Floor cleaning machine with pivot and method for operating a floor cleaning machine

Abstract

A floor cleaning machine is provided, comprising a cleaning head (12), at least one cleaning roller unit (18) which is rotatably arranged on the cleaning head (18) about a rotation axis (46), and a support rod device (36) which is pivotably held on the cleaning head (12) via a pivot joint (84), wherein a pivot axis (40) of the pivot joint (84) coincides with the rotation axis (46) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine comprising a cleaning head, at least one cleaning roller unit which is rotatably arranged on the cleaning head about an axis of rotation, and a support rod device which is pivotably held on the cleaning head via a pivot joint, wherein a pivot axis of the pivot joint coincides with the axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning machine in which, during a cleaning operation, a holding rod device is pivoted towards a cleaning head.

[0003] WO 2021 / 013343 A1 discloses a floor cleaning machine with a floor head, wherein a tank is arranged on the floor head and a movable support leg is provided. In a parked position of the floor cleaning machine, the floor head is supported on a base by the support leg in such a way that a cleaning roller is spaced apart from the base. The tank has a continuous recess through which at least one support leg of the support leg is inserted, at least in the parked position.

[0004] The US 2020 / 0253447 A1 reveals a sweeper.

[0005] US 3,127,628 discloses a cleaning device.

[0006] DE 21 34 665 reveals a carpet sweeper.

[0007] US patent 2010 / 01270901 A1 discloses a floor cleaning machine with a fluid distribution system for storing fluid and supplying fluid to a floor to be cleaned.

[0008] DE 20 2015 101 302 U1 discloses a cleaning device in the form of a vacuum cleaner.

[0009] Surface cleaning machines are known from WO 2016 / 058901 A1, WO 2016 / 058856 A1, WO 2017 / 063663 A1, WO 2016 / 058879 A1, and WO 2016 / 058956 A1. A surface cleaning machine is also known from WO 2016 / 058907 A1.

[0010] US patent 4,875,246 discloses a portable floor cleaning device which has a roller driven by an electric motor.

[0011] From DE 20 2009 013 434 U1 a device for wet floor cleaning with a brush which is rotatable about a rotational axis is known.

[0012] A cleaning machine is known from CN 201 197 698 Y.

[0013] US Patent 6,026,529 discloses a device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces.

[0014] A surface cleaning machine with rotating brushes is known from WO 2010 / 041185 A1.

[0015] A cleaning head for a floor cleaning machine is known from US patent 7,665,174 B2.

[0016] From US patent 4,173,054, a floor cleaner is known which includes a handle, a main body, a roller mechanism with a roller with a cleaning belt, a scraper, and a dirt fluid intake.

[0017] From WO 2013 / 106762 A2, a surface cleaning machine is known, comprising a cleaning roller and a drive unit for driving the cleaning roller. A dirt tray is provided into which the cleaning roller sweeps dirt during rotation. The dirt tray can be opened.

[0018] From US patent 7,921,497 B2, a floor scrubber is known which is manually operated and includes a drive roller coupled to a scrubbing roller.

[0019] Another floor cleaning machine is known from WO 2015 / 086083 A1.

[0020] A hard floor cleaning device is known from US 3,789,449.

[0021] From DE 103 57 637 A1 a self-propelled sweeping device with a sweeping brush and an associated dirt collection chamber is known.

[0022] A household floor cleaning device with a mop roller is known from DE 10 2007 054 500 A1.

[0023] From US patent 2006 / 0272120 A1, a floor cleaning device is known comprising a housing, a hose arrangement and a cleaning head.

[0024] From DE 10 2017 120 723 A1 a cleaning machine station for a cleaning machine is known, wherein the cleaning machine station has a receiving chamber for a cleaning head of the cleaning machine.

[0025] From WO 2005 / 087075 A1 a floor cleaning machine with a handle which is pivotably arranged on a base is known.

[0026] The CN 107007215 A reveals a floor cleaning robot.

[0027] DE 20 2018 104 772 U1 discloses a wastewater collection mechanism and wastewater detection mechanism and a cleaning device.

[0028] Cleaning machines are also covered by US 4 875 245 A, EP 3 695 767, AU 2017101723 A4, CN 206687671 U, DE 20 2016 105 300 U1, US 9,622,637 B1, CN 205359367 U, US 2017 / 0119225 A1, CN 205181250 U, CN 205181251 U, CN 205181256 U, DE 20 2016 105 299 U, WO 2017 / 059602 A1, WO 2017 / 059600 A1, and WO 2017 / 059601 A1, the WO 2017 / 059603 A1 or the DE 20 2016 105 301 U1.

[0029] The invention is based on the objective of providing a floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned above, which has advantageous operating characteristics.

[0030] This problem is solved in the aforementioned floor cleaning machine according to the invention by the fact that the swivel joint is designed as an orbital joint with an orbital path guidance of the support rod device on the cleaning head.

[0031] The solution according to the invention enables the realization of a floor cleaning machine in which the support rod assembly is supported against the at least one cleaning roller unit by its own weight. This results in a high, and in particular maximum, contact pressure for the cleaning head against the floor to be cleaned, due to the weight of the support rod assembly itself.

[0032] The correspondingly high contact pressure results in improved cleaning outcomes. It improves the removal of dirt from the floor being cleaned.

[0033] Furthermore, the appropriate design of the swivel joint makes it easy to ensure that, in any position of the swivel joint, the cleaning head, to which a dirt fluid tank is detachably attached, is in the same position relative to the floor to be cleaned. This also improves the cleaning result.

[0034] The swivel joint is designed as an orbital joint with orbital guidance of the support rod assembly on the cleaning head. This allows for simple coaxiality between the swivel axis of the joint and the axis of rotation. In particular, this ensures that when the support rod assembly is swiveled towards the cleaning head, and the cleaning head with its at least one cleaning roller unit is properly positioned on the floor to be cleaned, the cleaning roller unit rotates on the floor due to the swiveling motion.

[0035] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the pivot joint has a guide rail that is fixedly mounted to the cleaning head and has a circular track section with its center located on the pivot axis. The pivot joint also has a counter-movement that is fixedly mounted to the support rod assembly and is supported by the guide rail. This allows for the simple formation of an orbital joint, where the pivot axis coincides with the axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit. Furthermore, this provides a large support area for the counter-movement on the guide rail. This results in a mechanically stable pivot joint with a correspondingly long service life.

[0036] It is advantageous if at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged in the area of ​​a front end of the cleaning head, with the following features: The circular track section is arranged with a partial area behind the at least one cleaning roller in relation to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning head; the circular track section is arranged with a partial area above the at least one cleaning roller unit in relation to a vertical axis of the cleaning head.

[0037] This arrangement allows the circular track section to essentially encircle the at least one cleaning roller unit from two sides. This makes it easy to implement a pivot joint, and in particular an orbital joint, whose pivot axis coincides with the axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0038] It is advantageous if the counter-device is supported on the track guidance system via at least three support points. This results in a mechanically stable pivot joint construction.

[0039] Advantageously, the swivel joint is positioned centrally between a first lateral side and a spaced-apart second lateral side of the cleaning head. This results in a symmetrical design and avoids tilting moments and the like.

[0040] It is particularly advantageous if, when the support rod is pivoted around the pivot axis, the at least one cleaning roller unit also moves. It then rolls on the floor to be cleaned when the cleaning head is properly supported on the floor by the at least one cleaning roller unit. This movement is superimposed on the rotational movement of the at least one cleaning roller unit around the axis of rotation.

[0041] It is particularly advantageous if the cleaning head is equipped with a foot pedal at one of its rear ends, with the rear end facing away from the front end and the at least one cleaning roller unit located at the front end. The foot pedal allows the operator to access the cleaning head, and especially the dirty fluid tank assembly, with their foot. This significantly improves the ease of detaching the dirty fluid tank assembly from the cleaning head. For example, the operator does not need to physically handle the dirty fluid tank assembly to remove it from the cleaning head or to connect the cleaning head to the dirty fluid tank assembly.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the footplate is aligned with the pivot joint with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning head and is, in particular, positioned centrally between a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the cleaning head. This prevents, for example, tilting moments.

[0043] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: The footplate extends beyond a rear end of a base or housing of the cleaning head; the footplate is attached to a dirt fluid tank assembly which is detachably mounted on the cleaning head; the footplate has raised lateral edge walls.

[0044] The extension beyond the rear end allows an operator to easily operate the footplate from their side using one foot. They can then simultaneously stand on the footplate and, for example, operate the support bar mechanism.

[0045] If the footplate is attached to the dirt fluid tank assembly, the assembly can be easily detached by applying pressure to it. For example, when the cleaning head with the dirt fluid tank assembly is resting on a floor, the operator can apply force to the footplate, effectively fixing the dirt fluid tank assembly to the floor. Lifting the cleaning head then releases the dirt fluid tank assembly from the cleaning head.

[0046] Raised lateral edges on the footplate prevent the operator's foot from slipping. They also eliminate the need for sharp edges or similar hazards.

[0047] It is particularly advantageous if a clearance is provided on the cleaning head in which the support rod assembly can move when pivoting around the pivot axis, and especially if a footplate is arranged on or extending from this clearance. This results in a large pivoting range for the support rod assembly on the cleaning head. In particular, this allows for small pivoting angles, where the support rod assembly is close to the floor being cleaned. This results in good clearance for cleaning under furniture or similar objects.

[0048] In one embodiment, a drive motor for the cleaning roller unit is provided, which is rotationally fixed to the support rod assembly with respect to its pivoting axis. This results in a structurally simple design. When the support rod assembly pivots, the drive motor pivots with it. This allows for a drive train with the drive motor and the cleaning roller unit (mounted on a roller holder) that does not require a sliding coupling or similar component.

[0049] For the same reason, it is advantageous to have a gearbox for transmitting torque from a drive motor to at least one cleaning roller unit, in which the gearbox is rotationally fixed to the support rod assembly with respect to its pivoting axis. This allows the entire drive train, consisting of the drive motor and gearbox, to be pivoted relative to the cleaning head by pivoting the support rod assembly on the cleaning head, eliminating the need for an additional coupling.

[0050] For the reasons mentioned above, it is also advantageous to provide a roller mount on which at least one cleaning roller unit is attached, with the roller mount being rotationally fixed to the support rod assembly with respect to its pivoting motion. The entire drive train, consisting of the drive unit, gearbox, and drive motor, is rotationally fixed to the support rod assembly and pivotable with it. This results in the direct application of the weight of the support rod assembly, including the drive motor and gearbox, to the cleaning roller unit, thus providing a high and, in particular, maximum contact force of the cleaning roller unit against the floor to be cleaned.

[0051] In one embodiment, the at least one cleaning roller unit is mounted on a roller holder on a shaft comprising a first shaft section, a middle section, and a second shaft section. The middle section is located between the first and second shaft sections, and a first roller section of the at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged on the first shaft section, while a second roller section of the at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged on the second shaft section. A central drive is provided, which acts on the middle section, and the middle section is aligned with the pivot joint along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning head. This central drive allows the first and second roller sections to be guided to the lateral edges of the cleaning head, enabling cleaning close to the edges. The alignment of the pivot joint with the middle section prevents tilting moments and similar issues.

[0052] In one embodiment, the holding rod assembly comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being articulated to the cleaning head and the second part rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the first part, wherein the axis of rotation is oriented transversely and preferably perpendicular to the pivot axis of the swivel joint. This results in easier operation. The additional rotatability makes it easier, for example, for an operator to perform cleaning operations in corners or similar areas. The operator can position the cleaning head relative to themselves in various ways due to the rotatability about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is, for example, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first part or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second part.

[0053] It is particularly advantageous if a locking device is provided by which rotation about the axis of rotation can be locked, especially with at least one of the following: In a lockable park position of the support rod device with respect to the cleaning head, the locking device is active and is in a locked position; outside the fixed park position, rotation is enabled by the locking device; the locking device automatically enters a locked position when the park position is reached; the locking device automatically exits its locked position when the park position is lifted.

[0054] This allows, in particular, for automatic locking of the rotation in the parked position. This results in a "stable" parked position. It is also advantageous if the locking position is automatically engaged when entering the parked position and automatically when exiting it. The lockable parked position is a resting position for the floor cleaning machine, especially during periods of non-use. Outside of this resting position, rotation is possible to achieve a wide range of cleaning options.

[0055] In one embodiment, the locking device comprises a spring-supported movable slide which is slidably mounted on the first part and, in a locking position, forms a positive connection with the second part, in particular with at least one of the following: The slide has a nose which, in the locking position, rests against the cleaning head and holds the slide in the locking position or brings it into the locking position; the slide has overload protection; the slide has at least a first part and a second part, wherein the second part acts on the second part of the retaining rod device and wherein the second part is spring-loaded and movably arranged on the first part.

[0056] The movable slider allows for a simple implementation of the locking mechanism. The spring support ensures that the locking position is automatically reached for a parked position. Specifically, the spring support is designed so that, outside the parked position, the slider is held in a position where there is no positive locking with the second part. When the parked position is reached, the slider is supported against the cleaning head by a corresponding force, thus moving it against the spring's action to achieve positive locking.

[0057] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the slide has a nose, whereby the cleaning head, in particular in the park position, can then be used via the nose to push the slide into the positive locking position with the second part of the retaining rod device or to hold it there.

[0058] It is particularly advantageous if an overload protection mechanism is provided for the locking device. This reduces or prevents the risk of damage to the floor cleaning machine under heavy load, especially in the parked position. An alternative solution is provided to minimize the risk of damage.

