WO2023227726A1

WO2023227726A1 - Steam cleaning head

Info

Publication number: WO2023227726A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/064076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arne ROENNAU; David TIMMERMANN; Georg Heppner; Nicolas HUEGEL; Volker Miegel; Detlev DAHL
Original assignee: United Robotics Group Gmbh; FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik
Priority date: 2022-05-25
Filing date: 2023-05-25
Publication date: 2023-11-30
Also published as: DE102022113297A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam cleaning head, in particular a dry steam cleaning head, comprising a steam chamber which is formed by the steam cleaning head and is designed to be open towards a surface to be cleaned and in which at least one steam nozzle is provided for discharging steam onto the surface to be cleaned, a suction chamber which surrounds the steam chamber and in which at least one steam suction opening is provided, and a seal device for delimiting the suction chamber from the surroundings of the steam cleaning head. The seal device of the steam cleaning head has at least one pivotal or retractable lateral actuation element, wherein the at least one lateral actuation element can be pivoted or retracted substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned. The invention additionally relates to a surface cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot arm, comprising such a steam cleaning head.

Description

Steam cleaning head

The present invention relates to a steam cleaning head, in particular a dry steam cleaning head, with a steam chamber formed by the steam cleaning head, which is open to a cleaning surface and in which at least one steam nozzle is provided for applying steam to the cleaning surface, with a suction space surrounding the steam chamber, in which at least one steam suction opening is provided, and with a sealing device for delimiting the suction space from the surroundings of the steam cleaning head. In addition, the invention relates to a surface cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot arm, with such a steam cleaning head.

In various areas of research and industrial production, but also in the entire medical sector, particular cleanliness and purity are often important when handling devices and components, as contamination with small-sized particles or microorganisms can have undesirable effects. For example, in the field of industrial nanotechnology, the production and application of corresponding layers and components is carried out in clean rooms, as uncontrolled contamination with small-sized particles must be avoided, as even a few small-sized particles can impair the function of nanolayers. In order to keep the contamination with small-sized particles and microorganisms in clean rooms low, both the floor areas and other surfaces must be cleaned regularly. When cleaning a clean room, it is important that the cleaning device and cleaning process used ensure that as few particles as possible get into the ambient air and at the same time the surfaces are cleaned effectively. In addition to the introduction of new contaminants, improper cleaning can also result in a rearrangement or concentration of contaminants on other components.

Especially when cleaning surfaces in clean rooms manually, there is a risk of contamination being relocated or redistributed to other surfaces or components, since manual cleaning is usually carried out by wiping and picking up contamination with soaked cloths. The cloths are often soaked with solvent to make it easier to remove and absorb the contamination from the surface to be cleaned and to ensure quick and residue-free drying. However, the evaporation of the solvents pollutes the ambient air in the clean room and absorbing the contaminants with cloths is not reliable. In addition, there is a risk of leaving other residues on the surfaces to be cleaned due to the fabric fibers of the cloths. A simple surface cleaning device for removing dirt using steam and cleaning agents is known, for example, from WO 2001/007719 A1. The cleaning agent is injected into a steam supply and atomized in doses and then applied to the floor surface to be cleaned using a low-pressure steam cleaning head. Another surface cleaning device with a steam generator is known from the publication WO 2003/092463 A1, in which a mixture of steam and cleaning agent is applied to a surface via a steam cleaning head. For this purpose, a series of steam nozzles are provided in a steam chamber, which apply the mixture of steam and cleaning agent to the surface in order to dissolve contaminants, which are then removed in a suction channel surrounding the steam chamber via four suction openings. The suction channel has a circumferential rubber seal that surrounds the steam cleaning head and seals the suction channel from the surface. This is intended to increase the activity of steam cleaning because the steam is enclosed in a relatively small space and cannot escape. This is not only intended to enable a higher temperature, but also to prevent contamination of the ambient air by additional particles or the rearrangement of impurities, as neither the steam nor the dissolved dirt passes through the seal into the environment, but can be safely extracted.

