WO2015081985A1

WO2015081985A1 - Controller for controlling the output of a high-pressure cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2015081985A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/075349
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Rubbe; Kai Trautwein; Felix Winter
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2013-12-03
Filing date: 2013-12-03
Publication date: 2015-06-11

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning device (10) comprising an electric motor (12), a pump (14), a switching unit (20) for activating and deactivating the electric motor (12), and a controller (22) for controlling the output of the electric motor. The switching unit (20) has an operating element (44) which can be actuated by the user and which is coupled to a switch element (32) of the switching unit (30) via a selector shaft (46; 126), and the controller (30) has a control element (40) which can be actuated by the user. The aim of the invention is to allow an inexpensive production of the high-pressure cleaning device. This is achieved in that the selector shaft (46; 126) has a first selector shaft portion (50; 128) and a second selector shaft portion (52; 130) which are coupled to each other via a coupling device (64; 146). A first actuating element (104) is arranged on the first selector shaft portion (50; 128) in order to actuate the switch element (32), and the first selector shaft portion (50; 128) together with the second selector shaft portion (52; 130) can be rotated back-and-forth between a first switch position and a second switch position. A second actuating element (112) is arranged on the second selector shaft portion (52; 130) in order to actuate the control element (40), and the second switch haft portion (52; 130) can be rotated back-and-forth relative to the first selector shaft portion (50; 128) between the second switch position and a third switch position.

Description

CONTROL DEVICE FOR PERFORMANCE CONTROL ONE

HIGH PRESSURE WASHING MACHINE

The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning device comprising an electric motor, a pump driven by the electric motor, a switching unit for switching on and off of the electric motor and a control device for controlling the power of the electric motor, wherein the switching unit comprises a user-operable control element, via a switching shaft with a Switching member of the switching unit is coupled, and wherein the control device comprises a user-operable control member.

With the help of such high-pressure cleaning devices, a cleaning liquid, such as water, put under pressure and be directed, for example via a pressure hose and arranged at the free end of the pressure hose nozzle head to an object to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid is conveyed by a pump which is driven by an electric motor. For switching on and off the electric motor, the high-pressure cleaning devices on a switching unit. The switching unit forms a main switch and can be operated by the user with the aid of a control element, for example a rotary knob. The control element is connected via a switching shaft with a switching element of the switching unit in connection.

In order to be able to change the pressure of the cleaning fluid discharged by the high-pressure cleaning device or also the quantity of cleaning fluid delivered per unit of time, it is known to vary the electric power of the electric motor. For this purpose, EP 1 384 529 A2 proposes the use of a control device, in particular a phase control, which can be set by the user to a desired engine power. The setting of the engine power is done by means of a control element, such as a potentiometer. Object of the present invention is to develop a high-pressure cleaning device of the type mentioned in such a way that it can be produced inexpensively.

This object is achieved in a high-pressure cleaner of the generic type according to the invention that the shift shaft a first

Switch shaft portion and a second switching shaft portion which are coupled together via a coupling device, wherein the first switching shaft portion, a first actuating element is held for actuating the switching member and the first switching shaft portion together with the second switching shaft portion between a first switching position and a second switching position is rotated back and forth , and wherein on the second switching shaft portion, a second actuating element is held for actuating the control member and the second switching shaft portion relative to the first switching shaft portion between the second switching position and a third switching position is rotated back and forth.

When high-pressure cleaning device according to the invention, a switching shaft is used, which has two coupled via a coupling device switching shaft sections. The switching shaft can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. In the rotation angle range between a first shift position and a second shift position, the two shift shaft sections are rotatably coupled to each other, whereas they are decoupled from each other in the rotation angle range between the second shift position and the third shift position with respect to a rotational movement. At the first switching shaft portion, a first actuating element is arranged, which cooperates with the switching member of the switching unit. The switching on and off of the electric motor takes place by rotating the first switching shaft section between the first switching position and the second switching position. In the first switching position, the electric motor can be switched off and in the second switching position, the electric motor can be switched on. The arranged on the first switching shaft portion first actuator can cooperate with a conventional switching unit, which in both high-pressure cleaning devices for Can be used that allow control of engine performance by the user, as well as high-pressure cleaning devices in which the engine power can not be controlled by the user. The switching unit can thus be produced in large quantities.

The engine power is controlled by rotating the second switching shaft section between the second shift position and the third shift position. At the second switching shaft portion, a second actuating element is arranged, which cooperates with the control member of the control device for controlling the engine power. In the rotation angle range between the first shift position and the second shift position of the shift shaft, the second shift shaft portion is non-rotatably connected to the first shift shaft portion. This gives the user the opportunity to turn on and off the electric motor, the second switching shaft portion together with the first switching shaft portion about the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft between the first switching position and the second switching position. The second

For this purpose, the switching shaft section can have, at its free end facing away from the first switching shaft section, a user-operable control element, for example a rotary knob or rotary handle. To control the engine power of the second switching shaft portion can be rotated between its second switching position and a third switching position, wherein it is decoupled with respect to a rotational movement of the first switching shaft portion. This gives the possibility to vary the engine power between two power levels. It can be provided, for example, that the electric motor in the second switching position of the switching shaft has its maximum power, whereas the electric motor has a reduced motor power in the third switching position. The electric motor may have 100% of its engine power in the second shift position, and in the third shift position, the electric motor may have a reduced engine power of, for example, 50% to 90%, in particular 70% to 80% of the maximum engine power.