[0059] In particular, the slide is designed in multiple parts so that, in the parked position, when movement of the slide as a whole is not possible, the parts of the slide can move relative to each other to provide overload protection and reduce the risk of damage. A spring-loaded support of the second part against the first part ensures that, outside of an overload situation, the slide as a whole, including both the first and second parts, remains movable to engage and disengage the locking position. Within the locking position, the multi-part design allows for some movement of the slide itself under high force.

[0060] In one embodiment, the support rod assembly has a first section with a first longitudinal axis and a second section with a second longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second longitudinal axes are oriented at an obtuse angle to each other, with the obtuse angle being in particular between 120° and 170°. This results in optimized articulation of the support rod assembly to the cleaning head, especially with an orbital joint. A large swivel angle range is achieved.

[0061] In particular, at least one of the following is provided for: The second area is located on the first area; the first area is or comprises a distal area of ​​the support rod assembly; the support rod assembly is hinged to the cleaning head via the first area; a counter-device of the swivel joint is arranged on the first area; a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged on the first area; the first area has a housing; a battery holder is arranged on the first area; a tank assembly for cleaning fluid, in particular a removable one, is arranged on the first area.

[0062] The aforementioned features result in a correspondingly simple structural design.

[0063] For the same reasons, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: The second area is or comprises a proximal area of ​​the support rod device; a handle is arranged on the second area; a tank device for cleaning fluid, in particular removable, is arranged on the second area; a battery holder is arranged on the second area; an operating panel is arranged on the second area or on a handle which is located on the second area; the second area has a straight extension in the second longitudinal axis.

[0064] This also results in easy operation of the floor cleaning machine.

[0065] It is particularly advantageous if the support rod device has a free swivel angle range to the cleaning head via the swivel joint, with a swivel angle between a longitudinal axis of the support rod device and a mounting surface of the cleaning head on a floor to be cleaned, wherein the swivel angle lies in the range between a lower limit and an upper limit, in particular with at least one of the following: The lower limit is at 0° or greater than 0°; the lower limit is less than 50° and in particular less than 40° and in particular less than 30° and preferably less than 20°; the upper limit is in the range between 80° and 120° and in particular at approximately 90°; at the upper limit, the retaining rod device has a lockable parking position with respect to the cleaning head.

[0066] This results in a correspondingly large swivel angle. A small lower limit allows for good clearance under furniture, for example. A lockable parking position ensures a stable alignment of the support rod with the cleaning head, and overall a stable position for the floor cleaning machine when parked or, for example, during cleaning of at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0067] It is advantageous to have a locking mechanism that secures the support rod assembly to the cleaning head at its upper limit, thus preventing the support rod assembly from pivoting relative to the cleaning head. This allows the support rod assembly to be locked to the cleaning head, resulting in a fixed storage position for the floor cleaning machine. This also enables a simple, automated cleaning process of at least one cleaning roller unit, or other parts of the floor cleaning machine, to be carried out at a suitable floor station. The support rod assembly is prevented from falling.

[0068] It is advantageous if, when the support rod is at its upper limit and locked to the cleaning head, and the cleaning head is properly positioned on the floor to be cleaned, further pivoting of the swivel angle results in the cleaning head pivoting towards the floor without any further operator intervention. This allows for easy detachment of the cleaning fluid tank assembly from the cleaning head, particularly if it is equipped with a foot strap. For this removal process, the operator does not need to touch the cleaning fluid tank assembly. Furthermore, the operator can easily stabilize it against the floor to be cleaned (by applying sufficient force, particularly by pressing down with a foot on a foot strap).This in turn minimizes movement of the dirt fluid tank assembly when it detaches from the cleaning head and minimizes fluctuations of liquid in the dirt fluid tank assembly.

[0069] In one embodiment, the locking device comprises at least one spring-loaded pin and an associated insertion opening for the pin, wherein (i) the at least one pin is arranged non-rotatably on the retaining rod assembly and the associated insertion opening is arranged non-rotatably on the cleaning head, or (ii) the at least one pin is arranged non-rotatably on the cleaning head and the associated insertion opening is arranged non-rotatably on the retaining rod assembly. A locking device can be implemented in a structurally simple manner by means of a pin insertion opening. The locking mechanism can be easily engaged and disengaged by an operator. In particular, the locking mechanism can be automatically engaged by reaching a specific pivot position (especially the upper limit).Furthermore, the locking position (blocking position) can be easily released by applying force to the retaining rod device.

[0070] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: Outside the dipping opening, a first inclined plane is associated with the dipping opening, which, when the swivel angle is increased, guides the associated pin into the dipping opening, the first inclined plane causing a displacement of the pin against a force exerted by the spring; the at least one pin has a first contact surface adapted to the first inclined plane; the dipping opening is bounded by a wall which has a second inclined plane and over which the associated pin is moved out of the dipping opening when the swivel angle is decreased, the second inclined plane causing a displacement of the pin against a force exerted by the spring; the at least one pin has a second contact surface adapted to the second inclined plane.

[0071] The pin is arranged to be slidable and is spring-loaded. By guiding the first inclined plane, the pin can be positioned against the force of the spring, allowing it to be inserted into the insertion opening. The spring action pushes the pin into the insertion opening as soon as it is reached. This locking process can be performed solely by a pivoting movement of the retaining rod assembly, thus automating the process. A corresponding locking position, with the pin inserted into the insertion opening, can be directly achieved by pivoting, particularly to an upper limit of the pivot angle range.

[0072] The first mounting surface, which is adapted to the first inclined plane, results in simple automated access to the corresponding locking position.

[0073] The second inclined plane allows for the adjustment of the force required to guide the pin back out of the insertion opening. Specifically, this force can be achieved by applying a torque to the retaining rod mechanism. This enables automated release of the locking position. An operator then only needs to pivot the retaining rod mechanism towards the cleaning head, without any further intervention to release the lock.

[0074] The first and second inclined planes also allow for easy adjustment of the force required to engage the locking position (pin immersed in the insertion opening) or to release the locking position (pin emerging from the insertion opening). In particular, the design is such that the force required to release the locking position is greater than the force required to engage it.

[0075] It is advantageous if the cleaning head has a removable dirt fluid tank system with at least one of the following features: A footplate is arranged on the dirt fluid tank assembly; at least one scraper element is arranged on the cleaning head, which acts on the at least one cleaning roller unit and serves to scrape dirt fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit; the at least one scraper element immerses in an active material of the at least one cleaning roller unit; dirt fluid is conveyed directly from the at least one cleaning roller unit into the dirt fluid tank assembly without the operation of a suction device.

[0076] The placement of the footplate on the dirt fluid tank assembly allows for easy detachment of the dirt fluid tank assembly from the cleaning head. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of the floor cleaning machine tipping over when parked.

[0077] The at least one scraper element makes it easy to remove dirt fluid and, in particular, to couple it into the dirt fluid tank system without suction.

[0078] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: The support bar device is designed for a standing operator who stands on the floor to be cleaned, with the cleaning head being placed on the floor to be cleaned via a support surface and the floor cleaning machine being guided over the floor to be cleaned via the support bar device; the at least one cleaning roller unit is driven by a drive motor; the cleaning head has a housing in which the at least one cleaning roller unit is at least partially arranged; the at least one cleaning roller unit rests with its outer ends on a lateral first side and a lateral second side of the cleaning head.

[0079] This results in easy operation and optimal cleaning results, especially on hard floors. A single operator can perform the cleaning process while standing. It also allows for cleaning close to the edges of floor surfaces.

[0080] It is particularly advantageous if the cleaning head has at least one support element by which the cleaning head is supported on the floor to be cleaned, spaced apart from the at least one cleaning roller unit. In particular, the at least one support element is firmly connected to the cleaning head in such a way that when a dirt fluid tank assembly is removed from the cleaning head, the at least one support element remains attached to the cleaning head. This allows the weight of the cleaning head to be supported on the floor to be cleaned via the at least one cleaning roller unit and the at least one support element, independently of the dirt fluid tank assembly. This makes it possible to keep the dirt fluid tank assembly parallel to the floor and in the same position relative to the at least one cleaning roller unit at all times.This allows, for example, a sweeping element attached to the dirt fluid tank to be positioned in the same position relative to the floor being cleaned for optimized cleaning results. Furthermore, the dirt fluid tank can be easily suspended from the cleaning head. This, in turn, allows for easy removal and attachment to the cleaning head. Additionally, a movable or floating mounting of the dirt fluid tank on the cleaning head can be easily implemented.

[0081] In particular, at least one support element is aligned with the swivel bearing along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning head. This minimizes tilting moments and the like.

[0082] It is also advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: (i) at least one scraper element for the at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged on the cleaning head; (ii) at least one comb element is arranged on the cleaning head, which acts on the at least one cleaning roller unit; (iii) at least one sweeping element is assigned to the cleaning head, which feeds debris to the at least one cleaning roller unit, wherein the at least one sweeping element is in particular arranged on a dirt fluid tank device, wherein any one of the elements (i), (ii), (iii) or any combination of these elements forms the at least one cleaning roller unit which has the same position regardless of the swivel position of the support rod device relative to the cleaning head.

[0083] This can be achieved in particular by spring-loaded action on the at least one scraper element and the at least one comb element. With regard to the sweeping element, this can be achieved simply if it is arranged on the dirt fluid tank assembly and the dirt fluid tank assembly is movably and, in particular, floatingly mounted on the cleaning head.

[0084] This results in an optimized cleaning outcome. Even if the diameter of at least one cleaning roller unit varies, for example due to wear or manufacturing tolerances, the cleaning result is not impaired.

[0085] It is advantageous if the cleaning head has a base for the floor to be cleaned, which is in particular a flat surface, and a horizontal plane parallel to the base is assigned to the cleaning head, and if, during proper operation of the floor cleaning machine, the horizontal plane of the cleaning head is always in the same position relative to the base, regardless of a pivot position of the support rod device relative to the cleaning head.

[0086] This ensures the same good cleaning result regardless of the swivel position of the support rod device.

[0087] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following operating modes is provided: a dry sweeping operation without applying cleaning fluid to the floor to be cleaned or to the at least one cleaning roller unit; a wet mopping operation with applying cleaning fluid to the floor to be cleaned and / or to the at least one cleaning roller unit; a sweeping operation and a wet mopping operation, wherein, in particular, coarse dirt is fed to the at least one cleaning roller unit via a sweeping element and conveyed via the at least one cleaning roller unit into a dirt fluid tank system, and dirt fluid is scraped off the at least one cleaning roller unit via at least one scraper element and conveyed from there into the dirt fluid tank system.

[0088] This allows for optimized cleaning results. In particular, the options of dry sweeping, wet mopping, and a combination of both are possible on a single machine and can be adjusted accordingly by an operator. If necessary, the operation can be adapted to the respective mode by replacing at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0089] According to the invention, a method of the type mentioned at the outset is provided in which, during a cleaning operation, the holding rod device is pivoted towards the cleaning head and in which a weight force of the holding rod device acts directly on the at least one cleaning roller unit, regardless of a pivoting position of the holding rod device.

[0090] The method according to the invention is carried out with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention.

[0091] The force exerted by the weight of the support rod (possibly combined with the weight of a drive motor and gearbox) results in a high and, in particular, maximum contact force of at least one cleaning roller unit against the floor to be cleaned. This, in turn, leads to an optimized cleaning result.

[0092] In particular, it is provided that when the support rod device is pivoted towards the cleaning head, the at least one cleaning roller unit rolls along a floor to be cleaned, on which the at least one cleaning roller unit is placed.

[0093] This allows for a simple and large swivel range, particularly with an orbital joint. The support rod assembly can be easily braced against the weight of at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0094] The advantages of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention.

[0095] The following description of preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to further explain the invention. The drawings show: Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine (floor cleaning machine) standing on a floor to be cleaned; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the floor cleaning machine according to Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a schematic partial representation of a cleaning head of the floor cleaning machine according to Figure 1 in sectional view; Figure 4 a perspective partial view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention in the area of ​​a cleaning head; Figure 5 the cleaning head according to Figure 4 in another perspective view; Figure 6 the cleaning head according to Figure 4 with the dirt fluid tank assembly removed; Figure 7 is a sectional view of the cleaning head according to Figure 4 Figure 8 shows a sectional view along line 8-8 according to Figure 7 Figure 9 shows the same view as Figure 5 , wherein locking points or detent points for a dirt fluid tank device with the cleaning head and for a retaining rod device with the cleaning head are shown; Figure 10 a side sectional view of the cleaning head according to Figure 9 in the area of ​​a locking point for the retaining rod device with the cleaning head outside a locking position; Figure 11 a sectional view according to Figure 9 a locking point of the dirt fluid tank assembly with the cleaning head, wherein the dirt fluid tank assembly is fixed to the cleaning head; Figure 12 the same view as Figure 10 , wherein the retaining rod device is locked to the cleaning head; Figure 13 the same view as Figure 11during the removal of the dirt fluid tank assembly (release of the locking position); Figure 14 a variant of an embodiment of a pin with a conical tip; Figure 15 a view of the cleaning head outside a locking position for rotation of the retaining rod assembly to the cleaning head with the cover removed; Figure 16 an enlarged view of a locking device according to Figure 15 Figure 17 shows the same view as Figure 15 in a locking position of the rotation of the retaining rod device to the cleaning head; Figure 18 an enlarged view of the locking device in the position according to Figure 17Figure 19 shows an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention with different positions of the support rod assembly relative to the cleaning head, wherein: in Figure 19(a) a specific pivot position (working position) of the support rod assembly relative to the cleaning head; in Figure 19(b) a parking position of the support rod assembly relative to the cleaning head; in Figure 19(c) a movement for releasing a dirt fluid tank assembly from the cleaning head is indicated; in Figure 19(d) the cleaning head is lifted from the dirt fluid tank assembly for removal; in Figure 19(e) a schematic representation of the cleaning head being placed onto the dirt fluid tank assembly for fixing it; Figure 20 a sectional view of the cleaning head in the area of ​​a cleaning roller unit; Figure 21 a sectional view of the cleaning roller unit in area A according to Figure 25 Figure 22 shows a similar sectional view to Figure 21 in area B according to Figure 25Figure 23 shows a sectional view of the floor cleaning machine according to Figure 4 in partial representation, where the pivot position of the retaining rod device is lower than in Figure 4 Figure 24 shows a bottom view of the cleaning head on the floor cleaning machine according to Figure 4Figure 25(a) schematically shows the path of an embodiment of a curved wiper element on a cleaning roller unit with a first and second roller section; Figure 25(b) schematically shows the path of an embodiment of a curved wiper element on a roller section; Figure 26 schematically shows the path of another embodiment of a curved wiper element on a cleaning roller unit with a first and second roller section or on a roller section; Figure 27 schematically shows the path of another embodiment of a curved wiper element on a cleaning roller unit with a first and second roller section or on a roller section; Figure 28 a perspective view of an embodiment of a combination of wiper element and hair comb according to Figure 20 Figure 29: the combination of Figure 28 in the direction X according to Figure 28 ; and Figure 30, a bottom view of the combination according to Figure 28 in the Y direction according to Figure 28 .

