SUCTION APPARATUS AND SEPARATING UNIT FOR A SUCTION APPARATUS HAVING A FLAP WITH RESTRICTED MOVEMENT

Abstract

A separating unit for a suction apparatus includes a collecting container enclosed by a housing wall. The collecting container has an inlet opening for a suction air flow disposed on the housing wall, which is covered with a flexible flap. The flexible flap is fastened to the housing wall at a leading edge of the flap and has a first portion and a subsequent second portion along the leading edge. The flap is configured to be bent into the collecting container away from the housing wall by an external force acting on the flap and as a result exposes the inlet opening at least in part. The separating unit is configured such that the bending away of the first portion of the flap is more greatly restricted than the bending away of the second portion of the flap. A suction apparatus having the separating unit is also provided.

Claims

1. A separating unit for a suction apparatus, the separating unit comprising: a housing wall enclosing a collecting container; said collecting container having an inlet opening disposed at said housing wall for a suction air flow; a flexible flap covering said inlet opening, said flexible flap having a leading edge fastening said flexible flap to said housing wall; said flexible flap having a first portion and a following second portion along said leading edge; said flexible flap bending away from said housing wall into said collecting container due to an external force acting on said flexible flap, to at least partly expose said inlet opening; and said bending away of said first portion of said flexible flap being more greatly restricted than said bending away of said second portion of said flexible flap.

2. The separating unit according to claim 1, which further comprises a barrier for selectively restricting said bending away of said first portion of said flexible flap.

3. The separating unit according to claim 2, wherein said barrier does not restrict said bending away of said second portion of said flexible flap.

4. The separating unit according to claim 1, wherein said bending away of said second portion of said flexible flap is substantially not restricted.

5. The separating unit according to claim 1, which further comprises: a support surface for supporting said first portion of said flexible flap; said support surface configured to restrict said bending away of said first portion of said flexible flap.

6. The separating unit according to claim 1, which further comprises: a longitudinal axis of the separating unit; said housing wall of said collecting container configured to be cylindrical about said longitudinal axis; said collecting container extending from a first end face along the longitudinal axis to a second end face; said inlet opening being closer to said first end face than to said second end face along said longitudinal axis; and said first portion of said flexible flap facing said first end face, and said second portion of said flexible flap facing said second end face.

7. The separating unit according to claim 1, which further comprises: a longitudinal axis of the separating unit, said suction air flow entering said collecting container through said inlet opening flowing around said longitudinal axis; said leading edge running parallel to said longitudinal axis; and said bending away of said first portion of said flexible flap being more greatly restricted than said bending away of said second portion of said flexible flap causing said suction air flow entering said collecting container through said inlet opening to receive an impulse in a direction of said longitudinal axis, causing said suction air flow inside said collecting container to flow helically around said longitudinal axis.

8. The separating unit according to claim 1, which further comprises: at least one of an ejection or compacting element configured to be moved inside said collecting container to at least one of compact dirt particles disposed in said collecting container or eject the dirt particles from said collecting container; and said at least one of an ejection or compacting element configured to form a barrier for selectively restricting said bending away of said first portion of said flexible flap.

9. The separating unit according to claim 8, wherein: said collecting container extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end face to a second end face; a filter unit is disposed in said collecting container and configured to retain dirt particles from said suction air flow at a surface of said filter unit; and said at least one of an ejection or compacting element configured to be moved along said longitudinal axis over said surface of said filter unit.

10. The separating unit according to claim 9, wherein said at least one of an ejection or compacting element is disposed in an initial position along a radial direction relative to said longitudinal axis flush with said first portion of said flexible flap.

11. The separating unit according to claim 9, wherein: said housing wall of said collecting container runs cylindrically or circular cylindrically about said longitudinal axis; said surface of said filter unit is configured to be cylindrical or circular cylindrical about said longitudinal axis; and said at least one of an ejection or compacting element is configured as a ring having an inner edge facing said surface of said filter unit and an outer edge facing said housing wall.

12. The separating unit according to claim 11, wherein said at least one of an ejection or compacting element has a support surface running between said inner edge and said outer edge for supporting said first portion of said flexible flap.

13. The separating unit according to claim 12, wherein: said support surface has a normal vector running obliquely relative to said longitudinal axis; said normal vector of said support surface has a directional component pointing in a radial direction out of said collecting container; and said longitudinal axis and said normal vector of said support surface enclose an angle therebetween of between 10 and 45.

14. The separating unit according to claim 13, wherein: said at least one of an ejection or compacting element has an annular surface between said inner edge and said outer edge, said annular surface including said support surface for said first portion of said flexible flap; and said normal vector of said annular surface is aligned parallel to said longitudinal axis with increasing angular distance from said support surface.

15. The separating unit according to claim 1, wherein: said flexible flap has a linear predetermined bending point, enabling a bending of said second portion about a bending axis; and said flexible flap is configured to allow bending of said second portion of said flexible flap into said collecting container caused by an external force acting on said second portion about said bending axis.

