Suction apparatus

Abstract

A suction apparatus includes a housing, at least one cyclone chamber, a collection container configured to as to be releasably connectable to the housing, and having a filter element. The suction apparatus further includes at least one positioning device within the cyclone chamber and configured for positioning at least one collection element within the cyclone chamber.

Claims

1. A suction apparatus comprising: a housing; at least one cyclone chamber; a collection container configured to as to be releasably connectable to the housing; a filter element; and at least one positioning device arranged within the cyclone chamber in such a way that the at least one positioning device is at least partially spaced apart from an outer extent of the at least one cyclone chamber, the at least one positioning device configured for positioning at least one collection element within the cyclone chamber, wherein the filter element is spaced apart from the at least one collection element.

2. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device is configured in such a manner that the positioning device urges the collection element into contact with the collection container during operation of the suction apparatus.

3. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device is further configured to hold the collection element on the positioning device.

4. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device is disposed radially between the filter element and the collection container.

5. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, relative to a housing axis, the positioning device is disposed coaxially between the filter element and the collection container.

6. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collection container at least partially receives the positioning device.

7. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device is disposed on the housing.

8. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device has a substantially circular cross section.

9. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device comprises at least one positioning element for positioning the collection element on the collection container.

10. The suction apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one positioning element includes a plurality of positioning elements.

11. The suction apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of positioning elements are disposed at a mutual angular spacing of from 10° to 120° relative one another.

12. The suction apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mutual angular spacing is from 15° to 100°.

13. The suction apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the mutual angular spacing is from 20° to 90°.

14. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device comprises at least one connection element configured for connecting the positioning device to at least one of the housing, the collection container, and the filter element.

15. The suction apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the positioning device comprises at least one further connection element configured to connect the positioning device to at least one of the collection container and the filter element.

16. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning device comprises at least one frame element configured to stabilize the positioning device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The disclosure will be explained hereunder by means of a preferred embodiment. In the drawings hereunder:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a suction apparatus according to the disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the suction apparatus having a first embodiment of a positioning device;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the positioning device;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the suction apparatus having a second embodiment of the positioning device;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) A suction apparatus 100 according to the disclosure is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 1. The suction apparatus 100 is configured as a centrifugal separator. The suction apparatus 100 has a housing 102 which is releasably connected to a collection container 104 and to a filter element 106. The suction apparatus 100 is designed so as to be substantially cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis which represents a housing axis 110. The suction apparatus 100 has a cyclone chamber 120 which in the connected state is axially at least partially delimited by the housing 102 and the collection container 104, and is radially at least partially delimited by the collection container 104 and the filter element 106. The collection container 104 is advantageously configured so as to be at least partially transparent. The releasable connection between the housing 102 and the collection container 104 takes place by way of at least one locking element 138. The locking element 138 is disposed on the housing 102. The locking element 138 is movably connected to the housing 102. The locking element 138 is configured for connecting the housing 102 to the collection container 104 in a force-fitting and a form-fitting manner. The housing 102 here has two locking elements 138 which are disposed so as to be mutually opposite on the housing 102; cf. to this end FIG. 2.

(7) 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 furthermore 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.

(8) At least one air flow 150 in the cyclone chamber 120 is generated with the aid of the electric motor 142; cf. also FIG. 2. The electric motor 142 herein drives at least one fan unit for generating the air flow 150. The fan unit herein is not illustrated in more detail and in an exemplary manner can be designed as a radial ventilator or an axial ventilator. To this end, the electric motor 142 is supplied with electric power by a suction-apparatus power supply unit 144. The suction apparatus 100 is preferably a rechargeable-battery operated suction apparatus so that the suction-apparatus power supply unit 144 has at least one rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is advantageously configured as a hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack. The provision of the electric power for the electric motor 142 can thus be enabled by way of the suction-apparatus power supply unit 144.