In terms of technology, there are different surface cleaning devices and steam cleaning heads for different areas of application, which have proven themselves well in use. However, with increasing requirements for clean rooms and expanding use of clean rooms for different applications, there remains a need to provide an improved surface cleaning device and an improved steam cleaning head for use in clean room environments that enable safe removal of contaminants without redistribution of contamination in the clean room and at the same time prevent steam particles or other additives from entering the cleanroom.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the sealing device of a generic steam cleaning head has at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element, wherein the at least one side actuation element can be pivoted or engaged substantially parallel to the cleaning surface. In contrast to conventional steam cleaning heads, such a one-sided or double-sided side seal enables a significant reduction in the total number of steam particles released into the ambient air during the cleaning process compared to conventional steam cleaning heads. heads, for example the steam cleaning head from WO 03/092463 A1. With a circumferential elastic sealing lip between the cleaning head and the cleaning surface, a good cleaning effect is achieved in the undisturbed area of the floor surface with a low discharge of steam particles, but this is not possible at the edge of the floor surface, so that the edges remain uncleaned here or when steam cleaning the entire area There is a relatively large overall discharge of vapor particles from the floor area. With the present steam cleaning head according to the invention, a good cleaning result can be achieved both in the undisturbed area of surfaces and in the edge area of the surfaces with a uniformly low entry of steam particles into the ambient air. When activated, the side actuation element, which can be pivoted or engaged essentially parallel to the cleaning surface, moves at a substantially constant distance from the cleaning surface, ie at a significant distance from the cleaning surface, with the fluctuations in the distance preferably only up to 30%, in particular only up to 15 % of the distance to the side actuation element can be, provided that the movement of the side actuation element takes place overall above the cleaning surface. Floor surfaces as well as walls or ceilings with a corresponding inclination of up to 180° to the floor surface are to be considered cleaning surfaces.

The steam cleaning head according to the invention is suitable not only for conventional manually operated surface cleaning devices, but in particular also for cleaning robots that independently clean the surfaces of clean rooms. The steam cleaning head can also be used in particular for the use of dry steam, which can be used to dissolve stuck-on contaminants and kill microorganisms and bacteria without chemicals. Dry steam is created at a temperature of 130°C and under a pressure of 4.5 bar. The dry steam has a disinfecting effect due to the high temperature. Due to the high pressure and low water content, the dry steam can penetrate even the finest microstructures and porous surfaces. Appropriate chemicals to reduce surface tension can therefore be dispensed with.

The sealing device of a cleaning head according to the invention extends essentially around the entire steam chamber, with the at least one side actuating element which can be pivoted or engaged parallel to the cleaning surfaces, despite the remaining distance to the cleaning surface on the side of the steam cleaning head located transversely to the cleaning direction, ensuring a sufficient sealing of the suction space relative to the Environment causes to essentially prevent steam particles from escaping from the suction space into the surroundings of the steam cleaning head. The one according to the invention The steam cleaning head not only allows improved cleaning of the cleaning surface, but also effectively prevents both the entry of steam particles into the ambient air and the escape of dissolved contamination. This steam cleaning head can enable effective cleaning of the cleaning surface without any relevant entry of particles into the ambient air, not only in undisturbed areas of the cleaning surface, but also at the transitions to adjacent fixtures, side walls or side impact protection.

The steam cleaning head according to the invention enables the cleaning surface to be cleaned by a single movement over the area to be cleaned. In contrast to conventional oscillating scrubbing movements, the continuous movement of the steam cleaning head in one direction enables complete and even cleaning of cleaning surfaces and is therefore particularly suitable for use in clean rooms of at least clean room class D/ISO 8. Since the steam cleaning head according to the invention is exposed to very high temperatures through the use of steam, preferably dry steam, to remove stuck-on dirt in the area of the cleaning surface, the components used for the components of the steam cleaning head must also be correspondingly temperature-resistant. For example, high-temperature-resistant PLA or HDPE plastics can be used for the housing or base body of the steam cleaning head.

An expedient embodiment provides that a pivot axis of the at least one side actuation element is arranged on the steam cleaning head, preferably on a base body of the steam cleaning head that forms the steam chamber, the pivot axis being arranged essentially perpendicular to the cleaning surface. Such a pivot axis enables the movable side actuation element to be easily attached on the steam cleaning head and allows a simple implementation of the movement of the pivotable or retractable side actuation element, which runs parallel to the cleaning surface. A pivot axis arranged essentially perpendicular to the cleaning surface also includes angles of inclination of 60° - 90° to the cleaning surface, preferably between 75° and 90°, provided there is undisturbed movement of the side actuation element above and at a clear distance from the cleaning surface.

