Cleaning appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning appliance, in particular in the form of a portable cleaning appliance, comprising a suction device and a collecting container, which is fluidically connected to the suction device and is intended for receiving slop sucked up by the cleaning appliance, wherein the cleaning appliance comprises a separating device by means of which a liquid slop component is diverted into the collecting container from a dirty-fluid stream comprising the liquid slop component and a gaseous slop component, wherein the cleaning appliance comprises a flow-interrupting device by means of which a suction stream generated by the suction device is interrupted in an interruption position when a maximum-permissible filling level of the liquid slop component in the collecting container is reached, wherein the collecting container comprises a collecting-container inlet, for conducting the dirty-fluid stream into the collecting container, and also an air outlet, for discharging the gaseous slop component to the suction device, wherein the separating device is arranged or formed on the collecting container in a flow path of the suction stream between the collecting-container inlet and the air outlet, wherein the separating device and / or the flow-interrupting device are / is designed such that, when the cleaning appliance is being operated, with a suction stream being generated by the suction device, a collecting-container pressure prevailing in the collecting container and an outlet pressure prevailing in the region of the air outlet are equal or substantially equal.

Description

[0001] cleaning device

[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular in the form of a portable cleaning device, comprising a suction device and a collecting container fluidically connected to the suction device for receiving a dirty water sucked up by the cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device comprises a separating device for separating a liquid dirty water component into the collecting container from a dirty fluid flow comprising the liquid and gaseous dirty water component and formed by the sucked up dirty water, wherein the cleaning device comprises a flow interruption device for interrupting a suction flow generated by the suction device in an interruption position upon reaching a maximum permissible fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the collecting container,wherein the collecting container comprises a collecting container inlet for introducing the dirty fluid flow into the collecting container and an air outlet for discharging the gaseous dirty fluid component to the suction device, wherein the separation device is arranged or formed on the collecting container in a flow path of the suction flow between the collecting container inlet and the air outlet.

[0003] A cleaning device of the type described above is known, for example, from DE 10 2022 111 008 A1. The cleaning device described in the aforementioned published application is described, in particular, in the form of a battery-operated cleaning device. The known device has a separation device comprising two separation stages and a flow interruption device for interrupting the suction flow generated by the suction device when the collection container has reached its maximum permissible fill level, i.e., when it is full.

[0004] If the known cleaning device is not powered by a rechargeable battery but has a mains connection, it is possible to use a suction device that offers higher suction power. In particular, a higher volume flow can be generated with the suction device in this way, thereby improving the suction power of the cleaning device. However, if the volume flow generated by the suction device in the cleaning device described in DE 10 2022 111 008 A1 is increased, this undesirably leads to the flow interruption device interrupting the suction flow before the collection container is filled with the liquid dirty water component to its maximum permissible fill level.

[0005] EP 2 145 813 A1 discloses methods and devices for steering a trailer. DE 10 2019 121 607 A1 describes a wet / dry vacuum cleaner.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a cleaning device of the type described above in such a way that, in particular, the collecting container can be filled up to the maximum permissible fill level independently of a volume flow of the suction device.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention in a cleaning device of the type described at the outset in that the separation device and / or the flow interruption device are designed such that, during operation of the cleaning device, with a suction flow generated by the suction device, a collecting container pressure prevailing in the collecting container and an outlet pressure prevailing in the region of the air outlet are equal or substantially equal.

[0008] The proposed refinement of a cleaning device of the type described above, in particular a cleaning device described in DE 10 2022 111 008 A1, makes it possible, in particular, to fill the collection container of the cleaning device to the maximum permissible fill level despite increased suction power, i.e., with a higher volume flow generated by the suction device. This is achieved, in particular, by designing either the separation device or the flow interruption device, or both the separation device and the flow interruption device, in such a way that the collection container pressure and the outlet pressure are equal or substantially equal.If, for example, the flow interruption device is designed as in the cleaning device described in DE 10 2022 111 008 A1, i.e., with a floating element in a float shaft that communicates with the collection container, so that without suction flow, the fill level of the liquid dirty water component is the same in both the collection container and the float shaft, the design of the separation and flow interruption device known from the prior art has the disadvantage that, with increasing suction power of the suction device, a pressure difference develops between the collection container pressure and the outlet pressure in the area of ​​the air outlet, i.e., in the area above the liquid dirty water component in the float shaft. This results in a higher pressure loss within the separation and flow interruption device.If such a pressure difference is, for example, 10 mbar, meaning the collection tank pressure is 10 mbar higher than the outlet pressure, this results in the liquid dirty water component in the float chamber rising by 10 cm compared to the level in the collection tank, making it higher. The consequence of this is that the flow interruption device interrupts the suction flow even though the collection tank is not yet filled to the maximum permissible level. This is disadvantageous for the user, as they have to interrupt their cleaning activities and empty the collection tank.By changing the design of the separation device and / or the flow interruption device in the manner proposed by the invention, namely such that the collection container pressure and the outlet pressure are the same or approximately the same, it can be achieved or ensured in particular that the flow interruption device only interrupts the suction flow when the fill level of the dirty water component in the collection container has reached the maximum permissible fill level. The reason for this is that the fill level in the float chamber is also the same as in the collection container. Thus, the proposed development according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that the maximum permissible fill level for the liquid dirty water component in the collection container can actually be reached in cleaning devices, regardless of the suction power of the suction device or the volume flow generated by the suction device.

[0009] It is advantageous if the cleaning device is designed such that the pressure difference between the collection tank pressure and the outlet pressure is a maximum of approximately 5 mbar. In particular, the pressure difference is a maximum of approximately 3 mbar, and more particularly, a maximum of approximately 1 mbar. The smaller the pressure difference, the smaller the difference in the fill levels of the liquid dirt liquor component in the collection tank on the one hand and in the area of ​​the air outlet.

