Ventilation unit for a suction device, ventilation method for a suction device, suction device, and method of using an air flow for dust removal of a filter of a suction device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ventilation unit for a suction device, the ventilation unit being designed to admit an air flow into the interior of the suction device, the ventilation unit having a first sliding element and a second sliding element connected by a connecting element, the first sliding element, the second sliding element and the connecting element forming an operating unit that can be brought from a closed position to an open position or from an open position to a closed position by an actuator. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for ventilating a suction device with a ventilation unit according to the present invention, where firstly a suction device with a ventilation unit is provided, the operating unit of the ventilation unit being in a closed position. By actuating the actuator, the operating unit is brought to an open position so that the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the interior of the suction device can be ventilated by an air flow that can enter the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the interior of the suction device through a first opening of the ventilation unit exposed by the first sliding element. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for using an air flow that can be led into the interior of the suction device using at least one ventilation unit according to the present invention, in particular for dusting a filter of the suction device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation unit for a suction device, wherein the ventilation unit is designed to let an air flow into the interior of the suction device, the ventilation unit having a first slide element and a second slide element which are connected by a connecting element, and the first slide element, the second slide element, and the connecting element forming an actuating unit which can be moved by an actuator from a closed position to an open position or from an open position to a closed position. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of ventilating a suction device having the proposed ventilation unit. First, a suction device having a ventilation unit is provided, wherein the actuating unit of the ventilation unit is in the closed position. By actuating the actuator, the actuating unit is moved to the open position so that the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the interior of the suction device can be ventilated by an air flow which can enter through a first opening exposed by the first slide element of the ventilation unit into the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the interior of the suction device. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an air flow which can be guided into the interior of a suction device using the proposed ventilation unit and to a suction device having the proposed ventilation unit.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, suction devices having a filter which needs to be periodically dusted, such as vacuum cleaners, are disclosed. If not dusted, the filter may become clogged, in which case it can no longer operate with the suction device. Also, a clogged filter may lead to a reduction in the filtering capacity of the filter, and dust and contaminants may enter the area of delicate components of the suction device such as turbines and motors. Therefore, there is a need to provide a technical solution for dusting the filter in a suction device.

[0003] In the prior art, for example, a mechanical filter dust removal method has been disclosed. In this method, the filter is gently tapped. However, these mechanical loads may cause undesirable vibrations in the entire suction device, which may damage the delicate components of the suction device.

[0004] Furthermore, in the prior art, a backflushing filter dust removal method has been disclosed. In this method, during filter dust removal, the dust removal air flow passes through at least one filter, and the dust removal air flow is preferably in the opposite direction to the suction air flow of the suction device. When backwashing the filter in the suction device, in order to maintain a continuous suction operation, the operation is frequently performed using two filters and two filter chambers, and the two filters and two filter chambers are alternately dust-removed so that the suction operation of the suction device can always be continued in at least one chamber. However, the disadvantage of these known solutions is that these known solutions generally take up a large amount of space, preventing the provision of a small and compact suction device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The underlying object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies and drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a ventilation unit for a suction device that enables the production of a small and compact suction device. Furthermore, the provided ventilation unit should have low energy consumption and require no maintenance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The above object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments related to the subject matter of the independent claims can be described in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a ventilation unit for a suction device, the ventilation unit being designed to let an air flow into the interior of the suction device. The ventilation unit has a first slide element and a second slide element connected by a connecting element, and the first slide element, the second slide element, and the connecting element form an actuating unit that can be moved from a closed position to an open position or from an open position to a closed position by an actuator.

[0008] For the purposes of the present invention, moving the actuating unit from the closed position to the open position is preferably referred to as "opening the ventilation unit". For the purposes of the present invention, letting an air flow into the interior of the ventilation unit and / or into the interior of the suction device is preferably referred to as "ventilating". For the purposes of the present invention, it is particularly preferred that by opening the ventilation unit, an air flow that can flow into the negative pressure region of the suction device is generated. The negative pressure region of the suction device is preferably the interior of the suction device that is subjected to negative pressure during the operation of the suction device, and the negative pressure is used to suck in dust or contaminants. As a result of the negative pressure, preferably an air flow is generated, and the contaminants can be sucked into the interior of the suction device by this air flow. For the purposes of the present invention, this air flow is preferably referred to as the suction air flow. Preferably, during the suction operation of the suction device, there is a pressure difference between the interior of the suction device and the environment of the suction device, and in particular, atmospheric pressure prevails in the environment of the suction device.

