WO2020169205A1

WO2020169205A1 - Floor cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2020169205A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/054436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan GRABANT; Frank Nonnenmann; Christoph Waller
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Priority date: 2019-02-22
Filing date: 2019-02-22
Publication date: 2020-08-27
Also published as: DE112019006899A5

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor cleaning device comprising: a cleaning tool (30) for cleaning a floor surface (12), to which a cleaning liquid can be applied in order to increase the cleaning performance; a dirt collection device (80) for receiving dirty cleaning liquid; a dirty liquid container (48), into which the dirty cleaning liquid can be transferred; a suction unit (66) for applying negative pressure to the dirty liquid container (48) via a suction channel (84); a housing (24) that forms a liquid container (52) of the floor cleaning device (10), the housing (24) further forming a receiving portion (64) in which the suction unit (66) is positioned; and at least one channel (68, 70, 72) fluidically connecting the receiving portion (64) to the surroundings, for supplying air to the suction unit (66), or for discharging air from the suction unit (66).

Description

FLOOR CLEANING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a floor cleaning device with at least one cleaning tool for cleaning a floor surface, which can be hit with a cleaning fluid to increase the cleaning performance, a dirt collecting device for receiving dirty cleaning fluid and a dirty liquid container into which the dirty cleaning liquid under the action of the dirty liquid container is transferable with vacuum acting suction unit.

The floor cleaning device can have a chassis for moving on the floor and is particularly designed as a scrubber dryer.

The floor cleaning device can be a follow-up device (walk behind) or a stand-up or ride-on device (ride on).

The object of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaning device of simplified construction which is more user-friendly.

This object is achieved by a floor cleaning device according to the invention, comprising: a cleaning tool for cleaning a floor surface;

a dirt collecting device for collecting dirty cleaning liquid;

a dirty liquid container into which the dirty cleaning liquid can be transferred;

a suction unit for applying negative pressure to the dirty liquid container via a suction channel; a housing that forms a liquid container of the floor cleaning device, the housing also forming a receptacle in which the suction unit is positioned, and at least one channel connecting the air flow to the atmosphere for supplying air to the suction unit or for removing air from the suction unit.

In the floor cleaning device according to the invention, a housing is seen before. The housing forms a liquid container of the floor cleaning device, in particular at least one wall of the liquid container, for example a bottom wall and / or at least one side wall, in particular a circumferential side wall. An inexpensive, technically simple production of the floor cleaning device is made possible via the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the housing can be formed in one piece, for example, and / or as a plastic molded part, for example by means of a rotary sintering process. The housing also forms a receptacle in which the suction unit is arranged to simplify the structural design of the Bodenrei cleaning device. Furthermore, the housing forms at least one channel via which the receptacle is in flow connection with the atmosphere. A separate production of a receptacle and / or of the at least one channel can be omitted, so that the production of the floor cleaning device is simplified. For example, exhaust air from the suction unit (so-called “process air”) can be discharged through the at least one channel. As an alternative or in addition, cooling air for the suction unit can be drawn in or used cooling air can be discharged. In the at least one channel, the flow velocity of the air supplied or discharged can be reduced. This proves to be advantageous in order to reduce noise emissions. The formation of the at least one channel through the housing is also advantageous. For example, it has been shown that the emission of noises due to the flowing air can be reduced by means of the cleaning liquid (this can be clean or dirty cleaning liquid) held in the liquid container. This does the work for the operator with the floor cleaning device more pleasant and thereby improves de ren user friendliness.

It is favorable if the at least one channel comprises an exhaust air channel via which the exhaust air released by the suction unit can be released into the atmosphere. The suction air sucked in from the dirty liquid container is transferred into the exhaust air duct as exhaust air, also called process air, by means of the suction unit.

It is advantageous if the receptacle comprises or forms a wall that emits the suction unit and if the exhaust air duct is oriented tangentially or essentially tangentially relative to the wall with a duct section. For example, such a configuration is advantageous in connection with a suction unit that forms or includes a blower device. The fan device can move the process air along the wall by rotating around an axis. In this way, the process air can reach an inlet opening of the exhaust air duct and be discharged.

The exhaust air duct preferably comprises two or more duct sections, each aligned at an angle to one another, with three duct sections of the exhaust duct being provided in a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device. As a result of the duct sections arranged at an angle to one another, the exhaust air is deflected in the exhaust air duct. This proves to be beneficial in reducing emissions. The provision of duct sections angled relative to one another also makes it possible to provide a relatively long exhaust duct in the housing. A long air duct is advantageous for noise reduction and makes working with the floor cleaning device more comfortable for the operator.

The angle between the channel sections is advantageously greater than approximately 45 °, preferably greater than approximately 60 ° and is even more preferably approximately 90 ° or substantially 90 °. It can be provided that adjacent channel sections are each aligned at approximately the same angle relative to one another. Alternatively, different angles can be provided between the channel sections.