[0096] One embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention is a floor cleaning machine 10. The basic structure of the floor cleaning machine 10 and its basic function are described with reference to the Figures 1 to 3 explained.

[0097] The floor cleaning machine 10 is particularly suitable for cleaning hard floors.

[0098] The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a cleaning head 12. In the exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine, the cleaning head 12 is a floor head.

[0099] The cleaning head 12 is placed on a base 14 on the floor 16 to be cleaned for proper cleaning operation. The base 14 is, in particular, a flat surface.

[0100] At least one cleaning roller unit 18 is arranged on the cleaning head 12. In the illustrated embodiment, exactly one cleaning roller unit 18 is provided.

[0101] The cleaning roller unit 18 can comprise a one-piece cleaning roller or a multi-piece cleaning roller, as explained in more detail below.

[0102] The cleaning head 12 has a front end 20 and a rear end 22 facing away from the front end. A longitudinal axis 24 of the cleaning head 12 extends between the front end 20 and the rear end 22.

[0103] The cleaning head 12 has a first lateral side 26 and an opposite second lateral side 28. A distance direction between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 lies transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24.

[0104] The cleaning roller unit 18 is located in the area of ​​the front end 20 of the cleaning head 12. During proper operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, an operator stands behind the rear end 22 of the cleaning head 12 on the floor 16 to be cleaned.

[0105] The installation surface 14 is above the cleaning roller unit 18 and at least one installation element (in the Figures 1 to 3 (not shown) defined. The cleaning head 12, and thus also the floor cleaning machine 10, is supported on the floor 16 to be cleaned via the cleaning roller unit 18 and the at least one support element.

[0106] The cleaning head 12 has a base 30. This base 30 is a basic body of the cleaning head 12.

[0107] A removable dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is attached to the cleaning head 12. The dirt fluid tank assembly 32 holds dirt fluid. Dirt fluid, in this context, refers to a flowable fluid that can be wet or dry. The dirt fluid can, for example, consist of cleaning fluid with dirt particles or only dust particles.

[0108] In principle, the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 can comprise several separate individual parts, which can be individually fixed to the base 30 and removed from it.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the dirty fluid tank device 32 comprises a unit which has one or more separate chambers for dirty fluid.

[0110] A footplate 34, which projects outwards, is attached to the dirt fluid tank assembly 32. This serves to facilitate the removal of the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 from the cleaning head 12, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0111] A support rod 36 is pivotally attached to the cleaning head 12 via a swivel joint. The support rod 36 is designed so that a standing operator can hold the floor cleaning machine 10 and guide it over the floor 16 to be cleaned.

[0112] A handle 38 is arranged proximally on the support rod assembly 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 38 is designed as a closed loop handle. Other configurations, such as an open loop handle, are also possible.

[0113] It is specifically provided that operating elements such as an on / off switch and other operating elements, for example for control, are arranged on the handle 38 or on the support rod device 36 in the vicinity of the handle 38.

[0114] Distally, the retaining rod device 36 is articulated via the swivel joint at the base 30.

[0115] A swivel axis 40 ( Figure 2 ) of the pivot joint of the linkage of the support rod device 36 to the cleaning head 12 is parallel to the mounting surface 14. The pivot axis 40 lies transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24.

[0116] The retaining rod assembly 36 has a (second) longitudinal axis 42, along which the retaining rod assembly 36 extends to the handle 38. The pivot axis 40 lies transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to this second longitudinal axis 42 of the retaining rod assembly 36.

[0117] It may be provided that the retaining rod device 36 has a further pivotability with respect to the cleaning head 12, wherein the corresponding axis of rotation 41 is oriented transversely to the pivot axis 40. This rotation is in Figure 1 indicated by the arrow with reference numeral 44. The corresponding axis of rotation 41 of this rotatability 44 lies, for example, parallel or coaxial to a first longitudinal axis 80 of the retaining rod assembly 36 (see below). In particular, it is provided that this rotatability 44 is formed by a corresponding design of the retaining rod assembly 36 with a first part 278 and a second part 280 rotatable with respect to the first part 278. This is shown below in particular with reference to the Figures 15 to 18 explained in more detail.

[0118] The floor cleaning machine 10 includes a drive motor (in the Figures 1 to 3(not shown), by which the cleaning roller unit 18 is driven rotationally about a rotational axis 46. The cleaning roller unit 18 has a single rotational axis 46, even though this comprises a multi-part cleaning roller. The rotational axis 46 is parallel to the mounting surface 14. It is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24. It is parallel to the pivot axis 40.

[0119] In one embodiment, which is explained in more detail below, the pivot axis 40 of the pivotability of the retaining rod device 36 on the cleaning head 12 and the rotation axis 46 are coaxial to each other.

[0120] The drive motor is arranged on the cleaning head 12, or on the support rod assembly 36, or at a transition area between the support rod assembly 36 and the cleaning head 12. It acts on the cleaning roller unit 18 and provides a corresponding torque for a rotary drive of the cleaning roller unit.

[0121] The floor cleaning machine 10 can be mains powered or battery powered.

[0122] In one embodiment, a battery holder 48 is provided which accommodates one or more batteries, and in particular rechargeable batteries. The batteries can be permanently attached to the floor cleaning machine 10 or be removable from it.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 3 The battery holder 48 is arranged on the support rod assembly 36. However, an arrangement on the cleaning head 12 is also possible.

[0124] The floor cleaning machine 10 is specifically designed for wet cleaning of hard floors. It is equipped with a tank 50 for cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is primarily fresh water, optionally with an additive for cleaning agents. The cleaning roller unit 18 can be directly moistened with cleaning fluid from the tank 50, and / or the floor 16 to be cleaned can be moistened. This improves the removal of dirt, and the corresponding cleaning fluid is absorbed by the cleaning roller unit 18 and transferred to the cleaning fluid tank 32.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the tank assembly 50 is arranged on the support rod assembly 36. A corresponding supply device for cleaning fluid is provided, which leads from the tank assembly 50 to the cleaning head 12 in order to moisten the cleaning roller unit 18 and / or the floor 16 to be cleaned with cleaning fluid.

[0126] In Figure 3 The basic functional structure of the cleaning head 12 is shown, and its basic operation is explained. Figure 3 explained. In a cleaning operation, the cleaning head 12 with its base 14 is placed on the floor 16 to be cleaned (in Figure 3 (This includes at least one additional mounting element, not shown). The cleaning roller unit 18 acts on the floor to be cleaned and rotates in a direction of rotation 52.

[0127] The dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is located at the base 30 of the cleaning head 12.

[0128] A nozzle 54 is arranged on the cleaning head 12, which has a nozzle opening 56. This nozzle opening 56 is in fluid communication with the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 or is itself a nozzle opening on the dirt fluid tank assembly 32. When the cleaning roller unit 18 rotates, it is rotated past the nozzle opening 56.

[0129] The dirt fluid tank assembly 32 has a base 58. When the floor cleaning machine 10 is operating correctly, this base 58 faces the floor 16 to be cleaned. A wall 60, extending to the outlet opening 56, is attached to the base 58, facing the cleaning roller unit 18. The wall 60 is adapted to the cylindrical shape of the corresponding cleaning roller of the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0130] The cleaning head 12 has a sweeping element 62, which serves to feed coarse dirt to the cleaning roller unit 18. This coarse dirt is in Figure 3 indicated by double arrows 64. The coarse dirt 64, which is provided via the sweeping element 62 of the cleaning roller unit 18, can be carried along by the cleaning roller unit 18 and thrown into the dirt fluid tank device 32 via the discharge opening 56.

[0131] The sweeping element 62 is arranged at the base 30 or, as in Figure 3 shown, arranged on the dirty fluid tank device 32.

[0132] During operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the cleaning roller unit 18 is moistened with cleaning fluid via a supply device 66 for cleaning fluid. This moistening is in Figure 3 indicated by the wavy arrows with the reference symbol 68.

[0133] The moistening element is located downstream of the outlet opening 56 with respect to the direction of rotation 52. A section of the cleaning roller unit 18, which rests on the floor 16 to be cleaned, passes first the outlet opening 56 and then the corresponding section with the moistening element 68 when rotating in the direction of rotation 52.

[0134] At least one scraper element 70 is provided, which is arranged at the base 30 and is positioned between the mouth opening 56 and the humidification area 68.

[0135] The scraper element 70 is movably positioned on the base 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the scraper element 70 is mounted on a holder 72, which is pivotally connected to the base 30. This holder 72 is spring-loaded (in Figure 3 (not shown). The spring action presses the scraper element 70 against the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0136] The cleaning roller unit 18 has a covering on its cleaning rollers, which is arranged on a corresponding covering holder. The covering is, for example, a textile material. However, it can also be a bristle covering.

[0137] The scraper element 70 is arranged so that it touches the bristles and preferably dips into them. The spring action of the movable holder 72 ensures that it presses or indents the bristles against the bristles.

[0138] The scraper element 70 forms an outlet wall of the outlet device 54 for the outlet opening 56. In particular, the scraper element 70 separates the area of ​​moistening 68 from the outlet opening 56.

[0139] The scraper element 70 acts on the cleaning roller unit 18 and on the bristles in such a way that dirt fluid is removed from the corresponding cleaning roller (and in particular moist dirt fluid is removed) and conveyed via the outlet opening 56 into the dirt fluid tank device 32.

[0140] This is in Figure 3 indicated by the arrows with the reference symbol 74.

[0141] This dirt fluid 74, which is detached by the scraper element 70, may also contain coarse dirt particles that were not conveyed directly into the dirt fluid tank device 32 via the opening 56.

[0142] The floor cleaning machine 10 with the training according to Figure 3It has a sweeping function that allows coarse dirt (and also dry coarse dirt) to be swept from the floor 16 to be cleaned. It has a mopping function that allows the floor 16 to be moistened via the moistening unit 68, allowing wet dirt fluid to be picked up and removed via the scraper element 70 and conveyed into the dirt fluid tank 32.

[0143] It also features a combined operation, in which (as in Figure 3 (indicated) Coarse dirt can be picked up from the floor to be cleaned 16 and a wet wiping process is carried out via the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0144] The cleaning roller unit 18 is positioned on the cleaning head 12 and is therefore interchangeable. This allows, for example, the cleaning roller unit 18 or a single cleaning roller to be easily cleaned. This also enables adaptation to the specific cleaning process. For instance, if a cleaning roller of the cleaning roller unit 18 has a textile covering such as microfiber, wet cleaning and sweeping can be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, a cleaning roller with bristles can be used for a simple sweeping operation. (In particular, during a simple sweeping operation, the wetting of the cleaning roller unit 18 or the floor 16 to be cleaned is deactivated.)

[0145] It is specifically provided that the dirt fluid tank device 32, in particular with the sweeping element 62 fixed to it, is arranged to float relative to the base 30, in order, for example, to be able to position the sweeping element 62 in the same position relative to the cleaning roller unit 18, regardless of the bristle length of the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0146] The basic operating principle of the floor cleaning machine 10, as shown by the Figure 3 As explained above, this is also possible for a cleaning head 12 without a support rod device 36 and, in particular, for a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine ("cleaning robot"). In the case of such a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning machine, the battery holder 48 and the tank device for cleaning fluid 50 are then arranged in the cleaning head 12 itself.

[0147] In the floor cleaning machine 10, the cleaning fluid is conveyed via the cleaning roller unit 18 into the cleaning fluid tank unit 32 without the need for a suction unit. The cleaning fluid tank unit 32 can be removed from the cleaning head 12 for emptying.

[0148] It is also possible, in principle, to extract the dirty fluid located in the dirty fluid tank assembly 32. For this purpose, for example, a suitable suction unit and an associated additional dirty fluid tank are arranged on the support rod assembly 36.

[0149] Further aspects of the floor cleaning machine 10, or advantageous designs, will be discussed below based on the Figures 4 to 21 described.

[0150] In one embodiment, the retaining rod device 36 has a first region 76 and a second region 78. The first region 76 is arranged at an angle to the second region 78. The first region 76 is a distal region, and the handle 38, and thus the proximal region, is attached to the second region 78.

[0151] In particular, a control panel with several control elements is arranged on the handle 38 or on the second area 78.

[0152] In the Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the tank device 50 for cleaning fluid is arranged on the second area 78.

[0153] In particular, the control panel includes a switch that determines whether the cleaning roller unit 18 and / or the floor to be cleaned 16 are moistened with cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid tank 50. Depending on the operator's selection, this allows for either dry sweeping or wet mopping.

