SUCTION APPARATUS AND SEPARATOR UNIT FOR A SUCTION APPARATUS WITH AN OBLIQUELY POSITIONED FLOW DIVERSION

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2024 203 008.2, filed Mar. 28, 2024; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a separator unit for a suction apparatus, in particular for a cordless and/or hand-held vacuum cleaner. The invention also relates to a suction apparatus having the separator unit.

A suction apparatus, in particular a hand-held vacuum cleaner, typically includes a suction unit which a user can carry and guide by hand. The suction unit has a fan which is operated by electrical energy from an electrical energy storage device of the suction unit. The fan is configured so as to generate a suction airflow in order to draw contaminants through the suction mouth of the suction unit into the separator unit of the suction unit, wherein the separator unit has a collecting container for contaminants. It is preferred that, so as to increase the suction power of the suction unit, the suction airflow is introduced into the separator unit and/or guided within the separator unit in such a manner that the suction airflow flows within the separator unit in a cyclonic manner around the central filter unit of the separator unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a suction apparatus and a separator unit for a suction apparatus with an obliquely positioned flow diversion, which overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and which further optimize the flow direction of the suction airflow within the separator unit of a suction unit, in particular in order to create a permanently high suction power even when the suction unit is used for a longer period of time.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a separator unit for a suction apparatus, the separator unit comprising a collecting container enclosed by a housing wall, the collecting container extends along a longitudinal axis, the collecting container has an inlet opening disposed on the housing wall for a suction airflow, the separator unit is configured in such a manner that a suction airflow that is passing through the inlet opening into the collecting container has a flow direction running in the circumferential direction with regard to the longitudinal axis, the separator unit includes a diversion element which is positioned downstream along the flow direction and has a surface that acts on the suction airflow, and the normal vector of an obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element can run in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent claims, described in the description below or illustrated in the attached drawing.

In accordance with one aspect, a separator unit for a suction apparatus is described. The separator unit includes a collecting container enclosed by a housing wall. The separator unit can have a longitudinal axis, and the housing wall of the collecting container can be configured in the shape of a (circular) cylinder around the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis can run centrally within the collecting container. The housing wall can correspond, for example, to the peripheral surface of a hollow cylinder and/or the longitudinal axis can correspond to the vertical axis of the hollow cylinder. The collecting container can extend from a first end face (for example end surface or end plane) along the longitudinal axis up to a second end side (for example end surface or end plane). The first end side can face the fan of the suction apparatus. A cover for emptying the collecting container can be disposed on the opposite-lying second end side.

The collecting container can have a specific total length (for example between 10 cm and 20 cm) along the longitudinal axis from the first end side up to the second end side. Moreover, the collecting container can have a specific total diameter (for example between 8 cm and 12 cm) transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis (in other words in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis).

The first end side (on which the fan is disposed) can run substantially completely within a specific transverse plane which is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second end side (on which the cover is disposed) can run within a plane which is disposed in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the oblique arrangement of the second end side and in particular of the cover can be advantageous for emptying the collecting container.

The collecting container has an inlet opening which is disposed on the housing wall and is preferably closed and/or covered by a (flexible) flap. The flap can be made from a synthetic material, in particular from a flexible and/or elastic synthetic material. The inlet opening is preferably disposed on the upper side of the collecting container, (the inlet opening being provided so as during operation to be oriented upward). Moreover, the inlet opening is preferably disposed on the first end side of the collecting container. At least, the inlet opening is preferably closer to the first end side of the collecting container along the longitudinal axis than the opposite-lying second end side of the collecting container.

The separator unit can also include a filter unit disposed in the collecting container and configured so as to retain on the surface of the filter unit dirt particles from the suction airflow (which has passed through the inlet opening into the collecting container), wherein the surface of the filter unit is preferably configured in the shape of a (circular) cylinder around the longitudinal axis. The separator unit is preferably configured in such a manner that the suction airflow that has passed through the inlet opening into the collecting container flows around the filter unit in a cyclonic manner (along the circumferential direction). The separator unit can be configured for this purpose in such a manner that the suction airflow that has passed through the inlet opening into the collecting container has a flow direction which runs substantially in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis.

The (cylindrical) filter unit and the (cylindrical) collecting container preferably have the same central longitudinal axis. The collecting area for receiving the drawn-up dirt particles is typically disposed between the surface of the filter unit and the inner side of the collecting container.

The flap at the inlet opening can have a (rectangular) total area for (completely) covering the (rectangular) inlet opening. The flap and the inlet opening can each have two longitudinal edges (lying opposite each other along the circumferential direction) and two transverse edges (lying opposite each other along the longitudinal axis). The flap can be attached to the housing wall at a main edge. The main edge can be configured parallel to the longitudinal axis (in other words the main edge can correspond to a longitudinal edge). On the other hand, the flap can be freely movable on the two transverse edges and on the other longitudinal edge (so that the flap can bend away from the inlet opening into the collecting container in order to open or reveal a subregion of the inlet opening.

The flap has a first subregion and a second subregion which follows along the main edge (in particular along the longitudinal axis). The first subregion of the flap can be facing the first end side of the collecting container (and the first transverse edge of the flap), and the second subregion of the flap can be facing the second end side of the collecting container (and the second transverse edge of the flap). Alternatively or additionally, the first subregion of the flap can be closer to the first end side of the collecting container than the second subregion of the flap.

The flexible flap is configured in such a manner that a force acting on the flap from outside (in the radial direction) bends the flap away from the housing wall or away from the inlet opening and/or into the collecting container and as a result at least partially reveals the inlet opening. The flap can be bent, for example, toward the surface of the filter unit. The force for bending the flap away can be produced by the suction airflow flowing from outside through the inlet opening into the collecting container.

The separator unit can be configured in such a manner that the bending-away of the first subregion of the flap is more severely restricted and/or limited than the bending-away of the second subregion. Thus, it is possible in an efficient and reliable manner (using the flap) to apply a pulse to the suction airflow flowing through the inlet opening, through the use of which the suction power of the suction apparatus and/or the dust-separating efficiency of the separator unit are improved.

The separator unit is preferably configured in such a manner that the suction airflow that is passing through the inlet opening into the collecting container flows (in the circumferential direction) around the longitudinal axis (in particular around the surface of the filter unit). Moreover, the separator unit can be configured in such a manner that as a result the bending-away of the first subregion of the flap is more severely restricted than the bending-away of the second subregion of the flap, the flap is configured with regard to the inflowing suction airflow in such a manner that the suction airflow flowing through the inlet opening into the collecting container receives a pulse in the direction of the longitudinal axis. As a result, it is possible to ensure that the suction airflow flows within the collecting container in a helical manner around the longitudinal axis. It is thus possible in an efficient and reliable manner to achieve that the dirt particles being carried along by the suction airflow are moved away from the inlet opening (toward the second end side of the collecting container), whereby the suction power and/or the separating efficiency can be increased to a particularly high degree.

The separator unit can have a (mechanical) obstacle (which is disposed within the collecting container), by which the bending-away of the first subregion of the flap is selectively restricted and in particular not the bending-away of the second subregion of the flap. The separator unit can have, for example, a contact surface (formed by the obstacle) for contacting the first subregion of the flap, wherein the contact surface is configured so as to limit the bending-away of the first subregion of the flap. The contact surface can be configured so as to receive the rear side of the flap which is remote from the inlet opening (in the region of the first subregion of the flap). In particular, the separator unit can be configured in such a manner that the rear side of the first subregion of the flap contacts the contact surface when a force from outside acts on the flap in a radial direction (wherein the force is created by the suction airflow, for example).

