Floor cleaning machine with a pivotable suction foot

Abstract

A floor cleaning machine (1) is shown and described, comprising a frame (3), a chassis (5) arranged on the frame (3) for moving the floor cleaning machine (1) over a floor surface (7) to be cleaned, and a suction foot (25) connected to the frame (3) at a coupling point (47), wherein the suction foot (25) has at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) configured to roll over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned, and whose contact points with the floor surface (7) to be cleaned define a wheel plane (35), wherein the floor cleaning machine (1) is configured to be moved in a forward direction over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned during cleaning operation, wherein the suction foot (25) is arranged at a rear end of the floor cleaning machine (1) when viewed in the forward direction, and wherein the suction foot (25) is pivoted about a first pivot axis (45) at the coupling point (47). is pivotably attached to the frame (3),wherein the first pivot axis (45) runs parallel to the floor surface (7) to be cleaned, wherein the suction foot (25) can be pivoted between a suction position, in which the at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) roll over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned and cleaning fluid can be picked up from the floor surface (7) to be cleaned, and a maintenance position, wherein a pivot angle (55) by which the wheel plane (35) pivots when pivoting between the suction position and the maintenance position is greater than 90°.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor cleaning machine with a swiveling suction foot.

[0002] Floor cleaning machines with a suction foot, which can be moved across a floor surface to be cleaned, are known from the prior art. These machines include a cleaning unit comprising one or more driven brush elements designed to engage with the floor surface and loosen dirt. Furthermore, an application device is provided for delivering cleaning fluid to the area of ​​the brush elements, thus improving the loosening of dirt. The dirt loosened from the floor surface can be suctioned up by a suction foot on the floor cleaning machine by means of a vacuum and conveyed into a dirty water container.

[0003] With these types of floor cleaning machines, it has proven problematic to reliably guide the suction foot over the floor surface to be cleaned in order to ensure the dirty liquid is effectively vacuumed up. It is particularly important to ensure that the suction foot maintains a defined distance from the floor surface at all times, as a distance that is too great can prevent the dirty liquid from being reliably picked up, while a distance that is too small can prevent the dirty liquid from entering the suction foot and being displaced by it.

[0004] Furthermore, such floor cleaning machines should be designed so that the suction foot can be moved into a maintenance position in which it is raised off the floor surface, allowing easy access to the suction area between the sealing lips for thorough cleaning. It is advantageous if the floor cleaning machine can still be moved across the floor surface in the maintenance position to facilitate transport without risk of damaging the suction foot. Moving the suction foot into and out of the maintenance position should be simple and require minimal effort, while ensuring that it remains firmly and reliably in place.

[0005] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the suction foot is reliably guided over the floor surface to be cleaned and can be moved into a maintenance position as easily as possible and without much effort.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a floor cleaning machine with the features of claim 1. The floor cleaning machine comprises a frame, a chassis arranged on the frame for moving the floor cleaning machine over a floor surface to be cleaned, and a suction foot connected to the frame at a coupling point, which is configured to be guided over the floor surface to be cleaned and to collect cleaning fluid from the floor surface to be cleaned. The suction foot has at least three wheels configured to roll over the floor surface to be cleaned, and the contact points of which with the floor surface to be cleaned define a wheel plane. The floor cleaning machine is configured to be moved forward over the floor surface to be cleaned during cleaning operation, with the suction foot being arranged at a rear end of the floor cleaning machine when viewed in the forward direction.The suction foot is pivotally mounted to the frame at the coupling point about a first pivot axis, which runs parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned. The suction foot can be pivoted between a suction position, in which the at least three wheels roll across the floor surface and cleaning fluid can be collected, and a maintenance position. The pivot angle through which the wheel plane pivots when switching between the suction and maintenance positions is greater than 90°.

[0007] The floor cleaning machine has a suction foot connected to the frame at a coupling point, which is designed to be guided over the floor surface to be cleaned and to pick up cleaning fluid from the floor surface to be cleaned.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the suction foot has a base from which a front and a rear sealing lip extend downwards, running essentially parallel to each other and, during suction operation when the suction foot is moved over the floor surface to be cleaned, essentially perpendicular to them, so that a suction chamber is formed between the sealing lips and below the base. The base has a connection through which the suction chamber can be connected to the vacuumed dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine, so that dirty water present on the floor surface to be cleaned can be suctioned out.

