WO2012045989A2

WO2012045989A2 - Suction method and device

Info

Publication number: WO2012045989A2
Application number: PCT/FR2011/052364
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Philippe
Original assignee: Veram Groupe
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-10-10
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: FR2965734B1; EP2624737A2; FR2965734A1; WO2012045989A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction device comprising: at least two casing portions (104, 116) separated by at least one seal (106), said casing portions forming, jointly therebetween and/or jointly with the or each seal, air conduits (134, 136) entering and exiting the device and casing portion attachments (130) that can be removed manually without using any tools, which secure the casing portions around each one of said seals. In certain embodiments, the casing portions jointly form a bracket for an air-suction motor (108), air intake and outlet conduits for cooling the motor and/or a bracket for a collector of dust carried by the suctioned air.

Description

SUCTION METHOD AND DEVICE

The present invention is directed to a method and a suction device. It applies, in particular, to domestic and professional vacuum cleaners and hoods and to air conditioning, humidification, dehumidification, smoke extraction, ionization, mechanically controlled ventilation and essential oil diffusion systems.

The suction devices, whatever the objectives, are made of closed bodies, whether they are stylized bodies body stylized or a simple technical envelope, and make inaccessible to the user all the parts where the air circulates.

However, the air contains vegetable, mineral or organic impurities, some of which, when placed under conditions specific to their cultures, develop and proliferate, or by amalgam, cause the activation of some of them which do not were not before being sucked. Thus accumulated, concentrated or transformed, some of these particles become toxic or allergenic. When the air thus charged is sucked up and because, on the one hand, of the complexity of the bodies of the materials in question and, on the other hand, of the inaccessibility of the latter or the components they contain, these materials capture and trap some of the particles transported by the air and offer conditions of cultivation conducive. Indeed, in addition to the heat naturally released by the thruster of the air compressor, the latter, by a known physical phenomenon when the air is compressed, causes the condensation of the natural moisture of the air in the same places as the air compressor. accumulation of particles.

Such a phenomenon is all the more accentuated as the use of the material concerned is cyclical.

Thus, at each resting phase, the cultures highlighted above can reach a level of development as they are driven by the airflow during the restart and, in most cases, expelled from the material in the atmosphere. This atmosphere being that, often, of origin; it follows that the air thus rejected is toxic or at least dirty. The particles emitted are often inferior to the porosity of the lungs of the people, which often results in a sensation of gene up to irritation or any other phenomenon.

Some of the existing equipment is equipped with filter HEPA standard to limit the re-emission of these particles but in the absence of maintenance of these filters, either their efficiency decreases or, being obstructed, they cause the reduction of performance of equipment by the limitation of the flow in transit. In addition, to consider the highly volatile nature of particles accumulated or developed in these materials, at the time of maintenance and failing to have isolated the material in a specific place, a large part of these particles, at the opening material and when handling the filter or the elements giving access to it, is released into the atmosphere, thus reproducing the phenomenon that HEPA standard filters try to limit.

The present invention aims to remedy these disadvantages.

For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a suction device, which comprises:

at least two casing parts separated by at least one seal, said casing parts forming, together with each other and / or together with each said seal, air ducts entering and leaving the device and

- Manually removable tool-less housing fasteners that secure the housing parts around each said seal.

Thanks to these provisions, a user can separate, without tools, the housing parts and clean them, including the air ducts and the housing components of the device. The risks of accumulation and culture of microorganisms are thus reduced or even eliminated.

According to particular features, the housing parts together form a support for an air suction motor.

Thanks to these provisions, even the parts of the engine in contact with the sucked air can be cleaned.

According to particular features, the housing parts together form engine cooling air intake and exhaust lines.

Thanks to these arrangements, even the engine cooling lines can be cleaned.

According to particular features, the inlet of the engine cooling air intake pipe is positioned after a dust collector.

Thanks to these provisions, the cooling air of the engine is clean, which limits the risk of clogging of the engine.

According to particular features, the housing parts together form a support for a dust collector conveyed by the sucked air.

Thanks to these arrangements, even the dust collector can be cleaned or removed.

According to particular characteristics, the motor is positioned vertically to the dust collector. According to particular features, said manifold is formed of a water tank in which the sucked air is injected into the water.

According to features, the device which is the subject of the present invention comprises a strap enabling the device to be worn over the shoulder, said strap being supported on the lower part of the water tank.

Thanks to these provisions, the user can easily transport the device and limit the movement of air, and therefore dust, at ground level. In addition, the strap holds the water reservoir in the device.

According to particular features, at least one said housing portion has at least one duct on its outer portion.

Thanks to these provisions, the two faces of this housing part are used, which reduces the weight and bulk of the device. It can thus obtain up to four circuits, while maintaining the removable appearance of the device.

According to particular features, said device comprises an air suction motor, a dust collector and a filter, neither a filter, nor the dust collector, nor the motor being secured to any part of the housing.

According to particular features, the device which is the subject of the present invention comprises a crankcase separation detector and motor control means adapted to cut off the power supply of an engine in the event of separation of crankcase parts being detected. Note that the separation detector can include any type of known contact sensor.

Thanks to these provisions, the user is not likely to be injured by the engine when opening the device.

According to particular features, the device of the present invention comprises an air outlet whose axis is substantially vertical, positioned in the upper half of the device.

Thanks to these provisions, the air leaving the device is blown upwards and reduces the risk of moving the air near the ground, which contains more dust.

According to particular features, the device according to the present invention comprises a part joining at least two housing parts around a hinge, said housing parts and said hinge forming a single mechanical part in continuous material.

