EP1656872A2 - Vacuum cleaner, cyclone separator and cyclone for vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A cyclone (42) located upstream of the filter element (56) includes a dip (or riser) pipe (48) connecting them (42, 56). The filter element is above the cyclone and in a variant, the pipe (48) widens like a funnel, above the cyclone. More than one cyclone may be included. A mechanical cleaning system is provided for the filter; this is electrically- or pneumatically operated. The cyclone design is elaborated and claimed separately.

Description

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a dirt collecting container which surrounds a dirt collecting space and is in flow communication with a suction inlet and a suction unit, and with at least one filter element arranged in the flow path from the dirt collecting container to the suction unit, to which a filter cleaning device is assigned.

Vacuum cleaners are increasingly being used in combination with a power tool, for example a grinding or milling device, in order to be able to suck off the large quantities of dust accumulated during the use of the power tool and to be able to transfer them to the dirt collecting space. However, the large amounts of dust have the result that the at least one filter element of the vacuum cleaner is added within a short time by deposit on the surface of the filter element dirt particles and lead to an increasing pressure loss through the filter element. It must therefore be interrupted in many cases after a relatively short time, the suction operation for cleaning the filter element.

To counteract this problem, known vacuum cleaners often include a filter cleaning device with which the at least one filter element can be cleaned, for example, by means of a vibrator or a foreign air flowing through the filter element against the flow direction prevailing during the suction operation. Such vacuum cleaners are known for example from DE 298 23 411 U1. Although the filter element can be cleaned by means of a filter cleaning device, in this case the suction operation must either be completely interrupted for filter cleaning or the suction operation can be performed during filter cleaning only with reduced suction power.

There are also vacuum cleaners are known in which instead of a filter element, which must be traversed by the suction air and deposited on the dirt particles contained in the suction air, a centrifugal separator is used to separate dirt and dust from the suction air. Centrifugal separators are usually referred to as cyclones. The use of a cyclone has the advantage that even with large amounts of dust a continuous suction operation can be carried out, since no increasing pressure loss forms within the cyclone, as is the case with a filter element. However, the use of a cyclone often leads only to an insufficient separation of dust and dirt from the suction air.

Object of the present invention is to develop a vacuum cleaner of the type mentioned in such a way that large amounts of dust can be sucked without the risk of constipation exists.

This object is achieved in a vacuum cleaner of the generic type according to the invention that upstream of the at least one filter element at least one cyclone is arranged with a dip tube, via which the at least one cyclone is in flow communication with the filter element.

In the vacuum cleaner according to the invention thus two successively arranged in the flow direction of separation devices are used, namely on the one hand, the at least one cyclone and the other the downstream Filter element. The flow connection between the cyclone and the at least one filter element via the dip tube of the cyclone. It has been shown that thereby the flow resistance of the suction flow on the way from the cyclone to the filter element can be kept particularly low. Since the suction air flowing to the filter element has already been at least partially freed of dirt and dust in the upstream cyclone, the filter element is exposed to a reduced dust load. The filter element is associated with a Filterabreinigungsvorrichtung by which the filter element can be cleaned, if this should be necessary despite the upstream cyclone, for example, for a long period of operation with very large accumulating dust.

The vacuum cleaner according to the invention is thus characterized by a very high level of effectiveness, so that it can be used in particular in combination with a power tool, the use of which involves very large amounts of dust. The amounts of dust can be effectively sucked off, whereby it is only necessary after relatively large periods of time to clean the filter element by means of the filter cleaning device.

As low it has been found to arrange the filter element above the at least one cyclone. Thereby, the assembly of the vacuum cleaner can be simplified.

It is advantageous if the dip tube extends funnel-shaped above the cyclone. In the widening region of the dip tube, the suction air flowing through undergoes a reduction in speed, which already results in a separation effect, so that inside the funnel shape widening portion of the dip tube can deposit a part of the entrained dirt and dust particles.

In a structurally particularly simple embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention, the dirt collecting container forms an outer wall of the cyclone. In such an embodiment, the dirt collecting container on the one hand surrounds the dirt collection in which deposited dirt and dust particles can be accumulated, on the other defines the dirt collector the outer wall of the cyclone, so that the sucked into the dirt collecting suction air within the dirt collection carries out a swirling motion and consequently entrained Dirt and dust particles are exposed to a centrifugal force.

