Filter unit for mobile cleaning apparatus
The filter unit with a rotatable support body and grid structure addresses the issues of complex designs and particle buildup by using cleaning cams to deform and deflect the filter medium, ensuring efficient particle removal and maintaining suction power.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2022179035
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-08-03
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-06-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing filter units in mobile cleaning devices, such as vacuum cleaners, suffer from complex and damage-prone designs, leading to reduced suction power and high differential pressures due to particle buildup, which are not adequately addressed by current pneumatic and mechanical cleaning methods.
A filter unit with a support body and filter medium that are rotatable relative to each other, featuring a grid structure with cleaning cams that deform and deflect the filter medium to dislodge particles, while ensuring mechanical resilience and stability, with guide edges providing minimal friction and support.
The solution maintains high fluid throughput by effectively removing particles from the filter medium, reducing differential pressure, and enhancing the mechanical robustness and stability of the filter unit, thus preventing damage and maintaining suction power.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a filter unit for a mobile cleaning device, in particular for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a support body and a circumferential filter medium supported by the support body, wherein the support body and the filter medium are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation and the support body comprises one or more cleaning cams which are arranged to mechanically clean the filter medium when the support body and filter medium are rotated relative to each other, wherein the support body is arranged on the outside or on the inside of the filter medium and has a grid structure at least partially surrounding the axis of rotation, wherein the support body has one or more partially or completely circumferential guide edges which bear against contact segments of the filter medium.
[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a separation system for a mobile cleaning device, in particular for a vacuum cleaner, with a filter unit comprising a support body and a filter medium, and a movable actuating device which is kinematically coupled to the filter unit and by means of which the support body and the filter medium can be rotated relative to each other about an axis of rotation.
[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a mobile cleaning device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, with a separation system.
[0004] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a filter unit for a mobile cleaning device, comprising the steps of: producing and / or positioning a first end-face closure element on a first end face of a circulating filter medium, producing and / or positioning a second end-face closure element on a second end face of the circulating filter medium, and positioning a support body on the inside and / or the outside of the circulating filter medium.
[0005] The filter medium of mobile cleaning equipment becomes increasingly clogged with particles as the equipment operates. These particles are removed from the fluid stream during the filtration process. As the particle load on the filter medium increases, the maximum possible fluid flow rate through the filter unit is reduced, leading to a decrease in the cleaning equipment's suction power. Furthermore, increasing particle load on the filter medium causes a rise in the differential pressure between the clean and dirty sides of the filter unit. High differential pressures between these two sides are generally undesirable and impractical during the operation of mobile cleaning equipment.
[0006] To maintain a high fluid throughput even with increasing operating time of the cleaning device, it is known to clean the filter medium at regular intervals or when a predetermined minimum throughput is undershot, so that the particles adhering to the surface of the filter medium can be detached and subsequently removed from the filter unit. Pneumatic and mechanical filter cleaning methods are known in this context. In pneumatic filter cleaning, the particles are detached from the surface of the filter medium by blasts of air. In mechanical cleaning, the filter medium is deformed or deflected by means of a contact element, causing the particles to detach from the surface of the filter medium due to the filter deformation or deflection.
[0007] From the publications EP 2 032 011 B1 and EP 2 954 816 B1, filter units are known in which contact bodies are moved along the fold edges of a folded filter medium in order to mechanically clean the filter medium by deformation or deflection.
[0008] Handheld vacuum cleaners are known from US publications 2009 / 144931 A1 and US 2007 / 033765 A1. Further handheld vacuum cleaners are known from GB 2 556 180 B and US 2009 / 019663 A1.
[0009] However, the filter units known in the prior art often have comparatively complex and / or damage-prone designs and / or are not sufficiently mechanically robust. This is particularly due to the delicate design and / or the sensitive mounting of the support structure for the cleaning contact elements.
[0010] The object underlying the invention is therefore to enable mechanical cleaning in a filter unit that is robust and mechanically resilient. Furthermore, the filter medium should be stabilized or supported within the filter unit under operating loads.
[0011] The problem is solved by a filter unit of the type mentioned above, wherein the outward radial extent of the guide edges is greater than the outward radial extent of the grid structure of the support body when the support body is arranged on the inside of the filter medium, and the inward radial extent of the guide edges is greater than the inward radial extent of the grid structure of the support body when the support body is arranged on the outside of the filter medium.