According to a second aspect, the present invention aims at a suction process, which comprises: a step of closing at least two housing parts separated by at least one seal, said housing parts forming, together with each other and / or together with each said seal, air ducts entering and leaving the device, manually removable carter parts fasteners without tools solidarisant the housing parts around each said seal,

a suction step,

a step of opening said parts and

a cleaning step of said parts.

The advantages, aims and particular characteristics of this process being similar to those of the suction device object of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a suction device, which comprises:

- an air suction motor,

- Air ducts, upstream and downstream of said engine for, respectively, the inlet and the outlet of the sucked air and

a dust collector connected to the air intake pipe and comprising

a reservoir of liquid,

a removable splash plunger into which the air coming from the inlet pipe and

a removable air line connected to the suction motor.

Thanks to these provisions, the sucked air is cleaned during its passage in the water. In addition, the plunger and the air duct being removable and independent, their cleaning is facilitated.

According to particular features, the dust collector comprises a liquid retention means preventing the passage of liquid to the suction motor.

The preferential verticalization of the dust collection and suction functions by a compressor makes it possible to benefit from gravity to retain the liquid in the dust collector and to prevent the motor from receiving the liquid.

According to features, the device object of the present invention comprises a strap for carrying the device shoulder.

Thanks to these provisions, the user can easily transport the device and limit the movement of air, and therefore dust, at ground level.

The present invention also relates to a method and a modular air suction device. It applies, in particular, to domestic and professional vacuum cleaners and extractor hoods and to air conditioning, humidification, dehumidification, smoke extraction, ionization, mechanically controlled ventilation and diffusion of essential oils.

For this purpose, according to a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a suction device which comprises, at least one set of several suction modules, said assembly allowing access to each suction module and to each duct. tool-less air, at least one suction module, comprising:

With these provisions, a user can access, without tools, the air ducts and clean them and access each suction module. It can also separate the housing parts without tools and clean the air ducts. The risks of accumulation and culture of microorganisms are thus reduced or even eliminated. In addition, for cleaning and maintenance operations, the multiplicity of suction modules makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate production shutdown needs.

According to particular features, the suction device further comprises means for distributing the air between the different suction modules, said air distribution means being adapted to be open without tools.

Thanks to these provisions, the distribution of air can be modified according to the need for suction or for maintenance or cleaning operations.

According to particular features, the suction device further comprises a filtration module adapted to be opened without tools.

According to particular features, the suction device further comprises at least one side column for air circulation between the filtration module and the set of suction modules, each said column being adapted to be opened without tools. .

According to particular characteristics, the filtration module comprises an incoming filter facing an air inlet column in the filtration module, an air diffuser and an outgoing filter facing an outlet column of filter module air.

According to particular features, the suction device further comprises a module for connecting to at least one air flow duct, said connecting means being adapted to be opened without tools. By virtue of each of these arrangements, it is easy to multiply the sets of suction modules, to adapt to the local need for suction power, by extending or multiplying the side columns of air circulation correspondingly. In addition, one can easily access all parts of the device where air is moving and is therefore likely to cause the accumulation of dust and / or the development of microorganisms.

The device which is the subject of the invention thus aims to guarantee the hygiene, at least, of the air propulsion unit within the targeted systems by making it possible to constitute in a unitary assembly the ducts and the housings of all the necessary elements. the propulsion of air and all the elements necessary for the filtration or treatment of the air set in motion from an entry point to an exit point, ie the complete path of the air during its aspiration and to allow the disassembly very simply to wash this unit forming shell between each use or period.

According to particular features, the suction device according to the invention comprises at least two sets of several suction modules and, between two sets of several suction modules, an air transfer module, which directs the air between the side columns and the sets of several suction modules.

Thanks to these provisions, the modularity is reinforced.

According to particular features, the suction device according to the invention further comprises a module for connecting to at least one air circulation duct.

Thus, the different functions of the suction device are separated between distinct elements, which allows different assemblies and simplified installation, maintenance, cleaning or repair operations.

According to particular features, the suction device that is the subject of the present invention comprises, in at least one assembly, two parts each having two square faces mounted perpendicularly to one another and having air passage openings to or from the modules. suction said assembly, said parts being arranged to form around the suction modules of said set, four faces of a cube.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention aims at a suction process which comprises:

a step of entering air into a suction device,

a step of distribution of the incoming air between several suction modules, leaving at least one suction module without incoming air supply and a step of cleaning at least one suction module that is not supplied with incoming air.

The advantages, aims and characteristics of this method being similar to those of the device object of the fourth aspect of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

The present invention also relates to a method and an air circulation device. It applies, in particular, to domestic and professional vacuum cleaners and hoods and to air conditioning, humidification, dehumidification, smoke extraction, ionization, mechanically controlled ventilation and essential oil diffusion systems.

Known air circulation systems are complex and expensive to install. In addition, their maintenance or replacement is difficult so that the legal constraints of periodic replacement are rarely respected. However, in the absence of sheath replacement, the sheath is loaded with dry dust and becomes flammable.

The present invention aims to remedy these disadvantages.

For this purpose, according to a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to an air circulation device, which comprises:

at least one extensible sheath,

- A folded sheath support having a central opening opening into the sheath and

a duct guide from the folded duct support to a remote platen. Thanks to these provisions, it is possible to position a folded sheath on its support, deploy it following the duct guide to the air outlet plate and, thus, easily replace the sheath periodically. The present invention thus makes it possible to provide an easily usable duct charging system. The hygiene of the premises implementing the device object of the present invention is thus better ensured.

According to particular features, the folded sheath support consists of a local plate and arms extending along said folded sheath.

Thanks to these arrangements, the sheath is supported in position by the arms during its deployment. Note that these arms can extend inside or outside the folded sheath.