The provision of a mechanical obstacle renders it possible to partially block the suction airflow circulating within the collecting container around the longitudinal axis in the region of the rear side (facing the collecting container) of the flap. As a result, the closing force acting on the rear side of the flap so as to close the flap is reduced, whereby the force required for opening the flap is reduced. As a result, the suction power of the suction apparatus can be further increased.

The separator unit is preferably configured in such a manner that the bending-away of the second subregion of the flap is substantially not restricted, in particular not by a (mechanical) obstacle. This can bring about that the inlet opening can still be opened sufficiently wide to receive coarse dirt.

The separator unit can include an ejection and/or compression element which is configured to be moved within the collecting container in order to compress dirt particles located in the collecting container and/or eject them (via the second end side) out of the collecting container. In particular, the ejection and/or compression element can be configured so as to be moved (starting from an initial position, disposed for example on the first end side) along the longitudinal axis over the surface of the filter unit (in particular toward the second end side of the collecting container).

The ejection and/or compression element can be configured so as to form a (mechanical) obstacle through the use of which the bending-away of the first subregion of the flap is selectively restricted (and not of the second subregion of the flap). For this purpose, the ejection and/or compression element is disposed in the initial position preferably along the radial direction (with regard to the longitudinal axis) flush with the first subregion of the flap. The use of the ejection and/or compression element as an obstacle renders it possible to selectively restrict the freedom of movement of the first subregion of the flap in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

The ejection and/or compression element is preferably configured as a ring with an inner edge facing the surface of the filter unit and an outer edge facing the housing wall. A surface of the ring which runs between the inner edge and the outer edge (and faces the second end side of the collecting container) can be configured in an efficient and reliable manner as a contact surface for contacting the first subregion of the flap.

The normal vector (perpendicular to the contact surface) of the contact surface can run in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis. The angle between the longitudinal axis and the normal vector of the contact surface preferably amounts to between 10° and 45°. Moreover, the normal vector of the contact surface has a directional component which faces in the radial direction out of the collecting container. A contact surface configured in such a manner renders it possible for the flap to be configured in a particularly advantageous manner in order to create a helical suction airflow within the collecting container.

The (annular) ejection and/or compression element can have an annular surface which includes the contact surface for the first subregion of the flap. The annular surface of the ejection and/or compression element can extend in the radial direction from the inner edge up to the outer edge. The annular surface can be facing the second end side of the collecting container. The normal vector of the annual surface can be oriented with an increasing angular spacing from the contact surface parallel to the longitudinal axis. The annular surface of the ejection and/or compression element can thus have an obliquely positioned section (with regard to the longitudinal axis), (which is used as the contact surface for the flexible flap). Outside the obliquely positioned section, the annular surface of the ejection and/or compression element can run substantially within the transverse plane (oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis). Thus, even when providing an obliquely oriented contact surface for the flap, it is still possible to provide a reliable compression and/or ejection function of the ejection and/or compression element.

The flap can have a linear-shaped intended bending site, through the use of which the second subregion is able to bend around an additional bending axis. The intended bending site and/or the additional bending axis can run in a linear manner between the first subregion and the second subregion. A main bending axis of the flap (around the longitudinal axis) can be formed by the main edge. The intended bending site and/or the additional bending axis can be oriented in an oblique manner with respect to the main bending axis.

The intended bending site can be implemented as local (linear-shaped) thinning and/or by a locally changed material of the flap. In particular, the flap can have a thinner and/or other material (compared to the areas of the flap without an intended bending site) regionally locally along the additional bending axis. The linear-shaped intended bending site can be configured in particular as a film hinge, in particular when the flap is made from a synthetic material, in particular from a flexible synthetic material.

The flap can be configured in such a manner that the second subregion of the flap can be bent around the additional bending axis into the collecting container by a force acting from outside (in the radial direction) on the second subregion. The provision of a flap with a linear-shaped intended bending site renders it possible to further amplify the pulse created by the flap (along the longitudinal axis) in order to create in a particularly reliable manner a helical suction airflow.

As already explained above, the additional bending axis of the intended bending site can run in an oblique manner with respect to the main bending axis (in other words with respect to the main edge), in particular in such a manner that a triangular second subregion is formed by the intended bending site. It is thus possible to further amplify the pulse created by the flap (along the longitudinal axis).

In accordance with a further aspect, a further separator unit for a suction apparatus is described. As already explained, the separator unit includes a collecting container enclosed by a housing wall. The collecting container can extend along the longitudinal axis from the first end side up to the opposite-lying second end side. A (cylindrical) filter unit can be disposed in the collecting container. The above described features of the separator unit and in particular of the collecting container can also be used individually or in combination for this separator unit.

The collecting container has an inlet opening disposed at the housing wall for a suction airflow. The inlet opening is preferably covered by a flexible flap (as explained above). The inlet opening is preferably disposed on the first end side of the collecting container. At least, the inlet opening can be closer to the first end side of the collecting container along the longitudinal axis than the opposite-lying second end side of the collecting container.

The separator unit is preferably configured in such a manner that a suction airflow that is passing through the inlet opening into the collecting container has a flow direction running in the circumferential direction with regard to the longitudinal axis. The separator unit can be configured in particular as a centrifugal separator. For this purpose, the flow direction of the suction airflow can have a directional component in the circumferential direction at the inlet opening. Moreover, the flow direction of the suction airflow can have a (relatively small) directional component in the radial direction at the inlet opening. On the other hand, the flow direction of the suction airflow typically substantially does not have a directional component along the longitudinal axis at the inlet opening.

The separator unit can include a diversion element that has a surface which acts on the suction airflow which has passed through the inlet opening into the collecting container. The surface of the diversion element can be configured as a guide surface for guiding the suction airflow. Consequently, at least a part of the suction airflow flowing through the inlet opening into the collecting container can impinge on the surface of the diversion element, in particular on an obliquely positioned section of the diversion element. The normal vector of the obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element can run in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis. The normal vector of the obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element preferably has an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis between 10° and 45°, in particular between 15° and 25°.

The use of a diversion element with an obliquely positioned section renders it possible to apply a pulse to the suction airflow flowing through the inlet opening, through the use of which the suction power of the suction apparatus and/or the dust-separating efficiency of the separator unit are improved.

The obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element can be configured in particular in such a manner that the suction airflow passing through the inlet opening into the collecting container receives a pulse in the direction of the longitudinal axis. It is thus possible to ensure that the suction airflow flows within the collecting container in a helical manner around the longitudinal axis. It is thus possible in an efficient and reliable manner that the dirt particles being carried along by the suction airflow are moved away from the inlet opening (toward the second end side of the collecting container), whereby the suction power and/or the separating efficiency can be increased to a particularly high degree.

The obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element is preferably disposed in the radial direction with regard to the longitudinal axis flush with the inlet opening (in particular with the first transverse edge of the inlet opening facing the first end side). Consequently, it is possible to apply a pulse to the suction airflow directly downstream of the inlet opening in order to generate the helical suction airflow in a particularly reliable manner.

The surface of the diversion element can be configured in such a manner that the normal vector of the surface of the diversion element is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis with an increasing spacing along the flow direction of the suction airflow increasingly, in particular smoothly, in particular in such a manner that after a predefined spacing the normal vector of the surface of the diversion element is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. Due to the smooth change in the orientation of the surface of the diversion element, the flow direction of the suction airflow can be oriented in a particularly efficient manner (in particular without creating any turbulence) with respect to the longitudinal axis.

The normal vector of the obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element preferably has a directional component which faces in the radial direction out of the collecting container. A surface configured in such a manner renders it possible in a particularly advantageous manner to create a helical suction airflow within the collecting container.

