Vacuum cleaning apparatus and cleaning method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaning apparatus, more particularly dry vacuum cleaner, wet vacuum cleaner or the like, and to a cleaning method for cleaning surfaces using a vacuum cleaning apparatus. The vacuum cleaning apparatus has a housing, a liquids filter (12) and a turbine (13), wherein: a suction air duct is formed inside the housing and connects a suction air inlet, particularly for connection of a suction hose to the housing, to a suction air outlet via the liquids filter and the turbine; the turbine consists of an electric motor having a turbine wheel and can produce a suction air stream in the suction air duct; the liquids filter has a liquids container (19) which forms portions of the suction air duct; particles can be separated from the suction air duct into a liquid that can be received in the liquids container; the liquids filter has a nozzle device (26) at an inlet of the suction air duct on the liquids container; the nozzle device has a nozzle (27) that tapers in the direction of the suction air stream in an inlet portion (28); and the nozzle device can mix the liquid contained in the liquids container with the suction air stream.

Description

[0001] Vacuum cleaners and cleaning methods

[0002] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, in particular a vacuum cleaner, a water vacuum cleaner or the like, and to a cleaning method for cleaning surfaces or air with a vacuum cleaner, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a housing, a liquid filter and a turbine, wherein a suction air channel is formed within the housing and connects a suction air inlet, in particular for connecting a suction hose to the housing, via the liquid filter and the turbine to a suction air outlet, wherein the turbine is formed from an electric motor with a turbine wheel for forming a suction air flow in the suction air channel, wherein the liquid filter is formed with a liquid container which forms the suction air channel in sections, wherein particles from the suction air flow can be separated in a liquid which can be held in the liquid container.

[0003] Vacuum cleaners are well known and are regularly used as mobile devices for cleaning surfaces, particularly floor coverings, for example in buildings, vehicles or the like. A turbine for generating a suction air flow and a filter are usually arranged within a housing of the vacuum cleaner. A distinction is made in particular between vacuum cleaners with filter bags, bagless vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaners with liquid filters or water filters. Different types of liquid filters are also known here. For example, liquid filters within which a suction air flow rises in a liquid container, whereby dirt or dust particles are wetted with liquid or water and thus bound. It is also known to spray liquid into a suction air flow via a jet pump and thus wet dust particles in the suction air flow and bind them in the liquid filter.Vacuum cleaners with liquid filters are also more complex to operate, as the liquid filter needs to be cleaned after each use.

[0004] A vacuum cleaner with a liquid filter is known, for example, from CN 202023321732 U. The liquid filter is designed in such a way that water is sucked from a tank via a Venturi nozzle and mixed with a suction air stream. The water is then separated from the suction air stream when the suction air stream passes through the liquid filter. The disadvantage here is that filter performance is not always satisfactory. Water can only be mixed into the suction air stream via the Venturi nozzle if a sufficient volume flow of the suction air stream can be achieved. The Venturi nozzle can also easily become clogged if the liquid filter is heavily contaminated.

[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a vacuum cleaner and a cleaning method which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0006] This object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner having the features of claim 1 and a cleaning method having the features of claim 12. The vacuum cleaner according to the invention, in particular a vacuum cleaner, water vacuum cleaner or the like, comprises a housing, a liquid filter and a turbine, wherein a suction air channel is formed within the housing, which connects a suction air inlet, in particular for connecting a suction hose to the housing, via the liquid filter and the turbine to a suction air outlet, wherein the turbine is formed from an electric motor with a turbine wheel for forming a suction air flow in the suction air channel, wherein the liquid filter is formed with a liquid container which forms the suction air channel in sections, wherein particles from the suction air flow can be separated in a liquid which can be accommodated in the liquid container,wherein the liquid filter is formed with a nozzle device at an inlet of the suction air channel on the liquid container, wherein the nozzle device forms a nozzle which tapers in an inlet section in the flow direction of the suction air flow, wherein by means of the nozzle device the liquid in the liquid container is miscible with the suction air flow.