According to particular features, the folded sheath support comprises concentric hooks adapted to retain one end of the sheath.

With these provisions, the positioning or withdrawal of a sheath are facilitated. In addition, the connection of the sheath is relatively tight.

According to particular features, the sheath guidance comprises: - intermediate cable supports and

- cables stretched between the cable supports.

Thanks to these arrangements, a cylindrical duct guide rail is formed. The positioning of the duct path is easy since it is achieved by placing the cable supports and then stretching the cables between the supports. In addition, in case of difficulty, access to the cables and / or the sheath are facilitated. The use of cables also provides flexibility to facilitate the replacement of the used sheath by producing a path between two grommets.

According to particular features, an intermediate cable support is positioned facing the folded sheath support and a cable support is positioned facing the output plate.

With these provisions, the insertion of a folded sheath is facilitated since it does not have to be inserted between the cables. In addition, the guiding of the sheath begins near the folded sheath support and ends near the outlet plate.

According to particular features, each intermediate support consists of a fork carrying a ring having the cable passage openings and a means for securing this ring in different angular positions.

According to particular features, the intermediate supports are mounted on screw heads fixed to a wall.

Thanks to these arrangements, the intermediate supports are easily removed and replaced. According to particular features, the first and the last intermediate supports comprise, for each cable, at least two through openings for blocking the end of the cable in opposition to sense.

Thanks to these provisions, the positioning and removal of each cable is easy.

According to particular characteristics, the number of cables is at least equal to five. Thanks to these provisions, the sheath is sufficiently maintained in the lateral position.

According to a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to an air circulation method, which comprises:

a step of positioning an extensible sheath folded on a support having a central opening emerging inside the sheath and

a step of deploying said sheath by guiding it on a sheath guide going from the sheathed support to a remote stage.

Since the advantages, aims and particular characteristics of this method are similar to those of the device which is the subject of the present invention, as briefly described above, they are not recalled here. The various aspects of the present invention, and their particular features, are intended to be combined to form different embodiments of the present invention and, in particular, a suction device and method having all aspects of the invention.

Other advantages, aims and features of the present invention will emerge from the description which follows, for an explanatory and non-limiting purpose with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows schematically in exploded perspective parts of a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner object of the first and third aspects of the present invention,

FIG. 2 represents a partial section of the vacuum cleaner illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 represents, diagrammatically and in perspective, an interior volume delimited by two half-housings illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 represents, in perspective, a vacuum cleaner comprising the parts illustrated in FIG. 1 integrated into a single industrial piece provided with a hinge,

FIGS. 5 and 6 show, schematically and in perspective, two variants of a second embodiment of a vacuum cleaner which is the subject of the first and third aspects of the present invention,

FIG. 7 schematically and in perspective shows parts of the second embodiment of the vacuum cleaner which is the subject of the first and third aspects of the present invention,

FIG. 8 schematically and in exploded perspective shows parts of the second embodiment of the vacuum cleaner which is the subject of the first and third aspects of the present invention,

FIG. 9 represents, schematically and in perspective, the parts illustrated in FIG. 8, once assembled,

FIG. 10 schematically represents, in section and in perspective, an assembly of parts of the second embodiment of the vacuum cleaner which is the subject of the first and third aspects of the present invention,

FIG. 11 represents, in the form of a logic diagram, the steps implemented in one embodiment of the method that is the subject of the second aspect of the present invention,

FIG. 12 represents, schematically and in perspective, a particular embodiment of the modular suction device that is the subject of the fourth aspect of the present invention, FIG. 13 represents, schematically and in front view, the device illustrated in FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 schematically represents, in perspective and in view of two sides, the device illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 represents, schematically and in exploded perspective, a second embodiment of the suction device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention,

FIG. 16 represents, schematically and in exploded perspective, parts of a set of suction modules present in each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 15,

FIG. 17 represents, schematically and in exploded perspective, parts of an intermediate module for transfer and distribution of the air of the device illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14,

FIG. 18 represents, schematically and in exploded perspective, parts of a filtration module of the devices illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 17,

FIG. 19 represents, in the form of a logic diagram, the steps implemented in a particular embodiment of the method that is the subject of the fifth aspect of the present invention,

FIG. 20 represents, schematically and in perspective, parts of a particular embodiment of an air circulation device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention,

FIGS. 21 to 26 show, schematically and in perspective, parts of the device illustrated in FIG. 20,

FIG. 27 represents, schematically and in perspective, the particular embodiment of FIG. 20, once cables have been positioned to form a sheath support and

FIG. 28 represents, in the form of a logic diagram, steps implemented in a particular embodiment of the method that is the subject of the seventh aspect of the present invention.

The following description presents several embodiments of the present invention, implemented in a suction device. However, the present invention is not limited to these applications but concerns, more generally, domestic and professional vacuum cleaners and hoods, air conditioning, humidification, dehumidification, smoke control, ionization, mechanically controlled ventilation systems. , and diffusion of essential oils.

In the embodiment adapted to a mobile vacuum cleaner, a particular assembly of the propulsion and filtration elements of the air in motion is achieved. Besides the fact that this assembly isolates from the formal envelope of these materials the suction elements, it is an autonomous block easily removable by itself or to extract a larger whole.

The vacuum cleaner thus constituted does not impose the use of any specific tool for opening or dismounting. This vacuum cleaner contains all the propulsion and air filtration components, upstream of a larger dust collector jar to restore, at its output, a clean air.

Once the vacuum cleaner is opened by the user, all its components are directly accessible, which allows the removal and cleaning. The hull itself can be washed and returned to a state of perfect hygiene.

