EP3568241B1 - Device for dispensing a mixture - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a mixture according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

From the DE 10 2012 110 844 A1 A handpiece for a steam vacuum cleaner is known. The handpiece comprises a suction inlet and a suction line that is in flow connection with the suction inlet for suction air.

The handpiece also includes a steam outlet and a steam line that is connected to the steam outlet.

Other devices known from the prior art often have a fluid container that is attached to the handle. This arrangement proves to be disadvantageous because the user's arm quickly tires due to the increased weight of the handle.

It is difficult to guide the device precisely using the handle with the fluid tank attached to it.

The document US 2013/001318 A1 discloses a device for dispensing a mixture which can be produced from at least one gas stream and at least one fluid stream, wherein the mixture can be fed to a device for dispensing the mixture, and the device for dispensing the mixture comprises a gas-conducting fluid line, wherein the fluid-conducting line extends axially inside the gas-conducting line, and the gas-conducting line and the fluid-conducting line are designed as an outlet device for dispensing the mixture, wherein the outlet device is further designed such that it can be rotated eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the gas-conducting line about this, and furthermore has a body for cleaning the surface.

task of the invention

The present invention therefore has the object of eliminating such disadvantages of known devices for dispensing a mixture.

Furthermore, the invention has the further object of providing a device in which a compressed air-fluid mixture can be mixed together as required.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device in which the intensity of cleaning can be adapted to the degree of soiling.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a device for dispensing a mixture with which the dissolved dirt particles and/or the cleaning liquid can be removed from the cleaned object after the cleaning liquid has been applied.

According to the invention, the device comprises a line for conducting air, preferably compressed air. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed below that the line conducts compressed air.

Furthermore, the invention has the further object of providing a device for dispensing a mixture for cleaning objects, in which a compressed air-fluid mixture can be mixed together as required.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for applying a mixture in which the intensity of the cleaning can be adapted to the degree of contamination.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a device for dispensing a mixture for cleaning objects, with which the dissolved dirt particles and/or the cleaning liquid can be removed from the cleaned object after the cleaning liquid has been applied.

These objects are achieved by a device according to claim 1.

The compressed air is fed through the air line to an outlet device for releasing the compressed air.

The outlet device is a preferably tubular, cylindrical tube. The outlet device can be designed as a funnel. The outlet device can have a round, oval, square or any other cross-section.

At least in some areas, a fluid line is arranged inside the air line, in which the fluid can be guided within the air line in the direction of the outlet device. In general, the term fluid refers to a flowable gas or liquid. In connection with the invention, the term fluid refers to a liquid, flowable medium.

A valve device is provided which comprises at least two valves.

One valve controls the inflow of air, preferably compressed air, towards the outlet device, while the other valve controls the inflow of fluid, preferably cleaning agent, towards the outlet device.

The at least two valves regulate the volume and/or pressure of the compressed air in the air line relative to the volume and/or pressure of the fluid in the fluid line.

Preferably, the at least two valves can be controlled individually or jointly.

The air line, together with the fluid line extending inside the air line, flows into a connection flange.

The connection flange extends axially in the flow direction of the compressed air and is arranged to be radially rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

Viewed in the direction of flow of the compressed air, the connection flange opens into an outlet device at its rear end.

The outlet device has an opening at the end facing away from the connection flange. The air, preferably the compressed air, flows into the outlet device at the flange-side end and is released through the opening of the outlet device.

The fluid line extends at least partially axially inside the connection flange and/or inside the outlet device.

The fluid guided in the fluid line, preferably the cleaning agent, is released from the fluid line at least in some areas in the connection flange and/or in the outlet device.

The released fluid is captured and entrained by the compressed air flow in the connection flange and/or in the outlet device. The compressed air-fluid mixture thus formed in the connection flange and/or in the outlet device exits through the opening of the outlet device into the device for dispensing the mixture.

According to the invention, the outlet device with the connecting flange can be rotated radially about the longitudinal axis of the fluid line.

The outlet device has at least one bend relative to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange. Due to the at least one bend, the outlet device ends eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange, so that the compressed air-fluid mixture exits from the outlet device into the device for dispensing the mixture eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange.

According to the invention, the device comprises a device for dispensing the mixture. The device for dispensing the mixture can take the form of a nozzle-shaped pipe profile that seals around the air line and/or the fluid line.

The nozzle-shaped pipe profile overlaps the air line and/or the connection flange and/or the outlet device axially and radially, at least in part, as seen in the flow direction of the compressed air.

At least in some areas, the device for dispensing the mixture, preferably the pipe profile, has a nozzle shape with a radial circumference. In the device for dispensing the mixture, the connecting flange is arranged so as to be radially rotatable about its longitudinal axis.

The outlet device connected to the connection flange can be rotated eccentrically about the longitudinal axis of the connection flange with the fluid line extending inside the outlet device.

Preferably, the device for dispensing the mixture has a further flange to which at least one suction pipe, in particular of a vacuum cleaner, can be coupled.

Preferably, the device has a housing which comprises the air line and/or the gas-carrying line and/or the at least two valves and a handle.

Housing

The housing can be made of plastic or metal and can be opened for maintenance and/or repair purposes, preferably with at least one quick release.

The housing preferably has at least one rubber seal which seals the individual components housed in the housing against each other and against the compressed air and/or against the fluid.

The individual components of the housing, such as the air line and/or fluid line and/or the valve device, can be coupled to the housing in a modular design and can also be detached from it again.

The arrangement of the air line and/or the fluid line in the housing is designed so that the compressed air and fluid conveyance run in a straight line. This is advantageous because the housing is technically easier to manufacture and the compressed air and/or fluid conveyance can take place with less energy expenditure.

