Cleaning nozzle, set, use of a cleaning nozzle, method for manufacturing a rotating body and method for retrofitting a compressed air line

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning nozzle (1) suitable for use with compressed air, comprising a housing (2) and a rotating body (3) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (11) in the housing (2) by an air volume flow, wherein the rotating body (3) has at least one helical fluid channel (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning nozzle comprising a housing and a rotating body rotatably mounted in the housing, which can be set in rotation by means of a fluid flow.

[0002] Such cleaning nozzles for generating a rotating fluid jet are already known in principle. However, existing solutions are often not suitable for use with compressed air, but are designed specifically for cleaning with water. However, the use of water is particularly unsuitable in production halls, for example, for machining workpieces.

[0003] Other cleaning nozzles rely on an additional turbine that drives the rotating body, causing it to rotate around a rotational axis. These cleaning nozzles therefore have a more complex structure comprising multiple components. Typically, such cleaning nozzles therefore comprise a drive function unit and a separate cleaning function unit. Preferably, in such a configuration, fluid channels in the drive function unit do not lead to an outlet side of the rotating nozzle, thus not performing a cleaning function. Furthermore, proper operation of such cleaning nozzles requires that the fluid generates sufficient pressure. The required operating pressure can therefore be quite high, resulting in uneconomically high energy consumption and wear, for example, on a compressor.

[0004] Existing cleaning systems powered solely by compressed air are also known. However, these are usually limited to simple compressed air guns designed to generate a single, non-rotating jet of compressed air. Especially in confined workspaces or in hard-to-reach areas of a machine, cleaning with existing solutions is often difficult or relatively complex, since shifting the fluid jet can only be achieved by moving the compressed air gun itself. However, in confined spaces, this can often be difficult, or hard-to-reach areas are not adequately cleaned.

[0005] Due to the often existing and often permanently installed compressed air systems in production and workshops, a sustainable solution would also be desirable that does not require the complete replacement of existing systems or the installation of new parallel systems for cleaning.

[0006] The task is therefore to provide an improved cleaning option for surfaces that eliminates the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0007] The solution to this problem is achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1.

[0008] In particular, to achieve the aforementioned object, a cleaning nozzle of the type mentioned at the outset is proposed, which is characterized in that the rotating body has at least one spiral-shaped fluid channel. The spiral course of the at least one fluid channel makes it possible to transmit a rotational force to the rotating body, so that the latter can be set in rotation due to the fluid flow through the rotating body. An advantage of this embodiment is that even a low driving force of the fluid, in particular a low fluid pressure and / or a low fluid suction, is sufficient to drive the rotating body sufficiently quickly. This enables improved cleaning of a surface, for example by blowing off or vacuuming up chips or other contaminants located on the surface to be cleaned.The rotating volume flow generated by the cleaning nozzle enables thorough removal of stubborn dirt, impurities and deposits.

[0009] Thanks to the rotating motion, the jet covers a larger area and ensures even cleaning. The cleaning nozzle also saves time during cleaning steps and thus increases productivity. The increased cleaning efficiency and larger area coverage lead to faster cleaning, which reduces time and labor. It also improves energy efficiency. The cleaning nozzle with a rotating body according to the invention is more energy-efficient than conventional cleaning nozzles because, thanks to its rotating action, it produces an improved cleaning jet and consumes less energy.

[0010] The cleaning nozzle's functionality is based on a swirl effect that the at least one spiral-shaped fluid channel experiences due to the flowing medium. This swirl effect is transferred to the rotating body, causing it to rotate.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments are described below which, alone or in combination with one or more advantageous embodiments, can further develop the subject matter according to claim 1.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rotating body can have at least two fluid channels.

