EP3206551B1 - Surface-cleaning machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, such as in the WO02 / 069775 A2 described, comprising a cleaning roller holder, a cleaning roller which is arranged on the cleaning roller holder, a drive device for rotationally driving the cleaning roller, and a sweeping element, which is assigned to the cleaning roller and the cleaning roller sweeps.

From the WO 2013/027140 A1 or US 2014/0182079 A1 a cleaning device for cleaning a surface is known which comprises a rotatable brush. A rubber wiper element is also provided, which is spaced apart from the brush and is fastened to an underside of a nozzle housing.

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

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

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

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

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

From the EP 0 186 005 A1 a brush suction nozzle provided with running wheels is known.

From the FR 2 797 895 a brush is known.

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

From the DE 102 42 257 B4 a floor dust collecting device is known which has an electric motor drive, a dust collecting container and a cover and a brush. As a result of its rotation, the brush conveys dust particles in a certain throwing direction, with a ramp oriented to the throwing direction being provided associated with the brush, which can be evaded in the throwing direction.

From the EP 1 465 518 B1 a surface cleaning device is known which includes a substantially continuous surface cleaning strip extending across an underside of a housing.

The invention is based on the object of providing a surface cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset, with which optimum cleaning results are obtained on a surface to be cleaned and, in particular, on a hard surface to be cleaned.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the area cleaning machine mentioned at the beginning in that the sweeping element is rotatably arranged 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. As a result, regardless of an angular position of the surface cleaning machine in relation to the surface to be cleaned, when the cleaning roller is placed on the surface to be cleaned, a constant distance between the rotating cleaning roller and the sweeping element can be achieved. 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 away by the rotating cleaning roller. The mobility of the sweeping element via the rotatability on the cleaning roller holder enables 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 based on a longitudinal direction of the surface cleaning machine in relation to the surface to be cleaned. In this way, for example, cleaning under furniture and the like can also be achieved. The result is 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 regard to this rotation, the sweeping element is positioned non-rotatably on 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 points of contact with the surface to be cleaned, coarse dirt can be swept up in all angular positions (within an operating range) of the surface cleaning machine with the help of the rotating cleaning roller without a centrifugal effect.

Due to the rotatable arrangement of the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder, good wear resistance can be achieved with a structurally advantageous design.

It is particularly advantageous if an axis of rotation of the sweeping element is oriented at least approximately parallel and in particular coaxially to an axis of rotation of the cleaning roller. This results in an optimized guidance of the sweeping element. Angular offsets of up to 20 ° or up to 10 °, for example, can occur with respect to the exact parallelism due to an uneven thickness of the sweeping element.

It is particularly advantageous if an elastic device is provided which acts on the sweeping element with a spring force, the spring force in particular pressing 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 dragging effect for coarse dirt (without a centrifugal effect) is achieved by the rotating cleaning roller. Irrespective of an angular position of the surface cleaning machine in relation to the surface to be cleaned, coarse dirt is carried along. The elastic device provides a restoring force so that in every angular position of the surface cleaning machine to the surface to be cleaned there is a substantially constant distance between a support line of the rotating cleaning roller and a support line of the sweeping element. This in turn leads to an optimized cleaning result.

In one embodiment, the elastic device is dimensioned such that the sweeping element is rotatable against the spring force due to the weight of the surface cleaning machine. The weight of the surface cleaning machine then allows the sweeping element to be repositioned as a function of, for example, an angular position of the surface cleaning machine. This results in a simple structural design of the surface cleaning machine.

The elastic device is advantageously dimensioned in such a way that the sweeping element does not slide under the at least one cleaning roller due to the effect of the spring force. This prevents the at least one cleaning roller from lifting off caused by the sweeping element.

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

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

In one embodiment, the elastic device comprises at least a first spring and a second spring which are spaced apart from one another, the drive device being at least partially positioned between the first spring and the second spring. With such an arrangement, the elastic device can be integrated into the surface cleaning machine in a structurally simple manner. The result is an optimized use of space. Furthermore, a symmetrical arrangement allows a uniform application of force to the sweeping element.

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

It is particularly advantageous if a suction device with a suction unit and at least one suction port is provided, which is fluidly connected to the suction unit and which is connected to the cleaning roller is aligned for fluid suction on the cleaning roller. The cleaning roller can take dirt with it, which is then sucked off by 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. This means that even coarse dirt can be taken along and vacuumed.

