Surface cleaner with thermal fluid generating device and method for driving the surface cleaner

Abstract

The surface cleaner comprises a cleaning head (12), at least one cleaning roller unit (16) rotatably arranged on the cleaning head (12), a drive (22) for rotating the at least one cleaning roller unit (16), a thermal fluid generating device (26) for generating a thermal fluid during operation of the surface cleaner, the thermal fluid being hot water and / or steam at a temperature of 80°C or higher, and a thermal fluid generating device (26) assigned to the at least one cleaning roller unit (16) and effective for the thermal fluid generating device (26) and the fluid. and at least one treatment chamber (34) connected thereto, wherein an internal space (36) of the at least one treatment chamber (34) is filled with hot water mist and / or steam during operation of the surface cleaner, and the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) has at least one opening (40), and the at least one cleaning roller unit (16) enters the internal space (36) of the at least one treatment chamber (34) at the at least one opening (40) and is treated with hot water mist and / or steam during operation of the surface cleaner.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a surface cleaner comprising a cleaning head, at least one cleaning roller unit rotatably arranged on the cleaning head, and a drive for imparting rotational movement to the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method of operating a surface cleaner in which the cleaning roller unit rotates while acting on the surface to be cleaned during the cleaning operation. [Background technology]

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning robot.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a vacuum cleaner.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a steam floor cleaner.

[0006] US Pat. No. 5,629,999 discloses a steam cleaning and dust removal machine.

[0007] Patent Document 5 discloses a steam dust collector that combines steam and dust collection functions in one machine.

[0008] US Pat. No. 6,499,649 discloses a surface cleaner having a steam supply system for steam wiping a floor surface after dry cleaning the floor surface.

[0009] From the prior art, a device with steam cleaning function is known under the name "Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 STEAM".

[0010] Floor cleaners are described for example in US Pat. No. 5,629,299, ... or US Pat. No. 5,629,299.

[0011] Patent document 11 discloses a floor cleaner with which autonomous cleaning of a floor surface can be performed.

[0012] Floor cleaners are also disclosed, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 5,629,999, 5,729,949, 5,729,959, 5,729,965, and 5,729,959.

[0013] US Pat. No. 5,649,499 discloses a cleaner in the form of a dust collector.

[0014] Surface cleaners are known from patent documents 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21. A surface cleaner is also known from patent document 22.

[0015] From US Pat. No. 5,623,549 a portable floor cleaning device is known which comprises a roller driven by an electric motor.

[0016] From DE 10 02 04 14 A1 a device for wet cleaning of floors is known, which comprises a brush which can rotate about an axis of rotation.

[0017] From US Pat. No. 5,925,599 a vacuum cleaner is known.

[0018] From US Pat. No. 5,626,549 an apparatus for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces is known.

[0019] From US Pat. No. 5,627,549 a surface cleaner with a rotating brush is known.

[0020] From DE 10 2004 013 166 A1 a cleaning head for a floor cleaning cleaner is known.

[0021] From US Pat. No. 5,629,549 a floor cleaning machine is known which comprises a handle, a body, a roller mechanism with a roller with a cleaning belt, a scraper and a contaminated fluid receiver.

[0022] From EP 0 699 599 A1 a surface cleaner is known which has a cleaning roller and a drive unit for driving the cleaning roller. A dirt pan is provided into which the cleaning roller sweeps dirt as it rotates. The dirt pan can be opened.

[0023] From US Pat. No. 5,629,999 a manually driven floor polisher is known which comprises a drive roller coupled to a polishing roller.

[0024] Another floor cleaning machine is known from US Pat. No. 5,622,622.

[0025] From US Pat. No. 5,623,549 a hard floor cleaner is known.

[0026] From DE 10 05 04 199 A1 a self-propelled sweeper is known which has a sweeping brush and a dirt collecting space assigned to it.

[0027] From US Pat. No. 5,629,999 a domestic floor cleaner with a wiping roller is known.

[0028] From US Pat. No. 5,629,999 a floor cleaner is known which comprises a casing, a hose arrangement and a cleaning head.

[0029] From DE 10 2004 013 14 A1 a cleaning station for a vacuum cleaner is known, which station comprises a storage space for the cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner.

[0030] From DE 10 05 04 14 A1 a floor cleaning cleaner is known which has a handle which is arranged in a swingable manner on the base.

[0031] Patent Document 39 discloses a floor cleaning robot.

[0032] US Pat. No. 5,699,433 discloses a wastewater collection mechanism, a wastewater detection mechanism, and a cleaning device.

[0033] Vacuum cleaners are also known from US Pat. No. 5,629,429, US Pat. No. 5,629,439, US Pat. No. 5,629,459, US Pat. No. 5,629,469, US Pat. No. 5,629,479, US Pat. No. 5,629,49 ... or US Pat. No. 5,629,499. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0034]

Patent Document 1

Patent document 2

Patent document 3

Patent document 4

Patent document 5

Patent document 6

Patent document 7

Patent document 8

Patent document 9

Patent document 10

Patent document 11

Patent document 12

Patent document 13

Patent document 14

Patent document 15

Patent document 16

Patent document 17

Patent document 18

Patent document 19

Patent document 20

[0035] The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a surface cleaner of the type mentioned at the outset, with which hygienic surface cleaning can be carried out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0036] This problem is solved by the surface cleaner mentioned at the beginning, in accordance with the present invention, being provided with a thermal fluid generating device that generates a thermal fluid while the surface cleaner is in operation, the thermal fluid being hot water and / or steam at a temperature of 80°C or higher, and at least one treatment chamber being provided that is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller unit and is effectively connected to the thermal fluid generating device for the fluid, the internal space of the at least one treatment chamber being filled with hot water mist and / or steam while the surface cleaner is in operation, the at least one treatment chamber having at least one opening, the at least one cleaning roller unit entering the internal space of the at least one treatment chamber through the at least one opening and being treated with the hot water mist and / or steam while the surface cleaner is in operation.

[0037] In the solution according to the invention, the at least one cleaning roller unit is passed through the treatment chamber, where it is treated with hot water mist and / or steam.

[0038] The at least one cleaning roller unit is passed through a thermal fluid atmosphere during operation of the surface cleaner, and by rotating and submerging into the at least one treatment chamber, specific areas of the at least one cleaning roller unit are treated with the thermal fluid for a relatively long period of time.

[0039] The treatment chamber includes a thermal fluid sterilization of the at least one cleaning roller unit, which has been shown to eliminate approximately 99.99% of bacteria.

[0040] In the floor cleaning cleaner according to the present invention, the at least one cleaning roller unit is thermal fluid sterilized in situ while the surface cleaning cleaner is in operation.

[0041] It is structurally advantageous if the at least one treatment chamber is located in the cleaning head, so that the at least one cleaning roller unit can be exposed to a thermal fluid atmosphere in the treatment chamber in a structurally simple manner.

[0042] It would be advantageous if at least one of the following were true: The at least one cleaning roller unit has at least one active area for the surface to be cleaned, and the cleaning roller unit has a substantially cylindrical outer surface as an envelope surface, in particular the cylindrical outer surface is coaxial with the rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit. At least one penetration area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit into the at least one treatment chamber is at least approximately in the shape of a segment of a circle in its cross section. The rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit is parallel to the installation plane of the cleaning head on the surface to be cleaned. The at least one opening extends in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit. The direction in which the at least one cleaning roller unit enters the internal space of the at least one processing chamber is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0043] This results in a structurally simple configuration, and a relatively large area of ​​the cleaning roller unit is simultaneously exposed to the thermal fluid atmosphere in the treatment chamber, thereby effectively sterilizing the at least one cleaning roller unit with the thermal fluid.

[0044] It is advantageous if at least one of the following occurs while the surface vacuum cleaner is operating: The treatment of the at least one cleaning roller unit with hot water mist and / or steam is carried out continuously. The rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller unit is in the range of 450 to 500 revolutions per minute. The treatment of the at least one cleaning roller unit with hot water mist and / or steam is carried out over a range of between 10% and 55% of the roller's circumference, in particular over a range of between 10% and 25% of the roller's circumference. The time period for treating a specific roller area of ​​said at least one cleaning roller unit with hot water mist and / or steam is in the range of 0.012 seconds to 0.06 seconds. The temperature of the hot water mist and / or steam is in the range of 75°C to 90°C upon contact with the at least one cleaning roller unit. The temperature of the surface of the cleaning roller unit is in the range of 55°C to 75°C when in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0045] If one or more of these preferred conditions are met, the thermal fluid sterilization of the at least one cleaning roller unit is effectively carried out.

