Cleaning appliances used to spray a surface with a mixed stream of compressed gas and CO2 particles.

Abstract

To improve the operability of a cleaning appliance (10) for spraying a surface to be treated with a mixed flow of compressed gas and CO2 particles, the cleaning appliance includes a device (12) for preparing CO2 particles from liquid or gaseous CO2. It is proposed that the device includes a compression device (14) for compressing CO2 snow to form CO2 particles. The cleaning appliance (10) includes a drive device (36) with a drive shaft for driving the compression device (14), and the drive shaft extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity (28) when the cleaning appliance is used as intended.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for spraying a surface to be treated with a mixed stream of compressed gas and CO2 particles, the cleaning apparatus including a device for preparing CO2 particles from liquid or gaseous CO2. Background Technology

[0002] Cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning are known, for example, by DE 10 2013 113 275 A1. These known cleaning appliances are capable of not only loading a mixed stream of compressed gas (e.g., compressed air) and CO2 particles onto the surface to be treated, but also preparing CO2 particles directly from liquid or gaseous CO2. This has the significant advantage that CO2 particles are always provided when the cleaning appliance is to be used, eliminating the need for storage costs.

[0003] However, this cleaning appliance is relatively large and not lightweight.

[0004] In addition, US 2019 / 0255675 A1 describes a jet cleaning system and method for using a compressed gas stream containing water ice particles to spray a surface to be cleaned. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to improve the operability of cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning.

[0006] This task is solved according to the invention in cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning, wherein the device includes a compression device for compressing CO2 snow to form CO2 particles, the cleaning appliance includes a drive device having a drive shaft for driving the compression device, and the drive shaft extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity when the cleaning appliance is used as intended.

[0007] The improvements proposed according to the present invention enable a compact structure for the cleaning appliance. In particular, the orientation of the drive unit, especially the vertically mounted form of the proposed drive unit, allows the cleaning appliance to be constructed on a minimal base surface. This results in minimal space requirements, which is advantageous when the cleaning appliance is not in use and needs to be stored. Furthermore, the cleaning appliance can be used in relatively small workshops. Moreover, due to the special arrangement of the drive unit, the center of gravity of the cleaning appliance can be predetermined in a defined manner. A defined CO2 particle size can be advantageously constructed using a compression device. Specifically, the compression device is configured to further compress CO2 snow into CO2 particles.

[0008] When the drive unit includes an electric motor, cleaning appliances can be constructed simply and inexpensively. Electric motors, in particular, enable the creation of cleaning appliances with high reliability and long service life.

[0009] To apply the highest possible compressive force to compress CO2 snow, it is advantageous that the cleaning appliance includes a transmission coupled to a drive unit, and the transmission unit is driven and coupled to the compression unit. The transmission unit can be configured to deflect the drive direction. For example, a transmission shaft in the form of a driven shaft (which is driven and coupled to the compression unit) can extend transversely to the drive shaft and especially transversely to, i.e., perpendicular to, the direction of gravity, particularly for rotation. In particular, the drive shaft and the transmission shaft for driving the compression unit can be oriented opposite to each other, i.e., they do not intersect. This allows for a compact structure of the cleaning appliance. In particular, the two meshing gears of the gear compressor included in the compression unit can therefore be directly driven, for example, with the aforementioned orientation of the transmission shaft. Therefore, no additional force deflection in other directions is required.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly in cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning, the cleaning appliance may define a main plane that extends parallel to the direction of gravity and from the rear to the front of the cleaning appliance, wherein the main plane defines or substantially defines a plane of symmetry of the cleaning appliance. Therefore, a compact cleaning appliance that is easy for the user to operate can be constructed. The symmetrical or substantially symmetrical structure of the cleaning appliance also improves its stability. Thus, the risk of the cleaning appliance tipping over can be greatly reduced.

[0011] To particularly improve the stability of the cleaning appliance, it is advantageous that the drive shaft extends within the main plane. Specifically, the drive unit can be arranged entirely within the main plane, i.e., symmetrically relative to the main plane. In particular, when the cleaning appliance is constructed to be movable, the risk of it tipping over can be reduced.

[0012] Preferably, the compression device includes a pre-compression device and a main compression device. This improvement is particularly advantageous for cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning. The proposed improvement is particularly capable of forming CO2 particles in at least two stages. For example, liquid CO2 or pressurized CO2 gas can be converted into CO2 snow and pre-compressed using the pre-compression device. Then, the main compression device can be used to shape the CO2 snow, for example, the pre-compressed CO2 snow, into CO2 particles, for example, by pressing in a gear compressor or by extruding through a die.

[0013] Advantageously, the pre-compression device is configured for pre-compressing CO2 snow generated by decompression of liquid or pressurized CO2. Pre-compression of CO2 snow is particularly advantageous because it results in the formation of high-strength CO2 particles during downstream compression. In particular, it is advantageous that the pre-compression device is configured as a hydrodynamic pre-compression device. This has the particular advantage of eliminating the need for moving parts. Therefore, the energy required for pre-compression can be extracted, for example, from liquid or pressurized CO2. This enables inexpensive preparation, simplifies the design of cleaning equipment, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0014] Advantageously, the fluid dynamics pre-compression device includes a pre-compression chamber and is configured to generate a gaseous CO2 flow within the pre-compression chamber, which is at least partially oriented towards the inner wall of the pre-compression chamber. Thus, the gaseous CO2 flow impacting the inner wall of the pre-compression chamber can, for example, cause CO2 snow formed during CO2 flow decompression to accumulate on the inner wall and be compressed in this manner. The gaseous CO2 flow can also be used to loosen the agglomerated CO2 snow from the inner wall and further transport it, for example, to the main compression unit.

[0015] Advantageously, the pre-compression chamber includes a pre-compression chamber inlet and a pre-compression chamber outlet. Therefore, gaseous or liquid CO2 can be introduced into the pre-compression chamber through the pre-compression chamber inlet to form CO2 snow and pre-compress it. The CO2 snow, especially the pre-compressed CO2 snow, can then be transferred to the main compression unit through the pre-compression chamber outlet. Particularly advantageous is that the pre-compression chamber is curved between the pre-compression chamber inlet and the pre-compression chamber outlet. This design has the particular advantage of increasing the probability that gaseous CO2 impacts the inner wall of the pre-compression chamber to form CO2 snow, which can accumulate on the inner wall and thus be compressed. Furthermore, the curved pre-compression chamber can utilize gravity, for example, to transport the formed CO2 snow entirely through the gaseous CO2 flow to the pre-compression chamber outlet and thus to the main compression unit without additional auxiliary devices.

[0016] The compact design of cleaning appliances can be achieved in particular by defining a longitudinal axis at the inlet of the pre-compression chamber, which extends transversely to, and especially perpendicularly to, the direction of gravity. Therefore, the incoming gas can impact the inner wall of the pre-compression chamber particularly easily due to gravity.

[0017] Advantageously, the pre-compression chamber outlet defines an outlet longitudinal axis that extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. This makes it particularly possible to use gravity to transport CO2 snow from the pre-compression chamber, for example, toward the main compression unit.

[0018] Advantageously, the outlet of the pre-compression chamber is arranged or constructed above the main compression unit with respect to gravity. This, in particular, allows CO2 snow, especially pre-compressed CO2 snow, to be directly fed into the main compression unit under the support of gravity.

[0019] The particularly compact structure of the cleaning appliance can be achieved, in particular, by having the pre-compression device extend parallel or substantially parallel to the main plane. This also allows for the entire process of preparing CO2 particles to be carried out with minimal changes in the orientation of the flowing CO2 gas and the resulting CO2 particles.

[0020] Preferably, the cleaning appliance, especially the type described at the beginning, includes a CO2 storage container. This design particularly enables the preparation of CO2 particles using liquid or gaseous CO2 stored in the CO2 storage container. Storing CO2 particles is costly and requires extensive cooling. Liquid or gaseous CO2 can be stored, for example, in bottles of varying sizes in a simple manner.

[0021] For CO2 particles to be formed, especially CO2 snow, it is advantageous for the CO2 reservoir to contain either liquid CO2 or pressurized gaseous CO2. CO2 is already liquid at a pressure of approximately 5.2 bar.

[0022] When the CO2 reservoir is constructed in the form of a CO2 bottle, and when the CO2 bottle defines the bottle's longitudinal axis and when the bottle's longitudinal axis is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity, the cleaning appliance can be operated in a simple manner. In particular, such a CO2 bottle can be constructed as a pressure vessel having a substantially cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the stability of the cleaning appliance can be improved when the bottle's longitudinal axis extends in or close to the principal plane.

[0023] The exceptionally high stability of the cleaning equipment can be achieved by symmetrically arranging the CO2 reservoir about the main plane. This reduces the risk of tipping over, especially when using very large and heavy CO2 cylinders.

[0024] Preferably, the CO2 reservoir is fluidly connected to a compression device, particularly a pre-compression device. Therefore, the cleaning appliance can be configured to be particularly compact. Liquid or gaseous CO2 can be directly guided from the CO2 reservoir to the compression device, especially the pre-compression device.

[0025] The operation of the cleaning equipment can be further improved, in particular, by including a reservoir holding device for the CO2 reservoir. Therefore, the CO2 reservoir can be spatially positioned relative to the compression device in a defined manner. Furthermore, the CO2 reservoir can be replaced when needed, especially when it is empty.

[0026] When the storage holding device defines a storage receiving portion for the CO2 storage, the CO2 storage can be positioned in a defined manner. For example, the CO2 storage can thus move together with the cleaning appliance. Therefore, even when the cleaning appliance moves, the relative positioning between the CO2 storage and the compression device does not change or substantially does not change. In particular, the storage receiving portion can be configured to receive the CO2 storage in a form-locking or substantially form-locking manner. It is particularly advantageous that the storage receiving portion is symmetrically configured about the main plane. Therefore, the CO2 storage can be positioned symmetrically on the cleaning appliance about the main plane in a simple manner.

[0027] Advantageously, the reservoir holding device includes at least one protective element for the CO2 reservoir. This particularly prevents the CO2 reservoir from accidentally detaching from the cleaning equipment, especially from falling out of the reservoir housing. The reservoir holding device can be constructed in a simple manner when at least one protective element is configured as a retaining bow or a retaining strap. In particular, two, three, or more protective elements can also be provided. Large CO2 cylinders are preferably protected on the cleaning equipment with two or more protective elements.

