WO2020207554A1

WO2020207554A1 - Surface cleaning maching comprising a tank device for a cleaning fluid and a sensor device, and method for operating a surface cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: WO2020207554A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/058813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabian MOSER; Michael Scharmacher; Manuel Berroth
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Priority date: 2019-04-08
Filing date: 2019-04-08
Publication date: 2020-10-15
Also published as: CN113660893A; EP3952710A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine comprising a cleaning head (14) having at least one cleaning roller unit (18) which is driven so as to rotate, a tank device (34) for cleaning fluid, and a through-flow region (122) for cleaning fluid, through which cleaning fluid that is supplied from the tank device (34) for cleaning fluid flows when it is being supplied to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) and/or to a surface (16) being cleaned, wherein a sensor device (126) is arranged on the through-flow region (122), which determines the presence of cleaning fluid in the through-flow region (122).

Description

Surface cleaning machine with a tank device for cleaning liquid and a sensor device and method for

Operating a surface cleaning machine

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head with at least one cleaning roller unit which is driven for a rotary movement, a tank device for cleaning liquid, and a flow area for cleaning liquid through which cleaning liquid is provided by the tank device for cleaning liquid , when fed to the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or to a surface to be cleaned.

The invention also relates to a method for operating a surface cleaning machine with a tank device for cleaning liquid.

From the applications WO 2016/058901 A1, WO 2016/058856 A1,

WO 2017/063663 A1, WO 2016/058879 A1, WO 2016/058956 A1

Surface cleaning machines known. A surface cleaning machine is also known from WO 2016/058907 A1.

From US Pat. No. 4,875,246 a portable floor cleaning device is known which has a roller driven by an electric motor.

DE 20 2009 013 434 U1 discloses a device for wet floor cleaning with a brush which can be rotated about an axis of rotation.

From CN 201 197 698 Y a cleaning machine is known.

From US 6,026,529 a device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces is known. A floor cleaning machine with a handle is known from WO 2005/087075 A1, which is pivotably arranged on a base.

Another floor cleaning machine is known from WO 2015/086083 A1.

A hard floor cleaning device is known from US Pat. No. 3,789,449.

CN 107007215 A discloses a floor cleaning robot.

The invention is based on the object of providing a surface cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the beginning, which allows simple operability.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the surface cleaning machine mentioned at the outset in that a sensor device is arranged on the flow area, which determines the presence of cleaning liquid in the flow area.

By checking whether there is cleaning liquid in the flow area, it can be determined whether the tank device is empty (that is, it no longer contains any cleaning liquid) or not. When the tank device has been emptied, there is no longer any cleaning liquid in the flow area either.

Emptying of the tank device for cleaning liquid can thereby be monitored in a simple manner. This test can be carried out outside the tank facility. As a result, the tank device for cleaning liquid and also the surface cleaning machine can be designed in a simple manner. No precautions have to be taken to ensure that the sensor device or part of the sensor device must be removable from the surface cleaning machine. By arranging the sensor device on the flow area, the tank device for cleaning liquid can be checked independently of the position. A sloshing of cleaning liquid in the tank device for cleaning liquid also has no effect on the checking by the sensor device.

By determining whether the tank device for cleaning liquid is empty, it is possible to indicate in a simple manner and, if necessary, also prevent the surface cleaning machine from being operated without cleaning liquid. A satisfactory cleaning result can thereby be ensured. Furthermore, possible damage to a surface covering (such as a floor covering) is prevented by using corresponding detection results of the sensor device, for example to switch off the surface cleaning machine and in particular for a rotary drive of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

It is favorable if the flow area is formed on a pipe area or a hose area. This allows the corresponding surface cleaning machine to be designed in a simple manner.

In one embodiment, when the surface cleaning machine is operating properly, the flow area is arranged below the tank device for cleaning liquid in relation to the direction of gravity. As a result, cleaning fluid in particular can be made available from the tank device to the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or the surface to be cleaned in a difficultly power-driven manner. In particular, no pump is necessary.

In one embodiment, it is provided that a delivery of cleaning liquid out of the tank device and through the flow area (to the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or to the surface to be cleaned) is driven by gravity and in particular is pump-free. This results in a simple design and the number of components keep low. For example, there is then no need to ensure that a liquid pump cannot "draw" air.

For the same reasons, it is advantageous if, based on a direction of flow of cleaning liquid, the flow area is followed by a connection for the tank device for cleaning liquid. A detection test for the filling of the tank device for cleaning liquid (at least "digitally" with regard to the presence of cleaning liquid or empty tank device) can thereby be carried out. This test can be carried out essentially independently of the position and sloshing of cleaning liquid in the tank device does not affect the measurement result.

In a structurally simple embodiment, a holder is provided on which the tank device for cleaning liquid is held in particular releasably. In this way, the tank device for cleaning liquid can be positioned in a simple manner on the surface cleaning machine and, for example, on a holding rod device or on the cleaning head.

The result is a structurally simple structure if a connection for the tank device for cleaning fluid is arranged on the holder.

It is structurally favorable if the flow area is arranged on the holder. In particular, the flow area is designed as a tube or hose that sits on the holder. In particular, the flow area is designed as a tube area on the holder. The tube area is preferably formed in front of a rigid tube.

In particular, it is provided that the flow through the flow area is coupled to a rotary drive of the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or that the flow area of a valve device for conveying cleaning liquid to the min- at least one cleaning roller unit and / or is connected upstream of the surface to be cleaned. If, for example, the surface cleaning machine is switched on, i.e. the rotary drive is switched on, the flow area can be flowed through, for example by opening a valve device, in order to provide cleaning fluid to the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or the surface to be cleaned.

If the flow area is connected upstream of the valve device, a measurement can be carried out even if the valve device is blocked. It can then be determined, for example before switching on a rotary drive, whether the tank device is sufficiently filled for cleaning liquid. If, for example, it is detected that there is no liquid in the flow area, then switching on the surface cleaning machine and thus a rotary drive can be prevented.

By connecting the flow area upstream of the valve device, it is also possible, for example, that cleaning liquid is available in the flow area immediately after the tank device for cleaning liquid has been inserted (with the surface cleaning machine in the correct position) without a cleaning operation having to take place. The valve device ensures that no cleaning fluid can escape. In this way, a tank check can be carried out with regard to the filling with cleaning liquid by measuring the flow area without an active element such as a motor, a pump or the like of the surface cleaning machine having to be operated.

In a structurally simple embodiment, the sensor device is designed as a resistance measuring device. It can then be checked in particular whether there is a first resistance state with a high resistance or a second resistance state with a lower resistance relative to the high resistance. The first resistance state indicates a flow area not filled with liquid. The second state of resistance characterizes a flow area in which there is liquid. This in turn allows conclusions to be drawn about the filling level of the tank device for cleaning liquid; at least the statement can be made that there is no longer any cleaning liquid in the tank device for cleaning liquid, or that cleaning liquid is still present.

In a structurally simple embodiment, a direct current or a direct voltage is applied to the electrode device. Resistance can then be determined at least indirectly via a reaction signal, which is in particular a voltage signal or current signal.

It is structurally favorable if the sensor device has at least one

Electrode pair with a first electrode and with one to the first

Electrode spaced second electrode comprises, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode protrude into the flow area. An electrical resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode depends on whether there is liquid between the first electrode and the second electrode. If there is cleaning liquid between the first electrode and the second electrode, then there is a finite resistance. If there is no liquid between the first electrode and the second electrode, the result is a high resistance which, idealized, can be regarded as infinite. From a resistance determination it can thus be determined whether or not liquid is present.

In particular, the first electrode and the second electrode sit in a wall of the flow area and are in particular injected. A fluid-tight flow area with an integrated sensor device can thereby be formed in a simple manner.

It is structurally favorable if the first electrode and / or the second electrode are designed as metal pins. It is particularly advantageous if the sensor device can be used to determine whether the tank device for cleaning liquid is empty, with the conclusion that the tank device for cleaning liquid has been emptied from the absence of cleaning liquid in the flow area. The corresponding check can thereby be carried out outside the tank device for cleaning liquid. As a result, the tank device for cleaning liquid can be designed to be removable in a simple manner. The check can essentially be carried out independently of the position. A sloshing of cleaning liquid in the tank device has no significant effects on the result of the check.

