Equipment for cleaning the ventilation system cavities, especially in vehicles.

Abstract

DEPCT68 This invention relates to a device (100) for cleaning the cavities of ventilation systems. Specifically for vehicles using cleaning agents, the equipment (100) has a receiver (101) for receiving the container. Contains cleaning agent (600) and cleaning component (102), where the cleaning component (102) It will create a support structure (103) that is configured to hold a pocket-shaped cleaning cloth (700). Place it above the cleaning section (102) so that the volume inside the cleaning section (102) is connected to The receiving part (101) allows the cleaning solution of the cleaning solution container (600) to be held in place. In the receiving section (101), flow can occur from the receiving section (101) into the internal volume;

Description

[0001] Cleaning device for ventilation systems

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for cleaning cavities of a ventilation system, in particular of a vehicle, by means of a cleaning agent, and to a method for producing the device.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Many cavities, such as those in a vehicle's ventilation system, must be cleaned at regular intervals because contaminants often build up and thus reduce air quality, leading to unpleasant odors. For example, when replacing a vehicle cabin air filter, such as a pollen air filter, the area surrounding the housing, or the so-called air filter box of the ventilation system, must be cleaned before a new filter is installed. From a technical perspective, the cleaning process when replacing a vehicle cabin air filter is a fundamental contribution to the comprehensive, regular, hygienic maintenance of air conditioning systems in motor vehicles.

[0006] The cleaning requirement for the environmental cleaning of vehicle cabin air filters is usually carried out using chemical-mechanical cleaning. A chemical cleaning fluid is introduced to dissolve and bind organic material, and the contaminants are mechanically removed, for example, using a rag. This multi-stage cleaning process often results in long, complex cleaning cycles, as the chemical cleaning fluid is first injected directly into the filter box via a spray probe, followed by manual wiping using a rag.

[0007] Due to the optimization of air filter media, the height of cabin air filter housings in motor vehicles has been significantly reduced. This means that after the chemical cleaning fluid has entered, the contaminants from a vehicle air filter box are difficult to wipe out and remove. Neither the opening nor the volume of the air filter box itself are high enough for the final mechanical cleaning step using a hand and a rag.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to simplify a cleaning process of cavities, in particular in a vehicle.

[0009] This object is achieved with a device for cleaning cavities and the method for producing the device according to the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for cleaning cavities of a ventilation system (for example, a cabin air filter system or an air filter box of a ventilation system), in particular of a vehicle, using a cleaning agent is described. The device has a receiving section for receiving a cleaning agent container and a cleaning section, wherein the cleaning section forms a support frame configured such that a pocket-shaped cleaning cloth can be placed over the cleaning section, thereby forming an interior volume (within a placed-over cleaning cloth). The cleaning section is coupled to the receiving section such that a cleaning agent of the cleaning agent container, which can be secured in the receiving section, can flow from the receiving section into the interior volume.

[0011] According to a further aspect, a method for producing a device for cleaning cavities of a ventilation system, in particular of a vehicle, using a cleaning agent is described. The method comprises providing a receiving section for receiving a cleaning agent container and providing a cleaning section, wherein the cleaning section forms a support frame configured such that a pocket-shaped cleaning cloth can be placed over the cleaning section, thereby forming an interior volume. Furthermore, the method comprises coupling the cleaning section to the receiving section such that a cleaning agent of the cleaning agent container, which can be fastened in the receiving section, can flow from the receiving section into the interior volume.

[0012] For efficient ventilation and air conditioning of a vehicle, a ventilation system comprises a plurality of enclosures or ventilation ducts with cavities through which a desired amount of air can be directed into predetermined areas of the vehicle. At one or more locations of the ventilation system, in particular (pollen) air filters are provided, which must be replaced at a predetermined maintenance cycle. The cavities of the ventilation system are accessible through smaller openings. Chemical cleaning agents can be introduced through these openings, as can mechanical cleaning elements, such as cleaning cloths. The device according to the invention comprises a cleaning section formed with a support frame onto which a pocket-shaped cleaning cloth can be placed.The support frame stabilizes and thus carries the cleaning cloth, so that the cleaning cloth can be inserted together with the support frame, for example, into a cavity in the ventilation system in order to carry out mechanical cleaning.

[0013] In particular, the support frame is designed to stretch the pocket-shaped cleaning cloth so that an inner volume can be formed. For example, the support frame spaced apart an opposing front and rear flat cleaning section of the cleaning cloth. The width of the support frame, with which the cleaning cloth is stretched, is in particular less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm, so that the support frame, together with the cleaning cloth itself, can be inserted into small ventilation openings or openings in filter boxes through which a user's hand would not fit. The support frame can, for example, be attached to the receiving section in an articulated manner. Furthermore, the support frame can be designed to be elastically deformable in order to elastically adapt to certain shapes of the cavities of the ventilation system.