[0028] Advantageously, the pre-compression device includes a CO2 interface, to which a CO2 reservoir is fluidly connected via a connecting line, and the CO2 interface is configured to protrude laterally from the pre-compression device, particularly perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In this manner, CO2 can flow into the pre-compression device, particularly laterally to the direction of gravity, for example, into a pre-compression chamber included in the pre-compression device. For example, a pressure-reducing device, particularly including a pressure-reducing nozzle, can be connected downstream of the CO2 interface to introduce pressurized gaseous or liquid CO2 into the pre-compression device and cause it to expand to form CO2 snow.

[0029] Advantageously, a switching device is arranged or constructed between the CO2 interface and the precompression unit to open and close the fluid connection between the CO2 interface and the precompression unit. This switching device is particularly capable of controlling the flow of CO2 into the precompression unit in a desired manner. The switching device may, for example, include an electrically or electromagnetically actuated valve to open or close the fluid connection in a desired manner, such as by timing.

[0030] To further improve the operation of cleaning equipment, it is advantageous that the cleaning equipment is configured to be movable and includes a chassis. Therefore, the cleaning equipment can be moved to the site of use by a single person in a simple manner.

[0031] When the chassis includes at least three wheels, and at least one of the three wheels is configured to be steerable, the cleaning appliance can move in a desired manner, such as being pushed. For example, at least one steerable wheel can be configured as a steering roller. Optionally, the steering roller can be equipped with a stopping device to prevent the cleaning appliance from rolling unintentionally, especially on steep ground. Furthermore, this improves the operational safety of the cleaning appliance. However, the chassis can also include more than three wheels, such as four. In particular, two non-steerable wheels and two steerable wheels can be provided. In this way, the cleaning appliance can move safely. Therefore, the risk of the cleaning appliance tipping over can be significantly reduced. In particular, the main axis wheels can optionally or additionally be equipped with stopping devices or braking devices to prevent the cleaning appliance from rolling.

[0032] To further improve the stability of cleaning appliances, it is advantageous to have a chassis defining the main axis, and the two wheels of the chassis being configured as two main axis wheels that can rotate around the main axis. In this case, the main axis is a virtual axis of rotation, that is, mathematically, a virtual axis of rotation between the two main axis wheels. This design is particularly helpful in further reducing the risk of the cleaning appliance tipping over.

[0033] Advantageously, the main axis wheel defines its diameter, at least one steerable wheel defines its diameter, and the main axis wheel diameter is larger than the steerable wheel diameter. In particular, the main axis wheel diameter can be at least approximately twice the steerable wheel diameter, and especially approximately three times the steerable wheel diameter. The smaller the steerable wheel, the easier it is to move the cleaning appliance. Large main axis wheels are particularly advantageous when the center of gravity of the cleaning appliance is near the main axis, as they define the largest possible placement area for the cleaning appliance.

[0034] Advantageously, the chassis includes a chassis frame, and the main axis wheels are arranged or configured to extend laterally from the chassis frame. The greater the distance between the two main axis wheels, the lower the risk of the cleaning appliance tipping over. Conversely, when the distance between the two steerable wheels is less than the distance between the two main axis wheels, the mobility of the cleaning appliance is advantageous.

[0035] To further reduce the risk of the cleaning appliance tipping over, it is advantageous that the storage retainer is arranged or configured such that the CO2 storage container is positioned above the main axis. This particularly enables the CO2 storage container to be stably positioned on the cleaning appliance while minimizing the risk of the appliance tipping over.

[0036] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the bottle intersects the main axis. This, in particular, allows the center of gravity of the CO2 reservoir to be located directly on the main axis. Another possible option is that the CO2 reservoir is positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the bottle is arranged in the area between the main axis wheel and at least one steerable wheel.

[0037] To keep the cleaning appliance as low as possible, it is advantageous to have at least one steerable wheel positioned or constructed below the chassis frame.

[0038] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly in cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning, the cleaning appliance may include a jet line interface for connection to a first free end of the mixing jet line, and the jet line interface is arranged or constructed to project laterally and particularly perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Such an arrangement particularly enables the simple connection of the cleaning appliance to the mixing jet line. For example, the jet line interface may be arranged or constructed on either side of the cleaning device.

[0039] Advantageously, the jet line interface is arranged or constructed above the main axis with respect to the direction of gravity. In this way, users can easily connect the mixing jet line to cleaning appliances.

[0040] To ensure safe use of the cleaning appliance, especially in confined spaces, it is advantageous that the jet line interface and the main axis extend laterally and, more particularly, perpendicularly to each other. For example, the jet line interface may protrude from the front end of the cleaning appliance parallel to or within the plane of the main axis.

[0041] When the jet line interface extends parallel to the main plane, it is particularly easy to access. In particular, the jet line interface can be configured symmetrically about the main plane. Therefore, CO2 particles can be guided in the mixed flow with minimal change in direction, especially within the area of ​​the cleaning appliance.

[0042] To improve the operability of the cleaning appliance, it is advantageous that the jet line interface and the CO2 interface are arranged or configured to point in linearly independent directions. In particular, the jet line interface and the CO2 interface can be arranged or configured to point in opposite directions. For example, CO2 can thus be supplied to the compression device on one side of the cleaning appliance, while a mixed flow of compressed gas and CO2 particles is guided out of the cleaning appliance on the other side.

[0043] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly in cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning, the cleaning appliance may include a housing defining an internal space, and the compression device may be arranged or constructed at least partially, and particularly completely, within the internal space of the housing. Therefore, the compression device can be arranged in a particularly protective manner. Furthermore, the housing may also be soundproofed to minimize noise generation, particularly from the compression device. In particular, the pre-compression device and the main compression device may be arranged or constructed together within the housing. Therefore, frostbite can be particularly prevented from the user potentially coming into contact with the very cold surfaces of the cleaning appliance. Optionally, a transfer device for transferring CO2 particles generated by the compression device into the pressure line through which the compressed gas flows may also be arranged inside the housing, i.e., particularly within the internal space of the housing. Therefore, even if a pressure-bearing component of the cleaning appliance bursts, the housing can particularly protect the user from injury.

[0044] When the chassis closes or substantially closes the housing from below with respect to gravity, the cleaning appliance can be maintained and repaired in a simple manner. This is particularly possible because it allows the housing to be easily removed from the chassis. Specifically, the housing can be mounted on the chassis frame such that the chassis frame closes or substantially closes the housing from below with respect to gravity.

[0045] When the storage holding device is at least segmented and formed onto the housing, the cleaning appliance can be constructed in a particularly compact manner. This is especially true in that it eliminates the need for additional components that would increase the assembly cost of the cleaning appliance.

[0046] The casing can be made of plastic simply and inexpensively. For example, the casing can be constructed by injection molding or rotational molding. In principle, the casing can be constructed using any demolding or molding method.

[0047] Advantageously, the housing includes a steering mechanism for gripping and pushing the cleaning appliance. Therefore, especially when the cleaning appliance is configured to be movable, the user can move the cleaning appliance particularly easily and conveniently. Advantageously, the steering mechanism is arranged or constructed on the housing in a non-movable manner. For example, the steering mechanism can be integrated into the housing so that when the user wants to move, for example, push the cleaning appliance and turn it in the desired direction, the user can act directly on the housing. In this way, no additional movable part is needed, especially no steering mechanism assembly that articulates the steering mechanism and at least one steerable wheel to pre-orient, for example, via the steering mechanism, the steerable wheel.

[0048] Advantageously, the cleaner has a CO2 housing interface, which is arranged or configured to protrude externally from the housing. Therefore, a CO2 reservoir can be fluidly connected to the CO2 housing interface to guide liquid or gaseous CO2 from the CO2 reservoir to the compression device. The CO2 housing interface does not necessarily need to be connected to the housing. In particular, the CO2 housing interface may include a connecting sleeve extending from the housing.

[0049] Preferably, the CO2 housing interface is arranged or configured to protrude parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. For example, the CO2 housing interface can thus be accessed from above or below the cleaning appliance to fluidly connect it to the CO2 reservoir. In particular, the CO2 housing interface can be arranged or configured to point in or against the direction of gravity.

[0050] Advantageously, the CO2 housing interface and the CO2 inlet are connected to each other via a CO2 line. When the two interfaces are arranged in a spatially relative manner, a rigid or substantially non-flexible CO2 line can be used to connect the two interfaces to each other. In particular, a flexible or substantially flexible connection line can be used to connect the CO2 housing interface to the CO2 reservoir, in the form of, for example, a flexible hose, especially a corrugated flexible hose made of metal.

[0051] Preferably, the CO2 circuit is constructed to be non-flexible or substantially non-flexible. For example, the CO2 circuit can be constructed in the form of a tube, thereby making the CO2 circuit substantially rigid. However, in the CO2 circuit, when the CO2 circuit is constructed of a tube, more precisely when the tube is coiled into one or more coiled portions, i.e., coiled in a spiral shape, a certain degree of flexibility can also be achieved. Therefore, the movement between the compression device and the CO2 housing interface can be compensated in particular by the CO2 circuit having a certain degree of flexibility in this case.

[0052] Advantageously, the CO2 circuit defines at least one closed coiled portion. In particular, when the CO2 circuit is constructed of a tube, such as a metal tube, it can be equipped with a certain degree of flexibility to compensate for relative movement between the compressor and the housing. When at least one coiled portion defines a coiled plane, the CO2 circuit can be arranged and constructed particularly compactly, the coiled plane extending laterally and especially perpendicularly to the main plane and parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0053] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly in cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning, the cleaning appliance may include a compressed gas interface for connection to a compressed gas source. Compressed gas, forming a carrier gas for CO2 particles, can be supplied to the cleaning appliance via the compressed gas interface, and is thus part of a mixed flow used to load the surface to be treated. The compressed gas source may be included in the cleaning appliance, in the form of, for example, a compressed air compressor, or may be provided by the user as a separate unit, for example, via a compressor separate from the cleaning appliance or a bottle-shaped compressed gas reservoir. In particular, air, nitrogen, or CO2 may be used as the compressed gas.

[0054] Advantageously, the cleaning appliance includes a particle transfer device for transferring CO2 particles into a compressed gas stream, and the compressed gas interface is fluidly connected to the particle transfer device. This design particularly enables the introduction of CO2 particles into the compressed gas stream in a defined manner using the particle transfer device, so as to form a desired mixed stream of compressed gas used as a carrier gas and CO2 particles.

[0055] Preferably, the fluid action point of the particle transfer device is connected to the jet line interface. Therefore, the mixed flow consisting of carrier gas or compressed gas and CO2 particles can be directly guided from the particle transfer device to the jet line interface.

[0056] Advantageously, the particle transfer device includes a metering device for metering the quantity and / or volume of CO2 particles before transfer to the compressed gas stream. This particularly enables the user to adjust the mixing stream in a desired manner, i.e., whether a large or small amount of CO2 particles should or should not be transferred to the compressed gas stream to load the surface to be treated.

