ES2566936T3 - Hard surface suction apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Hard surface suction apparatus (10) with a suction nozzle (80) and a suction unit (16), which is in flow connection with the suction nozzle (80) through a flow path, for the flow suction of an air-liquid mixture from a hard surface, and with a separation device (72) for the separation of the liquid from the air-liquid mixture, as well as with a dirty liquid tank (25) for collecting the separated liquid, in which in the flow path between the suction nozzle (80) and the suction unit (16) a separation chamber (65) is received that receives the separation device (72) and is connected with the dirty liquid reservoir (25), and in which the hard surface aspiration apparatus (10) has a filling device (40) with a filling channel (50) having a filling opening (51), and in which the dirty liquid tank (25) configures a collection space tor (55) for the separated liquid that is disposed below the filling opening (51) in reference to a vertical position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus (10), as well as a bypass space (56) surrounding the filling channel (50) and which collects the liquid from the collecting space (55) during the pivoting of the hard surface aspiration apparatus (10) from the vertical position, characterized in that the flow path of the nozzle (80) towards the unit The suction (16) passes in front of the dirty liquid tank (25) and the filling device (40) has a ventilation channel (60) protruding out of the dirty liquid tank (25) over the filling channel (50). ) and comprises a ventilation opening (61) inside the dirty liquid reservoir (25).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Hard surface suction apparatus

The invention relates to a hard surface aspiration apparatus with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The hard surface suction apparatus with a suction nozzle and a suction unit, which is in flow connection with the suction nozzle through a flow path, for the aspiration of a liquid-liquid mixture of a surface hard, and with a separation device for the separation of the liquid from the air-liquid mixture, as well as with a dirty liquid tank for the collection of the separated liquid can be used for the aspiration of hard surfaces, in particular walls or floors with tiles, or also for the removal of a layer of water from glass or glass doors. For this, a suction flow can be obtained by means of the suction unit, so that the particles of dirt and water droplets can be aspirated from the hard surface through the suction nozzle and can be transferred to the dirty liquid container. Similar hard surface aspiration apparatus are known, for example, from US Pat. 3,254,360 and 3,118,165. In addition, similar hard surface aspiration apparatus are described in DE 2555648 A1.

Subsequently, document US 6,347,428 also discloses an apparatus for aspirating hard surfaces of this type, being able not only to vacuum the hard surface but alternatively the hard surface can be cleaned by means of a rotating brush. For this, the aspiration flow generated by the aspiration unit can be conducted through a suction nozzle or aspiration nozzle, or through a rotor that drives the brush through a gear. The suction flow from the suction nozzle of the suction nozzle is conducted through the dirty liquid reservoir for hard surface aspiration, the liquid droplets separating inside the dirty liquid reservoir from the air-liquid mixture. This has the disadvantage that the separation effect depends on the level of water inside the dirty liquid reservoir.

U.S. Pat. 6,691,369 describes a hard surface aspiration apparatus, in which the dirty liquid reservoir is separated by a float from the flow path between the suction nozzle and the aspiration unit. The separation effect is therefore not impaired by the water level of the dirty liquid reservoir. However, there is a danger that the liquid located in the dirty liquid reservoir will exit the suction nozzle again, if the hard surface aspiration apparatus is oriented inclined in relation to the vertical. In particular during a transport of the hard surface aspiration apparatus after an carried out use, the user must therefore carefully pay attention to the hard surface aspiration apparatus being maintained in a predetermined position.

By US Patent Document 4,894,882 a hard surface aspiration apparatus is known with the features of the preamble of claim 1. In a top housing part it comprises a dirty liquid reservoir that is combined with a separation device. An aspiration unit is arranged below the dirty liquid reservoir and the dirty liquid reservoir has a filling channel which at its free end has an aspiration nozzle. The dirty liquid tank and the separation device are not constructively separated between sr

A hard surface aspiration apparatus of similar configuration is known from EP 0 663 176 A1. Also the hard surface aspiration apparatus described therein has a dirty liquid tank, which is combined with a separation device and is not separated from it architecturally. A filling channel protrudes inside the dirty liquid tank, which carries a suction nozzle at its free end directed to the dirty liquid tank and is surrounded inside the dirty liquid tank of a deflecting space that receives the liquid of a collecting space of the dirty liquid reservoir during the pivoting of the hard surface aspiration apparatus from the vertical position.

