Patent Application
20200352404
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to patent application no. DE 10 2019 206 570.8, filed on May 8, 2019 in Germany, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present disclosure relates to a suction apparatus.
A suction device having a housing in which an electric motor for generating an air flow is disposed, wherein the housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, having at least one cyclone chamber and a filter element, is already known from DE 10 2016 224 105 A1.
The present disclosure proceeds from a suction apparatus having a housing, having an electric motor for generating an air flow, wherein the housing has an air inlet by way of which the air flow can enter the housing, and an air outlet by way of which the air flow can exit the housing, having at least one cyclone chamber, having a collection container, and having a filter element. It is proposed that the suction apparatus has at least one air-directing device for directing the air flow within the cyclone chamber.
The disclosure provides a suction apparatus having at least one air-directing device by way of which the air flow can be directed and/or controlled in a targeted manner within the cyclone chamber. An efficiency in terms of separating particles and/or liquids from the air flow can thus be increased.
The suction apparatus is configured for collecting and separating particulate matter and/or liquids from the air flow. The air flow is generated by means of the electric motor. The air flow can make its way into the housing by way of the air inlet, wherein the air flow is guided into the collection container by means of a first air duct. The collection container is configured for collecting the particulate matter and/or the liquids, wherein the collection container is releasably connected to the housing of the suction apparatus. The air flow by way of the filter element exits the housing from the air outlet. The filter element is disposed in the cyclone chamber and is in particular releasably connected to the housing. On account thereof, the suction apparatus can be adapted to different fields of application. Filter elements which have specific pores sizes and are adapted as a function of the particle size to be expected can be used, said filter elements effectively separating the particles from the air flow as well as permitting a maximum air flow to pass through. Furthermore, the filter element can advantageously also be replaced in the event of damage, this ensuring a high filtering performance of the suction apparatus during the life span of the latter.
The air inlet and the air outlet can be disposed on sides that face away from one another. “Sides that face away from one another” is in particular also to be understood as sides of the suction apparatus that are oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular, or sides that are substantially opposite one another.
An “air flow” is in particular to be understood to be a flow of particles, a fluid, and/or gas, said flow moving through the suction apparatus along a direction of forward movement. A “direction of forward movement” of the air flow is in particular to be understood to be the flow direction of the air flow in the switched-on state of the suction apparatus. The direction of forward movement herein is directed so as to substantially proceed form the air inlet of the suction apparatus in the direction of the air outlet of the suction apparatus. The electric motor which is configured for driving at least one fan unit is advantageously used for generating the air flow. The fan unit can be configured in an exemplary manner as a radial ventilator or an axial ventilator.
A “cyclone chamber” is in particular to be understood to be a region of the suction apparatus in which particulate matter and/or fluid particles are separated from an air flow by way of a centrifugal separation mechanism. The air flow at least in regions is advantageously directed tangentially in to the cyclone chamber. The air flow is preferably guided on a circular path at least in regions within the cyclone chamber. The air flow is in particular preferably guided on a circular path about the filter element at least in regions within the cyclone chamber.
The filter element is advantageously configured for filtering particulate matter and/or fluid particles when exiting the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber is in particular at least in part delimited by the filter element. The cyclone chamber is preferably configured as a hollow cylinder at least in portions, wherein the external diameter of the hollow cylinder is in particular formed by the collection container, and the internal diameter of the hollow cylinder is in particular formed by the filter element. The filter element can be configured in an exemplary manner as a pleated filter. The external area of the pleated filter corresponds in particular to at least double the lateral shell area of the pleated filter. The filter element is in particular releasably connected to the housing. The connection between the filter element and the housing herein can be a screw-fit connection, a clamping connection, a snap-fit connection, a hook connection, or a bayonet connection. In an exemplary manner, a connection between the filter element and the housing of the suction apparatus which is easy to operate as well as secure can be implemented by the bayonet connection.
