DE102012219341A1 - Dust collector bag for vacuum cleaner, has inlet opening that is provided to intake the duct-acted upon suction air, and air-permeable foam layer that is arranged on the exhaust side of filter layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The dust collector bag (1) has an inlet opening to intake the duct-acted upon suction air. An air-permeable foam layer is arranged on the exhaust side of a filter layer. An exhaust air side foam material layer is arranged in the foam layer. A resilient element is arranged to provide an unfolding force to the bag portion for transferring from the storage position to working position.

Description

Background of the invention

The invention relates to a dust filter bag for a vacuum cleaner with an inlet opening for the intake of dust-laden suction air, which comprises a filter layer and an air-permeable foam layer. Furthermore, the invention describes a dust filter bag which is folded in a storage position.

State of the art

Dust filter bags are known from the prior art. The European patent application EP 1 787 560 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner filter bag having an inlet opening and a deflection device arranged in the region of the inlet opening, which is designed such that an air flow entering through the inlet opening can be deflected. In this case, a spring element is provided, which is designed in the form of a spiral spring. If a suction air flow is present, the deflection device is unfolded counter to the restoring force of the spiral spring and assumes its cuboid shape. When there is a weak or vanishing suction air flow, the bending spring acts in such a way that the deflection device is folded flat. Such a collapsible deflection device can in particular also serve to securely close the inflow opening and the inlet opening.

The publication DE 10 2004 020 555 A1 discloses a dust filter bag with a foam layer downstream of a filter layer downstream. The filter layer is selected from a meltblown layer, a nanofiber nonwoven layer, a filter paper layer, a needle felt, a PTFE membrane or triboelectric filter media.

In the published patent application DE 4 215 447 A1 discloses a dust filter bag for vacuum cleaners, which consists of a flexible material and an inflatable flat shape having a front wall and a rear wall and which is bent in its use position at least on the one hand in the front wall inlet opening in the direction away from the inlet opening L-like. So that the bending point does not hinder filling of the bag side area, a stiffening piece bendable to a rounded course is arranged on the front wall at the bending point.

Dust filter bags are usually made of nonwoven materials or paper. To achieve compact package sizes for the trade, dust filter bags are often folded before they are packaged. When inserting into a vacuum cleaner, the user must unfold the filter bag in order to use the entire filter surface. In many cases, however, this does not happen, so that the filter after insertion is still completely or partially folded. This results in a problem that the capacity of the filter bag is not fully utilized and the filter bag is already filled so far ahead of time that he can no longer absorb more dirt. On the other hand, the effective filter surface of the dust filter bag is reduced, resulting in a higher pressure drop on the dust filter bag. This reduces the air flow in the vacuum cleaner, resulting in a poorer cleaning result.

The problem underlying the invention

The invention has for its object to provide an improved dust filter bag for a vacuum cleaner.

Inventive solution

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a dust filter bag with the features of claim 1. In addition, the object is achieved by a dust filter bag according to claim 7.

A dust filter bag according to the present invention is suitable for use in a vacuum cleaner. In this case, dust-laden suction air is usually sucked through an intake pipe and a Saugluftschlauch into the interior of the housing of the vacuum cleaner during operation of the vacuum cleaner. The suction air then typically passes into and passes through the dust filter bag, the dust preferably being deposited on a filter layer of the dust filter bag to a substantial extent and remaining in the dust filter. The now at least partially cleaned of the dust suction air usually enters an engine fan unit that generates the suction air flow, and then leaves via an air outlet opening the vacuum cleaner and the room air is supplied again. To accommodate the dust-laden suction air, the dust filter bag has at least one inlet opening. Furthermore, the dust filter bag has a filter layer for separating dust from the suction air. The filter layer is the position of the dust filter bag, which has the highest degree of separation. The dust filter bag may also have one or more additional filter layers, which may also be involved in the filtering of the dust air, but their degree of separation is not higher than that of the filter layer. The dust filter bag further includes a foam layer which is permeable to air and is arranged on the exhaust air side of the filter layer. This means that during operation of the vacuum cleaner, the air must pass through the filter layer before it passes through the foam layer. The dust filter bag can also several Have foam layers, but all foam layers are arranged on the exhaust side of the filter layer. In addition, the degree of separation of the filter layer is higher than that of each individual foam layer. One or more additional filter layers can also be arranged on the exhaust air side of the one or more foam layers. The foam layer consists of an air-permeable foam, z. B. an open-pored material. The foam layer can cover the entire filter layer or only parts of it.

