Device for use in a floor cleaning device and floor cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for use in a floor cleaning machine, comprising: - at least one rotatably driven cleaning unit (8) for wet cleaning the floor surface (7), - at least one drive unit for driving the cleaning unit (8). In order to provide a device (1) that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and enables a particularly reliable means of raising and lowering a cleaning element for cleaning a floor surface, a device (1) according to the characterizing part of claim 1 is provided according to the invention.

Description

[0001] The application relates to a device for use in a floor cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present application relates to a floor cleaning device according to claim 15.

[0002] The device is suitable for use in a floor cleaning machine, such as a vacuum cleaner. The floor cleaning machine is designed to clean a floor surface. Specifically, it is intended for combined dry and wet cleaning. Dry cleaning refers to the vacuuming of dust and dirt particles, while wet cleaning refers to cleaning with a cleaning fluid. Typically, a cleaning unit with a cleaning element in the form of a mop pad is used. As a rule, the cleaning unit is spring-loaded on the device to ensure continuous contact between the floor surface to be cleaned and the cleaning element.

[0003] The device comprises at least one housing. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one rotatably driven cleaning unit for wet cleaning the floor surface. The cleaning unit can be driven by at least one drive unit of the device.

[0004] A problematic aspect of known devices of the type described above is that the cleaning unit remains in contact with carpets or other sensitive surfaces when passing over them, thus causing contamination of the carpet or sensitive surface, which should be avoided. The same problem arises when the device is temporarily switched off, as there is a risk of moisture damage, particularly with sensitive flooring, in the area of ​​contact between the cleaning element and the floor. Furthermore, the contact of the cleaning pads with the floor slows down the drying process, which can lead to hygiene problems. Additionally, potentially dirty cleaning pads can cause permanent soiling or residue buildup.

[0005] Typically, the cleaning device must therefore be removed and replaced with a suitable nozzle, and reinstalled as needed. The device can only be stored in combination with a suitable container, such as a tray to hold the cleaning element.

[0006] To solve this problem, devices are known in which the cleaning unit can be removed from the floor cleaning device by means of an actuating element. For example, a foot switch can be operated for this purpose, enabling the cleaning unit to be ejected and then picked up.

[0007] Also known is a robotic vacuum cleaner called the "Dreame L10s Ultra," comprising a device for wet cleaning a floor surface. The device includes two cleaning units, each equipped with a cleaning element in the form of a rotatable, driven mop pad. To raise and lower the cleaning elements, each unit has a first actuator for transmitting torque generated by a drive unit. This actuator is coupled to a second actuator in such a way that the torque transmitted to the first actuator is initially converted into a translational movement of the second actuator. Rotation of the second actuator is prevented by friction against a frictional clamp.After leaving the clamping area of ​​the clamp, rotation of the second actuator is enabled, allowing the second actuator, which is coupled to the cleaning element, to rotate and thus drive the cleaning element. Lifting the cleaning element is achieved by reversing the direction of rotation of the first actuator. Due to frictional contact between the cleaning element and the base surface, rotation is prevented, and the cleaning element is moved only translationally due to the coupling of the two actuators until it reaches the clamp.

[0008] A disadvantage of the device described above is that lifting the cleaning element depends on its friction against the floor surface. If sufficient friction against the floor surface is not ensured, the cleaning element cannot be lifted. Furthermore, the friction on the clamp has proven to be particularly prone to wear.

[0009] US Patent 8,070,561 B2 discloses a floor care device with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0010] The purpose of the present application is to provide a device that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and enables a particularly reliable way to raise and lower a cleaning element for cleaning a floor surface.

[0011] The underlying problem is solved according to the invention by means of a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] The device according to the invention comprises a cleaning device comprising at least one housing, a first actuating element, a second actuating element and at least one cleaning element.

[0013] The first actuating element is located inside the housing of the cleaning device. Furthermore, the first actuating element can be coupled to the drive unit in a force-transmitting manner. This coupling can be achieved, in particular, by transmitting a torque generated by the drive unit to the first actuating element. In this way, the first actuating element can be rotatably driven. However, due to the coupling of the first actuating element to the housing of the cleaning device, translational movement of the first actuating element is prevented. The first actuating element can therefore only rotate within the housing.

[0014] The second actuating element is also located inside the housing of the cleaning device and is designed to be rotatably driven.