The air-directing device is configured in such a manner that said air-directing device directs the air flow within the cyclone chamber and supports said air flow on the circular path about the filter element. The air-directing device is disposed within the cyclone chamber so as to prevent an, in particular direct, incident flow onto the filter element by the air flow. The air-directing device achieves this in that the air flow by means of the air-directing device is at least partially deflected away from the filter element. On account thereof, at least a first proportion of the air flow is guided to the air outlet by way of the filter element. An at least second proportion of the air flow is deflected by the air-directing device. The air-directing device is furthermore configured for supporting the air flow within the cyclone chamber. On account of the disposal of the air-directing device within the cyclone chamber it is achieved that the air flow, in particular the at least second proportion of the air flow, is at least partially guided from the filter element to the circular path about the filter element. The air-directing device at least partially guides the air flow, in particular the at least second proportion of the air flow, away from the filter element and in the direction of the circular path. The circular path of the air flow in the cyclone chamber is supported on account thereof. The air-directing element enables an effect of the centrifugal separation mechanism to be increased. The separation of the particulate matter and/or the fluid partides is increased by virtue of the air flow being guided over a longer distance on the circular path.
In one embodiment, the air-directing device, for at least partially obstructing the filter element, at least partially surrounds the filter element. The air-directing device can surround the filter element in the manner of a cage. It is moreover conceivable for the air-directing device to at least partially enclose the filter element. The at least partial obstruction of the filter element enables that at least part, particularly a portion, most particularly a face, of the filter element is obscured by the air-directing device. On account thereof, the separation of the particulate matter and/or the fluid particles from the air flow is increased, and a service life of the filter element during an operation of the suction apparatus is extended. The in particular direct incident flow onto the filter element by the air flow is prevented by the at least partial obstruction. As has been described above, the air-directing device directs the at least second proportion of the air flow away from the filter element and guides said at least second proportion to the circular path. The air-directing device at least partially obscures the filter element on account thereof. The air-directing device is preferably disposed in the circumferential direction about the filter element. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the air-directing device at least partially obscures a lower side or an upper side of the filter element.
In one embodiment, the air-directing device in the radial direction to a housing axis is disposed between the filter element and the collection container. The housing of the suction apparatus is configured so as to be substantially cylindrical such that at least one longitudinal axis of the housing represents the housing axis. The air-directing device in the radial direction proceeding from the housing axis herein is disposed between the filter element and the collection container. It is enabled on account thereof that the air flow is directed on the circular path within the cyclone chamber.
In one embodiment, the air-directing device relative to the housing axis is disposed so as to be coaxial between the filter element and the collection container. In this embodiment, the filter element is disposed on the housing axis. The collection container is configured so as to be substantially cylindrical and disposed so as to be coaxial with the housing axis. The air-directing device is disposed so as to be coaxial with the housing axis. Furthermore, the air-directing device is disposed so as to be coaxial between the filter element and the collection container.
In one embodiment the air-directing device is disposed on the filter element. The air-directing device herein is disposed on the filter element such that at least one free end of the air-directing device terminates conjointly with at least one free end of the filter element. “To terminate” herein is understood to mean that the free end of the air-directing device, relative to the housing axis, has an axial height which is substantially identical to the height of the free end of the filter element. The air-directing device herein can be releasably connected to the filter element. It is also conceivable that the air-directing device is connected in a substantially non-releasable manner to the filter element. “Substantially non-releasable” herein is to be understood as substantially not being readily removable from the filter element by a user. It is furthermore conceivable that the air-directing element is in particular releasably connected to the housing.
In one embodiment, the filter element, in the axial direction to the housing axis, at least partially protrudes beyond the air-directing device. The at least one free end of the filter element, in the radial direction to the housing axis herein, can protrude beyond the at least one free end of the air-directing device by a range from 5 mm to 30 mm, in particular from 10 mm to 25 mm.
In one alternative embodiment, the air-directing device, in the axial direction to the housing axis, at least partially protrudes beyond the filter element. The at least one free end of the air-directing device, in the radial direction to the housing axis herein, can protrude beyond the at least one free end of the filter element by a range from 5 mm to 30 mm, in particular from 10 mm to 25 mm.
In one embodiment, the air-directing device has a substantially circular cross section. “Substantially circular” herein is also to be understood as elliptic, annular, or disk-shaped. The air-directing device herein has a maximum inscribed circle diameter in the range from 100 mm to 175 mm, particularly 110 mm to 165 mm, most particularly 125 mm to 155 mm. The air-directing device herein has an envelope circle diameter in the range from 100 mm to 185 mm, particularly 115 mm to 175 mm, most particularly 125 mm to 160 mm.
In one embodiment, the air-directing device has at least one air-directing element for directing the air flow, wherein the air-directing element is disposed relative to the filter element. The air-directing element is configured for directing the air flow on the circular path within the cyclone chamber. To this end, the air-directing element can be designed so as to be cuboid, wing-shaped, slat-shaped, or tear-drop-shaped. It is also conceivable that two free ends of the air-directing element are configured so as to be trapezoidal having radiused corners. The air-directing element can have an axial length in the range from 90 mm to 160 mm, particularly 100 mm to 150 mm, most particularly 110 mm to 140 mm. The axial length of the air-directing element herein is relative to the housing axis, thus a spacing in the axial direction along the housing axis.