[0009] The coupling point is understood to be the point at which the suction foot is connected, preferably detachably, to the frame of the floor cleaning machine. The suction foot and the frame of the floor cleaning machine can engage at the coupling point, allowing the suction foot to move together with the floor cleaning machine and / or the frame. Preferably, the coupling point is located centrally on the suction foot and the frame, so that the suction foot can be connected to the frame at a single point. This allows for a simple coupling of the suction foot to the frame. In this context, it should be noted that the term "coupling" is not to be interpreted as meaning that the connection between the suction foot and the frame at the coupling point is a point-like connection.Rather, the term "coupling point" is simply intended to express that there is a place or point on the frame of the floor cleaning machine where the frame is coupled to the suction foot.

[0010] The suction foot has at least three wheels designed to roll across the floor surface to be cleaned, and their contact points with the floor surface define a wheel plane. This means that the at least three wheels are not arranged on a single axle, but rather at least two wheels on a first axle and at least one further wheel on a second axle spaced apart from the first, so that the suction foot aligns itself with the floor surface to be cleaned. In particular, the three wheels define a wheel plane that runs parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned when the suction foot is in the suction position, thus ensuring a predefined and uniform distance between the suction foot and the floor surface, and consequently a uniform cleaning result.

[0011] The suction foot is pivotally mounted to the frame at the coupling point about a first pivot axis, which runs parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the first pivot axis is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the floor cleaning machine. By pivotally mounting the suction foot to the frame, it is possible for the suction foot to adapt to the floor surface, particularly when the floor cleaning machine is moved over an inclined or curved floor surface. The first pivot axis, which is parallel to the floor surface, ensures particularly good contact between the suction foot and the floor surface, resulting in improved cleaning performance and reliable removal of dirty water from the floor.

[0012] The suction foot can be swivelled between a suction position, in which at least three wheels rest on the floor surface to be cleaned and roll across it, collecting cleaning fluid, and a maintenance position. In the suction position, the suction foot rolls across the floor surface with its at least three wheels, maintaining a defined distance from the floor and ensuring a more even cleaning result. The maintenance position also facilitates maintenance and cleaning of the suction foot, for example, when the suction foot needs cleaning or components need to be replaced. In the maintenance position, the suction foot does not need to be removed for cleaning or maintenance. This is particularly advantageous if larger objects are placed under the suction foot that should not be vacuumed.

[0013] The swivel angle through which the wheel plane pivots when switching between the suction position and the maintenance position is greater than 90°. A swivel angle greater than 90° allows the suction foot to pivot beyond a dead center. The dead center is defined as the point in the suction foot's swivel range beyond which the suction foot no longer returns to its initial position (the suction position) on its own, i.e., without external force, when released. A swivel angle greater than 90° enables the suction foot to overcome this dead center, allowing it to remain in the maintenance position without requiring additional force or a locking mechanism. This not only simplifies the maintenance process but also reduces potential operational disruptions, as no moving parts are needed to secure the suction foot in the maintenance position.A swivel angle of over 90° also allows easier access to the suction foot for cleaning, repair or maintenance purposes, which increases the overall efficiency and user-friendliness of the floor cleaning machine.

