EP3664680B1 - Surface cleaning machine comprising a lid device for a tank device for dirty fluid - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head with at least one driven cleaning roller unit, a dirty fluid tank device which is arranged on the cleaning head, and a stripping guide device for dirty fluid which acts on the at least one cleaning roller unit.

the DE 20 2016 105 301 U1 discloses a floor cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning drum used to clean a floor; a drain hermetically attached to a surface of the cleaning drum; a tank of clean water that is used to store clean water; a clean water supply device, wherein the clean water tank, the clean water supply device and the drain are in communication, and the clean water supply device drives the clean water in the clean water tank to flow toward the drain ; a waste water tank including a body chamber used to store recovered waste water, the body chamber being provided with a waste water inlet and a disposal port, and the waste water inlet communicating with the drain; and an air pump, wherein a suction port of the air pump is in communication with the disposal port of the dirty water tank.

From the WO 2010/041185 A1 a surface cleaning machine with rotating brushes is known.

From the US 7,665,174 B2 a cleaning head for a floor cleaning machine is known.

From the U.S. 4,173,054 a floor cleaner is known which comprises a handle, a main body, a roller mechanism with a roller with a cleaning belt, a scraper and a dirty fluid receptacle.

From the WO 2013/106762 A2 a surface cleaning machine with a cleaning roller and a drive unit for driving the cleaning roller is known. A dirt bowl is provided into which the cleaning roller sweeps dirt as it rotates. The dirt tray can be opened.

From the US 7,921,497 B2 a floor scrubbing device is known which is manually operated and comprises a drive roller which is coupled to a scrubbing roller.

From the not pre-published registrations PCT / EP2015 / 073275 , PCT / EP2015 / 072929 , PCT / EP2015 / 073529 , PCT / EP2015 / 073116 , PCT / EP2015 / 073478 surface cleaning machines are known. From the not pre-published PCT / EP2015 / 073315 a surface cleaning machine is also known.

From the U.S. 4,875,246 a portable floor cleaning device is known which has a roller driven by an electric motor.

From the DE 20 2009 013 434 U1 a device for wet floor cleaning with a brush which is rotatable about an axis of rotation is known.

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

From the U.S. 6,026,529 a device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces is known.

From the WO 2005/087075 A1 a floor cleaning machine is known with a handle which is pivotably arranged on a base.

From the WO 2015/086083 A1 another floor cleaning machine is known.

From the U.S. 3,789,449 a hard floor cleaning device is known.

The invention is based on the object of providing a surface cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the beginning, which is designed in a simple and compact manner.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the surface cleaning machine mentioned at the outset in that the dirty fluid tank device has a container device for dirty fluid and a cover device for the container device, that a channel device for cleaning liquid is arranged on the cover device and that an opening device is arranged on the cover device, which fluid effective is connected to the channel device and by means of which the at least one cleaning roller unit can be acted upon with cleaning fluid.

By integrating a channel device into the cover device and also by integrating the mouth device into the cover device, the surface cleaning machine and in particular the cleaning head with its dirty fluid tank device can be designed in a simple and compact manner.

Essential functional parts of the surface cleaning machine to supply a cleaning roller unit with cleaning fluid are integrated into the dirty fluid tank device.

As a result, cleaning of these essential parts and in particular of the channel device with the mouth device is also possible in a simple manner.

Furthermore, the container device can then be designed with a large receiving volume.

By providing a stripping guide device, which is then arranged in particular on the dirty fluid tank device, dirty fluid can be stripped off the cleaning roller unit and, in particular, wiped off without a fan and conveyed into the dirty fluid tank device.

It is provided in particular that the mouth device for cleaning liquid is arranged and designed in such a way that cleaning liquid can be applied to at least approximately an entire trim length of the at least one cleaning roller unit. This results in optimized cleaning results with a structurally simple design of the dirty fluid tank device and the cleaning head.

It is advantageous if the mouth device has at least one mouth slot. In particular, only a single opening slot is provided on the cover device in relation to a transverse direction to an axis of rotation. (In relation to a direction along the axis of rotation of the corresponding cleaning roller unit, an orifice slot can be provided or several spaced-apart orifice slots can be provided.) This results in a simple structural design with easy exposure of cleaning fluid.

It is then advantageous if the at least one opening slot has a length which corresponds to at least 80% and preferably at least 90% and preferably 100% of a trimming length of a trimming area of the at least one cleaning roller unit to which the at least one opening slot is assigned. This results in optimized cleaning results with a structurally simple structure.

In particular, a direction of longitudinal extent of the at least one mouth slot is oriented at least approximately parallel to an axis of rotation of the associated at least one cleaning roller unit. As a result, an optimized moistening of a set of the cleaning roller unit can be achieved in order to in turn achieve optimized cleaning results.

In principle, the dirty fluid tank device can also be emptied via its inlet mouth.

It is favorable if the cover device is arranged detachably and / or movably on the container device and if one or more receiving chamber spaces of the container device can be accessed when the cover device is open. A movable cover device is, for example, pivotable or designed as a sliding cover. This allows the container device to be emptied in a simple manner. Furthermore, the container device and the cover device can be cleaned in a simple manner.

In a structurally simple embodiment, an inlet opening of the dirty fluid tank device for the entry of dirty fluid into the container device is arranged on the container device and / or the cover device. This minimizes the number of components required. Furthermore, the “contaminated area” on the cleaning head and the dirty fluid tank device can thereby be minimized in order to also enable cleaning in a simple manner, for example by rinsing.

It is favorable if the dirty fluid tank device as a whole or the container device is arranged detachably on the cleaning head. This results in easy emptying and cleaning.

In particular, it is provided that the channel device is in fluid connection with a tank device for cleaning liquid. As a result, the at least one cleaning roller unit can be subjected to cleaning fluid in a simple manner.

In one embodiment, the stripping guide device is arranged on the cover device. This results in a simple structural design. The number of components required can be minimized.

It is then favorable if the stripping guide device forms a wall for the channel device and / or forms a wall for the opening device for cleaning liquid. This minimizes the number of components required. On the one hand, the channel device can be designed in a simple manner and, on the other hand, a separation can be achieved between the opening device as an outlet opening device for cleaning liquid and the inlet opening as an inlet for dirty fluid.

In particular, the wiping guide device is then between the opening device for cleaning liquid and an inlet opening for Arranged dirty fluid of the dirty fluid container device. This results in a simple structural design.

For the same reason, it is advantageous if the wiping guide device has a guide surface for cleaning liquid for supply to the cleaning roller unit. The result is a simple structural design.

It is then also favorable if the stripping guide device at least partially forms a partition between the channel device for supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller unit and an inlet opening or an inlet area of the dirty fluid tank device. The number of components required can be minimized.

It is then particularly favorable if the stripping guide device has a first side with a guide surface and / or impact surface for dirty fluid and has a second side opposite the first side with a guide surface for cleaning fluid. The number of components required can be kept low.

Optimized releasability for dirty fluid and, in particular, fan-free releasability results if the cleaning head has a holding area for the cleaning roller unit and the stripping guide device has an area which protrudes into the holding area. In this way, it can be realized in a particularly simple manner that the stripping guide device protrudes into a set of the at least one cleaning roller unit in order to be able to remove (wipe off) dirty fluid.

It is favorable if at least one retaining element for dirty fluid is seated in the dirty fluid tank device on the cover device and / or the container device. Such a retaining element can be used, for example, to prevent the dirty fluid from flowing out when the dirty fluid tank device or the container device is removed or at least make it more difficult. Furthermore, the retaining element can also serve as protection against sloshing when the surface cleaning machine is in operation.

It is provided, for example, that a retaining element is arranged on the lid device and, when the lid device is seated on the container device, the at least one retaining element is immersed in an associated receiving space of the container device. This results in a restraint function. The retaining element is removable with respect to the container device by means of the removable cover device.

