Suction Apparatus

Abstract

A suction apparatus includes a housing, an electric motor for generating an air flow, wherein the housing has an air inlet by way of which the air flow can enter the housing and an air outlet by way of which the air flow can exit the housing. The suction apparatus further includes at least one cyclone chamber, a collection container, and a filter element. The suction apparatus has at least one air-directing device for directing the air flow within the cyclone chamber.

Description

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to patent application no. DE 10 2019 206 570.8, filed on May 8, 2019 in Germany, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to a suction apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A suction device having a housing in which an electric motor for generating an air flow is disposed, wherein the housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, having at least one cyclone chamber and a filter element, is already known from DE 10 2016 224 105 A1.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure proceeds from a suction apparatus having a housing, having an electric motor for generating an air flow, wherein the housing has an air inlet by way of which the air flow can enter the housing, and an air outlet by way of which the air flow can exit the housing, having at least one cyclone chamber, having a collection container, and having a filter element. It is proposed that the suction apparatus has at least one air-directing device for directing the air flow within the cyclone chamber.

The disclosure provides a suction apparatus having at least one air-directing device by way of which the air flow can be directed and/or controlled in a targeted manner within the cyclone chamber. An efficiency in terms of separating particles and/or liquids from the air flow can thus be increased.

The suction apparatus is configured for collecting and separating particulate matter and/or liquids from the air flow. The air flow is generated by means of the electric motor. The air flow can make its way into the housing by way of the air inlet, wherein the air flow is guided into the collection container by means of a first air duct. The collection container is configured for collecting the particulate matter and/or the liquids, wherein the collection container is releasably connected to the housing of the suction apparatus. The air flow by way of the filter element exits the housing from the air outlet. The filter element is disposed in the cyclone chamber and is in particular releasably connected to the housing. On account thereof, the suction apparatus can be adapted to different fields of application. Filter elements which have specific pores sizes and are adapted as a function of the particle size to be expected can be used, said filter elements effectively separating the particles from the air flow as well as permitting a maximum air flow to pass through. Furthermore, the filter element can advantageously also be replaced in the event of damage, this ensuring a high filtering performance of the suction apparatus during the life span of the latter.

The air inlet and the air outlet can be disposed on sides that face away from one another. “Sides that face away from one another” is in particular also to be understood as sides of the suction apparatus that are oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular, or sides that are substantially opposite one another.

An “air flow” is in particular to be understood to be a flow of particles, a fluid, and/or gas, said flow moving through the suction apparatus along a direction of forward movement. A “direction of forward movement” of the air flow is in particular to be understood to be the flow direction of the air flow in the switched-on state of the suction apparatus. The direction of forward movement herein is directed so as to substantially proceed form the air inlet of the suction apparatus in the direction of the air outlet of the suction apparatus. The electric motor which is configured for driving at least one fan unit is advantageously used for generating the air flow. The fan unit can be configured in an exemplary manner as a radial ventilator or an axial ventilator.

A “cyclone chamber” is in particular to be understood to be a region of the suction apparatus in which particulate matter and/or fluid particles are separated from an air flow by way of a centrifugal separation mechanism. The air flow at least in regions is advantageously directed tangentially in to the cyclone chamber. The air flow is preferably guided on a circular path at least in regions within the cyclone chamber. The air flow is in particular preferably guided on a circular path about the filter element at least in regions within the cyclone chamber.

The filter element is advantageously configured for filtering particulate matter and/or fluid particles when exiting the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber is in particular at least in part delimited by the filter element. The cyclone chamber is preferably configured as a hollow cylinder at least in portions, wherein the external diameter of the hollow cylinder is in particular formed by the collection container, and the internal diameter of the hollow cylinder is in particular formed by the filter element. The filter element can be configured in an exemplary manner as a pleated filter. The external area of the pleated filter corresponds in particular to at least double the lateral shell area of the pleated filter. The filter element is in particular releasably connected to the housing. The connection between the filter element and the housing herein can be a screw-fit connection, a clamping connection, a snap-fit connection, a hook connection, or a bayonet connection. In an exemplary manner, a connection between the filter element and the housing of the suction apparatus which is easy to operate as well as secure can be implemented by the bayonet connection.

