CN109414146B

CN109414146B - Mobile floor cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: CN109414146B
Application number: CN201680087280.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 于尔根·默茨; 弗兰克·农嫩曼; 米夏埃尔·厄斯特勒
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2016-06-29
Filing date: 2016-06-29
Publication date: 2021-10-29
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-29
Also published as: EP3478144B1; EP3478144A1; WO2018001479A1; CN109414146A

Abstract

A drivable floor cleaning machine comprising a chassis (12), rear wheel arrangements (18) arranged on the chassis (12), steerable front wheel arrangements (46) and a steering rod arrangement (60) coupled in a torque-effective manner to the front wheel arrangements (46), characterized in that the front wheel arrangements (46) are held on a carrier (30) which is fixed to the chassis (12) and in that a torque transmission facility (82) for transmitting torque from the steering rod arrangement (60) to the front wheel arrangements (46) is arranged on the carrier (30), wherein the steering rod arrangement (60) is coupled in a torque-effective manner to the torque transmission facility (82).

Description

Mobile floor cleaning machine

Technical Field

The invention relates to a drivable floor cleaning machine comprising a chassis, rear wheel arrangements arranged on the chassis, steerable front wheel arrangements and a steering rod arrangement coupled with the front wheel arrangements in a torque-effective manner.

Background

Drivable floor cleaning machines are known from EP 0934017B 2 and US 7,082,639B 2.

A side flight assembly is known from EP 1734853B 1.

An adjusting mechanism for adjusting the orientation of a driven cylindrical brush is known from US 6,802,098B 2.

A floor cleaning machine is likewise known from US 7,059,015B 2.

An optimization method for a rotating brush is known from US 2006/0230556 a 1.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a mobile floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset, which can be produced in a simple manner or has a low weight.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in a mobile floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset in that the front wheel arrangement is held on a carrier which is fixed to the chassis, and in that a torque transmission means for transmitting a torque from the steering rod arrangement to the front wheel arrangement is arranged on the carrier, wherein the steering rod arrangement is coupled to the torque transmission means in a torque-effective manner.

By providing a carrier, the chassis and the carrier can be optimized separately. The carrier can be designed such that an optimized coupling of the front wheel arrangement to the steering rod arrangement is achieved, in particular with regard to support and with regard to force absorption and force extraction.

The chassis can then be manufactured in a simple manner and for example from a plastic material.

The arrangement of the torque transmission means on the carrier makes it possible to transmit torque from the steering rod arrangement to the front wheel arrangement in an optimized manner, so that steering movements can be converted directly into corresponding movements of the front wheel arrangement.

In principle, the coupling of the steering rod arrangement to the front wheel arrangement can be effected here directly via the torque transmission means, or an intermediate transmission means can be provided.

In particular, the carrier is an element separate from and connected to the chassis. The carrier and the chassis are manufactured separately and then connected to each other. Thereby, the two components can be optimized separately.

In particular, the carrier is of plate-like design. Thereby, it can be realized in a light weight and be connected to the chassis in a simple manner.

The carrier is advantageously made of a metallic material and in particular of a light metal. This makes it possible to produce the carrier with a relatively low weight. On the other hand, it is possible to absorb or draw large forces via the carrier. In a simple manner, bearings such as a pivot bearing for the front wheel arrangement and a pivot bearing or pivot guide for the steering rod arrangement can be arranged on or integrated in the carrier.

Advantageously, a pivot bearing and/or a pivot guide for the steering rod arrangement is arranged on the carrier. This enables optimal guidance.

In an embodiment, the carrier has an upper side and a lower side facing away from the upper side, wherein the lower side faces the floor when the floor cleaning machine is placed on the floor to be cleaned, and the rotation bearing or rotation guide is arranged on the upper side, and in particular the torque transmission facility is arranged on the lower side. This allows the floor cleaning machine to be constructed in a structurally simple manner. This enables the floor cleaning machine to be produced in relatively few working steps.

The invention also has the object of providing a floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset which is less susceptible to wear.

According to the invention, this and the above-mentioned objects are achieved in the case of the above-mentioned movable floor cleaning machine by providing a toothed belt device as a torque transmission means for transmitting a torque from the steering rod arrangement to the steerable front wheel arrangement.

The toothed belt device has a relatively large play-free and low susceptibility to wear.

In particular, the steering rod arrangement is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the first belt pulley and the front wheel arrangement is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second belt pulley, and a toothed belt for transmitting a torque to the first belt pulley and the second belt pulley is arranged. In this way, for example, the steering rod arrangement and the front wheel arrangement can also be arranged offset with respect to the respective rotational axis. Thus, the available space on the floor cleaning machine can be optimally utilized.

