Lamellar Filter Vibration Cleaning for Machine Tool Dust Collectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dust collection devices for machine tools face challenges in effectively cleaning lamella filters, which can become clogged with dust and coarse particles, leading to reduced performance and potential mechanical damage during cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

A dust collection device with a rotatable shaft and slat holder that converts rotational movement into axial movement, causing the filter slats to vibrate and shake off dust, eliminating the need for external sweeping devices or reverse air flows, and allowing for adjustable cleaning intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If mechanical sweeping devices are used to clean the filter, then the filter can be cleaned, but the devices can become stuck when the collection device is filled with dust and may cause mechanical damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning capabilityVSAvoidcleaning device functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sweeping devices with a simple vibration mechanism. Instead of using brushes or scrapers that physically contact and sweep the filter surface, the invention uses vibrational motion generated by an eccentric rotating mass to shake and dislodge dust particles from the filter. This substitution eliminates the complexity and reliability issues of mechanical sweeping devices while maintaining effective cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration mechanism is integrated directly into the dust collection device structure, using the device's own operational components (motor, shaft, eccentric mass) to generate cleaning vibrations. The system essentially cleans itself during normal operation or maintenance cycles without requiring separate external cleaning equipment, improving both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the entire dust collection device is tapped to clean the filter, then dust may be loosened, but mechanical damage can occur to the housing and components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidhousing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying vibrational force to the entire dust collection device housing, the patent localizes the vibration source directly at the filter assembly. The eccentric rotating mass is positioned to generate vibrations that are concentrated on the filter and immediate surrounding components, achieving effective dust loosening without subjecting the entire housing structure to damaging mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If reverse airflow is used to clean the filter, then the filter surface can be flushed, but the method is ineffective against jammed dust and rock pieces and requires interrupting dust extraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust extraction continuityVSAvoidfilter cleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mechanical vibration through an eccentric rotating mass to physically shake and dislodge dust particles, cobwebs, and jammed debris from the filter surface. This vibrational approach is far more effective than reverse airflow for loosening adhered particles, as it applies direct mechanical energy to break the bond between dust and filter media without requiring interruption of the dust extraction system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

4Ease of manufacture

If sweeping devices are used to clean the filter, then dust can be removed, but the devices increase device complexity and maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter cleaning functionVSAvoidcleaning mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sweeping devices with a simple vibration mechanism. Instead of using brushes or scrapers that physically contact and sweep the filter surface, the invention uses vibrational motion generated by an eccentric rotating mass to shake and dislodge dust particles from the filter. This substitution eliminates the complexity and reliability issues of mechanical sweeping devices while maintaining effective cleaning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration mechanism is integrated directly into the dust collection device structure, using the device's own operational components (motor, shaft, eccentric mass) to generate cleaning vibrations. The system essentially cleans itself during normal operation or maintenance cycles without requiring separate external cleaning equipment, improving both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides efficient and low-maintenance filter cleaning, effectively dislodging stuck dust and debris while minimizing mechanical stress on the housing, ensuring high cleaning efficiency and extending the lifespan of the dust collection system.

Implementation Method 1

the return of the louvres to this original position causes a vibration of the louvres, which leads to a cleaning of the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4167820B1Dust collection device for a machine tool
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 HILTI AG
  • EP4167820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4167820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4167820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a dust collecting device for a machine tool, said dust collecting device having a lamellar filter, a rotatable shaft, and a lamellae holder. The lamellae of the filter can be axially moved in the dust collector of the dust collecting device by a rotational movement of the shaft, said rotational movement being imparted by the lamellae holder, and the axial movement is then interrupted when a first profile of the shaft and a second profile of the lamellae holder are moved relative to each other and are not in engagement with each other. The lamellae are thereby allowed to return to their original position, wherein the lamellae are shaken as a result of being returned to their original position, thus leading to a cleaning process of the filter. Other aspects of the invention relate to a machine tool which can have such a dust collecting device and to a method for operating a machine tool and cleaning a filter.