The location of the components already exposed and the ducts that guide the air along its path as well as the body of the vacuum cleaner limit the accumulation of particles, living or inert, and therefore the possibility of cultures of microorganisms, such as bacteria.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, in a first embodiment, a vacuum cleaner 102 which is the subject of the present invention essentially comprises a right half-casing 104, a plane seal 106, a motor-compressor unit 108, a flexible holder 1 10 , a filter 1 12, a dust collector 1 14 and a left half-casing 1 16.

In addition to these elements, are represented in Figures 1 and 2, locking cams and tie rods 130 which secure the two half-casings 104 and 1 16 around the seal 106 and a power supply unit 132 which powers the motorcycle group compressor 108. A single or double closing controller (not shown) is incorporated in the power supply group 132, on at least a portion of the housing (a channel oriented by the face of the housing portion group).

The vacuum cleaner 102 comprises, along the main path followed by the air:

a suction handle (not shown),

a connection hose 1 18 of the body of the vacuum cleaner 102 to the suction handle,

the flexible holder 1 10,

a housing 120 of the dust collector 1 14 provided with a mounting plate 122 of the dust collector 1 14, a half-block 124 supporting the dust collector 1 14,

the dust collector 1 14,

- the motor-compressor unit 108,

a filtration air box 126 provided with the dust filter 1 12 and

an air extraction pipe 128. Part of the air passing through the air box 126 is directed towards the engine of the motor-compressor unit 108, to cool it, through a pipe 134 and, at the outlet of the engine through a hot air outlet pipe 136 As illustrated in FIG. 2, which is a partial section M-M, the pipes 134 and 136 are respectively formed in the half-casings 1 16 and 104 and are separated by the gasket 106. Because these pipes are downstream. of the filter, the cooling of the air is preferably carried out with "clean" air, which reduces the risks of loading the engine with dust and micro-organisms. The engine is, because of its complexity, impossible to disassemble for internal cleaning.

At the bottom of the half-casings 1 16 and 104, there are three interlockings passing through the openings in the seal and acting as guiding of the half-casings during the closure of the suction device.

The right half casing 104 and the left half casing 1 16 are preferably formed in a single molded piece without drawer, each or together as illustrated in Figure 4, which reduces the cost of manufacture. The plane joint 106 separates different parts of the air path, which prevents them from crossing (see Figure 2). This also allows to form different paths or housing with independent drawings, on either side of this joint.

The dust collector 1 14 is a vacuum bag, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, or a water tank provided with at least one plunger bringing the air into the water as shown in Figures 5 to 10. Water has the advantage, on the dust bag or vortex separator, of collecting not only dust but also odors, vapors, fumes and volatile organic compounds. In addition, the water retains the dust permanently while the dust bags can release them in the suction device or when removed from this device.

The locking cams and tie rods 130, five in number in FIGS. 1 and 3, are of known type. They are placed so as to distribute the pressure exerted on the seal, especially in the overpressure zone, downstream of the engine. They are positioned by passing a rod-shaped "T" in an opening common to the two half-casings 104 and 1 16 and the seal 106, then making them turn a quarter turn around the axis of this opening , so that the two arms of the rod are supported on a portion of the half casing 1 16, and then folding their head to fire on this rod.

Other systems, for securing the hulls and pressing the seal, can be used as straps, side clips with two shoulders, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the parts of the vacuum cleaner can take place in a case-shaped case 138, in a roto-blow molding process, for example, and in one case. only piece closing on itself according to at least one elastic hinge made in the thickness of the material.

The vacuum can be produced by plastic injection into two or more parts joining by a flat common plane without any fillet or throat. These two parts sandwich a flat gasket. The vacuum cleaner can also be obtained by thermoformable plastic stamping techniques or metal sheets, the latter being intended, for reasons of weight, for large scale and industrial uses or intensive use or specific.

Preferably, the vacuum cleaner has dimensions not exceeding 50 cm in side. In embodiments, the welded or crimped cylindrical cage of the motor-compressor unit is removed, which allows the cleaning of the blades of the centrifugal propeller just like this gives access to the pallets of a radial or linear compressor if the material considered is equipped with it (this is the case of so-called "industrial" materials which are not limited by the size and noise of a high-power thruster) .

The vacuum cleaner object of the present invention offers the possibility of dissociating the notion of envelope design from that of the expected service design, suction and its peripheral services, isolating these services within an independent envelope. This envelope is, for example, consisting of a part made in a single extrusion blow-molding stage and comprising a hinge connecting two housing parts, such as the case 138 illustrated in FIG. 4. The disassembly and washing capacity of this case independent enclosure is an advantage of the implementation of the present invention.

In other embodiments, the suction device object of the present invention comprises any shell opening in two halves with, on one side, a tray or a dust collection bag and, on the other , suction means, the tray or the bag may constitute one of the halves of the hull.

The suction means themselves form a closed shell with an opening facing the tank, as illustrated in FIG. 3. This shell, slid and held in that which gives the external appearance, is also in two parts and encloses the propeller, the propeller compressor (axial, centrifugal or radial) and at least one filter. This inner shell in two parts opens, none of the elements it contains not being attached to it. The two half-shells are thus overmouldings of the internal elements and air ducts from one to the other, from the entrance from the tank, to the exit, whose hearing is common. They are thus half-shells in counter-form of the elements which they contain and, themselves, in counter-forms of the outer shell which contains them when they are united. In embodiments, a set of shapes is formed within the two half-shells, in a first game on the intrados and in a secondary game, on the extrados, thus facing the outer shell. These sets allow to define either additional locations to reserve the space required for a switch protruding from the outer shell, for example, or the realization of conduits useful for cooling the thruster, according to another example, and in this case, these conduits can communicate with those formed in the intrados. We thus play on the positive or negative forms dug and embossed in a common plane on a single sheet of material. It is thus possible to use stamping or thermoforming from a sheet of thermosetting synthetic material, including composite or fiber-based materials, or by injection for accuracy, complexity, mechanical resistance to expansion, etc. , and the volume of production. In the case where one opts for obtaining structures on the extrados at the same time as on the intrados, the complexity of the shape is greater.

