DE102021134463A1 - Surface cleaning machine with curved scraper element - Google Patents

Abstract

A surface cleaning machine is provided, comprising a cleaning head (12), at least one cleaning roller unit (18), which is arranged on the cleaning head (12) and can be rotated about an axis of rotation (46), and at least one stripping element (70) for stripping off dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), wherein the at least one scraper element (70) is curved and has a contact line (262) with the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) which has a first length (L1), and wherein a distance ( D) between ends of the line of contact (262) is less than the first length (L1), the distance (D) being in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (46).

Description

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head, at least one cleaning roller unit, which is arranged on the cleaning head and can be rotated about an axis of rotation, and at least one stripping element for scraping dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit.

The DE 20 2015 101 302 U1 discloses a cleaning device in the form of a vacuum cleaner.

From the WO 2016/058901 A1 , WO 2016/058856 A1 , WO 2017/063663 A1 , WO 2016/058879 A1 , WO 2016/058956 A1 surface cleaning machines are known. From the WO 2016/058907 A1 a surface cleaning machine is also known.

From the U.S. 4,875,246 a portable floor cleaning device is known which has a roller driven by an electric motor.

From the DE 20 2009 013 434 U1 a device for wet floor cleaning with a brush which can be rotated about an axis of rotation is known.

From the CN 201 197 698 Y a cleaning machine is known.

From the U.S. 6,026,529 a device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces is known.

From the WO 2010/041185 A1 a surface cleaning machine with rotating brushes is known.

From the U.S. 7,665,174 B2 a cleaning head for a floor cleaning machine is known.

From the U.S. 4,173,054 a floor cleaner is known which comprises a handle, a main body, a roller mechanism having a roller with a cleaning belt, a scraper and a dirty fluid receptacle.

From the WO 2013/106762 A2 a surface cleaning machine with a cleaning roller and a drive unit for driving the cleaning roller is known. A dirt tray is provided into which the cleaning roller sweeps dirt as it rotates. The dirt tray can be opened.

From the U.S. 7,921,497 B2 a floor scrubber is known which is manually operated and includes a drive roller coupled to a scrub roller.

From the WO 2015/086083 A1 Another floor cleaning machine is known.

From the U.S. 3,789,449 a hard floor cleaning device is known.

From the DE 103 57 637 A1 a self-propelled sweeper with a sweeping brush and an associated dirt collection space is known.

From the DE 10 2007 054 500 A1 a household floor cleaning device with a mop roller is known.

From the U.S. 2006/0272120 A1 a floor cleaning device with a housing, a hose arrangement and a cleaning head is known.

From the DE 10 2017 120 723 A1 a cleaning machine station for a cleaning machine is known, the cleaning machine station having a receiving chamber for a cleaning head of the cleaning machine.

From the WO 2005/087075 A1 a floor cleaning machine is known with a handle which is pivotally mounted on a base.

The CN 107007215A discloses a floor cleaning robot.

The DE 20 2018 104 772 U1 discloses a dirty water collecting mechanism and dirty water detection mechanism and a cleaning device.

Cleaning machines are also out of the AU2017101723A4 , the CN 206687671 U , the DE 20 2016 105 300 U1 , the US 9,622,637 B1 , the CN 205359367 U , the U.S. 2017/0119225 A1 , the CN 205181250 U , the CN 205181251 U , the CN 205181256 U , the DE 20 2016 105 299 U , the WO 2017/059602 A1 , the WO 2017/059600 A1 , the WO 2017/059601 A1 , the WO 2017/059603 A1 or the DE 20 2016 105 301 U1 known.

The object of the invention is to provide a surface cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset, which has optimized dirt fluid removal.

In the case of the surface cleaning machine mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved according to the invention in that the at least one scraping element is of curved design and has a contact line with the at least one cleaning roller unit which has a first length and that a distance between ends of the line of contact is less than the first length, the distance being in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

The contact line is that area of the stripping element with which it acts on a covering of the at least one cleaning roller unit and in particular touches it or is immersed in it.

In the solution according to the invention, the at least one stripping element is curved. This results in a curved contact line, which means that dirt fluid that has been wiped off and is detached from the at least one cleaning roller unit is also guided on the cleaning roller unit due to the curvature.

As a result, dirty fluid can be transferred to the dirty fluid tank device in a smaller transfer area than in comparison to straight scraping elements. This simplifies the discharge of dirty fluid. Equipment contamination is reduced.

Furthermore, any foam that may appear can be guided into a central region of the at least one cleaning roller unit and foam can largely be prevented from escaping at the ends of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

The first length is an arc length of the line of contact between ends of the line of contact.

In one embodiment, the at least one cleaning roller unit has a second length in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation that is less than the first length of the line of contact. The curvature of the at least one stripping element is therefore such that the first length (the arc length) is greater than the corresponding length of the at least one cleaning roller unit. In particular, it is provided that the at least one stripping element does not extend to the front ends of the at least one cleaning roller unit, but instead there is a distance between the corresponding end of the contact line and the corresponding closest front end of the at least one cleaning roller unit. In the embodiment where the first length is greater than the second length, the curvature is so severe that the arc length (the first length) is so great that this distance is overcompensated for in terms of lengths.

Provision can be made for the at least one curved scraper element to be assigned to a cleaning roller unit which has a plurality of roller parts, with the second length in particular being an overall length of the cleaning roller unit, or for the at least one curved scraper element to be assigned to a single roller, in which case in particular the second length is then a length of that roll. In one embodiment, the cleaning roller unit comprises a first roller part and a second roller part, which are aligned in the direction of rotation. In particular, a center drive is provided. It is then possible that a stripping element is provided which is curved and is associated with the cleaning roller unit as a whole (the roller parts together). Alternatively, it is also possible that only a single roller is provided and that the corresponding at least one stripping element is then assigned to it. The case is also possible in which the cleaning roller unit is designed in several parts and each roller part is assigned its own curved stripping element. Depending on the design, there is an optimized stripping of dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit and an optimized guidance.

It can be provided that the at least one stripping element has a first curvature and a mathematical curve that describes the course of the contact line is a flat curve, or that the at least one stripping element has a first curvature and a second curvature and the mathematical curve is a space curve. There can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional curvature.

• - die erste Krümmung der mathematischen Kurve ist negativ;
• - die zweite Krümmung der mathematischen Kurve ist negativ;
• - die erste Krümmung ist konstant;
• - die zweite Krümmung ist konstant.

In particular, at least one of the following is provided:

• - the first curvature of the mathematical curve is negative;
• - the second curvature of the mathematical curve is negative;
• - the first curvature is constant;
• - the second curvature is constant.

A negative curvature makes the corresponding mathematical curve convex. If the curvature is constant, the mathematical curve has a circular shape.

For a circular curve, the radius of curvature is equal to the radius of the corresponding circle.

It is particularly advantageous if the contact line of the at least one stripping element touches an edging of the at least one cleaning roller unit or is immersed in the edging. In particular, the contact line lies between a first flank and a second flank. When immersed, the contact line lies completely within the trimming, ie is spaced from an outer surface of the trimming.

• - ein textiles Material;
• - ein Borstenbesatz.

It is favorable if the trimming is at least one of the following:

• - a textile material;
• - a set of bristles.

A textile material is particularly suitable for wet cleaning. A set of bristles is particularly suitable for sweeping cleaning. In principle, a mixed trimming can also be present.

Advantageously, an outlet device for dirty fluid is arranged on the cleaning head for removing dirty fluid away from the at least one cleaning roller unit, with at least one wall of the outlet device being formed by the at least one stripping element. This results in a simple structural design. Dirty fluid, which is scraped off by the at least one cleaning roller unit by the at least one scraper element, can be coupled directly into the dirty fluid tank device via the outlet opening of the outlet device.

It is particularly advantageous if the mouth device has a length along the at least one stripping element at a mouth opening which is smaller than the first length. Due to the guiding function of the at least one wiping element, dirty fluid is guided accordingly to a middle area. The transfer area can then be kept smaller. This results in improved dirt fluid removal. The dirt area on the surface cleaning machine itself is reduced.

• - die Mündungseinrichtung ist mindestens einseitig entsprechend der Ausbildung des mindestens einen Abstreifelements gekrümmt ausgebildet;
• - die Mündungseinrichtung steht in fluidwirksamer Verbindung mit einer Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung;
• - die Mündungseinrichtung steht in fluidwirksamer Verbindung mit einem Saugaggregat.

Furthermore, at least one of the following is advantageously provided:

• - The mouth device is curved at least on one side corresponding to the formation of the at least one stripping element;
• - the orifice means is in fluid communication with a dirty fluid tank means;
• - The mouth device is in fluid communication with a suction unit.

This results in a constructive structure. The solution according to the invention can be used to transport dirty fluid directly from the at least one cleaning roller unit into the dirty fluid tank device, in particular without a suction fan. In principle, however, it is also possible for suction to take place in particular on the at least one cleaning roller unit. In principle, a combination is also possible.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one cleaning roller unit is assigned a delivery area for dirty fluid, and the at least one stripping element is designed to be concave towards the delivery area. The at least one stripping element has a guiding function, it detaches dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit and guides dirty fluid in a central area to the discharge area. This improves the dirty fluid transfer to the delivery area.

In a constructively favorable embodiment, the contact line of the at least one stripping element has the course of a segment of a circle facing the dispensing area. As a result, it has a constant curvature.

A structurally simple design results when the at least one stripping element is convex in design, facing away from the dispensing area. In particular, this allows the at least one stripping element to be designed as a type of web with flanks and the contact line on a holder.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one stripping element is designed symmetrically to a center plane of the at least one cleaning roller unit or a roller, with the center plane being oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Dirty fluid can then be guided via the at least one stripping element in a central region of the at least one cleaning roller unit or a roller for transfer to the delivery area.

In principle, it is possible for the cleaning roller unit to be designed in several parts and to comprise a plurality of roller parts which are arranged next to one another, in particular with respect to the axis of rotation. In this case, the center plane of the at least one cleaning roller unit is a center plane of the overall device made up of the roller parts. In principle, the center plane can also be the center plane of a single roller, in which case, for example, the cleaning roller unit comprises a single roller, or it can also be designed in multiple parts and in this case the center plane can then be the center plane of a roller part.

However, it is also possible for the at least one stripping element to be designed asymmetrically with respect to the central plane. This allows in particular particular to achieve a corresponding guidance of dirty fluid towards a desired area, which is not symmetrical to the central plane. In particular, depending on the design of the at least one stripping element, guidance to one side or to the other side of the cleaning roller unit or a roller part can be achieved. This enables an optimized adaptation to an application.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the contact line of the at least one stripping element has an apex, with the apex in particular being located centrally between opposite end faces of the at least one cleaning roller unit or one roller. A guiding function of the at least one wiping element can thus be implemented in a simple manner, by means of which dirty fluid is guided to the apex (towards a central area) on the cleaning roller unit and is also correspondingly detached.

In principle, it is possible for the apex to be off-centre or for no apex to be present.

• - die gekrümmte Kurve ist symmetrisch zu einer Mittelebene des gedachten Zylinders, wobei die Mittelebene senkrecht zu der Zylinderachse ist;
• - ausgehend von einem Scheitel der gekrümmten Kurve variiert ein Polarwinkel längs der gekrümmten Kurve;
• - ausgehend von einem Scheitel der gekrümmten Kurve mit maximalem Polarwinkel nimmt ein Polarwinkel längs der gekrümmten Kurve ab und insbesondere kontinuierlich ab;
• - ausgehend von einem Scheitel der gekrümmten Kurve variiert ein Abstand zu der Zylinderachse längs der gekrümmten Kurve;
• - ausgehend von dem Scheitel der gekrümmten Kurve mit maximalem Abstand zu der Zylinderachse nimmt der Abstand zu der Zylinderachse längs der gekrümmten Kurve zu.

It is correspondingly advantageous if a projection of the contact line of the at least one scraping element onto an imaginary cylinder with a cylinder axis coaxial to the axis of rotation is a curved curve, in particular with at least one of the following:

• - the curved curve is symmetrical about a median plane of the imaginary cylinder, which median plane is perpendicular to the cylinder axis;
• - starting from a crest of the curved curve, a polar angle varies along the curved curve;
• - Starting from a peak of the curved curve with a maximum polar angle, a polar angle decreases along the curved curve and in particular continuously;
• - starting from an apex of the curved curve, a distance to the cylinder axis varies along the curved curve;
• - starting from the apex of the curved curve with maximum distance to the cylinder axis, the distance to the cylinder axis increases along the curved curve.

The measures described individually or in any combination result in a guiding function for the at least one scraper element for guiding dirty fluid on the at least one cleaning roller unit in a central area of the at least one cleaning roller unit, the central area being at the apex.

In particular, the at least one stripping element forms a wall between the discharge area for dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit and a feed area for cleaning liquid to the at least one cleaning roller unit. This results in a simple structural design. The number of elements required for the cleaning head can be kept low.

