Filter arrangement for suction devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for a suction device, in particular for construction-site vacuum cleaners, the valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprising the following: a shut-off body (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) which can be transferred between a closed position and an open position; an actuating device having at least one actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) which is designed to transfer the shut-off body (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) from the closed position into the open position, wherein the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) of the actuating device is movable along a first actuation path (128, 228, 328), wherein the shut-off body (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is movable along a second actuation path (130, 230, 330) between the closed position and the open position, and wherein the second actuation path (130, 230, 330) is longer than the first actuation path (128, 228, 328).

Description

[0001] Hilti Aktiengesellschaft in Schaan

[0002] Principality of Liechtenstein

[0003] FILTER ARRANGEMENT FOR SUCTION DEVICES

[0004] The present invention relates to a valve arrangement for a suction device, particularly, but not exclusively, for filter cleaning in construction vacuum cleaners. The invention further relates to a suction device with the novel valve arrangement.

[0005] Cleaning the filters on construction vacuums is a crucial aspect of maintenance that significantly impacts the performance and lifespan of the device. Construction vacuums are used in demanding environments where they must collect large quantities of dust, dirt, and other particles. Dirty or clogged filters can severely impair suction power, lead to motor overheating, and ultimately damage the vacuum. Regular and thorough filter cleaning ensures that the construction vacuum operates efficiently and that workplace air quality is not compromised by stirred-up particles.

[0006] Construction vacuums use various filter types, each requiring specific cleaning methods. One way to remove dust and dirt is to use fresh air to clean the filter cartridges. This is known as filter tapping with fresh air. Filter tapping with air is an efficient method for cleaning construction vacuum filters. This technique uses outside air (fresh air) to remove dust and dirt particles from the pores and pleats of the filter. Fresh air is forced from a clean side of the filter towards the dirty side to dislodge the contaminants and collect them in the collection container.

[0007] It is known to automatically perform filter cleaning with fresh air. This allows the filter to be backflushed with fresh air at regular intervals during operation of the vacuum cleaner. By regularly cleaning the filter during operation, construction dust and other contaminants accumulate in the filter much more slowly, thus extending the vacuum cleaner's service life before manual cleaning or filter replacement. On the other hand, each cleaning cycle briefly interrupts or reduces the suction flow provided by the vacuum cleaner. It is generally desirable to perform the cleaning cycle as quickly as possible to minimize this loss of suction.

[0008] A key component of efficient and cost-effective backflushing is the valve technology, which relies on high and powerful dynamics to quickly clean the filter and ensure a virtually uninterrupted suction flow within the vacuum cleaner. Construction vacuums with a backflushing function feature valve arrangements designed to allow outside air to flow into the vacuum cleaner housing at regular intervals. The outside air is typically drawn in by the negative pressure inside the vacuum cleaner as long as the valve arrangement is open. To ensure fast and efficient backflushing, the largest possible ventilation opening must be opened within a short time.

[0009] Currently, solenoid valves are frequently used to quickly and repeatedly open and close ventilation openings. These solenoid valves have a lifting magnet that moves a shut-off element relative to the ventilation openings. The disadvantage of such solenoid valves lies in their displacement-dependent force curve; that is, with increasing distance, the magnetic force decreases exponentially, limiting the possible valve stroke and thus the achievable opening cross-section. To compensate for this disadvantage, increasingly larger and more expensive magnets or complex mechanical / pneumatic levers are used on the market, which only result in a slight increase in performance.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to improve existing valve arrangements in such a way that large valve strokes can be achieved in a cost-effective manner. The complexity of the valve arrangement should not be increased or even decreased.

[0011] The aforementioned problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the valve arrangement according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a valve arrangement for a suction device, in particular for construction vacuums, wherein the valve arrangement comprises: a shut-off element which can be moved between a closed position in which the shut-off element covers at least one ventilation opening, and an open position in which the shut-off element is separated from the at least one ventilation opening; an actuating device with at least one actuating means which is configured to move the shut-off element from the closed position to the open position, wherein the actuating means of the actuating device is movable along a first actuating path, wherein the shut-off element is movable along a second actuating path between the closed position and the open position, and wherein the second actuating path is longer than the first actuating path.