The air-directing device is configured in such a manner that said air-directing device directs the air flow within the cyclone chamber and supports said air flow on the circular path about the filter element. The air-directing device is disposed within the cyclone chamber so as to prevent an, in particular direct, incident flow onto the filter element by the air flow. The air-directing device achieves this in that the air flow by means of the air-directing device is at least partially deflected away from the filter element. On account thereof, at least a first proportion of the air flow is guided to the air outlet by way of the filter element. An at least second proportion of the air flow is deflected by the air-directing device. The air-directing device is furthermore configured for supporting the air flow within the cyclone chamber. On account of the disposal of the air-directing device within the cyclone chamber it is achieved that the air flow, in particular the at least second proportion of the air flow, is at least partially guided from the filter element to the circular path about the filter element. The air-directing device at least partially guides the air flow, in particular the at least second proportion of the air flow, away from the filter element and in the direction of the circular path. The circular path of the air flow in the cyclone chamber is supported on account thereof. The air-directing element enables an effect of the centrifugal separation mechanism to be increased. The separation of the particulate matter and/or the fluid partides is increased by virtue of the air flow being guided over a longer distance on the circular path.

In one embodiment, the air-directing device, for at least partially obstructing the filter element, at least partially surrounds the filter element. The air-directing device can surround the filter element in the manner of a cage. It is moreover conceivable for the air-directing device to at least partially enclose the filter element. The at least partial obstruction of the filter element enables that at least part, particularly a portion, most particularly a face, of the filter element is obscured by the air-directing device. On account thereof, the separation of the particulate matter and/or the fluid particles from the air flow is increased, and a service life of the filter element during an operation of the suction apparatus is extended. The in particular direct incident flow onto the filter element by the air flow is prevented by the at least partial obstruction. As has been described above, the air-directing device directs the at least second proportion of the air flow away from the filter element and guides said at least second proportion to the circular path. The air-directing device at least partially obscures the filter element on account thereof. The air-directing device is preferably disposed in the circumferential direction about the filter element. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the air-directing device at least partially obscures a lower side or an upper side of the filter element.

In one embodiment, the air-directing device in the radial direction to a housing axis is disposed between the filter element and the collection container. The housing of the suction apparatus is configured so as to be substantially cylindrical such that at least one longitudinal axis of the housing represents the housing axis. The air-directing device in the radial direction proceeding from the housing axis herein is disposed between the filter element and the collection container. It is enabled on account thereof that the air flow is directed on the circular path within the cyclone chamber.

In one embodiment, the air-directing device relative to the housing axis is disposed so as to be coaxial between the filter element and the collection container. In this embodiment, the filter element is disposed on the housing axis. The collection container is configured so as to be substantially cylindrical and disposed so as to be coaxial with the housing axis. The air-directing device is disposed so as to be coaxial with the housing axis. Furthermore, the air-directing device is disposed so as to be coaxial between the filter element and the collection container.

In one embodiment the air-directing device is disposed on the filter element. The air-directing device herein is disposed on the filter element such that at least one free end of the air-directing device terminates conjointly with at least one free end of the filter element. “To terminate” herein is understood to mean that the free end of the air-directing device, relative to the housing axis, has an axial height which is substantially identical to the height of the free end of the filter element. The air-directing device herein can be releasably connected to the filter element. It is also conceivable that the air-directing device is connected in a substantially non-releasable manner to the filter element. “Substantially non-releasable” herein is to be understood as substantially not being readily removable from the filter element by a user. It is furthermore conceivable that the air-directing element is in particular releasably connected to the housing.

