Pressure cleaning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure cleaning system comprising a pressure cleaning appliance (12) with an inlet element (26) for the supply of cleaning liquid and with an appliance outlet (30) for the discharge of cleaning liquid, and further comprising a container unit (14) with a storage container (32), forming a container interior (33), for cleaning liquid, and with a container outlet (90). The pressure cleaning appliance (12) is releasably connectable to the container unit (14). Arranged at the container outlet (90) is an outlet device (89) with an outlet element (94) which, with the pressure cleaning appliance (12) in the position connected to the container unit (14), is connected fluidically to the inlet element (26), and with a suction line (100) protruding into the container interior (33). To simplify the handling of the pressure cleaning system (10), it is proposed that the outlet device (89) has a valve (104) with a closure body (106) which, in its closed position, interrupts a fluidic connection between the suction line (100) and the outlet element (94) and, by means of the inlet element (26), is transferable to its open position counter to a resilient restoring force, and that the suction line (100) is rigid.

Description

[0001] PRESSURE CLEANING SYSTEM

[0002] The invention relates to a pressure cleaning system for cleaning surfaces, comprising a pressure cleaning device and a container unit, wherein the pressure cleaning device is detachably connectable to the container unit and comprises a pump, a motor for driving the pump, an inlet element for supplying cleaning fluid to be pressurized and a device outlet for dispensing pressurized cleaning fluid, and wherein the container unit comprises a storage container for cleaning fluid with a container interior and a container outlet, wherein an outlet device with an outlet element and a suction line adjoining the outlet element and projecting into the container interior is arranged at the container outlet, wherein the outlet element is in flow connection with the inlet element when the pressure cleaning device is connected to the container unit.

[0003] Using such a pressure cleaning system, surfaces or objects can be cleaned without an external supply of cleaning fluid. The pressure cleaning device assumes a position connected to the container unit, allowing the cleaning fluid, for example water, held in the reservoir to be fed to the inlet element of the pressure cleaning device via the outlet device of the container unit. The cleaning fluid from the pressure cleaning device can be pressurized by the pump. The pressure can be greater than 10 bar, for example, 20 to 30 bar, in particular 25 bar. The pressurized cleaning fluid can be discharged from the pressure cleaning device via the device outlet. A fluid discharge line, for example, a pressure hose, can be connected to the device outlet.The cleaning fluid can be supplied to a fluid dispensing device, in particular a spray gun or a spray lance, via the fluid dispensing line. Document WO 2013 / 121779 A2 discloses a pressure cleaning system of the type mentioned above. The pressure cleaning system comprises a pressure cleaning device with a pump, an inlet element, and a device outlet, as well as a container unit with a storage container for pressurized cleaning fluid, which has a container interior and a container outlet. An outlet device with an outlet element and a flexible suction line is arranged at the container outlet. The flexible suction line is in flow communication with the outlet element and extends into the container interior. In the position connected to the container unit, cleaning fluid can be supplied to the inlet element of the pressure cleaning device from the storage container via the suction line and the outlet element.If the pressure cleaning device is removed from the tank unit, there is a risk of cleaning fluid accidentally leaking from the reservoir. Furthermore, there is a risk of damage to the suction line, for example, by impacting the inner wall of the tank. This makes the pressure cleaning system difficult to handle.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pressure cleaning system of the type mentioned at the outset, the handling of which is simplified.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention in a pressure cleaning system of the generic type in that the outlet device has a valve with a closing body which can be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position and which, in its closed position, interrupts a flow connection between the suction line and the outlet element and, in its open position, releases the flow connection between the suction line and the outlet element. The closing body can be moved from its closed position to its open position against a spring-elastic restoring force by connecting the pressure cleaning device to the container unit by means of the inlet element of the pressure cleaning device, and the suction line is rigid. In the closed position of the closing body, the flow connection between the suction line and the outlet element is interrupted, and in the open position the flow connection is released.The closing body is moved from its closed position to its open position by connecting the pressure cleaning device to the container unit using the inlet element. When the pressure cleaning device is connected to the container unit, the closing body assumes its open position so that cleaning fluid can be supplied to the pressure cleaning device. When the pressure cleaning device is detached from the container unit, the closing body moves from its open position to its closed position under the effect of the spring-elastic restoring force and interrupts the flow connection between the suction line and the outlet element, preventing cleaning fluid from escaping from the container unit. The rigid design of the suction line prevents the risk of damage to the suction line. This makes the pressure cleaning system easier to handle.

