EP3206548A1

EP3206548A1 - Surface cleaning machine and method for operating a surface cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: EP3206548A1
Application number: EP15775220.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabian MOSER; Manuel SCHULZE; Christoph RUFENACH; Johanna BUCHMANN; Andreas MÜLLER; Mathias FRISCH; Alexander BRÄNDLE
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2014-10-13
Filing date: 2015-10-07
Publication date: 2017-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-07
Also published as: US10881258B2; DE102014114813A1; WO2016058879A1; US20170215678A1; CN106793911A; EP3206548B1; CN106793911B; ES2722133T3; RU2660523C1

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, comprising a device body (12), on which a suction assembly device (32) is arranged, a cleaning head (14), on which at least one cleaning roller (18) is arranged, and on which at least one suction opening (54) is positioned, which is fluidically connected to the suction assembly device (32) and allocated to the at least one cleaning roller (18), and a drive device (76) for rotational driving of the at least one cleaning roller (18), wherein a drive axis (82) of a drive motor (78) of the drive device (76) and a rotation axis (68) of the at least one cleaning roller (18) are oriented crosswise and in particular perpendicular to each other.

Description

Surface cleaning machine and method for operating a

Surface cleaning machine

The present application claims the priority of German application no. 10 2014 114 813.4 of 13 October 2014. The content of said German patent application is incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, comprising a device body on which a suction unit is arranged, a cleaning head, on which at least one cleaning roller is arranged, and on which at least one suction orifice is positioned, which is fluidly connected to the suction unit and the at least one cleaning roller is assigned, and a drive device for rotational drive of the at least one cleaning roller. The invention further relates to a method for operating a corresponding surface cleaning machine.

From WO 2013/027140 AI a cleaning device for cleaning a surface is known, which comprises a rotatable brush. There is further provided a rubber wiper member which is spaced from the brush and secured to an underside of a nozzle housing.

From WO 2013/027164 AI or US 2014/0182079 AI is also a cleaning device with a rotatable brush and a single

Rubber wiper element known.

From EP 2 177 128 AI a device for distributing fluid on a brush is known. From DE 41 17 157 AI a method for cleaning or cleaning a preferably smooth surface is known in which the surface to be cleaned is wiped with a substantially flap-like wiper element receiving the dirt through the wiper element and then the soiled wiper element is moistened and then the dirt is sucked from the wiper element.

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

From CH 607 578 a connectable to a water pipe brush device is known. EP 0 186 005 A1 discloses a brush-type suction mouthpiece provided with wheels.

From FR 2 797 895 a brush is known. From US 2002/0194692 AI is a method for mechanical

Dirt removal from a surface known.

From DE 10 2011 053 667 AI a attachment for a vacuum cleaner with a rotatable, equipped with bristles or lamellar agitators roller is known. The axis of rotation of the roller extends transversely to the feed direction of the attachment or vacuum cleaner. There is provided a motor which rotates a motor shaft for driving the roller. The motor shaft extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller. From DE 10 2004 013 262 Al a Saugreinigungsvorsatz for a vacuum cleaner is known. From DE 10 2007 031 371 Al a pair of recorded in receiving devices brushes is known.

The invention has for its object to provide a surface cleaning machine of the type mentioned above, which provides extensive cleaning options with a simple structural design.

This object is achieved in the surface cleaning machine mentioned above according to the invention that a drive axis of a drive motor of the drive device and a rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller are oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to each other, and in particular with the features of claim 1.

By a transverse orientation of the drive axis (axis of a motor shaft) and the axis of rotation, the drive motor of the drive device can be arranged to save space on the surface cleaning machine. It can be arranged in particular at a transition between the device body and the cleaning head. This allows it to be positioned far down on the device to provide a low center of gravity for the overall device. It can also be positioned at least partially outside the cleaning head, so that it can be configured in a structurally simpler way.

The drive motor can be installed transversely and thus positioned in a space-saving manner. This in turn results in easy operation and handling of the surface cleaning machine.

Due to the transverse orientation of the drive axis of the drive motor and 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 construction on the cleaning head and, for example, the cleaning roller can be exchanged in a simple manner become. Furthermore, the contamination loading of the drive motor is reduced by a spacing from the at least one cleaning roller.

To transmit the torque of the drive motor to the at least one drive roller, a transmission device is provided. This ensures an optimized circumferential speed of the at least one cleaning roller in a cleaning operation. Furthermore, can be achieved by a transmission device torque diversion. In one embodiment, the transmission device has a speed reducer. The speed reducer reduces a speed as provided by a shaft of the drive motor. For example, the speed reducer reduces the speed from about 7,000 revolutions per minute to about 400 revolutions per minute. It is thereby possible to use a standard drive motor (in particular electric motor).