Moreover, the normal vector of the obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element is preferably oriented toward the second end side of the collecting container. It is thus possible in a particularly reliable manner to create a helical suction airflow within the collecting container with respect to the second end side of the collecting container.

It should be noted that at least one subregion of the obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element can be used as a contact surface for the flexible flap of the separator unit (as explained above). It is thus possible in a particularly reliable manner to create a change in the flow direction of the suction airflow.

As already explained, the housing wall of the collecting container preferably runs in a cylindrical, in particular in the shape of a circular cylinder, around the longitudinal axis. The diversion element can run in an annular manner along the inner side of the housing wall around the longitudinal axis. In so doing, the annular diversion element can have an outer edge facing the housing wall and an inner edge remote from the housing wall, in particular facing the filter unit of the separator unit.

The surface of the diversion element can be disposed at a first angular position with regard to the longitudinal axis along the radial direction flush with the inlet opening (in particular with the first transverse edge of the inlet opening). The obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element can thus be disposed in the region of the first angular position (starting from the first angular position, for example). The first angular position can have the value 0°, for example.

The inner edge can have at the first angular position an inner edge spacing with a first spacing value from a reference plane disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (wherein the reference plane corresponds, for example, to the rear side of the diversion element remote from the surface of the diversion element). At the first angular position, the outer edge can have an outer edge spacing with a second spacing value from the reference plane. The first spacing value can be smaller than the second spacing value.

As already explained, the collecting container can have a specific total length from the first end side up to the second end side. The second spacing value can, for example, be between 0.5% and 2% of the total length higher or greater than the first spacing value. It is thus possible to provide the obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element in a particularly reliable manner.

The inner edge spacing and the outer edge spacing can become harmonized with an increasing angular spacing, in particular smoothly, so that, after a second angular position, the inner edge spacing and the outer edge spacing have the same spacing value, in particular the first spacing value. The second angular position is (in the circumferential direction) preferably spaced from the first angular position between 70° and 110° approximately by 90°. By harmonizing the spacing value, it is possible to orient the normal vector of the surface of the diversion element little by little parallel to the longitudinal axis. It is thus possible to create a particularly reliable change in the flow direction of the suction airflow.

The inner edge spacing and the outer edge spacing can each have the same spacing value after the second angular position. In this case, the common spacing value can be increased (smoothly) with an increasing angular spacing from the second angular position, in particular in such a manner that the inner edge spacing and the outer edge spacing at a third angular position have a third spacing value. The third angular position can be spaced, for example, between 350° and 360°, approximately between 353° and 359° from the first angular position. Moreover, the third spacing value can be higher or greater than the first spacing value by 5% or more, in particular between 5% and 20%, of the total length of the collecting container.

The surface of the annular diversion element can have a step between the third angular position and the first angular position and at the step the spacing value of the inner edge spacing and the outer edge spacing is reduced (abruptly) to the second spacing value or to the first spacing value.

This means that a diversion element can be provided which has (in the circumferential direction) a ramp-shaped surface which acts on the suction airflow in the collecting container (and consequently is used as a guide surface for the suction airflow). It is thus possible in a particularly reliable manner to create a helical suction airflow.

As already explained, the separator unit can include an (annular) ejection and/or compression element which is configured to be moved within the collecting container in order to compress dirt particles located in the collecting container and/or eject them out of the collecting container. In particular, the ejection and/or compression element can be configured so as to be moved (starting from the initial position, disposed for example on the first end side) along the longitudinal axis over the surface of the filter unit (in particular toward the second end side of the collecting container). The ejection and/or compression element is disposed in the initial position preferably along the radial direction (with regard to the longitudinal axis) flush with the inlet opening (in particular with the first transverse edge of the inlet opening).

In a preferred embodiment, the ejection and/or compression element is configured as a diversion element which has a surface which acts on the suction airflow. In other words, the diversion element can be configured as an (annular) ejection and/or compression element). It is thus possible to create the flow direction of the suction airflow in a particularly efficient manner.

In accordance with a further aspect, a further separator unit for a suction apparatus is described. As already explained, the separator unit includes a (cylindrical) collecting container enclosed by a housing wall. The collecting container can extend along the longitudinal axis from the first end side up to the opposite-lying second end side. A (cylindrical) filter unit can be disposed in the collecting container. The above described features of the separator unit and in particular of the collecting container can also be used individually or in combination for this separator unit.

The collecting container has an inlet opening disposed at the housing wall for a suction airflow. The inlet opening is preferably covered by a flexible flap (as explained above). The inlet opening is preferably disposed on the first end side of the collecting container. At least the inlet opening can be closer to the first end side of the collecting container along the longitudinal axis than the opposite-lying second end side of the collecting container.

The separator unit is preferably configured in such a manner that a suction airflow that is passing through the inlet opening into the collecting container has a flow direction running in the circumferential direction with regard to the longitudinal axis. The separator unit can be configured in particular as a centrifugal separator. For this purpose, the flow direction of the suction airflow can have a directional component in the circumferential direction at the inlet opening. Moreover, the flow direction of the suction airflow can have a (relatively small) directional component in the radial direction at the inlet opening. On the other hand, the flow direction of the suction airflow typically has substantially no directional component along the longitudinal axis at the inlet opening.

The separator unit can include an (annular) diversion element that has a surface which acts on the suction airflow which has passed through the inlet opening into the collecting container. At least a part of the suction airflow flowing through the inlet opening into the collecting container can consequently impinge on the surface of the diversion element. The surface of the diversion element can be configured as a guide surface for guiding the suction airflow.

The surface of the (annular) diversion element can run round the longitudinal axis at least in a subregion in a helical shape and/or spiral shape along the inner side of the housing wall, so that the surface of the diversion element has a step with a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis. The thread pitch of the helical shape and/or spiral shape can run along (in particular parallel to) the longitudinal axis. Moreover, the thread pitch can correspond to the height of the step between the first edge and the second edge. The second edge can be spaced from the first edge, for example, by 5% or more, in particular between 5% and 20% of the total length of the collecting container along the longitudinal axis (in other words the thread pitch of the helical shape and/or spiral shape can correspond 5% or more, in particular between 5% and 20% to the total length of the collecting container).

The provision of a helical-shaped and/or spiral-shaped guide surface for the suction airflow flowing into the collecting container renders it possible to apply a pulse to the suction airflow in the direction of the longitudinal axis in an efficient and reliable manner. This can have the effect that the suction airflow flows within the collecting container in a helical manner around the longitudinal axis. It is thus possible in an efficient and reliable manner to achieve that the dirt particles being carried along by the suction airflow are moved away from the inlet opening (toward the second end side of the collecting container), whereby the suction power and/or the separating efficiency can be increased.

The step of the surface of the diversion element preferably runs in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the step of the surface of the diversion element can have an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis between 1° and 7°, in particular between 2° and 6°, approximately of 5°. An obliquely positioned step can render it possible in a reliable manner to avoid swirls at the (second) edge of the step, whereby the suction power and/or the separating efficiency of the separator unit can be further increased.

The surface of the diversion element can be rounded at the first edge and/or at the second edge in each case in the circumferential direction (for example, with a specific curvature radius. Rounding the first and/or the second edge renders it possible in a particular reliable manner to avoid swirls of the suction airflow at the step, whereby the suction power and/or the separating efficiency of the separator unit can be further increased.

