Electric high pressure cleaning equipment

The high-pressure cleaning device uses wireless communication to simplify activation and deactivation, enhancing user-friendliness and protecting the motor from unnecessary starts, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional manual operation.

JP2024545959AActive Publication Date: 2024-12-16ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024536190
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-21
Publication Date
2024-12-16
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing high-pressure cleaning devices lack user-friendly features, requiring manual operation and physical connection to activate and deactivate the device, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when using different lengths of high-pressure hoses.

Method used

The device incorporates wireless communication between the operating unit and a control unit to enable remote activation and deactivation via a switching element, eliminating the need for physical switches on the support device, allowing operation from a distance and simplifying the activation process.

Benefits of technology

This solution provides a user-friendly experience by enabling remote control of the device, reducing operational complexity and protecting the electric motor from unnecessary starts due to leaks, while maintaining readiness for immediate use.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric high-pressure cleaning apparatus, comprising a support device (12), an electric motor (14) held on and / or arranged on the support device (12), a pump (16) drivable by the electric motor (14), an electric device (18) and a user-guided operating unit (34) which may be connected to the pump (16) via a high-pressure conduit (30), the electric device (18) comprising two connection lines (44, 46) via which the electric motor (14) is connected to or may be connected to a power supply device (52) in a bipolar manner and through which electrical energy can be supplied to the electric motor (14). In order to provide a more user-friendly high-pressure cleaning apparatus (10), according to the present invention, an electric device (18) comprises at least one switching element (60) connected by at least one connection line (44, 46), a control unit (62), and a first communication member (66), and an operation unit (34) comprises an actuation element (74) and a second communication member (68) for wirelessly transmitting a signal to the first communication member (66), and the control unit (62) is operably connected to the at least one switching element (60), and the at least one connection line (44, 46) is conductively connected or electrically interrupted depending on the actuation of the actuation element (74).
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric high-pressure cleaning apparatus comprising a support device, an electric motor held on and / or arranged on the support device, a pump which can be driven by the electric motor, an electric device and a user-guided operating unit which can be connected to the pump via a high-pressure conduit, the electric device comprising two or more electrical connection lines via which the electric motor is connected or can be connected to a power supply device in a bipolar manner and which can supply electrical energy to the electric motor, connections with three or more poles being conceivable. [Background technology]

[0002] In such high-pressure cleaning devices, a cleaning liquid, in particular water, can be pressurized for cleaning purposes. A supply line is, for example, connected or can be connected to a pump inlet. During operation of the high-pressure cleaning device, the cleaning liquid is pressurized by a pump, for example an axial piston pump. During operation, the high-pressure conduit is connected to the pump outlet so that the pressurized cleaning liquid can be supplied to the operating unit. A release element, for example a manual trigger, can be arranged on the operating unit and, when actuated, can spray the cleaning liquid. The operating unit comprises or forms a so-called gun, in which a spray lance for spraying the cleaning liquid can be arranged, for example.

[0003] Two connection lines are provided, through which the high pressure cleaning apparatus is connected to a power supply device during operation in order to supply electrical energy to the electrical device. In this case, at least one bipolar connection is provided, but three-pole or multi-pole connections can be provided.

[0004] US 2016 / 0067726 A1 describes a high pressure cleaning device with an internal combustion engine or electric motor. Sensors are arranged on the operating unit to detect the presence of hands on the handle and on the spray lance. When a manual trigger is pulled, the internal combustion engine or electric motor is turned on.

[0005] US 2020 / 0086357 A1 discloses a high-pressure cleaning device having an internal combustion engine that can be started and stopped via a wireless remote control.

