Closure device, system, particle collecting assembly, and suction device

A closure device for closing a particle capture volume, in particular a bag or a container, including an access element with an access element opening for providing an access to the particle capture volume, a closure slide which can be selectively displaced relative to the access element into a release position or into a closure position. In the release position the closure slide releases the access element opening and in the closure position closes the access element opening, and a locking mechanism for locking the closure slide in the closure position with respect to the access element, where the locking mechanism 6 for unlocking requires a defined unlocking element which is separate from the locking mechanism.

The invention relates to a closure device for closing a particle capture volume, for example an inner volume of a bag or of a container, in particular of a disposal container. The bag for example is a disposal sack or a filter sack. The closure device comprises an access element with an access element opening for providing an access to the particle capture volume. The closure device further comprises a closure slide which can be selectively displaced relative to the access element into a release position or into a closure position. The closure slide releases the access element opening in the release position and closes the access element opening in the closure position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such a closure device can be used for example to close a bag or a container for a suction apparatus, in particular vacuum cleaner. The closure device for example is fastened to the bag or to the container and, via the access element opening, provides an access to the inner volume of the bag or the container. In the release position of the closure slide, particles which are sucked by the suction apparatus, for example dust particles, can be transported into the bag or the container. The bag or the container can subsequently be closed by way of bringing the closure slide into the closure position.

An object lies in modifying the mentioned closure device such that the risk is reduced of particles which are located in the particle capture volume getting to the outside and contaminating the environment of the particle capture volume.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by the features which are specified in in the present disclosure. According to the invention, the closure device comprises a locking mechanism for locking the closure slide in the closure position with respect to the access element. For unlocking, the locking mechanism requires a specified unlocking element which is separate from the locking mechanism

As a result, a special part—specifically the unlocking element—is required for unlocking the closure slide—and herewith for opening the closure device. Without this unlocking element, the closure slide cannot be unlocked and the closure device cannot be opened. The unlocking element in relation to the locking mechanism behaves for example as a key in relation to a lock. The unlocking element is separate from the locking mechanism, i.e. the unlocking element in particular is not a part of the locking mechanism, but is present additionally to the locking element.

For opening the closure device, it is necessary to firstly provide the specified unlocking element which is separate from the locking mechanism. A user can only open the closure device after he has obtained the unlocking element. This reduces the risk of the closure device being inadvertently opened, by which means the risk of the contamination of the environment reduces.

Advantageous further developments are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

According to a possible design, the locking mechanism comprises a through-hole which is arranged in the closure slide and a latching element which is arranged on the access element and which in the closure position engages into the through-hole and hence locks the closure slide in the closure position.

According to a further design, the through-hole and/or the latching element is preferably designed such that in the closure position, the latching element which engages into the through-hole cannot be actuated merely by hand, so that an unlocking element with a shape element, in particular a pin, which can be inserted into the through-hole, is necessary for unlocking the locking mechanism.

According to a further design, the closure device comprises the unlocking element, wherein the unlocking element is preferably a part which is provided separately from the closure slide and/or the access element.

According to a further design, the unlocking element is attachable to the closure slide and in the attached state is movable together with the closure slide relative to the access element.

According to a further design, the unlocking element comprises an unlocking element opening which in a state in which the unlocking element is attached to the closure slide and the closure slide is situated in the release position is located over the access element opening, so that the access element opening and the unlocking element opening together provide the access to the particle capture volume.

According to a further design, in a state in which the locking element is attached to the closure slide, the closure slide is exclusively displaceable between the release position and the closure position, wherein the closure device in each possible displacement position of the closure slide is situated in a state in which the access element opening is either closed or together with the unlocking element opening provides the access to the particle capture volume.

According to a further design, the closure device comprises a guide device which is designed to guide the unlocking element, in a state in which it is attached to the closure slide, relative to the access element and to permit a removal of the unlocking element only in the closure position.

According to a further design, in a state in which the unlocking element is attached to the closure slide and the closure slide is situated in the release position, the closure slide lies with a lateral end region on the access element, so that the closure slide cannot be removed from the unlocking element in this state.

According to a further design, the closure device comprises a blocking mechanism which in the release position of the closure slide prevents a displacing of the closure slide relative to the access element in the direction away from the closure position.

According to a further design, the unlocking element comprises on two opposite sides a respective shape element, in particular a pin, so that it can be simultaneously attached to two closure slides.