[0007] The liquid filter of the vacuum cleaner is arranged inside or on the housing and can, for example, be removed through a housing opening and reinserted therein. This makes the liquid filter particularly easy to clean. The liquid filter has the liquid container, which can be filled with a liquid or filter liquid, such as water. This liquid can be easily replaced to clean the liquid filter. The liquid filter also comprises the nozzle device, which forms the nozzle, which in turn can mix the liquid in the liquid container with the suction air stream. The nozzle device or a jet mixer is arranged at the inlet of the suction air duct on the liquid container of the liquid filter, so that the suction air stream flows into the liquid container at high speed.In particular, the nozzle is designed with an inlet section that tapers in the direction of flow of the suction air stream, so that the flow velocity in this area of ​​the nozzle is significantly increased. This results in particularly intensive mixing of the suction air with the dirt or dust particles contained therein and the liquid or water contained in the liquid container. The high entry velocity of the suction air stream into the liquid container causes the liquid therein to be swirled, so that the dust particles in the suction air can be effectively wetting. The liquid container then no longer serves solely to separate the liquid contained in the suction air stream, as is known from the prior art. Overall, the swirling of the liquid in the liquid container can achieve an improved cleaning effect of the suction air.This can also significantly increase the service life of a downstream filter, for example a lamella filter or HEPA filter. Surprisingly, it has also been shown that a vacuum cleaner with this type of liquid filter can also be used to clean and / or humidify room air. Due to the inlet section of the nozzle, in which the suction air duct is tapered due to the shape of the inlet section, the speed of the suction air flow is significantly increased, so that the vacuum cleaner can also be operated with a comparatively low speed of the electric motor or turbine wheel for generating the suction air flow. This allows the vacuum cleaner to operate with low energy consumption and low noise emissions, which is why the vacuum cleaner is also suitable for circulating and cleaning room air.

[0008] At least one inlet opening, preferably two or more oppositely disposed inlet openings, for sucking liquid out of the liquid container can be formed on the nozzle device downstream of the inlet section in the flow direction. If the inlet opening is formed downstream of the inlet section, liquid in the liquid container can be sucked in using the nozzle device. The nozzle can therefore be arranged within the liquid container, at least to the extent that the inlet opening is located within the liquid container. Advantageously, the already swirled liquid in the liquid container can thus be sucked in via the inlet opening and mixed with the suction air exiting from the inlet section before this suction air then swirls the liquid.This allows for even better mixing of suction air and liquid, and thus improved separation of particles from the suction air stream.

[0009] The nozzle device can extend into the liquid container, whereby the inlet section can be formed above a liquid level. In principle, it is also possible for the nozzle device to be arranged entirely within the liquid container. As has been shown, it is advantageous if the liquid level is adjacent to the inlet section. In particular, the liquid level can be so high that the inlet opening is also above the liquid level. Suction of liquid through the inlet opening is then possible because the liquid is swirled and a liquid level is dissolved or no longer exists.

[0010] A pipe section can be formed on the nozzle device downstream of the inlet opening and / or the inlet section in the flow direction, the flow cross-section of which can be larger than the flow cross-section of the nozzle. The suction air flow exiting the inlet section can then expand in the pipe section and be decelerated in the pipe section, which in turn promotes the mixing of the liquid supplied to the suction air flow via the inlet opening with the suction air or the suction air flow.

[0011] At least one edge recess can be formed at one end of the tube section. Preferably, two opposing edge recesses can be formed. Due to the edge recess(es), the suction air flow exiting the tube section can exit earlier in the region of the edge recesses than in the regions formed without the edge recesses. This can result in the suction air flow being able to be directed in preferred directions within the liquid container. The edge recesses therefore enable the liquid flow to be adapted to the shape of the liquid container in such a way that the suction air flow is directed over the largest possible interior area of ​​the liquid container, which further improves the cleaning effect.