The aim of the present invention is to improve a hard surface aspiration apparatus of the type mentioned at the beginning, so that regardless of the level of filling of the dirty liquid reservoir, it configures a constant aspiration flow, without the danger of the liquid located in the dirty liquid tank, you can leave it again.

This objective is solved by means of a hard surface aspiration apparatus with the characteristics of claim 1.

In the hard surface aspiration apparatus according to the invention, the separation of the liquid from the aspirated air-liquid mixture is carried out in a separation chamber, which is arranged in the flow path between the aspiration nozzle and the aspiration unit and that it is connected to the dirty liquid tank. In the dirty liquid tank, the separated liquid accumulates without thereby impairing the suction flow caused by the aspiration unit. The suction flow does not pass through the dirty liquid tank and therefore is independent of the level of filling of the dirty liquid tank. The separation effect does not depend on the water level of the dirty liquid tank

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since the separation is carried out outside the dirty liquid tank.

To ensure that the liquid located in the dirty liquid tank cannot exit it again if the user pivots the hard surface aspiration apparatus from the vertical position, for example, to a horizontal position or even to a head-down position, according to the invention, a filling device with a filling channel having a filling opening is provided. The liquid that has been separated from the air-liquid mixture in the separation chamber can reach through the filling opening to the dirty liquid tank. The dirty liquid reservoir configures a separate liquid collection space below the filling opening. In addition, the dirty liquid reservoir comprises in the area surrounding the filling channel a deflection space that receives the liquid from the collecting space during the pivoting of the hard surface aspiration apparatus from the vertical position. The liquid that therefore came from the separation chamber through the filling opening to the dirty liquid tank can no longer flow out of the dirty liquid tank due to a pivoting of the hard surface aspiration apparatus; said accumulation is best accumulated starting from the collecting space arranged below the filling opening in the deflection space surrounding the filling channel. Even when the hard surface aspiration apparatus is maintained by the user in a position in which the aspiration nozzle is disposed below the aspiration unit, there is no danger that the liquid will flow out of the dirty liquid reservoir. The manipulation of the hard surface aspiration apparatus is thus considerably simplified.

So that during the operation of the hard surface aspiration apparatus the liquid can flow to the dirty liquid tank it is necessary that the air inside the dirty liquid tank can leave the tank. For this purpose it is provided in an advantageous embodiment that the filling device has a ventilation channel that is submerged in the dirty liquid tank, which protrudes over the filling channel on the side opposite to the filling opening and has an opening of ventilation inside the dirty liquid tank. The dirty liquid reservoir can be vented through the ventilation channel. Since the ventilation channel protrudes over the filling channel in the direction of the separation chamber, that is, on the opposite side of the filling opening of the filling channel, the liquid from the separation chamber can flow around the final zone of the ventilation channel directed towards the separation chamber, in order to reach the dirty liquid tank through the filling channel. At the same time the air can escape unhindered from the dirty liquid reservoir through the ventilation channel.

The filling channel preferably protrudes in the dirty liquid tank and the filling opening is arranged inside the dirty liquid tank. The area surrounding the filling channel inside the dirty liquid tank thus forms the deflecting space that the liquid located in the collecting space can collect during a pivoting of the hard surface aspiration apparatus from the vertical. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the filling channel is arranged outside the dirty liquid tank, at least partially surrounding the dirty liquid tank the filling channel in the peripheral direction to configure the deflecting space.

It is advantageous if the volume of the deflection space is at least as large as the volume of the collecting space, since in this way the collecting space can be filled completely with liquid, and during pivoting the hard surface aspiration apparatus from the position Vertical, all the liquid located in the collecting space can be collected through the deflection space.

In a preferred embodiment, the filling opening is arranged approximately half the height of the dirty liquid reservoir in reference to a vertical position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus. The collecting space that collects the separated liquid in the case of vertical position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus can be extended, starting from a bottom wall of the dirty liquid tank to the bottom edge of the filling opening arranged at half of the height, and the deflection space that the liquid from the collecting space collects during the pivoting of the hard surface aspiration apparatus of the vertical position can be extended starting from an upper edge of the filling opening to a cover wall or, for example , also to a filling pipe or in general to the upper limitation of the interior space of the dirty liquid tank.

