Suction device having a cleaning valve

Abstract

A suction device includes a suction-device housing and a suction turbine arranged therein for generating suction flow. The housing includes a suction inlet, for letting in the suction flow, and a dust-collection chamber, for collecting dust in the suction flow during suction operation. A filter between the dust-collection chamber and the turbine retains dust in the chamber. A cleaning valve between filter and turbine includes a suction flow valve having a suction flow valve body, which closes, in cleaning position, and opens, in operation position, a suction channel extending between the turbine and the filter and through which the suction flow flows. An external-air channel extends between the filter and an external-air inlet for inflow of external air. The suction flow valve body includes at least one external-air passage channel, through which at least some or all of the external-air flow can flow in the cleaning position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is the National Stage of PCT / EP2024 / 053124 filed on Feb. 8, 2024, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of German Application No. 10 2023 103 425.1 filed on Feb. 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The international application under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a suction device with a suction device housing, in which a suction turbine for generating a suction flow is arranged, wherein the suction device housing has a suction inlet for admitting the suction flow and a dust collection chamber for collecting dust contained in the suction flow during a suction operation of the suction device, 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 suction flow valve closes a suction flow channel in a cleaning position and opens it in a suction operation position, which suction flow channel extends between the suction turbine and the filter element and through which suction flow channel the suction flow can flow, and wherein the cleaning valve has an external-air valve with an external-air valve body, which closes an external-air channel in the suction operation position and opens it in the cleaning position, which external-air channel extends between the filter element and an external-air inlet provided for the inflow of external-air, such that an external-air flow flowing in through the external-air inlet can flow through the filter element in a flow direction counter to the suction flow in order to clean the filter element.2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] A cleaning valve of this type is explained, for example, in DE 101 01 219 B4. The cleaning valve has two valve bodies, of which the external-air valve body opens and closes the external-air channel and the suction flow valve body opens and closes the suction flow channel. The design of a cleaning valve of this type is therefore relatively complicated.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2010 029 518 A1 as well as DE 276 953 A and EP 1 997 415 A1 relate to suction devices with cleaning valves.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The problem addressed by the present invention is therefore that of providing a suction device having an improved cleaning valve.

[0006] In order to solve the problem, with respect to a suction device of the aforementioned type, the suction flow valve body has at least one external-air passage channel, through which at least a part of the external-air flow or the entire external-air flow can flow in the cleaning position.

[0007] An object of the invention is that at least a part of the external-air flow can flow through the external-air passage channel in order to clean the filter element. A space-saving design is therefore possible, in which no further external-air passage channels are necessary in addition to the external-air passage channel of the suction-flow valve body, or an overall larger flow cross-section for the external-air flow is possible, which can include both the external-air passage channel of the suction flow valve body and additional external-air passage channels.

[0008] In particular, a relative mobility of external-air valve body and suction flow valve body is advantageous, i.e., the suction flow valve body can be fixed in place while the external-air valve body is moved, or the external-air valve body is fixed in place while the suction flow valve body is moved, or both valve bodies are movable with respect to the suction device housing and relative to each other. It is also possible that the suction flow valve body and the external-air valve body are movable relative to each other at different movement speeds.

[0009] According to an advantageous concept, the external-air valve body is shiftable between a position closing the external-air channel and a position opening the external-air channel, while the suction flow valve body closes the suction flow channel. It is therefore possible, for example, that the suction flow channel is already closed before the external-air channel is opened by the external-air valve body. It is also possible that the suction flow channel remains closed while the external-air valve body opens the external-air channel.

[0010] It is also possible, however, that the suction flow valve body is shiftable between a position closing the suction flow channel and a position opening the suction flow channel, while the external-air valve body closes the external-air channel. Therefore, for example, the suction flow valve body can be shiftable or shifted from the suction operation position in the direction of the cleaning position without the external-air valve body simultaneously opening the external-air channel.

[0011] Advantageously, the external-air valve body is shiftable relative to the suction flow valve body along a shift path between the cleaning position and the suction operation position. The shift path can be, for example, a linear and / or straight shift path. A curved or arcuate shift path is also readily possible, however.

[0012] Slidably bearing at least one of the valve bodies is preferable, wherein a sliding bearing supports the valve body slidably along a linear shift-path axis or shift path. The sliding bearing is preferably not designed as a screw receptacle. The sliding bearing preferably does not have a screw thread. Concepts of slidably bearing using a sliding bearing of this type are explained in the following:

[0013] The external-air valve body is preferably supported movably between its positions with the aid of a sliding bearing.

[0014] Preferably, the suction flow valve body is supported movably between its positions with the aid of a sliding bearing.

[0015] The external-air valve body and the suction flow valve body are preferably shiftable relative to each other between the cleaning position and the suction operation position with the aid of at least one sliding bearing. For example, the suction flow valve body has a sliding bearing, on which the external-air valve body is slidingly supported.

[0016] The external-air valve body and the suction flow valve body preferably have the same movement direction when moving in the direction of their respective cleaning position and in the direction of their respective suction operation position. The movements of the external-air valve body and of the suction flow valve body into the cleaning position or into the suction operation position are preferably in the same direction.

[0017] It is advantageous when the at least one external-air passage channel or one of the external-air passage channels in a central region of the suction flow valve body extends through the suction flow valve body.

[0018] It is also advantageous when the suction flow valve body has a closure wall for closing the suction flow channel, through which closure wall the external-air passage channel extends. The closure wall is designed, for example, as a type of cover wall. Preferably, the at least one external-air passage channel or one of the external-air passage channels extends through a central region of the closure wall.

[0019] It is basically possible that the closure wall bears directly against the external-air passage channel, for example, against a valve seat on the external-air passage channel. Advantageously, however, an elastic seal and / or a sealing contour is arranged between the closure wall and the external-air passage channel, for example, a valve seat for the closure wall on the external-air passage channel. As a result, entirely or substantially sealing the external-air channel and the suction flow channel with respect to each other when the suction flow valve body assumes the suction operation position is advantageously achievable. Small leakages are readily possible or optionally provided despite the seal. Therefore, for example, external air can be prevented from flowing out of the external-air channel into the suction flow channel and, therefore, in the direction of the suction turbine.

[0020] Basically it has already been explained that the closure wall of the suction flow valve body can bear against a suction flow valve seat when the suction flow valve body assumes the cleaning position, that is to say, closes the suction flow channel.

[0021] 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, in the suction operation position, bears against the suction flow valve seat, in order to delimit the suction flow channel. For example, it is possible that a sealing contour is arranged on either the suction flow valve body or the suction flow valve seat and an elastic seal is arranged on the other one of either the suction flow valve body and the suction flow valve seat. It is also possible that the valve body and the valve seat each have an elastic seal. The elastic seal and / or the sealing contour is, for example, annular or annularly closed.

[0022] It is possible that the external-air valve body is shiftable into a position closing the external-air channel or a position opening the external-air channel by means of suitable flow conditions and / or pressure conditions during the cleaning operation and / or during the suction operation.

[0023] Furthermore, it is also possible that the external-air valve body is held in a position closing the external-air channel by its weight when the suction device housing is in an orientation intended for regular suction operation. Thus, when the suction device is set down on an underlying surface, for example, on its rollers, the weight of the external-air valve body ensures that the external-air valve body would close or closes the external-air channel without further application of force.

[0024] Advantageously, the external-air valve body is loaded by an external-air valve spring assembly into a position closing the external-air channel or into a position opening the external-air channel. It is possible that the external-air valve body is loaded exclusively with the aid of the spring assembly into the position closing the external-air channel or into the position opening the external-air channel, i.e., that air flows and / or pressure conditions during the cleaning operation or the suction operation do not affect the particular position of the external-air valve body. It is possible, however, that the spring assembly acts on the external-air valve body for the purpose of assisting in actuating the external-air valve body using air flows that arise during the transition from the cleaning operation to the suction operation, or vice versa.

[0025] Moreover, the external-air valve spring assembly can also ensure that the external-air channel holds the external-air valve body in the suction operation position when the suction device housing is in an unfavorable position, for example, when the suction device housing lies on the side or sits at an angle.

[0026] Advantageously, the external-air valve spring assembly is supported against the external-air valve body at one end and, at the other end, against the suction flow valve body or a support structure, in particular a valve body, of the cleaning valve, which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing. This makes it possible, for example, for the suction flow valve body to at least partially form an abutment for the external-air valve body. It is possible that the external-air valve spring assembly is directly or indirectly supported against the suction device housing.

[0027] As mentioned above, flow conditions and / or air flows and / or pressure conditions in conjunction with the cleaning operation or the suction operation can act in the sense of actuating the external-air valve body. Such an effect can be present with and without the aforementioned external-air valve spring assembly. It is preferable when the external-air valve body, in particular in an embodiment as a drive body that is drivable by a valve drive, has a differential-pressure surface, which is loaded by a differential pressure in the sense of closing the external-air channel or the external-air valve, or both, when the external-air valve body bears 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, such that no external air flows through the external-air channel. The differential pressure is present during a suction operation of the suction device. The differential pressure is the difference between atmospheric pressure and a pressure that is lower than the atmospheric pressure, or a negative pressure, that will be generated or is generated by the suction turbine during the suction operation of the suction device in a negative pressure range in the interior space of the suction device housing, for example, in the region of the dust collection chamber. The differential-pressure surface is acted upon by the atmospheric pressure.

[0028] In principle, the same design option applies for the suction flow valve body as for the external-air valve body, specifically that the suction flow valve body can be loaded into the suction operation position or into the position opening the suction flow channel by means of a spring assembly and / or pressure conditions and / or flow conditions and / or its own weight, or the like.

[0029] A measure can therefore be provided that enables the suction flow valve body to be loaded by a suction flow valve spring assembly into the suction operation position and / or into a position opening the suction flow channel.

[0030] The suction flow valve spring assembly is advantageously supported against the suction flow valve body at one end and, at the other end, against the external-air valve body or a support structure, in particular a valve body, of the cleaning valve, which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing.

[0031] Advantageously, the cleaning valve has at least one valve drive, for example, an electromagnetic or electric-motor-driven valve drive, and a drive body, which is drivable by the valve drive, for shifting the suction flow valve body between the suction operation position and the cleaning position and / or for shifting the external-air valve body between the suction operation position and the cleaning position. Thus, the drive body can act on both the suction flow valve body and the external-air valve body, or on only one of these valve bodies. It is also possible that the drive body has the function of a valve body, thus, for example, forms the or an external-air valve body or the or a suction flow valve body.

[0032] The at least one valve drive is preferably designed to shift the suction flow valve body between the suction operation position and the cleaning position and / or to shift the external-air valve body between the suction operation position and the cleaning position within less than 2 seconds or 1.5 seconds, more preferably less than 1 second, still more preferably less than 0.5 seconds, still more preferably less than 0.4 seconds or 0.3 seconds.

[0033] In particular, the at least one valve drive is designed to abruptly shift the suction flow valve body and / or the external-air valve body.

[0034] The at least one valve drive is preferably an electromagnetic drive.

[0035] For electromagnetic actuation, it is advantageous when the drive body has magnetically actuatable material, such that the drive body is drivable, for example, by means of an electrical coil or any other magnetic field-generating drive component of the valve drive. The magnetically actuatable material is, for example, neodymium. It is possible that the external-air valve body also has a magnetically actuatable material, i.e., is directly actuatable by the valve drive. The external-air valve body can also be magnetically, for all intents and purposes, passive, however, i.e., it has no magnetically actuatable material. Therefore, for example, the drive body can be provided with the magnetic material for driving the external-air valve body.

[0036] It is advantageous when the drive body is loaded by a drive body spring assembly into a position associated with the cleaning position or into a position associated with the suction operation position. The drive body loaded by the drive body spring assembly can thus load the external-air valve body in the cleaning position in a sense of opening the external-air channel or in the suction operation position in the sense of closing the external-air channel. When the drive body actuates the suction flow valve body, the drive body spring assembly can act, for example, on the drive body and, therefore, on the suction flow valve body in the suction operation position in the sense of opening the suction flow channel and in the cleaning position in the sense of closing the suction flow channel.

[0037] According to an advantageous concept, the drive body spring assembly is supported against the drive body at one end and, at the other end, against the suction flow valve body or a support structure, in particular a valve body, of the cleaning valve, which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing.

[0038] The drive body is advantageously plate-like. The drive body advantageously consists of metal and / or is actuatable and / or drivable by means of an electromagnet, for example, by means of the aforementioned valve drive.

[0039] The drive body can be, in principle, a drive body that merely exerts a drive function, i.e., is not designed in the sense of a valve body or a valve member. It is also possible, however, that the drive body is designed as an external-air valve body or forms the external-air valve body or is fixed to the external-air valve body. The drive body can therefore be both, for example, an element that is actuated or actuatable by the valve drive and, in addition, also the external-air valve body.

[0040] The drive body can be shiftable relative to the external-air valve body, in particular between a position actuating the external-air valve body and a position releasing the external-air valve body to move. When the external-air valve body is released by the drive body to move, it can be actuatable, for example, by means of a differential pressure acting on it and / or by means of its weight force.

[0041] Movement clearance can therefore be optionally present between the drive body and the external-air valve body.

[0042] The drive body can also be provided, however, for actuating the suction flow valve body.