[0010] A purely mechanical flow interruption device can be implemented in a simple and reliable manner, especially if it is installed in or on the collecting tank. Thus, with such a design, no electrical or electronic components are required for the flow interruption device. The suction flow is interrupted purely mechanically when the fill level reaches a specified limit.

[0011] A suction flow can be easily interrupted if the flow interruption device comprises a valve arrangement located between the collection container inlet and the air outlet. The valve arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to interrupt the suction flow and thus deactivate the effect of the suction device.

[0012] The valve arrangement preferably comprises a floating element that closes the air outlet in the interrupted position and opens it otherwise. If the floating element floats on the liquid dirty water component and its fill level rises, the floating element can automatically close the air outlet when the maximum permissible fill level is reached. If the fill level is lower, the floating element opens the air outlet, allowing the dirty water to be sucked up and its liquid dirty water component to be collected in the collection container.

[0013] To enable a defined function of the valve arrangement, it is advantageous if the flow interruption device comprises a float shaft for the floating element, and if a lower end of the float shaft, in the direction of gravity, is fluidly connected to a collecting chamber of the collection tank such that, when the suction device is deactivated, the fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the collection tank corresponds to the fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the float shaft. In the manner described, the collection tank and the float shaft are thus fluidly connected like communicating tubes, so that, when the suction device is deactivated, the fill level in the collection tank and the float shaft is equal to one another.

[0014] To prevent dirt from entering the float chamber, it is advantageous to arrange or form a fluid-permeable filter element at the lower end of the float chamber. In particular, it can be designed in the form of a sieve to retain coarse dirt particles and thus prevent contamination of the float chamber.

[0015] It is advantageous if the floating element is movably accommodated in the float shaft and if the floating element is designed to float on the liquid dirty water component. With such a floating element it is particularly possible to close the air outlet when the fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the float shaft reaches a corresponding fill level. The buoyant floating element is then lifted as the fill level in the float shaft rises and moved in the direction of the air outlet. It is advantageous if the float shaft defines a float shaft longitudinal axis and if the floating element is parallel and essentially parallel to and secured against rotation with respect to the float shaft longitudinal axis. Such rotation-proof mobility of the floating element in the float shaft makes it possible in particular to close an air outlet that is open pointing in any direction.To close such an air outlet, the floating element must be positioned close to the air outlet in a defined manner, for example, to completely seal a peripheral edge defined by the floating element. This is the only way to reliably and completely interrupt the suction flow.

[0016] During proper operation of the cleaning device, the longitudinal axis of the float chamber preferably runs parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity. This ensures, in particular, that the fill level is the same in both the collection container and the float chamber when the suction device is deactivated.

[0017] It is advantageous if the float shaft defines a non-circular, particularly rectangular or essentially rectangular, inner contour, and if an outer contour defined by the floating element corresponds or essentially corresponds to the inner contour of the float shaft. By combining a non-circular inner contour of the float shaft and a corresponding outer contour of the floating element, a rotation lock for the floating element in the float shaft can be easily implemented. The floating element then always remains identically aligned in the float shaft and cannot rotate within it.

[0018] For simple and reliable interaction between the floating element and the air outlet, it is advantageous if the air outlet is arranged or configured above an upper end of the float shaft. Such a configuration also has the particular advantage that a gaseous contaminant component can flow out of the collection tank through the air outlet essentially unhindered. This minimizes or even completely eliminates pressure loss in the area of ​​the air outlet, preventing the undesirable pressure difference between the outlet pressure and the collection tank pressure, as explained above.

[0019] It is advantageous if the floating element has an end surface facing toward the air outlet to close the air outlet in the interrupted position. The end surface can, in principle, have any shape. In any case, it is ideally large enough to completely cover the air outlet and thus close it in the interrupted position.

[0020] It is advantageous if the end surface is inclined relative to the float shaft's longitudinal axis by a valve inclination angle, and if the air outlet has an air outlet edge that defines an air outlet edge plane, and if the air outlet edge plane and the end surface run parallel or substantially parallel to each other. This special design makes it possible, in particular, for the end surface to lie flat against the air outlet edge in order to completely close the air outlet in the interrupted position.

[0021] The valve inclination angle preferably has a value in a range from approximately 25° to approximately 65°, in particular in a range from approximately 35° to approximately 55°. The value of the valve inclination angle is preferably approximately 45°. For example, with a valve inclination angle of approximately 45°, more than half of a free cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet is still freely accessible in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In particular, a suction flow can thus flow almost directly from the collecting container into the air outlet without being significantly deflected. In this way, a pressure drop in the region of the air outlet can be minimized. Advantageously, the air outlet edge forms a stop for the floating element in a direction counter to the direction of gravity.The air outlet edge therefore limits the movement of the floating element as the fill level in the collection container increases, thus leading to a timely shutdown or interruption of the suction flow.

[0022] The cleaning device can be designed simply and cost-effectively if the floating element is designed as a sleeve closed on one side and with an open end of the sleeve facing in the direction of gravity. This design allows, in particular, the liquid dirt component to enter the floating element from below and move it against the direction of gravity as the fill level increases.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the separation device can comprise a separation insert, which is inserted into the collection container and closed against the direction of gravity, in particular by a collection container lid of the collection container. The separation insert can, in particular, comprise one or two separation stages. The described modular design enables, in particular, easy access to the collection container, namely by removing the separation insert from the collection container. This allows the collection container to be emptied easily and reliably.