[0006] It is advantageous if the pressure cleaning device can be detachably connected to the container unit in a connecting direction, forming the flow connection between the outlet element and the inlet element, with the inlet element being insertable into the outlet element in the connecting direction. This makes establishing the flow connection for supplying the cleaning fluid to the pressure cleaning device particularly easy.

[0007] For a compact design of the pressure cleaning system, it is advantageous if the container unit has a device holder into which the pressure cleaning device can be releasably inserted in the connection direction, wherein the outlet element is arranged on a wall of the device holder.

[0008] The outlet element is preferably arranged on a bottom wall of the device holder. The interior of the storage container advantageously extends above the bottom wall of the device holder when the pressure cleaning system is in an upright position. This allows for a large storage container capacity while maintaining a compact design of the pressure cleaning system.

[0009] It is advantageous if the connection direction runs vertically from top to bottom when the pressure cleaning system is in an upright position. This allows the pressure cleaning device to be connected to the container unit in a particularly convenient manner.

[0010] For easy maintenance of the outlet device, it is advantageous if the outlet element can be detachably connected to the container outlet. To service the outlet device, for example, for cleaning, the outlet element can be detached from the container outlet. The outlet element, along with the connected suction line, can then be removed from the storage container and cleaned.

[0011] Preferably, the suction line is detachably connectable to the outlet element. With such a configuration, the suction line can be separated from the outlet element. The individual components of the outlet device can thus be cleaned separately in a user-friendly manner.

[0012] It is advantageous if the suction line has a connecting link that can be detachably connected to the outlet element. This allows for particularly simple attachment of the suction line to the outlet element.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting member can be detachably connected to the outlet element by means of a snap-in connection. Alternatively, a screw connection or a clamp connection can be used, for example. It is advantageous if the container interior has a depression which, relative to an upright position of use of the pressure cleaning system, is bounded downwards by a bottom wall section of the storage container. The depression defines the deepest region of the container interior relative to the upright position of use of the pressure cleaning system, and an end section of the suction line facing away from the outlet element dips into the depression. This ensures that little cleaning fluid remains unused in the storage container during operation of the pressure cleaning system.

[0014] It is advantageous if the end section of the suction line facing away from the outlet element has a suction opening that is aligned essentially parallel to the bottom wall section of the reservoir that defines the depression. The distance between the suction opening and the bottom wall section can be very small, so that virtually all of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir can be sucked in and fed to the pressure cleaning device.

[0015] For a structurally simple design of the valve of the outlet device, it is advantageous if the closing body of the valve is cup-shaped.

[0016] It is advantageous if the cup-shaped closing body has a cup shell with openings through which cleaning fluid can be supplied to the outlet element when the closing body is in the open position. This allows for a particularly simple design of the closing body.

[0017] The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves to provide further explanation in conjunction with the drawings. They show: Figure 1: a perspective view of a pressure cleaning system with a pressure cleaning device and a container unit, viewed diagonally from the front, with the pressure cleaning device in a position connected to the container unit;

[0018] Figure 2: a perspective view of the pressure cleaning system obliquely from the front, with the pressure cleaning device occupying a position at a distance from the container unit;

[0019] Figure 3: a front view of the pressure cleaning system, wherein a battery of the pressure cleaning system is inserted into a battery receptacle of the pressure cleaning device;

[0020] Figure 4: a sectional view of the pressure cleaning system taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3;

[0021] Figure 5: an enlarged view of detail X from Figure 4, showing a

[0022] Closing body of a valve of an outlet device assumes an open position;

[0023] Figure 6: a side view of the outlet device;

[0024] Figure 7: a top view of the outlet device.