The invention further relates to a system, comprising a closure device which is described here, as a first closure device, wherein the access element is a first access element, the closure slide a first closure slide, the particle capture volume a first particle capture volume and the access element opening a first access element opening, wherein the unlocking element is attached to the first closure slide, characterised by a second closure device with a second access element which comprises a second access element opening which provides an access to a second particle capture volume, and with a second closure slide which is attached to the unlocking element and with which the second access element opening can be closed.

According to a possible design, the closure slides are coupled in movement to one another via the unlocking element, wherein the system in each displacement position of the closure slides is situated in a state in which each of the access element openings is either closed or together with the unlocking element opening provides the access to the respective particle capture volume.

The invention further relates to a particle capture arrangement comprising a closure device which is described here, as well as a bag, in particular a disposal sack or a filter sack, or a container, in particular a disposal container, wherein the closure device is attached to the bag or to the container.

The invention further relates to a suction apparatus for sucking particles, in particle dust, into a particle capture volume, comprising a system which is described here and/or a closure device which is described here.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS.1to4show lateral sectioned views of a closure device10according to a first embodiment. The closure device10comprises an access element1and a closure slide2. Additionally to this, an unlocking element3is shown in theFIGS.1to4, said unlocking element however not being a necessary constituent of the closure device10.

Furthermore, a particle capture volume4is shown inFIG.1, said particle capture volume4by way of example representing the interior of a bag, in particular of a disposal sack or of a filter sack, of a container, in particular of a disposal container. For example, the closure device10can be fastened to a bag, in particular to a vacuum cleaner bag, or to a container, in order to close the inner volume of the bag or of the container. Such an arrangement of a bag or of a container and of a closure device which is attached thereto can also be denoted as a particle capture arrangement4.

The access element1has an access element opening5for providing an access to the particle capture volume4.

The closure slide2can be selectively brought into the release position or into the closure position relative to the access element1. In the release position, the closure slide2releases the access element opening5and in the closure position the closure slide2closes the access element opening5. An exemplary closure position is shown inFIG.3and an exemplary release position is shown inFIG.4.

The closure device10further comprises a locking mechanism6for locking the closure slide2in the closure position with respect to the access element1. The locking mechanism6for unlocking requires the unlocking element3which is provided additionally to the locking mechanism6.

By providing the locking mechanism, as is already explained, the risk of an unintended opening of the closure device10is reduced. The unlocking element3is required in order to unlock the closure slide2, so that it can be brought into the release position. A user must therefore first acquire the unlocking element3before he can open the closure device10. This reduces the risk of the user inadvertently opening the closure device10.

Further exemplary details and embodiments are discussed hereinafter. Herein, the spatial directions “x”, “y”, “z” which are drawn in the figures and which are aligned orthogonally to one another are referred to as the “x”-direction”, the “y-direction” and the “z-direction”.

It is to be pointed out that the actual aspect ratios of the individual components of the closure device10—thus of the access element1, of the closure slide2and/or of the unlocking element3can differ from the representations in the figures to the extent that the extension of each of the components in the x-direction and/or z-direction is a multiple, expediently at least a factor of 10, preferably at least a factor of 50 larger than the extension of the respective component in the y-direction.

The access element1by way of example is plate-shaped. The access element1has a lower side which faces the particle capture volume4and an upper side which faces the closure slide2(in the closure position). The lower side and the upper side are opposite to one another and by way of example are aligned normally to the y-direction. Expediently, the lower side and the upper side are the sides of the access element1which are the largest with regard to surface area.

The access element1comprises the access element opening5. By way of example, the access element opening5is an opening from the upper side to the lower side of the access element1. In a state in which the access element1is attached to a bag which encompasses the particle capture volume4, in particular to a vacuum cleaner bag or to a container, the access opening5provides an access to the particle capture volume4, expediently the only access to the particle capture volume4. The bag or container can be attached, in particular bonded, for example to the lower side of the closure device10. The bag or the container in particular is permanently attached to the closure device10with a positive fit and/or in a force-fitting manner, in particular by way of a chemical or physical connection.

The closure slide2is designed essentially plate-shaped. The closure slide2has a lower side which faces the access element1and an upper side which is aligned oppositely. The lower side and upper side are preferably the sides of the closure slide2which have the largest surface area. By way of example, the lower side and the upper side are aligned normally to the y-direction.