A particularly effective separation of dirt and dust particles is achieved in an advantageous embodiment in that the cyclone has a cylindrical outer wall which is disposed within the dirt collecting container. It can be provided that the cylindrical outer wall can be inserted into the dirt collecting container, wherein it forms an independently manageable unit.

In a preferred embodiment, upstream of the filter element, a cyclone separation device is arranged with a housing which accommodates the at least one cyclone and surrounds at least one separation space for dirt particles separated by the cyclone from the suction air.

In such an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner on three successive Abscheidestufen, wherein the at least one filter element the represents last separation stage and therefore is charged only with a relatively small amount of dust.

The first separation stage can be formed by the dirt collecting space into which the suction air laden with dirt and dust can enter via the suction inlet. Larger dirt particles are deposited due to the gravity acting on them within the dirt collecting space.

To enhance the gravitational separation, an air guiding element and / or at least one baffle plate may be arranged in the dirt collecting space, with the aid of which an abrupt reduction in the flow velocity of the suction air laden with dirt and dust can be achieved.

As a second separation stage, the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung can be used with the at least one cyclically separated from the dirt collecting chamber cyclone, which is associated with a separation chamber, which is separated from the dirt collecting space through the housing of Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung. Within the cyclone there is a centrifugal separation in that the suction air flowing into the cyclone rotates within the Zykons with high angular velocity, so that the entrained with the suction air dirt particles are subjected to a centrifugal force and thus deposited on the wall of the cyclone. The deposited dirt particles are deposited in the separation chamber of the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung, while the suction air having only a very small amount of ultrafine dust is supplied to the at least one downstream of the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung arranged filter element.

As already explained, the filter element can form a third separation stage. Since coarser dirt particles have already been deposited in the dirt collecting space by the action of gravity and a further portion of the entrained by the suction dirt particles were separated by the cyclone from the suction air, the filter element is subject to only a relatively low dust load, so that even with high amounts of dust be absorbed by the vacuum cleaner according to the invention, the risk of clogging of the at least one filter element is considerably reduced. However, the use of the filter element ensures that the exhaust air leaving the vacuum cleaner carries virtually no fine dust with it.

It is not absolutely necessary that the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung downstream of the dirt collecting chamber is related to the flow direction of the suction air. It can also be provided that the sucked suction air is first supplied to the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung over the suction inlet and thus subjected to a centrifugal separation in a first separation stage, then followed by a gravity separation in the cyclone downstream of the dirt collecting chamber. However, an embodiment such that the cyclone separation device is arranged in the flow path from the dirt collection chamber to the filter element is preferred.

In a particularly compact construction embodiment, it is provided that the cyclone separation device is arranged in the dirt collecting container.

In order to be able to empty the separation chamber of the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung in a simple manner, it is advantageous if the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung can be suspended in the dirt collecting container. It can be removed for emptying the separation chamber in a simple way the dirt collector and then hooked into this again.

In an advantageous embodiment, the cyclone separating device forms an insert which can be inserted into the dirt collecting container. For example, it may be provided that the housing of Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung is configured bucket-shaped and can be used from above into the dirt collecting. An outer edge extending at least along a partial region of the outer circumference of the housing can rest on an upper edge of the dirt collecting container. Preferably, the housing of the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung a handle on for removal of the insert from the dirt collector.

An increased separation efficiency can be achieved by virtue of the fact that the vacuum cleaner according to the invention has at least two cyclones. It can be provided that the two cyclones are connected in series with respect to the flow direction of the suction air. In such an embodiment, the suction air flows successively through both cyclones, wherein each of them is subjected to a centrifugal force separation. The two cyclones can be integrated into a common Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least two cyclones are connected in parallel with one another. This makes it possible to subject even very high volume flows of suction air within a short time of centrifugal separation by the suction air is divided into two parts, which are each passed through one of the two cyclones.

The at least two cyclones may be assigned a common separation space to which the dirt particles deposited in the respective cyclone can be supplied. It is advantageous, however, if each of the at least two cyclones is assigned a separate separation chamber. As a result, a higher degree of separation can be achieved because the suction air flows within the two cyclones can not influence each other.

The at least one cyclone is preferably vertically aligned in the operating position of the vacuum cleaner, so that by gravity, an emptying of the cyclone is supported.