In one embodiment, the air-directing element relative to an air-directing axis has an actuation angle in the range from 15° to 35°, in particular 20° to 30°. The air-directing axis herein can be disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the housing axis. It is also conceivable that the air-directing axis is additionally disposed so as to be askew to the housing axis. It is enabled by means of the actuation angle in the range from 15° to 35°, in particular 20° to 30°, relative to the air-directing axis that the air-directing element directs the air flow to the circular path within the cyclone chamber, at the same time enabling effective obstructing of the filter element. If a plurality of air-directing elements are provided, the air-directing elements can thus have identical actuation angles or dissimilar actuation angles.
In one embodiment, the air-directing device has one or a plurality of frame elements for increasing the stability of the air-directing device. The frame element is configured in such a manner that said frame element keeps the air-directing device in a substantially dimensionally stable manner in each operating state of the suction apparatus. The frame element in the operation of the suction apparatus enables in particular the air-directing device to be kept in a dimensionally stable manner in the cyclone chamber independently of a strength of the air flow. “Dimensionally stable” herein is to be understood that a shape is maintained despite external forces acting thereon. The air-directing element is connected to the frame element. On account thereof, the frame element enables the air-directing element to be disposed at the actuation angle. It is conceivable that the air-directing element is connected to the frame element in a form-fitting manner, a force-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. It is moreover possible that the frame element is integral to the air-directing element. It is moreover possible that the air-directing device has a further frame element for stabilizing in the circumferential direction relative to the housing axis. The further frame element can be connected to the air-directing element. It is conceivable that the further frame element and the air-directing element are integral.
In one embodiment the air-directing device has at least one connection element for connecting the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element. The connection element herein can connect the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element in a releasable or substantially non-releasable manner, wherein “substantially non-releasable” is to be understood as has been described above. The connection element can connect the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element in a force-fitting manner, a form-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. The connection element, for the purpose of connecting, can have a receptacle element for receiving a fastening element. The air-directing device can be connected to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element by means of the fastening element and the receptacle element. For example, the receptacle element can be configured as a receptacle opening, and the fastening element can be configured as a screw. The screw in this instance can herein connect the connection element to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element by means of the receptacle opening. It is also conceivable that the connection element has at least one holding element for connecting the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element. The holding element can thus be configured as a snap-fit hook, for example. It is also possible that the connection element is designed as a clamping ring for connecting the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element by means of a clamping connection. To this end, the collection container can have at least one receptacle element, for example in the form of a receptacle ring. It is conceivable that the receptacle element of the collection container is connected to the collection container in a form-fitting manner, a force-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. The connection element can be formed by the one frame element or the plurality of frame elements. It is also conceivable that the connection element and the frame element are integral.
In one embodiment the air-directing device is disposed on the connection element. The air-directing element herein can be connected to the connection element in a force-fitting manner, a form-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner by means of the frame element. The air-directing element can thus be connected via the frame element to the connection element at least by means of a clamping connection, a snap-fit connection, a bayonet connection, and/or a latching connection, for example. It is also conceivable that the air-directing element, the frame element, and the connection element are integral.
In one embodiment, the air-directing device has a plurality of air-directing elements, and the frame element is configured for connecting the plurality of air-directing elements. The plurality of air-directing elements herein can be in a range from 2 to 30, in particular 2 to 25. The frame element is configured in such a manner that said frame element can receive and connect the plurality of air-directing elements. The frame element herein can connect the plurality of air-directing elements in a force-fitting, a form-fitting, and/or a materially integral manner. A clamping connection, a snap-fit connection, a latching connection, or a bayonet connection is conceivable for connecting the frame element to the plurality of air-directing elements. It is also possible that the frame element is configured so as to be integral to the plurality of air-directing elements. The frame element can preferably dispose the plurality of air-directing elements in the circumferential direction of the air-directing device. The plurality of air-directing elements relative to the air-directing axis can in each case have an actuation angle in the range from 15° to 35°, in particular 20° bis 30°. It is conceivable that each air-directing element of the plurality of air-directing elements has a different actuation angle in the range from 15° to 35°, in particular 20° to 30°, relative to the air-directing axis. The connection element is moreover also configured for connecting the plurality of air-directing elements to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element.