In addition, an upshift or a downshift transmission can be realized in a simple manner by a corresponding adaptation of the diameters of the belt pulley.

In an embodiment, the second pulley has a larger diameter than the first pulley. Thus, the reduction ratio transmission device can be realized. When a specific angle of rotation is set at the steering lever arrangement, for example by turning the steering wheel, the reduction ratio transmission then results in a correspondingly smaller angle at the front wheel arrangement.

Advantageously, the second belt pulley is rotatably supported on a carrier holding the front wheel arrangement. The rotary bearing can be arranged in a simple manner on the carrier or integrated into the carrier. The carrier is capable of absorbing relatively large forces.

Advantageously, the torque transfer arrangement comprises a reduction ratio transmission. Thereby, the operator can perform the steering control particularly with respect to the curve running in a simple manner.

In particular, the transmission ratio is in the range of up to and including 1: 4.5. For example, the gear ratio is in the range of 1: 2. A transmission ratio of 1:2 means that when a certain angle is turned on the steering rod arrangement, this will cause the front wheel arrangement to turn a corresponding half of the angle.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the axis of rotation of the front wheel arrangement for steering is spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the steering rod arrangement in parallel. The torque transmission means must then bridge this distance. This can be achieved in a simple, low-wear manner, for example via a toothed belt arrangement. This enables an optimized space utilization.

Advantageously, a cleaning tool arrangement with at least one cleaning tool is held on the carrier. The respective carrier can then absorb and extract the mechanical forces arising from the holding of the cleaning tool device, even during operation of the cleaning tool.

In particular, the cleaning tool arrangement is positioned between the front wheel arrangement and the rear wheel arrangement and in particular under the chassis. Thereby, the available space can be optimally utilized.

Advantageously, a holding device for the cleaning tool device is fixed to the carrier. The cleaning tool device can then be held directly on the carrier via the holding device.

In an embodiment, the cleaning tool device is (in a manner that can be ascertained) movably and in particular pivotably supported on the carrier, in particular via a deflector such as a parallelogram deflector. In this way, the cleaning tool device can be moved so that it can be raised from the floor surface to be cleaned or lowered to the floor surface to be cleaned, in particular.

Advantageously, the holding device is associated with a lifting device, via which the at least one cleaning tool can be raised relative to the floor surface to be cleaned and lowered onto the floor surface to be cleaned. In particular, when a cleaning operation is to be performed, it is lowered onto the floor surface to be cleaned. In the case of a "drive-through" when the floor cleaning machine is "transferred" to another location without cleaning, the cleaning tool can be raised so that it does not just touch the floor.

Advantageously, the lifting device comprises at least one lever hinged to the chassis. In this way, a lifting device can be realized in a simple manner, which only has to absorb relatively small forces. The majority of the forces can be absorbed via the carrier (and the corresponding holding means) and conducted out into the chassis. It is thus possible to form a lifting device which essentially only provides a drive for the lifting movement or the lowering movement and, if necessary, for example, a support which prevents the cleaning tool device from tilting.

In an embodiment, the at least one cleaning tool is a brush and is for example a scrubbing or sweeping brush. In particular, the cleaning tool can be driven in a rotatable manner and, during a cleaning operation, can be driven in a rotatable manner.

It is more particularly advantageous that the chassis forms a unit made of plastic material. Thereby, the floor cleaning machine can be constructed with a light weight. The floor cleaning machine can be produced in a simple manner. The chassis may be made in an integrated manner, for example by a rotational moulding process.

Advantageously, at least one partial region of the tank arrangement is integrally formed on the base pan and, in particular, is integrally connected to the base pan at least in a partial region. The tank arrangement forms one or more tanks or one or more tanks are arranged on the tank arrangement. Thereby, the number of components for the floor cleaning machine can be kept low, and the floor cleaning machine can be made in a simple manner and with a light weight.

For example, a tank for dirty liquid and/or a tank for cleaning liquid is arranged or formed on the tank arrangement. Via the tank for cleaning liquid, such as water or water with a cleaning agent, can be applied onto the floor surface to be cleaned. By means of the tank for dirty liquid, excess liquid can be sucked off the ground and contained in the respective tank. In particular, the tank for cleaning liquid is formed in an integrated manner on the chassis and is connected integrally therewith.

For example, when the floor cleaning machine is parked on the floor to be cleaned, the tank for dirty liquid is arranged above the tank for cleaning liquid with respect to the direction of gravity. This enables a compact structure to be obtained. By means of a corresponding arrangement, for example, the driver seat holder can also be formed in a simple manner.