[0014] In summary, it can be stated that the floor cleaning machine according to the invention has a swiveling suction foot, wherein the suction foot is reliably guided over the floor surface to be cleaned and can be moved into a maintenance position as easily as possible and without high effort.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the frame has a pivotable support arm that is pivotably mounted on a fixed part of the frame about a second pivot axis and is configured to pivot the coupling point and the suction foot between a lowered position and a raised position. This allows the suction foot, when in the suction position, to either rest on the floor surface to be cleaned or be positioned away from it. In the latter case, there is no risk of it being damaged during transport. In a further preferred embodiment, the pivoting between the suction position and the maintenance position can then take place when the support arm, and thus the suction foot, is in the raised position.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, in the maintenance position, at least one of the at least three wheels is spaced away from the floor surface to be cleaned, and at least two of the at least three wheels roll over the floor surface to be cleaned. Because two of the at least three wheels of the suction foot roll over the floor surface to be cleaned in the maintenance position, the suction foot is supported against the floor surface even in this position. This reduces mechanical stress at the coupling point. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for a guide or holding device to keep the suction foot in the maintenance position or to move it over the floor surface to be cleaned.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, in the maintenance position, the at least three wheels are arranged behind the coupling point when viewed in the forward direction. This ensures that, after pivoting into the maintenance position, the underside of the floor cleaning machine faces rearward when viewed in the forward direction and is easily accessible.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, at least two of the at least three wheels are arranged at a front end of the suction foot when viewed in the forward direction in the suction position. The two wheels arranged at the front end of the suction foot allow it to be guided safely and evenly over the floor surface to be cleaned in both the suction and maintenance positions. This reduces mechanical stress and damage to the coupling point and the suction foot in both the suction and maintenance positions.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least two of the at least three wheels are arranged in the forward direction in front of the coupling point when the suction position is engaged. This allows the suction foot to be pivoted around the coupling point so that the underside then faces rearward and at the same time the two wheels can rest on the floor surface to be cleaned, without the coupling point having to be lowered below the level of the floor surface to be cleaned.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a recess is provided at the coupling point on one side of the suction foot and the frame, and a mounting projection is arranged in the recess on the other side of the suction foot and the frame. The recess and the mounting projection arranged therein allow for a coupling at the coupling point that can have multiple degrees of freedom. This makes it possible for the mounting projection and the recess to be moved and tilted relative to each other. This allows the suction foot to tilt and move, which can lead to reduced mechanical stress at the coupling point, particularly on uneven floor surfaces.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the recess and the mounting projection are designed to allow movement of the mounting projection in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface to be cleaned. In particular, the recess can be designed as an elongated hole with a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis running at an angle between 50° and 130°, preferably between 70° and 110°, and more preferably 90°, to the floor surface. This ensures that the two wheels at the front end can remain in permanent contact with the floor surface along the entire swivel range, even when the suction foot is swiveled beyond its dead center. This has the advantage that the suction foot does not have to be completely lifted from the floor surface to be swiveled into the maintenance position.Furthermore, the suction foot is supported on the floor surface across its entire swivel range, reducing the force required to swivel it. Because the mounting projection can move within the recess, and this recess can be designed as an elongated slot, a support arm (which has the recess for holding the suction foot) does not need to be pivoted upwards against the force of a spring when moving from the suction position to the maintenance position. This allows the maintenance position to be reached simply by swiveling the arm, eliminating the need to work against force. This can improve the ease of use of the floor cleaning machine.

[0022] In another embodiment, the floor cleaning machine has a stop element designed to limit the swivel range of the suction foot. This stop element allows the swivel range to be restricted to a predetermined area, preventing the suction foot from swiveling beyond its dead center. This reduces the risk of damage to the suction foot or the floor cleaning machine and also increases operator safety.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, an actuating pedal is provided on the support arm, extending rearward in the forward direction of travel of the floor cleaning machine. This pedal allows the support arm to be pushed from the raised position to the lowered position, with the actuating pedal extending over the suction foot when the latter is in the maintenance position. This allows the suction foot to be easily adjusted between the raised and lowered positions, even though the suction foot is pivotable between a suction position and a maintenance position.

[0024] The present invention will now be explained with reference to a drawing showing only one preferred embodiment, in which Figures 1 and 2 show schematic views of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention, Figure 3 shows a schematic partial view of the suction foot in the suction position of the floor cleaning machine according to the invention. Figure 1 Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the suction foot in the suction position. Figure 3 Figure 5 shows a schematic partial view of the suction foot in the maintenance position of the floor cleaning machine according to the invention. Figure 2 Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the suction foot in the maintenance position. Figure 5 shows.