[0024] It is advantageous if the separation device comprises at least one separation stage designed to separate the liquid and gaseous dirt liquor components after they have been introduced into the collection container. For example, the at least one separation stage can comprise one or more deflection elements against which the liquid dirt liquor component bounces off and is deflected into the collection container. The gaseous dirt liquor component can more easily follow changes in direction of a flow path and thus flow through the collection container towards the air outlet. It is advantageous if the at least one separation stage comprises a flow chamber for the gaseous dirt liquor component arranged above a collection chamber of the collection container, said flow chamber inlet fluidly connecting the collection chamber and the flow chamber, and a flow chamber outlet fluidly connecting the suction device.In particular, the flow chamber allows the gaseous contaminant component to be discharged from the collection chamber of the collection tank against the direction of gravity and conveyed through the collection chamber to the air outlet. A liquid contaminant component can thus be easily and reliably separated from the gaseous contaminant component by gravity, for example, when flowing through the flow chamber inlet.

[0025] In order to achieve a safe and reliable separation of liquid and gaseous dirty water components, it is advantageous if the flow chamber inlet is closed with a separating element and if the separating element is designed to be gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable. In particular, the separating element can be designed in the form of a fleece. Furthermore, the separating element can be convexly curved into the flow chamber against the direction of gravity. In this way, pressure loss when flowing through the separating element can be minimized because the curvature can increase the freely passable area, so that the freely flowable area of ​​the separating element corresponds at least to a free cross-sectional area of ​​the flow chamber inlet.

[0026] For optimal separation of the liquid dirty water component from the gaseous dirty water component, it is advantageous if the separation device comprises a first separation stage and a second separation stage, if the first separation stage is located downstream of the collection tank inlet, if the second separation stage is located downstream of the first separation stage, and if the second separation stage comprises the flow chamber. For example, the first separation stage can comprise a baffle plate or a similar deflection element against which the dirty fluid flow can be directed. Liquid dirty water components then drip off the baffle plate and remain in the collection tank. In contrast, a gaseous dirty water component can flow through the collection tank and its collection chamber essentially unhindered.

[0027] To ensure the most unobstructed suction flow through the collection tank, it is advantageous if the flow chamber outlet is open in the direction of gravity and opens into the upper end of the float shaft, which extends in the direction of gravity. This allows the suction flow, especially after flowing through the flow chamber, to be directed slightly downwards in the direction of gravity toward the upper end of the float shaft.

[0028] A compact design and reliable separation of the gaseous dirty water component from the liquid dirty water component can be achieved, in particular, by limiting the flow chamber in the direction of gravity by the bottom of the separator insert in the collection tank. Thus, the bottom of the separator insert closes the collection tank. Only the flow chamber inlet allows the gaseous dirty water component to pass from the collection chamber into the flow chamber.

[0029] A compact design of the cleaning device can be achieved, in particular, by locating the flow chamber outlet in the base. This can be achieved, in particular, by forming a recess in the base that penetrates the separator insert in the area of ​​the upper end of the float shaft.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the flow chamber outlet has a boundary surface that is inclined relative to a floor plane defined by the floor, and if the boundary surface connects the floor and the float chamber. The inclined boundary surface allows the gaseous contaminated liquor component to flow, particularly into an area below the floor level. The boundary surface serves as a guide surface for the suction flow, directing it to the air outlet of the collection container.

[0031] It is advantageous if the boundary surface defines a boundary surface plane, if the floor plane and the boundary surface plane enclose a flow outlet inclination angle, and if the flow outlet inclination angle is smaller than the valve inclination angle. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to form a gently sloping depression in the floor. In a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity, a more or less direct fluid connection can thus be achieved without further deflections from the flow space into the air outlet. In particular, a projection of the flow space and the air outlet can overlap slightly in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity, so that a direct flow path for the gaseous dirty water component can be formed parallel to the floor plane from the flow space into the air outlet.

[0032] Conveniently, the flow outlet inclination angle has a value in a range of approximately 15° to approximately 35°. In particular, it can have a value of approximately 25°. The smaller the flow outlet inclination angle, the smaller the deflection of the suction flow and thus also the lower the pressure drop associated with the deflection of the suction flow.

[0033] It is advantageous if the boundary surface plane and the air outlet edge plane enclose an acute angle such that an intersection line thereof extends parallel to and in the direction of gravity below the floor plane, and if a distance between the boundary surface plane and the air outlet edge plane increases in the direction of the flow chamber. This configuration enables, in particular, optimal guidance of the gaseous dirty water component from the flow chamber to the air outlet and into the latter. Furthermore, it is advantageous if a float shaft edge formed between the float shaft and the boundary surface is positioned lower in the direction of gravity than the air outlet. This makes it possible, in particular, for the gaseous dirty water component to flow from the flow chamber into the air outlet essentially transversely to the direction of gravity.

[0034] To direct the gaseous contaminant component from the flow chamber to the air outlet, it is advantageous if the boundary surface forms a floor edge with the floor, and if the width of the floor edge is greater than the width of the float shaft edge. This creates a kind of funnel for the suction flow to be directed to the air outlet.

[0035] In order to enable the gaseous dirty water component to flow through the collection tank with as little turbulence as possible, it is advantageous if the width of the boundary surface decreases continuously from the bottom edge to the float shaft edge.

[0036] The gaseous contaminant component can flow from the flow chamber into the air outlet, particularly perpendicular to the direction of gravity, if an upper edge section of the air outlet edge, relative to the direction of gravity, extends higher than the floor. In other words, an overlap can be achieved between a vertical projection of the flow chamber and the air outlet in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0037] For optimal guidance of the suction flow, it is advantageous if the floor extends transversely, especially perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity.

