WO2014187499A1

WO2014187499A1 - Floor cleaning device, in particular self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2014187499A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/060684
Authority: WO
Inventors: Annette HOLZER; Mathias KRIEG; Martin Schmidgall; Günther Erbel
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2013-05-23
Filing date: 2013-05-23
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Also published as: EP2999387A1; EP2999387B1; CN105246387B; CN105246387A; PL2999387T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor cleaning device, comprising a housing (16), a dirt collecting container (36), which has a dirt intake opening (38), a brush roller (30) which can be driven in rotation and a sweeping sill (40) which is associated with the brush roller (30) and is disposed on the dirt intake opening (38) and by means of which dirt can be conveyed into the dirt collecting container (36), wherein the sweeping sill (40) is secured by means of a fixed edge (48) on the housing (16) and has a free edge (50) and at least one bending portion (74, 76) disposed between the fixed edge (48) and the free edge (50) and on which the sweeping sill (40) can bent against a direction of movement (42) of the floor cleaning device (16). In order to provide such a floor cleaning device by means of which bending of the sweeping sill upon contact with an obstruction can be achieved more reliably, the sweeping sill (40) according to the invention comprises a base element (58) which is secured on the housing and has the at least one bent portion (74, 76), and a stiffening element (60) which is connected to the base element (58) and forms a stiffening portion (80) which is disposed on the free edge (50), the sweeping sill (40) being more rigid on said stiffening portion (80) than on the at least one bending portion (74, 76).

Description

SOIL CLEANING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR SELF-LEANING AND SELF-LIFTING SOIL CLEANING DEVICE

The invention relates to a floor cleaning device, in particular a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device comprising a housing, a dirt collecting container having a dirt inlet opening, a rotatably drivable brush roller and the brush roller associated, arranged at the dirt inlet sweeping threshold over which dirt in the dirt collecting container can be conveyed wherein the sweeping threshold is fixed with a fixed edge on the housing and having a free edge and at least one arranged between the fixed edge and the free edge bending portion at which the Kehrschwelle is opposite to a direction of movement of the floor cleaning device bendable.

A floor cleaning device with a sweeping threshold, which has a bending section at a free end, is described in EP 0 705 560 A1. The sweeping threshold has a tapering from the housing in the direction of the bottom surface to be cleaned form. Upon contact with an obstacle, the sweeping threshold can bend at the free end of the bending section against the direction of movement. According to EP 0 705 560 A1, this is intended to allow obstacles to be overcome in a simpler manner without damaging the sweeping threshold.

A self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device with an adjustable in the direction of the floor surface to be cleaned sweeping threshold is described in DE 101 10 906 AI.

Object of the present invention is to provide an aforementioned floor cleaning device, with the bending of the sweeping threshold can be achieved in contact with an obstacle in a reliable manner. This object is achieved in a generic floor cleaning device according to the invention in that the sweeping threshold comprises a fixed to the housing base member having the at least one bending portion, and connected to the base member stiffening element which forms a vergeifungsabschnitt arranged on the free edge, at which stiffening section the sweeping threshold more rigid than at least one bending section.

It turns out in practice that the return threshold can be reliably bent on contact with an obstacle as a result of the aforementioned embodiment on at least one bending section. The stiffening section at the free edge of the sweeping threshold can contact an obstacle. Since the stiffening portion is more resistant to bending in relation to the at least one bending section, the stiffening section is not bent or only with very little probability, instead the base element can bend at the at least one bending section at a distance from the free edge. The sweeping threshold can thus be reliably bent against the direction of travel and moved across obstacles. As a result, the risk of damage to the sweeping threshold by obstacles especially on the bending section can be avoided. Dirt can be transported in the non-bent state and preferably in the bent state over the base element in the dirt collecting. About basic element, the sweeping threshold is held on the housing.

