EP3016567A1

EP3016567A1 - Suction apparatus and method for operating a suction apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3016567A1
Application number: EP13734052.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stefan Hess; Daniel Eckstein; Günther HOLZWARTH; Jürgen STEINBACH
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2013-07-02
Filing date: 2013-07-02
Publication date: 2016-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-02
Also published as: WO2015000505A1; EP3016567B1; CN105358032A; CN105358032B; US20160106288A1; RU2016103151A; RU2640706C2; US10548450B2

Abstract

Proposed is a suction apparatus which comprises a suction aggregate (40), a suction line device (88) which is in fluid communication with said suction aggregate (40), a fluid-supplying device (28), a dispensing device (68) for fluid which is in fluid communication with said fluid-supplying device (28), and a conducting element (110) which can be coupled to said dispensing device (68) and to said suction line device (88) and which conducts fluid from the dispensing device (68) into the suction line device (88) for cleaning the suction line device (88).

Description

Suction device and method for operating a suction device

The invention relates to a suction device comprising a suction unit and a suction line device, which in fluidly effective connection with the

Suction unit stands.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a suction device. From US 5,558,108 a steam cleaning process is known.

From DE 34 28 720 AI a method for cleaning and / or drying of the inner walls of telescope pipes is known. The invention has for its object to provide a suction device of the type mentioned, which is effectively operable.

This object is achieved in the aforementioned suction device according to the invention that a fluid supply device is provided, a discharge device is provided for fluid, which is in fluidly effective connection with the fluid supply device and a guide element is provided, which to the dispensing device and to the Suction line device can be coupled and which directs fluid from the dispensing device in the suction line device for cleaning the suction line.

In principle, there are dirt residues after a suction operation of the suction device in the suction line device. For example, these can lead to increased nucleation. In the solution according to the invention is a dispensing device for fluid

(For example, clear water or steam or a mixture of clear water and detergent) used to flush the suction line device to perform an "internal" cleaning of the suction line device. This effectively counteracts nucleation.

A (detachable) guide element is provided which ensures a diversion of fluid from the discharge device into the suction line device. The suction device thereby provides itself the fluid required for cleaning.

It can be carried out in an effective and constructive simple way, a cleaning of the suction line device.

In particular, the guide element is designed for connection to a dispensing opening of the dispensing device and / or to a suction mouth of the suction line device. This makes it possible in a simple manner to achieve a "short circuit" between the dispensing device and the suction line device in order to carry out a flushing cleaning of the suction line device.

In particular, the guide element is a part which can be detached from the suction line device and / or the dispensing device and is arranged on the suction device or is a part that can be separated or separated from the suction device. The guide element has no function in a normal operation of the suction device. It is only needed if a cleaning of the suction line device to be performed. It is possible that the guide element is arranged on the suction device and there has additional functions such as a holding function for the suction line device or a part of the suction line device such as a suction tube.

It is advantageous if the guide element is designed as a support element, on which a suction tube of the suction line device can be placed. It can thereby be used as a holding element for fixing the suction line device to a body of the suction device. In particular, it is possible to set up the suction tube on the support element and, with appropriate correct positioning, a cleaning process can be carried out by diverting fluid from the delivery device into the suction line device. It can thereby also be realized in a simple manner, a sensor monitoring, for example, with respect to a correct positioning of the suction pipe to the guide element. A holder for the suction tube is expediently provided which is arranged in particular on a body of the suction device and by means of which the suction tube can be fixed to the suction device, in particular when the guide element is coupled to the suction line device and to the dispensing device. As a result, a storage holder for the intake manifold can be realized in a simple manner. Furthermore, a cleaning process in which the suction tube is fixed to the body of the suction device can thereby be carried out in a simple manner. The holder in turn ensures a secure fixation with a fluid-tight transition of fluid from the dispensing device into the suction line device.

Conveniently, the guide element comprises at least one channel through which fluid can be flowed from the discharge device into the suction line device. It is thereby a coupling of fluid from the dispensing device in the suction line device in a simple manner possible.

It is also advantageous if the guide element comprises a sealing device for a fluid-tight connection of the dispensing device and a fluid-tight connection of the suction line device. As a result, a burden on the "environment" is minimized by a cleaning process with the extraction of fluid from the dispensing device and the coupling of fluid into the suction line device.

