Surface-cleaning device with a cassette detection capability, and method for operating a surface-cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface-cleaning device, in particular a floor-cleaning device, comprising a cleaning head (12) having a cleaning head body (14), which is associated with a placement plane (28), at least one cleaning roller (32) which can be rotated about a rotational axis (66), a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller (32), and at least one cassette (92) having a holding device (94) for the at least one cleaning roller (32), wherein the at least one cleaning roller (32) is rotatably mounted on the holding device (94), the at least one cassette (92) is detachably held on a cassette holder (98), and the cassette holder (98) is movably mounted on the cleaning head body (14) by means of a drive device (68) so as to have an adjustable height relative to the placement plane (28). The surface-cleaning device is characterized in that a sensor device (110) is associated with the at least one cassette (92), the sensor device being designed to detect the position of the at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98); the sensor device (110) is connected to a control device (70) so as to transmit signals; and the control device (70) actuates the drive device (68) on the basis of signals from the sensor device (110).

Description

[0001] A 501 271 t

[0002] December 16, 2025

[0003] L-241

[0004] Surface cleaning device with cassette detection and method for operating a surface cleaning device

[0005] The invention relates to a surface cleaning device, in particular a floor cleaning device, comprising a cleaning head with a cleaning head body to which a mounting plane is assigned, at least one cleaning roller rotatable about a rotational axis, a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller, and at least one cassette with a holding device for the at least one cleaning roller, wherein the at least one cleaning roller is rotatably mounted on the holding device, the at least one cassette is detachably held on a cassette holder, and the cassette holder is movably height-adjustable, relative to the mounting plane, on the cleaning head body by means of a drive device.

[0006] The invention further relates to a method for operating a surface cleaning device, which has a cleaning head with a cleaning head body to which a mounting plane is assigned, at least one cleaning roller rotatable about a rotational axis, a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller and at least one cassette with a holding device for the at least one cleaning roller, in which the at least one cassette is detachably positioned on a cassette holder which is movable in height and adjustable with respect to a mounting plane of the cleaning head.

[0007] Cleaning robots are disclosed in WO 2022 / 117107 Al, US 2021 / 0228050 Al, EP 3 900 602 Al, DE 10 2017 126 414 Al, WO 2020 / 103835 Al, EP 4 088 638 Al, EP 3 925 504 Al, CN 216256953 U0 and CN 113951771 A. A 501 271 t

[0008] December 16, 2025

[0009] L-241

[0010] - 2 -

[0011] Intelligent cleaning robots with a mopping device are disclosed in CN 106419760 A and CN 210277059 U.

[0012] CN 113679291 A discloses a cleaning device with an automatic lifting mechanism.

[0013] CN 112741538 A reveals a suction device.

[0014] CN 113974498 A discloses a cleaning robot with a movable wiping device.

[0015] CN 115005724 A discloses a cleaning robot with a roller assembly that can be set in an up and down motion by a drive assembly.

[0016] CN 117562461 A discloses a cleaning robot with position detection of the roller brush assembly.

[0017] German patent application DE 10 2024 103 726.1 dated February 9, 2024, discloses a surface cleaning device with a movable cassette holder.

[0018] DE 10 2010 000 577 A discloses a brush device, in particular an attachment or part of an electric vacuum cleaner, preferably a vacuum-brush device for the care of carpets and / or hard floors, with an electric motor and one or more rollers driven thereby, in particular bristle rollers, wherein the bristle roller is held movable in the vertical direction by means of a spring for different action on the floor.

[0019] The invention is based on the objective of providing a surface cleaning device of the type mentioned above, in which handling is simplified. A 501 271 t

[0020] December 16, 2025

[0021] L-241

[0022] - 3 -

[0023] This problem is solved in the surface cleaning device mentioned at the outset according to the invention in that a sensor device is assigned to the at least one cassette, which is designed to detect a position of the at least one cassette on the cassette holder, that the sensor device is effectively connected to a control device via a signal, and that the control device controls the drive device depending on signals from the sensor device.

[0024] In the solution according to the invention, the sensor device detects whether at least one cassette (containing the cleaning roller) is present on the cassette holder or not. The detected signal is forwarded to the control unit, and if necessary, the cassette holder is moved by activating the drive unit. This allows the at least one cleaning roller to be easily removed and replaced or cleaned. The cassette itself can also be easily cleaned.

[0025] The drive mechanism allows the at least one cassette to be moved on the cassette holder and positioned as desired. A desired position could be, for example, the insertion position or the removal position of the at least one cassette on the cassette holder. In the removal position, the cassette holder is in the uppermost position (second position) relative to the surface it is mounted on. In the insertion position, the cassette holder is in the lowermost position (first position) relative to the surface it is mounted on. When the at least one cassette is removed, it is disengaged from a guide on the cassette holder.Because the at least one cassette and the cassette holder are in an upper position when the at least one cassette is removed, the gripping surface of the at least one cassette is increased for an operator, resulting in a reduction of friction between the cleaning roller and the support surface, or a complete elimination of friction when the cleaning roller is in the second position further away from the support surface. This facilitates the removal of the at least A 501 271 t.

[0026] December 16, 2025

[0027] L-241

[0028] - 4 - a cassette from the cassette holder simplified. When the at least one cassette is inserted, it engages with the guide on the cassette holder. Because the at least one cassette and the cassette holder are in a lower position (first position) when the at least one cassette is inserted, the support surface serves as a guide when inserting ("sliding in") the at least one cassette with the cleaning roller into the cassette holder.

[0029] Removing the at least one cassette differs from inserting it in that no "threading" into a guide on the cassette holder is necessary. The mobility of the cassette holder, in combination with the sensor device, allows for different positions of the cassette holder during removal and insertion.

[0030] The mobility of at least one cleaning roller via the cassette holder allows, for example, optimized coupling to a floor station.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if the sensor device detects the position of at least one cassette on the cassette holder, and whether or not at least one cassette is present on the cassette holder. This allows the cassette status on the cassette holder to be determined.

[0032] It is advantageous if the sensor device comprises a first device and a second device, wherein the first device is arranged on the at least one cassette and / or on the at least one cleaning roller, and wherein the second device is arranged on the cassette holder and / or on the cleaning head body, and the first device cooperates with the second device. This results in a structurally simple design of the sensor device. A 501 271 t

[0033] December 16, 2025

[0034] L-241

[0035] - 5 -

[0036] In particular, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the first device is a transmitter device; the first device does not consume electrical energy; the second device is a sensitive device; the second device consumes electrical energy; the second device provides sensor signals.

[0037] If the sensitive device, which is particularly energy-consuming or emits signals, is located on the cleaning head body and / or on the cassette holder, the result is a structurally simple design.

[0038] The power supply is provided via elements on the cleaning head body. This results in a simple signal transmission.

[0039] By arranging the sensor as a (passive) non-electrically energy-consuming device on at least one cassette, a space-saving design and easy cleaning of the cassette are achieved. Furthermore, no power supply or signal transmission is required.

[0040] In particular, the second device is intended to include one or more tactile and / or non-contact sensors. This results in a simple design for the second device.

[0041] For example, the second device is designed as a microswitch, Hall sensor, piezoelectric sensor, optical sensor, or capacitive distance sensor. The associated encoder devices are, for example, switches, magnets, buttons, or light reflections. A 501 271 t

[0042] December 16, 2025

[0043] L-241

[0044] - 6 -

[0045] It is advantageous if the cassette holder has at least a first position and a second position, where the first position is an insertion position for the cassette and the second position is an removal position for the cassette. This allows the cassette's condition to be easily monitored.

[0046] In particular, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: in the first position of the cassette holder, the at least one cleaning roller lies on the mounting plane; in the first position, a mounting surface of the cleaning head forms a guide for the cassette with the cleaning roller; the first position is a cleaning position; in the second position, the at least one cleaning roller is spaced away from the mounting plane; the second position is spaced away from the first position.

[0047] This simplifies the insertion of the cassette with the cleaning roller. In particular, it simplifies the insertion of the cassette with the cleaning roller into the cassette holder, as the mounting surface (e.g., a floor) acts as a guide for the cassette with the cleaning roller.

[0048] In particular, it is intended that when the presence of the cassette on the cassette holder is detected by the sensor device after completion of a cleaning process and / or after an operator command, the A 501 271 t

[0049] December 16, 2025

[0050] L-241

[0051] - 7 -

[0052] The control unit activates the drive unit and moves the cassette holder into the second position. This results in a larger gripping area for the operator's hand and reduces friction between the cleaning roller and the surface it rests on, or eliminates friction altogether if the cleaning roller is positioned further away from the surface in the second position. This simplifies the removal of the cassette containing the cleaning roller.

[0053] Furthermore, the cleaning roller can prevent dirt adhering to it from being wiped off onto the installation surface.

[0054] Furthermore, improved drying possibilities and reduced wear on the cleaning roller are achieved.

[0055] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit holds the cassette holder in the first position when there is no cassette in the cassette holder. This simplifies cassette insertion.

