Hose reel unit and hose reel assembly comprising a hose reel unit

Abstract

A hose reel unit for a high-pressure washer has a hose reel and a reel hose arranged in its receptacle. The hose reel is rotatable about an axis of rotation for winding and unwinding the reel hose. The first end of the reel hose is connectable to a supply line and the second end to a washer wand of the high-pressure washer. The hose reel has sidewalls delimiting the receptacle in a direction of the axis of rotation. The first end of the reel hose extends to the first sidewall and is coaxial to the axis of rotation. A guide device arranged between the sidewalls guides the reel hose such that the axis of rotation extends through the reel hose. The guide device is spaced apart form the first end of the reel hose at a support distance measured in a direction of the axis of rotation.

Claims

1. A hose reel unit for a high-pressure washer, the hose reel unit comprising: a hose reel comprising a receptacle; a reel hose disposed in the receptacle and comprising a first end configured to connect to a supply line of the high-pressure washer and further comprising a second end configured to connect to a washer wand of the high-pressure washer; a guide device configured to guide the reel hose; wherein the hose reel is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation for winding and unwinding the reel hose; wherein the hose reel comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall delimiting the receptacle in a direction of the axis of rotation; wherein the first end of the reel hose extends from the receptacle of the hose reel to the first sidewall; wherein the first end of the reel hose is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation; wherein the guide device is arranged between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and guides the reel hose such that the axis of rotation extends through the reel hose; wherein the guide device is spaced apart from the first end of the reel hose at a support distance, the support distance measured in the direction of the axis of rotation; wherein the guide device comprises an opening extending through the guide device in the direction of the axis of rotation, wherein the reel hose passes through the opening.

2. The hose reel unit according to claim 1, wherein the first sidewall is spaced apart from the second sidewall at a sidewall distance, measured in the direction of the axis of rotation in an interior of the hose reel that is surrounded by the receptacle, wherein the support distance amounts to 20% to 80% of the sidewall distance.

3. The hose reel unit according to claim 2, wherein the guide device is spaced apart from the first sidewall at a wall distance, measured in the direction of the axis of rotation, wherein the wall distance amounts to 20% to 80% of the sidewall distance.

4. The hose reel unit according to claim 1, wherein the opening comprises at least partially a circular contour.

5. The hose reel unit according to claim 4, wherein a center point of the circular contour is positioned on the axis of rotation.

6. The hose reel unit according to claim 4, wherein a diameter of the circular contour corresponds to an outer diameter of the reel hose.

7. The hose reel unit according to claim 1, wherein the guide device is embodied as an insertion component that is separate from the hose reel.

8. The hose reel unit according to claim 7, wherein the insertion component is a plate.

9. The hose reel unit according to claim 1, wherein the hose reel comprises two halves and the guide device is clamped between the two halves.

10. A hose reel unit for a high-pressure washer, the hose reel unit comprising: a hose reel comprising a receptacle; a reel hose disposed in the receptacle and comprising a first end configured to connect to a supply line of the high-pressure washer and further comprising a second end configured to connect to a washer wand of the high-pressure washer; a guide device configured to guide the reel hose; wherein the hose reel is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation for winding and unwinding the reel hose; wherein the hose reel comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall delimiting the receptacle in a direction of the axis of rotation; wherein the first end of the reel hose extends from the receptacle of the hose reel to the first sidewall; wherein the first end of the reel hose is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation; wherein the guide device is arranged between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and guides the reel hose such that the axis of rotation extends through the reel hose; wherein the guide device is spaced apart from the first end of the reel hose at a support distance, the support distance measured in the direction of the axis of rotation; wherein the guide device comprises an opening extending through the guide device in the direction of the axis of rotation, wherein the reel hose passes through the opening; wherein the guide device comprises a slot extending from the opening to an outer rim of the guide device.

11. The hose reel unit according to claim 10, wherein the slot tapers from the outer rim in a direction toward the axis of rotation.