[0013] The present invention is based on the idea that even a relatively short movement of the actuating element is sufficient to transmit an impulse to the shut-off element. This impulse allows the shut-off element to be positioned further away from the valve seat than would be possible solely through the movement or stroke of the actuating element. Accordingly, small movements or strokes of the actuating element can create large opening cross-sections for the inflow of ambient air into the interior of the suction device. The invention is therefore based on at least a partial decoupling of the movements of the actuating element and the shut-off element. In other words, the shut-off element is movable relative to the actuating element. Since the actuation path of the actuating element can be kept particularly short by this concept, it results in a saving of installation space.On the other hand, the short actuation path allows for the use of more economical actuating elements. This is advantageously used in magnetic actuating devices today, allowing for the use of smaller magnets that are still sufficient to achieve the relatively short stroke of the actuating element.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the shut-off element is spaced away from the actuating means in the open position.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the distance between the shut-off element and the actuating means in the open position is variable and depends in particular on an impulse applied to the shut-off element by the actuating means. The length of the second actuation path of the shut-off element is not limited, as is often the case, for example, with a stop in the prior art. Due to this freedom of movement of the shut-off element, the length of the second movement path depends essentially only on the impulse transmitted by the actuating means. It is conceivable to control the actuating means and the impulse it generates based on the desired open position. For example, the impulse can be adjusted depending on the desired length of the second movement path and the associated opening cross-section of the valve. The impulse can, for example, be controlled based on filter contamination data.For example, a higher level of contamination can lead to the setting of stronger impulses and thus the inflow of more ambient air during the cleaning of the filter, and vice versa.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, one direction of the first actuation path essentially corresponds to one direction of the second actuation path. This allows the impulse of the actuating means to be transferred to the shut-off element particularly effectively.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the actuating element is designed to guide the shut-off element, at least as long as it is moved together with the actuating element. The actuating element thus fulfills a dual function as both a pulse generator and a guide. This allows for further space savings.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the actuating device has a guide element designed to guide the shut-off element, at least as long as it undergoes relative movement with respect to the actuating element. It should be noted here that the guide element preferably does not form a stop and merely defines a direction of movement for the shut-off element along the second actuating path.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the actuating device has an electromagnet.

[0020] In another embodiment, the electromagnet forms the guiding element. In other words, the electromagnet fulfills a dual function. On the one hand, the electromagnet serves to accelerate the magnetic armature and transmit a pulse to the shut-off element. On the other hand, the electromagnet, that is, its housing, guides the shut-off element during its relative movement with respect to the actuating element, for example, the magnetic armature. This saves further installation space and reduces the number of components. In yet another embodiment, the actuating element is a magnetic armature.

[0021] In another embodiment, the actuating device has a plunger or lifter which can be actuated by a pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical actuator. For example, the mechanical actuator could be a camshaft or a lever mechanism. The pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical actuators can each be activated manually or automatically.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, at least a portion of the shut-off element is arranged concentrically with the actuating means. This concentric arrangement allows for a particularly effective and linear transmission of the impulse between the actuating means and the shut-off element.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the shut-off element has a recess for receiving at least a portion of the actuating element, at least in the closed position of the shut-off element. This reduces the space required for the valve arrangement according to the invention.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, at least a portion of the shut-off element is arranged concentrically with the guide means. Due to the concentric arrangement of the shut-off element with the guide means, the shut-off element can be moved along the guide means with minimal losses.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the shut-off element has a through-opening for receiving at least a portion of the guide element, at least in the open position of the shut-off element. This reduces the space required for the valve arrangement according to the invention.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the shut-off element is pre-tensioned in its closed position. For example, the pre-tension can be generated by the pressure within the suction device. Since a negative pressure is maintained in the housing during the entire operation of the suction device, the shut-off element of the valve arrangement according to the invention is automatically pre-tensioned in its closed position at all times. No further pre-tensioning means, such as return springs, are required for this purpose. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a suction device, in particular a construction vacuum cleaner, which comprises the following: a suction unit for generating a suction flow; at least one filter; and a filter cleaning device, wherein the filter cleaning device comprises at least one of the aforementioned valve arrangements.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the suction device has a housing with at least one ventilation opening.

[0028] According to another embodiment, at least the actuating means, in particular the entire valve assembly, is arranged on an outside of the housing.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the suction unit is designed to generate a negative pressure in an intermediate space between the at least one filter and the suction unit, wherein the valve arrangement is designed such that the shut-off element is biased into its closed position by the negative pressure in the intermediate space.

