EP4410169A1 - Separating unit with coupling element for coupling an actuating element - Google Patents

Abstract

A separation unit (150) for a suction device (100) is described, wherein the separation unit (150) comprises a collecting container (102) with a collecting area (103) for receiving particles from a suction air flow (121, 122, 123) of the suction device (100). The separation unit (150) further comprises a filter module (105) arranged in the collecting container (102) which is designed to filter out particles from the suction air flow (121, 122, 123). In addition, the separation unit (105) comprises a stripping element (106) which is designed to be moved over the surface of the filter module (105) in order to clean the surface of the filter module (105), and a coupling element (302) connected to the stripping element (106) which is designed to be detachably connected to a complementary coupling element (301) of an actuating element (110, 111) so that the stripping element (106) can be moved over the surface of the filter module (105) by the actuating element (110, 111) connected to the coupling element (302).

Description

The invention relates to a suction device, such as a handheld vacuum cleaner. In particular, the invention relates to a separation unit for a suction device, which enables convenient and reliable emptying of the collection area and/or convenient and reliable cleaning of the filter module of the separation unit.

A suction device, in particular a handheld vacuum cleaner, typically comprises a separation unit with a filter module that is designed to separate dust particles from the suction air of the suction device and collect them in a collection area of the separation unit. The separation unit can be designed such that the collection area is designed as a ring around a cylindrical filter module, and that a cyclone-like suction air flow is created in the collection area. This can lead to hair wrapping around the filter module during suction operation of the suction device, which usually cannot be easily removed from the filter module and from the collection area of the separation unit. In order to empty and/or clean the separation unit, it is often necessary for it to be decoupled from the suction device and/or for the filter module to be removed from the separation unit. This can be perceived as uncomfortable and unhygienic by a user of the suction device.

This document deals with the technical task of providing a separation unit for a suction device which enables particularly convenient and thorough emptying and/or cleaning of the separation unit, in particular the filter module and/or the collection area.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent patent claims, described in the following description or shown in the attached drawing.

According to one aspect, a separation unit for a suction device (in particular for a cyclone-based suction device, such as a handheld vacuum cleaner) is described. The separation unit can be designed as a cyclone separator.

The separation unit comprises a collecting container with a collecting area for receiving (protective and/or dust) particles from the suction air flow of the suction device. The collecting container can have the shape of a cylinder, in particular a circular cylinder. Furthermore, the collecting container can extend along a longitudinal axis from a first end face, which faces the fan of the suction device, to a second end face, wherein a lid for emptying the collecting container can be arranged on the second end face. The longitudinal axis can correspond to the vertical axis of the cylindrical collecting container.

The separation unit further comprises a filter module arranged in the collection container, which is designed to filter out particles from the suction air flow. The collection area of the collection container can adjoin the surface of the filter module. In other words, the surface of the filter module can represent a boundary of the collection area. The surface of the filter module can correspond to the outer surface of a cylinder, in particular a circular cylinder. The collection area can thus be arranged in a ring around the filter module.

The surface of the filter module can be formed by a sieve (or a lint filter). The sieve can enclose a dust filter.

The suction air flow can pass from the suction mouth of the suction device into the collecting container, in particular into the collecting area of the collecting container. The suction air flow can then pass through the surface of the filter module towards the central longitudinal axis of the filter module. The particles are retained by the filter module. After passing through the filter module, the suction air flow can be directed to the fan of the suction device and out of the suction device. Within the collecting area of the collecting container, the suction air flow can have a cyclone-like flow pattern around the (central) longitudinal axis.

The separation unit further comprises a stripping element which is designed to be moved (along the longitudinal axis) over the surface of the filter module in order to clean the surface of the filter module. The stripping element can comprise a stripping ring, in particular a stripping ring which (partially or completely) encloses the outer surface of the (cylindrical) filter module in the circumferential direction.

The surface of the filter module may have a certain total length along the longitudinal axis. The scraper element may extend along the longitudinal axis over a length that corresponds to 20% or less (e.g. between 2% and 10%) of the total length. This can cause significant movement of the scraper element to thoroughly clean the surface of the filter module.

The stripping element can have a spatial extension of 0.5 cm or more in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the stripping element can be designed in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis in such a way that the stripping element transports dirt particles from the collection area of the collection container to the lid of the collection container when the stripping element is moved to the second end face of the surface of the filter module or the collection container.

Thus, a scraper element, in particular a scraper ring, can be provided which ensures thorough cleaning of the filter module and the collection area of the collection container.

