Handheld cleaning device with controllable buoyancy system

Abstract

Hand-held cleaning device (1) for removing objects from a body of water, comprising a pole (3) with at least one pole section, wherein the pole (3) has a first and a second end section (3a, 3b), and wherein a collection container (4) with a receiving opening for receiving at least one object is arranged on the second end section (3b), characterized in that the hand-held cleaning device (1) comprises a controllable buoyancy system (5) with at least one fillable buoyancy body (5a), wherein the at least one buoyancy body (5a) is arranged in a region of the collection container (4) and / or the second end section (3b) of the pole (3), and the hand-held cleaning device (1) comprises an actuating device (7).which is arranged in a region of the first end section (3a) of the rod (3) and whose actuation allows the at least one buoyancy body (5a) to be filled with air or the air to be released from the buoyancy body (5a).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand-held cleaning device for removing objects from a body of water, comprising a pole with at least one pole section, wherein the pole has a first and a second end section, and wherein a collection container with a receiving opening for receiving at least one object is arranged at the second end section.

[0002] Bodies of water, especially still waters, can become polluted over time by substances and materials introduced from outside or generated within the water itself. For example, leaves, plant debris, algae, insects and small animals, soil, or sand can enter the water and accumulate on the surface or sink to the bottom. There, significant amounts of debris, such as dirt, can accumulate over time, forming sediment and sludge. This can release nutrients like phosphate and nitrogen, leading to undesirable rapid growth of algae and other organisms. Water circulation and filtration can also be impaired. Consequently, turbid water, algal blooms, or unpleasant odors can occur, which is particularly undesirable in still waters like ponds.However, too much dirt can also be problematic in other stagnant waters such as sewage treatment plant basins or canals, as it can impair their function.

[0003] It is known to clean bodies of water and / or remove objects from them using hand-held cleaning devices such as nets. The operator typically stands at the water's edge and moves the cleaning device using a pole. In this way, they can, for example, collect objects on the water's surface in a collection container and retrieve them from the water. Similarly, the operator can guide the cleaning device along the bottom of the water, slide it under an object, and collect it. Objects weighing between 10 and 30 kg or more can be collected in the container. To retrieve the objects from the bottom of the water to the surface, the operator must exert considerable force using the pole.The problem is that, due to the leverage created by the pole, the force required increases with the length of the pole and the distance the operator places the collection container from their position at the water's edge. If the distance becomes too great, the operator cannot exert sufficient force to lift the objects out of the water, or the pole may not be able to withstand the resulting strain. Consequently, the range within which an operator can collect objects from a body of water using such a handheld cleaning device is limited.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a hand-held cleaning device with which an operator can remove objects from a body of water over a larger area.

[0005] The problem is solved by a cleaning device having the features of claim 1 and by the use of a hand-held cleaning device having the features of claim 18.

[0006] Accordingly, the hand-held cleaning device comprises a controllable buoyancy system with at least one fillable buoyancy body, wherein the at least one buoyancy body is arranged in a region of the collection container and / or the second end section of the rod, and the hand-held cleaning device comprises an actuating device which is arranged in a region of the first end section of the rod and upon actuation of which the at least one buoyancy body can be filled with air or the air can be released from the buoyancy body.

[0007] When the term "objects" is used here and in the following, it refers to objects of any kind that are desirable and / or may be desirable in a body of water and that may float on the water's surface, be suspended in the water phase, or be deposited on the bottom. These objects can include, for example, dirt, animals, and / or anthropogenic items. "Dirt" refers specifically to any undesirable contamination of a body of water that can adversely affect its quality. Dirt can consist of both organic and inorganic natural material as well as anthropogenic material. For example, but not exclusively, dirt can include leaves, branches, bark, plant remains, driftwood, algae, sand, soil and stones, mud, sediment, garbage, and / or waste. "Animals" include, in particular, fish, insects, and / or other small animals.“Anthropogenic objects” can include, in particular, all man-made objects as well as objects used by humans.

