Device for cleaning a ground surface with lateral sealing elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a floor surface (20) comprising a housing (3) with two opposing outer sides (4, 5) extending laterally from a front (6) to a rear (7) of the housing (3). The device (1) includes a suction chamber (10) with a suction opening (11) for drawing in dirt within the suction chamber (10) on a bottom side (8) of the housing (3). At least one lateral sealing element (2) is arranged on at least one outer side (4, 5) of the two outer sides (4, 5) for laterally delimiting the suction chamber (10). The at least one lateral sealing element (2) extends downwards to reduce, during operation, a lateral airflow from outside the suction chamber (10) under the housing (3) and into the suction chamber (10). The lateral sealing element (2) is inclined outwards.A groove in the floor can be cleaned more effectively in this way.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cleaning a floor surface comprising a housing with two opposing outer sides, each extending laterally from a front to a rear of the housing, wherein the device includes a suction chamber with a suction opening for drawing in dirt within the suction chamber on an underside of the housing, and wherein at least one lateral sealing element is arranged on at least one outer side of the two outer sides for laterally limiting the suction chamber, wherein the at least one lateral sealing element extends downwards in order to reduce, during operation, a lateral airflow from outside the suction chamber under the housing into the suction chamber.

[0002] Lateral sealing elements to reduce lateral airflow from outside the suction chamber under the housing into the suction chamber are used in many modern vacuum cleaners, e.g. the vacuum cleaners from Vorwerk with electric brush.

[0003] Today's vacuum cleaners undergo a multitude of tests and are constantly optimized to best perform all possible cleaning tasks when cleaning floors. This includes, for example, removing dirt from floor surfaces near edges and corners, as well as from floor grooves.

[0004] German patent application DE 41 12 394 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle with inclined bristles which are bent at their lower end at an obtuse angle of about 120 degrees, the length of the bent part being about one third of the total length of the bristles.

[0005] The publication DE 20 2018 005 338 U1 discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle with rubber lips on both sides of a suction mouth for sealing against the floor surface, which are arranged at an angle α to the direction of movement.

[0006] Document DE 197 18 497 A1 discloses a device for floor care with brush discs and a plastic edge strip that limits a suction area or a row of brushes.

[0007] The German patent application DE 10 2018 120544 A1 discloses a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner for cleaning a hard floor, with a base plate and sealing elements that project downwards from an underside of the base plate and open into a suction chamber, wherein at least one first sealing element and one second sealing element of the sealing elements can be moved from a first end position to a second end position by reversing the stroke movement of the suction nozzle.

[0008] Document US 20 10 / 31 91 59 A1 discloses a tool for a surface treatment device comprising a main body having flexible surface engagement elements arranged around suction channels and between a first suction channel and a second suction channel.

[0009] The aforementioned features, known from the prior art, can be combined individually or in any combination with one of the objects and embodiments of the invention described below.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide an improved device for cleaning a floor surface.

[0011] To solve the problem, a device with the features of claim 1 is used. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0012] To solve the problem, a device for cleaning a floor surface is used, comprising a housing with two opposing outer surfaces. The two outer surfaces extend laterally from a front to a back of the housing. These two outer surfaces are lateral surfaces, e.g., a first or right outer surface and a second or left outer surface, viewed in the direction of feed. The device includes a suction chamber on the underside of the housing with a suction opening for drawing in dirt within the suction chamber. Dirt located below the housing within the suction chamber is drawn into the suction opening. At least one lateral sealing element is arranged on at least one outer surface of the two outer surfaces to laterally delimit the suction chamber.The at least one lateral sealing element extends downwards to reduce lateral airflow from outside the suction chamber into the suction chamber from under the housing during operation. The at least one lateral sealing element thus extends downwards. A surface, particularly wall-like, that spans along the outer surface and downwards is filled by the sealing element.

[0013] The side sealing element is angled outwards. This allows for easier cleaning of a floor groove. Outwards means away from the suction area.

[0014] The outward tilt of the lateral sealing element ensures that, when driving over a groove in the floor, the airflow is guided particularly evenly from the groove into the suction chamber beneath the housing. This allows dirt to be transported more effectively from the groove into the suction chamber, thus improving groove cleaning. Specifically, each of the two opposing outer sides has at least one outwardly tilted lateral sealing element.

[0015] An outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element is inclined laterally outwards. The laterally inclined sealing element or elements define the suction chamber laterally in such a way that the suction chamber extends outwards beyond the outside of the housing.

[0016] "Lateral" means perpendicular to the feed direction of the device, e.g., to the left or right. "Outward" means away from the center of the housing. "Housing" refers to...das Gehäuse The device in question is one that is moved across a floor surface during operation and includes the suction opening for sucking up dirt within the suction chamber.