In one embodiment, the speed reducer is or includes a planetary gear. A planetary gear can be designed to save space. This results in an optimized use of space on the surface cleaning machine.

The speed reducer is arranged in particular on the drive motor, that is to say the speed reducer and the drive motor are adjacent to one another. Thereby, a subsequent angle gear can be operated at the lower speed, which is provided by the speed reducer.

In particular, the transmission device comprises a bevel gear. It can thereby achieve a torque deflection to allow a different orientation of the drive axle and the rotation axis. In one embodiment, the bevel gear comprises or is a bevel gear. This makes it possible to easily achieve a transverse deflection. In one embodiment, the transmission device further comprises a belt which drives a drive element on which the at least one cleaning roller sits (directly). By (at least) one belt, a space for torque transmission can be bridged. This results in an optimized use of space. As a result, for example, an angular gear can be arranged at a distance from the at least one cleaning roller and thereby protected and positioned in the cleaning head in a space-optimized manner. The torque transmission from the angle gear to the at least one cleaning roller is then "bridging" over the belt.

The above-mentioned object is further achieved according to the invention in that the cleaning head is pivotally mounted on the device body via a hinge about a pivot axis. Through the joint, a pivot position of the device body is variable to the cleaning head. As a result, in a cleaning process with the at least one cleaning roller, which is driven in rotation, be cleaned in otherwise inaccessible areas such as corner areas and edge areas.

The pivotability may be a full rotation or there may be a restricted pivoting range of, for example, ± 90 °. If the pivoting range is restricted, this results in a simplified structural design with regard to a cable routing from the device body to the cleaning head, since then cables do not have to be subjected to complete rotation. Preferably, the pivot axis is oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the device body and is oriented in particular at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the device body. The acute angle is for example in the range between 20 ° and 30 ° and for example at about 25 °.

It is favorable if the drive motor of the drive device is at least partially positioned on the joint. As a result, the surface cleaning machine, in particular as a floor cleaning machine (for cleaning hard floors) structurally form a simple way. In principle, it is favorable if the drive device with a heavy drive motor (in particular electric motor) is positioned as far down as possible relative to the direction of gravity on the surface cleaning machine. Positioning on the cleaning head basically increases the space required for the cleaning head. The inventive solution at least partially uses the space at the joint to accommodate the drive motor of the drive device. As a result, the drive motor can be positioned far below (close to the cleaning head) with respect to the direction of gravity, making optimum use of the available space. In particular, the device body can then also be used to fix the drive motor.

Conveniently, then the drive axis of the drive motor (the axis of a motor shaft of the drive motor) is at least approximately parallel or coaxial with the pivot axis. This results in a simple structural design.

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

In one embodiment, the hinge has an inner sleeve, in which at least partially the drive motor is positioned, and has an outer sleeve which sits on the inner sleeve and rotatable on this (swiveling) is stored. This makes it easy to form a joint. At the same time a kind of motor housing for the drive motor is formed via the inner sleeve. The surface cleaning machine can be realized thereby under optimal space use.

The outer sleeve is fixed either to the device body or the cleaning head and, accordingly, the associated inner sleeve is fixed either to the cleaning head or the device body. As a result, the drive motor can be positioned in a simple manner and form the joint. Advantageously, the outer sleeve is fixed to the device body. The heavy drive motor is then fixed to the device body.

In one embodiment, the cleaning head has a first end side and an opposite second end side, wherein in a middle region between the first end side and the second end side, a drive element is arranged, which is connected to the drive device with torque. This drive element is driven.

In one embodiment, the at least one cleaning roller is formed in two parts with a first part, which sits on the drive element and faces towards the first end side, and a second part which sits on the drive element and faces towards the second end side. With this construction, the cleaning head can be formed in a structurally simple manner. In the middle area, for example, a belt for torque transmission can be positioned. It can be achieved in space-saving design that a cleaning effect also occurs at the edge regions of the at least one cleaning roller (in the front areas). A possibly remaining uncleaned strip in a middle area can be cleaned by staggered driving over. In particular, a divider may be arranged on the cleaning head, which divides dirt / dirty liquid to the left and right for feeding to the first part and the second part of the cleaning roller. In one embodiment, a moistening device for moistening the at least one cleaning roller with cleaning liquid is provided. This allows the at least one cleaning roller to be moistened directly with cleaning fluid (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 in the at least one cleaning roller and can be better solved and taken away. In one embodiment, a tank means for cleaning liquid is arranged on the device body. The wetting device of the at least one cleaning roller can provide cleaning fluid by cleaning fluid from the tank device. This results in an autonomous operation of the surface cleaning machine, as long as cleaning liquid is still located in the tank device.

