EP4192318A1

EP4192318A1 - Floor cleaning machine and method for operating a floor cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: EP4192318A1
Application number: EP21759279.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ulrich Bauer; Michael Müller
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2020-08-10
Filing date: 2021-08-09
Publication date: 2023-06-14
Also published as: WO2022034043A1; DE102020121035A1; US20230180985A1; CN116157048A

Abstract

A floor cleaning machine is provided, comprising a base (12), a rocker (40) which is arranged on the base (12) at a first pivot bearing (42) so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (44), a sweeper roller (64) which is arranged on the rocker (40) at a rotary bearing (66) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (68), a motor device (72) for driving the sweeper roller (64) in rotation, and a traction drive (84) having a traction member (86) for transmitting torque from the motor device to the sweeper roller, wherein the traction member (86) has a loading portion (88), wherein a lever (96) is arranged on the base (12) at a second pivot bearing (98) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (100), wherein the lever (96) is articulated to the rocker (40), and wherein a deflection element (106) for the traction member (86) is arranged on the lever (96), wherein the traction member (86) is guided on the deflection element (106) in the loading portion (88).

Description

Floor cleaning machine and method of operating a floor cleaning machine

The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine, comprising a base, a rocker which is arranged on a first pivot bearing on the base so that it can pivot about a first pivot axis, a brush roller which is arranged on a pivot bearing on the rocker so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation, and a motor device for the rotational drive of the roller brush, and a traction mechanism with a traction element for torque transmission from the motor device to the roller brush, the traction element having a load section.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning machine.

DE 10 2014 006 392 B4 discloses a sweeping machine with a brush that can be driven in rotation by a motor and is mounted in a height-adjustable manner, an automatic lowering and raising device for the brush, implemented by driving the brush via a cable strand of a transmission element guided in this way, so that during operation introduces a downward force by generating a torque on the brush, and a preloaded mounting of the brush, through which the brush experiences an upward force when the engine is stopped, the brush being mounted on an adjusting lever rotatably mounted about a pivot axis, and the pivot axis the adjusting lever is divided into a first lever arm, on which the brush is mounted, and a second lever arm, on which a deflection element is mounted, and wherein the tension strand of the transmission element originating from the motor acts on the deflection element. The unpublished DE 10 2020 109 656.9 discloses a floor cleaning machine, in particular for cleaning floors made of a textile material, comprising a base, at least one cleaning roller unit, which is rotatably arranged on the base, and a suction unit device, wherein the at least one A filter unit is assigned to the cleaning roller unit, which can be positioned as a whole on the floor cleaning machine and can be removed as a whole from the floor cleaning machine, and a housing comprising at least a first filter and a second filter, the first filter and the second filter being attached are arranged in the housing, the first filter is a pre-filter for the second filter, and the first filter is designed as a lint filter.

The unpublished DE 10 2020 109 694.1 discloses a floor cleaning machine comprising a base, at least one cleaning roller unit which is rotatably arranged on the base, and a motor device for driving the at least one cleaning roller unit in rotation. A height adjustment device is provided for the at least one cleaning roller unit. Furthermore, a device for determining a contact pressure of the at least one cleaning roller unit on a floor to be cleaned is provided.

The invention is based on the object of providing a floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset, which enables simple operation with effective cleaning.

In the case of the floor cleaning machine mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved according to the invention in that a lever on a second pivot bearing is arranged on the base so that it can pivot about a second pivot axis, that the lever is articulated on the rocker and that a deflection element for the pulling element is attached to the lever is arranged, wherein the pulling element is guided in the load section on the deflection element. The floor cleaning machine according to the invention can be used to clean textile floors and in particular carpeted floors, with smooth floors or hard floors basically also being possible to clean. Hard floors or smooth floors are, for example, tiled floors, parquet floors, industrial screed floors, asphalt floors, cobblestones, PVC floors, etc. Different carpets can have different pile heights. Different floors can fundamentally require different contact pressures of the brush roller on the floor to be cleaned for effective cleaning.

In the solution according to the invention, an automatic regulation for a cleaning process and in particular for a contact pressure of the brush roller on the floor to be cleaned is realized via the pivotally arranged lever. The motor device exerts a corresponding tensile force on the load section (tension section or load strand or tension strand) in order to drive the rotation of the brush roller. The action of the roller brush on the floor to be cleaned creates a counter-torque, which results in a force in the load section or in a resulting tensile stress in the load section. The resulting tensile stress for a given roller brush depends on the condition of the floor to be cleaned.

There is a corresponding effect on the lever via the deflection element. This is pivoted about the second pivot axis and can then change its position according to the acting force or its position is adapted to the acting force. However, this means that the position of the lever is determined by the nature of the floor to be cleaned when the roller brush acts on the floor to be cleaned. By linking the lever to the rocker, the lever in turn specifies the pivoting position of the rocker on the base and thus the position of the brush roller relative to the floor to be cleaned (and thus the contact pressure). The result is a control process which, with the appropriate design, leads to an optimized cleaning result. This control process can be used for all common sweeping principles.

If an operator changes the floor during cleaning, for example from a first carpet to a different second carpet, or from a carpet to a smooth floor, or from a smooth floor to a carpet, then the contact pressure is automatically adjusted depending on the floor condition and it results an optimized cleaning result. It is automatically controlled and adapted to the respective soil conditions without an operator having to intervene.

In particular, the lever is articulated on the rocker via a third pivot bearing so as to be pivotable about a third pivot axis. As a result, the lever can be used to act on the rocker in a simple manner in order to specify its pivot position on the first pivot bearing.

A simple structural design results if at least one of the following is provided: the axis of rotation and the first pivot axis are oriented parallel to one another; the axis of rotation and the second pivot axis are oriented parallel to one another; the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are oriented parallel to each other; the axis of rotation and/or the first pivot axis and/or the second pivot axis lie transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a forward travel direction of the floor cleaning machine; the axis of rotation and/or the first pivot axis and/or the second pivot axis lie parallel to a wheel axis of the floor cleaning machine; the axis of rotation and/or the first pivot axis and/or the second pivot axis lie transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a vertical direction on the base, a position of the sweeping roller in the vertical direction being adjustable via a pivot position of the rocker on the first pivot bearing.

One or more of the specifications mentioned makes it possible to achieve mechanical control of the contact pressure of the brush roller on the floor to be cleaned in a simple manner, with automatic adaptation to a particular floor condition taking place in particular.

For the same reasons, it is favorable if the third pivot axis is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation and/or parallel to the first pivot axis and/or parallel to the second pivot axis.

It is favorable if the first pivot bearing is positioned at a distance from the pivot bearing in relation to a longitudinal direction of the rocker. As a result, contact pressure adjustment can be made possible in a structurally simple manner.

It is also advantageous if the first pivot bearing is positioned between the pivot bearing and the third pivot bearing in relation to a longitudinal direction of the rocker. As a result, a pivoting position of the rocker on the first pivot bearing can be specified in a simple manner via the lever.

It is particularly advantageous if the lever is arranged and designed in such a way that a pivoting position about the second pivoting axis specifies a pivoting position of the rocker about the first pivoting axis and in particular specifies at least one of the following: a height position of the broom to the base; a contact pressure of the brush roller on a floor to be cleaned; a width with which the sweeping roller acts on a floor to be cleaned.

This makes it possible to achieve automatic control, with automatic adaptation to a particular soil condition taking place in particular.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the lever is arranged and designed in such a way that, during a cleaning operation in which the brush roller acts on a floor to be cleaned, a resulting force in the load section (tension section, load strand) of the tension element causes the lever to pivot into position is set at the second pivot bearing, the resultant force in the load section being determined by a torque of the brush roller on the floor to be cleaned. Due to the reaction force or the reaction torque of the brush roller when it acts on the floor to be cleaned, there is a resultant force in the load section, which leads to an adjustment of the pivoting position of the lever and thereby in turn to a corresponding adjustment of a pivoting position of the rocker on the first pivot bearing leads. This in turn allows a control process to be carried out in order to keep the sweeping roller in a position that is advantageous for effective cleaning or, in particular, to bring it into an advantageous position when changing floors.

