EP3592193B1 - Self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device with a drive unit for moving on a floor surface, a mopping roller for wet cleaning of the floor surface, a cleaning fluid container and a dirt container for collected dirt.

The WO 2005/055795 A1 describes a cleaning robot with a roller brush and a cleaning roller which is arranged behind this in the processing direction and which can be covered with a cleaning cloth. Dirt that is picked up by the rotary brush is transferred to a dirt collecting container. A moistening device is arranged upstream of the cleaning roller in order to clean the floor surface with a damp cloth under the action of the cleaning roller.

In the JP 2005-211426 A describes a cleaning robot with cleaning rollers arranged one behind the other in a machining direction. One of these cleaning rollers is a roller brush, with which dirt can be transferred to a dirt collecting container. A dry cleaning of the floor surface is carried out with the further cleaning roller.

The object of the present invention is to provide such a floor cleaning device with which a better cleaning of the floor surface is possible.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device with the features of claim 1.

Improved cleaning of the floor surface can be achieved by cleaning the floor surface both with the sweeping roller and with the mopping roller becomes. For example, loose dirt and coarse dirt particles can be swept into the at least one dirt container by means of the rotary brush. By moistening the floor surface and / or the mopping roller, additional dirt can be detached under the cleaning effect of the mopping roller and transferred into the at least one dirt container.

The main brush can have a set of cleaning bristles for cleaning the floor surface. Alternatively, the main brush can have a trim made of a textile material, made of a sponge-like or cloth-like material, with which a sweeping effect can also be achieved.

The wiping roller can have a sponge-like or cloth-like trim for cleaning the floor surface. For example, a trim made of a textile material is provided, for. B. made of microfiber textile material.

The floor cleaning device can be supported on the floor surface via the main brush and the mopping roller. In a corresponding manner, the floor cleaning device can be supported on the floor surface via at least one drive element of the drive unit and / or, if present, via at least one roller. The mopping roller, the sweeping roller, the at least one drive element and / or the at least one roller can be viewed as a support device for supporting the floor cleaning device.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the drive unit has two drive elements spaced apart from one another transversely to a longitudinal or main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device. A control unit is provided to control the movement of the drive elements. The drive elements are, for example, drive wheels.

In an advantageous embodiment, the floor cleaning device is free of a roller for supporting it on the floor surface. Steering movements of the floor cleaning device can in particular be carried out by means of two differently driven drive elements.

In the floor cleaning device according to the invention it is provided that the floor cleaning device comprises a first dirt container for receiving dirt swept up with the sweeping roller and a second dirt container for receiving dirt picked up with the mopping roller. There are two dirt containers, each with a dirt inlet opening for dirt from the main brush or dirt from the mopping roller.

It is advantageous if, in relation to a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device, the sweeping roller is arranged in front of the wiping roller. In this way, loose dirt is first swept up by means of the rotary brush. The floor surface is then cleaned with a damp cloth using the mopping roller. Any traces left by the rotary brush on the floor surface are removed. This improves the cleaning result.

The above-mentioned advantageous embodiment can be defined in another way in that a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device is selected or defined such that the sweeping roller is located in front of the mopping roller in the main direction of movement. When moving the floor cleaning device on the floor surface, sections of the same are first detected by the cleaning elements of the sweeping roller, then by cleaning elements of the mopping roller.

It is advantageous if, in relation to a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device, drive elements (for example drive wheels) or at least one roller are arranged in front of the wiping roller. In particular, it is advantageous if, in relation to the main direction of movement, no drive element and no roller is arranged behind the wiping roller. Any traces on the floor surface left by the drive element or the roller can be removed with the wiping roller when cleaning them with a damp cloth. Conversely, no drive element and no roller leaves a trace in the area of the floor surface cleaned by the mopping roller.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if the at least one dirt container is arranged between the main brush and the mopping roller and if dirt can be conveyed from the main brush and the mopping roller into the at least one dirt container via different dirt inlet openings. For example, the main brush is arranged leading in the main direction of movement and the mopping roller behind the main brush. The at least one dirt container can be arranged in between. A respective dirt inlet opening can be arranged on the sides facing the sweeping roller and the mopping roller.

It is advantageous if the mopping roller is dimensioned such that the area of the floor surface covered by it is wider than the distance between drive elements and / or rollers in a direction in which the mopping roller extends. In the present case, this can in particular be understood to mean that areas of the floor surface that are traversed by the drive elements or rollers can be grasped and cleaned by the wiper roller in order to remove any traces from the floor surface.

