Suction device having a cleaning valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction device having a suction-device housing (11), in which a suction turbine (14) is arranged for generating a suction flow (SM), wherein: the suction-device housing (11) comprises a suction inlet (12), for letting in the suction flow (SM), and a dust-collection chamber (15), for collecting dust contained in the suction flow (SM) during the suction operation of the suction device (10); a filter element (25) is arranged between the dust-collection chamber (15) and the suction turbine (14) for retaining dust in the dust-collection chamber (15); a cleaning valve (40, 140) is arranged between the filter element (25) and the suction turbine (14); the cleaning valve (40, 140) comprises a suction flow valve (43A) having a suction flow valve body (43), which closes a suction channel (17) in a cleaning position (AR) and opens it in a suction operation position (SB), which suction channel extends between the suction turbine (14) and the filter element and through which the suction flow (SM) can flow; and the cleaning valve (40, 140) comprises an external-air valve (63A, 73A) having an external-air valve body (63) which closes an external-air channel (18) in the suction operation position (SB) and opens it in the cleaning position (AR), which external-air channel extends between the filter element (25) and an external-air inlet (19) provided for the inflow of external air, so that an external-air flow (FLS) flowing through the external-air inlet (19) can flow through the filter element (25) in a flow direction counter to the suction flow (SM) in order to clean said filter element. The suction flow valve body (43) comprises at least one external-air passage channel (55), through which at least some of the external-air flow (FLS) or the entire external-air flow (FLS) can flow in the cleaning position (AR).

Description

[0001] Vacuum cleaner with a cleaning valve

[0002] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner housing in which a suction turbine is arranged for generating a suction flow, wherein the vacuum cleaner housing has a suction inlet for admitting the suction flow and a dust collection chamber for collecting dust contained in the suction flow during suction operation of the vacuum cleaner, wherein a filter element for retaining dust in the dust collection chamber is arranged between the dust collection chamber and the suction turbine, wherein a cleaning valve is arranged between the filter element and the suction turbine, wherein the cleaning valve has a suction flow valve with a suction flow valve body, which closes a suction flow channel, which runs between the suction turbine and the filter element and through which the suction flow can flow, in a cleaning position and opens it in a suction operation position, and wherein the cleaning valve has an external air valve with an external air valve body,which closes an external air duct, which runs between the filter element and an external air inlet provided for the inflow of external air, in the suction operating position and opens it in the cleaning position, so that an external air flow flowing in through the external air inlet can flow through the filter element for its cleaning in a flow direction opposite to the suction flow.

[0003] Such a cleaning valve is described, for example, in DE 101 01 219 B4. The cleaning valve thus has two valve bodies, of which the external air valve body opens and closes the external air duct, and the suction flow valve body opens and closes the suction flow duct. The design of such a cleaning valve is therefore relatively complex. Furthermore, DE 102010 029 518 A1, DE 276 953 A, and EP 1 997 415 A1 relate to vacuum cleaners with cleaning valves.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a suction device with an improved cleaning valve.

[0005] To achieve the object, in a suction device of the type mentioned at the outset, it is provided that the suction flow valve body has at least one external air passage channel through which at least part of the external air flow or the entire external air flow can flow in the cleaning position.

[0006] A basic concept of the invention is that at least a portion of the external air flow can flow through the external air passageway to clean the filter element. This enables a space-saving design in which, in addition to the external air passageway of the suction flow valve body, no additional external air passageways are required, or an overall larger flow cross-section for the external air flow is possible, which can include both the external air passageway of the suction flow valve body and additional external air passageways.

[0007] Particularly advantageous is the relative mobility of the external air valve body and the suction flow valve body, i.e., the suction flow valve body can be stationary while the external air valve body is moving, or the external air valve body can be stationary while the suction flow valve body is moving, or both valve bodies can be movable relative to the suction device housing and relative to each other. It is also possible for the suction flow valve body and the external air valve body to be movable relative to each other at different speeds.

[0008] An advantageous concept provides for the external air valve body to be adjustable between a position that closes the external air channel and a position that opens the external air channel, while the suction flow valve body closes the suction flow channel. This makes it possible, for example, for the suction flow channel to already be closed before the external air channel is opened by the external air valve body. Furthermore, it is possible for the suction flow channel to remain closed while the external air valve body opens the external air channel.

[0009] However, it is also possible for the suction flow valve body to be adjustable between a position that closes the suction flow channel and a position that opens it, while the external air valve body closes the external air channel. Thus, for example, the suction flow valve body can be adjustable or can be adjusted from the suction operating position toward the cleaning position without the external air valve body simultaneously opening the external air channel.

[0010] Advantageously, the external air valve body is adjustable relative to the suction flow valve body along an adjustment path between the cleaning position and the suction operating position. The adjustment path can, for example, be linear and / or rectilinear. However, a curved or arcuate adjustment path is also readily possible.

[0011] A plain bearing is preferred for at least one of the valve bodies, with a plain bearing supporting the valve body so that it can slide along a linear adjustment path axis or adjustment path. The plain bearing is preferably not designed as a screw mount. The plain bearing preferably does not have a screw thread. Plain bearing concepts with such a plain bearing are explained below:

[0012] The external air valve body is preferably mounted so that it can move between its positions using a plain bearing.

[0013] Preferably, the suction flow valve body is movably mounted between its positions by means of a plain bearing.

[0014] The external air valve body and the suction flow valve body are preferably adjustable relative to each other between the cleaning position and the suction operating position using at least one plain bearing. For example, the suction flow valve body has a plain bearing on which the external air valve body is slidably mounted.

[0015] The external air valve body and the suction flow valve body preferably have the same direction of movement when moving toward their respective cleaning position and toward their respective suction operating position. The movements of the external air valve body and the suction flow valve body into the cleaning position or the suction operating position are preferably in the same direction.

[0016] It is advantageous if the at least one external air passage or one of the external air passages runs through the suction flow valve body in a central region of the suction flow valve body.

[0017] It is further advantageous if the suction flow valve body has a closure wall for closing the suction flow channel, through which the external air passageway extends. The closure wall is designed, for example, as a type of cover wall. Preferably, the at least one external air passageway or one of the external air passageways extends through a central region of the closure wall.

[0018] While it is fundamentally possible for the closure wall to directly adjoin the external air passageway, for example a valve seat on the external air passageway, it is advantageously provided that an elastic seal and / or a sealing contour is arranged between the closure wall and the external air passageway, for example a valve seat for the closure wall on the external air passageway. This advantageously ensures that the external air passage and the suction flow passage are completely or essentially sealed off from one another when the suction flow valve body is in the suction operating position. Small leaks are easily possible or optionally provided for despite the seal. This can, for example, prevent external air from flowing from the external air passageway into the suction flow passage and thus towards the suction turbine.It has already been explained in principle that the closure wall of the suction flow valve body can rest against a suction flow valve seat when the suction flow valve body assumes the cleaning position, i.e. closes the suction flow channel. Advantageously, an elastic seal and / or a sealing contour is arranged between the closure wall and a suction flow valve seat when the suction flow valve body rests against the suction flow valve seat in the suction operating position, in order to delimit the suction flow channel. For example, it is possible for a sealing contour to be arranged on one of the suction flow valve body and suction flow valve seat and an elastic seal on the other of the suction flow valve body and suction flow valve seat. It is also possible for both the valve body and the valve seat to each have an elastic seal. The elastic seal and / or the sealing contour are, for example, annular or annularly closed.

[0019] It is possible for the external air valve body to be adjustable into a position that closes the external air duct or opens the external air duct by suitable flow conditions and / or pressure conditions during cleaning operation and / or suction operation.

[0020] Furthermore, it is also possible that the external air valve body's weight holds it in a position that closes the external air duct when the vacuum cleaner housing is oriented for normal vacuuming operation. For example, if the vacuum cleaner is placed on its casters on a surface, the weight of the external air valve body ensures that it would close or closes the external air duct without any additional force.