The separation unit can further comprise a coupling element connected to the stripping element, which is designed to be detachably connected to a complementary coupling element of an actuating element (for a user of the suction device), so that the stripping element can be moved (along the longitudinal axis) over the surface of the filter module by the actuating element connected to the coupling element. The coupling element can be designed to bring about the detachable connection to the complementary coupling element of the actuating element by means of a magnetic force and/or by means of a locking with the complementary coupling element of the actuating element and/or by means of a bayonet lock.

By providing a coupling element for a detachably coupled actuating element for actuating the scraper element, a particularly convenient and thorough cleaning of the separation unit can be made possible.

At least one guide rail (running along the longitudinal axis) for guiding the movement of the stripping element can be arranged on the inside of the collecting container facing the collection area. The stripping element can have a guide element, e.g. a slotted nut, which interacts with the guide rail to guide the movement of the stripping element (along the longitudinal axis). This allows a particularly reliable movement of the stripping element along the longitudinal axis and thus a particularly reliable cleaning of the separation unit.

As already explained above, the surface of the filter module can extend along the longitudinal axis from the first end face, which faces the fan of the suction device during operation of the suction device, to the second end face, which faces the lid of the collecting container.

The stripping element can be designed in such a way that the stripping element can be moved by the actuating element connected to the coupling element along the longitudinal axis from a suction position, in which the stripping element is arranged on the first end face of the surface of the filter module, to an end position, in which the stripping element is arranged on the second end face of the surface of the filter module. A movement along the entire surface of the filter module can thus be brought about in order to enable particularly thorough cleaning of the separation unit.

The stripping element can be designed in such a way that the front side of the stripping element facing the lid of the collecting container overlooks at least in some areas the second end face of the surface of the filter module towards the lid of the collecting container. The front side of the stripping element can, for example, run obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. A stripping element designed in this way can achieve particularly thorough cleaning of the filter module.

The coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that a force in the first direction, in particular in the forward direction (from the first end face to the second end face of the filter module) can be caused by the actuating element connected to the coupling element, so that the stripping element is moved in the first direction (along the longitudinal axis) over the surface of the filter module. Furthermore, the coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that a force in the opposite second direction, in particular in the backward direction (from the second end face to the first end face of the filter module) can be caused by the actuating element connected to the coupling element, so that the stripping element is moved in the second direction over the surface of the filter module.

This makes it possible to create a coupling with the actuating element, which allows the stripping element to be pushed (in the first direction) and pulled (in the second direction) by the actuating element. This makes it particularly easy to clean the separating unit.

The coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that a force with a movement value in the second direction, in particular in the reverse direction, can be caused by the actuating element connected to the coupling element, and as a result the stripping element is moved (in particular pulled) in the second direction over the surface of the filter module. Furthermore, the coupling element of the separation unit can be designed such that a force with a decoupling value that is greater than the movement value can be caused in the second direction, in particular in the reverse direction, by the actuating element connected to the coupling element, and as a result the actuating element is released from the coupling element.

This enables a user to decouple the actuating element from the separation unit by appropriately dosing their force. This can further increase the comfort of the separation unit.

According to a further aspect, a further separation unit for a suction device is described. It should be noted that the The features of a separation unit described above are also applicable to this separation unit individually and/or in combination.

As already explained, the separation unit comprises a collecting container with a collecting area for receiving particles from a suction air flow of the suction device. The separation unit also comprises a filter module arranged in the collecting container, which is designed to filter out particles from the suction air flow.

The surface of the (cylindrical) filter module can have at least one (guide) groove running along the longitudinal axis. As already explained above, the filter module can have a sieve with a support structure. The one or more (guide) grooves can be arranged in the support structure of the sieve. The one or more (guide) grooves can each extend from the first end face to the second end face of the surface of the filter module.

The separation unit further comprises a stripping element which is designed to be moved along the longitudinal axis over the surface of the filter module (e.g. by an actuating element) in order to clean the surface of the filter module. As already explained, the stripping element can comprise a stripping ring, in particular a stripping ring which encloses the outer surface of the filter module in the circumferential direction.

The stripping element can have at least one rib which engages in the corresponding groove on the surface of the filter module when the stripping element moves along the longitudinal axis. The engagement of the rib in the groove can be effected along the entire movement of the stripping element (in particular along the entire length of the filter module from the suction position to the end position). The rib can be arranged on the inside of the stripping element facing the filter module.

A separation unit with a stripping element is thus described, which has at least one rib that engages in a groove of the filter module. This can bring about a particularly reliable movement of the stripping element. Furthermore, This means that hair is removed from the surface of the filter module in a particularly reliable manner.

