EP4260756A1 - Cleaning device, sweeping brush for a cleaning device and method for operating a cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

A sweeping brush for a cleaning device and a cleaning device with a corresponding sweeping brush are proposed, wherein a cleaning arm of the sweeping brush extends in a wave-like manner radially outward from a base body of the sweeping brush relative to the direction of rotation or in the direction of the axis of rotation and/or wherein the cleaning arm extends at least in sections is bent in the direction of rotation. In addition, a method for operating a cleaning device is proposed, wherein when a sweeping brush of the cleaning device collides with an elevation of a cleaning surface or by changing the direction of rotation of the sweeping brush, a connecting arm is bent or bent from a starting position counter to the direction of rotation and / or after passing over an elevation the cleaning surface, the speed or direction of rotation of the sweeping brush is changed at least temporarily in order to bend or fold the connecting arm.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a sweeping brush for a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1, a self-propelled cleaning device with a sweeping brush according to the preamble of claim 11 and a method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 12.

State of the art

From the prior art, self-moving or self-propelled cleaning devices are known, in particular as (partially) autonomous vacuum cleaner robots for cleaning surfaces such as floors.

Such cleaning devices can be equipped with a sweeping or side brush for improved cleaning of edges, edges and/or room boundaries. The axis of rotation of these sweeping brushes runs at least substantially vertically or at least substantially orthogonally to the cleaning surface, so that suction material is fed to a suction opening or a cleaning roller of the cleaning device.

A sweeping or side brush usually has a plurality of sweeping elements, for example in the form of tufts of bristles, which are each connected directly or via a connecting arm to a base body or a hub, such as in the DE 10 2010 037 672 A1 disclosed.

The connecting arms improve the cleaning performance of the sweeping brush. However, such connecting arms also increase the wear of the sweeping elements or bristle tufts. In addition, there is a risk that the sweeping brush with connecting arms will jam on obstacles or elevations or that the cleaning device will not be able to move over elevations without problems.

In order to reduce wear on the sweeping brush, the reveals DE 10 2017 119 216 A1 arcuately curved connecting arms made from one flexible plastic so that the connecting arms can move if they hit an obstacle.

The EP 3 443 863 A1 also discloses that the connecting arms can each be provided with several notches in order to increase the vertical mobility of the connecting arms. Due to the flexibility achieved in this way, increases in the cleaning surface, such as the edges of high-pile carpets, can be passed over more easily.

Despite these measures, there is a risk with the sweeping brushes known from the prior art that the sweeping brushes will jam on obstacles or elevations or that the cleaning device will not be able to drive over elevations without problems. This leads to increased wear on the sweeping brushes and thus to increased maintenance costs. In addition, driving over elevations can change the path of the cleaning device, meaning that the cleaning area is not completely cleaned.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an improved sweeping brush for a cleaning device, an improved cleaning device with such a sweeping brush and an improved method for operating a cleaning device, preferably whereby the passage of even larger elevations or obstacles, in particular of more than 0, 5 cm or 1 cm, is enabled or supported without tilting and/or, in particular, the wear resistance or service life of the sweeping brush is increased or extended without impairing the cleaning performance.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved by a sweeping brush according to claim 1, a cleaning device with such a sweeping brush according to claim 11 or by a method according to claim 12.

Advantageous further training is the subject of the subclaims.

A cleaning device in the sense of the present invention is preferably a (partially) autonomous or self-propelled vacuum cleaner robot, hereinafter referred to as a vacuum robot. It can be a cleaning device in the sense of the present Invention but also another device for cleaning and / or care of surfaces, especially floors. For example, floor mopping devices or robots, polishing devices or robots, window cleaning devices or robots or lawn mowing devices or robots are fundamentally to be understood as cleaning devices in the sense of the present invention.

The cleaning device according to the invention is equipped with a sweeping brush according to the invention and a drive unit, in particular an electric motor, for the sweeping brush, the sweeping brush being rotatably driven about an axis of rotation - preferably at least substantially vertical in the usual position of use of the cleaning device.

A sweeping brush in the sense of the present invention is a technical device or a technical aid that is designed to clean a surface, hereinafter referred to as the cleaning surface, by rotating the sweeping brush relative to the cleaning surface.

A sweeping brush in the sense of the present invention can have one or more cleaning elements in the form of a tuft of filaments or fibers or a row of filaments or fibers as brush trim. However, it is also possible for a sweeping brush to have one or more cleaning or wiping elements, for example in the form of knobs, slats or the like. having. In particular, a sweeping brush in the sense of the present invention can in principle also be designed without filaments or fibers. The term “sweeping brush” in the sense of the present invention is to be understood accordingly broadly.

The sweeping brush according to the invention is preferably arranged on an underside of the cleaning device, in particular in such a way that items to be cleaned, such as dust, are picked up by the sweeping brush laterally next to and/or in front of the cleaning device in the direction of travel of the cleaning device and are conveyed to a catchment area or a suction opening of the cleaning device. For this purpose, the sweeping brush can be arranged on the edge or off-center of the cleaning device or can be designed as a side brush. However, it is also possible for the sweeping brush to be arranged at least essentially in the middle of the cleaning device.

The sweeping brush according to the invention has a base body or a hub and at least one preferably elongated or arm-like cleaning or brush arm, in particular wherein the cleaning arm has a connecting arm and at least one cleaning head arranged on the connecting arm.

The base body or the hub, hereinafter referred to as the base body, is preferably at least substantially cylindrical, in particular disk-shaped.

Preferably, the base body is designed to be at least substantially rotationally symmetrical, particularly to avoid imbalance.

Particularly preferably, the base body defines an axis of rotation about which the sweeping brush is rotatable, preferably wherein the axis of rotation forms a symmetry and/or central axis of the preferably rotationally symmetrical base body.

The spatial assignments, arrangements and/or orientations, in particular the terms "radial", "axial" and/or "in the circumferential direction" used in the context of the present invention, refer - unless otherwise stated - in particular to the axis of rotation of the sweeping brush.

The base body of the sweeping brush is or can be connected to the drive unit of the cleaning device in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-locking manner, in particular in such a way that a torque can be transmitted from the drive unit to the sweeping brush.

The base body particularly preferably has a receptacle for a shaft or a journal of the drive unit.

Since the base body preferably does not touch the cleaning surface or is spaced from it when installed or during operation of the cleaning device, the base body can be made of a hard or non-flexible material, such as a thermoplastic.

As already explained, the cleaning arm preferably has a connecting arm and a cleaning head, the cleaning head being connected to the base body via the connecting arm.

It is preferred that the cleaning device has several, preferably more than two or three and/or fewer than twelve, particularly preferably five or six, cleaning or connecting arms, preferably with a cleaning head arranged on each connecting arm or a cleaning head assigned to each connecting arm is.

The cleaning or connecting arms are preferably arranged next to one another in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation. In particular, the cleaning or connecting arms are evenly distributed over the lateral surface of the base body and/or - in the circumferential direction - equidistantly spaced from one another.

The cleaning arms, in particular the connecting arms and cleaning heads, are preferably designed to be identical in construction. Individual aspects, advantages, features, properties and method steps, which are described below only in connection with a cleaning or connecting arm and/or a cleaning head, are preferably also provided for the other cleaning or connecting arms and/or cleaning heads, so that Corresponding statements also apply to the other cleaning or connecting arms and/or cleaning heads, even if they are not repeated below.

The cleaning or connecting arm extends - in particular in a starting position or in the usual position of use - starting from the base body radially outwards, preferably with the cleaning or connecting arm extending at least in sections towards the cleaning surface or in the usual position of use of the sweeping brush downwards or is curved and/or inclined transversely to the direction of rotation, in particular in such a way that (only) the cleaning head rests on the cleaning surface.

The cleaning or connecting arm is preferably designed to be flexible or elastically deformable, in particular in such a way that the cleaning or connecting arm can be moved horizontally and/or transversely to the direction of rotation or vertically during the cleaning operation against the direction of rotation or during the cleaning operation. Particularly preferably, the connecting arm is designed to be more flexible or elastic, at least in sections, than the base body and/or cleaning head.

The desired flexibility or flexibility of the cleaning or connecting arm can be achieved by designing the geometry of the cleaning or connecting arm and/or by the choice of material.

Preferably, the cleaning or connecting arm tapers from the base body to the cleaning head, at least in sections.

Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning or connecting arm can have at least one recess on a top side or a side facing away from the cleaning surface and/or on a bottom side or a side facing the cleaning surface.

Preferably, the cleaning or connecting arm is made of an elastic material, in particular an elastic plastic, such as a synthetic rubber and/or an elastomer.

The sweeping brush can be manufactured in an injection molding process by overmolding the base body with a flexible plastic. Alternatively, the cleaning or connecting arm can be connected to the base body in a form-fitting and/or non-positive manner, in particular by latching and/or screwing.

The cleaning head is preferably designed to clean the cleaning surface.

The cleaning head preferably forms a free end of the cleaning arm. In particular, the cleaning head is (exclusively) in direct contact with the cleaning surface during the cleaning operation of the cleaning device.

To clean the cleaning surface, the cleaning head can have one or more cleaning elements, preferably several filaments, in particular in the form of a tuft of filaments or a row of filaments. As already explained, the cleaning head can also have or form a wiping element (without filaments).

One aspect of the present invention is that the cleaning or connecting arm extends radially outwards from the base body in a wave-shaped manner relative to the direction of rotation or in the direction of the axis of rotation and/or that the Cleaning or connecting arm is bent at least in sections in the direction of rotation.

Preferably, the cleaning or connecting arm is bent at least in sections in the direction of rotation and at least in sections against the direction of rotation, in particular wherein the cleaning or connecting arm is initially bent in the direction of rotation and then against the direction of rotation, starting from the base body.

This design of the sweeping brush or the wave shape of the cleaning or connecting arm causes the sweeping brush to be bent or folded (automatically) against the direction of rotation in the event of a collision with an increase in the cleaning surface or an obstacle, in particular in such a way that the height or axial extension of the sweeping brush is increased and/or that the side or top of the cleaning head that is in a starting position or previously upwards rests on the cleaning surface.

In other words, the cleaning or connecting arm twists when the sweeping brush collides with an increase in the cleaning surface or an obstacle, so that an (additional) force acts on the cleaning device due to the rigidity of the cleaning or connecting arm and the cleaning device through the sweeping brush is raised. In this way, crossing over elevations is made possible and/or supported.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cross section, in particular the thickness and/or width, of the cleaning arm, preferably the connecting arm and/or the cleaning head, decreases or decreases, starting from the base body, in particular continuously.

Preferably, the (bending) rigidity or the flexibility of the cleaning or connecting arm increases radially outwards from the base body or towards the free end or towards the cleaning head.

In particular, a connection section or a section of the cleaning or connecting arm that is directly adjacent to the base body is designed to be stiffer or less flexible than the sections of the cleaning or connecting arm that are further away from the base body.

In this way, the desired bending or folding of the cleaning or connecting arm is enabled or supported.

It is further preferably provided that the cleaning head is viewed in the direction transverse to the axis of rotation or is bent relative to the cleaning surface, in particular in such a way that the cleaning head does not rest on the entire surface of the cleaning surface during cleaning operation and/or is spaced at the end from the cleaning surface.

The top side or the side of the cleaning head facing away from the cleaning surface in a starting position is preferably concave. The underside or the side of the cleaning head facing the cleaning surface in the starting position is preferably convex.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning arm of the sweeping brush, in particular the connecting arm and / or the cleaning head of the sweeping brush, has or have a slope oriented in the direction of rotation on an underside or a side facing the cleaning surface.

Particularly preferred is the cleaning or connecting arm - along its longitudinal axis - rotated, preferably by more than 5 ° and / or less than 25 °, in particular in such a way that the underside of the cleaning arm, in particular the underside of the connecting arm and / or the underside of the Cleaning head, are/is inclined in the direction of rotation or relative to a cleaning surface.

