Surface-cleaning machine with a hot-fluid generating device and method for operating a surface-cleaning machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface-cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head (12), at least one cleaning roller unit (16) which is arranged in a rotatable manner on the cleaning head (12), a drive (22) for driving a rotating movement of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16), a hot-fluid generating device (26) which generates a hot fluid during operation of the surface-cleaning machine, wherein the hot fluid is hot water with a temperature of at least 80° C and / or steam, and at least one application chamber (34) which is allocated to the at least one cleaning roller unit (16) and which is fluidically connected to the hot-fluid generating device (26), wherein during operation of the surface-cleaning machine an interior (36) of the at least one application chamber (34) is filled with hot-water mist and / or steam, wherein the at least one application chamber (34; 110) has at least one opening (40), and wherein the at least one cleaning roller unit (16) is immersed in the interior (36) of the at least one application chamber (34) at the at least one opening (40) and during operation of the surface-cleaning machine hot-water mist and / or steam is applied to said cleaning roller unit.

Description

[0001] Surface cleaning machine with hot fluid generating device and method for operating a surface cleaning machine

[0002] The invention relates to a surface cleaning machine comprising a cleaning head, at least one cleaning roller unit which is rotatably arranged on the cleaning head, and a drive for driving a rotating movement of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for operating a surface cleaning machine in which, during a cleaning operation, a cleaning roller unit acts in a rotating manner on a surface to be cleaned.

[0004] CN 218458058 U discloses a cleaning robot.

[0005] CN 216933041 U discloses a cleaning machine.

[0006] CN 202313129 U discloses a steam floor cleaning machine.

[0007] CN 202313125 U discloses a steam cleaning and dust removal machine.

[0008] US 2014 / 0208536 Al discloses a steam vacuum cleaner with steaming functions and vacuuming functions combined in one machine.

[0009] EP 3 834 693 A1 discloses a surface cleaning device with a steam supply system for a steam wiping function of a floor surface after dry cleaning of the floor surface.

[0010] A device called the "Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 STEAM" is known from the prior art and features a steam cleaning function. Floor cleaning devices are described, for example, in EP 3 750 464 A1, EP 3 884 834 A1, US 2021 / 018620 A1, or KR 2012 06900U.

[0011] WO 2018 / 162092 A1 discloses a floor cleaning device with which an autonomous cleaning of a floor surface can be carried out.

[0012] Floor cleaning devices are also disclosed, for example, in EP 2 574 264 B1, US 8,855,941 B1, DE 102 42 257 B4 and US 10,149,589 B2.

[0013] DE 20 2015 101 302 Ul discloses a cleaning device in the form of a vacuum cleaner.

[0014] From WO 2016 / 058901 Al, WO 2016 / 058856 Al, WO 2017 / 063663 Al,

[0015] Surface cleaning machines are known from WO 2016 / 058879 A1 and WO 2016 / 058956 A1. A surface cleaning machine is also known from WO 2016 / 058907 A1.

[0016] From US 4,875,246 a portable floor cleaning device is known which has a roller driven by an electric motor.

[0017] From DE 20 2009 013 434 Ul a device for wet cleaning floors with a brush which can be rotated about a rotation axis is known.

[0018] A cleaning machine is known from CN 201 197 698 Y.

[0019] US 6,026,529 discloses a device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces.

[0020] WO 2010 / 041185 A1 discloses a surface cleaning machine with rotating brushes. US Pat. No. 7,665,174 B2 discloses a cleaning head for a floor cleaning machine.

[0021] From US 4,173,054 a floor cleaner is known which comprises a handle, a main body, a roller mechanism with a roller with a cleaning belt, a scraper and a dirt fluid receptacle.

[0022] WO 2013 / 106762 A2 discloses a surface cleaning machine with 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.

[0023] From US 7,921,497 B2 a floor scrubber is known which is manually operated and comprises a drive roller which is coupled to a scrubbing roller.

[0024] Another floor cleaning machine is known from WO 2015 / 086083 Al.

[0025] A hard floor cleaning device is known from US 3,789,449.

[0026] From DE 103 57 637 A1 a self-propelled sweeper with a sweeping brush and an associated dirt collection chamber is known.

[0027] A household floor cleaning device with a wiping roller is known from DE 10 2007 054 500 Al.

[0028] US 2006 / 0272120 A1 discloses a floor cleaning device comprising a housing, a hose assembly, and a cleaning head. DE 10 2017 120 723 A1 discloses a cleaning machine station for a cleaning machine, wherein the cleaning machine station has a receiving chamber for a cleaning head of the cleaning machine.

[0029] From WO 2005 / 087075 A1 a floor cleaning machine is known with a handle which is pivotably arranged on a base.

[0030] CN 107007215 A discloses a floor cleaning robot.

[0031] DE 20 2018 104 772 Ul discloses a dirty water collection mechanism and dirty water detection mechanism and a cleaning device.

[0032] Cleaning machines are also from AU 2017101723 A4, the

[0033] CN 206687671 U, DE 20 2016 105 300 Ul, US 9,622,637 Bl, der

[0034] CN 205359367 U, US 2017 / 0119225 Al, CN 205181250 U, der

[0035] CN 205181251 U, CN 205181256 U, DE 20 2016 105 299 U, der

[0036] WO 2017 / 059602 Al, WO 2017 / 059600 Al, WO 2017 / 059601 Al, WO 2017 / 059603 Al or DE 20 2016 105 301 Ul.

[0037] The invention is based on the object of providing a surface cleaning machine of the type mentioned above with which hygienic surface cleaning can be carried out.

[0038] This object is achieved according to the invention in the surface cleaning machine mentioned at the outset in that a hot fluid generating device is provided which generates a hot fluid during operation of the surface cleaning machine, wherein the hot fluid is hot water with a temperature of at least 80°C and / or steam, and that at least one application chamber is provided which is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller unit and which is fluidly connected to the hot fluid generating device, wherein during operation of the surface cleaning machine an interior of the at least one application chamber is filled with hot water mist and / or steam, wherein the at least one application chamber has at least one opening,and wherein the at least one cleaning roller unit is immersed at the at least one opening into the interior of the at least one application chamber and is subjected to hot water mist and / or steam during operation of the surface cleaning machine.

[0039] In the solution according to the invention, the at least one cleaning roller unit is guided through the loading chamber and there exposed to hot water mist and / or steam.

[0040] During operation of the surface cleaning machine, the at least one cleaning roller unit is guided through a hot fluid atmosphere. Due to the rotation and immersion into the at least one exposure chamber, a specific area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit is exposed to hot fluid for a relatively long time.

[0041] At the loading chamber, at least one cleaning roller unit is disinfected with hot fluid. This has been shown to remove bacteria to an extent of 99.99%.

[0042] In the floor cleaning machine according to the invention, an in-situ hot fluid disinfection of at least one cleaning roller unit takes place during operation of the surface cleaning machine.

[0043] From a design perspective, it is advantageous if the at least one exposure chamber is located on the cleaning head. This allows for a simple design to expose the at least one cleaning roller unit to a hot fluid atmosphere in the exposure chamber.

[0044] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the at least one cleaning roller unit has at least one effective region for a surface to be cleaned, which has a substantially cylindrical outer surface as an envelope, wherein in particular the cylindrical outer surface is coaxial to a rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit; at least one immersion region of the at least one cleaning roller unit into the at least one application chamber has, in cross-section, at least approximately the shape of a circular section or circular segment; a rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit is parallel to a mounting plane of the cleaning head on a surface to be cleaned; the at least one opening has an extension direction parallel to a rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit;an immersion direction of the at least one cleaning roller unit into the interior of the at least one loading chamber is perpendicular to a rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit;

[0045] This results in a structurally simple design. A relatively large area of ​​the cleaning roller unit is simultaneously exposed to a hot fluid atmosphere in the exposure chamber. This results in effective hot fluid disinfection of at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0046] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided during operation of the surface cleaning machine: the at least one cleaning roller unit is continuously exposed to hot water mist and / or steam; a rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller unit is in the range between 450 revolutions per minute and 500 revolutions per minute; the at least one cleaning roller unit is exposed to hot water mist and / or steam over a range between 10% and 55% of a roller circumference and in particular a range between 10% and 25% of the roller circumference; the time for which the at least one cleaning roller unit is exposed to hot water mist and / or steam in a specific roller area is in the range between 0.012 s and 0.06 s; a temperature of the hot water mist and / or steam upon contact with the at least one cleaning roller unit is in the range between 75°C and 90°C;a temperature at the cleaning roller unit when in contact with a surface to be cleaned is in the range between 55°C and 75°C.;

[0047] If one or more of the corresponding conditions are met, then effective hot fluid disinfection of at least one cleaning roller unit results.