16. A suction apparatus, comprising: the separating unit according to claim 1 having a filter unit; a fan; and a suction nozzle; said fan configured to achieve a suction air flow from said suction nozzle, through said inlet opening of the separating unit and through said filter unit to said fan.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0075] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an exemplary suction apparatus having a suction unit, a suction tube and a nozzle;

[0076] FIGS. 2a to 2c are different perspective views of a suction unit and of the separating unit of a suction unit;

[0077] FIGS. 3a to 3b are different plan and perspective views of flexible flaps for covering the inlet opening of a separating unit;

[0078] FIG. 3c includes a plan view and a side view of a flap;

[0079] FIGS. 4a to 4d are different perspective views of the flap resting on a contact surface (of the ejection and/or compacting element) of the separating unit;

[0080] FIGS. 5a to 5c are different perspective views of an exemplary ejection and/or compacting element;

[0081] FIG. 5d is a graph showing an exemplary progression of the height of the edges of the ejection and/or compacting element along the circumferential direction; and

[0082] FIGS. 6a to 6b are perspective views of an exemplary ejection and/or compacting element having a ramp running in the circumferential direction for alignment of the suction air flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0083] As explained in the introduction, the present document is concerned with achieving a particularly advantageous alignment of the cyclonic suction air flow inside the separating unit of a suction apparatus, in particular to provide a high suction power even after prolonged use of the suction apparatus without emptying the collecting container of the separating unit.

[0084] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen, in this connection, an exemplary (handheld) vacuum cleaner 100 (as an example of a suction apparatus), which has a suction unit 110 having an electrical energy storage device 111. The suction unit 110 has a (hand) grip 112 which can be gripped with a hand by a user in order to hold the suction unit 110. Due to the fan of the suction unit 110 a suction air flow is achieved through the suction nozzle 114 of the suction unit 110, via the separating unit 113 of the suction unit 110 to the fan. The suction unit 110 can be configured to be used independently as a suction apparatus.

[0085] An accessory 120, 130 can be connected to the suction unit 110 via a coupling 121. In the example shown the suction unit 110 is connected to a suction tube 120 via a coupling 121, and is in turn connected to a floor nozzle 130 via a coupling 121.

[0086] FIGS. 2a to 2c show different views of a suction unit 110 and of a separating unit 113. The suction air flow 212 caused by the fan 230 is sucked into the separating unit 113 through the suction nozzle 114 of the suction unit 110. The separating unit 113 has an outer housing wall 227 which encloses a filter unit 225. A collecting container is formed by the housing wall 227. The suction air flow 212 is sucked 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 air flow 212 is preferably aligned on entry into the collecting container such that the suction air flow 212 circles around the (circular cylindrical) filter unit 225. The suction air flow 212 is further sucked through the surface of the filter unit 225 toward the central longitudinal axis 220 of the separating unit 113. In this case the dirt from the suction air flow 212 is retained at the surface of the filter unit 225 and remains in the collecting area 226 formed between the filter unit 225 and the housing wall 227.

[0087] The (circular cylindrical) collecting container formed by the housing wall 227 extends along the longitudinal axis 220 from a first end face 221 (facing the fan 230) to a second end face 222 (facing away from the fan 230). A lid 224 can be disposed at the second end face 222 and covers the collecting container. The lid 224 can be opened (for example flipped open), so that dirt from the collecting area 226 can be removed from the collecting area 226 of the collecting container via the second end face 222.

[0088] An ejection and/or compacting element 240 can be disposed inside the collecting container, and is configured to be moved along the longitudinal axis 220. The ejection and/or compacting element 240 can, as shown in FIG. 2b, be configured as a ring which is disposed around the filter unit 225. The ejection and/or compacting element 240 can extend in the radial direction (in respect of the longitudinal axis 220) from the surface of the filter unit 225 to the inside of the housing wall 227.

[0089] The ejection and/or compacting element 240 can be disposed in a basic state on the first end face 221 of the collecting container. Furthermore, the ejection and/or compacting element 240 can be configured to be moved along the longitudinal axis 220 from the first end face 221 to the second end face 222, so that the dirt disposed in the collecting area 226 is pushed toward the second end face 222 by the ejection and/or compacting element 240. Thus it can be made possible to compact the dirt disposed in the collecting area 226 (in the region of the second end face 222), so that the surface of the filter unit 225 is substantially free from dirt, and thus a high suction power is still available. Furthermore, dirt can conveniently be pushed by the ejection and/or compacting element 240 along the longitudinal axis 220 via the second end face 222 (and the open lid 224) out of the collecting container, in order to empty the collecting container.

