Separation unit with ejection and / or compression function

Abstract

A separation unit (150) for a suction device (100) is described, wherein the separation unit (150) comprises a collecting container (102) with a collecting area (103) for receiving dirt particles from the suction air flow (121, 122, 123) of the suction device (100), and wherein the collecting container (102) extends along a longitudinal axis (201) from a first end face, which faces the fan (107) of the suction device (100) during operation of the suction device (100), to a second end face on which the lid (104) of the collecting container (102) is arranged.The separation unit (150) further comprises a filter module (105) arranged in the collection container (102), which is designed to filter out dirt particles from the suction air flow (121, 122, 123), wherein the collection region (103) adjoins the surface of the filter module (105), and wherein the filter module (105) is designed to be removed from the collection container (102) at the first end face of the collection container (102) or inserted into the collection container (102). The separation unit (150) further comprises a stripping element (106) designed to slide over the surface of the filter module (105) when the filter module (105) is removed from the collection container (102) at the first end face of the collection container (102).

Description

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

[0002] A suction device, in particular a handheld vacuum cleaner, typically comprises a separation unit with a filter module designed to separate dust particles from the suction air of the suction device and collect them in a collection area of the separation unit. The separation unit can be designed such that the collection area is formed as a ring around a cylindrical filter module, and that a cyclone-like suction air flow is created in the collection area. This can lead to hair becoming wrapped around the filter module during suction operation of the suction device, which hair cannot usually be easily removed from the filter module and from the collection area of the separation unit. To empty and / or clean the separation unit, it is often necessary to decouple it from the suction device and / or remove the filter module from the separation unit.This may be perceived as uncomfortable and unhygienic by a user of the suction device.

[0003] This document deals with the technical problem of providing a separation unit for a suction device which enables particularly convenient and thorough compression of dirt, as well as convenient and thorough emptying and / or cleaning of the separation unit, in particular of the filter module and / or the collection area.

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

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

[0006] The separation unit comprises a collection container with a collection area for receiving (protective and / or dust) particles from the suction air flow of the suction device. The collection container can be in the shape of a cylinder, in particular a circular cylinder. Furthermore, the collection container can extend along a longitudinal axis from a first end face, which faces the fan of the suction device, to a second end face, wherein a lid for emptying the collection container can be arranged on the second end face. The longitudinal axis can correspond to the vertical axis of the cylindrical collection container.

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

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

[0009] The suction air flow can pass from the suction port of the suction device into the collection container, particularly into the collection area of the collection container. The suction air flow can then pass through the surface of the filter module toward the central longitudinal axis of the filter module. The particles are retained by the filter module. After passing through the filter module, the suction air flow can be directed to the fan of the suction device and out of the suction device. Within the collection area of the collection container, the suction air flow can have a cyclone-like flow pattern around the (central) longitudinal axis.

[0010] The separation unit further comprises a scraper element designed to be moved (along the longitudinal axis) over the surface of the filter module to clean the surface of the filter module. The scraper element can comprise a scraper ring, in particular a scraper ring that (partially or completely) surrounds the outer surface of the (cylindrical) filter module in the circumferential direction.

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

[0012] The scraper element can have a spatial extension of 0.5 cm or more in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the scraper element can be configured in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis such that the scraper element transports dirt particles from the collection area of the collection container to the lid of the collection container when the scraper element is moved toward the second end face of the surface of the filter module or the collection container.

[0013] Thus, a scraping element, in particular a scraping ring, can be provided which ensures thorough cleaning of the filter module and the collection area of the collection container.

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

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

[0016] At least one guide rail (running along the longitudinal axis) can be arranged on the inside of the collection container facing the collection area to guide the movement of the stripping element. The stripping element can have a guide element, e.g., a slotted nut, that interacts with the guide rail to guide the movement of the stripping element (along the longitudinal axis). This allows for particularly reliable movement of the stripping element along the longitudinal axis and thus particularly reliable cleaning of the separation unit.

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

[0018] The stripping element can be designed such that the stripping element can be moved by the actuating element connected to the coupling element along the longitudinal axis from a suction position, in which the stripping element is arranged on the first end face of the surface of the filter module, to an end position in which the stripping element is arranged on the second end face of the surface of the filter module. Thus, a movement along the entire surface of the filter module can be effected to enable particularly thorough cleaning of the separation unit.

[0019] The stripping element can be designed such that the front side of the stripping element facing the lid of the collecting container extends at least partially over the second end face of the surface of the filter module toward the lid of the collecting container. The front side of the stripping element can, for example, extend obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. A stripping element designed in this way can achieve particularly thorough cleaning of the filter module.

[0020] The coupling element of the separation unit can be designed in such a way that the actuating element connected to the coupling element exerts a force in the first direction,

[0021] in particular in the forward direction (from the first end face to the second end face of the filter module), so that the stripping element is moved in the first direction (along the longitudinal axis) over the surface of the filter module. Furthermore, the coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that a force in the opposite second direction, in particular in the backward direction (from the second end face to the first end face of the filter module), can be caused by the actuating element connected to the coupling element, so that the stripping element is moved in the second direction over the surface of the filter module.

[0022] This allows for a coupling with the actuating element, allowing the wiper element to be pushed (in the first direction) and pulled (in the second direction) by the actuating element. This allows for particularly convenient cleaning of the separation unit.

[0023] The coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that a force with a movement value in the second direction, in particular in the reverse direction, can be exerted by the actuating element connected to the coupling element, thereby moving (in particular pulling) the stripping element in the second direction over the surface of the filter module. Furthermore, the coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that a force with a decoupling value that is greater than the movement value can be exerted in the second direction, in particular in the reverse direction, by the actuating element connected to the coupling element, thereby releasing the actuating element from the coupling element.

[0024] This allows a user to decouple the actuating element from the separation unit by appropriately controlling their force. This further increases the comfort of the separation unit.