12. The hose reel unit according to claim 10, wherein a connecting location is provided between the opening and the slot, wherein the connecting location has an opening width, wherein the opening width is smaller than an outer diameter of the reel hose.

13. A hose reel assembly for a high-pressure washer, the hose reel assembly comprising: a hose reel unit comprising: a hose reel comprising a receptacle; a reel hose disposed in the receptacle and comprising a first end and a second end; a hose connector connecting the first end of the reel hose to a supply line of the high-pressure washer, wherein the second end of the reel hose is configured to connect to a washer wand of the high-pressure washer; a guide device configured to guide the reel hose; a first bearing support and a second bearing support of the high-pressure washer, wherein the hose reel is supported in the first bearing support and in the second bearing support so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation for winding and unwinding the reel hose; wherein the hose reel comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall delimiting the receptacle in a direction of the axis of rotation; wherein the first end of the reel hose extends from the receptacle of the hose reel to the first sidewall; wherein the first end of the reel hose is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation and is supported coaxially to the axis of rotation by a first one of the two bearings supports; wherein the guide device is arranged between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and guides the reel hose such that the axis of rotation extends through the reel hose; wherein the guide device is spaced apart form the first end of the reel hose at a support distance, the support distance measured in the direction of the axis of rotation; wherein the guide device comprises an opening extending through the guide device in the direction of the axis of rotation, wherein the reel hose passes through the opening; wherein the hose connector comprises a connecting socket connected to the first end of the reel hose and a bearing socket connected to the supply line of the high-pressure washer, wherein the bearing socket is secured fixedly at the first bearing support, and wherein the connecting socket is rotatable relative to the bearing socket about the axis of rotation.

14. The hose reel assembly according to claim 13, wherein the hose connector is sealed by seals arranged between the bearing socket and the connecting socket.

15. The hose reel assembly according to claim 13, wherein the hose connector is arranged in a housing of the first bearing support, wherein the housing comprises a service flap, and wherein the hose connector is accessible via the service flap from an exterior of the housing.

16. The hose reel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the service flap is secured by a snap connection at the housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic illustration of a high-pressure washer.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a hose reel assembly.

(3) FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional illustration of a section through the hose reel assembly of FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is an illustration of a detail identified in FIG. 3 by IV.

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of a hose reel assembly.

(6) FIG. 6 is an illustration of a detail identified in FIG. 5 by VI.

(7) FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional illustration of a section through the hose reel assembly of FIG. 2.

(8) FIG. 8 is an illustration of a detail identified in FIG. 7 by VIII.

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of the guide device shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 7.

(10) FIG. 10 is a side view of the guide device of FIG. 9.

(11) FIG. 11 is an illustration of a detail identified in FIG. 10 by Xl.

(12) FIG. 12 is an illustration of a section perpendicular to the axis of rotation through the detail illustrated in FIG. 11.

(13) FIG. 13 is a perspective illustration of the service flap shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5.

(14) FIG. 14 is another perspective illustration of the service flap of FIG. 13.

(15) FIG. 15 is a further perspective illustration of the service flap of FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(16) FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a high-pressure washer 5. The high-pressure washer 5 comprises a hose reel 2. The reel hose 6 is wound onto the hose reel 2. The reel hose 6 is also referred to as high-pressure washer hose. The reel hose 6 comprises a first end 41 and a second end 42. The second end 42 is provided for connecting to a washer wand 7. The hose reel 2 and the reel hose 6 are part of a hose reel unit 30.

(17) FIG. 2 shows a hose reel assembly 1. The hose reel assembly 1 comprises the hose reel unit 30, a first bearing support 3 of the high-pressure washer 5, a second bearing support 4 of the high-pressure washer 5, and a hose connector 9 which is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

(18) As shown in FIG. 3, the reel hose 6 is connected by hose connector 9 with a supply line 8. Through the supply line 8, the reel hose 6 can be supplied with washer liquid.

