EP4373375A1

EP4373375A1 - Floor-cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: EP4373375A1
Application number: EP22744771.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rudolf Franke
Original assignee: I Mop GmbH
Current assignee: I Mop GmbH
Priority date: 2021-07-22
Filing date: 2022-07-22
Publication date: 2024-05-29
Also published as: KR20240038032A; WO2023002009A1; JP2024525909A; AU2022315553A1; DE102021119016A1; CN117979876A

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor-cleaning machine (10; 110; 210; 310; 410), preferably a floor-cleaning scrubber, particularly preferably a floor-cleaning scrubber with suction action, comprising: - a floor unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412); - a tool (24, 26; 124, 126), which is assigned to the floor unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412) and, in an operating state, is in contact with a floor surface (158); - a guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) for guiding the floor-cleaning machine (10; 110; 210; 310; 410); - a joint arrangement (16; 116) with a first pivot joint (18, 118) for pivoting the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) relative to the floor unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412) about a first pivot axis (A); and - a spring member (160; 260; 360; 460) for generating a spring force between the floor unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412) and the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414), wherein the first pivot joint (18, 118) has a neutral position, characterized in that the spring member (160; 260; 360; 460) is operatively connected to the floor unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412) and the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) such that, during the pivoting operation out of the neutral position, in a first pivoting direction (S1), to a deflected position, an erecting moment about the first pivot axis (A) in the direction of the neutral position, this moment acting on the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) and resulting from the spring force, increases in a first angle range and decreases in a following, second angle range.

Description

floor cleaning device

The present invention relates to a floor cleaning device, preferably a scouring floor cleaning device, particularly preferably a scouring/suction floor cleaning device, comprising:

- a ground unit;

- a tool which is associated with the ground unit and which in an operative state contacts a ground surface;

- a guide part for guiding the floor cleaning device;

- a joint arrangement with a first pivot joint for pivoting the guide part relative to the base unit about a first pivot axis; and

- A spring member for generating a spring force between the base unit and the guide part, wherein the first pivot joint has a neutral position.

A floor cleaning device with the features of the preamble of patent claim 1 is known from WO 2020/234904 A1. In this case, a helical spring is arranged between a guide part and the bottom unit, which encompasses a region of the guide part connecting the guide part and the bottom unit. With one end the coil spring is fixed to the base unit and the other end to the guide part. As a result, the guide part is held at an angle of approximately 90 degrees in a so-called neutral position relative to the base unit due to the spring force. If a user pivots the guide part from the neutral position relative to the floor unit, the coil spring generates an opposing restoring force in the direction of the neutral position. The restoring force increases with the size of the pivoting angle compared to the neutral position.

If this floor cleaning device is put into operation and operated by a user, the user will find that the neutral position of the guide part is associated with ergonomic disadvantages. When an operator's hands grip the guide member, there will be occasions when the operator's feet collide with the floor unit. Again, if the operator's feet are spaced from the base unit, the operator will have to extend his arms to hold the guide member in the neutral position. However, this outstretched posture of the arms is uncomfortable and ergonomically unfavorable in the long run. Thus, in operation, an operator will pivot the guide member from the neutral position toward his body to avoid having to grasp the guide member with outstretched arms. In this position, however, the operator must work against the restoring force generated by the coil spring, so that the guide member does not change the neutral position through the Restoring force of the coil spring resumes. Depending on the strength of the restoring force, this can also be compensated for with a torque about the pivot axis in the pivoting direction resulting from the weight of the guide part. However, the more an operator swivels the guide part, the more the operator will have to work against the restoring force, so that swiveling to large swiveling angles is hardly possible or not possible at all.

As further prior art, reference is made to the granted European patent EP 3031 378 B1, from which a floor cleaning device is known which provides for provisions to be able to move the device between an operating position and a space-saving transport or storage position as required. In the operating position, a guide part is freely pivotable relative to a base unit. The guide part can thus be easily pivoted in the direction of a user, so that he can easily grab the guide part. Due to the free pivoting, large pivoting angles can also be assumed, which are necessary in particular in order to assume the space-saving position. However, due to the free pivotability of the guide part, a not inconsiderable part of the weight of the guide part rests on the user or his arms during the entire pivoting.

With the floor cleaning devices known from the prior art, an operator must therefore put up with a not inconsiderable load on the operator's arms and body when the guide part is pivoted relative to the floor unit. In addition, with the floor cleaning device known from WO 2020/234904 A1, it will hardly be possible, due to the restoring force that inevitably increases with the increasing pivoting angle, to bring the guide part into a position that is completely or at least almost completely pivoted in relation to the floor unit, in which the floor cleaning device has a slight Height extension would have. It is therefore hardly possible to compactly stow or store the floor cleaning device.

One object of the invention is to provide a floor cleaning device of the type described at the outset, which overcomes at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a floor cleaning device of the type described above, which allows a user a comfortable operating position.

This object is achieved by a floor cleaning device of the type described in which it is provided that the spring member is operatively connected to the floor unit and the guide part that when pivoting from the neutral position in a first pivoting direction to a deflected position acting on the guide part and resulting from the spring force erecting moment about the first pivot axis in the direction of the neutral position increases in a first angular range and decreases in a subsequent second angular range.

