Defined water inlet for suction chamber

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device for pressurizing and ejecting a liquid, wherein the cleaning device is in particular portable. The cleaning device (1) comprises a pump (10) with a plurality of pistons (11). Each of the plurality of pistons (11) is assigned a piston chamber. The liquid can be pressurized in the piston chamber by means of the piston (11). Each piston chamber is assigned an inlet valve (41, 42, 43). The cleaning device (1) comprises a connection device (8) for connecting a source line for supplying liquid. A liquid distribution device (16) for supplying the liquid from the connection device (8) to the plurality of inlet valves (41, 42, 43) is arranged between the connection device (8) and the pump (10).The liquid distribution device (16) is designed to supply the liquid to the plurality of inlet valves (41, 42, 43) in a fixed predetermined sequence, regardless of the orientation of the cleaning device (1), in particular the pump (10), relative to the direction (52) of gravity.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1. Suction problems can occur with such cleaning devices whose pumps comprise multiple pistons. In particular, when the liquid is sucked in from a container or body of water via a hose, it can happen that some of the inlet valves of the multiple pistons are supplied with air instead of liquid for an extended period. The associated pump chamber then draws in air instead of liquid, while other pump chambers are already being supplied with liquid. This creates air bubbles in the pressure line located downstream of the pump. These air bubbles can lead to unwanted operating errors. For example, they create an undefined pressure in the pressure line. Components that switch depending on the pressure, such as a pressure shut-off valve for the pump drive, then switch undefined and unreliable.

[0002] The documents DE 20 2019 004 987 U1 and DE 69 002 473 T2 each concern a pressure cleaning device whose pump has several pistons and a water inlet chamber.

[0003] The invention is based on the object of developing a generic cleaning device in such a way that the formation of bubbles in the pressure line of the cleaning device is minimal.

[0004] This object is achieved by a cleaning device having the features of claim 1.

[0005] The invention provides that the liquid distribution device is designed to supply the liquid to several inlet valves in a fixed sequence, regardless of the orientation of the cleaning device relative to the direction of gravity. It has been shown that this can significantly reduce bubble formation in the area downstream of the pump.

[0006] In particular, the fluid distribution device is designed to supply the fluid to the plurality of inlet valves in a fixed sequence regardless of the orientation of the pump relative to the direction of gravity.

[0007] In particular, the cleaning device is portable. It can also be provided that the cleaning device can be carried by hand during operation, in particular, together with the pump, as a unit.

[0008] Advantageously, the liquid distribution device is designed to supply the liquid to the multiple inlet valves sequentially in a fixed sequence, regardless of the orientation of the cleaning device relative to the direction of gravity. This ensures that the liquid is supplied to one inlet valve after the other. It is impossible for two inlet valves to receive liquid for the first time at the same time. The liquid must first pass through a first inlet valve to reach a second inlet valve.

[0009] The fluid distribution device expediently comprises a channel. The channel has a beginning and an end. A first inlet valve of the plurality of inlet valves is arranged at the beginning of the channel. A last inlet valve of the plurality of inlet valves is arranged at the end of the channel. In particular, the channel is designed such that the fluid can only flow along one path from the beginning to the end of the channel.

[0010] The cleaning device can also be parked on a horizontal plane in a designated parking orientation. The channel is advantageously designed so that the first inlet valve, in the parking orientation, has the greatest distance from the horizontal plane of all the multiple inlet valves. This means that the first inlet valve is located at the highest point. Because the first inlet valve is supplied with liquid first, it is guaranteed that the liquid flows under the influence of gravity to the other inlet valves located downstream of the first inlet valve with regard to the direction of liquid flow. This means that the liquid flows particularly quickly from the first to the second inlet valve. This very shortens the time in which only the first inlet valve is supplied with liquid. This also means that bubble formation in the pressure line of the cleaning device is very low.

[0011] In an advantageous development of the invention, the channel is designed such that the last inlet valve, in the shut-off orientation, has the smallest distance from the horizontal plane of all the multiple inlet valves. As a result, the last inlet valve is located at the lowest point. This allows the inlet valves to be arranged such that, at least in the shut-off orientation, the fluid flows from the first valve to all the other valves of the multiple inlet valves under the influence of gravity. As a result, all of the multiple inlet valves receive a particularly rapid flow.

[0012] In particular, a reservoir is formed at the beginning of the channel. Advantageously, the channel is designed such that, in the shut-off orientation, only the first inlet valve can be supplied with fluid from the channel as long as the reservoir has not overflowed and supplies the section of the channel downstream of the reservoir with fluid as a result of the reservoir overflow. This utilizes gravity as the fluid flows from the first valve to the subsequent valves. This results in a particularly rapid flow to the subsequent valves. This minimizes the time during which only the first inlet valve is supplied with fluid.