[0012] The grid structure, which at least partially surrounds the axis of rotation, supports one or more cleaning cams with a robust and mechanically resilient grid body. Furthermore, the grid structure allows for the implementation of a relatively rigid support body, which can be easily mounted, and in this case, the support body mounting can be extremely robust. Moreover, the grid structure does not impede the fluid flow within the filter unit, as the fluid passing through the filter unit can flow through it. In addition, the grid structure significantly increases the stability of the filter medium. The support body with the grid structure can be located on the inner side of the filter medium, for example, if the filter medium has a damage-prone coating or material layer on its outer surface.Alternatively, the support body with the grid structure can also be arranged on the outside of the filter medium, for example, if the filter medium has a damage-prone coating or material layer on its inside. The support body can also have an inner grid area and an outer grid area, with the inner grid area located on the inside of the filter medium and the outer grid area on the outside. Furthermore, a support body with a grid structure can be arranged on both the inside and the outside of the filter medium.
[0013] The filter medium of the filter unit can be pleated. The filter medium can be, for example, a bellows or a lamellar filter. The filter medium can be designed as a circular filter. The one or more cleaning cams preferably extend into the space between adjacent pleats of the filter medium. The one or more cleaning cams preferably engage between the pleat crests or crests of the filter medium. When the support body and filter medium are rotated relative to each other, the filter medium is deformed and deflected by the one or more cleaning cams, and, depending on the rotational speed, subjected to impact by the one or more cleaning cams. If the filter medium is pleated or has pleats, the pleats are deflected when the support body and filter medium are rotated relative to each other. This deformation or...The deflection of the filter medium by one or more cleaning cams during the relative rotation of the support body and filter medium loosens the particles adhering to the filter medium, allowing them to be removed from the filter unit. The deformation, deflection, and / or impact of the filter medium agitates it, resulting in mechanical cleaning.
[0014] The filter medium can alternatively be a sieve or a perforated flat material. In this case, the sieve or perforated flat material is deformed or deflected by one or more cleaning cams when the support body and filter medium are rotated relative to each other, causing the particles adhering to the sieve or perforated flat material to detach. Alternatively, one or more cleaning brushes can be used instead of the one or more cleaning cams. These brushes are designed to mechanically clean the filter medium when the support body and filter medium are rotated relative to each other.
[0015] The one or more cleaning cams are preferably dimensionally stable and / or have a smooth surface. The grid structure of the support body can partially or completely circumferentially. The grid structure preferably comprises a plurality of circumferential grid bars arranged one above the other and spaced apart from each other, which can be designed as grid rings. The circumferential grid bars or grid rings are connected to each other via axial grid segments. The axial grid segments are preferably spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and / or evenly distributed around the circumference of the support body.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the grid structure of the support body has a cylindrical or conical basic shape. The filter medium can surround the support body. In this case, the support body is arranged on the inside of the filter medium. Alternatively, the support body can surround the filter medium. In this case, the support body is arranged on the outside of the filter medium. If the grid structure of the support body has a cylindrical basic shape, the filter medium preferably also has a cylindrical basic shape.If the support body is arranged on the inside of the filter medium, the one or more cleaning cams preferably project radially beyond the grid structure on the outside of the grid structure, such that the contact edges of the one or more cleaning cams are arranged on a circular path that has a larger diameter than the cylindrical grid structure of the support body. If the support body is arranged on the outside of the filter medium, the one or more cleaning cams preferably project radially beyond the grid structure on the inside of the grid structure, such that the contact edges of the one or more cleaning cams are arranged on a circular path that has a smaller diameter than the cylindrical grid structure of the support body.Furthermore, the filter medium can also have a conical shape if the grid structure of the support body has a cylindrical shape. In this case, the axial spacing between the grid structure of the support body and the filter medium changes. The contact edges of the one or more cleaning cams preferably run obliquely relative to the axis of rotation and lie on a conical surface. If the grid structure of the support body has a conical shape, the filter medium of the filter unit preferably also has a conical shape. Again, in this case, the contact edges of the one or more cleaning cams run obliquely relative to the axis of rotation.