[0025] According to a further aspect, a further separation unit for a suction device is described. It should be noted that the features of a separation unit described in this document are also applicable to this separation unit individually and / or in combination.

[0026] As already explained, the separation unit comprises a collection container with a collection area for receiving particles from a suction air stream of the suction device. Furthermore, the separation unit comprises a filter module arranged in the collection container, which is designed to filter particles from the suction air stream.

[0027] The surface of the (cylindrical) filter module can have at least one (guide) groove running along the longitudinal axis. As already explained above, the filter module can have a screen with a support structure. The one or more (guide) grooves can be arranged in the support structure of the screen. The one or more (guide) grooves can each extend from the first end face to the second end face of the surface of the filter module.

[0028] The separation unit further comprises a scraper element designed to be moved along the longitudinal axis over the surface of the filter module (e.g., by an actuating element) in order to clean the surface of the filter module. As already explained, the scraper element can comprise a scraper ring, in particular a scraper ring that encloses the outer surface of the filter module in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The stripping element can have at least one rib that engages the corresponding groove on the surface of the filter module as the stripping element moves along its longitudinal axis. The engagement of the rib in the groove can occur along the entire movement of the stripping element (in particular, along the entire length of the filter module from the suction position to the end position). The rib can be arranged on the inner side of the stripping element facing the filter module.

[0030] Thus, a separation unit is described with a stripping element that has at least one rib that engages a groove in the filter module. This allows for particularly reliable movement of the stripping element. Furthermore, hair can be removed from the surface of the filter module in a particularly reliable manner.

[0031] The surface of the filter module can have a plurality of grooves extending along the longitudinal axis, which are arranged at different locations, in particular evenly distributed, along the circumferential direction of the surface of the filter module. The stripping element can correspondingly have a plurality of ribs for the plurality of grooves. In this case, each rib can engage (in a one-to-one relationship) in a corresponding groove.

[0032] By providing multiple grooves and ribs, the movement of the scraper element and the cleaning of the filter module can be further improved.

[0033] The one or more ribs can each be designed as a knife on the front side facing the lid of the collection container, in particular as a knife for cutting hair. This can further improve the removal of hair from the separation unit.

[0034] The separation unit can comprise an actuating element (which can be detachably coupled if necessary) designed to act on the stripping element to move the stripping element along the longitudinal axis across the surface of the filter module. The actuating element can comprise a rod (running along the longitudinal axis) with a handle, wherein the rod can be moved along the longitudinal axis by the handle to move the stripping element along the longitudinal axis (between the suction position and the end position) across the surface of the filter module. The convenience of the separation unit can be further increased by providing an actuating element.

[0035] The separation unit can have a web that extends along the longitudinal axis from the first end face of the filter module (facing the fan of the suction device) away from the filter module. The actuating element can be arranged in the web, in particular movably mounted. This allows for particularly reliable movement of the stripping element for cleaning the separation unit.

[0036] The actuating element can be designed to be moved from an initial position along the first direction, in particular along the forward direction, in order to move the stripping element from the suction position along the first direction over the surface of the filter module.

[0037] Furthermore, the actuating element can comprise a spring module, in particular a (return) spring, which is designed to automatically move the actuating element back to the starting position along the opposite second direction, in particular along the reverse direction, in order to move the stripping element back into the suction position. This can thus effect an automatic return of the stripping element. This further increases the comfort of the separation unit.

[0038] According to a further aspect, a further separation unit for a suction device is described. It should be noted that the features of a separation unit described in this document are also applicable to this separation unit individually and / or in combination.

[0039] The separation unit comprises a collecting container with a collecting area for receiving (dirt) particles from the suction air flow of the suction device, wherein the collecting container extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end face, which faces the fan of the suction device during operation of the suction device, to a second end face, on which the lid of the collecting container is arranged.

[0040] The separation unit further comprises a filter module arranged in the collection container, which is designed to filter (dirt) particles from the suction air stream. The filter module has a first end face on the first end face of the collection container. Furthermore, the filter module has a second end face on the opposite second end face of the collection container.

[0041] The filter module can be designed to be removed from the collection container at the first end face of the collection container or inserted into the collection container. This makes it possible to remove the filter module from the collection container at the first end face facing away from the lid of the collection container. This allows for particularly convenient removal, in particular without the user coming into contact with the protection in the collection container.

[0042] The separation unit further comprises a stripping element. The separation element can be configured to slide over the surface of the filter module when the filter module is removed from the collection container via the first end face of the collection container. The stripping element can thus be configured to strip or remove dirt particles from the surface of the filter module when the filter module is removed from the collection container via the first end face of the collection container. This enables particularly convenient removal of the filter module.

[0043] The filter module can have a filter cover on the side facing the first end face of the collection container (i.e., on the first end face of the filter module). The filter cover can be made of a hard material (e.g., a thermoset or duromer). The filter cover can be designed as a handle that can be held by the user of the suction device to remove the filter module from the collection container (in particular, to pull it) or insert it into the collection container (in particular, to push it). This allows for particularly convenient removal of the filter module.

[0044] The filter module can be designed, in particular by means of a mechanical position coding on the filter cover of the filter module, such that the filter module can only be arranged in the collection container at a defined angular position relative to the longitudinal axis. This prevents the filter module from twisting about the longitudinal axis. The filter cover can, for example, have a circular contour with a flattened section. The mechanical position coding can be formed by the flattened section of the filter cover. By providing a mechanical position coding of the filter module, particularly convenient and reliable insertion of the filter module can be achieved.

[0045] The lid can be mounted on the second end face of the collection container via a joint that pivots around a pivot axis. The pivot axis can be compressible in the axial direction, allowing the lid to be detached from or attached to the collection container by compressing the pivot axis. This allows the user to remove the lid when needed, e.g., to facilitate cleaning of the collection container.

