DE102011001141A1 - Method for operating movable vacuum cleaner i.e. handheld stem vacuum cleaner, involves supplying suction air stream to dirt separator, and blowing air into filter bag, where dirt separator is continuously rotated during suction operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves supplying suction air stream to a dirt separator (15) via a suction mouth, and blowing the air into a filter bag (11) by an electromotor driven blower (3), where the dirt separator is continuously rotated during the suction operation by applying the suction air on a blower wheel formation which is connected with the dirt separator. The blower wheel formation is exposed to the air flow only in the suction or blowing air region, where the dirt separator is provided with multiple dirt separator chambers. An independent claim is also included for a movable vacuum cleaner.

Description

The invention relates first to a method for operating a vacuum cleaner with an electric motor-driven fan and a suction through which is sucked, the suction air stream flows through a dirt separator and finally is blown into a filter bag, the dirt separator for applying suction air as well as blown air is arranged and has a plurality of dirt separator chambers.

Methods of the type in question are known. About the applied by means of the vacuum cleaner-side fan suction air flow is removed from the surface to be machined through the suction mouth dust and dirt and blown into a filter bag. The latter is permeable to air, so that the dirt and dust particles transported via the air flow into the filter bag are deposited in the filter bag. In this regard, it is further known to provide a dirt separator in the suction air flow between the suction mouth and the filter bag, in particular viewed in the flow direction in front of the blower. This dirt separator is used for pre-separation, in particular of coarse dirt particles, so that they do not pass through the area of the blower, in particular the area of the blower wheel. As a result of turning the dirt separator, a further (empty) dirt separator chamber is fed to the suction-air-flowed region of the suction channel, preferably the previously suction-laden (filled) dirt separator chamber being displaced into the airflow behind the blower, for the opposite air flow admission, in particular for blowing out the pre-separated ones Particle containing chamber. According to particles are passed by means of the rotatable Schmutzabscheiders in the manner of a bypass guide on the blower and injected according to Blasluftbeaufschlagung in the filter bag. It is also known to cause the rotation of the dirt separator electromechanically, alternatively or in combination by user intervention, wherein the rotational positions, for example, can be defined by overflowable locking devices. In this regard, it is further known to control the rotation of the dirt separator by a pressure sensor, which causes the rotation, for example. At the onset of pressure loss by too much filtered-off particles in the Saugluftbeaufschlagten dirt separator chamber.

In view of the above-described prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in further improving a method of the type in question. This problem is solved first and foremost by the subject matter of claim 1, wherein it is pointed out that in the suction operation, a continuous rotation of the dirt separator is made. According to the proposed method, an improved handling is achieved in a favorable manner by the continuous rotation of the Schmutzabscheiders during operation of the vacuum cleaner is a constant emptying of the present in the Saugluftströmung Schmutzabscheider chamber. For this purpose, it preferably requires no triggering and / or control mechanisms, for example pressure drop measurements, in order to trigger a corresponding rotation of the dirt separator. Also preferably no latched positions of the dirt separator chambers are provided. Rather, it is ensured in the usual vacuum cleaner operation that each Schmutzabscheider chamber is fed according to automatic, continuous rotation of the dirt separator alternately the suction air flow and the Blasluftstrom. A manual release for changing the position of the chambers is preferably not provided, alternatively to trigger the then then continuously running rotation of the dirt deflector.

Continuously means in the context of the invention further that the dirt separator with at least approximately constant speed, d. H. preferably with start-up of the vacuum cleaner rotates about an axis, so that the trained dirt separator chambers, which are arranged around the axis of rotation, are always exposed over an approximately equal period in the course of a complete revolution once the Saugluftströmung and once the Blasluftströmung.

Further features of the invention are explained below, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claim 1 or with features of further claims. But they can also be in an assignment to only individual features of claim 1 or the respective further claim or each independently of importance.

