EP0917437B1 - Floor-cleaning device for wet- and vacuum cleaning - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor-cleaning device for wet- and vacuum cleaning, comprising an underbody (22) and a suction chamber (23) which can be configured between said underbody (22) and the floor to be cleaned and the breadth of which extends crosswise to the usual working direction (R) of said floor-cleaning device. An air suction tube (14) for feeding a suction air flow is connected to a suction mouth (35) in said suction chamber (23) and liquid outlets (34) are provided. According to the invention, in order to provide a better equipped easily assembled floor-cleaning device of this type ensuring that water can be applied efficiently and simply and that the dirt/water mixture can be sucked up efficiently and simply, said liquid outlets (34) should be integrated into the suction chamber (23) relative to the suction mouth (35) in such a way that liquid can be sucked in from the liquid outlets (34) by means of the suction air flow, and sucked up via the air suction tube (14), whereby the entire width of the suction chamber is used to a substantial degree.

Description

The invention relates to a floor cleaning device for Wet and vacuum cleaning with one underbody, one between the sub-floor and the floor to be cleaned trainable, a cross to the usual direction of work of the floor cleaning device having suction space, an air suction line for discharging a suction air flow to a suction mouth is connected in the suction chamber and liquid outlet openings are provided.

Such floor cleaning devices are known, see e.g. DE-A-19 546 756 or DE-U-8 716 748, and used for cleaning carpets and hard floors. These are floor devices, which are separate Have fresh and dirty water tanks. In a well-known Design is provided that a floor cleaning device one in the middle of the sub-floor Has cleaning atomizer nozzle, in front of which, in a considered the usual machining direction, a brush is arranged. This in turn is a front suction nozzle upstream. Furthermore, this known device one located behind the cleaning atomizer nozzle second brush and a rear suction nozzle. The front one Suction nozzle is designed to soak up loose dirt while the front brush is a dry scrubbing of loose dirt stuck to the floor. The the Cleaning atomizer nozzle downstream rear brush carries out a wet scrubbing in connection with the on the Floor sprayed with cleaning liquid. The Dirt / water mixture is then released from the rear suction nozzle absorbed.

The object of the present invention is a generic To design floor cleaning device so improved, that an effective and easy moisturizing application and an equally effective simple one Suck off the dirt / water mixture is given structurally simple structure.

The task is solved by the one specified in the main claim Invention.

The subclaims represent advantageous developments represents.