So that the user can easily recognize the filling level of the dirty liquid tank is favorable if the dirty liquid tank is transparent and has marking elements for reading the filling level. The marking elements may be configured, for example, as marking ribs formed on the outer side in the dirty liquid tank. An upper marking element may be arranged at the height of the filling opening and thus shows the user the maximum filling level.

It is favorable if the ventilation opening of the ventilation channel disposed inside the dirty liquid tank is arranged at the same height as the filling opening of the filling channel in reference to the vertical. This has the advantage that the collecting space explained above for the separated liquid is located below the ventilation opening, and the deflecting space for the liquid surrounding the filling channel is arranged above the ventilation opening. Therefore, there is also no danger that the liquid can flow out of the dirty liquid reservoir through the ventilation channel.

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The ventilation channel is preferably arranged laterally next to the filling channel, since in this way the ventilation device can confer a particularly compact constructional shape. In particular, it may be provided that the ventilation channel is rigidly connected to the filling channel. The two channels can thus be held redprocally and a mechanically loadable component can be configured.

The filling channel favorably configures a molded piece of monobloc plastic together with the ventilation channel. This may be made, for example, of an ABS material.

The filling device is preferably inserted in a housing of the dirty liquid tank. This facilitates the assembly of the hard surface aspiration apparatus.

It is especially advantageous if the filling device is detachably connected to the housing of the dirty liquid tank. This gives the user the possibility of separating the filling device from the dirty liquid tank, for example, to empty or completely clean the interior space of the dirty liquid tank.

To be able to securely hold the filling device on one side in the dirty liquid tank housing and to be able to separate it on the other hand in case of simple need of the dirty liquid tank housing, in an advantageous embodiment A bayonet connection is provided between the filling device and the housing of the dirty liquid tank.

It is favorable if the filling device has a filling tank that receives the liquid separated from the separation chamber and to which the filling channel is connected. The liquid that has been separated from the air-liquid mixture in the separation chamber can flow easily through the filling tank to the dirty liquid tank. In this case, the filling tank can have a proportionally large cross-section, so that a proportionally large passage can be provided between the separation chamber and the filling device through which the separated liquid can flow into the separation chamber a the filling tank.

It is especially favorable if the ventilation channel crosses the filling tank. In particular, it may be provided that the end of the ventilation channel directed towards the separation chamber protrudes over the upper edge of the filling tank directed towards the filling chamber.

The filling tank is inserted in a preferred configuration in an inlet pipe of the dirty liquid reservoir housing. In this case, a sealing element, in particular a sealing ring, may be disposed between the filling tank and the intake pipe.

The filling tank is surrounded in an advantageous embodiment by a support ring which is disposed on the intake pipe of the dirty liquid tank housing. The support ring therefore configures a stop which is arranged on a front side of the intake pipe. The insertion of the filling device into the dirty liquid tank is thus structured very easily and can also be done by the inexperienced user.

A filling funnel disposed in an outlet opening of the separation chamber preferably protrudes in the filling tank. The filling funnel narrows in the direction of the filling tank. The filling funnel ensures in a simple way that the liquid separated in the separation chamber can flow to the filling tank and through the filling channel that is connected to it to the dirty liquid tank.

As already explained, it can be provided that the dirty liquid tank can be emptied by removing the filling device. Alternatively or in addition it may be provided that the dirty liquid reservoir has a discharge opening that is sealed tightly by a lid. The discharge opening allows the user to empty the dirty liquid tank without having to remove the ventilation device from the dirty liquid tank.

The cover that closes the discharge opening is preferably secured in the case of the dirty liquid tank casing.

The dirty liquid reservoir can be detachably connected in an advantageous embodiment of the invention with a base housing of the hard surface aspiration apparatus received by the aspiration unit. The dirty liquid reservoir can therefore be easily removed from the base housing. For this purpose, the base housing can have a reception compartment in which the dirty liquid tank can be inserted. The dirty liquid reservoir can preferably be hooked with the base housing.