A further embodiment of the steam cleaning head according to the invention provides that the sealing device has a first sealing lip at the front in the cleaning direction and a second sealing lip at the rear in the cleaning direction, the first sealing lip and the second Sealing lip is in contact with the cleaning surface during operation of the steam cleaning head, and wherein the at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element is arranged between the first sealing lip and the second sealing lip. The first and second sealing lips of the steam cleaning head are arranged at a distance from one another and in the cleaning direction, ie the movement of the steam cleaning head over the cleaning surface provided in the cleaning drive, at a distance from the steam chamber and in front of and behind the steam chamber. The first and second sealing lips each extend transversely to the cleaning direction, ie at an angle of over 45°, preferably approximately perpendicular to the cleaning direction, and are approximately the same length. The sealing lips protrude beyond the side edges of the steam chamber by at least 10% of the width of the steam chamber transversely to the cleaning direction, preferably by at least 15%. This special arrangement of the front first sealing lip and the second sealing lip behind the steam chamber allows a secure sealing of the steam cleaning head and a low entry of steam particles and dissolved contaminants into the ambient air, despite the sides that are open during operation between the movable side actuation element and the cleaning surface.

By using the first sealing lip and the second sealing lip, a good seal of the sealing device with the cleaning surface is achieved in the cleaning direction in front of and behind the steam chamber, which reliably protects against the passage of steam particles with the most constant possible contact pressure. In conjunction with the application of steam, preferably dry steam, to the cleaning surface in the area of the steam chamber and the suction of the contaminated steam in the area of the suction chamber, the sealing lips enable uniform and low wetting and thus rapid drying of the cleaning surface. The provision of the first and second sealing lips can significantly reduce the suction power required to remove the condensed steam and the dirt dissolved therein in the area of the suction chamber, since the contact of the sealing lips with the cleaning surface can cause material to accumulate on the sealing lips, which can be easily sucked off there can.

A useful embodiment provides that at least one side nozzle is provided for applying steam to the cleaning surface, preferably a side steam pipe with a plurality of side nozzles, wherein the at least one side nozzle is arranged in the suction space and can be actuated by means of the at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element . The side nozzle for applying steam to the cleaning surface, like the steam nozzles in the steam chamber formed by the cleaning head, is connected to a steam generator for generating steam, preferably dry steam. Included the side nozzle is actuated by the pivotable or retractable side actuation element, for example via a pressure contact. The at least one side nozzle or the side steam pipe with several side nozzles are not in permanent operation, but only when the steam cleaning head approaches and comes into contact with an adjacent side surface, since otherwise steam particles could constantly get into the environment via the side nozzles. The side nozzles are preferably arranged in such a way that, when activated, in conjunction with the steam nozzles provided in the steam chamber, they spray the entire area of the cleaning surface up to the side surface with steam, preferably dry steam.

Conveniently, the at least one side nozzle, preferably a side steam pipe with several side nozzles, can be arranged on the pivotable or retractable side actuation element. The arrangement of side nozzles on the side actuation element makes it possible to direct the spray direction of the side nozzles away from the side opening between the side actuation element and the cleaning surface towards the steam chamber and thereby reduce the risk of steam particles entering the ambient air. Alternatively, the side nozzles for applying steam or dry steam to the cleaning surface can also be attached to the steam cleaning head itself, for example on a steam chamber wall. This makes it possible to dispense with a flexible supply of steam, but increases the risk of steam particles escaping into the ambient air.

A variant of the steam cleaning head provides that the at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element has a side sealing lip, the side sealing lip being arranged at a distance from the cleaning surface, preferably at an angle to the cleaning surface of less than 8°, in particular less than 5°. The side sealing lip enables the suction chamber to be securely sealed from the environment and prevents steam particles from escaping into the ambient air, particularly when the side nozzles are in operation. For the most constant possible contact pressure and to avoid misalignments during the pressing process of the side sealing lip against a side surface when simultaneously pivoting or engaging the side actuation element, the side sealing lip arranged at a distance from the cleaning surface can be attached to the side actuation element at a slight angle to the cleaning surface. The distance between the side sealing lip and the cleaning surface decreases against the cleaning direction, ie in the direction of the rear second sealing lip, so that the side sealing lip is inclined at an angle between 0° and 8°, preferably between 0° and 5°, relative to the cleaning surface. Furthermore, the distance between the side sealing lip and the cleaning surface, ie the lateral opening of the suction chamber, corresponds approximately to the depth of the steam chamber. A sensible embodiment provides that the at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element has a biasing device in order to bias the side actuation element outwards, preferably a spring device. The pretensioning device enables the steam cleaning head to approach uniformly and smoothly against an inclined or vertical side surface adjacent to the cleaning surface. At the same time, such a prestressing device that is prestressed outwards, ie in a direction away from the steam chamber, enables the steam cleaning head to move without tilting along such a side surface and at the same time also allows a good sealing of the suction space relative to the side surface. In addition, such a biasing device, for example a simple coil spring, prevents unintentional actuation of a pressure switch for the side nozzles and thus also unintentional operation of the side nozzles and discharge of steam particles into the ambient air.