As a result of this configuration, there is a floor cleaning device which has an effective and simple application of moisture combined with an equally effective and simple suction of the dirt / water mixture. This is achieved in that the liquid outlet openings are integrated in the suction chamber relative to the suction mouth in such a way that liquid can be sucked out of the liquid outlet openings by the suction air flow and can be suctioned off through the air suction line, assuming essentially the entire width of the suction chamber. The cleaning liquid present in the liquid outlet openings is sucked in by means of the negative pressure prevailing in the suction chamber and, after passing over the surface to be cleaned, is again sucked out over the entire width of the suction chamber via the air suction line. This ensures even washing of the floor and ensures that a film of moisture remains on the floor, which visually emphasizes the good cleaning result, the thickness of the film being designed so that it evaporates completely after a short drying time of approx. 10-45 seconds , According to the invention, a suitable moisture film is achieved in that the air / water mixture is preferably transported in the suction chamber at speeds between 25 and 90 m / s. The floor is mainly cleaned by sucking cleaning liquid over the floor, which achieves washing of the floor to be cleaned. There are no additional elements driven by external energy, in particular no rotating brushes for cleaning. A certain mechanical interaction for the purpose of additional dirt separation with the floor can take place, for example, by means of hard lips arranged on the suction channel, which at the same time seal the suction space. Dirt can also be detached by rows of brushes arranged along the broad side of the suction space. In the subject matter of the invention designed in this way, there is a defined air or moisture management in the suction space. In the prior art described above, due to the arrangement of two air suction lines or suction nozzles, no defined guidance is possible. Bottom washing is also improved in that the liquid outlet openings are relatively large and not, as in the prior art, are designed as nozzles. As a result, an increased water throughput is achieved, which results in sufficient wetting of the floor and thus improved dirt absorption by the cleaning agent.
Such a device can also be used to clean other surfaces, such as windows. An embodiment is preferred in which the liquid passes through the suction chamber perpendicular to a normal working direction of the floor cleaning device.
However, an embodiment is also conceivable in which the moisture is sucked through the suction space in the working direction. Due to the configuration described above, the application of the liquid to the floor to be cleaned can be carried out without a pump. Specifically, this means that the floor cleaning device is only equipped with passive components. In comparison, in the prior art a pump is required to apply the liquid to the floor. The dirt / water mixture is sucked off by means of a suction motor, which is connected to the air suction line. In an advantageous development of the subject matter of the invention, it is provided that the liquid outlet openings are arranged in the edge regions of the suction chamber provided in the width direction. This results in a uniform moistening of the floor to be cleaned over the entire width of the device or over the entire width of the suction chamber. Furthermore, it is provided that the liquid outlet openings and the suction mouth are connected by a channel widening the suction space upwards. Due to this configuration, a predefined air flow is given. The liquid sucked in from the liquid outlet openings is guided in a defined manner in the region of the channel in the direction of the suction mouth. In this case, an embodiment is preferred in which the suction space consists essentially of only the channel. In the area of this channel, a specific floor washing takes place, the liquid being sucked out of the liquid openings, guided over the surface to be cleaned and then sucked off specifically via the air suction line. The increased water throughput causes the dirt particles to dissolve and be removed in the simplest and most effective manner. To accommodate coarse dirt it is further provided that suction openings are arranged on the end of the floor cleaning device for suction before the floor is moistened and that these suction openings are connected to the liquid outlet openings. The main air stream is therefore sucked in through the suction openings on the front side, with coarse dirt lying in front of the device being picked up when the floor cleaning device is moved in a normal working direction. This is done in the direction of work before moistening the floor to be cleaned. The coarse dirt that is picked up is led to the previously described suction chamber or to the channel, specifically in the area in which the liquid outlet openings are arranged, preferably in the edge regions of the suction chamber or channel provided in the width direction. An embodiment is preferred in which two suction openings on the front side are provided, which are separated from one another by a rounded end edge of the device. Due to this rounded edge, the promotion of coarse dirt is supported. The coarse dirt that is picked up is suctioned off via the suction space or the channel and the air suction line connected here, the air flow sucked in by the suction openings in the area of the liquid outlet openings sucking liquid out of these. Combined damp and suction cleaning is thus provided, and in addition to the usual fine dirt pick-up in the area of the suction chamber, coarse dirt pick-up takes place in front of the floor cleaning device. The damp cleaning takes place in the area of the suction space designed as a channel, in which the liquid outlet openings and the suction mouth are arranged. As a result, wet cleaning is provided regardless of a forward or backward movement of the floor cleaning device. It proves to be particularly advantageous that the suction openings are connected to the liquid outlet openings above the suction space or above the sub-floor. This results in an improved suction of liquid from the liquid openings. Any coarse material stuck in the connection of the suction openings to the liquid outlet openings is flushed into the suction space or into the channel by the sucked-in liquid, from where suction takes place through the air suction line. In a preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention, it is provided that the suction mouth is formed centrally between the liquid outlet openings. The cleaning liquid is thus sucked in from the liquid outlet openings, which are preferably arranged on the edge side, and transported to the centrally arranged suction mouth, washing the floor. This configuration leads to a uniform moistening of the floor to be cleaned over the entire floor cleaning device broadside or over the entire width of the suction space. In order to avoid dead zones in the air-water flow in the area of the suction mouth, in which water would accumulate and run out after the suction air flow was switched off, it is further provided that the cross section of the suction mouth is reduced by flow deflectors. The latter cause a flow deflection in the direction of the air suction line to form a defined air vortex. An arrangement of two flow deflectors, which are arranged offset in the area of the suction mouth, is preferred here. Increased air speeds are achieved in the area of the flow deflectors, which improves the suction of liquids in the area of the suction mouth. An improved degree of edge drying is achieved in that the channel has a wall set back with respect to the longitudinal edges of the channel on both end faces with respect to the floor to be cleaned. As a result, an air gap is formed on each of the two end faces, via which secondary air is drawn in. It is proposed that rows of brushes are arranged in front of and behind, along the broad side of the suction space. The latter are intended to compensate for unevenness in the floor and to seal the suction space or the duct against false air. Furthermore, these rows of brushes should evenly distribute any remaining water film on the floor to be cleaned. A further sealing of the suction space or the channel is provided in that the channel has hard lips protruding with respect to the broad side of the suction space. An embodiment is preferred in which the hard lips form the longitudinal edges of the channel and the air gap arranged on the two end faces of the channel is arranged between the hard lips, the height of the air gap corresponding to the height of the hard lips. As already mentioned, the floor cleaning device works with equally good wet cleaning results due to the symmetrical structure of the suction chamber or the channel in the forward and return stroke. Due to the water and air supply on the two end faces of the channel, the design of the channel and its sealing, there is a uniform flow rate throughout the channel, which ensures a uniform degree of drying over the entire channel width regardless of the forward and return stroke. According to the invention, the dirt can be detached from the surface to be cleaned in that a floor action strip extending in the longitudinal direction of the suction chamber is formed in the suction