WET AND DRY VACUUM CLEANERS

Description

Wet and dry vacuum cleaners

[0001] The present invention relates to a wet and dry vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum head, a dirt container, and an inlet fitting designed for connecting a suction hose. The inlet fitting is fluidly connected to an inlet nozzle located in the wet and dry vacuum cleaner such that sucked-in dirt particles can enter the dirt container via the inlet nozzle.

[0002] Wet and dry vacuum cleaners of the type mentioned above are generally known from the prior art. They are used, for example, to vacuum up dirt particles such as those typically encountered when working with power cutters. For this purpose, a suction hose is connected to the inlet fitting, which in turn is connected, for example, to a power cutter. In wet applications, contaminated water is sucked in. In dry applications, only or predominantly dry dirt particles are sucked in. The sucked-in mixture of dust and water or air is usually collected in a dirt container until the container is emptied.

[0003] Similar suction devices are disclosed, for example, in US 2006 010 639 A1 or WO 2001 147 48 A1. US 2006 010 639 A1 discloses an electro-optical vacuum cleaner that uses ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers to kill bacteria during suction. WO 2001 147 48 A1 describes a pump for a tank vacuum cleaner that can collect both dry material and liquid.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a wet and dry vacuum cleaner with improved operating characteristics. Furthermore, the wet and dry vacuum cleaner to be provided should optimally utilize the available volume of the dirt container in order to maximize the amount of dust or water collected.

[0005] The object is achieved in that the inlet nozzle is designed as a horizontally flowing diffuser, wherein the inlet nozzle has an end section with an inflow opening, wherein the inflow opening is designed to be inclined with respect to a substantially planar surface of the end section. In particular, the invention relates to an inlet nozzle for a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, wherein the inlet nozzle is arranged in the wet and dry vacuum cleaner such that the suction flow flows substantially horizontally into the dirt container of the vacuum cleaner. The substantially horizontal inflow direction of the fluid-particle mixture of the suction flow preferably runs substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the dirt container, which preferably also runs substantially parallel to a surface on which the wet and dry vacuum cleaner is set up.

[0006] The invention incorporates the recognition that in prior art wet and dry vacuum cleaners, the inlet fitting and / or inlet nozzle are typically located in the vacuum head, allowing optimal use of the available volume of the dirt container. The inlet nozzle is typically directed directly into the dirt container, resulting in unwanted stirring and swirling of the dirt particles already sucked in within the dirt container. It has been observed that this can lead to premature shutdown in wet applications and a shorter filter life in dry applications. These disadvantages can be avoided by designing the inlet nozzle as a horizontally flowing diffuser according to the invention. Rather, this promotes layered introduction of dirt particles into the dirt container without creating swirls within the dirt container.The essentially layered filling of the dirt container achieved in this way advantageously makes it possible to use the volume available in the dirt container even better than with conventional wet and dry vacuum cleaners known from the prior art. The horizontally aligned inlet nozzle represents a departure from the prior art in particular, because experts had previously assumed that optimal use of the available volume in the dirt container could be achieved by an inclined arrangement of the inlet nozzle, in which the inlet nozzle points into the volume of the dirt container or is arranged in such a way that the dirt is directed downwards into the dirt container. The spatial direction "downwards" in the sense of the invention preferably means that the dirt is directed towards the floor or an underside of the dirt container.

[0007] In a departure from the prior art, it has proven advantageous to direct the suction flow through the diffuser-shaped inlet nozzle against an inner wall of the dirt container. The rebound of the suction flow from the inner wall slows down or decelerates the sucked-in air containing the dirt particles, further improving the dirt particle entry into the dirt container.

[0008] Preferably, the inner wall of the dirt container is a side wall of the dirt container. The inner wall does not necessarily have to be a side wall of the dirt container. Rather, the inner wall can also be another wall within the wet and dry vacuum cleaner that is vertically oriented and / or whose area is at least as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser opening of the inlet nozzle.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inlet nozzle designed as a diffuser has a diffuser opening whose wall distance from the inner wall is less than one fifth of the container width of the dirt container.