[0021] Advantageously, the external air valve body is biased by an external air valve spring arrangement into a position that closes the external air duct or into a position that opens the external air duct. It is possible for the external air valve body to be biased solely by the spring arrangement into the position that closes the external air duct or the position that opens the external air duct, i.e., air flows and / or pressure conditions during cleaning operation or suction operation have no influence on the respective position of the external air valve body. However, it is possible for the spring arrangement to act on the external air valve body in such a way as to assist the actuation of the external air valve body by air flows that arise during the transition from cleaning operation to suction operation or vice versa.

[0022] Furthermore, the external air valve spring arrangement can also ensure that the external air duct holds the external air valve body in the suction operating position if the suction device housing is in an unfavorable position, for example if the suction device housing is lying on its side or is tilted.

[0023] Advantageously, the external air valve spring assembly is supported on the one hand by the external air valve body and on the other hand by the suction flow valve body or a support structure firmly connected to the suction device housing, in particular a valve housing, of the cleaning valve. Thus, for example, the suction flow valve body can form an abutment for the external air valve body, at least partially. It is possible for the external air spring assembly to be supported directly or indirectly on the suction device housing.

[0024] It has already been mentioned that flow conditions and / or air flows and / or pressure conditions in connection with the cleaning operation or suction operation can actuate the external air valve body. Such an effect can occur with and without the aforementioned external air spring arrangement. It is preferred if the external air valve body, in particular in a configuration as a drive body driven by a valve drive, has a differential pressure surface that is loaded by a differential pressure such that the external air duct or external air valve, or both, is closed when the external air valve body rests against an external air valve seat. Thus, for example, the differential pressure holds the external air valve or the external air valve body in the closed position so that no external air flows through the external air duct. The differential pressure is present when the vacuum cleaner is in suction operation.The differential pressure is the difference between atmospheric pressure and a lower pressure or negative pressure generated by the suction turbine during suction operation of the vacuum cleaner in a negative pressure area inside the vacuum cleaner housing, for example, in the area of ​​the dust collection chamber. The differential pressure area is subjected to atmospheric pressure.

[0025] For the suction flow valve body, the same design option applies as for the external air valve body, that the suction flow valve body can be loaded into the suction operating position or the position opening the suction flow channel by a spring arrangement and / or pressure conditions and / or flow conditions and / or its own weight or the like.

[0026] For example, one measure may provide that the suction flow valve body is loaded into the suction operating position and / or a position opening the suction flow channel by a suction flow valve spring arrangement.

[0027] The suction flow valve spring arrangement is advantageously supported on the one hand on the suction flow valve body and on the other hand on the external air valve body or a support structure, in particular a valve housing, of the cleaning valve that is firmly connected to the suction device housing.

[0028] Advantageously, the cleaning valve comprises at least one valve drive, for example, an electromagnetic or electromotive valve drive, and a drive body driven by the valve drive for adjusting the suction flow valve body between the suction operating position and the cleaning position and / or for adjusting the external air valve body between the suction operating position and the cleaning position. The drive body can therefore act on both the suction flow valve body and the external air valve body, or only on one of these valve bodies. It is also possible for the drive body to function as a valve body, for example, forming the external air valve body or the suction flow valve body.The at least one valve drive is preferably designed to adjust the suction flow valve body between the suction operating position and the cleaning position and / or to adjust the external air valve body between the suction operating position and the cleaning position within less than 2 seconds or 1.5 seconds, more preferably less than 1 second, even more preferably less than 0.5 seconds, even more preferably less than 0.4 seconds or 0.3 seconds.

[0029] In particular, the at least one valve drive is designed for a sudden adjustment of the suction flow valve body and / or the external air valve body.

[0030] The at least one valve drive is preferably an electromagnetic drive.

[0031] For electromagnetic actuation, it is advantageous if the drive body comprises magnetically actuated material, so that the drive body can be driven, for example, by an electric coil or similar other drive component of the valve drive that generates a magnetic field. The magnetically actuated material is, for example, neodymium. It is possible for the external air valve body to also comprise a magnetically actuated material, i.e., to be actuated directly by the valve drive. However, the external air valve body can also be magnetically passive, so to speak, i.e., it cannot comprise any magnetically actuated material. Thus, for example, the drive body can be provided with the magnetic material to drive the external air valve body.

[0032] It is advantageous if the drive body is loaded by a drive body spring arrangement into a position associated with the cleaning position or the suction operating position. The drive body, loaded by the drive body spring arrangement, can thus load the external air valve body in the cleaning position, opening the external air duct, or in the suction operating position, closing the external air duct. When the drive body actuates the suction flow valve body, the drive body spring arrangement can, for example, act on the drive body and thus on the suction flow valve body in the suction operating position, opening the suction flow duct, and in the cleaning position, closing the suction flow duct.

[0033] An advantageous concept provides that the drive body spring arrangement is supported on the one hand on the drive body and on the other hand on the suction flow valve body or a support structure, in particular a valve housing, of the cleaning valve that is firmly connected to the suction device housing.

[0034] The drive body is advantageously designed in a plate-like manner. The drive body is advantageously made of metal and / or can be actuated and / or driven by an electromagnet, for example, by the aforementioned valve drive.

[0035] In principle, the actuator body can be a drive body that merely performs a drive function, i.e., is not designed as a valve body or valve element. However, it is also possible for the actuator body to be designed as an external air valve body, to form the external air valve body, or to be permanently connected to the external air valve body. Thus, the actuator body can be both, e.g., an element actuated or actuable by the valve drive and also the external air valve body.

[0036] One embodiment of the invention can provide that the drive body is adjustable relative to the external air valve body, in particular between a position that actuates the external air valve body and a position that releases the external air valve body for movement. When the external air valve body is released for movement by the drive body, it can be actuated, for example, by a differential pressure acting on it and / or its weight.

[0037] Thus, there can optionally be some play between the actuator body and the external air valve body. However, the actuator body can also be designed to actuate the suction flow valve body.

[0038] Also with regard to the suction flow valve body, it is advantageous if the drive body has a movement play relative to the suction flow valve body, for example when the drive body does not actuate or is not intended to actuate the suction flow valve body.

[0039] It is preferably provided that the drive body has a movement play with respect to the external air valve body and with respect to the suction flow valve body such that when the cleaning valve is adjusted from the suction operating position to the cleaning position, the drive body actuates the suction flow valve body in the direction of a position closing the suction flow channel in advance of an adjustment of the external air valve body or another external air valve body in the direction of a position opening the external air channel and / or when the cleaning valve is adjusted from the cleaning position to the suction operating position, the drive body actuates the external air valve body before the suction flow valve body in the direction of the position closing the external air channel.Such a sequence of movements ensures that during the transition from suction mode to cleaning mode, the suction flow channel is closed first and then the external air channel is opened. During the transition from cleaning mode to suction mode, it is advantageous to first close the external air channel and then open the suction flow channel. The drive body can therefore, for example, be an external air valve body and actuate another external air valve body. However, the drive body can also be a pure drive body and / or not be designed as an external air valve body.

[0040] It is advantageous if the drive body is arranged between the external air valve body and the suction flow valve body. For example, this allows the aforementioned drive concept to be optimally achieved. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the drive body is arranged in an interior space of the external air valve body. For example, the external air valve body can be designed in the manner of a hood or a cover. The external air valve body can, for example, have a particularly cylindrical interior space suitable for accommodating the drive body.

[0041] In principle, it is possible for the cleaning valve to have only one external air valve body. However, an advantageous concept provides for two or more external air valve bodies. It can advantageously be provided that the external air valve body forms a first external air valve body and the cleaning valve has a second external air valve body for closing the external air duct that can be closed by the first external air valve body. The second external air valve body is advantageously separate from the first external air valve body. The second external air valve body can advantageously be adjustable relative to the first external air valve body between a position that closes the external air duct and a position that opens the external air duct. Thus, each of the two external air valve bodies can close or open the external air duct independently of the other external air valve body.Only when both external air valve bodies are in a position that releases the external air channel can external air flow through the external air channel.