[0009] When the ventilation unit is opened, due to the pressure difference between the atmosphere and the interior of the suction device, air is highly dynamically sucked into the interior of the suction device. For the purposes of the present invention, the accelerated air flow may also be preferably referred to as the ventilation air flow. The ventilation air flow enters the interior of the suction device and can be directed in particular towards the filter element, the dust removal unit, or the filter of the suction device. The suction device has a filter to protect delicate components of the suction device, such as turbines and motors, from contaminants and dust. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the filter is dusted directly or indirectly by the air flow generated by the proposed ventilation unit. This can be done, for example, by backwashing the filter or by performing dust removal by means of a pressure shock.

[0010] Preferably, the ventilation unit is incorporated into the suction device. In other words, the proposed ventilation unit can form a module incorporated into the suction device for the ventilation of the suction device. The ventilation unit can have at least one open side, and this open side of the ventilation unit can be connected to the inside of the suction device or the negative pressure area. Preferably, during the operation of the suction device, negative pressure is dominant in the device or the negative pressure area of the device. This negative pressure can be generated, for example, by a turbine that can be driven by a motor. Outside the ventilation unit or outside the suction device, preferably, atmospheric pressure is dominant. As is known to those skilled in the art, this atmospheric pressure is about 1.013 hPa or undergoes some fluctuations. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the inside of the ventilation device and the inside of the suction device are connected together.

[0011] The ventilation unit has a first slide element and a second slide element, and the slide elements are preferably operably connected by a connecting element. The connecting element is preferably designed to connect the respective slide elements together such that an actuating unit is formed. The proposed ventilation unit further comprises an actuator designed to move the actuating unit from a closed position to an open position ("opening of the ventilation unit" or "ventilation"). Of course, the actuator is also designed to move the actuating unit from the open position to the closed position.

[0012] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the first slide element of the ventilation device functions as an inlet slide and the second slide element functions as a compensation slide. In other words, the inlet slide can be used to introduce a ventilation air flow into the inside of the ventilation unit or the inside of the suction device. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the first slide element is also referred to as the first slide or the first slide element, while the second slide element can preferably also be referred to as the second slide or the second slide element.

[0013] For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that the actuator is designed to reciprocate the actuating unit of the ventilation unit by means of a lateral movement. This lateral movement may also be referred to as a lateral displacement. Advantageously, as a result of this lateral displacement of the actuating unit effected by the actuator, the first opening of the ventilation unit can be opened or closed on the inlet slide side. As a result, advantageously, in the open position of the actuating unit, ventilation air flow can enter into the interior of the proposed ventilation unit and can initiate the dust removal process of at least one filter of the suction device. On the side of the ventilation unit where the compensation slide of the actuating unit is arranged, advantageously, as a result of the cooperation of the compensation slide and the elastic membrane, it is possible to change the volume inside the ventilation unit. Of course, in connection with the present invention, additional or alternative sealing solutions can also be employed. For example, O-rings or sealing lips are possible, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0014] For the purpose of explaining an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the following text, the side of the ventilation unit where the first slide is arranged is referred to as the left side of the ventilation unit, and the compensation slide side is referred to as the right side of the ventilation unit. For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that the left side of the ventilation unit has a first opening and the right side of the ventilation unit has a second opening. The first opening of the ventilation unit preferably cooperates with a first slide element, and the second opening cooperates with a second slide element.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a ventilation method of a suction device having the proposed ventilation unit, and the method comprises the following steps, namely, a) providing a suction device having the proposed ventilation unit, wherein the actuating unit is in a closed position; b) actuating the actuator so that the actuating unit is moved to an open position by the actuator; c) ventilating the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the interior of the suction device by an air flow that can enter the interior of the ventilation unit and / or the interior of the suction device through a first opening exposed by a first slide element of the ventilation unit; characterized by.

[0016] The terms, definitions, and technical advantages introduced for the ventilation unit preferably apply equally to the ventilation method, the suction device, and the use of the air flow for dust removal of the filter of the suction device. The operating unit is initially in a closed position. In this closed position of the operating unit, preferably, no air flow through the ventilation unit is provided, and the suction device can perform a suction operation in which dust is sucked in.

[0017] The closed position of the operating unit is preferably characterized in that a first slide or its closing element covers the first opening of the ventilation unit. As a result, the first opening of the ventilation unit is closed. Closing or covering the first opening preferably by the upper bar of the first slide element can be further improved by providing a sealing element between the housing of the ventilation unit and the first slide element. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that in the interior of the proposed ventilation unit, there is an amount of air sufficient to enable dynamic air exchange by opening the first opening of the ventilation unit.