[0046] As already explained above, the scraper element can be designed to be moved along the longitudinal axis (towards the second end face of the collection container) over the surface of the filter module. The scraper element can be designed to be moved towards the second end face of the collection container with the lid of the collection container closed in order to compress dirt particles arranged in the collection area of the collection container. Alternatively or additionally, the scraper element can be designed to be moved towards the second end face of the collection container with the lid of the collection container open in order to expel dirt particles arranged in the collection area of the collection container from the collection container. A compression and / or expulsion function can thus be provided by the scraper element. This can enable particularly convenient operation of a suction device.

[0047] The separation unit can comprise a dedicated operating element for opening the lid (which is arranged, for example, on the second end face of the collection container and / or on a side wall of the collection container). The operating element can enable the user to open the lid of the collection container when needed. The separation unit can be designed such that the scraping element can be moved toward the second end face of the collection container without (automatically) opening the lid of the collection container. This can provide a particularly reliable compression function for compressing dirt particles in the collection container.

[0048] The separation unit can comprise an actuating element configured to act on the stripping element to move the stripping element along the longitudinal axis toward the second end face of the collection container over the surface of the filter module. The actuating element can comprise a rod with a handle, wherein the rod can be moved along the longitudinal axis to move the stripping element along the longitudinal axis over the surface of the filter module. The rod can be fixedly attached to the stripping element (so that the stripping element can be pushed (toward the second end face of the collection container) and pulled (toward the first end face of the collection container) by the rod). This allows for particularly reliable movement of the stripping element to compress and / or expel dirt particles.

[0049] The separation unit can have a web that extends along the longitudinal axis from the first end face of the collection container away from the collection container. The actuating element can be arranged in and / or on the web. The web can be designed such that the web is arranged in a recess in the housing of the base part when the separation unit is connected to the base part. The provision of a web enables particularly reliable movement of the stripping element.

[0050] The collection container and / or the filter module can have a specific total length along the longitudinal axis (from the first end face to the second end face). The web extending beyond the first end face of the collection container can have a length that is 50% or more of the total length of the collection container and / or the filter module. This allows for a particularly reliable and complete wiping movement across the surface of the filter module.

[0051] The separation unit can have a return spring arranged at least partially in the web, which is designed to automatically move the actuating element and the (attached) scraper element away from the second end face of the collection container into a home position. In the home position, the scraper element can be arranged on the first end face of the collection container or the filter module. Automatic resetting of the scraper element can enable particularly convenient compression and / or expulsion of dirt particles.

[0052] According to a further aspect, a suction device is described that includes a separation unit described in this document. The suction device further includes a base unit with a fan configured to generate the suction air flow through the separation unit.

[0053] The suction device may further comprise an actuating element. As already explained above, the actuating element may comprise a rod with a handle, wherein the rod can be moved along the longitudinal axis to move the scraping element of the separation unit (along the longitudinal axis).

[0054] The actuating element can have a coupling element for coupling the actuating element to the coupling element of the separation unit. The actuating element can be integrated into the base unit, for example. The suction device can be designed such that the separation unit can be removed from the base unit. If necessary, the actuating element can remain on the base unit. This enables particularly convenient handling of the separation unit.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, the separation unit can have an operating element which is designed in such a way that the operating element can be pressed (together) by a user, in particular with two fingers, in order to while (i.e. during pressing) holding the separation unit; and simultaneously (by pressing) releasing a locking mechanism by which the separation unit is attached to the base unit.

[0056] The operating element can be arranged on a side wall of the collection container facing away from the base unit, with the side wall extending between the first end face and the second end face of the collection container. The locking mechanism can be designed such that the separation unit can be removed from the base unit along a disassembly direction that runs (essentially or completely) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the separation unit. This enables particularly convenient disassembly and assembly of the separation unit.

[0057] As already explained above, the actuating element can be designed to be moved from an initial position along the first direction, in particular along the forward direction, in order to move the stripping element from the suction position along the first direction over the surface of the filter module.

[0058] Furthermore, the actuating element can comprise a spring module, in particular a (return) spring, which is designed to automatically move the actuating element back to the starting position along the opposite second direction, in particular along the reverse direction, in order to move the wiping element back into the suction position. This can thus effect an automatic return of the wiping element. This can further increase the comfort of the suction device.

[0059] It should be noted that any aspects of the separation units and / or suction devices described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the patent claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0060] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1a shows an exemplary suction device with a separation unit having a scraper ring; Figure 1b shows the suction device from Fig. 1a with an actuating rod coupled to the scraper ring; Figure 1c the suction device from Fig. 1a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in a scraping position; Figure 2a a perspective view of the suction device from Fig. 1a ; Figure 2bthe suction device from Fig. 2a with a coupled rod; Figure 2c the suction device from Fig. 2a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in a scraping position; Figure 3a the suction device from Fig. 1a with a decoupled separation unit; Figure 3b shows a perspective view of the suction device from Fig. 3a ; Figure 4a a suction device with a scraper ring having one or more scraper ribs; Figure 4b the suction device of Fig. 4a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in the end position; Figure 5a an exemplary separation unit in which the scraper ring is arranged in the suction position; Figure 5b the separation unit from Fig. 5a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in the end position; Figure 6 a perspective view of the separator unit from Fig. 5a ; Figure 7a the separation unit from Fig. 5a in a side view; Figure 7b shows a cross-section of the separation unit Fig. 7a ; Figure 7c a detailed view of a section of Fig. 7b ; and Figures 8a and 8b show sectional views of the separation unit with different positions of the scraping element.

[0061] As stated at the beginning, this document is concerned with enabling particularly convenient and reliable cleaning of the separation unit of a suction device. In this context, Fig. 1a an exemplary suction device 100, in particular a handheld vacuum cleaner, with a separation unit 150. The separation unit 150 comprises a possibly cylindrical collection container 102 with a lid 104, which is arranged, for example, on an end face or end side of the collection container 102 and which can be opened to empty the collection container 102. A filter module 105 is typically arranged in the center of the collection container 102, which is designed to separate dirt and / or dust particles from the suction air flow 121, 122, 123 of the suction device 100. The filter module 105 can be cylindrical. The dirt and / or dust particles can be collected in an annular collection area 103 of the collection container 102 around the filter module 105.