chamber. For example. The arrangement here can be such that such a floor action strip — viewed in the width direction of the suction space — is arranged in the center of the suction space and accordingly divides it in the longitudinal direction. This arrangement ensures a good mechanical interaction with the floor to be cleaned for additional dirt removal. For this purpose it can be provided that the floor action strip is a bristle strip, textile covering strip, sponge strip or the like. Advantageously, it is provided that the floor action bar is movable in a direction transverse to its longitudinal extent. This means that the bar can be moved in the width direction of the suction space, the movement of the bar being achieved by the forward or backward movement of the floor cleaning device, due to the fact that the floor action bar in the area of its bristles or the like has a sufficiently high pressure force against the surface to be cleaned , For example, when the floor cleaning device moves forward, the bar is correspondingly moved into a rearward position within the suction space. As a result, high shear forces are achieved, which optimally detach dirt particles. Furthermore, the suction space is reduced in size, preferably only flowing through the chamber of the suction space located in the direction of movement. This further enhances the cleaning effect, since higher flow velocities are achieved in the now reduced suction chamber area. Furthermore, a higher degree of dryness is achieved. Advantageously, it is provided that the floor action bar is biased into a ground contact position. As a result of this measure, there is a sufficient pressure force between the surface to be cleaned and the bar and thus a good detachment of the dirt, regardless of the position of the bar. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the floor action strip is attached to the floor cleaning device via a joint that enables transverse mobility. This joint can be arranged, for example, within the suction space, a compression spring providing the pretensioning of the strip preferably being arranged between the joint and the strip.
However, an embodiment is preferred in which the joint is arranged outside the suction space. The suction space is appropriately sealed in the area of the passage of the support connecting the bar to the joint. It is essential in this embodiment that the path of air and water is guided as a function of a forward or backward movement of the floor cleaning device by separating the suction chamber into two chambers such that preferably only the chamber of the suction chamber located in the direction of movement is flowed through. It proves to be particularly advantageous that a water separator is integrated in the air suction line. The water / air / dirt mixture sucked up through the suction orifice passes through the air suction line into the water separator, in which the mixture is separated into the individual components. This configuration offers the possibility of designing the floor cleaning device as an attachment for a commercially available vacuum cleaner. The suction unit arranged in the external suction device sucks the mixture from the suction chamber - through the air suction line - into the water separator. Here, the water and dirt are largely separated from the air, after which only an air / fine dust mixture gets into the vacuum cleaner to deposit the dirt in a dust filter bag. It is advantageously provided that a water reservoir is arranged downstream of the water separator.
In the latter, the water separated from the water / air / dirt mixture is stored and in turn fed to the liquid outlet openings in the floor cleaning device. Due to this design, a water cycle is formed, with which the water reservoir or the water supply can be kept relatively small. The water reservoir is only emptied or refilled when necessary. In the known solutions, after the fresh water stored in a fresh water tank has been used up, the dirty water stored in a used water tank must be emptied and the fresh water again refilled. The water separator is advantageously designed in such a way that the air suction line in the water separator is interrupted to form a first suction line section and a second suction line section such that, by deflecting the suction air flow, the suction air flow is re-sucked below the outlet of the suction air flow. In the area of this deflection, the separation of the gaseous phase (air) from the liquid (water) and solid phase (dirt) takes place to a very large extent, for which purpose a dome is provided in the area of the deflection, for example, to form a centrifugal separator. The water / air / dirt mixture is diverted here preferably by 180 °, the water and coarse dirt carried along being thrown outwards by the centrifugal force due to the higher density. Any existing foams are destroyed due to the high centrifugal force. The air thus cleaned of water and coarse dirt leaves the water separator through the second suction line section, to which a hand-held vacuum cleaner is preferably connected. It is further preferred that the first suction line section and the second suction line section are at an angle of 45 ° to the water separator. As a result, the water separator is vertical when the handheld vacuum cleaner is in the normal working position of 45 °. As a result, the water separator works perfectly in the working area of the handheld vacuum cleaner from 0-90 °, since it itself is only tilted by +/- 45 °. In an advantageous development of the subject matter of the invention it is provided that the deflection takes place in a deflection space and that the bottom of the deflection space is equipped with a filter device. The water separated in the deflection space flows through this filter device, in which the separated dirt is filtered out of the water. The filter material is preferably a commercially available polystyrene wadding. After passing through the filter device, the water reaches the water reservoir already mentioned. Only water that has been cleaned of dirt is thus led into the storage tank. In an advantageous further development it is provided that the suction air flow is sucked from the deflection space into a collecting space, from which the suction takes place into the second suction line section. Gravity separation takes place in this collecting space, and due to the low flow velocity of the air, entrained drops from the air are separated again in the collecting space having an enlarged cross section. There are therefore no drops of liquid in the exhaust air flow in the second suction line section and thus in the vacuum cleaner. In this case, it proves to be advantageous that moisture components which are still entrained are collected in the collecting space and can be returned to the first suction line section via a suction channel connected in the bottom of the deflection space. For this purpose, a water trap can be arranged in the floor area of the collecting space, from where the accumulated moisture components can be returned to the first suction line section via a suction channel. Here, the effect is exploited that, due to the high flow velocities in the first suction line section, a negative pressure is caused in the suction channel to the water trap, whereby the water in the collecting space of the gravity separator is sucked off directly without a pump and fed back into the process. Finally, an advantageous development of the subject matter of the invention provides that the recirculated liquid can be conveyed from the water reservoir to the liquid outlet openings by a separate pump or according to the suction jet principle. An arrangement is preferred in which a jet pump is connected between the water reservoir and the liquid outlet openings due to a sufficiently large air output of the vacuum cleaner. In addition to the air sucked in through the front suction openings of the floor cleaning device, air is sucked in through this jet pump to convey the water through the liquid outlet openings. If the suction capacity of the suction device is insufficient, the suction openings on the front can be reduced or closed completely in order to achieve sufficient water delivery through the jet pump. An active pump is only necessary in the event that the pressure level in the water separator is very low and at the same time considerable pressure losses in the supply lines and in the other water supply do not allow the delivery of sufficient amounts of water into the suction chamber. Such an active pump is designed according to the invention in such a way that it only transports the liquid into a supply to the outlet openings. Due to the configurations described above, surfactants can also be used for cleaning floors. The floor cleaning device described is particularly characterized by good handling, due to its small dimensions and low weight. Furthermore, water or cleaning fluid is saved through the cycle operation. The coarse dirt pick-up and wet cleaning takes place in one operation, whereby the wet cleaning is independent of a forward or return stroke. Ultimately, the subject of the invention has a good rinsing effect due to the high water volume flow, which water volume flow in a preferred embodiment is 2 l / min. is. The excellent cleaning effect is visualized by creating a suitable residual water film on the floor. This is achieved by transporting the air / water mixture at speeds between 25-90 m / s.