In particular, the surface cleaning machine is of a type in which, during a cleaning operation, it is placed or supported on a surface to be cleaned solely via the cleaning roller. In this way, good cleaning results can be achieved with a simple structural design. In particular, the corresponding surface cleaning machine can be designed to be weight-saving and space-saving. There is a high degree of maneuverability; this means that areas that are otherwise difficult to access can also be mechanically cleaned.

For example, the sweeping edge is movably rotatably arranged on the cleaning roller holder so that in 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 contact area of the cleaning roller is at least approximately constant on the surface to be cleaned. This ensures that coarse dirt is carried along consistently and results in optimized cleaning results.

In one embodiment, in the cleaning operation with forward thrust, the surface cleaning machine is clockwise in the direction of rotation of the cleaning roller. This results in an optimized dirt loosening 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 ° based on an initial position (zero-degree position), with the sweeping element being deflected with a sweeping edge minimally against the cleaning roller holder, i.e. protruding minimally beyond the cleaning roller holder. The starting position is defined, for example, by a stop on a locking element.

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

It is then advantageous if the sliding area has the shape of a cylinder shell or part of a cylinder shell, in order to be able to implement a circular guide in a particularly simple manner.

For the same reason, it is advantageous if the cleaning roller holder has an inside which faces the cleaning roller, on which the sliding area of the sweeping element can be slid.

It can be provided that the sliding area is made rigid and is so rigid that dirt that usually occurs does not lead to any bulging of the sliding area.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the sliding area is designed so flexibly that it can be bulged away from the cleaning roller by accumulations of dirt. Coarse dirt can then collect there. After the sweeping element rotates, this coarse dirt can be taken away by the rotating cleaning roller. The rotary movement is in turn brought about by changing the angular position of the surface cleaning machine in relation to the surface to be cleaned.

It is also advantageous if the sweeping element has a contact area (contact lip) and, in particular, an elastic contact area on a surface to be cleaned which is arranged in particular on a sliding area of the sweeping element. This results in an optimized sweeping function for collecting coarse dirt, this coarse dirt then in turn being able to be carried along by the rotating cleaning roller and being sucked off.

It is favorable if a first guide device is arranged on the cleaning roller holder and a second guide device is arranged on the sweeping element, which cooperates with the first guide device for rotatably guiding the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder. This results in a movable arrangement of the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder in a structurally simple manner. In particular, the sweeping element can be guided on a circular path in a simple manner.

For example, the second guide device has guide elements arranged on the end faces of the sweeping element, which 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 implemented in a structurally simple manner. For example, a stop for defining an initial 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 that the gap between the cleaning roller and the sweeping element is as constant as possible, the sweeping element is movably arranged as a whole on the cleaning roller holder.

In particular, when the surface cleaning machine is pushed with the cleaning roller placed on a surface to be cleaned, the sweeping element faces away from the forward direction in a forward direction and covers the cleaning roller to the rear and is at least over the surface to be cleaned applied a length of the cleaning roller. 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 coarse dirt that collects on the sweeping element can be taken away by the rotating cleaning roller.

It is also advantageous if a moistening device is provided for the cleaning roller. This allows the rotating cleaning roller to be moistened. This makes it easier to loosen and take away dirt on the surface to be cleaned.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine;

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Walzenbereichs der Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine Teildarstellung des Walzenbereichs gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 4

eine weitere Teildarstellung des Walzenbereichs gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Kehrelements, welches an dem Walzenbereich gemäß Figur 2 angeordnet ist;

Figur 6

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung des Walzenbereichs gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 7

eine Schnittansicht in der Schnittfläche A gemäß Figur 6;

Figur 8

eine Draufsicht auf den Walzenbereich in der Richtung B gemäß Figur 6;

Figuren 9(a), (b)

unterschiedliche Winkelpositionen der FlächenReinigungsmaschine gegenüber einer zu reinigenden Fläche mit unterschiedlichen Drehpositionen eines Kehrelements;

Figur 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Walzenbereichs eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine; und

Figur 11

eine Teildarstellung des Walzenbereichs eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen FlächenReinigungsmaschine.