[0017] In the filter unit according to the invention, the support body has one or more partially or fully circumferential guide edges which bear against contact segments of the filter medium. If the support body is arranged on the inside of the filter medium, the one or more guide edges are located on the outside of the support body and bear against inner contact segments of the filter medium. In this case, the outward radial extent of the guide edges is less than the outward radial extent of the one or more cleaning cams. The outward radial extent of the guide edges is greater than the outward radial extent of the grid structure of the support body. The inner contact segments of the filter medium can be the inner pleat backs, inner pleat edges, or pleat folds.If the support body is located on the outside of the filter medium, the one or more guide edges are situated on the inside of the support body and bear against external contact segments of the filter medium. In this case, the inward radial extent of the guide edges is less than the inward radial extent of the one or more cleaning cams. The inward radial extent of the guide edges is greater than the inward radial extent of the support body's grid structure. The external contact segments of the filter medium can be the external pleat backs, edges, or folds. The guide edges can be supported by partially or fully circumferential guide rings.The one or more circumferential guide edges result in a comparatively small friction surface between the support body and the filter medium, thus ensuring both reliable guidance and minimal abrasion of the filter medium. Furthermore, the guide edges or guide rings can also compensate for draft angles resulting from the injection molding process.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, at least two circumferential guide edges are axially spaced apart, with at least one cleaning cam arranged between these two axially spaced circumferential guide edges. Several cleaning cams may also be arranged between the at least two axially spaced circumferential guide edges. The cleaning cams preferably extend in the axial direction. With a cylindrical basic shape of the grid structure, the at least two axially spaced circumferential guide edges preferably have identical outer diameters, particularly if the filter medium has a cylindrical basic shape. The at least two axially spaced circumferential guide edges may also have different outer diameters, particularly if the filter medium has a conical basic shape.In this case, the lattice structure of the support body can have a cylindrical basic shape or a conical basic shape.
[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the support body is rotatable relative to the filter medium. Alternatively or additionally, the filter medium can be rotatable relative to the support body. The support body can be rotatable about the axis of rotation, and the filter medium can remain stationary during relative rotation of the support body and filter medium. For this purpose, the filter medium can be fixedly locked in a receiving housing for the filter unit. Alternatively, the filter medium can be rotatable about the axis of rotation, and the support body can remain stationary during relative rotation of the support body and filter medium. For this purpose, the support body can be fixedly locked in a receiving housing for the filter unit.
[0020] Furthermore, a filter unit according to the invention is advantageous in which at least two cleaning cams of the support body are axially spaced apart from one another. Due to the axial spacing of the cleaning cams, the filter medium is deformed or deflected in two axially spaced areas when the support body and filter medium are rotated relative to each other, thus increasing the cleaning effect. When the support body and filter medium are rotated relative to each other, at least two axially spaced ring areas are formed in which the filter medium is deformed or deflected.
[0021] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, at least two cleaning cams of the support body are arranged spaced apart from one another along the circumference of the support body. The two cleaning cams preferably have different orientations. The two cleaning cams can be arranged on opposite sides of the support body, i.e., spaced 180 degrees apart. The cleaning cams can be arranged in pairs opposite each other, with the cam pairs being axially spaced apart from one another. More than two cleaning cams can also be arranged, evenly or unevenly distributed around the circumference of the support body. Because at least two cleaning cams of the support body are spaced apart from one another along the circumference of the support body, the filter medium can be deformed or...The support body and filter medium can be deflected without requiring a 360-degree rotation. The relative rotation of the support body and filter medium can be limited to a specific range of rotation angles. This limitation can be achieved, for example, with rotation stops. Alternatively, the rotation of the support body and filter medium can be unlimited. In this case, rotation stops are not required. For mechanical cleaning of the filter medium, several relative rotations of the support body and filter medium can then be performed.
[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the grid structure, the one or more cleaning cams, and / or the one or more circumferential guide edges are integral components of a single-piece body. The single-piece body can, for example, be a plastic body, in particular an injection-molded plastic body, or a metal body. For example, the entire support body is formed in one piece and comprises the grid structure, the one or more cleaning cams, and the one or more circumferential guide edges.
[0023] In a further development of the filter unit according to the invention, the filter medium is connected at a first end face to a first end-face termination element. Alternatively or additionally, the filter medium is connected at a second end face to a second end-face termination element. The first end-face termination element and / or the second end-face termination element can have a disc shape and / or a ring shape. The first end-face termination element and / or the second end-face termination element can be designed as an annular disc. The first end-face termination element can form a cover disc or a bottom disc for the filter medium. The second end-face termination element can form a cover disc or a bottom disc for the filter medium. The first end-face termination element and / or the second end-face termination element can also be a housing cover of a receiving housing.The receiving housing preferably comprises a housing cover and a housing base. The filter unit can be inserted into and removed from the housing base through an opening in the housing, the opening of which can be closed by the housing cover.