[0017] The inclination of the lateral sealing element can be measured by an angle of inclination, which can be denoted, for example, by α, particularly between an outwardly inclined area of ​​the sealing element and a vertical. A vertical is a normal to the underside of the housing or a normal to a flat surface on which the device rests during operation. Generally, the underside of the housing extends parallel to a plane that is planar, like a flat surface on which the device rests during operation. The vertical is perpendicular to the feed direction and / or perpendicular to the front of the housing. Simply put, the angle of inclination α is determined on the one hand by the sealing element and on the other hand by an auxiliary line perpendicular to the ground.

[0018] In other words, the angle of inclination α is determined on the one hand by the sealing element and on the other hand by an auxiliary line oriented perpendicular to a two-dimensional auxiliary plane, wherein the two-dimensional auxiliary plane is such that it runs along an ideally flat ground surface on which the device stands in an operational state. In particular, a housing wall element, especially a side tunnel cover, extends parallel to the auxiliary line or is angled to the auxiliary line (or vertical).

[0019] In particular, the lateral sealing element extends downwards and tilts outwards, resulting in a lateral inclination of the lateral sealing element. Specifically, the lateral sealing element extends obliquely downwards and / or outwards, so that the suction space laterally bounded by the lateral sealing element increases with increasing distance from the underside of the housing towards the bottom surface.

[0020] The lateral sealing element extends from one outer side of the two outer sides, in particular obliquely downwards and / or outwards, so that as the distance of the lateral sealing element from the outer side of the housing increases, the distance of the sealing element to the outer side of the housing also increases.

[0021] A lateral sealing element has a free end and an opposing, coupled end for connection to the housing. Compared to the coupled end, the free end has a greater lateral distance from the housing, particularly from the outer surface of the housing. Thus, the free end is not located between the two opposing outer surfaces of the housing. In one embodiment, the lateral sealing element is a sealing lip, preferably made of plastic. In another embodiment, the lateral sealing element is a preferably flat tuft of bristles.If a device has a sealing element that extends in one piece or in a flat, closed form not only along an outer side but also around a corner to the front and / or rear in order to simultaneously fulfill the functions of a lateral and front and / or rear sealing element, then in this disclosure the section of such a sealing element extending along an outer side shall be regarded as the lateral sealing element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element has a length greater than its downward extension. This facilitates cleaning of a floor groove. The length of the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element is measured along the outer surface where it is located. The length is measured transversely to the direction of extension of the lateral sealing element, from its coupled end to its free end. If, according to one embodiment, the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element is a sealing lip, preferably made of plastic, the length is measured across the closed surface of the sealing lip. This surface can be formed from several sealing lips, provided there is no gap between them that would allow lateral airflow.If, according to one embodiment, the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element is a preferably flat tuft of bristles, the length is measured across the closed surface of the tuft. This surface can be formed from several tufts of bristles, as long as there is no gap between the tufts that would allow lateral airflow.

[0023] In one embodiment, an inner surface of the lateral sealing element, which defines the suction chamber, is inclined outwards. This allows for improved cleaning of a floor groove. The outwards inclination refers to a resting state, i.e., without the influence of external forces that may occur during operation.

[0024] In one embodiment, a portion of the lateral sealing element extending downwards from the underside of the housing has a substantially constant thickness. This facilitates the cleaning of a bottom groove. In particular, the thickness is at least 0.3 mm and / or at most 1.0 mm if the lateral sealing element is a sealing lip, especially made of plastic. If the lateral sealing element is a preferably flat tuft of bristles, the thickness can be at least 1 mm and / or at most 6 mm. If the sealing element is a tuft of bristles, a substantially constant thickness is achieved if the tuft is manufactured to achieve an approximately parallel alignment of the bristles. Because tufts of bristles tend to widen in the direction of bristle extension, a parallel alignment of the bristles is desirable, for example, when...The angle of expansion between the inner surface and an opposing outer surface of an outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element consisting of bristles is less than 10°. If the sealing element is a sealing lip, a substantially constant thickness is present if the inner surface and an opposing outer surface of the sealing lip are flat and preferably extend parallel to each other or at an angle of, for example, no more than 10° towards the free end. Any tip that may be provided locally at the free end is disregarded when considering a substantially constant thickness. In one embodiment, the inner surface and / or an opposing outer surface of the sealing lip, as the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element, have a flat surface profile (in the assembled state without the influence of external forces, e.g., gravity or ground contact).

[0025] In one embodiment, the angle of inclination α of the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element and / or the angle of inclination α of an inner surface of the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element that defines the suction chamber is at least 20°. This allows for improved cleaning of a bottom groove. The angle of inclination α of the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element refers to its direction of extension from the underside of the housing towards its free end. For example, in the case of a sealing lip, the direction of extension runs midway between the inner surface and the opposite outer surface of the sealing element. If the sealing element is a tuft of bristles, the angle of inclination α is determined based on its intended mean direction of extension.

[0026] In one embodiment, the angle of inclination α of the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element and / or the angle of inclination α of an inner surface of the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element that defines the suction chamber is at most 60°, preferably at most 45°. This allows for improved cleaning of a floor groove. At an angle of inclination greater than 60°, sufficient dimensional stability of the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element can no longer be guaranteed, particularly due to contact with the floor surface.