It is favorable if the sensor device is connected to an evaluation device in a signal-effective manner, with at least one of the following in particular being provided: the evaluation device determines a degree of filling of the tank device for cleaning liquid from sensor data of the sensor device; the evaluation device controls the sensor device; the evaluation device is connected to a display device and / or a transmitter in a signal-effective manner; the evaluation device initiates a warning signal when the tank

device for cleaning liquid is detected as empty; the evaluation device switches off a rotary drive for the min least one cleaning roller unit when the tank device for cleaning liquid is detected as empty; the evaluation device prevents the switching on of a rotary drive for the at least one cleaning roller if during commissioning If the surface cleaning machine took the tank device for cleaning liquid is detected as empty.

The evaluation device provides, for example, an application signal for the sensor device such as a direct voltage signal. It then determines, in particular, a reaction signal which can be used to infer a liquid filling in the flow area.

The display device can show an operator whether the tank device is empty or not, and a warning signal can be output, for example. Due to the signal-effective connection of the evaluation device with a transmitter, corresponding display signals or warning signals can be transmitted, for example, to a remote control or to a mobile device such as a smartphone.

It is favorable if the display device is arranged on a handle, via which the cleaning head can be guided by an operator, and / or is arranged on the cleaning head. As a result, an operator can easily see what the state of the tank device for cleaning fluid is. For example, an optical and / or acoustic warning signal is emitted via the display device.

In one embodiment, the surface cleaning machine is designed as a self-propelled and self-steering device, the tank device for cleaning liquid in particular being arranged on the cleaning head. A cleaning robot can thus be provided.

In an alternative embodiment, the surface cleaning machine is designed as a hand-held device, the cleaning head in particular being seated on a holding rod device. A surface such as a hard floor surface can thereby be cleaned in particular by a standing operator. In one embodiment, the tank device for cleaning liquid is arranged on the holding rod device and, in particular, is arranged detachably.

A tank device for dirty fluid can also be provided, to which a probe device for determining a filling level is assigned. This makes it possible to determine whether the tank device for dirty fluid is filled and, in particular, a certain degree of filling has been reached in order to carry out an emptying.

In one embodiment, the probe device comprises electrodes which protrude into a receiving space of the tank device for dirty fluid. By determining the resistance, it is easy to check whether there is liquid between the electrodes. For example, if a current flows between the electrodes, it indicates that there is liquid between the electrodes. If there is no current flowing (and ideally there is an infinitely high resistance), this means that a dirt fluid level has not yet reached the electrodes. By positioning the electrodes, you can at least check whether a certain filling level is sufficient. If a plurality of electrode pairs with different height arrangements are provided, a degree of filling can also be determined in a resolved manner.

In particular, the electrodes are arranged such that reaching a certain filling level and thus a certain filling threshold can be detected. For example, a warning signal can then be emitted to indicate the need to empty the tank device for dirt fluid. It is thereby also possible, for example, to "shut down" the surface cleaning machine for a cleaning operation, since an optimized cleaning result is no longer guaranteed.

The electrode device is relatively insensitive to contamination, so that in particular the reaching of a certain filling level of the tank device for dirty fluid can be reliably detected. In one embodiment it is provided that the electrodes are firmly connected to a device with respect to which the tank device for dirty fluid can be removed, this device in particular being the cleaning head or being connected to it. As a result, the probe device cannot be made removable, and a simplified structural design results. For example, the electrodes then protrude through a cover or the like of the tank device for dirty fluid.

It is favorable if an evaluation device is provided which is connected to the probe device in a signal-effective manner and with at least one of the following: the evaluation device, which is connected to the probe device in a signal-effective manner, is the same evaluation device which is connected to the sensor device in a signal-effective manner is assigned to the tank device for cleaning liquid; the evaluation device controls a display device and / or a transmitter; the evaluation device initiates a warning signal for the display device and / or the transmitter when a certain filling level has been detected; the evaluation device checks a degree of filling of the tank device for dirty fluid by determining the resistance; the evaluation device controls the probe device in particular with a direct current signal or direct voltage signal; the evaluation device comprises a filter device which checks changes over time in signals of the probe device, whereby in particular in particular, the filter device is designed so that a time-limited sloshing of dirty fluid in the tank device for dirty fluid can be recognized; the evaluation device switches off a drive for the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or a conveyance or conveyability of cleaning liquid when a certain filling level is detected on the tank device for dirty fluid.

An optimized operation of the surface cleaning machine can be achieved through the evaluation device with corresponding control actions as described above. If a sufficient cleaning result is no longer possible, in particular because the tank device for dirty fluid is known to be full, then, for example, continued operation of the surface cleaning operation can be prevented or start-up can be prevented.

In one embodiment, the tank device for dirty fluid is arranged on the cleaning head. It is also possible that it is arranged on a holding rod device on which the cleaning head is seated. It is provided in particular that the tank device for dirty fluid is detachable in order to enable simple emptying and cleaning.

According to the invention, a method for operating a surface cleaning machine with a tank device for cleaning liquid is provided, in which a flow area for cleaning liquid, which is downstream of the tank device for cleaning liquid based on a flow direction of cleaning liquid, with a sensor device for presence is monitored by cleaning fluid.

The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the surface cleaning machine according to the invention. In particular, the method according to the invention can be carried out on a surface cleaning machine according to the invention or the surface cleaning machine according to the invention can be operated with the method according to the invention.

It is advantageous if the sensor device has an electrode arrangement on which a resistance determination is carried out. It can thereby be checked in a simple manner whether the tank device for cleaning liquid is empty.

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

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an inventive

Area cleaning machine in a perspective view;

FIG. 2 shows a partial sectional view in the section plane E of the surface cleaning machine according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged illustration of area A according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged illustration of a cleaning head from FIG

Area cleaning machine according to Figure 4;

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the cleaning head according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the cleaning head according to FIG. 5 with the tank device for dirty fluid removed; FIG. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention; and

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an evaluation device with a probe device for determining whether a tank device for cleaning fluid is empty, and with a sensor device for determining a filling level of a tank device for dirty fluid.

A first exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown in FIG. 1 and shown in part in FIGS. 2, 3 and denoted by 10, is designed in particular as a hand-held and hand-guided floor cleaning machine for hard floors.

The surface cleaning machine 10 comprises a device body 12 and a cleaning head 14. The cleaning head 14 is arranged on the device body 12.

During a cleaning process on a surface 16 to be cleaned, the surface cleaning machine 10 is supported on the surface 16 to be cleaned via a cleaning roller unit 18 and in particular a single cleaning roller unit 18. The cleaning roller unit 18 has a single axis of rotation (see below). The cleaning roller unit 18 is a cleaning roller, which can be in one piece or in several parts. In the embodiment described below, the cleaning roller unit 18 is a two-part cleaning roller.

The device body 12 has a longitudinal axis 20. The surface cleaning machine 10 is held or guided by a handle. For this purpose, a holding rod device 22 is seated on the device body 12. In one embodiment, the holding rod device 22 comprises a (in particular precisely one) holding rod 24 which has a longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 20. At an upper region of the Haltestabeinrich device 22, a (hand) handle 26 and in particular a bow handle is arranged.

An operator can hold the surface cleaning machine 10 with one hand on this handle 26 and guide it on the surface 16 to be cleaned (with the cleaning roller unit 18 supported).

The holding rod device 22 can be designed to be variable or fixed in length with respect to a length in the longitudinal axis 20.

The surface cleaning machine 10 is designed in terms of its dimensions so that with the cleaning roller unit 18 supported on the surface 16 to be cleaned, an operator can comfortably carry out a cleaning process on the surface 16 to be cleaned with an angled holding arm. In particular, a length of the surface cleaning machine 10 in the longitudinal axis 20 between the cleaning roller unit 18 and the handle 26 is in a range between 60 cm and 130 cm.

In particular, one or more operating elements and display elements (see below) are arranged on the handle 26. For example, a switch is arranged, via which the surface cleaning machine 10 can be switched on or off for a cleaning operation. With this switch, the operation of a drive motor 28 for rotating the cleaning roller unit 18 can be switched. Furthermore, a switch can be provided for actuating a valve device 38 (see below).

The device body 12 comprises a housing 30 in which components of the surface cleaning machine 10 are arranged in a protected manner. A holder 32 is arranged on the housing 30. A tank device 34 for cleaning liquid (in particular fresh water with or without an additional cleaning agent) is removably arranged on the holder 32.

In one embodiment, the tank device 34 comprises a single tank with, in particular, a single chamber for receiving cleaning liquid.