• - die Wandung zu dem Abführungsbereich hin ist konkav ausgebildet;
• - die Wandung zu dem Zuführungsbereich hin ist konvex ausgebildet.

It is correspondingly favorable if at least one of the following is provided:

• - The wall towards the discharge area is concave;
• - The wall towards the feed area is convex.

This results in a simple structural design. The concave design of the wall towards the feed area results in a guiding function for dirty fluid.

In particular, the at least one scraping element has a first wall side facing the supply area for cleaning liquid and a second wall side facing the discharge area for dirty fluid, with a direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit running from the first wall side to the second wall side. A propulsion for the surface cleaning machine can then be achieved by the rotationally driven at least one cleaning roller unit. The result is an optimized dirt removal. The supply area for cleaning liquid is arranged downstream of the discharge area, so that cleaning liquid can be applied to a “clean” side of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

For the same reasons, it is favorable if a direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit is such that a point on the at least one cleaning roller unit that has touched a floor to be cleaned first comes into a discharge area for dirty fluid and then comes into a feed area for cleaning fluid.

• - durch das Leitelement wird Schmutzfluid längs des mindestens einen Abstreifelements in Richtung eines mittleren Bereichs insbesondere des Reinigungskopfes geleitet;
• - Schaum wird längs des mindestens einen Abstreifelements in Richtung eines mittleren Bereichs insbesondere des Reinigungskopfes geleitet.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one scraper element forms a guide element for guiding dirty fluid to the at least one cleaning roller unit, which is designed in particular according to one of the following:

• - Dirty fluid is guided along the at least one scraping element in the direction of a central region, in particular of the cleaning head, by the guiding element;
• - Foam is guided along the at least one scraping element in the direction of a central region, in particular of the cleaning head.

As a result, dirty fluid can be discharged in an optimized manner, for example directly to a dirty fluid tank device. Foam is largely prevented from escaping at the ends of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

In particular, a discharge area for dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit has a length which is less than the first length and in particular has at most 50% of the first length. This results in an optimized transfer of dirty fluid. The contamination of the machine itself can be kept low.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one stripping element is spring-loaded and movably held on the cleaning head. It can thus be pressed against the at least one cleaning roller unit in order to obtain an optimized removal result for dirty fluid.

In a structurally simple embodiment, the at least one stripping element is pivotably mounted on the cleaning head and, in particular, is held on a holder which is pivotally mounted. A pivot axis of the pivotable bearing is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one cleaning roller unit is assigned a comb element, which is in particular held on the same holder as the at least one stripping element. The comb element is a hair comb element and is used to pick up hair. Hair can be detached from a covering material of the at least one cleaning roller unit via the comb element. This optimizes the cleaning result.

It is favorable if a dirty fluid tank device is arranged on a base of the cleaning head so that it can be removed. This results in a simple structure. In particular, no additional suction fan is then necessary. This reduces the weight of the surface cleaning machine. Furthermore, the energy consumption can be reduced. In principle, however, it is also possible for the dirty fluid tank device to be arranged in a correspondingly detachable manner on a base of the cleaning head, and for suction to be provided for the dirty fluid tank device. In this embodiment, the removable dirty fluid tank device is then no longer absolutely necessary for emptying the dirty fluid tank device, but only for cleaning it.

In one form of cleaning, at least one support element is arranged on the base of the cleaning head, which is at a distance from the at least one cleaning roller unit, wherein during a cleaning operation the cleaning head is supported on a floor to be cleaned via the at least one cleaning roller unit and the at least one support element. This results in optimized guidance of the cleaning head over the floor to be cleaned.

In particular, it is then provided that the dirty fluid tank device has a continuous recess assigned to the at least one support element, through which the at least one support element is passed when the dirty fluid tank device is seated on the cleaning head. A dirty fluid tank device with a large volume can thus be provided.

In one embodiment, the at least one cleaning roller unit is seated on a roller mount of a shaft with a first shaft part, a middle part and a second shaft part, with the middle part lying between the first shaft part and the second shaft part and on the first shaft part a first roller part of the at least one cleaning roller unit and a second roller part of the at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged on the second shaft part, and a central drive acts on the central part. As a result, the first roller part and the second roller part can each be guided to a lateral side end of the cleaning head. This enables cleaning close to the edge.

In particular, a central plane of the at least one cleaning roller unit, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and is located centrally between the front ends of the at least one cleaning roller unit, lies on the central part. It is then advantageous if an apex of the contact line lies at the center plane. A middle area, to which the at least one scraping element leads dirty fluid, lies in the middle plane.

Furthermore, it is favorable if the dirty fluid tank device is held on the cleaning head so that it can move and, in particular, is floating. As a result, an optimized position with respect to of the floor to be cleaned. In particular, a sweeping element, which is arranged on the dirty fluid tank device, can be positioned in a correspondingly defined position relative to the ground.

In one embodiment, a support bar means is pivotally mounted on the cleaning head about a pivot joint, wherein a pivot axis of the pivot joint coincides with the axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit. Such a surface cleaning machine is a floor cleaning machine which can be guided over the holding rod device by a standing operator (who is standing behind the cleaning head on the floor to be cleaned). The fact that the swivel joint coincides with the axis of rotation makes it possible to support the weight of the support rod device completely on the at least one cleaning roller unit. As a result, a high and in particular maximum contact pressure can be exerted on the at least one cleaning roller unit due to the surface cleaning machine's own weight. This in turn results in an optimized cleaning result.

In principle, it is also possible for the surface cleaning machine to be designed as a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine (cleaning robot).

In particular, a drive motor is provided for the at least one cleaning roller unit, which drives the rotational movement of the at least one cleaning roller unit. This results in an optimized cleaning result.

• - einen trockenen Kehrbetrieb ohne Beaufschlagung des zu reinigenden Bodens oder der mindestens einen Reinigungswalzeneinheit mit Reinigungsflüssigkeit;
• - einen Nasswischbetrieb mit Beaufschlagung des zu reinigenden Bodens und/oder der mindestens einen Reinigungswalzeneinheit mit Reinigungsflüssigkeit;
• - einen Kehrbetrieb und einen Nasswischbetrieb, wobei insbesondere über ein Kehrelement Grobschmutz der mindestens einen Reinigungswalzeneinheit zugeführt wird und über die mindestens eine Reinigungswalzeneinheit in eine Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung gefördert wird und über mindestens ein Abstreifelement Schmutzfluid von der mindestens einen Reinigungswalzeneinheit abgestreift und von dort in die Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung befördert wird.

The surface cleaning machine according to the invention has in particular one of the following operating modes:

• - A dry sweeping operation without applying cleaning liquid to the floor to be cleaned or to the at least one cleaning roller unit;
• - A wet wiping operation with loading of the floor to be cleaned and/or the at least one cleaning roller unit with cleaning liquid;
• - a sweeping operation and a wet wiping operation, with coarse dirt being fed to the at least one cleaning roller unit in particular via a sweeping element and being conveyed via the at least one cleaning roller unit into a dirty fluid tank device and dirt fluid being scraped off the at least one cleaning roller unit via at least one scraping element and being conveyed from there into the dirty fluid tank device .

In particular, a surface cleaning machine has all of the operating modes mentioned. This results in optimized usability for one operator and variable options for floor cleaning. In particular, it is also provided that the at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged to be exchangeable. This makes it possible to adapt to the respective surface to be cleaned. For example, a trim made of a textile material or a bristle trim can be used as the trim, depending on the surface to be cleaned.

• 1 eine seitliche Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Flächenreinigungsmaschine (Bodenreinigungsmaschine), welche auf einem zu reinigenden Boden aufsteht;
• 2 eine perspektivische Darstellung der Bodenreinigungsmaschine gemäß 1;
• 3 eine schematische Teildarstellung eines Reinigungskopfs der Bodenreinigungsmaschine gemäß 1 in Schnittdarstellung;
• 4 eine perspektivische Teildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsmaschine im Bereich eines Reinigungskopfs;
• 5 der Reinigungskopf gemäß 4 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 6 der Reinigungskopf gemäß 4 mit abgenommener Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung;
• 7 eine Schnittansicht des Reinigungskopfs gemäß 4;
• 8 eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 8-8 gemäß 7;
• 9 die gleiche Ansicht wie 5, wobei Verriegelungsstellen bzw. Verrastungsstellen für eine Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung mit dem Reinigungskopf und für eine Haltestabeinrichtung mit dem Reinigungskopf gezeigt sind;
• 10 eine seitliche Schnittansicht des Reinigungskopfs gemäß 9 im Bereich einer Verriegelungsstelle für die Haltestabeinrichtung mit dem Reinigungskopf außerhalb einer Verriegelungsstellung;
• 11 eine Schnittansicht gemäß 9 einer Verriegelungsstelle der Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung mit dem Reinigungskopf, wobei die Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung an dem Reinigungskopf fixiert ist;
• 12 die gleiche Ansicht wie 10, wobei die Haltestabeinrichtung mit dem Reinigungskopf verriegelt ist;
• 13 die gleiche Ansicht wie 11 bei der Abnahme der Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung (Auflösung der Verriegelungsstellung);
• 14 eine Variante eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Stifts mit konischer Spitze;
• 15 eine Ansicht des Reinigungskopfs außerhalb einer Verriegelungsstellung für eine Drehbarkeit der Haltestabeinrichtung zu dem Reinigungskopf mit abgenommener Verkleidung;
• 16 eine vergrößerte Darstellung einer Verriegelungseinrichtung gemäß 15;
• 17 die gleiche Ansicht wie 15 in einer Verriegelungsstellung der Drehbarkeit der Haltestabeinrichtung zu dem Reinigungskopf;
• 18 eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Verriegelungseinrichtung in der Stellung gemäß 17;
• 19 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsmaschine mit unterschiedlichen Stellungen der Haltestabeinrichtung zu dem Reinigungskopf, wobei gezeigt ist:
• in 19(a) eine bestimmte Schwenkstellung (Arbeitsstellung) der Haltestabeinrichtung zu dem Reinigungskopf;
• in 19(b) eine Parkposition der Haltestabeinrichtung zu dem Reinigungskopf;
• in 19(c) angedeutet eine Bewegung zur Lösung einer Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung von dem Reinigungskopf;
• in 19(d) ein Hochheben des Reinigungskopfs von der Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung zur Abnahme von dieser;
• in 19(e) schematisch ein Aufsetzen des Reinigungskopfs auf die Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung zu deren Fixierung;
• 20 eine Schnittansicht des Reinigungskopfs im Bereich einer Reinigungswalzeneinheit;
• 21 eine Schnittansicht der Reinigungswalzeneinheit im Bereich A gemäß 25;
• 22 eine ähnliche Schnittansicht wie 21 im Bereich B gemäß 25;
• 23 eine Schnittansicht der Bodenreinigungsmaschine gemäß 4 in Teildarstellung, wobei die Schwenkposition der Haltestabeinrichtung tiefer ist als in 4;
• 24 eine Unteransicht des Reinigungskopfs bei der Bodenreinigungsmaschine gemäß 4;
• 25(a) schematisch den Verlauf eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines gekrümmten Abstreifelements an einer Reinigungswalzeneinheit mit erstem und zweitem Walzenteil;
• 25(b) schematisch den Verlauf eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines gekrümmten Abstreifelements an einem Walzenteil;
• 26 schematisch den Verlauf eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines gekrümmten Abstreifelements an einer Reinigungswalzeneinheit mit erstem und zweitem Walzenteil oder an einem Walzenteil;
• 27 schematisch den Verlauf eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines gekrümmten Abstreifelements an einer Reinigungswalzeneinheit mit erstem und zweitem Walzenteil oder an einem Walzenteil;
• 28 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Kombination aus Abstreifelement und Haarkamm gemäß 20;
• 29 die Kombination aus 28 in der Richtung X gemäß 28; und
• 30 eine Unteransicht der Kombination gemäß 28 in der Richtung Y gemäß 28.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a side view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine (floor cleaning machine), which stands on a floor to be cleaned;
• 2 a perspective view of the floor cleaning machine according to FIG 1 ;
• 3 a schematic partial representation of a cleaning head of the floor cleaning machine according to FIG 1 in sectional view;
• 4 a perspective partial representation of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention in the area of a cleaning head;
• 5 the cleaning head according to 4 in another perspective view;
• 6 the cleaning head according to 4 with removed dirty fluid tank device;
• 7 a sectional view of the cleaning head according to FIG 4 ;
• 8th a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG 7 ;
• 9 the same view as 5 Figure 11 showing latching locations for a dirty fluid tank assembly with the cleaning head and for a support rod assembly with the cleaning head;
• 10 a side sectional view of the cleaning head according to FIG 9 in the area of a locking point for the holding rod device with the cleaning head outside of a locking position;
• 11 a sectional view according to FIG 9 a locking point of the dirty fluid tank device with the cleaning head, wherein the Dirty fluid tank device is fixed to the cleaning head;
• 12 the same view as 10 wherein the support bar means is interlocked with the cleaning head;
• 13 the same view as 11 when removing the dirty fluid tank device (release of the locking position);
• 14 a variant of an embodiment of a pen with a conical tip;
• 15 a view of the cleaning head outside of a locking position for rotatability of the support rod means to the cleaning head with the cover removed;
• 16 an enlarged view of a locking device according to FIG 15 ;
• 17 the same view as 15 in a locked position of the rotatability of the support rod means to the cleaning head;
• 18 an enlarged view of the locking device in the position shown in FIG 17 ;
• 19 an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention with different positions of the holding rod device to the cleaning head, wherein is shown:
• in 19(a) a specific pivoting position (working position) of the holding rod device relative to the cleaning head;
• in 19(b) a parking position of the support rod means to the cleaning head;
• in 19(c) indicated movement to release a dirty fluid tank assembly from the cleaning head;
• in 19(d) raising the cleaning head from the dirty fluid tank assembly for removal therefrom;
• in 19(e) schematically a placement of the cleaning head on the dirty fluid tank device to fix it;
• 20 a sectional view of the cleaning head in the area of a cleaning roller unit;
• 21 a sectional view of the cleaning roller unit in the area A according to 25 ;
• 22 a similar sectional view as 21 in area B according to 25 ;
• 23 a sectional view of the floor cleaning machine according to FIG 4 in partial representation, wherein the pivoting position of the support rod device is lower than in FIG 4 ;
• 24 a bottom view of the cleaning head in the floor cleaning machine according to FIG 4 ;
• 25(a) schematically shows the course of an exemplary embodiment of a curved scraping element on a cleaning roller unit with a first and second roller part;
• 25(b) schematically shows the course of an embodiment of a curved stripping element on a roller part;
• 26 schematically shows the course of a further exemplary embodiment of a curved stripping element on a cleaning roller unit with a first and second roller part or on one roller part;
• 27 schematically shows the course of a further exemplary embodiment of a curved stripping element on a cleaning roller unit with a first and second roller part or on one roller part;
• 28 a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination of stripping element and hair comb according to 20 ;
• 29 the combination of 28 in the direction X according to 28 ; and
• 30 a bottom view of the combination according to FIG 28 in the direction Y according to 28 .

An embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention is a floor cleaning machine 10. The basic structure of the floor cleaning machine 10 and its basic mode of operation is based on the 1 until 3 explained.

Hard floors in particular can be cleaned with the floor cleaning machine 10 .

The floor cleaning machine 10 includes a cleaning head 12. In the exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine, the cleaning head 12 is a floor head.

For proper cleaning operation, the cleaning head 12 is placed with a set-up surface 14 on a floor 16 to be cleaned.

The installation surface 14 is in particular a flat surface.
(At least) one cleaning roller unit 18 is arranged on the cleaning head 12 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, exactly one cleaning roller unit 18 is provided.

The cleaning roller unit 18 can comprise a one-piece cleaning roller or a multi-piece cleaning roller, as will be explained in more detail below.

The cleaning head 12 has a front end 20 and a rear end 22 remote from the front end. A longitudinal axis 24 of the cleaning head 12 extends between the front end 20 and the rear end 22.

The cleaning head 12 has a first lateral side 26 and an opposite second lateral side 28. A distance direction between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24.

The cleaning roller unit 18 is arranged in the area of the front end 20 of the cleaning head 12 . When the floor cleaning machine 10 is operating properly, an operator stands behind the rear end 22 of the cleaning head 12 on the floor 16 to be cleaned.

The installation surface 14 is via the cleaning roller unit 18 and at least one installation element (in the 1 until 3 not shown). The cleaning head 12 and thus also the floor cleaning machine 10 are supported via the cleaning roller unit 18 and the at least one positioning element on the floor 16 to be cleaned.

The cleaning head 12 has a base 30 . This base 30 is a main body of the cleaning head 12.

A detachable dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is seated on the cleaning head 12. The dirty fluid tank assembly 32 holds dirty fluid. Dirty fluid is understood here as a flowable fluid which can be wet or dry. The dirty fluid can include, for example, cleaning liquid with dirt particles or only dust particles.

In principle, the dirty fluid tank device 32 can comprise a number of separate individual parts which can be fixed individually to the base 30 and can be removed from it.

In a preferred embodiment, the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 comprises a unit having one or more separate compartments for dirty fluid.

On the dirty fluid tank device 32 sits a foot strap 34 which protrudes to the rear. This serves to make it easier to remove the dirty fluid tank device 32 from the cleaning head 12, as will be explained in more detail below.

A holding rod device 36 is pivoted to the cleaning head 12 via a swivel joint. The holding rod device 36 is designed in such a way that a standing operator can hold the floor cleaning machine 10 and guide it over the floor 16 to be cleaned.

A handle 38 is disposed proximally on the support rod assembly 36 . In the embodiment shown, the handle 38 is designed as a closed loop handle. Other configurations such as a non-closed loop handle and the like are also possible.

Provision is made in particular for operating elements such as an on/off switch and other operating elements, for example for control, to be arranged on the handle 38 or on the holding rod device 36 in the vicinity of the handle 38 .

Distal, the support rod assembly 36 is pivoted to the base 30 via the pivot joint.

A pivot axis 40 ( 2 ) of the swivel joint of the articulation of the holding rod device 36 to the cleaning head 12 is parallel to the installation surface 14. The swivel axis 40 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24.

The holding rod device 36 has a (second) longitudinal axis 42 along which the holding rod device 36 extends up to the handle 38 . The pivot axis 40 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to this second longitudinal axis 42 of the support rod device 36.

Provision can be made for the holding rod device 36 to be able to pivot further in relation to the mobility with respect to the cleaning head 12 , with the corresponding axis of rotation 41 being oriented transversely to the pivot axis 40 . This rotatability is in 1 indicated by the arrow with the reference number 44. The corresponding axis of rotation 41 of this rotatability 44 is, for example, parallel or coaxial to a first longitudinal axis 80 of the support rod device 36 (see below). In particular, it is provided that this rotatability 44 is formed by a corresponding design of the holding rod device 36 with a first part 278 and a second part 280 that can be rotated relative to the first part 278 . This is explained below in particular with reference to 15 until 18 explained in more detail.

The floor cleaning machine 10 includes a drive motor (in Figs 1 until 3 not shown), by which the cleaning roller unit 18 is driven in rotation about an axis of rotation 46 . The cleaning roller unit 18 has a single axis of rotation 46, even if this includes a multi-part cleaning roller. The axis of rotation 46 is parallel to the installation surface 14. It is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24. It is parallel to the pivot axis 40.

In an exemplary embodiment, which is explained in more detail below, the pivot axis 40 of the pivotability of the support rod device 36 on the cleaning head 12 and the axis of rotation 46 are coaxial with one another.

The drive motor is located on the cleaning head 12, or located on the support rod assembly 36, or located at a transition area between the support rod assembly 36 and the cleaning head 12. It acts on the cleaning roller unit 18 and provides a corresponding torque for rotating the cleaning roller unit.

The floor cleaning machine 10 may be mains powered or battery powered.

In one embodiment, a battery holder 48 is provided which houses one or more batteries, and particularly rechargeable batteries. The batteries can be fixed to the floor cleaning machine 10 or be removable from it.

In the embodiment shown according to the 1 until 3 the battery holder 48 is arranged on the support bar device 36 . In principle, however, an arrangement on the cleaning head 12 is also possible.

The floor cleaning machine 10 is designed in particular for the wet cleaning of hard floors. A tank device 50 for cleaning liquid is provided. The cleaning liquid is, in particular, fresh water, optionally with the addition of a cleaning agent. The cleaning roller unit 18 can be moistened directly and/or the floor 16 to be cleaned can be moistened via cleaning liquid from the tank device 50 . As a result, dirt can be removed in an improved manner, and the corresponding dirty fluid is picked up by the cleaning roller unit 18 and delivered to the dirty fluid tank device 32 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the tank device 50 is arranged on the support rod device 36 . A corresponding supply device for cleaning liquid is provided, which leads from the tank device 50 to the cleaning head 12 in order to be able to correspondingly moisten the cleaning roller unit 18 and/or the floor 16 to be cleaned with cleaning liquid.

In 3 the basic functional structure of the cleaning head 12 is shown and the basic mode of operation is explained with reference to FIG 3 explained. During a cleaning operation, the cleaning head 12 is placed with its installation surface 14 on the floor 16 to be cleaned (in 3 the at least one further positioning element is not shown). The cleaning roller unit 18 acts on the floor to be cleaned and rotates in a direction of rotation 52.

The dirty fluid tank device 32 is seated on the base 30 of the cleaning head 12.

A mouth device 54 which has a mouth opening 56 is arranged on the cleaning head 12 . This orifice 56 is in fluid communication with the dirty fluid tank device 32 or is itself an orifice on the dirty fluid tank device 32 . When the cleaning roller unit 18 rotates, it is rotated past the orifice 56 .

The dirty fluid tank device 32 has a floor 58 . When the floor cleaning machine 10 is operating properly, this floor 58 faces the floor 16 to be cleaned. On the bottom 58 facing the cleaning roller unit 18 there is a wall 60 which leads up to the mouth opening 56 . The wall 60 is adapted to the cylindrical shape of the corresponding cleaning roller of the cleaning roller unit 18 .

The cleaning head 12 has a sweeping element 62 which is used to feed coarse dirt to the cleaning roller unit 18 . This coarse dirt is in 3 indicated by double arrows 64. The coarse dirt 64 which is made available to the cleaning roller unit 18 via the sweeping element 62 can be taken along by the cleaning roller unit 18 and thrown into the dirt fluid tank device 32 via the outlet opening 56 .

The sweeping element 62 is arranged on the base 30 or, as in FIG 3 shown, arranged on the dirty fluid tank device 32 .

During operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the cleaning roller unit 18 is moistened with cleaning liquid via a supply device 66 for cleaning liquid. This humid tion is in 3 indicated by the wavy arrows with reference numeral 68.

In this case, the moistening takes place downstream of the orifice opening 56 in relation to the direction of rotation 52 . A region of the cleaning roller unit 18 which is seated on the floor 16 to be cleaned then, during rotation in the direction of rotation 52 , first passes the orifice 56 and then the corresponding region with the moistening 68 .

(At least) one stripping element 70 is provided, which is arranged on the base 30 and is positioned between the orifice opening 56 and the area of humidification 68 .

In particular, the stripping element 70 is movably positioned on the base 30 . In the embodiment shown, the stripping element 70 is seated on a holder 72 which is articulated pivotably on the base 30 . This holder 72 is spring-loaded (in 3 Not shown). The spring loading presses the stripping element 70 against the cleaning roller unit 18.

With regard to its cleaning rollers, the cleaning roller unit 18 has an attachment which is arranged on a corresponding attachment holder. The trimming is a textile material, for example. In principle, however, it can also be a bristle trimming.

The stripping element 70 is arranged in such a way that it touches the trimming and preferably dips into the trimming. The spring loading of the movable holder 72 accordingly ensures that it is pressed or pressed in.

The wiping element 70 forms an opening wall of the opening device 54 for the opening 56. In particular, the wiping element 70 separates the area of moistening 68 from the opening 56.

The stripping element 70 acts on the cleaning roller unit 18 and on the bristles in such a way that dirty fluid is detached from the corresponding cleaning roller (and in particular moist dirty fluid is detached) and conveyed via the orifice opening 56 into the dirty fluid tank device 32 .

this is in 3 indicated by the arrows with the reference number 74.

This dirty fluid 74 detached by the stripping element 70 can also contain coarse dirt particles which were not conveyed directly into the dirty fluid tank device 32 via the outlet opening 56 .

The floor cleaning machine 10 with the training according 3 has a sweeping function, through which coarse dirt (and also dry coarse dirt) can be swept from the floor 16 to be cleaned. It has a wiping function, by means of which the floor 16 to be cleaned can be moistened via the moistening device 68 and wet dirty fluid can be picked up and detached via the stripping element 70 and conveyed into the dirty fluid tank device 32 .

It also exhibits a combined operation in which at the same time (as in 3 indicated) coarse dirt can be picked up from the floor 16 to be cleaned and a damp wiping process is carried out via the cleaning roller unit 18 .

The cleaning roller unit 18 is positioned on the cleaning head 12 in particular so that it can be replaced. As a result, for example, the cleaning roller unit 18 or a cleaning roller can be cleaned easily. As a result, an adaptation to the special cleaning process is also possible. If, for example, a cleaning roller of the cleaning roller unit 18 has a textile trimming such as a microfiber trimming, wet cleaning and sweeping cleaning can be carried out at the same time. However, it is also possible, for example, for a cleaning roller with bristles to be used as the cleaning roller in order to carry out a pure sweeping process. (Moistening of the cleaning roller unit 18 or the floor 16 to be cleaned is particularly switched off during the pure sweeping process.)

It is provided, in particular, that the dirty fluid tank device 32, in particular with the sweeping element 62 fixed thereto, is arranged floating relative to the base 30 in order, for example, to be able to position the sweeping element 62 in the same position as the cleaning roller unit 18, regardless of the trim length of the cleaning roller unit 18.