[0025] The drawing schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a pressure cleaning system according to the invention, which is designated overall by the reference numeral 10.

[0026] The pressure cleaning system 10 comprises a pressure cleaning device 12 and a container unit 14. The pressure cleaning device 12 can be connected to the container unit 14 in a connection direction 16. When connected to the container unit 14, the pressure cleaning device 12 is arranged in a device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14 and can be removed therefrom as needed. In the upright use position of the pressure cleaning system 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4, the connection direction 16 runs vertically from top to bottom.

[0027] The device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14 is delimited by a rear wall 19, two opposite side walls 20, 21 and a bottom wall 22.

[0028] A longitudinal axis 23 of the pressure cleaning device 12 is aligned parallel to the connection direction 16 in the position of the pressure cleaning device 12 connected to the container unit 14.

[0029] The pressure cleaning device 12 comprises a motor 24 and a pump 25. The pump 25 is fluidly connected to an inlet element 26 of the pressure cleaning device 12, which is designed like a nipple. The inlet element 26 is screwed to an inlet nozzle 27 of the pressure cleaning device 12. Pressurized cleaning fluid can be supplied to the pump 25 via the inlet element 26 and the inlet nozzle 27.

[0030] The pump 25 pressurizes the cleaning fluid. The pressurized cleaning fluid can be discharged from the pressure cleaning device 12 via a device outlet 30 that is in fluid communication with the pump 25. A fluid discharge line, such as a pressure hose, can be connected to the device outlet 30. This line is known per se and is therefore not shown in the drawing for clarity.

[0031] The container unit 14 comprises a storage container 32 with a container interior 33 for pressurized cleaning fluid. The storage container 32 has a filler neck 35 for filling with cleaning fluid, which can be sealed in a liquid-tight manner by a lid 34. The container interior 33 has a depression 36, which, relative to the upright use position of the pressure cleaning system 10, is bounded at the bottom by a bottom wall section 37 of the storage container 32. The depression 36 defines the lowest area of ​​the container interior 33 relative to the upright use position of the pressure cleaning system 10.

[0032] The container unit 14 has a first container side 38 and a second container side 40 opposite the first container side 38. The first container side 38 is inclined obliquely towards the second container side 40. The distance between the first container side 38 and the second container side 40 increases in the connecting direction 16. The device receptacle 18, in which the pressure cleaning device 12 is arranged in its position connected to the container unit 14, is arranged on the first container side 38 of the container unit 15. A region 42 of the pressure cleaning device 12 protrudes from the device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14 when the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14.

[0033] The container unit 14 further includes a first wheel 44 and a second wheel 46, as well as a first base 48 and a second base 50. The wheels 44, 46 are mounted for rotation about a common axis of rotation 47. In the upright position, the pressure cleaning system 10, with the wheels 44, 46 and the bases 48, 50, rests on a base not shown in the drawing.

[0034] The container unit 14 has a push bar 52 that is U-shaped. The push bar 52 has a first leg 54 and a second leg 56, which are connected to one another via a web 58. The push bar 52 can be moved back and forth between a retracted position shown in Figures 1 to 4 and an extended position not shown in the drawing. The legs 54, 56 are slidably mounted on the container unit 14. To move the pressure cleaning system 10, an operator can move the push bar 52 from its retracted position to its extended position and tilt the pressure cleaning system 10 about the rotation axis 47 so that the feet 48, 50 lift off the base. The operator can now transport the pressure cleaning system 10 by moving it on the wheels 44, 46, for example, he can push the pressure cleaning system 10 in front of him like a sack barrow or pull it behind him.

[0035] A trough 66 is arranged on the underside 64 of the storage container of the container unit 14, facing the base. To lift the pressure cleaning system 10, the operator can grasp the web 58 of the push bar 52 in its retracted position with one hand and reach into the trough 66 with the other hand.