(19) The hose reel 2 is supported in the first bearing support 3 and in the second bearing support 4 so as to rotate about an axis of rotation 50. The first bearing support 3 supports the first end 41 of the reel hose 6 coaxially to the axis of rotation 50. The hose connector 9 comprises a connecting socket 13 and a bearing socket 14. The reel hose 6 is inserted into the connecting socket 13. The first end 41 of the reel hose 6 is connected fixedly to the connecting socket 13 of the hose connector 9. The bearing socket 14 is inserted into the supply line 8. The end of the supply line 8 which is facing the bearing socket 14 is connected fixedly to the bearing socket 14. The bearing socket 14 is secured fixedly and non-rotatingly at the first bearing support 3 with respect to the axis of rotation 50. The connecting socket 13 is rotatable relative to the bearing socket 14 about the axis of rotation 50. The connecting socket 13 is rotatably supported in the bearing socket 14.

(20) As illustrated in FIG. 4, a cavity 34 is formed between the connecting socket 13 and the bearing socket 14. The cavity 34 is formed by a connecting groove 35 in the connecting socket 13 and a bearing groove 36 in the bearing socket 14. The connecting groove 35 and the bearing groove 36 extend circumferentially about the axis of rotation 50. The connecting socket 13 extends in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. The connecting groove 35 extends circumferentially about the outer side of the connecting socket 13.

(21) The connecting socket 13 comprises a longitudinal channel 37. The longitudinal channel 37 extends in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. In the region of the connecting groove 35, the connecting socket 13 has a transverse channel 38. The transverse channel 38 extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the axis of rotation 50. The transverse channel 38 extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal channel 37. In the embodiment, the transverse channel 38 completely penetrates the connecting socket 13 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation 50. However, it can also be provided that the transverse channel 38 only partially penetrates the connecting socket 13. Due to the transverse channel 38, the longitudinal channel 37 comprises at least one opening 39 to the exterior side of the connecting socket 13. The opening 39 is arranged in the bottom of the connecting groove 35. Through the opening 39, the longitudinal channel 37 of the connecting socket 13 is connected to the cavity 34 between the connecting socket 13 and the bearing socket 14.

(22) The bearing socket 14 comprises a channel 43 for guiding the supplied washer liquid. The channel 43 is connected to the cavity 34. The cavity 34 extends circumferentially about the axis of rotation 50. In this way, a connection for fluid communication between the channel 43 of the bearing socket 14 and the longitudinal channel 37 of the connecting socket 13 is ensured in any rotational position of the connecting socket 13. The channel 43 of the bearing socket 14 is connected in fluid communication to the supply line 8.

(23) The bearing socket 14 comprises an eye 44. The eye 44 represents an opening in the bearing socket 14 which completely penetrates the bearing socket 14 in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. The connecting socket 13 is pushed in the direction of the axis of rotation 50 into the eye 44 of the bearing socket 14. The bearing groove 36 is introduced into the inner side of the eye 44. The connecting socket 13 comprises a projecting part arranged at the side of the bearing socket 14 which is facing away from the reel hose 6. In the projecting part, the connecting socket 13 comprises a securing groove 46. The securing groove 46 extends circumferentially about the axis of rotation 50. A securing ring 45 is arranged in the securing groove 46. The securing ring 45 projects past the opening of the eye 44 in the direction transverse to the axis of rotation 50. The securing ring 45 secures the connecting socket 13 against a movement in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. By means of the securing ring 45, the connecting socket 13 is secured against being pulled out of the bearing socket 14 in the direction of the reel hose 6.

(24) The first bearing support 3 comprises a housing 29. The housing 29 comprises a service flap 31. The hose connector 9 is accessible through the service flap 31 of the housing 29 from the exterior of the housing 29. When the service flap 31 is open, it is possible, for example, to remove the securing ring 45 from the securing groove 46 of the connecting socket 13. Subsequently, the connecting socket 13 can be removed by a movement in the direction of the axis of rotation 50 away from the service flap 31 out of the bearing socket 14. In this way, an exchange of the connecting socket 13 or other components is possible.