[0057] To allow users to activate or deactivate the mixing flow in a desired manner, it is advantageous to arrange or construct a pneumatic switching device between the compressed gas interface and the particle transfer device to open and close the fluid connection between them. In other words, the compressed gas flow can thus be interrupted or activated. In this way, users can treat surfaces in a resource-efficient manner, as the mixing flow is only generated when actually needed by the user.

[0058] When a pneumatic switching device includes at least one compressed gas valve, the pneumatic switching device can be configured in a simple manner. For example, the compressed gas valve can be electrically or electromagnetically driven or operated.

[0059] To improve clarity when using the cleaning appliance, it is advantageous to arrange or construct the compressed gas interface within the area of ​​the reservoir holding device. In particular, the compressed gas interface can therefore be arranged on the side of the cleaning appliance, for example, pointing in the opposite direction to the side where the jet line interface is arranged or constructed.

[0060] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly in cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning, the cleaning appliance may include a control and / or adjustment device for controlling and / or adjusting the cleaning appliance. In particular, the control and / or adjustment device may control and / or adjust a compression device, such as a pre-compression device and / or a main compression device.

[0061] Advantageously, the control and / or regulating devices are arranged or constructed within the housing. In particular, the control and / or regulating devices can be configured in two or more pieces, including, for example, an electronic control unit spatially separated from the motor protection switch of the electric motor included in the driven device. Specifically, all components of the control and / or regulating devices can be arranged or constructed within the housing. In this way, they can be arranged protected from dust. Furthermore, this also prevents the user from accessing, especially, current-carrying wiring and contacts.

[0062] Advantageously, the control and / or adjustment devices are arranged or constructed at least partially below and at least partially above the compression device with respect to the direction of gravity. For example, the components of the control and / or adjustment devices for switching the drive mechanism can be arranged below the compression device, i.e., preferably near the drive mechanism, such as an electric motor. Conversely, electronic circuitry arranged or formed on a circuit board is preferably arranged above the compression device, for example, in the area of ​​the steering mechanism of the cleaning appliance. In particular, these components can be arranged or constructed in separate compartments of the housing, for example, in recesses provided for this purpose in the housing. Thus, these components are particularly protected from the influence of the surrounding environment of the cleaning appliance on the one hand, and from the low temperatures present in the area of ​​the compression device on the other.

[0063] Advantageously, the control and / or adjustment device is configured to control the compression device in such a way that the mechanical properties of the CO2 particles to be produced can be predetermined. In particular, the density of the CO2 particles can therefore be predetermined, for example. Alternatively, the size of the CO2 particles can also be adjusted, for example.

[0064] Advantageously, the control and / or regulation device includes an input device for pre-setting the mechanical properties and / or quantity of the CO2 particles to be produced. The mechanical properties of the CO2 particles are, in particular, their density and their size. For example, the input device can be configured to provide the user with two, three, or more settings by which the size of the CO2 particles can be pre-set. Furthermore, optionally, the density of the CO2 particles can be pre-set in two, three, or more levels. Optionally, the amount of CO2 particles to be produced, i.e., in particular the quantity, can also be pre-set via the input device. For example, different input elements, such as selector switches, can be provided for the density, size, and quantity of the CO2 particles to be produced.

[0065] When the input device is arranged or constructed on the housing, the cleaning appliance can be operated in a simple manner. Therefore, the user can directly access the input device and can preset desired amounts via the input device, such as preset amounts for the density, size, and number of particles to be generated.

[0066] Advantageously, the input device is configured to be detachably connected to the housing. For example, the input device may enclose a receiving portion constructed on the housing, in which electronic circuitry for control and / or adjustment devices is arranged or constructed. Removability of the input device is advantageous to allow access to the circuitry components. For example, the input device may include a board on which input elements, such as rotary switches, toggle switches, or buttons, are arranged or constructed.

[0067] Preferably, the input device includes an operating mode selection switch for selecting the operating mode of the cleaning appliance. For example, the operating mode selection switch can be used to pre-determine the speed at which the mixed flow leaves the jet line interface, or the intensity at which CO2 particles are applied to the surface to be treated, such as the amount or quantity of CO2 particles per unit time. Alternatively, the operating mode selection switch can also be used, or only used, to pre-determine the desired particle amount, such as "small," "medium," or "large." Optionally, the user can use the operating mode selection switch in a separate switch position to reset the spraying time, which can be displayed, for example, on a display device, such as an LCD screen. Therefore, the user can combine the known spraying time to, for example, detect the service time provided to the customer and settle the bill.

[0068] Advantageously, the input device includes a display device for displaying the operating mode and / or operating parameters of the cleaning appliance. Thus, the user can always immediately see which operating mode the cleaning appliance is operating in, or which operating parameters have been adjusted. The display device can, in particular, be part of a touchscreen, via which input can also be made on the input device. For example, the display device can be configured to display the operating time of the cleaning appliance, especially the jetting time, i.e., the time elapsed during the emission of the mixed jet consisting of compressed gas and CO2 particles. Alternatively or additionally, the display device can also be configured to display or show the operating time of the cleaning appliance, the remaining time until the next maintenance or servicing of the cleaning appliance, and the adjusted jetting pressure, i.e., especially the pressure of the compressed gas. The jetting pressure can optionally be adjusted on the appliance, for example, via an accessory device including a pressure reducer. This accessory device can be arranged, in particular, inside the housing of the cleaning appliance, i.e., in particular, within the internal space defined by the housing. However, the accessory device can also be arranged or mounted outside the housing. Alternatively, the injection pressure can be adjusted via an external device, such as a pressure reducer in the workshop or a compressor that supplies compressed gas.

[0069] To improve the operability of cleaning appliances, it is particularly advantageous that the steering mechanism is arranged or configured to surround the input device. Therefore, the operator of the moving cleaning appliance can directly view the input device and, if necessary, adjust the operation of the cleaning appliance from the input device.

[0070] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the input device defines the display plane, and that the display plane is tilted about the direction of gravity. For example, the tilt angle can be in the range of approximately 30° to approximately 60°. Therefore, the operator standing in front of the cleaning appliance can optimally view and operate the input device.

[0071] Furthermore, to facilitate operation of the cleaner, the jet line interface is arranged or constructed below the input device with respect to the direction of gravity. For example, the operator can thus directly see whether the mixing jet line is correctly coupled to the jet line interface. Simultaneously, the operator can also inspect the input device and activate, operate, and, if necessary, deactivate the cleaning appliance.

[0072] Advantageously, the input device is arranged or constructed above at least one steerable wheel in the direction of gravity. In particular, the operator can thus move the cleaning appliance using a steering mechanism surrounding the input device. Therefore, it is especially easy to turn the cleaning appliance in the desired direction because at least one steerable wheel is arranged or constructed below the input device surrounded by the steering mechanism.

[0073] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, particularly in cleaning appliances of the type described at the beginning, the cleaning appliance may include a power supply interface for connecting the cleaning appliance to a power supply network. In this way, energy can be supplied to the cleaning appliance to enable its operation, particularly the operation of the compressor. The power supply interface may, in particular, be configured as a power supply interface to connect the cleaning appliance to a power supply network. This design is particularly advantageous when the components included in the cleaning appliance are electrical or electronic components for operating the cleaning appliance, such as drive mechanisms and control and / or regulation mechanisms, especially components included in the control and / or regulation mechanisms.

[0074] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning appliance may include a CO2 exhaust outlet for discharging uncondensed CO2 gas formed in the compression unit or due to the sublimation of CO2 particles. The CO2 exhaust outlet is particularly capable of discharging excess CO2 in a defined manner. If the cleaning appliance is operating, for example, in an enclosed room, the exhaust outlet may be fluidly connected to the surrounding environment of the room via an exhaust hose to keep the CO2 content in the room air below a specific threshold value, which is ensured by the user through appropriate ventilation and exhaust in the room or area where the cleaning appliance is operating. Therefore, the user can safely operate the cleaning appliance. In particular, the user can also ensure that sufficient oxygen remains in the room air for the user to breathe by taking appropriate measures, such as actively ventilating and exhausting the room or area where the cleaning appliance is operating.

[0075] Advantageously, the CO2 exhaust outlet fluid action is connected to the particle outlet of the particulate transfer device and the compression device. The largest proportion of excess CO2 is typically generated, particularly in the particulate transfer area and at the particle outlet of the compression device. With the proposed improvement, this can be emitted in a defined manner as described above, so that the CO2 level in the area of ​​the cleaning appliance or its surrounding environment is maintained at a sufficiently low level.

[0076] For the operation of the cleaning appliance, it is advantageous that the CO2 exhaust outlet is arranged or configured within the area of ​​the storage device. In particular, the CO2 exhaust outlet can be arranged or configured to point in the opposite direction or substantially in the opposite direction to the jet line interface. This is especially advantageous when the input device and deflector are arranged or configured above the jet line interface, with the CO2 exhaust outlet located on the side of the cleaning appliance away from the input device. Therefore, excess CO2 can be easily removed from the user, who, during operation, primarily remains on the side of the cleaning appliance where the jet line interface is arranged or configured.

[0077] Advantageously, the cleaning appliance includes a jet nozzle and a mixing jet line, with the mixing jet line connecting the jet line interface to the jet nozzle. This design allows the user to point the jet nozzle at the surface of the object to be treated in a desired manner. Therefore, the cleaning appliance with a compression device can be kept in a specific place or position during use. Flexible cleaning is possible through the jet nozzle combined with the mixing jet line.

[0078] To further improve the operability of the cleaning appliance, it is advantageous that the appliance includes a spray gun, and that a jet nozzle is arranged or constructed on the spray gun. The spray gun enables the user to operate the cleaning appliance with a particularly intuitive experience. For example, one or more control elements can be arranged or constructed on the spray gun, allowing the user to activate or deactivate the mixing flow, for example, by activating or deactivating the compressed gas flow. For this purpose, the spray gun can be connected in a controlled manner to the aforementioned pneumatic switching device. For example, if the control element of the spray gun is activated, the compressed gas flow can be activated, and under the desired flow conditions, CO2 particles can also be transferred into the compressed gas flow using a particle transfer device. In this case, more CO2 particles should be produced using the compression device to enable continuous operation of the cleaning appliance. Continuous operation does not necessarily mean that all components of the cleaning appliance are continuously working. For example, the aforementioned pre-compression device can produce CO2 snow intermittently, and then the main compression device can continuously or as required compress the CO2 snow into CO2 particles. If the spray gun's operating elements are no longer operated by the user, the mixed flow of compressed gas and CO2 particles is preferably interrupted, especially by automatically shutting off the fluid connection between the compressed gas interface and the particle transfer device.