[0030] Further advantages arise from the following description of the figures. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0031] They show:

[0032] Fig. 1 View of a preferred embodiment of a suction device in suction mode;

[0033] Fig. 2 View of a preferred embodiment of a suction device during filter cleaning.

[0034] Fig. 3 Schematic representation of a valve arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position;

[0035] Fig. 4 Schematic representation of the valve arrangement according to Fig. 3 in an intermediate position; Fig. 5 Schematic representation of the valve arrangement according to Fig. 3 in the open position;

[0036] Fig. 6 Schematic representation of a valve arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Fig. 7 Schematic representation of a valve arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 8 Schematic representation of a valve arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig. 9 Schematic representation of a valve arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention in the closed position;

[0040] Fig. 10 Schematic representation of a valve arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention in the open position;

[0041] Detailed description

[0042] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a suction device 1 in suction operation. The suction device 1 comprises a dirt collection container 2, a filter 3, and a suction unit 4. The suction unit 4 can include a turbine 5, the turbine 5 being driven by a motor to generate a suction flow S. Technically, the turbine 5 operates as a compressor, drawing in air to generate the suction flow S.

[0043] The suction flow S is used to draw in dust, dirt, or a liquid mixture of water and dirt. The suction flow S flows within the suction device 1 in a flow channel or flow path, which is also designated by the reference numeral S. The suction device 1 has an inlet opening 9, and the suction flow S or flow path S preferably forms between the inlet opening 9 and the suction unit 4 or the turbine 5. The inlet opening 9 is preferably located in the dirt collection container 2 of the suction device 1.

[0044] A filter 3 is arranged between the inlet opening 9 and the suction unit 4. This filter is designed to filter dirt and dust from the suction flow S to prevent contamination of the suction unit 4. The filter 3 has a dirty side 7, which preferably faces the dirt collection container 2, and a clean side 8, which faces the suction unit 4 and the vacuum head.

[0045] In the context of the invention, the term "dirty side 7" refers not only to the corresponding side of the filter 3, but preferably also to the area of ​​the flow path S between the filter 3 and the inlet opening 9. The phrases "on the dirty side" and "between the filter 3 and the inlet opening 9" are preferably to be understood synonymously within the meaning of the invention. During operation of the suction device 1, the suction flow S flows from the dirty side 7 towards the clean side 8 through the filter 3, whereby dust and dirt are filtered out of the suction flow S as they pass through the filter 3. This direction of the suction flow S from the dirty side 7 towards the clean side 8 is illustrated in Fig. 1 by the arrows marked with the reference numeral S.

[0046] The filter 3 can become clogged or blocked with a filter cake during operation of the suction device 1, which can reduce the suction performance of the suction device 1. In this case, it is necessary to perform a so-called filter cleaning, i.e., cleaning of the filter 3 of the suction device 1. In the context of the present invention, this filter cleaning is carried out by backwashing, i.e., a brief reversal of the direction of the suction flow S. During this backwashing, the filter 3 is flushed with a backwash flow R, which flows from the clean side 8 of the filter 3 towards its dirty side 7. The backwash flow R is shown in Fig. 2. The backwash flow R can be generated by opening a further inlet opening 11 of the suction device 1, this further inlet opening 11 preferably being located in the upper region of the suction device 1.can be located in the head of the suction device 1 (“suction device head”).

[0047] The additional inlet opening 11 can be opened or closed by a valve arrangement (Figures 3 to 5). When the valve is opened, ambient air 10 can flow through the additional inlet opening 11 into the suction device 1 and act directly or indirectly on the filter 3.

[0048] The suction device 1 can have a throttle valve 6, which is preferably arranged in the region of the inlet opening 9 in the dirt collection container 2 of the suction device 1. The throttle valve 6 is particularly located in the suction flow S. The throttle valve 6 can be used to fully or partially open or close the at least one inlet opening 9 of the suction device 1. In particular, the inlet opening 9 of the suction device 1 can be opened or closed continuously, so that the suction flow S can preferably be continuously adjusted, and in particular throttled, by the throttle valve 6.