(25) The cavity 34 is sealed relative to the exterior side of the hose connector 9 by seals 27 and 28. A first seal 27 is arranged, in respect to the direction of the axis of rotation 50, at one side of the transverse channel 38 and a second seal 28 is arranged, in respect to the direction of the axis of rotation 50, on the other side of the transverse channel 38. The seals 27 and 28 in the embodiment are O-ring seals. The seals 27 and 28 are components of the hose connector 9.

(26) As illustrated in FIG. 3, the hose reel 2 comprises a receptacle 10 for the reel hose 6. The receptacle 10 is delimited in the direction of the axis of rotation 50 by a first sidewall 11 of the hose reel 2 and by a second sidewall 12 of the hose reel 2. The receptacle 10 extends circumferentially about the axis of rotation 50. The first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12 are connected to each other by stays 23 in the embodiment. The first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12 are arranged in respect to the direction of the axis of rotation 50 at a distance from each other. The hose reel 2 is rotatable about axis of rotation 50 by means of a crank 32 for winding and unwinding the reel hose 6 from the hose reel 2.

(27) An interior 15 of the hose reel 2 is delimited at least partially by the stays 23. In circumferential direction, in respect to the axis of rotation 50, a passage 18 is formed between the stays 23. The passage 18 connects the receptacle 10 with the interior 15. The interior 15 is accessible by the passage 18 from the exterior side of the hose reel 2. The interior 15 of the hose reel 2, in respect to a direction that is radial to the axis of rotation 50, is surrounded completely by the receptacle 10. The receptacle 10 extends in respect to the axis of rotation 50 completely about the interior 15. The reel hose 6 is guided between the stays 23 from the receptacle 10 into the interior 15. In the interior 15, the first end 41 of the reel hose 6 is connected to the connecting socket 13. The first end 41 of the reel hose 6 is arranged in the region of the first sidewall 11 of the hose reel 2. In the embodiment, the first end 41 of the reel hose 6 is arranged in the first sidewall 11 of the hose reel 2. The first end 41 of the reel hose 6 is arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation 50.

(28) The hose reel unit 30 comprises a guide device 16. The guide device 16 guides the reel hose 6 in such a way that the axis of rotation 50 in the region of the guide device 16 extends through the reel hose 6. The guide device 16 is arranged in respect to the direction of the axis of rotation 50 between the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12 of the hose reel 2. The guide device 16 is arranged at a support distance a, measured in the direction of the axis of rotation 50, from the first end 41 of the reel hose 6 between the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12 of the hose reel 2.

(29) The first end 41 of the reel hose 6 represents the outermost longitudinal end of the reel hose 6. A hose opening 47 of the reel hose 6 is provided at the first end 41. The connecting socket 13 of the hose connector 9 is inserted into the hose opening 47. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the connecting socket 13 has a projection 48. The projection 48 extends in a closed circumferential configuration about the axis of rotation 50. In the embodiment, the projection 48 is of a circular ring shape. The projection 48 serves as a stop for the reel hose 6.

(30) The first end 41 of the reel hose 6 contacts the projection 48. The first end 41 of the reel hose 6 is formed by the end face of the reel hose 6. The reel hose 6 is secured by means of a sleeve 49 on the connecting socket 13. The sleeve 49 is contacting the outer circumference of the reel hose 6 and forces the reel hose 6 against the connecting socket 13. The sleeve 49 engages across the projection 48 and is thus secured against sliding in the direction of the axis of rotation 50 in a direction away from the connecting socket 13. The reel hose 6 is forced by the sleeve 49 against the connecting socket 13. When producing the connection between the reel hose 6 and the connecting socket 13, the sleeve 49 is pressed against the reel hose 6 and the reel hose 6 is plastically deformed. The reel hose 6 is connected fixedly, in particular for common rotation, to the connecting socket 13 of the hose connector 9.