Accordingly, a positioning device is provided via the traction mechanism for positioning the sweeping roller on a floor to be cleaned via the rocker, the positioning including automatic control via the lever. The positioning of the brush roller is determined by the pivoting position of the lever to the base. In a structurally simple embodiment, the lever has a first web, which is articulated to the base via the second pivot bearing, and includes a second web, which is connected to the first web via a fourth pivot bearing so that it can pivot about a fourth pivot axis and which is transverse to is oriented to the first web. In this way, the lever can be used to act on the rocker in a simple manner, in order to be able to effectively position the rocker and, as a result, the brush roller for a cleaning process relative to the floor to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the second web is connected to the first web in a translationally fixed manner or is connected to the first web in a translationally fixed manner in an adjustable manner in relation to a translation position on the first web. If different translation positions are provided on the first web for the second web, then, for example, different cleaning strengths such as "weak", "medium" and "strong" can be specified. Such a translation position can be set or changed by an operator, for example, by means of a cable pull.

It is structurally favorable when at least two discrete translational positions are specified, in which the second web can be fixed in a translationally fixed manner on the first web. For example, three such translation positions are specified. The second web can be pivoted relative to the first web in each translational position.

Provision is made for the second web to be coupled to the rocker in order to be able to adjust the pivoting position of the rocker accordingly. The coupling can be direct or indirect.

In one embodiment, the second web is pivoted directly to the rocker, and in particular the second web is pivotally connected to the rocker via a third pivot bearing having a third pivot axis. This results in a structurally simple embodiment and the number of components can be kept low. In an alternative embodiment, the second web is pivoted to an intermediate web and the intermediate web is pivoted to the rocker, in particular the intermediate web being coupled to the rocker via a third pivot bearing so as to be pivotable about a third pivot axis, and the second web via a fifth Pivot bearing is pivoted about a fifth pivot axis to the intermediate web. This results in an additional degree of freedom. In particular, this allows a mechanical switch to be implemented, via which, depending on the switch position, pivoting of the lever about the second pivot axis can be blocked or released. In particular, the automatic control process can be switched on or off in this way.

It is structurally favorable if the intermediate web has a smaller length between an articulation point on the second web and an articulation point on the rocker than a length of the second web between an articulation point on the first web and the articulation point on the intermediate web. For example, a toggle lever with a dead center position can be implemented in a simple manner.

In particular, at least one of the following is provided: a mechanical switch is formed by means of the intermediate web, via which a pivotability of the lever about the second pivot axis can be blocked; the switch and in particular the intermediate web has at least one first position in which pivoting mobility of the lever about the second pivot axis is blocked; in the at least one first position of the switch and in particular of the intermediate web, the rocker can be freely pivoted about the first pivot axis; in the at least one first position, the second ridge is oriented at an acute angle to the first ridge; in the at least one first position, the intermediate ridge is oriented at an obtuse angle to the second ridge; the switch and in particular the intermediate web has at least one second position in which the lever can pivot about the second pivot axis; in the at least one second position, the second ridge is oriented at an obtuse angle to the first ridge; in the at least one second position, the intermediate ridge is oriented at an acute angle to the second ridge; the second bar and the intermediate bar form a toggle lever, the at least one first position of the switch and in particular of the intermediate bar being a dead center position of the toggle lever; the intermediate bar has a gripping area for an operator, which is designed in particular in such a way that the intermediate bar can be pushed and/or pulled by an operator.

One or more of the features mentioned allows the lever to be coupled to the rocker in a simple manner. This enables the mechanical control. By providing the intermediate web with the first position and the second position and in particular by designing it as a toggle lever, a mechanical switch can be implemented in a simple manner in order to block or release the automatic control (via the pivoting mobility of the lever about the second pivot axis). . A dead center position of the toggle lever allows the at least one first position of the switch (or of the intermediate web) to be achieved in a simple manner and in a structurally simple manner.

It is particularly advantageous if the deflection element is seated on the first web. The resulting tensile stress in the load section of the pulling member can be used to position the first web in a specific pivoted position relative to the base (on the second pivot bearing), this pivoted position depending on the nature of the floor to be cleaned. This in turn allows the pivoting position of the rocker to be specified on the first pivot bearing.

It is favorable if a switch, and in particular a mechanical switch, is assigned to the traction mechanism, by means of which a pivoting movement of the lever about the second pivot axis can be blocked. As a result, an automatic mechanical control can be "switched off".

In one embodiment, it is provided that when the pivoting movement of the lever is blocked by the switch, the rocker is mounted in an oscillating manner on the base and thus the brush roller is also mounted in an oscillating manner on the base.

It is favorable if at least one of the following is provided: the switch is designed as a swivel switch; the switch has a dead center or dead center area, with the pivoting mobility of the lever about the second pivot axis being blocked in the dead center or the dead center area; the switch can be pressed by an operator in its pivoting movement and pulled in a pivoting movement. This results in a structurally simple design for the switch. An operator can operate the switch in a simple manner (with a structurally simple design) and lock or unlock the pivoting movement of the lever.

In a structurally simple embodiment, the rocker has a first arm and a spaced-apart second arm, the sweeping roller being rotatably mounted on the first arm and the second arm via the pivot bearing. As a result, a two-sided rotary mounting of the brush roller on the rocker can be achieved in a simple manner. This allows optimized forces to be dissipated.

In a structurally simple embodiment, a rod is connected to the first arm and the second arm and the rod is mounted on the base to form the first pivot bearing. As a result, the first pivot bearing can be implemented in a simple manner. It can be designed in a simple manner in such a way that it can absorb relatively large forces, such as those that arise during a cleaning process. Favorable operability results if the rod is arranged in the area of a front end of the base in relation to a forward travel direction of the floor cleaning machine. In particular, there is an optimized use of space on the floor cleaning machine. This allows the rod to be positioned outside of a dirt guide path, a suction unit, etc., for example.

In a structurally simple embodiment, the traction mechanism is designed on one side in relation to the sweeping roller. This minimizes the number of components required. No synchronization and the like has to be provided.

In one embodiment, the traction mechanism comprises a traction element tensioner, which is arranged in an empty section of the traction element. As a result, a certain tensile member tension can be achieved in the idle section, which is lower than in the loaded section. The traction mechanism has in particular a drive element of the motor device, the deflection element on the lever and a driven element for the roller brush, and for this purpose includes the traction element, with the traction element being closed. In one embodiment, the traction drive comprises only the components mentioned. However, additional components can also be present.

In one embodiment, the traction mechanism additionally includes a second deflection element, which is arranged on the rocker. The second deflection element lies in the load section (load strand) of the traction element. Depending on the application, an optimized traction element guidance can be achieved.

It is then particularly favorable if the second deflection element is arranged on the first pivot bearing and, in particular, is positioned coaxially with respect to the first pivot bearing. As a result, it can be achieved, at least approximately, that the rocker position is not directly influenced by the traction element, but only indirectly via the positioning of the lever about the second pivot axis.

In one embodiment, the second deflection element has a first track for the load section (load run) of the pulling element and a second track for an empty section (slack run) of the pulling element. As a result, the second deflection element can also be used, for example, as a tension clamp for the empty section. The number of components can thus be kept low.

The pulling element is in particular a belt or a chain. For example, the belt is a flat belt or a toothed belt. A configuration with minimized slippage is preferred. The tension in the pulling element should be selected in such a way that the resulting tension can be transferred to the lever for positioning it. If, under certain circumstances, the tension in the pulling element were too great, such a “sensor system” would no longer be possible. In an embodiment that is easy to operate, a rechargeable battery device is provided for providing electrical energy for the motor device and optionally other energy-consuming elements of the floor cleaning machine. This allows the floor cleaning machine to be operated independently. It can also be operated with relatively low noise emissions.