A valve device 38 is positioned in the housing 30.

One or more fluid lines 40 lead from the valve device 38 to the cleaning head 14.

The valve device 38 has a shut-off valve, via which the supply of cleaning fluid from the tank device 34 to the cleaning head 14 can be switched off. The valve device 38 can be assigned a filter device 39 for cleaning fluid. The filter device 39 is in particular upstream of the shut-off valve and is arranged between the valve device 38 and the tank receptacle 36.

When the shut-off valve is open, cleaning fluid can flow from the tank device 34 through the fluid line or fluid lines 40 to the cleaning head 14 and act on the surface 16 to be cleaned.

For this purpose, one or more outlet openings for cleaning liquid are provided on the cleaning head 14. In principle, it is possible here for the outlet opening or outlet openings to be arranged in such a way that the surface 16 to be cleaned is directly exposed to cleaning liquid.

In an advantageous variant, the outlet opening or outlet openings are arranged in such a way that cleaning fluid is applied to cleaning roller unit 18 and, in particular, a trim 42 of cleaning roller unit 18. When the cleaning roller Unit 18 via cleaning liquid, the surface 16 to be cleaned is then indirectly acted upon with cleaning liquid.

The trim 42 is made in particular from a textile material.

The valve device 38 is assigned a switch through which the user can set whether the shut-off valve of the valve device 38 is blocked (i.e. the inflow of cleaning fluid to the cleaning head 14 is blocked) or whether the shut-off valve is open (i.e. the inflow for cleaning liquid from the tank device 34 to the cleaning head 14 is released).

This switch can be arranged on the housing 30. In principle, it is also possible for the switch to be arranged on the handle 26.

In one embodiment, a battery device 44 for supplying electrical energy to the drive motor 28 is arranged in the housing 30. The battery device 44 is rechargeable. As a result, the surface cleaning machine 10 can be operated independently of a mains supply.

In principle, however, it is also possible for the surface cleaning machine 10 to be operated using mains electricity. A corresponding connection device for mains power is then arranged on the surface cleaning machine 10.

The battery device 44 can be detachable from the device body 12 in order to be able to carry out a recharge on a corresponding charger.

It can also be provided that an appropriate charging device is integrated into the device body 12 and recharging can be carried out without removing the battery device 44 from the device body 12. Corresponding connection sockets are arranged on the holding rod 24, for example. The drive motor 28 is an electric motor. It has a motor axis 46.

The motor axis 46 is coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drive motor 28.

The drive motor 28 sits between the cleaning head 14 and the housing 30 on the device body 12.

In one embodiment, the motor axis 46 is oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis 20 of the device body 12 (and the support rod 24). The angle between the motor axis 46 and the longitudinal axis 20 is, for example, in the range between 150 ° and 170 °.

In one embodiment, the cleaning head 14 is pivotable about a pivot axis 48.

In particular, the pivot axis 48 is coaxial with the motor axis 46.

In one embodiment, the drive motor 28 is arranged on an inner sleeve 52. This inner sleeve 52 preferably forms an encapsulation of the drive motor 28.

An outer sleeve 54 sits firmly on the device body 12. The inner sleeve 52 sits in the outer sleeve 54. The inner sleeve 52 is pivotable about the pivot axis 48 relative to the outer sleeve 54, the inner sleeve 52 being pivotably mounted in the outer sleeve 54. The inner sleeve 52 and the outer sleeve 54 form a pivot bearing 56 for the pivotability of the cleaning head 14 relative to the device body 12. The drive motor 28 is pivotable about the pivot axis 48 relative to the device body 12. Corresponding supply lines from the battery device 44 to the drive motor 28 are arranged and designed so that they allow pivoting. Accordingly, the fluid line 40 or the fluid lines 40 are formed in such a way that they allow this pivotability. The pivot bearing 56 has a basic position which is defined, for example, in that (the only) one axis of rotation 58 of the cleaning roller unit 18 is oriented perpendicular to the plane E according to FIG. A pivoting about the pivot axis 58 with respect to this basic position is expressed in an angular position of the axis of rotation 58 to the plane E.

The pivot bearing 56 is set in such a way that, in relation to a normal cleaning operation, a particular expenditure of force is necessary in order to cause the cleaning head 14 to pivot out of its basic position.

The pivotability of the cleaning head 14 about the pivot axis 48 enables improved cleaning options even in hard-to-reach places by, as it were, the device body 12 with the Haltestabeinrich device 22 relative to the surface 16 to be cleaned can be "repositioned".

The cleaning head 14 has a cleaning roller holder 60, on wel chem the cleaning roller unit 18 sits rotatably about the axis of rotation 58. The cleaning roller holder 60 is connected to the inner sleeve 52 in a rotationally fixed manner.

The cleaning roller holder 60 has a holding area 62 for the cleaning roller unit 18, and a receiving chamber 64 for a tank device 66 for dirty fluid.

The receiving chamber 64 is positioned between the holding area 62 and the inner sleeve 52. The inner sleeve 52 is in particular firmly connected to an outside of the receiving chamber 64.

The cleaning roller unit 18 is coupled to the drive motor 28 in a torque-effective manner via a transmission device. The transmission device connects a motor shaft of the drive motor 28 (which rotates about the motor axis 46) with a shaft 70 for the cleaning roller unit 18 in a torque-effective manner.

In one embodiment, the transmission device comprises a speed reducer. This is used to reduce a speed in comparison to the speed of the motor shaft. For example, a Stan

dard electric motor speeds in the order of 7000 revolutions per minute. The speed reducer ensures that the speed is reduced to around 400 revolutions per minute, for example.

The speed reducer can be arranged in the inner sleeve 52 or outside the inner sleeve 52 on the cleaning roller holder 60.

The speed reducer is formed, for example, as a planetary gear.

The gear device also has an angular gear, which provides a torque deflection in order to bring about a drive of the cleaning roller unit 18 with the axis of rotation 58 transversely (and in particular perpendicular) to the motor axis 46. The angular gear is in particular connected downstream of the speed reducer.

In one embodiment, the angular gear has one or more gearwheels which are non-rotatably coupled to a corresponding shaft of the speed reducer. These act on a bevel gear

Angular conversion.

In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission device furthermore comprises a belt which is coupled to the angular transmission in a torque-effective manner and acts on the shaft 70. The belt bridges the distance between the shaft 70 and the angular gear and ensures a reduction in speed. In one embodiment, the cleaning roller unit 18 is designed in two parts with a first part 72 and a second part 74. The first part 72 is seated non-rotatably on a first side of the shaft 70 and the second part 74 is non-rotatably seated on a second opposite the first side of the shaft 70 Page.

The transmission device is guided and coupled to the shaft 70 in an intermediate region 76 between the first part 72 and the second part 74.

They have the same axis of rotation 58.

The cleaning roller unit 18 or the first part 72 and the second part 74 of the cleaning roller unit 18 have a sleeve 78 which is cylindrical in shape. The trim 42 is arranged on the sleeve 78. The cleaning roller unit 18 or the first part 72 and the second part 74 are fixed to the shaft 70 via the sleeve 78.

The cleaning roller unit 18 is arranged on the cleaning head 14 in such a way that the axis of rotation 58 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20.

The cleaning roller unit 18 has a length along the axis of rotation 58 between a first end face 80 (which is formed on the first part 72) and a second end face 82 (which is formed on the second part 74), which is considerably greater than a corresponding width of the device body 12 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20. In particular, a length of the cleaning roller unit 18 between the first end 80 and the second end 82 is at least 20 cm and preferably at least 25 cm.

The receiving chamber 64 has a bottom. A receiving chamber wall is arranged on the bottom, oriented transversely to this. The receiving chamber wall and the bottom of the receiving chamber 64 define a receiving space for the tank device 66 for dirty fluid. Opposite the floor, the receiving space is open. The dirty fluid tank device 66 can be removed from or inserted into the receiving space via a corresponding side. A removal direction or insertion direction 92 is essentially perpendicular to the base (and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 58).

The receiving chamber 64 is assigned a fixing device via which the tank device 66 for dirty fluid can be fixed in a holding position on the receiving chamber wall. The fixation takes place in particular by a form fit.

In one embodiment, the fixing device 98 comprises a flap 102 which is arranged on the cleaning head 14 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis by means of a pivot bearing 106. The pivot bearing 106 is positioned on or in the vicinity of the inner sleeve 52.