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

Figure 1

a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine;

Figure 2

a perspective view of a roller area of the surface cleaning machine according to FIG Figure 1 ;

Figure 3

a partial representation of the roller area according to Figure 2 ;

Figure 4

a further partial representation of the roller area according to Figure 2 ;

Figure 5

a perspective view of an embodiment of a sweeping element which is attached to the roller area according to FIG Figure 2 is arranged;

Figure 6

a further perspective illustration of the roller area according to FIG Figure 2 ;

Figure 7

a sectional view in the sectional area A according to Figure 6 ;

Figure 8

a plan view of the roller area in the direction B according to FIG Figure 6 ;

Figures 9 (a), (b)

different angular positions of the surface cleaning machine in relation to a surface to be cleaned with different rotational positions of a sweeping element;

Figure 10

a perspective view of the roller area of a further embodiment of a surface cleaning machine; and

Figure 11

a partial representation of the roller area of a further 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) floors. This makes it a floor cleaning machine. The surface floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a device body 12 with a housing 14. Components of the surface floor cleaning machine 10 are arranged in a protected manner in the housing 14.

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

A separator device 20 is also arranged in the housing 14, which separates solid and liquid components from one another in a suction stream.

Furthermore, a tank device 22 for (sucked in) dirty liquid is arranged in the housing 14. The tank device 22 is in particular positioned removably on the housing 14.

The surface cleaning machine 10 comprises a moistening device 24, via which cleaning liquid (water or water with an additional cleaning agent) can be made available to a cleaning roller 26 of the cleaning head 18. A tank device 28 for cleaning fluid is arranged in the housing 14 and provides this cleaning fluid to the humidifying device 24.

The surface cleaning machine 10 is hand-held. A holder 30 is arranged on the device body 12. This holder 30 comprises a holding rod 32, on the end region of which a handle 34 is seated. The handle 34 is designed in particular as a bow handle. In the area of the handle 34, operating elements and in particular a switch for switching on and off corresponding devices of the surface cleaning machine 10 are arranged.

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

The cleaning head 18 is positioned on the device body 12 at an end facing away from the handle 34. It is arranged, for example, pivotably on the device body 12.

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

The cleaning roller 26 is assigned 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 part of the drive device 40 is arranged in the housing 14 and a part is arranged on the cleaning head 18.

The drive device 40 comprises in particular an electric motor. This provides a torque for the rotational drive of the cleaning roller 26 about an axis of rotation 42.

When the surface cleaning machine 10 is in operation, it is placed on the surface to be cleaned via the cleaning roller 26 and is supported on the surface to be cleaned only via the cleaning roller 26. An operator holds the surface cleaning machine 10 by the handle 34, the operator being standing in normal operation. The operator can set an angular position of the surface cleaning machine 10 (an angular position of the holding rod 32) to the surface to be cleaned. This takes place via the angular positioning of the entire device 10 relative to the surface to be cleaned.

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

A pivot axis 48 for a possible pivotability of the cleaning head 18 relative to the device body 12 lies transversely to this pivot axis 44 or transversely to the axis of rotation 42.

The cleaning roller 26 has a longitudinal axis 50. This longitudinal axis 50 is coaxial with the axis of rotation 42. When the surface cleaning machine 10 is in operation, the longitudinal axis 50 is coaxial with the surface 46 to be cleaned. The pivot axis 44 for pivoting the entire 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 in FIG Figure 2 indicated by the reference numeral 52, provided with a trim.

The cleaning head 18 (compare also the Figures 3 to 8 ) with the cleaning roller holder 38 is provided for, in particular, a detachable connection to the device body 12. It comprises a connecting piece 54 which is arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38 and via which a pivotable mounting of the cleaning head 38 on the device body 12 is realized.

One or more liquid lines 56 lead from the humidifier 24, which is arranged in particular on the housing 14, to the humidifier 24 of the cleaning head 18. Nozzles are arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38, via which the cleaning roller 26 can be supplied with cleaning fluid.

For operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, it is provided in particular that cleaning liquid is not applied directly to the surface 46 to be cleaned, but rather the cleaning roller 26 is moistened with its trim 52 and the moistened cleaning roller 26 then 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 communication with the suction unit 16 via one or more suction lines.