[0062] The suction device 100 comprises a blower 107 designed to drive the suction air flow 121, 122, 123 through the suction device 100, in particular through the separation unit 150. The suction air flow 121 passes through a suction inlet 101 of the suction device 100 into the collection container 102, in particular into the collection area 103 of the collection container 102. In the collection container 102, the suction air flow 122 is guided, in particular sucked, through the filter module 105, so that the dirt and dust particles are separated from the suction air flow 122 and collected in the collection area 103. After passing through the filter module 105, the suction air flow 123 reaches the blower 107 and is blown out of the suction device 100 there.

[0063] As stated above, emptying and / or cleaning the separation unit 150 may be perceived as inconvenient by a user of the suction device 100. For example, it may be necessary to place the suction device 100 with the lid 104 of the collection container 102 open over a trash can and shake it to remove the dirt and dust from the collection area 103. Furthermore, it may be necessary to remove the filter module 105 from the collection container 105 by hand.

[0064] The Fig. 1a The suction device 100 shown comprises a scraper ring 106 (generally a scraper element) arranged around the (cylindrical) filter module 105.

[0065] The scraper ring 106 can be movably arranged on the filter module 105 such that the scraper ring 106 can be moved along the longitudinal or vertical axis of the filter module 105 in order to clean the surface of the filter module 105. The filter module 105 can have a first end face or end side facing the blower 107 and a second end face or end side facing the lid 104 of the collecting container 102. The scraper ring 106 can be configured to be moved along the longitudinal axis from a suction position (at the first end face of the filter module 105) to an end position (at the second end face of the filter module 105).

[0066] When the scraper ring 106 moves from the suction position to the end position, the scraper ring 106 acts mechanically on the surface of the filter module 105, thereby removing protective and / or dust particles from the surface of the filter module 105. This allows for convenient cleaning of the filter module 105.

[0067] The scraper ring 106 can have a specific spatial extension in the radial direction (radial to the longitudinal axis). If necessary, the scraper ring 106 can extend in the radial direction from the surface of the filter module 105 to the inside of the wall of the collection container 102. In other words, the scraper ring 106 can optionally extend over the entire (annular) cross-section of the collection area 103. Thus, the movement of the scraper ring 106 from the suction position to the end position can cause the dirt and dust arranged in the collection area 103 to be transported to the lid 104 of the collection container 102 and out of the collection container 102. This can ensure thorough emptying of the collection container 102.

[0068] The fan 107 and the suction port 101 can be arranged on a base unit 140 of the suction device 100. The base unit 140 can further include a handle 108 that allows a user to hold the suction device 100 (with one hand). The handle 108 can be arranged behind or downstream of the fan 107 with respect to the flow direction of the suction air stream 123. The handle 107 and the suction port 101 can be formed by a housing of the base unit 140 of the suction device 100.

[0069] The suction device 100, in particular the separation unit 150, comprises a rod 110, via which a movement of the scraper ring 106 can be effected. The rod 110 can be arranged behind the scraper ring 106 along the longitudinal axis and / or with respect to the flow direction of the suction air stream 123, so that the scraper ring 106 can be pushed by the rod 110 from the suction position to the end position. The rod 110 can, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1a As shown, the rod 110 can be arranged in a guide 112, e.g., in a guide channel, on the housing of the suction device 100, in particular the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. Furthermore, a handle 111 can be arranged on the rod 110, which allows a user to act on the rod 110 to move the rod 110 along the longitudinal axis and thus cause the scraper ring 106 to move from the suction position to the end position. The rod 110 and / or the handle 111 can generally be referred to as an actuating element.

[0070] The rod 110 can be connected and / or coupled to the scraper ring 106 via a preferably decoupleable coupling 113. The provision of a coupling 113 makes it possible to decouple the separation unit 150 from the suction device 100 while leaving the rod 110 (within the guide 112) on the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. The coupling 113 can, for example, comprise a mechanical and / or magnetic coupling mechanism.

[0071] Fig. 1a shows the coupling 113 in an open state, so that the rod 110 and the scraper ring 106 are decoupled from each other. Fig. 1b shows the clutch 113 in a closed state, so that the rod 110 is coupled to the scraper ring 106 and can thus cause the scraper ring 106 to move along the longitudinal axis. Fig. 1c shows the wiper ring 106 in a wiping position between the suction position and the end position. Furthermore, Fig. 1c how by pushing the rod 110 forward (towards the lid 104 of the collecting container 102) the scraper ring 106 can be moved from the suction position to the end position. It should be noted that in Fig. 1c the scraper ring 106 is additionally shown in the original suction position.

[0072] The coupling 113 is preferably designed such that the wiper ring 106 can be moved back to the suction position via the rod 110. The coupling 113 can thus also be designed for tensile forces along the longitudinal axis. The tensile forces that can be absorbed can be sufficiently high to pull the wiper ring 106 to the suction position using the rod 110. Furthermore, the tensile forces that can be absorbed can be sufficiently low to allow the user to decouple the rod 110 from the wiper ring 106 by further moving the rod 110 beyond the suction position.

[0073] Figuren 2a bis 2c show perspective views of the suction device 100 with the coupling 113 opened ( Fig. 2a ), with the clutch 113 closed and with the scraper ring 106 in the suction position ( Fig. 2b ), and with the scraper ring 106 in a scraping position (between the suction position and the end position).

[0074] In the Figuren 3a and 3billustrates how the separation unit 150 can be separated from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. A first coupling element 301 of the coupling 113 can be arranged on the rod 110. Furthermore, a second coupling element 302 of the coupling 113 can be arranged on the scraper ring 106. The two coupling elements 301, 302 can be connected to one another to close the coupling 113. Furthermore, the two coupling elements 301, 302 can be separated from one another to open the coupling 113. The two coupling elements 301, 302 can each comprise a (permanent) magnet. Alternatively or additionally, the two coupling elements 301, 302 can be designed to be mechanically complementary to one another in such a way that a (releasable) locking connection can be formed by the two coupling elements 301, 302.