[0015] The first and second actuators are coupled to each other by means of a gearbox. The gearbox is designed such that a rotary movement of the first actuator, which is provided by the drive unit, can be transmitted to the second actuator.

[0016] The second actuator, however, is coupled to the housing of the cleaning device in such a way that the transmitted rotary motion can initially only be converted into a translational motion of the second actuator relative to the first, translationally stationary actuator. Once a predetermined distance between the first and second actuators is reached, the rotary motion can then be converted into a rotational motion of the second actuator.

[0017] The second actuating element is coupled to the cleaning element of the cleaning device. In this way, the movement transmitted to the second actuating element is also transmitted to the cleaning element.

[0018] When the first actuating element is driven by the drive unit, the cleaning element is initially moved translationally relative to the housing of the cleaning unit. The cleaning element can thus be moved from an initial state to a cleaning state, in which it is lowered onto the floor surface to be cleaned. Once the predetermined distance between the actuating elements is reached, the cleaning element can be rotated to clean the floor surface.

[0019] The device offers many advantages. In particular, it allows for translational movement of the cleaning element, which is designed to clean the floor surface. This enables the cleaning element to be moved relative to the floor. Specifically, the cleaning element can be retracted to prevent contact with the floor surface if cleaning with the element is not intended or possible. For example, if the cleaning element is a textile element for wet cleaning, it may be designed to retract, especially when moving over a carpet or a floor sensitive to water. Conversely, for hard floors, the cleaning element may be designed to extend to establish contact with the hard floor being cleaned.After the cleaning element is extended, it can be rotated to clean the floor surface.

[0020] Advantageously, this eliminates the need to manually remove the cleaning element or even the entire cleaning unit when driving over a sensitive floor surface. Instead, the cleaning element can be extended and retracted automatically, i.e., without any manual intervention. Cleaning the floor surface is therefore simpler and faster.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a stop element associated with the second actuating element, wherein the stop element limits the translational movement of the second actuating element and is preferably disc-shaped. The stop element prevents the second actuating element from moving uncontrollably towards the floor surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the stop element can define the predetermined distance between the first and the second actuating element.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second actuating element and the housing of the cleaning device each have at least one detent element, wherein the detent element of the second actuating element is designed to be complementary to the detent element of the housing, such that the detent element of the second actuating element can be engaged in the detent element of the housing, thus preventing rotation of the second actuating element relative to the housing. In this way, it is prevented that the cleaning element rotates before it reaches the floor surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the cleaning element only rotates when it touches the floor surface. The translational movement of the second actuating element causes the cleaning element to lower towards the floor surface.

[0023] Unlike conventional robotic vacuum cleaners, the translational movement of the second actuating element is not prevented by friction. Instead, locking elements prevent this translational movement. The lowering of the cleaning element is therefore more controlled.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the detent element of the second actuating element has a rectangular cross-section, while the detent element of the housing is formed as a recess whose shape corresponds to that of the detent element of the second actuating element. In this way, the detent element can be inserted precisely into the recess of the housing, enabling a positive fit between the detent elements and thus preventing relative movement in at least one spatial direction. It is particularly advantageous for the recesses to be arranged on an inner side of the housing of the cleaning device. Preferably, the second actuating element may also have a plurality of detent elements, and the housing may be top-shaped, while the second actuating element has a circular cross-section, with the housing enclosing the second actuating element.In such a case, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the detent elements are arranged in a circumferential direction of the second actuating element, while the recesses are arranged on an inner side of the housing facing the second actuating element and prevent rotation of the second actuating element relative to the housing. Translational movement of the second actuating element relative to the housing, however, is permitted.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the first actuating element has at least one drive element for introducing the torque generated by the drive device, wherein the drive element is preferably in the form of a tooth. Preferably, the first actuating element may have a circular cross-section and a plurality of drive elements arranged circumferentially. In other words, the first actuating element may have a ring-shaped section with teeth that enable coupling with the drive device. This coupling may preferably be effected by means of a V-belt, a gear, or a polygonal connector.