In a non-claimed embodiment, a dirt container is favorably provided which comprises a dirt inlet opening on each of the sides of the mopping roller and the sweeping roller facing away from one another. The floor cleaning device can have a common dirt container for dirt swept up with the sweeping roller and wiped away in the mopping roller. This simplifies the structural design of the floor cleaning device and simplifies its handling. A shared dirt container can be emptied in a simpler manner by an operator.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if the sweeping roller and the mopping roller are arranged one behind the other and the two dirt containers are provided, the second dirt container assigned to the mopping roller being positioned on the side of the mopping roller facing away from the sweeping roller and the first dirt container assigned to the brooming roller on the side of the main brush facing away from the mopping roller. The main brush and the mopping roller are arranged in this way between the two dirt containers. With the sweeping roller, dirt can be swept into the dirt container, which is arranged on a side of the sweeping roller opposite the wiping roller. With the mopping roller, dirt can be conveyed into that dirt container which is arranged on a side of the mopping roller opposite the sweeping roller. In particular, based on the main direction of movement, from the front to the rear, first a dirt container for the main brush, the main brush, the mopping roller and then a dirt container for the mopping roller are arranged.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if a dirt container assigned to one of these cleaning rollers - mopping roller or sweeping roller - is arranged between the mopping roller and the sweeping roller, and on the side facing away from this dirt container another dirt container, which is the respective other cleaning roller - sweeping roller or Mopping roller - is assigned. For example, the first dirt container associated with the main brush can be arranged between the main brush and the mopping roller, which are spaced apart from one another. On the side of the mopping roller facing away from this dirt container, the second dirt container assigned to the mopping roller can be arranged. In relation to the main direction of movement, it is provided in particular that the sweeping roller, the dirt container assigned to it, the wiping roller and the dirt container assigned to it are arranged from front to back. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the dirt container assigned to the wiping roller is arranged between the sweeping roller and the wiping roller, which are spaced apart from one another. On the side of the main brush facing away from this dirt container the dirt container assigned to the rotary brush can be arranged. In relation to the main direction of movement, it can be provided in particular that the dirt container assigned to the sweeping roller, the sweeping roller, the dirt container assigned to the mopping roller and then the mopping roller are arranged on the floor cleaning device from front to back.

In an advantageous embodiment of a floor cleaning device that is not claimed, it is advantageous if the roller broom and the mopping roller are arranged one behind the other and a dirt container is provided which is assigned to these two, and when dirt from the roller broom is over the mopping roller into the dirt container arranged laterally next to this, or vice versa, is fundable. For example, the common dirt container, which is assigned to both cleaning rollers, is arranged on the side of the mopping roller facing away from the sweeping roller. Dirt can be conveyed into the dirt container with the sweeping roller, in particular via the mopping roller. In relation to the main direction of movement, the sweeping roller is arranged in particular in front of the wiping roller and in front of the dirt container. Alternatively, it can be provided that the dirt container is arranged on the side of the sweeping roller facing away from the mopping roller. Dirt from the mopping roller can in particular be conveyed into the dirt container via the sweeping roller. In relation to the main direction of movement, the dirt container is arranged in particular in front of the sweeping roller, and behind it the wiping roller.

It can be provided that the sweeping roller and / or the mopping roller sweeps or wipes on the floor side in the main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device. In the present case, this can in particular be understood to mean that a section of the roller brush or the mopping roller contacting the floor on the floor surface when the floor cleaning device is used as intended rotates and sweeps or wipes in the main direction of movement (forwards).

It can be provided that the sweeping roller and / or the mopping roller rotates and sweeps or wipes on the floor side counter to the main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device (backwards).

The wiping roller and the sweeping roller can be designed to rotate in the same direction or to rotate in opposite directions.

In an advantageous embodiment, the drive unit can comprise two drive elements spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning device, at least one dirt container being positioned between the drive elements, at least in sections. In this way, a compact design of the floor cleaning device can be achieved. The at least one dirt container can comprise lateral recesses or cutouts in which the drive elements are arranged. In the main direction of movement in front of or behind the recess or recess, the at least one dirt container can have laterally protruding container sections. For example, the at least one dirt container has the shape of a “double T” in plan view.

In an embodiment not claimed, it proves to be advantageous if the mopping roller and the sweeping roller are assigned a common dirt container. Accordingly, a dirt container can be provided for receiving dirt swept up with the sweeping roller and for receiving dirt picked up with the mopping roller. The dirt container preferably has a dirt inlet opening assigned to it on the opposite sides of the sweeping roller and the mopping roller.

A structural unit is advantageously provided which comprises or forms both dirt containers in a common housing. The structural design is simplified. In a common structural unit, an operator can handle both dirt containers in a simpler manner.

The housing preferably has a dirt inlet opening assigned to it on the opposite sides of the sweeping roller and the mopping roller. The sweeping roller and the mopping roller can be spaced from one another, and the housing with the dirt containers is arranged between them.

In another advantageous embodiment, it is advantageous if the dirt containers are spatially separated from one another on the floor cleaning device are arranged. The dirt containers can preferably be removed from the floor cleaning device and connected to it independently of one another.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if the cleaning liquid container and the at least one dirt container are arranged one above the other, the cleaning liquid container in particular being arranged above the at least one dirt container. This makes it easier to convey dirt into the dirt container arranged closer to the ground. Cleaning fluid can be removed from the cleaning fluid container arranged above in a simpler way for wetting the floor surface and / or the wiping roller, for example solely under the influence of gravity.

Position and orientation information such as "above", "below" or the like are to be understood in the present case in relation to an intended use of the floor cleaning device, this being positioned on the floor surface. A contact plane of the floor cleaning device coincides with the plane defined by the floor surface. As mentioned, “front”, “rear” or the like are to be understood as referring to a longitudinal and, in particular, main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if the cleaning fluid container and the at least one dirt container are designed to be structurally separate from one another. For example, both containers are positioned one above the other, but structurally separated from one another. The cleaning fluid container can in particular be arranged above the dirt container.

