Vacuum cleaner bag, packaging for vacuum cleaner bags, vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag and method for capturing at least one pollutant on a vacuum cleaner bag

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag.

[0002] EP 1 915 939 B1 discloses a vacuum cleaner bag made of a filter material into which the sucked-in air to be cleaned is filtered in two chambers. By directing the flow of the incoming air and selecting a suitable filter material, in particular a multi-layer nonwoven fabric, dust and other pollutants can be removed from the sucked-in air.

[0003] DE 198 31 313 A1 discloses an adsorption sensor for determining the quantity and type of several adsorbable or absorbable substances in fluids or aerosols, which can be used for vacuum cleaner filters.

[0004] DE 91 01 101.9 U1 discloses a vacuum cleaner bag having the features of the vacuum cleaner bag of the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Such vacuum cleaner bags not only absorb household dust, but also all pollutants present in household dust. It would be important for users to know which potentially hazardous substances their household dust and their immediate living environment are contaminated with in order to be able to take any necessary countermeasures.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag that provides the user of a vacuum cleaner bag with information about the dust sucked in and the pollutants contained therein.

[0007] This object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag having the features of claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner bag, with at least one sensor for detecting at least one pollutant being provided on or in the vacuum cleaner bag, the at least one sensor being connected to an evaluation unit of the vacuum cleaner. This allows the measurement of the sucked-in dust to be performed on or in the vacuum cleaner bag, where the concentration of dust and any pollutants is greatest. The measurement via the at least one sensor can optionally be displayed on a display of the vacuum cleaner, and additionally or alternatively, the control of the vacuum cleaner can also be controlled depending on the measurement result of the sensor.

[0009] According to the invention, the at least one sensor for detecting organic pollutants can switch on a cleaning unit on the vacuum cleaner if increased cleaning is to be carried out when a certain load of an organic pollutant is exceeded.

[0010] Such a cleaning unit on the vacuum cleaner can, for example, be a UV irradiation unit in the flow path toward or away from the vacuum cleaner bag. Alternatively or additionally, a dosing device for a disinfectant can be provided on the vacuum cleaner, which is controlled depending on the measurement.

[0011] The vacuum cleaner bag contains at least one sensor for detecting at least one pollutant. This allows the at least one sensor to measure the extent to which the vacuumed dust is contaminated with one or more pollutants after it has been vacuumed in, providing the user with qualitative and, optionally, quantitative information about the pollutants. A pollutant is a substance or mixture of substances that is harmful to humans or animals, and the pollutant can be of natural or artificial origin.

[0012] Preferably, a display for visualizing the measurement result of the at least one sensor is provided on the vacuum cleaner bag. Such a display can, for example, be a test field provided with an indicator that changes color upon detection of the at least one pollutant. For example, a liquid container, such as a foil sachet, can be provided on or in the vacuum cleaner bag. This container can be opened for a measurement so that the liquid mixes with the vacuumed dust and reaches the test field. This allows the test field to indicate whether and, if so, in what quantity a predetermined pollutant is present.

[0013] According to the invention, organic pollutants are detected using the at least one sensor. Organic pollutants include pollutants of biological origin, in particular pollen, bacteria, mold, spores, viruses, and mites, whereby the sensor can optionally be directed at individual pollutants. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor can perform a measurement for protein-based allergens, such as mite feces allergens.

[0014] In a further embodiment, a sensor for detecting inorganic pollutants can be provided, either alternatively or additionally. This can detect, for example, household toxins from furniture or furnishings, such as formaldehyde, plasticizers, and solvents; metal abrasion such as nickel and chromium; and also typical air pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, diesel soot, and cigarette smoke.

[0015] In a method for detecting at least one pollutant in a vacuum cleaner bag, the vacuum cleaner bag is first positioned in the vacuum cleaner and then vacuumed in. A measurement process is then initiated on the vacuum cleaner bag to detect at least one pollutant, and the measurement result is displayed and / or the vacuum cleaner is controlled based on the measurement result. The measurement result can be displayed either directly on the vacuum cleaner bag or on a display on the vacuum cleaner.