[0038] The float shaft preferably comprises an upper shaft section arranged or formed at the bottom of the separator insert. In particular, the upper shaft section can be formed integrally, particularly monolithically, with the separator insert. This also allows for optimal sealing between the flow chamber and the float shaft.

[0039] The float shaft preferably comprises a lower shaft section, which adjoins the upper shaft section in the direction of gravity. In particular, the upper and lower shaft sections can be designed to be detachably connectable to one another. This configuration enables, in particular, simple assembly of the collection container and thus also of the cleaning device. In particular, by separating the two shaft sections, the floating element can be easily inserted into the float shaft.

[0040] It is advantageous if a free end of the floating element, which faces against the direction of gravity, protrudes into the flow chamber in the interrupted position, in particular protrudes above the floor level. This design makes it possible, in particular, to use the floating element to interrupt a flow path of the suction flow that runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity from the flow chamber to the air outlet. The floating element thus forms a kind of slider that closes the air outlet and can be inserted directly into the suction flow upstream of the air outlet.

[0041] To ensure unhindered flow of the gaseous dirty water component through the collection container, it is advantageous if a float shaft outlet arranged at the upper end of the float shaft and open against the direction of gravity is fluidly connected to the air outlet. In particular, the air outlet can point towards the float shaft outlet. The float shaft outlet can in particular be open against the direction of gravity, in particular also into the flow space. Preferably, a free cross-section of the float shaft outlet is larger than a free cross-section defined by the air outlet edge. In this way, a volume flow is predetermined not by the cross-section of the float shaft outlet, but by the free cross-section of the air outlet.

[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device can be provided with a power supply connection. In particular, this can include a power cable for connecting to a power grid. As explained above, this allows more electrical energy to be provided to operate the cleaning device than with a rechargeable battery. This allows for operation with a higher suction flow, along with a higher volume flow generated by the suction device.

[0043] For ease of use, it is advantageous if the collection container inlet is fluidly connected to a suction port on the cleaning device. The suction port can be connected, in particular, to a suction hose.

[0044] Advantageously, the cleaning device is designed in the form of a spray extraction device. It is then configured not only to absorb a dirty solution as described, but also to pre-apply a cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned. DE 10 2022 111 008 A1 describes a spray extraction device that comprises a corresponding fluid dispensing device with a cleaning fluid container.

[0045] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves to explain it in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. They show:

[0046] Figure 1: a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 2: a view of the arrangement of Figure 1 in the direction of arrow A;

[0047] Figure 3: a sectional view along line 3-3 in Figure 2;

[0048] Figure 4: an enlarged partial view of area B of Figure 3;

[0049] Figure 5: a partial sectional view of the arrangement of Figure 2 along line 5-5;

[0050] Figure 6: an enlarged perspective, partially sectioned view of the collecting tank in the area of ​​a float shaft;

[0051] Figure 7: a perspective view of a separating insert of the cleaning device from below;

[0052] Figure 8: a top view of the arrangement of Figure 7;

[0053] Figure 9: a view of the arrangement of Figure 8 in the direction of arrow C; and

[0054] Figure 10: a view of the arrangement in Figure 9 from below.

[0055] The figures schematically illustrate an embodiment of a cleaning device, designated overall by reference numeral 10. It has a portable design. For carrying, a carrying handle 16 pivotable about a housing longitudinal axis 14 is arranged on the top side of a housing 12.

[0056] The cleaning device 10 is embodied, for example, in the form of a spray extraction device 18. A spray extraction device 18 has two essential functions. It enables the application of a cleaning fluid 20, which can be provided in a cleaning fluid container 22, onto a surface to be cleaned, for example, to loosen dirt there. A pump 24, schematically shown in Figure 3, serves to convey the cleaning fluid 20 from the cleaning fluid container 22. The pump is fluidly connected, on the one hand, to the cleaning fluid container 22 and, on the other hand, to a fluid outlet 26 of the cleaning device 10.

[0057] A cleaning device hose 28 comprises a suction hose 30 and a fluid hose 32 arranged therein. The cleaning device hose 28 can be detachably connected to the cleaning device 10 via a corresponding connecting piece 34.

[0058] At the other end of the cleaning device hose 28, a handpiece 36 is arranged. A spray nozzle (not shown in detail) is arranged or formed on the handpiece, from which cleaning fluid 20 can be dispensed onto a surface to be cleaned. A suction inlet 40 is formed at a free end 38 of the handpiece, which the cleaning device hose 28, in particular the suction hose 30 encompassed by it, fluidly connects to a suction connection 42 of the cleaning device 10.

[0059] The cleaning device 10 further comprises a suction device 44, which may be configured, for example, in the form of a fan. Furthermore, the cleaning device 10 comprises a collecting container 46, which is fluidly connected to the suction device 44. It serves to collect the dirty water sucked up by the cleaning device 10.

[0060] The cleaning device 10 further comprises a separation device 48 for separating a liquid dirty water component into the collecting container 46 from a dirty fluid stream comprising the liquid dirty water component and a gaseous dirty water component and formed by the sucked-up dirty water.

[0061] The cleaning device 10 further comprises a control and / or regulating device, which is schematically shown in Figure 3. This is electrically connected to the electrically operable components, namely the suction device 44 and the pump 24. A switch 52, which is electrically connected to the control and / or regulating device 50, serves to activate and deactivate the cleaning device 10 by a user.

[0062] To supply the cleaning device 10 with electrical energy, the cleaning device 10 comprises a power supply connection 54. This includes a power cable 56 for connecting the cleaning device 10 to a power grid.

[0063] The cleaning device 10 further comprises a flow interruption device 58 for interrupting a suction flow generated by the suction device 44 in an interruption position when a maximum permissible fill level of the liquid dirt surface component in the collection container 46 is reached.

