Device for use as an attachment for a floor cleaning machine

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The device is designed for use as an attachment for a floor cleaning machine and comprises a housing and two counter-rotating cleaning units arranged on the underside of the housing for cleaning the floor surface. The device includes at least one drive unit for powering the cleaning units, each cleaning unit having at least one receiving element and at least one wiping element that can be coupled to the receiving element. The receiving element can be coupled to the drive unit in a force-transmitting manner, so that a torque generated by the drive unit can be transmitted to the receiving element.

[0003] Devices for use as attachments for floor cleaning machines are already well-known in the art. In particular, such devices are known as wet cleaning accessories for dry vacuum cleaners, enabling the user to wet clean the floor surface by attaching the device to the floor nozzle or by replacing the floor nozzle. The known devices typically have two cleaning cloths that rotate in opposite directions relative to the direction of travel in order to achieve a higher level of dirt removal. The cleaning cloths also serve as dirt absorbers or reservoirs, and must be replaced or washed after collecting a certain amount of dirt. The cleaning cloths are usually attached to the device by means of a detachable hook-and-loop fastener, allowing for easy removal and reattachment.

[0004] However, attaching the cleaning cloth via a Velcro connection can have certain disadvantages: Firstly, precise alignment of the cleaning cloth during attachment is not guaranteed, so that if it is not attached correctly, problems can occur, such as covering suction openings, imbalances or incomplete edge cleaning.

[0005] Furthermore, the mop pad and its attachment must be held manually for removal, which users may find inconvenient as the attachment's orientation relative to the floor must be changed to reach the pad. The fact that the mop pad must be manually replaced and therefore handled may be perceived as unhygienic and unpleasant by some customers.

[0006] JP 2019 063489 A discloses an attachment for a floor cleaning device, comprising a housing and two cleaning devices rotatably driven by a drive device and arranged on the underside of the housing, each having a receiving element and a wiping element that can be coupled to the receiving element.

[0007] CN 114 521 838 A describes a mopping robot which also has a housing and two cleaning devices rotatably driven by a drive unit, arranged on the underside of the housing, each having a receiving element and a mopping element that can be coupled to the receiving element.

[0008] US 5 645 365 A1 discloses a floor care machine with a coupling device for connecting a pad holder drive assembly to the floor care machine.

[0009] CN 218 943 248 U and CN 215 191 319 U each disclose a mopping robot with a mop assembly comprising a rotatably driven receiving element and a mopping element that can be coupled to the receiving element, wherein the mop assembly is demountable.

[0010] The KR 200 336 735 Y1 shows a vacuum cleaner with a housing and a rotatably driven cleaning device arranged on the underside of the housing, each having a receiving element and a wiping element that can be coupled to the receiving element.

[0011] The present application is therefore based on the task of creating an alternative device for use as an attachment for a floor cleaning device, in which the aforementioned disadvantages are overcome.

[0012] The underlying problem is solved according to the invention by means of a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0013] In the device according to the invention, each cleaning unit has at least one first connecting element associated with the housing and at least one second connecting element associated with the receiving element, wherein the first and / or the second connecting element can be detachably connected to one another. This allows the cleaning unit to be detachably arranged on the underside of the housing.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferred that the first and second connecting elements can be connected to each other by means of a magnetic connection. Designing the connecting elements as magnets represents a simplified form of coupling, which particularly simplifies and optimizes both the removal and attachment of the receiving element. When the connecting elements are coupled, they move into a predefined position, thus assuming a centering function. As the connecting elements approach each other, the attractive forces of the magnets cause them to move "by themselves" into the predefined position, thus avoiding inaccurate positioning of the receiving element and the associated disadvantages, such as imbalances or obstructed suction openings. In other words, incorrect positioning of the receiving element is prevented.Another advantage of magnetic fasteners is their improved durability compared to traditional hook-and-loop fasteners, which are subject to high wear and tear due to repeated tearing apart. The fastener is then removed by overcoming the magnetic force.

[0015] In a further embodiment, it is preferred that the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be connected to each other by means of a positive locking connection, in particular a snap connection. A connection of the first and second connecting elements via clip elements is particularly preferred.

[0016] Further developing the device according to the invention, the wiping element is designed in the form of a textile. This is well suited for the damp cleaning of floor surfaces.

[0017] Further developing the device according to the invention, two suction openings are provided, with the cleaning elements arranged between the two suction openings. This has the advantage that loose dust and dirt particles are already picked up during operation of the floor cleaning device before the wiping elements of the cleaning elements have to pick them up. In this way, it is ensured that the wiping elements only remove the firmly embedded dirt that cannot be removed by suction alone, so that the wiping elements do not become unnecessarily dirty quickly.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, two suction openings, each with a suction channel, are provided, the suction channels converging within the housing to form a common suction air channel. This minimizes the risk of a blocked suction channel, since each suction opening is assigned its own suction channel. Even if a suction channel does become blocked and its suction power is reduced, floor cleaning can continue with an intact suction channel.