The surface of the filter module can have a plurality of grooves running along the longitudinal axis, which are arranged at different locations, in particular evenly distributed, along the circumferential direction of the surface of the filter module. The stripping element can correspondingly have a plurality of ribs for the plurality of grooves. In this case, one rib can engage in a corresponding groove (in a one-to-one relationship).

By providing multiple grooves and ribs, the movement of the scraper element and the cleaning of the filter module can be further improved.

The one or more ribs can each be designed as a knife on the front side facing the lid of the collecting container, in particular as a knife for cutting through hair. This can further improve the removal of hair from the separating unit.

The separation unit can comprise an actuating element (which can be detachably coupled if necessary) which is designed to act on the stripping element in order to move the stripping element along the longitudinal axis over the surface of the filter module. The actuating element can comprise a rod (running along the longitudinal axis) with a handle, wherein the rod can be moved along the longitudinal axis by the handle in order to move the stripping element along the longitudinal axis (between the suction position and the end position) over the surface of the filter module. By providing an actuating element, the comfort of the separation unit can be further increased.

The separation unit can have a web that extends along the longitudinal axis from the first end face of the filter module (which faces the fan of the suction device) away from the filter module. The actuating element can be arranged in the web, in particular movably mounted. This can bring about a particularly reliable movement of the stripping element for cleaning the separation unit.

The actuating element can be designed to be moved from a starting position along the first direction, in particular along the forward direction, in order to move the stripping element from the suction position along the first direction over the surface of the filter module.

Furthermore, the actuating element can comprise a spring module, in particular a (return) spring, which is designed to automatically move the actuating element along the opposite second direction, in particular along the reverse direction, back to the starting position in order to move the stripping element back into the suction position. This can bring about an automatic return of the stripping element. In this way, the comfort of the separation unit can be further increased.

According to a further aspect, a suction device is described which comprises a separation unit described in this document. The suction device further comprises a base unit with a fan which is designed to generate the suction air flow through the separation unit.

The suction device may further comprise an actuating element. As already explained above, the actuating element may comprise a rod with a handle, wherein the rod can be moved along the longitudinal axis in order to move the scraping element of the separation unit (along the longitudinal axis).

The actuating element can have a coupling element for coupling the actuating element with the coupling element of the separation unit. The actuating element can be integrated into the base unit, for example. The suction device can be designed in such a way that the separation unit can be removed from the base unit. The actuating element can remain on the base unit if necessary. This enables particularly convenient handling of the separation unit.

As already explained above, the actuating element can be designed to be moved from a starting position along the first direction, in particular along the forward direction, in order to move the stripping element from the suction position along the first direction over the surface of the filter module.

Furthermore, the actuating element can comprise a spring module, in particular a (return) spring, which is designed to automatically move the actuating element along the opposite second direction, in particular along the reverse direction, back to the starting position in order to move the stripping element back into the suction position. This can bring about an automatic return of the stripping element. In this way, the comfort of the suction device can be further increased.

It should be noted that any aspects of the separation units and/or suction devices described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the patent claims can be combined with one another in a variety of ways.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Figur 1a

eine beispielhafte Saugvorrichtung mit einer Abscheideeinheit, die einen Abstreifring aufweist;

Figur 1b

die Saugvorrichtung aus Fig. 1a mit einer an dem Abstreifring angekoppelten Betätigungsstange;

Figur 1c

die Saugvorrichtung aus Fig. 1a, bei der der Abstreifring in einer Abstreifstellung angeordnet ist;

Figur 2a

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Saugvorrichtung aus Fig. 1a;

Figur 2b

die Saugvorrichtung aus Fig. 2a mit einer angekoppelten Stange;

Figur 2c

die Saugvorrichtung aus Fig. 2a, bei der der Abstreifring in einer Abstreifstellung angeordnet ist;

Figur 3a

die Saugvorrichtung aus Fig. 1a mit einer entkoppelten Abscheideeinheit;

Figur 3b

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Saugvorrichtung aus Fig. 3a;

Figur 4a

eine Saugvorrichtung mit einem Abstreifring, der ein oder mehrere Abstreifrippen aufweist;

Figur 4b

die Saugvorrichtung aus Fig. 4a, bei der der Abstreifring in der Endstellung angeordnet ist;

Figur 5a

eine beispielhafte Abscheideeinheit, bei der der Abstreifring in der Saugstellung angeordnet ist;

Figur 5b

die Abscheideeinheit aus Fig. 5a, bei der der Abstreifring in der Endstellung angeordnet ist;

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Abscheideeinheit aus Fig. 5a;

Figur 7a

die Abscheideeinheit aus Fig. 5a in einer Seitenansicht;

Figur 7b

einen Querschnitt der Abscheideeinheit aus Fig. 7a; und

Figur 7c

eine Detailansicht eines Ausschnitts aus Fig. 7b.