[0079] Advantageously, the cleaning appliance includes an electrical control interface and at least one control connection line, and the at least one control connection line controls the control interface to the spray gun in a controlling manner. In this case, the spray gun is thus connected to the cleaning appliance not only via a mixing jet line but also via the control connection line. Through the operating elements on the spray gun, when the control and / or adjustment device is controlled by the electrical control interface, in particular, an electrical signal can be relayed from the spray gun to the control and / or adjustment device. Alternatively, the spray gun can also be connected to the control and / or adjustment device via a radio connection so that, by operating the operating elements on the spray gun, the user's particle request can be relayed to the control and / or adjustment device of the cleaning appliance.

[0080] In order to facilitate a simple connection between the spray gun and the control and / or adjustment device, it is advantageous for the control interface and the control and / or adjustment device to be connected to each other in a controlling manner.

[0081] For operation of the cleaning appliance, it is advantageous that the control interface is arranged or constructed to protrude parallel to the jet line interface. This particularly enables the control connection lines and the mixing jet line to be guided parallel to each other from the cleaning appliance to the spray gun. For example, these two lines can be coupled to each other via connecting elements to avoid potential hazards to the user due to uncontrolled wiring.

[0082] Advantageously, the control interface is arranged or constructed on the housing. In particular, the control interface can be arranged or constructed to protrude from the housing transversely to the direction of gravity. The arrangement of the control interface on the housing particularly facilitates the elimination of tensile stress on the wiring in a simple manner. Preferably, the control interface protrudes from the housing perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0083] Advantageously, the control interface is positioned or constructed above the jet line interface with respect to the direction of gravity. This specifically allows the control connection line to be coupled to the control interface only when the mixing jet line is already coupled to the jet line interface. Therefore, it can be particularly ensured that the mixed flow is not discharged directly from the jet line interface.

[0084] Advantageously, the spray gun is equipped with an operating element for activating and deactivating the mixed flow of compressed gas and CO2 particles. Thus, the user can, for example, point the spray gun's nozzle at the object to be treated and then request the mixed flow of compressed gas and CO2 particles by manipulating the operating element. The mixed flow can then be supplied accordingly through the cleaning appliance by opening the compressed gas line and activating the compression device to generate CO2 particles.

[0085] Preferably, the cleaning appliance includes a jet nozzle holding device for holding the jet nozzle in a stored position. This enables the user to store the jet nozzle on the cleaning appliance in a defined manner when the cleaning appliance is not needed, especially when the jet nozzle is arranged or constructed on a spray gun with actuating elements.

[0086] When the jet nozzle holder is integrated into or formed onto the housing, it can be configured in a simple and inexpensive manner. For example, the jet nozzle holder may include a C-shaped receiving portion for the spray gun. Attached Figure Description

[0087] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is intended for a more detailed explanation in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0088] Figure 1 : A general perspective view showing a first embodiment of the cleaning appliance;

[0089] Figure 2 : Show Figure 1 Another perspective view of the cleaning equipment;

[0090] Figure 3 : Show Figure 1 Another perspective view of the cleaning equipment;

[0091] Figure 4 : Show Figure 1 Another perspective view of the cleaning equipment;

[0092] Figure 5 Shown from the front Figure 1 A view of the cleaning equipment;

[0093] Figure 6 : Show Figure 5 A view of the cleaning equipment along the direction of arrow A;

[0094] Figure 7 : Show Figure 5 A view of the cleaning equipment along the direction of arrow B;

[0095] Figure 8 : Show Figure 5 A view of the cleaning equipment along the direction of arrow C;

[0096] Figure 9 : Show Figure 5 A view of the cleaning equipment along the direction of arrow D;

[0097] Figure 10 : Show Figure 1 A partially cut-away perspective view of a cleaning appliance;

[0098] Figure 11 : Show Figure 1 Another schematic cutaway perspective view of a cleaning appliance;

[0099] Figure 12 Shown from above Figure 5 A view of the cleaning equipment, which is related to Figure 8 Similarly, in this case, the outer casing was partially removed;

[0100] Figure 13 Shown from above Figure 5 A view of the cleaner, in which the housing has been completely removed;

[0101] Figure 14 : Show Figure 13 An overall perspective view of the components;

[0102] Figure 15 : Show Figure 14 A partial view of the component, where the input device is removed;

[0103] Figure 16 : Show Figure 15A magnified partial view of the components in the document;

[0104] Figure 17 : Show Figure 14 A perspective view of a cleaning appliance without its housing;

[0105] Figure 18 : A general perspective view showing another embodiment of the cleaning appliance with partial interior views;

[0106] Figure 19 Shown from the front Figure 18 A view of the cleaning equipment with a partial interior view;

[0107] Figure 20 : Show Figure 18 A schematic perspective view of a cleaning appliance, in which the housing is removed and the input device is removed;

[0108] Figure 21 : Show Figure 20 Another perspective of the component;

[0109] Figure 22 : Show Figure 21 Another perspective view of the components, in which the CO2 reservoir is removed from the cleaning appliance; and

[0110] Figure 23 : Show Figure 18 A partially cut-out side view of the component. Detailed Implementation

[0111] Figures 1 to 17 A first embodiment of a cleaning apparatus 10 is schematically shown for spraying a surface to be treated with a mixed stream of compressed gas and CO2 particles. Furthermore, Figures 18 to 23 A second embodiment of the cleaning appliance is schematically shown and is also labeled with reference numeral 10. The two embodiments differ only in details, and therefore, for clarity, the same reference numerals are used to label the same or functionally similar parts.

[0112] The following description is used to explain these two embodiments. Differences between the two embodiments will be explained in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 17 Explain these differences in detail.

[0113] The cleaning appliance 10 includes a device 12 for preparing CO2 particles from liquid or gaseous CO2.

[0114] The device 12 includes a compression device 14 for compressing CO2 snow to form CO2 particles.

[0115] The compression device 14 includes a pre-compression device 16 and a main compression device 18, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0116] In addition, the cleaning appliance 10 is configured to be movable and includes a chassis 20.

[0117] Furthermore, the cleaning appliance 10 includes a housing 22 that defines an internal space 24. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the compression device 14 is housed within the internal space 24, as... Figures 10 to 12 and Figure 18 This is illustrated schematically in the image.

[0118] Chassis 20 includes chassis frame 26. (Especially in...) Figure 9 As can be seen, the chassis 20 with chassis frame 26 closes the shell 22 from below with respect to the direction of gravity 28, which is symbolically indicated by an arrow.

[0119] The cleaning appliance 10 also includes a power supply interface 30, which is a power supply interface with a connecting plug 34 for connecting the cleaning appliance 10 to a power supply network (not shown), such as a power grid. Figures 1 to 17 In the embodiment shown, the power supply interface 30 is only used when Figure 3 The example is drawn in the middle.

[0120] To drive the compression device 14, the cleaning appliance 10 includes a drive device 36, which, in the embodiment shown in the figure, includes an electric motor 38.

[0121] The drive unit 36 ​​includes a drive shaft (not shown in more detail in the figure), which is protectively surrounded by a cylindrical housing portion 40 of the transmission unit 44, which is configured as an angular transmission. The drive shaft defines a drive shaft axis 42 that extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity 28 when the cleaning appliance 10 is used as intended. In other words, the electric motor 38 is vertically mounted.

[0122] The drive unit 36 ​​is coupled to the transmission unit 44. The transmission unit 44 is coupled to the compression unit 14 by means of its driven shaft. The driven shaft of the transmission unit 44 extends perpendicular to the direction of gravity 28.

[0123] The pre-compression device 16 of the cleaning appliance 10 is configured to pre-compress CO2 snow, which is formed by depressurization of liquid CO2 or by depressurization of pressurized CO2.

[0124] The embodiment shown in the figure includes a pre-compression device 16 in the form of a hydrodynamic pre-compression device 16, which means that CO2 snow is formed and pre-compressed only by a spatially defined and guided CO2 gas flow.

[0125] The fluid dynamics pre-compression device 16 includes a pre-compression chamber 46. The pre-compression chamber 46 includes a pre-compression chamber inlet 48 and a pre-compression chamber outlet 50. The pre-compression chamber 46 is curved between the pre-compression chamber inlet 48 and the pre-compression chamber outlet 50. The pre-compression chamber 46 includes a curved pipe 52.

[0126] The precompression chamber inlet 48 defines an inlet longitudinal axis 54. The precompression chamber outlet 50 defines an outlet longitudinal axis 56. The inlet longitudinal axis 54 and the outlet longitudinal axis 56 form a curvature angle 58, which is approximately 90° in the embodiment shown in the figure.

[0127] Pipe 52 is arranged such that the inlet longitudinal axis 54 extends transversely to, and in particular perpendicular to, the direction of gravity 28. Conversely, the outlet longitudinal axis 56 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity 28.

[0128] The pre-compression chamber outlet 50 is arranged or constructed above or above the main compression unit 18 with respect to gravity direction 28. The pre-compression unit 16 includes a CO2 interface 60. The CO2 interface 60 is fluidly connected to a CO2 reservoir 64 via a connection line 62. The CO2 reservoir 64 contains liquid CO2 when the pressure in the CO2 reservoir 64 is above 5.2 bar. When the pressure in the CO2 reservoir 64 is lower, the CO2 contained therein is gaseous.

[0129] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the CO2 reservoir 64 is configured in the form of a CO2 bottle 66, which defines a longitudinal axis 68 of the bottle. In particular, when the cleaning appliance 10 is used as intended, as shown in the figure, the longitudinal axis of the bottle is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity 28.

[0130] In this respect, it should be noted that the cleaning appliance 10 defines a principal plane 70, which extends parallel to the direction of gravity 28 and extends from the rear side 72 to the front side 74 of the cleaning appliance 10. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the principal plane 70 substantially defines the plane of symmetry 76 of the cleaning appliance 10. This means that the cleaning appliance 10 is configured at least partially symmetrically, i.e., mirror-symmetrically, about the plane of symmetry 76. For example, the housing 22 is configured substantially symmetrically about the plane of symmetry 76 and therefore also symmetrically about the principal plane 70.

[0131] As can be clearly seen from the figure, the drive shaft axis 72 of the drive unit 36 ​​extends within the main plane 70. Furthermore, the drive unit 36 ​​is positioned on the chassis frame 26 in the gravity direction 28, near its rear side 72.