[0010] A cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser opening is preferably at least 50% larger than a cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet fitting in the region of the wall passage into the dirt container.

[0011] The diffuser opening can be located, preferably exclusively, in the upper third of the dirt container. For smaller dirt containers, the diffuser opening can preferably be located in the upper half of the container.

[0012] It has proven advantageous if the inlet nozzle designed as a diffuser is arranged in a volume defined by the dirt container. Particularly preferably, the inlet nozzle designed as a diffuser is arranged exclusively in the volume defined by the dirt container.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the wet and dry vacuum cleaner has an electric turbine arranged in the vacuum head. The wet and dry vacuum cleaner can have a dirt filter located downstream of the inlet nozzle designed as a diffuser, relative to the suction flow.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the diffuser-shaped inlet nozzle is formed as a single piece. The diffuser-shaped inlet nozzle can be molded onto the dirt container. The diffuser-shaped inlet nozzle is preferably made of plastic or polymer.

[0015] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a Y-shaped inlet nozzle. In this aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the inlet nozzle has an end section in the region of the diffuser opening, wherein the end section has an inlet opening for the suction flow, as well as an outflow region which comprises two outflow openings. The two outflow openings in the outflow region of the end section of the inlet nozzle can considerably reduce the speed at which the suction flow is sucked into the dirt container. The suction flow is preferably formed by a fluid-particle mixture, wherein the fluid can be, for example, a gas or a gas mixture, such as air. The fluid can also be a liquid, such as water. The particles are preferably dust and sucked-in dirt.By reducing the inflow velocity of the fluid-particle mixture, the suction flow in the end section of the inlet nozzle is advantageously calmed, which contributes to improved filling of the dirt container. In other words, the Y-shaped inlet nozzle with two outlet openings results in the flow in the fluid-particle mixture being calmed in such a way that a layered deposition of the particles in the dirt container is enabled. The inventors have recognized that such layered or stratified deposition of the dust or dirt advantageously leads to optimal utilization of the available volume in the dirt container.

[0016] The inlet opening of the end section preferably forms the transition between the inlet nozzle and the end section. According to the invention, it is preferred that the suction flow enters the end section in the region of the inlet opening, with the flow preferably initially being directed against a rear wall or a base or underside of the end section due to the design of the end section. The direction in which the suction flow enters the end section is determined in particular by the arrangement of the inlet opening within the end section.

[0017] In the context of the invention, it is provided that the inlet opening is designed to be inclined relative to a substantially flat surface of the end section. As a result, the suction flow is sucked in particular against a transition region between the rear wall and the base of the end section, where the flow is decelerated by an abrupt braking of the fluid-particle mixture. In the sense of the invention, it can be particularly preferred that the rear wall or the base of the end section functions as an inner wall within the dirt container, wherein the inner wall or the rear wall and / or the wall region of the end section are configured to brake the suction flow when the suction flow is directed onto the inner wall, the rear wall and / or the wall regions of the end section. In this case, the fluid-particle mixture bounces off the walls, so that the flow velocity is significantly reduced.

[0018] Preferably, the end section of the inlet nozzle can be referred to as an inflow device for dividing or expanding the suction flow or the fluid-particle mixture. In particular, the proposed end section represents a Y-shaped inflow distributor. Due to the preferred design of the end section with one inflow opening and two outflow openings, the outflow volume can advantageously be significantly increased compared to the inflow volume. This leads to a particular advantage of the invention in that the flow velocity at the outflow openings is lower than in the region of the inflow opening, so that the preferred design of the inlet nozzle advantageously allows for improved deposition behavior of the fluid-particle mixture.

[0019] In connection with the inclined configuration of the inlet opening, a surface normal can be defined that is perpendicular to the essentially flat surface of the end section. It is preferred within the meaning of the invention to define a further surface normal that is perpendicular to a plane defined by the inlet opening. Preferably, the two surface normals defined in this way enclose an angle, which within the meaning of the invention is preferably referred to as the "angle of inclination of the inlet opening." This angle of inclination of the inlet opening can preferably be in a range between 5 and 30 degrees, preferably between 10 and 20 degrees, and particularly preferably 15 degrees.