[0090] As shown for example in FIG. 2b, the housing wall 227 of the collecting container has a frame 210 which surrounds the opening 211 to the collecting area 226 of the collecting container. The frame 210 is in this case preferably disposed in the immediate vicinity of the first end face 221 of the collecting container. A flexible flap 200 is disposed inside the frame 210, and is configured such that the flap 200 closes the opening 211 bounded by the frame 210, if no suction air flow 212 is being caused by the fan 230, i.e. if no external forces are acting on the flap 200 in the radial direction into the collecting container. The collecting container can thus be closed by the flexible flap 200, making it reliably possible to prevent dirt from falling out of the collecting container through the opening 211 (for example, if the separating unit 113 is disconnected from the suction unit 110 in order to empty the separating unit 113).

[0091] The flap 200 can have a pretension which presses the flap 200 to the frame 210. Thus it is possible to ensure in a particularly reliable manner that the flap 200 is closed if no suction air flow 212 is applied.

[0092] The flap 200 preferably is formed of a flexible material (for example a flexible plastic), so that the flap 200 is bent away from the frame 210 toward the filter unit 225 under the effect of an external force (caused for example by the suction air flow 212) acting on the flap 200 and in this case exposes at least part of the opening 211. Thus it is possible to ensure that the suction air flow 212 reaches the collecting container from the outside.

[0093] As is apparent from FIG. 2b, the suction unit 110 can be configured such that the suction air flow 212 starting from the suction nozzle 114 initially has a direction of flow which is aligned substantially in parallel to the longitudinal axis 220. At the inlet opening 211 and/or at the frame 210 the direction of flow of the suction air flow 212 is diverted by approx. 90, so that the suction air flow 212 flows into the collecting container through the inlet opening 211 in the circumferential direction (and thus substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220).

[0094] During the suction operation the inlet opening 211 is preferably disposed (in respect of the circumferential direction) on top of the housing wall 227 of the collecting container. This means that gravity acts on the dirt in the suction air flow 212 in order to convey the dirt into the collecting container. On the other hand, because of the alignment of the inlet opening 211 it can happen that (in particular relatively large) dirt particles remain on the outside of the flap 200 and thus increasingly accumulate on the outside of the flap 200, possibly resulting in a blockage of the inlet opening 211.

[0095] The dirt on the outside of the flap 200 may fall off if the separating unit 113 is disconnected from the suction unit 110, which may be perceived as inconvenient by a user. Furthermore, the suction operation must be interrupted if the inlet opening 211 is blocked, and the separating unit must be cleaned, which likewise can be perceived as inconvenient.

[0096] The flap 200 preferably has one or more predetermined bending points 201, 202 (as shown by way of example in FIGS. 3a to 3b), through the use of which the opening angle of at least a portion of the flap 200 can be increased. A predetermined bending point 201, 202 can in particular be configured as a (film) hinge. The flap 200 can have a main hinge 201, which runs along a (leading) edge of the frame 210, and which allows the entire flap 200 (i.e. the entire surface of the flap 200) to be opened. Furthermore, the flap 200 has one or more (linear) predetermined bending points 202, each of which enables additional opening of a respective portion of the flap 200.

[0097] The flap 200 can, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3c, have a total surface 300, for example a rectangular total surface, wherein the total surface 300 completely covers the inlet opening 211. The total surface 300 is delimited by a leading edge 301 and one or more (in particular three) secondary edges 302. The leading edge 301 is typically permanently 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 leading 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 (by applying a radial force) in order to open the inlet opening 211.

[0098] A linear main predetermined bending point 201 (for example in the form of a film hinge) can be disposed at the leading edge 301, which enables a rotational movement of the total surface 300 of the flap 200 about the linear main predetermined bending point 201 (i.e. main bending axis). The angle of rotation made possible by the main predetermined bending point 201 is typically limited (for example to 45 or less, or to 30 or less) so that the total surface 300 of the flap 200 can only be flipped open as far as a particular opening angle by the force of the suction air flow 212. This has the advantage that the direction of flow of the suction air flow 212 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. Thus a robust cyclonic suction air flow 212 can be reliably achieved inside the collecting container of the separating unit 113.

[0099] On the other hand, limiting the opening angle of the main predetermined bending point 201 at the leading edge 301 of the flap 200 can result in relatively large dirt particles getting stuck on the outside of the flap 200.

[0100] The flap 200 can hence have at least one further (linear) predetermined bending point 202, which enables an additional rotation or bending of a portion 305 of the total surface 300 of the flap 200 about the respective predetermined bending point 202 (i.e. about the respective bending axis). A further predetermined bending point 202 (in particular a further film hinge) thus enables a portion 305 (facing away from the leading edge 301) of the total surface 300 to additionally move away from the frame 210 (in particular under the influence of a relatively large dirt particle). As a result, the inlet opening 211 in the corresponding portion of the inlet opening 211 can be opened further, so that relatively large dirt particles can also enter the collecting container.