[0019] It has proven advantageous for each picking element to have a circular cross-section, as these are particularly well-suited for a rotating motion. This rotating motion, in turn, is especially effective at picking up stubborn dirt, as it creates a wiping action. Alternatively, movement patterns that only involve a rotational component are also conceivable. Eccentric movement patterns are particularly suitable in this regard.

[0020] The device according to the invention provides an actuating element, which is designed to release the detachable connection between the connecting elements. This means that the receiving element with the attached wiping element can be detached from the device by actuating the actuating element. This eliminates the need to manually detach the receiving element, which is perceived as extremely convenient for the user. Firstly, it eliminates the need to position the floor cleaning device in such a way that the receiving element can be removed, and secondly, it is no longer necessary to grasp the receiving element with the attached wiping element for removal. Removing the wiping element from the receiving element can then be done conveniently, for example, at a sink, where the wiping element can be rinsed and the user's hands washed immediately afterwards.

[0021] With regard to the actuating element, it is particularly advantageous if the actuating element releases the detachable connection between the connecting elements by means of a pressure force that can be applied to the second connecting element, which is associated with the receiving element. The actuating element can be designed such that, by exerting pressure on the second connecting element, it creates a gap between the connecting elements. With a sufficiently large gap between the connecting elements, any magnetic force acting between them, for example, loses its effect, and the receiving element detaches.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the operating element can be operated by a person using the device, preferably by actuating the element with their foot. This means that the floor cleaning device can remain in its typical position, i.e., with the attachment on the floor, in order to remove the holding elements with the wiping elements attached to them.

[0023] With regard to the actuating element, it is particularly advantageous if it has a slider by means of which the pressure force can be applied to the second connecting element.

[0024] The invention provides that the actuating element is arranged at least partially on the upper side of the device, so that the actuating element can be operated from the upper side of the device. Thus, repositioning the device is not necessary, as the actuating element is easily accessible in the device's operating position. It may be advantageous, however, to move the device into a slightly tilted position to provide sufficient space for ejecting the receiving elements. In particular, the actuating element can also be operated with the user's foot, which is considered very convenient.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure force for acting on the second connecting element can be provided by a motor. This eliminates the need for manual operation of the actuating element by the user, further increasing the ease of use of the attachment. In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that the motor can be activated by means of a control element on the handle of a floor cleaning device.

[0026] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the magnet is designed in the form of a permanent magnet and / or an electromagnet. If the magnet is designed in the form of a permanent magnet, this is advantageous because the magnet does not lose its properties and can be used for the entire service life of the device. It is possible that only one or both of the connecting elements are designed in the form of a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet.

[0027] If the magnet is designed as an electromagnet, its activity can be controlled via an electric current, which can be advantageous for actuating the actuator. The actuator can then be designed as a button that interrupts the current supplying the electromagnet. In this way, the magnetic force can be easily released by pressing a button.

[0028] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the magnetic material is a ferromagnetic material. Especially if only one of the connecting elements is in the form of a magnet, it is particularly advantageous if the other connecting element comprises ferromagnetic material, so that the cleaning devices can be detachably attached to the underside of the housing.

[0029] Finally, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning device is a vacuum cleaner, preferably a handheld vacuum cleaner or a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a bottom side of a device according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a receiving element of the device according to the invention. Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the receiving element. Figure 2 Figure 4 shows a vertical section through the device according to Figure 1 Figure 5 shows a further vertical section through the device according to Figure 1 Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of the device. Figure 1 and Figure 7 shows another three-dimensional view of the device. Figure 1 .

[0031] The Figures 1 to 7 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for use as an attachment 2 of a floor cleaning device not shown in the figures. The device 1 has a housing 3 and a connecting piece 4 for connecting to an air guide element of the floor cleaning device, which is also not shown in the figures. In the present case, the connecting piece 4 is tubular, although other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0032] Inside the housing 3 runs a suction air duct 5, which splits into two suction air ducts 5 on a lower side 6 of the housing 3, with the two suction air ducts 5 opening into suction openings 7 on two opposite sides of the housing 3. In the Figure 1It is clearly visible that the two suction openings 7 run along two opposite longitudinal sides of the underside 6 of the housing 3. Dust and / or dirt particles located on a floor surface 8 to be cleaned are drawn into the suction air channels 5 via the two suction openings 7 and enter a dust container (not shown in the figures).

[0033] Furthermore, the device 1 has two cleaning devices 9 on the underside 6 of the housing 3, which can be driven in opposite directions and serve for wet or damp cleaning of the floor surface 8. Each cleaning device 9 has a receiving element 10 and a wiping element 11 that can be coupled to it. To enable the rotary movement of the cleaning devices 9, the device 1 has a drive unit, wherein the receiving elements 10 can each be coupled to the drive unit in a force-transmitting manner, and wherein, during operation of the device 1, a torque generated by the drive unit can be transmitted to the receiving element 10.