Preferably, all the shapes are molded without a drawer since all the shapes are undercut.

The inner surface in contact with moving air is electrolytic mirror polished. The aesthetic faces are, on the contrary, of any finish. The outer shell is, for example, electrolytic finish.

In embodiments, the complete vacuum cleaner looks like a suitcase that splits in half at half height. In the upper part are the thruster, the compressor, the filter, etc. Between the two shells is foam forming seal and sound insulation. In the lower part is a vertical cylindrical water tank with two opposite openings that join the opening of the upper part when assembling the two half-shells. The base that receives the cylindrical tank forms a "U" which reveals the tank to visualize the water in action and its saturation in dust.

This base can receive the accessories of the vacuum cleaner or a battery of power supply. It may also include a retractable and dismountable foot that extends perpendicularly to either side of the vacuum cleaner to stabilize it when placed on the ground to roll it on two wheels.

The narrow form of the vacuum cleaner promotes its storage and its shoulder strap. In addition, its high-placed output reduces the dispersion of dust lying flush with the ground. The exhaust port opens on the upper face of the device and leaves the dust where it must be sucked. If a water tank is used, preferably, a transparent waterproof light makes it possible to see the water level and, possibly, its state of cleanliness.

All components of the vacuum cleaner can be washed: bodywork, interior ducts, compressor / fan blades, dust collector, and catalysis and ion filtration system.

In the case of systems using water, it is noted that the essential oils possibly used are not heated and thus retain their property.

In the second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 5 to 10, a vacuum cleaner 150 comprises a dust collector 182 consisting of a water tank in which two plungers 154 and 156 open.

FIG. 5 gives the general shape of this vacuum cleaner 150 which resembles a case fitted with an upper handle 158 and two fasteners 250 for a shoulder strap 240. The sidewalls 160A of this vacuum cleaner 150 are interconnected by two transverse parts 260. The flanks 160 extend to about the middle of the dust collector 182 and a support 270 extends the dust collector 182 downwardly and has a flat underside, to ensure the stability of the vacuum cleaner 150 when this support is resting on the ground.

A transparent light 152 formed in the dust collector 182 makes it possible to see the water level and the density of dust retained by the water.

FIG. 6 shows a variant of the vacuum cleaner illustrated in FIG. 5, in which variant flanks 160B continue downwards to form a support for placing the vacuum cleaner on the ground.

Note that the shape of the device can be placed on a step, even for a very vertical staircase. In addition, even in the event of a rollover, its flat vertical walls limit the risk of rolling and tumbling. In addition, if the user gets his foot in the device, his fall flat limits both the risk of falling from the user and the risk of injury in case of a fall.

Figure 7 shows the housing parts 162 and 164 surrounding the motor. An overmolded seal 166 is provided between these housing portions 162 and 164. A filter 164B is positioned at the outlet prior to the vertical extraction 170 of the filtered air on the upper horizontal portion of the vacuum cleaner.

In FIGS. 8 to 10, it can be seen that the dust collector 182 consists of two substantially symmetrical side pieces 183 and 184 and an upper piece 186 through which the two plungers 188 and 190 enter the dust collector 182. The air plunger 188 plunges to the bottom of the dust collector 182, so that the air to clean through the water contained in the dust collector 182. On the contrary, the air outlet plunger 190 opens rather high in the dust collector 182.

The dust collector 182 has a geometry such that the amount of water below the horizontal fill line shown in the figures is entirely below the plunger 190 when the device is overturned to the side. Thus, this water is not sucked into the compressor.

It is noted that the verticalization of the functions is one of the preferred characteristics of the suction device. This is all the more important in the embodiment implementing a dust collector comprising a liquid through which air to be cleaned, such as that illustrated in Figures 5 to 10. Indeed, the gravity retains the liquid. The verticalization of the functions also makes it possible for the air outlet to be above the layer of air containing the most dust in order to avoid dispersing the dust present in this layer of air in the room.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the suction method that is the subject of the present invention comprises:

a step 205 for closing at least two casing parts separated by at least one seal, said casing parts forming, together with each other and / or together with each said seal, air ducts entering and leaving of the device, manually removable carter body fasteners without tools solidarizing the housing parts around each said seal

a suction step 210,

a step 215 of opening said parts and

a step 220 of cleaning said parts.

The present invention applies to all areas where an air suction process is used in order to move, process, transform, filter, such as: vacuum cleaners, hoods, air conditioners positive or negative, dehumidifier, ionizer for the industrial or consumer sectors and as an autonomous element of one of these expected functions or as a sub-element proceeding from the function specific to the device. As an autonomous element the areas targeted are more particularly those of power tools or small fixed station such as vacuum cleaners, hoods, dehumidifiers or other air filtration device.

Regarding the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the following description presents several embodiments, implemented in a fixed professional suction device, for example for a set of extractor hoods. However, the present invention is not limited to these applications but relates, more generally, domestic and professional vacuum cleaners and hoods, air conditioning, humidification, dehumidification, smoke control, ionization, mechanically controlled ventilation air conditioning systems , and diffusion of essential oils.