The engine power is controlled by means of the second actuating element arranged on the second switching shaft section. This can be for the Control of engine power, a conventional control device with a conventional control element are used, which can be actuated by the second actuator. Such controllers and control members are known per se to the user. As a control device, for example, a phase control can be used. The control member of the control device can be configured for example in the form of a switch which can be actuated by the second actuating element. The high-pressure cleaning device according to the invention can be produced inexpensively, since the switching on and off of the electric motor and the control of the power of the electric motor conventional switching and control elements can be used, which can be produced in large quantities and therefore cost.

In order to simplify the assembly of the shift shaft, it is advantageous if the first shift shaft portion with the second shift shaft portion in the longitudinal direction of the shift shaft is pluggable connectable. Preferably, the two switching shaft sections can be inserted into each other.

It is favorable if one of the two shift shaft sections has an undercut which can be gripped behind by at least one radially deformable latching hook of the other shift shaft section. When mating the two switching shaft sections can thus be made a latching connection, so that then the two switching shaft sections can not be separated easily in the axial direction from each other.

The undercut is conveniently designed as a torus or as an annular recess.

Preferably, the undercut of two diametrically opposite latching hooks can be engaged behind. This increases the mechanical stability of the locking connection. The two latching hooks can interact in the manner of a clip, which receive the undercut between them. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the undercut on the first switching shaft portion and the at least one latching hook is arranged on the second switching shaft portion.

In order to decouple in a structurally simple manner the second switching shaft section with respect to a rotational movement from the first switching shaft section, provided that the second switching shaft section is rotated beyond the second switching position into the third switching position, it is favorable if at the first switching shaft section at least one rotational movement of the first switching shaft section limiting stop element is arranged, which rests in the second switching position of the first switching shaft portion on a non-rotatable stop surface. The at least one stop element prevents movement of the first switching shaft section from the second switching position to the third switching position. Such a movement is made possible only the second switching shaft section. As soon as the first shift shaft section reaches the second shift position, the at least one stop element bears against the rotationally fixed stop face of the high-pressure cleaning device and therefore impedes further rotational movement. This makes it easier to decouple the second shift shaft section with respect to a rotational movement from the first shift shaft section.

The rotationally fixed stop surface can be formed for example by a housing part of the high-pressure cleaner.

In particular, it can be provided that the rotationally fixed stop surface is formed by a switching housing part of the switching unit for switching on and off of the electric motor.

The housing part of the switching housing can form, for example, a lid.

The at least one stop element is in an advantageous embodiment of the invention as obliquely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shift shaft off directed projection formed. The projection may be radially aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft. It forms a kind of cam, which bears against the associated non-rotatable abutment surface when the first shift shaft section assumes the second shift position.

It is particularly advantageous if two stop surfaces are arranged on the first switching shaft section in the axial direction at a distance, between which the first actuating element is positioned. In the second switching position, the two stop elements can each rest on an associated non-rotatable stop surface to prevent further rotational movement of the first switching shaft portion, and at the same time, the first actuating element, which is arranged between the two stop elements, abut the switching member of the switching unit to the electric motor for example, turn it on.

As already mentioned, in the high-pressure cleaning device according to the invention, a coupling device is used which enables a rotationally fixed coupling of the two switching shaft sections in the rotation angle range between the first switching position and the second switching position of the switching shaft and a rotationally movable coupling of the two switching shaft sections in the rotation angle range between the second switching position and the third switching position ,

It is advantageous if the coupling device has at least one first coupling member, which is non-rotatably connected to one of the two switching shaft sections, and at least one second coupling member which is rotatably connected to the other switching shaft portion, wherein the first and second coupling members upon rotation of the second Switch shaft portion between the first switching position and the second switching position rotatably connected to each other and are rotatable relative to each other upon rotation of the second switching shaft portion between the second switching position and the third switching position. At least a first coupling member is thus held against rotation on the first switching shaft section and at least one second coupling member is on the second switching shaft section held against rotation. In the rotational angle range between the first switching position and the second switching position, the coupling members cooperate with each other such that a rotational movement of the second switching shaft portion is transmitted to the first switching shaft portion. The relative position of the coupling members to each other thus does not change in the rotation angle range between the first switching position and the second switching position. In contrast, the coupling members in the rotation angle range between the second switching position and the third switching position are movable relative to each other, so that the two switching shaft sections are decoupled from each other with respect to a rotational movement.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one first coupling element has a first abutment surface on which a second coupling element abuts when the second switching shaft section rotates from the first switching position to the second switching position, wherein the second coupling element is deflected by the second switching shaft section Switching position to the third switching position is rotatable relative to the first contact surface. If the second switching shaft section is rotated starting from the first switching position, then the at least one second coupling element, which is non-rotatably connected to the second switching shaft section, contacts a first contact surface of a first coupling element, so that a torque is applied to the first contact surface by the second coupling element is exercised and thereby the first coupling member and rotatably connected to this first switching shaft portion is rotated. The transmission of torque from the second shift shaft section to the first shift shaft section takes place until the second shift position is reached. A further rotation of the second switching shaft section then has the consequence that the at least one second coupling member detaches from the associated first contact surface. In the rotation angle range between the second shift position and the third shift position, no torque can therefore be transmitted between the coupling members, so that the second shift shaft portion is decoupled from the first shift shaft portion with respect to a rotational movement. The first contact surface is favorably aligned obliquely to the direction of rotation of the second coupling member. This gives the second coupling member the possibility of sliding along the second switching position beyond the second switching position into the third switching position on the first contact surface, wherein the second coupling member simultaneously performs a movement radially outward.