An advantageous embodiment provides that the steam chamber has a steam chamber wall. The steam chamber wall delimits the steam chamber from the surrounding suction space, the steam chamber wall being at a distance from the cleaning surface during operation, preferably a distance of less than 10% of the depth of the steam chamber, in particular a distance of less than 5% of the depth of the steam chamber. In the steam chamber, not only is steam, preferably dry steam, applied to the cleaning surface by means of the steam nozzles, but impurities and microbial contamination are also removed by the sprayed steam, which is applied to the cleaning surface as evenly as possible. The steam chamber can preferably be trapezoidal in shape, with a larger width at the front in the running direction and a narrower width at the rear in the running direction. In order to improve the cleaning effect of the steam applied to the cleaning surface and to prevent excessive turbulence of the steam particles, the aim is to keep the distance between the steam chamber wall and the cleaning surface as small but uniform as possible, preferably a distance between 0% and 10% of the depth of the steam chamber, in particular a distance between 0% and 5% of the depth of the steam chamber.

In order to ensure a sufficient and as uniform distance as possible between the steam chamber and the cleaning surface during operation of the steam cleaning head, rollers can be provided, which can preferably be arranged on the steam chamber wall. The rollers in the area of the steam chamber also facilitate the necessary application of force to a first and second sealing lip of the sealing device for the most constant possible contact pressure on the cleaning surface. To ensure that the cleaning surface is steamed as uniformly as possible, several steam nozzles can be provided in the steam chamber for applying steam to the cleaning surface, preferably at least one steam pipe with several steam nozzles. The uniform application of steam to the cleaning surface via several steam nozzles is crucial in order to achieve a sufficient cleaning effect when the steam cleaning head passes over the cleaning surface once. By providing several steam nozzles or a steam pipe with several steam nozzles, the steam output onto the cleaning surface can be controlled accordingly. Since the steam nozzles usually lead to a cone-like release of steam, the steam cones must overlap for an even release on the cleaning surface. The distance between the individual steam nozzles from one another or on a steam pipe depends on the distance between the steam nozzles and the cleaning surface and the angle of the steam cone. In an advantageous variant, two interconnected steam pipes, each with several steam nozzles, can also be provided and positioned offset in the cleaning direction in the steam chamber.

The at least one steam pipe or several steam pipes connected to one another are arranged in the steam chamber transversely to the cleaning direction, ie preferably perpendicular to the cleaning direction. Depending on the shape of the steam chamber, the steam pipes can also be arranged at an angle of greater than 60° to the cleaning direction, preferably greater than 75° to the cleaning direction. In order to achieve the most uniform possible delivery of steam from the steam nozzles of the steam pipes over the entire width of the respective steam pipes, the steam provided by a steam generator, preferably dry steam, is introduced into the steam pipe at an angle, preferably at an angle of 90°, in order to increase the pressure of the steam pipe Distribute steam as evenly as possible within the steam pipe and thus achieve even steaming of the cleaning surface. Furthermore, the jet of the steam nozzles can be aligned at an angle to the surface normal of the cleaning surface, preferably between 5° and 35°, in particular between 15° and 30°. The inclination of the steam jet from the steam nozzles improves the removal of contaminants from the cleaning surface. The application of steam via the large number of steam nozzles provided in the steam chamber, in particular the application of dry steam, enables uniform and streak-free detachment and removal of contamination on the cleaning surface, without damaging or changing the surface through contact with mechanical or chemical aids. By applying steam to the cleaning surface, condensation creates a collection of liquid containing the released particles and which must be vacuumed from the cleaning surface in the suction space surrounding the steam chamber.

A practical design provides that the suction chamber has a plurality of steam suction openings, with the steam suction openings preferably being arranged in the cleaning direction between the steam chamber and the second sealing lip and on the sides of the steam chamber. Providing several steam extraction openings improves the suction effect and at the same time reduces the negative pressure required for this. In order to keep the negative pressure at the various steam suction openings as uniform as possible, the cross-sectional area of the associated suction pipe is reduced towards the more distant steam suction openings. Since the greatest steam load is in the suction chamber between the steam chamber and the second sealing lip or on the sides of the steam chamber, the steam suction openings are preferably positioned here, while corresponding steam suction openings between the first sealing lip and the steam chamber wall can be dispensed with. The steam suction openings on the sides of the steam chamber, or on the side of the steam chamber provided with a side actuation element, are arranged between the steam chamber and the side actuation element so that the suction works unhindered even when the side actuation element is pivoted or engaged.