[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the first end face of the filter medium is embedded in the first end-face closure element and / or attached to the first end-face closure element by a material, form, and / or force-fit connection. Alternatively or additionally, the second end face of the filter medium is embedded in the second end-face closure element and / or attached to the second end-face closure element by a material, form, and / or force-fit connection. The first end-face closure element can be a potting compound into which the first end face of the filter medium is cast. The second end-face closure element can also be a potting compound into which the second end face of the filter medium is cast. The first end-face closure element and the second end-face closure element can be made of a potting material.The first end-face sealing element and / or the second end-face sealing element can be made of polyurethane, adhesive, a similar potting compound, and / or plastic. The first end-face sealing element and / or the second end-face sealing element can perform a sealing function. The first end-face sealing element and / or the second end-face sealing element can be plastic and / or foam gaskets.
[0025] The first end-face closure element and / or the second end-face closure element may each have an opening, the opening preferably being smaller than the cross-sectional area enclosed by the support body, so that the support body cannot be inserted through the opening. In other embodiments, the opening cross-section may be sufficiently large or be expanded to a sufficient size by elastic deformation of the closure element material to allow the support body to be inserted through the opening. In particular, if a closure element is designed as a foam seal, for example made of polyurethane, it may be possible to expand the opening to allow the support body to be inserted.If the opening is smaller than the cross-sectional area enclosed by the support body, the support body must be positioned on the inside of the surrounding filter medium before both end caps are attached to the ends of the filter medium, as the end caps would prevent the support body from being inserted subsequently. After both end caps are attached, the support body is enclosed on the inside of the surrounding filter medium.
[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention, the support body cannot be removed from the filter medium without damage. In this case, the support body is preferably arranged on the inside of the filter medium. Alternatively, the filter medium cannot be removed from the support body without damage. In this case, the support body is preferably arranged on the outside of the filter medium. In this case, removing the support body from the filter medium or the filter medium from the support body can only be done destructively, for example, by destroying or damaging an end-face closure element. Because the support body and filter medium cannot be separated without damage, the use of an incompatible combination of support body and filter medium is prevented. This further increases the operational reliability of the filter unit.
[0027] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a separation system of the type mentioned above, wherein the filter unit of the separation system according to the invention is designed according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the separation system according to the invention, reference is therefore first made to the advantages and modifications of the filter unit according to the invention.
[0028] The actuating device of the separation system is preferably rotatable and configured to transmit a rotary motion to the support body and / or the filter medium of the filter unit. The actuating device preferably has a grip or finger contact area that can be grasped by a user and / or through which a rotary motion can be applied to the actuating device. The actuating device may also include a controllable actuating motor. The actuating motor may be coupled directly or via a gear and / or belt to the support body and / or the filter medium. The actuating motor may, for example, be an electric motor. Alternatively, the actuating device may also have a hydraulic or pneumatic drive.
[0029] The separation system according to the invention is further advantageously developed by a receiving housing, wherein the filter unit is arranged in the receiving housing and is preferably removable from the receiving housing without damage. The receiving housing preferably comprises a housing cover and a housing base. The filter unit can be inserted into and removed from the housing base through a housing opening, the housing opening being closable by the housing cover. The receiving housing may contain a collection area for the particles detached from the surface of the filter medium by the one or more cleaning cams. The particles can be removed from the collection area via a discharge opening in the receiving housing.
[0030] The housing cover and the actuating device can be separate parts. Alternatively, the actuating device can be integrated into the housing cover. In this case, the housing cover is preferably multi-part and includes at least one rotatable actuating element.
[0031] The actuating device can be rotated in two directions. Preferably, the actuating device is configured to release the housing cover of the receiving housing when it is rotated in a first direction. By releasing the housing cover, the cover can be detached for removal of the filter unit from the housing base of the receiving housing. In particular, the actuating device is configured to cause mechanical cleaning of the filter medium when it is rotated in a second, opposite direction.
[0032] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a mobile cleaning device of the type mentioned above, wherein the separation system of the cleaning device according to the invention comprises a filter unit according to one of the embodiments described above and / or is designed according to one of the embodiments described above. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the cleaning device according to the invention, reference is therefore made to the advantages and modifications of the filter unit according to the invention and the advantages and modifications of the separation system according to the invention.