On the cleaning roller holder there is (at least) one suction port 60 (cf. Figure 7 ), which is aligned with the cleaning roller 26. The suction port 60 is in fluid connection with the connection 58 and thus with the suction unit 16. A negative pressure flow acts on the suction port 60. Dirt is sucked off through this.

In one exemplary embodiment, when the cleaning roller 26 is placed on the surface 46 to be cleaned, the suction opening 60 is arranged above the cleaning roller 26 in relation to the surface 46 to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, the suction mouth 60 has a first mouth wall 62 and a second mouth wall 64. Between these the suction opening 60 is formed with a corresponding opening. The first opening wall 62 lies above the second opening wall 64. The first opening wall 62 and / or the second opening wall 64 lie against the facing 52 of the cleaning roller 26 or in particular protrude into it. This embodiment is in the unpublished international patent application PCT / EP2013 / 076445 of December 12, 2013 by the same applicant. Reference is made to this document in its entirety.

The cleaning head 18 has a sweeping element 66 which is assigned to the cleaning roller 26.

In a (“normal”) cleaning operation, for example, the surface cleaning machine 10 is moved in a forward direction 68 (cf. Figure 1 ) pushed forward. The cleaning roller 26 rotates clockwise 70. A region of the cleaning roller 26 is moistened by the moistening device 24 before it comes into contact with the surface 46 to be cleaned. This area then rotates towards the surface 46 to be cleaned. Dirt is loosened. As a result of the rotation of the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned, dirt is carried along and fed to the suction port 60. A suction can take place there.

The sweeping element 66 can "collect" coarse dirt which, for example, has not been taken away directly by the cleaning roller 26, and is then taken away via the cleaning roller 26.

The sweeping element 66 is arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38. A translatory transport of the sweeping element 66 takes place via the fixation on the cleaning roller holder 38. The sweeping element 66 is mechanically decoupled from the rotation of the cleaning roller 26.

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

During normal operation, the sweeping element 66 is positioned between the surface 46 to be cleaned and the suction opening 60.

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

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 device 72 for the sweeping element 66. The first guide device 72 ( Figures 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 ( Figure 5 ) has guide elements 78a, 78b arranged on the end faces of the sweeping element 66. The guide elements 78a, 78b each have an immersion area 80, for example in the form of a dovetail.

The first guide device 72, assigned to the guide elements 78a, 78b, has guide tracks 82 on each of the end faces of the cleaning roller holder 38, in which the respective immersion area 80 is immersed. A positive guidance (on a circular path) of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38 is thereby implemented.

The drive device 40 comprises a transmission device 84. This in turn comprises a sub-area 86 ( Figures 2 to 4 ), which is arranged facing the inside 74 on the cleaning roller holder 38. This area 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 via this.

A divider 90 is located on the inside 74 of the cleaning roller holder 38, centrally between the end faces 88a, 88b. This divider 90 is used to divide dirt or dirty fluid to the left and right.

The sweeping element 66 comprises a sliding area 94. This sliding area 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 area 94 rests on the inside 74 of the cleaning roller holder 38 and slides on the sweeping element 66 when the latter is rotated.

A contact area 96 is seated on the sliding area 94 of the sweeping element 66. The contact area 96 forms a contact lip on the surface 46 to be cleaned. The contact area 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.

In principle, the sliding area 94 can be produced with such a rigidity that no flexible deformation takes place during normal operation.

In an alternative embodiment, the sliding area 94 is made so flexible that a bulge away from the cleaning roller 26 to the rear (opposite to the forward direction 68) is possible. Such a bulge can be caused by the accumulation of dirt and, under certain circumstances, can increase the cleaning effect.

The sweeping element 66 is additionally supported by an elastic device 98 on the cleaning roller holder 38 ( Figures 5 to 7 ). The elastic device 98 provides a spring force 100 which tends to press the sweeping element 66 with the contact area 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 strives to achieve a maximum (rotary) deflection of the sweeping element 66 in relation to the cleaning roller holder 38.

This maximum rotatability 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 further rotatability.

For a clockwise rotation of the sweeping element 66 relative to the cleaning roller holder 38 (in Figure 9 (a) indicated by the reference number 104) the spring force 100 of the elastic device 98 must be overcome.

