EP3206551A1

EP3206551A1 - Surface-cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: EP3206551A1
Application number: EP15775721.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabian MOSER; Manuel SCHULZE; Johanna BUCHMANN; Christoph RUFENACH; Andreas MÜLLER; 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: 2015-10-08
Publication date: 2017-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-08
Also published as: EP3206550B1; RU2660525C1; RU2661465C1; WO2016058907A1; CN106793901A; EP3206550A1; DE102014114776A1; CN106793901B; CN106793900A; WO2016058956A1; PL3206551T3; CN106793900B; US20170215677A1; US10362920B2; EP3206551B1; PL3206550T3; US10327619B2; US20170215681A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface-cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning roller holder (38), a cleaning roller (26) arranged on the cleaning roller holder (38), a drive device (40) for rotationally driving the cleaning roller (26), and a sweeping element (66) which is associated with the cleaning roller (26) and supplies the cleaning roller (26) with sweepings, the sweeping element (66) being rotatably arranged on the cleaning roller holder (38).

Description

Surface cleaning machine

The present application claims the priority of German Application No. 10 2014 114 776.6 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 cleaning roller holder, a cleaning roller, which is arranged on the cleaning roller holder, a drive device for rotational drive of the cleaning roller, and a sweeping element which is associated with the cleaning roller and the cleaning roller feeds debris. From WO 2013/027140 AI or US 2014/0182079 Al 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 a cleaning device with a rotatable brush and a single rubber wiper element is also 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 soiled 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 Al a method for the mechanical removal of dirt from a surface is known. From DE 102 42 257 B4 a ground dust collecting device is known, which has an electric motor drive, a dust collector and a cover and a brush. Due to its rotation, the brush conveys dust particles in a certain throwing direction, wherein associated with the brush there is provided a ramp which is orientated in the throwing direction and which can be deflected in the throwing direction.

From EP 1 465 518 B1 a surface cleaning device is known which comprises a substantially continuous surface cleaning strip which extends over a lower side of a housing.

The invention has for its object to provide a surface cleaning machine of the type mentioned, with the result optimal cleaning results on a surface to be cleaned and in particular a hard surface to be cleaned.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the surface cleaning machine mentioned above, that the sweeping element is rotatably mounted on the cleaning roller holder. Due to the rotatable arrangement, the sweeping element is movable relative to the cleaning roller holder and thus also to the cleaning roller. It can thereby regardless of an angular position of the surface cleaning machine to the surface to be cleaned, when the cleaning roller is placed on the surface to be cleaned, achieve a constant distance between the rotating cleaning roller and the sweeping element. The rotatable mobility of the sweeping element allows a corresponding adaptability. The sweeping element is used to sweep up coarse dirt, which can then be taken by the rotating cleaning roller. The mobility of the sweeping element on the rotatability of the cleaning roller holder allows a constant distance between a support line of the at least one cleaning roller and a support line of the sweeping element and a surface to be cleaned. It thereby allows a variability in the angle relative to a longitudinal direction of the surface cleaning machine in relation to the surface to be cleaned. In this way, for example, a cleaning under furniture and the like can be achieved. This results in optimized cleaning results with extensive operating options.

The rotatability of the sweeping element is independent of the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller. With respect to this rotation, the sweeping element is rotationally fixed to the cleaning roller holder. An arc length between a surface to be cleaned and an opening of a suction channel on the surface to be cleaned can be variably bridged by the mobility of the sweeping element. Even if the cleaning roller and the sweeping element are the only contact points to the surface to be cleaned, then coarse dirt in all angular positions (within an operating range) of the surface cleaning machine can be swept with the rotating cleaning roller without spin effect. Due to the rotatable arrangement of the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder, a good wear resistance can be achieved with structurally advantageous formability. It is particularly favorable if an axis of rotation of the sweeping element is oriented at least approximately parallel and in particular coaxially to a rotation axis of the cleaning roller. This results in an optimized guidance of the sweeping element. It can occur over the exact parallelism angle offsets, for example, up to 20 ° or up to 10 ° due to uneven thickness of the sweeping element.

It is particularly advantageous if an elastic device is provided which acts with a spring force on the sweeping element, wherein in particular the spring force pushes the sweeping element and thus a sweeping edge against a surface to be cleaned when the cleaning roller is placed on the surface to be cleaned. As a result, an optimized sweeping result and an optimized drag effect for coarse dirt (without centrifugal effect) is achieved by the rotating cleaning roller. Regardless of an angular position of the surface cleaning machine to the surface to be cleaned entrainment of coarse dirt is achieved. The elastic means provides a restoring force so that in each angular position of the surface cleaning machine to the surface to be cleaned a substantially constant distance between a support line of the rotating cleaning roller and a support line of the sweeping element is present. This in turn results in an optimized cleaning result.

