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

Abstract

A separator unit includes a collecting container enclosed by a housing wall, extending along a longitudinal axis, and having an inlet opening disposed on the housing wall for a suction airflow. The separator unit is configured in such a manner that a suction airflow that is passing through the inlet opening into the collecting container has a flow direction running in the circumferential direction with regard to the longitudinal axis. The separator unit includes a diversion element which is positioned downstream along the flow direction and has a surface which acts on the suction airflow. The normal vector of an obliquely positioned section of the surface of the diversion element runs in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis. A suction apparatus having the separator unit is also provided.

Claims

1. A separator unit for a suction apparatus, the separator unit comprising: a housing wall enclosing a collecting container; said collecting container extending along a longitudinal axis; said collecting container having an inlet opening disposed at said housing wall for a suction airflow; the separator unit configured to cause a suction airflow passing through said inlet opening into said collecting container to have a flow direction running in a circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis; a diversion element positioned downstream of said inlet opening along the flow direction, said diversion element having a surface acting on the suction airflow; and said surface of said diversion element including an obliquely positioned section having a normal vector able to run in an oblique manner relative to the longitudinal axis.

2. The separator unit according to claim 1, wherein said obliquely positioned section of said surface of said diversion element is disposed flush with said inlet opening in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

3. The separator unit according to claim 2, wherein said surface of said diversion element is configured to increasingly or smoothly orient the normal vector of said surface of said diversion element with an increasing spacing along the flow direction of the suction airflow, parallel to the longitudinal axis.

4. The separator unit according to claim 3, wherein the normal vector of said surface of said diversion element is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis above a predefined spacing.

5. The separator unit according to claim 1, wherein the normal vector of said obliquely positioned section of said surface of said diversion element has a directional component facing in a radial direction out of said collecting container.

6. The separator unit according to claim 1, wherein the normal vector of said obliquely positioned section of said surface of said diversion element is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of between 10 and 45.

7. The separator unit according to claim 6, wherein the angle of the normal vector relative to the longitudinal axis is between 15 and 25.

8. The separator unit according to claim 1, wherein: said housing wall of said collecting container has an inner side; said housing wall runs around the longitudinal axis in a cylindrical shape or in a shape of a circular cylinder; and said diversion element runs in an annular manner along said inner side of said housing wall around the longitudinal axis.

9. The separator unit according to claim 8, wherein: said annular diversion element has an outer edge facing said housing wall and an inner edge remote from said housing wall; said surface of said diversion element is disposed at a first angular position relative to the longitudinal axis along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis and flush with said inlet opening; said inner edge has, at said first angular position, an inner edge spacing with a first spacing value from a reference plane disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; said outer edge has, at said first angular position, an outer edge spacing with a second spacing value from the reference plane; and said first spacing value is smaller than said second spacing value.

10. The separator unit according to claim 9, wherein said separator unit has a filter unit, and said inner edge of said annular diversion element faces said filter unit.

11. The separator unit according to claim 9, wherein: said inner edge spacing and said outer edge spacing are harmonized or harmonized smoothly with an increasing angular spacing causing, after a second angular position, said inner edge spacing and said outer-edge spacing to have an equal spacing value or said first spacing value; and said second angular position is spaced between 70 and 110 from said first angular position.

12. The separator unit according to claim 11, wherein said second angular position is spaced approximately by 90 from said first angular position.

13. The separator unit according to claim 11, wherein: after said second angular position, said inner edge spacing and said outer edge spacing have an identical spacing value increasing with said increasing angular spacing from said second angular position, causing said inner edge spacing and said outer edge spacing to have a third spacing value at a third angular position; and said third angular position is spaced between 350 and 360 from said first angular position.

14. The separator unit according to claim 13, wherein said third angular position is spaced approximately between 355 and 359 from said first angular position.

15. The separator unit according to claim 13, wherein: said collecting container extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end side to an oppositely-lying second end side; said collecting container has a total length from said first end side to said second end side; said third spacing value is higher than said first spacing value by 5% or more of said total length; and said second spacing value is higher than said first spacing value.

16. The separator unit according to claim 15, wherein said third spacing value is higher than said first spacing value by between 5% and 20% of said total length, and said second spacing value is higher than said first spacing value by between 0.5% and 2% of said total length.

17. The separator unit according to claim 13, wherein said surface of said annular diversion element has a step between said third angular position and said first angular position, and at said step said spacing value of said inner edge spacing and of said outer edge spacing is reduced to said second spacing value or to said first spacing value.

18. The separator unit according to claim 1, wherein: said collecting container extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end side to an oppositely-lying second end side; said inlet opening is closer to said first end side along the longitudinal axis than to said second end side; and the normal vector of said obliquely positioned section of said surface of said diversion element is oriented toward said second end side.

19. The separator unit according to claim 1, wherein: said diversion element having said surface acting on the suction airflow is at least one of an ejection or compression element; and said at least one of ejection or compression element is configured to be moved within said collecting container along the longitudinal axis in order to at least one of compress dirt particles located in said collecting container or eject the dirt particles out of said collecting container.