Preferably, the at least one first coupling member has a second contact surface against which a second coupling member abuts when the second switching shaft section moves from the second switching position into the first switching position. If the second switching shaft section is rotated from the second switching position back into the first switching position, a torque can be transmitted to the first switching shaft section via the second coupling element and the second contact surface, so that the same also merges into the first switching position.

The second contact surface is advantageously aligned perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the second coupling member.

It is advantageous if the at least one first coupling member has a third contact surface on which the second coupling member rests in the third switching position of the second switching shaft section. Upon rotation of the second switching shaft section from the second switching position into the third switching position, the second coupling element thus increasingly approaches the third contact surface starting from the first contact surface. The third contact surface is achieved when the second switching shaft section has reached the third switching position. The third contact surface forms a limiting element, which prevents rotation of the second switching shaft section, starting from the second switching position beyond the third switching position.

The third contact surface may, for example, be aligned perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the second coupling member. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling device has a coupling disc and at least one opposite to an elastic restoring force radially outwardly movable driver, wherein the coupling disc is rotatably connected to one of the two switching shaft sections and the at least one driver is rotatably connected to the other of the two switching shaft sections, and wherein the coupling disc has on its peripheral surface a coupling contour against which the at least one driver rests. In the sense of the preceding explanations, the coupling disc forms a first coupling member and the at least one driver forms a second coupling member. The use of the coupling disc increases the mechanical stability of the coupling device.

It is particularly advantageous if the coupling device has two counter to an elastic restoring force radially outwardly movable driver, between which the coupling disc is arranged.

In the rotation angle range between the first shift position and the second shift position, torque can be transmitted from the second shift shaft section to the first shift shaft section via the at least one driver and the coupling disk, so that a rotationally fixed connection is formed between the two shift shaft sections. In the rotation angle range between the second shift position and the third shift position, the at least one driver can slide along the coupling contour of the coupling disk, so that no torque can be transmitted between the two shift shaft sections and these are thus decoupled from one another with respect to a rotational movement.

The coupling contour advantageously has at least one depression, into which a driver is immersed during a rotation of the second switching shaft section between the first and the second switching position, the driver being rotatable relative to the depression during a rotation of the second switching shaft section between the second and the third switching position. On the At least one driver and the depression associated therewith can be transmitted in the rotational angle range between the first switching position and the second switching position, a torque between the two switching shaft sections. However, such a torque transmission is not possible in the rotation angle range between the second switching position and the third switching position, since in this rotation angle range of the at least one driver is rotatable relative to the recess.

It is advantageous if the coupling contour has two diametrically opposite recesses. Upon rotation of the second switching shaft section between the first and the second switching position, a driver can dip into the depressions. The provision of two diametrically opposed recesses allows a symmetrical mechanical loading of the coupling disc by the respectively immersed in a recess driver and thereby increases the mechanical stability of the coupling device.

It is advantageous if the coupling disc has at least one radial extension, against which a driver bears in the third switching position of the second switching shaft section. The radial extension can form a third contact surface, as has already been explained above. With the aid of the radial extension of the coupling disc, a rotational movement of the second switching shaft section beyond the third switching position can be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coupling disc is rotatably connected to the first switching shaft portion and the at least one driver is rotatably connected to the second switching shaft portion.

The at least one driver is held in an advantageous embodiment of a resiliently deformable in the radial direction spring arm. This allows a structurally simple way, the at least one driver in radial direction against the action of an elastic restoring force to move radially outward.

The spring arm is conveniently aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shift shaft.

It is particularly advantageous if the spring arm is integrally connected to a switching shaft section. This allows a cost-effective production. In particular, it can be provided that the spring arm and a switching shaft portion are configured together as a one-piece plastic molding.

The at least one driver preferably has a metallic surface, as this frictional forces that occur in a movement of the driver relative to the coupling disc can be kept low.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one driver consists of metal.

The coupling disc is conveniently made of a plastic material, in particular of a thermoplastic plastic material, for example of polyoxymethylene (POM).

In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling disc on a positioning member which is releasably connected in the third switching position with a driver. In particular, it can be provided that a driver in the third switching position of the second switching shaft portion with the positioning member is releasably latched. When the second shift shaft section reaches its third shift position, the user obtains a haptic feedback by establishing the connection between the positioning member of the coupling disc and a driver, in particular by establishing a detent connection, so that the user reliably recognizes that the third shift position has been reached , Establishing a detachable connection between the positioning member and a driver also has the Advantage that occurring vibrations between the two switching shaft sections can be counteracted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the high-pressure cleaning device has a non-rotatably fixed holding device, which is detachably connectable in the first and second switching position with the first switching shaft portion. The holding device may for example be fixed against rotation on the motor, on the pump and / or on the switching unit and forms a holder for the first switching shaft section both in the first switching position and in the second switching position.

The holding device preferably has a holding clamp that is elastically expandable in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft and that clasps a holding member which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first switching shaft portion. If the first shift shaft section is rotated between the first shift position and the second shift position, the retaining clip can spread elastically in order to allow the first shift shaft section to rotate.

The holding member is conveniently formed as a retaining plate, on the peripheral surface of the retaining clip partially applied.