Fig. 1

ein als Vorsatzgerät ausgebildetes, an einen Handstaubsauger angeschlossenes, erfindungsgemäßes Bodenreinigungsgerät,

Fig. 2

das aus einer Feuchtdüse und einem Wasserabscheider bestehende Bodenreinigungsgerät in einer perspektivischen Einzeldarstellung,

Fig. 3

eine Unteransicht der Feuchtdüse,

Fig. 4

den Schnitt gemäß der Linie IV-IV in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine Stirnansicht der Feuchtdüse gemäß dem Pfeil V in Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

eine vergrößerte Schnittdarstellung gemäß der Linie VI-VI in Fig. 3,

Fig. 7

eine Schnittdarstellung des Wasserabscheiders,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung einer im Bereich eines Saugraumes beweglich angeordneten Bodeneinwirkungsleiste und

Fig. 9

eine der Fig. 8 entsprechende Darstellung, eine verschwenkte Position darstellend.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, which, however, only represents an exemplary embodiment. It shows:

Fig. 1

a floor cleaning device according to the invention, designed as a front attachment and connected to a hand-held vacuum cleaner,

Fig. 2

the floor cleaning device consisting of a dampening nozzle and a water separator in a perspective individual view,

Fig. 3

a bottom view of the wet nozzle,

Fig. 4

the section along the line IV-IV in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

3 shows an end view of the dampening nozzle according to arrow V in FIG. 3,

Fig. 6

3 shows an enlarged sectional illustration along the line VI-VI in FIG. 3,

Fig. 7

a sectional view of the water separator,

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of a movable floor arranged in the suction chamber and

Fig. 9

a representation corresponding to FIG. 8, representing a pivoted position.

The floor cleaning device initially shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 1 consists essentially of a wet nozzle 2 and a water separator 3, the floor cleaning device 1 as an attachment to a handheld vacuum cleaner 4 is trained. For connection to the hand vacuum cleaner 4 has the floor cleaning device 1 in the area of the water separator 3 a pipe connection piece 5. This is connectable to an underside of a motor housing 6 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 4 arranged pipe coupling 7.