[0026] Preferably, the first actuating element, the second actuating element, and the stop element are mounted on a shaft, the shaft and the stop element being rigidly connected to the second actuating element so that movement of the second actuating element can be transmitted to the shaft and the stop element. In particular, the first actuating element may be mounted on the shaft so as to be freely rotatable, but translational movement along a longitudinal axis of the shaft is not possible, for example, due to a coupling of the first actuating element to the housing of the cleaning device. When the first actuating element rotates, the second actuating element is initially moved translationally due to the coupling via the gearbox, while the shaft and the stop element are also moved translationally due to the coupling with the second actuating element.Upon reaching the predetermined distance, the spacer element preferably comes into contact with the first actuating element, thus preventing further translational movement of the second actuating element. However, once the predetermined distance is reached, the rotation of the second actuating element is enabled, and this rotation is also transmitted to the stop element and the shaft due to the coupling.

[0027] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the transmission is designed in the form of a wedge gear, wherein the first actuating element has at least a partial first contour and the second actuating element has at least a partial second contour complementary to the first contour. It is preferably provided that the contours interlock positively in an initial state in which the cleaning element is retracted. In a cleaning state, however, the contours are preferably only in partial contact.

[0028] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the contours each have at least two wedge-shaped sections. In a particularly preferred manner, the contours may each have three wedge-shaped sections.

[0029] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the torque transmitted to the first actuating element can be transferred to the second actuating element due to a positive locking mechanism between the first and second actuating elements. Preferably, the two actuating elements are in full contact with their contours in an initial state. Due to the prevention of rotational movement of the second actuating element, the wedge-shaped sections force the second actuating element into a translational movement, thus increasing the distance between the two actuating elements. However, contact between the actuating elements is preferably never completely broken, so that the torque can be transferred to the second actuating element due to a positive locking mechanism once the predetermined distance is reached.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a return element is provided for lifting the cleaning element, wherein the return element connects the first actuating element to the second actuating element. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the return element is provided for lifting the second actuating element and the cleaning element connected thereto.

[0031] After the floor cleaning process is complete, the drive unit may be switched off, so that no torque can be transmitted to the first actuator. A return element may therefore be provided to return both actuators to their initial positions.

[0032] Unlike conventional robotic vacuum cleaners, the cleaning element is not lifted from the floor surface by friction. Instead, the cleaning element can be lifted in a controlled manner.

[0033] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the return element is designed in the form of a spring. Preferably, the spring is tensioned as the distance between the two actuating elements increases. When the spring relaxes, it moves the second actuating element back to its initial position. Simultaneously, the cleaning element is lifted due to its coupling with the second actuating element, and contact with the floor surface is broken. The device can therefore be used for cleaning sensitive floor surfaces, particularly carpets.

[0034] The aforementioned problem is further solved by a floor cleaning device according to claim 13. The advantages mentioned with regard to the device according to the invention apply analogously to the floor cleaning device.

[0035] In particular, the floor cleaning device may be designed in the form of a vacuum cleaner, preferably a handheld vacuum cleaner. Ideally, the handheld vacuum cleaner is battery-operated. The vacuum cleaner has the advantage of enabling both dry cleaning by vacuuming and wet cleaning by mopping. Advantageously, wet cleaning is only performed as needed. In particular, the cleaning unit of the vacuum cleaner is designed to be lowered, so that the cleaning action can be adapted to the floor surface being cleaned.

[0036] It is also possible that the floor cleaning device is designed in the form of a battery-powered vacuuming and mopping robot.

[0037] Two embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below. They show: Figure 1: A perspective view of a device according to the invention. Figure 2: A bottom side of the device. Figure 1 Figure 3: A cleaning device of the apparatus made of Figure 1 Figure 4: An exploded view of the cleaning device made of Figure 3 Figure 5a The cleaning device made of Figure 3 in an initial state. Figure 5b The cleaning device made of Figure 3 in a cleaned state. Figure 6aHow Figure 5a , where the cleaning device is shown in a vertical section. Figure 6bHow Figure 5b , where the cleaning device is shown in a vertical section. Figure 7: A second embodiment of a cleaning device of the apparatus. Figure 8: An exploded view of the cleaning device made of Figure 7 Figure 9: Another exploded view of the cleaning device made of Figure 7 Figure 10a The cleaning device made of Figure 7in an initial state. Figure 10b The cleaning device made of Figure 7 in a cleaned state. Figure 11aHow Figure 10a , where the cleaning device is shown in a vertical section. Figure 11bHow Figure 10b , where the cleaning device is shown in a vertical section.