The modular design of the housing increases the variability of the device, as the device for cleaning objects can be combined with components of other cleaning systems.

A further advantage is that the housing detachably connects the air line and/or the fluid line and/or the suction pipe.

The housing is designed so that preferably the air line, the housing itself or at least one other of the previously mentioned components can be used as a handle and/or designed as a handle. An additional handle component is therefore not required, which has a positive effect on manufacturing costs.

However, the housing is designed in such a way that, depending on requirements and intended use, at least one handle element can be coupled to the housing of the device at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the connection flange, preferably detachably.

The outer circumference of the housing and/or the handle can be profiled and/or roughened and/or smoothed and/or coated. In the following, profiling is assumed as an example and not exclusively. The profiling is preferably designed as ribs or webs spaced apart from one another.

The profiling prevents cold or heat from the air line and/or the fluid line from being transferred to the user's hand.

To increase ease of use, the housing may have notches to guide the user's hand.

The housing may comprise switches on its top and/or bottom and/or on its side walls for controlling the device and in particular for controlling the at least two valves.

At least one pump can be connected to the housing, which pumps the fluid and/or the compressed air in the associated line and builds up the respective line pressure.

The respective pump can preferably be electrically powered by a battery.

valve device

The present invention understands the term "valve" to mean a component, in particular for shutting off, releasing or regulating the flow of compressed air and/or a fluid in the associated line.

In the air line or in the fluid line, the compressed air flow or the fluid flow can be increased, reduced or interrupted in relation to the volume conveyed. To do this, a closure part is pressed onto a suitably shaped opening.

The valve arranged in the fluid line and the valve arranged in the air line can each be individually or together shut-off valves, flow valves, check valves, pressure valves or directional control valves. It goes without saying that the previous list is only intended as an example and is in no way comprehensive.

The at least two valves can have manual or electrical switches.

A common switch, preferably a switching lever, can be provided with which at least two valves can be operated simultaneously or one after the other. The two valves, which can be operated simultaneously or one after the other, first control the compressed air line and then the fluid line or vice versa.

At least two separate control levers of a single switch can also be arranged, which can be operated independently of each other.

The two levers of the valve can be the same size or different sizes. The two levers can have a different external profile so that the user can operate the two levers based on haptic differences alone - without having to look at the levers.

The switches can also be arranged spatially separated from one another on different sides of the housing. For example, the switch that controls the compressed air flow can be arranged on the top of the housing, while the switch that regulates the fluid flow in the fluid line is provided on a side wall of the housing.

It goes without saying that the switches can also be installed in other places on the housing.

A single control lever can be arranged on the housing, with which the valve that regulates the compressed air flow can be controlled first and which then controls the other valve with which the fluid flow can be regulated.

For this purpose, the switching lever can be designed in such a way that, when the valves are operated manually, a profile protruding from the switching lever is provided which, when the switching lever is operated, first triggers one and then the other valve switch.

However, the valve switches can also be arranged in such a way that they are positioned at different levels to each other on the housing, so that the common switching lever, when actuated, first actuates the switching lever which is arranged at a higher height level and then, in time, the switching lever which is positioned at the lower height level.

The at least two valve switches can be positioned approximately axially parallel to a pivot axis of the shift lever. The valve switch of the compressed air valve and the valve switch of the fluid valve can also be arranged at an angle to the pivot axis of the shift lever.

The contact surface of the shift lever which comes into contact with the valve switches to actuate the valve switches can be profiled in such a way that when the shift lever is actuated, the two valve switches are actuated one after the other.

Two valve switches can also be provided, which are arranged in such a way that one valve switch, for example, switches the compressed air valve separately and independently of, for example, the fluid valve. The other valve switch can, for example, only switch the fluid valve in such a way that the actuation of the fluid valve requires the compressed air valve to be actuated beforehand.

A temporally different control of the two valve switches can also be achieved by the spatial height of the contact surface to the longitudinal axis of the connection flange of one valve switch deviating from the spatial height of the contact surface to the longitudinal axis of the connection flange of the other valve switch.

It goes without saying that the timing of the control of the compressed air valve relative to the fluid valve and vice versa can also be programmed electronically or in any other way.

A predetermined control, preferably first of the compressed air delivery, compared to the control of the delivery of the fluid in the fluid line has the advantage that preferably a cleaning liquid can be atomized in the compressed air stream or applied as a cleaning mist to the surface to be cleaned.

In addition, the proportion of cleaning agent in the compressed air stream can be adapted to the respective degree of contamination.

compressed air-fluid mixture

By controlling the admixture of the fluid, preferably a cleaning fluid, into the gas stream, preferably the compressed air, the dosage of the cleaning agent in the compressed air stream can be varied and adapted to the respective degree of contamination of the surface to be cleaned.

This means that the cleaning agent is used particularly economically and as needed. In addition to varying the amount of fluid, the amount and intensity of compressed air can also be varied. This also allows the effect of the cleaning agent on the surface to be cleaned to be varied.

The atomization and/or misting of the cleaning agent in the compressed air stream can be optimized in this way.

The pressure applied to the air line and/or the fluid line can be increased or decreased as required. This allows the intensity of the turbulence of the compressed air-fluid mixture in the nozzle-shaped pipe profile to be optimized.

gas-carrying line

Downstream in the direction of flow of the compressed air, a gas-carrying line is detachably connected to the housing. The gas-carrying line can be made of plastic or metal or a fabric hose. The gas-carrying line carries at least one gas, in particular compressed air or compressed compressed air, through the gas-carrying line in the direction of the connection flange.

The invention understands the term gas to mean preferably air, comprising in particular the components nitrogen and oxygen. It goes without saying that the gas may also contain other components.

A compressor can be provided to generate the compressed air.