In one embodiment, the elastic means is dimensioned such that by the weight of the surface cleaning machine, the sweeping element is rotatable against the spring force. The weight of the surface cleaning machine then allows a repositioning of the sweeping element in dependence, for example, on an angular position of the surface cleaning machine. This results in a simple structural design of the surface cleaning machine. Advantageously, the elastic device is dimensioned such that the sweeping element does not slide under the at least one cleaning roller due to the action of the spring force. This prevents lifting of the at least one cleaning roller caused by the sweeping element.

Advantageously, the elastic device is supported on the sweeping element and on the cleaning roller holder or a device connected to the cleaning roller holder and in particular articulated. As a result, a necessary restoring force can be achieved by the elastic device.

The elastic device comprises, for example, at least one coil spring or torsion spring or rubber spring or gas pressure spring in order to provide a corresponding spring force.

In one embodiment, the elastic means comprises at least a first spring and a second spring which are spaced from each other, wherein between the first spring and the second spring, the drive means is at least partially positioned. With such an arrangement, the elastic device can be integrated in a structurally simple manner in the surface cleaning machine. This results in an optimized use of space.

Furthermore, a uniform force application of the sweeping element can be achieved by a symmetrical arrangement.

In particular, a direction of rotation of the sweeping counter to the spring force in a clockwise direction and in particular is a direction of rotation of the sweeping element when the spring force moves this, counterclockwise. With simple constructive training results in optimized cleaning results.

It is particularly advantageous if a suction device with a

Suction unit and at least one suction orifice is provided, which is fluid-effectively connected to the suction unit and which on the cleaning Roller is aligned for fluid suction on the cleaning roller. Due to the cleaning roller dirt can be taken, which is then sucked off via the suction device. In particular, in a cleaning operation, the sweeping element is positioned between a surface to be cleaned, on which the cleaning roller is aligned, and the at least one suction mouth. As a result, even coarse dirt can be taken and vacuumed. In particular, the surface cleaning machine is of a type in which, in a cleaning operation, it is placed or supported solely on the cleaning roller on a surface to be cleaned. It can thereby achieve good cleaning results with a simple structural design. In particular, the corresponding surface cleaning machine can be designed to save weight and save space. This results in a high maneuverability; This makes it possible to machine-clean otherwise hard-to-reach areas.

For example, the sweeping edge is movably arranged so that it can rotate on the cleaning roller holder, that at every angular position to the surface to be cleaned within an operating range of the surface cleaning machine, a distance between the sweeping element and the cleaning roller and in particular a distance between the sweeping element and a Aufsetzbereich the cleaning roller is at least approximately constant on the surface to be cleaned. As a result, a constant entrainment of coarse dirt is achieved and there are optimized cleaning results.

In one embodiment, in the cleaning operation with forward feed of the surface cleaning machine in the direction of rotation of the cleaning roller in the clockwise direction. This results in an optimized soil release effect.

For example, an angular range for the rotatability of the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder comprises at least 20 ° and in particular at least 30 ° and in particular at least 40 ° relative to a starting position (zero-degree position), wherein in the starting position the

Sweeping element with a sweeping edge is minimally deflected against the cleaning roller holder, that is slightly protrudes beyond the cleaning roller holder. The starting position is defined, for example, by abutment against a blocking element.

It is advantageous if the sweeping element has a sliding region for the sliding on the cleaning roller holder. This results in a structurally favorable guidance on the cleaning roller holder.

It is advantageous if the sliding region has the shape of a cylinder shell or a part of a cylinder shell, in order to be able to realize in particular a circuit guide in a simple manner.

For the same reason, it is preferable that the cleaning roller holder has an inner side facing the cleaning roller on which the sliding portion of the reciprocating member is slidable. It can be provided that the sliding region is rigid and is designed so stiff that usually occurring dirt does not lead to bulging of the sliding region.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the sliding region is designed so flexible that it can be bulged away from the cleaning roller by dirt accumulations. It can then accumulate coarse dirt there. After a rotary movement of the sweeping this coarse dirt can be taken by the rotating cleaning roller. The rotational movement is in turn caused by a change in the angular position of the surface cleaning machine to the surface to be cleaned.

It is furthermore advantageous if the sweeping element has a contact area (plant lip) and in particular an elastic contact area with an area to be cleaned. che, which is arranged in particular on a sliding portion of the sweeping element. This results in an optimized sweeping function for collecting coarse dirt, this coarse dirt is then in turn entrained by the rotating cleaning roller and is sucked.