[0027] In one embodiment, the angle of inclination α of the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element and / or the angle of inclination α of an inner surface of the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element that defines the suction chamber is 90° or approximately 90°. Approximately 90° includes a tolerance range of 10% in both directions. In this embodiment, the lateral sealing element moves essentially parallel to the floor surface during operation or scrapes along the floor surface. Due to this specific design, there is no loss of dimensional stability during operation despite the large angle of inclination, and the resulting, continuous coverage of a floor groove when the device passes over it also creates an advantageously directed airflow that improves the cleaning of the floor groove. A floor groove can thus be cleaned more effectively.

[0028] In a further development of this embodiment, the lateral sealing element, inclined at a 90° angle, is preferably a flat tuft of bristles that drags across the base surface during operation. In an alternative further development of this embodiment, only one end region of the lateral sealing element is inclined outwards by approximately 90°. A central region of the lateral sealing element, between the underside of the housing and the end region, then preferably extends downwards without inclination to the end region. In particular, the central region forms an angle of approximately 90° with the end region during operation. In a further development, the lateral sealing element is formed from an elastic material that, starting from the underside of the housing, extends downwards towards the base surface during operation and then bends there to lie flat on the base surface with its end region.

[0029] In one embodiment, the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element has a free end and an end coupled to the housing. This facilitates cleaning of a bottom groove. In particular, the coupled end extends upwards. Specifically, the coupled end does not extend below the underside of the housing towards its center.

[0030] In one embodiment, the coupled end is attached to a lateral housing wall element on the outside – particularly one that can be detached manually – and in particular permanently, i.e., not detachable without damage. Improved floor groove cleaning can thus be achieved with a device that can be provided with particularly low manufacturing effort. A portion of the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element, extending from the underside of the housing, particularly upwards, encompasses the coupled end and / or is firmly coupled to the housing, i.e., connected to it.

[0031] In one embodiment, the housing wall element is a lateral tunnel cover. A tunnel cover is designed to laterally cover a tunnel for a rotating cleaning roller. The tunnel is located on the underside of the housing and / or forms a downward-facing recess in the underside of the housing, such that a cleaning roller rotating within the tunnel can come into direct contact with the floor surface to be cleaned during operation. The tunnel is mostly cylindrical or cylindrically shaped. The cleaning roller then projects radially downwards from the recess on the underside of the housing, towards a roller axis of the cleaning roller. The roller axis runs transversely to the feed direction, parallel to the underside of the housing, and / or at a distance smaller than the radius of the cleaning roller above the underside of the housing.

[0032] In one embodiment, the lateral sealing element is positively locked, force-locked, and / or material-locked to the coupled end. In particular, the lateral sealing element is overmolded or clamped into a recess adapted to the shape of the coupled end and / or screwed in place.

[0033] In one embodiment, the at least one outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element has a downwardly open recess to allow a lateral airflow from the outside into the suction chamber. This improves the cleaning of floor grooves. The distance to the floor groove can thus be reduced when driving over it, while still allowing sufficient air to enter the suction chamber laterally. A downwardly open recess causes the contour of the free end of the sealing element to run upwards.

[0034] In one embodiment, two adjacent lateral sealing elements, at least one of which is inclined outwards, have a downwardly open recess to allow a lateral airflow from the outside into the suction chamber. This reduces the distance to the floor groove during passage while still allowing sufficient air to enter the suction chamber laterally. The two adjacent lateral sealing elements are positioned so that no air (or only a negligible amount of air) can pass through a gap between them. Preferably, the two adjacent lateral sealing elements are in contact with each other so that no gap, or largely no gap, forms between them during operation.A downward-opening recess can be formed very easily by two adjacent lateral sealing elements having different lengths.

[0035] In one embodiment, the downward-facing recess is open to the front or rear. The recess then forms a stepped or staggered contour, particularly at the free end. This enhances the effect described above.

[0036] In one embodiment, the downward-opening recess is closed at the front and rear. The recess then forms a contour in the shape of an inverted "U", i.e., U-shaped, or approximately in the shape of an inverted "U", i.e., U-like, particularly at the free end. In particular, the recess has the shape of a gate. This enhances the effect described above.

[0037] In one embodiment, the depth of the recess, measured along the downwardly extending lateral sealing element, is at least 15% and / or at most 40% of the downward extension of the lateral sealing element from the underside of the housing. In other words, the downward extension of the recess corresponds to at least 15% and / or at most 40% of the distance between the free end of the lateral sealing element and the underside of the housing or the lateral tunnel cover. This improves the cleaning of a bottom groove.

[0038] In one embodiment, the length of the recess (17), measured from back to front along the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2), is at least 25% and / or at most 75% of the rear-to-front extent of the lateral sealing element (2). In other words, the extent of the recess along the outside of the housing corresponds to at least 15% and / or at most 40% of the length of the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element. This improves the cleaning of a bottom groove.