[0046] It is highly advantageous if the at least one cleaning roller unit has a partial area of ​​its working area that is submerged within the at least one treatment chamber, and the partial area of ​​working area can be changed by the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit during operation of the surface cleaner. In this way, a relatively large area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit is treated with the thermal fluid, thereby achieving effective thermal fluid sterilization. Furthermore, an effective sterilization action is achieved by exposing a specific area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit to the thermal fluid for a relatively long time within the treatment chamber.

[0047] It is further advantageous if, during operation of the surface cleaner, the at least one cleaning roller unit is submerged in the at least one treatment chamber in a first partial area of ​​action and acts on the surface to be cleaned in a second partial area of ​​action circumferentially spaced from the first partial area of ​​action, thereby achieving thermal fluid sterilization of the at least one cleaning roller unit simultaneously during cleaning operation of the surface cleaner.

[0048] In this case, it is further advantageous if the removal of contaminated fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit is performed in a third partial action area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit, the third partial action area being circumferentially distant from the first partial action area and the second partial action area. In this way, during a "normal" cleaning operation, i.e., while the second partial action area acts on the surface to be cleaned and the contaminated fluid is removed and guided to the contaminated fluid tank in the third partial action area, the thermal fluid sterilization of the at least one cleaning roller unit is simultaneously performed in the first partial action area. Because the at least one cleaning roller unit rotates 360 degrees, the at least one cleaning roller unit is completely exposed (in the circumferential direction) to the thermal fluid atmosphere in the treatment chamber.

[0049] It would be even more advantageous if there was at least one of the following: The first partial action area is located between the second partial action area and the third partial action area in relation to the rotation direction of the at least one cleaning roller unit. The rotation direction of the at least one cleaning roller unit is such that, when the at least one cleaning roller unit rotates, the first partial action area moves to the third partial action area, or the first partial action area moves to the second partial action area.

[0050] In this way, thermal fluid sterilization is effectively performed while an effective cleaning action is obtained during operation of the surface cleaner. When the first partial action area moves to the third partial action area, removal of contaminated fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit is performed immediately after exposure to the thermal fluid atmosphere. When the first partial action area moves to the second partial action area, cleaning of the surface to be cleaned with the at least one cleaning roller unit is performed immediately after sterilization with the thermal fluid.

[0051] It is advantageous if at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90% and in particular 100% of the active area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit in the longitudinal direction parallel to the rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit is submerged within the at least one treatment chamber, in order to achieve an adequately effective hot fluid disinfection of the surface of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0052] It would be advantageous if at least one of the following were true: The at least one treatment chamber encloses a partial area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit. The at least one cleaning roller unit is a moving lid for the at least one processing chamber at the at least one opening. When the at least one cleaning roller unit rotates 360 degrees, the area of ​​action of the at least one cleaning roller unit in the circumferential direction of the at least one cleaning roller unit passes completely through the treatment chamber.

[0053] The at least one treatment chamber serves as an enclosure, and in particular a moving lid for the at least one cleaning roller unit, so that a large area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit is appropriately and effectively exposed to the hot fluid atmosphere for a long time during its operation (cleaning operation), thereby providing an effective hot fluid sterilization without "interfering" with the cleaning operation.

[0054] It is highly advantageous if a sealing device is provided that provides a fluid-effective seal between the at least one cleaning roller unit and the at least one treatment chamber, so that thermal fluid sterilization of the at least one cleaning roller unit is achieved in an efficient manner.

[0055] During operation, essentially the thermal fluid is supplied to the at least one treatment chamber so that no significant losses occur there, particularly in terms of fluid quantity and temperature.

[0056] It would be advantageous if at least one of the following were true: The sealing device includes an inner wall of the at least one treatment chamber, the inner wall being in close contact with or projecting into the trim of the at least one cleaning roller unit. The sealing device is positioned or configured to surround the at least one opening.

[0057] This allows the sealing device to be constructed in a structurally simple manner, without interfering with cleaning operations.

[0058] In one structurally simple embodiment, the inner wall of the at least one processing chamber has a first long side at the opening, a second long side opposite to the first long side, a first horizontal side, and a second horizontal side opposite to the first horizontal side, and each of the first horizontal side and the second horizontal side is connected to the first long side and the second long side, and is at least one of the following: The first long side and / or the second long side are oriented parallel to the rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit. The first long side and the second long side are parallel to each other. The first lateral side and / or the second lateral side are oriented so as to intersect, in particular perpendicular to, the rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller unit. The first horizontal side and the second horizontal side are oriented parallel to each other. The first long side and / or the second long side are straight on the front side. The first lateral side and / or the second lateral side are curved on the front side, in particular convexly curved, in particular circular.

[0059] In this way, it is achieved in a simple manner that the at least one cleaning roller unit can be inserted into the at least one treatment chamber at the opening. Furthermore, a sealing device is formed in a simple manner by the inner wall of the at least one treatment chamber.

[0060] By providing the long and lateral sides with the corresponding geometric configuration (especially if the lateral sides are convexly curved), the long and lateral sides can conform themselves to the shape of the at least one cleaning roller unit, thereby achieving an effective seal between the at least one cleaning roller unit and the treatment chamber.

[0061] In one advantageous embodiment, a nozzle device for the hot fluid is assigned to the at least one treatment chamber and is particularly arranged in the at least one treatment chamber. This nozzle device generates a hot water mist, for example, when hot water (before the phase transition to steam) is used as the hot fluid. This nozzle device ensures a uniform distribution of the hot fluid in the treatment chamber, thereby achieving a uniform treatment of the entire surface area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit that is submerged in the treatment chamber.

[0062] Advantageously, a moistening device is provided for moistening the at least one cleaning roller unit with a cleaning liquid, so that dirt on the surface to be cleaned is solvated and possibly removed during the cleaning operation.

[0063] In particular, the moistening device includes the at least one treatment chamber.The at least one cleaning roller unit typically picks up moisture by being exposed to a hot fluid atmosphere.

[0064] In that case, it is advantageous if the humidification device comprises at least one of the following: An additional device added to said at least one treatment chamber for applying a cleaning liquid to said at least one cleaning roller unit and / or the surface to be cleaned. Tank equipment for cleaning fluid. Receptacle for cleaning agents. a nozzle arrangement directed towards said at least one cleaning roller unit and / or the surface to be cleaned and in fluid operative connection with a reservoir arrangement for cleaning liquid;

[0065] The additional device can additionally moisten the at least one cleaning roller unit directly or the surface to be cleaned directly, which can improve in particular the dirt removal performance.

[0066] The cleaning process can be improved by providing a receiving device for a cleaning agent, for example a surfactant-based cleaning agent. For example, in this case, the water tank device provided for the thermal fluid generator can also be used for additional humidification. (It is usually advantageous not to have cleaning agents, such as surfactant-based cleaning agents, present during thermal fluid generation, since this avoids the formation of aerosols and, on the other hand, it is usually advantageous to use purified water without additives for the thermal fluid generator.)

[0067] The nozzle arrangement allows for efficient application of cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned and / or onto said at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0068] In order to achieve effective thermal fluid sterilization of the at least one cleaning roller unit simultaneously with cleaning operation, it is advantageous that during operation of the surface cleaner, a specific area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit is either (i) first sprayed with cleaning fluid, then passed through the at least one treatment chamber, and then acting on the surface to be cleaned, or (ii) sprayed with cleaning fluid, then acting on the surface to be cleaned, and then passed through the at least one treatment chamber, as the at least one cleaning roller unit rotates.

[0069] It is highly advantageous to have at least one wiper for removing contaminated fluid from said at least one cleaning roller unit, so that the contaminated fluid can be removed effectively.

[0070] In that case, it would be particularly advantageous if at least one of the following is true: The at least one cleaning roller unit has a fabric trim, and the at least one wiper is in close contact with or protrudes into the trim. The at least one wiper is arranged or formed in the at least one processing chamber. The at least one wiper is configured as a strip-shaped scraping member.