The slope enables or supports the cleaning arm, in particular the connecting arm and/or the cleaning head, to slide onto an elevation of the cleaning surface or an obstacle. In particular, the slope or inclination reduces the risk of the sweeping brush becoming tilted and/or pushed under an obstacle.

In this way, an increase in the cleaning surface or an obstacle on the cleaning surface, for example a carpet edge or another object, can be run over more easily by the cleaning device.

The method according to the invention for operating the cleaning device is characterized in that the connecting arm is preferably automatically bent or bent over when the sweeping brush, in particular the cleaning head, collides with an increase in the cleaning surface, from a starting position counter to the direction of rotation or in the circumferential direction.

Particularly preferably, when the sweeping brush collides with an elevation of the cleaning surface or an obstacle, the connecting arm is bent or folded in such a way that the side or the top of the cleaning head that is in the starting position or previously directed upwards rests on the cleaning surface or another side or the top of the cleaning head is used to clean the cleaning surface and/or that the cleaning device is lifted by means of the sweeping brush and/or that the connecting arm and the cleaning head are bent against the direction of rotation.

As already explained, in this way the sweeping brush can be used to move over an elevation of the cleaning surface without any problems. The sweeping brush is therefore used as a climbing aid to overcome elevations or obstacles. For this purpose, the sweeping brush is preferably arranged at least substantially centrally on the underside of the cleaning device. Alternatively, the cleaning device has two sweeping brushes to lift the cleaning device evenly.

According to a further method variant that can also be implemented independently, the connecting arm is preferably automatically bent or bent over by changing the direction of rotation of the sweeping brush from a starting position counter to the direction of rotation or in the circumferential direction. It is therefore intended to cause the connecting arm to bend or fold over by appropriately controlling the drive unit. For example, it is possible to change the direction of rotation of the sweeping brush immediately before driving over an elevation, so that the connecting arm bends or bends and the cleaning device is raised at the front in the direction of travel. In addition, this makes it possible to use another side or the top of the cleaning head to clean the cleaning surface.

In embodiments with multiple connecting arms and multiple cleaning heads, when the sweeping brush collides with an elevation or with an obstacle or due to a change in the direction of rotation of the sweeping brush, it is preferred All connecting arms are bent or bent from the starting position against the direction of rotation.

In a particularly preferred method variant, which can also be implemented independently, the speed and/or direction of rotation of the sweeping brush is at least temporarily changed after passing over an increase in the cleaning surface in order to bend or fold the connecting arm, in particular, back into the starting position.

In this way, the cleaning device can be lowered again after passing over an increase in the cleaning surface.

Preferably, an increase in the cleaning surface or the passage over an increase is detected by the cleaning device by means of the cleaning device, in particular by means of a floor distance sensor and/or by measuring a change in speed and/or torque.

The proposed method therefore enables the cleaning device to pass over larger elevations in the cleaning area, for example shaggy carpets.

The aforementioned aspects, features and method steps or variants of the present invention as well as the aspects, features and method steps or variants of the present invention resulting from the claims and the following description can in principle be used independently of one another, but also in any combination or order will be realized.

Further aspects, advantages, features and properties of the present invention emerge from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments based on the figures.

Figure list

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsgeräts mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Kehrbürste;

Fig. 2

eine Ansicht der Unterseite des Reinigungsgeräts gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des Reinigungsgeräts gemäß Fig. 1 im Reinigungsbetrieb;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf die erfindungsgemäße Kehrbürste gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 4 mit einem demontierten Reinigungsarm;

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht der Kehrbürste gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 7;

Fig. 9

eine Vergrößerung der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 8 im Bereich eines Reinigungskopfs;

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 7;

Fig. 11

eine Draufsicht der Kehrbürste gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 11;

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 11;

Fig. 14

eine Seitenansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 12 mit einem umgebogenen Reinigungsarm;

Fig. 15

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 11 mit umgebogenen Reinigungsarmen;

Fig. 16

eine Draufsicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 15;

Fig. 17

eine Draufsicht der Kehrbürste gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 18

eine Seitenansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 17;

Fig. 19

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 17 von oben;

Fig. 20

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 17 von unten;

Fig. 21

einen schematischen Schnitt der Kehrbürste entlang der Schnittlinie XXI-XXI gemäß Fig. 17; und

Fig. 22

eine Draufsicht der Kehrbürste gemäß Fig. 17 mit einem umgeschwenkten Reinigungsarm.

It shows in a schematic representation, not true to scale:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a cleaning device according to the invention with a sweeping brush according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a view of the underside of the cleaning device Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a side view of the cleaning device according to Fig. 1 in the cleaning company;

Fig. 4

a top view of the sweeping brush according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 5

a side view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 4 with a dismantled cleaning arm;

Fig. 7

a top view of the sweeping brush according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 8

a side view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 9

an enlargement according to the illustration Fig. 8 in the area of a cleaning head;

Fig. 10

a perspective view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 11

a top view of the sweeping brush according to a third embodiment;

Fig. 12

a side view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 13

a perspective view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 14

a side view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 12 with a bent cleaning arm;

Fig. 15

a perspective view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 11 with bent cleaning arms;

Fig. 16

a top view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 15 ;

Fig. 17

a top view of the sweeping brush according to a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 18

a side view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 17 ;

Fig. 19

a perspective view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 17 from above;

Fig. 20

a perspective view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 17 from underneath;

Fig. 21

a schematic section of the sweeping brush along the section line XXI-XXI Fig. 17 ; and

Fig. 22

a top view of the sweeping brush according to Fig. 17 with a swiveled cleaning arm.

In the figures, some of which are not to scale and are only schematic, the same reference numerals are used for the same, similar or similar parts and components, with corresponding or comparable properties or advantages being achieved, even if repetition is omitted.

Detailed description of the embodiments

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a self-propelled (mobile) cleaning device 1.

The cleaning device 1 is preferably designed as a vacuum robot or is designed to move over a cleaning surface F automatically or autonomously. In particular, the cleaning device 1 is designed to suck suction material or air together with suction material from the environment or from the cleaning surface F.

The cleaning device 1 has a housing 2, several, in this case two, electric motor-driven wheels 3 and a navigation device 4.

By means of the navigation device 4 and the wheels 3, the cleaning device 1 can orient and move automatically or autonomously within an environment or on the cleaning surface F.

The cleaning device 1 has an elongated or slot-like suction opening 6 on an underside 5 or a side 5 facing the cleaning surface F, wherein suction material can be picked up or sucked in via the suction opening 6.

The cleaning device 1 is preferably equipped with an electric motor-driven fan (not shown) and a collecting container (not shown) for the suction material.

During the cleaning operation of the cleaning device 1, suction material or air together with suction material from the environment or from the cleaning surface F can be sucked into the cleaning device 1, in particular into the collecting container, by means of the fan via the suction opening 6.

In the collecting container, the suctioned material is separated from the air, for example by means of a filter (not shown), whereby the (cleaned) air can then be released back into the environment.

Optionally, the cleaning device 1 is equipped with a cleaning roller 7, the cleaning roller 7 being arranged in the suction opening 6.

The cleaning roller 7 is rotatably driven about an axis of rotation that is at least essentially horizontal in the usual position of use of the cleaning device 1, preferably by means of an electric motor (not shown). Particularly preferably, the axis of rotation of the cleaning roller 7 runs at least essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheels 3 and/or a plane formed by the underside 5.

The cleaning device 1 has - in particular in addition or as an alternative to the cleaning roller 7 - a sweeping brush 8, the sweeping brush 8 being rotatably driven about an axis of rotation A that is at least essentially vertical in the usual position of use of the cleaning device 1, preferably by means of an electric motor (not shown). .

The sweeping brush 8 is arranged on the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1, preferably immediately next to the suction opening 6 or sweeping brush 8.

How out Fig. 1 and 2 As can be seen, the sweeping brush 8 is preferably arranged in an edge region of the cleaning device 1 or the housing 2, in particular in such a way that the sweeping brush 8 protrudes at least partially from the housing 2 or the sweeping brush 8 extends at least partially beyond the contour of the housing 2 .

The sweeping brush 8 is designed to clean room boundaries, such as skirting boards, and/or to feed suction material to the suction opening 6 or the cleaning roller 7. In particular, the sweeping brush 8 is designed to feed suction material that is located laterally next to and/or diagonally in front of the cleaning device 1 in the direction of travel of the cleaning device 1 to the suction opening 6 or the cleaning roller 7.

The (usual) direction of travel of the cleaning device 1 is in Fig. 1 shown by an arrow.

Preferably, the cleaning roller 7 and the sweeping brush 8 are each driven by an electric motor and/or can be controlled independently of one another. However, solutions are also possible in which the cleaning roller 7 and the sweeping brush 8 have a common drive unit.

As already explained, the axis of rotation A of the sweeping brush 8 is at least essentially vertically aligned during cleaning operation. Particularly preferably, the axis of rotation A of the sweeping brush 8 runs at least substantially orthogonally to a plane formed by the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1 and/or to the axis of rotation of the cleaning roller 7 and/or to the axis of rotation of the wheels 3.

The (usual) direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 is selected so that the suction material is fed to the suction opening 6 or the cleaning roller 7 in front of or next to the cleaning device 1 by means of the sweeping brush 8.

With a sweeping brush 8 arranged on the right edge of the cleaning device 1 in the direction of travel, the sweeping brush 8 is designed to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above on the cleaning surface F.

With a sweeping brush 8 arranged on the left edge of the cleaning device 1 in the direction of travel, the sweeping brush 8 is designed to rotate clockwise when viewed from above on the cleaning surface F.

In Fig. 2 the direction of rotation R is clockwise or clockwise.

The cleaning device 1 is preferably equipped with an accumulator (not shown) to charge all electrically operated components of the cleaning device 1, in particular the electric motors for the wheels 3, the navigation device 4, the blower, the electric motor for the cleaning roller 7 and / or the electric motor for to supply the sweeping brush 8 with electrical energy.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the cleaning device 1. The usual direction of travel is in Fig. 3 shown by an arrow.

The suction opening 6 or cleaning roller 7 and/or the sweeping brush 8 are/is preferably arranged in a front region of the cleaning device 1 in the direction of travel of the cleaning device 1.

As already explained at the beginning, the cleaning device 1 is designed to also clean an uneven cleaning surface F. In particular, the cleaning device 1 can also move over an elevation H of the cleaning surface F, for example a carpet edge, in particular without the sweeping brush 8 being damaged and/or tilted. For this purpose, the sweeping brush 8 is designed in such a way that it enables or supports the passage over elevations H of the cleaning surface F, as will be explained in more detail below.

The term “elevation” in the sense of the present invention is preferably to be understood as meaning a geometric change in an at least essentially flat and/or horizontal cleaning surface F, in particular transversely and/or at least essentially perpendicular to the main extension plane of the cleaning surface F, particularly preferably of more than 0.5 cm or 1 cm and/or less than 10 cm or 5 cm. A projection, a step, an edge or the like is preferably to be understood as an “elevation” of the cleaning surface F. However, objects such as a carpet or a cable can also increase the cleaning surface F.

The following is based on the Fig. 4 to Fig. 22 several preferred embodiments of the sweeping brush 8 explained.

First embodiment

Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 show the sweeping brush 8 according to a first embodiment from different perspectives. Fig. 4 shows the sweeping brush 8 in a top view. Fig. 5 shows a side view of the sweeping brush 8. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the sweeping brush 8, with some components shown individually.

The sweeping brush 8 has a base body 9 and at least one cleaning arm 10 arranged on the base body 9.

The sweeping brush 8, in particular the cleaning arm 10, has a connecting arm 11 and a cleaning head 12, the cleaning head 12 being connected to the base body 9 via the connecting arm 11. In particular, the cleaning head 12 forms the free end of the cleaning arm 10.