The pivot axis is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation 58 of the rotating roller 18.

In the holding position, the flap 102 acts on the tank device 66 for dirty fluid and holds it on the receiving chamber 64 in the receiving space.

To remove the tank device 66 from the cleaning head 14, starting from this holding position, the flap 102 can be pivoted in the direction of the device body 12 in order to release the tank device 66 so that it can be removed from the receiving space on the side in the removal direction and removed from the cleaning head 14 is.

With regard to the further configuration of the surface cleaning machine 10, reference is made to WO 2017/153450 A1. The cleaning head 14 has a wiper guide device 110, which acts on the cleaning roller unit 18 (and thereby on the first part 72 and the second part 74) and serves to loosen and remove dirt fluid (in particular water with dirt particles) carried along by the cleaning roller unit 18 to supply fluid to an inlet opening 112 of the tank device 66 for dirt. As a result, dirty fluid is then coupled into the dirty fluid tank device 66.

The wiping guide device 110 is designed in such a way that it wipes off dirty fluid from the cleaning roller unit 18 and guides it into the inlet opening 112.

It is possible that, when the cleaning roller unit 18 is rotating, a conducting effect is achieved via the action of the centrifugal force and, to a certain extent, dirty fluid is thrown into the dirty fluid tank device 66.

The stripping guide device 110 is spaced apart from the axis of rotation 58.

In one embodiment (cf. for example FIG. 5) the stripping guide device 110 protrudes with a depth T into the facing 42 of the cleaning roller unit 18. The depth T is in particular at least 5% of a thickness D of the facing 42 of the cleaning roller unit 18 a wet state of the trim 42.

The stripping guide device 142 is formed in particular by one or more edge elements. For example, the first part 72 and the second part 74 of the cleaning roller unit 18 are assigned a respective edge element.

With regard to the further configuration of the surface cleaning machine 10, reference is made to WO 2017/153450 A1. The holder 32 for the tank device 34 for cleaning fluid has a transverse region 114 (see FIG. 3) which projects transversely from the holding rod 24 with respect to the longitudinal axis 20. The tank device 34 can be placed on this transverse region 114 and can be fixed to the transverse region 114, it being possible for an additional fixation to be provided on the holding rod 24. In one embodiment, the tank device 34 is designed such that the tank device 34 can be clamped between the transverse region 114 and a spaced-apart holding web 116.

The tank device 34 for cleaning liquid has an outlet 118.

A connection 120 for the tank device 34 is arranged on the transverse region 114. This connection 120 can be connected to the outlet 118 in a fluid-effective manner, so that cleaning fluid can be coupled into the device via the connection 120. The connection 120 is in fluid communication with the fluid line 40 via a flow area 122 or the flow area 122 can be viewed as part of the fluid line 40.

The flow area 122 is arranged downstream of the tank device 34 for cleaning fluid and is also downstream of the connection 120 in relation to a flow direction 124 for cleaning liquid, which flows from the tank device 34 into the line 40.

The flow area 122 is formed in particular by a tube area which is integrated into the holder 32 and thereby in the transverse area 114 of the holder 32 or is arranged on it. In particular, the flow area 122 is in direct fluidic connection with the connection 120. The connection 120 forms an inlet of the flow area 122.

The tube area is designed in particular as a rigid tube area.

A sensor device 126 is arranged on the flow area, which checks whether liquid (cleaning liquid) is present in the flow area 122. hand is. If there is no cleaning liquid in the flow area 122, then this means that the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid is empty. The filling state of the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid with cleaning liquid can be determined via the presence of cleaning liquid in the flow-through area 122, that is to say, it can be detected in particular whether the tank device 34 is empty.

In particular, it is provided that the flow area 122 is connected upstream of the valve device 38 with respect to the flow direction 124 for cleaning liquid.

In particular, it is provided that when the surface cleaning machine 10 is in operation, cleaning fluid is supplied to the cleaning roller unit 18 in a heavily power-driven manner. In particular, there is no pump available to deliver the cleaning fluid.

In one embodiment, the throughflow region 122 is connected downstream of the filter device 39. However, an upstream connection before the filter device 39 can also be provided.

The sensor device 126 is designed in particular as a resistance measuring device. It is designed as an electrode device. For this purpose, it comprises a first electrode 128 and a second electrode 130. The first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 are spaced apart from one another. They protrude into the flow area 122, where they (if cleaning liquid is present in the flow area 122) are immersed in cleaning liquid.

In one embodiment, the flow-through region 122 comprises a wall 132, the first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 being arranged on the wall 132 and, in particular, being arranged therein. In one embodiment, the first electrode is 128 and the second

Electrode 130 designed as metal pins. In particular, are the first

Electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 are injected or pressed into the wall. This results in a fluid-tight closure of the flow area 122 at the first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130.

The first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 are connected to an evaluation device 134. For example, a connection is provided via respective lines 136a, 136b.

The evaluation device 134 functions with the sensor device 126 basically as follows:

A voltage, and in particular DC voltage, is applied between the first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130. The DC voltage can be applied permanently or it can be pulsed.

If there is liquid (cleaning liquid) in the flow area 122, the electrical resistance between the first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 is relatively low. If there is no liquid in the flow area 122, then it is between the first

Electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 within the flow area 122 an air bridge.

Preferably, the wall 132 is made from a plastic material which is an electrical insulator. So if there is no liquid in that

If there is flow area 122 and therefore there is also no liquid between the first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130, then there is a high resistance. From a resistance determination it can therefore be determined whether or not there is liquid in the flow area 122. If it is detected that there is no liquid in the flow area 122, then this means that the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid has been emptied or is empty. In particular, it is provided that, in relation to proper operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, in which it is set up on the surface 16 to be cleaned via the cleaning roller unit 18, the flow area 122 in relation to the gravitational direction g below the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid and while below the output 118 is.

If the valve device 38 is arranged downstream of the flow area 122, then this means that the flow area 122 is filled with liquid for proper operation when the tank device 34 is inserted and has contained sufficient liquid. In this way, for example, before the rotary drive is switched on (via the drive motor 28), it is possible to check whether there is sufficient cleaning fluid for a cleaning operation.

The evaluation device 134 also serves to control the sensor device 126 with the electrodes 128, 130. For example, the evaluation device 134 includes an ASIC 138 for this purpose (FIG. 9).

For a measurement operation of the sensor device 126, for example, a direct voltage (which can also be pulsed) is applied between the first

Electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 applied. A falling voltage is measured as a response signal.

If there is liquid in the flow area 122, there is a resistance between the first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 due to this medium. If there is no liquid between the first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130, then this resistance can ideally be viewed as infinitely large.

When there is liquid between the electrodes 128, 130, a current can flow. This makes the resistance finite. By simple

Threshold value testing with regard to the resistance can then be carried out via the Evaluation device 134 determine the presence of liquid in the flow area 122.

The sensor device 126 is connected to the evaluation device 134 in a signal-effective manner. The evaluation device 134 has a signal-effective connection to a display device 140. The display device 140 comprises an optical and / or acoustic display. In one embodiment, the display device 140 comprises an optical display 142 which is arranged on the handle 26.

The optical display 142 shows, for example by flashing or the like, that the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid is empty.

Alternatively or in addition, the evaluation device 134 is connected to a transmitter 144 in a signal-effective manner. The transmitter 144 can be used

Send speaking signals and in particular warning signals or display signals to a remote control 146 or a mobile device such as a smartphone. This can then provide a corresponding warning display or it can be read from this whether the filling level of the tank device 34 is sufficient for cleaning liquid or not.

The sensor device 126 can be used to easily identify an empty state of the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid, and the corresponding state can be communicated to an operator in a simple manner via the display device 140. This determination is essentially independent of position due to the arrangement of the flow area 122 below the connection 120.

The flow area 122 is arranged on the transverse area 114 of the holder 32 and, in particular, is firmly connected to it. As a result, the system with the sensor device 126 can be designed in a structurally simple manner. No part of the sensor device 126 has to be designed to be movable, i.e. the tank device 34 has to be removed for cleaning fluid does not have to be considered structurally for the sensor device 126. A sloshing of liquid in the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid and a position-dependent liquid level in the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid do not influence the sensor device 126.

The sensor device 126 is arranged outside the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid. A current between the first electrode 128 and the second electrode 130 collapses when the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid is empty and there is no longer any liquid in the flow area 122.