It is advantageous if the retaining disk has a substantially square outer contour. In a first switching position and in a rotated by an angle of rotation of 90 ° about the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft second switching position, two diametrically opposed and mutually parallel holding legs of the retaining clip can rest on opposite sides of the retaining plate in such an embodiment of the retaining disk. In the transition region between the first shift position and the second shift position, the elastically deformable retaining clip can spread open in order to rotate the retaining disk together with the first shift shaft section relative to the retaining clip. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the coupling device has a non-rotatably fixed decoupling member, wherein the second switching shaft portion is decoupled by means of the decoupling member in the transition from the second switching position to the third switching position of the first switching shaft portion with respect to a rotational movement. The decoupling member may for example be fixed against rotation on the motor, on the pump, on the switching unit of the high-pressure cleaning device and / or on the holding device explained above. If the second shift shaft section is rotated starting from the second shift position in the direction of the third shift position, then it is decoupled by means of the decoupling member with respect to a rotational movement of the first shift shaft portion, so that upon rotation of the second shift shaft portion beyond the second shift position in the third shift position no torque can be transmitted to the first switching shaft section.

If the second switching shaft portion is rotated starting from the third switching position back into the second switching position, he is on the second switching position conveniently automatically connected to the first switching shaft portion rotatably connected, so that in a subsequent rotation of the second switching shaft portion of the second switching position in the first switching position Also, the first switching shaft section is rotated accordingly.

The decoupling member has, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a control disk whose peripheral surface forms a control contour with a radial extension. At least one coupling element of the coupling device can slide against the control contour. If the second shift shaft section is rotated from the second shift position to the third shift position, the at least one coupling member slides along the radial extension of the control contour of the control disk and thereby releases the non-rotatable connection between the second shift shaft section and the first shift shaft section. The coupling member may be configured for example in the form of a driver, as described above in Individual was explained. The driver preferably cooperates with a coupling disc, wherein it dips in a rotation of the second switching shaft portion between the first switching position and the second switching position in a recess of the coupling disc and the recess releases upon rotation of the second switching shaft portion of the second switching position to the third switching position. To release the depression is conveniently the control disc is used, which has a radial extension, on which the driver slides in a rotation of the second switching shaft portion of the second switching position in the third switching position along, being moved radially outwards and thereby the recess of Coupling disc releases. If the driver is moved in the opposite direction, it is guided by the radial extension to the associated recess of the coupling disk and the driver reaches the recess as soon as the second switching shaft section has reached the second switching position starting from the third switching position. A further rotational movement in the direction of the first switching position is then transmitted via the driver and the coupling disk to the first switching shaft portion, so that this is rotated.

With regard to a compact and mechanically particularly stable embodiment, it is advantageous if the first switching shaft section rotatably passes through the control disk. In such an embodiment, the control disk not only has the function of achieving a decoupling of the second control shaft section from the first control shaft section with respect to a rotational movement, but additionally the control disk forms a holder and guide for the first control shaft section.

For the design of the actuating elements with which the switching element of the switching unit and the control member of the control device can be actuated, no further details have been made so far. It is advantageous if the first actuating element is designed as an eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft arranged switching range of the first switching shaft portion. In such an embodiment, the first shift shaft section is in Area of the first actuating element is not formed colinear to the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft but has an eccentric configuration. The eccentric portion of the first switching shaft portion forms a switching range, with the aid of which the switching element of the switching unit can be actuated.

The switching range is favorably curved arcuately.

The second actuator is conveniently formed as arranged eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft switching wing.

The switching wing may for example be designed L-shaped and have a first leg, which is radially aligned relative to the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft, and a second leg, which is aligned parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the switching shaft.

The control member of the control device is magnetically actuated in an advantageous embodiment, wherein a permanent magnet is held on the second actuating element. By a rotation of the second switching shaft portion in the third switching position of the arranged on the second actuator permanent magnet can be so far approximated to the control member that this is actuated magnetically.

The control member may be configured for example as a reed switch.

By the magnetic actuation of the reed switch, the control device can be provided with a control signal, so that the power of the electric motor is changed.

The following description of advantageous embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it : a perspective view of a high pressure cleaning device with the housing open; a perspective view of a switching unit of the high-pressure cleaning device of Figure 1, wherein a switching shaft assumes a first switching position; a side view of the switching unit with the switching shaft of Figure 2; a perspective view of the switching shaft of Figure 2; a perspective view of the switching shaft of Figure 2 in the manner of an exploded view; a sectional view of the switching shaft along the line 6-6 in Figure 3; a sectional view of the switching shaft along the line 7-7 in Figure 3; a sectional view of the switching shaft along the line 8-8 in Figure 3; a perspective view of the switching unit of the high-pressure cleaner of Figure 1, wherein the switching shaft assumes a second switching position; a side view of the switching unit with the switching shaft of Figure 9; a sectional view of the switching shaft along the line 11-11 in Figure 10; a sectional view of the switching shaft along the line 12-12 in Figure 10; Figure 13 is a sectional view of the shift shaft taken along the line 13-13 in Figure 10;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the switching unit of the high-pressure cleaning device of Figure 1, wherein the switching shaft assumes a third switching position.

Figure 15: a side view of the switching unit with the switching shaft of FIG

14;

FIG. 16: a sectional view of the selector shaft along the line 16-16 in FIG

Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a sectional view of the switching shaft taken along the line 17-17 in

Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a sectional view of the switching shaft taken along the line 18-18 in

Figure 15;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective illustration of an alternative embodiment of a switching unit of the high-pressure cleaning device from FIG. 1 with a switching shaft;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the switching shaft of Figure 19;

and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the switching shaft of FIG. 19

in the manner of an exploded view.

