Device for reducing dust load in chimney cleaning and method for chimney cleaning

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for reducing dust emissions during chimney cleaning, comprising a cleaning tool that can be inserted into a chimney (1) through a cleaning opening (2) and is movable inside the chimney (1) by means of an elastic shaft (6). The device is characterized by having a frame that can be mounted in or in front of the cleaning opening (2), wherein two spaced-apart dust-retaining passages for the shaft (6) are formed on the frame by means of elastic elements, and wherein a space is formed between the frame and the dust-retaining passages, into which at least one extraction opening (14) leads. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a chimney (1) with reduced dust emissions and an application of the device for dust-reduced cleaning of a chimney (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for reducing dust pollution during chimney cleaning, comprising a cleaning tool that can be inserted into a chimney through a cleaning opening and is movable inside the chimney by means of an elastic shaft. The invention further relates to a method for chimney cleaning and to the use of the device during chimney cleaning.

[0002] Traditionally, chimneys are cleaned by inserting a cleaning tool, such as a chimney brush with a pull weight, into the top of the chimney and moving it up and down on a rope or chain to loosen soot and other particles from the chimney walls. The cleaning tool is either inserted into the chimney outlet from the outside or into a cleaning opening located as high up in the chimney as possible. During cleaning, a cleaning opening at the bottom of the chimney remains closed, typically by means of a cleaning door located in front of or within this opening. This effectively prevents dust from escaping during the cleaning process. After cleaning, the dust loosened from the chimney walls settles at the bottom of the chimney and can then be removed through the aforementioned lower cleaning door without significant dust pollution.

[0003] A disadvantage of this method is that the chimney must be accessed from the outside via the building roof, which is complex, poses risks for the chimney sweep, and is not possible for all buildings. An alternative cleaning opening located in the upper part of the chimney is not available on all buildings and is not always accessible.

[0004] To effectively clean chimneys, cleaning devices have been developed that can be lowered from the top using a rope or chain. These devices, equipped with a flexible shaft (e.g., a flexible rod), allow the chimney to be cleaned from a lower cleaning opening upwards. However, a disadvantage of this method is that dust escapes from the cleaning door at the lower opening, which is open during the cleaning process, and enters the building.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method with which such a cleaning process of a chimney from below can be carried out as dust-free as possible.

[0006] This problem is solved by a device and a method, as well as an application of the device, with the features of the respective independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A device according to the invention of the type mentioned at the outset is characterized by a frame which can be mounted in or in front of the cleaning opening, wherein two spaced-apart dust-retaining passages for the shaft are formed on the frame with elastic elements, and wherein a space is formed between the frame and the dust-retaining passages, into which at least one extraction opening leads.

[0008] The device, which can be designed as an insert for placement in the cleaning opening or a passage in a cleaning door, or as an attachment for placement in front of the cleaning opening or cleaning door, forms a kind of sluice for the shaft of the cleaning device with its frame and two openings. The openings are formed by elastic elements, e.g., brushes or lamellae.

[0009] The two openings act as sealing surfaces, preventing (dust) particles from being dislodged from the chimney walls and trickling down during cleaning. Furthermore, as the cleaning tool moves, the elastic elements scrape particles from the shaft, preventing them from being transported outwards. Even if particles manage to penetrate the inner sealing surface and reach the space within the device, they are extracted there. Consequently, the dust load generated during chimney cleaning, and even during the subsequent removal of the cleaning tool, is significantly reduced or even almost completely eliminated compared to cleaning without the device according to the invention.

[0010] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the frame of the device has profiled side panels, on which the elastic elements of the dust-retaining feedthroughs are arranged. Preferably, the side panels are U-shaped, and the elastic elements are arranged on the legs of the U-shaped profiled side panels. The U-shaped side panels result in a simple yet practical design, suitable for use as both an insert and an attachment. The open U-shape allows the elastic elements to be arranged in the two sealing planes and also enables the extraction of dust from the space between them.