[0071] This effectively removes dirt from the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0072] If the at least one wiper is disposed or formed in the at least one processing chamber, the structure will be simple.

[0073] Advantageously, the at least one wiper is arranged with respect to the direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit such that (i) a particular area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit first acts on the surface to be cleaned during operation of the surface cleaner, then passes through the at least one treatment chamber, and then rotates past the at least one wiper, or (ii) a particular area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit first passes through the at least one treatment chamber, then acts on the surface to be cleaned, and then rotates past the at least one wiper, thereby providing an effective cleaning action and at the same time providing effective thermal fluid sterilization of the at least one cleaning roller unit.

[0074] Advantageously, at least one tank arrangement for contaminated fluid is provided.

[0075] In that case, at least one of the following can be done: The at least one tank device for contaminated fluid is arranged on the cleaning head. The at least one tank device for contaminated fluid is removably arranged on the cleaning head. The contaminated fluid is guided from the at least one cleaning roller unit to the at least one tank device for the contaminated fluid without any blower or pump.

[0076] The corresponding surface cleaner is structurally simple, energy-efficient in operation and can be constructed with a small number of parts. The contaminated fluid removed from the at least one cleaning roller unit is sent directly to a tank for contaminated fluid.

[0077] In another embodiment, which may be combined, a suction blower with a suction blower and / or a pumping device with a pump is provided for transporting the dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit to the dirty fluid tank device, which may be advantageous for certain applications, for example, so that it is not essential to arrange the dirty fluid tank device on the cleaning head.

[0078] In one embodiment, the surface cleaner is configured as a machine that can be operated by a standing operator and is provided with a holding bar device arranged on the cleaning head, in particular connected to the cleaning head by a joint. In this case, the surface cleaner is a type of mop machine. In particular, such a surface cleaner is used for cleaning floors, in particular hard floors.

[0079] In that case, it would be advantageous if at least one of the following were true: The thermal fluid generating device is disposed on the holding rod device. A tank device for the thermal fluid generating device is arranged on the holding rod device. A tank device for cleaning liquid is arranged on the holding rod device. A contaminated fluid suction / blowing device and / or a contaminated fluid pumping device is arranged on the holding rod device.

[0080] This makes it possible to make the cleaning head particularly compact, so that it can be easily fitted under furniture, for example.

[0081] Alternatively, the surface cleaner can be configured as a self-propelled and autonomous machine (a "cleaning robot").

[0082] In particular, the thermal fluid generating device and the drive are arranged in the cleaning head, which results in a reasonably compact overall design of the surface cleaner.

[0083] In one embodiment, the thermal fluid generating device comprises a thermal fluid generator and a pump. The thermal fluid generator is, for example, a boiler (with a corresponding heating device) or an instantaneous water heater. The pump is for transporting the thermal fluid, in particular for supplying the thermal fluid from the thermal fluid generator to the treatment chamber. This pump or another pump can also be provided for transporting purified water to the thermal fluid generator. In principle, one or more valves can also be provided to allow the appropriate release of the thermal fluid supply to the treatment chamber in a controllable manner.

[0084] Preferably, a tank device for water (purified water) is assigned to the thermal fluid generating device in order to be able to generate the thermal fluid at will.

[0085] In this case, a dedicated cleaning liquid tank device can be allocated to the at least one cleaning roller unit and / or the moistening device that applies cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned, or a common water tank device can be allocated to the thermal fluid generating device and the moistening device. In the latter case, the number of elements of the surface cleaner can be kept small. In the former case, the cleaning liquid tank device can also be filled with cleaning liquid that contains a cleaning agent as an additive, for example a surfactant-based cleaning agent.

[0086] It is possible in principle for the at least one cleaning roller unit to consist of a single part or of several parts, in particular of two parts, for example if the at least one cleaning roller unit consists of two parts an intermediate drive for the roller unit can be used.

[0087] It is also possible to arrange exactly one cleaning roller unit or several cleaning roller units, in particular exactly two cleaning roller units, on the cleaning head, for example if exactly two cleaning roller units (which themselves can consist of a single part or of several parts) are arranged, which in particular rotate in opposite directions during operation.

[0088] In one embodiment, the at least one treatment chamber is located in the cleaning head between the first and second cleaning roller units, resulting in a space-saving configuration, where one treatment chamber can be provided for each cleaning roller unit, or a common treatment chamber can be provided for both the first and second cleaning roller units.

[0089] In one compact configuration of the cleaning head, the cleaning head has a front end in the forward direction of the surface cleaner, at which the at least one treatment chamber is arranged, so that in particular a tank arrangement for contaminated fluids can also be arranged on the cleaning head to save space.

[0090] In particular, the at least one cleaning roller unit is arranged on the cleaning head between the at least one treatment chamber and a tank arrangement for contaminated fluids, which results in a compact arrangement.

[0091] The present invention provides a surface cleaner in which a cleaning roller unit rotates during cleaning operation to act on the surface to be cleaned, in particular a method for driving a surface cleaner according to the present invention, in which the cleaning roller unit is passed through a treatment chamber and treated with hot water mist or steam.

[0092] This achieves hot fluid sterilization of the cleaning roller unit simultaneously with the cleaning operation.

[0093] The advantages of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the surface cleaner according to the invention.

[0094] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the surface cleaner according to the invention.

[0095] In particular, the method according to the invention can be implemented in a surface cleaner according to the invention, or the surface cleaner according to the invention can be driven by the method according to the invention.

[0096] It is highly advantageous if, during operation of the surface vacuum cleaner, at least one of the following occurs: The treatment of the at least one cleaning roller unit with hot water mist and / or steam is carried out continuously. The rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller unit is in the range of 450 to 500 revolutions per minute. The treatment of the at least one cleaning roller unit with hot water mist and / or steam is carried out over a range of between 10% and 55% of the roller's circumference, in particular over a range of between 10% and 25% of the roller's circumference. The time period for treating a specific roller area of ​​said at least one cleaning roller unit with hot water mist and / or steam is in the range of 0.012 seconds to 0.06 seconds. The temperature of the hot water mist and / or steam is in the range of 75°C to 90°C upon contact with the at least one cleaning roller unit. The temperature of the surface of the cleaning roller unit is in the range of 55°C to 75°C when in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0097] This achieves effective hot fluid sterilization of the cleaning roller unit.

[0098] In this case, it is particularly advantageous if one, preferably several, and very particularly preferably all, of the above-mentioned conditions are fulfilled.

[0099] It is particularly advantageous if a first partial area of ​​action of the cleaning roller unit is located within the treatment chamber and a second partial area of ​​action of the cleaning roller unit acts on the surface to be cleaned, the second partial area of ​​action being spaced apart in the circumferential direction (with respect to the axis of rotation of the cleaning roller unit) from the first partial area of ​​action, so that a thermal fluid sterilization of the cleaning roller unit is achieved simultaneously during the cleaning operation.

[0100] In this case, it is further advantageous if the contaminated fluid is removed from the cleaning roller unit in a third partial action area of ​​the cleaning roller unit, the third partial action area being spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the first partial action area and spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the second partial action area, thereby achieving an effective cleaning operation. The cleaning roller unit acts on the surface to be cleaned in the second partial action area, while the contaminated fluid is simultaneously removed in the third partial action area.

[0101] The cleaning roller unit may be rotated in a direction such that a specific region of the cleaning roller unit first passes through the treatment chamber, then acts on the surface to be cleaned, and then the contaminated fluid is removed from the specific region. Alternatively, the cleaning roller unit may be rotated in a direction such that a specific region of the cleaning roller unit first acts on the surface to be cleaned, then passes through the treatment chamber, and then the contaminated fluid is removed from the specific region. In either case, thermal fluid sterilization of the cleaning roller unit is performed simultaneously with the cleaning operation.

[0102] It is advantageous if the cleaning roller unit is moistened with hot water and / or steam in the treatment chamber, in particular with additional cleaning fluid from a cleaning fluid tank arrangement, so that effective soil removal is achieved during the cleaning operation.