[0049] An embodiment of the valve arrangement 100 according to the invention is shown in Figures 3 to 5. The valve arrangement 100 can, for example, be arranged at the inlet opening 11 according to Figures 1 and 2. In Figures 3 to 5, the inlet opening 11 is shown, for example, as one or more ventilation openings 110, 112. The ventilation openings 110, 112 extend through the housing 108 of the suction device. The valve arrangement 100 is, in particular, arranged on the outside of the housing 108. However, it is also fundamentally conceivable to arrange the valve arrangement 100 on the inside of the housing 108.

[0050] The suction openings are arranged such that they are connected to a part of the housing 108, which is located between the clean side 8 of the filter 3 and the suction unit 4. During operation of the suction device, a negative pressure exists in this part of the housing relative to the ambient air. Consequently, outside air tends to flow into the interior of the housing 108 through the ventilation openings 110, 112.

[0051] The valve assembly includes a shut-off element 102. The shut-off element is designed such that, in the closed position shown in Fig. 3, it covers all ventilation openings 110, 112. In other words, in the closed position, the base body 114 of the shut-off element 102 prevents ambient air (10, Fig. 1) from entering the interior of the housing 108 through the ventilation openings 110, 112. For this purpose, one or more seals (not shown) can be arranged between the shut-off element 102 and the housing 108. Thus, the outside of the housing 108 serves as the valve seat for the shut-off element 102.

[0052] Since a negative pressure exists within the part of the housing connected to the ventilation openings 110, 112 during operation of the suction device, the shut-off element 102 is biased into its closed position shown in Fig. 3. A closing force F acts on the shut-off element 102. v, which results in particular as the product of the negative pressure in the housing and the opening area of ​​the ventilation openings 110, 112.

[0053] The shut-off element is designed to be movable relative to the housing 108. In particular, the shut-off element 102 can be moved away from and towards the ventilation openings 110, 112. In the embodiment shown here, the shut-off element 102 is translationally movable, especially vertically to the outer surface of the housing 108. In other words, the shut-off element 102 can be raised relative to the housing 108 to open the ventilation openings 110, 112. However, it is also fundamentally possible to move the shut-off element in any other way suitable for opening the ventilation openings. For example, the shut-off element could also be moved parallel to the outer surface of the housing 108. A pivoting movement of the shut-off element 102 is also conceivable.

[0054] The valve assembly 100 further comprises an actuating device. The actuating device serves, in particular, to move the shut-off element 102 from its closed position shown in Figure 3 to the open position shown in Figure 5. For this purpose, the actuating device has at least one actuating element. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the actuating element is designed as a magnetic armature 104. The magnetic armature 104 works in conjunction with an electromagnet 106 of the actuating device. The actuating device according to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5 is accordingly designed as a lifting magnet. The electromagnet 106 allows the magnetic armature 104 to be selectively lifted, i.e., moved away from the housing / valve seat 108.

[0055] The stroke 124 of the magnetic armature 104 can be seen in Figure 4. The stroke 124 corresponds to a first movement path 128 of the magnetic armature 104 between the closed position shown in Figure 3 and the intermediate position of the shut-off element shown in Figure 4. The position shown in Figure 4 is an intermediate position because, although the first movement path 128 of the magnetic armature 104 is completed in the position shown in Figure 4, meaning the magnetic armature can no longer move further away from the housing 108, the shut-off element 102 has not yet fully reached its open position. In the intermediate position of the shut-off element 102 shown in Figure 4, the movement, i.e., the stroke and thus the first movement path 128, of the magnetic armature 104 is limited by a stop. In particular, in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5, the stop is represented by the solenoid 106 itself.

[0056] The magnetic armature 104 is positively connected to the butterfly valve 102 in the opening direction of the butterfly valve 102. In particular, the base body 114 of the butterfly valve 102, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, has a recess with a shoulder area 118, which is designed to receive the magnetic armature 104. The diameter of the magnetic armature 104 is dimensioned such that an outer surface 120 of the magnetic armature 104 interacts with the shoulder area 118. The shoulder area 118 serves as the force transmission area of ​​the butterfly valve 114 during the stroke 124 of the magnetic armature 104. When the electromagnet 106 is activated, the magnetic armature 104 is lifted and, through the force transmission in the shoulder area 118, carries the butterfly valve 102 with it. This is shown in particular in the intermediate position of the butterfly valve 102 in Figure 4.