(9) The housing 102 has an air inlet 152 so that the air flow 150 can be directed into the housing 102; cf. also FIG. 2. The housing 102 furthermore comprises an air outlet 154 by way of which the air flow 150 can exit the housing 102. In an exemplary manner, the air inlet 152 and the air outlet 154 of the suction apparatus 100 can be disposed on sides of the housing 102 that face away from one another. The suction apparatus 100 is configured for collecting and separating particulate matter and/or liquids from the air flow 150. The air flow 150 is generated by the electric motor 142. The air inlet 152 serves to enable the air flow 150 to enter the housing 102. The air flow 150 herein is guided into the collection container 104 by means of a first air duct 156; cf. also FIG. 2. The collection container 104 collects the particulate matter and/or the liquids. As has been described above, the collection container 104 is releasably connected to the housing 102 of the suction apparatus 100. The air flow 150 is directed by way of the filter element 106; cf. also FIG. 2. The air flow 150 from the housing 102 is furthermore guided by way of a second air duct and by way of the air outlet 154. The second air duct is not illustrated in more detail here. The cyclone chamber 120 receives the filter element 106 such that the filter element 106 in the connected state is disposed in the cyclone chamber 120. Furthermore, the filter element 106 is releasably connected to the housing 102. The filter element 106 in an exemplary manner herein can be releasably connected to the housing 102 of the suction apparatus 100 by way of a bayonet connection. The filter element 106 at least partially delimits the cyclone chamber 120. The filter element 106 is designed as a pleated filter, for example.

(10) 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.

(11) The suction apparatus 100 for positioning at least one collection element 108 within the cyclone chamber 120 furthermore comprises at least one positioning device 200 within the cyclone chamber 120. The positioning device 200 is configured for positioning the collection element 108 within the cyclone chamber 120. For example, the positioning device 200 can additionally center the collection element 108; cf. also FIG. 2. The collection element 108 in an exemplary manner can be designed as a collection pouch or as a disposal pouch, or alternatively as a collection bin. The collection container 104 is configured for receiving the collection element 108.

(12) A longitudinal section through the suction apparatus 100 having a first embodiment 202 of the positioning device 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2. In the case of the first embodiment 202, the positioning device 200 is connected to the housing 102. The positioning device 200, in the radial direction 310 to the housing axis 110, is disposed between the filter element 106 and the collection container 104. As has been described above, the housing 102 of the suction apparatus 100 is designed so as to be substantially cylindrical. The longitudinal axis of the housing 102 herein represents the housing axis 110. The positioning device 200 herein in the radial direction 310 proceeding from the housing axis 110 is disposed between the filter element 106 and the collection container 104. Moreover, the positioning device 200 relative to the housing axis 110 is disposed so as to be coaxial between the filter element 106 and the collection container 104. The filter element 106 here is disposed on the housing axis 110. The collection container 104 is configured for at least partially receiving the positioning device 200. The collection container 104 can receive the positioning device 200 in a force-fitting manner and/or a form-fitting manner. For example, the collection container 104 at least partially encloses the positioning device 200 in the circumferential direction 300. The circumferential direction 300 here is relative to the housing axis 110. The positioning device 200 is moreover disposed on the housing 102. The positioning device 200 in this embodiment is connected in a substantially fixed manner to the housing 102 by means of fastening elements. For example, the fastening elements can be designed as screws or nuts.

(13) The positioning device 200 is designed for disposing the collection element 108 on an internal face of the collection container 104. For example, the positioning device 200 can dispose the collection element 108 on the internal face of the collection container 104 during an operation of the suction apparatus 100. The positioning device 200 disposes the collection element 108 so as to be releasable on the internal face of the collection container 104. The positioning device 200 pushes, presses, or clamps the collection element 108 onto the internal face of the collection container 104 with the aid of a force which is radial and/or axial relative to the housing axis 110. The radial and/or axial force is directed outward, so as to point away from the housing axis 110. The positioning device 200 for disposing the collection element 108 on the collection container 104 is designed in such a manner that the circular path of the air flow 150 about the filter element 106 within the cyclone chamber 120 can be configured so as to be substantially reduced in terms of interference. The positioning device 200 is furthermore configured for holding the collection element 108. The positioning device 200 can hold the collection element 108 in such a manner that retrieving of the collection element 108 from the collection container 104 is facilitated. The positioning device 200 here is additionally configured for exerting on the collection element 108 at least one further force which is radial and/or axial relative to the housing axis 110. On account thereof, the positioning device 200 can tension, push, or clamp the collection element 108 in the radial/and or axial direction 310, 320, for example.