[0014] The cleaning cloth is made, in particular, of a felt-like, fibrous, or woven material. The cleaning cloth can, for example, be a microfiber cloth. For example, the cleaning cloth can be made of an organic material, such as cotton. Furthermore, the cleaning cloth can be made of a plastic-like fabric.

[0015] Furthermore, the device has a receiving section.

[0016] A cleaning agent container can be exchangeably received in the receiving section and secured in a predefined position. The cleaning agent container contains, in particular, a cleaning fluid, which can be dispensed, for example, in the form of a spray, aerosol, or foam. The receiving section can simultaneously form a handle for the device. The user can grasp the receiving section and, for example, manipulate the device in such a way that the cleaning section can be inserted into the cavity to be cleaned.

[0017] The receiving section is coupled to the cleaning section in such a way that the cleaning agent can exit the cleaning agent container and flow into the interior volume of the cleaning section. The cleaning agent thus wets and moistens the cleaning cloth. The cleaning agent container can, for example, contain the cleaning agent at a pressure of 0.5 bar to 12 bar. The cleaning agent container further comprises an outlet tube or riser pipe with a diameter of 0.5 mm to 10 mm. Since the support frame spans the cleaning cloth and the interior volume in the pocket-shaped cleaning cloth is thereby formed, the cleaning agent reaches the inner surfaces of the cleaning cloth over a large area, so that the cloth is saturated with the cleaning agent evenly and homogeneously over the entire surface.

[0018] With this cleaning cloth soaked in cleaning agent, the cleaning section can now be inserted into the cavity to be cleaned, thus performing both chemical and mechanical cleaning simultaneously. The cleaning cloth is automatically soaked with cleaning agent so that the cleaning agent can be applied to the surfaces to be cleaned in the cavities. At the same time, the cleaning cloth is stabilized by the support frame so that the user can perform mechanical cleaning by sliding the cleaning section together with the cleaning cloth over the surfaces. It is sufficient if only the cleaning section and not the user's hand is inserted into the cavity to be cleaned. This eliminates the need for a two-stage cleaning process, whereby cleaning agent is first applied and then mechanical cleaning is carried out with a cleaning cloth.The device according to the invention allows for simultaneous chemical and mechanical cleaning, thus enabling efficient cleaning of cavities in a ventilation system. The device according to the invention provides easy handling and protection against injuries caused by sharp edges in the air filter box or ventilation system during manual cleaning.

[0019] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the receiving section has a clamping element which is designed to hold the cleaning agent container by means of a clamping fastening. For example, the cleaning agent container can have a collar or a flange which can be inserted into the receiving section in an insertion direction. At a predetermined holding position of the cleaning agent container, the clamping element clamps the cleaning agent container firmly, for example by clamping the collar or the surface of the cleaning agent container. The clamping force is selected such that the weight of the cleaning agent container prevents it from falling out of the receiving section; instead, a release force must be applied by the user counter to the insertion direction.

[0020] The cleaning cloth can be pulled over the support frame, and then the cleaning agent container can be inserted into the handle or the receiving section. Pressing the cleaning agent container (e.g., a spray can) empties the cleaning agent container and then moistens the cleaning cloth from the inside. The cleaning agent container is designed so that the pressurized cleaning agent flows evenly from the container into the interior of the pocket-shaped cleaning cloth, right up to the edges, so that the inner surfaces of the cleaning cloth are evenly saturated with the cleaning agent across the entire surface. The cavities can be cleaned chemically and mechanically accordingly. A new pollen filter can then be inserted into the clean environment.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment, the clamping element comprises an elastic material. For example, the clamping element can be made of a rubber-like material, such as hard rubber.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment, a spring element is provided in the receiving section, by means of which the clamping element can be pressed against the cleaning agent container. Alternatively or in addition to the restoring force of the clamping element, for example, due to the construction with elastic material, a spring force can generate the necessary clamping force by pressing the clamping element toward the cleaning agent container.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment, the receiving section has a locking element that can be pressed into a recess in the cleaning agent container, for example, by means of the spring element. The locking element can, for example, be arranged displaceably in the receiving section and be preloaded toward the cleaning agent container by means of a spring force.

[0024] According to a further exemplary embodiment, a flow channel is formed between the receiving section and the cleaning section such that an outflow element of the cleaning agent container protrudes into the flow channel when the cleaning agent container is received in the receiving section. The flow channel has, for example, a diameter between 0.5 mm (millimeters) and 10 mm. The cleaning agent container can, for example, have an outflow valve with a corresponding outlet tube. The flow channel in the receiving section can be arranged such that, when the cleaning agent container is attached to the predetermined location in the receiving section, the outlet tube protrudes into the flow channel.To facilitate easier insertion into the flow channel, the opening of the flow channel into the receiving section can be funnel-shaped, so that when the cleaning agent container is inserted into the receiving section, the outlet tube is centered in the flow channel and securely received. A sealing element, such as a rubber sealing ring, can be provided in the opening of the flow channel to seal the receiving tube of the cleaning agent container to the wall of the flow channel.

