CLEANING DEVICE FOR VENTILATING DUCT SYSTEMS

Abstract: A cleaning device for ventilating duct systems performs mechanically that which has hitherto been performed almost entirely manually. The device comprises a working head, e.g. a brush (7), flow flanges (6), a drive transmission (4 and 9), a suction pipe (5), a motor (1) and a suction fan (2) sucking the dirt taken off in the cleaning from the duct and conveying it into a filter (3).

Description: Cleaning device for ventilating duct systems The invention relates to a device developed to facilitate the cleaning of ventilating duct systems, wherewith said duct systems can be mechanically cleaned and simultaneously the spreading of the dirt taken off can be kept under control by means of a suction fan, which is of great importance e.g. in resi¬ dential apartment buildings. Currently the cleaning is usually effected with normal chimneysweeping tools, and this work, when done manually, is very time-consuming, dirty and expensive. Moreover, the most difficult passages in duct systems are very arduous to clean with the present equipment. With the device of the invention, a significant improvement is achieved in the afore stated disadvan¬ tages. For the realization thereof, the device of the invention is characterized by that which is disclosed in the characterizing portion of claim 1. The follow- ing is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 shows a cleaning device for ventilating duct systems. Fig. 2 is a detail view of the cleaning head. A motor 1 rotates a cleaning brush and a suc¬ tion fan 2 sucking the dirt coming off through a suction pipe 5 and blowing it into a filter 3. The filter may also be disposed on the suction side of the fan, so that the fan will not get dirty. The transmission 4 for the drive of the cleaning brush 7 may be arranged with a flexible material re¬ sisting the moment of rotation. If necessary, a sup¬ porting and protecting cover may be provided on top thereof, and lubrication in between. The suction pipe 5 is flexible to such an extent -jjURE-. /' OMPI that it will penetrate the bends in the duct system and cleaning can be carried out also after a change of direction in the duct. Flow flanges 6 are replaceable and are smaller than the inner diameter of the duct to such an extent that the flow rate in the gap between the duct and flange is sufficient in order to prevent the dirt from spreading. The flow flanges make a smaller dimension¬ ing of the suction fan possible, since the amount of air can be diminished to a fraction of that which would be needed without said flanges in order, for the dirt to be carried into the suction pipe. Especially with large duct sizes, e.g. 400 to 1250 mm, this fact is of crucial importance. T e passage of the brush in the duct system can also be guided by means of the flow flanges. One flange is attached to the suction pipe and the other can rotate together with the brush, as it is fastened to the centre of the brush. The flanges are replace- able in accordance with the size of the duct. The brush 7 or other working tool taking off the dirt is replaceable in accordance with the size of the duct. The material of the brush or working head is selected on the basis of the material of the duct so that it will not damage the duct, e.g. man-made fibre or steel. The reference numeral 8 shows a round spiral- weld duct to be cleaned. The transmission 9 can be dimensioned so that the number of revolutions of the cleaning brush is suitable therefor. In larger ducts, a lower speed of rotation can be used. The entire equipment may either be provided with wheels of its own or be portable.

Claims: Claims : 1. With a cleaning device for ventilating duct systems, dirt accumulated in said duct systems can be mechanically loosened and removed. This invention is characterized by the device according to the claim comprising flow flanges 6 to prevent the dirt from spreading and to collect said dirt. The flow flanges also guide the passage of the working head 7. The brims of the flow flanges are resilient. 2. A device according to claim 1, c h a r a c ¬ t e r i z e d in that the flow flanges 6 with their working heads are replaceable to be in accordance with the size of the duct.

Inventors: HINKKANEN VILHO, HINKKANEN, VILHO
Applicants: AHTILA PEKKA, HINKKANEN VILHO, YRJOELAE JUKKA, AHTILA, PEKKA, HINKKANEN, VILHO, YRJOELAE, JUKKA
Application year: 1984
Main classification: B08B9
IPC codes: B08B9