[0043] With respect to the suction flow valve body as well, it is advantageous when the drive body has movement clearance relative to the suction flow valve body, for example, for the case in which the drive body does not actuate or is not intended to actuate the suction flow valve body.

[0044] Preferably, the drive body has movement clearance with respect to the external-air valve body and with respect to the suction flow valve body such that, during a shift of the cleaning valve from the suction operation position into the cleaning position, the drive body actuates the suction flow valve body in the direction of a position closing the suction flow channel ahead of a shift of the external-air valve body or a further external-air valve body in the direction of a position opening the external-air channel and / or, during a shift of the cleaning valve from the cleaning position into the suction operation position, the drive body actuates the external-air valve body ahead of the suction flow valve body in the direction of the position closing the external-air channel. Due to a motion sequence of this type, it is ensured that, during the transition from the suction operation into the cleaning operation, initially the suction flow channel is closed and then the external-air channel is opened. During the transition from the cleaning operation into the suction operation, it is advantageous when, initially, the external-air channel is closed and then the suction flow channel is opened. The drive body can therefore be, for example, an external-air valve body and actuate a further external-air valve body. The drive body can also be a pure drive body and / or not designed as an external-air valve body, however.

[0045] It is advantageous when the drive body is arranged between the external-air valve body and the suction flow valve body. For example, the aforementioned drive concept is optimally achievable as a result.

[0046] It is also preferable to arrange the drive body in an interior space of the external-air valve body. For example, the external-air valve body can be designed in the form of a hood or a cover. The external-air valve body can have, for example, an in particular cylindrical interior space, which is suitable for accommodating the drive body.

[0047] In principle, it is possible that the cleaning valve has only one external-air valve body. According to an advantageous concept, however, there are two or more external-air valve bodies. Advantageously, 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 channel, which is closeable by means of 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 be advantageously shiftable relative to the first external-air valve body between a position closing the external-air channel and a position opening the external-air channel. Each of the two external-air valve bodies can therefore close or open the external-air channel regardless of the other external-air valve body. Only when both external-air valve bodies are in a position opening the external-air channel can external air flow through the external-air channel.

[0048] An advantageous sequence of movements or kinematics can look as follows. Preferably, it is provided that, during a shift of the cleaning valve from the suction operation position into the cleaning position, the first external-air valve body preferably opens the external-air channel ahead of the second external-air valve body and, during a shift of the cleaning valve from the cleaning position into the suction operation position, the second external-air valve body closes the external-air channel ahead of the first external-air valve body.

[0049] As mentioned above, the drive body can form an external-air valve body. In this way, it is possible, for example, that the first external-air valve body is formed by the drive body or is fixed to the drive body and the second external-air valve body is separate from the drive body and is drivable by the drive body.

[0050] According to a mechanically advantageous concept, different valve seats and sealing contours are present for the external-air valve body. Moreover, the external-air valve bodies can have different differential-pressure surfaces, wherein a differential-pressure surface is a surface that is loaded or loadable by a differential pressure when the external-air valve body bears against its associated valve seat.

[0051] Preferably, the first external-air valve body bears with a first sealing contour against a first external-air valve seat and the second external-air valve body bears against a second external-air valve seat in the suction operation position, and a first differential-pressure surface of the first external-air valve body, which is surrounded by the first sealing contour, is smaller than a second differential-pressure surface of the second external-air valve body, which is surrounded by the second sealing contour, wherein the differential-pressure surfaces are loaded or loadable by a differential pressure when the particular external-air valve body bears against its associated external-air valve seat. The differential pressure at the first external-air valve body can differ from the differential pressure at the second external-air valve body.

[0052] Differently sized differential-pressure surfaces can be provided, for example, such that the external-air valve body having the smaller differential-pressure surface is actuatable away from its external-air valve seat using a lesser force than the external-air valve body having the larger differential-pressure surface.

[0053] The differently sized differential-pressure surfaces also make movement sequences possible.

[0054] According to an advantageous concept, the first external-air valve body in the suction operation position closes the suction flow channel relative to the second external-air valve body. Therefore, for example, the second external-air valve body can be relieved of a pressure actuation or pressure loading by pressure conditions prevailing in the suction flow channel during the suction operation by the first external-air valve body when it assumes the suction operation position.

[0055] According to an advantageous measure, the second external-air valve body has at least one leakage opening, through which the ambient air can act on the first external-air valve body with atmospheric pressure. Therefore, for example, the atmospheric pressure can act on the first external-air valve body preferably in the sense of closing or, in another embodiment, in the sense of opening the first external-air valve body.

[0056] The cleaning valve advantageously has a base guide, which is fixed in place with respect to the suction device housing and is designed, in particular, as a linear guide, on which base guide the suction flow valve body or the external-air valve body or the drive body is shiftably movably guided. The base guide directly guides, for all intents and purposes, each of the aforementioned valve bodies or drive bodies.

[0057] It is also possible, however, that valve bodies or drive bodies, or both, are guided relative toward one another or on one another. Thus, according to an advantageous measure, the cleaning valve has a valve body guide designed, in particular, as a linear guide, wherein the suction flow valve body and the external-air valve body are shiftably movably guided on one another with the aid of the valve body guide or the suction flow valve body and the drive body are shiftably movably guided on one another with the aid of the valve body guide.

[0058] The base guide and the valve body guide can be components that are separate from each other.

[0059] It is advantageous when these interact with each other. According to an advantageous measure, the base guide and the valve body guide engage into each other.

[0060] It is also possible that the base guide and the valve body guide have mutually coaxial or parallel guide axes, along which the components guided by the particular guide are movably supported on the guides. It is also possible that guide axes of the guides are guide axes that are separate from each other or guide axes that are at an angle to each other.

[0061] The measure explained in the following is also possible for opening and closing the external-air channel or for opening and closing the suction flow channel.

[0062] Advantageously, a sealing contour is arranged between at least one of external-air valve body and suction flow valve body and a valve seat associated with a respective valve body for establishing a tight connection between the valve body and the valve seat, which sealing contour is designed such that a tight connection is establishable when both valve bodies shift in the same direction from the suction operation position into the cleaning position, or vice versa, with the aid of the sealing contour between the one valve body and its valve seat, while a free space and / or a flow opening is still present between the other valve body and its valve seat. It is therefore possible, for example, that the suction flow valve body opens the suction flow channel and the external-air valve body closes the external-air channel, then the suction flow valve body closes the suction flow channel and, only then, when the suction flow channel is already closed, is the external-air valve body moved in the sense of opening the external-air channel.

[0063] This sealing contour can comprise or be formed by, for example, an elastic seal, in particular a bellows.

[0064] An independent concept and / or a concept representing an independent invention, which facilitates, in particular, the maintenance of the suction device or the cleaning valve, is presented in the following. In connection with the preamble of claim 1 or in connection with the aforementioned features, it is advantageously provided that the cleaning valve is arranged on a carrier body, which is detachably fastenable to a carrier body receptacle of the suction device housing, wherein the carrier body receptacle is located opposite the filter element and designed as an opening, which is tightly closable by the carrier body.

[0065] Due to this feature, it is possible that the carrier body is removable from the carrier body receptacle in order to clean the cleaning valve. For example, it can be provided that at least one valve body, which is located opposite the filter element when the carrier body is accommodated in the carrier body receptacle, is 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 when multiple, for example, two, external-air valve bodies are present.

[0066] The carrier body can have channel sections, for example, for providing the suction flow channel and / or the external-air channel. Thus, according to one concept, the suction flow channel and / or the external-air channel extend through the carrier body when the carrier body is accommodated on the carrier body receptacle.

[0067] The pressure conditions that are typical during the suction operation are advantageously designed such that the cleaning valve assumes the suction operation position without additional driving. Thus, it is advantageous when the external-air valve body and / or the drive body is held during a suction operation of the suction device by a negative pressure within the suction device housing in a closed position closing the external-air channel.

[0068] In principle, it is possible that the suction device has only one single cleaning valve. It is also possible that the suction device has multiple, simultaneously actuatable cleaning valves.

[0069] It is also possible, however, that the suction device has at least two cleaning valves, each of which is associated with a filter element, wherein filter elements are in fluid communication with the respective cleaning valve such that one of the cleaning valves can assume the cleaning position for cleaning the filter element associated therewith, while the other cleaning valve is in the suction operation position and the suction flow can continue to flow through the filter element associated therewith. It is also possible that these two filter elements or further filter elements are interconnected or are integral parts of one single filter element body. For example, mechanical separations, flow channels, or the like can be provided, such that portions of a single filter element body each form a filter element, with which a cleaning valve is associated.

[0070] The suction device according to the invention is preferably a workshop vacuum. The suction device housing preferably has rollers or wheels for rolling the suction device on an underlying surface. It is preferred when the suction device is designed to cooperate with a machine tool, in particular with a hand-held power tool or with a semi-stationary machine tool. For example, the suction device has a suction inlet with a connector for connecting a suction hose, with which a flow connection is establishable between the suction device and the machine tool. The suction device is preferably controllable in an open loop by the machine tool, for example, in order to initiate cleaning.

[0071] The suction device advantageously has a control device, with which the at least one cleaning valve or a valve drive thereof is controllable, for example, in order to actuate the cleaning valve from the suction operation position into the cleaning position and / or from the cleaning position into the suction operation position.

[0072] For example, for the case in which the cleaning valve or parts thereof and / or the filter element are components that are removable from the suction device, it is advantageous when at least one further filter element, which performs, so to speak, an emergency function or a police function, is still present. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the suction device has at least one turbine filter element, which is arranged between the suction turbine and the cleaning valve.

[0073] The external-air inlet, with which the cleaning valve communicates and / or at which the cleaning valve is arranged, can be arranged on the suction device housing and connected to the cleaning valve with the aid of a flow channel. It is also possible, however, that the external-air inlet is provided directly on the cleaning valve, for example, on the valve base body of the cleaning valve or on a valve housing of the cleaning valve. The suction flow valve body and / or the external-air valve body, for example, are movably supported on the valve base body or the valve housing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in the following with reference to the drawing. Wherein:

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a view of a suction device from above,

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the suction device according to FIG. 1, approximately along a section line V-V of the suction device, wherein the longitudinal section extends through a cleaning valve,

[0077] FIG. 3 shows a valve body of the cleaning valve according to FIG. 2,

[0078] FIG. 4 shows a detail D5 from FIG. 2 with the cleaning valve in a suction operation position,

[0079] FIG. 5 shows the cleaning valve in the view corresponding to FIG. 4 in an intermediate position between the suction operation position and a cleaning position,

[0080] FIG. 6 shows the cleaning valve in the view corresponding to FIG. 4 in the cleaning position,

[0081] FIG. 7 shows a carrier body, which is intended to be fastened to a suction device housing of the suction device according to preceding figures and 5 on which the cleaning valve according to preceding figures is arranged, in a perspective oblique view from below,

[0082] FIG. 8 shows the carrier body according to FIG. 7 in a frontal view from above,

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the carrier body according to FIG. 7 or 8, approximately along a section line C-C in FIG. 8,

[0084] FIG. 10 shows a detail D6 from FIG. 9,

[0085] FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of a further suction device, which is shown approximately corresponding to a section line A-A in FIG. 1 and has cleaning valves, which are shown in a suction operation position,

[0086] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the suction device according to FIG. 11, approximately corresponding to a section line B-B in FIG. 1,

[0087] FIG. 13 shows the suction device according to FIG. 12, although with the cleaning valve in the cleaning position,

[0088] FIG. 14 shows a detail D2 from FIG. 12 with a cleaning valve shown in an enlarged view,

[0089] FIG. 15 shows a detail D3 from FIG. 13 with a cleaning valve shown in an enlarged view.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0090] A suction device 10 has a suction device housing 11, on which a suction inlet 12 for admitting a suction flow SM is arranged.

[0091] The suction inlet 12 is suitable, for example, for connecting a suction hose SL.

[0092] The suction hose SL can be connected to a machine tool WZ schematically shown in the drawing, for example, a material-removing or grinding machine tool, in particular a hand-held power tool. Dust ST generated by the machine tool WZ can be suctioned up using the suction device 10.

[0093] The suction device 10 is, for example, a workshop vacuum.

[0094] In a schematically shown manner, the housing 11 can have rollers 11E, by means of which it is rollable and / or placeable on an underlying surface.

[0095] The suction inlet 12 communicates with a dust collection chamber 15 for collecting dust ST.

[0096] A filter bag 325, in which dust ST can be accommodated, is optionally arrangeable in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter bag 325 is in fluid communication with the suction inlet 12 when the filter bag 325 is arranged in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter bag 325 is connectable, for example, to a connector communicating with the suction inlet 12. The suction device 10 can be readily operated without such a filter bag, however, in particular due to an effective filter cleaning, which is described below.

[0097] The suction device 10 has a suction turbine 14 for generating the suction flow SM.

[0098] 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 arranged downstream of the suction turbine 14.

[0099] The suction turbine 14 is arranged, for example, at or in the region of an outlet 13 of the housing 11.

[0100] The dust collection chamber 15 for collecting dust ST is arranged in the housing 11.

[0101] The housing 11 has peripheral walls 11B, a bottom wall 11C, and a cover wall 11D, wherein the bottom wall 11C and the cover wall 11D are interconnected by the peripheral walls 11B.