[0016] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner bag, and Figures 2A and 2B are two schematic views of a sensor performing a measurement to detect a pollutant.

[0017] A vacuum cleaner bag 1 comprises a first and a second bag wall 2 made of a filter material, which are connected to each other at the edges by a circumferential weld seam 3. The vacuum cleaner bag 1 is thus designed as a flat bag, with one or more folds, in particular side folds, optionally being provided. Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner bag 1 can also be designed as a block-bottom bag or with a different geometry.

[0018] An inlet opening 4 is formed in the bag wall 2, around which a retaining plate 5 is arranged to hold the vacuum cleaner bag 1 in a vacuum cleaner. A ring 6 made of an elastic material or filter material protrudes from the retaining plate 5 to provide a seal against a nozzle of a vacuum cleaner. The inlet opening 4 can be closed by a closure element 7, which can be designed as a slide or a pivoting flap.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner bag 1 can consist of a filter material made of a multi-layer nonwoven fabric. Optionally, additional material layers made of paper or foil can also be provided.

[0020] On the outside of the vacuum cleaner bag 1, there is a sensor 10 for detecting a pollutant, which has a test field 13 arranged next to a reference scale 12. Furthermore, a liquid container 11, in particular a sachet, containing an extraction solution is provided.

[0021] The measurement with the sensor 10 is carried out in conjunction with the Figures 2A and 2B explained in more detail. In Figure 2AA sectional view through the filter material of the bag wall 2 is shown, on which the liquid container 11 and the test field 13 are provided on an outer side. To perform a measurement with the sensor 10, the liquid container 11 is opened. A foil sachet can be opened, for example, by pressing, but the liquid container 11 can also be designed as a micro bottle or syringe. The liquid container 11 can have a volume between 0.5 and 5 ml in order to perform a measurement using the liquid as an extraction solution. The liquid container 11 is in Figure 2A applied to the outside of the bag wall 2. However, it is also possible to punch out an opening in the bag wall 2 and to weld the liquid container 11 all the way around to the bag wall 2, so that the liquid container 11 is integrated into the bag wall.

[0022] The liquid container 11 can have a predetermined breaking point on the inside of the vacuum cleaner bag, so that the predetermined breaking point is torn by bending or pressing and the extraction liquid then flows from the liquid container 11 onto the dust 14 adhering to the bag wall 2 and is absorbed by it. Figure 2BIt is shown schematically how the liquid container 11 is emptied and flows according to the arrow 15 to the test field 13. In the vicinity of the liquid container 11, for example at a distance of less than 50 mm, the test field 13 is provided, which is coated with an indicator, for example by printing. The indicator can be provided either on the outside or inside of the test field 13. To direct the flow of the liquid, a flow aid can be provided between the liquid container 11 and the test field 13, for example a stronger nonwoven fabric or a film to guide the liquid from the liquid container 11 to the test field 13.

[0023] In the area of ​​test field 13, the filter material of the vacuum cleaner bag 1 can be replaced with another material, for example, a suitable fleece, paper, or a material that allows for better wetting with the extraction solution and / or the indicator. The released liquid is absorbed by the house dust and dissolves pollutants, such as mite allergens and proteins, from the dust. It then migrates further using various effects, such as diffusion, capillary action, wetting of the dust, and gravity, until the liquid containing the dissolved allergens or other pollutants reaches test field 13, where it triggers a color reaction, which is usually formed by an enzymatic reaction.

[0024] The sensitivity of the measurement can be increased by appropriate fittings in the vacuum cleaner bag 1 that direct the liquid from the liquid container 11 to the test field 13. For example, by covering areas on the inside of the vacuum cleaner bag at the sensor 10 with foil, thereby redirecting the liquid. In addition, channel-shaped guide elements can be provided on the liquid container to guide the liquid to the test field 13.