The closure slide2is mounted in a linearly movable manner relative to the access element1, preferably in the x-direction. By way of example, the closure side2can be moved between the release position and the closure position by way of a linear displacement in the x-direction relative to the access element1. In particular, a displacement of the closure slide2with respect to the access element1in this x-direction can be blocked by the locking mechanism.

Expediently, the closure slide2is mounted in a manner such that it cannot be moved relative to the access element1in the y-direction. By way of example, the closure slide2is mounted directly on the access element1. For this, a suitable guide device (not shown inFIGS.1to4) can be present. For example, a groove which runs in the x-direction can be present on the upper side of the access element1and a projection which engages into the groove can be present on the lower side of the closure slide2which faces the access element1. Alternatively or additionally to this, a/the groove can also be present on the lower side of the closure slide2and a/the projection which engages into the groove can be present on the upper side of the access element1. Furthermore, the mounting can also be provided by way of guide sections with L-shaped rails as will yet be explained hereinafter with reference to theFIGS.5to7.

The closure slide2preferably lies directly on the access element1, as is shown inFIG.1. The closure slide2can be displaced in the x-direction and can thus be selectively displaced into the release position or into the closure position. InFIG.1(where the closure slide2is located in the closure position), the closure slide2must be displaced for example to the left, in order to bring it into the release position. Such a displacement in the direction from the closure position onto the release position is also denoted as a displacement in the direction of the release position or as a displacement in the direction away from the closure position. A displacement in the opposite direction (to the right inFIG.1) is denoted as a displacement in the direction of the closure position or as a displacement in the direction away from the release position.

By way of example, the closure device10comprises a stop25which in the closure position of the closure slide2prevents a further displacement of the closure slide2in the direction away from the release position (thus to the right inFIG.1). Expediently, the stop25is provided on the closure slide2. By way of example, the stop25is a projection which projects downwards in the y-direction. The stop25is arranged on a lateral end region of the closure slide2in the x-direction.

InFIG.1, the closure slide2is located in the closure position relative to the access element1. In this closure position, the lower side of the closure slide2completely covers the access element opening5, so that the access element opening5and therefore also the particle capture volume4is closed.

The closure slide2is locked relative to the access element1by way of the locking mechanism6; i.e. the closure slide2cannot be moved relative to the access element1into the release position, thus in particular cannot be displaced in the x-direction. According to a preferred design, the closure slide cannot be moved at all—thus in no spatial direction—relative to the access element1when it is locked by the locking mechanism6.

An actuation of the locking mechanism6is necessary for unlocking the closure slide2. For this, a special unlocking element—for example the unlocking element3which is shown inFIG.1—is required. In particular, this means that the locking mechanism6is designed in a manner such that it cannot be actuated purely by hand, thus that the closure slide2cannot be unlocked purely by hand.

By way of example, a purely manual actuation of the locking mechanism is prevented by way of a latching element8(which is to be actuated for unlocking the closure slide2) being arranged in a manner such that in the closure position it cannot be reached purely by hand.

By way of example, the locking mechanism6comprises a through-hole7which is arranged in the closure slide2, and the latching element8which is arranged on the access element. In the closure position, the latching element8engages into the through-hole7and in this manner locks the closure slide2in the closure position.

The through-hole7and/or the latching element8are designed in a manner such that in the closure position the latching element8which engages into the through-hole7cannot be actuated merely by hand. In particular, the length (i.e. the extension in the y-direction) of the through-hole7and/or of the latching element8and/or the diameter of the through-hole7is selected such that the latching element8cannot be reached and/or cannot be actuated merely by hand. For example, the diameter of the through-hole7is so small that a human finger does not fit in and the length of the latching element8(e.g. in the y-direction) is selected such that it does not project out of the through-hole7.

The unlocking element3is therefore necessary for unlocking the locking mechanism3. The unlocking element3comprises a shape element, in particular a pin9, whose diameter is selected such that the shape element fits into the through-hole7. The latching element3can be actuated by the shape element so that the closure slide2is unlocked and can be brought into the release position.

By way of example, the through-hole7runs from the upper side to the lower side of the closure slide2. The through-hole7in particular runs in the y-direction. Expediently, the through-hole7has a round cross section.7. The through-hole7is expediently arranged in a lateral end-region of the closure slide2in the x-direction.