As already explained, the diversion element can be configured in an annular manner (around the longitudinal axis). The step, in particular the first edge of the step, can be disposed at a specific angular position with regard to the longitudinal axis. This angular position can be referred to as the first angular position (and can correspond to 0°, for example). The surface of the diversion element can run starting from the first angular position (precisely once) around the longitudinal axis (and can consequently cover an angular region of) 360°.

The surface of the diversion element (in particular the first edge of the step) can be disposed at the first angular position with regard to the longitudinal axis along the radial direction flush with the inlet opening, in particular flush with the first transverse edge of the (rectangular) inlet opening facing the first end side. Moreover, the surface of the diversion element can be displaced after the first angular position with increasing angular spacing from the first angular position increasingly along the longitudinal axis toward the second end side, so that the helical surface of the diversion element is formed.

As already explained, the first edge of the step can be disposed at the first angular position. The second edge of the step can be disposed at an angular position which is referred to in this document as the fourth angular position. The fourth angular position and the first angular position can be spaced apart from one another by 2° or more, approximately between 2° and 7°, for example by 5°. The surface of the diversion element, in particular the outer edge of the surface of the diversion unit facing the inner side of the housing wall, can run substantially in a straight line from the second edge at the fourth angular position up to the first edge at the first angular position. It is thus possible to provide the obliquely positioned section of the diversion element in a particularly reliable manner.

The surface of the diversion element can be displaced after a second angular position with an increasing angular spacing from the second angular position up to a third angular position increasing along the longitudinal axis toward the second end side, so that the helical surface is formed. The second angular position can be spaced (in the circumferential direction) between 70° and 110° approximately by 90°. The third angular position can be spaced (in the circumferential direction) between 1° and 15° from the first angular position, in particular from the first angular position increased by 360°. The surface of the diversion element can have a uniform, constant incline in the circumferential direction between the second angular position and the third angular position. It is thus possible to achieve a particularly reliable and efficient diversion of the suction airflow toward the longitudinal axis.

The surface of the diversion element can have a considerably smaller incline along the circumferential direction between the third angular position and the fourth angular position than between the second angular position and the third angular position. In particular, the surface of the diversion element may substantially not have an incline along the circumferential direction between the third angular position and the fourth angular position. The fourth angular position can be spaced between 5° and 10° from the third angular position. The provision of a flattened section of the surface at the second edge of the step renders it possible to further reduce the amount of swirls of the suction airflow at the step of the diversion element.

The normal vector of the surface of the diversion element can have directional components between the first angular position and the second angular position in the radial direction and in the axial direction with regard to the longitudinal axis (in order to provide the above-mentioned obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element).

On the other hand, the normal vector of the surface of the diversion element can have between the second angular position and the third angular position directional components in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction with regard to the longitudinal axis. Moreover, it is preferred that the normal vector of the surface of the diversion element does not have a directional component in the radial direction between the second angular position and the third angular position. The normal vector of the surface of the diversion element can consequently be oriented after the second angular position parallel to the longitudinal axis. This is particularly advantageous when the diversion element is configured in addition as an ejection and/or compression element.

As already explained, the separator unit can include an (annular) ejection and/or compression element which is configured to be moved within the collecting container in order to compress dirt particles located in the collecting container and/or eject them out of the collecting container. In particular, the ejection and/or compression element can be configured so as to be moved (starting from the initial position, disposed on the first end side, for example) along the longitudinal axis over the surface of the filter unit (in particular toward the second end side of the collecting container). The ejection and/or compression element is disposed in the initial position preferably along the radial direction (with regard to the longitudinal axis) flush with the first transverse edge of the inlet opening.

The surface of the annular ejection and/or compression element has an inner edge facing the surface of the filter unit, the inner edge being configured so as to clean the surface of the filter unit when the annual ejection and/or compression element is moved along the longitudinal axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the ejection and/or compression element is configured as a diversion element which has a surface which acts on the suction airflow. In other words, the diversion element can be configured as an (annular) ejection and/or compression element). It is thus possible to create the flow direction of the suction airflow in a particularly efficient manner.

With the objects of the invention in view, there is concomitantly provided a suction apparatus, in particular a hand-held vacuum cleaner, which comprises the separator unit described in this application. Moreover, the suction apparatus includes a fan which is configured so as to create a suction airflow from the suction mouth of the suction apparatus, through the inlet opening of the separator unit, through the filter unit and to the fan.

It should be noted that each aspect of the separator unit described in this document and of the suction apparatus described in this document can be combined with one another in numerous ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in numerous ways. Moreover, the features described in this document for a separator unit can be used individually or in combination in the different, described variants of the separator unit.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a suction apparatus and a separator unit for a suction apparatus with an obliquely positioned flow diversion, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an exemplary suction apparatus with a suction unit, a suction tube and a nozzle;

FIGS. 2a to 2c are different perspective views of a suction unit and the separator unit of a suction unit;

FIGS. 3a to 3b are different plan and perspective views of flexible flaps for covering the inlet opening of a separator unit;

FIG. 3c is a diagrammatic view of a flap in a plan view and in a lateral view;

FIGS. 4a to 4d are different perspective and plan views of the flap lying on a contact surface (of the ejection and/or compression element) of the separator unit;

FIGS. 5a to 5c are different perspective and elevational views of an exemplary ejection and/or compression element;

FIG. 5d is a graph showing an exemplary course of the height of the edges of the ejection and/or compression element along the circumferential direction; and

FIGS. 6a and 6b are perspective views of an exemplary ejection and/or compression element with a ramp running in the circumferential direction so as to orient the suction airflow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As explained in the introduction, the present invention concerns the creation of a particularly advantageous orientation of the cyclonic suction airflow within the separator unit of a suction apparatus, in particular in order to provide a high suction power even after the suction apparatus is used for a longer period of time without emptying the collecting container of the separator unit.

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen, in this context, an exemplary (hand-held) vacuum cleaner 100 (as an example for a suction apparatus), which has a suction unit 110 with an electrical energy storage device 111. The suction unit 110 has a (hand) grip 112 which a user can grip by hand in order to hold the suction unit 110. The fan of the suction unit 110 creates a suction airflow through the suction mouth 114 of the suction unit 110 via the separator unit 113 of the suction unit 110 up to the fan. The suction unit 110 can be configured so as to be used independently as a suction apparatus.

An accessory 120, 130 can be connected to the suction unit 110 via a coupling 121. In the illustrated example, the suction unit 110 is connected via a coupling 121 to the suction tube 120 which is connected in turn via a coupling 121 to a base nozzle 130.

FIGS. 2a to 2c show different views of a suction unit 110 and a separator unit 113. The suction airflow 212 created by the fan 230 is drawn through the suction mouth 114 of the suction unit 110 into the separator unit 113. The separator unit 113 has an outer housing wall 227 which encloses a filter unit 225. The housing wall 227 forms a collecting container. The suction airflow 212 is drawn through an (inlet) opening 211 formed on the housing wall 227 into the collecting container enclosed by the housing wall 227. In this case, the suction airflow 212 is oriented as it is introduced into the collecting container in such a manner that the suction airflow 212 circulates in a cyclonic manner around the (circular-cylindrical) filter unit 225. The suction airflow 212 is further drawn through the surface of the filter unit 225 toward the central longitudinal axis 220 of the separator unit 113. In this case, the contaminants from the suction airflow 212 are retained on the surface of the filter unit 225, and remain in the collection area 226 formed between the filter unit 225 and the housing wall 227.

The (circular-cylindrical) collecting container formed by the housing wall 227 extends along the longitudinal axis 220 from a first end side 221 (facing the fan 230) up to a second end side 222 (remote from the fan 230). A cover 224 which covers the collecting container is disposed on the second end side 222. The cover 224 can be opened (for example flipped open), so that contaminants from the collection area 226 can be removed from the collection area 226 of the collecting container via the second end side 222.