20. The separator unit according to claim 19, wherein said at least one of ejection or compression element is disposed in an initial position along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis being flush with said inlet opening.

21. A suction apparatus, comprising: the separator unit according to claim 1; and a fan configured to create the suction airflow from a suction mouth, through said inlet opening of the separator unit, through a filter unit to said fan.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0074] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an exemplary suction apparatus with a suction unit, a suction tube and a nozzle;

[0075] FIGS. 2a to 2c are different perspective views of a suction unit and the separator unit of a suction unit;

[0076] FIGS. 3a to 3b are different plan and perspective views of flexible flaps for covering the inlet opening of a separator unit;

[0077] FIG. 3c is a diagrammatic view of a flap in a plan view and in a lateral view;

[0078] FIGS. 4a to 4d are different perspective and plan views of the flap lying on a contact surface (of the ejection and/or compression element) of the separator unit;

[0079] FIGS. 5a to 5c are different perspective and elevational views of an exemplary ejection and/or compression element;

[0080] FIG. 5d is a graph showing an exemplary course of the height of the edges of the ejection and/or compression element along the circumferential direction; and

[0081] FIGS. 6a and 6b are perspective views of an exemplary ejection and/or compression element with a ramp running in the circumferential direction so as to orient the suction airflow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] As explained in the introduction, the present invention concerns the creation of a particularly advantageous orientation of the cyclonic suction airflow within the separator unit of a suction apparatus, in particular in order to provide a high suction power even after the suction apparatus is used for a longer period of time without emptying the collecting container of the separator unit.

[0083] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen, in this context, an exemplary (hand-held) vacuum cleaner 100 (as an example for a suction apparatus), which has a suction unit 110 with an electrical energy storage device 111. The suction unit 110 has a (hand) grip 112 which a user can grip by hand in order to hold the suction unit 110. The fan of the suction unit 110 creates a suction airflow through the suction mouth 114 of the suction unit 110 via the separator unit 113 of the suction unit 110 up to the fan. The suction unit 110 can be configured so as to be used independently as a suction apparatus.

[0084] An accessory 120, 130 can be connected to the suction unit 110 via a coupling 121. In the illustrated example, the suction unit 110 is connected via a coupling 121 to the suction tube 120 which is connected in turn via a coupling 121 to a base nozzle 130.

[0085] FIGS. 2a to 2c show different views of a suction unit 110 and a separator unit 113. The suction airflow 212 created by the fan 230 is drawn through the suction mouth 114 of the suction unit 110 into the separator unit 113. The separator unit 113 has an outer housing wall 227 which encloses a filter unit 225. The housing wall 227 forms a collecting container. The suction airflow 212 is drawn through an (inlet) opening 211 formed on the housing wall 227 into the collecting container enclosed by the housing wall 227. In this case, the suction airflow 212 is oriented as it is introduced into the collecting container in such a manner that the suction airflow 212 circulates in a cyclonic manner around the (circular-cylindrical) filter unit 225. The suction airflow 212 is further drawn through the surface of the filter unit 225 toward the central longitudinal axis 220 of the separator unit 113. In this case, the contaminants from the suction airflow 212 are retained on the surface of the filter unit 225, and remain in the collection area 226 formed between the filter unit 225 and the housing wall 227.

[0086] The (circular-cylindrical) collecting container formed by the housing wall 227 extends along the longitudinal axis 220 from a first end side 221 (facing the fan 230) up to a second end side 222 (remote from the fan 230). A cover 224 which covers the collecting container is disposed on the second end side 222. The cover 224 can be opened (for example flipped open), so that contaminants from the collection area 226 can be removed from the collection area 226 of the collecting container via the second end side 222.

[0087] It is possible to arrange within the collecting container an ejection and/or compression element 240 which is configured to be moved along the longitudinal axis 220. The ejection and/or compression element 240 can be configured, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, as a ring which is disposed around the filter unit 225. The ejection and/or compression element 240 can extend in the radial direction (with regard to the longitudinal axis 220) from the surface of the filter unit 225 up to the inner side of the housing wall 227.

[0088] The ejection and/or compression element 240 can be disposed in an initial state on the first end side 221 of the collecting container. Furthermore, the ejection and/or compression element 240 can be configured so as to be moved along the longitudinal axis 220 from the first end side 221 toward the second end side 222, so that the contaminants located in the collection area 226 are pushed toward the second end side 222 by the ejection and/or compression element 240. It is thus rendered possible for contaminants located in the collection area 226 to be compressed (in the region of the second end side 222), so that the surface of the filter unit 225 is substantially free of contaminants, and consequently a high suction power is still available. Moreover, contaminants can be pushed by the ejection and/or compression element 240 in a convenient manner along the longitudinal axis 220 via the second end side 222 (and the open cover 224) out of the collecting container in order to empty the collecting container.