In one embodiment, the filter element, in the axial direction to the housing axis, at least partially protrudes beyond the air-directing device. The at least one free end of the filter element, in the radial direction to the housing axis herein, can protrude beyond the at least one free end of the air-directing device by a range from 5 mm to 30 mm, in particular from 10 mm to 25 mm.

In one alternative embodiment, the air-directing device, in the axial direction to the housing axis, at least partially protrudes beyond the filter element. The at least one free end of the air-directing device, in the radial direction to the housing axis herein, can protrude beyond the at least one free end of the filter element by a range from 5 mm to 30 mm, in particular from 10 mm to 25 mm.

In one embodiment, the air-directing device has a substantially circular cross section. “Substantially circular” herein is also to be understood as elliptic, annular, or disk-shaped. The air-directing device herein has a maximum inscribed circle diameter in the range from 100 mm to 175 mm, particularly 110 mm to 165 mm, most particularly 125 mm to 155 mm. The air-directing device herein has an envelope circle diameter in the range from 100 mm to 185 mm, particularly 115 mm to 175 mm, most particularly 125 mm to 160 mm.

In one embodiment, the air-directing device has at least one air-directing element for directing the air flow, wherein the air-directing element is disposed relative to the filter element. The air-directing element is configured for directing the air flow on the circular path within the cyclone chamber. To this end, the air-directing element can be designed so as to be cuboid, wing-shaped, slat-shaped, or tear-drop-shaped. It is also conceivable that two free ends of the air-directing element are configured so as to be trapezoidal having radiused corners. The air-directing element can have an axial length in the range from 90 mm to 160 mm, particularly 100 mm to 150 mm, most particularly 110 mm to 140 mm. The axial length of the air-directing element herein is relative to the housing axis, thus a spacing in the axial direction along the housing axis.

In one embodiment, the air-directing element relative to an air-directing axis has an actuation angle in the range from 15° to 35°, in particular 20° to 30°. The air-directing axis herein can be disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the housing axis. It is also conceivable that the air-directing axis is additionally disposed so as to be askew to the housing axis. It is enabled by means of the actuation angle in the range from 15° to 35°, in particular 20° to 30°, relative to the air-directing axis that the air-directing element directs the air flow to the circular path within the cyclone chamber, at the same time enabling effective obstructing of the filter element. If a plurality of air-directing elements are provided, the air-directing elements can thus have identical actuation angles or dissimilar actuation angles.

In one embodiment, the air-directing device has one or a plurality of frame elements for increasing the stability of the air-directing device. The frame element is configured in such a manner that said frame element keeps the air-directing device in a substantially dimensionally stable manner in each operating state of the suction apparatus. The frame element in the operation of the suction apparatus enables in particular the air-directing device to be kept in a dimensionally stable manner in the cyclone chamber independently of a strength of the air flow. “Dimensionally stable” herein is to be understood that a shape is maintained despite external forces acting thereon. The air-directing element is connected to the frame element. On account thereof, the frame element enables the air-directing element to be disposed at the actuation angle. It is conceivable that the air-directing element is connected to the frame element in a form-fitting manner, a force-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. It is moreover possible that the frame element is integral to the air-directing element. It is moreover possible that the air-directing device has a further frame element for stabilizing in the circumferential direction relative to the housing axis. The further frame element can be connected to the air-directing element. It is conceivable that the further frame element and the air-directing element are integral.