The weight of the guide part on the operator outside the neutral position is reduced by the righting moment. In the second angular range, the erecting moment decreases and thus enables the operator to pivot easily in the first pivoting direction within the second angular range without excessive effort. This can be brought about, for example, by the weight of the guide part, without a user having to act in the second angular range in the direction of the first pivoting direction. A compact position of the floor cleaning device, in which the guide part is, for example, completely pivoted relative to the neutral position, can thus be achieved without a great deal of effort on the part of an operator. In the first angular range, a likewise increasing torque about the first pivot axis, which arises for example due to the weight of the guide part, can be completely or at least partially compensated by the raising moment increasing in the first pivoting direction. Thus, particularly in the first angular range, very smooth guiding of the guide part and thus of the entire floor cleaning device is possible. Overall, the invention allows an operator to comfortably guide the guide part, which overall leads to a pleasant and ergonomic operation of the floor cleaning device. In other words, the floor cleaning device can be operated very smoothly.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the spring element has a first attachment point on the one hand of the pivot joint, which is coupled to the guide part at least in the first and second angular range and is spaced apart from the first pivot axis. Thus, the force generated by the spring is introduced at a given location in the guide part. It should be noted here that the fastening point can be part of a coupling device which couples the spring element to the guide part. Rather, the attachment point can be synonymous with the coupling device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a distance from the first pivot axis of a force vector acting on the first attachment point due to the spring force can decrease at least in phases in the first angular range and/or in the second angular range when pivoting in the first pivoting direction. This allows a lever arm of the spring force to decrease relative to the pivot axis. In this way, a factor that influences the erection moment can be reduced.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the distance is at a maximum in the neutral position. This makes it possible for the factor in the neutral position to also determine the righting moment to be at its maximum.

According to a further aspect of the invention it can be provided that the first fastening point in the first angular range and/or second angular range at least in phases completes a movement along a segment of a circle around the first pivot axis.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a spring length of the spring member increases at least in phases during pivoting in the first pivoting direction in the first angular range and in the second angular range.

According to one aspect of the invention it can be provided that the spring element is a tension spring.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a spring length of the spring member decreases at least in phases during pivoting in the first pivoting direction in the first angular range and in the second angular range.

According to one aspect of the invention it can be provided that the spring element is a compression spring.

According to a development, it can be provided that the spring element has a spring hardness, in particular a spring constant, that can be adjusted by an operator. In this way, the spring force and thus the erection moment generated can be adapted to the weight of the guide part or to the preferences of the operator.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the spring organ comprises a spring-damper element. The combination of spring and damper results in the spring element generating a spring effect, but at the same time also a damping effect. Pivoting movements about the first pivot axis are therefore less jerky. Furthermore, a pivoting movement of the guide part can subside more quickly.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the spring element has a spring constant that can be set in particular. Alternatively it can be provided that the spring element has a progressive or degressive spring characteristic or a combination thereof. It can be provided that the spring characteristic is initially progressive and then degressive. Provision can also be made for the spring characteristic to be progressive in the first angular range and degressive in the second angular range during pivoting about the first pivot axis in the first pivoting direction.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the spring element is also operatively connected to the base unit and the guide part in such a way that the opening torque occurs at at least one pivoting angle relative to the neutral position in the first angular range and/or in the second angular range steering about the first pivot axis acting torque, in particular a torque resulting from the Ge weight of the guide part, compensates. A comfortable operating position can thus be created for an operator, in which he has little or no weight to carry with his body. Overall, the result is an advantageously smooth operation of the guide part, which on the one hand allows a very low load on the operator, especially at small pivoting angles, but on the other hand the operator is also able to pivot the guide part about the first pivot axis with large pivoting angles without great effort. Especially with large pivoting angles, in particular in the first pivoting direction in an angular range after the compensation, the weight of the guide part can support further pivoting in the first pivoting direction or even cause it without the operator exerting any force.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the compensation occurs at a pivoting angle relative to the neutral position in the range of 70 to 20 degrees, preferably 50 to 20 degrees, particularly preferably 45 to 20 degrees.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the compensation occurs at a pivoting angle relative to the neutral position of 45, 30, 25 or 20 degrees.

According to a development of the invention, it can also be provided that the spring element is also operatively connected to the base unit and the guide part in such a way that the spring force has a sinusoidal curve in the first and/or second angular range. This makes it possible for the spring force in a spring to have a non-linear, increasing curve despite the spring constant. Thus, the spring force initially increases sharply in the first angular range, with the increase in the spring force being lower with increasing pivoting in the first pivoting direction. First of all, due to the sinusoidal shape even an approximately linear course can be achieved for at least small pivoting angles.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the righting moment in the first and/or second angular range has a combination of properties of a sine and cosine shape, in particular a curve corresponding to the product of the sine shape and cosine shape.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the first pivot axis runs essentially parallel to a floor surface to be cleaned. It can also be provided that in the operating state a longitudinal axis of the guide part in the neutral position is arranged essentially perpendicular to the floor surface to be cleaned. In this way, a neutral position that is comfortable for a user can be achieved, from which the pivoting can take place.

Alternatively, it can be provided that in the operating state the longitudinal axis of the guide part is arranged in the neutral position at an angle about the first pivot axis to the floor surface to be cleaned. The angle is preferably in the range from 1 to 45 degrees, particularly preferably in the range from 10 to 30 degrees.