[0006] DE 34 02 450 A1 describes a control circuit for a high-pressure cleaning device. A pressure switch is provided which interrupts the flow of current to the electric motor when the operating unit is not in operation. In a further embodiment, the supply line is interrupted by a timer after a predetermined deactivation period has elapsed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] US 2016 / 0067726 A1 [Patent Document 2] US 2020 / 0086357 A1 [Patent Document 3] DE 34 02 450 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The object of the present invention is to provide a high-pressure cleaning device of the type mentioned at the outset which is more user-friendly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In a typical high-pressure cleaning apparatus, this object is achieved according to the present invention in that the electrical device comprises at least one switching element connected by at least one connecting line, a control unit and a first communication member, the operation unit comprises an actuation element and a second communication member for wirelessly transmitting a signal to the first communication member, the control unit being operably connected to the at least one switching element, and the at least one connecting line being conductively connected or electrically interrupted depending on the actuation of the actuation element.

[0010] In the high-pressure cleaning device according to the invention, at least one connection line can be indirectly conductively connected or electrically interrupted by a user via the actuation element arranged on the operating unit. This preferably allows the high-pressure cleaning device to be connected or switched on in a ready-for-operation state from the operating unit without the presence of the operating unit on the support device (which for example comprises or forms the housing of the high-pressure cleaning device) when work is started, or to shut down the high-pressure cleaning device when work is finished. This is preferably also possible if the user is located spatially away from the high-pressure cleaning device, for example when a high-pressure hose forming the high-pressure conduit is unwound. For this purpose, in particular wireless transmission of signals via a wireless connection between the communication members has proven advantageous. Wireless transmission does not depend on a physical transmission channel. The advantages of the invention can therefore also be achieved, for example, when different types of high-pressure conduits, for example high-pressure hoses of different lengths, are used with the high-pressure cleaning device. Preferably, operating elements on the support device for switching on or connecting the high-pressure cleaning device ready for operation and / or for switching off the high-pressure cleaning device can be omitted, as will be explained below.

[0011] The connecting line may for example be a twisted connecting line. A connecting cable may comprise two or more connecting lines, for example with a plug for connection to a power supply network.

[0012] Needless to say, the electric device may not be completely switched off when voltage is applied by the power connection and / or the battery of the high pressure cleaning apparatus, for example it may be supplied with a current, e.g. a control current, by the control unit, but the at least one connection line is conductively connected via the switching element so that a current, e.g. a power current, can supply electrical energy to the electric motor or the electric motor can be electrically cut off to prevent current flow.

[0013] For a secure communication connection between the communicating components, it is advantageous if a unique identification is possible between the communicating components, for example. An arbitrary identification tag may already be stored in the communicating components, for example by the manufacturer, and already linked to each other (paired). Alternatively or additionally, linking may be possible and / or required by a user before starting up or during operation of the high pressure cleaning device. An identification tag may be, for example, a MAC address of the communicating components.

[0014] The connecting lines can be electrically connected and / or interrupted at least in one pole via the switching element, it being conceivable for more than one pole, in particular for all poles, to be connected.

[0015] In particular, the high-pressure cleaning device can be switched into a standby mode when the connecting lines are conductively connected, and the electric motor can be switched on only when a user activates a release element on the operating unit to spray cleaning fluid. In the standby mode, the high-pressure cleaning device is ready for operation, but the electric motor is not yet switched on. In this preferred embodiment, this is only done by activating the release element, e.g. a manual trigger on the operating unit. In order to allow current to flow through the electric motor depending on the activation of the release element, further connecting lines can be, for example, conductively connected, e.g. via a pressure switch as described below.

[0016] A permanent wireless connection may be provided between the communication members after the at least one connecting line is first electrically connected by activating the actuation element, until the at least one connecting line is electrically interrupted by activating the actuation element, which wireless connection may be established between the communication members, but may be configured to be passive in the absence of actuation of the operating unit.

[0017] The wireless connection between said communication members is, for example, Bluetooth-based, but other types of wireless connections familiar to those skilled in the art may alternatively or additionally be provided.

[0018] In particular with regard to the simple structural configuration of the high-pressure cleaning apparatus, it is advantageous that the electrical device does not comprise any further switching elements connected in the at least one connecting line in addition to the switching element operably connected to the control unit.