[0011] To implement the extraction, at least one extraction opening is preferably arranged in a first side of the frame and designed for connection to a suction hose. Furthermore, at least one additional opening can be provided in the frame on a side opposite the first. When the device is in use, the first side with the extraction opening is accessible from the outside, allowing the suction hose to be connected. The at least one opening on the opposite side then points into the interior of the chimney, thereby extracting dust from the chimney's interior. This reduces the dust concentration in the chimney, which in turn also reduces the dust concentration in the space between the flues, thus minimizing the escape of dust particles.

[0012] The at least one additional opening can be equipped with a cover element for adjusting the opening cross-section, for example in the form of an adjustable slider. By varying the opening cross-section, the ratio of the suction power from the space between the chimney and the chimney interior can be varied and optimized.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, at least one seal is arranged on an outer side of the frame. Preferably, this seal is circumferential and seals the device at its contact line with the cleaning opening or cleaning door of the chimney. This prevents dust trickling down the chimney through any remaining gaps from entering the building.

[0014] Preferably, the frame is designed to be telescopic in at least one spatial direction, allowing the device to be used with cleaning openings or doors of varying sizes or proportions. The frame can, for example, be formed from at least two different frame elements, which have interlocking and mutually sliding, optionally U-shaped, side panels. If identical frame elements are used diagonally opposite each other in pairs, the device's size can be changed in two spatial directions despite a small number of components. Alternatively, two opposing frame elements could differ only in that one of them incorporates the extraction opening. In this case, three different frame elements would be used, two of which differ only slightly—namely, in the presence of the extraction opening.

[0015] If the relevant frame elements are made of plastic using an injection molding process, it is possible to produce the frame element with the extraction opening initially closed, such that a predetermined breaking point is formed along the circumference of the extraction opening. Even then, only production tools for two different frame elements are required.

[0016] Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange an extraction opening in each of the two opposing frame elements. This allows the use of two suction hoses and two extraction devices for higher suction power. If higher suction power is not required, one of the extraction openings can be closed with a flap, plug, or similar device. In this case as well, the range of components is limited to two different frame elements.

[0017] Preferably, the device has at least one spring coupled to the at least two different frame elements for pushing the at least two different frame elements apart. In this way, the device can be pushed together and thus pre-tensioned before being inserted into the cleaning opening or cleaning door. Once in the opening or door, the frame elements then push outwards and clamp the device securely in place. In addition to or as an alternative to the spring, a locking mechanism for the frame elements against each other can be provided, or another clamping mechanism, e.g., using one or more threaded spindles, an eccentric arrangement, or a toggle lever, can be employed.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the device, the frame has fixed dimensions and is inserted into an adapter frame that is mounted in or in front of the cleaning opening. The adapter frame is, if possible, interchangeable. A frame with fixed dimensions can thus be used with different adapter frames, depending on the size and / or shape of the cleaning opening.

[0019] The adapter frame can, for example, be shaped like a truncated cone with a rectangular base and have a central opening into which the frame is inserted. The truncated cone shape allows it to accommodate different cleaning opening sizes to a certain extent, and the adapter frame can be easily clamped into the cleaning opening for installation. For this purpose, the adapter frame is preferably made of a soft and elastic material, such as foam plastic.

[0020] A method according to the invention for cleaning a chimney with reduced dust emissions comprises the following steps: Such a device is inserted into or placed in front of a cleaning opening of the chimney, and a cleaning tool with an elastic shaft is inserted into the chimney through the device, specifically through the sealing surfaces formed by the device. After connecting the space between the device and a suction system, the chimney is then cleaned using the cleaning tool, with suction being extracted from the space between the device and, if necessary, also from the inside of the chimney. In this way, the chimney can be cleaned with significantly reduced dust emissions.

[0021] If the device has a frame whose size can be changed, it is advantageous to adjust the size to the cleaning opening or to a cleaning door associated with the cleaning opening before or during insertion or placement in or in front of it. Furthermore, it is advantageous that after cleaning is complete, the cleaning device is removed by the device using its flexible shaft, while extraction continues from the space between and, if necessary, additionally from inside the chimney.