A particularly effective centrifugal separation can be achieved in that the at least one cyclone has a relation to the central axis of the cyclone tangentially, spirally or helically extending input line through which the suction air can be fed to the cyclone. Such a configuration also has the advantage that, when two cyclones are arranged next to one another, the respective inlet lines opening into the cyclone can have a relatively large distance from each other. As a result, a gap is created between the two input lines, in which, for example, the suction unit of the vacuum cleaner can dip. The vacuum cleaner can be made particularly compact despite the use of two cyclones.

To enhance the degree of separation, it is advantageous if at least one cyclone has an apex cone. This can cause the vortex-shaped movement the suction air are reinforced within the cyclone, so that entrained dirt particles are subjected to a particularly high centrifugal force.

The boundary wall of the at least one cyclone is designed in a conventional manner, for example, a hollow cylinder and / or hollow truncated cone, wherein immersed in the interior of the cyclone, the dip tube through which the suction air can flow out of the cyclone. If an apex cone is used, it is arranged on the end of the hollow body formed by the cyclone facing away from the dip tube.

Within the at least one cyclone, the suction air forms a vortex along the central axis of the cyclone housing. The dip tube connects colinearly to the central axis of the cyclone housing. This has the consequence that the suction air also carries out a vortex movement within the dip tube. It is therefore advantageous if a flow-guiding element is arranged in the dip tube for transferring the swirling motion of the suction air into a linear movement. This makes it possible to convert at least part of the rotational energy of the outflowing suction air into pressure energy. Thus, for example, be provided that the flow guide has two diametrically extending transverse walls.

Preferably, at the entrance of the at least one cyclone, a coarse dirt filter, such as a network or a grid, arranged with the help of which it is ensured that larger dirt particles can not penetrate into the at least one cyclone.

According to the invention, a filter cleaning device is associated with the at least one filter element of the vacuum cleaner. As a result, dirt particles that are deposited on the filter element can be cleaned in a simple manner. It is advantageous if the filter cleaning device mechanically cleans the at least one filter element. For example, it may be provided that the filter element is designed as a pleated filter, which can be cleaned by means of a slider which is arranged transversely to the filter element transversely to the longitudinal direction of the folds.

It is particularly advantageous if the filter device cleans the filter element automatically, because this simplifies the handling of the vacuum cleaner.

It may be provided, for example, that the filter element is swept by means of the filter cleaning device in the counterflow direction of foreign air. The external air flowing through the filter element as a result of the suction operation of the vacuum cleaner in the flow direction triggers off this adhering dirt particle. Preferably, the external air is supplied to the filter element abruptly, so that the filter element experiences a shock due to the applied external air, through which the cleaning of the filter is amplified.

As external air stored in a pressure accumulator and in the filter cleaning abruptly in the counterflow direction through the filter led compressed air can be used. It is advantageous if the vacuum cleaner for filling the pressure accumulator comprises a compressed air generator, preferably a diaphragm pump.

It is advantageous if the filter cleaning device can be activated by the user of the vacuum cleaner. The user can thereby determine when a cleaning of the filter should take place, the filter cleaning itself can then be carried out without the assistance of the user.

For example, it may be provided that the filter cleaning device is electrically activated by the user.

To be particularly favorable, a pneumatic activation of the filter cleaning device has proven. The latter can take place in that a valve is arranged at a suction nozzle which can be connected via a suction hose to the suction inlet of the vacuum cleaner, with the aid of which the user can close a flow passage of the suction nozzle. This has the consequence that within a short time in the filter element adjacent region of the vacuum cleaner forms a high negative pressure, since this area is pumped from the suction unit, without that suction air is supplied. Due to the high negative pressure, a valve element arranged downstream of the filter element can then abruptly assume its open position, so that external air can be supplied via the valve element to the at least one filter element which flows through the filter element in the countercurrent direction. If the user releases the flow passage of the suction nozzle again, then suction air can flow into the vacuum cleaner and the negative pressure prevailing in the area of the filter element is reduced so that the valve element automatically moves into its closed position, in which it prevents the supply of external air.

It is particularly advantageous if the vacuum cleaner has a filter dirt space arranged upstream of the at least one filter element and separated from the dirt collecting space, into which at least part of the scrap particles detached from the filter element by means of the filter cleaning device can be transferred. Dirt particles accumulating during filter cleaning can be collected in the filter dirt compartment, which can be emptied by the user as required.

Preferably, the filter dirt compartment is formed in an insert which can be inserted into the dirt collecting container.