In one embodiment the air-directing device has at least one connection element for connecting the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element. The connection element herein can connect the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element in a releasable or substantially non-releasable manner, wherein “substantially non-releasable” is to be understood as has been described above. The connection element can connect the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element in a force-fitting manner, a form-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. The connection element, for the purpose of connecting, can have a receptacle element for receiving a fastening element. The air-directing device can be connected to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element by means of the fastening element and the receptacle element. For example, the receptacle element can be configured as a receptacle opening, and the fastening element can be configured as a screw. The screw in this instance can herein connect the connection element to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element by means of the receptacle opening. It is also conceivable that the connection element has at least one holding element for connecting the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element. The holding element can thus be configured as a snap-fit hook, for example. It is also possible that the connection element is designed as a clamping ring for connecting the air-directing device to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element by means of a clamping connection. To this end, the collection container can have at least one receptacle element, for example in the form of a receptacle ring. It is conceivable that the receptacle element of the collection container is connected to the collection container in a form-fitting manner, a force-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. The connection element can be formed by the one frame element or the plurality of frame elements. It is also conceivable that the connection element and the frame element are integral.

In one embodiment the air-directing device is disposed on the connection element. The air-directing element herein can be connected to the connection element in a force-fitting manner, a form-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner by means of the frame element. The air-directing element can thus be connected via the frame element to the connection element at least by means of a clamping connection, a snap-fit connection, a bayonet connection, and/or a latching connection, for example. It is also conceivable that the air-directing element, the frame element, and the connection element are integral.

In one embodiment, the air-directing device has a plurality of air-directing elements, and the frame element is configured for connecting the plurality of air-directing elements. The plurality of air-directing elements herein can be in a range from 2 to 30, in particular 2 to 25. The frame element is configured in such a manner that said frame element can receive and connect the plurality of air-directing elements. The frame element herein can connect the plurality of air-directing elements in a force-fitting, a form-fitting, and/or a materially integral manner. A clamping connection, a snap-fit connection, a latching connection, or a bayonet connection is conceivable for connecting the frame element to the plurality of air-directing elements. It is also possible that the frame element is configured so as to be integral to the plurality of air-directing elements. The frame element can preferably dispose the plurality of air-directing elements in the circumferential direction of the air-directing device. The plurality of air-directing elements relative to the air-directing axis can in each case have an actuation angle in the range from 15° to 35°, in particular 20° bis 30°. It is conceivable that each air-directing element of the plurality of air-directing elements has a different actuation angle in the range from 15° to 35°, in particular 20° to 30°, relative to the air-directing axis. The connection element is moreover also configured for connecting the plurality of air-directing elements to the housing, to the collection container, and/or to the filter element.

In one embodiment, the air-directing elements are disposed at a mutual spacing in a range of in each case 15 mm to 35 mm, in particular 20 mm to 30 mm. It is conceivable that the plurality of air-directing elements have in each case a different spacing in the range from 15 mm to 35 mm. Efficient separating of the particulate matter and/or fluid particles can be enabled by virtue of the spacing of the air-directing elements, in that the air-directing elements increase the obscuring in order to prevent the in particular direct incident flow onto the filter element.

In one embodiment, the plurality of air-directing elements is disposed so as to be substantially in the shape of a cylindrical shell. The plurality of air-directing elements is disposed on the frame element in such a manner that the plurality of air-directing elements configures a type of cylindrical shell. The cylindrical shell has a maximum inscribed circle diameter in the range from 100 mm to 175 mm, particularly 110 mm to 165 mm, most particularly 125 mm to 155 mm. The cylindrical shell furthermore has a cylinder height in the range from 90 mm to 160 mm, particularly 100 mm to 150 mm, most particularly 110 mm to 140 mm. The cylinder height herein can be an axial spacing in the axial direction relative to the housing axis.

In one embodiment the air-directing device has at least one further connection element for connecting the plurality of air-directing elements and/or the air-directing device to the collection container and/or to the filter element. The further connection element can be disposed so as to be spaced apart from the connection element. The further connection element can furthermore be disposed on a free end of at least one of the air-directing elements. The further connection element can connect the plurality of air-directing elements to one another in a force-fitting, a form-fitting, and/or a materially integral manner. It is also possible that the further connection element is integral to the plurality of air-directing elements. The further connection element can connect the air-directing device to the collection container and/or to the filter element, wherein a force-fitting and/or a form-fitting connection are/is conceivable. The further connection element can be formed by the one frame element or the plurality of frame elements. It is also conceivable that the further connection element and the further frame element are integral.