It is particularly advantageous if the suction line device and the discharge device are mechanically connected to each other at least in a partial region, wherein in particular the suction line device and the discharge device are mechanically connected to one another in the region of their mouths. This results in an effective operability for an operator since, in particular, he only has one element, such as a Handle element for a suction tube must hold. By means of a mechanical connection in the region of the mouths of the suction line device of the dispensing device, positioning and in particular joint positioning on the guide element can be achieved in a simple manner in order to be able to carry out a cleaning process.

In particular, the dispensing device and the suction line device are fluid-effectively separated from one another without the guide element, that is to say they each have one or more channels for fluid which are not in fluid-effective contact. The fluid-effective contact is first produced by the guide element, which provides a type of short circuit in order to be able to introduce fluid from the dispensing device into the suction line device.

In one embodiment, the suction line device comprises at least one pipe and / or at least one hose. For example, a one-piece or multi-part suction tube is provided, which is then connected via a hose to a body of the suction device. This results in an easy operation for an operator. It is also advantageous if the dispensing device comprises at least one tube and / or at least one tube. For example, the dispensing device comprises a hose, which is connected to a body of the suction device and which is held on a hose and / or a pipe of the suction line device.

In particular, the fluid supply device comprises a clear water supply device and / or cleaning agent supply device and / or supply device for a mixture of detergent and clear water and / or a steam generator. The clear water supply facility provides clarified water. The detergent dispenser provides detergent. The mixing device provides a mixture of detergent and clear water. The steam generator provides steam. With one or several of these fluids (liquids in the case of clear water and the

Mixture of detergent and clear water or steam) can be carried out a cleaning of the suction line device. Furthermore, the suction device then has further operating modes. For example, steam can be made available for cleaning purposes via the steam generator. About the clear water supply device can be for example clear water mix steam. By providing the mixture of detergent and clear water, clear water with chemical cleaning additive can be provided.

It is then possible in principle for clear water, or a mixture of clear water and cleaning agent or steam, to be used as cleaning fluid for the suction line device. In one embodiment, the guide element is assigned a sensor which detects a correct positioning on the suction line device and / or the dispensing device. For example, the sensor can then issue an enable signal, wherein a cleaning process can not be carried out without a release signal.

In particular, the sensor is arranged on the guide element. This results in a production engineering and structurally simple structure.

In one embodiment, the sensor is designed as a switch, wherein a switch operation is effected by a specific positioning of the suction line device and / or the dispensing device on the guide element. For example, the sensor is designed as a microswitch. With a correspondingly correct positioning, a release signal can then be issued, so that in principle the cleaning process of the suction line device can be carried out.

In particular, a control device is provided, which in a cleaning mode, a cleaning operation of the suction line device automatically performs, in particular, a start of the cleaning process is triggered by an operator. The control device can then be used to carry out a cleaning process in accordance with a specific specification, wherein, in particular, even after triggering of a cleaning process, fluid delivery in the dispensing device takes place for a certain period of time and at the same time suction takes place in the suction line device.

Conveniently, a pump is provided, which promotes fluid in the dispensing device in the cleaning mode, and which is controlled by the control device. Fluid is then pumped from the dispensing device into the suction line device.

Conveniently, the fluid delivery takes place for a certain first period of time, wherein the corresponding control is carried out by the control device. This makes it possible to achieve effective cleaning of the suction line device, in particular to minimize the risk of nucleation.

It is also advantageous if the control device controls the suction unit, wherein in particular the suction unit is operated during the delivery of fluid in the discharge device in the cleaning mode. It is then sucked with the coupling of fluid in the suction line this also. Advantageously, the suction unit is operated for a certain second period of time after switching off the delivery of fluid in the delivery device. It is thereby ensured that fluid and in particular liquid in the suction line device can not flow out in the direction of the suction mouth.

In particular, the suction device is designed as a mobile device, which is in particular mobile. This results in extensive application possibilities. In one embodiment, the suction device is also designed as a steam device through which steam can be discharged. The suction device is then a steam-suction device. This results in extensive application possibilities.