[0132] The longitudinal axis 68 of the CO2 reservoir 64 is also positioned within or near the main plane 70. As can be clearly seen from the figure, the CO2 reservoir 64 is arranged symmetrically about the main plane 70, or more precisely, on the rear side 72 of the cleaning appliance 10.

[0133] Furthermore, the tube 52 included by the pre-compression device 16 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the main plane 70. The pre-compression chamber inlet 48 points toward the rear side 72, thereby pointing toward the CO2 storage tank 64.

[0134] A reservoir holding device 78 is provided on the cleaning appliance 10 for the CO2 reservoir 64. The reservoir holding device 78 defines a reservoir receiving portion 80 for the CO2 reservoir 64. The reservoir receiving portion 80 is symmetrically configured about the main plane 70 and opens rearwardly from the rear side 72. The reservoir holding device 78 is segmentally formed onto the housing 22. It includes an upper recess 82 and a lower recess 84.

[0135] The two recesses 82 and 84 are spaced apart from each other about the direction of gravity 28. The lower recess 84 is positioned slightly above the chassis frame 26. The upper recess 82 extends slightly downward from the upper side 86 of the housing towards the lower recess 84 in the direction of gravity 28. The two recesses 82 and 84 define mutually aligned hollow cylindrical walls 88 or 90 with a radius of curvature slightly larger than that of the CO2 bottle 66 about its longitudinal axis 68, so that when the CO2 reservoir 64 is positioned as intended in the reservoir holding device 78, the outer cylindrical wall 92 of the CO2 bottle 66 contacts the walls 88 and 90.

[0136] The storage holding device 78 also includes a support plate 94 that extends rearwardly away from the chassis frame 26 and defines a flat placement surface 96 for the CO2 storage 64.

[0137] The memory holding device 78 also includes a protective element 98 for the CO2 storage device 64. According to... Figures 18 to 23 In an embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10, two protective elements 98 are provided, which protrude rearward and connect to each other at the free ends 100 and 102 of the protrusions that define the recesses 82 and 84. Figure 22As schematically shown, the protective element 98 includes two strap segments 106 and 108 extending from ends 100 or 102, which engage with each other via a locking element 110, such that when the CO2 bottle 66 is placed into the reservoir housing 80, it is partially and completely surrounded by the wall 88 or 90 and by the retaining strap 104 with its respective strap segments 106 and 108. The locking element 110 enables the two strap segments 106 and 108 to be tensioned relative to each other, thereby securely fastening the CO2 reservoir 64 to the cleaning appliance 10.

[0138] In embodiments 18 to 23, two upper protrusions of the partially defined wall surface 88 are provided with slits 112 from the free end 100. This forms two protrusions 114 or 116 protruding from the end 100, through which annular rubber bands 118 are tensioned. Specifically, the hose or cable of the cleaning appliance 10 can be inserted into these two slits 112 and protected by the rubber bands 118.

[0139] In the two embodiments shown in the figure, the chassis 20 includes at least three wheels 120 and 122, respectively: two wheels 120 in the form of main axis wheels 124 and two wheels 122 in the form of two steerable wheels 126. The steerable wheels 126 are arranged under the chassis frame 26, more specifically near the front side 74 of the cleaning appliance 10.

[0140] The steerable wheels 126 are configured as steerable rollers 128. Each steerable roller 128 is rotatable about a roller axis 130, which extends laterally, i.e., perpendicularly to the direction of gravity 28, when the cleaning appliance 10 is used as prescribed. In addition, each steerable roller 128 is torsionable about a steerable axis 132, which extends parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity 28.

[0141] The embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10 shown in the figure also includes two stopping devices 134 that cooperate with the steering rollers 128 and are configured in the form of commercially available roller stoppers 136. By pivoting the stopping devices about an axis parallel to their respective roller axes 130, the steering rollers 128 can be locked, more precisely, locked in terms of torsion about their respective longitudinal axes 130. When the stopping devices 130 are operated, the cleaning appliance 10 will no longer be able to move. It is thus protected against rolling.

[0142] The two main axis wheels 124 of the chassis 20 are arranged in a manner that allows them to twist about a common main axis 138. The main axis 138 extends slightly above the load-bearing plate 94, which forms part of the chassis frame 26. Especially in Figure 13As can be clearly seen, the storage holding device 78 is arranged or constructed such that the CO2 storage container 64 is positioned on the main axis 138. When the longitudinal axis 68 of the CO2 bottle 66 intersects the main axis 138, the CO2 bottle is optimally positioned on the cleaning device 10.

[0143] Two main axis wheels 124 are arranged or configured to extend laterally beyond the chassis frame 26 on the mutually pointing sides of the cleaning appliance 10. The track width 140 of the main axis wheels 124 is significantly larger than the track width 142 of the steerable wheels 126. The track width 142 is schematically drawn on... Figure 13 The wheelbase defines the distance between the center planes of the two steering rollers 128 when the roller axes 130 are aligned parallel to the main axis 138. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the wheelbase 140 is more than 50% larger than the wheelbase 142.

[0144] Two main axis wheels 124 define a main axis wheel diameter 144. A steerable wheel 126 defines a steerable wheel diameter 146. In the embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10 shown in the figure, the main axis wheel diameter 144 is larger than the steerable wheel diameter 146, more precisely, more than twice as large, that is, approximately three times as large.

[0145] To generate CO2 particles (not shown in the figure), liquid CO2 is preferably extracted from CO2 reservoir 64 and guided to CO2 interface 60 via connection line 62. CO2 interface 60 protrudes from pre-compression device 16 in a direction transverse to, i.e., perpendicular to, the direction of gravity 28. Therefore, CO2 interface 60 protrudes rearward in the direction of inlet longitudinal axis 54, i.e., towards CO2 reservoir 64.

[0146] A switching device 148 is arranged or constructed between the CO2 interface 60 and the pre-compression device 16 to open and close the fluid connection between the CO2 interface 60 and the pre-compression chamber inlet 48 of the pre-compression device 16.

[0147] A pressure-reducing nozzle (not shown in the figure) is arranged in the area of ​​the pre-compression chamber inlet 48. When the switching device 148 opens the fluid connection between the CO2 interface 60 and the pre-compression device 16, liquid CO2 flows through the pressure-reducing nozzle. The switching device 148 is configured, for example, in the form of a valve 150 that can be operated by means of a magnetic actuator.

[0148] Pressurized CO2 expands as it flows into the precompression chamber 46, where it cools and forms CO2 snow. With the pressure-reducing nozzle oriented accordingly, the CO2 snow deposits on the inner wall of the precompression chamber 46. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the pressure-reducing nozzle is configured such that the CO2 stream emitted from the pressure-reducing nozzle flows into and through the precompression chamber 46 in a spiral pattern, thereby ensuring that the formed CO2 snow impacts the inner wall of the precompression chamber 46 with a high probability.

[0149] The CO2 snow that accumulates sequentially on the inner wall of the precompression chamber 46 is slightly compressed, causing the precompressed CO2 snow to agglomerate on the inner wall. However, the CO2 flow entering the precompression chamber is not only used to form CO2 snow, but also to transport the formed CO2 snow to the precompression chamber outlet 50.

[0150] The outlet 50 of the pre-compression chamber is directly fluidly connected to the inlet of the main compression unit 18. CO2 snow falls into the main compression unit 18 under the support of gravity, specifically between two compressor wheel sleeves that are rotatable about the compressor sleeve axis 154. These two compressor wheel sleeves are provided with external teeth and arranged to mesh with each other. The compressor wheel sleeves are coupled to the drive unit 42 in a driving action and can therefore be put into rotation by activating the drive unit 36.

[0151] Between the teeth of the compressor wheel sleeve, there are notches on the bottom of the teeth and on the wall of the compressor wheel sleeve. The CO2 snow delivered by the pre-compression chamber 46 is squeezed through these notches by a compression mold and reaches the compressor wheel sleeve.

[0152] The scraping element, not yet shown in the figure, extends from the free end away from the transmission device 46 into the compressor wheel sleeve, that is, into the internal space defined by the compressor wheel sleeve, and scrapes off the CO2 strands that have been squeezed through, thereby forming CO2 particles of a defined length.

[0153] Furthermore, the scraping elements are constructed and arranged such that they convey CO2 particles from the internal space of the compressor wheel sleeve to its free end, thereby causing the CO2 particles to fall from the compressor wheel sleeve into a collection funnel arranged between the main compression unit 18 and the particle transfer device 156 of the cleaning appliance 10.

[0154] The particle transfer device 156 is configured to transfer CO2 particles into a compressed gas stream 158. The particle transfer device 156 includes a metering device 160 for metering the number or volume of CO2 particles before transfer into the compressed gas stream 158.

[0155] The dispensing device 160 includes a dispensing disc 162 that rotates about an axis of rotation 164 parallel to the direction of gravity 28. An additional drive unit 165, in the form of an electric motor 167, is used to drive the particle transfer device 156, and particularly to rotate the dispensing disc 162. This additional drive unit, similar to drive unit 36, utilizes its drive shaft for vertical orientation. The drive unit 165 is positioned below the dispensing disc 162 and, when viewed from the front, i.e., towards the front side 74 of the cleaning appliance 10, is positioned on the right side of the main plane 70.

[0156] The dispensing tray 162 includes multiple dispensing compartments, each capable of holding a limited number of CO2 particles or a defined volume of CO2 particles. The upper side of the dispensing tray 162, pointing against the direction of gravity, is arranged below the outlet of the collecting funnel, so that CO2 particles can fall sequentially from the outlet into the dispensing compartments of the dispensing tray 162.

[0157] Spatially offset, a gas passage is arranged on the dispensing device 160, which downstream defines a dispensing outlet 166 of the dispensing device 160. The dispensing outlet is fluidly connected to the jet line interface 170 of the cleaning appliance 10 via a connecting line 168. Therefore, the particle transfer device 156 is fluidly connected to the jet line interface 170.

[0158] The connecting line 168 extends directly below the dispensing device 160, parallel to the direction of gravity 28, and then extends in an arc to an end section extending perpendicular to the direction of gravity 28. The end section terminates at the jet line interface 170. In this manner, the jet line interface 170 extends from the housing 22 laterally, i.e. perpendicularly to the direction of gravity 28.

[0159] The jet line interface 170 is configured to be used with... Figure 23 The first free end 172 of the mixed jet line 174, schematically drawn in dashed lines, is connected to guide the mixed flow consisting of the compressed gas flow 148 and CO2 particles transferred into the compressed gas flow by the dispensing device 160 to the jet nozzle 178. The mixed flow 176 is discharged from the jet nozzle 178, forming a mixed jet 208, which can be directed onto the surface to be treated.