[0018] For the purposes of the present invention, in a preferred configuration of the present invention, it is preferred that the end of the second slide is substantially in the same plane as the housing of the proposed ventilation unit. This preferably means, for the purposes of the present invention, that an elastic element that can be connected to the upper region of the second slide element is placed in exact contact with the outside of the proposed ventilation unit and, together with the second slide, closes the second opening of the ventilation unit. Further, for the purposes of the present invention, preferably the upper bar of the T-shaped second slide element is preferably smaller than the second opening of the ventilation unit. As a result, the upper bar can be guided through the second opening until the second opening is closed with the second opening being substantially in the same plane. As a result of the actuator being actuated, the actuating unit can, for example, be moved to the left in the spatial direction. During this lateral movement of the actuating unit to the left in the spatial direction, the actuating unit advantageously transitions from the closed position to the open position. For the purposes of the present invention, it is particularly preferred that the actuator opens the actuating unit by a lateral side movement. Preferably, the elastic element bulges due to the lateral movement of the actuating unit, and the bulge is concave with respect to the inside of the proposed ventilation unit. This means that the bulge of the elastic element in the present configuration of the present invention faces the inside of the proposed ventilation unit such that the deepest point of the elastic element is located inside the ventilation unit. The preferably concave bulge of the elastic element can be achieved in particular in that the elastic element is at least partially connected to the upper bar of the second slide element such that the elastic element moves in conjunction to the left by the lateral movement of the actuating unit or the second slide. This "leftward" movement preferably results in a bulge of the elastic element extending into the inside of the ventilation unit. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that as a result of the elastic deformation of the elastic element, no additional mechanical solution for the reciprocating movement of the actuating unit is required. For example, the elastic properties of the elastic element, preferably in the form of an elastomeric membrane, can be used to move the actuating unit from the closed state to the open state of the ventilation unit.

[0019] In an alternative configuration of the present invention, in the closed state, the second slide preferably projects or protrudes a short distance s from the housing of the ventilation unit. The fact that the second slide projects from the housing of the ventilation unit in this way is preferably made possible by the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped second slide element being smaller than the second opening of the ventilation unit. As a result, the upper bar can be guided or slid through the second opening and the elastic element can be stretched. As a result of the actuator being actuated, the actuating unit can be moved, for example, to the left in the spatial direction. During this lateral movement of the actuating unit to the left in the spatial direction, the actuating unit advantageously transitions from the closed position to the open position. For the purposes of the present invention, it is particularly preferred that the actuator opens the actuating unit to the open position by means of a lateral side movement.

[0020] In the open position, on the inlet side of the ventilation unit, preferably the side called the left side of the ventilation unit, the first opening is opened so as to be exposed by the first slide element. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that a gap is formed between the first slide of the ventilation unit and the housing through which air can enter the interior of the ventilation unit or the interior of the suction device. This inflowing air preferably forms a ventilation air flow by means of which at least one filter or the dust removal unit of the suction device can be backflushed or flushed. As a result of the movement of the actuating unit to the left in the spatial direction brought about by the actuator, on the right side of the ventilation unit, the second slide also moves to the left, as a result of which the protrusion of the second slide element is eliminated. At the end of the lateral movement of the actuating unit, the protrusion of the compensating slide is substantially completely eliminated and the upper bar of the second slide preferably no longer projects from the housing of the ventilation unit. As a result, the elastic element can be placed substantially completely outside the ventilation unit or on the upper bar of the second slide. In this open position of the actuating unit, similarly, the second opening remains closed by the second slide and the elastic element.

[0021] For the purpose of the present invention, the actuator preferably includes an electromagnetic lifting magnet. Preferably, the actuator can cooperate with the connecting element of the actuating unit such that the operation of the actuator causes or brings about the movement of the actuating unit. The actuator may, for example, have a hollow interior in which the connecting means are guided. The connecting element of the actuating unit may, for example, be rigid and / or be in the form of a push rod. For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferred that an opening force can be generated by the actuator such that the first slide element moves away from the first opening of the ventilation unit, thereby exposing the first opening, and the actuating unit can be displaced laterally. Air from the environment of the suction device and preferably air under atmospheric pressure then flows highly dynamically into the ventilation unit, and the interior of the ventilation unit is preferably fluidly connected to at least one filter of the suction device. The filter can be dusted by the inflowing air, and the ventilation air flow can be used, for example, for membrane filter dust removal, for pressure shock filter dust removal, or for backwash-type filter dust removal, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0022] Of course, it is additionally or alternatively possible to use other types of actuators in the proposed ventilation unit. For example, a manually operable actuator can also be used. Also, for moving the actuating unit, for example, a pneumatic lifting cylinder is also conceivable.

