Floor cleaning devices with improved handling characteristics, especially scrubbing and suction type floor cleaning devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floor cleaning device (10), particularly a scrubbing and suction type floor cleaning device (10), comprising a floor unit (12) assigned a feed direction (V) parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned, tools (18, 20) arranged corresponding to the floor unit (12) and contacting the floor surface in an active state, the tools (18, 20) being movable relative to the floor surface by a drive device, a guide part (14) for guiding the floor cleaning device (10), and a joint device (16) pivotally connecting the floor unit (12) and the guide part (14) to each other, and the floor cleaning device (10) is , configured to generate a feeding action on a floor surface in a feed direction (V), and the joint device (16) is formed with a first pivot joint that allows a pivoting movement of the guide part (14) about the first pivot area, in particular about the first pivot axis (A), relative to the floor unit (12), which has a first pivot area including a defined or imaginary first pivot axis (A), the first pivot axis (A) being located in a first pivot axis plane that extends perpendicular to the floor surface and includes a direction vector that defines the feed direction (V). In such a floor cleaning device, in a maneuvering operating state, the guide portion (14) is rotatable relative to the floor unit (12) around a first pivot axis (A), and the guide portion (14) is fixed or temporarily supportable relative to the floor unit (12) or the floor in the first pivot axis plane, and the pivoting movement of the guide portion (14) around the first pivot axis (A) performed while supporting the guide portion (14) in the pivot axis plane generates a feeding action that generates a rotational moment of the floor unit (12) on the floor surface, which improves the maneuverability of the floor cleaning device (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor cleaning device, and more particularly to a scrubbing and suction type floor cleaning device, such as a wet floor cleaning device. - A floor unit that is assigned a feeding direction parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned. -A tool that is positioned in accordance with a floor unit and contacts the floor surface in an operating state, and is movable relative to the floor surface by a drive device. - Guide portion for guiding the floor cleaning device, and -It has a joint device that pivotally connects the floor unit and the guide section to each other. The floor cleaning device is preferably configured to generate a feeding action against the floor surface in the feeding direction. The joint device is formed with a first pivot joint that allows pivotal movement of a guide portion relative to a floor unit, centered on the first pivot region, particularly around the first pivot axis, having a first pivot region that includes a defined or virtual first pivot axis, The present invention relates to a floor cleaning device in which the first pivot axis is located in a first pivot axis plane that extends perpendicular to the floor surface and includes a direction vector defining the feeding direction.

[0002] Various cleaning devices with complex structures are known through prior art.

[0003] The most recent prior art to the present invention is German Patent Application Publication No. 102009028944. This prior art describes a floor cleaning device having the features of the broader concept as defined in Claim 1 of the present invention. While the effectiveness of this device has been demonstrated in practice due to its advantageous maneuverability in its basic structure, further improvements were needed.

[0004] German Utility Model No. 202013012528 describes a floor cleaning device in which the cleaning and feeding functions are improved compared to that of German Patent Application Publication No. 102009028944 by the advantageous arrangement of two cleaning tools coupled to a suction strip.

[0005] Furthermore, for example, European Patent No. 2832277 describes an improvement based on the subject matter of German Patent Application Publication No. 102009028944, which includes improved feed characteristics and a suction drive device incorporated into the guide portion.

[0006] The German Patent Application Publication No. 102016208895 describes a floor cleaning device in which the drive components are arranged in a space-saving manner within the floor unit.

[0007] The floor cleaning device described in the patented European Patent No. 3031378 incorporates measures to allow the device to be moved between an operating position and a space-saving transport or storage position as needed.

[0008] Other prior art references include U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0133146, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012 / 0246848, and U.S. Patent No. 2818312, all of which feature a projecting fork assembly that can pivot about an axis extending laterally with respect to the feed direction.

[0009] Despite ongoing improvements at every point and integration of individual components, all of these devices have been shown to be difficult for operators to control, at least under certain operating conditions. In most cases, these devices suffer from the disadvantage of the guide section becoming partially larger and heavier due to the attachment of energy supply elements, clean water or wastewater tanks, and various operating, control, and drive components to the guide section. While this certainly allows for a more compact floor unit, it makes handling difficult for operators, especially during longer periods of operation. Even though improvements to the floor unit described above have partially improved the handling characteristics, the prior art requires the operator to bear a significant portion of the guide section's weight during operation, depending on the operating conditions. This can lead to operator fatigue over time. Furthermore, the ease of operation of the floor cleaning device is also compromised.

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaning device of the type described at the beginning, which makes full use of the advantages known from the prior art and also takes into account the need to improve the operability characteristics.

[0011] This problem is solved by a floor cleaning device of the type described at the beginning, in which, in the operating state, the guide portion is rotatable relative to the floor unit about a first pivot axis, the guide portion is fixable or temporarily supported relative to the floor unit or the floor in the plane of the first pivot axis, and the rotational movement of the guide portion about the first pivot axis, performed with the guide portion supported in the plane of the pivot axis, is intended to generate a rotational moment on the floor surface of the floor unit, preferably acting about a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the floor surface, which improves the operation of the floor cleaning device. Such a type of operation may be, for example, a distributed light holding by the operator on the guide portion against the feed action, and such light holding, together with the feed action on the floor unit, generates a rotational moment on the floor surface of the floor unit.