The following is possible via the evaluation device 134:

If, before the rotary drive is put into operation, it is recognized that the tank device 34 for cleaning fluid is empty, then a rotary drive of the cleaning roller unit 18 can be prevented via the evaluation device 134.

If during operation of the surface cleaning machine 10 (with rotating cleaning roller unit 18) it is recognized that the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid has emptied, then the evaluation device 134 can send a corresponding display signal via the display device 140 or via the transmitter 144 in particular initiate warning signal.

If an emptying of the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid is detected during ongoing operation, then the evaluation device 134 can ensure that the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 18 is switched off by activating the drive motor 28 accordingly. This prevents damage to a surface 16 to be cleaned, for example.

The surface cleaning machine 10 works as follows: In a cleaning operation, the dirty fluid tank device 66 is fixed on the cleaning head 14 in the holding position.

For a cleaning process, the surface cleaning machine 10 is placed on the surface 16 to be cleaned solely via the cleaning roller unit 18. The drive motor 28 drives the cleaning roller unit 18 in a rotational movement about the (single) axis of rotation 58 in the direction of rotation 158.

The cleaning roller unit 18 is supplied with cleaning fluid from the tank device 34.

Dirt on the surface to be cleaned 16 is, when the moistened Be rate 42 of the cleaning roller unit 18 acts on it, moistened in order to facilitate the solubility of the sen.

The rotation of the cleaning roller unit 18 causes a mechanical effect on dirt on the surface 16 to be cleaned in order to obtain better solvency from the surface 16 to be cleaned.

Any coarse dirt can be fed to the cleaning roller unit 18 with a sweeping element.

Dirt fluid (dirt particles, cleaning fluid with loosened dirt) is carried along by the cleaning roller unit 18 and at the stripping guide device 110 the dirty fluid is released from the cleaning roller unit 18 and (under the action of centrifugal force, among other things) passed into the inlet opening 112 and from there it enters the tank device 66 for dirty fluid. The stripping guide device 110 ensures a solution of dirty fluid from the trim 42 of the cleaning roller unit 18 by stripping. The coupling of dirty fluid into the tank device 66 for dirty fluid takes place in particular without a suction fan.

In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that dirty fluid is sucked off from the cleaning roller unit 18 via a corresponding suction device.

The evaluation device 134 with the sensor device 126 can be used to identify whether the tank device 34 for cleaning fluid is empty. The appropriate measures can then be taken via the evaluation device 134.

A second embodiment of a surface cleaning machine 210

(Figures 4 to 7) comprises a cleaning head 212. The cleaning head 212 has a head body 214. A first cleaning roller unit 216 and a second roller unit in the form of a second cleaning roller unit 218 are arranged on the head body 214, which are spaced apart from one another.

In one embodiment, the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 are formed in one piece, that is, the respective cleaning roller unit is formed by a one-piece cleaning roller.

In principle, it is also possible for the first cleaning roller unit 216 and / or the second cleaning roller unit 218 to be constructed in several parts and in particular to be constructed in two parts.

The first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 each comprise a (cylindrical) carrier 220 on which a trim 222 made of a textile material is arranged. The surface cleaning machine with its cleaning head 212 acts on a surface 224 to be cleaned via the trimming 222. The first cleaning roller unit 216 is driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation 226 (when the surface cleaning machine 210 is in operation).

The second cleaning roller unit 218 is driven to rotate about a second axis of rotation 228 during operation. The first axis of rotation 226 and the second axis of rotation 228 are spaced parallel to one another.

When the cleaning head 212 with the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 is placed on a flat surface 224 to be cleaned, it being supported on the surface 224 to be cleaned via the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218, then the first Axis of rotation 226 and the second axis of rotation 228 are each parallel to the surface 224 to be cleaned.

The surface cleaning machine 210 comprises a drive device 230 for the respective rotational drive of the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218.

In one embodiment, the drive device 230 comprises a first drive 232, which drives the rotational movement of the first cleaning roller unit 216, and a second drive 234, which drives the rotational movement of the second cleaning roller unit 218.

The first drive 232 and the second drive 234 are formed in particular by electric motors.

The first drive 232 and the second drive 234 are in particular positioned within the respective carrier 220 of the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218, respectively. It is then provided in particular that the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 are each formed in one piece.

It is provided that the first cleaning roller unit 216 is driven to rotate in a first direction of rotation 236, and the second cleaning roller unit 218 is driven to rotate in a second direction of rotation 238. The first direction of rotation 236 and the second direction of rotation 238 are opposite to one another, that is, the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 are driven in opposite directions.

The first direction of rotation 236 is such that a first area 240, with which the first cleaning roller unit 216 acted on the surface 224 to be cleaned, is initially moved towards an area 242 which is between the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 lies on the head body 214.

Correspondingly, the second direction of rotation 238 is such that a second region 244, with which the second cleaning roller unit 218 acted on the surface 224 to be cleaned, is moved towards the region 242 on the head body 214.

In one embodiment, the surface cleaning machine 210 comprises an adjusting device (indicated by the reference number 246 in FIG. 6), by means of which a rotational speed of the first cleaning roller unit 216 in the first rotational direction 236 and / or a rotational speed of the second cleaning roller unit 218 in the second rotational direction 238 can be set by an operator.

If the rotational speed of the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 is the same, then the cleaning transfer head 212 no feed movement due to the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 216 and 218.

If the rotational speed of the first cleaning roller unit 216 is greater than the rotational speed of the second cleaning roller unit 218, then the cleaning head 212 experiences a feed movement in a first advancing direction 248. If the rotational speed of the second cleaning roller unit 218 is greater than the rotational speed of the first cleaning roller unit 216, The cleaning head 212 then experiences a feed movement in a second feed direction 250.

The first feed direction 248 and the second feed direction 250 are opposite to each other.

The first feed direction 248 and the second feed direction 250 are transverse and in particular at right angles to the axes of rotation 226 and 228.

A corresponding setting on the setting device 246 can be used to control whether there is no feed movement or a feed movement in the first feed direction 48 or the second feed direction 250.

A holding rod device 254 is held on the cleaning head 212 via a joint 252. The support rod device 254 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 256 to the cleaning head 212 via the joint 252 when the cleaning head 212 with its first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 stands on the surface 224 to be cleaned.

The pivot axis 256 lies parallel to the first axis of rotation 226 and the second axis of rotation 228.

In the area of a proximal end 258, a (hand) handle and, in particular, a bow-type handle 260 are seated on the holding rod device 254 At the end 262, the holding rod device is articulated to the cleaning head 212 via the joint 252.

An operator standing on the surface 224 to be cleaned behind the cleaning head 212 can grasp the bow-shaped handle 260 with one hand. Due to the pivotability of the holding rod device 254 on the joint 252, a pivoting angle of the holding rod device 254 relative to the surface 224 to be cleaned can be set and an operator can in particular set this pivoting angle according to his body size.

The surface cleaning machine 210 is hand-held on the bow handle 260 and is hand-guided.

A battery device 264, which is in particular rechargeable, is arranged on the holding rod device 254. The drive device 230 is supplied with electrical energy via the battery device 264.

In principle, it is also possible for a mains connection to be arranged on the holding rod device, in which case the drive device 230 can then be supplied with electrical energy via mains current.

Furthermore, a tank device 266 for cleaning liquid is arranged on the holding rod device 254.

From the tank device 266 at least one channel leads through the holding rod device 54 to the cleaning head 212 and through it to a first outlet opening device 268, which is assigned to the first cleaning roller unit 216, and a second outlet opening device 270, which is assigned to the second cleaning roller unit 218 is.

In one embodiment, the tank device 266 is assigned a sensor device corresponding to the sensor device 126 as described above. The first outlet opening device 268 is arranged above the first cleaning roller unit 216 in relation to a height direction away from the surface 224 to be cleaned, if the cleaning head 212 properly rests on it, and the second outlet opening device 270 is located above the second cleaning roller unit 218.

In one embodiment, the tank device 266 for cleaning liquid is assigned a valve device which is designed such that when the drive device 230 is in operation it opens automatically and cleaning liquid flows from the tank device 266 via the first outlet opening device 268 onto the first cleaning roller unit 216 and over the second outlet opening device 270 flows onto the second cleaning roller unit 218.

The first outlet opening device 268 and the second outlet opening device 270 are designed in particular so that the first cleaning roller unit 216 or the second cleaning roller unit 218 is acted upon with cleaning fluid over a large length range parallel to the respective axis of rotation 226, 228.