[0023] For the purpose of the present invention, when attempting to perform filter dust removal, it is preferable to energize the actuator. When the actuator is in the form of an electromagnetic lifting magnet, energization conveniently provides a magnetic field capable of moving the working unit. To close the inlet slide, the polarity of the actuator can be reversed. Alternatively, to close the ventilation unit or its first opening again, the energization can be terminated, or its polarity can be reversed, or the elastic properties of a spring element or elastic element can be utilized. As a result of the ventilation unit being closed, the ventilation air flow is stopped, and dust removal by at least one filter of the suction device is completed. For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that a tension spring can be arranged between the first slide element and the actuator, and the tension spring can facilitate the opening or closing of the ventilation unit or its first opening. In particular, the tensile force of the spring can be used to make it easier to open or close the ventilation unit.

[0024] An important advantage of the present invention is that the actuator only needs to apply a small force, or only needs to overcome a small opposing force, in order to move the working unit, especially to open the ventilation unit. These opposing forces are, in particular, the frictional force or bending force inherent in the elastic element. As a result, a particularly compact and energy-efficient actuator can be used. When the proposed ventilation unit is used in a battery-powered suction device, conveniently, according to the present invention, the operating time of the rechargeable battery can be increased. In the case of grid operation, the energy consumption is reduced, and similarly, the operating cost of the device is also reduced. Preferably, the proposed ventilation unit requires less installation space than an equivalent conventional unit known from the prior art. As a result, the suction device can be manufactured as a whole to be compact and optimized in volume.

[0025] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferable that the ventilation unit has a first opening that can be closed by a first slide element. For the purposes of the present invention, it is particularly preferable that the first opening of the ventilation unit is closed by the first slide mainly in the closed position of the working unit, and that the first opening of the ventilation unit is exposed by the first slide in the open position of the working unit so that the ventilation air flow can enter the interior of the suction device. Advantageously, the entry of the ventilation air flow is promoted by the pressure difference existing between the environment of the suction device and the interior of the suction device during the operation of the suction device. Thus, in the context of the present invention, it can be said that the ventilation air flow is also sucked in. Preferably, the first opening of the ventilation unit can be closed by the first slide in the closed position of the working unit. For this purpose, the first slide can be, for example, T-shaped, and preferably the upper bar of the T-shaped first slide can have an area larger than the first opening of the ventilation unit, and in this way, the opening can be covered and closed. Preferably, the lower region of the T-shaped first slide preferably protrudes into the interior of the ventilation unit and forms a transition to the connecting element.

[0026] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferable that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped first slide is preferably arranged outside the proposed ventilation unit. In other words, the first slide preferably covers or seals the ventilation unit in the direction of the environment of the suction device. The upper bar of the preferably T-shaped first slide can preferably be called a closing element.

[0027] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferable that the first slide element has a first working surface that substantially corresponds to the size of the first opening of the ventilation unit.

[0028] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferable that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped first slide is larger than the first opening of the ventilation unit. Preferably, the area of this closing element corresponds to the working surface of the first slide, and by this working surface, the first opening of the ventilation unit is covered or closed.

[0029] For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that the ventilation unit has a second opening. Preferably, the second opening of the ventilation unit can be closed by a second slide element in cooperation with an elastic element. For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that the first opening and the second opening are arranged on both side walls of the ventilation unit. This means, preferably, for the purpose of the present invention, that the first opening and the second opening are arranged on both sides of the ventilation unit. Preferably, the opening represents an opening in the housing of the ventilation unit, the second opening is closed in all operating states of the ventilation unit or the suction device, and the first opening can be opened or closed.

[0030] The second slide may, for example, also be T-shaped, preferably the upper bar of the T-shaped second slide has an area smaller than the second opening of the ventilation unit. As a result, the upper bar of the second slide can be moved through the second opening of the ventilation unit without closing or contacting the second opening of the ventilation unit. Preferably, the lower region of the T-shaped second slide preferably projects into the interior of the ventilation unit and forms a transition to the connecting element. For the purpose of the present invention, in the proposed ventilation unit, it is preferable that the first slide and the second slide are arranged axially mirror-imaged to each other. This means, preferably, for the purpose of the present invention, that in each case, preferably, the lower regions of the T-shaped slide elements project into the interior of the ventilation unit and, if they are not separated from each other by a connecting element, contact each other.