[0008] The buoyancy system of the hand-held cleaning device is controlled by the actuation mechanism. This advantageously allows the at least one buoyancy element to be either filled with air or deflated as needed. For example, if the collection container is filled with objects and below the water's surface, an operator can actuate the mechanism, thereby filling the at least one buoyancy element with air and increasing its buoyancy. The operator can, for instance, fill the at least one buoyancy element with enough air for it to rise to the water's surface on its own. Since both the buoyancy and collection containers are located at the second end of the pole, they essentially rise to the water's surface together.The operator can also fill at least one buoyancy aid with less air, so that although it does not rise to the surface of the water on its own, the buoyancy is sufficient for the operator to bring the collection container to the surface by exerting sufficient force.

[0009] Since the collection container floats on the water's surface, supported by at least one buoyancy aid, the operator can pull it to the water's edge without significant effort, and without placing undue strain on the pole. The collection container can then be emptied. Before the next cleaning cycle, or before the hand-held cleaning device is to be submerged again, the operator can activate the control mechanism once more, releasing enough air from the at least one buoyancy aid for the collection container to sink below the surface, partly due to its own weight.

[0010] Accordingly, the buoyancy of at least one buoyancy body in a body of water can be advantageously controlled variably by actuating the actuating device and by filling or releasing air from the at least one buoyancy body.

[0011] The hand-held cleaning device according to the invention thus has the advantage that the operator has to exert little or no force to lift the collection container from the bottom of the water. Consequently, the lever arm formed by the rod between the operator and the collection container has a significantly less detrimental effect on the maximum reach within which the operator can collect objects from the water's edge. On the contrary, with the hand-held cleaning device according to the invention, the rod can even be extended compared to known cleaning devices, further increasing the reach.

[0012] Positioning the actuating device in a section of the first end of the rod also has the advantage that the operator can conveniently control the lifting system where they would normally hold the rod anyway. For example, the actuating device could be located in the area of ​​a handle on the rod.

[0013] The operating mechanism is designed for manual operation. Consequently, the buoyancy system is particularly easy and directly controllable by the operator, without requiring a drive or power source for the handheld cleaning device. In particular, the operating mechanism can be operated without tools, further simplifying handling.

[0014] In one embodiment, the actuating device has at least one air valve for letting air in and letting it out. When the actuating device is actuated, the air valve can be switched such that the at least one buoyancy element can be selectively filled with air or have air released from it. By using an air valve through which air can be both let in and let out, the handheld cleaning device can be designed to be particularly simple. Advantageously, the air valve is designed such that it closes automatically after air has been let in, preventing air from escaping. Accordingly, letting air out is advantageously only possible when the air valve is actuated. For example, the air valve can be switched with a single actuation, so that air can still be released even after actuation.Alternatively, air can only be released by continuously operating the air valve. Such an air valve prevents air from accidentally escaping or being released from at least one buoyancy element.

[0015] In another embodiment, the actuating device has at least two valves, namely at least one actuable air inlet valve and at least one actuable air outlet valve. When the actuating device is actuated, either the air inlet valve or the air outlet valve can be actuated. The at least one buoyancy element can be filled with air when the air inlet valve is actuated. The air inlet valve can, in particular, be designed as a check valve, so that it automatically prevents air from escaping the at least one buoyancy element after filling is complete. When the air outlet valve is actuated, air can be released from the at least one buoyancy element. For this purpose, the air outlet valve can, for example, be designed such that air can be released with a single actuation of the air outlet valve, and further release of air is also possible after actuation.Alternatively or additionally, the air outlet valve can also be designed in such a way that air can only be released during continuous operation of the air outlet valve.