[0103] It is highly advantageous to supply the treatment chamber with a thermal fluid. When the cleaning roller unit is treated in the treatment chamber, a loss of thermal fluid occurs when the corresponding treatment area rotates out of the treatment chamber. By supplying the thermal fluid to the treatment chamber, this loss is compensated for. The supply is particularly carried out so that a constant thermal fluid atmosphere is formed in the treatment chamber over time, in the sense of flow balance. This ensures effective thermal fluid sterilization of the cleaning roller unit. In this case, the supply can be carried out continuously in principle or intermittently, for example, in pulses.

[0104] The following description of preferred embodiments is provided to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0105] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of a surface cleaner according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a surface cleaner according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a partial view of an embodiment of a surface cleaner according to the present invention having a cleaning roller unit and a treatment chamber. [Figure 4] 4 is a top view of an embodiment having a cleaning roller unit made up of a single part, viewed from the direction A in FIG. 3; FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 of an embodiment of a two-part cleaning roller unit; [Figure 6] 3 is a schematic partial view of another embodiment of a surface cleaner according to the present invention, comprising a first cleaning roller unit, a treatment chamber, and a second cleaning roller unit; [Figure 7] 7 is a top view of the device of FIG. 6 as viewed in the direction B, showing the first cleaning roller unit and the second cleaning roller unit each formed of a single component. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, showing a modification in which the first cleaning roller unit and the second cleaning roller unit each consist of two parts. [Figure 9]1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a surface cleaner, such as a floor cleaner for operation by a standing operator; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a floor cleaning machine, in particular a self-propelled and autonomous one; [Figure 11] Another embodiment of the floor cleaner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0106] The surface cleaner according to the invention is particularly suitable for cleaning hard or smooth surfaces, for example the surface cleaner according to the invention may be configured as a floor cleaner or used as such for cleaning (hard) floors.

[0107] A first embodiment of a surface cleaner according to the present invention, shown generally in block diagram form in Figure 1 and designated by the numeral 10, includes a cleaning head 12 via which the surface cleaner 10 acts on a surface 14 (Figures 3, 6, 9-11) to be cleaned during a cleaning operation.

[0108] The cleaning head 12 is where the basic functional components of the surface cleaner 10 are located, and indeed in a self-propelled and autonomous cleaner ("robot cleaner") embodiment all of the functional components are located in the cleaning head 12 (see Figure 10).

[0109] The cleaning head 12 has (at least) one cleaning roller unit 16. The cleaning roller unit 16 is disposed transversely on the cleaning head 12 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 18.

[0110] In one embodiment, the mounting plane 20 (see, e.g., FIG. 9 ) of the cleaning head 12 on the surface 14 to be cleaned is parallel to the axis of rotation 18. (For a flat surface 14 to be cleaned, the geometric mounting plane 20 coincides with the surface 14 to be cleaned.) The mounting plane 20 is defined by the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0111] In one embodiment, the cleaning head 12 is supported during cleaning operations by only a single cleaning roller unit 16, which alone defines the mounting plane 20.

[0112] In another embodiment, the cleaning head 12 is supported on the surface 14 during a cleaning operation by the cleaning roller unit 16 and one or more support elements. Such a support element may be a cleaning roller unit itself, or may be, 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 one or more support elements.

[0113] The cleaning roller unit 16 is composed of a single part (see Figures 4 and 7) or multiple parts (see Figures 5 and 8), in particular two parts. In the cleaning roller unit 16 composed of multiple parts, in particular all roller parts rotate simultaneously around the same rotation axis 18, and in particular the cleaning roller unit 16 composed of a single part or multiple parts is provided with a drive unit that rotates the entire cleaning roller unit 16 around the rotation axis 18.

[0114] In one embodiment, the cleaning roller unit 16 comprises a support, e.g., a cylindrical support, on whose surface a trim (e.g., a fabric trim) is arranged, which acts against the surface 14 to be cleaned during the cleaning process.

[0115] A drive 22 is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16. The drive 22 is in particular a motorized drive, preferably an electric motor, or includes one. Between this motor (electric motor) and the cleaning roller unit 16, in particular a transmission is arranged, which is intended to change the rotational speed and transmit the torque over a suitable distance.

[0116] In one embodiment, the drive 22 is arranged in, and in particular inside, the cleaning head 12. It may for example be arranged next to, behind or above the cleaning roller unit 16 in the cleaning head 12. In one embodiment, the drive 22 is arranged as an internal drive, with the cleaning roller unit 16 on top of it.

[0117] In another embodiment, the motorized drive of the drive unit 22 is on a retaining bar arrangement that is coupled to the cleaning head 12 by a joint, for example, see US Pat. No. 5,649,399.

[0118] A tank device 24 for the dirty fluid is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16. The tank device 24 receives the dirty fluid removed from the cleaning roller unit 16. The dirty fluid is in particular a mixture of liquid (first of all water) and dirty particles.

[0119] In one embodiment, a tank device 24 for contaminated fluid is removably disposed on the cleaning head 12. In particular, contaminated fluid removed from the cleaning roller unit 16 is directed into the tank device 24 without a blower or pump.

[0120] Normally, only the tank device 24 for the contaminated fluid is provided. In principle, it is also possible to transfer the contaminated fluid from one or more tanks in the cleaning head 12 into the other tanks of the tank device 24, for example via a pump or a suction blower.

[0121] The surface cleaner 10 includes a thermal fluid generating device 26. The thermal fluid generating device 26 may, in one embodiment, be located on the cleaning head 12. It may also be located outside the cleaning head 12, for example, on a retaining bar arrangement.

[0122] The thermal fluid generator 26 generates a thermal fluid from water. Here, the thermal fluid is understood to mean hot water (without phase change) and steam (with phase change). In this case, the thermal fluid generator 26 is configured so that when generating hot water, the temperature of the hot water is 80°C or higher.

[0123] The generated thermal fluid is supplied from the thermal fluid generator 26 to the cleaning head 12 .

[0124] The surface cleaner 10 includes a water tank assembly 28. The tank assembly 28 is in operative fluid communication with the thermal fluid generating assembly 26. Water is supplied from the water tank assembly 28 to the thermal fluid generating assembly 26 to generate the thermal fluid.

[0125] The reservoir device 28 is arranged on the cleaning head 12 or on the holding rod device. In principle, it is also possible for example for the reservoir device 28 to be an external reservoir device, which is guided, for example in a movable manner, along the surface to be cleaned 14 or which can be carried, for example, by a user.

[0126] The thermal fluid generating device 26 includes a thermal fluid generator, particularly a boiler or instantaneous water heater, which heats water supplied from the tank device 28 to produce steam or hot water (particularly at a temperature of 80°C or higher) before the liquid-vapor phase transition. In FIG. 1, the thermal fluid generator is designated by the reference numeral 30.

[0127] In one embodiment, the thermal fluid generator 26 also includes a pump 32 to allow fluid to be delivered to the thermal fluid generator 26 .

[0128] The thermal fluid generator 26 also includes one or more valves that are specifically controlled to allow targeted release of the thermal fluid from the thermal fluid generator 26.

[0129] A treatment chamber 34 is arranged in the cleaning head 12 and is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16. The treatment chamber 34 has an interior space 36 and is in fluid communication with the thermal fluid generator 26. The thermal fluid generated and supplied by the thermal fluid generator 26 is introduced into the interior space 36 of the treatment chamber 34.

[0130] In one embodiment, the process chamber 34 includes a nozzle assembly 38 for dispersing the thermal fluid within the interior space 36.

[0131] When hot water is used as the thermal fluid, the nozzle arrangement 38 is particularly configured to also generate a mist, so that a hot water mist is present in the interior space 36 when the surface cleaner 10 is in operation.

[0132] When steam is used as the thermal fluid, the nozzle arrangement 38 adequately fills the interior space 36 with steam, particularly uniform steam, during operation of the surface cleaner 10 .

[0133] The treatment chamber 34 is provided with (at least one) opening 40 (see also FIG. 3) facing towards the assigned cleaning roller unit 16 .

[0134] Through the opening 40, a partial region 42 of the cleaning roller unit 16 is recessed into the internal space 36 of the treatment chamber 34. This partial region 42 recessed into the internal space 36 is exposed to a hot fluid atmosphere (hot water mist or steam atmosphere) during operation of the surface cleaner. In the internal space 36, the hot fluid treatment of the partial region 42 of the cleaning roller unit 16, particularly the trim of the partial region 42, is appropriately carried out.