The latching element8by way of example is arranged on the upper side of the access element1. The latching element8projects upwards in the y-direction. Expediently, the latching element8is of elastic material and/or is elastically attached to the upper side of the access element1, so that the upper side of the latching element8can be moved in the y-direction relative to the upper side of the access element1by way of actuation. Expediently, the latching element8can be pressed downwards in the y-direction to such an extent that it no longer engages into the through-hole7, and that the closure slide2can be displaced in the x-direction and be brought into the release position. For example, the access element1is manufactured from an elastic material and as the latching element8comprises a latching tongue which projects upwards in the y-direction.

Expediently, the latching element8is designed in a manner such that when the closure slide2is brought into the closure position, it displaces into the through-hole7on its own accord, so that the closure slide2is automatically locked in the closure position.

Alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned design, for locking the closure slide, a first locking structure, in particular a locking projection, can be arranged on the closure slide, and a second locking structure, in particular a locking recess which in the closure position is engaged with the first locking structure can be arranged on the access element. Expediently, the closure slide comprises a spring element which presses the access element against the closure slide and thus effects the engagement of the two locking structures.

Expediently, the closure device10comprises the unlocking element3. Preferably, the unlocking element3is a part which is provided separately from the closure slide2and/or from the access element1, as this is shown in the figures. For fulfilling its basic function—specifically of unlocking the locking mechanism—the unlocking element3must comprise at least one element, for example the shape element, which can be inserted into the through-hole7.

The unlocking element3is preferably designed to provide further functions beyond this basic function, as explained hereinafter.

The unlocking element3is essentially plate-shaped. The unlocking element3has an upper side and a lower side which expediently are the two sides of the unlocking element3which are the largest with regard to surface area. The subsequent explanations relate to the alignment of the unlocking element3which is shown inFIGS.1to4and with regard to which the upper side and/or the lower side are aligned normally to the y-direction.

The unlocking element3on at least one lateral end region in the x-direction comprises a downwardly projecting shape element, in particular a pin9. By way of example, the unlocking element3on both lateral end regions in the x-direction each comprise at least one downwardly projecting shape element. As will be yet subsequently described in the context ofFIGS.8and9, such an unlocking element3which is provided on both sides with shape elements can advantageously be used together with two closure devices. In the example ofFIGS.1to4, such an unlocking element3which is provided with shape elements on both sides is however not necessarily required.

Preferably, the shape element, in particular the pin9is provided on the unlocking element3in a recess. The recess is designed in a manner such that it receives a lateral end region in the x-direction of the closure slide2when the shape element is inserted into the through hole7. The shape element, which extends downwards from a projection which projects in the x-direction, is provided in this recess. Expediently, the lower side of the shape element is flush with the lower side of the unlocking element3.

The unlocking element3is expediently attachable to the closure slide2and in the attached state can be moved together with the closure slide2relative to the access element1. In particular, the unlocking element3in the attached state can be displaced in the x-direction relative to the access element1.

For this, the unlocking element3expediently comprises a guide section which is compatible with the aforementioned guide device with which the closure slide2is mounted with respect to the access element1. If a groove, a projection and/or a guide section for guiding the closure slide2with respect to the access element1is present for example on the closure slide2, then the unlocking element3can comprise a corresponding groove, a projection and/or a guide section, so that the unlocking element3can be mounted in the same manner with respect to the access element1as the closure slide2. Thus, a guide device can be provided, with which the unlocking element3in a state attached to the closure slide2is guided relative to the access element1, in particular in the x-direction.

Expediently, this guide device is designed in a manner such that a removal of the unlocking element3is only possible in the closure position of the closure slide2. This can be achieved for example by way of the closure device10being designed in a manner such that for bringing the closure slide2out of the closure position, a movement is necessary in which the unlocking element3(which is co-moved with the closure slide2) is brought into a mounting relative to the access element1, which mounting prevents a removal of the unlocking element3from the access element1and/or from the closure slide2.

In the shown example, this is realised for example by way of a linear movement of the closure slide2(and of the unlocking element3which is attached thereto) in the x-direction being necessary for bringing the closure slide2out of the closure position. The movement in the x-direction in turn has the effect of a (not shown) guide section of the unlocking element3being brought into engagement with the access element1, by which means a removal movement of the unlocking element3—thus a movement in a direction, in which the shape element is pulled out of the through-hole7—is blocked.

In a state in which it is attached to the closure slide2, the unlocking element3is applied onto the closure slide2in the x-direction. Preferably, the lower side of the unlocking element3is flush with the lower side of the closure slide2.