Moreover proposed is an air-directing device as has been described above for a suction apparatus, having a housing, having an electric motor for generating an air flow, wherein the housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, having at least one cyclone chamber, having a collection container, and having a filter element.

The suction apparatus is preferably a rechargeable-battery operated suction apparatus which is capable of being operated by means of at least one rechargeable battery, in particular by means of a hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack. On account thereof, the provision of power, for example for the electric motor, in this instance takes place by means of the at least one rechargeable battery by way of the at least one suction-apparatus supply unit. In the context of the present disclosure, a “hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack” is to be understood to be a combination of at least one rechargeable battery cell and a rechargeable battery pack housing. The hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack is advantageously configured for supplying power to commercially available rechargeable-battery operated hand-held power tools. The at least one rechargeable battery cell can be configured as a Li-Ion rechargeable battery cell with a nominal voltage of 3.6 V, for example. For example, the hand-held power tool rechargeable battery pack comprises at least five rechargeable battery cells and a total nominal operating voltage of 18 V, so as to enable a suitably powered operation of the suction apparatus. Alternatively, the suction apparatus can be a mains-operated suction apparatus which by means of a power supply cable can be connected to an external mains power socket. The external mains power socket herein can provide a voltage of, for example, 110 V, 120 V, 127 V, 220 V, 230 V, or 240 V at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, or else a three-phase AC voltage. The potential design embodiments of the external mains power socket and the available voltages associated therewith are well known to the person skilled in the art.

The housing can furthermore have at least one suction-apparatus operating unit and at least one suction-apparatus holding unit. It is also possible that the housing comprises at least one suction-apparatus mains power socket such that a connected electric apparatus is supplied with power when the suction apparatus per se is supplied with power.

The suction-apparatus operating unit comprises at least one suction-apparatus operating element which is configured for being operated by a user and for generating switching signals. The switching signals in this instance control the suction-apparatus drive, in particular the electric motor. The at least one suction-apparatus operating element can be disposed on a side of the housing. Suction-apparatus operating elements may be a main switch or a setting switch, for example. The main switch is provided for switching the suction-apparatus drive on and off, or to change to an auto-start function. The setting switch is configured for setting a suction output of the suction apparatus. The at least one suction-apparatus operating element is an operating element of the suction apparatus, in particular an operating element as has been described above.

The suction-apparatus holding unit comprises at least one suction-apparatus holding element, for example a suction-apparatus handle, by way of which the user can hold the suction apparatus. Moreover, at least one suction-apparatus mobility unit can be attached to the housing such that the suction apparatus expediently is a mobile suction apparatus. The at least one suction-apparatus mobility unit is configured as at least one roller, at least as a wheel, or the like, so that said suction-apparatus mobility unit can be moved on a hard surface. The mobile suction apparatus is preferably designed as a portable suction apparatus which has rollers, wheels, or the like, or else does not possess any rollers, wheels, or the like. In the context of the present disclosure, the user can take the suction apparatus along and use the latter directly at a desired site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the suction apparatus for a first embodiment of an air-directing device according to the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the air-directing device;

FIG. 4 shows a frontal view of the first embodiment of the air-directing device; and

FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section through the suction apparatus for a second embodiment of the air-directing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

