EP3841941B1 - Self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device with a drive unit for moving on a floor surface, a wiping roller for wet cleaning of the floor surface, a cleaning liquid container and a dirt container for collected dirt.

The US$4,875,246 describes a hand-held floor cleaning device with a handle, a motor-driven wiping roller and a container for a cleaning fluid.

The object of the present invention is to provide such a floor cleaning device with which a better cleaning of the floor surface is possible.

This object is achieved by a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device having the features of claim 1.

Improved cleaning of the floor surface can be achieved by cleaning the floor surface with both the sweeping roller and the wiping roller. For example, loose dirt and coarser dirt particles can be swept into the at least one dirt container using the sweeping roller. By moistening the floor surface and/or the wiping roller, additional dirt can be loosened under the cleaning effect of the wiping roller and transferred into the at least one dirt container.

The sweeping roller can have a set of cleaning bristles for cleaning the floor surface. Alternatively, the sweeping roller can have a set of textile material, a sponge-like or cloth-like material, which can also achieve a sweeping effect.

The wiping roller can have a sponge-like or cloth-like covering for cleaning the floor surface. For example, a covering made of a textile material is provided, e.g. made of microfiber textile material.

The floor cleaning device can be supported on the floor surface via the sweeping roller and the wiping roller. In a corresponding manner, the floor cleaning device can be supported on the floor surface via at least one drive element of the drive unit and/or, if present, via at least one roller. The wiping roller, the sweeping roller, the at least one drive element and/or the at least one roller can be regarded as a support device for supporting the floor cleaning device.

In the embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention, it is advantageous that the cleaning liquid container and the at least one dirt container are structurally separate from one another. For example, both containers are positioned one above the other, but structurally separate from one another. The cleaning liquid container can in particular be arranged above the dirt container.

In the embodiment according to the invention, the cleaning liquid container and the at least one dirt container can be detachably connected to one another to form a structural unit.

In an advantageous embodiment, the drive unit has two drive elements spaced apart from one another transversely to a longitudinal or main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device. A control unit is provided to control the movement of the drive elements. The drive elements are, for example, drive wheels.

In an advantageous embodiment, the floor cleaning device is free of a roller for support on the floor surface. Steering movements of the floor cleaning device can be carried out in particular by means of two differently driven drive elements.

It is advantageous if, in relation to the main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device, the sweeping roller is arranged in front of the wiping roller. In this way, loose dirt is first swept up using the sweeping roller. The floor surface is then wet-cleaned using the wiping roller. Any traces left by the sweeping roller on the floor surface are removed. This improves the cleaning result.

The above-mentioned advantageous embodiment can be defined in another way by selecting or defining a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device such that the sweeping roller is positioned in front of the wiping roller in the main direction of movement. When the floor cleaning device is moved across the floor surface, sections of the same are firstly covered by the cleaning elements of the sweeping roller and then by the cleaning elements of the wiping roller.

It is advantageous if, in relation to a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device, drive elements (for example drive wheels) or at least one roller are arranged in front of the wiping roller. In particular, it is advantageous if, in relation to the main direction of movement, no drive element and no roller are arranged behind the wiping roller. Any traces on the floor surface left by the drive element or the roller can be removed when wet-cleaning them with the wiping roller. Conversely, no drive element and no roller leaves a trace in the area of the floor surface cleaned by the wiping roller.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is favorable if the at least one dirt container is arranged between the sweeping roller and the wiping roller and if dirt can be conveyed from the sweeping roller and the wiping roller into the at least one dirt container via different dirt inlet openings. For example, the sweeping roller is arranged as the leader in the main direction of movement and the wiping roller is arranged behind the sweeping roller. The at least one dirt container can be arranged in between. A respective dirt inlet opening can be arranged on the sides facing the sweeping roller and the wiping roller.

It is advantageous if the wiping roller is dimensioned such that the area of the floor surface covered by it is wider than the distance between drive elements and/or rollers in an extension direction of the wiping roller. In the present case, this can be understood in particular to mean that areas of the floor surface that are traveled over by the drive elements or rollers can be covered and cleaned by the wiping roller in order to remove any traces from the floor surface.