[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, for example, the housing wall 227 of the collecting container has a frame 210 which surrounds the opening 211 to the collection area 226 of the collecting container. In this case, the frame 210 is preferably in close proximity to the first end side 221 of the collecting container. A flexible flap 200 is disposed within the frame 210 and the flap is configured in such a manner that the flap 200 encloses the opening 211 framed by the frame 210 when the fan 230 is not creating a suction airflow 212, in other words when there are no forces acting on the flap 200 in the radial direction from outside into the collecting container. The collecting container can thus be closed by the flexible flap 200, so that it is reliably possible to avoid contaminants dropping out of the collecting container through the opening 211 (for example when the separator unit 113 is separated from the suction unit 110 in order to empty the separator unit 113).

[0090] The flap 200 can be pre-tensioned such that the flap 200 is pushed toward the frame 210. It is thus possible in a particularly reliable manner to achieve that the flap 200 is closed in the absence of a suction airflow 212.

[0091] The flap 200 is preferably made from a flexible material (for example from a flexible synthetic material), so that under the influence of a force acting from outside on the flap 200, (the force being created by the suction airflow, for example), the flap 200 is bent away from the frame 210 toward the filter unit 225 and in so doing reveals at least a part of the opening 211. It is thus ensured that the suction airflow 212 passes from outside into the collecting container.

[0092] As is apparent from FIG. 2b, the suction unit 110 can be configured in such a manner that the suction airflow 212 initially has a flow direction which starts from the suction mouth 114 and is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 220. The flow direction of the suction airflow 212 is diverted by approximately 90 at the frame 210, so that the suction airflow 212 flows in the circumferential direction (and thus substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220) through the inlet opening 211 into the collecting container.

[0093] The inlet opening 211 is disposed during the suction operation preferably (with regard to the circumferential direction) on the upper side of the housing wall 227 of the collecting container. It is thus possible to ensure that the center of gravity acts on the contaminants in the suction airflow 212 in order to convey the contaminants into the collecting container. On the other hand, due to the orientation of the inlet opening 211, it is possible for (in particular relatively large) dirt particles to remain on the outer side of the flap 200 and to increasingly collect on the outer side of the flap 200 and possibly lead to the inlet opening 211 becoming blocked.

[0094] The dirt located on the outer side of the flap 200 can possibly drop off when the separator unit 113 is separated from the suction unit 110, which a user can perceive as unpleasant. Moreover, the suction operation must be interrupted when a blockage occurs in the inlet opening 211, and the separator unit must be cleaned, which can likewise be perceived as inconvenient.

[0095] It is preferred that the flap 200 has one or more intended bending sites 201, 202 (as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 3a to 3b), through the use of which the opening angle at least of a subregion of the flap 200 can be increased. An intended bending site 201, 202 can be configured in particular as a (film) hinge. The flap 200 can have a main hinge 201 which runs along a (main) edge of the frame 210 and renders it possible for the entire flap 200 to open (in other words, the entire surface of the flap 200). Furthermore, the flap 200 has one or more (linear-shaped) intended bending sites 202, which each render it possible for a respective subregion of the flap 200 to be additionally opened.

[0096] The flap 200, can have an entire surface 300, for example a rectangular entire surface, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3c, wherein the entire surface 300 completely covers the inlet opening 211. The entire surface 300 is delimited by a main edge 301 and one or more (in particular three) secondary edges 302. The main edge 301 is typically fixedly connected to the frame 210 of the inlet opening 211, so that the flap 200 cannot be moved away from the frame 210 at the main edge 301. The one or more secondary edges 302 are not connected to the frame 210 of the inlet opening 211 and can be moved away from the frame 210 (under the influence of a radial force), in order to open the inlet opening 211.

[0097] A linear-shaped main intended bending site 201, (for example in the form of a film hinge) can be disposed on the main edge 301 and this renders it possible for the entire surface 300 of the flap 220 to rotate about the linear-shaped main intended bending site 201, (in other words main bending axis). The angle of rotation rendered possible by the main intended bending site 201 is typically delimited (for example to 45 or less, or to 30 or less), so that the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 can only be flipped open up to a specific opening angle by the force of the suction airflow 212. This has the advantage that the flow direction of the suction airflow 121 through the inlet opening 211 has a particularly large directional component in the circumferential direction and only a relatively small directional component in the radial direction. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to create a robust cyclonic suction airflow 201 within the collecting container of the separator unit 113.

[0098] On the other hand, the delimitation of the opening angle of the main intended bending site 201 on the main edge 301 of the flap 200 can lead to relatively large dirt particles remaining stuck on the outer side of the flap 200.

[0099] The flap 200 can therefore have at least one further (linear-shaped) intended bending site 202, which renders possible an additional rotation or bend of a subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 around the respective intended bending site 202 (in other words the respective bending axis). A further intended bending site 202 (in particular a further film hinge) consequently renders it possible that a subregion 305 (remote from the main edge 301) of the entire surface 300 can additionally be moved away from the frame 210 (in particular under the influence of a relatively large dirt particle). As a result thereof, the inlet opening 211 can be opened further in the relevant subregion of the inlet opening 211, so that even relatively large dirt particles can pass into the collecting container.

