Cleaning device for ventilation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for cleaning a cavity of a ventilation system, in particular of a vehicle, with a cleaning agent, comprising a receiving part (101) for receiving a cleaning agent container (600), and a cleaning part (102), the cleaning part (102) forming a support frame (103) which is designed such that a pouch-like cleaning wipe (700) can be placed on the cleaning part (102) so as to form an inner volume, wherein the cleaning part (102) is coupled to the accommodating part (101) in such a way that a cleaning agent in a cleaning agent container (600), which can be fixed in the accommodating part (101), can flow from the accommodating part (101) into the internal volume.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cleaning cavities of a ventilation system, in particular of a vehicle, using a cleaning agent, and to a method for manufacturing the device. Background Art

[0002] Many cavities, such as in the ventilation system of a vehicle, must be cleaned at regular time intervals because contaminants usually deposit and accordingly reduce the air quality, and disturbing odors, for example, are formed. For example, when replacing the Kfz-passenger compartment air filter (such as a pollen air filter), the housing (i.e., the so-called air filter box of the ventilation system) must be environmentally cleaned before installing the new filter. Technically, the cleaning measures taken when replacing the Kfz-passenger compartment air filter are the basis for the overall regular hygienic maintenance of the in-vehicle air technology equipment in an automobile.

[0003] The cleaning requirements for environmentally cleaning the motor vehicle passenger compartment air filter are usually carried out by chemical-mechanical cleaning. In this process, a chemical cleaning liquid is introduced to dissolve and bind organic substances, and the mechanical transfer of dirt is carried out, for example, by means of a rag.

[0004] This multi-stage cleaning process usually results in long and complex cleaning cycles because in the first step, the chemical cleaning liquid is directly introduced into the filter box through a spray probe, and mechanical cleaning is carried out by subsequently wiping with a hand-held rag.

[0005] Due to the optimization of the air filtration medium, the housing of the cabin air filter in a motor vehicle has been greatly reduced in height. This means that after adding the chemical cleaning liquid, it is difficult to wipe and remove the dirt from the motor vehicle air filter box. The openings and the spatial volume of the air filter box itself are not sufficient in height for the final mechanical cleaning step using the hand and a rag. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to simplify the cleaning process of cavities, in particular cavities in motor vehicles.

[0007] This object is achieved by a device for cleaning cavities and a method for manufacturing the device according to the independent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is described a device for cleaning a ventilation system (e.g., a cabin air filtration system or an air filtration box of a ventilation system), in particular a cavity of a ventilation system of a vehicle, with a cleaning agent. The device includes a receiving portion for receiving a cleaning agent container and a cleaning portion, wherein the cleaning portion is formed with a support frame, and the support frame is configured such that a bag-shaped cleaning cloth can be put on the cleaning portion, so that an internal volume (inside the put-on cleaning cloth) can be formed. The cleaning portion is coupled to the receiving portion such that the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent container fixed in the receiving portion can flow from the receiving portion into the internal volume.

[0009] According to another aspect, there is described a method for manufacturing a device for cleaning a ventilation system, in particular a cavity of a vehicle, with a cleaning agent. The method includes providing a receiving portion for receiving a cleaning agent container and providing a cleaning portion, wherein the cleaning portion is formed with a support frame, and the support frame is configured such that a bag-shaped cleaning cloth can be put on the cleaning portion, so that an internal volume is formed. The method further includes coupling the cleaning portion to the receiving portion such that the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent container in the receiving portion can flow from the receiving portion into the internal volume.

[0010] In order to effectively ventilate and condition the air in a vehicle, the ventilation system has a plurality of housings or ventilation ducts having cavities through which a required amount of air can be directed to a predetermined area of the vehicle. At one or more locations of the ventilation system, in particular (pollen) air filters are provided, and the air filters must be replaced within a predetermined maintenance period. The cavities of the ventilation system are accessible through relatively small openings. Through these openings, a chemical cleaning agent can be introduced, and also a mechanical cleaning element, such as a cleaning cloth. The device of the present invention has a cleaning portion having a support frame on which a bag-shaped cleaning cloth can be put. The support frame stabilizes and supports the cleaning cloth such that the cleaning cloth together with the support frame can be introduced into the cavity of the ventilation system, for example, for mechanical cleaning.

[0011] In particular, the support frame is configured to open the bag-shaped cleaning cloth, so as to form an internal volume (internal space). For example, the support frame separates the opposite front and rear planar cleaning portions of the cleaning cloth. The width of the support frame (the width by which the cleaning cloth is opened) is particularly less than 2 cm, particularly less than 1 cm, so that the support frame together with the cleaning cloth itself can be introduced into a small ventilation opening or the opening of a filter box through which a user's hand cannot pass. The support frame can be hingedly fixed to the receiving portion. In addition, the support frame can be configured to be elastically deformable so as to elastically adapt to certain shapes of the cavity of the ventilation system.