[0160] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the jet line interface 170 is arranged or constructed above the main axis 138 with respect to the gravity direction 28. Furthermore, the jet line interface 170 and the main axis 138 extend laterally, i.e., perpendicularly, to each other. Additionally, the jet line interface 170 extends parallel to the main plane 70. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the jet line interface 170 is also symmetrically configured with respect to the main plane 70.

[0161] Furthermore, the jet line interface 170 extending away from the front side 74 of the cleaning appliance 10 and the CO2 interface 60 extending backward toward the CO2 storage 64 point in opposite directions.

[0162] exist Figures 1 to 17 In one embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10, the connecting line 62 directly connects the CO2 interface 60 to the CO2 storage device 64. The connecting line 62 is constructed in the form of a corrugated metal flexible hose.

[0163] According to Figures 18 to 23 In one embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10, a CO2 housing interface 180 is additionally provided on the cleaning appliance 10. It protrudes from the upper side 86 of the housing 22 and is fluidly connected to the CO2 reservoir 64, i.e., its bottle interface 182, via a connection line 62, which is also formed in the form of a metal corrugated hose.

[0164] The CO2 housing interface 180 is parallel to the direction of gravity and oriented 28. Figures 18 to 23 In one embodiment, the CO2 housing interface 180 is oriented against the direction of gravity 28.

[0165] CO2 housing interface 180 and CO2 interface 60 are fluidly connected to each other via CO2 line 184. CO2 line 184 is constructed in the form of a tube 186, i.e., a metal tube, and is therefore, in principle, non-flexible or substantially non-flexible. To enable the cleaning appliance 10 to achieve a certain degree of elasticity and vibration compensation during operation, CO2 line 184 is shaped to have at least one complete coiled portion 188, also referred to as a closed coiled portion 188. Therefore, CO2 line 184, similar to a helically coiled spring element, can compensate for vibrations between CO2 interface 60 and CO2 housing interface 180 during the operation of the cleaning appliance 10, up to a certain extent. Thus, the provided coiled portion 188 imparts a certain degree of flexibility to CO2 line 184.

[0166] The coiled portion 188 defines the coiled plane 190. In Figures 18 to 23 In an embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10 schematically shown, the coiled plane 190 extends laterally, i.e., perpendicularly to the main plane 70 and parallel to the direction of gravity 28.

[0167] The cleaning appliance 10 also includes a compressed gas interface 192, which is configured to connect to a compressed gas source (not shown in the figure). For example, the compressed gas source could be a compressor or a compressed air interface of a compressed air network used in a workshop or factory.

[0168] Compressed gas inlet 192 is fluidly connected to particle transfer device 126. For this purpose, a compressed gas line 194 is used, which connects the compressed gas inlet 192, which is arranged rearward from cleaning appliance 10 and adjacent to support plate 94, to the compressed gas inlet 196 of particle transfer device 156. Therefore, compressed gas inlet 192 is arranged or constructed in the area of ​​storage device 78.

[0169] The compressed gas flow 158 from the compressed gas source is guided to the particle transfer device 156 via the compressed gas line 194, and then guided to the jet line interface 170.

[0170] A switching device 198 is arranged or constructed between the compressed gas interface 192 and the particle transfer device 156 to selectively open and close the fluid connection established by the compressed gas line 194 between the compressed gas interface 192 and the particle transfer device 156. The switching device 198, also referred to as the pneumatic switching device 198 in this example, includes a compressed gas valve 200 configured to be electromagnetically actuated.

[0171] The cleaning appliance 10 also includes a CO2 exhaust outlet 102 for discharging CO2 gas generated in the compressor 14 in the form of non-condensable CO2 gas or generated by the sublimation of CO2 particles.

[0172] CO2 exhaust outlet 202 is connected to the particle outlet of particle transfer device 156 and compression device 14 via exhaust line 204.

[0173] The CO2 exhaust outlet 202 is arranged or constructed in the area of ​​the reservoir holding device 78. It points in the opposite direction to the jet line interface 170, i.e., backward away from the cleaning appliance 10. The CO2 exhaust outlet 202 and the compressed gas interface 192 are arranged or constructed on both sides of the CO2 reservoir 64 between the CO2 reservoir 64 and one of the main axis wheels 124. In one embodiment, the CO2 exhaust outlet 202 and the compressed gas interface 192 are arranged or constructed symmetrically about the main plane 70.

[0174] The aforementioned jet nozzle 178 of the cleaning appliance 10 is configured as part of the spray gun 206. A mixed stream 176 is delivered from the nozzle 178 as a mixed jet 208, which is formed by compressed gas used as a carrier gas and CO2 particles transported by the compressed gas.

[0175] The spray gun 206 includes an actuating element 210 in the form of a trigger lever 212, which allows the user to activate or deactivate the switching device 198 to selectively open and close the fluid connection established by the compressed gas line 194 between the compressed gas interface 192 and the particle transfer device 156. In this way, the spray gun 206 can deliver or interrupt the mixed jet 176. The switching device 198 is actuated by the operator pivoting the trigger lever 212. Therefore, interruption of the mixed flow 176 is not achieved by closing a valve on the spray gun 206, but by closing the switching device 198. The spray gun 206 includes an open nozzle leading to the jet nozzle 178.

[0176] The control element 210 is connected to the electrical control interface 216 of the cleaning appliance 10 via the control connection line 214.

[0177] The control interface 216 is arranged or constructed to protrude forward from the cleaning appliance 10 parallel to the jet line interface 170.

[0178] The control interface 216 is also disposed or constructed on the housing 220, and remains on the housing when the housing 22 is removed from the chassis 20, for example for maintenance or repair purposes. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the control interface 216 protrudes from the housing 22 laterally, i.e., perpendicularly to the direction of gravity 288.

[0179] Furthermore, the control interface 216 is arranged or constructed above or above the jet line interface 170 with respect to the gravity direction 28.

[0180] The cleaning appliance 10 also includes a jet nozzle holding device 218 for holding the jet nozzle 178 or spray gun 206 in a stored position. In both embodiments shown, the jet nozzle holding device 218 is integrated into the housing 22. Figures 1 to 17 In one embodiment, a gun receiving portion 220 is constructed that can be accessed from the front and from the top. Figures 18 to 23 In one embodiment, a C-shaped, laterally protruding gun receiving portion 220 for the spray gun 206 is formed on the housing 22, into which the spray gun 206 can be hung when the spray gun is not needed.

[0181] The housing 22 of the embodiment shown in the figure is made of plastic. Due to the complexity of its size and shape, the housing is manufactured using rotational molding.

[0182] To allow the operator to move the cleaning appliance 10 in a simple manner, the appliance includes a steering mechanism 222, which is arranged or constructed on the housing in a non-movable manner in the form of a generally C-shaped flange 224 that opens forward and downward. Thus, the operator can comfortably push the cleaning appliance 10 by grasping the laterally extending, parallel sections 226 of the flange 224 with one hand, and can also rotate and move the cleaning appliance in any direction due to the steerable wheels 126.

[0183] The cleaning appliance 10 also includes a control and / or adjustment device 228 for controlling and / or adjusting the cleaning appliance 10. In particular, the control and / or adjustment device is used to control and / or adjust the compression device 14. The control and / or adjustment device 228 is arranged in the internal space 24 of the housing.

[0184] The control and / or regulation device 228 includes components operating under high voltage, particularly mains voltage. These components are arranged in a separate control box 230 below the compression device 14, about the direction of gravity 28. In particular, a contactor for the drive device 36 is arranged in the control box 230. The control box 230 is connected to the power supply interface 32.

[0185] A control section 232 is constructed on the upper front of the housing, in which a low-voltage component of the control and / or adjustment device 228 is housed, particularly the electronic control circuit 234 of the cleaning appliance 10. The control circuit 234 is arranged above the compression device 14.

[0186] The control unit housing 232 has a forward-facing and upward-pointing opening 236, which is closed by a sealing plate 238. The sealing plate 238 is removable and forms part of the input device 240 of the cleaning appliance 10. The input device 240 is arranged or constructed on the housing 22 in the manner described above. In particular, the input device can be detachably connected to the housing 22 to release the control unit housing 232 for maintenance and repair purposes, thereby gaining access to the control circuitry 234.

[0187] The two control circuits 242 and 244 have plug connectors 246 and 248 at their free ends, which are force-locked and / or form-locked into each other with plug coupling portions 250 and 252 arranged on the control circuit 234, so as to establish a controllable connection between the control circuit 234 on one side and the electrical components of the cleaning appliance 10 on the other side, especially the high-voltage components in the control box 230.

[0188] To facilitate maintenance of the cleaning appliance 10, the plug connectors 246 and 248, which are interlocked during operation, can be separated from their corresponding plug couplings 250 and 252 so that the housing 22 can be completely removed from the chassis 20. For this separation, it is particularly necessary to remove the sealing plate 238 from the housing 22.

[0189] The input device 240 includes an operating mode selection switch 254, which is used to select the operating mode of the cleaning appliance 10. Figures 18 to 23 In the illustrated embodiment, the operating mode selection switch 254 is used to pre-determine the desired particle quantity in the mixing flow 176, and thus in the mixing jet 208, i.e., "small," "medium," or "large," by placing the operating mode selection switch 254 in the appropriate position. The desired particle quantity is displayed next to the operating mode selection switch 254 by a corresponding symbol.

[0190] Optionally, the input device 240 includes a display device 256 for displaying the operating mode and / or operating parameters and / or error reports of the cleaning appliance 10.

[0191] In one embodiment, the display device 256 includes a plurality of display elements 278 and 280. The display elements 278 are configured as LCD displays, specifically displaying operating pressure, operating time, injection time, etc., in the compressed gas line. Symbols representing operating parameters are arranged next to the LCD displays, and these symbols are displayed using the LCD. In this way, the user can directly associate the values ​​displayed on the LCD displays with their respective operating parameters.

[0192] The display element 280 includes multiple zones, each with a status symbol or error symbol. These symbols correspond to the operating or error states of the cleaning appliance 100. Each zone is assigned one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting. If an error corresponding to one of the error symbols occurs during the operation of the cleaning appliance 100, the assigned LED is activated, thus displaying the error and its type to the user. The LEDs can continuously illuminate or flash in relation to the error, thereby alternating the display of multiple pieces of information. Similarly, the display element displays different operating states of the cleaning appliance 10 to the user.

[0193] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the steering mechanism 222 surrounds the input device 240. Therefore, the flange 224 surrounds the opening 236.

[0194] To achieve optimal operation of the cleaning appliance 10, the input device 240 is arranged at an angle on the housing 22. The input device 240 defines a display plane 258, which is inclined about the direction of gravity 28. The display angle 260 formed between the display plane 258 and the direction of gravity 28 is in the range of approximately 30° to approximately 60°.

