 or the dip tube 17, to which an air duct 22 is connected. The air duct 22 leads to a turbine of the vacuum cleaner (not shown here), which may also be preceded by a HEPA filter.

[0036] The dosing device 15 is formed by an annular Venturi nozzle 23 and a liquid line 24 connected to it. When a suction air flow is formed by the turbine, liquid located in the container 14 is sucked in via the liquid line 24 and conveyed or sprayed into the suction air flow via the Venturi nozzle 23. The suction air flow enters the cyclone 16 tangentially, causing turbulence or the formation of a vortex within the cyclone 16 between the dip tube 17 and the wall 18. A web 26 is formed on a base 25 of the base wall 19 and is interrupted in a region of the opening 20. The opening 20 is arranged on a radially outer edge 27 of the base wall 19 relative to an inlet opening 28 of the suction air flow in the centrifugal separator 13. An edge 29 is formed on the opening 20, with a rounded projection 30 extending into the container 14 being formed on the bottom wall 19.

[0037] The container 14 is round and has a flat bottom 31 into which the liquid line 24 opens. Liquid or water contained in the container 14 can thus be sucked in by the Venturi nozzle 23 via the liquid line 24. The liquid line 24 runs over a handle 32 which is integrally formed on the container 14. The liquid line 24 is partially formed by a flexible hose 33, which can be closed off by means of a slide 34 on the handle 32. Furthermore, a hinge 35 is formed on the handle 32 with the bottom wall 19, with a lever 36 integrally formed on the bottom wall 19. The lever 36 allows the bottom wall 19 to be lifted from the container 14 such that the container 14 can be emptied or filled.

[0038] The container 14 further has a dam 37 at the bottom 31, which is closed with a sieve 38. A separating plate 39 is formed on the dam 37, which divides an interior 40 of the container 14 into an upper receiving space 41 and a lower receiving space 42. The separating plate 39 lies tightly against an inner wall 43 of the container 14 and forms a gap 44 that connects the upper receiving space 41 to the lower receiving space 42.

[0039] A float 45 is arranged below the bottom wall 19 and is mounted on the bottom wall 19 so that it can pivot from a vertical position to the horizontal position shown here. When the liquid level in the container 14 rises, a reed contact on the suction device can be actuated via the float 45, thus initiating a shutdown of the suction device.

[0040] During wet operation of the filter 10, a liquid, such as water, is filled into the container 14. The incoming suction air stream is moistened with the water in the dosing device 15, with the water being sucked from the container 14 into the Venturi nozzle 23 via the liquid line 24 running through the handle 32. The suction air or suction air stream flowing in via the inlet opening 28 is directed to the wall 18, where the incoming moistened suction air stream comes into surface contact and mixes with the liquid or water. The liquid rinses a surface 46 of the wall 18, thereby reducing the effort required for subsequent cleaning. In the cyclone 16, particles (not shown here) contained in the suction air stream and the liquid are separated from the suction air stream and conveyed to the base 25.The dry suction air flow is directed via the immersion tube 17 from the cyclone 16 through the pre-filter 21 into the air duct 22. The pre-filter 21 is arranged such that a gap 47 is formed between the immersion tube 17 and the pre-filter 21. The gap 47 prevents liquid particles from entering the pre-filter 21. Furthermore, a collar 48 is formed on the immersion tube 17, through which liquid particles can be discharged to the outside.

[0041] The liquid contaminated with particles or dirt now flows through the opening 20 into the container 14. The separator plate 39 separates coarse particles from fine particles. The fine particles collect in the liquid below the separator plate 39 in the lower receiving space 42. The sieve 38 retains the coarse particles so that the cleaned liquid can be conveyed via the liquid line 24. To empty the container 14, the bottom wall 19 is tilted over the hinge 35 so that the container 14 is open and can be easily emptied. Optionally, a drain opening (not shown here) can be provided in the bottom 31, through which liquid with finer particles can be drained separately.

[0042] During dry operation of the filter 10, the liquid line 24 is squeezed via the slide 34 by a cam 49 formed thereon, thus blocking it. Particles flowing in via the suction air flow are directed to the wall 18 and separated from the suction air flow as previously described. The particles are guided at the base 25 via the opening 20 into the container 14. The web 26 prevents particles from reaching the center of the base 19 and being entrained again by the suction air flow. The projection 30, in particular, repels fibers or the like, so that they cannot become caught on the edge 29 of the base wall 19 or the opening 20.

[0043] In dry operation, liquid can also be sucked into the filter 10 without activating the dosing device 15. In particular, dust-free emptying of the container 14 can then be performed. The filter can be easily cleaned by sucking in uncontaminated liquid or water. When liquid is sucked in, the suction function of the vacuum cleaner is deactivated when the container 14 is filled and the float 45 reaches the horizontal position shown here. After the container 14 has been emptied, the suction process can then be continued.

Claims

1. A filter (10) for a suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, a wet vacuum cleaner or the like, the filter comprising a filter housing (11) within which a suction air duct (12) for conveying a suction air flow is formed, the filter housing having a centrifugal separator (13) for separating particles from the suction air flow and a container (14) for collecting the separated particles, the filter having a metering device (15) disposed upstream of the centrifugal separator in a flow direction of the suction air flow, the metering device being configured to spray liquid into the suction air flow, and the metering device (15) being configured to draw liquid from the container or from a liquid reservoir of the suction device, characterized in that the metering device is formed by at least on jet pump (23) which is connected to the container or the liquid reservoir via at least one liquid line (24).

2. The filter according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering device (15) and the centrifugal separator (13) form the suction air duct (12), and the container (14) is adjacent to the centrifugal separator.

3. The filter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the centrifugal separator (13) is formed by a cyclone (16) having an immersion tube (17).

4. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shut-off valve (34) is disposed on the liquid line (24).

5. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a liquid filter is disposed at a bottom (31) of the container (14), the liquid filter being formed by a dam (37) formed on the bottom and closed off from an interior of the container by a screen (38), the liquid line (24) being connected to the liquid filter and ending inside the dam.

6. The filter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bottom wall (19) having at least one opening (20) for conveying separated particles from the centrifugal separator (13) into the container is formed between the centrifugal separator (13) and the container (14).

7. A suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, a wet vacuum cleaner or the like, the suction device having a housing, a suction air duct (12) being formed in the housing, the suction air duct connecting a suction air inlet, in particular for connecting a suction tube to the housing, and a suction air outlet, the suction device comprising a turbine for establishing a suction air flow in the suction air duct and a filter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A cleaning method for cleaning surfaces, in particular in buildings, vehicles or the like, implemented using a suction device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, a wet vacuum cleaner or the like, comprising a filter (10), a suction air flow being conveyed through a suction air duct (12) formed in a filter housing (11) of the filter within the filter housing, particles being separated from the suction air flow in a centrifugal separator (13) of the filter housing and collected in a container (14) of the filter housing, a metering device (15) of the filter disposed upstream of the centrifugal separator in a flow direction of the suction air flow spraying liquid into the suction air flow, the metering device drawing liquid from the container or from a liquid reservoir of the suction device, characterized in that the metering device is formed by at least on jet pump (23) which is connected to the container or the liquid reservoir via at least one liquid line (24).

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