The sweeping brush 8 preferably has several, in the illustrated embodiments five or six, cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, with a cleaning head 12 being arranged on each connecting arm 11.

Preferably, the cleaning arms 10, in particular the connecting arms 11 and cleaning heads 12, are constructed identically. Individual aspects, advantages, features, properties and method steps, which are described below only in connection with a cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and/or a cleaning head 12, are preferably also present in the other cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 and/or cleaning heads 12 is provided, so that corresponding statements also apply to the other cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 and / or cleaning heads 12, even if they are not repeated below.

The sweeping brush 8 is preferably positively, non-positively and/or materially connected, in particular by latching, screwing and/or magnetically, connected or connectable to the cleaning device 1 or a drive unit of the cleaning device 1, preferably in such a way that a torque is generated by the drive unit the sweeping brush 8 can be transferred.

The sweeping brush 8 is preferably attached to the cleaning device 1 by means of the base body 9. In particular, the base body 9 is designed to accommodate a pin or a shaft of a drive unit or an electric motor. For this purpose, the base body 9 is equipped with a (central) receptacle 9A. In the embodiment shown, the receptacle 9A has a hexagonal contour. However, other solutions are also possible here.

The base body 9 is preferably cylindrical or disk-shaped.

The base body 9 has a top side 9B or a side 9B facing the housing 2 or a side 9B facing away from the cleaning surface F, a bottom side 9C or a side 9C facing away from the housing 2 or a side 9C facing the cleaning surface F and an outside 9D, preferably wherein the outside 9D is formed by the lateral surface of the preferably cylindrical base body 9.

Like in particular Fig. 5 illustrated, the base body 9 is spaced from the cleaning surface F during cleaning operation or in the usual position of use, preferably by at least 0.5 cm or 1 cm.

The base body 9 is preferably made of a dimensionally stable or solid material. For example, the base body 9 can be injection molded from plastic, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic. However, it is also possible in principle to produce the base body 9 from (light) metal, such as aluminum.

As already explained at the beginning, the sweeping brush 8 is driven to rotate about an axis of rotation A. The axis of rotation A is aligned at least substantially vertically and/or orthogonally to the cleaning surface F during cleaning operation or in the position of use of the cleaning device 1.

The sweeping brush 8, in particular the base body 9, preferably has a central or symmetry axis, preferably wherein the central or symmetry axis forms the axis of rotation A of the preferably rotationally symmetrical base body 9.

In particular, the axis of rotation A runs centrally through the receptacle 9A of the base body 9.

The sweeping brush 8, in particular the cleaning arm 10 or the cleaning head 12, is designed to clean the cleaning surface F by rotating about the axis of rotation A. In particular, the cleaning arm 10 is in direct contact with the cleaning surface F at least in sections or at the end or with its free end or with the cleaning head 12.

The cleaning arm 10 is preferably elongated or arm-like. Preferably, the cleaning arm 10 extends radially outwards from the base body 9 in a starting position or in normal cleaning operation.

Like in particular Fig. 5 illustrated, the cleaning arm 10 is preferably curved and/or inclined at least in sections towards the cleaning surface F or in the operating position of the sweeping brush 8 downwards or transversely, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly, to the direction of rotation R, in particular in such a way that the cleaning arm 10 is at least at the end or touches the cleaning surface F with its free end.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is preferably connected to the base body 9, in particular the outside 9D of the base body 9, in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-locking manner.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is made or injection molded from a particularly resilient or flexible material, particularly preferably plastic, such as ethylene-polypropylene-diene rubber and/or an elastomer. Very particularly preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is produced by overmolding the base body 9 with a plastic.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is preferably more flexible or more flexible than the base body 9. In particular, the material selected for the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is softer or more elastic than the material selected for the base body 9.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, preferably extends radially outwards in an arcuate shape.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is at least partially counter to the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 Fig. 4 i.e. clockwise, curved and/or inclined, in particular in such a way that an imaginary extension of the cleaning head 12 or a straight line perpendicular to the end face of the cleaning head 12 passes the base body 9 viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation A and/or to the outside 9D of the base body 9 is spaced apart by the distance D, as in Fig. 4 represented by dash-dotted lines.

Viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation A, as in Fig. 4 shown, the cleaning head 12, in particular the longitudinal axis of the cleaning head 12, is aligned obliquely to the direction of rotation R.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is so flexible or flexible that during cleaning operation the cleaning head 12 is turned on by the rotation of the sweeping brush 8 in such a way that the cleaning head 12, starting from the connecting arm 11, is aligned against the direction of rotation R and/or the cleaning head 12 is pulled over the cleaning surface F.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, preferably has a top side or side 11A facing the housing 2, a bottom side or a side 11B facing the cleaning surface F, a front side or a front side 11C in the direction of rotation R and/or a back side or a rear side 11D in the direction of rotation R.

Like in particular Fig. 4 illustrated, the front 11C is preferably convex and the back 11D is preferably concave. However, other embodiments are also possible, as described later in connection with the embodiment according to Fig. 11 to Fig. 16 is explained.

The cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cross section of the connecting arm 11 and/or the cross section of the cleaning head 12, is or are preferably non-round, particularly preferably at least essentially polygonal, in particular rectangular.

Particularly preferably, the cross section, in particular the thickness and/or width, of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, changes or changes, starting from the base body 9 to the cleaning head 12.

In the embodiment shown, the cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, initially tapers starting from the base body 9 and then increases again to the cleaning head 12.

Particularly preferably, the area of the smallest cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11, is less than 90% or 80% of the area of the largest cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11. However, other solutions are also possible here, as will be explained in more detail becomes.

Preferably, the thickness and/or the width of the smallest cross section is at least 1 mm or 2 mm and/or the width and/or the diameter of the largest cross section is at most 10 mm or 5 mm.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, preferably has a first section or connection section 11E, a second section or intermediate section 11F and / or a third section or end section 11G, preferably the connection section 11E directly on the base body 9, in particular the Outside 9D, the end section 11G directly adjoins the cleaning head 12 and / or the intermediate section 11F is arranged between the connection section 11E and the end section 11G.

The connecting section 11E, the intermediate section 11F and the end section 11G preferably each form a third of the longitudinal extent of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is tapered in the middle of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11. In particular, the cross section of the intermediate section 11F is smaller than the cross section of the connecting section 11E and/or the end section 11G. In this way, the flexibility or flexibility of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is increased in the middle or in the area of the intermediate section 11F.

In particular to (further) increase the resilience or flexibility of the cleaning arm 10, particularly preferably the connecting arm 11, the Cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, particularly preferably the connection section 11E, has at least one recess 11H on the upper side 11A and/or the underside 11B, preferably wherein the recess 11H is designed as an elongated notch which is transverse to the longitudinal extent of the cleaning arm 10, in particular of the connecting arm 11.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, preferably has a plurality of recesses 11H on the upper side 11A and/or underside 11B, in particular wherein the recesses 11H are arranged at least substantially parallel to one another.

In the embodiment shown, several, here three, recesses 11H are arranged on the top 11A and several, here three, recesses 11H on the underside 11B of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11.

The recess 11H on the upper side 11A can be offset radially from the recess 11H on the underside 11B. In particular, the recess 11H on the underside 11B can be further away from the base body 9 than the recess 11H on the upper side 11A. In this way, the cleaning arm 10 can be designed to be more flexible upwards than downwards in the usual position of use.

Due to the flexibility achieved in this way, the cleaning device 1 can move over the elevation H without the sweeping brush 8 tilting. In addition, the force and the resulting torque on the drive unit are reduced, so that the load and wear on the drive unit is reduced.

As already explained, in embodiments with several cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are preferably designed to be identical in construction. However, solutions are also possible in particular in which the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 - preferably alternating in the circumferential direction - have a different geometry. In particular, the cross sections of adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 can be of different sizes and/or adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 can have a different number of recesses 11H, in particular in such a way that adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are designed to be differently flexible.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, preferably runs towards the cleaning surface F or in the direction transverse to the axis of rotation A, as in Fig. 5 shown, wavy.

Preferably, the top side 11A of the connecting arm 11 is initially concave starting from the base body 9 and convex towards the cleaning head 12.

In particular, the top of the connection portion 11E is concave and the top of the end portion 11G is convex.

Preferably, the underside of the connecting section 11E is convex and the underside of the end section 11G is concave.

In the embodiment shown, the cleaning head 12 is cuboid and/or elongated. However, other solutions are also possible here, as will be explained in more detail below.

The cleaning head 12 has an upper side or a side 12A facing away from the cleaning surface F or facing the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1 and a lower side or a side 12B facing away from the cleaning surface F or facing away from the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1.

The cleaning head 12, in particular the longitudinal axis of the cleaning head 12 or the plane formed by the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12, is preferably at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A or at least substantially parallel to the cleaning surface F during cleaning operation or in the usual position of use and/or aligned with the plane(s) formed by the underside 9C of the base body 9 and/or the underside 5 of the cleaning device 1.

Preferably, only the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 is in contact with the cleaning surface F during cleaning operation, as will be explained in more detail below.

The cleaning head 12 preferably has a cleaning insert 12C and/or a carrier 12D for the cleaning insert 12C, preferably wherein the Carrier 12D is designed to hold the cleaning insert 12C in a positive and/or non-positive manner.

The cleaning head 12, in particular the cleaning insert 12C, preferably has one or more cleaning elements 12E.

The cleaning elements 12E can be designed as filaments, in particular in the form of a tuft of filaments or a row of filaments.

The row of filaments or the tuft of filaments preferably consists of several, in particular more than 100 or 200, filaments that are arranged next to one another and/or at least substantially parallel to one another.

The individual filaments preferably have a diameter of at least 0.1 mm and/or at most 0.3 mm and/or a (free) length of at least 1 mm and/or at most 20 mm.

Particularly preferably, at least 50% or 60% and/or at most 90% or 80% of the cleaning head 12, in particular the cleaning insert 12C, are equipped with filaments.

Preferably at least 100 and/or at most 300 filaments per cm ² are provided.

To produce the cleaning head 12, in particular the row of filaments or the tuft of filaments or the cleaning insert 12C, several filaments are preferably arranged next to one another or bundled and the ends are positively, non-positively and/or cohesively bonded, in particular by melting, gluing or the like. connected with each other. Alternatively, the filaments - individually or bundled - can be sewn or clamped into a base body. In particular, a band, a plate or a sleeve can be used as the base body. It is also possible to overmold the (bundled) filaments, whereby the cleaning insert 12C is produced.

The bundled filaments or the row of filaments/tufts of filaments produced in this way or the cleaning insert 12C can then be placed in the Carrier 12D can be pressed in or inserted, as will be explained in more detail below.

However, it is also possible to connect the filaments - individually or bundled - directly to the carrier 12D in a positive, non-positive and/or material fit. In particular, the filaments - individually or bundled - can be sewn or clamped into the carrier 12D. It is also possible to overmold the (bundled) filaments, whereby the carrier 12D is produced with the filaments.

Preferably, the filaments are each embedded with at least 20% or 25% of their length in the base body or the carrier 12D, in particular to ensure a firm hold.

The filaments are preferably made from polyamides, in particular polyamide 6.10 or polyamide 6.12. These materials have proven to be particularly wear-resistant due to their low water absorption capacity and have a particularly high cleaning performance due to their flexural rigidity.

The cleaning elements/filaments 12E preferably emerge from the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12. The cleaning elements/filaments 12E preferably extend from the cleaning head 12 to the cleaning surface F or, in the usual position of use of the cleaning device 1, downwards. In particular, the cleaning elements/filaments 12E are aligned at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A or perpendicular to the cleaning surface F.