[0048] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one cleaning roller unit is immersed with a partial effective area into the at least one exposure chamber, wherein the partial effective area is variable due to the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit during operation of the surface cleaning machine. This allows a relatively large area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit to be exposed to hot fluid, thus achieving effective hot fluid disinfection. Furthermore, a specific area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit is exposed to hot fluid in the exposure chamber for a relatively long time to achieve an effective disinfection effect.

[0049] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, during operation of the surface cleaning machine, the at least one cleaning roller unit is immersed in the at least one application chamber with a first partial effective area and acts on the surface to be cleaned with a second partial effective area, which is spaced apart from the first partial effective area in a circumferential direction. This allows for simultaneous hot fluid disinfection of the at least one cleaning roller unit during cleaning operation of the surface cleaning machine.

[0050] It is then further advantageous if a separation of dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit is provided at a third partial active area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit, which is spaced in the circumferential direction from the first partial active area and spaced in the circumferential direction from the second partial active area. This allows for a simultaneous hot fluid disinfection of the at least one cleaning roller unit at the first partial active area during "normal" cleaning operation, in which the second partial active area acts on the surface to be cleaned and a separation of dirty fluid takes place at the third partial active area for removal and coupling into a dirty fluid tank.Due to the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit, a 360° rotation results in a complete exposure of the at least one cleaning roller unit (relative to a circumferential direction) to the hot fluid atmosphere in the application chamber.

[0051] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is present: the first partial effective region lies between the second partial region and the third partial region with respect to a direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit; a direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit is such that upon rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit, the first partial effective region merges into the third partial effective region, or that the first partial effective region merges into the second partial effective region.

[0052] This results in effective hot fluid disinfection during operation of the surface cleaning machine, combined with effective cleaning action. When the first partial active zone transitions into the third partial active zone, the dirty fluid is removed from the at least one cleaning roller unit immediately after exposure to the hot fluid atmosphere. When the first partial active zone transitions into a second partial active zone, the surface to be cleaned is exposed to the at least one cleaning roller unit immediately after disinfection with the hot fluid.

[0053] It is advantageous if, relative to a longitudinal direction parallel to a rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit, at least 70% of an effective area, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, and in particular 100% of the effective area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit is immersed in the at least one application chamber. This ensures correspondingly effective hot fluid disinfection of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0054] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the at least one loading chamber forms a housing for a partial area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit; the at least one cleaning roller unit forms a movable cover for the at least one loading chamber at the at least one opening; upon rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit by 360°, an effective area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit is guided completely through the loading chamber with respect to a circumferential direction of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0055] By designing the at least one exposure chamber as a housing, particularly with the at least one cleaning roller unit as a movable cover, a large area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit can be exposed to a hot fluid atmosphere for a correspondingly long period of time during operation (cleaning operation). This enables effective hot fluid disinfection without disrupting the cleaning operation.

[0056] It is particularly advantageous if a sealing device is provided that ensures a fluid-effective seal between the at least one cleaning roller unit and the at least one application chamber. This allows for effective hot-fluid disinfection of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0057] During operation, it is generally intended that hot fluid is fed to at least one pressurization chamber so that, in particular, no relevant loss occurs there with regard to fluid quantity and temperature.

[0058] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the sealing device comprises a wall of the at least one loading chamber, which abuts against a facing of the at least one cleaning roller unit or projects into it; the sealing device is arranged or formed circumferentially on the at least one opening.

[0059] This allows for a simple design for the sealing device, without impeding cleaning operations.

[0060] In a structurally simple embodiment, a wall of the at least one admission chamber at the opening has a first longitudinal side, a second longitudinal side which is opposite the first longitudinal side, a first transverse side and a second transverse side which is opposite the first transverse side, wherein the first transverse side and the second transverse side are each connected to the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side, with at least one of the following: the first longitudinal side and / or the second longitudinal side are aligned parallel to a rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit; the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side are parallel to one another; the first transverse side and / or the second transverse side are aligned transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit; the first transverse side and the second transverse side are aligned parallel to one another;The first longitudinal side and / or the second longitudinal side have a straight profile at the end face; the first transverse side and / or the second transverse side have a curved profile at the end face, and in particular a convexly curved profile and in particular a circular profile. This makes it easy to immerse the at least one cleaning roller unit at the opening into the at least one loading chamber. Furthermore, a sealing device can be easily formed over the wall of the at least one loading chamber.

[0061] Due to the appropriate geometric design of the longitudinal and transverse sides (in the case of the transverse sides, in particular with a convex curved profile), the longitudinal and transverse sides themselves can follow the profile of the at least one cleaning roller unit. This allows for effective sealing between the at least one cleaning roller unit and the loading chamber.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment, a nozzle device for hot fluid is assigned to the at least one application chamber, which nozzle device is arranged in particular on the at least one application chamber. This nozzle device ensures, for example, the formation of a hot water mist when hot water (before the phase transition to steam) is used as the hot fluid. The nozzle device allows for a homogeneous distribution of hot fluid in the application chamber, so that a uniform application of the at least one cleaning roller unit can be achieved over its entire surface area immersed in the application chamber.

[0063] It is advantageous to provide a humidification device for moistening the at least one cleaning roller unit with cleaning fluid. The moistened at least one cleaning roller unit allows dirt to be loosened and, if necessary, removed from a surface to be cleaned during cleaning.

[0064] In particular, the humidification device comprises at least one exposure chamber. The at least one cleaning roller unit typically absorbs moisture through exposure to a hot fluid atmosphere.

[0065] It is advantageous if the moistening device comprises at least one of the following: an additional device in addition to the at least one application chamber, which applies cleaning fluid to the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or a surface to be cleaned; a tank device for cleaning fluid; a receiving device for cleaning agent; a nozzle device which is aligned with the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or a surface to be cleaned and which is in fluid communication with a tank device for cleaning fluid.

[0066] The additional device allows for additional moistening of at least one cleaning roller unit or the surface to be cleaned. This can, in particular, improve the dirt removal ability.

[0067] By providing a receptacle for cleaning agents, such as a surfactant, the cleaning process can be improved. For example, it is then possible to use a water tank provided for the hot fluid generation device for additional humidification as well. (It is generally advantageous if cleaning agents such as surfactant are not present during hot fluid generation. This prevents aerosol formation, and it is generally advantageous for a hot fluid generator to use pure water without additives.)

[0068] The nozzle device enables effective application of cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and / or the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0069] For a cleaning operation with simultaneous effective hot fluid disinfection of the at least one cleaning roller unit, it is advantageous if, during operation of the surface cleaning machine, a specific area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit is (i) firstly subjected to cleaning fluid during rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit, then passed through the at least one application chamber, and then acts on the surface to be cleaned, or (ii) is subjected to cleaning fluid, then acts on the surface to be cleaned and then passed through the at least one application chamber.

[0070] It is particularly advantageous if at least one scraper is provided, which separates the contaminated fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit. This allows for effective extraction of the contaminated fluid.

[0071] In particular, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the at least one cleaning roller unit has a textile lining, and the at least one scraper rests against the lining or protrudes into the lining; the at least one scraper is arranged or formed on the at least one loading chamber; the at least one scraper is designed as a scraper strip. This results in effective dirt removal from the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0072] A structurally simple structure results if the at least one wiper is arranged or formed on the at least one loading chamber.