By an exhaust air side of the filter layer attached foam layer, it is possible according to the invention that a folded dust filter bag can at least partially unfold by itself. Often a user removes a dust filter bag from its packaging and puts it in the dust chamber of a vacuum cleaner, without previously fully unfold the dust filter bag. As a result, on the one hand, the full filter surface is not available, since not unfolded areas of the dust filter bag are not flowed through. This has the consequence that the effective filter surface quickly clogged and so the suction power of the vacuum cleaner can decline significantly after a short use. In addition, the capacity of the dust filter bag is not fully utilized, if this was not completely unfolded. The dust filter bag appears so full, if he is not yet and will be replaced if necessary by the user too early. According to the invention can be achieved that exploited by the at least partially independent unfolding of the dust filter bag, the full capacity of the dust filter bag and the decrease in the flow rate is kept as low as possible with an increasingly filled dust filter bag. In addition, the foam layer has the advantage that it protects the dust filter bag against damage when inserted into the dust chamber. When removing a full bag filter prevents the foam layer tearing the filter bag. By means of the foam layer according to the invention, a particularly stable dust filter bag can be produced, which can easily cope with the absorption of chips, plastic chips and other large, heavy and / or sharp-edged particles without damage. In addition, the foam layer can contribute to a reduction of the flow noise on the dust filter bag and thus lead to an overall quieter suction.

The dust filter bag according to the invention can be stored in a storage position. Typically, the dust filter bag is simply or multiply folded or rolled up in its storage position at one or more locations. The working position is the position in which the dust filter bag is deployed so that the maximum possible filter surface of the dust filter bag is flowed through by the suction air flow in the vacuum cleaner during operation of the vacuum cleaner. The dust filter bag according to the invention has an element which provides a deploying force to at least partially transfer the dust filter bag from the storage position to a working position. Thus, it can be prevented that the work position is not reached by a not or only partially done unrolling or unfolding of the dust filter bag after insertion of the dust filter bag and thereby the suction power of the vacuum cleaner goes back early.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dust filter bag does not comprise the layer of foam material arranged on the exhaust air side. As a result, a dust filter bag can be produced, which contains only a filter layer and a foam layer and is particularly favorable in production. In addition, the foam layer of the filter layer can serve as a surrounding protection, so that the dust filter bag is protected against damage during insertion and removal.

In a further preferred embodiment, the dust filter bag is designed so that the foam layer spans over at least one dust bag side over the entire surface. By covering the dust filter bag over a large area with the foam layer, the dust filter bag is particularly effectively protected against damage. In addition, a foam material layer applied over a large area can provide a particularly high force which can at least partially transfer the dust filter bag from the storage position into the working position. Especially with a dust filter bag which is rolled up in the storage position, the full-surface overstretching of at least one dust bag side with the foam layer can allow a particularly effective unrolling.

In one embodiment, it is preferred that the foam layer spans the fold at least in sections. A preferred dust filter bag is folded in its storage position. Preferably, the foam layer spans at least parts of the fold of the dust filter bag. So it can be ensured that a restoring force, which starts from the foam layer, is transferred to the folding of the dust filter bag that this is at least partially transferred from the storage position to the working position. The foam layer can be designed so that it does not span the whole dust filter bag and not a whole dust bag side over the entire surface, but that it is only attached to smaller sections of the dust filter bag. Preferably, the foam layer spans at most 60%, most preferably at most 40%, more preferably at most 20% and most preferably at most 10% of the surface of the dust filter bag. In this way, a particularly inexpensive dust filter bag can be produced.