[0038] A device according to the invention 1 for use in a floor cleaning device is in the Figures 1 to 10 shown. The device 1 includes a housing 9, that includes an interior space. On a top side 3 of the case 9 is a connector 4 arranged for connecting an air guide element of the floor cleaning device. The floor cleaning device can be, in particular, a battery-operated handheld vacuum cleaner whose air guide element, which is designed in the form of a rigid suction tube, is connected to the connector. 4It can be connected so that a suction airflow provided by the handheld vacuum cleaner is directed onto a surface through the housing 9 The guided suction air duct can be transferred. Two suction openings. 6 of the suction air duct end there - as is particularly evident in the Figure 2 This is recognizable - on an underside 5 of the case 9, so that on the floor surface to be cleaned 7 The dust and dirt particles present are captured by the suction airflow and directed to a dirt collection container of the handheld vacuum cleaner. Cleaning using the suction airflow is a dry cleaning process.

[0039] Furthermore, the device includes 1 two identical cleaning devices 8 for wet cleaning of the floor surface 7. Each cleaning facility 8 - which in the Figures 3 to 6 as shown in detail - also includes a housing 9. Besides the case 9The cleaning facility 8 two each in the case 9 the cleaning facility 8 arranged actuators 10, 11 as well as one on the underside of the case 9 arranged cleaning element 12 up. The cleaning facilities 8 except for the cleaning elements, these are included. 12 completely within the housing 9 the device 1 arranged. The cleaning elements 12 are located between the two suction mouths 6 the device 1 and can be driven in a counter-rotating manner.

[0040] The two actuators 10 ,11 They have a circular cross-section and are centered on a shaft 24 arranged.

[0041] The first actuator 10 has a first one, on a top side of the first actuating element 10 arranged section, which extends in a circumferential direction 23of the first actuating element 10 with a variety of drive elements 21 in the form of teeth 22 is provided with. The teeth 22 enable coupling of the first actuating element 10 with a drive direction of the device not shown in the figures 1, so that a torque generated by the drive direction is applied to the first actuating element 10 is transferable. For example, the drive unit can transmit the torque coaxially via a gear.

[0042] The first actuator 10 is in relation to the case 9 the cleaning facility 8 Arranged in a translationally immobile manner. A rotation of the first actuating element. 10 However, it is possible, whereby the first actuating element 10 completely off the wave 24 is decoupled.

[0043] The first actuator 10 is by means of a gearbox 14with the second actuator 11 coupled. The transmission 14 is in the form of a wedge gear 31 trained.

[0044] The first actuating element indicates this. 10 a second area, located on a bottom side, which forms a first contour 25 demonstrates how particularly well it works in Figure 4 It is recognizable... In a circumferential direction 23 the first contour 25 three wedge-shaped sections 27 on.

[0045] The second actuator 11 exhibits a contour towards the first contour 25 complementary contour 26 The second actuating element has this feature. 11 also an area with three corresponding wedge-shaped sections 28 open, so that the first actuating element 10 when placing it on the second actuator 11 with its sections 27 precisely fitted to the sections 28of the second actuating element 11 can be based on, as can be seen in particular from the Figure 6a ) is recognizable. The two actuators 10, 11 They therefore form a positive connection.

[0046] The second actuator 11 It also has a second area in which the second actuating element 11 in circumferential direction 20 arranged locking elements 17 It has tooth-shaped features. The housing 9 is located in the interior 13 facing side with the locking elements 18 of the second actuating element 11 corresponding grid elements 18 in the form of cutouts 19 provided. In an initial state of the cleaning device 8 The locking elements engage 17 into the recesses 19 of the case 9 one, so that a rotation of the second actuating element 11 is prevented. The initial state is in the Figures 3 , 5a and 6a shown. The second actuator 11 However, it is relative to the case 9 The cleaning device is mounted so that it can be moved translationally. The second actuating element is... 11 in a force-transmitted manner on the shaft 24 mounted so that movement of the second actuating element 11 on the wave 24 is transferable.

