DK2640251T3

DK2640251T3 - FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE

Info

Publication number: DK2640251T3
Application number: DK11778567.5T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Frank Nonnenmann; Michael Oesterle; Armin Klenk; RAINER SCHäFER
Original assignee: Kaercher Gmbh & Co Kg Alfred
Priority date: 2010-11-15
Filing date: 2011-10-28
Publication date: 2017-01-30
Also published as: EP2640251A1; WO2012065830A1; CN103220958B; CN103220958A; EP2640251B1; DE202010015750U1; EP2640251B9

Description

The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine comprising a cleaning device and a storage container for cleaning liquid, said storage container having an outlet for the cleaning liquid, said outlet being in flow communication with the cleaning device, and having a drain opening for draining the cleaning liquid, wherein the storage container comprises a cover for closing and opening the drain opening, which cover has the outlet integrated therein.

In this type of floor cleaning machine, a cleaning liquid, in particular water which can have a cleaning additive added thereto, can be supplied via the outlet to the cleaning device in order to apply such cleaning liquid upon a floor surface to be cleaned for enhancement of the cleaning effect. In addition to the outlet, the floor cleaning machine of the generic kind comprises the drain opening through which cleaning liquid can be drained during extended work breaks or in the case of a temporary shutdown of the floor cleaning machine. For example, this provides a way of preventing the cleaning additive from flocculating as a result of the downtime and, hence, from obstructing the outlet when the floor cleaning machine is returned to service. Furthermore, provision is made for the cleaning liquid to be drained from the storage container in order to clean the interior thereof from foreign particles, such as dirt. US 4,741,069 describes a travelling floor cleaning machine comprising a storage container which comprises an outlet connected to the cleaning device by way of a delivery conduit. US 6,081,962 describes a floor cleaning machine of the generic kind. The storage container comprises on the bottom side thereof a drain opening that is capable of being closed by a cover. Integrated in the cover is an outlet, said outlet comprising a valve. When the storage container is positioned on a base of the floor cleaning machine, the valve is automatically actuated so that cleaning liquid is allowed to flow out of the storage container. US 2006/0272120 Al describes a cleaning device, likewise comprising a storage container having a valve arranged on the bottom side thereof. The valve can be actuated by positioning the storage container on a base of the cleaning device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a floor cleaning machine of the kind mentioned at the outset which is simpler to manufacture.

In accordance with the invention, this object is achieved in a floor cleaning machine of the generic kind having the features of the characterising part of claim 1.

In operation of the floor cleaning machine, the drain opening is closed and the cleaning device can have cleaning liquid supplied thereto via the outlet. When it is desired to drain the cleaning liquid, for example for the purpose of cleaning the storage container, the drain opening can be opened and the cleaning liquid drained. The foregoing configuration of the floor cleaning machine constructed in accordance with the invention makes it possible for the cover and the outlet which, in terms of their function, serve the same purpose, namely to allow or inhibit delivery of cleaning liquid from the storage container, to be combined into a single assembly. During a unified, common manufacturing process the outlet is, from the manufacturing standpoint, simple to integrate in the cover in order to be subsequently incorporated in the remainder of the storage container that is produced in a manufacturing process separate therefrom, for completion of the storage container. With this configuration, if, as is usual, the remainder of the storage container is produced using a rotational sintering process which does not allow the outlet to be integrated during the manufacturing process, the subsequent integration of the outlet, and hence a manufacturing step, can be obviated. In addition, the handling of the storage container, which in practice is often an unwieldy object, is facilitated when the outlet is integrated in the comparatively small cover. In this way, the floor cleaning machine constructed in accordance with the invention is not only made simpler in structure but is also rendered simpler to produce.

Here in the simplest case, the outlet can be an outlet opening formed in the cover and which, for example, can have introduced thereinto a supply conduit for cleaning liquid for the cleaning device. It is also conceivable for the outlet to be configured as a connecting element for the supply conduit.

As mentioned above, a connecting element may be provided on the cover. The floor cleaning machine comprises a connecting element integrated in the remainder of the cover and forming an outlet, for connecting a supply conduit which is capable of supplying cleaning liquid to the cleaning device. The supply conduit can be reliably connected to the connecting element, thereby largely preventing leakage in the area of the outlet.