[0102] 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 located opposite the bottom wall 11C, the dust collection chamber 15 can be closed or closable or delimited by the cover wall 11D and / or by an intermediate wall 16 of the suction device housing 11.

[0103] For example, the suction inlet 12 is arranged on the cover wall 11D or on one of the peripheral walls 11B (indicated by a suction inlet 12B) and communicates with the dust collection chamber 15.

[0104] A suction flow channel 17, which is in fluid communication with the suction turbine 14, is formed between the intermediate wall 16 and the cover wall 11D. Suction flow SM flows through the suction flow channel 17 to the suction turbine 14 and, by this, is blown out as exhaust air AB via the outlet 13.

[0105] The suction flow channel 17 can have channel sections 17A, 17B, each of which guides parts of the suction flow SM, which are combined upstream of the suction turbine 14, and through which the suction flow SM flows as a whole to the suction turbine 14.

[0106] Before the suction turbine 14, a turbine filter element 14A can be arranged upstream in order to filter out any dirt or particles possibly contained in the suction flow SM, provided particles are still present in the suction flow SM that have not been filtered out by the filter assembly described in the following or that still remain in the suction flow SM if the filter assembly is possibly missing or not functioning properly.

[0107] 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 intermediate wall 16.

[0108] The suction flow SM is shown, with respect to its flow direction, upstream of the filter assembly 20 in black arrows and downstream of the filter assembly 20 in white arrows in order to symbolically indicate that the filter assembly 20 filters dust ST out of the suction flow SM.

[0109] The filter assembly 20 comprises two filter elements 25A, 25B, which are identically constructed and are generally referred to and explained in the following as the filter element 25.

[0110] The filter assembly 20 comprises a filter carrier 21 for carrying a filter element 25.

[0111] The filter carrier 21 is held, for example, on the intermediate wall 16.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 form of a plug receptacle, into which the filter element 25 is pluggable.

[0114] The filter element 25 is held on the holding receptacle 22, for example, in an interlocking and / or a frictional manner, and / or in a clamping fit. It is also possible, however, that the filter element 25 is integrally joined, for example, bonded, to the holding receptacle 22.

[0115] Preferably, the holding receptacle 22 is elastically resilient. For example, the holding receptacle 22 has an elastic holder 23, on which the filter element 25 is held, for example, in a frictional and / or interlocking manner.

[0116] The holder 23 or the holding receptacle 22 comprises, for example, a cuff consisting of an elastic material, for example, rubber, elastic rubber, or the like. The filter element 25 is therefore movably held on the filter carrier 21, which enables and / or facilitates, for example, cleaning of the filter element 25.

[0117] A support structure 24 for supporting the filter element 25 is arranged on the filter carrier 21.

[0118] The support structure 24 is air-permeable, such that air flowing through the filter element 25 can flow through the support structure 24.

[0119] The support structure 24 is designed, for example, in the form of a support mesh or has a support mesh or a mesh structure.

[0120] The filter element 25 bears, for example, with its flat side or its greatest extension, against the support structure 24 and is supported by this.

[0121] The filter assembly 20 therefore filters out dust ST that is contained in the suction flow SM and retains it in the dust collection chamber 15. A portion of the dust ST drops downward from the filter assembly 20 in the direction of the dust collection chamber 15, or in the direction of the bottom wall 11C, for example, as a result of gravity and / or due to vibrations that arise during the suction operation of the suction device 10, for example, due to the suction turbine 14. One other portion of the dust ST adheres to the filter assembly 20, for example, to the filter element 25, however, such that cleaning is necessary.

[0122] A cleaning valve 40A, 40B is associated with each filter element 25A, 25B, respectively, in order to clean the respective filter element 25A, 25B.

[0123] The cleaning valves 40A, 40B, which are also referred to as cleaning valve 40 in the following, comprise valve bodies 41, which are shiftable relative to valve seats 42 between a closed position SP closing the suction flow channel 17 and an open position OP opening the suction flow channel 17.

[0124] The open position OP corresponds to a suction operation position SB of a cleaning valve 40, in which the suction turbine 14 can suction in the suction flow SM through the suction inlet 12 and blow it out through the outlet 13. The closed position SP is associated with a cleaning position AR or corresponds to a cleaning position AR, in which a respective filter element 25A, 25B is cleaned.

[0125] The cleaning valves 40A, 40B close the suction flow channel 17 in the cleaning position AR and open it in the suction operation position SB. Therefore, the valve bodies 41 form suction flow valve bodies 43 and the valve seat 42 is a suction flow valve seat 44.

[0126] Therefore, the suction flow valve body 43 and the suction flow valve seat 44 form integral parts of a suction flow valve 43A.

[0127] The suction flow valve seat 44 extends around a passage 44B on a carrier body 44A, for example, the intermediate wall 16. The passage 44B enables a flow of the suction flow SM from the filter assembly 20, for example, a filter element 25, through the cleaning valve 40 in the direction of the suction flow channel 17, which is in fluid communication with the passage 44B. The suction flow valve body 43 closes the passage 44B in the closed position SP. The passage 44B forms an integral part of a suction-flow flow channel 48 of the cleaning valve 40.

[0128] The carrier body 44A can form an integral part of the intermediate wall 16 or an integral part of the cleaning valve 40. The carrier body 44A is preferably fixed to the intermediate wall 16 or is integral with the intermediate wall 16.

[0129] Sealing assemblies 45 are provided on the valve bodies 41, which sealing assemblies have sealing contours 45A, which bear 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 operation position SB or the open position OP.

[0130] The sealing assemblies 45 comprise annular sealing bodies or sealing elements 46. The sealing elements 46 are preferably elastic. The sealing elements 46 comprise, for example, sealing lips or the like for bearing against the valve seats 42.

[0131] In the open position OP or the suction operation position SB, a suction-flow flow channel 48 is opened, which suction-flow flow channel is formed between the valve seat 42 and the side of a sealing element 46 that faces the valve seat 42 and, for example, forms a sealing contour 45A.

[0132] The suction-flow flow channel 48 communicates with the suction flow channel 17 or forms a part of the suction flow channel 17, through which the suction flow SM can flow. In the closed position SP or cleaning position AR, the suction-flow flow channel 48 is closed.

[0133] An elastic sealing element could be readily arranged on the valve seat 42, which elastic sealing element cooperates with the sealing element 46 and, in the cleaning position AR, closes the suction flow channel 17. It is also possible, however, that such a sealing element on the valve seat 42 can bear directly against a fixed integral part or fixed portion of the valve body 41 in the cleaning position AR.

[0134] The valve bodies 41 are shiftable between the cleaning position AR and the suction operation position SB along an, in particular, linear movement path BB. For example, the valve bodies 41 are mounted on base guides 50 movably between the cleaning position AR and the suction operation position SB.

[0135] The base guides 50 comprise guide receptacles 51, in which guide bodies 52, for example, guide projections 52A, of the valve bodies 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.

[0136] The base guides 50 provide, for example, sliding bearings, or are parts of sliding bearings.

[0137] The suction flow valve body 43 has a closure wall 59. The closure wall 59 is designed, for example, in the form of a closure cover. The closure wall 59 has the sealing assembly 45 on its outer periphery. Ahead of the closure wall 59, the guide body 52 projects in the form of a guide shaft or a guide pin.

[0138] The guide receptacle 51 is provided on a valve base body 90. The valve base body 90 is, for example, planar. 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 so as to be linearly movable along the movement path BB.

[0139] 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 mounted movably toward the valve base body 90 and away therefrom along the movement path BB.

[0140] 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 operation 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 bears against the valve seat 91.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The external-air passage channels 55 are provided on the closure wall 59 of the suction flow valve body 43. For example, four external-air passage channels 55 are provided annularly around the guide body 52 and / or annularly around a movement axis or central axis M of the cleaning valve 40, which is coincident with the movement path BB.

[0143] The external-air passage openings 92 extend annularly around the guide receptacle 51 on the valve base body 90. Flow cross-sections of the external-air passage openings 92 and of the external-air passage channels 55 are preferably identical or substantially similar.

[0144] Connecting ribs 55A, for example, between which the external-air passage channels 55 are formed, extend between the closure wall 59 and the guide body 52.

[0145] Thus, when the suction flow valve body 43 bears against the valve seat 91, it is traversable by a flow with the aid of the external-air passage channels 55 for external air FL. In this position, the closed position SP, of the suction flow valve body 43, the external-air passage channels 55 are sealed with respect to the suction flow channel 17 by a sealing contour 45B. Therefore, the external air FL cannot flow into the suction flow channel 17.

[0146] The sealing contour 45B is formed, for example, by an elastic sealing element, preferably a sealing element that is constructed similarly to the sealing element 46.

[0147] 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.

[0148] The closure wall 59 can have a step 59A between the sealing contours 45A and 45B. The external-air passage channels 59 are therefore arranged on a portion of the closure wall 59 projecting in the direction of the valve base body 90.

[0149] The suction flow valve body 43 is acted upon by a spring assembly 54 in the direction of its open position OP and, thus, in the suction operation position SB of the cleaning valve 40. The spring assembly 54 includes, for example, a coil spring. The spring assembly 54 is supported against the valve base body 90 at one end and against the suction flow valve body 43 at the other end. The spring assembly 54 is penetrated, for example, by the guide body 52.

[0150] A valve drive 80 is provided for actuating the cleaning valve 40 and, thus, the suction flow valve body 43 from the suction operation 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 is magnetically actuatable, i.e., for example, the drive body 82 is drivable by a magnetic field that originates from the stator 81. A coil assembly 83, for example, an electrical coil, is arranged at the stator 81, for example.

[0151] The drive body 82 is designed, for example, in the form of a disk or a plate.

[0152] For example, the drive body 82 is formed as a metal plate 84 consisting of ferromagnetic metal.

[0153] The drive body 82 is guided, i.e., linearly guided in the present case, along the movement path BB on a valve body guide 60. 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 fixed to the drive body 82. For example, the guide body 62 is designed in the form of a lug that projects from the drive body 82.

[0154] The valve body guide 60 is designed, for example, as a sliding bearing or forms a sliding bearing.

[0155] 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 into the guide receptacle 61. As a result, the drive body 82 is guided along the movement path BB on the suction flow valve body 43.

[0156] The coil assembly 83 is energizable using an energizing device 104. A control device 100 is provided for controlling 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 are executable by the processor 101 in order to control the suction device 10 and / or the energizing device 104.

[0157] The drive body 82 has movement clearance relative to the suction flow valve body 43. It is therefore possible that the drive body 82 can be actuated ahead of the suction flow valve body 43 from the suction operation position SB into the cleaning position AR. In the process, the drive body 82 acts on the suction flow valve body 43 via a drive body spring assembly 87.

[0158] The spring assembly 87 comprises, for example, a coil spring, which is supported against the valve body 43 at one end and, at the other end, against a support contour 88 that is connected to the drive body 82. For example, the support contour 88 is provided on a free portion of the guide body 62 projecting from the guide receptacle 61.

[0159] The leading actuation of the drive body 82 such that it is actuatable out of the suction operation position SB ahead of the suction flow valve body 43, proves advantageous when the filter assembly 20 is subjected to an external-air flow FS, which contains the external air FL, as is explained in the following.

[0160] The external air FL can flow through an external-air inlet 19 of the suction device 10 into the external-air channel 18. The external-air channel 18 is closeable by the drive body 82, such 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-shaped and can be lifted off an external-air valve seat 64, such that the external air FL can flow past the external-air valve seat 64 into the external-air passage openings 92.

[0161] 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.

[0162] the external-air valve body 63 and the external-air valve seat 64 form integral parts of an external-air valve 63a.

[0163] An external-air sealing assembly 65 is arranged on the external-air valve seat 64. The external-air sealing assembly 65 comprises, for example, a sealing element 66. When the drive body 82 and, thus, the external-air valve body 63 bear against the external-air valve seat 64, it bears against the sealing element 66, such that the external-air channel 18 is thereby closed.

[0164] The function of the drive body 82 as an external-air valve body 63 is an option, i.e., is not absolutely necessary. The cleaning valve 40 has namely a further external-air valve body 73, such 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.

[0165] The external-air valve body 73 is suitable for closing the external-air channel 18. The external-air valve body 73, in an open position OP, is lifted off an external-air valve seat 74, such that the external-air channel 18 is open 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, in contrast, the external-air valve body 73 bears against the external-air valve seat 74, such that the external-air channel 18 is closed. An external-air sealing assembly 75 comprising an external-air sealing element 76 is advantageously arranged on the external-air valve seat 74.

[0166] The external-air valve body 73 and the external-air valve seat 74 form integral parts of an external-air valve 73A.

[0167] 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. Therefore, a differential-pressure surface DD1 of the external-air valve body 63 is smaller than a differential-pressure surface DD2 of the external-air valve body 73 when atmospheric pressure acts on the external-air valve bodies 63 and 73, which are in their closed position SP, while a negative pressure generated by the suction turbine 14 or a pressure that is at least lower than atmospheric pressure prevails in the interior of the suction device housing 11.

[0168] Optionally, it is possible that a leakage opening 79 is provided on the external-air valve body 73, through which atmospheric pressure can act on the external-air valve body 63.

[0169] The external-air sealing elements 66 and 76 are, for example, concentric with each other.

[0170] The external-air sealing elements 66 and 76 provide sealing contours for the external-air valve bodies 63 and 73 at the valve seats 64 and 74.