[0073] It is advantageous if the at least one wiper is arranged with respect to a direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit such that (i) during operation of the surface cleaning machine, a specific region of the at least one cleaning roller unit initially acts on the surface to be cleaned, then passes through the at least one application chamber, and subsequently rotates past the at least one wiper, or (ii) the specific region of the at least one cleaning roller unit is initially guided through the application chamber, subsequently acts on the surface to be cleaned, and then is guided past the at least one wiper. This results in an effective cleaning effect and, at the same time, effective hot fluid disinfection of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0074] It is advantageous if at least one tank facility is provided for dirty fluid.

[0075] At least one of the following can then be provided: the at least one tank device for dirty fluid is arranged on the cleaning head; the at least one tank device for dirty fluid is removably arranged on the cleaning head; dirty fluid is guided from the at least one cleaning roller unit to the at least one tank device for dirty fluid without the need for a fan or pump.

[0076] The corresponding surface cleaning machine can be designed with a simple structure, energy-efficient operation, and a small number of components. Dirt fluid separated by at least one cleaning roller unit is transported directly to the dirt fluid tank.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, which can also be combined, a suction fan device with a suction fan is provided and / or a pump device with a pump is provided, which conveys dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit to the tank device for dirty fluid. This can be advantageous for certain applications. For example, it is then not necessary to arrange a tank device for dirty fluid on the cleaning head.

[0078] In one embodiment, the surface cleaning machine is designed as a machine that can be operated by a standing operator, with a support rod device being provided, which is arranged on the cleaning head and, in particular, is hinged to the cleaning head. The surface cleaning machine is then a type of mop machine. In particular, such a surface cleaning machine is intended for cleaning floors, especially hard floors.

[0079] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the hot fluid generating device is arranged on the holding rod device; a tank device for the hot fluid generating device is arranged on the holding rod device; a tank device for cleaning fluid is arranged on the holding rod device; a suction fan device for dirty fluid and / or a pump device for dirty fluid is arranged on the holding rod device.

[0080] This allows the cleaning head in particular to be made compact, for example to ensure good accessibility under furniture and the like.

[0081] Alternatively, it is possible for the surface cleaning machine to be designed as a self-propelled and self-steering machine ("cleaning robot").

[0082] In particular, the hot fluid generation device and the drive are arranged on the cleaning head. This results in a correspondingly compact design of the surface cleaning machine as a whole.

[0083] In one embodiment, the hot fluid generation device comprises a hot fluid generator and a pump. The hot fluid generator is, for example, a boiler (with a corresponding heating device) or a continuous-flow heater. The pump ensures the conveyance of hot fluid, in particular for supplying hot fluid from the hot fluid generation device to the pressurization chamber. The pump or another pump can also be provided for transporting clean water to the hot fluid generator. In principle, one or more valves can also be provided to ensure a controllable release of the supply of hot fluid to the pressurization chamber.

[0084] Advantageously, a tank for water (pure water) is assigned to the hot fluid generation device in order to generate the appropriate hot fluid. A humidification device for supplying cleaning fluid to the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or the surface to be cleaned can be assigned its own tank for cleaning fluid, or a shared tank for water can be assigned to the hot fluid generation device and the humidification device. In the latter case, the number of elements of the surface cleaning machine can be kept lower. In the former case, the tank for cleaning fluid can also be filled with cleaning fluid containing a cleaning agent as an additive, such as a surfactant-based cleaning agent.

[0085] It is generally possible for the at least one cleaning roller unit to be a single-piece or multi-piece unit, and in particular, a two-piece unit. For example, a center drive can be used for the at least one cleaning roller unit if it is a two-piece unit.

[0086] It is also possible for the cleaning head to be equipped with exactly one cleaning roller unit or a plurality of cleaning roller units, and in particular exactly two cleaning roller units. For example, if exactly two cleaning roller units are installed (which themselves can be one-piece or multi-piece), they rotate in particular in opposite directions during operation.

[0087] In one embodiment, the at least one pressure chamber is arranged on the cleaning head between a first cleaning roller unit and a second cleaning roller unit. This results in a space-saving design. A pressure chamber can be provided for each of the cleaning roller units, or a common pressure chamber can be provided for both the first cleaning roller unit and the second cleaning roller unit.

[0088] With a compact design, the cleaning head has a front end relative to the forward direction of travel of the surface cleaning machine, and at least one pressurizing chamber is arranged at the front end. This allows a tank for dirt fluid to be arranged on the cleaning head, particularly in a space-saving manner.

[0089] In particular, the at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged between the at least one loading chamber and a tank device for dirt fluid on the cleaning head. This results in a compact design.

[0090] According to the invention, a method is provided for operating a surface cleaning machine and in particular a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, in which, in a cleaning operation, a cleaning roller unit acts in a rotating manner on a surface to be cleaned, and in which the cleaning roller unit is guided through an application chamber which is subjected to a hot water mist or steam.

[0091] This allows hot fluid disinfection of the cleaning roller unit to be achieved simultaneously with the cleaning operation.

[0092] The advantages of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the surface cleaning machine according to the invention.

[0093] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the surface cleaning machine according to the invention.

[0094] In particular, the method according to the invention can be carried out on the surface cleaning machine according to the invention or the surface cleaning machine according to the invention can be operated with the method according to the invention. It is particularly advantageous if at least one of the following is provided during operation of the surface cleaning machine: the at least one cleaning roller unit is continuously exposed to hot water mist and / or steam; a rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller unit is in the range between 450 revolutions per minute and 500 revolutions per minute; the at least one cleaning roller unit is exposed to hot water mist and / or steam over a range between 10% and 55% based on a roller circumference and in particular a range between 10% and 25% based on the roller circumference;a time for the at least one cleaning roller unit to be exposed to hot water mist and / or steam in a specific roller area is in the range between 0.012 s and 0.06 s; a temperature of the hot water mist and / or steam upon contact with the at least one cleaning roller unit is in the range between 75°C and 90°C; a temperature at the cleaning roller unit upon contact with a surface to be cleaned is in the range between 55°C and 75°C.

[0095] This allows for effective hot fluid disinfection of the cleaning roller unit.

[0096] It is particularly advantageous if one, preferably several, and most preferably all of the aforementioned conditions are met. It is particularly advantageous if a first partial effective area of ​​the cleaning roller unit is positioned in the application chamber when a second partial effective area of ​​the cleaning roller unit acts on the surface to be cleaned, wherein the second partial effective area is spaced from the first partial effective area in a circumferential direction (relative to a rotational axis of the cleaning roller unit). This allows for simultaneous hot fluid disinfection of the cleaning roller unit during cleaning operation.

[0097] It is then further advantageous if dirt fluid is released from the cleaning roller unit at a third partial active area of ​​the cleaning roller unit, wherein the third partial active area is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the first partial active area and is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the second partial active area. This results in effective cleaning. The cleaning roller unit acts on the surface to be cleaned with the second partial active area, and simultaneously, dirt fluid is released at the third partial active area.

[0098] The cleaning roller unit can be configured to rotate in such a direction that a specific area of ​​the cleaning roller unit is first guided through the application chamber, then acts on the surface to be cleaned, and subsequently, the dirty fluid is removed from the specific area. Alternatively, the cleaning roller unit rotates in such a direction that a specific area of ​​the cleaning roller unit is first guided through the application chamber, then acts on the surface to be cleaned, and subsequently, the dirty fluid is removed from the specific area. In both cases, hot fluid disinfection of the cleaning roller unit can be performed synchronously with the cleaning operation.

[0099] It is advantageous if the cleaning roller unit is moistened, with the moistening being achieved by hot water fluid and / or steam in the application chamber, and in particular with additional moistening using cleaning fluid from a cleaning fluid tank. This allows for effective dirt removal during cleaning operations.

[0100] It is particularly advantageous if hot fluid is continuously fed into the application chamber. The application of hot fluid to the cleaning roller unit in the application chamber, with the corresponding application area then rotating out of the application chamber, results in hot fluid losses. These losses are compensated by the continuous feeding of hot fluid into the application chamber. The continuous feeding is carried out in such a way that a constant hot fluid atmosphere develops in the application chamber, in the sense of a flow equilibrium. This enables effective hot fluid disinfection of the cleaning roller unit. The continuous feeding can generally take place continuously or at time intervals, for example, in pulsed mode.