In the drawing, an advantageous embodiment of a high-pressure cleaner according to the invention is shown schematically, which is generally occupied by the reference numeral 10. The high-pressure cleaning device 10 is in Figure 1 shown with the housing open and includes an electric motor 12 and a pump 14 which is driven by the electric motor 12. The pump 14 has an inlet 16 for supplying a cleaning liquid, preferably water. In addition, the pump 14 has an outlet 18 through which the cleaning fluid pressurized by the pump can be dispensed. At the outlet 18 can be connected in a conventional manner an outlet, for example, a pressure hose, which carries at its free end a liquid dispensing device, such as a spray lance or a spray gun.

The user can switch the electric motor 12 on and off by means of a switching unit 20 and by means of a control device 22, he can change the power of the electric motor 12. The user thus has the option of operating the electric motor 12 at full power or else with a reduced power, wherein the reduced power may be for example 50% to 90%, in particular 70% to 80% of the maximum power.

The switching unit 20 has a switch housing 24 with a first housing part 26 and a second housing part 28. The second housing part 28 is formed in the manner of a lid and is releasably latched to the first housing part 26. In the switch housing 24, a switching device 30 is arranged for switching on and off of the electric motor 12. The switching device 30 can be actuated by a switching element 32 which is designed in the manner of a pivot lever.

The control device 22 has a control housing 34, in which a control circuit 36 is arranged. The control circuit 36 is connected via a multi-core connection cable 38 with a control member which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a reed switch 40. The reed switch 40 may be actuated by the user by means of a permanent magnet 42 for varying the power of the electric motor 12. For switching on and off of the electric motor 12 and to change its performance, the high-pressure cleaner 10, an operating element in the form of a rotary handle 44 which can be grasped by the user and via a switching shaft 46 with the switching element 32 of the switching unit 20 and also with the Reed switch 40 is coupled.

The switching shaft 46 can be rotated by the user by means of the rotary handle 44 about its longitudinal axis 48 between a first switching position shown schematically in Figure 2 and a second switching position shown schematically in Figure 9 and a third switching position shown schematically in Figure 14, back and forth. In the first switching position, the electric motor 12 is turned off, in the second switching position, the electric motor 12 is turned on and runs at its maximum power, and in the third switching position, the electric motor 12 is turned on and runs at a reduced engine power, for example, 70% to 80% of the maximum power ,

As is clear in particular from FIG. 5, the selector shaft 46 is designed in two parts. It has a first switching shaft section 50 and a second switching shaft section 52 aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis 48 of the switching shaft 46 in alignment with the first switching shaft section 50. The first switching shaft portion 50 is immersed in the switch housing 24 and the second switching shaft portion 52 carries at its end facing away from the first switching shaft portion 50 free end of the rotary handle 44th

The two switching shaft sections 50, 52 can be plugged together in the direction of the longitudinal axis 48 and latched together. A second end shaft portion 52 facing the front end portion 54 of the first shift shaft portion 50 is immersed in a first shift shaft portion 50 facing rear end portion 56 of the second shift shaft portion 52 a. The rear end portion 56 is hollow for this purpose.

To achieve the latching connection, the first switching shaft section 50 carries an undercut in the form of an annular bead 58, which supports the first shifting shaft Section 50 circumferentially completely surrounds, and the second switching shaft portion 52 facing the first switching shaft portion 50 facing two diametrically opposed latching hooks 60, 62 which are elastically deformable relative to the longitudinal axis 48 radially outwardly and in the assembled state of the two switching shaft sections 50, 52nd behind the annular bead 58. This becomes clear in particular from FIG.

The two switching shaft sections 50, 52 are coupled to each other via a coupling device 64 such that upon rotation of the second switching shaft section starting from the first switching position into the second switching position, a torque can be transmitted to the first switching shaft section 50, so that the first switching shaft section 50 accordingly the rotation of the second switching shaft portion 52 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 48, but that in a further rotation of the second switching shaft portion 52 about the longitudinal axis 48 while maintaining the original rotational direction, d. H. From the second switching position into the third switching position via the coupling device 64, no torque can be transmitted to the first switching shaft section 50, so that the first switching shaft section 50 retains its rotational position assumed in the second switching position during a further rotation of the second switching shaft section 52. In a corresponding manner, no torque is transmitted to the first shift shaft section 50 upon rotation of the second shift shaft section 52 from the third shift position to the second shift position. However, if the second shift shaft section 52 is rotated from the second shift position back into the first shift position, a torque is transmitted to the first shift shaft section 50 via the coupling device 64 so that the first shift shaft section 50 is also rotated into the first shift position.

For rotational angle-dependent coupling and decoupling of the two switching shaft sections 50, 52, the coupling device 64 has a first coupling member in the form of a rotatably connected to the first switching shaft section 50 coupling disc 66, the peripheral surface of a coupling contour 68 forms with a first recess 70 and a second recess 72. The two recesses 70, 72 are diametrically opposite each other. The depressions 70, 72 are identical and each have a first contact surface in the form of a circumferential direction inclined to the first side edge 74 and 76 and a second contact surface in the form of a perpendicular to

Circumferentially oriented second side edge 78 and 80, respectively. In addition, the two recesses 70, 72 each have a bottom 82 and 84, from which the side edges 74, 78 and 76, 80 extend outwardly.

In addition to the coupling disc 66, the coupling device 74 has two second coupling members in the form of a first driver 86 and a second driver 88, each formed in the manner of a pin, aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 48 of the switching shaft 46 and made of metal. The first driver 86 is held at the free end of a first spring arm 90 and the second driver 88 is held at the free end of a second spring arm 92. The two spring arms 90, 92 are elastically deformable relative to the longitudinal axis 48 in the radial direction and connected at their ends remote from the drivers 86, 88 integral with the second switching shaft portion 52.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 6, the first driver 86 dips into the first recess 70 of the coupling disk 66 in the first switching position of the switching shaft 46, and the second driver 88 dips into the second recess 72 in the first switching position of the switching shaft 46.