[0042] An advantageous movement sequence or kinematics can be as follows. Preferably, the first external air valve body opens the external air channel upstream of the second external air valve body when the cleaning valve is moved from the suction operating position to the cleaning position, and the second external air valve body closes the external air channel upstream of the first external air valve body when the cleaning valve is moved from the cleaning position to the suction operating position.

[0043] As already mentioned, the actuator body can form an external air valve body.

[0044] For example, it is possible that the first external air valve body is formed by the drive body or is firmly connected to the drive body and the second external air valve body is separate from the drive body and can be driven by the drive body.

[0045] A mechanically advantageous concept provides for different valve seats and sealing contours for the external air valve bodies. Furthermore, the external air valve bodies can have different differential pressure areas, with a differential pressure area being a surface that is loaded or capable of being loaded by a differential pressure when the external air valve body rests against its associated valve seat.

[0046] Preferably, it can be provided that the first external air valve body rests with a first sealing contour against a first external air valve seat and the second external air valve body rests against a second external air valve seat in the suction operating position, and a first differential pressure area of ​​the first external air valve body enclosed by the first sealing contour is smaller than a second differential pressure area of ​​the second external air valve body enclosed by the second sealing contour, wherein the differential pressure areas are loaded or can be loaded by a differential pressure when the respective external air valve body rests against its associated external air valve seat. The differential pressure at the first external air valve body can be different from the differential pressure at the second external air valve body.

[0047] Differently sized differential pressure areas can, for example, be provided so that the external air valve body with the smaller differential pressure area can be actuated away from its external air valve seat with a smaller force than the external air valve body with the larger differential pressure area.

[0048] Furthermore, the different sized differential pressure surfaces enable movement sequences.

[0049] An advantageous concept provides that the first external air valve body closes the suction flow channel from the second external air valve body in the suction operating position. Thus, for example, the second external air valve body can be relieved of pressure actuation or pressure loading caused by pressure conditions prevailing in the suction flow channel during suction operation by the first external air valve body when the second external air valve body assumes the suction operating position.

[0050] An advantageous measure provides that the second external air valve body has at least one leakage opening through which ambient air at atmospheric pressure can act on the first external air valve body. Thus, for example, the atmospheric pressure can act on the first external air valve body, preferably in the sense of closing it or, in another embodiment, in the sense of opening it.

[0051] The cleaning valve advantageously has a base guide, which is stationary relative to the suction device housing and is designed, in particular, as a linear guide, on which the suction flow valve body, the external air valve body, or the drive body is adjustably guided. The base guide, so to speak, directly guides each of the aforementioned valve bodies or drive bodies.

[0052] However, it is also possible for the valve body or drive body, or both, to be guided relative to or against each other. Thus, an advantageous measure can provide for the cleaning valve to have a valve body guide, particularly designed as a linear guide, wherein the suction flow valve body and the external air valve body are adjustably guided relative to each other by means of the valve body guide, or the suction flow valve body and the drive body are adjustably guided relative to each other by means of the valve body guide.

[0053] The base guide and the valve body guide can be separate components.

[0054] It is advantageous if these interact with each other. One advantageous measure can provide for the base guide and the valve body guide to engage with each other. It is also possible for the base guide and the valve body guide to have coaxial or parallel guide axes, along which the components guided by the respective guide are movably mounted on the guides. It is also possible for the guide axes of the guides to be separate guide axes or to be angled to each other.

[0055] The measure explained below is also possible to release and close the external air duct or to release and close the suction flow duct.

[0056] It is advantageously provided that between at least one of the external air valve body and the suction flow valve body and a valve seat assigned to a respective valve body, a sealing contour is arranged to produce a tight connection between the valve body and the valve seat, which sealing contour is designed such that with a parallel adjustment movement of both valve bodies from the suction operating position into the cleaning position or vice versa, a tight connection can be produced between one valve body and its valve seat based on the sealing contour, while there is still a free distance and / or a flow opening between the other valve body and its valve seat.Thus, it is possible, for example, for the suction flow valve body to open the suction flow channel and the external air valve body to close the external air channel, then the suction flow valve body closes the suction flow channel and the external air valve body is only subsequently moved to open the external air channel when the suction flow channel is already closed.

[0057] This sealing contour can, for example, comprise or be formed by an elastic seal, in particular a bellows.

[0058] A concept that is independent in itself and / or represents an independent invention, which in particular facilitates the maintenance of the suction device or cleaning valve, is presented below. In conjunction with the preamble of claim 1 or in conjunction with the preceding features, it is advantageously provided that the cleaning valve is arranged on a carrier body that can be releasably fastened to a carrier body receptacle of the suction device housing. The carrier body receptacle is opposite the filter element and is designed as an opening that can be tightly closed by the carrier body.

[0059] This measure makes it possible for the carrier body to be removed from the carrier body holder in order to clean the cleaning valve. For example, at least one valve body, which is opposite the filter element when the carrier body is accommodated in the carrier body holder, can be accessible for cleaning purposes. This valve body is, for example, the suction flow valve body and / or the external air valve body, or one of the external air valve bodies if several, for example, two, external air valve bodies are present.

[0060] The carrier body can have channel sections, for example, to provide the suction flow channel and / or the external air channel. Thus, one concept can provide for the suction flow channel and / or the external air channel to run through the carrier body when the carrier body is mounted on the carrier body holder.

[0061] The pressure conditions typical during suction operation are advantageously designed so that the cleaning valve assumes the suction operating position without the need for an additional drive. Thus, it is advantageous if, during suction operation of the vacuum cleaner, the external air valve body and / or the drive body are held in a closed position by a vacuum within the vacuum cleaner housing, closing the external air duct.

[0062] In principle, the vacuum cleaner may have only a single cleaning valve. It is also possible for the vacuum cleaner to have multiple cleaning valves that can be operated simultaneously.

[0063] However, it is also possible for the suction device to have at least two cleaning valves, each assigned to a filter element, wherein the filter elements are fluidly connected to the respective cleaning valve such that one of the cleaning valves can assume the cleaning position for cleaning the filter element assigned to it, while the other cleaning valve is in the suction operating position and the suction flow can continue to flow through the filter element assigned to it. It is also possible for these two or further filter elements to be connected to one another or to be components of a single filter element body. For example, mechanical separations, flow channels or the like can be provided so that sections of a single filter element body each form a filter element, to which a cleaning valve is assigned.

[0064] The suction device according to the invention is preferably a workshop vacuum cleaner. The suction device housing preferably has rollers or wheels for rolling the suction device on a surface. It is preferred if the suction device is designed for interaction with a machine tool, in particular with a hand-held machine tool or with a semi-stationary machine tool. For example, the suction device has a suction inlet with a nozzle for connecting a suction hose, with which a flow connection can be established between the suction device and the machine tool. The suction device is preferably controllable by the machine tool, for example, to initiate a cleaning process.

[0065] The suction device advantageously has a control device with which the at least one cleaning valve or a valve drive thereof can be controlled, for example in order to actuate the cleaning valve from the suction operating position into the cleaning position and / or from the cleaning position into the suction operating position.

[0066] For example, if the cleaning valve or parts thereof and / or the filter element are removable components from the suction device, it is advantageous if at least one additional filter element is present, fulfilling an emergency or police function, so to speak. Thus, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the suction device has at least one turbine filter element arranged between the suction turbine and the cleaning valve.

[0067] The external air inlet, with which the cleaning valve communicates and / or on which the cleaning valve is located, can be located on the suction device housing and connected to the cleaning valve via a flow channel. However, it is also possible for the external air inlet to be provided directly on the cleaning valve, for example, on a valve base body of the cleaning valve or on a valve housing of the cleaning valve. The suction flow valve body and / or external air valve body, for example, are movably mounted on the valve base body or the valve housing.