[0056] It is particularly advantageous if, upon detection of the cassette's absence from the cassette holder by the sensor device and / or following an operator command, the control unit activates the drive unit and moves the cassette holder from the second position to the first position. This simplifies the insertion of the cassette with the cleaning roller into the cassette holder. For example, a floor can serve as a guide surface when inserting the cassette with the cleaning roller.

[0057] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, when connected to a cleaning station, the control unit activates the drive unit and moves the cassette holder into the second position. This allows, for example, the cleaning roller to be cleaned and / or replaced automatically at a cleaning station. A 501 271 t

[0058] December 16, 2025

[0059] L-241

[0060] - 8 -

[0061] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cassette holder is mounted on the cleaning head body on a swivel bearing assembly, allowing it to pivot about a pivot axis. This results in a structurally simple design with regard to the mounting and movement of the cassette holder with its at least one cassette and at least one cleaning roller.

[0062] In particular, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the pivot axis of the pivot bearing device is parallel to a mounting plane of the cleaning head for a surface to be cleaned; the pivot axis is parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller; the pivot axis is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to a forward direction of travel of the cleaning head; the pivot axis is parallel to an insertion direction of the at least one cassette on the cleaning head and / or to a removal direction of the at least one cassette from the cleaning head.

[0063] With a well-designed structure, this results in an optimized cleaning outcome.

[0064] It is advantageous if a guide device is provided for guiding the at least one cassette in a removal and insertion direction and for holding the at least one cassette on the cassette holder, wherein the guide device has a first part that is arranged on the cassette holder and a second part that cooperates with the first part and is arranged on the at least one cassette. This allows the cassette to be inserted into and removed from the cassette holder in a simple manner. A defined guide is provided, as per A 501 271 t

[0065] December 16, 2025

[0066] L-241

[0067] - 9 - that in particular, targeted guidance for fixation is also enabled with respect to an axial axis parallel to the insertion direction. The guiding device further ensures that at least one cassette is held on the cassette holder and thus on the cleaning head transversely to the insertion or removal direction.

[0068] In one embodiment, a fixing device is provided for the releasable fixing of the at least one cassette to the cassette holder in a removal direction and in an insertion direction. The fixing device has a first part, which is located on the cassette holder, and a second part, which cooperates with the first part and is located on the at least one cassette. This fixing device allows the cassette to be fixed axially (parallel to the insertion or removal direction) to the cleaning head via the cassette holder.

[0069] The fixing device features, in particular, a push-to-release mechanism and is preferably designed as a snap-fit ​​device, with the second part having at least one lug. This allows for easy locking and unlocking. If the second part has at least one lug, the removable cassette can be easily designed. The remainder of the snap-fit ​​device is then, in particular, permanently attached to the cleaning head.

[0070] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, a cable pulley system is provided for lifting the movable cassette holder away from the mounting surface of the cleaning head towards the area to be cleaned, particularly by overcoming a spring force of a spring mechanism that tends to push the cassette holder towards the surface. The cable pulley system can be designed to save space. A motor or gearbox of the cable pulley system can be positioned relatively far away from the cassette holder. This results in optimized space utilization at the cleaning head. A 501 271 t

[0071] December 16, 2025

[0072] L-241

[0073] - 10 -

[0074] In one embodiment, the cable pull device has a motor and preferably a gearbox, in particular with at least one of the following: the motor and / or the gearbox is positioned on a front area of ​​the cleaning head, which faces away from a rear area on which the at least one cleaning roller is positioned; the motor and / or the gearbox is positioned on the same side of the cleaning head body as a blower device and / or a drive device for a brush roller; the motor and / or the gearbox is positioned in the area of ​​a battery device on the cleaning head body.

[0075] This results in a space-optimized arrangement of the motor and / or transmission.

[0076] In particular, the cable-operated device has a pull cable which is fixed to the cassette holder via at least one fastening element. This allows the cassette holder to be lifted easily.

[0077] In one embodiment, the drive motor and / or a motor drive for the at least one cleaning roller is positioned in a receptacle for the holding device. During operation of the surface cleaning device, the at least one cleaning roller rests on this receptacle. This provides an internal motor and / or motor drive for the cleaning roller, resulting in a space-saving arrangement.

[0078] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: A 501 271 t

[0079] December 16, 2025

[0080] L-241

[0081] - 11 - the at least one cleaning roller has a textile covering and in particular a microfiber covering; the at least one cleaning roller is designed as a wet mopping roller; the at least one cleaning roller is designed as a cleaning roller for a hard floor.

[0082] This type of wet cleaning process (mop cleaning) is particularly suitable for hard floors. It is also possible for at least one cleaning roller to have bristles, or even a combination of textile and bristle coverings.

[0083] In principle, the surface cleaning device according to the invention can be designed as a (hand-)guided surface cleaning device or as a self-propelled and self-steering surface cleaning device. In one embodiment, the surface cleaning device according to the invention is designed as a vacuuming robot, a mopping robot, or a vacuum-mop robot, which has a vacuuming function with a brush roller and a mopping function with at least one cleaning roller.

[0084] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: a tank device for dirt fluid is assigned to at least one cleaning roller, which is particularly removable and attached to the cleaning head;

[0085] Dirty fluid is conveyed from at least one cleaning roller to a tank system either without a blower or via a blower system; A 501 271 t

[0086] December 16, 2025

[0087] L-241

[0088] - 12 - a humidification device is provided which applies cleaning fluid to the at least one cleaning roller and / or a surface to be cleaned; a scraper device for removing dirt fluid from the at least one cleaning roller is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller.

[0089] By providing a tank system for dirty fluid, a dirty water slurry can be collected.

[0090] Dirty fluid is coupled into the dirty fluid tank system either without a blower or via a blower system.

[0091] A humidification device allows cleaning fluid (fresh water, optionally with a surfactant additive) to be applied directly to at least one cleaning roller. This enables a wet wiping process to be carried out on at least one cleaning roller.

[0092] A scraper device allows the dirt fluid to be scraped off the at least one cleaning roller, guided, and then coupled into a tank system for dirt fluid.

[0093] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the cleaning head has at least one rotatable brush roller in addition to the at least one cleaning roller, and the at least one brush roller is associated with a blower device for generating a suction flow; the at least one brush roller is associated with a dirt collection container, which is detachably attached to the cleaning head and which serves in particular to collect dry dirt. A 501 271 t

[0094] December 16, 2025

[0095] L-241

[0096] - 13 -

[0097] If, in addition to at least one cleaning roller, at least one rotating brush roller is provided and this is equipped with a blower to generate a suction flow, a vacuum operation of the surface cleaning device can be achieved, for example, for textile surfaces. This also makes it possible, in particular, to select a pure vacuum operation, especially for textile surfaces, or a combination of vacuum and mopping operation, either via an operator setting or automatically via a floor detection function.

[0098] According to the invention, a method of the type mentioned at the outset is provided in which a sensor device determines a position of the at least one cassette relative to the cassette holder, and at least one position of the cassette holder relative to the cleaning head body is set depending on signals from the sensor device.

[0099] The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0100] In particular, the inventive method can be carried out on the inventive surface cleaning device or the inventive surface cleaning device can be operated with the inventive method.

[0101] It is advantageous if a first position of the cassette holder is an insertion position for at least one cassette on the cassette holder and a second position of the cassette holder is a removal position for at least one cassette on the cassette holder.

[0102] In the removal position, the cassette holder is in an upper position relative to the installation surface (second position). In the insertion position, the cassette holder is in a lower position relative to the installation surface (first position). When at least one cassette is removed, an A 501 271 t

[0103] December 16, 2025

[0104] L-241

[0105] - 14 -

[0106] Decoupling of the at least one cassette from a guide on the cassette holder. Because the at least one cassette and the cassette holder are in an upper position (second position) when the at least one cassette is removed, the gripping surface of the at least one cassette is increased for the operator. This results in reduced friction between the cleaning roller and the support surface, or friction is eliminated if the cleaning roller is spaced away from the support surface in the second position. This simplifies the removal of the at least one cassette from the cassette holder. When the at least one cassette is inserted, it is coupled to the guide on the cassette holder.Because the at least one cassette and the cassette holder are in a lower position (first position) when the at least one cassette is inserted, the mounting surface serves as a guide when inserting ("sliding in") the at least one cassette with the at least one cleaning roller into the cassette holder.

[0107] It is particularly advantageous if the second position is spaced apart from the first position. This allows the withdrawal and / or insertion positions to be clearly distinguished from one another.

[0108] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, upon detection by the sensor device that at least one cassette is missing from the cassette holder after removal and / or after an operator command, a control device activates a drive device and moves the cassette holder from the second position to the first position or holds it in the first position. This simplifies the insertion of the cassette with the cleaning roller.

[0109] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, upon detection of the presence of at least one cassette on the cassette holder by the sensor device after insertion and / or after an operator command after completion of a cleaning process, the control device activates the drive device A 501 271 t

[0110] December 16, 2025 L-241

[0111] - 15 - controls and moves the cassette holder from the first position to the second position. This makes it easier to remove the cassette with the cleaning roller.