[0016] The operating device includes, in particular, an air connection through which the at least one buoyancy element can be filled with air. It is also conceivable that air can be released from the at least one buoyancy element via the air connection. The air connection is preferably designed such that an air source, such as a pump, in particular an electric pump, a compressor, and / or a compressed air connection, can be connected to it. The use of such air sources has the advantage that the at least one buoyancy element can be filled with air automatically and without significant effort by the operator. However, it is also conceivable that the air source can be operated manually, as with a hand pump. If the air source is a pump, the operating device and / or the air connection can be designed, in particular, such that air can be released from the at least one buoyancy element by pumping it out with the pump.

[0017] The air source can be located externally and not be part of the handheld cleaning device. This advantageously reduces weight and improves the handling of the cleaning device. The handheld cleaning device can, in particular, have at least one adapter by means of which the air supply can be connected to various air sources. Alternatively or additionally, the air source can also be an integral part of the handheld cleaning device. This has the advantage that the operator is not dependent on a suitable air source being available at the respective operating location of the cleaning device.

[0018] The at least one buoyancy body is advantageously inflatable, so that its volume increases when filled with air and decreases when deflated. This allows for simple control of the buoyancy force acting on the at least one buoyancy body in a body of water, as the control can be achieved solely by changing the volume of the at least one buoyancy body. For this purpose, the buoyancy body preferably comprises a deformable and airtight plastic, particularly in the form of a film and / or a coated textile. The plastic can, for example, be polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, and / or polyolefin.

[0019] Furthermore, the at least one buoyancy element can be connected to the actuating device via an air line for filling with air or for releasing air from it. The air line can be located outside the rod and / or routed inside it. Routing the air line inside the rod has the advantage that it is protected from damage and does not interfere with the operator when using the cleaning device. If the rod is adjustable in length, the air line is preferably designed to transport air over varying distances between the actuating device and the at least one buoyancy element. For this purpose, the air line can, for example, be flexible, and in particular, be coilable or able to form loops.

[0020] In one embodiment of the handheld cleaning device, the collection container can have a frame that defines the receiving opening. A textile and / or a basket for collecting objects can be attached to the frame. The textile and / or the basket can also be water-permeable. Thus, a collection container is not to be understood as a closed vessel that necessarily retains water along with the objects. If the sole purpose is to remove objects from a body of water, water permeability has the advantage that the weight in the collection container is reduced when the objects are retrieved, as the excess water drains away. However, it is equally possible to make the textile and / or the basket waterproof.

[0021] The textile and / or basket may be made of plastic. Alternatively or additionally, they may also contain metal, for example in the form of wire. This can be advantageous if the collection container needs to be particularly stable and load-bearing in order to remove heavy objects such as branches from the water. Preferably, the textile and / or basket has a woven fabric, a braid, a mesh, a net, a grid, and / or a sieve.

[0022] In one embodiment, the collection container is designed to hold a total mass of up to 100 kg, in particular up to 75 kg or, more specifically, up to 50 kg. The hand-held cleaning device can therefore remove many and / or heavy objects from a body of water while remaining operable by hand.

[0023] The receiving opening preferably encloses an area of ​​no more than 4 m². 2 , in particular a maximum of 3 m 2and in particular a maximum of 2 m 2 The opening is therefore large enough to allow large objects to be picked up and removed with the handheld cleaning device.

[0024] Furthermore, an opening plane defined by the receiving opening can run parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rod. Alternatively, the opening plane can also run such that it forms an angle of at least 70° and at most 135°, in particular at least 80° and at most 100°, and preferably 90° with the longitudinal axis of the rod towards the first end section of the rod.

[0025] The pole preferably has at least one additional section. These sections are telescopically extendable to change the pole's length. This allows the handheld cleaning device to be used for bodies of water of varying sizes, and the pole length can be adjusted to the required reach for improved handling. Furthermore, the pole sections can be fixed together, particularly along a longitudinal axis, so that the operator can set the pole to a specific length without it shifting unintentionally. The pole can have not just one, but several sections, for example, two, three, four, five, or even more. The pole is preferably telescopic. Even if the pole's length is not adjustable, it can still have multiple sections.