[0100] The additional bending-away or rotating-away of a subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 is typically not caused by a suction airflow 212 which only has relatively small dirt particles. It is thus still possible to ensure that the flow direction of the suction airflow 212 has a directional component that is as large as possible in the circumferential direction and only a relatively small directional component in the radial direction. On the other hand, the additional bending-away or rotating-away of the subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 can be achieved when a relatively large dirt particle that is carried along by the suction airflow 212 acts on this subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 (and in so doing creates a relatively large force in the radial direction).

[0101] The additional provision of one or more film hinges 202, which are disposed in a transverse, lengthwise, diagonal manner on the front side and/or on the rear side or also in the most varied combinations on the elastic dust-retaining flap 200 consequently renders it possible for the flap 200 to be opened further in the case of relatively large particles and/or in the case of a relative large amount of dirt in the suction airflow 212 at least in one or more subregions 305 of the entire surface 300 and consequently no dirt remains stuck between the flap 200 and the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. Moreover, the wall orientation of the air flow 212 (toward the inner side of the housing wall 227) still remains for improving the dust separation. This wall orientation arises (in the case of relatively high quantities of air) as a result of the main film hinge 201 (that runs along the longitudinal axis 220, for example). In the case of relatively smaller quantities of air, one or more further film hinges 202 running following on longitudinally can cause the flap 200 to open (at least in one or more subregions 305). It is thus possible to ensure a good wall orientation of the in-flowing suction air even in a case of a relatively small quantity of air.

[0102] The first end side 221 of the collecting container of the separator unit 113 is typically facing upward during the suction operation of the suction unit 110, whereas the second end side 222 of the collecting container is facing downward. Consequently, during the suction operation, the center of gravity, through the use of which some of the contaminants are moved toward the second end side 222, acts on the contaminants (for example dust particles) located in the collection area. As a result thereof, during the suction operation, generally speaking fewer contaminants are located in the proximity of the first end side 221 than in the proximity of the second end side 222. Therefore, to maintain a highest possible suction power, it is typically advantageous when the inlet opening 211 is disposed as close as possible to the first end side 221 of the collecting container for the intake of the suction air flow 222 into the collecting container.

[0103] In order to keep the collection area 226 of the collecting container of the separator unit 113 as free as possible of contaminants in the region of the inlet opening 211, and in order thereby to provide a permanently high suction power, it is advantageous if the suction airflow 212 flows in a helical manner around the filter unit 225 and toward the second end side 222. For this purpose, the flap 200 can be configured at the inlet opening 211 so as to configure the suction airflow 212 flowing through the inlet opening 211 in such a manner that the direction vector of the movement direction of the suction airflow 212 has a first vector component in the circumferential direction and a second vector component in the longitudinal direction 220. The ratio between the first vector component and the second vector component renders it possible to define the thread pitch of the helical flow direction of the suction airflow 212.

[0104] The flap 200 can have one or more (linear-shaped) intended bending sites 202 which render it possible for one or more relevant subregions 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200 to bend or rotate around a respective (bending) axis, wherein the respective (bending) axis runs in an oblique manner with regard to the longitudinal axis 220. The normal vector that runs perpendicular to the bending axis of an intended bending site 202 can have in particular a directional component which is oriented toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container. It is thus possible to ensure that the suction airflow 212 is diverted toward the second end side 222 by the subregion 305 of the entire surface 300 of the flap 200, the subregion being bent around this bending axis, so that as a result a helical suction airflow 212 is created in the collecting container of the separator unit 113.

[0105] FIG. 2b shows an exemplary flap 200 with a (linear-shaped) intended bending site 202, through the use of which a bending axis is defined which is oriented in such an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 220 that the flow direction of the suction airflow 212 is oriented (by a specific angle) toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container by the subregion 305 of the flap 200, the subregion being bent around the bending axis. It is thus possible to ensure that increased contaminants collect at the second end side 222 of the collecting container, and that the inlet opening 211 remains free to receive additional contaminants. As a result it is possible to create a permanently high suction power.

[0106] FIG. 4a shows an exemplary separator unit 113 with a flexible flap 200 which is pushed away from the frame 210 of the inlet opening 211 into the collecting container under the influence of the suction airflow 212. In so doing, the flexible flap 200 is brought into contact with the contact surface 403 within the collecting container. In particular, the (first) subregion of the flap 200 is in contact with a contact surface, the (first) subregion facing the first end side 221 of the collecting container. The contact surface 403 can be configured in such a manner that the flap 200 that is in contact with the contact surface 403 has a normal vector (running perpendicular to the surface 300 of the flap 200) with a directional component along the longitudinal axis 220. This can be achieved in particular by virtue of the fact that the contact surface 403 has a normal vector which has a directional component along the longitudinal axis and a directional component in the radial direction.