[0022] In an application according to the invention for the dust-reduced cleaning of a chimney through a cleaning opening using a cleaning device with an elastic shaft, the aforementioned device is arranged in front of or inside the cleaning opening of the chimney during cleaning. The advantages previously mentioned in connection with the device or the method result.

[0023] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying figures. The figures show: Figure 1 is a spatial representation of a chimney with an open cleaning door according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows the chimney made of Figure 1 with a first embodiment of a device for dust reduction; Figure 3 the chimney according to Figure 2 with inserted cleaning device and a connected suction hose; Figure 4, a representation according to Figure 3 with a partially broken chimney depicted; Figure 5 a spatial representation of the in the Figures 2-4 device shown; Figure 6 the device according to Figure 5 in an extended state; Figure 7 the device according to Figure 5in a spatial exploded view that allows insight into the internal structure of the device; Figure 8 spatial view of a chimney with an open cleaning door and a device for dust reduction in a second embodiment; Figure 9 the chimney made of Figure 8 with installed dust reduction device; Figure 10, chimney according to Figure 8 , partially shown broken open and with cleaning device inserted and suction hose attached; Figure 11 an enlarged spatial view of the in Figure 8 device shown; and Figure 12 the device made of Figure 11 in a spatial cross-sectional view.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a section of a chimney 1 with a cleaning opening 2 according to the prior art in a three-dimensional representation. A brick chimney is shown as chimney 1 purely by way of example. It is understood that the device according to the invention can also be used with other types of chimneys, e.g., with chimneys made of possibly round stainless steel pipes.

[0025] A cleaning door 3, also referred to as a cleaning flap, is installed in the cleaning opening 2. It comprises a frame 4, which is attached to the chimney 1 and on which a door 5 is pivotally mounted. The cleaning opening 2 can generally be sealed airtight and dustproof by means of the door 5. A locking mechanism is usually provided, which holds the door 5 in the closed position using a tool or a latch.

[0026] Figure 2shows chimney 1 from Figure 1 also with door 5 open, although in contrast to Figure 1 An insert 10, representing a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for dust-reduced cleaning of the chimney 1, is inserted into the cleaning opening 2, or more specifically, into the frame 4 of the cleaning door 3. Details of the construction of the insert 10 will be described below in connection with the Figures 5-7 explained.

[0027] The Figures 3 and 4 First, the use of insert 10 during cleaning of chimney 1 is shown.

[0028] In the Figure 3 A cleaning device with an elastic shaft 6 is inserted into the chimney 1 through the insert 10 for cleaning the inside. A suction hose 7 is also connected to the insert 10, and its end (not visible here) is connected to a vacuum cleaner or other extraction device.

[0029] The Figure 4 shows the arrangement of Figure 3 However, chimney 1 is shown partially broken open to provide a view of its interior. Furthermore, insert 10 is shown in a cutaway view to illustrate its function.

[0030] From the Figure 4 It is evident that a chimney brush, mounted on the flexible shaft 6, is used as an example cleaning device here. The flexible shaft, e.g., a fiberglass rod, makes it possible to clean the chimney 1 from the cleaning opening 2 in both directions, i.e., downwards and especially upwards.

[0031] The flexible shaft 6 of the cleaning device is guided through the insert 10, which is possible because the insert carries brushes in two successive levels, specifically outer brushes 15 and inner brushes 16. The brushes 15 and 16 each have a multitude of bristles. The bristles are elastic, i.e., flexible, so that the chimney brush can be inserted into the chimney 1 through the insert 10 and the brushes 15 and 16 close around the shaft 6 in both levels.

[0032] When cleaning chimney 1, the chimney brush removes particles, such as soot particles, from the inner walls of chimney 1. The detached particles trickle down inside chimney 1 and would escape through the open door 5 without the insert 10. This is especially true when chimney 1 is being cleaned in an area above the cleaning opening 2. Furthermore, the particles are deposited on the shaft 6 of the cleaning device and, as the cleaning device is moved back and forth, are transported from inside chimney 1 to the outside by the shaft 6.