It is favorable if the at least one retaining element covers a partial area of at least one receiving space of the container device, with one or more openings in fluid communication with the partial area being arranged on the at least one retaining element, and / or between the at least one retaining element and a receiving chamber wall one or a plurality of openings which are in fluid communication with the sub-area are arranged. As a result, a channel can be formed or several channels can be formed via which dirty fluid can be fed to the corresponding receiving space. The at least one retaining element fulfills its retaining function. Coupling into a receiving space (collecting space) can take place through the at least one opening.

It is then advantageous if the at least one opening is at least in a partial area at a lower gravitational potential than an inlet opening of the dirty fluid tank device, based on a normal operating range of the surface cleaning machine. As a result, dirty fluid detached from the at least one cleaning roller unit can flow “by itself” (driven by gravitational force) into a corresponding receiving space.

It is also advantageous if at least one channel for dirty fluid between the at least one retaining element and an underside of the cover device is arranged. This allows dirty fluid to flow into its corresponding receiving space, the channel forming a guide.

It is then advantageous if the inlet side of the at least one channel opens into an inlet opening of the dirty fluid tank device in order to be able to collect dirty fluid in a simple manner.

For the same reason, it is also advantageous if the outlet of the at least one channel opens into one or more openings to a partial area of the at least one receiving space of the container device. This results in an optimized supply of dirty fluid for collection in the container device.

In one embodiment, the at least one retaining element is spaced apart from an underside of the lid device by means of one or more pillars on the cover device (without the at least one retaining element). This makes it easy to clean. Furthermore, a channel can be formed between the underside and the retaining element.

In an alternative or supplementary embodiment, the at least one retaining element is movably and / or removably arranged on the container device. If, for example, the container device is removed from the cleaning head with the cover device removed, then the at least one retaining element can also fulfill its retaining function here. As a result of the mobility or removability, it can then be moved in such a way that the container device can be emptied or cleaned.

In one embodiment, the at least one retaining element is arranged on the container device so as to be pivotable and in particular foldable. It can be pivoted in such a way that a corresponding receiving space is essentially covered (apart from one or more openings for feeding). For emptying the corresponding receiving space the at least one retaining element is then folded into an open position. In particular, the open position is a type of latching position.

In one embodiment, the dirty fluid tank device has a plurality of separate receiving chambers which, in particular, are arranged next to one another in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the cleaning roller unit. But they can also be arranged in a direction perpendicular to this axis of rotation. For example, a receiving chamber is assigned to its own cleaning roller unit or, in the case of a multi-part design of a cleaning roller unit, a corresponding receiving chamber is assigned to each part of the cleaning roller unit.

It is then advantageous if the cover device is a common cover device for the receiving chambers and is in particular formed by a single element. A corresponding common mouth device for the at least one rotary roller unit is then also arranged on the cover device.

In particular, the cover device then comprises at least one of the following elements for each receiving chamber:
a mouth slot, a wiper guide element (as part of a wiper guide device), a channel device area for cleaning liquid (as part of a channel device), a retaining element for a corresponding receiving chamber space. This results in a simple constructional training.

In particular, a torque transmission device to the cleaning roller unit is arranged at least partially between spaced-apart receiving chambers. A kind of center drive for the cleaning head can be implemented in this way. This results in a high level of edge cleanability.

In one embodiment, a nose is arranged on the container device which delimits a holding area for the cleaning roller unit and which in particular has a support surface for the cover device. By means of the nose, for example, an inlet opening for dirty fluid can be formed. Furthermore, the closure of the container device by the cover device can be carried out or supported by means of appropriate placement.

In one embodiment, a first fixing device is provided which fixes the container device on the cleaning head, and a second fixing device is provided which fixes the cover device on the container device and in particular fixes it directly. It is thereby possible, for example, to remove or use a dirty fluid tank device, in which the cover device on the container device is closed, as a whole from the cleaning head.

In an advantageous embodiment, a fixing device is provided for the cover device, which fixes the cover device directly to the cleaning head. It is thus possible, for example, to use the cover device to fix the container device to the cleaning head in at least one removal direction or insertion direction. The result is a structurally simple embodiment while minimizing the required components.

It is then advantageous if the container device can be fixed on the cleaning head via the cover device, at least with regard to the direction of removal or insertion of the container device on the cleaning head.

In one embodiment, the fixing device for the cover device has at least one element which engages a counter-element of the cleaning head which is not part of the container device, the at least one element and the counter-element being movable relative to one another. This allows in a simple manner and in particular through Operator access can achieve a fixation by engaging the at least one element on its counter-element or the fixation can be released in a simple manner.

It can be provided that the at least one cleaning roller unit comprises a multi-part cleaning roller. It is thus possible, for example, to implement a center drive or center coupling so that a high degree of accessibility to the edges is achieved for cleaning.

In one embodiment, the surface cleaning machine is supported on the surface to be cleaned in the cleaning operation solely via the at least one cleaning roller unit and, in particular, a single cleaning roller unit. This makes it easy to use. In particular, a rotary drive of the cleaning roller unit can be used for a feed drive of the surface cleaning machine.

In an alternative embodiment, a first cleaning roller unit and a second cleaning roller unit are provided, between which the dirty fluid tank device is arranged.

In particular, the first cleaning roller unit and the second cleaning roller unit rotate in opposite directions to one another. This results in an effective cleaning operation, since in particular a large area can be acted upon by the two cleaning roller units at the same time.

In particular, the surface cleaning machine is designed as a hand-held or hand-held machine.

In particular, a (holding) rod device is then provided on which the cleaning head is seated. This makes it easy to use.

It is also possible for the cleaning head to be self-propelled and self-steering and, in particular, to be designed as a type of cleaning robot.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine, wobei eine Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung abgenommen ist;

Figur 2

eine seitliche Teil-Schnittansicht der Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Figur 1 mit fixierter Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung;

Figur 3

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines Reinigungskopfs mit Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung entsprechend dem Bereich A gemäß Figur 2, wobei die Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung abgenommen ist;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung aus Figur 3;

Figur 5

eine andere perspektivische Darstellung der Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung gemäß Figur 4 mit abgenommener Deckeleinrichtung;

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Deckeleinrichtung gemäß Figur 5;

Figur 7

eine Schnittansicht in einer Ebene, welche die Linie 7-7 gemäß Figur 4 enthält;

Figur 8

die gleiche Schnittansicht wie Figur 7 nur der Deckeleinrichtung ohne Behältereinrichtung;

Figur 9

eine Seitenansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine mit abgenommener Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung, wobei eine Deckeleinrichtung von einer Behältereinrichtung gelöst ist;

Figur 10

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Reinigungskopfs der Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Figur 9 mit gelöster Behältereinrichtung der Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung und gelöster Deckeleinrichtung;

Figur 11

eine erste perspektivische Darstellung der Deckeleinrichtung gemäß Figur 10;

Figur 12

eine zweite perspektivische Darstellung (in einer Richtung von unten her) der Deckeleinrichtung gemäß Figur 10;

Figur 13

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Behältereinrichtung der Schmutzfluidtankeinrichtung gemäß Figur 10;

Figur 14

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Reinigungskopfs eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen FlächenReinigungsmaschine;

Figur 15

eine schematische Darstellung eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Flächen-Reinigungsmaschine mit einer ortsfesten Station und einem selbstfahrenden Reinigungskopf; und

Figur 16

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines selbstfahrenden Reinigungskopfes.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in greater detail in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1

a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, wherein a dirty fluid tank device is removed;

Figure 2

a side partial sectional view of the surface cleaning machine according to Figure 1 with fixed dirty fluid tank device;

Figure 3

an enlarged illustration of a cleaning head with dirty fluid tank device corresponding to area A according to FIG Figure 2 with the dirty fluid tank assembly removed;