[0013] In particular, the rotating body can have three or more fluid channels. Multiple fluid channels can generate multiple fluid volume flows simultaneously. This allows for even better cleaning of a surface. The two, three, or more fluid channels can each be spiral-shaped. A space- and material-saving design can provide for the fluid channels to overlap at different levels along the longitudinal direction of the rotating body.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one fluid channel can run from an inflow side to an outlet side of the rotating body, wherein an outlet angle of the fluid channel on the outlet side is aligned obliquely to a longitudinal direction of the rotating body and / or wherein an outlet point is arranged off-center. Due to the oblique outlet angle of the fluid volume flow from the outlet side, it is possible for a larger area to be better reached by the generated fluid volume flow. This can further improve the cleaning result of a surface to be cleaned. The aforementioned terms refer to operation with overpressure (hereinafter also referred to as overpressure operation). If the cleaning nozzle is operated with negative pressure (negative pressure operation), this is not an outlet side, but an inlet side.Accordingly, in this case, it is not an exit angle, but an entry angle, since the flow direction through the cleaning nozzle is reversed. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" therefore also refer to overpressure operation of the cleaning nozzle and would be reversed in the case of vacuum operation.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet angles of the multiple fluid channels can be designed identically. This enables particularly uniform cleaning of the surface. The sum of the fluid volume flows can create a type of multi-part, rotating cleaning flow, which allows for the largest possible area and the most extensive cleaning of a surface. In other words, a cone or truncated cone is spanned between the rotating fluid volume flows.

[0016] In order to achieve rotation of the rotating body in a particularly efficient manner, it can be provided that the outlet points of the fluid channels on the outlet side of the rotating body are arranged at equal distances from one another in the direction of rotation, preferably so that all outlet points of the fluid channels are arranged at equal distances from one another, or at least some of the outlet points of the fluid channels are arranged at equal distances from one another. Alternatively, it can be provided that the outlet points of the fluid channels on the outlet side of the rotating body are arranged at least partially at unequal distances from one another in the direction of rotation.

[0017] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the rotating body can be designed as a drive and cleaning function unit. In particular, this can be provided such that the fluid that can be passed through the at least one fluid channel serves to set the rotating body into a rotating state and simultaneously to clean a surface. This enables a particularly simple construction of the cleaning nozzle. In particular, the rotating nozzle can be formed in two parts, comprising a housing and the rotating body. The described construction also has the advantage that lower forces, in particular pressure forces (overpressure) and / or suction forces (underpressure), are required to set the rotating body in rotation.

[0018] This can, for example, significantly reduce wear on a compressor, as it can be operated at a lower power while the cleaning nozzle is in use.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the rotating body can be formed in one piece, in particular monolithically. This particularly simple design allows for cost-effective production. Furthermore, this design is sustainable, as improved recycling of a decommissioned cleaning nozzle is possible because the rotating body is not manufactured as a composite material.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rotating body can have at least two fluid channels, the outlet points of which are arranged radially offset from one another relative to a rotational axis of the rotating body. This allows a larger area to be exposed to and cleaned by a total volume flow generated by the cleaning nozzle.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, a bearing area of ​​the rotating body can be located within the housing outside of a fluid flow area. Thus, the bearing area does not adversely affect the flow behavior of the fluid. The rotating body can be mounted in the housing by an axial bearing or a radial bearing. The use of a rolling bearing is particularly advantageous, as this allows particularly high speeds to be achieved and thus further improves cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, a shaft bearing can be provided for supporting the rotating body.

[0022] To better prevent any adverse effects on the flow behavior of the fluid, the housing's cross-sectional diameter can expand from an inflow side to an outflow side. As already mentioned, this is an explanation of the cleaning nozzle in overpressure operation. In vacuum operation, the flow direction would be reversed accordingly. However, the advantages mentioned apply regardless of the flow direction of the fluid. This design of the cleaning nozzle can create additional installation space, for example, to accommodate a radial bearing for supporting the rotating body without having to redirect the fluid volume flow. Alternatively, the housing's cross-sectional diameter can remain the same from an inflow side to an outflow side, preferably being cylindrical.

[0023] To achieve improved fluid flow through the rotating body, the rotating body can be provided with an impact surface on the inflow side that is inclined to the longitudinal direction. It can be particularly advantageous if the rotating body has a tip on the inflow side. This prevents the fluid volume flow from impacting the rotating body perpendicularly on the inlet side, creating an improved flow pattern for the fluid volume flow.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the rotating body can be designed such that it can be set in rotation by both a pressure force and a suction force (negative pressure). This means that the at least one fluid channel can be flowed through in both directions. Therefore, the cleaning nozzle can be operated, for example, with compressed air and / or with an air suction, such as that generated by a vacuum cleaner. In the case of operation with a vacuum cleaner, the at least one fluid channel can also be provided additionally for the removal of the vacuumed dirt particles.