Thus, in a further development of the subject invention, it is provided that the continuous rotation of the dirt separator is produced by an impeller bath forming connected to the dirt separator. The impeller is preferably driven by the air flow, so that the rotation of the dirt separator automatically starts when an air flow is generated on the vacuum cleaner side fan. It requires correspondingly preferred no manual triggering of the rotation of the dirt separator. With commissioning of the suction fan (ie, preferably in operation without stopping the chambers), the dirt separator is correspondingly placed in its continuous rotation, wherein preferably the rotational speed of the dirt separator directly depends on the volume of air delivered and the flow velocity.

In a preferred embodiment, the impeller is exposed only in the suction or Blasluftbereich the air flow, so that the direction of rotation of the Schmutzabscheiders is determined accordingly. In a preferred embodiment, the dirt separator is driven by means of an impeller via the Saugluftströmung.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a movable dust suction device with an electric motor-driven blower, which generates an air flow, and with a penetrated by the air flow filter bag, the air flow passes through a dirt trap, which is rotatable for emptying such that it is subsequently penetrated by opposite air currents, wherein the opposite air streams are generated by the same fan, further wherein the dirt separator having individual Schmutzabscheider chambers.

Vacuuming of the type in question are known, especially in the form of hand-held vacuum cleaners, more particularly for the household sector, in addition, in the form of self-propelled soil cultivation equipment, such as vacuum robots or the like. For suction cleaning of the soil to be maintained, a suction air flow is generated via a blower on the side of the vacuum cleaner, which is sucked in through a suction mouth facing the floor to be cared for. The dirt and dust particles dissolved and entrained via the suction air are delivered via an air flow channel of the vacuum cleaner into the filter bag arranged on or in the vacuum cleaner. This filter bag is designed permeable to air, whereby the air flowing through the filter bag wall is filtered to retain the particles. Furthermore, it is known in this regard to provide a dirt separator in the air flow, more particularly in the air flow channel, which carries out at least one pre-separation of the sucked up dirt and dust particles. For emptying a deposited, entrained particulate dirt collecting chamber, the dirt separator is rotated such that this chamber is displaced into a region of the air flow passage in which opposite air flow achieves emptying of the chamber and disposal of the particles therein in the direction of the filter bag becomes.

In view of the above-described prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in further improving a movable vacuum cleaner of the type in question.

This problem is initially and essentially solved by the subject matter of claim 4, wherein it is based on the fact that the dirt separator for continuously changing the dirt separator chambers for suction and Blasluftbeaufschlagung is driven. According to this embodiment, a movable vacuum cleaner is specified, which proves to be particularly advantageous in terms of handling. According to the intended drive, the dirt separator is moved, in particular during operation of the vacuum cleaner, in such a way that the chambers provided in the dirt separator are continuously assigned alternately to the opposite air flows. It requires according to the change of the chambers for suction and Blasluftbeaufschlagung (ie for moving the chambers from a filtration position to a discharge position and back) preferably no manual intervention by the user, possibly only one intervention to trigger the then taking place continuously changing according to drive the dirt trap. In a preferred embodiment, the dirt separator is driven with the startup of the vacuum cleaner, so that a rotation of the same during the usual suction process is carried out continuously. Preferably, the dirt separator rotates at a constant speed in the course of the rotation dirt particles, in particular via the suction air into a chamber and deposited there, moved according to the appropriate forwarding of the chamber about a rotation axis of the dirt separator in the outflow of the blower, whereby the corresponding Chamber is then blown out to expel the deposited particles in the direction of the filter bag. The continuously rotating dirt separator preferably offers a bypass function for diverting dirt particles, which are not intended to enforce the fan, which is preferably provided downstream of the dirt separator in the flow direction. In particular, this solution is suitable for rapidly rotating electric motors with an impeller arranged, since the enforcement of the blower and motor housing with coarse particles afflicted air can lead to failure up to damage of the fan / motor complex. Such high-speed electric motors preferably rotate at speeds of 15,000 to 60,000 rpm. Accordingly, the proposed solution is particularly suitable for a system in which (as viewed in the air flow direction) suction mouth, electric motor or blower and filter bags are arranged one behind the other.

Other features of the invention are described below, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claim 4 or to features of further claims. But you can also in a Assignment to only individual features of claim 4 or the respective further claim or each independently of importance.