[0013] The plurality of inlet valves each have an inlet opening facing the channel, each having a valve flow cross-section. The valve flow cross-sections of the inlet openings of the plurality of inlet valves form a plurality of valve flow cross-sections. In particular, the plurality of valve flow cross-sections have a largest valve flow cross-section. It can also be provided that all valve flow cross-sections of the plurality of valve flow cross-sections are the same size. In this case, the size of the largest valve flow cross-section corresponds to the size of a single valve flow cross-section. The channel has a largest channel flow cross-section. Advantageously, the largest channel flow cross-section is 5 times, in particular at most 3 times, in particular at most 1.5 times the largest valve flow cross-section. This allows the liquid front to advance from one inlet opening to the next at a rapid speed.This minimizes the time during which one intake valve is taking in air while the others are already taking in fluid. Due to the small channel flow cross-section, the vacuum generated by the pistons in the still-fluid-free area can be used particularly effectively to quickly supply the still-dry intake valves. This minimizes the time during which unwanted bubble formation can occur.

[0014] In particular, the largest channel flow cross-section is determined exclusively in the region between the first intake valve and the last intake valve. In particular, the area of ​​the intake line upstream of the first intake valve is not included in the region where the largest channel flow cross-section is determined.

[0015] The channel has a maximum width measured transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the direction of piston movement. In particular, the maximum width is no more than 5 times, in particular no more than 3 times, and in particular no more than 1.5 times the largest valve flow cross-section. This also results in the fluid traveling from the first intake valve to the intake valves downstream of the first intake valve in a particularly short time. This narrows the time window for bubble formation, and bubble formation is suppressed as effectively as possible.

[0016] When projected imaginarily in the direction of piston movement into a projection plane oriented perpendicular to the direction of piston movement, the channel has a channel area in the projection plane. When projected imaginarily in the direction of piston movement into the projection plane, the inlet openings of all multiple inlet valves have a common total valve area in the projection plane. The total valve area is therefore made up of several individual areas assigned to the individual inlet openings of the multiple inlet valves. The channel area is expediently no more than 15 times, in particular no more than 12 times, the total valve area. As a result, the area of ​​the volume in which fluid flows from the first inlet valve to the other inlet valves is particularly small, especially compared to the prior art.This allows the vacuum generated by the dry pump pistons to be utilized particularly effectively to enable rapid fluid penetration, reducing bubble formation.

[0017] The channel has a channel volume in the area from the first inlet valve to the end of the channel. The ratio of channel volume to total valve area is preferably less than 30, in particular less than 25, in particular less than 24. This makes the channel volume particularly small. This allows the vacuum generated by the still-dry pistons to be utilized particularly effectively to enable the fluid to quickly advance from the already wet first valve to the remaining valves.

[0018] The channel has a channel height measured in the direction of movement of the pistons. In particular, the channel height decreases in the direction of fluid flow. In particular, the channel height decreases continuously in the direction of fluid flow. In particular, the channel height decreases continuously in the direction of fluid flow, starting from the first inlet valve to the last inlet valve. This means that even the pistons further downstream can generate sufficient negative pressure when the pistons further upstream are already supplied with fluid, in order to enable the fluid to quickly advance to the still dry inlet valves. This means that during normal operation, when all inlet valves are supplied with fluid, a uniform flow velocity can be generated in the channel.

[0019] The fluid distribution device comprises a pipe section between the channel and the connection device. In particular, the pipe section has a pipe flow cross-section immediately adjacent to the channel.