In particular, the sweeping brush 8 is designed to clean the cleaning surface F with the ends of the cleaning elements/filaments 12E, whereby a high pressure is generated on the cleaning surface F by means of the sweeping brush 8. In this way, however, the wear of the sweeping brush 8, in particular of the cleaning head 12 or the cleaning elements 12E, also increases.

According to the invention, it is therefore provided that the cleaning head 12 is attached interchangeably to the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning insert 12C is attached interchangeably to the carrier 12D, as in Fig. 6 shown using a dismantled cleaning arm 10. This makes it possible to simply replace the cleaning insert 12C or the cleaning head 12 if the cleaning elements 12E are damaged or worn. In addition, in embodiments with several cleaning arms 10 and only individual cleaning inserts 12C or cleaning heads 12 can be exchanged.

The cleaning head 12, in particular the carrier 12D, is preferably attached or attachable to the connecting arm 11 in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, in particular by means of a non-destructively releasable snap and/or press connection.

The cleaning head 12, in particular the carrier 12D, preferably has a pin 12K.

The connecting arm 11 preferably has a receptacle 11K corresponding to the pin 12K on an end face 11J, preferably the pin 12K being inserted or insertable, in particular pressed or pressable, into the receptacle 11K. However, other solutions are also possible, for example in which the cleaning head 12 and the connecting arm 11 are connected or can be connected by means of a bayonet lock.

Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning insert 12C is fastened or can be fastened to the carrier 12D in a form-fitting and/or non-positive manner, in particular by means of a non-destructive, releasable snap and/or press connection.

Preferably, the cleaning head 12, in particular the carrier 12D, has a receptacle 12H, in particular a groove, very particularly preferably a T-groove, wherein the cleaning insert 12C is inserted or can be inserted, in particular pressed or pressed, into the receptacle 12H, in particular radially, in particular in such a way that the cleaning elements 12E protrude from the receptacle 12H.

Second embodiment

Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 show the sweeping brush 8 according to a second embodiment.

The embodiment according to Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 can be one, several or all features of the embodiment according to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 have or vice versa. The explanations related to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 Consequently, they preferably also apply to the embodiment according to Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 and vice versa, even if repetition is avoided.

In the following, only the special features of the in Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 illustrated embodiment explained, but also in principle in the embodiment according to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 can be provided.

At the in Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 In the embodiment shown, the cleaning head 12, in particular the cleaning insert 12C, has a plurality of cleaning elements 12E in the form of a tuft of filaments, wherein the tuft of filaments extends radially outwards and/or is aligned obliquely to the direction of rotation R when viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation A.

Preferably, the tuft of filaments forms an extension of the connecting arm 11 in its longitudinal extent. In particular, the cleaning elements/filaments 12E emerge from the end face of the connecting arm 11 or from the end face 11J of the connecting arm 11.

However, it is also fundamentally possible for the cleaning elements/filaments 12E to be aligned parallel to the axis of rotation A or at least essentially perpendicular to the cleaning surface F or to emerge from the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12, as in connection with the embodiment according to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 explained.

The connecting arm 11 is preferably designed to be longer than the cleaning head 12 or the cleaning elements/filaments 12E. Particularly preferably, the connecting arm 11 forms 2/3 and the cleaning head 12 or the cleaning elements/filaments 12E 1/3 of the length of the cleaning arm 10.

In the illustrated embodiment it is provided that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, has or has or forms an incline oriented in the direction of rotation R on the underside 11B or 12B.

In particular, the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 and/or the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 are inclined or tilted in the direction of rotation R or relative to the cleaning surface F and/or the axis of rotation A, as shown in particular in the side view Fig. 8 and the enlargement of the cleaning arm 10 according to Fig. 9 illustrate.

Preferably - viewed from the end face of the cleaning arm 10 - the slope or an imaginary extension of the slope on the one hand and the cleaning surface F and / or a plane formed by the underside 9C of the base body 9 on the other hand form an angle W, the angle W being more than 0°, 5° or 10° and/or less than 90°, 60° or 45°, particularly preferably at least substantially 20° or 15°.

The cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is preferably rotated - along its longitudinal axis or starting from the base body 9 -, preferably by more than 0°, 5° or 10° or by less than 90°, 60° or 45°, in particular such that the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 and/or the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 are/is inclined in the direction of rotation R or relative to the cleaning surface F and/or have/has or forms/forms a slope oriented in the direction of rotation R.

It is envisaged that the twist or the (twist) angle W remains constant along the longitudinal extent of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11.

Due to the inclination or rotation of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, the sweeping brush 8 can be moved more easily over an elevation H, in particular without tilting. The slant or twist of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 thus enables it to slide onto the elevation H when the cleaning device 1 moves against it.

Preferably, the cross section of the cleaning insert/filament tuft 12C is non-round, particularly preferably at least essentially polygonal, in particular rectangular.

It is preferred that (also) the underside of the cleaning insert/filament tuft 12C is inclined in the direction of rotation R or has a slope oriented in the direction of rotation R. In this way, corresponding advantages are realized. In addition, the wear of the cleaning insert 12C or the cleaning elements 12E is reduced.

Preferably, the sweeping brush 8, in particular the cleaning arm 10, is only adjusted in this way during cleaning operation or in the usual position of use Cleaning surface F is pressed so that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and / or the cleaning head 12, has the slope on the underside 11B or 12B even in cleaning operation or in the usual position of use or the underside 11B or 12B in the direction of rotation R or are/is inclined relative to the cleaning surface F.

Like in particular Fig. 8 Illustrated, cleaning arms 10 adjacent in the circumferential direction, in particular connecting arms 11 and/or cleaning heads 12 adjacent in the circumferential direction, are arranged axially offset from one another, in particular by the offset V, and/or in two planes spaced apart from one another, in particular by the offset V. The offset V is preferably at least 1 mm or 5 mm and/or at most 50 mm or 20 mm.

Preferably, the cleaning arms 10, in particular the cleaning heads 12, also end in two mutually spaced planes, as in Fig. 8 shown. However, it is also possible for the cleaning arms 10, in particular the cleaning heads 12, to end flush.

In particular, the cleaning elements 12E or filaments/filament tufts of adjacent cleaning heads 12 can be designed to have different lengths, preferably in such a way that the cleaning arms 10, in particular the cleaning heads 12 or the cleaning elements/filaments/filament tufts 12E, end flush or in a common plane.

Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning arms 10 can be curved and/or inclined to different degrees in the position of use downwards or towards the cleaning surface F or transversely to the direction of rotation R, preferably in such a way that the cleaning arms 10, in particular the cleaning heads 12 or the cleaning elements/ Filaments/filament tufts 12E, flush or ending in a common plane.

Due to the offset V of the cleaning arms 10, the cleaning heads 12 are pressed against the cleaning surface F with different levels of force during cleaning operation. In this way the cleaning performance is improved.

In addition, the offset V enables the increase H to be better overcome by the sweeping brush 8. Those cleaning arms 10, the higher are arranged, can be moved more easily over the elevation H, so that the sweeping brush 8 can rotate over the elevation H.

Particularly in combination with the described slope, overcoming an increase H in the cleaning surface F is made possible or supported in a particularly effective manner.

Third embodiment

Fig. 11 to Fig. 16 show the sweeping brush 8 according to a third embodiment.

The embodiment according to Fig. 11 to Fig. 16 can be one, several or all features of the embodiment according to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 and/or according to the embodiment Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 have or vice versa. The explanations related to Fig. 4 to Fig. 10 Consequently, they preferably also apply to the embodiment according to Fig. 11 to Fig. 16 and vice versa, even if repetition is avoided.

In the following, only the special features of the in Fig. 11 to Fig. 16 illustrated embodiment explained, which, however, can also basically be provided in the other embodiments.

In the embodiment shown, the cleaning head 12 is preferably designed as a particularly one-piece wiping element. In particular, the cleaning head 12 does not have any individual cleaning elements or filaments 12E. In this way, the wear resistance of the sweeping brush 8 is further increased. However, solutions are also possible in which the cleaning head 12 according to the third embodiment also has a plurality of cleaning elements 12E, in particular in the form of a tuft of filaments.

In particular, to increase the flexibility or flexibility of the cleaning head 12, the cleaning arm 10 or the cleaning head 12 has at least one recess 12F on the end side 12A, preferably the recess 12F as an elongated notch transverse to the longitudinal extent of the cleaning arm 10 or cleaning head 12 is trained.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning arm 10 or the cleaning head 12 has several, here three, recesses 12F at the end, preferably wherein the recesses 12F are arranged at least substantially parallel to one another.

The recess 12F preferably does not extend over the entire top 12A, but only over a front area of the top 12A in the direction of rotation R, in particular in such a way that the cleaning arm 10 at the end or the cleaning head 12 can give in accordingly in the event of a collision with an elevation H.

A special feature of the Fig. 11 to Fig. 16 The embodiment shown is that the cleaning arm 10 is viewed relative to the direction of rotation R or in the direction of the axis of rotation A, as in Fig. 11 shown, extends from the base body 9 in a wave-like manner radially outwards or the cleaning arm 10 is bent at least in sections in the direction of rotation R.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is bent at least in sections in the direction of rotation R and at least in sections against the direction of rotation R, preferably the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, starting from the base body 9 first in the direction of rotation R and then against the direction of rotation R is bent.

Particularly preferably, the connecting section 11E and/or the intermediate section 11F of the connecting arm 11 are bent in the direction of rotation R and the end section 11G of the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12 are bent counter to the direction of rotation R.

In other words, the front side 11C and/or the back side 11D of the connecting arm 11 are both concave and convex.

Particularly preferably, the front side 11C of the connecting section 11E, the front side 11C of the intermediate section 11F, the back side 11D of the end section 11G and/or the back side of the cleaning head 12 are/are concave.

Preferably, the front side of the cleaning head 12, the front side 11C of the end section 11G, the back side 11D of the connecting section 11E and/or the back side 11D of the intermediate section 11F are/are convex.

The wave shape stiffens the cleaning arm 10 in the direction of rotation R, so that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is bent or folded over with the elevation H when the sweeping brush 8 or the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, collides, preferably in the area of the intermediate section 11F, as will be explained in more detail below.

Like in particular Fig. 12 illustrated, the cleaning head 12 is preferably bent transversely to the direction of rotation R or transversely to the axis of rotation A, particularly preferably in such a way that the end of the cleaning head 12 is spaced from the cleaning surface F in the cleaning operation or the usual position of use.

Preferably, the top 12A of the cleaning head 12 is/is concave and/or the bottom 12B of the cleaning head 12 is convex.

In this way, the risk of tilting is further reduced.

Preferably, it is also provided in this embodiment that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, has/has a slope oriented in the direction of rotation R on the underside 11B or 12B and/or the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or cleaning head 12, are tilted in such a way that the underside 11B or 12B has a sliding surface in the direction of rotation R.

Preferably, the flexibility of the cleaning arm 10 increases radially outwards. In particular, the connecting section 11E is designed to be stiffer than the intermediate section 11F, end section 11G and/or the cleaning head 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cross section, in particular the thickness and/or width, of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, decreases/decreases, starting from the base body 9, preferably continuously. In this way, the flexibility of the cleaning arm 10 is increased radially outwards.

As already explained, the cleaning arm 10 is preferably designed to, in the event of contact or collision with the sweeping brush 8 or the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, with the increase H in particular against the direction of rotation R (initially) to yield.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is designed to bend or fold over when the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, touches or collides with the elevation H due to the rotation of the sweeping brush 8, in particular in such a way that the top 11A of the Connecting arm 11 or the top 12A of the cleaning head 12 rests on the cleaning surface F or the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 faces away from the cleaning surface F.

Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 show the sweeping brush 8 in the usual position of use or during cleaning operation and/or in a starting position in which the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 extends radially outwards from the base body 9 or the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 on the cleaning surface F rests or faces away from the underside 9C of the base body 9.

The following is based on the Fig. 14 to Fig. 16 the proposed method for operating the cleaning device 1 is described in more detail.