[0171] The external-air sealing elements 66 and 76 are preferably designed as annular seals.

[0172] The external-air valve body 73 is held and guided on a guide holder 70.

[0173] The guide holder 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.

[0174] The drive carrier 89 is designed, for example, as a planar or cover-like body.

[0175] The drive carrier 89 can be designed as a component that is retroactively mountable on the suction device 10 and / or the cleaning valve 40, such that the cleaning valve 40 can be retroactively equipped with the valve drive 80 and the external-air valve 73A. The guide holder 70 has a spring receptacle 71 for an external-air valve spring assembly 72. The spring assembly 72 comprises, for example, a coil spring 72A. The coil spring 72A is supported against the guide holder 70, in particular against a base of the spring receptacle 71, at one end and, at the other end, against the external-air valve body 73, for example, against a flange projection 77 or collar of the external-air valve body 73.

[0176] 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 movement clearance transversely to the movement path BB due to the resilient property of the spring assembly 72.

[0177] The external-air valve body 73 is designed in the form of a closure cover 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 the external-air valve body 63 is accommodated.

[0178] The external-air valve body 63 or the drive body 82 has movement clearance relative to the external-air valve body 73. It is therefore possible that the drive body 82 is initially shifted from a position associated with the suction operation position SB in the direction of its position associated with the cleaning position AR, i.e., lifts off the external-air valve seat 64, before it acts on the external-air valve body 73 in the sense of lifting off its external-air valve seat 74 and / or in the sense of a shift of the external-air valve body 73 into the open position OP.

[0179] Even with the leakage opening 79, the external-air valve body 73 has a closing function such that the effect of external air or atmospheric pressure on the external-air valve body 63 is reduced even when the external-air valve body 73 does not bear completely tightly against the external-air valve seat 74.

[0180] The valve drive 80 is partially removable. Thus, it is possible, for example, to remove the drive carrier 63 and, thus, the stator 81 from the cleaning valve 40 without external air FL being able to flow through the cleaning valve 40. In this situation, namely during the suction operation of the suction device 10, atmospheric pressure acts on the external-air valve body 63, even when it is not actively driven or drivable by, for example, energizing a coil assembly, such that the valve body 63 remains in its closed position SP.

[0181] An advantageous maintenance concept of the suction device 10, which is possible but not necessary, is presented in the following.

[0182] The valve base body 30 is arranged, for example, on a carrier body 30 or is provided by a carrier body 30. The carrier body 30 is, for example, an integral part of a cover or forms a cover, which is detachably fastenable on the suction device housing 11.

[0183] For example, the carrier body 30 is detachably fastenable on a carrier body receptacle 31 of the suction device 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 for one carrier body 30 each are arranged on the upper wall or cover wall 11D of the suction device 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 24 when the carrier body 30 is mounted on the carrier body receptacle 31, are easily accessible.

[0184] The carrier body 30 has, for example, a base wall 32, on which the cleaning valve 40 is fastened and / or which provides the valve base body 90. Plug contours 33 project from the base wall 32, for example, on the outer periphery of the base wall 32. The plug contours 33 can be inserted into the carrier body receptacle 31, which is designed as a plug receptacle.

[0185] Moreover, detent means 34 are provided for fastening the carrier body 30 to the carrier body receptacle 31. The detent means 34 comprise, for example, a detent tongue and / or detent lug 35, which is disengageable from a detent contour 36 of the carrier body receptacle 31 by actuating an actuation projection 37. Next, the carrier body 30 can be removed from the carrier body receptacle 31. The detent contour 36 is arranged on the carrier body receptacle 31.

[0186] At this point, it is mentioned that the cleaning valves 40A, 40B are advantageously switched into the cleaning position AR by the control device 100 in alternation, i.e., one of the cleaning valves 40A or 40B is in the suction operation position SB, while the other cleaning valve 40A and 40B performs a cleaning of the filter element 25 associated therewith. A continuous suction operation of the suction device 10 is therefore possible, even when one of the filter elements 24A or 25B is being cleaned. A suction device 10B has two identical cleaning valves 140A, 140B, which are described in general as a cleaning valve 140 in the following. In the cleaning valves 140 and the suction device 10B, a mechanical cleaning of the filter elements 25 and a cleaning of the filter elements 25 using external air or according to a counterflow principle, in which external air flows through a particular filter element 25 during cleaning counter to the flow direction of the suction flow, are combined. A cleaning valve 140A, 140B is associated with each filter element 25A, 25B.

[0187] The suction device 10B has the above-described suction device housing 11, the suction turbine 14, and an outlet 13 and a suction inlet 12. Cleaning valves 140A, 140B are provided with the suction device 10B. The suction devices 10 and 10B differ only with respect to the cleaning valves 40A, 40B and 140A, 140B. In contrast to the suction device 10, the suction device 10B therefore does not comprise the cleaning valves 40A, 40B, but rather the cleaning valves 140A, 140B.

[0188] The cleaning valve 140 has a valve body 141, which is mounted movably along a movement path BB with the aid of a base guide 150, wherein the valve body 141 is lifted off a valve seat 142 in a suction operation position SB and, in so doing, assumes an open position OP, such that a suction-flow flow channel 48 is opened, which suction-flow flow channel is in fluid communication with the suction flow channel 17. In a cleaning position AR, the valve body 141 bears against the valve seat, such that it assumes a closed position SP and the suction flow channel 17 is closed.

[0189] 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 integral parts of a suction flow valve 143A.

[0190] A sealing assembly 145, which is arranged on the valve body 141 or 43, is provided for placement on the suction flow valve seat 44.

[0191] The sealing assembly 145 comprises a cylindrical sealing body or a cylindrical sealing element 146. When a sealing contour 145A of the sealing assembly 145, i.e., for example, a free end face of the sealing element 146, bears against the suction flow valve seat 44, i.e., the cleaning position AR has been assumed, it is nevertheless possible to move the valve body 141 along the movement path BB by a predetermined extent in order to mechanically actuate the filter element 25.

[0192] A filter drive element 185, which is mechanically connected to the filter element 25 or can at least act on the filter element 25 in any case, projects from the valve body 141. For example, the filter drive element 185 is arranged in an interior space of the sealing element 146 and projects therefrom.

[0193] 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 in this respect forms a guide body 152.

[0194] 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 flow FLS.

[0195] The valve base body 190 delimits the external-air channel 18 or external-air low channel 68 on the circumferential side.

[0196] The valve base body 190 extends to the external-air inlet 19 of the suction device housing 11 and is, for all intents and purposes, closed by the valve body 141 on a side opposite the external-air inlet 19.

[0197] An external-air passage channel 155 is provided on the valve body 141, however, through which external air FL from the external-air channel 18 flowing into the external-air inlet 19 can flow to the filter element 25. The external-air channel 18 penetrates, for example, the filter drive element 185 and opens at its free end region to an external-air outflow opening 157B, such 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.

[0198] In order to close the external-air channel 18, an external-air valve body 163 of the cleaning valve 140 is provided, which, in the suction operation position SB, bears against an external-air valve seat 164 and closes the external-air channel 18 and, in the cleaning position AR, is lifted off the external-air valve seat 164, such that external air FL can flow through the external-air inlet 19 into the external-air channel 18. For example, the external-air valve seat 164 is provided on the inner circumference of the external-air inlet 19.

[0199] A schematically shown external-air sealing assembly 165, for example, can also be provided at the external-air inlet 19. For example, elastic sealing bodies or sealing elements 166 of the external-air sealing assembly 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 periphery of the external-air valve body 163.

[0200] The external-air valve body 163 is provided on a channel body 156. The channel body 156 has inflow openings or flow-through openings 157 on its outer periphery, through which external air FL can flow into a channel section 158 of the channel body 156.

[0201] The channel section 158 is in fluid communication with the external-air passage channel 155 on the drive projection 186 or forms a portion of the external-air passage channel 155, such that external air FL flowing into the channel body 156 can flow in the direction of the filter element 25 at the free end region of the external-air passage channel 155.

[0202] The external-air valve body 163 therefore 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 and through which the external air FL can flow.

[0203] A valve drive 180 has, for example, a stator 81 having a coil assembly 183. The coil assembly 183 acts on a magnet 184, which is connected to the valve body 141. The valve body 141 therefore forms a rotor or drive body 82 of the valve drive 180 or comprises a rotor or drive body 82.

[0204] The energizing device 104 is used to energize the coil assembly 183. The control device 100 can therefore control the valve drive 180 by correspondingly controlling the energizing device 104.

[0205] The cleaning valve 140 is designed to mechanically actuate the filter element 25 and to clean the filter element using external air FL, or using a counterflow principle. The external air FL flows through the filter element 25 namely counter to the flow direction of the suction flow SM, such that the filter element 25 is cleaned mechanically and / or by an external-air flow.

[0206] For example, the control device 100 controls the valve drive 180 to actuate vibration of the filter element 25, to undergo pulsed motions, or the like. Due to the vibration actuation or pulsed motion, or the like, the filter element 25 is able to be acted upon mechanically, such that dust ST adhering to the filter element 25 during the cleaning operation AR can be shaken off.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0090]A suction device 10 has a suction device housing 11, on which a suction inlet 12 for admitting a suction flow SM is arranged.

[0091]The suction inlet 12 is suitable, for example, for connecting a suction hose SL.

[0092]The suction hose SL can be connected to a machine tool WZ schematically shown in the drawing, for example, a material-removing or grinding machine tool, in particular a hand-held power tool. Dust ST generated by the machine tool WZ can be suctioned up using the suction device 10.

[0093]The suction device 10 is, for example, a workshop vacuum.

[0094]In a schematically shown manner, the housing 11 can have rollers 11E, by means of which it is rollable and / or placeable on an underlying surface.

[0095]The suction inlet 12 communicates with a dust collection chamber 15 for collecting dust ST.

[0096]A filter bag 325, in which dust ST can be accommodated, is optionally arrangeable in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter bag 325 is in fluid communication with the suctio...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is the National Stage of PCT / EP2024 / 053124 filed on Feb. 8, 2024, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of German Application No. 10 2023 103 425.1 filed on Feb. 13, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The international application under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a suction device with a suction device housing, in which a suction turbine for generating a suction flow is arranged, wherein the suction device housing has a suction inlet for admitting the suction flow and a dust collection chamber for collecting dust contained in the suction flow during a suction operation of the suction device, 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 suction flow valve closes a suction flow channel in a cleaning position and opens it in a suction operation position, which suction flow channel extends between the suction turbine and the filter element and through which suction flow channel the suction flow can flow, and wherein the cleaning valve has an external-air valve with an external-air valve body, which closes an external-air channel in the suction operation position and opens it in the cleaning position, which external-air channel extends between the filter element and an external-air inlet provided for the inflow of external-air, such that an external-air flow flowing in through the external-air inlet can flow through the filter element in a flow direction counter to the suction flow in order to clean the filter element.2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] A cleaning valve of this type is explained, for example, in DE 101 01 219 B4. The cleaning valve has two valve bodies, of which the external-air valve body opens and closes the external-air channel and the suction flow valve body opens and closes the suction flow channel. The design of a cleaning valve of this type is therefore relatively complicated.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2010 029 518 A1 as well as DE 276 953 A and EP 1 997 415 A1 relate to suction devices with cleaning valves.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The problem addressed by the present invention is therefore that of providing a suction device having an improved cleaning valve.

[0006] In order to solve the problem, with respect to a suction device of the aforementioned type, the suction flow valve body has at least one external-air passage channel, through which at least a part of the external-air flow or the entire external-air flow can flow in the cleaning position.

[0007] An object of the invention is that at least a part of the external-air flow can flow through the external-air passage channel in order to clean the filter element. A space-saving design is therefore possible, in which no further external-air passage channels are necessary in addition to the external-air passage channel of the suction-flow valve body, or an overall larger flow cross-section for the external-air flow is possible, which can include both the external-air passage channel of the suction flow valve body and additional external-air passage channels.

[0008] In particular, a relative mobility of external-air valve body and suction flow valve body is advantageous, i.e., the suction flow valve body can be fixed in place while the external-air valve body is moved, or the external-air valve body is fixed in place while the suction flow valve body is moved, or both valve bodies are movable with respect to the suction device housing and relative to each other. It is also possible that the suction flow valve body and the external-air valve body are movable relative to each other at different movement speeds.

[0009] According to an advantageous concept, the external-air valve body is shiftable between a position closing the external-air channel and a position opening the external-air channel, while the suction flow valve body closes the suction flow channel. It is therefore possible, for example, that the suction flow channel is already closed before the external-air channel is opened by the external-air valve body. It is also possible that the suction flow channel remains closed while the external-air valve body opens the external-air channel.

[0010] It is also possible, however, that the suction flow valve body is shiftable between a position closing the suction flow channel and a position opening the suction flow channel, while the external-air valve body closes the external-air channel. Therefore, for example, the suction flow valve body can be shiftable or shifted from the suction operation position in the direction of the cleaning position without the external-air valve body simultaneously opening the external-air channel.

[0011] Advantageously, the external-air valve body is shiftable relative to the suction flow valve body along a shift path between the cleaning position and the suction operation position. The shift path can be, for example, a linear and / or straight shift path. A curved or arcuate shift path is also readily possible, however.