According to a development of the invention, it can also be provided that the floor unit is assigned a propulsion direction parallel to a floor surface to be cleaned and in the neutral position a longitudinal axis of the guide part is arranged essentially perpendicular to the propulsion direction. This has the effect that, when the floor cleaning device is used normally, the pivoting about the first pivot axis takes place in the direction of an operator and in the direction away from an operator.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that the spring element is also operatively connected to the base unit and the guide part in such a way that the amount of the spring force is zero in the neutral position. This has the effect that the righting moment is also zero in the neutral position and the guide part is therefore not influenced by the spring element in the neutral position. If the first angular range follows the neutral position, the first angular range thus begins with a spring force and a set-up moment of zero in each case.

Alternatively, the magnitude of the spring force in the neutral position may be non-zero. It can be provided that the amount of spring force at least a predetermined exceeds threshold. Furthermore, it can be provided that the spring element is pretensioned in the neutral position.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that when pivoting in the first pivoting direction, a third angular range adjoins the second angular range, in which the righting moment has a negative sign. This has the effect that the righting moment no longer acts in the direction of the neutral position of the guide part or counter to the first pivoting direction, but due to the negative sign acts away from the neutral position or in the direction of the first pivoting direction. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, a parking position is provided for the floor cleaning device, in which the guide part is not in the neutral position, but in a position relative to the floor unit that is disposed squandering about the first pivot axis. Thus, in the third angle range, the guide part is pushed into this parking position by the spring element. On the one hand, it is thus made easier for a user to bring the floor cleaning device into the parking position. At the same time, the floor cleaning device reliably remains in the parked position due to the opposite setting-up moment. For example, safe transport of the floor cleaning device in its parking position is possible. On the other hand, the user is able to operate comfortably in the first angular range and the second angular range, in which the guide part does not weigh heavily on the operator's hands, but the guide part is supported by the active raising moment. At the same time, the guide part can pivot freely about the first pivot axis, which greatly facilitates operation. Overall, therefore, a very smooth operation of the floor cleaning device is possible.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that in the third angular range the magnitude of the righting moment increases during pivoting in the first pivoting direction. If a parking position is provided, the guide part is thus pushed more strongly into the parking position with increasing pivoting in the third angular range in the first pivoting direction. The parking position can be reliably maintained.

According to one aspect, it can be provided that the spring characteristic of the spring element is progressively formed in the third angular range during pivoting about the first pivot axis in the first pivoting direction.

According to a further development of the invention it can also be provided that the spring element is also operatively connected to the base unit and the guide part in such a way that the Transition from the second angular range to the third angular range, a force vector acting on the first attachment point due to the spring force runs through the first pivot axis. It can thus be achieved that the amount of the righting moment is zero during the transition from the second angle range to the third angle range. This creates a kind of apex at which a reversal of direction of the righting moment takes place.

In this context, it can be provided that the spring element is also operatively connected to the base unit and the guide part in such a way that the amount of spring force at the transition from the second angular range to the third angular range is not equal to zero. A spring force acts, which, however, does not generate an erecting moment about the first pivot axis.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that pivoting in the first pivoting direction is not possible beyond the second or third angular range. In this way, the ability to pivot about the first pivot axis in the first pivoting direction can be limited. This can be achieved, for example, by the guide part then making contact with the base unit. For example, a defined parking position can be provided for the floor cleaning device.

It should be noted that the pivoting angle is generally understood to be the angle relative to the neutral position when the guide part is pivoted about the first pivot axis relative to the base unit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the spring force has a sinusoidal profile in the third angle range.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the pivoting angle relative to the neutral position at the transition from the first angular range to the second angular range is between 80 and 10 degrees, preferably between 70 and 30 degrees. This enables the floor cleaning device to be operated comfortably, with little or no load on the operator. At the same time, pivoting beyond a pivoting angle of more than 45 degrees is also easily possible.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the pivoting angle relative to the neutral position during the transition from the first angular range to the second angular range is essentially 70 degrees. According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the pivoting angle relative to the neutral position at the end of the second angle range facing away from the neutral position is at least 70 degrees, preferably at least 80, particularly preferably at least 90 degrees.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the pivoting angle relative to the neutral position at the end of the third angle range facing away from the neutral position is at least 70 degrees, preferably at least 80, particularly preferably at least 90 degrees.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the spring element does not exert any spring force on the guide part during pivoting from the neutral position in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction in a fourth angular range. The guide part can thus be pivoted freely in the fourth area.

A further development of the invention can provide that the first fastening point is decoupled from the guide part at least in phases with regard to pivoting from the neutral position in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction in a fourth angular range in such a way that the spring element does not exert any spring force on the guide part. In this way, simple pivoting can take place in the fourth angular range without the influence of the spring element.

According to one aspect, it can be provided that the fourth angular range follows the first angular range. It can be provided that the neutral position of the guide part connects the first angular range to the fourth angular range.

A further development of the invention can provide that the first fastening point is formed on a carriage which can be moved relative to the guide part in a carriage guide during the pivoting from the neutral position into the second pivoting direction. This enables a guided movement of the fastening point, which is decoupled from the guide part in the fourth angle range.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the slide guide predetermines the slide to move in an arc of a circle relative to the guide part, the center point of the arc of a circle being arranged on the first pivot axis. It can thus be achieved that the spring element in the fourth angular range does not experience a change in spring force. Altogether, a simple pivoting of the guide part about the first pivot axis in the fourth angular range can be achieved.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the carriage abuts against a carriage stop when pivoting from the neutral position into the first pivoting direction in the first angle range and/or second angle range and/or third angle range. Thus, starting from the neutral position, the spring force can be generated between the base unit and the guide part when the carriage is in contact with the carriage stop.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the spring element has a second attachment point, which is arranged on the base unit.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the joint arrangement has a second swivel joint, which enables a swiveling movement of the guide part relative to the base unit about a second swivel axis. Thus, an increased pivotability of the guide part relative to the base unit can be achieved overall. This makes the floor cleaning device flexible and easy to use.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the second pivot axis is arranged essentially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