[0033] The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a method for manufacturing a filter unit of the type mentioned above, wherein, within the framework of the method according to the invention, the support body is positioned on the inside and / or the outside of the circulating filter medium before the first end-face closure element is produced and / or positioned on the first end face of the circulating filter medium and / or before the second end-face closure element is produced and / or positioned on the second end face of the circulating filter medium. A filter unit according to one of the embodiments described above is manufactured by means of the method according to the invention.
[0034] The support body is preferably enclosed on the inside of the surrounding filter medium. Alternatively, the filter medium is enclosed on the inside of the support body. The support body can also have an inner support section and an outer support section, with the inner support section being located on the inside of the filter medium and the outer support section on the outside of the filter medium. The support body and the filter medium are preferably rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation. The support body preferably includes one or more cleaning cams, which are configured to mechanically clean the filter medium when the support body and filter medium are rotated relative to each other.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first end-face closure element is produced and / or attached to the first end face of the circulating filter medium by curing a curable material of the first closure element, forming a material-, shape-, and / or force-fit connection. Alternatively or additionally, the second end-face closure element is produced and / or attached to the second end face of the circulating filter medium by curing a curable material of the second closure element, forming a material-, shape-, and / or force-fit connection. The curing of the curable material can be achieved, for example, by drying and / or cross-linking. The curable material can be a potting compound and / or a foam material.
[0036] The first and / or the second end element can be melted in a joining area to attach it to the filter medium, so that an end face of the filter medium can be inserted into the melted joining area and, after the joining area has hardened, a fused bond is formed between the end element and the filter medium. Melting can be achieved by introducing heat into the joining area, for example, by exposing the joining area to infrared radiation. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the separation system according to the invention in an exploded view; Fig. 2 an embodiment of the separation system according to the invention in a sectional view; Fig. 3 a support body of a filter unit according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 4 an embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention in a sectional view; Fig. 5 the actuating device of a separation system according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 6 parts of a separation system according to the invention in a partially sectional view; Fig. 7 an embodiment of the separation system according to the invention in a sectional view; Fig. 8 a support body of a filter unit according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 9 a support body of another filter unit according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 10 an embodiment of the filter unit according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig.11the in the . Fig. 10 The filter unit shown in a sectional view; and Fig. 12 the support body of the unit shown in the Fig 10 The filter unit shown is in a sectional view.
[0037] The Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a separation system 100 for a mobile cleaning device, namely a vacuum cleaner. The separation system 100 comprises a filter unit 10 with a filter medium 12 through which the airflow to be filtered flows. The filter medium 12 has a circumferential cylindrical shape and is formed by a pleated filter material. It is therefore a lamellar filter with a plurality of pleats 14.
[0038] The filter unit 10 further comprises a one-piece support body 16, which is designed as a plastic injection-molded part. As shown in the exploded view of the Fig. 1As indicated, the support body 16 is located on the inside of the filter medium 12 during operation of the separation system 100, so that the filter medium 12 surrounds the support body 16. The support body 16 has a grid structure 18, which has a cylindrical basic shape. A first end-face closure element 20a is arranged on a first end face of the filter medium 12. The first end-face closure element 20a is a housing cover of a receiving housing for the filter unit 10. The closure element 20a, designed as a housing cover, is attached to the cover-side end face of the filter medium by means of a bonding material 38. The bonding material 38 is an adhesive or potting compound by which the closure element 20a, designed as a housing cover, is bonded or potted to the filter medium.
[0039] Alternatively, the end element 20a, designed as a housing cover, can also be directly joined to the filter medium 12. For example, the surface of the end element 20a facing the filter medium 12 is melted so that the end face of the filter material 12 can be embedded in the molten material of the end element 20a. After the molten material of the end element 20a has hardened, the filter medium 12 is then directly joined to the end element 20a. The connecting material 38 is not required in this case.
[0040] A second end-face closure element 20b is arranged on a second, opposite end face of the filter medium 12. This end-face closure element 20b serves as a base plate for the filter medium 12 and is ring-shaped. The ring-shaped closure element 20b is a cast-in-place component, with the bottom end face of the filter medium 12 being embedded in the end-face closure element 20b during the manufacture of the filter unit 10. The end-face closure element 20b is made of a cast-in-place material, for example, polyurethane, into which the bottom end face of the filter medium 12 is cast. The end-face closure elements 20a and 20b each have an opening 22a and 22b, respectively.