[0025] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the support frame has at least two spaced-apart support rods, which extend spaced from one another from the receiving section along a longitudinal direction and are spaced apart along a transverse direction that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The support rods are designed such that the cleaning cloth can be placed over the support rods and the internal volume can be formed between the support rods. The longitudinal direction defines the direction of extension of the support rod from the receiving section towards the opposite free end of the support rod. The transverse direction is defined perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the distance between the support rods is defined along the transverse direction. The support rods can extend parallel from the receiving section and thus have the same distance in the transverse direction at the receiving section and at the respective free end.Alternatively, the support rods can also extend from the receiving section in a V-shape, so that the transverse distance between the support rods is smaller at the receiving section than at their free ends. Alternatively, the support rods can extend from the receiving section in such a way that the transverse distance between the support rods is greater at the receiving section than at their free ends.

[0026] The support rods can, for example, have a round or rectangular cross-section. In particular, the support rods can have a rectangular cross-section and be thin-walled or strip-like.

[0027] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the support rods have an upper side edge and a lower side edge along a width direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. The upper side edge and the lower side edge are designed such that the placed-over cleaning cloth rests at least partially on the upper side edge and the lower side edge in order to form the internal volume. The width direction is accordingly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction and determines the width of the support rod. For example, the support rods have a rectangular cross-section, according to which the width in the width direction defines the distance between the upper side edge and the lower side edge. With a rectangular cross-section, the thickness of a support rod is defined in particular along the transverse direction, and the length of a support rod is defined along the longitudinal direction.In particular, a support rod is band-shaped, ie with a rectangular cross-section, wherein the width is at least five times, at least ten times or in particular more than 20 times greater than the thickness.

[0028] The distance between the upper and lower side edges defines the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the cleaning cloth, based on the contact area between the corresponding surfaces of the cleaning cloth. The greater the distance between the upper and lower side edges, the greater the corresponding distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the cleaning cloth, and the larger the internal volume.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one upper connecting web is provided between the upper side edges of the support rods, onto which a portion of the cleaning cloth can be placed. The connecting web thus prevents the cleaning cloth from collapsing between the support rods toward the interior volume and thus disrupting the distribution of the cleaning agent. At the same time, the connecting web serves to stabilize or stiffen the support rods. The connecting web can be made of the same material as the support rod and can be formed monolithically or integrally with the support rods.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one lower connecting web is provided between the lower side edges of the support rods, onto which a portion of the cleaning cloth can be placed. The lower connecting web can be configured to correspond to the upper connecting web. A portion of the interior volume is located between the upper connecting web and the lower connecting web. Since the cleaning cloth rests on the connecting webs, the upper connecting web and the lower connecting web prevent the cleaning cloth from folding between the support rods and interrupting the interior volume.

[0031] Alternatively, a corresponding connecting web can also be fastened centrally, i.e. between the upper side edge and the lower side edge of a support rod and, for example, in its course to the other support rod in the transverse direction, can have an eyelet or a passage for forming the internal volume, whereby the internal volume is not interrupted in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower connecting web and the upper connecting web run parallel to each other between the support rods. Alternatively, the connecting webs can be angled to each other. For example, the connecting webs can be at an angle of 30° to 60°, in particular 45°, to each other.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower connecting web and the upper connecting web are arranged one above the other in the width direction. In other words, the connecting webs overlap along a projection direction in the width direction.

[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower connecting web and the upper connecting web are arranged offset from one another in the extension direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction) of the support rods. In other words, an upper connecting web is arranged at a distance from an adjacent lower connecting web in the longitudinal direction. This ensures that the internal volume is formed in the longitudinal direction with few connection points across the entire longitudinal direction, reducing the risk of an upper surface of the cleaning cloth touching a lower surface of the cleaning cloth, thus interrupting the internal volume.

[0035] According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least the upper connecting web is arranged on the upper side edges of the support rods, such that a support area of ​​the upper connecting web for the cleaning cloth is spaced apart in the width direction from the upper side edges. Additionally or alternatively, at least the lower connecting web is arranged on the lower side edges of the support rods, such that a support area of ​​the lower connecting web for the cleaning cloth is spaced apart in the width direction from the lower side edges. In other words, an upper cloth surface on the support rods touches an upper surface of the upper connecting web and, between two adjacent upper connecting webs, the surface of the upper side edge of the corresponding support rod. Thus, a zigzag-shaped support surface for the upper cloth surface is created along the support rods.The same applies to the lower surface of the cloth along the lower side edge of the support rods. This increases the friction of the cleaning cloth on the support rod, for example, preventing it from accidentally detaching from the support frame.