An area of the first cleaning roller unit 216 to which cleaning fluid was applied via the first outlet opening device 268 rotates in the first direction of rotation 236 towards the surface 224 to be cleaned and then forms the first area 240 when this surface 224 to be cleaned is acted upon. The first cleaning roller unit 216 acts mechanically on the surface 224 to be cleaned. The "liquid content" causes the dirt to loosen and thus an improved cleaning effect.

Correspondingly, a moistened area of the second cleaning roller unit 218 rotates in the second direction of rotation 238 towards the surface 224 to be cleaned and forms the second area 244 with the same functionality as described with reference to the first cleaning roller unit 216. After the surface to be cleaned 224 has been acted upon, dirt is taken with it in the first direction of rotation 236 by the first cleaning roller unit 216. Dirt is carried along in the second direction of rotation 238 by the second cleaning roller unit 218.

In principle, it is also possible for the tank device 266 to be arranged on the cleaning head 212.

A first sweeping element 272 is seated on the cleaning head 212 and assigned to the first cleaning roller unit 216. Furthermore, a second sweeping element 272 is located on the cleaning head 212 and is assigned to the second cleaning roller unit 218

Sweeping element 274.

The first sweeping element 272 and the second sweeping element 274 protrude over the head body 214 downwards onto the surface 224 to be cleaned.

The task of the first sweeping element 272 is to hold coarse dirt in position, that is to say to prevent it from reaching an area from the first cleaning roller unit 216 to the second cleaning roller unit 218. Coarse dirt can to a certain extent be collected on the first sweeping element 272, which can then be carried along by the rotation of the first cleaning roller unit 216 in the first direction of rotation 236.

The second sweeping element 274 has the same task in relation to the second cleaning roller unit 218.

In principle, it is also possible that only the first sweeping element 272 or the second sweeping element 274 is present.

In one embodiment, the surface cleaning machine 210 comprises a fan device 278. The fan device comprises a fan and a drive motor and in particular an electric motor. This electric motor will Supplied with electrical energy via the battery device 264 or alternatively via mains current. The blower device 278 generates a negative pressure to form a suction flow.

Channels 280, 282 lead from the fan device 278 to a first inlet opening device 284 (FIG. 4), which is assigned to the first cleaning roller unit 216, or to a second inlet opening device 286 which is assigned to the second cleaning roller unit 218.

With the corresponding suction flow, dirty fluid can be sucked off from the first cleaning roller unit 216 and coupled out via the first inlet opening device 284. Furthermore, dirty fluid can be sucked off from the second cleaning roller unit 218 and decoupled via the second inlet opening device 286.

The fan device 278 is assigned a tank device 288 for dirty fluid, into which the dirty fluid is coupled.

The tank device 288 can in particular be detachably arranged on the holding rod device 254.

In one embodiment, the tank device 288 is arranged on the cleaning head 212, in particular between the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218. Such a tank device is indicated in FIG. 6 with the reference numeral 290.

The dirty fluid tank device 288 or 290 is correspondingly fluidly connected to the blower device 278, so that dirty fluid can be coupled into it.

In one embodiment, the first inlet opening device 284 is related to the first direction of rotation 236 of the first outlet opening device 268 upstream, that is, the first area 240, which has acted on the surface 224 to be cleaned, is first guided past the first inlet opening device 284 before it is guided past the first outlet opening device 268. The same then applies to the second cleaning roller unit 218 with its second region 244 in connection with the second inlet opening device 286.

In relation to the first direction of rotation 236, the first inlet opening device 284 is arranged between the first sweeping element 272 and the first outlet opening device 268.

In relation to the direction of rotation 238, the second inlet opening device 286 is arranged between the second sweeping element 274 and the second outlet opening device 270.

In FIG. 5, the position of the first inlet opening device 284 and of the second inlet opening device 286 is indicated accordingly. The first inlet opening device 284 points into a first receptacle 292 of the cleaning head 212, in which the first cleaning roller unit 216 is arranged. In relation to a height direction away from the surface 224 to be cleaned, when the cleaning head 212 with the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 is properly set up on the surface to be cleaned, the first inlet opening device 284 lies above the first cleaning roller unit 216.

The second inlet opening device 286 is correspondingly arranged in relation to the second cleaning roller unit 218. The second cleaning roller unit 218 sits in a second receptacle 294 of the cleaning head 212, and the second inlet opening device 286 points into this second receptacle 294.

In this way, dirty fluid can be sucked off directly from the first cleaning roller unit 216 or from the second cleaning roller unit 218. The first inlet opening device 284 and the second inlet opening device 286 have such an opening length parallel to the first axis of rotation 226 and second axis of rotation 228 that a correspondingly large length range of the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 can be extracted.

It is also possible, for example, that only inlet opening devices corresponding to inlet opening devices 296 and 298, which are arranged next to the corresponding cleaning roller unit 216 and 218, are fluidly connected to the fan device 278. For example, it is possible that a first inlet opening device 300 is assigned to the first cleaning roller unit and a second inlet opening device 302 is assigned to the second cleaning roller unit 218, which opens directly into the tank device 290 (FIG. 6). In particular, the first inlet opening device is 200 and the second inlet

Muzzle device 202 is assigned a respective scraper 304 or 306, which wipes off dirty fluid from the first cleaning roller unit 216 or from the second cleaning roller unit 218, wherein dirty fluid can then be coupled directly into the tank device 290 via the first inlet opening device 296 or the second inlet opening device 298, wherein then in particular the first inlet opening device 300 and the second inlet opening device 302 are not connected to the fan device 278. For example, suction then takes place at the inlet opening devices 296, 298 and a direct wiping coupling at the inlet opening devices 300 and 302.

For operation of the surface cleaning machine 210, the cleaning head 212 is placed on the surface to be cleaned via the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218. These are driven to rotate in the first direction of rotation 236 or in the second direction of rotation 238. A feed in the direction 248 or 250 can be set by a different rotational speed. The respective cleaning roller unit 216 or 218 is acted upon with cleaning liquid via cleaning liquid from the tank device at the first outlet opening device 268 or the second outlet opening device 270. Via the first area 240 of the first cleaning roller unit 216 or the second area 244 of the second cleaning roller unit 218, the respective rotating cleaning roller unit 216 or 218 acts mechanically on the surface to be cleaned and dirt is loosened. The moistening with cleaning liquid on the tank device supports the dirt solution.

Dirt is picked up by the trim 222 of the first cleaning roller unit 216 or 218 and conveyed in the first direction of rotation 236 or second direction of rotation 238.

Any coarse dirt that may collect on the first sweeping element 272 or on the second sweeping element 274 is carried along in the first direction of rotation 236 or the second direction of rotation 238.

Depending on the design of the cleaning head 212, for example, dirty fluid is sucked off at the first inlet opening device 284 and the second inlet opening device 286 via the blower device 278.

It is also possible that, at a corresponding first inlet opening device 300 and a second inlet opening device 302, blowers can be freely coupled into the tank device 290 for

Dirty fluid takes place (see. Figure 6).

In the area cleaning machine 210, two opposing cleaning roller units 216, 218 are provided. As a result, a full contact pressure can be achieved on the surface 224 to be cleaned, regardless of the pivot position of the holding rod device 254 in relation to the surface 224 to be cleaned. Furthermore, a constant distance between the sweeping elements 272, 274 and the surface 224 to be cleaned can be ensured.

In addition, a cleaning roller unit 216 or 218 can pass through

thrown dirt can be detected by the other cleaning roller unit 218 or 216.

The tank device 290 for dirty fluid is positioned between the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218. This results in a short transport path for dirty fluid, at least for the direct coupling. Furthermore, the center of gravity can be kept low and there is little cleaning effort for the tank device.

The tank device 290 for dirty fluid is assigned a probe device 310 (FIGS. 4 to 7, FIG. 9), by means of which a degree of filling of dirty fluid in the tank device 290 can be determined.

The probe device 310 is designed in particular as an electrode device or resistance measuring device. For this purpose, the probe device 310 comprises a first electrode 312 and a second electrode 314 arranged at a distance from it.

The first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314 are arranged and designed in such a way that they protrude into a receiving space 316 of the tank device 290 for dirty fluid.