[0026] In particular, the pole can have a maximum length of 20 m, in particular 15 m, in particular 10 m. If the length of the pole is adjustable, it can be adjusted to a maximum length of 20 m, in particular 15 m, in particular 10 m. Such a long pole advantageously makes it possible to clean correspondingly large and deep bodies of water.

[0027] In one embodiment, the collection container and the rod can be detachably connected by means of a positive-locking connection. In this embodiment, the hand-held cleaning device is thus modular, since the rod can be easily connected to different collection containers. Therefore, the appropriate collection container can be provided for each specific application. Preferably, the positive-locking connection can be designed as a plug connection, snap connection, and / or bayonet fitting. Such a connection allows the collection container to be replaced quickly and easily without tools.

[0028] The at least one buoyancy element can be permanently attached to the rod. This means that the buoyancy element remains connected to the rod even after the collection container has been removed. Such a connection is particularly advantageous in a modular design of the hand-held cleaning device, as it allows the buoyancy to be adjusted independently of the collection container used. Furthermore, no additional airtightness requirements arise between the rod and the collection container, as would be the case if the at least one buoyancy element were attached to the collection container. However, it is not precluded that the at least one buoyancy element could also be permanently attached to the collection container, or that the collection container could have an additional buoyancy element.

[0029] Furthermore, the use of a hand-held cleaning device for removing objects from a body of water is provided. The cleaning device used can, in particular, be the cleaning device according to the invention described above.

[0030] The hand-held cleaning device can be used in particular for removing objects from a still body of water, such as a pond, a canal, a basin of a sewage treatment plant, a pool, a swimming pool, a well, an aquarium and / or a pool.

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Similar or functionally equivalent components are designated with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1: an embodiment of the hand-held cleaning device according to the invention with an emptied buoyancy body, Fig. 2: the in Fig. 1. The illustrated embodiment with a filled buoyancy body.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the hand-held cleaning device 1 according to the invention in a body of still water 2. The figure shows its basic structure.

[0033] The hand-held cleaning device 1 has a pole 3 with a first end section 3a and a second end section 3b opposite the first end section 3a. The pole 3 can have one or more sections. The pole 3 can have a handle (not shown) at the first end section 3a. A collection container 4 is arranged at the second end section 3b. The container has a frame 4a to which a net 4b is attached. The frame 4a encloses a receiving opening through which objects, for example, those located on the bottom 2a of the still water, can be picked up and collected in the net 4b.

[0034] Furthermore, the hand-held cleaning device 1 has a controllable buoyancy system 5, which includes a buoyancy body 5a arranged in the region of the second end section 3b. The buoyancy body 5a is made of a deformable plastic film and can be filled with air, thereby increasing its volume. In other words, the buoyancy body 5a is inflatable. In this case, and generally, the buoyancy body 5a may, but need not, comprise several individual and interconnected buoyancy bodies.

[0035] The buoyancy element 5a is connected to an actuating device 7 via an air line 6, the air line 6 being located outside the rod 3. The actuating device 7 has an air valve 7a with an air connection to which an air source such as a pump, a compressor and / or a compressed air line can be connected. The buoyancy element 5a can be filled with air or air can be released from it via the air valve 7a.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 1 shows the collection container 4 below the water surface and at the bottom 2a of the body of still water 2. The buoyancy chamber 5 is almost empty of air, so no significant buoyant force acts upon it, and the collection container 4 remains submerged. An operator can thus collect objects from the bottom 2a of the body of still water 2 using the handheld cleaning device 1. Once the collection container 4 is full, the operator activates the control device 7 and, if necessary, an air source. Activating the control device 7 opens the air valve 7a, filling and inflating the buoyancy chamber 5a with air. As it inflates, the volume of the buoyancy chamber 5a increases. When the volume is large enough to displace sufficient water and the buoyant force exceeds the weight, the handheld cleaning device 1, along with the collection container 4, begins to rise to the water's surface.