The elastic device 98 is designed in particular such that the weight G of the surface cleaning machine 10 is sufficient to overcome the spring force.

Furthermore, the elastic device is designed in such a way that the sweeping element 66 does not slide under the cleaning roller 26 under the action of the spring force 100 and lift it off. Due to the corresponding dimensioning of the elastic device 98, 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 (in relation 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. As a result, an optimal sweeping result and thus a cleaning result can be achieved 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 approximately 55 °. A starting position (zero angle) is defined by a minimum deflection. For this purpose, a stop 102 is arranged on the sweeping element 66 ( Figure 8 ). The cleaning roller holder 38 has a counter element 103 and when the stop 102 rests against the counter element 103, the starting position (0 ° position) is present. Starting from this position, rotation in the aforementioned angular range can then be made possible.

As already mentioned above, the specific rotational position of the sweeping element 66 in relation to the cleaning roller holder 38 and thus the angle of rotation in relation to the starting position depends on the angular position 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10 in relation 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 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 seated immovably on the device body 12, then the spring device 110 can also be supported on the device body 12 at the end 112.)

In one embodiment, the spring device 110 comprises a first spring 116 and a second spring 118. The first spring 116 and the second spring 118 are designed, for example, as helical springs.

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

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

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

To fix the spring device 110, a support element 120 is arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38, each associated with the first spring 116 and the second spring 118. A first housing part 122 is pivotably articulated on a pivot bearing 124 on this support element 120. A pivot axis of the pivot bearing 124 lies parallel to the axis of rotation 71 of the sweeping element 66.

The first housing part 122 is cylindrical, for example.

The corresponding spring 116 or 118 is supported via its end 112 on a base 126 of this first housing part 122, this base 126 being closest to the pivot bearing 124.

A second housing part 128 is also provided. This second housing part 128 is pushed onto the first housing part 122 in the manner of a sleeve.

The second housing part 128 is pivotably articulated to the sweeping element 66 via a pivot bearing 130. 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 71.

The second housing part 128 has a base 132 which is closest to the pivot bearing 130. The corresponding spring 116 or 118 is supported on the base 132 via the end 114.

A housing is formed by the first housing part 122 and the second housing part 128. The corresponding spring 116 or 118 is arranged in a protected manner in its interior.

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

The surface cleaning machine 10 functions for cleaning 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. An operator holds the surface cleaning machine 10, for example, with one hand on the handle 34. In doing so, he sets an angular position 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10 in relation to the surface 46 to be cleaned. This angular position 106 can be varied (cf. Figure 9 (b) ), for example to clean under a piece of furniture.

The surface cleaning machine 10 is started by actuating a switch. A rotation of the cleaning roller 26 about the axis of rotation 42 is actuated. This is driven by the drive device 40. Furthermore, the suction unit 16 is actuated, which generates a suction current which acts on the cleaning roller 26 at the suction opening 60. Furthermore, the cleaning roller 26 is moistened by the moistening device 24.

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

The damp cleaning roller 26 applies moisture to the surface 46 to be cleaned and dirt is thereby loosened. The rotation of the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned causes dirt to be carried along by the cleaning roller 26. Suction takes place at the suction opening 60.

The sweeping element 66 serves to collect coarse dirt that was not (initially) removed by the cleaning roller 26 and to make it available to the cleaning roller 26. This coarse dirt can then be taken along by the cleaning roller 26 and sucked off. The sweeping element 66 rests with the sweeping edge 67 via a contact line 69 on the surface 46 to be cleaned.

The contact area 96 rests against the surface 46 to be cleaned and ensures that it is carried along accordingly.

According to the invention, the sweeping element 66 is held in a rotatable manner on the cleaning roller holder 38. The sweeping element 66 is spring-loaded by the elastic device 98.

This automatically ensures that in all angular positions 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10 in relation to the surface 46 to be cleaned, the sweeping element 66 with the contact area 96 lies against the surface 46 to be cleaned. The spring force 100 of the elastic device 98 presses this contact area 96 with the sweeping edge 67 against the surface 46 to be cleaned.

If the angle 106 is reduced (compare Figure 9 (b) ), then the sweeping element 66 can be moved along with it due to the rotational mobility of the sweeping element. A movement in the clockwise direction 104 takes place while the spring force 100 is overcome. In particular, the weight G of the surface cleaning machine 10 is sufficient to overcome the spring force 100 accordingly. If necessary, a (light) pressure by the operator can ensure the movement.