[0033] The inventive insert 10 effectively prevents both of these problems by forming two sealing planes with the outer brushes 15 and the inner brushes 16, which act as barriers for the particles. Furthermore, when the cleaning device is moved, particles are scraped off the shaft 6, thus preventing them from being transported outwards from the shaft 6.

[0034] The sealing effect is further enhanced by the fact that the insert 10 is designed like an airlock, in which the space between the two sealing planes, i.e., between the outer brushes 15 and the inner brushes 16, is subjected to negative pressure. Any particles that may penetrate into the space are extracted. The suction hose 7 serves this purpose, connecting the space of the insert 10 to the extraction device (not shown here).

[0035] In the Figures 5-7 The deployment is shown in more detail in 10 separate spatial drawings.

[0036] Insert 10 has a frame to which the outer brushes 15 and the inner brushes 16 are attached. In the Figures 5 and 6 Only the outer brushes 15 are visible; the inner brushes 16 are attached to the non-visible underside of the insert 10.

[0037] The frame is formed from two frame elements 11 and two frame elements 12. Both frame elements 11 and 12 each have two U-shaped side parts 13, which are connected to each other perpendicularly in a corner area.

[0038] The frame elements 11, 12 differ in the dimensions of their side parts 13 such that the frame elements 12, with their side parts 13, can be inserted into the side parts 13 of the frame elements 11. Each frame element 11, 12 then carries, in the plane of the legs of the side parts 13, an outer brush 15 and an inner brush 16, respectively, each with a plurality of bristles lying in one plane. The slidability of the frame elements 11, 12 relative to each other is shown in the Figures 5 and 6 symbolized by the double arrows shown on the side. Figure 5 shows insert 10 in a fully collapsed state and Figure 6in an almost fully extended state.

[0039] The sliding mechanism of the frame elements 11, 12 relative to each other allows the size of the insert 10 to be adjusted to different sized cleaning openings 2 or through openings in the cleaning door 3. In this way, the insert 10 can be used for cleaning doors 3 of different sizes and proportions. When the frame is reduced in size, the respective brushes 15, 16 of adjacent or opposite frame elements 11, 12 slide over each other.

[0040] To secure the insert 10 in the cleaning door 3, springs, in particular compression springs, can be arranged between the frame elements 11, 12 in the space between the insert 10. These springs push the frame of the insert 10 apart in both directions. The frame can be compressed and thus pre-tensioned before insertion. After insertion, the frame elements 11, 12 are pushed outwards, and the insert thus clamps itself securely in the cleaning opening 2 or the passage of the cleaning door 3. In addition to or as an alternative to the springs, a locking mechanism between the frame elements 11, 12 can be provided. It is also conceivable that the frame elements 11, 12 can be displaced relative to each other by means of threaded spindles, so that the frame can be clamped in the cleaning opening 2 or the passage of the cleaning door 3 by turning the threaded spindles. For example, aA circumferential seal is arranged on one outer side of the frame. This seal creates a tight seal against the cleaning door 3 of the chimney 1 and prevents dust from escaping through any remaining gaps.

[0041] Within the framework of the insert 10, shown here as an example in one of the frame elements 12, an outwardly open suction opening 14 is provided, into which the suction hose 7 is inserted. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a suction opening 14 in each of the two opposing frame elements 12. This then allows the use of two suction hoses 7 and two extraction devices for higher suction power. If this is not required, one of the suction openings could also be closed with a flap or a plug, etc.

[0042] The suction hose 7 and / or the suction opening 14 can be conically shaped so that the suction hose 7 can be firmly connected to the insert 10 by friction. Alternatively or additionally, a screw connection or a bayonet connection between the two elements can be provided.