[0012] The cleaning cloth is particularly composed of a fluffy, fibrous or woven material. The cleaning cloth can, for example, be composed of a microfiber cloth. The cleaning cloth can, for example, be composed of an organic material such as cotton. The cleaning cloth can also be composed of a plastic fabric.

[0013] In addition, the device has a receiving part. A cleaning agent container can be replaceably received in the receiving part and the cleaning agent container is fixed at a predetermined position. The cleaning agent container particularly has a cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid can be released, for example, in the form of a spray, an aerosol or a foam. The receiving part can simultaneously form a handle of the device. The user can grasp the receiving part and, for example, manipulate the device so that the cleaning part can be introduced into a cavity to be cleaned.

[0014] The receiving part is coupled to the cleaning part such that the cleaning agent can flow out of the cleaning agent container and can flow into the internal volume of the cleaning part. Thus, the cleaning agent wets and moistens the cleaning cloth. The cleaning agent container can contain the cleaning agent, for example, at a pressure of 0.5 bar to 12 bar. The cleaning agent container also has an outflow pipe or a lifting pipe with a diameter of 0.5 mm to 10 mm. Since the support frame tensions the cleaning cloth and thereby forms the internal volume in the bag-shaped cleaning cloth, the cleaning agent reaches the inner surface of the cleaning cloth over a large area, so that the cleaning cloth is uniformly and evenly soaked with the cleaning agent over the entire surface.

[0015] With this cleaning cloth soaked with the cleaning agent, the cleaning part can now be placed into the cavity to be cleaned, so that chemical cleaning and mechanical cleaning are carried out simultaneously. The cleaning cloth is automatically soaked with the cleaning agent, so that the cleaning agent can be applied to the surface to be cleaned in the cavity. At the same time, the cleaning cloth is stabilized by the support frame, so that the user can carry out mechanical cleaning by pushing the cleaning part and the cleaning cloth on the surface. Among them, it is sufficient that the cleaning part rather than the user's hand is placed into the cavity to be cleaned. Therefore, a two-stage cleaning process, that is, first applying the cleaning agent and then mechanically cleaning with the cleaning cloth, is not required. With the device of the present invention, the chemical cleaning step and the mechanical cleaning step can be carried out simultaneously, so that the cavity in the ventilation system can be effectively cleaned. With the device of the present invention, the operation can be simply carried out, and scratches can be prevented when cleaning the air filter box or the ventilation system by hand.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment, the receiving part includes a clamping element configured to hold the cleaning agent container by means of a clamping fixture. For example, the cleaning agent container may include a flange or a neck that can be inserted into the receiving part in the insertion direction. At a predetermined holding position of the cleaning agent container, the clamping element clamps the cleaning agent container, for example, clamping the flange or the surface of the cleaning agent container. The clamping force is selected such that the cleaning agent container does not fall out of the receiving part due to gravity, but rather a releasing force must be applied by the user in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0017] The cleaning cloth can be passed through the support frame, and then the cleaning agent container is inserted into the handle or the receiving part. By pressing the cleaning agent container (such as a spray can), the cleaning agent container is emptied, and then the cleaning cloth is wetted from the inside. The cleaning agent container is designed such that the cleaning agent to be dispensed and under pressure flows uniformly from the cleaning agent container into the internal volume of the bag-shaped cleaning cloth up to the edge region, so that the inner surface of the cleaning cloth is uniformly soaked with the cleaning agent over the entire surface. Thus, the cavity can be cleaned chemically and mechanically. Then a new pollen filter can be placed in the cleaned environment.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment, the clamping element is made of an elastic material. For example, the clamping element can be made of a rubber-like material, such as ebonite.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment, an elastic element is provided in the receiving part, and the clamping element can be pressed against the cleaning agent container by the elastic element. As an alternative or supplement to the restoring force of the clamping element (such as due to the structure of the elastic material), an elastic force can generate the required clamping force, where the elastic force presses the clamping element towards the cleaning agent container.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment, the receiving part includes a stop element that can be pressed into a recess of the cleaning agent container, for example, by an elastic element. The stop element can be movably arranged in the receiving part, for example, and is pre-tensioned towards the cleaning agent container by an elastic force.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment, a flow channel is provided between the receiving part and the cleaning agent container. When the cleaning agent container is received in the receiving part, the outflow element of the cleaning agent container extends into the flow channel. The diameter of the flow channel is, for example, from 0.5 mm to 10 mm. The cleaning agent container may, for example, have an outflow valve and a corresponding discharge pipe. The flow channel in the receiving part may be arranged such that when the cleaning agent container is fixed in a predetermined position in the receiving part, the discharge pipe extends into the flow channel. In order to enable easier accommodation in the flow channel, a funnel-shaped opening is formed in the receiving part at the opening of the flow channel, such that when the cleaning agent container is introduced into the receiving part, the discharge pipe is centered in the flow channel and is reliably received. A sealing element, such as a sealing ring made of rubber, may be provided in the opening of the flow channel to seal the receiving pipe of the cleaning agent container from the wall surface of the flow channel.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment, the support frame has at least two spaced-apart support rods. The support rods extend from the receiving part along a longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from each other along a transverse direction extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The support rods are configured such that the cleaning cloth can be put on the support rods and an internal volume is formed between the support rods. The longitudinal direction defines the direction in which the support rods extend from the receiving part to the opposite free ends of the support rods. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the support rods are spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction. The support rods may extend parallel to the receiving part along the longitudinal direction and thus have the same transverse spacing at the receiving part and at the respective free ends of the support rods. Alternatively, the support rods may extend in a V-shape starting from the receiving part, such that the transverse distance between the support rods at the receiving part is smaller than the transverse distance at their free ends. Alternatively, the support rods may extend starting from the receiving part such that the transverse distance between the support rods at the receiving part is greater than the transverse distance at their free ends.