[0025] Figure 1 and 2Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention. The floor cleaning machine 1 has a frame 3 and a chassis 5 arranged on the frame 3 for moving the floor cleaning machine 1 over a floor surface 7 to be cleaned. The frame 3 is understood to be the stationary part of the floor cleaning machine 1 that is connected to the chassis 5. The frame 3 can, for example, be made of a steel or aluminum construction or of a composite material.

[0026] Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine 1 has a cleaning element arrangement 9 with a cleaning element 11, wherein the cleaning element 11 is designed to engage with the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. For example, the cleaning element 11 can be a brush, in which case the engagement elements are bristles whose free ends engage with the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. However, it is equally conceivable that the cleaning element 11 is a so-called pad, in which the engagement element is formed by a flat material provided on the pad, the surface of which comes into contact with the floor surface 7 to be cleaned.

[0027] The floor cleaning machine 1 has a housing 13 for enclosing the floor cleaning machine 1. The housing 13 can accommodate, among other things, a fresh water tank for receiving fresh water and a dirty water tank for receiving dirty water.

[0028] The floor cleaning machine 1 has a guide handle assembly 15, which is located at the rear of the machine when viewed in the forward direction. The guide handle assembly 15 serves as a support, allowing the user to hold, control, and steer the floor cleaning machine 1. Positioning the guide handle assembly 15 at the rear contributes to more precise steering with less effort. The guide handle assembly 15 can be ergonomically shaped, resulting in improved comfort and reduced physical strain during operation, which is particularly advantageous during extended use of the floor cleaning machine 1.

[0029] The chassis 5 has a first chassis axle 17 and a second chassis axle 19, with a first roller unit 21 in the form of rollers arranged on the first chassis axle 17 and a second roller unit 23 arranged on the second chassis axle 19. The first roller unit 21 and the second roller unit 23 are configured to roll over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned.

[0030] The floor cleaning machine 1 has a suction foot 25. In the present embodiment, the suction foot 25 has, as shown in the Figure 4 and 6The figure shows a first wheel 27, a second wheel 29, a third wheel 31, and a fourth wheel 33, designed to roll over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, and whose contact points with the floor surface 7 define a wheel plane 35. The first and second wheels 27, 29 can also be referred to as front wheels, since they are located at a front end of the suction foot 25. The third and fourth wheels 31, 33 can also be referred to as rear wheels, since they are located at a rear end of the suction foot 25. During the cleaning operation of the floor cleaning machine 1, the wheel plane 35 runs parallel to the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, thus ensuring a predefined and uniform distance between the suction foot 25 and the floor surface 7, and a uniform cleaning result.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment, the suction foot 25 has three wheels designed to roll over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, wherein a first and second wheel 27, 29 form the front wheels and a third wheel 31 forms the rear wheel.

[0032] The floor cleaning machine 1 is designed to be moved forward over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned during cleaning operation, with the suction foot 25 being arranged at a rear end of the floor cleaning machine 1 when viewed in the forward direction. The suction foot 25 is designed to be guided over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned and to collect cleaning fluid from the floor surface 7.

[0033] The suction foot 25 has a base 37, from which, as in the Figure 3 and 5As shown, a front sealing lip 39 and a rear sealing lip 41 extend downwards, essentially parallel to each other and, in suction operation when the suction foot 25 is moved over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, essentially perpendicular to each other, so that a suction chamber 43 is formed between the sealing lips 39, 41 and below the base 37. The base 37 has a connection through which the suction chamber 43 can be connected to the vacuumed dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine, so that dirty water located on the floor surface 7 to be cleaned can be suctioned out.

[0034] The suction foot 25 is, as in the Figure 3 and 5The first pivot axis 45 is pivotably mounted on the frame 3, with the first pivot axis 45 running parallel to the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. The first pivot axis 45 is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the floor cleaning machine 1. By pivotally mounting the suction foot 25 on the frame 3, it is possible for the suction foot 25 to adapt to the floor surface 7, particularly when the floor cleaning machine 1 is guided over an inclined or curved floor surface 7. The first pivot axis 45, which is parallel to the floor surface 7, ensures particularly good contact between the suction foot 25 and the floor surface 7, resulting in improved cleaning performance and reliable removal of dirty water from the floor surface 7.