According to another aspect of the invention, the second pivot axis can be arranged essentially parallel to the propulsion direction in the neutral position. Overall, good ease of use and easy handling of the floor cleaning device can thus be achieved.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the tool can be moved relative to the floor surface by means of a drive. Thus, at least part of a cleaning performance of the floor cleaning device can be provided by means of the drive. The area performance that can be achieved by an operator can thus be increased. In addition, the ease of use can be increased.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the floor cleaning device is set up to generate a propulsion effect in relation to the floor surface in the propulsion direction. The ease of use for an operator can thus be increased. In a further development it can be provided that the tool generates the propulsion effect at least partially in the operating state. Thus, the number of necessary components of the floor cleaning device can be reduced. A separate propulsion unit for generating a propulsion effect can be dispensed with. This can save costs.

According to one aspect, it can be provided that the spring element is coupled to the base unit and/or the guide part by means of a cable pull, a linkage, a lever and/or a gear.

According to an advantageous development, it can be provided that the spring element is arranged essentially in or on the base unit or in or on the guide part and by means of a cable pull, a linkage, a lever and/or a gear with the base unit or the guide part, in particular the first or second attachment point is coupled.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the second pivot axis lies in a pivot axis plane that runs perpendicular to the ground surface and contains a directional vector that defines the propulsion direction.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the guide part can be temporarily fixed or supported relative to the base unit with regard to pivoting about the first pivot axis, in particular in the first pivoting direction. The ease of use can be increased in this way.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the joint arrangement has a connecting element which connects the first pivot joint to the second pivot joint, the connecting element being pivotable relative to the base unit about the first pivot axis and the guide part being pivotable relative to the connecting element about the second pivot axis is pivotable.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the guide part has a longitudinal axis which is oriented perpendicular to the second pivot axis and, in the neutral position, perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

According to a further development of the invention it can be provided that the tool of the base unit has at least one rotationally driven brush, a rotationally driven plate, a rotationally driven disc, a rotationally driven polygonal cleaning element or the like with an axis of rotation which, in the operating state, is oriented essentially parallel to the floor surface.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the tool has a first tool element which has a first axis of rotation which, in the operating state, is parallel or slightly inclined relative to a perpendicular to the floor surface, preferably at an angle of 0.5 to 2 5 degrees, particularly preferably 1.5 degrees, and the tool has a second tool element which has a second axis of rotation which, in the operating state, is also parallel or also slightly inclined relative to the perpendicular to the ground surface, preferably at an angle of 0 5 to 2.5 degrees, particularly preferably 1.5 degrees, is aligned, the first and second tools being set up to rotate in opposite directions, the first and second axes of rotation being inclined in opposite directions of rotation.

According to one aspect of the invention, the floor cleaning device can further comprise a particle pickup unit, for example a suction unit, which is set up to suck up particles and/or liquid from the floor surface. As a result, the cleaning performance can be improved.

It can be provided that the suction unit comprises at least one suction turbine, which is arranged on the base unit or on the guide part and is set up to generate a negative pressure.

According to a further development, the floor cleaning device comprises a collecting container or a waste water container which is set up to collect the sucked-up particles and/or the liquid, the collecting container being arranged in particular detachably on the guide part or the floor unit.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device can comprise a cleaning agent container or a fresh water container which is/is designed to provide a cleaning agent to the at least one tool, preferably via a feed device, with the cleaning agent container being arranged on the floor unit or on the guide part. As a result, the cleaning performance can be increased. Water or water with a detergent additive can be used as the cleaning agent.

The terms container and container can be used synonymously in the context of the application. Embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example with reference to the following figures. They represent:

Fig. 1 is a spatial representation of a first embodiment of the inventive floor cleaning device;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the inventions to the invention floor cleaning device;

3a-d schematic representations of a detail of the floor cleaning device for different pivoting angles;

4a-d schematic representations of a detail of the floor cleaning device for different pivoting angles with an alternative orientation of the force vector;

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the inventions to the invention floor cleaning device;

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the inventions to the invention floor cleaning device;

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the inventions to the invention floor cleaning device for a first pivoting angle; and

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the fifth embodiment of the inventions to the invention floor cleaning device for a second pivoting angle.

FIG. 1 shows a spatial representation of a first exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning device 10 according to the invention.

The joint arrangement 16 comprises a first swivel joint 18 which enables the guide part 14 to be swiveled about a first swivel axis A relative to the base unit 12 . In addition, the joint arrangement 16 comprises a second swivel joint 20, which allows the guide part 14 to be swiveled relative to the base unit 12 by a second swiveling axis B allows. The first pivot axis A and the second pivot axis B are spaced apart and arranged orthogonally to one another on a connecting element 22 which connects the first pivot joint 18 to the second pivot joint 20 .