[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment, the support frame has a stabilizing web that connects the free ends of the support rods. Thus, the support rods have a rigid connection at their respective ends, creating a robust design.

[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment of the method, the receiving section and the cleaning section are manufactured integrally by injection molding. Accordingly, the receiving section and the cleaning section are formed integrally and in one piece.

[0038] Alternatively, the receiving section and the cleaning section can be manufactured separately and connected with a detachable (e.g. screw connection) or fixed connection (e.g. adhesive connection).

[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the

[0040] Cleaning section, in particular the support frame, hinged to the

[0041] The receiving section is arranged such that the cleaning section is adjustable relative to the receiving section. This allows an angle to be formed between the receiving section and the cleaning section, making operation easier, especially when cleaning hard-to-reach cavities. Accordingly, a joint can be provided between the receiving section and the cleaning section. The joint can be designed like a hinge, allowing the cleaning section to be pivoted about a rotational axis relative to the receiving section. Furthermore, a joint with two or more pivot axes (e.g., a ball joint) can also be provided.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning section, in particular the support frame, can have an elastic region such that the cleaning section is deformable relative to the receiving section. This also allows an angle to be formed between the receiving section and the cleaning section.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one hook element is formed on the support frame. The hook element is configured to hook into a material or into a receiving opening of the cleaning cloth and to secure it against slipping. The hook element forms a projection that extends from a surface of the support frame, in particular from the support frame towards the cleaning cloth. As a result, the hook element can penetrate into the cleaning cloth or pass through it to create a positive connection and to secure the cleaning cloth against slipping relative to the support frame. Furthermore, the hook element can be pointed at the free end to penetrate into the cleaning cloth for hooking. Alternatively, the cleaning cloth can have a receiving opening through which the hook element can reach.In this case, the free end of the hook element can also be blunt to prevent injuries. The hook element can be made of the same material as the support frame and, for example, be manufactured integrally and in one piece with the support frame in a single manufacturing process. Alternatively, the hook element can be made of a different material than the support frame and attached to the support frame, for example, with an adhesive or screw connection.

[0044] The hook element can be designed as a protrusion with a straight (oval) shape. Alternatively, the hook element can be curved, for example, crescent-shaped or L-shaped.

[0045] In particular, a single hook element can be provided, but preferably two spaced-apart hook elements, each formed, for example, on opposite support rods, can be provided. Furthermore, a plurality of additional hook elements can also be attached to the support frame to secure the cleaning cloth.

[0046] The hook element thus serves to hook onto the cleaning cloth, preventing it from slipping. Due to the cleaning cloth's slight elasticity, it can be easily stretched when placed over the support frame and pulled over the hook element.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the hook element is formed on a support rod of the support frame and extends from the support rod, in particular in the direction of the receiving section. The cleaning cloth can thus be pulled over the support frame from the stabilizing web in the direction of the receiving section. After being pulled over the support frame, the area of ​​the opening of the cleaning cloth is then located in an area between the receiving section and the cleaning section. If the hook elements now extend from the support frame in the direction of the receiving section, the cleaning cloth can be hooked in the area of ​​the opening of the cleaning cloth, thus effectively preventing the cleaning cloth from slipping relative to the support frame.

[0048] Alternatively, the hook element can also be attached to the stabilizing bar described above or to one of the upper or lower connecting bars and extend from them accordingly.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment, the hook element is designed such that a free end of the hook element is located between two opposing support rods. Hooking with the cleaning cloth takes place at the free end of the hook element. If a free end of the hook element extends inwards according to the exemplary embodiment, i.e. in a region between two opposing support rods, a projection of the hook element outwards, i.e. outside the support rod, is prevented, so that unwanted contact between the free end of the hook element and areas of the surface to be cleaned is prevented and scratches or other damage to the surface to be cleaned can be avoided.

[0050] In summary, the device according to the invention enables reduced accessibility to the housings of cabin air filters in motor vehicles. The adapted geometry of the device achieves a greater cleaning effect, particularly in the area of ​​the corners and edges of the filter box of a ventilation system. The device combines the requirements of a chemical-mechanical cleaning component within a cleaning tool. Compared to applying cleaning fluid to a rag or directly introducing the cleaning fluid into a filter box, the use of the device according to the invention achieves an even distribution over the surface to be wetted. Compared to the final mechanical cleaning step using a hand and rag, the use of the device according to the invention achieves an even removal of the contaminants from the filter box.The device according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the size of the cleaning agent container is portioned for cleaning with the cleaning liquid and a single-use cloth additionally ensures the hygiene result.