[0041] During the manufacture of the filter unit 10, the support body 16 is positioned on the inside of the circulating filter medium 12 before the first end-face closure element 20a, designed as a housing cover, is positioned on the first end face of the circulating filter medium 12 using the connecting material 38, and before the second end-face closure element 20b, functioning as a bottom disc, is created on the second end face of the circulating filter medium 12. The support body 16 is thus enclosed on the inside of the filter medium 12 after the positioning and creation of the end-face closure elements 20a and 20b. The end-face closure element 20a, designed as a housing cover, can be used to close a housing opening of a housing base body (not shown), allowing the filter unit 10 to be inserted into the housing base body through the housing opening.
[0042] In alternative embodiments, the openings 22a, 22b can also have a larger cross-section, so that the support body 16 can be inserted into the filter medium 12 through one of the openings 22a, 22b. Alternatively, at least one of the openings 22a, 22b can be expandable, so that the support body 16 can be inserted into the filter medium 12.
[0043] The separation system 100 further comprises a movable actuating device 102, which is kinematically coupled to the filter unit 10. The support body 16 can be rotated relative to the filter medium 12 via the actuating device 102. The actuating device 102 is rotatable, and its rotational movement is transmitted to the support body 16 of the filter unit 10 due to the kinematic coupling. The actuating device 102 has gripping areas 106a, 106b, which can be grasped by a user and through which a rotational movement can be introduced into the actuating device 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating device 102 is a rotary disk. In alternative embodiments, the actuating device can also include a controllable actuating motor.
[0044] The Fig. 2The axis of rotation 24 of the support body 16 of the filter unit 10 is shown. The support body 16 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 24 relative to the filter medium 12 via the actuating device 102. The filter medium 12 remains stationary when the support body 16 and filter medium 12 are rotated relative to each other. For this purpose, the filter medium 12 is securely locked in the receiving housing of the separation system 100 by means of a housing cover 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the end-face closure element 20a is an annular disk and is designed separately from the housing cover 104.
[0045] The cylindrical lattice structure 18 of the support body 16 is connected to the actuating device 102 via the engagement element 26. The support body 16 is attached to the housing cover 104 via the snap hooks 28.
[0046] Several cleaning cams 30 are arranged on the grid structure 18 of the support body 16. These cams mechanically clean the filter medium 12 when the support body 16 is rotated. The cleaning cams 30 extend into the spaces between adjacent folds 14 and thus engage between the folds of the filter medium 12. When the support body 16 rotates about the axis of rotation 24, the cleaning cams 30 deform and deflect the folds 14 of the filter medium 12. This deformation and deflection of the folds 14 of the filter medium 12 agitates the filter medium 12, resulting in mechanical cleaning of the filter medium 12.
[0047] The Fig. 3Figure 1 shows that the support body 16 has axially spaced circumferential guide rings 32a-32c. The guide rings 32a-32c carry guide edges 34a-34c, which are designed to bear against inner contact segments of the filter medium 12 and support the filter medium 12 on its inner side. The inner contact segments of the filter medium 12, against which the guide edges 34a-34c bear, are the backs of the folds or the inner edges of the folds 14 of the filter medium 12.
[0048] A pair of cams consisting of two opposing cleaning cams 30 is arranged between the guide rings 32b, 32c or between the guide edges 34b, 34c. A pair of cams consisting of two opposing cleaning cams is arranged at the axial height of the guide ring 32a and interrupts the guide ring 32a and thus also the guide edge 34a. The radial extent of the guide edges 34a-34c is less than the radial extent of the cleaning cams 30. Thus, the guide edges provide support to the filter medium 12, but cause no or only negligible deformation and deflection of the filter medium 12 during rotation of the support body 16. In contrast, the cleaning cams 30 project into the spaces between the folds 14 of the filter medium 12 and cause deflection or deformation of the filter medium 12 during rotation of the support body 16.The guide edges 34a-34c project radially beyond the grid structure 18 of the support body 16, so that the circumferential grid struts and the axially extending grid struts of the grid structure 18 do not come into contact with the filter medium 12. In other embodiments, the guide rings 32a-32c and the grid structure 18 can have matching diameters.