Position and orientation information such as, for example, "above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical" or the like are to be understood in the present case as referring to an intended state of use of the floor cleaning device. In the state of use, the floor cleaning device is positioned on the floor surface. A contact plane of the floor cleaning device coincides with the plane defined by the floor surface. In the present case, it is particularly assumed that the bottom surface is oriented horizontally.

In addition, position or orientation information such as "front", "rear" or the like are to be understood as referring to an intended use of the floor cleaning device such that it is moved along a longitudinal or main direction of movement over the floor area. A front of the floor cleaning direction is leading and a back is trailing.

It can be provided that at least one duct section of the exhaust duct encloses an angle of less than approximately 20 ° with a horizontal line, preferably less than approximately 10 °, this specification relating to the direction of extent of the exhaust duct in the flow direction of the exhaust air. For example, at least one channel section can be oriented horizontally or essentially horizontally.

When implementing the floor cleaning device, it turns out to be advantageous if at least one channel section, based on the flow direction of the exhaust air, is aligned transversely to a longitudinal direction of the floor cleaning device. For example, the channel section is aligned essentially in a transverse direction transversely to the longitudinal direction of the floor cleaning device. This enables a relatively long design of the exhaust air channel, for example when the suction unit is positioned off-center, based on a central longitudinal plane of the floor cleaning device.

In a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if at least one channel section, based on the flow direction of the exhaust air, is oriented in a direction pointing away from an operating unit of the floor cleaning device. In this way, there is the possibility of conveying the exhaust air away from the operator located on the operating unit and thereby reducing the noises occurring on the operating unit. This makes working with the floor cleaning device more comfortable for the operator. In particular, the at least one channel section is oriented in the direction of a front side of the floor cleaning device, the operating unit preferably being arranged on its rear side. For example, the channel section runs in the longitudinal direction or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the floor cleaning device.

The exhaust air duct preferably comprises a duct section which opens into the atmosphere and which is oriented in the direction of the floor surface and / or the cleaning tool. The exhaust air exiting in the direction of the floor surface and / or the cleaning tool can be distributed, for example, below the floor cleaning device. This proves to be advantageous for reducing the noise level on the operating unit.

The aforementioned channel section is preferably oriented vertically or substantially vertically, it being possible for it to be oriented towards the floor surface and / or the tool.

The exhaust air duct advantageously has an outlet opening for exhaust air arranged on an underside of the housing. It is advantageous if the outlet opening is positioned at a distance from the floor surface, so that exhaust air can be effectively distributed to reduce noise. In an advantageous implementation of the floor cleaning device, it is beneficial if it comprises at least one cover element that closes the exhaust air duct at least in sections and / or the receptacle and covers the suction unit. The at least cover element can be formed separately from the housing. It is advantageous if the at least one cover element is detachable in order to expose the exhaust air duct and / or the receptacle at least in sections. This proves to be advantageous for maintenance purposes. For example, any foreign bodies can be removed from the exhaust air duct and / or the receptacle.

Preferably, the suction unit can be removed from the receptacle for maintenance purposes, for example after removing the at least one cover element.

It is advantageous if a common cover element is provided for closing the receptacle and the exhaust air duct. This simplifies the construction and manufacture of the floor cleaning device.

It is favorable if the at least one cover element comprises or forms a section of the suction channel and has an inlet opening for suction air into the receptacle. For example, the cover element closes the receptacle, a section of the suction channel being passed through the cover element and opening into the receptacle via the inlet opening.

In a preferred implementation of the floor cleaning device, it is beneficial if the suction channel is in flow connection with a cover of the dirty liquid container designed as a hollow body or if the cover forms the suction channel in sections, through which the cover the dirty liquid container is subjected to negative pressure. This enables suction air to be drawn off through the cover, which in practice has proven to be a reliable suction option. It can be provided that the lid can be opened. This allows for example wise foreign bodies are removed from the section of the suction channel formed by the cover element and / or removed from the cover.

It proves to be advantageous if the at least one channel comprises a cooling air channel for supplying cooling air for the suction unit. Cooling air can be supplied to the suction unit, for example a drive motor of a blower device, in order to ensure the reliable operation of the suction unit even during extended work assignments.

For example, the cooling air duct is arranged in front of the receptacle in relation to a longitudinal direction.

It can be provided that the cooling air duct opens into the receptacle at one end face. For example, a drive motor of the Saugaggre gate is positioned adjacent to the front side in the receptacle and in this way exposed to the incoming cooling air.

In particular, it can be provided that the cooling air duct opens into the receptacle on a side opposite an insertion opening of the receptacle for the suction unit. For example, the side into which the Kühlluftka channel opens into the receptacle is arranged on a side of the receptacle facing away from the operator.

The cooling air duct is advantageously oriented vertically or essentially vertically, at least in sections.

The cooling air duct preferably has an inlet opening for cooling air arranged on an underside of the housing. In this way, the inlet opening can be brought as great a distance as possible from the operator assigned to the operating unit in order to keep the noise emissions as low as possible. Conveniently, the inlet opening has a stand from the bottom surface. It is advantageous if the at least one channel comprises a discharge channel for cooling air discharged from the suction unit. Heated cooling air can be discharged via the discharge duct.