[0112] The following description of preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to further explain the invention. The drawings show:

[0113] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a self-driving and self-steering floor cleaning machine (cleaning robot), in which the cassette with the cleaning roller is half removed or half inserted;

[0114] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the surface cleaning device according to Figure

[0115] 1 in direction A according to Figure 1, wherein the cassette with the cleaning roller is inserted;

[0116] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cassette, with the cleaning roller removed;

[0117] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cassette holder with a cassette inserted;

[0118] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an insertion process of the

[0119] Cassette according to Figure 3 in the cassette holder according to Figure 4;

[0120] Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the surface cleaning device in the area of ​​a cleaning roller in a plane parallel to plane B according to Figure 1, with a cleaning roller placed on a surface to be cleaned (first position); A 501 271 t

[0121] December 16, 2025

[0122] L-241

[0123] - 16 -

[0124] Figure 7 shows another sectional view with the cleaning roller raised relative to the surface to be cleaned (second position);

[0125] Figure 8 shows a side view of the surface cleaning device according to Figure

[0126] 1, wherein the cassette holder (including cassette and cleaning roller) is in the second position, with a cleaning roller raised relative to a cleaning surface (removal state);

[0127] Figure 9 shows a side view of the surface cleaning device according to Figure

[0128] 8, wherein the cassette with the cleaning roller has been removed from the cassette holder and the cassette holder is (still) in the second position;

[0129] Figure 10 shows a side view of the surface cleaning device according to Figure

[0130] 9, with the cassette holder in the first position (insertion state);

[0131] Figure 11 shows a side view of the surface cleaning device according to Figure

[0132] 8, wherein the cassette with the cleaning roller is inserted into the cassette holder and the cassette holder is (still) in the first position;

[0133] One embodiment of a surface cleaning device 10 is a floor cleaning device in the form of a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device (Figure 1). In particular, the surface cleaning device 10 is a vacuuming and mopping robot suitable for cleaning textile floors and hard floors. A 501 271 t

[0134] December 16, 2025

[0135] L-241

[0136] - 17 -

[0137] The surface cleaning device 10 comprises a cleaning head 12, which includes a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning head body 14 (drive body).

[0138] A (ground) station may be provided, in particular for charging a battery device and, if necessary, for cleaning the cleaning head 12 (not shown in the drawings).

[0139] In a cleaning operation, the surface cleaning device 10 with the cleaning head 12 is placed on a surface 16 to be cleaned, such as a floor.

[0140] A drive mechanism is arranged on the cleaning head body 14. This drives wheels 20 (Figure 2). In one embodiment, a first wheel 20a and a second wheel 20b are provided, which have a common wheel axle 22. The wheels 20 are driven by the drive mechanism to rotate about the wheel axle 22.

[0141] A support roller 24 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14 at a distance from the wheels 20. The support roller 24 has a pivot axis. It is pivotable about a steering axis perpendicular to this pivot axis. It is possible for the support roller 24 to be a passive steering roller that is not driven (and in particular not driven to rotate about the corresponding pivot axis or to pivot about the steering axis). A change in direction of the cleaning head 12 is achieved by appropriately controlling the wheels 20a and 20b via a control device 70, which is positioned on the cleaning head body 14. A change in direction is achieved, in particular, by rotating the wheels 20a and 20b at different speeds.

[0142] In an alternative embodiment, the support roller 24 is an active steering roller for controlling the direction of the cleaning head 14. This is controlled by the control unit 70. A 501 271 t

[0143] December 16, 2025

[0144] L-241

[0145] - 18 -

[0146] The surface cleaning device 10 has a main direction of travel 26. This main direction of travel 26 is a forward direction. When the cleaning head 12 travels in the main direction of travel 26, the axis of rotation of the support roller 24 is aligned parallel to the wheel axle 22.

[0147] The cleaning head 12 is assigned a mounting level 28 (compare, for example, Figures 8 to 11). The mounting level 28 is defined by the wheels 20 and the support roller 24. When the cleaning head 12 is positioned on the flat surface 16 via the mounting level 28, it rests against the surface.

[0148] The surface cleaning device 10 includes (at least) one brush roller 30 for vacuum operation. It also includes another cleaning roller 32, by means of which wet mopping cleaning can be carried out in particular.

[0149] During cleaning operation of the surface cleaning device 10, the brush roller 30 and / or the cleaning roller 32 are positioned on the mounting surface 28 and act on the surface 16 to be cleaned. (It is generally possible that during cleaning operation both the brush roller 30 and the cleaning roller 32 act on the surface 16 to be cleaned, or that only the brush roller 30 acts on the surface 16 to be cleaned. In another embodiment, it is also possible that only the cleaning roller 32 acts on the surface 16 to be cleaned.)

[0150] A navigation device 34 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14. The navigation device 34 is a sensor device and comprises at least one sensor element. The navigation device 34 is connected to the control device 70 for controlling the operation of the surface cleaning device 10. The navigation device 34 comprises, for example, one or more optical sensors, one or more wheel sensors, one or more IR sensors, and / or one or more ultrasonic sensors. A 501 271 t

[0151] December 16, 2025

[0152] L-241

[0153] - 19 -

[0154] The cleaning head body 14 has a front end 36 and a rear end 38 with respect to the main direction of travel 26 (forward direction 26). The cleaning head 12 has a longitudinal axis 40 which runs between the front end 36 and the rear end 38 and is parallel to the main direction of travel 26.

[0155] In the area of ​​the rear end 38, in particular a tank assembly 42 for dirt fluid and a tank assembly 44 for cleaning fluid are positioned (compare, for example, Figure 7).

[0156] In one embodiment, the tank assembly 42 and the tank assembly 44 are combined in one unit and can be removed from or inserted into the cleaning head 12 as a combination.

[0157] The term "dirt fluid" refers to a fluid that is fundamentally flowable. It can be composed of dirt particles or it can be a mixture of dirt particles and a liquid (especially water, possibly with a surfactant cleaning agent additive).

[0158] The cleaning head body 14 has a bottom surface 46 facing the mounting surface 28. It has a top surface 48 opposite the bottom surface 46. The wheels 20 and the support roller 24 are arranged on the bottom surface 46. The navigation device 34 is positioned at least partially on the top surface 48.

[0159] A bumper 50 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14 in the area of ​​the front end 36, which allows collisions of the surface cleaning device 10 with obstacles to be detected tactilely. The bumper 50 is or comprises one or more tactile sensor elements that are connected to the control unit 70 via a signal. A 501 271 t

[0160] December 16, 2025

[0161] L-241

[0162] - 20 -

[0163] On the underside of the cleaning head body 14, 46 cliff sensors 52 (see Figure 2) are arranged, which are connected to the control unit 70 and transmit signals. These cliff sensors 52 serve to prevent the surface cleaning device 10 from falling, for example in the area of ​​stairs, by detecting the presence of "cliffs".

[0164] The cleaning head body 14 comprises a rear section 54. The tank components 42, 44 and the cleaning roller 32 are positioned on the rear section 54. The rear end 38 is located on the rear section 54. The cleaning head body 14 further comprises a front section 56, which is connected to the rear section 54. The front end 36 is located on the front section 56.

[0165] A receptacle for a dirt collection container is arranged adjacent to the rear section 54 at the front section 56. The dirt collection container in the receptacle serves in particular to collect dry dirt and is associated with the brush roller 30.

[0166] A connection is provided at the intake, via which the corresponding dirt collection container is connected to a blower unit 62. The blower unit 62 is positioned at the front section 56. It generates a suction flow. The suction flow acts upon an intake area 64 (see Figure 2), in which the brush roller 30 is positioned. The brush roller 30 is mounted to rotate about a rotational axis 66. A drive motor is arranged at the front section 56, which drives the rotation of the brush roller 30 about the rotational axis 66 during cleaning operation.

[0167] The blower unit 62 applies the suction flow to the intake area 64, and in particular dry dirt is sucked in and collected in the dirt collection container in the intake. A 501 271 t

[0168] December 16, 2025

[0169] L-241

[0170] - 21 -

[0171] The dirt collection container can be removed from the intake for emptying and cleaning.

[0172] In one embodiment, the receptacle 64 is positioned between the receiving area 64 with the brush roller 30 and the tank device 42 or 44 (relative to the longitudinal axis 40) on the cleaning head body 14.

[0173] In the longitudinal axis 40 following the receiving area 64 with the brush roller 30, a rechargeable battery device is located on the front area 56 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0174] In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving area 64 with the brush roller 30 is located between the battery assembly and the receiving area for the dirt collection container with respect to the longitudinal axis 40.

[0175] In the area of ​​the front end 36, contact elements 72 (see Figure 2) are arranged on the underside 56 of the cleaning head body 14, which in cooperation with a station (ground station) enable the battery device to be recharged.

[0176] The rotation axis 66 of the brush roller 30 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 40.

