EP3206547B1 - Surface-cleaning machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, comprising a device body on which a suction unit device is arranged, a cleaning head on which at least one cleaning roller is arranged, and a drive device for rotating the at least one cleaning roller, the cleaning head being between a first end face and a opposite second end face has a first area, a second area and a middle area lying between the first area and the second area, and at least one first suction mouth is positioned on the first area assigned to the at least one cleaning roller and on the second area of the at least one At least one second suction mouth is positioned associated with the cleaning roller, wherein the at least one first suction mouth and the at least one second suction mouth are fluidly connected to the suction unit device.

The EP 2 721 988 A2 discloses a cleaning head for a cleaning device for wet cleaning of floor surfaces.

The WO 00/78198 A1 discloses a self-powered automatic cleaning device.

From the WO 2013/027140 A1 a cleaning device for cleaning a surface is known, which includes a rotatable brush. A rubber wiper element is also provided, which is spaced apart from the brush and is attached to an underside of a nozzle housing.

From the WO 2013/027164 A1 a cleaning device with a rotatable brush and a single rubber wiper element is also known.

From the EP 2 177 128 A1 a device for fluid distribution on a brush is known.

From the DE 41 17 157 A1 a method for cleaning or cleaning a preferably smooth surface is known, in which the surface to be cleaned is wiped with a substantially cloth-like wiping element while the dirt is picked up by the wiping element and then the dirty wiping element is moistened and the dirt is then sucked off by the wiping element becomes.

From the WO 2010/140967 A1 a method for cleaning a dirty surface is known.

From the CH 607 578 a brush device that can be connected to a water pipe is known.

From the EP 0 186 005 A1 A brush suction mouthpiece equipped with impellers is known.

From the FR 2 797 895 a brush is known.

From the US 2002/0194692 A1 a method for mechanically removing dirt from a surface is known.

The invention is based on the object of providing a surface cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset, which provides extensive cleaning options with a simple structural design.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the surface cleaning machine mentioned at the outset in that the at least one cleaning roller is designed in two parts, with a first part which is positioned on the first area and a second part which is positioned on the second area the at least one first suction mouth or an arrangement of a plurality of first suction mouths has a length parallel to a rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller, which has at least 80% of a corresponding length of the first part of the at least one cleaning roller and / or that the at least one second suction mouth or a Arrangement of a plurality of second suction mouths having a length parallel to an axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller, which has at least 80% of a corresponding length of the second part of the at least one cleaning roller.

In the surface cleaning machine according to the invention, one or more first suction ports are assigned to the first area and one or more second suction ports are assigned to the second area.

This makes it possible to achieve optimized extraction, largely preventing the drawing of false air.

Due to the division into the first area, the second area and the middle area, the at least one cleaning roller can be driven in a rotational movement over the middle area. In particular, for example, a shaft on which the at least one cleaning roller is seated can be connected to a drive motor through the central region in a torque-effective manner. Such a “central drive” enables cleaning on both sides near the edge using at least one cleaning roller, since no drive elements need to be positioned near the edge.

This makes it possible, in particular, to store the at least one cleaning roller only in the central area. No storage points need to be provided at the edge area.

Due to separate suction capability in the first area and in the second area, no false air is drawn over the middle area. This results in an optimized suction result with an optimized separation result, with suction being possible over essentially the entire effective length (a length with a trim) of at least one cleaning roller.

Since the drawing in of false air is minimized, the performance of the suction unit device can also be adjusted. There is no need to provide a blower motor with increased performance to take into account false air drafts. This in turn makes it possible to use a fan motor with a lower weight in the solution according to the invention. As a result, the surface cleaning machine can be operated easily.

In particular, a connection direction between the first end face and the second end face is parallel to an axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller.

It is particularly advantageous if a drive element and/or a shaft for the at least one cleaning roller is arranged in the central region, which is or is connected to the drive device in a torque-effective manner. This results in an optimized suction result with cleanability on both sides close to the edges.

The at least one cleaning roller is designed in two parts, with a first part positioned on the first area and a second part positioned on the second area. The first part protrudes towards the first end face. The second part of the cleaning roller projects towards the second end face. Suction can be achieved on the first part via the at least one first suction opening and suction on the second part of the cleaning roller can be achieved via the at least one second suction opening. A draft of false air, especially over the middle area, is prevented.

In particular, the first part and the second part sit on a shaft which is positioned at the central region (and protrudes into the first region and the second region). This results in an optimized suction result with both sides being cleanable close to the edges.

The at least one first suction opening or an arrangement of a plurality of first suction openings has a length parallel to a rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller, which has at least 80% of a corresponding length of the first part of the at least one cleaning roller and in particular essentially corresponds to the length of the first part and/or the at least one second suction port or an arrangement of a plurality of second suction ports has a length parallel to a rotation axis of the at least one

Cleaning roller, which has at least 80% of a corresponding length of the second part of the at least one cleaning roller and in particular essentially corresponds to the length of the second part. This results in an optimized suction result. A large area of the at least one cleaning roller can be vacuumed, with false air being largely avoided.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one first suction opening and the at least one second suction opening are separated from one another in a fluid-effective manner. This largely prevents drafting of false air.

In one embodiment, a separating element for fluidly separating the at least one first suction port and the at least one second suction port is arranged on the central region. The separating element provides a fluid seal at the first area and at the second area and also between the first part and the second part. The separating element can, for example, be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the cleaning head.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one first suction funnel is arranged on the cleaning head, which has the at least one first suction opening, and at least one second suction funnel is arranged, which has the at least one second suction opening. The suction funnels form elements that lead the corresponding suction flow from the suction opening to a discharge connection.

It is then also advantageous if at least one first suction pipe is connected to the at least one first suction funnel and at least one second suction pipe is connected to the at least one second suction funnel. As a result, a suction pipe device is designed in several parts and in particular in two parts. Fluid can be removed separately from a first part and a second part of the at least one cleaning roller.

It is advantageous if the at least one first suction pipe and/or the at least one second suction pipe are designed at least in sections as a hose. This results in flexibility which, for example, enables the cleaning head to be pivoted about a pivot axis.

It is advantageous if the at least one first suction tube and the at least one second suction tube are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller. This results in particular in a guide that is optimized for pivoting of the cleaning head and a space-saving guide for the suction pipes. A simple constructive training can be achieved.

It is then in particular provided that a projection of a drive motor of the drive device onto an envelope plane of the at least one first suction pipe and the at least one second suction pipe lies at least partially in a free area between the at least one first suction pipe and the at least one second suction pipe. This results in a space-saving arrangement of the suction pipes on the cleaning head.

It is also advantageous if the drive motor is positioned at a distance from the envelope plane. This does not hinder the ability to pivot the cleaning head, particularly with a pivot axis that is at least approximately coaxial with a drive axis of the drive motor.

It is particularly advantageous if a collecting pipe is provided which has a connection for fluidly effective connection to the suction unit device and which is connected to the at least one first suction pipe and the at least one second suction pipe. The fluid flows in the at least one first suction tube and the at least one second suction tube are collected by the collecting tube. A “collective stream” is then created. This collection flow becomes the suction unit device and in particular initially fed to a separator device. This results in a simple structural design, since only one collecting flow needs to be coupled to the suction unit device on or in the device body.

In one embodiment, the manifold has a curved area on which the connection is arranged. This makes it possible to generate a collecting stream in a structurally simple manner from the individual streams in the at least one first suction pipe and the at least one second suction pipe.