[0020] The reservoir has a reservoir area in the channel region, based on an imaginary projection in the direction of the pistons' movement into a projection plane oriented perpendicular to the pistons' movement direction. The reservoir area is advantageously 10% to 50%, in particular 20% to 30%, of the pipe flow cross-section.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a cleaning device, Fig. 2 a top view of the cleaning device Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a side view of the cleaning device Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of a section along the section line IV-IV of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a schematic perspective sectional view of a section along the section line VI-VI of Fig. 4, Fig. 6 a schematic sectional view of a section along the section line VI-VI from Fig. 4, Fig. 7 a sectional view of a section along the section line VII-VII of Fig. 4, Fig. 8 a perspective view of the pump and the drive of the pump of the cleaning device from Fig. 1, Fig. 9 a perspective view of the pump, the drive and the hose reel of the pump of the cleaning device from Fig. 1, Fig. 10 a schematic perspective view of the cleaning device from Fig. 1 with the outer casing wall partially opened for illustration purposes and with a partially sectioned view of the pump and a liquid distribution device associated with the pump, Fig. 11 a perspective view of the liquid distribution device of Fig. 10, Fig. 12 a view in the direction of movement of the pistons of the pump onto the liquid distribution device Fig. 10, Fig. 13 a perspective view of the liquid distribution device from Fig. 10 in view of the side of the liquid distribution device facing the several inlet valves of the pump, Fig. 14 is a view in the direction of movement of the plurality of pistons of the pump on the side of the liquid distribution device facing the plurality of inlet valves, Fig. 15 a sectional view of the section along the section line XV-XV from Fig. 12, Fig. 16 a sectional view of the section along the section line XVI-XVI from Fig. 15, Fig. 17 a perspective view of a section along the section line XVII-XVII of Fig. 12, Fig. 18 the sectional view from Fig. 15, wherein in addition to the liquid distribution device, a part of the pump and the inlet valves are also shown schematically, Fig. 19 a sectional view of a section along the section line XIX-XIX from Fig. 18, Fig. 20 a side view of the section plane Fig. 17 and Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the volume of a channel defined by the liquid distribution device and extending from a first inlet valve to one end of the channel.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a cleaning device 1. The cleaning device 1 is designed for cleaning objects with pressurized liquid. In the exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device 1 is portable. The cleaning device 1 has a handle 7. The cleaning device 1 can be carried by the handle 7. During normal operation, it is provided that the cleaning device 1 is parked. The cleaning device 1 is a high-pressure cleaning device in the exemplary embodiment. The cleaning device 1 is a battery-operated high-pressure cleaner in the exemplary embodiment. It can also be provided that the cleaning device 1 is portable during operation, in particular together with a Fig. 4 as a unit. The pump 10 is a component of the cleaning device 1.

[0023] The cleaning device 1 has a housing 2 ( Fig. 1). The housing 2 at least partially defines the outside of the cleaning device 1. The cleaning device 1 has a hose reel 20. The hose reel 20 is, as shown in the Fig. 1 to 4, mounted for rotation about a rotation axis 50. The cleaning device 1 comprises a reel hose 21. The reel hose 21 can be wound onto and unwound from the hose reel 20. The reel hose 21 can be wound onto and unwound from the hose reel 20.

[0024] The pump 10 is arranged in the housing 2, as for example in Fig. 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the pump 10 is a high-pressure pump. By means of the pump 10, the liquid in the cleaning device 1 can be pressurized. By means of the pump 10, the liquid can be pressurized to a pressure of at least 10 bar, in particular of at least 15 bar, in particular of at least 30 bar, in particular of at least 100 bar. In particular, with the high-pressure pump 10, the liquid can be pressurized to a maximum of 600 bar, in particular of at most 500 bar. The pump 10 comprises at least one piston 11. The at least one piston 11 is in Fig. 4. The at least one piston 11 can be moved back and forth in a direction of movement 51 to generate pressure on the liquid. In the exemplary embodiment, the pump 10 comprises three pistons 11.

[0025] The pump 10 has a central axis 48 running in the direction of movement 51 of the piston 11 (or the pistons 11). The central axis 48 is a central axis of the pump 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the pump 10 comprises a plurality of pistons 11. The central axis 48 runs through the center of the plurality of pistons 11. The central axis 48 is the axis of symmetry with respect to the entire plurality of pistons 11. In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pistons 11 are arranged on an imaginary circular line when viewed in the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11. The central axis 48 runs through the center of the circular line. In the exemplary embodiment, the central axis 48 is at the same distance from all pistons 11. This distance is perpendicular, in particular measured radially, to the direction of movement 51 of the piston 11 (or the pistons 11). However, it can also be provided that the pistons 11 are arranged in a row, in particular on an imaginary straight line.The central axis 48 then runs through the straight line and divides the entire set of pistons 11 along the straight line into two equal halves. In particular, the longitudinal direction of the pistons runs transversely, specifically perpendicular to the straight line. The central axis 48 then lies in the middle of the entire set of all pistons 11. The central axis 48 can also run through one of the pistons 11.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment, the pump 10 comprises a swash plate 12, which Fig. 4 is shown schematically. The swash plate 12 is rotatably mounted about a disk rotation axis 47. During operation of the cleaning device 1, the swash plate 12 drives the at least one piston 11 of the pump 10. The swash plate 12 rotates about the disk rotation axis 47. In doing so, the swash plate 12 presses the at least one piston 11 in the direction of the liquid. The liquid is pressurized in particular in a piston chamber, not shown. By the movement of the piston 11 in the direction of movement 51 towards the liquid, the volume of the piston chamber is reduced. When the at least one piston 11 moves towards the liquid, a return element, not shown, such as a spring, is tensioned. Due to the restoring force of the spring, the at least one piston 11 is then pushed again in the direction away from the liquid.Subsequently, the swash plate 12 again causes the at least one piston 11 to move in the opposite direction. The swash plate 12 has an inclined surface for contact with the piston 11. The inclined surface runs obliquely to the disk rotation axis 47. The central axis 48 of the pump 10 runs coaxially to the disk rotation axis 47 of the swash plate 12. During operation of the cleaning device 1, liquid can be pumped to the drum hose 21 by means of the pump 10. During operation, the pump 10 draws in liquid.