The invention is further based on the object to provide a method of the type mentioned, which allows an effective cleaning operation. This object is achieved according to the invention in the method mentioned that an application device for fluid is provided, and that for cleaning the suction line fluid from the dispensing device is coupled into the suction line and is sucked in the suction line via a suction unit of the suction device.

It can thereby be cleaned in a simple and effective manner after completion of normal operation of the suction device, the suction line means with "internal means" of the suction device. This effectively minimizes the risk of nucleation in the suction line device.

Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the suction device according to the invention.

In particular, a guide element is provided for coupling fluid from the dispensing device into the suction line device, which is positioned at respective mouths of the dispensing device and the suction device. This makes it possible to couple fluid directly from the dispensing device into the suction line device. In one embodiment, a sensor checks a correct position of the guide element with respect to the suction line device and / or the dispensing device. As a result, a cleaning process in the suction line device can be carried out in a simple manner.

It is favorable if a control device carries out a cleaning automatically, wherein in particular a start of the cleaning process is operated manually. As a result, an effective and reproducible cleaning of the suction line device can be achieved. By manually actuating the triggering process, an operator can "prepare" for the cleaning process.

In particular, the control device sets a delivery of fluid in the dispensing device to a specific first period of time and adjusts suction of the suction line device via a suction unit. As a result, effective flushing of the suction line device is achieved with simultaneous suction of the dirty liquid.

It is also advantageous if the control device after switching off the promotion in the discharge device maintains the operation of the suction unit for a certain second period of time. It is thereby prevented that liquid from the suction line device can run back to the outside.

In particular, fluid which has passed through the suction line device is received in a dirty water tank. As a result, the burden on the outside world is minimized by the cleaning process.

The inventive method can be carried out with the suction device according to the invention.

The suction device according to the invention can be operated with the method according to the invention. The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention.

Show it :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a

Steam device, which is also designed as a suction device; a schematic block diagram representation of components of the steam device according to Figure 1; a partial perspective view of the steam device according to Figure 1 without outer lining in a first view; a partial perspective view without outer lining in a second view; an enlarged view of the area according to Figure 3 with a control panel and a control device; the same view as Figure 1, wherein operating modes of the steam device are shown schematically; the steam device according to Figure 1 as a suction device, wherein a suction pipe for a cleaning mode is positioned on the suction device;

Figure 8 shows a variant with a guide element; and FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of a guide element with a positioned suction tube and positioned dispensing device. An exemplary embodiment of a steam device, which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 and denoted by 10 there, is also designed as a suction device. The steam device 10 is then a Dampfsauggerät. The steam device 10 has a base 14, which is in particular plate-shaped. At the base 14, a wheel device 16 is arranged, via which the steam device 10 as a whole is mobile. The steam device 10 is designed as a mobile device. The base 14 holds a body of the steam device 10.

In one embodiment, the wheel assembly 16 includes a rear wheel assembly 18 and a front wheel assembly 20. The rear wheel assembly 18 includes a right rear wheel 24a and a left rear wheel 24b with respect to a front side 22 of the steam engine 10. The front wheel device 20 comprises a right-hand steering roller 26a and a left-hand steering roller 26b. About the wheel device 16, the steam device 10 can be set up on a base.

At the base 14 components of the steam device 10 are arranged. The steam device 10 comprises a fluid supply device 28, through which fluid can be provided.

In one embodiment, the fluid delivery device 28 comprises a clear water delivery device 30. The clear water delivery device 30 is a clear water tank 32, which sits on the base 14 at or in the region of the front side 22, for example.

The clear water tank 32 is arranged in particular on the base 14 so that it can be removed for refilling.

In principle, it is also possible that the clear water supply device 30 is formed, for example, by a connection to a clear water line. The fluid supply device 28 further comprises a cleaning agent supply device 34. This is in particular designed as a detergent tank 36.

The detergent delivery device 34 provides a particularly liquid chemical cleaning additive, in particular to be able to provide a mixture of clear water (supplied by the clear water supply device 30) and cleaning agent.

The detergent tank 36 is disposed on the base 14 adjacent to the clear water tank 32.

The fluid supply device 28 also has a steam generator 38, which is arranged on the base 14.

The steam generator 38 is in fluidly effective connection with the clear water tank 32. Steam is generated by the steam generator 38 from clear water.