It has proven to be advantageous if the receptacle comprises or forms a wall surrounding the suction unit and if the discharge channel is oriented tangentially or essentially tangentially relative to the wall.

It is favorable if the discharge channel is aligned vertically or essentially vertically at least in sections. In this way, an outlet opening can be brought as far away as possible from the operator arranged on the operating unit in order to reduce the noises on the operating unit.

The exhaust air duct expediently has an outlet opening arranged on an underside of the housing for discharged cooling air. The outlet opening is advantageously arranged at a distance from the floor surface. For example, the exhaust air duct points to the floor surface and / or the cleaning tool. Exiting exhaust air can thus be distributed at a distance from the control unit in order to reduce the noise level on the control unit.

It can be provided that at least one channel is at least partially lined with a sound-absorbing material. For example, a foam material is used.

In a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device, the exhaust air duct can be configured at least in sections as a flat duct.

In a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device, the liquid container formed by the housing is a liquid container for unpolluted cleaning liquid. It can be provided that the receptacle is arranged laterally next to the liquid container formed by the housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device, the receptacle is positioned eccentrically with respect to a central longitudinal plane thereof.

A receptacle for an accessory for the floor cleaning device is advantageously formed on the side of the housing next to the receptacle. As a result, the housing can form further structural components of the Bodenreinigungsvorrich device.

The further receptacle is in particular a receptacle for a container for a cleaning chemical that can be mixed with the cleaning liquid. Based on a transverse direction of the Bodenreinigungsvorrich device, the further receptacle is arranged in particular laterally next to the receptacle for the suction unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the suction unit can define an axis which is aligned with an axis defined by the receptacle.

It proves to be favorable if the axes are aligned obliquely with respect to a Horizonta len and are inclined towards the front of the Bodenreinigungsvor direction on the floor surface. The angle between the axes and the horizontal can be, for example, up to approximately 60 ° or less, in a preferred embodiment the angle is, for example, approximately 20 ° or less.

It is favorable if the suction unit is positioned in the receptacle inclined in a direction facing away from an operator in the direction of the floor surface. This gives the possibility of the housing sloping down onto the floor surface at or in the direction of the front of the floor cleaning device to train. This makes it easier for the operator to see areas of the floor area lying in front of the floor cleaning device.

The recording can be divided into two or more room areas. For example, the receptacle has a first space in which a motor of the suction unit is arranged, for example for a Gebläseeinrich device. The receptacle can have a second spatial area in which, for example, a fan device of the suction unit is arranged.

It is advantageous if the receptacle comprises or forms a contact area for the suction unit on which the suction unit rests in a sealing manner via a sealing element and which divides the receptacle into a first room area and a second room area, with suction air flowing into the first room area an exhaust duct is transferred and the second Raumbe is rich in cooling air for the suction unit can flow through. Suction air flows through the first area of the room and is transferred to the exhaust air duct. Cooling air is applied to the second room area, for example via the cooling air duct, in order to cool the suction unit. Cooling air can, for example, be discharged via the discharge duct.

The contact area can, for example, be designed in a structurally simple manner as an annular shoulder on a wall of the receptacle. A corresponding step can be arranged on the suction unit, which can rest against the annular shoulder of the wall via the sealing element.

It is advantageous if the suction unit has the greatest possible distance from the operating unit on which the operator is positioned.

For example, in an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, the dirty liquid container is arranged between an operating unit of the floor cleaning device and the suction unit and / or the at least one channel, the operating unit being arranged in particular on a rear side of the floor cleaning device. This gives the Possibility of keeping the noise level on the control unit as low as possible. The suction unit and / or the at least one channel are net angeord offset in particular towards the front of the floor cleaning device.

Conveniently, at least one rechargeable battery for providing electrical energy for the floor cleaning device is arranged below the dirty liquid container. In this way, the Bodenreini supply device has a relatively low focus. This is advantageous for the stability and maneuverability of the Bodenrei cleaning device.

The housing advantageously comprises or forms a recess in which the dirty liquid container is arranged, this being formed separately from the housing. The recess serves in particular to receive the dirty liquid container. The dirty liquid container is connected to the housing via connecting elements, for example.

It is advantageous if the dirty liquid container is movably and in particular pivotably mounted on the housing and can be transferred from an operating position to a maintenance position in which a section of the floor cleaning device arranged below the dirty liquid container is preferably freely accessible. The connecting elements mentioned above are, for example, hinges or form hinges. Via the hinges, the dirty liquid container can be pivoted from the state of use in the recess, for example about a pivot axis running in the longitudinal direction of the floor cleaning device.