The pressure that can be applied to the gas line can be generated by a pump that can be connected to the gas line.

Alternatively, the gas line can also be pressurized by connecting a conventional vacuum cleaner.

In addition, any other type of pressure generation can be used to create the required pressure in the gas line.

The alternative options for generating compressed air in the associated gas line also allow the device to be combined with other equipment, such as a vacuum cleaner. In principle, the pressure generation source that is required to generate the required pressure can be used.

With regard to the flow direction of the compressed air, the housing can be arranged at the upper end of the gas-carrying line. The housing and/or the components accommodated therein can also be arranged at the downstream end of the compressed air line with regard to the flow direction of the compressed air.

Alternatively, the housing can be inserted into the compressed air line.

The gas-conducting line comprises a section which comprises the outlet device. This section is separated from the remaining upstream section of the gas-conducting line.

The section of the gas-conducting line that includes the outlet device can be moved in the axial direction relative to the remaining upstream section of the gas-conducting line. The distance between the opposing end faces of the remaining upstream section of the gas-conducting line and the section of the gas-conducting line that includes the outlet device can be changed axially.

The remaining upstream section and the section comprising the outlet device are designed to be axially gas-tightly connected to one another by means of a connecting flange.

The opposing front sides of the two sections of the gas-carrying line protrude into the connection flange. The section of the gas-carrying line that includes the outlet device is arranged inside the connection flange so that it can be moved in a gas-tight manner relative to the remaining section of the gas-carrying line. A sealing means can be arranged on the inner wall of the connection flange to seal the section that includes the outlet device against the connection flange.

The fluid line, which has no interruptions, extends inside the gas-carrying line. The fluid line bridges the front sides of the sections of the gas-carrying line inside the connection flange.

The sections running inside the connection flange as well as the fluid line are shown in dashed lines.

fluid line

A fluid-carrying line extends inside the gas-carrying line. The fluid-carrying line is referred to below as the fluid line.

The fluid line is arranged inside the gas-carrying line, spaced from the inner wall of the gas-carrying line by spacers. However, the fluid line can also run in the wall of the gas-carrying line or, in particular, be firmly connected to the wall of the gas-carrying line on the inside of the line.

The fluid line has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the gas-carrying line, so that the compressed air flowing through the gas-carrying line flows along the outer circumference of the fluid line.

The fluid line can be made of a fabric material or of a plastic material or of metal. Of course, the fluid line can also be made of another material.

A fluid, in particular a liquid, a cleaning fluid or a gas, flows in the fluid line.

fluid tank

The fluid is preferably conveyed by a pump or other device from a fluid tank in the flow direction of the compressed air towards the outlet device.

In the area of the connection flange and/or in the area of the outlet device, the fluid line has means which serve to release the fluid into the surrounding gas-carrying line.

The means for release in the fluid line are preferably openings, cracks or breakthroughs. Other technical devices can also be provided that promote the injection or spraying of fluid into the compressed air flow.

To pressurize the fluid in the fluid line, compressed air can be introduced from the compressed air line into the fluid tank.

Depending on the pressure that needs to be applied to the fluid line, the pressure in the fluid tank can be increased or decreased. In addition, any other technical device can be used to pressurize the fluid line.

The fluid tank can be carried on the user's back like a backpack. The fluid tank can also be designed to be mobile or placed on the floor. All other types of arrangement of the fluid tank can also be used.

For example, the fluid tank can have a capacity of five liters of fluid, in particular cleaning agent.

The fluid may preferably be a mixture of water and a cleaning agent.

The fluid tank can, for example and in no way exclusively, be pressurized with a pressure of 3 bar.

connection flange

Downstream in the flow direction of the compressed air, the gas-carrying line with the fluid line extending inside it is connected to a connecting flange.

The fluid line runs along the longitudinal axis of the connection flange through the connection flange and opens into an outlet device.

The connection flange is arranged on the gas-carrying line so that it can rotate radially around its longitudinal axis.

With respect to the downstream flow direction of the compressed air, the connection flange is connected at its other end to the outlet device into which the fluid line extends.

At least one bearing, preferably a ball bearing, is provided, around which the connecting flange can be rotated radially to its longitudinal axis around the gas-carrying line.

Baffles are preferably arranged on the inner wall of the connecting flange.

The compressed air flow into the connection flange strikes the guide plates arranged at an angle to the compressed air flow, whereby the connection flange can be set into a radial movement relative to its longitudinal axis.

It goes without saying that the connecting flange can also be set into radial movement by any other technical means.

In the downstream flow direction of the compressed air, the compressed air flows from the connection flange into the outlet device.

In the outlet device, the compressed air flows around the fluid line extending inside the outlet device.

In the region of the connection flange and/or in the region of the outlet device, the fluid line has means for releasing the fluid into the compressed air flowing along the outlet device.

As the fluid flows out of the fluid line through the release means, the compressed air-fluid mixture is created in the outlet device. The compressed air-fluid mixture flows in the outlet device in the flow direction downstream of the at least one opening of the outlet device.

outlet device

In the region in which the compressed air flow in the outlet device flows along the means for releasing the fluid from the fluid line, a negative pressure is created in the outlet device, through which the compressed air flow continuously sucks fluid out of the fluid line and entrains it.

An outlet device is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rear end of the connection flange in the downstream flow direction of the compressed air.

As the connection flange rotates around its longitudinal axis, the outlet device is also caused to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the connection flange.

The outlet device is curved at least once with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange, so that the opening of the outlet device through which the compressed air-fluid mixture can be released is aligned eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange.

Due to the at least simple curvature of the outlet device and the eccentric arrangement of the opening of the outlet device relative to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange, the compressed air-fluid mixture is swirled into the device for discharging the mixture, preferably into the nozzle-shaped pipe profile.