[0036] On its second container side 40, the container unit 14 has a storage space 68. The storage space 68 can be used to store accessories.

[0037] For detachable fastening of the pressure cleaning device 12 in the device holder 18 of the container unit 14, the pressure cleaning system 10 has a fastening device 70.

[0038] The pressure cleaning device 12 has a device front 76, which, when the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14, faces away from the second container side 40 of the container unit 14, and a device rear 78 opposite the device front 76. The device front 76 has a lower section 72 and an upper section 74 relative to the upright use position of the pressure cleaning system 10. The device front 76 and the device rear 78 are connected to one another via a first longitudinal side 80 and a second longitudinal side 82. The first longitudinal side 80 and the second longitudinal side 82 each have a side wall section 81, 83, which protrudes from the device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14 when the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14.Furthermore, the pressure cleaning device 12 has an upwardly directed top side 84 and a downwardly directed bottom side 86 in the upright use position. When the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14, the rear side 78 of the device faces the rear wall 19 of the container receptacle 18, one of the longitudinal sides 80, 82 of the device faces one of the side walls 21, 22 of the container receptacle 18, and the bottom side 86 of the bottom wall 22 faces the container receptacle 18.

[0039] The inlet nozzle 27 is arranged on the underside 86 of the pressure cleaning device 12. The inlet nozzle 27 is connected to the inlet element 26, which is designed as a nipple and can be plugged into an outlet device 89 of the container unit 14, which extends into the container interior 33 of the storage container 32.

[0040] The outlet device 89 is connectable to a container outlet 90 of the container unit 14 arranged on the bottom wall 22 of the device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14 and comprises an outlet element 94, a rigid suction line 100, and a valve 104 with a closing body 106 and a valve seat 122. The outlet element 94 can be releasably fixed to the bottom wall 22 by means of two connecting screws (not shown in the drawing), each of which passes through a bore 108 arranged on the outlet element 94. The outlet element 94 is sealed in a liquid-tight manner with respect to the container outlet 90 by means of a seal 109.

[0041] The suction line 100 comprises a pipe section 101 oriented obliquely to the vertical in the upright position of use of the pressure cleaning system 10, and a connecting member 114 rigidly connected to the pipe section 101, which can be detachably connected to the outlet element 94. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawing, the detachable connection between the connecting member 114 and the outlet element 94 is designed as a snap-in connection 116. To reinforce the connection between the connecting member 114 and the agitator 101, the pipe section 101 has reinforcing ribs 117 rigidly connected to the connecting member 114.

[0042] The suction line 100 extends into the depression 36 of the container interior 33. An end section 112 of the suction line 100 facing away from the outlet element 94 has a suction opening 118, which is aligned parallel to the bottom wall section 37 of the storage container 32, which delimits the depression 36 at the bottom.

[0043] The closing body 106 of the valve 104 is movable back and forth between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closing body 106 of the valve 104 rests fluid-tight against the valve seat 122 of the valve 104 with a valve seal 120 interposed therebetween. In its closed position, the closing body 106 interrupts a flow connection between the suction line 100 and the outlet element 94. In the open position of the closing body 106, the flow connection between the suction line 100 and the outlet element 94 is released.

[0044] The closing body 106 of the valve 104 is cup-shaped. A cup shell 124 of the closing body 106 has openings 126 through which cleaning fluid can flow when the closing body 106 is in the open position.

[0045] To establish a flow connection between the container unit 14 and the pressure cleaning device 12, the inlet element 26 of the pressure cleaning device 12, when the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14, dips into the outlet element 94 and presses the closing body 106 from its closed position into its open position against a spring-elastic restoring force exerted by a valve spring 128. This is particularly evident in Figure 5. Cleaning fluid to be pressurized can then be supplied from the container interior 33 of the storage container 32 via the suction line 100 and the outlet element 94 to the inlet element 26 of the pressure cleaning device 12.If the pressure cleaning device 12 is detached from the container unit 14, the inlet element 26 lifts off the closing body 106 so that the latter moves from its open position to its closed position under the action of the valve spring 128 and interrupts the flow connection between the suction line 100 and the outlet element 94.