[0025] In order to be able to cover an even larger area simultaneously using the cleaning nozzle, it can be provided that the cleaning nozzle, in addition to the at least one spiral fluid channel, has at least one fluid channel of a second type with a different path and / or exit angle. The second type of fluid channel can serve, for example, to generate a fluid jet running in the longitudinal direction, i.e., along the axis of rotation or parallel thereto, in particular a central focus jet.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rotating body can be designed to be removable from the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the installation direction of the rotating body within the housing can be variable. This allows the installation position of the rotating body to be adapted to a variable flow direction through the housing of the cleaning nozzle. Thus, in certain cleaning nozzle designs in which the rotating body has a fixed inlet side and a fixed outlet side for the fluid, the rotating body can be removed and rearranged within the housing in the correct orientation, adapted to the flow direction.

[0027] To easily connect the cleaning nozzle to existing fluid lines, such as a compressed air gun and / or a vacuum cleaner, the housing can have a coupling point by means of which the cleaning nozzle can be coupled to a fluid line, preferably to a compressed air gun or a vacuum cleaner. For example, said coupling point can be designed as a thread and / or a snap-in connection.

[0028] The invention further relates to a set comprising a cleaning nozzle as described and / or claimed herein and a compressed air gun, wherein the cleaning nozzle is connectable or connected to a corresponding counter-coupling point of the compressed air gun by means of a coupling point, for example the one already mentioned.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, a pressure reducer can be installed in a fluid guide section, in particular wherein the pressure reducer allows a maximum pressure of 6 bar or less than 6 bar, preferably between 3 and 6 bar, preferably 3 bar. Thus, the energy consumption and / or wear of a volume flow generator, such as a compressor, can be reduced.

[0030] The invention further relates to the use of a cleaning nozzle, as described and / or claimed herein, and / or a set, as described and / or claimed herein, for cleaning a surface with compressed air. Cleaning using compressed air, particularly in enclosed spaces, has the advantage of enabling residue-free cleaning. Using water as a fluid results in the ingress of moisture, which can cause damage, particularly in enclosed spaces or to electrical machines. Alternatively, cleaning can also be achieved by applying negative pressure, i.e., by sucking up the dirt particles through the cleaning nozzle.

[0031] The invention further relates to a method for producing a rotating body of a cleaning nozzle, as described and / or claimed herein, by additive manufacturing, preferably using a powder bed process. The plastic polyamide 12 (PA12) and / or a metal can be used as the material, for example. Polyamide 12 offers good mechanical properties, high strength, and sufficient resistance to wear and chemicals. The production of a rotating body with multiple, particularly overlapping, fluid channels would be impossible or uneconomical using other manufacturing techniques. Such geometries can therefore only be produced with a support for the intermediate product of the rotating body.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method for retrofitting a compressed air line with a cleaning nozzle as described and / or claimed herein and / or a set as described and / or claimed herein, which is characterized in that an outlet point of a compressed air line is connected to a compressed air gun and a cleaning nozzle connected thereto.

[0033] Preferably, the cleaning nozzle is not suitable for use with a liquid, especially water. In order to generate a stable and efficient rotational movement without additional drive units, it can further be provided that the cleaning nozzle is designed without a swirl chamber, turbine, and / or rotor.

[0034] It can also be provided that the cleaning nozzle is manufactured additively as a complete assembly. This allows for cost-effective production and easy maintenance and repair.

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to several exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from the combination of the features of one or more claims with one another and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.

[0036] It shows: Fig. 1-3 a first embodiment of a cleaning nozzle according to the invention, in which the rotating body is mounted within the housing by means of a radial bearing (in particular by means of a rolling bearing), Fig. 4-6 a second embodiment of a cleaning nozzle according to the invention, in which the rotating body is mounted within the housing by means of an axial bearing (in particular by means of a shaft bearing), Fig. 7+ Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a possible design of a rotary body as a one-piece, monolithic component, wherein the courses of the individual spiral-shaped fluid channels within the rotary body are shown by dashed lines, Fig. 9-12 a further embodiment of a cleaning nozzle according to the invention, which essentially corresponds to the cleaning nozzle of the Fig. 1-3, whereby it differs in the different coupling point for connecting to a fluid line.

[0037] In the Fig. 1-3, 4-6 and 9-12 show three embodiments of a cleaning nozzle according to the invention, the cleaning nozzle being designated as a whole as 1 in each case.

