DE102008030707A1 - Vacuum cleaner dust collection chamber has an opening at the base in front of the filter, for dust removal, activated on diversion of the flow from the normal outflow - Google Patents

Abstract

The dust collection chamber (9), in an electric vacuum cleaner (1), has a filter (14) between the inflow (11) and outflow (17) openings. An opening (20) to empty the collected dust is at the chamber base (12) in front of the filter, in the flow direction. To empty the dust chamber, a suction flow is directed through the emptying opening by switching the suction fan (8) from a normal flow through the outlet opening.

Description

The Invention relates first a method of operating a dust collecting chamber for an electric operated vacuum cleaner such as household vacuum cleaner or self-propelled suction device, wherein the chamber has an inlet opening and an outlet opening further comprising a filter element between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is arranged.

at electrically operated household vacuum cleaners or self-propelled suction devices, so-called vacuum robots, it is known about a device constructed in the Suction air flow floors suck. This is the dust and dirt particles afflicted Suction air stream sucked through a dust collection chamber to separate the particles, this under the entry of the suction air flow in the dust collection chamber through an inlet opening. In Enforcement viewed in front of the outlet opening, through which the air flow by means of the suction fan is sucked, a separating filter element is provided. Fine particles stick to the filter surface, while larger and heavier particles fall off in the dust collection chamber. Builds in the course of suction processing the filter element due to the large number of fine particles Filter cake on the filter element, so it falls according to gravity into the dust collection chamber.

in the With regard to the known prior art is a technical Problem of the invention seen therein, a method of in question standing style improved educate such that for the user a cheap, In particular, hygienically improved handling can be achieved.

These Problematic is first and substantially solved by the subject-matter of claim 1, wherein it is pointed out that further in the direction of flow before the filter element and associated with a chamber floor arranged a Staubentleerungsöffnung is and that in the vacuum cleaning operation, the dust-laden air through the Inlet opening and the filter element in the outlet opening is sucked and that upon initiation of the chamber emptying operation additionally to the suction through the inlet opening and the outlet opening via the dust discharge opening a Suction takes place. According to the proposed method, a favorable, so on in particular for the user achieves hygienic emptying of the dust collection chamber. About the further provided dust discharge opening is the in the dust collection chamber separated dirt from the dust collection chamber is sucked for disposal, wherein in the course of emptying suction at the same time the usual Saugluftdurchsetzung the dust collecting chamber through the inlet and the outlet opening maintained what is the complete Emptying the dust collection chamber favors. The dust collection chamber is penetrated accordingly in the course of emptying the dust from two suction air flows, which also dust and dirt particles from corners and thus from areas, which are not directly in Saugstromweg the discharge flow cleared Service.

Further Features of the invention are below, also in the figure description, often in their preferred assignment to the subject of the claim 1 or explained features of further claims. But you can also in an assignment to only individual features of the claim 1 or the respective further claim or in each case independently of Meaning.

When special advantage proves in the proposed method a development in which the chamber emptying two stages is carried out, wherein in a second stage of the chamber emptying the blower for sucking over the outlet opening is switched off and only an extraction via the discharge opening takes place. In a first stage of Kammerentlee tion acts in addition to the dust discharge flow also the further maintained Saugluftströmung, through the inlet opening and the outlet opening passed through the dust collection chamber is. this leads to to a turbulence in the dust collection chamber, in particular on the bottom of the chamber located dust and dirt particles, which Vortex formation of corners or the like in the dust collecting chamber favors. After this stirring up the particle is after switching off the blower for suction on the outlet only the suction over the discharge opening active, the dust discharge volume flow through the outlet opening, this opposite to the usual operation passing through into the dust collecting chamber, the filter element interspersed and cleared out the dust collection chamber over the dust discharge opening exit. The extracted dirt is collected in an external container.

It is further provided that in chamber emptying operation, the inlet opening is reduced, in particular in the course of the first stage of chamber emptying. As a result, a vortex formation within the dust collecting chamber is favored with a further present suction flow between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The inlet opening is more preferably initially open at the chamber emptying operation. With transition to the second stage of chamber evacuation, the inlet opening is closed and switched off the usual Saugbetrieb Saugluftströmung. The outlet opening of the dust collection chamber remains independent of the selected operating state, and also independent always open from the respective stage of the chamber emptying, is used in the second stage of chamber emptying as Staubsammelkammer-inlet opening for the Staubentleerungsstrom. Since the latter, in particular in the second stage of the chamber emptying is opposite to the usual flow in the vacuum cleaning operation, according to the chamber emptying operation, further in particular in the second stage of the chamber emptying operation, the filter element flows through so that adhering particles are released from this and the same if transported away for disposal. According to the proposed method, a cleaning of the filter element is achieved in the chamber emptying operation in addition to emptying the dust collection chamber at the same time.