It is possible to arrange within the collecting container an ejection and/or compression element 240 which is configured to be moved along the longitudinal axis 220. The ejection and/or compression element 240 can be configured, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, as a ring which is disposed around the filter unit 225. The ejection and/or compression element 240 can extend in the radial direction (with regard to the longitudinal axis 220) from the surface of the filter unit 225 up to the inner side of the housing wall 227.

The ejection and/or compression element 240 can be disposed in an initial state on the first end side 221 of the collecting container. Furthermore, the ejection and/or compression element 240 can be configured so as to be moved along the longitudinal axis 220 from the first end side 221 toward the second end side 222, so that the contaminants located in the collection area 226 are pushed toward the second end side 222 by the ejection and/or compression element 240. It is thus rendered possible for contaminants located in the collection area 226 to be compressed (in the region of the second end side 222), so that the surface of the filter unit 225 is substantially free of contaminants, and consequently a high suction power is still available. Moreover, contaminants can be pushed by the ejection and/or compression element 240 in a convenient manner along the longitudinal axis 220 via the second end side 222 (and the open cover 224) out of the collecting container in order to empty the collecting container.

As illustrated in FIG. 2b, for example, the housing wall 227 of the collecting container has a frame 210 which surrounds the opening 211 to the collection area 226 of the collecting container. In this case, the frame 210 is preferably in close proximity to the first end side 221 of the collecting container. A flexible flap 200 is disposed within the frame 210 and the flap is configured in such a manner that the flap 200 encloses the opening 211 framed by the frame 210 when the fan 230 is not creating a suction airflow 212, in other words when there are no forces acting on the flap 200 in the radial direction from outside into the collecting container. The collecting container can thus be closed by the flexible flap 200, so that it is reliably possible to avoid contaminants dropping out of the collecting container through the opening 211 (for example when the separator unit 113 is separated from the suction unit 110 in order to empty the separator unit 113).

The flap 200 can be pre-tensioned such that the flap 200 is pushed toward the frame 210. It is thus possible in a particularly reliable manner to achieve that the flap 200 is closed in the absence of a suction airflow 212.

The flap 200 is preferably made from a flexible material (for example from a flexible synthetic material), so that under the influence of a force acting from outside on the flap 200, (the force being created by the suction airflow, for example), the flap 200 is bent away from the frame 210 toward the filter unit 225 and in so doing reveals at least a part of the opening 211. It is thus ensured that the suction airflow 212 passes from outside into the collecting container.

As is apparent from FIG. 2b, the suction unit 110 can be configured in such a manner that the suction airflow 212 initially has a flow direction which starts from the suction mouth 114 and is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 220. The flow direction of the suction airflow 212 is diverted by approximately 90° at the frame 210, so that the suction airflow 212 flows in the circumferential direction (and thus substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220) through the inlet opening 211 into the collecting container.

The inlet opening 211 is disposed during the suction operation preferably (with regard to the circumferential direction) on the upper side of the housing wall 227 of the collecting container. It is thus possible to ensure that the center of gravity acts on the contaminants in the suction airflow 212 in order to convey the contaminants into the collecting container. On the other hand, due to the orientation of the inlet opening 211, it is possible for (in particular relatively large) dirt particles to remain on the outer side of the flap 200 and to increasingly collect on the outer side of the flap 200 and possibly lead to the inlet opening 211 becoming blocked.

The dirt located on the outer side of the flap 200 can possibly drop off when the separator unit 113 is separated from the suction unit 110, which a user can perceive as unpleasant. Moreover, the suction operation must be interrupted when a blockage occurs in the inlet opening 211, and the separator unit must be cleaned, which can likewise be perceived as inconvenient.

It is preferred that the flap 200 has one or more intended bending sites 201, 202 (as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 3a to 3b), through the use of which the opening angle at least of a subregion of the flap 200 can be increased. An intended bending site 201, 202 can be configured in particular as a (film) hinge. The flap 200 can have a main hinge 201 which runs along a (main) edge of the frame 210 and renders it possible for the entire flap 200 to open (in other words, the entire surface of the flap 200). Furthermore, the flap 200 has one or more (linear-shaped) intended bending sites 202, which each render it possible for a respective subregion of the flap 200 to be additionally opened.

The flap 200, can have an entire surface 300, for example a rectangular entire surface, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3c, wherein the entire surface 300 completely covers the inlet opening 211. The entire surface 300 is delimited by a main edge 301 and one or more (in particular three) secondary edges 302. The main edge 301 is typically fixedly connected to the frame 210 of the inlet opening 211, so that the flap 200 cannot be moved away from the frame 210 at the main edge 301. The one or more secondary edges 302 are not connected to the frame 210 of the inlet opening 211 and can be moved away from the frame 210 (under the influence of a radial force), in order to open the inlet opening 211.

A linear-shaped main intended bending site 201, (for example in the form of a film hinge) can be disposed on the main edge 301 and this renders it possible for the entire surface 300 of the flap 220 to rotate about the linear-shaped main intended bending site 201, (in other words main bending axis). The angle of rotation rendered possible by the main intended bending site 201 is typically delimited (for example to 45° or less, or to 30° or less), so that the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 can only be flipped open up to a specific opening angle by the force of the suction airflow 212. This has the advantage that the flow direction of the suction airflow 121 through the inlet opening 211 has a particularly large directional component in the circumferential direction and only a relatively small directional component in the radial direction. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to create a robust cyclonic suction airflow 201 within the collecting container of the separator unit 113.

On the other hand, the delimitation of the opening angle of the main intended bending site 201 on the main edge 301 of the flap 200 can lead to relatively large dirt particles remaining stuck on the outer side of the flap 200.

The flap 200 can therefore have at least one further (linear-shaped) intended bending site 202, which renders possible an additional rotation or bend of a subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 around the respective intended bending site 202 (in other words the respective bending axis). A further intended bending site 202 (in particular a further film hinge) consequently renders it possible that a subregion 305 (remote from the main edge 301) of the entire surface 300 can additionally be moved away from the frame 210 (in particular under the influence of a relatively large dirt particle). As a result thereof, the inlet opening 211 can be opened further in the relevant subregion of the inlet opening 211, so that even relatively large dirt particles can pass into the collecting container.

The additional bending-away or rotating-away of a subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 is typically not caused by a suction airflow 212 which only has relatively small dirt particles. It is thus still possible to ensure that the flow direction of the suction airflow 212 has a directional component that is as large as possible in the circumferential direction and only a relatively small directional component in the radial direction. On the other hand, the additional bending-away or rotating-away of the subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 can be achieved when a relatively large dirt particle that is carried along by the suction airflow 212 acts on this subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 (and in so doing creates a relatively large force in the radial direction).

The additional provision of one or more film hinges 202, which are disposed in a transverse, lengthwise, diagonal manner on the front side and/or on the rear side or also in the most varied combinations on the elastic dust-retaining flap 200 consequently renders it possible for the flap 200 to be opened further in the case of relatively large particles and/or in the case of a relative large amount of dirt in the suction airflow 212 at least in one or more subregions 305 of the entire surface 300 and consequently no dirt remains stuck between the flap 200 and the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. Moreover, the wall orientation of the air flow 212 (toward the inner side of the housing wall 227) still remains for improving the dust separation. This wall orientation arises (in the case of relatively high quantities of air) as a result of the main film hinge 201 (that runs along the longitudinal axis 220, for example). In the case of relatively smaller quantities of air, one or more further film hinges 202 running following on longitudinally can cause the flap 200 to open (at least in one or more subregions 305). It is thus possible to ensure a good wall orientation of the in-flowing suction air even in a case of a relatively small quantity of air.