In addition to the aspiration unit, the base housing can also preferably receive at least one rechargeable battery, in particular a lithium-ion battery, through which the aspiration unit can be supplied with energy.

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The separation chamber is preferably configured as a separate component that can be detachably connected to the base housing that receives the suction unit. For the separable connection, for example, a quick or retention connection can be used. It can also be provided that the separation chamber can be screwed with the base housing. The separation chamber can therefore be easily separated by the user from the base housing, for example, to clean the separation chamber. During the assembly of the hard surface aspiration apparatus, it is only necessary to connect, for example, hook the separation chamber with the base housing.

The suction nozzle can be connected favorably detachably with the separation chamber. For example, it may be provided that the suction nozzle can be connected to the separation chamber through a quick connection or retention. Alternatively, a screw connection can also be used in particular.

It is especially advantageous if the hard surface aspiration apparatus has a base housing that receives the aspiration unit and in particular also at least one rechargeable battery, with which a separation chamber configured as a separate component can be connected separately. it can be detachably connected on its side with a suction nozzle comprising a separation nozzle and a suction channel, and additionally a dirty liquid reservoir also configured in the form of a separate component that can be detachably connected to the housing base and / or separation chamber.

It is especially advantageous if the suction nozzle has an aspiration channel that protrudes with a rear end zone in the separation chamber and is surrounded inside the separation chamber at least over a partial area of its periphery by at least one zone. Intermediate storage A similar configuration has the advantage that the hard surface aspiration apparatus can also be operated in a position in which the aspiration nozzle is arranged below the aspiration unit. In this case the separated liquid in the separation chamber can first accumulate in the at least one intermediate accumulation zone, which inside the separation chamber surrounds at least a part of the suction channel that protrudes in the chamber from separation. If the hard surface aspiration apparatus is operated at a later time again in the vertical position in which the aspiration nozzle is disposed above the aspiration unit, so the liquid accumulated first in the intermediate accumulation zone next to the suction channel flows to the dirty liquid tank.

The suction unit is preferably in flow connection with the separation chamber through a depression duct, a front end area of the depression duct protruding in the separation chamber and being surrounded inside the separation chamber in the peripheral direction through an area of annular accumulation. A similar configuration also allows that in the case of inclined orientation with respect to the vertical of the hard surface aspiration apparatus, in particular in the case of a horizontal arrangement in which the aspiration nozzle is arranged at approximately the same height as the unit Aspiration, the separated liquid can be accumulated inside the separation chamber which can then flow to the dirty liquid tank in the subsequent vertical position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus.

At least one of the intermediate accumulation zones widens favorably in the direction of the separation device disposed in the separation chamber. This facilitates the flow of liquid that has temporarily accumulated in the intermediate accumulation zone.

The provision of at least one of the intermediate accumulation zones in the separation chamber allows the hard surface aspiration apparatus to be operated in any position in reference to the vertical. Therefore it is particularly suitable for the aspiration of a sheet of water on crystals. In the same way, the user can drive along the glass, as is customary for the manipulation of usual window cleaning devices, in which the liquid applied to the glass is manually removed from the glass by means of an extractor It features a rubber lip. Even when the hard surface aspiration apparatus is transferred to a head-down position there is no danger that the liquid can escape from the separation chamber or also from the dirty liquid reservoir. Also in such a position an effective aspiration flow is formed, so that the dirt particle and the liquid droplets can be safely removed from a hard surface.

The separation device disposed in the separation chamber preferably comprises an impact wall that covers the end of the depression duct disposed in the separation chamber. In this way an especially effective separation effect can be obtained.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in relation to the drawing for the explanation in more detail. They show:

Figure 1: a perspective representation of a hard surface aspiration apparatus;

Figure 2: A sectional view of the hard surface aspiration apparatus of Figure 2, and

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Figure 3: an enlarged sectional view of a dirty liquid tank with a filling device of the apparatus for

hard surface aspiration of figure 1.

In the drawing a portable hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 is schematically represented with which a liquid from a hard surface can be aspirated, for example, from a glass. The hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 can be held by the user with one hand on a handle 12 and in the manner of a usual puller, which has a rubber lip, can be driven along the hard surface.

The hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 comprises a base housing 14 that configures the handle 12 and receives an aspiration unit 16 with an aspiration turbine 17 and an electric motor 1. Inside the base housing 14 there is arranged at least one rechargeable battery 19 for power supply to the electric motor 18. On the lower side the base housing 14 configures a standing surface 21 for the arrangement of the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 on a placement surface.

On the opposite side to the handle 12 the base housing 14 configures a receiving compartment 23 that receives a removable dirty liquid tank 25 from the base housing 14, which can be engaged through detachable retention means, known in sf and therefore not shown in the drawing with the base surface 14. The dirty liquid tank 25 has an essentially rectangular tank housing 26, which is transparent and is configured in the form of a molded piece of monobloc plastic. It comprises a bottom wall 27 from which a front wall 28 and a rear wall 29 extend upward, that is, in the direction opposite to the bottom wall 27. The front wall 28 is connected to the rear wall 29 through of two side walls that are also connected in one piece with the bottom wall 27 and of which in the drawing (figure 1) only one wall 31 can be recognized. On the upper side opposite the bottom wall 27 the housing of reservoir 26 configures a hollow cylindrical intake pipe 30. Adjacent to the inlet pipe 30, a discharge opening 32 is molded in the front wall 28 which can be sealed tightly by a cover 33 securely held in the front wall 28. A distance from the discharge opening 32, in The cover 33 for its captive fixation is formed by a fixing bolt 34 which is conducted tightly through a fixing opening 35 of the front wall 28 and the fixing opening 35 subsequently meshes inside the reservoir housing 26 with a widening 36 in the form of a fungus. The cover 33 has in its upper end area opposite the fixing bolt 34 a grip flange 37 in which it can be grasped by the user in a simple way to release the discharge opening 32.

In the tank housing 26 a filling device 40 stands out which is manufactured as a molded part of monobloc plastic of a thermoplastic plastic material, for example, an ABS material (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and configures a filling tank 42 that is inserted in the intake pipe 30 with interleaving of a sealing ring 43. With its edge area protruding from the intake pipe 30 the filling tank 42 configures a support ring 44 that rests on the front side 46 free of the intake pipe 30. In the support ring 44 two opposite fixing wings diametrically directed radially outwardly formed are formed, being able to recognize in figure 3 only one fixing fin 48. The fixing fins 48 are configured in combination with corresponding fastening elements, formed in the outer side in the intake pipe 30 a bayonet connection known in sf and therefore not shown in more detail in n the drawing, through which the filling device 40 with the reservoir housing 26 can be detachably connected.

The filling tank 42 has a tank bottom 49 to which a filling channel 50 is attached inside the tank housing 26. The filling channel 50 is immersed in the tank housing 26 and has an opposite end to the filling tank 42 a filling opening 51. The filling opening 51 is disposed approximately centered between the bottom wall 27 of the reservoir housing 26 and the intake tubing 30. Below the filling opening 51 the filling housing tank 26 configures a collecting space 55, and between the filling opening 51 and the bottom of the tank 49 the filling channel 50 is surrounded inside the tank housing 26 by an annular offset space 56. The volume of the deflection space 56 is at least as large as the volume of the collector space 55. Next, the meaning of the collector space 55 and the deviation space 5 is still more detailed.

On the outer side the transparent deposit housing 26 carries a mark 52 with several marking ribs 53 formed in the deposit housing 26, in which the user can read the filling level of the deposit housing 26. A marking rib 54 above is arranged at the height of the lower edge 58 of the filling opening 51 and indicates the maximum permissible filling level of the dirty liquid tank 25. The collecting space 55 extends from the bottom wall 27 to the height of the rib of marked 54 upper. The deflection space 56 extends from an upper edge 59 of the filling opening 51 to the bottom of tank 49 of the filling tank 42.

The filling channel 50 is connected in one piece with a ventilation channel 60 of the filling device 40 running parallel to the filling channel 50. The ventilation channel 60 has a ventilation opening at the height of the filling opening 51 61. It passes through the bottom of tank 49 and protrudes with its upper end 62, opposite the ventilation opening 61 on the support ring 44 of the filling tank 42.