It is advantageous if a first guide device is arranged on the cleaning roller holder and on the sweeping element a second guide device is arranged, which cooperates with the first guide device for rotatably guiding the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder. This results in a structurally simple manner a movable arrangement of the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder. In particular, the guidance of the sweeping element on a circular path can be realized in a simple manner. By way of example, the second guide device has guide elements arranged on end faces of the sweeping element, which guide elements are arranged with the end faces of the cleaning roller holder and cooperate with counter guide elements of the first guide device, the first guide device and / or the second guide device providing a guide track. A corresponding guide can be realized in a structurally simple manner. For example, a stop for defining a starting position can be easily integrated into such a guide.

In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the sweeping element is guided on a circular path on the cleaning roller holder. For a variability in the sweeping element, which ensures the most consistent possible gap between the cleaning roller and the sweeping element, the sweeping element is arranged as a whole movable on the cleaning roller holder.

In particular, when pushing the surface cleaning machine with attached to a surface to be cleaned cleaning roller in a forward direction, the sweeping away the forward direction and covers the cleaning roller to the rear and is at least over on the surface to be cleaned a length of the cleaning roller applied. This results in an optimized sweeping function. In particular, there is a gap between the sweeping element and the cleaning roller. This is dimensioned so that correspondingly coarse dirt, which accumulates on the sweeping element, can be taken by the rotating cleaning roller.

It is also advantageous if a moistening device for the cleaning roller is provided. It can thereby moisten the rotating cleaning roller. It makes it easier to solve dirt on the surface to be cleaned and take along.

The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention. Show it :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a roller portion of the surface cleaning machine according to Figure 1;

FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the roller area according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a further partial representation of the roller area according to FIG

Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sweeping element, which is arranged on the roller portion of Figure 2;

FIG. 6 shows a further perspective view of the roller area according to FIG. 2; FIG. 7 shows a sectional view in the sectional area A according to FIG. 6;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the roller area in the direction B of Figure 6;

Figures 9 (a), (b) different angular positions of the surface cleaning machine against a surface to be cleaned with different rotational positions of a sweeping element;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the roller portion of another embodiment of a surface cleaning machine; and FIG. 11 shows a partial view of the roller area of another

Embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention.

An embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown in Figure 10, is used for cleaning

(Hard) soil. It is thereby a floor cleaning machine. The surface floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a device body 12 with a

Housing 14. In the housing 14 components of the surface floor cleaning machine 10 are arranged protected.

In one embodiment, a suction unit 16 is arranged in the housing 14, which comprises a blower device and a motor device (in particular electric motor device) for driving the blower device. A suction flow is generated via the suction unit 16 in order to effect a suction on a cleaning head 18.

In the housing 14, a separator 20 is further arranged, which separates solid and liquid components in a suction flow. Furthermore, a tank means 22 for (sucked in) dirty liquid is arranged in the housing 14. The tank device 22 is in particular removably positioned on the housing 14. The surface cleaning machine 10 comprises a moistening device 24, via which a cleaning roller 26 of the cleaning head 18 cleaning liquid (water or water with an additional cleaning agent) is provided. In the housing 14, a tank means 28 for cleaning liquid is arranged, which provides the humidifier 24 this cleaning liquid.

The surface cleaning machine 10 is hand-held. On the device body 12, a holder 30 is arranged. This holder 30 comprises a holding rod 32, at the end region of a handle 34 is seated. The handle 34 is formed in particular as a bow handle. In the region of the handle 34 controls and in particular a switch for switching on or off of appropriate facilities of the surface cleaning machine 10 are arranged.

A winding device 36 for a power cable can be arranged on the holding rod 32.

At a remote from the handle 34 end of the cleaning head 18 is positioned on the device body 12. It is for example arranged pivotably on the device body 12.

The cleaning head 18 includes a cleaning roller holder 38, on which the cleaning roller 26 is seated.

The cleaning roller 26 is associated with a drive device 40, which in particular comprises a drive motor. The drive device 40 is arranged in the housing 14 or arranged in the cleaning head 18. In one embodiment, a portion of the drive device 40 is disposed in the housing 14 and a portion is disposed on the cleaning head 18. The drive device 40 comprises in particular an electric motor. This provides a torque for rotational drive of the cleaning roller 26 about a rotation axis 42 ready.

In an operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, this is placed over the cleaning roller 26 on the surface to be cleaned and is based solely on the cleaning roller 26 at this. An operator holds the surface cleaning machine 10 on the handle 34, wherein the operator is in normal operation. The operator can set an angular position of the surface cleaning machine 10 (an angular position of the support rod 32) to the surface to be cleaned. This is done via the angular positioning of the overall device 10 relative to the surface to be cleaned.

