CN116898348A

CN116898348A - Cleaning device and cleaning brush for a cleaning device

Info

Publication number: CN116898348A
Application number: CN202310395232.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 汉内斯·弗勒利希
Original assignee: Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Current assignee: Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Priority date: 2022-04-14
Filing date: 2023-04-13
Publication date: 2023-10-20
Also published as: EP4260758A1

Abstract

A cleaning device and a cleaning brush for a cleaning device are proposed, the cleaning brush having a base body, at least one connecting arm arranged on the base body and at least one cleaning head arranged on the connecting arm, the base body defining a rotational axis about which the cleaning brush can be rotated, wherein the cleaning head is fastened interchangeably to the connecting arm of the cleaning brush and/or wherein the cleaning head has a cleaning insert and a support body for the cleaning insert, wherein the cleaning insert is fastened interchangeably to the support body. It is achieved or supported that larger projections or obstacles can be passed without jamming and/or that the wear resistance of the cleaning brush is increased or its service life is prolonged without adversely affecting the cleaning efficiency.

Description

Cleaning device and cleaning brush for a cleaning device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a brush for a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a self-propelled cleaning device comprising a brush according to the preamble of claim 15.

Background

From the prior art, autonomous or self-propelled cleaning devices are known, in particular as (semi) autonomous dust-collecting robots for cleaning surfaces, such as floors.

For better cleaning of edges, edges and/or room boundaries, such cleaning devices may be equipped with a cleaning brush or side brush. The rotational axis of the brushes is elongated at least substantially vertically or at least substantially perpendicularly to the cleaning surface so that the suction is conveyed to the suction inlet or cleaning roller of the cleaning apparatus.

The cleaning brush or side brush generally has a plurality of cleaning elements, for example in the form of bristle tufts, which are each connected directly or via a connecting arm to a base body or hub, as disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2010 037672A1.

Although the cleaning efficiency of the sweeper brush is improved by the connecting arm. However, such connecting arms also increase the wear of the cleaning element or bristle tufts. Furthermore, there is the risk that the cleaning brush, together with the connecting arm, gets stuck on the obstacle or the protruding part or that the cleaning device cannot be driven past the protruding part without a fault.

In order to reduce the wear of the cleaning brushes, DE 10 2017 119 216 A1 discloses an arc-shaped twisted connecting arm made of flexible plastic, so that the connecting arm can be bypassed when it hits an obstacle.

Furthermore, EP 3 443 863 A1 discloses that the connecting arms can be provided with a plurality of cutouts, respectively, in order to increase the vertical mobility of the connecting arms. Due to the flexibility thus obtained, it is possible to better drive over raised portions of the cleaning surface, such as in the border of plush carpets.

Despite these measures, there is still the risk that the cleaning brush gets stuck on an obstacle or raised part or that the cleaning device cannot travel past the raised part without failure, with the cleaning brushes known from the prior art. This results in increased brush wear and thus increased maintenance costs. Further, since the cleaning apparatus travels over the convex portion, the travel locus of the cleaning apparatus may be changed, so that the cleaning surface may not be completely cleaned.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved cleaning brush for a cleaning appliance, an improved cleaning appliance comprising such a cleaning brush, and an improved method for operating a cleaning appliance, preferably in which it is achieved or supported that even larger projections or obstacles, in particular greater than 0.5cm or 1cm, are passed over without jamming, and/or in particular that the wear resistance of the cleaning brush is increased or the service life thereof is prolonged without adversely affecting the cleaning efficiency.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved by a cleaning brush according to claim 1 or a cleaning device comprising such a cleaning brush according to claim 15.

Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

Preferably, the cleaning device in the sense of the present invention is a (semi-) autonomous or self-propelled dust-collecting robot, hereinafter referred to as a sweeping robot. However, a cleaning device in the sense of the present invention may also refer to other means for cleaning and/or maintaining surfaces, in particular floors. For example, floor wiping devices or floor wiping robots, polishing devices or polishing robots, window wiping devices or robots or mowers or robots are in principle also understood as cleaning devices in the sense of the invention.

The cleaning device according to the invention is equipped with a cleaning brush according to the invention and a drive unit for the cleaning brush, in particular an electric motor, wherein the cleaning brush is rotatably driven about a rotational axis, which in a usual use position of the cleaning device is preferably at least substantially vertical.

A cleaning brush in the sense of the present invention is a technical device or technical aid which is designed to clean a cleaning surface by rotation of the cleaning brush relative to the surface (hereinafter referred to as cleaning surface).

As brush packings, a cleaning brush in the sense of the present invention can have one or more cleaning elements in the form of filament bundles or fiber rows. However, it is likewise possible for the cleaning brush to have one or more cleaning or wiping elements, for example in the form of nodules, flakes or the like. In particular, the cleaning brush in the sense of the present invention can in principle also be designed without filaments or fibers. Accordingly, the term "sweeper brush" in the sense of the present invention should be construed correspondingly broadly.

The cleaning brush according to the invention is preferably arranged on the underside of the cleaning device, in particular such that cleaning objects, such as dust, are carried by the cleaning brush laterally beside and/or in front of the cleaning device in the direction of travel of the cleaning device and conveyed to a collecting area or suction opening of the cleaning device. For this purpose, the cleaning brush can be arranged on the cleaning device edge-wise or off-center or can be designed as a side brush. However, it is also possible for the cleaning brush to be arranged at least substantially centrally on the cleaning device.

The cleaning brush according to the invention has a base body or hub and at least one preferably elongate or arm-shaped cleaning arm or brush arm arranged on the base body, in particular, wherein the cleaning arm has a connecting arm and at least one cleaning head arranged on the connecting arm.

The base body or hub (hereinafter referred to as base body) is preferably designed to be at least substantially cylindrical, in particular disk-shaped.

In particular, in order to avoid unbalance, the base body is preferably designed to be at least substantially rotationally symmetrical.

It is particularly preferred that the substrate defines an axis of rotation about which the cleaning brush is rotatable, preferably wherein the axis of rotation forms the axis of symmetry and/or the central axis of the preferably rotationally symmetrical substrate.

Unless otherwise indicated, the spatial distribution, arrangement and/or orientation (particularly the terms "radial", "axial" and/or "in circumferential direction" as used within the scope of the present invention) are particularly referred to with respect to the axis of rotation of the sweeper brush.

The base body of the cleaning brush is positively, non-positively and/or positively connected to the drive unit of the cleaning device or can be connected thereto, in particular in such a way that a torque can be transmitted from the drive unit to the cleaning brush.

Particularly preferably, the base body has a receptacle for a shaft or a journal of the drive unit.

Since the base body preferably does not contact the cleaning surface or is spaced apart from it in the installed state or during operation of the cleaning device, the base body can be made of a hard or inflexible material, such as a thermoplastic.

As already stated, the cleaning arm preferably has a connecting arm and a cleaning head, wherein the cleaning head is connected to the base body by the connecting arm.

Preferably, the cleaning device has a plurality, preferably more than two or three and/or less than twelve, particularly preferably five or six cleaning arms or connecting arms, preferably with a cleaning head being arranged on each connecting arm or assigned to each connecting arm.

The cleaning arm or the connecting arm is preferably arranged adjacently in the circumferential direction around the rotational axis. In particular, the cleaning arms or the connecting arms are distributed uniformly on the outer circumferential surface of the base body and/or are equally spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction.

Preferably, the cleaning arm, in particular the connecting arm, and the cleaning head are designed to be identical in structure. The individual aspects, advantages, features, characteristics and method steps described below in relation to only one cleaning arm or connecting arm and/or one cleaning head are preferably also preset in the other cleaning arm or connecting arm and/or cleaning head, so that even if repetition is omitted below, the corresponding embodiments are applicable to the other cleaning arm or connecting arm and/or cleaning head.

In particular in the initial position or in the normal use position, the cleaning arm or the connecting arm extends radially outwards from the base body, preferably wherein the cleaning arm or the connecting arm is twisted and/or tilted at least in sections towards the cleaning surface or in the normal use position of the brush downwards or transversely to the direction of rotation, in particular such that (only) the cleaning head rests on the cleaning surface.

The cleaning arm or the connecting arm is preferably designed to be flexible or elastically deformable, in particular such that the cleaning arm or the connecting arm can be moved against the rotational direction or horizontally during the cleaning operation and/or transversely to the rotational direction or vertically during the cleaning operation. Particularly preferably, the connecting arm is designed to be more flexible or more elastic than the base body and/or the cleaning head, at least in sections.

The desired flexibility or pliability of the cleaning arm or the connecting arm can be achieved by shaping the geometry of the cleaning arm or the connecting arm and/or by material selection.

Preferably, the cleaning arm or the connecting arm tapers at least sectionally from the base body toward the cleaning head.

Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning arm or the connecting arm can have at least one recess on the upper side or on the side facing away from the cleaning surface and/or on the lower side or on the side facing the cleaning surface.

Preferably, the cleaning arm or the connecting arm is made of an elastic material, in particular an elastic plastic, such as a synthetic rubber and/or an elastomer.