[0023] The support rods may, for example, have a circular or rectangular cross-section. In particular, the support rods may have a rectangular cross-section and be thin-walled or ribbon-like in extension.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment, the support bar has an upper edge and a lower edge along a width direction perpendicular to the length direction and the width direction. The upper edge and the lower edge are configured such that the put-on cleaning cloth fits at least partially on the upper edge and the lower edge to form the internal volume. The width direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction and determines the width of the support bar. For example, the support bar has a rectangular cross-section, and the width defines the distance between the upper edge and the lower edge along the width direction. The thickness of the support bar is defined along the transverse direction, and the length of the support bar is defined along the longitudinal direction. In particular, the support bar is formed in a strip shape, i.e., has a rectangular cross-section, where the width is at least 5 times the thickness, at least 10 times the thickness, or particularly greater than 20 times the thickness.

[0025] The distance between the upper edge and the lower edge defines the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the cleaning cloth according to the placement of the corresponding surface of the cleaning cloth. The greater the distance between the upper edge and the lower edge, the greater the corresponding distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the cleaning cloth, and accordingly, the larger the internal volume formed.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one upper connecting beam is provided between the upper side edges of the support bar, and an area of the cleaning cloth can be placed on the connecting beam. Thus, the connecting beam prevents the cleaning cloth from falling towards the internal volume between the support bars, thereby preventing the distribution of the cleaning agent from being disturbed. At the same time, the connecting beam is used to stabilize and reinforce the support bar. The connecting beam can be made of the same material as the support bar and is integrally formed with the support bar.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one lower connecting beam is provided between the lower edges of the support bar, and an area of the cleaning cloth can be placed on the lower connecting beam. The lower connecting beam can be similar to the upper connecting beam. An area of the internal volume is located between the upper connecting beam and the lower connecting beam. Since the cleaning cloth is placed on the connecting beam, the upper connecting beam and the lower connecting beam can prevent the cleaning cloth from folding between the support bars and blocking the internal volume.

[0028] Alternatively, the corresponding connecting beam can also be fixed intermediate, i.e., between the upper edge and the lower edge of the support bar, and in its direction along to another support bar, for example, in the transverse direction, for example, having holes or through-holes for forming the internal volume, whereby the internal volume is not interrupted in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower connecting beam and the upper connecting beam extend parallel between the support bars. Alternatively, the connecting beams can be at an angle to each other in their direction along to another support bar. For example, the connecting beams can be at an angle of 30° to 60° to each other, particularly at an angle of 45°.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower connecting beam and the upper connecting beam are arranged one above the other in the width direction. In other words, the connecting beams overlap each other in the projection direction along the width direction.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower connecting beam and the upper connecting beam are arranged on the support rod offset from each other in the extending direction (i.e., along the long longitudinal direction). In other words, an upper connecting beam is spaced apart from an adjacent lower connecting beam in the longitudinal direction. Thus, an internal volume is formed in the longitudinal direction by a few connecting positions in the length direction, and the risk that the upper surface of the cleaning cloth contacts the lower surface of the cleaning cloth and thus interrupts the internal volume is reduced.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least the upper connecting beam is arranged on the upper side edge of the support rod such that the placement area for the cleaning cloth of the upper connecting beam is spaced apart from the upper side edge in the width direction. Additionally or alternatively, at least the lower connecting beam is arranged on the lower side edge of the support rod such that the placement area for the cleaning cloth of the lower connecting beam is spaced apart from the lower side edge in the width direction. In other words, the upper region of the cleaning cloth contacts the upper region of the upper connecting beam at the support rod and contacts the surface of the upper side edge of the corresponding support rod between two adjacent upper connecting beams. Thus, a serrated placement surface for the upper cleaning cloth surface is formed along the support rod. Correspondingly, this applies to the lower cleaning cloth surface along the lower side edge of the support rod. This increases, for example, the friction of the cleaning cloth on the support rod, thereby preventing the cleaning cloth from accidentally falling off the support frame.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, the support frame has a stabilizing beam that connects the free ends of the support rods. Thus, the support rods have a rigid connection at their respective ends, thereby forming a sturdy structure.