moreover It is preferred that the suction into the chamber and the emptying suction each below the height level the filter element is made. So are further preferred the inlet port for sucking into the chamber and the dust emptying opening for Chamber emptying approximately on one level, more preferably on one level arranged common horizontal plane, this more preferred opposite however, offset each other while the outlet opening, d. H. the blower for the usual Vacuum cleaning operation facing chamber opening in a plane above the Inlet and dust discharge opening is formed, wherein further the filter element in a plane between outlet opening and inlet and outlet openings extends.

at in the course of the chamber emptying operation at least in the first Level-built vortex in the dust-collecting chamber becomes the Coriolis force used. The vector of this cleaning power is perpendicular to the vortex rotation axis. The dust discharge opening of the dust collecting chamber is positioned so that the vector of Coriolis force towards this points.

The The invention further relates to a dust collection chamber for a electrically operated vacuum cleaners such as household vacuum cleaners or self-propelled suction device, the chamber having an inlet opening and having an outlet opening, further wherein between the inlet opening and the outlet opening Filter element is arranged.

Dust collection chambers the type in question are known as described above.

in the With regard to the known prior art is a technical Problem seen in this, a dust collection chamber in an advantageous Way to further improve, especially in terms of a Great Handling by the user, further in particular with regard to a hygienic handling.

These Problematic is first and substantially solved by the subject-matter of claim 6, wherein is pointed out that further in the flow direction in front of the filter element and associated with a chamber floor arranged a Staubentleerungsöffnung is, with the inlet opening in terms of their opening cross-section depending on one Suction for emptying the chamber via the discharge opening is reducible. In the course of the suction for chamber emptying works first, preferably over one Period of a few seconds, for example three to ten seconds, preferably five Seconds, the usual in Saugsaugbetrieb prevailing suction air flow. This one comes through the inlet opening into the dust collecting chamber and over the outlet opening under Interposition of the filter element. The cross section reduction the inlet opening causes vortex formation in the dust collecting chamber, causing the Dirt and dust particles are whirled up from the bottom of the chamber. The emptying flow passing through the dust collecting chamber at the same time leads the discarded particles for disposal in an external container. By that is, the intake port cross-section reduction provoked turbulence will also be corners or so-called dead spaces in the dust collection chamber cleared according to which a complete Emptying is achieved, so at least on particles, the according to the acting air currents are aufwirbelbar. Reduction of an opening cross-section of inlet apertures starts immediately with the chamber emptying operation. The reduction This can be done abruptly, for example by reducing the opening cross-section to half the area. In this context is also conceivable, the opening cross-section gradually shrinking in the course of the chamber emptying operation, this further in the prescribed time window of a few seconds.

Further Features are below, also in the figure description, often in its preferred assignment to the subject of claim 6 or to features of further claims explained. You can but also in an assignment to only individual features of the claim 6 or the respective claim or each independently Meaning.

Thus, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the subject invention that the inlet opening can be reduced down to a closure. The closure of the inlet opening takes place in a preferred embodiment after the expiration of the time window of a few seconds, after which sufficient turbulence in the Staubsammelkam mer located dirt and dust particles is reached. Thereafter, only the chamber discharge stream, which continues to occur after preferred switching off of the vacuuming operation air flow through the outlet opening of the dust collection chamber into the latter and is discharged by clearing the dust collection chamber via the dust discharge opening.

A Further development of the subject invention provides that the inlet opening and the discharge opening offset in a projection on a bottom surface of the dust filter chamber are arranged to each other such that the vector according to vortex formation acting Coriolis force when aligned perpendicular to the same The axis of rotation of the vortex points in the direction of the discharge opening. Such is the discharge opening in projection on the chamber floor opposite to the inlet opening, However, laterally offset to this provided. It is further preferred in this regard that the inlet opening and the discharge opening are arranged horizontally the same, one of the inlet cross-section intersecting Horizontal plane also cuts the cross section of the discharge opening. Favor is a horizontal plane above the inlet opening and the discharge opening arranged the filter element. The outlet opening to the blower for the vacuum cleaning operation is included in the flow direction Vacuum cleaning operation above the filter element.