[0154] The first area 76 extends in a first longitudinal axis 80 (see also Figure 1 ), and the second area 78 along the second longitudinal axis 42. The first area 76 and the second area 78 lie at an obtuse angle 82 ( Figure 1 ) to each other, which lies in the range between 120° and 170°.

[0155] In a specific embodiment, this obtuse angle 82 is approximately 145°.

[0156] The first area 76 and the second area 78 are continuously connected.

[0157] The retaining rod assembly 36 is connected to the cleaning head 12 and the base 30 via a pivot joint 84 over the first section 76. As mentioned above, the pivot axis 40 of the pivot joint 84 coincides with the rotation axis 46 of the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0158] The pivot joint 84 is designed as an orbital joint. It comprises a path guidance device 86, which is fixedly mounted on the cleaning head 12 at its base 30. This path guidance device 86 includes a circular path section 88. The center of the circular path section 88 lies on the pivot axis 40 / rotation axis 46.

[0159] The first area 76 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a counter device 90, which is supported on the track guidance device 86.

[0160] The counter device 90 is guided slidably on the circular track section 88 of the track guidance device 86; there is an orbital guidance of the counter device 90 on the circular track section 88 of the track guidance device 86.

[0161] At least three support points are provided for guiding the counter device 90 on the track guidance device 86.

[0162] The circular track section 88 is arranged with a portion behind the cleaning roller unit 18, relative to the longitudinal axis 24 of the cleaning head 12. With respect to a vertical axis 92, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 and perpendicular to the mounting surface 14, the circular track section 88 is arranged with a portion above the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0163] The circular track section 88, for example, is designed at least approximately as a quarter-circle section, which encompasses the cleaning roller unit 18 in a sense.

[0164] The pivot joint is positioned centrally between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 at the base 30. It is arranged symmetrically on the cleaning head 12. It lies on a median plane 94 (compare Figure 2 ), which lies midway between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 and is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 46 or pivot axis 40.

[0165] The middle plane 94 is also oriented perpendicular to the mounting surface 14.

[0166] A drive motor 98, which is in particular an electric motor, is provided for driving the cleaning roller unit 18 in the rotational movement of the rotational axis 46 with the direction of rotation 52. This is rotationally fixed to the support rod assembly 36, so that it pivots along with the support rod assembly 36 when it pivots about the pivot axis 40.

[0167] In principle, it is possible that the drive motor 98 is still positioned in the cleaning head 12 with the aforementioned swivel capability.

[0168] In one exemplary embodiment (compare the Figures 4 to 6 ) the drive motor 98 is positioned on the retaining rod device 36 and in particular on the first area 76.

[0169] In particular, the first area 76 of the retaining rod device 36 has a housing 100 which accommodates the drive motor 98.

[0170] In one variant of an embodiment, a battery holder 48' is arranged on the first region 76 or on a transition between the first region 76 and the second region 78. (In the Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the battery holder 48 is arranged on the second area 78.)

[0171] There is a free space of 102 on the cleaning head 12 and on the base 30 (compare Figure 5) formed, which is located midway between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 and lies on the median plane 94. This free space 102 forms a pivot space in which the retaining rod device 36 is movable, in particular where the first area 76 is movable in this free space 102.

[0172] The open space 102 is open towards the rear end 22.

[0173] The housing 100 with the drive motor 98 is movable in the free space 102.

[0174] The free space 102 provides a large swivel angle range for the pivotability of the retaining rod device 36 around the swivel axis 40 relative to the base 30.

[0175] The floor cleaning machine 10 has a gearbox 104 ( Figure 7), which serves to transmit torque from the drive motor 98, which is positioned at a distance from the cleaning roller unit 18, to the cleaning roller unit 18. In one embodiment, the gear unit 104 also includes a reduction gear, which serves to reduce the rotational speed, so that the rotational speed of the cleaning roller unit 18 when rotating about the axis of rotation 46 is lower than the drive speed of the drive motor 98.

[0176] The transmission unit 104 includes, for example, a belt drive and the speed reduction gear.

[0177] The cleaning roller unit 18 is, or comprises, a roller mount 106. The roller mount 106 in turn comprises a shaft 108, which is connected to the gear unit 104 in a torque-transmitting manner. The shaft 108 rotates about the axis of rotation 46 when driven by the drive motor 98.

[0178] In one embodiment, the shaft comprises 108 (compare Figure 6 ) a first wave section 110, a second wave section 112 and a middle section 114, which is connected to the first wave section 110 and the second wave section 112. The wave 108 with the first wave section 110, the second wave section 112 and the middle section 114 forms a single wave with a single axis of rotation, namely the axis of rotation 46.

[0179] The middle part 114 lies midway between the first lateral side 26 and the second lateral side 28 and is located at the midplane 94.

[0180] The first shaft section 110 accommodates a first roller section 116, and the second shaft section 112 accommodates a second roller section 118 of the cleaning roller unit 18. The first roller section 116 and the second roller section 118 are separate units, but they rotate around the same axis of rotation 46 when they are mounted on the shaft 108.

[0181] The first roller section 116, which is attached to the first shaft section 110, extends to or almost to the first lateral side 26. The second roller section 118, which is attached to the second shaft section 112, extends to or almost to the second lateral side 28. This leaves no or only a minimal roller-free gap between the cleaning roller unit 18 and the corresponding lateral sides 26 and 28. This enables cleaning close to the edge.

[0182] The central section 114 of the shaft 108 is roller-free. The gear unit 104 is torque-actingly coupled to it. A central drive for the cleaning roller unit 18 is present.

[0183] The first roller part 116 and the second roller part 118 are each placed onto the corresponding shaft part 110 or 112 from the outside and locked into place with the corresponding shaft part 110 or 112 to obtain a rotationally fixed connection.

[0184] With respect to the longitudinal axis 24, the central section 114 of the shaft 108, and thus of the roller mount 106, and the pivot joint 84 are aligned. They lie on the central plane 94 and, in particular, are each designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the central plane 94.

[0185] As mentioned above, the cleaning head 12 has (at least) one support element 120. In particular, exactly one support element 120 is provided ( Figure 7 , Figure 19(d) , Figure 23 , 24The support element 120 is positioned at a distance from the cleaning roller unit 18 and, together with it, defines the installation surface 14. The support element 120 is located at the base 30. Even with the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 removed, the cleaning head 12, along with the cleaning roller unit 18 and the support element 120, can be placed on a floor 16. The support element 120 comprises a post 122 to which a roller or slider 124 is attached. The roller or slider 124 serves to support the floor 16 to be cleaned. The roller or slider 124, which may, for example, be a skid, is guided over the floor 16 to be cleaned when the floor cleaning machine 10 is guided.

[0186] The base 30 has an underside 126 facing the dirt fluid tank assembly 32. From this underside 126, the post 122 projects transversely and, in particular, vertically towards the mounting surface 14.

[0187] It is specifically provided that the support element 120 is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis 24 in line with the central part 114 of the shaft 108.

[0188] In particular, the support element 120 is located on the median plane 94.

[0189] If a plurality of support elements are provided, then these are in particular arranged in a row which lies on the median plane 94.

[0190] In one embodiment, the central section 114 of the shaft 108 has no roller section, and during cleaning, a central stiffener on the central section 114 remains unaffected by the floor 16 to be cleaned. (Cleaning is achieved by traversing the area in an offset manner.) Due to the aligned arrangement of the support element 120, the support element 120 is displaced on an unaffected area of ​​the floor 16.

[0191] The dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is adapted in its shape and dimensions to the base 30. The dirty fluid tank assembly has a bottom 58 with a wall 16 and an outlet opening 56. The dirty fluid tank assembly 32 has a bottom 127 and a top 128. When the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is fixed to the base 30, the top 128 of the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 faces the bottom 126 of the base 30. The bottom 127 of the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 lies against the bottom 58 and faces away from the top 128.

[0192] Between the underside 127 and the top side 128 lies the wall 60 and another wall 130, which closes off the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 with an interior for receiving dirt fluid.

[0193] The wall 60 of the dirty fluid tank assembly 32, on which the outlet opening 56 is located, has a cutout 132 (compare Figure 6), which is adapted to the central part 114 of the shaft 108. When the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is located at the base 30, then at least the central part 114 is located in the cutout 132 of the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 with free rotation.

[0194] The mouth opening 56 of the mouth device 54 comprises in particular a first opening part 134 and a second opening part 136.

[0195] The first opening part 134 is assigned to the first roller part 116 and the second opening part 136 is assigned to the second roller part 118.

[0196] The wastewater tank 32 may be configured to have a first chamber 138 and a second chamber 140. The first opening section 134 is formed on the first chamber 138, and the second opening section 136 is formed on the second chamber 140. Wastewater is coupled directly into the first chamber 138 via the first opening section 134 and directly into the second chamber 140 via the second opening section 136.

[0197] The two chambers 138 and 140 can be fluid-tightly separated from each other or fluid-effectively connected to each other, so that the dirty fluid can be distributed evenly in the dirty fluid tank device 32.

[0198] The dirty fluid tank assembly 32 has a cover 142, which at least partially forms the top surface 128. This cover 142 is spaced apart from the base 58.

[0199] The lid 142 can be removed when the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 has been removed from the cleaning head 12, in order to be able to empty the dirt fluid tank assembly 32.

[0200] The footplate 34 is arranged on the wall 130 of the waste fluid tank assembly 32. It is arranged such that, when the waste fluid tank assembly 32 is fixed at the base 30, it is spaced apart from the installation surface 14.

[0201] When the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is fixed to the cleaning head 12, the footplate 34 is aligned with the free space 102. It is a continuation of the free space 102 extending from the rear end 22. It is arranged in such a way that it does not obstruct the corresponding pivoting range of the support rod assembly 36 within the free space 102.

[0202] The tread plate 34 lies on the median plane 94 and is in particular arranged and designed in a mirror-symmetrical manner to this plane.

[0203] In one embodiment, the tread plate 34 comprises a plate 144 which has raised edge walls 146 (compare Figure 5 The edge walls 146 are rounded.

[0204] The footplate 34 has a width (in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 40 or rotation axis 46) which is at least as wide as typical dimensions of a foot with shoes.

[0205] An operator can place their foot on the footplate 34 and then, by applying sufficient force, lift the cleaning head 12 to detach the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 from the base 30. This is described in more detail below.

[0206] The raised, rounded edge walls 146 of the footplate 134 prevent the operator's foot from slipping sideways. Sharp edges on the plate 144 are thus avoided.

[0207] In one embodiment, spaced-apart ribs or grooves are arranged on the plate 144, which are intended to prevent the operator's foot from slipping off.

[0208] The footplate 34 is arranged in alignment with the extension of the free space 102. It is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis 24 of the cleaning head 12, with respect to the pivot joint 84 and also with respect to the central part 114 of the shaft 108.

[0209] The wastewater tank system 32 has a discharge direction 148 ( Figure 6 ) away from the base 30. The extraction direction 148 leads from the underside 126 of the base 30 towards the mounting surface 14.

[0210] The dirt fluid tank assembly 32 can be removed from the cleaning head 12 in such a way that, for example, by lifting the cleaning head 12 and pushing the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 (for example, at the foot tab 34) in the direction of removal 148, or by pulling the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 away from the base 30 in the direction of removal 148, it can be released and thus removed.

[0211] Alternatively, it is advantageously possible that, with the cleaning head 12 and the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 positioned on the floor 16 to be cleaned, the operator can fix the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 to the floor 16 by placing their foot on the footplate 34 and applying sufficient force. By lifting the cleaning head 12 upwards, the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is released from the base 30 and remains on the floor. This procedure, as described in more detail below, has the advantage that the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 remains at least approximately stationary, thus largely preventing the movement of the dirt fluid and, in particular, the liquid within the dirt fluid tank assembly 32.

[0212] In the cleaning head 12, a space 150 is formed, bounded by the underside 126 of the base 30, in which the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is positioned when fixed to the base 30. The support element 120 is also located in this space.

[0213] A continuous recess 152 is assigned to the dirt fluid tank device 32, the support element 120 ( Figure 7 , 19(d) , 24 ) formed. This continuous recess 152 is open on the top 128 and on the bottom 127. The continuous recess 152 is closed laterally, so that it is fluid-tight.

[0214] When the dirt fluid tank device 32 is located at the base 30, the support element 120 is immersed through the continuous recess 152, so that the cleaning head 12 can be supported on the floor 16 to be cleaned via the support element 120.

[0215] The continuous recess 152 is dimensioned such that the support element 120 can pass through it and, accordingly, can also emerge when the dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is removed from the base 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous recess 152 is closed on all sides.

[0216] It is also possible in principle that the continuous recess 152 is open towards the rear end 22.

[0217] In a preferred embodiment, the through-hole 152 has the shape of a (hollow) cylinder.

[0218] When the dirt fluid tank device 32 is located at the base 30, the continuous recess 152 is aligned with the central part 114 of the shaft 108, the pivot joint 84 and the footplate 34 in accordance with the alignment of the support element 120 with respect to the longitudinal axis 24.

[0219] The dirty fluid tank assembly 32 is suspended from the base 30. A plurality of brackets 154 are required for this purpose (compare Figure 11 and 13 ) provided, which are located at the base 30 and extend from their underside 126 towards the mounting surface 14.

[0220] In one embodiment, a first holder and a second, spaced-apart holder are provided. These are designed as described below and, in particular, are identical. Preferably, the first holder and the second holder are arranged symmetrically to the central plane 94, and the space 102 lies between them.

[0221] In Figure 9 A first position 156 is indicated where the first bracket is located, and a second position 158 is indicated where the second bracket is located. These are, as mentioned, the mounting points for the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 on the base 30.

[0222] The holders 154 are designed as holding domes or holding mushrooms.