In a state, in which the closure slide2is not situated in the closure position, as is shown for example inFIG.4, the lower side of the unlocking element3faces the upper side of the access element1. Expediently, in this state the lower side of the unlocking element3lies directly on the upper side of the access element1.

For attaching the unlocking element3onto the closure slide2, the shape element is inserted into the through-hole7and the latching element8is pressed with the shape element so far downwards until the closure slide2can be moved to the release position. For this, preferably the unlocking element3is moved relative to the access element1in the y-direction. The closure slide2and the unlocking element3can then be displaced together relative to the access element1towards the release position. The unlocking element3is herein pushed onto the access element1, so that a guide section which is arranged on the unlocking element3interacts with the access element1, in order to provide a linear mounting of the unlocking element3with respect to the access element1.

The removal of the unlocking element3can be effected by way of the closure slide2and the unlocking element3firstly being displaced in the direction of the closure position, until the closure slide2is located in the closure position. The unlocking element3is then moved upwards relative to the closure slide2, so that the shape element is pulled out of the through-hole7. The latching element8then engages into the through-hole7, so that the closure slide2is locked relative to the access element1.

Alternatively or additionally to the design described above, the unlocking element can also have a fastening interface with a latching hook, onto which fastening interface the closure slide2is fastenable by way of a pivoting movement.

The unlocking element3comprises an unlocking element opening14which lies over the access element opening5in a state in which the unlocking element3is attached to the closure slide2and the closure slide2is situated in the release position, so that the access element opening5and the unlocking element opening14together provide the access to the particle capture volume4. The unlocking element opening14is preferably an opening which runs from the upper side to the lower side of the unlocking element3.

Expediently, a (not shown in theFIGS.1to4) particle conduit, for example a (vacuum) flexible tube is connectable or connected on the unlocking element opening14. For this purpose, a corresponding conduit connection, in particular a flexible tube connection, can be provided for example on the upper side of the unlocking element3. The particles which are to be collected in the particle capture volume4can be fed via the particle conduit.

In a state in which the unlocking element3is attached to the closure slide2, the closure slide2can preferably be displaced exclusively between the release position and the closure position, wherein the closure device10in each possible displacement position of the closure slide is situated in a state in which the access element opening5is either closed or together with the unlocking element opening14provides the access to the particle capture volume4.

Expediently, the access element opening5is closed in each displacement position of the closure slide2except for the release position. This for example is realised by way of the sections of the lower sides of the closure slide2and of the unlocking element3, said sections, which lie on the access element opening5, being closed, thus providing no opening to the environment.

In this manner, the risk of a contamination of the environment with particles located in the volume capture space is further reduced, in particular for procedures in which the closure device10is being connected onto a particle conduit or is being separated from this.

For conventional closure devices for disposal sacks, in particular vacuum cleaner bags, it is typically necessary to firstly open the closure device before a particle conduit, for example a suction flexible tube, can be connected. Furthermore, it is typically necessary to remove the particle conduit before the (conventional) closure device can be closed. For the conventional closure devices, between the closed state and the state in which the particle conduit is connected, there is therefore a state in which the closure device is open with respect to the environment, so that particles from a particle capture volume can get to the outside through the closure device and can contaminate the environment.

With regard to the design of the closure device10which is shown inFIGS.3and4, such a contamination of the environment is prevented by way of the access element opening5also being able to always remain closed even on attaching/removing a particle conduit. In particular this is achieved by way of the particle conduit not being attached directly to the access element opening5but instead to the unlocking element opening14, so that an attachment/removal of the particle conduit can be effected in a state in which the access element opening5is closed with respect to the environment. The particle conduit is then connected to the access element opening5via the unlocking element opening14by way of the unlocking element opening14being pushed over the access element opening5. The access element opening5here remains constantly closed with respect to the environment. The risk of a contamination of the environment can consequently be reduced.

FIG.4shows a state in which the unlocking element3is attached to the closure slide2and the closure slide2is situated in the release position. In this state, a lateral end region of the closure slide2lies on the access element1so that the closure slide2cannot be removed from the unlocking element3in this state.

In particular, the closure device10is designed such that in the release position of the closure slide2, the lateral end region (in the x-direction) lies on a lateral end region (in the x-direction) of the access element1, so that the closure slide2cannot be removed from the unlocking element3by way of a movement downwards. In this manner, it is ensured that the closure slide2always remains a part of the closure device10and that consequently the closure slide2must necessarily be brought into the closure position for removing the unlocking element3.