It is advantageous if a suction device is arranged at least partially on the tank arrangement, wherein in particular the suction device is arranged at least partially on an area of the tank arrangement on which the tank for dirty liquid is arranged or formed. Thereby, excess liquid can be sucked away from the floor surface to be cleaned. A compact structure is obtained. In particular, the suction unit (suction fan and motor) is arranged on and for example in the tank for the dirty liquid. The suction beam is held directly by the chassis, for example.

It is also advantageous if an application device for the cleaning liquid is arranged on the chassis. In this way, the cleaning liquid can be applied directly to the floor surface to be cleaned or, for example, to the cleaning tool, in order to be able to dissolve dirt, in particular, on the floor surface to be cleaned.

The strut arrangement for the steering rod arrangement is advantageously formed integrally on the chassis and is in particular connected integrally to the chassis at least in some regions. The strut arrangement at least partially houses the steering rod arrangement. In this way, the floor cleaning machine can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner with a low weight.

Advantageously, a driver's seat or a driver's seat holder is integrally formed and in particular integrally connected to the chassis or the tank arrangement and in particular to the region of the tank arrangement in which the tank for the dirty liquid is arranged or formed. Thus, the driver seat can be constructed or arranged in a simple manner. The number of components can be kept low. The floor cleaning machine can be made lightweight.

The drivable floor cleaning machine is in particular designed as a riding machine. The operator rides on the floor cleaning machine during operation of the machine.

In particular, the drivable floor cleaning machine is designed as a sweeping or sweeping machine.

Advantageously, the chassis comprises a bottom region on which the rear wheel arrangement and the carrier are arranged, a strut arrangement integrally connected with the bottom region and on which the steering rod arrangement is arranged, and further comprises a tank arrangement integrally connected with the bottom region.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments is provided to illustrate the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the floor cleaning machine according to FIG. 1;

fig. 3 shows a sectional view in a plane parallel to the drawing plane according to fig. 2;

fig. 4 shows a bottom view of the floor cleaning machine according to fig. 1, viewed in the direction a according to fig. 2;

FIG. 5 shows the same view as FIG. 4 with the cleaning tool removed;

FIG. 6 shows the same view as FIG. 5 with the holding device for the cleaning tool removed; and

fig. 7 shows a schematic side exploded view of a side view for explaining the principle structure of the floor cleaning machine according to fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The exemplary embodiment of a mobile floor cleaning machine according to the invention shown in fig. 1 to 7 and designated by 10 is a sweeping machine in the form of a riding machine.

The floor cleaning machine 10 has a chassis 12. The chassis 12 is made of a plastic material such as PE.

In an embodiment, the chassis 12 is made by a rotomolding process.

The chassis 12 has a bottom region 14. When the floor cleaning machine 10 is parked on a floor 16 to be cleaned (see fig. 2), the bottom region 14 faces the floor 16 and is oriented, in particular, at least approximately parallel to the floor 16.

On the bottom region 14 of the chassis 12, a rear wheel arrangement 18 is arranged, which has a right rear wheel 20 and a left rear wheel 22 with respect to a forward direction 24.

In the exemplary embodiment, the right rear wheel 20 and the left rear wheel 22 are rotatably mounted via a common axle or via their own axles 26 (wheel axles). A drive 28 is provided for driving the shaft 26, which drive is arranged on the chassis 12 and here on the bottom region 14. The drive 28 forms a travel drive for the drivable floor cleaning machine 10.

It is possible here for the drive 28 to drive the right rear wheel 20 and the left rear wheel 22 synchronously, or for the drive 28 to be designed such that the right rear wheel 20 and the left rear wheel 22 can be driven differently.

Arranged on the bottom region 14 of the chassis 12 is a carrier 30 which is connected to the bottom region 14 of the chassis 12 and is fixed, for example, via a plurality of bolts 32. The respective bolts 32 are configured in a suitable manner for fastening in the plastic body.

The carrier 30 is of plate-like design and forms a carrier plate. The carrier has an upper side 34 and a lower side 36 facing away from the upper side. When the floor cleaning machine 10 is placed on the floor 16, the underside 36 faces the floor 16.

The carrier is made of a metallic material and in particular of a light metal. In an embodiment, the carrier 30 is formed from an aluminum casting.

The chassis 12 has a front end 38 and a rear end 40 on the bottom region 14 with respect to the forward travel direction 24. The carrier 30 is mounted to the chassis 12 with the bottom region 14 closer to the front end 38 than the rear end 40. The carrier 30 is here spaced apart from the rear wheel arrangement 18. The rear wheel assembly 18 is disposed on the chassis 12 closer to the rear end 40 than the front end 38.