The basic operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, as based on the 3 was explained is also possible for a cleaning head 12 without a holding rod device 36 and in particular for a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine (“cleaning robot”). In the case of such a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning machine, in particular the battery holder 48 and the tank device for cleaning liquid 50 are then arranged in the cleaning head 12 itself.

In the floor cleaning machine 10, dirty fluid is conveyed via the cleaning roller unit 18 into the dirty fluid tank device 32 without a suction unit. The dirty fluid tank device 32 can be removed from the cleaning head 12 for emptying.

In principle, it is also possible for the dirty fluid that is in the dirty fluid tank device 32 to be sucked out. For this purpose, for example, a corresponding suction unit device and an associated additional dirty fluid tank are arranged on the holding rod device 36 .

Further aspects of the floor cleaning machine 10 and advantageous configurations are described below with reference to FIG 4 until 21 described.

In one embodiment, support rod assembly 36 includes a first portion 76 and a second portion 78 . The first area 76 is arranged at an angle to the second area 78 . The first portion 76 is a distal portion, and the second portion 78 is seated with the handle 38 and thus also the proximal portion.

In particular, a control panel with a plurality of control elements is arranged on the handle 38 or on the second area 78 .

At the in the 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown, the tank device 50 for cleaning liquid is arranged on the second area 78 .

In particular, the control panel includes a switch that can be used to switch whether the cleaning roller unit 18 and/or the floor 16 to be cleaned is moistened with cleaning liquid from the tank device 50 for cleaning liquid 50 . Depending on the operator's choice, this makes it possible to carry out a dry sweeping operation or a wet mopping operation.

The first region 76 extends in a first longitudinal axis 80 (also compare 1 ), and the second portion 78 along the second longitudinal axis 42. The first portion 76 and the second portion 78 are at an obtuse angle 82 ( 1 ) to each other, which is in the range between 120° and 170°.

In a specific embodiment, this obtuse angle 82 is approximately 145°.

The first area 76 and the second area 78 are continuously connected to each other.

The support rod device 36 is articulated to the cleaning head 12 and thereby to the base 30 by means of a pivot joint 84 via the first region 76 . As mentioned above, the pivot axis 40 of the pivot joint 84 coincides with the axis of rotation 46 of rotation of the cleaning roller assembly 18 .

The swivel joint 84 is designed as an orbital joint. It comprises a web guiding device 86 which is seated on the cleaning head 12 and on the base 30 in a rotationally fixed manner. This path guiding device 86 comprises a circular path section 88. A center of the circular path section 88 lies on the pivot axis 40/rotational axis 46.

A counter-device 90 , which is supported on the web-guiding device 86 , is connected to the first region 76 in a rotationally fixed manner.

The counter-device 90 is slidably guided on the circular path section 88 of the path-guiding device 86; there is an orbital guidance of the counter-device 90 on the circular path section 88 of the path-guiding device 86 .

At least three support points are provided for guiding the opposing device 90 on the web guiding device 86 .

The circular path section 88 is arranged with a partial area behind the cleaning roller unit 18 in relation to the longitudinal axis 24 of the cleaning head 12 . Relative to a height axis 92, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 and perpendicular to the installation surface 14, the circular path section 88 is arranged with a partial area above the cleaning roller unit 18.

The circular path section 88 is designed, for example, at least approximately as a quadrant section, which to a certain extent encompasses the cleaning roller unit 18 .

The pivot joint is positioned midway between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 on the base 30 . In particular, it is arranged symmetrically on the cleaning head 12 . It lies on a median plane 94 (cf 2 ), which is located centrally between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 and is oriented perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 46 or pivot axis 40 .

The center plane 94 is also oriented perpendicular to the installation area 14 .

A drive motor 98, which is in particular an electric motor, is used to drive the cleaning roller unit 18 in the rotational movement Axis of rotation 46 with the direction of rotation 52 is provided. This is non-rotatably connected to the support rod device 36 so that it is also pivoted about the pivot axis 40 during a pivoting movement of the support rod device 36 .

In principle, it is possible that the drive motor 98 is still positioned in the cleaning head 12 with the pivotability mentioned.

In one embodiment (compare the 4 until 6 ) the drive motor 98 is positioned on the support rod assembly 36 and is particularly positioned on the first portion 76 .

In particular, the first portion 76 of the support rod assembly 36 includes a housing 100 that houses the drive motor 98 .

In a variant of an exemplary embodiment, a battery holder 48 ′ is arranged on the first area 76 or on a transition between the first area 76 and the second area 78 . (In the case of the 1 and 2 shown embodiment, the battery holder 48 is arranged on the second area 78.)

At the cleaning head 12 and at the same time at the base 30 there is a free space 102 (cf 5 ) formed midway between first lateral side 26 and second lateral side 28 and lying at midplane 94 . This free space 102 forms a pivoting space in which the holding rod device 36 can be moved, with the first area 76 then being able to be moved in this free space 102 in particular.

The clearance 102 is open to the rear end 22 .

The housing 100 with the drive motor 98 can be moved in the free space 102 .

The free space 102 results in a large pivoting angle range for the pivotability of the support rod device 36 about the pivot axis 40 relative to the base 30.

The floor cleaning machine 10 has a transmission device 104 ( 7 ), which serves to transmit a torque from the drive motor 98, which is positioned at a distance from the cleaning roller unit 18, to the cleaning roller unit 18. In one embodiment, the transmission device 104 also includes a reduction gear, which is used to reduce the speed, so that a speed of the cleaning roller unit 18 when rotating about the axis of rotation 46 is lower than a drive speed of the drive motor 98.

The transmission device 104 includes, for example, a belt transmission and the speed reduction gear.

The cleaning roller unit 18 is or includes a roller mount 106. The roller mount 106 in turn includes a shaft 108 which is connected to the transmission device 104 in a torque-effective manner. The shaft 108 rotates about the axis of rotation 46 when driven accordingly by the drive motor 98.

In one embodiment, the shaft 108 (cf 6 ) a first shaft portion 110, a second shaft portion 112 and a middle portion 114 which is connected to the first shaft portion 110 and the second shaft portion 112. The shaft 108 with the first shaft part 110, the second shaft part 112 and the middle part 114 forms a unitary shaft with a single axis of rotation, namely the axis of rotation 46.

The middle part 114 lies centrally between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 and lies at the middle plane 94.

The first shaft portion 110 receives a first roller portion 116 and the second shaft portion 112 receives a second roller portion 118 of the cleaning roller unit 18. The first barrel portion 116 and the second barrel portion 118 are separate units, but rotate about the same axis of rotation 46 when seated on the shaft 108 .

The first roller portion 116, which is seated on the first shaft portion 110, extends to the first lateral side 26, or almost to it. The second roller portion 118, which is seated on the second shaft portion 112, extends to the second lateral side 28, or almost to it. As a result, there is no or only a minimal roller-free distance between the cleaning roller unit 18 and the corresponding lateral sides 26, 28. This makes cleaning close to the edge possible.

The central portion 114 of the shaft 108 is roller-free. The transmission device 104 is coupled to it in a torque-effective manner. There is a center drive of the cleaning roller unit 18 .

The first roller part 116 and the second roller part 118 are each pushed onto the associated shaft part 110 or 112 from the outside and latched accordingly with the associated shaft part 110 or 112 in order to obtain a non-rotatable connection.

In relation to the longitudinal axis 24, the central part 114 of the shaft 108 and thus of the roller mount 106 and the swivel joint 84 are aligned aligned. They lie on the center plane 94 and are in particular each formed mirror-symmetrically to the center plane 94 .

As mentioned above, the cleaning head 12 has (at least) one support element 120 . In particular, exactly one support element 120 is provided ( 7 , 19(d) , 23 , 24 ). The support element 120 sits at a distance from the cleaning roller unit 18 and defines the installation surface 14 with it. The support element 120 sits on the base 30. Even if the dirty fluid tank device 32 is removed, the cleaning head 12 with the cleaning roller unit 18 and the support element 120 can be placed on a floor 16 to be set up. The support member 120 includes a post 122 on which a roller or slider 124 is seated. The roller or the slider 124 is used for support on the floor 16 to be cleaned. The roller or the slider 124, for example a skid being provided, is guided over the floor 16 to be cleaned when the floor cleaning machine 10 is guided.

The base 30 has an underside 126 facing the dirty fluid tank device 32 . The post 122 projects transversely and in particular perpendicularly from this underside 126 in the direction of the installation surface 14 .

Provision is made in particular for the support element 120 to be aligned with the central part 114 of the shaft 108 in relation to the longitudinal axis 24 .

In particular, the support element 120 lies on the center plane 94.

If a plurality of support elements are provided, then these are in particular arranged in a row which lies on the center plane 94 .

In one embodiment, there is no roller portion on the center portion 114 of the shaft 108 and a center strip on the center portion 114 on the floor 16 to be cleaned is left unimpeded during cleaning. (Cleaning takes place here by being driven over in an offset manner.) Due to the aligned arrangement of the supporting element 120 for this purpose, the supporting element 120 is displaced on an area of the base 16 which is not subjected to pressure.

The shape and dimensions of the dirty fluid tank device 32 are adapted to the base 30 . The dirty fluid tank device 32 has a bottom 127 and a top 128 . When the dirty fluid tank device 32 is fixed to the base 30 , the top 128 of the dirty fluid tank device 32 faces the bottom 126 of the base 30 . The bottom 127 of the dirty fluid tank device 32 lies on the bottom 58 and faces away from the top 128 .

Between the bottom 127 and the top 128 is the wall 60 and another wall 130, which closes the dirty fluid tank device 32 with an interior space for receiving dirty fluid.

The wall 60 of the dirty fluid tank device 32, on which the orifice 56 is seated, has a cutout 132 (cf 6 ) which is fitted to the center portion 114 of the shaft 108. When the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is seated on the base 30, the central portion 114 is at least partially seated within the cutout 132 of the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 with free rotation.

The mouth opening 56 of the mouth device 54 comprises, in particular, a first opening part 134 and a second opening part 136.

The first opening part 134 is associated with the first roller part 116 and the second opening part 136 is associated with the second roller part 118 .

It can be provided that the dirty fluid tank device 32 has a first chamber 138 and a second chamber 140 . On the first chamber 138 the first opening part 134 is formed and on the second chamber 140 the second opening part 136 is formed. Dirty fluid is coupled directly into the first chamber 138 via the first opening portion 134 and dirty fluid is coupled directly into the second chamber 140 via the second opening portion 136 .

The two chambers 138 and 140 can be separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner or can be fluidly connected to one another, so that dirty fluid can be evenly distributed in the dirty fluid tank device 32 .

The dirty fluid tank device 32 has a cover 142 which at least partially forms the upper side 128 . This cover 142 is at a distance from the base 58.

The cover 142 can be removed when the dirty fluid tank device 32 has been removed from the cleaning head 12 in order to be able to empty the dirty fluid tank device 32 .

The kick tab 34 is arranged on the wall 130 of the dirty fluid tank device 32 . It is arranged in such a way that it is at the base 30 fixed dirty fluid tank device 32 is spaced from the installation area 14.

When the dirty fluid tank device 32 is fixed to the cleaning head 12 , the kick tab 34 is arranged in alignment with the free space 102 . It is a continuation of the space 102 from the rear end 22 away. It is arranged in such a way that it does not impede the corresponding pivoting space of the holding rod device 36 in the free space 102 .

The step strap 34 is located on the center plane 94 and is in particular arranged and formed mirror-symmetrically to this.

In one embodiment, the kick strap 34 includes a panel 144 having raised edge walls 146 (see FIG 5 ). The edge walls 146 are rounded in this case.

The kick strap 34 has a width (in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 40 or rotation axis 46) which is at least as wide as typical dimensions of a foot with shoes.

An operator may place his foot on the step tab 34 and then, by applying appropriate force, lift the cleaning head 12 to detach the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 from the base 30 . This is described in more detail below.

The raised, rounded edge walls 146 of the step strap 134 prevent an operator's foot from slipping off to the side. Sharp edges on the plate 144 are avoided.

In one embodiment, spaced webs or grooves are arranged on the plate 144, which are intended to prevent an operator's foot from slipping off.

The step strap 34 is arranged in alignment as a continuation of the free space 102 . It is aligned in relation to the longitudinal axis 24 of the cleaning head 12 with the swivel joint 84 and also aligned with the central part 114 of the shaft 108 .

The dirty fluid tank device 32 has a removal direction 148 ( 6 ) away from base 30. The removal direction 148 leads away from the underside 126 of the base 30 in the direction of the installation surface 14.

The dirty fluid tank device 32 can be removed from the cleaning head 12 in such a way that, for example, by lifting the cleaning head 12 and pressing the dirty fluid tank device 32 (for example on the foot strap 34) in the direction of the removal direction 148, or by pulling the dirty fluid tank device 32 away from the base 30 in the removal direction 148 can be loosened and removed.