A dirt container is advantageously provided, which has a dirt inlet opening on opposite sides of the wiping roller and the sweeping roller. The floor cleaning device can have a common dirt container for dirt swept up with the sweeping roller and wiped up in the wiping roller. This simplifies the structural design of the floor cleaning device and makes it easier to handle. A common dirt container can be emptied more easily by an operator.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is favorable if the sweeping roller and the wiping roller are arranged one behind the other and two dirt containers are provided, wherein a dirt container assigned to the wiping roller is positioned on the side of the wiping roller facing away from the sweeping roller and a dirt container assigned to the sweeping roller is positioned on the side of the sweeping roller facing away from the wiping roller. The sweeping roller and the wiping roller are arranged in this way between the two dirt containers. With the sweeping roller, dirt can be swept into the dirt container that is arranged on a side of the sweeping roller opposite the wiping roller. With the wiping roller, dirt can be transported into the dirt container that is arranged on a side of the wiping roller opposite the sweeping roller. In particular, based on the main direction of movement, from front to back, first a dirt container for the sweeping roller, the sweeping roller, the wiping roller and then a dirt container for the wiping roller are arranged.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if a dirt container associated with one of these cleaning rollers - wiping roller or sweeping roller - is arranged between the wiping roller and the sweeping roller, and on the side facing away from this dirt container there is another dirt container associated with the other cleaning roller - sweeping roller or wiping roller. For example, a dirt container associated with the sweeping roller can be arranged between the sweeping roller and the wiping roller, which are spaced apart from one another. A dirt container associated with the wiping roller can be arranged on the side of the wiping roller facing away from this dirt container. In relation to the main direction of movement, it is particularly provided that the sweeping roller, the dirt container associated with it, the wiping roller and the dirt container associated with it are arranged from front to back. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a dirt container associated with the wiping roller is arranged between the sweeping roller and the wiping roller, which are spaced apart from one another. A dirt container associated with the sweeping roller can be arranged on the side of the sweeping roller facing away from this dirt container. With regard to the main direction of movement, it can be provided in particular that the dirt container assigned to the sweeping roller, the sweeping roller, the dirt container assigned to the wiping roller and then the wiping roller are arranged on the floor cleaning device from front to back.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if the sweeping roller and the wiping roller are arranged one behind the other and a dirt container is provided which is assigned to these two, and if dirt from the sweeping roller can be conveyed over the wiping roller into the dirt container arranged to the side next to it, or vice versa. For example, the common dirt container which is assigned to both cleaning rollers is arranged on the side of the wiping roller facing away from the sweeping roller. Dirt can be conveyed with the sweeping roller, in particular over the wiping roller, into the dirt container. Related to In the main direction of movement, the sweeping roller is arranged in particular in front of the wiping roller and in front of the dirt container. Alternatively, it can be provided that the dirt container is arranged on the side of the sweeping roller facing away from the wiping roller. Dirt from the wiping roller can be conveyed in particular over the sweeping roller into the dirt container. In relation to the main direction of movement, the dirt container is arranged in particular in front of the sweeping roller and the wiping roller is arranged behind it.

It can be provided that the sweeping roller and/or the wiping roller sweeps or wipes on the floor side in the main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device. In the present case, this can be understood in particular to mean that a section of the sweeping roller or the wiping roller that comes into contact with the floor surface during the intended use of the floor cleaning device rotates and sweeps or wipes in the main direction of movement (forwards).

It can be provided that the sweeping roller and/or the wiping roller rotates and sweeps or wipes on the floor side against the main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device (towards the rear).

The wiping roller and the sweeping roller can be designed to rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions.

In an advantageous embodiment, the drive unit can comprise two drive elements spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning device, with at least one dirt container being positioned, at least in sections, between the drive elements. In this way, a compact design of the floor cleaning device can be achieved. The at least one dirt container can comprise lateral recesses or cutouts in which the drive elements are arranged. In the main direction of movement in front of or behind the recess or cutout, the at least one dirt container can have laterally projecting container sections. For example, the at least one dirt container has a "double-T" shape when viewed from above.

It is advantageous if the wiping roller and the sweeping roller are assigned a common dirt container. Accordingly, a dirt container can be provided for receiving dirt swept up with the sweeping roller and for receiving dirt picked up with the wiping roller. The dirt container preferably has a dirt inlet opening on opposite sides of the sweeping roller and the wiping roller.

Another advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention can provide that the floor cleaning device comprises a first dirt container for receiving dirt swept up with the sweeping roller and a second dirt container for receiving dirt picked up with the wiping roller. Two dirt containers are provided, each with a dirt inlet opening for dirt from the sweeping roller or dirt from the wiping roller.

Advantageously, a structural unit is provided which comprises or forms both dirt containers in a common housing. The structural design is thereby simplified. In a common structural unit, an operator can handle both dirt containers more easily.

Preferably, the housing has a dirt inlet opening on opposite sides of the sweeping roller and the wiping roller. The sweeping roller and the wiping roller can be spaced apart from one another, and the housing with the dirt containers is arranged between them.

In another advantageous embodiment, it is advantageous if the dirt containers are spatially separated from each other on the floor cleaning device Preferably, the dirt containers can be removed from the floor cleaning device and connected to it independently of one another.

In an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, it is advantageous if the cleaning fluid container and the at least one dirt container are arranged one above the other, with the cleaning fluid container in particular being arranged above the at least one dirt container. This makes it easier to transport dirt into the dirt container arranged closer to the floor. Cleaning fluid can be removed from the cleaning fluid container arranged above in a simpler manner for wetting the floor surface and/or the wiping roller, for example under the influence of gravity alone.

Position and orientation information such as "top", "bottom" or the like are to be understood in this case as relating to the intended use of the floor cleaning device, whereby the latter is positioned on the floor surface. A contact plane of the floor cleaning device coincides with the plane defined by the floor surface. "Front", "back" or the like are, as mentioned, to be understood as relating to a longitudinal and in particular main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device.