[0027] The direction of movement 51 of the piston 11 runs parallel to the central axis 48. The direction of movement 51 of the piston 11 runs parallel to the disc rotation axis 47. The direction of movement 51 of the piston 11 runs transversely, in the exemplary embodiment perpendicular to the rotation axis 50 of the hose reel 21.

[0028] Each piston chamber is assigned an outlet valve. The outlet valves allow fluid to escape from the respective piston chambers, particularly toward the drum hose 21. The outlet valve is a check valve. It prevents backflow from the drum hose 21 into the piston chamber.

[0029] As in Fig. 4, the high-pressure pump 10 comprises a base body 13. The pistons 11 are arranged in the base body 13. The pump 10 comprises the pistons 11. Each piston 11 is assigned a piston chamber in which the liquid can be pressurized. Each piston chamber is assigned an inlet valve 41, 42, 43. Each piston chamber is assigned an outlet valve (not shown). The inlet valve is a component of the pump 10. The outlet valve is a component of the pump 10. The piston chamber is a component of the pump 10. The inlet valve 41, 42, 43 is held in the base body 13. The outlet valve is held in the base body 13. The component that causes the reciprocating movement of the pistons 11 in the direction of movement 51 is part of the pump 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the swash plate 12 is part of the pump 10. It can also be provided that the reciprocating movement of the pistons 11 is caused by a crankshaft.In this case, the crankshaft is part of the pump 10. A shaft 14 is included with the swash plate 12. The pump 10 comprises a shaft housing 15. The shaft 15 is rotatably mounted in the shaft housing 15. The swash plate 12 is rotatable relative to the shaft housing 15. If the piston 11 or pistons 11 are driven by a crankshaft for reciprocating movement in the direction of movement 51, the crankshaft is rotatably mounted in the shaft housing 15.

[0030] The cleaning device 1 comprises a drive 5. The drive 5 serves to drive the pump 10. The drive 5 is not a component of the pump 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive 5 is an electric motor. In particular, the drive 5 is a DC motor. In particular, the drive 5 is a brushless DC motor. The brushless DC motor is also referred to as an EC motor.

[0031] The high-pressure cleaning device 1 includes a battery pack 4. The battery pack is in the Fig. 4 to 7. The battery pack 4 is used to supply energy to the drive 5 of the high-pressure pump 10. As also shown in the Fig. 4 to 7, the high-pressure cleaning device 1 comprises a battery compartment 6. The battery compartment 6 serves to accommodate the battery pack 4. The battery pack 4 can be inserted into the battery compartment 6 through a compartment opening in the battery compartment 6. The compartment opening is closed and runs in the direction of insertion of the battery pack 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the battery compartment 6 is arranged in the housing 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 4 is arranged in the housing 2. With respect to the direction of movement 51, the battery compartment 6 and the pump 10 are arranged one behind the other. With respect to the direction of movement 5, the drive 5 is arranged between the battery compartment 6 and the pump 10. The drive 5 is arranged in the housing 2. The pump 10 is arranged in the housing 2. The pump 10, the drive 5 for the pump 10 and the battery compartment 6 are arranged one behind the other with respect to the direction of the central axis 48, in particular with respect to the direction of movement 51.

[0032] The cleaning device 1 comprises a connection device 8. The connection device 8 is used to connect a source line (not shown). The source line can be a hose, for example. The source line is used to supply liquid to the cleaning device 1. The source line can, for example, supply liquid from an external liquid source, such as a body of water or a container. The liquid is also referred to as cleaning liquid. The liquid is expediently water. The connection device 8 can have a coupling. When the source line is connected to the connection device 8, the coupling can interact with a mating coupling of the source line. The source line for supplying the liquid can be plugged onto the coupling of the connection device by means of a suitable mating line.However, it can also be provided that the source line for supplying the liquid is attached to the connection device 8 by means of a clamp or the like.