[0020] Tests have shown that reducing the speed of the suction flow, in addition to the essentially horizontal inflow of the suction flow into the dirt container, also has a significant effect on the way the fluid-particle mixture settles in the dirt container. In this respect, the Y-shaped design of the inlet nozzle with the preferably inclined inlet opening makes a significant contribution to ensuring that the available volume in the dirt container can be utilized even more effectively and that the fluid-particle mixture settles in the dirt container in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0021] According to the invention, it is preferred that the outflow openings each comprise a wall region, wherein the wall regions of the outflow openings are formed substantially parallel to the substantially flat surface of the end section of the inlet nozzle. Preferably, the wall regions of the outflow openings form an outer closure of the end section of the inlet nozzle. The wall regions preferably serve to direct the sucked-in dirt against these wall regions, so that the suction flow loses speed due to the impact and, in particular, is decelerated. The inventors have recognized that decelerating the suction flow or the sucked-in dirt is an essential factor for improved filling and optimized utilization of the volume of the dirt container.

[0022] Due to the inclination of the inlet opening, the suction flow or the sucked-in dirt is advantageously directed to a transition region between the rear wall of the end section of the inlet nozzle and the wall regions, so that the suction flow or the sucked-in dirt can be braked particularly effectively. In particular, due to the configuration of the end section of the inlet nozzle, there is a deflection of the suction flow. The rear wall of the end section of the inlet nozzle is preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar surface of the end section. Moreover, the rear wall is arranged substantially perpendicular to the wall regions of the outlet openings, which preferably form a bottom or a underside of the end section.

[0023] Within the meaning of the invention, it is further preferred that the outflow openings define an outflow plane that runs substantially parallel to the rear wall of the end section of the inlet nozzle and is formed substantially perpendicular to the wall regions of the outflow openings. By arranging the inflow opening relative to the outflow openings within the end section of the inlet nozzle, the suction flow is advantageously deflected such that the sucked-in dirt is deposited in laminar layers in the dirt container.

[0024] Advantageously, the proposed end piece for an inlet nozzle can also be used in conjunction with a filter bag. For this purpose, it may be preferred within the meaning of the invention for the Y-shaped inlet nozzle or its end piece to have a larger connection geometry than a conventional nozzle. The sealing geometry can preferably be elliptical, for example, oval.

[0025] Within the meaning of the invention, it may also be preferred for the end section of the inlet nozzle to have only one outflow opening, which then preferably has an outflow opening size that is significantly larger than the inflow opening area. This advantageously achieves an inflow distribution of the suction flow that enables improved filling of the collecting container.

[0026] In particular, the preferably Y-shaped end section of the inlet nozzle enables a deflection of the inflow direction of the suction flow. In other words, it is preferred within the meaning of the invention that the end section of the inlet nozzle is designed by its shape to deflect a direction of the suction flow. In particular, within the meaning of the invention, a deflection of substantially 90 degrees towards the front side of the dirt container is preferred. It is preferred within the meaning of the invention that the suction flow has a direction that preferably runs substantially parallel to the container bottom.

[0027] Further advantages of the proposed end section for an inlet nozzle are the reduction of the speed and the calming of the flow in the dirt container.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the inflow opening of the end section is arranged above a maximum filling level of the dirt container.

[0029] In other words, within the meaning of the invention, it is preferred that the end nozzle be arranged above the dirt or water surface. This is preferred because layered deposition of dirt in the dirt container is possible, especially if the nozzle is not immersed in the dirt. Immersion of the dirt disadvantageously leads to undesirable turbulence in the dirt and should be avoided.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a wet and dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed which has an inlet nozzle designed as a horizontally flowing diffuser and has a Y-shape in the sense that the inlet nozzle comprises an inlet opening for the suction flow and two outlet openings. In particular, the wet and dry vacuum cleaner has a dirt container, wherein sucked-in dirt particles can reach the dirt container via the inlet nozzle. Preferably, the inlet nozzle has an end section in the region of a diffuser opening, wherein an end section of the inlet nozzle has an inlet opening for the suction flow and an outlet region, wherein the outlet region comprises two outlet openings.