In the embodiment adapted to a fixed professional suction device, a particular assembly of suction modules, circulation and filtration of the air in motion is achieved. Apart from the fact that this assembly isolates the functional elements of aspiration, circulation and filtration from the formal envelope of these materials, it constitutes an easily removable autonomous block for isolating the functional elements, installing them, maintaining them, cleaning them or repair them.

The suction device thus formed does not require the use of any specific tool for the main part of its opening or dismantling operations.

In addition, preferably, each of the suction functional elements is, itself, completely removable to allow its cleaning. Once opened by its user, all its components are directly accessible, which allows the removal and cleaning. The hull itself can be washed and returned to a state of perfect hygiene.

The location of the components already exposed and the ducts that guide the air along its path limit the accumulation of living particles and therefore the possibility of micro-organism cultures, such as bacteria.

Regarding the embodiment of the suction device illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, a device 300 also named "cabinet" in the following description is composed of different modules stacked or nested vertically or laterally making various combinations possible according to the needs of the client or the layout of the premises, for example a professional kitchen. This cabinet 300 draws air closer to the cooking pianos and / or the ambient air of the kitchen, through a system of easily replaceable ducts (not described here).

The suction device 300 is composed of two identical sets 301 and 302 of elementary suction modules 320, assembled here in sets of three modules. In each of these assemblies 301 and 302, two elementary suction modules 320 comprise motors and dust collectors which filter the air continuously while the third serves as a supplement, for example when the service is more important in the kitchen. , or backup system in case of failure, maintenance / cleaning or saturation of one of the other two modules 320. The dust collector of each module 320 is a vacuum bag or a water tank provided with at least one plunger bringing the air into the water. Water has the advantage, on the dust bag or vortex separator, of collecting not only dust but also odors, vapors, fumes and volatile organic compounds. In addition, the water retains the dust permanently while the dust bags can release them in the suction device or when removed from this device.

Above the sets 301 and 302 of elementary suction modules 320 is an air distribution module 315 connected to a sheath (not shown) via a lateral opening 350 and a gender changer 351. adapting to the sheath (see Figure 15). Between the assemblies 301 and 302 is an air distribution module 310 similar to the air distribution module 315. On the ground, preferably, there is an air filtration module 305.

Laterally, around these different assemblies and modules, there are side columns air circulation 325. The structures and functions of these various components are detailed with reference to Figures 12 to 19.

The polluted air, originating from the cooking pianos and / or the room to be ventilated, enters the suction device via the air distribution module 315, passes through the lateral columns 325, is sucked and cleaned by one elementary suction modules 320 and spring at the ground level by the filtration module 305. Optionally, by venturi effect, air is sucked at the filtration module 305 to suck up part of the ambient air or suck air from another sheath.

Preferably, the cabinet 300 does not exceed 2.5 meters in height with three sets of elementary modules 320, and 85 cm in its other dimensions. These dimensions correspond to the standard ceiling height and the average depth of the kitchen units.

The rear face of each set of modules, which can be seen in FIG. 13, comprises oblong and oblique embossings 340 which reinforce the flatness of this bottom and air passage openings 345 for the entry and exit of the air. A suction module 320 is connected to this opening by means of a seal or a sealed tubing.

This bottom wall is assembled to a similar wall mounted horizontally, as illustrated in FIG. 16 (where we see openings 335 on the horizontal face which are also connected to a suction module via a seal). to form an "L" part 330. By assembly with an "L" part 400, this "L" part 330 provides four faces of a cube surrounding three air intake modules 320, the other faces being the underside where the support of the modules 320 and the front face, which remains open.

Preferably, the cabinet 300 comprises drawers or rails with balls (185 in FIG. 16) or wheels, on which the elementary suction modules 320 rest in order to facilitate their handling, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 19.

Each elementary suction module 320 consists of a shell, for example stainless steel.

As illustrated in FIG. 15 (in which only one set 303 of suction elementary modules 320 is shown), the columns 325, formed of a plastic section 365 surmounted by a hubcap or shell 415 of stainless steel, are fixed on the side walls of the cabinet with pads and gaskets 375 and plugs 370. The columns 325 can conduct air from one level of the cabinet to another. The stud system allows a great modularity (change of configuration achievable by the user) without any tools necessary for disassembly.

Each seal 375 allows sealing between the columns 325 and the outer wall of the cabinet during the passage of the block of a set 301 or 302 of suction modules 320 to the distribution module 310. This seal 375 is made entirely of flexible plastic rubber type to allow a real seal. It serves as an intermediate connection between the levels of the device. In FIG. 15, the reference 355 corresponds to a lateral opening and the reference 360 to a plug for the openings intended to suck air by Venturi effect.

Also shown in Figure 15, an adapter 351, gender changer (round / rectangle) for connecting a sheath to the suction device.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, each assembly 301 to 303 comprises a cage 380, three rails with balls 385, each intended to carry an elementary module 320, two "L" parts 330 and 400, seals 390, 395, 405, 410 and 415 and a front or hubcap 425. The "L" part 330 relates to the air inlets. The "L" part 400 relates to the air outlets.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, to distribute the airflow charges between the different stages of the cabinet, each intermediate distribution module 310 or 315 is composed of two identical plastic parts 435 and 455 forming a shell, and two shells. 430 and 460 stainless steel with an aesthetic and structural role (crush resistance). The functions of this module are the distribution of air, the balancing of the air flows and the sharing between the 320 operating suction modules.