In addition to the coupling disk 66, the first switching shaft section 50 carries on the side of the coupling disk 66 facing away from the second switching shaft section 52 a retaining disk 94 with a substantially square outer contour. The retaining disk 94 is associated with a retaining clip 96, which is elastically expandable in the radial direction and which is substantially U-shaped and has a first retaining leg 98 and a second retaining leg 100. The two holding legs 98, 100 take the retaining disk 94 between themselves. This becomes clear, for example, from FIG. The retaining clip 96 is rotationally fixed on the switch housing 24 of the switching unit 20 via a parallel to the longitudinal axis 48 of the switching shaft 46 aligned holding arm 102. If the first switching shaft section 50 is rotated back and forth between the first switching position and the second switching position, then the retaining clip 96 spreads so far that the retaining plate 94 together with the first switching shaft portion 50 can perform a rotational movement to reach the first or the second switching position again abut flat against the outer contour of the square retaining disk 94.

To actuate the switching member 32, the first switching shaft portion 50 at its the switching member 32 facing the rear end portion on a first actuator, which is arranged as eccentric to the longitudinal axis 48, arcuately curved switching portion 104 is configured. The shift range 104 is positioned between a first stop element 106 and a second stop element 108, which are connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first shift shaft section 50 and are each designed as cam-like projections oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 of the shift shaft 46. In the second switching position of the switching shaft 46, the stop elements 106, 108 are each on a stop surface 110, which is formed by the second housing part 28 of the switching housing 24 and prevents rotation of the first switching shaft portion 50 of the second switching position to the third switching position.

In the first switching position, the switching region 104 arranged between the two stop elements 106, 108 assumes a distance from the switching element 32, so that the switching unit 20 switches off the electric motor 12. If the first switching shaft section 50 moves into the second switching position, then the switching region 104 increasingly approaches the switching element 32 with its longitudinally central partial region, so that it is actuated by the switching section 104 in the second switching position and the electric motor 12 is thereby switched on by the switching unit 20 becomes . If the first switching shaft portion 50 in the opposite direction from the second switching position in the rotated first switching position, so the switching portion 104, the switching element 32 is released again and this has the consequence that the electric motor 12 is turned off by the switching unit 20 again.

To actuate the reed switch 40, which forms a control member of the control device 30, a second actuating element in the form of an L-shaped switching blade 112 is held against rotation on the second switching shaft section 52. The switching wing 112 has a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 aligned first leg 114 which is integrally connected to the second switching shaft portion 52 and at its free end integrally connects a parallel to the longitudinal axis 48 aligned second leg 116. The second leg 116 has a recess 118 in which the above-mentioned permanent magnet 42 is arranged. If the second switching shaft section 52 is rotated to the third switching position, the permanent magnet 42 increasingly approaches the reed switch 40, so that the reed switch 40 of the control device 30 provides a control signal to increase the power of the electric motor 12 from 100% to 70 % to 80% as soon as the second shift shaft section 52 has reached its third shift position. If the second switching shaft section 52 is moved from the third switching position back into the second switching position, so it removes permanent magnet 42 from the reed switch 40, and this has the consequence that the reed switch 40 of the control device 22 provides a control signal to the electric motor 12 again operate at maximum power as soon as the second switching shaft portion 52 has taken its second switching position.

As already mentioned, the drivers 86 and 88 dip into the depressions 70, 72 of the coupling disk 66 in the first switching position of the switching shaft 46. If the second switching shaft section 52 is rotated by the user by means of the rotary handle 44 from the first switching position to the second switching position, then the drivers 86 and 88 press against the respective first contact surface forming first side flanks 74 and 76 of the recesses 70, 72 and thereby transmit a torque from the second shift shaft section 52 to the first shift shaft section 50, so that this together men with the second switching shaft portion 52 is rotated in the second switching position. A further rotational movement of the first switching shaft section 50 in the direction of the third switching position is not possible, since the cam-like stop elements 106, 108 rest in the second switching position on the associated stop surfaces 110 of the second housing part 28. Upon rotation of the second switching shaft section 50 from the second switching position to the third switching position, therefore, the drivers 86, 88 slide so far along the obliquely oriented to the circumferential direction of the first side flanks 74, 76, until they completely emerge from the recesses 70, 72 to subsequently slide along the coupling contour. A torque transmission from the second shift shaft section 52 to the first shift shaft section 50 is then no longer possible.

If the second switching shaft section 52 reaches the third switching position, then the first driver 86 strikes a radially outward extension 122 of the coupling disc 66. The radial extension 122 forms a stop surface 123 oriented perpendicular to the direction of rotation, against which the first driver 86 in the third Switching position reaches the plant. The radial extension 122 thus forms an end stop.

The second driver 88 engages in the third switching position in a positioning member 124 which is disposed diametrically opposite to the coupling disc 66 of the radial extension 122. This becomes clear, for example, from FIG. 16. The positioning member 124 is formed as a latching hook, which is elastically deformable relative to the longitudinal axis 48 in the radial direction and in the third switching position of the switching shaft 46, the second driver 88 engages behind.