A further embodiment of the steam cleaning head provides that a dry suction with at least one dry suction opening is provided, wherein the at least one dry suction opening is preferably arranged in front of the first sealing lip in the cleaning direction. By positioning the dry suction on the side of the sealing device facing away from the suction chamber, ie on a side of the first sealing lip facing the environment, the cleaning surface is freed from loose contaminants and microorganisms before contaminants and microbial contamination stuck in the area of the steam chamber are dissolved using steam and then the condensate in the extraction room must be extracted. For this purpose, several dry suction openings can be provided and distributed evenly on the surrounding side in front of the first sealing lip in order to achieve the best possible and uniform suction effect and suction of loose contaminants. Suctioning off loose and dry contaminants in front of the first sealing lip not only makes it easier to extract these contaminants that have not come into contact with steam, but also allows separation of dirt collection containers for dry contaminants and contaminated water. The dry suction can alternatively be coupled with the steam suction within the steam cleaning head according to the invention in order to avoid a more complex separate provision of vacuum and suction lines. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surface cleaning device, in particular to a cleaning robot, for cleaning surfaces using steam, in particular using dry steam, with a steam generator, a suction device and one of the steam cleaning heads described above. Such a surface cleaning device enables effective cleaning of floor surfaces, side surfaces and ceiling surfaces in clean rooms and laboratories and at the same time allows appropriate automation of cleaning with a cleaning robot. Such a surface cleaning device achieves the simultaneous suction of loose dirt and the removal of adhering dirt using steam with a single pass over the cleaning surface. For this complete and uninterrupted cleaning of defined cleaning surfaces or surface sections, the energy consumption can be reduced in such a way as to enable autonomous operation of a cleaning robot. In addition to the suction of loose particles and the removal of stuck contaminants, the applied steam is also safely extracted and the escape of steam particles is minimized in order to avoid additional contamination of clean rooms, for example clean room class D/ISO 8.

In addition to a corresponding water reservoir for supplying the steam generator, the surface cleaning device according to the invention can also include a dirty water container and various connecting hoses between the components of the surface cleaning device and the steam cleaning head. Here, the pivotable or retractable side actuation element of the sealing device of the steam cleaning head also enables effective cleaning of the cleaning surface on the side and room edges without showing a significant increase in the entry of steam particles into the ambient air in these areas. This means that the entire cleaning area can be cleaned seamlessly and completely by passing the steam cleaning head once over, right up to the edges of the room. A single pass only affects the area of the cleaning surface that the steam chamber of the steam cleaning head passes over. These properties allow the present surface cleaning device to be used optimally for automated cleaning of a cleaning surface using a cleaning robot. Such a cleaning robot not only allows structured, quick and seamless cleaning of a cleaning surface, but also allows intelligent navigation in clean rooms and avoiding moving parts.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. Show it: 1 is a perspective view of a schematically illustrated surface cleaning device according to the invention,

2 shows a vertical section through a steam cleaning head according to the invention for the surface cleaning device from FIG. 1,

3 shows a bottom view of the steam cleaning head from FIG. 2, FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through the steam cleaning head from FIG. 2, FIG. 5 shows a side view of the steam cleaning head according to the invention from FIG. 2, FIG from Fig. 2 and

Fig. 6b is a perspective view of a steam pipe with several steam nozzles in operation for the steaming device from Fig. 6a.

The perspective view of FIG. 1 shows a schematically illustrated surface cleaning device 1, which in the embodiment shown is designed as a cleaning robot. The surface cleaning device 1 includes a steam cleaning head 2 and is connected via a flexible supply hose 3 to the functional elements of the surface cleaning device 1 shown schematically. The functional elements of the surface cleaning device 1 include at least a steam generator 4 for generating water vapor, preferably dry steam, a water tank 5 for supplying the steam generator 4 with water, a power supply unit 6 for operating the steam generator 4 and the suction device 7, and a dirty water container 8. In addition to In addition to these essential functional components, the surface cleaning device 1 can have additional functional components depending on the area of use and application, for example a container for dry contaminants and an exhaust air filter for cleaning the emerging drain, preferably a HEPA filter. In the embodiment shown, the surface cleaning device 1 is arranged as a cleaning robot on a mobile platform 9 with several active and passive wheels 10 for autonomous and mobile use of the surface cleaning device 1 and is designed with a multi-axis movable robot arm 11. The robot arm 11 is connected to the mobile platform 9 via a drive unit 12. The robot arm 11 consists of several articulated arm elements 13 and is connected at the distal end to the steam cleaning head 2 in order to guide the steam cleaning head specifically over a steam cleaning surface 14.