[0064] The collection container 46 comprises a collection container inlet 60 for introducing the dirty fluid flow supplied via the suction hose 30 of the cleaning device hose 28 into the collection container 46. Furthermore, the collection container 46 comprises an air outlet 62 for discharging the gaseous dirty fluid component to the suction device 44.

[0065] The separation device 48 is arranged or formed on the collecting container 46 in a flow path of the suction flow between the collecting container inlet 60 and the air outlet 62, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0066] The separation device 48 and in particular the flow interruption device 58 are also designed such that, during operation of the cleaning device 10, with a suction flow generated by the suction device 44, a collection container pressure prevailing in the collection container 46 and an outlet pressure prevailing in the region of the air outlet 62 are equal or substantially equal. How this is specifically achieved will be explained in more detail below. The special design of the cleaning device 10 can, in particular, ensure that a pressure difference between the collection container pressure and the outlet pressure is a maximum of only approximately 5 mbar. In particular, the pressure difference is a maximum of only approximately 3 mbar, more particularly a maximum of only approximately 1 mbar.

[0067] The collection container 46 is arranged in a device receptacle 64 of the cleaning device and can be removed from the device receptacle 64 as needed, particularly for emptying. The collection container 46 comprises a container 66, a separating insert 68 that can be placed thereon, and a container lid 70 that can be placed over the separating insert 68 to close it.

[0068] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the flow interruption device 58 is arranged or formed in the collecting container 46. It comprises a valve arrangement 72 arranged between the collecting container inlet 60 and the air outlet 62. A valve seat of the valve arrangement 72 is formed by an air outlet edge 74 of the air outlet 62. A valve member for closing the valve seat forms a floating element 76. The floating element 76 forms part of the valve arrangement 72. It closes the air outlet 62 in the interrupted position and otherwise opens it. Figure 5 shows an example of a position of the valve arrangement 72 in which the floating element 76 opens the air outlet 62.

[0069] The flow interruption device 58 further comprises a float shaft 78 for the floating element 76. A lower end 80 of the float shaft 78 is fluidly connected to a collecting chamber 82 of the collecting container 46 such that, when the suction device 44 is deactivated, a fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the collecting container 46 corresponds to a fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the float shaft 78. The float shaft 78 and the collecting chamber 82 are thus connected to one another in a communicating manner. A fluid-permeable filter element 84 is arranged or formed at the lower end 80 of the float shaft 78 in order to prevent, as far as possible, the penetration of dirt particles into the float shaft 78. The filter element 84 can, in particular, be designed in the form of a sieve.

[0070] The floating element 76 is movably received in the float shaft 78. It is also designed such that it can float on the liquid dirty water component. It is thus designed to be buoyant.

[0071] The float shaft 78 defines a float shaft longitudinal axis 86.

[0072] During proper operation of the cleaning device 10, the float shaft longitudinal axis 86 is aligned parallel to the direction of gravity 88, which is symbolically represented by an arrow in Figure 5.

[0073] As the fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the collection chamber 82 increases, the floating element 76 can be moved in the direction of arrow 90, i.e., against the direction of gravity 88. This is also referred to as floating. If the fill level decreases, the floating element 76 can sink again in the direction of arrow 92, i.e., parallel to the direction of gravity 88.

[0074] Thus, the floating element 76 is accommodated in the float shaft so as to be movable parallel or essentially parallel to the float shaft longitudinal axis 86.

[0075] The float shaft 78 has a non-circular, almost square inner contour 94. Only the corners are rounded. An outer contour 96 defined by the float element 76 essentially corresponds to the inner contour 94 of the float shaft 78. Due to this non-circular design of the inner contour 94 and the outer contour 96, the float element 76 cannot be rotated about the float shaft's longitudinal axis 86 in the float shaft 78. The float element 76 is thus secured against rotation relative to the float shaft's longitudinal axis 86.

[0076] As can be clearly seen in particular in Figure 5, the air outlet 62 is arranged or formed above an upper end 98 of the float shaft 78.

[0077] The floating element 76 has an end surface 100 pointing toward the air outlet 62. It serves to close the air outlet 62 in the interrupted position.

[0078] The end surface 100 is inclined by a valve inclination angle 102 relative to the float shaft longitudinal axis 86. The air outlet 62 defines an air outlet edge plane 104 with its air outlet edge 74. The flow interruption device 58 is thus designed such that the air outlet edge plane 104 and the end surface 100 run parallel or almost parallel to one another, so that the floating element 76, which has floated up against the direction of gravity 88 in the direction of arrow 90, can rest flatly against the air outlet edge 74 with its end surface 100 in the interruption position and thus close the air outlet 62.

[0079] In the manner described, the air outlet edge 74 forms a stop for the floating element 76 in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity 88.

[0080] The valve inclination angle 102 has a value in a range from approximately 25° to approximately 65°, in particular in a range from approximately 35° to approximately 55°. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the valve inclination angle 102 is approximately 45°.

[0081] The floating element 76 is designed in the form of a sleeve 106 closed on one side. An open end 108 of the sleeve 106 points in the direction of gravity 88. The end surface 100 closes the floating element 76, opposite to the direction of gravity 88.

[0082] The separation device 48 is designed in several stages and comprises a first separation stage 110 and a second separation stage 112. Both are designed to separate the liquid and gaseous dirty liquor components after the dirty fluid stream has been introduced into the collection container 46.