In the maintenance position, other components of the Bo denreinigungsvorrichtung are advantageously freely accessible. This includes, for example, at least one rechargeable battery arranged below the dirty liquid container. If the dirty liquid container assumes the maintenance position, at least one cover element is preferably freely accessible, which closes the receptacle for the suction unit and / or an exhaust air duct at least in sections. This is preferably the at least one above-mentioned cover element of the receptacle and / or the exhaust duct. For example, the dirty liquid container covers the at least one cover element in the position of use. For simple maintenance, the dirty liquid container can be pivoted into the maintenance position and, if necessary, the at least one cover element can be released so that there is access to the receptacle and / or the exhaust air duct.

As already mentioned, the floor cleaning device can be a scrubbing machine.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the inven tion is used in conjunction with the drawings to explain the invention in more detail. Show it :

Figure 1: a front view of a Bodenreinigungsvor direction according to the invention, designed as a scrubbing machine;

FIG. 2: a schematic sectional view along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A: an enlarged illustration of detail "2A" in FIG. 2;

Figure 3: a perspective view of a housing, a suction unit and a cover element of the floor cleaning device from Figure 1 in an exploded view;

FIG. 4: an enlarged illustration corresponding to FIG. 3, the cover element being connected to the housing so as to cover the suction unit; FIG. 5: a plan view of the suction unit arranged in a receptacle in the housing without a cover element, in the direction of the arrow "5" in FIG. 4;

Figure 6: a view of the housing from below in the direction of the arrow

"6" in Figure 1; and

FIG. 7: a sectional view of the housing along the line 7-7 in FIG.

The drawing shows a total occupied by the reference numeral 10 before partial embodiment of a floor cleaning device according to the invention. The floor cleaning device 10 is designed as a scrubber-drier and is used for wet cleaning of a floor surface 12.

Position and orientation information are present as related to a intended use of the floor cleaning device 10 to grasp, for example "below", "above", "horizontal", "vertical" or the like chen. When used as intended, the floor cleaning device 10 is positioned on the floor surface 12, the plane of which coincides with a contact plane of the floor cleaning device 10. It is assumed here that the bottom surface 12 is oriented horizontally.

Position and orientation information such as “front”, “rear”, or the like are also to be understood in the present case in relation to the intended use of the floor cleaning device 10. In the present case, the floor cleaning device 10 is a back-up machine which is controlled by an operator not shown in the drawing by means of an operating unit 16 arranged on a rear side 14, the operator being positioned behind the floor cleaning device 10. The floor cleaning device 10 has a front side 18 leading in the direction of movement. The floor cleaning device 10 is usually moved ent long in a longitudinal or main direction of movement 20. Across the longitudinal direction 20 is a transverse direction 22 of the floor cleaning device 10 defi ned.

As a structural support device, the floor cleaning device 10 in the present case comprises a housing 24 which is used to secure further components of the floor cleaning device 10, the housing 24 being shown in particular in FIG. The housing 24 extends from the front 18 to the rear 14 and is used there, for example, to accommodate the operating unit 16.

On an underside 26 of the housing 24, a chassis 28 is held with a drive device to move the floor cleaning device 10 over the floor surface 12. Relative to the longitudinal direction 20, the chassis 28 is arranged approximately in the middle.

The floor cleaning device 10 further comprises a cleaning tool 30 for cleaning the floor surface 12. The cleaning tool 30 is present in the longitudinal direction 20 leading to the underside 26 of the housing 24 hold. In the present case, the cleaning tool 30 comprises at least one cleaning brush designed as a circular brush 32. Alternatively or additionally, at least one roller brush can be provided.

It goes without saying that the chassis 28 and the cleaning tool 30 each have at least one drive device.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 3, in a side view the housing 24 has a shape approximately in accordance with a horizontal C or a horizontal bracket "(". The housing 24 comprises a front area 34, a central area 36 and a rear area 38. The housing 24 extends from a left side 40 to a right side 42 of the floor cleaning device 10. The housing 24 is preferably formed as a plastic molded part and manufactured for example by means of a rotary sintering process.

Starting from the front area 34 arranged in the area of the front side 18, the housing 24 extends downward against the longitudinal direction 20 on the middle area 36 and further up to the rear side 14 on the rear area 38 again. In this way, a recess 44 is provided below the front area 34. The cleaning tool 30 is arranged in the recess 44 essentially.

Above the central region 36 and in the longitudinal direction 20 between the front region 34 and the rear region 38, a recess 46 is formed, which is used to accommodate a dirty liquid container 48 of the floor cleaning device 10, which will be explained below.

Below the rear area 38, a further recess 50 is formed laterally next to the central area 36.

The floor cleaning device 10 comprises a liquid container 52 for unpolluted cleaning liquid. The liquid container 52 is formed from the housing 24 and is therefore structurally simple to adjust. In particular, the liquid container 52 comprises a bottom wall 54 and a side wall 56 protruding therefrom. The side wall 56 comprises, for example (FIG. 7), sections running on the left side 40, the front side 18 and the right side 42.

The liquid container 52 extends as far as an upper side 58 of the floor cleaning device 10. In the longitudinal direction 20, the housing 24 drops off at the upper side 58 in the front region 34 (FIGS. 1 and 2). This offers the advantage that the operator has a better view of areas of the floor surface 12 lying in front of the floor cleaning device 10. At the top, the liquid container 52 can have a filling opening 60, which can be closed ver for example by means of a lid-shaped closure element 62.