Alternatively, it is possible in an advantageous manner that, when the cleaning head 12 is set up on the floor 16 to be cleaned and the dirty fluid tank device 32 is fixed, an operator can fix the dirty fluid tank device 32 on the floor 16 to be cleaned by placing his foot on the foot strap 34 and exerting a corresponding force, and by lifting it upward of the cleaning head 12, the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is detached from the base 30 while remaining on the ground. This procedure, as will be described in more detail below, has the advantage that the dirty fluid tank device 32 remains at least approximately stationary and thus fluctuations in dirty fluid and in particular liquid in the dirty fluid tank device 32 are largely avoided.

A space 150 is formed in the cleaning head 12, delimited by the underside 126 of the base 30, in which the dirty fluid tank device 32 is positioned when it is fixed to the base 30. The support element 120 is also located in this space.

A continuous recess 152 ( 7 , 19(d) , 24 ) educated. This continuous recess 152 is open at the top 128 and at the bottom 127 . The continuous recess 152 is closed at the side, so that it is closed in a fluid-tight manner.

When the dirty fluid tank device 32 is seated on the base 30, the support element 120 is immersed through the continuous recess 152, so that the cleaning head 12 can be supported via the support element 120 on the floor 16 to be cleaned.

The continuous recess 152 is dimensioned in such a way that the support element 120 can penetrate through and correspondingly also emerge when the dirty fluid tank device 32 is removed from the base 30 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the continuous recess 152 is closed on all sides.

In principle, it is also possible for the continuous recess 152 to be open towards the rear end 22 .

In a preferred embodiment, the continuous recess 152 has the shape of a (hollow) cylinder.

When the dirty fluid tank device 32 is seated on the base 30, the continuous recess 152 is arranged in line with the central part 114 of the shaft 108, the pivot joint 84 and the foot strap 34, corresponding to the aligned orientation of the support element 120 in relation to the longitudinal axis 24.

The dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is suspended from the base 30 . A plurality of holders 154 (cf 11 and 13 ) provided, which sit on the base 30 and protrude from the underside 126 away in the direction of the installation surface 14.

In one embodiment, a first bracket and a second spaced bracket are provided. These are designed as described below and, in particular, are designed in the same way. The first holder and the second holder are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically to the center plane 94 and the free space 102 lies between them.

In 9 a first location 156 is indicated at which the first holder sits, and a second location 158 is indicated at which the second holder sits. As mentioned, these are the attachment points for the dirty fluid tank device 32 on the base 30.

The holders 154 are designed as holding domes or holding mushrooms.

They work together with a respective receptacle 160 of the dirty fluid tank device 32.

When the dirty fluid tank device 32 is held on the base 30, the holder 154 dips into the associated receptacle 160 ( 11 ).

The holder 154 and the associated receptacle 160 form a holder-receptacle combination 162, which is designed as a snap-in connection device. In 11 a corresponding holding position or locking position is shown.

The holder 154 includes a first element 164 which corresponds to a second element 166 of the receptacle 160 on the dirty fluid tank device 32 .

The first element 164 has a receiving area 168 for the second element 166. This receiving area 168 is, for example, cylindrical.

The receiving area 168 of the first element 164 is delimited by a bead 170 . The bead 170 has a diameter (in a direction transverse to the elevation axis 92) which is larger than the corresponding diameter of the receiving area 168.

In one embodiment, the ridge 170 is disposed on the first member 164 as an annular region. It has a first surface area 172 which faces the receiving area 168 . A second surface area 174 , which faces away from the receiving area 168 , adjoins the first surface area 172 .

The bead 170 is tapered at the first surface area 172 away from the receiving area 168 . It is also conically formed on the second surface area 174 with an inclination toward the receiving area 168 .

An inclined plane is formed by the first surface region 172 which, as will be explained in more detail below, requires an application of force in order to detach the second element 166 from the first element 164 . An inclined plane is also formed by the second surface area 174 , which requires a force to be applied in order to connect the second element 166 to the first element 164 .

As a result, some effort is required (by an operator) to detach the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 from the base 30 . Furthermore, a certain effort is required by an operator in order to insert the dirty fluid tank device 32 on the base 30 . This expenditure of force is determined by the cone angle of the first surface area 172 and by the cone angle of the second surface area 174 .

In one embodiment, the cone angle of the first surface portion 172 is greater than the cone angle of the second surface portion 174 (cf 11 ). The first cone angle for the first surface area 172 is denoted by the reference number 176 there. The second cone angle for the second surface area 174 is denoted by 178 . The second cone angle 178 is smaller than the first cone angle 176. This means that the force required to loosen and remove the dirty fluid tank device 32 from the base 30 is greater than to insert (for fixing) the dirty fluid tank device 32 to the base 30.

The second element 166 on the receptacle 160 of the dirty fluid tank device 32 is designed as a spreading element which has at least two and preferably at least three tabs having, which are movable transversely to the height axis 92 (increasing the distance).

The second element 166 as a spreading element is pushed onto the holder 154 .

When the receptacle 160 is positioned on the associated holder 154, then, with the appropriate exertion of force, the second element 166 of the second surface area 174 is spread apart, increasing the distance between the tabs, until the receptacle area 168 is reached. The tabs of the spreading element 166 are arranged in particular in a resilient manner and snap back. The bead 170 serves as a barrier which prevents the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 from falling off the base 30 .

A latching connection is established via the holder-receiving combination 162 .

To release the snap-in connection, an operator exerts force on the dirty fluid tank device 32 and moves the second element (the spreader element) over the bead 170 and thereby over the first surface area 172. A corresponding amount of force is required to spread the second element 166 (the spreader element) open. necessary to expand the cross section accordingly so that the bead 170 can be traversed by the second element 166.

A corresponding intermediate state after being run over is in 13 shown. There the locking connection is canceled. The spreading element 166 (the second element 166) has passed the bead 170 and is outside the receiving area 168.

In the position of the dirty fluid tank device 32 relative to the base 30, which in 13 As shown, the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 falls off the base 30 as it is lifted parallel to the height direction 92 .

In the locked position according to 11 however, the latching connection is made and the dirty fluid tank device 32 is fixed to the base 30 .

The receptacles 160 on the dirty fluid tank device 32 are open at the top 128 in order to allow the corresponding holder 154 to be immersed. The receptacle has an extension 180 in the shape of a hollow truncated cone towards the upper side 128 . This extension 180 forms an insertion and centering aid for the holder 154, which is in the form of a pin, in the associated receptacle 160.

When the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is held on the base 30 via the holder-receiver combination 162 (at locations 156, 158), then the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is movably mounted (in a direction/opposite direction parallel to the elevation axis 92) and is thereby supported in a floating manner . The weight of the floor cleaning machine 10 is supported on the floor 16 to be cleaned via the cleaning roller unit 18 and the support element 120 . The dirty fluid tank device 32 has no support function in this regard. The dirty fluid tank device 32 is movably mounted (floating) transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the installation surface 14 .

For example, if a roller diameter of the cleaning roller unit 18 varies (due to manufacturing tolerances or wear), the sweeping element 62 is still in its optimal position relative to the floor 16 to be cleaned.

As a result of the pivot joint 84, the holding rod device 36 has a pivot angle range of pivot mobility relative to the cleaning head 12 which lies between a lower limit and an upper limit.

A swivel angle 182 (cf 19(a) ) is in particular quantitative as an angle between the second longitudinal axis 42 of the support rod device 36 and a plane 184 parallel to the installation surface 14.

A minimum pan angle 182, i.e. the lower limit, is 0° or greater than 0°. In particular, the lower limit is less than 50° and preferably less than 40° and particularly preferably less than 30°.

The lower limit is determined by the support rod device 36 resting against an underside which encloses the free space 102 (cf 9 ) limited, predetermined.

Due to the design of the swivel joint 84 as an orbital joint and due to the free space 102, the lower limit can be approximately 0° and can in particular be less than 10° and preferably less than 5°.

The smaller the lower limit of the swivel angle 182, the smaller the total height of the floor cleaning machine 10 (the height of the cleaning head 12 and the support rod device 36) in the height axis 92 perpendicular to the installation surface 14. The smaller the total height, the better the underdriveability For example, on furniture by the floor cleaning machine 10. For example, if the lower limit of the pivot angle 182 is very small, then im Essentially, the ground clearance is determined by the height of the cleaning head 12 in the height axis 92 including the corresponding height of the swivel angle 182.

Furthermore, the swivel angle range has an upper limit ( 19(b) ).

The upper limit of the swivel angle 182 is specified as the detent position ( 19 ). In particular, it is in the range between 80° and 120° of the pivot angle 182. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, it is approximately 90° ( 19(b) ).

The upper limit is such that a parking position with a latching position relative to the cleaning head 12 is provided for the retaining rod device 36, in which case pivoting relative to the cleaning head 12 is blocked in the sense that greater effort is required to pivot the retaining rod device 36 to allow the pivot joint 84 to rotate about the pivot axis 40 again.

The holder-receptacle combination 162 has been described as having a holder 154 which is fixedly connected to the base 30 and a receptacle 160 which is arranged on the dirty fluid tank device 32 . The holder 154 is rod-shaped and the receptacle 160 is an opening. A kinematic reversal is also possible, in which a rod-shaped element is arranged on the dirty fluid tank device 32 and a corresponding receptacle in the form of an opening on the base 30.

To create a parking position 185 ( 19(b) ) is a locking device 186 ( 10 , 12 ) intended.

The locking device 186 comprises one and in particular at least two and preferably exactly two ( 10 , 12 ). The pin-plunger combinations 188 are located in the area of the pivot joint 84 .

In 9 a first location 190 and a second location 192 are shown at which respective pin-plunger combinations 188 are positioned. The first point 190 and the second point 192 are mirror-symmetrical to the center plane 94.

The pin-immersion opening combination 188 each includes an immersion opening 194 which is arranged on the cleaning head 12 and in particular on the base 30 in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the web guide device 86 .

A pin 196 is provided as a counter-element to the corresponding immersion opening 194 , which is non-rotatably connected to the holding rod device 36 and can be pivoted with it about the pivot axis 40 relative to the cleaning head 12 .

The pin 196 is seated on a guide 198 and is linearly translatable along a translation axis 200. The translation axis 200 is movable with the pivotal movement of the support rod assembly 36 relative to the cleaning head 12. It is oriented transversely to a circumference of circular path section 88 .

The pin 196 is spring-loaded via a spring device 202, with a spring force of the spring device 202 tending to press the pin 196 in the direction of the circumference of the circular path section 88. The spring force of the spring device 202 acts on the cleaning head 12 .

The pin 196 has a ridge 204 ( 10 ), which is arranged in a ring. The guide 198 has an annular stop 206 for the bead 204 . A stop for the linear displaceability of the pin 196 on the guide 198 is formed by the bead 204 resting against the stop 206 ( 10 ). A basic position of the pin 196 is such that the spring device 202 presses the pin 196 to the circumference of the circular path section 88 until the bead 204 rests against the stop 206 ( 10 ). This basic position is present when the pin 196 has not entered the immersion opening 194 . The basic position is in turn present when the parking position 185 of the holding rod device 36 and the cleaning head 12 has not been reached, ie when the upper limit of the pivoting angle 182 has not been reached. See 10 , wherein the pin 196 is not immersed in the immersion hole 194.

In this basic position of the pin 196 outside the immersion opening 194, the free pivoting of the holding rod device 36 relative to the cleaning head 12 about the pivot axis 40 is ensured.

The respective immersion opening 194 is formed on a block element 208 . The block element 208 includes the immersion opening 194 as a recess or bore. A first inclined plane 210 is arranged or formed on the block element 208 outside the immersion opening 194 . This rises from the circular path section 88 . It is located at the end of the circular path section 88 and at the first inclined plane 210 the distance to the pivot axis 40 increases.

The first inclined plane 210 is used to insert the pin 196 into the immersion opening 194 by displacing the pin 196 from the stop 206 with the appropriate force the spring force of the spring device 202 away. This effort must be applied by an operator.

The pin 196 has a first contact surface 212 which is formed on a front end of the pin 196 . The first contact surface 212 is adapted to the first inclined plane 210 . When the pin 196 is inserted into the immersion opening 194, the first contact surface 212 is guided along the first inclined plane 210 while touching the first inclined plane 210.

The immersion opening 194 formed in the block element 208 has a wall formed as a second inclined plane 214 .

Starting from the lower limit, the pin 196 is guided along the circular path section 88 while increasing the pivoting angle 182 and then over the first inclined plane 210 into the immersion opening 194.

The second inclined plane 214 serves to guide the pin 196 out of the immersion opening 194 by reducing the pivoting angle 182 starting from the upper limit.

The pin 196 has a second contact surface 216 which is adapted to the second inclined plane 214 .

To guide the pin 196 out of the immersion opening 194, the second contact surface 216 is guided in contact with the second inclined plane 214 along the second inclined plane 214 (with the pivoting angle 182 being reduced). To do this, the spring force of the spring device 202 must be overcome.