[0083] The first separation stage 110 is located downstream of the collection tank inlet 60. It comprises an elbow 114, which is connected to a stirring piece 116 extending perpendicular to the direction of gravity 88 from the collection tank inlet 60. An open end 118 of the elbow 114 is directed toward a bell 120 formed on the tank lid 70, which has a lower open end 122 pointing in the direction of gravity and directed into the collection chamber 82. In the transition region between the pipe section 116 and the elbow 114, an outlet 124 is formed through which liquid can flow or drip directly from the pipe section 116 into the collection chamber 82.

[0084] The gaseous dirty water component is deflected by the suction flow generated by the suction device 44 from the angle piece 114 and is in turn deflected by the bell 120 into the collecting chamber 82.

[0085] The first separation stage 110 is an integral part of the separation insert 68 except for the bell 120, which is enclosed by the container lid 70.

[0086] The second separation stage 112 is arranged downstream of the first separation stage 110.

[0087] The second separation stage 112 comprises a flow chamber 126 for the gaseous dirty water component, arranged above the collection chamber 82 of the collection container 46. The flow chamber 126 comprises a flow chamber inlet 128. The flow chamber inlet 128 fluidly connects the collection chamber 82 and the flow chamber 126. Furthermore, the flow chamber 126 comprises a flow chamber outlet 130, which fluidly connects the flow chamber 126 to the suction device 44.

[0088] The flow chamber inlet 128 is closed with a separating element 132, which is designed to be gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable. It can be designed, in particular, in the form of a nonwoven fabric and, as schematically shown in Figure 1, be convexly curved into the flow chamber 126, counter to the direction of gravity 88.

[0089] The second separation stage 112 comprises the flow space 126.

[0090] The flow chamber outlet 130 is open in the direction of gravity 88 and opens into the upper end 98 of the float shaft 78.

[0091] The flow chamber 126 is defined in particular by a bottom 134 of the separator insert 68 in the direction of gravity 88. Opposite the bottom 134, the container lid 70 closes the flow chamber 126 against the direction of gravity 88.

[0092] The flow outlet 130 is formed in the base 134. The flow outlet 130 includes a boundary surface 136. The boundary surface 136 is inclined relative to a base plane 138 defined by the base 134. The boundary surface 136 connects the base 134 and the float chamber 78 to one another.

[0093] The boundary surface 136 defines a boundary surface plane 140. The bottom plane 138 and the boundary surface plane 140 enclose a flow outlet inclination angle 142. The flow outlet inclination angle 142 is smaller than the valve inclination angle 102. The flow outlet angle 142 has a value in a range from approximately 15° to approximately 35°. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the value of the flow outlet inclination angle 142 is approximately 25°.

[0094] As can be clearly seen in particular in Figure 5, the boundary surface plane 140 and the air outlet edge plane 104 enclose an acute angle 144 such that an intersection line 146 of the boundary surface plane 140 and the air outlet edge plane 104 extends parallel to the floor plane 138 and runs in the direction of gravity 88 below the floor plane 138.

[0095] A distance between the boundary surface plane 140 and the air outlet edge plane 104 increases starting from the intersection line 146 in the direction of the flow space 126.

[0096] Furthermore, the collecting container 46 is designed such that a float shaft edge 148 formed between the float shaft 78 and the boundary surface 136 is positioned lower in the direction of gravity 88 than the air outlet 62.

[0097] The boundary surface 136 forms a bottom edge 150 with the bottom 134. A width of the bottom edge 150 is greater than a width of the float shaft edge 148. This is particularly clearly visible in Figure 8. Thus, a width of the boundary surface 136 decreases continuously from the bottom edge 150 to the float shaft edge 148.

[0098] As can be clearly seen in the side view in Figure 9, an upper edge section 152 of the air outlet edge 74, relative to the direction of gravity 88, runs higher than the floor 134 or above the floor 134. When the cleaning device 10 is used as intended, the floor 134 extends transversely, namely perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity 88.

[0099] The float shaft 78 comprises an upper shaft section 154 and a lower shaft section 156. The upper shaft section 154 is arranged or formed on the bottom 134 of the separator insert 68. The lower shaft section 156 adjoins the upper shaft section 154 in the direction of gravity 88 and extends to a bottom 158 of the collecting container 46. The upper and lower shaft sections 154, 156 are designed to be detachably connected to one another. Thus, during assembly of the cleaning device 10, the floating element 76 can first be inserted into the lower shaft section 156. Then, the two shaft sections 154 and 156 can be connected to one another. A conventional snap-in connection is provided for this purpose.

[0100] In the special design of the cleaning device 10, a free end 160 of the floating element 76 projects into the flow chamber 126 in the interrupted position. The free end 160 points against the direction of gravity 88. It projects slightly beyond the base plane 138 against the direction of gravity 88.

[0101] At the upper end 98 of the float shaft 78, a float shaft outlet 162 is formed, open against the direction of gravity 88. This outlet is located directly opposite the air outlet 62 and is thus fluidly connected to it.

[0102] As can be clearly seen in Figures 8 and 10, a free cross-section of the float shaft outlet 162 is larger than a free cross-section of the air outlet 62 delimited by the air outlet edge 74.

[0103] In particular, the special design of the separation insert 68 of the separation device 48 enables a suction flow of the gaseous dirty water component through the flow chamber 126 to the suction device 44 with virtually no pressure loss. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the suction flow can flow through the flow chamber 126 into the air outlet 62 with virtually no deflection. This is particularly clear in the view shown in Figure 9, in which the flow chamber 126 is visible through the air outlet 62 above the bottom edge 150. The gaseous dirty water component can thus flow in a slightly curved arc from the flow chamber 126 towards the float shaft outlet 162 and further in the direction of gravity 88, limited by the boundary surface 136 towards the air outlet 62.Due to this special geometric design, there is almost no pressure loss in the area of ​​the float shaft 78 above the floating element 76. The pressure conditions in the collecting chamber 82 and in the float shaft 78 above the floating element 76 and thus in the area of ​​the air outlet 62 are practically identical.