[0012] Slidably bearing at least one of the valve bodies is preferable, wherein a sliding bearing supports the valve body slidably along a linear shift-path axis or shift path. The sliding bearing is preferably not designed as a screw receptacle. The sliding bearing preferably does not have a screw thread. Concepts of slidably bearing using a sliding bearing of this type are explained in the following:

[0013] The external-air valve body is preferably supported movably between its positions with the aid of a sliding bearing.

[0014] Preferably, the suction flow valve body is supported movably between its positions with the aid of a sliding bearing.

[0015] The external-air valve body and the suction flow valve body are preferably shiftable relative to each other between the cleaning position and the suction operation position with the aid of at least one sliding bearing. For example, the suction flow valve body has a sliding bearing, on which the external-air valve body is slidingly supported.

[0016] The external-air valve body and the suction flow valve body preferably have the same movement direction when moving in the direction of their respective cleaning position and in the direction of their respective suction operation position. The movements of the external-air valve body and of the suction flow valve body into the cleaning position or into the suction operation position are preferably in the same direction.

[0017] It is advantageous when the at least one external-air passage channel or one of the external-air passage channels in a central region of the suction flow valve body extends through the suction flow valve body.

[0018] It is also advantageous when the suction flow valve body has a closure wall for closing the suction flow channel, through which closure wall the external-air passage channel extends. The closure wall is designed, for example, as a type of cover wall. Preferably, the at least one external-air passage channel or one of the external-air passage channels extends through a central region of the closure wall.

[0019] It is basically possible that the closure wall bears directly against the external-air passage channel, for example, against a valve seat on the external-air passage channel. Advantageously, however, an elastic seal and / or a sealing contour is arranged between the closure wall and the external-air passage channel, for example, a valve seat for the closure wall on the external-air passage channel. As a result, entirely or substantially sealing the external-air channel and the suction flow channel with respect to each other when the suction flow valve body assumes the suction operation position is advantageously achievable. Small leakages are readily possible or optionally provided despite the seal. Therefore, for example, external air can be prevented from flowing out of the external-air channel into the suction flow channel and, therefore, in the direction of the suction turbine.

[0020] Basically it has already been explained that the closure wall of the suction flow valve body can bear against a suction flow valve seat when the suction flow valve body assumes the cleaning position, that is to say, closes the suction flow channel.

[0021] 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, in the suction operation position, bears against the suction flow valve seat, in order to delimit the suction flow channel. For example, it is possible that a sealing contour is arranged on either the suction flow valve body or the suction flow valve seat and an elastic seal is arranged on the other one of either the suction flow valve body and the suction flow valve seat. It is also possible that the valve body and the valve seat each have an elastic seal. The elastic seal and / or the sealing contour is, for example, annular or annularly closed.

[0022] It is possible that the external-air valve body is shiftable into a position closing the external-air channel or a position opening the external-air channel by means of suitable flow conditions and / or pressure conditions during the cleaning operation and / or during the suction operation.

[0023] Furthermore, it is also possible that the external-air valve body is held in a position closing the external-air channel by its weight when the suction device housing is in an orientation intended for regular suction operation. Thus, when the suction device is set down on an underlying surface, for example, on its rollers, the weight of the external-air valve body ensures that the external-air valve body would close or closes the external-air channel without further application of force.

[0024] Advantageously, the external-air valve body is loaded by an external-air valve spring assembly into a position closing the external-air channel or into a position opening the external-air channel. It is possible that the external-air valve body is loaded exclusively with the aid of the spring assembly into the position closing the external-air channel or into the position opening the external-air channel, i.e., that air flows and / or pressure conditions during the cleaning operation or the suction operation do not affect the particular position of the external-air valve body. It is possible, however, that the spring assembly acts on the external-air valve body for the purpose of assisting in actuating the external-air valve body using air flows that arise during the transition from the cleaning operation to the suction operation, or vice versa.

[0025] Moreover, the external-air valve spring assembly can also ensure that the external-air channel holds the external-air valve body in the suction operation position when the suction device housing is in an unfavorable position, for example, when the suction device housing lies on the side or sits at an angle.

[0026] Advantageously, the external-air valve spring assembly is supported against the external-air valve body at one end and, at the other end, against the suction flow valve body or a support structure, in particular a valve body, of the cleaning valve, which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing. This makes it possible, for example, for the suction flow valve body to at least partially form an abutment for the external-air valve body. It is possible that the external-air valve spring assembly is directly or indirectly supported against the suction device housing.

[0027] As mentioned above, flow conditions and / or air flows and / or pressure conditions in conjunction with the cleaning operation or the suction operation can act in the sense of actuating the external-air valve body. Such an effect can be present with and without the aforementioned external-air valve spring assembly. It is preferable when the external-air valve body, in particular in an embodiment as a drive body that is drivable by a valve drive, has a differential-pressure surface, which is loaded by a differential pressure in the sense of closing the external-air channel or the external-air valve, or both, when the external-air valve body bears 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, such that no external air flows through the external-air channel. The differential pressure is present during a suction operation of the suction device. The differential pressure is the difference between atmospheric pressure and a pressure that is lower than the atmospheric pressure, or a negative pressure, that will be generated or is generated by the suction turbine during the suction operation of the suction device in a negative pressure range in the interior space of the suction device housing, for example, in the region of the dust collection chamber. The differential-pressure surface is acted upon by the atmospheric pressure.

[0028] In principle, the same design option applies for the suction flow valve body as for the external-air valve body, specifically that the suction flow valve body can be loaded into the suction operation position or into the position opening the suction flow channel by means of a spring assembly and / or pressure conditions and / or flow conditions and / or its own weight, or the like.

[0029] A measure can therefore be provided that enables the suction flow valve body to be loaded by a suction flow valve spring assembly into the suction operation position and / or into a position opening the suction flow channel.

[0030] The suction flow valve spring assembly is advantageously supported against the suction flow valve body at one end and, at the other end, against the external-air valve body or a support structure, in particular a valve body, of the cleaning valve, which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing.

[0031] Advantageously, the cleaning valve has at least one valve drive, for example, an electromagnetic or electric-motor-driven valve drive, and a drive body, which is drivable by the valve drive, for shifting the suction flow valve body between the suction operation position and the cleaning position and / or for shifting the external-air valve body between the suction operation position and the cleaning position. Thus, the drive body can act on both the suction flow valve body and the external-air valve body, or on only one of these valve bodies. It is also possible that the drive body has the function of a valve body, thus, for example, forms the or an external-air valve body or the or a suction flow valve body.

[0032] The at least one valve drive is preferably designed to shift the suction flow valve body between the suction operation position and the cleaning position and / or to shift the external-air valve body between the suction operation position and the cleaning position within less than 2 seconds or 1.5 seconds, more preferably less than 1 second, still more preferably less than 0.5 seconds, still more preferably less than 0.4 seconds or 0.3 seconds.

[0033] In particular, the at least one valve drive is designed to abruptly shift the suction flow valve body and / or the external-air valve body.

[0034] The at least one valve drive is preferably an electromagnetic drive.

[0035] For electromagnetic actuation, it is advantageous when the drive body has magnetically actuatable material, such that the drive body is drivable, for example, by means of an electrical coil or any other magnetic field-generating drive component of the valve drive. The magnetically actuatable material is, for example, neodymium. It is possible that the external-air valve body also has a magnetically actuatable material, i.e., is directly actuatable by the valve drive. The external-air valve body can also be magnetically, for all intents and purposes, passive, however, i.e., it has no magnetically actuatable material. Therefore, for example, the drive body can be provided with the magnetic material for driving the external-air valve body.

[0036] It is advantageous when the drive body is loaded by a drive body spring assembly into a position associated with the cleaning position or into a position associated with the suction operation position. The drive body loaded by the drive body spring assembly can thus load the external-air valve body in the cleaning position in a sense of opening the external-air channel or in the suction operation position in the sense of closing the external-air channel. When the drive body actuates the suction flow valve body, the drive body spring assembly can act, for example, on the drive body and, therefore, on the suction flow valve body in the suction operation position in the sense of opening the suction flow channel and in the cleaning position in the sense of closing the suction flow channel.

[0037] According to an advantageous concept, the drive body spring assembly is supported against the drive body at one end and, at the other end, against the suction flow valve body or a support structure, in particular a valve body, of the cleaning valve, which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing.

[0038] The drive body is advantageously plate-like. The drive body advantageously consists of metal and / or is actuatable and / or drivable by means of an electromagnet, for example, by means of the aforementioned valve drive.

[0039] The drive body can be, in principle, a drive body that merely exerts a drive function, i.e., is not designed in the sense of a valve body or a valve member. It is also possible, however, that the drive body is designed as an external-air valve body or forms the external-air valve body or is fixed to the external-air valve body. The drive body can therefore be both, for example, an element that is actuated or actuatable by the valve drive and, in addition, also the external-air valve body.

[0040] The drive body can be shiftable relative to the external-air valve body, in particular between a position actuating the external-air valve body and a position releasing the external-air valve body to move. When the external-air valve body is released by the drive body to move, it can be actuatable, for example, by means of a differential pressure acting on it and / or by means of its weight force.

[0041] Movement clearance can therefore be optionally present between the drive body and the external-air valve body.

[0042] The drive body can also be provided, however, for actuating the suction flow valve body.

[0043] With respect to the suction flow valve body as well, it is advantageous when the drive body has movement clearance relative to the suction flow valve body, for example, for the case in which the drive body does not actuate or is not intended to actuate the suction flow valve body.

[0044] Preferably, the drive body has movement clearance with respect to the external-air valve body and with respect to the suction flow valve body such that, during a shift of the cleaning valve from the suction operation position into the cleaning position, the drive body actuates the suction flow valve body in the direction of a position closing the suction flow channel ahead of a shift of the external-air valve body or a further external-air valve body in the direction of a position opening the external-air channel and / or, during a shift of the cleaning valve from the cleaning position into the suction operation position, the drive body actuates the external-air valve body ahead of the suction flow valve body in the direction of the position closing the external-air channel. Due to a motion sequence of this type, it is ensured that, during the transition from the suction operation into the cleaning operation, initially the suction flow channel is closed and then the external-air channel is opened. During the transition from the cleaning operation into the suction operation, it is advantageous when, initially, the external-air channel is closed and then the suction flow channel is opened. The drive body can therefore be, for example, an external-air valve body and actuate a further external-air valve body. The drive body can also be a pure drive body and / or not designed as an external-air valve body, however.

[0045] It is advantageous when the drive body is arranged between the external-air valve body and the suction flow valve body. For example, the aforementioned drive concept is optimally achievable as a result.

[0046] It is also preferable to arrange the drive body in an interior space of the external-air valve body. For example, the external-air valve body can be designed in the form of a hood or a cover. The external-air valve body can have, for example, an in particular cylindrical interior space, which is suitable for accommodating the drive body.

[0047] In principle, it is possible that the cleaning valve has only one external-air valve body. According to an advantageous concept, however, there are two or more external-air valve bodies. Advantageously, 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 channel, which is closeable by means of 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 be advantageously shiftable relative to the first external-air valve body between a position closing the external-air channel and a position opening the external-air channel. Each of the two external-air valve bodies can therefore close or open the external-air channel regardless of the other external-air valve body. Only when both external-air valve bodies are in a position opening the external-air channel can external air flow through the external-air channel.

[0048] An advantageous sequence of movements or kinematics can look as follows. Preferably, it is provided that, during a shift of the cleaning valve from the suction operation position into the cleaning position, the first external-air valve body preferably opens the external-air channel ahead of the second external-air valve body and, during a shift of the cleaning valve from the cleaning position into the suction operation position, the second external-air valve body closes the external-air channel ahead of the first external-air valve body.

[0049] As mentioned above, the drive body can form an external-air valve body. In this way, it is possible, for example, that the first external-air valve body is formed by the drive body or is fixed to the drive body and the second external-air valve body is separate from the drive body and is drivable by the drive body.

[0050] According to a mechanically advantageous concept, different valve seats and sealing contours are present for the external-air valve body. Moreover, the external-air valve bodies can have different differential-pressure surfaces, wherein a differential-pressure surface is a surface that is loaded or loadable by a differential pressure when the external-air valve body bears against its associated valve seat.

[0051] Preferably, the first external-air valve body bears with a first sealing contour against a first external-air valve seat and the second external-air valve body bears against a second external-air valve seat in the suction operation position, and a first differential-pressure surface of the first external-air valve body, which is surrounded by the first sealing contour, is smaller than a second differential-pressure surface of the second external-air valve body, which is surrounded by the second sealing contour, wherein the differential-pressure surfaces are loaded or loadable by a differential pressure when the particular external-air valve body bears against its associated external-air valve seat. The differential pressure at the first external-air valve body can differ from the differential pressure at the second external-air valve body.

[0052] Differently sized differential-pressure surfaces can be provided, for example, such that the external-air valve body having the smaller differential-pressure surface is actuatable away from its external-air valve seat using a lesser force than the external-air valve body having the larger differential-pressure surface.

[0053] The differently sized differential-pressure surfaces also make movement sequences possible.

[0054] According to an advantageous concept, the first external-air valve body in the suction operation position closes the suction flow channel relative to the second external-air valve body. Therefore, for example, the second external-air valve body can be relieved of a pressure actuation or pressure loading by pressure conditions prevailing in the suction flow channel during the suction operation by the first external-air valve body when it assumes the suction operation position.