On the other hand, in the case of sweeping sleepers with a bending section but without a stiffening section at the free edge, for example the floor cleaning device described in the aforementioned EP 0 705 560 A1, malfunctions and the risk of damage are found. In contact with the obstacle, there is a risk of damage to the sweeping threshold on the soft bending section at the free edge. It also shows in practice that the sweeping threshold is often not bent over its entire length, but only in sections. This causes the floor cleaning device hangs on the obstacle, which can also lead to damage to the sweeping threshold, such as tearing.

In one embodiment of the floor cleaning device as a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, the presence of the sweeping threshold with stiffening element at the free edge proves to be particularly advantageous. The likelihood of the floor cleaner hitting an obstacle is reduced. The user is spared to solve a stuck on an obstacle floor cleaning device of this, which improves the cleaning result and facilitates the handling of the floor cleaning device.

The floor cleaning appliance can sink into soft, yielding floor surfaces such as carpets. Due to the stiffening section, the sweeping threshold on the carpet pile can bend while reducing the driving resistance. The likelihood that the floor cleaner will jack up or rock is thereby reduced. This improves the cleaning result; In addition, the energy consumption of the floor cleaning device is reduced and increases the term.

In a straight-ahead movement of the floor cleaning device, especially a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, the sweeping threshold is in particular against the straight-ahead movement in the direction of a back of the floor cleaning device bendable.

The sweeping threshold is preferably bent along its entire length. The longitudinal direction of the sweeping threshold preferably runs in or parallel to a transverse direction of the floor cleaning device, with respect to its main direction of movement.

It is advantageous if the stiffening section has a rigid configuration. This results in contact with an obstacle even more reliable bending the sweeping threshold on at least one bending section. Except- the basic element can be better protected from damage by the rigid stiffening section.

Preferably, the stiffening element is formed separately from the base element and connected thereto. A connection can, for example, be non-positive, positive and / or cohesive. The stiffening element and the base element can, for example, be glued, latched, clamped, welded, riveted or screwed together.

In a different advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if the stiffening element is integrally connected to the base element. For example, the stiffening element is integrally formed on the base element. It may, for example, form a bead on the base, which is located at the free edge of the sweeping threshold.

To achieve a structurally simple embodiment, it is advantageous if the stiffening element is in one piece.

It proves to be advantageous in practice, when the stiffening element is at least partially made of a film material, preferably completely made of a film material. As a film material, for example, polyethylene, polyamide or polypropylene can be used.

It is favorable if the stiffening element comprises or forms a profile, a strip, a rib or a wire, which forms the stiffening section. It can be provided that the profile, the strip or the rib is formed by the above-mentioned film material.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device in practice, it proves to be advantageous if the stiffening section engages around the base element, wherein it has a region facing the bottom surface to be cleaned and an area facing away from the bottom surface. This makes it possible, for example, to protect the basic element, which Ches in relation to the stiffening element may be comparatively soft, at the bottom surface facing and facing away from the sides in the region of the free edge.

Position and orientation data refer in the present case to an intended use of the floor cleaning device, in which this is to be regarded as positioned on the floor surface to be cleaned in an operating position.

The stiffening portion may preferably have a U-shaped cross section. This allows the stiffening element embrace the base element at the free edge. The legs of the U-shaped stiffening section, based on its cross section, can cover the base element at its side facing the bottom surface and facing away from the bottom surface sides.

It is advantageous if the stiffening element extends along the free edge of the sweeping threshold over the entire length of the base element. Thereby, a reliable function of the sweeping threshold can be ensured. If an obstacle contacts the free edge, it is shown in practice that the sweeping threshold can be reliably bent over its entire length at the at least one bending section.

It is advantageous if the stiffening element protrudes at the free edge with protruding areas over the base element at its opposite sides.

It is advantageous in this case if the sweeping threshold encompasses lateral protective elements which are connected to the stiffening element at the projecting areas and which in each case partially cover the base element at its mutually remote sides. The protective elements protect the base element at its sides facing away from each other at least in sections between the free edge and the housing. This is the basic element protected against possible damage that may occur in the absence of the protective elements when an obstacle contacts the base element laterally. This is possible, for example, during a rotation or turn of the floor cleaning device, in a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device.