The sweeper brush may be made in an injection molding process by injection molding the cover substrate with a flexible plastic. Alternatively, the cleaning arm or the connecting arm can be connected to the base body in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, in particular by means of a clamping and/or screwing.

The cleaning head is preferably designed for cleaning a cleaning surface.

Preferably, the cleaning head forms the free end of the cleaning arm. In particular, during a cleaning operation of the cleaning device, the (only) cleaning head is in direct contact with the cleaning surface.

For cleaning the cleaning surface, the cleaning head may have one or more cleaning elements, preferably a plurality of filaments, in particular in the form of filament clusters or filament rows. However, as already stated, the cleaning head can also have or form a (non-filament) wiper element.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning head is replaceably or nondestructively detachably fastened to the connecting arm. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning head has a cleaning insert, in particular comprising one or more cleaning elements, and a support for the cleaning insert, wherein the cleaning insert is fastened to the support in a replaceable or otherwise nondestructively detachable manner.

The cleaning head, in particular the support body, is preferably fastened to the connecting arm by a form-fitting and/or force-fitting, in particular by a non-destructively detachable snap-fit connection and/or a press-fit connection. For example, the cleaning head, in particular the support body, can have a journal and the connecting arm has a receptacle for the journal or vice versa, preferably wherein the journal is inserted, in particular pressed into the receptacle.

The cleaning insert is preferably fastened to the connecting arm by a form-fitting and/or force-fitting, in particular by a nondestructively detachable snap-fit connection and/or a crimp connection. For example, the support body may in particular have a recess, preferably in which the cleaning insert is inserted, in particular pressed, into the receptacle.

Due to the interchangeability of the cleaning head or cleaning insert, the necessity of replacing the entire cleaning brush in the event of filament damage is avoided. In contrast, individual or all cleaning heads or cleaning inserts can be replaced. Thus, the cleaning head, in particular the cleaning insert or the cleaning element/filament, can be designed to be stiffer than in the prior art, so that a high cleaning efficiency is obtained.

Furthermore, it is possible in a particularly simple manner to adapt the cleaning brush to the current application situation by exchanging the cleaning head or the cleaning insert.

As already explained, the cleaning head, in particular the cleaning insert, preferably has a plurality of cleaning elements, in particular filaments in the form of filament bundles or filament rows, preferably wherein the cleaning elements/filaments are connected to the cleaning insert or the support body in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner, in particular by clamping, adhesive bonding and/or injection-molding.

Preferably, the cleaning elements/filaments are oriented at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis or at least substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface or rotational direction in the use position of the cleaning device.

In this way, a particularly high cleaning efficiency is obtained. Although the orientation or high cleaning efficiency of the cleaning elements/filaments causes more wear of the cleaning head or cleaning elements/filaments than in embodiments where the filaments are oriented obliquely to the cleaning surface. However, with the cleaning brush according to the invention, the cleaning head or cleaning insert, which is damaged/worn by the cleaning elements/filaments, can be replaced by the user.

In principle, the aforementioned aspects, features and method steps or method variants of the invention and those resulting from the claims and the following description can be implemented independently of one another, but also in any combination or order.

Other aspects, advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments made on the basis of the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Illustrated schematically, but not to scale:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention, comprising a sweeper brush according to the invention;

fig. 2 shows a view of the underside of the cleaning device according to fig. 1;

fig. 3 shows a side view of the cleaning device according to fig. 1 in a cleaning operation;

fig. 4 shows a top view of a sweeper brush according to the present invention according to a first embodiment;

fig. 5 shows a side view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 4;

fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 4 with the cleaning arm removed;

fig. 7 shows a top view of a sweeper brush according to a second embodiment;

fig. 8 shows a side view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 7;

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the range of the cleaning head according to the illustration of FIG. 8;

fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 7;

fig. 11 shows a top view of a sweeper brush according to a third embodiment;

fig. 12 shows a side view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 11;

fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 11;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the sweeper brush according to FIG. 12 with the cleaning arms folded over;

fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 11, with the cleaning arms folded over;

fig. 16 shows a top view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 15;

fig. 17 shows a top view of a sweeper brush according to a fourth embodiment;

fig. 18 shows a side view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 17;

fig. 19 shows a perspective top view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 17;

fig. 20 shows a bottom perspective view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 17;

fig. 21 shows a schematic cross-section of the sweeper brush along the cutting line XXI-XXI according to fig. 17; and is also provided with

Fig. 22 shows a top view of the sweeper brush according to fig. 17, wherein the cleaning arm has revolved.

Detailed Description

In the drawings, which are not to scale and are schematic only, the same reference numerals are used for the same, similar or analogous components and parts, wherein corresponding or comparable features or advantages are achieved even if repetition is omitted.

Detailed description of the embodiments

Fig. 1 and 2 show a self-propelled (mobile) cleaning device 1.

The cleaning device 1 is preferably designed as a sweeping robot or as a robot for autonomously or autonomously traversing the cleaning surface F. In particular, the cleaning device 1 is designed to suck up the suction or air together with the suction from the environment or from the cleaning surface F.

The cleaning device 1 has a housing 2, a plurality of (currently two) motor-driven wheels 3 and a navigation device 4.

By means of the navigation device 4 and the wheels 3, the cleaning apparatus 1 can be oriented and run autonomously or autonomously within the environment or on the cleaning surface F.

The cleaning device 1 has an elongated or slot-shaped suction opening 6 on the underside 5 or on the side 5 facing the cleaning surface F, wherein suction can be received or absorbed through the suction opening 6.

The cleaning device 1 is preferably equipped with a motor-driven fan (not shown) and a collector (not shown) for the inhalants.

In the cleaning operation of the cleaning device 1, the suction or air together with the suction can be sucked by means of a fan through the suction opening 6 from the environment or from the cleaning surface F into the cleaning device 1, in particular into the collector.

In the collector, the received inhalant is separated from the air, for example by means of a filter (not shown), wherein the (clean) air may then be discharged again into the environment.

Alternatively, the cleaning device 1 is fitted with a cleaning roller 7, wherein the cleaning roller 7 is arranged in the suction opening 6.

The cleaning roller 7 is preferably driven rotatably about an at least substantially horizontal rotational axis in a usual use position of the cleaning device 1 by means of an electric motor (not shown). It is particularly preferred that the rotational axis of the cleaning roller 7 is at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the wheel 3 and/or the plane formed by the underside 5.

In particular, in addition to or instead of the cleaning roller 7, the cleaning device 1 has a cleaning brush 8, wherein the cleaning brush 8 is preferably driven rotatably about an at least substantially vertical rotational axis a in a usual use position of the cleaning device 1 by means of a motor (not shown).

The cleaning brush 8 is arranged on the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1, preferably directly beside the suction opening 6 or cleaning brush 8.

As can be seen from fig. 1 and 2, the cleaning brush 8 is preferably arranged in the edge region of the cleaning device 1 or the housing 2, in particular such that the cleaning brush 8 protrudes at least partially from the housing 2 or the cleaning brush 8 extends at least partially beyond the contour of the housing 2.

The cleaning brush 8 is designed for cleaning room boundaries such as skirting lines and/or for conveying suction to the suction opening 6 or the cleaning roller 7. In particular, the cleaning brush 8 is designed to convey suction laterally beside the cleaning device 1 and/or diagonally in front of it in the direction of travel of the cleaning device 1 to the suction opening 6 or the cleaning roller 7.

In fig. 1, the (usual) driving direction of the cleaning device 1 is shown by an arrow.

Preferably, the cleaning roller 7 and the cleaning brush 8 are each driven by a motor and/or are controllable independently of each other. However, a solution is also possible in which the cleaning roller 7 and the cleaning brush 8 have a common drive unit.

As already stated, in the cleaning operation, the rotational axis a of the cleaning brush 8 is oriented at least substantially vertically. It is particularly preferred that the rotational axis a of the cleaning brush 8 extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the plane formed by the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1 and/or the rotational axis of the cleaning roller 7 and/or the rotational axis of the wheel 3.

The (usual) direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8 is selected such that suction in front of or beside the cleaning device 1 is conveyed to the suction opening 6 or the cleaning roller 7 by means of the cleaning brush 8.

For the brush 8 arranged on the right-hand edge of the cleaning device 1 in the direction of travel, the cleaning surface F is viewed from above, the brush 8 being designed to be left-handed.

For the brush 8 arranged on the left-hand edge of the cleaning device 1 in the direction of travel, the cleaning surface F is viewed from above, the brush 8 being designed to be right-handed.

In fig. 2, the rotational direction R extends clockwise or rightward.

The cleaning device 1 is preferably equipped with a battery (not shown) in order to supply all electrically operated components of the cleaning device 1 with electrical energy, in particular a motor for the wheels 3, the navigation device 4, the fan, a motor for the cleaning roller 7 and/or a motor for the cleaning brush 8.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the cleaning device 1. In fig. 3, the usual driving direction is indicated by an arrow.

Preferably, the suction opening 6 or the cleaning roller 7 and/or the cleaning brush 8 are arranged in a region of the cleaning device 1 that is upstream in the direction of travel of the cleaning device 1.