It can be provided that the collecting pipe is at least partially positioned and/or the connection is positioned on the device body or on (in particular in) a housing of the device body, or is positioned on the cleaning head or is positioned at a transition from the cleaning head to the device body . Depending on the application, this then results in an optimized arrangement of the collecting pipe or connection.

It is particularly advantageous if a moistening device is provided for moistening the at least one cleaning roller. This allows the at least one cleaning roller to be moistened directly or indirectly with cleaning liquid (water or a mixture of water and cleaning agent). This results in an optimized cleaning effect. Dirt on the surface to be cleaned is softened by the liquid and can therefore be loosened and removed more easily.

In one embodiment, the moistening device has at least one nozzle, which is arranged on the cleaning head. In particular, the at least one cleaning roller is directly moistened by cleaning liquid from the at least one nozzle.

In one exemplary embodiment, a unit is provided which has at least one first suction funnel with the at least one first suction opening and has at least one second suction funnel with the at least one second suction mouth, the unit as a whole being detachably fixable to the cleaning head. By removing the unit, easy cleaning and maintenance can be achieved, especially for replacing the at least one cleaning roller.

It is then also structurally advantageous if the unit has a cover which covers a section on the cleaning head. This allows the number of components to be kept low.

It is also advantageous if part of a humidification device is arranged on the unit and in particular one or more nozzles are arranged on the unit and in particular one or more lines are arranged to the at least one nozzle. This part of the humidification device with the unit can then be removed from the cleaning head. This results in good accessibility both, for example, to a gear device on the cleaning head and the at least one cleaning roller as well as to this part of the moistening device on the unit and in particular the aperture.

In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a drive axis of a drive motor of the drive device and a rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller are transverse and in particular perpendicular to one another. By transversely orienting the drive axis (axis of a motor shaft) and the rotation axis, the drive motor of the drive device can be arranged on the surface cleaning machine to save space. It can be arranged in particular at a transition between the device body and the cleaning head. This means that it can be positioned low down on the device in order to maintain a low center of gravity for the entire device. However, it can also be positioned at least partially outside the cleaning head, so that it can be designed in a structurally simple manner. The drive motor can be installed transversely to the at least one cleaning roller and thus positioned to save space. This results in the surface cleaning machine being easy to operate and handle. Due to the transverse orientation of the drive axis of the drive motor on the axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller, the at least one cleaning roller can be positioned at a distance from the drive motor. This results in a structurally simple structure on the cleaning head and, for example, the cleaning roller can be easily replaced. Furthermore, the contamination of the drive motor is reduced by spacing it from the at least one cleaning roller.

A gear device is provided to transmit the torque of the drive motor to the at least one drive roller. This ensures an optimized peripheral speed of the at least one cleaning roller in a cleaning operation. Furthermore, torque redirection can be achieved using a gear device.

It is advantageous if the cleaning head sits on the device body via a joint so that it can pivot about a pivot axis. The joint allows the pivoting position of the device body to be varied relative to the cleaning head. As a result, during a cleaning process with the at least one cleaning roller, which is driven in rotation, cleaning can also be carried out in otherwise inaccessible areas, such as corner areas and edge areas. The pivotability can be full rotation or there can be a limited pivoting range of, for example, plus minus 90°. Restricting the pivoting range results in a simplified structural design with regard to cable routing from the device body to the cleaning head, since the cables do not have to be subjected to complete rotation.

In particular, the pivot axis is oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the device body and in particular oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis. The acute angle is, for example, in the range between 20° and 30° and, for example, around 25°.

It is advantageous if the drive motor of the drive device is positioned at least partially on the joint. This allows the surface cleaning machine to be designed in a structurally simple manner, particularly as a floor cleaning machine (for cleaning hard floors).

In principle, it is advantageous if the drive device with a heavy drive motor (in particular electric motor) is positioned as far down as possible on the surface cleaning machine in relation to the direction of gravity. Positioning on the cleaning head basically increases the space required on the cleaning head. For the solution according to the invention, the space on the joint is at least partially used to accommodate the drive motor of the drive device. This allows the drive motor to be positioned far down in relation to the direction of gravity (close to the cleaning head), making optimal use of the available space. In particular, the device body can then also be used to fix the drive motor.

The drive axis of the drive motor (the axis of a motor shaft of the drive motor) then lies at least approximately parallel or coaxial to the pivot axis. This results in a simple structural design.

In particular, it can be achieved that the cleaning head is pivotally mounted around the drive motor. This results in extensive cleaning options with a simple structural design.

In one exemplary embodiment, the joint has an inner sleeve in which the drive motor is at least partially positioned, and has an outer sleeve which sits on the inner sleeve and is rotatably (pivotably) mounted on it. This makes it easy to form a joint. At the same time, a type of motor housing is installed over the inner sleeve formed the drive motor. The surface cleaning machine can thus be implemented with optimal use of space.

It is advantageous if a receiving device for dirt and/or a tank device for dirty liquid is arranged on the device body, and/or a tank device for cleaning liquid is arranged on the device body. This results in extensive cleaning options. Excess liquid can be sucked out and collected on the device itself.

Accordingly, it is favorable if a separator device is arranged on the device body, which is assigned to the suction unit device. The separator device allows liquid to be separated from sucked-in dirty fluid. This allows the suction unit device to be protected accordingly.

In a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine is preferably only supported on a surface to be cleaned via the at least one cleaning roller. By changing the angular position of the device body in relation to its longitudinal axis to the surface to be cleaned, the total height above the surface to be cleaned can be varied. On the one hand, this makes it possible to carry out a simple adjustment to the height of an operator. Furthermore, by means of a deep lowering with a correspondingly low overall height, the surface cleaning machine with the at least one cleaning roller can be moved under a piece of furniture, for example, in order to carry out a cleaning process under this piece of furniture. The support via, in particular, a single cleaning roller on the surface to be cleaned provides a type of pivotability of the surface cleaning machine as a whole towards the surface to be cleaned, with an associated pivot axis being the support area of the at least one cleaning roller on the surface to be cleaned.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine;

Figur 2

eine Seitenansicht der Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine Vorderansicht der Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 4

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 4-4 gemäß Figur 3;

Figur 5

eine Schnittansicht längs den Linien 5-5 gemäß Figur 3;

Figur 6

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines vorderen Bereichs eine Reinigungskopfes der Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Figur 1 in einer seitlichen Schnittansicht längs der Linie 6-6 gemäß Figur 3;

Figur 7

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Bereichs A gemäß Figur 6 in einer ersten Stellung;

Figur 8

eine ähnliche Darstellung wie Figur 7 in einer anderen Stellung bezogen auf die Gravitationsrichtung;

Figur 9

eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines Reinigungskopfes der Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 10

eine weitere Ansicht des Reinigungskopfes ohne Reinigungswalze;

Figur 11

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Reinigungskopfes mit einer fixierten Blende;

Figur 12

die gleiche Ansicht wie Figur 11 mit entfernter Blende;

Figur 13

eine Schnittansicht des Reinigungskopfs gemäß Figur 11, wobei eine Fluidführung bei einer Absaugung angedeutet ist;

Figur 14

eine Schnittansicht wie in Figur 13, wobei die Position eines Sammelrohrs zu einem Gerätekörper angedeutet ist;

Figur 15

eine Variante des Reinigungskopfs gemäß Figur 11 mit einer anderen Position des Sammelrohrs im Vergleich zu Figur 14;

Figur 16

eine weitere Variante eines Reinigungskopfes in Schnittansicht mit entsprechender Positionierung eines Sammelrohrs; und

Figur 17

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Reinigungskopfes in Schnittansicht.