[0177] The axis of rotation 66 is oriented parallel to the mounting plane 28.

[0178] In particular, the receiving area 64 with the brush roller 30 is positioned between the first wheel 20a and the second wheel 20b (compare Figure 2).

[0179] Side brushes 74a, 74b are also located at the front end 56 of the cleaning head 12. These extend beyond the circumference of the cleaning head body 14. A 501 271 t

[0180] December 16, 2025

[0181] L-241

[0182] - 22 -

[0183] In one embodiment, a first side brush 74a and a second side brush 74b are assigned. Drive motors for the side brushes 74a and 74b are located on the front section 56 of the cleaning head body 14. The side brushes 74a and 74b are rotatable about an axis of rotation which is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the mounting plane 28, or at a small acute angle, in particular less than 10°, to the mounting plane 28.

[0184] In one embodiment, the battery assembly is positioned between the drive motors for the side brushes 74a, 74b, and in particular, the battery assembly and the drive motors are located on a line that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40. This line is in particular parallel to the axis of rotation 66.

[0185] In one embodiment, the blower unit 62 is located on one side of the cleaning head body 14, and, for example, the drive motor for the brush roller 30 is located on another side. In particular, a median plane of the cleaning head body 14 lies between the blower unit 62 and the drive motor, on which the longitudinal axis 40 lies and which is perpendicular to the mounting plane 28.

[0186] In one embodiment, the blower device 62 is located on one side of the receptacle, wherein a fluid-effective connection of the dirt collection container is established via the blower device 62 on the corresponding side of the receptacle, and the drive motor is located on an opposite side of the receptacle.

[0187] The cleaning head body 14 has an openable and, in particular, hinged cover 78 (see Figure 1) on its upper surface 48. The cover 78 covers the tank components 42 and 44 on its upper surface 48. It also covers the receptacle for the dirt collection container. To remove the dirt collection container from its receptacle, the cover 78 must be opened. A 501 271 t

[0188] December 16, 2025

[0189] L-241

[0190] - 23 -

[0191] The cleaning head body 14 has a first lateral side 80 and an opposite second lateral side 82. The first lateral side 80 and the second lateral side 82 are in particular mirror-symmetrical to the median plane on the longitudinal axis 40.

[0192] The first lateral side 80 and the second lateral side 82 can be flat or curved.

[0193] A receptacle 84 for the cleaning roller 32 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14 between the first lateral side 80 and the second lateral side 82. The receptacle 84 is, in particular, a receiving shaft. The receptacle 84 is open towards the underside 46 and thus towards the mounting surface 28, so that the cleaning roller 32, positioned in the receptacle 84, can act on the surface 16 to be cleaned.

[0194] The receptacle 84 is positioned at the rear area 54 of the cleaning head body 14. It is spaced apart from the rear end 38 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0195] The receptacle 84 is closed on its first lateral side 80 by a transverse wall 86. The transverse wall 86 is, in particular, fixedly arranged on the cleaning head body 14 or is an integral part of the cleaning head body 14.

[0196] On the second lateral side 82, the receptacle 84 is open via an opening 88. A cover can be assigned to the opening 88, by means of which the opening 88 on the second lateral side 82 can be closed.

[0197] To position the cleaning roller 32 in the receptacle 84, a

[0198] Cassette 92 is provided (see Figure 3). Cassette 92 comprises a

[0199] Holding device 94 for the cleaning roller 32. On the holding device 94 A 501 271 t

[0200] December 16, 2025

[0201] L-241

[0202] - 24 - is, when the cassette 92 is properly positioned in the receptacle 84 of the cleaning head 12, the cleaning roller 32 is driven to rotate about a rotation axis 96.

[0203] The axis of rotation 96 is parallel to the mounting plane 28. It is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the main direction of travel 26 (forward direction of travel 26). It is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40. It is at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 66 of the brush roller 30.

[0204] A cassette holder 98 for holding the cassette 92, and thus indirectly for holding the cleaning roller 32 in the receptacle 84, is positioned on the cleaning head body 14. The cassette holder 98 (see in particular Figures 4 and 5, 9 and 10) is a non-removable component of the cleaning head 12. It can be fixedly positioned on the cleaning head 12 (on the cleaning head body 14), or, in an embodiment which is explained in more detail below, it can be movably and, in particular, pivotably positioned on the cleaning head body 14.

[0205] A guide device 100 is provided, which serves to guide the cassette 92 on the cassette holder 98 and to hold it in position in the receptacle 84.

[0206] The guide device 100 comprises a first part 102, which is arranged or formed on the cassette holder 98, and a second part 104, which is arranged or formed on the cassette 92. The first part 102 and the second part 104 cooperate with each other.

[0207] The holding device 94 (the cassette 92) has a circumferential wall 106. The circumferential wall 106 extends in an axial direction 108 between a first end face and an opposite second end face. The axial direction 96 is, when the cassette 92 is properly in the A 501 271 t

[0208] December 16, 2025

[0209] L-241

[0210] - 25 -

[0211] The recording 84 is positioned parallel to the rotation axis 96 of the cleaning roller 32.

[0212] The axis 108 is an axial axis. The cleaning roller 32 has a cylindrical outer shape with an axial axis parallel to the rotation axis 96.

[0213] Cassette 92 can thus be assigned a circumferential direction and a radial direction. The circumferential direction, the radial direction, and the axial axis 108 define polar coordinates.

[0214] The perimeter wall 106 has a first area and a second area.

[0215] The second area is movably arranged next to the first area.

[0216] The first area extends circumferentially from an underside of the circumferential wall 106, which faces the mounting plane 28, to an end face. The end face is located at an upper area of ​​the cassette 92 when the cassette 92 is properly seated on the cleaning head 12. At this upper area, the circumferential wall 106 has a maximum distance from the mounting plane 28 with respect to a vertical axis perpendicular to the mounting plane 28.

[0217] The first circumferential extent of the first area between the frontal region and the underside is an angular range which is less than 180° and in particular less than 150°.

[0218] This allows the cleaning roller 32 to be positioned "without jamming" in the first area.

[0219] The circumferential wall 106 has an inner side facing the cleaning roller 32 and an outer side facing away from the cleaning roller 32.

[0220] The second part 104 of the guide device 100 is located on the outside. A 501 271 t

[0221] December 16, 2025

[0222] L-241

[0223] - 26 -

[0224] The second part 104 is designed in such a way as to cooperate with the first part 102 that one guide direction of the guide device 100 for the cassette 92 on the cassette holder 98 is parallel to the axis 108 or parallel to the axis of rotation 96. Corresponding undercut surfaces ensure that the cleaning roller 32 is held in place with respect to directions perpendicular to the axis 108 or perpendicular to the axis of rotation 96.

[0225] In one embodiment, a connection 138 of a humidification device 140 is arranged on the first region of the circumferential wall 106 in the region of the second end face. Cleaning fluid from the tank 44 can be applied to the surface 16 to be cleaned directly or, in particular, indirectly via the cleaning roller 32 by means of the humidification device 140. In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, during operation of the surface cleaning device 10, cleaning fluid is applied to the cleaning roller 32 by means of a nozzle device 142, which is located on the circumferential wall 106 and there on the first region.

[0226] A fluid-acting connection is made via connection 138 to that part of the humidification device 140 which is positioned on the cleaning head 14 outside the cassette 92.

[0227] The second area is designed as a flap 144, which is movably mounted on the first area of ​​the circumferential wall 106 via a pivot bearing device 146.

[0228] A pivot axis 148 of the pivot bearing assembly 146 is oriented parallel to the axis 108 and thus also parallel to the rotation axis 96. A 501 271 t

[0229] December 16, 2025

[0230] L-241

[0231] - 27 -

[0232] In one embodiment, the pivot bearing assembly 156 comprises a plurality of spaced-apart pivot bearings 150, which are aligned in alignment along the pivot axis 148.

[0233] The second area is designed as a flap 144. A spring device is associated with the pivot bearing device 146, wherein a spring force of the spring device tends to press the flap 144 against the cleaning roller 32 and thereby hold it clamped to the holding device 94.

[0234] The flap 144 has a closed position 158, in which the flap 144 clamps the cleaning roller 32 against the cassette 92. The spring device exerts a clamping force perpendicular to the axis of rotation 96 (perpendicular to the axis 108) to hold the roller in place.

[0235] In an open position of the flap 144, which can be achieved by overcoming the spring force of the spring device, in particular by manual operation by an operator, the cleaning roller 32 can be removed from the cassette 92 (when the cassette 92 is removed from the cleaning head 12).

[0236] The flap 144 has a first end and an opposite second end. In the region of the first end, the flap 144 is hinged to the first region of the circumferential wall 106 via the pivot bearing device 146.

[0237] When flap 144 is in the closed position, the second end faces the installation plane 28.