[0223] They work together with a respective intake 160 of the dirt fluid tank system 32.

[0224] When the dirt fluid tank device 32 is held at the base 30, the holder 154 dips into the associated receptacle 160 ( Figure 11 ).

[0225] The holder 154 and the associated receptacle 160 form a holder-receptacle combination 162, which is designed as a snap-fit ​​connection device. In Figure 11 A corresponding holding or locking position is shown.

[0226] The holder 154 comprises a first element 164, which corresponds to a second element 166 of the receptacle 160 on the dirt fluid tank device 32.

[0227] The first element 164 has a receiving area 168 for the second element 166. This receiving area 168 is, for example, cylindrical in shape.

[0228] The receiving area 168 of the first element 164 is bounded by a bead 170. The bead 170 has a diameter (in a direction transverse to the height axis 92) which is larger than the corresponding diameter of the receiving area 168.

[0229] In one embodiment, the bead 170 is arranged as an annular region on the first element 164. It has a first surface region 172, which faces the receiving region 168. A second surface region 174 adjoins the first surface region 172 and faces away from the receiving region 168.

[0230] The bead 170 is conically shaped on the first surface area 172, extending away from the receiving area 168. It is also conically shaped on the second surface area 174, with an inclination towards the receiving area 168.

[0231] The first surface area 172 forms an inclined plane which, as will be explained in more detail below, requires force to detach the second element 166 from the first element 164. The second surface area 174 also forms an inclined plane which requires force to connect the second element 166 to the first element 164.

[0232] A certain amount of force is required (by an operator) to remove the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 from the base 30. Furthermore, a certain amount of force is required by an operator to insert the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 onto the base 30. This force is determined by the cone angle of the first surface area 172 and by the cone angle of the second surface area 174.

[0233] In one embodiment, the cone angle of the first surface area 172 is larger than the cone angle of the second surface area 174 (compare Figure 11 The first cone angle for the first surface area 172 is designated with the reference numeral 176. The second cone angle for the second surface area 174 is designated with 178. The second cone angle 178 is smaller than the first cone angle 176. This means that the force required to release and remove the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 from the base 30 is greater than the force required to insert (fix) the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 onto the base 30.

[0234] The second element 166 on the receptacle 160 of the dirt fluid tank device 32 is designed as a spreading element, which has at least two and preferably at least three tabs which are movable transversely to the vertical axis 92 (with an increase in the distance between them).

[0235] The second element 166, acting as a spreading element, is pushed onto the holder 154.

[0236] When the receptacle 160 is positioned on the associated holder 154, a spreading action is performed by driving over the second element 166 of the second surface area 174 with appropriate force, increasing the distance between the tabs until the receptacle area 168 is reached. The tabs of the spreading element 166 are spring-loaded and snap back into place. The bead 170 acts as a stop, preventing the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 from falling off the base 30.

[0237] A snap-fit ​​connection is established via the holder-mount combination 162.

[0238] To release the locking connection, an operator applies force to the dirt fluid tank device 32 and moves the second element (the spreading element) over the bead 170 and thereby over the first surface area 172. A corresponding force is required to spread the second element 166 (the spreading element) in order to enlarge the cross-section sufficiently so that the bead 170 can be traversed by the second element 166.

[0239] A corresponding intermediate state after driving over it is in Figure 13 shown. The locking connection is released there. The spreading element 166 (the second element 166) has passed over the bead 170 and lies outside the receiving area 168.

[0240] In the position of the dirty fluid tank device 32 relative to the base 30, which is in Figure 13 As shown, the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 falls from the base 30 when it is lifted parallel to the vertical direction 92.

[0241] In the case of the blocking position according to Figure 11 However, the locking connection is established and the dirt fluid tank device 32 is fixed to the base 30.

[0242] The receptacles 160 on the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 are open at the top 128 to allow the insertion of the corresponding holder 154. The receptacle has a hollow, frustoconical extension 180 towards the top 128. This extension 180 serves as an insertion and centering aid for the pin-shaped holder 154 into the associated receptacle 160.

[0243] If the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is held at the base 30 by the holder-receiver combination 162 (at locations 156, 158), then the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is movably mounted (in one direction / opposite direction parallel to the vertical axis 92) and is therefore floating. The weight of the floor cleaning machine 10 is supported on the floor 16 to be cleaned via the cleaning roller unit 18 and the support element 120. The dirt fluid tank assembly 32 has no such supporting function. The dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is movably (floating) mounted transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the installation surface 14.

[0244] For example, if the roller diameter of the cleaning roller unit 18 varies (due to manufacturing tolerances or wear), the sweeping element 62 is still in its optimal position relative to the floor 16 to be cleaned.

[0245] The swivel joint 84 gives the retaining rod device 36 a swivel angle range of swivel mobility to the cleaning head 12, which lies between a lower limit and an upper limit.

[0246] A swivel angle of 182 (compare) Figure 19(a) ) is in particular quantitatively defined as an angle between the second longitudinal axis 42 of the support rod device 36 and a plane 184 parallel to the mounting surface 14.

[0247] A minimum swivel angle 182, i.e., the lower limit, is 0° or greater than 0°. In particular, the lower limit is less than 50° and preferably less than 40° and especially preferably less than 30°.

[0248] The lower limit is defined by the attachment of the retaining rod device 36 to an underside which defines the free space 102 (compare Figure 9 ) limited, predetermined.

[0249] Due to the design of the pivot joint 84 as an orbital joint and due to the clearance 102, the lower limit can be at approximately 0° and can in particular be less than 10° and preferably less than 5°.

[0250] The smaller the lower limit of the swivel angle 182, the smaller the overall height of the floor cleaning machine 10 (the height of the cleaning head 12 and the support rod 36) along the vertical axis 92 perpendicular to the base 14. Conversely, the smaller the overall height, the better the clearance for the floor cleaning machine 10, for example, under furniture. If, for instance, the lower limit of the swivel angle 182 is very small, then the clearance height is essentially determined by the height of the cleaning head 12 along the vertical axis 92, including the corresponding height of the swivel angle 182.

[0251] Furthermore, the swivel angle range has an upper limit ( Figure 19(b) ).

[0252] The upper limit of the swivel angle 182 is preset as a detent position ( Figure 19 It lies particularly in the range between 80° and 120° of the swivel angle 182. In a preferred embodiment, it lies at approximately 90° ( Figure 19(b) ).

[0253] The upper limit is such that a parking position with a detent position is provided for the retaining rod device 36 with respect to the cleaning head 12, whereby pivoting with respect to the cleaning head 12 is then blocked in the sense that an increased force is necessary to enable pivoting of the retaining rod device 36 at the pivot joint 84 about the pivot axis 40 again.

[0254] The holder-receiver combination 162 is described as consisting of a holder 154, which is rigidly connected to the base 30, and a receptacle 160, which is arranged on the wastewater tank assembly 32. The holder 154 is rod-shaped and the receptacle 160 is an opening. A kinematic reversal is also possible, in which a rod-shaped element is arranged on the wastewater tank assembly 32 and a corresponding receptacle in the form of an opening is located on the base 30.

[0255] To create a parking position 185 ( Figure 19(b) ) is a locking device 186 ( Figures 10 , 12 ) provided.

[0256] The locking device 186 comprises one and in particular at least two and preferably exactly two ( Figures 10 , 12 ). The pin-immersion opening combinations 188 are arranged in the area of ​​the pivot joint 84.

[0257] In Figure 9A first position 190 and a second position 192 are shown, at which respective pin-dip opening combinations 188 are positioned. The first position 190 and the second position 192 are mirror-symmetrical about the central plane 94.

[0258] The pin-immersion opening combination 188 comprises an immersion opening 194, which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the web guidance device 86 on the cleaning head 12 and in particular on the base 30.

[0259] As a counterpart to the corresponding immersion opening 194, a pin 196 is provided, which is rotationally fixed to the retaining rod device 36 and can be pivoted with it about the pivot axis 40 relative to the cleaning head 12.

[0260] The pin 196 is mounted on a guide 198 and is linearly displaceable along a displacement axis 200. The displacement axis 200 is movable with the pivoting movement of the retaining rod device 36 relative to the cleaning head 12. It is oriented transversely to a circumference of the circular track section 88.

[0261] The pin 196 is spring-loaded via a spring assembly 202, the spring force of which tends to push the pin 196 towards the circumference of the circular track section 88. The spring force of the spring assembly 202 acts on the cleaning head 12.

[0262] The pin 196 has a bulge 204 ( Figure 10 ), which is arranged in a ring shape. The guide 198 has an annular stop 206 for the bead 204. By bearing against the stop 206, the bead 204 forms a lock for the linear displacement of the pin 196 on the guide 198 ( Figure 10). A basic position of the pin 196 is such that the spring device 202 presses the pin 196 to the circumference of the circular track section 88 until the bead 204 rests against the stop 206 ( Figure 10 This basic position is present when the pin 196 is not immersed in the immersion opening 194. The basic position is also present when the parking position 185 of the retaining rod device 36 and the cleaning head 12 has not been reached, that is, when the upper limit of the swivel angle 182 has not been reached. See also Figure 10 , whereby the pin 196 is not immersed in the immersion opening 194.

[0263] In this basic position of the pin 196 outside the immersion opening 194, the free pivoting of the retaining rod device 36 to the cleaning head 12 about the pivot axis 40 is ensured.

[0264] The respective immersion opening 194 is formed on a block element 208. The block element 208 encompasses the immersion opening 194 as a recess or bore. A first inclined plane 210 is arranged or formed on the block element 208 outside the immersion opening 194. This plane rises from the circular path section 88. It is located at the end of the circular path section 88, and the distance to the pivot axis 40 increases at the first inclined plane 210.

[0265] The first inclined plane 210 serves to insert the pin 196 into the insertion opening 194, displacing the pin 196 away from the stop 206 with a corresponding force against the spring force of the spring device 202. This force must be applied by an operator.

[0266] The pin 196 has a first contact surface 212, which is formed at one end of the pin 196. The first contact surface 212 is adapted to the first inclined plane 210. When the pin 196 is inserted into the insertion opening 194, the first contact surface 212 is guided along the first inclined plane 210 while in contact with it.

[0267] The immersion opening 194, which is formed in the block element 208, has a wall which is designed as a second inclined plane 214.

[0268] Starting from the lower boundary, the pin 196 is guided along the circular path section 88 by increasing the swivel angle 182 and then via the first inclined plane 210 into the immersion opening 194.

[0269] The second inclined plane 214 serves to guide the pin 196 out of the immersion opening 194 by reducing the swivel angle 182 starting from the upper limit.

[0270] The pin 196 has a second contact surface 216, which is adapted to the second inclined plane 214.

[0271] To guide the pin 196 out of the insertion opening 194, the second contact surface 216 is guided along the second inclined plane 214 (while reducing the pivot angle 182), in contact with the second inclined plane 214. The spring force of the spring assembly 202 must be overcome for this purpose.

[0272] In one embodiment, the first inclined plane 210 has a smaller angle than the second inclined plane 214. As a result, the force required to release the lock by pulling the pin 196 out of the insertion opening 194 is greater than the force required to move the pin 196 into the insertion opening 194 via the second inclined plane 214, thereby engaging the lock and reaching the parking position 185.

[0273] An alternative embodiment of a pin 196' ( Figure 14 ) has a contact surface 197 at one tip, which is conically shaped. In a further alternative embodiment, the pin is spherically shaped at the tip (in Figure 14 (indicated in broken lines). The pin 196 or the pin 196' is made in particular of a metallic material.

[0274] If the pin 196 is guided along the corresponding circular track section 88 outside the block element 208, then preferably a tip 218 lies between the first contact surface 212 and the second contact surface 216 on this circular track section 88.

[0275] Above, an embodiment was described in which the corresponding pin 196 of the pin-immersion opening combination 188 is guided on the same circular track section 88 as the counter device 90.

[0276] It is also possible that a circular track section 88 is provided which is separate from this circular track section 88 for the counter device 90, but is concentric to the pivot axis 40.

[0277] If the locking position according to Figure 12 Once this position is reached, an operator can, by applying sufficient force and a torque to the retaining rod 36 in the direction of the floor 16 to be cleaned, on which the floor cleaning machine 10 is properly positioned via the cleaning head 12, release the locking mechanism and guide the corresponding pin 196 out of the immersion opening 194. Free pivoting down to the lower limit is then possible.

[0278] To reach parking position 185 with locking by immersion of the pin 196 in the insertion opening 194, an operator pivots the retaining rod device 36 about the pivot axis 40 towards parking position 185 until parking position 185 is reached by the pin 196 engaging in the associated insertion opening 194. Figure 10 An intermediate position is shown shortly before reaching the locking position.

[0279] In the Figures 19(a) to (e) Different pivot positions of the retaining rod device 36 relative to the cleaning head 12 are shown.

[0280] In Figure 19(a)A "working" swivel position is shown. The swivel angle 182 is between the lower and upper limits. The floor cleaning machine 10 can be used to work the floor 16 to be cleaned. An operator adjusts the swivel angle 182 to their height. If a piece of furniture or the like needs to be accessed, the swivel angle 182 is reduced.

[0281] The operator guides the cleaning head 12 over the floor 16 to be cleaned using the support rod 36 with the adapted swivel angle 182. The cleaning roller unit 18 rotates around the axis of rotation 46. Due to the direction of rotation 52, the cleaning head 12, and thus the floor cleaning machine 10, is propelled forward.

[0282] The support rod 36 is directly connected to the roller mount 106 and thus to the cleaning roller unit 18. When the support rod 36 pivots about the pivot axis 40, the cleaning roller unit 18 pivots along with it. If it is supported against the floor 16 to be cleaned, it rolls along the floor 16. This movement is superimposed on the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 18 about the axis of rotation 46 and has no negative effect on the cleaning result or the like. Due to the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 18, the angular range that the cleaning roller unit 18 traverses in the same unit of time as during a pivoting movement is much larger.