Showing:

Figure 1a

an exemplary suction device with a separation unit having a scraper ring;

Figure 1b

the suction device Fig. 1a with an actuating rod coupled to the scraper ring;

Figure 1c

the suction device Fig. 1a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in a scraping position;

Figure 2a

a perspective view of the suction device Fig. 1a ;

Figure 2b

the suction device Fig. 2a with a coupled rod;

Figure 2c

the suction device Fig. 2a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in a scraping position;

Figure 3a

the suction device Fig. 1a with a decoupled separation unit;

Figure 3b

a perspective view of the suction device Fig. 3a ;

Figure 4a

a suction device with a scraper ring having one or more scraper ribs;

Figure 4b

the suction device Fig. 4a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in the end position;

Figure 5a

an exemplary separation unit in which the scraper ring is arranged in the suction position;

Figure 5b

the separation unit Fig. 5a , in which the scraper ring is arranged in the end position;

Figure 6

a perspective view of the separation unit Fig. 5a ;

Figure 7a

the separation unit Fig. 5a in a side view;

Figure 7b

a cross-section of the separation unit Fig. 7a ; and

Figure 7c

a detailed view of a section of Fig. 7b .

As stated at the beginning, this document is concerned with enabling a particularly convenient and reliable cleaning of the separating unit of a suction device. In this context, Fig. 1a an exemplary suction device 100, in particular a hand-held vacuum cleaner, with a separation unit 150. The separation unit 150 comprises a, possibly cylindrical, collecting container 102 with a lid 104, which is arranged e.g. on an end face or front side of the collecting container 102 and which can be opened in order to empty the collecting container 102. In the center of the collecting container 102 there is typically arranged a filter module 105 which is designed to separate dirt and/or dust particles from the suction air flow 121, 122, 123 of the suction device 100. The filter module 105 can be cylindrical. The dirt and/or dust particles can be collected in an annular collection area 103 of the collecting container 102 around the filter module 105.

The suction device 100 comprises a blower 107, which is designed to cause the suction air flow 121, 122, 123 through the suction device 100, in particular through the separation unit 150. The suction air flow 121 passes through a suction mouth 101 of the suction device 100 into the collection container 102, in particular into the collection area 103 of the collection container 102. In the collection container 102, the suction air flow 122 is guided through the filter module 105, in particular sucked, so that the dirt and dust particles are separated from the suction air flow 122 and collected in the collection area 103. After passing through the filter module 105, the suction air flow 123 reaches the blower 107 and is blown out of the suction device 100 there.

As stated above, emptying and/or cleaning the separation unit 150 may be perceived as inconvenient by a user of the suction device 100. For example, it may be necessary to place the suction device 100 with the lid 104 of the collection container 102 open over a trash can and shake it to remove the dirt and dust from the collection area 103. Furthermore, it may be necessary to remove the filter module 105 from the collection container 105 by hand.

In the Fig. 1a The suction device 100 shown comprises a scraper ring 106 (generally a scraper element) which is arranged around the (cylindrical) filter module 105. The scraper ring 106 can be movably arranged on the filter module 105 such that the scraper ring 106 can be moved along the longitudinal or vertical axis of the filter module 105 in order to clean the surface of the filter module 105. The filter module 105 can have a first end face or end side which faces the fan 107 and a second end face or end side which faces the lid 104 of the collecting container 102. The scraper ring 106 can be designed to be moved along the longitudinal axis from a suction position (on the first end face of the filter module 105) to an end position (on the second end face of the filter module 105).

When the scraper ring 106 moves from the suction position to the end position, the scraper ring 106 acts mechanically on the surface of the filter module 105, thereby removing protective and/or dust particles from the surface of the filter module 105. This allows for convenient cleaning of the filter module 105.

The scraper ring 106 can have a certain spatial extension in the radial direction (radial to the longitudinal axis). If necessary, the scraper ring 106 can extend in the radial direction from the surface of the filter module 105 to the inside of the wall of the collecting container 102. In other words, the scraper ring 106 can extend over the entire (annular) cross section of the collecting area 103. In this way, the movement of the scraper ring 106 from the suction position to the end position can cause the dirt and dust arranged in the collecting area 103 to be drawn towards the lid 104 of the collecting container 102 and out of the collection container 102. This allows the collection container 102 to be thoroughly emptied.

