Disposable container for construction vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disposable container (100) for collecting dust in a vacuum cleaner (1), in particular in a construction vacuum cleaner, wherein the disposable container (100) has the following: an inlet opening (102) which can be connected to a suction hose connection of the vacuum cleaner (1); a suction opening (104) which can be connected to a suction device of the vacuum cleaner (1), wherein the inlet opening (102) and the suction opening (104) are designed to be detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to disposable containers for collecting dust in a vacuum cleaner, in particular in construction vacuum cleaners. Background of the invention

[0002] A construction vacuum (or industrial vacuum) is a powerful piece of construction equipment specifically designed for vacuuming up dirt, dust, and liquids on construction sites or in workshops. Construction vacuums can be categorized as wet or dry vacuums based on their intended use. Dry vacuums, in particular, can be divided into two main types: those with and without dust bags. Both have different operating principles and offer various advantages and disadvantages.

[0003] A construction vacuum cleaner with a dust bag directs the collected dirt into a special bag that needs to be replaced or emptied regularly. The collected dirt and dust are gathered directly in the bag, minimizing contact with the dirt. This is particularly advantageous with fine dust. The dust bag serves not only as a collection container but is also permeable to air and acts as a filter for the suction airflow. However, this also means that suction power can decrease rapidly as the bag fills up. It's important to check frequently that the bag isn't overfilled. Furthermore, these types of permeable dust bags are unsuitable for handling hazardous materials, as these are often fine-grained and can therefore leak out of the bag unintentionally. Finally, especially in construction applications, dust can clog the pores of the filter bag before it's full.

[0004] Bagless vacuum cleaners collect dirt directly in a container that is emptied after use. The advantages are that there are no ongoing costs for bags and the containers have a larger capacity. On the other hand, it is known that when the container is emptied, the collected dust is easily released again, which can lead to increased dust exposure for the user.

[0005] Construction vacuums are frequently used in conjunction with hazardous materials such as mineral dust, quartz, or hardwood dust. Until now, the proper disposal of these materials, once trapped in the dust container, has rarely been considered. This creates significant health risks, as pollutants are often emptied from the vacuum without regard for the user's health.

[0006] Based on the above-mentioned problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a construction vacuum cleaner which enables simple and safe disposal of hazardous substances and at the same time has long maintenance intervals.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments relating to the subject matter of the independent claims are found in the dependent claims.

[0008] Disposable container for collecting dust in a vacuum cleaner, in particular in a construction vacuum cleaner, wherein the disposable container has the following features: an inlet opening which can be connected to a suction hose connection of the vacuum cleaner; a suction opening which can be connected to a filter of the vacuum cleaner, wherein the inlet opening and the suction opening are designed to be detachably connected to the suction device.

[0009] The present invention is, in particular, a combination of a bagged and a bagless vacuum cleaner. The disposable container shown here, unlike a conventional vacuum bag, does not serve as a filter but is non-porous. In other words, the disposable container is airtight. The air-dust mixture of the airflow is separated by a separate filter, as is usual with bagless vacuum cleaners. Accordingly, the disposable container has a suction opening that can be connected to the separate filter of the vacuum cleaner. Particles separated from the airflow by the filter thus fall back into the disposable container and can be easily and cleanly removed from the interior of the vacuum cleaner along with it. According to the invention, the disposable container is disposed of together with the particles. In particular, the disposable container does not need to be emptied, which in the past led to the release of harmful particles.Thus, the present invention utilizes the advantages of both technologies. On the one hand, the dust can be safely and quickly removed from the construction vacuum cleaner. On the other hand, maintenance intervals are significantly longer, since the airflow is purified by the separate filter, which can be cleaned regularly, as is well known in the prior art.

[0010] In another embodiment, the disposable container is made of a single-use material. In yet another embodiment, the disposable container is made of recycled material. By using recycled materials for the disposable container, it is not only safer for the user but also environmentally friendly. For example, the material could also be a multi-recycled material, which would allow the disposable container to potentially be reused together with the collected particles.