[0046] If the outlet device 89 is to be serviced, for example, cleaned, the connecting screws that secure the outlet element 94 to the container outlet 90 can first be loosened. The outlet element 94 can then be removed from the storage container 32 together with the suction line 100 attached to it. The locking connection 116, which connects the outlet element 94 to the suction line 100, can now be released. This enables cleaning of the individual components of the outlet device 89.

[0047] The device outlet 30 is arranged at the area 42 protruding from the device receptacle 18 in the position of the pressure cleaning device 12 connected to the container unit 14, on the lower section 72 of the front side 76 of the pressure cleaning device 12. For example, a pressure hose can be connected to the device outlet 30, via which pressurized cleaning fluid can be supplied to a fluid dispensing device known per se and therefore not shown for reasons of clarity, such as a spray gun or a spray lance.

[0048] A first accessory holder 130 is arranged on the side section 81 of the first longitudinal side 80 of the pressure cleaning device 12, which protrudes when the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14, and a second accessory holder 132 is arranged on the side section 83 of the second longitudinal side 82 of the pressure cleaning device 12, which protrudes when the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14. Accessories, such as a spray lance and / or a spray gun, can be releasably secured to the accessory holders 130, 132. When the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14, a first recess 134 is arranged on the first container side 38 of the container unit 14 below the first accessory holder 130, and a second recess 135 is arranged below the second accessory holder 132.The accessories arranged on the accessory holders 130, 132 can be supported on the bottoms 136, 137 of the recesses 134, 135, respectively.

[0049] A battery 138 for powering the motor 24 can be removably inserted into a battery receptacle 140. The battery receptacle 140 is arranged on the top side 84 of the pressure cleaning device 12.

[0050] The pressure cleaning device 12 has a handle 142, which is arranged on the area 42 on the front side 76 of the pressure cleaning device 12 that protrudes when the pressure cleaning device 12 is connected to the container unit 14. To insert the pressure cleaning device 12 into the device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14, the operator can grasp the handle 142 and insert the pressure cleaning device 12 in the connecting direction 16 into the device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14. To remove the pressure cleaning device 12 from the device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14, the operator can grasp the handle and release the pressure cleaning device 12 from the device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14 opposite to the connecting direction 16.

[0051] With respect to the upright position of use of the pressure cleaning system 10, a switch 144 for switching the pressure cleaning device 12 on and off is arranged above the handle 142.

[0052] To operate the pressure cleaning system 10, the operator can first fill cleaning fluid, for example water, into the storage container 32 via the filler neck 35. To move the pressure cleaning system 10 to a job site, the operator can move the push handle 52 from its retracted position to its extended position, then tilt the pressure cleaning system 10 about the rotation axis 47 so that the feet 48, 50 lift off the base, and pull the pressure cleaning system 10 behind them on the wheels 44, 46, for example. Once at the job site, the operator can transfer the pressure cleaning system 10 to its upright position for use. The operator can now connect a pressure hose, for example, stored in the storage space 68, to the device outlet 30. Accessories such as a spray gun and a spray lance, which can be held on the accessory holders 130, 132 for transport, can be connected to the pressure hose.For cleaning surfaces or objects in particular, the cleaning fluid is fed from the reservoir 32 by means of the outlet device 89 via the inlet element 26 and the inlet nozzle 27 of the pump 25. The pump 25 pressurizes the cleaning fluid. The pressurized cleaning fluid can be dispensed onto the surface or object to be cleaned via the device outlet 30 and the connected pressure hose and a fluid dispensing device.