Two brush-like tools 24 , 26 are assigned to the base unit 12 . These protrude from a base unit housing 28 in the direction of a base and are also driven by a arranged in the base unit housing 28 and not shown Antriebsvor direction. The tools 24, 26 are inclined relative to a floor surface such that when the floor cleaning device 10 is in an operating state, the rotation of the tools 24, 26 results in a propulsion effect in a propulsion direction V. On a front, upper side of the base unit housing 28 there are two transport rollers 30, 32 spaced apart from one another. A suction strip 34 is also arranged on the base unit housing 28 as part of a suction unit, which extends in an arc behind the base unit housing 28 and at least partially encloses it. Support wheels 36 are arranged on the squeegee 34, of which only one is visible in the present case and the second is covered by the base unit 12. Furthermore, a container 38 is attached to the base unit 28, which serves as a container for a battery to supply power to the Bo denreinigungvorrichtung 10. A hose connection element 40 is also formed on the upper side of the base unit 12, with which a suction hose 42 of the suction unit is coupled.

The suction hose 42 is coupled at its other end to a waste water container 44 which is arranged on a shaft 45 of the guide part 14 . So can be transported via the suction hose 42 into the waste water container 44 of the suction strip te 34 from the floor surface or a cleaning surface, not shown, dirty water. The waste water container 44 is detachably coupled to the shaft 45 .

A fresh water container 46 is also formed on the shaft 45 on a side of the shaft 45 opposite the waste water container 44 . Thus, fresh water can be supplied to the floor unit 12 and to the floor in the area of the tools 24, 26 via a fresh water line (not shown in detail). Fresh water is a liquid that is intended for cleaning. It does not necessarily have to be pure water. It can also be a cleaning agent or water with an added cleaning agent or cleaning substance.

On the shaft 45 below the waste water container 44 and the fresh water container 46 is coupled to the waste water container 44 suction turbine 47 of the suction unit. formed, which generates a negative pressure for sucking the dirty water in the waste water tank 44.

The guide part 14 or the shaft 45 has a longitudinal axis L, which is arranged perpendicular to the second pivot axis B. In the present case, the second swivel joint 20 is not deflected, so that the longitudinal axis L is also oriented perpendicular to the first swivel axis A.

At an upper end of the shaft 45 handles 48, 50 are arranged, which are around ausgebil det and extend along a handle axis G, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L oriented. In the present case, the grip axis G is also arranged parallel to the first pivot axis A. Also on the shaft 45 are below the handles 48, 50 actuating elements 52, 54 are formed. Functions of the floor cleaning device 10 can be activated or deactivated by means of the actuating elements 52 , 54 .

The details of the spring element according to the invention cannot yet be seen from FIG. It is therefore discussed in more detail in connection with the following figures.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning device 110 according to the invention from a view from the right looking in the advance direction V. Compared to Figure 1, the floor cleaning device 110 is simplified and only shown schematically.

Here, too, the shaft 145 of the guide part 114 can be seen, on which the fresh water container 146, the waste water container 144 and the suction turbine 147 are attached. In addition, the handles 148, 150 are arranged at the upper end of the shaft 145.

The guide part 114 is coupled to the base unit 112 by means of the joint arrangement 116 . More specifically, the guide member 114 is coupled to the second pivot joint 120 of the joint assembly 116 . Furthermore, a support bracket 156 is formed on the base unit 112 and couples the joint arrangement 116 or the first swivel joint 118 to the base unit housing 128 of the base unit 112 . However, this type of attachment is due to the schematic representation and could also be solved by directly attaching the first swivel joint 118 to the floor unit without the support bracket 118, as is known from FIG. The brush-like tools 124, 126 are arranged on the floor unit 112 and make contact with a floor surface 158 to be cleaned. Furthermore, the container 138 of the base unit 112 can be seen.

In addition, a spring element 160 according to the invention is shown, which is coupled at one end via a first attachment point 164 to a connecting element extension 162 of the shaft 145 and at the other end via a second attachment point 166 to the support bracket 156 of the base unit 112. The connecting element extension 162 forms an extension of the shaft 145 beyond the pivot joint 118 or the first pivot axis A and spaces the first attachment point 164 from the first pivot axis A. The second attachment point 166 on the support bracket 156 is approximately level with the first pivot axis A arranged. The spring element 160 is in front designed as a tension spring which generates no force between the base unit 112 and the guide part 114 in the neutral position of the guide part 114 . In other words, the spring element 160 would not be deflected in the neutral position. In the present case, however, the guide part 114 is pivoted from the neutral position about the first pivot axis A relative to the base unit 112 by a pivoting angle of approximately 30 degrees in a first pivoting direction S1. As a result, spring element 160, here in the form of a spiral spring, is lengthened and generates a spring force that acts on first attachment point 164 and pulls it in the direction of second attachment point 166 due to the free movement of spring element 160 between the two attachment points 164, 166. This spring force can be represented as a force vector which is oriented in the direction of the spring element 160 or from the first attachment point 164 to the second attachment point 166 . This force vector is at a distance from the first pivot axis A and thus generates a torque, a so-called righting moment, which acts on the guide part 114 about the first pivot axis in the direction of the neutral position of the guide part 114 .