[0039] In one embodiment, a gap is provided between two sealing elements, extending from the underside of the housing to the bottom surface during operation. This gap allows coarse material to be sucked in from the bottom surface. The two sealing elements can be two outwardly inclined, lateral sealing elements, one lateral sealing element and one sealing element at the front, one lateral sealing element and one sealing element at the rear, and / or one outwardly inclined sealing element and an adjacent, lateral sealing element.

[0040] In one embodiment, during cleaning a floor surface (i.e., during operation), the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element extends downwards essentially to, or at least to, the floor surface. This embodiment assumes a smooth, flat floor that runs parallel to the underside of the housing. When the device passes over a floor groove, this design creates an increased airflow force in the groove in an area outside, but close to, the lateral sealing element. This force carries dirt from the groove into the suction chamber. Furthermore, the suction pressure in the area of ​​the groove, located below the device's suction chamber, is also increased, thus further improving the cleaning of the groove.

[0041] In an embodiment in which a floor clearance of approximately 0 mm to the lateral sealing element, in particular sealing lip, is provided, the flow velocity in the floor groove is increased and the cleaning is improved.

[0042] In one embodiment, the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element extends downwards during operation at least as far as, or even further than, the lowest, load-bearing component of the device when cleaning a floor surface. This can improve the cleaning of a floor groove.

[0043] A load-bearing component is a component of the device that, during operation, transfers the weight of the device to the floor surface and / or supports the device. A sealing lip is not a load-bearing component of the device. A roller, a guide rail, and / or a cleaning roller are preferred load-bearing components of the device.

[0044] In one embodiment, the outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element is designed (particularly by its small thickness and / or by the use of a flexible material) and, when cleaning a floor surface, expands downwards to such an extent that it comes into contact with the floor surface, bends at the surface, and then lies flat on the surface. This increases the flow velocity in a floor groove when driven over, thus improving the overall cleaning of the groove.

[0045] In one embodiment, the lateral sealing element is a tuft of bristles, or, in addition to the lateral sealing element, a tuft of bristles extending outwards is provided on at least one outer surface of the two outer surfaces. In particular, this is a flat tuft of bristles. Preferably, the length of the flat tuft of bristles in the feed direction is greater than four times the thickness of the tuft. In cross-section, a flat tuft of bristles has two opposite short sides and two long sides perpendicular to these. Preferably, a flat tuft of bristles has a spread angle of at most 20°, preferably at most 50°, measured between the two long sides in the direction of the extension of the bristles of the tuft.Preferably, a flat tuft of bristles has a spreading angle of at most 30° or between -20° and 20°, measured between the two short sides in the direction of the bristles' extension. In one embodiment, the preferably flat tuft of bristles is attached to the housing such that, during operation while cleaning a floor surface, the tuft of bristles rests completely or largely on the floor surface. "Largely" means that more than 50% of the length of the tuft of bristles projecting laterally from the outside of the housing rests on the surface.

[0046] In one embodiment, the lateral, preferably flat, tuft of bristles, or an additional lateral, preferably flat, tuft of bristles (with respect to the direction of extension of the bristles), is oriented perpendicular to the feed direction and / or at an angle of inclination of approximately or exactly 90°. In another embodiment, the lateral, preferably flat, tuft of bristles, or an additional lateral, preferably flat, tuft of bristles (with respect to the direction of extension of the bristles), is oriented at an angle of 30° to 60°, preferably approximately 45°, to the feed direction and / or at an angle of inclination of approximately or exactly 90°. Particularly preferably, the preferably flat tuft of bristles oriented at an angle of 30° to 60°, preferably approximately 45°, to the feed direction is arranged at at least one corner region of the housing. A corner region is a region in which one of the two outer sides meets a front or rear side of the suction chamber.In particular, two separate and spaced-apart, preferably flat, tufts of bristles are arranged in a single corner area, especially a corner area at the rear of the suction chamber, in particular a first tuft of bristles at an angle of approximately 45° to the feed direction and a second tuft of bristles perpendicular to the feed direction. In particular, on a single outer surface at its front corner area, a preferably flat tuft of bristles at an angle of approximately 45° to the feed direction and another preferably flat tuft of bristles, in particular at its rear corner area, perpendicular to the feed direction are arranged. All these configurations improve the cleaning of floor grooves.

[0047] According to the invention, the device comprises a cleaning roller. A floor groove can be cleaned particularly effectively by a cleaning roller in conjunction with an outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element.