[0019] The high-pressure cleaning apparatus is advantageously free of operating elements on the support device for the user, in particular as a component of the electrical device, for conductively connecting the at least one connection line. The operating elements on the operating unit can thus form a "main switch" for the user, via which the high-pressure cleaning apparatus can be switched on in a connected or ready for operation state. On the other hand, the support device of the high-pressure cleaning apparatus, for example a housing, is not provided with a "main switch" for acting on a switching element connected in at least one of the connection lines. This allows the high-pressure cleaning apparatus to have a structurally simple configuration. After connecting the operating unit to the high-pressure conduit, coupling the high-pressure cleaning apparatus to the power supply device and connecting a supply line for a cleaning liquid, the high-pressure cleaning apparatus can be operated in a user-friendly manner via an operating unit, whereby the user can remain spatially separate from the support device.

[0020] As is evident from the above embodiments, apart from the operating element, the high-pressure cleaning device preferably does not comprise any further operating elements, i.e. a "main switch" for the user, for switching on or connecting the high-pressure cleaning device when it is ready for operation and / or for switching off the high-pressure cleaning device.

[0021] The control unit is preferably galvanically isolated from the at least one connecting line via the switching element.

[0022] In particular for the last-mentioned purpose, it may be provided, for example, that the switching element is or comprises a relay.

[0023] The signal transmitted from the second communication member to the first communication member may be a digital signal or an analog signal.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the signal is a pulsed signal that can be digital (e.g. 0 / 1 / 0 for switching on and switching back off), in this way a permanent radio signal can be dispensed with in order to minimize the power consumption of the operating unit.

[0025] It is advantageous if, during operation of the high pressure cleaning device, the conductively connected connection lines can be monitored by the control unit with respect to the current flow to the electric motor (current flow for supplying the electric motor with power) and / or with respect to the voltage drop across the electric motor, and if there is no current flow and / or no voltage drop, an indication can be given to a user on an indication unit, in particular a display unit, of the high pressure cleaning device. For example, the current flow and / or the voltage drop can be checked at time intervals, in particular periodically, by the control unit, whereby the connection lines are monitored. If there is no current flow or no voltage drop, the control unit can assume that there is a fault in the electric device. The indication can be given via the indication unit, in particular displayed on the display unit.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the high-pressure cleaning device can be monitored during operation for the occurrence of a pressure drop in the cleaning liquid, for example at the pressure chamber of the high-pressure pump or at the pump outlet. For this purpose, the high-pressure cleaning device can be equipped with, for example, a pressure sensor or a pressure switch. If there is a pressure drop, the control unit can assume that there is a fault. An indication thereof can be given via the indication unit, in particular can be displayed on a display unit.

[0027] The display unit may comprise a controllable image display.

[0028] It is advantageous if the operating unit comprises or forms the display unit and is capable of transmitting a corresponding display signal from the first communication member to the second communication member. This allows the control unit to inform the user in a user-friendly manner that there is no current and / or there is no voltage drop and / or the cleaning liquid is not highly pressurized. The display can in particular be or include a fault message, which preferably suggests possible steps to the user for correcting the fault.

[0029] The actuation element may comprise or form the display unit.

[0030] It may be advantageous that when the at least one connecting line is conductively connected, a test signal can be transmitted from the control unit via the first communication member to the second communication member, and a confirmation signal in response to the test signal can be transmitted from the second communication member to the first communication member, and in the absence of the confirmation signal, the connecting line is electrically interrupted. If the control unit determines that no confirmation signal is received in response to the test signal, it can assume that the wireless connection to the operating unit has been interrupted or that a wireless connection cannot be established. For safety reasons, it is advantageous in this case to electrically interrupt the connecting line, thereby terminating the operation of the high-pressure cleaning device.

[0031] The test signal can preferably be transmitted repeatedly, in particular periodically. The connection line is preferably interrupted after a predetermined number of missing confirmation signals or after a predetermined time has elapsed. This makes it possible to prevent the high-pressure cleaning device from being shut down in the absence of only one confirmation signal, for example due to a temporary loss of the wireless connection.

[0032] In the context of this patent application, "predetermined" may specifically also include "predeterminable."