In an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning fluid container and the at least one dirt container can be removed from the floor cleaning device separately from one another and connected to it. In an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning fluid container and the at least one dirt container can be releasably connectable to one another in order to form a structural unit.

An advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention provides that the cleaning fluid container and the at least one dirt container form a structural unit with a common housing that can be removed from the floor cleaning device and connected to it. This improves the structural design of the floor cleaning device and makes it easier for the operator to handle it.

Optionally, in a floor cleaning device of the type mentioned with a mopping roller, the cleaning fluid container and the at least one dirt container form a structural unit with a common housing that can be removed from the floor cleaning device and connected to it. Such a floor cleaning device, which has a mopping roller and does not have a sweeping roller, can represent an independent invention. With such a floor cleaning device, too, the structural design is simplified and handling is improved. Advantageous embodiments of this floor cleaning device according to the invention can have the features explained here, insofar as these do not relate to the rotary brush and the dirt container assigned to it.

It proves to be advantageous if the cleaning fluid container and the at least one dirt container have a deformable container wall delimiting them, the volume of the cleaning fluid container decreasing when cleaning fluid is removed and the volume of the dirt container increasing when dirt is introduced. In this way, a compact design of the combined container can be achieved, the one compact design of the floor cleaning device favors. For example, the container can be built relatively flat or relatively narrow, and the same applies to the floor cleaning device. The deformable container wall is, for example, a membrane which, when deformed, can increase the volume of the dirt container to the same extent as the volume of the cleaning fluid container decreases.

It is favorable if the cleaning fluid container is designed as a prefabricated container filled with a cleaning chemical and comprises a container opening for filling in water. For example, the pre-assembled container can be delivered filled with the cleaning chemical. Handling is made considerably easier for the operator. After filling the cleaning fluid container with water and inserting the container into the floor cleaning device, the cleaning operation can be started.

The floor cleaning device can comprise a pump unit, by means of which cleaning liquid can be conveyed out of the cleaning liquid container.

In a different embodiment, it can be provided that cleaning liquid can be removed from the cleaning liquid container under the influence of gravity.

The floor cleaning device can comprise a wetting device for wetting the mopping roller and / or the floor surface with the cleaning liquid.

It can be provided that the floor cleaning device comprises a fluid line which engages in an opening of the cleaning fluid container.

Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that the floor cleaning device is arranged on the cleaning fluid container and on a housing to form a fluid connection, via which cleaning fluid can be removed from the cleaning fluid container.

It is favorable if the floor cleaning device is free of a suction unit for picking up the dirty liquid from the floor surface. In the present case, this can in particular be understood to mean that the floor cleaning device does not have a suction unit for generating a suction air flow with which dirt can be sucked into the at least one dirt container. In particular, the floor cleaning device is free of a suction unit. In this way, the weight of the floor cleaning device can be reduced. It is not necessary to provide electrical energy for a suction unit. This increases the service life of the floor cleaning device.

The at least one dirt container advantageously has at least one dirt inlet opening which extends over the entire or essentially the entire length of the mopping roller or the sweeping roller. In this way, as much dirt swept up or picked up with the mopping roller can be transferred into the dirt container as possible. Advantageously, two dirt inlet openings are provided, each of which extends over the entire or essentially the entire length of the sweeping roller on the one hand or the wiping roller on the other hand, depending on the assignment of the dirt inlet opening.

The floor cleaning device preferably comprises at least one sweeping threshold arranged at a dirt inlet opening of at least one dirt container, over which dirt can be conveyed from the sweeping roller or from the mopping roller into the dirt container. If there are two dirt entry openings, two all-round thresholds can be provided. Dirt can be conveyed into the dirt container more easily over the sweeping threshold.

A sweeping threshold assigned to the sweeping roller advantageously extends as far as the floor surface so that loose dirt can be swept as effectively as possible over the sweeping threshold into the at least one dirt container.

In the latter case in particular, a sweeping threshold assigned to the wiper roller could be omitted.

It is favorable if the floor cleaning device comprises a stripping element which is arranged on a dirt inlet opening of at least one dirt container and which is in engagement with the mopping roller. In this way, dirty liquid can largely be wiped off the mopping roller and is not reapplied to the floor surface.

In particular in combination with the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, it is advantageous if the floor cleaning device comprises a discharge element for liquid from the mopping roller into the dirt container at a dirt inlet opening of a dirt container. For example, dirty liquid is wiped off on the stripping element and reaches the diverting element. The dirty liquid is led into the dirt container by means of the discharge element.

It can be provided that a housing of the floor cleaning device which accommodates the at least one dirt container comprises at least one sweeping threshold, the stripping element and / or the discharge element.

Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that the at least one dirt container comprises at least one sweeping threshold, the stripping element and / or the diverting element.

The wiping roller and the sweeping roller can in particular be aligned parallel to one another.

The axes of rotation of the mopping roller and the sweeping roller can be aligned transversely to a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device.

Separate drives can be assigned to the wiping roller and the sweeping roller. Alternatively, a common drive for the sweeping roller and the wiping roller can be provided.