[0031] For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that the second opening of the ventilation unit is closed by the second slide in cooperation with the elastic element during all operating times of the suction device and in different positions of the actuating unit, and that the first opening of the ventilation unit is exposed in the open position of the actuating unit by the first slide so that the ventilation air flow can enter the interior of the suction device.

[0032] For the purposes of the present invention, the second slide is preferably designed to close the second opening of the ventilation unit. This closing is preferably effected together with an elastic element which can be embodied, for example, as an elastomeric membrane. The elastic element is stretched over the second slide element and the second opening and can thus cover or close the second opening of the ventilation unit. In the closed position of the actuating unit, the elastic element is placed substantially completely on the compensating slide and in this position the volume V can be enclosed by the second slide. An important advantage of the present invention is that the pressure equalization can be effected independently of the differential pressure, in particular in a suction device.

[0033] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferable for the second slide element to have a second working surface which substantially corresponds to the size of the upper bar of the second slide. The pressure equalization made possible by the present invention is preferably based on the fact that the forces acting on the slide elements of the actuating unit of the ventilation unit are in opposite directions and are substantially of the same or similar magnitude. For the purposes of the present invention, a first force, preferably also referred to as the inlet force F_AE, preferably acts on the first slide element. In accordance with the above spatial direction, the inlet force acts to the right in the spatial direction, that is to say in the direction from the inlet side of the ventilation unit towards the compensating side of the ventilation unit. In the drawings, the actual direction of the corresponding forces is indicated by arrows. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferable for a second force, preferably also referred to as the compensating force F_AK, to act on the second slide element. In accordance with the above spatial direction, the compensating force acts to the left in the spatial direction, that is to say in the direction from the compensating side of the ventilation unit towards the inlet side of the ventilation unit. For the purposes of the present invention, it is particularly preferable for the forces F_AE and F_AK to act in opposite directions and to be of substantially the same magnitude. This results in particular from the fact that the first working surface of the first slide element and the second working surface of the second slide element are preferably of substantially the same size in relation to the present invention.

[0034] For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that the force F_AE acts on the first working surface and the force F_AK acts on the second working surface, and the force F_AE and the force F_AK are substantially the same in magnitude. Thus, in relation to the present invention, the following relationship, namely, F_AE = F_AK is conceivable.

[0035] For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that the upper bar of the first slide element is larger than the upper bar of the second slide element. Advantageously, as a result, the first slide can cover and close the first opening of the ventilation unit, and the second slide can enter and move through the second opening. The preferred size ratio between the upper bars of the slide elements enables the interaction according to the invention of the elements of the proposed ventilation unit so that an air flow can be generated for dust removal of the filter.

[0036] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an air flow that can be guided into the interior of a suction device using the proposed ventilation unit. As a result, in particular, dust removal of the filter of the suction device can be achieved. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a suction device having at least one of the proposed ventilation units, and at least one ventilation unit is designed to generate an air flow for dust removal of the filter of the suction device. For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferable that the suction device can have, for example, two, three, or four of the proposed ventilation units, and these ventilation units can preferably be arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other. For example, each ventilation unit can be assigned to the filter to be dusted. A particular advantage of using a plurality of ventilation units is that continuous operation of the suction device can be made possible. For example, when the first ventilation unit is in the open position to enable dust removal of the first filter of the suction device, the suction operation of the suction device can be continued with the second ventilation unit. During dust removal of the first filter, this second ventilation unit is in the closed position to maintain the necessary pressure difference between the suction operation and the atmospheric pressure inside and outside the suction device.

[0037] Further advantages should become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings, the description, and the claims include a combination of many features. Also, those skilled in the art will consider the features individually and combine them as appropriate to form useful further combinations.

[0038] In the drawings, identical and similar components are denoted by the same reference signs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0040] Figure 1 shows a preferred configuration of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed state or in the closed position of the actuating unit 6. The actuating unit 6 comprises a first slide element 3, a second slide element 4 and connecting means 5. The connecting means 5 is preferably in the form of a push rod. For the purposes of the present invention, the connecting means 5 is rigid and it is particularly preferred that the slide elements 3, 4 are kept at a constant distance from each other. Preferably, the first slide element 3 is designed to close the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 and the second slide element 4 is designed to close the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1. At least one sealing element 13 can be arranged between the first slide element 3 and the outside of the housing of the ventilation unit 1, and by means of this sealing element 13, the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 can be hermetically closed.