The floor cleaning machine comprises a supply conduit capable of being releasably connected to the connecting element. Advantageously, the supply conduit is in particular capable of being connected to the connecting element by hand and/or capable of being released therefrom by hand, for example by plugging it thereonto or pulling it off therefrom respectively. Likewise, the end of the supply conduit opposite the connecting element is also preferably capable of being connected to and/or released from the cleaning device by hand.

Advantageously, the cross-sectional area of the drain opening is substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of the outlet allowing passage of the cleaning liquid therethrough. During manufacture, the cross-sectional area of the outlet can be selected such that the cleaning device can have the required amount of cleaning liquid supplied thereto. Selecting the cross-sectional area of the drain opening to be substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of the outlet provides a way for the storage container to be drained and cleaned particularly quickly once the drain opening is opened. By way of example, the cross-section of the outlet is approximately as thick as a finger, while the cross-section of the drain opening is approximately as thick as an arm so that a user can also reach through the drain opening into the storage container and clean same.

In a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning machine constructed in accordance with the invention, it proves to be advantageous in practice for the cross-sectional area of the drain opening to be about 20 cm2 to about 180 cm2, more preferably about 50 cm2 to about 110 cm2 and even more preferably about 80 cm2. If the drain opening is circular in shape, then this will correspond to a diameter of the drain opening of about 5 cm to about 15 cm, more preferably about 8 cm to about 12 cm and even more preferably about 10 cm, respectively.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning machine constructed in accordance with the invention, it proves to be advantageous in practice for the connecting element to be formed separately from the cover and to be connected therewith in order to integrate it therewithin. This is advantageous, for example, when the cover comprises a plate-shaped lid which is capable of being manufactured with simple structure and when a standardized component is used for the connecting element which can be manufactured in large numbers and is, from the manufacturing standpoint, simple to produce and to connect to a lid. By way of example, the connecting element is connected to the remainder of the cover by screwing, adhesive bonding or welding.

On the other hand, in a different embodiment of the floor cleaning machine, it may be advantageous for the connecting element to be formed in one piece with the cover and thus to be integrated therein. For example, the connecting element can be integrally formed with the remainder of the cover, for example integrally moulded therewith.

Preferably, the connecting element and/or the cover are made of a plastics material because this makes it possible for it, or them, to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner using simple structure.

It is advantageous for the connecting element to be of angled configuration and to define, for example, a connection axis for the supply conduit which encloses an angle with a surface normal of the cover. This is advantageous, for example, when the cover is arranged at or near a lateral boundary of the floor cleaning machine so that it is within easier reach of a user. By virtue of the angled connecting element, it is made possible for the supply conduit to be prevented from projecting beyond the lateral boundary of the floor cleaning machine, a condition which may be perceived by the user as an inconvenience.

It is advantageous for the connecting element to be configured for rotation relative to the cover. This makes it possible for the connecting element to be adjusted such that the supply conduit is oriented in direct direction towards the cleaning device. For example, in the floor cleaning machine, provision may be made for the storage container to be pivotable relative to a chassis in order to expose a suction unit arranged below the storage container, thereby making it freely accessible to the user for maintenance purposes. In this case, it is possible for the cover to be pivoted together with the remainder of the storage container. If the connecting element is configured for rotation relative to the remainder of the cover, then this allows the storage container to be pivoted while twisting the connecting element in the opposite direction of rotation so that the supply conduit is not to be detached from the connecting element. Preferably, the pivot axis runs horizontally and through the cover, for example perpendicularly to the cover.

Preferably, the supply conduit is configured as a hose conduit because this renders it capable of being manufactured with simple structure and of being routed flexibly.

The handling of the floor cleaning machine is facilitated to the user when the drain opening is capable of being opened and/or closed by hand.

It is advantageous for the cover to be capable of being releasably connected to the storage container. In the connected condition, the cover closes the drain opening. When the cover is released from the remainder of the storage container, the drain opening is opened. The cover can thereby be configured with simple structure.

Advantageously, the floor cleaning machine comprises at least one fastening element for fixing the cover in place on the storage container in a closing position in which the drain opening is closed. In the closing position, the cover is fixed in place to the remainder of the storage container. In order to open the drain opening, the cover can be transferred to an opening position, for example released from the remainder of the storage container, by acting on, removing or actuating the at least one fastening element.