The protective elements may be integrally connected to the stiffening element.

Advantageously, the protective elements are held on the stiffening element, but not on the base element. This makes it possible to bend the sweeping threshold also in a region between the free edge and the housing on which the protective elements are arranged. The bending radius of the sweeping threshold can be kept low.

It proves to be advantageous if the base element has a first bending section and a second bending section, wherein the first bending section is arranged on a side facing the stiffening element and the second bending section is arranged on a side of the base element facing the housing. This provides the possibility that the sweeping threshold is bent depending on the nature and size of an obstacle and / or condition of the bottom surface of the first bending section and / or on the second bending section. For example, it can be provided that when using the floor cleaning device on a hard, non-compliant floor surface in the absence of obstacles no bending of the sweeping threshold takes place. When using the floor cleaning device on a soft, yielding floor surface - such as a carpet - in which the floor cleaning device can "sink" due to their weight, it can be provided that the sweeping threshold is bent by contact with the bottom surface on the first bending section. As a result, it can be avoided during a movement of the floor cleaning device that this jacked up as a result of the movement or rocking. For comparatively large obstacles, whether on hard, non-yielding ground surface or soft, yielding ground surfaces, the Kehrschwelle be supplemented or alternatively bent at the second bending section. The floor cleaning device can move across the obstacle without damaging the sweeping threshold.

In particular, it is expedient for the second bending section to be more rigid than the first bending section, so that, on contact with an obstacle, the sweeping sleeper first turns at the first bending section and then at the second bending section.

The stiffening portion is preferably more rigid than the second bending portion.

It can be provided that a recess is formed on the housing, in which engages the stiffening element in a bent state of the sweeping threshold. The recess is, for example, a groove extending parallel to the sweeping threshold, into which the stiffening element, at least in sections, can dip.

It proves to be advantageous if the free edge of the sweeping threshold in an operating position of the floor cleaning device on a hard, non-yielding bottom surface has a distance from the bottom surface. This offers the advantage that the resistance of the floor cleaning device is lower in the absence of contact of the sweeping threshold with the floor surface. This proves to be particularly advantageous in a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device. In such a floor cleaning device, the distance of the free edge to the bottom surface and the associated reduced friction with the bottom surface can lead to lower energy consumption and thus a longer duration. A distance of the free edge to the bottom surface also reduces the risk that bends the turnstile in contact with an obstacle in the direction of the dirt inlet opening, as is the case with the sweeping threshold of the floor cleaning device of EP 0 705 560 AI. The Kehrschwelle described therein contacted the bottom surface, where they engage in trough-shaped depressions the bottom surface is bent in the direction of the dirt inlet opening.

As a result, the dirt inlet opening is reduced in an undesirable manner.

The distance of the free edge from the hard, non-compliant bottom surface is preferably less than about 1 millimeter and preferably in the range of about 0.2 to 0.6 millimeters, more preferably about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters.

The sweeping threshold is suitably free of bias in the direction of the ground surface.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention, it is advantageous if the base element has a foil-like configuration.

The base element advantageously has two or more base element segments which are arranged in superimposed layers. In particular, the layers are in each case strip-shaped with a longitudinal direction in the direction of the length of the sweeping sleeper and a transverse direction from the reinforcing element in the direction of the housing.

The basic element segments are preferably each made of a foil material. As a result, the base element may have a foil-like configuration with layers superimposed films. For example, the films are made of a polyethylene, polyamide or polypropylene material and have a thickness of from about 30 pm to about 120 pm.

It proves to be favorable if at least two base element segments have an identical configuration, in particular base element segments which form cover layers of the base element. For example, the base element comprises two basic element segments, one of which points towards the floor surface to be cleaned and points away from the floor surface to be cleaned, based on a non-curved configuration of the sweeping threshold. The identical designed base element segments, especially the cover layers are, for example, cover films.