In one embodiment, the first incline 210 has a smaller angle than the second incline 214. As a result, the force required to release the latch by extending the pin 196 out of the plunger opening 194 is greater than the force required , in order to bring the pin 196 into the immersion opening 194 via the second inclined plane 214 and to establish the locking and thereby to reach the parking position 185.

An alternate embodiment of a pin 196' ( 14 ) has a contact surface 197 at a tip, which is conical. In another alternative embodiment, the pin is spherically shaped at the tip (in 14 indicated in broken lines). The pin 196 or the pin 196' is made in particular from a metallic material.

When the pin 196 is guided on the corresponding circular path section 88 outside of the block element 208 , a tip 218 preferably rests on this circular path section 88 between the first contact surface 212 and the second contact surface 216 .

An embodiment was described above in which the corresponding pin 196 of the pin-immersion opening combination 188 is guided on the same circular path section 88 as the counter device 90.

It is also possible for a circular path section 88 to be provided which is separate from this circular path section 88 for the counter-device 90 but is concentric with the pivot axis 40 .

If the locking position according to 12 is reached, an operator can, by exerting a correspondingly large amount of force by exerting a torque on the holding rod device 36 in the direction of the floor 16 to be cleaned, on which the floor cleaning machine 10 is properly positioned via the cleaning head 12, cancel the locking and remove the corresponding pin 196 from the Immersion opening 194 lead. It is then possible to pivot freely up to the lower limit.

In order to reach the parking position 185 with the lock by inserting the pin 196 into the immersion opening 194, an operator pivots the holding rod device 36 about the pivot axis 40 towards the parking position 185 until the parking position 185 is reached by locking the pin 196 into the associated immersion opening 194 is. In 10 an intermediate position is shown shortly before reaching the locked position.

In the 19(a) until 19(e) different pivot positions of the holding rod device 36 to the cleaning head 12 are shown.

In 19(a) a "work" pivot position is shown. The pivot angle 182 is between the lower limit and the upper limit. The floor 16 to be cleaned can be worked on by the floor cleaning machine 10 in order to carry out a cleaning process. An operator adapts the swivel angle 182 to his height. If a piece of furniture or the like is to be driven under, the pivoting angle 182 is reduced.

The operator guides the cleaning head 12 over the floor 16 to be cleaned via the holding rod device 36 with the adjusted swivel angle 182. The cleaning roller unit 18 rotates about the axis of rotation 46. Due to the rotation In direction 52, the cleaning head 12 and thus the floor cleaning machine 10 are propelled.

The support rod device 36 is connected directly to the roller mount 106 and thus to the cleaning roller unit 18 . With a pivoting movement of the holding rod device 36 about the pivot axis 40, the cleaning roller unit 18 is also pivoted. If this is supported on the floor 16 to be cleaned, then it rolls off on the floor 16 . This movement is superimposed on the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 18 about the axis of rotation 46 and has no negative effect on the cleaning result or the like. Due to the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 18, the angular range through which the cleaning roller unit 18 runs in the same time unit as during a pivoting movement is very much larger.

The support rod device 36 is directly connected to the cleaning roller unit 18 and its weight acts directly on the cleaning roller unit 18. The weight of the support rod device 36 presses the cleaning roller unit 18 with the roller parts 116, 118 against the floor 16 to be cleaned. The support rod device 36 acts by its own weight a pressing force of the cleaning roller unit 18 on the floor 16 to be cleaned. This improves the cleaning effect; the mechanical action of the cleaning roller unit 18 on the floor 16 to be cleaned is improved. The ability of the floor cleaning machine 10 to remove dirt is improved.

The described design of the swivel joint 84 as an orbital swivel joint results in a large swivel range between the lower limit and the upper limit.

To turn off the floor cleaning machine 10, the operator increases the swivel angle 182 until the parking position 185 is reached ( 19(b) ) and the retaining rod device 36 is locked to the cleaning head 12 via the locking device 186 . In the parking position 185, the support rod device 36 cannot “fall down” by itself (because of its own weight), with the pivoting angle 182 decreasing in the direction of the lower limit.

In the parking position 185, the floor cleaning machine 10 is parked, for example for storage. In particular, provision is also made for an automated cleaning process of the cleaning roller unit 18 and possibly other parts of the cleaning head 12 to be carried out in the parking position 185 via a corresponding cleaning station or parking station (not shown in the figures). For example, it is also possible to charge a battery device at the corresponding ground station, to refill cleaning liquid at the tank device 50 for cleaning liquid. If necessary, the dirty fluid tank device 32 can also be emptied in the ground station.

Starting from the parking position 185, the dirty fluid tank device 32 can also be easily removed from the cleaning head 12 ( 19(c) , 19(d) ).

When the cleaning head 12 is properly positioned on the floor 16 to be cleaned, the operator exerts a force on the foot strap 34 in the direction of the floor 16, in particular via one foot. This power is in 19 indicated with the reference number 220 . He then applies a torque to the support rod assembly 36 which exceeds the upper limit and continues to tend to increase the pivot angle 182 . This torque is applied in a manner that is intended to pivot the support rod assembly 36 toward the floor 16 but away from the rear end 22 of the cleaning head 12 toward the front end 20 .

This torque application occurs in the park position 185 where the support rod assembly 36 is locked to the base 30 by the latch assembly 186 . If necessary, the pivoting angle 182 can be increased somewhat by providing play in the play/immersion opening combinations 188 . When this play is exhausted, the cleaning head 12, which is then in particular still supported on the floor 16 via the cleaning roller unit 18, rotates relative to the dirty fluid tank device 32. The base 30 is raised relative to the dirty fluid tank device 32.

As a result, the holders 154 emerge from the corresponding receptacles 160. The locking position is released and the cleaning head 12 can then be removed from the dirty fluid tank device 32 (cf 19(d) ).

The dirty fluid tank device 32 remains on the floor 16 as a result of the operator intervention on the foot strap 34 . An operator has fixed the dirty fluid tank device 32 on the floor 16 via the force 220 .

This minimizes the movement of the dirty fluid tank device 32 when removing the dirty fluid tank device 32 from the cleaning head 12, and sloshing of liquid dirty fluid in the dirty fluid tank device 32 is largely prevented.

The removal of the dirty fluid tank device 32 from the cleaning head 12 was described above in connection with exerting a torque, in particular pivoting the cleaning head 12 with respect to the floor 16 .

In principle, it is also possible for the cleaning head 12 to be removed from the dirty fluid tank device 32 by pulling it upwards, with an operator fixing the dirty fluid tank device 32 to the floor 16 by exerting force on the foot strap 34 .

In 19(d) Figure 1 shows a situation which arises after the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 has been detached from the cleaning head 12, either by pivotal lifting or by pulling straight up. The cleaning head 12 in the support rod assembly 36 is finally removed from the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 .

In 19(e) a situation is shown in which the cleaning head 12 is placed back onto the dirty fluid tank device 32, that is to say in which the dirty fluid tank device 32 is fixed to the cleaning head 12. For this purpose, the dirty fluid tank device 32 is placed on the floor 16 . If necessary, an operator fixes the dirty fluid tank device 32 to the floor 16 by exerting force on the foot strap 34.

The cleaning head 12 is then placed from above onto the dirty fluid tank device 32 in such a way that the corresponding holder 154 is immersed in the associated receptacle 60 on the dirty fluid tank device 32 until it latches (and then correspondingly the respective second element 166 in the associated receiving area 168 of the first element 164).

The cleaning head 12 is preferably set down with the holding rod device 36 in a parking position 185 relative to the cleaning head 12, i.e. with the holding rod device 36 being locked on the cleaning head 12 by the locking device 186.

The corresponding design of the first surface area 172 and the second surface area 14 preferably requires a greater force to remove the dirty fluid tank device 32 from the cleaning head 12 ( 19(c) and 19(d) ) necessary than for fixing ( 19(e) ).

In principle, an operator can remove the dirty fluid tank device 32 from the cleaning head 12 and insert the dirty fluid tank device 32 in the cleaning head 12 hands-free, i.e. he does not have to touch the dirty fluid tank device 32 for this purpose. In particular, he can carry out the corresponding processes by grasping and holding the holding rod device 36 . He doesn't have to bend down or bend his knees.

The stripping element 70 is movably arranged on the cleaning head 12 and on the base 30 via the holder 72 . In the 28 until 30 an embodiment of a holder 72 is shown. The holder 72 has a base 222 . The base 222 has a rear end 224 and a front end 226. The base 222 is wider toward the front end 226 than at the rear end 224; the base 222 has a first portion 228 and a second portion 230, with the first portion 228 having the rear end 224 and the second portion 230 having the front end 226.

The holder 72 is held pivotably on the base 30 of the cleaning head 2 via the first area 228 . The second area 230 carries the stripping element 70 and a comb element 232.

Arranged on the first region 228 are stub shafts 234 which protrude laterally outwards. Shaft stubs 234 are provided opposite one another and are aligned in alignment. A pivot axis 236 is defined by the stub shafts 234 . When the holder 72 is fixed to the base 30, the pivot axis 236 is parallel to the pivot axis 40 or parallel to the axis of rotation 46. It is parallel to the installation surface 14.

In one embodiment, there is provision for the cleaning roller unit 18 to have a continuous stripping element 70 which acts both on the first roller part 116 and on the second roller part 118 ( 25(a) ). In particular, no recess or the like is provided for the central part 114 . The stripping element 70 extends continuously between a first front end 238 and an opposite second front end 240.

In one embodiment, the stripping element 70 is arranged or formed as a web on the second region 230 . In particular, this web is integrally connected to the second region 230, that is, integrally connected to the holder 72.

The comb element 232 is also seated on the holder 72. It acts on the cleaning roller unit 18 and serves to collect hair; the comb element 232 is a hair comb.

The comb element 232 includes at least one row 242 and in particular a plurality of rows 242 of pins 244. Adjacent pins 244 are spaced apart from one another. A pin dips into a trimming 246 (compare, for example 20 ) of the cleaning roller unit 18 in order to “filter out” hair from the cleaning roller unit 18, so to speak.

In 20 the dipping into the trimming 246 over a length 248 of the pin 244 is shown.

Provision is also made for the stripping element 70 to dip into the edging 246 .

In relation to the direction of rotation 52 (cf 3 ) the comb element 232 is arranged downstream of the stripping element 70 . A portion of the cleaning roller unit 18 which rotates in the direction of rotation 52 starting from the base 16 first passes the stripping element 70 and then the comb element 232 . This results in a space-optimized arrangement.

The comb element 232 (rows 242) are arranged on the second region 230 between the front end 226 and the stripping element 70 (cf 30 ).

In the embodiment shown according to the 28 until 30 the comb element 232 extends over a smaller transverse length than the stripping element 70, i.e. a distance between the outer ends of the comb element 232 is smaller than a distance between the front ends 238 and 240 of the stripping element 70 ( 30 ).

The holder 72 is pivotally supported on the base 30 . It is spring-loaded in order to press the stripping element 70 and the comb element 232 into the trimming 246 . A corresponding spring device is provided, which is arranged, for example, in the area of the shaft stub 234 on the corresponding pivot bearing 250 . this is in 20 indicated by reference numeral 252.

It is alternatively or additionally possible that, for example, a corresponding spiral spring of the spring device is supported on the base 30 and on the second area of the holder 72 in order to press it against the cleaning roller unit 18 .

As mentioned above, the stripping element 70 is arranged as a web 254 on the second area 30 . This web 254 has a first flank 256 which faces the mouth opening 56 . It has an opposite second flank 258 which faces away from the mouth opening 56 ( 20 ). The second flank 258 faces the comb element 232 . An edge 260 lies between the first flank 256 and the second flank 258. A contact line 262 ( 25 ) educated. This corresponds to the course of the edge and can be described by a mathematical curve.

The web 254 of the stripping element 70 has a triangular shape across the first flank 256 and the second flank 258 (cf 20 ). The contact line 262 has a finite width.

The contact line 262 is in the stocking 246 (compare 20 ) or at least rests against the trimming 246. Via the contact line 262, the stripping element 70 rests on or dips into the trimming 246.

The stripping element 70 is designed as a guide element for dirty fluid on the cleaning roller unit 18 . The training is in one embodiment ( 25(a) ) in such a way that dirty fluid is not only detached from the cleaning roller unit 18 (from the covering 246) via the wiping element 70, but is also guided in a defined manner to a central area 264. This middle area 264 lies on the cleaning roller unit 18 and on the scraper element 70 . Starting from the middle area 264 , dirt fluid (to a large extent) is coupled into the orifice opening 56 . The central area 264 lies at the central plane 94.

The stripping element 70 is curved. The line of contact 262 has a first length L ₁ (arc length) between the first front end 238 and the second front end 240 .

A distance D between the first front end 238 and the second front end 240, a distance direction for the distance D being parallel to the pivot axis 236 or parallel to the pivot axis 40 or parallel to the rotation axis 46, is smaller than this length L ₁ .