It is advantageous if the filter dirt compartment is separated from a separation chamber which is assigned to the at least one cyclone.

The filter dirt compartment is preferably arranged next to the separation chamber. This allows a particularly compact design of the vacuum cleaner, the user can easily determine the level of the separation chamber and the Filterschmutzraumss, since they are arranged side by side.

As already explained, it is advantageous if the cyclone separating device forms an insert which can be inserted into the dirt collecting container. It is favorable in this case if the filter dirt compartment is integrated into the insert. As a result, the emptying of the filter dirt compartment and the separation chamber can be simplified; for this purpose, it is only necessary to remove the insert from the dirt collection container.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least part of the dirt particles detached from the filter element can be fed to the filter soil via a slide track. The slideway forms a chute, which can be arranged below and upstream of the filter element, so that at least a portion of the detaching from the filter element during the filter cleaning dirt particles impinge on the slideway and slide along this and fall into the filter dirt compartment.

When using a Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung this is preferably at least partially covered by the slide. This allows a particularly compact design of the vacuum cleaner.

It can be provided that the dip tube of the at least one cyclone opens into the slideway. The slideway is preferably arranged in the vertical direction between the cyclone and the filter element.

A simple assembly and disassembly of the vacuum cleaner can be achieved in that the slide is held on an attachable to the dirt collector retaining ring. By removing the retaining ring, the dirt collecting space of the dirt collecting container is easily accessible to the user.

The retaining ring may have a ceiling wall which covers the dirt collecting space and on which preferably also the slideway is fixed.

In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum cleaner has a suction head which can be placed on the retaining ring or on the dirt collecting container and in which the suction unit and the at least one filter element are arranged.

It is particularly advantageous if the vacuum cleaner can be operated optionally with and without cyclone or Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung. If the vacuum cleaner operated without Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung, so this can be removed in an advantageous embodiment of the vacuum cleaner and the suction head are placed directly on the dirt collector. If the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung be used, so it is preferred for this purpose only to remove the suction head from the dirt collecting, use the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung in the dirt collecting and first on this set up above the retaining ring with the slide and then to assemble the suction head on the retaining ring. The retaining ring is thus arranged between the dirt collecting container and the suction head and the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung immersed in the dirt collecting a.

The cyclone and / or the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung can be configured as an accessory for the vacuum cleaner. The invention therefore also relates to a cyclone and a Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung for a vacuum cleaner, which has a dirt collecting container, a suction unit and at least one arranged in the flow path from the dirt collecting the suction unit filter element, which is preferably associated with a Filterabreinigungsvorrichtung, wherein the cyclone or Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung an independently manageable Component forms. The Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung comprises a housing which receives at least one cyclone and surrounds at least one separation chamber for by means of the cyclone separated from the suction air Dirt particles, wherein the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung is insertable in the dirt collecting container. The Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung can be configured according to the above explanations. It is preferably used when high dust levels are to be extracted by means of the vacuum cleaner.

It can also be provided that only one cyclone or several cyclones are designed as an insert which can be inserted into the dirt collecting container.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugers im Saugbetrieb;

Figur 2:

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Staubsaugers aus Figur 1 während einer Filterabreinigung;

Figur 3:

eine schaublidliche Darstellung des Schmutzsammelbehälters des Staubsaugers aus Figur 1 mit eingesetztem Gehäuse einer Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung;

Figur 4:

eine schaubildliche Darstellung des Gehäuses der Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung gemäß Figur 3;

Figur 5:

eine schaubildliche Darstellung eines Halterings mit angeformter Gleitbahn des Staubsaugers aus Figur 1;

Figur 6:

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugers im Saugbetrieb;

Figur 7:

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugers im Saugbetrieb und

Figur 8:

eine schematische Darstellung einer vierten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Staubsaugers im Saugbetrieb.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention in the suction operation;

FIG. 2:

a schematic sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 during a filter cleaning;

FIG. 3:

a schaublidliche representation of the dirt collection container of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 with inserted housing a Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung;

FIG. 4:

a perspective view of the housing of Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung according to Figure 3;

FIG. 5:

a perspective view of a retaining ring with molded slideway of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1;

FIG. 6:

a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention in the suction operation;

FIG. 7:

a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention in the suction mode and

FIG. 8:

a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention in the suction mode.

A first embodiment 10 of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a dirt collecting container 12 designed in the manner of a bucket on which a retaining ring 14 is placed, which in turn carries a suction head 16.