It goes without saying that the floor cleaning device can have at least one preferably rechargeable battery for providing electrical energy.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 2:

das Bodenreinigungsgerät aus Figur 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht, teilweise als Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 3:

eine Darstellung ähnlich Figur 2 bei einer weiteren Ausführungsform;

Figur 4:

eine schematische Darstellung eines kombinierten Reinigungsflüssigkeits- und Schmutzbehälters eines Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 5:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 4 mit gefülltem Reinigungsflüssigkeitsbehälter und leerem Schmutzbehälter;

Figur 6:

eine Darstellung des Behälters in Figur 5 nach Aufnahme von Schmutz und Flüssigkeit im Schmutzbehälter;

Figur 7:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 8:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 9:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 10:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 11:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 12:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 13:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Bodenreinigungsgerätes; und

Figur 14:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Bodenreinigungsgerätes, das im Rahmen der vorliegenden Offenbarung eine eigenständige Erfindung darstellen kann.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawing to explain the invention in greater detail. Show it:

Figure 1:

a schematic sectional view of a floor cleaning device;

Figure 2:

the floor cleaning device off Figure 1 in perspective view, partly as an exploded view;

Figure 3:

a representation similar Figure 2 in a further embodiment;

Figure 4:

a schematic representation of a combined cleaning fluid and dirt container of a floor cleaning device;

Figure 5:

a representation accordingly Figure 4 with filled cleaning fluid container and empty dirt container;

Figure 6:

a representation of the container in Figure 5 after taking up dirt and liquid in the dirt container;

Figure 7:

a representation accordingly Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 8:

a representation accordingly Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 9:

a representation accordingly Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 10:

a representation accordingly Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 11:

a representation accordingly Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 12:

a representation accordingly Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of a floor cleaning device;

Figure 13:

a representation accordingly Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of a floor cleaning device; and

Figure 14:

a representation accordingly Figure 1 a further embodiment of a floor cleaning device, which can represent an independent invention within the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a floor cleaning device assigned the reference number 10. The floor cleaning device 10 is used for the autonomous cleaning of a floor surface 12, which can be swept in one operation and then cleaned with a damp cloth and, in particular, wiped. With the floor cleaning device 10 and the advantageous embodiments of the floor cleaning device according to the invention explained below, a better cleaning result can be achieved in this way than with conventional floor cleaning devices.

The floor cleaning device 10 has a housing 14. A drive unit 16 is held on the housing 14. In the present case, the drive unit 16 has two drive wheels 18. The drive wheels 18 can by means of a respective, in Figure 2 drive 20 shown schematically are driven independently of one another. This gives the possibility of moving the floor cleaning device 10 on the floor surface 12 under the control of a control unit 22.

Electrical energy can be provided by means of a rechargeable battery (not shown).

The control unit 22 is preferably in operative connection with a navigation unit 24. In the navigation unit 24, for example, a map of an area to be cleaned is stored. The navigation unit 24 enables the floor cleaning device 10 to determine its position within the surroundings and thus within the map. In this way, the floor cleaning device 10 can move to specific positions in the surroundings and the map.

The floor cleaning device 10 can move according to a predetermined cleaning path or cleaning pattern. As an alternative or in addition, there is the possibility of an unplanned movement of the floor cleaning device 10.

The control unit 22 and the navigation unit 24 are only in FIG Figure 1 shown.

When used as intended, the floor cleaning device 10 is moved along a main direction of movement 26. In relation to the main direction of movement 26, the housing 14 has a front side 28 and a rear side 30. A transverse direction of the floor cleaning device 10 runs transversely to the main direction of movement 26 Rear 30 arranged. For example, the drive wheels 18 are arranged close to outer walls 32, 34 of the housing 14.

The floor cleaning device 10 has a cleaning unit 36. The cleaning unit 36 comprises a roller brush 38 which can be rotated about an axis of rotation 42 by means of a drive 40. The roller brush 38 comprises bristles as cleaning elements. The roller brush 38 is received in a receiving space 44 which is formed near the front side 28 of the housing 14. The axis of rotation 42 is aligned in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning device 10.

Instead of the bristles, the roller brush 38 could have a trim made of a textile material (for example microfiber), made of a sponge-like or cloth-like material, with which a sweeping effect can also be achieved.

In the present case, the sweeping roller 38 is driven in such a way that it rotates on the bottom side against the main direction of movement 26. The bristles of the main brush 38 are against the main direction of movement 26 over the bottom surface 12 (arrow 45 in Figure 1 ).

The cleaning unit 36 further comprises a wiping roller 46. The wiping roller 46 can be rotated about an axis of rotation 50 by means of a drive 48. The wiping roller 46 has a sponge-like or cloth-like filling for cleaning the floor surface 12 with moisture. For example, a trim made of a microfiber textile material is provided. The wiping roller 46 is arranged in a receiving space 52 which is formed near the rear side 30 of the housing 14. The axis of rotation 50 is aligned in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning device 10.

In the present case, the wiping roller 46 is driven in such a way that it rotates on the bottom side in the main direction of movement 26. The material on the wiping roller 46 sweeps over the floor surface 12 in the main direction of movement 26 (arrow 53 in FIG. 1). The friction acts against the main direction of movement.

The main direction of movement 26 can in particular also be defined in the present case in such a way that the floor cleaning device 10 is moved by means of the drive unit 16 in normal operation in such a way that the sweeping roller 38 is in front of the wiping roller 46 and floor surface sections are first grasped by the sweeping roller 38 and then by the mopping roller 46.