[0041] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the movement of the connecting means 5 is effected by an actuator 7. In other words, the connecting means 5 can be moved by the actuator 7. In particular, the actuator 7 can move the connecting means 5, preferably in the form of a push rod, back and forth within the proposed ventilation unit 1, and for the purposes of the present invention, this movement of the connecting means 5 is preferably referred to as a "lateral movement". Preferably, the movement of the connecting means 5, effected by the actuator 7, causes the entire actuating unit 6, which comprises the slide elements 3, 4 and the connecting means 5, to move back and forth within the ventilation unit 1.

[0042] For the purpose of the present invention, the movement of the actuating unit 6 in the direction of the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is preferably referred to as "movement to the left", and the movement of the actuating unit 6 in the direction of the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1 is preferably referred to as "movement to the right". As shown in FIG. 1, when the actuating unit 6 is in the closed position, the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is closed. By moving the actuating unit 6 to the left, the first opening 8 can be opened. This opening operation can be brought about, for example, by energizing the actuator 7. Alternatively or additionally, the restoring force of the elastic element 11 may be used to move the actuating unit 6 to the left in the opening operation.

[0043] As a result of the actuating unit 6 being moved to the left, the upper region of the first slide element 3 moves away from the first opening 8 so as to create a gap, and through the gap, the air flow LS can enter the interior of the ventilation unit 1. The slide elements 3, 4 are preferably T-shaped, and preferably the upper bars of the T-shaped slide elements 3, 4 are preferably referred to as the upper bars of the slide elements 3, 4. As a result of the actuating unit 6 being moved to the right, the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit can be closed again.

[0044] The actuator 7 can preferably be in the form of a lifting magnet, in particular an electromagnetic lifting magnet. For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferred that current can flow through the actuator 7, as a result of which the actuating unit 6 is moved. For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferred that the direction of movement of the actuating unit 6 depends on the energization or polarity of the actuator 7.

[0045] For the purpose of the present invention, it is preferred that the second slide element 4 of the operating unit 6 is placed in close contact with the outside of the housing of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed position (see FIG. 1). Preferably, by placing the elastic element 11, the second slide element 4 and the elastic element 11 jointly close the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1. For the purpose of the present invention, preferably the upper bar of the T-shaped second slide element 4 is smaller than the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1. Preferably, outside the ventilation unit 1, atmospheric pressure, for example in the region of 1.013 hPa, prevails. During the suction operation of the suction device, negative pressure prevails inside the ventilation unit 1. Preferably, this negative pressure is generated by a turbine, which can be driven by an electric motor of the suction device. The negative pressure is used to suck dust or contaminants into the interior of the suction device during the suction operation, and inside, the dust and contaminants can be collected in the dust collection tank of the suction device. However, a part of the dust or contaminants also enters the filter of the suction device and may clog the filter over time. It is intended that this clogging of the filter is avoided by periodically dusting the filter. For this purpose, the suction device can have the proposed ventilation unit 1, and the ventilation unit 1 can generate an air flow LS for cleaning the filter. For the purpose of the present invention, it is highly particularly preferred that the air flow LS used to dust the filter of the suction device cleans the filter in a direction opposite to the direction of the suction air flow during the suction operation of the suction device. For the purpose of the present invention, such cleaning of the filter in the direction opposite to the suction direction is preferably referred to as "reverse cleaning". For the purpose of the present invention, it is highly particularly preferred that the proposed ventilation unit 1 can generate a reverse cleaning air flow LS for cleaning the filter of the suction device. For this purpose, the ventilation unit 1 can be fluidly connected to the interior 2 of the suction device. For example, the interior of the ventilation unit 1 and the interior 2 of the suction device can be connected together so that air and pressure can be exchanged between the interiors. As a result, negative pressure can prevail both inside the ventilation unit 1 and inside the suction device 2 during the suction operation of the suction device, while atmospheric pressure or ambient pressure can prevail in the environment of the suction device.As a result of the ventilation unit 1 being opened, pressure equalization can occur between the interior of the ventilation unit 1 or the interior of the suction device and the environment of the suction device, and as a result, an air flow LS for dust removal of the filter of the suction device can occur. This air flow LS can enter the ventilation unit 1 or the interior 2 of the suction device highly dynamically and can flow through the filter of the suction device at high speed. Thanks to this conveniently rapidly flowing air flow LS, particularly efficient and effective dust removal of the filter of the suction device can be achieved.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a preferred configuration of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed state or in the closed position of the actuating unit 6, and in particular shows the actuating surfaces 9, 12. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the sizes of the actuating surfaces 9, 12 substantially correspond to the sizes of the associated openings 8, 10. This preferably means, for the purposes of the present invention, that the first actuating surface 9 of the first slide element 3 substantially corresponds to the size of the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1. This first actuating surface 9 is preferably smaller than the area of the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped first slide element 3. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the second actuating surface 12 of the second slide element 4 substantially corresponds to the size of the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1. This second actuating surface 12 is preferably substantially the same size as the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped second slide element 4. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that both the sizes of the openings 8, 10 and the sizes of the two actuating surfaces 9, 12 are substantially the same size.