The fan 107 and the suction mouth 101 can be arranged on a base unit 140 of the suction device 100. The base unit 140 can further have a handle 108 that allows a user to hold the suction device 100 (with one hand). The handle 108 can be arranged behind or downstream of the fan 107 with respect to the flow direction of the suction air flow 123. The handle 107 and the suction mouth 101 can be formed by a housing of the base unit 140 of the suction device 100.

The suction device 100, in particular the separation unit 150, comprises a rod 110, via which a movement of the scraper ring 106 can be effected. The rod 110 can be arranged along the longitudinal axis and/or in relation to the flow direction of the suction air flow 123 behind the scraper ring 106, so that the scraper ring 106 can be pushed by the rod 110 from the suction position to the end position. The rod 110 can, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1a shown, in a guide 112, e.g. in a guide channel, on the housing of the suction device 100, in particular the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. Furthermore, a handle 111 can be arranged on the rod 110, which allows a user to act on the rod 110 in order to move the rod 110 along the longitudinal axis and thus to cause a movement of the scraper ring 106 from the suction position to the end position. The rod 110 and/or the handle 111 can generally be referred to as an actuating element.

The rod 110 can be connected and/or coupled to the scraper ring 106 via a coupling 113, which can preferably be decoupled. The provision of a coupling 113 makes it possible to decouple the separation unit 150 from the suction device 100 while leaving the rod 110 (inside the guide 112) on the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. The coupling 113 can, for example, have a mechanical and/or magnetic coupling mechanism.

Fig. 1a shows the clutch 113 in an open state, so that the rod 110 and the scraper ring 106 are decoupled from each other. Fig. 1b shows the coupling 113 in a closed state so that the rod 110 is coupled to the scraper ring 106 and can thus cause a movement of the scraper ring 106 along the longitudinal axis. Fig. 1c shows the scraper ring 106 in a scraper position between the suction position and the end position. Furthermore, Fig. 1c how by pushing the rod 110 forward (towards the lid 104 of the collecting container 102) the scraper ring 106 can be moved from the suction position to the end position. It should be noted that in Fig. 1c the scraper ring 106 is additionally shown in the original suction position.

The coupling 113 is preferably designed such that the scraper ring 106 can be moved back to the suction position via the rod 110. The coupling 113 can thus also be designed for tensile forces along the longitudinal axis. The tensile forces that can be absorbed can be sufficiently high to be able to pull the scraper ring 106 to the suction position using the rod 110. Furthermore, the tensile forces that can be absorbed can be sufficiently low to enable the user to decouple the rod 110 from the scraper ring 106 by moving the rod 110 further beyond the suction position.

Figures 2a to 2c show perspective views of the suction device 100 with opened coupling 113 ( Fig. 2a ), with the clutch 113 closed and with the scraper ring 106 in the suction position ( Fig. 2b ), and with the scraper ring 106 in a scraping position (between the suction position and the end position).

In the Figures 3a and 3b illustrates how the separation unit 150 can be separated from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. A first coupling element 301 of the coupling 113 can be arranged on the rod 110. Furthermore, a second coupling element 302 of the coupling 113 can be arranged on the scraper ring 106. The two coupling elements 301, 302 can be connected to one another in order to close the coupling 113. Furthermore, the two coupling elements 301, 302 can be separated from one another in order to open the coupling 113. The two coupling elements 301, 302 can each comprise a (permanent) magnet. Alternatively or additionally, the two coupling elements 301, 302 can be designed to be mechanically complementary to one another in such a way that a (detachable) locking connection can be formed by the two coupling elements 301, 302.

Such as Fig. 1a can be seen, the scraper ring 106 can be designed such that the front side of the scraper ring 106 facing the lid 104 of the collecting container 102 runs obliquely (with respect to the longitudinal axis 201). On the other hand, the rear side of the scraper ring 106 facing away from the lid 104 can run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 201. This enables an end position of the scraper ring 106 in which the front side of the scraper ring 106 protrudes at least partially over the outer surface of the filter module 105 along the longitudinal axis, while the rear side of the scraper ring 106 is still arranged on the outer surface of the filter module 105. In this way, a particularly reliable cleaning of the outer surface of the filter module 105 can be achieved. Furthermore, the dirt in the collection area 103 of the collecting container 102 can be pressed out of the collection area 102 in a particularly reliable manner.

The slanted front side 406 of the scraper ring 106 is particularly evident in Fig. 4a to see. Furthermore, Fig. 4b the scraper ring 106 in the end position, and it can be seen that the front side 406 of the scraper ring 106 extends at least partially beyond the outer surface of the filter module 105.