A pivot axis 44 for such an angular movement (see also FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b)) is formed by the abutment region of the cleaning roller 26 on a surface 46 to be cleaned.

A pivot axis 48 for a possible pivoting of the cleaning head 18 relative to the device body 12 is transverse to this pivot axis 44 and transverse to the axis of rotation 42nd

The cleaning roller 26 has a longitudinal axis 50. This longitudinal axis 50 is coaxial with the axis of rotation 42. In a cleaning operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, the longitudinal axis 50 is coaxial with the surface 46 to be cleaned. The pivot axis 44 for pivoting the overall device 10 relative to the surface 46 to be cleaned is at least approximately parallel to this longitudinal axis 50. The cleaning roller 26 is, as indicated in Figure 2 by the reference numeral 52, provided with a trimming.

The cleaning head 18 (see also FIGS. 3 to 8) with the cleaning roller holder 38 is provided for the particular detachable connection to the device body 12. It comprises a nozzle 54 arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38, via which a pivotable mounting of the cleaning head 38 on the device body 12 is realized. Of the moistening device 24, which is arranged in particular on the housing 14, lead one or more liquid lines 56 to the moistening device 24 of the cleaning head 18. On the cleaning roller holder 38 nozzles are arranged, via which the cleaning roller 26 can be acted upon with cleaning liquid.

For operation of the surface cleaning machine 10 is provided in particular that cleaning liquid is not applied directly to the surface to be cleaned 46, but the cleaning roller 26 is moistened with their trim 52 and then the moistened cleaning roller 26 acts on the surface 46 to be cleaned.

Furthermore, one or more connections 58 for a suction flow are provided on the cleaning head 18 and thereby on the cleaning roller holder 38. Such a connection 58 is in fluid-effective connection via one or more suction lines to the suction unit 16.

At the cleaning roller holder (at least) a suction port 60 (see Figure 7) is arranged, which is aligned with the cleaning roller 26. The suction orifice 60 is in fluid-effective connection with the connection 58 and thus with the suction unit 16. At the suction orifice 60, a negative pressure flow acts. This is sucked out dirt. In one embodiment, when the cleaning roller 26 is seated on the surface 46 to be cleaned, the suction port 60 is located above the cleaning roller 26 with respect to the surface 46 to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the suction orifice 60 has a first orifice wall 62 and a second orifice wall 64. Between these, the suction port 60 is formed with a corresponding orifice. The first outlet wall 62 lies above the second outlet wall 64. The first outlet wall 62 and / or the second outlet wall 64 abut against the trim 52 of the cleaning roller 26 or in particular protrude into it. This embodiment is described in the non-prepublished international patent application PCT / EP2013 / 076445 of December 12, 2013, the same applicant. This document is incorporated by reference.

The cleaning head 18 has a sweeping element 66 which is associated with the cleaning roller 26.

In a ("normal") cleaning operation, for example, the surface cleaning machine 10 is pushed forward in a forward direction 68 (see FIG. 1). The cleaning roller 26 rotates clockwise 70. A portion of the cleaning roller 26 is moistened by the moistening device 24 from contact with the surface 46 to be cleaned. This area then rotates toward the surface 46 to be cleaned. Dirt is dissolved. Due to the rotation of the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned, dirt is entrained and fed to the suction orifice 60. There can be a suction.

By sweeping 66 can be "collected" coarse dirt, which was not taken directly by the cleaning roller 26, for example, and then be taken over the cleaning roller 26. The sweeping element 66 is disposed on the cleaning roller holder 38. A translational transport of the sweeping element 66 via the fixation on the cleaning roller holder 38. Compared to the rotation of the cleaning roller 26, the sweeping element 66 is mechanically decoupled.

The sweeping element 66 covers a rear side of the cleaning head 18 in a cleaning operation, with the rear side lying in the opposite direction to the forward direction 68 behind the cleaning roller 26. The sweeping element 66 extends at least and in particular substantially exactly over the length of the cleaning roller 26 in the longitudinal axis 50. The sweeping element 66 is in normal operation on the surface 46 to be cleaned.

The sweeping element 66 is positioned in a normal operation between the surface 46 to be cleaned and the suction orifice 60.

The sweeping element 66 is rotatably supported on the cleaning roller holder 38. An axis of rotation 71 (cf., for example, FIG. 3) for the rotatability of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38 is parallel and in particular coaxial to the rotation axis 42 of the rotation of the cleaning roller 26.