[0057] Figure 3 further shows that the recess of the shut-off element 102 is part of a through-opening 116 that extends longitudinally along the base body 114. The base body 114 is therefore essentially ring-shaped. The recess has a larger diameter than the through-opening 116. The recess can, in particular, be a blind hole, for example, if the magnetic armature 104 is cylindrical, as in the example shown here.

[0058] In the embodiment shown here, the through-opening 116 serves in particular as a guide opening for the shut-off element 102. The through-opening 116 is specifically adapted to the outer circumference of the electromagnet 106. According to this example, the electromagnet 106 serves as a guide for the movement of the shut-off element 102. It can be seen in particular from Figures 4 and 5 that the shut-off element 102 surrounds the electromagnet 106; that is, the electromagnet 106 is received in the through-opening 116 of the shut-off element 102.

[0059] According to the invention, the shut-off element 102 is movable relative to the actuating means designed as a magnetic armature 104. This allows the shut-off element 102 to describe a second path of movement 130, which is longer than the first path of movement 128 of the magnetic armature 104 (Fig. 5). In other words, the shut-off element 102 is free-floating, because its path of movement 130 is not limited by the first path of movement 128 of the magnetic armature 104. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the second path of movement 130 of the shut-off element 102 is also not limited by any further stop. Thus, the length of the second path of movement 130 depends solely on the impulse of the magnetic armature 104. The magnetic armature therefore serves to accelerate the shut-off element 102 during its first path of movement 128. As soon as the magnetic armature 104 reaches its stop, in this case the electromagnet 116, it is abruptly braked.Since the shut-off element 102 is not limited by either the stop or the magnetic armature 104, it can remain in its upward movement until its inertial force is slowed by a combination of gravity and the vacuum in the housing. As soon as the stroke acceleration of the shut-off element 102 caused by the impulse of the magnetic armature 104 ceases (i.e., drops to zero), the shut-off element is in its open position as shown in Figure 5. In other words, the open position of the shut-off element 102 depends essentially on the acceleration effect of the magnetic armature 104, that is, on the transmitted impulse. This also means that the open position of the shut-off element 102 is variable, depending on the acceleration potential of the magnetic armature 102. It is conceivable, in principle, that the magnetic armature (or rather, the magnetic armature) can be used to open the shut-off element 102.any other actuating means of the actuating device) is adjustable in such a way that the transmitted impulse is variable and thus the second movement path 130 of the shut-off body is adjustable.

[0060] Due to the partial mechanical decoupling of the shut-off element 102 from the magnetic armature (actuator) 104, particularly large opening cross-sections for the ingress of ambient air can be easily achieved. Specifically, a relatively short stroke (i.e., the first movement path 128 of the magnetic armature 104) is sufficient to achieve a relatively large distance between the shut-off element 102 and the ventilation openings 110, 112, and thus from the valve seat. This relative mobility allows the shut-off element to fully utilize the acceleration force of the magnetic armature.

[0061] If the shut-off element 102 were rigidly connected to the magnetic armature 104, its second path of movement 130 would be limited to the first path of movement 128, or to the stroke 124 of the magnetic armature 104. This is schematically illustrated in the intermediate position according to Figure 4, in which the flow paths 122, 126, through which ambient air enters the housing 108, have a comparatively small flow cross-section. From the intermediate position shown in Figure 4, i.e., the end of the first path of movement 128, the shut-off element 102 is decoupled from the magnetic armature 104, and thus a relative movement of the shut-off element with respect to the magnetic armature 104 occurs in the stroke direction.

[0062] Another embodiment of a valve arrangement according to the invention is shown in Figure 6. The valve arrangement 200 according to Figure 6 also has a shut-off element 202, which serves to open or close ventilation openings 210, 212. In Figure 6, the shut-off element in its closed position is indicated by reference numeral 202. The open position of the shut-off element is shown with dashed lines and indicated by reference numeral 203. The shut-off element 202 has essentially the same structure as the shut-off element 102 according to the embodiments of Figures 3 to 5. The shut-off element 202 also has a base body with a through-opening 216. A recess, which can be designed, for example, as a blind hole, defines a shoulder area 218, which serves as a stop for an actuating means of an actuating device.