[0051] It should be noted that the embodiments described here represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. It is thus possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments can be regarded as obviously disclosed by the embodiments explicitly described here. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described with device claims, and other embodiments of the invention with method claims. However, upon reading this application, it will immediately become clear to the person skilled in the art that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter of the invention, any combination of features belonging to different types of subject matter of the invention is also possible. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0052] For further explanation and better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a cavity cleaning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the device from Fig. 1.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a side view of a device for cleaning cavities with corresponding upper and lower side edges of a support rod according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a perspective sectional view of a device for cleaning cavities according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention

[0057] Fig. 5 shows a perspective sectional view of a receiving portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary representation of a cleaning agent container for inclusion in the receiving section.

[0059] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a cavity cleaning device in which a cleaning cloth is attached to the cleaning section, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 8 and 9 show schematic representations of a cavity cleaning device with hook elements for holding a cleaning cloth, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Detailed by exem

[0061] Identical or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals. The representations in the figures are schematic.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view and Fig. 2 a top view of a device 100 for cleaning cavities according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The present invention relates to a device 100 for cleaning cavities of a ventilation system, in particular of a vehicle, using a cleaning agent. The device 100 has a receiving section 101 for receiving a cleaning agent container 600 (see Fig. 6) and a cleaning section 102, wherein the cleaning section 102 forms a support frame 103 configured such that a pocket-shaped cleaning cloth 700 (see Fig. 7) can be placed over the cleaning section 102, thereby forming an interior volume. The cleaning section 102 is coupled to the receiving section 101 such that a cleaning agent of the cleaning agent container 600, which can be secured in the receiving section 101, can flow from the receiving section 101 into the interior volume.

[0064] A pocket-shaped cleaning cloth 700 can be placed over the support frame 103. The support frame 103 stabilizes and thus supports the cleaning cloth 700, so that the cleaning cloth 700 can be inserted together with the support frame 103, for example, into a cavity of the ventilation system to perform mechanical cleaning.

[0065] Furthermore, the device 100 has a receiving section 101. A cleaning agent container 600 can be exchangeably received in the receiving section 101 and secured in a predefined position. The cleaning agent container 600 contains, in particular, a cleaning fluid, which can be dispensed, for example, in the form of a spray, foam, or aerosol.

[0066] The receiving section 101 is coupled to the cleaning section 102 such that the cleaning agent can exit the cleaning agent container 600 and flow evenly into the inner volume of the cleaning section 102, right up to the edge area. Thus, the cleaning agent wets and moistens the cleaning cloth 700 from the inside. Since the support frame 103 spans the cleaning cloth 700 and the inner volume in the pocket-shaped cleaning cloth 700 is thereby formed, the cleaning agent reaches the inner surfaces of the cleaning cloth 700 over a large area, so that the cleaning agent is homogeneously and evenly saturated with the cleaning agent over the entire surface.

[0067] The support frame 103 has at least two spaced support rods 104, which extend at a distance from one another from the receiving section 101 along a longitudinal direction I and are spaced apart along a transverse direction q, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction I. The support rods 104 are designed such that the cleaning cloth 700 can be slipped over the support rods 104 and the internal volume can be formed between the support rods 104. The longitudinal direction I defines the direction of extension of the support rod 104 from the receiving section 101 in the direction of the opposite free end of the support rod 104. The support rods 104 run parallel from the receiving section 101 and have the same distance in the transverse direction q at the receiving section 101 and at the respective free end.

[0068] The distance between the upper side edge 301 and the lower side edge 302 defines the distance between an upper surface and a lower surface of the cleaning cloth 700 due to the support of the corresponding surfaces of the cleaning cloth 700. The greater the distance between the upper side edge 301 and the lower side edge 302, the greater the corresponding distance between an upper and a lower surface of the cleaning cloth 700 and the correspondingly larger the internal volume.

[0069] Between the upper side edges 301 of the support rods 104, at least one upper connecting web 106 is provided, onto which a portion of the cleaning cloth 700 can be placed. The connecting web 106 thus prevents the cleaning cloth 700 from falling between the support rod 104 toward the interior volume and thus disrupting the distribution of the cleaning agent.

[0070] Furthermore, at least one lower connecting web 107 is provided between the lower side edges 302 of the support rods 104, onto which a portion of the cleaning cloth 700 can be placed. The lower connecting web 107 can be designed to correspond to the upper connecting web 106. A portion of the internal volume is located between the upper connecting web 106 and the lower connecting web 107. Since the cleaning cloth 700 rests on the connecting webs 106, 107, the upper connecting web 106 and the lower connecting web 107 prevent the cleaning cloth 700 from folding between the support rods 104 and interrupting the internal volume. The lower connecting web 107 and the upper connecting web 106 run parallel to each other between the support rods 104.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 1, the lower connecting web 107 and the upper connecting web 106 are arranged offset from one another in the extension direction (i.e., in the longitudinal direction I) of the support rods 104. In other words, an upper connecting web 106 is arranged at a distance in the longitudinal direction I from an adjacent lower connecting web 107. Thus, over the entire longitudinal direction I, with few connection points, it is ensured that the internal volume is formed in the longitudinal direction I and the risk of an upper surface of the cleaning cloth 700 touching a lower cloth surface of the cleaning cloth 700 and thus interrupting the internal volume is reduced.