[0195] To make the use of the cleaning appliance 10 ergonomic and effortless, the jet line interface 170 is arranged or constructed below the input device 240 with respect to the direction of gravity 28. Due to the special arrangement of the input device 240 in the area of ​​the steering mechanism 222, the user can always have a full understanding of the functions of the cleaning appliance 10, even when the cleaning appliance is in motion. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous, in the embodiment shown in the figure, that the input device 240 is arranged above the steerable wheel 126 with respect to the direction of gravity 28.

[0196] In order to transmit the control signal from the spray gun 206 to the control and / or adjustment device 228, the control interface 216 is connected to the control and / or adjustment device 228 in a controllable manner.

[0197] Control or adjustment device 228 is specifically used to control the compression device 14, allowing the mechanical properties of the CO2 particles produced by the compression device to be preset. These mechanical properties can be preset by the user using input device 240, such as density, size, or the number of CO2 particles to be produced per unit time. This input can be easily adjusted by the user to one of several switching positions by correspondingly turning the operation selection switch 254, which is configured as a rotary switch and defines a switching position for each mode of the cleaning appliance. In one position of the operation selection switch 254, the cleaning appliance is completely off. This switching position is achieved by turning the operation selection switch 254 counterclockwise to the stop. To activate the cleaning appliance 10, the operation selection switch 254 must be turned clockwise to the possible switching position.

[0198] Optionally, such as Figures 18 to 23 As shown in the embodiment, a support portion 262 may be constructed on the upper side 86 of the housing 22 of the cleaning appliance 10. The support portion 262 is formed in the form of a flat recess, in which accessories of the cleaning appliance 10 can be placed, for example, during use.

[0199] According to Figures 18 to 23 In an embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10, the chassis frame has notches 264 and 266. Notches 264 and 266 are disposed directly below the drive units 36 and 165 and are used to supply fresh air to the drive units in order to prevent overheating during operation of the cleaning appliance 10.

[0200] The cleaning appliance 10 also includes a condensate tank 268 for collecting condensate and melted water. The condensate tank 268 is mounted on the chassis frame 26 and includes a bottom 270 that slopes slightly towards the front side 74. The condensate tank 268 is also interrupted in the areas of notches 264 and 266. In these areas, the condensate tank includes two sleeve-shaped air guide elements 272 and 274, also referred to as air ducts. The air guide elements 272 and 274 surround the lower end region of the drive unit 36 ​​or 165 and extend through notches 264 and 266. Furthermore, the air guide elements 272 and 274 are integrally formed with the condensate tank 268 to prevent condensate and melted water from leaking out through notches 264 and 266. To drain the condensate and melted water collected in the condensate tank 268, a drain opening constructed on the condensate tank 268 near the front side 74 is used, which is closed with a sealing plug 276 during operation of the cleaning appliance. To explain, it should be noted that components in contact with CO2, particularly all components of the compressor 214, are intensely cooled during the operation of the cleaning appliance 10, more precisely, significantly below 0°C. Water in the ambient air condenses and freezes on the cold surfaces of the components, forming noticeable ice deposits. After the operation of the cleaning appliance 10 ends, the accumulated ice thaws, and the melted water collects in the condensate tank 268. The cleaning appliance 10 can then be pushed, for example, to a drain in the ground (not shown) and the plug removed to drain the water from the condensate tank 268 in a defined manner.

[0201] The embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10 enables a user to treat surfaces to be cleaned, such as surfaces requiring the removal of grease and lubricant layers, using a mixed jet 208. Compared to conventional cleaning appliances that generate a mixed jet from compressed gas and CO2 particles, the cleaning appliance 10 has the advantage that CO2 particles are always provided in the desired quantity and quality when used, as they are produced directly using the cleaning appliance 10. Only a correspondingly filled CO2 reservoir 64, such as a CO2 bottle 66 containing liquid CO2, needs to be provided.

[0202] CO2 particles are generated by the compression device 14 after the control element 210 is actuated, according to user requirements. In particular, the compression device 14 can be activated by actuating the trigger lever 212 to form CO2 particles.

[0203] CO2 bottles 66 containing liquid CO2 can be easily stored and stockpiled. No special cooling is required for this; however, when the cleaning apparatus itself does not produce CO2 particles but must be filled with industrially produced CO2 particles, such special cooling is necessary. This results in significant stockpiling costs, especially for purchased CO2 particles, because the particles must be stored at very low temperatures to avoid sublimation. Even then, partial or complete sublimation of the CO2 particles cannot be completely avoided. The cleaning apparatus 10 is different. Here, after being compressed by the main compression device 18, the CO2 particles are directly introduced into the compressed gas stream 158 via the particle transfer device 156 to form a mixed stream 176, which can be directed to the jet nozzle 178 and discharged from the jet nozzle as a mixed jet.

[0204] The cleaning devices 10 are compact, lightweight, easy to move, and safe. In particular, they can be used even at high external temperatures, especially in ambient temperatures up to 40°C. At higher ambient temperatures, the pressure in the CO2 reservoir 64 increases, leading to a higher gas content. Therefore, the efficiency of converting liquid CO2 into CO2 snow decreases when the ambient temperature exceeds 40°C. This effect may also begin at temperatures above approximately 31°C, as the CO2 enters a supercritical state. When the CO2 reservoir 64 cools down again, the efficiency of snow production increases again.

[0205] Especially when the external temperature is high, it is very advantageous for the cleaning appliance 10 to generate CO2 particles directly, because the CO2 particles can therefore be provided for cleaning purposes with high reliability.

[0206] List of reference numerals

[0207] 10 Cleaning tools

[0208] 12 Equipment

[0209] 14. Compression device

[0210] 16 Pre-compression device

[0211] 18 Main compression unit

[0212] 20 Chassis

[0213] 22. Shell

[0214] 24. Internal space of the shell

[0215] 26 Chassis Frame

[0216] 28. Direction of gravity

[0217] 30 power supply interfaces

[0218] 32 power supply interfaces

[0219] 34 Connecting plug

[0220] 36. Drive unit

[0221] 38 Electric Motors

[0222] 40 Shell flap

[0223] 42 Drive shaft axis

[0224] 44 Transmission device

[0225] 46 Pre-compression chamber

[0226] 48. Precompression chamber inlet

[0227] 50 Pre-compression chamber outlet

[0228] 52 tubes

[0229] 54. Inlet longitudinal axis

[0230] 56. Longitudinal axis of the outlet

[0231] 58° curvature angle

[0232] 60 CO2 interface

[0233] 62 Connection lines

[0234] 64 CO2 storage

[0235] 66 CO2 bottles

[0236] 68 bottles longitudinal axis

[0237] 70 Main Plane

[0238] 72 Rear Side

[0239] 74 Anterior side

[0240] 76 planes of symmetry

[0241] 78. Storage holding device

[0242] 80 Storage compartment

[0243] 82 upper concave part

[0244] 84 concave part

[0245] 86 upper side

[0246] 88 wall

[0247] 90 wall

[0248] 92 wall

[0249] 94 Bearing plate

[0250] 96 Placement surface

[0251] 98 Protective Components

[0252] 100 end

[0253] 102 end

[0254] 104 Retaining strap

[0255] 106 Section

[0256] 108 section

[0257] 110 Locking element

[0258] 112 gaps

[0259] 114 Protrusion

[0260] 116 Protrusion

[0261] 118 Rubber band

[0262] 120 wheels

[0263] 122 wheels

[0264] 124 Main axis wheels

[0265] 126 Wheels that can steer

[0266] 128 steering rollers

[0267] 130 roller axis

[0268] 132 Steering Axis

[0269] 134 Parking device

[0270] 136 Roller Stopper

[0271] 138 Main Axis

[0272] 140 wheelbase

[0273] 142 wheelbase

[0274] 144 Main axis wheel diameter

[0275] 146 Steering wheel diameter

[0276] 148 Switching device

[0277] 150 valve

[0278] 152 Magnetic Actuator

[0279] 154 Compressor sleeve axis

[0280] 156 Particle Transfer Device

[0281] 158 Compressed gas flow

[0282] 160 Dosing device

[0283] 162 Distribution Plate

[0284] 164 Rotation axis

[0285] 165 Drive Unit

[0286] 166 quota exports

[0287] 167 Electric Motor

[0288] 168 Connection Line

[0289] 170 jet line interface

[0290] 172 First Free End

[0291] 174 Hybrid Jet Circuit

[0292] 176 Mixed Flow

[0293] 178 jet nozzle

[0294] 180 CO2 housing interface

[0295] 182 bottles interface

[0296] 184 CO2 Line

[0297] 186 tubes

[0298] 188. Vessel wall

[0299] 190 Container wall plane

[0300] 192 Compressed Gas Interface

[0301] 194 Compressed Gas Circuit

[0302] 196 Compressed Gas Precompression Chamber

[0303] 198 Switching device

[0304] 200 Compressed Gas Valve

[0305] 202 CO2 exhaust gas outlet

[0306] 204 Exhaust Gas Circuit

[0307] 206 spray gun

[0308] 208 Mixed Jet

[0309] 210 Control element

[0310] 212 Trigger lever

[0311] 214 Control connection lines

[0312] 216 Control Interface

[0313] 218 Jet Nozzle Holding Device

[0314] 220mm gun housing

[0315] 222 Steering Gear

[0316] 224 flange

[0317] 226 Steering section

[0318] 228 Control and / or regulating devices

[0319] 230 Control Box

[0320] 232 Control and containment section

[0321] 234 Control Circuit

[0322] 236 Opening

[0323] 238 Enclosed Panel

[0324] 240 Input Device

[0325] 242 Control Circuit

[0326] 244 Control Circuit

[0327] 246 Plug Connector

[0328] 248 Plug Connector

[0329] 250 Plug Coupling Section

[0330] 252 Plug Coupling Section

[0331] 254 Operating Mode Selection Switch

[0332] 256 display devices

[0333] 258 Display Plane

[0334] 260° display angle

[0335] 262 Supporting Department

[0336] 264 Gap

[0337] 266 gap

[0338] 268 Condensate Bath

[0339] 270 tank bottom

[0340] 272 Gas guiding element

[0341] 274 Gas guiding element

[0342] 276 Sealing plug

[0343] 278 Display Components

[0344] 280 display elements

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus (10) for spraying a surface to be treated with a mixed stream of compressed gas and CO2 particles, the cleaning apparatus comprising a device (12) for preparing CO2 particles from liquid or gaseous CO2, the device (12) comprising a compression device (14) for compressing CO2 snow to form CO2 particles, the cleaning apparatus (10) comprising a drive device (36) having a drive shaft for driving the compression device (14), the cleaning apparatus (10) being configured to be movable and comprising a chassis (20) comprising at least three wheels (120, 122), the cleaning apparatus (10) comprising a reservoir holding device (78) for a CO2 reservoir (64), characterized in that, When the cleaning appliance (10) is used as specified, the drive shaft extends parallel to the direction of gravity (28). At least one of the three wheels (120, 122) is configured to be steerable. The chassis (20) defines the main axis, and the two wheels (122) of the chassis (20) are configured as two main axis wheels (124) arranged or constructed in a manner that can rotate about the main axis (138). The chassis (20) includes a chassis frame (26), with main axle wheels (124) arranged or configured to extend laterally from the chassis frame (26). The storage holding device (78) includes a support plate (94) that extends rearwardly away from the chassis frame (26) and defines a placement surface (96) for the CO2 storage (64). The main axis (138) extends above the bearing plate (94).