The turbulence occurs within the device for dispensing the mixture radially to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange and axially to the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange forwards in the direction of the surface to be cleaned.

The advantage of this arrangement is that the swirling compressed air-fluid mixture hits the surface to be cleaned with varying intensity depending on the intensity of the pressure applied to the outlet device and loosens the dirt particles.

Depending on the level of contamination, the pressure in the compressed air line can be increased or decreased.

Depending on the design of the bends of the outlet device, an approximately round or oval swirl pattern can arise.

The outlet device can comprise further openings. For this purpose, nozzles are arranged on the outlet device that protrude laterally, each of which receives a fluid line and each opens into a further opening through which the compressed air-fluid mixture exits into the device for dispensing the mixture.

In this way, further turbulence patterns can be created, which can significantly increase the cleaning intensity.

body for mechanical cleaning of the surface

The outlet device has a body for mechanically cleaning the surface.

The body is designed in the shape of a brush. The body can also be a sponge or a wire structure for mechanical cleaning. The body can also be another element for mechanically cleaning a surface.

The body is arranged on the outlet device.

The outlet device comprises a portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the gas-conducting line. The body for cleaning the surface is arranged on the portion of the outlet device that extends along the longitudinal axis of the gas-conducting line.

In the axial direction, the downstream end of the body for cleaning the surface does not protrude beyond the downstream end of the outlet device.

The outlet device further comprises a further section extending eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the gas-conducting line and adjoining the section extending along the longitudinal axis of the gas-conducting line downstream.

The body for cleaning the surface (not shown) can also be arranged at the end of the further section extending downstream and eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the gas-carrying line.

The outlet device is connected to the connection flange. Rotation of the connection flange causes rotation of the outlet device. Rotation of the outlet device causes rotation of the body for cleaning the surface arranged on the outlet device with the outlet device. The body for cleaning the surface rotates inside a casing which radially surrounds the outlet device.

An adapter (not shown) is arranged at the end of the casing. The casing is designed as a sleeve-shaped tube profile.

The casing is radially rotatable relative to the housing (not shown). Conversely, the housing (not shown) can be arranged radially rotatable relative to the casing.

The arrangement of the body for mechanical cleaning of the surface proves to be advantageous since in this way the cleaning of the surface by means of a gas-liquid mixture can be supported by a mechanical cleaning by means of a body for mechanical cleaning of the surface.

device for dispensing the mixture

The device for dispensing the mixture can take the form of a nozzle-shaped pipe profile. The device can be made of plastic or metal or another material.

The device can be arranged detachably on the housing or a component of the housing. The device for dispensing the mixture can preferably be arranged on the housing with a bayonet lock. However, it can also be attached to the housing in another technical way. The device for dispensing the mixture can be arranged on a component of the housing, preferably on the compressed air line.

The device for discharging the mixture can have a circular or oval cross-section. It can be cylindrical or have a diameter that widens towards its outlet opening.

A suction hose can be flanged to the end of the device for dispensing the mixture, which is opposite the outlet opening.

The suction hose can be flexible and made of braiding. The suction hose can also be made of rubber, plastic or metal.

The suction hose can be connected to a vacuum cleaner. Using the suction hose, the dirt particles and/or the fluid, in particular the cleaning fluid and/or the compressed air, can be sucked off the surface to be cleaned after the surface to be cleaned has been cleaned with the compressed air-fluid mixture.

lighting element

At least one lighting element can be arranged inside the device for dispensing the mixture, preferably in the region of its outlet opening.

The lighting element can be an LED lamp or another lamp.

The lighting element can also be arranged on the outside of the device for dispensing the mixture.

To better illuminate the surface to be cleaned, the lighting element can emit black light.

heating element

Preferably, at least one heating element can be provided inside the device for dispensing the mixture. The heating element can be designed as a heating wire. Any other technical means for forming a heating element can also be used.

Preferably, the heating element is arranged in the area of the outlet opening of the device for dispensing the mixture. The heating element can be switched on automatically when the device is activated. However, it can also be switched on and off optionally by the user.

The arrangement of a heating element proves to be advantageous because the compressed air and/or the fluid can be heated before being applied to the surface to be cleaned, thereby promoting the cleaning process.

The activation of a heating element can be used to immediately dry the surface to be cleaned in order to remove the applied fluid from the cleaned surface as quickly as possible.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention can be seen from the following drawing.

• Fig. 1 eine Vorrichtung zum Ausbringen von Gemischen,
• Fig. 2 ein Gehäuse der Vorrichtung mit einer gasführenden Leitung und einer Einrichtung zum Ausbringen des Gemisches,
• Fig. 3 ein Gehäuse der Vorrichtung mit zwei zu einander versetzt angeordneten Ventilschaltern und einem Schalthebel,
• Fig. 4 ein Gehäuse entsprechend Fig. 4 mit rechtwinklig zueinander angeordneten Ventilschaltern,
• Fig. 5 das Gehäuse der Vorrichtung zum Ausbringen von Gemischen mit zwei zueinander auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen angeordneten Ventilen,
• Fig. 6 das Gehäuse der Vorrichtung mit zwei Ventilen und einem schwenkbaren Ventilschalter,
• Fig. 7 ein Gehäuse entsprechend Fig. 6 mit zwei auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen angeordneten Kontaktflächen des Ventilschalters,
• Fig. 8 ein Gehäuse entsprechend Fig. 6 mit zwei ineinandergreifenden Schalthebeln,
• Fig. 9 ein Gehäuse entsprechend Fig. 6 mit zwei voneinander unabhängigen Ventilschaltern und
• Fig. 10 einen Ausschnitt aus der Fig. 2 mit zwei Abschnitten der gasführenden Leitung.