[0072] The support frame 103 further includes a stabilizing bar 105, which connects the free ends of the support rods 104. Thus, the support rods 104 have a rigid connection at their respective ends, creating a robust design.

[0073] Fig. 3 shows a side view and Fig. 4 a perspective sectional view of a device 100 for cleaning cavities with corresponding upper and lower side edges 301, 302 of a support rod 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The support rods 104 have an upper side edge 301 and a lower side edge 302 along a width direction b, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction I and the transverse direction q. The upper side edge 301 and the lower side edge 302 are designed such that the slipped-over cleaning cloth 700 rests on the upper side edge 301 and the lower side edge 302 at least in some areas in order to

[0075] to form internal volume

[0076] The support rods 104 have a rectangular cross-section, according to which the width in the width direction b defines the distance between the upper side edge 301 and the lower side edge 302. The thickness of a support rod 104 is defined in the rectangular cross-section in particular along the transverse direction q, and the length of a support rod 104 along the longitudinal direction I. In particular, a support rod 104 is band-shaped, ie, with a rectangular cross-section, wherein the width is at least five times greater than the thickness.

[0077] The upper connecting web 106 is arranged on the upper side edges 301 of the support rods 104, such that a support area of ​​the upper connecting web 106 for the cleaning cloth 700 is spaced apart in the width direction b from the upper side edges 301. In addition, at least the lower connecting web 107 is arranged on the lower side edges 302 of the support rods 104, such that a support area of ​​the lower connecting web 107 for the cleaning cloth 700 is spaced apart in the width direction b from the lower side edges 302. In other words, an upper cloth surface on the support rods 104 touches an upper surface of the upper connecting web 106 and, between two adjacent upper connecting webs 106, the surface of the upper side edge 301 of the corresponding support rod 104. Thus, a zigzag-shaped support surface for the upper cloth surface is created along the support rods 104.This applies accordingly to the lower cloth surface along the lower side edge 302 in the support rods 104.

[0078] The sectional view in Fig. 3 shows a flow channel 402. Between the receiving section 101 and the cleaning section 102, the flow channel 402 is configured such that an outflow element 603 (see Fig. 6) of the cleaning agent container 600 protrudes into the flow channel 402 when the cleaning agent container 600 is received in the receiving section 101. The cleaning agent container 600 is secured in the receiving section 101, for example, by means of a clamping element 401. The cleaning agent can thus escape from the outflow element 603, flow through the flow channel 402 between the receiving section 101 and the cleaning section 102, and in particular through the interior volume up to the free end of the support rod 104 or the stabilizing web 105.

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a perspective sectional view of a receiving portion 101 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The receiving section 101 has a clamping element 401, which is designed to hold the cleaning agent container 600 by means of a clamping fastening. The clamping element 401 is designed to be elastic, for example. The clamping element 401 can be designed, for example, as an elastic tab in the housing of the receiving section 101. As shown in Fig. 5, two clamping elements 401 can be designed as tabs and formed opposite one another in the receiving section 101. The user can accordingly grasp the receiving section 101 and press the clamping elements 401 together. At a free end, the clamping elements 401 have, for example, a clamping wedge, which can apply a high pressing force to an internal cleaning agent container 600. As shown in Fig. 6, the clamping wedges can engage a collar 601 of the cleaning agent container 600 to improve the fixation.

[0081] The cleaning agent container 600 can, for example, have an outlet valve with a corresponding outlet tube (outlet element 602). The flow channel 402 in the receiving section 101 can be arranged such that when the cleaning agent container 600 is attached at the predetermined location in the receiving section 101, the outlet tube protrudes into the flow channel 402. To enable easier reception in the flow channel 402, the opening of the flow channel 402 in the receiving section 101 can be funnel-shaped or stepped, so that when the cleaning agent container 600 is inserted into the receiving section 101, the outlet tube is centered and securely received in the flow channel 402. A sealing element, for example a rubber sealing ring, may be provided in the opening of the flow channel 402 in order to seal the receiving tube of the cleaning agent container 600 with the wall of the flow channel 402.

[0082] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary representation of a cleaning agent container 600, for example a spray can, for receiving in the receiving section 101.