In the Figures 4a and 4b In the suction device 100 shown, the rod 110 for actuating (in particular for moving) the scraper ring 106 is arranged in a lower region of the housing of the base unit 140. Furthermore, a guide rail 401 (e.g. in the form of a groove) for guiding the scraper ring 106 is arranged on the inside of the wall of the collecting container 102. The scraper ring 106 has a guide element 402 (e.g. a slotted nut) by means of which the scraper ring 106 can be moved along the guide rail 401 between the suction position and the end position. By providing a guide rail 401, the reliability of the movement of the scraper ring 106 can be increased.

In the Figures 5a and 5b the separating unit 150 is shown decoupled and/or removed from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. In Fig. 5a the scraper ring 106 is in the suction position (for suction operation) and in Fig. 5b the scraper ring 106 is in the end position (for cleaning the separator unit 150).

The separation unit 150 has a web 502 that extends along the longitudinal axis 201 away from the first end face or end side of the collecting container 102. The rod 110 and the rod handle 111 for actuating (in particular for causing a movement) the scraper ring 106 are arranged in the web 502. The web 502 can have a length along the longitudinal axis 201 that is large enough that the scraper ring 106 can be pushed over the entire length of the outer surface of the filter module 105 by pushing the rod handle 111. The base unit 140 can have a recess for receiving the web 502 of the separation unit 150.

Fig.6 shows the separation unit 150 from the Figures 5a and 5b in a perspective view.

The filter module 105 can have at least one groove 416, which is arranged on the outer surface of the filter module 105 and which runs along the longitudinal axis 201 between the first and the second end face or end side of the filter module 105. Furthermore, the scraper ring 106 can have at least one rib 616 on the inner side facing the outer surface of the filter module 105, which rib engages in the groove 416 of the outer surface of the filter module 105 (see Fig. 6, and Figures 7a , 7b and 7c ).

The rib 616 engaging in the groove 416 ensures that hair and/or threads that have wrapped around the outer surface of the filter module 105 are reliably pushed away from the outer surface of the filter module 105 when the scraper ring 106 is moved from the suction position to the end position. The scraped-off hair and/or threads are pushed in particular towards the first end surface of the filter module 105 and beyond the first end surface through the cover 104 out of the dust container 102. This makes it possible to clean the filter module 105 particularly conveniently.

Fig. 7b shows a sectional view through the collecting container 102 and through the filter module 105 along the Fig. 7a displayed cutting surface AA, which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 201. In the example shown, the filter module 105 comprises a cylindrical sieve 702 (which is also referred to as a lint filter). The sieve 702 surrounds a fan-shaped dust filter 701. In the outer surface of the sieve 702, in particular in the support structure of the sieve 702, one or more grooves 416 which each run along the longitudinal axis 201. On the inside of the scraper ring 106, one or more corresponding ribs 616 can be arranged, which engage in the corresponding one or more grooves 416.

This document therefore describes an ejection mechanism for ejecting dirt from the collection container 102, which also enables the removal of the collection container 102 and the filter module 105 from the suction device 100, in particular from the base unit 140 of the suction device 100. For this purpose, the ejection rod 110 can be completely detached from the collection container 102 and from the ejection and/or scraper ring 106 and/or can be decoupled and/or uncoupled. The ejection rod 110 can be integrated in the base unit 140 of the suction device 100 and/or movably mounted.

At the rear end of the ejection rod 110 (where the rear end faces away from the collecting container 102) a handle 111 can be arranged, which allows a user to push the rod 110 forward (towards the collecting container 102). The rod 110 can be pushed back by means of a (return) spring 114 (see Fig. 1b ) in their starting position (wherein the starting position of the rod 110 corresponds to the suction position of the scraper ring 106). The spring 114 can be designed to automatically return the rod 110 to the starting position after actuation of the ejection mechanism.

By operating the rod 110 (i.e. by pushing the rod 110 forwards), a cover of the filter module 105 and/or the collection container 102 can be opened if necessary, and the rod 110 can be caused to couple to the ejection and/or scraper ring 106 via a coupling 113 (e.g. by means of a magnet, a bayonet lock and/or a latch). By further pushing the rod 110 and the ejection and/or scraper ring 106 (i.e. the ejection mechanism) forwards, the dirt in the collection area 103 of the collection container 102 is pushed forwards and out of the opened closure flap 104 of the collection container 102. At the same time, the lint filter 702 of the filter module 105 is cleaned, so that subsequent removal of hair or other dirt is not necessary.