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

Figure 1

a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention;

Figure 2

a side view of the surface cleaning machine according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 3

a front view of the surface cleaning machine according to Figure 1 ;

Figure 4

a sectional view along line 4-4 according to Figure 3 ;

Figure 5

a sectional view along lines 5-5 Figure 3 ;

Figure 6

an enlarged view of a front area of a cleaning head of the surface cleaning machine Figure 1 in a side sectional view along line 6-6 Figure 3 ;

Figure 7

an enlarged view of area A according to Figure 6 in a first position;

Figure 8

a similar representation as Figure 7 in a different position relative to the direction of gravity;

Figure 9

a partial perspective view of a cleaning head of the surface cleaning machine Figure 1 ;

Figure 10

another view of the cleaning head without the cleaning roller;

Figure 11

a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a cleaning head with a fixed aperture;

Figure 12

the same view as Figure 11 with the aperture removed;

Figure 13

a sectional view of the cleaning head according to Figure 11 , whereby fluid guidance is indicated during suction;

Figure 14

a sectional view as in Figure 13 , wherein the position of a manifold to a device body is indicated;

Figure 15

a variant of the cleaning head according to Figure 11 with a different position of the manifold compared to Figure 14 ;

Figure 16

Another variant of a cleaning head in a sectional view with the corresponding positioning of a collecting pipe; and

Figure 17

Another embodiment of a cleaning head in a sectional view.

An exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, which is in the Figures 1 to 4 is shown (and in the Figures 5 to 10 in partial representation) and is designated there by 10, is designed as a floor cleaning machine for hard floors.

The surface cleaning machine 10 includes a device body 12 and a cleaning head 14. The cleaning head 14 is arranged on the device body 12.

During a cleaning process on a surface 16 to be cleaned, the surface cleaning machine 10 is supported on the surface 16 to be cleaned via a cleaning roller 18.

The device body 12 has a longitudinal axis 20 ( Figures 2 , 3 ). The surface cleaning machine 10 is protected from theft. For this purpose, a rod 22 sits on the device body 12. This rod 22 extends in the longitudinal axis 20. A handle and in particular a bow handle 24 is arranged on an upper region of the rod 22. An operator can hold the surface cleaning machine 10 with one hand using this handle 24.

One or more operating elements are arranged on the handle 24. In particular, a switch 26 is arranged on the handle 24. The surface cleaning machine 10 can be switched on or off for cleaning operation via the switch 26.

In particular, the control of the surface cleaning machine 10 is such that by actuating the switch 26 all components necessary for its functioning (generation of a suction current by a suction unit device, rotation of the cleaning roller 18, moistening of the cleaning roller 18) are actuated and correspondingly switched off at the switch 26 causes the actuation of these components to be switched off synchronously.

The rod 22 can be arranged in a height-displaceable manner (along the longitudinal axis 20) or fixedly on the device body 12.

The device body 12 includes a housing 28 in which components of the surface cleaning machine 10 are arranged in a protected manner.

In one exemplary embodiment, a hook device 30 is arranged on the rod 12 between the housing 28 and the handle 24, to which a power cable can be fixed by wrapping it on the rod 22.

The surface cleaning machine 10 includes a suction unit device designated as a whole by 32. This suction unit device 32 is used Generation of a suction flow in order to be able to carry out suction on the cleaning roller 18.

The suction unit device 32 includes a suction fan 34, which is arranged in the housing 28. The suction fan 34 in turn has a motor and in particular an electric motor 36, which is also arranged in the housing 28.

A separator device 38 is assigned to the suction unit device 32. This separates solid from liquid components in a suction stream.

The separator device 38 is also arranged in the housing 28.

The separator device 38 is assigned a tank device 40 for dirty liquid. This sits detachably on the housing 28.

A tank device 42 for cleaning liquid is also removably seated on the housing 28. The cleaning liquid is in particular water or a mixture of water and cleaning agent.

The suction unit device 32 is in fluid communication with (at least) one suction channel 44, which is guided from the suction fan 34 on the device body 12 through the housing 28 to the cleaning head 14. The suction channel 44 has a first area 46 which is positioned in the housing 28. In one exemplary embodiment, there is a branch 48 in the housing 28 at the first region 46, which branches off to a second region 50 and a third region 52 of the suction channel 44. The first area 46 is thereby divided into two subchannels. The second area 50 and the third area 52 are each guided to the cleaning head 14.

The second area 50 and the third area 52 are each assigned (at least) one suction mouth 54, which is positioned on the cleaning head 14.

A trim 56 is arranged on the cleaning roller 18 (cf. Figure 9 ). This trimming is, for example, a nonwoven material.

In one embodiment, the (at least one) suction mouth has a first mouth wall 58 and a second spaced mouth wall 60 ( Figure 5 ). The respective suction mouth 54 is formed between the first mouth wall 58 and the second mouth wall 60. The first mouth wall 58 lies above the second mouth wall 60 when the cleaning roller 18 is placed on the surface 16 to be cleaned. The first mouth wall 58 and/or the second mouth wall 60 rest on the trim 56 of the cleaning roller 18 or protrude into the trim 56. A corresponding muzzle design is in the international application, which has not been previously published PCT/EP2013/076445 dated December 12, 2013 by the same applicant.

In principle, the second area 50 and the third area 52 can be assigned their own suction opening 54, or a common suction opening can be provided for the second area 50 and the third area 52 of the suction channel 44. This one suction opening 54 then has two suction points via the second area 50 and the third area 52.

In principle, the suction unit device 32 can also be designed without branches and include several (in particular two) suction channels (two first areas 46) which are arranged in the housing 28. These then continue into the second area 50 or the third area 52. The cleaning head 14 is held on the device body 12 via a joint 62 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis 64 ( Figure 2 , Figure 4 ). The Pivot axis 64 lies transversely to the longitudinal axis 20 of the device body 12. In particular, it lies at an acute angle 66 ( Figure 2 ) to the longitudinal axis 20. The acute angle 66 is in particular in the range between 15° and 35°. In one embodiment, the acute angle 66 is approximately 25°.

The pivot axis 64 lies transversely and in particular perpendicular to a rotation axis 68 of the cleaning roller 18.

The cleaning roller 18 has a longitudinal axis 70. The longitudinal axis 70 is in particular coaxial with the rotation axis 68.

The swivel joint includes an inner sleeve 72 (cf. for example Figure 4 ), which is arranged on the device body 12 in accordance with the orientation of the pivot axis 64 at the acute angle 66 to the longitudinal axis 20.

The cleaning head 14 has an outer sleeve 74 which sits on the inner sleeve 72. A corresponding locking device ensures that the outer sleeve 74 is immovable in the direction of the pivot axis 64 with respect to the inner sleeve 72.

The inner sleeve 72 has a cylindrical outer contour. The outer sleeve 74 has a cylindrical inner contour. The joint 62 is designed as a sliding joint via the rotatable bearing of the outer sleeve 74 on the inner sleeve 72.

In principle, pivoting through a full 360° angle can be provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the pivotability is limited, for example, to a range of ± 45° or ± 90°.

A line for the areas 50, 52 between the device body 12 and the cleaning head 14 is designed to be correspondingly elastic in order to enable the cleaning head 14 to be pivoted (in particular in a limited pivoting range) at the joint 62.

A drive device 76 is provided for rotating the cleaning roller 18. The drive device 76 includes a drive motor 78. This drive motor 78 is in particular an electric motor. The drive motor 78 is positioned in the inner sleeve 72 of the joint 62.