[0063] The actuating device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 6 differs from the actuating device shown in Figures 3 to 5. In particular, the actuating device according to Figure 6 has an actuating element designed as a plunger 204. The plunger 204 is also designed to transmit an impulse to the shut-off element 202. For this purpose, the plunger 204 is translationally movable, in particular perpendicular to the surface of the housing 208. In the embodiment shown here, the plunger 204 is mechanically driven, in particular by a camshaft 206. However, it is also conceivable in principle to drive the plunger 204 in any other suitable way, for example by pneumatics or hydraulics.

[0064] The valve assembly 200 further comprises a guide element 205, which is designed to guide the shut-off body 202 between its closed position and its open position (203), in particular perpendicular to the housing 208. For this purpose, the guide element 205 is received in the through-opening 216 of the shut-off body 202. Consequently, the shape and size of the guide element 205 correspond to the contour of the through-opening 216. In the embodiment shown here, the guide element 205 is in particular part of the actuating device. For example, the guide element 205 can be connected to the plunger 204. This has the advantage that the guide element 205 can move along the first path of movement 228 of the plunger 205. This allows the guide element to be designed in a space-saving manner and yet still cover the entire second path of movement 230 of the shut-off body 202.The guide means can, for example, be designed as a cylinder which extends away from an end of the plunger 205 facing the shut-off body 202.

[0065] In operation, the valve arrangement 200 can be used to close the ventilation openings 210, 212 or to temporarily open them at regular intervals. For this purpose, the actuating device can transmit an impulse to the freely moving or freely suspended shut-off element 202 to move it from the closed position to the open position. In particular, the camshaft 206 serves this purpose, which, through the rotation indicated in Figure 6, translationally displaces the plunger 205 towards the shut-off element 202 and thus generates a force F that counteracts the pressure force Fv. The force F is transmitted via the edge region 220 to the shoulder region 218 of the shut-off element 202.

[0066] The first actuation path 228 of the tappet 204 is shown in Figure 6 as the eccentric radius of the camshaft 206. As in the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 5, the tappet 204 is positively connected to the shut-off element 202 during the first actuation path 228. During the first actuation path 228, the tappet 204 and the shut-off element 202 therefore move together, thereby transmitting an impulse from the tappet 204 to the shut-off element 202. After the tappet 204 has reached its end position, i.e., the end of the first actuation path 228, the shut-off element moves relative to the actuating element designed as the tappet 204.

[0067] The shut-off element 202 can therefore move beyond the first actuation path. In particular, it is freely movable along the second actuation path 230 between its closed and open positions. In this embodiment, the second actuation path 230 is also a translational actuation path, which is perpendicular to the housing 208 at the valve seat.

[0068] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the valve arrangement 300 according to the invention. The embodiment according to Figure 7 differs from the embodiments according to Figures 3 to 6 in particular in that the actuating device has a lever element 332 which serves to move the actuating means designed as a lifter 304 along a first actuating path 328.

[0069] The valve assembly 300 according to Figure 7 is also designed to be mounted on the outside of the housing 308 of a suction device. The valve assembly 300 includes a shut-off element 302, which is essentially identical to the shut-off elements 102, 202 according to Figures 3 to 6. The shut-off element 302 has a base body 314 with a through-opening 316. A recess forms a shoulder area 318. The shut-off element 302 can therefore be annular in shape. In its closed position, the shut-off element is designed to cover or close the ventilation openings 310, 312. In its open position, the shut-off element is designed to release the ventilation openings 310, 312. The shut-off valve is shown in Figure 1 in its closed position and its open position. In the standby position, the body section is marked with the reference numeral 302.In the open position (shown with dashed lines), the shut-off element is identified by reference numeral 303. The shut-off element 302 is operatively connected to the actuating means of the actuating device, which is designed as a lifter 304. For this purpose, the lifter 304 has a substantially cylindrical base body 305, which also serves as a guide for the shut-off element. The cylindrical base body 305 has a flange 320 at a first end region, which extends around the base body 305. In the closed position of the shut-off element 302, the flange is positively engaged with the shoulder 318.

[0070] A lever element 332 is attached to the second end region of the base body 305, which is opposite the first end region. Specifically, the lever element 332 is connected to the second end region of the base body 305 via a pivot axis 333. An actuating surface is located at one end of the lever element 332 opposite the pivot axis 333. This surface can be used by the user to move the locking element 302 from its closed position to its open position. In particular, the force F applied to the actuating surface 336 is transmitted to the lever 304 via a lever bearing 334.