The housing 24 also forms a receptacle 64 in the front area 34 for a suction unit 66 of the floor cleaning device 10, which will be discussed below, as well as at least one duct for supplying air to the suction unit 66 or for removing air from the suction unit 66. An exhaust duct 68 is present provided for process air of the suction unit 66, a cooling air duct 70 to supply cooling air to the suction unit 66, as well as a discharge duct 72 to discharge heated or "used" cooling air.

The walls of the channels 68, 70, 72 limit their respective channel inner space relative to an interior 74 of the liquid container 52 (Figu ren 2, 2A and 7). Cleaning fluid received in the fluid container 52 can therefore fill the spaces around the channels 68, 70, 72 and between them. The result is a compact design of the housing 24 with at the same time structurally simple production.

The liquid container 52 is in flow connection with the cleaning tool 30 via a fluid line (not shown). Cleaning fluid can be fed to the cleaning tool 30 to act on the floor surface 12 in order to loosen dirt adhering to it.

A cleaning chemical can be added to the cleaning liquid to increase the cleaning performance. For this purpose, a container for the cleaning chemical can be inserted into a receptacle 76 which is in fluid communication with the cleaning tool 30 via a liquid line.

In the present case, the receptacle 76 is also formed by the housing 24, in particular by the front region 34. The receptacle 76 is arranged laterally next to the receptacle 64 for the suction unit 66. As in particular from the 3 to 5, the receptacle 64 is offset off-center in relation to a central longitudinal plane 78, in this case in the direction of the left side 40. The receptacle 76 is also offset off-center in relation to the central longitudinal plane 78, in this case in the direction of the right side 42. In the transverse direction 22, the receptacle 76 is adjacent to the receptacle 64.

With the above configuration, a compact design of the housing 24 with a structurally simple configuration of the floor cleaning device 10 can be achieved.

The floor cleaning device 10 comprises a dirt pick-up device 80. The dirt pick-up device 80 has a suction bar 82 which extends essentially in the transverse direction 22 and which is positioned near the rear side 14 in the region of the recess 50. The mixture of dirt and cleaning liquid, the dirty liquid, can be picked up by the floor surface 12 via the dirt pick-up device 80.

For this purpose, a suction channel 84 is provided, via which the suction bar 82 can be subjected to negative pressure by means of the suction unit 66.

To provide electrical energy, the floor cleaning device 10 comprises at least one rechargeable battery. Two batteries 86 are shown schematically in FIGS. 2 and 4, each of which can have a plurality of cells. To accommodate the batteries 86 a recording 88 is provided. In the present case, the receptacle 88 is formed by the housing 24 on the central region 36. In this way, the batteries 86 are arranged above the chassis 28 and still relatively low on the Bodenreini supply device 10, which is advantageous for the stability and the Ver travel properties of the floor cleaning device 10 due to the low-lying focus.

The dirty liquid container 48 is arranged above the batteries 86 in the recess 46 and extends in the longitudinal direction 20 from the front Area 34 up to the rear area 38. The dirty liquid container 48 has an interior 90. The dirty liquid sucked off by means of the suction unit 66 is transferred via a duct section 92 of the suction duct 84, shown in FIG. 2, into the interior 90 and separated therein.

The interior 90 is in turn aufschlagt with negative pressure of the suction unit 66 be. For this purpose, in the present case, a lid 94 of the dirty liquid container 48 is designed as a hollow body and provided with an inlet opening for suction air. The suction air can flow through the cover 94. On the cover 94, a further channel section 96 of the suction channel 84 is angeord net, on the side of the cover 94 facing the front region 34 (Figu ren 2 and 2A).

The channel section 96 can couple to a further channel section 98 of the suction channel 84. The channel section 98 opens via an inlet opening 100 into the receptacle 64 for the suction unit 66. Suction air thus flows through the suction strip 82, the channel section 92, the cover 94 and the channel sections 96, 98 into the receptacle 64.

As is particularly clear from FIGS. 2A and 3, the receptacle 64 has an insertion opening 102. The suction unit 66 can be inserted into the receptacle 64 via the insertion opening 102. The insertion opening 102 is formed in an end wall 104 of the front area 34 delimiting the front area 34 in the direction of the recess 46.

The receptacle 64 has a wall 106 surrounding the suction unit 66. The wall 106 is designed in a ring-shaped manner around an axis 108 of the receptacle 64 and extends from the end wall 104 in the direction of the front side 18. An annular shoulder 110 is formed in the wall 106 so that the receptacle 64 narrows towards the front.

The suction unit 66 is aligned with an axis 112 aligned with the axis 108 in the receptacle 64. The suction unit 66 comprises a Fan device 114 and a drive motor 116 for the fan device 114.