Preferably, the at least one fastening element is capable of being screwed together with the storage container, i.e. the at least one fastening element and the storage container form a screw connection by which the cover is capable of being fixed to the storage container. This allows the floor cleaning machine to be configured with simple structure while providing for reliable fixing of the cover in the closing position.

Advantageously, the at least one fastening element is formed separately from the cover. This facilitates manufacture of the cover when the latter comprises for example a plate-shaped lid that is capable of being manufactured with simple structure. Furthermore, this facilitates configuring the cover for rotation relative to the remainder of the storage container, as mentioned hereinafter, in order to twist the cover and hence the outlet into an adequate position.

In a different preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning machine, provision may be made for the fastening element to be integrally formed, for example integrally moulded, with the cover.

Preferably, the at least one fastening element engages over the cover in the closing position because this enables the cover to be fixed to the storage container using simple structure. For example, the at least one fastening element forms a threaded ring or a union nut for the cover that is capable of being screwed together with the remainder of the storage container for fixing the cover in place.

It is advantageous for the outlet to be arranged on the cover in a position offset from the center thereof. When the cover assumes an orientation that is inclined or transverse to a horizontal plane, then this makes it possible for the outlet to be oriented in a position in which it assumes a smallest distance from the floor surface. It is thereby ensured that the storage container can be emptied as much as possible through the outlet before cleaning liquid has to be replenished. By way of example, the outlet is arranged in an edge region of the cover.

It is advantageous, for example in the last-described embodiment of the floor cleaning machine, for the cover to be rotatable relative to the storage container. By twisting the cover relative to the remainder of the storage container, the outlet can be transferred to its position of least distance from the floor surface. Provision may be made for the cover to be rotatable relative to the storage container only when loosely held thereon by way of the at least one fastening element but not fixed in place thereon in the closing position. It is, however, also conceivable for the cover to be rotatable relative to the storage container when in the closing position, in which it sealingly closes the drain opening.

Preferably, the floor cleaning machine comprises a filter element for filtering cleaning liquid flowing out of the outlet because this provides a way for the cleaning liquid to be freed of foreign particles and for the cleaning liquidcarrying components of the floor cleaning machine to be prevented from becoming clogged.

It is advantageous for the filter element to be capable of being fixed in place on the storage container by way of the cover when the latter is in the closing position. This makes it possible for the floor cleaning machine to be configured with simple structure in which separate fixing of the filter element can be dispensed with. Furthermore, the filter element can be removed, replaced or maintained in a simple manner by transferring the cover from the closing position to the opening position so that the filter element is rendered freely accessible to the user.

Preferably, the filter element is placed in contact against an edge of the drain opening between the cover and the storage container. This makes it possible for the filter element to be fixed in place by way of the cover using simple structure. For example, the filter element is placed in contact against the edge and into the drain opening and then covered by the cover, which is then fixed to the remainder of the storage container by way of the at least one fastening element. This also makes it possible for the floor cleaning machine to be particularly easy to handle.

It is advantageous for the cross-sectional area of the filter element to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the outlet allowing passage of cleaning liquid therethrough, wherein a filter medium of the filter element is advantageously arranged at a distance from the outlet. Based on the large cross-sectional area, the cleaning liquid can be filtered effectively for long periods of time without the outlet becoming clogged with foreign particles. Further, by the distance between the filter medium and the outlet, it is ensured that even when the filter medium has become partially clogged, the cleaning device can still be supplied with cleaning liquid via the outlet. In particular, the cross-sectional area of the filter element may be the same size or essentially the same size as the cross-sectional area of the drain opening, for example by having the filter medium extend across the entire drain opening.

It is advantageous for the filter element to comprise, as the filter medium, a sieve because this enables the filter medium to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. In addition, a volume flow of cleaning liquid through the filter medium can be obtained which is sufficient to cause cleaning liquid to be admitted to the cleaning device without having to use a pump unit for that purpose.

Preferably, the drain opening is arranged in a vertical plane, i.e. the edge of the drain opening defines a vertical plane. This not only allows cleaning liquid to be drained reliably from the storage container but also allows the user to reach into and clean the interior of the storage container from the side, in an easy-to-handle manner.