[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment of the method, the receiving part and the cleaning part are made by integral injection molding. Thus, the receiving part and the cleaning part are integral and integrally formed.

[0035] Optionally, the receiving part and the cleaning part can be separately manufactured and connected together by a detachable connection (such as a threaded connection) or a fixed connection (such as an adhesive connection).

[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment, the cleaning part, in particular the support frame, is articulated on the receiving part by means of a hinge such that the cleaning part is adjustable relative to the receiving part. Thereby, an angle can be formed between the receiving part and the cleaning part, and easier operation can be achieved even when cleaning hard-to-reach cavities. Accordingly, a joint can be provided between the receiving part and the cleaning part. The joint can be hinge-type such that the cleaning part can rotate relative to the receiving part about a rotation axis. Additionally, a joint with two or more rotation axes (such as a ball joint) can be provided.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning part, in particular the support frame, can have an elastic region such that the cleaning part is deformable relative to the receiving part. Thus, an angle can also be formed between the receiving part and the cleaning part.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one hook element is formed on the support frame. The hook element is configured to hook into the material of the cleaning cloth or the receiving opening and prevent sliding. The hook element forms a protrusion that extends from the surface of the support frame, in particular from the support frame towards the cleaning cloth. Thus, the hook element can pierce or penetrate the cleaning cloth, thereby forming a form-fitting connection and preventing the cleaning cloth from sliding relative to the support frame. Additionally, the free end of the hook element can be formed sharp to pierce into the cleaning cloth and hook it. Alternatively, the cleaning cloth can have a receiving opening through which the hook element can pass. In this case, the free end of the hook element can also be blunt to avoid injury.

[0039] The hook element can be made of the same material as the support frame and, for example, be integrally formed with the support frame during the manufacturing process. Or, the hook element can be made of a different material from the support frame and be fixed to the support frame, for example, by an adhesive connection or a threaded connection.

[0040] The hook element can be formed here as a protrusion having a linear (I-shaped) shape. Optionally, the hook element can be configured bendably, for example, in a crescent shape or an L-shape.

[0041] In particular, a single hook element can be provided, but preferably two spaced-apart hook elements are provided, which are respectively formed, for example, on opposite support rods. Additionally, a plurality of other hook elements can also be fixed on the support frame to fix the cleaning cloth.

[0042] Thus, the hook element is used to hook the cleaning cloth to prevent the cleaning cloth from sliding. Due to the slight stretchability of the cleaning cloth, when the cleaning cloth is put on the support frame, the cleaning cloth can be easily stretched and pulled over the hook element.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, the hook element is formed on the support rod of the support frame and extends from the support rod, particularly towards the receiving portion. Accordingly, the cleaning cloth can be put over the support frame from the stabilizing beam towards the receiving portion. The opening area of the cleaning cloth is located in the area between the receiving portion and the cleaning portion after being put over the support frame. The hook element extends from the support frame towards the receiving portion, so that the cleaning cloth is caught at the opening area of the cleaning cloth, thereby effectively preventing the cleaning cloth from sliding relative to the support frame.

[0044] Alternatively, the hook element can also be fixed on the above-mentioned stabilizing beam or on one of the upper and lower connecting beams and extend from these beams accordingly.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, the hook element is formed such that the free end of the hook element is located between two opposite support rods. The cleaning cloth is hooked to the free end of the hook element. According to an exemplary embodiment, the free end of the hook element extends inwards, i.e., in the area between two opposite support rods, preventing the hook element from protruding outwards, i.e., protruding beyond the support rods, thereby preventing the free end of the hook element from unnecessarily contacting the area of the surface to be cleaned and avoiding scratching or causing other damage to the surface to be cleaned.

[0046] In summary, the device of the present invention solves the problem of the lower accessibility of the housing of the cabin air filter in a motor vehicle. The adapted geometry of the device achieves a higher cleaning effect particularly in the areas of the corners and edges of the filter box of the ventilation system. The device combines the requirements of the chemical-mechanical cleaning components in the cleaning tool. Compared with applying a cleaning liquid to a rag or directly injecting a cleaning liquid into the filter box, the use of the device of the present invention achieves a uniform distribution on the surface to be wetted. Compared with the final mechanical cleaning step using hands and a rag, the use of the device of the present invention achieves a uniform removal of dirt from the filter box. Among them, the device of the present invention can be designed such that the size of the cleaning agent container is divided into several parts for cleaning with a cleaning liquid, and the disposable rag can further ensure the hygienic effect.