[0135] The cleaning roller unit 16 extends through the opening 40 into the treatment chamber 34 in a partial region 42 thereof. The direction of extension 44 of the cleaning roller unit 16 into the interior space 36 is perpendicular to the rotation axis 18 (see FIG. 3).

[0136] The at least one cleaning roller unit 16 has an area of ​​action 46 relative to the surface to be cleaned 14. The area of ​​action 46 is the part of the cleaning roller unit 16 that acts on the surface to be cleaned 14.

[0137] In one embodiment, the active area 46 is formed along a trim, particularly a woven trim.

[0138] The active area 46 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface as an envelope surface. When the cleaning roller unit 16 is placed on the surface to be cleaned 14 and the weight of the surface cleaner 10 acts on it, the cleaning roller unit 16 will normally deform accordingly, particularly the active area 46. In this case, the envelope surface is not strictly a cylindrical outer surface, but corresponds to the outer surface of a cylinder that has been pressed flat.

[0139] The opening 40 fits the cylindrical shape of the working area 46. The processing chamber 34 encloses a partial area 42 of the cleaning roller unit 16. The cleaning roller unit 16 itself serves as a lid for the opening 40, but since the cleaning roller unit 16 rotates about its axis of rotation, this lid is a moving lid.

[0140] In one embodiment, the processing chamber 34 has an interior wall 48 that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the cleaning roller unit 16 .

[0141] In the opening 40, the inner wall 48 has a first long side 50 and a second long side 52 opposite the first long side (FIGS. 3 and 4). The first long side 50 and the second long side 52 are perpendicular to the rotation axis 18 and spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the installation plane 20.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first long side 50 and the second long side 52 are adapted to the cylindrical envelope of the cleaning roller unit 16 and are particularly configured to be straight.

[0143] The inner wall 48 further has a first horizontal side 54 and a second horizontal side 56 opposite the first horizontal side. The first horizontal side 54 and the second horizontal side 56 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 18. The first horizontal side 54 and the second horizontal side 56 connect the first long side 50 and the second long side 52 to each other, respectively.

[0144] The first and second transverse sides 54, 56 of the inner wall 48 are adapted to the (approximately) cylindrical outer surface of the working area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16 at the opening 40. Each transverse side is accordingly convexly curved, and in particular is configured circularly.

[0145] A sealing device 58 is provided between the treatment chamber 34 and the cleaning roller unit 16. The sealing device 58 provides a fluid-tight seal, which allows the cleaning roller unit 16 to cover the interior space 36, as previously described. The sealing device helps ensure that the interior space 36 of the treatment chamber 34 adequately treats the working area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16 during operation of the surface cleaner 10.

[0146] In one embodiment, the sealing device 58 is formed by the inner wall 48 , in particular by the front area of ​​the inner wall 48 assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16 .

[0147] The inner wall 48 accordingly contacts or projects into the active area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16 at the first long side 50, the second long side 52, the first transverse side 54 and the second transverse side 56, thereby achieving the fluid-tight seal as previously described.

[0148] The partial area 42 in which the cleaning roller unit 16 extends into the treatment chamber 34 at the opening 40 has a length 60 (see FIG. 4) along the rotation axis 18, which in particular is more than 70% of the active area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16. In the illustrated embodiment, in the direction parallel to the rotation axis 18, the cleaning roller unit 16 extends completely into the interior space 36 over the length 60 in the corresponding active area 46.

[0149] During operation of the surface cleaner 10, the treatment chamber 34 is filled with a hot fluid, particularly hot water mist and / or steam, which in turn impinges on the corresponding active area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16, thereby sterilizing and moistening the unit. The cleaning roller unit 16, and in particular the corresponding active area 46 (e.g., the fabric trim), picks up moisture, which can improve cleaning. In one embodiment, the treatment chamber 34 and the hot fluid generator 26 can then constitute a suitable moistening device 62 for the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0150] In one embodiment, the moistening device 62 includes an additional device 64 through which cleaning fluid is supplied to the cleaning roller unit 16 and / or the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0151] For this purpose, a nozzle device 66 is provided, which is arranged and configured so that the cleaning liquid is sprayed outside the treatment chamber 34 onto the cleaning roller unit 16 and / or directly onto the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0152] In this case, the cleaning liquid that can be sprayed onto the cleaning roller unit 16 and / or the surface to be cleaned 14 through the additional device 64 can be purified water or water containing a cleaning agent (especially a surfactant-based cleaning agent) as an additive.

[0153] In one embodiment, a cleaning fluid tank arrangement 68 is provided. The tank arrangement 68 may be located, for example, on the cleaning head 12 or on the retaining rod arrangement. The tank arrangement 68 may contain cleaning fluid including a cleaning agent (such as a surfactant-based cleaning agent). The cleaning fluid is supplied to the nozzle arrangement 66 through a suitable piping arrangement 70.

[0154] Said supply is then controlled in particular, for example, via a valve arrangement, in which case the valve arrangement is controlled, for example, such that the flow of liquid to the nozzle arrangement 66 is released when the surface cleaner is started and begins a cleaning operation.

[0155] In principle, it is also possible to use the water-containing tank device 28 for the additional device 64. The tank device 28 supplies water to the thermal fluid generating device 26. This tank device should therefore not contain any cleaning agents, in particular surfactant-based cleaning agents, since this may lead to the undesirable generation of aerosols during thermal fluid generation.

[0156] In this case, a receiving device 72 containing the cleaning agent may be provided and placed (in terms of the flow path) between the nozzle device 66 and the tank device 28 .

[0157] The surface cleaner 10 includes a control section 74 which, among other things, controls the drive section 22 and also controls the thermal fluid generating device 26.

[0158] An energy supply 76 is provided which supplies electrical energy to the relevant components of the surface cleaner 10. The energy supply can be provided, for example, from the power grid or from battery current.

[0159] At least one wiper 78 (see FIG. 3) is provided to remove contaminated fluid from the cleaning roller unit 16. The wiper 78 acts on the action area 46, adhering to or projecting into the area (particularly adhering to or projecting into the fabric trim), and scrapes contaminated fluid (liquid and contaminant particles) from the cleaning roller unit 16. As previously mentioned, the contaminated fluid is sent from there to the tank device 24 without a blower or pump. The wiper 78 is particularly arranged above the installation plane 20. During normal operation of the surface cleaner 10, the cleaning head 12 is placed on the surface to be cleaned 14 via the installation plane 20, and the wiper 78 is above the installation plane 20 in the direction of gravity and above the cleaning roller unit 16 (in contact with or submerged as previously mentioned).

[0160] Furthermore, when the nozzle device 66 of the additional device 64 sprays cleaning liquid onto the cleaning roller unit 16, the nozzle device can be disposed between the wiper 78 and the processing chamber 34, or can be oriented on the opposite side of the processing chamber 34 from the wiper 78. Both methods are shown in Figure 3.

[0161] In the first method, the additional moistening is applied immediately before the contaminated fluid is scraped off, and in the second method, the additional moistening is applied after the contaminated fluid is scraped off from the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0162] In the surface cleaner 10, the working area 46, in a "snapshot" view, comprises a first partial working area 80 which is recessed within the treatment chamber 34. The working area 46 also comprises a second partial working area 82 in which the cleaning roller unit 16 acts on and rests on the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0163] The working area 46 further includes a third partial working area 84 from which contaminating fluid is removed by the wiper 78 .

[0164] By rotating the cleaning roller unit 16 about the rotation axis 18, these partial action areas 80, 82, 84 can be changed and transition into one another.

[0165] The second partial action area 82 is spaced apart in the circumferential direction (with respect to the rotation axis 18) from the first partial action area 80. The third partial action area 84 is spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the second partial action area 82. The third partial action area 84 is also spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the first partial action area 80. These partial action areas are continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0166] When the cleaning roller unit 16 rotates 360 degrees, the action area 46 passes completely (in the circumferential direction) through the treatment chamber 34 .

[0167] In the illustrated embodiment, the active area is completely through the treatment chamber 34 with respect to its length 60 .

[0168] In this embodiment, the entire surface of the active area 46 in the treatment chamber 34 is then treated with the thermal fluid.