The airflows for vacuuming operation and for emptying the dust collecting chamber can from just one fan, For example, generated by the located in the vacuum cleaner or suction fan be. Preferred is an embodiment in which the device side fan only to build up the air flow in the vacuum cleaning operation or for Structure of the air flow in the first stage of chamber evacuation to flow through the inlet and outlet is being used. For chamber emptying and appropriate construction of a airflow through the discharge opening is a separate fan provided, which further preferably externally, for example in a Emptying station to which the vacuum cleaner or the suction device can be assigned is, provided, in which station at the same time also a disposal chamber provided for receiving the extracted dust and dirt particles is.

below the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which only an embodiment represents, closer explained. It shows:

1 an electrically operated vacuum cleaner in the manner of an automatically movable suction device in assignment position to a discharge station;

2 the schematic section along the line II-II in 1 ;

3 in a schematic perspective view of the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner in Staubsaugbetrieb;

4 the schematic section along the line IV-IV in 3 ;

5 one of the 3 corresponding representation concerning a first stage of a chamber discharge operation;

6 the schematic section along the line VI-VI in 5 ;

7 another one 3 corresponding representation, but concerning the second stage of the chamber emptying operation;

8th the schematic section according to the line VIII-VIII in 7 ,

Shown and described is first with reference to 1 an automatically movable suction device 1 with a chassis 2 and one the chassis 2 covering hood 3 ,

The Device points in the illustrated embodiment a circular floor plan.

The chassis floor 4 passes through a transverse to the usual direction of travel r aligned, rotatable about a horizontal axis brush 5 , This is used for brushing the floor to be cleaned. The over the brush 5 dissolved dirt, becomes a suction channel 6 fed. The brush 5 lies here in a downwards opening to the nurturing floor suction mouth 7 one.

The in suction mode in the suction channel 6 prevailing suction air flow is established by means of a suction device in the 1 integrated suction fan 8th , This is fed via a not shown, continue in the suction device 1 recorded accumulator, which also serves to feed electric motors for driving not shown traversing wheels.

The dissolved dirt and dust particles are transmitted via the suction air stream, the suction channel 6 passing through a dust collecting chamber 9 fed. This is designed rectangular in plan in the illustrated embodiment.

The dust collection chamber 9 points in the area of a side wall 10 an inlet opening 11 on. At this closes chamber outside the suction channel 6 at. Next is the inlet opening 11 near the ground, ie the chamber floor 12 assigned in the sei tenwand 10 formed, this further associated with a corner region between the side wall 10 and the subsequent, perpendicular thereto aligned rear wall 13 ,

Vertically offset to the chamber floor 12 is above the inlet opening 11 a filter element 14 supported. This is preferably a filter element 14 from a nonwoven material or the like.

The filter element 14 extends in a parallel plane to the chamber floor 12 , the dust collection chamber into a lower raw air space 15 and an upper clean air space 16 subdividing.

In the aforementioned back wall 13 is assigned to the clean air space 16 , ie in vertical extension of the dust collection chamber 9 above the filter element 14 an outlet opening 17 intended. This is chamber outside via a fan duct 18 with the suction fan 8th fluidly.

The side wall 10 opposite side wall 19 is with a dust discharge opening 20 Mistake. This is with respect to a vertical distance to the chamber floor 12 in a common horizontal plane to the inlet opening 11 provided, but this to the inlet opening 11 offset such that the dust discharge opening 20 a corner between side wall 19 and the back wall 13 opposite end wall 21 assigned.

To the dust discharge opening 20 closes chamber outside a drain channel 22 at. This is the hood 3 of the suction device 1 passed through to the outside and is further, although not shown, in the usual suction operation of the suction device 1 locked.

In assignment to a disposal station 23 dives into this drainage channel 22 a suction channel section 24 sealingly. The latter is fluidly connected to one in the disposal station 23 provided Saugebläse 25 , The power supply of the suction fan 25 is via an electrical connection 26 reached.

In the disposal station 23 is still a disposal chamber 27 provided, whose volume is preferably a multiple of the dust collection chamber volume of the suction device 1 equivalent.

In the usual suction operation, shown schematically in the 3 and 4 , is via the device-side suction fan 8th an airflow generated by the suction channel 6 , the inlet opening 11 passing through the dust collection chamber 9 , continue into the raw air 15 is guided. After passing through the filter element 14 is the airflow, the outlet opening 17 passing through to the suction fan 8th guided. The air flow direction is indicated in the illustrations by the arrow a.

The with the air flow through the suction channel 6 entrained dust and dirt particles experienced in enforcement of the dust collection chamber 9 , in particular of the raw air space 15 an acceleration. In addition, this affects the weight. As a result, particles that are entrained by the air flow do not adhere to the filter element settle on the chamber bottom 12 from. In the course of the usual suction processing, the particularly heavier debris collects preferably opposite the inlet opening 11 , It collects in the course of the suction processing upstream of the filter element 14 a multitude of fine particles, which over time form a filter cake, which by gravity on the bottom of the chamber 12 drops.

The cleaning or emptying of the dust collection chamber 9 by means of the disposal station 23 takes place in the assignment position of suction device 1 and disposal station 23 according to the representations in the 1 and 2 two stages. So is first on the device-side suction fan 8th a through the inlet opening 11 and the outlet opening 17 guided usual suction air flow (arrow a) produced, this under cross-section reduction of the inlet opening. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, a slide 28 provided, located partially in front of the inlet opening 11 puts. The displacement of the slider 28 Preferably takes place automatically via an actuator as soon as the emptying process is started.