[0238] In the closed position of the flap 144, the circumferential wall 106, comprising the first and second sections (of the flap 44), has a second circumferential extension with an angular range greater than 180° and, for example, greater than 200°. A 501 271 t

[0239] December 16, 2025

[0240] L-241

[0241] - 28 -

[0242] This prevents the cleaning roller 32 from falling off the cassette 92 in any direction transverse to the axis of rotation 96 (transverse to the axis 108) when the unit is closed. In the closed position, the cleaning roller 32 is positively engaged with the holding device 94 in these directions transverse to the axis of rotation 96 via the circumferential wall 106 with its first and second sections. The cleaning roller 32 is thus held in place on the cassette 92.

[0243] This positive locking mechanism can be released by moving flap 144 away.

[0244] A scraper device 166 for the cleaning roller 32 is arranged on the flap 144.

[0245] The cleaning roller 32 is designed specifically as a wiper roller or wet cleaning roller. It has a sleeve, which in particular has an open interior. Attached to the sleeve is a covering, in particular made of a textile material and, for example, a microfiber material. During the cleaning operation of the surface cleaning device 10, the covering is moistened with cleaning fluid (pure water or pure water with a surfactant cleaning agent) by the moistening device 140. By acting on the surface 16 to be cleaned, dirt can be loosened and carried away by the covering of the cleaning roller 32.

[0246] It is also possible that the cleaning roller 32 is a bristle roller and is therefore equipped with bristle bundles, or that the cleaning roller 32 has a hybrid covering with textile areas and bristle areas.

[0247] When the surface cleaning device 10 is in operation with the flap 144 in the closed position, the scraper device 166 is pressed onto the cleaning roller 32 and thereby onto the bristles of the cleaning roller 32. A 501 271 t

[0248] December 16, 2025

[0249] L-241

[0250] - 29 -

[0251] The scraper device 166 is arranged and designed such that dirt fluid is detached from the brush of the cleaning roller 32 and directed to a discharge device 174. The scraper device 166 has both a detachment function for dirt fluid and a conveying function.

[0252] The scraper device 166 and the outlet device 174 are located on the flap 144. The scraper device 166 comprises at least one scraper bar 176, which, during operation of the surface cleaning device 10, penetrates the bristles of the cleaning roller 32 when the flap 144 is in the closed position (and the cleaning head 12 has its cassette 92 properly inserted). The penetrating scraper bar 176 allows dirt fluid to be loosened from the bristles and drained away.

[0253] The wiper strip 176 is positioned, in particular, on the flap 144 between a first end and a second end, and is spaced apart from each of these.

[0254] It extends in particular essentially over the entire length of the cleaning roller 32 (with the direction of the rotation axis 96 as the longitudinal axis).

[0255] The scraper strip 176 is arranged and designed in such a way that it leads in a funnel shape to the outlet device 174.

[0256] The spring force of the spring mechanism presses the flap 144 against the bristles of the cleaning roller 32, and the scraper bar 176 is forced into contact with the bristles. A spring-loaded scraper mechanism 176 is present.

[0257] This also allows, for example, manufacturing tolerances regarding the

[0258] Cleaning roller or wear of the cleaning roller 32 compensates A 501 271 t

[0259] December 16, 2025

[0260] L-241

[0261] - 30 - will be, since the spring-loaded swivel bearing device 146 automatically ensures correct positioning of the scraper bar 176 on the cleaning roller 32 in the function for dirt removal and dirt drainage.

[0262] When the cassette 92 is properly positioned on the cleaning head 12, the outlet 174 (with the flap 144 closed) is positioned such that it allows the cleaning fluid to be fed directly into the cleaning fluid tank 42. Specifically, the conveyance of the cleaning fluid from the cleaning roller 32 to the tank 42 is fanless, achieved by direct coupling via a direct transport path from the cassette 92 and from the outlet 174 at the flap 144 of the cassette 92 into the tank 42.

[0263] The receptacle 84, the cassette 92 and the tank assembly 42 and their arrangement are designed in such a way that when the cassette 92 is correctly inserted into the receptacle 84, a fluid-effective coupling of the outlet assembly 174 of the cassette 92 to the tank assembly 42 is automatically achieved for filling the tank assembly 42 with dirty fluid.

[0264] A flange is arranged on the end face of the second end face of the holding device 94 (of the cassette 92). This flange forms a contact surface for the cleaning roller 32 with respect to the axial axis 108. When the cleaning roller 32 rests against the circumferential wall 106, it cannot fall out of the cassette 92 in the direction 108 due to the flange.

[0265] The cassette 92 (the holding device 94) has a pivot bearing at its first end face. The cleaning roller 32 can be mounted onto this pivot bearing in a rotationally fixed manner for rotation about the axis of rotation 96. This pivot bearing is an integral part of the cassette 92 and faces away from the edge flange. A 501 271 t

[0266] December 16, 2025

[0267] L-241

[0268] - 31 -

[0269] To fix the cleaning roller 32 to the cassette 92, it is first placed onto the rotary bearing with the flap 144 open and then pressed against the circumferential wall 106, specifically against the first section of the circumferential wall 106. This pushes it over the edge flange, which provides an axial contact surface. The flap 144 is then closed, i.e., moved into the closed position. This fixes the cleaning roller 32 to the cassette 92. The cassette 92 can then be inserted into the receptacle 84. With the lid 78 open, it is inserted into the cassette holder 98 and pushed into the receptacle 84 in an insertion direction 184 until it is fixed with respect to the axial axis 108. This is described in more detail below. Insertion takes place at or via the second lateral side 82.

[0270] The insertion direction 184 is at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 96.

[0271] The combination of cassette 92 with cleaning roller 32 fixed to it is inserted into the receptacle 84.

[0272] To remove the cassette 92 containing the cleaning roller 32, the cover 78 is opened and then the axial locking mechanism is released. This is described in more detail below.

[0273] In particular, when the axial fixation is released, the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 is advanced so that it projects beyond the second lateral side 82. The cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 can then be completely removed.

[0274] A withdrawal direction 186 (Figure 1) is opposite to and antiparallel to the insertion direction 184.

[0275] The material is extracted from opening 88, facing away from transverse wall 86. A 501 271 t

[0276] December 16, 2025

[0277] L-241

[0278] - 32 -

[0279] The cleaning roller 32 can then be removed from the cassette 92 and cleaned, for example, in a washing machine.

[0280] When the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 is inserted in the insertion direction 184 until axial fixation is achieved, an automatic fluid-acting connection is made between the port 138 on the cassette and the rest of the moistening device 140 on the cleaning head 12. The cleaning roller 32 is automatically torque-acting and coupled to a drive motor. The nozzle 174 is automatically aligned for fluid-acting coupling to the tank device 42 for the cleaning fluid.

[0281] When the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 is removed and the axial fixation is released accordingly, the connection 138 is automatically decoupled from the rest of the humidification device 140, the cleaning roller 32 is removed from a torque transmission device, and the nozzle device 174 is automatically released from the fluid-effective coupling to the tank device 42.

[0282] The edge flange 180 and the circumferential wall 106 are designed in such a way that the cleaning roller 32 can be driven rotating around the axis of rotation 96 on the cassette 92 even when the flap 144 is in the closed position.

[0283] The surface cleaning device 10 includes a drive motor for the rotary drive of the cleaning roller 32 rotating around the axis of rotation 96.

[0284] The drive motor can be an internal motor with respect to the cleaning roller 32. The drive motor is an integral part of the cleaning head 12 and is located at the rear section 54.

[0285] There is a connection to the control unit 70 via control lines and an electrical connection to the battery unit. A 501 271 t

[0286] December 16, 2025

[0287] L-241

[0288] - 33 -

[0289] It is specifically intended that, in the case of a movable cassette holder 98 (as described in more detail below), the drive motor and / or motor carrier is firmly connected to the cassette holder 98 and is movable with it.

[0290] The drive motor and / or motor carrier is positioned in the receptacle 84 and extends over a certain area with respect to a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation 96.

[0291] The fixing device 192 axially fixes the cassette 92 to the cleaning head body 14, facing away from the second lateral side 82. This eliminates the need for a fixing device for the cassette 92 and the cleaning head body 14, particularly above the opening 88. This space can then be used, for example, for the tank 44, or the cleaning head 12 can be designed with a lower height parallel to the vertical axis 128.

[0292] In one embodiment, the fixing device 192 is designed as a push-to-release touch latch. The push-to-release latch (also referred to as a "push-to-release catch"), which is positioned in the area of ​​the transverse wall 86, provides a push-to-release mechanism. Axial fixing can be achieved, and the axial fixing (for removing the cassette 92 from the receptacle 84) can be released by applying pressure to the cassette 92. This pressure is applied in a direction that is at least approximately parallel to the insertion direction 184. Furthermore, the pressure can be applied to the cassette 92 in the area of ​​the opening 88, that is, at a considerable distance from the fixing device 192.

[0293] A fixing area, with which the cassette 92 is fixed axially (relative to the axis 108) with respect to the cleaning head 14, is located in particular at an end face of the receptacle 84 and in the receptacle 84 A 501 271 t

[0294] December 16, 2025

[0295] L-241

[0296] - 34 - or positioned in an extension of the receptacle 84 in front of the transverse wall 86. The space already provided by the receptacle 84 is then used in an optimized way for positioning the fixing device 192.