[0068] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0069] Figure 1 is a top view of a suction device,

[0070] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through the suction device according to Figure 1, approximately along a section line VV of the suction device, the longitudinal section passing through a cleaning valve,

[0071] Figure 3 shows a valve body of the cleaning valve according to Figure 2,

[0072] Figure 4 shows a detail D5 from Figure 2 with the cleaning valve in a suction operating position,

[0073] Figure 5 shows the cleaning valve in the view corresponding to Figure 4 in an intermediate position between the suction operating position and a cleaning position,

[0074] Figure 6 shows the cleaning valve in the view corresponding to Figure 4 in the cleaning position, Figure 7 shows a carrier body which is intended for attachment to a suction device housing of the suction device according to the preceding figures and on which the cleaning valve is arranged according to the preceding figures, in a perspective oblique view from below,

[0075] Figure 8 shows the carrier body according to Figure 7 in a frontal view from above,

[0076] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the carrier body according to Figure 7 or

[0077] 8, approximately along a section line CC in Figure 8,

[0078] Figure 10 a detail D6 from Figure 9

[0079] Figure 11 is a sectional view of another suction device, which is shown approximately along a section line AA in Figure 1 and has cleaning valves, which are shown in a suction operating position,

[0080] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the suction device according to Figure 11, approximately along a section line BB in Figure 1,

[0081] Figure 13 shows the suction device according to Figure 12, but with the cleaning valve in the cleaning position,

[0082] Figure 14 shows a detail D2 from Figure 12 with an enlarged view of the cleaning valve,

[0083] Figure 15 shows a detail D3 from Figure 13 with an enlarged view of the cleaning valve.

[0084] A suction device 10 has a suction device housing 11 on which a suction inlet 12 is arranged for admitting a suction flow SM.

[0085] The suction inlet 12 is suitable, for example, for connecting a suction hose SL. The suction hose SL can be connected to a machine tool WZ, shown schematically in the drawing, for example, a cutting or grinding machine tool, in particular a hand-held machine tool. Dust ST generated by the machine tool WZ can be extracted using the suction device 10.

[0086] The suction device 10 is, for example, a workshop vacuum cleaner.

[0087] In a schematically illustrated manner, the housing 11 can have rollers 11 E with which it can be rolled and / or parked on a surface.

[0088] The suction inlet 12 communicates with a dust collection chamber 15 for collecting dust ST.

[0089] A filter bag 325, in which dust ST can be collected, can optionally be arranged in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter bag 325 is fluidly connected to the suction inlet 12 when the filter bag 325 is arranged in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter bag 325 can be connected, for example, to a nozzle communicating with the suction inlet 12. However, the suction device 10 can easily be operated without such a filter bag, in particular due to effective filter cleaning, which will be described later.

[0090] To generate the suction flow SM, the suction device 10 has a suction turbine 14.

[0091] Exhaust air AB generated by the suction turbine 14 can be blown out of the housing 11 via an outlet 13 of the housing 11. The outlet 13 is located downstream of the suction turbine 14.

[0092] The suction turbine 14 is arranged, for example, on or in the region of an outlet 13 of the housing 11.

[0093] The dust collection chamber 15 for collecting dust ST is arranged in the housing 11. The housing 11 has peripheral walls 11B, a bottom wall 11C, and a top wall 11D, wherein the bottom wall 11C and the top wall 11D are connected to each other by the peripheral walls 11B.

[0094] The dust collection chamber 15 is delimited by the bottom wall 11C and the peripheral walls 11B. On the top side or on a side opposite the bottom wall 11C, the dust collection chamber 15 can be closed or closable or delimited by the top wall 11D and / or by an intermediate wall 16 of the suction device housing 11.

[0095] For example, the suction inlet 12 is arranged on the top wall 11D or on one of the peripheral walls 11B (indicated by a suction inlet 12B) and communicates with the dust collection chamber 15.

[0096] Between the intermediate wall 16 and the cover wall 11D, a suction flow channel 17 is formed, which is fluidly connected to the suction turbine 14. Suction flow SM flows through the suction flow channel 17 to the suction turbine 14 and is discharged from the turbine via the outlet 13 as exhaust air AB.

[0097] The suction flow channel 17 can have channel sections 17A, 17B, which each carry parts of the suction flow SM, are brought together in front of the suction turbine 14 and through which the suction flow SM flows as a whole to the suction turbine 14.

[0098] A turbine filter element 14A can be arranged upstream of the suction turbine 14 in order to filter out any dirt or particles contained in the suction stream SM, if there are still particles present in the suction stream SM that have not been filtered out by the filter arrangement explained below or if there is a missing or improperly functioning filter arrangement that still remains in the suction stream SM.

[0099] A filter assembly 20 is arranged between the dust collection chamber 15 and the suction turbine 14, with which the dust ST is filtered out of the suction flow SM and retained in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter assembly 20 is arranged on the partition wall 16. The suction flow SM is shown in relation to its flow direction upstream of the filter assembly 20 by black arrows and downstream of the filter assembly 20 by white arrows to symbolically indicate that the filter assembly 20 filters out dust ST from the suction flow SM.

[0100] The filter arrangement 20 comprises two filter elements 25A, 25B, which are constructed in the same way and are generally referred to and explained below as filter element 25.

[0101] The filter assembly 20 comprises a filter carrier 21 for supporting a filter element 25.

[0102] The filter carrier 21 is held, for example, on the intermediate wall 16.

[0103] The filter element 25 has a flat shape. For example, the filter element 25 comprises a pleated filter or is formed by a pleated filter.

[0104] For example, the filter element 25 is arranged on a holding receptacle 22 of the filter carrier 21. The holding receptacle 22 is designed, for example, in the manner of a plug-in receptacle into which the filter element 25 can be inserted.

[0105] The filter element 25 is held on the retaining receptacle 22, for example, by positive engagement, frictional engagement, and / or clamping. However, it is also possible for the filter element 25 to be held firmly to the retaining receptacle 22, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0106] Preferably, the retaining receptacle 22 is elastically flexible. For example, the retaining receptacle 22 has an elastic holder 23, to which the filter element 25 is held, for example, frictionally and / or positively.

[0107] The holder 23 or the holding receptacle 22 comprises, for example, a sleeve made of an elastic material, such as rubber, elastic plastic, or the like. Thus, the filter element 25 is movably held on the filter carrier 21, which, for example, enables and / or facilitates cleaning of the filter element 25.

[0108] A support structure 24 for supporting the filter element 25 is arranged on the filter carrier 21.

[0109] The support structure 24 is permeable to air so that air flowing through the filter element 25 can flow through the support structure 24.

[0110] The support structure 24 is designed, for example, in the manner of a support grid or has a support grid or a grid structure.

[0111] The filter element 25 rests, for example, with its flat side or its greatest extent against the support structure 24 and is supported by it.

[0112] The filter assembly 20 thus filters out dust ST contained in the suction flow SM and retains it in the dust collection chamber 15. A portion of the dust ST falls downwards from the filter assembly 20 toward the dust collection chamber 15 or toward the floor wall 11C, e.g., due to gravity and / or vibrations generated during the suction operation of the suction device 10, for example, due to the suction turbine 14. However, another portion of the dust ST adheres to the filter assembly 20, for example, to the filter element 25, so that cleaning is necessary.

[0113] Each filter element 25A, 25B is assigned a cleaning valve 40A, 40B in order to clean the respective filter element 25A, 25B.

[0114] The cleaning valves 40A, 40B, hereinafter also referred to as cleaning valve 40, have valve bodies 41 which are adjustable relative to valve seats 42 between a closed position SP closing the suction flow channel 17 and an open position OP releasing the suction flow channel 17.

[0115] The open position OP corresponds to a suction operating position SB of a cleaning valve 40, in which the suction turbine 14 can suck in the suction flow SM through the suction inlet 12 and blow it out through the outlet 13. The closed position SP is assigned to a cleaning position AR or corresponds to a cleaning position AR in which a respective filter element 25A, 25B is cleaned.