To simplify the following statements, the information “in front of, in front of, behind, behind” or the like relates to the main direction of movement 26. In the floor cleaning device 10, the roller brush 38 is arranged in front of the wiper roller 46.

The drive wheels 18 are arranged (in the main direction of movement) between the wiping roller 46 and the sweeping roller 38. Due to the spacing of the drive wheels 18 from one another in the transverse direction, a receptacle 54 is provided in the housing 14 between the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46. In the receptacle 54 are a cleaning fluid container 56 with a container interior 58 and a dirt container 60 with a container interior 62 are arranged.

In the floor cleaning device 10, the cleaning fluid container 56 and the dirt container 60 form a common structural unit 64 with a housing 66 which forms the container interiors 58 and 62.

The cleaning fluid container 56 is referred to below for the sake of simplicity, the container 56, and the dirt container 60 for simplicity as the container 60.

In the case of the floor cleaning device 10, the container 56 is arranged above the container 60. In plan view, the structural unit 64 has an essentially double-T-shaped configuration which has recesses 68 in the central region. The recesses 68 allow the structural unit 64 to be inserted between the drive wheels 18. In the direction of the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46, the structural unit 64 comprises container sections 70 projecting laterally beyond the recesses 68.

In the floor cleaning device 10, the container 60 is assigned to the roller brush 38 and the mopping roller 46 and serves to receive both the dirt swept up with the roller brush 38 and the dirty liquid picked up by the roller brush 46, a mixture of cleaning fluid and dirt.

Facing the roller brush 38, the container 60 has a dirt inlet opening 72. The dirt inlet opening 72 extends in the transverse direction preferably over the entire or essentially the entire length of the sweeping roller 38.

A sweeping threshold 74 is preferably arranged at the dirt inlet opening 72. Loose dirt can be swept over the sweeping threshold 74 by the sweeping roller 38 into the container interior 62. Preferably extends The sweeping threshold 74 extends to the floor surface 12 so that loose dirt can be swept up as effectively as possible.

In a corresponding manner, the container 60 comprises, on the side opposite the dirt inlet opening 72, a dirt inlet opening 76 which faces and is assigned to the wiping roller 46. The dirt inlet opening 76 extends in the transverse direction preferably over the entire or essentially the entire length of the wiping roller 46.

In one embodiment of the floor cleaning device, a sweeping threshold 78 is arranged at the dirt inlet opening 76. Loose and coarser dirt particles can be conveyed from the wiping roller 46 into the container interior 62 over the sweeping threshold 78. The sweeping sill 78 could be omitted here, since loose dirt can largely be swept up with the sweeping roller 38.

A stripping element 80 is also provided at the dirt inlet opening 76. The stripping element 80 engages in the trim of the wiping roller 46. Dirty liquid is largely wiped off by the wiping roller 46 and only slightly conveyed onto the floor surface 12 again.

A discharge element 82 for dirty liquid is also arranged at the dirt inlet opening 76. The dirty liquid that has been stripped off reaches the discharge element 82 and can flow from there into the container interior 62.

The all-round thresholds 74, 78, the stripping element 80 and the diverting element 82 advantageously extend along the entire dirt inlet opening 72 and 76, respectively.

In the case of the floor cleaning device 10, the structural unit 64 comprises the sweeping sills 74, 78, the stripping element 80 and the discharge element 82. For example, these are connected in one piece to the housing 66.

In another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the all-round threshold 74, the all-round threshold 78, the stripping element 80 and / or the discharge element 82 are not fixed on the structural unit 64, but rather on the floor cleaning device 10, for example on the housing 14.

A cleaning fluid is received in the container interior 58. In the present case, this is in particular water, to which a cleaning chemical can be added to increase the cleaning effect.

A fluid line 84 can engage in a container opening of the container 56, via which cleaning liquid can be removed from the container interior 58 and fed to a wetting device 86. With the wetting device 86, the wiping roller 46 and / or the floor surface 12 can be moistened with cleaning fluid.

The floor cleaning device 10 can comprise a pump unit 88, by means of which cleaning liquid is conveyed out of the container 56. Alternatively, it can be provided that cleaning liquid is withdrawn from the container 56, in particular solely under the influence of gravity.

To clean the floor surface 12, the floor cleaning device 10 moves in such a way that the sweeping roller 38 runs ahead of the wiping roller 46. Loose dirt is swept up with the brush roller 38. The drive wheels 18 then drive over the facing floor surface section. Subsequently, the floor surface section is cleaned with a damp cloth by means of the wiping roller 46.

It is advantageous here that no drive wheel 18 is arranged behind the wiping roller 46. The length of the wiping roller 46 is preferably at least as great as the distance between the drive wheels 18 from one another. In addition, the floor cleaning device 10 is free of rollers, in particular behind the mopping roller 46. As a result, after cleaning with the mopping roller 46, no traces remain on the floor surface 12 of the drive wheels 18 or any roller.

The floor cleaning device 10 in the present case does not have a suction unit for sucking dirt into the container 54. This increases the service life of the floor cleaning device 10.