[0033] In practice, it proves to be advantageous if the connection line is electrically interrupted only after a period of, for example, a few seconds during which no confirmation signal is received, which may for example be a period of approximately 2 seconds to 30 seconds.

[0034] Testing for current and / or voltage drop and / or pressure drop and / or sending a test signal may be performed, for example, every second or fraction of a second.

[0035] The operating unit preferably comprises at least one battery, which may preferably be replaceable and / or rechargeable, for powering the operating elements.

[0036] Advantageously, the charge level of the at least one battery can be displayed on a display unit, in particular a display unit, of the operating unit and / or an indication can be given when the at least one battery falls below a predetermined charge level. In response to the charge level being displayed and / or indicated, a user can, for example, replace and / or charge the at least one battery, so that a power supply for the actuating elements is ensured in order to ensure a switching behavior of the control unit as desired by the user.

[0037] For example, activation of the actuation element may prevent a signal from being sent from the second communication member to the first communication member if the at least one battery is below a predetermined charge level, in which case a user needs to replace and / or charge the at least one battery in order to start the high pressure washer apparatus.

[0038] As already mentioned, the operating unit can, for example, comprise a release element, for example a manual trigger. The operating unit for spraying the cleaning liquid can be actuated via the release element. It is particularly advantageous if the release element is different from the actuation element. For example, the high-pressure cleaning device can be switched into a standby mode by actuating the actuation element, in which case, for example, the electric motor has not yet been started. The electric motor can be actuated via the release element, for example by means of a pressure switch as described below, to spray the cleaning liquid.

[0039] It may be advantageous if the high-pressure cleaning device is completely or partially shut down when it is not in operation. For example, it is conceivable to switch off a display unit of an operating unit or its background lighting after about 3 to 10 minutes of inactivity. For example, the high-pressure cleaning device is shut down after about 10 to 30 minutes of inactivity.

[0040] For example, the control unit electrically interrupts the at least one connecting line via the at least one switching element if a predetermined period of time has elapsed during which the release element is not actuated.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one connection line to the electric motor can be electrically interrupted if a predetermined period has elapsed during which no current is detected through the at least one connection line for supplying electric energy to the electric motor. As mentioned above, even if the connection line is interrupted but there is no power current to the electric motor, a current can still flow through the electric device.

[0042] The high pressure cleaning device preferably comprises a pressure switch capable of detecting the pressure in the pump or downstream of the pump, for example the pressure of the cleaning liquid is detected at or in a pump chamber of a pump to which a high pressure conduit is connected during operation.

[0043] The pressure switch preferably comprises a further switching element or is operatively connected to such a switching element connected to one of the connecting lines, which electrically conductively connects the connecting lines when the pressure falls below the threshold pressure and interrupts the connecting lines when the pressure reaches and / or exceeds the threshold pressure. A connecting line for supplying electrical energy to the electric motor can be conductively connected via the pressure switch. For this purpose, for example, the release element is activated, whereby the pressure drops below the threshold pressure and the electric motor is started. In contrast, if the release element is no longer activated, the pressure rises above the threshold pressure, the electrical connecting lines are interrupted and the electric motor is put out of operation.

[0044] It is possible for only one connecting line (single pole) to be connected via the further switching element, or alternatively a multi-pole or full-pole circuit of all connecting lines is conceivable.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the further switching element is connected by a different connection line than the switching element that is activated upon activation of the actuation element in the high-pressure cleaning device according to the invention, which provides the possibility of bipolar insulation, in particular full-pole insulation, when two connection lines are present.

[0046] It has also been found that the omission of the "main switch" of the support device as mentioned above is advantageous for a high-pressure cleaning device operated by said pressure switch. In conventional high-pressure cleaning devices, the main switch of the housing of the high-pressure cleaning device remains switched on even when work is interrupted. In case of a leak, this leads to a pressure drop and therefore to repeated starting of the electric motor. This is undesirable as it places an unnecessary load on the electric motor and the pump. In contrast, in a preferred embodiment of the high-pressure cleaning device according to the invention, said at least one connecting line may be electrically interrupted as a result of the operation stoppage. Even if there is a pressure drop due to a leak, the electric motor is not started by disconnecting one of the connecting lines by the pressure switch, due to the single-pole insulation of said at least one connecting line.