It can also be provided that a receiving device for dirt and / or a tank device for dirty liquid is arranged on the device body.

It is also advantageous if a separator device is arranged on the device body, which is associated with the suction unit. By the separator device can be separated from sucked dirt fluid liquid. As a result, the suction device can be protected accordingly.

In a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine is preferably supported only on the at least one cleaning roller and in particular only a single cleaning roller on a surface to be cleaned. By changing the angular position of the device body (relative to its longitudinal axis) to the surface to be cleaned, the total height can be varied over the surface to be cleaned. It is thereby possible for one to perform a simple adaptation to a height of an operator. Further leaves by a deep reduction (with a correspondingly lower overall height) drive the surface cleaning machine with the at least one cleaning roller, for example, under a piece of furniture to perform a cleaning operation under this piece of furniture. By supporting, in particular, a single cleaning roller on the surface to be cleaned, a type of pivoting of the surface cleaning machine as a whole is provided to the surface to be cleaned, wherein an associated pivot axis of the support area of the at least one cleaning roller on the surface to be cleaned.

It is favorable if the at least one cleaning roller is driven at a peripheral speed in the range between 0.9 m / s (inclusive) and 1.2 m / s (inclusive) and in particular at a peripheral speed greater than or equal to 0.92 m / s is driven and in particular driven at a peripheral speed of at most 1.15 m / s. The aforementioned peripheral speed is basically adjustable. In particular, it is fixed by the formation of the drive device (combination of a drive motor with a transmission device). It has been shown that a minimum peripheral speed should be present, otherwise the cleaning roller only rolls without sufficient cleaning effect. Furthermore, the peripheral speed should have a maximum speed, otherwise liquid is too much sprayed. The at least one cleaning roller has a trim such as a fleece. The peripheral speed is based on the circumference of the at least one cleaning roller with depressed trim as the effective diameter of the at least one cleaning roller.

It has proved to be advantageous if the at least one cleaning roller is driven at a peripheral speed in the range between 0.95 m / s and 1.05 m / s (inclusive).

In the aforementioned method for operating a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, the at least one cleaning roller driven at a peripheral speed in the range between 0.9 m / s (inclusive) and 1.2 m / s (inclusive) and is driven in particular at a peripheral speed greater than or equal to 0.92 m / s and in particular at a peripheral speed of at most 1.15 m / s.

The inventive method has the already explained in connection with the surface cleaning machine according to the invention advantages. The peripheral speed is, if the at least one cleaning machine has a depressible stocking, based on an effective diameter of the at least one cleaning roller, in which the corresponding stocking is pressed. In the mentioned range of peripheral speeds results in an optimized cleaning effect. It is prevented that the at least one cleaning roller only rolls off. Furthermore, it is prevented that liquid splashes.

It is particularly favorable if the at least one cleaning roller is driven at a peripheral speed in the range between 0.95 m / s and 1.05 m / s.

Basically, the appropriate circumferential speed depends on an operating speed of an operator, that is, at what speed he pushes the surface cleaning machine over a surface to be cleaned. The above-mentioned data for the circumferential speed assume that this operating speed of the operator is approximately 0.90 m / s.

The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for a more detailed explanation of the invention. Show it : a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention; a side view of the surface cleaning machine of Figure 1; a front view of the surface cleaning machine of Figure 1; a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3; a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 3; an enlarged view of a front portion of a cleaning head of the surface cleaning machine of Figure 1 in a sectional side view taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 3; an enlarged view of the area A of Figure 6 in a first position; a view similar to Figure 7 in another position with respect to the direction of gravity; a partial perspective view of a cleaning head of the surface cleaning machine of Figure 1; and another view of the cleaning head without cleaning roller.

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

The surface cleaning machine 10 comprises 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 by a cleaning roller 18 on the surface 16 to be cleaned.

The device body 12 has a longitudinal axis 20 (FIGS. 2, 3). The surface cleaning machine 10 is kept stubborn. For this purpose sits on the device body 12, a rod 22. This rod 22 extends in the longitudinal axis 20. At an upper portion of the rod 22, a handle and in particular bow handle 24 is arranged. An operator can hold on this handle 24 with one hand the surface cleaning machine 10.