They are positioned at a distance from a tank bottom 318 of the tank device 290 for dirty fluid. They are arranged in such a way that when the liquid level 320 increases (see FIG. 6) in the receiving space 316, this liquid level 320 increases in the direction of the electrodes 312, 314.

A DC voltage is applied between the first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314. This can also be pulsed. If the liquid level 320 is below the electrodes 312, 314 (see FIG. 9), then there is an air bridge between the electrodes 312, 314 and no current can flow. Ideally, this can be viewed in such a way that the electrical resistance between the first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314 is infinite.

When the liquid level 320 reaches the electrodes 312, 314, a current can flow between the first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314 via the liquid. This then results in a finite resistance. The transition from the idealized infinite resistance to the finite resistance can be measured. It can be determined in this way whether the liquid level 320 has reached a certain filling level 322. The specific degree of filling is predetermined by the arrangement of the first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314.

In particular, the probe device 310 is connected to an evaluation device. In one embodiment, this evaluation device corresponds to the evaluation device 134 for the sensor device 124. A separate evaluation device for the probe device 310 can also be provided.

For example, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314 via a connection 324 of an ASIC, which is in particular the ASIC 138. The corresponding voltage forms an application signal. A falling voltage, which is present in particular at a connection 326, is the corresponding reaction signal.

There is a resistor between the first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314. If there is no liquid between the electrodes, then ideally this resistance can be regarded as infinite. When the liquid level 320 reaches the electrodes 312, 314, a current can flow. This makes the resistance finite and the voltage, which is present at connection 326 changes. This change is caused by the liquid level 320 reaching the specific filling level 322. As a result, this threshold value 322 can be detected and the liquid level 320 can be determined at least “digitally”.

A display device 328 is provided, by means of which an operator can optically and / or acoustically indicate that the specific filling level 322 of the tank device 290 for cleaning fluid has been reached. The display device 328 comprises an optical and / or acoustic element 330, which is arranged in particular on the handle 60. For example, the optical element 330 flashes when the specific filling level 322 is reached.

Alternatively or in addition, the evaluation device 134 is connected to a transmitter corresponding to the transmitter 144 in a signal-effective manner in order to be able to supply a remote control or a mobile device 146 with appropriate warning signals or display signals.

The evaluation device 134 enables in particular the following:

The evaluation device 134 supplies the probe device 310 with a direct voltage, which can also be pulsed. A voltage results as the reaction signal, which is present in particular at connection 326. A resistance measurement can be carried out at least indirectly. This makes it possible to check whether the specific degree of filling 322 has been reached.

In principle, when the surface cleaning machine 210 is in operation, there may be sloshing of liquid in the receiving space 316 of the tank device 290. It is provided that the evaluation device 134 has a filter device which can detect brief changes in resistance. With regard to the determination of the filling level 322, only longer-lasting states are used. In this way it can be determined with certainty whether the correct filling level 322 has been reached; it can, to a certain extent, filter out sloshing processes that are brief.

If it is recognized that the specific filling level 322 (long-term) has been reached, the evaluation device 134 ensures that the display device 328 or the transmitter 144 receives a corresponding signal. In particular, corresponding warning signals are initiated or emitted.

It can also be provided that, when it is recognized that the specific degree of filling 322 has been reached, a rotary drive of the cleaning roller units 16, 18 is switched off and / or the operation of a fan device is switched off in order to prevent further coupling of dirty fluid into the To prevent tank facility 290.

It can also be provided that if, for example, before the surface cleaning machine 210 starts operating, it is recognized that the specific filling level 322 has been reached, a rotary drive of the cleaning roller units 216, 218 is blocked or the operation of a fan device is blocked .

In principle, it is possible that the probe device 310 is also used, for example, in the surface cleaning machine 10 in which the sensor device 126 is assigned to the corresponding tank device 34 for cleaning fluid.

Furthermore, it is possible that a probe device corresponding to the probe device 310 is used for the tank device 66 for dirty fluid of the surface cleaning machine 10.

In the surface cleaning machine 210, the tank device 290 for cleaning liquid is positioned between the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218. It's a lid wall 332 is provided (compare FIG. 7), which covers the tank device 290 at the top (this tank device 290 is removed in FIG. 7).

The first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314 sit on the cover wall 332. They are oriented transversely to a plane 334 (FIG. 7), this plane 334 containing the first axis of rotation 226 and the second axis of rotation 228.

In one embodiment, the cover wall 332 forms a cover for the tank device 290 for dirty fluid.

In an embodiment in which the surface cleaning machine for a cleaning operation is supported via the first cleaning roller unit 216 and the second cleaning roller unit 218 on the surface 224 to be cleaned, and the tank device 290 between these cleaning roller units 216, 218 is detachable from the cleaning head 212 is positioned, the position of the tank device 290 in the cleaning operation with respect to the surface 224 to be cleaned is very stable; only bumps on the surface 224 to be cleaned lead to vibrations. The specific degree of filling 322 can then be measured in a reliable manner.

A level detection is only carried out via a resistance measurement. There is no need for special expensive and fragile sensors. The susceptibility to contact with dirt in the dirty fluid can also be kept low.

The first electrode 312 and the second electrode 314 are designed in particular as metal pins which protrude into the receiving space 316. When the certain degree of filling 322 is reached, a current-conducting connection between these electrodes 312, 314 is established. Sloshing liquid can be identified and “sorted out” via the evaluation device 134 with its filter device. It can thus be ensured that a current flow is not misinterpreted as reaching the certain filling level 322 due to the sloshing of liquid.

In principle, it is possible for the probe device 310 to comprise a plurality of electrode pairs. In this way, different intermediate stages can also be detected until the specific filling level 322 is reached.

As mentioned above, the probe device 310 can also be used, for example, in the tank device 66 of the surface cleaning machine 10.

A third exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown schematically in FIG. 8 and denoted by 340, is a self-propelled and self-steering device ("cleaning robot").

The surface cleaning machine 340 comprises a cleaning head 342. A first cleaning roller unit 344 is arranged on this. This can be rotated about a first axis of rotation 346. For this purpose, a corresponding rotary drive is arranged on the cleaning head 342 (not shown in FIG. 8).

A second roller unit 348 is arranged on the cleaning head 342 at a distance from the first cleaning roller unit 344. The second roller unit is rotatable about a second axis of rotation 350. In particular, it is driven in rotation via a corresponding rotary drive.

The cleaning head 342 and thus the surface cleaning machine 340 is supported on the surface 16 to be cleaned via the first cleaning roller unit 344 and the second cleaning roller unit 348.

The second roller unit 348 is formed, for example, as a sweeping roller unit. A moistening device 352 is provided, via which (at least) the first cleaning roller unit 344 cleaning fluid

(Fresh water with or without a cleaning agent) can be supplied.

The humidifying device 352 comprises a tank device 354 for cleaning liquid. The tank device 354 is arranged on the cleaning head 342.

A flow area 356 is assigned to the tank device 354. A sensor device corresponding to the sensor device 126 is seated on the flow-through area 356. The same reference symbols are used for the same elements.

One or more lines 358 lead from the flow area 356 to a nozzle device 360, by means of which the first cleaning roller unit 344 can be acted upon with cleaning fluid.

The sensor device 126 is in signal-effective connection with an evaluation device 362, which corresponds to the evaluation device 134.

The sensor device 126 can be used to determine whether the tank device 354 is empty. This is displayed on a display device 364, which is located on the cleaning head 342.

It is also possible for a transmitter 366 to be activated via the evaluation device 362 in order, for example, to display the filling level of the tank device 354 for cleaning liquid to a mobile device such as a smartphone or to output a warning display.

A tank device 368 for dirty fluid is also removably seated on the cleaning head 342. Dirty fluid which is detached or sucked off by the first cleaning roller unit 344 is coupled into the tank device 368. In principle, it is also possible, for example, for debris to be conveyed into the tank device 368 via a ramp 370.

The tank device 368 is a probe device according to FIG

Probe device 310 assigned. There are at least two protruding

Electrodes in a receiving space of the tank device 368. The corresponding probe device 310 is in fluid communication with the evaluation device 362.

The filling level of the tank device 368 can thereby be determined, and it can in particular be determined whether a certain filling level has been reached.

The evaluation device 362 is connected to a display device 372 in a signal-effective manner, this display device 372 being assigned to the probe device 310. The display device 372 is arranged on the cleaning head 342. They indicate (optically and / or acoustically) whether the specific filling level for the tank device 368 has been reached.