[0031] Further advantages are evident from the following description of the figures. Figures 1 and 2Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations. Example:

[0032] A preferred embodiment of a wet and dry vacuum cleaner 100 according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1 The wet and dry vacuum cleaner 100 has a vacuum head 10, a dirt container 20, and an inlet fitting 25 designed for connecting a suction hose 200.

[0033] In Fig. 1 the suction hose 200 to be connected to the inlet fitting 25 is shown schematically.

[0034] The wet and dry vacuum cleaner 100 further comprises an inlet nozzle 27 which is fluidly connected to the inlet fitting 25 in such a way that sucked-in dirt particles P can reach the dirt container 20 via the inlet nozzle 27.

[0035] Again Fig. 1 can be removed, the inlet nozzle 27 is designed according to the invention as a horizontally flowing diffuser.

[0036] As can be seen from the figure, the inlet nozzle 27 designed as a diffuser is arranged exclusively in a volume V defined by the dirt container 20. In addition, the diffuser designed as an inlet nozzle 27 is arranged such that a suction flow S is directed directly against an inner wall 21 of the dirt container 20. In other words, the suction flow S flows through the diffuser opening 28 of the inlet nozzle 27 in a horizontal direction H against the inner wall 21, bounces off there and enters the lower region of the dirt container 20 at a slower rate, whereby the dirt particles P are introduced layer by layer without turbulence or at least with significantly reduced turbulence.

[0037] As also the Fig. 1 can be removed, the diffuser opening 28 of the inlet nozzle 27 has a wall distance WA of the inner wall 21, wherein the wall distance WA is less than one fifth of the container width B of the dirt container 20.

[0038] In the present embodiment, a cross-sectional area Q1 of the diffuser opening 28 is at least 50% larger than a cross-sectional area Q2 of the inlet fitting 25 in the region of the wall passage into the dirt container 20.

[0039] The wet and dry vacuum cleaner 100 of the Fig. 1 further comprises an electric turbine arranged in the vacuum head 10. This electric turbine generates the suction flow S, via which the dirt particles P are sucked into the dirt container 20 during a wet or dry application.

[0040] The wet and dry vacuum cleaner 100 further comprises a dirt filter 17, which, with respect to the suction flow S, is arranged downstream of the inlet nozzle 27 designed as a diffuser. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the dirt filter 17 is arranged in the transition between the vacuum head 10 and the dirt container 20.

[0041] The vacuum head 10 rests on top of the dirt container 20 and is locked to it (locking not shown). In the preferred embodiment of the Fig. 1 The inlet nozzle 27, designed as a diffuser, is formed in one piece and molded directly onto the dirt container 20. Both the inlet nozzle 27 and the dirt container 20 are made of plastic.

[0042] In alternative embodiments, the dirt container 20 can be made of metal, for example, into which an inlet nozzle made of plastic, elastomer or polymer is fitted, along with an inlet fitting 25 made of plastic or polymer.

[0043] Figure 2shows a preferred embodiment of the Y-shaped end section 29 of the inlet nozzle 27 of the wet and dry vacuum cleaner 100. The upper side of the end section 29 is formed by a substantially flat, i.e., planar, surface. An inlet opening 30 is provided in this upper side of the end section 29. The fluid-particle mixture coming from the suction hose 200 flows through this inlet opening 30 into the dirt container 20 of the wet and dry vacuum cleaner 100. The suction flow S is advantageously deflected as it passes through the end section 29 such that the fluid-particle mixture preferably leaves the end section 29 in a direction that is not the same as the inflow direction. A deflection of the flow direction through the end section 29 in a range of, for example, 90 degrees toward the front side of the dirt container 20 is particularly preferred.