Furthermore, it can be provided that at least two base element segments differ from each other with regard to their size, their shape and / or their material from which they are made. Due to the different basic element segments, for example films of different thickness and / or different size and / or different shape and / or different material, the at least one bending section or the plurality of bending sections can be structurally easily defined.

It proves to be advantageous if a bending section is defined on a region of the base element on which a base element segment has a material recess in relation to a further base element segment. Thus it can be provided that a base element segment has a recess of material, whereas material is present at a further base element segment at the same area. A gap formed thereby in the basic element segment, which can extend in the longitudinal direction of the sweeping threshold, can define a bending section.

In a preferred embodiment it can be provided that a

Basic element segment on a side facing the stiffening element has a plurality of concave recesses which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the sweeping threshold. For example, another base element segment may not extend from the housing to the stiffening element, but is shorter and has a saving of material relative to one or more other base element segment (s) facing the stiffening element.

It is advantageous if the sweeping threshold is converted into a non-bent state as a result of an elasticity of the base element, starting from a bent state. The base element may have inherent rigidity, due to which the sweeping threshold in the absence of an action, such as wa through an obstacle, can take a straight configuration. A separate return element, for example in the form of a spring element, can be saved.

The floor cleaning device preferably comprises a suction unit for sucking dirt into the dirt collecting container. The suction unit makes it possible to apply to the dirt collecting container with negative pressure, so that swept from the ground surface dirt transferred better in the dirt collector and thereby the cleaning result can be improved.

As already mentioned, it can be provided that the floor cleaning device is a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device. With the floor cleaning device, an autonomous or semi-autonomous cleaning of the floor surface can be made.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings, the detailed explanation of the invention. Show it :

Figure 1: a perspective view of an inventive

Floor cleaning device, designed as a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a Kehrschwelle the floor cleaning device of Figure 1, comprising a base member and a stiffening element connected thereto;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the basic element of the sweeping sleeper from FIG. 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the basic element of the sweeping threshold of Figure 2; FIG. 5 shows an enlarged sectional view of the sweeper sill from FIG. 2 in the region of its free edge;

Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of the floor cleaning device of Figure 1, when this is on a hard, non-yielding floor surface and the sweeping threshold assumes a non-bent state;

Figure 7 is a view corresponding to Figure 6, wherein the floor cleaning device is located on a soft, yielding bottom surface and the sweeping threshold is bent at a first bending portion (schematically) and

8 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 6, wherein the sweeping threshold is bent over a second bending section in contact with an obstacle on the floor surface (schematically).

1 shows a perspective view of a floor cleaning device 10 according to the invention, designed as a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device 12. The floor cleaning device 12 enables the autonomous cleaning of a floor surface 14. The floor surface 14 may be a hard, non-compliant floor surface 14, for example one Stone floor, a wooden floor, a parquet floor, a laminate floor or a linoleum floor. It is also conceivable that the bottom surface 14 is a soft, yielding bottom surface, in particular a carpet.

The floor cleaning device 12 comprises a housing 16, on the underside 18 of a chassis 20 is arranged, with which the floor cleaning device 12 can be moved over the bottom surface 14. From the chassis 20 only a drivable drive wheel 22 is shown. However, it has a further drive wheel and a pair of swivel castors. The chassis 20 defines a Stirring level of the floor cleaning device 12. The touch level may coincide with a set-up level defined by the floor surface 14, based on an operating position of the floor cleaning device 12 on the floor surface 14.

Near a front side 24, related to a longitudinal direction 26 of the floor cleaning device 12, the housing forms a receiving space 28. In the receiving space 28, a cleaning tool in the form of a brush roller 30 is received. The brush roller 30 is rotationally driven about a rotational axis 32 by means of a drive device, not shown. The axis of rotation 32 is aligned along a transverse direction 34 of the floor cleaning device 12, which is aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction 26.