The drive motor 78 has a motor shaft 80. The motor shaft 80 has a drive axle 82. The drive axle 82 is parallel and in particular coaxial to the pivot axis 64.

The drive motor 78 sits firmly in the inner sleeve 72 on the device body 12. It is positioned at the transition from the device body 12 to the cleaning head 14, namely at the joint 62. It is accommodated in a space-saving manner and is located near the cleaning head 14 in relation to a center of gravity of the surface cleaning machine 10.

The drive motor 78 is supplied with electrical energy, for example, via mains power.

The drive axis 82 of the drive motor 78 and the rotation axis 68 of the cleaning roller 18 are oriented transversely to one another and in particular oriented perpendicular to one another. A gear device 84 is provided for transmitting torque from the drive device 76 to the cleaning roller 18. In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission device 84 comprises a speed reducer 86. The speed reducer 86 serves to reduce a speed compared to the speed of the motor shaft 80. The drive motor 78 is in particular a standard electric motor, which, for example, has a speed of the order of magnitude Has 7000 revolutions per minute. The speed reducer 86 ensures that the speed is reduced to, for example, approximately 400 revolutions per minute.

The speed reducer 86 is in particular arranged directly on the drive motor 78, i.e. H. arranged next to this. It can still be arranged in the inner sleeve 72 or already on the cleaning head 14.

In one embodiment, the speed reducer 86 is designed as a planetary gear.

The gear device 84 also has an angular gear 88. This angular gear 88 ensures torque deflection in order to drive the cleaning roller 18 with the axis of rotation 68 transverse to the drive axis 82 of the drive motor 78. The angular gear 88 is in particular connected downstream of the speed reducer 86.

In one exemplary embodiment, the angular gear 88 has one or more gears which are coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to a corresponding shaft of the speed reducer 86. These act on a bevel gear to convert the angle.

The cleaning head 14 has a first end face 90 and an opposite second end face 92 (see for example Figure 10 ). A housing 94 of a cleaning roller holder 96 extends between the first end face 90 and the second end face 92. This housing 94 partially surrounds a cleaning roller 18 held on it in the form of a half-shell, the grip being such that the cleaning roller 18 has a significant Proportion stands out for a cleaning process.

In one exemplary embodiment, a sweeping element 98 is rotatably mounted on the housing 94 of the cleaning roller holder 96, this sweeping element 98 being used to sweep up coarse dirt to be taken along by the cleaning roller 18.

A cleaning head 14 with a corresponding sweeping element 98 is in the German patent application No. 10 2014 114 776.6 from October 13, 2014 by the same applicant.

A drive element 102 is arranged in a central region 100 of the cleaning roller holder 96 between the first end face 90 and the second end face 92. This drive element 102 is connected to the drive device 76 in a torque-effective manner.

In one embodiment, the drive element 102 is torque-coupled to the angular gear 88 via a belt 104. The drive element 102 is spaced apart from the angular gear 88. The belt 104 bridges this distance and drives the drive element with rotation about the axis of rotation 68.

A first pin 106 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the drive element 102 towards the first end face 90. A second pin 108 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner towards the second end face 92.

The cleaning roller 18 (for example Figure 9 ) is designed in two parts with a first part 110, which sits non-rotatably on the first pin 106, and a second part 112, which sits non-rotatably on the second pin 108. The first part 110 points to the first end face 90. The second part 112 points to the second end face 92.

A gap 114 is formed between the first part 110 and the second part 112. This gap 114 is relatively narrow and has a much smaller width than a length of the cleaning roller 18 in the longitudinal axis 20. The belt 104 is guided in the gap 114. The belt 104 is set back relative to an outside of the cleaning roller 18 and also relative to a position in which the trim 56 is compressed.

The surface cleaning machine 10 includes a moistening device 116 for the cleaning roller 18 (in particular Figures 6 to 8 ).

The humidification device includes (at least) one pressure-controlled switch 118. This pressure-controlled switch 118 is movable. (In Figures 7 and 8, this is indicated by the double arrow 120.) The pressure-controlled switch 118 comprises a movable membrane 122, on which, for example, a blocking element 124 sits in one piece. The blocking element 124 is also movable via the mobility of the membrane 122. The membrane 122 has a first surface 126. This first surface 126 is in pressure-effective connection with the suction channel 44 and with the second region 50 or the third region 52. The pressure prevailing in the second region 50 (or the third region 52) is applied to the first surface 126. In a cleaning operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, due to the suction flow, this pressure is a negative pressure compared to the external space 128 outside the surface cleaning machine 10.

Opposite the first surface 126, the membrane 122 has a second surface 130.

The membrane 122 is in fluid communication with a collecting space 132. The collecting space 132 can accommodate cleaning liquid.

The collecting space 132 is in fluid communication with the tank device 42 for cleaning liquid via a line 134.

The line 134 is led from the tank device 42 through the device body 12 to the cleaning head 14. It is designed so flexibly that it does not hinder the pivoting (particularly within a finite pivoting range) of the cleaning head 14 on the device body 12 about the joint 62.

In one embodiment ( Figure 9 ), a plurality of pressure-controlled switches 118 are arranged on the cleaning head 14.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cleaning head 14 comprises two pressure-controlled switches 118. A pressure-controlled switch 18 is connected to the second area 50 in a pressure-effective manner and a further pressure-controlled switch 118 is connected to the third area 52 in a pressure-effective manner.

The line 134 leads at a connection 136 (which is in particular a T-piece) into a distribution line 138. The distribution line 138 in turn opens into the housing 94 at a first connection point 140 and at a second connection point 142. Behind the first connection point 140 and the At the second connection point 142, an associated pressure-controlled switch 118 is arranged. The distribution line 138 forms the collecting space 132.

A check valve 139 is arranged on line 134 between the distribution line 138 and the tank device 42. This can in particular be operated manually. A fluid connection between the tank device 42 and a fluid inlet of a pressure-controlled switch 118 can be blocked by the check valve 139.

In principle, more than two pressure-controlled switches 118 with corresponding connection points and collecting spaces can also be provided, whereby a collecting space can also be assigned to several switches 118, or only a single pressure-controlled switch 118 with only one collecting space 132 can be provided.

Based on a normal operating mode, in which the cleaning roller 18 is supported on the surface 16 to be cleaned, an operator of the surface cleaning machine 10 stands on the surface 16 to be cleaned and holds the surface cleaning machine on the handle 24, the handle 24 being related is positioned in the direction of gravity g above the surface 16 to be cleaned, the tank device 42 for cleaning liquid is positioned above the cleaning head 14. This allows cleaning liquid to escape from the Tank device 42 can be conveyed to the cleaning head 14 without a pump, namely driven by gravity (if the check valve 139 is open).

In particular, the collecting space 132 is designed in cooperation with the pressure-controlled switch 118 so that cleaning liquid is constantly present in the collecting space 132 (provided the check valve 139 is open).

The second surface 130 points into a space 144, which is in pressure-effective connection with the outer space 128.

An openable and closable fluid path 146 is formed between the collecting space 132 and the space 144. Depending on the position of the pressure-controlled switch 118, liquid can flow from the collecting space 132 into the space 144. Depending on the position of the blocking element 124, this fluid path 146 is blocked or opened.

Depending on the pressure applied to the first surface 126, there is or is not a pressure difference between the second surface 130 and the first surface 126.

When the surface cleaning machine is operating, in which the suction fan 34 is operated, there is a negative pressure above a threshold value on the first surface 126 compared to the outside space 128. This means that there is a significant pressure difference between the second surface 130 and the first surface 126.

A wall 148 is arranged opposite the locking element 124 and has a contact surface 150 for the locking element 124.