The carrier 30 is at least approximately centrally disposed with respect to a right outer side 42 and a left outer side 44 (see fig. 4) of the chassis 12.

A steerable front wheel arrangement 46 is fixed to the carrier 30. The front wheel arrangement 46 comprises in particular a deflecting roller 48 or is formed by such a deflecting roller 48. The steering roller 48 is centrally disposed with respect to the right and left outboard sides 42, 44. The diverting roller is located on a middle plane (in fig. 4, this middle plane is indicated by reference numeral 50) between the right rear wheel 20 and the left rear wheel 22.

The axis of rotation of the front wheel assembly 46 is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel assembly 18.

The front wheel arrangement 46 is supported on the carrier 30 via a rotary bearing 52 (see fig. 3) so as to be rotatable about a rotary axis 54. When the floor cleaning machine 10 is placed on a flat floor surface 16, the axis of rotation 54 is oriented transversely and in this case in particular perpendicularly to the floor surface 16.

In the region of the front end 38 of the bottom region 14 of the chassis 12, a strut arrangement 56 is arranged on the bottom region 14. The brace arrangement 56 is an integral part of the chassis 12 and is accordingly made of the plastic material of the chassis 12. The support device is integrally connected to the base region 14 and in this case is in particular integrally connected thereto. The pillar arrangement extends away from the base region 14 in a height direction 58, wherein the height direction 58 is at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 54.

The floor cleaning machine 10 has a steering lever arrangement 60. The steering rod arrangement 60 can be constructed in one piece or in multiple pieces.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the steering rod arrangement 60 is formed in multiple parts with a first steering rod 62 and a second steering rod 64. The first steering levers 62 are positioned in a corresponding receiving space 66 of the strut arrangement 56 in a manner such that they can be rotated about a rotational axis 84. The first steering column is oriented at least approximately parallel to the height direction 58. The second steering rod 64 is coupled to the first steering rod 62, the second steering rod 64 projecting upward beyond the strut arrangement 56. In the region of the upper end 68 of the second steering rod 64, a steering wheel 70 is arranged on the second steering rod 64, via which steering wheel an operator (driver) can carry out a steering movement of the floor cleaning machine 10 which takes place via a corresponding rotation of the front wheel arrangement 46 about the axis of rotation 54.

The steering wheel 70 is positioned in spaced relation to an upper side 72 of the strut arrangement 56. The second steering rod 64 is guided through the strut arrangement 56 through a recess 74 between the upper side 72 and the receiving space 66, and is supported in this case, in particular by a pivot bearing 76, in the recess 74 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 78.

The rotary bearing 76 is configured, for example, as a slide bearing.

The axis of rotation 78 is at an obtuse angle to the axis of rotation 84. In an embodiment, the obtuse angle is about 160 °.

The second steering rod 64 is coupled with the first steering rod 62 via a rotational coupling 80. The rotational coupling 80 is positioned in the accommodating space 66, for example. The rotary joint 80 is designed such that a rotation of the second steering rod 64 about the axis of rotation 78 is converted directly into a rotation, in particular, of the first steering rod about the axis of rotation 84, which is in particular equiangular.

Arranged on the carrier 30 is a torque transmission device 82 for transmitting a torque of the steering rod arrangement 60 (input by an operator) to the front wheel arrangement 46 in order to rotate the front wheel arrangement 46 about the axis of rotation 54 for driving a curve right.

The steering rod arrangement 60 is coupled with the torque transmission facility 82 via the first steering rod 62.

In principle, it is possible for the axis of rotation 84 of the first steering rod 62 to be coaxial with the axis of rotation 54 of the front wheel arrangement 46, and the steering rod arrangement 60 is coupled directly to the front wheel arrangement 46 via the first steering rod 62. In this case, the connection of the steering rod arrangement 60 to the front wheel arrangement 46, which is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner, forms a corresponding torque transmission device 82.

In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation 54 is offset parallel to the axis of rotation 84. Thus, the torque transfer arrangement 82 provides for spatial torque transfer due to the first steering stem 62 being spaced from the axis of rotation 54 by the axis of rotation 84.

In the exemplary embodiment, a rotary guide 86 or a corresponding rotary bearing for the first steering rod 62 is arranged on the carrier 30 in order to guide the corresponding first steering rod 62 on the carrier 30 in a rotatable manner.

For example, the rotation guide portion 86 is formed of a cylindrical pipe member through which the first steering rod 82 is guided. In this way, a slide bearing for the first steering rod 62 is formed, in particular, on the carrier 30.

The rotation guide 86 is arranged in particular on the upper side 34.