In the longitudinal direction 26 behind the receiving space 28, the floor cleaning device 12 comprises a dirt collecting container 36, which has a dirt inlet opening 38. Dirt can be removed from the bottom surface 14 by means of the brush roller 30 and conveyed via a sweeping threshold 40 of the floor cleaning device 12 through the dirt inlet opening 38 into an interior of the dirt collecting container 36. The sweeping threshold 40 is arranged adjacent to the dirt entry opening 38.

In the present case, the floor cleaning device 12 operates according to the so-called "dustpan" principle. The sweeping threshold 40 faces forward from the housing 16 to the front 24 and the bottom surface 14, obliquely to the longitudinal direction 26. A direction in the longitudinal direction 26 forward corresponds to a straight-ahead direction 42, which is a main movement direction of the floor cleaning device 12.

The floor cleaning device 12 includes in the longitudinal direction 26 behind the

Dirt collecting container 36 a arranged in the housing 16, not shown suction unit. With the suction unit, the interior of the dirt collecting container 36 can be subjected to negative pressure, so that detached dirt can be sucked into this. The sweeping threshold 40 is held on the housing 16. For this purpose, the housing 16 has a housing portion 44 at the edge of the dirt inlet opening 38 and a housing portion 46 at the bottom 18. Between the housing sections 44 and 46, a receptacle for the Kehrschwelle 40 is formed, wherein the receptacle is configured here as a gap.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2, the sweeping sleeper 40 comprises a fixed edge 48 and a free edge 50. The fixed edge 48 is fixed to the housing 16, and the free edge is arranged on the side of the sweeping sleeper 40 facing away from the housing 16.

With the fixed edge 48, the sweeping threshold 40 engages in the gap between the housing sections 44, 46. In the gap, the sweeping threshold 40 via form and / or adhesion, in particular clamping, held on the housing 16. The sweeping threshold 40 has near the fixed edge 48, for example, a plurality of through holes 52, in which on the housing portions 44, 46 arranged projections (not shown) can engage. This allows a correct relative positioning of the Kehrschwelle 40 and the housing sections 44, 46. The projections may be formed on the housing sections 44, 46, it may preferably also be arranged on the housing 16 screws that pass through the through holes 52. On the fixed edge 48, a plurality of concave recesses 54 is further provided, in which also projections on the housing portions 44, 46 can engage.

Starting from the housing 16, the Kehrschwelle 40 without external forces from back to front and obliquely from top to bottom on the bottom surface 14th

In the transverse direction 34, the sweeping threshold 40 extends through the entire receiving space 28. A longitudinal direction 56 of the sweeping threshold 40 is aligned parallel to the transverse direction 34. Hereinafter, the design of the sweeping threshold 40 will be discussed with reference in particular to FIGS. 2 to 5. The sweeping sill 40 comprises a base member 58 for holding the housing 16 and a stiffening member 60. The base member 58 is sheet-like and plan view of rectangular shape with a long edge along the longitudinal direction 56. The base member 58 is formed of individual layered superimposed base member segments 62 built. The basic element segments 62 are configured in the present case as foils 64, 66, 68 and 70. The films 64 to 70 are connected to each other for example by thermal welding and made for example of polyethylene, polyamide or polypropylene.

The films 64 to 70 are superimposed so that they are aligned at the fixed edge 48. In this case, the through holes 52 and recesses 54 present in each of the foils 64 to 70 come to coincide. In the longitudinal direction 56, all foils 64 to 70 have the same length, so that the foils 64 to 70 are also aligned with one another on the narrow sides of the base element 58.

When not bent configuration of the sweeping threshold 40, the film 64 of the bottom surface 14 faces away and the film 70 of the bottom surface 14 faces. Above the film 70, the film 68 and above this, the film 66 is arranged. The films 64 and 70 are identical and have a thickness of about 50 μm. The thickness of the films 66 and 68 is about 100 pm.