As already stated at the outset, the cleaning device 1 is also designed for cleaning uneven cleaning surfaces F. In particular, the cleaning device 1 can also drive over raised parts H of the cleaning surface F, such as carpet edges, without in particular damaging the brush 8 and/or jamming. For this purpose, the sweeper brush 8 is configured to realize or support a raised portion H that rides over the cleaning surface F, as will be explained in more detail below.

The term "convex portion" in the sense of the present invention is preferably understood to mean a geometrical change of the cleaning surface F which is at least substantially flat and/or horizontal, in particular transverse and/or at least substantially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the cleaning surface F, which geometrical change is particularly preferably greater than 0.5cm or 1cm and/or less than 10cm or 5cm. Preferably, the protrusions, steps, rims, etc. are understood as "raised portions" of the cleaning surface F. However, an object such as a carpet or a cable may also form the raised portion of the cleaning surface F.

Hereinafter, a number of preferred embodiments of the sweeper brush 8 are described with reference to fig. 4 to 22.

First embodiment

Fig. 4 to 6 show the cleaning brush 8 according to the first embodiment in different viewing angles. Fig. 4 shows the cleaning brush 8 in a top view. Fig. 5 shows a side view of the cleaning brush 8. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the cleaning brush 8, wherein several components are shown separately.

The cleaning brush 8 has a base body 9 and at least one cleaning arm 10 arranged on the base body 9.

The cleaning brush 8, in particular the cleaning arm 10, has a connecting arm 11 and a cleaning head 12, wherein the cleaning head 12 is connected to the base body 9 via the connecting arm 11. In particular, the cleaning head 12 forms the free end of the cleaning arm 10.

The cleaning brush 8 preferably has a plurality (five or six in the embodiment shown) of cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, with a cleaning head 12 being arranged on each connecting arm 11.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and the cleaning head 12, are designed to be identical in structure. The individual aspects, advantages, features, characteristics and method steps described below in connection with only one cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and/or one cleaning head 12 are preferably also preset in the other cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and/or cleaning head 12, so that even if repetition is omitted below, the corresponding embodiments are applicable to the other cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and/or cleaning head 12.

The cleaning brush 8 is preferably connected or connectable to the cleaning device 1 or to a drive unit of the cleaning device 1, preferably in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner, in particular by clamping, screwing and/or magnetic means, preferably such that a torque can be transmitted from the drive unit to the cleaning brush 8.

The sweeper brush 8 is preferably fastened to the cleaning device 1 by means of a base body 9. In particular, the base body 9 is designed to accommodate a shaft journal or shaft of a drive unit or motor. For this purpose, the base body 9 is fitted with a (central) accommodation 9A. In the embodiment shown, the receptacle 9A has a hexagonal contour. However, other solutions are also possible here.

The base body 9 is preferably cylindrical or disk-shaped.

The base body 9 has an upper side 9B or a side 9B facing the housing 2 or a side 9B facing away from the cleaning surface F, a lower side 9C or a side 9C facing away from the housing 2 or a side 9C facing the cleaning surface F and an outer side 9D, preferably wherein the outer side 9D is formed by the outer circumferential surface of the preferably cylindrical base body 9.

As illustrated in particular in fig. 5, the base body 9 is spaced apart from the cleaning surface F, preferably by at least 0.5cm or 1cm, during the cleaning operation or in the usual use position.

The base body 9 is preferably made of a dimensionally stable or solid material. For example, the substrate 9 may be injection molded from a plastic, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic. In principle, however, it is also possible for the base body 9 to be made of a (light) metal, such as aluminum.

As already mentioned at the outset, the cleaning brush 8 is driven rotatably about the axis of rotation a. In the cleaning operation or in the use position of the cleaning device 1, the rotational axis a is oriented at least substantially vertically and/or perpendicularly to the cleaning surface F.

The cleaning brush 8, in particular the base body 9, preferably has a central axis or symmetry axis, preferably wherein the central axis or symmetry axis forms the rotational axis a of the preferably rotationally symmetrical base body 9.

In particular, the rotation axis a is elongated centrally through the accommodation portion 9A of the base body 9.

The cleaning brush 8, in particular the cleaning arm 10 or the cleaning head 12, is designed for cleaning the cleaning surface F by rotation about the axis of rotation a. In particular, the cleaning arm 10 is in direct contact with the cleaning surface F at least in sections or on the end side or by its free end or by the cleaning head 12.

The cleaning arm 10 is preferably designed to be elongate or arm-shaped. Preferably, in the initial position or in a normal cleaning operation, the cleaning arms 10 extend radially outwards from the base body 9.

As illustrated in particular in fig. 5, the cleaning arm 10 is preferably twisted and/or tilted at least in sections towards the cleaning surface F or downward or transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of rotation R in the use position of the cleaning brush 8, in particular such that the cleaning arm 10 contacts the cleaning surface F at least on the end side or by its free end.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is preferably connected to the base body 9, in particular the outer side 9D of the base body 9, in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is made of a particularly pliable or flexible material, in particular preferably a plastic such as ethylene-polypropylene-diene rubber and/or elastomer, or is injection molded. It is particularly preferred that the cleaning arms 10, in particular the connecting arms 11, are produced by coating the base body 9 with plastic by injection molding.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is preferably more flexible or pliable than the base body 9. In particular, the material selected for the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is softer or more elastic than the material selected for the base body 9.

The cleaning arms 10, in particular the connecting arms 11, preferably extend radially outwards in an arc shape.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is twisted and/or tilted at least in sections against the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8, i.e. clockwise in fig. 4, in particular such that an imaginary extension of the cleaning head 12 or a straight line perpendicular to the end face of the cleaning head 12 passes through the base body 9 and/or is spaced apart from the outer side 9D of the base body 9 by a distance D, as is indicated in fig. 4 by a dash-dot line, when viewed in the direction of the rotational axis a.

As seen in the direction of the rotational axis a, the cleaning head 12, in particular the longitudinal axis of the cleaning head 12, is oriented obliquely to the rotational direction R, as shown in fig. 4.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is flexible or pliable, so that during a cleaning operation, the cleaning head 12 is adjusted by the rotation of the cleaning brush 8, so that the cleaning head 12 is oriented starting from the connecting arm 11 against the direction of rotation R and/or the cleaning head 12 is pulled over the cleaning surface F.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, preferably has an upper side 11A, which faces the housing 2, a lower side 11B, which faces the cleaning surface F, a front side 11C, which faces forward in the direction of rotation R, and/or a rear side 11D, which faces rearward in the direction of rotation R.

As illustrated in particular in fig. 4, the front face 11C is preferably designed to be convex and the rear face 11D is preferably designed to be concave. However, other embodiments are also possible, as will be explained later with respect to the embodiments of fig. 11 to 16.

The cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11 and/or of the cleaning head 12, is preferably designed out of round, in particular preferably at least substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular.

It is particularly preferred that the cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, in particular its thickness and/or width, varies from the base body 9 towards the cleaning head 12.

In the embodiment shown, the cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, first tapers from the base body 9 and then increases again towards the cleaning head 12.

It is particularly preferred that the area of the smallest cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, is less than 90% or 80% of the area of the largest cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11. However, other solutions are also possible here, as set forth in more detail.

Preferably, the thickness and/or width of the smallest cross section is at least 1mm or 2mm and/or the width and/or diameter of the largest cross section is at most 10mm or 5mm.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, preferably has a first or connecting section 11E, a second or middle section 11F and/or a third or end section 11G, preferably wherein the connecting section 11E directly adjoins the base body 9, in particular the outer side 9D, the end section 11G directly adjoins the cleaning head 12, and/or the middle section 11F is arranged between the connecting section 11E and the end section 11G.

The connecting section 11E, the middle section 11F and the end sections 11G preferably each form one third of the longitudinal extension of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, tapers in the middle of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11. In particular, the cross section of the intermediate section 11F is smaller than the cross section of the connecting section 11E and/or the end section 11G. In this way, the flexibility of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, is increased in the middle or in the region of the middle section 11F.

In particular, in order to (further) increase the flexibility of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, in particular of the connecting section 11E, has at least one recess 11H on the upper side 11A and/or on the lower side 11B, preferably wherein the recess 11H is designed as an elongate cutout which extends transversely to the longitudinal extension of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, has a plurality of interspaces 11H on the upper side 11A and/or the lower side 11B, in particular wherein the interspaces 11H are arranged at least substantially parallel to each other.

In the embodiment shown, a plurality of (here three) recesses 11H are arranged on the upper side 11A of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, and a plurality of (here three) recesses 11H are arranged on the lower side 11B.

The void 11H on the upper side 11A may be radially offset relative to the void 11H on the lower side 11B. In particular, the void 11H on the lower side 11B may be farther from the substrate 9 than the void 11H on the upper side 11A. In this way, the cleaning arm 10 can be designed to be more flexible upwardly than downwardly in a common use position.

By virtue of the flexibility obtained in this way, the cleaning device 1 can be driven over the raised portion H without the brush 8 tipping over. Furthermore, the forces acting on the drive unit and the resulting moment are reduced, thereby reducing the load and wear of the drive unit.