[0048] The device for cleaning a floor surface is preferably a vacuum cleaner, i.e., a canister vacuum cleaner with a handle for use by a user, or a robotic vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the device is an attachment for a base unit, the base unit and the attachment together forming a functional canister vacuum cleaner. An attachment typically has a mechanical and / or electrical connection by means of which the attachment can be connected to a base unit. A suction opening of the attachment can be connected to a suction line of the base unit in a fluid-tight manner, particularly by means of the connection. Fluid-tight means that, for example, air can be drawn in through the suction opening of the attachment by a blower located in the base unit with sufficiently low power loss, so that a floor surface can be cleaned.In particular, the electric motor for driving the cleaning roller is located in the attachment unit. For example, a vacuum cleaner for cleaning a floor surface comprises a base unit with a blower for drawing in air and the attachment unit, which is or can be connected to the base unit for cleaning the floor surface. In particular, the base unit includes a filter chamber. The blower transports the vacuumed dirt from the floor surface through the suction line to the filter chamber. In the filter chamber, the dirt is separated and collected, in particular by means of a filter or a dust filter bag. Preferably, the filter chamber can be detached to remove the collected dirt or to change a dust filter bag.

[0049] If the device is a robotic vacuum cleaner, the robotic vacuum cleaner includes the suction opening, the electric motor, and the cleaning roller as described above in the context of the attachment. Additionally, the robotic vacuum cleaner also includes a fan, a suction line, and / or a filter chamber.

[0050] According to the invention, the device comprises a cleaning roller. An electric motor of the device drives the cleaning roller to rotate about a roller axis that is oriented parallel to the underside of the device and / or parallel to the floor surface. Preferably, the electric motor for the cleaning roller does not drive a blower. In particular, a blower is driven by a separate blower motor. The roller axis runs transversely to a feed direction in which the device is moved or moves autonomously. The cleaning roller is, in particular, a bristle roller with a plurality of brushes that project radially from the cylindrical roller. The brushes or bristles enable dirt, i.e., fine dust, dust, and / or coarse material, to be transported more effectively and / or loosened from the floor. The cleaning roller is, in particular, designed as a hollow cylindrical body and / or preferably arranged within a suction chamber.The suction space is formed between the underside and the floor surface, with the suction opening being located inside the suction space to draw air out of the suction space, so that there is a low pressure inside the suction space compared to the ambient pressure.

[0051] A vacuum mop or vacuum mop attachment is a device in which a cloth or sponge is attached to a plate moved by an electric motor, in particular an orbitally rotating one, and is moved over the floor surface for cleaning during operation.

[0052] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, robotic vacuum cleaner or attachment for a vacuum cleaner or vacuum mop, for cleaning a floor surface, comprising a housing with two opposing outer sides, each extending laterally from a front to a rear of the housing, wherein the device includes a suction chamber with a suction opening for sucking up dirt within the suction chamber on an underside of the housing, and at least one lateral sealing element for laterally delimiting the suction chamber is arranged on at least one outer side of the two outer sides, wherein the at least one lateral sealing element extends downwards in order to reduce, during operation, a lateral airflow from outside the suction chamber under the housing and into the suction chamber.A lateral sealing element, or several adjacent lateral sealing elements on the outside, form a downwardly open and / or locally limited recess for allowing a lateral airflow into the suction chamber. A floor groove can thus be cleaned more effectively. The definitions, embodiments, and effects of the aspect of the invention described at the outset, in which an outward inclination of the lateral sealing element is merely one embodiment, are also applicable to this aspect of the invention.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below, also with reference to figures. Features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined individually or in multiples with the claimed subject matter and disclosed aspects of the invention and disclosure, unless otherwise stated. The claimed scope of protection is not limited to the exemplary embodiments.

[0054] They show: Figure 1: Schematic representation of a device for cleaning a floor surface; Figure 2a: Schematic cross-sectional representation through an outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element in the fixed state, in particular for use in the device of Fig. 1 Figure 2b: Schematic representation of part of the outer surface of a housing of a device with an attached, lateral sealing element, in particular the sealing element of the Fig. 2a Figure 3a: Schematic, isometric representation of a device for cleaning a floor surface with a lateral sealing element; Figure 3b: Schematic sketch of a downwardly open recess that is also open at the front, in particular for the device of Fig. 3a Figure 4a: Schematic side view of a device for cleaning a floor surface with a lateral sealing element; Figure 4b: Schematic sketch of a downwardly open recess that is closed at the front and back, e.g. for the device of Fig. 4a Figure 4c: Schematic cross-sectional view from the front through an outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element in the fixed state, in particular the device of the Fig. 4a Figure 5: Schematic representation of a device for cleaning a floor surface with a lateral sealing element that curves outwards at the floor surface and rests there; Figure 6a: Schematic, isometric representation of a device with a tuft of bristles on an outer surface; Figure 6b: Schematic top view of a housing of a device with a tuft of bristles on an outer surface, in particular the device of the Fig. 6a Figure 6c: Schematic representation of the underside of a housing of a device with a tuft of bristles, in particular the device of the Fig. 6a Figure 7a: Schematic isometric view from above of a device with two tufts of bristles on an outer surface; Figure 7b: Schematic view from below of a device with two tufts of bristles on an outer surface, in particular the device of the Fig. 7a Figure 8a: Schematic isometric view from above of a device with two tufts of bristles on an outer surface; Figure 8b: Schematic view from below of a device with two tufts of bristles on an outer surface, in particular the device of the Fig. 8a ;