The vertical section through the steam cleaning head 2 in the cleaning direction R clearly shows the basic structure of a steam cleaning head 2 according to the invention. The steam cleaning head 2 is moved by the robot arm in the cleaning direction R over the cleaning surface 14 guided, with the steam cleaning head 2 being moved exclusively in the cleaning direction R, since conventional scrubbing movements are completely dispensed with with the surface cleaning device 1 according to the invention and the steam cleaning head 2. The steam cleaning head 2 has a housing 15 to which the robot arm 11 is attached and which forms a hose connection 16 for connecting the supply hose 3. A steam supply line 17 extends from the hose connection 16 to a steam chamber 18. A dry suction 19 and a steam suction 20 are also formed in the housing 15, each of which opens into the hose connection 16.

The steam chamber 18 is delimited from the other components of the steam cleaning head 2 via a steam chamber wall 21 and is only open towards the cleaning surface 14. At the top of the steam chamber 18 there is a steam distribution device 22 with two steam pipes 23 arranged transversely to the cleaning direction R, the steam pipes 23 arranged parallel to one another being connected to the steam supply line 17 and each having a plurality of steam nozzles 24 through which the steam, preferably dry steam, flows in the opposite direction the cleaning direction R is applied to the cleaning surface 14 at an angle. The distance between the steam chamber 18 or the steam chamber wall 21 and the cleaning surface 14 is kept as constant as possible by means of several rollers 25, which are arranged either in the housing 15 or directly on the steam chamber wall 21, so that the gap between the steam chamber wall 21 and the cleaning surface 14 is very small can be done without having to fear damage to the cleaning surface 14 by the steam chamber wall 21. As a result, only very few steam particles emerge from the steam chamber 18 into the surrounding suction space 26. The steam applied to the cleaning surface 14 loosens stuck contaminants from the cleaning surface 14 and remains as a condensed film of moisture on the cleaning surface 14 when the steam chamber wall 21 slides over it when the steam cleaning head 2 moves in the cleaning direction R.

The suction space 26 surrounds the steam chamber 18 and is delimited in the vertical section through the steam cleaning head 2 shown in FIG. 2 by the steam chamber wall 21 and the front sealing rail 27 and the rear sealing rail 28 of the sealing device 29 of the steam cleaning head 2. The front sealing rail 27 and the rear sealing rail 28 are each attached to the housing by means of a plurality of fastening bolts 41

15 attached. The front sealing rail 27 forms part of the dry suction 19 and has a front, first sealing lip 45, which is made of an elastic material and is pressed onto the cleaning surface 14 with a constant contact pressure. When the steam cleaning head 2 moves in the cleaning direction R, it collects in front of it First sealing lip 45 dry contaminants that do not adhere to the cleaning surface 14, which are sucked in via suction openings 30 for dry contaminants and removed via the dry suction 19.

The rear sealing rail 28 of the sealing device 29 for the rear boundary of the suction space 26 has a second rear sealing lip 46. When the steam cleaning head 2 moves in the cleaning direction R, the liquid mixture of condensed steam and dissolved impurities accumulates in front of this second rear sealing lip 46. The liquid mixture can then be sucked in in front of the second sealing lip 46 via corresponding vapor suction openings 31 and the part of the vapor suction 20 formed in the rear sealing rail 28 and removed via the vapor suction 20. To simplify production and reduce manufacturing costs, the front sealing rail 27 and the rear sealing rail 28 as well as the first sealing lip 45 and the second sealing lip 46 can be manufactured as the same components, which only have their different functions via the corresponding attachment to the housing 15 of the steam cleaning head 2 obtain.

In the bottom view of the steam cleaning head 2 in FIG. 3, the trapezoidal shape of the steam chamber 18 as well as the two steam pipes 23 with the large number of steam nozzles 24 arranged transversely to the cleaning direction R can be clearly seen. The longer parallel side of the trapezoidal steam chamber 18 is arranged at the front in the cleaning direction R, while the rear parallel side of the steam chamber wall 21 is located near the rear sealing rail 28. On the front sealing rail 27, both the suction openings 30 of the dry suction system 19, which are arranged at the front in the cleaning direction R, as well as the first sealing lip 45 can be clearly seen. The rollers 25 are arranged directly on the steam chamber wall 21 and are evenly distributed. In addition to a uniform application of force and a stable movement of the steam cleaning head 2 in the cleaning direction R, this enables a constant contact pressure of the first sealing lip 45 and the second sealing lip 46 on the cleaning surface 14. While on the rear sealing rail 28, the second sealing lip 46 fastened therein is well shown in FIG can be seen, the steam suction openings 31, which are connected to the steam suction 20, are covered by the steam chamber wall 21.