As already stated, in embodiments comprising a plurality of cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are preferably configured identically. However, in particular solutions are also possible in which the cleaning arms 10 or the connecting arms 11 preferably have different geometries alternately in the circumferential direction. In particular, the cross sections of adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 may be different and/or adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 may have different numbers of gaps 11H, in particular such that adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are designed to have different flexibility.

The cleaning arms 10, in particular the connecting arms 11, preferably extend in a wave-like manner towards the cleaning surface F or viewed in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation a (as shown in fig. 5).

Preferably, the upper side 11A of the connecting arm 11 is designed to start from the base body 9, first concave and convex towards the cleaning head 12.

In particular, the upper side of the connection section 11E is designed concave, and the upper side of the end section 11G is designed convex.

Preferably, the underside of the connecting section 11E is designed to be convex and the underside of the end section 11G is designed to be concave.

In the embodiment shown, the cleaning head 12 is designed as a cuboid and/or elongate. However, other solutions are also possible here, as set forth in more detail below.

The cleaning head 12 has a side 12A facing away from the cleaning surface F or from the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1 and a side 12B facing away from the cleaning surface F or from the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1.

In the cleaning operation or in a common use position, the cleaning head 12, in particular the longitudinal axis of the cleaning head 12 or the plane formed by the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12, is preferably oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the rotational axis a or at least substantially parallel to the cleaning surface F and/or to the plane formed by the underside 9C of the base body 9 and/or the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1.

Preferably, only the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 is in contact with the cleaning surface F during cleaning operation, as will be explained in detail below.

The cleaning head 12 preferably has a cleaning insert 12C and/or a support body 12D for the cleaning insert 12C, preferably wherein the support body 12D is designed for positively and/or non-positively holding the cleaning insert 12C.

The cleaning head 12, and in particular the cleaning insert 12C, preferably has one or more cleaning elements 12E.

The cleaning elements 12E can be designed in particular as filaments in the form of filament bundles or filament arrays.

The filament array or filament bundle is preferably formed from a plurality, in particular more than 100 or 200 filaments, which are arranged next to one another and/or at least substantially parallel to one another.

The individual filaments preferably have a diameter of at least 0.1mm and/or up to 0.3mm and/or an (exposed) length of at least 1mm and/or up to 20 mm.

It is particularly preferred that at least 50% or 60% and/or up to 90% or 80% of the cleaning head 12, in particular the cleaning insert 12C, is equipped with filaments.

Preferably, at least 100 and/or up to 300 filaments per square centimeter are preset.

In order to produce the cleaning head 12, in particular the filament array or filament bundle or cleaning insert 12C, a plurality of filaments are preferably arranged side by side or bundled and connected to one another on the end side in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner, in particular by melting, bonding or the like. Alternatively, the filaments may be sewn (individually or bundled) into or clamped in the matrix. In particular, a strip, a plate or a sleeve may be used as a matrix. In addition, it is possible to injection mold over the (bundled) filaments, thereby producing the cleaning insert 12C.

The bundled filaments or filament arrays/filament bundles produced in this way or cleaning inserts 12C can then be pressed or inserted into the support body 12D, as described in more detail below.

However, it is also possible to connect the filaments (individually or bundled) directly to the support body 12D in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. In particular, the filaments may be sewn (individually or bundled) into or clamped in the support 12D. In addition, it is possible to injection-coat the (bundled) filaments, thereby producing a support 12D comprising filaments.

Preferably, the filaments are inserted into the base body or support body 12D with at least 20% or 25% of their length, respectively, in particular to ensure stable holding.

Preferably, the filaments are made of polyamide, in particular polyamide 6.10 or polyamide 6.12. These materials have proved to be particularly resistant to abrasion due to low water absorption and to have particularly high cleaning efficiency due to their flexural rigidity.

The cleaning elements/filaments 12E preferably extend from the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12. Preferably, the cleaning elements/filaments 12E extend from the cleaning head 12 towards the cleaning surface F or downwards in the usual use position of the cleaning device 1. In particular, the cleaning elements/filaments 12E are oriented at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation a or perpendicular to the cleaning surface F.

In particular, the cleaning brush 8 is designed for cleaning the cleaning surface F using the ends of the cleaning elements/filaments 12E, whereby a high pressure is generated on the cleaning surface F by means of the cleaning brush 8. In this way, however, the wear of the cleaning brush 8, in particular of the cleaning head 12 or of the cleaning element 12E, is also increased.

Thus, it is provided according to the invention that the cleaning head 12 is fastened interchangeably to the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning insert 12C is fastened interchangeably to the support body 12D, as is shown in fig. 6 by means of the detached cleaning arm 10. As a result, it is possible to replace only the cleaning insert 12C or the cleaning head 12 when the cleaning element 12E is damaged or worn. Furthermore, in embodiments including multiple cleaning arms 10, only a single cleaning insert 12C or cleaning head 12 may be replaced.

The cleaning head 12, in particular the support body 12D, is preferably fastened or fastenable to the connecting arm 11 in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, in particular by a non-destructively detachable snap-fit connection and/or a press-fit connection.

Preferably, the cleaning head 12, in particular the support body 12D, has a journal 12K.

The connecting arm 11 preferably has a receptacle 11K on the end face 11J, which corresponds to the journal 12K, preferably wherein the journal 12K is inserted or insertable, in particular pressed or pressable, into the receptacle 11K. However, other solutions are also possible, for example wherein the cleaning head 12 and the connecting arm 11 are connected or connectable by means of a cartridge-type connection.

Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning insert 12C is fastened or fastenable to the support body 12D in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, in particular by a non-destructively detachable snap-fit connection and/or a crimp connection.

Preferably, the cleaning head 12, in particular the support body 12D, has a receptacle 12H, in particular a recess, in particular a T-shaped recess, in particular, wherein the cleaning insert 12C is inserted or can be inserted, in particular pressed or can be pressed into the receptacle 12H, in particular such that the cleaning element 12E protrudes out of the receptacle 12H.

Second embodiment

Fig. 7 to 10 show a cleaning brush 8 according to a second embodiment.

The embodiments according to fig. 7 to 10 may have one, more or all of the features according to the embodiments of fig. 4 to 6, or vice versa. Thus, the explanations with respect to fig. 4 to 6 correspondingly apply to the embodiments according to fig. 7 to 10 and vice versa, preferably even if repetition is omitted.

In the following, only the features of the embodiments shown in fig. 7 to 10 are explained, however, in principle, these features can also be preset in the embodiments according to fig. 4 to 6.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7 to 10, the cleaning head 12, in particular the cleaning insert 12C, has a plurality of cleaning elements 12E in the form of filament bundles, wherein the filament bundles extend radially outwards and/or are oriented, viewed in the direction of the rotational axis a, obliquely to the rotational direction R.

Preferably, the filament bundles form an extension of the connecting arm 11 in the longitudinal extension. In particular, the cleaning elements/filaments 12E protrude from the connecting arm 11 on the end face or from the end face 11J of the connecting arm 11.

In principle, however, it is also possible for the cleaning elements/filaments 12E to be oriented parallel to the axis of rotation a or at least substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface F or to protrude from the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12, as described in the embodiments according to fig. 4 to 6.

Preferably, the connecting arm 11 is designed to be longer than the cleaning head 12 or the cleaning element/filament 12E. Particularly preferably, the connecting arm 11 forms 2/3 of the length of the cleaning arm 10, while the cleaning head 12 or cleaning element/filament 12E forms 1/3 of its length.

In the embodiment shown, it is provided that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, has or forms a bevel on the underside 11B or 12B oriented in the direction of rotation R.

In particular, the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 and/or the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 is adjusted or tipped over in the direction of rotation R or obliquely with respect to the cleaning surface F and/or the axis of rotation a, as is illustrated in particular by the side view according to fig. 8 and the enlarged view of the cleaning arm 10 according to fig. 9.

Preferably, viewed on the end face of the cleaning arm 10, the bevel or an imaginary extension of the bevel on the one hand and the cleaning surface F and/or the plane formed by the underside 9C of the base body 9 on the other hand enclose an angle W, wherein the angle W is greater than 0 °, 5 ° or 10 ° and/or less than 90 °, 60 ° or 45 °, particularly preferably at least substantially 20 ° or 15 °.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is twisted along its longitudinal axis or starting from the base body 9, preferably by more than 0 °, 5 ° or 10 ° or less than 90 °, 60 ° or 45 °, in particular such that the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 and/or the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 is/are adjusted to be oblique in the direction of rotation R or in relation to the cleaning surface F and/or has or forms an oblique surface oriented in the direction of rotation R.

The torsion or (twist) angle W along the longitudinal extension of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is preset to remain constant.

By means of the bevel or twisting of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, the cleaning brush 8 can be moved more easily over the bulge H, in particular without jamming. The bevel or torsion of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 thus makes it possible for the cleaning device 1 to slide up onto the raised portion H when it is driven onto it.

Preferably, the cleaning insert/filament bundle 12C is designed in cross section out of round, particularly preferably at least substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular.

Preferably, the underside of the cleaning insert/filament bundle 12C is (also) adjusted to be oblique in the direction of rotation R or to have a bevel oriented in the direction of rotation R. In this way, corresponding advantages are achieved. Additionally, wear of the cleaning insert 12C or cleaning element 12E is reduced.