When the guide part 114 is pivoted relative to the base unit 112, the first attachment point 164 moves about the first pivot axis A on an arc of a circle about the first pivot axis A. In conjunction with the alignment of the spring element 160, this has the effect that the spring element 160 moves when the guide part 114 is pivoted is lengthened relative to the base unit 112 about the first pivot axis A in the first pivoting direction S1. The first attachment point 164 moves away from the second attachment point 166. The spring force therefore initially increases sharply. However, the further the pivoting is advanced, the less pronounced is the increase in the elongation of the spring element 112. The spring force then also increases correspondingly less. At the same time, the force vector resulting from the spring force approaches the first pivot axis A the further the pivoting is advanced. The force vector approaches the first all the more Pivot axis A, the further the pivoting is advanced. This is also due to the circular arc shape. When pivoted by about 90 degrees compared to the neutral position, the force vector even runs through the first pivot axis A, so that the spring force cannot generate an erecting moment. This interaction of the varying spring force resulting from the arrangement of the spring element 160, the resulting path of the first attachment point 164 around the first pivot axis A, and the resulting varying distance of the force vector generated in relation to the first pivot axis A causes the righting moment when the Guide part 114 increases relative to the base unit 112 starting from the neutral position about the first pivot axis A in the first pivoting direction S1 in a first angular range and decreases in a subsequent second angular range. The second angle range is followed by a third angle range, at which the righting moment M is negative and the magnitude of which increases.

In order to illustrate the principle of action on which the invention is based, reference is made to FIGS. 3a to 3d and 4a to 4d, which explain the principle of action by way of example.

All FIGS. 3a to 3d each show the connecting element extension 162, as is also known from the second embodiment, the connecting element extension 162 being shown schematically and for different pivoting angles. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the force vector F, which is referred to here as the spring force, has a constant alignment and orientation with respect to the first pivot axis A of the first pivot joint 118 . However, this does not have to be the case, as is clear from the other figures. Thus, the force vector F generated by the schematically indicated spring element 160 is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L in FIG. 3a and points to the left. FIG. 3a describes the case in which the guide part 114 is in the neutral position relative to the base unit 112. As explained above, the spring element does not generate any spring force in the neutral position, so that the force vector F has the absolute value zero. In addition, the righting moment M generated by the spring element is shown in FIG. 3a in the direction of the neutral position. However, since the spring element 160 does not generate any spring force in the neutral position, as explained above, the righting moment M is also zero.

FIG. 3b shows the case in which the guide part 114 is pivoted relative to the base unit 112 about the first pivot axis A in the first pivoting direction A1 from the neutral position. The connecting element extension 162 shown is thus pivoted accordingly. This results in a pivoting angle a, which is approximately 45 degrees in the present case. It can be seen that the first attachment point 164 is pivoted to the right in relation to the neutral position shown in FIG. 3a. Because of this change of location, the spring element elongates, which in turn causes an increased spring force. This spring force generates a righting moment M about the first pivot axis A, which acts in the direction of the neutral position.

FIG. 3c shows a pivoting angle a of 90 degrees. It can be seen that the first attachment point 164 is pivoted further to the right in relation to the neutral position from FIG. 3a and in relation to the pivoting angle shown in FIG. 3b. To put it more precisely, the first attachment point 164 is now pivoted by the amount of the distance from the first attachment point 164 to the first pivot axis A with respect to the neutral position from FIG. 3a. Because of this change in location, the spring element 160 is again lengthened. However, the spring force F or the resulting force vector F now runs through the first pivot axis A, so that the righting moment M is zero.

FIG. 3d shows a pivoting angle a of more than 90 degrees, namely approximately 110 degrees compared to the neutral position. Compared to the neutral position, the spring element 160 is further pivoted to the right, resulting in an elongation of the spring element 160 .

This also generates a spring force. However, the force vector F resulting from the spring force now runs on another side about the first pivot axis A and thus generates an erecting moment M, which is negative. Dis is represented here by an arrow for the righting moment M, which has the opposite orientation compared to FIGS. 3a to 3c. Finally, a righting moment M is now generated, which is no longer directed in the direction of the neutral position counter to the first pivoting direction S1, but acts in the direction of the first pivoting direction S1. For the guide part 114, this means that the spring element forces the guide part 114 away from the neutral position.

This interaction of the varying spring force resulting from the arrangement of the spring element 160, the resulting course of the first fastening point 164 around the first pivot axis A, and the resulting varying distance of the generated force vector F in relation to the first pivot axis A causes the righting moment M when the guide part 114 is pivoted relative to the base unit 112, starting from the neutral position about the first pivot axis A in the first pivoting direction S1, increases in a first angular range and decreases in a subsequent second angular range. A third angular range follows the second angular range, in which the righting moment M is negative and the amount of which increases with increasing pivoting in the first pivoting direction. For example, the first angular range extends from 0 to approximately 70 degrees of the pivoting angle α in the case of a spring element 160 with a spring constant. The second angular range then extends, for example, from about 70 to 90 degrees of the swivel angle a. In the present case, the dispensing torque M is zero at the beginning of the first angular range due to a lack of spring force and is also zero at the end of the second angular range due to the lack of a lever arm. In the present case, the sum of the first and second angular range results in a pivoting angle a of approximately 90 degrees. The third angular range begins at a pivoting angle a of 90 degrees.

FIGS. 4a to 4d each schematically show the connecting element extension 162 for different pivoting angles, as it is also shown in connection with FIGS. 3a to 3d, the force vector F having a different orientation compared to FIGS. 3a to 3d. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the orientation of the force vector F remains the same during pivoting about the first pivot axis A.

However, this does not have to be the case, as is clear from the other figures. More precisely, although the force vector F continues to be attached to the first attachment point 164, it is inclined at an angle of approximately 60 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis and thus points to the top left. As also explained in connection with FIG. 3a, the spring element 160 does not generate any spring force in the neutral position. Thus, the absolute value of the force vector F from FIG. 4a, as well as the righting moment M, is zero.