[0297] Push-to-lock mechanisms are well-known and are used, for example, in furniture manufacturing.

[0298] The pressure snap device can be designed with relatively small dimensions in one direction parallel to the axis 108, so that it can be positioned at the end of the receptacle 84 as described.

[0299] The feed rate through the pressure snap device is at least 0.5 mm and preferably at least 1 mm. The greater the feed rate, the more advantageous.

[0300] As explained below, an additional feed device may be provided which, in addition to the feed of the pressure snap device, causes a further feed in order to eject the cassette 92 "even further" when the fixing of the fixing device 192 is released, and in particular to eject it through the opening 88.

[0301] The cover 78 serves to close the receptacle 84 at the opening 88. It is also a function of this cover 78 to prevent the cassette 92 from being unintentionally released. For example, with the "push-to-release" mechanism of the snap-fit ​​device, there is a fundamental possibility that contact with an object in the area of ​​the opening 88 could generate a pressure force on the cassette 92 in the direction of the transverse wall 86, thereby releasing the cassette 92. This risk does not exist when the cover 78 is closed.

[0302] To fix the cassette 92 (with the cleaning roller 32) to the mount 84, the cassette 92 is inserted in the insertion direction 184 A 501 271 t with the lid 78 open.

[0303] December 16, 2025

[0304] L-241

[0305] - 35 - moved into the recording 94. The cassette 92 is aligned so that the first part 102 and the second part 104 of the guide device 100 engage with each other.

[0306] The cassette 92 is moved in the insertion direction 184 until the first part 194 and the second part 196 of the fixing device 192 (the snap-fit ​​device) correspond to each other and axial fixation is achieved. This can be indicated, for example, acoustically by a click sound.

[0307] To remove the cassette 92, the lid 78 is opened, starting from the closed lid 78. The lid 78 can also be permanently attached to the cassette 92. In this case, pressure is applied to the cassette 92 in the area of ​​the opening 88 with a direction of pressure at least approximately parallel to the insertion direction 184. This releases the fixation on the fixing device 192 and the connection between the first and second parts is broken. The cassette 92 detaches from the cleaning head body 14.

[0308] The fixing device 192 can also be designed such that the cassette 92 is given a feed in a direction parallel to the removal direction 186 when the fixing is released.

[0309] It is specifically designed that, upon release of the fixation by the fixing device 192 and in particular by the "push-to-release" mechanism, the overall advance of the cassette 92 is such that the cassette 92 is immersed through the opening 88 beyond the second lateral side 82. This allows an operator to more easily grasp the cassette 92 and then completely withdraw it from the receptacle 84 in the removal direction 186.

[0310] Depending on the design, the total feed is generated solely by the pressure snap mechanism, solely by the feed mechanism, or as the combined feed of individual feeds from the pressure snap mechanism and the feed mechanism. A 501 271 t

[0311] December 16, 2025

[0312] L-241

[0313] - 36 -

[0314] In one embodiment, the cassette holder 98 is positioned separately from the receiving wall 228 and movably within the receiving 84.

[0315] A swivel bearing device 230 is provided, by which the cassette holder 98 is pivotably mounted on the cleaning head 14.

[0316] A pivot axis is parallel to the axis 108 or parallel to the rotation axis 96. It is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the insertion direction 184 or the removal direction 186. It is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the main travel direction 26.

[0317] The pivot axis is parallel to the installation plane 28.

[0318] The mounting 84 is positioned between the pivot bearing assembly 230 and the rear end 38 of the cleaning head 12. When the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 is attached to the cleaning head 12, it is positioned between the pivot bearing assembly 230 and the tank assembly 42.

[0319] The counterpart of the swivel bearing device 230 is located in particular on the front area 56 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0320] A spring assembly 248 is assigned to the swivel bearing assembly 230. In particular, each swivel bearing of the swivel bearing assembly 230 is assigned (at least) one spring, such as a coil spring.

[0321] The spring device 248 is arranged and designed in such a way that it exerts a spring force which tends to press the cassette holder 98 against the mounting surface 28.

[0322] Basically, the force with which the cleaning roller 32 is pressed against the surface 16 to be cleaned during a cleaning operation is, in particular in the case of a floor, due to the weight of the cleaning head 12 A 501 271 t

[0323] December 16, 2025

[0324] L-241

[0325] - 37 - is specified. The movable cassette holder 98 with the swivel bearing assembly 230 and the spring assembly 248 allows the cleaning roller 32 to be pressed against the surface 16 to be cleaned with an additional force provided by the spring assembly 248. This allows for an improved cleaning result.

[0326] The movable and spring-loaded mounting of the cleaning roller 32 via the cassette holder 98 also allows for a kind of floating mounting of the cleaning roller 32 on the cleaning head 12. This makes it possible for the cleaning roller 32 to avoid obstacles (by moving the cassette holder 98) by briefly lifting itself away from the surface 16 (lifting upwards) via the cassette holder 98.

[0327] The spring force of the spring device 248 causes such a lift to remain briefly and, as soon as the obstacle has fallen away, the cassette holder 98 is moved back towards the mounting plane 28 and the cleaning roller 32 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned (first position 116).

[0328] In principle, the spring assembly 248 can be adapted to the application. The spring force should not be so high that the cleaning head body 14 lifts off; that is, the mounting surface 28 must be maintained. For example, a smaller spring force may be sufficient for a floating mounting than if increased pressure of the cleaning roller 32 against the surface 16 to be cleaned is desired.

[0329] The installation level 28 is defined by the wheels 20 and the support roller 24.

[0330] The brush roller 30 is located on the mounting level 28. When the cassette holder 98 is stationary, the cleaning roller 32 is also located on the mounting level 28. A 501 271 t

[0331] December 16, 2025

[0332] L-241

[0333] - 38 -

[0334] With a movable cassette holder 98, the cleaning roller 32 is only in contact with the mounting surface 28 when the cleaning head 12 is properly positioned on the surface 16. When the cleaning head 12 is lifted, the spring force of the spring mechanism causes the cleaning roller 32 to be pushed downwards beyond the mounting surface 28 until an end stop is reached.

[0335] A sensor device 110 is associated with the movable cassette holder 98 and the cassette 92 (see in particular Figure 5). The sensor device 110 comprises one or more sensors, wherein the sensors are, for example, designed as tactile, non-contact, electrical, or optical sensors. In one embodiment, a sensor is designed as a microswitch and / or as a Hall sensor.

[0336] The sensor device 110 detects whether a cassette 92 is in the cassette holder 98 or not. Further explanations can be found below.

[0337] The sensor device 110 comprises a first device 112 and a second device 114. The first device 112 is arranged on the cassette 92 and / or on the cleaning roller 32, wherein the first device 112 is a sensor device and does not consume electrical energy. The second device 114 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14 and, in particular, on the cassette holder 98, wherein the second device 114 is a sensor device and accordingly consumes electrical energy. The second device 114 provides sensor signals.

[0338] Furthermore, the sensor device 110 is connected to the control device 70 via a signal.

[0339] The control device 70 controls an active drive device 68 (compare figure 4), which in particular comprises an (electric) motor to move the cassette holder 98 in a direction away from the installation plane 28 or in A 501 271 t

[0340] December 16, 2025

[0341] L-241

[0342] - 39 - to move in a direction towards the mounting plane 28, so that in particular the cleaning roller 32 is spaced away from the mounting plane 28 and at the same time away from the surface 16 (compare Figures 7 and 8). In such a second position 118 of the cleaning roller 32, it does not touch the surface 16. This can be useful, for example, if only carpet cleaning is to be carried out using the brush roller 30. The drive unit 68 can deactivate the cleaning roller 32 with respect to surface contact.

[0343] The corresponding second position 118 can also be useful, for example, if the surface cleaning device 10 and in particular the cleaning roller 32 are to be cleaned at a station (floor station).

[0344] Furthermore, the corresponding second position 118 can also be useful, for example, to reduce wear on the cleaning roller when not in operation.

[0345] Furthermore, the corresponding second position 118 can also be useful, for example, to simplify the removal of the cassette 92, particularly by increasing the gripping surface, for example, for one hand of a user. This is explained in more detail below.

[0346] In one embodiment, the drive device 68 is designed as a cable pull device 254. It comprises a pull cable 256. The pull cable 256 is fixed at its end to the cassette holder 98 via a fastening element 258 (Figure 6).

[0347] The fastening element 258 is arranged, in particular, at least approximately centrally between opposite end faces of the cassette part 98. A 501 271 t

[0348] December 16, 2025

[0349] L-241

[0350] - 40 -

[0351] The drive unit 68 is arranged on the front area 56 of the cleaning head body 14 and is located in particular in the area of ​​the battery unit.

[0352] With respect to the longitudinal axis 40, the drive unit 68 is positioned between the receptacle for the dirt collection container and the front end 36 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0353] The drive unit 68 is positioned particularly near the blower unit 62.