A joint 440 separates the pieces 435 and 455. Removable walls 445, carried by a plate 440, direct the incoming and outgoing air flows. They distribute the flows on the columns 325 so that each set of modules 301 to 303 communicates individually with the filter module 305 or an intermediate module 315. The plugs 450A are used to plug the openings for sucking air by Venturi effect.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, for the evacuation of air, the filtration module 305 is composed of two identical plastic parts 470 and 520 forming a shell, and two shells made of stainless steel 465 and 525 having an aesthetic and structural role. (crush resistance). Two pieces of foam 505A and 505B enclose a paper filter 490. Part 505B has two openings. The whole is locked by a "U" piece 475 which is slid between the pieces 470 and 520 at the same time as the piece 495 which encloses the piece 500. The pieces 480 and 485 are aerodynamic pieces which orient and / or slow down the air flow. Part 500 is an outgoing airflow diffuser. Room 485B diffuses the air at the outlet of the device. The openings 502 are air inlets from the columns 325. The parts 510 are similar to the parts 450 and form plugs for the openings 502 of the part 500 to modify the air flow. Sealing elements 515 seal the assembly of parts 520 and 470 of the filtration module.

Note that the sets of elements surrounded by the parts 475 and 495 can be interchanged because these parts 475 and 495 have the same dimensions.

Sleds (not shown) provide the ground connection of the cabinet 300. They are, for example, made of steel profiles provided with nylon pads (trademark).

The following description presents several embodiments of the suction module 320.

Preferably, a particular assembly of the propulsion and filtration elements of the air in motion is produced. In addition to the fact that this assembly isolates from the formal envelope of these materials the suction elements, it constitutes an autonomous block easily removable by itself or to extract a larger set.

The suction module 320 thus formed does not require the use of any specific tool for opening or dismounting. This module 320 contains all the propulsion and air filtration components, upstream of a larger dust collector to return, at its output, a clean air.

Once the module 320 is open, all its components are directly accessible, which allows the removal and cleaning. The hull itself can be washed and returned to a state of perfect hygiene.

The location of the components already exposed and the ducts which guide the air along its path as well as the body of the module 320 limit the accumulation of particles, living or inert, and therefore the possibility of cultures of microorganisms, such as only bacteria. Various embodiments of the suction module 502 are presented with reference to FIGS. 1 to 1 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, in one embodiment, the suction method that is the subject of the present invention comprises:

a closing step 605, for each elementary module 320, of at least two housing parts separated by at least one seal, said housing parts forming, jointly with each other and / or together with each said seal, air ducts entering and leaving the elementary module 320, fasteners of the housing parts removable manually without tools solidarisant the housing parts around each said seal,

a step 610 of mounting a cabinet,

a step 615 connecting the cabinet with a sheath,

a suction step 620 and

During each cleaning operation, we perform:

a step 625 for opening the parts of the device in contact with the air set in motion and

a step 630 of cleaning said parts.

The suction device object of the present invention can be produced by plastic injection into two or more parts joining by a flat common plane without any fillet or groove, they sandwich a flat gasket. The device can also be obtained by thermoformable plastic stamping techniques or metal sheets, the latter being intended, for reasons of weight, for large scale and industrial use or intensive or specific use .

As illustrated in FIG. 20, in a particular embodiment, the air circulation device 700 mounted on a wall 705 comprises

a solid 775 platinum an input stage 710 provided with a central opening 715, arm support openings 720, arm 730 and

o a duct passage plate 735 provided with a central opening 740 and cable openings 745 and

intermediate supports 750.

Note that a similar device (not shown) is remotely positioned to carry another end of a sheath when deployed from the device 700.

Depending on the length of the sheath, such devices are placed at regular intervals corresponding to the length of the sheath.

An optional cylinder (not shown) can support a sheath, by its interior.

All the parts of the device are, preferably, made of synthetic material, for cladding diameters of less than 150 mm. Beyond that, we can consider metal parts that have more suitable mechanical properties.

The plates 710 and 735 are mounted perpendicular to the plate 775. The input plate 710 is used to store the sheath before deploying it in the duct passage formed by the cables 780 stretched from the duct passage plate 735 to the remote output board equivalent to the plate 710 (see Figure 27). As illustrated in FIG. 21, the input stage 710 carries concentric hooks 785 (here in two circular rows, so that the plate 710 is compatible with two different diameters of sheaths, being noted that the same arms 730 could serve as a support. internal for sheaths of a first diameter and external support for sheaths of a second diameter).

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the duct passage plate 735, seen in perspective from the front and back, makes it possible to fix one end of the cables 780 by making them pass twice through the plate 735, through two of its openings 745. The blocking is then in opposition to the direction of passage in the plate 735. Figure 27 shows this blocking.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the arms 730 are provided with hooks 790 which deform when they are inserted into the arm support openings 720 and, by elasticity, then resume their initial shape, to join these arms to the input stage. 710. These arms 730 maintain the sheath by its outer surface (alternatively, by its inner surface). Pins 795 at the end of the arms 730 retain the sheath before deployment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, intermediate supports 750 may comprise support legs 805 in the shape of a fork with two branches forming a quarter circle. This fork supports an 810 ring (shown in Figure 26). This ring 810 is provided with openings 815 815B cable passage (see Figure 27). These rings 810 also have notches 810B locking ring 810B in the ends of the semicircular fork of a support leg 805. Note that the notches 810B are in any number, a large number of notches allowing a greater number of positioning of the ring, so that the 815B cables are as parallel as possible, as explained in the next paragraph.

The ring 810 is adapted to the diameter of the sheath chosen.

In comparison with FIG. 20, these support feet are observed before and after assembly. These support legs 805 hold the rings 810 in all directions by two series of teeth on a first piece 820 secured to the wall 705, which correspond to two sets of teeth on the support leg 805. The section of this second series of teeth (such a section has been made on the support foot illustrated in Figure 24) allows the adjustment of the distance between the ring 810 and the wall 705. The support foot preferably has a cross section to increase its resistance to the bending. Similarly, the first piece 820 has a section with four elements.

