High-pressure cleaning device and method for operating a high-pressure cleaning device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning device comprising a pump unit, a motor, and a control unit. The high-pressure cleaning device can be operated at a working pressure during a work phase and at a holding pressure during a work break. The control unit is configured to switch off the high-pressure cleaning device after a time interval during a work break in order to save energy. This advantageously provides time-controlled deactivation of the high-pressure cleaning device. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a high-pressure cleaning device, which, for example, can conserve the charge level of a power supply unit of a battery-operated high-pressure cleaning device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning device comprising a pump unit, a motor, and a control unit. The high-pressure cleaning device can be operated at a working pressure during a work phase and at a holding pressure during a work break. The control unit is configured to switch off the high-pressure cleaning device after a time interval during a work break in order to save energy. This advantageously provides time-controlled deactivation of the high-pressure cleaning device. This is made possible by distinguishing between a re-pumping event and actual operation of the high-pressure cleaning device, whereby, depending on the result of the distinction, the high-pressure cleaning device restarts, resumes, or continues its standby state.In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a high-pressure cleaning device, which can, for example, conserve the charge level of a power supply device of a battery-operated high-pressure cleaning device. Background of the invention:

[0002] In the field of high-pressure cleaning equipment, it is known that a certain minimum pressure is maintained during operation to ensure optimal performance. This minimum pressure is also maintained during work breaks, for example, to guarantee the rapid availability of a cleaning medium when work with the high-pressure cleaning equipment resumes. A pressure drop can occur, for example, due to a leak or minor leaks that may develop in a high-pressure cleaning device over time.

[0003] A disadvantage of conventional high-pressure cleaning devices is that this repeated readjustment to the minimum pressure often results in high energy consumption. This is particularly problematic for battery-powered high-pressure cleaners, as it can significantly reduce the operating time of the battery(ies).

[0004] The object underlying the present invention is to overcome the above-described shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an energy-saving high-pressure cleaning device or to ensure an energy-saving overall operation of a high-pressure cleaning device.

[0005] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments relating to the subject matter of the independent claims are found in the dependent claims. Description of the invention:

[0006] According to the invention, a high-pressure cleaning device is provided, comprising a pump unit for supplying a cleaning medium, a motor for driving the pump unit, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the motor, the pump unit, and / or the high-pressure cleaning device. The high-pressure cleaning device is characterized in that it can be operated at a working pressure during a work phase and at a holding pressure during a work break. The control unit is configured to switch off the high-pressure cleaning device after a time interval during a work break in order to conserve the charge of the at least one power supply device. The invention enables time-controlled deactivation of the high-pressure cleaning device, which can significantly improve device availability and ease of use.The high-pressure cleaning device can be connected to one or more power supply devices. The time-controlled deactivation of the high-pressure cleaning device offers significant advantages, particularly for battery-powered devices, as it conserves the charge of the power supply. However, the invention also offers advantages for mains-powered high-pressure cleaning devices, as it saves energy and thus makes the operation of the high-pressure cleaning device particularly cost-effective and resource-efficient.

[0007] The invention overcomes a problem known in the prior art in the use of high-pressure cleaning devices, where excessively frequent readjustment of the holding pressure during a work break of the high-pressure cleaning device leads to a rapid loss of charge in the power supply of a battery-operated high-pressure cleaning device, or to the operation of the high-pressure cleaning device being associated with high energy consumption – and thus costs. The invention overcomes these disadvantages by storing a time interval in the high-pressure cleaning device for switching off or deactivating the motor of the high-pressure cleaning device, and the control unit switching off the high-pressure cleaning device after this time interval has elapsed.This avoids the recurring, energy-intensive readjustment of the holding pressure of the high-pressure cleaning device and saves energy compared to conventionally operating high-pressure cleaning devices.

[0008] When operation of the high-pressure cleaning device is interrupted, for example, by ceasing the removal of liquid from the device, the pressure within the device is maintained. This pressure is preferably referred to as the "holding pressure" within the scope of the invention. For example, the holding pressure may be approximately 140 bar. The high-pressure cleaning device can then enter a standby state, during which the holding pressure is maintained. This standby state may also preferably be referred to as the "standby interval" within the scope of the invention. The fact that the holding pressure is maintained during the standby interval preferably means, within the scope of the invention, that re-pumping occurs during the standby interval to maintain the holding pressure at a predetermined pressure. This re-pumping may preferably be referred to as the "re-pump" event within the scope of the invention.The duration of the wake-up state can, for example, be between 3 and 20 minutes (min), preferably between 5 and 10 min, and particularly preferably 7 min. For the purposes of the invention, the duration of the wake-up state can preferably be referred to as a "time interval" or a "predetermined time interval." The wake-up state preferably occurs during a work break of the high-pressure cleaning device or preferably coincides with a work break.