Fig. 14 shows the state of the sweeping brush 8, in which a cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent or bent. Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 show the state of the sweeping brush 8, in which all cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are bent or bent.

The proposed method is preferably carried out using the cleaning device 1, in particular the sweeping brush 8.

In the proposed method for operating the cleaning device 1, when the sweeping brush 8, in particular the cleaning arm 10, collides with the increase H of the cleaning surface F, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is preferably moved from the starting position, as in Fig. 11 to Fig. 13 shown, bent or folded against the direction of rotation R, in particular in the area of the intermediate section 11F, preferably in such a way that the side or top side 11A of the connecting arm 11 or the top side 12A of the cleaning head 12 that was previously directed upwards or in the starting position is on the cleaning surface F is applied and/or the side previously directed downwards or in the starting position or Underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 or underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 is directed upwards or faces away from the cleaning surface F.

Due to the rotation of the sweeping brush 8, all cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are preferably bent or bent in a corresponding manner against the direction of rotation R when the sweeping brush 8 collides with the elevation H, as in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shown.

By bending or bending the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, the geometry or shape of the sweeping brush 8 is changed. In particular, the outer diameter of the sweeping brush 8 is reduced, preferably by more than 20% or 30% and/or less than 90% or 80%, compared to the outer diameter of the sweeping brush 8 in the starting position.

The starting position of the sweeping brush 8, in particular of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, is preferably the position in which the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 extends radially outwards from the base body 9 and/or in which the particularly convex underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 rests against the cleaning surface F and/or in which the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is not bent or folded.

By bending or bending the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, the height of the sweeping brush 8 is additionally changed compared to the starting position, in particular by more than 20% or 30% and/or less than 90% or 80%, compared to the height of the sweeping brush 8 in the starting position and/or in such a way that the cleaning device 1 is raised by means of the sweeping brush 8, at least in a front area in the direction of travel, so that the elevation H can be driven over more easily.

In particular, due to the changed shape of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, the sweeping brush 8 can no longer be compressed or pressed against the cleaning surface F by the weight of the cleaning device 1 in the same way as in the starting position. In other words, the sweeping brush 8 with the bent or folded cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 has a higher rigidity, in particular bending rigidity, than in the starting position.

As already explained, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 is automatically or automatically bent over in the event of a collision with the sweeping brush 8 of the elevation H. However, it is also possible for the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 to be bent or bent, in particular without the cleaning device 1 colliding with an elevation H.

According to a preferred method variant that can also be implemented independently, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent or folded by changing the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8, in particular by appropriately controlling the drive unit or the electric motor, for example immediately before passing over the elevation H .

The method according to the invention makes it possible to use different sides of the cleaning arm 10 or cleaning head 12 for cleaning the cleaning surface F, namely either the top 12A or the bottom 12B of the cleaning head 12.

The top 12A and the bottom 12B of the cleaning head 12 can be designed differently. In particular, the top 12A and the bottom 12B of the cleaning head 12 may have a different coefficient of friction. For example, the top 12A can have a coating and/or be rougher and/or softer than the bottom 12B or vice versa. In addition, it is possible for the top 12A of the cleaning head 12 to have several cleaning elements/filaments 12E, for example in the form of a row of filaments.

The cleaning device 1 can be equipped with a corresponding sensor system, in particular a distance sensor, in order to detect an increase H or an obstacle, a change in the surface quality of the cleaning surface F and / or a contamination of the cleaning surface F, so that if necessary by changing the direction of rotation R another side, in particular the top 12A, of the cleaning head 12 is used to clean the cleaning surface F.

In particular, in order to bring the sweeping brush 8, preferably the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, back into the starting position, it is provided, for example after passing over the elevation H of the cleaning surface F The speed or direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 can be changed at least temporarily, in particular by appropriately controlling the drive unit or the electric motor.

In particular, after passing over the elevation H, the rotation of the sweeping brush 8 can be stopped at least temporarily in order to bend or bend the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 - preferably by moving the cleaning device 1 - back into the starting position.

The passage (that has taken place) over the elevation H, for example a carpet edge, can be detected, preferably automatically, in particular by means of a floor distance sensor of the cleaning device 1 and/or by measuring a change in speed and/or torque.

Fourth embodiment

Fig. 17 to Fig. 22 show the sweeping brush 8 according to a fourth embodiment.

The embodiment according to Fig. 17 to Fig. 22 can be one, several or all features of the embodiment according to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 , according to the embodiment Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 and/or according to the embodiment Fig. 11 to Fig. 16 have or vice versa. The explanations related to Fig. 4 to Fig. 16 Consequently, they preferably also apply to the embodiment according to Fig. 17 to Fig. 22 and vice versa, even if repetition is avoided.

In the following, only the special features of the in Fig. 17 to Fig. 22 illustrated embodiment explained, which, however, can also basically be provided in the other embodiments.

Fig. 17 shows a top view of the sweeping brush 8 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 18 shows a side view of the sweeping brush 8 according to Fig. 17 . Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the sweeping brush 8 according to Fig. 17 from above. Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of the sweeping brush 8 according to Fig. 17 from underneath. Fig. 21 shows a schematic section of the sweeping brush 8 along the section line XXI-XXI Fig. 17 .

The sweeping brush 8 according to the illustrated embodiment has the special feature that the sweeping brush 8 has a joint 13, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11 being connected to the base body 9 via the joint 13.

The joint 13 is preferably designed to enable movement, in particular pivoting, of the cleaning arm 10 relative to the base body 9.

Due to the joint 13, the sweeping brush 8 can be folded up and/or the geometry of the sweeping brush 8 can be changed in such a way that the outer diameter of the sweeping brush 8 is reduced compared to the starting position.

The transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 preferably forms the joint 13.

The transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is preferably designed to be more flexible, in particular more elastic and/or thinner, than the immediately adjacent area of the base body 9 and/or the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11.

In particular, the joint 13 is designed as a solid-state joint, most preferably a film hinge, and/or is formed by a reduction in cross-section, in particular a (material) recess 13A or 13B.

The cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, particularly preferably the connecting section 11E, preferably has a (first) recess 13A on the upper side 11A, preferably wherein the recess 13A is formed by an elongated notch transversely to the longitudinal extent of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 .

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10 or the connecting arm 11, in particular the connecting section 11E, has a (second) recess 13B on the underside 11B, preferably the (second) recess 13B through an elongated notch transverse to the longitudinal extent of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is formed.

Additionally or alternatively, the base body 9 has a recess 9E on the underside 9C, preferably the recess 9E through a notch is formed, which has the contour, in particular width, of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11.

Very particularly preferably, the recess 9E enlarges radially inwards or in the direction of the axis of rotation A, as in particular Fig. 20 illustrated.

Preferably, the cross section of the transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 or the cross section of the joint 13 is reduced by at least 25% or 30% compared to the immediately adjacent cross section of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11.

Preferably, the depth of the recess 13A/13B/9E is at least 0.5 mm or 1 mm and/or at most 10 mm or 5 mm.

By means of the joint 13, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 can be pivoted or pivoted by more than 120° or 160° - particularly in the event of a collision with the elevation H.

Preferably, the angle included between the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and the underside 9C of the base body 9 is more than 120° or 160° in the starting position.

Preferably, the angle included between the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and the underside 9C of the base body 9 in the pivoted state is less than 45°, 20° or 10°.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 - in particular when the sweeping brush 8 collides with the elevation H - can be bent or bent over by means of the joint 13 from the starting position under the base body 9 and / or radially inwards, in particular in such a way that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 rests at least in sections on the base body 9 or the underside 9C of the base body 9.

As already explained, the recess 9E on the underside 9C of the base body 9 is preferably formed by a notch which has the contour, in particular width, of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, in particular in such a way that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm can be pivoted 11 is not hindered and/or the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 can lie flat against the underside 9C of the base body 9.

Additionally or alternatively, the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 is adapted to the underside 9C of the base body 9 or vice versa. In particular, the underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 has a shape or contour corresponding to the underside 9C of the base body 9, in particular in such a way that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 can lie flat against the underside 9C of the base body 9.

In embodiments with several cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, it can be provided that the joints 13 are designed differently, in particular in such a way that adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 bend or bend at different levels of ease.

In particular, in embodiments with several cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, the recesses 13A or 13B or 9E can have a different contour or be of different depths and / or the transitions from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 in comparison to the immediately adjacent cross section can be reduced to varying degrees.

This makes it possible that two adjacent cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 do not bend or bend at the same time and/or to the same extent or at the same angle and/or that the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 do not interfere with each other when bending or bending. In this way, the behavior of the sweeping brush 8 in the event of a collision with the elevation H is further optimized.

Like in particular Fig. 18 Illustrated and already explained in connection with the other embodiments, cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 adjacent in the circumferential direction can additionally or alternatively be arranged axially offset from one another.

Very particularly preferably, the recesses 13A or 13B or 9E of the deeper or further spaced transitions from the top 9B of the base body 9 are larger or deeper than the recesses 13A or 13B or 9E of the higher or closer to the top 9B the base body 9 arranged transitions. In particular, so that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is not unintentionally bent or bent during normal cleaning operation by the forces acting, the joint 13 can have a minimum cross section, in particular of at least 1 mm ² or 2 mm ² .

Preferably, the material of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, and/or the joint 13, has a hardness of at least 50 Shore-A or 55 Shore-A and/or at most 80 Shore-A or 75 Shore -A on. Particularly preferably, the material of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, and/or the joint 13, has a hardness of at least substantially 60 Shore-A.

In Fig. 22 the sweeping brush 8 is shown with a pivoted cleaning arm 10, the starting position of the pivoted cleaning arm 10 being indicated by dashed lines.

The joint 13 preferably has a joint axis G, as in Fig. 22 represented by a dashed line. The cleaning arm 10 can be pivoted in particular about the joint axis G relative to the base body 9.

The joint axis G is aligned at least essentially horizontally and/or parallel to the cleaning surface F during cleaning operation or in the usual position of use. In particular, the joint axis G is aligned at least substantially orthogonally to the rotation axis A.

The joint axis G preferably runs at least essentially tangentially to the base body 9 or the outside 9D.

As already explained, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and / or the cleaning head 12, is - in the starting position - at least partially curved or bent against the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8.

After pivoting the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 by means of the joint 13, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and/or is the cleaning head 12 is preferably curved at least in sections in the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8.

After pivoting, the cleaning arm 10 consequently points in the direction of rotation R, so that - while the direction of rotation R remains the same - the friction with the cleaning surface F increases.

In this way it is ensured that after passing over the elevation H of the cleaning surface F, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is automatically brought back into the starting position, in particular without the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 being changed.

As already explained, the fourth embodiment shown may have one or more features of the other embodiments.

Preferably, the top 12A of the cleaning head 12 is designed differently compared to the bottom 12B of the cleaning head 12. In particular, the top side 12A can be made rougher and/or softer than the bottom side 12B of the cleaning head 12 or vice versa. For example, the top 12A can have several cleaning elements/filaments 12E, in particular in the form of a row of filaments.

Preferably, the cleaning head 12 is also attached to the connecting arm 11 in an interchangeable manner.

In addition, the sweeping brush 8 preferably has a plurality of cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11, with a cleaning head 12 being attached to each connecting arm 11.

Preferably, in the fourth embodiment too, adjacent cleaning arms 10 are arranged axially offset from one another, as in particular Fig. 18 illustrated.

Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and the cleaning head 12 have a bevel oriented in the direction of rotation R on the underside 11B or 12B and/or the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is rotated along its longitudinal axis, in particular in such a way that the bottom 11B of the connecting arm 11 and the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 are/is inclined in the direction of rotation R or relative to the cleaning surface F.

According to a further method variant of the proposed method, which can also be carried out independently, when the sweeping brush 8 collides with the elevation H of the cleaning surface F, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent radially inwards from the starting position under the base body 9 and/or radially inwards by means of the joint 13 bent, in particular in such a way that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is curved in the direction of rotation R and / or rests at least in sections on the underside 9C.