On the handle 24 one or more controls are arranged. In particular, a switch 26 is arranged on the handle 24. About the switch 26, the surface cleaning machine 10 is switched on or off for a cleaning operation.

In particular, the control of the surface cleaning machine 10 is such that by actuation of the switch 26 all necessary components for operation (generating a suction flow through a suction unit, rotation of the cleaning roller 18, moistening of the cleaning roller 18) are actuated and, accordingly, a switch-off on the switch 26 causes a synchronous turning off the operation of these components.

The rod 22 may be vertically displaceable (along the longitudinal axis 20) or fixedly arranged on the device body 12. The device body 12 comprises a housing 28 in which components of the surface cleaning machine 10 are arranged protected.

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

The surface cleaning machine 10 comprises a suction aggregate device, indicated as a whole by 32. This suction unit 32 is used to generate a suction flow in order to perform an extraction on the cleaning roller 18 can.

The suction unit 32 comprises 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 likewise arranged in the housing 28.

The suction unit 32 is associated with a separator 38. This separates solids from liquid components in a suction stream.

The separator 38 is also disposed in the housing 28.

The separator 38 is associated with a tank means 40 for dirty liquid. This sits removably on the housing 28th

On the housing 28 also removably seated a tank means 42 for cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is especially water or a mixture of water and detergent. The suction unit 32 is in fluid communication with (at least) a suction channel 44, which is guided by 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 region 46, which in the housing 28 is positioned. In one exemplary embodiment, a branch 48, which branches off to a second region 50 and a third region 52 of the suction channel 44, is seated in the housing 28 at the first region 46. The first area 46 is thereby divided into two subchannels. The second area 50 and the third area 52 are each led to the cleaning head 14.

The second area 50 and the third area 52 are each assigned a suction mouth 54, which is positioned on the cleaning head 14.

On the cleaning roller 18 a trim 56 is arranged (see Figure 9). This stocking is for example a nonwoven material.

In one embodiment, the suction orifice has a first orifice wall 58 and a second, spaced orifice wall 60 (FIG. 5). Between the first mouth wall 58 and the second mouth wall 60, the respective suction mouth 54 is formed. 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 orifice wall 58 and / or the second orifice wall 60 abut against the trimming 56 of the cleaning roller 18 or protrude into the trimming 56. A corresponding muzzle training is described in the non-prepublished international application PCT / EP2013 / 076445 of December 12, 2013, by the same Applicant. This document is expressly and fully incorporated by reference.

In principle, the second area 50 and the third area 52 may be assigned their own suction orifice 54, or a common suction orifice may be provided for the second area 50 and the third area 52 of the suction channel 44. This one suction mouth 54 then has two suction points over the second region 50 and the third region 52. In principle, the suction unit 32 may also be designed without branches and comprise a plurality (in particular two) of suction channels (two first areas 46) which are arranged in the housing 28. These then continue into the second area 50 and the third area 52, respectively.

The cleaning head 14 is held on the device body 12 via a hinge 62 pivotally about a pivot axis 64 (Figure 2, Figure 4). The

Pivot axis 64 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 20 of the device body 12. It lies in particular 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 about 25 °.

The pivot axis 64 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to a rotation axis 68 of the cleaning roller 18th

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

The pivot joint comprises an inner sleeve 72 (cf., for example, FIG. 4), which is arranged on the device body 12 at the acute angle 66 to the longitudinal axis 20, corresponding to the orientation of the pivot axis 64.

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 with respect to the inner sleeve 72 in the direction of the pivot axis 64 is immovable.

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 mounting of the outer sleeve 74 on the inner sleeve 72. Basically, a pivoting can be provided by a full 360 ° angle. For example, in one embodiment, the pivotability is limited 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 correspondingly formed elastically to a

To allow pivoting of the cleaning head 14 (in particular in a limited pivoting range) on the hinge 62. For rotating drive of the cleaning roller 18, a drive device 76 is provided. 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 hinge 62. The drive motor 78 has a motor shaft 80. The motor shaft 80 has a drive axis 82. The drive axis 82 is parallel and in particular coaxial with the pivot axis 64.

The drive motor 78 is firmly seated in the inner sleeve 72 on the device body 12. It is thereby positioned at the transition from the device body 12 to the cleaning head 14, namely on the hinge 62. It is accommodated to save space and is based on a focus of the surface cleaning machine 10 in the vicinity of the cleaning head 14. The drive motor 78 is powered, for example, via mains current with electrical energy.