[0169] In principle, it is possible for the cleaning roller unit 16 to rotate about the rotation axis 18 in a rotation direction 86, in which direction it first passes from the first partial action area 80 to the second partial action area 82 and then to the third partial action area 84. This means that a specific area of ​​the action area 46 of the cleaning roller unit 16 is first treated with the hot fluid in the treatment chamber 34, then acts on the surface 14 to be cleaned, and subsequently the contaminated fluid is removed from said area by the wiper 78.

[0170] In this case, the supply of additional cleaning fluid can be performed in this rotation direction 86 before the wiper 78 scrapes off the contaminated fluid or after that before re-entering the processing chamber 34.

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

[0172] 3 and 4, the cleaning roller unit 16 is depicted as being made up of a single piece.

[0173] The cleaning roller unit 16 may also be configured with multiple parts (see FIG. 5). In this case, the cleaning roller unit 16 has multiple, specifically two, parts 88a, 88b, each having an operating area. The parts 88a, 88b are spaced apart from each other. A corresponding intermediate drive via an intermediate area 90 is also conceivable.

[0174] The surface cleaner 10 of the present invention operates as follows.

[0175] During operation of the surface cleaner 10, a thermal fluid is generated in the thermal fluid generating device 26 using water from the tank device 28. The thermal fluid is introduced into the treatment chamber 34. A hot water mist or steam atmosphere is formed in the treatment chamber 34.

[0176] The processing chamber 34 is constantly replenished with thermal fluid by the thermal fluid generator 26. This replenishment can be continuous or, for example, pulsed. In particular, this replenishment is controlled by the controller 74.

[0177] The cleaning roller unit 16 rotates about the rotation axis 18 during the cleaning operation of the surface cleaner 10. When placed on the surface 14 to be cleaned, the roller unit acts on the surface 14 to be cleaned at the second partial action area 82.

[0178] A portion of the cleaning roller unit 16 (first partial action area 80) is sterilized by treating it with hot water mist or steam in the treatment chamber 34. The hot fluid or steam effectively kills bacteria.

[0179] A specific linear area of ​​the area of ​​action 46 is exposed to the hot fluid treatment while passing through the interior space 36 during rotation of the shaft 18, and accordingly is effectively sterilized.

[0180] The surface cleaner 10 is driven so that the cleaning roller unit 16 rotates at a speed preferably within the range of 450 to 500 revolutions per minute.

[0181] The treatment chamber 34 is sized so that between 10% and 55%, particularly between 10% and 25%, of the cleaning roller unit 16 is simultaneously treated with hot fluid or steam, with the remainder of the cleaning roller unit 16 then being outside the treatment chamber 34.

[0182] Furthermore, it is preferred that the time period for treating the cleaning roller unit 16 with hot water mist or steam be within the range of 0.012 seconds to 0.06 seconds.

[0183] Furthermore, the temperature of the thermal fluid or steam (hot water mist or steam) is preferably in the range of 75°C to 90°C when it comes into contact with the cleaning roller unit 16 .

[0184] More particularly, the temperature of the surface of the cleaning roller unit 16 is in the range of 55°C to 75°C when in contact with the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0185] 3-5, a specific area of ​​the action area 46 passes through the treatment chamber 34 and is then guided (by the rotation of the cleaning roller unit 16) onto the surface to be cleaned 14 as a second partial action area 82, where it removes the dirt and carries away the contaminated fluid. Further rotation now removes the contaminated fluid at the wiper 78 and sends it to the tank device 24.

[0186] Essentially, the cleaning roller unit 16 is moistened in the first partial region 80 as it rotates through the treatment chamber 34 .

[0187] In one embodiment, an additional moistening device 64 is provided which additionally moistens the cleaning roller unit 16 to improve soil removal performance on the surface 14 to be cleaned.

[0188] The hot fluid generator 26 and the treatment chamber 34 provide hot fluid sterilization of the cleaning roller unit 16 as the corresponding partial area 42 of the cleaning roller unit 16 passes through.

[0189] The seal 58 accordingly minimizes "short circuiting" of the thermal fluid.

[0190] In one embodiment, the surface cleaner 10 has a forward direction 92 (FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the treatment chamber 34 is positioned ahead of the cleaning roller unit 16 with respect to the forward direction 92. The roller unit 16 is positioned between the treatment chamber 34 and the tank arrangement 24 for the contaminated fluid.

[0191] For example, the processing chamber 34 (and the tank device 24 ) may be disposed behind the cleaning roller unit 16 in the forward direction 92 .

[0192] In principle, it is also possible for the hot fluid or steam to additionally be sprayed directly onto the surface 16 to be cleaned through a suitable nozzle device.

[0193] Another embodiment of the surface cleaner according to the invention, which is shown diagrammatically in block diagram form in Figure 2, is provided with a suction blower device 96. This comprises a suction blower with a suction blower motor. A tank device 98 for the contaminated fluid is assigned to the suction blower device. Furthermore, a separator is arranged in the suction blower device 96, which can be integrated into the tank device 98. The separator separates the air from the contaminated fluid.

[0194] The suction blower device 96 and the tank device 98 are particularly arranged in the holding device.

[0195] A nozzle device 100, which is a suction nozzle device, is provided and is assigned to the cleaning roller unit 16. A suction flow is generated through the suction blower device 96, which acts on the cleaning roller unit 16 through the nozzle device 100. At least one wiper 102 is provided and scrapes off the contaminated fluid from the cleaning roller unit 16. The nozzle device 100 faces the wiper 102, and the scraped off contaminated fluid is sucked by the suction blower device 96 (separating the air) and introduced into the tank device 98.

[0196] Otherwise, the surface cleaner 94 operates similarly to the surface cleaner 10, and like components are designated by like reference numerals.

[0197] In one embodiment (FIGS. 6-8), a corresponding cleaning head 104 is provided, which includes a first cleaning roller unit 106 and a second cleaning roller unit 108, which are driven to rotate about their respective axes of rotation, and in particular, are driven to rotate in opposite directions.

[0198] The first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 are each assigned a processing chamber 110, and in this case, the cleaning roller units 106 and 108 are assigned a common processing chamber 110.

[0199] The treatment chamber 110 is in operative fluid communication with the thermal fluid generator 26, in which the first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 are suitably treated with the thermal fluid.

[0200] In one embodiment, the processing chamber 110 is located in the cleaning head 104 between the first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 .

[0201] Each cleaning roller unit 106, 108 is assigned a dedicated wiper 112 or 114 to remove contaminating fluids.

[0202] A nozzle arrangement 116 is provided which corresponds to the nozzle arrangement 100 referred to above and which also draws contaminated fluid from both the first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 .

[0203] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the rotation direction 118 of the first cleaning roller unit 106 and the second cleaning roller unit 108 is such that a specific area of ​​each cleaning roller unit 106, 108 is first treated with a thermal fluid in the treatment chamber 110, then rotates around the rotation axis in the rotation direction 118 to act on the surface 14 to be cleaned, and then rotates to the respective wiper 112 or 114 to remove the contaminant fluid.

[0204] Otherwise, the surface cleaner operates as previously described using the cleaning roller units 106, 108.

[0205] Furthermore, each of the cleaning roller units 106, 108 can be made up of a single part (FIG. 7) or multiple parts (FIG. 8), particularly two parts.

[0206] A specific embodiment of a surface cleaner according to the present invention is a floor cleaner 120 (Fig. 9). The corresponding cleaning head 12 includes a body 122. The body 122 contains the cleaning roller unit 16 and the treatment chamber 34 in the arrangement described in connection with Figs. 3 and 4. The tank device 24 is removably mounted on the cleaning head 12 and is located in the body 122.

[0207] The drive 22 is located in the cleaning head 12 and is in the body 122 .

[0208] The cleaning head 12 is supported above the surface to be cleaned by one or more support rollers 124 spaced from the cleaning roller unit 16 .

[0209] A retaining bar assembly 126 is disposed on the cleaning head 12 (and body 122) and is positioned and configured so that an operator standing on the floor 14 to be cleaned can hold a handle 128 of the retaining bar assembly 126 and guide the floor cleaner 120 along the floor 14 to be cleaned while standing.