[0101] The following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, serves to further explain the invention. They show:

[0102] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention;

[0103] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention;

[0104] Figure 3 shows a partial view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention with a cleaning roller unit and a loading chamber; Figure 4 shows a plan view in direction A according to Figure 3 for an embodiment with a one-piece cleaning roller unit;

[0105] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 of an embodiment of a two-part cleaning roller unit;

[0106] Figure 6 is a schematic partial representation of a further embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention with a first cleaning roller unit, a loading chamber and a second cleaning roller unit;

[0107] Figure 7 is a plan view of the arrangement in the direction B according to Figure 6, wherein the first cleaning roller unit and the second cleaning roller unit are each one-piece;

[0108] Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 of a variant in which the first cleaning roller unit and the second cleaning roller unit are each in two parts;

[0109] Figure 9 schematically shows an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine for operation by a standing user as an embodiment of a surface cleaning machine;

[0110] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a floor cleaning machine, which is in particular self-propelled and self-steering; and

[0111] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of a floor cleaning machine.

[0112] A surface cleaning machine according to the invention is used in particular for cleaning hard or smooth surfaces. For example, a surface cleaning machine according to the invention is designed as a floor cleaning machine or used as such to clean (hard) floors. A first exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown schematically in a block diagram in Figure 1 and designated by 10, comprises a cleaning head 12. During cleaning operation, the surface cleaning machine 10 acts on a surface 14 to be cleaned via the cleaning head 12 (Figures 3, 6, 9 to 11).

[0113] Essential functional components of the surface cleaning machine 10 are arranged on the cleaning head 12. In one embodiment of a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine ("cleaning robot"), all functional components are arranged on the cleaning head 12 (see Figure 10).

[0114] On the cleaning head 12 there is (at least) one cleaning roller unit 16. The cleaning roller unit 16 is mounted on the cleaning head 12 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 18.

[0115] In one embodiment, it is provided that a mounting plane 20 (see, for example, Figure 9) of the cleaning head 12 on the surface 14 to be cleaned is parallel to the rotation axis 18. (In the case of a flat surface 14 to be cleaned, the geometric mounting plane 20 and the surface 14 to be cleaned coincide.) The mounting plane 20 is defined by the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0116] In one embodiment, the cleaning head 12 is supported during cleaning operation only by a single cleaning roller unit 16, which then alone defines the installation plane 20.

[0117] In a further embodiment, during cleaning operation, the cleaning head 12 is supported on the surface 14 to be cleaned via the cleaning roller unit 16 and one or more support elements. Such a support element can itself be a cleaning roller unit or, for example, a support roller, a skid, etc. In this case, the installation plane 20 is defined by the cleaning roller unit 16 and the additional support element(s).

[0118] The cleaning roller unit 16 is designed as a single piece (see Figures 4 and 7) or a multi-piece (see Figures 5 and 8), and then in particular as a two-piece unit. In a multi-piece design of the cleaning roller unit 16, all roller parts rotate synchronously around the same rotational axis 18. In particular, a drive is provided for a single-piece or multi-piece cleaning roller unit 16, which drives the cleaning roller unit 16 as a whole in the rotational movement around the rotational axis 18.

[0119] In one embodiment, the cleaning roller unit 16 comprises a holder, for example, a cylindrical one, on which a covering, such as a textile covering, is arranged. The covering acts on the surface 14 to be cleaned during the cleaning process.

[0120] A drive 22 is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16. The drive 22 is or comprises, in particular, a motor drive and preferably an electric motor. A transmission device is arranged between the corresponding motor (electric motor) and the cleaning roller unit 16. This transmission device serves to increase the speed and transmit torque over a corresponding distance.

[0121] In one embodiment, the drive 22 is arranged on and in particular in the cleaning head 12. It can be arranged, for example, next to, behind, or above the cleaning roller unit 16 on the cleaning head 12. In one embodiment, the drive 22 is arranged as an internal drive on which the cleaning roller unit 16 sits. In another embodiment, the motor drive of the drive 22 is arranged, for example, on a holding rod device that is hinged to the cleaning head 12 (see, for example, WO 2016 / 058879 A1).

[0122] A tank device 24 for dirt fluid is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16. The tank device 24 receives dirt fluid separated from the cleaning roller unit 16. The dirt fluid is, in particular, a mixture of liquid (primarily water) and dirt particles.

[0123] In one embodiment, the tank device 24 for dirty fluid is detachably arranged on the cleaning head 12. In particular, dirty fluid separated from the cleaning roller unit 16 is conveyed into the tank device 24 without the need for a fan or pump.

[0124] Typically, only the tank device 24 for dirty fluid is provided. In principle, it is also possible for dirty fluid to be pumped from one or more tanks located on the cleaning head 12 into another tank of the tank device 24, for example, via a pump or a suction fan.

[0125] The surface cleaning machine 10 includes a hot fluid generating device 26. In one embodiment, the hot fluid generating device 26 can be arranged on the cleaning head 12. It can also be arranged outside the cleaning head 12, for example, on a support rod device.

[0126] The hot fluid generating device 26 generates a hot fluid from water. Hot fluid refers to hot water (without phase transition) and steam (with phase transition). The hot fluid generating device 26 is configured such that when hot water is generated, it has a temperature of at least 80°C. The generated hot fluid is supplied by the hot fluid generating device 26 to the cleaning head 12.

[0127] The surface cleaning machine 10 includes a tank device 28 for water. The tank device 28 is fluidly connected to the hot fluid generation device 26. Water is supplied from the tank device 28 to the hot fluid generation device 26 for generating hot fluid.

[0128] The tank device 28 is arranged on the cleaning head 12 or on a support rod device. In principle, it is also possible, for example, for the tank device 28 to be an external tank device, which, for example, is guided in a movable manner over the surface 14 to be cleaned, or which, for example, is carried by a user.

[0129] The hot fluid generation device 26 comprises a hot fluid generator. This is, in particular, a boiler or a continuous-flow heater, which heats water provided from the tank device 28 to generate steam or to generate hot water before the liquid-to-vapor phase transition, in particular at a temperature of at least 80°C. In Figure 1, the hot fluid generator is indicated by reference numeral 30.

[0130] In one embodiment, the hot fluid generating device 26 also includes a pump 32 to provide fluid delivery to the hot fluid generating device 26.

[0131] The hot fluid generating device 26 also includes one or more valves, which are particularly controlled. These valves allow hot fluid to be released from the hot fluid generating device 26 in a targeted manner.

[0132] An application chamber 34 is arranged on the cleaning head 12. This chamber is associated with the cleaning roller unit 16. The application chamber 34 has an interior space 36 and is in fluid communication with the hot fluid generating device 26. Hot fluid produced and provided by the hot fluid generating device 26 can be coupled into the interior space 36 of the application chamber 34.

[0133] In one embodiment, a nozzle device 38 is located on the application chamber 34, which serves to distribute the hot fluid in the interior space 36.

[0134] When using hot water as the hot fluid, the nozzle device 38 is designed in particular so that it also ensures atomization, so that a hot fluid mist is present in the interior 36 during operation of the surface cleaning machine 10.

[0135] When using steam as hot fluid, the nozzle device 38 ensures appropriate steam filling and, in particular, homogeneous steam filling of the interior 36 during operation of the surface cleaning machine 10.

[0136] The loading chamber 34 has (at least) one opening 40 (see also Figure 3) which faces the associated cleaning roller unit 16.

[0137] A partial area 42 of the cleaning roller unit 16 is immersed in the interior 36 of the application chamber 34 via the opening 40. This partial area 42 immersed in the interior 36 is exposed to the hot fluid atmosphere (hot water mist or steam atmosphere) during operation of the surface cleaning machine. Accordingly, the partial area 42, and in particular a coating on the partial area 42 of the cleaning roller unit 16, is exposed to hot fluid in the interior 36.