[0107] As explained above, the suction airflow 212 typically flows in the circumferential direction through the inlet opening 211. As a result thereof, the flap 200 is bent around the (parallel to the longitudinal axis 220) main bending axis of the main bending site 201. Without the provision of a contact surface 403, the normal vectors would only have directional components in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction on the bent surface 300 of the flap 200. By virtue of the contact surface 403, which acts on the (first) subregion of the flap 200 facing the first end side 221 of the collecting container, the flap 200 is bent in such a manner that the normal vectors of the bent surface 300 of the flap also have a directional component along the longitudinal axis in the contacted (first) subregion, wherein this directional component is facing the second end side 222 of the collecting container.

[0108] By virtue of a flap 200 oriented in this manner, it can be brought about that a pulse is applied by the flap 200 to the suction airflow 212 flowing in through the inlet opening 211 and the pulse rotates the flow direction of the suction airflow 212 (at least slightly) toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container, so that the flow direction also has a directional component along the longitudinal axis 220 (toward the second end side 222) in addition to a directional component in the circumferential direction. It is thus possible in an efficient and reliable manner to create a helical suction airflow 212 within the collecting container. The contact surface 403 can be provided in a particularly efficient manner by the ejection and/or compression element 240. The ejection and/or compression element 240 can have an outer edge 401 facing the inner side of the house wall 227 and an inner edge 402 facing the surface of the filter unit 225. The contact surface 403 can be formed by the surface of the ejection and/or compression element 240 which is facing the second end side 222 of the collecting container and which runs from the inner edge 402 to the outer edge 401 of the ejection and/or compression element 240. This surface of the ejection and/or compression element 240 is typically used to push the contaminants in the collection area 226 of the collecting container toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container.

[0109] FIG. 4b shows the contact surface 403 in a perspective view through the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. FIGS. 4c and 4d show how the flexible flap 200 is brought into contact with the contact surface 403 formed by the ejection and/or compression element 240 and as a result is bent toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container.

[0110] FIGS. 5a to 5c show further details of an exemplary (annular) ejection and/or compression element 240. As is particularly apparent from FIG. 5b, in order to provide the contact surface 403 for the flexible flap 200, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 facing the second end side 222 of the collecting container can have an orientation which runs in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 220, so that the orientation 520 (in other words the normal vector) of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 does not run parallel to the longitudinal axis 220 but has a directional component which faces outward in the radial direction.

[0111] The outer edge 401 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 can have in the region of the contact surface 403 an outer edge spacing 511 from a reference plane 510 (which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220). The reference plane 510 can correspond, for example, to the rear side of the ejection and/or compression element 240 (facing the first end side 221). In the region of the contact surface 403, the inner edge 402 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 can have an inner edge spacing 512 with respect to a reference plane 510. The inner edge spacing 512 is greater than the outer edge spacing 511, so that the contact surface 403 running between the inner edge 402 and the outer edge 401 (substantially in a straight line) faces outward in the radial direction.

[0112] As is explained above, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 facing the second end side 222 can be used so as to directly influence the flow direction of the suction airflow 212. It is therefore advantageous to limit the oblique orientation 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 to the subregion (in particular to the angular region) of the ejection and/or compression element 240, the subregion being disposed along the radial direction directly below the inlet opening 211. In other subregions (in particular in other angular regions) of the ejection and/or compression element 240, it can be advantageous to orient the surface 503 parallel to the longitudinal axis 220.

[0113] FIG. 5d shows an exemplary spacing 501 of the outer edge 401 (dashed) and an exemplary spacing 502 of the inner edge 402 (dotted) as a function of the angular position 530 around the longitudinal axis 220. The oblique contact surface and/or the obliquely positioned section 403 is provided in the angular region between the first angular position 531 and the second angular position 532. In this case, the orientation 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 changes smoothly from a maximum angle (for example) 20 relative to the longitudinal axis 220 (at the first angular position 531) up to a parallel arrangement with respect to the longitudinal axis 220 (at the second angular position 532). This is advantageous for a guide of the suction airflow 212 created by the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240. After the second angular position 532, the orientation 520 of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 can be orientated substantial parallel to the longitudinal axis 220.

[0114] As is apparent in FIG. 5d, the outer edge 401 has a first spacing value 541 which, with respect to the reference plane 510, remains constant between the first angular position 531 and the second angular position 532. On the other hand, the inner edge spacing 512 of the inner edge 502 starting from a relatively high second spacing value 542 (at the first angular position 531) reduces smoothly (where appropriate in a linear manner) to the first spacing value 541 (at the second angular position 532).

[0115] By virtue of the fact that the flap 200 makes contact in an oblique manner, it is rendered possible to create a spiral-shaped suction airflow 212 which is oriented toward the second end side of the collecting container. As a result, it is possible to reduce the volume flow of the suction airflow 212 which acts on the rear side of the flap 200 and thereby creates a closing force for closing the inlet opening 211. As a result, it possible to increase the effective degree of opening of the inlet opening 211, whereby the flow resistance of the inlet opening 211 is reduced, and whereby the suction power is increased.

[0116] Moreover, the spiral-shaped suction airflow 212 renders it possible for contaminants to be conveyed toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container, and consequently not to reach the first end side 221 downstream of the ejection and/or compression element 240.