[0037] At the water surface, the hand-held cleaning device 1 with the collection container 4 is supported by the buoyancy body 5a. This condition is in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the operator can now easily pull the collection container 4 to the edge of the still water 2 and empty it there.

[0038] To release the air from the buoyancy body 5a, the operator activates the actuating device 7 again, so that the air valve 7a is switched and the air can flow out of it. Reference symbol list 1 Hand-held cleaning device 2 Still waters 3 bars 3a first end section 3b second final section 4 collection containers 4a frame 4b network 5 Buoyancy system 5a Buoyancy aid 6 Air duct 7 Actuating device 7a Air valve

Claims

Hand-held cleaning device (1) for removing objects from a body of water, comprising a pole (3) with at least one pole section, wherein the pole (3) has a first and a second end section (3a, 3b), and wherein a collection container (4) with a receiving opening for receiving at least one object is arranged on the second end section (3b), characterized in that the hand-held cleaning device (1) comprises a controllable buoyancy system (5) with at least one fillable buoyancy body (5a), wherein the at least one buoyancy body (5a) is arranged in a region of the collection container (4) and / or the second end section (3b) of the pole (3), and the hand-held cleaning device (1) comprises an actuating device (7).which is arranged in a region of the first end section (3a) of the rod (3) and whose actuation allows the at least one buoyancy body (5a) to be filled with air or the air to be released from the buoyancy body (5a). Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that by actuating the actuating device (7) the buoyancy of the at least one buoyancy body (5a) in the water can be variably controlled either by filling the at least one buoyancy body (5a) with air or by releasing air from the at least one buoyancy body (5a). Hand-operated cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating device (7) can be operated by hand, in particular without tools. Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (7) has at least one air valve (7a) for letting in and letting out air, wherein the air valve (7a) is switchable when the actuating device (7) is actuated, so that the at least one buoyancy body (5a) can be selectively filled with air or air can be let out of the at least one buoyancy body (5a). Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating device (7) has at least one actuable air inlet valve and at least one actuable air outlet valve, wherein the at least one buoyancy body (5a) can be filled with air when the air inlet valve is actuated and air can be released from the at least one buoyancy body (5a) when the air outlet valve is actuated. Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (7) has an air connection via which the at least one buoyancy body (5a) can be filled with air and connected to the air source, in particular a pump, a compressor and / or a compressed air connection. Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one buoyancy body (5a) is inflatable, so that its volume increases when filled with air and decreases when deflated. Hand-operated cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one buoyancy body (5a) for filling with air is connected to the actuating device (7) via an air line (6), wherein the air line (6) is arranged in particular outside and / or inside the rod (3). Hand-held cleaning device (1), characterized in that the collection container (4) has a frame (4a) which limits the receiving opening and on which a textile and / or a basket for receiving objects is arranged, wherein the textile and / or the basket are in particular water-permeable. Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the textile and / or the basket comprises a woven fabric, a braid, a knitted fabric, a net (4b), a grid and / or a sieve. Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection container (4) is designed to accommodate a total mass of a maximum of 100 kg. Hand-held cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving opening encloses an area of ​​a maximum of 2 m2. Hand-held cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving opening defines an opening plane which runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rod (3) or which forms an angle of at least 70° and at most 135°, preferably 90°, with the longitudinal axis of the rod (3) towards the first end section (3a) of the rod. Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rod (3) has at least one further rod part, wherein the rod parts are telescopically slidable into one another to change the length of the rod (3) and can be fixed to one another along a longitudinal axis of the rod. Hand-operated cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pole (3) has a maximum length of 20 m. Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collection container (4) and the rod (3) are detachably connected to each other by means of a positive locking connection, wherein the connection is in particular designed as a plug connection, snap connection and / or bayonet closure. Hand-held cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one buoyancy body (5a) is firmly connected to the rod (3). Use of a hand-held cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for removing objects from a body of water (2).

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