[0283] The support rod 36 is directly connected to the cleaning roller unit 18 and its weight acts directly on the cleaning roller unit 18. The weight of the support rod 36 presses the cleaning roller unit 18, with its roller parts 116 and 118, against the floor 16 to be cleaned. The support rod 36, through its own weight, provides a contact force for the cleaning roller unit 18 against the floor 16. This improves the cleaning effect; the mechanical action of the cleaning roller unit 18 on the floor 16 is enhanced. The dirt removal capacity of the floor cleaning machine 10 is improved.

[0284] The described design of the pivot joint 84 as an orbital pivot joint results in a large pivot range between the lower limit and the upper limit.

[0285] To park the floor cleaning machine 10, the operator increases the swivel angle 182 until the parking position 185 is reached ( Figure 19(b) ) and the retaining rod assembly 36 is locked to the cleaning head 12 via the locking device 186. In the park position 185, the retaining rod assembly 36 cannot "fall down" on its own (due to its own weight) by reducing the swivel angle 182 towards the lower limit.

[0286] In parking position 185, the floor cleaning machine 10 is parked, for example, for storage. In particular, it is also provided that in parking position 185, an automated cleaning process of the cleaning roller unit 18 and, if applicable, other parts of the cleaning head 12 is carried out via a corresponding cleaning station or storage station (not shown in the figures). For example, it is also possible to charge a battery unit at the corresponding floor station and to refill cleaning fluid at the cleaning fluid tank unit 50. If necessary, the dirt fluid tank unit 32 can also be emptied at the floor station.

[0287] Starting from parking position 185, the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 can also be easily removed from the cleaning head 12 ( Figure 19(c), (d) ).

[0288] With the cleaning head 12 properly positioned on the floor 16 to be cleaned, the operator exerts a force on the footplate 34 in the direction of the floor 16, particularly via one foot. This force is Figure 19 indicated by reference numeral 220. It then exerts a torque on the retaining rod device 36, which extends beyond the upper limit and continues to increase the swivel angle 182. This torque is exerted in such a way that the retaining rod device 36 is to be swivelled towards the base 16, but from the rear end 22 of the cleaning head 12 towards the front end 20.

[0289] This torque is applied in the park position 185, in which the retaining rod assembly 36 is locked to the base 30 by the locking device 186. The swivel angle 182 can be increased slightly, if necessary, by adjusting the play in the play-immersion opening combinations 188. Once this play is exhausted, the cleaning head 12, which is then supported on the base 16 by the cleaning roller unit 18, rotates relative to the dirt fluid tank assembly 32. This raises the base 30 relative to the dirt fluid tank assembly 32.

[0290] This causes the holders 154 to emerge from the corresponding receptacles 160. The locking position is released and the cleaning head 12 can then be removed from the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 (compare Figure 19(d) ).

[0291] The operator's intervention on the footplate 34 keeps the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 attached to the floor 16. The operator uses force 220 to fix the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 to the floor 16.

[0292] This minimizes the movement of the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 when it is removed from the cleaning head 12, and largely prevents liquid dirt fluid from sloshing around in the dirt fluid tank assembly 32.

[0293] The removal of the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 from the cleaning head 12 was described above in connection with the application of torque, in particular pivoting of the cleaning head 12 to the floor 16.

[0294] In principle, it is also possible for the cleaning head 12 to be removed from the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 by pulling upwards, with an operator fixing the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 to the floor 16 by applying force to the foot tab 34.

[0295] In Figure 19(d) The diagram shows a situation that arises after the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 has been detached from the cleaning head 12, either by pivoting and lifting or by pulling it directly upwards. The cleaning head 12 is then permanently removed from the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 within the retaining rod assembly 36.

[0296] In Figure 19(e)The figure shows a situation in which the cleaning head 12 is placed back onto the dirt fluid tank assembly 32, i.e., in which the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is fixed to the cleaning head 12. For this purpose, the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 is placed on the base 16. If necessary, an operator fixes the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 to the base 16 by applying force to the footplate 34.

[0297] The cleaning head 12 is then placed on top of the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 in such a way that the corresponding holder 154 is immersed in the associated receptacle 60 on the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 until a locking action is achieved (and accordingly the respective second element 166 is then located in the associated receiving area 168 of the first element 164).

[0298] The cleaning head 12 is preferably placed on the cleaning head 12 with a parking position 185 of the retaining rod device 36 in relation to the cleaning head 12, i.e. with a locking of the retaining rod device 36 to the cleaning head 12 by the locking device 186.

[0299] By appropriately shaping the first surface area 172 and the second surface area 14, a greater force is preferably required to remove the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 from the cleaning head 12 ( Figures 19(c) and (d) ) necessary as for fixing ( Figure 19(e) ).

[0300] In principle, the operator can remove the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 from the cleaning head 12 and insert it into the cleaning head 12 hands-free; that is, he does not have to touch the dirt fluid tank assembly 32. In particular, he can perform the corresponding operations by grasping and holding the retaining rod assembly 36. He does not have to bend down or kneel.

[0301] The wiping element 70 is movably arranged on the cleaning head 12 and on the base 30 via the holder 72. In the Figures 28 to 30An embodiment of a holder 72 is shown. The holder 72 has a base 222. The base 222 has a rear end 224 and a front end 226. The base 222 is wider at the front end 226 than at the rear end 224; the base 222 has a first region 228 and a second region 230, wherein the rear end 224 is located at the first region 228 and the front end 226 is located at the second region 230.

[0302] The holder 72 is pivotally mounted on the base 30 of the cleaning head 2 via the first area 228. The second area 230 carries the scraper element 70 and a comb element 232.

[0303] On the first section 228, shaft stubs 234 are arranged, projecting laterally outwards. Opposite shaft stubs 234 are provided, which are aligned in a straight line. A pivot axis 236 is defined by the shaft stubs 234. With the holder 72 fixed at the base 30, the pivot axis 236 is parallel to the pivot axis 40 or parallel to the rotation axis 46. It is parallel to the mounting surface 14.

[0304] In one embodiment, a continuous scraper element 70 is provided for the cleaning roller unit 18, which acts on both the first roller part 116 and the second roller part 118 ( Figure 25(a) In particular, no recess or the like is provided for the central part 114. The scraper element 70 extends continuously between a first end face 238 and an opposing second end face 240.

[0305] In one embodiment, the scraper element 70 is arranged or formed as a web on the second area 230. In particular, this web is integrally connected to the second area 230, that is, integrally connected to the holder 72.

[0306] The comb element 232 is also located on the holder 72. It acts on the cleaning roller unit 18 and serves to collect hair; the comb element 232 is a hair comb.

[0307] The comb element 232 comprises at least one row 242 and, in particular, a plurality of rows 242 of pins 244. Adjacent pins 244 are spaced apart from each other. A pin dips into a set 246 (compare, for example, Figure 20 ) the cleaning roller unit 18 in order to "filter out" hair from the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0308] In Figure 20 The immersion into the stock 246 over a length 248 of the pin 244 is shown.

[0309] It is also intended that the scraper element 70 will immerse itself in the stock 246.

[0310] With respect to the direction of rotation 52 (compare Figure 3 The comb element 232 is positioned downstream of the scraper element 70. A section of the cleaning roller unit 18, which rotates from the base 16 in the direction of rotation 52, first passes the scraper element 70 and then the comb element 232. This results in a space-optimized arrangement.

[0311] The comb element 232 (the rows 242) are arranged on the second area 230 between the front end 226 and the scraper element 70 (compare Figure 30 ).

[0312] In the illustrated embodiment according to the Figures 28 to 30The comb element 232 extends over a shorter transverse length than the scraper element 70, meaning that the distance between the outer ends of the comb element 232 is smaller than the distance between the end faces 238 and 240 of the scraper element 70 ( Figure 30 ).

[0313] The holder 72 is pivotally mounted at the base 30. It is spring-loaded to press the scraper element 70 and the comb element 232 into the bristle 246. A corresponding spring mechanism is provided, which is located, for example, in the area of ​​the shaft stubs 234 at the corresponding pivot bearing 250. This is shown in Figure 20 indicated by the reference number 252.

[0314] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible, for example, for a corresponding spiral spring of the spring assembly to be supported at the base 30 and at the second area of ​​the holder 72 in order to press it against the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0315] As mentioned above, the scraper element 70 is arranged as a web 254 on the second area 30. This web 254 has a first flank 256, which faces the mouth opening 56. It has an opposing second flank 258, which faces away from the mouth opening 56 ( Figure 20 The second flank 258 faces the comb element 232. An edge 260 lies between the first flank 256 and the second flank 258. A contact line 262 runs through the edge 260 ( Figure 25 ) formed. This corresponds to the edge profile and can be described by a mathematical curve.

[0316] The web 254 of the wiper element 70 has a triangular cross-section over the first flank 256 and the second flank 258 (compare Figure 20 The contact line 262 has a finite width.

[0317] Contact line 262 is located in stocking 246 (compare Figure 20) or at least rests against the fitting 246. The scraper element 70 comes into contact with or is immersed in the fitting 246 via the contact line 262.

[0318] The wiper element 70 is designed as a guide element for dirt fluid on the cleaning roller unit 18. The design is, in one embodiment ( Figure 25(a) ) such that the dirt fluid is not only removed from the cleaning roller unit 18 (from the brush 246) via the scraper element 70, but is also guided in a defined manner to a central area 264. This central area 264 is located at the cleaning roller unit 18 and at the scraper element 70. From the central area 264, the dirt fluid (predominantly) is coupled into the outlet opening 56. The central area 264 is located at the central plane 94.

[0319] The wiper element 70 is curved. The contact line 262 has a first length L 1 (arc length) between the first end face 238 and the second end face 240.

[0320] A distance D between the first end face 238 and the second end face 240, wherein a distance direction for the distance D is parallel to the pivot axis 236 or parallel to the pivot axis 40 or parallel to the rotation axis 46, is smaller than this length L 1 .

[0321] In one embodiment, the cleaning roller unit 18 (as a combination of first cleaning roller 116 and second cleaning roller 118 with a gap between them) has a second length L 2 in the spacing direction (i.e. parallel to the axis of rotation 46) (compare Figure 4 ), which is smaller than the length L 1 .

[0322] The curvature of the wiper element 70 at the contact line 262 can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional in the sense that a mathematical curve which describes the course of the contact line 262 and is a curved curve can be a planar curve (two-dimensional curvature) or a spatial curve (three-dimensional curvature).

[0323] In particular, the corresponding curve, which mathematically describes the course of the contact line 262, then mathematically exhibits a first curvature (in the sense of a differential geometric curvature), or exhibits a first curvature and a second curvature.

[0324] In particular, the first curvature is negative, meaning that the corresponding mathematical curve describing the course of contact line 262 is concave, or the first curvature and the second curvature are each negative and the corresponding curve is a concave curve.

[0325] The outlet 54 forms a discharge area for the cleaning fluid from the cleaning roller unit 18 into the cleaning fluid tank unit 32. The contact line 262 is concave towards this discharge area, i.e., towards the outlet opening 56. This concave shape is located on the first flank 256.

[0326] On the second flank 258, that is, facing away from the discharge area (the muzzle opening 56), a convex formation is present. A corresponding concave area 266 and a convex area 268 are shown in Figure 25 shown.

[0327] In one embodiment, the contact line 262 has the shape of a circular arc segment. The corresponding mathematical curve describing the path of the contact line 262 has a constant curvature. In particular, a first curvature can be provided, which is constant, and if the contact line 262 can be described by a spatial curve, a constant second curvature can be present.

[0328] It is specifically intended that a radius of curvature R lies in the range between 2L 2 and 6L 2 (2L 2 < R < 6L 2 ).

[0329] The wiper element 70 has a vertex 270 above the contact line 262, which in one embodiment (see Figure 25(a) ) is arranged on the median plane 94. The course of the mathematical curve that describes the course of the contact line 262 can be described in cylindrical coordinates. A projection of the contact line 262 onto an (imaginary) cylinder 272 ( Figure 25(a)) with a cylinder axis 274. The contact line 262 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the vertex 270 or the median plane 94 ( Figure 25(a) A polar angle φ varies along the curve. At the apex 270 (point B according to Figure 25(a) ) a maximum polar angle lies φ s before, and starting from this vertex 270, the polar angle takes φ The decrease is consistent. It decreases in the same way towards the end faces 238 and 240, and in particular continuously and steadily. Specifically, there is also a monotonic decrease.

[0330] It may also be provided that the distance of this curve to the cylinder axis 274 decreases.

[0331] In Figure 21 is a cut through the cleaning head 12 at point A according to Figure 25 shown, and in Figure 22 a cut at point B (that is, at the vertex 270).

[0332] An angle exists between the first flank 256 and a plane 276, which is parallel to the mounting surface 14. At point A according to Figure 21 This angle α is measured at the vertex 270° according to... Figure 22 This angle is β, where β is greater than α. At point B, the scraper element 70 protrudes less far into the covering 246 than at point A (compare Figure 17 and 16 This is caused by the corresponding curvature at contact line 262.

[0333] It is specifically provided that the outlet opening 56 along the scraper element 70 has a third length L3, which is smaller than the first length L1. Due to the guiding function of the scraper element 70, the dirt fluid is transported into the discharge area (towards the outlet opening 56) even at the cleaning roller unit 18. A smaller outlet opening 56 is then sufficient. This, in turn, reduces the contamination area on the floor cleaning machine 10.