The hand-held vacuum cleaner 4 has a housing 8, on which at the top a device handle 9 connects with the end Handle 10. In the transition area between handle 10 and handle 9 is an on / off switch 11. The electrical cable connection is with the number 12 designated. The housing 8 is already divided into that mentioned motor housing 6 and one itself extending chamber 13 for receiving a not shown Filter bag. The engine blower is also not shown in detail in the drawing. The Pipe coupling arranged on the underside of the motor housing 6 7 provides the air flow connection to that as an attachment trained floor cleaning device 1 ago.

An air suction line 14 is on the pipe connection piece 5 connected, which is the connection from the pipe connector 5 forms to the wet nozzle 2. This air suction pipe 14 is interrupted by the water separator 3, to form a first suction line section 15 and a second suction line section 16, the first suction line section 15 between the water separator 3 and the wet nozzle 2 and the second suction line section 16 between the water separator 3 and the pipe connection piece 5 is formed. The order is taken so that the first suction line section 15 underside in a circular cross section having a cylindrical water separator 3 occurs and the second suction line section 16 in the area of an upper third of the water separator 3 emerges from the jacket wall 17, the second suction line section 16 at an angle of approx. 45 ° to the water separator 3.

1 and 2, the floor cleaning device 1 is in a preferred working posture, the Hand-held vacuum cleaner 4 at an angle of approx. 45 ° to working floor 18 is aligned. This has to Consequence that the water separator 3 is therefore vertical is aligned. The first suction line section 15 runs in a parallel alignment to the second Suction line section 16, d. H. also at an angle from 45 ° to the ground to be worked 18. For connection to the water separator 3 in the area of the separator bottom 19 there is a 450 deflection of the first suction line section 15 in a coaxial alignment with the Water separator 3. The connection of the first suction line section 15 to the wet nozzle 2 takes place in one Section 20 angled downwards by 45 °.

Due to this training, the water separator is standing 3 in the preferred working position of the handheld vacuum cleaner 4 perpendicular to the floor 18. The water separator therefore works in the entire work area or swivel range of the handheld vacuum cleaner 4 from 0 ° to 90 ° to the floor 18, since the water separator 3 itself is only tilted by +/- 45 °.

In the area of section 20 there is an articulated connection 21 provided to the wet nozzle 2.

The dampening nozzle 2 is essentially designed as a flat body formed rectangular in a projection, the dampening nozzle 2 having a compact design.
The width of the dampening nozzle 2 corresponds approximately to the usual width of suction nozzles, which are known in the most varied of embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the width of the dampening nozzle 2 corresponds to approximately 300 mm, with a depth of approximately 80 mm.

The dampening nozzle 2 has an underbody 22, wherein between the sub-floor 22 and the floor to be cleaned 18 a suction chamber 23 is formed. The latter extends transversely to the usual working direction R of the floor cleaning device 1 over almost the entire width of the dampening nozzle 2. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 6 the suction space 23 towards the top in the form of a channel 24 extended.

In the width direction of the suction chamber 23 or Channel 24 arranged edge regions 25 and 26 are from the channel 24, extending upwards, circular recesses 27 are provided. These recesses 27 are up through a device housing plate 28 closed. For the supply of liquid 29 two liquid supply hoses 30 are provided, which via hose connection elements 31 with the suction space 23 or with the channel 24 are connected in such a way that the hose connection elements 31 in the cylindrical Recesses 27 of the channel 24 occur. The connection of the Liquid supply hoses 30 are on the top the device housing plate 28, for which purpose the hose connection elements 31 step through this housing plate 28.

The arrangement is such that the diameter the hose connection elements 31 about half Diameter of the circular recesses 27 corresponds and the hose connection elements 31 off-center of the recesses 27 are arranged offset in the direction on the outer edges of the wet nozzle 2.

The suction space extended upwards through channel 24 23 is downwards on both sides along the broad sides, d. H. towards the floor 18 to be cleaned, facing hard lips 32 provided. They have one at a suction chamber depth shown - measured in the working direction R- of approx. 25-30 mm, a height of approx. 2-3 mm. Due to this configuration, the Suction chamber 23 sealed to the outside.

To compensate for uneven floors, in front and behind, along the broad sides of the suction chamber 23 and accordingly also parallel to the hard lips 32, rows of brushes 33 intended. The latter seal the suction chamber 23 in a defined manner against false air.