[0075] Such as from Fig. 1a As can be seen, the scraper ring 106 can be designed such that the front side of the scraper ring 106 facing the lid 104 of the collecting container 102 runs obliquely (with respect to the longitudinal axis 201). On the other hand, the rear side of the scraper ring 106 facing away from the lid 104 can run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 201. This enables an end position of the scraper ring 106 in which the front side of the scraper ring 106 protrudes at least partially beyond the outer surface of the filter module 105 along the longitudinal axis, while the rear side of the scraper ring 106 is still arranged on the outer surface of the filter module 105. In this way, a particularly reliable cleaning of the outer surface of the filter module 105 can be achieved. Furthermore, the dirt in the collecting area 103 of the collecting container 102 can be pressed out of the collecting area 102 in a particularly reliable manner.

[0076] The sloping front side 406 of the scraper ring 106 is particularly evident in Fig. 4a Furthermore, Fig. 4b the scraper ring 106 in the end position, and it can be seen that the front side 406 of the scraper ring 106 extends at least partially beyond the outer surface of the filter module 105.

[0077] In the Figuren 4a und 4b In the suction device 100 shown, the rod 110 for actuating (in particular for moving) the scraper ring 106 is arranged in a lower region of the housing of the base unit 140. Furthermore, a guide rail 401 (e.g., in the form of a groove) for guiding the scraper ring 106 is arranged on the inside of the wall of the collecting container 102. The scraper ring 106 has a guide element 402 (e.g., a sliding block) by means of which the scraper ring 106 can be moved along the guide rail 401 between the suction position and the end position. By providing a guide rail 401, the reliability of the movement of the scraper ring 106 can be increased.

[0078] In the Figuren 5a und 5b The separation unit 150 is shown decoupled and / or removed from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. In Fig. 5a the scraper ring 106 is in the suction position (for suction operation) and in Fig. 5b the scraper ring 106 is in the end position (for cleaning the separation unit 150).

[0079] The separation unit 150 has a web 502 that extends along the longitudinal axis 201 away from the first end face or end side of the collection container 102. The rod 110 and the rod handle 111 for actuating (in particular for causing a movement) the scraper ring 106 are arranged in the web 502. The web 502 can have a length along the longitudinal axis 201 that is large enough that the scraper ring 106 can be pushed over the entire length of the outer surface of the filter module 105 by pushing the rod handle 111. The base unit 140 can have a recess for receiving the web 502 of the separation unit 150.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows the separation unit 150 from the Figuren 5a und 5b in a perspective view.

[0081] The filter module 105 can have at least one groove 416, which is arranged on the lateral surface of the filter module 105 and which runs along the longitudinal axis 201 between the first and the second end face or end side of the filter module 105. Furthermore, the scraper ring 106 can have at least one rib 616 on the inner side facing the lateral surface of the filter module 105, which engages in the groove 416 of the lateral surface of the filter module 105 (see Fig. 6, und Figuren 7a , 7b and 7c ).

[0082] The rib 616 engaging the groove 416 ensures that hair and / or threads that have wrapped around the outer surface of the filter module 105 are reliably pushed away from the outer surface of the filter module 105 when the wiper ring 106 is moved from the suction position to the end position. The stripped hair and / or threads are pushed, in particular, toward the first end surface of the filter module 105 and beyond the first end surface through the cover 104 out of the dust container 102. This allows for particularly convenient cleaning of the filter module 105.

[0083] Fig. 7b shows a sectional view through the collecting container 102 and through the filter module 105 along the Fig. 7a indicated sectional area AA, which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 201. In the example shown, the filter module 105 comprises a cylindrical sieve 702 (also referred to as a lint filter). The sieve 702 surrounds a fan-shaped dust filter 701. In the lateral surface of the sieve 702, in particular in the support structure of the sieve 702, one or more grooves 416 can be arranged, each running along the longitudinal axis 201. On the inside of the scraper ring 106, one or more corresponding ribs 616 can be arranged, which engage in the corresponding one or more grooves 416.

[0084] This document thus describes an ejection mechanism for ejecting dirt from the collection container 102, which also enables the removal of the collection container 102 and the filter module 105 from the suction device 100, in particular from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. For this purpose, the ejection rod 110 can be completely detached and / or decoupled from the collection container 102 and from the ejection and / or scraper ring 106. The ejection rod 110 can be integrated into the base unit 140 of the suction device 100 and / or movably mounted.

[0085] At the rear end of the ejection rod 110 (with the rear end facing away from the collection container 102), a handle 111 may be arranged, which allows a user to push the rod 110 forward (towards the collection container 102). The rod 110 may be retracted by means of a (return) spring 114 (see Fig. 1b ) are held in their initial position (where the initial position of the rod 110 corresponds to the suction position of the scraper ring 106). The spring 114 can be configured to automatically return the rod 110 to its initial position after actuation of the ejection mechanism.

[0086] By actuating the rod 110 (i.e., by pushing the rod 110 forward), a cover of the filter module 105 and / or the collection container 102 can be opened, if necessary, and the rod 110 can be caused to couple to the ejection and / or scraper ring 106 via a coupling 113 (e.g., by means of a magnet, a bayonet lock, and / or a latch). By further pushing the rod 110 and the ejection and / or scraper ring 106 (i.e., the ejection mechanism) forward, the dirt in the collection area 103 of the collection container 102 is pushed forward and out of the opened closure flap 104 of the collection container 102. At the same time, the lint filter 702 of the filter module 105 is cleaned, so that subsequent removal of hair or other dirt is not necessary.