Here we show:

• Fig. 1 a device for dispensing mixtures,
• Fig. 2 a housing of the device with a gas-carrying line and a device for dispensing the mixture,
• Fig. 3 a housing of the device with two valve switches arranged offset from each other and a switching lever,
• Fig. 4 a housing accordingly Fig. 4 with valve switches arranged at right angles to each other,
• Fig. 5 the housing of the device for dispensing mixtures with two valves arranged at different levels,
• Fig. 6 the housing of the device with two valves and a swivel valve switch,
• Fig. 7 a housing accordingly Fig. 6 with two contact surfaces of the valve switch arranged on different levels,
• Fig. 8 a housing accordingly Fig. 6 with two interlocking gear levers,
• Fig. 9 a housing accordingly Fig. 6 with two independent valve switches and
• Fig. 10 an excerpt from the Fig. 2 with two sections of the gas pipeline.

Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for dispensing mixtures with a gas-carrying line 2 and a fluid line 5 arranged in the gas-carrying line 2.

The fluid line 5 is fed with a fluid 6 from a fluid tank 26. For this purpose, a fluid line 5 is provided, which engages with an upper end in a fluid tank 26.

At its upper end 34, the fluid line 5 has a filter 35 which filters out foreign substances from the fluid 6 before it is taken into the fluid line 5.

The fluid line 5 is composed of line elements 36 which are connected to one another by means of connecting flanges.

At an inlet 38, the fluid line 5 is introduced into the gas-carrying line 2.

The fluid line 5 is sealed against the gas-carrying line 2 so that no compressed air 3 can escape through the inlet 38.

The fluid line 5 extends downstream in the flow direction 11 of the compressed air 3 inside 39 of the gas-carrying line 2.

The gas-carrying line 2 additionally has an outlet 40 which is connected to the fluid tank 26 via a supply line 41.

The supply line 41 is sealed at the outlet 40 relative to the gas-carrying line 2 so that no compressed air 3 can accidentally escape from the outlet 40.

The supply line 41 supplies the fluid tank 26 with compressed air 3.

By subjecting the fluid tank 26 to compressed air 3, the fluid 6 stored in the fluid tank 26 is pressed into the fluid line 5.

The cleaning liquid and the water are mixed in the fluid tank 26. By applying compressed air 3 to the fluid tank 36, the water in the fluid tank 26 is mixed with the cleaning agent also in the fluid tank 26.

A pressure gauge 42 is provided to measure the pressure within the fluid tank 26.

In plan view on the right side of the Fig. 1 a generator 43 is shown, which supplies the gas-carrying line 2 with compressed air 3.

The fluid line 5 extends downstream in the flow direction 11 of the compressed air 3 inside 39 of the gas-carrying line 2.

The fluid line 5 composed of the line elements 36 opens together with the gas-carrying line 2 surrounding the fluid line 5 into the housing 19 of the device 1 for dispensing a mixture.

The housing 19 comprises a schematically illustrated handle 18 on the underside of the housing 19, which is opposite the top of the housing 19, on which the valve switches 22; 25 of the valves 8; 9 (not shown) are arranged.

To operate the valve switches 22; 25, Fig. 1 a shift lever 20 is shown, which is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis 21.

The gas-carrying line 2 runs inside the housing 19 (not visible) and the fluid line 5 runs inside the gas-carrying line 2.

In the schematic representation of the Fig. 1 A nozzle-shaped pipe profile 15 is shown downstream of the gas-carrying line 2 in the flow direction 11. At the end of the nozzle-shaped pipe profile 15 that faces away from the housing 19, the nozzle-shaped pipe profile 15 has an outlet opening 30.

In the Fig. 1 the nozzle-shaped pipe profile 15 is bevelled in the area of its outlet opening 30.

Over the axial length of the spout-shaped pipe profile 15, the pipe profile has an approximately conical shape, in which the diameter of the device for dispensing the mixture in the form of the spout-shaped pipe profile 15 increases in the direction of the outlet opening 30.

A suction pipe 17 extends from the housing-side ends 19 of the sleeve-shaped pipe profile 15 approximately axially parallel to the housing 19.

The suction pipe 17 can be connected to the nozzle-shaped pipe profile 15 via a further flange 16.

The suction pipe 17 is connected to a vacuum cleaner (not shown).

Fig. 2 shows one of the device 1 for dispensing a mixture with the housing 19, which in plan view of the Fig. 2 is connected to the gas line 2 on the right by means of a clamp 44.

The fluid line 5 (not shown) runs inside 39 of the gas-carrying line 2.

The fluid line 5 extends through the housing 19 and exits the housing 19 on the downstream side in the flow direction 11 of the gas-conducting line 2 and enters the interior 39 of the gas-conducting line 2.

The gas line 2 carries the compressed air 3, which as in Fig. 1 shown is pressurized.

Downstream in the flow direction 11 of the gas-carrying line 2, a connection flange 10 is connected to the gas-carrying line 2 and to the fluid line 5 guided in its interior 39.

The connection flange 10 is (in Fig. 2 not shown) is mounted on the gas-carrying line 2 via a bearing, preferably a ball bearing, so as to be radially rotatable in relation to its longitudinal axis 12.

The connection flange 10 is sealed on one side against the gas-carrying line 2 and on the other side against an outlet device 4 in such a way that no compressed air 3 can escape to the outside into the interior of the nozzle-shaped pipe profile 15.

In the flow direction 11 of the compressed air 3 downstream, the connection flange 10 opens into the outlet device 4.

Inside the outlet device 4 extends the fluid line 5, which transports the fluid 6.

Inside the gas-carrying line 2, the compressed air 3 is guided towards an opening 13 of the outlet device 4 and flows around the outer wall of the fluid line 5.