[0034] In the Figure 2 The recording element 10 is shown with the wiping element 11 attached to it, whereas in the Figure 3The receiving element 10 and the wiping element 11 are shown separately. It can be seen that both the receiving element 10 and the wiping element 11 are designed as round discs, with the wiping element 11 in this case being made of a textile. The receiving element 10 has a centrally aligned hub 13 in its center, which is toothed for interaction with a correspondingly designed shaft.

[0035] In the Figures 4 and 5 The device 1 according to the invention is shown in a vertical section, in which only one of the two identically designed cleaning devices 9 is visible. The cleaning device 9 has a first connecting element 15 in the form of a magnet 16, associated with the housing 3, and a second connecting element 17, also in the form of a magnet 18, associated with the receiving element 10.

[0036] The second connecting element 17 is positioned within the hub 13 of the receiving element 10. Alternatively, the hub 13 can be configured as a magnet 18, in which case the hub 13 also fulfills the function of the second connecting element 17. In the present case, the second magnet 18 is a separate component and is arranged within the hub 13. The first connecting element 15, associated with the housing 3, is ring-shaped and fixed to the housing around a slide 19. The slide 19 is designed as a rod that is vertically displaceable. The slide 19 is connected to an actuating element 20, which is configured as a foot pedal.When the actuating element 20 is activated with the foot, the slider 19 is moved linearly downwards, whereby the slider 19 pushes the second magnet 18 vertically downwards until the magnetic force of the two magnets 16, 18 is canceled and the receiving element 10 together with the wiping element 11 falls down.

[0037] Especially in the Figures 4 , 6 and 7 It is clearly visible that the actuating element 20 is arranged on a top side of the device 1, so that a person using the device 1, from which the Figure 6 and 7 only a foot 22 is visible, the actuating element 20 can be operated particularly comfortably with the foot 22.

[0038] In the Figure 5 The device 1 is shown in a state in which the magnets 16, 18 have been brought to a distance 23 by actuating the slider 19, so that the previously acting magnetic force no longer acts. Reference symbol list

[0039] 1 Device 2 Attachment 3 Housing 4 Connector 5 Suction air duct 6 Underside 7 Suction nozzle 8 Floor surface to be cleaned 9 Cleaning device 10 Mounting element 11 Wiping element 13 Hub 15 First connecting element 16 Magnet 17 Second connecting element 18 Magnet 19 Slider 20 Actuating element 22 Foot 23 Spacing

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for use as an attachment (2) of a floor cleaning appliance, comprising - at least one housing (3), - at least two cleaning devices (9) which can be rotatably driven in opposite directions and can be arranged on the underside (6) of the housing (3) for cleaning the floor surface (8), - at least one drive device for driving the cleaning devices (9), ∘ wherein each cleaning device (9) has at least one receiving element (10) and at least one wiping element (11) which can be coupled to the receiving element (10), ∘ wherein the receiving element (10) can be coupled to the drive device in a force-transmitting manner, so that a torque generated by the drive device can be transmitted to the receiving element (10), ∘ and wherein each cleaning device (9) has at least one first connecting element (15) associated with the housing (3), and at least one second connecting element (17) associated with the receiving element (10), wherein the first and second connecting elements can be releasably connected to one another, characterised by an actuating element (20), wherein the actuating element (20) is designed to release the releasable connection between the connecting elements (15, 17), and wherein the actuating element (20) is arranged, at least in portions, on an upper side of the apparatus (1), so that the actuating element (20) can be actuated from the upper side of the apparatus (1).

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first connecting element (15) and the second connecting element (17) can be connected to one another by means of a magnetic connection.

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first connecting element (15) and the second connecting element (17) can be connected to one another by means of form-fitting connection, in particular a snap connection.

4. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiping element (11) is in the form of a textile.

5. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by an connector (4) for attaching an air guiding element of the floor cleaning appliance, and a suction air duct (5) which runs through the housing (3) and comprises at least one suction mouth (7) opening at an underside (6) of the housing (3) for collecting dust and dirt particles located on a floor surface (8) to be cleaned.

6. Apparatus (1) according to claim 5, characterised by two suction mouths (7), wherein the cleaning devices (9) are arranged between the two suction mouths (7).

7. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each receiving element (10) has a circular cross section.

8. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (20) releases the releasable connection by means of a compressive force acting on the second connecting element (17).

9. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressive force can be provided by a person using the apparatus (1), preferably by actuating the actuating element (20) using their foot (22).

10. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (20) has a slider (19) by means of which the compressive force can act on the second connecting element (17).

11. Apparatus (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the compressive force can be provided by a motor.

12. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet (16, 18) is in the form of a permanent magnet and / or in the form of an electromagnet.

13. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance is a vacuum cleaner, preferably a handheld vacuum cleaner or a robotic vacuum cleaner.