The first end side 221 of the collecting container of the separator unit 113 is typically facing upward during the suction operation of the suction unit 110, whereas the second end side 222 of the collecting container is facing downward. Consequently, during the suction operation, the center of gravity, through the use of which some of the contaminants are moved toward the second end side 222, acts on the contaminants (for example dust particles) located in the collection area. As a result thereof, during the suction operation, generally speaking fewer contaminants are located in the proximity of the first end side 221 than in the proximity of the second end side 222. Therefore, to maintain a highest possible suction power, it is typically advantageous when the inlet opening 211 is disposed as close as possible to the first end side 221 of the collecting container for the intake of the suction air flow 222 into the collecting container.

In order to keep the collection area 226 of the collecting container of the separator unit 113 as free as possible of contaminants in the region of the inlet opening 211, and in order thereby to provide a permanently high suction power, it is advantageous if the suction airflow 212 flows in a helical manner around the filter unit 225 and toward the second end side 222. For this purpose, the flap 200 can be configured at the inlet opening 211 so as to configure the suction airflow 212 flowing through the inlet opening 211 in such a manner that the direction vector of the movement direction of the suction airflow 212 has a first vector component in the circumferential direction and a second vector component in the longitudinal direction 220. The ratio between the first vector component and the second vector component renders it possible to define the thread pitch of the helical flow direction of the suction airflow 212.

The flap 200 can have one or more (linear-shaped) intended bending sites 202 which render it possible for one or more relevant subregions 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 to bend or rotate around a respective (bending) axis, wherein the respective (bending) axis runs in an oblique manner with regard to the longitudinal axis 220. The normal vector that runs perpendicular to the bending axis of an intended bending site 202 can have in particular a directional component which is oriented toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container. It is thus possible to ensure that the suction airflow 212 is diverted toward the second end side 222 by the subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200, the subregion being bent around this bending axis, so that as a result a helical suction airflow 212 is created in the collecting container of the separator unit 113.

FIG. 2b shows an exemplary flap 200 with a (linear-shaped) intended bending site 202, through the use of which a bending axis is defined which is oriented in such an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 220 that the flow direction of the suction airflow 212 is oriented (by a specific angle) toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container by the subregion 305 of the flap 200, the subregion being bent around the bending axis. It is thus possible to ensure that increased contaminants collect at the second end side 222 of the collecting container, and that the inlet opening 211 remains free to receive additional contaminants. As a result it is possible to create a permanently high suction power.

FIG. 4a shows an exemplary separator unit 113 with a flexible flap 200 which is pushed away from the frame 210 of the inlet opening 211 into the collecting container under the influence of the suction airflow 212. In so doing, the flexible flap 200 is brought into contact with the contact surface 403 within the collecting container. In particular, the (first) subregion of the flap 200 is in contact with a contact surface, the (first) subregion facing the first end side 221 of the collecting container. The contact surface 403 can be configured in such a manner that the flap 200 that is in contact with the contact surface 403 has a normal vector (running perpendicular to the surface 300 of the flap 200) with a directional component along the longitudinal axis 220. This can be achieved in particular by virtue of the fact that the contact surface 403 has a normal vector which has a directional component along the longitudinal axis and a directional component in the radial direction.

As explained above, the suction airflow 212 typically flows in the circumferential direction through the inlet opening 211. As a result thereof, the flap 200 is bent around the (parallel to the longitudinal axis 220) main bending axis of the main bending site 201. Without the provision of a contact surface 403, the normal vectors would only have directional components in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction on the bent surface 300 of the flap 200. By virtue of the contact surface 403, which acts on the (first) subregion of the flap 200 facing the first end side 221 of the collecting container, the flap 200 is bent in such a manner that the normal vectors of the bent surface 300 of the flap also have a directional component along the longitudinal axis in the contacted (first) subregion, wherein this directional component is facing the second end side 222 of the collecting container.

By virtue of a flap 200 oriented in this manner, it can be brought about that a pulse is applied by the flap 200 to the suction airflow 212 flowing in through the inlet opening 211 and the pulse rotates the flow direction of the suction airflow 212 (at least slightly) toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container, so that the flow direction also has a directional component along the longitudinal axis 220 (toward the second end side 222) in addition to a directional component in the circumferential direction. It is thus possible in an efficient and reliable manner to create a helical suction airflow 212 within the collecting container. The contact surface 403 can be provided in a particularly efficient manner by the ejection and/or compression element 240. The ejection and/or compression element 240 can have an outer edge 401 facing the inner side of the house wall 227 and an inner edge 402 facing the surface of the filter unit 225. The contact surface 403 can be formed by the surface of the ejection and/or compression element 240 which is facing the second end side 222 of the collecting container and which runs from the inner edge 402 to the outer edge 401 of the ejection and/or compression element 240. This surface of the ejection and/or compression element 240 is typically used to push the contaminants in the collection area 226 of the collecting container toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container.

FIG. 4b shows the contact surface 403 in a perspective view through the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. FIGS. 4c and 4d show how the flexible flap 200 is brought into contact with the contact surface 403 formed by the ejection and/or compression element 240 and as a result is bent toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container.

FIGS. 5a to 5c show further details of an exemplary (annular) ejection and/or compression element 240. As is particularly apparent from FIG. 5b, in order to provide the contact surface 403 for the flexible flap 200, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 facing the second end side 222 of the collecting container can have an orientation which runs in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 220, so that the orientation 520 (in other words the normal vector) of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 does not run parallel to the longitudinal axis 220 but has a directional component which faces outward in the radial direction.

The outer edge 401 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 can have in the region of the contact surface 403 an outer edge spacing 511 from a reference plane 510 (which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220). The reference plane 510 can correspond, for example, to the rear side of the ejection and/or compression element 240 (facing the first end side 221). In the region of the contact surface 403, the inner edge 402 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 can have an inner edge spacing 512 with respect to a reference plane 510. The inner edge spacing 512 is greater than the outer edge spacing 511, so that the contact surface 403 running between the inner edge 402 and the outer edge 401 (substantially in a straight line) faces outward in the radial direction.

As is explained above, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 facing the second end side 222 can be used so as to directly influence the flow direction of the suction airflow 212. It is therefore advantageous to limit the oblique orientation 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 to the subregion (in particular to the angular region) of the ejection and/or compression element 240, the subregion being disposed along the radial direction directly below the inlet opening 211. In other subregions (in particular in other angular regions) of the ejection and/or compression element 240, it can be advantageous to orient the surface 503 parallel to the longitudinal axis 220.

FIG. 5d shows an exemplary spacing 501 of the outer edge 401 (dashed) and an exemplary spacing 502 of the inner edge 402 (dotted) as a function of the angular position 530 around the longitudinal axis 220. The oblique contact surface and/or the obliquely positioned section 403 is provided in the angular region between the first angular position 531 and the second angular position 532. In this case, the orientation 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 changes smoothly from a maximum angle (for example) 20° relative to the longitudinal axis 220 (at the first angular position 531) up to a parallel arrangement with respect to the longitudinal axis 220 (at the second angular position 532). This is advantageous for a guide of the suction airflow 212 created by the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240. After the second angular position 532, the orientation 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 can be orientated substantial parallel to the longitudinal axis 220.

As is apparent in FIG. 5d, the outer edge 401 has a first spacing value 541 which, with respect to the reference plane 510, remains constant between the first angular position 531 and the second angular position 532. On the other hand, the inner edge spacing 512 of the inner edge 502 starting from a relatively high second spacing value 542 (at the first angular position 531) reduces smoothly (where appropriate in a linear manner) to the first spacing value 541 (at the second angular position 532).