[0012] The inlet openings and / or the edge recesses can be arranged radially relative to a circular shape of the liquid container. Accordingly, the liquid container can be circular, in particular round. If the inlet openings or the edge recesses are arranged radially relative to the circular shape of the liquid container, a suction air flow can also exit into the liquid container in this radial direction, or liquid can be sucked out of the liquid container from this radial direction. This ensures intensive liquid movement throughout the entire liquid container. Swirling of the liquid in only one section of the liquid container can thus be avoided.

[0013] The nozzle device can be formed by the liquid container, or the nozzle device can be formed as a nozzle insert that can be detachably arranged on the liquid container. Thus, it is possible for the liquid container to form the nozzle device by forming the liquid container integrally with the nozzle device, for example, as a one-piece plastic component. However, in order to be able to better clean the liquid container and / or the nozzle device, it is advantageous if the nozzle device is formed as a nozzle insert that can be adapted, for example, to an opening in the liquid container. It can also be provided that the liquid container and the nozzle device are formed from a plastic material.The opening in question in the liquid container can be formed on a top side of the liquid container so that the nozzle insert can be easily inserted into the opening. A seal can then be arranged or formed between the nozzle insert and the liquid container.

[0014] The turbine wheel can be arranged in the housing above the liquid container, wherein, in one usage configuration, the nozzle device with the inlet section can be sealingly engaged with a channel opening of the suction air channel, and the liquid container with an upper opening can be sealingly engaged with another channel opening of the suction air channel directly below the turbine wheel. Thus, two openings can be formed in the liquid container, which serve to direct the suction air flow through the liquid container and to form the suction air channel through the liquid container, respectively. It is also essential that no liquid contained in the liquid container escapes from the channel opening or the other channel opening and undesirably enters the housing of the vacuum cleaner.

[0015] The liquid container can be circular, at least in part, predominantly or substantially entirely, and the nozzle device can be arranged in a circular sector of the liquid container. While the nozzle device could also be arranged centrally on the liquid container, it has been found that significantly better mixing of the suction air flow and the liquid in the liquid container results when the nozzle device is arranged eccentrically, i.e., in the circular sector of the liquid container. In this way, a liquid flow can also be formed within the liquid container, which can prevent any undesired deposition of particles in the liquid container. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the liquid container is symmetrical, in particular axially symmetrical.Furthermore, a vertical axis of the liquid container can be aligned with a rotational axis of the turbine wheel. The rotational axis of the turbine wheel preferably runs in a vertical direction relative to a usage configuration of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is set up on a substantially flat surface. The turbine wheel, and in particular the turbine, can then be arranged coaxially with the liquid container. Suction air can be extracted from the liquid container by means of the turbine centrally at the liquid container. This allows a high volume flow to be generated at the turbine wheel in the region of an upper opening of the liquid container. Furthermore, it can be provided that the turbine wheel is arranged directly at the upper opening of the liquid container. The turbine wheel can then be formed with a louvre disk facing the liquid container, which in turn has louvres that extend radially.The louvre disc can then create a rotating fluid flow in the fluid reservoir. Furthermore, the louvre disc can serve to separate fluid from the suction air flow drawn in by the turbine, such that this fluid is transported by the louvre disc within the fluid reservoir into the fluid reservoir by centrifugal force.

[0016] A central elevation can be formed on the bottom of the liquid container. The central elevation promotes any rotation of the liquid in the liquid container, which can be caused by the turbine. The rotation of the liquid in the liquid container improves mixing of the liquid in the liquid container without particles becoming undesirably deposited in the liquid container. Furthermore, the central elevation can also be used to determine a liquid level in the liquid container. The central elevation can be formed so high that it is just visible at a minimum or maximum fill level of the liquid container, for example so that the inlet section is just above a liquid level. Unintentional overfilling of the liquid container can then be avoided.At the same time, it can also be ensured that there is a sufficient amount of liquid in the liquid container.