Preferably, in the cleaning operation or in the normal use position, the cleaning brush 8, in particular the cleaning arm 10, is pressed only onto the cleaning surface F, so that even in the cleaning operation or in the normal use position, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, has a bevel on the underside 11B or 12B, or the underside 11B or 12B is adjusted to be oblique in the direction of rotation R or relative to the cleaning surface F.

As illustrated in particular in fig. 8, the cleaning arms 10 adjacent in the circumferential direction, in particular the connecting arms 11 and/or the cleaning heads 12 adjacent in the circumferential direction, are offset from one another in the axial direction, in particular by an offset V, and/or are arranged in two planes which are spaced apart from one another, in particular by an offset V. The offset V is preferably at least 1mm or 5mm and/or at most 50mm or 20mm.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, and in particular the cleaning head 12, also terminates in two mutually spaced planes, as shown in fig. 8. However, it is also possible for the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, to terminate flush.

In particular, the cleaning elements 12E or filament/filament clusters of adjacent cleaning heads 12 can be designed to be of different lengths, preferably such that the cleaning arms 10, in particular the cleaning heads 12 or cleaning elements/filament clusters 12E, terminate flush or terminate in a common plane.

In addition or alternatively, the cleaning arm 10 can be twisted and/or tilted in the use position with different strength downward or toward the cleaning surface F or transversely to the direction of rotation R, preferably such that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12 or the cleaning element/filament bundle 12E, ends flush or in a common plane.

By the offset V of the cleaning arm 10, the cleaning head 12 is pressed against the cleaning surface F by forces of different strengths during the cleaning operation. In this way, the cleaning efficiency is improved.

Furthermore, the offset V allows the sweeper brush 8 to better ride over the raised portion H. That is, those cleaning arms 10 arranged higher can be moved over the convex portion H more easily so that the brush 8 can be turned over the convex portion H.

Thus, in particular in combination with the described bevel, the raised portion H across the cleaning surface F is realized or supported in a particularly efficient manner.

Third embodiment

Fig. 11 to 16 show a cleaning brush 8 according to a third embodiment.

The embodiments according to fig. 11 to 16 may have one, more or all features according to the embodiments of fig. 4 to 6 and/or the embodiments according to fig. 7 to 10, or vice versa. Thus, the explanations with respect to fig. 4 to 10 correspondingly apply to the embodiments according to fig. 11 to 16 and vice versa, preferably even if repetition is omitted.

In the following, only the features of the embodiments shown in fig. 11 to 16 are explained, however, in principle, these features can also be preset in other embodiments.

In the embodiment shown, the cleaning head 12 is preferably designed as a one-piece wiper element. In particular, the cleaning head 12 does not have any individual cleaning elements or filaments 12E. In this way, the wear resistance of the sweeper brush 8 is further improved. However, a solution is also possible in which the cleaning head 12 according to the third embodiment also has a plurality of cleaning elements 12E, in particular in the form of filament clusters.

In particular, in order to increase the flexibility or pliability of the cleaning head 12, the cleaning arm 10 has at least one recess 12F on the end side or the cleaning head 12 on the upper side 12A, preferably wherein the recess 12F is designed as an elongated cutout transversely to the longitudinal extension of the cleaning arm 10 or the cleaning head 12.

In the embodiment shown, the cleaning arm 10 has a plurality (here three) of recesses 12F on the end face or the cleaning head 12, preferably wherein the recesses 12F are arranged at least substantially parallel to one another.

The recess 12F preferably does not extend over the entire upper side 12A, but only in the region of the upper side 12A lying forward in the direction of rotation R, in particular so that the cleaning arm 10 can be bent correspondingly on the end side or the cleaning head 12 in the event of a collision with the projection H.

The embodiment shown in fig. 11 to 16 is distinguished in that the cleaning arms 10 extend radially outwards, starting from the base body 9, in a wave-like manner, as seen in fig. 11, with respect to the direction of rotation R or in the direction of the axis of rotation a, or in that the cleaning arms 10 are bent at least sectionally in the direction of rotation R.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is bent at least sectionally in the direction of rotation R and at least sectionally counter to the direction of rotation R, preferably wherein the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, starts from the base body 9, first in the direction of rotation R and then counter to the direction of rotation R.

It is particularly preferred that the connecting section 11E and/or the intermediate section 11F of the connecting arm 11 is curved in the direction of rotation R, while the end section 11G and/or the cleaning head 12 of the connecting arm 11 is curved counter to the direction of rotation R.

In other words, the front face 11C and/or the rear face 11D of the connecting arm 11 are designed to be both concave and convex.

Particularly preferably, the front face 11C of the connecting section 11E, the front face 11C of the intermediate section 11F, the rear face 11D of the end section 11G and/or the rear face of the cleaning head 12 are concave.

Preferably, the front face of the cleaning head 12, the front face 11C of the end section 11G, the rear face 11D of the connecting section 11E and/or the rear face 11D of the intermediate section 11F are designed to be convex.

By means of the wavy shape, the cleaning arm 10 is stiffened in the direction of rotation R, so that, when the cleaning brush 8 or the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, collides with the projection H, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is folded or bent, more precisely preferably in the region of the intermediate section 11F, as will be explained in more detail below.

As illustrated in particular in fig. 12, the cleaning head 12 is preferably curved, viewed transversely to the direction of rotation R or transversely to the axis of rotation a, particularly preferably such that the cleaning head 12 is spaced apart from the cleaning surface F on the end side in the cleaning operation or in the normal use position.

Preferably, the upper side 12A of the cleaning head 12 is designed concave and/or the lower side 12B of the cleaning head 12 is designed convex.

In this way, the risk of jamming is further reduced.

In this embodiment, it is also preferably provided that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, has a bevel on the underside 11B or 12B oriented in the direction of rotation R, and/or that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, is adjusted obliquely such that the underside 11B or 12B has a sliding surface in the direction of rotation R.

Preferably, the flexibility of the cleaning arm 10 increases radially outwardly. In particular, the connection section 11E is designed to be stiffer than the intermediate section 11F, the end sections 11G and/or the cleaning head 12.

In the embodiment shown, the cross section, in particular the thickness and/or the width, of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11 and/or of the cleaning head 12 starts from the base body 9, preferably continuously decreases. In this way, the flexibility of the cleaning arm 10 is increased radially outwardly.

As already explained, the cleaning arm 10 is preferably designed to be bent (first) in particular counter to the direction of rotation R when the cleaning brush 8 or the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, contacts or collides with the projection H.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is designed to be folded or bent by rotation of the cleaning brush 8, in particular such that the upper side 11A of the connecting arm 11 or the upper side 12A of the cleaning head 12 rests on the cleaning surface F or the lower side 11B of the connecting arm 11 faces away from the cleaning surface F, when the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, contacts or collides with the projection H.

Fig. 11 to 13 each show the cleaning brush 8 in a normal use position or cleaning operation and/or in an initial position, in which the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 extends radially outwards from the base body 9 or the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 rests on the cleaning surface F or faces away from the underside 9C of the base body 9.

Hereinafter, a method for operating the cleaning device 1 according to the proposal is described in detail with reference to fig. 14 to 16.

Fig. 14 shows the state of the cleaning brush 8 in which one cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is folded or bent. Fig. 15 and 16 show the state of the cleaning brush 8 in which all cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are folded or bent.

Preferably, the method according to the proposal is performed by means of the cleaning device 1, in particular the cleaning brush 8.

In the proposed method for operating the cleaning device 1, preferably, when the cleaning brush 8, in particular the cleaning arm 10, collides with the projection H of the cleaning surface F, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent against the direction of rotation R from the initial position shown in fig. 11 to 13, in particular in the region of the intermediate section 11F, preferably such that the front or upper side 11A of the connecting arm 11 or the upper side 12A of the cleaning head 12 in the initial position is brought into contact with the cleaning surface F and/or the front or lower side 11B of the connecting arm 11 or the lower side 12B of the cleaning head 12 in the initial position is brought into contact with or away from the cleaning surface F.

Due to the rotation of the cleaning brush 8, preferably all cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are folded or bent in a corresponding manner counter to the direction of rotation R when the cleaning brush 8 collides with the projection H, as is shown in fig. 15 and 16.

The geometry or shape of the cleaning brush 8 is changed by folding or bending the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11. In particular, the outer diameter of the brush 8 is reduced, preferably by more than 20% or 30% and/or less than 90% or 80%, with respect to the outer diameter of the brush 8 in the initial position.

The initial position of the cleaning brush 8, in particular of the cleaning arm 10 or of the connecting arm 11, is preferably a position in which the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 extends radially outwards from the base body 9 and/or the particularly convex underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 rests on the cleaning surface F and/or the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is not folded or bent.

The height of the cleaning brush 8 relative to the starting position, in particular the height of the cleaning brush 8 in the starting position, is additionally changed by the folding or bending of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 by more than 20% or 30% and/or less than 90% or 80%, and/or the cleaning device 1 is lifted by means of the cleaning brush 8 at least in the region lying forward in the direction of travel, so that the raised portion H can be driven over more easily.