Figure 4

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dirty fluid tank assembly Figure 3 ;

Figure 5

another perspective view of the dirty fluid tank device according to FIG Figure 4 with the cover device removed;

Figure 6

a perspective view of the cover device according to Figure 5 ;

Figure 7

a sectional view in a plane which the line 7-7 according to FIG Figure 4 contains;

Figure 8

the same sectional view as Figure 7 only the lid device without the container device;

Figure 9

a side view of a second embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention with removed dirty fluid tank device, wherein a cover device is detached from a container device;

Figure 10

an enlarged illustration of a section of a cleaning head of the surface cleaning machine according to FIG Figure 9 with detached container device of the dirty fluid tank device and detached cover device;

Figure 11

a first perspective view of the cover device according to FIG Figure 10 ;

Figure 12

a second perspective illustration (in a direction from below) of the cover device according to FIG Figure 10 ;

Figure 13

a perspective view of the container device of the dirty fluid tank device according to FIG Figure 10 ;

Figure 14

a schematic sectional view of a cleaning head of a third embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention;

Figure 15

a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention with a stationary station and a self-propelled cleaning head; and

Figure 16

a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a self-propelled cleaning head.

An embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown in Figure 1 is shown and in the Figures 2 to 8 is shown in partial representation and is 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 58 (see below). The cleaning roller unit 18 is a cleaning roller which can be in one piece or in several pieces. In the embodiment described below, the cleaning roller unit 18 is or comprises 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 one (in particular precisely one) holding rod 24 which has a longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 20. A handle 26, and in particular a bow-type handle, is arranged on an upper region of the holding rod device 22. 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 in length 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 when the cleaning roller unit 18 is 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 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. This switch enables the operation of a drive motor 28 ( Figure 2 ) switchable for rotational operation of the cleaning roller unit 18. Furthermore, a switch for actuating a valve device 38 (see below) can be provided.

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 water with or without an additional cleaning agent) is removably arranged on the holder 32.

A tank receptacle 36 for the tank device 34 is arranged on the holder 32 of the housing 30. A corresponding outlet of the tank device 34 can be connected to the tank receptacle 36.

A valve device 38 is positioned downstream of the tank receptacle 36 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 connected 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 140 for cleaning liquid (see below) are provided on the cleaning head 14.

The outlet opening or openings 140 are arranged in such a way that the cleaning roller unit 18 and in particular a set 42 of the cleaning roller unit 18 is acted upon with cleaning fluid. When the cleaning roller unit 18 is acted upon by cleaning liquid, the surface 16 to be cleaned is then indirectly acted upon by cleaning liquid.

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

A switch is assigned to the valve device 38, by means of 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 fluid is released from the tank device 34 to the cleaning head 14).

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 or on 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 recharging on a corresponding charger.

It can also be provided that a corresponding 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 is seated 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 130 ° and 170 °.

In one embodiment, the cleaning head 14 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 48 with respect to the device body 12. This pivotability is in Figure 1 indicated by the double arrow with the reference numeral 50.

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 is firmly seated on the device body 12. The inner sleeve 52 is seated 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 in such a way that they allow pivotability. Correspondingly, the fluid line 40 or the fluid lines 40 are designed 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) one axis of rotation 58 of the cleaning roller unit 18 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing according to FIG Figure 2 is oriented. 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 of the drawing according to FIG Figure 2 when the cleaning head 14 is freely pivotable (ie not propped up).

The pivot bearing 56 is adjusted in particular in such a way that a special effort is necessary in relation to a normal cleaning operation to cause a pivoting of the cleaning head 14 from 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, as the device body 12 with the holding rod device 22 can be "repositioned" with respect to the surface 16 to be cleaned.

The cleaning head 14 has a cleaning roller holder 60 on which the cleaning roller unit 18 is seated such that it can rotate 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 area 64 for a dirty fluid tank device 66 (see, for example, FIG Figure 3 ).

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

The cleaning roller unit 18 is coupled to the drive motor 28 in a torque-effective manner via a transmission device 68.

The transmission device 68 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 exemplary embodiment, the transmission device 68 comprises a speed reducer. This serves to reduce a speed compared to the speed of the motor shaft. For example, a standard electric motor has speeds on the order of 7000 revolutions per minute. The speed reducer ensures that the speed is reduced to about 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 designed as a planetary gear, for example.

The gear device 68 also has an angular gear, which ensures 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 for angular conversion.

It can be provided in an alternative embodiment that the bevel gear provides a speed reduction.

In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission device 68 further 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 in a rotationally fixed manner on a first side of the shaft 70 and the second part 74 is seated non-rotatably on a second side of the shaft 70 opposite the first side of the shaft 70.

In an intermediate area 76 between the first part 72 and the second part 74, the transmission device 68 is guided to the shaft 70 and coupled to the shaft 70.

The first part 72 and the second part 74 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 (each) have a sleeve 78 (see, for example, FIG Figure 3 ), which is cylindrical. 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 face 80 and the second face 82 is at least 20 cm and preferably at least 25 cm and, for example, about 30 cm.

The receiving area 64 has a bottom 84 (see. For example Figure 2 ) on. A receiving area wall 86 is arranged on the base 84, oriented transversely to the latter. The receiving area wall 86 and the floor 84 of the receiving area 64 define a receiving space 88 for the dirty fluid tank device 66.

Opposite the bottom 84, the receiving space 88 is open. The dirty fluid tank device 66 can be removed from or inserted into the receiving space 88 via a corresponding side 90. A removal direction or insertion direction 92 (cf. Figure 3 ) is substantially perpendicular to the floor 84 (and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 58).

The dirty fluid tank device 66 comprises a container device 98 and a cover device 100 (in particular Figures 3 to 8 ). The lid device 100 closes the container device 98 in particular towards the top in order to prevent the dirty fluid 102 collected in the container device from spilling out or sloshing out ( Figure 7 ) to prevent.

The cover device 100 is detachably or movably arranged on the container device 98 in such a way that the container device 98 can be emptied of collected dirty fluid 102 by opening the cover device 100 or the container device 98 is accessible for cleaning.

In the embodiment shown ( Figures 3 to 8 ) the cover device 100 is detachable as a whole from the container device 98.

In the embodiment shown, the container device 98 comprises a first receiving chamber 104 with a first receiving chamber space 106 for dirty fluid, and a second receiving chamber 108 with a second receiving chamber space 110 for dirty fluid. The first receiving chamber 104 is assigned to the first part 72 of the cleaning roller unit 18 and the second receiving chamber 108 is assigned to the second part 74 of the cleaning roller unit 18. The first receiving chamber 104 and the second receiving chamber 108 are connected to one another via a holder 112.

An intermediate space 114 (channel 114) is formed between the first receiving chamber 104 and the second receiving chamber 108. This intermediate space 114 is limited at the top by the holder 112.

When the dirty fluid tank device 66 with the container device 98 is properly inserted in the receiving area 64 of the cleaning head 14, then the intermediate area 76 lies in the intermediate space 114.

The container device 98 comprises a nose 116. This is arranged in particular on the holder 112. When the dirty fluid tank device 66 is inserted in the receiving area 64 of the cleaning head, the nose points to the holding region 62 for the cleaning roller unit 18. The nose 116 accordingly has a cylindrical surface 118 towards this holding region 62.

The nose 116 also has a support surface 120 for the cover device 100.

In particular, it is provided that the container device 98 is designed as a unit.

As mentioned above, the cover device 100 serves to close the container device 98. Further functional components are arranged on it.

It is provided that cleaning liquid (from the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid) is provided to the cleaning roller unit 18 via the cover device 100.