2. The cleaning appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, a) The drive device (36) includes an electric motor (38). and / or b) The cleaning appliance (10) includes a transmission device (42) coupled to the drive device (36), and the transmission device (42) is coupled to the compression device (14) in a driving manner.

3. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) defines a principal plane (70) that extends parallel to the direction of gravity (28) and from the rear side (72) to the front side (74) of the cleaning appliance (10), wherein the principal plane (70) defines a plane of symmetry (76) of the cleaning appliance (10).

4. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The compression device (14) includes a pre-compression device (16) and a main compression device (18).

5. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a CO2 storage device (64).

6. The cleaning appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a CO2 storage device (64). a) Contains liquid CO2 or pressurized gaseous CO2. and / or b) Constructed in the form of a CO2 bottle (66), which defines a longitudinal axis (68) of the bottle, and the longitudinal axis (68) of the bottle is parallel to the orientation of the direction of gravity (28). and / or c) Arranged symmetrically about the main plane (70), and / or d) The fluid is connected to the compression device (14) in action.

7. The cleaning appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The storage holding device (78) a) Defines a storage housing (80) for the CO2 storage (64). and / or b) Includes at least one protective element (98) for the CO2 storage (64).

8. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, At least one of the three wheels (120, 122) is configured as a steering roller (128).

9. The cleaning appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, a) The main axis wheel (124) defines the main axis wheel diameter (144), at least one wheel (126) configured to be steer defines the steering wheel diameter (146), and the main axis wheel diameter (144) is larger than the steering wheel diameter (146). and / or b) The storage holding device (78) is arranged or configured such that the CO2 storage (64) is positioned above the main axis (138). and / or c) The cleaning appliance (10) includes a CO2 reservoir (64) which is configured in the form of a CO2 bottle (66) that defines a longitudinal axis (68) of the bottle, and the longitudinal axis (68) of the bottle is parallel to the orientation of the direction of gravity (28), and the longitudinal axis (68) of the bottle intersects the main axis (138).

10. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a jet line interface (170) for connection to a first free end (172) of a mixing jet line (174), and the jet line interface (170) is arranged or constructed to protrude transversely to the direction of gravity (28).

11. The cleaning appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) defines a main plane (70) that extends parallel to the direction of gravity (28) and from the rear side (72) to the front side (74) of the cleaning appliance (10), wherein the main plane (70) defines a plane of symmetry (76) of the cleaning appliance (10), and the jet line interface (170). a) Arranged or constructed above the main axis (138) in relation to the direction of gravity (28). and / or b) Extends laterally to the main axis (138), and / or c) Extending parallel to the principal plane (70), and / or d) and CO2 interface (60) are arranged or configured to point in directions that are linearly independent of each other.

12. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a housing (22) that defines an internal space (24), and the compression device (14) is at least partially arranged or constructed in the internal space (24).

13. The cleaning appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, a) The chassis (20) closes the shell (22) from below with respect to the direction of gravity (28). and / or b) The storage holding device (78) is at least segmentally formed onto the housing (22), and / or c) The housing (22) is made of plastic. and / or d) The housing (22) includes a steering mechanism (222) for gripping and pushing the cleaning appliance (10). and / or e) The cleaning appliance (10) has a CO2 housing interface (180), and the CO2 housing interface (180) is arranged or constructed externally protruding from the housing (22).

14. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a compressed gas interface (192) for connection to a compressed gas source.

15. The cleaning appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a particle transfer device (156) for transferring CO2 particles into a compressed gas stream (158), and the compressed gas interface (192) is fluidly connected to the particle transfer device (156).

16. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a control and / or adjustment device (228) for controlling and / or adjusting the cleaning appliance (10).

17. The cleaning appliance according to claim 16, characterized in that, The control and / or regulation device (228) a) Arranged or constructed in the shell (22), and / or b) Arranged or constructed at least partially below and at least partially above the compression device (14) with respect to the direction of gravity (28). and / or c) is configured to control the compression device (14) so ​​that the mechanical properties of the CO2 particles to be produced can be predetermined. and / or d) Includes an input device (240) for pre-setting the mechanical properties and / or quantity of the CO2 particles to be generated.

18. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a power supply interface (30) for connecting the cleaning appliance (10) to a power supply network.

19. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a CO2 exhaust outlet (202) for discharging CO2 gas that has not condensed in the compression device (14) or that has formed due to the sublimation of CO2 particles.

20. The cleaning appliance according to claim 19, characterized in that, The CO2 exhaust outlet (202) a) The fluid is connected to the particle outlet of the particle transfer device (156) and the compression device (14) at the point of action. and / or b) Arranged or constructed within the area of ​​the storage holding device (78).

21. The cleaning appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a jet nozzle and a mixing jet line (174), and the mixing jet line (174) connects the jet line interface (170) to the jet nozzle (178).

22. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) defines a main plane (70) that extends parallel to the direction of gravity (28) and from the rear side (72) to the front side (74) of the cleaning appliance (10), wherein the main plane (70) defines a plane of symmetry (76) of the cleaning appliance (10). The drive shaft extends within the main plane (70).

23. The cleaning appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The compression device (14) includes a pre-compression device (16) and a main compression device (18). in, a) The pre-compression device (16) is configured to pre-compress CO2 snow generated due to the decompression of liquid or pressurized CO2. and / or b) The pre-compression device (16) extends parallel to the main plane (70).

24. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The compression device (14) includes a pre-compression device (16) and a main compression device (18). in, The pre-compression device (16) is configured to pre-compress CO2 snow generated by decompression of liquid or pressurized CO2, wherein the pre-compression device (16) is configured in the form of a hydrodynamic pre-compression device (16).

25. The cleaning appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a CO2 storage device (64). The CO2 storage device (64) is configured in the form of a CO2 bottle (66) which defines a longitudinal axis (68) of the bottle and is oriented parallel to the direction of gravity (28) and extends in the main plane (70).

26. The cleaning appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a CO2 reservoir (64) which is fluidly connected to the pre-compression device (16).

27. The cleaning appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a CO2 storage device (64). The storage holding device (78) defines a storage receiving portion (80) for the CO2 storage (64), wherein the storage receiving portion (80) is configured symmetrically about the main plane (70).

28. The cleaning appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The storage holding device (78) includes at least one protective element (98) for the CO2 storage (64), wherein the at least one protective element (98) is configured in the form of a retaining bow or a retaining band (104).

29. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, At least one of the three wheels (120, 122) is configured as a steering roller (128) with a parking device (134).

30. The cleaning appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main axis wheel (124) defines the main axis wheel diameter (144), at least one steering wheel (126) defines the steering wheel diameter (146), and the main axis wheel diameter (144) is at least twice the steering wheel diameter.

31. The cleaning appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main axis wheel (124) defines the main axis wheel diameter (144), at least one steering wheel (126) defines the steering wheel diameter (146), and the main axis wheel diameter (144) is three times larger than the steering wheel diameter.

32. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a jet line interface (170) for connection to a first free end (172) of a mixing jet line (174), and the jet line interface (170) is arranged or constructed to protrude perpendicular to the direction of gravity (28).

33. The cleaning appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The jet line interface (170) extends perpendicularly to the main axis (138).

34. The cleaning appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) defines a main plane (70) that extends parallel to the direction of gravity (28) and from the rear side (72) to the front side (74) of the cleaning appliance (10), wherein the main plane (70) defines a plane of symmetry (76) of the cleaning appliance (10), and the jet line interface (170) extends parallel to the main plane (70), wherein the jet line interface (170) is symmetrically configured about the main plane (70).

35. The cleaning appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, The jet line interface (170) and the CO2 interface (60) are arranged or configured to point in opposite directions.

36. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a housing (22) that defines an internal space (24), and the compression device (14) is completely arranged or constructed within the internal space (24).

37. The cleaning appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The chassis frame (26) closes the shell (22) from below with respect to the direction of gravity (28).

38. The cleaning appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The shell (22) is made of plastic by injection molding or rotational molding.

39. The cleaning appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The housing (22) includes a steering mechanism (222) for gripping and pushing the cleaning appliance (10), wherein the steering mechanism is arranged or constructed on the housing (22) in a non-movable manner.

40. The cleaning appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a particle transfer device (156) for transferring CO2 particles into a compressed gas stream (158), and the compressed gas interface (192) is fluidly connected to the particle transfer device (156). The particle transfer device (156) is mentioned above. a) The fluid action point is connected to the jet line interface (170), and / or b) Includes a dispensing device (160) for dispensing the quantity and / or volume of CO2 particles before transferring them into the compressed gas stream (158).

41. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a control and / or adjustment device (228) for controlling and / or adjusting the compression device (14).

42. The cleaning appliance according to claim 16, characterized in that, The control and / or regulation device (228) includes an input device (240) for pre-setting the density and / or size of the CO2 particles to be generated. The input device (240) is configured to be detachably connected to the housing (22).

43. The cleaning appliance according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a power supply interface for connecting the cleaning appliance (10) to a power supply network.

44. The cleaning appliance according to claim 19, characterized in that, The CO2 exhaust outlet (202) is arranged or constructed in the area of ​​the storage device (78) in the opposite direction to the jet line interface (170).

45. The cleaning appliance according to claim 21, characterized in that, The cleaning appliance (10) includes a jet nozzle holding device (218) for holding the jet nozzle (178) in a storage position.

46. ​​The cleaning appliance according to claim 45, characterized in that, The jet nozzle holding device (218) is integrated into the housing (22) or formed onto the housing (22).

47. The cleaning appliance according to claim 46, characterized in that, The jet nozzle holding device (218) includes a C-shaped receiving portion (220) for the spray gun (206).

Images