The film 66 is slightly shorter than the two films 64, 70 transversely to the longitudinal direction 56. On its side facing away from the fixed edge 48, it also comprises a plurality of concave recesses 72. The recesses 72 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 56 and extend transversely thereto over about one-third to one-fourth of the film 66. The side facing away from the fixed edge of the film 66 thereby has an arc-like arc shape. The film 68 is shorter than the films 64, 66 and 70 transversely to the longitudinal direction 56. Therefore, it protrudes less far than its side facing the fixed edge 48, its edge cutting the recesses 72 in plan view of the base element 58 (FIG ). In a sense, the foil 68 has a saving of material on the side facing away from the free edge 48.

Due to the above embodiment of the films 64 to 70, the base member 58 and thus the Kehrschwelle 40 has a first bending portion 74. The bending section 74 is, with respect to a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction 56, arranged approximately in the region of the recesses 72, approximately at the side facing away from the fixed edge 48 of the film 68. In this area, due to the recesses 72 and the shortened film 68 between the Foils 64, 70 formed a gap, which makes it easier to bend the base member 58 and thus the Kehrschwelle 40 over its entire length. The size, the number and location of the recesses 72 and the intermediate webs affect the bending property of the base member 58 together with the saving of material of the film 68th

The edges of the recesses 72 are bent relative to the longitudinal direction 56 and transversely thereto. This makes it possible to prevent damage, in particular tearing, of the base element 58 when it is bent over. The base element 58 and thus the sweeping threshold 40 has a second bending section 76. The bending section 76 is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction 56 between the bending section 74 and the passage openings 52, and outside the gap between the housing sections 44, 46. In the region of the bending section 76, all the films 64 to 70 are superimposed. The bending portion 76 is more rigid than the bending portion 74.

Both bending sections 74, 76 are arranged between the fixed edge 48 and the free edge 50. At the free edge 50, the sweeping threshold 40 comprises the stiffening element 60, which in the present case is formed in one piece and made of a rigid film material. In the state secured to the base member 58, the stiffening member 60 is substantially rigid. The stealing Fung element 60 forms a profile extending in the longitudinal direction 56 with a U-shaped cross section (Figure 5). As a result, the stiffening element 60 on the free edge 50 surrounds the base element 58 on its side opposite the fixed edge 48. The two limbs of the U form regions of the stiffening element 60, which face the bottom surface 14 in the unbent state of the sweeping sleeper 40 or are remote therefrom.

The stiffening element 60 is connected to the base element 58, for example by thermal welding. The two legs of the U-shaped stiffening element 60 thereby also allow the foils 64 to 70 to be held together in such a way that they do not detach from one another.

For this reason, the stiffening element 60 forms a stiffening portion 80 of the sweeper 40. At the stiffening portion 80, the sweeping threshold 40 can not be bent upon contact with an obstacle, the stiffening member 60 is rigid, and more rigid than the sweeping threshold 40 at the bending portions 74 and 76, whereas they can be bent at the bending portions 74 and 76. This will be discussed below.

In the longitudinal direction 56, the stiffening element 60 extends over the entire length of the base member 58 and on the opposite transverse sides beyond the base member 58 also. Protective elements 86 and 88 of the sweeping sleeper 40 are fixed to the regions 82, 84 protruding beyond the base element 58. Protective members 86, 88 extend from overhanging portions 82, 84 about one-third to about half of the portion of base member 58 disposed outside housing 16. Protective members 86, 88 are free of direct connection to base member 58. As a result, the protective elements 86, 88 do not impair bending over of the sweeping threshold 40 at the bending sections 74, 76. The protective elements 86, 88 serve for the lateral protection of the films 64 to 70 against obstacles that the floor cleaning device 12 can contact, for example, in a turn or a turn. As shown in Figure 6, the sweeping threshold 40 is dimensioned so that the free edge 50 is spaced from the bottom surface 14 when the floor cleaning implement 12 is positioned on a hard, non-compliant bottom surface 14. The distance of the sweeping threshold 40 to the bottom surface 14 is about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. During the movement of the floor cleaning appliance 12, grinding noises of the sweeping threshold 40 on the floor surface 14 are avoided. In addition, the driving resistance of the floor cleaning device 12 is reduced, which increases its battery life and thus the operating time.