It is provided, for example, that a first receptacle for a first battery of the battery device is arranged on the base and a second receptacle for a second battery is arranged on the base separately from the first receptacle, with a first battery positioned on the first receptacle with respect to the operative to deliver electrical energy to the motor means and a battery positioned on the second receptacle is a removable battery. This results in long operating times with a structurally simple structure. In this context, reference is made to German patent application no. 10 2020 109 694.1 of April 7, 2020 by the same applicant, which is not a prior publication. Reference is made in its entirety.

In particular, at least one of the following is provided: the floor cleaning machine is designed as a sweeper for textile floors; the sweeping roller is assigned a suction unit device; a wheel device for mobile operation of the floor cleaning machine is arranged on the base; in operation of the floor cleaning machine, the floor cleaning machine is supported by the wheel means on the floor to be cleaned; the broom is positioned on the base between a front end of the base and a rear wheel assembly; the floor cleaning machine is designed as a walk-on machine or a ride-on machine; a holder for an operator is arranged on the base, the holder being designed in particular for a standing operator.

A floor cleaning machine with a simple design can be provided by a combination of one or more of the features mentioned, with which textile floors can also be cleaned in an effective manner. During a cleaning process, the noise emission is relatively low.

It is favorable if a dirt collection container is provided, to which dirt can be supplied from the brush roller, in particular with at least one of the following: the supply of dirt is supported by a suction stream of a suction unit device; there is provided a throwing guide of dirt from the sweeping roller to the dirt collection container; the dirt collector is detachably mounted on the base; the dirt collection bin is positioned at a rear of the base.

In particular, dust emission in the environment during a sweeping process can be kept low by means of a suction flow support. In principle, the control process according to the invention can be applied to all common sweeping cleaning operations. The result is a structurally simple construction if a throw-over guide for dirt is provided from the sweeping roller to the dirt collection container.

The fact that the dirt collection container can be removed means that it can be emptied in a simple manner.

According to the invention, a method of the type mentioned at the outset is provided, which can be carried out on the floor cleaning machine according to the invention, wherein in the method an action of the brush roller on a floor to be cleaned is mechanically regulated, with a pivoting position of the lever being exerted on the load section of the traction element is predetermined on the second pivot bearing, and the pivoting position of the lever on the second pivot bearing specifies the position of the rocker on the first pivot bearing.

By specifying the position of the rocker on the first pivot bearing, the position of the brush roller on the floor to be cleaned is in turn specified. This allows automatic adjustment to be achieved.

A measure of the soil condition is a reaction force of the soil on the broom. This reaction force can be transferred to the lever as tensile stress via the load section. This is then positioned accordingly and in turn transmits its positioning to the swing arm.

The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention.

Further advantageous configurations of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention. The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention with a housing cover removed;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the floor cleaning machine according to FIG. 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;

FIG. 4 shows a side sectional view of the floor cleaning machine according to FIG. 1 with the housing cover;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a second embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention having a switch which is in a locked position;

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of area A according to FIG. 5;

Figure 7 shows the same representation as Figure 5, wherein the switch in a

non-locking position;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged representation of the area B according to FIG. 7;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 4 of a third embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention having a switch, the switch being in a locked position; FIG. 10 shows an enlarged representation of the area C according to FIG. 9;

Figure 11 shows the same representation as in Figure 9, wherein the switch in a

non-locking position;

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged representation of the area D according to FIG. 11;

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 4 of a fourth embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention having a switch, the switch being in a locked position;

FIG. 14 shows an enlarged representation of the area E according to FIG. 13;

Figure 15 is the same as Figure 13 with the switch in an unlatched position; and

Figure 16 shows an enlarged view of area F according to Figure 15.

A first exemplary embodiment (Figures 1 to 4) of a floor cleaning machine 10 according to the invention comprises a base 12. The base 12 forms a main body of the floor cleaning machine 10.

In one embodiment, the base 12 is configured as a chassis 14 .

The base 12 has a front end 16 and a rear end 18. The base 12 extends in an axis 20 (Figure 2) between the front end 16 and the rear end 18.

With proper operation of the floor cleaning machine 10 for cleaning a floor 23, the axis 20 is parallel to a forward (travel) direction 22 of the floor cleaning machine 10. A wheel device 24 is arranged on the base 12 . The wheel assembly 24 includes a rear wheel assembly 26 and a front wheel assembly 28. In one embodiment, the rear wheel assembly 26 includes (relative to the forward (travel) direction 22) a left rear wheel 30a and a right rear wheel 30b.

The rear wheel device 26 with the left rear wheel 30a and the right rear wheel 30b is arranged in the region of the rear end 18 of the base 12 (the chassis 14).

The rear wheel device 26 with the left rear wheel 30a and the right rear wheel 30b has a common (geometric) wheel axle 32 .

In one embodiment, the front wheel assembly 28 is a roller 34 . The roller 34 is arranged in the area of the front end 16 .

In one embodiment, the roller 34 is designed as a steering roller.

On the base 12 a sweeping roller unit 36 is arranged. The roller brush unit 36 is a main roller unit of the floor cleaning machine 10. One or more side brushes can also be provided in addition to the roller brush unit 36 (not shown in the drawing).

The broom unit 36 is positioned to the base 12 between the front end 16 and the rear end 18 . In one embodiment, the broom assembly 36 is positioned between the front wheel assembly 28 and the rear wheel assembly 26 with respect to the axis 20 .

The sweeping roller unit 36 is arranged on the base 12 in such a way that a sweeping roller 64 of the sweeping roller unit 36 (see below) projects beyond an underside 38 of the base 12 at least during cleaning operation. A rocker 40 is mounted on the base 12 on a first pivot bearing 42 so that it can pivot about a first pivot axis 44 (FIG. 2).

The first pivot axis 44 is oriented parallel to the wheel axis 32 . It is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the forward direction of travel 22 .

The first pivot axis 44 is oriented parallel to the axis 20 of the base 12 .

In one embodiment, the rocker 40 includes a first arm 46 and a second arm 48 spaced parallel thereto. The first arm 46 and the second arm 48 are interconnected by a rod 50 (Figure 2). The rod 50 is in the area of the front end 16 of the base 12 and in particular in front of this front end 16. Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment, the rod 50 is oriented above the front wheel device 28 in relation to a vertical direction 52 of the base 12 (FIG. 4). The height direction 52 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the underside 38. If the floor cleaning machine 10 is properly installed on the floor 23 to be cleaned, the height direction 52 is perpendicular to the floor 23.

The rod 50 is coaxial with the first pivot axis 44.

The rod 50 is pivoted to the base 12 via a first tab 54 and a spaced second tab 56 . The rod 50 forms the first pivot bearing 42 of the rocker 40 via this rotatable mounting.

The first arm 46 and the second arm 48 are each connected to the rod 50 in a rotationally fixed manner, and the rod 50 is mounted on the base 12 such that it can rotate about the first pivot axis 44 via the brackets 54 , 56 .

In one exemplary embodiment, a holder 58 is arranged on the base 12 in the region of the front end 16 . The front wheel device 28 is mounted on this holder 58 . The retainer 58, which is centrally located with respect to lateral sides of the base 12, has a tab means 60 (FIG. 1) which is provided with openings 62. FIG. The rod 50 is immersed through these openings 62 .

It is possible for the rod 50 to be pushed freely through the opening 62 or for a slide bearing for the rod 50 to be formed on the holder 58 via the bracket device 60 .

The rocker 40 laterally encompasses the base 12 with its first arm 46 and the second arm 48. The rod 50 is positioned in front of the front end 16 for this purpose.

The roller brush unit 36 comprises a roller brush 64 and a pivot bearing 66 . The roller brush 64 is mounted on the rocker 40 such that it can rotate about an axis of rotation (rotational axis) 68 via the pivot bearing 66 .

The brush roller 64 is supported via the pivot bearing 66 both on the first arm 46 and on the second arm 48 .