The drive axis 82 of the drive motor 78 and the axis of rotation 68 of the cleaning roller 18 are oriented transversely to one another and in particular oriented perpendicular to one another. For transmitting torque from the drive device 76 to the cleaning roller 18, a transmission device 84 is provided. In one embodiment, the transmission device 84 includes a speed reducer 86. The speed reducer 86 serves to provide a speed reducer 86 Reduction of a speed compared to the speed of the motor shaft 80. The drive motor 78 is in particular a standard electric motor, which has, for example, a speed of the order of 7000 revolutions per minute. The speed reducer 86 provides for a reduction of the speed to, for example, about 400 revolutions per minute.

The speed reducer 86 is particularly arranged directly on the drive motor 78, d. 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 formed as a planetary gear. The transmission device 84 further has an angle gear 88. This

Angular gear 88 provides torque deflection to cause drive of the cleaning roller 18 with the axis of rotation 68 transverse to the drive axis 82 of the drive motor 78. The angle gear 88 is in particular the speed reducer 86 downstream.

In one embodiment, the angle gear 88 has one or more gears that are non-rotatably coupled to a corresponding shaft of the speed reducer 86. These act on a bevel gear to

Angle conversion.

The cleaning head 14 has a first end face 90 and an opposite second end face 92 (see, for example, FIG. 10). Extending between the first end face 90 and the second end face 92 is a housing 94 of a cleaning roller holder 96. This housing 94 partially surrounds a cleaning roller 18 in the form of a half shell, the wraparound being such that the cleaning roller 18 bears a significant amount Proportion stands out for a cleaning process. In one embodiment, a sweeping element 98 is rotatably mounted on the housing 94 of the cleaning roller holder 96, wherein this sweeping element 98 serves for the entry of coarse dirt for entrainment by the cleaning roller 18.

A cleaning head 14 with a corresponding sweeping element 98 is described in the German patent application no. 10 2014 114 776.6 of 13 October 2014 by the same applicant. This document is expressly and fully incorporated by reference.

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

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

On the drive element 102, a first pin 106 is disposed in a rotationally fixed manner to the first end face 90. Towards the second end face 92, a second pin 108 is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner.

The cleaning roller 18 (for example, Figure 9) is formed in two parts with a first part 110 which is non-rotatably mounted on the first pin 106, and a second part 112 which is non-rotatably mounted 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.

Between the first part 110 and the second part 112, a gap 114 is formed. This gap 114 is relatively narrow and has a lot smaller width than a length of the cleaning roller 18 in the longitudinal axis 20. In the gap 114, the belt 104 is guided. The belt 104 is set back relative to an outer side of the cleaning roller 18, even with respect to a position in which the stocking 56 is compressed.

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

The humidifier comprises (at least) a pressure-controlled switch 118. This pressure-controlled switch 118 is movable. (This is indicated by the double arrow 120 in FIGS. 7 and 8.) The pressure-controlled switch 118 comprises a movable membrane 122, on which, for example, a blocking element 124 is integrally seated. About the mobility of the diaphragm 122 and the locking element 124 is movable. The membrane 122 has a first surface 126. This first surface 126 is in pressure-effective connection with the suction channel 44 and thereby with the second region 50 and 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 relative to the exterior 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 plenum 132. The plenum 132 may receive cleaning fluid.

The collecting chamber 132 is in fluid communication with the tank means 42 for cleaning fluid via a line 134.

The line 134 is guided from the tank device 42 through the device body 12 to the cleaning head 14. It is so flexible that it has one Pivotability (especially within a finite pivoting range) of the cleaning head 14 on the device body 12 to the hinge 62 is not hindered. In one embodiment (FIG. 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. In each case one pressure-controlled switch 18 is connected in a pressure-effective manner to the second region 50 and a further pressure-controlled switch 118 is connected to the third region 52 in a pressure-effective manner.

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

Between the distribution line 138 and the tank means 42, a check valve 139 is disposed on the line 134. This is especially manually operable. By the check valve 139 is a fluid-effective connection between see the tank means 42 and a fluid inlet of a pressure-controlled switch 118 can be blocked.

In principle, more than two pressure-controlled switches 118 may be provided with corresponding connection points and collecting spaces, wherein a collecting space may also be assigned to a plurality of switches 118, or only one single pressure-controlled switch 118 may be provided with only one collecting space 132. Relative to a normal operation 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 while holding the surface cleaning machine to the handle 24, the handle 24 being covered is positioned in the direction of gravity g above the surface 16 to be cleaned, the cleaning liquid tank 42 is positioned above the cleaning head 14. As a result, cleaning liquid can be pumped from the tank means 42 pump-free to the cleaning head 14, namely driven by gravity (if the check valve 139 is open).