A distance D between the contact 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 regardless of the angle 106.

As a result, a substantially constant distance (gap) is achieved between the rotating cleaning roller 26 and the sweeping element 66 and in particular between the contact area 96 when it comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned 46 and a contact area of the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned. There is no offset. The sweeping element 66 provides a sweeping edge for sweeping up coarse dirt and discharge via the cleaning roller 26 is ensured in every 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. An area between the sweeping element 66 and the cleaning roller 26 forms a suction channel 134 which is in fluid communication with the suction opening 60. The rotational mobility of the sweeping element 66 creates 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 46 bridged variably and the corresponding distance is kept essentially the same regardless of the angular position 126.

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

With its spring force 100, the elastic device 98 resets the sweeping element 66 if, for example, the angle for an angular position 106 is increased (transition from the position according to FIG Figure 9 (b) to the position according to Figure 9 (a) ).

As already mentioned above, the sliding area 94 of the sweeping element 66 can in principle be designed to be rigid. In the case of a flexible embodiment, a bulging away from the cleaning roller 26 can be permitted. In a corresponding bulge area, coarse dirt can then collect, in particular when lowering (reducing the angle for the angular position 106). When the surface cleaning machine 10 is raised (increasing the angle of the angular position 106), this accumulated coarse dirt can then be transported away.

In an alternative embodiment, which is shown in Figure 10 is shown schematically, the cleaning head is basically designed in the same way as described above. The same reference symbols 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 device 134 comprises torsion springs 136 arranged on the end face of the corresponding sweeping element 66. A torsion spring 136 is supported on the sweeping element 66 in each case. Furthermore, a torsion spring 136 is supported on an element 138 which is part of the cleaning roller holder 38 or is firmly connected to it. This element 138 is arranged in an interior space 140 of the cleaning roller holder 38. The cleaning roller 26 is also positioned in this interior space 140.

The element 138 is, for example, a rod which lies coaxially with the cleaning roller 26 and, for example, lies in an interior of the cleaning roller 36. The cleaning roller 36 is designed in particular as a hollow roller.

In another embodiment ( Figure 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.

List of reference symbols

10

Area cleaning machine

12th

Device body

14th

casing

16

Suction unit

18th

Cleaning head

20th

Separator device

22nd

Tank facility

24

Humidifier

26th

Cleaning roller

28

Tank facility

30th

holder

32

Holding rod

34

Grab handle

36

Winding device

38

Cleaning roller holder

40

Drive device

42

Axis of rotation

44

Swivel axis

46

surface to be cleaned

47

Investment line

48

Swivel axis

50

Longitudinal axis

52

Trimming

54

Support

56

management

58

connection

60

Suction port

62

First mouth wall

64

Second wall of the mouth

66

Sweeping element

67

Sweeping edge

68

Forward direction

69

Investment line

70

Clockwise

71

Axis of rotation

72

First guide facility

74

inside

76

Second guide device

78a, b

Guide element

80

Immersion area

82

Guideway

84

Transmission device

86

Area

88a, b

Front side

90

Divider

92

Sliding surface

94

Sliding area

96

Investment area

98

Elastic device

100

Spring force

102

attack

103

Counter element

104

Clockwise

106

Angular position

108

Longitudinal axis

110

Spring device

112

end

114

end

116

First feather

118

Second spring

120

Support element

122

First housing part

124

Swivel bearing

126

ground

128

Second housing part

130

Swivel bearing

132

channel

134

Elastic device

136

Torsion spring

138

element

140

inner space

142

Elastic device

144

Rubber spring

Claims (15)