A corresponding status signal or warning signal, for example for a smartphone or the like, can also be initiated via the transmitter 366.

The surface cleaning machine 340 is, for example, switched off or drives to a station (in particular a charging station) when it is detected that the tank device 354 has been emptied and / or the tank device 368 has reached its specific filling level.

Otherwise, the probe device 310 or the sensor device 126 functions in conjunction with the evaluation device 362 as described above with reference to the evaluation device 134. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS Surface cleaning machine (first embodiment) device body

Cleaning head

Surface to be cleaned

Cleaning roller unit

Longitudinal axis

Holding rod device

Holding rod

(Hand) grip

Drive motor

casing

holder

Tank facility for cleaning liquid

Valve device

Filter device

Fluid line

Trim

Battery device

Motor axis

Swivel axis

Double arrow

Inner sleeve

Outer sleeve

Pivot bearing

Axis of rotation

Cleaning roller holder

Holding area

Receiving chamber

Tank facility for dirty fluid

wave First part

Second part

Intermediate area

Sleeve

First face

Second face

Recording room

Holding position

flap

Pivot bearing

direction

Wiper guide device inlet mouth

Transverse area

Holding device

output

connection

Flow range

Direction of flow

Sensor device

First electrode

Second electrode

Wall

Evaluation devicea line

b line

ASIC

Display device

Optical display

Channel

Remote control, mobile device surface cleaning machine cleaning head Head body

First cleaning roller unit

Second cleaning roller unit

carrier

Trim

Surface to be cleaned

First axis of rotation

Second axis of rotation

Drive device

First drive

Second drive

First direction of rotation

Second direction of rotation

First area

Area

Second area

Adjustment device

First feed direction

Second feed direction

joint

Holding rod device

Swivel axis

Proximal end

Bow handle

Distal end

Battery device

Tank device for cleaning liquid First outlet opening device Second outlet opening device First sweeping element

Second sweeping element

Longitudinal direction

Blower device channel

channel

First inlet outlet device Second inlet outlet device Tank device for dirty fluid

Tank facility for dirty fluid

First inlet port device Second inlet port device First inlet port device Second inlet port device Wiper

Scraper

Probe device

First electrode

Second electrode

Recording room

Tank bottom

Liquid level

Certain degree of filling

connection

Display device

Optical and / or acoustic element cover wall

level

Area cleaning machine

Cleaning head

First cleaning roller unit

First axis of rotation

Second roller unit

Second axis of rotation

Humidifier

Tank facility for cleaning liquid Flow range

management

Nozzle device

Evaluation device

Display device

Channel

Tank facility for dirty fluid ramp

Display device

Claims

Claims 1. A surface cleaning machine comprising a cleaning head (14; 212;

342) with at least one cleaning roller unit (18; 216, 218; 344) which is driven for a rotary movement, a tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid, and a flow area (122; 356) for cleaning liquid which cleaning liquid, which is provided by the tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid, flows when fed to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18; 216, 218; 344) and / or to a surface to be cleaned (16; 224) , characterized in that a sensor device (126) is arranged on the flow area (122; 356), which sensor device detects the presence of cleaning fluid in the flow area (122; 356).

2. Area cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow area (122; 356) is formed on a pipe area or a hose area.

3. surface cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow area (122; 356) in a proper operation of the surface cleaning machine based on the direction of gravity (g) below the tank device (34; 266; 354) for Cleaning liquid is arranged.

4. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a delivery of cleaning liquid from the tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid and through the flow area (122; 356) is driven by gravity and in particular is pump-free.

5. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, based on a direction of flow of cleaning liquid, the flow area (122) is arranged downstream of a connection (120) for the tank device (34) for cleaning liquid.

6. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a holder (32) on which the tank device (34) for cleaning liquid is held in particular releasably.

7. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that a connection (120) for the tank device (34) for cleaning liquid is arranged on the holder (32).

8. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the flow area (122) is arranged on the holder (32), and in particular is formed as a pipe area on the holder (32).

9. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow through the flow area (122) is coupled to a rotary drive of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18).

10. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow area (122) of a valve device (38) for conveying cleaning liquid to the min least one cleaning roller unit (18) and / or the surface to be cleaned (14) is upstream.

11. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (126) is designed as a resistance measuring device.

12. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (126) as

Electrode device is formed.

13. Area cleaning machine according to claim 12, characterized

indicates that the electrode device is subjected to a direct current or a direct voltage.

14. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized

characterized in that the sensor device (126) comprises a first electrode (128) and a second electrode (130) spaced apart from the first electrode (128), the first electrode (128) and the second electrode (130) entering the flow area (122 ) protrude.

15. Area cleaning machine according to claim 13 or 14, characterized

characterized in that the first electrode (128) and the second electrode (130) sit in a wall (132) of the flow area (122) and are in particular injected.

16. Area cleaning machine according to one of claims 12 to 15,

characterized in that the first electrode (128) and / or the second electrode (130) are designed as metal pins.

17. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that via the sensor device (126) it is indirect whether the tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid is empty, with the absence of cleaning liquid in the flow area (122; 356) on an emptying of the tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid is closed.

18. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (126) is effectively connected to an evaluation device (134), in particular with at least one of the following: the evaluation device (134) determines from sensor data of the sensor device ( 126) a degree of filling of the tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid; the evaluation device (134) controls the sensor device (126); the evaluation device (134) has a signal-effective connection to a display device (140) and / or a transmitter (144); the evaluation device (134) initiates a warning signal when the tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid is detected as empty; the evaluation device (134) switches off a rotary drive for the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) when the tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid is detected as empty; the evaluation device (134) prevents the start-up of a rotary drive for the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) when the tank device (34; 266; 354) for cleaning liquid is detected as empty.

19. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the display device (140) is arranged on a handle (26) via which the cleaning head (14) can be guided by an operator, and / or on the cleaning head (342 ) is arranged.

20. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design as a self-propelled and self-steering device, wherein in particular the tank device (354) for cleaning liquid is arranged on the cleaning head (342).

21. Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 1 to 19,

characterized by a design as a hand-held device, the cleaning head (14) in particular being seated on a holding rod device (22).

22. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 21, characterized in that the tank device (34) for cleaning liquid is arranged on the holding rod device (22) and in particular is releasably arranged.

23. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a tank device (66; 288) for dirty fluid, which is assigned a probe device (310) for determining a filling level.

24. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 23, characterized

shows that the probe device (310) comprises electrodes (312, 314) which protrude into a receiving space (316) of the tank device (288) for dirty fluid.

25. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 24, characterized

shows that the electrodes (312, 314) are arranged in such a way that reaching a certain degree of filling (322) can be detected.

26. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the electrodes (312, 314) are firmly connected to a device (332), with respect to which the tank device (288) for dirty fluid can be removed, in particular this device (332) is the cleaning head (212), or is connected to it.

27. Area cleaning machine according to one of claims 23 to 26,

characterized by an evaluation device (134) which is connected to the probe device (310) in a signal-effective manner and with at least one of the following: the evaluation device (134) controls a display device (328) and / or a transmitter (144); the evaluation device (134) initiates a warning signal for the display device (328) and / or the transmitter (144) when the reaching of a certain filling level (322) is detected; the evaluation device (134) checks a degree of filling of the tank device (66; 288) for dirty fluid via a resistance determination; the evaluation device (134) controls the probe device (310) in particular a direct current signal or direct voltage signal; the evaluation device (134) comprises a filter device which checks temporal changes in signals of the probe device (310), the filter device in particular being designed such that a time-limited sloshing of dirty fluid in the tank device (66; 288) for dirty fluid can be detected; the evaluation device (134) switches off a drive for the min least one cleaning roller unit (216, 218) and / or a delivery or conveyability of cleaning liquid when a certain filling level (322) on the tank device (66; 288) for dirty fluid is detected.

28. Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the tank device (66; 354; 368) for dirty fluid is arranged on the cleaning head (12; 212; 342) or is arranged on a holding rod device (24) on which the cleaning head sits, the tank device (66; 354; 368) for dirty fluid in particular being detachable.

29. A method for operating a surface cleaning machine with a tank device (34) for cleaning liquid, in which a flow area (122) for cleaning liquid, which is arranged downstream of the tank device (34) for cleaning liquid in relation to a flow direction of cleaning liquid, with a sensor device ( 126) is monitored for the presence of cleaning fluid.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the sensor device (126) is an electrode arrangement on which a resistance is determined.

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