[0047] The high pressure cleaning device may be wired and may have a connection cable with the connection lines. The connection cable may for example have a plug and may be plugged into a socket of a mains power device.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the high pressure cleaning device may be battery operated and include a receptacle for an electric battery which may be coupled to the connection line.

[0049] As already mentioned, the high pressure cleaning apparatus can comprise a housing, for example the support device comprises a housing of the high pressure cleaning apparatus in which the electric motor, the pump and at least partly, for example except for part of a possible connecting cable, the electric device are accommodated.

[0050] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention will serve in conjunction with the drawings to explain the invention in more detail. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a high-pressure cleaning device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the high-pressure cleaning device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] The figures show a preferred embodiment of a high pressure cleaning device according to the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, for cleaning objects by a user (not shown) manipulating the high pressure cleaning device 10.

[0053] The high pressure cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a support device 12, an electric motor 14 disposed on the support device 12, a pump 16, and an electric device 18. The support device 12 comprises a housing 20 forming a receiving space 22. At least a portion of the electric motor 14, the pump 16, and the electric device 18 are disposed in the receiving space 22.

[0054] When the high-pressure cleaning device 10 is used as intended, a supply conduit 26 for supplying a pressurized cleaning liquid, in particular water, is connected to the pump inlet 24 of the pump 16. A high-pressure conduit 30, in this case designed as a hose line 32, is connected to the pump outlet 28.

[0055] The high-pressure cleaning device 10 has a user-guided operating unit 34, designed in this example as a high-pressure gun 36. The operating unit 34 is connected to the hose line 32 and is thus fluidly connected to the pump outlet 28. A release element 38 in the form of a manual trigger 40 is arranged on the operating unit 34.

[0056] The supplied cleaning liquid is pressurized by a pump 16, for example an axial piston pump. When a manual trigger 40 is actuated, a valve disposed in the operating unit 34 opens, allowing the cleaning liquid to be sprayed through a spray lance 42 disposed in the operating unit 34.

[0057] The electric device 18 comprises connection lines 44, 46 for supplying electric energy to the device 18, in particular to the electric motor 14. In this case, a bipolar connection is made with two connection lines 44, 46. As already explained, connections with more than two poles can be provided.

[0058] The electrical device 18 comprises a power supply device 52, in particular a connection cable 48 having connection lines 44, 46 with a plug 50 for connection to a conventional power supply network.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, as shown by dashed lines in Figure 2, the high pressure cleaning apparatus 10 can be operated by at least one battery 54 as the power supply device 52. To accommodate the battery 54, the high pressure cleaning apparatus 10 includes a receptacle 56 formed, for example, by the housing 20. When placed in the receptacle 56, the battery 54 is coupled to the connection lines 44, 46.

[0060] The electrical device 18 comprises a switching element 60 connected by the connecting line 44, which in this example comprises a relay 58. The relay 58 is operatively connected to a control unit 62 of the electrical device 18. The control unit 62 is galvanically isolated from the connecting line 44 via the switching element 60.

[0061] The control unit 62 is also coupled to the connection lines 44 via connections 64 for detecting the current flow therein and / or the voltage drop across the electric motor 14 .

[0062] When the plug 50 is plugged in or the battery 54 is inserted, a voltage can be applied to the electric device 18, in particular to the control unit 62. This allows a current flow to be present, for example in the sense of a control current. However, as long as the connecting line 44 is electrically interrupted via the switching element 60, no current can flow through the electric motor 14.

[0063] The electric device 18 comprises a first communication member 66, for example provided in the control unit 62. The operating unit 34 comprises a second communication member 68, which is for example integrated in an actuation element 74, which will be described below.

[0064] The communication members 66, 68 are designed for wireless transmission of signals between the operating unit 34 and the control unit 62. In particular, this allows a two-way wireless connection 69. It is conceivable, for example, to use a Bluetooth wireless connection.