When the handle 111 of the ejection rod 110 is released, the ejection rod 110 returns to its starting position due to the restoring force of the spring 114, thereby moving the ejection and/or scraper ring 106 back to the suction position. The ejection rod 110 then decouples from the ejection and/or scraper ring 106 if necessary, so that the collection container 102 can be removed from the base unit 140 if necessary (and the rod 110 remains on the base unit 140).

The speed of the emptying process can be controlled (by the user) to minimize the formation of a dust cloud. The emptying process takes place while the collection container 102 is arranged on the suction device 100. On the other hand, the decoupling of the ejection rod 110 allows the collection container 102 to be detached from the suction device 100 if necessary. This enables hygienic removal of the filter module 105, since the filter module 105 can be pulled out from behind (i.e. over the dust-free area). This also enables easy maintenance of the filter module 105.

This enables improved handling during an emptying process of a removable (cycletech and/or cyclone-based) collection container 102. For this purpose, a compression, scraping and/or ejection element 106 is provided for the accumulated dust within the collection container 102. The ejection rod 110 can be decoupled and/or uncoupled between the manual handle (e.g. the handle 111) of the rod 110 and the scraper ring 106 of the collection container 102.

In the working or suction position, the handle or the actuating element 110, 111 can be separated from the compression, stripping or ejection element 106. The handle or the actuating element 110, 111 can only be coupled to the compression, stripping or ejection element 106 during a compression, stripping or ejection process. As a result, in a removal position of the dust separation unit 150, the handle or the actuating element 110, 111 can remain in the base body 140 of the suction device 100, so that no free-standing element hinders the handling of the dust separation unit 150 during emptying. In particular, this can ensure that the removed dust separation unit 150 has no protruding actuating element 110, 111.

A bagless dust separation unit 150 with a stripping element 106 for cleaning a cylindrical filter module 105 is thus described. The stripping element 106 can be moved by an actuating element 110, 111, wherein the actuating element 110, 112 can be coupled to or decoupled from the stripping element 106. The coupling point or coupling 113 can be arranged at the transition of the dust separation unit 150 to the base unit 140, so that there is no protrusion on the dust separation unit 150.

The scraper ring 106 can have one or more ribs 616 that protrude into the lint filter 702. This can provide a reliable (longitudinal) guide for the scraper ring 106. Furthermore, the one or more ribs 616 can ensure that hair is stripped off. This can thus remove hair from the filter unit 105 while simultaneously guiding the scraper ring 106. In other words, a rotation-proof (in particular one that cannot be rotated about the longitudinal axis) arrangement of a scraper ring 106 for cleaning a cylindrical filter module 105, in particular a lint filter 702, can be provided.

For this purpose, at least one guide groove 416 can be provided on the cylindrical filter 105 of the separation unit 150. This reliably prevents a rotational movement between the scraper ring 106 and the filter 105. The actuating element 110, 111 for the scraper ring 106 can be arranged off-center and/or axially movable. The scraper ring 106 can have at least one rib 616 that engages in the groove 416 on the filter 105. This groove 416 ensures reliable guidance of the scraper ring 106 during a cleaning process. Furthermore, a safe removal of dirt particles separated on the filter 105 and/or wrapped hair can be achieved, which can be completely scraped off into the collection area 103 of the collection container 102.

The filter module 105 preferably has a free filter end (on the front side facing the cover 104) so that the stripped hair can fall off the filter module 105.

A knife for cutting through the hair can be arranged on the front of the slide or on the rib 616. In particular, a rib 616 can be designed as a knife. In this way, wrapped hair can be cut through when the stripping ring 106 moves and removed from the filter module 105 with increased reliability. Furthermore, tensioning of the wrapped hair can be avoided, so that the force required to move the stripping ring 106 can be reduced.

A plurality of grooves 416 can be formed on the circumference of the filter module 105. Furthermore, the scraper ring 106 can have a plurality of ribs 616. In this way, the guidance of the scraper ring 106 can be further improved. In particular, tilting of the scraper ring 106 can be reliably avoided.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are only intended to illustrate the principle of the proposed separation units 150 and/or suction devices 100.