The sweeping element 66 is guided in particular on a circular path.

For this purpose, the cleaning roller holder 38 is provided with a first guide means 72 for the sweeping element 66. The first guide device 72 (FIGS. 2 to 6) is arranged on an inner side 74 of the cleaning roller holder 38, which faces the cleaning roller 26.

The sweeping element 66 is provided with a second guide device 76, which cooperates with the first guide device 72 of the cleaning roller holder 38 for guiding the sweeping element 66 on a circular path on the cleaning roller holder 38. The second guide device 76 (FIG. 5) has guide elements 78a, 78b arranged on end faces of the sweeping element 66. The guide elements 78a, 78b each have an immersion region 80, for example in dovetail shape.

The first guide device 72 has assigned to the guide elements 78a, 78b respectively at end faces of the cleaning roller holder 38 guideways 82, in which the respective immersion region 80 is immersed. It is thereby realized a positive guidance (on a circular path) of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38.

The drive device 40 comprises a transmission device 84. This in turn comprises a partial region 86 (FIGS. 2 to 4), which is arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38 facing the inner side 74. This region 86 is arranged centrally between opposite end faces 88a, 88b of the cleaning roller holder 38.

The cleaning roller 26 is formed in two parts, for example, and sits on the area 86 and is driven by this.

On the cleaning roller holder 38 sits on the inside 74 centrally between the end faces 88a, 88b, a divider 90. This serves to dirt or

Divide dirt fluid left and right. The sweeping element 66 comprises a sliding region 94. This sliding region 94 is designed, for example, as a cylinder shell or part of a cylinder shell. The sliding portion 94 is made of, for example, a metal material and, for example, a metal sheet. The sliding portion 94 abuts the inner side 74 of the cleaning roller holder 38 and slides on a rotary movement of the sweeping element 66 at this. An abutment region 96 is seated on the sliding region 94 of the sweeping element 66. The abutment region 96 forms an abutment lip on the surface 46 to be cleaned. The abutment region 96 is made of an elastic material and in particular rubber material in order to achieve a good adaptable contact with the surface 46 to be cleaned.

Basically, the sliding portion 94 can be made with such rigidity that no flexible deformation occurs in normal operation. In an alternative embodiment, the sliding portion 94 is made flexible enough to allow buckling away from the cleaning roller 26 (counter to the forward direction 68). Such a bulge can be done by accumulation of dirt and may increase the cleaning effect under certain circumstances.

The sweeping element 66 is additionally supported on the cleaning roller holder 38 via an elastic device 98 (FIGS. 5 to 7). The elastic device 98 provides a spring force 100, which endeavors to press the sweeping element 66 with the abutment region 96 onto the surface 46 to be cleaned. This spring force 100 causes the sweeping element 66 to rotate counterclockwise relative to the cleaning roller holder 38. The spring force 100 tends to achieve maximum (rotational) deflection of the sweeping element 66 to the cleaning roller holder 38. This maximum rotation is limited by a stop. In particular, a stop of the guide elements 78a, 78b on a corresponding stop element of the guide track 82 limits a further rotatability.

For a clockwise rotation of the sweeping element 66 relative to the cleaning roller holder 38 (indicated by the reference numeral 104 in FIG. 9 (a)), the spring force 100 of the elastic device 98 must be overcome. The elastic device 98 is in particular designed such that the

Weight G of the surface cleaning machine 10 is sufficient to overcome the spring force. Furthermore, the elastic device is designed so that the sweeping element 66 does not push under the action of the spring force 100 under the cleaning roller 26 and lifts them. By appropriate dimensioning of the elastic device 98 so a lifting of the cleaning roller 26 caused by the sweeping element 66 is avoided.

By changing an angular position 106 of the surface floor cleaning machine 10 (relative to a longitudinal axis 108 of this machine), the sweeping element 66 is then automatically brought into a correct rotational position relative to the cleaning roller holder 38. This makes it possible to achieve an optimum sweeping result and thus a cleaning result independently of the angular position 106 of the surface floor cleaning machine 10.

An angular range for the rotatability of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38 on its circular path is in the range of at least 20 ° and in particular at least 30 ° and in particular at least 40 °. In one embodiment, this angular range is about 55 °. A starting position (zero angle) is defined by minimum deflection. For this purpose, a stop 102 is arranged on the sweeping element 66 (FIG. 8). The cleaning roller holder 38 has a counter element 103 and when abutment of the stop 102 on the counter element 103, the starting position (0 ° -.

Position). Starting from this position, a rotation in the mentioned angular range can then be made possible.