The ends in the cylindrical recesses 27 Hose connection elements 31 form liquid outlet openings 34 out. In the middle between these two liquid outlet openings 34 is in the area of the channel 24 a suction mouth 35 is formed, on which the air suction line 14 or the first suction line section 15 connected is.

The suction mouth 35 extends over the entire Depth — viewed in the working direction R — of the channel 24 and has an aligned transversely to the working direction R. Width, which is about twice the depth.

The cross section of the suction mouth 35 is through two flow deflectors 36 reduced. Every flow deflector 36 is here rectangular in a projection, the depth of each flow diverter 36 approximately corresponds to half the suction mouth depth. The flow deflector 36 are aligned so that a Narrow side of each flow deflector 36 in one Projection with a working direction R. Boundary surface 37 of the suction mouth 35 is aligned. Of here the flow deflectors 36 protrude in one Projection in the area of the suction mouth 35, the corresponding length of the flow deflector 36 is smaller than the half width measured transversely to the working direction R. the suction mouth 35 is. Next is the arrangement of the Flow deflector 36 hit so that a flow deflector 36 of the front and a flow deflector 36 of the rear broad side of the suction chamber 23 or the projected Broad side of the suction mouth 35 is assigned. It this results in an offset arrangement of the flow deflectors 36 in the area of the suction mouth 35.

The flow deflectors 36 are on the inside on the broad side surfaces of the channel 24 arranged and have how already mentioned, on a rectangular floor plan. outgoing the flow deflectors extend from this plan area 36 roof-shaped in the area of the suction mouth 35, with concave deflection surfaces 38 are formed. The tips of the flow deflectors 36 pass through the channel cover 39 formed Level and extend into the suction mouth space 40th

These flow deflectors 36 bring about a flow deflection upwards to form a defined vortex due to the staggered arrangement. This will Dead zones in the air-water flow in the area of Suction mouth, in which water accumulate and after switching off the suction air flow would result in avoided.

Furthermore, the dampening nozzle 2 has two ends Suction openings 41, which are each from the side Edge areas of the end face 42 to almost Extend center of the end face 42. The underbody 22 is in the area of the suction openings 41 to the end face 42 set back. The two suction openings 41 are through a rounded housing edge 43 separated from one another, wherein the suction openings 41 are connected to the recesses 27 are. The connection is made above of the channel 24 (see FIG. 6).

The channel 24 has on its two faces a wall 44 which is opposite the longitudinal edges of the channel 24 is arranged set back for training an air gap 45.

For wet and suction cleaning of a floor 18 is first the hand-held vacuum cleaner 4 by means of the on / off switch 11 turned on, which via the air suction line 14 air is sucked in. The main airflow (arrows a) is in the area of the wet nozzle 2 through the front Suction openings 41 sucked. It is before Wet nozzle 2 coarse dirt before moistening of the bottom 18 and added to the side Recesses 27 promoted. This promotion of the gross Good to those arranged on the two narrow sides Recesses 27 is rounded by the end face Housing edge 43 supported. Through the suction air flow becomes liquid 29 from the liquid outlet openings 34 sucked in and enforcing almost the entire Suction chamber width sucked off via the air suction line 14. This also gets stuck in the recesses 27 Coarse material is flushed into channel 24.

This configuration results in a high water throughput achieved. The liquid 29 is from the Edge areas 25 and 26 over the floor 18 to be cleaned to the middle, d. H. to the suction mouth 35, sucked (arrows b), where a bottom washing is achieved with even Humidification across the entire width of the nozzle.

The hard lips 32 and the brush rows 33 seal the Channel 24 or the suction space 23 defines against false air from, the rows of brushes 33 also possibly on distribute the remaining water film evenly on the bottom 18.

Because of the liquid and air supply to both Sides, the construction of the channel 24 and the seal of channel 24 prevails throughout channel 24 uniform flow rate, creating a uniform degree of drying over the entire width of the nozzle regardless of a forward or return stroke of the wet nozzle 2 is achieved. The in the edge areas of the channel 24 provided air gaps 45, through which secondary air is sucked in ensure a good degree of edge drying.

The symmetrical structure of the channel is also evident 24 or the suction chamber 23 as particularly advantageous, since the wet nozzle 2 in both a pre and in a return stroke with an equally good wet cleaning result and drying result works.

The air / water / dirt mixture (arrows c) is over the Air suction line 14 or the first suction line section 15 transported to the water separator 3. Here is done separation of the mixture into the individual components. The water separator 3 also serves Storage of the liquid 29, including a water reservoir 46 downstream of the actual separator device 47 is.