FIG. 4b shows the connecting element extension 162 for a pivoting angle a of approximately 45 degrees. The first attachment point 164 is pivoted to the right relative to the neutral position shown in FIG. In other words, the first attachment point 164 is now further away from the second attachment point 166. The force vector F is at a distance from the first pivot axis A, so that it generates the righting moment M about the first pivot axis A, which in the present case is oriented clockwise and thus counter to the first pivoting direction S1 acts. Thus, the guide member 114 is urged by the spring member 160 toward the neutral position.

FIG. 4c shows the connecting element extension 162 for a pivoting angle a of approximately 60 degrees. Thus, the first attachment point 164 is further away from the second attachment point 166 compared to FIG. 4b, so that the spring element 160 generates an increased spring force. However, the force vector F now runs through the first pivot axis A, so that the righting moment M has the amount zero.

FIG. 4d shows the connecting element extension 162 for a pivoting angle a of approximately 90 degrees. Thus, the first attachment point 164 is in turn closer to the second attachment point 166 compared to FIG. 4c, so that the spring element 160 has an im Comparison reduced spring force generated. However, the force vector F now runs at a distance from the first pivot axis A, so that it generates a righting moment M. The force vector runs on a different side of the pivot axis A, so that the righting moment is now negative. In FIG. 4d, this is represented by a reversed orientation of the righting moment M, which now no longer acts in the clockwise direction but in the counterclockwise direction. The righting moment thus acts in the direction of the first pivoting direction S1. The guide part 114 is thus pushed away from the neutral position due to the spring force of the spring element 160 .

In comparison to Figures 3a to 3d, it can be seen that due to the changed orientation of spring element 160, an angular range of pivoting angle a of 90 degrees is sufficient to generate both a first angular range of pivoting angle a, in which the righting moment M increases, as well as a second angular range of the pivoting angle a, in which the righting moment M decreases, and also a third angular range of the pivoting angle a, in which the righting moment M is negative and increases in absolute value when pivoting in the first pivoting direction S1.

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning device 210 according to the invention. The floor cleaning device 210 is based on the floor cleaning device 110 known from Figure 2, so that identical components are not discussed again, but instead reference is made to the explanations in connection with Figure 2. However, the first attachment point 264 is now not arranged on the connecting element extension 262 but on the connecting element 222 itself. The first attachment point 264 is therefore now on a different side of the first pivot axis A. The second attachment point 266 is still arranged on the support bracket 256, but now also on a different side of the first pivot axis A compared to FIG Tension spring is formed, which exerts no spring force in the neutral position.

It can thus be seen that the effect according to the invention can also be achieved with the alternative arrangement of the spring element 260 and the fastening points 266, 264. Furthermore, the connecting element extension 262 could be omitted.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning device 310 according to the invention. The floor cleaning device 310 is based on the floor cleaning device 110 known from FIG. However, the spring element 360 is now a pressure spring trained. The first attachment point 364 is also arranged on the connection element extension 362 . As is known from FIG. 5, the second attachment point 366 is arranged on the support bracket 356 of the floor unit 312 . The spring member 360 is attached to the first and second attachment points 364,366. The spring element 360 is designed in such a way that it does not generate any spring force in the neutral position. When the guide part 314 pivots in the first pivoting direction S1 about the first pivot axis A, starting from the neutral position, an increasing righting moment is generated in a first angular range of the pivoting angle, which pushes the guide part 314 in the direction of the neutral position, and in a Second angular range of the pivoting angle generates a decreasing righting moment, which urges the guide part 314 in the direction of the neutral position. In the first and second angular range, the righting moment thus acts counter to the first pivoting direction S1. In a third angular range of the pivoting angle, in the present case from a pivoting angle of approximately 90 degrees, the righting moment acts in the direction of the first pivoting direction.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning device 410 according to the invention for a first pivoting angle a of zero. Accordingly, the guide part 414 is in the neutral position. The fifth exemplary embodiment is based on the second exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, so that reference is made to the explanations in connection with FIG. In addition to the second exemplary embodiment, the present floor cleaning device 410 is designed with an alternative connecting element extension 462 which has the shape of a segment of a circle. In the connecting element extension 462, an arcuate carriage guide 468 is formed, the arcuate shape approximately evenly spaced from the first pivot axis A runs. A carriage 470 is arranged in the carriage guide 468, on which the first attachment point 464 is arranged. The carriage guide 468 forms a carriage stop 472 against which the carriage 470 strikes in the neutral position of the guide part 414 shown.

As in the second embodiment, the spring element 460 is a tension spring that does not generate any spring force in the neutral position. The carriage 470 is movably mounted in the carriage guide 468 . Pivoting the guide part 414 in the direction of the first pivoting direction S1 about the first pivot axis A causes the spring forces and erecting moments for the various pivoting angles in the Winkelbe range, as explained above. However, if the guide part 414 is pivoted counter to the first pivoting direction A1, in a second pivoting direction S2 from the neutral position about the first pivot axis A, however, at least within a fourth angular range of the no spring force and therefore no erection moment is generated at the pivot angle a, as will be explained below in connection with FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of the fifth exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning device 410 according to the invention for a changed pivoting angle. Floor cleaning device 410 thus corresponds to the floor cleaning device shown in Figure 7, but guide part 414 is pivoted from the neutral position counter to first pivoting direction S1 in the direction of second pivoting direction S2 by a pivoting angle a of approximately 30 degrees about first pivot axis A. It can be seen that the carriage 470 is displaced within the carriage guide 468 and no longer strikes the carriage stop 472, but is at a distance from it. This is due to the spring member 460 maintaining its undeflected state, which it also has in the neutral position of the guide part 414, by displacing the carriage 470 along the carriage guide 468. Thus, the first attachment point 464 is moved together with the carriage 470 relative to the connecting element extension 462, but its position relative to the base unit 412 and the second attachment point 466 is unchanged.