In an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning liquid container and the at least one dirt container can be removed separately from the floor cleaning device and connected to it.

An advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention provides that the cleaning liquid container and the at least one dirt container form a structural unit with a common housing that can be removed from the floor cleaning device and connected to it. The structural design of the floor cleaning device is thereby improved and its handling is made easier for the operator.

Optionally, in a floor cleaning device of the type mentioned at the beginning with a wiping roller, it can be provided that the cleaning liquid container and the at least one dirt container form a structural unit with a common housing that can be removed from the floor cleaning device and connected to it. Such a floor cleaning device, which has a wiping roller and no sweeping roller, can represent an independent invention. The structural design is also simplified and handling improved in such a floor cleaning device. Advantageous embodiments of this floor cleaning device according to the invention can have the features explained here, provided that they do not relate to the sweeping roller and the dirt container associated with it.

It proves to be advantageous if the cleaning liquid container and the at least one dirt container have a deformable container wall which delimits them, whereby the volume of the cleaning liquid container decreases when cleaning liquid is removed and the volume of the dirt container increases when dirt is introduced. In this way, a compact design of the combined container can be achieved which enables The compact design of the floor cleaning device is advantageous. For example, the container can be built relatively flat or relatively narrow, and the same applies to the floor cleaning device. The deformable container wall is, for example, a membrane, which when deformed can increase the volume of the dirt container as the volume of the cleaning fluid container decreases.

It is advantageous if the cleaning fluid container is designed as a pre-assembled container filled with a cleaning chemical and has a container opening for filling with water. For example, the pre-assembled container can be delivered filled with the cleaning chemical. This makes handling much easier for the operator. After filling the cleaning fluid container with water and inserting the container into the floor cleaning device, cleaning can begin.

The floor cleaning device can comprise a pump unit by means of which cleaning liquid can be pumped from the cleaning liquid container.

In another embodiment, it can be provided that cleaning fluid can be removed from the cleaning fluid container under the influence of gravity.

The floor cleaning device can comprise a wetting device for wetting the wiping roller and/or the floor surface with the cleaning liquid.

It can be provided that the floor cleaning device comprises a fluid line which engages in an opening of the cleaning fluid container.

Alternatively or additionally, the floor cleaning device may be provided with connecting elements arranged on the cleaning fluid container and on a housing for forming a fluid connection through which cleaning fluid can be removed from the cleaning fluid container.

It is advantageous if the floor cleaning device is free of a suction unit for picking up the dirty liquid from the floor surface. In the present case, this can be understood in particular to mean that the floor cleaning device does not have a suction unit for generating a suction air flow with which dirt can be sucked into the at least one dirt container. The floor cleaning device is in particular free of a suction unit. In this way, the weight of the floor cleaning device can be reduced. It is not necessary to provide electrical energy for a suction unit. The operating time of the floor cleaning device is thereby increased.

The at least one dirt container advantageously has at least one dirt inlet opening that extends over the entire or substantially the entire length of the wiping roller or the sweeping roller. In this way, as much dirt swept up or picked up with the wiping roller as possible can be transferred to the dirt container. Advantageously, two dirt inlet openings are provided, each of which extends over the entire or substantially the entire length of the sweeping roller on the one hand or the wiping roller on the other hand, depending on the assignment of the dirt inlet opening.

The floor cleaning device preferably comprises at least one sweeping threshold arranged at a dirt inlet opening of at least one dirt container, over which dirt can be conveyed from the sweeping roller or from the wiping roller into the dirt container. If there are two dirt inlet openings, two sweeping thresholds can be provided. Dirt can be conveyed into the dirt container more easily over the sweeping threshold.

A sweeping threshold assigned to the sweeping roller advantageously extends to the floor surface so that loose dirt can be swept as effectively as possible over the sweeping threshold into at least one dirt container.

In the latter case in particular, a sweeping threshold associated with the wiping roller could be omitted.

It is advantageous if the floor cleaning device comprises a scraper element arranged at a dirt inlet opening of at least one dirt container, which element engages with the wiping roller. In this way, dirty liquid can largely be scraped off the wiping roller and is not applied to the floor surface again.

In particular, in combination with the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, it is advantageous if the floor cleaning device comprises a drain element for liquid from the wiping roller into the dirt container at a dirt inlet opening of a dirt container. For example, dirty liquid is wiped off the wiper element and reaches the drain element. The dirty liquid is guided into the dirt container by means of the drain element.

It can be provided that a housing of the floor cleaning device accommodating the at least one dirt container comprises at least one sweeping threshold, the scraping element and/or the diverting element.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one dirt container comprises at least one sweeping threshold, the scraper element and/or the diverter element.

The wiping roller and the sweeping roller can in particular be aligned parallel to each other.

The axes of rotation of the wiping roller and the sweeping roller can be aligned transversely to a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device.

Separate drives can be assigned to the wiping roller and the sweeping roller. Alternatively, a common drive can be provided for the sweeping roller and the wiping roller.