In one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning roller unit 18 (as a combination of the first cleaning roller 116 and the second cleaning roller 118 with spacing in between) has a second length in the spacing direction (i.e. parallel to the axis of rotation 46).
L ₂ on (compare 4 ), which is smaller than the length L ₁ .

The curvature of the stripping element 70 at the contact line 262 can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional in the sense that a mathema tical curve, which describes the course of the contact line 262 and is a curved curve, can be a flat curve (two-dimensional curvature) or can be a space curve (three-dimensional curvature).

In particular, then mathematically the corresponding curve, which mathematically describes the course of the contact line 262, has a first curvature (in the sense of a differential geometric curvature), or has a first curvature and a second curvature.

In particular, the first curvature is negative, ie the corresponding mathematical curve describing the course of the contact line 262 is concave, or the first curvature and the second curvature are both negative and the corresponding curve is a concave curve.

A discharge area for dirty fluid from the cleaning roller unit 18 into the dirty fluid tank device 32 is formed by the mouth device 54 . The contact line 262 is concave towards this dispensing area, ie towards the mouth opening 56 . This concave formation is on the first flank 256.

A convex configuration is present on the second flank 258, ie facing away from the dispensing area (the orifice opening 56). A corresponding concave area 266 and a convex area 268 are shown in FIG 25 shown.

In one embodiment, the line of contact 262 has the shape of a segment of a circular arc. The corresponding mathematical curve, which describes the course of the contact line 262, has a constant curvature. In particular, a first curvature can be provided, which is constant, and if the contact line 262 can be described by a space curve, a constant second curvature can be present.

In particular, it is provided that a radius of curvature R lies in the range between 2L ₂ and 6L ₂ (2L ₂ <R<6L ₂ ).

The stripping element 70 has an apex 270 across the contact line 262, which in one embodiment (cf. 25(a) ) is located at the center plane 94. The course of the mathematical curve, which describes the course of the contact line 262, can be described in cylindrical coordinates. A projection of the contact line 262 onto an (imaginary) cylinder 272 ( 25(a) ) with a cylinder axis 274 can be considered. The contact line 262 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the apex 270 or the center plane 94 ( 25(a) ). A polar angle φ varies along the curve. At the apex 270 (point B according to 25(a) ) there is a maximum polar angle φ _s , and starting from this peak 270 the polar angle φ _s decreases. It decreases in the same way towards the front ends 238, 240 and in particular continuously. In particular, there is also a monotonic decrease.

It can also be provided that the distance between this curve and the cylinder axis 274 decreases.

In 21 12 is a section through the cleaning head 12 at point A according to FIG 25 shown, and in 22 a cut at point B (i.e., at vertex 270).

There is an angle between the first flank 256 and a plane 276 which is parallel to the installation surface 14 . At the point A according to 21 is this angle α. At the apex 270 according to 22 this angle is β, where β is greater than α. At point B, the stripping element 70 protrudes less far into the covering 246 than at point A (cf 17 and 16 ). This is caused by the corresponding curvature at the contact line 262.

Provision is made in particular for the orifice opening 56 to have a third length L ₃ along the stripping element 70 which is smaller than the first length L ₁ . Due to the guiding function of the stripping element 70, dirty fluid is also transported to the cleaning roller unit 18 in the discharge area (towards the orifice opening 56). A smaller mouth opening 56 is then sufficient. This in turn reduces the area of soiling on the floor cleaning machine 10 .

On the cleaning roller unit 18, on the surface of the cleaning roller unit 18 and also in a penetration area of the wiper element 70, due to the curvature of the wiper element 70, there is a guide area for dirty fluid, via which dirty fluid on the cleaning roller unit 18 is guided to the central area 264 by means of the wiper element 70. As a result, the discharge area can be made smaller in relation to the distance direction parallel to the axis of rotation 46, i.e. the orifice opening 56 can be made with a smaller length L ₃ than, for example, with a straight scraping element 70. A smaller transfer area for dirty fluid to the dirty fluid tank device 32 can thereby be implemented . Dirty fluid delivery is simplified and device contamination is reduced.

Furthermore, any foam that may appear on the cleaning roller unit 18 is removed to the middle area 264 by the scraper element 70 guided. As a result, the emergence of foam at the front ends of the cleaning roller unit 18 is reduced or at least greatly reduced.

In the embodiment according to 25(a) a stripping element 70 was described, which is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 18 with the first roller part 116 and the second roller part 118 and in which the apex 270 is arranged on a central plane.

In 25(b) an alternative exemplary embodiment is shown with a stripping element which is not designed to be continuous. Each roller part 116 or 118 is assigned its own stripping element, with these stripping elements in particular being arranged on a single holder (the holder 72).

In 25 a contact line 262' for the exemplary case of the first roller part 116 is shown.

The first roller part has a length L ₂ *.

This length L ₂ * lies between the corresponding end faces of the first roller part 116 (or the second roller part 118).

The corresponding edge element has edge progression 262' which is symmetrical. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the corresponding stripping element, which is assigned to the first roller part 116 (or the second roller part 118), is curved in a circular shape, with a radius of curvature R* lying in particular in the range between 2L ₂ * and 6L ₂ * (2L ₂ * < R* < 6 _L2 *) .

In this way, in particular, a discharge of dirty fluid from the corresponding roller part 116 or 118 is achieved.

In relation to the cleaning roller unit 18, the combination of the scraping elements has a “double hump” shape, in which combination the respective scraping elements can then be spaced apart or can be continuous.

In principle, it is also possible that the corresponding curved profile of the stripping element 70, as shown in FIGS 26 and 27 indicated, is asymmetrical and has no apex or no apex at a midplane. For this purpose, in particular, a targeted drainage of dirty fluid to one side 310 ( 26 ) or to a page 312 ( 27 ) take place.

It is in principle possible that the course of the stripping element 70, as in the 26 and 27 indicated, to the cleaning roller unit 18 as a whole with a combination of the first roller part 116 and the second roller part 118, or in relation to only one roller part 116 or 118.

In relation to the cleaning roller unit 18 with the first roller part 116 and the second roller part 118, the course is as shown in FIG 26 or 27 asymmetrical. If, for example, for the first roller part 116 according to the course 26 is present and for the second roller part 118 the course according to 27 , the overall profile is symmetrical in relation to the cleaning roller unit 18 with the first roller part 116 and the second roller part 118 . In this embodiment, in particular, there is a derivation to the outside.

Conversely, it can also be provided that the diversion takes place inwards and the roles of the roller parts 116 and 118 are reversed.

In principle, the embodiment of the curved stripping element is also possible if the cleaning roller unit has only one roller part.

The configuration of the stripping element 70 with a curvature has been described with reference to the floor cleaning machine 10 . This solution of the curved design can also be used on other types of surface cleaning machines, such as on a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine (cleaning robot).

• Für einen Reinigungsbetrieb ist der Reinigungskopf 12 auf dem zu reinigenden Boden 16 aufgestellt. Ein Bediener führt den Reinigungskopf 12 über die Haltestabeinrichtung 36 über den zu reinigenden Boden 16. Nach Anschalten rotiert die Reinigungswalzeneinheit 18 um die Rotationsachse 46, wobei der Antrieb über den Antriebsmotor 98 erfolgt.

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

• For a cleaning operation, the cleaning head 12 is set up on the floor 16 to be cleaned. An operator guides the cleaning head 12 over the holding bar device 36 over the floor 16 to be cleaned.

During a wiping operation (wet cleaning operation), cleaning fluid is supplied from the tank device 50 for cleaning fluid, in particular to the cleaning roller unit 18.

The floor 16 to be cleaned is thereby moistened for better dirt removal. Dirt is taken along and transported to the stripping element 70 via the cleaning roller unit 18 . Dirty fluid, which is then in particular liquid with dirt particles, is detached from the cleaning roller unit 18 and conveyed into the dirty fluid tank device 32 .

The guiding element function of the stripping element 70 due to the corresponding curvature results in a simplified discharge of dirty fluid.

Coarse dirt can also be picked up. The sweeping element 62 ensures that coarse dirt is fed to the cleaning roller unit 18. This transports the coarse dirt directly into the dirt fluid tank device 32 and/or it is detached via the stripping element 70.

Hair is removed from the cleaning roller unit 18 via the comb element 232 .

In principle, pure sweeping operation without moistening with cleaning fluid is also possible. In particular, an operator can then set on a control panel that no humidification should take place.

The cleaning roller unit 18, in which the covering 246 is a textile material, is used in particular for a wet cleaning operation. The cleaning roller unit 18 can also be used for a sweeping operation.

It is also possible, for example for a sweeping process, for the cleaning roller unit 18 to be exchanged and a cleaning roller unit to be used in which the trimmings are bristles.

The floor-cleaning machine 10 allows for a purely dry cleaning or a wet cleaning, as required.

The holding rod device 36 is supported on the cleaning roller unit 18 by the orbital joint 84 and a corresponding pressing force is exerted on the floor 16 to be cleaned. As a result, the mechanical action of the cleaning roller unit 18 on the floor 16 to be cleaned is intensified, and the ability of the floor cleaning machine 10 to detach and absorb dirt is improved.

As a result of this mentioned design of the swivel joint 84, the cleaning roller unit 18 experiences a maximum contact pressure via the holding rod device 36 via the floor cleaning machine 10 itself.

The dirty fluid tank device 32 always remains in the same position relative to the floor 16 to be cleaned. As a result, the sweeping element 62 can also be kept in the same position relative to the floor 16. This results in improved pick-up of coarse dirt and improved cleaning overall.

This results in simplified operability due to the pivotability of the holding rod device 36 on the cleaning head 12. It is possible to drive under furniture and the like easily.

The provision of the foot strap 34 and the parking position 185 allow the dirty fluid tank device 32 to be easily removed from the cleaning head 12 or the cleaning head 12 to be easily placed on the dirty fluid tank device 32 . In particular, an operator does not have to touch the dirty fluid tank device 32 with his hands in order to remove it or to insert it.

The design of the swivel joint 84 as an orbital joint ensures that in every swivel position of the holding rod device 36 relative to the cleaning head 12 about the swivel axis 40 within the swivel angle range, the dirty fluid tank device 32 still assumes the same position in relation to the floor 16 and is parallel to the floor 16 remains.

In the parking position 185 locking is achieved and the floor cleaning machine 10 is in a stable position, that is to say the holding rod device 36 is locked and the floor cleaning machine 10 “does not fall over by itself”.

The at least one support element 120, which is arranged on the base 30 (and not on the dirty fluid tank device 32), results in optimized support for the weight of the cleaning head 12 with the dirty fluid tank device 32 on the floor 16 to be cleaned. A dirty fluid tank device 32 Realize with a relatively large capacity for dirty fluid.

In one embodiment ( 15 until 18 ) Rotatability about the axis of rotation 41 is provided on the holding rod device 36, in particular in relation to the handle 38.

For this purpose, the holding rod device 36 comprises a first part 278 and a second part 280 , the second part 280 being rotatable about the axis of rotation 41 relative to the first part 278 .

In one embodiment, the first portion 278 is coincident with the first portion 76 and the second portion 280 is coincident with the second portion 78 of the support rod assembly 36 .

In one embodiment, the pivot 41 is coaxial with the first longitudinal axis 80. In principle, however, it is also possible for the pivot axis 41, for example, to be parallel to the second Longitudinal axis 42 is. An exemplary embodiment is described below in which the axis of rotation 41 is parallel to the first longitudinal axis 80 .

During the rotation about the axis of rotation 41, the drive motor 98 and the transmission device 104 in particular do not rotate. These are arranged on the first part 278 .

A locking device 282 is provided ( 15 until 18 ), which on the one hand releases the rotatability of the second part 280 to the first part 278 (of the second area 78 to the first area 76) outside of a locking position 284 ( 15 , 16 ) and in the locking position 284 the rotatability of the second part 280 of the support rod device 36 to the first part 278 of the support rod device 36 about the axis of rotation 41 blocks ( 17 , 18 ).

In the representations according to the 15 until 18 is a fairing 386 (compare 4 ) removed to explain the mode of operation of the locking device 284.

The locking device 284 includes a slide 288 which is arranged to be movable and in particular linearly movable on the first part 278 (on the first region 76). A displacement axis 289 is in particular parallel to the axis of rotation 41.

The slide 288 has a nose 290 in the area of a first end (cf 16 ) on. The slide 288 can be supported on the cleaning head 12 and there on a corresponding mating surface 292 via this nose 290 . Outside of the parking position 185, the lug 290 is at a distance from the mating surface 292. When the parking position 185 is reached, the nose 290 acts on the counter surface 292 and this causes a displacement of the slide 288 in the displacement direction 289. The slide 288 is spring-supported and is mounted on the first part 278 via a spring device 294. The spring device is arranged and designed in such a way that it presses the slide 288 with the lug 290 in the direction of the cleaning head 12 . For a movement of the slide 288 in the opposite direction (away from the cleaning head 12), the spring force of the spring device 294 must be overcome. This overcoming of the spring force of the spring device 294 occurs when the parking position 185 is reached. By supporting the lug 290 on the counter surface 292, the slide 288 is displaced as a whole in the direction of the second part 280.