[0055] According to an advantageous measure, the second external-air valve body has at least one leakage opening, through which the ambient air can act on the first external-air valve body with atmospheric pressure. Therefore, for example, the atmospheric pressure can act on the first external-air valve body preferably in the sense of closing or, in another embodiment, in the sense of opening the first external-air valve body.

[0056] The cleaning valve advantageously has a base guide, which is fixed in place with respect to the suction device housing and is designed, in particular, as a linear guide, on which base guide the suction flow valve body or the external-air valve body or the drive body is shiftably movably guided. The base guide directly guides, for all intents and purposes, each of the aforementioned valve bodies or drive bodies.

[0057] It is also possible, however, that valve bodies or drive bodies, or both, are guided relative toward one another or on one another. Thus, according to an advantageous measure, the cleaning valve has a valve body guide designed, in particular, as a linear guide, wherein the suction flow valve body and the external-air valve body are shiftably movably guided on one another with the aid of the valve body guide or the suction flow valve body and the drive body are shiftably movably guided on one another with the aid of the valve body guide.

[0058] The base guide and the valve body guide can be components that are separate from each other.

[0059] It is advantageous when these interact with each other. According to an advantageous measure, the base guide and the valve body guide engage into each other.

[0060] It is also possible that the base guide and the valve body guide have mutually coaxial or parallel guide axes, along which the components guided by the particular guide are movably supported on the guides. It is also possible that guide axes of the guides are guide axes that are separate from each other or guide axes that are at an angle to each other.

[0061] The measure explained in the following is also possible for opening and closing the external-air channel or for opening and closing the suction flow channel.

[0062] Advantageously, a sealing contour is arranged between at least one of external-air valve body and suction flow valve body and a valve seat associated with a respective valve body for establishing a tight connection between the valve body and the valve seat, which sealing contour is designed such that a tight connection is establishable when both valve bodies shift in the same direction from the suction operation position into the cleaning position, or vice versa, with the aid of the sealing contour between the one valve body and its valve seat, while a free space and / or a flow opening is still present between the other valve body and its valve seat. It is therefore possible, for example, that the suction flow valve body opens the suction flow channel and the external-air valve body closes the external-air channel, then the suction flow valve body closes the suction flow channel and, only then, when the suction flow channel is already closed, is the external-air valve body moved in the sense of opening the external-air channel.

[0063] This sealing contour can comprise or be formed by, for example, an elastic seal, in particular a bellows.

[0064] An independent concept and / or a concept representing an independent invention, which facilitates, in particular, the maintenance of the suction device or the cleaning valve, is presented in the following. In connection with the preamble of claim 1 or in connection with the aforementioned features, it is advantageously provided that the cleaning valve is arranged on a carrier body, which is detachably fastenable to a carrier body receptacle of the suction device housing, wherein the carrier body receptacle is located opposite the filter element and designed as an opening, which is tightly closable by the carrier body.

[0065] Due to this feature, it is possible that the carrier body is removable from the carrier body receptacle in order to clean the cleaning valve. For example, it can be provided that at least one valve body, which is located opposite the filter element when the carrier body is accommodated in the carrier body receptacle, is 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 when multiple, for example, two, external-air valve bodies are present.

[0066] The carrier body can have channel sections, for example, for providing the suction flow channel and / or the external-air channel. Thus, according to one concept, the suction flow channel and / or the external-air channel extend through the carrier body when the carrier body is accommodated on the carrier body receptacle.

[0067] The pressure conditions that are typical during the suction operation are advantageously designed such that the cleaning valve assumes the suction operation position without additional driving. Thus, it is advantageous when the external-air valve body and / or the drive body is held during a suction operation of the suction device by a negative pressure within the suction device housing in a closed position closing the external-air channel.

[0068] In principle, it is possible that the suction device has only one single cleaning valve. It is also possible that the suction device has multiple, simultaneously actuatable cleaning valves.

[0069] It is also possible, however, that the suction device has at least two cleaning valves, each of which is associated with a filter element, wherein filter elements are in fluid communication with the respective cleaning valve such that one of the cleaning valves can assume the cleaning position for cleaning the filter element associated therewith, while the other cleaning valve is in the suction operation position and the suction flow can continue to flow through the filter element associated therewith. It is also possible that these two filter elements or further filter elements are interconnected or are integral parts of one single filter element body. For example, mechanical separations, flow channels, or the like can be provided, such that portions of a single filter element body each form a filter element, with which a cleaning valve is associated.

[0070] The suction device according to the invention is preferably a workshop vacuum. The suction device housing preferably has rollers or wheels for rolling the suction device on an underlying surface. It is preferred when the suction device is designed to cooperate with a machine tool, in particular with a hand-held power tool or with a semi-stationary machine tool. For example, the suction device has a suction inlet with a connector for connecting a suction hose, with which a flow connection is establishable between the suction device and the machine tool. The suction device is preferably controllable in an open loop by the machine tool, for example, in order to initiate cleaning.

[0071] The suction device advantageously has a control device, with which the at least one cleaning valve or a valve drive thereof is controllable, for example, in order to actuate the cleaning valve from the suction operation position into the cleaning position and / or from the cleaning position into the suction operation position.

[0072] For example, for the case in which the cleaning valve or parts thereof and / or the filter element are components that are removable from the suction device, it is advantageous when at least one further filter element, which performs, so to speak, an emergency function or a police function, is still present. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the suction device has at least one turbine filter element, which is arranged between the suction turbine and the cleaning valve.

[0073] The external-air inlet, with which the cleaning valve communicates and / or at which the cleaning valve is arranged, can be arranged on the suction device housing and connected to the cleaning valve with the aid of a flow channel. It is also possible, however, that the external-air inlet is provided directly on the cleaning valve, for example, on the valve base body of the cleaning valve or on a valve housing of the cleaning valve. The suction flow valve body and / or the external-air valve body, for example, are movably supported on the valve base body or the valve housing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in the following with reference to the drawing. Wherein:

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a view of a suction device from above,

[0076] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the suction device according to FIG. 1, approximately along a section line V-V of the suction device, wherein the longitudinal section extends through a cleaning valve,

[0077] FIG. 3 shows a valve body of the cleaning valve according to FIG. 2,

[0078] FIG. 4 shows a detail D5 from FIG. 2 with the cleaning valve in a suction operation position,

[0079] FIG. 5 shows the cleaning valve in the view corresponding to FIG. 4 in an intermediate position between the suction operation position and a cleaning position,

[0080] FIG. 6 shows the cleaning valve in the view corresponding to FIG. 4 in the cleaning position,

[0081] FIG. 7 shows a carrier body, which is intended to be fastened to a suction device housing of the suction device according to preceding figures and 5 on which the cleaning valve according to preceding figures is arranged, in a perspective oblique view from below,

[0082] FIG. 8 shows the carrier body according to FIG. 7 in a frontal view from above,

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the carrier body according to FIG. 7 or 8, approximately along a section line C-C in FIG. 8,

[0084] FIG. 10 shows a detail D6 from FIG. 9,

[0085] FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of a further suction device, which is shown approximately corresponding to a section line A-A in FIG. 1 and has cleaning valves, which are shown in a suction operation position,

[0086] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the suction device according to FIG. 11, approximately corresponding to a section line B-B in FIG. 1,

[0087] FIG. 13 shows the suction device according to FIG. 12, although with the cleaning valve in the cleaning position,

[0088] FIG. 14 shows a detail D2 from FIG. 12 with a cleaning valve shown in an enlarged view,

[0089] FIG. 15 shows a detail D3 from FIG. 13 with a cleaning valve shown in an enlarged view.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0090] A suction device 10 has a suction device housing 11, on which a suction inlet 12 for admitting a suction flow SM is arranged.

[0091] The suction inlet 12 is suitable, for example, for connecting a suction hose SL.

[0092] The suction hose SL can be connected to a machine tool WZ schematically shown in the drawing, for example, a material-removing or grinding machine tool, in particular a hand-held power tool. Dust ST generated by the machine tool WZ can be suctioned up using the suction device 10.

[0093] The suction device 10 is, for example, a workshop vacuum.

[0094] In a schematically shown manner, the housing 11 can have rollers 11E, by means of which it is rollable and / or placeable on an underlying surface.

[0095] The suction inlet 12 communicates with a dust collection chamber 15 for collecting dust ST.

[0096] A filter bag 325, in which dust ST can be accommodated, is optionally arrangeable in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter bag 325 is in fluid communication with the suction inlet 12 when the filter bag 325 is arranged in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter bag 325 is connectable, for example, to a connector communicating with the suction inlet 12. The suction device 10 can be readily operated without such a filter bag, however, in particular due to an effective filter cleaning, which is described below.

[0097] The suction device 10 has a suction turbine 14 for generating the suction flow SM.

[0098] 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 arranged downstream of the suction turbine 14.

[0099] The suction turbine 14 is arranged, for example, at or in the region of an outlet 13 of the housing 11.

[0100] The dust collection chamber 15 for collecting dust ST is arranged in the housing 11.

[0101] The housing 11 has peripheral walls 11B, a bottom wall 11C, and a cover wall 11D, wherein the bottom wall 11C and the cover wall 11D are interconnected by the peripheral walls 11B.

[0102] 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 located opposite the bottom wall 11C, the dust collection chamber 15 can be closed or closable or delimited by the cover wall 11D and / or by an intermediate wall 16 of the suction device housing 11.

[0103] For example, the suction inlet 12 is arranged on the cover wall 11D or on one of the peripheral walls 11B (indicated by a suction inlet 12B) and communicates with the dust collection chamber 15.

[0104] A suction flow channel 17, which is in fluid communication with the suction turbine 14, is formed between the intermediate wall 16 and the cover wall 11D. Suction flow SM flows through the suction flow channel 17 to the suction turbine 14 and, by this, is blown out as exhaust air AB via the outlet 13.

[0105] The suction flow channel 17 can have channel sections 17A, 17B, each of which guides parts of the suction flow SM, which are combined upstream of the suction turbine 14, and through which the suction flow SM flows as a whole to the suction turbine 14.

[0106] Before the suction turbine 14, a turbine filter element 14A can be arranged upstream in order to filter out any dirt or particles possibly contained in the suction flow SM, provided particles are still present in the suction flow SM that have not been filtered out by the filter assembly described in the following or that still remain in the suction flow SM if the filter assembly is possibly missing or not functioning properly.

[0107] 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 intermediate wall 16.

[0108] The suction flow SM is shown, with respect to its flow direction, upstream of the filter assembly 20 in black arrows and downstream of the filter assembly 20 in white arrows in order to symbolically indicate that the filter assembly 20 filters dust ST out of the suction flow SM.

[0109] The filter assembly 20 comprises two filter elements 25A, 25B, which are identically constructed and are generally referred to and explained in the following as the filter element 25.

[0110] The filter assembly 20 comprises a filter carrier 21 for carrying a filter element 25.

[0111] The filter carrier 21 is held, for example, on the intermediate wall 16.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 form of a plug receptacle, into which the filter element 25 is pluggable.

[0114] The filter element 25 is held on the holding receptacle 22, for example, in an interlocking and / or a frictional manner, and / or in a clamping fit. It is also possible, however, that the filter element 25 is integrally joined, for example, bonded, to the holding receptacle 22.

[0115] Preferably, the holding receptacle 22 is elastically resilient. For example, the holding receptacle 22 has an elastic holder 23, on which the filter element 25 is held, for example, in a frictional and / or interlocking manner.

[0116] The holder 23 or the holding receptacle 22 comprises, for example, a cuff consisting of an elastic material, for example, rubber, elastic rubber, or the like. The filter element 25 is therefore movably held on the filter carrier 21, which enables and / or facilitates, for example, cleaning of the filter element 25.

[0117] A support structure 24 for supporting the filter element 25 is arranged on the filter carrier 21.

[0118] The support structure 24 is air-permeable, such that air flowing through the filter element 25 can flow through the support structure 24.

[0119] The support structure 24 is designed, for example, in the form of a support mesh or has a support mesh or a mesh structure.

[0120] The filter element 25 bears, for example, with its flat side or its greatest extension, against the support structure 24 and is supported by this.

[0121] The filter assembly 20 therefore filters out dust ST that is contained in the suction flow SM and retains it in the dust collection chamber 15. A portion of the dust ST drops downward from the filter assembly 20 in the direction of the dust collection chamber 15, or in the direction of the bottom wall 11C, for example, as a result of gravity and / or due to vibrations that arise during the suction operation of the suction device 10, for example, due to the suction turbine 14. One other portion of the dust ST adheres to the filter assembly 20, for example, to the filter element 25, however, such that cleaning is necessary.

[0122] A cleaning valve 40A, 40B is associated with each filter element 25A, 25B, respectively, in order to clean the respective filter element 25A, 25B.

[0123] The cleaning valves 40A, 40B, which are also referred to as cleaning valve 40 in the following, comprise valve bodies 41, which are shiftable relative to valve seats 42 between a closed position SP closing the suction flow channel 17 and an open position OP opening the suction flow channel 17.

[0124] The open position OP corresponds to a suction operation position SB of a cleaning valve 40, in which the suction turbine 14 can suction in the suction flow SM through the suction inlet 12 and blow it out through the outlet 13. The closed position SP is associated with a cleaning position AR or corresponds to a cleaning position AR, in which a respective filter element 25A, 25B is cleaned.