[0035] The suction foot 25 can be pivoted between a suction position and a maintenance position, whereby the suction foot 25 in Figure 1The suction position is shown, in which the four wheels 27, 29, 31, 33 roll over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. In the suction position, the wheel plane 35 and the floor surface 7 correspond to each other. The maintenance position of the suction foot 25 is shown below. Figure 2 explained in more detail.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a further schematic view of the embodiment of the floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention. Figure 1 , where the suction foot 25 in Figure 2The maintenance position is shown in which the third and fourth wheels 31, 33 are spaced away from the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, and the first and second wheels 27, 29 roll over the floor surface 7. Because the first and second wheels 27, 29 of the suction foot 25 roll over the floor surface 7 in the maintenance position, the suction foot 25 is supported against the floor surface 7 even in this position. This reduces mechanical stress on the coupling between the suction foot 25 and the floor cleaning machine 1. Furthermore, this eliminates the need for a guide or holding device to keep the suction foot 25 in the maintenance position or to move it over the floor surface 7. The coupling and the suction position of the suction foot 25 are described below. Figure 3 described in more detail.

[0037] Figure 3shows a schematic view of the suction foot 25 in the suction position of the floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention. Figure 1 The suction foot 25 is pivotably connected to the frame 3 at a coupling point 47 about the first pivot axis 45. Coupling point 47 is understood to be the point at which the suction foot 25 is connected to the frame 3 of the floor cleaning machine 1, which in the present preferred embodiment lies on the first pivot axis 45. The suction foot 25 and the frame 3 of the floor cleaning machine 1 can engage at the coupling point 47, so that the suction foot 25 can move together with the floor cleaning machine 1 or the frame 3.

[0038] The frame 3 has a pivotable support arm 49, which is pivotably arranged about a second pivot axis 51 on a fixed part of the frame 3. The support arm 49 is configured to pivot the suction foot 25 between a lowered position and a raised position, with the suction foot being in the lowered position in the suction position.

[0039] In the suction position, the first wheel 27 and the second wheel 29 are arranged at the front end of the suction foot 25 when viewed in the forward direction. The two wheels 27, 29 arranged at the front end of the suction foot 25 allow the suction foot 25 to be guided safely and evenly over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned in the suction position. This reduces mechanical stress and damage to the coupling point 47 and to the suction foot 25 in the suction position.

[0040] The holding arm 49 has a preload element 53 designed to press the suction foot 25 towards the base surface 7 with a predetermined force. This ensures that the suction foot 25 is pressed against the base surface 7 with the predetermined force, so that the front sealing lip 39 and the rear sealing lip 41, as well as the wheels 27, 29, 31, 33, are in contact with the base surface 7 and the suction foot 25 can suction dirty liquid from the base surface 7. The coupling of the suction foot 25 to the holding arm 49 is described below. Figure 4 explained in more detail.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the suction foot 25 in the suction position. Figure 3The coupling point 47 is located centrally on the suction foot 25 and the frame 3, so that the suction foot 25 can be connected to the frame 3 at a single point. In this context, it should be noted that the term "coupling" is not to be interpreted as meaning that the connection between the suction foot 25 and the frame 3 at coupling point 47 is a point-like connection. Rather, the term "coupling point" is simply intended to express that there is a location or point on the frame 3 of the floor cleaning machine 1 where the frame 3 is coupled to the suction foot 25.

[0042] In the suction position, the first wheel 27 and the second wheel 29 are arranged in the forward direction in front of the coupling point 47. As already mentioned, the suction foot 25 can be pivoted about the first pivot axis 45 into the maintenance position. This will be shown below. Figure 5 explained in more detail.

[0043] Figure 5shows a schematic view of the suction foot 25 in the maintenance position of the floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention. Figure 2 .