[0047] As a result, advantageously, the forces acting on the slide elements 3, 4 are substantially the same size. These forces F_AK and F_AE are shown in Figure 3. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the force F_AE, which can also be called the inlet force for the purposes of the present invention, acts on the first slide 3. Thus, the first slide 3 can preferably also be called the inlet slide. Preferably, the compensating force F_AK acts on the second slide 4, and the inlet force F_AE preferably acts to the right in the spatial direction, while the compensating force F_AK preferably acts to the left in the spatial direction.

[0048] In order to move the actuating unit 6, for example, from the closed position shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 to the open position (see FIG. 4), the inlet force F_AE must be overcome. This can be done, for example, by the compensating force F_AK. An important advantage of the present invention is that the ventilation unit 1 is formed with particularly low friction, so that only minor energy losses occur during the movement of the connecting means 5 or the actuating unit 6. For the purposes of the present invention, it is highly particularly preferred that the pressure difference between the interior of the suction device or the interior 2 of the ventilation unit 1 and the environment of the suction device can be compensated independently of the differential pressure of the suction device with respect to atmospheric pressure.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a preferred configuration of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the open state or in the open position of the actuating unit 6, and in particular shows an air flow LS which can clean or wash the filter of the suction device. In the state shown in FIG. 4 of the proposed ventilation unit 1, the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is open, and the first opening 8 is opened, in particular, by the lateral movement of the actuating unit 6 inside the ventilation unit 1. For the purposes of the present invention, it is highly particularly preferred that the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is opened by the connecting means 5 or by moving the actuating unit 6 to the left. This is done, in particular, in that the upper region of the first slide element 3 moves away from the first opening 8 so as to create a gap, through which the dust-removing air flow LS can enter the interior of the ventilation unit 1 or the interior 2 of the suction device. In FIG. 4, the leftward movement of the actuating unit 6 for opening the ventilation unit 1 is indicated by the leftward arrow inside the connecting means 5. The dashed arrows inside the interior 2 of the suction device or the ventilation unit 1 indicate the air flow LS and the possible course. In the open position of the actuating unit 6, the elastic element 11 preferably bulges inwards into the interior of the proposed ventilation unit 1. The elastic element 11 can be fastened, for example, to a preferably T-shaped bar of the second slide element 4 and can be pulled inwards, i.e. to the left, into the interior of the ventilation unit 1 by the lateral movement of the actuating unit 6.

[0050] For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1 is closed in both the closed position and the open position of the actuating unit 6. Furthermore, for the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the ventilation unit 1 can be closed in terms of the electrical polarity of the actuator 7 being reversed, particularly when the actuator 7 is in the form of an electromagnetic lifting magnet. This preferably means, for the purposes of the present invention, that the direction of flow is reversed compared to when the ventilation unit 1 is open. Thus, the flow flows in the opposite direction by the actuator 7, and the actuating unit 6 can be used to close the ventilation unit 1 instead of opening the ventilation unit 1 to the left.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an alternative preferred configuration of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed state or in the closed position of the actuating unit 6. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the second slide element 4 of the actuating unit 6 projects from the housing of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed position in the alternative configuration of the present invention shown in Figure 5. As a result of this projection of the second slide element 4, the elastic element 11 can be stretched. Preferably, the second slide element 4 and the elastic element 11 jointly close the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1. For the purposes of the present invention, it is preferred that the upper bar of the preferably T-shaped second slide element 4 is smaller than the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1 so that the second slide element 4 can be guided through the second opening 10.