The dirt collecting container 12 has a suction inlet 18 with a suction nozzle 19 to which a flexible hose 20 is connected in the usual way. The hose 20 carries at its free end a known per se and therefore only schematically illustrated suction nozzle 21 in which a user operable flap valve 22 is arranged.

In the flow direction 24 of the suction air, a manifold 25 connects to the suction nozzle 19, which dips into the dirt collecting chamber 26 surrounded by the dirt collecting container 12.

In the dirt collecting 12 an independently manageable Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung 28 is used, which has a bucket-shaped housing 30 which is shown diagrammatically in Figure 4. The housing 30 can be inserted into the dirt collecting container 12, wherein it is seated with an outwardly facing edge portion 31 on the free end edge 33 of the dirt collecting container 12. By means of a first intermediate wall 35 and a second intermediate wall 36 extending perpendicularly to the latter, the housing 30 is subdivided into three housing subregions, wherein a rear portion facing away from the suction inlet 18 forms a filter dirt compartment 38 explained in greater detail below, while the remaining two housing subregions each have a separation space 39 or 40 of the cyclone separation device 28.

The two separation chambers 39, 40 each receive a cyclone 42, which is shown in Figures 1 and 2. It comprises a hollow cylindrical cyclone housing 43, which is in fluid communication with the dirt collecting space 26 via an inlet line 44, which opens tangentially into the cyclone housing 43. At the free end of the input line 44, a coarse dirt filter is arranged in the form of a grid 45. At its end facing away from the inlet line 44, the cyclone housing 43 carries an apex cone 46, by means of which the vortex-shaped flow of the suction air introduced into the cyclone housing 43 is intensified. In the cyclone housing 43 immersed in the axial direction of a dip tube 48 via which the suction air flows out of the cyclone housing 43. At its end region immersed in the cyclone housing 43, the dip tube 48 carries a flow-guiding element in the form of two diametrically extending guide plates 49, 50 oriented perpendicular to one another.

The dip tubes 48 of the two cyclones 42, which are each arranged in a separation chamber 39 and 40, open into a cyclone separator 28 disposed above the slide 52, which is integrally formed on the retaining ring 14 and oriented obliquely to the vertical. The retaining ring 14 carries a ceiling wall 53 which covers the dirt collecting space 26 and is integrally connected to the slide 52.

In the flow direction 24 of the suction air is followed by the slide 52, a filter element 56, which is designed as a folded filter and held on the suction head 16 which is placed on the retaining ring 14. The filter element 56 defines on the underside a filter chamber 57, which is covered on the upper side by a cover plate 58 and is connected via a suction channel 59 with a suction head 16 held in the suction unit 60 in flow communication.

The cover plate 58 separates the filter chamber 57 from an external air chamber 63, which is in fluid communication with an inlet opening 65 of the suction head 16 via a supply air channel 64.

The cover plate 58 has an opening 67 which can be tightly closed on the underside by means of a valve plate 69 arranged in the filter chamber 57. The valve plate 69 is held on a plunger 70, which passes through the opening 67 and at its end facing away from the valve plate 69 carries a permanent magnet 71. The plunger 70 is displaceable in the vertical direction together with the valve plate 69 and the permanent magnet 71 and is acted upon by means of a coil spring 73 with a spring force in the direction of the opening 67. The coil spring 73 is interposed between the valve plate 69 and a retaining plate defined in the valve chamber 57 74 clamped, and within the external air chamber 63, a cooperating with the permanent magnet 71 permanent magnet 76 is fixed.

The valve plate 69 can be moved back and forth between a closed position shown in Figure 1, in which it bears tightly against the opening 67, and an open position shown in Figure 2, in which it is positioned at a distance from the aperture 67. In the closed position of the valve plate 69 of the permanent magnet 71 is applied to the permanent magnet 67, while the permanent magnets 71 and 67 are arranged in the open position of the valve plate 69 at a distance from each other.

If the suction unit 60 is put into operation, suction air can be sucked into the dirt collecting space 26 via the suction nozzle 21, the suction line 20, the suction nozzle 19 and the manifold 25. The laden with dirt suction air experiences within the dirt collecting space 26, a gravity separation, with large dirt 78 deposited in the dirt collecting space 26. The suction air then flows through a cyclone 42, wherein it is subjected to a centrifugal force separation and fine dirt 80 is separated due to the acting centrifugal force of the suction air. The fine dirt accumulates in the respective separation chamber 39 or 40 of the cyclone 42.