[0049] The Fig. 4Figure 1 shows that the radially outer edge regions of the cleaning cams 30 lie on a circular path whose diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the filter medium 12. The outer guide edge 34 of the guide ring 32 of the support structure 16 has a diameter that essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the filter medium 12. The grid structure 18 of the support body 16 has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the filter medium 12, so that the grid structure 18 does not come into contact with the filter medium 12. In other embodiments, the grid structure 18 can also be in contact with the filter medium 12.
[0050] The Fig. 5Figure 1 shows that the actuating device 102, designed as a rotary disc, has a receptacle for the engagement element 26 of the support body 16, thereby enabling torque transmission. The actuating device 102 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise.
[0051] The Fig. 6Figure 1 shows the kinematic coupling of a support body 16 with the actuating device 102 of a separation system 100. The support body 16 has a lattice structure 18 with a cylindrical base shape. Despite the cylindrical base shape of the lattice structure 18, the support body 16 is designed to support a conical filter medium 12. A conical filter medium 12 has an axially variable inner diameter. To enable support of a conical filter medium 12, the guide edges 34a, 34b of the support body 16, which are carried by the guide rings 32b, 32c, have different diameters. The cleaning cams 30 also have a contact edge 36 that runs obliquely to the axis of rotation of the support body 16. The cleaning cams 30 thus extend into the space between the folds 14 of the filter medium 12, so that a deflection occurs when the support body 16 rotates.Deformation of the filter medium 12 and thus a cleaning process occurs.
[0052] The Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a separation system 100 in which the support body 16 has a conical grid structure 18. Furthermore, the filter medium 12 has a conical basic shape.
[0053] The Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows that the cleaning cams 30 are arranged on the conical grid structure 18 of the support body 16, resulting in an inclined contact edge 36. The guide edges 34a-34c of the guide rings 32a-32c also have different diameters, so that the filter medium 12 rests against the guide edges 34a-34c in the area of the guide rings 32a-32c and is thus supported by the support body 16.
[0054] In the Fig. 9The support body 16 has a cylindrical basic shape, as shown in the diagram. The guide edges 34a-34c, which are supported by the guide rings 32a-32c, have different diameters that decrease in the axial direction from top to bottom. The support body 16 is designed to support a conical filter medium 12. Cleaning cams 30 with inclined contact edges 36 are arranged on the cylindrical lattice structure 18. Since manufacturing a support body 16 with a cylindrical lattice structure 18 is significantly less expensive than manufacturing a support body 16 with a conical lattice structure 18, compatibility with conical filter media is achieved through the different dimensions of the guide rings 32a-32c and the correspondingly different diameters of the guide edges 34a-34c.
[0055] The Figs. 10 and 11Figure 1 shows a filter unit 10 with a cylindrical filter medium, wherein the grid structure 18 of the support body 16 is located on the outside of the filter medium 12. The support body 16 thus surrounds the filter medium 12. The support body 16 forms a grid cage in which the filter medium 12 is enclosed.
[0056] The support body 16 can be rotated relative to the filter medium 12 for mechanical cleaning. The support body 16 has cleaning cams 30 on its inner surface facing the filter medium 12, which project into the spaces between adjacent folds of the filter medium 12. When the support body 16 is rotated, the folds of the filter medium 12 are deformed and deflected, causing the particles adhering to the filter medium 12 to be detached.
[0057] The Fig. 12This shows that, in addition to the cleaning cams 30, guide rings 32a-32c are also located on the inside of the support body 16. The guide rings have circumferential guide edges 34a-34c, which, after the filter medium 12 is inserted, bear against outer contact segments of the filter medium 12. The inward radial extent of the guide edges 34a-34c is less than the inward radial extent of the cleaning cams 30 and greater than the inward radial extent of the grid structure 18 of the support body 16.