[0047] When driving the first actuator 10 The drive unit transmits the torque generated by the latter to the first actuating element. 10 transferred so that the first actuator 10 in rotation around an axis of rotation 37 is offset. One direction of rotation of the first actuating element. 10 is involved in Figure 6a ) through the arrow 41 indicated. Due to the coupling of the first actuating element. 10 and the second actuator 11via the corresponding wedge-shaped sections 27, 28 The first actuator attempts 10 the rotary movement to the second actuating element 11 to transfer. Due to the coupling of the locking elements 17 of the second actuating element 11 with the cutouts 19 of the case 9 A rotation of the second actuating element will occur. 11 However, this was initially prevented. The coupling of the two actuators. 10, 11 about the gearbox 14 This therefore causes the second actuating element to move out of position. 11 in the direction of the floor area to be cleaned 7, as seen through the arrow 42 in Figure 6b ) This is indicated. The deflection of the second actuating element. 11 This is particularly due to the slope of the wedge-shaped sections. 27, 28 This causes a translational movement of the second actuating element. 11 relative to the first actuating element 10,as from a comparison of Figures 5a) and 5b ) or the Figures 6a) and 6b) is recognizable. The first actuating element 10 It remains in the direction of the ground surface. 7 relatively immobile relative to the case 9, while the second actuator 11 relative to the case 9 in the direction of the floor area to be cleaned 7 moved. The wave 24 moves in conjunction with the second actuating element 11 with.

[0048] The translational movement of the second actuating element 11 This is due to a stop element. 16 limited. The stop element 16 It is disc-shaped and immovable on the shaft. 24 arranged. The stop element 16 is over the wave 24 in a force-transmitting manner with the second actuating element 11 connected, so that the movement of the second actuating element 11also on the stop element 16 is transferred. The stop element 16 This therefore determines a predetermined distance. 15, upon reaching it the stop element 16 on the first actuating element 10 lies, as in the Figure 5b ) is recognizable, and thus a further translational movement of the second actuating element. 11 prevented.

[0049] Upon reaching a predetermined distance 15 between the two actuators 10, 11 The locking elements engage 17 of the second actuating element 11 no longer in the recesses 19 in the case 9 one and thus cause a rotation of the second actuating element. 11 free. The cleaning facility 8 is therefore in a cleaning position in which the associated cleaning element 12 in contact with the floor surface to be cleaned 7The cleaning position is in the Figures 5b ) and 6b ) shown.

[0050] Due to a coupling of the second actuator 11 with the cleaning element 12 The movement of the second actuating element will be 11 on the cleaning element 12 transferred: in a first step the cleaning element 12 in the direction of the floor area to be cleaned 7 lowered. In a second step, the cleaning element rotates. 12 and thus cleans the floor surface 7. It can preferably be provided that a direction of rotation of the cleaning element is specified. 12 the first cleaning facility 8 opposite to the direction of rotation of the cleaning element 12 the second cleaning facility 8 is aligned.

[0051] The cleaning element 12It can be designed in the form of a wiping pad. Preferably, the wiping pad can have a receiving element and a textile wiping element that can be placed on the receiving element and which can be impregnated with a cleaning solution.

[0052] The first actuator 10 is by means of a reset element 29 with the second actuator 11 connected. The reset element 29 is in the form of a spring 30 trained, who, when the cleaning equipment is available 8 is relaxed in its initial state. As the distance increases 15 between the two actuators 10, 11 will the spring 30 increasingly tense.

[0053] After the drive unit is switched off, the tension of the spring causes 30 a lifting of the cleaning element 12 and the second actuator 11.Additionally, the drive direction must be briefly rotated in the opposite direction to bring the wedge-shaped sections together. 27, 28 to enable a return to an initial state. Alternatively, it can be provided that the first actuating element 10 exhibits a certain free play, which allows for a corresponding rotation of the first actuating element 10 without the use of the drive unit. It can also be provided that the first actuating element 10 is pre-tensioned with a worm spring, which prevents the first adjusting element from turning backwards. 10 This occurs when the drive unit is switched off.

[0054] In particular, it may be provided that the cleaning element 12 It is then lifted when a carpet needs cleaning. The cleaning element can also be used 12 be lifted to temporarily place the floor cleaning device on a sensitive floor surface 7to be able to park without the risk of damaging the floor surface 7 to risk it.

[0055] A second version of the cleaning device 8 the device according to the invention 1 is in the Figures 7 to 11 shown. While the cleaning element 12 the cleaning element 12 the in the Figures 1 to 6b cleaning equipment shown 8 The cleaning equipment differs from the actual cleaning equipment. 8 especially in the size of the other components.