[0011] In another embodiment, the disposable container is made of cellulose with a basis weight of 180 g / m² to 600 g / m². For example, the material of the disposable container could be cardboard, which is inexpensive to produce and possesses the necessary strength to securely contain the dust particles. The use of natural cellulose for the production of the disposable container also has the advantage that it can be recycled together with the building material, particularly when processing natural materials. For example, the disposable container could be made of cardboard, which can be recycled directly along with the wood dust collected inside the container.

[0012] In another embodiment, the disposable container has a filter that is connected to and covers the suction opening. According to this embodiment, the filter is part of the disposable container and is also a disposable item. The filter can, for example, be permanently attached to the wall of the disposable container. This prevents dust from escaping the container when it is removed, thus avoiding any risk to the user, even without a discharge valve. Alternatively, the filter can be detachably attached to the wall of the disposable container, i.e., replaceably. This is particularly advantageous if the wall of the disposable container is made of recyclable material, but the filter is not. It should also be mentioned here that the filter of the present invention is a separate filter, i.e.,not an air-permeable area of ​​the wall, but a filter fabric that differs from the material and structure of the wall.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the inlet opening has an inlet valve, which is preferably biased into a closed position. The inlet valve prevents dust particles from escaping when the disposable container is removed from the vacuum cleaner. The biasing to the closed position automatically activates this safety mechanism, thus protecting the user from dust particles simply by removing the disposable container.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the inlet valve is designed such that when a suction hose is inserted into the suction device, the inlet valve is moved from its closed state to its open state.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the suction opening has a suction valve, wherein the suction valve is preferably biased into a closed state.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the suction valve is designed in such a way that the suction valve is transferred from its closed state to its open state when the disposable container is inserted into the suction cup.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the inlet valve and / or the suction valve has a flap which can pivot between a closed state and an open state, wherein the flap is biased into the closed state by a spring element.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the inlet valve and / or the suction valve has an elastically deformable diaphragm which is pre-tensioned to a closed state and is designed in such a way that the diaphragm deforms elastically when transitioning from the closed state to the open state.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the inlet valve and / or the suction valve is designed such that the inlet valve is moved from the closed state to the open state by a suction air flow in the suction device.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a construction vacuum cleaner with a suction hose connection for connecting a suction hose and a turbine for generating a suction airflow, wherein the construction vacuum cleaner has at least one filter which is arranged between a collection container and the turbine, and wherein the construction vacuum cleaner has a disposable container as described above.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the inlet opening of the disposable container is detachably connected to the suction hose connection of the construction vacuum cleaner, wherein the suction opening of the disposable container is detachably connected to the filter.

[0022] Further advantages arise from the following description of the figures. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic cross-section through a construction vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a schematic cross-section through a disposable container according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 3 a schematic cross-section through a disposable container according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description

[0024] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows an exemplary representation of a construction vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The construction vacuum cleaner essentially comprises a collection container 8 and a suction head 9. The suction head 9 is detachably positioned on the collection container 8. The collection container 8 essentially includes a circumferential wall surface 15 and a base 16. The circumferential wall surface 15 and the base 16 form a cavity 17. The collection container 8 serves to collect and retain dirt particles, which are gathered by means of the aspirated airflow LS. The dirt particles are not shown in the figures.

[0025] The suction head 9 has a suction device 10, for example a turbine, for generating a vacuum. Using this vacuum, ambient air can be drawn from the outside into the interior of the vacuum cleaner 2. The turbine 10 is connected to a filter 7 via a supply pipe 11. In the embodiment shown here, the filter is positioned in a filter cartridge holder 12. The filter cartridge holder 12 essentially has the shape and external volume of a corresponding filter cartridge and serves to receive and hold the filter cartridge.