In particular, due to the modified shape of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, the cleaning brush 8 can no longer be pressed or pressed against the cleaning surface F in the same manner as in the initial position due to the self-weight of the cleaning device 1. In other words, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent over the cleaning brush 8, in particular, has a higher stiffness, in particular a bending stiffness, than in the initial position.

As already explained, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 spontaneously or automatically folds or bends when the cleaning brush 8 collides with the projection H. However, it is also possible to cause or force a folding or bending of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, in particular if the cleaning device 1 does not collide with the projection H.

According to a preferred, yet independently possible variant of the method, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent, for example, directly before the projecting part H is passed over, in particular by corresponding actuation of the drive unit or the motor, as a result of a change in the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8.

By the method according to the invention it is possible to use different sides of the cleaning arm 10 or the cleaning head 12 for cleaning the cleaning surface F, i.e. the upper side 12A or the lower side 12B of the cleaning head 12 can be selected.

The upper side 12A and the lower side 12B of the cleaning head 12 may be designed differently. In particular, the upper side 12A and the lower side 12B of the cleaning head 12 may have different coefficients of friction. For example, the upper side 12A may have a coating and/or be designed to be rougher and/or softer than the lower side 12B, or vice versa. Furthermore, it is possible that the upper side 12A of the cleaning head 12 has a plurality of cleaning elements/filaments 12E, for example in the form of filament rows.

The cleaning device 1 can be equipped with a corresponding sensor device, in particular a distance sensor, in order to detect the raised portion H or an obstacle, a change in the surface properties of the cleaning surface F and/or contamination of the cleaning surface F, so that the cleaning surface F is cleaned with the other side, in particular the upper side 12A, of the cleaning head 12 by changing the direction of rotation R, as desired.

In particular, in order to bring the cleaning brush 8, preferably the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, into the initial position again, it is provided, in particular by corresponding actuation of the drive unit or the motor, for example, that the rotational speed or the rotational direction R of the cleaning brush 8 is changed at least temporarily after having travelled over the raised portion H of the cleaning surface F.

In particular, after having passed the projection H, the rotation of the cleaning brush 8 can be stopped at least temporarily, so that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded back or bent into the starting position again, preferably by the travel of the cleaning device 1.

In particular, the (completed) driving over the raised portion H, e.g. the carpet edge, may be detected preferably automatically by means of a ground clearance sensor of the cleaning device 1 and/or by measuring a rotational speed change and/or a torque change.

Fourth embodiment

Fig. 17 to 22 show a cleaning brush 8 according to a fourth embodiment.

The embodiments according to fig. 17 to 22 may have one, more or all of the features of the embodiments according to fig. 4 to 6, the embodiments according to fig. 7 to 10 and/or the embodiments according to fig. 11 to 16, or vice versa. Thus, the explanations with respect to fig. 4 to 16 correspondingly apply to the embodiment according to fig. 17 to 22 and vice versa, preferably even if repetition is omitted.

Only the features of the embodiments shown in fig. 17 to 22 are explained below, however, in principle these features can also be preset in other embodiments.

Fig. 17 shows a top view of a sweeper brush 8 according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 18 shows a side view of the cleaning brush 8 according to fig. 17. Fig. 19 shows a perspective top view of the cleaning brush 8 according to fig. 17. Fig. 20 shows a perspective bottom view of the cleaning brush 8 according to fig. 17. Fig. 21 shows a schematic cross-section of the sweeper brush 8 along the cutting line XXI-XXI according to fig. 17.

The cleaning brush 8 according to the illustrated embodiment has the feature that the cleaning brush 8 has a joint 13, wherein the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is connected to the base body 9 via the joint 13.

The joint 13 is preferably designed to enable movement, in particular deflection, of the cleaning arm 10 relative to the base body 9.

Thanks to the joints 13, the brush 8 is foldable and/or the geometry of the brush 8 can be changed such that the outer diameter of the brush 8 is reduced compared to the initial position.

Preferably, the transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 forms a joint 13.

The transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is preferably designed to be more flexible, in particular more elastic and/or thinner, than the directly adjoining region of the base body 9 and/or the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11.

In particular, the joint 13 is designed as a solid-state joint, particularly preferably as a film hinge, and/or is formed by a reduced cross section, in particular by a (material) gap 13A or 13B.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, particularly preferably the connecting section 11E, has a (first) recess 13A on the upper side 11A, preferably wherein the recess 13A is formed by an elongated cutout transversely to the longitudinal extension of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, in particular the connecting section 11E, has a (second) recess 13B on the underside 11B, preferably wherein the (second) recess 13B is formed by an elongated cutout transversely to the longitudinal extension of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11.

In addition or alternatively, the base body 9 has a recess 9E on the underside 9C, preferably wherein the recess 9E is formed by a cutout having the contour, in particular the width, of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11.

It is particularly preferred that the recess 9E increases radially inwards or in the direction of the axis of rotation a, as is illustrated in particular in fig. 20.

Preferably, the cross section of the transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 or the cross section of the joint 13 is reduced by at least 25% or 30% compared to the directly adjoining cross section of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11.

Preferably, the depth of the voids 13A/13B/9E is at least 0.5mm or 1mm and/or up to 10mm or 5mm.

In particular, in the event of a collision with the projection H, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 can be pivoted or deflected by more than 120 ° or 160 ° by means of the joint 13.

Preferably, in the initial position, the angle enclosed between the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 and the underside 9C of the base body 9 is greater than 120 ° or 160 °.

Preferably, the angle enclosed between the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 and the underside 9C of the base body 9 in the revolving state is less than 45 °, 20 ° or 10 °.

Preferably, in particular in the event of a collision of the cleaning brush 8 with the projection H, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 can be folded or bent from the starting position under the base body 9 and/or radially inwards by means of the joint 13, in particular such that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 rests at least in sections on the base body 9 or on the underside 9C of the base body 9.

As already explained, the recess 9E on the underside 9C of the base body 9 is preferably formed by a cutout having the contour, in particular the width, of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, in particular such that the rotation of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 can rest flat on the underside 9C of the base body 9.

Additionally or alternatively, the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 is adapted to the underside 9C of the base body 9, or vice versa. In particular, the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 has a shape or contour corresponding to the underside 9C of the base body 9, in particular such that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 can rest flat on the underside 9C of the base body 9.

In embodiments comprising a plurality of cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, it can be provided that the joints 13 are designed differently, in particular such that adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are folded or bent slightly to different extents.

In particular, in embodiments comprising a plurality of cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, the recess 13A or 13B or 9E can have different contours or can be designed differently deep and/or the transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 can be reduced in a different manner compared to the directly adjoining cross sections.

This makes it possible to dispense with two adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 being folded or bent simultaneously and/or with the same strength or at the same angle and/or with the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 interfering with one another during folding or bending. In this way, the behaviour of the brush 8 upon collision with the raised portion H is further optimized.

As illustrated in particular in fig. 18 and as already explained for the other embodiments, additionally or alternatively the cleaning arms 10 or the connecting arms 11 adjacent in the circumferential direction can be arranged offset from one another in the axial direction.

It is particularly preferred that the recess 13A or 13B or 9E of the transition section, which is deeper or further away from the upper side 9B of the base body 9, is larger or deeper than the recess 13A or 13B or 9E of the transition section, which is higher or is arranged closer to the upper side 9B of the base body 9.

In particular, the joint 13 can have a length of at least 1mm, in particular, in order to prevent the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 from being accidentally folded or bent by the forces during normal cleaning operation ² Or 2mm ² Is a minimum cross-section of (c).

Preferably, the material of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12 and/or the joint 13, has a shore a hardness of at least 50 or 55 shore a hardness and/or a shore a hardness of at most 80 or 75. It is particularly preferred that the material of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12 and/or the joint 13, has a hardness of at least substantially 60 shore a.

In fig. 22, a sweeper brush 8 is shown comprising an articulated cleaning arm 10, wherein the initial position of the articulated cleaning arm 10 is marked with a dashed line.

Preferably, the joint 13 has a joint axis G, as shown by the dash-dot line in fig. 22. The cleaning arm 10 is particularly deflectable about the joint axis G relative to the base body 9.

In the cleaning operation or in the normal use position, the joint axis G is oriented at least substantially horizontally and/or parallel to the cleaning surface F. In particular, the joint axis G is oriented at least substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis a.

Preferably, the joint axis G extends at least substantially tangential to the base body 9 or the outer side 9D.

As already explained, in the initial position, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, is twisted or bent at least in sections counter to the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8.

After the rotation of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 by means of the joint 13, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12 is preferably twisted at least in sections in the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8.

Therefore, after the revolution, the cleaning arm 10 is directed in the rotation direction R, so that the friction with the cleaning surface F increases without changing the rotation direction R.

In this way, it is ensured that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 spontaneously enters the starting position again after having travelled over the raised portion H of the cleaning surface F, in particular without changing the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8.

As already set forth, the fourth embodiment shown may have one or more features of the other embodiments.