[0065] The high pressure cleaning device 10 also includes a pressure switch 70 having a switching element 72 connected by the connecting line 46. The pressure of the cleaning fluid in the pump 16 can be sensed via the pressure switch 70, for example in a pressure chamber to which the high pressure conduit 30 is connected.

[0066] If the pressure is below the threshold pressure, the connection line 46 is conductively connected. If the pressure is above the threshold pressure, the connection line 46 is electrically disconnected.

[0067] The high pressure cleaning apparatus 10 does not include any operating element for a user on the support device 12, e.g., on the housing 20, that can conductively connect or electrically disconnect the connection lines 44, 46. In comparison to conventional high pressure cleaning apparatuses, no such "main switch" is provided on the housing 20 for the user.

[0068] To switch the high pressure cleaning device 10 into a standby mode ready for activation, the high pressure cleaning device 10 comprises an actuation element 74 on the operating unit 34. The actuation element 74 is electric, for example pressure sensitive. Activation is detected and a corresponding signal can be sent from the communication member 68 to the communication member 66.

[0069] Correspondingly, a signal is sent to switch the high pressure washer 10 off by activating the actuation element 74, in response to which the connection line 44 is electrically disconnected.

[0070] To supply power to the actuating element 74, the operating unit 34 has at least one battery 76. The battery 76 is arranged, for example, in a lockable battery compartment 78 of the operating unit 34 and can be replaced if necessary. Alternatively or additionally, the battery 76 can be recharged, in particular inside the operating unit 34.

[0071] The operating element 74 comprises a display unit 80 of the high-pressure cleaning device 10, in this case preferably configured as a display unit 82 with a controllable graphical display.

[0072] The function of the high-pressure cleaning device 10 will be described later.

[0073] When used as intended, and without limiting the invention, it is assumed that the cleaning fluid is pressurized in the pump 16 following a previous operation and that the connecting line 46 is electrically isolated.

[0074] A user may initially turn on activation element 74 if desired.

[0075] Activating the actuation element 74 makes it possible to transmit a switch-on signal to the control unit 62 via the communication members 66, 68. In response to the signal, the control unit 62 electrically conductively connects the connection line 44 via the switching element 60. This puts the high-pressure cleaning device 10 into an operating mode in which current can flow through the electric motor 14.

[0076] In the operating mode, the high pressure cleaning device 10 is initially ready for operation, but the electric motor 14 has not yet started. Only after actuation of the manual trigger 40, which is used to activate the operating unit 34, the resulting pressure drop causes the pressure switch 70 to conductively connect the connecting line 46 via the switching element 72. The electric motor 14 is supplied with electrical energy for driving the pump 16. The user can then spray the pressurized cleaning fluid.

[0077] When the manual trigger 40 is no longer actuated and the operating unit 34 is locked, the resulting pressure rise is responded to by the pressure switch 70, which electrically interrupts the connecting line 46 via the switching element 72. However, the high pressure cleaning device 10 remains ready for operation such that when the manual trigger 40 is actuated again the electric motor 14 starts again.

[0078] When the pump 16 is first depressurized at start-up, the connecting line 46 is initially conductive. If the connecting line 44 is conductively connected in response to the actuation of the actuation element 74, current flows through the connecting line 44 to the electric motor 14, which results in a brief start of the electric motor. As long as the manual trigger 40 is locked, pressure builds up in the pump 16, which causes the connecting line 46 to be interrupted via the pressure switch 70. The electric motor 14 starts again when it is released again via the manual trigger 40.

[0079] During operation of the high pressure washer 10, the current flowing through the connection line 44 (mains current) is monitored by the control unit 62, for example, via the connection 64. If there is no current flow, an indication thereof can be provided to the user on the display unit 82. For example, the control unit 62 assumes that there is no current flowing through the connection line 44 even though it is conductively connected, so that the indication includes a fault message. The indication can include, for example, suggestions for correcting the fault.

[0080] During operation, the control unit 62 preferably periodically transmits a test signal via the communication member 68 to the communication member 66. After receiving the test signal, a confirmation signal is returned. In the absence of a confirmation signal, the control unit 62 assumes that the wireless connection 69 with the operating unit 34 is disturbed or interrupted.