[0071] As indicated in Figure 7, the length and orientation of the lever element define the first actuation path 328 of the actuating element designed as a lifter 304. Actuation of the lever element 332 moves the lifter 304 upwards from the position shown in Figure 7, i.e., away from the housing 308. The movement of the lifter 304 is transmitted via the flange 320 to the shoulder area 318 of the shut-off body 302. The shut-off body 302 moves along with the plunger 304 until an intermediate position 328 is reached, at which point the first movement path 328 is completed. This combined movement transmits an impulse to the shut-off body 302. Since the shut-off body 302 is movable relative to the actuating element designed as a lifter 304, the impulse moves it further along the second actuation path 330.This occurs particularly until the acceleration of the shut-off element drops to 0 and it thus reaches the closed position marked 303.

[0072] Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the valve arrangement according to the invention. The valve arrangement 800 according to Figure 8 essentially corresponds to the valve arrangement according to Figures 3 to 5. In particular, the actuating device according to Figure 8 is also a magnetic actuating device with an electromagnet 406 and a magnetic armature 404. Regarding the basic structure of the shut-off element 402 and the magnetic armature 404 or the electromagnet 406 relative to each other, reference is again made to the description of Figures 3 to 5.

[0073] The embodiment according to Figure 8 differs essentially from the embodiment according to Figure 7 in that, in the closed position of the shut-off body 402, the magnetic armature is arranged in the recess such that a distance exists between the edge region 420 and the shoulder 418 in the direction of movement of the magnetic armature 404. This distance can also be referred to as the acceleration distance. The positioning distance of the magnetic armature 404 from the shut-off body 402 serves to accelerate the actuating element, which is designed as a magnetic armature 404, before it comes into contact with the shut-off body 402 and transmits an impulse to the shut-off body.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the shut-off element 402 and electromagnet 406 can be designed essentially identically to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5. Only the magnetic armature 404 is designed such that it has a lower height than the depth of the recess in the shut-off element. According to this embodiment, the power of the electromagnet could be reduced, since it initially only needs to accelerate the weight of the magnetic armature. When the magnetic armature 404 strikes the shoulder 418 of the shut-off element, the magnetic armature 404 already possesses a certain amount of kinetic energy, which can be transferred as momentum to the shut-off element.

[0075] Since the magnetic armature already possesses kinetic energy upon impact with the shut-off element 402, a shorter common path of motion is sufficient to accelerate the shut-off element. In other words, the moving element, designed as a magnetic armature, only needs to be moved together with the shut-off element for a short distance. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, this is utilized by having the electromagnet 406 engage the through-opening 416 of the shut-off element 402 even when the shut-off element 402 is already in the closed position. Thus, the shut-off element 402 can be guided by the electromagnet 406 along its entire second path of motion.

[0076] Figures 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of the valve arrangement according to the invention. The valve arrangement 500 essentially corresponds to the valve arrangement 100 according to Figure 3. The valve arrangement 500 also has a magnetic actuating device. The actuating device comprises an electromagnet 506 and a magnetic armature 504. The magnetic armature 504 serves to move the shut-off element 502 from its closed position to its open position.

[0077] The valve arrangement 500 according to Figures 9 and 10 differs from the valve arrangement 100 km² shown in Figures 3 to 5 only by the guide element which determines the direction of movement, i.e., the second actuation path of the shut-off element 502. Instead of using the electromagnet as a guide element, the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 proposes providing an additional guide element 508. The guide element 508 can, for example, be a spring plate or a spring wire, which defines the second movement path of the shut-off element 502. In particular, the shut-off element 502 can be pivoted between its closed and open positions by the guide element 508. The wheel-shaped guide element 508 can simultaneously be designed to pre-tension the shut-off element 502 into its closed position.This is particularly advantageous when large opening cross-sections are required, i.e., when the shut-off element, in its open position, is to be positioned particularly far from the valve seat / housing. In this case, it may happen that the negative pressure in the housing of the suction device is insufficient to close the shut-off element again.