[0043] Figure 7 Figure 10 shows the insert 10 again in an exploded view, in which two of the frame elements 11, 12 are completely separated from each other, so that both sealing planes of the insert 10 and, accordingly, the inner brushes 16 are visible in this figure. The figure also clearly shows the gap formed between the two sealing planes, which is connected to the suction hose 7 via the suction opening 14.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the insert 10 is equipped with brushes 15, 16 to form the sealing surfaces. Alternatively, it is conceivable to use an arrangement of elastic lamellae instead of brushes to form the sealing surfaces, which may be adjustable in size, through which the cleaning device can be guided with its shaft 6. In an alternative embodiment, the insert 10 could also be designed with a fixed frame if adaptation to different sized cleaning openings 2 or chimney doors 3 is not required.

[0045] In the illustrated first embodiment, the device for dust-free chimney cleaning is designed to be inserted into the open chimney door 3. Alternatively, the device can also be designed as an attachment instead of the insert 10, which is positioned in front of the cleaning opening 2 and, in particular, is placed on the frame 4 of the cleaning door 3 when the door 5 is open. It is also conceivable that the device comprises an insert 10 and an adapter frame having a circumferential collar, with which the insert can then be mounted in or (partially) in front of the cleaning opening 2 or in front of the frame 4. An embodiment of a device with an insert 10 and an adapter frame is described in connection with the Figures 8-12 presented further below.

[0046] It can happen during the Figures 5-7The device shown is provided that at least one further opening is arranged in at least one of the frame elements 11, 12 on a side opposite the extraction opening 14, which points into the interior of the chimney 1 during cleaning. This at least one further opening can, for example, be incorporated into a leg of one or more side parts 13, on which the inner brushes are also arranged. Dust is extracted from the interior of the chimney through this at least one further opening, thereby directly reducing the dust concentration in the chimney. A variable opening cross-section can be provided for this at least one further opening, for example, by allowing the opening to be variably covered and thus reduced in size by a sliding cover. Varying the opening cross-section changes the ratio of the suction power from the space between the frame elements and from the interior of the chimney.

[0047] In the Figures 8-12Figure 1 shows a second embodiment of a device for dust-reducing cleaning of a chimney 1. As in the first embodiment, the device comprises an insert 10 with a frame in which two spaced-apart dust-retaining passages are formed. These are again formed, for example, by two consecutive planes of brushes, of which the Figure 8 the outer brushes 15 are visible.

[0048] Unlike the first embodiment, the insert 10 here is not designed with a frame whose size can be changed, but with a frame of fixed dimensions. The frame has a rectangular frame section 17 facing the chimney 1, with a rectangular cross-section, and a collar 18 projecting outwards beyond this section.

[0049] Similar to the first embodiment, a nozzle-like extraction opening 14 is formed in one corner of the frame, which is pneumatically connected to the interior of the insert 10, which is formed between the two dust-retaining feedthroughs. A suction hose 7 is inserted into the extraction opening 14 as an example.

[0050] In its external dimensions, the frame and in particular its rectangular frame section 17 is smaller than the size of the cleaning opening 2 of the chimney 1.

[0051] To ensure that the insert 10 is positioned as tightly as possible in the cleaning opening 2, an adapter frame 19 made of a soft and compressible material, for example, a foam plastic, is provided. This frame has a rectangular opening in the center into which the insert 10, with the rectangular frame section 17, can be inserted with a clamping force. When the insert 10 is in place, the collar rests on the front surface of the sealing adapter 19.

[0052] The external dimensions of the adapter frame 19 correspond essentially to the size of the cleaning opening 2, with the side walls being inclined so that the adapter frame 19 has the shape of a truncated cone with a rectangular base.

[0053] In Figure 9 The illustration shows how the adapter frame 19 can be clamped into the cleaning opening 2 and thus essentially completely closes the cleaning openings 2, even if they are of different sizes.

[0054] It may be possible to provide the adapter frame 19 in different sizes and different aspect ratios of height and width (relative to the installation direction according to Figure 9 ) as well as providing different angles of the outer side walls in order to be able to use the insert 10 variably for a wide variety of cleaning openings 2.