[0044] As already mentioned, the first wheel 27 and the second wheel 29 are arranged in the suction position in the forward direction in front of the coupling point 47. This allows the suction foot 25 to be pivoted around the coupling point 47 into the maintenance position, such that when in the maintenance position, the suction foot 25 points rearward with the suction chamber 43, and at the same time the two wheels 27, 29 can rest on the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, without the coupling point 47 having to be lowered below the level of the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. In other words, if the wheels at the front end of the suction foot 25 are located behind the coupling point 47 in the forward direction, it would be necessary for the coupling point 47 to be arranged below the base surface 7 so that the wheels 27, 29 at the front end can still roll on the base surface 7 and the suction chamber 43 points to the rear.

[0045] When the suction foot 25 pivots between the suction position and the maintenance position, it pivots by a swivel angle 55 greater than 90°, so that the wheel plane 35 points rearward and upwards in the forward direction of travel in the maintenance position. A swivel angle 55 greater than 90° causes the suction foot 25 to pivot beyond a dead center. The dead center is defined as the point in the swivel range of the suction foot 25 beyond which it no longer pivots back to its initial position (in this case, the suction position) on its own, i.e., without external force, when released. A swivel angle 55 greater than 90° allows the suction foot 25 to overcome this dead center, so that it can remain in the maintenance position without requiring additional force or a locking mechanism.This not only simplifies the maintenance process but also reduces potential disruptions during operation, as no moving parts are required to fix the suction foot 25 in the maintenance position. A swivel angle 55 of over 90° also allows easier access to the suction foot 25 for cleaning, repair, or maintenance, thus increasing the overall efficiency and user-friendliness of the floor cleaning machine 1.

[0046] As in Figure 5As shown, the retaining arm 49 is pivoted from the lowered position to the raised position to pivot the suction foot 25. To allow the suction foot 25 to pivot beyond its dead center in the raised position, a recess 57 is provided at the coupling point 47 on the frame 3, and a mounting projection 59 is arranged in the recess 57 on the suction foot 25. The recess 57 and the mounting projection 59 arranged therein enable a coupling at the coupling point 47 with multiple degrees of freedom. This allows the mounting projection 59 and the recess 57 to be moved and tilted relative to each other. This enables the suction foot 25 to tilt and move, which can lead to reduced mechanical stresses at the coupling point 47, particularly on uneven floor surfaces 7.

[0047] The recess 57 and the mounting projection 59 are designed to allow movement of the mounting projection 59 in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. This ensures that the two wheels 27, 29 at the front end remain in constant contact with the floor surface 7 along the entire swivel range, even when the suction foot 25 is swiveled beyond its dead center. This has the advantage that the suction foot 25 does not need to be completely lifted from the floor surface 7 to be swiveled into the standby position. Furthermore, the suction foot 25 is supported on the floor surface 7 across its entire swivel range, thus requiring less force to swivel it. This can improve the ease of use of the floor cleaning machine 1.

[0048] The recess 57 is designed as an elongated hole, optionally with an open end, and has a longitudinal axis 61, the longitudinal axis 61 being at an angle to the base surface 7. The angle of the recess 57 allows the suction foot 25 to move perpendicular to the base surface 7, enabling the suction foot 25 to swivel by an angle 55 of over 90°.

[0049] The suction foot 25 in the maintenance position is described below with reference to Figure 6 described.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the suction foot 25 in the maintenance position. Figure 5 In the maintenance position, all wheels 27, 29, 31, 33 are arranged behind the coupling point 47 when viewed in the forward direction. This ensures that, after being swung up into the maintenance position, the suction chamber 43 faces rearward when viewed in the forward direction of travel of the floor cleaning machine 7 and is easily accessible.

[0051] The floor cleaning machine 1 has a stop element 63 (not shown in detail) designed to limit the swivel range of the suction foot 25. The stop element 63 is located on the support arm 49 and is designed to contact a section of the suction foot 25 to limit its swivel range. The stop element 63 allows the swivel range to be limited to a predetermined area, preventing the suction foot 25 from swiveling beyond the predefined range and beyond its dead center. This reduces the risk of damage to the suction foot 25 or the floor cleaning machine 1 and increases the safety of operating the floor cleaning machine 1.