[0058] In other embodiments with an external grid structure 18, the filter medium 12 and / or the grid structure 18 can also have a conical basic shape. Reference sign
[0059] 10 Filter unit 12 Filter medium 14 Folds 16 Support body 18 Grid structure 20a, 20b End elements 22a, 22b Openings 24 Rotary axis 26 Engagement element 28 Snap hook 30 Cleaning cam 32, 32a-32c Guide rings 34, 34a-34c Guide edges 36 Contact edge 38 Connecting material 100 Separation system 102 Actuating device 104 Housing cover 106a, 106b Grip areas
Claims
1. Filter unit (10) for a mobile cleaning device, in particular for a vacuum cleaner, with - a support body (16); and - a circumferential filter medium (12) supported by the support body (16); wherein the support body (16) and the filter medium (12) are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation (24) and the support body (16) comprises one or more cleaning cams (30) which are set up to mechanically clean the filter medium (12) during the relative rotation of the support body (16) and the filter medium (12); wherein the support body (16) is arranged on the outside or on the inside of the filter medium and has a grid structure (18) at least partially surrounding the axis of rotation (24); wherein the support body (16) has one or more partially or completely circumferential guiding edges (34, 34a-34c) which lie against contact segments of the filter medium (12), characterized in that - the outward-oriented radial extension of the guiding edges (34, 34a-34c) is greater than the outward-oriented radial extension of the grid structure (18) of the support body (16) when the support body (16) is arranged on the inside of the filter medium (12); and - the inward-oriented radial extension of the guiding edges (34, 34a-34c) is greater than the inward-oriented radial extension of the grid structure (18) of the support body (16) when the support body (16) is arranged on the outside of the filter medium (12).
2. Filter unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the grid structure (18) of the support body (16) has a cylindrical or conical basic shape; and / or - the filter medium (12) is circumferential around the support body (16); or - the support body (16) is circumferential around the filter medium (12).
3. Filter unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two circumferential guiding edges (34, 34a-34c) are axially spaced apart from each other, wherein at least one cleaning cam (30) is arranged between the at least two axially spaced apart circumferential guiding edges (34, 34a-34c).
4. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the support body (16) is rotatable relative to the filter medium (12), and / or - the filter medium (12) is rotatable relative to the support body (16).
5. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two cleaning cams (30) of the support body (16) are axially spaced apart from each other.
6. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two cleaning cams (30) of the support body (16) are arranged spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the support body (16).
7. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid structure (18), the one or more cleaning cams (30) and / or the one or more circumferential guiding edges (34, 34a-34c) are integral parts of a single-piece body.
8. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the filter medium (12) is connected to a first face-sided end element (20a) at a first face side; and / or - the filter medium (12) is connected to a second face-sided end element (20b) at a second face side.
9. Filter unit (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that - the first face side of the filter medium (12) is embedded in the first face-sided end element (20a) and / or is fastened to the first face-sided end element (20a) in a material-, form- and / or force-fitting manner; and / or - the second face side of the filter medium (12) is embedded in the second face-sided end element (20b) and / or is fastened to the second face-sided end element (20b) in a material-, form- and / or force-fitting manner.
10. Filter unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the support body (16) cannot be removed from the filter medium (12) non-destructively; or - the filter medium (12) cannot be removed from the support body (16) non-destructively.
11. Separation system (100) for a mobile cleaning device, in particular for a vacuum cleaner, with - a filter unit (10) comprising a support body (16) and a filter medium (12); and - a movable actuating device (102) which is kinematically coupled to the filter unit (10) and via which the support body (16) and the filter medium (12) are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation (24); characterized in that the filter unit (10) is designed according to one of the preceding claims.
12. Separation system (100) according to claim 11, characterized by a receiving housing, wherein the filter unit (10) is arranged in the receiving housing and can be removed from the receiving housing, preferably non-destructively.
13. Mobile cleaning device, in particular vacuum cleaner, with - a separation system (100), characterized in that the separation system (100) has a filter unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or is designed according to one of claims 11 or 12.
14. Method for manufacturing a filter unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps: - creating and / or positioning of a first face-sided end element (20a) at a first face side of a circumferential filter medium (12); - creating and / or positioning of a second face-sided end element (20b) at a second face side of the circumferential filter medium (12); and - positioning of a support body (16) on the inside and / or the outside of the circumferential filter medium (12); characterized in that the support body (16) is positioned on the inside and / or the outside of the circumferential filter medium (12) before the first face-sided end element (20a) is created and / or positioned at the first face side of the circumferential filter medium (12) and / or before the second face-sided end element (20b) is created and / or positioned at the second face side of the circumferential filter medium (12).
15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that - the first face-sided end element (20a) is created and / or fastened at the first face side of the circumferential filter medium (12) by curing a curable material of the first end element (20a) in a material-, form-, and / or force-fitting manner; and / or - the second face-sided end element (20b) is created and / or fastened at the second face side of the circumferential filter medium (12) by curing a curable material of the second end element (20b) in a material-, form- and / or force-fitting manner.
Citation Information
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