Vacuum cleaner and filter unit for use with a vacuum cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum cleaners with filter units require axial insertion and removal, which limits design flexibility and handling convenience due to the need for vertical orientation and potential space loss or rotation of the vacuum cleaner.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an overrunning intermediate clutch in the power flow between the cleaning drive and the cleaning device allows for freewheeling over a certain angle of rotation, enabling lateral insertion and removal of the filter unit, facilitated by meshing spur gears and a dual-function gear that forms both a form-fitting coupling and an intermediate coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If axial insertion and removal of the filter unit is used, then the cleaning device can be properly coupled to the cleaning drive, but the handling is complicated and design flexibility is limited due to the need for vertical orientation and potential space loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of filter unitVSAvoidstructural design constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional axial insertion approach by implementing lateral (radial) insertion and removal of the filter unit. This is achieved by providing an intermediate coupling in the power flow between the cleaning drive and the cleaning device, which enables freewheeling during the insertion process. The intermediate coupling allows the cleaning device to be driven back temporarily during lateral insertion, and then locked again during operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If axial insertion is required, then the cleaning function works properly with gravity, but the vacuum cleaner must be tilted or rotated for removal, reducing convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter unit removal convenienceVSAvoidvacuum cleaner orientation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional axial insertion to two-dimensional lateral insertion by providing an intermediate coupling that enables radial movement of the filter unit. This dimensional change allows the filter unit to be inserted and removed from the side of the vacuum cleaner body without requiring the entire device to be tilted or rotated, thereby improving operational convenience and orientation flexibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the cleaning drive has a non-reversible gear, then the cleaning function is reliable, but lateral insertion is impossible without jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning drive functionVSAvoidlateral insertion capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate coupling as a mediator between the cleaning drive and the cleaning device. This intermediate coupling includes a drive element connected to the cleaning drive and an output element connected to the cleaning device, with a freewheel mechanism that allows relative movement during lateral insertion. The intermediate coupling temporarily disengages the non-reversible gear during insertion, prevents jamming, and then re-engages it during operation to maintain cleaning reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This configuration simplifies handling by allowing side insertion and removal without tilting the vacuum cleaner, preserving control space, and enabling retrofits and cost-effective manufacturing, while reducing the risk of jamming and improving operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an intermediate coupling in addition to the coupling between the cleaning device and the cleaning drive, which enables freewheeling between the cleaning device and the cleaning drive at least over a certain angle of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOverrunning clutch mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

a cyclone separator through which an air flow containing dust particles is guided. As a result of acceleration, the dust particles bounce off the separator wall and fall into a collection container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 3

As a result of cleaning, dust particles, in particular fine dust particles, fall into a container of the filter unit as a result of gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3085291B1Vacuum cleaner and filter unit for use with a vacuum cleaner

Publication Date: 2017.11.29 MIELE & CO KG

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AI summary

Vacuum cleaner, with a vacuum cleaner body (10) and a filter unit (4) that can be removed from a receptacle (1) in the vacuum cleaner body (10), the filter unit (4) having a cleaning device and the vacuum cleaner body (10) having a cleaning drive (9), the Cleaning device can be coupled to the cleaning drive (9) by means of a clutch, with an additional intermediate clutch being arranged in the power flow between the cleaning drive (9) and the cleaning device, which is designed as an overrunning clutch.