[0116] The cleaning valves 40A, 40B close the suction flow channel 17 in the cleaning position AR and open it in the suction operating position SB. Thus, the valve bodies 41 form the suction flow valve body 43, and the valve seat 42 is a suction flow valve seat 44.

[0117] Thus, the suction flow valve body 43 and the suction flow valve seat 44 form components of a suction flow valve 43A

[0118] The suction flow valve seat 44 extends around a passage 44B on a support body 44A, for example, the intermediate wall 16. The passage 44B enables the suction flow SM to flow from the filter assembly 20, for example, a filter element 25, through the cleaning valve 40 toward the suction flow channel 17, which is fluidly connected to the passage 44B. The suction flow valve body 43 closes the passage 44B in the closed position SP. The passage 44B forms a component of a suction flow channel 48 of the cleaning valve 40.

[0119] The support body 44A may form a component of the intermediate wall 16 or a component of the cleaning valve 40. The support body 44A is preferably fixedly connected to the intermediate wall 16 or integral with the intermediate wall 16.

[0120] Sealing arrangements 45 are provided on the valve bodies 41, which have sealing contours 45A which rest against the valve seats 42 in the cleaning position AR or the closed position SP and are removed from the valve seats 42 in the suction operating position SB or the open position OP.

[0121] The sealing arrangements 45 comprise annular sealing bodies or sealing elements 46. The sealing elements 46 are preferably elastic. The sealing elements 46 have, for example, sealing lips or the like for engagement with the valve seats 42.

[0122] In the open position OP or suction operating position SB, a suction flow channel 48 is released, which is formed between the valve seat 42 and the side of a sealing element 46 which faces the valve seat 42 and forms, for example, a sealing contour 45A.

[0123] The suction flow channel 48 communicates with the suction flow channel 17 or forms part of the suction flow channel 17 through which the suction flow SM can flow. In the closed position SP or the cleaning position AR, the suction flow channel 48 is closed.

[0124] An elastic sealing element could easily be arranged on the valve seat 42, which interacts with the sealing element 46 and closes the suction flow channel 17 in the cleaning position AR. However, it is also possible for such a sealing element on the valve seat 42 to rest directly against a fixed component or fixed section of the valve body 41 in the cleaning position AR.

[0125] The valve bodies 41 are adjustable along a particularly linear movement path BB between the cleaning position AR and the suction operating position SB. For example, the valve bodies 41 are movably mounted on base guides 50 between the cleaning position AR and the suction operating position SB.

[0126] The base guides 50 have guide receptacles 51 in which guide bodies 52, for example, guide projections 52A, of the valve body 41 are guided along the movement path BB. For example, the guide receptacles 51 are cylindrical guide receptacles in which the likewise cylindrical guide projections 52A or guide bodies 52 are guided.

[0127] The base guides 50 are, for example, provided as plain bearings or are parts of plain bearings. The suction flow valve body 43 has a closure wall 59. The closure wall 59 is designed, for example, in the manner of a closure cover. The closure wall 59 has the sealing arrangement 45 on its outer circumference. The guide body 52 protrudes in front of the closure wall 59 in the manner of a guide shaft or guide pin.

[0128] The guide receptacle 51 is provided on a valve base body 90. The valve base body 90 is, for example, plate-shaped. The valve base body 90 has the guide receptacle 51, in which the guide body 52 of the suction flow valve body 43 is accommodated for linear movement along the movement path BB.

[0129] The valve base body 90 is located opposite the passage 44B and the suction flow valve body 43. The suction flow valve body 43 is movably mounted along the movement path BB toward and away from the valve base body 90.

[0130] On the side facing the suction flow valve body 43, the valve base body 90 has a valve seat 91 for the suction flow valve body 43. When the cleaning valve 40 assumes the suction operating position SB, the suction flow valve body 43 is removed from the valve seat 91. When the cleaning valve 40 assumes the cleaning position AR, i.e., the suction flow valve body 43 assumes an open position OP with respect to the suction flow valve seat 44, the suction flow valve body 43 rests against the valve seat 91.

[0131] In this position, external air passage openings 92 on the valve base body 90 communicate with external air passage channels 55 on the suction flow valve body 43.

[0132] The external air passages 55 are provided on the closure wall 59 of the suction flow valve body 43. For example, four external air passages 55 are provided in a ring around the guide body 52 and / or in a ring around a movement axis or central axis M of the cleaning valve 40, which coincides with the movement path BB. The external air passage openings 92 extend in a ring around the guide receptacle 51 on the valve base body 90. The flow cross-sections of the external air passage openings 92 and the external air passage channels 55 are preferably identical or substantially the same.

[0133] For example, connecting webs 55A extend between the closure wall 59 and the guide body 52, between which the external air passage channels 55 are formed.

[0134] Thus, when the suction flow valve body 43 rests against the valve seat 91, it allows external air FL to flow through it via the external air passages 55. In this position, the closed position SP, of the suction flow valve body 43, the external air passages 55 are sealed from the suction flow channel 17 by a sealing contour 45B. Thus, the external air FL cannot flow into the suction flow channel 17.

[0135] The sealing contour 45B is formed, for example, by an elastic sealing element, preferably a sealing element which is constructed in the same way as the sealing element 46.

[0136] The sealing contour 45B and the sealing contour 45A extend annularly and / or concentrically around the central axis M and / or around the guide body 52.

[0137] Between the sealing contours 45A and 45B, the closure wall 59 can have a step 59A. Thus, the external air passage channels 59 are arranged on a section of the closure wall 59 that projects in the direction of the valve base body 90.

[0138] The suction flow valve body 43 is urged by a spring arrangement 54 toward its open position OP and thus into the suction operating position SB of the cleaning valve 40. The spring arrangement 54 comprises, for example, a helical spring. The spring arrangement 54 is supported on the one hand on the valve base body 90 and on the other hand on the suction flow valve body 43. The spring arrangement 54 is penetrated, for example, by the guide body 52. ​​A valve drive 80 is provided to actuate the cleaning valve 40 and thus the suction flow valve body 43 from the suction operating position SB into the cleaning position AR. The valve drive 80 comprises a stator 81 and a rotor or drive body 82. The drive body 82 can be actuated magnetically, i.e., for example, the drive body 82 can be driven by a magnetic field emanating from the stator 81. For example, a coil arrangement 83, for example an electrical coil, is arranged on the stator 81.

[0139] The drive body 82 is designed, for example, in the manner of a plate or a disk.

[0140] For example, the drive body 82 is formed as a metal plate 84 made of ferromagnetic metal.

[0141] The drive body 82 is guided along the movement path BB on a valve body guide 60, i.e., in this case, linearly. The valve body guide 60 has a guide receptacle 61, in or on which a guide body 62 is guided. The guide body 62 is firmly connected to the drive body 82. For example, the guide body 62 is designed in the manner of a pin that protrudes from the drive body 82.

[0142] The valve body guide 60 is designed, for example, as a plain bearing or forms a plain bearing.

[0143] The guide receptacle 61 is provided on the guide body 52 of the suction flow valve body 43 and extends, for example, as a bore or a guide receptacle. The guide body 62 engages in the guide receptacle 61. As a result, the drive body 82 is guided on the suction flow valve body 43 along the movement path BB.

[0144] The coil arrangement 83 can be energized using an energizing device 104. A control device 100 is provided to control the energizing device 104. The control device 100 comprises a processor 101 and a memory 102 in which a control program 103 is stored. The control program 103 comprises commands that can be executed by the processor 101 to control the suction device 10 and / or the energizing device 104.

[0145] The drive body 82 has a certain amount of play relative to the suction flow valve body 43. This makes it possible for the drive body 82 to be actuated from the suction operating position SB to the cleaning position AR ahead of the suction flow valve body 43. The drive body 82 acts on the suction flow valve body 43 via a drive body spring arrangement 87.

[0146] The spring arrangement 87 comprises, for example, a helical spring, which is supported on the one hand on the valve body 43 and on the other hand on a support contour 88 connected to the drive body 82. For example, the support contour 88 is provided on a free portion of the guide body 62 that protrudes in front of the guide receptacle 61.