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On the upper side of the base case 14 and the dirty liquid tank 25 a separation chamber 65 is connected which is connected to the base case 14 through a detachable retention connection. For the separation of the retention connection, push buttons 66 are arranged on the outer side of the separation chamber 65. The separation chamber 65 has exterior walls in the form of a concavely curved front wall 68 that joins the front wall 28 of the tank housing 26, a convexly curved rear wall 69 that joins the handle 12 and in the form of side walls that connect the front wall 68 in one piece with the rear wall 69, of which it can be recognized in the drawing, that is, in FIG. 1, only one side wall 70. On the side walls 70, a button 66 is positioned respectively. By simultaneously activating the two push buttons 66, the retention connection between the separation chamber and the housing can be released. base 14.

Inside the separation chamber 65 there is arranged a separation device in the form of an impact wall 72 that is curved in an arcuate shape. On the upper side the separation chamber 65 is delimited by a cover wall 73 that connects the front wall 68, the rear wall 69 and the two side walls 70, in one piece, in which a reception box 75 is formed which protrudes in the separation chamber 65.

On the upper side an aspiration nozzle 80 having an aspiration channel 81 joins the separation chamber 65. The aspiration channel 81 starts from an aspiration nozzle 83 which is defined by a first flexible scraper lip 84 and a second flexible scraper lip 85, and is immersed with a rear end area 87 in the reception box 75. In the opening of opening 88 of the suction channel 81 opposite to the suction nozzle 83 there is arranged a fixing element 90 which, at a distance of the opening of opening 88 inside the separation chamber 65, it carries a flat impact plate 91.

Starting from the handle 12 the suction nozzle 80 widens transversely to the longitudinal extension of the handle 12, so that the two scraper lips 84, 85 extend over several times the width of the base housing 14, and therefore can capture a large surface of a hard surface to aspirate, in particular a crystal.

The separation chamber 65 can be subjected to a depression by the suction unit 16. For this purpose the aspiration unit 16 is in flow connection with the separation chamber 65 through a depression conduit 94 that crosses the handle 12. A front end zone 95 of the depression duct 94 is configured in the form of a connecting piece 96 and protrudes in the separation chamber 65 on the side of the impact wall 72 opposite the suction channel 81. The opening of opening 97 of the Depression duct 94 is covered by the impact wall 72 convexly curved in the direction of the suction channel 81. Due to the application of a depression in the separation chamber 65, a suction flow is formed starting from the suction nozzle 83 a through the suction channel 81, the separation chamber 65 and the depression duct 94. The aspirated suction air can be escaped from the base housing 14 through outlet air openings 99 molds sideways in the base case 14.

As explained above, the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 can be conducted along the hard surface, in the manner of an extractor for cleaning a hard surface, in particular of a glass or glass door, for the liquid aspiration. In this case, an air-liquid mixture enters through the suction nozzle 83 and the suction channel 81 in the separation chamber 65 and firstly hits the impact plate 91 disposed at a distance from the opening 88 from the suction channel 81, in which a part of the entrained liquid is separated. The air-liquid mixture then hits the impact wall 72 in which the remaining entrained liquid is separated, while the aspirated air circulates around the impact wall 72 and is conducted through the depression duct 94 to the suction unit 16. The separated liquid inside the separation chamber 65 can flow through the filling tank 42 and the filling channel 50 to the dirty liquid tank 25. For this the separation chamber 65 has an opening outlet 101 in which an outlet funnel 102 is arranged. The outlet funnel 102 narrows in the direction of the dirty liquid reservoir 25. Below the outlet funnel 102 the filling device 40 with the filling tank is arranged 42 and the filling channel 50.

In Figures 1 and 2, the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 is shown in vertical position, in which the aspiration nozzle 80 adopts a position above the aspiration unit 16 in relation to the vertical. If the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 is conducted in this position along a surface to be aspirated, thus the liquid separated inside the separation chamber 65 can reach the outlet opening 101 and through the device from filling 40 to the dirty liquid tank 25. In this case the liquid accumulates in the collecting space 55 disposed below the opening 51 of the filling channel 50. The user can read the filling level of the dirty liquid tank 25 in the 52 mark on the outer side. If the maximum filling level 54 has been reached, the dirty liquid tank 25 can be emptied through the discharge opening 32.