The roller brush unit 36 follows a pivotal movement of the rocker 40 about the first pivot axis 44 relative to the base 12.

In the embodiment shown, the brush roller 64 is formed in one piece.

The brush roller 64 is provided with bristles. In particular, the bristles are designed in such a way that a textile floor and in particular a carpet can be cleaned using the floor cleaning machine 10 .

The axis of rotation 68 of the pivot bearing 66 for rotating the brush roller 64 is parallel to the first pivot axis 44. It is parallel to the wheel axis 32. Furthermore, the axis of rotation 68 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the axis 20 of the base 12 .

Furthermore, in particular the axis of rotation 68 is oriented parallel to the floor 23 to be cleaned when the floor cleaning machine 10 is set up properly on the floor 23 via the wheel device 24 for a cleaning operation.

The floor cleaning machine 10 has an installation level 70 (FIGS. 3, 4). The installation level 70 is defined by the rear wheel device 26 and the front wheel device 28 . If the floor cleaning machine 10 is set up properly on a level floor 23 to be cleaned, then the installation level 70 coincides with the level of the floor 23 to be cleaned. The wheel axis 32 is parallel to the installation plane 70. The axis of rotation 68 is parallel to the installation plane 70 (and spaced from the installation plane 70) in the height direction 52; the height direction 52 is perpendicular to the installation level 70.

A motor device 72 is provided for driving the rotary brush 64 in rotation. The motor device 72 includes an electric motor. This is fixedly arranged on the base 12 via a holder.

In one exemplary embodiment, the motor device 72 has a motor shaft 74 with an axis of rotation 76 (FIG. 1). The axis of rotation 76 is parallel to the axis of rotation 68 of the brush roller 64.

In particular, the motor device 72 is arranged above the brush roller 64 in relation to the vertical direction 52 . In the embodiment shown, the motor assembly 72 is also positioned above the rocker 40 on the base 12 with respect to the height direction 52 . The floor cleaning machine 10 has a drive device 78 . The drive device 78 includes the motor device 72. The motor shaft 74 is a drive shaft of the drive device 78.

Furthermore, the drive device 78 includes a torque transmission device 80, through which a torque of the motor device 72 can be transmitted to the brush roller 64 for rotation about the axis of rotation 68. For this purpose, the roller brush 64 is provided with a corresponding shaft 82 which is mounted on the pivot bearing 66 . The shaft 82 forms an output shaft of the drive device 78.

The drive shaft 74 and the output shaft 82 are spaced apart from one another and are spaced apart from one another in particular in the vertical direction 52 . They may also be spaced apart with respect to axis 20 or may be aligned with respect to axis 20 .

The torque transmission device 80 is designed as a traction drive 84 (also traction drive or belt drive). This traction mechanism 84 includes a traction element 86. The torque of the motor device 72 is transmitted via the traction element 86 to the roller brush 64 for its rotation about the axis of rotation 68. The pulling member 86 is closed. The traction element 86 is in particular a closed belt or a closed chain.

The tension member 86 has a load section 88 (load strand or tension strand) and an idle section 90. The force is transmitted from the motor device 72 to the shaft 82 via the load section 88 (load strand). The empty section 90 (empty strand) is, so to speak, the return in the case of the closed traction element 86 .

The traction mechanism 84 can in principle be designed in a non-positive or positive manner. In one embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a single traction mechanism 84 is assigned to the rocker 40 and is assigned to only one arm of the rocker 40. In the embodiment shown, the traction mechanism 84 is assigned only to the first arm 46 . The drive of the sweeping roller 64 is then only on one side. This results in a constructively simple, compact, space-saving structure that also saves on components.

In principle, it is also possible, if appropriate synchronization is provided, to drive the sweeping roller 64 on both sides in its rotational movement about the axis of rotation 68 (not shown in the drawings).

A holder 92 is arranged on the base 12 at a distance from the underside 38 and is in particular designed in the shape of a plate. The motor device 72 is arranged on one side of the holder 92 . On the other side of the holder 92, a roller 94 is arranged on the shaft 82 of the motor device 72, which is non-rotatably connected to the motor shaft 74 and on which the pulling element 86 is guided.

A lever 96 is articulated on the holder 92 at a second pivot bearing 98 so that it can pivot about a second pivot axis 100 (compare in particular FIG. 1).

As a result, the lever 96 is pivoted to the base 12 .

The lever 96 is also articulated via a third pivot bearing 102 about a third pivot axis 104 to the rocker 40 and thereby to the first arm 46 .

The second pivot axis 100 and the third pivot axis 104 are parallel to each other. They are each parallel to the first pivot axis 44. They are also each parallel to the axis of rotation 68 or to the axis of rotation 76. A deflection element 106 , which is in particular a deflection roller, is seated on the lever 96 and on which the pulling element 86 is guided and in the load section 88 .

In one embodiment (FIGS. 1-4), the lever 96 includes a first bar 108 and a second bar 110. The first bar 108 is pivotally attached to the base 12 (the bracket 92) via the second pivot bearing 98. As shown in FIG. The second web 110 is articulated via the third pivot bearing 102 to the rocker 40 and thereby to the first arm 46 .

The first web 108 and the second web 110 are connected to one another via a fourth pivot bearing 112 such that they can pivot about a fourth pivot axis 114 .

The fourth pivot axis 114 is parallel to the third pivot axis 104 or parallel to the second pivot axis 100.

The deflection element 106 is positioned on the first web 108 .

Lever 96 is coupled to rocker 40 via second web 110 in such a way that, with respect to a longitudinal direction 116 (Figure 4) of rocker 40 on first arm 46, first pivot bearing 42 is located between pivot bearing 66 and third pivot bearing 102 .

The lever 96 is coupled to the rocker 40 in such a way that a pivoting position of the rocker 40 on the first pivot bearing 42 and thus also a position of the brush roller 64 in the vertical direction 52 can be adjusted via the lever 96 .

In principle, it is possible for the second web 110 to be pivotally connected to the first web 108 in a translation-fixed manner with respect to the first web 108 . In the exemplary embodiment shown according to FIGS. 1 to 4, a translational position of the second web 110 on the first web 108 can be adjusted. For example, the second web 110 is provided with a pin, and the first web 108 has a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart openings into which the pin on the second web 110 can be immersed. In each of these positions, it is possible to pivot about the fourth pivot axis 114 .

Due to the different translational positions of the second web 110 on the first web 108, different positions (working positions) in the vertical direction 52 can be specified for the sweeping roller 64. In particular, these can be working positions for carpets with different pile lengths or for effectively cleaning a smooth floor.

A second deflection element 118 of the traction mechanism 84 is arranged on the rocker 40 and thereby on the first arm 46 . This second deflection element 118, which is designed in particular as a deflection roller, is arranged in particular on the first pivot bearing 42 and is preferably arranged coaxially with the first pivot axis 44.

The tension element 86 is guided in the load section 88 via the second deflection element 118 .

The traction mechanism 84 includes a traction element tensioner 120. This is arranged, for example, on the holder 92 so that it can be pivoted in a lockable manner (with a pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis 44). It has a further deflection element 122, in particular in the form of a deflection roller. The tension member 120 acts on the empty section 90 of the tension member 86.

The closed traction element 86 is connected via the roller 94 to the motor shaft 74 (drive shaft), the deflection element 106 to the lever 96, the second deflection element 118 to the rocker 40, and a corresponding guide element the shaft 82 (output shaft) and the further deflection element 122 of the tension member 120 out closed.

A power transmission from the motor device 72 to the sweeping roller 64 takes place in the load section 88, which leads on the traction element 86 from the roller 94 to the deflection element 106, the second deflection element 118 and the corresponding element on the shaft 82.

The remaining part of the tension element 86 is the empty section 90, which then lies between the element on the shaft 82 and the motor shaft 74, with the tension element tensioner 120 acting in between in the empty section 90 via its further deflection element 122 on the tension element 86 in order to avoid a certain tension to create.