[0104] The result is that the fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the collection chamber 82 and in the float shaft 78 is identical or nearly identical. In other words, as is the case with the arrangement described in DE 10 2022 111 008 A1, with increasing volume flow generated by the suction device 44, there is no pressure difference and thus an increase in the fill level in the float shaft 78, which would lead to the floating element 76 floating up.

[0105] In other words, the separation device 48 and the flow interruption device 58 are designed such that, during operation of the cleaning device 10, with a suction flow generated by the suction device 44, the pressure prevailing in the collecting container 46 and the outlet pressure prevailing in a region of the air outlet 62 are equal or substantially equal. Regardless of the suction power of the suction device 44 in the exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device 10 illustrated in the figures and described above, the collecting container 46 can thus always be filled with the liquid dirty water component up to its maximum permissible fill level before the floating element 76, in its function as a valve member, closes the air outlet 62 in the interruption position and thus interrupts the suction flow. List of Reference Symbols

[0106] cleaning device

[0107] Housing

[0108] Housing longitudinal axis

[0109] Carrying handle

[0110] Spray extraction device

[0111] Cleaning fluid

[0112] Cleaning fluid container

[0113] pump

[0114] Fluid outlet

[0115] Cleaning device hose

[0116] suction hose

[0117] Fluid hose

[0118] connector

[0119] Handpiece free end

[0120] Suction inlet

[0121] Suction connection

[0122] Suction device

[0123] Collection container

[0124] Separation device

[0125] Control and / or regulation device

[0126] Switch

[0127] Power supply connection

[0128] Power cable

[0129] Flow interruption device

[0130] Collection container inlet

[0131] Air outlet

[0132] Device recording

[0133] container

[0134] Separator insert container lid

[0135] Valve arrangement

[0136] Air outlet edge

[0137] Floating element

[0138] Float chamber lower end

[0139] assembly room

[0140] filter element

[0141] Float shaft longitudinal axis

[0142] Direction of gravity

[0143] Arrow

[0144] Arrow

[0145] inner contour

[0146] Outer contour upper end

[0147] End face

[0148] Valve inclination angle

[0149] Air outlet edge level

[0150] Sleeve open end first separation stage second separation stage

[0151] Angle piece

[0152] Stirring piece

[0153] End

[0154] Bell open end

[0155] Outlet

[0156] Flow space

[0157] Flow chamber inlet

[0158] Flow chamber outlet

[0159] Separating element

[0160] Ground boundary surface

[0161] Ground level

[0162] Boundary surface plane

[0163] Flow outlet inclination angle

[0164] angle

[0165] Cutting line

[0166] Float shaft edge

[0167] floor edge

[0168] Edge section upper shaft section lower shaft section

[0169] Ground free end

[0170] Float shaft outlet

Claims

Patent claims 1. A cleaning device (10), in particular in the form of a portable cleaning device (10), comprising a suction device (44) and a collecting container (46) fluidly connected to the suction device (44) for receiving a dirty water sucked up by the cleaning device (10), wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises a separating device (48) for separating a liquid dirty water component into the collecting container (46) from a dirty fluid flow comprising the liquid and a gaseous dirty water component and formed by the sucked-up dirty water, wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises a flow interruption device (58) for interrupting a suction flow generated by the suction device (44) in an interruption position upon reaching a maximum permissible fill level of the liquid dirty water component in the collecting container (46),wherein the collecting container (46) comprises a collecting container inlet (60) for introducing the dirty fluid flow into the collecting container (46) and an air outlet (62) for discharging the gaseous dirty fluid component to the suction device (44), wherein the separating device (48) is arranged or formed on the collecting container (46) in a flow path of the suction flow between the collecting container inlet (60) and the air outlet (62), characterized in that the separating device (48) and / or the flow interruption device (58) are designed such that, during operation of the cleaning device (10), with a suction flow generated by the suction device (44), a collecting container pressure prevailing in the collecting container (46) and an outlet pressure prevailing in the region of the air outlet (62) are equal or substantially equal.

2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) is designed such that a pressure difference between the collecting container pressure and the outlet pressure is at most is about 5 mbar, in particular a maximum of about 3 mbar, further in particular a maximum of about 1 mbar.

3. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow interruption device (58) is arranged or formed in or on the collecting container (46).

4. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow interruption device (58) comprises a valve arrangement (72) arranged between the collecting container inlet (60) and the air outlet (62).

5. Cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve arrangement (72) comprises a floating element (76) which closes the air outlet (62) in the interruption position and otherwise releases it.

6. Cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that the flow interruption device (58) comprises a float shaft (78) for the floating element (76) and that a lower end (80) of the float shaft (78) in the direction of gravity (88) is fluidically connected to a collecting space (82) of the collecting container (46) in such a way that, when the suction device (44) is deactivated, a filling level of the liquid dirty water component in the collecting container (46) corresponds to a filling level of the liquid dirty water component in the float shaft (78), wherein in particular a) a fluid-permeable filter element (84) is arranged or formed at the lower end (80) of the float shaft (78), in particular in the form of a sieve, and / or b) the floating element (76) is movably received in the float shaft (78) and that the floating element (76) is designed to float on the liquid dirty water component.

7. Cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the float shaft (78) defines a float shaft longitudinal axis (86) and that the floating element (76) is movable parallel or substantially parallel to and secured against rotation with respect to the float shaft longitudinal axis (86), wherein in particular the float shaft longitudinal axis (86) runs parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of gravity (88) during normal operation of the cleaning device (10).