As already mentioned above, the concrete rotational position of the sweeping element 66 relative to the cleaning roller holder 38 and thus the angle of rotation relative to the starting position depend on the angular position 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10 to the surface 46 to be cleaned. The elastic device 98 comprises a spring device 110, which is supported at one end 112 on the cleaning roller holder 38 and supported at an opposite end 114 on the sweeping element 66 in order to be able to exert the corresponding spring force 100 for a rotary drive of the sweeping element 66. (If the cleaning head 18 is immovably seated on the apparatus body 12, then the spring means 110 may also be supported on the apparatus body 12 at the end 112.)

In one embodiment, the spring means 110 includes a first spring 116 and a second spring 118. The first spring 116 and the second spring 118 are formed, for example, as helical springs.

The first spring 116 and the second spring 118 are spaced in a direction between end faces of the sweeping element 66.

The first spring 116 and the second spring 118 are arranged so that between them a part of the drive device 40 is guided to the region 86.

The divider 90 is located between the first spring 116 and the second spring 118.

To fix the spring device 110, a support element 120 is assigned to the cleaning roller holder 38 of the first spring 116 and the second spring 118, respectively. At this support element 120, a first housing part 122 is pivotally hinged to a pivot bearing 124. A pivot axis of the pivot bearing 124 is parallel to the axis of rotation 71 of the sweeping element 66.

The first housing part 122 is, for example, cylindrical. At a bottom 126 of this first housing part 122, wherein this bottom 126 is closest to the pivot bearing 124, the corresponding spring 116 or 118 is supported via its end 112. Furthermore, a second housing part 128 is provided. This second housing part 128 is pushed sleeve-like manner on the first housing part 122.

The second housing part 128 is pivotally connected via a pivot bearing 130 to the sweeping element 66. A pivot axis of the pivot bearing 130 is parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot bearing 124 and thus parallel to the axis of rotation 71st

The second housing part 128 has a bottom 132, which the

Swivel bearing 130 is closest. The corresponding spring 116 or 118 is supported on the bottom 132 via the end 114.

By the first housing part 122 and the second housing part 128, a housing is formed. In the interior of which the corresponding spring 116 or 118 is protected.

Due to the pivotable articulation of the spring 116 or 118 both on the cleaning roller holder 38 and to the sweeping element 66 via the first housing part 122 and the second housing part 128, the spring force 100 in each rotational position, the sweeping element 66 to the cleaning roller holder 38 the corresponding circular path are exercised.

The surface cleaning machine 10 functions to clean a surface 46 to be cleaned (for example, a floor surface) as follows:

The surface cleaning machine 10 is placed with the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned with a contact line 47. For example, an operator holds the surface cleaning machine 10 with one hand on the handle 34. He sets an angular position 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10 to the surface 46 to be cleaned. This angular position 106 can be varied (see FIG. 9 (b)), for example to perform a cleaning under a piece of furniture. By actuating a switch, the surface cleaning machine 10 is started. It is a rotation of the cleaning roller 26 is actuated about the axis of rotation 42. This is driven by the drive device 40. Furthermore, the suction unit 16 is actuated, which generates a suction flow, which acts on the cleaning roller 26 at the suction orifice 60. Further, a moistening of the cleaning roller 26 is actuated by the moistening device 24.

For example, if a feed of the surface cleaning machine 10 in the forward direction 68 (Figure 1) is provided, then the cleaning roller 26 preferably rotates clockwise 70th

The wet cleaning roller 26 brings moisture to the surface 46 to be cleaned and it is thereby dissolved dirt. The rotation of the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned causes a dirt entrainment by the cleaning roller 26. At the suction mouth 60, an extraction takes place.

The sweeping element 66 serves to collect coarse dirt, which was (initially) not taken away by the cleaning roller 26, and to provide it to the cleaning roller 26. This coarse dirt can then be taken through the cleaning roller 26 and sucked. The sweeping element 66 rests with the sweeping edge 67 via a contact line 69 on the surface 46 to be cleaned.

The abutment region 96 bears against the surface 46 to be cleaned and ensures appropriate entrainment.

According to the sweeping element 66 is rotatably supported on the cleaning roller holder 38. The sweeping element 66 is spring-loaded by the elastic device 98. This automatically ensures that at all angular positions 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10 to the surface to be cleaned 46, the sweeping element 66 rests with the contact area 96 on the surface 46 to be cleaned. The spring force 100 of the elastic device 98 presses this contact region 96 with the sweeping edge 67 against the surface 46 to be cleaned.