Leading with the drive motor 116, the suction unit 66 is inserted into the receptacle 64. The drive motor 116 is net angeord in a space area 118 which is separated from a space area 120 of the receptacle 64 in which the fan device 114 is positioned.

The suction unit 66 rests against the annular shoulder 110 forming a contact area 126 by means of an annular step 122 via a sealing element 124. The contact area 126 separates the spatial areas 118, 120 from one another, these being sealed off relative to one another via the sealing element 124. The space area 118 is flowed through by cooling air for the suction unit 66 and in particular its drive motor 116 special. Incoming suction air is circulated in the room area 120 and discharged via the exhaust air duct 68.

The axes 108, 112 are presently aligned obliquely with respect to the horizontal, in the present case for example at an angle of approximately 10 °. The axes 108, 112 are aligned inclined in the direction of the front side 18 on the floor surface 12. In this way, the suction unit 66 is positioned inclined in the receptacle 64 in the direction pointing away from the operator on the operating unit 16 (in the longitudinal direction 20 forwards) in the direction of the floor surface 12. This favors the falling contour of the housing 24 in the direction of the front 18, in order to make it easier for the operator to see areas of the floor surface 12 arranged in front of the floor cleaning device 10.

In another type of preferred embodiment of the invention, the angle between the axes 108, 112 and the horizontal can be greater, for example up to about 40 ° or up to about 60 °.

The channels 68, 70 and 72 are positioned as far away as possible from the operator due to the formation on the front area 34 of the housing 24. This reduces the sound level in the area of the control unit 16 and makes the work for the operator with the floor cleaning device 10 more pleasant.

The cooling air duct 70 comprises a duct section 128 running essentially vertically in the present case. The duct section 128 connects the atmosphere to the receptacle 64 via an inlet opening 130 formed in the housing 24. The cooling air duct 70 opens into the room area 118 via an inlet opening 132.

The inlet opening 130 is formed on the underside 26 on the housing 24 (Fi gur 6). Cooling air from the area of the recess 44 can be sucked in via the cooling air duct 70.

The inlet opening 132 is arranged on the end face of the receptacle 64 opposite the insertion opening 102. Cooling air is thereby fed directly to the drive motor 116.

The discharge channel 72 is aligned in the spatial region 118 essentially tangentially to the wall 106. The discharge channel 72 comprises a substantially vertically oriented channel section 134 which opens into the atmosphere via an outlet opening 136. The heated, “used” cooling air for the drive motor 116 is discharged from the spatial area 118 via the discharge duct 72 and released into the atmosphere on the underside 26 in the area of the recess 44. It is favorable that the outlet opening 136 is arranged at a distance from the floor surface 12, whereby cooling air is distributed and the noise level in the area of the operating unit 16 can be reduced.

The exhaust air duct 68, via which the suction air circulated by the suction unit 66 can be discharged as process air, also opens into the atmosphere. In the present case, the exhaust air duct 68 comprises a plurality of duct sections 138, 140 and 142, each directed at an angle to one another. The design of the exhaust air duct 68 with a plurality of duct sections 138, 140 and 142 each aligned at an angle to one another makes it possible to provide a relatively long exhaust air duct 68. This is advantageous for slowing down the flow of the process air, as a result of which the noise level at the operating unit 16 can be kept low and makes working with the floor cleaning device 10 more pleasant for an operator.

The exhaust air duct 68 is aligned with the first duct section 138 essentially tangentially to the wall 106 in the room area 120. The channel section 138 runs essentially horizontally, in the present case approximately in the transverse direction 22 (FIGS. 5 and 7). An inlet opening 144 of the Kanalab section 138 is formed on an underside of the receptacle 64 below the suction unit 66 from the housing 24. The channel section 138 also runs below the receptacle 76 in a space-saving manner.

The subsequent second channel section 140 is oriented at an angle of approximately 90 ° relative to the channel section 138. The channel section 140 runs in the direction of the front side 18 and thus in a direction pointing away from the operating unit 16 and away from the operator and extends from the receptacle 76 approximately to the center of the front area 34 (FIG. 7). The channel section 140 is oriented essentially horizontally or with a relatively slight inclination relative to the horizontal.

The channel section 142 is oriented at an angle to the channel section 140, the angle in the present case being approximately 90 °. The channel section 142 is oriented essentially vertically and at the end comprises an outlet opening 146 formed by the housing 24. Process air is released into the atmosphere via the outlet opening 146. The outlet opening 146 is formed on the lower side 26 in the region of the recess 44 on the front region 34 and is arranged at a distance from the bottom surface 12 (FIG. 6). Released process air can thereby be distributed below the housing 24, which reduces the noise level on the operating unit 16. In particular, the channel section 142 can be directed towards the cleaning tool 30 and / or the floor surface 12.

The exhaust air duct 68 is preferably designed at least partially as a flat duct, in the present case for example on duct sections 138 and 138.

The formation of the channels 68, 70, 72 and the liquid container 52 through the housing 24 is also advantageous because cleaning liquid in the liquid container 52 can reduce the emission of noises due to the air flowing through the channels 68, 70, 72. Any vibrations of the duct walls and the associated noise development can be dampened by the cleaning fluid.