(14) A perspective view of the positioning device 200 is shown in FIG. 3. The positioning device 200 comprises a substantially circular cross section. The positioning device 200 herein comprises a maximum inscribed circle diameter 330 in the range from 200 mm to 340 mm. The positioning device 200 moreover comprises an envelope circle diameter 340 in the range from 210 mm to 350 mm. The positioning device 200 here comprises a plurality of positioning elements 210. The positioning elements 210 are configured for positioning the collection element 108 on the internal face the collection container 104. The positioning elements 210 are configured for positioning the collection element 108 on the internal face of the collection container 104 with the aid of the radial and/or axial force. The positioning elements 210 here in an exemplary manner are designed so as to be rod-shaped having a substantially free end which is rolled-up and radiused. The positioning elements 210 herein comprise in each case an axial length 212 in the range from 100 mm to 210 mm. The positioning device 200 furthermore comprises a frame element 230 for stabilizing the positioning device 200 within the collection container 104.

(15) The positioning elements 210 are disposed on the frame element 230. The positioning elements 210 can thus be connected to the frame element 230 in a force-fitting manner, a form-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. In this embodiment, the positioning elements 210 and the frame element 230 are configured so as to be integral. The frame element 230 disposes the positioning elements 210 at a mutual angular spacing 216 in a range of in each case 10° to 120°. The positioning elements 210 here are disposed uniformly in the circumferential direction 300 to the housing axis 110. The positioning elements 210 are disposed in such a manner that said positioning elements 210 are disposed so as to be substantially in the shape of a cylindrical shell. The positioning elements 210 by virtue of the disposal thereof on the connection element 220 configure a type of cylindrical shell. The cylindrical shell herein comprises a maximum inscribed circle diameter 332 in the range from 200 mm to 340 mm. Moreover, the cylindrical shell comprises a cylinder height 214 in the range from 100 mm to 210 mm.

(16) The positioning device 200 furthermore comprises at least one connection element 220 for connecting the positioning device 200 to the housing 102. The connection element 220 here is fastened to the housing 102 in a substantially fixed manner by means of fastening elements. The connection element 220 can moreover comprise at least one receptacle element 222 which is configured for receiving the fastening elements. The positioning device 200 can be connected to the housing 102 with the aid of the fastening elements and the receptacle elements 222. The receptacle element 222 here is designed as a receptacle opening, and the fastening element is designed as a screw. Moreover, six receptacle openings are provided here, wherein the fastening elements are not illustrated in more detail. In this embodiment, the positioning elements 210, the frame element 230, and the connection element 220 are designed so as to be integral.

(17) A longitudinal section through the suction apparatus 100 having a second embodiment 204 of the positioning device 200 is illustrated in FIG. 4. In the second embodiment 204, the positioning device 200 is releasably connected to the housing 102, and is configured in the manner of a basket. The positioning device 200 in this embodiment has the frame element 230 for disposing the positioning elements 210 uniformly in the circumferential direction, as well as a further frame element 232 for stabilizing the positioning device 200 in the collection container 104. The frame element 230 and the further frame element 232 in this embodiment are in each case configured so as to be annular and are connected to one another by means of the positioning elements 210. The collection container 104 can receive the second embodiment 204 of the positioning device 200 in a form-fitting manner. To this end, the positioning device 200 in this embodiment has the connection element 220 for the releasable connection to the housing 102 and to the collection container 104, as well as a further connection element 224 for the releasable connection to the collection container 104 and/or to the filter element 106. In this embodiment, the frame element 230 configures the connection element 220. Furthermore, the further frame element 232 here configures the further connection element 224. Moreover, the connection element 220, the further connection element 224, the frame element 230, the further frame element 232, and the positioning elements 210 here are configured so as to be integral. The collection element 108 in the radial direction 310 is disposed between the collection container 104 and the positioning device 200. The positioning device 200 holds the collection element 108 on the internal face of the collection container 104.