[0125] The cleaning valves 40A, 40B close the suction flow channel 17 in the cleaning position AR and open it in the suction operation position SB. Therefore, the valve bodies 41 form suction flow valve bodies 43 and the valve seat 42 is a suction flow valve seat 44.

[0126] Therefore, the suction flow valve body 43 and the suction flow valve seat 44 form integral parts of a suction flow valve 43A.

[0127] The suction flow valve seat 44 extends around a passage 44B on a carrier body 44A, for example, the intermediate wall 16. The passage 44B enables a flow of the suction flow SM from the filter assembly 20, for example, a filter element 25, through the cleaning valve 40 in the direction of the suction flow channel 17, which is in fluid communication with the passage 44B. The suction flow valve body 43 closes the passage 44B in the closed position SP. The passage 44B forms an integral part of a suction-flow flow channel 48 of the cleaning valve 40.

[0128] The carrier body 44A can form an integral part of the intermediate wall 16 or an integral part of the cleaning valve 40. The carrier body 44A is preferably fixed to the intermediate wall 16 or is integral with the intermediate wall 16.

[0129] Sealing assemblies 45 are provided on the valve bodies 41, which sealing assemblies have sealing contours 45A, which bear 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 operation position SB or the open position OP.

[0130] The sealing assemblies 45 comprise annular sealing bodies or sealing elements 46. The sealing elements 46 are preferably elastic. The sealing elements 46 comprise, for example, sealing lips or the like for bearing against the valve seats 42.

[0131] In the open position OP or the suction operation position SB, a suction-flow flow channel 48 is opened, which suction-flow flow channel is formed between the valve seat 42 and the side of a sealing element 46 that faces the valve seat 42 and, for example, forms a sealing contour 45A.

[0132] The suction-flow flow channel 48 communicates with the suction flow channel 17 or forms a part of the suction flow channel 17, through which the suction flow SM can flow. In the closed position SP or cleaning position AR, the suction-flow flow channel 48 is closed.

[0133] An elastic sealing element could be readily arranged on the valve seat 42, which elastic sealing element cooperates with the sealing element 46 and, in the cleaning position AR, closes the suction flow channel 17. It is also possible, however, that such a sealing element on the valve seat 42 can bear directly against a fixed integral part or fixed portion of the valve body 41 in the cleaning position AR.

[0134] The valve bodies 41 are shiftable between the cleaning position AR and the suction operation position SB along an, in particular, linear movement path BB. For example, the valve bodies 41 are mounted on base guides 50 movably between the cleaning position AR and the suction operation position SB.

[0135] The base guides 50 comprise guide receptacles 51, in which guide bodies 52, for example, guide projections 52A, of the valve bodies 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.

[0136] The base guides 50 provide, for example, sliding bearings, or are parts of sliding bearings.

[0137] The suction flow valve body 43 has a closure wall 59. The closure wall 59 is designed, for example, in the form of a closure cover. The closure wall 59 has the sealing assembly 45 on its outer periphery. Ahead of the closure wall 59, the guide body 52 projects in the form of a guide shaft or a guide pin.

[0138] The guide receptacle 51 is provided on a valve base body 90. The valve base body 90 is, for example, planar. 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 so as to be linearly movable along the movement path BB.

[0139] 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 mounted movably toward the valve base body 90 and away therefrom along the movement path BB.

[0140] 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 operation 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 bears against the valve seat 91.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The external-air passage channels 55 are provided on the closure wall 59 of the suction flow valve body 43. For example, four external-air passage channels 55 are provided annularly around the guide body 52 and / or annularly around a movement axis or central axis M of the cleaning valve 40, which is coincident with the movement path BB.

[0143] The external-air passage openings 92 extend annularly around the guide receptacle 51 on the valve base body 90. Flow cross-sections of the external-air passage openings 92 and of the external-air passage channels 55 are preferably identical or substantially similar.

[0144] Connecting ribs 55A, for example, between which the external-air passage channels 55 are formed, extend between the closure wall 59 and the guide body 52.

[0145] Thus, when the suction flow valve body 43 bears against the valve seat 91, it is traversable by a flow with the aid of the external-air passage channels 55 for external air FL. In this position, the closed position SP, of the suction flow valve body 43, the external-air passage channels 55 are sealed with respect to the suction flow channel 17 by a sealing contour 45B. Therefore, the external air FL cannot flow into the suction flow channel 17.

[0146] The sealing contour 45B is formed, for example, by an elastic sealing element, preferably a sealing element that is constructed similarly to the sealing element 46.

[0147] 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.

[0148] The closure wall 59 can have a step 59A between the sealing contours 45A and 45B. The external-air passage channels 59 are therefore arranged on a portion of the closure wall 59 projecting in the direction of the valve base body 90.

[0149] The suction flow valve body 43 is acted upon by a spring assembly 54 in the direction of its open position OP and, thus, in the suction operation position SB of the cleaning valve 40. The spring assembly 54 includes, for example, a coil spring. The spring assembly 54 is supported against the valve base body 90 at one end and against the suction flow valve body 43 at the other end. The spring assembly 54 is penetrated, for example, by the guide body 52.

[0150] A valve drive 80 is provided for actuating the cleaning valve 40 and, thus, the suction flow valve body 43 from the suction operation 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 is magnetically actuatable, i.e., for example, the drive body 82 is drivable by a magnetic field that originates from the stator 81. A coil assembly 83, for example, an electrical coil, is arranged at the stator 81, for example.

[0151] The drive body 82 is designed, for example, in the form of a disk or a plate.

[0152] For example, the drive body 82 is formed as a metal plate 84 consisting of ferromagnetic metal.

[0153] The drive body 82 is guided, i.e., linearly guided in the present case, along the movement path BB on a valve body guide 60. 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 fixed to the drive body 82. For example, the guide body 62 is designed in the form of a lug that projects from the drive body 82.

[0154] The valve body guide 60 is designed, for example, as a sliding bearing or forms a sliding bearing.

[0155] 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 into the guide receptacle 61. As a result, the drive body 82 is guided along the movement path BB on the suction flow valve body 43.

[0156] The coil assembly 83 is energizable using an energizing device 104. A control device 100 is provided for controlling 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 are executable by the processor 101 in order to control the suction device 10 and / or the energizing device 104.

[0157] The drive body 82 has movement clearance relative to the suction flow valve body 43. It is therefore possible that the drive body 82 can be actuated ahead of the suction flow valve body 43 from the suction operation position SB into the cleaning position AR. In the process, the drive body 82 acts on the suction flow valve body 43 via a drive body spring assembly 87.

[0158] The spring assembly 87 comprises, for example, a coil spring, which is supported against the valve body 43 at one end and, at the other end, against a support contour 88 that is connected to the drive body 82. For example, the support contour 88 is provided on a free portion of the guide body 62 projecting from the guide receptacle 61.

[0159] The leading actuation of the drive body 82 such that it is actuatable out of the suction operation position SB ahead of the suction flow valve body 43, proves advantageous when the filter assembly 20 is subjected to an external-air flow FS, which contains the external air FL, as is explained in the following.

[0160] The external air FL can flow through an external-air inlet 19 of the suction device 10 into the external-air channel 18. The external-air channel 18 is closeable by the drive body 82, such 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-shaped and can be lifted off an external-air valve seat 64, such that the external air FL can flow past the external-air valve seat 64 into the external-air passage openings 92.

[0161] 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.

[0162] the external-air valve body 63 and the external-air valve seat 64 form integral parts of an external-air valve 63a.

[0163] An external-air sealing assembly 65 is arranged on the external-air valve seat 64. The external-air sealing assembly 65 comprises, for example, a sealing element 66. When the drive body 82 and, thus, the external-air valve body 63 bear against the external-air valve seat 64, it bears against the sealing element 66, such that the external-air channel 18 is thereby closed.

[0164] The function of the drive body 82 as an external-air valve body 63 is an option, i.e., is not absolutely necessary. The cleaning valve 40 has namely a further external-air valve body 73, such 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.

[0165] The external-air valve body 73 is suitable for closing the external-air channel 18. The external-air valve body 73, in an open position OP, is lifted off an external-air valve seat 74, such that the external-air channel 18 is open 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, in contrast, the external-air valve body 73 bears against the external-air valve seat 74, such that the external-air channel 18 is closed. An external-air sealing assembly 75 comprising an external-air sealing element 76 is advantageously arranged on the external-air valve seat 74.

[0166] The external-air valve body 73 and the external-air valve seat 74 form integral parts of an external-air valve 73A.

[0167] 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. Therefore, a differential-pressure surface DD1 of the external-air valve body 63 is smaller than a differential-pressure surface DD2 of the external-air valve body 73 when atmospheric pressure acts on the external-air valve bodies 63 and 73, which are in their closed position SP, while a negative pressure generated by the suction turbine 14 or a pressure that is at least lower than atmospheric pressure prevails in the interior of the suction device housing 11.

[0168] Optionally, it is possible that a leakage opening 79 is provided on the external-air valve body 73, through which atmospheric pressure can act on the external-air valve body 63.

[0169] The external-air sealing elements 66 and 76 are, for example, concentric with each other.

[0170] The external-air sealing elements 66 and 76 provide sealing contours for the external-air valve bodies 63 and 73 at the valve seats 64 and 74.

[0171] The external-air sealing elements 66 and 76 are preferably designed as annular seals.

[0172] The external-air valve body 73 is held and guided on a guide holder 70.

[0173] The guide holder 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.

[0174] The drive carrier 89 is designed, for example, as a planar or cover-like body.

[0175] The drive carrier 89 can be designed as a component that is retroactively mountable on the suction device 10 and / or the cleaning valve 40, such that the cleaning valve 40 can be retroactively equipped with the valve drive 80 and the external-air valve 73A. The guide holder 70 has a spring receptacle 71 for an external-air valve spring assembly 72. The spring assembly 72 comprises, for example, a coil spring 72A. The coil spring 72A is supported against the guide holder 70, in particular against a base of the spring receptacle 71, at one end and, at the other end, against the external-air valve body 73, for example, against a flange projection 77 or collar of the external-air valve body 73.

[0176] 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 movement clearance transversely to the movement path BB due to the resilient property of the spring assembly 72.

[0177] The external-air valve body 73 is designed in the form of a closure cover 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 the external-air valve body 63 is accommodated.

[0178] The external-air valve body 63 or the drive body 82 has movement clearance relative to the external-air valve body 73. It is therefore possible that the drive body 82 is initially shifted from a position associated with the suction operation position SB in the direction of its position associated with the cleaning position AR, i.e., lifts off the external-air valve seat 64, before it acts on the external-air valve body 73 in the sense of lifting off its external-air valve seat 74 and / or in the sense of a shift of the external-air valve body 73 into the open position OP.

[0179] Even with the leakage opening 79, the external-air valve body 73 has a closing function such that the effect of external air or atmospheric pressure on the external-air valve body 63 is reduced even when the external-air valve body 73 does not bear completely tightly against the external-air valve seat 74.

[0180] The valve drive 80 is partially removable. Thus, it is possible, for example, to remove the drive carrier 63 and, thus, the stator 81 from the cleaning valve 40 without external air FL being able to flow through the cleaning valve 40. In this situation, namely during the suction operation of the suction device 10, atmospheric pressure acts on the external-air valve body 63, even when it is not actively driven or drivable by, for example, energizing a coil assembly, such that the valve body 63 remains in its closed position SP.

[0181] An advantageous maintenance concept of the suction device 10, which is possible but not necessary, is presented in the following.

[0182] The valve base body 30 is arranged, for example, on a carrier body 30 or is provided by a carrier body 30. The carrier body 30 is, for example, an integral part of a cover or forms a cover, which is detachably fastenable on the suction device housing 11.

[0183] For example, the carrier body 30 is detachably fastenable on a carrier body receptacle 31 of the suction device 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 for one carrier body 30 each are arranged on the upper wall or cover wall 11D of the suction device 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 24 when the carrier body 30 is mounted on the carrier body receptacle 31, are easily accessible.

[0184] The carrier body 30 has, for example, a base wall 32, on which the cleaning valve 40 is fastened and / or which provides the valve base body 90. Plug contours 33 project from the base wall 32, for example, on the outer periphery of the base wall 32. The plug contours 33 can be inserted into the carrier body receptacle 31, which is designed as a plug receptacle.

[0185] Moreover, detent means 34 are provided for fastening the carrier body 30 to the carrier body receptacle 31. The detent means 34 comprise, for example, a detent tongue and / or detent lug 35, which is disengageable from a detent contour 36 of the carrier body receptacle 31 by actuating an actuation projection 37. Next, the carrier body 30 can be removed from the carrier body receptacle 31. The detent contour 36 is arranged on the carrier body receptacle 31.