It is understood that the floor cleaning device can have at least one preferably rechargeable battery for providing electrical energy.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 2:

das Bodenreinigungsgerät aus Figur 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht, teilweise als Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 3:

eine Darstellung ähnlich Figur 2 bei einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 4:

eine schematische Darstellung eines kombinierten Reinigungsflüssigkeits- und Schmutzbehälters eines erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 5:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 4 mit gefülltem Reinigungsflüssigkeitsbehälter und leerem Schmutzbehälter;

Figur 6:

eine Darstellung des Behälters in Figur 5 nach Aufnahme von Schmutz und Flüssigkeit im Schmutzbehälter;

Figur 7:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 8:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 9:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 10:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 11:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 12:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes;

Figur 13:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes; und

Figur 14:

eine Darstellung entsprechend Figur 1 einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Bodenreinigungsgerätes, das im Rahmen der vorliegenden Offenbarung eine eigenständige Erfindung darstellen kann.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawing. They show:

Figure 1:

a schematic sectional view of a floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 2:

the floor cleaning device Figure 1 in perspective view, partly as exploded view;

Figure 3:

a representation similar Figure 2 in a further preferred embodiment;

Figure 4:

a schematic representation of a combined cleaning liquid and dirt container of a floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 5:

a representation according to Figure 4 with full cleaning fluid container and empty dirt container;

Figure 6:

a representation of the container in Figure 5 after dirt and liquid have been collected in the dirt container;

Figure 7:

a representation according to Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 8:

a representation according to Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 9:

a representation according to Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 10:

a representation according to Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 11:

a representation according to Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 12:

a representation according to Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 13:

a representation according to Figure 1 a further preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention; and

Figure 14:

a representation according to Figure 1 a further embodiment of a floor cleaning device, which may represent an independent invention within the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a floor cleaning device according to the invention, designated with the reference number 10. The floor cleaning device 10 is used for the autonomous cleaning of a floor surface 12, which can be swept in one operation and then cleaned with a damp cloth and in particular mopped. With the floor cleaning device 10 and the advantageous embodiments of the floor cleaning device according to the invention explained below, a better cleaning result can be achieved in this way than with conventional floor cleaning devices.

The floor cleaning device 10 has a housing 14. A drive unit 16 is held on the housing 14. The drive unit 16 has two drive wheels 18. The drive wheels 18 can be driven by means of a respective Figure 2 are driven independently of one another by the schematically illustrated drive 20. This makes it possible to move the floor cleaning device 10 on the floor surface 12 under the control of a control unit 22.

Electrical energy can be provided by a rechargeable battery (not shown).

The control unit 22 is preferably operatively connected to a navigation unit 24. For example, a map of an environment to be cleaned is stored in the navigation unit 24. The navigation unit 24 enables the floor cleaning device 10 to determine its position within the environment and thus within the map. In this way, positions in the environment and on the map can be targeted by the floor cleaning device 10.

The floor cleaning device 10 can move according to a predetermined cleaning path or cleaning pattern. Alternatively or additionally, there is the possibility of an unplanned movement of the floor cleaning device 10.

The control unit 22 and the navigation unit 24 are only in Figure 1 shown.

When used as intended, the floor cleaning device 10 is moved along a main direction of movement 26. In relation to the main direction of movement 26, the housing 14 has a front side 28 and a rear side 30. A transverse direction of the floor cleaning device 10 runs transversely to the main direction of movement 26. The drive wheels 18 are spaced apart relative to one another in the transverse direction and are arranged approximately centrally between the front side 28 and the rear side 30 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the drive wheels 18 are arranged close to outer walls 32, 34 of the housing 14.

The floor cleaning device 10 has a cleaning unit 36. The cleaning unit 36 comprises a sweeping roller 38, which can be rotated about a rotation axis 42 by means of a drive 40. The sweeping roller 38 comprises bristles as cleaning elements. The sweeping roller 38 is accommodated in a receiving space 44, which is formed near the front 28 of the housing 14. The rotation axis 42 is aligned in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning device 10.

Instead of the bristles, the sweeping roller 38 could have a trim made of a textile material (e.g. microfiber), a sponge-like or cloth-like material, with which a sweeping effect can also be achieved.

In this case, the sweeping roller 38 is driven in such a way that it rotates on the floor side against the main direction of movement 26. Bristles of the sweeping roller 38 are against the main direction of movement 26 over the floor surface 12 (arrow 45 in Figure 1 ).

The cleaning unit 36 further comprises a wiping roller 46. The wiping roller 46 can be rotated about a rotation axis 50 by means of a drive 48. The wiping roller 46 has a sponge-like or cloth-like covering for wet cleaning the floor surface 12. For example, a covering made of a microfiber textile material is provided. The wiping roller 46 is arranged in a receiving space 52 which is formed near the rear side 30 of the housing 14. The rotation axis 50 is aligned in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning device 10.