[0025] In order to determine the amount of allergens or pollutants based on the color reaction on the test field, a reference 12, for example a color scale, can be attached to the vacuum cleaner bag 1 or a packaging of the vacuum cleaner bag 1.

[0026] In addition to or alternatively to the sensor 10 for detecting organic pollutants, the sensor can also use other measuring principles to detect pollutants. For example, the sensor can react mechanically to a pollutant, for example by changing the oscillation frequency of a test surface due to the deposition of a pollutant. Alternatively, the sensor can react electrically to the pollutant, for example by changing the electrical resistance of an element due to interaction with a pollutant, as is the case with sensors using mixed oxides, where the electrical conductivity changes upon exposure to pollutants that have reducing or oxidizing properties. Furthermore, the sensor can react magnetically to the pollutant by changing the oscillation frequency of a magnetic test surface due to the deposition of a pollutant or by changing the inductance of a test coil.Furthermore, as already shown above, chemical reactions can be carried out on the sensor, for example when a chemical substance on a test surface is changed by reacting with a pollutant, in particular when a color reaction occurs.

[0027] Such sensors can therefore detect various forms of pollutants, for example, airborne contaminants such as ammonia, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, benzene, or smoke. Sensors made of or containing mixed oxides are particularly suitable for this purpose, as their electrical conductivity changes depending on the type and concentration of the pollutant.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, heavy metals such as nickel can be detected when an ammonia-containing solution is dissolved from the sucked-in dust and a test field impregnated with dimethylglyoxime turns red during a measurement.

[0029] As explained above, protein-based allergens, such as mite feces allergens, can be detected by passing an alkaline alcohol solution to a test pad to color a test pad impregnated with an indicator.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, culture media can be provided for the detection of bacteria, fungi, and spores, on which the individual microbes grow into species-specific colonies. These are preferably applied to a transparent film inside the vacuum cleaner bag so that the user can safely view them through the film.

[0031] A package for vacuum cleaner bags can contain multiple vacuum cleaner bags, with at least one sensor 10 and / or a test kit for detecting and visualizing at least one pollutant being provided on or in the package. Either one of the vacuum cleaner bags in a package can be equipped with a sensor, or the sensor can be arranged separately from the vacuum cleaner bags so that a measurement can be performed on one or more of the vacuum cleaner bags. The measurement method can be carried out as described above.

[0032] In addition, a measurement can also be carried out on the vacuum cleaner bag when the vacuum cleaner bag is inserted into the vacuum cleaner.

[0033] If at least one pollutant is measured by a sensor on the vacuum cleaner bag, an evaluation unit of the vacuum cleaner can be connected to the sensor, for example, to trigger a control process. At least one cleaning unit can be provided on the vacuum cleaner, which can be activated when the pollutant load exceeds a certain level. For example, the cleaning unit can have a UV irradiation unit and / or a dosing device for a disinfectant, which are only activated when the load with organic pollutants exceeds a certain value. List of reference symbols

[0034] 1Vacuum cleaner bag 2Bag wall 3Weld seam 4Inlet opening 5Holding plate 6Ring 7Closing element 10Sensor 11Liquid container 12Reference scale 13Test field 14Dust 15Arrow

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag (1), wherein at least one sensor for detecting at least one pollutant is provided on or in the vacuum cleaner bag (1) and the at least one sensor is connected to an evaluation unit of the vacuum cleaner, characterized in that the at least one sensor is provided for detecting organic pollutants, and the vacuum cleaner has a cleaning unit that can be activated when the level of organic pollutants is exceeded.

2. Vacuum cleaner with a vacuum cleaner bag (1), wherein at least one sensor for detecting at least one pollutant is provided on or in the vacuum cleaner bag (1) and the at least one sensor is connected to an evaluation unit of the vacuum cleaner.