[0210] A casing 130 is arranged on the holding rod device 126. The thermal fluid generating device 26 is housed in the casing 130. The tank device 28 and, if necessary, the tank device 68 are removably arranged in the casing 130.

[0211] The retaining rod device 126 is pivotally connected to the main body 122 via a joint 132. The pivot axis 134 is parallel to the rotation axis 18 of the cleaning roller unit 16.

[0212] The floor vacuum cleaner 120 can be used by a standing operator to clean a floor as the surface to be cleaned 14 .

[0213] As previously described with reference to the surface cleaner 10, during operation of the floor cleaner 120, thermal fluid sterilization of the cleaning roller unit 16 is performed by thermal fluid provided by the thermal fluid generator 26 and acting on the cleaning roller unit 16 in the treatment chamber 34.

[0214] In another embodiment of the floor cleaning cleaner, shown diagrammatically in Figure 10 and designated by the reference numeral 136, a cleaning head 12 is provided which comprises a body 138 in which all functional elements are arranged, namely the hot fluid generating device 26, the tank device 28 (and possibly the tank device 68), the tank device 24 for contaminated fluid, the cleaning roller unit 16 and the treatment chamber 34, as well as the drive 22.

[0215] The floor cleaner 136 is particularly configured as a self-propelled and autonomous floor cleaner (cleaning robot).

[0216] As described above, thermal fluid sterilization of the cleaning roller unit 16 occurs during operation.

[0217] Another embodiment of a floor cleaner according to the present invention, shown generally in FIG. 11 and designated 140, corresponds to an implementation of the surface cleaner 94 shown in FIG.

[0218] A cleaning head 104 is provided having a body 142. The body 142 includes a corresponding first cleaning roller unit 106 and a corresponding second cleaning roller unit 108 with one or more processing chambers 110 therebetween.

[0219] A holding rod device 144 for a standing operator is swingably connected to the main body 142 by a joint.

[0220] The retaining bar assembly 144 includes a casing 146 which houses the suction blower assembly 96 and the thermal fluid generator 26 .

[0221] A contaminated fluid tank arrangement 98 (possibly with a separator) is removably fitted onto the casing 146 .

[0222] The water tank arrangement 28 and, optionally, the cleaning liquid tank arrangement 68 are removably fitted onto the casing 146 .

[0223] Otherwise, the floor cleaner 120 operates as previously described.

[0224] In the solution according to the present invention, a cleaning roller unit (e.g., cleaning roller unit 16) is subjected to a thermal fluid treatment in a suitable treatment chamber, such as treatment chamber 34. This allows suitable areas of the cleaning roller unit 16 to be treated with the thermal fluid for a relatively long period of time. The treatment chamber is filled with the thermal fluid (hot water mist or steam). At this time, the majority of bacteria present on the surface of the cleaning roller unit 16 are eliminated. For example, at least 99.99% of bacteria are eliminated.

[0225] Any suitable processing chamber, such as processing chamber 34, is a fixed component of the corresponding cleaning head 12. For example, wiper 78 may then be located in processing chamber 34. [Explanation of symbols]

[0226] 10…Surface vacuum cleaner 12...Cleaning head 14…side 16...Cleaning roller unit 18...Rotation axis 20…Installation plane 22...Drive unit 24... Tank equipment for contaminated fluids 26…thermal fluid generation device 28...Water tank device 30…thermal fluid generator 32...Pump 34...Processing chamber 36...Interior space 38...Nozzle device 40…Aperture 42...partial area 44...Diving direction 46…Action area 48…Inner wall 50...First long side 52...Second long side 54...First horizontal edge 56...Second horizontal side 58...Sealing device 60...length 62…humidifier 64…Additional equipment 66...Nozzle device 68...Cleaning liquid tank device 70...Piping equipment 72...Receptacle for cleaning agent 74...Control unit 76...Energy supply device 78...Wiper 80...First partial area of ​​effect 82...Second partial area of ​​effect 84...Third partial area of ​​effect 86...Rotation direction 88a, 88b...part 90...middle area 92…Direction of travel 94...Surface cleaner (second embodiment) 96…Suction blower device 98... Tank equipment for contaminated fluids 100...Nozzle device 102...Wiper 104...Cleaning head 106...First cleaning roller unit 108...Second cleaning roller unit 110...Processing chamber 112...Wiper 114...Wiper 116...Nozzle device 118...Rotation direction 120…Floor cleaner 122...Main unit 124...Support roller 126...Holding rod device 128...Handle 130...Casing 132...Joint 134...Oscillating shaft 136…floor vacuum cleaner 138...Main body 140…floor vacuum cleaner 142...Main body 144...Holding rod device 146...Casing

Claims

1. a cleaning head (12, 104); at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) rotatably arranged on the cleaning head (12, 104); a drive (22) for imparting rotational movement to the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108); a thermal fluid generating device (26) for generating a thermal fluid during operation of the surface cleaner, the thermal fluid being hot water and / or steam at a temperature of 80°C or higher; and a drive (22) assigned to the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) and operatively connected to the thermal fluid generating device (26) for fluid communication. and at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) having a cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) disposed therein, wherein an internal space (36) of the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) is filled with hot water mist and / or steam during operation of the surface cleaner, and the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) has at least one opening (40), and the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) enters the internal space (36) of the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) at the at least one opening (40) and is treated with the hot water mist and / or steam during operation of the surface cleaner.

2. 2. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) is located in the cleaning head (12, 104).

3. 3. A surface cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following: - The at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) has at least one active area (46) for the surface to be cleaned (14), and the cleaning roller unit has a substantially cylindrical outer surface as an envelope surface, in particular the cylindrical outer surface is coaxial with the rotation axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108). At least one penetration area of ​​said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) into said at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) is at least approximately in the shape of a segment of a circle in its cross section. The rotation axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit is parallel to the installation plane (20) of the cleaning head (12, 104) on the surface to be cleaned. - said at least one opening (40) extends in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (18) of said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108); The direction (44) of penetration of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) into the internal space (36) of the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) is perpendicular to the rotation axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108).

4. 4. A surface cleaner according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is performed during operation of the surface cleaner: The treatment of said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) with hot water mist and / or steam is carried out continuously. The rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller unit is in the range of 450 to 500 revolutions per minute. The treatment of the at least one cleaning roller unit with hot water mist and / or steam is carried out over a range of between 10% and 55% of the roller's circumference, in particular over a range of between 10% and 25% of the roller's circumference. - the time of treatment of a particular roller area of ​​said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) with hot water mist and / or steam is in the range of 0.012 seconds to 0.06 seconds; - the temperature of said hot water mist and / or steam is in the range of 75°C to 90°C upon contact with said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108); - The temperature of the surface of said cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) is in the range of 55°C to 75°C when in contact with the surface to be cleaned (14).

5. A surface cleaner as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) is recessed into the treatment chamber (34, 110) at a partial working area (80) of the working area (46), and the partial working area (80) can be changed by rotation of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) during operation of the surface cleaner.

6. A surface cleaner as described in claim 5, characterized in that during operation of the surface cleaner, the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) is submerged within the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) in a first partial action area (80) and acts on the surface to be cleaned (14) in a second partial action area (82) circumferentially spaced from the first partial action area (80).

7. 7. The surface cleaner of claim 6, wherein removal of contaminated fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) occurs in a third partial action area (84) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108), which is circumferentially spaced from the first partial action area and circumferentially spaced from the second partial action area.

8. 8. A surface cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following: the first partial area of ​​action (80) is between the second partial area of ​​action (82) and the third partial area of ​​action (84) in relation to the direction of rotation (86) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108); - The rotation direction (86) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) is such that, when the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) rotates, the first partial action area (80) moves to the third partial action area (84), or the first partial action area (80) moves to the second partial action area (84).

9. 9. A surface cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in a longitudinal direction parallel to the rotation axis (18) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108), at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, and in particular 100% of the active area (46) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) is submerged within the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110).

10. 10. A surface cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following: - said at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) enclosing a partial area (42) of said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108); - said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) being a moving lid for said at least one processing chamber (34, 110) at said at least one opening (40); When the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) rotates 360 degrees, the area of ​​action (46) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) in relation to the circumferential direction of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) passes completely through the treatment chamber (34, 110).

11. 11. A surface cleaner according to any preceding claim, comprising a sealing device (58) providing an effective fluid seal between the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) and the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110).