In one embodiment, a battery device 124 and in particular a rechargeable battery device 124 (accumulator device) is provided for operating the motor device 72 (and other energy-consuming components of the floor cleaning machine 10). This is arranged on a receptacle 126 on the base 12 .

In principle, it is possible for a plurality of receptacles to be present and for example for a non-operative battery device to be arranged as a replacement battery device on one receptacle. In this context, reference is made to German patent application no. 10 2020 109 694.1 of April 7, 2020 by the same applicant, which was not previously published, and the content of this application is referred to in its entirety.

A dirt collecting container 128 is detachably arranged on the base 12 . This dirt collection container 128 is arranged in such a way that dirt can be "thrown" from the sweeping roller 64 into the dirt collection container 128 in a throw-over guide 130 (FIG. 3). During operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the rotary brush 64 rotates in a direction 132 (Figure 3). Dirt is picked up by the bristles of the sweeping roller 64 and carried along in the direction of rotation 132 and thrown into the dirt collection container 128 in the throw-over guide 130 .

The direction of rotation 132 of the rotation of the rotary brush 64 about the axis of rotation 68 is such that dirt is thrown into the dirt collection container 128 from above (relative to the vertical direction 52) in the chute guide 130, so to speak. The direction of rotation 132 is aligned parallel to the forward direction of travel 22 at the contact area of the sweeping roller 64 with the floor 23 to be cleaned.

A suction unit device 134 is arranged on the base 12 . This creates a suction flow. The suction flow generated by the suction unit device 134 supports the conveyance of dirt into the dirt collection container 128. An essential function of the suction flow generated is to keep dust pollution of the environment low and, to a certain extent, to guide dirt particles which are "thrown off" by the brush roller 64. to channel into the dirt collection container 128.

The suction unit device 134 is assigned a filter unit 136, which can be cleaned via a cleaning device 138 and can be cleaned manually, for example. The cleaning can take place, for example, by shaking the filter unit 136 or by subjecting the filter unit 136 to an air flow. The cleaning can be triggered manually and driven manually. It can be manually triggered and automatically operated, or automatically triggered and automatically operated.

With regard to the structure of an exemplary embodiment of a filter unit 136, reference is made to the German patent application, which was not previously published

No. 10 2020 109 656.9 of April 7, 2020 from the same applicant. Reference is made in full to the content of this application. A housing cover 140 (FIG. 4) is provided to cover the base 12 upwards, forwards and laterally. This housing cover has been removed in the representation of FIGS.

In one embodiment (not shown in the drawings) the base 12 has at least one side broom mounted thereon. In particular, this side brush protrudes laterally beyond an associated lateral side. A cleaning process close to the edge (e.g. on an edge or on a skirting board) can be carried out using the side brush. The side brush is driven to rotate about an axis of rotation. A corresponding drive is provided for this purpose, which is supplied with electrical energy via the battery device 124 .

The suction unit device 134 is also supplied with electrical energy via the battery device 124 .

In principle, it is also possible for a side brush to be driven via the motor device 72 .

The side brush is arranged, for example, in the area of the front end 16 of the base 12 .

A holder (bracket) 142 for an operator and in particular a standing operator is arranged on the base 12 . This holder 142 is arranged in the area of the rear end 18 .

The floor cleaning machine 10 is then designed as a back-up machine, with an operator standing behind the floor cleaning machine 10 pushing it over the holder 152 onto a floor 23 to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, holder 142 includes a support rod 144 spaced from base 12 . The support rod 144 is above a first Strut 146a and a second strut 146b spaced apart from the first strut 146a are connected to the base 12.

In one embodiment, holder 142 is pivotally mounted to base 12 . As a result, an adaptation to an operator size (of a standing operator) can be carried out if necessary. Furthermore, when the floor cleaning machine 10 is in a storage position, the holder 142 can be folded over the base 12 and in particular the housing cover 140 in order to be able to reduce the dimensions of the floor cleaning machine 10 in the vertical direction 52 and also the longitudinal dimensions along the axis 20.

The floor cleaning machine 10 works as follows:

When the floor cleaning machine 10 is in operation, the motor device 72 is activated. The motor shaft 64 rotates about the axis of rotation 68. The shaft 82 is driven via the traction mechanism 84 with the traction element 86 and the roller brush 64 rotates in the direction of rotation 132. The roller brush 64 acts on a floor 23 to be cleaned and takes dirt with it.

The dirt entrained by the sweeping roller 64 is thrown into the dirt collection container 128 .

The transfer of dirt into the dirt collection container 128 is assisted by the suction flow of the suction unit device 134 . In particular, dust pollution of the environment is kept low by the suction flow.

An operator stands behind the floor cleaning machine 10 and guides it via the holder 142 on the floor 23 to be cleaned, in particular in the forward direction of travel 22.

Basically, the brush roller 64 is designed in such a way that textile materials and in particular carpets can be cleaned with it. Basically determined one Contact pressure with which the brush roller 64 acts on the textile material of the floor to be cleaned, the cleaning result. The contact pressure determines a width with which the brush roller 64 acts on the textile material. For different textile materials with different heights of the pile, different contact pressures (exposure widths) are usually useful for an optimized cleaning result. Furthermore, it is desirable if smooth floors or hard floors can also be cleaned effectively with the floor cleaning machine 10 .

The traction mechanism 84 with the lever 96 provides a positioning device for the brush roller 64, by means of which a position of the rocker 40 relative to the vertical direction 52 (and thus relative to the base 12) is adjusted automatically and in particular with an automatic control. As a result, in turn, an automatic control of the contact pressure or the effective width of the brush roller 64 is set. An operator can drive over different floors and a good cleaning result is automatically achieved. For example, an operator can move from a floor with a textile material with a first pile height via a smooth floor to a floor with a textile material with a second pile height, which differs from the first pile height, with effective cleaning being implemented on each floor area. The operator does not have to worry about setting the positioning device, this is done automatically in a control process.

During a cleaning process, the brush roller 64 experiences a torque due to the action on the floor 23 to be cleaned. This leads to a corresponding (reaction) force F (compare FIG. 4) being present in the load section 88 . This is transmitted to the lever 96 via the deflection element 106. Depending on the size of this force F, this can lead to a repositioning of the lever 96 on the second pivot bearing 98. This repositioning of the lever 96 and thereby of the first web 108 in turn acts on the rocker 40 via the second web 110. This can result in a repositioning of the rocker 40 about the first pivot axis 44. This in turn results in a new position of the brush roller 64 in the height direction 52 relative to the base 12 . The repositioning takes place until there is a corresponding balance of forces.

If an operating point is specified accordingly, an optimized cleaning result is then achieved.

By arranging the second web 110 in steps relative to the first web 108 via the openings, the operating point can be specified and adjusted. This specification is not changed during operation.

If, for example, the floor cleaning machine 10 is moved from a carpeted floor to a smooth floor during a cleaning operation, the reaction torque on the brush roller 64 is generally reduced. As a result, the first web 108 moves about the second pivot axis 100 downwards in the direction of the floor 23. This movement is transmitted to the second web 110, which then correspondingly pivots the rocker 40 upwards away from the floor 23. As a result, the contact pressure is reduced or the width with which the brush roller 64 acts on the floor 23 is reduced.

For example, if the floor cleaning machine 10 is moved from a smooth floor to a fabric floor, or from one fabric floor to another fabric floor with a greater pile height, then the reaction torque on the sweeping roller 64 increases. The force F increases. This results in the first web 108 pivoting upwards about the second pivot axis 100 (away from the floor 23). As a result, the second web 110 is taken upwards and as a result, the rocker 40 in turn pivots towards the floor 23 . The contact pressure is thereby increased or the width with which the brush roller 64 acts on the floor 23 is increased.

The lever 96 on which the deflection element 106 is seated can be pivoted on the base 12 . This is indicated by the double arrow with the reference number 148 in Figure 4 indicated. This is transmitted to the rocker 40 by means of the second web 110. This is indicated in FIG. 4 by the double arrow with the reference number 150.