[0017] In the cleaning method according to the invention for cleaning surfaces or air, in particular in buildings, vehicles or the like, the cleaning method is carried out with a vacuum cleaner, in particular a vacuum cleaner, water vacuum cleaner or the like, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a housing, a liquid filter and a turbine, wherein a suction air duct is formed within the housing, which connects a suction air inlet, in particular for connecting a suction hose to the housing, via the liquid filter and the turbine to a suction air outlet, wherein a suction air flow is formed in the suction air duct with the turbine formed from an electric motor and a turbine wheel, wherein the suction air duct is formed in sections with a liquid container of the liquid filter, wherein particles from the suction air flow are separated in a liquid held in the liquid container,The liquid filter is formed with a nozzle device at an inlet of the suction air channel on the liquid container, the nozzle device forming a nozzle that tapers in an inlet section in the flow direction of the suction air flow, the liquid in the liquid container being mixed with the suction air flow by means of the nozzle device. For the advantages of the cleaning method according to the invention, reference is made to the description of the advantages of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention.

[0018] At a lower end of the turbine wheel, a lamellar disk can be formed facing the liquid container, the lamellar disk having radially extending lamellar blades, the lamellar disk forming a rotating liquid flow in the liquid container, with liquid being separated by the lamellar blades and remaining in the liquid container. This ensures that large quantities of liquid from the liquid container do not enter the further suction air duct in the area of ​​the electric motor. The turbine wheel or the lamellar disk can be designed in such a way that liquid and particles are thrown against a wall of the suction air duct or a wall within the liquid container by the centrifugal force of the rotating lamellar disk. This liquid orParticles can then no longer be entrained by the suction air flow and the high velocity of liquid droplets and particles caused by centrifugal force. At the same time, a rotating liquid flow can be created in the liquid container, which ensures particularly thorough mixing of the liquid in the container.

[0019] The electric motor can be switched off at a defined drive resistance using a control device on the vacuum cleaner. If a larger amount of liquid reaches the turbine wheel, the drive resistance of the turbine wheel increases and a higher power output is required from the electric motor. This increase in power due to the drive resistance, which differs from the drive resistance when vacuuming using suction air alone, can be easily detected by the control device. The control device can then be designed in such a way that the electric motor is switched off immediately to prevent liquid from entering the turbine or the electric motor. For example, the control device can deactivate the vacuum cleaner when the drive resistance or power consumption reaches a threshold value.

[0020] In one usage configuration of the liquid container, a control device of the vacuum cleaner can detect a magnet arranged on the liquid container, wherein the control device can release a power supply to the electric motor. The magnet can be arranged directly on the liquid container, for example by being arranged within a wall of the liquid container, mounted in a recess of the liquid container, or applied to the liquid container, for example by gluing. The control device can, for example, have a reed contact with which it can be detected whether the magnet is positioned in an area adjacent to the reed contact. Firstly, this can ensure that the vacuum cleaner can only be operated when the liquid filter is inserted into the vacuum cleaner.It can also be detected whether the liquid filter is in the intended position for use or is inserted correctly in the vacuum cleaner or housing. In the event that the magnet cannot be detected by the control device, the power supply to the electric motor can be interrupted, preventing the electric motor and thus the turbine from being started. This is advantageous because the vacuum cleaner can then only be started when the liquid filter is correctly inserted. The turbine wheel can then also be arranged on the liquid container in such a way that the turbine wheel can be touched manually when the liquid container is removed, without any danger to the user.

[0021] The vacuum cleaner can be used to vacuum dry or wet surfaces in a first operating mode, or optionally to clean and humidify the ambient air in a second operating mode with the electric motor running at a comparatively much lower speed.

[0022] Further advantageous embodiments of the cleaning method emerge from the descriptions of the features of the subclaims referring back to claim 1.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a suction cup;

[0025] Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the suction device from Fig. 1;

[0026] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a liquid filter;

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a nozzle device.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a vacuum cleaner 10, comprising a housing 11, a liquid filter 12 and a turbine 13, which can be seen in Fig. 2. Within the housing 11, a suction air channel 14 is formed which connects a suction air inlet 15 for connecting a suction hose 16 to the housing 11 and a suction air outlet 17, which here is formed by slots 18 in the housing 11. The liquid filter 12 is formed with a liquid container 19 and can be inserted into or removed from a housing opening, which here is designed as a through-opening 21. The housing opening 20 is formed below the turbine 13. The turbine 13 comprises an electric motor 22 and a turbine wheel 23, which is located directly above the liquid filter 12. In particular, a vertical axis 24 of the liquid container 19 is aligned with a rotational axis 25 of the turbine wheel 23.