The dirt separator can be driven by an electric motor to continuously change the dirt separator chambers for suction and Blasluftbeaufschlagung. In this regard, an embodiment in which the driveability is derived from the air flow is preferred in accordance with the air flow achieved by the blower-side blower, so that the rotation of the blower is correspondingly accompanied by a rotation of the dirt separator. It further requires according to no separate switching on and off of the drive for the dirt separator. The rotation of the same preferably starts when the blower is switched on and breaks off accordingly when the blower is switched off. For this purpose, in a preferred embodiment of the dirt separator is formed with a Gebläseradausformung, which converts the guided through the dirt separator air flow in a rotary motion for the dirt separator.

In a preferred embodiment, the Gebläseradausformung is completely or partially covered in the suction or blowing position, so that more preferably a rotary drive of the dirt separator is achieved solely by the suction air or solely by the blowing air. Accordingly, always sets the same direction of rotation for the dirt trap. The cover is preferably achieved by a radial reduction of the flow cross-section, more preferably with respect to a dirt trap receiving housing. Despite radial reduction of the flow cross-section also remains on the non-driving air flow side passage for the air flow, for entry and passage in or through the assignable chamber of the Schmutzabscheiders, more preferably, the cover of the suction side is provided, so that the drive of the Schmutzabscheiders resulting from the blown air behind the blower. Alternatively, the cover is provided on the blast side, so that accordingly in this case the drive of the dirt separator is reached according to the impingement of the impeller formation by the suction air.

Particularly advantageous is an embodiment in which more than three Schmutzabscheider-chambers are formed, which are preferably arranged evenly around the axis of rotation of the Schmutzabscheiders. Thus, more preferably four to twenty, more preferably eight to ten such chambers are provided, which further preferably have the same cross sections viewed transversely to the direction of flow. In this case, it is further provided that at least a portion of two opposite with respect to the axis of rotation chambers is covered by bulkheads of the dirt trap receiving housing so that a flow short circuit between suction air and Blasluftseite is prevented.

In a further preferred embodiment, the dirt separator is at least designed for separating coarse dirt, in particular according to the arrangement of a filter, for example. In the form of a grid in transverse orientation to the flow direction. When arranging a grid, the mesh size specifies the degree of separation. In this case, coarse dirt particles having a longitudinal extent, eg having a diameter of more than 0.5 mm, more preferably more than 1 mm, are deposited. Fine dirt particles passing through the filter, in contrast, flow through the electric motor-driven blower in the usual way to produce the air duct suction air.

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

1 a perspective view of a movable vacuum cleaner in the form of a hand-held vacuum cleaner with provided in the vacuum cleaner fan filter bag and dirt separator;

2 the dirt separator and associated suction channel sections and the associated fan in perspective view;

3 the section according to the section plane III in 2 with schematically assigned suction nozzle and filter bag;

4 the dirt collected in a separator housing in a cut single representation;

5 a perspective view with viewing direction according to the arrow V in 4 , omitting an upper shell of the separator housing;

6 a further perspective view of the Schmutzabscheiders with viewing direction according to the arrow VI in 4 ;

7 the lower shell of the separator housing in perspective detail view;

8th the cross section according to the line VII-VIII in 4 ;

9 the cross section according to the line IX-IX in 4 ,

Shown and described is first with reference to 1 a vacuum cleaner in the form of a hand-held vacuum cleaner 1 , Especially in the form of a household vacuum cleaner, which is designed as a hand-held handle unit. This first has a base unit 2 to, with a recorded therein electric motor for a fan 3 ,

The power supply in the base unit 2 integrated fan 3 via an electric cable 4 ,

Next extends the housing of the base unit 2 , the area one on the base unit 2 docked filter bag holder 5 receiving, upwards - in operation - rejuvenating. In the zenith of the housing is a plug-in receptacle for a stem 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1 educated. In the area of the free end of the stalk 6 is an operating handle 7 intended. This has a preferably thumb-actuatable actuator in the form of a slide switch, via which in particular the performance of the base unit in the 2 recorded electric motor or the blower 3 is adjustable.