[0047] It should be noted that the embodiments described here are only a limited selection of the possible embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the features of the respective embodiments can be combined in a suitable manner so that those skilled in the art can regard the embodiments clearly described here as various different embodiments that are clearly disclosed. In particular, some embodiments of the present invention describe apparatus claims, while other embodiments of the present invention describe method claims. However, it will be immediately clear to those skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, any combination of features belonging to different types of the subject matter of the present invention can be made in addition to the combination of features belonging to one type of the subject matter of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings in order to further explain and better understand the present invention. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 A perspective view of a device for cleaning a cavity according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0050] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 a top view of the device.

[0051] Figure 3 A side view of a device for cleaning a cavity having corresponding upper and lower side edges according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 4 A perspective cross-sectional view of a device for cleaning a cavity according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0053] Figure 5 A perspective cross-sectional view of a receiving portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0054] Figure 6 An exemplary illustration of a cleaning agent container for the receiving portion is shown.

[0055] Figure 7 A schematic view of a device for cleaning a cavity according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a cleaning cloth is fixed to a cleaning portion.

[0056] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A schematic view of a device for cleaning a cavity according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, the device having a hook element for holding a cleaning cloth. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] The same or similar components in different drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. The representations in the drawings are schematic.

[0058] Figure 1 A perspective view of a device 100 for cleaning a cavity according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, Figure 2 a top view of the device is shown.

[0059] The present invention relates to a device 100 for cleaning, in particular, the cavities of a ventilation system of a vehicle, using a cleaning agent. The device 100 includes a receptacle for a cleaning agent container 600 (see Figure 6) a receiving part 101 and a cleaning part 102, wherein the cleaning part 102 includes a support frame 103, and the support frame 103 is configured such that a bag-shaped cleaning cloth 700 (see Figure 7 ) can be put on the cleaning part 102, thereby forming an internal volume. The cleaning part 102 is coupled to the receiving part 101 such that the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent container 600 in the receiving part 101 can flow from the receiving part 101 into the internal volume.

[0060] The bag-shaped cleaning cloth 700 can be put on the support frame 103. The support frame 103 stabilizes and bears the cleaning cloth 700 such that the cleaning cloth 700 can be introduced into the cavity of the ventilation system together with the support frame 103 for mechanical cleaning.

[0061] In addition, the device 100 includes a receiving part 101. Alternatively, the cleaning agent container 600 can be received in the receiving part 101 and fixed at a predetermined position. The cleaning agent container 600 particularly contains a cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid can be released in the form of a spray, foam or aerosol.

[0062] The receiving part 101 is coupled to the cleaning part 102 such that the cleaning agent can flow out of the cleaning agent container 600 and uniformly flow into the internal volume of the cleaning part 102 up to the edge region. Thus, the cleaning agent wets and moistens the cleaning cloth 700 from the inside. Since the support frame 103 tensions the cleaning cloth 700 and thereby forms the internal volume of the bag-shaped cleaning cloth 700, the cleaning agent reaches the inner surface of the cleaning cloth 700 over a large area, such that the cleaning cloth 700 is uniformly and evenly soaked with the cleaning agent over the entire surface.

[0063] The support frame 103 has at least two spaced-apart support rods 104, and the support rods 104 extend spaced apart from the receiving part 101 along a longitudinal direction I and are spaced apart along a transverse direction q extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction I. The support rods 104 are configured such that the cleaning cloth 700 can be put on the support rods 104, and an internal volume can be formed between the support rods 104. The longitudinal direction I defines the extending direction of the support rods 104 from the receiving part 101 towards the opposite free ends of the support rods 104. The support rods 104 extend parallel to the receiving part 101 and have the same spacing in the transverse direction q at the receiving part 101 and at the respective free ends.

[0064] The distance between the upper edge 301 and the lower edge 302 defines the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the cleaning cloth 700 according to the placement of the corresponding surface of the cleaning cloth 700. The greater the distance between the upper edge 301 and the lower edge 302, the greater the corresponding distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the cleaning cloth 700, and the greater the internal volume.

[0065] At least one upper connecting beam 106 is provided between the upper side edges 301 of the support rods 104, and the area of the cleaning cloth 700 can be placed on this connecting beam. Thus, the connecting beam 106 prevents the cleaning cloth 700 from falling towards the inner volume between the support rods 104, thereby interfering with the distribution of the cleaning agent.

[0066] In addition, at least one lower connecting beam 107 is provided between the lower side edges 302 of the support rods 104, and a part of the cleaning cloth 700 can be placed on this connecting beam. The lower connecting beam 107 can be constructed similarly to the upper connecting beam 106. A part of the inner cavity is located between the upper connecting beam 106 and the lower connecting beam 107. Since the cleaning cloth 700 is placed on the connecting beams 106, 107, the upper connecting beam 106 and the lower connecting beam 107 can prevent the cleaning cloth 700 from folding between the support rods 104 and blocking the inner cavity. The lower connecting beam 107 and the upper connecting beam 106 extend parallel to each other between the support rods 104.