From the respective cyclone 42, the suction air flows via the dip tube 48 to the filter element 56 and then via the valve chamber 57 and the suction channel 59 to the suction unit 60. From the suction unit 60, the suction air can then be discharged via an outlet channel 82 to the environment.

Fine dust, which still carries the suction air when leaving the cyclone 42, is separated by means of the filter element 56 from the suction air. During the suction operation of the vacuum cleaner 10 therefore deposits on the slide 52 facing the underside of the filter element 56 fine dust. A large part of the entrained entrained dirt particles, however, is already deposited in the dirt collecting space 26 and in the separation chamber 39 and 40, so that the filter element 56 even with a high accumulating amount of dust to be sucked by the vacuum cleaner 10, only after a relatively long period of operation gradually added.

The filter element 56 can be cleaned automatically. For this it is only necessary that the user closes the flapper valve 22 at the suction nozzle 21. Due to the suction effect of the active suction unit 60, an increasing negative pressure then forms in the filter chamber 57, so that the valve plate 69, which closes the opening 57 tightly during the suction operation, is subjected to an increasing pressure load and finally abruptly from its closed position shown in FIG is moved to its open position shown in Figure 2, in which it releases the opening 67. The pressure difference in the region of the valve plate 69 is so large by the strong reduction of the pressure in the region of the filter chamber 57, that the holding forces by the permanent magnets 71, 76 and the coil spring 73 is no longer sufficient to keep the valve plate 69 in the closed position. The opening takes place abruptly, since the valve plate 69 restoring force is given substantially only by the coil spring 73, because the permanent magnets 71, 76 are in the open position of the valve plate 69 so far apart that they are practically ineffective.

With the transition of the valve plate 69 in its open position, foreign air from the external air chamber 63 can flow into the filter chamber 57 and flow through the filter element 56 in the counterflow direction. This is shown in FIG. The passing foreign air has the consequence that very fine dust 84 separates from the underside of the filter element 56. Due to gravity, the ultrafine dust 84 then strikes the slideway 52 and slides along it. The slideway 52 extends from the underside of the filter element 56 to the upper end region of the filter dirt compartment 38, so that the majority of the particulate matter 84 separating from the filter element 56 can collect in the filter soil compartment 38. A small proportion of the detaching ultrafine dust 84 falls during the filter cleaning in the opening into the slide 52 immersion tubes 58 and through the cyclone 42 through into the respective separation chamber 39 and 40th

The flow through the filter element 56 with external air takes place until the negative pressure in the region of the filter chamber 59 is reduced and the valve plate 69 is automatically moved due to the force acting on them of the coil spring 73 in its closed position. If the user continues to close the suction nozzle 21 by means of the flap valve 22, the cleaning of the filter element 56 is repeated within the filter chamber 57 due to the now re-establishing negative pressure. However, if the user opens the suction nozzle 21, a further suction operation of the vacuum cleaner 10 takes place.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the cyclone separation device 28 is configured as a self-contained assembly. This gives the possibility of the vacuum cleaner 10 both with and without Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung 28 to operate. If the user dispenses with the cyclone separation device 28, this can be removed from the dirt collection container 12 and no use of the retaining ring 14 is required either. The suction head 16 can rather be placed directly on the dirt collecting container 12. Conversely, when using the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung 28, the suction head 16 removed from the dirt collector 12, then the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung 28 inserted into the dirt collector 12 and the retaining ring 14 are placed on the dirt collector 12, and finally it is only necessary, the suction head 16 on the retaining ring 14 to set up. By means of per se known and therefore not shown in the drawing snap elements, the suction head 16, the retaining ring 14 and the dirt collecting 12 can be releasably connected to each other.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention, designated overall by the reference numeral 90, which is designed similarly to the vacuum cleaner 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Therefore, identical components are shown in FIG 7 and 8 described the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 5 and in this respect reference is made to avoid repetition to the preceding explanations.

In the vacuum cleaner 90 shown in Figure 6, no Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung with a separate housing is used, but only a disposed within the dirt collecting space 26 of the dirt collecting container 12 cyclone 91 with a cylindrical outer wall 92, in which the Dip tube 48 dips. The cyclone 91 is in fluid communication with the suction inlet 18 via an inlet conduit 93. The input line 93 opens into the cyclone 91 in a tangential direction, so that the sucked suction air within the cyclone 91 carries out a vortex-shaped movement and due to the acting centrifugal force, dirt and dust particles are deposited in the dirt collecting space 26.