For this purpose, a channel device 122 is formed on the cover device 100. The channel device 122 can be connected or, in particular when the dirty fluid tank device 66 is arranged on the cleaning head 14, is fluidically connected to the tank device 34. On the cover device 100 is a Orifice device 124 is arranged, which is fluidly connected to the channel device 122, and via which the cleaning roller unit 18 can be acted upon directly with cleaning fluid. The opening device 124 forms the outlet opening or outlet openings.

The cover device 100 is designed in particular as a single element which is provided to cover both the first receiving chamber 104 and the second receiving chamber 108. For this purpose, the cover device 100 has a placement area 126, with which it can be placed on the container device 98 and, in particular, can be placed on the nose 116 in a partial area. The placement area 126 also closes the receiving chambers 104 and 108 at the top. In one embodiment, it is provided (compare in particular Figure 7 ) that a flange 128 is positioned on a side of the container device 98 which faces away from the side on which the nose 116 is seated. The contact area 126 has a further sub-area 130 with which it can be positioned on the flange 128.

In principle, it can be provided that a sealing device is arranged on the contact area 126, which ensures a liquid-tight connection between the lid device 100 and the container device 98 with the receiving chambers 104, 108 when the lid device 100 is properly positioned on the container device 98.

The cover device 100 also has an upper side 132. The channel device 122 is positioned between the upper side 132 and the placement area 126 on or in the cover device 100.

The channel device 122 has a connector 134 (in Figure 7 shown only schematically) for fluid-effective connection to the tank device 34.

It can be provided that a mating connection 136 for the connection 134 is arranged on the cleaning head 14 and thereby on the receiving area 64. It is then provided in particular that when the container device 98 is inserted on the cleaning head 14 and the cover device 100 is properly positioned, a fluid-effective coupling is automatically achieved between the connection 134 and the mating connection 136 in order to be able to use the channel device 122 and the opening device 124 to enable the cover device 100 to act on the cleaning roller unit 18 with cleaning fluid.

In principle, it is possible here for several connections 134 and correspondingly several mating connections 136 to be provided, or for only a single connection 134 and only a single mating connection 136 to be provided.

Furthermore, it is basically also possible that a fluid-effective connection between the connection 134 and the mating connection 136 has to be established manually, for example by connecting a fluid line to the connection 134 or the mating connection 136 in a fluid-effective manner.

The channel device 122 of the cover device 100 is designed in such a way that it produces a fluid-active connection between the connection or connections 134 and the opening device 124.

The channel device 122 comprises one or more channels between the connection or connections 134 and the opening device 124. Such a channel or channels can be produced, for example, by appropriate hose connections or the like.

In one embodiment, the channel or channels 138 are provided by material-free areas in the cover device 100, through which cleaning fluid can then flow.

As mentioned above, the orifice device 124 is arranged and designed in such a way that cleaning fluid can be applied to the cleaning roller unit 18 over its entire length, and in particular the facing 42 of the cleaning roller unit 18 over its entire facing length.

In particular, the opening device 124 comprises one or more opening slots 140. An opening slot 140 is arranged on the cover device 100 towards the holding area 62. Its longitudinal axis is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation 58 of the cleaning roller unit 18.

The mouth slot (s) 140 are arranged in such a way that cleaning fluid from the mouth device 124 can be applied directly to the facing 42 over its entire length.

In particular, it is provided that at least 80% and preferably at least 90% of the trimming length can be supplied with cleaning fluid directly from the channel device 122 via the opening slot (s) 140. In a preferred embodiment, 100% of the facing length can be supplied with cleaning fluid via the mouth slot or slots 140.

In particular, the mouth slot 140 has a first area which is assigned to the first part 72, and has a second area which is assigned to the second part 74 of the cleaning roller unit 18. A corresponding length of the first area corresponds essentially to a length (parallel to the axis of rotation 58) of the first part 72. A corresponding length of the second area corresponds to the corresponding length of the second part 74 of the cleaning roller unit 18.

It is possible that the first area and the second area are separated due to the intermediate area 76.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the opening slot 140 is continuous, so that the first area merges directly into the second area.

The channel device 122 on the cover device 100 is designed in such a way that the opening slot 140 and thus the opening device 124 are supplied with cleaning fluid essentially over their entire length in order to supply the cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller unit 18 over its entire length be able.

A stripping guide device 142 is arranged on the cover device 100. The stripping guide device 142 serves to loosen dirty fluid from the cleaning roller unit 18 (from its set 42) and to guide this into the container device 98.

The stripping guide device can in principle also be arranged on the container device 98.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is arranged on the cover device 100. It is positioned in the area of the mouth device 124. The stripping guide device 142 forms a wall 144 (cf. Figures 7 and 8th ), which delimits the channel device 122 in the cover device 100. Furthermore, the stripping guide device 142 then forms a wall on the opening device 124, which wall is a boundary wall of the opening slot 140.

Said wall is a partition 146 between the opening device 124 for cleaning liquid and an inlet opening 148 (compare in particular Figure 7 ) for the entry of dirty fluid into the dirty fluid tank device 66.

The wiper guide has a first side 150 that faces the inlet port 148. Over this first side 150 is a guide surface formed for dirty fluid. It acts as a guide surface and / or impact surface for dirty fluid.

The stripping guide device 142 also has a second side 152 opposite the first side 150. This second side 152 forms a guide surface for cleaning fluid in the channel device 122 as it flows towards the orifice device 124.

The stripping guide device 142 has an area 154 which protrudes into the holding area 62. If the dirty fluid tank device 66 is properly positioned on the cleaning head 14, the stripping guide device can, via this region 154, dip into the facing 42 of the cleaning roller unit 18 in order to dissolve the dirty fluid.

At the same time, this area 154 can also serve with its side at the mouth slot 140 for the targeted supply of cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller unit 18.

The stripping guide device 142 basically has a first area which is assigned to the first part 72 of the cleaning roller unit 18, and has a second area which is assigned to the second part 74 of the cleaning roller unit 18.

In one embodiment, the first area and the second area are connected to one another. The stripping guide device 142 is continuous, in particular when the opening slot 140 is continuous. The stripping guide device can also be in several parts and in particular in two parts.

In principle, it is possible for the inlet opening 148 to be formed solely on the lid device 100, to be formed solely on the container device 98, or be embodied in such a way that when the lid device 100 is positioned on the container device 98, an inlet opening 148 is realized.

In the in the Figures 4 to 8 The embodiment shown is the case that the inlet opening 148 is formed between the cover device 100, delimited by the first side 150 of the stripping guide device 142, and the container device 98, delimited by the nose 116. As a result, when the cover device 100 is positioned on the container device 98, the inlet opening 148 lies between the nose 116 and the first side 150 of the stripping guide device 142.

A channel device 156 is provided which is fluidly connected to the inlet opening 148 and the receiving chamber spaces 106 and 110.

In particular, the channel device 156 comprises a first channel 158, which is assigned to the first receiving chamber 104, and a second channel 160, which is assigned to the second receiving chamber 108. The first channel 158 and the second channel 160 are in particular fluidly separated from one another. Dirty fluid, which enters at the inlet opening 148, can be fed to the first receiving chamber space 106 via the first channel 158. Dirty fluid entering at the inlet opening 148 can then be fed to the second receiving chamber space 110 via the second channel 160.

In particular, the channel device 156 is delimited at the top, when the cover device 100 is placed on the container device 98, by the placement area 126 of the cover device.

In one embodiment, retention elements 162 (first retention element) and 164 (second retention element) are associated with dirty fluid tank assembly 66. The first retaining element 162 is the assigned to the first receiving chamber 104 and the second retaining element 164 is assigned to the second receiving chamber 108.

The retaining elements 162, 164 serve to immerse into the corresponding receiving chamber space 106 and 110, respectively. They form a type of slosh protection or they serve to prevent dirty fluid from running out of the dirty fluid tank device 66 when the surface cleaning machine 10 is “inclined”.