In an embodiment, the torque transfer arrangement 82 has a first belt pulley 88 formed in a rotationally fixed manner with the first steering column 62. The first belt pulley 88 is arranged in particular on the underside 36 of the carrier 30 and can be rotated relative to the carrier 30 about the axis of rotation 84 due to the rotationally fixed connection to the first steering rod 62.

Correspondingly, the carrier 30 has a through-opening through which the first deflection lever 62 passes, wherein the first belt pulley 88 is connected on the underside 36 of the carrier 30 to the first deflection lever 62 in a rotationally fixed manner.

A second belt reel 90 is arranged on the front wheel arrangement 46. The second belt pulley 90 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the steering wheel 48 and is supported in this case via the rotary bearing 52 on the carrier 30 so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation 54.

The rotary bearing 52 is formed, for example, by a ball bearing integrated into the carrier 30.

The torque transmission means 82 is designed as a toothed belt arrangement 92, which comprises a toothed belt 94 arranged on the first belt pulley 88 and the second belt pulley 90 (see fig. 4 to 6). Torque is transmitted from the first belt pulley 88 to the second belt pulley 90 and thus from the steering rod arrangement 60 to the steering wheel 48 by means of the toothed belt 94.

In an embodiment, the torque transfer facility 82 is configured as a reduction ratio transmission having a gear ratio relationship of at most and including 1: 4.5.

In this embodiment, the first pulley 88 has a smaller diameter than the second pulley 90.

In principle, however, it is also possible to select a transmission ratio of 1:1 when using the toothed belt arrangement 92 as the torque transmission device 82.

In the region of the rear end 40, a pot arrangement 96 is also arranged on the base region 14, spaced apart from the strut arrangement 56 and extending in the height direction 58. The tank arrangement 96 is an integral part of the chassis 12. The tank arrangement is in particular connected integrally to the base plate 12 and in this case to the bottom region 14.

The tank arrangement 96 has a first region 98 and a second region 100. The second region 100 is connected in particular integrally to the base region 14 directly and follows it in the height direction 58. The first region 98 is arranged on the second region 100 in the height direction 58. The second region 100 forms a free space 102 with the pillar means 56.

In an embodiment, the first region 98 is formed by one or more portions separate from the second region 100, which portions are ("post") secured to the second region 100.

When the floor cleaning machine 10 is placed on a horizontal floor surface 16, the first region 98 is arranged above the second region 100 with respect to the direction of gravity g. The first region has a length between the rear end 40 and the front end 38 in the longitudinal direction of the chassis 12 that is less than the length of the second region 100. A shoulder 104 is thereby formed at the transition from the second region 100 to the first region 98. The shoulder 104 has an abutment surface 106 which is in particular at least approximately parallel to the underside of the base region 14.

Shoulder 104 with abutment surface 106 forms a cage for a driver seat 108, wherein seat surface 110 (see fig. 1) is arranged or formed on second region 108 and seat back 112 is arranged or formed on first region 98. An operator sitting in the operator seat 108 can position his legs in the free space 102 between the strut arrangement 56 and the pot arrangement 96.

On the tank arrangement 96, a first tank 114 for dirty liquid is arranged or formed on the first region 98. A second tank 116 for cleaning liquid is arranged or formed on the second area 100. The second tank 116 is integrally formed on the chassis 12.

The floor cleaning machine 10 has a cleaning tool arrangement 118 with (at least one) cleaning tool 120. The cleaning tool 120 is used to (mechanically) clean the floor surface 16 to be cleaned.

When the drivable floor cleaning appliance 10 is embodied as a sweeping machine, the cleaning tool 120 is, for example, a disk-shaped bristle brush.

The cleaning tool arrangement 118 comprises a head 122 with a cleaning tool 120, which is held on the carrier 30 via a holding device 124 (see in particular fig. 5). The retaining means 124 comprises one or more retainers 126 secured to both the carrier 30 and the head 122.

Fig. 4 shows a bottom view of the floor cleaning machine 10 in the direction a according to fig. 2. Fig. 5 is the same view as fig. 4, with the head 122 with the cleaning tool 120 removed. The cage 126 can be seen. Fig. 6 is the same view, wherein the holding device 124 on the holder 126 is also removed there.

The main mechanical load for holding the cleaning tool arrangement 118 with the cleaning tool 20 is taken up by the carrier 30 and is taken off. Accordingly, the main force loads during the cleaning operation are absorbed by the carrier 30 and possibly introduced from there into the chassis 12.

In one embodiment, the holding device 124 is assigned a lifting device 128 (see fig. 3) via which the head 122 can be moved in the height direction 58 (and in the respective opposite direction). It is possible by means of the lifting device 128 to raise or lower the head 122 relative to the floor 16 to be cleaned. For cleaning operation, the head 122 can be lowered such that the cleaning tool 120 mechanically contacts the floor surface 16 to be cleaned.