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

The second surface 130 faces into a space 144 which is in pressure-effective communication with the exterior space 128.

Between the plenum 132 and the space 144, an apparent and closeable fluid path 146 is formed. 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, a pressure difference between the second surface 130 and the first surface 126 is present or absent.

In an operation of the surface cleaning machine, in which the suction fan 34 is operated, compared to the outer space 128 is a negative pressure above a threshold value at the first surface 126th Thus, there is a significant pressure difference between the second surface 130 and the first surface 126th Opposite the blocking element 124 is a wall 148, which has a contact surface 150 for the blocking element 124. If there is no pressure difference between the second surface 130 and the first surface 126 or the pressure differential threshold is not exceeded, then the blocking element 124 abuts against the abutment surface 150 and the fluid path 146 is blocked; the corresponding plenum 132 and the space 144 are fluidly separated.

When a sufficient pressure differential is applied between the second surface 130 and the first surface 126, the barrier member 124 lifts off the abutment surface 150 and the fluid path 146 is released. From the collecting space 132 and thus from the tank means 42 cleaning liquid can flow into the space 144.

In a cleaning operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, in which there is a suction flow in the suction channel 44 and thus also in the second region 50 and third region 52, there is a corresponding negative pressure acting on the first surface 126, which is a lifting of the blocking element 124 causes the abutment surface 150 and holds the locking element 124 in this raised position. The off position is an open position of the pressure controlled switch 118. When the blocking element 124 abuts against the abutment surface 150, then there is a closed position of the pressure controlled switch 118 with blocking of the fluid path 146.

The pressure-controlled switch 118 has a return device, which, when the pressure difference between the first surface 126 and the second

Area 130 is below the threshold, a provision of the locking element 124 in the closed position with engagement of the locking element 124 causes on the contact surface 150. In one embodiment, the rear part 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 for moving and holding the diaphragm 122 in the open position is effected by the suction flow generated by the suction unit 32.

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

In one embodiment, the manifold 152 is formed as a groove 154. The channel 154 receives cleaning fluid to a certain level. She can collect cleaning fluid.

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

It is arranged in particular in the space 144.

It extends in particular in a length which corresponds to the length of the cleaning roller 18 in the longitudinal axis 70, so that it can be acted upon with cleaning liquid over its entire length. The channel 154 is associated with an outlet opening device 156, which extends in particular over the entire length of the cleaning roller 18. The groove 154 is formed in a half-shell shape. It thus has over its entire length a discharge opening 158 for cleaning fluid.

The manifold 152 with the groove 154 can collect cleaning liquid. It is formed by an intermediate buffer for cleaning fluid. Cleaning liquid does not necessarily flow directly to the fluid path 146 of the cleaning roller 18, but is accordingly collected in the groove 154.

Depending on the position of the distributor 152 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 to the surface 16 to be cleaned cleaning fluid from the distributor 152 may flow or not. An angular position of the surface cleaning machine 10 to the surface 16 to be cleaned is indicated in Figure 1 by the reference numeral 160. This angular position 160 can vary. The surface cleaning machine 10 is supported by the cleaning roller 18 on the surface 16 to be cleaned. A support region 162 of the cleaning roller 18 on the surface 16 to be cleaned forms a pivot axis for a variation of the angular position 160. The channel 154 is arranged so that, when a certain pivoting angle of the angular position 160 is reached, cleaning fluid from the channel 154 can flow directly to the cleaning roller 18 (FIG. 8).

FIG. 7 shows a position of the distributor 152 with respect to the direction of gravity g, in which the outlet opening device 156 is at a higher gravitational potential than the channel 154.

FIG. 8 shows a position 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 groove 154 of the cleaning roller 18 and apply cleaning liquid to it. In this embodiment, the liquid supply to the cleaning roller 18 is gravitationally controlled by the angular position 160. The angular position 160 is in turn set by manual operation of the operator.