[0052] Figure 6 shows an alternative preferred configuration of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the closed state or in the closed position of the actuating unit 6, and in particular shows the working surfaces 9, 12. In order to move the actuating unit 6 from the closed position shown in Figures 5 to 7, for example, to the open position (see Figure 8), the inlet force F_AE must be overcome.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an alternative configuration of the proposed ventilation unit 1 in the open state or in the open position of the operating unit 6, and in particular shows an air flow LS that can dust or clean the filter of the suction device. In the state of the proposed ventilation unit 1 shown in Figure 8, the first opening 8 of the ventilation unit 1 is open, and the first opening 8 is opened, in particular, by the lateral movement of the operating unit 6 inside the ventilation unit 1. In Figure 8, the leftward movement of the operating unit 6 to open the ventilation unit 1 is indicated by the leftward arrow inside the connecting means 5. The dashed arrows inside the interior 2 of the suction device or inside the ventilation unit 1 indicate the air flow LS and possible courses.

[0054] In an alternative configuration of the present invention, the elastic element 11 is placed in substantially complete contact with the outer wall of the ventilation unit 1 in the open position of the operating unit 6. The protrusion of the second slide element 4 that exists when the operating unit 6 is in the closed position is eliminated by the opening of the ventilation unit 1 and does not exist in the open position of the operating unit 6. As a result, the elastic element 11 is not stretched and can be placed outside the ventilation unit 1. In an alternative configuration of the present invention, it is also preferable that the second opening 10 of the ventilation unit 1 is closed in both the closed position and the open position of the operating unit 6.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0055] 1 Ventilation unit 2 Interior of the suction device 3 First slide element 4 Second slide element 5 Connecting element 6 Operating unit 7 Actuator 8 First opening 9 First working surface 10 Second opening 11 Elastic element 12 Second working surface 13 Sealing element LS Air flow

Claims

1. A ventilation unit (1) for a suction device, wherein the ventilation unit (1) has a first opening (8) and a second opening (10), and is designed to introduce an air flow (LS) into the interior (2) of the suction device via the first opening (8). In the ventilation unit (1), the ventilation unit (1) has a first slide element (3) and a second slide element (4) connected by a connecting element (5), and an actuator (7) arranged between the first slide element (3) and the second slide element (4), a first working surface (9) of the first slide element (3) and a second working surface (12) of the second slide element (4) are substantially the same size, the second slide element (4) is configured such that an elastic element (11) is connected to an upper region of the second slide element (4), and the elastic element (11) is placed in contact with the outside of the ventilation unit (1), the first slide element (3) for opening and closing the first opening (8), the second slide element (4) that always closes the second opening (10) together with the elastic element (11), and the connecting element (5) form an operating unit (6) that can be moved from a closed position to an open position or from the open position to the closed position of the first opening (8) by the actuator (7) moving the connecting element (5). The ventilation unit (1) is characterized by this.

2. The ventilation unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (7) includes an electromagnetic lifting magnet.

3. The ventilation unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first slide element (3) has a first working surface (9) that substantially corresponds to the size of the first opening (8) of the ventilation unit (1).

4. A sealing element (13) is arranged in the region of the first opening (8), and the sealing element (13) is designed to seal the first opening (8) of the ventilation unit (1). The ventilation unit (1) according to claim 3 is characterized by this.

5. The ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second slide element (4) has a second working surface (12) that substantially corresponds to the size of the upper bar of the second slide element (4).

6. The ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a force F_AE acts on the first working surface (9), a force F_AK acts on the second working surface (12), and the force F_AE and the force F_AK are substantially of the same magnitude.

7. The ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper bar of the first slide element (3) is larger than the upper bar of the second slide element (4).

8. The ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting element (5) of the acting unit (6) is rigid and / or is in the form of a push rod.

9. A ventilation method for a suction device having a ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the ventilation method comprising the following method steps, namely, a) providing a suction device having a ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the acting unit (6) is in a closed position; b) actuating the actuator (7) such that the acting unit (6) is moved to an open position by the actuator (7); c) ventilating the interior (2) of the suction device by an air flow (LS) that can enter the ventilation unit (1) and / or the interior (2) of the suction device through a first opening (8) exposed by a first slide element (3) of the ventilation unit (1).

10. A method of using an air flow (LS) that can be guided into the interior (2) of the suction device using a ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to dust the filter of the suction device.

11. A suction device having at least one ventilation unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one ventilation unit (1) is designed to generate an air flow (LS) for dusting the filter of the suction device.

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