[0334] On the cleaning roller unit 18, the curvature of the wiper element 70 creates a guide zone for the cleaning fluid on its surface and also in the penetration area of ​​the wiper element 70. The cleaning fluid is guided through this guide zone on the cleaning roller unit 18 by the wiper element 70 to the central area 264. This allows the discharge area to be smaller relative to the axis of rotation 46; that is, the outlet opening 56 can be designed with a shorter length L3 than, for example, with a straight wiper element 70. This results in a smaller transfer area for the cleaning fluid to the cleaning fluid tank 32. This simplifies the cleaning fluid discharge process and reduces equipment contamination.

[0335] Any foam that may occur at the cleaning roller unit 18 is guided to the central area 264 by the scraper element 70.

[0336] This reduces or at least greatly reduces the foam escaping from the end faces of the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0337] In the embodiment according to Figure 25(a) A scraper element 70 was described, which is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 18 with first roller part 116 and second roller part 118 and in which the apex 270 is arranged on a central plane.

[0338] In Figure 25(b) An alternative embodiment is shown with a scraper element that is not continuous. Each roller section 116 or 118 is assigned its own scraper element, and these scraper elements are arranged on a single holder (the holder 72).

[0339] In Figure 25 A contact line 262' is shown for the example case of the first roller part 116.

[0340] The first roller section has a length L 2 *.

[0341] This length L 2 * lies between the corresponding end faces of the first roller part 116 (or the second roller part 118).

[0342] The corresponding edge element has the edge profile 262', which is symmetrical. In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding stripping element, which is assigned to the first roller part 116 (or the second roller part 118), is circularly curved, with a radius of curvature R* lying particularly in the range between 2L 2 * and 6L 2 * (2L 2 * < R* < 6L 2 *).

[0343] This achieves, in particular, the removal of dirt fluid from the corresponding roller part 116 or 118.

[0344] With regard to the cleaning roller unit 18, the combination of the scraper elements has a "double hump shape", whereby in the combination the corresponding scraper elements can then be spaced apart or continuous.

[0345] It is also fundamentally possible that the corresponding curved path of the wiper element 70, as in the Figures 26 and 27 indicated, asymmetrical, and lacking a vertex or a vertex on a median plane. This can be particularly due to a targeted drainage of dirt fluid to a page 310 ( Figure 26 ) or to page 312 ( Figure 27 ) take place.

[0346] It is fundamentally possible that the course of the scraper element 70, as in the Figures 26 and 27 indicated, referring to the cleaning roller unit 18 as a whole with combination of first roller part 116 and second roller part 118, or referring to only one roller part 116 or 118.

[0347] With reference to the cleaning roller unit 18 with first roller part 116 and second roller part 118, the progression is as follows: Figures 26 or 27 asymmetrical. For example, if the progression for the first roller section 116 is according to Figure 26is present and for the second roller part 118 the course according to Figure 27 The overall profile of the cleaning roller unit 18, comprising the first roller section 116 and the second roller section 118, is symmetrical. In this embodiment, the flow is directed outwards.

[0348] It can also be the other way around, with the flow directed inwards and the roles of the roller parts 116 and 118 being reversed.

[0349] In principle, the design of the curved scraper element is also possible if the cleaning roller unit only has one roller part.

[0350] The design of the scraper element 70 with a curvature was described using the floor cleaning machine 10 as an example. This solution of the curved design can also be used on other types of surface cleaning machines, such as a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine (cleaning robot).

[0351] The floor cleaning machine 10 according to the invention functions as follows: For cleaning operation, the cleaning head 12 is positioned on the floor 16 to be cleaned. An operator guides the cleaning head 12 over the floor 16 to be cleaned using the support rod device 36. After switching on, the cleaning roller unit 18 rotates around the axis of rotation 46, driven by the drive motor 98.

[0352] In a wiping operation (wet cleaning operation), cleaning fluid is supplied from the tank device 50 for cleaning fluid, in particular to the cleaning roller unit 18.

[0353] The floor 16 to be cleaned is moistened to improve dirt removal. Dirt is picked up and transported via the cleaning roller unit 18 to the scraper element 70. The cleaning fluid, which is primarily liquid containing dirt particles, is removed by the cleaning roller unit 18 and conveyed to the cleaning fluid tank 32.

[0354] The guiding element function of the wiper element 70, due to its corresponding curvature, results in a simplified discharge of the dirt fluid.

[0355] It can also pick up coarse dirt. The sweeping element 62 feeds coarse dirt to the cleaning roller unit 18. This transports the coarse dirt directly into the dirt fluid tank 32 and / or it is removed by the scraper element 70.

[0356] Hair is removed from the cleaning roller unit 18 via the comb element 232.

[0357] It is also possible to operate the machine purely as a sweeping machine without moistening with cleaning fluid. In particular, an operator can then set a control panel to disable moistening.

[0358] The cleaning roller unit 18, in which the bristle 246 is a textile material, is used particularly in wet cleaning operations. The cleaning roller unit 18 can also be used for sweeping.

[0359] It is also possible, for example, that for a sweeping process the cleaning roller unit 18 is replaced and a cleaning roller unit is used in which the bristles are used.

[0360] Depending on requirements, the floor cleaning machine 10 allows for either dry cleaning or wet cleaning.

[0361] The orbital joint 84 supports the support rod 36 against the cleaning roller unit 18, exerting a corresponding contact force on the floor 16 to be cleaned. This increases the mechanical action of the cleaning roller unit 18 on the floor 16 and improves the dirt removal and dirt absorption capacity of the floor cleaning machine 10.

[0362] Through this aforementioned design of the swivel joint 84, the cleaning roller unit 18 experiences a maximum contact pressure via the retaining rod device 36 over the floor cleaning machine 10 itself.

[0363] The dirt fluid tank assembly 32 always remains in the same position relative to the floor 16 to be cleaned. This also allows the sweeping element 62 to be kept in the same position relative to the floor 16. This results in improved coarse dirt pickup and overall improved cleaning.

[0364] The swiveling of the support rod device 36 on the cleaning head 12 results in simplified operation. This also allows for good clearance under furniture and the like.

[0365] The provision of the footplate 34 and the parking position 185 allows the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 to be easily removed from the cleaning head 12, and the cleaning head 12 can be easily attached to the dirt fluid tank assembly 32. In particular, the operator does not need to touch the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 with their hands to remove or attach it.

[0366] By designing the swivel joint 84 as an orbital joint, it is ensured that, in every swivel position of the support rod device 36 to the cleaning head 12 about the swivel axis 40 within the swivel angle range, the dirt fluid tank device 32 always assumes the same position relative to the floor 16 and remains parallel to the floor 16.

[0367] In the parking position 185, a locking mechanism is achieved and the floor cleaning machine 10 is in a stable position, meaning that the retaining rod device 36 is locked and the floor cleaning machine 10 "does not fall over by itself".

[0368] The at least one support element 120, which is arranged at the base 30 (and not at the dirt fluid tank assembly 32), provides optimized support for the weight of the cleaning head 12 with the dirt fluid tank assembly 32 on the floor 16 to be cleaned. A dirt fluid tank assembly 32 with a relatively large capacity for dirt fluid can be realized.

[0369] In one embodiment ( Figures 15 to 18 ) the retaining rod device 36 is provided to be rotatable about the axis of rotation 41, particularly with regard to the handle 38.

[0370] The retaining rod device 36 comprises a first part 278 and a second part 280, wherein the second part 280 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 41 relative to the first part 278.

[0371] In one embodiment, the first part 278 coincides with the first area 76 and the second part 280 coincides with the second area 78 of the retaining rod device 36.

[0372] In one embodiment, the axis of rotation 41 is coaxial with the first longitudinal axis 80. However, it is also possible for the axis of rotation 41 to be parallel with, for example, the second longitudinal axis 42. The following describes an embodiment in which the axis of rotation 41 is parallel with the first longitudinal axis 80.

[0373] During rotation about the axis of rotation 41, the drive motor 98 and the gear unit 104 do not rotate with it. These are arranged on the first part 278.

[0374] A locking device 282 is provided ( Figures 15 to 18), which, on the one hand, releases the rotation of the second part 280 to the first part 278 (of the second area 78 to the first area 76) outside of a locking position 284 ( Figure 15 , 16 ) and in the locking position 284, the rotation of the second part 280 of the retaining bar device 36 to the first part 278 of the retaining bar device 36 about the axis of rotation 41 is blocked ( Figures 17 , 18 ).

[0375] In the representations according to the Figures 15 to 18 is a fairing 386 (compare Figure 4 ) taken to explain the operation of the locking device 284.

[0376] The locking device 284 comprises a slide 288, which is movably and, in particular, linearly movable on the first part 278 (on the first area 76). A displacement axis 289 is, in particular, parallel to the axis of rotation 41.

[0377] The slide 288 has a nose 290 in the area of ​​a first end (compare for example Figure 16The slide 288 can be supported on the cleaning head 12 and on a corresponding counter surface 292 via this lug 290. Outside the parked position 185, the lug 290 is spaced apart from the counter surface 292. When the parked position 185 is reached, the lug 290 acts on the counter surface 292, causing the slide 288 to move in the direction 289. The slide 288 is spring-supported and mounted on the first part 278 via a spring assembly 294. The spring assembly is arranged and designed such that it pushes the slide 288 with the lug 290 towards the cleaning head 12. To move the slide 288 in the opposite direction (away from the cleaning head 12), the spring force of the spring assembly 294 must be overcome. This overcoming of the spring force of the spring device 294 occurs when the parking position 185 is reached.By supporting the nose 290 on the opposite surface 292, the slide 288 as a whole is moved in the direction of the second part 280.

[0378] At an end opposite the end where the nose 290 is located, the slide 288 has an immersion element 296. In the parked position 185, the immersion element 296 can immerse itself in a corresponding immersion opening 298 of the second part 280. This creates a positive fit with respect to rotation about the axis of rotation 41, and the second part 280 of the retaining rod assembly 36 (the second section 78) can no longer rotate about the axis of rotation 41 relative to the first part 278 (the first section 76).

[0379] When the retaining rod device 36 is moved into the parking position 185, the slide 288 as a whole is pushed towards the second part 280 and the immersion element 296 dips into the immersion opening 298 (with the second part 280 being aligned with the first part 278) and in the corresponding locking position 284 the rotation of the second part 280 to the first part 278 about the axis of rotation 41 is blocked.

[0380] Outside of the park position 185, the spring mechanism 294 acts on the slide 288 in such a way that it moves it towards the cleaning head 12 or holds it there. The immersion element 296 is then exposed from the immersion opening 298, and outside of the locking position 284, the second part 280 can be rotated relative to the first part 278 about the pivot axis 41.

[0381] The locking device 284 has an overload protection 300. This overload protection 300 essentially serves to prevent damage in the event of rotation in the park position 185 about the axis of rotation 41.

[0382] In one embodiment, the slide 288 is (at least) formed in two parts, with a first part 302 and a second part 304. The nose 290 is attached to the first part 302. The immersion element 296 is attached to the second part 304.

[0383] The second part 304 is slidably mounted on the first part 302, with support provided by a spring device 306.

[0384] In particular, the spring assembly 306 is "hard" compared to the spring assembly 294 and especially significantly harder than the spring assembly 294.

[0385] In a "normal state", the spring force of the spring device 306 acts in such a way that it pushes the second part 304 away from the first part 302 until a stop 308 (compare for example Figure 16 ) of the second part 304 at the first part 302. In this state, the slide 288 as a whole, including the first part 302 and the second part 304, is movable in the displacement direction 289. The slide 288, with the first part 302 and the second part 304, can accordingly reach the locking position 284 in the park position 185 and, outside the park position 185, lie outside the locking position 284, allowing the second part 280 to rotate relative to the first part 278 about the axis of rotation 41.

[0386] In the locked position 284, the slide 288 cannot move with respect to the direction of displacement 289, or at most can move with a certain amount of play. A movement lock towards the cleaning head 12 is provided by the nose 290. This movement lock towards the second part 280 is achieved by the immersion element 296, which is immersed in the immersion opening 298.