If there is no pressure difference between the second surface 130 and the first surface 126 or the pressure difference threshold is not exceeded, then the blocking element 124 rests on the contact surface 150 and the fluid path 146 is closed; the corresponding collecting space 132 and the space 144 are fluidly separated.

If there is a sufficient pressure difference between the second surface 130 and the first surface 126, then the blocking element 124 lifts off from the contact surface 150 and the fluid path 146 is opened. Cleaning liquid can flow into the space 144 from the collecting space 132 and thus from the tank device 42.

During a cleaning operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, in which a suction flow is present in the suction channel 44 and thus also in the second area 50 or third area 52, there is a corresponding negative pressure applied to the first surface 126, which causes the blocking element 124 to be lifted off the contact surface 150 and holds the locking element 124 in this lifted position. The lifted position is an open position of the pressure-controlled switch 118.

If the blocking element 124 rests on the contact surface 150, then the pressure-controlled switch 118 is in a closed position with the fluid path 146 blocked.

The pressure-controlled switch 118 has a reset device which, if the pressure difference between the first surface 126 and the second surface 130 is below the threshold value, causes the locking element 124 to be reset into the closed position with the locking element 124 resting against the contact surface 150.

In one exemplary embodiment, the restoring device is formed by means of the inherent elasticity of the membrane 122.

The transition from the open position to the closed position or vice versa of the pressure-controlled switch 118 is directly linked to the operation of the suction fan 34; the necessary negative pressure to move and Holding the membrane 122 in the open position is caused by the suction flow generated by the suction unit device 32.

A distributor 152 is assigned to the pressure-controlled switch 118 and in particular to a plurality of pressure-controlled switches 118. The distributor 152 serves to distribute cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 18 and in particular to apply liquid to it over the length of the cleaning roller 18.

In one embodiment, the distributor 152 is designed as a channel 154. The channel 154 absorbs cleaning liquid up to a certain level. It can collect cleaning fluid.

The channel 154 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 70 of the cleaning roller 18 and thus parallel to the axis of rotation 68.

It is arranged in particular in the room 144.

In particular, it extends in a length which corresponds to the length of the cleaning roller 18 in the longitudinal axis 70, so that cleaning liquid can be applied to it over its entire length.

The channel 154 is assigned an outlet opening device 156, which extends in particular over the entire length of the cleaning roller 18. The outlet opening device 156 forms one or more nozzles for moistening the cleaning roller 18.

The channel 154 is designed in the shape of a half-shell. It therefore has a delivery opening 158 for cleaning liquid over its entire length.

The distributor 152 with the gutter 154 can collect cleaning liquid. This creates an intermediate buffer for cleaning liquid. cleaning fluid does not necessarily flow directly to the cleaning roller 18 on the fluid path 146, but is collected accordingly in the channel 154.

Depending on the position of the distributor 152 relative to the direction of gravity g and thus depending on the position and angular position of the longitudinal axis 20 of the surface cleaning machine 10 relative to the surface 16 to be cleaned, cleaning liquid may or may not flow out of the distributor 152. An angular position of the surface cleaning machine 10 relative to the surface 16 to be cleaned is in Figure 1 indicated by the reference number 160. This angular position 160 can vary. The surface cleaning machine 10 is supported with the cleaning roller 18 on the surface 16 to be cleaned. A support area 162 of the cleaning roller 18 on the surface 16 to be cleaned forms a pivot axis for varying the angular position 160.

The channel 154 is arranged so that when a certain pivoting angle of the angular position 160 is reached, cleaning liquid can flow from the channel 154 directly to the cleaning roller 18 ( Figure 8 ).

In Figure 7 a position of the distributor 152 relative to the direction of gravity g is shown, in which the outlet opening device 156 is at a higher gravitational potential than the channel 154.

In Figure 8 A position is shown in which the outlet opening device 156 is at a lower gravitational potential than the channel 154.

In the latter case, cleaning liquid can flow directly from the channel 154 to the cleaning roller 18 and apply cleaning liquid to it.

In this embodiment, the liquid application to the cleaning roller 18 is gravity-controlled via the angular position 160. The angular position 160 is in turn adjusted via manual operation by the operator.

Depending on whether a certain minimum pivot angle for the angular position 160 is reached, the cleaning roller 18 is applied with cleaning agent or not. This is determined by the height distance in the direction of gravity between the outlet opening device 156 and the channel 154.

In an advantageous exemplary embodiment, one or more gap channels 162 are arranged between the space(s) 144 and the outlet opening device 156 to form one or more nozzles. Cleaning liquid from the channel 154 must pass through a corresponding gap channel 162 in order to be able to reach the cleaning roller 18.

A gap channel 162 is in particular designed with dimensions such that a capillary effect occurs for the flow of cleaning liquid. Such a capillary effect supports a uniform distribution of cleaning liquid over the entire length of the cleaning roller 18. In particular, the gap channel 162 extends essentially over the entire length of the cleaning roller 18.

A trim 56 of the cleaning roller 18 lies or lies almost with individual fibers on the outlet opening device 156 of the gap channel 162 during the rotation of the cleaning roller 18. This creates a (low) negative pressure at the distributor 152, which entrains cleaning liquid. Furthermore, cleaning fluid is drawn out of the gap channel 162 by the capillary action of fibers of the trim. This ensures that the cleaning roller 18 is evenly supplied with cleaning liquid.

The supply of cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller 18 is designed to be pump-free. The pressure-controlled switch 118 is directly coupled to a suction flow effect of the suction fan 34. This means that no additional control and in particular electronic control is necessary for moistening the cleaning roller 18. In particular, no solenoid valves or the like are provided.

An embodiment of a cleaning head, which is in the Figures 11 to 14 shown and designated there by 202, comprises a cleaning roller holder 204, which is designed essentially the same as the cleaning roller holder 96 described above. The cleaning roller holder 204 comprises a holding body 206. A cleaning roller is held on this. The cleaning roller is designed in the same way as the cleaning roller 18 described above. The same reference numbers are used for the same elements. The cleaning roller 18 accordingly has a first part 110 and a second part 112. The cleaning roller 18 can be rotated about a rotation axis corresponding to the rotation axis 68. The cleaning head has a first end face 208 and a second end face 210. These are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation 68.

In particular, the first end face 208 and the second end face 210 form a respective lateral outer end of the cleaning head 202.

The cleaning head 202 has a first area 212 on the cleaning roller holder 204 in the area of the cleaning roller 18, which is assigned to the first part 110 of the cleaning roller 18. Furthermore, the cleaning head 202 has a second area 214, which is assigned to the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18. The first area 212 and the second area 214 follow one another in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation 68. The first end face 208 is formed on the first area 212 and the second end face 210 is formed on the second area 214.

Between the first area 212 and the second area 214 there is a middle area 216 on the cleaning roller holder 204.

A shaft 218 is arranged at the central region 216. The first part 110 of the cleaning roller sits on this shaft 218 in a rotationally fixed manner towards the first end face 208 18, and towards the second end face 210 the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18.

The shaft 218 forms a drive element corresponding to the drive element 102 as described above.

The shaft 218 is torque-effectively connected to a drive motor corresponding to the drive motor 78 via corresponding gear elements 220. The drive motor 78 is located on the cleaning head 202. The torque transmission from the drive motor 78 to the cleaning roller 18 is basically the same as described above. The same reference numbers are therefore used for the same elements. In particular, a speed reducer is provided and a corresponding gear device 84, which includes the gear elements 220. The torque on the rotatable cleaning roller 18 is transmitted by the drive motor 78 via the central region 216 of the cleaning head 202.