[0033] A fluid distribution device 16 is arranged between the connection device 8 and the pump 10. The fluid distribution device 16 serves to supply the fluid from the connection device 8 to the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43. In the exemplary embodiment, the connection device 8 is attached to the fluid distribution device 16 by means of a screw connection. The connection device 8 is screwed onto the fluid distribution device 16. The fluid distribution device 16 serves to distribute the fluid to the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43. The connection device 8 is a common fluid inlet for all inlet valves 41, 42, 43. The connection device 8 extends along the direction of movement 51.The connecting device 8 protrudes in the direction of movement 51 in the direction away from the base body 13, in particular in the direction away from the liquid distribution device 16, beyond the liquid distribution device 16.

[0034] The liquid enters the cleaning device 1 through the connection device 8. The liquid is sucked in by the pump 10. Starting from the connection device 8, the liquid flows through the liquid distribution device 16 to the inlet valves 41, 42, 43. The liquid distribution device 16 is designed to supply the liquid to the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 in a fixed predetermined sequence, regardless of the orientation of the cleaning device 1 relative to the direction 52 of gravity. The direction 52 of gravity is, for example, in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 19. The orientation of the cleaning device 1 relative to the direction 52 of gravity can be determined, for example, based on the orientation of the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11 relative to the direction 52 of gravity. The liquid distribution device 16 is designed to supply the liquid to the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 in a fixed, predetermined sequence, regardless of the orientation of the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11 relative to the direction 52 of gravity.

[0035] In particular, the liquid distribution device 16 is designed such that it supplies the liquid to the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 in a fixed, predetermined sequence, regardless of the orientation of the pump 10 relative to the direction 52 of gravity. Accordingly, regardless of the orientation of the cleaning device 1, in particular the orientation of the pump 10, in particular the direction of movement 51, when the liquid is initially sucked in by the connection device 8, first the first inlet valve 41, then the second inlet valve 42, and only then the last inlet valve 43 is supplied with liquid. The liquid distribution device 16 is designed in particular such that it supplies the liquid to the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 one after the other in a fixed, predetermined sequence, regardless of the orientation of the cleaning device 1, in particular the pump 10, relative to the direction 52 of gravity.In other words, one inlet valve after the other is supplied with fluid. The fluid first flows past, or toward, the first inlet valve 41, and only then to the second inlet valve 42. Similarly, the fluid first flows toward, or past, the second inlet valve 42, and only then to the last inlet valve 53.

[0036] When liquid is drawn through the source line, the air must first be sucked out of the source line. Only then does the liquid enter the cleaning device 1 and reach the inlet valves 41, 42, 43. During this process, until the air is sucked out of the area between pump 10 and the source, the liquid first passes through the first inlet valve 41, then the second inlet valve 42, and only finally the last inlet valve 43. When the air is removed from the area upstream of pump 10, the liquid front passes through the inlet valves 41, 42, 43 one after the other in a fixed sequence.

[0037] The liquid distribution device 16 comprises a Fig. 13. The channel 30 has a beginning 31 and an end 32. The end 32 of the channel 30 is arranged downstream of the beginning 31 of the channel 30. The channel 30 is a groove-shaped depression in an end face of the liquid distribution device 16. This end face faces the pump 10. As in Fig. 19, the channel 30 is covered, in particular closed, on its side facing the pump 10 by the pump 10, in particular by the base body 13 of the pump 10. The pump 10 forms an inner wall of the channel 30. On the other sides, the channel 30 is delimited by the liquid distribution device 16. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 19, the first inlet valve 41 of the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 is arranged at the beginning 31 of the channel 30. The last inlet valve 43 of the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 is arranged at the end 32 of the channel 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel 30 is designed such that the fluid can only flow along one path from the beginning 31 to the end 32 of the channel 30.

[0038] As in Fig. 3, the cleaning device can be parked in a designated parking orientation 53 on a horizontal plane H. The horizontal plane H extends horizontally. The cleaning device 1 advantageously has at least one base 9. In the exemplary embodiment, two bases 9 are provided. In the designated parking orientation 53, the cleaning device 1 stands on the bases 9. However, it can also be provided that the cleaning device 1 is supported only with its housing 2 on the horizontal plane H. In the exemplary embodiment, the axis of rotation 50 of the hose reel 20 runs parallel to the horizontal plane H when the cleaning device 1 is parked in the designated parking orientation 53 on the horizontal plane H. When the cleaning device 1 is parked in the designated parking orientation 53 on the horizontal plane, the axis of rotation 50 runs parallel to the horizontal plane H. Fig. 4 is parallel to the horizontal plane 48. When the cleaning device 1 is parked in the intended parking orientation 53 on the horizontal plane H, the disc rotation axis 47 runs parallel to the horizontal plane H.