[0117] By virtue of the flap 200 contacting in an oblique manner a contact surface 403 of the ejection and/or compression element 240, it is possible for the ejection and/or compression element 240 to also be actuated during the suction operation of the suction unit 110 in order to compress contaminants (without having to switch off the fan 230). The comfort of the suction unit 110 can be further increased in this manner.

[0118] Consequently, an improved separating power is achieved in the case of a centrifugal separator 113. This can be achieved in particular by virtue of the fact that after the airflow 212 has passed the inlet opening 211, a spiral-shaped airflow is created around the filter.

[0119] In the case of a centrifugal separator 113 for a vacuum cleaner 100, in which the inlet 211 is covered by a movable (preferably single-part) elastic flap 200, the flap 200 can have (with regard to the longitudinal axis 220) two (preferably connected) subregions: one upper (in other words first) subregion and one lower (in other words second) subregion. The flap 200 is opened by the drawnin air 212. In this case, the upper subregion or the upper edge of the flap 200 contacts an obstacle (for example, a bevel on the scraper ring 240). As a result, the flap 200 is opened asymmetrically (without a complete cross-sectional opening) with regard to the longitudinal axis 220 (seen by the airflow 212), so that the oblique position of the flap 200 in the upper subregion of the flap 200 (which faces the first end side 22) causes the airflow 212 to experience at least a spiral movement downward (toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container). In other words, not only is a spiral-shaped airflow created in a perpendicular manner around the longitudinal axis 220 but also, in addition, a spiral-shaped twist or pulse is created in the direction of the airflow. Consequently, not only is an airflow created around the inner-lying filter unit 225 but also a twist and/or a pulse in the direction of the suction stream. As a result dirt particles can pass more easily to the inner side of the housing wall 227, so that the separation efficiency is improved.

[0120] Consequently, a centrifugal separator (in other words a separator unit) 113 with an inlet 211 is described, which is covered by a movable elastic flap 200. The centrifugal separator 113 also has an obstacle (for example in the form of a contact surface 403) that limits the opening movement of the flap 200 at the upper or first edge (facing the first end side 221 of the collecting container).

[0121] The flap 200 can be disposed in a resting position between the entry opening 211 and the centrifugal separator 113. The entrance opening 211 and the flap 200 can each be configured almost rectangular. The obstacle can be disposed in or on the centrifugal separator 113. The obstacle can be formed in particular by the scraper ring 240 (where appropriate with an incline at the inflow section).

[0122] As explained in connection with FIG. 5d, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 has an obliquely positioned section 403 in which the normal vector of the surface 503 runs in an oblique manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 220. The obliquely positioned section 403 can be used at least in sections as a contact surface for the flap 200. The ejection and/or compression element 240 can generally be considered as a diversion element which is configured so as to divert at least some of the suction airflow 212 that has passed into the collecting container. It should be noted that the aspects described in this document with regard to an ejection and/or compression element 240 can generally be applied to a diversion element.

[0123] The normal vector of the obliquely positioned section 403 of the surface 503 can have a directional component outward in the radial direction (out of the collecting container). Moreover, the normal vector of the obliquely positioned section 403 of the surface 503 can have a directional component in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis 220 with respect to the second end side 222 of the collecting container. The angle between the longitudinal axis 220 and the normal vector of the obliquely positioned section 403 can be reduced starting from a maximum value (for example) 20 at the first angular position 531 smoothly to 0 at the second angular position 532. The second angular position 532 can be spaced from the first angular position 531 by approximately 90 along the circumferential direction. Such a course of the surface 503 renders it possible to bring about a helical suction airflow 212 within the collecting container in a particular reliable and efficient manner.

[0124] As is particular apparent from FIG. 5d, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 (generally of the diversion element) can be configured in such a manner that the spacing value of the inner edge spacing 512 and of the outer edge spacing 511 (in other words the spacing of the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240) from the reference plane 510 increases with an increasing angular position 530, so that a spiral-shaped ramp can be provided in the circumferential direction. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5d, the spacing 511, 512 of the surface 503 increases after the second angular position 532 up to the third angular position 533 starting from the first spacing value 531 smoothly (for example with a constant increase in the circumferential direction) up to a third spacing value 543. The third spacing value 532 can be greater than the first spacing value 531 by up to 20% of the total length of the collecting container (along the longitudinal axis 220). The third angular position 533 can correspond to an angle between 340 and 360, for example. The provision of a ramp-shaped surface 503 renders it possible to change the flow direction of the suction airflow 212, which has passed into the collecting container, in a particularly reliable manner in order to create a helical-shaped or spiral-shaped suction airflow 212.

[0125] In the example illustrated in FIG. 5d, the surface 503 has the third spacing value 543 optionally constant between the third angular position 533 and a fourth angular position 534 constant. The fourth angular position 534 can be spaced from the third angular position 533 between 2 and 10, for example. The provision of such a flattened section of the surface 503 renders it possible to adjust in a flexible manner the incline of the ramp-shaped surface 503 and the height (along the longitudinal axis 220) of the thus formed step 500 in order to create an optimized change in the flow direction of the suction airflow 212.