As in Fig. 2 As shown, the outlet device 4 comprises at least two bends 45.

With the rotation of the connection flange 10 according to an arrow direction 46, the outlet device 4 also rotates about the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 10 in the arrow direction 47.

Due to the bends 45 provided in the outlet device 4, the opening 13 of the outlet device 4 points outwards eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 12 in the direction of an arrow 48.

By means 27 introduced into the fluid line 5 for releasing the fluid 6 into the gas-carrying line 3, the fluid 6 is introduced into the compressed air 3 to form a compressed air-fluid mixture 14.

The eccentrically aligned opening 13 of the outlet device 4 creates a turbulence 49 of the compressed air-fluid mixture 14 inside the nozzle-shaped pipe profile 15.

The turbulence 49 of the compressed air-fluid mixture 14 is applied along the longitudinal axis 12 of the connection flange 10 in the direction of an object 50 to be cleaned.

Top view of the Figure 2 On the underside of the housing 19, a valve switch 23 of a valve 8; 9, not shown, is shown.

Figure 3 shows the housing 19 of the device 1 for dispensing the mixture. In the Fig. 3 the valve switches 22 or 25 and/or the compressed air valve 8 or the fluid valve 9 are arranged offset from one another.

On the top of the housing 19, a valve switch 22 for compressed air 3 and a valve switch 25 for controlling the fluid flow 6 are shown.

The housing 19 of the device 1 for cleaning objects is penetrated by the gas-carrying line 2, in the interior 39 of which the fluid line 5 is guided.

The housing 19 is pivotally mounted on the pivot axis 21 of the shift lever 20.

The shift lever 20 is in Figure 3 On the underside of the shift lever 20, the Figure 3 a flat contact surface 24 is shown.

When the switching lever 20 is pivoted about the pivot axis 21, the switching lever 20 comes to rest with its contact surface 24 on the valve switches 22; 25.

If the user (not shown) pivots the switching lever 20 further in the direction of an arrow 51, the switching lever 20 presses with its contact surface 24 against the valve switch 22 of the compressed air valve 8 and at the same time the switching lever 20 also presses down the valve switch 25 of the fluid valve 9 with its contact surface 24 when the switching lever 20 is pivoted further in the direction of the arrow 51.

By operating the valve switches 22 or 25, the compressed air valve 8 or the fluid valve 9 are opened or closed.

Figure 4 shows the housing 19 of the device 1 for dispensing the mixture according to the Figure 3 , with the difference that the pivot bearings 52 are shown, on which the (not shown) shift lever 20 is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis 21.

The housing 19 after Figure 4 differs from the housing according to Figure 3 in that the valve switch 22 of the compressed air valve 8 on the top of the housing 19 in the

representation of the Figure 4 In contrast, the valve switch 25 of the fluid valve 9 is mounted on the side of the housing 19 of the device 1 for dispensing the mixture.

The representation of the Figure 5 differs from the representation of the Figure 4 in that the valve switch 22 of the compressed air valve 8 and the valve switch 25 of the fluid valve 9 are each arranged on different levels 53; 54, which have a different distance from the longitudinal axis 12 of the (not shown) connecting flange 10.

The Figure 6 corresponds approximately to the representation of the Figure 3 , with the difference that in the schematic representation of the Figure 6 the switching lever 20 is arranged with its pivot axis 21 on the upper side of the housing 19, wherein the pivot axis 21 extends approximately axially parallel to the longitudinal axis 12 of the connecting flange 10 (not shown).

The shift lever 20 is shown in the Figure 6 shown broken.

The switching lever 20 has a greater material thickness in the area of the valve switch 22 of the compressed air valve 8 than in the area of the valve switch 25 of the fluid valve 9.

In addition, the valve switch 22 and the valve switch 25 are, contrary to the illustration in Figure 3 arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis 12 of the connecting flange 10 (not shown).

When the switching lever 20 is pivoted in the direction of the arrow 51, the switching lever 20 first actuates the valve switch 22 of the compressed air valve 8 due to the different material thickness of the switching lever 20. Only when the switching lever 20 is pivoted further in the direction of the arrow 51 does the switching lever 20 come into contact with the valve switch 25 of the fluid valve 9.

The Figure 7 corresponds in terms of the arrangement of the valve switches 22 and 25 to the illustration of the Figure 6 , with the difference that the pivot axis 21 of the shift lever 20 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 12 of the connecting flange 10 (not shown).

In the presentation of the Figure 7 the shift lever 20 is shown broken.

The contact surface 24 of the shift lever 20 has a platform 55 on the underside of the shift lever 20.

In the area of the platform 55, the contact surface 24 of the switching lever 20 first comes into contact with the valve switch 22 of the compressed air valve 8 when the switching lever 20 is pivoted in the direction of arrow 51.

Only when the shift lever 20 is pivoted further in the direction of arrow 51 does the contact surface 24 of the shift lever 20 come into contact with the valve switch 25 of the fluid valve 9.

The representation of the Figure 8 corresponds to the representation of the Figure 7 with the difference that two separate shift levers 56; 57 are provided.

The switching lever 56 actuates the compressed air valve 8, whereas the switching lever 57 controls the fluid valve 9.

The shift lever 57 is designed such that it overlaps the shift lever 56.

When the switching lever 57 is pressed down in the direction of arrow 20, the switching lever 57 takes the switching lever 56 with it, so that the fluid valve 9 can only be actuated if the compressed air valve 8 is actuated at the same time.

The switching lever 56 of the compressed air valve 8 engages with a tongue 58 under the switching lever 57 of the fluid valve 9.

Due to this design, the compressed air valve 8 can be controlled separately and individually, independent of the fluid valve 9.