[0055] The Figur 1 Figure 1 shows a device 1 for cleaning a floor surface 20, in particular an attachment for connecting to a base unit (not shown) with a blower via a connection 22, which is particularly articulated. A housing 3 of the device 1 has two opposing outer sides 4, 5, each extending laterally from a front 6 to a rear 7 of the housing 3. The device 1 includes a suction chamber 10 (shown with a dotted line) on a lower side 8 of the housing 3, with a suction opening 11 (shown with a dotted line) for sucking up dirt within the suction chamber 10. The sucked-up air containing the dirt is then directed to the connection 22. Dashed lines indicate... Fig. 1 A general example of a lateral sealing element is shown on the left or second outer side 5, and an area 24 for a front sealing element is shown on the front side 6. Various configurations for the lateral sealing element are illustrated in the following figures, which also include an example of a front sealing element. It is a Fig. 1 A cleaning roller (not shown) is provided, which is rotated around the roller axis 25 by an electric motor (also not shown). The cleaning roller is located in a cylindrical tunnel (not shown) under the top 9 of the housing 3. To clean a floor surface 20, the device 1, which is supported by several support elements, in particular rollers 26 and / or a sliding guide, is moved across the floor surface 20 and passes over a floor groove 21 as shown in Fig. 1 depicted. In general, a floor groove 21 can also be a floor crack.

[0056] The Figur 2a shows an outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element 2 in the fastened state, which is a design for use in the area 23 of the device 1 of the Fig. 1 represents. In particular, this is in Fig. 2a The lateral sealing element 2 shown is a sealing lip, preferably made of plastic. The lateral sealing element 2 shown has a constant thickness 13, which is measured between the inner surface 12 and the opposite outer surface 27. The lateral sealing element 2 extends downwards and, with its inner surface 12, defines a suction chamber 10 (see figure). Fig. 1 ), in order to reduce, during operation, a lateral airflow from outside the suction chamber 10 under the housing 3 and into the suction chamber 10 at the first outer surface 4 shown. The lateral sealing element 2 is as shown in Fig. 2a The outwardly inclined portion of the lateral sealing element 2 extends from the underside 8 of the housing 3 to the free end 14 of the lateral sealing element 2. The coupled portion of the lateral sealing element 2, which need not be inclined, comprises the coupled end 15 and is attached to a detachable lateral housing wall element of the outer surface 4, in particular to a lateral tunnel cover 16. In one embodiment, the sealing element 2 is a sealing lip, preferably a two-component sealing lip with a different material in the region of the coupled end 15 compared to the downwardly projecting, outwardly inclined portion of the sealing element 2 with the free end 14. Fig. 2a The side tunnel cover 16 shown, also called tunnel flap, closes a brush tunnel (not shown) of the device during operation, in which a cleaning roller (cf. Fig. 6c, 7b und 8b The side tunnel cover 16 can be removed for changing the cleaning roller. Specifically, a side tunnel cover 16 is provided on each side of the tunnel. In particular, the tunnel cover 16 has a metallic insert 28 or metal plate which, during operation, ensures that heat generated by friction from the rotating cleaning roller against the tunnel cover 16 can be dissipated.

[0057] The Figur 2b The detachable, lateral housing wall element shows in particular the Fig. 2a from its inner side in the detached state, which forms part of the housing 3. This is a side tunnel cover 16. The side sealing element 2 is attached to the side tunnel cover 16 with the coupled part by means of at least one screw 33 and / or clamped by a metallic insert 28. In particular, the coupled part of the sealing element 2 is arranged between the housing material of the housing wall element and the preferably plastic-covered metal insert 28, which is preferably fixed to the housing material and pressed down by screws 33 to clamp the coupled part of the sealing element 2. The connection shown cannot be manually released by a user. It is possible (as in Fig. 2a (illustrated) that the metallic insert 28 is encased in plastic or integrated into a plastic element, so that the lateral sealing element 2 does not come into direct contact with the metallic insert 28.

[0058] The Figur 3a Figure 1 shows a device 1 for cleaning a bottom surface 20 in the feed direction 18. The bottom surface 20 has a bottom groove 21 which intersects the outer surface 4 and / or is oriented substantially perpendicular to the feed direction 18. A front sealing element 29, in particular a sealing lip, prevents air from flowing from the front under the housing 3. In particular, the front sealing element 29 extends downwards to the bottom surface 20. The front sealing element 29 is in Fig. 3a Not inclined within the meaning of the present disclosure, i.e., neither inclined forwards nor backwards. During operation, it may occur that the front sealing element 29 is slightly elastically deflected backwards as a result of interactions with the ground surface. However, a sealing element pivoted by external forces during operation is not inclined within the meaning of the present disclosure.