[0038] Each variant of the rotary nozzle 1 comprises a housing 2 and a rotating body 3 mounted and held therein. The cleaning nozzle 1 is explained below with reference to compressed air operation. The flow direction and the designation of the components are therefore designed accordingly, whereby the flow direction would be reversed in the case of operation with vacuum / negative pressure (suction).

[0039] In the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows a variant of such a rotation body 3.

[0040] The rotation body 3 has in the Fig. The configurations shown in Figures 1-12 each have three fluid channels 4 that extend spirally from an inflow side 5 of the rotating body 3 to an outlet side 6, at which the fluid channels 4 exit the rotating body 3. There is no direct connection between the fluid channels 4.

[0041] The outlet side 6 is therefore also located on the downstream side 16 of the cleaning nozzle 1.

[0042] As shown by Fig. As explained in Figure 8, the fluid channels 4 each have an outlet point 9 on the outlet side 6. An outlet angle 7 is oriented in such a way that it is inclined outwardly relative to a longitudinal direction 8 of the rotating body 3, i.e., in particular, at least partially inclined in the radial direction. As a result, during use of the cleaning nozzle 1, a fluid flow is formed for each fluid channel 4 that is at least partially directed outward relative to a rotational axis 11 of the rotating body 3. In the illustrated embodiments, therefore, there are three independent fluid flows.

[0043] The outlet point 9 of at least one fluid channel 4 is arranged off-center. In the illustrated embodiments, all fluid channels are arranged off-center.

[0044] An entry point of the fluid into the at least one fluid channel 4 is arranged offset from the exit point 9 of the same fluid channel 4 in the direction of rotation 10 of the rotating body 3.

[0045] The inlet and / or outlet points 9 of the fluid channels 4 are arranged at equal distances from one another in the direction of rotation 10. This results in a rotationally symmetrical structure of the rotating body 3.

[0046] The rotating body 3 is designed here as a drive and cleaning function unit. This means that the fluid channels running through the rotating body 3 have a dual function. On the one hand, they serve to set the rotating body in rotation when a fluid flows through it. On the other hand, the same fluid flows used for drive are also discharged from the rotating body in such a way that a cleaning jet can be generated, which can be used to clean a surface.

[0047] The one in the Fig. 7 and Fig. The rotating body 3 shown in Figure 8 is made in one piece from a single material, so it can also be described as monolithic. The production of such a rotating body 3 with such a material- and space-saving structure can advantageously be achieved by 3D printing (additive manufacturing). Otherwise, the intertwined design of multiple fluid channels would not be feasible.

[0048] The Fig. 1-3 and Fig. The embodiments of the cleaning nozzle 1 shown in Figures 8-12 each have a radial bearing 15 for the rotatable mounting of the rotary body 3 within the housing 2. The radial bearing 15 is formed in a bearing area 12 of the housing 2, which lies outside a fluid flow area 13 and therefore does not impede the flow of the fluid.

[0049] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, the housing 2 is designed such that its cross-sectional diameter expands from the inflow side 5 to the outflow side 16 of the cleaning nozzle 1. This allows for the installation of the aforementioned radial bearing 15 in order to keep the fluid flow area 13 free, in particular in order not to restrict the clear cross-section of the fluid flow area 13.

[0050] In contrast, the version from the Fig. 4-6, an axial bearing 14 for rotatably supporting the rotating body 3 within the housing 2. The advantage of this design is that the housing can be made narrower and is therefore easier to position in the available installation space under certain conditions.

[0051] In order to improve the introduction of the fluid into the individual fluid channels, the rotating body 3 has an impact surface 17 on the inflow side 5 which is inclined to the longitudinal direction 8 of the rotating body 3. As shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the impact surface 17 can be formed as a tip on the inflow side. Furthermore, a funnel enclosing the impact surface 17 can be formed on the inflow side 5 of the rotating body 3, through which the fluid flow can be better introduced into the individual fluid channels.

[0052] The cleaning nozzle 1 is designed so that the rotating body can be set in rotation with both a pressure force and a suction force (negative pressure).

[0053] The housing 2 of the cleaning nozzle 1 comprises at least one coupling point 8 in order to be able to connect the cleaning nozzle 1 to a suitable counter-coupling point of a fluid line and / or a compressed air gun and / or a vacuum cleaner. As can be seen from the Fig. As can be seen from Figures 1-12, 8 different designs are possible for the formation of the coupling point, such as a collar, thread, snap-in connection.