[0029] As can be seen from a combination of Figs. 2 to 4, the liquid filter 12 is formed by the liquid container 19 and a nozzle device 26. The nozzle device 26 forms a nozzle 27 which tapers in an inlet section 28 in the flow direction of the suction air stream. The nozzle device 26 is designed as a nozzle insert 29 which is detachably arranged on the liquid container 19. An insert opening 30 is formed on the liquid container 19, into which the nozzle insert 29 is inserted. The inlet section 28 lies in sealing contact with a channel opening 31 of the suction air channel 14. Furthermore, an upper opening 32 is formed on the liquid container 19, which lies in sealing contact with another channel opening 33 of the suction air channel 14 directly below the turbine wheel 23.

[0030] The nozzle device 26 has two inlet openings 34 downstream of the conical inlet section 28, through which a liquid 35 (shown only in outline here), which may be water, for example, can be sucked from the liquid container 19. Following the inlet openings 34, a pipe section 36 is formed, at the end 37 of which edge recesses 38 are formed. When the turbine 13 is not switched on, a liquid level 39 is preferably so high that the liquid level 39 just reaches the inlet openings 34.

[0031] As schematically illustrated in Fig. 4, during operation of the turbine 13, a suction air flow is formed, indicated here by an arrow 40, which enters the inlet section 28 via the channel opening 31 and is accelerated there due to the tapered design of the inlet section 28. The suction air flow then enters the pipe section 36 and exits the nozzle device 26 at the end 37 in the direction of a base 41, indicated here by arrows 42. The edge recesses 38 promote predominant exit at the edge recesses 38, resulting in a distribution of the suction air flow upon exit in a radial direction relative to the liquid container 19. This results in turbulent swirling of the liquid 35 within the liquid container 19.In particular, swirled liquid 35 is then also sucked in through the inlet openings 34, as indicated here by the arrows 43. This allows for even better mixing of the suction air flow with the liquid 35, so that the liquid level 39 is dissolved during operation of the turbine 13.

[0032] At a lower end 44 of the turbine wheel 23, a louvre disk 45 is formed in the suction air duct 14, which here is formed with a cone 46. The louvre disk 45 has radially extending louvres 47. This makes it possible to create a radial fluid flow in the fluid container 19 and to separate any fluid 35 sucked in with the suction air flow at the louvres 47. The fluid 35, or fluid droplets not shown here, are propelled against the cone 46 by the centrifugal force of the rotating louvre disk 45 and return to the fluid container 19.

[0033] A central elevation 48 is formed on the bottom 41 of the liquid container 19, which can serve as a guide when filling the liquid container 19 with liquid 35. A liquid level 39 sufficient for proper operation is formed when the elevation 48 is at least covered with liquid 35. Furthermore, the liquid container 19 is made of a transparent or partially transparent plastic material so that the liquid level 39 can always be visually checked, even when the liquid filter 12 is inserted into the housing 11. To clean the liquid filter 12, the nozzle insert 29 can be manually grasped at webs 49 and removed from the insert opening 30. Contaminated liquid 35 contained in the liquid container 19 can then be conveniently poured out of the liquid container 19 and replaced with clean liquid 35.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A vacuum cleaner (10), in particular a vacuum cleaner, water vacuum cleaner, or the like, comprising a housing (11), a liquid filter (12), and a turbine (13), wherein a suction air channel (14) is formed within the housing, which connects a suction air inlet (15), in particular for connecting a suction hose (16) to the housing, via the liquid filter and the turbine to a suction air outlet (17), wherein the turbine is formed from an electric motor (22) with a turbine wheel (23) for forming a suction air flow in the suction air channel, wherein the liquid filter is formed with a liquid container (19) that forms the suction air channel in sections, wherein particles can be separated from the suction air flow in a liquid (35) that can be received in the liquid container, characterized in that the liquid filter is formed with a nozzle device (26) at an inlet (30) of the suction air channel on the liquid container,wherein the nozzle device forms a nozzle (27) which is located in an inlet section (28) in the flow direction of the suction, air flow is tapered, whereby the liquid in the liquid container can be mixed with the suction air flow by means of the nozzle device.

2. Suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one inflow opening (34), preferably two or more mutually opposite inflow openings, for sucking liquid (35) from the liquid container (19) is formed on the nozzle device (26) downstream of the inlet section (28) in the flow direction.

3. Suction device according to claim 2, characterized in that the nozzle device (26) projects into the liquid container (19), wherein the inlet section (28) is formed above a liquid level (39).

4. Suction device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a pipe section (36) is formed on the nozzle device (26) downstream of the inlet opening (34) and / or the inlet section (28) in the flow direction, the flow cross section of which is larger than a flow cross section of the nozzle (27).

5. Suction cup according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one edge recess (38) is formed at one end (37) of the tube section (36).

6. Suction device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that that the inflow openings (34) and / or the edge recesses (38) are arranged radially with respect to a circular shape of the liquid container (19).

7. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle device is formed by the liquid container or that the nozzle device (26) is designed as a nozzle insert (29) which is detachably arranged on the liquid container (19).

8. Vacuum cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turbine wheel (23) is arranged in the housing (11) above the liquid container (19), wherein in a use configuration the nozzle device (26) with the inlet section comes into sealing contact with a channel opening (31) of the suction air channel (14) and the liquid container with an upper opening (32) comes into sealing contact with a further channel opening (33) of the suction air channel immediately below the turbine wheel.

9. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid container (19) is circular in shape at least in sections, wherein the nozzle device (26) is arranged in a circular sector of the liquid container.

10. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vertical axis (24) of the liquid container (19) is aligned with a rotational axis (25) of the turbine wheel (23).

11. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a central elevation (48) is formed on a bottom (41) of the liquid container (19).

12. A cleaning method for cleaning surfaces or air, in particular in buildings, vehicles or the like, carried out with a vacuum cleaner (10), in particular a vacuum cleaner, water vacuum cleaner or the like, comprising a housing (11), a liquid filter (12) and a turbine (13), wherein a suction air duct (14) is formed within the housing, which connects a suction air inlet (15), in particular for connecting a suction hose (16) to the housing, via the liquid filter and the turbine to a suction air outlet (17), wherein a suction air flow is formed in the suction air duct with the turbine formed from an electric motor (22) with a turbine wheel (23), wherein the suction air duct is formed in sections with a liquid container (19) of the liquid filter, wherein particles from the suction air flow are separated in a liquid (35) held in the liquid container, characterized in thatthat the liquid filter is formed at an inlet (30) of the suction air duct on the liquid container with a nozzle device (26), wherein the nozzle device forms a nozzle (27) which tapers in an inlet section (28) in the flow direction of the suction air flow, wherein by means of the nozzle device the liquid in the liquid container is mixed with the suction air flow.

13. Cleaning method according to claim 12, characterized in that at a lower end (44) of the turbine wheel (23) a A lamella disc (45) is formed facing the liquid container (19), the lamellae (47) of which extend radially, the lamellae disc forming a rotating liquid flow in the liquid container, liquid (35) being separated from the lamellae and remaining in the liquid container.

14. Cleaning method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the electric motor (22) is switched off at a defined drive resistance by means of a control device of the vacuum cleaner (10).

15. Cleaning method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that in a use configuration of the liquid container (19) by means of a control device of the vacuum cleaner (10) a magnet arranged on the liquid container is detected, wherein the control device enables a power supply of the electric motor (22).

16. Cleaning method according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that dry or wet surfaces are vacuumed with the vacuum cleaner (10) in a first operating mode, or optionally ambient air is cleaned and humidified with a comparatively many times lower speed of the electric motor in a second operating mode.

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