The one in the Figures 4 to 8 The embodiment shown, both the first retaining element 162 and the second retaining element 164 are arranged on the cover device 100. They are each positioned at a distance from the placement area 126 on the cover device 108 via pillars 166. The first retaining element 162 and the second retaining element 164 are spaced apart from one another in order to enable immersion into the respective receiving chamber 104 or 108.

The first channel 158 is formed between the first retaining element 162 and the contact area 126. The second channel 160 is formed between the second retaining element 164 and the contact area 126.

The first retaining element 162 and the second retaining element 164 each have at least one opening 168 (cf. Figure 7 ), which is in fluid communication with the channel device 156, so that dirty fluid flowing in the channel device 156 can flow through the opening 168 into the respective receiving chamber space 106 or 110.

In particular, the respective retaining element 162 and 164 is designed such that, with the exception of the opening or openings 168, the respective receiving chamber space 106 or 110 is otherwise completely covered at the top by the respective first retaining element 162 or second retaining element 164.

In one embodiment, the channel device 156 is designed such that the respective first channel 158 or second channel 160 is oriented away from the inlet opening 148 at an acute angle 170 to the axis of rotation 58 (when the container device 98 is inserted on the cleaning head 14).

As a result, an inclined channel area is formed in order to support the inflow of dirty fluid to the opening 168.

In particular, the opening 168 (or correspondingly, in the case of a plurality of openings, several openings) is at least in a partial area at a lower gravitational potential than the inlet opening 148 when the dirty fluid tank device 66 is inserted on the cleaning head 14 and the surface cleaning machine is operated in a normal operating range with placing on a floor surface to be cleaned.

It is also possible that a retaining element 162 or 164 is not provided with one or more openings, but is designed in such a way that it does not completely cover an associated receiving chamber space 106 or 110, but rather leaves an interspace free, which is then like an opening 168 works.

The dirty fluid tank device 66 can be removed as a whole from the cleaning head 14. In principle, it is possible that, for example, the container device 98 can be fixed directly to the cleaning head 14 via a first fixing device. The cover device 100 can then be fixable on the container device 98 via a second fixing device. It is thus possible, in particular, for a container device 98 that is closed by the cover device 100 to be removable as a whole (as a unit) from the cleaning head 14 or can be used on it.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the cover device 100 can be fixed directly to the cleaning head 14 and thereby directly to the receiving area 64 via a fixing device 172.

Such a fixing device 172 makes it possible to establish a direct connection between the cleaning head 14 and the cover device 100, whereby the dirty fluid tank device 66 can in turn be fixed as a whole on the cleaning head 14.

In one exemplary embodiment, the cover device 100 comprises one or more movable and in particular pivotable elements 174. Such an element or such elements are, in particular, designed in the shape of a hook.

A grip element 176, which is accessible from the outside, is arranged on the cover device 100. A pivoting movement of the hook-shaped element 174 can be actuated via this grip element 176.

One or more counter-elements 178 for the element 174 are seated on the receiving area 64 of the cleaning head 14. In one embodiment, a counter-element 178 is cylindrical in shape as a pin element. An element 174 can engage a counter element 178. For example, a hook element can engage on a corresponding cylinder element (a retaining pin).

Such an engagement can be released or brought about by the grip element 176.

The cover device 100 can then be clamped onto the cleaning head 14 via this fixing device 172.

The receiving area 64 of the cleaning head 14 is designed in particular in such a way that the dirty fluid tank device 66 can be positioned in it and, in the process, a form fit blocks transverse movements with respect to the removal / insertion direction 92. The fixing device 172 then takes care of the Fixing of the cover device 100 on the receiving area 64 for blocking the mobility in the removal / insertion direction 92.

In order to remove a dirty fluid tank device 66 from the cleaning head 14, the element or elements 174 are brought into reach from the respective associated counter-elements 178 by actuating the grip element 176. The cover device 100 can then be removed. The container device 98 can then be removed from the cleaning head 14 upwards in the removal direction 92.

Accordingly, the container device 98 can be inserted into the receiving area 64 in the insertion direction 92. The cover device 100 is then positioned with the placement area 126 (with the retaining elements 162, 164 dipping into their respective receiving chamber spaces 106 and 110) on the container device 98. By actuating the grip element 176, an engagement between an element 174 and an associated counter-element 178 is achieved and the dirty fluid tank device 66 is then fixed as a whole on the cleaning head 14, whereby it can be mounted in a floating manner and is clamped in the receiving area 64 by the cover device 100 . The lid device 100 covers the container device 98.

The surface cleaning machine 10 according to the invention functions as follows:
During a cleaning operation, the dirty fluid tank device 66 with its container device 98 and its cover device 100 is inserted on the cleaning head 14 and fixed to it via the fixing device 172.

Cleaning fluid from the tank device 34 is provided to the cleaning roller unit 18 via the channel device 122 and the mouth device 124.

In this case, cleaning fluid is made available to the trim 42 over its entire length via the mouth slot 140.

The scraper guide 142 protrudes into the trim 42 and scrapes off dirty fluid. This is guided via the channel device 146 into the receiving chambers 104, 108 of the container device 98 (cf. Figure 7 ).

The retaining elements 162 and 164 ensure that dirty fluid is retained in the respective receiving chamber spaces 106 and 110.

To empty the dirty fluid tank device 66, it is removed by the cleaning head 14.

In the first exemplary embodiment, for this purpose the fixing device 172 is released via the grip element 176. The cover device 100 can then be removed. The container device 98 can then be removed upwards in the removal direction 92.

The container device 98 can then be emptied and, if necessary, cleaned.

The mouth device 124 is arranged on the cover device 100. Furthermore, the channel device 122 is arranged thereon. This results in a simple, compact structure for the dirty fluid tank device 66. A receiving volume of dirty fluid 102 in the dirty fluid tank device 66 can be realized to be correspondingly large.

Furthermore, the stripping guide device 142 is arranged on the cover device 100. The stripping guide device 142 can thus be used to form the partition wall 146. The result is a constructive and compact structure for the dirty fluid tank device 66.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the retaining elements 162, 164 are arranged on the cover device 100.

In particular, it is provided that by inserting the dirty fluid tank device 66 on the cleaning head 14, a fluid-active connection to the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid is automatically established, that is to say that an automatic fluid-active coupling is achieved between a connection 134 and its mating connection 136.

It is also possible, as described above, for the dirty fluid tank device 66 to be insertable on or removable from the cleaning head 14 as a unit in which the cover device 100 is connected to the container device 98.

The mouth device 124 is arranged on the cover device 100. The stripping guide device 142 and the retaining elements 162, 164 are also arranged on the cover device 100. In principle, it is also possible for the stripping guide device and / or the retaining elements to be arranged on the container device 98.

In principle, it is also possible for the wiping guide device to be arranged on the cleaning head outside the dirty fluid tank device.

In a cleaning operation, the cleaning roller unit 18 is driven in rotation and preferably in such a way that it causes the surface cleaning machine 10 as a whole to be advanced on the surface 16 to be cleaned. In Figure 7 a direction of rotation is indicated schematically with the reference numeral 179. A certain area of the cleaning roller unit 18 is first moistened at the mouth device 124 and rotates towards the surface 16 to be cleaned. This is where dirt is loosened and absorbed. The corresponding area then rotates towards the stripping guide device 142. There, the dirty fluid is stripped off and coupled into the inlet opening 148.

A second embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown in Figure 9 shown and in partial representations in the Figures 10 to 13 and is denoted by 180, comprises a device body 182 and a cleaning head 184, which are basically of the same design as in the surface cleaning machine 10. A cleaning roller unit 186 is accordingly provided, which is basically of the same design as the cleaning roller unit 18.