A suction-apparatus holding element 112 is disposed on an upper side of the housing 102. The suction-apparatus holding element 112 is fastened to the upper side of the housing 102. The suction-apparatus holding element 112 is configured as a handle and has a gripping region 114. The gripping region 114 is configured so as to be enclosed by a hand of a user of the suction apparatus 100. On account of the suction-apparatus holding element 112, the suction apparatus 100 can advantageously be carried when in use or for transporting. A suction-apparatus mobility unit 134 is attached to the housing 102. On account thereof, the suction apparatus 100 is configured as a mobile suction apparatus. The suction-apparatus mobility unit 134 has at least one suction-apparatus mobility element 136. The suction-apparatus mobility unit 134 in an exemplary manner has four suction-apparatus mobility elements 136, wherein the suction-apparatus mobility elements 136 are configured in an exemplary manner as rollers. The suction apparatus 100 further has a suction-apparatus operating unit 130 having at least one suction-apparatus operating element 132. The suction-apparatus operating element 132 is configured for being operated by the user and for generating switching signals. The switching signals in this instance control a suction-apparatus drive 140. The suction-apparatus drive 140 has an electric motor 142 and at least one electronics unit. The suction-apparatus operating element 132 can be disposed on a side of the housing 102. The suction-apparatus operating element 132 here in an exemplary manner is configured as a main switch for switching the suction apparatus 100 on and off.

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

The housing 102 has an air inlet 152 so that the air flow 150 can be directed into the housing 102; cf. also FIG. 2. The housing 102 furthermore comprises an air outlet 154 by way of which the air flow 150 can exit the housing 102. In an exemplary manner, the air inlet 152 and the air outlet 154 of the suction apparatus 100 can be disposed on sides of the housing 102 that face away from one another; cf. also FIG. 2. The suction apparatus 100 furthermore comprises at least one air-directing device 200 for directing the air flow 150 within the cyclone chamber 120. The suction apparatus 100 is configured for collecting and separating particular matter and/or liquids from the air flow 150. The air flow 150 is generated by the electric motor 142. The air inlet 152 serves to enable the air flow 150 to enter the housing 102. The air flow 150 herein is guided into the collection container 104 by means of a first air duct 156; cf. also FIG. 2. The collection container 104 collects the particulate matter and/or the liquids. As has been described above, the collection container 104 is releasably connected to the housing 102 of the suction apparatus 100. The air flow 150 is directed by way of the filter element 106; cf. also FIG. 2. The air flow 150 from the housing 102 is furthermore guided by way of a second air duct and by way of the air outlet 154. The second air duct is not illustrated in more detail here. The cyclone chamber 120 receives the filter element 106 such that the filter element 106 in the connected state is disposed in the cyclone chamber 120. Furthermore, the filter element 106 is releasably connected to the housing 102. The filter element 106 in an exemplary manner herein can be releasably connected to the housing 102 of the suction apparatus 100 by way of a bayonet connection. The filter element 106 at least partially delimits the cyclone chamber 120. The filter element 106 is designed as a pleated filter, for example.

The particulate matter and/or fluid particles are separated from the air flow 150 by way of a centrifugal separator mechanism in the cyclone chamber 120. In this embodiment, the air flow 150 at least in regions is guided tangentially into the cyclone chamber 120. The air flow 150 is subsequently guided on a circular path at least in regions within the cyclone chamber 120. In the case of this circular path, the air flow 106 within the cyclone chamber 120 is guided about the filter element 106. The cyclone chamber 120 at least in portions here is designed as a hollow cylinder. An external diameter of the hollow cylinder is formed by the collection container 104, and an internal diameter of the hollow cylinder is formed by the filter element 106.