8. Cleaning device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the float shaft (78) defines a non-circular, in particular rectangular or substantially rectangular, inner contour (94) and that an outer contour (96) defined by the floating element (76) corresponds or substantially corresponds to the inner contour (94) of the float shaft (78).

9. Cleaning device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the air outlet (62) is arranged or formed above an upper end (98) of the float shaft (78).

10. Cleaning device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the floating element (76) a) has an end surface (100) pointing in the direction of the air outlet (62) for closing the air outlet (62) in the interruption position, wherein in particular the end surface (100) is inclined by a valve inclination angle (102) with respect to the float shaft longitudinal axis (86) and wherein the air outlet (62) has an air outlet edge (74) which defines an air outlet edge plane (104), and wherein the air outlet edge plane (104) and the end surface (100) run parallel or substantially parallel to one another, wherein further in particular the valve inclination angle (102) has a value in a range from approximately 25° to approximately 65°, in particular in a range from approximately 35° to approximately 55°, further in particular a value of approximately 45°, and / or the air outlet edge (74) forms a stop for the floating element (76) in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity 88, and / or b) is designed in the form of a sleeve (106) closed on one side and that an open end (108) of the sleeve (106) points in the direction of gravity (88).

11. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating device (48) comprises a separating insert (68) which is inserted into the collecting container (46) and is closed against the direction of gravity (88), in particular by a collecting container lid (70) of the collecting container (46).

12. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation device (48) comprises at least one separation stage (110, 112) which is designed to separate the liquid and gaseous dirt liquor components after they have been introduced into the collecting container (46).

13. Cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one separation stage (112) comprises a flow space (126) for the gaseous dirty liquor component arranged above a collecting space (82) of the collecting container (46), with a flow a flow space inlet (128) which fluidically connects the collecting space (82) and the flow space (126), and a flow space outlet (130) which is fluidically connected to the suction device (44), wherein in particular the flow space inlet (128) is closed with a separating element (132) and wherein the separating element (132) is designed to be gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable, in particular in the form of a fleece and / or convexly curved into the flow space (126) against the direction of gravity (88).

14. Cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the separation device (48) comprises a first separation stage (110) and a second separation stage (112), that the first separation stage (110) is arranged downstream of the collecting container inlet (60), that the second separation stage (112) is arranged downstream of the first separation stage (110) and that the second separation stage (112) comprises the flow space (126).

15. Cleaning device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the flow space outlet (130) is open in the direction of gravity (88) and opens into an upper end (98) of the float shaft (78) extending in the direction of gravity (88).

16. Cleaning device according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the flow space (126) is limited by a bottom (134) of the separating insert (68) in the collecting container (46) in the direction of gravity (88), wherein in particular the flow space outlet (130) is formed in the bottom (134).

17. Cleaning device according to claim 16, characterized in that the flow space outlet (130) has a boundary surface (136) inclined relative to a floor plane (138) defined by the floor (134) and that the boundary surface (136) connects the bottom (134) and the float shaft (78) with each other.

18. Cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that the boundary surface (136) defines a boundary surface plane (140), that the bottom plane (138) and the boundary surface plane (140) enclose a flow outlet inclination angle (142), and that the flow outlet inclination angle (142) is smaller than the valve inclination angle (102), wherein in particular a) the flow outlet inclination angle (142) has a value in a range from approximately 15° to approximately 35°, in particular a value of approximately 25°, and / or b) the boundary surface plane (140) and the air outlet edge plane (104) enclose an acute angle (144) such that an intersection line (146) thereof extends parallel to and in the direction of gravity (88) below the bottom plane (138), and wherein a distance between the boundary surface plane (140) and the air outlet edge plane (104) increases towards the flow space (126).

19. Cleaning device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that a float shaft edge (148) formed between the float shaft (78) and the boundary surface (136) is positioned lower in the direction of gravity (88) than the air outlet (62).

20. Cleaning device according to claim 19, characterized in that the boundary surface (136) forms a bottom edge (150) with the bottom (134) and that a width of the bottom edge (150) is greater than a width of the float shaft edge (148), wherein in particular a width of the boundary surface (136) decreases continuously from the bottom edge (150) to the float shaft edge (148).

21. Cleaning device according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that an upper edge portion (152) of the air outlet edge (74) relative to the direction of gravity (88) extends higher than the bottom (134).

22. Cleaning device according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the base (134) extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the direction of gravity (88).

23. Cleaning device according to one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that the float shaft (78) comprises an upper shaft section (154) which is arranged or formed on the bottom (134) of the separating insert (68), wherein in particular the float shaft (78) comprises a lower shaft section (156) which adjoins the upper shaft section (154) in the direction of gravity (88), wherein in particular the upper and lower shaft sections (154, 156) are designed to be detachably connectable to one another.

24. Cleaning device according to one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that a free end (160) of the floating element (76), which points against the direction of gravity (88), projects into the flow space (126) in the interrupted position, in particular projects beyond the floor plane (138).

25. Cleaning device according to one of claims 6 to 24, characterized in that at the upper end (98) of the float shaft (78) arranged, open against the direction of gravity (88) float shaft outlet (162) is fluidly connected to the air outlet (62), wherein in particular a free cross section of the float shaft outlet (162) is larger than a free cross section defined by the air outlet edge (74).

26. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) the cleaning device (10) comprises a power supply connection (54), in particular comprising a mains connection cable (56) for connection to a power network, and / or b) the collecting container inlet (60) is fluidly connected to a suction connection (42) of the cleaning device (10), wherein the suction connection (42) is connected or connectable in particular to a suction hose (30), and / or c) the cleaning device (10) is designed in the form of a spray extraction device (18).

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