[0067] As Figure 1 shown, the lower connecting beam 107 and the upper connecting beam 106 are arranged offset from each other in the extending direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction I) of the support rods 104. In other words, the upper connecting beam 106 is spaced apart from the adjacent lower connecting beam 107 in the longitudinal direction I. Therefore, the formation of the inner volume in the longitudinal direction I is ensured by a few connecting positions in the entire longitudinal direction I, and the risk that the surface of the upper cleaning cloth 700 contacts the surface of the lower cleaning cloth 700 and interrupts the inner volume is reduced.

[0068] The support frame 103 also has a stabilizing beam 105 that connects the free ends of the support rods 104. Therefore, the support rods 104 have a rigid connection at their respective ends, thus forming a solid structure.

[0069] Figure 3 A side view of a device 100 for cleaning a cavity according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, Figure 4 A perspective cross-sectional view of the device 100 is shown, and the device 100 has corresponding upper and lower side edges 301, 302 of the support rods 104.

[0070] The support rods 104 have an upper side edge 301 and a lower side edge 302 along a width direction b perpendicular to the longitudinal direction I and the transverse direction q. The upper side edge 301 and the lower side edge 302 are formed such that the cleaning cloth 700 sleeved on the upper side edge 301 and the lower side edge 302 fits at least partially, so as to form an inner cavity on the upper side edge 301 and the lower side edge 302 of the support rods 104.

[0071] The support rod 104 has a rectangular cross-section, where the width is defined in the width direction b as the distance between the upper edge 301 and the lower edge 302. The thickness of the support rod 104 is defined particularly along the transverse direction q in the rectangular cross-section, and the length of the support rod 104 is defined along the longitudinal direction I. In particular, the support rod 104 is strip-shaped, that is, it has a rectangular cross-section, where the width is at least five times the thickness.

[0072] The upper connecting beam 106 is arranged on the upper edge 301 of the support rod 104 such that the support area for the cleaning cloth 700 of the upper connecting beam 106 is spaced apart from the upper edge 301 in the width direction b. Additionally, at least the lower connecting beam 107 is arranged on the lower edge 302 of the support rod 104 such that the support area for the cleaning cloth 700 of the lower connecting beam 107 is spaced apart from the lower edge 302 in the width direction b. In other words, the upper surface of the cleaning cloth contacts the upper surface of the upper connecting beam 106 at the support rod 104 and contacts the surface of the upper edge 301 of the corresponding support rod 104 between two adjacent upper connecting beams 106. Thus, a serrated support surface for the upper surface is formed along the support rod 104. Similarly, the above arrangement is also applicable to the lower cloth area along the lower edge 302 in the support rod 104.

[0073] In Figure 3 the cross-sectional view of, the flow channel 402 is shown. The flow channel 402 is formed between the receiving part 101 and the cleaning part 102 such that when the cleaning agent container 600 is received in the receiving part 101, the outflow element 603 (see Figure 6 ) of the cleaning agent container 600 extends into the flow channel 402. The cleaning agent container 600 is fixed in the receiving part 101 by, for example, the clamping element 401. Thus, the cleaning agent can flow out from the outflow element 603, flow through the flow channel 402 between the receiving part 101 and the cleaning part 102, and particularly flow to the free end of the support rod 104 or the stabilizing beam 105 through the internal volume.

[0074] Figure 5 A perspective cross-sectional view of the receiving part 101 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0075] The receiving part 101 has a clamping element 401 configured to hold the cleaning agent container 600 by clamping fixation. The clamping element 401 is, for example, elastic. The clamping element 401 can be configured as an elastic band in the housing of the receiving part 101, for example. As Figure 5As shown, two clamping elements 401 can be configured as belts and are relatively arranged in the receiving part 101. The user can accordingly grasp the receiving part 101 and squeeze the clamping elements 401 against each other. The clamping elements 401 have, for example, clamping pins at the free ends, which can exert a high pressure on the internal cleaning agent container 600. As Figure 6 shown, the clamping pin can be inserted into the flange 601 of the cleaning agent container 600 to improve the fixation.

[0076] The cleaning agent container 600 can have, for example, an outflow valve with a corresponding outflow tube (outflow element 602). The flow channel 402 can be arranged in the receiving part 101 such that when the cleaning agent container 600 is fixed in a predetermined position in the receiving part 101, the outflow tube extends into the flow channel 402. To enable easier accommodation in the flow channel 402, the opening of the flow channel 402 in the receiving part 101 can be formed in a funnel shape or in a stepped shape such that when the cleaning agent container 600 is introduced into the receiving part 101, the outflow tube is centered and reliably accommodated in the flow channel 402. A sealing element, for example a sealing ring made of rubber, is provided in the opening of the flow channel 402 to seal the receiving tube of the cleaning agent container 600 from the wall surface of the flow channel 402.