[0087] When the handle 111 of the ejection rod 110 is released, the ejection rod 110 returns to its original position due to the restoring force of the spring 114, thereby moving the ejection and / or scraper ring 106 back to the suction position. Subsequently, the ejection rod 110 decouples from the ejection and / or scraper ring 106, if necessary, so that the collection container 102 can be removed from the base unit 140 if necessary (and the rod 110 remains attached to the base unit 140).

[0088] The speed of the emptying process can be controlled (by the user) to minimize the formation of a dust cloud. The emptying process takes place while the collection container 102 is arranged on the suction device 100. On the other hand, the decoupling of the ejection rod 110 allows the collection container 102 to be detached from the suction device 100 as needed. This allows for hygienic removal of the filter module 105, since the filter module 105 can be pulled out from the rear (i.e., via the dust-free area). This also enables easy maintenance of the filter module 105.

[0089] This enables improved handling during the emptying process of a removable (centrifugal and / or cyclone-based) collection container 102. For this purpose, a compression, scraping, and / or ejection element 106 is provided for the accumulated dust within the collection container 102. The ejection rod 110 can be decoupled and / or uncoupled between the manual handle (e.g., the handle 111) of the rod 110 and the scraper ring 106 of the collection container 102.

[0090] In the working or suction position, the handle or actuating element 110, 111 can be separated from the compression, stripping, or ejection element 106. The handle or actuating element 110, 111 can, if necessary, only be coupled to the compression, stripping, or ejection element 106 during a compression, stripping, or ejection process. As a result, in a removal position of the dust separation unit 150, the handle or actuating element 110, 111 can remain in the base body 140 of the suction device 100, so that no freestanding element hinders the handling of the dust separation unit 150 during emptying. In particular, this can ensure that the removed dust separation unit 150 does not have a protruding actuating element 110, 111.

[0091] Thus, a bagless dust separation unit 150 with a stripping element 106 for cleaning a cylindrical filter module 105 is described. The stripping element 106 can be moved by an actuating element 110, 111, wherein the actuating element 110, 112 can be coupled to or decoupled from the stripping element 106. The coupling point or coupling 113 can be arranged at the transition between the dust separation unit 150 and the base unit 140, so that no protrusion occurs on the dust separation unit 150.

[0092] The scraper ring 106 can have one or more ribs 616 that extend into the lint filter 702. This can provide reliable (longitudinal) guidance for the scraper ring 106. Furthermore, the one or more ribs 616 can ensure the removal of hair. Thus, hair can be removed from the filter unit 105 while simultaneously guiding the scraper ring 106. In other words, a rotation-proof (in particular, one that cannot be rotated about the longitudinal axis) arrangement of a scraper ring 106 for cleaning a cylindrical filter module 105, in particular a lint filter 702, can be provided.

[0093] For this purpose, at least one guide groove 416 can be provided on the cylindrical filter 105 of the separation unit 150. This reliably prevents any rotational movement between the scraper ring 106 and the filter 105. The actuating element 110, 111 for the scraper ring 106 can be arranged off-center and / or axially movable. The scraper ring 106 can have at least one rib 616 that engages in the groove 416 on the filter 105. This groove 416 ensures reliable guidance of the scraper ring 106 during a cleaning process. Furthermore, a reliable removal of dirt particles deposited on the filter 105 and / or wrapped hair can be achieved, which can be completely scraped off into the collection area 103 of the collection container 102.

[0094] The filter module 105 preferably has a free filter end (on the end side facing the cover 104) so that the stripped hair can fall off the filter module 105.

[0095] A blade for severing hair can be arranged on the front of the slider or on the rib 616. In particular, a rib 616 can be designed as a blade. Thus, wrapped hair can be severed during the movement of the stripping ring 106 and removed from the filter module 105 with increased reliability. Furthermore, tensioning of the wrapped hair can be avoided, so that the force required to move the stripping ring 106 can be reduced.

[0096] A plurality of grooves 416 can be formed on the circumference of the filter module 105. Furthermore, the wiper ring 106 can have a plurality of ribs 616. This can further improve the guidance of the wiper ring 106. In particular, tilting of the wiper ring 106 can be reliably prevented.

[0097] A separation unit 150 is thus described which has a scraper ring (i.e., generally a scraper element) 106 within the collection container 102, which encloses the filter module 105 arranged in the collection container 102. The scraper ring 106 can be used to compress the dirt arranged in the collection area 103 of the collection container 102. For this purpose, the scraper ring 106 can be moved towards the lid 104 of the collection container 102 (while the lid 104 is closed). Furthermore, the scraper ring 106 can be used (with the lid 104 open) to push the dirt out of the collection area 103 of the collection container 102. The scraper ring or scraper element 106 can therefore also be referred to as a compression and / or ejection element.

[0098] A Cartesian coordinate system is partially shown in the figures to illustrate the spatial orientation of the different views. The z-axis of the coordinate system corresponds to the longitudinal axis 201 of the suction device 100. The x-axis of the coordinate system can correspond to the vertical axis of the suction device 100, which extends from the lower region of the suction device 100 or the separation unit 150 (in which, for example, the web 502 and / or the handle 111 are arranged) to the upper region of the suction device 100 or the separation unit 150 (in which, for example, the suction mouth 101 of the suction device 100 and / or the suction mouth opening 710 of the collecting container 102 of the separation unit 150 are arranged). The plane spanned by the x-axis and the z-axis can represent a plane of symmetry of the suction device 100 and / or the separation unit 150.The y-axis may correspond to the transverse axis of the suction device 100, which extends from a right side to a left side of the suction device 100 when the suction device 100 is held by a user at the handle 108 of the suction device 100.