(31) The first sidewall 11 is positioned in respect to the second sidewall 12 at a sidewall distance s in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. The sidewall distances is measured in the interior 15 in the hose reel 2. The support distance a between the first end 41 of the reel hose 6 and the guide device 16 amounts to 20% to 80% of the sidewall distance s. In the embodiment, the support distance a amounts to 40% to 60% of the sidewall distance s.

(32) The guide device 16 is arranged at a wall distance d, measured in the direction of the axis of rotation 50, away from the first sidewall 11. The wall distanced is measured in the interior 15 of the hose reel 2. The wall distance d amounts to 20% to 80% of the sidewall distance s. In the embodiment, the wall distance d between the guide device 16 and the first sidewall 11 amounts to 40% to 60% of the sidewall distance s between the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12.

(33) The guide device 16 comprises relative to the hose connector 9, in particular to the connecting socket 13, a connector distance v which is measured in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. The connector distance v is measured in the interior 15 of the hose reel 2. The connector distance v amounts to 20% to 80% of the sidewall distance s. In the embodiment, the connector distance v between the guide device 16 and the hose connector 9, in particular the connecting socket 13, amounts to 40% to 60% of the sidewall distance s between the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 12.

(34) As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the guide device 16 comprises an opening 17. The opening 17 extends in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. The opening 17 completely penetrates the guide device 16 in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. The opening 17 of the guide device 16 serves for guiding the reel hose 6. The reel hose 6 passes through the opening 17. A rim 21 of the opening 17 is contacting the reel hose 6. The rim 21 extends about the axis of rotation 50 about a circumferential angle range of at least 235° about the axis of rotation 50. In the embodiment, the circumferential angle range is comprised of two partial regions that are not connected with each other.

(35) As illustrated in particular in FIG. 7, the hose reel 2 comprises a first half 25 and a second half 26. The first half 25 and the second half 26 are positioned adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. The first half 25 and the second half 26 are fastened to each other by means of fastening means 51. In the embodiment, the fastening means 51 are screws. The stays 23 are formed by the first half 25 as well as by the second half 26 of the hose reel 2. The stays 23 have a first part 52 and a second part 53. The first part 52 of the stay 23 is formed by the first half 25 of the hose reel 2. The second part of the stay 23 is formed by the second half 26 of the hose reel 2. The guide device 16 is held by being clamped between the first part 52 of the stay 23 and the second part 53 of the stay 23. The stay 23 penetrates a fastening opening 54 of the guide device 16. The guide device 16 is supported immediately at the hose reel 2.

(36) The crank 32 illustrated in FIG. 7 serves for rotating the hose reel 2. The crank 32 is a foldable crank. The crank 32 comprises a handle 40 and a radial bar 61. The radial bar 61 is oriented in a direction that is radial to the axis of rotation 50.

(37) When unfolded, the handle 40 extends in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. In the folded state, the handle 40 extends in a direction that is radial to the axis of rotation 50. In the folded state, the handle 40 is resting against the radial bar 61.

(38) As illustrated in FIG. 9, the guide device 16 is embodied separate from the hose reel 2 as an insertion component. The guide device 16 is designed as a plate.