A dirty fluid tank device 188 is provided which comprises a container device 190 and a cover device 192. The cover device 192 can be removed from the container device 190. The container device 190 can be positioned on a receiving area 194 of the cleaning head 184. The cover device 192 can be fixed to the container device 190 and, in the process, can also be fixed directly to the receiving area 194 (outside the container device 190).

This is shown schematically in an enlarged view in Figure 10 shown.

On the cover device 192 ( Figures 11, 12 ) an orifice device 196 and a duct device 198 connected to it in a fluidically effective manner are arranged. The mode of operation is the same as described above with reference to the channel device 122 and the mouth device 124 for the surface cleaning machine 10. The channel device 198 is provided for the fluid-effective coupling to the tank device 34 for cleaning liquid. Cleaning fluid is provided directly to a set of cleaning roller unit 186 via the cover device 192.

A stripping guide device 200 corresponding to the stripping guide device 142 is also arranged on the cover device 192.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stripping guide device 200 is not continuous, but rather is divided into two areas, which are assigned to a respective receiving chamber of the container device 190.

The cover device 192 has a grip element 202, which is designed in particular as a slide or swivel element. This is directly coupled to hook elements 204. Like the elements 174 in the dirty fluid tank device 66, these can couple to one or more corresponding counter elements on the receiving area 194 in order to enable the cover device 192 to be locked directly to the receiving area 194 of the cleaning head 184.

The container device 190 ( Figure 13 ) comprises a first receiving chamber 206 and a second receiving chamber 208 for a multi-part cleaning roller unit 186. The design is the same as that described above in connection with the container device 98.

A first retaining element 210 and a second retaining element 212 are arranged on the container device 190. The first retaining element 210 is arranged on the first receiving chamber 206 and the second retaining element 212 is arranged on the second receiving chamber 208.

The first retaining element 210 and the second retaining element 212 are each hingedly positioned on the respective receiving chamber 206 and 208 via a pivot bearing 214.

The respective pivot bearing 214 is designed in such a way that the respective retaining element 210 or 212 can also be removed as a whole.

The first retaining element 210 and the second retaining element 212 each have a tab 216. On the first receiving chamber 206 and the second receiving chamber 208, a contact area 218 for the respective tab 216 is formed opposite the pivot bearing 214. The contact area 218 blocks a further downward pivoting movement of the respective retaining element 210 or 212 and defines a closed “working position” of the respective retaining element 210, 212 on the first receiving chamber 206 or 208.

Furthermore, the respective retaining element 210 or 212 can be easily accessed via the tab 216 in order to open it (into the position shown in FIG Figure 13 position shown) or to close it (compare Figure 10 ).

It can further be provided that openings 220 are formed on the tab 216, through which the dirty fluid can then flow into the corresponding receiving chamber space of the first receiving chamber 206 or the second receiving chamber 208.

When the retaining elements 210, 212 are closed, they form, in particular, a type of channel wall for a channel through which dirty fluid can flow in and then enter the corresponding receiving chamber spaces of the receiving chambers 206, 208.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the retaining elements 210, 212 are arranged and designed in such a way that they have such an oblique orientation for a normal operating range of the surface cleaning machine 180 that dirty fluid can flow downwards on them with respect to the direction of gravity.

The surface cleaning machine 180 basically functions in the same way as the surface cleaning machine 10.

In the case of the dirty fluid tank device 188, the retaining elements are not arranged on the cover device 192, but rather are arranged on the container device 190.

Basically, it is possible that (after the cover device 192 has been detached from the cleaning head 184) the container device 190 with closed retaining elements 210, 212 can be removed from the cleaning head 184, that is to say in a position in which the respective Lugs 216 rest against the associated contact areas 218. This prevents or makes it more difficult for dirty fluid to slosh out when the container device 190 is removed.

To empty the container device 190 of collected dirty fluid, the retaining elements 210, 212 can be folded up ( Figure 13 ) or remove it completely. The container device 190 can thereby also be rinsed out in a simple manner for cleaning.

Another exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine 302 according to the invention, which is shown in FIG Figure 14 shown in a partial illustration, comprises a cleaning head 304.

A first cleaning roller unit 306 is arranged on the cleaning head 304 so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation 308. Furthermore, a second cleaning roller unit 310 is arranged on the cleaning head 304 at a distance from the first cleaning roller unit 306 so that it can rotate about a second axis of rotation 312. The first axis of rotation 308 and the second axis of rotation 312 are oriented parallel to one another.

The surface cleaning machine 302 has a drive for the first cleaning roller unit 306 and the second cleaning roller unit 310. In one embodiment, a drive 314 is arranged on the cleaning head 304.

The drive 314 acts directly or via a gear mechanism on the first cleaning roller unit 306 and the second cleaning roller unit 310 in such a way that they rotate in opposite directions.

The in Figure 14 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first cleaning roller unit 306 has a first direction of rotation 316 and the second cleaning roller unit 310 has a second direction of rotation 318, which is in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation 316.

An in particular removable dirty fluid tank device 320 is arranged on the cleaning head 304. In one embodiment, the dirty fluid tank device 320 has a common tank 322 for the first cleaning roller unit 306 and the second cleaning roller unit 310.

In principle, however, it is also possible for the dirty fluid tank device 320 to have separate chambers for the cleaning roller unit 306 and 310. It is also possible for separate chambers to be provided in the case of multi-part cleaning roller units 306 or 310.

The tank 322 has an inlet port 324. This is composed of a first part 326, which is assigned to the first cleaning roller unit 306, and a second part 328, which is assigned to the second cleaning roller unit 310.

The first part 326 and the second part 328 are oriented parallel to one another and oriented parallel to the axes of rotation 308, 312.

Dirty fluid carried along by the first cleaning roller unit 306 can be coupled into the tank 322 via the first part 326 of the inlet opening 324. Dirty fluid carried along by the second cleaning roller unit 310 can be coupled into the tank 322 via the second part 328 of the inlet opening 324.

The dirty fluid tank device 320 comprises a container device 330 and a cover device 332 for closing the container device 330, that is to say for closing the tank 322.

A mouth device 334 is arranged on the cover device 332, associated with the first cleaning roller unit 306 and the second cleaning roller unit 310, via which cleaning fluid is transferred to the first cleaning roller unit 306 and the second cleaning roller unit, respectively 310 can be fed. The respective mouth device 334 is in fluid connection with a channel device 336 which is arranged on the cover device 332 and via which cleaning liquid can be fed to the mouth device 334.

The channel device 336 in turn is in fluid communication with a tank for cleaning liquid.

Furthermore, a stripping guide device 338 is provided, which has a respective area which is assigned to the first cleaning roller unit 306 and the second cleaning roller unit 310.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the stripping guide device 338 is arranged with its respective regions on the container device 330.

A respective inlet opening 340, via which dirty fluid can flow into the container device 330, is arranged on the container device 330 below the stripping guide device 338.

The stripping guide device 338 is arranged with its respective regions which are assigned to the first cleaning roller unit 306 and the second cleaning roller unit 310 between the opening device 334 and the inlet opening 340.

It can be provided that a rod device 344 is pivotably mounted on the cleaning head 304 with a pivot axis 346 via a pivot bearing 342.

During operation of the surface cleaning machine 302, in which the cleaning roller units 306, 310 stand on the surface to be cleaned, the rod device 344 can then be pivoted about the pivot axis 346 relative to the cleaning head 304.

The pivot axis 346 lies in particular parallel to the first axis of rotation 308 or the second axis of rotation 312.

In the case of the dirty fluid tank device 320, the opening device 334 for cleaning liquid is arranged on the cover device 332.

In principle, the surface cleaning machine 302 functions as described above.

During a cleaning process, it is supported on the surface to be cleaned via the two cleaning roller units 306, 310.