[0056] As especially in the Figure 8 and 9 As can be seen, the casing 9 the cleaning facility 8 a cup-shaped section 32 and a rectangularly shaped border area 33 up. In a circumferential direction 20 the cup-shaped area 32 the equidistantly arranged recesses 19 on.

[0057] The first actuator 10 is essentially shaped like a hollow cylinder, with one underside of the first actuating element 10 with the wedge-shaped sections 27 is equipped with 10 two oriented in the direction of a longitudinal axis 34 of the first actuating element 10 about the wedge-shaped sections 27, 28 extending guide elements 35 on, how particularly good in Figure 9 This is recognizable. The torque provided by the drive unit can be seen via an upper surface of the first actuating element. 10 to be transferred to this. For this purpose, the top side is in the form of a hexagonal plug connection. 40 trained. The housing 9 the cleaning facility 8 has a corresponding opening through which the hexagonal plug connection can be inserted. 40 can be led, as in Figure 7 is recognizable.

[0058] The second actuator 11, which is particularly good in Figure 9 It is also essentially hollow cylindrical in shape, as can be seen, with the second actuating element being 11 a multitude of locking elements along a lateral surface 18 exhibits recesses that are characterized by a geometry and a number of recesses. 19 in the case 9 correspond so that the locking elements 18 into the recesses 19 can intervene.

[0059] The second actuating element points into a through-opening. 11 a connecting section 36 on, which opens into an opening of the first actuating element 10 can be inserted and two noses 38 exhibits this. When the first actuating element is coupled... 10 with the second actuator 11 the guide elements 35 the connecting section 35. Each nose engages 38 into a recess39 in an assigned guide element 35 one, as in Figure 8 The recess is recognizable. 39 is dimensioned in such a way that a relative movement between the two actuating elements 10, 11 until a predetermined distance is reached 12 is made possible.

[0060] The guide elements 35 and the connecting section 36 In their function, they correspond to the wave 24 and the stop element 16 of the first embodiment: they enable the transmission of the movement of the second actuating element. 11 on the cleaning element 12 and simultaneously determined the predetermined distance 15 between the two actuators 10, 11.

[0061] Furthermore, the second actuating element 11 The cavity also contains wedge-shaped sections. 28 provided with the sections 27 of the first actuating element10 correspond.

[0062] The two actuators 10, 11 are by means of a feather not shown in the figures 30 coupled together, which, when the distance increases, 15 between the two actuators 10, 11 is tensioned and a return of the second actuating element is achieved. 11 This occurs if the drive unit is switched off.

[0063] A cleaning facility operation 8 This is done in an analogous manner to that described in the Figures 1 to 6b cleaning equipment shown 8: in the transfer of the torque generated by the drive device to the first actuating element 10 The second actuating element will be 11 due to the coupling via the gearbox 14 to the second actuating element 11 transferred so that this occurs due to the locking of the locking elements 18initially only translationally in the direction of the floor surface to be cleaned 7 is being moved. The intervention of the surveys in the exclusions. 19 in the case 9 the cleaning facility 8 This initially prevents the second actuating element from rotating. 11. After reaching the predetermined distance 15 between the two actuators 10, 11 The locking elements engage 17 no longer in the recesses 19 one and the second actuating element 11 can rotate around an axis of rotation 37 be displaced. Due to the coupling of the second actuating element. 11 with the cleaning element 12 will the cleaning element 12 for cleaning the floor surface 7 rotates. Reference symbol list

[0064] 1 Device 2 Housing 3 Top 4 Connection piece 5 Bottom 6 Suction nozzle 7 Base surface 8 Cleaning device 9 Housing 10 First actuating element 11 Second actuating element 12 Cleaning element 13 Interior 14 Gearbox 15 Spacing 16 Stop element 17 Detent element 18 Detent element 19 Recess 20 Circumferential direction 21 Drive element 22 Tooth 23 Circumferential direction 24 Shaft 25 First contour 26 Second contour 27 Wedge-shaped sections 28 Wedge-shaped sections 29 Return element 30 Spring 31 Wedge gear 32 Cup-shaped section 33 Edge area 34 Longitudinal axis of the first actuating element 35 Guide element 36 Connecting section 37 Axis of rotation 38 Nose 39 Recess 40 Plug connection 41 Arrow 42 Arrow