[0009] A disadvantage of conventional high-pressure cleaning devices, as known from the prior art, is that the standby time restarts after each re-pumping. This means that re-pumping, for example in the case of a leak in the high-pressure cleaning device, can continue until the power supply is depleted. The invention departs from this prior art by preventing the standby time from restarting. It is preferred, according to the invention, that a re-pumping event does not reset the timer within the high-pressure cleaning device. Instead, it is preferred that, according to the invention, the standby time actually ends after a fixed, predetermined period and that the high-pressure cleaning device switches off automatically after the standby time has ended.This avoids unnecessary pressure maintenance in the high-pressure cleaning device and extends the operating range of the high-pressure cleaning device's power supply. According to the invention, omitting the timer reset can preferably be described by stating that the high-pressure cleaning device is able to switch itself off during a work break after a certain time interval in order to conserve the charge of the at least one power supply.

[0010] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the high-pressure cleaning device is configured to distinguish between a re-pumping event and actual operation of the high-pressure cleaning device, whereby, depending on the result of the distinction, a standby state of the high-pressure cleaning device restarts, is re-entered, or is continued. Preferably, upon detection of a re-pumping event in a standby state of the high-pressure cleaning device, the standby state can simply be extended after the re-pumping to prevent the power supply device's runtime being limited solely by the battery charge and to avoid continuous re-pumping. If actual operation of the high-pressure cleaning device is detected, the standby state is interrupted or terminated and restarts from the beginning after the operation of the high-pressure cleaning device.This behavior of the high-pressure cleaning device is described in the sense of the invention by the fact that the high-pressure cleaning device is switched off during a work break after a time interval has elapsed in order to conserve the charge level of the at least one power supply device.

[0011] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the re-pump event and the actual operation of the high-pressure cleaning device are distinguishable from one another based on the duration of operation of the pump unit. For example, in a re-pump event, the duration of operation of the pump unit of the high-pressure cleaning device may be less than 3 seconds, while actual operation of the high-pressure cleaning device is preferably characterized by the fact that the pump unit is operated or runs for longer than 3 seconds.

[0012] Saving electrical energy by omitting the timer reset can be achieved, in particular, by configuring the high-pressure cleaning device to distinguish between "re-pump" events and actual operation. Distinguishing between re-pump and actual operation is especially advantageous during the standby state, because, according to the invention, it is desirable that the standby state actually ends after a predetermined time period and that the high-pressure cleaning device switches off automatically after this period. If re-pump and actual operation can be distinguished during the standby state, it is advantageous to forgo resetting the timer after a brief "re-pump" event, while the predetermined time period or...The duration of the wake-up state can restart after actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device. For example, operation of the high-pressure cleaning device that is shorter than a predefined period can be recognized as a "re-pump" event, while operation of the high-pressure cleaning device that is longer than a predefined period is recognized as actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device.

[0013] During the specified time interval, or while the high-pressure cleaning device is in standby mode, the pressure within the device is further regulated to ensure a sufficiently high operating pressure is available when the user wishes to draw cleaning medium or liquid from the device. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the pressure within the high-pressure cleaning device is indirectly adjusted by regulating the speed of the device's motor. Regulating the motor speed also controls the pump and its operation, resulting in a specific pressure being established within the high-pressure cleaning device. The invention can, in particular, provide a time-controlled regulation system for a battery-operated high-pressure cleaning device.This can significantly improve device availability and handling, depending on factors such as wear-related leakage or pressure loss caused by other reasons.

[0014] The high-pressure cleaning device is operated at a working pressure during a work phase and at a holding pressure during a work break. In the context of the present invention, the term "work break" is understood as a period of time during which the user does not withdraw any cleaning medium or liquid from the high-pressure cleaning device. It is preferred, according to the invention, that a holding pressure is maintained during the work breaks. Preferably, the holding pressure can be greater than or equal to the working pressure. For example, the holding pressure can be approximately 140 bar, while the working pressure can be approximately 100 bar. It is preferred, according to the invention, that the cleaning medium is initially dispensed at a working pressure of, for example, approximately 100 bar. As the cleaning medium is dispensed, the pressure within the high-pressure cleaning device drops briefly before being brought up to the working pressure.