[0039] In Fig. 19, the horizontal plane H is also shown. Here, only a section of the cleaning device 1 is shown, on which the channel 30 and the liquid distribution device 16 can be seen. For better clarity, the horizontal plane H is shown exaggeratedly close to the liquid distribution device 16. As indicated by the three vertically arranged points in Fig. 19, the distance between the horizontal plane H and the liquid distribution device 16 is in reality larger.

[0040] In Fig. 19, the cleaning device 1 or the liquid distribution device 16 is shown in the parking orientation 53. The cleaning device 1 is parked on the horizontal plane H. The channel 30 is designed such that the first inlet valve 41 in the parking orientation 53 has the greatest distance a1 of all the multiple inlet valves 41, 42, 43 from the horizontal plane H. In particular, the channel 30 is designed such that the last inlet valve 43 in the parking orientation 53 has the smallest distance a2 of all the multiple inlet valves 41, 42, 43 from the horizontal plane H. In the exemplary embodiment, the greatest distance a1 is greater than the smallest distance a2. The liquid flows from the first inlet valve 41 to the last inlet valve 43 under the influence of gravity when the cleaning device 1 is parked in the parking orientation 53 on the horizontal plane H.

[0041] The channel 30 is essentially spiral-shaped. The beginning 31 of the channel 30 is located closer to the central axis 48 than the end 32 of the channel 30.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 are arranged in the base body 13 of the pump 10. The plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 are arranged in the pump 10 such that fluid can be supplied to them from the channel 30 through an outer surface of the pump 10. The outer surface of the pump 10, in particular the outer surface of the base body 13 of the pump 10, forms an inner side of the channel 30. The outer surface of the pump 10 at least partially delimits the channel 30. Openings through which the fluid can flow to the inlet valves 41, 42, 43 are provided in the outer surface of the pump 10.

[0043] In order to cover, in particular to close, the channel 30 in the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11 in the direction from the liquid distribution device 16 to the pump 10, the liquid distribution device 16 is pressed in this direction against the pump 10, in particular against the base body 13, in particular against the surface of the pump 10, in particular of the base body 13. In the exemplary embodiment, the Fig. 17 are provided. However, this can also be any other type of fastening means. A seal 18 is provided between the pump 10 and the fluid distribution device 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the seal 18 is a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring.

[0044] From channel 30, the fluid enters pump 10 in the direction of movement 51 of piston 11. The fluid enters pump 10 directly from channel 30.

[0045] As in Fig. 19, the channel 30 comprises a reservoir 33. The reservoir 33 is open in the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11 in the direction away from the pump 10. In this direction, there is no side wall of the reservoir. In the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11 towards the pump 10, the reservoir 33 is delimited by the pump 10, in particular by the base body 13 of the pump 10, in particular by the first inlet valve 41. In the transverse direction, in particular perpendicular to the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11, the reservoir 33 is delimited by the liquid distribution device 16, in particular by a side wall of the channel 30. In the direction of gravity 52, the reservoir 33 is delimited by the liquid distribution device 16, in particular by a side wall of the channel 30. The reservoir 33 is a type of overflow basin. The reservoir 33 is arranged at the beginning 31 of the channel 30.The reservoir 33 and the channel 30 are designed such that, in the shutdown orientation 53 on the horizontal plane H, only the first inlet valve 41 can be supplied with liquid from the channel 30 as long as the reservoir 33 has not overflowed. The channel 30 has a section 34. The section 34 of the channel 30 is arranged downstream of the reservoir 33. The section 34 of the channel downstream of the reservoir 33 directly borders the reservoir 33. The section 34 of the channel 30 downstream of the reservoir 33 is only supplied with liquid after the reservoir has overflowed, when the cleaning device 1 is in the shutdown orientation 53 on the horizontal plane H. The inlet valves 42, 43 downstream of the first inlet valve 41 are arranged in the shutdown orientation 53 on the horizontal plane H below the overflow level of the reservoir 33.