The cleaning roller units 306, 310 are moistened by means of cleaning fluid from the orifice device 334. Dirty fluid is coupled into the container device 330 at the respective inlet opening 340.

Another example of a cleaning machine 402 ( Figures 15 , 16 ) comprises a stationary station 404 (docking station) and a cleaning head 406. The cleaning head 406 is designed to be self-propelled and self-steering. He can independently (automatically) carry out cleaning processes and in particular wiping processes on the surface 16 to be cleaned.

The cleaning head 406 comprises a cleaning roller unit 408, a drive motor 410 for the cleaning roller unit 408, a battery device 412 for supplying the drive motor 410 with electrical energy, a dirty fluid tank device 414 for receiving dirty fluid, and a tank device 416 for cleaning fluid.

The dirty fluid tank device 414 and / or the tank device 416 for cleaning fluid are in particular arranged on the cleaning head 406 such that they can be removed.

The fixed station 404 can perform various tasks such as keeping (storing) the cleaning head 406 in a non-cleaning operation; Charging the rechargeable battery device 412; Discharging or partially discharging the battery device 412 after completing a cleaning operation; Emptying the dirty fluid tank device 414 after completion of a cleaning operation; Filling the tank device 416 for cleaning fluid; Cleaning the cleaning roller unit 408 after completing a cleaning operation.

In particular, a device is provided which enables the cleaning head 406 "when required", for example when a lower threshold is detected for charging the battery device 412 and / or an upper threshold is reached for a fill level in the dirty fluid tank device 414, and / or when a lower threshold for filling the tank device 416 is reached, automatically returns to the stationary station 404.

In one embodiment, a connection 418 is arranged on the cleaning head 406, via which the stationary station 404 can act on the cleaning head 406, for example for charging the battery device 412 (or discharging), or for emptying the dirty fluid tank device 414, or for filling the tank device 416.

A single connection 418 with different sub-connections can be provided, or correspondingly separate connections can be provided.

In a cleaning operation, the cleaning head 406 moves over the surface 416 to be cleaned. One or more cleaning rollers of the cleaning roller unit 408 are "moistened" by the cleaning fluid of the tank device 416.

Dirt loosened from the surface 16 to be cleaned is carried along by the cleaning roller unit 408, at a scraper, which in particular can be firmly connected to the dirty fluid tank device 414, released and conveyed into the dirty fluid tank device 414.

Due to its self-propelled and self-steering design, the cleaning head 406 can carry out cleaning activities and in particular wiping activities independently as a "wiping robot".

The cleaning head 406 in one embodiment comprises ( Figure 16 ) a device body 420. A cleaning roller unit 422 is mounted on this device body 420 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation 424. A corresponding drive is in Figure 16 not shown.

The cleaning roller unit 422 is designed as a wiping roller unit.

Furthermore, a roller brush unit 426 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 428 on the device body 420. The axes of rotation 424 and 428 are in particular parallel to one another.

A travel movement of the cleaning head 406 is driven by the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 422 and / or the sweeping roller unit 426.

The main brush unit 426 is assigned a receptacle 430 for debris 432. The receptacle 430 is arranged on the device body 420. A sweeping edge 434 is provided, which is arranged in particular between the sweeping roller unit 426 and the receiving container 430, and via which debris can be conveyed into the receiving container 430.

A dirty fluid tank device 436 is also arranged on the device body 420. This comprises a container device 438 and a cover device 440 for closing the container device 438. A tank device 442 for cleaning liquid is arranged on the device body 420. A channel device 444, which is in fluid communication with the tank device 442, is arranged on the cover device 440. Furthermore is Arranged on the cover device 440 is an opening device 446 which is fluidly connected to the channel device 444 and via which cleaning liquid can be fed directly to the cleaning roller unit 422.

In one embodiment, a stripping guide device 448 is also arranged on the cover device 440, via which dirty fluid can be stripped off the cleaning roller unit 422 and coupled into the container device 438 via an inlet opening 450.

The channel device 444 with the opening device 446 is arranged on the cover device 440. This results in a space-saving structure.

In particular, the cover device 440 can be removed from the device body 420.

It can also be provided that the container device 438 can be removed from the device body 420.

List of reference symbols

10

Surface cleaning machine (first embodiment)

12th

Device body

14th

Cleaning head

16

Surface to be cleaned

18th

Cleaning roller unit

20th

Longitudinal axis

22nd

Holding rod device

24

Holding rod

26th

Handle

28

Drive motor

30th

casing

32

holder

34

Tank facility for cleaning fluid

36

Tank mount

38

Valve device

39

Filter device

40

Fluid line

42

Trimming

44

Battery device

46

Motor axis

48

Swivel axis

50

Double arrow

52

Inner sleeve

54

Outer sleeve

56

Swivel bearing

58

Axis of rotation

60

Cleaning roller holder

62

Holding area

64

Recording area

66

Dirty fluid tank facility

68

Transmission device

70

wave

72

First part

74

Second part

76

Intermediate area

78

Sleeve

80

First face

82

Second face

84

floor

86

Receiving area wall

88

Recording room

90

side

92

Removal / insertion direction

98

Container facility

100

Lid device

102

Collected dirty fluid

104

First receiving chamber

106

First receiving chamber space

108

Second receiving chamber

110

Second receiving chamber space

112

holder

114

Space

116

nose

118

Cylindrical surface

120

Support surface

122

Duct setup

124

Muzzle device

126

Touchdown area

128

flange

130

Sub-area

132

Top

134

connection

136

Mating connection

138

channel

140

Mouth slot

142

Stripping guide device

144

Wall

146

partition wall

148

Entrance mouth

150

First page

152

Second page

154

Area scraper guiding device

156

Duct setup

158

First channel

160

Second channel

162

First retention element

164

Second retention element

166

pier

168

opening

170

acute angle

172

Fixation device

174

element

176

Handle element

178

Counter element

179

Direction of rotation

180

Surface cleaning machine (second embodiment)

182

Device body

184

Cleaning head

186

Cleaning roller unit

188

Dirty fluid tank facility

190

Container facility

192

Lid device

194

Recording area

196

Muzzle device

198

Duct setup

200

Stripping guide device

202

Handle element

204

Hook element

206

First receiving chamber

208

Second receiving chamber

210

First retention element

212

Second retention element

214

Swivel bearing

216

Tab

218

Investment area

220

opening

302

Surface cleaning machine (third embodiment)

304

Cleaning head

306

First cleaning roller unit

308

First axis of rotation

310

Second cleaning roller unit

312

Second axis of rotation

314

drive

316

First direction of rotation

318

Second direction of rotation

320

Dirty fluid tank facility

322

tank

324

Entrance mouth

326

First part

328

Second part

330

Container facility

332

Lid device

334

Muzzle device

336

Duct setup

338

Stripping guide device

340

Entrance mouth

342

Swivel bearing

344

Rod device

346

Swivel axis

402

Surface cleaning machine (fourth embodiment)

404

Fixed station

406

Cleaning head

408

Cleaning roller unit

410

Drive motor

412

Battery device

414

Dirty fluid tank facility

416

Tank facility

418

connection

420

Device body

422

Cleaning roller unit

424

Axis of rotation

426

Main brush unit

428

Axis of rotation

430

Receiving container

432

Debris

434

Sweeping edge

436

Dirty fluid tank facility

438

Container facility

440

Lid device

442

Tank facility

444

Duct setup

446

Muzzle device

448

Stripping guide device

450

Entrance mouth

Claims (20)