By virtue of the fact that the flap 200 makes contact in an oblique manner, it is rendered possible to create a spiral-shaped suction airflow 212 which is oriented toward the second end side of the collecting container. As a result, it is possible to reduce the volume flow of the suction airflow 212 which acts on the rear side of the flap 200 and thereby creates a closing force for closing the inlet opening 211. As a result, it possible to increase the effective degree of opening of the inlet opening 211, whereby the flow resistance of the inlet opening 211 is reduced, and whereby the suction power is increased.

Moreover, the spiral-shaped suction airflow 212 renders it possible for contaminants to be conveyed toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container, and consequently not to reach the first end side 221 downstream of the ejection and/or compression element 240.

By virtue of the flap 200 contacting in an oblique manner a contact surface 403 of the ejection and/or compression element 240, it is possible for the ejection and/or compression element 240 to also be actuated during the suction operation of the suction unit 110 in order to compress contaminants (without having to switch off the fan 230). The comfort of the suction unit 110 can be further increased in this manner.

Consequently, an improved separating power is achieved in the case of a centrifugal separator 113. This can be achieved in particular by virtue of the fact that after the airflow 212 has passed the inlet opening 211, a spiral-shaped airflow is created around the filter.

In the case of a centrifugal separator 113 for a vacuum cleaner 100, in which the inlet 211 is covered by a movable (preferably single-part) elastic flap 200, the flap 200 can have (with regard to the longitudinal axis 220) two (preferably connected) subregions: one upper (in other words first) subregion and one lower (in other words second) subregion. The flap 200 is opened by the drawnin air 212. In this case, the upper subregion or the upper edge of the flap 200 contacts an obstacle (for example, a bevel on the scraper ring 240). As a result, the flap 200 is opened asymmetrically (without a complete cross-sectional opening) with regard to the longitudinal axis 220 (seen by the airflow 212), so that the oblique position of the flap 200 in the upper subregion of the flap 200 (which faces the first end side 22) causes the airflow 212 to experience at least a spiral movement downward (toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container). In other words, not only is a spiral-shaped airflow created in a perpendicular manner around the longitudinal axis 220 but also, in addition, a spiral-shaped twist or pulse is created in the direction of the airflow. Consequently, not only is an airflow created around the inner-lying filter unit 225 but also a twist and/or a pulse in the direction of the suction stream. As a result dirt particles can pass more easily to the inner side of the housing wall 227, so that the separation efficiency is improved.

Consequently, a centrifugal separator (in other words a separator unit) 113 with an inlet 211 is described, which is covered by a movable elastic flap 200. The centrifugal separator 113 also has an obstacle (for example in the form of a contact surface 403) that limits the opening movement of the flap 200 at the upper or first edge (facing the first end side 221 of the collecting container).

The flap 200 can be disposed in a resting position between the entry opening 211 and the centrifugal separator 113. The entrance opening 211 and the flap 200 can each be configured almost rectangular. The obstacle can be disposed in or on the centrifugal separator 113. The obstacle can be formed in particular by the scraper ring 240 (where appropriate with an incline at the inflow section).

As explained in connection with FIG. 5d, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 has an obliquely positioned section 403 in which the normal vector of the surface 503 runs in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 220. The obliquely positioned section 403 can be used at least in sections as a contact surface for the flap 200. The ejection and/or compression element 240 can generally be considered as a diversion element which is configured so as to divert at least some of the suction airflow 212 that has passed into the collecting container. It should be noted that the aspects described in this document with regard to an ejection and/or compression element 240 can generally be applied to a diversion element.

The normal vector of the obliquely positioned section 403 of the surface 503 can have a directional component outward in the radial direction (out of the collecting container). Moreover, the normal vector of the obliquely positioned section 403 of the surface 503 can have a directional component in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis 220 with respect to the second end side 222 of the collecting container. The angle between the longitudinal axis 220 and the normal vector of the obliquely positioned section 403 can be reduced starting from a maximum value (for example) 20° at the first angular position 531 smoothly to 0° at the second angular position 532. The second angular position 532 can be spaced from the first angular position 531 by approximately 90° along the circumferential direction. Such a course of the surface 503 renders it possible to bring about a helical suction airflow 212 within the collecting container in a particular reliable and efficient manner.

As is particular apparent from FIG. 5d, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 (generally of the diversion element) can be configured in such a manner that the spacing value of the inner edge spacing 512 and of the outer edge spacing 511 (in other words the spacing of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240) from the reference plane 510 increases with an increasing angular position 530, so that a spiral-shaped ramp can be provided in the circumferential direction. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5d, the spacing 511, 512 of the surface 503 increases after the second angular position 532 up to the third angular position 533 starting from the first spacing value 531 smoothly (for example with a constant increase in the circumferential direction) up to a third spacing value 543. The third spacing value 532 can be greater than the first spacing value 531 by up to 20% of the total length of the collecting container (along the longitudinal axis 220). The third angular position 533 can correspond to an angle between 340° and 360°, for example. The provision of a ramp-shaped surface 503 renders it possible to change the flow direction of the suction airflow 212, which has passed into the collecting container, in a particularly reliable manner in order to create a helical-shaped or spiral-shaped suction airflow 212.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5d, the surface 503 has the third spacing value 543 optionally constant between the third angular position 533 and a fourth angular position 534 constant. The fourth angular position 534 can be spaced from the third angular position 533 between 2° and 10°, for example. The provision of such a flattened section of the surface 503 renders it possible to adjust in a flexible manner the incline of the ramp-shaped surface 503 and the height (along the longitudinal axis 220) of the thus formed step 500 in order to create an optimized change in the flow direction of the suction airflow 212.

Between the fourth angular position 534 and the first angular position 531, the spacing value of the spacing 511, 512 of the surface 503 reduces abruptly to the first spacing value 531 (at the outer edge 401) or to the second spacing value 532 (at the inner edge 402) so that a step 500 is created. It is preferred that an angle spacing of 1° or more, in particular of 3° or more lies, between the fourth angular position 534 and the first angular position 531 so that:

• • the step 500 has a negative incline which is considerably smaller than infinity; and/or
  • the normal vector of the surface 503 has in the region of the step 500 a specific angle (for example of 1° or more, in particular of 3° or more) relative to the transverse plane of the collecting container running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220; and/or
  • the surface 503 has in the region of the step 500 a specific angle (for example of 1° or more, in particular of 3° or more) relative to the longitudinal axis 220.

The first (lower) edge 501 of the step 500 can be disposed on the first angular position 531, and the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500 can be disposed on the fourth angular position 534. The surface 503 can run in a straight line between the first edge 501 and the second edge 502. In particular, the inner edge 402 and the outer edge 401 can each run substantially in a straight line between the first edge 501 and the second edge 502.

It is thus possible to provide an ejection and/or compression element 240 (generally a diversion element) with a ramp-shaped and/or spiral-shaped surface 503. The step 500 of the surface 503 can run in a slight oblique manner. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to avoid an interruption in the suction airflow 212 at the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500 in order to create a high separation efficiency of the separator unit 113.

As already explained, the separator unit 113 can consequently have a scraper ring 240 (in other words an ejection and/or compression element) which has, in the region of the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container, a specific incline (for example approximately) 20° with respect to a reference plane 510 (wherein the reference plane 510 is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220). The incline of the surface 503 with respect to the reference zone 510 can be in the radial direction. The surface 503 of the scraper ring 240 can consequently have an obliquely positioned section 403.