[0053] It is also possible to operate the pressure cleaning device 12 with an external supply of cleaning fluid. To do so, the operator can transfer the pressure cleaning device 12 from its position connected to the container unit 14 to its released position by grasping the pressure cleaning device 12 at the handle 142 and removing it against the connection direction 16 of the device receptacle 18 of the container unit 14. An external fluid supply device, for example a suction hose or a garden hose, can now be connected to the inlet element 26. The cleaning fluid supplied to the pump 25 is pressurized and can in turn be delivered onto a surface to be cleaned or onto an object to be cleaned via a pressure hose connected to the device outlet 30 and a fluid delivery device connected to the pressure hose.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Pressure cleaning system for cleaning surfaces, comprising a pressure cleaning device (12) and a container unit (14), wherein the pressure cleaning device (12) is detachably connectable to the container unit (14) and comprises a pump (25), a motor (24) for driving the pump (25), an inlet element (26) for supplying cleaning fluid to be pressurized, and a device outlet (30) for dispensing pressurized cleaning fluid, and wherein the container unit (14) comprises a storage container (32) for cleaning fluid with a container interior (33) and a container outlet (90), wherein an outlet device (89) with an outlet element (94) and a suction line (100) adjoining the outlet element (94) and projecting into the container interior (33) is arranged at the container outlet (90),wherein the outlet element (94) is in flow communication with the inlet element (26) in the position of the pressure cleaning device (12) connected to the container unit (14), characterized in that the outlet device (89) has a valve (104) with a closing body (106) which is movable back and forth between a closed position and an open position and, in its closed position, interrupts a flow connection between the suction line (100) and the outlet element (94) and, in its open position, releases the flow connection between the suction line (100) and the outlet element (94), wherein the closing body (106) can be transferred from its closed position to its open position by connecting the pressure cleaning device (12) to the container unit (14) by means of the inlet element (26) of the pressure cleaning device (12) against a spring-elastic restoring force, and the suction line (100) is rigid. Pressure cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure cleaning device (12) can be detachably connected to the container unit (14) in a connecting direction (16) to form the flow connection between the outlet element (94) and the inlet element (26), wherein the inlet element (26) can be inserted into the outlet element (94) in the connecting direction (16). Pressure cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that the container unit (14) has a device receptacle (18) into which the pressure cleaning device (12) can be detachably inserted in the connecting direction (16), wherein the outlet element (94) is arranged on a wall (19, 20, 21, 22) of the device receptacle (18). Pressure cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that the outlet element (94) is arranged on a bottom wall (22) of the device receptacle (18).Pressure cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that the container interior (33) of the storage container (32) extends above the bottom wall (22) of the device holder (18) in the upright use position of the pressure cleaning system (10). Pressure cleaning system according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the connection direction (16) runs vertically from top to bottom in an upright use position of the pressure cleaning system (10). Pressure cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet element (94) is detachably connectable to the container outlet (90). Pressure cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction line (100) is detachably connectable to the outlet element (94). Pressure cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that the suction line (100) has a connecting member (114) that can be releasably connected to the outlet element (94). Pressure cleaning system according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting member (114) can be releasably connected to the outlet element (94) by means of a latching connection (116). Pressure cleaning system according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting member (114) can be releasably connected to the outlet element (94) by means of a screw connection. Pressure cleaning system according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting member (114) can be releasably connected to the outlet element (94) by means of a clamping connection.Pressure cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container interior (33) has a depression (36) which, relative to an upright use position of the pressure cleaning system (10), is delimited downwards by a bottom wall section (37) of the storage container (32), wherein the depression (36) defines the deepest region of the container interior (33) relative to the upright use position of the pressure cleaning system (10), and wherein an end section (112) of the suction line (100) facing away from the outlet element (94) dips into the depression (36). Pressure cleaning system according to claim 13, characterized in that the end section (112) of the suction line (100) facing away from the outlet element (94) has a suction opening (118) which is oriented substantially parallel to the bottom wall section (37) of the storage container (32) delimiting the depression (36).Pressure cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing body (106) of the valve (104) is cup-shaped. Pressure cleaning system according to claim 15, characterized in that the closing body (106) of the valve (104) has a cup jacket (124) with openings (126) through which cleaning fluid can be supplied to the outlet element (94) in the open position of the closing body (106).

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