1. A surface cleaning machine, including a cleaning head (14; 184; 304; 406) having at least one driven cleaning roller unit (18; 186; 306; 310; 408), a dirty fluid reservoir device (66; 188; 320; 414) arranged on the cleaning head (14; 184; 304; 406), and a scraping guide device (142; 200; 338; 448) for dirty fluid that acts on the at least one cleaning roller unit (18; 186; 306; 310; 408), characterised in that the dirty fluid reservoir device (66; 188; 320; 414) has a container device (98; 190; 330; 438) for dirty fluid and a cover device (100; 192; 332; 440) for the container device (98; 190; 330; 438), in that a duct device (122; 198; 336; 444) for cleaning liquid is arranged on the cover device (100; 192; 332; 440), and in that there is arranged on the cover device (100; 192; 332; 440) an orifice device (124; 196; 334; 446) which is fluidically connected to the duct device (122; 198; 336; 444) and by means of which cleaning liquid is applicable to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18; 186; 306; 310; 408).
2. A surface cleaning machine according to Claim 1, characterised in that the orifice device (124; 196; 334; 446) for cleaning liquid is arranged and configured such that cleaning liquid is applicable to at least approximately an entire facing length of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18; 186; 306; 310; 408).
3. A surface cleaning machine according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the orifice device (124; 196; 334; 446) has at least one orifice slot (140), in particular with at least one of the following:

   - the at least one orifice slot (140) is of a length that corresponds to at least 80% and preferably at least 90% and preferably 100% of a facing length of a facing region of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18; 186; 306; 310; 408), wherein the at least one orifice slot (140) is associated with the facing region;

   - a direction of longitudinal extent of the at least one orifice slot (140) is oriented at least approximately parallel to an axis of rotation (58) of the associated at least one cleaning roller unit (18).
4. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover device (100; 192; 332; 440) is arranged detachably and/or movably on the container device (98; 190; 330; 438) and, when the cover device (100; 192; 332; 440) is open, one or more receiving chamber spaces (106, 110) of the container device (98; 190; 330; 438) are accessible.
5. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, for dirty fluid to enter the container device (98; 190; 330; 438), an inlet orifice (148; 340; 450) of the dirty fluid reservoir device (66; 188; 320; 414) is arranged on the container device (98; 190; 330; 438) and/or the cover device (100; 192; 332; 440).
6. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dirty fluid reservoir device (66; 188; 320; 414) as a whole or the container device (98; 190; 330; 438) is arranged detachably on the cleaning head (14; 184; 304; 406).
7. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the duct device (122; 198; 336; 444) is fluidically connected to a reservoir device (34) for cleaning liquid.
8. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one of the following:

   - the scraping guide device (142; 200; 338; 448) is arranged on the cover device (100; 192; 332; 440), and, in particular, the scraping guide device (142) forms a wall (144) for the duct device (122) and/or for the orifice device (124) for cleaning liquid;

   - the scraping guide device (142) is arranged between the orifice device (124) for cleaning liquid and an inlet orifice (148) for dirty fluid to the dirty fluid reservoir device (66);

   - the scraping guide device (142; 200) has a guide surface for cleaning liquid, for supply to the cleaning roller unit (18; 186);

   - the scraping guide device (142) forms, at least in part, a separating wall (146) between the duct device (122), for supplying cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller unit (18), and an inlet orifice (148) or inlet region of the dirty fluid reservoir device (66);

   - the scraping guide device (142) has a first side (150) with a diverting surface and/or baffle for dirty fluid, and a second side (152), opposite the first side (150), with a diverting surface for cleaning liquid.
9. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning head (14) has a holding region (62) for the cleaning roller unit (18), and in that the scraping guide device (142) has a region (154) that projects into the holding region (62).
10. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the scraping guide device (142; 200; 320; 414) projects into a facing (42) of the cleaning roller unit (18; 186; 306; 310; 408).
11. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one element (162, 164; 210, 212) for retaining dirty fluid in the dirty fluid reservoir device (66; 188; 320; 414) is seated on the cover device (100; 192; 332; 440) and/or the container device (98; 190; 330; 438), and in particular with at least one of the following:

    - when there is at least one retaining element (162, 164) arranged on the cover device (100), it penetrates into an associated receiving chamber (104, 110) of the container device (98);

    - the at least one retaining element (162, 164; 210, 212) covers a sub-region of at least one receiving chamber (104, 110) of the container device (98; 190), wherein one or more openings (168; 220) that are fluidically connected to the sub-region are arranged on the at least one retaining element (162, 164; 210, 212), and/or one or more openings that are fluidically connected to the sub-region are arranged between the at least one retaining element (162, 164; 210, 212) and a receiving chamber wall, and, in particular, the at least one opening (168; 220) is at a lower gravitational potential, at least in a sub-region, than an inlet orifice (148) of the dirty fluid reservoir device (66; 188) with reference to a normal operating range of the surface cleaning machine;

    - at least one duct (156; 158, 160) for dirty fluid is arranged between the at least one retaining element (162, 164; 210, 212) and an underside of the cover device (100; 192), and, in particular, the at least one duct (156; 158, 160) opens into an inlet orifice (148) of the dirty fluid reservoir device (66) on the inlet side;

    - the at least one duct (156; 158, 160) opens into one or more openings (168, 220) to a sub-region of the at least one receiving chamber of the container device (98; 190) on the outlet side;

    - the at least one duct (156; 158, 160) has a bottom wall that forms an acute angle (170) with a bottom wall of the container device (66);

    - the at least one retaining element (162; 164) is spaced from an underside of the cover device (100) by one or more pillars (166) on the cover device (100);

    - the at least one retaining element (210, 212) is arranged movably and/or removably on the container device (190), and, in particular, the at least one retaining element (210, 212) is arranged on the container device (190) such that it is pivotal and in particular pivotal about a hinge.
12. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dirty fluid reservoir device (66; 188) has a plurality of separate receiving chambers (104, 108; 206, 208) that are arranged next to one another in particular in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation (58) of the cleaning roller unit (18, 186), in particular with at least one of the following:

    - the cover device (100; 192) is a common cover device for the receiving chambers (104, 108; 206, 208), and in particular is formed by a single element;

    - the cover device (100; 192) includes at least one of the following elements for each receiving chamber (104, 108; 206, 208): an orifice slot (140), a scraping guide device element, a duct device region for cleaning liquid, a retaining element (162, 164; 210, 212) for a corresponding receiving chamber space (104, 108; 206, 208);

    - between spaced-apart receiving chambers (104, 108; 206, 208) there is arranged, at least in part, a device for transmitting torque to the cleaning roller unit (18; 186).
13. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is arranged on the container device (98) a lug (116) that delimits a holding region (106) for the cleaning roller unit (18) and has in particular a bearing surface for the cover device (100).
14. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a first fixing device that fixes the container device to the cleaning head, and a second fixing device that fixes the cover device to the container device.
15. A surface cleaning machine according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterised by a fixing device (172) for the cover device (100) that fixes the cover device (100) directly to the cleaning head (14), in particular with at least one of the following:

    - the container device (98) is fixable to the cleaning head (14) by way of the cover device (100);

    - the fixing device (172) for the cover device (100) has at least one element (174) that is applied to a mating element (178) of the cleaning head (14) that is not part of the container device (98), wherein the at least one element (174) and the mating element (178) are movable relative to one another.
16. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) includes a multi-part cleaning roller.
17. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, during the cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine is supported on the surface (16) to be cleaned solely by way of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), and in particular a single cleaning roller unit (18).
18. A surface cleaning machine according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterised by a first cleaning roller unit (306) and a second cleaning roller unit (308) between which the dirty fluid reservoir device (320) is arranged, and in particular
    characterised in that the first cleaning roller unit (306) and the second cleaning roller unit (308) rotate in opposite directions.
19. A surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by taking the form of a manually guided or hand-held machine, and in particular
    characterised by a rod device (22) on which the cleaning head (14; 184; 304) is seated.
20. A surface cleaning machine according to one of Claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the cleaning head (406) is self-propelling and self-steering.

Images