12. 12. A surface cleaner according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following: The sealing device (58) includes an inner wall (48) of the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110), the inner wall being in close contact with or projecting into the trim of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108). - said sealing device (58) is arranged or configured to surround said at least one opening (40);

13. 13. A surface cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the inner wall (48) of the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) has a first long side (50), a second long side (52) opposite the first long side (50), a first horizontal side (54), and a second horizontal side (56) opposite the first horizontal side (54) at the opening (40), the first horizontal side (54) and the second horizontal side (56) each being connected to the first long side (50) and the second long side (52), and in that at least one of the following is true: - said first long side (50) and / or said second long side (52) are oriented parallel to the axis of rotation (18) of said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108); - The first long side (50) and the second long side (52) are parallel to each other. - said first lateral side (54) and / or said second lateral side (56) are oriented so as to intersect, in particular perpendicularly, with the axis of rotation (18) of said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108); - said first lateral side (54) and said second lateral side (56) are oriented parallel to each other; The first long side (50) and / or the second long side (52) are straight on the front side. The first lateral side (54) and / or the second lateral side (56) are curved on the front side, in particular convexly curved, in particular circular.

14. 14. A surface cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a nozzle device (38) for the thermal fluid is assigned to the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110), the nozzle device being arranged in particular in the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110).

15. A surface cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with a moistening device (62) for moistening the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) with cleaning liquid.

16. 16. The surface cleaner of claim 15, wherein the humidification device (62) includes the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110).

17. 17. A surface cleaner according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the humidifying device (62) comprises at least one of the following: an additional device (64) added to said at least one treatment chamber (34, 110) for applying a cleaning liquid to said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) and / or the surface to be cleaned (14); A tank device for cleaning fluid (68). A receiving device for cleaning agents (72). a nozzle arrangement (66) directed towards said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) and / or the surface to be cleaned (14) and in fluid connection with a tank arrangement (68) for cleaning liquid;

18. A surface cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that during operation of the surface cleaner, a particular area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) is either (i) first sprayed with cleaning liquid, then passed through the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110), and subsequently acting on the surface to be cleaned (14), or (ii) sprayed with cleaning liquid, then acted on the surface to be cleaned (14), and subsequently passed through the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110), as the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) rotates.

19. A surface cleaner according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one wiper (78, 102) for removing contaminated fluid from said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108).

20. 20. A surface cleaner according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following: The at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) has a fabric trim, and the at least one wiper (78, 102) fits tightly against the trim or projects into the trim. - said at least one wiper (78, 102) is disposed or formed in said at least one processing chamber (34, 110); The at least one wiper (78, 102) is configured as a strip-shaped scraping member.

21. 21. A surface cleaner as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the at least one wiper (78, 102) is arranged, with respect to the direction of rotation (86) of the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108), such that (i) a particular area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) first acts on the surface to be cleaned (14) during operation of the surface cleaner, then passes through the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110), and subsequently rotates past the at least one wiper (78, 102), or (ii) a particular area of ​​the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) first passes through the at least one treatment chamber (34, 110), then acts on the surface to be cleaned (14), and then rotates past the at least one wiper (78, 102).

22. A surface cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one tank arrangement (24, 98) for contaminated fluids.

23. 23. A surface cleaner according to claim 22, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following: - said at least one tank device (24) for contaminated fluids is arranged on said cleaning head (12); - said at least one tank device (24) for contaminated fluids is removably arranged on said cleaning head (12); The contaminated fluid is conducted from said at least one cleaning roller unit (16) to said at least one tank device for contaminated fluid (24) without any blower or pump.

24. 24. A surface cleaner according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that it comprises a suction blower (96) having a suction blower and / or a pumping device having a pump, for transporting contaminated fluid from the at least one cleaning roller unit (106, 108) to the tank device (98) for contaminated fluid.

25. 25. A surface cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured as a machine (120, 140) that can be moved by a standing operator and has a holding bar device (126, 144) arranged on the cleaning head (12), in particular connected to the cleaning head (12) by a joint.

26. 26. A surface cleaner according to claim 25, characterized in that it comprises at least one of the following: - the thermal fluid generating device (26) is disposed on the retaining rod device (126, 144); A tank device (68) for the thermal fluid generating device (26) is arranged on the retaining rod device (126, 144). A tank arrangement (68) for cleaning liquid is arranged on said retaining rod arrangement (126, 144). A contaminated fluid suction blower (96) and / or a contaminated fluid pumping device is arranged on said retaining rod device (126, 144).

27. 25. A surface cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 24, configured as a self-propelled and autonomous machine.

28. A surface cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermal fluid generating device (26) and the drive unit (22) are located in the cleaning head (12).

29. A surface cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein the thermal fluid generating device (26) comprises a thermal fluid generator (30) and a pump (32).

30. 30. A surface cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal fluid generating device (26) is assigned a tank device (28) for water.

31. A surface cleaner as described in claim 30, characterized in that a dedicated cleaning liquid tank device (68) is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) and / or the humidifying device (62) that applies cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned (14), or a common water tank device is assigned to the thermal fluid generating device (26) and the humidifying device (62).

32. 32. A surface cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) consists of a single part or of several parts, in particular of two parts.

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

34. 34. The surface cleaner of claim 33, wherein the at least one treatment chamber (110) is located in the cleaning head (104) between a first cleaning roller unit (106) and a second cleaning roller unit (108).

35. A surface cleaner according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the cleaning head (12) has a front end in the forward direction (92) of the surface cleaner, and at which the at least one treatment chamber (34) is located.

36. A surface cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that the at least one cleaning roller unit (16) is arranged on the cleaning head (12) between the at least one treatment chamber (34) and a tank arrangement (24) for contaminated fluid.

37. A method for operating a surface cleaner in which a cleaning roller unit (16) rotates while acting on a surface (14) to be cleaned during a cleaning operation, in particular a surface cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the cleaning roller unit (16) is passed through a treatment chamber and treated with hot water mist and / or steam.

38. 38. A method according to claim 37, characterized in that during operation of the surface vacuum cleaner at least one of the following occurs: The treatment of said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) with hot water mist and / or steam is carried out continuously. The rotational speed of said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) is in the range of 450 revolutions per minute to 500 revolutions per minute. The treatment of the at least one cleaning roller unit with hot water mist and / or steam is carried out over a range of between 10% and 55% of the roller's circumference, in particular over a range of between 10% and 25% of the roller's circumference. - the time of treatment of a particular roller area of ​​said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) with hot water mist and / or steam is in the range of 0.012 seconds to 0.06 seconds; - the temperature of said hot water mist and / or steam is in the range of 75°C to 90°C upon contact with said at least one cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108); - The temperature of the surface of said cleaning roller unit (16, 106, 108) is in the range of 55°C to 75°C when in contact with the surface to be cleaned (14).

39. 39. The method according to claim 37 or 38, wherein a first partial action area (80) of the cleaning roller unit (16) is located within the treatment chamber (34), and a second partial action area (82) of the cleaning roller unit (16) acts on the surface to be cleaned (14), the second partial action area (82) being circumferentially spaced apart from the first partial action area (80).

40. 40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that contaminated fluid is removed from the cleaning roller unit (16) in a third partial action area (84) of the cleaning roller unit (16), the third partial action area (84) being spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the first partial action area (80) and spaced apart in the circumferential direction from the second partial action area (82).

41. 41. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, characterized in that the direction of rotation (86) of the cleaning roller unit (16) is such that a specific area of ​​the cleaning roller unit first passes through the treatment chamber (34), then acts on the surface to be cleaned (14), and subsequently removal of contaminated fluid is carried out in the specific area.

42. 42. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 41, characterized in that the direction of rotation of the cleaning roller unit (16) is such that a specific area of ​​the cleaning roller unit first acts on the surface to be cleaned, then passes through the treatment chamber, and subsequently removal of contaminated fluid takes place in the specific area.

43. 43. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 42, characterized in that the cleaning roller unit (16) is moistened, in which the moistening is carried out in the treatment chamber with hot water and / or steam, in particular with additional cleaning liquid from a tank device (68) for cleaning liquid.

44. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 43, characterized in that the treatment chamber (34) is replenished with thermal fluid.

Images