The wiping roller 46 is driven in such a way that it rotates on the floor side in the main direction of movement 26. The covering of the wiping roller 46 sweeps over the floor surface 12 in the main direction of movement 26 (arrow 53 in Figure 1). The friction acts against the main direction of movement.

In the present case, the main direction of movement 26 can also be defined in such a way that the floor cleaning device 10 is moved by means of the drive unit 16 in normal operation such that the sweeping roller 38 is positioned in front of the wiping roller 46 and floor surface sections are first covered by the sweeping roller 38 and then by the wiping roller 46.

To simplify the following explanations, the information "in front of, in front of, behind, behind" or the like refers to the main direction of movement 26. In the floor cleaning device 10, the sweeping roller 38 is arranged in front of the wiping roller 46.

The drive wheels 18 are arranged (in the main direction of movement) between the wiping roller 46 and the sweeping roller 38. Due to the distance between the drive wheels 18 in the transverse direction, a receptacle 54 is provided in the housing 14 between the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46. In the receptacle 54, a cleaning fluid container 56 with a container interior 58 and a dirt container 60 with a container interior 62 are arranged.

In the floor cleaning device 10, the cleaning liquid container 56 and the dirt container 60 form a common structural unit 64 with a housing 66, which forms the container interiors 58 and 62.

The cleaning fluid container 56 is hereinafter referred to as container 56 for the sake of simplicity, and the dirt container 60 is hereinafter referred to as container 60 for the sake of simplicity.

In the floor cleaning device 10, the container 56 is arranged above the container 60. In plan view, the structural unit 64 has a substantially double-T-shaped configuration, which has recesses 68 in the middle area. The recesses 68 allow the structural unit 64 to be inserted between the drive wheels 18. In the direction of the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46, the structural unit 64 comprises container sections 70 that protrude laterally over the recesses 68.

In the floor cleaning device 10, the container 60 is assigned to the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 and serves to collect both the dirt swept up with the sweeping roller 38 and the dirty liquid picked up with the wiping roller 46, a mixture of cleaning liquid and dirt.

Facing the sweeping roller 38, the container 60 has a dirt inlet opening 72. The dirt inlet opening 72 extends in the transverse direction preferably over the entire or substantially entire length of the sweeping roller 38.

A sweeping threshold 74 is preferably arranged at the dirt inlet opening 72. Loose dirt can be swept over the sweeping threshold 74 by the sweeping roller 38 into the container interior 62. Preferably the sweeping threshold 74 extends to the floor surface 12 so that loose dirt can be swept up as effectively as possible.

In a corresponding manner, the container 60 comprises, on the side opposite the dirt inlet opening 72, a dirt inlet opening 76 which faces and is associated with the wiping roller 46. The dirt inlet opening 76 extends in the transverse direction preferably over the entire or substantially the entire length of the wiping roller 46.

In one embodiment of the floor cleaning device, a sweeping threshold 78 is arranged at the dirt inlet opening 76. Loose and coarser dirt particles can be transported from the wiping roller 46 into the container interior 62 over the sweeping threshold 78. The sweeping threshold 78 could be omitted in this case, since loose dirt can largely be swept up with the sweeping roller 38.

A stripping element 80 is also provided at the dirt inlet opening 76. The stripping element 80 engages the trim of the wiping roller 46. Dirty liquid is largely stripped off by the wiping roller 46 and only a small amount is transported back to the floor surface 12.

A drain element 82 for dirty liquid is also arranged at the dirt inlet opening 76. The stripped dirty liquid reaches the drain element 82 and can flow from there into the container interior 62.

The sweeping thresholds 74, 78, the scraper element 80 and the diverter element 82 advantageously extend along the entire dirt inlet opening 72 or 76.

In the floor cleaning device 10, the structural unit 64 comprises the sweeping thresholds 74, 78, the scraper element 80 and the deflector element 82. For example, these are integrally connected to the housing 66.

In another advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the sweeping threshold 74, the sweeping threshold 78, the scraping element 80 and/or the deflecting element 82 are not fixed to the structural unit 64, but to the rest of the floor cleaning device 10, for example to the housing 14.

A cleaning liquid is accommodated in the container interior 58. In this case, this is particularly water, to which a cleaning chemical can be added to increase the cleaning effect.

A fluid line 84 can engage in a container opening of the container 56, via which cleaning fluid can be removed from the container interior 58 and fed to a wetting device 86. The wetting device 86 can be used to moisten the wiping roller 46 and/or the floor surface 12 with cleaning fluid.

The floor cleaning device 10 can comprise a pump unit 88, by means of which cleaning liquid is conveyed from the container 56. Alternatively, it can be provided that cleaning liquid is removed from the container 56, in particular solely under the influence of gravity.

To clean the floor surface 12, the floor cleaning device 10 moves in such a way that the sweeping roller 38 runs ahead of the wiping roller 46. Loose dirt is swept up with the sweeping roller 38. The swept section of the floor surface is then driven over by the drive wheels 18. The section of the floor surface is then wet-cleaned using the wiping roller 46.