The cleaning roller 18 is preferably designed so that it extends in the first region 212 to the first end face 208 to an outer end and also in the second region 214 to the second end face 210 extends to an outer end.

A first suction opening 222 is positioned on the first area 212 of the cleaning roller holder 204, assigned to the first part 110 of the cleaning roller 18.

A second suction opening 224 is positioned at the second area 214, assigned to the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18. The first suction opening 222 is arranged on a first suction funnel 226. The second suction opening 224 is arranged on a second suction funnel 228.

The first suction funnel 226 and the second suction funnel 228 are, for example, plastic parts that are fixed to the cleaning head 202.

A length L (cf. Figure 13 ) of the first suction mouth 222 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 68 is at least 80% of the corresponding length of the first part 110 of the cleaning roller 18 and preferably corresponds essentially to a total length of the first part 110 of the cleaning roller 18 in this longitudinal direction.

The length of the second suction opening 224 is corresponding in this longitudinal direction in relation to the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18. This makes it possible to achieve a suction effect on the cleaning head 202 over a large length range of the first part 110 or the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18.

The first suction funnel 226 with the first suction opening 222 serves for fluid suction from the first part 110 of the cleaning roller 18. The second suction funnel 228 with the second suction opening 224 serves for fluid suction from the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18.

The first suction port 222 and the second suction port 224 are fluidly separated from one another in order to at least minimize "false air drawing" of the respective suction port 222 or 224 from the other suction port 224 or 222.

In one exemplary embodiment, a separating element 230 is arranged on the central region 226. The separating element 230 sits centrally between the first part 110 and the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18. In particular, it is arranged on the cleaning head 202 in a rotationally fixed manner.

The separating element 230 projects through a gap 232 between the first part 110 and the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18 in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation 68 from a placement surface of the cleaning roller 18 onto a surface 16 to be cleaned.

The separating element 230 is preferably designed in such a way that it does not protrude into a gap in the cleaning roller 18 on the placement surface 234 and therefore cannot come into contact with the surface 16 to be cleaned.

The first suction funnel 226 has a first connection 236. A first suction pipe 238 is connected to this. The first suction pipe 238 can be a rigid pipe or is at least partially designed as a flexible pipe (hose).

The second suction funnel 228 has a second connection 240. A second suction pipe 242 is connected to this. The second suction pipe 242 is basically designed in the same way as the first suction pipe 238.

The first suction funnel 226 and the second suction funnel 228 taper in their cross-sectional area from the corresponding first suction opening 220 to the first connection 236 or from the second suction opening 224 to the second connection 240. The taper occurs at least in a direction that is parallel to the axis of rotation 68.

A taper can also take place in a transverse direction. (The transverse direction is in Figure 13 perpendicular to the drawing plane.)

In one exemplary embodiment (cf. Figures 11 and 12 ) a bridge element 244 sits on the cleaning roller holder 204 at a distance from the cleaning roller 18. The first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242 are fixed to the bridge element 244. A first counterpart 246 for the first connection 236 is arranged on the bridge element 244. Accordingly, a second counterpart 248 for the second connection 240 is arranged on the bridge element 244. The suction funnel 226 can be coupled in a fluid-tight manner via the first connection 236 and the first counterpart 246 and the second suction funnel 228 can be coupled in a fluid-tight manner via the second connection 240 of the second suction funnel 228 and the second counterpart 248.

A unit 250 is preferably provided, which can be removed as a whole from the cleaning roller holder. The unit 250 includes a panel 252, which can be detachably fixed to the cleaning roller holder 204. The cover 252 has corresponding contact surfaces on counter elements of the cleaning roller holder 204.

The first suction funnel 226 and the second suction funnel 228 are firmly positioned on the aperture 252. When the aperture 252 is removed, the first suction funnel 226 and the second suction funnel 228 are removed with it.

The first connection 236 and the first counterpart 246 as well as the second connection 240 and the second counterpart 248 are designed in relation to one another in such a way that it can be attached when the cover 252 is fixed to the cleaning roller holder 204 with the production of a fluid-tight connection and Accordingly, removal and loosening of this connection between the first connection 236 and the first counterpart 246 as well as with the second connection 240 and the second counterpart 248 is also possible.

A part of the humidification device 116 is preferably also arranged on the cover 252 as described above, so that this part can be removed and also cleaned in a simple manner. In particular, the connection points 140, 142 are arranged as described above and the distribution line 138 is arranged on the panel 252 and thus on the unit 250. Furthermore, the wall 148 is preferably positioned as described above and thus also the channel 154 on the unit 250.

The unit 250 enables removable as a whole and thus good access, in particular for cleaning and, for example, for replacing the cleaning roller 18.

The first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242 are parallel to the longitudinal direction (connection direction) between the first end face 208 and the second end face 210 of the cleaning head 202 spaced apart from one another. There is a free space (without intake manifold) between these.

The first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242 have a common envelope plane 254.

In one embodiment, a projection of the drive motor 78 onto the envelope plane 254 lies at least partially in the free area between the first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242. This results in a space-saving design.

Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment it is provided that the drive motor 78 is spaced from the envelope plane 254. As a result, pivoting about the pivot axis 64 is not hindered, particularly by the suction pipes 238, 242.

The first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242 are connected by a manifold 256. The collecting pipe 256 has a curved region 258. A connection 260 is located on the curved region 258, in particular in the middle with respect to the first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242. In the collecting pipe 256, the flow paths in the first suction pipe 238 and in the second suction pipe 242 are brought together, so that only a single connection 260, which is located in particular in the apex region of the curved region 258, is necessary in order to connect the corresponding pipe device consisting of the first suction pipe 238, second suction pipe 242 and collecting pipe 256 in a fluid-effective manner to the suction unit device 32 and in particular to the separator device 38.

The pipe device is designed in such a way that it allows the cleaning head 202 to pivot about the pivot axis 64. As mentioned above, this is achieved, for example, in that the first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242 are designed as flexible hoses at least in a partial area.

In one embodiment ( Figure 14 ), the collecting pipe 256 and the connection 260 are arranged at a transition region 262 from the cleaning head 202 to the device body 12 or a housing 264 of the device body 12.

It is also possible ( Figure 15 ), that the collecting pipe 256 is arranged entirely or in sections on the device body 12 and in particular in a housing 264 of the device body 12. In particular, the connection 260 is positioned completely in the housing 264.

Otherwise, the corresponding cleaning head, which is in Figure 15 is designated 202', is designed in the same way as the cleaning head 202.

It is also possible ( Figure 16 ), that in a cleaning head 202', which is otherwise designed the same as the cleaning head 202, a collecting pipe 256' is arranged on the cleaning head 202'. A connection 260' then ensures fluid connectivity with the suction unit device 32 on the device body 12. It is then also possible in principle for the connection 260' to also be arranged on the cleaning head 202" and then a corresponding pipe from the connection 202" to that Device body 12 leads.

It is also possible, as in Figure 17 indicated that the first region 212 is assigned a plurality of first suction ports 266a, 266b, and the second region 214 is assigned a plurality of second suction ports 268a, 268b.

Accordingly, a plurality of suction funnels 270a, 270b are arranged on the first area 212, with the suction funnel 270a having the suction opening 266a and the suction funnel 270b having the suction opening 266b.

Accordingly, suction funnels 272a, 272b are arranged on the second region 214, the suction funnel 272a having the suction opening 268a and the suction funnel 272b having the suction opening 268b.