[0126] Between the fourth angular position 534 and the first angular position 531, the spacing value of the spacing 511, 512 of the surface 503 reduces abruptly to the first spacing value 531 (at the outer edge 401) or to the second spacing value 532 (at the inner edge 402) so that a step 500 is created. It is preferred that an angle spacing of 1 or more, in particular of 3 or more lies, between the fourth angular position 534 and the first angular position 531 so that: [0127] the step 500 has a negative incline which is considerably smaller than infinity; and/or [0128] the normal vector of the surface 503 has in the region of the step 500 a specific angle (for example of 1 or more, in particular of 3 or more) relative to the transverse plane of the collecting container running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220; and/or [0129] the surface 503 has in the region of the step 500 a specific angle (for example of 1 or more, in particular of 3 or more) relative to the longitudinal axis 220.

[0130] The first (lower) edge 501 of the step 500 can be disposed on the first angular position 531, and the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500 can be disposed on the fourth angular position 534. The surface 503 can run in a straight line between the first edge 501 and the second edge 502. In particular, the inner edge 402 and the outer edge 401 can each run substantially in a straight line between the first edge 501 and the second edge 502.

[0131] It is thus possible to provide an ejection and/or compression element 240 (generally a diversion element) with a ramp-shaped and/or spiral-shaped surface 503. The step 500 of the surface 503 can run in a slight oblique manner. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to avoid an interruption in the suction airflow 212 at the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500 in order to create a high separation efficiency of the separator unit 113.

[0132] As already explained, the separator unit 113 can consequently have a scraper ring 240 (in other words an ejection and/or compression element) which has, in the region of the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container, a specific incline (for example approximately) 20 with respect to a reference plane 510 (wherein the reference plane 510 is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220). The incline of the surface 503 with respect to the reference zone 510 can be in the radial direction. The surface 503 of the scraper ring 240 can consequently have an obliquely positioned section 403.

[0133] The first edge 501 of the ejector ring 240 can be disposed flush with the transverse edge (facing the first end side 221 of the collecting container) of the inlet opening 211. Moreover, the obliquely positioned section 403 can extend in the circumferential direction over a specific angular region starting from the first edge 501 of the ejector ring 240. This oblique surface 403 causes the incoming air 212 to be diverted toward the second end side 222, as a result of which a mono-cyclone directed at the second end side 222 is created within the collecting container.

[0134] The scraper ring 240 is preferably shaped in such a manner that the surface 503 of the scraper ring 240 is only inclined in the region of the inlet opening 211 (for example limited to an angular region of) 90. Regardless of the obliquely positioned section 403, the surface 403 of the scraper ring 240 can run within the transverse plane of the collecting container (which is disposed perpendicular toward the longitudinal axis 220).

[0135] By virtue of the obliquely positioned section 403 and the resultant mono-cyclone created oriented toward the second end side 222, the suction airflow 212 can be guided purposefully toward the second side end 222, whereby the dirt separation is improved and fewer swirls occur in the suction airflow 212. Moreover, the airflow toward the first end side 221 is reduced so that dirt particles are prevented from depositing on the rear side of the ejector ring 240.

[0136] The obliquely positioned section 403 renders it possible, when using an optional flap 200 at the inlet opening 211, to ensure that the flap 200 reliably closes.

[0137] As already explained, the surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240 does not have an oblique position over the entire circumference but rather only within the obliquely positioned section 403. It is thus possible to ensure that the ejection and/or compression element 240 still has a stroke along the longitudinal axis 220 that is as large as possible in order to eject dirt particles out of the collecting container.

[0138] It is consequently possible where appropriate, in addition to guiding air in a helical manner, to create a twist or pulse in order to guide air in a helical manner within the collecting container. For this purpose, the spiral-shaped surface 503 can be inclined at the scraper ring 240 in the inflow region of the collecting container (in other words at the inlet opening) relative to the transverse plane (disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220) by approximately 20 (radially outward). In so doing, it is preferred that the incline drops back to 0, for example after a quarter of a circle. The inner delimitation line (in other words the inner edge 512) of the air-guiding surface 503 is preferably disposed higher (with regard to the longitudinal axis 220) relative to the outer delimitation line (in other words relative to the outer edge 511).

[0139] The suction air 212 can be guided purposefully to the spiral-shaped surface 503 in such a manner, wherein in addition a twist or a pulse is applied to the suction air 212 along the airflow. As a result, an improved separation of the dust particles can be achieved by the separator unit 113.

[0140] In one example, the incline can extend over the entire spiral-shaped surface 503. In other words, the obliquely positioned section 403 can extend over the entire surface 503 and over the entire angular region (of 360) in order to further amplify the pulse to the suction airflow 212 in the direction toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container.

[0141] FIGS. 6a and 6b show, by way of example, the step 500 of the ramp-shaped surface 503 of the ejection and/or compression element 240. As illustrated in FIG. 6b, at the step 500, the surface 503 has a specific angle 621 (for example, between 1 and 7, approximately) 5 relative to the longitudinal axis 220. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to avoid swirls of the suction airflow 212 at the second (upper) edge 502 of the step 500, whereby the separator line of the separator unit 113 is further increased.