On the side next to the cyclone 91, the previously discussed filter dirt compartment 38 is arranged in the vacuum cleaner 90, which is separated from the dirt collection compartment 26 by a partition wall 94 disposed within the dirt collection container 12.

When vacuum cleaner 90, the sucked by means of the suction unit 60 air is supplied directly to the cyclone 91 and then guided via the dip tube 48 to the filter element 56, which forms a further separation stage in addition to the cyclone 91. The filter element 56 is associated with a Filterabreinigungsvorrichtung in the form of foreign air filled with external air chamber 63 and the closable by means of the valve plate 69 opening 67, which allows a supply of external air to the filter element 56, so that the filter element 56 can be flowed through in the counterflow direction for filter cleaning.

As in the case of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, in the second embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention shown in FIG. 6, instead of a filter cleaning by means of external air, a mechanical filter cleaning device can also be used, with the aid of which the filter element 56 is vibrated or stripped or otherwise cleaned by means of mechanical elements. The same applies to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a third embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention, designated overall by the reference numeral 100, which is designed similarly to the vacuum cleaner 90 shown in FIG. 6. The vacuum cleaner 100 also has a cyclone 91 with a cylindrical outer wall 92 and the cyclone 91 is connected via an input line 93 to the suction inlet 18 in fluid communication. The cyclone 91 of the vacuum cleaner 100 additionally has an apex cone 101, which is held on the outer wall 92 via webs not shown in the drawing and amplifies the turbulence of the suction air within the cyclone 91.

In contrast to the vacuum cleaner 90, the vacuum cleaner 100 shown in FIG. 7 does not have a separate filter dirt compartment 38. From the filter element 56 at a filter cleaning peeling dust and dirt particles are rather collected within the dirt collecting space 26. For this purpose, in the vacuum cleaner 100, a dip tube 102 is used, which has a cylindrical portion 103 immersed in the cyclone 91, to which a in the direction of the filter element 56 conically widening portion 104 connects, the cylindrical portion 103 opposite end of the filter element 56th is covered. The dip tube 102 thus widens in a funnel shape in the direction of the filter element 56, so that the dirt and dust particles detaching from the filter element 56 during filter cleaning are transferred via the funnel-shaped dip tube 102 into the cyclone 91 from which they pass into the dirt collection space 26.

Even with the vacuum cleaner 100 may be provided instead of a filter cleaning by means of external air, a mechanical filter cleaning.

The cyclone 91 may be formed in the vacuum cleaner 100 as a self-hanbhabbare unit that can be used in the dirt collecting 12. For this purpose, it may be provided that the inlet line 93 is detachably connectable to the suction nozzle 19 arranged at the suction inlet 18 by means of connecting means known per se and therefore not illustrated in the drawing. This gives the possibility of putting the vacuum cleaner 100 into operation alternatively with and without cyclone 91.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a fourth embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention, which differs from the vacuum cleaner 100 in that an accessory container 111 adjoins the dirt collection container 12 laterally with an access opening 112 which can be closed by means of a cover 113. Within the accessory container 111, accessories of the vacuum cleaner 110, for example differently designed suction nozzles, can be stored.

In the vacuum cleaner 110, the dirt collecting container 12 is cylindrical in shape and a cyclone 115 is used, the outer wall of which is formed by the jacket 116 of the cylindrical dirt collecting container 12. The dirt collecting container 12 thus has a dual function by defining the dirt collecting space 26 on the one hand and by forming the peripheral wall of the cyclone 115 with its cylindrical shell 116 on the other hand. When vacuum cleaner 110 so the suction air within the Schmutzsammelraumes 26 a vortex-shaped movement, so that due to the centrifugal force acting on them dirt and dust particles are deposited. The dip tube 102 is immersed with its cylindrical portion 103 in the dirt collecting space 26, and via the dip tube 102, the sucked into the dirt collecting space 26 suction air is directed to the filter element 26. The latter can be cleaned by means of external air in the embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 110 shown in FIG. Alternatively, a mechanical cleaning of the filter element 56 can also be used in the vacuum cleaner 110.