Overall, guide part 414 can thus be swiveled, starting from the neutral position, about first pivot axis A in the direction of second swivel direction S2 in a fourth angular range and back into the neutral position without spring element 460 exerting a spring force on guide part 414. In the present case, the fourth angular range is approximately 90 degrees. However, the carriage guide 468 or the connecting element extension 462 can also be designed differently, so that a larger or smaller fourth angle range can be provided. At the same time, the spring element 460 generates a spring force when the guide part 414 is pivoted out of the neutral position in the first pivoting direction S1 about the first pivot axis A relative to the base unit 412 . The fifth exemplary embodiment thus combines the advantages of free pivoting in the fourth angular range with the advantages of pivoting, which is influenced by the spring force and as explained above, in the first, second and third angular range.

Claims

patent claims

1. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410), preferably a scouring floor cleaning device, particularly preferably a scouring-suction floor cleaning device, comprising:

- a ground unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412);

- A tool (24, 26; 124, 126) associated with the base unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412) and which, in an operative state, contacts a base surface (158);

- A guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) for guiding the floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410);

- a joint arrangement (16; 116) with a first swivel joint (18, 118) for swiveling the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) relative to the base unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412). a first pivot axis (A); and

- A spring element (160; 260; 360; 460) for generating a spring force between the base unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412) and the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414), the first swivel joint ( 18, 118) has a neutral position, characterized in that the spring element (160; 260; 360; 460) is connected to the base unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412) and the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) that when pivoting from the neutral position in a first pivoting direction (S1) to a deflected position, a righting moment acting on the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) and resulting from the spring force is first pivot axis (A) increases in the direction of the neutral position in a first angular range and decreases in a subsequent second angular range.

2. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (160; 260; 360; 460) has a first fastening point (164; 264; 364; 464) on the one hand of the first swivel joint ( 18, 118) which is coupled to the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) at least in the first and second angular range and is spaced apart from the first pivot axis (A).

3. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 2, characterized in that a distance to the first pivot axis (A) of a force vector acting on the first fastening point (164; 264; 364; 464) due to the spring force (F) decreases at least in phases in the first angular range and/or in the second angular range during pivoting in the first pivoting direction (S1).

4. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 3, characterized in that the distance is maximum in the neutral position.

5. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 2 to 4, characterized in that the first attachment point (164; 264; 364; 464) in the first angular range and/or second angular range phasewise a movement along of a circle segment around the first pivot axis (A).

6. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring length of the spring member (160; 260; 360; 460) when pivoting in the first pivoting direction (S1) in the first Winkelbe rich and increases at least in phases in the second angular range.

7. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring member (160; 260; 360; 460) is a tension spring.

8. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a spring length of the spring element (160; 260; 360; 460) when pivoting in the first pivoting direction (S1) in the first angular range and in the second angular range decreases at least in phases.

9. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 8, characterized in that the spring element (160; 260; 360; 460) is a compression spring.

10. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring member (160; 260; 360; 460) comprises a spring-damper element.

11. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (160; 260; 360; 460) is also connected to the floor unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412 ) and the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) is operatively connected such that the raising moment occurs at a pivoting angle relative to the neutral position in the first angular range and/or in the second angular range at the first swivel joint (18, 118) by the first pivot axis (A) acting torque, in particular from the weight of the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) resulting torque compensated.

12. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (160; 260; 360; 460) is also connected to the floor unit (12; 112; 212; 312; 412 ) and the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) is operatively connected that the amount of spring force and / or the righting moment in the neutral position is zero.

13. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when pivoting in the first pivoting direction (S1) the second angular range is adjoined by a third angular range in which the righting moment occurs has a negative sign.

14. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 13, characterized in that in the third angular range during pivoting in the first pivoting direction (S1), the amount of the righting moment increases.

15. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to one of Claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the spring element (160; 260; 360; 460) is also connected to the floor unit (12; 112; 212; 312 ; 412) and the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) that during the transition from the second angular range to the third angular range, a force vector acting on the attachment point (164; 264; 364; 464) due to the spring force (F) through the first pivot axis (A).

16. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the pivoting angle relative to the neutral position at the end of the third angle range facing away from the neutral position is at least 70 degrees, preferably at least 80, particularly preferably at least 90 degrees.

17. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting angle relative to the neutral position at the end of the second angular range facing away from the neutral position is at least 70 degrees, preferably at least 80, particularly preferably at least 90 degrees.

18. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring member (160; 260; 360; 460) entge when pivoting from the neutral position in one of the first pivoting direction (S1). opposite second pivoting direction (S2) in a fourth angular range on the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) exerts no spring force.

19. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 18, characterized in that the first attachment point (164; 264; 364; 464) is formed on a carriage (470) which, when pivoting out of the neutral position into the second pivoting direction (S2) relative to the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) in a carriage guide (468) can be moved.

20. Floor cleaning device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 19, characterized in that the slide guide (468) allows the slide (470) to move in an arc of a circle relative to the guide part (14; 114; 214; 314; 414). dictates, wherein the center of the circular arc shape is located on the first pivot axis (A).