[0083] The cleaning agent container 600 can, for example, contain the cleaning agent at a pressure of 0.5 bar to 12 bar. For example, the cleaning agent container 600 can have a collar 601 or a collar, which can be inserted into the receiving section 101 in an insertion direction. At a predetermined holding position of the cleaning agent container 600, the clamping element 401 clamps the cleaning agent container 600 firmly, for example, by the clamping element 401 clamping the collar 601 or the surface of the cleaning agent container 600. The clamping force is selected such that, due to the weight of the cleaning agent container 600, it cannot fall out of the receiving section 101; instead, a release force must be applied by the user counter to the insertion direction. Fig.7 shows a schematic representation of a cavity cleaning apparatus 100 in which a cleaning cloth 700 is attached to the cleaning portion 102, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] In particular, the support frame 103 is designed to stretch the pocket-shaped cleaning cloth 700 so that an internal volume can be formed. For example, the support frame 103 spaced apart an opposing front and rear flat cleaning section 102 of the cleaning cloth 700. The width of the support frame 103 in the width direction b, with which the cleaning cloth 700 is stretched, is in particular less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm, so that the support frame 103, together with the cleaning cloth 700, can be inserted even into small openings in a filter box through which a user's hand would not fit.

[0085] With this cleaning cloth 700 impregnated with cleaning agent, the cleaning section 102 can now be inserted into the cavity to be cleaned, thus performing both chemical and mechanical cleaning simultaneously. The cleaning cloth 700 is automatically impregnated with cleaning agent as the cleaning agent container 600 dispenses the cleaning agent into the interior volume, and the cleaning agent is distributed throughout the entire interior volume.

[0086] 8 and 9 show an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device 100 with hook elements 801 for holding a cleaning cloth 700, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Two hook elements 801 are formed on the support frame 103. These are configured to hook into a material or into a receiving opening 901 of the cleaning cloth 700 and to secure it against slipping. The hook elements 801 form projections that extend from a surface of the support frame 103, in particular in the direction of the receiving section 101 from the lower ends of the support rods 104. As a result, the hook elements 801 can penetrate into the cleaning cloth 700 or penetrate it to establish a positive connection and secure the cleaning cloth 700 against slipping relative to the support frame 103.

[0087] In Fig. 9, the cleaning cloth 700 has a receiving opening 901 through which the free ends 802 of the hook elements 801 can pass.

[0088] The hook elements 801 can be made of the same material as the support frame 103 and, for example, can be manufactured integrally and in one piece in a manufacturing process together with the support frame 103.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the hook elements 801 have a crescent-shaped structure. If the free ends 802 are inserted through a receiving opening 901 of the cleaning cloth 700, the crescent shape reduces the risk of the cleaning cloth 700 accidentally detaching from the hook elements 801.

[0090] The cleaning cloth 700 is pulled over the support frame 103 from the stabilizing web 105 in the direction of the receiving section 101. After being pulled over the support frame 103, the opening area of ​​the cleaning cloth 700 is located in a region between the receiving section 101 and the cleaning section 102 (see Fig. 9). If the hook elements 801 now extend from the support frame 103 in the direction of the receiving section 101, the cleaning cloth 700 can be hooked in the region of the opening of the cleaning cloth 700, thus effectively preventing the cleaning cloth 700 from slipping relative to the support frame 103. In particular, the free ends 802 of the hook elements 801 lie between two opposing support rods 104. The hooking with the cleaning cloth 700 takes place at the free ends 802 of the hook elements 801.If a free end 802 of the hook element 801 extends inwards, a projection of the corresponding hook element 801 outwards, ie outside the support rods 104, is prevented, so that unwanted contact between the free ends 802 of the hook elements 801 and areas of the surface to be cleaned is prevented.

[0091] 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 features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

[0092] Bez u aszeichenliste:

[0093] 100 device

[0094] 101 Recording Section

[0095] 102 Cleaning section

[0096] 103 Support scaffolding

[0097] 104 support rod

[0098] 105 Stabilization bar

[0099] 106 upper connecting bridge

[0100] 107 lower connecting bridge

[0101] 301 upper side edge

[0102] 302 lower side edge

[0103] 401 clamping element

[0104] 402 Flow channel

[0105] 403 funnel-shaped receptacle

[0106] 600 cleaning agent containers

[0107] 601 Bund

[0108] 602 outlet element

[0109] 700 cleaning cloths

[0110] 801 Hook element

[0111] 802 free end

[0112] 901 receiving opening

[0113] I Longitudinal direction q Transverse direction b Width direction

Claims

DEPCT681. Device (100) for cleaning the cavities of the ventilation system, specifically of vehicles, using a cleaning agent. The device (100) consists of: a receiver (101) for receiving the detergent container (600); a cleaning section (102); in which the cleaning section (102) creates a support structure (103) which is configured to allow a pocket-shaped cleaning cloth (700) to be placed over the cleaning section (102) so that it can create an internal volume; in which the cleaning section (102) is connected to the receiver (101) to allow the cleaning agent of the cleaning agent container (600) to be secured in place.