The air / water / dirt mixture passes through the first Suction line section 15 in an extension of first suction line section 15 forming central Feed tube 48 a. The latter passes through the water separator 3 - axially starting from its separator bottom 19 up in its upper area. The head is the Water separator 3 provided with a dome 49, which an axially aligned, inwardly facing mandrel 50 has. The feed pipe 48 extends to immediately in front of this mandrel 50. The dome 49 is a centrifugal separator trained, here the sucked Mixture is deflected by 180 °. The liquid and the carried dirt due to the higher density flung outwards due to centrifugal force, with any existing foams due to the high centrifugal force will be destroyed. The liquid and the dirt it contains flows along one Outer wall 51 by a, through a commercially available polystyrene wadding formed filter device 52, in which the dirt is filtered out of the liquid (arrows d). The filter device 52 is here on one Bottom 53 of a centrifugal separator Deflection space 54 arranged, the diameter of the Bottom 53 is dimensioned smaller than the inner diameter of the water separator 3, but the filter device 52 itself up to the inside of the jacket wall 17 of the Water separator 3 extends. It is such an annulus 55 formed, which along the inside of the jacket wall 17 is aligned. Through this annulus 55 the water cleaned in the filter device 52 into the water reservoir 46, which is approximately the lower half of the entire water separator 3, kick (arrows e). In the area of the deflection there is thus a predominantly the separation of the gaseous phase (Air) from the liquid (water) and solid phase (Dirt).

The suction air freed from moisture and dirt becomes a deflection space 54 into a collection space 56 sucked (arrows f). This is an axially aligned Deflection tube 57 is provided, which is the central Feed tube 48 includes a cover of the deflecting tube 57 upwards through a cap 58, this to ensure that there is no water and dirt immediately after exiting the central feed tube 48 in can deflect the deflection tube 57. In the deflection tube 57 there is a direction of flow which is opposite to that in the central feed pipe 48 prevailing suction flow is aligned.

The passage cross section of the deflection tube 57 is here dimensioned larger than that of the feed pipe 48, with which due to the now low flow rate a further separation of entrained liquid drops in the air takes place in the area of the collecting space 56. The air (arrows g) the water separator 3 through the second suction line section 16, on which, as already mentioned, the hand vacuum cleaner 4 is connected. The one sucked off here Air is free of condensed moisture and can also carry small amounts of dirt particles.

The moisture components separated in the collecting space 56 are in a below the floor 59 of the collection room 56 arranged water trap 60 collected (arrows H). The latter is provided with a suction channel 61, which with its free end in the first suction line section 15 or opens into the feed tube 48. by virtue of the high flow rate in the feed pipe 48 becomes a negative pressure in the U-shaped suction channel 61 formed. This means that those in the Water trap sucked 60 accumulated moisture and fed back into the separator process (arrows i).

The liquid 29 accumulated in the water reservoir 46 is arranged by a in the separator bottom 19 Drain pipe 62 again fed to the wet nozzle 2 (arrows k). For this purpose, there is a distributor 63 on the drain pipe 62 connected, to which in turn the liquid supply hoses 30 are connected. The promotion of Liquid 29 to the liquid outlet openings 34 the dampening nozzle 2 takes place according to the invention according to the suction jet principle, why in the area of the drain pipe 62 a Jet pump 64 is arranged.

In addition to the air drawn in through the suction openings 41 and through the air gaps 45, the air through the Jet pump 64 to promote the liquid over the Liquid outlet opening 34 sucked. With not sufficient air capacity of the handheld vacuum cleaner 4 can the suction openings 41 reduced or completely closed to ensure adequate water supply through to ensure the jet pump 64.

8 and 9, the arrangement of a floor action bar 70 in the suction chamber 23 is shown schematically. The latter is designed as a bristle strip 71 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the suction space 23.
However, it is also conceivable to design the floor action strip 70 as a textile covering strip or sponge strip. The bristle strip 71 is connected via a holder 72 to a swivel joint 73, which is arranged outside the suction chamber 23 on the housing 74 of the floor cleaning device 1. The bristle strip 71 can be moved transversely to its longitudinal extension, ie in the width direction of the suction space 23, via the joint 73. This mobility is made possible by a corresponding recess 75 in the ceiling area of the suction space 23.

To continue to ensure the tightness of the suction chamber 23, For example, slide elements 76 can be provided be, which cover the recess 75 and the movements the bristle strip 71 with constant sealing of the Suction chamber 23 can understand.

In the area of the holder 72 is between the joint 73 and the bristle strip 71 is provided with a compression spring 77. The latter ensures a sufficient pressure of the Bristle strip 71 on the floor to be cleaned 18. Um to ensure bending rigidity of the holder 72, the compression spring 77 is of a cylindrical shape, for example Housing 78 includes.

