DE102008030707B4 - Dust collection chamber and method for operating a dust collection chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a dust collection chamber (9) for an electrically operated vacuum cleaner such as a household vacuum cleaner or self-propelled suction device (1), the dust collection chamber (9) having an inlet opening (11) and an outlet opening (17), further between the inlet opening ( 11) and the outlet opening (17) is arranged a filter element (14), characterized in that a dust discharge opening (20) is arranged further in the flow direction (a) in front of the filter element (14) and assigned to a chamber floor (12) and that in the vacuum cleaning mode the dust-laden air is sucked through the inlet opening (11) and the filter element (14) into the outlet opening (17) and that when the chamber emptying operation is initiated, in addition to the suction through the inlet opening (11) and the outlet opening (17) via the dust emptying opening (20 ) suction takes place.

Description

The invention initially relates to a method for operating a dust collection chamber for an electrically operated vacuum cleaner such as a household vacuum cleaner or a self-propelled suction device, the chamber having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a filter element being arranged further between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

The invention further relates to a dust collection chamber for an electrically operated vacuum cleaner such as a household vacuum cleaner or an automatically movable suction device, the chamber having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a filter element being arranged further between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

In the case of electrically operated household vacuum cleaners or also self-propelled suction devices, so-called suction robots, it is known to vacuum floors via a suction air flow built up in the device. In this case, the dust and dirt particle-laden suction air flow is drawn through a dust collection chamber for separating the particles, this while the suction air flow enters the dust collection chamber through an inlet opening. When viewed in the direction of enforcement, a filter element serving for separation is provided in front of the outlet opening through which the air flow is drawn by means of the suction fan. Fine particles stick to the filter surface, while larger and heavier particles fall off in the dust collection chamber. If a filter cake builds up on the filter element in the course of suction processing on the filter element due to the large number of fine particles, gravity falls into the dust collecting chamber as a result.

Vacuum cleaners with a dust collection chamber are, for example, from the US 6 076 226A . EP 1806 084 A2 and EP 1 806 086 A2 known.

In view of the known state of the art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in improving a method of the type in question in such a way that the user can achieve favorable, in particular hygienically improved handling. In addition, a technical problem is seen in further improving a dust collection chamber in an advantageous manner, in particular with regard to convenient handling by the user, and in particular with regard to hygienic handling.

This problem is first solved in the subject matter of claim 1, with the focus being that a dust discharge opening is arranged further in the flow direction in front of the filter element and assigned to a chamber floor and that in the vacuuming operation the dust-laden air is sucked through the inlet opening and the filter element into the outlet opening and that when the chamber emptying operation is initiated, in addition to the suction through the inlet opening and the outlet opening, suction takes place via the dust emptying opening. As a result of the proposed method, an inexpensive, and in particular hygienic, emptying of the dust collection chamber can be achieved for the user. The dirt that is separated in the dust collection chamber is sucked out of the dust collection chamber for disposal via the further provided dust discharge opening, whereby the usual suction air penetration of the dust collection chamber through the inlet opening and the outlet opening is maintained in the course of the discharge extraction, which favors the complete emptying of the dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamber is accordingly penetrated by two suction air flows in the course of dust emptying, with which dust and dirt particles from corners and thus from areas which are not directly in the suction flow path of the emptying flow have also been cleared out.

This problem is solved with regard to the dust collection chamber in the subject matter of claim 6, with the focus being that a dust discharge opening is arranged further in the flow direction in front of the filter element and assigned to a chamber bottom, the opening cross section of the inlet opening being able to be reduced as a function of suction for chamber discharge via the discharge opening is. In the course of the suction for chamber emptying, the usual suction air flow prevailing in the vacuuming operation initially acts, preferably over a period of a few seconds, for example three to ten seconds, preferably five seconds. This enters the dust collection chamber through the inlet opening and exits through the outlet opening with the interposition of the filter element. The reduction in cross section of the inlet opening causes a vortex formation in the dust collection chamber, as a result of which the dirt and dust particles are whirled up from the chamber floor. The emptying flow which at the same time passes through the dust collection chamber discharges the whirled up particles for disposal in an external container. The turbulence provoked due to the reduction in the cross section of the inlet opening also clears corners or so-called dead spaces in the dust collection chamber, according to which complete emptying is achieved, at least with regard to particles which can be whirled up as a result of the air currents acting on them. The reduction in the opening cross section of the inlet openings starts immediately with the chamber emptying operation. The reduction can be done here abruptly, for example by reducing the opening cross-section to half the area. In this context, it is also conceivable to successively reduce the opening cross section in the course of the chamber emptying operation, this further within the prescribed time window of a few seconds.