[0055] Figure 10 Figure 1 shows the use of the device during a cleaning process on a partially opened chimney 1. As in the first embodiment, the shaft of a cleaning device 6, whose brush head is located in the chimney 1, is guided through the two brushes 15 and 16.

[0056] The Figures 11 and 12 show the insert 10 and the sealing adapter 19 separately in a spatial representation ( Figure 11 ) or sectioned spatial representation ( Figure 12 ).

[0057] In Figure 12The pneumatic connection between the suction opening 14, which here is designed in the form of a nozzle, and the interior space between the outer brush 15 and the inner brush 16 is well designed. The interior space connected to the suction opening 14 is enclosed laterally by the frame of the insert 10 and, in particular, by the rectangular section 17. As in the first embodiment, additional openings to the interior of the chimney 1 can be provided to allow particles trickling down the chimney to be drawn directly from the suction hose 7 through the insert 10.

[0058] In a method according to the invention for cleaning a chimney with reduced dust, such a device is inserted into or arranged in front of a cleaning opening of the chimney, and the chimney is cleaned with a cleaning device whose shaft is guided through the device, while the device is coupled to a suction system and the space between the device and, if necessary, the interior of the chimney is extracted. Reference symbol list

[0059] 1 Chimney 2 Cleaning opening 3 Cleaning flap 4 Frame 5 Door 6 Shaft of a cleaning device 7 Suction hose 10 Insert 11, 12 Frame element 13 Side panel 14 Suction opening 15 Outer brush 16 Inner brush 17 Rectangular frame section 18 Collar 19 Adapter frame

Claims

1. Device for reducing dust pollution during chimney cleaning with a cleaning device that can be inserted into a chimney (1) through a cleaning opening (2) and is movable inside the chimney (1) by means of an elastic shaft (6), characterized by the fact that - the device has a frame which can be mounted in or in front of the cleaning opening (2), wherein - two spaced-apart dust-retaining passages for the shaft (6) are formed on the frame by elastic elements, and wherein - a space is formed between the frame and the dust-retaining passages into which at least one extraction opening (14) leads.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the frame has profiled side parts (13), wherein the elastic elements of the dust-retaining feedthroughs are arranged on the profiled side parts (13).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the side parts (13) are U-shaped profiled, the elastic elements being arranged on legs of the U-shaped profiled side parts (13).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame is designed to be telescopic in at least one spatial direction.

5. Device according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the frame is formed by at least two different frame elements (11, 12) which have interlocking and mutually displaceable u-shaped side parts (13).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame has fixed dimensions and is inserted into an interchangeable adapter frame (19) which is mounted in or in front of the cleaning opening (2).

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the adapter frame (19) has the shape of a truncated cone with a rectangular base and has a central opening into which the frame is inserted.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elastic elements of the dust-retaining feedthroughs are brushes (15, 16).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one suction opening (14) is arranged in a first side of the frame and is designed for connection with a suction hose (7).

10. Device according to claim 9, wherein at least one further opening is arranged in the frame on a side opposite the first side.

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein at least one further opening is assigned a cover element for adjusting an opening cross-section.

12. Method for cleaning a chimney (1) with reduced dust load, comprising the following steps: - Inserting or placing a device according to one of claims 1 to 12 into or in front of a cleaning opening (2) of the chimney (1); - Inserting a cleaning device with an elastic shaft (6) through the device into the chimney (1); - Connecting the space between the device and a suction system; and - Cleaning the chimney (1) using the cleaning tool while suctioning the space between.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the device is adapted in size to the cleaning opening (2) or to a cleaning door (3) associated therewith before or during insertion or placement into or in front of the cleaning opening (2).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, after completion of the cleaning, the cleaning device is removed by the device at the elastic shaft (6) while suction is performed from the space between.

15. Application of a device for dust-reduced cleaning of a chimney (1) through a cleaning opening (2) using a cleaning device with an elastic shaft (6), characterized by the fact that the device is designed according to one of claims 1 to 12 and is arranged in front of or in the cleaning opening (2) of the chimney (1) during cleaning.

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