For soil cultivation is the basic device 2 in terms of flow and possibly electrically with a header 8th connected. This is in the illustrated embodiment, a suction nozzle, may also have a rotating brush beyond.

The suction mouth 9 of the attachment 8th is fluidly in communication with a base device side flow channel 10 ,

In the base unit 2 is a filter bag 11 in the area of the filter bag holder 5 arranged interchangeable, wherein the mechanical and fluid connection with the base device side flow channel 10 in the region of a preferred transverse to the longitudinal extent of the base unit 2 aligned level is reached.

The filter bag 11 has a retaining plate 12 on, which preferably consists of a hard plastic material. The preferred in the filter bag attachment position transverse to the longitudinal extent of the base unit 2 aligned holding plate 12 is with an entrance opening 13 fitted to the flow channel 10 is tightly connected. At the, the base unit 2 opposite side of the retaining plate 12 is the filter bag 11 attached, so for example. With the holding plate 12 welded.

The filter bag 11 or the filter bag material can in this case be multi-layered, further possibly at least partially made of plastic fibers. Preferably, the filter bag wall is made of a Hepa filter material.

The Filterbeutelwandung is permeable to air, so that through the filter bag 11 Guided, dirt-laden airflow with complete filtration of all relevant contaminants, possibly also pollutants, through the filter bag wall can escape freely to the outside in the environment, what further the filter bag 11 Covering filter bag holder 5 is correspondingly perforated, further according to outflow openings 14 having.

More preferably, the bag wall is formed self-supporting. Next, one, the filter bag 11 or the bag wall comprehensive, air-permeable protective cover be provided.

The fan 3 is in the flow direction in the vacuum cleaning operation as shown in FIG 3 in the flow path between the suction mouth 9 and filter bag 11 switched, sucks the air through the suction port 9 and blow them into the dust filter bag 11 one.

With reference to the air flow prevailing in the vacuum cleaning operation (arrows a) is the fan 3 (suction flow side) a dirt separator 15 upstream. This is freely rotatable in a separator housing 16 one, which is made of an upper shell 17 and a lower shell 18 composed. The composite separator housing 16 is substantially cylindrical with an at least approximately circular cross-section, with a first end face 19 and a second end face 20 , In the area of both ends 19 and 20 are with respect to an example. in 3 illustrated longitudinal section on both sides of a central housing axis air passage openings 21 to 24 formed, which are each formed with respect to a plane transverse to the central axis of the housing considered a circle segment. Viewed in the circumferential direction remain between two adjacent air passage openings 21 and 24 respectively. 22 and 23 bulkheads 25 Starting from a radially outer peripheral edge of the respective air passage opening in the manner of a sector of a circle, they taper radially inwards as far as a bearing configuration receiving the housing axis centrally 26 of the separator housing 16 extend.

In the separator housing 16 is the dirt separator 15 rotatably mounted. The latter has substantially a circular cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical shape, with at least partially one, the free inner diameter of the separator housing 16 corresponding or adapted for free rotation outside diameter.

The dirt separator 15 initially has centrally a rotationally symmetrical, consisting of several dirt separator chambers 27 composite cylinder body, correspondingly having a circumferential cylinder wall 28 , the diameter moderately about 0.7 to 0.85 times the free inner diameter of the separator housing 16 equivalent. The cylinder wall 28 at the same time forms the radially outer boundary of the dirt separator chambers 27 , which latter sector-like and equal around the central axis of the dirt separator 15 and thus are arranged uniformly about the rotation axis x. In the illustrated embodiment, eight such Schmutzabscheider chambers 27 intended. These are open to both end faces of the chambers forming the body, for the corresponding air flow in the vacuum cleaning operation along the body longitudinal axis.

The transverse to the axis of rotation considered x cross-sectional area of each Schmutzabscheider chamber 27 is equal to or slightly smaller than the plane parallel thereto extending surface of a bulkhead 25 , where continue the bulkhead walls 25 preferably sealing against the facing end faces of the dirt separator chambers 27 kicking body.