[0078] In the embodiment according to Figures 9 and 10, the through-opening 516 of the shut-off element is preferably dimensioned such that the shut-off element 502 does not contact the electromagnet 506 along its second actuation path, i.e., between the closed and open positions. The guide element 508 shown in Figures 9 and 10 is accordingly designed to be frictionless.

[0079] Of course, it is also possible to connect the external guide element 508 together with other actuating devices, such as those shown in Figures 6 to 8. (List of reference symbols)

[0080] 1 suction device

[0081] 2 dirt collection containers

[0082] 3 filters

[0083] 3 Suction unit

[0084] 4 Turbine

[0085] 5 Throttle valve

[0086] 6 Dirty side

[0087] 7 Pure page

[0088] 8 Inlet opening

[0089] 9 Ambient air

[0090] 10 Inlet opening in the suction device head

[0091] 11 Central Control Unit

[0092] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 valve arrangement

[0093] 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 Shut-off valves

[0094] 104, 404, 504 magnetic armature

[0095] 204 pestles

[0096] 304 lifters

[0097] 106, 406, 506 Electromagnet

[0098] 108, 208, 308 cases

[0099] 110, 210, 310 Ventilation opening

[0100] 112, 212, 312 Ventilation opening

[0101] 114, 214, 314 Basic body

[0102] 116, 216, 316, 416, 516 Passage opening 118, 218, 318, 418 Shoulder

[0103] 120, 220, 320, 420 Edge area

[0104] 122 Airflow

[0105] 124 stroke 126 airflow

[0106] 128, 228, 328 first movement path

[0107] 130, 230, 330 second movement path

[0108] S Suction flow / flow channel

[0109] Q cross-section

Claims

Patent claims 1. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) for a suction device, in particular for construction vacuums, wherein the valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) comprises the following: a shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) which can be switched between a closed position, in which the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) covers at least one ventilation opening (110, 112, 210, 212, 310, 312), and an open position, in which the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is separated from the at least one ventilation opening (110, 112, 210, 212, 310, 312) is spaced apart, is transferable;An actuating device with at least one actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) configured to move the shut-off body (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) from the closed position to the open position, wherein the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) of the actuating device is movable along a first actuating path (128, 228, 328), wherein the shut-off body (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is movable along a second actuating path (130, 230, 330) between the closed position and the open position, and wherein the second actuating path (130, 230, 330) is longer than the first actuating path (128, 228, 328) is.; 2. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is spaced apart from the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) in the open position.

3. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 2, wherein the distance of the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) from the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) is variable in the open position and is particularly dependent on an impulse applied to the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) by the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504).

4. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one direction of the first actuation path (128, 228, 328) substantially corresponds to one direction of the second actuation path (130, 230, 330).

5. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) is configured to guide the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), at least as long as it is moved together with the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504).

6. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuating device has a guide means (508) which is configured to guide the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) at least as long as it undergoes a relative movement with respect to the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), and wherein the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) preferably has a through-opening (116, 216, 316, 416, 516) for receiving the guide means at least in the open position of the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502).

7. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuating device has an electromagnet (106, 406, 506) and the actuating means (104, 404, 504) is preferably a magnetic armature (104, 404, 504).

8. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 7 in combination with claim 6, wherein the electromagnet (106, 406, 506) forms the guide means.

9. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuating device has a plunger (304) or lifter (404) which can be actuated by a pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical actuator.

10. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a partial area of ​​the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is arranged concentrically with the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504).

11. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shut-off body (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) has a recess for receiving the actuating means at least in the closed position of the shut-off body (102, 202, 302, 402, 502).

12. Valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 6 or 8, wherein at least a partial area of ​​the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is arranged concentrically with the guide means.

13. Suction device (1), in particular a construction vacuum cleaner, comprising: a suction unit for generating a suction flow; at least one filter; and a filter cleaning device, wherein the filter cleaning device comprises at least one valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to one of claims 1 to 16.

14. Suction device according to claim 13, wherein the suction device has a housing with at least one ventilation opening (110, 112, 210, 212, 310, 312), and wherein the actuating means (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), in particular the entire valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500), of the filter cleaning device is arranged on an outside of the housing.

15. Suction device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the suction unit is configured to generate a negative pressure in an intermediate space between the at least one filter and the suction unit, and wherein the valve arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is configured such that the shut-off element (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) is biased into its closed position by the negative pressure in the intermediate space.

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