A longitudinal section through the suction apparatus 100 for a first embodiment 202 of the air-directing device 200 is shown in FIG. 2. In the case of the first embodiment 202 of the air-directing device 200, the air-directing device 200 is connected to the housing 102. The air-directing device 200 directs the air flow 150 within the cyclone chamber 120 and guides the air flow 150 on the circular path about the filter element 106. The air-directing device 200 for preventing an incident flow onto the filter element 106 by the air flow 150 is disposed within the cyclone chamber 120. The filter element 106, for at least partially obstructing the filter element 106, is at least partially surrounded by the air-directing device 200. The air-directing device 200 here surrounds the filter element 106 in the manner of a cage, for example. Furthermore, the air-directing device 200 is preferably disposed in the circumferential direction 300 about the filter element 106. Moreover, the air-directing device 200 in the radial direction 310 to the housing axis 110 is disposed between the filter element 106 and the collection container 104. The air-directing device 200 in the radial direction 310 proceeding from the housing axis 110 herein is disposed between the filter element 106 and the collection container 104. The air-directing device 200 relative to the housing axis 110, in an exemplary manner here, is disposed between the filter element 106 and the collection container 104. The air-directing device 200 is disposed on the filter element 106. The disposal is of such a manner that at least one free end of the air-directing device 200 conjointly with at least one free end of the filter element 106 is disposed at the same axial height relative to the housing axis 110. The air-directing device 200 moreover comprises a frame element 232. The frame element 232 keeps the air-directing device 200 so as to be substantially dimensionally state in each operating state of the suction apparatus 100; cf. also FIGS. 3 and 4. The air-directing device 200 comprises at least one connection element 220 so that the air-directing device 200 is connectable to the housing 102. The connection between the air-directing device 200 to the housing 102 in an exemplary manner here is shown by means of fastening elements, for example, screws; cf. also FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the frame element 232 and the connection element 220 are integral.

A perspective view of the first embodiment 202 of the air-directing device 200 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The air-directing device 200 has a substantially circular cross section. The air-directing device 200 herein has a maximum inscribed circle diameter 330 in the range from 100 mm to 175 mm. The air-directing device 200 moreover comprises an envelope circle diameter 340 in the range from 100 mm to 185 mm. The air-directing device 200 comprises a plurality of air-directing elements 210 for directing the air flow 150. The air-directing elements 210 are disposed relative to the filter element 106; cf. to this end also FIGS. 1 and 2. The air-directing elements 210 direct the air flow 150 on the circular path within the cyclone chamber 120. For example, two free ends of the air-directing elements 210 are designed so as to be trapezoidal having radiused corners. The air-directing elements 210 comprise in each case an axial length 212 in the range from 90 mm to 160 mm. In this embodiment, the air-directing elements 210 are connected to the frame elements 232 and disposed at regular mutual spacings. The air-directing elements 210 herein can in each case be designed in the manner of bars, wings, or slats. In this embodiment, the air-directing elements 210 and the frame element 232 are integral. The air-directing elements 210 herein can be in a range from 2 to 30 pieces.

As has been described above, the air-directing device 200 comprises the connection element 220 for connecting to the housing 102. The connection element 220 can connect the air-directing device 200 to the housing 102 in a releasable manner or a substantially non-releasable manner. The connection element 220 herein can connect the air-directing device 200 to the housing 102 in a force-fitting manner, a form-fitting manner, and/or a materially integral manner. For connecting, the connection element 220 can comprise at least one receptacle element 222 for receiving a fastening element; cf. also FIG. 4. The connection element in an exemplary manner here has three receptacle elements 222 in the form of receptacle openings. The air-directing device 200 can be connected to the housing 102 with the aid of the fastening element, for example the screw, and the receptacle element 222. The screw with the aid of the receptacle can thus connect the connection element 220 to the housing 102. In this embodiment, the air-directing elements 210, the frame element 232, and the connection element 220 are designed so as to be integral.

The frame element 232 disposes the air-directing elements 210 in the circumferential direction 300 of the air-directing device 200. The air-directing elements 210 are disposed so as to be substantially in the shape of a cylindrical shell. The air-directing elements 210 herein are disposed on the frame element 232 in such a manner that the air-directing elements 210 form a type of cylindrical shell. The cylindrical shell comprises a maximum inscribed circle diameter 332 in the range from 100 mm to 175 mm. Moreover, the cylindrical shell comprises a cylinder height 214 in the range from 90 mm to 160 mm.