Furthermore, a suction unit 40, which comprises a suction fan device 42, is arranged on the base 14. A suction flow for a suction operation of the steam device 10 can be generated via the suction fan device 42. At the base 14, a recovery tank 44 is arranged. The dirty water tank 44 is in particular removably positioned. In the waste water tank 44 sucked in by the suction fan 42 sucked dirty water. The power supply of the steam device 10 can be carried out via mains power or it can be provided a battery device. In the latter case, a receiving device for the battery device is arranged on the base 14, wherein in particular the battery device comprises one or more rechargeable batteries.

The steam device 10 has on the body an outer lining 46, which defines an inner space 48, in which the corresponding components of the steam device 10 are arranged protected.

The outer panel 46 may include one or more removable elements or doors to allow access to corresponding components.

In one embodiment, clear water tank 32 and detergent tank 36 are positioned on base 14 in the manner of drawers. Via a guide, the clear water tank 32 and the cleaning agent tank 36 can be pulled out and removed from the steam device 10. In particular, the clear water tank 32 and the detergent tank 36 are independently removable.

The dirty water tank 44 is arranged on one transverse side 50 and removable in one embodiment.

The steam appliance 10 has an ironing handle 52 in one embodiment. This bow-shaped handle 52 is arranged on a rear side 54 facing away from the front side 22. An operator can push the steam appliance 10 as a whole via the bow handle 52. For example, the operator can also do that

Steam device 10 tilt about an axis on the rear wheel 18, so that the steam device 10 is supported only on the rear wheel 18 on a base to allow in particular a lighter shift operation.

On the rear side 54 or the bow-shaped handle 52, in one embodiment, holders 56 for accessories such as, for example, cleaning nozzles are arranged. In a further exemplary embodiment, spaced-apart holders 58a, 58b for an electrical supply line are arranged at the rear end 54, to which the supply line can be wound, in particular. The steam appliance 10 has a control device 60. By the

Control device 60 are different operating modes of the steam device 10 controllable.

The steam appliance 10 has an operating panel 62. On the operating panel 62, in one embodiment, a selector switch 64, which in particular is a rotary switch, is arranged, by means of which an operator can select the corresponding operating mode.

Furthermore, one or more switches 66 are arranged on the control panel 62. By way of example, one or more switches can initiate certain operating modes of the steam device 10.

The steam device 10 comprises an application device 68, via which fluid can be discharged. The dispensing device 68 (see also FIG. 2) is in fluid-effective connection with the fluid-providing device 28.

In one embodiment, the dispenser 68 includes a first injection point 70 for steam from the steam generator 38. The first injection point 70 is connected downstream of a controllable first valve 72. This first valve 72 is, for example, a solenoid valve and is controlled by the control device 60. It is formed, for example, multi-level.

Via the first valve 72 it is possible to set whether steam is coupled into the discharge device 68 and what quantity of steam is coupled from the steam generator 38 into the discharge device 68. In FIG. 2, the flow of steam is symbolized by an arrow with a superscript 1.

The clear water supply device 30 is a controllable second valve 74, which is for example a solenoid valve, downstream. This second valve 74 is controlled by the control device 60. Downstream of the second valve 74 is a mixing device 76, in which clear water with cleaning agent is miscible when the mixing device 76 detergent is provided. The mixing device 76 is designed, for example, as a Y-piece.

The cleaning agent supply device 34 is followed by a controllable third valve 78, which is controlled by the control device 60. The third valve 78 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

The mixing device 76 is connected downstream of the third valve 78.

When the second valve 74 is open, clear water flows to the mixing device 76. If the third valve 78 is open, then cleaning agent flows out of the detergent tank 36 to the mixing device 76 and mixing can take place there.

For example, the third valve 78 is formed as a metering valve to adjust the mixing ratio of detergent and clear water.

If the second valve 74 is open and the third valve 78 is closed, then the mixing device 76 is supplied only clear water.

When the second valve 74 is closed and the third valve 78 is closed, no flow of fluid is provided to the mixing device 76. It is particularly contemplated that the third valve 78 may not be open when the second valve 74 is closed. The control device 60 accordingly ensures that when the second valve 74 is closed, the third valve 78 can not be open.