On both sides of the steam chamber 18, a pivotable or retractable side actuation element 32 is arranged between the front sealing rail 27 and the rear sealing rail 28 as part of the sealing device 29. The side actuation element 32 is designed as a circular segment and has on the underside a side steam pipe 33 with several side nozzles 34, which when the steam inlet is activated to the side steam pipe 33 Apply steam to the cleaning surface 14. The side actuation element 32 is pivotably mounted on a pivot axis 35 fastened in the housing (see FIG. 4). An elastic side sealing lip 36 is also provided on the outer edge of the side actuation element 32. Between the side steam pipe 33 and the side steam chamber wall 21, a side sealing rail 37 with several side stops 38 is also provided, which essentially prevents a side steam escape from the suction chamber 26. The laterally pivotable side actuation element 32 is biased outwards at its rear end via a spring device 39, so that the rear end of the side actuation element 32 in the cleaning direction R is opposite the ends of the front sealing rail 27 and rear sealing rail 28 or the first sealing lip 45 and the second sealing lip 46 presides. Upon contact with a side surface, the rear part of the side actuation element 32 in the cleaning direction R is pressed inwards, so that the side sealing lip 36 slides along the side surface supported by edge rollers 40 at the front and rear ends of the side actuation element 32. The side stops 38 enable a defined position of the activated, laterally pivoted side actuation element 32 relative to the steam chamber 18 or the housing 15 of the steam cleaning head 2.

4 shows a longitudinal section through the steam cleaning head 2 above the steam chamber 18 and the laterally adjacent pivotable side actuation elements 32. In the sectional view of the front sealing rail 27 and the rear sealing rail 28, both the lateral sections of the first and second sealing lips 45, 46 and the suction openings 30 arranged in front of it in the cleaning direction R as well as the steam suction openings 31, but also the fastening bolts 41 for attaching the front sealing rail 27 and the rear sealing rail 28 to the housing 15 of the steam cleaning head 2 can be seen. When the steam cleaning head 2 approaches a side surface, indicated on the left side of FIG. This triggers a pressure switch 42 arranged above the steam chamber 18, which in turn opens a valve 43, so that steam from the steam supply line 17 to the steam chamber 18 is fed via a movable side steam line 44 to the side steam pipe 33 on the underside of the side actuation element 32.

Fig. 5 shows a side view of the steam cleaning head 2 or the side actuation element 32 without the housing 15. In this side view of the pivotable side actuation supply element 32, its position between the first sealing lip 45 of the front sealing rail 27 and the second sealing lip 46 of the rear sealing rail 28 can be seen. Only a small gap remains between the sealing rail 37 of the side actuation element 32 guided by the edge rollers 40 and the cleaning surface 14. The side steam pipe 33 below the side actuation element 32 and outside the suction space 26 delimited by the side sealing rail 37 is connected to the steam supply line 17 via the side steam line 44 and the valve 43. The side sealing lip 36, which protrudes laterally on the side actuation element 32 and which seals against the side surface when the steam cleaning head 2 approaches a side surface, is slightly inclined relative to the cleaning surface 14, with the front region of the side sealing lip 36 in the cleaning direction R being at a greater distance from the cleaning surface 14 having. When the steam cleaning head 2 approaches a side surface, the pivotable side actuation element 32 is guided securely by the edge rollers 40 and kept at a distance suitable for sealing, but the slight inclination of the side sealing lip 36 by approximately 3° to 5° to the cleaning surface 14 prevents additional tilting the side sealing lip 36.