The air-directing device 200 in this embodiment comprises a further frame element 234 for stabilizing the air-directing elements 210 in the circumferential direction 300. Moreover, the air-directing device 200 comprises at least one further connection element 230 for connecting the air-directing elements 210 to the housing and/or to the filter element 106; cf. also FIG. 4. This further connection element 230 is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the connection element 220 and on a free end of at least one of the air-directing elements 210. In this embodiment, the further connection element 230 and the further frame element 234 are designed so as to be integral to the air-directing elements 210.

A frontal view of the first embodiment 202 of the air-directing device 200 is shown in FIG. 4. It can be particularly well seen that the air-directing elements 210 relative to an air-directing axis 218 are disposed at an actuation angle 216 in the range from 15° to 35°. The air-directing axis 218 here is disposed so as to be substantially perpendicular to the housing axis 110, wherein the air-directing axis 218 is askew to the housing axis 110. The air-directing elements 210 are disposed at a mutual spacing 240 in a range from in each case 15 mm to 35 mm.

A longitudinal section through the suction apparatus 100 for a second embodiment 204 of the air-directing device 200 is shown in FIG. 5. In the case of the second embodiment 204 of the air-directing device 200, the air-directing device 200 is connected to the collection container 104. To this end, the collection container 104 has a receptacle element 105 in the form of a receptacle ring. In this embodiment, the receptacle element 105 is integral to the collection container 104. The air-directing device 200 herein is connected to the collection container 104 by means of the further connection element 230. The collection container 104 by means of the receptacle element 105 receives the further connection element 230 in a form-fitting and/or a force-fitting manner. The connection element 220 herein can connect the air-directing device 200 to the filter element 106 and/or to the housing 102. In this embodiment, the air-directing device 200 has the frame element 232 and the further frame element 234, wherein the frame element 232 is integral to the connection element 220, and the further frame element 234 is integral to the further connection element 230.

Claims

1. A suction apparatus comprising:

a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet;

an electric motor configured to generate an air flow that enters the housing through the air inlet and exits the housing through the air outlet;

at least one cyclone chamber;

a collection container;

a filter element; and

at least one air-directing device configured to direct the air flow within the cyclone chamber.

2. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air-directing device at least partially surrounds the filter element so as to at least partially obstruct the filter element.

3. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, relative to a radial direction to a housing axis, the air-directing device is disposed between the filter element and the collection container.

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

5. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air-directing device has a substantially circular cross section.

6. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air-directing device comprises at least one air-directing element configured to direct the air flow, the air-directing element disposed relative to the filter element.

7. The suction apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the air-directing element has an actuation angle in a range of from 15° to 35° relative to an air-directing axis.

8. The suction apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the range of the actuation angle is from 20° to 30°.

9. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air-directing device includes at least one frame element configured to increase a stability of the air-directing device.

10. The suction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air-directing device has at least one connection element configured to connect the air-directing device to at least one of the housing, the collection container, and the filter element.

11. The suction apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the air-directing device includes at least one air-directing element disposed on the at least one connection element.

12. The suction apparatus according to claim 6, wherein:

the at least one air-directing element includes a plurality of air-directing elements, and

the air-directing device includes at least one frame element configured to increase a stability of the air-directing device and to connect the plurality of air-directing elements.

13. The suction apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the air-directing elements are disposed at a mutual spacing in a range of from 15 mm to 35 mm relative to one another.

14. The suction apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the mutual spacing is from 20 mm to 30 mm.

15. The suction apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the air-directing device comprises at least one further connection element configured to connect the at least one air-directing element and/or the air-directing device to at least one of the collection container and the filter element.

16. An air-directing device configured to direct air flow within a cyclone chamber of a suction apparatus, which includes a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, an electric motor configured to generate the air flow that enters the housing through the air inlet and exits the housing through the air outlet, the cyclone chamber, a collection container, and a filter element, the at least one air-directing device comprising:

at least one air-directing element configured to direct the air flow within the cyclone chamber.