At an end opposite the end at which the lug 290 sits, the slide 288 has an immersion element 296 . The immersion element 296 can dip into a corresponding immersion opening 298 of the second part 280 in the parking position 185 . This achieves a positive fit with regard to the ability to rotate about the axis of rotation 41 and the second part 280 of the support rod device 36 (the second area 78) can no longer rotate about the axis of rotation 41 relative to the first part 278 (the first area 76).

When the support rod device 36 is brought into the parking position 185, the slider 288 is pushed as a whole in the direction of the second part 280 and the immersion element 296 immerses into the immersion opening 298 (with the second part 280 being aligned appropriately with respect to the first part 278) and in the corresponding locking position 284, the ability of the second part 280 to rotate relative to the first part 278 about the axis of rotation 41 is blocked.

Outside of the parking position 185, the spring device 294 acts on the slide 288 in such a way that it moves it in the direction of the cleaning head 12 or holds it there. The immersion element 296 is then immersed out of the immersion opening 298 and outside the locking position 284 the second part 280 can be rotated relative to the first part 278 about the axis of rotation 41 .

The locking device 284 has an overload protection 300 . This overload protection 300 essentially serves to prevent damage when rotated about the axis of rotation 41 in the parking position 185 .

In one embodiment, the slide 288 is formed in (at least) two parts with a first part 302 and a second part 304. The nose 290 is seated on the first part 302. The immersion element 296 is seated on the second part 304.

The second part 304 is slidably mounted on the first part 302 , with support being provided by a spring device 306 .

In particular, spring device 306 is "hard" in comparison to spring device 294 and in particular significantly harder than spring device 294.

In a “normal state”, the spring force of the spring device 306 acts in such a way that it pushes the second part 304 away from the first part 302 until a stop 308 (compare, for example, 16 ) of the second part 304 at the first part 302 is reached. In this state, the slide 288 can be moved as a whole with the first part 302 and the second part 304 in the direction of displacement 289 . The slide 288 with the first part 302 and the second part 304 can be adjusted accordingly in the parking position 185 reach the locking position 284 and are outside the parking position 185 outside the locking position 284 and allow the rotation of the second part 280 to the first part 278 about the axis of rotation 41.

In the locking position 284, the slide 288 cannot deviate in relation to the direction of displacement 289 or at most deviate with a certain amount of play. A movement blockage towards the cleaning head 12 is effected by the nose 290 . In relation to the second part 280 , this blocking of movement is achieved by the immersion element 296 immersed in the immersion opening 298 .

If a large force and in particular a corresponding torque is exerted on the second part 280 in relation to the first part 278, then the slide 288 cannot deviate as a whole in the direction of displacement 289. Due to the multi-part design of the slide 288, however, the second part 304 can move relative to the first part 302 by overcoming the spring force of the spring device 306 and can move away from the stop 308. As a result, the immersion element 296 in particular can move out of the immersion opening 298 . This reduces the risk of damage, since evasion is made possible.

Reference List

10

floor cleaning machine

12

cleaning head

14

footprint

16

floor to be cleaned

18

cleaning roller unit

20

front end

22

rear end

24

longitudinal axis

26

first lateral side

28

second lateral side

30

Base

32

dirty fluid tank facility

34

kick tab

36

support rod device

38

handle

40

pivot axis

41

axis of rotation

42

second longitudinal axis

44

rotatability

46

axis of rotation

48, 48'

battery holder

50

Tank device for cleaning fluid

52

direction of rotation

54

muzzle device

56

muzzle opening

58

Floor

60

wall

62

sweep element

64

coarse dirt

66

feeder

68

humidification

70

scraper element

72

holder

74

dirt fluid

76

first area

78

second area

80

first longitudinal axis

82

obtuse angle

84

swivel joint

86

web guiding device

88

circular path section

90

counter device

92

elevation axis

94

midplane

98

drive motor

100

Housing

102

free space

104

gear mechanism

106

roller pickup

108

Wave

110

first wave part

112

second wave part

114

center part

116

first roller part

118

second roller part

120

support element

122

post

124

roll, glider

126

underside [of the base]

127

Underside [of the dirty fluid tank device]

128

top

130

wall

132

cutout

134

first opening part

136

second opening part

138

first chamber

140

second chamber

142

Lid

144

plate

146

edge wall

148

removal direction

150

Space

152

continuous recess

154

holder

156

first place

158

second place

160

Recording

162

Holder-mount combination

164

first item

166

second item

168

recording area

170

bead

172

first area

174

second area

176

first cone angle

178

second cone angle

180

extension

182

swivel angle

184

bottom

185

parking position

186

locking device

188

Pin-Plunge Combination

190

first place

192

second place

194

immersion opening

196, 196'

Pen

197

contact surface

198

guide

200

shift axis

202

spring device

204

bead

206

attack

208

block element

210

first inclined plane

212

first contact surface

214

second inclined plane

216

second contact surface

218

Top

220

Power

222

Base

224

rear end

226

front end

228

first area

230

second area

232

comb element

234

stub shaft

236

pivot axis

238

first frontal end

240

second front end

242

Row

244

Pin code

246

trimming

248

length

250

swivel bearing

252

spring device

254

web

256

first flank

258

second flank

260

edge

262, 262'

contact line

264

middle area

266

concave area

268

convex area

270

vertex

272

cylinder

274

cylinder axis

276

level

278

first part

280

second part

282

locking device

284

locked position

286

disguise

288

slider

289

shift direction

290

Nose

292

counter surface

294

spring device

296

immersion element

298

immersion opening

300

overload protection

302

First part

304

Second part

306

spring device

308

attack

310

Page

312

Page

L1

first length

L2, L2*

second length

L3

third length

D

Distance

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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Claims (36)

Surface cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head (12), at least one cleaning roller unit (18) which is arranged on the cleaning head (12) and can be rotated about an axis of rotation (46), and at least one stripping element (70) for stripping dirty fluid from the at least one Cleaning roller unit (18), characterized in that the at least one scraper element (70) is curved and has a contact line (262; 262') with the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) which has a first length (L ₁ ), and that a distance (D) between ends of the line of contact (262; 262') is less than the first length (L ₁ ), the distance (D) being in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (46). surface cleaning machine claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) has a second length (L ₂ ; L ₂ *) in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation (46) which is smaller than the first length (L ₁ ). surface cleaning machine claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one curved stripping element (70) is assigned to a cleaning roller unit (18) which has a plurality of roller parts (116, 118), the second length (L ₂ ) in particular being an overall length of the cleaning roller unit (18). , or that the at least one curved stripping element (70) is assigned to a single shaft (116; 118), in particular the second length (L ₂ *) being a length of this roller (116; 118). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one scraping element (70) has a first curvature and a mathematical curve which describes the course of the contact line is a flat curve, or the at least one scraping element (70) has a first curvature and has a second curvature and the mathematical curve is a space curve. surface cleaning machine claim 4 characterized by at least one of the following: - the first curvature of the mathematical curve is negative; - the second curvature of the mathematical curve is negative; - the first curvature is constant; - the second curvature is constant. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a radius of curvature (R; R*) is in the range of twice the second length (L ₂ ; L ₂ *) and six times the second length (L ₂ ; L ₂ *). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one scraper element (70) touches a trimming (246) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) with the contact line (262; 262') or is immersed in the trimming (246). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering (246) is at least one of the following: - a textile material; - a set of bristles. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outlet device (54) for dirty fluid for discharging dirty fluid away from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is arranged on the cleaning head (12), with at least one wall of the outlet device (54) passing through the at least one stripping element (70) is formed. surface cleaning machine claim 9 , characterized in that the orifice means (54) at an orifice (56) has a length (L ₃ ) along the at least one stripping element (70) which is smaller than the first length (L ₁ ). surface cleaning machine claim 9 or 10 characterized by at least one of the following: - the mouth device (54) is curved at least on one side corresponding to the design of the at least one stripping element (70); - the orifice means (54) is in fluid communication with a dirty fluid tank means (32); - The mouth device (54) is in fluid communication with a suction unit. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is assigned a delivery area for dirty fluid, and that the at least one stripping element (70) is concave towards the delivery area. surface cleaning machine claim 12 , characterized in that the contact line (262; 262 ') of the at least one stripping element (70) facing the dispensing area has a circular section course. surface cleaning machine claim 12 or 13 , characterized in that the at least one stripping element (70) facing away from the dispensing area is convex. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one scraper element (70) is embodied symmetrically or asymmetrically to a central plane (94) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) or a roller (116; 118), the central plane being perpendicular to the axis of rotation (46) is oriented. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact line (262; 262') of the at least one scraper element (70) has an apex (270), with the apex in particular being located centrally between opposite end faces of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) or a roller (116; 118). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a projection of the contact line (262; 262') of the at least one scraping element (70) onto an imaginary cylinder (272) with a cylinder axis (274) coaxial to the axis of rotation (46) is a curved curve, in particular with at least one of the following: - the curved curve is symmetrical about a center plane of the imaginary cylinder (272), the center plane being perpendicular to the cylinder axis (274); - starting from a vertex (270) of the curved curve, a polar angle (φ) varies along the curved curve; - Starting from a vertex (270) of the curved curve with a maximum polar angle, a polar angle (φ) decreases along the curved curve and in particular decreases continuously; - starting from an apex (270) of the curved curve, a distance to the cylinder axis (274) varies along the curved curve; - Starting from the apex (270) of the curved curve with maximum distance to the cylinder axis (274), the distance to the cylinder axis (274) increases along the curved curve. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one scraper element (70) forms a wall between a discharge area for dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) and a feed area (66) for cleaning liquid to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18). . surface cleaning machine Claim 18 , characterized by at least one of the following: - the wall toward the discharge area is concave; - The wall towards the feed area (66) is convex. surface cleaning machine Claim 18 or 19 , characterized in that the at least one stripping element (70) has a first wall side towards the supply area (66) for cleaning liquid and a second wall side towards the discharge area for dirty fluid, wherein a direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) differs from the first wall side runs towards the second wall side. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is such that a point on the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) which has touched a floor (16) to be cleaned first enters a discharge area for Dirty fluid comes, and then comes in a supply area (66) for cleaning fluid. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one scraper element (70) forms a guide element for guiding dirty fluid to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), which is designed in particular according to one of the following: - the guide element causes dirty fluid to flow lengthwise the at least one scraping element (70) directed towards a central area; - Foam is guided along the at least one scraping element (70) in the direction of a central region, in particular of the cleaning head (12). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a delivery area for dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) has a length which is smaller than the first length (L ₁ ) and in particular at most 50% of the first length (L ₁ ) has. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one stripping element (70) is spring-loaded and movably held on the cleaning head (12). surface cleaning machine Claim 24 , characterized in that the min at least one stripping element (70) is mounted pivotably on the cleaning head (12). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is assigned at least one comb element (232), which is held in particular on the same holder (72) as the at least one scraper element (70). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a dirt fluid tank device (32) is detachably arranged on a base (30) of the cleaning head (12). surface cleaning machine Claim 27 , characterized in that at least one support element (120) is arranged on the base (30) of the cleaning head (12), which is spaced apart from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), with the cleaning head (12) extending over the at least a cleaning roller unit (18) and the at least one support element (120) on a floor (16) to be cleaned. surface cleaning machine claim 28 , characterized in that the dirty fluid tank device (32) has a continuous recess (152) assigned to the at least one support element (120), through which the at least one support element (120) is passed when the dirty fluid tank device (32) on the cleaning head (12) sits. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is seated on a roller mount (106) of a shaft (108) with a first shaft part (110), a middle part (114) and a second shaft part (112). , wherein the middle part (114) lies between the first shaft part (110) and the second shaft part (112) and on the first shaft part (110) a first roller part (116) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) and on the second shaft part (112 ) a second roller part (118) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is arranged, and that a central drive is provided which acts on the central part. surface cleaning machine Claim 30 , characterized in that a central plane (94) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation (46) and is located centrally between the front ends of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), is located on the central part (114). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a dirty fluid tank device (32) is held on the cleaning head (12) in a movable and in particular floating manner. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding rod device (36) is held pivotably on the cleaning head (12) via a pivot joint (84), a pivot axis (40) of the pivot joint (84) being aligned with the axis of rotation (46) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18). Surface cleaning machine according to one of Claims 1 until 32 , characterized by training as a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a drive motor (98) for the at least one cleaning roller unit (18). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following operating modes: - a dry sweeping operation without applying cleaning liquid to the floor (16) to be cleaned or to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18); - A wet wiping operation with loading of the floor (16) to be cleaned and/or the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) with cleaning fluid; - a sweeping operation and a wet wiping operation, with coarse dirt being fed to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) in particular via a sweeping element (62) and being conveyed via the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) into a dirt fluid tank device (32) and via at least one scraping element (70) Dirty fluid is stripped off the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) and conveyed from there into the dirty fluid tank device (32).

Images