The fluid valve 9, on the other hand, can only be addressed and opened together with the compressed air valve 8. In this way, it is ensured that the fluid, preferably the cleaning agent, can only be applied to the object 50 to be cleaned (not shown) in the form of a compressed air-fluid mixture.

The Figure 9 corresponds to the Figure 8 with the difference that in the schematic representation of the Figure 9 two shift levers 56; 57 are shown, which can be operated individually and independently of each other.

Fig. 10 shows a gas-conducting line 2 which comprises a section 68 which has the outlet device 4. This section 68 is separated from the remaining upstream section 69 of the gas-conducting line 2.

The section 68 of the gas-conducting line 2 comprising the outlet device 4 can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the remaining upstream section 69 of the gas-conducting line 2. The distance between the opposing end faces of the remaining upstream section 69 of the gas-conducting line and the section 68 of the gas-conducting line 2 comprising the outlet device 4 can be changed axially.

The remaining upstream section 69 and the section 68, which comprises the outlet device 4, are designed to be axially gas-tightly connected to one another by means of a connecting flange 10.

The opposing end faces of the two sections 68; 69 of the gas-conducting line 2 protrude into the connecting flange 10. The section 68 of the gas-conducting line 2 comprising the outlet device 4 is arranged inside the connecting flange 10 so that it can be moved in a gas-tight manner relative to the remaining section 69 of the gas-conducting line 2. A sealing means can be arranged on the inner wall of the connecting flange 10 to seal the section 68, which comprises the outlet device 4, against the connecting flange 10.

The fluid line 5, which has no interruptions, extends inside the gas-conducting line 2. The fluid line 5 bridges the end faces of the sections 68 and 69 of the gas-conducting line inside the connection flange 10.

The sections 68; 69 running inside the connection flange 10 as well as the fluid line 5 are shown in dashed lines.

Fig. 10 further shows that the outlet device 4 has a body 59 for mechanically cleaning the surface 50.

The body 59 is designed in the shape of a brush. The body 59 can also be a sponge or a wire structure for mechanical cleaning. The body 59 can also be another element for mechanically cleaning a surface 50.

The body 59 is arranged on the outlet device 4.

The outlet device 4 comprises a section 60 extending along the longitudinal axis 12 of the gas-conducting line 2. The body 59 for cleaning the surface 50 is arranged on the section 60 of the outlet device 4 which extends along the longitudinal axis 12 of the gas-conducting line 2.

In the axial direction, the downstream end 66 of the body 59 for cleaning the surface 50 does not protrude beyond the downstream end 67 of the outlet device 4.

The outlet device 4 further comprises a further section 61 which extends eccentrically to the longitudinal axis 12 of the gas-conducting line 2 and adjoins the section 60 extending along the longitudinal axis 12 of the gas-conducting line 2 downstream.

The body 59 for cleaning the surface 50 (not shown) can also be arranged at the end 62 of the further section 61 which adjoins downstream and runs eccentrically to the longitudinal axis 12 of the gas-conducting line 2.

The outlet device 4 is connected to the connection flange 10. A rotation of the connection flange 4 causes a rotation of the outlet device 4. The rotation of the

Outlet device 4 causes a rotation of the body 59 arranged on the outlet device 4 for cleaning the surface 50 with the outlet device 4. The body 59 for cleaning the surface 50 rotates inside a casing 63 which radially surrounds the outlet device 4.

An adapter (not shown) is arranged at the end 64 of the casing 63. The casing 63 is designed as a sleeve-shaped tube profile.

The casing 63 is radially rotatable relative to the housing 19 (not shown). Conversely, the housing 19 (not shown) can be arranged radially rotatable relative to the casing 63.

The arrangement of the body 59 for mechanically cleaning the surface 50 proves to be advantageous since in this way the cleaning of the surface 50 by means of a gas-liquid mixture 14 can be supported by a mechanical cleaning by means of a body 59 for mechanically cleaning the surface 50.

reference numbers

• 1. Device for dispensing mixtures
• 2. Gas pipe
• 3. Compressed air
• 4. Outlet device
• 5. Fluid line
• 6. Fluid
• 7. subject to change
• 8. Compressed air valve
• 9. Fluid valve
• 10. Connection flange
• 11. Direction of air flow
• 12. Longitudinal axis of the connecting flange
• 13th opening
• 14. Compressed air-fluid mixture
• 15. Grommet-shaped pipe profile
• 16. additional flange
• 17. Suction pipe
• 18th grip
• 19th housing
• 20. Gear lever
• 21. Pivot axis of the gear lever
• 22. Valve switch
• 23. Valve switch
• 24th contact surface
• 25. Valve switch
• 26. Fluid tank
• 27. Fluid release agent
• 30th outlet port
• 34th upper end
• 35. Filter
• 36th line element
• 37. Connecting flange
• 38th entrance
• 39. interior of the compressed air line
• 40th exit
• 41st supply line
• 42. Manometer
• 43rd generator
• 44th bell
• 45th bend
• 46. Arrow direction
• 47. Arrow direction
• 48th arrow
• 49. Turbulence
• 50th item
• 51st arrow
• 52. Swivel bearing
• 53rd level
• 54th level
• 55th podium
• 56. Gearshift lever
• 57. gear lever
• 58th tongue
• 59th body
• 60. section extending along the longitudinal axis of the gas-carrying line
• 61. further section running eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the gas-carrying line
• 62. End of the further section downstream, running eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the gas-carrying pipeline
• 63rd wrapping
• 64. End of the wrapping
• 66. downstream end of the body
• 67. downstream end of the outlet device
• 68th sections
• Section 69

Claims (13)