It is advantageous that no drive wheel 18 is arranged behind the wiping roller 46. The length of the wiping roller 46 is preferably at least as long as the distance between the drive wheels 18. In addition, the floor cleaning device 10 is free of rollers, in particular behind the wiping roller 46. As a result, after cleaning with the wiping roller 46, no traces of the drive wheels 18 or any roller remain on the floor surface 12.

The floor cleaning device 10 does not have a suction unit for sucking dirt into the container 54. This increases the operating time of the floor cleaning device 10.

The assembly 64 with the containers 56 and 60 can be removed from the holder 54 and the floor cleaning device 10 as a whole, and it can be inserted as a whole into the holder 54. Separate containers for cleaning fluid and dirty fluid are not required.

The floor cleaning device 10 can have a cover element 90, for example as a component of the housing 14. The cover element 90 can close the housing 14 at the top and cover the assembly 64.

Further preferred embodiments of the floor cleaning device according to the invention are discussed below. Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent features or components. The advantages that can be achieved with the floor cleaning device 10, in particular the cleaning of the floor surface 12 with the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 in one operation, can also be achieved with the floor cleaning devices explained below. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations. Only the essential differences are discussed.

The floor cleaning device 100 according to Figure 3 is largely identical to the floor cleaning device 10. Deviating from this, separate Containers 56 for cleaning fluid and 60 for dirty fluid are provided. The containers 56, 60 can be removed separately from the floor cleaning device 10. To remove the container 60 for dirty fluid, the container 56 for cleaning fluid is first removed. The reverse applies for insertion.

It can be provided that the containers 56 and 60 can be detachably connected to one another, for example by force and/or form locking. In this way, an embodiment of a floor cleaning device according to the invention that is functionally similar to the floor cleaning device 10 can be provided.

In all floor cleaning devices described here, it can be provided that the container 56 is a prefabricated container in which a cleaning chemical is accommodated. To start up the device, the operator can fill a cleaning liquid, such as water in particular, into the container interior 58 to dilute the cleaning chemical. For example, for this purpose a closing element 94 on the container 56 which closes a filling opening 92 can be released and the filling opening 92 can be released.

The Figures 4 to 6 show a structural unit 64 with a container 56 for cleaning fluid and a container 60 for dirty fluid. The containers 56 and 60 have a common container wall 110. The container wall 110 is a bottom wall of the container 56 and a top wall of the container 60 when the containers 56 and 60 are arranged one above the other. In a different embodiment, the container wall 110 could also be a lateral partition wall between the containers 56 and 60, for example.

The container wall 110 is deformable in the present case and is designed in particular as a membrane 112. By deforming the membrane 112, it is possible to increase the volume of the container interior 58 by increasing of the volume of the container interior 62 and vice versa. Figure 4 shows the situation when both containers 56, 60 are not filled.

Figure 5 represents the situation when the container 56 is filled with cleaning fluid. In this case, the volume of the container interior 62 is reduced.

During cleaning, cleaning fluid is removed from the container 56. In addition, dirt and dirty fluid are transferred to the container interior 62. The situation during or after cleaning is shown in Figure 6 showing the reduced amount of cleaning fluid and the significant amount of dirt and dirty fluid.

Unit 64 of the Figures 4 to 6 can be built relatively compactly, which offers the possibility of also building the floor cleaning device 10 relatively compactly.

Unit 64 of the Figures 4 to 6 shows that a dirt container 60 is provided with two inlet openings, which are intended for dirt from the sweeping roller 38 or the wiping roller 46. It is of course conceivable that the dirt container 60 has only one dirt inlet opening, for example if it is only assigned to the sweeping roller 38 or the wiping roller 46.

The Figures 7 to 10 schematically represent further preferred embodiments of the floor cleaning device according to the invention. These differ from the floor cleaning device 10 in particular in the arrangement and construction of the dirt container or the dirt containers. Not shown in the Figures 7 to 10 the cleaning fluid container 56, which is also present. This could be arranged independently of the dirt container(s) and in particular could be inserted or removed. It would also be possible to connect the cleaning fluid container 56 to at least one dirt container. The connection can be detachable.

The floor cleaning device 120 according to Figure 7 corresponds largely to the floor cleaning device 10. In contrast to this, two dirt containers 122, 124 are provided. The dirt container 122 is assigned to the sweeping roller 38 and is arranged behind it. The dirt container 124 is assigned to the wiping roller 46 and is arranged in front of it. The dirt containers 122, 124 are formed in a common structural unit 126 with a housing 128, with the dirt container 122 being the front of the two containers.

For the floor cleaning device 130 according to Figure 8 The difference from the floor cleaning device 120 is that the discharge element 82 extends to a bottom wall 132 of the dirt container 124.

In this way, essentially loose dirt (albeit moistened) is collected in a first container section 134, which is conveyed over the sweeping threshold 78. In a second container section 136, mainly dirty liquid is collected, which is scraped off at the scraper element 80. In this way, larger dirt particles and dirty liquid are separated in the dirt container 124. By draining the dirty liquid downwards into the container section 136, the probability of it spilling out of the container 124 is reduced, for example due to the movement of the floor cleaning device 130.