Downstream of the mixing device 76 is a first pump 80. On the inlet side, the first pump 80 is fluidically connected to the mixing device 76. Via a second coupling point 82, the dispensing device 68 is fluidly connected to the clear water supply device 30. Via a third coupling point 84, the dispensing device 68 is fluidically connected to the mixing device 76. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the second coupling point 82 and the third coupling point 84 coincide. These are the output side connected to the first pump 80.

From the mixing device 76, the discharge device 68 clear water can be provided. This is indicated in Figure 2 by an arrow with a superscript 3. In this case, the third valve 78 is closed.

It may be provided by the mixing device 76, a mixture of clear water and detergent. This is indicated in Figure 2 by an arrow with a superscript 4.

It is also possible for the dispensing device 68 to be provided with no fluid by the mixing device 76. Between the clear water supply device 30 with the clear water tank 32 and the steam generator 38, a second pump 86 is arranged. This second pump 86 delivers clear water from the clear water tank 32 to the steam generator 38 when the liquid level falls below a threshold there, so that sufficient clear water is ready to the steam generator 38 to generate steam.

The steam device 10 has a steam mode in which only steam is provided by the Ausbringeinrichtung 68. In the discharge device 68 then flows only steam, which is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow with the superscript 1.

In this steam mode, the second valve 74 and the third valve 78 are closed. The first valve 72 is open and it is particularly adjustable, which amount of steam is provided. This adjustment takes place, in particular, on the operating panel 62, for example via the selector switch 64.

The steam generator 10 also has a hydrovapo mode, in which steam supplied by the steam generator 38 is mixed with liquid clear water. The dispenser 68 provides a two phase mixture of steam and liquid in this hydrovapo mode. This is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow with the superscript 2. In this hydrovapo mode, the first valve 72 and the second valve 74 are open. The third valve 78 is closed.

The coupling and thus the admixture of clear water at the discharge device 68 takes place at the second coupling point 82. There, in particular a Y-piece is provided.

The steam device 10 also has a detergent mode in which the discharge device 68, a mixture of clear water and detergent (as a chemical additive to the clear water) can be discharged.

In this detergent mode, no steam is provided; the first valve 72 is closed. The second valve 74 and the third valve 78 are open, with a fixed dosage or an adjustable dosage of detergent can be done.

At the mixing device 76, the mixture of clear water and detergent is formed. About the first pump 80, this mixture is introduced at the third Einkopplungsstelle 84 in the discharge device 68 and transported there.

The flow of this mixture of clear water and cleaning agent is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow with raised 3.

In the steam appliance 10 according to the invention, there is a rinsing mode in which clear water is introduced into the dispenser 68, as will be described in more detail below. The corresponding flow is indicated in Figure 2 by the arrow 4 with superscript. In this purge mode, the first valve 72 is closed and the third valve 78 is closed. The second valve 74 is open so that clear water from the clear water tank 32 passes through the mixing device 76 (where no mixing takes place there) conveyed by the first pump 80 into the discharge device 68 and then flows therein.

The valves 72, 74, 78 are arranged on the base 14.

The steam device 10 includes a suction conduit means 88 which is in fluid communication with the suction fan means 42 to permit suction and, in particular, liquid suction.

In one embodiment, the suction line device 88 comprises a suction tube 90, which may be formed in one piece or in several parts. On the suction tube 90 sits a handle member 92 for holding by an operator. The suction tube 90 is particularly rigid and accordingly, the handle member 92 is formed. On the grip element 92, a switching device 94 can sit with one or more switches, via which certain settings for the operation of the steam device 10 can be carried out. Accordingly, the switching device 94 is signal-effectively coupled to the control device 60.

On the grip element 92, a hose 96 is arranged, of which only partial areas are shown in FIG. The hose 96 is particularly flexible and connected via a connection 98 which is seated on a housing 14 disposed on the base, fixed or releasably connected.

The suction line device 88 has a suction mouth 100 on the tube 90. To the suction pipe 90, a nozzle 102 or the like can be connected in the region of the suction orifice 100. The dispensing device 68 comprises a hose 104. This hose 104 is mechanically at least partially connected to the suction line device 88.

In one embodiment, the hose 104 is guided on and connected to the hose 96 (suction hose).