[0099] An operating element 720 can be arranged on the separation unit 150, in particular in the lower region of the separation unit 150, in which the web 502 with the handle 111 for moving the stripping element 106 is also arranged (see Fig. 7a ) that can be actuated, in particular pressed, by a user to release a locking mechanism (not shown). The locking mechanism can be designed such that the separation unit 150 can be moved along the Fig. 7a The suction device 100 can be moved away from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100 in the disassembly direction 721 shown in order to remove and / or separate the separation unit 150 from the base unit 140. The disassembly direction 721 can run essentially parallel to the x-axis. This allows for particularly convenient disassembly of the separation unit 150. The assembly of the separation unit 150 can be effected in exactly the opposite direction.

[0100] Figuren 8a and 8b each show a perspective sectional view of the separation unit 150. The sectional plane corresponds to the (symmetry) plane spanned by the x-axis and the z-axis. Fig. 8a shows a (basic) state in which the stripping element 106 is arranged on the first end face of the filter module 105 (facing away from the cover 104), and Fig. 8a shows a state in which the stripping element 106 is arranged on the opposite second end face (facing the cover 104) of the filter module 105. The handle 111 for moving the stripping element 106 is in Fig. 8a arranged at the end of the web 502 facing away from the cover 104. The spring module 114, which comprises, for example, a compression spring arranged around a spring strand 830, is designed to push the handle 111 away from the cover 104, so that the handle 111 is held at the end of the web 502 facing away from the cover 104 (ie, in the basic state).

[0101] When the user moves the handle 111 along the web 502 toward the lid 104, the compression spring of the spring module 114 is compressed. Furthermore, the stripping element 106 is guided by the guide 112 along the Fig. 8a shown compression and / or ejection direction 802 in order to compress and / or eject the dirt in the collection area 103 (see Fig. 8b ). When the user releases the handle 111, the handle 111 and the stripping element 106 are returned by the spring module 114 to the position shown in Fig. 8a shown basic position (ie into the ground state).

[0102] The filter module 105 can have a filter cover 810 at the end facing away from the cover 104, which is preferably designed to be substantially non-deformable, so that the filter cover 810 can be grasped by a user with one hand in order to remove the filter module 105 from the collection container 102 of the separation unit 150 along the removal direction 801. The removal direction 801 can run parallel to the longitudinal axis 201 or the z-axis. The separation unit 150 can thus be designed such that the filter module 105 can be removed from the collection container 102 at the end facing away from the cover 104. This reliably ensures that the user does not come into contact with dirt from the collection container 102 during removal.Furthermore, by removing the filter module 105 along the removal direction 801, the surface of the filter module 105 can be wiped and thus cleaned by the stripping element 105 during removal. Consequently, particularly convenient removal can be enabled.

[0103] The filter cover 810 can have a flattened area 811, which can serve as a mechanical position coding. In particular, the flattened area 811 can be designed such that the filter cover 810 can only be arranged in a single angular position (with respect to a rotation about the longitudinal axis 201) within the collection container 102. This can further increase the convenience of the separation unit 105 with regard to the removal and insertion of the filter module 105.

[0104] The lid 104 arranged on the second end side of the collecting container 102 can be pivotally attached to the collecting container 102 via a joint 820. A return spring (e.g., a torsion spring) can be arranged on the joint, which is designed to automatically press the lid 104 into the open state (as soon as the locking element of the lid 104 has been released). The return spring can be arranged around a pivot axis of the joint 820. The pivot axis can be designed to be compressed along the axial direction, so that the pivot axis can be pressed out of the bearings of the joint 820 by compression. By providing a joint 820 with a pivot axis that can be compressed in the axial direction, the user can be enabled to conveniently remove the lid 104 from the collecting container 102 or to attach it to the collecting container 102. This further simplifies the emptying of the collection container 102.

[0105] The separation unit 150 can have a dedicated operating element 821 that can be actuated by the user to open the lid 104 of the collection container 102 (in particular to release a locking element). The operating element 821 can be configured to move a locking element (not shown) to release the lid 104. The locking element can be arranged opposite the hinge 820 of the lid 104. By providing a dedicated operating element 821 for opening the lid 104, the user can be enabled to move the stripping element 106 within the collection container 102 when the lid 104 is closed in order to compress the protection within the collection container 102 without emptying the collection container 102. Following compression, the suction device 100 can be operated again with increased suction power.

[0106] A separation unit 150 is thus described which has a handle 111 or lever which can be pressed on a guide rod 830 along the longitudinal axis 201 and / or in a compression and / or ejection direction 802. A compression spring 114 is arranged between the handle 111 and the guide rod 830, which returns the guide and thus the entire mechanism to the starting position (i.e., to the basic position). On the inside (facing the base part 104 or the collecting container 102) there is a second axis or rod 110 which pierces the collecting container 102. This axis or rod 110 is fixedly connected to the scraping element 106, which presses the dirt out of the collecting container 102 or compresses it in the collecting container 102.

[0107] To remove the filter module 105 from the collection container 102, the separation unit 150 can first be separated from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. The filter module 105 can then be pulled out along the removal direction 801.

[0108] The measures described in this document make it possible to separate the separation unit 150 from the base unit 140 to conveniently empty the collection container 102. The filter module 105 can be conveniently removed from the collection container 102. The (clean) filter cover 810 can serve as a gripping surface. Gripping the contaminated filter material or using a special tool is not required.

[0109] By disassembling the separation unit 105 with the collecting container 102, the suction mouth opening 710 (i.e. the inlet area) of the collecting container 102 is easily accessible and can therefore be cleaned in a convenient manner (e.g., to remove a blockage).

[0110] By dismantling the separation unit 105 and removing the filter module 105, contamination behind the scraper element 106 can be removed in a convenient manner (without having to reach into the collection container 102 by hand).

[0111] The removal of the filter module 105 along the removal direction 801 represents a further possibility for stiffening the filter module 105 by the stripping element 106, e.g., when the handle 111 can no longer be moved due to the collection container 102 being too full.