[0138] The cleaning roller unit 16 is immersed with its partial area 42 into the application chamber 34 through the opening 40. An immersion direction 44, in which the cleaning roller unit 16 is immersed into the interior space 36, is perpendicular to the rotation axis 18 (see Figure 3). The at least one cleaning roller unit 16 has an effective area 46 for the surface 14 to be cleaned. The effective area 46 is that part of the cleaning roller unit 16 with which it acts on the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0139] In one embodiment, the active area 46 is formed by a trim and in particular a textile trim.

[0140] The effective area 46 has an essentially cylindrical outer surface as its envelope. When the cleaning roller unit 16 is placed on the surface 14 to be cleaned and the weight of the surface cleaning machine 10 acts, the cleaning roller unit 16 is typically deformed accordingly, and in particular the effective area 46 is deformed. In this case, the envelope is not exactly a cylindrical outer surface, but corresponds to the outer surface of a flattened cylinder.

[0141] The opening 40 is adapted to the cylindrical shape of the effective area 46.

[0142] The loading chamber 34 forms a housing for the partial area 42 of the cleaning roller unit 16. The cleaning roller unit 16 itself forms a cover at the opening 40, wherein this cover is movable due to the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 16 about the rotation axis 18.

[0143] In one embodiment, the loading chamber 34 has a wall 48 which is adapted to the cylindrical shape of the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0144] At the opening 40, the wall 48 has a first longitudinal side 50 and a second longitudinal side 52 opposite the first longitudinal side (Figures 3, 4). The first longitudinal side 50 and the second longitudinal side 52 are spaced apart from one another perpendicular to the rotation axis 18 and perpendicular to the installation plane 20. In one embodiment, the first longitudinal side 50 and the second longitudinal side 52 are adapted to the cylindrical envelope of the cleaning roller unit 16 and, in particular, are straight.

[0145] The wall 48 further has a first transverse side 54 and a second transverse side 56 opposite the first transverse side. The first transverse side 54 and the second transverse side 56 are spaced apart from one another parallel to the rotation axis 18. The first transverse side 54 and the second transverse side 56 each connect the first longitudinal side 50 and the second longitudinal side 52 to one another.

[0146] The first transverse side 54 and the second transverse side 56 of the wall 48 are adapted at the opening 40 to the (approximately) cylindrical outer surface of the cleaning roller unit 16 at its effective area 46. They accordingly have a convexly curved shape and are in particular circular in shape.

[0147] A sealing device 58 is provided between the application chamber 34 and the cleaning roller unit 16. This sealing device 58 ensures a fluid-tight seal, so that the cleaning roller unit 16 can form a cover for the interior space 36. It serves to ensure sufficient application of the effective area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16 in the interior space 36 of the application chamber 34 during operation of the surface cleaning machine 10.

[0148] In one embodiment, the sealing device 58 is formed by the wall 48 and in particular an end face region of the wall 48 assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0149] The wall 48 accordingly rests on the first longitudinal side 50, the second longitudinal side 52, the first transverse side 54, and the second transverse side 56 on the effective area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16 or projects into it in order to achieve, as mentioned, a fluid-tight seal. The partial area 42, with which the cleaning roller unit 16 is immersed in the application chamber 34 at the opening 40, has a length 60 (see Figure 4) along the axis of rotation 18, which in particular comprises at least 70% of the effective area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cleaning roller unit 16, with the corresponding effective area 46, is completely immersed in the interior space 36 with respect to the length 60, relative to the direction parallel to the axis of rotation 18.

[0150] During operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, the application chamber 34 is exposed to hot fluid, in particular a hot water mist and / or steam. This, in turn, applies the corresponding active area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16. This is thereby disinfected and simultaneously moistened. The cleaning roller unit 16 and in particular the corresponding active area 46, such as a textile trim, absorb moisture, which can serve to improve cleaning. In one embodiment, it can be provided that a corresponding moistening device 62 for the cleaning roller unit 16 is then formed by the application chamber 34 and the hot fluid generation device 26.

[0151] In one embodiment, the moistening device 62 comprises an additional device 64 through which cleaning fluid is supplied to the cleaning roller unit 16 and / or the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0152] For this purpose, a nozzle device 66 is provided which is arranged and designed such that cleaning fluid is applied to the cleaning roller unit 16 outside the application chamber 34 and / or directly to the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0153] The cleaning fluid which can be applied to the cleaning roller unit 16 and / or the surface 14 to be cleaned by the additional device 64 can be pure water or water with a cleaning agent as an additive (in particular a surfactant cleaning agent).

[0154] In one embodiment, a tank device 68 for cleaning fluid is provided. This tank device 68 is arranged, for example, on the cleaning head 12 or on the support rod device. This tank device 68 can hold cleaning fluid, including cleaning agent (such as a surfactant-based cleaning agent). Cleaning fluid is supplied to the nozzle device 66 via a corresponding line device 70.

[0155] The supply is controlled, for example, via a valve device. The valve device is controlled, for example, in such a way that it releases the fluid flow to the nozzle device 66 when the surface cleaning machine is switched on for cleaning operation.

[0156] In principle, it is also possible for the tank device 28, which holds water, to be used for the additional device 64. The tank device 28 provides water to the hot fluid generation device 26. Therefore, the tank device should not contain any cleaning agent, especially surfactant-based cleaning agents, as this could lead to undesirable aerosol formation during hot fluid generation.

[0157] In this case, a receiving device 72 can be provided which receives cleaning agent and which is arranged between the nozzle device 66 and the tank device 28 (relative to the flow path).

[0158] The surface cleaning machine 10 includes a controller 74. This controller controls, in particular, the drive 22 and also the hot fluid generation device 26. A power supply device 76 is provided, which supplies electrical energy to the corresponding components of the surface cleaning machine 10. The power supply can be provided, for example, via mains power or battery power.

[0159] At least one scraper 78 (see Figure 3) is provided to remove contaminated fluid from the cleaning roller unit 16. This scraper acts on the active area 46 and rests against it or projects into it (in particular, rests against or projects into a textile trim) and scrapes contaminated fluid (liquid and dirt particles) from the cleaning roller unit 16. From there, as mentioned above, the contaminated fluid is conveyed into the tank device 24 without the need for a fan or pump. The scraper 78 is arranged above the installation level 20, in particular with respect to the latter. During proper operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, in which the cleaning head 12 is positioned on the surface 14 to be cleaned by means of the positioning plane 20, the scraper 78 is located above the positioning plane 20 and also above the cleaning roller unit 16 with respect to the direction of gravity (with contact or immersion as mentioned above).

[0160] It can be provided that the nozzle device 66 of the additional device 64, when it applies cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller unit 16, is arranged between the wiper 78 and the application chamber 34, or is located on a side of the wiper 78 facing away from the application chamber 34. Both possibilities are indicated in Figure 3.

[0161] In the first option, additional humidification occurs immediately before the dirty fluid is wiped off. In the second option, additional humidification occurs after the dirty fluid is wiped off the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0162] In the surface cleaning machine 10, the effective area 46—in a "snapshot"—has a first partial area, namely a first partial effective area 80, which is immersed in the application chamber 34. The effective area 46 has a second partial effective area 82, with which the cleaning roller unit 16 acts on the surface 14 to be cleaned and with which it is placed on the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0163] The active area 46 further has a third partial active area 84, at which dirt fluid is removed via the wiper 78.

[0164] Due to the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 16 around the rotation axis 18, these partial effective areas 80, 82, 84 are variable and merge into one another.

[0165] The second partial effective region 82 is spaced apart from the first partial effective region 80 in a circumferential direction (relative to the rotation axis 18). The third partial effective region 84 is spaced apart from the second partial effective region 82 in a circumferential direction. The third partial effective region 84 is also spaced apart from the first partial effective region 80 in the circumferential direction. The partial effective regions follow one another in the circumferential direction.

[0166] When the cleaning roller unit 16 rotates through 360°, the effective area 46 is guided completely (relative to the circumferential direction) through the application chamber 34.

[0167] In the embodiment shown, it is also guided completely through the loading chamber 34 with respect to its length 60.

[0168] In this embodiment, the entire surface of the effective area 46 at the application chamber 34 is then subjected to hot fluid.