[0147] The advance actuation of the drive body 82 such that it can be actuated from the suction operating position SB in advance of the suction flow valve body 43 proves to be advantageous when the filter arrangement 20 is subjected to an external air flow FS containing the external air FL, as explained below.

[0148] The external air FL can flow into the external air duct 18 through an external air inlet 19 of the suction device 10. The external air duct 18 can be closed by the drive body 82, so that the drive body 82 forms an external air valve body 63. The external air valve body 63 or the drive body 82 is, for example, plate-like and can be lifted off an external air valve seat 64, so that the external air FL can flow past the external air valve seat 64 into the external air passage openings 92.

[0149] The external air valve seat 64 is provided on the valve base body 90. The external air valve seat 64 and the valve seat 91 are arranged on opposite sides of the valve base body 90. The external air valve body 63 and the external air valve seat 64 form components of an external air valve 63A.

[0150] An external air sealing arrangement 65 is arranged on the external air valve seat 64. The external air sealing arrangement 65 comprises, for example, a sealing element 66. When the drive body 82 and thus the external air valve body 63 rests against the external air valve seat 64, it rests against the sealing element 66, thereby closing the external air channel 18.

[0151] The function of the actuator body 82 as an external air valve body 63 is optional and therefore not absolutely necessary. The cleaning valve 40 has a further external air valve body 73, so that the external air valve body 63 forms a first external air valve body and the external air valve body 73 forms a second external air valve body.

[0152] The external air valve body 73 is suitable for closing the external air duct 18. The external air valve body 73 is lifted from an external air valve seat 74 in an open position OP, so that the external air duct 18 is opened and / or external air FL can flow past the external air valve seat 74 into the external air passage openings 92. In a closed position SP, however, the external air valve body 73 rests against the external air valve seat 74, so that the external air duct 18 is closed. An external air sealing arrangement 75 with an external air sealing element 76 is advantageously arranged on the external air valve seat 74.

[0153] The external air valve body 73 and the external air valve seat 74 form components of an external air valve 73A.

[0154] The external air sealing element 66 is arranged in an interior space of the external air valve 73 and / or in an interior space delimited by the external air sealing element 76 and / or within the external air sealing element 76. The external air sealing elements 66 and 76 are arranged concentrically. Thus, a differential pressure area DD1 of the external air valve body 63 is smaller than a differential pressure area DD2 of the external air valve body 73 when atmospheric pressure acts on the external air valve bodies 63 and 73 in their closed position SP, while a negative pressure generated by the suction turbine 14 or at least a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure prevails inside the suction device housing 11.

[0155] Optionally, it is possible for a leakage opening 79 to be provided on the external air valve body 73, through which atmospheric pressure can act on the external air valve body 63.

[0156] For example, the external air sealing elements 66 and 76 are concentric to each other.

[0157] The external air sealing elements 66 and 76 provide sealing contours for the external air valve bodies 63 and 73 on the valve seats 64 and 74.

[0158] The external air sealing elements 66 and 76 are preferably designed as ring seals.

[0159] The external air valve body 73 is held and guided on a guide bracket 70.

[0160] The guide bracket 70 is provided, for example, on a drive carrier 89 of the valve drive 80. The coil assembly 83 is arranged on the drive carrier 89. The drive carrier 89 is, for example, the stator 81 of the valve drive 80.

[0161] The drive carrier 89 is designed, for example, as a plate-shaped or cover-like body.

[0162] The drive carrier 89 can be designed as a component that can be subsequently mounted on the suction device 10 and / or the cleaning valve 40, so that the cleaning valve 40 can be subsequently equipped with the valve drive 80 and the external air valve 73A. The guide bracket 70 has a spring receptacle 71 for an external air valve spring arrangement 72. The spring arrangement 72 comprises, for example, a helical spring 72A. The helical spring 72A is supported on the one hand on the guide bracket 70, in particular a base of the spring receptacle 71, and on the other hand on the external air valve body 73, for example on the flange projection 77 or collar of the external air valve body 73.

[0163] The spring assembly 72 guides the external air valve body 73 parallel to the movement path BB. The external air valve body 73 has a certain amount of play transverse to the movement path BB due to the resilient nature of the spring assembly 72.

[0164] The external air valve body 73 is designed in the manner of a closure cap for closing the external air valve seat 74. The external air valve body 73 has a receptacle 78 or an interior space in which the drive body 82 or external air valve body 63 is accommodated.

[0165] The external air valve body 63 or drive body 82 has a movement play relative to the external air valve body 73. Thus, it is possible for the drive body 82 to first be adjusted from a position associated with the suction operating position SB toward its position associated with the cleaning position AR, i.e., to lift off the external air valve seat 64, before it acts on the external air valve body 73 by lifting it off its external air valve seat 74 and / or by moving the external air valve body 73 into the open position OP.

[0166] Even with the leakage opening 79, the external air valve body 73 has a closing function in that even if the external air valve body 73 is not completely tightly seated against the external air valve seat 74, the influence of external air or atmospheric pressure on the external air valve body 63 is reduced.

[0167] The valve drive 80 is partially disassemblable. For example, it is possible to remove the drive carrier 63 and thus the stator 81 from the cleaning valve 40 without allowing external air FL to flow through the cleaning valve 40. In this situation, atmospheric pressure acts on the external air valve body 63 during suction operation of the suction device 10, even if it is not actively driven or drivable, for example, by energizing a coil arrangement, so that the valve body 63 remains in its closed position SP.

[0168] Below, an advantageous maintenance concept for the suction device 10 is presented, which is possible but not necessary.

[0169] The valve base body 90 is arranged, for example, on a support body 30 or is provided by a support body 30. The support body 30 is, for example, part of a cover or forms a cover that can be releasably fastened to the suction device housing 11.

[0170] For example, the carrier body 30 can be detachably attached to a carrier body receptacle 31 of the vacuum cleaner housing. A filter element 25 of the filter assembly 20 is located opposite the carrier body receptacle 31. For example, two carrier body receptacles 31, each for a carrier body 30, are arranged on the upper wall or top wall 11D of the vacuum cleaner housing 11. When the carrier body 30 is removed from the carrier body receptacle 31, the components of the cleaning valve 40, which face the filter element 25 when the carrier body 30 is mounted on the carrier body receptacle 31, are easily accessible.

[0171] The carrier body 30 has, for example, a base wall 32 to which the cleaning valve 40 is attached and / or which provides the valve base body 90. Plug-in contours 33 protrude from the base wall 32, for example, on the outer circumference of the base wall 32. The plug-in contours 33 can be inserted into the carrier body receptacle 31, which is designed as a plug-in receptacle.

[0172] Furthermore, locking means 34 are provided for fastening the carrier body 30 to the carrier body receptacle 31. The locking means 34 comprise, for example, a locking tab and / or locking lug 35, which can be disengaged from a locking contour 36 of the carrier body receptacle 31 by actuating an actuating projection 37. The carrier body 30 can then be removed from the carrier body receptacle 31. The locking contour 36 is arranged on the carrier body receptacle 31.

[0173] At this point, it should be mentioned that the cleaning valves 40A, 40B are advantageously alternately switched by the control device 100 to the cleaning position AR, i.e., one of the cleaning valves 40A or 40B is in the suction operating position SB, while the other cleaning valve 40A and 40B cleans the filter element 25 assigned to it. Thus, continuous suction operation of the suction device 10 is possible, even when one of the filter elements 25A or 25B is being cleaned.

[0174] A suction device 10B has two identical cleaning valves 140A, 140B, which are generally described below as cleaning valve 140. The cleaning valves 140 and the suction device 10B combine mechanical cleaning of the filter elements 25 and cleaning of the filter elements 25 with external air or according to a countercurrent principle, in which external air flows through a respective filter element 25 against the flow direction of the suction flow during cleaning. Each filter element 25A, 25B is assigned a cleaning valve 140A, 140B.