The hose 104 of the dispenser 68 is further guided on or in the handle member 92 and disposed on the suction tube 90. The dispensing device 68 has a dispensing orifice 106, which is arranged at or in the vicinity of the suction orifice 100.

In particular, the Ausbringmündung 106 and the suction port 100 are in a mechanically fixed relation to each other.

A tool, which is connectable to the suction pipe 90, is in particular designed so that a suction operation and a discharge operation is possible. Up to a certain range, the suction line device 88 and the discharge device 68 also extend into the interior 48 of the steam device 10. After operation of the steam device 10 in a detergent mode, there are basically 68 residues of chemical cleaning agent in the discharge device. In a subsequent steam operation aerosols can thereby arise, which are discharged via the Ausbringmündung 106. Aerosol formation is undesirable. To prevent the formation of aerosol, the purge mode is provided.

When flushing mode, as shown in Figure 6, the discharge device 68 flows through with clear water. As a result, detergent residues are rinsed out in the dispensing device 68. In a subsequent operation in the steam mode then such detergent residues are discharged for the most part and there can be no more aerosol formation or the aerosol formation is minimized.

To carry out the rinsing mode, the control device 60 comprises a rinsing unit 108, which controls the execution of the rinsing mode.

It is thereby provided that the steam device 10 can only be operated in the steam mode if, after operation in the detergent mode, a rinse has been carried out in the rinse mode.

For this purpose, for example, the rinsing unit 108 has a corresponding memory, which sets a specific memory value when an operation was carried out in the detergent mode. For example, if an operator wishes to operate in a vapor mode, the controller 60 will allow such operation only if the particular memory value is not set. For this purpose, the control device 60 in particular queries the rinsing unit 108. When the operation is set to purge mode on the operation panel 62, the controller 60 closes the first valve 72 and the third valve 78, respectively, and checks whether the first valve 72 and the third valve 78 are already closed. There then takes place a clear water rinse for a certain period of time, which is for example between 10 s and 30 s and in particular between 15 s and 20 s.

In order to initiate such a rinsing process, in particular the operator must deliver a trigger signal. This is provided by switch operation on the switching device 94, for example.

It is then applied liquid. This liquid can be sucked in via the suction line device 88 and taken up in the dirty water tank 44. An operator may manually turn on a suction process, or the controller 60 controls the suction unit 40 to effect a suction operation.

The steam device 10 also has a suction mode in which the

Suction unit 40 generates a suction flow through which suction material via the suction line device 88 can be sucked. In particular, dirty water is sucked in. The suction operation can be carried out in a single pass or in combination with an operating mode in which fluid (liquid and / or vapor) is discharged.

Basically, after completion of the suction operation, an interior of the suction line device 88 is contaminated and, for example, increased nucleation can take place there. In principle, the suction line device 88 and the discharge device 68 are fluidically separated. For cleaning the suction line device 88, a guide element 110 is provided according to the invention, by means of which the discharge device 68 in the region of the Ausbringmündung 106 and the suction line 88 in the region of the suction port 100 fluidly connected to each other, so that fluid from the discharge device 68 in the suction line device 88 to the flushing and thereby cleaning can be coupled. The flushing fluid can be taken up by the dirty water tank 44.

The cleaning fluid for the suction conduit means 88 is provided by the fluid delivery means 28. In this case, it is fundamentally possible for clarified water, in particular from the clear water tank 32, to be used as the cleaning fluid, for the steam to be used by the steam generator 38, or for a mixture of clear water with cleaning agent to be used. In a structurally favorable embodiment, clear water is used as cleaning fluid.

In one embodiment, the baffle 110 is disposed on the base 14. At a height distance from the guide element 110 sits a holder 112 for the suction pipe 90 (with the arranged thereon part of the application device 68). The guide element 110 is designed such that the suction tube with the part of the dispensing device 68 arranged thereon can be set up on an upper side 114 (compare, for example, FIG. 6). It is the suction tube 90 with the suction port 100 and the Ausbringmündung 106 erectable. The nozzle 102 is removed. About the holder 112, this object can be fixed relative to the base 14 (see Figure 7).