In the proposed method, a further development has proven to be particularly advantageous in which the chamber is emptied in two stages, in a second stage of chamber emptying the fan for suctioning is switched off via the outlet opening and only suctioned off via the emptying opening. In a first stage of chamber evacuation, in addition to the dust evacuation flow, the suction air flow which is maintained and which is guided through the inlet opening and the outlet opening through the dust collection chamber also acts. This leads to a swirling of the dust and dirt particles located in the dust collecting chamber, in particular on the chamber floor, which vortex formation favors the removal of corners or the like in the dust collecting chamber. After this swirling of the particles, after switching off the fan for suction via the outlet opening alone, only the suction via the discharge opening is active, the dust-emptying volume flow through the outlet opening, which, contrary to normal operation, enters the dust-collecting chamber, passes through and under the filter element Clear the dust collection chamber through the dust discharge opening. The extracted dirt is collected in an external container.

It is further provided that the inlet opening is reduced in chamber emptying operation, in particular in the course of the first stage of chamber emptying. As a result, vortex formation within the dust collection chamber is favored if the suction flow between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is still present. The inlet opening is furthermore preferably only opened initially in the chamber emptying operation. With the transition to the second stage of chamber emptying, the inlet opening is closed and the usual suction mode suction air flow is switched off. The outlet opening of the dust collection chamber remains open regardless of the selected operating state, and is also always open regardless of the respective stage of chamber emptying. In the second stage of chamber emptying, it serves as a dust collection chamber inlet opening for the dust emptying flow. Since the latter, in particular in the second stage of the chamber emptying, is opposite to the usual flow in the vacuum cleaning operation, the filter element is correspondingly flowed through in the chamber emptying operation, furthermore in particular in the second stage of the chamber emptying operation, in such a way that adhering particles are detached therefrom and likewise transported away for disposal. As a result of the proposed method, in addition to emptying the dust collection chamber, the filter element is also cleaned in the chamber emptying operation.

In addition, it is preferred that the suction into the chamber and the emptying suction each take place below the height level of the filter element. Thus, the inlet opening for sucking into the chamber and the dust discharge opening for chamber emptying are more preferably arranged approximately on one level, more preferably on a common horizontal plane, this is more preferably opposite, but offset from one another, while the outlet opening, i. H. the chamber opening facing the blower for the usual vacuuming operation is formed in a plane above the inlet and dust discharge opening, the filter element also extending in a plane between the outlet opening and inlet or discharge opening.

The Coriolis force is used in the vortex built up in the dust collection chamber in the course of the chamber emptying operation, at least in the first stage. The vector of this cleaning force is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the vortex. The dust discharge opening of the dust collection chamber is positioned so that the vector of the Coriolis force points towards it.

Dust collecting chambers of the type in question are known as described in the introduction.

In a preferred embodiment with regard to the dust collection chamber, it is provided that the inlet opening can be reduced down to a closure. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet opening is closed after the time window of a few seconds has elapsed, after which sufficient swirling of the dirt and dust particles located in the dust collection chamber has been achieved. After this, only the chamber emptying flow acts, which further enters the dust collecting chamber after preferably switching off the vacuuming air flow and is discharged via the dust emptying opening while clearing the dust collecting chamber.

A further development of the subject matter of the invention provides that the inlet opening and the emptying opening are arranged offset in relation to one another in a projection onto a bottom surface of the dust filter chamber such that the vector of the Coriolis force acting due to vortex formation points in the direction of the emptying opening when the latter is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the vortex. So is the emptying opening is projected onto the chamber floor opposite the inlet opening, but is laterally offset from the latter. In this regard, it is further preferred that the inlet opening and the drain opening are arranged horizontally identically, a horizontal plane intersecting the inlet cross section also cutting the cross section of the drain opening. The filter element is preferably arranged on a horizontal plane above the inlet opening and the emptying opening. The outlet opening to the blower for the vacuuming operation is above the filter element in the flow direction in the vacuuming operation.