To cover the receptacle 64 and in sections the exhaust air duct 68 in the region of the duct section 138, the floor cleaning device 10 comprises a cover element. A common cover element 148 is provided for the receptacle 64 and the exhaust air duct 68 (FIGS. 2 to 4).

The cover element 148 comprises a plate-shaped section 150 covering the insertion opening 102. The section 150 also covers the exhaust duct 68 in the region of the duct section 138. The section 150 closes the end wall 104 on the side of the recess 46.

In addition, the cover element 148 forms a further section, in front of the channel section 98 of the suction channel 84. The inlet opening 100 is accordingly formed by the cover element 148.

When the cover 94 is opened in order to expose the interior 90, the duct section 96 is removed from the cover element 148 and openings which are aligned with one another are exposed, so that the cover element 148 is presented in the manner shown in FIG. When the cover 94 is closed, the channel sections 96, 98 come to rest, and the suction channel 84 is closed (Fi gures 2 and 2A). The cover element 148 can be detached from the housing 24. This offers the possibility of exposing the receptacle 64 and the exhaust duct 68 on the end wall 104. Any foreign particles can be removed during maintenance. If necessary, the suction unit 66 can be exchanged in a simple manner.

During operation of the floor cleaning device 10, the dirty liquid container 48 assumes an operating position in which it is arranged above the batteries 86 between the areas 34, 38. The dirty liquid container 48 can be transferred to a maintenance position, not shown in the drawing. The dirty liquid container 48 is held on the housing 24 by means of connecting elements 152 shown schematically in FIG. For this purpose, the housing 24 forms receptacles 154 for the connecting elements 152. The connecting elements 152 are in particular hinges that define a pivot axis 156.

In the operating position, the dirty liquid container 48 rests on edges 158, 160 formed by the housing 24 on the left side 40 and right side 42, respectively. By pivoting about the pivot axis 156, the dirty liquid container 48 can be transferred to the maintenance position. Since there is a pivoting to the left.

In the maintenance position, the batteries 86 are freely accessible for maintenance. In addition, the cover element 148 is freely accessible in the maintenance position, whereby a user-friendly maintenance of the floor cleaning device 10 is made possible. List of reference symbols

10 Floor cleaning device

12 floor space

14 back

16 Control unit

18 front

20 lengthways

22 Cross Direction

24 housing

26 bottom

28 chassis

30 cleaning tools

32 plate brush

34 front area

36 middle area

38 rear area

40 left side

42 right side

44 recess

46 recess

48 dirty liquid container

50 recess

52 liquid container

54 bottom wall

56 side wall

58 top

60 filling opening

62 locking element

64 Recording

66 suction unit

68 exhaust duct Cooling air duct

Discharge channel

inner space

admission

Central longitudinal plane

Dirt collecting device squeegee

Suction channel

battery

admission

inner space

Channel section

cover

Channel section

Inlet opening

Insertion opening

Front wall

Wall

axis

Ring shoulder

axis

Blower device

Drive motor

Space area

step

Sealing element

Investment area

Channel section

Inlet opening

Channel section Outlet opening channel section channel section channel section inlet opening outlet opening cover element section

Connection element recording

Pivot axis edge

edge

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

A floor cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning tool (30) for cleaning a floor surface (12); a dirt collecting device (80) for receiving ver dirty cleaning liquid;

a dirty liquid container (48) into which the dirty cleaning liquid can be transferred;

a suction unit (66) for applying the dirty liquid keitsbehälters (48) with negative pressure via a suction channel (84); a housing (24) forming a liquid container (52) of the floor cleaning device (10), the housing (24) also forming a receptacle (64) in which the suction unit (66) is positioned, as well as at least one receptacle (64) with the atmosphere flow-connecting channel (68, 70, 72) to Luftzu drove to the suction unit (66) or to the air discharge from the Saugaggre gat (66).

2. Floor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one channel (68, 70, 72) comprises an exhaust air channel (68) through which the exhaust air released by the suction unit (66) can be released into the atmosphere.

3. Floor cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that the receptacle (64) comprises or forms a wall (106) surrounding the suction unit (66) and that the exhaust air duct (68) with a duct section (138) tangentially or essentially tangentially relative is aligned with the wall (106).

4. Floor cleaning device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the exhaust air duct (68) comprises two or more duct sections (138, 140, 142) aligned at an angle to one another, in particular that three duct sections (138, 140, 142) of the exhaust duct (68) are provided.

5. Floor cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the angle between the channel sections (138, 140, 142) is in each case greater than approximately 45 °, preferably approximately 60 °, even more preferably that the angle approximately 90 ° or substantially 90 ° amounts.

6. Floor cleaning device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one channel section (138, 140) with a horizontal includes an angle of less than about 20 °, before given less than about 10 °, preferably that at least one channel section (138, 140) is aligned horizontally or substantially horizontally.

7. Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one channel section (138), based on the flow direction of the exhaust air, is aligned transversely to a longitudinal direction (20) of the floor cleaning device (10).

8. Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that at least one channel section (140), based on the flow direction of the exhaust air, in a direction pointing away from an operating unit (16) of the floor cleaning device (10) is orientated, in particular in Direction of a front side (18) of the floor cleaning device (10).

9. Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the exhaust air duct (68) comprises a duct section (142) opening into the atmosphere, which in the direction of the floor den surface (12) and / or the cleaning tool (30) is aligned, wherein the channel section (142) is preferably aligned vertically or substantially vertically.

10. Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the exhaust air duct (68) has an outlet opening (146) for exhaust air arranged on an underside (26) of the housing (24).

11. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning device (10) comprises at least one cover element (148) which closes the exhaust air duct (68) at least in sections and / or the receptacle (64) and the suction unit (66 ) covered.

12. Floor cleaning device according to claim 11, characterized in that a common cover element (148) for closing the acquisition (64) and the exhaust duct (68) is provided.

13. Floor cleaning device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the at least one cover element (148) comprises a section (98) of the suction channel (84) or forms and an inlet opening (100) for suction air into the receptacle (64) having.

14. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction channel (84) is in flow connection with a cover (94) of the dirty liquid container (48) designed as a hollow body or the cover (94) forms the suction channel (84) in sections, through which cover (94) the dirty liquid container (48) is subjected to negative pressure.

15. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one channel (68, 70, 72) a cooling air duct (70) for supplying cooling air for the Saugaggre gat (66).

16. Floor cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that the cooling air duct (70) opens into the se at an end face of the receptacle (64) and / or at an insertion opening (102) of the receptacle (64) for the suction unit (66) opposite Page into the recording (64) opens.

17. Floor cleaning device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the cooling air duct (70) is at least partially vertically or substantially vertically aligned and / or an inlet opening (130) arranged on an underside (26) of the housing (24) for Has cooling air.

18. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one channel (68, 70, 72) comprises a discharge channel (72) for cooling air discharged from the suction unit (66).

19. Floor cleaning device according to claim 18, characterized in that the receptacle (64) comprises or forms a wall (106) surrounding the suction unit (66) and that the discharge channel (72) is oriented tangentially or substantially tangentially relative to the wall (106) is.

20. Floor cleaning device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the discharge channel (72) is at least partially oriented vertically or substantially vertically and / or an outlet opening (136) arranged on an underside (26) of the housing (24) for Has discharged cooling air.

21. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one channel (68, 70, 72) is at least partially lined with a sound-absorbing material.

22. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid container (52) formed by the housing (24) is a liquid container (52) for unpolluted cleaning liquid.

23. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (64) is positioned off-center relative to a central longitudinal plane (78) of the floor cleaning device (10).

24. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (24) is formed laterally next to the receiving (64) a receptacle (76) for an accessory for the floor cleaning device (10), in particular a receptacle (76) for a container for a cleaning chemical which can be mixed with the cleaning fluid.

25. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction unit (66) defines an axis (112) which is aligned with an axis (108) defined by the receptacle (64), in particular that the axes (108, 112) aligned obliquely with respect to a horizontal and in the direction of the front (18) of the Bo denreinigungsvorrichtung (10) on the floor surface (12) are inclined.

26. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction unit (66) is positioned inclined in the receptacle (64) in a direction pointing away from an operator in the direction of the floor surface (12).

27. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (64) comprises or forms a contact area (126) for the suction unit (66) on which the suction unit (66) rests in a sealing manner via a sealing element (124) and the the receptacle (64) is divided into a first area (120), in which incoming suction air is transferred into an exhaust air duct (68), and a second area (118) through which cooling air for the suction unit (66) can flow.

28. Floor cleaning device according to claim 27, characterized in that the contact area (126) is designed as an annular shoulder (110) of a wall (106) of the receptacle (64).

29. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dirty liquid container (48) between an operating unit (16) of the floor cleaning device (10) and the suction unit (66) and / or the at least one channel (68, 70, 72) is arranged, wherein the operating unit (16) is arranged in particular on a rear side (14) of the floor cleaning device (10).

30. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that below the dirty liquid container (48) at least one rechargeable battery (86) for providing electrical energy for the floor cleaning device (10) is arranged.

31. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (24) comprises or forms a recess (46) in which the dirty liquid container (48) is arranged, this being formed separately from the housing (24).

32. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dirty liquid container (48) on Housing (24) is movably and in particular pivotably mounted and can be transferred from an operating position to a maintenance position in which a section of the floor cleaning device (10) arranged below the dirty liquid container (48) is preferably freely accessible.

33. Floor cleaning device according to claim 32, characterized in that in the maintenance position: at least one cover element (148) is freely accessible which closes the receptacle (64) and / or an exhaust duct (68) at least in sections; and or

at least one rechargeable battery (86) arranged below the dirty liquid container (48) is freely accessible.

34. Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning device (10) is a scrubbing machine.