The first suction ports 266a, 266b are separated from one another by a wall between the suction funnels 270a, 270b. The wall can be common to the suction funnels 270a, 270b or each of these suction funnels 270a, 270b can have its own wall facing the other suction funnel. The design of the suction funnels 272a, 272b can be corresponding.

As described above, a first suction pipe 238 and a second suction pipe 242 are again provided. (The same reference numerals are used for the same elements.) These are assigned a first connection 236 and a second connection 240. The suction funnels 270a, 270b open into the first connection 236. The suction funnels 272a, 272b open into the second connection 240.

Otherwise, the corresponding cleaning head is designed in the same way as described above.

If the parts 110, 112 of the cleaning roller 18 are assigned first suction openings 222 or 266a, 266b and second suction openings 224 or 268a, 268b, then over a large length and essentially over the entire length of the cleaning roller 18, which has a trim 56 , achieve a suction effect for fluid. This largely prevents any drafting of false air.

The cleaning roller 18 can be designed and positioned so that it extends to the end faces 208, 210. This makes it possible to achieve cleaning close to the edge when the surface cleaning machine 10 is in operation.

The cleaning head 202 or 202 'or 202" is preferably designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the suction flow guide to a central plane which lies transversely to the axis of rotation 68 at the central region 216.

The surface cleaning machine 10 according to the invention works as follows:
For a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine 10 is supported on the surface 16 to be cleaned via the cleaning roller 18. An operator stands on the surface 16 to be cleaned behind the surface cleaning machine 10 and holds it, for example, with one hand on the handle 24.

The operator can perform a forward thrust in the forward direction 164.

During a cleaning operation, the suction fan 34 generates a suction flow which causes a negative pressure relative to the outside space 128 in the suction channel 44 and thus in the areas 46, 50 and 52.

The drive motor 78 generates a torque which is transmitted to the cleaning roller 18 via the gear device 84. This is driven rotating. In particular, it is counterclockwise (in Figure 1 indicated by the reference number 166).

It is in particular provided that the cleaning roller 18 has a peripheral speed in the range between 0.9 m/s and 1.2 m/s and in particular with a peripheral speed greater than 0.92 m/s and in particular less than 1.15 m/s is driven.

For example, it is driven with a peripheral speed in the range between 0.95 m/s and 1.05 m/s. For example, it is driven with a peripheral speed of approx. 1 m/s.

In principle, it can be provided that the peripheral speed can be adjusted by an operator. In a structurally simple embodiment, the drive device 76 determines the peripheral speed.

The cleaning roller 18 has a trim 56 which can be compressed. The trim 56 is made in particular from a textile material.

The peripheral speed as mentioned above then does not refer to a maximum diameter of the cleaning roller 18, but to a diameter when the trim 56 is compressed, for example, by the weight of the surface cleaning machine 10.

If the peripheral speed is too low, the surface cleaning machine simply rolls on the surface 16 to be cleaned without sufficient cleaning effect. If the peripheral speed is too high, cleaning fluid will splash.

The circumferential speeds mentioned are designed in particular for a working speed (forward speed) of the operator of approximately 0.9 m/s.

The moistening device 116 moistens the cleaning roller 18 with cleaning agent from the tank device 42. This liquid application is pump-free and in particular solenoid valve-free. By gravity, cleaning liquid flows from the tank device 42 to the collecting space or spaces 132. (In an embodiment in which the tank device is located on the cleaning head, the tank device itself can form a collecting space.)

When negative pressure is applied to the suction channel 44 with the areas 50, 52, the pressure-effective connection to the pressure-controlled switch or switches 118 ensures that the fluid path or paths 146 are opened. Cleaning liquid can then accumulate in the distributor 152 and from there Apply cleaning roller 18. This ensures uniform loading over essentially the entire length of the cleaning roller 18 along the longitudinal axis 70.

The uniform distribution can be supported by capillary action using one or more gap channels 162.

By (manually) blocking the check valve 139, cleaning operation without the application of liquid (“suction operation”) is possible.

By specifying the angular position 160, an operator can adjust whether cleaning fluid flows from the distributor 152 to the cleaning roller 18 or not. This setting is gravity-controlled, depending on whether the outlet opening device 156 is positioned above or below the channel 154 in relation to the direction of gravity, whereby capillary forces via the gap channel 162 and a negative pressure effect due to the contact of fibers of the trimming 56 on the outlet opening device 156 may be present.

Dirt on the surface 16 to be cleaned is softened by cleaning liquid and can then be taken away via the cleaning roller 18.

Suction takes place via the suction ports 222, 224 or 266a, 266b, 268a, 268b using the suction flow produced. Separation into solid dirt particles and liquid takes place at the separator device 38. Dirty liquid is collected in the tank device 40.

Separate first suction mouths 222 or 266a, 266b and second suction mouths 224 or 268a, 268b are provided for the first part 110 and the second part 112 of the cleaning roller 18. It is thereby possible to provide a central drive for the rotational movement of the cleaning roller 18, that is to say a torque can be effectively coupled in via the central region 216 of the cleaning roller holder 204 become. The suction for the first area 212 and the second area 214 takes place via separate suction ports 222 and 224 (or correspondingly 266a, 266b or 268a, 268b). This means that both sides can be cleaned close to the edge.

This arrangement means that a suction channel device is formed in two parts via the first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242. The first suction pipe 238 is assigned to the first region 212 and the second suction pipe 242 to the second region 214.

Due to the separation between one or more first suction ports 222 and one or more second suction ports 224, suction does not have to be carried out via the central region 216. This largely prevents the drawing in of false air. This achieves an optimized suction result. Furthermore, the suction unit device 32 can be designed with reduced performance requirements. Furthermore, an improved separation result is achieved.

Fluid can be guided past the drive motor 78 laterally through the first suction pipe 238 and the second suction pipe 242. The collecting pipe 256 or 256 'then ensures a collected fluid discharge to the suction unit device 32.

The joint 62 can also be used, for example, to carry out mechanical corner cleaning or edge cleaning. The device body 12 can be pivoted relative to the cleaning head 14 about the pivot axis 64 in the pivot range.

Relative to a normal operating mode, the relatively heavy drive motor 78 is arranged far down near the cleaning head 14 and is positioned at least partially on the joint 62 to save space. It can be positioned at least partially outside the cleaning head 14 (at a distance from the cleaning roller 18).

Coarse dirt can be swept via the sweeping element 98, which can then be taken away by the cleaning roller 18.

Reference symbol list

10

Surface cleaning machine

12

Device body

14

Cleaning head

16

Surface to be cleaned

18

Cleaning roller

20

Longitudinal axis

22

Rod

24

Handle

26

Switch

28

Housing

30

Hook device

32

Suction unit device

34

Suction fan

36

engine

38

Separator device

40

Tank device for dirty liquid

42

Tank device for cleaning liquid

44

suction channel

46

First area

48

junction

50

Second area

52

Third area

54

Suction mouth

56

Stocking

58

First mouth wall

60

Second mouth wall

62

joint

64

Pivot axis

66

acute angle

68

Axis of rotation

70

Longitudinal axis

72

Inner sleeve

74

Outer sleeve

76

Drive device

78

drive motor

80

Motor shaft

82

Drive axle

84

Transmission device

86

Speed reducer

88

Angle gear

90

First face

92

Second front side

94

Housing

96

Cleaning roller holder

98

sweeping element

100

Middle area

102

Drive element

104

belt

106

First pen

108

Second pen

110

First part

112

Second part

114

gap

116

Humidification device

118

pressure controlled switch

120

Double arrow

122

membrane

124

Locking element

126

First surface

128

Outdoor space

130

Second area

132

Collection room

134

Line

136

Connection

138

distribution line

139

Check valve

140

First connection point

142

Second connection point

144

Space

146

Fluid path

148

wall

150

investment area

152

distributor

154

gutter

156

Exhaust opening device

158

Delivery opening

160

Angular position

162

cleavage canal

164

Forward direction

166

Counterclockwise

202

Cleaning head

202'