(39) The guide device 16 comprises a slot 20 which extends from the opening 17 of the guide device 16 to an outer rim 19 of the guide device 16. The slot 20 tapers in the direction toward the axis of rotation 50, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The outer rim 19 of the guide device 16 extends at least partially circumferentially about the axis of rotation 50. In the region of the slot 20, a continuation of the outer rim 19 is illustrated in FIG. 10 in a dashed line representation. At this location, the outer rim 19 is interrupted by the slot 20. Beginning at the outer rim 19 of the guide device 16, the slot 20 extends in the direction toward the axis of rotation 50 all the way to the opening 17. The slot 20 and the opening 17 are connected to each other by a connecting location 22. The connecting location 22 is at the same time the narrowest location of the opening 17 and the narrowest location of the slot 20. The connecting location 22 comprises an opening width b. The opening width b is measured perpendicular to an insertion direction 60 of the reel hose 6. The insertion direction 60 extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 50. The insertion direction 60 extends perpendicularly to the interrupted outer rim 19 in the region of the slot 20. The insertion direction 60 extends in the direction of the extension direction of the slot 20. The opening width b is smaller than an outer diameter u2 of the reel hose 6. The connecting location 22 forms an undercut for the reel hose 6 relative to the insertion direction 60.

(40) The opening 17 of the guide device 16 comprises a contour 24 that is at least partially circular. In FIG. 10, the circular contour 24 is extended as a dashed line in the region of the connecting location 22. In the embodiment, the opening 17 comprises across at least 235° a circular contour 24 in respect to the axis of rotation 50. In the embodiment, the circular contour 24 is comprised of two parts. The two parts are of the same size. The two parts are separated from each other by a spring slot 55 at the side that is opposite the connecting location 22 in respect to the center point M of the circular contour 24. The spring slot 55 extends in the insertion direction 60. Due to the spring slot 55, even reel hoses with a diameter that is larger than the diameter u1 of the circular contour 24 can be received in the opening 17. In this context, the spring slot 55 enables widening of the opening 17 of the guide device 16. The center point M of the circular contour 24 is positioned on the axis of rotation 50. The circular contour 24 comprises a diameter u1. The diameter u1 of the circular contour 24 corresponds to the outer diameter u2 of the reel hose 6. The opening width b is smaller than the diameter u1 of the circular contour 24.

(41) As illustrated in FIG. 6, the guide device 16 supports the reel hose 6. Due to the narrowed connecting location 22, the reel hose 6 in the region of the guide device 16 is secured against all movements in the direction that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 50. Upon rotation of the hose reel 2, the entire hose 6 is rotated also. In this way, the first end 41 of the reel hose 6 is also rotated. The section of the reel hose 6 which is extending through the guide device 16 rotates together with the guide device 16. By guiding the reel hose 6 in the opening 17 of the guide device 16, the reel hose 6 however cannot perform a movement in the direction transverse to the axis of rotation 50 when rotating the hose reel 2. Transverse forces which are acting on the reel hose 6 in the direction transverse to the axis of rotation 50 in the region of the guide device 16 are absorbed by the guide device 16. In this way, fewer forces or no forces at all are transmitted from the reel hose 6, and in particular from the first end 41 of the reel hose 6, to the hose connector 9. In particular, a transverse force transmission from the first end 41 of the reel hose 6 to the connecting socket 13 of the hose connector 9 hardly exists or does not exit at all. In this way, hardly any transverse forces are transmitted to the seals 27 and 28 which are illustrated in FIG. 4. Upon rotation of the connecting socket 13 in the bearing socket 14, the longitudinal channel 37 of the connecting socket 13 and the channel 43 of the bearing socket 14 are almost always aligned perpendicularly to each other.

(42) As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the fastening opening 54 of the guide device 16 comprises a rim 56. The rim 56 is circular. Three projections 59 project past the rim 56 in the direction toward the center of the rim 56. The three projections 59 serve as three-point supports for the stay 23, as can be seen in FIG. 8. The fastening opening 54 is resting with the projections 59 against the stay 23. In this way, a precise orientation of the guide device 16 relative to the hose reel 2 is possible.

(43) FIGS. 13 to 15 show perspective illustrations of the service flap 31. The service flap 31 comprises at its upper end a snap hook 57. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the snap hook 57 of the service flap 31 forms a snap connection 33 together with the base body 58 of the housing 29 of the first bearing support 3.

(44) The specification incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of European priority document 19 205 182.9 having a filing date of Oct. 24, 2019.

(45) While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.