[0101] The additional bending or turning away of a portion 305 of the total surface 300 of the flap 200 is typically not caused by a suction air flow 212, which only has relatively small dirt particles. Thus it can still be ensured that the direction of flow of the suction air flow 212 has the largest possible directional component in the circumferential direction and only a relatively small directional component in the radial direction. On the other hand, the additional bending or turning away of the portion 305 of the total surface 300 of the flap 200 can be achieved if a relatively large dirt particle carried by the suction air flow 212 acts on this portion 305 of the total surface 300 (and in this case causes a relatively large force in the radial direction).

[0102] Due to the additional introduction of one or more film hinges 202, which are disposed transversely, lengthwise, diagonally, on the front and/or on the reverse or else in a variety of combinations on the elastic dam bridge retaining cover 200, it is thus possible for the flap 200 to open further in the case of relatively large particles and/or in the case of a relatively large amount of dirt in the suction air flow 212 at least in one or more portions 305 of the total surface 300 and thus for no dirt to get stuck between the flap 200 and the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. Furthermore, in this case the wall orientation of the suction air flow 212 (toward the inside of the housing wall 227) remains unchanged for better dust separation. This wall orientation results (at relatively high air volumes) from the main film hinge 201 (which for example runs along the longitudinal axis 220). At relatively low air volumes, one or more subsequent further film hinges 202 running longitudinally can cause (at least one or more portions 305 of) the flap 200 to open. Thus a good wall orientation of the inflowing suction air can be ensured even with a relatively low air volume.

[0103] The first end face 221 of the collecting container of the separating unit 113 is typically aligned upward during the suction operation of the suction unit 110, while the second end face 222 of the collecting container is aligned downward. Gravity thus acts on the dirt (for example dust particles) disposed in the collecting area 226 during the suction operation, by which at least some of the dirt is moved toward the second end face 222. As a result, during the suction operation there tends to be less dirt in the vicinity of the first end face 221 than in the vicinity of the second end face 222. Hence in order to maintain the highest possible suction power, it is typically advantageous if the inlet opening 211 for the inlet of the suction air flow 212 into the collecting container is disposed as close as possible to the first end face 221 of the collecting container.

[0104] In order to keep the collecting area 226 of the collecting container of the separating unit 113 in the region of the inlet opening 211 as free from dirt as possible, and in order as a result to provide a continuously high suction power, it is advantageous if the suction air flow 212 flows helically around the filter unit 225 and toward the second end face 222. For this purpose the flap 200 at the inlet opening 211 can be configured to align the suction air flow 212 flowing through the inlet opening 211 such that the directional vector of the direction of movement of the suction air flow 212 has a first vector component in the circumferential direction and a second vector component in the longitudinal direction (i.e. along the longitudinal axis 220). Due to the ratio between the first vector component and the second vector component the pitch of the helical direction of flow of the suction air flow 212 can be defined.

[0105] The flap 200 can have one or more (linear) predetermined bending points 202, which make it possible to bend or rotate one or more corresponding portions 305 of the total surface 300 of the flap 200 about a respective (bending) axis, wherein the respective (bending) axis runs obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis 220. The normal vector standing perpendicular to the bending axis of a predetermined bending point 202 can in particular have a directional component which is aligned toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container. This means that the suction air flow 212 can be directed toward the second end face 222 by the portion 305 of the total surface 300 of the flap 200 which is bent about this bending axis, so that as a result a helical suction air flow 212 is achieved in the collecting container of the separating unit 113.

[0106] FIG. 2b shows an exemplary flap 200 having a (linear) predetermined bending point 202, by which a bending axis is defined, which is aligned obliquely to the longitudinal axis 220 such that the direction of flow of the suction air flow 212 is aligned (by a particular angle) toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container by the portion 305 of the flap 200 bent around the bending axis. Thus it can be ensured that more dirt accumulates at the second end face 222 of the collecting container, and that the inlet opening 211 remains free for the receipt of additional dirt. This can result in a permanently high suction power.

[0107] FIG. 4a shows an exemplary separating unit 113 having a flexible flap 200, which by the action of the suction air flow 212 is pushed away from the frame 210 of the inlet opening 211 into the collecting container. The flexible flap 200 is in this case stored on a support surface 403 inside the collecting container. In particular, the (first) portion of the flap 200 facing the first end face 221 of the collecting container is stored on a support surface 403.

[0108] The support surface 403 can be configured such that the flap 200 stored in the support surface 403 has a normal vector (standing perpendicular on the surface 300 of the flap 200) with a directional component along the longitudinal axis 220. This can in particular be achieved by the support surface 403 having a normal vector which has a directional component along the longitudinal axis and a directional component in the radial direction.

[0109] As explained above, the suction air flow 212 typically flows in the circumferential direction through the inlet opening 211. In consequence, the flap 200 is bent about the main bending axis (running in parallel to the longitudinal axis 220) of the main bending point 201. Without the provision of a support surface 403, the normal vectors on the bent surface 300 of the flap 200 would only have directional components in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction. Due to the support surface 403, which acts on the (first) portion of the flap 200 facing the first end face 221 of the collecting container, the flap 200 is bent such that the normal vectors of the bent surface 300 of the flap in the stored (first) portion also have a directional component along the longitudinal axis 220, wherein this directional component faces the second end face 222 of the collecting container.