The air flows for vacuuming operation and for emptying the dust collecting chamber can be generated by only one blower, for example by the blower located in the vacuum cleaner or suction device. A preferred embodiment is one in which the device-side blower is used only to build up the air flow in the vacuuming operation or to build up the air flow in the first stage of the chamber emptying to flow through the inlet and outlet opening. A separate blower is provided for emptying the chamber and building up an air flow through the emptying opening, which is further preferably provided externally, for example in an emptying station to which the vacuum cleaner or the suction device can be assigned, in which station at the same time a disposal chamber for receiving the extracted dust and dirt particles is provided.

• 1 einen elektrisch betriebenen Staubsauger in Art eines selbsttätig verfahrbaren Sauggeräts in Zuordnungsstellung zu einer Entleerungsstation;
• 2 den schematischen Schnitt gemäß der Linie II-II in 1;
• 3 in schematischer perspektivischer Darstellung die Staubsammelkammer des Staubsaugers im Staubsaugbetrieb;
• 4 den schematischen Schnitt gemäß der Linie IV-IV in 3;
• 5 eine der 3 entsprechende Darstellung, eine erste Stufe eines Kammerentleerungsbetriebes betreffend;
• 6 den schematischen Schnitt gemäß der Linie VI-VI in 5;
• 7 eine weitere der 3 entsprechende Darstellung, jedoch die zweite Stufe des Kammerentleerungsbetriebs betreffend;
• 8 den schematischen Schnitt gemäß der Linie VIII-VIII in 7.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which only represents an exemplary embodiment. It shows:

• 1 an electrically operated vacuum cleaner in the manner of an automatically movable suction device in the assigned position to an emptying station;
• 2 the schematic section along the line II-II in 1 ;
• 3 in a schematic perspective view, the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner in the vacuuming operation;
• 4 the schematic section along the line IV-IV in 3 ;
• 5 one of the 3 corresponding representation, relating to a first stage of a chamber emptying operation;
• 6 the schematic section along the line VI-VI in 5 ;
• 7 another of the 3 Corresponding representation, but regarding the second stage of the chamber emptying operation;
• 8th the schematic section along the line VIII-VIII in 7 ,

Is shown and described initially with reference to 1 an automatically movable suction device 1 with a chassis 2 and one the chassis 2 covering hood 3 ,

In the embodiment shown, the device has a circular floor plan.

The chassis floor 4 passes through a brush oriented transversely to the usual direction of travel r and rotatable about a horizontal axis 5 , This is used for brushing the floor to be cleaned. The one over the brush 5 loosened dirt, becomes a suction channel 6 fed. The brush 5 lies in a suction mouth that opens downwards towards the floor to be maintained 7 on.

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

The loosened dirt and dust particles are over the suction air flow, the suction channel 6 penetrating a dust collection chamber 9 fed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is designed rectangular in plan.

The dust collector 9 points in the area of a side wall 10 an inlet opening 11 on. The suction channel closes on the outside of the chamber 6 on. Next is the inlet opening 11 close to the floor, ie the chamber floor 12 assigned in the side wall 10 trained, this further assigned a corner area between the side wall 10 and the subsequent rear wall, which is aligned at right angles to it 13 ,

Vertically offset from the chamber floor 12 is above the inlet opening 11 a filter element 14 supported. This is preferably a filter element 14 made of a non-woven material or the like.

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

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

The side wall 10 opposite side wall 19 is with a dust discharge opening 20 Mistake. This is in terms of a vertical distance from 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 area between the side wall 19 and that of the back wall 13 opposite end wall 21 assigned.

To the dust discharge opening 20 an emptying channel closes on the outside of the chamber 22 on. This is the hood 3 of the suction device 1 penetrating to the outside and is still, although not shown, in the normal suction operation of the suction device 1 locked.

Assigned to a disposal station 23 plunges into this drainage channel 22 a suction duct section 24 sealing one. The latter is in flow connection with one in the disposal station 23 provided suction fan 25 , The power supply of the suction fan 25 is via an electrical connection 26 reached.

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

In normal suction operation, shown schematically in the 3 and 4 , is via the device-side suction fan 8th creates an air flow through the suction channel 6 , the inlet opening 11 penetrating into the dust collection chamber 9 , further into the raw air room 15 is led. After passing through the filter element 14 is the airflow, the exhaust port 17 penetrating to the suction fan 8th guided. The direction of air flow is shown by the arrow a characterized.