The cylinder wall 28 the body forming the chambers is comprised of an impeller bath molding 29 comprising radially aligned fan blades slanting with respect to the extent of the axis of rotation x 30 , which includes radially outward are of a rotationally symmetrical fan shell 31 whose outer diameter taking into account a free rotation of the dirt separator 15 adapted to the free inner diameter of the separator housing 16 , The blower wheel formation 29 is stuck with the chambers 27 forming cylindrical body connected, preferably of the same material and integrally formed, further example. According to manufacture as part of a plastic injection process.

Accordingly, the dirt separator 15 essentially two air passage zones, namely a central inner passage zone, formed by the dirt separator chambers 27 and a radially outer air passage zone in the area of the fan wheel formation 29 ,

For rotatable storage of the dirt separator 15 this is in the axial direction over the formation of the dirt separator chambers 27 protruding bearing pin 32 provided, which preferably of the same material and in one piece with the dirt separator 15 are trained and in the camp training 26 of the separator housing 16 freely rotatable einliegen.

Next in the axial direction of the dirt separator 15 considered, the Fanadausformung extends 29 only over part of the axial extent of the dirt separator chambers 27 forming cylinder body, so on in the illustrated embodiment, about half the extent, wherein further the impeller formation 29 the air passage openings 22 and 23 of the separator housing 16 is assigned and with the facing end face of the dirt separator chambers 27 completes forming cylinder body.

Further associated with this end face is in the dirt separator 15 a separator filter 33 intended. This is a flat structure, preferably in the form of a mesh-like screen, which both the air passage openings 22 and 23 of the separator housing 16 facing passage openings of the chambers 27 as well as the passage areas of the blower wheel formation 29 between fan jacket 21 and cylinder wall 28 covered (cf. 5 ). Axially outside is the separation filter 33 spanned by a supporting the air passage support grid 34 ,

The one in the base unit 2 shaped flow channel 10 has one in the flow direction (arrow a) to the blower 3 leading channel section 35 and one behind the blower 3 to the filter bag 11 extending channel section 36 on. Accordingly, during operation, the channel section 35 a suction channel section and the channel section 36 a Blaskanalabschnitt.

The suction channel section 35 is connected to the air passage openings 21 and 22 of the separator housing 16 while the blow duct section 36 fluidly connected to the air passage openings 23 and 24 , Accordingly, the separator housing 16 and thus also the rotatably mounted dirt separator 15 during operation of the blower 3 interspersed by opposite air currents.

The rotary drive of the dirt separator 15 is reached according to the blower wheel formation 29 which is in operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 , continue to operate the blower 3 and the prevailing air flow experiences an angular momentum. In the illustrated embodiment, the Gebläseradausformung 29 through the blast air flow in the duct section 36 set in rotation. Suction channel side, however, the air flow does not affect the Gebläseradausformung 29 , including in the area of the air passage openings 22 a corresponding radial reduction of the flow cross-section is provided, this further according to an axial projection of the fan blades 30 covering cover 37 ,

In operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 this creates in an air-blown fan housing 38 self-contained, electric motor operated blower 3 a Saugluftströmung, wherein on the header side suction port 9 Ambient air and entrained dust and dirt particles are sucked. About the suction channel section 35 the particle-laden air is passed through the dirt separator 15 guided, here the the air passage openings 21 and 22 associated Schmutzabscheider chambers 27 enforcing, wherein on the separation filter 33 in particular coarse particles deposited and in the respective chamber 27 be withheld. Coarse particles are preferably particles with a smallest extent of, for example, one millimeter. Dirt or dust particles that are smaller and therefore not through the separation filter 33 be held back, continue to flow the fan housing 38 enforcing, here the blower 3 at least partially flushing, over the Blaskanalabschnitt 36 to the filter bag 11 ,

As a result of the blowing-air-side admission of the fan wheel formation 29 becomes the dirt separator 15 set in rotation, allowing a continuous movement of the dirt separator chambers 27 is reached around the rotation axis x around. Accordingly, with separated coarse particles staggered Schmutzabscheider chambers 27 continuously moved in the area of the blown air stream. By the here in the opposite direction to the particle inlet direction flowing blowing air, which flows accordingly in this area abscheidefilterseitig, the coarse particles from the chambers 27 blown out and over the canal section 36 in the filter bag 11 entered.