Furthermore, the distance of the free edge 50 from the bottom surface 14 has the advantage that the sweeping threshold 40 does not engage in recesses of the bottom surface 14 and thereby can bend in the direction of the brush roller 30. This would have the disadvantage that the dirt deposit area for rejected dirt is reduced and the cleaning result can be impaired.

In a movement of the floor cleaning device 12 on the hard, non-yielding bottom surface 14 and in the absence of obstacles, the sweeping threshold 40 takes under the inherent rigidity of the base member 58 due to the elasticity of the films 64 to 70 a basic position in which it has an unbent state (FIG 6).

Figure 7 shows how the sweeping threshold 40 is bent when the floor cleaning implement 12 is positioned on a soft, resilient floor surface 14, such as a carpet, especially a pile pile carpet. The floor cleaning device 12 sinks into the pile 90, so that the sweeping threshold 40 at the free edge 50 comes into contact with the pile 90. If the floor cleaning device 12 is moved in the main movement direction 42, this leads to a bending of the sweeping threshold 40. The stiffening section 80, because of its rigid construction, ensures that the sweeping sleeper 40 bends at the first bendable bending section 74, but not in the region of the flexurally free one Edge 50. Since the stiffening section 80 extends over the entire length of the sweeping threshold 40, the sweeping curve bends. Swell 40 reliably along its entire length. The bending of the sweeping threshold 40 is shown schematically in Figures 7 and 8.

The fixed edge 48 facing away from the end of the base member 58 is protected by the stiffening portion 80, and the composite of the films 64 to 70 is not affected thereby. As a result, damage to the sweep threshold 40 can be avoided. In addition, it is ensured by bending the Kehrschwelle 40 that this does not hook up with the pile. This avoids that the floor cleaning device 12 jacked up during the movement or rocking. This in turn is favorable for the cleaning result, because the bristles of the brush roller 30 do not lift off from the bottom surface 14.

Similarly, if there are small obstacles on the bottom surface 14 or the floor cleaning implement 12 moves over thresholds of low height, the sweeping threshold 40 may bend on the first bend portion 74.

Figure 8 illustrates a situation in which there is a comparatively large obstacle 92 on the bottom surface 14 (hard, non-yielding or soft, yielding), for example an obstacle 92 which due to its size can not be turned away from the bottom surface 14 or is immovable is set on this. When in contact with the Kehrschwelle 40 this is bent against the main direction of movement 42 on the first bending portion 74 and the second bending portion 76. Thereby, the floor cleaning device 12 can be moved over the obstacle 92, without the sweeping threshold 40 is damaged and without the floor cleaning device 12 jacked up.

Depending on the size of the obstacle 92, the sweeping threshold 40 is bent at the bending sections 74 and 76. Because of the more rigid design of the bending section 76 in comparison to the bending section 74, the bent section 74 is first bent, then the bent section 76. Instead of an obstacle 92 on the bottom surface 14, this situation may also occur when the floor cleaning device 12 is moved over larger thresholds, such as carpet edges.

On the housing portion 46, a concave, parallel to the longitudinal direction 56 recess 94 is formed on the underside 30. In the recess 94, the stiffening element 60 can engage wholly or partially when the sweeping threshold 40 is bent.

If the obstacle or the mentioned threshold is overcome, the sweeping threshold 40 can resume its initial position due to the elasticity of the films 64 to 70. For a hard, non-yielding bottom surface 14, the sweeping threshold 40 can again assume the unbent state. In the soft, yielding bottom surface 14, the sweeping threshold 40 can again assume the state in which it is bent only on the first bending section 74, so that in a further movement of the floor cleaning device 12 whose jacking can be avoided.