Preferably, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is automatically brought back into the starting position after passing over the elevation H, in particular without the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 being changed.

As already explained in connection with the third embodiment, variants of the method are also possible in which, by changing the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 moves from the starting position under the base body 9 and/or radially inwards by means of the joint 13 is bent or folded, in particular in such a way that the side or top 12A of the cleaning head 12 that was previously directed upwards or in the starting position is used to clean the cleaning surface F. In other words, a change in the side of the cleaning head 12 to be used can be brought about by changing the direction of rotation R.

Due to the joint 13, the risk of tilting or damage to the sweeping brush 8 is further reduced, since the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent or bent radially inwards more quickly/uninhibitedly in the event of a collision with the elevation H. In particular, due to the joint 13, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 can be designed to be stiffer compared to the embodiments without the joint 13, whereby a higher cleaning performance is achieved.

The proposed solution therefore makes it possible for obstacles or elevations H to be driven over better by means of the cleaning device 1 despite high cleaning performance and reduced wear, with the risk of tilting and/or (unintentional) changes in the direction of travel being reduced. In this way, the advantageous properties of flexible or flexible sweeping brushes 8 can be combined with stiffer sweeping brushes 8.

Individual aspects, features and method steps or variants of the present invention can be implemented independently, but also in any combination or sequence.

1. 1. Kehrbürste 8 für ein Reinigungsgerät 1,
   • wobei die Kehrbürste 8 einen vorzugsweise zumindest im Wesentlichen zylinderförmigen bzw. scheibenartigen Grundkörper 9 und mindestens einen am Grundkörper 9 angeordneten/befestigten vorzugsweise länglichen Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere einen am Grundkörper 9 angeordneten/befestigten Verbindungsarm 11 und mindestens einen am Verbindungsarm 11 angeordneten/befestigten Reinigungskopf 12, aufweist,
   • wobei der Grundkörper 9 eine - in üblicher Gebrauchslage bzw. während des Reinigungsbetriebs zumindest im Wesentlichen vertikal angeordnete - Drehachse A aufweist bzw. definiert, um die die Kehrbürste 8 drehbar ist,
   • dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
   • der Reinigungskopf 12 insbesondere zerstörungsfrei lösbar/austauschbar am Verbindungsarm 11 befestigt ist, und/oder
   • dass der Reinigungskopf 12 einen Reinigungseinsatz 12C insbesondere mit mehreren Reinigungselementen/Filamenten 12E und einen Träger 12D für den Reinigungseinsatz 12C aufweist, wobei der Reinigungseinsatz 12C zerstörungsfrei lösbar/austauschbar am Träger 12D befestigt ist, und/oder
   • dass der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere der Verbindungsarm 11 und/oder der Reinigungskopf 12, auf einer Unterseite 11B bzw. 12B eine in Drehrichtung R orientierte Schräge aufweist/aufweisen und/oder dass der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere Verbindungsarm 11, entlang seiner Längsachse verdreht ist, und/oder
   • dass sich der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere der Verbindungsarm 11, relativ zur Drehrichtung R bzw. in Richtung der Drehachse A betrachtet vom Grundkörper 9 zumindest abschnittsweise wellenförmig radial nach außen erstreckt, und/oder
   • dass der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere der Verbindungsarm 11, zumindest abschnittsweise in Drehrichtung R gebogen ist, und/oder
   • dass der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere der Verbindungsarm 11, über ein Gelenk 13 mit dem Grundkörper 9 verbunden ist.
2. 2. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach Aspekt 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 aus Kunststoff spritzgegossen ist, vorzugsweise wobei der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 an dem Grundkörper 9 angespritzt ist.
3. 3. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach Aspekt 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 zumindest abschnittsweise entgegen der Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 und/oder zu einer Reinigungsfläche F bzw. in Gebrauchslage der Kehrbürste 8 nach unten bzw. quer zu der Drehrichtung R gekrümmt oder geneigt ist.
4. 4. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Querschnitt des Reinigungsarms 10, insbesondere des Verbindungsarms 11 und/oder des Reinigungskopfs 12, unrund, vorzugsweise zumindest im Wesentlichen polygonförmig, insbesondere rechteckig, ausgebildet sind/ist.
5. 5. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich der Querschnitt des Reinigungsarms 10, insbesondere des Verbindungsarms 11, ausgehend vom Grundkörper 9 verjüngt und/oder zum Reinigungskopf 12 vergrößert und/oder dass sich der Querschnitt, insbesondere die Dicke oder Breite des Reinigungsarms 10, insbesondere des Verbindungsarms 11 und/oder des Reinigungskopfs 12, ausgehend vom Grundkörper 9 - vorzugsweise kontinuierlich - verkleinern/verkleinert.
6. 6. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere der Verbindungsarm 11 und/oder der Reinigungskopf 12, mindestens eine Aussparung 11H bzw. 12F, insbesondere in Form einer Einkerbung quer zu der Längserstreckung, auf einer Unterseite 11B bzw. 12B und/oder einer Oberseite 11A bzw. 12A aufweisen/aufweist.
7. 7. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungskopf 12 quaderförmig und/oder länglich ausgebildet ist.
8. 8. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Längsachse des Reinigungskopfs 12 zumindest im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Drehachse A bzw. in Gebrauchslage der Kehrbürste 8 horizontal bzw. zumindest im Wesentlichen parallel zu Reinigungsfläche F und/oder in Richtung der Drehachse A betrachtet schräg zur Drehrichtung R ausgerichtet ist.
9. 9. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungskopf 12, insbesondere der Träger 12D, form- und/oder kraftschlüssig, insbesondere durch eine zerstörungsfrei lösbare Schnapp- und/oder Pressverbindung, an dem Verbindungsarm 11 befestigt ist.
10. 10. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungskopf 12, insbesondere der Träger 12D, einen Zapfen 12K und der Verbindungsarm 11 eine insbesondere zu dem Zapfen 12K korrespondierende Aufnahme 11K aufweist, vorzugsweise wobei der Zapfen 12K in die Aufnahme 11K eingesteckt oder einsteckbar, insbesondere eingepresst oder einpressbar, ist.
11. 11. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungseinsatz 12C form- und/oder kraftschlüssig, insbesondere durch eine zerstörungsfrei lösbare Schnapp- und/oder Pressverbindung, an dem Träger 12D befestigt ist.
12. 12. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Träger 12D eine Aufnahme 12H, insbesondere eine Nut, für den Reinigungseinsatz 12C aufweist, vorzugsweise wobei der Reinigungseinsatz 12C in die Aufnahme 12H eingesteckt oder einsteckbar, insbesondere eingepresst oder einpressbar, ist.
13. 13. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungskopf 12, insbesondere der Reinigungseinsatz 12C, mehrere Reinigungselemente/Filamente 12E, insbesondere in Form eines Filamentbüschels und/oder einer Filamentreihe aufweist.
14. 14. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach Aspekt 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Reinigungselemente/Filamente 12E zumindest im Wesentlichen parallel zu der Drehachse A bzw. zumindest im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Reinigungsfläche F ausgerichtet sind.
15. 15. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kehrbürste 8 mehrere Reinigungsarme 10 bzw. Verbindungsarme 11 und/oder mehrere Reinigungsköpfe 12 aufweist, vorzugsweise wobei an jedem Verbindungsarm 11 ein Reinigungskopf 12 befestigt ist.
16. 16. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach Aspekt 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in Umfangsrichtung benachbarte Reinigungsarme 10, insbesondere Verbindungsarme 11 und/oder Reinigungsköpfe 12, axial zueinander versetzt und/oder in zwei unterschiedlichen, zueinander beabstandeten Ebenen angeordnet sind.
17. 17. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach Aspekt 15 und 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Reinigungsarme 10 bzw. Verbindungsarme 11 unterschiedlich stark relativ zur Drehachse A und/oder zu der Reinigungsfläche F in Gebrauchslage der Kehrbürste 8 nach unten gekrümmt oder geneigt sind und/oder dass die Reinigungsarme 10 bzw. Verbindungsarme 11 unterschiedlich lang ausgebildet sind.
18. 18. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der Aspekte 15 bis 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Reinigungselemente/Filamente 12E der Reinigungsköpfe 12 bündig enden und/oder dass die Reinigungselemente/Filamente 12E benachbarter Reinigungsköpfe 12 unterschiedlich lang ausgebildet sind.
19. 19. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 - entlang seiner Längsachse - verdreht ist, vorzugsweise um mehr als 5° und/oder weniger als 25°, insbesondere derart, dass die Unterseite 11B des Verbindungsarms 11 und/oder die Unterseite 12B des Reinigungskopfs 12 in Drehrichtung R bzw. gegenüber der Reinigungsfläche F schräg gestellt sind/ist.
20. 20. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungskopf 12 mehrere Reinigungselemente 12E in Form eines Filamentbüschels aufweist, wobei sich das Filamentbüschel radial nach außen und/oder - in Richtung der Drehachse A betrachtet - schräg zur Drehrichtung R erstreckt und/oder wobei das Filamentbüschel eine Verlängerung des Verbindungsarms 11 in Längserstreckung bildet und/oder von einer Stirnseite 11J des Verbindungsarms 11 austritt.
21. 21. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach Aspekt 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Querschnitt des Filamentbüschels unrund, vorzugsweise zumindest im Wesentlichen polygonförmig, insbesondere rechteckig, ausgebildet ist.
22. 22. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach Aspekt 20 oder 21, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Unterseite des Filamentbüschels in Drehrichtung R schräg angestellt ist und/oder auf der Unterseite eine Schräge bildet.
23. 23. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungskopf 12 mehrere Reinigungselemente/Filamente 12E in Form einer Filamentreihe aufweist, vorzugsweise wobei Filamente zumindest im Wesentlichen parallel zur Drehachse A bzw. zumindest im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Reinigungsfläche F ausgerichtet sind und/oder wobei die Filamente bündig enden.
24. 24. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach Aspekt 23, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Filamente unterschiedlich lang ausgebildet sind, vorzugsweise wobei die in Drehrichtung R vorderen Filamente länger als die in Drehrichtung R hinteren Filamente ausgebildet sind.
25. 25. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 zumindest abschnittsweise in Drehrichtung R und zumindest abschnittsweise entgegen der Drehrichtung R gebogen ist, vorzugsweise wobei der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 ausgehend vom Grundkörper 9 zunächst in Drehrichtung R und anschließend entgegen der Drehrichtung R gebogen ist.
26. 26. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 zu der Reinigungsfläche F bzw. in Richtung quer zur Drehachse A betrachtet wellenförmig verläuft.
27. 27. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungskopf 12 zumindest abschnittsweise entgegen der Drehrichtung R gebogen ist.
28. 28. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Oberseite 12A des Reinigungskopfs 12 konkav ausgebildet ist und/oder dass die Unterseite 12B des Reinigungskopfs 12 konvex ausgebildet ist.
29. 29. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere der Verbindungsarm 11 und/oder der Reinigungskopf 12 auf der Oberseite 11A bzw. 12A rauer und/oder weicher als auf der Unterseite 11B bzw. 12B ausgebildet ist oder umgekehrt und/oder dass der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere der Reinigungskopf 12 auf der Oberseite 12A Filamente und/oder mindestens eine Aussparung 12F aufweist.
30. 30. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Übergang vom Grundkörper 9 zum Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 das Gelenk 13 bildet, wobei der Übergang nachgiebiger, insbesondere elastischer und/oder dünner, als der unmittelbar angrenzende Bereich des Grundkörpers 9 und/oder des Reinigungsarms 10 bzw. Verbindungsarms 11 ausgebildet ist.
31. 31. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gelenk 13 als Filmscharnier ausgebildet ist und/oder durch eine Aussparung 13A/13B/9E auf einer Unterseite 9C des Grundkörpers 9 und/oder auf einer Unterseite 11B des Verbindungsarms 11 gebildet ist.
32. 32. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Übergang, insbesondere die Unterseite des Übergangs vom Grundkörper 9 zum Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 eine Aussparung 13A/13B/9E aufweist.
33. 33. Kehrbürste 8, nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die in Umfangsrichtung benachbarten Übergänge von den Reinigungsarmen 10 bzw. Verbindungsarmen 11 zum Grundkörper 9 unterschiedliche bzw. unterschiedlich dimensionierte Aussparungen 13A/13B/9E aufweisen.
34. 34. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Querschnitt des Übergangs bzw. des Gelenks 13 im Vergleich zum unmittelbar angrenzenden Querschnitt des Reinigungsarms 10 bzw. Verbindungsarms 11 um mindestens 25 % oder 30 % reduziert ist.
35. 35. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 mittels des Gelenks 13 umschwenkbar bzw. um mehr als 120° oder 160° verschwenkbar und/oder flächig an die Unterseite 9C des Grundkörpers 9 anlegbar ist.
36. 36. Kehrbürste 8, insbesondere nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 und/oder der Reinigungskopf 12 zumindest abschnittsweise entgegen der Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 gebogen sind/ist, insbesondere derart, dass nach Umschwenken des Reinigungsarms 10 bzw. Verbindungsarms 11 mittels des Gelenks 13 der Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere der Verbindungsarm 11 und/oder der Reinigungskopf 12, zumindest abschnittsweise in Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 gekrümmt sind/ist.
37. 37. Selbstfahrendes Reinigungsgerät 1 mit einer Kehrbürste 8 und einer Antriebseinheit für die Kehrbürste 8, wobei die Kehrbürste 8 um eine insbesondere im Reinigungsbetrieb bzw. der üblichen Gebrauchslage zumindest im Wesentlichen vertikale Drehachse A drehbar angetrieben ist,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet,
    dass die Kehrbürste 8 nach einem der voranstehenden Aspekte ausgebildet ist.
38. 38. Verfahren zum Betreiben eines selbstfahrenden Reinigungsgeräts 1, wobei eine Reinigungsfläche F mittels einer um eine - insbesondere zumindest im Wesentlichen vertikale - Drehachse A rotierende Kehrbürste 8 des Reinigungsgeräts 1 gereinigt wird,
    • wobei die Kehrbürste 8 einen Grundkörper 9 und einen am Grundkörper 9 angeordneten Reinigungsarm 10, insbesondere einen am Grundkörper 9 angeordneten Verbindungsarm 11 und mindestens einen am Verbindungsarm 11 angeordneten Reinigungskopf 12 aufweist,
    • dadurch gekennzeichnet,
    • dass das Reinigungsgerät 1 nach Aspekt 37 und/oder die Kehrbürste 8 nach einem der Aspekte 1 bis 37 ausgebildet sind/ist und/oder
    • dass bei Kollision der Kehrbürste 8 mit einer Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F oder durch eine Änderung der Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 von einer Ausgangsposition entgegen der Drehrichtung R umgebogen oder umgeknickt wird, und/oder
    • dass nach Überfahrt eine Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F die Drehzahl und/oder Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 zumindest temporär geändert wird, um den Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 umzubiegen oder umzuknicken, und/oder
    • dass bei Kollision der Kehrbürste 8 mit einer Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F und/oder durch Änderung der Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 mittels eines Gelenks 13 der Kehrbürste 8 von der Ausgangsposition unter den Grundkörper 9 und/oder radial nach innen umgebogen oder umgeknickt wird.
39. 39. Verfahren, insbesondere nach Aspekt 38, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass bei Kollision der Kehrbürste 8 mit einer Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F und/oder durch eine Änderung der Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 derart umgebogen oder umgeknickt wird, dass die zuvor bzw. in der Ausgangsposition nach oben gerichteten Seite bzw. Oberseite 12A des Reinigungskopfs 12 an der Reinigungsfläche F anliegt bzw. eine andere Seite des Reinigungskopfs 12 zur Reinigung der Reinigungsfläche F verwendet wird.
40. 40. Verfahren, insbesondere nach Aspekt 38 oder 39, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass bei Kollision der Kehrbürste 8 mit einer Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F und/oder durch eine Änderung der Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 derart umgebogen oder umgeknickt wird, dass der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 vorzugsweise ausschließlich entgegen der Drehrichtung R gebogen ist.
41. 41. Verfahren, insbesondere nach einem der Aspekte 38 bis 40, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Überfahrt über eine Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F
    • insbesondere mittels eines Bodenabstandssensors und/oder durch Messung einer Drehzahl- und/oder Drehmomentänderung - automatisch detektiert wird.
42. 42. Verfahren, insbesondere nach einem der Aspekte 38 bis 41, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass nach Überfahrt über eine Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F die Drehzahl und/oder Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 zumindest temporär geändert wird, insbesondere um den Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 und/oder den Reinigungskopf 12, wieder in die Ausgangsposition zu bringen und/oder um den Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 derart umzubiegen oder umzuknicken, dass die zuvor nach oben gerichtete Seite des Reinigungskopfs 12 an der Reinigungsfläche F anliegt.
43. 43. Verfahren, insbesondere nach einem der Aspekte 38 bis 42, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass bei Kollision der Kehrbürste 8 mit einer Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 derart umgebogen oder umgeknickt wird, dass der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 in Drehrichtung R gekrümmt ist.
44. 44. Verfahren, insbesondere nach einem der Aspekte 38 bis 43, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass nach der Überfahrt über eine Erhöhung H der Reinigungsfläche F der Reinigungsarm 10 bzw. Verbindungsarm 11 selbsttätig wieder in die Ausgangsposition gebracht wird, insbesondere ohne dass die Drehrichtung R der Kehrbürste 8 geändert wird.