Preferably, the upper side 12A of the cleaning head 12 is designed differently than the lower side 12B of the cleaning head 12. In particular, the upper side 12A may be designed to be rougher and/or softer than the lower side 12B of the cleaning head 12, or vice versa. For example, the upper side 12A may have a plurality of cleaning elements/filaments 12E, particularly in the form of a filament array.

Preferably, the cleaning head 12 is likewise fastened interchangeably to the connecting arm 11.

The cleaning brush 8 furthermore preferably has a plurality of cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, wherein a cleaning head 12 is fastened to each connecting arm 11.

Preferably, in the fourth embodiment, the adjacent cleaning arms 10 are also arranged offset from each other in the axial direction, as illustrated in particular in fig. 18.

Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 and the cleaning head 12 have a bevel on the underside 11B or 12B oriented in the direction of rotation R, and/or the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is twisted along its longitudinal axis, in particular such that the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 and the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 are adjusted to be oblique in the direction of rotation R or with respect to the cleaning surface F.

According to a further method variant, which can also be carried out independently, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent from the starting position under and/or radially inwards of the base body 9 by means of the joint 13 when the cleaning brush 8 collides with the projection H of the cleaning surface F, in particular such that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is twisted in the direction of rotation R and/or at least rests against the underside 9C in sections.

Preferably, after having passed the projection H, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 spontaneously enters the initial position again, in particular without changing the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8.

As already explained in relation to the third embodiment, a variant of the method is likewise possible in which, as a result of the change in the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent from the starting position under the base body 9 and/or radially inwards by means of the joint 13, in particular such that the side or upper side 12A of the cleaning head 12 which was directed upwards before or in the starting position is used for cleaning the cleaning surface F. In other words, by changing the rotation direction R, replacement of the side of the cleaning head 12 to be used can be caused.

The risk of tipping over or damage to the cleaning brush 8 is further reduced by the joint 13, since the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 folds or bends radially inwards more rapidly/more unimpeded when it collides with the projection H. In particular, due to the joint 13, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 can be designed to be stiffer than in the embodiment without the joint 13, whereby a higher cleaning efficiency is obtained.

According to the proposed solution, it is thus achieved that, despite a high cleaning efficiency and reduced wear, it is possible to better drive over obstacles or protrusions H by means of the cleaning device 1, wherein the risk of jamming and/or (accidental) changes in the direction of travel is reduced. In this way, the advantageous properties of the flexible or pliable cleaning brush 8 may be combined with a stiffer cleaning brush 8.

Individual aspects, features and method steps or method variants of the invention can be implemented independently, but also in any combination or sequence.

In particular, the invention also relates to one of the aspects listed below, which aspects can in principle be implemented independently of one another, but can also be implemented in any combination, in particular also in combination with one of the aspects described previously.

1. A sweeper brush 8 for a cleaning device 1,

wherein the cleaning brush 8 has a preferably at least substantially cylindrical or disk-shaped base body 9 and at least one preferably elongate cleaning arm 10 arranged/fastened on the base body 9, in particular a connecting arm 11 arranged/fastened on the base body 9 and at least one cleaning head 12 arranged/fastened on the connecting arm 11,

wherein the base body 9 has or defines a rotational axis a which is arranged at least substantially vertically in a normal use position or during a cleaning operation, about which rotational axis the cleaning brush 8 can be rotated,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the cleaning head 12 is in particular non-destructively detachably/replaceably fastened to the connecting arm 11, and/or

The cleaning head 12 has a cleaning insert 12C, in particular comprising a plurality of cleaning elements/filaments 12E, and a support body 12D for the cleaning insert 12C, wherein the cleaning insert 12C can be fastened nondestructively detachably/replaceably to the support body 12D, and/or

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, has a bevel on the underside 11B or 12B oriented in the direction of rotation R, and/or the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is twisted along its longitudinal axis, and/or

The cleaning arms 10, in particular the connecting arms 11, extend radially outwards, at least in sections, in a wavy manner, starting from the base body 9, with respect to the direction of rotation R or viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation a, and/or

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is bent at least sectionally in the direction of rotation R, and/or

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is connected to the base body 9 by means of a joint 13.

2. The cleaning brush 8 according to aspect 1 in particular, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is injection molded from plastic, preferably wherein the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is injection molded onto the base body 9.

3. The cleaning brush 8 according to aspect 1 or 2 is characterized in particular in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is twisted or tilted at least in sections against the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8 and/or toward the cleaning surface F or in the use position of the cleaning brush 8 downward or transversely to the direction of rotation R.

4. A cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, is designed out of round in cross section, preferably at least substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular.

5. A cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, tapers from the base body 9 and/or increases towards the cleaning head 12, and/or the cross section, in particular the thickness or width, of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, starts from the base body 9, preferably continuously decreases.

6. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the preceding aspects in particular, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, has at least one recess 11H or 12F on the underside 11B or 12B and/or the upper side 11A or 12A, in particular in the form of a cutout transverse to the longitudinal extension.

7. A cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12 is designed as a cuboid and/or elongate.

8. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the foregoing aspects in particular, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the cleaning head 12 is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis a or horizontal in the use position of the cleaning brush 8 or at least substantially parallel to the cleaning surface F and/or obliquely to the rotational direction R as seen in the direction of the rotational axis a.

9. The cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, is characterized in that the cleaning head 12, in particular the support body 12D, is fastened to the connecting arm 11 in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, in particular by a snap-fit connection and/or a crimp connection which can be detached nondestructively.

10. The cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, is characterized in that the cleaning head 12, in particular the support body 12D, has a shaft journal 12K and the connecting arm 11 has a receptacle 11K, in particular corresponding to the shaft journal 12K, preferably wherein the shaft journal 12K is inserted or insertable, in particular pressed or pressable, into the receptacle 11K.

11. The cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, is characterized in that the cleaning insert 12C is fastened to the support body 12D in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, in particular by a snap-fit connection and/or a crimp connection which can be detached nondestructively.

12. The cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the support body 12D has a receptacle 12H, in particular a recess, for the cleaning insert 12C, preferably wherein the cleaning insert 12C is inserted or insertable, in particular pressed or pressable into the receptacle 12H.

13. The cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12, in particular the cleaning insert 12C, has a plurality of cleaning elements/filaments 12E, in particular in the form of filament bundles and/or filament rows.

14. In particular, the cleaning brush 8 according to aspect 13, characterized in that the cleaning elements/filaments 12E are oriented at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation a or at least substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface F.

15. The cleaning brush 8 according to any of the foregoing aspects in particular, characterized in that the cleaning brush 8 has a plurality of cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 and/or a plurality of cleaning heads 12, preferably wherein a cleaning head 12 is fastened to each connecting arm 11.

16. The cleaning brush 8 according to aspect 15 in particular, characterized in that the cleaning arms 10, in particular the connecting arms 11 and/or the cleaning heads 12, which are adjacent in the circumferential direction, are arranged offset to one another in the axial direction and/or in two different, mutually spaced planes.

17. The cleaning brush 8 according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is twisted or inclined downwards with respect to the axis of rotation a and/or towards the cleaning surface F, with different strength in the position of use of the cleaning brush 8, and/or that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is designed differently long.

18. The cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the aspects 15 to 17, characterized in that the cleaning elements/filaments 12E of the cleaning head 12 terminate flush and/or the cleaning elements/filaments 12E of adjacent cleaning heads 12 are designed not to be as long.

19. A cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is twisted along its longitudinal axis, preferably more than 5 ° and/or less than 25 °, in particular such that the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 and/or the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 is adjusted to be oblique in the direction of rotation R or in relation to the cleaning surface F.

20. A cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12 has a plurality of cleaning elements 12E in the form of filament bundles, wherein the filament bundles extend radially outwards and/or obliquely to the direction of rotation R as seen in the direction of the rotation axis a, and/or wherein the filament bundles form an extension of the connecting arm 11 in the longitudinal extension and/or protrude from an end face 11J of the connecting arm 11.

21. A cleaning brush 8 according to aspect 20 in particular, characterized in that the cross section of the filament bundle is designed out of round, preferably at least substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular.

22. A cleaning brush 8 according to aspect 20 or 21 in particular, characterized in that the underside of the filament bundle is adjusted to be oblique in the direction of rotation R and/or to form an oblique surface on the underside.

23. A cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12 has cleaning elements/filaments 12E in the form of a plurality of filament rows, preferably wherein the filaments are oriented at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis a or at least substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface F, and/or wherein the filaments terminate flush.

24. The cleaning brush 8 according to aspect 23 in particular, characterized in that the filaments are designed differently long, preferably wherein the filaments preceding in the direction of rotation R are designed longer than the filaments following in the direction of rotation R.

25. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the preceding aspects in particular, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is bent at least sectionally in the direction of rotation R and at least sectionally counter to the direction of rotation R, preferably wherein the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 starts from the base body 9, first in the direction of rotation R and then counter to the direction of rotation R.

26. A cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 extends wave-like as seen towards the cleaning surface F or in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation a.

27. A cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12 is bent at least sectionally counter to the direction of rotation R.

28. The cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, is characterized in that the upper side 12A of the cleaning head 12 is designed concave and/or the lower side 12B of the cleaning head 12 is designed convex.