[0387] If a large force, and in particular a corresponding torque, is exerted on the second part 280 relative to the first part 278, then the slide 288 cannot move as a whole in the direction of displacement 289. However, due to the multi-part design of the slide 288, the second part 304 can move relative to the first part 302 by overcoming the spring force of the spring assembly 306, and can move away from the stop 308. This allows, in particular, the immersion element 296 to move out of the immersion opening 298. This reduces the risk of damage, as movement is possible. Reference symbol list

[0388] 10 Floor cleaning machine 12 Cleaning head 14 Footprint 16 Floor to be cleaned 18 Cleaning roller unit 20 Front end 22 Rear end 24 Longitudinal axis 26 First lateral side 28 Second lateral side 30 Base 32 Dirt fluid tank device 34 Footplate 36 Support bar device 38 Handle 40 Swivel axis 41 Rotation axis 42 Second longitudinal axis 44 Rotation 46 Rotation axis 4848 Battery holder 50 Cleaning fluid tank 52 Direction of rotation 54 Discharge device 56 Discharge opening 58 Base 60 Wall 62 Sweeping element 64 Coarse dirt 66 Feed device 68 Humidification 70 Scraper element 72 Holder 74 Dirt fluid 76 First area 78 Second area 80 First longitudinal axis 82 Obtuse angle 84 Swivel joint 86 Path guidance device 88 Circular path section 90 Counter device 92 Vertical axis 94 Center plane 98 Drive motor 100 Housing 102 Clearance 104 Gear unit 106 Roller mount 108 Shaft 110 First shaft section 112 Second shaft section 114 Center section 116 First roller section 118 Second roller section 120 support element 122 post 124 roller,Slider 126 Underside [of the base] 127 Underside [of the dirty fluid tank assembly] 128 Top side 130 Wall 132 Cutout 134 First opening part 136 Second opening part 138 First chamber 140 Second chamber 142 Cover 144 Plate 146 Edge wall 148 Discharge direction 150 Space 152 Continuous recess 154 Holder 156 First position 158 Second position 160 Receptacle 162 Holder-receptacle combination 164 First element 166 Second element 168 Receptacle area 170 Bead 172 First surface area 174 Second surface area 176 First conical angle 178 Second conical angle 180 Extension 182 Swivel angle 184 Underside 185 Parking position 186 Locking device 188 Pin-recess combination 190 First position 192 Second position 194 Recess 196196 Pin 197 Contact surface 198 Guide 200 Displacement axis 202 Spring device 204 Bead 206 Stop 208 Block element 210 First inclined plane 212 First contact surface 214 Second inclined plane 216 Second contact surface 218 Tip 220 Force 222 Base 224 Rear end 226 Front end 228 First area 230 Second area 232 Comb element 234 Stub shaft 236 Swivel axis 238 First end face 240 Second end face 242 Row 244 Pin 246 Trim 248 Length 250 Swivel bearing 252 Spring device 254 Web 256 First flank 258 Second flank 260 edge 262,262'Contact line 264middle area 266concave area 268convex area 270verge 272cylinder 274cylinder axis 276plane 278first part 280second part 282locking device 284locking position 286cover 288slider 289direction of movement 290nose 292counter surface 294spring device 296immersion element 298immersion opening 300overload protection 302first part 304second part 306spring device 308stop 310side 312side L1 first length L2, L2*second length L3 third length Ddistance,

Claims

1. Floor cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head (12), at least one cleaning roller unit (18), which is arranged on the cleaning head (18) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (46), and a holding bar device (36), which is held on the cleaning head (12) so as to be pivotable by way of a pivot joint (84), wherein a pivot axis (40) of the pivot joint (84) coincides with the axis of rotation (46) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), characterized in that the pivot joint (84) is configured as an orbital joint with an orbital path guide of the holding bar device (36) on the cleaning head (18).

2. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with Claim 1, characterized by at least one of the following: - the pivot joint (84) has a path guidance device (86), which is seated on the cleaning head (12) in a rotationally-fixed manner and which has a circular path portion (88) with a center that lies on the pivot axis (40), and the pivot joint (84) has a counter-device (90), which is seated on the holding bar device (36) in a rotationally-fixed manner and which is supported on the path guidance device (86), and - the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is arranged in the region of a front end (20) of the cleaning head (12), with the following: - the circular path portion (88) is arranged with a partial region behind the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) relative to a longitudinal axis (24) of the cleaning head (12); - the circular path portion (88) is arranged with a partial region above the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) relative to a height axis (92) of the cleaning head (12); - the counter-device (90) is supported on the path guidance device (86) by way of at least three support points.

3. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pivot joint (84) is arranged centrally between a first lateral side (26) and a second lateral side (28) of the cleaning head (12) spaced at a distance from the first lateral side (26).

4. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that when the holding bar device (36) is pivoted about the pivot axis (40), the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) moves with it.

5. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (12) has associated therewith a step tab (34) in the region of a rear end (22) of the cleaning head (12), wherein the rear end (22) points away from a front end (20) and the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is arranged in the region of the front end (20), with at least one of the following: - the step tab (34) is arranged in alignment with the pivot joint (84) relative to a longitudinal axis (24) of the cleaning head (12) and, in particular, is arranged centrally between a first lateral side (26) and a second lateral side (28) of the cleaning head (12); - with at least one of the following: - the step tab (34) projects beyond a rear end of a base (30) or a housing of the cleaning head (12); - the step tab (34) is seated on a dirty fluid tank device (32), which is removably arranged on the cleaning head (12); - the step tab (34) has raised lateral edge walls (146).

6. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that formed on the cleaning head (12) is a free space (102) in which the holding bar device (36) is movable when pivoted about the pivot axis (40), and in particular in that a step tab (34) is arranged at the free space (102) or in continuation of the free space (102).

7. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by at least one of the following: - a drive motor (98) for the cleaning roller unit (18) is provided, which is connected to the holding bar device (36) in a rotationally-fixed manner with respect to the pivotability of the holding bar device (36) about the pivot axis (40); - a transmission device (104) for transmitting a torque from a drive motor (98) to the at least one cleaning roller unit (118) is provided, wherein the transmission device (104) is connected to the holding bar device (36) in a rotationally-fixed manner with respect to a pivotability of the holding bar device (36) about the pivot axis (40); - a roller receptacle (106) is provided, on which the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is seated, wherein the roller receptacle (106) is connected to the holding bar device (36) in a rotationally-fixed manner with respect to the pivotability of the holding bar device (36).

8. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is seated on a roller receptacle (106) on a shaft having a first shaft part (110), a middle part (114), and a second shaft part (112), wherein the middle part (114) is located between the first shaft part (110) and the second shaft part (112) and a first roller part (116) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is arranged on the first shaft part (110) and a second roller part (118) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is arranged on the second shaft part (112), and in that a center drive is provided, which acts on the middle part (114), and in that the middle part (114) is arranged in alignment with the pivot joint (84) relative to a longitudinal axis (24) of the cleaning head (12).

9. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the holding bar device (36) has a first part (278) and a second part (280), wherein the first part (278) is articulated on the cleaning head (12) and the second part (280) is rotatable about a rotational axis (41) relative to the first part (278), wherein in particular the rotational axis (41) is oriented transversely and preferably perpendicularly to the pivot axis (40) of the pivot joint (84), and in particular characterized by a locking device (282), by means of which a rotatability about the rotational axis (41) is lockable, in particular with at least one of the following: - in a fixable parking position (185) of the holding bar device (36) relative to the cleaning head (12), the locking device (182) is active and, in particular, is in a locking position (284); - outside of the fixed parking position (185), the rotatability is enabled by the locking device (282); - the locking device (282) transitions automatically into a locking position (284) when the parking position (185) is reached; - the locking device (282) transitions automatically out of its locking position (284) when the parking position (185) is released.

10. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with Claim 9, characterized in that the locking device (282) comprises a spring-supported movable slider (288), which is displaceably mounted on the first part (278) and in a locking position (284) establishes a positive engagement with the second part (280), in particular with at least one of the following: - the slider (288) has a nose (290), which in the locking position (284) is supported on the cleaning head (12) and holds the slider (288) in the locking position (284) or brings the slider (288) into the locking position (284); - the slider (288) has an overload protection; - the slider (288) has at least one first part (302) and one second part (304), wherein the second part (304) acts on the second part (280) of the holding bar device (36), and wherein the second part (304) is movably arranged on the first part (302) in a spring-loaded manner.

11. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the holding bar device (36) has a first region (76) with a first longitudinal axis (80) and a second region (78) with a second longitudinal axis (42), wherein the first longitudinal axis (80) and the second longitudinal axis (42) are oriented at an obtuse angle (82) to one another, wherein, in particular, the obtuse angle (82) is in the range between 120° and 170°, in particular characterized by at least one of the following: - the second region (78) sits on the first region (76); - the first region (76) is or comprises a distal region of the holding bar device (36); - the holding bar device (36) is articulated on the cleaning head (12) by way of the first region (76); - a counter-device (90) of the pivot joint (84) is arranged on the first region (76); - a drive motor (98) for the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is arranged on the first region (76); - the first region (76) has a housing (100); - a battery holder is arranged on the first region (76); - an, in particular removable, tank device for cleaning liquid is arranged on the first region (76); - the second region (78) is or comprises a proximal region of the holding bar device (36); - a handle (38) is arranged on the second region (78); - an, in particular removable, tank device (50) for cleaning liquid is arranged on the second region (78); - a battery holder (48) is arranged on the second region (78); - an operating panel is arranged on the second region (78) or on a handle (38) that sits on the second region (78); - the second region (78) has a straight extent in the second longitudinal axis (42).

12. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the holding bar device (36) has by way of the pivot joint (84) a free pivot angle range relative to the cleaning head (12) with a pivot angle (182) between a longitudinal axis (42) of the holding bar device (36) and a placement surface (14) of the cleaning head (12) on a floor (16) to be cleaned, wherein the pivot angle is in the range between a lower limit and an upper limit, in particular with at least one of the following: - the lower limit is 0° or greater than 0°; - the lower limit is less than 50° and, in particular, less than 40° and, in particular, less than 30° and preferably less than 20°; - the upper limit is in the range between 80° and 120° and, in particular, is about 90°; - at the upper limit the holding bar device (36) has a fixable parking position (185) relative to the cleaning head (12).

13. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with Claim 12, characterized by a locking device (186), which locks the holding bar device (36) to the cleaning head (12) at the upper limit such that a pivotability of the holding bar device (36) relative to the cleaning head (12) is blocked, characterized by at least one of the following: - a further pivoting of the holding bar device (36), when it is at the upper limit and is locked to the cleaning head (12) and when the cleaning head (12) is properly placed on a floor (16) to be cleaned, leads to a pivoting of the cleaning head (12) relative to the floor (16) to be cleaned without further operator intervention when the pivot angle is increased; - the locking device (186) comprises at least one spring-loaded pin (196; 196') and an associated immersion opening (194) for the pin (196, 196'), wherein (i) the at least one pin (196; 196') is arranged on the holding bar device (36) in a rotationally-fixed manner and the associated immersion opening (184) is arranged on the cleaning head (12) in a rotationally-fixed manner, or (ii) the at least one pin is arranged on the cleaning head (12) in a rotationally-fixed manner and the associated immersion opening is arranged on the holding bar device (36) in a rotationally-fixed manner.

14. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with Claim 13, characterized by at least one of the following: - outside of the immersion opening (194) the immersion opening (194) has associated therewith a first oblique plane (210), which guides the associated pin (196; 196') into the immersion opening (184) when the pivot angle is increased, wherein the first oblique plane (210) causes a displacement of the pin (196; 196') against a force effect of the spring action; - the at least one pin (196; 196') has a first abutment surface (212) adapted to the first oblique plane (210); - the immersion opening (184) is delimited by a wall, which has a second oblique plane (214) and by way of which the associated pin (196; 196') is moved out of the immersion opening (184) when the pivot angle is decreased, wherein the second oblique plane (214) causes a displacement of the pin (196; 196') against a force effect of the spring action; - the at least one pin (196; 196') has a second abutment surface (216) adapted to the second oblique plane (214).

15. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a removable dirty fluid tank device (32) is arranged on the cleaning head (12), with at least one of the following: - a step tab (34) is arranged on the dirty fluid tank device (32); - arranged on the cleaning head (12) is at least one scraping element (70), which acts on the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) and serves to scrape off dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18); - the at least one scraping element (70) dips into an active material of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18); - dirty fluid is conveyed directly from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) into the dirty fluid tank device (34) without the operation of a suction device; - the holding bar device (36) is configured for a standing operator who stands on the floor (16) to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning head (12) is placed on the floor (16) to be cleaned by way of a placement surface (14) and the floor cleaning machine is guidable over the floor to be cleaned by way of the holding bar device (16); - the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is motor-driven by a drive motor (98); - the cleaning head (12) has a housing in which the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is at least partially arranged; - the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) lies with outer ends at a lateral first side (26) and a lateral second side (28) of the cleaning head (12) respectively.

16. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (12) has at least one support element (120), by way of which the cleaning head (12) is supported on a floor (16) to be cleaned at a distance from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), wherein, in particular, the at least one support element (120) is fixedly connected to the cleaning head (12) in such a way that when a dirty fluid tank device (34) is removed from the cleaning head (12), the at least one support element (120) remains on the cleaning head (12), and in particular characterized in that the at least one support element (120) is oriented in alignment with the pivot bearing (84) relative to a longitudinal axis (24) of the cleaning head (12).

17. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by at least one of the following: - arranged on the cleaning head (12) is (i) at least one scraping element (70) for the at least one cleaning roller unit (18); - arranged on the cleaning head (12) is (ii) at least one comb element (232), which acts on the at least one cleaning roller unit (18); - the cleaning head (12) has associated therewith (iii) at least one sweeping element (62), which feeds swept material to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18), wherein the at least one sweeping element (62) is arranged, in particular, on a dirty fluid tank device (34), wherein any one of the elements (i), (ii), (iii), or any combination of these elements (70, 232, 62) has the same position relative to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) independent of a pivot position of the holding bar device (34) relative to the cleaning head (12).

18. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (12 has a placement surface (14) for a floor (16) to be cleaned, which placement surface (14) in particular is a planar surface, and the cleaning head (12) has associated therewith a horizontal plane parallel with the placement surface (14), and in that during proper operation of the floor cleaning machine, the horizontal plane of the cleaning head (12) is always in the same position relative to the placement surface (14) independent of a pivot position of the holding bar device (36) relative to the cleaning head (12).

19. Floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by at least one of the following operating modes: - a dry sweeping operation without application of cleaning liquid to the floor (16) to be cleaned or to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18); - a wet mopping operation with application of cleaning liquid to the floor (16) to be cleaned and / or to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18); - a sweeping operation and a wet mopping operation, wherein in particular coarse dirt is fed to the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) by way of a sweeping element (62) and is conveyed into a dirty fluid tank device (34) by way of the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) and dirty fluid is scraped off from the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) by way of at least one scraping element (70) and from there is conveyed into the dirty fluid tank device (34).

20. Method for operating a floor cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, in which method the holding bar device (36), during a cleaning operation, is pivoted relative to the cleaning head (12) and in which a weight force of the holding bar device (36) acts directly on the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) independently of a pivot position of the holding bar device (36).

21. Method in accordance with Claim 20, characterized in that when the holding bar device (36) is pivoted relative to the cleaning head (12), the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) rolls on a floor (16) to be cleaned on which the at least one cleaning roller unit (18) is placed.

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