[0112] Measures are thus described that enable compression and / or complete ejection of dust from a removed collection container 102. In particular, a removable separation unit 150 (with a collection container 102) for a vacuum cleaner 100 is described, in which the dust can be emptied through a (lower) flap 104, wherein an annular element 106 is provided that can be moved downwards along the filter 105 (during an emptying process) to clean the filter 105 and expel the dust from the collection container 102. The filter 105 itself can be pulled upwards (in the opposite direction) out of the collection container 102 (during an emptying process) in order to replace it or to clean it manually.

[0113] A rigid connection may be provided between the actuating element 110, 111 and the scraper ring 106.

[0114] Dust can be compressed or expelled during normal operation with the collection container 102 arranged on the base part 140 (without having to remove the collection container 102). Alternatively, the collection container 102 can first be removed from the base part 140 in order to subsequently compress or expel the dust.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed separation units 150 and / or suction devices 100. List of reference symbols

[0116] 100Suction device 101Suction mouth 102Collection container 103Collection area 104Cover (flap) 105Filter module 106Wiper element (wiper ring) 107Blower 108Handle 110Rod 111Handle 112Guide (rod) 113Coupling 114Spring module (spring) 140Base unit 150Separation unit 201Longitudinal axis 301, 302Coupling element 401Guide rail 402Guide element 406Front side (wiper element) 416Guide groove 502Bridge 616Rib 701Dust filter 702Sieve (lint filter) 710Suction mouth opening 720Control element (separation unit) 721Disassembly direction (separation unit) 801Removal direction (filter module) 802Ejection and / or compression direction 810Filter cover (gripping ring) 811Flattened area of the gripping ring (mechanical position coding) 820Joint (cover) 821Operating element (cover) 830Spring rod

Claims

1. Separation unit (150) for a suction device (100); wherein the separation unit (150) comprises - a collection container (102) with a collection area (103) for receiving dirt particles from a suction air stream (121, 122, 123) of the suction device (100); wherein the collection container (102) extends along a longitudinal axis (201) from a first end face, which, during operation of the suction device (100), faces a fan (107) of the suction device (100), to a second end face, on which a cover (104) of the collection container (102) is arranged; - a filter module (105) arranged in the collection container (102), which is designed to filter dirt particles from the suction air stream (121, 122, 123); wherein the collection area (103) adjoins a surface of the filter module (105); wherein the filter module (105) is designed to be removed from the collection container (102) at the first end face of the collection container (102) or inserted into the collection container (102);and - a stripping element (106) which is designed to slide over the surface of the filter module (105) when the filter module (105) is removed from the collecting container (102) at the first end face of the collecting container (102); 2. Separation unit (150) according to claim 1, wherein - the filter module (105) has a filter cover (810) on a side facing the first end face of the collecting container (102); and - the filter cover (810) is designed as a handle that can be held by a user in order to remove the filter module (105) from the collecting container (102) or to insert it into the collecting container (102).

3. Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter module (105), in particular by a mechanical position coding on a filter cover (810) of the filter module (105), is designed such that the filter module (105) can only be arranged in a defined angular position with respect to the longitudinal axis (201) in the collecting container (102).

4. Separation unit (150) according to claim 3, wherein - the filter cover (810) has a circular contour with a flattened portion (811); and - the mechanical position coding is formed by the flattened portion (811) of the filter cover (810).

5. Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the lid (104) is mounted on the second end face of the collecting container (102) via a joint (820) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis; and - the pivot axis is compressible in the axial direction, so that the lid (104) can be detached from the collecting container (102) or fastened to the collecting container (102) by compressing the pivot axis.

6. Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stripping element (106) is designed to be moved along the longitudinal axis (201) over the surface of the filter module (105).

7. Separation unit (150) according to claim 6, wherein the separation unit (150) comprises an actuating element (110, 111) which is designed to act on the stripping element (106) in order to move the stripping element (106) along the longitudinal axis (201) towards the second end side of the collecting container (102) over the surface of the filter module (105).

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

9. Separation unit (150) according to one of claims 7 to 8, wherein - the separation unit (150) has a web (502) which extends along the longitudinal axis (201) away from the collecting container (102) starting from the first end face of the collecting container (102); and - the actuating element (110, 111) is arranged in and / or on the web (502).

10. Separation unit (150) according to claim 9, wherein - the separation unit (150) has a return spring (114) arranged at least partially in the web (502), which is designed to automatically move the actuating element (110, 111) and the stripping element (106) away from the second end face of the collecting container (102) into a home position; and - the stripping element (106) is arranged in the home position, in particular on the first end face of the collecting container (102).

11. Separation unit (150) according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein - the stripping element (106) is designed to be moved towards the second end face of the collecting container (102) with the lid (104) of the collecting container (102) closed in order to compress dirt particles arranged in the collecting region (103) of the collecting container (102); and - the stripping element (106) is designed to be moved towards the second end face of the collecting container (102) with the lid (104) of the collecting container (102) open in order to expel dirt particles arranged in the collecting region (103) of the collecting container (102) from the collecting container (102).

12. Separation unit (150) according to claim 11, wherein - the separation unit (150) comprises a dedicated operating element (821) for opening the lid (104); and - the separation unit (150) is designed such that the stripping element (106) can be moved toward the second end face of the collecting container (102) without opening the lid (104) of the collecting container (102).

13. Suction device (100) comprising - a separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims; and - a base unit (140) with a fan (107) configured to generate a suction air flow (121, 122, 123) through the separation unit (150).

14. Suction device (100) according to claim 13, wherein - the separation unit (150) has an operating element (720) which is designed such that the operating element (720) can be pressed by a user, in particular with two fingers, in order to - hold the separation unit (150); and - release a locking mechanism with which the separation unit (150) is attached to the base unit (140).

15. Suction device (100) according to claim 14, wherein - the operating element (720) is arranged on a side wall of the collecting container (102) facing away from the base unit (140), which side wall runs between the first end face and the second end face of the collecting container (102); and - the locking mechanism is designed such that the separation unit (150) can be disassembled from the base unit (140) along a disassembly direction (721) that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (201) of the separation unit (150).

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