[0015] It is preferred within the scope of the invention that the operating pressure is regulated during an operating phase of the high-pressure cleaning device, i.e., the high-pressure cleaning device will always strive to maintain or achieve a pressure value within the range of the predetermined operating pressure. For this purpose, the control unit of the high-pressure cleaning device can control the motor of the high-pressure cleaning device. It is particularly preferred within the scope of the invention that, in the context of the present invention, the speed of the motor of the high-pressure cleaning device is regulated, thereby establishing a specific pressure within the high-pressure cleaning device. Thus, there is an interplay between the motor of the high-pressure cleaning device, which is configured to drive the pump unit, and the pump unit, which supplies the cleaning medium, as well as the pressure that is established within the high-pressure cleaning device.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, a high-pressure cleaning device comprises the following components: a pump unit for providing a cleaning medium, a motor for driving the pump unit, a control device for controlling the operation of the motor of the high-pressure cleaning device and a dispensing device for dispensing the cleaning medium, wherein the high-pressure cleaning device can be connected to one or more power supply devices.

[0017] The high-pressure cleaning device can be operated at a preferably adjustable working pressure during a work phase in which cleaning medium is dispensed, and at a holding pressure during a work break in which no cleaning medium is dispensed. The control unit is configured to switch off the high-pressure cleaning device during a work break after a preferably adjustable time interval in order to conserve the charge of the at least one power supply device. In this way, time-controlled deactivation of the high-pressure cleaning device can be provided, which can significantly extend the operating time of the battery(ies), particularly in battery-powered high-pressure cleaning devices.It is preferred according to the invention that the control unit is additionally configured to monitor a battery supply. In other words, the control unit of the high-pressure cleaning device can be configured to monitor the supply of electrical energy to the high-pressure cleaning device.

[0018] It is preferred according to the invention that cleaning medium is dispensed from the high-pressure cleaning device during the operating phase and that no cleaning medium is dispensed from the high-pressure cleaning device during a work break. Preferably, the holding pressure is less than or equal to the operating pressure of the high-pressure cleaning device.

[0019] It is preferred according to the invention that the high-pressure cleaning device includes a pressure sensor for determining the pressure inside the device. The pressure sensor is preferably configured to transmit the pressure measured inside the device to the control unit, which is then configured to control the operation of the high-pressure cleaning device based on this pressure. Data transmission between the pressure sensor and the control unit can be entirely or partially wireless and / or wired.

[0020] It is preferred according to the invention that the control device – preferably by suitable control of the motor of the high-pressure cleaning device – is configured to control the holding pressure during a work break of the high-pressure cleaning device such that sufficient pressure is available at the end of the work break to discharge the cleaning medium. In particular, the control device is configured to maintain the holding pressure during the work break of the high-pressure cleaning device so that sufficient pressure is available at the end of the work break to operate the high-pressure cleaning device. Advantageously, the pressure values ​​determined by the pressure sensor can be evaluated and / or used to support this.

[0021] It is preferred, according to the invention, that the control device is configured to detect the holding pressure and / or the operating pressure and to assign them to a work break and / or a work phase, so that work phases and work breaks of the high-pressure cleaning device can be distinguished from one another. It is particularly preferred, according to the invention, that the control device is configured to detect the holding pressure within the high-pressure cleaning device and to assign it to a work break. The control device of the high-pressure cleaning device can preferably be used for detecting the holding pressure. The ability of the high-pressure cleaning device to detect the work phases and work breaks by detecting different pressures or pressure values ​​represents a significant advantage of the invention.In particular, this detection of pressure values ​​and their assignment to operating phases and breaks of the high-pressure cleaning device enables energy-saving control of the device. Specifically, the motor can be switched off during a break after a predetermined time interval to conserve energy. This allows for time-controlled deactivation of the high-pressure cleaning device and extends the operating range of battery-powered models.

[0022] With the aid of the pressure sensor, whose signals can be detected by the control unit, the motor or high-pressure cleaning device can be activated or deactivated, and the holding pressure can be controlled according to a timer. The holding pressure is adjusted at a user-defined interval, allowing the user to begin work immediately. After the time interval has elapsed, the high-pressure cleaning device can be deactivated to conserve battery power. The motor control unit detects the adjustment of the holding pressure and distinguishes it from work intervals. This allows for differentiation between work breaks and intervals, enabling the timed deactivation of the device.

[0023] By differentiating between work breaks and intervals, and between re-pumping events and actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device, optimized availability of the device can be achieved. This contributes positively to the device's productivity. In particular, increased availability per battery charge can be achieved in the case of wear-related leaks and longer work interruptions.