The structural unit 64 with the containers 56 and 60 can be removed from the receptacle 54 and the floor cleaning device 10 as a whole, and it can be inserted into the receptacle 54 as a whole. Separate containers for cleaning fluid and dirty fluid are not required.

The floor cleaning device 10 can have a cover element 90, for example as part of the housing 14. The cover element 90 can close the housing 14 at the top and cover the structural unit 64.

Preferred embodiments of the floor cleaning device according to the invention are discussed below. Identical reference symbols are used for features or components that are the same or have the same effect. The advantages that can be achieved with the floor cleaning device 10, in particular the cleaning of the floor surface 12 with the sweeping roller 38 and the mopping roller 46 in one operation, can also be achieved with the floor cleaning devices explained below. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations. Only the essential differences are discussed.

The unclaimed floor cleaning device 100 according to Figure 3 is designed largely identical to the floor cleaning device 10. Notwithstanding Separate containers 56 for cleaning fluid and 60 for dirty fluid are provided for this. The containers 56, 60 can be detached from the floor cleaning device 10 separately from one another. In order to remove the container 60 for dirty liquid, the container 56 for cleaning liquid is first removed. The opposite applies to the insertion.

It can be provided that the containers 56 and 60 can be releasably connected to one another, for example by means of a force fit and / or form fit. In this way, from a functional point of view, an embodiment of a floor cleaning device that is similar to the floor cleaning device 10 can be provided.

In all of the floor cleaning devices described here, it can be provided that the container 56 is a prefabricated container in which a cleaning chemical is accommodated. For start-up, the operator can fill the container interior 58 with a cleaning liquid such as, in particular, water for diluting the cleaning chemical. For example, for this purpose a closing element 94 that closes a filling opening 92 can be released on the container 56 and the filling opening 92 released.

The Figures 4 to 6 show an assembly 64 with a container 56 for cleaning liquid and a container 60 for dirty liquid. The containers 56 and 60 have a common container wall 110. The container wall 110 is a bottom wall of the container 56 and a top wall of the container 60 when the containers 56 and 60 are arranged one above the other. In a different embodiment, the container wall 110 could also be, for example, a lateral partition between the containers 56 and 60.

In the present case, the container wall 110 is deformable and is designed in particular as a membrane 112. By deforming the membrane 112, it is possible to enlarge the volume of the container interior 58 to reduce the volume of the container interior 62 and vice versa. FIG. 4 shows the situation when both containers 56, 60 are not filled.

Figure 5 shows the situation when the container 56 is filled with cleaning liquid. In this case, the volume of the container interior 62 is reduced.

During cleaning, cleaning fluid is withdrawn from the container 56. In addition, dirt and dirty liquid are transferred into the container interior 62. The situation during or after cleaning is in Figure 6 showing the reduced amount of cleaning fluid and the significant amount of dirt and dirty fluid.

The unit 64 of the Figures 4 to 6 can be built relatively compact, which offers the possibility of building the floor cleaning device 10 relatively compact.

The unit 64 of the Figures 4 to 6 shows that a dirt container 60 is provided with two inlet openings which are provided for dirt from the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46, respectively. It is of course conceivable that the dirt container 60 has only one dirt inlet opening, for example if it is only assigned to the sweeping roller 38 or the wiping roller 46.

The Figures 7 to 10 schematically represent preferred embodiments of the floor cleaning device according to the invention. These differ from the floor cleaning device 10 in particular in the arrangement and structure of the dirt container or the dirt container. Is not shown in the Figures 7 to 10 the cleaning fluid container 56, which is also present. This could be arranged independently of the dirt container (s) and, in particular, could be inserted or removed. It would also be possible to connect the cleaning fluid container 56 to at least one dirt container. The connection can be detachable.

The floor cleaning device 120 according to Figure 7 corresponds largely to the floor cleaning device 10. Notwithstanding this, two dirt containers 122, 124 are provided. The dirt container 122 is assigned to the roller brush 38 and is arranged behind it. The dirt container 124 is assigned to the wiping roller 46 and is arranged in front of it. The dirt containers 122, 124 are formed in a common structural unit 126 with a housing 128, the dirt container 122 being the front of the two containers.

With the floor cleaning device 130 according to Figure 8 The difference to the floor cleaning device 120 is that the diverting element 82 extends as far as a floor wall 132 of the dirt container 124.

In this way, essentially loose dirt is collected (albeit moistened) in a first container section 134 and is conveyed over the all-round threshold 78. Dirty liquid, which is scraped off on the stripping element 80, is predominantly collected in a second container section 136. In this way, larger dirt particles and dirty liquid are separated in dirt container 124. By diverting the dirty liquid downward into the container section 136, the likelihood of it spilling out of the container 124, for example due to the traveling movement of the floor cleaning device 130, is reduced.

A discharge element 82, which, as in the case of the floor cleaning device 130, extends up to a floor wall or essentially a floor wall of the dirt container, can be present in all of the floor cleaning devices described here.

With the floor cleaning device 140 according to Figure 9 the roller brush 38 and the wiping roller 46 are arranged at a distance from one another. The dirt container 122, behind which the mopping roller 46 is arranged, is positioned behind the roller brush 38. The dirt container 124 is arranged behind the wiping roller 46. The The sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 each rotate on the bottom side against the main direction of movement 26.