If the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 is operated in the horizontal position, in which the aspiration nozzle 80 is arranged essentially at the same height as the aspiration unit 16 in reference to the vertical, or (if) the hard surface aspiration 10 is driven upside down so that the suction nozzle 80 is disposed below the suction unit 16 in reference to the vertical, so that the liquid separated inside the separation chamber 65 can accumulate in first place in intermediate storage areas 104.106 of the

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separation chamber, until the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 is operated again in the vertical position shown in Figures 1 and 2. A first intermediate storage area 104 is disposed between the front wall 68 of the separation chamber 65 and the reception box 75, and a second intermediate storage area 105 is positioned between the rear wall 69 of the separation chamber 65 and the reception box 75. The two intermediate storage areas 104, 105 continuously widen in the direction towards the impact wall 72. The two intermediate storage areas 104, 105 extend in the peripheral direction respectively over a part of the rear end zone 87 of the suction channel 81.

A third intermediate storage zone 106 extends inside the separation chamber 65 annularly over the entire periphery of the tubing 96. Also the third intermediate storage area 106 continuously widens in the direction towards the wall of impact 72.

The first and second intermediate storage area 104, 105 receive in particular the liquid separated inside the separation chamber 65 in the head-down position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10, and the third intermediate storage zone 106 receives in Particularly the separated liquid in the separation chamber 65 in a horizontal arrangement of the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10, without the danger that the separated liquid can reach through the aspiration channel 81 to the aspiration nozzle 83 or through from the depression duct 94 to the suction unit 16. In addition, also in a similar position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 a suction flow of the aspiration nozzle is safely maintained through the aspiration channel 81 and the separation chamber 65 towards the suction unit 16. If the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 is then operated again in the vertical position, thus the temporarily accumulated liquid flows from the intermediate accumulation zones 104, 105 and 106 and arrives through the outlet opening 101 and the filling device 40 to the dirty liquid tank 25.

Since the filling opening 51 is arranged approximately half the height of the dirty liquid reservoir 25 in reference to the vertical position shown in Figures 1 and 2, there is no danger in a horizontal or upside down operation of the apparatus for suction of hard surfaces 10 that the liquid that has already reached the dirty liquid tank 25 can flow again out of the dirty liquid tank 25. The liquid located inside the dirty liquid tank 25 accumulates rather in space deviation 56 of the dirty liquid tank 25 surrounding the filling channel 50 in horizontal or upside down operation of the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10.

The dirty liquid tank 25 can be ventilated in any position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 through the ventilation channel 60 which runs parallel to the filling channel 50, so that at any time the air from the tank can escape of dirty liquid 25 which can then be aspirated through the depression duct 94 of the separation chamber 65.

The hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 can therefore be operated in any position in reference to the vertical, the separated liquid being able to reach the separating chamber 65 directly through the filling device 40 to the dirty liquid tank 25, or it first accumulates in the intermediate accumulation zones 104, 105 and 106 of the separation chamber 65 until the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 again adopts a vertical position. The intermediate storage areas 104, 105 and 106 may respectively have a volume of more than 10 ml, in particular a volume of approximately 20 ml. Regardless of the position taken by the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10 with respect to the vertical one, there is also no danger that the liquid already located in the dirty liquid tank 25 will flow again out of it. The dirty liquid, which is located in the collecting space 55 in the vertical position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus 10, is received by the deviation space 56 of the dirty liquid tank 25 during the pivoting of the hard surface aspiration apparatus from the vertical Since the volume of the deflecting space 56 is at least as large as the volume of the collecting space 55, the collecting space 55 can be filled to the maximum without the danger of the liquid flowing out of the dirty liquid reservoir 25. The The volume of the collecting space can be, for example, at least 100 ml.