[0175] The suction device 10B has the previously described suction device housing 11, the suction turbine 14, as well as an outlet 13 and a suction inlet 12. The suction device 10B is provided with cleaning valves 140A, 140B. The suction devices 10 and 10B differ only with regard to the cleaning valves 40A, 40B and 140A, 140B. Thus, unlike the suction device 10, the suction device 10B does not have the cleaning valves 40A, 40B, but rather the cleaning valves 140A, 140B.

[0176] The cleaning valve 140 has a valve body 141 that is movably mounted along a movement path BB by means of a base guide 150. In a suction operating position SB, the valve body 141 is lifted from a valve seat 142 and assumes an open position OP, thereby releasing a suction flow channel 48 that is fluidly connected to the suction flow channel 17. In a cleaning position AR, the valve body 141 rests against the valve seat, so that it assumes a closed position SP and the suction flow channel 17 is closed.

[0177] The valve body 141 forms a suction flow valve body 43. The valve seat 142 is a suction flow valve seat 44. The suction flow valve body 43 and the suction flow valve seat 44 form components of a suction flow valve 143A.

[0178] A sealing arrangement 145 is provided for engagement with the suction flow valve seat 44 and is arranged on the valve body 141 or 43.

[0179] The sealing arrangement 145 comprises a cylindrical sealing body or a cylindrical sealing element 146. When a sealing contour 145A of the sealing arrangement 145, for example a free end face of the sealing element 146, rests against the suction flow valve seat 44, i.e. the cleaning position AR is assumed, it is still possible to move the valve body 141 along the movement path BB to a predetermined extent in order to mechanically actuate the filter element 25.

[0180] A filter drive element 185 protrudes in front of the valve body 141 and is mechanically connected to the filter element 25 or can at least act on the filter element 25. For example, the filter drive element 185 is arranged in an interior space of the sealing element 146 and protrudes in front of the same.

[0181] The base guide 150 for guiding the valve body 141 has, for example, a guide receptacle 151 provided by the inner wall surfaces of a cylindrical valve base body 190. The valve body 141 is guided on the guide receptacle 151 along the movement path BB and thus forms a guide body 152.

[0182] The valve base body 190 simultaneously forms a channel body for forming an external air flow channel 68 of an external air channel 18, through which external air FL flowing in through the external air inlet 19 can flow as an external air stream FLS. The valve base body 190 delimits the external air channel 18 or external air flow channel 68 on the circumference.

[0183] The valve base body 190 extends to the external air inlet 19 of the suction device housing 11 and is, so to speak, closed by the valve body 141 on a side opposite to the external air inlet 19.

[0184] However, an external air passage 155 is provided on the valve body 141, through which external air FL flowing into the external air inlet 19 can flow from the external air duct 18 to the filter element 25. The external air duct 18, for example, passes through the filter drive element 185 and opens at its free end region with an external air outlet opening 157B, so that external air FL can flow through the filter drive element 185 or its drive projection 186 in the direction of the filter element 25.

[0185] To close the external air duct 18, an external air valve body 163 of the cleaning valve 140 is provided, which in the suction operating position SB rests against an external air valve seat 164 and closes the external air duct 18. In the cleaning position AR, it is lifted from the external air valve seat 164 so that external air FL can flow into the external air duct 18 through the external air inlet 19. For example, the external air valve seat 164 is provided on the inner circumference of the external air inlet 19.

[0186] For example, a schematically illustrated external air sealing arrangement 165 can also be provided at the external air inlet 19. For example, elastic sealing bodies or sealing elements 166 of the external air sealing arrangement 165, for example, annular seals or the like, can be provided on the inner circumference of the external air inlet 19 and / or on the outer circumference of the external air valve body 163.

[0187] The external air valve body 163 is provided on a channel body 156. The channel body 156 has inflow openings or throughflow openings 157 on its outer circumference through which external air FL can flow into a channel section 158 of the channel body 156. The channel section 158 is fluidly connected to the external air passage channel 155 on the drive projection 186 or forms a section of the external air passage channel 155, so that external air FL flowing into the channel body 156 can flow toward the filter element 25 at the free end region of the external air passage channel 155.

[0188] Thus, the external air valve body 163 forms a valve member or a valve body of an external air valve 163A, with which the external air flow channel 68 can be opened or closed, through which external air FL can flow.

[0189] A valve drive 180, for example, has a stator 81 with a coil arrangement 183. The coil arrangement 183 acts on a magnet 184 connected to the valve body 141. The valve body 141 thus forms a rotor or drive body 82 of the valve drive 180 or comprises a rotor or drive body 82.

[0190] The energizing device 104 serves to energize the coil arrangement 183. Thus, the control device 100 can control the valve drive 180 by appropriately controlling the energizing device 104.

[0191] The cleaning valve 140 is designed for mechanical actuation of the filter element 25 and cleaning by external air FL or with a counterflow principle. The external air FL flows through the filter element 25 against the flow direction of the suction flow SM, so that the filter element 25 is cleaned mechanically and / or by an external air flow.

[0192] For example, the control device 100 controls the valve drive 180 to vibrate the filter element 25, to perform pulse-like movements, or the like. The vibration actuation or pulse-like movement or the like can mechanically impact the filter element 25, so that dust ST adhering to the filter element 25 can be shaken off during the cleaning operation AR.

Claims

Claims 1 . Vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner housing (11), in which a suction turbine (14) is arranged for generating a suction flow (SM), wherein the vacuum cleaner housing (11) has a suction inlet (12) for admitting the suction flow (SM) and a dust collection chamber (15) for collecting dust contained in the suction flow (SM) during a suction operation of the vacuum cleaner (10), wherein a filter element (25) for retaining dust in the dust collection chamber (15) is arranged between the dust collection chamber (15) and the suction turbine (14), wherein a cleaning valve (40, 140) is arranged between the filter element (25) and the suction turbine (14), wherein the cleaning valve (40, 140) has a suction flow valve (43A) with a suction flow valve body (43) which has a suction flow channel (17) which is arranged between the suction turbine (14) and the filter element (25) and through which the suction flow (SM) can flow, closes in a cleaning position (AR) and releases in a suction operating position (SB),and wherein the cleaning valve (40, 140) has an external air valve (63A, 73A) with an external air valve body (63, 73) which closes an external air channel (18) extending between the filter element (25) and an external air inlet (19) provided for the inflow of external air, in the suction operating position (SB) and opens it in the cleaning position (AR), so that an external air flow (FLS) flowing in through the external air inlet (19) can flow through the filter element (25) for cleaning it in a flow direction opposite to the suction flow (SM), characterized in that the suction flow valve body (43) has at least one external air passage channel (55) through which at least a portion of the external air flow (FLS) or the entire external air flow (FLS) can flow in the cleaning position (AR).

2. Suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the external air valve body (63, 73) is adjustable between a position closing the external air channel (18) and a position opening the external air channel (18), while the suction flow valve body (43) closes the suction flow channel (17), and / or the suction flow valve body (43) is adjustable between a position closing the suction flow channel (17) and a position opening the suction flow channel (17), while the external air valve body (63) closes the external air channel (18).

3. Suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the external air valve body (63, 73) is adjustable relative to the suction flow valve body (43) along a particularly linear adjustment path (BB) between the cleaning position (AR) and the suction operating position (SB), in particular by means of at least one sliding bearing.

4. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction flow valve body (43) has a closure wall (59) for closing the suction flow channel (17), through which the external air passage channel (55) runs, in particular in a central region of the suction flow valve body (43).

5. Suction device according to claim 4, characterized in that an elastic seal and / or a sealing contour for sealing the external air channel (18) and the suction flow channel (17) from one another is arranged between the closure wall (59) and the external air passage channel (55), so that advantageously the external air channel (18) and the suction flow channel (17) are substantially or completely sealed from one another in the suction operating position (SW) of the suction flow valve body (43).

6. Suction device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that an elastic seal and / or a sealing contour is arranged between the closure wall (59) and a suction flow valve seat (44) in order to limit the suction flow channel (17) when the suction flow valve body (43) rests against the suction flow valve seat (44) in the suction operating position (SB).

7. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external air valve body (63, 73) is loaded by an external air valve spring arrangement (72) into a position closing the external air channel (18) or into a position releasing the external air channel (18).

8. Suction device according to claim 7, characterized in that the external air valve spring arrangement (72) is supported on the one hand on the external air valve body (63, 73) and on the other hand on the suction flow valve body (43) or a support structure, in particular a valve housing, of the cleaning valve (40, 140), which is firmly connected to the suction device housing (11).

9. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external air valve body (63, 73), in particular in a design as a drive body (82) drivable by a valve drive (80; 180), has a differential pressure surface (FL1, FL2) which is loaded by a differential pressure in the sense of closing the external air valve (63A, 73A) and / or closing the external air duct (18) when the external air valve body (63, 73) rests against an external air valve seat (164).

10. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction flow valve body (43) is loaded by a suction flow valve spring arrangement (54) into the suction operating position (SB) and / or a position opening the suction flow channel (17).

11. Suction device according to claim 10, characterized in that the suction flow valve spring arrangement (54) is supported on the one hand on the suction flow valve body (43) and on the other hand on the external air valve body (63, 73) or a support structure firmly connected to the suction device housing (11), in particular a valve housing or valve base body (90), of the cleaning valve (40, 140).

12. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning valve (40, 140) has a valve drive (80; 180) which is in particular electromagnetic or electromotive and a Valve drive (80; 180) has a drive body (82) drivable for adjusting the suction flow valve body (43) between the suction operating position (SB) and the cleaning position (AR) and / or for adjusting the external air valve body (63, 73) between the suction operating position (SB) and the cleaning position (AR).

13. Suction device according to claim 12, characterized in that the drive body (82) comprises magnetically actuatable material and / or the external air valve body (63, 73) does not comprise magnetically actuatable material.

14. Suction device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the drive body (82) is loaded by a drive body spring arrangement (87) into a position associated with the cleaning position (AR) or into a position associated with the suction operating position (SB).

15. Suction device according to claim 14, characterized in that the drive body spring arrangement (87) is supported on the one hand on the drive body (82) and on the other hand on the suction flow valve body (43) or a support structure, in particular a valve housing, of the cleaning valve (40, 140), which is firmly connected to the suction device housing (11).

16. Suction device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the drive body (82) is plate-shaped and / or consists of metal and / or can be driven by an electromagnet.

17. Suction device according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the drive body (82) is designed as an external air valve body (63) or forms the external air valve body (63) or is firmly connected to the external air valve body (63).

18. Suction device according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the drive body (82) is movable relative to the external air valve body (73), in particular between a position actuating the external air valve body (73) and a position which allows the external air valve body (73) to move.

19. Suction device according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the drive body (82) has a movement play with respect to the external air valve body (73) and with respect to the suction flow valve body (43) such that the drive body (82) when the cleaning valve (40, 140) is adjusted from the suction operating position (SB) into the cleaning position (AR) actuates the suction flow valve body (43) in the direction of a position closing the suction flow channel (17) in advance of an adjustment of the external air valve body (73) in the direction of a position opening the external air channel (18) and / or when the cleaning valve (40, 140) is adjusted from the cleaning position (AR) into the suction operating position (SB) actuates the external air valve body (73) before the suction flow valve body (43) in the direction of the External air duct (18) closing position.

20. Suction device according to one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that the drive body (82) is arranged between the external air valve body (73) and the suction flow valve body (43) and / or the drive body (82) is arranged in an interior space of the external air valve body (73). 21 . Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external air valve body forms a first external air valve body (63) and the cleaning valve (40, 140) has a second external air valve body (73) for closing the external air duct (18) which can be closed by the first external air valve body, which second external air valve body is separate from the first external air valve body (63) and / or is adjustable relative to the first external air valve body (63) between a position closing the external air duct (18) and a position opening the external air duct (18).

22. Suction device according to claim 21, characterized in that the first external air valve body (63) when the cleaning valve (40, 140) is adjusted from the suction operating position (SB) to the cleaning position (AR) the external air duct (18) in front of the second external air valve body (73) is released and the second external air valve body (73) closes the external air duct (18) in front of the first external air valve body (63) when the cleaning valve (40, 140) is moved from the cleaning position (AR) to the suction operating position (SB).

23. Suction device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the first external air valve body (63) is formed by the drive body (82) or is fixedly connected to the drive body (82) and the second external air valve body (73) is separate from the drive body (82) and can be driven by the drive body (82).

24. Suction device according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the first external air valve body (63) bears with a first sealing contour against a first external air valve seat (64) and the second external air valve body (73) bears against a second external air valve seat (74) in the suction operating position (SB) and a first differential pressure surface (DD1) of the first external air valve body enclosed by the first sealing contour is smaller than a second differential pressure surface (DD2) of the second external air valve body enclosed by the second sealing contour, wherein the differential pressure surfaces (DD1, DD2) are loaded by a differential pressure when the respective external air valve body (63, 73) bears against its associated external air valve seat (64, 74).

25. Suction device according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the first external air valve body (63) closes the suction flow channel (17) with respect to the second external air valve body (73) in the suction operating position (SB).

26. Suction device according to one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the second external air valve body (73) has at least one leakage opening (79) through which ambient air at atmospheric pressure can act on the first external air valve body (63).

27. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning valve (40, 140) has a device housing (11) has a stationary base guide (50), in particular designed as a linear guide, on which the suction flow valve body (43) or the external air valve body (63) or the drive body (82) is adjustably guided.

28. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning valve (40, 140) has a valve body guide (60) designed in particular as a linear guide, wherein the suction flow valve body (43) and the external air valve body (63), in particular the first external air valve body (63), are guided to one another in an adjustable manner by means of the valve body guide (60) or the suction flow valve body (43) and the drive body (82) are guided to one another in an adjustable manner by means of the valve body guide (60).

29. Suction device according to claim 28, characterized in that the base guide (50) and the valve body guide (60) engage with each other and / or have coaxial or parallel guide axes along which the components guided by the respective guide are movably mounted on the guides.

30. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing contour (145A) is arranged between at least one of the external air valve body (63) and the suction flow valve body (43) and a valve seat (142) assigned to a respective valve body in order to produce a tight connection between the valve body (141) and the valve seat (142), which sealing contour is designed in such a way that with a parallel adjustment movement of both valve bodies from the suction operating position (SB) into the cleaning position (AR) or vice versa, a tight connection can be produced between one valve body and its valve seat based on the sealing contour, while a free distance and / or a flow opening is still present between the other valve body and its valve seat. 31 . Suction device according to claim 30, characterized in that the sealing contour comprises an elastic seal, in particular a bellows.

32. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims or the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning valve (40, 140) is arranged on a carrier body (30) which can be detachably fastened to a carrier body receptacle (31) of the suction device housing (11), wherein the carrier body receptacle (31) is opposite the filter element (25) and is designed as an opening which can be tightly closed by the carrier body (30).

33. Suction device according to claim 32, characterized in that the suction flow channel (17) and / or the external air channel (18) run through the carrier body (30) when the carrier body (30) is received on the carrier body holder (31).

34. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during suction operation of the suction device (10), the external air valve body (63) and / or the drive body (82) are held in a closed position closing the external air duct (18) by a negative pressure within the suction device housing (11).

35. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least two cleaning valves (40A, 40B), each of which is assigned to a filter element (25A, 25B), wherein the filter elements (25A, 25B) are fluidly connected to the respective cleaning valve (40A, 40B) in such a way that one of the cleaning valves (40A, 40B) can assume the cleaning position (AR) for cleaning the filter element (25A, 25B) assigned to it, while the other cleaning valve (40A, 40B) is in the suction operating position (SB) and the suction flow (SM) can continue to flow through the filter element (25A, 25B) assigned to it.

36. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one turbine filter element (14A) arranged between the suction turbine (14) and the cleaning valve (40, 140).

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