[0110] A flap 200 aligned in such a way can cause an impulse to be applied by the flap 200 to the suction air flow 212 flowing in through the inlet opening 211, which turns the direction of flow of the suction air flow 212 (at least slightly) toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container, so that the direction of flow has a directional component along the longitudinal axis 220 (toward the second end face 222) in addition to a directional component in the circumferential direction. Thus a helical suction air flow 212 inside the collecting container can be achieved in an efficient and reliable manner.

[0111] The support surface 403 can be provided by the ejection and/or compacting element 240 in a particularly efficient manner. The ejection and/or compacting element 240 can have an outer edge 401 facing the inside of the housing wall 227 and an inner edge 402 facing the surface of the filter unit 225. The support surface 403 can be formed by the surface of the ejection and/or compacting element 240, which faces the second end face 222 of the collecting container and which runs from the inner edge 402 to the outer edge 401 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240. This surface of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 typically serves to push the dirt in the collecting area 226 of the collecting container toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container.

[0112] FIG. 4b shows the support surface 403 in a perspective through the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. FIGS. 4c and 4d show how the flexible flap 200 is supported on the support surface 403 formed by the ejection and/or compacting element 240, and as a result is bent toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container.

[0113] FIGS. 5a to 5c show further details of an exemplary (annular) ejection and/or compacting element 240. As is apparent in particular from FIG. 5b, the (annular) surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 facing the second end face 222 of the collecting container for providing the support surface 403 for the flexible flap 200 can have an alignment 520 which runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis 220, so that the alignment 520 (i.e. the normal vector) of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 does not run in parallel to the longitudinal axis 220, but has a directional component which points outward in the radial direction.

[0114] The outer edge 401 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 can have, in the region of the support surface 403, an outer edge distance 511 from a reference plane 510 (which is aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 220). The reference plane 510 can for example correspond to the reverse (facing the first end face 221) of the ejection and/or compacting element 240. The inner edge 402 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 can have, in the region of the support surface 403, an inner edge distance 512 to the reference plane 510. The inner edge distance 512 is larger than the outer edge distance 511, so that the support surface 403 running (substantially in a straight line) between the inner edge 402 and the outer edge 401 is inclined outward in the radial direction.

[0115] As explained below, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 facing the second end face 222 can be used to directly influence the direction of flow of the suction air flow 212. It is hence advantageous to limit the oblique alignment 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 to the portion (in particular to the angular range) of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 which is disposed along the radial direction directly beneath the inlet opening 211. In other portions (in particular in other angular ranges) of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 it may be advantageous to align the surface 503 in parallel to the longitudinal axis 220.

[0116] FIG. 5d shows an exemplary distance 511 of the outer edge 401 (dashed) and an exemplary distance 512 of the inner edge 402 (dotted) as a function of the angular position 530 about the longitudinal axis 220. The oblique support surface and/or the inclined section 403 is provided in the angular range between the first angular position 531 and the second angular position 532. In this case the alignment 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 is changed progressively from a maximum angle (for example 20) relative to the longitudinal axis 220 (at the first angular position 531) to a parallel arrangement to the longitudinal axis 220 (at the second angular position 532). This is advantageous for guidance of the suction air flow 212 caused by the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240. As of the second angular position 532 the alignment 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 can be aligned substantially in parallel to the longitudinal axis 220.

[0117] As emerges from FIG. 5d, the outer edge 401 between the first angular position 531 and the second angular position 532 has a consistent first distance value 541 to the reference plane 510. On the other hand, the inner edge distance 512 of the inner edge 402 starting from a relatively high second distance value 542 (at the first angular position 531) is reduced progressively (where appropriate linearly) to the first distance value 541 (at the second angular position 532).

[0118] Due to the obliquely inclined flap 200 a spiral suction air flow 212 can be achieved, which is aligned toward the second end face of the collecting container. As a result, the volume flow of the suction air flow 212, which acts on the reverse of the flap 200, and as a result causes a closing force to close the inlet opening 211, can be reduced. In consequence, the effective degree of opening of the inlet opening 211 can be increased, as a result of which the flow resistance of the inlet opening 211 is reduced, and as a result of which the suction power is increased.

[0119] Due to the spiral suction air flow 212 it is further possible to cause dirt to be conveyed toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container, and thus it does not reach the first end face 221 behind the ejection and/or compacting element 240.

[0120] Due to the oblique support of the flap 200 in a support surface 403 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 it is also possible for the ejection and/or compacting element 240 to be actuated during the suction operation of the suction unit 110, in order to compact dirt (without having to switch the fan 230 off). Thus the convenience of the suction unit 110 can be further increased.