This in turn allows a vertical position of the sweeping roller 64 to the base 12 to be adjusted for an optimized cleaning result and thereby adjusted automatically and in particular adjusted in an automatic control process.

This adjustability of the height position is indicated in FIG. 4 by the double arrow 152 in a broken line.

According to the invention, a mechanical, automatic brush roller control is provided via the traction mechanism 84 with the lever 96 and the deflection element 106 . A train is initiated via the load section 90 (load strand) of the tension member 86, which acts on the lever 96 and positions it accordingly. Optimum cleaning performance is automatically achieved on different surfaces without the need for an operator to make adjustments.

A toothed belt or a chain, for example, is used as the pulling element 86 . The result is a high level of efficiency and thus a long running time for the battery device 124. The corresponding torque transmission device 80 requires little maintenance.

Adjustability can be achieved in a simple manner via the position of the second web 110 on the first web 108 or the design of the lever 96 . This allows, for example, a step setting for normal, light or heavy soiling.

The deflection element 106 is a belt pulley in the exemplary embodiment of a belt for the traction element 86 . A tension in the tension member 86 (im Case of a belt: the belt tension) determines the position of the lever 96 with respect to the second pivot axis 100.

In principle, it is desirable that the slip on a traction mechanism 84 is minimized, so that a toothed belt with a non-positive coupling or a chain as a traction element 86 is particularly advantageous.

A typical diameter for the brush roller 64 is 250 mm.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible to effectively prevent the sweeping roller 64 from “eating” into a carpet, thus avoiding a poor cleaning result and an unnecessarily high energy consumption. A self-adjustment takes place on the traction mechanism 84 in accordance with the tension in the traction element 86.

The tension element tensioner 120 acts in the slack section 90 (slack side) of the tension element and has a correspondingly weak belt tension in comparison to the belt tension in the load section 88 .

The traction mechanism 84 is designed and dimensioned in such a way that force can be transmitted by tension in the traction element for positioning the lever 96 .

The floor cleaning machine 10 has been explained as a hand-guided and, in particular, a hand-pushed walk-behind machine.

The solution according to the invention for the automatic regulation of the positioning of the brush roller 64 on a floor 23 to be cleaned can also be used, for example, in a floor cleaning machine with traction drive and in particular a self-propelled floor cleaning machine.

A second exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 and is denoted by 154, is basically the same design as the floor cleaning machine 10. For the same elements as in the floor cleaning machine 10, the same reference numbers are used in the floor cleaning machine 154. The floor cleaning machine 154 can be viewed as a variant of the floor cleaning machine 10 with an additional switch. The floor cleaning machine 154 has a traction mechanism 84 ′ that has been modified in comparison to the traction mechanism 84 . The design differs essentially in the design of the second web 110' and its articulation.

As described above in connection with the second web 110, the second web 110′ is pivoted to the first web 108 about the fourth pivot axis 114 and, in particular, the corresponding position of the second web 110′ can be adjusted with respect to a translational position on the first web 108.

An intermediate web 156 is provided, which is articulated to the rocker 40 via a third pivot bearing 102'. The corresponding third pivot axis of the third pivot bearing 102' is parallel to the axis of rotation 68.

The intermediate web 156 is linked to the second web 110′ via a fifth pivot bearing 158 such that it can be pivoted about a fifth pivot axis. A fifth pivot axis assigned to fifth pivot bearing 158 is parallel to the fourth pivot axis or to the third pivot axis or to the second S pivot axis or to the first pivot axis or to the axis of rotation 68.

A toggle lever is formed over the intermediate web 156 and the second web 110' (compare FIGS. 6 and 8).

In the floor cleaning machine 154, in comparison to the floor cleaning machine 10, the second web 110 is divided into the second web 110' and the intermediate web 156. This provides an additional degree of freedom. The intermediate web 156 has an articulation point on the rocker 40 via the third pivot bearing 102'. Via the fifth pivot bearing 158, it has an articulation point on the second web 110'. The second web 110 ′ in turn has an articulation point on the fourth pivot bearing 112 on the first web 108 and has the aforementioned articulation point on the fifth pivot bearing 158 on the intermediate web 156 .

In one embodiment, the length of the second web 110' between its pivot points is greater than the length of the intermediate web 156 between its pivot points (compare Figure 6).

A mechanical switch 160 is formed, which can be used to switch whether the pivoting mobility of the first web 108 (and thus of the deflection element 106) about the second pivot axis 100 is enabled or blocked. Accordingly, when enabled, the automatic control process described above is possible, and when disabled, this automatic control process is not possible.

When the switch 160 is in the first position 162 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pivoting mobility of the first web 108 and thus also of the lever 96 about the second pivot axis 100 on the second pivot bearing 98 is blocked.

In the first position 162, the toggle lever as a combination of the intermediate web 156 and the second web 110 is in a dead center.

In particular, it is provided that a stop 164 for the intermediate web 156 (or the second web 110') is arranged on the base 12 or on the rocker 40 in order to specify the dead center of the toggle lever (also compare Figures 7 and 8). . In the first position 162 the pivoting position of the first bar 108 is fixed by means of the second bar 110 ′ and the intermediate bar 156 .

In the first position 162, the rocker 40 can swing freely.

The deflection element 106 has a pure deflection function and does not result in a position adjustment of the first web 108 in relation to the second pivot axis 100.

In the first position 162, the second web 110' is at an acute angle 166 to the first web 108 (relative to the respective longitudinal directions) (compare FIG. 6). The acute angle is related to a longitudinal axis of the web 108 to a longitudinal axis of the second web 110' with an angular orientation in the counterclockwise direction and in the top view according to Figure 6.

Correspondingly, the second web 110' is at an obtuse angle 168 in relation to its longitudinal axis relative to the intermediate web 156 in relation to its longitudinal axis.

As indicated by the double arrow 170, in the first position 162 (dead position of the toggle lever), the pivoting mobility of the first web 108 and thus of the entire lever 96 about the second pivot axis 108 is blocked.

The switch 160 can be brought into a second position 172 (or into a plurality of second positions 172), in which a pivoting mobility of the first web 108 about the second pivot axis 100 is released. This is indicated in FIG. 8 by a double arrow with the reference number 174. In this second position 172, the first web 108 is at an obtuse angle 176 to the second web 110' (FIG. 8). The second web 110' is at an acute angle 178 to the intermediate web 156.

In the second position 172 (wherein, as mentioned above, a plurality of second positions 172 can be provided) is pivotal mobility of the first web 108 released about the second pivot axis 100. As a result, the tension in the corresponding tension element 86 can specify the pivoting position of the first web 108 about the second pivot axis 100, with the pivoting position of the rocker 40 on the first pivot axis 44 then being specified in turn via the second web 110' and the intermediate web 156. The automatic control of the vertical position of the rotary brush 64 in relation to the base 12 or to the floor 23 is then implemented (with corresponding automatic control of the contact pressure on the floor 23 to be cleaned or the width of the rotary brush 64 with which it is applied to the floor to be cleaned Floor 23 acts).

The floor cleaning machine 154 then functions in the second position 172 of the switch 160 as described above with reference to the floor cleaning machine 10 .

A grip area 180 for an operator is arranged on the intermediate web 156 and projects beyond the point of articulation on the first web 100 . An operator can act on the intermediate web 156 via this grip area 180 and press it into the first position 162 or press or pull it from the first position 162 into the second position 172 .

In particular, the engagement area 180 is designed in such a way that an operator is able to both press for a pivoting movement in one direction and pull for a pivoting movement in the corresponding opposite direction.

For example, starting from the first position 162, an operator can produce the second position 172 (FIGS. 7, 8) by appropriately pivoting the intermediate web 156 by gripping the grip area 180 and in particular by pulling. Starting from the second position 172 (FIGS. 7, 8), an operator can bring the attack area 180 into the first position 162 (FIGS. 5, 6) by pressing the intermediate bar 156 during attacks.