In a configuration using simple structure, the cover may be at least partially formed with a plate-shaped configuration. For example, the cover may comprise a plate-shaped lid which has integrated therein a connecting element forming the outlet.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves to explain the invention in greater detail in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a floor cleaning machine constructed in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of the floor cleaning machine from

Figure 1; and

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective partial view of a rear portion of a storage container for cleaning liquid of the floor cleaning machine from Figure 1, in the nature of an exploded view.

Figure 1 shows, in a side view, a preferred embodiment of a floor cleaning machine constructed in accordance with the invention, configured as what is known as a scrubber or scrubber vacuum machine, generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The scrubber vacuum machine 10 has a cleaning device 14 on its bottom side at the front side 12. The cleaning device 14, which is what is called a "brush head", comprises two cleaning tools, not shown in the drawing, configured in the shape of brush rolls. Once the cleaning device 14 is lowered, the brush rolls can be used to dislodge dirt from a floor surface 16 that is to be cleaned.

In order to enhance the cleaning effect, the cleaning device 14 can have supplied thereto, in a manner as will be explained subsequently, a cleaning liquid that is stored in a storage container 18 comprised by the scrubber vacuum machine 10, hereinafter referred to as tank 20. The cleaning liquid is preferably water which can have a cleaning additive added thereto in order to enhance the cleaning effect. A dirt suction device 22 which is arranged on the bottom side of the scrubber vacuum machine 10 at a rear side 24 thereof and which, when in lowered condition, rests on the floor surface 16, allows the mix of dislodged dirt and cleaning liquid to be suctioned and transported to a dirty-liquid container. Suctioning occurs under the action of a suction unit, not shown in the drawing. The dirty-liquid container is also not shown in the drawing; it is located below a cover 26 on the upper side of the scrubber vacuum machine 10.

As shown in Figure 3 in particular, the tank 20 forms a hollow-cylindrical bearing section 28 at a location above the dirt suction device 22 and somewhat displaced from the rear side 24 towards the front. The bearing section 28 rests on a bearing shell 32, also of cylindrical shape, formed by a chassis 30 of the scrubber vacuum machine 10 (Figure 2). Via the bearing section 28 and the bearing shell 32, the tank 20 as well as the dirty-liquid container arranged thereabove and an operating unit 34 are supported on the rear side 24 for pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis 36. Pivoting the tank 20 relative to the chassis 30 causes the above-mentioned suction unit, which is held on the upper side of the chassis 30, to be exposed so that it is made freely accessible to a user for maintenance purposes.

The bearing section 28 of the tank 20 has a lateral drain opening 38 located at the lowest point thereof, on the left side of the scrubber vacuum machine 10. The drain opening 38 is enclosed by an edge 40 defining a vertical plane so that the drain opening 38 is oriented in a vertical plane.

Formed on the edge 40, at the wall of the tank 20, is a fastening element 42 in the form of an external thread 44. The external thread 44 can cooperate with a further fastening element 46 in the form of a threaded ring 48 that comprises an internal thread 50 and is thereby removably screwable onto the external thread 44.

For the purpose of closing the drain opening 38, the tank 18 comprises a cover 52 which comprises the cover in the narrower sense, namely a plateshaped circular lid 54, and, integrated in the plate-shaped lid 54, an outlet 56 for cleaning liquid. Both the plate-shaped lid 54 and the outlet 56 are, from a manufacturing standpoint, easy to make from a plastics material, wherein the outlet 56 is a connecting nipple 58 of angled configuration which is economically produced by a standardized method. The connecting nipple 58 is eccentrically arranged on the lid 54, at approximately half the distance from the centre to the outer edge thereof.

The plate-shaped lid 54 comprises an opening 60 which has one end side of the connecting nipple 58 extending therethrough, said end side cooperating by way of a fastening element in the form of a counter nut for fixing the connecting nipple 58 to the lid 54. Furthermore, the lid 54 has provided therein a polygonally shaped recess 64 capable of cooperating with a polygon, and in particular a hexagon 66, provided on the connecting nipple 58. This ensures that the connecting nipple 58 is, with a first section 68 thereof facing towards the lid 54 and extending parallel to the pivot axis 36, held in a rotationally fixed manner on the lid 54. A second section 70 of the connecting nipple 58 is oriented at a right angle to the first section 68 and freely rotatable relative to the first section 68 about a rotational axis 72 defined thereby, said rotational axis 72 being oriented parallel to the pivot axis 36.