[0121] Thus an improved separation power is achieved with a centrifugal separator 113. This can in particular be achieved in that after the air current 212 has passed the inlet opening 211 a spiral air current is generated around the filter.

[0122] In a centrifugal separator 113 for a vacuum cleaner 100, in which the inlet 211 is covered by a movable (preferably one-piece) elastic flap 200, the flap 200 can have two (preferably contiguous) portions, an upper (in respect of the longitudinal axis 220) (i.e. first) and a lower (i.e. second) portion. The flap 200 is opened by the sucked-in air 212. In this case, the upper portion or the upper edge of the flap 200 touches a barrier (for example an incline on the wiper ring, i.e. on the ejection and/or compacting element 240). As a result, the flap 200 is opened asymmetrically in respect of the longitudinal axis 220 (as seen through the air flow 212) (not a complete cross-sectional opening), so that the air flow 212 experiences at least a spiral movement downward (toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container) due to the inclined position of the flap 200 in the upper portion of the flap 200 (which faces the first end face 221). In other words, not only is a spiral air flow created perpendicularly around the longitudinal axis 220, but additionally a spiral angular momentum or impulse in the direction of the air flow. This results not only in an air flow around the internal filter unit 225, but also an angular momentum and/or an impulse in the direction of the suction flow. As a result, dirt particles can better reach the inside of the housing wall 227 of the collecting container, so that the degree of separation is improved.

[0123] Thus a centrifugal separator (i.e. a separating unit) 113 with an inlet 211 is described, which is covered by a movable elastic flap 200. The centrifugal separator 113 further has a barrier (for example in the form of a support surface 403), which restricts the opening movement of the flap 200 at the upper or first edge (facing the first end face 221 of the collecting container).

[0124] The flap 200 can be disposed in a resting position between the inlet opening 211 and the centrifugal separator 113. The inlet opening 211 and the flap 200 can each be configured to be approximately rectangular. The barrier can be disposed in or on the centrifugal separator 113. The barrier can in particular be formed by the wiper ring, i.e. by the ejection and/or compacting element 240 (where appropriate with an incline at the inflow area).

[0125] As explained in connection with FIG. 5d, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 can have an inclined section 403, in which the normal vector of the surface 503 runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis 220. The inclined section 403 can serve at least in part as a support surface for the flap 200. The ejection and/or compacting element 240 can generally be regarded as a deflection element which is configured to divert at least partially the suction air flow 212 entering the collecting container. It may be noted that the aspects described in this document in respect of an ejection and/or compacting element 240 can be applied generally to a deflection element.

[0126] The normal vector of the inclined section 403 of the surface 503 can have a directional component in the radial direction outward (out of the collecting container). Furthermore, the normal vector of the inclined section 403 of the surface 503 can have a directional component in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis 220 toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container.

[0127] The angle between the longitudinal axis 220 and the normal vector of the inclined section 403 can, starting from a maximum value (for example 20) at the first angular position 531, be reduced progressively to 0 at the second angular position 532. The second angular position 532 can be spaced apart from the first angular position 531 by approx. 90 along the circumferential direction. A helical suction air flow 212 inside the collecting container can be achieved in a particularly reliable and efficient manner by such a progression of the surface 503.

[0128] As is in particular apparent from FIG. 5d, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240 (generally of the deflection element) can be configured such that the distance value of the inner edge distance 512 and of the outer edge distance 511 (i.e. of the distance of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240) from the reference plane 510 rises with increasing angular position 530, so that in the circumferential direction a spiral ramp is provided. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5d the distance 511, 512 of the surface 503 rises progressively as from the second angular position 532 to the third angular position 533 starting from the first distance value 541 (for example with a constant gradient in the circumferential direction) to a third distance value 543. The third distance value 543 can for example be larger than the first distance value 541 by up to 20% of the total length of the collecting container (along the longitudinal axis 220). The third angular position 533 can for example correspond to an angle of between 340 and 360. By providing a ramped surface 503 the direction of flow of the suction air flow 212 entering the collecting container can be changed in a particularly reliable manner in order to achieve a helical or spiral suction air flow 212.

[0129] In the example illustrated in FIG. 5d the surface 503 optionally constantly has the third distance value 543 between the third angular position 533 and a fourth angular position 534. The fourth angular position 534 can for example be spaced apart by between 2 and 10 from the third angular position 533. By providing such a flattened region of the surface 503 the gradient of the ramped surface 503 and the height (along the longitudinal axis 220) of the step 500 formed as a result can be adjusted in a flexible manner in order to achieve an optimized change in the direction of flow of the suction air flow 212.

[0130] Between the fourth angular position 534 and the first angular position 531 the distance value of the distance 511, 512 of the surface 503 is reduced relatively abruptly to the first distance value 541 (at the outer edge 401) or to the second distance value 542 (at the inner edge 402), so that a step 500 is created. Between the fourth angular position 534 and the first angular position 531 there is preferably an angular distance of 1 or more, in particular of 3 or more, so that [0131] the step 500 has a negative gradient which is less than infinity; and/or [0132] the normal vector of the surface 503 in the region of the step 500 has a particular angle (for example of 1 or more, in particular of 3 or more) compared to the transverse plane of the collecting container standing perpendicular on the longitudinal axis 220; and/or [0133] the surface 503 in the region of the step 500 has a particular angle (for example of 1 or more, in particular of 3 or more) compared to the longitudinal axis 220.