[0169] It is fundamentally possible for the cleaning roller unit 16 to rotate about the rotation axis 18 in a rotation direction 86, in which the first partial effective area 80 initially becomes a second partial effective area 82, and subsequently a third partial effective area 84. This means that a specific area in the effective area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16 is first exposed to hot fluid at the exposure chamber 34, then acts on the surface 14 to be cleaned, and subsequently, dirt fluid is removed from this area via the scraper 78.

[0170] The supply of additional cleaning fluid can take place with respect to this direction of rotation 86 before the dirty fluid is scraped off by the scraper 78 or subsequently before re-entering the loading chamber 34.

[0171] In principle, a reverse direction of rotation 86 is also possible, as explained below.

[0172] In Figures 3 and 4, the cleaning roller unit 16 is shown as a single piece.

[0173] It is also possible for the cleaning roller unit 16 to be constructed in multiple parts (see Figure 5). In this case, the cleaning roller unit 16 comprises several, and in particular two, parts 88a, 88b with respective active areas. The parts 88a and 88b are spaced apart from one another. A central drive is possible via a corresponding central area 90.

[0174] The surface cleaning machine 10 according to the invention functions as follows:

[0175] During operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, hot fluid is generated at the hot fluid generation device 26. Water from the tank device 28 is used for this purpose. The hot fluid is coupled into the application chamber 34. A hot water mist or steam atmosphere forms in the application chamber 34.

[0176] The hot fluid generation device 26 continuously supplies the application chamber 34 with hot fluid. The supply can be continuous or, for example, pulsed. In particular, the supply is controlled by the control device 74. During cleaning operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, the cleaning roller unit 16 rotates about the rotational axis 18. When placed on the surface 14 to be cleaned, it acts on the surface 14 to be cleaned with the second partial effective area 82.

[0177] By applying hot water mist or steam in the application chamber 34, a portion of the cleaning roller unit 16 (the first partial active area 80) is disinfected. The hot fluid or steam ensures effective bacterial destruction.

[0178] A specific line area of ​​the effective area 46 is exposed to the hot fluid for the time it passes through the interior space 36 during rotation of the rotation axis 18 and accordingly an effective disinfection takes place.

[0179] The surface cleaning machine 10 is operated such that a rotational speed of the cleaning roller unit 16 is preferably in the range between 450 revolutions per minute and 500 revolutions per minute.

[0180] The pressurization chamber 34 is sized such that a region of the cleaning roller unit 16 is simultaneously pressurized with hot fluid or steam, which lies between 10% and 55% of the circumference of the cleaning roller unit 16, and in particular between 10% and 25%. The remaining portion of the cleaning roller unit 16 is then located outside the pressurization chamber 34.

[0181] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the time for the cleaning roller unit 16 to be exposed to hot water mist or steam is in the range between 0.012 s and 0.06 s. Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the temperature of the hot fluid or steam (the hot water mist or steam) upon contact with the cleaning roller unit 16 is in the range between 75°C and 90°C.

[0182] Furthermore, it is particularly provided that a temperature on the cleaning roller unit 16 upon contact with the surface 14 to be cleaned is in the range between 55 °C and 75 °C.

[0183] In the embodiment according to Figures 3 to 5 with the corresponding rotation direction 86, a specific portion of the active area 46, after passing through the application chamber 34, is then guided as a second partial active area 82 onto the surface 14 to be cleaned (due to the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 16). There, it loosens dirt and carries along contaminating fluid. Due to the further rotation, contaminating fluid is then loosened at the scraper 78 and fed to the tank device 24.

[0184] In principle, the cleaning roller unit 16 is moistened at the first partial active area 80 during rotation through the application chamber 34.

[0185] In one embodiment, an additional device 64 for moistening is provided, which additionally moistens the cleaning roller unit 16 in order to improve the dirt removal ability on the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0186] The hot fluid generation device 26 and the application chamber 34 ensure hot fluid disinfection of the cleaning roller unit 16 as it passes through the corresponding partial area 42 of the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0187] The sealing device 58 accordingly ensures that "short-circuit currents" of hot fluid are minimized. In one embodiment, the surface cleaning machine 10 has a forward travel direction 92 (Figure 3). In one embodiment, the application chamber 34 is arranged in front of the cleaning roller unit 16 with respect to the forward travel direction 92. The cleaning roller unit 16 is arranged between the application chamber 34 and the tank device 24 for dirty fluid.

[0188] It is also possible, for example, that the loading chamber 34 (and the tank device 24) are arranged behind the cleaning roller unit 16 with respect to the forward travel direction 92.

[0189] In principle, it can also be provided that hot fluid or steam is additionally applied directly to the surface 16 to be cleaned via a corresponding nozzle device.

[0190] In a further embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown schematically in Figure 2 by a block diagram, a suction fan device 96 is provided. This comprises a suction fan with a suction fan motor. A tank device 98 for dirty fluid is assigned to it. Furthermore, a separator, which can be integrated into the tank device 98, is assigned to the suction fan device 96. The separator serves to separate air and dirty fluid.

[0191] The suction fan device 96 and the tank device 98 are arranged in particular on a holding device.

[0192] A nozzle device 100 is provided, which is a suction nozzle device. This is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16. A suction flow is generated via the suction fan device 96, which acts on the cleaning roller unit 16 via the nozzle device 100. At least one scraper 102 is provided, which scrapes dirty fluid from the cleaning roller unit 16. The nozzle device 100 is aligned with the scraper 102, and the scraped dirty fluid is sucked away via the suction fan device 96 and coupled into the tank device 98 (with air separation).

[0193] The surface cleaning machine 94 otherwise functions the same as the surface cleaning machine 10 and the same reference numerals are used for the same components.

[0194] In one embodiment (Figures 6 to 8), a corresponding cleaning head 104 is provided, on which a first cleaning roller unit 106 and a second cleaning roller unit 108 are located. These are driven to rotate about respective rotation axes and, in particular, to rotate in opposite directions.

[0195] The first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 are each assigned a loading chamber 110, wherein the cleaning roller units 106 and 108 are assigned a common loading chamber 110.

[0196] The application chamber 110 is in fluid communication with the hot fluid generating device 26 and the first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 are accordingly applied with hot fluid.

[0197] In one embodiment, the application chamber 110 is positioned on the cleaning head 104 between the first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108.

[0198] Each cleaning roller unit 106, 108 is assigned its own scraper 112 or 114, which removes dirt fluid.

[0199] A nozzle device 116 is provided which corresponds to the nozzle device 100 as mentioned above and sucks dirt fluid from both the first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108.

[0200] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, a direction of rotation 118 of each of the first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 is such that a specific area of ​​the respective cleaning roller unit 106, 108 is first subjected to hot fluid in the application chamber 110, then, due to the rotation about the rotation axis in the direction of rotation 118, acts on the surface 14 to be cleaned and then rotates to the respective scraper 112 or 114 in order to be able to remove dirty fluid.

[0201] Otherwise, the corresponding surface cleaning machine with the cleaning roller units 106, 108 functions as described above.

[0202] The cleaning roller units 106, 108 can each be designed as a single piece (Figure 7) or as a multi-piece unit (Figure 8) and in particular as a two-piece unit.

[0203] A specific embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention is a floor cleaning machine 120 (Figure 9). The corresponding cleaning head 12 has a base body 122. The cleaning roller unit 16 and the application chamber 34 are located on the base body 122 in the arrangement described in connection with Figures 3 and 4. The tank device 24 is removably mounted on the cleaning head 12 and thus on the base body 122.

[0204] The drive 22 is arranged on the cleaning head 12 and thereby on the base body 122.

[0205] The cleaning head 12 is supported on a surface to be cleaned via one or more support rollers 124, spaced apart from the cleaning roller unit 16. A support rod device 126 is arranged on the cleaning head 12 (and the base body 122). The support rod device 126 is arranged and configured such that an operator standing on the floor 14 to be cleaned can guide the floor cleaning machine 120 over the floor 14 to be cleaned using a handle 128 of the support rod device 126.