In order to prevent a flow short circuit between the suction and blowing air are in the course of the rotation of the dirt separator 15 at least a range of two diametrically opposed dirt separator chambers 27 through the bulkhead walls 25 covered.

Due to the continuous, air flow-dependent rotation of the dirt separator 15 become the dirt separator chambers 27 one after the other from the suction air side into the blown air side and back.

As a result of the above-described embodiment, coarse particles, in particular particles having a size of more than 1 mm, are prevented from passing through the blower housing 38 be guided. Such coarse particles, in particular in high-speed electric motors for driving the blower 3 Further, in particular electric motors with speeds of rotation of more than 15,000 rev / min up to, for example, 60,000 rev / min lead to damage. The upstream dirt separator 25 offers for the coarse dirt a bypass, which continues with appropriate training of Abscheidefilters 38 Even fine particles can be deposited, leaving the blower 3 is surrounded by air almost particle-free in operation.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application. The subclaims characterize in their optional sibling version independent inventive development of the prior art, in particular to make on the basis of these claims divisional applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vacuum cleaner

2

basic unit

3

fan

4

electric cable

5

Filter bag holder

6

stalk

7

operating handle

8th

header

9

saugmund

10

flow channel

11

filter bag

12

Retaining plate

13

inlet opening

14

outflow

15

dirt separator

16

separator

17

Upper shell

18

subshell

19

front

20

front

21

Air passage opening

22

Air passage opening

23

Air passage opening

24

Air passage opening

25

bulkhead

26

camp training

27

Soil separator chamber

28

cylinder

29

Blower wheel molding

30

fan blade

31

fan housing

32

pivot

33

separator Built

34

support grid

35

channel section

36

channel section

37

cover

38

fan housing

a

arrow

x

axis of rotation

Claims (10)

Method for operating a vacuum cleaner ( 1 ) with an electric motor-driven blower ( 3 ) and a suction mouth ( 9 ) through which is sucked, wherein the suction air flow through a dirt separator ( 15 ) and finally into a filter bag ( 11 ) is blown, wherein the dirt separator ( 15 ) is arranged rotatably for the application of suction air as well as with blown air and a plurality of dirt separator chambers ( 27 ), characterized in that in the suction operation, a continuous rotation of the dirt separator ( 15 ) is made. Method according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the continuous rotation of the dirt separator ( 15 ) by one with the dirt separator ( 15 ) associated Gebadtersadausformung ( 29 ) is produced. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the blower wheel formation ( 29 ) is exposed to the air flow only in the suction or blown air area. Movable dust suction device with an electric motor driven blower ( 3 ), which generates an air flow, and with a filter bag penetrated by the air flow ( 11 ), wherein the air stream a dirt separator ( 15 ), which is rotatable for emptying such that it is subsequently penetrated by opposite air flows, wherein the opposite air flows through the same blower ( 3 ), wherein further the dirt separator ( 15 ) individual dirt separator chambers ( 27 ), characterized in that the dirt separator ( 15 ) for continuously changing the dirt separator chambers ( 27 ) can be driven for suction and Blasluftbeaufschlagung. Staubsaugeinrichtung according to claim 4 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the driveability is derived from the air flow Dust-collecting device according to one or more of claims 4 or 5 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the dirt separator ( 15 ) with an impeller formation ( 29 ) is trained Vacuum-cleaning device according to one or more of claims 4 to 6 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the impeller formation ( 29 ) is completely or partially covered in the suction or blowing position. Dust-collecting device according to one or more of claims 4 to 7 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the cover ( 37 ) is achieved by a radial reduction of the flow cross-section and / or preferred that the cover ( 37 ) is provided assigned to the suction side. Dust-collecting device according to one or more of claims 4 to 9 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that more than three dirt separator chambers ( 27 ) are formed. Staubsaugeinrichtung according to one or more of claims 4 to 10 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the dirt separator ( 15 ) is formed in any case for the separation of coarse dirt.

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