In a preferred embodiment, the foam layer has different thicknesses in sections. For example, the dust filter bag can be designed so that in the region of the folds a particularly thick portion of the foam layer is attached. A particularly thick foam layer in the region of the fold can ensure a particularly effective transfer of the dust filter bag from the storage position to the working position. At the same time, a thinner section of the foam layer can be used in the remaining regions of the dust filter bag in which there are no folds. Thus, costs in the production of the foam layer can be reduced while still providing an effectively self-inflating dust filter bag.

In one embodiment of the invention it is preferred that the foam layer has a curved shape in its relaxed state. A curved shape is any shape of the foam layer that deviates from a plane. In the working position, the dust filter bag is usually at least partially curved. A curved in its relaxed state foam layer can allow a particularly good approach to a curved working position.

The foam layer is preferably made of an open-cell foam. The foam of the foam layer preferably has a restoring force which is sufficient to at least partially transfer the filter bag from its storage position to its working position. By choosing a suitable open-cell foam, a foam layer with a low flow resistance can be produced.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the element providing a deploying force has no filtering action. If the element does not take part in the filtration of the waste air, it can be placed anywhere on the dust filter bag - either inside or outside. Particularly preferably, it is mounted so that the working position can be achieved in good approximation. The element is preferably impermeable to air. An air-impermeable member may be arranged to penetrate the surface of the dust filter bag without impairing the tightness or filtering action of the dust filter bag.

In a further preferred embodiment, the element providing the deploying force is elastic. By using an elastic element, it is possible for the user to unfold a dust filter bag and then refold it - if he does not need the dust filter bag - again without damaging the element. A preferred elastic element is impermeable to air. An air-impermeable member may be arranged to penetrate the surface of the dust filter bag without impairing the tightness or filtering action of the dust filter bag.

In a particular embodiment, the element is a spring. A spring according to the invention is a device that can yield under load and return to its original shape after discharge. Preferably, the element comprises one or more springs and one or more additional components, more preferably the element consists of a spring and a band. Preferably, the spring includes a spring washer. A spring ring is a ring made of an elastic material, such. As plastic or metal, especially steel or aluminum. A preferred spring ring is a closed ring. Preferably, the spring ring made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. Such a spring ring can be swallowed, so that e.g. an eight arises. The individual loops of the eight can then be deformed so that the loops are congruent to each other. In one embodiment, the spring ring is configured to return from the shape of the congruent loops to the shape of the eight in the absence of external forces. The resulting scissor-like motion can be used to unfold a dust filter bag. This entangled spring ring can be used in the manufacturing process e.g. be introduced through the inlet opening of the dust filter bag. In this case, the intertwined spring ring can be made so compact that the storage position for realizing the invention need not be changed. In addition, such an intertwined spring ring is cheap to manufacture and easy to introduce both during and after the production of the dust filter bag in this.

Alternatively, the spring may also be used as a compression spring, preferably in the form of a helical spring, as an element in the dust filter bag according to the invention. Coil springs are commonly available as standard components and available at a low cost. The coil spring is preferably designed so that its diameter is at least as large as that of the inlet opening of the dust filter bag. So it can be avoided that large particles sucked in, such. B. leaves, get caught in the coil spring, the Lay the inlet opening and so the capacity of the dust bag is impaired.

In a preferred embodiment, the element engages a filter surface of the dust filter bag. Preferably, the element is operatively connected to the filter surface. Particularly preferably, the element engages the inner surface of the dust filter bag. Thus it can be ensured that the force exerted to transfer the dust bag from the storage position to the working position in the right place, so that the working position can be achieved in good approximation and without user intervention.

Preferably, the element bears against an edge region of the dust filter bag. Particularly preferably, the element rests against the edge region when the dust filter bag is in its working position. The edge region is the area of the dust filter bag which has no air-permeable filter surface and which does not contain the filter flange and the inlet opening. In a conventional dust filter bag, the congruent top and bottom each consist of a filter surface, the edge region is the area in which the top and bottom is glued impermeable or welded. As an element abutting the edge region, an untwisted spring ring may be used. Preferably, at least 50%, more preferably at least 75% and most preferably at least 90% of the spring ring abuts the edge region. Particularly preferably, the element is attached to the edge region. The attachment to an air-impermeable edge region is achievable that the element does not obscure an effective filter surface. In one embodiment, the spring ring may be e.g. only after the production of the filter bag are used in this. For storage, the dust filter bag can be folded or twisted. When removing the dust filter bag from its packaging, the spring ring can expand and span the dust filter bag so that the entire filter surface is available for air purification and no parts of the dust filter bag are separated.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the element providing a deploying force comprises foam. By using foam for the element, a particularly inexpensive dust filter bag can be produced. In addition, it allows foam to achieve a complex working position in a good approximation.