29. The cleaning brush 8, in particular according to any of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, is designed to be rougher and/or softer on the upper side 11A or 12A than on the lower side 11B or 12B, or vice versa, and/or that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, has filaments and/or at least one gap 12F on the upper side 12A.

30. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the preceding aspects in particular, characterized in that the transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 forms a joint 13, wherein the transition is designed to be more flexible, in particular more elastic and/or thinner, than the directly adjoining region of the base body 9 and/or the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11.

31. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the preceding aspects in particular, characterized in that the joint 13 is designed as a film hinge and/or is formed by a gap 13A/13B/9E on the underside 9C of the base body 9 and/or on the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11.

32. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the preceding aspects in particular, characterized in that the underside of the transition, in particular the transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, has a recess 13A/13B/9E.

33. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transitions from the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 to the base body 9, adjacent in the circumferential direction, have different or differently dimensioned interspaces 13A/13B/9E.

34. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the foregoing aspects in particular, characterized in that the cross section of the transition section or joint 13 is reduced by at least 25% or 30% compared to the directly adjoining cross section of the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11.

35. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the preceding aspects in particular, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 can be pivoted or deflected by more than 120 ° or 160 ° by means of the joint 13 and/or can rest flat on the underside 9C of the base body 9.

36. A cleaning brush 8 according to any of the preceding aspects in particular, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12 is bent at least sectionally counter to the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8, in particular such that after the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 has been rotated by means of the joint 13, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12 is twisted at least sectionally in the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8.

37. A self-propelled cleaning device 1 comprising a cleaning brush 8 and a drive unit for the cleaning brush 8, wherein the cleaning brush 8 is driven in a rotatable manner about an at least substantially vertical rotational axis a, in particular in a cleaning operation or in a normal use position,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the sweeper brush 8 is designed according to any of the preceding aspects.

38. A method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device 1, in which a cleaning surface F is cleaned by means of a cleaning brush 8 of the cleaning device 1 which rotates about an in particular at least substantially vertical axis of rotation a,

Wherein the cleaning brush 8 has a base body 9 and a cleaning arm 10 arranged on the base body 9, in particular a connecting arm 11 arranged on the base body 9 and at least one cleaning head 12 arranged on the connecting arm 11,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

designing a cleaning device 1 according to aspect 37 and/or a cleaning brush 8 according to any of aspects 1 to 36, and/or

In the event of a collision of the cleaning brush 8 with the projection H of the cleaning surface F or as a result of a change in the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent from the starting position counter to the direction of rotation R and/or

After having travelled over the raised portion H of the cleaning surface F, the rotational speed and/or rotational direction R of the cleaning brush 8 is changed at least temporarily in order to fold or bend the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, and/or

In the event of a collision of the cleaning brush 8 with the projection H of the cleaning surface F and/or as a result of a change in the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent from the starting position under the base body 9 and/or radially inwards by means of the joint 13 of the cleaning brush 8.

39. The method according to aspect 38 is characterized in particular in that, when the cleaning brush 8 collides with the convex portion H of the cleaning surface F and/or as a result of a change in the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent over, so that the side of the cleaning head 12 which is directed upward before or in the initial position or the upper side 12A is brought into abutment against the cleaning surface F or the other side of the cleaning head 12 is used for cleaning the cleaning surface F.

40. The method according to aspect 38 or 39 is characterized in that, in particular, when the cleaning brush 8 collides with the convex portion H of the cleaning surface F and/or as a result of a change in the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent, so that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is preferably bent only counter to the direction of rotation R.

41. The method according to any of the above-mentioned aspects 38 to 40, characterized in that the raised portion H that passes over the cleaning surface F is automatically detected, in particular by means of a ground clearance sensor and/or by measuring a rotational speed change and/or a torque change.

42. The method according to any of the above-mentioned aspects 38 to 41, characterized in that the rotational speed and/or the rotational direction R of the cleaning brush 8 is changed at least temporarily after having travelled over the raised portion H of the cleaning surface F, in particular in order to bring the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12 into the initial position again, and/or in order to fold or bend the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 such that the side of the cleaning head 12 that was previously directed upwards is brought to bear against the cleaning surface F.

43. The method according to any of the aspects 38 to 42 in particular, characterized in that, when the cleaning brush 8 collides with the convex portion H of the cleaning surface F, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is folded or bent such that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is twisted in the rotation direction R.

44. The method according to any of the above-mentioned aspects 38 to 43, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 spontaneously re-enters the initial position after having travelled over the raised portion H of the cleaning surface F, in particular without changing the direction of rotation R of the cleaning brush 8.

List of reference numerals:

1. cleaning apparatus

2. Shell body

3. Wheel

4. Navigation device

5. Underside of the lower part

6. Suction port

7. Cleaning roller

8. Cleaning brush

9. Matrix body

9A receiving portion

9B upper side

9C underside

9D outside

9E gap

10. Cleaning arm

11. Connecting arm

11A upper side

11B underside

11C front side

11D back side

11E connection section

11F middle section

11G end section

11H gap

11J end face

11K accommodation part

12. Cleaning head

12A upper side

12B underside

12C cleaning insert

12D support

12E cleaning element

12F gap

12H accommodating portion

12K journal

13. Joint

13A first gap

13B second gap

A rotating shaft

Distance D

F cleaning surface

G joint shaft

H convex portion

R direction of rotation

V offset

W angle.

Claims

1. A cleaning brush (8) for a cleaning device (1),

wherein the cleaning brush (8) has a base body (9), at least one connecting arm (11) arranged on the base body (9) and at least one cleaning head (12) arranged on the connecting arm (11),

Wherein the base body (9) defines a rotation axis (A) about which the cleaning brush (8) is rotatable,

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the cleaning head (12) is fastened to the connecting arm (11) in a replaceable manner, and/or

The cleaning head (12) has a cleaning insert (12C) and a support body (12D) for the cleaning insert (12C), wherein the cleaning insert (12C) is fastened to the support body (12D) in a replaceable manner.

2. A cleaning brush according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting arm (11) is twisted and/or tilted at least sectionally against the direction of rotation (R) of the cleaning brush (8), in particular such that an imaginary extension of the cleaning head (12), which is preferably elongate, passes through the base body (9) as seen on the rotational axis (a), and/or the connecting arm (11) is twisted and/or tilted at least sectionally transversely to the direction of rotation (R).

3. A cleaning brush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cross section of the connecting arm (11) and/or the cross section of the cleaning head (12) is designed out of round, preferably at least substantially polygonal, in particular rectangular.

4. A sweeper brush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section of the connecting arm (11) tapers from the base body (9) and/or increases towards the cleaning head (12) and/or that the connecting arm (11) has at least one gap (11H) on the underside (11B) and/or on the upper side (11A).

5. A sweeper brush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (12) is designed as a cuboid and/or elongate.

6. A sweeper brush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the cleaning head (12) is oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis (a) or parallel to the cleaning surface (F) and/or oblique to the rotational direction (R).

7. The brush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (12), in particular the support body (12D), is fastened to the connecting arm (11), in particular by a form-fitting and/or force-fitting, in particular by a nondestructively detachable snap-fit connection and/or a press-fit connection, and/or that the cleaning head (12), in particular the support body (12D), has a shaft journal (12K) and the connecting arm (11) has a receptacle (11K) for the shaft journal (12K), wherein the shaft journal (12K) is inserted, in particular pressed, into the receptacle (11K).

8. The sweeper brush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning insert (12C) is fastened to the support body (12D) by a form-fitting and/or force-fitting, in particular by a nondestructively detachable snap-fit connection and/or a crimp connection, and/or that the support body (12D) has a receptacle (12H), in particular a recess, for the cleaning insert (12C), wherein the cleaning insert (12C) is inserted, in particular pressed, into the receptacle (12H).

9. The brush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (12), in particular the cleaning insert (12C), has a plurality of cleaning elements (12E), preferably in the form of filaments, in particular filament clusters or filament rows.

10. A sweeper brush according to claim 9, characterized in that the cleaning elements (12E) are oriented at least substantially parallel to the rotational axis or at least substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface (F).

11. A cleaning brush according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning brush (8) has a plurality of connecting arms (11) and/or cleaning heads (12), preferably wherein a cleaning head (12) is fastened on each connecting arm (11).

12. A sweeper brush according to claim 11, characterized in that the connecting arms (11) adjacent in the circumferential direction and/or the cleaning heads (12) adjacent in the circumferential direction are arranged offset from each other in the axial direction.

13. A cleaning brush according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the connecting arms (11) are twisted and/or inclined downwards with respect to the rotational axis (a) and/or with respect to the cleaning surface (F) or in the use position of the cleaning brush (8) with different strength and/or that the connecting arms (11) are designed to be not equally long.

14. A sweeper brush according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the cleaning elements (12E) of the cleaning heads (12) terminate flush and/or that the cleaning elements (12E) of adjacent cleaning heads (12) are designed not to be long.

15. A self-propelled cleaning device (1) comprising a cleaning brush (8) and a drive unit for the cleaning brush (8), wherein the cleaning brush (8) is rotatably driven about a rotational axis (A),

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

a sweeper brush (8) according to any of the preceding claims.