With the floor cleaning device 150 according to Figure 10 the roller brush 38 and the wiping roller 46 are also arranged at a distance from one another. The dirt container 122, behind which the sweeping roller 38 is arranged, is positioned near the front side 28. The dirt container 124 is arranged behind the sweeping roller 38, behind it the mopping roller 46. The sweeping roller 38 and the mopping roller 46 rotate on the bottom side in the main direction of movement 26 and convey dirt into their associated, in front of them positioned dirt container 122 and 124, respectively.

With the floor cleaning device 160 according to Figure 11 the roller brush 38 and the mopping roller 46 are arranged one behind the other, in particular at a distance from the front side 28 and the rear side 30. The dirt container 122 is arranged in front of the roller brush 38, and the dirt container 124 is arranged behind the mopping roller 46. The sweeping roller 38 sweeps on the floor side in the main direction of movement 26, the wiping roller 46 sweeps on the floor side counter to the main direction of movement 26.

In the present case, “one behind the other” refers to the one longitudinal direction or the main direction of movement 26 of the floor cleaning device. The cleaning rollers are preferably aligned in the transverse direction and parallel to one another. In the case of the floor cleaning device 160, the cleaning rollers are arranged between the dirt containers 122 and 124.

With the floor cleaning device 170 according to Figure 12 the roller brush 38 and the wiping roller 46 are arranged one behind the other. The sweeping roller 38 is positioned, for example, near the front 28, the wiping roller 46 behind it. Both cleaning rollers convey dirt into a common dirt container 60, which is arranged behind the wiping roller 46 and thus behind both cleaning rollers. For this purpose, the sweeping roller 38 can, for example, according to the overhead sweeping principle work and convey dirt over a dirt guide element 172 away into the dirt container. The dirt guiding element 172 is arranged above the wiping roller 46. The sweeping roller 38 rotates on the floor side in the main direction of movement 26, the wiping roller 46 rotates on the floor side counter to the main direction of movement.

With the floor cleaning device 180 according to Figure 13 A construction similar to that of the floor cleaning device 170 is provided, in which case the dirt container 60 is positioned in front of the sweeping roller 38 and also in front of the wiping roller 46 arranged behind it. Loose dirt and dirty liquid that is picked up by the wiping roller 46 is conveyed into the dirt container via a dirt guide element 182. For example, the dirt guiding element 182 is arranged above the sweeping roller 38. The sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 rotate on the bottom side in the main direction of movement 26.

In the case of the floor cleaning devices 170 and 180, the drive wheels are arranged in the longitudinal direction at the level of the dirt container 60 and can, for example, be positioned near the rear 30 or near the front 28.

Figure 14 shows in a to Figure 1 In a similar manner, an advantageous embodiment of a floor cleaning device assigned the reference numeral 190. In the context of the present disclosure, the floor cleaning device 190 can be a floor cleaning device according to the invention and can define an independent invention.

In the case of the floor cleaning device 190, the cleaning unit 36 does not include a roller brush 38, but only the wiping roller 46 as a cleaning roller. The floor surface 12 can be cleaned with a damp cloth using the wiping roller 46. In addition, loose dirt or coarse dirt can be picked up with the wiping roller 46. It is advantageous here if the reversing threshold 78 is present. So that dirt does not get on the sweeping threshold when moving the floor cleaning device 78 remains hanging, it can be provided that it does not extend all the way to the bottom surface 12.

In the case of the floor cleaning device 190, the structural unit 64 with the containers 56 and 60 is provided. The dirt inlet opening 72 and the sweeping threshold 74 are omitted. Both containers 56 and 60 can be removed together from the floor cleaning device 190, and the containers can be inserted into the floor cleaning device 190 together.

A detachable connection of the containers 56, 60, as already explained above, is possible. Separate containers 56, 60 are also possible. Drive wheels can for example be arranged laterally next to the structural unit 60 or in front of the structural unit 60.

List of reference symbols:

10, 100, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190

Floor cleaning device

12th

Floor area

14th

casing

16

Drive unit

18th

drive wheel

20th

drive

22nd

Control unit

24

Navigation unit

26th

Main direction of movement

28

front

30th

back

32, 34

Outer wall

36

Cleaning unit

38

Roller brush

40

drive

42

Axis of rotation

44

Recording room

45

arrow

46

Wiping roller

48

drive

50

Axis of rotation

52

Recording room

53

arrow

54

admission

56

Cleaning fluid container

58

Container interior

60

Dirt container

62

Container interior

64

Unit

66

casing

68

Recess

70

Container section

72

Dirt inlet opening

74

Reversing threshold

76

Dirt inlet opening

78

Reversing threshold

80

Wiper element

82

Discharge element

84

Fluid line

86

Wetting device

88

Pumping unit

90

Cover element

92

Filling opening

94

Closing element

104

Wrapping

108

Dirt particles

110

Container wall

112

membrane

122

Dirt container

124

Dirt container

126

Unit

128

casing

132

Bottom wall

134

Container section

136

Container section

172

Dirt guiding element

182

Dirt guiding element

Claims (15)