[0052] Finally, it can be seen that an actuating pedal 65 is provided on the support arm 49, which extends rearward when viewed in the forward direction of travel of the floor cleaning machine 1 and allows the support arm 49 to be pushed from the raised position to the lowered position, with the actuating pedal 65 extending over the suction foot 25 when the latter is in the maintenance position. This allows the suction foot 25 to still be easily adjusted between the raised and lowered positions, even though the suction foot 25 is pivotable between a suction position and a maintenance position.

[0053] In summary, it can be stated that the floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention has a swiveling suction foot 25, wherein the suction foot 25 is reliably guided over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned and can be moved into a maintenance position as easily as possible and without high effort. Reference symbol list:

[0054] 1 Floor cleaning machine 3 Frame 5 Chassis 7 Floor surface 9 Cleaning element arrangement 11 Cleaning element 13 Housing 15 Guide handle arrangement 17 First chassis axle 19 Second chassis axle 21 First roller unit 23 Second roller unit 25 Suction foot 27 First wheel 29 Second wheel 31 Third wheel 33 Fourth wheel 35 Wheel plane 37 Base 39 Front sealing lip 41 Rear sealing lip 43 Suction chamber 45 First swivel axis 47 Coupling point 49 Holding arm 51 Second swivel axis 53 Preload element 55 Swivel angle 57 Recess 59 Mounting projection 61 Longitudinal axis 63 Stop element 65 Operating pedal

Claims

1. Floor cleaning machine (1) comprising a frame (3), a chassis (5) arranged on the frame (3) for moving the floor cleaning machine (1) over a floor surface (7) to be cleaned, a suction foot (25) connected to the frame (3) at a coupling point (47) and configured to be guided over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned and to collect cleaning fluid from the floor surface (7), wherein the suction foot (25) has at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) configured to roll over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned, and whose contact points with the floor surface (7) to be cleaned define a wheel plane (35), wherein the floor cleaning machine (1) is configured to be moved in a forward direction over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned during cleaning operation, wherein the suction foot (25) is arranged at a rear end of the floor cleaning machine (1) when viewed in the forward direction. is,wherein the suction foot (25) is pivotably attached to the frame (3) at the coupling point (47) about a first pivot axis (45), the first pivot axis (45) being parallel to the floor surface (7) to be cleaned, wherein the suction foot (25) can be pivoted between a suction position, in which the at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) roll over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned and cleaning fluid can be picked up from the floor surface (7) to be cleaned, and a maintenance position, wherein a pivot angle (55) about which the wheel plane (35) pivots when pivoting between the suction position and the maintenance position is greater than 90°.

2. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (3) has a pivotable support arm (49) which is arranged and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis (51) on a fixed part of the frame (3) to pivot the coupling point (47) and the suction foot (25) between a lowered position and a raised position.

3. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the maintenance position at least one of the at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) is spaced away from the floor surface (7) to be cleaned and at least two of the at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) roll over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned.

4. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the maintenance position the at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) are arranged behind the coupling point (47) when viewed in the forward direction.

5. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) are arranged at a front end of the suction foot (25) when viewed in the suction position in the forward direction.

6. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the suction position at least two of the at least three wheels (27, 29, 31, 33) are arranged in the forward direction in front of the coupling point (47).

7. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at the coupling point (47) a recess (57) is provided on one side from the suction foot (25) and the frame (3) and a fastening projection (59) arranged in the recess (57) is provided on the other side from the suction foot (25) and the frame (3).

8. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein the recess (57) and the fastening projection (59) are designed to allow movement of the fastening projection (59) in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface (7) to be cleaned.

9. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the recess (57) is designed as an elongated hole with a longitudinal axis (61), wherein the longitudinal axis (61) runs at an angle between 50° and 130°, preferably between 70° and 110°, more preferably 90°, to the floor surface (7).

10. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with a stop element (63) which is configured to limit a swivel range of the suction foot (25).

11. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein an actuating pedal (65) is provided on the support arm (49), which extends rearward in the forward direction of travel of the floor cleaning machine and makes it possible to push the support arm (49) from the raised position into the lowered position, and wherein the actuating pedal (65) extends over the suction foot (25) when the latter is in the maintenance position.

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