[0134] The first (lower) edge 501 of the step 500 can be disposed at the first angular position 531, and the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500 can be disposed at the fourth angular position 534. The surface 503 can run substantially 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.

[0135] Thus an ejection and/or compacting element 240 (generally a deflection element) having a ramped and/or spiral surface 503 can be provided. In this case the step 500 of the surface 503 can run slightly obliquely. In this way the suction air flow 212 can be prevented from stalling at the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500, in order to achieve a high separation quality of the separating unit 113.

[0136] As already explained, the separating unit 113 can thus have a wiper ring (i.e. an ejection and/or compacting element 240) which in the region of the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container has a particular gradient (for example approx. 20) compared to a reference plane 510 (wherein the reference plane 510 is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220). The gradient of the surface 503 compared to the reference plane 510 can be present in the radial direction. The surface 503 of the wiper ring (i.e. of the ejection and/or compacting element 240) can thus have an inclined section 403.

[0137] The first edge 501 of the ejection ring (i.e. of the ejection and/or compacting element 240) can be disposed flush with the transverse edge of the inlet opening 211 (facing the first end face 221 of the collecting container). Furthermore, the inclined section 403 starting from the first edge 501 of the ejection ring (i.e. of the ejection and/or compacting element 240) can extend in the circumferential direction over a particular angular range. Due to this oblique surface 403 the inflowing air 212 experiences a deflection toward the second end face 222, as a result of which a monocyclone directed toward the second end face 222 arises inside the collecting container.

[0138] The wiper ring (i.e. the ejection and/or compacting element 240) is preferably formed so that the surface 503 of the wiper ring (i.e. of the ejection and/or compacting element 240) has the inclination only in the region of the inlet opening 211 (for example limited to an angular range of 90). Apart from the inclined section 403 the surface 503 of the wiper ring (i.e. of the ejection and/or compacting element 240) can run inside the transverse plane of the collecting container (which is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220).

[0139] Due to the inclined section 403 and the resultant monocyclone, directed toward the second end face 222, the suction air flow 212 can be selectively guided toward the second end face 222, resulting in better dirt separation and less turbulence of the suction air flow 212. Furthermore, the airflow toward the first end face 221 is reduced, so that it is possible to prevent dirt particles from being deposited on the reverse of the ejection ring (i.e. of the ejection and/or compacting element 240).

[0140] Due to the inclined section 403, when using an optional flap 200 at the inlet opening 211 it is possible to ensure that the flap 200 closes reliably.

[0141] As already explained, the surface 503 of the wiper ring and/or ejection ring (i.e. of the ejection and/or compacting element 240) preferably does not have an inclined position over the whole circumference, but only inside the inclined section 403. This means that the wiper ring and/or ejection ring (i.e. the ejection and/or compacting element 240) continues to have the greatest possible stroke along the longitudinal axis 220 in order to eject dirt particles from the collecting container.

[0142] Thus, in addition to helical air guidance, an angular momentum or impulse can be created in order to achieve helical air guidance inside the collecting container. For this purpose, the spiral surface 503 at the wiper ring (i.e. at the ejection and/or compacting element 240) in the inflow region of the collecting container (i.e. at the inlet opening) can be inclined by approx. 20 (radially outward) compared to the transverse plane (disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220). The inclination preferably reduces again to 0, for example after a quarter circle. The inner delimiting line (i.e. the inner edge 512) of the air guidance surface (i.e. of the surface 503) is disposed elevated (in respect of the longitudinal axis 220) compared to the outer delimiting line (i.e. compared to the outer edge 401).

[0143] The suction air 212 can thus be selectively guided to the spiral surface 503, wherein additionally an angular momentum or impulse onto the suction air 212 is generated along the airflow. As a result, an improved separation of dust particles by the separating unit 113 can be achieved.

[0144] In one example the inclination can extend over the whole spiral surface 503. In other words, the inclined section 403 can extend over the whole surface 503 and over the whole angular range (of 360), in order further to increase the impulse onto the suction air flow 212 in the direction of the second end face 222 of the collecting container.

[0145] FIGS. 6a and 6b show by way of example the step 500 of the ramped surface 503 of the ejection and/or compacting element 240. As illustrated in FIG. 6b, the surface 503 at the step 500 preferably has a particular angle 621 (for example of between 1 and 7, for instance 5) compared to the longitudinal axis 220. Thus turbulence of the suction air flow 212 at the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500 can be prevented in a reliable manner, as a result of which the separation power of the separating unit 113 is further increased.