The head 122 can be raised by the lifting device 128 in such a way that the cleaning tool 120 does not touch the floor 16. In this mode of operation, the floor cleaning machine can be "transferred" to a cleaning area, for example.

In order to be able to be raised or lowered by the lifting device 128 when the carrier 30 is rigidly arranged on the chassis 12, the cleaning tool device 118 can be moved relative to the carrier 30. In particular, the holder 124 is designed with its holder 126 (or its holders 126) in such a way that a pivotability about one or more pivot axes 130 perpendicular to the axis of

rotation

54 or 84 is provided.

For example, the holding device 124 is configured as a parallelogram diverter.

In the case of a parallelogram diverter, the cleaning tool 120 is raised or lowered in a corresponding embodiment such that its orientation plane relative to the floor surface 16 is not changed during the raising or lowering movement.

The lifting device 128 is designed such that a lifting movement or a lowering movement of the head 122 can be performed in a driven manner via it. As described above, the retaining device 124 and the carrier 30 on which the retaining device 124 is retained are used to primarily absorb or support the head 122.

In addition, by means of a corresponding configuration of the lifting device 128, tilting of the head 122 due to its support on the carrier 30 in a pivotable manner about a pivot axis 130 (possibly with a plurality of pivot axes in a parallelogram steering column) can be prevented.

In an embodiment, the lifting device 128 includes a link 132 coupled to a foot operable pedal 134 (see fig. 1). The connecting rod 132 has one or more levers 136 which are pivotably supported on the chassis 12 and thus in particular on the second region 100 (or the bottom region 14) via pivot bearings 138. The coupling with the head 122 is achieved via the connecting rod 132 in order to perform the lifting process or the lowering process by means of a mechanical coupling with the pedal 134 as described above.

The cleaning tool 120 of the cleaning tool arrangement 118 is driven about an axis of rotation 140. For this purpose, a corresponding drive 142 is provided, which is integrated in particular into the head 122.

During a cleaning operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the axis of rotation 140 is oriented transversely, and in particular at least approximately perpendicularly, to the floor surface 16.

The head 122 with the cleaning tool 120 is held by the carrier 30 and positioned between the rear wheel arrangement 18 and the front wheel arrangement 46. The head is positioned between the underside of the chassis 12 facing the ground 16 and the ground 16.

An application device 144 for a cleaning liquid is arranged on the chassis 12, in particular on the second region 100. The applicator 144 is connected to the second tank 116 in a fluid-efficient manner. The application device comprises, for example, a valve 146 (see fig. 5) which is arranged in the line of the application device 144 from the second tank 116 to the head 122. Through which cleaning fluid from the second tank 116 can be controllably delivered to the cleaning tool 120 via the valve 146.

A suction device 148 is provided, by means of which excess liquid that was previously applied to the floor surface 16 to be cleaned, in particular by means of the application device 144, can be sucked off.

In an embodiment, the suction device 148 includes a suction train 150 for generating a suction flow. The suction unit 150 is arranged, for example, in the first region 98 of the tank arrangement 96. The suction unit is arranged, for example, on and in particular in the first tank 114.

In addition, the suction device 148 comprises a suction application device 152 by means of which a suction flow can be applied to the floor surface to be cleaned. The suction application device 152 is fluidly operatively connected to the suction unit 150. The sucked-off contaminated liquid is coupled into the first tank 114.

The suction applicator 152 has one or more suction lines 154. Such a suction line 154 is arranged in particular in the region of the rear end 40 of the chassis 12.

In an embodiment, a suction beam (not shown in the figures) is arranged on the chassis 12 in the region of the rear end 40, which suction beam is part of the suction application means 152 and which suction beam is coupled to one or more suction lines 154. Via the respective suction beam, excess liquid can be sucked off and then coupled into the first tank 114.

The suction beam is in particular movable, so that it can be raised or lowered, and in particular can be lowered or raised synchronously with the head 122. During the cleaning operation, the suction beam is lowered in order to enable suction. In a pure driving operation without a cleaning operation, the suction beam is lifted.

The second tank 116 is assigned a closable filling opening 156, through which cleaning liquid (water or water with cleaning agent) can be supplied to the second tank 116, i.e. via which the second tank 116 can be filled. The filling opening 156 is arranged in particular on the strut arrangement 56. The filling opening is arranged on the pillar arrangement, for example at the level of the rotary joint 80.

In particular, a line leads from the filling opening 156 to the second tank 116.

An emptying device 158 is associated with the first tank 114, via which emptying device dirt fluid can be sucked off from the first tank 114.