The engagement of the second driver 88 in the positioning member 124 can be haptically detected by the user, so that he can easily recognize that the second switching shaft portion 50 has reached the third switching position, in which the power of the electric motor 12 is reduced. If the second switching shaft section 52 is rotated from the third switching position back into the second switching position, the positioning member 124 releases the second driver 88 and the second driver 88 slides as well as the first driver 86 on the coupling contour 68 so far along until the two drivers 86, 88 again reach their associated recesses 70, 72, in which they dip in the second switching position of the switching shaft 46. In a further rotational movement of the second switching shaft section 52, the drivers 86, 88 press against the respective second contact surface forming, aligned perpendicular to the direction of the second side edges 78, 80 of the recesses 70, 72, so that a rotationally fixed connection between the drivers 86, 88 and forms the coupling disc 66 and therefore also the first switching shaft portion 50 is rotated in the direction of the first switching position.

FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 schematically show an alternative embodiment of a selector shaft for the high-pressure cleaning device 10 shown in FIG. The alternative switching shaft is assigned the reference number 126 in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21. The switching shaft 126 is also formed in two parts and has a first switching shaft portion 128 and a second switching shaft portion 130. The two switching shaft sections 128, 130 are designed to be substantially identical to the switching shaft sections 50, 52 explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18. For identical components, therefore, the same reference numerals are used in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 as in FIGS. 1 to 18 and with respect to these components, reference is made to the foregoing explanations to avoid repetition.

The two switching shaft sections 128, 130 are pluggable with each other in the longitudinal direction and locked together. For this purpose, the first shift shaft section 128 has a latch recess 132 which extends over the entire circumference of the first shift shaft section 128 and forms an undercut. The undercut can be elastically deformed by two diametrically opposite, radially elastic elements. deformable latching hooks 134, 136 are engaged behind, which are non-rotatably connected to the second switching shaft portion 130.

The first switching shaft portion 128 carries in the same manner as the above-described first switching shaft portion 50, a coupling disc 66, a retaining disc 94 and two cam-like stop members 106, 108, and the switching unit 20 facing the rear end portion of the first switching shaft portion 120 is formed as an arcuate switching portion 104 for actuation the switching element 32nd

The second switching shaft portion 130 carries in a similar manner as the above-described second switching shaft portion 52, a first spring arm 138 and a second spring arm 140. The first spring arm 138 carries at its free end a pin-shaped driver 142, whereas the second spring arm 140 carries no such driver but to its inner end only has a sliding element 144 at its free end.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, a coupling device 146 is used, which has a decoupling member in the form of a control disk 148 in addition to the coupling disk 66 and the driver 142. The control disk 148 forms with its circumferential surface a control contour 150 and is arranged on the holding disk 94 facing away from the coupling disk 66. The control disk 148 is penetrated by a front end region 152 of the first switching shaft section 128 and occupies a position between the two spring arms 138, 140 in the assembled state of the two switching shaft sections 128, 130.

The control disk 148 has a radial extension 154 on which the first spring arm 138 slides during the transition from the second shift position to the third shift position. The control disk 148 is rotatably held by a support arm 156 on the retaining clip 96 and thus can not change its rotational position when turning the switching shaft 126. The rotationally fixed coupling of the first switching shaft section 128 with the second switching shaft section 130 in the region between the first switching position and the second switching position is effected in that the driver 142 engages in the first recess 70 of the coupling disc 66, so that upon rotation of the driver 142, the coupling disc 66th is twisted. If the driver 142 together with the second switching shaft section 130 and the first switching shaft section 128 reaches the second switching position, then the first spring arm 138 abuts the radial extension 154 with its region immediately adjacent to the driver 142. If the second shift shaft section 130 is moved from the second shift position to the third shift position, then the first spring arm 138 slides along the radial extension 154 of the control contour 150. This has the consequence that the first spring arm 138 is pressed together with the driver 142 radially outward, so that the driver 152 is lifted out of the first recess 70 and slide on further rotation of the second switching shaft portion 130 on the coupling contour 68 of the coupling disc 66 along can. The

Control contour 150 thus enables with its radial extension 154 a decoupling of the second switching shaft section 130 from the first switching shaft section 128, when the second switching shaft section 130 is rotated from the second switching position to the third switching position.

The slider 144 is diametrically opposed to the portion of the first spring arm 138 sliding along the radial extension 154 and ensures that the control contour 150 is mechanically urged by the two spring arms 138, 140 in a symmetrical manner. This increases the mechanical stability of the switching shaft 126th

If the second shift shaft portion 130 is moved from the third shift position back into the second shift position, the driver 142 increasingly approaches the first recess 70 of the coupling disc 66. In the second switching position of the driver 142 dives back into the first recess 70, so that at a further rotation of the second switching shaft portion 130 and the first switching shaft portion 128 is rotated.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R E C H E

High-pressure cleaning device comprising an electric motor (12), a pump (14) driven by the electric motor (12), a switching unit (20) for switching on and off the electric motor (12) and a control device (22) for controlling the power of the electric motor (12) wherein the indexing unit (20) comprises a user-operable control element (44) coupled to a switching member (32) of the indexing unit (20) via a control shaft (46; 126), and wherein the control unit (22) is one of the user actuatable control element (40), characterized in that the switching shaft (46; 126) has a first switching shaft section (50; 128) and a second switching shaft section (52; 130) which are coupled to one another via a coupling device (64; 146), wherein a first actuating element (104) is arranged on the first switching shaft section (50; 128) for actuating the switching element (32) and the first switching shaft section (50; 128) together with the second S Chaltwellenabschnitt (52; 130) is rotatable back and forth between a first switching position and a second switching position, and wherein a second actuating element (112) is arranged on the second switching shaft section (52; 130) for actuating the control element (40) and the second switching shaft section (52; 130) relative to the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) between the second switching position and a third switching position is rotated back and forth.