Furthermore, the tank 20 comprises a filter element 74 which can be placed between the cover 52 and the edge 40, in contacting relationship with the latter, wherein it can be received in the drain opening 38 in form-locking relationship therewith. The cover 52 can be placed in contact against the filter element 74 on the outer side thereof and, by use of the threaded ring 48, screwed tightly to the remainder of the tank 20 in order to seal off the drain opening 38. The filter element 74 comprises, as the filter medium, a sieve 76 which is arranged inside the tank 20 at a distance from the connecting nipple 58 and which covers a cross-sectional area that is substantially the same size as that of the drain opening 38. A supply conduit 78 in the form of a hose 80, shown only in Figure 2 and being only partly shown therein, is capable of being manually removably plugged onto the second section 70 of the connecting nipple 58. The hose 80 extends from the connecting nipple 58 to the cleaning device 14 to which it is also capable of being manually removably connected, although this is not shown in the drawing. A trough-shaped recess 82 is provided in the chassis 30 for guiding the hose 80.

From the configuration as described above, the scrubber vacuum machine 10 has the following characteristics:

In normal operation, the cover 52 assumes a closing position in which the drain opening 38 is sealingly closed. As mentioned above, in this situation, the filter element 74 is in contact against the edge 40, the cover 52 covers the filter element 74 and is fixed to the remainder of the tank 20 by way of the threaded ring 48. The user can accomplish this by hand without the use of tools. When fixing the cover 52, the user can give to the connecting nipple 58, held in an eccentric position on the lid 54, an orientation such that it assumes the least possible distance from the floor surface 16 (cf. Figure 1). It can thereby be ensured that the cleaning device 14 can have supplied thereto the maximum possible amount of cleaning liquid from the tank 20.

In operation of the scrubber vacuum machine 10, cleaning liquid enters the connecting nipple 58 through the filter element 74 which has a very large cross-sectional area when compared to that of the connecting nipple 58. Because of the sieve 76 being located at a distance from the connecting nipple 58, the risk of the connecting nipple 58 becoming obstructed with foreign particles contained in the cleaning liquid is extremely small. Even when the sieve 76 has become partially clogged with foreign particles, cleaning liquid can still be delivered via the connecting nipple 58.

The hose 80 capable of being manually connected to the connecting nipple 58 supplies the cleaning liquid to the cleaning device 14 so that the floor surface 16 can have cleaning liquid applied thereto. By virtue of the second section 70 of the connecting nipple 58, which is rotatable relative to the first section 68, the hose 80 can be prevented from kinking. In fact, the second section 70 adjusts automatically to the first section 68 such that the hose 80 will run in a manner free of kinks.

When, as mentioned, the tank 20 is pivoted about the pivot axis 36 relative to the chassis 30, then the second section 70 can twist relative to the first section 68 so that the hose 80 detaches neither from the cleaning device 14 nor from the cleaning device 14 and, furthermore, does not kink.

It may become necessary to open the drain opening 38, in order, for example, to clean or replace the filter element 74 or to drain cleaning liquid from the tank 20. To this end, the user can release the threaded ring 48 by hand and without tools from the remainder of the tank 20, transfer the cover 52 from the closing position to an opening position and thereby open the drain opening 38. The filter element 74, which is merely inserted in position, can also be removed from the tank 20 without tools and cleaned or replaced as necessary.

Draining cleaning liquid from the tank 20 may become necessary if standstill or shutdown of the scrubber vacuum machine 10 is prolonged, in order to prevent a cleaning additive from flocculating. Furthermore, it may occasionally be necessary to drain the cleaning liquid for the purpose of removing foreign particles from the interior of the tank 20.