The guide element 110 includes, as indicated in Figures 8 and 9, a first receptacle 116 for the suction pipe and a second receptacle 118 for the delivery device 68 in the region of the Ausbringmündung 106. The first

The receptacle 116 and the second receptacle 118 are connected to one another via a channel 120. The channel 120 provides a type of fluid short circuit between the dispenser 68 and the suction line device 88 ready.

In this case, the guide element 110 has a sealing device 122, which ensures a fluid-tight connection of the suction tube to the first receptacle 116 and a fluid-tight connection of the dispensing device 68 to the second receptacle 118.

In the embodiment described above, the guide member 110 is fixedly fixed to the base 14 with respect to this.

A cleaning mode for the suction line device 88 can then be carried out when the suction pipe 90 is fixed relative to the base 14 via the holder 112 and the guide element 110.

In principle, it is also possible, as indicated in FIG. 8, for the guide element 110 to be a separate element from the base 14 or to be detachable from the base 14, which can be connected to the suction line device 88 and the discharge device 68, in order to also provide a cleaning mode to perform when the suction tube 90 is not fixed relative to the base 14.

In particular, when the baffle 110 is fixed relative to the base 14 and disposed thereon, a sensor 124 is provided which detects whether the suction tube 90 with the corresponding part of the dispenser 68 is correctly positioned on the baffle 110 for fluid injection the dispensing device 68 in the suction line device 88 to allow. The sensor 114 is designed, for example, as a (micro) switch which, when correctly positioned, supplies a signal and, in particular, a switching signal to the control device 60. This switching signal is in particular an enable signal for a flushing process.

The controller 60 controls execution of the cleaning mode. For example, the cleaning mode is manually initiated, such as by appropriate operation on the control panel on the handle member 92. If a sensor 124 is provided, then in particular a performance is only possible if a corresponding release signal is present.

In particular, the cleaning process in the cleaning mode is controlled by the control device 60 so that for a certain first time duration fluid (in particular clear water) from the discharge device 68 is coupled into the suction line device 88 by means of the guide element 110. This time period is, for example, in the range between 10 s and 30 s and, for example, about 20 s. The control device 60 then also controls the suction unit 40, so that the liquid is sucked in and the waste water tank 44 is supplied.

During the determined first time period, the control device 60 in particular activates the first pump 80 in order to convey fluid and in particular clear water in the dispensing device 68.

After expiration of the determined first time period, the first pump 80 is turned off.

In one embodiment, the control device ensures by appropriate control of the suction unit 40 that a suction operation for a certain second period of time is maintained. This particular second period of time is, for example, in the range between 10 s and 25 s and, for example, approximately 15 s. It is achieved as complete as possible suction of fluid from the suction line 88. After performing the cleaning mode, the suction line device 88 is cleaned at its interior and, for example, the risk of nucleation is minimized. The cleaning mode can also be performed on the device 10, if this has no steam generating function and this particular is a suction device.

Reference numeral list steam appliance

Dampfsauggerät

Base

wheel means

rear facility

Vorderradeinrichutng

front

a right rear wheel

b left rear wheel

a right castor

b left castor

Fluid delivery device

Clear water supply device Clear water tank

Detergent Supply Device Detergent tank

steam generator

suction unit

Sauggebläseeinrichtung

Recovery tank

Siding

inner space

transverse side

bow handle

back

holder

a holder

b holder

control device

Control panel

selector switch

Dispensing device first injection point first valve

second valve

Mixing device third valve

first pump

second injection point third injection point second pump

Suction line device intake manifold

handle element

switching device

tube

connection

suction mouth

jet

tube

Ausbringmündung flushing unit

vane

bracket

top

first shot second shot

channel

Sealing device sensor

Claims

claims

A suction device comprising a suction unit (40), suction means (88) in fluid communication with the suction unit (40), fluid delivery means (28), fluid delivery means (68) in fluid communication with the fluid supply device (28) is, and a guide element (110) which is coupled to the discharge device (68) and the Saugieitungseinrichtung (88) and which fluid from the discharge device (68) in the Saugieitungseinrichtung (88) for cleaning the Saugieitungseinrichtung (88) passes.

2. Suction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide element (110) for connection to a Ausbringmündung (106) of the discharge device (88) and / or to a suction port (100) of the Saugieitungseinrichtung (88) is formed.