6a shows a sectional view of the steam distribution device 22 of the steam chamber 18 shown in detail in FIGS. The steam then emerges from the respective steam nozzles 24 of the steam pipes 23 and is applied to the cleaning surface 14 at an angle. As can be seen in Fig. 6b, the steam emerges from the steam nozzles 24 in a cone shape, this cone of steam being dependent on the distance of the steam nozzles 24 from the cleaning surface 14 and the exit angle of the steam nozzles 24. In order to ensure a uniform application of the steam via the steam nozzles 24 to the To ensure cleaning surface 14 sprayed steam, both the distances between the steam nozzles 24 must be adapted to the respective shape of the steam cone and the inclination of the steam nozzles 24 and the steam pressure within the steam pipes 23 must be evenly distributed. This is achieved by introducing the steam from the steam supply line 17 into the steam pipes 23 at an angular offset. List of reference symbols:

1 surface cleaning device

2 steam cleaning head

3 supply hose

4 steam generator

5 water tank

6 power supply unit

7 suction device

8 dirty water containers

9 mobile platform

10 wheels

11 Robot arm

12 drive unit

13 arm elements

14 cleaning area

15 cases

16 hose connection

17 steam supply line

18 steam chamber

19 Dry suction

20 steam extraction

21 steam chamber wall

22 steam distribution device

23 steam pipes

24 steam nozzles

25 casters

26 suction room

27 front sealing rail

28 rear sealing rail

29 sealing device

30 suction opening

31 Steam extraction opening

32 side actuation element

33 side steam pipe

34 side nozzles 35 pivot axis

36 side sealing lip

37 side sealing rail

38 side stops 39 spring device

40 edge rolls

41 mounting bolts

42 pressure switches

43 Valve 44 Side steam line

45 first sealing lip

46 second sealing lip

R cleaning direction

Claims

Claims Steam cleaning head (2), in particular a dry steam cleaning head, for a surface cleaning device (1), in particular a cleaning robot, with a steam chamber (18) formed by the steam cleaning head (2), which is open to a cleaning surface (14) and in which at least a steam nozzle (24) is provided for applying steam to the cleaning surface (14), with a suction space (26) surrounding the steam chamber (18), in which at least one steam suction opening (31) is provided, and with a sealing device (29). Delimitation of the suction space (26) from the surroundings of the steam cleaning head (2), characterized in that the sealing device (29) has at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element (32), the at least one side actuation element (32) being essentially parallel to the Cleaning surface (14) can be pivoted or engaged. Steam cleaning head (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a pivot axis (35) of the at least one side actuation element (32) is arranged on the steam cleaning head (2), the pivot axis (35) being arranged substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface (14). . Steam cleaning head according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing device (29) has a first sealing lip (45) at the front in the cleaning direction (R) and a second sealing lip (46) at the rear in the cleaning direction (R), the first sealing lip (45) and the second sealing lip (46) is in contact with the cleaning surface (14) during operation of the steam cleaning head (2), and wherein the at least one pivotable or engageable side actuation element (32) between the first sealing lip (45) and the second sealing lip (46) is arranged. Steam cleaning head (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one side nozzle (34) is provided for applying steam to the cleaning surface (14), preferably a side steam pipe (33) with several side nozzles (34), wherein the at least one side nozzle (34) is arranged in the suction space (26) and can be actuated by means of the at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element (32). Steam cleaning head (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one side nozzle (34), preferably a side steam pipe (33) with a plurality of side nozzles (34), is arranged on the pivotable or retractable side actuation element (32). Steam cleaning head (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element (32) has a side sealing lip (36), the side sealing lip (36) being at a distance from the cleaning surface (14), preferably is arranged at an angle to the cleaning surface (14) of less than 8°, in particular less than 5°. Steam cleaning head (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one pivotable or retractable side actuation element (32) has a biasing device to bias the side actuation element (32) outwards, preferably a spring device (39). Steam cleaning head (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the steam chamber (18) has a steam chamber wall (21), the steam chamber wall (21) delimits the steam chamber (18) from the surrounding suction space (26), the steam chamber wall (21) has a distance from the cleaning surface (14) during operation, preferably a distance of less than 10% of the depth of the steam chamber (18), in particular a distance of less than 5% of the depth of the steam chamber (18). Steam cleaning head (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of steam nozzles (24) are provided in the steam chamber (18) for applying steam to the cleaning surface (14), preferably at least one steam pipe (23) with several steam nozzles (24). Steam cleaning head (2) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the suction chamber (26) has a plurality of steam suction openings (31), the steam suction openings (31) preferably in the cleaning direction (R) between the steam chamber (18) and the second sealing lip (46) and on the sides of the steam chamber (18). Steam cleaning head (2) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that a dry suction (19) with at least one dry corner suction opening (30) is provided, wherein the at least one dry suction opening (30) is preferably arranged in front of the first sealing lip (45) in the cleaning direction (R). Surface cleaning device (1), in particular a cleaning robot, for cleaning surfaces using steam, in particular using dry steam, with a steam generator (4), a suction device (7) and a steam cleaning head (2) according to one of the preceding claims.