[0186] At this point, it is mentioned that the cleaning valves 40A, 40B are advantageously switched into the cleaning position AR by the control device 100 in alternation, i.e., one of the cleaning valves 40A or 40B is in the suction operation position SB, while the other cleaning valve 40A and 40B performs a cleaning of the filter element 25 associated therewith. A continuous suction operation of the suction device 10 is therefore possible, even when one of the filter elements 24A or 25B is being cleaned. A suction device 10B has two identical cleaning valves 140A, 140B, which are described in general as a cleaning valve 140 in the following. In the cleaning valves 140 and the suction device 10B, a mechanical cleaning of the filter elements 25 and a cleaning of the filter elements 25 using external air or according to a counterflow principle, in which external air flows through a particular filter element 25 during cleaning counter to the flow direction of the suction flow, are combined. A cleaning valve 140A, 140B is associated with each filter element 25A, 25B.

[0187] The suction device 10B has the above-described suction device housing 11, the suction turbine 14, and an outlet 13 and a suction inlet 12. Cleaning valves 140A, 140B are provided with the suction device 10B. The suction devices 10 and 10B differ only with respect to the cleaning valves 40A, 40B and 140A, 140B. In contrast to the suction device 10, the suction device 10B therefore does not comprise the cleaning valves 40A, 40B, but rather the cleaning valves 140A, 140B.

[0188] The cleaning valve 140 has a valve body 141, which is mounted movably along a movement path BB with the aid of a base guide 150, wherein the valve body 141 is lifted off a valve seat 142 in a suction operation position SB and, in so doing, assumes an open position OP, such that a suction-flow flow channel 48 is opened, which suction-flow flow channel is in fluid communication with the suction flow channel 17. In a cleaning position AR, the valve body 141 bears against the valve seat, such that it assumes a closed position SP and the suction flow channel 17 is closed.

[0189] 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 integral parts of a suction flow valve 143A.

[0190] A sealing assembly 145, which is arranged on the valve body 141 or 43, is provided for placement on the suction flow valve seat 44.

[0191] The sealing assembly 145 comprises a cylindrical sealing body or a cylindrical sealing element 146. When a sealing contour 145A of the sealing assembly 145, i.e., for example, a free end face of the sealing element 146, bears against the suction flow valve seat 44, i.e., the cleaning position AR has been assumed, it is nevertheless possible to move the valve body 141 along the movement path BB by a predetermined extent in order to mechanically actuate the filter element 25.

[0192] A filter drive element 185, which is mechanically connected to the filter element 25 or can at least act on the filter element 25 in any case, projects from the valve body 141. For example, the filter drive element 185 is arranged in an interior space of the sealing element 146 and projects therefrom.

[0193] 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 in this respect forms a guide body 152.

[0194] 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 flow FLS.

[0195] The valve base body 190 delimits the external-air channel 18 or external-air low channel 68 on the circumferential side.

[0196] The valve base body 190 extends to the external-air inlet 19 of the suction device housing 11 and is, for all intents and purposes, closed by the valve body 141 on a side opposite the external-air inlet 19.

[0197] An external-air passage channel 155 is provided on the valve body 141, however, through which external air FL from the external-air channel 18 flowing into the external-air inlet 19 can flow to the filter element 25. The external-air channel 18 penetrates, for example, the filter drive element 185 and opens at its free end region to an external-air outflow opening 157B, such 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.

[0198] In order to close the external-air channel 18, an external-air valve body 163 of the cleaning valve 140 is provided, which, in the suction operation position SB, bears against an external-air valve seat 164 and closes the external-air channel 18 and, in the cleaning position AR, is lifted off the external-air valve seat 164, such that external air FL can flow through the external-air inlet 19 into the external-air channel 18. For example, the external-air valve seat 164 is provided on the inner circumference of the external-air inlet 19.

[0199] A schematically shown external-air sealing assembly 165, for example, can also be provided at the external-air inlet 19. For example, elastic sealing bodies or sealing elements 166 of the external-air sealing assembly 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 periphery of the external-air valve body 163.

[0200] The external-air valve body 163 is provided on a channel body 156. The channel body 156 has inflow openings or flow-through openings 157 on its outer periphery, through which external air FL can flow into a channel section 158 of the channel body 156.

[0201] The channel section 158 is in fluid communication with the external-air passage channel 155 on the drive projection 186 or forms a portion of the external-air passage channel 155, such that external air FL flowing into the channel body 156 can flow in the direction of the filter element 25 at the free end region of the external-air passage channel 155.

[0202] The external-air valve body 163 therefore 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 and through which the external air FL can flow.

[0203] A valve drive 180 has, for example, a stator 81 having a coil assembly 183. The coil assembly 183 acts on a magnet 184, which is connected to the valve body 141. The valve body 141 therefore forms a rotor or drive body 82 of the valve drive 180 or comprises a rotor or drive body 82.

[0204] The energizing device 104 is used to energize the coil assembly 183. The control device 100 can therefore control the valve drive 180 by correspondingly controlling the energizing device 104.

[0205] The cleaning valve 140 is designed to mechanically actuate the filter element 25 and to clean the filter element using external air FL, or using a counterflow principle. The external air FL flows through the filter element 25 namely counter to the flow direction of the suction flow SM, such that the filter element 25 is cleaned mechanically and / or by an external-air flow.

[0206] For example, the control device 100 controls the valve drive 180 to actuate vibration of the filter element 25, to undergo pulsed motions, or the like. Due to the vibration actuation or pulsed motion, or the like, the filter element 25 is able to be acted upon mechanically, such that dust ST adhering to the filter element 25 during the cleaning operation AR can be shaken off.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0090]A suction device 10 has a suction device housing 11, on which a suction inlet 12 for admitting a suction flow SM is arranged.

[0091]The suction inlet 12 is suitable, for example, for connecting a suction hose SL.

[0092]The suction hose SL can be connected to a machine tool WZ schematically shown in the drawing, for example, a material-removing or grinding machine tool, in particular a hand-held power tool. Dust ST generated by the machine tool WZ can be suctioned up using the suction device 10.

[0093]The suction device 10 is, for example, a workshop vacuum.

[0094]In a schematically shown manner, the housing 11 can have rollers 11E, by means of which it is rollable and / or placeable on an underlying surface.

[0095]The suction inlet 12 communicates with a dust collection chamber 15 for collecting dust ST.

[0096]A filter bag 325, in which dust ST can be accommodated, is optionally arrangeable in the dust collection chamber 15. The filter bag 325 is in fluid communication with the suctio...

Claims

1. A suction device with a suction device housing (11), in which a suction turbine (14) for generating a suction flow (SM) is arranged, wherein the suction device 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 suction device (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 suction flow valve closes a suction flow channel (17) in a cleaning position (AR) and opens it in a suction operation position (SB), which suction flow channel extends between the suction turbine (14) and the filter element (25) and through which the suction flow (SM) is able to flow, and wherein and 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) 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 in 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 the filter element, wherein the suction flow valve body (43) has at least one external-air passage channel (55), through which at least a part of the external-air flow (FLS) or the entire external-air flow (FLS) can flow in the cleaning position (AR).

2. The suction device of claim 1, wherein 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), in particular in a central region of the suction flow valve body (43), extends.3-6. (canceled)7. The suction device of claim 1, wherein the external-air valve body (63, 73) is loaded by an external-air valve spring assembly (72) into a position closing the external-air channel (18) or into a position opening the external-air channel (18), wherein the external-air valve spring assembly (72) is advantageously supported against the external-air valve body (63, 73) at one end and, at the other end, against the suction flow valve body (43) or a support structure, in particular a valve body, of the cleaning valve (40, 140), which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing (11).

8. (canceled)9. The suction device of claim 1, wherein the external-air valve body (63, 73), in particular in an embodiment as a drive body (82) that is drivable by a valve drive (80;180. has a differential-pressure surface (FL1, FL2), which is loaded by a differential pressure within the scope of a closing of the external-air channel (63A, 73A) or closing of the external-air channel (18), when the external-air valve body (63, 73) bears against an external-air valve seat (164).

10. The suction device of claim 1, wherein the suction flow valve body (43) is advantageously loaded by a suction flow valve spring arrangement (54) into the suction operation position (SB) and / or a position opening the suction flow channel (17), wherein the suction flow valve spring arrangement (54) is supported against the suction flow valve body (43) at one end and, at the other end, against the external air valve body (63, 73) or a support structure, in particular a valve housing or valve base body (90), of the cleaning valve (40, 140), which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing (11).

11. (canceled)12. The suction device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning valve (40, 140) has an, in particular, electromagnetic or electric-motor-driven valve drive (80; 180), and a drive body (82), which is drivable by the valve drive (80; 180), for shifting the suction flow valve body (43) between the suction operation position (SB) and the cleaning position (AR) and / or for shifting the external-air valve body (63, 73) between the suction operation position (SB) and the cleaning position (AR).

13. The suction device of claim 12, wherein the drive body (82) has magnetically actuatable material and / or the external-air valve body (63, 73) has no magnetically actuatable material and / or the drive body (82) is loaded by a drive body spring assembly (87) into a position associated with the cleaning position (AR) or into a position associated with the suction operation position (SB), wherein the drive body spring assembly (87) is supported against the drive body (82) at one end and, at the other end, against the suction flow valve body (43) or a support structure, in particular a valve body, of the cleaning valve (40, 140), which support structure is fixed to the suction device housing (11).14-15. (canceled)16. The suction device of claim 12, wherein the drive body (82) is plate-shaped and / or comprises metal and / or is drivable using an electromagnet.

17. The suction device of claim 12, wherein the drive body (82) is designed as an external-air valve body (63) or forms the external-air valve body (63) or is fixed to the external-air valve body (63).

18. The suction device of claim 12, wherein the drive body (82) is shiftable relative to the external-air valve body (73), in particular between a position actuating the external-air valve body (73) and a position releasing the external-air valve body (73) to move.

19. The suction device of claim 12, wherein the drive body (43) has movement clearance with respect to the external-air valve body (40) and with respect to the suction flow valve body (17) such that, during a shift of the cleaning valve (140, 43) from the suction operation position (SB) into the cleaning position (AR), the drive body (82) actuates the suction flow valve body (73) in the direction of a position closing the suction flow channel (17) ahead of a shift of the external-air valve body (140) in the direction of a position opening the external-air channel (82) and / or, during a shift of the cleaning valve (73, 14) from the cleaning position (AR) into the suction operation position (SB), the drive body actuates the external-air valve body (43) ahead of the suction flow valve body (18) in the direction of the position closing the external-air channel (73).

20. The suction device of claim 12, wherein 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. The suction device of claim 1, wherein 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 channel (18), which is closeable 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 shiftable relative to the first external-air valve body (63) between a position closing the external-air channel (18) and a position opening the external-air channel (18).

22. The suction device of claim 21, wherein, during a shift of the cleaning valve (40, 140) from the suction operation position (SB) into the cleaning position (AR), the first external-air valve body (63) opens the external-air channel (18) ahead of the second external-air valve body (73) and, during a shift of the cleaning valve (40, 140) from the cleaning position (AR) into the suction operation position (SB), the second external-air valve body (73) closes the external-air channel (18) ahead of the first external-air valve body (63), and / or wherein the first external-air valve body (63) is formed by the drive body (82) or is fixed to the drive body (82) and the second external-air valve body (73) is separate from the drive body (82) and is drivable by the drive body (82), and / or wherein the first external-air valve body (63), in the suction operation position (SB), closes the suction flow channel (17) with respect to the second external-air valve body (73), and / or wherein the second external-air valve body (73) has at least one leakage opening (79), through which the ambient air can act on the first external-air valve body (63) with atmospheric pressure.

23. (canceled)24. The suction device of claim 21, wherein the first external-air valve body (63) bears against a first external-air valve seat (64) with a first sealing contour and the second external-air valve body (73) bears against a second external-air valve seat (74) in the suction operation position (SB), and a first differential-pressure surface (DD1) of the first external-air valve body, which is surrounded by the first sealing contour, is smaller than a second differential-pressure surface (DD2) of the second external-air valve body, which is surrounded by the second sealing contour, wherein the differential-pressure surfaces (DD1, DD2) are loaded or loadable by a differential pressure when the respective external-air valve body (63, 73) bears against its associated external-air valve seat (64, 74).25-27. (canceled)28. The suction device of claim 1, wherein 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 shiftably movably guided on each other with the aid of the valve body guide (60) or the suction flow valve body (43) and the drive body (82) are shiftably movably guided on each other with the aid of the valve body guide (60).

29. The suction device of claim 28, wherein the base guide (50) and the valve body guide (60) engage into each other and / or have mutually coaxial or parallel guide axes, along which the components guided by the particular guide are movably supported on the guides.30-31. (canceled)32. The suction device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning valve (40, 140) is arranged on a carrier body (30), which is detachably fastenable on a carrier body receptacle (31) of the suction device housing (11), wherein the carrier body receptacle (31) is located opposite the filter element (25) and is designed as an opening, which is tightly closeable by the carrier body (30).33-34. (canceled)35. The suction device of claim 1, wherein the suction device has at least two cleaning valves (40A, 40B), each of which is associated with a filter element (25A, 25B), wherein filter elements (25A, 25B) are in fluid communication with the respective cleaning valve (40A, 40B) such that one of the cleaning valves (40A, 40B) can assume the cleaning position (AR) for cleaning the filter element (25A, 25B) associated therewith, while the other cleaning valve (40A, 40B) is in the suction operation position (SB) and the suction flow (SM) can continue to flow through the filter element (25A, 25B) associated therewith.

36. The suction device of claim 1, wherein the suction device has at least one turbine filter element (14A) arranged between the suction turbine (14) and the cleaning valve (40, 140).

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