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

In an advantageous embodiment, one or more gap channels 162 are arranged between the space or spaces 144 and the outlet opening direction 156. 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 for the flow of cleaning liquid occurs. Such a capillary effect promotes uniform distribution of cleaning fluid over the entire length of the cleaning roller 18. In particular, the nip channel 162 extends substantially the entire length of the cleaning roller 18. A trim 56 of the cleaning roller 18 is located near the outlet opening direction 156 with individual fibers of the gap channel 162 during the rotation of the cleaning roller 18 at. As a result, a (low) vacuum is generated at the manifold 152, which entrains cleaning liquid. Furthermore, cleaning liquid is drawn out of the gap channel 162 by the capillary action of fibers of the stocking. This ensures a uniform loading of the cleaning roller 18 with cleaning fluid. The supply of cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller 18 is formed pump-free. The pressure controlled switch 118 is directly coupled to a suction flow effect of the suction fan 34. It is therefore no additional control and in particular electronic control for a humidification of the cleaning roller 18 necessary. In particular, none

Solenoid valves or the like provided.

The surface cleaning machine 10 according to the invention operates as follows: For a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine 10 is supported on the cleaning surface 18 on the surface 16 to be cleaned. 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.

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

The drive motor 78 generates a torque, which is transmitted to the cleaning roller 18 via the transmission device 84. This is driven in rotation. It is driven in particular in a counterclockwise direction (indicated in Figure 1 by the reference numeral 166) rotating.

It is provided in particular that the cleaning roller 18 with 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. It is driven, for example, with a peripheral speed in the range between 0.95 m / s and 1.05 m / s. For example, it is driven at a peripheral speed of about 1 m / s. In principle, it can be provided that the peripheral speed can be set by an operator. In a structurally simple embodiment, the drive means 76 sets the peripheral speed.

The cleaning roller 18 has a stocking 56 which is compressible. The trim 56 is in particular made of a textile material.

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

Too low peripheral speed causes a pure unrolling of the surface cleaning machine on the surface to be cleaned 16 without sufficient cleaning effect. Too large peripheral speed causes a splash of cleaning fluid.

The aforementioned peripheral speeds are in particular designed for an operating speed (forward speed) of the operator of approximately 0.9 m / s.

By moistening 116, the cleaning roller 18 is moistened with detergent from the tank means 42. This fluid admission is pump-free and in particular free of magnetic valves.

By gravity, cleaning liquid flows out of the tank device 42 to the collection chamber or spaces 132. (In an embodiment in which the tank device is seated on the cleaning head, the tank device itself can form a collecting chamber.) When a negative pressure on the suction channel 44 with the areas 50, 52, the pressure-effective connection to the one or more pressure-controlled switches 118 for opening the fluid path or paths 146. It can then accumulate cleaning liquid in the manifold 152 and from there act on the cleaning roller 18 , It is provided for a uniform application over substantially the entire length of the cleaning roller 18 along the longitudinal axis 70.

By capillary action by means of one or more gap channels 162, the uniform distribution can be supported.

By (manual) blocking of the check valve 139, a cleaning operation without liquid ("suction") is possible. An operator can set by setting the angular position 160, whether from the manifold 152 cleaning fluid flows to the cleaning roller 18 or not. This adjustment is gravity-controlled, depending on whether the outlet opening device 156 is positioned above or below the channel 154 with respect to the direction of gravity, capillary forces possibly being present across the gap channel 162 and a negative pressure effect due to fibers of the trim 56 contacting the outlet opening device 156 ,

Dirt on the surface 16 to be cleaned is softened by cleaning fluid and can then be taken over by the cleaning roller 18.

About the suction port 54 or corresponding Saugmündungen suction takes place by means of the suction flow produced. At the separator 38 there is a separation into solid dirt particles and liquid.

Dirty liquid is collected in the tank device 40.

By the joint 62, for example, a machine corner cleaning or edge cleaning can be performed. The device body 12 is relative to the cleaning head 14 about the pivot axis 64 in the pivoting range pivotally.

Relative to a normal operating mode, the relatively heavy drive motor 78 is arranged far below in the vicinity of the cleaning head 14 and at least partially positioned on the hinge 62 in a space-saving manner. It can be at least partially positioned outside of the cleaning head 14 (spaced from the cleaning roller 18). About the sweeping element 98 coarse dirt sweeping, which is then entrained by the cleaning roller 18.