High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first switching shaft section (50; 128) can be connected in a plug-in manner to the second switching shaft section (52; 130) in the longitudinal direction of the switching shaft (46; 126).

3. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the two switching shaft sections (50, 128) has an undercut which is supported by at least one radially deformable latching hook (60, 62, 134, 136) of the other switching shaft section (52; 130) can be engaged behind.

4. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that the undercut as an annular bead (58) or annular recess (132) is configured.

5. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the undercut of two diametrically opposite latching hooks (60, 62, 134, 136) is engaged behind.

6. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the undercut on the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) and the at least one latching hooks (60, 62; 134, 136) on the second switching shaft portion (52; 130) is arranged.

7. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) at least one rotational movement of the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) limiting stop element (106, 108) is arranged, which in the second switching position of the first Switch shaft portion (50; 128) rests against a non-rotatable stop surface (110).

8. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one stop element as obliquely or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (48) of the switching shaft (46; 126) aligned projection (106, 108) is configured.

9. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that on the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) in the axial direction at a distance from each other two stop elements (106, 108) are arranged, between which the first actuating element (104) is positioned.

10. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (64; 146) has at least one first coupling member (66), which is non-rotatably connected to one of the two switching shaft sections (50; 128) and at least one second coupling member (66). 86, 88, 142) rotatably connected to the other switch shaft portion (52, 130), the first and second coupling members (66, 86, 88, 142) rotating between the second switch shaft portion (52, 130) Switching position and the second shift position rotatably connected to each other and during rotation of the second switching shaft portion (52; 130) between the second shift position and the third shift position are rotatable relative to each other.

11. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one first coupling member (66) has a first abutment surface (74, 76) on which upon rotation of the second switching shaft portion (52; 130) from the first switching position to the second switching position second coupling member (86, 88, 142) is applied, wherein the second coupling member (86, 88, 142) rotatable relative to the first abutment surface (74, 76) upon rotation of the second switching shaft portion (52, 130) from the second switching position to the third switching position is.

12. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the at least one first coupling member (66) has a second contact surface (78, 80) on which upon rotation of the second switching shaft section from the second switching position to the first switching position, a second coupling member ( 86, 88, 142).

13. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the at least one first coupling member (66) has a third contact surface (123) on which a second coupling member (86; 142) in the third switching position of the second switching shaft section (52 130).

14. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device has a coupling disc (66) and at least one against an elastic restoring force radially outwardly movable driver (86, 88, 142), wherein the coupling disc (66) with one of two switching shaft sections (50; 128) is non-rotatably connected and on its peripheral surface has a coupling contour (68) against which the at least one driver (66, 68, 142) abuts, and wherein the at least one driver (86, 88, 142) the other switching shaft portion (52; 130) is rotatably connected.

15. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 14, characterized in that the coupling contour (68) has at least one recess (70, 72), into which a driver (in the case of rotation of the second switching shaft section (52, 130) between the first switching position and the second switching position 86, 88, 142), the driver (86, 88, 142) being rotatable relative to the depression (70, 72) during a rotation of the second switching shaft section (52, 130) between the second switching position and the third switching position.

16. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that the coupling contour (68) has two diametrically opposite recesses (70, 72).

17. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the coupling disc (66) has at least one radial extension (122) on which a driver (86; 142) rests in the third switching position of the second switching shaft section (52;

18. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the coupling disc (66) with the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) is rotatably connected and that the at least one driver (86, 88, 142) with the second switching shaft portion ( 52, 130) is rotatably connected.

19. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the at least one driver (86, 88, 142) is held on a resiliently deformable in the radial direction spring arm (90, 92).

20. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 19, characterized in that the spring arm (90, 92) parallel to the longitudinal axis (48) of the switching shaft (46, 126) is aligned.

21. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the spring arm (90, 92) with a switching shaft portion (52; 130) is integrally connected.

22. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the at least one driver (86, 88, 142) has a metallic surface.

23. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that the coupling disc (66) consists of a plastic material.

24. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that the coupling disc (66) has a positioning member (124) in the third switching position of the second switching shaft portion (52; 130) releasably connectable to a driver (88), in particular is latched.

25. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-pressure cleaning device (10) has a non-rotatably fixed holding device, which in the first and the second switching position with the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) is detachably connectable.

26. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 25, characterized in that the holding device has a resiliently spreadable in the radial direction retaining clip (86), which clamps a rotatably connected to the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) connected to the holding member.

27. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 26, characterized in that the holding member is designed as a retaining disk (94), on the circumferential surface of the retaining clip (96) partially applied.

28. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 27, characterized in that the retaining disk (94) has a square outer contour.

29. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (146) has a non-rotatably fixed decoupling member, wherein the second switching shaft portion (130) in the transition from the second switching position to the third switching position by means of the decoupling member (148) from the first switching shaft section (128) is decoupled with respect to a rotational movement.

30. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 29, characterized in that the decoupling member has a control disk (148) whose peripheral surface forms a control contour (150) with a radial extension (154).

31. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 30, characterized in that the first switching shaft section (128) passes through the control disc (148) rotatably.

32. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first actuating element as eccentrically to the longitudinal axis (48) of the switching shaft (46; 126) arranged switching region (104) of the first switching shaft portion (50; 128) is configured.

33. High-pressure cleaning device according to claim 32, characterized in that the switching region (104) is arcuately curved.

34. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second actuating element as eccentrically to the longitudinal axis (48) of the switching shaft (46; 126) arranged switching wing (112) is configured.

35. High-pressure cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control member (40) is magnetically actuated and on the at least one second actuating element, a permanent magnet (42) is held.