[0142] The ejector ring 240 can consequently be provided with a ramp in the circumferential direction, through the use of which the incoming dust and/or dirt are conveyed toward the second end side 222 of the collecting container. It is thus possible to influence the efficiency of the suction apparatus 100 and the dust loading of the collecting container of the separator unit 113 in a positive manner.

[0143] The step 500 of the ejector ring 240 downstream of the ramp preferably has an obliquely positioned wall (with regard to the longitudinal axis 220), wherein the wall of the step 500 is preferably disposed in the circumferential direction directly upstream of or directly on (the first transverse edge) the inlet opening 211 of the collecting container. It is thus possible to achieve for example an oblique position of the wall (of the step 500) of approximately 95 relative to the transverse plane (running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220). The obliquely positioned wall renders it possible to prevent an interruption of the suction airflow 212 in this region and the resultant swirls and thus negative influences on the efficiency and the dust loading of the separator unit 113.

[0144] The wall (of the step 500) can be rounded (with a specific radius) at the first (lower) edge 501 and/or at the second (upper) edge 502. It is thus possible to avoid swirls of the suction airflow 212 in a particularly reliable manner.

[0145] A movable scraper and/or ejector ring 240 for a cyclone filter (in other words for a filter unit 225) in a vacuum cleaner 100 is thus described, wherein the scraper and/or ejector ring 240 has a spiral-shaped ascending air-guiding surface 503. At the end of the incline, at the site at which the spiral meets itself again, offset by the incline, an edge surface (in other words a step 500) is formed, wherein this edge surface is not at a right angle to the cross-sectional area of the cyclone filter (in other words the filter unit 225) but rather is inclined between 93 and 98, preferably 95. It is thus possible in a reliable manner to avoid interruptions in the flow at the high jump (in other words at the step 500). It is thus possible to improve the efficiency of a vacuum cleaner 100, in particular with regard to the dust separation. Moreover, the dust loading of the collecting container of the vacuum cleaner 100 can be improved in this manner.

[0146] The step 500 (in other words the oblique wall) preferably has rounded radii at the respective surface ends of the oblique wall (in other words at the first edge 501 and/or at the second edge 502 of the step 500).

[0147] The surface normals (in other words the normal vector) of the oblique wall (in other words the step 500) can be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 220 (in particular parallel to a radial direction). Alternatively, the surface normals of the wall can be oriented at an angle of 0 up to +30 with respect to the perpendicular of the longitudinal axis 220.

[0148] At the beginning and/or at the end of the oblique wall (in other words the step 500) the air-guiding surface 503 can have a plane (in the circumferential direction) without an incline. Alternatively or additionally, the air-conducting surface 503 can have a continuous or a discontinuous course of the incline of the spiral or the helix.

[0149] The inner edge 402 of the air-guiding surface 503 preferably has a relatively small spacing (for example of approximately 1 mm) with respect to the surface of the filter unit 225.

[0150] By virtue of the features described in this document, it is possible to achieve an improvement in efficiency, in particular of the dust separation of a suction unit 110. Moreover, it is possible to achieve an optimization of the dust loading of the collecting container of the separator unit 113.

[0151] The present invention is not limited to the illustrated exemplary embodiment. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are only intended to illustrate the principle of a separator unit 113 and/or of a suction apparatus 100.

[0152] The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention: [0153] 100 Suction apparatus (suction wiper) [0154] 110 Suction unit [0155] 111 Electrical energy storage device [0156] 112 Grip [0157] 113 Separator unit [0158] 114 Suction mouth [0159] 120 Accessory (Suction tube) [0160] 121 Coupling [0161] 130 Nozzle [0162] 200 (Dust-retaining) flap [0163] 201 Main bending-site (film hinge) [0164] 202 Further bending-site (film hinge) [0165] 210 Frame [0166] 211 Inlet opening (collecting container) [0167] 212 Suction air [0168] 220 Longitudinal axis [0169] 221 First end side (collecting container) [0170] 222 Second end side (collecting container) [0171] 224 Cover [0172] 225 Filter unit [0173] 226 Collection area [0174] 240 Diversion element/ejection and/or compression element [0175] 300 Entire surface (flap) [0176] 301 Main edge [0177] 302 (Free) edge [0178] 305 Subregion (of the entire surface) [0179] 401 Outer edge [0180] 402 Inner edge [0181] 403 Obliquely positioned section/contact surface [0182] 500 Step [0183] 501 First (lower) edge [0184] 502 Second (upper) edge [0185] 503 Surface of the diversion element or of the ejection and/or compression element [0186] 510 Reference plane (rear side) [0187] 511 Outer edge spacing [0188] 512 Inner edge spacing [0189] 520 Normal vector or orientation (surface) [0190] 530 Angular position [0191] 531, 532, 533, 534 Different angular positions [0192] 541, 542, 543 Spacing values [0193] 621 Angle