The access element1, the closure slide2and/or the unlocking element3are expediently each single-piece parts, in particular manufactured of one piece in the original shape. The access element1, the closure slide2and/or the unlocking element3for example are injection moulded parts.

A closure device20according to a second embodiment is to be explained hereinafter with reference to theFIGS.5,6and7. The closure device20corresponds essentially to the closure device10. Compared to the closure device10, the closure device20is shown with further exemplary details, in particular a specific design of a guide device17, a blocking mechanism18and a seal24. Furthermore, with regard to the closure device20, a certain number and arrangement of through-holes7, latching elements8and shape elements, in particular pins9are shown purely by way of example. It is to be noted that any of these aspects can also be implemented with regard to the closure device10.

The closure device20comprises an access element11, a closure slide12and an unlocking element12which, apart from the subsequently explained additional features, can be designed respectively in accordance with the access element1, the closure slide2and the unlocking element3which are discussed above, and can be put together just as these, in order to form the closure device20.

FIG.5shows a plan view upon the access element11, the closure slide12and the unlocking element13.FIG.6shows a sectioned view along the dashed line inFIG.5, said line is provided with “VI”.FIG.7shows a view from the front, wherein the access element11, the closure slide12and the unlocking element13are arranged differently than in theFIGS.5and6.

The guide device17of the closure device20is shown in theFIGS.6and7. The guide device17is a specific design of the already explained guide device. The guide device17is designed to guide the closure slide12and/or the unlocking element13in a state in which it is attached to the closure slide12, relative to the access element11. Expediently, the guide device17is further designed to permit a removal of the unlocking element13from the closure slide2only in the closure position.

The guide device17comprises a guide section21which is arranged on the closure slide2and a guide section19which is arranged on the unlocking element3. The guide sections21and19are designed corresponding to one another and each serve for receiving the access element11and guiding it in a linearly movable manner By way of example, the guide sections21and19each comprise L-shaped rails as is shown e.g. inFIG.7. The L-shaped rails are each provided on the lower side of the closure slide12and/or of the unlocking element13. The access element1can be inserted and linearly guided between the L-shaped rails and the lower side of the closure slide12and/or of the unlocking element13. The guide device17in particular allows a movement in the x-direction and expediently blocks a movement in the y-direction.

Preferably, the guide section19is designed in a manner such that in a state in which the closure slide12is located in the closure position, there is not yet a blocking of a movement of the (attached to the closure slide12) unlocking element13in the y-direction, so that the unlocking element13in this state can be removed from the closure slide12. As is to be seen inFIG.6, the guide section19is dimensioned accordingly and does not extend over the complete x-extension of the unlocking element3.

The closure device20further comprises the blocking mechanism18which in the release positions of the closure slide12prevents a displacement of the closure slide12relative to the access element11in the direction away from the closure position. By way of this, it is ensured that the closure slide12continuously remains on the access element11.

As is shown inFIGS.5and6, such a blocking mechanism18can be realised for example by a closure slide projection22and an access element projection23which are arranged on the closure slide12or on the access element11in a manner such that they mutually serve as a stop and in the release position prevent a further movement of the closure slide12in the direction away from the closure position.

By way of example, two closure slide projections22and two access element projections23are provided, and these are expediently arranged on the lateral end regions in the x-direction of the access element11and of the closure slide12. One can also provide more or fewer than two projections. Expediently, the closure slide projections22and/or the access element projections23are designed in a manner such that they can be led past one another in a movement direction of the closure slide2towards the closure position; i.e. when the closure slide2is pushed onto the access element11when putting together the closure device20. This e.g. can be achieved by way of a suitable elastic design and/or sloped shape of the projections.

By way of example, the unlocking element13at two opposite sides comprises at least one respective shape element, in particular a pin9, so that it can be simultaneously attached to two closure slides. Alternatively to this, the unlocking element13can also comprise at least one shape element, in particular a pin9, at only one side.

Furthermore, the unlocking element13by way of example comprises two respective shape elements, in particular pins9, at each side. The shape elements, in particular pins9, of one side are expediently arranged distributed in the z-direction. The unlocking element can alternatively also comprise more or fewer shape elements, in particular pins9at one or each side.

Expediently, the through-holes7or the latching element8are provided in accordance with the shape elements, in particular pins9, on the closure slide12and on the access element11.

By way of example, the access element11further comprises a seal25which is arranged on the upper side around the access element opening56.