1. An apparatus for dispensing a mixture, which is able to be generated from at least one gas flow and at least one fluid flow, onto a surface (50), the mixture (14) being feedable to a device (7) for dispensing the mixture (14), the device (7) for dispensing the mixture (14) comprising a gas-bearing line (2) which is connected, downstream in the direction of flow of the compressed air, by a fluid line (5) extending in its interior, to a connecting flange (10) which is radially rotatable about its longitudinal axis,

   wherein, downstream in the direction of flow of the compressed air, the compressed air flows from the connecting flange (10) into an outlet device (4), and end faces facing each other of two sections of the gas-bearing line (2) project into the connecting flange (10), wherein the fluid-bearing line (5) passes through the connecting flange (10) along the longitudinal axis of the connecting flange (10) and opens into the outlet device (4), wherein, downstream in relation to the direction of flow of the compressed air, the connecting flange (10) is connected at its other end to the outlet device (4) which the fluid-bearing line (5) projects into,

   and the section of the gas-bearing line (2) comprising the outlet device (4) is arranged in the interior of the connecting flange (10) opposite the remaining section of the gas-bearing line (2) in a gas-tight displaceable manner,

   wherein the fluid-bearing line (5) extends axially in the interior (39) of the gas-bearing line (2), and both the gas-bearing line (2) and the fluid-bearing line (5) are configured as an outlet device (4) for dispensing the mixture (14), the outlet device (4) being further configured such that it is rotatable about the gas-bearing line (2) eccentrically to the longitudinal axis (12) thereof, and further having a body (59) for cleaning the surface (50).
2. The apparatus for dispensing the mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that the outlet device (4) has a section (60) extending along the longitudinal axis (12) of the gas-bearing line (2) and, following downstream thereof, a section (61) extending eccentrically to the longitudinal axis (12) of the gas-bearing line (2), the body (59) for cleaning the surface (50) being arranged at the end (62) of the section (61) and being configured in a brush shape.
3. The apparatus for dispensing the mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that the device (7) for dispensing the mixture (14) has an enclosure (63) radially enclosing the outlet device (4), the enclosure (63) being configured as a sleeve-shaped tubular profile (15), and further an adapter being attachable to the end (64) thereof, and the enclosure (63) being radially rotatable relative to a housing (19), or in that the housing (19) is radially rotatable relative to the enclosure (63), an end (66) of the body (59) for cleaning the surface (50) located downstream in the axial direction not projecting beyond the downstream end of the adapter.
4. The apparatus for dispensing the mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that the section (68) of the gas-bearing line (2) comprising the outlet device (4) is separated from the upstream remaining section (69) of the gas-bearing line (2), and both sections (68; 69) are configured to be reconnectable in a gas-tight manner by means of a connecting flange (10), the section (68) of the gas-bearing line (2) comprising the outlet device (4) being displaceable relative to the upstream remaining section (69) of the gas-bearing line (2), and the section (68) of the gas-bearing line (2) comprising the outlet device (4) being adapted to be displaceable in a gas-tight manner relative to the inner wall of the connecting flange (10).
5. The apparatus for dispensing the mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that the mixture (14) is releasable from the outlet device (4) in a spiral manner into the device (7) for dispensing the mixture (14), the outlet device (4) being rotatably mounted on a connecting flange (10) at its upstream end, and the outlet device (4) being movable in rotation about its longitudinal axis (12) by releasing the mixture (14) into the device (7) for dispensing the mixture (14), the connecting flange (10) being connected upstream to the gas-bearing line (2) adapted to receive the fluid-bearing line (5), the mixture (14) being able to be generated in the device (7) for dispensing the mixture (14), the outlet device (4) having at least one curvature (45).
6. The apparatus for dispensing a mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one valve device is arranged by which the gas flow and/or the fluid flow is controllable.
7. The apparatus for dispensing a mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that the fluid line (5) is feedable with the fluid (6) from a fluid tank (26) which is pressurisable by the gas flow, the gas (3) being in the form of compressed air which is providable from a generator (43).
8. The apparatus for dispensing a mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that the gas-bearing line (2) has an inlet (38) via which the fluid line (5) is insertable into the gas-bearing line (2), the gas-bearing line (2) having an outlet (40) connectable to the fluid tank (26) via a supply line (41).
9. The apparatus for dispensing a mixture according to claim 3, characterised in that the at least one valve (8; 9) and/or the fluid line (5) and/or the gas-bearing line (2) are accommodated in the housing (19), the housing (19) comprising a handle for guiding the device (7) for dispensing the mixture (14), and the housing (19) and/or the handle and/or the enclosure (63) having a heatable handle profile, and a suction pipe (17) of a suction device being connectable to the device (7) for dispensing the mixture (14).
10. The apparatus for dispensing a mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that the fluid-bearing line (5) has means for releasing fluid (27) into the outlet device (4), a vacuum being able to be generated by the gas flowing past the means for releasing fluid (27) in the outlet device (4), the fluid (6) being a cleaning liquid.
11. The apparatus for dispensing a mixture according to claim 1, characterised in that, in the interior of the device (7), an outlet device (4) extends axially towards the longitudinal axis (12) thereof, a fluid-bearing line (5) extending in the interior (39) thereof, the outlet device (4) being equipped to be rotatable about the gas-bearing line (2) eccentrically to the longitudinal axis (12), and further having a body (59) for cleaning the surface (50).
12. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterised by at least one valve (9) controlling the fluid flow and/or at least one valve (8) controlling the gas flow, at least one valve switch (22, 23, 25) being provided for driving the valves (8, 9).
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the valve switches (22, 23, 25) are arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the gas-bearing line (2), and the valve switches (22, 23, 25) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the gas-bearing line (2), at least one valve switch (22, 23, 25) being actuatable by means of at least one switching lever (56, 57), and the valve switches (22, 23, 25) being arranged on different planes (53, 54) relative to one another.

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