Bezugszeichenliste: 1 Reinigungsgerät 11H Aussparung 2 Gehäuse 11J Stirnseite 3 Räder 11K Aufnahme 4 Navigationseinrichtung 5 Unterseite 12 Reinigungskopf 6 Ansaugöffnung 12A Oberseite 7 Reinigungswalze 12B Unterseite 12C Reinigungseinsatz 8 Kehrbürste 12D Träger 12E Reinigungselement 9 Grundkörper 12F Aussparung 9A Aufnahme 12H Aufnahme 9B Oberseite 12K Zapfen 9C Unterseite 9D Außenseite 13 Gelenk 9E Aussparung 13A erste Aussparung 13B zweite Aussparung 10 Reinigungsarm A Drehachse 11 Verbindungsarm D Abstand 11A Oberseite F Reinigungsfläche 11B Unterseite G Gelenkachse 11C Vorderseite H Erhöhung 11D Rückseite R Drehrichtung 11E Anbindungsabschnitt V Versatz 11F Zwischenabschnitt W Winkel 11G Endabschnitt In particular, the present invention also relates to one of the following listed aspects, which can in principle be implemented independently of one another, but also in any combination, in particular also in combination with one of the previously described aspects.

1. 1. Sweeping brush 8 for a cleaning device 1,
   • wherein the sweeping brush 8 has a preferably at least essentially cylindrical or disk-like base body 9 and at least one preferably elongated cleaning arm 10 arranged/attached to the base body 9, in particular a connecting arm 11 arranged/attached to the base body 9 and at least one cleaning head 12 arranged/attached to the connecting arm 11 , having,
   • wherein the base body 9 has or defines an axis of rotation A - arranged at least essentially vertically in the usual position of use or during cleaning operation - about which the sweeping brush 8 can be rotated,
   • characterized in that
   • the cleaning head 12 is attached to the connecting arm 11 in a non-destructively detachable/replaceable manner, and/or
   • that the cleaning head 12 has a cleaning insert 12C, in particular with a plurality of cleaning elements/filaments 12E, and a carrier 12D for the cleaning insert 12C, wherein the cleaning insert 12C is attached to the carrier 12D in a non-destructively detachable/replaceable manner, and/or
   • that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, has/have an incline oriented in the direction of rotation R on an underside 11B or 12B and/or that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is rotated along its longitudinal axis, and or
   • that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, extends radially outwards from the base body 9 in a wave-shaped manner at least in sections relative to the direction of rotation R or in the direction of the axis of rotation A, and/or
   • that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is bent at least in sections in the direction of rotation R, and / or
   • that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, is connected to the base body 9 via a joint 13.
2. 2. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to aspect 1, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is injection molded from plastic, preferably wherein the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is molded onto the base body 9.
3. 3. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is directed at least in sections against the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 and / or towards a cleaning surface F or in the position of use of the sweeping brush 8 downwards or is curved or inclined transversely to the direction of rotation R.
4. 4. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and / or the cleaning head 12, is/is designed to be non-round, preferably at least essentially polygonal, in particular rectangular.
5. 5. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cross section of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11, tapers starting from the base body 9 and / or enlarges towards the cleaning head 12 and / or that the cross section, in particular the Reduce/reduce the thickness or width of the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and/or the cleaning head 12, starting from the base body 9 - preferably continuously.
6. 6. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the Connecting arm 11 and / or the cleaning head 12, have / has at least one recess 11H or 12F, in particular in the form of a notch transverse to the longitudinal extent, on a bottom 11B or 12B and / or a top 11A or 12A.
7. 7. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12 is cuboid and / or elongated.
8. 8. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the cleaning head 12 is at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A or, in the position of use of the sweeping brush 8, horizontally or at least substantially parallel to the cleaning surface F and/or in the direction the axis of rotation A is oriented obliquely to the direction of rotation R.
9. 9. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12, in particular the carrier 12D, is fastened to the connecting arm 11 in a form-fitting and / or non-positive manner, in particular by a non-destructively releasable snap and / or press connection .
10. 10. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12, in particular the carrier 12D, has a pin 12K and the connecting arm 11 has a receptacle 11K corresponding in particular to the pin 12K, preferably the pin 12K in the Recording 11K is inserted or can be inserted, in particular pressed in or can be pressed in.
11. 11. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning insert 12C is fastened to the carrier 12D in a positive and/or non-positive manner, in particular by a non-destructively releasable snap and/or press connection.
12. 12. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the carrier 12D has a receptacle 12H, in particular a groove, for the cleaning insert 12C, preferably wherein the Cleaning insert 12C is inserted or can be inserted, in particular pressed or pressed, into the receptacle 12H.
13. 13. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12, in particular the cleaning insert 12C, has a plurality of cleaning elements/filaments 12E, in particular in the form of a tuft of filaments and/or a row of filaments.
14. 14. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to aspect 13, characterized in that the cleaning elements/filaments 12E are aligned at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A or at least substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface F.
15. 15. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the sweeping brush 8 has a plurality of cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 and / or a plurality of cleaning heads 12, preferably with a cleaning head 12 attached to each connecting arm 11.
16. 16. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to aspect 15, characterized in that cleaning arms 10, in particular connecting arms 11 and / or cleaning heads 12, adjacent in the circumferential direction are axially offset from one another and / or arranged in two different planes spaced apart from one another.
17. 17. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to aspects 15 and 16, characterized in that the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are curved or inclined downwards to different degrees relative to the axis of rotation A and / or to the cleaning surface F in the position of use of the sweeping brush 8 and / or that the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 are designed to be of different lengths.
18. 18. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of aspects 15 to 17, characterized in that the cleaning elements/filaments 12E of the cleaning heads 12 end flush and/or that the cleaning elements/filaments 12E of adjacent cleaning heads 12 are designed to be of different lengths.
19. 19. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 - along its longitudinal axis - is rotated, preferably by more than 5 ° and / or less than 25 °, in particular in such a way that Underside 11B of the connecting arm 11 and/or the underside 12B of the cleaning head 12 are/is inclined in the direction of rotation R or relative to the cleaning surface F.
20. 20. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12 has a plurality of cleaning elements 12E in the form of a tuft of filaments, the tuft of filaments extending radially outwards and/or - viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation A - obliquely to the direction of rotation R extends and/or wherein the tuft of filaments forms an extension of the connecting arm 11 in the longitudinal extent and/or emerges from an end face 11J of the connecting arm 11.
21. 21. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to aspect 20, characterized in that the cross section of the filament tuft is non-round, preferably at least essentially polygonal, in particular rectangular.
22. 22. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to aspect 20 or 21, characterized in that the underside of the filament tuft is inclined in the direction of rotation R and / or forms a slope on the underside.
23. 23. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12 has a plurality of cleaning elements/filaments 12E in the form of a row of filaments, preferably wherein filaments are at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A or at least substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface F are aligned and/or with the filaments ending flush.
24. 24. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to aspect 23, characterized in that the filaments are of different lengths, preferably the front filaments in the direction of rotation R are longer than the rear filaments in the direction of rotation R.
25. 25. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent at least in sections in the direction of rotation R and at least in sections against the direction of rotation R, preferably wherein the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent, starting from the base body 9, first in the direction of rotation R and then against the direction of rotation R.
26. 26. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 runs in a wave shape relative to the cleaning surface F or in the direction transverse to the axis of rotation A.
27. 27. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning head 12 is bent at least in sections against the direction of rotation R.
28. 28. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the top 12A of the cleaning head 12 is concave and / or that the bottom 12B of the cleaning head 12 is convex.
29. 29. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and / or the cleaning head 12 on the upper side 11A or 12A is rougher and / or softer than on the underside 11B or 12B is designed or vice versa and / or that the cleaning arm 10, in particular the cleaning head 12, has filaments and / or at least one recess 12F on the top 12A.
30. 30. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 forms the joint 13, the transition being more flexible, in particular more elastic and / or thinner, than the immediately adjacent area the base body 9 and/or the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is formed.
31. 31. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the joint 13 is designed as a film hinge and/or is formed by a recess 13A/13B/9E on an underside 9C of the base body 9 and/or on an underside 11B of the connecting arm 11.
32. 32. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the transition, in particular the underside of the transition from the base body 9 to the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, has a recess 13A/13B/9E.
33. 33. Sweeping brush 8, according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the circumferentially adjacent transitions from the cleaning arms 10 or connecting arms 11 to the base body 9 have different or differently sized recesses 13A/13B/9E.
34. 34. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cross section of the transition or joint 13 is reduced by at least 25% or 30% compared to the immediately adjacent cross section of the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11.