FIGS.8and9show an exemplary embodiment of a system30. The system30comprises a closure device which is described above, for example the closure device10or the closure device20, as a first closure device.

The first closure device comprises a first access element1awith a first access element opening5a, a first closure slide2a, a first particle capture volume4aand an unlocking element3. The components of the first closure device are expediently designed just as the components of the closure device10or the closure device20which are explained above. The unlocking element3is attached to the first closure slide2a.

The system30further comprises a second closure device with a second access element1bwhich comprises a second access element opening5a. The second access element opening5bprovides an access to a second particle capture volume4b. The system30further comprises a second closure slide2bwhich is attached to the unlocking element3and with which the second access element opening5bcan be closed. The components of the second closure device are expediently designed in accordance with the components of the closure device10or of the closure device20which are explained above.

Expediently, the unlocking element3is designed in a mirror-symmetric manner relative to a y-z plane which intersects the unlocking element3. Preferably, the first closure device (without the unlocking element3) is designed identically and/or mirror-symmetrically to the second closure device.

The closure slides2a,22band the unlocking element3are preferably mechanically connected to one another such that together they form a first subassembly and are coupled in movement to one another. The connection of the closure slides2a,2bto the unlocking element3in particular is provided by way of the shape elements, in particular pins9, of the unlocking element3being inserted into the through-holes7of the closure slides2a,2b. The closure slides2a,2band the unlocking element3are applied onto one another in the x-direction, wherein in the x-direction one of the closure slides2a,2bis arranged on each side of the unlocking element. The first access element1aand the second access element1bare expediently also connected to one another and form a second subassembly.

The first subassembly can be linearly displaced in the x-direction relative to the second subassembly. The system30can therefore be selectively brought into one of the states which is shown inFIGS.8and9. These states are hereinafter denoted as a “first state” and “second state”.

FIG.8shows the system30in the first state. In the first state, the first closure slide2ais situated in a closure position and the second closure slide2bin a release position. The first access element5ais closed by the first closure slide2a. The unlocking element opening14is located over the second access element opening5band together with this provides an access to the second particle capture volume4b.

FIG.9shows the system30in a second state. In the second state, the first closure slide2ais situated in a release position and the second closure slide2bin a closure position. The unlocking element opening14is located over the first access element opening5aand together with this provides an access to the first particle capture volume4a. The second access element opening5bis closed by the second closure slide2b.

In particular, the system is designed such that the system30in every possible displacement position of the closure slides2a,2bis situated in a state in which each of the access element openings5a,5bis either closed or together with the unlocking element opening14provides the access to the respective particle capture volume4a,4b. In particular, this applies to the displacement position of the closure slides2a,2bin the first state, in the second state and in any possible displacement position therebetween. As a result, a contact of one of the access element openings5a,5bwith the environment of the system30cannot occur, so that in this manner the risk of a contamination can be further reduced.

By way of example, the system30comprises a particle source15, for example a suction head and/or a cyclone device, as well as a particle conduit16, for example a flexible tube, which connects the particle source15to the unlocking element opening14. Furthermore, the system30by way of example comprises two particle capture volumes4aand4bwhich for example represent the inner volumes of two bags, in particular disposal sacks or filter sacks, and/or containers, in particular disposal containers.

The cyclone device is operated for example as a separating preliminary stage and is expediently arranged in front of a further separator device, for example in front of a suction apparatus, in particular a vacuum cleaner.

On operation, it is therefore in particular possible to change from one particle capture volume4a,4bto the other particle capture volume4a,4bwithout a region which is contaminated by particles—thus in particular the two particle capture volumes4a,4b, the access element openings5a,5b, the unlocking element opening14and/or the inner volume of the particle conduit16—being herein opened with respect to the environment of the system30. For example, one can a firstly begin with the position which is shown inFIG.8and particles which are fed via the particle conduit16can be collected in the second particle capture volume4b.

If for example the second particle capture volume4bis full, then the subassembly of the first closure slide2a, the unlocking element3and the second closure slide2bcan be displaced so that the system30is brought into the position which is shown inFIG.9. In this position, the particles which are fed from the particle conduit16are then transported into the first particle capture volume4a.

According to a further embodiment which is not shown, a suction apparatus which comprises the system30, the closure device10and/or the closure device20is provided. The suction apparatus is preferably a suctioning facility, for example a stationary suctioning facility or mobile suction apparatus. The suction apparatus serves for sucking particles, for example dust and building debris.