[0054] The invention thus relates in particular to a cleaning nozzle 1 suitable for use with compressed air, comprising a housing 2 and a rotary body 3 which can be set in rotation in the housing 2 by an air volume flow and is therefore rotatably mounted about a rotation axis 11, wherein the rotary body 3 has at least one helical fluid channel 4. List of reference symbols 1 cleaning nozzle 2 housings 3 rotation bodies 4 fluid channel 5 Inflow side (in overpressure operation) 6 Outlet side (in overpressure operation) 7 Exit angle (in overpressure operation) 8 Longitudinal direction 9 Exit point (in overpressure operation) 10 Direction of rotation 11 Rotation axis 12 Storage area 13 Fluid flow area 14 thrust bearings 15 radial bearings 16 Downstream side 17 Impact surface 18 coupling point

Claims

[1] Cleaning nozzle (1), in particular for use with compressed air, comprising a housing (2) and a rotary body (3) rotatably mounted in the housing (2), which can be set in rotation by means of a fluid flow, characterized by that the rotating body (3) has at least one spiral-shaped fluid channel (4). [2] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the rotating body (3) has at least two, in particular three or more, fluid channels (4). [3] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that the at least one fluid channel (4) runs in an overpressure operation from an inflow side (5) to an outlet side (6) of the rotary body (3), wherein an outlet angle (7) of the at least one fluid channel (4) on the outlet side (6) is aligned obliquely to a longitudinal direction (8) of the rotary body (3) and / or wherein an outlet point (9) is arranged off-center. [4] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outlet angles (7) of the plurality of fluid channels (4) are of the same design and / or that the outlet points (9) of the fluid channels (4) on the outlet side (6) are arranged at equal distances from one another in the direction of rotation (10). [5] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotary body (3) is designed as a drive and cleaning function unit, in particular such that the fluid which can be passed through the at least one fluid channel (4) serves to put the rotary body (3) into a rotating state and at the same time to clean a surface. [6] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotating body (3) is formed in one piece, in particular monolithically. [7] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rotary body (3) has at least two fluid channels (4), the outlet points (9) of which are arranged radially offset from one another with respect to a rotation axis (11) of the rotary body (3). [8] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a bearing area (12) of the rotating body (3) within the housing (2) lies outside a fluid flow area (13). [9] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (2) widens in its cross-sectional diameter from an inflow side (5) to an outflow side (16) or that the housing (2) remains the same in its cross-sectional diameter from an inflow side (5) to an outflow side (16). [10] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rotary body (3), in particular during overpressure operation, has an impact surface (17) on the inflow side (5) which is inclined to the longitudinal direction (8), preferably that the rotary body (3) has a tip on the inflow side (5). [11] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotating body (3) is designed so that it can be set into rotation with both overpressure and underpressure. [12] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cleaning nozzle (1) has, in addition to the at least one spiral-shaped fluid channel (4), at least one fluid channel of a second type of fluid channel with a different course and / or exit angle, preferably for generating a fluid jet running in the longitudinal direction, in particular a central focus jet. [13] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rotary body (3) is designed to be removable from the housing (2) and / or that an installation direction of the rotary body (3) within the housing (2) is changeable. [14] Cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (2) has a coupling point (18) by means of which the cleaning nozzle (1) can be coupled to a fluid line, preferably to a compressed air gun or a vacuum cleaner, preferably wherein the coupling point (18) is designed as a thread or a locking connection. [15] Set comprising a cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a compressed air gun, wherein the cleaning nozzle (1) is connectable or connected by means of the coupling point (18) to a corresponding counter-coupling point of the compressed air gun. [16] Set according to claim 15, characterized bythat a pressure reducer is used in a fluid guide section, in particular wherein the pressure reducer allows a maximum pressure of 6 bar or less than 6 bar, preferably between 3 and 6 bar, preferably of 3 bar. [17] Use of a cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims and / or a set according to one of the preceding claims for cleaning a surface with compressed air. [18] Method for producing a rotary body (3) of a cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims by additive manufacturing, preferably by means of a powder bed process, preferably wherein the plastic PA12 or a metal is used as the material. [19] Method for retrofitting a compressed air line with a cleaning nozzle (1) according to one of the preceding claims and / or a set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an outlet point of a compressed air line is connected to a compressed air gun and a cleaning nozzle (1) connected to it.

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