[0059] The lateral sealing element 2, the downwardly extending part of which is in particular flat and / or materially bonded, has a downwardly open recess 17 that is also open in the feed direction. In one embodiment, the recess 17 extends over at least half and / or at most three-quarters of the length of the sealing element 2 and / or the outer surface of the suction chamber under the housing 3. The free end 14 forms a step-like contour. In one embodiment, which is shown by way of example in Fig. 3a As illustrated, the contour of the free end 14 runs from back to front in a straight line, in particular parallel to the bottom surface 20 and / or at a distance from the bottom surface 20 of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm or 1 mm, and / or approximately 0 mm. Particularly in a central region (preferably the middle third or fifth) of the outside of the suction chamber, which is in Fig. 3a Below the housing 3 shown, the free end 14 changes direction upwards, particularly at an angle of 30° to 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°. The contour of the free end 14 then continues in a straight line, particularly parallel to the base surface 20 and / or at a distance from the base surface 20 of at least 4 mm and / or at most 7 mm. In particular, the total downward dimension of the sealing element 2 is generally at least 8 mm and / or at most 25 mm.

[0060] The Figur 3b Figure 1 shows a schematic sketch of a lateral sealing element 2 with a downwardly open recess 17, which is also open at the front. The recess 17 has a depth b and a length a. In one embodiment, the contour of the free end 14 is angular.

[0061] The Figur 4a Figure 1 shows a device 1 for cleaning a floor surface 20 in the feed direction 18. The floor surface 20 has a groove 21 which, when the housing 3 passes over it, is covered by a free end 14 of a lateral sealing element 2 at the level of the adjacent floor surface 20. Air from the groove 21, along with dirt from the groove 21, is drawn into the suction chamber below the housing 3.

[0062] The lateral sealing element 2, the downwardly extending part of which is in particular flat and / or materially bonded, has a downwardly open recess 17 in a central region in the feed direction 18. In one embodiment, the recess 17 extends over at least half and / or at most three-quarters of the length of the sealing element 2 and / or the outer surface of the suction chamber under the housing 3. The free end 14 forms a through-shaped contour. In one embodiment, which is shown by way of example in Fig. 4a As illustrated, the contour of the free end 14 initially runs in a straight line from back to front, in particular parallel to the base surface 20 and / or at a distance from the base surface 20 of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm or 1 mm and / or approximately 0 mm. The free end 14 then changes direction upwards, in particular at an angle of 30° to 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°. The contour of the free end 14 then runs straight again, in particular parallel to the base surface 20 and / or at a distance from the base surface 20 of at least 4 mm and / or at most 7 mm. In particular, the total downward dimension of the sealing element 2 is generally at least 8 mm and / or at most 25 mm. The contour then runs upwards again, in particular at an angle of 30° to 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°, preferably at the same angle as before.Subsequently, the contour of the free end 14 is straight again, in particular parallel to the ground surface 20 and / or at a distance from the ground surface 20 of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 2 mm or 1 mm and / or approximately 0 mm.

[0063] The Figur 4b Figure 1 shows a schematic sketch of a lateral sealing element 2 with a downwardly open recess 17, which is closed at the front and rear. The recess 17 has a depth b and a length a. In one embodiment, the contour of the free end 14 is angular.

[0064] The Figur 4c shows an outwardly inclined, lateral sealing element 2 in the fixed state, in particular the device of the Fig. 4a . Analogous to Fig. 2a Here too, part of the sealing element 2 with the coupled end 15 is arranged between the housing material of the housing 3, in particular clamped in place. Analogous to Fig. 2a Preferably, a metallic insert 28 is provided, which, as shown, is integrated into a plastic part that bears against the coupled part of the sealing element 2 from the inside. Preferably, the metallic insert 28 is an overmolded metal fastening element, a sheet, a spring plate, and / or a spring strip. In one embodiment, the lateral sealing element 2 can be manually inserted into the housing 3 from below, so that it is frictionally secured. In particular, the coupled part of the sealing element 2 is thicker than the part of the sealing element 2 that extends downwards on the underside 8 of the housing 3. The angle of inclination α of the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element 2 is measured on the outside 4 with respect to a vertical that, during operation on a flat surface, points in the direction of, in particular, the force of gravity.

[0065] The Figur 5 Figure 1 shows a device 1 for cleaning a floor surface 20 with a lateral sealing element 2, which initially extends, in particular vertically downwards, and curves outwards at the floor surface 20. The material of the lateral sealing element 2 is particularly elastic such that the curvature 32 has a radius of at least 3 mm and / or at most 10 mm. After the curvature 32, the sealing element 2 lies, in particular, flat on the floor surface 20. In a central region, viewed in the feed direction 18, the lateral sealing element 2 has a recess 17 that is open downwards, such that there is a distance of at least 4 mm to the floor surface in the region of the recess 17.