Conventional dust filter bags are made of materials such as fleece or paper and folded in the delivery state in a storage position. Often, a dust filter bag is not fully unfolded by the user before the dust filter bag is inserted into a vacuum cleaner. However, the negative pressure generated in the vacuum cleaner during operation is often insufficient to unfold the dust filter bag sufficiently. As a result, not the entire filter surface of the dust bag is available because parts are covered by folds and are not traversed by air. As a result, the suction power of a vacuum cleaner sinks early, as the smaller filter surface clogs up quickly. The inventors have found in experiments that by using a foam sheet or an element providing a restoring force, an improved dust filter bag can be made which can unfold sufficiently even without the user's intervention, so that a better suction capacity constant can be achieved.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be of importance both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, to which the invention is not limited.

They show schematically:

1a a dust filter bag according to the invention in a vacuum cleaner in a schematic representation;

1b the configuration of a spring washer;

2a a flat and unfolded dust filter bag;

2 B a section through a dust filter bag with compressed spring;

3a a dust filter bag in the working position;

3b a section through a dust filter bag with a relaxed spring;

3c cut through the dust filter bag 3b in a different view and

4a a dust filter bag with an outer, the exhaust air side of the filter layer attached foam layer in a section.

Detailed description based on embodiments

In 1a is the dust filter bag according to the invention 1 in a vacuum cleaner 2 shown schematically. In the vacuum cleaner 2 is powered by an engine fan unit 3 creates a vacuum, causing dust-laden air in the housing 4 enters the vacuum cleaner and into the interior of the dust filter bag 1 is directed. The air then flows out of the dust filter bag 1 out and into the engine fan unit 3 into it, the dust components through the filter effect of the dust filter bag 1 essentially lagging behind in this. The dust filter bag 1 is made by an elastic spring ring 5 held in its convex working position, eliminating the entire filter surface and the entire volume of the dust filter bag 1 are available for the separation of dust.

1b shows the configuration of the spring washer 5 , An elastic spring ring 5 (left), here made of steel, is twisted so that it takes the shape of an eight (center). The individual loops of the eight are then superimposed (right). In this configuration, the individual loops of the Eight forces exert in one direction, leading to the deployment into the Eight (center) configuration. These forces can be used to create a dust filter bag 1 unfold.

2a shows an unfilled, already unfolded dust filter bag 1 , The folds 6 along which the dust filter bag 1 folded in its storage position are shown in dashed lines. In this condition, the dust filter bag 1 in a vacuum cleaner 2 be used. To achieve a maximum suction air flow, it is desirable that the dust filter bag 1 When inserting it is positioned so that the top 7 and the bottom 8th of the dust filter bag 1 no longer abut each other, but the air can escape over the entire filter surface of the dust filter bag. This can be achieved by an elastic element 9 , here as a feather 10 executed in 2 B compressed is achieved. The feather 10 takes the form of a helical steel spring and is concentric with the circular inlet opening 11 of the dust filter bag 1 appropriate. This shows the spring 10 a larger diameter than the inlet opening 11 on, so that is avoided that sucked in large particles, such. B. leaves, in the spring 10 catch and the air flow in the dust filter bag 1 To block. In the 2 B spring to be seen 10 engages at its one end on the inside of the flange 12 and with its other end on the filter surface opposite the flange 13 at. Alternatively, the spring 10 with a border area 14 - For example, the interface between the bottom 8th and top 7 - the vacuum cleaner bag 1 be connected (not shown).

The feather 10 Provides an unfolding force with which the distance between flange 12 and opposite filter surface 13 is enlarged and so the dust filter bag 1 is at least partially transferred from its storage position to its working position. The working position of the dust filter bag 1 is in 3a shown. In this working position is the dust filter bag 1 Pincushion expanded so that it assumes a substantially lenticular shape. The pillow-shaped expansion is by the spring 10 achieved in their relaxed form in the 3b and 3c is shown.