List of reference symbols

100

Suction device

101

Suction mouth

102

Collection container

103

Collection area

104

Lid (flap)

105

Filter module

106

Scraper element (scraper ring)

107

fan

108

Handle

110

pole

111

Handle

112

Guide (rod)

113

coupling

114

Spring module (spring)

140

Base unit

150

Separation unit

201

Longitudinal axis

301, 302

Coupling element

401

Guide rail

402

Guide element

406

Front (scraper element)

416

Guide groove

502

web

616

rib

701

dust filter

702

Sieve (lint filter)

Claims (15)

Separation unit (150) for a suction device (100); wherein the separation unit (150) comprises - a collecting container (102) with a collecting area (103) for receiving particles from a suction air stream (121, 122, 123) of the suction device (100); - a filter module (105) arranged in the collecting container (102) which is designed to filter out particles from the suction air flow (121, 122, 123); wherein the collecting region (103) adjoins a surface of the filter module (105); - a scraping element (106) which is designed to be moved over the surface of the filter module (105) in order to clean the surface of the filter module (105); and - a coupling element (302) connected to the stripping element (106) and designed to be detachably connected to a complementary coupling element (301) of an actuating element (110, 111), so that the stripping element (106) can be moved over the surface of the filter module (105) by the actuating element (110, 111) connected to the coupling element (302). Separation unit (150) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling element (302) is designed such that the actuating element (110, 111) connected to the coupling element (302) - a force can be applied in a first direction, in particular in a forward direction, so that the stripping element (106) is moved in the first direction over the surface of the filter module (105); and - a force can be caused in an opposite second direction, in particular in a backward direction, so that the stripping element (106) is moved in the second direction over the surface of the filter module (105). Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (302) is designed such that the actuating element (110, 111) connected to the coupling element (302) - a force with a movement value in one direction, in particular in a backward direction, can be caused, and thereby the stripping element (106) is moved in this direction over the surface of the filter module (105); and - a force with a decoupling value which is greater than the movement value can be caused in the direction, in particular in the backward direction, and thereby the actuating element (110, 111) is released from the coupling element (302). Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (302) is designed to effect a detachable connection with the complementary coupling element (301) of the actuating element (110, 111), - by means of a magnetic force; and/or - by means of a locking mechanism with the complementary coupling element (301) of the actuating element (110, 111); and/or - using a bayonet lock. Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the surface of the filter module (105) corresponds to the surface of a cylinder, in particular a circular cylinder; and - the scraper element (106) comprises a scraper ring, in particular is a scraper ring which encloses the outer surface of the filter module (105) in the circumferential direction. Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the surface of the filter module (105) extends along a longitudinal axis (201) from a first end face, which faces a fan (107) of the suction device (100) during operation of the suction device (100), to a second end face, which faces a lid (104) of the collecting container (102); and - the stripping element (106) is designed such that the stripping element (106) can be moved by the actuating element (110, 111) connected to the coupling element (302) along the longitudinal axis (201) from a suction position in which the stripping element (106) is arranged on the first end face of the surface of the filter module (105), to an end position in which the stripping element (106) is arranged on the second end face of the surface of the filter module (105). Separation unit (150) according to claim 6, wherein the stripping element (106) is designed such that a front side (406) of the stripping element (106) facing the lid (104) of the collecting container (102) overlooks at least partially over the second end face of the surface of the filter module (105) towards the lid (104) of the collecting container (102). Separation unit (150) according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein - the stripping element (106) has a spatial extension of 0.5 cm or more in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis (201); and/or - the stripping element (106) is designed in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis (201) such that dirt particles are transported by the stripping element (106) from the collection area (103) of the collection container (102) to the lid (104) of the collection container (102) when the stripping element (106) is moved towards the second end face of the surface of the filter module (105). Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one guide rail (402) for guiding the movement of the stripping element (106) is arranged on an inner side of the collecting container (102) facing the collecting region (103). Separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation unit (150) is designed as a cyclone separator. Suction device (100) comprising - a separation unit (150) according to one of the preceding claims; - a base unit (140) with a fan (107) designed to generate a suction air flow (121, 122, 123) through the separation unit (150); and - an actuating element (110, 111) with a coupling element (301) for coupling the actuating element (110, 111) with the coupling element (302) of the separation unit (150). Suction device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the actuating element (110, 111) is integrated into the base unit (140). Suction device (100) according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the actuating element (110, 111) comprises a rod (110) with a handle (111) which can be moved along a longitudinal axis (201) in order to move the stripping element (106) of the separation unit (150). Suction device (100) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein - the actuating element (110, 111) is designed to be moved from a starting position along a first direction, in particular along a forward direction, in order to move the stripping element (106) from a suction position along the first direction over the surface of the filter module (105); and - the actuating element (110, 110) comprises a spring module (114), in particular a spring, which is designed to automatically move the actuating element (110, 111) along an opposite second direction, in particular along a reverse direction, back to the starting position in order to move the stripping element (106) back into the suction position. Suction device (100) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the suction device (100) is designed such that the separation unit (150) can be removed from the base unit (140), while the actuating element (110, 111) remains on the base unit (140).

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