[0066] The Figuren 6a, 6b, 7a und 8a Various designs with bristle tufts 30, preferably flat bristle tufts, are shown as lateral sealing elements which, during operation, preferably drag across the floor surface. Figuren 6c, 7b und 8b The respective designs are shown from below. Fig. 6c The suction chamber 10 is indicated by a dashed line as an example for the other figures. Fig. 6c Figure 26 also shows a small roller 26 for supporting the device together with a large roller 26 which is in Fig. 6a can be seen. Fig. 6c The figure shows, by way of example, how a spreading angle γ of a preferably flat bristle tuft 30 is measured for the remaining figures. Fig. 6c between the short sides. The expansion angle γ is measured in the unloaded state.

[0067] While the bristle tufts 30 are in contact with the floor surface during operation and, for example, cover a floor groove upwards, the other lateral sealing element 2 on the same outer side with a greater distance to the floor surface allows sufficient ambient air to enter the suction chamber 10 under the housing 3 in order to be able to suck up dirt in the suction chamber 10.

[0068] In the illustrations from below, a cleaning roller 19 and / or a rear sealing element 31 can be seen. The rear sealing element 31 is, in particular, a sealing lip at the rear of the suction chamber 10. Specifically, the bristle tufts 30 are attached to the underside 8 of the housing 3.

[0069] Dirt is not only lifted and sucked up from the floor surface directly below the suction opening, which is covered by the cleaning roller 19 in the figures, but also next to the inner edges of the suction chamber 10, which is largely limited by the sealing elements 2 and at least partially sealed against the floor surface.

[0070] The Fig. 6a und 6b Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which only one tuft of bristles 30 is provided on the outer surface. The tuft of bristles 30 is preferably arranged between the front and rear corners of the outer surface 4 and / or projects vertically outwards.

[0071] The design of the Fig. 7a und 7b have on each outer side a tuft of bristles 30 projecting perpendicularly to the feed direction 18, particularly in a rear area of ​​the suction chamber 10, and / or a tuft of bristles angled obliquely forward to the feed direction 18 and projecting outwards, particularly at the front corner.

[0072] The design of the Fig. 8a und 8b Each outer surface has a tuft of bristles 30 projecting perpendicularly to the feed direction 18, particularly in a rear region of the suction chamber 10, and / or a tuft of bristles angled obliquely backwards and projecting outwards, particularly at the rear corner. Both tufts of bristles 30 on the same outer surface are therefore adjacent to each other, but not arranged with a common, closed surface.

[0073] The embodiments shown in the figures enable improved dust removal from cracks and floor grooves.

Claims

1. Device (1) for cleaning a floor surface (20) comprising a housing (3) with two opposite outer sides (4, 5) each of which extends laterally from a front side (6) to a rear side (7) of the housing (3), wherein the device (1) comprises a suction chamber (10) with a suction opening (11) for sucking in dirt within the suction chamber (10) at a lower side (8) of the housing (3) and at least one lateral sealing element (2) for laterally delimiting the suction chamber (10) is arranged on at least one outer side (4, 5) of the two outer sides (4, 5), wherein the at least one lateral sealing element (2) extends downwardly in order to reduce, during operation, a lateral air flow from outside the suction chamber (10) under the housing (3) into the suction chamber (10) at at least one outer side (4, 5) of the two outer sides (4, 5), wherein the lateral sealing element (2) is inclined outwardly, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a cleaning roller (19).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2) has a length that is greater than its downward extension.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inner surface (12) of the lateral sealing element (2) bounding the suction chamber (10) is inclined outwardly.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part of the lateral sealing element (2) extending downward from the lower side (8) of the housing (3) has a substantially constant thickness (13).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an angle of inclination α of the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2) is at least 20°.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2) has a free end (14) and an end (15) coupled to the housing (3).

7. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the coupled end (15) is fastened to a manually detachable lateral housing wall element of the outer side (4, 5), in particular to a lateral tunnel cover (16).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2) or two adjacent lateral sealing elements (2), at least one of which is inclined outwardly, has a downwardly open recess (17) for allowing a lateral air flow from the outside into the suction chamber (10).

9. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the downwardly open recess (17) is open toward the front or toward the rear or is closed toward the front and toward the rear.

10. Device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that a depth (b) of the recess (17), measured along the downwardly extending lateral sealing element (2), is at least 15% and / or at most 40% of an extension of the lateral sealing element downwardly from the lower side (8) of the housing (3).

11. Device (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that a length (a) of the recess (17) measured along the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2) from rear to front is at least 25% and / or at most 75% of an extension of the lateral sealing element (2) from rear to front.

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when cleaning a floor surface (20) during operation, the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2) extends downward to the floor surface (20).

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2) extends downward during operation at least as far or even further than a lowest supporting component of the device (1) when cleaning a floor surface (20).

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outwardly inclined lateral sealing element (2) is designed and, during cleaning of a floor surface (20), extends downwardly to such an extent that it comes into contact with the floor surface (20), bends at the floor surface (20) and, after bending, lies flat on the floor surface (20).

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