[0026] The filter 7 is positioned within the suction head 9, between the suction device 10 and the collection container 8. A separating plane 13 runs between the suction head 9 and the collection container 8. Furthermore, the suction head 9 has an inlet pipe 14 with a first end 14a and a second end 14b. The first end 14a of the inlet pipe 14 is located outside the suction head 9 and serves as a suction hose connection for connecting and holding a vacuum cleaner hose. The vacuum cleaner hose is not shown in the figures.

[0027] The second end 14b of the inlet pipe 14 points into the interior of the collection container 8. The air-dust mixture drawn in by the airflow flows through the second end 14b of the inlet pipe 14 into the interior of the collection container 8.

[0028] Inside the collection container 8, i.e., in the cavity 17, of the construction vacuum cleaner 1, a disposable container 18 is arranged. The disposable container 18 is, in particular, detachably arranged in the cavity 17 of the construction vacuum cleaner 1. The disposable container 18 serves to collect dust, which is drawn into the interior of the collection container 8 by the airflow LS. As this is shown in Figure 1 As schematically indicated, the disposable container 18 is sealed to the inlet pipe 14 on one side. On the other side, the disposable container 18 is sealed to the filter 7. Accordingly, the airflow LS is guided through the disposable container 18 from the inlet pipe 14 to the filter 7. The disposable container is in Figure 2 shown in detail.

[0029] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a disposable container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The disposable container 100 can, for example, be made of a lightweight disposable material. For example, the disposable container 100 is a cardboard container, which is lightweight and can be easily recycled. Cardboard is also a natural product that can be disposed of together with other natural particles in the airstream (for example, wood particles).

[0030] The disposable container 100 has an inlet opening 102. The inlet opening 102 extends through a wall 106 of the disposable container 100. The disposable container 100 has a suction opening 104, which also extends through the wall of the disposable container 100.

[0031] The disposable container 100 is connected to the inlet pipe 114 via the inlet opening 102. For example, the inlet opening 102 can be accessed via the Figure 1 The second end (14b) of the inlet pipe 114 is inserted as described. The inlet opening 102 is detachably connected to the inlet pipe. The disposable container 100 is connected to a filter 120 via the suction opening 104. For example, the filter 120 can have a flange which can be inserted into the suction opening 104 after the disposable container has been inserted. The suction opening 104 is detachably connected to the flange of the filter 120.

[0032] During operation of the construction vacuum cleaner, an air-dust mixture is drawn in via the airflow (LS, Fig. 1The air is drawn into the disposable container 100. This occurs primarily due to the turbine located behind the filter, which creates a negative pressure. The airflow enters the interior of the disposable container 100 through the inlet opening 102 and passes through the filter 120 after exiting the disposable container 100 through the suction opening 104. As the airflow passes through the filter 120, the dust and other particles contained in the airflow are retained; that is, the particles cannot pass through the filter. The collected particles 122 fall to the bottom of the disposable container 100. After a certain operating time, the disposable container 100 is full; that is, its interior 108 can no longer hold any more particles. The particles are removed from the collection container 8 along with the disposable container 100. For this purpose, the disposable container 100 can be quickly and easily removed from the inlet pipe 114 or from the filter flange.

[0033] Construction vacuums are frequently used when working with hazardous materials. The particles generated in this process must therefore be securely contained within the disposable container 100, not only during vacuuming but also when changing it. It is particularly important that the harmful particles cannot escape from the interior 108 of the disposable container 100 when it is being changed. For this reason, the disposable container 100 according to the invention can be equipped with valves that are pre-tensioned in their closed position.

[0034] In Figure 2Exemplary embodiments of such valves are shown schematically. An inlet valve 110 serves to close the inlet opening 102 as soon as the disposable container 100 is removed from the construction vacuum cleaner. A suction valve 116 serves to close the suction opening 104 as soon as the disposable container 100 is removed from the construction vacuum cleaner. In the two shown in Figure 2 The valves shown are flaps which are pre-tensioned in their closed position. The inlet valve 110 has a spring element 112 for this purpose, while the intake valve 116 has a spring element 118.