Claims (25)

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Five fifty 1. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) with a suction nozzle (80) and a suction unit (16), which It is in flow connection with the suction nozzle (80) through a flow path, for the aspiration of an air-liquid mixture from a hard surface, and with a separation device (72) for the separation of the liquid of the air-liquid mixture, as well as with a dirty liquid tank (25) for the collection of the separated liquid, in which in the flow path between the suction nozzle (80) and the suction unit (16 ) a separation chamber (65) is arranged which receives the separation device (72) and is connected to the dirty liquid tank (25), and in which the hard surface aspiration apparatus (10) has a device for filling (40) with a filling channel (50) having a filling opening (51), and in which the dirty liquid tank (25) configures a collecting space (55) for the separate liquid that is arranged below of the filling opening (51) in reference to a vertical position of the suction of hard surfaces (10), as well as a deflection space (56) that surrounds the filling channel (50) and that collects the liquid from the collecting space (55) during the pivoting of the hard surface aspiration apparatus (10) from the vertical position, characterized in that the flow path of the nozzle (80) towards the suction unit (16) passes in front of the dirty liquid tank (25) and the filling device (40) has a ventilation channel ( 60) protruding out of the dirty liquid tank (25) over the filling channel (50) and comprises a ventilation opening (61) inside the dirty liquid tank (25). 2. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that referring to the vertical, The ventilation opening (61) is arranged at the same height as the filling opening (51). 3. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the channel of ventilation (60) is arranged laterally next to the filling channel (50). 4. Apparatus for suctioning hard surfaces (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the filling channel (50) and the ventilation channel (60) together form a molded piece of monobloc plastic. 5. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filling device (40) is inserted in a housing (26) of the dirty liquid tank (25). 6. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the device for filling (40) is detachably connected to the housing (26) of the dirty liquid tank (25). 7. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the device for filling (40) is detachably connected to the housing (26) of the dirty liquid tank (25) through a bayonet connection (48). 8. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filling device (40) has a filling tank (42) that receives the liquid separated from the separation chamber (65) and to which the filling channel (50) is attached. 9. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the filling tank (42) is traversed through the ventilation channel (60). 10. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 8 or 9 in connection with claim 5, characterized in that the filling tank (42) is inserted into an intake pipe (30) of the housing (26) of the dirty liquid tank (25). 11. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the filling tank (42) is surrounded by a support ring (44) which is placed on the intake pipe (30). 12. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that a filling funnel (102) disposed in an outlet opening (101) of the separation chamber (65) penetrates the filling tank (42). 13. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling channel (50) penetrates the dirty liquid tank (25), and the filling opening (51) is arranged inside of the dirty liquid tank (25). 14. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the deflecting space (56) is at least as large as the volume of the collecting space (55). 15. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the opening of Filling (51) in reference to a vertical position of the hard surface aspiration apparatus (10) is arranged at half the height of the dirty liquid reservoir (25). 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 16. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized because the dirty liquid tank (25) is transparent and has marking elements (53, 54) for reading the filling level. 17. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized because the dirty liquid tank (25) has a discharge opening (32) that is sealed tightly by a lid (33). 18. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the cover (33) is it is held securely in the housing (26) of the dirty liquid tank (25). 19. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized because the dirty liquid tank (25) is detachably connected to a base housing (14) of the hard surface aspiration apparatus (10) that the suction unit (16) collects. 20. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the chamber of Separation (65) is detachably connected to the base housing (14). 21. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the nozzle of suction (80) is detachably connected to the separation chamber (65). 22. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized because the suction nozzle (80) has an aspiration channel (81), in which a rear end zone (87) of the aspiration channel (81), which penetrates the separation chamber (65), is surrounded by the inside the separation chamber (65) in the peripheral direction at least partially by one or more intermediate storage areas (104, 105). 23. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that the final area (87) rear of the suction channel (81) is immersed in a reception box (75) that penetrates the separation chamber (65), defining the reception box (75) and at least one outer wall (68, 69) of the separation chamber (65) one or at least one of the intermediate storage areas (104, 105). 24. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized because the suction unit (16) is in flow connection with the separation chamber (65) through a depression duct (94), in which a front end zone (95) of the depression duct (94) penetrates in the separation chamber (65) and is surrounded, below the separation chamber (65), in the peripheral direction by an annular intermediate storage area (106). 25. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that one or at least one of the intermediate storage areas (104, 105, 106) widens in the direction towards the separation device (72). 26. - Hard surface suction apparatus (10) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the device of separation (72) comprises an impact wall (72) covering the end (97) of the depression duct (94) disposed in the separation chamber (65).