[0077] Figure 6 An exemplary view of a cleaning agent container 600 (e.g., a spray) for accommodation in the receiving part 101 is shown.

[0078] The cleaning agent container 600 can contain, for example, a cleaning agent having a pressure of 0.5 bar to 12 bar. The cleaning agent container 600 can have, for example, a flange 601 or a collar that can be inserted into the receiving part 101 in the insertion direction. At a predetermined holding position of the cleaning agent container 600, the clamping elements 401 clamp the cleaning agent container 600, wherein the clamping elements 401 are fixed by the clamping flange 601 or the surface of the cleaning agent container 600. The clamping force is selected such that the cleaning agent container 600 does not fall out of the receiving part 101 due to gravity, but rather a release force must be applied by the user in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0079] Figure 7 A schematic view of a device 100 for cleaning a cavity according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a cleaning cloth 700 is fixed to the cleaning part 102.

[0080] In particular, the support frame 103 is formed to open the bag-shaped cleaning towel 700 so that an internal volume (internal volume) can be formed. For example, the support frame 103 separates the cleaning parts 102 of the opposite front and rear surfaces of the cleaning towel 700. The width of the support frame 103 for unfolding the cleaning towel 700 is particularly less than 2 cm in the width direction b, particularly less than 1 cm, so that the support frame 103 and the cleaning towel 700 itself can be introduced into a small opening of the filter box, and the user's hand cannot pass through the opening.

[0081] With this cleaning wipe 700 impregnated with detergent, the cleaning section 102 can now be placed into the cavity to be cleaned, thereby performing chemical and mechanical cleaning simultaneously. The cleaning wipe 700 is automatically impregnated with detergent, which is released into the interior volume by the detergent container 600 and the detergent is dispersed throughout the interior volume.

[0082] Figure 8 and Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device 100 with hook elements 801 for holding a cleaning towel 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Two hook elements 801 are formed on the support frame 103. The hook elements 801 are configured to hook into the material of the cleaning towel 700 or the receiving opening 901 and prevent sliding. The hook elements 801 form protrusions extending from the surface of the support frame 103, in particular extending from the lower end of the support rod 104 in the direction of the receiving portion 101. Thereby, the hook elements 801 can pierce or penetrate the cleaning towel 700, thereby forming a form-fitting connection and preventing the cleaning towel 700 from sliding relative to the support frame 103.

[0083] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment, the cleaning towel 700 has a receiving opening 901 through which the free end 802 of the hook element 801 can pass.

[0084] The hook element 801 may be made of the same material as the support frame 103 and may be integrally formed with the support frame 103 during the manufacturing process, for example.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the hook element 801 has a crescent-shaped structure. When the free end 802 passes through the receiving opening 901 of the cleaning towel 700, the risk of the cleaning towel 700 accidentally falling off the hook element 801 is reduced due to the crescent-shaped structure.

[0086] The cleaning towel 700 is put on the support frame 103 from the stabilizing beam 105 toward the receiving portion 101. After the cleaning towel 700 is put on the support frame 103, the opening area is located between the receiving portion 101 and the cleaning portion 102 (see FIG. Figure 9) If the hook element 801 extends from the support frame 103 towards the receiving portion 101, the opening area of the cleaning towel 700 can be hooked, thereby effectively preventing the cleaning towel 700 from sliding relative to the support frame 103.

[0087] In particular, the free end 802 of the hook element 801 is located between two opposing support bars 104. The free end 802 of the hook element 801 is hooked to the cleaning towel 700. When the free end 802 of the hook element 801 extends inwards, the protrusion of the corresponding hook element 801 is prevented from extending outwards, that is, extending outside the support bar 104, thereby preventing an undesired contact between the free end 802 of the corresponding hook element 801 and the area of the surface to be cleaned.

[0088] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that the features or steps described with reference to the above embodiments can also be used in combination with the features or steps of other above embodiments. The reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting.

[0089] List of reference signs:

[0090] 100 Device

[0091] 101 Receiving portion

[0092] 102 Cleaning portion

[0093] 103 Support frame

[0094] 104 Support bar

[0095] 105 Stabilizing beam

[0096] 106 Upper connecting beam

[0097] 107 Lower connecting beam

[0098] 301 Upper side edge

[0099] 302 Lower side edge

[0100] 401 Clamping element

[0101] 402 Flow channel

[0102] 403 Funnel-shaped receiving portion

[0103] 600 Detergent container

[0104] 601 Flange

[0105] 602 Outflow element

[0106] 700 Cleaning towel

[0107] 801 Hook element

[0108] 802 free end

[0109] 901 receiving opening

[0110] I longitudinal direction

[0111] q transverse direction

[0112] b width direction

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for cleaning, in particular, the cavities of a ventilation system of a vehicle using a cleaning agent, the apparatus (100) comprising: A receiving part (101) for receiving a cleaning agent container (600), A cleaning part (102), wherein the cleaning part (102) forms a support frame (103), and the support frame (103) is configured such that a bag-shaped cleaning cloth (700) can be put on the cleaning part (102) to form an internal volume, wherein the cleaning part (102) is coupled to the receiving part (101) such that the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent container (600) fixed in the receiving part (101) can flow from the receiving part (101) into the internal volume.