Reference number list

Surface cleaning machine

device body

cleaning head

surface to be cleaned

cleaning roller

longitudinal axis

Rod

Handle

switch

casing

hook device

Saugaggregateinrichtung

aspirator

engine

trap structure

Tank system for dirty liquid Tank system for cleaning liquid Suction channel

first area

diversion

second area

third area

suction mouth

trimming

first estuary wall

second mouth wall

joint

swivel axis

acute angle axis of rotation

longitudinal axis

inner sleeve

outer sleeve

driving means

drive motor

motor shaft

drive axle

transmission device

Speed reducer

angle gear

first end face

second end face

casing

Cleaning rollers Holder

return element

middle area

driving element

belt

first pen

second pen

first part

second part

gap

Humidifier pressure controlled switch

double arrow

membrane

blocking element

first surface

outer space

second surface

plenum 134 line

136 connection

138 distribution line

139 check valve

140 first connection 142 second connection 144 room

146 fluid path

148 wall

150 contact surface

152 distributors

154 gutter

156 outlet opening device

158 discharge opening

160 angular position

162 splitting channel

164 forward direction

166 counterclockwise

Claims

claims

A surface cleaning machine, comprising a device body (12) on which a suction unit (32) is arranged, a cleaning head (14) on which at least one cleaning roller (18) is arranged, and on which at least one suction mouth (54) positioned which is fluidically connected to the suction unit (32) and associated with at least one cleaning roller (18), and drive means (76) for rotationally driving the at least one cleaning roller (18), characterized in that a drive axle (82) of one Drive motor (78) of the drive means (76) and a rotation axis (68) of the at least one cleaning roller (18) transversely and in particular are oriented perpendicular to each other, and that in a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine only via the at least one cleaning roller (18) on a is supported to be cleaned surface (16).

2. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive device (76) comprises a transmission device (84) for torque transmission to the at least one cleaning roller (18).

3. surface cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmission device (84) comprises a speed reducer (86).

4. surface cleaning machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the speed reducer (86) is or comprises a planetary gear.

5. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the speed reducer (86) on the drive motor (78) is arranged.

6. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission device (84) comprises a bevel gear (88).

7. surface cleaning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the angle gear (88) is a bevel gear or comprises.

8. surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission device (84) comprises a belt (104) which drives a drive element (102) on which the at least one cleaning roller (18) sits.

9. surface cleaning machine according to the preamble of claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (14) via a hinge (62) about a pivot axis (64) pivotally mounted on the device body (12).

10. surface cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the pivot axis (64) is oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis (20) of the device body (12) and in particular at an acute angle (66) to the longitudinal axis (20) is oriented.

11. surface cleaning machine according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the drive motor (78) of the drive means (76) is at least partially positioned on the hinge (62).

12. surface cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that a drive axis (82) of the drive motor (78) is at least approximately parallel or coaxial with the pivot axis (64).

13. surface cleaning machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the cleaning head (14) about the drive motor (78) is rotatably mounted.

14. Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 9 to 13,

characterized in that the hinge (62) comprises an inner sleeve (72) in which at least partially the drive motor (78) is positioned, and an outer sleeve (74) which sits on the inner sleeve (72) and is pivotally mounted thereto ,

15. surface cleaning machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the outer sleeve (74) either on the device body (12) or the cleaning head (14) is fixed, and that the inner sleeve (72) according to either the cleaning head (14) or the device body (12) is fixed.

16. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (14) has a first end face (90) and an opposite second end face (92), wherein in a central region (100) between the first end face (90 ) and the second end face (92), a drive element (102) is arranged, which is connected to the drive device (76) with effective torque.

17. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller (18) is formed in two parts, with a first part (110) which sits on the drive element (102) and points to the first end face (90) , and a second part (112) which sits on the drive element (102) and faces towards the second end face (92).

18. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a moistening device (116) for moistening the at least one cleaning roller (18) with cleaning liquid.

19. surface cleaning machine according to claim 18, characterized in that on the device body (12) a tank means (42) is arranged for cleaning fluid.

20. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the device body (12) a receiving device for dirt and / or a tank means (40) is arranged for dirty liquid.

21. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the device body (12) a separator device (38) is arranged, which is associated with the suction unit means (32).

A surface cleaning machine according to the preamble of claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller (18) has a peripheral speed in the range between (inclusive) 0.9 m / s and (inclusive) 1.2 m / s is driven and in particular with a peripheral speed greater than or equal to 0.92 m / s is driven and in particular driven at a peripheral speed of at most 1.15 m / s.

23. A surface cleaning machine according to claim 22, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller (18) is driven at a peripheral speed in the range between (including) 0.95 m / s and (including) 1.05 m / s.

24. A method for operating a surface cleaning machine according to the preamble of claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller (18) with a peripheral speed in the range between (inclusive) 0.9 m / s and (including ) Is driven 1.2 m / s and in particular with a peripheral speed greater than or equal to 0.92 m / s is driven and in particular with a peripheral speed of at most 1.15 m / s driven.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller (18) is driven at a peripheral speed in the range between (including) 0.95 m / s and (including) 1.05 m / s.