A discharge element 82, which, as in the floor cleaning device 130, extends to a bottom wall or substantially a bottom wall of the dirt container, can be present in all floor cleaning devices described here.

For the floor cleaning device 140 according to Figure 9 the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 are arranged at a distance from each other. Behind the sweeping roller 38 is positioned the dirt container 122, behind which the wiping roller 46 is arranged. Behind the wiping roller 46 is arranged the dirt container 124. The Sweeping roller 38 and wiping roller 46 each rotate on the floor side opposite to the main direction of movement 26.

For the floor cleaning device 150 according to Figure 10 the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 are also arranged at a distance from one another. The dirt container 122 is positioned near the front 28, behind which the sweeping roller 38 is arranged. The dirt container 124 is arranged behind the sweeping roller 38, behind which the wiping roller 46. The sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 rotate on the floor side in the main direction of movement 26 and convey dirt into the dirt containers 122 and 124 assigned to them, respectively, positioned in front of them.

For the floor cleaning device 160 according to Figure 11 the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 are arranged one behind the other, in particular at a distance from the front side 28 and the rear side 30. The dirt container 122 is arranged in front of the sweeping roller 38 and the dirt container 124 is arranged behind the wiping roller 46. The sweeping roller 38 sweeps on the floor side in the main direction of movement 26, the wiping roller 46 sweeps on the floor side against the main direction of movement 26.

In this case, "one after the other" refers to the one longitudinal direction or the main direction of movement 26 of the floor cleaning device. The cleaning rollers are preferably aligned in the transverse direction and parallel to one another. In the floor cleaning device 160, the cleaning rollers are arranged between the dirt containers 122 and 124.

For the floor cleaning device 170 according to Figure 12 the sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 are arranged one behind the other. The sweeping roller 38 is positioned, for example, near the front 28, the wiping roller 46 behind it. Both cleaning rollers convey dirt into a common dirt container 60, which is arranged behind the wiping roller 46 and thus behind both cleaning rollers. For this purpose, the sweeping roller 38 can be arranged, for example, according to the overhead sweeping principle work and convey dirt into the dirt container via a dirt guide element 172. The dirt guide element 172 is arranged above the wiping roller 46. The sweeping roller 38 rotates on the floor side in the main direction of movement 26, the wiping roller 46 on the floor side against the main direction of movement.

For the floor cleaning device 180 according to Figure 13 a similar construction is provided as in the floor cleaning device 170, whereby in this case the dirt container 60 is positioned in front of the sweeping roller 38 and also in front of the wiping roller 46 arranged behind it. Loose dirt and dirty liquid that is picked up by the wiping roller 46 is conveyed into the dirt container via a dirt guide element 182. For example, the dirt guide element 182 is arranged above the sweeping roller 38. The sweeping roller 38 and the wiping roller 46 rotate on the floor side in the main direction of movement 26.

In the floor cleaning devices 170 and 180, the drive wheels are arranged longitudinally at the level of the dirt container 60 and can, for example, be positioned near the rear side 30 or near the front side 28.

Figure 14 shows in a Figure 1 similarly, an advantageous embodiment of a floor cleaning device, designated by the reference numeral 190. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the floor cleaning device 190 can be a floor cleaning device according to the invention and define an independent invention.

In the floor cleaning device 190, the cleaning unit 36 does not include a sweeping roller 38, but only the wiping roller 46 as a cleaning roller. The wiping roller 46 enables wet cleaning of the floor surface 12. In addition, loose dirt or coarse dirt can be picked up with the wiping roller 46. It is advantageous here if the sweeping threshold 78 is present. So that dirt does not get stuck on the sweeping threshold when the floor cleaning device is moved 78, it may be provided that it does not quite reach the floor surface 12.

The floor cleaning device 190 is provided with the structural unit 64 with the containers 56 and 60. The dirt inlet opening 72 and the sweeping threshold 74 are omitted. Both containers 56 and 60 can be removed from the floor cleaning device 190 together, and the containers can be inserted into the floor cleaning device 190 together.

A detachable connection of the containers 56, 60, as already explained above, is possible. Separate containers 56, 60 are also possible. Drive wheels can, for example, be arranged to the side of the structural unit 60 or in front of the structural unit 60.