[0354] By activating the drive unit 68 by the control unit 70 and applying a corresponding tensile force to the pull rope 256, the cassette holder 98 with the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 can be lifted. It is pulled upwards (Figure 8) to reach the second position 118.

[0355] The drive unit 68 holds this second position 118 in place. It is specifically designed that the second position 118 is also held in place when the drive unit 68 is not in operation (not supplied with electrical energy).

[0356] It is further specifically provided that, in order to move the cassette holder 98 out of the second position 118 and thereby lower it, the drive unit 68 must be activated by the control unit 70. The drive unit 68 then, in effect, cancels the pull by rotating in the opposite direction to the lifting movement, and the spring unit 248 then causes the lowering (see Figure 11).

[0357] Lowering the cassette 92 (with the cleaning roller 32) is designed to simplify its insertion, as the support surface 16, for example the floor 28, serves as a guide. A 501 271 t

[0358] December 16, 2025

[0359] L-241

[0360] - 41 -

[0361] The rope pulling device 254 can include a pulley element. The pulley element is, for example, arranged on the first section of the pulling rope 256.

[0362] A first pull rope is guided in a loop on a sliding element. The sliding element is a type of pulley for the first pull rope 274.

[0363] The first pull rope is fixed at one end (possibly using a spring device) to the cleaning head body 14 and, for example, to the rear area 54.

[0364] At the other end, this first pull rope is connected to the motor.

[0365] A second pull rope is firmly connected to the sliding element at one end. At the other end, it is connected to the fastening element 258.

[0366] Activating the drive unit 68 moves the displacement element in the direction of displacement. This engages the second pull cable, meaning that tension is exerted, allowing the cassette holder 98 to be lifted. A return to its original position then occurs.

[0367] The pulley element allows the necessary driving force to be halved, resulting in a doubling of the distance.

[0368] The first and second haul ropes together form haul rope 256. The first section of the haul rope comprises the second haul rope and part of the first haul rope. The second and third sections are formed from the first haul rope. A 501 271 t

[0369] December 16, 2025

[0370] L-241

[0371] - 42 -

[0372] The first pull cable is fixed to the cleaning head body 14 via a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism ensures that the first pull cable is constantly under tension.

[0373] The surface cleaning device 10 was described above as a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning machine. The inventive solution of the sensor device 110 associated with the cassette holder 98 and / or the cassette 92 and the control device 70 which is in signal communication can also be used in other types of surface cleaning devices, such as surface cleaning devices which are manually guided by a standing operator via a handle device.

[0374] The surface cleaning device 10 according to the invention functions as follows:

[0375] For cleaning operation, the cleaning roller 32 is inserted into the cassette 92, which is located outside the cleaning head 12. To do this, the flap 144 is opened and then the cleaning roller 32 is inserted into the cassette 92.

[0376] The cleaning roller 32 is held against the cassette 92 by the flap 144.

[0377] Furthermore, the scraper device 166 and the outlet device 174 are also integrated into the flap 144. During operation of the surface cleaning device 10, at least one scraper bar 176 is pressed against, or in particular into, the bristles 172 of the cleaning roller 32.

[0378] Since there is no cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 92 in the cassette holder 98, the cassette holder 98 is in a first position 116 with respect to a mounting surface 16 (compare figure 10).

[0379] After fixing the cleaning roller 32 to the cassette 92, an operator pushes the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 into the receptacle 84. (See A 501 271 t.)

[0380] December 16, 2025

[0381] L-241

[0382] - 43 - the cover 78 is opened and the cassette 92 is inserted. It is inserted in such a way that the second part 104 and the first part 102 of the guide device 100 engage.

[0383] The (lower) first position 116 of the cassette holder 98 is for inserting the cassette 92 into the cassette holder 98, since the mounting surface 16, in particular the base, forms a guide for the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32.

[0384] The cassette 92 is moved in the insertion direction 184 towards the transverse wall 86 until the fixing device 192 can engage. The first part 194 of the fixing device 192 then connects to the second part 196 on the cassette 92.

[0385] The cassette 92 is thereby fixed in the receptacle 84 with respect to the axis 108. At the same time, this establishes a fluid-effective connection of the humidifying device 140 to the cassette 92, the outlet device 174 is aligned with the tank device 42, and the drive motor 200 is coupled to the cleaning roller 32 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0386] After the cassette 92 is inserted into the cassette holder 98, the sensor 110 detects that a cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 is present in the surface cleaning device 10. The signal is forwarded to the control unit 70, and if necessary, the cable pull device 254 is activated to move the cleaning roller 32 to its second position 118. This might be necessary if no subsequent cleaning operation is desired, as "only" the cleaning roller 32 needs to be replaced. For example, this is advantageous to have a clean cleaning roller 32 readily available in the surface cleaning device 10 for the next cleaning operation.

[0387] After inserting the cassette 92 into the cassette holder 98, the cover 78 is closed. A 501 271 t

[0388] December 16, 2025

[0389] L-241

[0390] - 44 -

[0391] A cleaning operation can then be carried out.

[0392] The movable cassette holder 98, with support for the spring assembly 248, allows the cleaning roller 32 to be pressed against the surface 16 to be cleaned during cleaning operations. This creates a floating bearing. The contact force can be increased to improve the cleaning effect.

[0393] The cleaning roller 32 can be lifted off using the cable pull device 254. This renders it inactive with regard to its cleaning effect.

[0394] For example, if a cleaning process is only to be carried out on a textile surface, the cleaning roller 32 is deactivated accordingly. An operator sets this accordingly and the control unit 70 activates the cable pull device 254, or a sensor detects the surface type (such as floor type) and, upon detection of a textile floor, the cable pull device 254 is automatically and independently activated to reach the second position 118 of the cleaning roller 32.

[0395] After completion of a cleaning process and / or following an operator command, for example via an app, the drive unit 70 activates the cable pull device 254, and the cassette 98 with the cleaning roller 32 is moved from the (lower) first position 116 to the (upper) second position 118. An operator can then remove the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 from the second position 118, for example, to wash it in a washing machine. To do this, they open the lid 78. By applying pressure to the cassette 92 or the cleaning roller 32 at the corresponding end in the area of ​​the opening 88, they release the locking device 192. The pressure-snap device provides a push-to-release mechanism. A 501 271 t

[0396] December 16, 2025

[0397] L-241

[0398] - 45 -

[0399] In addition to the solution of fixing a fixing device 192, a feed is carried out, which can be increased by the feed device.

[0400] In particular, the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 is then pushed out slightly from the opening 88 to make removal easier.

[0401] An operator can then remove cassette 92 containing the soiled cleaning roller.

[0402] After the cassette 92 is removed from the cassette holder 98, the sensor device 110 detects the absence of the cassette 92 in the cassette holder 98 and forwards this signal to the control device 70. Accordingly, the cable pull device 254 is deactivated and the cassette holder 98 is moved to the first position 116 to facilitate the reinsertion of the cassette 92 into the cassette holder 98 (see Figure 10).

[0403] By folding up flap 144, the operator can remove the cleaning roller 32 from the cassette 92.

[0404] A 501 271 t

[0405] December 16, 2025

[0406] L-241

[0407] - 46 -

[0408] Reference symbol list

[0409] 10 surface cleaning devices

[0410] 12 cleaning heads

[0411] 14 cleaning head bodies

[0412] 16 Area (ground)

[0413] 20 wheels

[0414] 20a First wheel

[0415] 20b Second wheel

[0416] 22 Wheel axle

[0417] 24 support roller

[0418] 26 Main direction of travel (forward direction of travel)

[0419] 28 Installation level

[0420] 30 brush roller

[0421] 32 Cleaning roller

[0422] 34 Navigation system

[0423] 36 Front end

[0424] 38 Rear end

[0425] 40 Longitudinal axis

[0426] 42 Tank system for dirty fluid

[0427] 44 Tank system for cleaning fluid

[0428] 46 Underside

[0429] 48 Top

[0430] 50 impact bodies

[0431] 52 Cliff sensor

[0432] 54 Rear area

[0433] 56 Front area

[0434] 62 Blower unit

[0435] 64 Recording area

[0436] 66 Rotation axis

[0437] 68 Drive unit

[0438] 70 Control unit A 501 271 t

[0439] December 16, 2025

[0440] L-241

[0441] - 47 -

[0442] 72 Contact element

[0443] 74a Side brush

[0444] 74b Side brush

[0445] 78 lids

[0446] 80 First lateral side

[0447] 82 Second lateral side

[0448] 84 recording

[0449] 86 Cross wall

[0450] 88 Opening

[0451] 92 cassette

[0452] 94 Holding device

[0453] 96 Rotation axis

[0454] 98 cassette holders

[0455] 100 guide system

[0456] 102 Part One

[0457] 104 Part Two

[0458] 106 Perimeter wall

[0459] 108 Axis (axial axis)