If the angle is reduced 106 (see Figure 9 (b)), then it can be moved by the rotational mobility of the sweeping element 66 this. By overcoming the spring force 100, a movement takes place in the clockwise direction 104. In particular, the weight G of the surface cleaning machine 10 is sufficient to overcome the spring force 100 accordingly. Optionally, a (light) pressure by the operator can provide for the movement. A distance D between the abutment lines 69 and 47 (as the distance between the contact points of the sweeping element 66 and the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned) is minimized independently of the angle 106.

It is thereby achieved a substantially constant distance (gap) between the rotating cleaning roller 26 and the sweeping element 66 and in particular between the contact area 96 when it contacts the surface 46 to be cleaned and a contact area of the cleaning roller 26 at the surface 46 to be cleaned , There is no offset. The sweeping element 66 provides with a sweeping edge for sweeping up coarse dirt and a discharge via the cleaning roller 26 is ensured at each angular position 106.

Due to the variability of the angular position 106, a constant distance is ensured by the rotational mobility of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38. A region between the sweeping element 66 and the cleaning roller 26 forms a suction channel 134, which is in fluid-effective connection with the suction orifice 60. Due to the rotational mobility of the sweeping element 66, an arc length between the surface 46 to be cleaned and a projection of an opening of the channel 132 onto the surface to be cleaned is determined. surface 46 is variably bridged and the corresponding distance is kept substantially the same regardless of the angular position 126.

Irrespective of the angular position 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10, coarse dirt, which accumulates on the sweeping element 66, can be swept up and removed with the aid of the cleaning roller 26.

The elastic device 98 causes with its spring force 100 a provision of the sweeping element 66, for example, if the angle for a

Angle position 106 is increased (transition from the position shown in Figure 9 (b) to the position shown in Figure 9 (a)).

As already mentioned above, the sliding region 94 of the

Sweeping element 66 must be stiff. In a flexible embodiment, a bulge away from the cleaning roller 26 may be permitted. In a corresponding bulging area, coarse dirt can accumulate, in particular during lowering (reduction of the angle for the angular position 106). When lifting the surface cleaning machine 10 (increasing the angle of the angular position 106) then this accumulated coarse dirt can be removed.

In an alternative embodiment, which is shown schematically in Figure 10, the cleaning head is basically the same as described above. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements. This embodiment differs in the design of the elastic device. An elastic device 134 is provided here. The elastic means 134 comprises torsion springs 136 arranged on the front side on the corresponding sweeping element 66. A torsion spring 136 is supported on the sweeping element 66 in each case. Further, a torsion spring 136 is supported on a member 138, which is part of the cleaning roller holder 38 or is fixedly connected to it. This element 138 is disposed in an inner space 140 of the cleaning roller holder 38. In this interior 140 and the cleaning roller 26 is positioned. The element 138 is, for example, a rod which lies coaxially with the cleaning roller 26 and lies, for example, in an inner space of the cleaning roller 36. The cleaning roller 36 is formed in particular as a hollow roller.

In a further embodiment (FIG. 11), an elastic device 142 is provided, which has a rubber spring 144 for generating the spring force 100. This rubber spring 144 is in turn supported on the cleaning roller holder 38 and the sweeping element 66.

Reference surface cleaning machine

device body

casing

suction unit

cleaning head

trap structure

tank means

humidifying

cleaning roller

tank means

holder

retaining bar

handle

winding device

Cleaning rollers Holder

driving means

axis of rotation

swivel axis

surface to be cleaned

conditioning line

swivel axis

longitudinal axis

trimming

Support

management

connection

suction mouth

First estuary wall

Second wall of the estuary

return element sweeping edge

forward direction

conditioning line

clockwise

axis of rotation

First management facility

inside

Second guide device a, b guide element

Immersion region

guideway

transmission device

Area

a, b front side

divider

sliding surface

sliding

plant area

Elastic device0 spring force

2 stop

3 counter element

4 clockwise

6 angular position

8 longitudinal axis

0 spring device

2 end

4 end

6 First spring

8 Second spring

0 support element

2 First housing part

4 swivel bearings 126 floor

128 Second housing part

130 pivot bearings

132 channel

134 Elastic device

136 torsion spring

138 element

140 interior

142 Elastic device

144 rubber spring

Claims

claims

A surface cleaning machine comprising a cleaning roller holder (38), a cleaning roller (26) disposed on the cleaning roller holder (38), drive means (40) for rotatably driving the cleaning roller (26), and a sweeping member (66), which is associated with the cleaning roller (26) and the cleaning roller (26) supplies debris, characterized in that the sweeping element (66) is rotatably mounted on the cleaning roller holder (38).

2. surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that an axis of rotation (71) of the sweeping element (66) is oriented at least approximately parallel and in particular coaxially to a rotation axis (42) of the cleaning roller (26).

3. surface cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by an elastic means (98; 134; 142) which acts with a spring force (100) on the sweeping element (66), wherein the spring force (100) the sweeping element (66) against a surface to be cleaned (46) presses when the cleaning roller (26) is placed on the surface to be cleaned (46).

4. surface cleaning machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the elastic means (98; 134; 142) is dimensioned so that by the weight force (G) of the surface cleaning machine the

Sweeping element (66) against the spring force (100) is rotatable.

5. surface cleaning machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the elastic means (98; 134; 142) is dimensioned so that the sweeping element (66) due to the action of the spring force (100) not under the at least one cleaning roller pushes.

Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the elastic means (98; 134; 142) on the sweeping element (66) and on the cleaning roller holder (38) or with the cleaning roller holder (38) affiliated device is supported and articulated in particular.

Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the elastic means (98; 134; 142) comprises at least one helical spring (116; 118) or torsion spring (136) or rubber spring (144) or gas spring.

Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the elastic means (98) at least a first spring (116) and a second spring (118) which are spaced from each other, wherein between the first spring (116) and the second spring (118), the drive means (40) is at least partially positioned.

Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that a direction of rotation of the sweeping element (66) against the spring force (100) in a clockwise direction, and in particular that a direction of rotation of the sweeping element (66) when the spring force (100) moves this , is counterclockwise.

Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a suction device with a suction unit (16) and at least one suction mouth (60), which is fluidically connected to the suction unit (16) and which on the cleaning roller for fluid extraction at the cleaning roller (26). is aligned.

11. surface cleaning machine according to claim 10, characterized in that in a cleaning operation, the sweeping element (66) between a surface to be cleaned (46) on which the cleaning roller (26) is aligned, and the at least one suction port (60) is positioned ,

12. surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine alone on the cleaning roller (26) is placed on a surface to be cleaned (46) or supported.

13. surface cleaning machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the sweeping edge (66) is arranged so rotatably movable on the cleaning roller holder (38) that at each angular position (106) to be cleaned surface (46) within an operating range the surface cleaning machine, a distance between the sweeping element (66) and the cleaning roller (26) and in particular a distance between the sweeping element (66) and a Aufsetzbereich the cleaning roller (26) on the surface to be cleaned (46) is at least approximately constant.

14. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a cleaning operation with forward thrust of the surface cleaning machine, a direction of rotation of the cleaning roller (26) in the clockwise direction.

15. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an angular range for the rotatability of the sweeping element (66) on the cleaning roller holder (38) at least 20 ° and in particular at least 30 ° and in particular at least 40 ° relative to a starting position comprises, wherein in the initial position, the sweeping element (66) is minimally deflected against the cleaning roller holder (38).

16. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping element (66) has a sliding region (94) for the sliding on the cleaning roller holder (38).

17. surface cleaning machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the sliding region (94) has the shape of a cylinder shell or a part of a cylinder shell.

18. surface cleaning machine according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the cleaning roller holder (38) has an inner side (74) which faces the cleaning roller (26) on which the sliding region (94) of the sweeping element (66) is slidable.

19. Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 16 to 18,

characterized in that the sliding region (94) is rigid.

20. Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 16 to 18,

characterized in that the sliding region (94) is designed to be flexible so that it can be dented away from the cleaning roller by dirt accumulation.

21. surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping element (66) has a contact region (96) and in particular elastic abutment region (96) on a surface to be cleaned (46), which in particular at a sliding region (94). the sweeping element (66) is arranged.

22. surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the cleaning roller holder (38) a first guide means (72) is arranged and on the sweeping element (66) a second guide means (76) is arranged, which with the first guide means (72) for rotatably guiding the sweeping element (66) on the cleaning roller holder (38) cooperates.

23. surface cleaning machine according to claim 22, characterized in that the second guide means (76) on end faces of the sweeping element (66) arranged guide elements (78a, 78b), which arranged on front sides of the cleaning roller holder (38) counter-guide elements of the first Guide means (72) cooperate, wherein the first guide means (72) and / or the second guide means (76) provides a guide track (82).

24. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping element (66) is guided on a circular path on the cleaning roller holder (38).

25. surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when pushing the surface cleaning machine with on a surface to be cleaned (46) attached cleaning roller (26) in a forward direction (68), the sweeping element (66) of the forward direction (68 ) facing away from the cleaning roller (26) covers to the rear and on the surface to be cleaned (46) at least over a length of the cleaning roller (26) is applied.

26. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a moistening device (24) for the cleaning roller (26).