Claims (33)

Vacuum cleaner having a dirt collecting container which surrounds a dirt collecting space and is in fluid communication with a suction inlet and a suction unit, and with at least one filter element arranged in the flow path from the dirt collecting chamber to the suction unit, to which a filter cleaning device is assigned, characterized in that upstream of the at least one filter element (56 at least one cyclone (42; 91; 115) is arranged with a dip tube (48; 102) via which the at least one cyclone (42; 91; 115) is in fluid communication with the filter element (56). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter element (56) is arranged above the cyclone (42; 91; 115). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dip tube (102) widens above the cyclone (91; 115) in a funnel shape. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dirt collecting container (12) forms an outer wall (116) of the cyclone (115). Vacuum cleaner according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cyclone (91) has a cylindrical outer wall (92) which is disposed within the dirt collecting container (12). Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that upstream of the at least one filter element (56) a Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung (28) is arranged with a housing (30) which receives at least one cyclone (42) and at least one separation chamber (39, 40) surrounds for by means of the cyclone (42) separated from the suction dirt particles. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, characterized in that the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung (28) is arranged in the flow path from the dirt collecting space (26) to the at least one filter element (56). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung (28) in the dirt collecting container (12) is arranged. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung (28) in the dirt collecting container (12) can be suspended. Vacuum cleaner according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung (28) forms an insertable into the dirt collecting container (12) insert. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner has at least two cyclones (42). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, characterized in that at least two cyclones (42) are connected in parallel to each other. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that each of the at least two cyclones (42) is associated with a separate separation chamber (39 or 40). Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cyclone (42; 91; 115) has an input line (44; 93) running tangentially, spirally or helically relative to the central axis of the cyclone (42; 91; 115). having. Dust suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cyclone (42; 91) has an apex cone (46; 101). Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flow-guiding element (49, 50) is arranged in the immersion pipe (48, 102) of the at least one cyclone (42, 91). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, characterized in that the flow guide element has two diametrically extending transverse walls (49, 50). Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter cleaning device (63, 67, 69) cleans the at least one filter element (56) automatically. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter cleaning device mechanically cleans the at least one filter element (56). Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one filter element (56) can be flowed through by means of the filter cleaning device (63, 67, 69) in the counterflow direction of external air. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter cleaning device (63, 67, 69) by the user of the vacuum cleaner (10) is activated. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 21, characterized in that the filter cleaning device (63, 67, 69) is electrically or pneumatically activatable by the user. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner (10; 90) has a filter dirt compartment (38) arranged upstream of the at least one filter element (56) and separate from the dirt collecting chamber (26), into which at least a part of the filter cleaning device (63, 67, 69) of the at least one filter element (56) detached dirt particles (84) can be transferred. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 23, characterized in that the filter dirt compartment (39) is formed in an insert which can be inserted into the dirt collecting container (12). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the filter dirt compartment (38) is separated from a separation chamber (39, 40) associated with the at least one cyclone (42). Vacuum cleaner according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung (28) forms an insertable into the dirt collecting container (12) insert, in which the filter dirt compartment (30) is integrated. Vacuum cleaner according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that at least a portion of the at least one filter element (56) detached dirt particles (84) via a slide (52) the filter dirt chamber (38) can be fed. Vacuum cleaner according to claim 27, characterized in that the slideway (52) at least partially covers the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung (28). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the slide track (52) is held on a dirt collecting container (12) attachable retaining ring (14). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 29, characterized in that the retaining ring (14) has a top wall (53) which covers the dirt collecting space (26). Vacuum cleaner according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner (10) has a suction head (16) which can be placed on the retaining ring (14) or the dirt collecting container (12) and in which the suction unit (60) and the at least one Filter element (56) are arranged. Cyclonic separating device for a vacuum cleaner which has a dirt collecting container, a suction unit and at least one filter element arranged in the flow path from the dirt collecting container to the suction unit, characterized in that the cyclone separating device (28) forms a component which can be handled independently with a housing (30) containing at least one cyclone ( 42) and at least one separation chamber (39, 40) surrounds by means of the cyclone (42) separated from the suction air dirt particles (80), and that the Zyklonabscheidevorrichtung (28) in the dirt collecting container (12) can be inserted. Cyclone for a vacuum cleaner, a dirt collector, a suction unit and at least one in the flow path from the dirt collector has arranged for suction unit filter element, characterized in that the cyclone (91) forms an independently manageable component, which is insertable into the dirt collecting container (12).

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