[0035] Although the valves are pre-tensioned in their closed positions, valves 110 and 116 are in Figure 2in their open position. In other words, when the disposable container 100 is installed, the two valves 110 and 116 are in their open position. In the embodiment shown here, this is achieved, for example, by moving the inlet valve 110 into its open position against the preload of the spring element 112 when the inlet opening 102 is attached to the inlet pipe 114. The suction valve 116 behaves similarly. The suction valve 116 is thereby moved into its open position. Figure 2The open position shown is achieved by inserting the flange of the filter 120 into the suction opening 104. In other words, by inserting the inlet pipe 114 or the filter flange, the flap-type valves 110 and 116 are pivoted from their closed position (not shown) to their open position. The spring elements 112 and 118 mentioned above automatically return the valves 110 and 116 to their closed position as soon as the disposable container 100 is removed from the vacuum cleaner, i.e., as soon as the filter 120 is pulled out of the suction opening 104 or the inlet opening 102 is detached from the inlet pipe 114.

[0036] The automatic closure of the inlet opening 102 and the suction opening 104 upon removal of the disposable container effectively prevents the particles 122 located in the cavity 108 from escaping the disposable container 100. The disposable container 100, preferably made of natural materials, can then be disposed of together with the particles 122. The user thus no longer comes into contact with the particles 122.

[0037] In the embodiment described above, the valves 110 and 116 are moved into their open position by contact with parts of the vacuum cleaner, specifically by contact with the inlet pipe 114 and the filter nozzle, respectively. In an alternative embodiment, the valves can also be opened by the airflow within the vacuum cleaner. According to this example, the valves are closed as long as the vacuum cleaner is inactive, i.e., as long as no airflow is generated by the turbine. As soon as the vacuum cleaner is switched off, i.e., there is no airflow, the valves close automatically due to the preload described above. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the disposable container is already sealed when the vacuum cleaner is switched off, and not only after the disposable container has been removed.

[0038] It should be noted here that a variety of different valve types can be used in the disposable container 100 according to the present invention. For example, one or both valves can be designed as diaphragm valves. The diaphragm valve is designed such that it deforms from its closed position as soon as the disposable container is inserted into the vacuum cleaner. Referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the diaphragm of the valves can, for example, open by deformation when the inlet opening 102 is pushed over the inlet pipe 114. The diaphragm of the suction valve can correspondingly deform elastically when the filter nozzle is inserted into the suction opening. Finally, it is also conceivable to design the valves as ball valves, which are pre-tensioned in the closed position.

[0039] The Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a disposable container 200 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The disposable container 200 is shown in the Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment is detachably connected to a suction head 9. Although this is not shown in detail, the suction head 9 also features, according to Figure 3 a suction device to create a vacuum.

[0040] The disposable container 200 has an inlet opening 202 and a suction opening 204. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 The inlet opening 202 can be connected to an inlet pipe, which serves to connect a suction hose to the disposable container. The suction opening 204 is detachably connected to a suction channel of the suction head 9. In contrast to the one in Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, however, no filter is arranged in the suction head. Instead, a filter 220 is part of the disposable container. The filter 220 covers the suction opening 204 either on the inside or the outside. In other words, the filter 220 can be arranged on either the inside or outside of the wall 206 of the disposable container 200.

[0041] In the embodiment shown here, the filter 220 is permanently attached to the wall 206. The filter 220 cannot be detached from the wall 206 without destroying the disposable container. Regardless of whether the filter 220 is located on the inside or outside of the wall 206, it completely covers the suction opening 204, such that the air-dust mixture flowing through the interior 208 of the disposable container 200 can only exit the interior 208 via the filter 220. Dust particles 222, which are filtered out of the air-dust mixture by the filter 220, settle at the bottom of the disposable container 200. These dust particles cannot escape through the suction opening 204, even after the disposable container 200 has been removed from the vacuum cleaner, due to the integrated filter 220.

[0042] An inlet valve 210 serves to close the inlet opening 202 as soon as the disposable container 200 is removed from the construction vacuum cleaner. The inlet valve 210 is a flap that is pre-tensioned in its closed position. The inlet valve 110 has a spring element for this purpose.