Claims

Floor cleaning device comprising a housing (16), a

Dirt collecting container (36) having a dirt inlet opening (38), a rotatably drivable brush roller (30) and the brush roller (30) associated, at the dirt inlet opening (38) arranged sweeping threshold (40), through which dirt in the dirt collecting container (36 ), wherein the sweeping threshold (40) is fixed to the housing (16) with a fixed edge (48) and has a free edge (50) and at least one between the fixed edge (48) and the free edge (50) Bending section (74, 76), on which the sweeping threshold (40) is bendable against a direction of movement (42) of the floor cleaning device (16), indicating that the sweeping threshold (40) is fixed to the housing (16) A base member (58) having the at least one bending portion (74, 76) and a stiffening member (60) connected to the base member (58) forming a stiffening portion (80) disposed on the free edge (50) et, at which stiffening portion (80) the sweeping threshold (40) is more rigid than at least one bending portion (74, 76).

Floor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stiffening portion (80) has a rigid configuration.

Floor cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stiffening element (60) is formed separately from the base element (58) and connected thereto.

4. Floor cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stiffening element is integrally connected to the base element.

5. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening element (60) is in one piece.

6. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening element (60) is at least partially made of a film material.

7. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening element (60) comprises or forms a profile, a bar, rib or wire, which forms the stiffening portion (80).

8. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening portion (80) surrounds the base member (58), wherein it has one of the bottom surface to be cleaned (14) facing region and one of the bottom surface to be cleaned (14) facing away from region.

9. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening portion (80) has a U-shaped cross-section.

10. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening element (60) along the free edge (50) of the sweeping threshold (40) over the entire length of the base element (58).

11. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stiffening element (60) protrudes at the free edge with protruding areas (82, 84) on the base element (58) on its opposite sides.

12. Floor cleaning device according to claim 11, characterized in that the sweeping threshold (40) comprises lateral protective elements (86, 88) which are connected to the protruding areas (82, 84) with the stiffening element (60) and which comprises the basic element (58). overlap in sections each on its sides facing away from each other.

13. Floor cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that the protective elements (86, 88) are held on the stiffening element (60), but not on the base element (58).

14. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that extending the at least one bending section (74, 76) along the entire length of the sweeping threshold (40).

15. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (58) has a first bending section (74) and a second bending section (76), wherein the first bending section (74) on a said stiffening element (60) facing side and the second bending section (76) is arranged on a side of the base element (58) facing the housing (16).

16. Floor cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that the second bending section (76) is more rigid than the first bending section (74).

17. Floor cleaning device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the stiffening portion (80) is more rigid than the second bending portion (76).

18. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the housing (16) has a recess (94) is formed in which engages the stiffening element (60) in a bent state of the sweeping threshold (40).

19. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free edge (50) of the Kehrschwelle (40) in an operating position of the floor cleaning device (10) on a hard, non-yielding bottom surface (14) at a distance from the bottom surface (14) ,

20. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping threshold (40) is free of bias in the direction of the bottom surface (14).

21. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (58) has a foil-shaped configuration.

22. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base element (58) has two or more base element segments (62), which are arranged in superimposed layers.

23. Floor cleaning device according to claim 22, characterized in that the base element segments (62) are each made of a foil material (64, 66, 68, 70).

24. Floor cleaning device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that at least two base element segments (62) have an identical configuration, in particular base element segments (62), the cover layers of the base element (58) form.

25. Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 22 to 24,

characterized in that at least two base member segments (62) differ in size, shape and / or material from which they are made.

26. Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 22 to 25,

characterized in that a bending portion (74) is defined at a portion of the base member (58) where a base member segment (62) has a material recess (72) relative to another base member segment (62).

27. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping threshold (40) is converted into a non-bent state as a result of an elasticity of the base element (58) starting from a bent state.

28. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning device (10) has a suction unit for sucking dirt in the dirt collecting container (36).

29. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning device (10) is a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device (12).