Due to the reduced inlet cross-section is within the dust collection chamber 9 , in particular within the raw air space 15 generates a vortex W. This will cause the on the chamber floor 12 deposited dust and dirt particles within the upward through the filter element 14 limited raw air space 15 stirred up in such a way that also particles from dead areas such as in particular corner areas are cleared out. The simultaneous discharge flow (arrow b), generated by the suction fan 25 the disposal station 23 , leads to a removal of the fluidized particles for separation in the station-side disposal chamber 27 , Consequently, in a first stage (shown schematically in FIGS 6 and 7 ) two volume flows simultaneously on the dirt and dust particles, this preferably over a period of five seconds.

This is followed by the second stage of the chamber discharge operation, in which the inlet opening 11 through the slider 28 completely ge is closed and the device-side suction fan 8th is switched off. Accordingly, in the second stage of the chamber emptying operation, only the emptying flow of the station-side suction fan acts 25 , wherein the device-side suction fan 8th associated outlet opening 17 via the switched off suction fan 8th serves to suck in the air. This is where the filter element becomes 14 flows through against the usual suction air, so that the underside of the filter element 14 adhering dust and dirt particles are released by the drainage stream and transported away.

All disclosed features are (for itself) essential to the invention. In the disclosure of the application will hereby also the disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (Copy of the advance notice) fully included, too for the purpose, features of these documents in claims present Registration with.

1

suction device

2

chassis

3

Hood

4

chassis ground

5

brush

6

suction

7

saugmund

8th

aspirator

9

Dust collection chamber

10

Side wall

11

inlet port

12

chamber floor

13

rear wall

14

filter element

15

raw air

16

Clean air chamber

17

outlet

18

fan duct

19

Side wall

20

Dust discharge opening

21

bulkhead

22

drain channel

23

disposal station

24

Suction channel section

25

aspirator

26

Electrical connection

27

waste chamber

28

pusher

W

whirl

a

flow direction

b

drain current

Claims (9)

Method for operating a dust chamber ( 9 ) for an electrically operated vacuum cleaner, such as household vacuum cleaner or self-moving suction device ( 1 ), wherein the dust collecting chamber ( 9 ) an inlet opening ( 11 ) and an outlet opening ( 17 ), wherein further between the inlet opening ( 11 ) and the outlet opening ( 17 ) a filter element ( 14 ) is arranged, characterized in that further in the flow direction (a) in front of the filter element ( 14 ) and associated with a chamber floor ( 12 ) a dust discharge opening ( 20 ) is arranged and that in the vacuum cleaning operation, the dust-laden air through the inlet opening ( 11 ) and the filter element ( 14 ) in the outlet opening ( 17 ) and that upon initiation of the chamber emptying operation in addition to the suction through the inlet opening ( 11 ) and the outlet opening ( 17 ) via the dust discharge opening ( 20 ) an extraction takes place. A method according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the chamber emptying is carried out in two stages, wherein in a second stage of the chamber emptying the suction fan ( 8th ) for sucking off via the outlet opening ( 17 ) and only one suction via the dust discharge opening ( 20 ) he follows. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that in the case of chamber emptying operation the inlet opening ( 11 ) is reduced. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that in the case of chamber emptying operation the inlet opening ( 11 ) only initially open. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the suction into the dust collecting chamber ( 9 ) and the emptying suction below the height level of the filter element ( 14 ) is made. Dust collection chamber ( 9 ) for an electrically operated vacuum cleaner, such as household vacuum cleaner or self-moving suction device ( 1 ), wherein the dust collecting chamber ( 9 ) an inlet opening ( 11 ) and an outlet opening ( 17 ), wherein further between the inlet opening ( 11 ) and the outlet opening ( 17 ) a filter element ( 14 ) is arranged, characterized in that further in the flow direction (a) in front of the filter element ( 14 ) and associated with a chamber floor ( 12 ) a dust discharge opening ( 20 ), wherein the inlet opening ( 11 ) with regard to their opening cross section as a function of a suction for emptying the chamber via the dust discharge opening ( 20 ) is reducible. Dust-collecting chamber according to claim 6 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the inlet opening ( 11 ) is down to a closure reducible. Dust-collecting chamber according to one or more of claims 6 to 7 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the inlet opening ( 11 ) and the dust discharge opening ( 20 ) in projection on the chamber floor ( 12 ) the dust collecting chamber ( 9 ) are offset from one another. Dust-collecting chamber according to one or more of claims 6 to 8 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the inlet opening ( 11 ) and the dust discharge opening ( 20 ) are arranged the same horizontally.