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving part (101) has a clamping element (401), and the clamping element (401) is configured to hold the cleaning agent container (600) by clamping fixation.

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The clamping element (401) is made of an elastic material.

4. The device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The clamping element (401) is constituted by an elastic element, and the clamping element (401) can be pressed against the cleaning agent container (600) through the elastic element.

5. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving part (101) has a stop element that can be pressed into a recess of the cleaning agent container (600).

6. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, A flow channel (402) is provided between the receiving part (101) and the cleaning part (102), and the flow channel (402) is configured such that when the cleaning agent container (600) is received in the receiving part (101), an outflow element (603) of the cleaning agent container (600) extends into the flow channel (402).

7. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The cleaning part (102), in particular the support frame (103), is arranged on the receiving part (101) in a hinged manner such that the cleaning part (102) is adjustable relative to the receiving part (101).

8. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The cleaning part (102), in particular the support frame (103), has an elastic region such that the cleaning part (102) is deformable relative to the receiving part (101).

9. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The support frame (103) has at least two spaced-apart support rods (104), and the support rods (104) extend from the receiving part (101) along a longitudinal direction (I) at intervals and are spaced apart along a transverse direction (q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (I). wherein the support rods (104) are formed such that the cleaning cloth (700) can be put on the support rods (104), and the internal volume is formed between the support rods (104).

10. The apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The support rods (104) have an upper side edge (301) and a lower side edge (302) along a width direction (b) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (I) and the transverse direction (q). wherein the upper side edge (301) and the lower side edge (302) are configured such that the put-on cleaning cloth (700) fits at least partially on the upper side edge (301) and the lower side edge (302) to form the internal volume.

11. The apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein, At least one upper connecting beam (106) is provided between the upper side edges (301) of the support rods (104), and an area of the cleaning cloth (700) can be placed on the upper connecting beam.

12. The device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, At least one lower connecting beam (107) is provided between the lower side edges (302) of the support rods (104), and an area of the cleaning cloth (700) can be placed on the lower connecting beam.

13. The device (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The lower connecting beam (107) and the upper connecting beam (106) extend parallel to each other between the support rods (104).

14. The device (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The lower connecting beam (107) and the upper connecting beam (106) are stacked on top of each other in the width direction (b).

15. The device (100) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The lower connecting beam (107) and the upper connecting beam (106) are arranged offset from each other in the extending direction of the support rods (104).

16. The device (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, At least the upper connecting beam (106) is provided on the upper side edge (301) of the support rod (104) such that the placement area for the cleaning cloth (700) of the upper connecting beam (106) is spaced apart from the upper side edge (301) in the width direction (b), and / or At least the lower connecting beam (107) is provided on the lower side edge (302) of the support rod (104) such that the placement area for the cleaning cloth (700) of the lower connecting beam (107) is spaced apart from the lower side edge (302) in the width direction (b).

17. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein, The support frame (103) has a stabilizing beam (105), and the stabilizing beam (105) connects the free ends of the support rods (104).

18. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The receiving part (101) and the cleaning part (102) are integrally formed.

19. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, At least one hook element (801) is formed on the support frame (103), wherein the hook element (801) is configured to hook into the material of the cleaning cloth (700) or the receiving opening (901) and prevent slipping.

20. The device (100) according to claim 19, wherein, The hook element (801) is formed on the support rod (104) of the support frame (103) and extends from the support rod (104), in particular towards the receiving part (101).

21. The device (100) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The hook element (801) is formed such that the free end of the hook element (801) is located between two opposite support rods (104).

22. A method for manufacturing a device (100) for cleaning, in particular the cavity of a ventilation system of a vehicle, using a cleaning agent, the method comprising the following steps: Providing a receiving part (101) for receiving a cleaning agent container (600), Providing a cleaning part (102), wherein the cleaning part (102) forms a support frame (103), and the support frame (103) is configured such that a bag-shaped cleaning cloth (700) can be put on the cleaning part (102) so that an internal volume can be formed, and Coupling the cleaning part (102) to the receiving part (101) such that the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent container (600) that can be fixed in the receiving part (101) can flow from the receiving part (101) into the internal volume.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The accommodating portion (101) and the cleaning portion (102) are integrally formed by injection molding.

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