According to the invention supports the mobility of the bristle strip 71 the detachment of dirt on the to be cleaned Base 18 in that additional shear forces be generated. In addition, the bristle strip takes over 71 the task by separating the suction chamber 23 in two chambers 23 'and 23' 'the path of the air and the cleaning liquid depending on the forward or backward movement the floor cleaning device 1 so that preferably only the one located in the direction of movement R. Chamber (in FIG. 9 the chamber 23 ') of the suction chamber 23 is flowed through, which affects the cleaning effect strengthened. The smaller one now coming into effect Suction chamber 23 'has a higher flow rate: result. This also results in an increased degree of dryness. In addition, thanks to the movable suspension Bristle strip 71 has an abrasive effect on the surface to be cleaned Floor 18 scored.

An embodiment is also conceivable in which the spring 77 also forms the joint for the mobility of the bristle strip 71 transversely to its longitudinal extent.
The bristle strip 71 can also be suspended directly in the area of the suction space 23.

Claims (23)

1. Floor-cleaning device (1) for cleaning using moisture and suction, having a base (22), a suction space (23), which can be formed between the base (22) and the floor (18) which is to be cleaned and has a suction-space width extending transversely with respect to the standard working direction (R) of the floor-cleaning device (1), an air suction line (14) for discharging a suction-air stream being connected to a suction port (35) in the suction space (23), and liquid-outlet openings (34) being provided, the liquid-outlet openings (34) also being integrated in the suction space (23), characterized in that the liquid (29) is sucked out of the liquid-outlet openings (34) by the suction-air stream and, passing through the suction-space width, is sucked out via the air suction line (14), the liquid-outlet openings (34) and the suction port (35) being connected by a passage (24) which widens the suction space (23) towards the top.
2. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the liquid-outlet openings (34) are disposed in the edge regions (25, 26), provided in the width direction, of the suction space (23).
3. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the suction space (23) substantially comprises only the passage (24).
4. Floor-cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that suction openings (41) are disposed on the end side of the floor-cleaning device (1) for the purpose of suction before the floor (18) is wetted, and in that these suction openings (41) are connected to the liquid-outlet openings (34).
5. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the connection of the suction openings (41) to the liquid-outlet openings (34) is effected above the suction space (23) or above the base (22) .
6. Floor-cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction port (35) is formed centrally between the liquid-outlet openings (34).
7. Floor-cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section of the suction opening (35) is reduced by flow diverters (36).
8. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the passage (24), on both end sides, opposite the floor (18) which is to be cleaned, has a wall (44) which is set back with respect to the longitudinal edges of the passage (24).
9. Floor-cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that rows of brushes (33) are disposed in front and behind along the wide side of the suction space (23).
10. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the passage (24) has hard lips (32) which project with respect to the wide side of the suction space (23).
11. Floor-cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a floor-action strip (70), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the suction space (23), is formed in the suction space (23).
12. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the floor-action strip (70) is a strip of bristles (71), a textile covering strip, a sponge strip or the like.
13. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the floor-action strip (70) can move in a direction which is transverse with respect to its longitudinal extent.
14. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the floor-action strip (70) is prestressed into a floor-contact position.
15. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the floor-action strip (70) is secured to the floor-cleaning device (1) via an articulation (73) which allows the transverse mobility.
16. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the articulation (73) is disposed outside the suction space (23).
17. Floor-cleaning device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a water separator (3) is integrated in the air suction line (14).
18. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 17, characterized in that a water reservoir (46) is arranged downstream of the water separator (3).
19. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 17, characterized in that the air suction line (14) is interrupted in the water separator (3), so as to form a first suction line section (15) and a second suction line section (16), in such a manner that, with the suction-air stream being deflected, the suction-air stream is sucked back out beneath the outlet of the suction-air stream.
20. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 19, characterized in that the deflection takes place in a deflection space (54), and in that the base (53) of the deflection space (54) is equipped with a filter device (52).
21. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 20, characterized in that the suction-air stream is sucked from the deflection space (54) into a collection space (56), from which it is sucked into the second suction line section (16).
22. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 21, characterized in that moisture fractions which are still entrained are collected in the collection space (56) and can be returned to the first suction line section (15) via a suction passage (61) which is connected in the base (59) of the deflection space (54) .
23. Floor-cleaning device according to Claim 18, characterized in that the return liquid (29) can be conveyed out of the water reservoir (46) to the liquid-outlet openings (34) by a separate pump or in accordance with the suction jet principle.

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