3. Suction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide element (110) is one of the Saugieitungseinrichtung (88) and / or the dispensing device (68) releasable part and is arranged on the suction device or a separable from the suction device or separate Part is.

4. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the guide element (110) is designed as a support element on which a suction tube (90) of the suction device (88) can be placed.

5. Suction device according to claim 4, characterized by a holder (112) for the suction pipe (90) by means of which the suction pipe (90) on the suction device in particular at the suction line means (88) and the discharge device (68) coupled guide element (110) fixable is.

6. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the guide element (110) comprises at least one channel (120) through which fluid can be flowed from the discharge device (68) into the suction line device (88).

7. Suction device according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide element (110) comprises a sealing device (122) for a fluid-tight connection of the dispensing device (68) and a fluid-tight connection of the suction line device (88).

8. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the suction line device (88) and the discharge device (68) are mechanically interconnected at least in a partial region, wherein in particular the suction line device (88) and the discharge device (68) are mechanically interconnected in the region of their mouths (100; ,

9. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the dispensing device (68) and the suction line device (88) are fluidically separated from one another without the guide element (110).

10. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the suction line device (88) comprises at least one pipe (90) and / or at least one hose (96).

11. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the dispensing device (68) comprises at least one tube and / or at least one tube.

12. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the fluid supply device (28) comprises a clear water supply device (30) and / or a detergent supply device (34) and / or a supply device (76) for a mixture of detergent and clear water and / or a steam generator (38). includes.

13. Suction device according to claim 12, characterized in that as cleaning fluid for the suction line device (88) clear water, or a mixture of clear water and cleaning agent, or steam is provided.

14. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the guide element (110) is assigned a sensor (124) which detects a correct positioning on the suction line device (88) and / or the discharge device (68).

15. Suction device according to claim 14, characterized in that the sensor (124) is arranged on the guide element (110).

16. A suction device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the sensor (124) is designed as a switch, wherein a switch operation by a certain positioning of the suction line means (88) and / or the dispensing device (68) on the guide element (110) ,

17. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device (60) which automatically performs a cleaning operation of the suction line device (88) in a cleaning mode, wherein in particular a start of the cleaning process is triggered by an operator.

18. A suction device according to claim 17, characterized by a pump (80), which promotes fluid in the discharge mode (68) in the cleaning mode, and which is controlled by the control device (60).

19. A suction device according to claim 18, characterized in that a fluid delivery takes place for a certain first period of time.

20. Suction device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the control device (60) controls the suction unit (40), wherein in particular the suction unit (40) during the delivery of fluid in the discharge device (68) is operated in the cleaning mode.

21. Suction device according to claim 20, characterized in that the

Suction unit (40) for a certain second period of time after switching off the promotion of fluid in the discharge device (68) is operated.

22. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design as a mobile device, which is in particular mobile.

23. Suction device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design as a steam device through which steam can be discharged.

24. A method for operating a suction device, which comprises a Saugleitungs- device (88) and a discharge device (68) for fluid, wherein for cleaning the Saugleitungseinrichtung (88) fluid from the discharge device (68) is coupled into the suction line means (88) and is sucked in the suction line device (88) via a suction unit (40) of the suction device.

25. A method for operating a suction device according to claim 24, characterized in that for the coupling of fluid from the dispensing device (68) in the suction line means (88) a guide element (110) is used, which at respective mouths (100, 106) of the dispensing device (68) and suction guide (88) is positioned.

26. A method for operating a suction device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that a sensor (124) checks a correct position of the guide element (110) with respect to the suction line means (88) and / or dispensing means (68).

27. A method for operating a suction device according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that a control device (60) performs a cleaning automatically, in particular, a start of the cleaning process is manually operated.

28. A method for operating a suction device according to claim 27, characterized in that the control device (60) adjusts a delivery of fluid in the discharge device (68) for a certain first period of time and a suction in the suction line means (88) via a suction unit (40 ).

29. A method for operating a suction device according to claim 28, characterized in that the control device (60) after switching off the promotion in the discharge device (68), the operation of the suction unit (40) for a certain second period of time maintains.

30. A method for operating a suction device according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the fluid which has passed through the Saugleitungsein- direction (88), in a recovery tank (44) is received.