[0081] After a predetermined number of unanswered test signals and / or after a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 62 may, for safety reasons, electrically interrupt the connection line 44 via the switching element 60. For example, the interruption may occur after about 2 to 30 seconds.

[0082] In the context of this patent application, "predetermined" may specifically also include "predeterminable."

[0083] The control unit 62 can also electrically interrupt the connection line 44 during non-operation, which occurs, for example, when the manual trigger 40 is not actuated for a predetermined period of time. In practice, for example, a period of inactivity of about 10 to 30 minutes before the connection line 44 is interrupted may prove beneficial.

[0084] The interruption of the connecting line 44 also provides the advantage that the electric motor 14 will not be started again in the event of a leak and associated pressure drop in the high pressure conduit 30 and / or the operating unit 34. This protects the electric motor 14 and the pump 16.

[0085] The control line 84 is shown in Figure 2. The control unit 62 is electrically connected to the valve section of the pump 16 via the control line 84. The valve unit is connected to a return line from the pressure chamber to the inlet chamber of the pump 16, the free cross-sectional area of ​​which can be modified via the valve unit.

[0086] Preferably, it is possible to vary the free cross-sectional area of ​​the return line, in particular to adjust the pump pressure, via the actuation element 74, without the need for a separate adjustment element in the operating unit 34. The return line and the valve unit and their control can be configured, for example, as described in the international application of the same applicant published under WO 2016 / 102074 A1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10. High pressure cleaning equipment 12...Support device 14...Electric motor 16…Pump 18...Electrical Devices 20. Housing 22…Reception space 24…Pump inlet 26…Supply conduit 28…Pump outlet 30...High pressure pipe 32…Hose line 34…Operation unit 36...High pressure gun 38…Release element 40…Manual trigger 42…Spray lance 44…Connection line 46…Connection line 48…Connection cable 50…Plug 52…Power supply device 54…Battery 56…Receptacle 58…Relay 60...Switching element 62…Control unit 64…Connection 66,68…Communication components 69…Wireless connection 70...Pressure switch 72...Switching element 74...Operating element 76…Battery 78…Battery compartment 80...Display unit 82…Display unit 84…Control line

Claims

1. The apparatus comprises a support device (12), an electric motor (14) held on and / or arranged on the support device (12), a pump (16) drivable by the electric motor (14), an electric device (18), and a user-guided operating unit (34) connected to or connectable to the pump (16) via a high pressure conduit (30), the electric device (18) comprises two connection lines (44, 46) via which the electric motor (14) is connected or can be connected to a power supply device (52) in a bipolar manner and through which electric energy can be supplied to the electric motor (14), In electric high pressure cleaning equipment, The electric device (18) comprises at least one switching element (60) connected by at least one connection line (44, 46), a control unit (62), and a first communication member (66); the operating unit (34) comprises an actuation element (74) and a second communication member (68) for wirelessly transmitting a signal to the first communication member (66); and the control unit (62) is operatively connected to the at least one switching element (60), and the at least one connecting line (44, 46) is electrically conductively connected or electrically interrupted in response to an actuation of the actuation element (74); An electric high-pressure cleaning device characterized by:

2. 2. The high-pressure cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the high-pressure cleaning device (10) is switched into a standby mode when the connection lines (44, 46) are conductively connected and the electric motor (14) is switched on only when a user activates a release element (38) on the operating unit (34) to spray cleaning liquid.

3. The high pressure cleaning device of claim 1 or 2, characterized by a permanent wireless connection between the communication members (66, 68) after the at least one connection line (44, 46) is first conductively connected by activating the operating element (74) until the at least one connection line (44, 46) is electrically interrupted by activating the operating element (74).

4. 4. The high-pressure cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrical device (18) does not comprise a further switching element (60) connected in the at least one connection line (44, 46).