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for use in a floor cleaning appliance, comprising - at least one rotatably drivable cleaning device (8) for wet cleaning the floor surface (7), - at least one drive device for driving the cleaning device (8), the cleaning device (8) comprising at least one housing (9), a first adjusting element (10), a second adjusting element (11) and at least one cleaning element (12), the first adjusting element (10) being arranged in an interior space (13) of the housing (9) of the cleaning device (8) and being able to be coupled to the drive device in a force-transmitting manner, so that a torque generated by the drive device can be transmitted to the first adjusting element (10), so that the first adjusting element (10) can be rotatably driven, the second adjusting element (11) being arranged in the interior space (13) of the housing (9) of the cleaning device (8) and being rotatably drivable, the first adjusting element (10) being coupled to the second adjusting element (11) by means of a gear (14), the gear (14) being designed to transmit a rotary movement of the first adjusting element (10) to the second adjusting element (11), characterised in that ∘ the second adjusting element (11) is coupled to the first adjusting element (10) by means of the gear (14) in such a way that a rotary movement of the first adjusting element (10), up until a predetermined distance (15) between the first adjusting element (10) and the second adjusting element (11) is reached, can only be converted into a translatory movement of the second adjusting element (11) relative to the first adjusting element (10) or the housing (9) and, after the predetermined distance (15) is reached, into a rotary movement of the second adjusting element (11), ∘ the cleaning element (12) being coupled to the second adjusting element (11) in such a way that the corresponding movement of the second adjusting element (11) can be transferred to the cleaning element (12), so that the cleaning element (12) can be lowered and, after the predetermined distance (15) is reached, rotated.

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised by a stop element (16) assigned to the second adjusting element (11), the stop element (16) limiting the translatory movement of the second adjusting element (11) and preferably being disc shaped.

3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the second adjusting element (11) and the housing (9) of the cleaning device (8) each comprise at least one locking element (17, 18), the locking element (17) of the second adjusting element (11) being designed to be complementary to the locking element (18) of the housing (9), so that the locking element (17) of the second adjusting element (11) can be locked into the locking element (18) of the housing (9), so that a rotation of the second adjusting element (11) relative to the housing (9) is prevented.

4. Apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the locking element (17) of the second adjusting element (11) has a rectangular shape in cross-section, the locking element (18) of the housing (9) being designed in the form of a recess (19) of which the shape corresponds to the shape of the locking element (17) of the second adjusting element (11).

5. Apparatus (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the second adjusting element (11) has a circular cross-section and comprises a plurality of locking elements (17) arranged in a circumferential direction (20) of the second adjusting element (11).

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first adjusting element (10) is coupled to the housing (9) of the cleaning device (8) in such a way that a translatory movement of the first adjusting element (10) relative to the housing (9) is substantially prevented.

7. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first adjusting element (10) comprises at least one drive element for introducing the torque generated by the drive device, the drive element (21) being preferably designed in the form of a tooth (22).

8. Apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that the first adjusting element (10) has a circular cross-section and comprises a plurality of drive elements (21) arranged in a circumferential direction (23) of the first adjusting element (10).

9. Apparatus (1) according to any of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the first adjusting element (10), the second adjusting element (11) and the stop element (16) are mounted on a shaft (24), the shaft (24) and the stop element (16) being immovably connected to the second adjusting element (11), so that a movement of the second adjusting element (11) can be transmitted to the shaft (24) and the stop element (16).

10. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gear (14) is designed in the form of a wedge gear, the first adjusting element (10) comprising a first contour (25) at least in portions, and the second adjusting element (11) comprising a second contour (26) at least in portions which is complementary to the first contour.

11. Apparatus (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the contours (25, 26) each comprise at least two wedge-shaped portions (27, 28).

12. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the torque transmitted to the first adjusting element (10) can be transmitted to the second adjusting element (11) due to a form-fitting connection between the first adjusting element (10) and the second adjusting element (11).

13. Apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by a return element (29) for lifting the cleaning element (12), the return element (29) connecting the first adjusting element (10) to the second adjusting element (11).

14. Apparatus (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the return element (29) is designed in the form of a spring (30).

15. Floor cleaning appliance comprising an apparatus (1) according to any of claims 1 to 14.

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