[0024] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a high-pressure cleaning device. The terms, definitions, and technical advantages introduced for the high-pressure cleaning device apply analogously to the operating method for the energy storage device. The method for operating a high-pressure cleaning device is characterized by the following process steps: a) Operation of the high-pressure cleaning device during a work phase at a working pressure, b) Operation of the high-pressure cleaning device during a work break at a holding pressure, c) Switching off the high-pressure cleaning device by the control unit during a work break after a time interval has elapsed in order to save energy.

[0025] In the context of a battery-powered high-pressure cleaning device, the phrase "saving energy" means that the charge level of at least one power supply device is conserved. In particular, process step c) advantageously enables time-controlled deactivation of the high-pressure cleaning device, thereby saving energy and extending the operating time of the high-pressure cleaning device's battery(ies).

[0026] The optimal control of the high-pressure cleaning device can be further optimized with regard to energy consumption if the control unit is configured to detect the current holding pressure and / or the current working pressure within the device and to assign these pressure values ​​to a work break or a work phase. This advantageously enables the high-pressure cleaning device to distinguish between work phases and work breaks. Alternatively or additionally, the high-pressure cleaning device can be able to differentiate between re-pumping events and actual operation. This distinction can, for example, be based on a time interval.If, for example, the high-pressure cleaning device is operated for longer than 3 seconds (s) while awake, the high-pressure cleaning device may assume that it is an actual operation of the high-pressure cleaning device, whereas if it is operated for less than 3 seconds, the high-pressure cleaning device may assume that it is a re-pumping operation of the high-pressure cleaning device.

[0027] The underlying pressure values ​​can be detected, for example, by one or more pressure sensors in or on the high-pressure cleaning device and evaluated by the control unit of the high-pressure cleaning device. If, for example, the high-pressure cleaning device recognizes, based on a detected pressure value, that it is not currently operating but is in a break, a timer in the high-pressure cleaning device can start running. The timer, in turn, can inform the control unit of the high-pressure cleaning device when a predefined time period has elapsed.If no significant change in pressure is detected in the high-pressure cleaner during this period, and the cleaner continues to assume it is in a pause mode, it can be switched off to save energy. If, during this time, a pressure increase is detected in the high-pressure cleaner, for example, reaching the operating pressure, the timer can be stopped, and the cleaner will assume it is operating. The timer will only restart when the pressure reaches the holding pressure again.Determining whether the high-pressure cleaning device is in a work break or a work phase is preferably done based on pressure values, which are detected, for example, by at least one pressure sensor in or on the high-pressure cleaning device. In particular, a pressure value assignment can be provided so that the high-pressure cleaning device can reliably recognize whether a pressure value corresponds to a work phase or a work break, or whether the high-pressure cleaning device is in a work phase or a work break. Furthermore, the high-pressure cleaning device can recognize whether the standby state is interrupted by actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device or whether the standby state essentially continues and only a re-pumping event occurs to maintain the holding pressure in the high-pressure cleaning device.

[0028] In this classification or distinction, it can be assumed in particular that the holding pressure is preferably greater than or equal to the operating pressure. A threshold value between the (higher) holding pressure and the (lower) operating pressure can be stored in the high-pressure cleaning device and applied by the control unit to determine the operating status of the high-pressure cleaning device. Thus, the high-pressure cleaning device can, for example, assume that it is in a break mode if a pressure value below this threshold value between the operating pressure and the holding pressure is detected, while the high-pressure cleaning device will assume that it is in an operating phase if a pressure value above the threshold value between the operating pressure and the holding pressure is detected.

[0029] In accordance with the invention, it is preferred that the holding pressure during a work break of the high-pressure cleaning device is controlled in such a way that sufficient pressure is available at the end of a work break to discharge the cleaning medium.

[0030] Further advantages arise from the following description of the figure. The figure, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0031] In the figure, identical and similar components are numbered with the same reference symbols.

[0032] It shows: Fig. 1 Schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the high-pressure cleaning device Examples of implementation and description of figures:

[0033] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the high-pressure cleaning device 10. The high-pressure cleaning device 10 comprises a pump unit 12 for supplying a cleaning medium and a motor 14 for driving the pump unit 12. Furthermore, the high-pressure cleaning device 10 includes a control unit 16 for controlling the motor 14 of the high-pressure cleaning device 10. The high-pressure cleaning device 10 can also include a pressure sensor 18 with which the pressure within the high-pressure cleaning device 10 can be measured. The measured pressure values ​​can be transmitted from the pressure sensor 18 to the control unit 16 via a data line (indicated by a connecting line). This data line can be wired and / or wireless.The control unit 16 can evaluate the transmitted data and control the high-pressure cleaning device 10 or its motor 14 based on the evaluation of the pressure values. Possible control lines are shown in . Figure 1also indicated by connecting lines. Naturally, the high-pressure cleaning device 10 can include further control and / or data lines, which can be wired and / or wireless. The control device 16 can, for example, include a timer (not shown) that can detect the time period after which the high-pressure cleaning device 10 is switched off if the pressure within the high-pressure cleaning device 10 does not change for an extended period. In other words, the high-pressure cleaning device 10 can be switched off if it is not used for an extended period, i.e., if it is in a work pause for a longer period.The control unit 16 can preferably detect that the high-pressure cleaning device 10 is in a break from operation by evaluating the pressure within the high-pressure cleaning device 10 and using this pressure to control the device. Advantageously, it can also be determined that the high-pressure cleaning device 10 is in a break from operation by observing that no actual work is being performed with the high-pressure cleaning device 10 during the standby or standby interval. It is preferred, according to the invention, that actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device 10 ends the standby state and restarts the predetermined time period, whereas a re-pumping event preferably does not end the standby state, so that the predetermined standby duration of, for example, 7 minutes restarts.

[0034] The high-pressure cleaning device 10 can be a battery-operated high-pressure cleaning device 10, which is supplied with electrical energy by at least one power supply device 20. Alternatively, the high-pressure cleaning device 10 can also be mains-operated (not shown). Reference symbol list

[0035] 10 High-pressure cleaning device 12 Pump unit 14 Motor 16 Control unit 18 Pressure sensor 20 Power supply device

Claims

1. High-pressure cleaning device (10) comprising - a pump unit (12) for providing a cleaning medium, - a motor (14) for driving the pump unit (12) and - a control device (16) for controlling operation of the motor (14), the pump unit (12) and / or the high-pressure cleaning device (10), characterized in that the high-pressure cleaning device (10) can be operated with a working pressure in a working phase and with a holding pressure in a work break, wherein the control device (16) is designed to switch off the high-pressure cleaning device (10) in a work break after a time interval has elapsed in order to save energy.

2. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to claim 1 characterized in that during the working phase, cleaning medium is dispensed by the high-pressure cleaning device (10) and during a work break, no cleaning medium is dispensed by the high-pressure cleaning device (10).

3. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the holding pressure is greater than or equal to the working pressure.

4. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the high-pressure cleaning device (10) has a pressure sensor (18) for determining a pressure inside the high-pressure cleaning device (10).

5. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to claim 4 characterized in that the pressure sensor (18) is configured to transmit the pressure determined inside the high-pressure cleaning device (10) to the control device (16), wherein the control device (16) is configured to control operation of the high-pressure cleaning device (10) based on the pressure determined inside the high-pressure cleaning device (10).

6. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in thatthe control device (16) is designed to control the holding pressure during a work break of the high-pressure cleaning device (10) such that at the end of the work break sufficient pressure is available to discharge the cleaning medium.

7. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the control device (16) is designed to detect a pressure in the high-pressure cleaning device (10) and to assign it to a work break and / or a work phase, so that work phases and work breaks of the high-pressure cleaning device (10) can be differentiated from one another.

8. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in thatthe high-pressure cleaning device (10) is configured to distinguish a re-pumping event from actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device (10), wherein, depending on the result of the distinction, a wake-up state of the high-pressure cleaning device (10) restarts or is continued.

9. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to claim 8 characterized in that the re-pumping event and the actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device (10) are distinguishable from one another based on a duration of operation of the pump unit (12).

10. High-pressure cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the high-pressure cleaning device (10) comprises a power supply device (20) for supplying the high-pressure cleaning device (10) with electrical energy.

11. Method for operating a high-pressure cleaning device (10) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by the following process steps:a) operation of the high-pressure cleaning device (10) in a working phase with a working pressure, b) operation of the high-pressure cleaning device (10) in a work break with a holding pressure, c) switching off the high-pressure cleaning device (10) by the control device in a work break after a time interval has elapsed in order to save energy.

12. Method according to claim 11 characterized in that the holding pressure is detected by the high-pressure cleaning device (10) and assigned to a work break, so that work phases and work breaks of the high-pressure cleaning device (10) can be differentiated from one another.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12 characterized in that a re-pumping event can be distinguished from actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device (10), wherein, depending on the result of the distinction, a wake-up state of the high-pressure cleaning device (10) starts running again or is continued.

14. Method according to claim 13 characterized in that the re-pumping event and the actual work with the high-pressure cleaning device (10) are distinguishable from one another based on a duration of operation of the pump unit (12).

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