4a shows the dust filter bag 1 with the inlet opening 11 for intake of dust-laden suction air. The dust filter bag 1 has a filter layer 15 and an exhaust air side of the filter layer 15 arranged foam layer 16 on. Exhaust air side of the foam layer 16 is on the dust filter bag 1 another location 17 arranged, which has a lower degree of separation than the filter layer 15 having. This is particularly good in the cut-out enlargement of the wall structure of the dust filter bag 1 in 4b to see. The foam layer 16 is made of an open-cell foam and has a lower separation efficiency than the inner filter layer 15 on. The dust content of the suction air is at the filter layer 15 separated and remains in the dust filter bag 1 back. The cleaned suction air penetrates through the open-cell foam in the foam layer 16 to the outside and through the engine fan unit 3 returned to the room air. Furthermore, the foam layer protects 16 the dust filter bag 1 from damage during insertion and removal from the housing 4 of the vacuum cleaner 2 , Especially with bulging dust filter bags 1 can be prevented as a tearing when removing. Furthermore, the foam layer provides 16 a restoring force ready to the folded in its storage position dust filter bag 1 at least partially unfolded and so transferred from the storage position at least partially in the working position. Thus, the maximum possible filter surface during operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 be flowed through and thereby a high suction power can be achieved. A not fully unfolded dust filter bag 1 often has non-traversed areas in which no dust can be deposited, so the dust filter bag 1 already appears prematurely full and is often prematurely replaced by the user. Through the foam layer 16 becomes the dust filter bag 1 fully unfolded to create a consistent, cohesive volume and the maximum capacity of the dust filter bag 1 is exploited.

With the invention it is advantageously possible to provide an improved dust filter bag for a vacuum cleaner. In particular, a dust filter bag according to the invention can lead to a higher suction capacity constant. Due to the inventive design of the dust filter bag also a high capacity of the dust filter bag can be achieved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Vacuum Cleaner Bags

2

 vacuum cleaner

3

 Motor fan unit

4

 Housing of the vacuum cleaner

5

 spring washer

6

 folding

7

 Top of the dust filter bag

8th

 Bottom of the dust filter bag

9

 element

10

 feather

11

 inlet port

12

 flange

13

 the flange opposite filter surface

14

 Edge area of the vacuum cleaner bag

15

 filter layer

16

 foam layer

17

 Location located on the exhaust side of the foam layer

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1787560 A1 [0002]
• DE 102004020555 A1 [0003]
• DE 4215447 A1 [0004]

Claims (13)

Dust filter bag ( 1 ) for a vacuum cleaner ( 2 ) with an inlet opening ( 11 ) for intake of dust-laden suction air, with a filter layer ( 15 ) and with an air-permeable foam layer ( 16 ), characterized in that the foam layer ( 16 ) on the exhaust air side of the filter layer ( 15 ) is arranged. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the dust filter bag ( 1 ) none of the foam layer ( 16 ) arranged on the exhaust side ( 17 ). Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam layer ( 1 ) at least one dust bag side ( 7 . 8th ) spanned over the entire surface. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam layer ( 1 ) the folding ( 6 ) spans at least in sections. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam layer ( 16 ) has sections of different thicknesses. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam layer ( 16 ) has a curved shape in its relaxed state. Dust filter bag ( 1 ), which is folded in a storage position, characterized in that the dust filter bag ( 1 ) at least one element ( 9 ) providing a deploying force to move the dust filter bag ( 1 ) at least partially transferred from the storage position to a working position. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the element ( 9 ) has no filtering effect. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the element ( 9 ) is elastic. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the element ( 9 ) a feather ( 10 ). Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the element ( 9 ) on a filter surface ( 7 . 8th ) of the dust filter bag ( 1 ) attacks. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the element ( 9 ) at an edge area ( 14 ) of the dust filter bag ( 1 ) is present. Dust filter bag ( 1 ) according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the element ( 9 ) Comprises foam.

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