List of reference symbols:

10, 100, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190

Floor cleaning device

12

Floor area

14

Housing

16

Drive unit

18

drive wheel

20

drive

22

Control unit

24

Navigation unit

26

Main direction of movement

28

front

30

back

32,

34 Exterior wall

36

Cleaning unit

38

Roller brush

40

drive

42

Rotation axis

44

Recording room

45

Arrow

46

Wiper roller

48

drive

50

Rotation axis

52

Recording room

53

Arrow

54

Recording

56

Cleaning fluid container

58

Container interior

60

Dirt container

62

Container interior

64

Unit

66

Housing

68

Recess

70

Container section

72

Dirt inlet opening

74

Sweeping threshold

76

Dirt inlet opening

78

Sweeping threshold

80

Scraper element

82

Discharge element

84

Fluid line

86

Wetting device

88

Pump unit

90

Cover element

92

Filling opening

94

Locking element

104

Wrapping

108

Dirt particles

110

Container wall

112

membrane

122

Dirt container

124

Dirt container

126

Unit

128

Housing

132

Floor wall

134

Container section

136

Container section

172

Dirt guide element

182

Dirt guide element

Claims (15)

1. Self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning appliance, comprising a drive unit (16) for traveling on a floor surface (12) to be cleaned, a cleaning unit (36), which has a wiping roller (46) for wet-cleaning the floor surface (12) and a sweeping roller (38) for sweeping the floor surface (12), a cleaning liquid container (56) for a cleaning liquid, as well as at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) for dirt collected from the floor surface (12), wherein the floor surface (12) is cleanable with the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46) in the same operation, characterized in that the cleaning liquid container (56) and the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) are configured structurally separate from one another and can be detachably connected to one another to form an assembly.
2. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that, in relation to a main movement direction (26) of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180), the sweeping roller (38) is arranged in front of the wiping roller (46).
3. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the following applies:

   - the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) is arranged between the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46), and dirt from the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46) is conveyable into the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) via different dirt inlet openings (72; 76);

   - the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46) are arranged one behind the other, and two dirt containers (122, 124) are provided, wherein a dirt container (124) associated with the wiping roller (46) is positioned on the side of the wiping roller (46) facing away from the sweeping roller (38) and a dirt container (122) associated with the sweeping roller (38) is on the side of the sweeping roller (38) facing away from the wiping roller (46);

   - arranged between the wiping roller (46) and the sweeping roller (38) is a dirt container (122, 124) associated with one of these cleaning rollers (38, 46) - wiping roller (36) or sweeping roller (38)

   - and arranged on the side facing away from said dirt container (122, 124) is a further dirt container, which is associated with the respective other cleaning roller (38, 46) - sweeping roller (38) or wiping roller (46);

   - the sweeping roller (38) and the wiping roller (46) are arranged one behind the other, and a dirt container (60) is provided, which is associated with these two rollers, wherein dirt of the sweeping roller (38) is conveyable over the wiping roller (46) into the dirt container (60) arranged laterally adjacent thereto, or vice versa.
4. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a dirt container (122), which is associated with the sweeping roller (38), and/or a dirt container (124), which is associated with the wiping roller (46), is, in relation to the main movement direction (26) of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) arranged in front of or behind the sweeping roller (38) or the wiping roller (46).
5. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the drive unit (16) comprises two drive elements (18), which are spaced at a distance from one another in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) and in that at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) is positioned, at least in sections, between the drive elements (18).
6. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (120; 130; 140; 150; 160) comprises a first dirt container (122) for accommodating dirt swept up with the sweeping roller (38) and a second dirt container (124) for accommodating dirt picked up with the wiping roller (46).
7. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with Claim 6, characterized in that the dirt containers (122; 124) are arranged spatially separate from one another on the floor cleaning appliance (140; 150; 160) and can preferably be removed from and connected to the floor cleaning appliance (140; 150; 160) independently of one another.
8. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning liquid container (56) and the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) are arranged one on top of the other, in particular in that the cleaning liquid container (56) is arranged above the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124).
9. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning liquid container (56) and the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) are configured structurally separate from one another and/or can be removed from and connected to the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) separately from one another, or in that the cleaning liquid container (56) and the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) form an assembly (64) with a common housing (66), which can be removed from and connected to the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130).
10. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

    - the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises a pump unit (88), by means of which cleaning liquid is conveyable out of the cleaning liquid container (56);

    - the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises a fluid conduit (84) which engages into an opening of the cleaning liquid container (56);

    - the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises connecting elements arranged on the cleaning liquid container (56) and on a housing for forming a fluidic connection, by way of which cleaning liquid is removable from the cleaning liquid container (56).
11. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) is free of a suction assembly for collecting the dirty liquid from the floor surface (12).
12. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises at least one sweeping sill (74, 78), which is arranged at a dirt inlet opening (72, 76) of at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) and across which dirt from the sweeping roller (38) or the wiping roller (46) is conveyable into the dirt container (60; 122, 124).
13. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises a scraping element (80), which is arranged at a dirt inlet opening (76) of at least one dirt container (60; 124) and is in engagement with the wiping roller (46).
14. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180) comprises at a dirt inlet opening (76) of at least one dirt container (60, 124) a diverting element (82) for liquid from the wiping roller (46) into the dirt container (60; 124).
15. Floor cleaning appliance in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a housing (14) of the floor cleaning appliance (10; 100; 120; 130; 140; 150; 160; 170; 180), which accommodates the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124), comprises at least one sweeping sill (74, 78), the scraping element (80), and/or the diverting element (82), or in that the at least one dirt container (60; 122, 124) comprises at least one sweeping sill (74, 78), the scraping element (80), and/or the diverting element (82).

Images