Upon release of the threaded ring 48, the cover 52 and the filter element 74 and with the drain opening in open condition, the tank 20 can be drained particularly quickly. To this end, it is advantageous for the drain opening 38 to be configured with a comparatively large size. Its diameter amounts to approximately 10 cm, which corresponds to a cross-sectional area of approximately 80 cm2. The cross-section of the drain opening 38 is thereby rendered thicker than an arm. This enables the user to reach into the interior of the tank 20 with tools or his or her forearm and to remove foreign particles therefrom with such tools or the hands. Reaching into the tank 20 is made easy for the user because, as mentioned above, the drain opening is vertically oriented and located laterally on the scrubber vacuum machine 10. This, therefore, allows the user to clean the interior of the tank 20 via the drain opening 38 without subjecting him or her to an excessively distorted body posture.

Once the cleaning liquid is drained and/or the filter element 74 is cleaned or replaced, the drain opening 38 can be closed again. To this end, the filter element 74 is again to be placed in contact against the edge 40 and inserted into the drain opening 38 and covered by the cover 52, which latter can then be manually fixed again to the remainder of the tank 20 via the threaded ring 48.

Integrating the connecting nipple 58, i.e. the outlet 56, in the cover 52 of the drain opening 38 affords the advantage of a floor cleaning machine that is simple in structure, simple to manufacture and simple to handle. In particular, clogging can be remedied in a simple manner. Aside from clogs of the filter element 74, clogging associated with the hose 80, if it occurs at all, can also be remedied in a simple manner. Because the hose 80 can be released by hand from the connecting nipple 58 and from the cleaning device 14, the hose 80 is also particularly simple to clean or replace. Moreover, because of the hose 80 being arranged laterally on the scrubber vacuum machine 10, it is easily accessible by the user. However, with this arrangement, it does not project beyond a lateral boundary of the scrubber vacuum machine 10; this is made possible by virtue of the connecting nipple 58 being of angled configuration. A sealing element 84, represented in Figure 3 by broken lines and being of ring-shaped configuration in particular, may be arranged between the filter element 74 and the cover 52. Such an arrangement of the sealing element 84 affords the advantage that when the threaded ring 48 is screwed onto the edge 40, no rotational movement of the sealing faces relative to one another will occur.

Claims

A floor cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning device (14) and a cleaning liquid storage tank (18), said storage container having an outlet (56) for cleaning liquid, which outlet is in communication with the cleaning device (14), and a discharge opening (38) cleaning liquid, wherein the storage container (18) has a cover (52) for closing and releasing the discharge opening (38) into which the cover (52) is integrated (56), characterized in that the floor cleaning machine (10) comprises a connecting element (58) , which forms the outlet (56) and is integrated in the cover (52) for a supply line (78) with which cleaning liquid can be fed to the cleaning device (14) and the floor cleaning machine (10) comprises a supply line (78) which can be connected detachable with the connecting element (58).

Floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional surface of the discharge opening (38) is substantially larger than the cross-sectional surface of the outlet (56) flowing through the cleaning liquid.

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (58) is designed so that it is separated from the cover (52) and connected to it.

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (58) is angularly formed.

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (58) is rotatably configured with respect to the cover (52).

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply line (78) is formed as a hose line (80).

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge opening (38) can be released and / or can be closed manually and / or that the cover (52) can be loosely connected to the storage container (18).

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning machine (10) comprises at least one fastening element (46) for fixing the cover (52) to the storage container (18) in a closing position in which the discharge opening (38) is closed.

Floor cleaning machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one fastening element (46) can be screwed together with the storage container (18).

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet (56) outside the center of the cover (52) is arranged on the same.

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (52) can be turned relative to the storage container (18).

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning machine (10) has a filter element (74) for filtering cleaning liquid flowing out of the outlet (56).

Floor cleaning machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the filter element (74) can be fixed to the storage container (18) by means of the cover (52) in its closing position.

Floor cleaning machine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the filter element (74) is arranged against an edge (40) of the discharge opening (38) between the cover (52) and the storage container (18).

Floor cleaning machine according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the cross-sectional surface of the filter element (74) is larger than the cross-sectional surface of the outlet (56) flowing through cleaning liquid.

Floor cleaning machine according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the filter element (74) comprises as a filter medium a sieve (76).

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge opening (38) is arranged in a vertical plane and / or that the cover (52) is at least partially plate-shaped.