1. Surface cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning roller holder (38), a cleaning roller (26) which is arranged on the cleaning roller holder (38), a drive device (40) for imparting rotational drive to the cleaning roller (26), and a sweeping element (66) which is associated with the cleaning roller (26) and feeds sweepings to the cleaning roller (26), characterized in that the sweeping element (66) is arranged for rotary motion on the cleaning roller holder (38).
2. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with 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 an axis of rotation (42) of the cleaning roller (26).
3. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized by an elastic device (98; 134; 142) that acts with a spring force (100) on the sweeping element (66), in particular wherein the spring force (100) urges the sweeping element (66) against a surface (46) to be cleaned when the cleaning roller (26) is placed on the surface (46) that is to be cleaned, and in particular in that the elastic device (98; 134; 142) is dimensioned such that, by the weight force (G) of the surface cleaning machine, the sweeping element (66) is rotatably movable against the spring force (100), and in particular in that the elastic device (98; 134; 142) is dimensioned such that the sweeping element (66) will not push itself under the at least one cleaning roller by the action of the spring force (100), and in particular in that the elastic device (98; 134; 142) is supported on, and is in particular articulated to, the sweeping element (66) and the cleaning roller holder (38) or a device connected to the cleaning roller holder (38), and in particular in that the elastic device (98; 134; 142) comprises at least one coil spring (116; 118) or torsion spring (136) or rubber spring (144) or gas pressure spring.
4. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the elastic device (98) comprises at least a first spring (116) and a second spring (118) which are spaced from one another, wherein the drive device (40) is at least partly positioned between the first spring (116) and the second spring (118).
5. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a direction of rotation of the sweeping element (66) against the spring force (100) is clockwise, and in particular in that a direction of rotation of the sweeping element (66) when the latter is moved by the spring force (100) is counterclockwise.
6. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a suction device having a suction unit (16) and at least one suction mouth (60) which is operatively connected for fluid communication with the suction unit (16) and is aligned with the cleaning roller for fluid suctioning at the cleaning roller (26), and in particular in that, in a cleaning operation, the sweeping element (66) is positioned between a surface (46) to be cleaned with which the cleaning roller (26) is aligned and the at least one suction mouth (60).
7. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine is placed or supported on a surface (46) to be cleaned via the cleaning roller (26) alone, and in particular in that the sweeping edge (66) is arranged for rotary motion on the cleaning roller holder (38) such that, at each angular position (106) relative to the surface (46) to be cleaned within an operating range of the surface cleaning machine, a spacing between the sweeping element (66) and the cleaning roller (26), and in particular a spacing between the sweeping element (66) and an area of contact of the cleaning roller (26) with the surface (46) that is to be cleaned, is at least approximately constant.
8. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a cleaning operation working the surface cleaning machine on a forward stroke, a direction of rotation of the cleaning roller (26) is clockwise.
9. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any 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) comprises at least 20°, and in particular at least 30°, and in particular at least 40°, relative to a starting position, wherein in the starting position the sweeping element (66) is minimally deflected relative to the cleaning roller holder (38).
10. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping element (66) has a sliding region (94) for sliding on the cleaning roller holder (38), and in particular in that the sliding region (94) is in the form of a cylindrical shell or portion of a cylindrical shell, and in particular in that the cleaning roller holder (38) has an inner side (74) that faces towards the cleaning roller (26) and upon which the sliding region (94) of the sweeping element (66) is slidable, and in particular in that the sliding region (94) is of rigid construction, or in that the sliding region (94) is constructed with enough flexibility that it is bulgeable away from the cleaning roller by accumulations of dirt.
11. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping element (66) has an area of contact (96), and in particular an elastic area of contact (96), against a surface (46) to be cleaned that is arranged on a sliding region (94) of the sweeping element (66) in particular.
12. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that arranged on the cleaning roller holder (38) is a first guide device (72) and arranged on the sweeping element (66) is a second guide device (76) which cooperates with the first guide device (72) for rotatable guidance of the sweeping element (66) on the cleaning roller holder (38), and in particular in that the second guide device (76) has guide elements (78a, 78b) that are arranged on end sides of the sweeping element (66) and cooperate with counter guide elements of the first guide device (72) that are arranged on end sides of the cleaning roller holder (38), wherein the first guide device (72) and/or the second guide device (76) provides a guide track (82).
13. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping element (66) is guided on a circular track on the cleaning roller holder (38).
14. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the surface cleaning machine with a cleaning roller (26) placed on a surface (46) to be cleaned is pushed in a forward direction (68), the sweeping element (66) facing away from the forward direction (68) covers the cleaning roller (26) towards the rear and is in contact against the surface (46) to be cleaned at least over a length of the cleaning roller (26).
15. Surface cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a wetting device (24) for the cleaning roller (26).

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