The first edge 501 of the ejector ring 240 can be disposed flush with the transverse edge (facing the first end side 221 of the collecting container) of the inlet opening 211. Moreover, the obliquely positioned section 403 can extend in the circumferential direction over a specific angular region starting from the first edge 501 of the ejector ring 240. This oblique surface 403 causes the incoming air 212 to be diverted toward the second end side 222, as a result of which a mono-cyclone directed at the second end side 222 is created within the collecting container.

The scraper ring 240 is preferably shaped in such a manner that the surface 503 of the scraper ring 240 is only inclined in the region of the inlet opening 211 (for example limited to an angular region of) 90°. Regardless of the obliquely positioned section 403, the surface 403 of the scraper ring 240 can run within the transverse plane of the collecting container (which is disposed perpendicular toward the longitudinal axis 220).

By virtue of the obliquely positioned section 403 and the resultant mono-cyclone created oriented toward the second end side 222, the suction airflow 212 can be guided purposefully toward the second side end 222, whereby the dirt separation is improved and fewer swirls occur in the suction airflow 212. Moreover, the airflow toward the first end side 221 is reduced so that dirt particles are prevented from depositing on the rear side of the ejector ring 240.

The obliquely positioned section 403 renders it possible, when using an optional flap 200 at the inlet opening 211, to ensure that the flap 200 reliably closes.

As already explained, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 does not have an oblique position over the entire circumference but rather only within the obliquely positioned section 403. It is thus possible to ensure that the ejection and/or compression element 240 still has a stroke along the longitudinal axis 220 that is as large as possible in order to eject dirt particles out of the collecting container.

It is consequently possible where appropriate, in addition to guiding air in a helical manner, to create a twist or pulse in order to guide air in a helical manner within the collecting container. For this purpose, the spiral-shaped surface 503 can be inclined at the scraper ring 240 in the inflow region of the collecting container (in other words at the inlet opening) relative to the transverse plane (disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220) by approximately 20° (radially outward). In so doing, it is preferred that the incline drops back to 0°, for example after a quarter of a circle. The inner delimitation line (in other words the inner edge 512) of the air-guiding surface 503 is preferably disposed higher (with regard to the longitudinal axis 220) relative to the outer delimitation line (in other words relative to the outer edge 511).

The suction air 212 can be guided purposefully to the spiral-shaped surface 503 in such a manner, wherein in addition a twist or a pulse is applied to the suction air 212 along the airflow. As a result, an improved separation of the dust particles can be achieved by the separator unit 113.

In one example, the incline can extend over the entire spiral-shaped surface 503. In other words, the obliquely positioned section 403 can extend over the entire surface 503 and over the entire angular region (of 360°) in order to further amplify the pulse to the suction airflow 212 in the direction toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container.

FIGS. 6a and 6b show, by way of example, the step 500 of the ramp-shaped surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240. As illustrated in FIG. 6b, at the step 500, the surface 503 has a specific angle 621 (for example, between 1° and 7°, approximately) 5° relative to the longitudinal axis 220. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to avoid swirls of the suction airflow 212 at the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500, whereby the separator line of the separator unit 113 is further increased.

The ejector ring 240 can consequently be provided with a ramp in the circumferential direction, through the use of which the incoming dust and/or dirt are conveyed toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container. It is thus possible to influence the efficiency of the suction apparatus 100 and the dust loading of the collecting container of the separator unit 113 in a positive manner.

The step 500 of the ejector ring 240 downstream of the ramp preferably has an obliquely positioned wall (with regard to the longitudinal axis 220), wherein the wall of the step 500 is preferably disposed in the circumferential direction directly upstream of or directly on (the first transverse edge) the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. It is thus possible to achieve for example an oblique position of the wall (of the step 500) of approximately 95° relative to the transverse plane (running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220). The obliquely positioned wall renders it possible to prevent an interruption of the suction airflow 212 in this region and the resultant swirls and thus negative influences on the efficiency and the dust loading of the separator unit 113.

The wall (of the step 500) can be rounded (with a specific radius) at the first (lower) edge 501 and/or at the second (upper) edge 502. It is thus possible to avoid swirls of the suction airflow 212 in a particularly reliable manner.

A movable scraper and/or ejector ring 240 for a cyclone filter (in other words for a filter unit 225) in a vacuum cleaner 100 is thus described, wherein the scraper and/or ejector ring 240 has a spiral-shaped ascending air-guiding surface 503. At the end of the incline, at the site at which the spiral meets itself again, offset by the incline, an edge surface (in other words a step 500) is formed, wherein this edge surface is not at a right angle to the cross-sectional area of the cyclone filter (in other words the filter unit 225) but rather is inclined between 93° and 98°, preferably 95°. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to avoid interruptions in the flow at the high jump (in other words at the step 500). It is thus possible to improve the efficiency of a vacuum cleaner 100, in particular with regard to the dust separation. Moreover, the dust loading of the collecting container of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be improved in this manner.

The step 500 (in other words the oblique wall) preferably has rounded radii at the respective surface ends of the oblique wall (in other words at the first edge 501 and/or at the second edge 502 of the step 500).

The surface normals (in other words the normal vector) of the oblique wall (in other words the step 500) can be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220 (in particular parallel to a radial direction). Alternatively, the surface normals of the wall can be oriented at an angle of 0° up to +−30° with respect to the perpendicular of the longitudinal axis 220.

At the beginning and/or at the end of the oblique wall (in other words the step 500) the air-guiding surface 503 can have a plane (in the circumferential direction) without an incline. Alternatively or additionally, the air-conducting surface 503 can have a continuous or a discontinuous course of the incline of the spiral or the helix.

The inner edge 402 of the air-guiding surface 503 preferably has a relatively small spacing (for example of approximately 1 mm) with respect to the surface of the filter unit 225.

By virtue of the features described in this document, it is possible to achieve an improvement in efficiency, in particular of the dust separation of a suction unit 110. Moreover, it is possible to achieve an optimization of the dust loading of the collecting container of the separator unit 113.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated exemplary embodiment. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are only intended to illustrate the principle of a separator unit 113 and/or of a suction apparatus 100.

The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

• • 100 Suction apparatus (suction wiper)
  • 110 Suction unit
  • 111 Electrical energy storage device
  • 112 Grip
  • 113 Separator unit
  • 114 Suction mouth
  • 120 Accessory (Suction tube)
  • 121 Coupling
  • 130 Nozzle
  • 200 (Dust-retaining) flap
  • 201 Main bending-site (film hinge)
  • 202 Further bending-site (film hinge)
  • 210 Frame
  • 211 Inlet opening (collecting container)
  • 212 Suction air
  • 220 Longitudinal axis
  • 221 First end side (collecting container)
  • 222 Second end side (collecting container)
  • 224 Cover
  • 225 Filter unit
  • 226 Collection area
  • 240 Diversion element/ejection and/or compression element
  • 300 Entire surface (flap)
  • 301 Main edge
  • 302 (Free) edge
  • 305 Subregion (of the entire surface)
  • 401 Outer edge
  • 402 Inner edge
  • 403 Obliquely positioned section/contact surface
  • 500 Step
  • 501 First (lower) edge
  • 502 Second (upper) edge
  • 503 Surface of the diversion element or of the ejection and/or compression element
  • 510 Reference plane (rear side)
  • 511 Outer edge spacing
  • 512 Inner edge spacing
  • 520 Normal vector or orientation (surface)
  • 530 Angular position
  • 531, 532, 533, 534 Different angular positions
  • 541, 542, 543 Spacing values
  • 621 Angle