35. 35. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 can be pivoted by means of the joint 13 or pivoted by more than 120 ° or 160 ° and / or flat to the underside 9C of the base body 9 can be created.
36. 36. Sweeping brush 8, in particular according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and / or the cleaning head 12 are/is bent at least in sections against the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8, in particular in such a way that after the cleaning arm has been pivoted 10 or connecting arm 11 by means of the joint 13, the cleaning arm 10, in particular the connecting arm 11 and / or the cleaning head 12, are/is curved at least in sections in the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8.
37. 37. Self-propelled cleaning device 1 with a sweeping brush 8 and a drive unit for the sweeping brush 8, the sweeping brush 8 being rotatably driven about an axis of rotation A which is at least essentially vertical, particularly in cleaning operation or the usual position of use,
    characterized,
    that the sweeping brush 8 is designed according to one of the above aspects.
38. 38. Method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device 1, wherein a cleaning surface F is cleaned by means of a sweeping brush 8 of the cleaning device 1 rotating about a - in particular at least substantially vertical - axis of rotation A,
    • wherein the sweeping brush 8 has a base body 9 and a cleaning arm 10 arranged on the base body 9, in particular a connecting arm 11 arranged on the base body 9 and at least one cleaning head 12 arranged on the connecting arm 11,
    • characterized,
    • that the cleaning device 1 according to aspect 37 and / or the sweeping brush 8 are / is designed according to one of aspects 1 to 37 and / or
    • that when the sweeping brush 8 collides with an increase H of the cleaning surface F or due to a change in the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent or bent from a starting position counter to the direction of rotation R, and / or
    • that after crossing an increase H of the cleaning surface F, the speed and / or direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 is at least temporarily changed in order to bend or fold the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11, and / or
    • that in the event of a collision of the sweeping brush 8 with an increase H of the cleaning surface F and/or by changing the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 moves from the starting position under the base body 9 and/or radially by means of a joint 13 of the sweeping brush 8 is bent or folded inside.
39. 39. Method, in particular according to aspect 38, characterized in that when the sweeping brush 8 collides with an increase H of the cleaning surface F and / or due to a change in the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent or bent in such a way, that the side or Top 12A of the cleaning head 12 rests on the cleaning surface F or another side of the cleaning head 12 is used to clean the cleaning surface F.
40. 40. Method, in particular according to aspect 38 or 39, characterized in that when the sweeping brush 8 collides with an increase H of the cleaning surface F and / or due to a change in the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent or folded in this way is that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is preferably bent exclusively against the direction of rotation R.
41. 41. Method, in particular according to one of aspects 38 to 40, characterized in that the passage over an elevation H of the cleaning surface F
    • in particular by means of a ground distance sensor and/or by measuring a change in speed and/or torque - is automatically detected.
42. 42. Method, in particular according to one of aspects 38 to 41, characterized in that after passing over an elevation H of the cleaning surface F, the speed and / or direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 is at least temporarily changed, in particular around the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 and/or to bring the cleaning head 12 back into the starting position and/or to bend or bend the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 in such a way that the previously upward side of the cleaning head 12 rests on the cleaning surface F.
43. 43. Method, in particular according to one of aspects 38 to 42, characterized in that when the sweeping brush 8 collides with an increase H of the cleaning surface F, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is bent or bent in such a way that the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is curved in the direction of rotation R.
44. 44. Method, in particular according to one of aspects 38 to 43, characterized in that after passing over an elevation H of the cleaning surface F, the cleaning arm 10 or connecting arm 11 is automatically brought back into the starting position, in particular without changing the direction of rotation R of the sweeping brush 8 is changed.

<b>Reference symbol list:</b> 1 Cleaning device 11H recess 2 Housing 11y front side 3 Wheels 11K Recording 4 Navigation facility 5 bottom 12 Cleaning head 6 Intake opening 12A Top 7 Cleaning roller 12B bottom 12C Cleaning use 8th Sweeping brush 12D carrier 12E Cleaning element 9 Basic body 12F recess 9A Recording 12H Recording 9B Top 12K Cones 9C bottom 9D Outside 13 joint 9E recess 13A first recess 13B second recess 10 Low cleaning A Axis of rotation 11 connecting arm D Distance 11A Top F cleaning area 11B bottom G Joint axis 11C front H increase 11D back R Direction of rotation 11E Connection section v offset 11F Intermediate section W angle 11G End section

Claims (15)

Sweeping brush (8) for a cleaning device (1), wherein the sweeping brush (8) has a base body (9) and at least one cleaning arm (10) arranged on the base body (9), wherein the base body (9) defines an axis of rotation (A) about which the sweeping brush (8) can be rotated, characterized, that the cleaning arm (10) extends radially outwards from the base body (9) in a wave-shaped manner relative to the direction of rotation (R) or in the direction of the axis of rotation (A), and/or that the cleaning arm (10) is bent at least in sections in the direction of rotation (R). Sweeping brush according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning arm (10) is bent at least in sections in the direction of rotation (R) and at least in sections against the direction of rotation (R), preferably the cleaning arm (10) starting from the base body (9) initially in the direction of rotation ( R) and then bent against the direction of rotation (R). Sweeping brush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cleaning arm (10) runs in a wave shape towards a cleaning surface (F) or in the direction transverse to the axis of rotation (A). Sweeping brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning arm (10) has a connecting arm (11) and a cleaning head (12), the cleaning head (12) being connected to the base body (9) via the connecting arm (11), preferably wherein the connecting arm (11) and the cleaning head (12) are formed in one piece and/or the cleaning head (12) is bent at least in sections against the direction of rotation (R). Sweeping brush according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting arm (11) is curved and/or inclined transversely to a direction of rotation (R). Sweeping brush according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the top (12A) or the side of the cleaning head (12) facing away from a cleaning surface (F) is concave and / or that the underside (12B) or that of a cleaning surface (F ) facing side of the cleaning head (12) is convex. Sweeping brush according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the top (12A) of the cleaning head (12) has a different texture than the bottom (12B) of the cleaning head (12), preferably the top (12A) being rougher than the bottom (12B), and/or that the cleaning head (12) has cleaning elements (12E), in particular in the form of a tuft of filaments and/or a row of filaments, and/or at least one recess (12F) on the top side (12A). Sweeping brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section of the cleaning arm (10), in particular connecting arm (11) and/or the cleaning head (12), is/is designed to be non-round, preferably at least essentially polygonal, in particular rectangular. Sweeping brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section, in particular the thickness and/or width, of the cleaning arm (10), in particular of the connecting arm (11) and/or the cleaning head (12), starting from the base body (9) - preferably continuously - reduce/reduce size. Sweeping brush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning arm (10), in particular the connecting arm (11) and/or the cleaning head (12), have a slope oriented in the direction of rotation (R) on an underside (11B, 12B). and/or that the cleaning arm (10), in particular the connecting arm (11), is rotated along its longitudinal axis, preferably by more than 5° and/or less than 25°, in particular in such a way that the underside (11B) of the connecting arm ( 11) and/or the underside (12B) of the cleaning head (12) are/is inclined in the direction of rotation (R) or relative to a cleaning surface (F). Self-propelled cleaning device (1) with a sweeping brush (8) and a drive unit for the sweeping brush (8), the sweeping brush (8) being driven to rotate about an axis of rotation (A), characterized, that the sweeping brush (8) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. Method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device (1), wherein a cleaning surface (F) is cleaned by means of a sweeping brush (8) of the cleaning device (1) rotating about an at least substantially vertical axis of rotation (A), the sweeping brush (8) having a base body ( 9), has at least one connecting arm (11) arranged on the base body (9) and at least one cleaning head (12) arranged on the connecting arm (11), characterized, that the cleaning device (1) according to claim 11 and / or the sweeping brush (8) are / is designed according to one of claims 1 to 10, and / or that when the sweeping brush (8) collides with an elevation (H) of the cleaning surface (F) or due to a change in the direction of rotation (R) of the sweeping brush (8), the connecting arm (11) is bent or bent from a starting position counter to the direction of rotation (R). will, and/or that after passing over an elevation (H) of the cleaning surface (F), the speed and/or direction of rotation (R) of the sweeping brush (8) is at least temporarily changed in order to bend or fold the connecting arm (11). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that when the sweeping brush (8) collides with the elevation (H) of the cleaning surface (F) or due to a change in the direction of rotation (R) of the sweeping brush (8), the connecting arm (11) is bent or folded in this way that the previously upward-facing side or top (12A) of the cleaning head (12) rests on the cleaning surface (F) or that another side of the cleaning head (12) is used to clean the cleaning surface (F) and / or that the cleaning device (1) is lifted by means of the sweeping brush (8) and/or that the connecting arm (11) and the cleaning head (12) are bent against the direction of rotation (R). Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the passage over the elevation (H) of the cleaning surface (F) is detected - in particular by means of a ground distance sensor and/or by measuring a change in speed and/or torque. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that after passing over the elevation (H) of the cleaning surface (F), the speed and/or direction of rotation (R) of the sweeping brush (8) is at least temporarily changed in order to move the connecting arm ( 11) and to bring the cleaning head (12) back into the starting position and/or to bend or fold the connecting arm (11) in such a way that the previously upward-facing side or underside (12B) of the cleaning head (12) is on the cleaning surface ( F) is present.

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