In one embodiment, the air-directing elements are disposed at a mutual spacing in a range of in each case 15 mm to 35 mm, in particular 20 mm to 30 mm. It is conceivable that the plurality of air-directing elements have in each case a different spacing in the range from 15 mm to 35 mm. Efficient separating of the particulate matter and/or fluid particles can be enabled by virtue of the spacing of the air-directing elements, in that the air-directing elements increase the obscuring in order to prevent the in particular direct incident flow onto the filter element.
In one embodiment, the plurality of air-directing elements is disposed so as to be substantially in the shape of a cylindrical shell. The plurality of air-directing elements is disposed on the frame element in such a manner that the plurality of air-directing elements configures a type of cylindrical shell. The cylindrical shell has a maximum inscribed circle diameter in the range from 100 mm to 175 mm, particularly 110 mm to 165 mm, most particularly 125 mm to 155 mm. The cylindrical shell furthermore has a cylinder height in the range from 90 mm to 160 mm, particularly 100 mm to 150 mm, most particularly 110 mm to 140 mm. The cylinder height herein can be an axial spacing in the axial direction relative to the housing axis.
In one embodiment the air-directing device has at least one further connection element for connecting the plurality of air-directing elements and/or the air-directing device to the collection container and/or to the filter element. The further connection element can be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the connection element. The further connection element can furthermore be disposed on a free end of at least one of the air-directing elements. The further connection element can connect the plurality of air-directing elements to one another in a force-fitting, a form-fitting, and/or a materially integral manner. It is also possible that the further connection element is integral to the plurality of air-directing elements. The further connection element can connect the air-directing device to the collection container and/or to the filter element, wherein a force-fitting and/or a form-fitting connection are/is conceivable. The further connection element can be formed by the one frame element or the plurality of frame elements. It is also conceivable that the further connection element and the further frame element are integral.
Moreover proposed is an air-directing device as has been described above for a suction apparatus, having a housing, having an electric motor for generating an air flow, wherein the housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, having at least one cyclone chamber, having a collection container, and having a filter element.
The suction apparatus is preferably a rechargeable-battery operated suction apparatus which is capable of being operated by means of at least one rechargeable battery, in particular by means of a hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack. On account thereof, the provision of power, for example for the electric motor, in this instance takes place by means of the at least one rechargeable battery by way of the at least one suction-apparatus supply unit. In the context of the present disclosure, a “hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack” is to be understood to be a combination of at least one rechargeable battery cell and a rechargeable battery pack housing. The hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack is advantageously configured for supplying power to commercially available rechargeable-battery operated hand-held power tools. The at least one rechargeable battery cell can be configured as a Li-Ion rechargeable battery cell with a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, for example. For example, the hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack comprises at least five rechargeable battery cells and a total nominal operating voltage of 18 V, so as to enable a suitably powered operation of the suction apparatus. Alternatively, the suction apparatus can be a mains-operated suction apparatus which by means of a power supply cable can be connected to an external mains power socket. The external mains power socket herein can provide a voltage of, for example, 110 V, 120 V, 127 V, 220 V, 230 V, or 240 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, or else a three-phase AC voltage. The potential design embodiments of the external mains power socket and the available voltages associated therewith are well known to the person skilled in the art.
The housing can furthermore have at least one suction-apparatus operating unit and at least one suction-apparatus holding unit. It is also possible that the housing comprises at least one suction-apparatus mains power socket such that a connected electric apparatus is supplied with power when the suction apparatus per se is supplied with power.
The suction-apparatus operating unit comprises at least one suction-apparatus operating element which is configured for being operated by a user and for generating switching signals. The switching signals in this instance control the suction-apparatus drive, in particular the electric motor. The at least one suction-apparatus operating element can be disposed on a side of the housing. Suction-apparatus operating elements may be a main switch or a setting switch, for example. The main switch is provided for switching the suction-apparatus drive on and off, or to change to an auto-start function. The setting switch is configured for setting a suction output of the suction apparatus. The at least one suction-apparatus operating element is an operating element of the suction apparatus, in particular an operating element as has been described above.