[0044] In the Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the inflow opening 30 is inclined relative to the substantially flat upper side of the end section 29. An imaginary, virtual central axis can be placed through the inflow opening 30, which encloses an angle of inclination with a surface normal of the substantially flat surface of the end section 29. This angle of inclination preferably indicates how much the inflow opening 30 is tilted relative to the upper side of the end section 29. Preferably, the inflow opening 30 has an elliptical, in particular circular, base area, the diameter of which can be, for example, between 3 and 8 cm, preferably between 4 and 7 cm, and most preferably between 5 and 6 cm.

[0045] The end section 29 has an outflow region 31 formed by two outflow openings 32. Within the meaning of the invention, one outflow opening 32 or more than two outflow openings 32 may be provided, wherein the area of ​​each of the outflow openings 32 is intended to be larger than the size of the one inflow opening 30. The outflow openings 32 preferably define an outflow plane that is substantially orthogonal to the substantially planar surface of the end section 29. Preferably, the outflow plane lies substantially parallel to a rear wall of the end section 29 and substantially perpendicular to wall regions 33 of the end section 29, which preferably form a bottom or lower closure of the end section 29. List of reference symbols

[0046] 10 Vacuum head 15 Electric turbine 17 Dirt filter 20 Dirt container 21 Inner wall 25 Inlet fitting 27 Inlet nozzle 28 Diffuser opening 29 End section 30 Inlet opening 31 Outlet area 32 Outlet openings 33 Wall areas 100 Wet and dry vacuum cleaner 200 Suction hose BTank width HHorizon PDirt particles Q1Cross-sectional area of ​​the diffuser opening Q2Cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet fitting SSuction flow VVolume of the dirt container WAWall distance

Claims

1. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) having a vacuum cleaner head (10), having a dirt container (20) and having an inlet fitting (25) which is designed for the connection of a suction hose (200), wherein the inlet fitting (25) is connected in terms of flow to an inlet connector (27), which is situated in the wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100), of the wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) such that dirt particles (P) that are drawn in can pass via the inlet connector (27) into the dirt container (20), wherein the inlet connector (27) is designed as a diffuser with horizontal outflow, wherein the inlet connector (27) has an end portion (29) with an inflow opening (30), characterized in that the inflow opening (30) is formed so as to be inclined in relation to a substantially planar top surface of the end portion (29).

2. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a suction flow (S) through the inlet connector (27) designed as a diffuser is directed towards an inner wall (21) of the dirt container (20).

3. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the inner wall (21) of the dirt container (20) is a side wall of the dirt container (20).

4. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the inlet connector (27) designed as a diffuser has a diffuser opening (28), the wall spacing (WA) of which with respect to the inner wall (21) is less than one fifth of the container width (B) of the dirt container (20).

5. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cross-sectional area (Q1) of the diffuser opening (28) is at least 50 percent larger than a cross-sectional area (Q2) of the inlet fitting (25) in the region of the wall passage into the dirt container (20).

6. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet connector (27) designed as a diffuser is arranged, preferably exclusively, in a volume (V) defined by the dirt container (20).

7. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) has an electric turbine (15) arranged in the vacuum cleaner head (10).

8. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) has a dirt filter (17) which, in relation to the suction flow (S), is positioned downstream of the inlet connector (27) designed as a diffuser.

9. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet connector (27) designed as a diffuser is formed as a single piece and / or is formed integrally on the dirt container (20).

10. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet connector (27) designed as a diffuser is composed of plastic.

11. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet connector (27) has the end portion (29) in the region of the diffuser opening (28), wherein the end portion (29) has an outflow region (31) which comprises two outflow openings (32).

12. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the outflow openings (32) comprise in each case one wall region (33), wherein the wall regions (33) of the outflow openings (32) are formed substantially parallel to the substantially planar top surface of the end portion (29) of the inlet connector (27).

13. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to either of Claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the end portion (29) is, by means of its shape, designed to divert a direction of the suction flow (S).

14. Wet and dry vacuum cleaner (100) according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the inflow opening (30) of the end portion (29) is arranged above a maximum fill level of the dirt container (20).