[0046] As in Fig. 19, the plurality of inlet valves 41, 42, 43 each have an inlet opening 44, 45, 46 facing the channel 30. The first inlet valve 41 has a first inlet opening 44. The second inlet valve 42 has a second inlet opening 45. The last inlet valve 43 has a last inlet opening 46. Each inlet opening 44, 45, 46 has a valve flow cross section 54, 55, 56. The first inlet opening 44 has the first valve flow cross section 54. The second inlet opening 45 has the second valve flow cross section 55. The last inlet opening 46 has the last valve flow cross section 56. The valve flow cross sections 54, 55, 56 form a plurality of valve flow cross sections 54, 55, 56. The plurality of valve flow cross sections 54, 55, 56 have a largest valve flow cross section 54, 55, 56. In the exemplary embodiment, all valve flow cross sections 54, 55, 56 are the same size.The largest valve flow cross-section therefore corresponds to the valve flow cross-section of the intake port of a single intake valve. The valve flow cross-sections 54, 55, 56 are oriented transversely, in the exemplary embodiment perpendicularly, to the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11.

[0047] The channel 30 has a largest channel flow cross-section. In the exemplary embodiment, the largest channel flow cross-section extends in the direction of movement 51 and in a direction radial thereto. It can be provided that the largest channel flow cross-section is determined exclusively in the section 34 of the channel 30. It can also be provided that the largest channel flow cross-section is determined exclusively in the region of the channel 30 between the first inlet valve 41 and the end 32 of the channel 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the largest channel flow cross-section is determined between the beginning 31 of the channel 30 and the end 32 of the channel 30.

[0048] The largest channel flow cross-section is at most 5 times, in particular at most 3 times, and in the exemplary embodiment at most 1.5 times the largest valve flow cross-section 54, 55, 56. In the exemplary embodiment, the valve flow cross-section 54, 55, 56 is the area of ​​the inlet opening 44, 45, 46 of the inlet valve 41, 42, 43 measured in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement 51. In particular, this is a solid area in which no hollow area is provided within the outer contour of the area. In other words, the area concealed by the valve member is not taken into account when determining the valve flow cross-section. However, it can also be provided that the valve flow cross-section is a true flow cross-section.

[0049] As in Fig. 19, the channel 30 has a maximum width b1 measured transversely, in the exemplary embodiment perpendicular to the direction of movement 51. It can be provided that the maximum width b1 is determined exclusively in the section 34 of the channel 30. It can also be provided that the maximum width b1 is determined exclusively in the region of the channel 30 between the first inlet valve 41 and the end 32 of the channel 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the maximum width b1 is determined between the beginning 31 and the end 32 of the channel 30. The maximum width b1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the liquid. The maximum width b1 extends in a direction radial to the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11. The maximum width b1 is at most 5 times, in particular at most 3 times, and in the exemplary embodiment at most 1.5 times the largest valve flow cross-section 54, 55, 56.

[0050] The channel 30 has a channel area K in an imaginary projection in the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11 into a projection plane P. The projection plane P extends perpendicular to the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11. The channel area K extends in the projection plane P. The inlet openings 44, 45, 46 of all several inlet valves 41, 42, 43 have a common total valve area G in the projection plane P in an imaginary projection in the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11 into the projection plane P. In the exemplary embodiment, the total valve area G corresponds to the sum of the valve flow cross sections 54, 55, 56. The channel area K is at most 15 times, and in the exemplary embodiment at most 12 times, the total valve area G.

[0051] The channel 30 has a channel volume V in the area from the first inlet valve 41 to the end 32 of the channel 30. The channel volume V is in Fig. 21. The quotient of channel volume V and total valve area G is less than 30, in particular less than 25, in the exemplary embodiment less than 24. Expressed in formulas, this means: V / G < 30, in particular V / G < 25, in the exemplary embodiment V / G < 24.

[0052] As in the Fig. 20 and Fig. 16, the fluid distribution device 16 has a pipe section 35 between the channel 30 and the connection device 8. The pipe section 35 directly borders the channel 30. The pipe section 35 directly borders the reservoir 33 of the channel 30. The pipe section 35 has a pipe flow cross-section R directly adjacent to the channel 30. The pipe flow cross-section R extends perpendicular to the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11.

[0053] In an imaginary projection in the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11 into the projection plane P, which runs perpendicular to the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11, the reservoir 33 of the channel 30 has a reservoir area F ( Fig. 16). The reservoir area is from 10% to 50%, in the example from 20% to 30% of the pipe flow cross-section R.

[0054] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 17, the channel 30 has a channel height h1 measured in the direction of movement 51 of the pistons 11. The channel height h1 extends between the pump 10 and a bottom of the channel 30, which is formed by the liquid distribution device 16. The height h1 decreases in the flow direction of the liquid, starting from the first inlet valve 41 to the end 32 of the channel 30, and in the exemplary embodiment, decreases continuously. In the exemplary embodiment, the width of the channel 30 is constant in the region between the first inlet valve 41 and the end 32 of the channel 30. However, it can also be provided that the width of the channel decreases in the flow direction, in particular decreases continuously.