[0206] A housing 130 is arranged on the support rod device 126. The housing 130 accommodates the hot fluid generating device 26. The tank device 28 and, if applicable, the tank device 68 are removably arranged on the housing 130.

[0207] The holding rod device 126 is pivotally connected to the base body 122 via a joint 132. A pivot axis 134 is parallel to the rotation axis 18 of the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0208] Using the floor cleaning machine 120, a standing operator can clean a floor as the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0209] As described above with reference to the surface cleaning machine 10, during operation of the floor cleaning machine 120, a hot fluid disinfection of the cleaning roller unit 16 takes place via hot fluid, which is provided by the hot fluid generating device 26 and which acts on the cleaning roller unit 16 at the application chamber 34.

[0210] In a further embodiment of a floor cleaning machine, which is shown schematically in Figure 10 and designated 136, a cleaning head 12 is provided, which has a base body 138. All functional elements are arranged on the base body 138, namely the hot fluid generating device 26, the tank device 28 (and optionally the tank device 68), the tank device 24 for dirty fluid, the cleaning roller unit 16 and the application chamber 34, as well as the drive 22. The floor cleaning machine 136 is designed in particular as a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning machine (cleaning robot).

[0211] As described above, the cleaning roller unit 16 is disinfected with hot fluid during operation.

[0212] A further embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention, which is shown schematically in Figure 11 and designated by 140, corresponds to a realization of the surface cleaning machine 94 according to Figure 2.

[0213] A cleaning head 104 with a base body 142 is provided. The first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 are mounted on the base body 142, with one or more application chambers 110 therebetween.

[0214] A holding rod device 144 for a standing operator is pivotally connected to the base body 142.

[0215] A housing 146 is located on the holding rod device 144, which accommodates the suction fan device 96 and the hot fluid generating device 26.

[0216] The tank device 98 for dirty fluid (optionally with the separator) is removably mounted on the housing 146.

[0217] The tank device 28 for water and, if applicable, the tank device 68 for cleaning fluid are removably mounted on the housing 146.

[0218] Otherwise, the floor cleaning machine 120 functions as described above. In the solution according to the invention, the cleaning roller unit (for example, the cleaning roller unit 16) is exposed to hot fluid in the corresponding exposure chamber, such as the exposure chamber 34. As a result, a corresponding area of ​​the cleaning roller unit 16 is exposed to hot fluid for a relatively long period of time. The exposure chamber is filled with hot fluid (hot water mist or steam). This allows a large proportion of bacteria on the cleaning roller unit 16 to be eliminated. For example, at least 99.99% of the bacteria can be eliminated.

[0219] The corresponding loading chamber, such as the loading chamber 34, is an integral part of the corresponding cleaning head 12. For example, it can then also be provided that the scraper 78 is located on the loading chamber 34.

[0220] List of reference symbols

[0221] Surface cleaning machine

[0222] cleaning head

[0223] Area

[0224] Cleaning roller unit

[0225] axis of rotation

[0226] Installation level

[0227] drive

[0228] Tank facility for dirty fluid

[0229] Hot fluid generation device

[0230] Tank facility for water

[0231] Hot fluid generator

[0232] pump

[0233] loading chamber

[0234] Interior

[0235] Nozzle device

[0236] opening

[0237] Sub-area

[0238] Immersion direction

[0239] Effective range

[0240] Wall first long side second long side first transverse side second transverse side

[0241] Sealing device

[0242] length

[0243] Humidification device

[0244] Additional equipment

[0245] Nozzle device

[0246] Tank system for cleaning fluid piping system

[0247] Holder for cleaning agents

[0248] steering

[0249] Energy supply facility

[0250] Wiper first partial effective range second partial effective range third partial effective range

[0251] Rotation direction a, 88b part

[0252] Midrange

[0253] Forward direction

[0254] Surface cleaning machine (second embodiment)

[0255] Suction fan device

[0256] Tank device for dirty fluid 0 Nozzle device 2 Scraper 4 Cleaning head 6 First cleaning roller unit 8 Second cleaning roller unit 0 Application chamber 2 Scraper 4 Scraper 6 Nozzle device 8 Direction of rotation 0 Floor cleaning machine 2 Base body 4 Support roller 6 Holding rod device 8 Handle 0 Housing 2 Joint 4 Swivel axis Floor cleaning machine base body Floor cleaning machine base body Holding rod device Housing

Claims

Patent claims 1. A surface cleaning machine comprising a cleaning head (12; 104), at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) which is rotatably arranged on the cleaning head (12; 104), a drive (22) for driving a rotating movement of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108), a hot fluid generating device (26) which generates a hot fluid during operation of the surface cleaning machine, wherein the hot fluid is hot water with a temperature of at least 80°C and / or steam, and at least one application chamber (34; 110) which is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) and which is fluidly connected to the hot fluid generating device (26), wherein during operation of the surface cleaning machine an interior space (36) of the at least one application chamber (34; 110) is filled with hot water mist and / or steam wherein the at least one loading chamber (34;110) has at least one opening (40), and wherein the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is immersed at the at least one opening (40) into the interior (36) of the at least one application chamber (34; 110) and is subjected to hot water mist and / or steam during operation of the surface cleaning machine.

2. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one loading chamber (34; 110) is located on the cleaning head (12; 104). Surface cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one of the following: the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) has at least one effective area (46) for a surface (14) to be cleaned, which has a substantially cylindrical outer surface as an envelope, wherein in particular the cylindrical outer surface is coaxial with a rotational axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108); at least one immersion area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) into the at least one application chamber (34; 110) has, in cross-section, at least approximately the shape of a circular section or circular segment; a rotation axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is parallel to a mounting plane (20) of the cleaning head (12; 104) on a surface (14) to be cleaned;the at least one opening (40) has an extension direction parallel to a rotational axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108); an immersion direction (44) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) into the interior (36) of the at least one loading chamber (34; 110) is perpendicular to a rotational axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108). Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following is provided during operation of the surface cleaning machine: the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is continuously exposed to hot water mist and / or steam; a rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller unit is in the range between 450 revolutions per minute and 500 revolutions per minute; the at least one cleaning roller unit is exposed to hot water mist and / or steam over a range between 10% and 55% of a roller circumference and in particular a range between 10% and 25% of the roller circumference; a temporal exposure of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) to hot water mist and / or steam over a specific roller area is in the range between 0.012 s and 0.06 s;a temperature of the hot water mist and / or steam upon contact with the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is in the range between 75°C and 90°C; a temperature at the cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) upon contact with a surface (14) to be cleaned is in the range between 55°C and 75°C.

5. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is immersed with a partial effective area (80) of an effective area (46) into the at least one application chamber (34; 110), wherein the partial effective area (80) is variable due to rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) during operation of the surface cleaning machine.

6. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that during operation of the surface cleaning machine, the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is immersed with a first partial effective area (80) into the at least one application chamber (34; 110), and acts on a surface (14) to be cleaned with a second partial effective area (82), which is spaced apart from the first partial effective area (80) in a circumferential direction.

7. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that a detachment of dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is provided at a third partial active region (84) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108), which is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the first partial active region (80) and is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the second partial active region (82).

8. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 7, characterized by at least one of the following: the first partial effective area (80) is located relative to a direction of rotation (86) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) between the second partial region (82) and the third partial region (84); a direction of rotation (86) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is such that upon rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108), the first partial active region (80) merges into the third partial active region (84), or that the first partial active region (80) merges into the second partial active region (82).

9. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, with respect to a longitudinal direction parallel to a rotation axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108), at least 70% of an effective area (46), in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90% and in particular 100% of the effective area (46) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is immersed in the at least one application chamber (34; 110).

10. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: the at least one application chamber (34; 110) forms a housing for a partial area (42) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108); the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) forms a movable cover for the at least one application chamber (34; 110) at the at least one opening (40); upon rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) by 360°, an effective area (46) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is guided completely through the application chamber (34; 110) with respect to a circumferential direction of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108).

11. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sealing device (58) which ensures a fluid-effective seal between the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) and the at least one application chamber (34; 110).

2. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized by at least one of the following: the sealing device (58) comprises a wall (48) of the at least one loading chamber (34; 110), which is fastened to a facing of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) or projects into it; the sealing device (58) is arranged or formed circumferentially on the at least one opening (40).

13. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wall (48) of the at least one admission chamber (34; 110) at the opening (40) has a first longitudinal side (50), a second longitudinal side (52) opposite the first longitudinal side (50), a first transverse side (54) and a second transverse side (56) opposite the first transverse side (54), wherein the first transverse side (54) and the second transverse side (56) are each connected to the first longitudinal side (50) and the second longitudinal side (52), with at least one of the following: the first longitudinal side (50) and / or the second longitudinal side (52) are aligned parallel to a rotation axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108); the first longitudinal side (50) and the second longitudinal side (52) are parallel to one another;the first transverse side (54) and / or the second transverse side (56) are aligned transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a rotation axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108); the first transverse side (54) and the second transverse side (56) are aligned parallel to one another; the first longitudinal side (50) and / or the second longitudinal side (52) have a straight profile on the end face; the first transverse side (54) and / or the second transverse side (56) have a curved profile on the end face, and in particular a convexly curved profile, and in particular a circular profile.

14. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one application chamber (34; 110) is assigned a nozzle device (38) for hot fluid, which is arranged in particular on the at least one application chamber (34; 110).

15. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a moistening device (62) for moistening the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) with cleaning fluid.

16. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 15, characterized in that the humidification device (62) comprises at least one application chamber (34; 110).

17. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the moistening device (62) comprises at least one of the following: an additional device (64) in addition to the at least one application chamber (34; 110), which applies cleaning fluid to the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) and / or a surface (14) to be cleaned; a tank device (68) for cleaning fluid; a receiving device (72) for cleaning agent; a nozzle device (66) which is aligned with the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) and / or a surface (14) to be cleaned and which is in fluid communication with a tank device (68) for cleaning fluid.

18. Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that during operation of the surface cleaning machine, a specific area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is, during rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108), (i) firstly supplied with cleaning fluid, then passed through the at least one supply chamber (34; 110), and subsequently acts on the surface (14) to be cleaned, or (ii) is supplied with cleaning fluid, then acts on the surface (14) to be cleaned, and subsequently passed through the at least one supply chamber (34; 110).

19. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one scraper (78; 102) which removes dirt fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108).

20. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 19, characterized by at least one of the following: the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) has a textile lining, and the at least one wiper (78; 102) rests against the lining or projects into the lining; the at least one wiper (78; 102) is arranged or formed on the at least one application chamber (34; 110); the at least one wiper (78; 102) is designed as a wiper strip.

21. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the at least one scraper (78; 102) is arranged with respect to a direction of rotation (86) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) such that (i) initially a specific area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) acts on the surface (14) to be cleaned during operation of the surface cleaning machine, then passes through the at least one application chamber (34; 110), and subsequently rotates past the at least one scraper (78; 102), or (ii) initially the specific area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is guided through the application chamber (34; 110), subsequently acts on the surface (14) to be cleaned, and then passes past the at least one scraper (78; 102) has passed.

22. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one tank device (24; 98) for dirty fluid.

23. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 22, characterized by at least one of the following: the at least one tank device (24) for dirty fluid is arranged on the cleaning head (12); the at least one tank device (24) for dirty fluid is removably arranged on the cleaning head (12); Dirty fluid is conveyed from the at least one cleaning roller unit (16) to the at least one tank device (24) for dirty fluid without the need for a fan or pump.

24. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 22 or 23, characterized by a suction fan device (96) with a suction fan and / or a pump device with a pump which conveys dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (106, 108) to the tank device (98) for dirty fluid.

25. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design as a machine (120; 140) which can be guided by a standing operator and has a holding rod device (126; 144) which is arranged on the cleaning head (12) and in particular is articulated to the cleaning head (12).

26. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 25, characterized by at least one of the following: the hot fluid generating device (26) is arranged on the holding rod device (126; 144); a tank device (68) for the hot fluid generating device (26) is arranged on the holding rod device (126; 144); a tank device (68) for cleaning fluid is arranged on the holding rod device (126; 144); a suction fan device (96) for dirty fluid and / or a pump device for dirty fluid is arranged on the holding rod device (126; 144).

27. Surface cleaning machine according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized by a design as a self-propelled and self-steering machine (136).

28. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hot fluid generating device (26) and the drive (22) are arranged on the cleaning head (12).

29. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hot fluid generating device (26) has a hot fluid generator (30) and a pump (32).

30. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hot fluid generating device (26) is assigned a tank device (28) for water.

31. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 30, characterized in that a moistening device (62) for supplying the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) and / or the surface to be cleaned (14) with cleaning liquid is assigned its own tank device (68) for cleaning liquid, or a common tank device for water is assigned to the hot fluid generating device (26) and the moistening device (62).

32. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is one-part or multi-part and in particular two-part.

33. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exactly one cleaning roller unit (16) or a plurality of cleaning roller units (106, 108) and in particular exactly two cleaning roller units (106, 108) are arranged on the cleaning head (104).

34. Surface cleaning machine according to claim 33, characterized in that the at least one loading chamber (110) is arranged on the cleaning head (104) between a first cleaning roller unit (106) and a second cleaning roller unit (108).

35. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning head (12) has a front end relative to a forward direction of travel (92) of the surface cleaning machine and that the at least one application chamber (34) is arranged at the front end.

36. Surface cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (16) is arranged between the at least one loading chamber (34) and a tank device (24) for dirty fluid on the cleaning head (12).

37. Method for operating a surface cleaning machine, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, in which, in a cleaning operation, a cleaning roller unit (16) acts in a rotating manner on a surface (14) to be cleaned, and in which the cleaning roller unit (16) is guided through an application chamber (34) which is subjected to a hot water mist and / or steam.

8. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that at least one of the following is provided during operation of the surface cleaning machine: the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is continuously exposed to hot water mist and / or steam; a rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is in the range between 450 revolutions per minute and 500 revolutions per minute; the at least one cleaning roller unit is exposed to hot water mist and / or steam over a range between 10% and 55% of a roller circumference and in particular a range between 10% and 25% of the roller circumference; a temporal exposure of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) to hot water mist and / or steam of a specific roller area is in the range between 0.012 s and 0.06 s;a temperature of the hot water mist and / or steam upon contact with the at least one cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) is in the range between 75°C and 90°C; a temperature at the cleaning roller unit (16; 106, 108) upon contact with a surface (14) to be cleaned is in the range between 55°C and 75°C.

39. Method according to claim 37 or 38, characterized in that a first partial effective region (80) of the cleaning roller unit (16) is positioned in the application chamber (34) when a second partial effective region (82) of the cleaning roller unit (16) acts on the surface (14) to be cleaned, wherein the second partial effective region (82) is spaced apart from the first partial effective region (80) in a circumferential direction.

40. Method according to one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that at a third partial active region (84) of the cleaning roller unit (16) dirty fluid is detached from the cleaning roller unit, wherein the third partial active region (84) is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the first partial active region (80) and is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the second partial active region (82).

41. Method according to one of claims 37 to 40, characterized in that the cleaning roller unit (16) rotates in such a direction of rotation (86) that a specific area of ​​the cleaning roller unit is first guided through the application chamber (34), then acts on the surface to be cleaned (14) and subsequently a detachment of dirt fluid takes place at the specific area.

42. Method according to one of claims 37 to 41, characterized in that the cleaning roller unit (16) rotates in such a direction of rotation that a specific area of ​​the cleaning roller unit first acts on the surface to be cleaned, is then guided through the application chamber and subsequently a detachment of dirt fluid takes place at the specific area.

43. Method according to one of claims 37 to 42, characterized in that a moistening of the cleaning roller unit (16) takes place, wherein the moistening takes place by hot water fluid and / or steam in the application chamber and in particular additionally a moistening takes place with cleaning liquid from a tank device (68) for cleaning liquid.

44. Method according to one of claims 37 to 43, characterized in that hot fluid is fed into the loading chamber (34). ***

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