1. Self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning appliance, comprising a drive unit (16) for traveling on a floor surface (12) to be cleaned, a cleaning unit (36), which has a wiping roller (46) for wet-cleaning the floor surface (12) and a sweeping roller (38) for sweeping the floor surface (12), a cleaning liquid container (56) for a cleaning liquid, as well as at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) for dirt collected from the floor surface (12), wherein the floor surface (12) is cleanable with the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46) in the same operation, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (120; 130; 140; 150; 160) comprises a first dirt container (122) for accommodating dirt swept up with the sweeping roller (38) and a second dirt container (124) for accommodating dirt collected with the wiping roller (46).
2. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that, in relation to a main movement direction (26) of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180), the sweeping roller (38) is arranged in front of the wiping roller (46).
3. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the following applies:

   - the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) is arranged between the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46), and dirt from the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46) is conveyable into the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) via different dirt inlet openings (72; 76);

   - the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46) are arranged one behind the other, wherein the second dirt container (124) associated with the wiping roller (46) is positioned on the side of the wiping roller (46) facing away from the sweeping roller (38) and the first dirt container (122) associated with the sweeping roller (38) is positioned on the side of the sweeping roller (38) facing away from the wiping roller (46);

   - arranged between the wiping roller (46) and the sweeping roller (38) is a dirt container (122, 124) associated with one of these cleaning rollers (38, 46) - wiping roller (36) or sweeping roller (38) - and arranged on the side facing away from said dirt container (122, 124) is a further dirt container, which is associated with the respective other cleaning roller (38, 46) - sweeping roller (38) or wiping roller (46).
4. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the first dirt container (122), which is associated with the sweeping roller (38), and/or the second dirt container (124), which is associated with the wiping roller (46), is, in relation to the main movement direction (26) of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) arranged in front of or behind the sweeping roller (38) or the wiping roller (46).
5. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

   - the sweeping roller (38) and/or the wiping roller (46) sweeps or wipes, respectively, on the floor side in the main movement direction (26) of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) or counter to the main movement direction (26);

   - the wiping roller (46) and the sweeping roller (38) are configured to rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions;

   - the drive unit (16) comprises two drive elements (18), which are spaced at a distance from one another in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180), wherein at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) is positioned, at least in sections, between the drive elements (18).
6. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that one of the following applies:

   - an assembly (126) comprising or forming both dirt containers (122, 124) in a common housing (128) is provided, wherein the housing (128) has, preferably on mutually opposing sides, a respective dirt inlet opening (72, 76) associated with the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46);

   - the dirt containers (122; 124) are arranged spatially separate from one another on the floor cleaning appliance (140; 150; 160) and can preferably be removed from and connected to the floor cleaning appliance (140; 150; 160) independently of one another.
7. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning liquid container (56) and the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) are arranged one on top of the other, in particular in that the cleaning liquid container (56) is arranged above the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124).
8. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning liquid container (56) and the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) are configured structurally separate from one another and/or can be removed from and connected to the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) separately from one another.
9. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cleaning liquid container (56) and the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) form an assembly (64) with a common housing (66), which can be removed from and connected to the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130), wherein the cleaning liquid container (56) and the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) preferably have a deformable container wall (110) that respectively delimits said cleaning liquid container (56) and at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124), wherein the volume of the cleaning liquid container (56) decreases when cleaning liquid is removed and the volume of the dirt container (60) increases when dirt enters.
10. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning liquid container (56) is configured as a prefabricated container filled with a cleaning chemical and comprises a container opening (92) for filling with water.
11. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises a pump unit (88), by means of which cleaning liquid is conveyable out of the cleaning liquid container (56), and/or
    in that the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises a fluid conduit (84), which engages into an opening of the cleaning liquid container (56), and/or
    in that the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises connecting elements arranged on the cleaning liquid container (56) and on a housing for forming a fluidic connection, by way of which cleaning liquid is removable from the cleaning liquid container (56).
12. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) is free of a suction assembly for collecting the dirty liquid from the floor surface (12).
13. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

    - the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) has at least one dirt inlet opening (72, 76), which extends over the entire or substantially the entire length of the wiping roller (46) or the sweeping roller (38);

    - the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises at least one sweeping sill (74, 78), which is arranged at a dirt inlet opening (72, 76) of at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) and across which dirt is conveyable by means of the sweeping roller (38) or the wiping roller (46) into the dirt container (60; 122, 124);

    - the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises a scraping element (80), which is arranged at a dirt inlet opening (76) of at least one dirt container (60; 124) and is in engagement with the wiping roller (46);

    - the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises at a dirt inlet opening (76) of at least one dirt container (60, 124) a diverting element (82) for liquid from the wiping roller (46) into the dirt container (60; 124).
14. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 13, characterized in that a housing (14) of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180), which accommodates the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124), comprises at least one sweeping sill (74, 78), the scraping element (80), and/or the diverting element (82), or in that the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) comprises at least one sweeping sill (74, 78), the scraping element (80), and/or the diverting element (82).
15. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

    - the wiping roller (46) and the sweeping roller (38) are aligned in parallel to one another;

    - rotational axes (42, 50) of the wiping roller (46) and the sweeping roller (38) are aligned transversely to a main movement direction (26) of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180);

    - the wiping roller (46) and the sweeping roller (38) are associated with separate drives (40, 48), or a common drive for the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46) is provided.

Images