The suction-apparatus holding unit comprises at least one suction-apparatus holding element, for example a suction-apparatus handle, by way of which the user can hold the suction apparatus. Moreover, at least one suction-apparatus mobility unit can be attached to the housing such that the suction apparatus expediently is a mobile suction apparatus. The at least one suction-apparatus mobility unit is configured as at least one roller, at least as a wheel, or the like, so that said suction-apparatus mobility unit can be moved on a hard surface. The mobile suction apparatus is preferably designed as a portable suction apparatus which has rollers, wheels, or the like, or else does not possess any rollers, wheels, or the like. In the context of the present disclosure, the user can take the suction apparatus along and use the latter directly at a desired site.
The disclosure will be explained hereunder by means of a preferred embodiment. In the drawings hereunder:
A suction apparatus 100 according to the disclosure is shown in a perspective view in
A suction-apparatus holding element 112 is disposed on an upper side of the housing 102. The suction-apparatus holding element 112 is fastened to the upper side of the housing 102. The suction-apparatus holding element 112 is configured as a handle and has a gripping region 114. The gripping region 114 is configured so as to be enclosed by a hand of a user of the suction apparatus 100. On account of the suction-apparatus holding element 112, the suction apparatus 100 can advantageously be carried when in use or for transporting. A suction-apparatus mobility unit 134 is attached to the housing 102. On account thereof, the suction apparatus 100 is configured as a mobile suction apparatus. The suction-apparatus mobility unit 134 has at least one suction-apparatus mobility element 136. The suction-apparatus mobility unit 134 in an exemplary manner has four suction-apparatus mobility elements 136, wherein the suction-apparatus mobility elements 136 are configured in an exemplary manner as rollers. The suction apparatus 100 further has a suction-apparatus operating unit 130 having at least one suction-apparatus operating element 132. The suction-apparatus operating element 132 is configured for being operated by the user and for generating switching signals. The switching signals in this instance control a suction-apparatus drive 140. The suction-apparatus drive 140 has an electric motor 142 and at least one electronics unit. The suction-apparatus operating element 132 can be disposed on a side of the housing 102. The suction-apparatus operating element 132 here in an exemplary manner is configured as a main switch for switching the suction apparatus 100 on and off.
At least one air flow 150 in the cyclone chamber 120 is generated with the aid of the electric motor 142; cf. also
The housing 102 has an air inlet 152 so that the air flow 150 can be directed into the housing 102; cf. also
The particulate matter and/or fluid particles are separated from the air flow 150 by way of a centrifugal separator mechanism in the cyclone chamber 120. In this embodiment, the air flow 150 at least in regions is guided tangentially into the cyclone chamber 120. The air flow 150 is subsequently guided on a circular path at least in regions within the cyclone chamber 120. In the case of this circular path, the air flow 106 within the cyclone chamber 120 is guided about the filter element 106. The cyclone chamber 120 at least in portions here is designed as a hollow cylinder. An external diameter of the hollow cylinder is formed by the collection container 104, and an internal diameter of the hollow cylinder is formed by the filter element 106.
A longitudinal section through the suction apparatus 100 for a first embodiment 202 of the air-directing device 200 is shown in
A perspective view of the first embodiment 202 of the air-directing device 200 is illustrated in
As has been described above, the air-directing device 200 comprises the connection element 220 for connecting to the housing 102. The connection element 220 can connect the air-directing device 200 to the housing 102 in a releasable manner or a substantially non-releasable manner. The connection element 220 herein can connect the air-directing device 200 to the housing 102 in a force-fitting manner, a form-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. For connecting, the connection element 220 can comprise at least one receptacle element 222 for receiving a fastening element; cf. also
The frame element 232 disposes the air-directing elements 210 in the circumferential direction 300 of the air-directing device 200. The air-directing elements 210 are disposed so as to be substantially in the shape of a cylindrical shell. The air-directing elements 210 herein are disposed on the frame element 232 in such a manner that the air-directing elements 210 form a type of cylindrical shell. The cylindrical shell comprises a maximum inscribed circle diameter 332 in the range from 100 mm to 175 mm. Moreover, the cylindrical shell comprises a cylinder height 214 in the range from 90 mm to 160 mm.
The air-directing device 200 in this embodiment comprises a further frame element 234 for stabilizing the air-directing elements 210 in the circumferential direction 300. Moreover, the air-directing device 200 comprises at least one further connection element 230 for connecting the air-directing elements 210 to the housing and/or to the filter element 106; cf. also
A frontal view of the first embodiment 202 of the air-directing device 200 is shown in
A longitudinal section through the suction apparatus 100 for a second embodiment 204 of the air-directing device 200 is shown in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2019 206 570.8 | May 2019 | DE | national |