[0146] The ejection ring (i.e. the ejection and/or compacting element 240) can thus be provided with a ramp in the circumferential direction, by which the incoming dust and/or dirt is conveyed toward the second end face 222 of the collecting container. Thus the efficiency of the suction apparatus 100 and the dust loading of the collecting container of the separating unit 113 can be positively influenced.

[0147] The step 500 on the ejection ring (i.e. of the ejection and/or compacting element 240) following the ramp preferably has an inclined wall (in respect of the longitudinal axis 220), wherein the wall of the step 500 is preferably disposed in the circumferential direction directly in front of or directly at (the first transverse edge of) the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. For example, an inclined position of the wall (of the step 500) of approx. 95 relative to the transverse plane (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220) can be achieved. An inclined wall can prevent the suction air flow 212 from stalling in this region and as a result causing turbulence and thus negative influences on the efficiency and dust loading of the separating unit 113.

[0148] The wall (of step 500) can be rounded at the first (lower) edge 501 and/or at the second (upper) edge 502 (with a particular radius). Thus turbulence of the suction air flow 212 can be prevented in a particularly reliable manner.

[0149] Thus a movable wiper ring and/or ejection ring (i.e. an ejection and/or compacting element 240) for a cyclone filter (i.e. for a filter unit 225) in a vacuum cleaner 100 is described, wherein the wiper ring and/or ejection ring (i.e. the ejection and/or compacting element 240) has a spirally ascending air guidance surface (i.e. surface 503). At the end of the gradient, at the point where the spiral meets itself again offset by the gradient, an edge surface (i.e. a step 500) is formed, this edge surface not being at right angles to the cross-sectional area of the cyclone filter (i.e. of the filter unit 225), but being inclined at between 93 and 98, preferably at 95. In this way, stalls in flow at the change in height (i.e. at the step 500) can be reliably prevented. Thus the efficiency of a vacuum cleaner 100, in particular in respect of the dust separation, can be improved. Furthermore, the dust loading of the collecting container of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be improved in this way.

[0150] The step 500 (i.e. the oblique wall) preferably has rounding radii at the respective surface ends of the oblique wall (i.e. at the first edge 501 and/or at the second edge 502 of the step 500).

[0151] The surface normal (i.e. the normal vector) of the oblique wall (i.e. of the step 500) can be aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220 (in particular in parallel to a radial direction). Alternatively, the surface normal of the wall can be aligned at an angle of between 0 and +30 to the perpendicular of the longitudinal axis 220.

[0152] At the start and/or at the end of the oblique wall (i.e. of the step 500) the air guidance surface, i.e. the surface 503, can have a plane without gradient (in the circumferential direction). Alternatively or additionally, the air guidance surface (i.e. the surface 503) can have a continuous or discontinuous progression of the gradient of the spiral or helix.

[0153] The inner edge 402 of the air guidance surface (i.e. of the surface 503) preferably has a relatively small distance (for example of approx. 1 mm) from the surface of the filter unit 225.

[0154] Due to the measures described in this document an improvement in the efficiency, in particular of dust separation, of a suction unit 110 can be achieved. Furthermore, an optimization of the dust loading of the collecting container of a separating unit 113 can be achieved.

[0155] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are only meant to illustrate the principle of a separating unit 113 and/or a suction apparatus 100.

[0156] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention: [0157] 100 Suction apparatus (suction wiper) [0158] 110 Suction unit [0159] 111 Electrical energy storage device [0160] 112 Grip [0161] 113 Separating unit [0162] 114 Suction nozzle [0163] 120 Accessory (suction tube) [0164] 121 Coupling [0165] 130 [0166] 130 Nozzle [0167] 200 (Dam bridge retaining) flap [0168] 201 Main bending point (film hinge) [0169] 202 Further bending point (film hinge) [0170] 210 Frame [0171] 211 Inlet opening (collecting container) [0172] 212 Suction air [0173] 220 Longitudinal axis [0174] 221 First end face (collecting container) [0175] 222 Second end face (collecting container) [0176] 224 Lid [0177] 225 Filter unit [0178] 226 Collecting area [0179] 227 Housing wall [0180] 230 Fan [0181] 240 Deflection element/ejection and/or compacting element [0182] 300 Total surface (flap) [0183] 301 Leading edge [0184] 302 (Free) edge [0185] 305 Portion (of the total surface) [0186] 401 Outer edge [0187] 402 Inner edge [0188] 403 Inclined section/support surface [0189] 500 Step [0190] 501 First (lower) edge [0191] 502 Second (upper) edge [0192] 503 Surface of the deflection element or of the ejection and/or compacting element [0193] 510 Reference plane (reverse) [0194] 511 Outer edge distance [0195] 512 Inner edge distance [0196] 520 Normal vector or orientation (surface) [0197] 530 Angular position [0198] 531, 532, 533, 534 Different angular positions [0199] 541, 542, 543 Distance values [0200] 621 Angle