[0460] 110 Sensor device

[0461] 112 first facility

[0462] 114 second facility

[0463] 116 First position

[0464] 118 Second position

[0465] 128 Height axis

[0466] 132 Inside

[0467] 138 connection

[0468] 140 humidification unit

[0469] 142 Nozzle assembly

[0470] 144 flap

[0471] 146 Swivel bearing assembly

[0472] 148 Swivel axis

[0473] 150 swivel bearings

[0474] 166 Scraper device A 501 271 t

[0475] December 16, 2025

[0476] L-241

[0477] - 48 -

[0478] 172 crew

[0479] 174 Mouth device

[0480] 176 wiper strip

[0481] 180 edge flange

[0482] 184 Direction of insertion

[0483] 186 Direction of withdrawal

[0484] 192 Fixing device

[0485] 228 Recording wall

[0486] 230 Swivel bearing device

[0487] 242 Steg

[0488] 244 Opening

[0489] 246 counterpart

[0490] 248 Spring assembly

[0491] 254 Cable pull device

[0492] 256 tow rope

[0493] 258 Fastening element

Claims

1. A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 49 - Patent claims 1. Surface cleaning device, in particular floor cleaning device, comprising a cleaning head (12) with a cleaning head body (14) to which a mounting surface (28) is assigned, at least one cleaning roller (32) rotatable about a rotation axis (66), a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller (32), and at least one cassette (92) with a holding device (94) for the at least one cleaning roller (32), wherein the at least one cleaning roller (32) is rotatably mounted on the holding device (94), the at least one cassette (92) is detachably held on a cassette holder (98), and the cassette holder (98) is movably height-adjustable relative to the mounting surface (28) on the cleaning head body (14) by means of a drive device (68), characterized in that a sensor device (110) is assigned to the at least one cassette (92).which is designed to detect the position of at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98), that the sensor device (110) is effectively connected to a control device (70) via a signal, and that the control device (70) controls the drive device (68) depending on signals from the sensor device (110).

2. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device (110) detects the position of the at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98), the presence and / or absence of the at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98). A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 50 - 3. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor device (110) comprises a first device (112) and a second device (114), that the first device (112) is arranged on the at least one cassette (92) and / or on the at least one cleaning roller (32), that the second device (114) is arranged on the cassette holder (98) and / or on the cleaning head body (14), and that the first device (112) cooperates with the second device (114).

4. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by at least one of the following: the first device (112) is a sensor device; the first device (112) does not consume electrical energy; the second device (114) is a sensitive device; the second device (114) consumes electrical energy; the second device (114) provides sensor signals.

5. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second device (114) comprises one or more tactile and / or non-contact sensors.

6. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette holder (98) has at least a first position (116) and a second position (118), that the first position (116) is an insertion position for the cassette, and that the second position (118) is a removal position for the cassette. A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 51 - 7. Surface cleaning device according to claim 6 characterized by at least one of the following: in the first position (116) of the cassette holder (98) the at least one cleaning roller (32) lies on the mounting surface (28); in the first position (116) a mounting surface (16) of the cleaning head (12) forms a guide for the cassette (92) with the cleaning roller (32); the first position (116) is a cleaning position; in the second position (118) the at least one cleaning roller (32) is spaced apart from the mounting surface (28); the second position (118) is spaced apart from the first position (116).

8. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, upon detection of the presence of the cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98) by the sensor device (110) after completion of a cleaning process and / or after an operator command, the control device (70) activates the drive device (68) and moves the cassette holder (98) into the second position (118).

9. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the control device (70) holds the cassette holder (98) in the first position (116) when there is no cassette (92) in the cassette holder (98). A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 52 - 10. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, upon detection of the absence of the cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98) by the sensor device (110) and / or after an operator command, the control device (70) actuates the drive device (68) and moves the cassette holder (98) from the second position (118) to the first position (116).

11. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that when coupled to a cleaning station the control device (70) controls the drive device (68) and a movement of the cassette holder (98) into the second position (118) takes place.

12. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cassette holder (98) is pivotably mounted on the cleaning head body (14) on a pivot bearing device (146) about a pivot axis (148).

13. Surface cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized by at least one of the following: the pivot axis (148) of the pivot bearing device (146) is parallel to a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12) for a surface (16) to be cleaned; the pivot axis (148) is parallel to the rotation axis (66) of the at least one cleaning roller (32); the pivot axis (148) is transverse and in particular perpendicular to a forward direction of travel (26) of the cleaning head (12); A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 53 - the pivot axis (148) is parallel to an insertion direction (184) of the at least one cassette (92) on the cleaning head (12) and / or to a removal direction (186) of the at least one cassette (92) from the cleaning head (12).

14. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a guide device (100) for guiding the at least one cassette (92) in a removal direction (186) and insertion direction (184) and for holding the at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98), wherein the guide device (100) has a first part (102) which is arranged on the cassette holder (98) and a second part (104) which cooperates with the first part (102) and which is arranged on the at least one cassette (92).

15. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixing device (192) is provided for releasably fixing the at least one cassette (92) with the cassette holder (98) in a removal direction (186) and an insertion direction (184), and that the fixing device (192) has a first part which is located on the cassette holder (98), and a second part which cooperates with the first part and is located on the at least one cassette (92).

16. Surface cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that the fixing device (192) is designed as a pressure snap device and the second part has at least one nose. A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 54 - 17. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cable pull device (254) for lifting the movable cassette holder (98) away from a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12) for a surface (16) to be cleaned, in particular by overcoming a spring force of a spring device (248) which tends to push the cassette holder (98) in the direction of the surface (16).

18. Surface cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that the cable pull device (254) has a motor and preferably a gearbox, in particular with at least one of the following: the motor and / or the gearbox is positioned on a front area (56) of the cleaning head (12), which faces away from a rear area (54) on which the at least one cleaning roller (32) is positioned; the motor and / or the gearbox is positioned on the same side of the cleaning head body (14) as a blower device (62) and / or a drive device (68) for a brush roller (30); the motor and / or the gearbox is positioned in the area of ​​a battery device on the cleaning head body (14).

19. Surface cleaning device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the cable pull device (254) has a pull cable (256) which is fixed to the cassette holder (98) via at least one fastening element (258). A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 55 - 20. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive motor and / or a motor carrier for the at least one cleaning roller (32) is positioned in a receptacle (84) for the holding device (94), on which the at least one cleaning roller (32) is placed during operation of the surface cleaning device (10).

21. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: the at least one cleaning roller (32) has a textile covering (172) and in particular a microfiber covering; the at least one cleaning roller (32) is designed as a wet wiping roller; the at least one cleaning roller (32) is designed as a cleaning roller (32) for a hard surface.

22. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a self-driving and self-steering design, and in particular by the design as a vacuum robot or as a mopping robot or as a vacuum-mopping robot.

23. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: a tank device for dirt fluid (42) is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller (32), which is in particular removable on the cleaning head (12); A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 56 - Dirty fluid is conveyed from the at least one cleaning roller (32) to a tank device (42) without a blower or via a blower device (62); a humidification device (140) is provided which applies cleaning fluid to the at least one cleaning roller (32) and / or a surface (16) to be cleaned; a scraper device (166) for removing dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller (32) is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller (32).

24. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: at least one rotatable brush roller (30) is attached to the cleaning head (12) in addition to the at least one cleaning roller (32); a blower device (62) for generating a suction flow is assigned to the at least one brush roller (30); a dirt collection container is assigned to the at least one brush roller (30), which is detachably attached to the cleaning head (12) and which serves in particular to collect dry dirt. A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 57 - 25. Method for operating a surface cleaning device comprising a cleaning head (12) with a cleaning head body (14) to which a mounting plane (28) is assigned, at least one cleaning roller (32) rotatable about a rotation axis (66), a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller (32) and at least one cassette (92) with a holding device (94) for the at least one cleaning roller (32), wherein the at least one cassette (92) is detachably positioned on a cassette holder (98) which is movably height-adjustable with respect to a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12), wherein a sensor device (110) determines a position of the at least one cassette (92) relative to the cassette holder (98), and wherein a position of the cassette holder (98) relative to the cleaning head body (14) is set depending on signals from the sensor device (110).

26. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that a first position (116) of the cassette holder (98) is an insertion position for the at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98) and a second position (118) of the cassette holder (98) is a removal position for the at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98).

27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that the second position (118) is spaced apart from the first position (116).

28. Method according to one of the preceding claims 25 to 27, characterized in that, upon detection of the absence of at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98) by the sensor device (110) after removal and / or after an operator command, a control device (70) actuates a drive device (68) and moves the cassette holder (98) from the second position (118) to the first position (116) or holds it in the first position (116). A 501 271 t December 16, 2025 L-241 - 58 - 29. Method according to one of the preceding claims 25 to 28, characterized in that, upon detection of the presence of at least one cassette (92) on the cassette holder (98) by the sensor device (110) after insertion and / or after an operator command after completion of a cleaning process, the control device (70) actuates the drive device (68) and moves the cassette holder (98) from the first position (116) to the second position (118).

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