[0043] Although the inlet valve 210 is pre-tensioned in its closed position, this is in Figure 3 The container is shown in its open position. The automatic closing of the inlet opening 102 upon removal of the disposable container effectively prevents the particles 222 located in the cavity 208 from escaping the disposable container 100. The disposable container 100, preferably made of natural materials, can then be disposed of together with the particles 222 and the filter 220. The user thus no longer comes into contact with the particles.

[0044] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures, but results from a combination of all the features disclosed herein. Reference symbol list

[0045] 1. Vacuum cleaner 7. Filter 8. Concentrated container 9. Suction head 10. Suction device 11. Supply pipe 12. Filter cassette holder 13. Separation plane 14. Inlet pipe 14a. First end 14b. Second end 15. Wall surface 16. Base 17. Cavity 18. Disposable container 100, 200; Disposable container 102, 202; Inlet opening 104, 204; Suction opening 106, 206; Wall 108, 208; Cavity 110, 210; Inlet valve 112; Spring element 114; Inlet pipe 116; Suction valve 118; Spring element 120, 220; Filter 122, 222; Particle LS; Airflow

Claims

1. Disposable container (100) for collecting dust in a vacuum cleaner (1), in particular in a construction vacuum cleaner, wherein the disposable container (100) has the following: - an inlet opening (102) which can be connected to a suction hose connection of the vacuum cleaner (1); - a suction opening (104) which can be connected to a suction device (10) of the vacuum cleaner (1), wherein the inlet opening (102) and the suction opening (104) are designed to be detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner (1).

2. Disposable container (100) according to claim 1, wherein the disposable container (100) is made of a disposable material.

3. Disposable container (100) according to claim 2, wherein the disposable container (100) is made of recycled material.

4. Disposable container (100) according to claim 3, wherein the disposable container (100) is made of cellulose with a basis weight of 180g / m² to 600g / m².

5. Disposable container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the disposable container has a filter (210) which is connected to the suction opening (204) and covers the suction opening.

6. Disposable container according to claim 6, wherein the filter is inseparably connected to the suction opening.

7. Disposable container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inlet opening (102) has an inlet valve (110), wherein the inlet valve (110) is preferably biased into a closed state.

8. Disposable container (100) according to claim 7, wherein the inlet valve (110) is designed such that the inlet valve (110) is changed from its closed state to its open state when a suction hose is inserted into the suction device (1).

9. Disposable container (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the suction opening (104) has a suction valve (116), wherein the suction valve (116) is preferably biased into a closed state.

10. Disposable container (100) according to claim 9, wherein the suction valve (116) is designed such that the suction valve (116) is transferred from its closed state to its open state when the disposable container (100) is inserted into the suction device (1).

11. Disposable container (100) according to claim 8 or 10, wherein the inlet valve (110) and / or the suction valve (116) has a flap which is pivotable between a closed state and an open state, and wherein the flap is biased into the closed state by a spring element.

12. Disposable container (100) according to claim 8 or 10, wherein the inlet valve and / or the suction valve has an elastically deformable diaphragm which is pre-tensioned to a closed state and is designed such that the diaphragm deforms elastically when transitioning from the closed state to the open state.

13. Disposable container (100) according to claim 7 or 9, wherein the inlet valve and / or the suction valve is designed such that the inlet valve is moved from the closed state to the open state by a suction air flow in the suction device (1).

14. Construction vacuum cleaner with a suction hose connection (14) for connecting a suction hose and a turbine (10) for generating a suction airflow (LS), wherein the construction vacuum cleaner (1) has at least one filter (7) which is arranged between a collection container (8) and the turbine (10), and wherein the construction vacuum cleaner (1) has a disposable container (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Construction vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 12, wherein the inlet opening (102) of the disposable container (100) is detachably connected to the suction hose connection (14), and wherein the suction opening (104) of the disposable container is detachably connected to the filter (7).

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