Cleaning head

202"

Cleaning head

204

Cleaning roller holder

206

holding body

208

First face

210

Second front side

212

First area

214

Second area

216

Middle area

218

Wave

220

Gear element

222

First suction mouth

224

Second suction port

226

First suction funnel

228

Second suction funnel

230

Separator

232

gap

234

landing surface

236

First connection

238

First suction pipe

240

Second connection

242

Second suction pipe

244

Bridge element

246

First counterpart

248

Second counterpart

250

Unit

252

cover

254

Envelope plane

256

collecting pipe

256'

collecting pipe

258

Curved area

260

Connection

260'

Connection

262

Transition area

264

Housing

266a

First suction mouth

266b

First suction port

268a

Second suction port

268b

Second suction port

270a

Suction funnel

270b

Suction funnel

272a

Suction funnel

272b

Suction funnel

Claims (14)

1. Surface-cleaning machine, comprising an appliance body (12) on which a suction apparatus device (32) is arranged, a cleaning head (202; 202'; 202") on which at least one cleaning roller (18) is arranged, and a drive device (76) for driving the at least one cleaning roller (18) in rotation; wherein the cleaning head (202; 202'; 202") has, between a first face side (208) and an oppositely situated second face side (210), a first region (212), a second region (214) and a central region (216) situated between the first region (210) and the second region (214), and wherein at least one first suction mouth (222; 266a, 266b) is positioned at the first region (210) so as to be associated with the at least one cleaning roller (18) and at least one second suction mouth (224; 268a, 268b) is positioned at the second region (214) so as to be associated with the at least one cleaning roller (18), wherein the at least one first suction mouth (222; 266a, 266b) and the at least one second suction mouth (224; 268a, 268b) are fluidically connected to the suction apparatus device (32), characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller (18) is of two-part form, having a first part (110) which is positioned at the first region (212) and having a second part (112) which is positioned at the second region (214), and in that the at least one first suction mouth (222; 266a, 266b) or an arrangement of multiple first suction mouths has a length (L) parallel to an axis of rotation (68) of the at least one cleaning roller (18) which amounts to at least 80 % of a corresponding length of the first part (110) of the at least one cleaning roller (18), and/or in that the at least one second suction mouth (224) or an arrangement of multiple second suction mouths (268a, 268b) has a length parallel to an axis of rotation (68) of the at least one cleaning roller (18) which amounts to at least 80 % of a corresponding length of the second part (112) of the at least one cleaning roller (18).
2. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a connecting direction between the first face side (208) and the second face side (210) is parallel to an axis of rotation (68) of the at least one cleaning roller (18).
3. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, at the central region (216), there is arranged a drive element and/or a shaft (218), which drive element or shaft is connected in terms of torque transmission to the drive device (76).
4. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (110) and the second part (112) are seated on a shaft (218) which is positioned at the central region (216), and in that the length (L) in particular substantially corresponds to the length of the first part (110) and the second part (112).
5. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first suction mouth (222; 266a, 266b) and the at least one second suction mouth (224; 268a, 268b) are fluidically separated from one another, and in particular in that a separating element (230) for fluidically separating the at least one first suction mouth (222; 266a, 266b) and the at least one second second suction mouth (224; 268a, 268b) is arranged at the central region.
6. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, on the cleaning head (202; 202'; 202") there is arranged at least one first suction funnel (226; 270a, 270b) which has the at least one first suction mouth (222; 266a, 266b), and at least one second suction funnel (228; 272a, 272b) which has the at least one second suction mouth (224; 268a, 268b), and in particular in that at least one first suction pipe (238) is connected to the at least one first suction funnel (226; 270a, 270b) and at least one second suction pipe (242) is connected to the at least one second suction funnel (228; 272a, 272b), and in particular in that the at least one first suction pipe (238) and/or the at least one second suction pipe (242) are formed, at least in sections, as hoses, and in particular in that the at least one first suction pipe (238) and the at least one second suction pipe (242) are arranged spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation (68) of the at least one cleaning roller (18), and in particular in that a projection of a drive motor (78) of the drive device (76) onto an envelope plane (254) of the at least one first suction pipe (238) and of the at least one second suction pipe (242) lies at least partially in a free region between the at least one first suction pipe (238) and the at least one second suction pipe (242), and in particular in that the drive motor (78) is positioned spaced apart from the envelope plane (254).
7. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a manifold pipe (256; 256') which has a connection (260; 260') for the fluidic connection to the suction apparatus device (32) and which is connected to the at least one first suction pipe (238) and to the at least one second suction pipe (242), and in particular in that the manifold pipe (256; 256') has a curved region (258) on which the connection (260; 260') is arranged, and in particular in that the manifold pipe (256; 256'), at least partially, and/or the connection (260; 260') is positioned on the appliance body (12) or on a housing (264) of the appliance body (12) or is positioned on the cleaning head (202") or at a transition (262) from the cleaning head (202) to the appliance body (12).
8. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a wetting device (116) for moistening the at least one cleaning roller (118), and in particular characterized in that the wetting device (116) has at least one nozzle (156) which is arranged on the cleaning head (202).
9. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a unit (250) which has at least one first suction funnel (226; 270a, 270) with the at least one first suction mouth (222; 266a, 266b) and at least one second suction funnel (228; 272a, 272b) with the at least one second suction mouth (224; 268a, 268b), wherein the unit (250) as a whole is detachably fixable to the cleaning head (202), and in particular in that the unit (250) has a cover panel (252) which covers a section on the cleaning head (202), and in particular in that a part of a wetting device (116) is arranged on the unit (250), and in particular in that one or more nozzles (156) are arranged on the unit (250), and in particular in that one or more lines (138) to the at least one nozzle (156) are arranged on the unit (250).
10. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive axis (82) of a drive motor (78) of the drive device (76) and an axis of rotation (68) of the at least one cleaning roller (18) are oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly with respect to one another, and in particular in that the drive device (76) comprises a transmission device (84) for the transmission of torque to the at least one cleaning roller (18).
11. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (14) is seated by means of a joint (62), so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (64), on the appliance body (12), and in particular in that the pivot axis (64) is oriented transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis (20) of the appliance body (12), and in particular is oriented at an acute angle (66) with respect to the longitudinal axis (20), and in particular in that the drive motor (78) of the drive device (76) is positioned at least partially on the joint (62), an in particular in that a drive axis (82) of the drive motor (78) lies at least approximately parallel or coaxially with respect to the pivot axis (64), and in particular in that the cleaning head (14) is mounted so as to be rotatable about the drive motor (78), and in particular in that the joint (62) has an inner sleeve (72) in which the drive motor (78) is at least partially positioned, and an outer sleeve (74) which is seated on the inner sleeve (82) and which is mounted pivotably thereon.
12. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving device for dirt and/or a reservoir device (40) for dirty liquid is arranged on the appliance body (12), and/or in that a reservoir device (42) for cleaning liquid is arranged on the appliance body (12).
13. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a separation device (38) which is associated with the suction apparatus device (32) is arranged on the appliance body (12).
14. Surface-cleaning machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, during a cleaning operation, the surface-cleaning machine is supported on a surface (16) for cleaning only by way of a cleaning roller (18).

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