In an embodiment, the evacuation device 158 comprises an (closable) evacuation pipe, which is positioned on the outside of and opens into the first tank 114.

The floor cleaning machine 10 according to the invention functions as follows:

in a cleaning operation, the head 122 with the cleaning tool 120 is lowered and it contacts the floor 16 to be cleaned. By rotation of the cleaning tool 120 about the rotation axis 140, a mechanical loading of the floor surface 16 to be cleaned is achieved.

Cleaning liquid from the second tank 116 is applied by the applicator 144 to the cleaning tool 120 and thus to the floor surface 16 to be cleaned. In particular, dissolving the dirt is thereby achieved.

Excess liquid is drawn from the floor 16 via the suction applicator 152 and coupled into the first tank 114.

The floor cleaning machine 10 is in particular designed as a riding machine. An operator (driver) sits on the operator seat 108. The operator controls the driving movements. The operator controls curve driving by turning on the steering wheel 70. The rotation of the steering wheel 70 is transmitted via the steering rod arrangement 60 and the torque transmission means 82 to the front wheel arrangement 46 and, in the process, to its steering rollers 48.

The toothed belt arrangement 92 allows a play-free transmission with low wear.

Typically, a 1:2 gear ratio relationship (reduction ratio relationship) is selected such that a particular angle of rotation on the steering wheel 70 results in a corresponding half angle of rotation of the front wheel arrangement 46 about the axis of rotation 54.

The chassis 12 is made integrally of at least a part of its components, namely the bottom region 14, the pillar arrangement 56 and the tank arrangement 96, and in particular of a plastic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the second area 100 with the second tank 116 for cleaning liquid is made in one piece with the chassis 12. The carrier 30 holds the front wheel arrangement 46, the torque transfer arrangement 82 and the cleaning tool 118.

The corresponding floor cleaning machine 10 can be produced with a low weight and relatively little material input and thus with little production costs.

The main part, i.e. the carrier 30, which has to withstand large mechanical loads is made of a metallic material. In addition, corresponding rotary bearings for the floor cleaning machine 10 can be formed on the carrier 30 outside the plastic parts. This is achieved in particular by the steering being effected via a metal part, for example an aluminum die-cast part. The chassis with chassis 12 is integrally formed with the canister arrangement 96.

List of reference numerals

10-wheeled floor cleaning machine

12 chassis

14 bottom region

16 ground

18 rear wheel device

20 right rear wheel

22 left rear wheel

24 forward direction of travel

26 shaft

28 driver

32 vector

32 bolt

34 upper side

36 lower side

38 front end

40 rear end

42 right lateral side

44 left lateral side

46 front wheel device

48 steering wheel

50 middle plane

52 swivel bearing

54 axis of rotation

56-pillar device

58 direction of height

60 steering rod device

62 first steering rod

64 second steering rod

66 accommodating space

68 upper end

70 steering wheel

72 upper side

74 recess

76 swivel bearing

78 axis of rotation

80 rotation coupling

82 torque transfer arrangement

84 axis of rotation

86 rotation guide part

88 first belt pulley

90 second belt reel

92 tooth-shaped belt device

94 tooth belt

96-tank device

98 first region

100 second region

102 free space

104 shoulder

106 facing surface

108 operator's seat

110 seat

112 chair back

114 (for dirty liquid) first tank

116 (for cleaning liquid) second tank

118 cleaning tool apparatus

120 cleaning tool

122 head

124 holding device

126 holder

128 lifting device

130 pivot axis

132 connecting rod

134 pedal

136 rod

138 Pivot support

140 axis of rotation

142 driver

144 dispensing device

146 valve

148 suction device

150 suction unit

152 suction application device

154 suction line

156 fill the opening

158 evacuation device

Claims

1. A drivable floor cleaning machine comprising a chassis (12), rear wheel arrangements (18) arranged on the chassis (12), steerable front wheel arrangements (46) and a steering rod arrangement (60) coupled in a torque-effective manner to the front wheel arrangements (46), characterized in that the front wheel arrangements (46) are held on a carrier (30) fixed to the chassis (12) and a torque transmission facility (82) for transmitting torque from the steering rod arrangement (60) to the front wheel arrangements (46) is arranged on the carrier (30), wherein the steering rod arrangement (60) is coupled in a torque-effective manner to the torque transmission facility (82), and wherein the carrier (30) is a component which is separate from the chassis (12) and which is connected to the chassis (12).

2. The mobile floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier (30) is of plate-like design.

3. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the carrier (30) is made of a metallic material.

4. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a rotary bearing and/or a rotary guide (86) for the steering rod arrangement (60) is arranged on the carrier (30).

5. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the carrier (30) has an upper side (34) and a lower side (36) facing away from the upper side (34), wherein the lower side (36) faces the floor (16) to be cleaned when the floor cleaning machine is placed on the floor (16) and the rotation bearing or rotation guide (86) is arranged on the upper side (34).

6. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a toothed belt device (92) is provided as torque transmission means (82) for transmitting torque from the steering rod device (60) to the steerable front wheel device (46).

7. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the steering-lever arrangement (60) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a first belt pulley (88) and the front-wheel arrangement (46) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a second belt pulley (90), and a toothed belt (94) is arranged for transmitting a torque to the first belt pulley (88) and the second belt pulley (90).

8. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the second belt pulley (90) has a larger diameter than the first belt pulley (88).

9. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second belt reel (90) is rotatably supported on a carrier (30) which holds the front wheel arrangement (46).

10. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the torque transmission means (82) comprise a reduction gear transmission.

11. The mobile floor cleaning machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the transmission ratio relationship of the torque transmission means (82) lies in a range of up to 1: 4.5.

12. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the axis of rotation (54) of the front wheel arrangement (46) for steering is spaced apart in parallel to the axis of rotation (84) of the steering rod arrangement (60).

13. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a cleaning tool arrangement (118) having at least one cleaning tool (120) is held on the carrier (30).

14. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the cleaning tool arrangement (118) is positioned between the front wheel arrangement (46) and the rear wheel arrangement (18).

15. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that a holding device (124) for the cleaning tool device (118) is fixed on the carrier (30).

16. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the cleaning tool device (118) is movably supported on the carrier (30).

17. A mobile floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that a lifting device (128) is assigned to the holding device (124), via which lifting device at least one cleaning tool (120) can be raised relative to the floor surface (16) to be cleaned and lowered onto the floor surface (16) to be cleaned.

18. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the lifting device (128) comprises at least one lever (136) which is articulated on the chassis (12).

19. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the at least one cleaning tool (120) is a brush and is a bristle brush.

20. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the chassis (12) forms a unit made of plastic material.

21. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a tank arrangement (96) is formed in an integrated manner on the chassis (12) at least in a partial region (100).

22. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that a tank (114) for dirty liquid and/or a tank (116) for cleaning liquid is arranged or formed on the tank arrangement (96).

23. The mobile floor cleaning machine according to claim 22, characterized in that the tank (114) for dirty liquid is arranged above the tank (116) for cleaning liquid with respect to the direction of gravity (g) when the floor cleaning machine is parked on a floor (16) to be cleaned.

24. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that a suction device (148) is arranged at least partially on the tank device (96).

25. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that an application device (144) for cleaning liquid is arranged on the chassis (12).

26. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a strut arrangement (56) for the steering lever arrangement (60) is formed in an integrated manner on the chassis (12).

27. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that a driver's seat or a driver's seat holder (104, 106) is integrally formed on the chassis (12) or tank arrangement (96).

28. The mobile floor cleaning machine of claim 1, configured as a riding machine.

29. A mobile floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized by being designed as a sweeping machine.

30. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the chassis (12) comprises a bottom region (14) on which the rear wheel arrangement (18) and the carrier (30) are held and on which a strut arrangement (56) and a pot arrangement (96) for the steering lever arrangement (60) are arranged or formed in an integrated manner.

31. A mobile floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized by being constructed as a road sweeper.

32. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the carrier (30) is made of light metal.

33. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the torque transmission means (82) are arranged on the underside (36).

34. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the cleaning tool device (118) is positioned below the chassis (12).

35. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that the cleaning tool device (118) is pivotably supported on the carrier (30).

36. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that the cleaning tool device (118) is supported on the carrier (30) via a deflector.

37. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that the tank arrangement (96) is connected integrally to the chassis (12) at least in the partial region (100).

38. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that the tank (116) for cleaning liquid is arranged or formed in an integrated manner on the chassis (12).

39. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the suction device (148) is arranged at least partially on an area (98) of the tank arrangement (96) on which a tank (114) for dirty liquid is arranged or formed.

40. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that a strut arrangement (56) for the steering rod arrangement (60) is connected integrally to the chassis (12) at least in some regions.

41. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that an operator's seat or an operator's seat holder (104, 106) is integrally formed on the region (98) of the tank arrangement (96) on which the tank (114) for dirty liquid is seated or formed.

42. A drivable floor cleaning machine as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that a driver's seat or a driver's seat holder (104, 106) is integrally connected to the chassis (12) or tank arrangement (96).

43. The mobile floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the at least one cleaning tool (120) is a brush and is a sweeper brush.