5. The high-pressure cleaning apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the high-pressure cleaning apparatus (10) has no operating elements on the support device (12) for a user, in particular as a component of the electrical device (18), for conductively connecting the at least one connection line (44, 46), and / or that apart from the actuation element (74), the high-pressure cleaning apparatus (10) does not comprise any further operating elements for switching the high-pressure cleaning apparatus (10) on and / or off.

6. 6. The high-pressure cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (62) is galvanically isolated from the at least one connection line (44, 46) via the switching element (60).

7. The high-pressure cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the signal transmitted from the second communication member (68) to the first communication member (66) is a pulse signal.

8. During operation of the high pressure cleaning device (10), the electrically conductively connected connection lines (44, 46) can be monitored by the control unit (62) for current flow to the electric motor (14) and / or voltage drop across the electric motor (14), and an indication of the absence of current flow and / or voltage drop is provided to a user on a display unit (80), in particular a display unit (82) of the high-pressure cleaning device (10); - the high pressure cleaning device (10) can be monitored for the occurrence of a pressure drop in the cleaning liquid and, in the event of a pressure drop, an indication of the pressure drop can be given to a user on an indication unit (80), in particular a display unit (82) of the high pressure cleaning device (10); The high-pressure cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the following is applied.

9. The high-pressure cleaning apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the operating unit (34) comprises or forms the display unit (80) and is capable of transmitting a corresponding display signal from the first communication member (66) to the second communication member (68).

10. 10. The high-pressure cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the at least one connection line (44, 46) is conductively connected, a test signal can be transmitted from the control unit (62) via the first communication member (66) to the second communication member (68), and a confirmation signal in response to the test signal can be transmitted from the second communication member (68) to the first communication member (66), and in the absence of the confirmation signal, the at least one connection line (44, 46) is electrically interrupted.

11. A high-pressure cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the test signal can be sent repeatedly, in particular periodically, and the connection line (44, 46) is interrupted only after a predetermined number of confirmation signals are absent or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

12. The high pressure cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (34) comprises at least one battery (76) for supplying power to the actuating element (74).

13. 13. The high-pressure cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the charge level of the at least one battery (76) can be displayed on a display unit (80), in particular a display unit (82) of the operating unit (34), and / or an indication can be given when the at least one battery (76) falls below a predetermined charge level.

14. 14. The high pressure cleaning apparatus of claim 12 or 13, characterized in that when the actuation element (74) is actuated, no signal is transmitted from the second communication member (68) to the first communication member (66) if the at least one battery (76) is below a predetermined charge level.

15. The high-pressure cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the operating unit (34) comprises a release element (38), in particular a manual trigger (40), via which the operating unit (34) can be actuated to spray the cleaning liquid, the release element (38) being different from the actuation element (74).

16. The control unit (62) after a predetermined period has elapsed during which the release element (38) has not been actuated, after a predetermined period has elapsed during which no current flow through said at least one connecting line (44, 46) has been detected, The high-pressure cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, when at least one of the following conditions is satisfied, the at least one connection line (44, 46) is electrically interrupted via the at least one switching element (60).

17. 17. The high-pressure cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the high-pressure cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a pressure switch (70) by means of which the pressure in the pump (16) or downstream of the pump (16) can be detected, and the pressure switch (70) comprises or is operably connected to a further switching element (72) connected to one of the connecting lines (44, 46), the further switching element (72) conductively connecting the connecting lines (44, 46) when the pressure falls below a threshold pressure and interrupting the connecting line when the pressure reaches and / or exceeds the threshold pressure.

18. The high-pressure cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the further switching element (72) is connected by a different connection line (46) than the switching element (60) that is activated in response to activation of the actuation element (74).

19. 19. The high-pressure cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the high-pressure cleaning device (10) is wired and has a connection cable (48) with the connection lines (44, 46) and / or the high-pressure cleaning device (10) is battery operated and has a receptacle (56) for an electric battery (54) that can be coupled to the connection lines (44, 46).

20. The high-pressure cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the support device (12) comprises a housing (20) of the high-pressure cleaning apparatus (10), in which the electric motor (14), the pump (16) and at least partially the electric device (18) are accommodated.

Citation Information

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