1. A device (100) under claim 1 in which the receiver (101) contains a fastening element (401) which is designed to hold the cleaning solution container (600) in place of a fastening device.

3. A device (100) under claim 2 in which the fastening element (401) is made of a flexible material.

4. A device (100) under claim 2 or 3 in which the fastening element (401) is constructed using a spring element which is able to press the fastening element (401) against the cleaning solution container (600). 5.

6. Any device (100) under claims 1 through 5 in which a flow channel (402) is created between the receiver (101) and the cleaning section (102) so that the discharge element (603) of the cleaning container (600) is pushed into the flow channel (402) when the cleaning container (600) is received in the receiver (101).

7. Any device (100) under claims 1 through 6 in which the cleaning section (102), specifically the support frame (103), is arranged in such a way that there are joints on the receiver (101) so that the cleaning section (101) can be aligned with the receiver (101).

8. Any device (100) under claims 1 through 7 in which the cleaning section (102), specifically the support frame (103), has a flexible area which causes the cleaning section (102) to be deformed relative to the receiver (101). 9.Any device (100) under claims 1 through 8 in which the support structure (103) has at least two spaced support bars (104) that extend from each other at a distance from the receiver (101) in the longitudinal direction (I) and are spaced at a distance from each other in the transverse direction (q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (I), in which the support bars (104) are designed to allow the cleaning cloth (700) to be placed on the support bars (104) and to create an internal volume between the support bars (104).

10. Any device (100) under claim 9 in which the support bars (104) have edges The top (301) and bottom (302) edges are in the width direction (b) perpendicular to the longitudinal (I) and transverse (q) directions, where the top (301) and bottom (302) edges are designed so that the overlapping cleaning cloth (700) rests on the top (301) and bottom (302) edges at least partially to create an internal volume.

11. The device (100) in accordance with claim 10, which provides at least one upper connecting web (106) between the top (301) edges of the support rods (104), to which some cleaning cloth (700) can be placed.12.

13. Devices (100) under claims 10 or 11 in which at least one bottom connecting web (107) is provided between the bottom edge (302) of the support bar (104) on which some cleaning cloth (700) can be placed.

14. Devices (100) under claims 11 and 12 in which the bottom connecting web (100) and the top connecting web (106) run parallel to each other between the support bars (104).

15. Devices (100) under claims 11 and 12 in which the bottom connecting web (107) and the top connecting web (106) are arranged in an overlapping manner in the width direction (b).

16. Devices (100) under claims 11 and 12 in which the bottom connecting web (107) and the top connecting web (106) are arranged in an overlapping manner in the extension direction of the support bar (104).Device(100) under any of the claims 11 through 15 where at least the top connecting web(106) is arranged on the top edge(301) of the support bar(104) so ​​that the support area of ​​the top connecting web(106) for the cleaning cloth(700) is spaced from the top edge(301) in the width direction(b) and / or where at least the bottom connecting web(107) is arranged on the bottom edge(302) of the support bar(104) so ​​that the support area of ​​the bottom connecting web(107) for the cleaning cloth(700) is spaced from the bottom edge(302) in the width direction(b).17.Device(100) 18. Any device (100) under any of the claims 1 to 17 in which the receiving part (101) and the cleaning part (102) are constructed as a single unit.

19. Any device (100) under any of the claims 1 to 18 in which at least one hook element (801) is constructed on the support structure (103), where the hook element (801) is configured to hook onto the material or into the receiving slot (901) of the cleaning cloth (700) and to prevent slippage. 20.Device (100) according to claim 19 in which the hook element (801) is constructed on the support bar (104) of the support structure (103) and extends away from the support bar (104) specifically in the direction of the receiver (101).

21. Device (100) according to claim 19 or 20 in which the hook element (801) is designed so that the free end of the hook element (801) is between two opposing support axes (104).

22. Method of manufacture of device (100) for cleaning the cavities of the ventilation system, specifically of a vehicle, using a cleaning agent by means of the following method. The description consists of: the provision of a receiver (101) to receive the detergent container (600), the provision of a cleaning section (102) in which the cleaning section (102) creates a support structure (103) which is configured to allow a bag-shaped cleaning cloth (700) to be placed over the cleaning section (102) to create an internal volume, and the connection of the cleaning section (102) to the receiver (101) so that the cleaning solution from the detergent container (600), which can be held in the receiver (101), can flow from the receiver (101) into the internal volume.23.Method under claim 22 in which the receiver (101) and the cleaner (102) are manufactured as a single piece by injection molding;

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