The one with the air flow through the suction channel 6 entrained dust and dirt particles experience when the dust collection chamber is enforced 9 , especially the untreated air room 15 an acceleration. The weight also acts on them. As a result, particles which are not entrained by the air flow on the filter element are deposited on the chamber floor 12 from. In the course of the usual suction processing, the heavier dirt particles in particular collect preferentially over the inlet opening 11 , In the course of suction processing, they collect on the upstream side of the filter element 14 a large number of fine particles, which form a filter cake over time, which by gravity on the chamber floor 12 drops.

The cleaning or emptying of the dust collection chamber 9 by means of the disposal station 23 takes place in the assigned position of the suction device 1 and disposal station 23 as shown in the 1 and 2 two stages. So first of all the device-side suction fan 8th one through the inlet opening 11 and the outlet opening 17 guided normal suction air flow (arrow a ), while reducing the cross-section of the inlet opening. For this purpose, a slide is in the illustrated embodiment 28 provided, which is partially in front of the inlet opening 11 puts. The displacement of the slide 28 preferably takes place automatically via an actuating element as soon as the emptying process is started.

As a result of the reduced inlet cross-section is inside the dust collection chamber 9 , further especially within the untreated air space 15 a vortex W generated. This will put them on the chamber floor 12 dust and dirt particles within the filter element 14 limited untreated air space 15 whirled up in such a way that particles from dead areas, in particular corner areas, are also cleared out. The simultaneous emptying flow (arrow b ), generated by the suction fan 25 the disposal station 23 , leads to a removal of the whirled up particles for separation in the station-side disposal chamber 27 , Accordingly, in a first stage (shown schematically in the 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 emptying operation, in which the inlet opening 11 through the slider 28 is completely closed and the device-side suction fan 8th is switched off. Accordingly, only the emptying flow of the suction fan on the station side acts in the second stage of the chamber emptying operation 25 , where the device-side suction fan 8th assigned outlet opening 17 via the switched off suction fan 8th serves to suck in the air. Here, the filter element 14 flows against the usual direction of suction air, so that the underside of the filter element 14 adhering dust and dirt particles can be loosened by the emptying flow and transported away.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

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 collection chamber (9) for an electrically operated vacuum cleaner such as a household vacuum cleaner or self-propelled suction device (1), the dust collection chamber (9) having an inlet opening (11) and an outlet opening (17), further between the inlet opening ( 11) and the outlet opening (17) is arranged a filter element (14), characterized in that a dust discharge opening (20) is arranged further in the flow direction (a) in front of the filter element (14) and assigned to a chamber floor (12) and that in the vacuum cleaning mode the dust-laden air is sucked through the inlet opening (11) and the filter element (14) into the outlet opening (17) and that when the chamber emptying operation is initiated, in addition to the suction through the inlet opening (11) and the outlet opening (17) via the dust emptying opening (20 ) suction takes place. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the chamber emptying is carried out in two stages, wherein in a second stage of the chamber emptying the suction fan (8) is switched off for suction via the outlet opening (17) and only suction is carried out via the dust emptying opening (20). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet opening (11) is reduced in chamber emptying operation. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet opening (11) remains only initially open during chamber emptying operation. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction into the dust collecting chamber (9) and the suction through the dust discharge opening (20) are each carried out below the height level of the filter element (14). Dust collecting chamber (9) for an electrically operated vacuum cleaner such as a household vacuum cleaner or self-propelled suction device (1), the dust collecting chamber (9) having an inlet opening (11) and an outlet opening (17), further between the inlet opening (11) and the A filter element (14) is arranged in the outlet opening (17), characterized in that a dust discharge opening (20) is arranged further in the flow direction (a) in front of the filter element (14) and assigned to a chamber floor (12), the inlet opening (11) with respect to its opening cross-section can be reduced as a function of suction for chamber emptying via the dust emptying opening (20). Dust collection chamber after Claim 6 , characterized in that the inlet opening (11) can be reduced down to a closure. Dust collection chamber according to one of the Claims 6 or 7 , characterized in that the inlet opening (11) and the dust discharge opening (20) in projection onto the chamber floor (12) of the dust collection chamber (9) are arranged offset to one another. Dust collection chamber according to one of the Claims 6 to 8th , characterized in that the inlet opening (11) and the dust discharge opening (20) are arranged horizontally identically.

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