Claims

[1] Cleaning device for pressurizing and ejecting a liquid, wherein the cleaning device is in particular portable, wherein the cleaning device (1) comprises a pump (10), wherein the pump (10) comprises a plurality of pistons (11), wherein each of the plurality of pistons (11) is assigned a piston chamber, wherein the liquid in the piston chamber can be pressurized by means of the piston (11), wherein each piston chamber is assigned an inlet valve (41, 42, 43), wherein the cleaning device (1) comprises a connection device (8) for connecting a source line for supplying liquid, wherein a liquid distribution device (16) for supplying the liquid from the connection device (8) to the plurality of inlet valves (41, 42, 43) is arranged between the connection device (8) and the pump (10), characterized bythat the liquid distribution device (16) is designed such that it supplies the liquid to the plurality of inlet valves (41, 42, 43) in a fixed predetermined order regardless of the orientation of the cleaning device (1), in particular the pump (10), relative to the direction (52) of gravity. [2] Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by that the liquid distribution device (16) is designed such that it supplies the liquid to the plurality of inlet valves (41, 42, 43) one after the other in a fixed predetermined order, regardless of the orientation of the cleaning device (1), in particular the pump (10), relative to the direction (52) of gravity. [3] Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the liquid distribution device (16) comprises a channel (30) with a beginning (31) and an end (32), that a first inlet valve (41) of the plurality of inlet valves (41, 42, 43) is arranged at the beginning (31) of the channel (30), that a last inlet valve (43) of the plurality of inlet valves (41, 42, 43) is arranged at the end (32) of the channel (30), and in particular that the channel (30) is designed such that the liquid can only flow on one path from the beginning (31) to the end (32) of the channel (30). [4] Cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized bythat the cleaning device (1) can be parked on a horizontal plane (H) in a parking orientation (53) provided for it, and that the channel (30) is designed such that the first inlet valve (41) in the parking orientation (53) has the greatest distance (a1) of all several inlet valves (41, 42, 43) from the horizontal plane (H), and in particular that the channel (30) is designed such that the last inlet valve (43) in the parking orientation (53) has the smallest distance (a2) of all several inlet valves (41, 42, 43) from the horizontal plane (H). [5] Cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized bythat a reservoir (33) is formed at the beginning (31) of the channel (30), that the channel (30) is designed such that in the shut-off orientation (53) only the first inlet valve (41) can be supplied with liquid from the channel (30) as long as the reservoir (33) has not overflowed and supplies the section (34) of the channel (30) downstream of the reservoir (33) with liquid by the overflow of the reservoir (33). [6] Cleaning device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized bythat the plurality of inlet valves (41, 42, 43) each have an inlet opening (44, 45, 46) facing the channel (30), each having a valve flow cross-section (54, 55, 56), whereby a plurality of valve flow cross-sections (54, 55, 56) are formed, that the plurality of valve flow cross-sections (54, 55, 56) have a largest valve flow cross-section (54, 55, 56), that the channel (30) has a largest channel flow cross-section, and that the largest channel flow cross-section is at most five times, in particular at most three times, in particular at most 1.5 times the largest valve flow cross-section (54, 55, 56). [7] Cleaning device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized bythat the channel (30) has a maximum width (b1) measured transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the direction of movement (51) of the pistons (11), and that the maximum width (b1) is at most five times, in particular at most three times, in particular at most 1.5 times the largest valve flow cross-section (54, 55, 56). [8] Cleaning device according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized bythat the channel (30) has a channel area (K) in the projection plane (P) when projected in the direction of movement (51) of the pistons (11) perpendicular to the direction of movement (51) of the pistons (11), that the inlet openings (44, 45, 46) of all several inlet valves (41, 42, 43) have a common total valve area (G) in the projection plane (P) when projected in the direction of movement (51) of the pistons (11) into the projection plane (P), and that the channel area (K) is at most 15 times, in particular at most 12 times, the total valve area (G). [9] Cleaning device according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by that the channel (30) has a channel volume (V) in the region from the first inlet valve (41) to its end (32), and that the quotient of channel volume (V) and total valve area (G) is less than 30, in particular less than 25, in particular less than 24. [10] Cleaning device according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized by that the channel (30) has a channel height (h1) measured in the direction of movement (51) of the pistons (11), and that the channel height (h1) decreases in the flow direction of the liquid.

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