Using the mechanical switch 160, which is implemented by a toggle lever in the floor cleaning machine 154, an operator can enable (second position 172) or block (first position 162) the automatic mechanical control via the traction mechanism 84' with the pivoting lever 96 ).

When the automatic control is blocked, provision is made in particular for the rocker 40 to be freely oscillating with the roller brush 64 .

In the traction mechanism 84 or 84' of the floor cleaning machine 10 or 154, the traction element 86 is guided on the deflection element 106 on the first web 108, on the second deflection element 118 on the rocker 40 and on the optional further deflection element 122 of the tension element tensioner 120. Torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft.

A third exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 and is denoted by 182, comprises a traction mechanism 84", which is fundamentally of the same design as the traction mechanism 84'. The same reference symbols are used for the same elements.

The traction mechanism 84" differs from the traction mechanism 84' in the way a traction element 86" is guided. The traction element 86" is guided on the corresponding roller 94, which is connected to the motor shaft 74, the deflection element 106, which is seated on the web 108, and a roller element on the (output) shaft 82. Compared to the traction mechanism 84' is no guidance on a second deflection element 118 (which is on the first Pivot bearing 42 seated) is provided, or this second deflection element 118 is not present at all.

A load section 184 (load strand) of the tension element 86" lies between the roller 94 and the coupling to the shaft 82.

In the embodiment shown, the traction mechanism 84" includes the same structure with a first web 108, second web 110' and intermediate web 156 as in the traction mechanism 84'. It is a mechanical switch 160 with a first position 162 (Figures 11, 12) and a second position 172 (FIGS. 9, 10) The mode of operation is the same as that described above with reference to the traction mechanism 84'.

The mechanical control is the same as described above with respect to the floor cleaning machine 10 or 154. Even when guiding the traction element 86' in the traction mechanism 84", as just described, the tension in the load section 184 (in the second position 172 of the switch 160) can adjust the position of the first web 180 and correspondingly the position of the rocker Adjust 40 based on the first pivot axis 44 accordingly, so as to set a contact pressure of the sweeping roller 64 on a floor to be cleaned or a width with which the sweeping roller 64 acts on the floor to be cleaned.

The traction mechanism 84" was described in connection with a switch 160. It is also possible, for example, for a guide to be present as in the traction element 86" if there is no switch 160 (cf. FIG. 4).

A further exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 and is denoted by 186 there, comprises a traction mechanism 188 which is basically of the same design as the traction mechanism 84'. For the same elements, the same before reference signs used. A first web 108, a second web 110' articulated thereto and an intermediate web 156 are provided. A switch 160 is thus formed.

In the figures 13, 14 the first position 162 of the switch 160 is shown. In the figures 15, 16 the second position 172 of the switch 160 is shown.

A second deflection element 190 is arranged on the rocker 40 and thereby on the first pivot bearing 42, which is designed in particular as a deflection roller. This second deflection element 190 guides both a load section 192 and an idle section 194 of a pulling element 196. In particular, the second deflection element 190 has a first track for the load section 192 and a separate second track for the idle section 194.

The second deflection element 190 can also be used as a tension clamp, on which the empty section 194 of the tension element 196 is guided.

The pulling element 196 is thereby guided in its load section 192 from the roller 94 via the deflection element 106 on the second deflection element 190 on the rocker 40 to the roller element which is connected to the shaft 82 .

The pulling element 196 is guided from this roller element via the second deflection element 190 (on its second path) to the roller 94 in the empty section 194 .

As in the exemplary embodiments described above, the contact pressure of the brush roller 64 on the floor to be cleaned can be automatically regulated when the switch 160 is in the second position 172 .

The traction element 196 can also be guided in the traction mechanism 188 if no mechanical switch 160 is present. Reference List

Floor Cleaning Machine (First Embodiment)

Base

Chassis front end rear end

axis

Forward (driving) direction

floor

wheel setup

rear wheel setup

Front wheel device a left rear wheel b right rear wheel

wheel axle

role

roller brush unit

bottom

swingarm

First swivel bearing

First pivot axis

first arm

second arm

pole

height direction

First tab

second tab

holder

tab device

openings

roller brush pivot bearing

axis of rotation

installation level

engine setup

motor shaft

axis of rotation

drive device

torque transmission device

wave

traction mechanism ' traction mechanism " traction mechanism

pulling element " pulling element

load section

blank section

holder

role

lever

Second pivot bearing 0 second pivot axis 2 third pivot bearing 2' third pivot bearing 2'' third pivot bearing 4 third pivot axis 6 deflection element 8 first web 0 second web 0' second web 2 fourth pivot bearing 4 fourth pivot axis 6 longitudinal direction 8 second deflection element Tension organ tensioner

Another deflection element

battery setup

admission

dirt collection container

throw guide

direction of rotation

suction unit device

filter unit

cleaning device

housing cover

holder

Handrail a First brace b Second brace

double arrow

Floor Cleaning Machine (Second Embodiment)

gutter

Fifth pivot bearing

counter

First position

attack

acute angle

obtuse angle

double arrow

second position

double arrow

obtuse angle

acute angle

attack range

Floor Cleaning Machine (Third Embodiment) Load Section Floor Cleaning Machine (Fourth Embodiment) Traction Mechanism Second Deflection Element Load Section Empty Section Tension Member

Claims

- 45 -

Claims Floor cleaning machine, comprising a base (12), a rocker (40) which is arranged on a first pivot bearing (42) on the base (12) pivotable about a first pivot axis (44), a brush roller (64) which is arranged on a rotary bearing (66) on the rocker (40) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (68), a motor device (72) for driving the rotary brush (64) in rotation, and a traction mechanism (84; 84';84"; 188) with a traction element (86; 86"; 196) for torque transmission from the motor device to the sweeping roller, the traction element (86; 86"; 196) having a load section (88; 192), characterized in that on the base (12) a lever (96) is arranged on a second pivot bearing (98) pivotable about a second pivot axis (100), that the lever (96) is articulated to the rocker (40), and that on the lever (96) a deflection element (106 ) for the pulling element (86; 86"; 196), the pulling element (86; 86"; 196) being arranged in the load section (88; 192) is guided on the deflection element (106). Floor-cleaning machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lever (96) is linked to the rocker arm (40) via a third pivot bearing (102; 102';102") so as to be pivotable about a third pivot axis (104). - 46 - Floor cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one of the following: the axis of rotation (68) and the first pivot axis (44) are oriented parallel to one another; the axis of rotation (68) and the second pivot axis (100) are oriented parallel to one another; the first pivot axis (44) and the second pivot axis (100) are oriented parallel to each other; the axis of rotation (68) and/or the first pivot axis (44) and/or the second pivot axis (100) lie transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a forward travel direction (22) of the ground cleaning machine; the axis of rotation (68) and/or the first pivot axis (44) and/or the second pivot axis (100) lie parallel to a wheel axle (32) of the floor cleaning machine; the axis of rotation (68) and/or the first pivot axis (44) and/or the second pivot axis (100) lie transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a vertical direction (52) on the base (12), with over a pivoting position of the rocker (40) a position of the sweeping roller (64) in the vertical direction (52) can be adjusted on the first pivot bearing (42). Floor cleaning machine according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the third pivot axis (104) is oriented parallel to the rotation axis (68) and/or to the first pivot axis (44) and/or to the second pivot axis (100). - 47 - Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that relative to a longitudinal direction of the rocker (40), the first pivot bearing (42) is positioned at a distance from the pivot bearing (66). Floor cleaning machine according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first pivot bearing (42) is positioned between the pivot bearing (66) and the third pivot bearing (102) in relation to a longitudinal direction of the rocker (40). Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (96) is arranged and designed in such a way that its pivoting position about the second pivoting axis (104) specifies a pivoting position of the rocker (40) about the first pivoting axis (44) and in particular at least one of the following specifies: a height position of the brush roller (64) relative to the base (12); a contact pressure of the sweeping roller (64) on a floor (23) to be cleaned; a width with which the brush roller (64) acts on a floor (23) to be cleaned.

Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (96) is arranged and designed such that during a cleaning operation in which the brush roller (64) acts on a floor (23) to be cleaned, via a resultant force in the load section (88; 192) of the pulling element (86; 86"; 196) a pivoting position of the lever (96) is set on the second pivot bearing (98), the resultant force in the load section (88; 192) being generated by a torque of the sweeping roller (64) on the floor (23) to be cleaned. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a positioning device for positioning the sweeping roller (64) on a floor (23) to be cleaned via the rocker (40 ), wherein the positioning comprises an automatic control via the lever (96) Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever (96) has a first web (108) which is articulated to the base (12) via the second pivot bearing (98), and a second web (110; 110') which is connected to the first web (108) via a fourth pivot bearing (112) so as to be pivotable about a fourth pivot axis (114) and which is oriented transversely to the first web (108). Floor-cleaning machine according to Claim 10, characterized in that the second web (110; 110') is connected to the first web (108) in a translationally fixed manner or is adjustable in relation to a translational position on the first web (108) in a translationally fixed manner to the first web (108 ) connected is. Floor-cleaning machine according to Claim 11, characterized by at least two discrete translational positions in which the second web (110; 110') can be fixed translationally fixed to the first web (108). Floor cleaning machine according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the second web (110; 110') is coupled to the rocker (40). Floor cleaning machine according to Claim 13, characterized in that the second web (110) is articulated directly pivotably on the rocker (40), and in particular via a third pivot bearing (102) with a third pivot axis (104) pivotably with the rocker (40 ) connected is. Floor-cleaning machine according to Claim 13, characterized in that the second bar (110') is pivotably articulated on an intermediate bar (156), and in that the intermediate bar (156) is pivotally articulated on the rocker (40), the intermediate bar ( 156) via a third pivot bearing (102') pivotable about a third pivot axis (104) to the rocker (40), and the second web (110') via a fifth pivot bearing (158) pivotable about a fifth pivot axis to the intermediate web (156) is hinged. Floor cleaning machine according to Claim 15, characterized in that the intermediate web (156) has a smaller length between an articulation point on the second web (110') and an articulation point on the rocker (40) than a length of the second web (110') between an articulation point on the first web (108) and the articulation point on the intermediate web (156). Floor-cleaning machine according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized by at least one of the following: a mechanical switch (160) is formed by means of the intermediate web (156) and can be used to block pivoting of the lever (96) about the second pivot axis (100); the switch (160) and in particular the intermediate web (156) has at least one first position (162) in which pivoting mobility of the lever (96) about the second pivot axis (100) is blocked; in the at least one first position (162) of the switch (160) and in particular of the intermediate web (156), the rocker (40) can be freely pivoted about the first pivot axis (44); in the at least one first position (162), the second ridge (110') is oriented at an acute angle (166) to the first ridge (108); in the at least one first position (162), the intermediate web (156) is oriented at an obtuse angle (168) to the second web (110'); the switch and in particular the intermediate web (156) has at least one second position (172) in which the lever (96) can pivot about the second pivot axis (100); in the at least one second position (172), the second ridge (110') is oriented at an obtuse angle (176) to the first ridge (108); - 51 - in the at least one second position (172), the intermediate web is oriented at an acute angle (178) to the second web (110'); the second web (110') and the intermediate web (156) form a toggle lever, in particular the at least one first position (162) of the switch (160) and in particular of the intermediate web (156) being a dead center position of the toggle lever; the intermediate web (156) has a grip area (180) for an operator, which is designed in particular in such a way that the intermediate web (156) can be pushed and/or pulled by an operator. Floor cleaning machine according to one of Claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the deflection element (106) is seated on the first web (108). Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a switch (160) and in particular a mechanical switch (160) is assigned to the traction mechanism (84';84"; 188), by means of which a pivoting mobility of the lever (96) around the second pivot axis (100) can be locked Floor cleaning machine according to Claim 19, characterized in that when the pivoting mobility of the lever (96) is blocked by the switch (160), the rocker (40) is mounted in an oscillating manner on the base (12). - 52 - Floor cleaning machine according to claim 19 or 20, characterized by at least one of the following: the switch (160) is designed as a swivel switch; the switch (160) has a dead center or dead center area, the pivoting mobility of the lever (96) about the second pivot axis (100) being blocked in the dead center or the dead center area; the switch (160) can be pressed by an operator in its pivoting movement and pulled in a pivoting movement. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rocker (40) has a first arm (46) and a spaced second arm (48), the brush roller (64) being mounted on the first arm via the pivot bearing (66). (46) and the second arm (48) is rotatably mounted. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 22, characterized in that a rod (50) is connected to the first arm (46) and the second arm (48) and the rod (50) on the base (12) to form the first pivot bearing ( 42) is stored. Floor cleaning machine according to Claim 23, characterized in that the rod (50) is arranged in the region of a front end (16) of the base (12) in relation to a forward travel direction (22) of the floor cleaning machine. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traction mechanism (84; 84'; 188) is constructed on one side in relation to the brush roller (64). - 53 - Floor-cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traction mechanism (84; 84'; 188) comprises a traction element tensioner (120; 190), which has an empty section (90; 196) of the traction element (86; 86"; 196) is assigned. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traction mechanism (84; 84 '; 188) a drive element of the motor device (72), the deflection element (106) on the lever (96) and a comprises the driven element for the sweeping roller (64), and the pulling element (86; 86"; 196), wherein the pulling element (86;

86"; 196) is closed. Floor cleaning machine according to Claim 27, characterized in that the traction mechanism (84; 84'; 188) comprises a second deflection element (106; 190) which is arranged on the rocker (40). Floor - Cleaning machine according to claim 28, characterized in that the second deflection element (106; 190) is arranged on the first pivot bearing (42) and is in particular positioned coaxially to the first pivot bearing (42).Floor cleaning machine according to claim 28 or 29, characterized characterized in that the second deflection element (190) has a first track for the load portion (192) of the traction member (196) and a second track (194) for an idle portion (194) of the traction member (196) The floor cleaning machine of any preceding Claims, characterized in that the pulling element (196) is a belt or a chain. - 54 - Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a rechargeable battery device (124) for providing electrical energy for the motor device (72) and optionally other energy-consuming elements of the floor cleaning machine. Floor cleaning machine according to Claim 32, characterized in that a first receptacle for a first battery of the battery device (124) is arranged on the base (12) and a second receptacle for a second battery is arranged on the base (12) separately from the first receptacle a first battery positioned on the first receptacle being operative to deliver electrical energy to the motor means (72) and a second battery positioned on the second receptacle being a removable battery. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: the floor cleaning machine is designed as a sweeping machine for textile floors; a suction unit device (134) is assigned to the sweeping roller; a wheel device (24) for mobile operation of the floor cleaning machine is arranged on the base (12); in operation of the floor cleaning machine, the floor cleaning machine is supported by the wheel means (24) on the floor (23) to be cleaned; the sweeping roller (64) is positioned on the base (12) between a front end (16) of the base (12) and a rear wheel assembly (26); - 55 - the floor cleaning machine is designed as a walk-on machine or a ride-on machine; A holder (142) for an operator is arranged on the base (12), the holder (142) being designed in particular for a standing operator. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a dirt collection container (128) to which dirt can be fed from the sweeping roller (64), in particular with at least one of the following: the dirt feed is supported by a suction stream of a suction unit device (134); there is provided a throwing path of debris from the broom (64) to the debris collection bin (128); the debris receptacle (128) is removably mounted to the base (12); the dirt collection container (128) is arranged on a rear side of the base (12).

- 56 - Method for operating a floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, in which an action of the sweeping roller (64) on a floor (23) to be cleaned is regulated mechanically, with a force being applied to the load section (88; 188) of the pulling element (196) a pivoting position of the lever (96) on the second pivot bearing (98) is predetermined, and the pivoting position of the lever (96) on the second pivot bearing (98) the position of the rocker (40) on the first pivot bearing (42) pretends.

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