To avoid twisting the cables, the paths of the different cables are as parallel as possible. For this purpose, the fixing of a ring 810 on the support leg 805 allows a rotation of the ring 810, by changing notches retained by the ends of the semicircular fork. When installing the duct path, the installer positions the ring in an angular position that makes the cables parallel before moving to the next ring. Note that these parts are made without drawer, which simplifies and reduces the cost of their manufacture.

The device is more efficient and easy to implement when it is placed tangent or at the interface of the medium on which the air is extracted or, conversely, at the interface of the healthy medium, if the accessibility is easier to use. inside (especially in case of inaccessibility from the outside, as on a high floor of a building).

As illustrated in FIG. 28, during the initial installation of the air circulation device, the plates 705 which hold the plates 710 and 735 and the intermediate supports 750, are positioned during a step 905. Then, during in a step 910, the cables are positioned between the intermediate supports 750 and the ends of the cables are attached to the intermediate intermediate supports held by the plates 705, 710 and 735. During a step 915, the sheath is deployed and a spare sheath cartridge. Then we screw the sheaths so that they are secured by one of their end. Alternatively, sealing and mechanical joining between the sleeves with an adhesive is provided.

The air circulation circuit is then operational.

Subsequently, to perform a duct replacement, without stopping the air movement system, during a step 920, the end plates are removed and, at During a step 925, positioning a new sheath folded on the air intake plate or replace the air inlet plate by an air inlet plate carrying a folded sheath. During a step 930, the end of the new sheath is connected to that of the used sheath. During a step 935, the air inlet platen is repositioned. During a step 940, one draws on the used plate, which has the effect of extracting it from the guide while positioning, in its place, the new sheath. Then, during a step 945, the new sheath is attached to the air outlet plate.

Steps 920 to 945 are repeated each time the sheath is changed.

It is noted that the used sheath can be washable and thus be reused several times. As is easily understood, the method that is the subject of the present invention guarantees the hygiene, at least, of the air circulation sheath within the systems concerned, by making it possible to form the air ducts and the air ducts together in a single unit. to allow the replacement very simply.

It is noted that the flow of air is maintained during maintenance operations. For this purpose, maintenance hatches are provided to set up bridges which allow the operation to continue during these maintenance operations. For this purpose, two "T" bridges with cap are provided on the outlet on the foot of the "T", upstream of the plate 710 and downstream of the plate 735. To form the bridge, the plugs are removed, place next to the plate 710 or 735 and place an air duct between the outputs released their cap.

The implementation of the present invention can be made in a suction device, a hood and a vacuum cleaner and, more generally, domestic and professional vacuum cleaners and hoods, air conditioning systems, humidification, dehumidification, smoke evacuation, ionization, mechanically controlled ventilation air conditioning, and diffusion of essential oils.

For example, the present invention makes it possible to complete a kitchen extractor hood by means of a rigid plastic or stainless steel adapter. This connection to the hood ensures the hygiene of the extraction device with mechanically controlled ventilation.

Claims

1. Suction device, characterized in that it comprises:

at least two casing parts (104, 1 16) separated by at least one seal (106), said casing parts forming, jointly with each other and / or together with each said seal, air ducts ( 134, 136) entering and leaving the device and

- Fasteners (130) manually removable tool-less housing portions that secure the housing parts around each said seal.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the housing parts (104, 1 16) together form a support for an air suction motor (108).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the parts (104, 1 16) of the housing together form conduits (104, 1 16) inlet and outlet air cooling engine (108).

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inlet of the engine cooling air intake duct (134) is positioned after a dust collector (1 12, 1 14, 182).

5. Device according to claims 2 and 4, wherein the motor (108) is positioned vertically of a dust collector (1 14, 182).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing parts (104, 1 16) together form a support for a dust collector (1 14, 182) conveyed by the sucked air.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein said collector (182) is formed of a water tank into which the sucked air is injected into the water.

8. Device according to claim 7, which comprises a strap (240) for carrying the device slung, said strap bearing on the lower part of the water tank (182).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one said portion (104, 1 16) housing has at least one air duct on its outer part.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, which comprises a motor (108) of air suction, a dust collector (1 14, 182) and a filter (1 12, 1 14), or a filter, neither the dust collector nor the motor being secured to any of the parts (104, 1 16) of the housing.

1 1. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, which comprises a separation detector parts (104, 1 16) of the housing and a motor control means (108) adapted to cut the power of an engine in case of detection of separation of crankcase parts.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, which comprises an air outlet (128, 170) whose axis is substantially vertical, positioned in the upper half of the device.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, which comprises a part joining at least two housing parts around a hinge, said housing parts and said hinge forming a single mechanical part in continuous material.

14. Suction method, characterized in that it comprises:

a step (205) of closing at least two casing parts separated by at least one seal, said casing parts forming, together with each other and / or together with each said seal, air ducts entering and leaving the device, fasteners manually removable carter parts without tools solidarisant the housing parts around each said seal,

a step (210) of suction,

a step (215) of opening said parts and

a step (220) of cleaning said parts.

15. Device (700) for extracting air, characterized in that it comprises:

- At least one assembly (301, 302) of a plurality of suction modules (320) according to one of claims 1 to 14, said assembly allowing access to each suction module and to each air duct without tools ,

at least one extensible sheath,

- a support (710, 730) of folded sheath having a central opening opening inside the sheath and

- a guide (735, 750) of sheath from the folded sheath support to a remote stage.