[0012] In relation to the first pivot region, when we say that the first pivot region has a defined or virtual first pivot axis, within the scope of this document, this means that the pivot region may be formed as a kind of joint including an immutable pivot axis, or that the pivot axis may be configured to change over time during pivoting motion, for example, over a relatively large range, when pivoting around a flexible spring element, such as an elastic body or coil spring or leaf spring, or when pivoting by an arc-shaped guide. However, the important point is that the pivoting around the first pivot region is guided, and that a defined or virtual pivot axis, i.e., a pivot axis that is actually effective at each stage of the pivot but changes the degree of pivoting around the pivot region, is located in the first pivot plane.

[0013] The floor cleaning device according to the present invention is superior in that, in the operating state, the guide portion is fixed to the floor unit in a manner described in more detail below, or is temporarily or continuously supported, that is, fully or at least partially supported, thereby allowing the weight of the guide portion to act on the floor portion and ultimately on the floor to be cleaned through this support. That is, in the operating device according to the present invention, if the guide portion is tilted backward (i.e., toward the operator) during the operating state and is thus supported, or if the guide portion is already standing backward at its grip section based on the mechanical structure, the operator no longer needs to bear the weight of the guide portion as in the prior art. In this case, an improvement is already obtained if a portion of the weight that would normally be borne by the operator can be reduced by such support. Even partial support of the weight is already advantageous. By introducing the weight of the guide portion fully or at least partially to the floor unit during the operating state via support, additional advantages are obtained with respect to the operating characteristics of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, depending on where the portion of the weight borne via support acts on the floor unit. The inclination of the guide portion with respect to the feeding direction is, for example, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the guide portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis in the longitudinal direction of the guide portion and through a line of action defined, for example, by a handgrip, by the operator's point of action on the guide portion for operating the floor cleaning device.

[0014] In any case, the partial support of the weight of the guide portion in the floor unit has the effect of distributing, i.e., shifting the weight to one side, when the guide portion rotates relative to the floor unit around the first pivot axis of the joint device in the floor unit and / or when the operator moves the guide portion. This provides a rotational moment in the floor unit, preferably a rotational moment about a pivot axis perpendicular to the floor surface. Such a rotational moment, which has a favorable effect on the maneuverability characteristics of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, is enhanced by the fact that a feed action can be generated in the floor unit, preferably via at least one rotating tool or by other components, which additionally assists the displacement motion based on the distributed weight distribution. Based on the rotated guide portion, forces acting along the guide portion, including vertical and horizontal force components, are transmitted to the floor unit. The vertical force component can be introduced into the floor unit entirely or partially via the joint device and support, while the horizontal force component acts in the floor unit as a lateral force. This significantly enhances the feed action in a given area of ​​the floor unit, particularly in relation to the operator's controlled steering motion, thereby having a favorable effect on the steering characteristics, as will be explained in detail below. The present invention improves the overall steering characteristics of the floor cleaning device by utilizing the weight of a guide portion, introduced into the floor unit with a lateral component based on a pivoted guide portion, in conjunction with steering motions that utilize the feed action. However, the advantages of the present invention can be utilized, even to a smaller extent, even if at least one rotating tool does not generate a feed action.

[0015] In a further configuration of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, the first pivot axis may be assumed to form an acute angle of 5° to 85°, preferably 15° to 45°, in the operating state, along with a direction vector defining the feed direction. This means that the first pivot axis is oriented such that the guide portion is tilted towards the operator towards the rear in the cleaning or operating state of the floor cleaning device. As a result, a tilt moment is generated laterally with respect to the first pivot axis in the floor unit via the fixing or support of the pivot joint due to the weight of the guide portion, and a corresponding moment can at least partially react to this tilt moment. This is particularly true when the grip section is located at the rear of the floor unit when viewed in a projection view onto the floor surface in the vertical direction.

[0016] One embodiment of the present invention assumes that a first swivel joint is permanently fixed in the floor unit around a first swivel axis, or, in the operating state, can be locked in a predetermined position set by the orientation of the first swivel axis with respect to a direction vector defining the feed direction. In other words, the first swivel joint is continuously or temporarily locked in a predetermined orientation around the first swivel axis. Support for the weight of the guide portion to the floor unit may be achieved through a continuously or temporarily selected lock. Furthermore, this results in the advantageous operating characteristics already described.

[0017] As an alternative to a permanent or predetermined lock, according to a further configuration of the present invention, the joint device is envisioned to be formed with a second swivel joint that allows swivel motion of a guide portion relative to a floor unit, centered on a second swivel region having a defined or virtual second swivel axis, the second swivel axis having a second swivel region having a defined or virtual second swivel axis. The second swivel axis is substantially parallel to the floor surface and extends laterally with respect to the first swivel axis. Floor cleaning devices having two swivel joints having swivel axes extending laterally, and in particular orthogonally, to each other are already known in the prior art. That is, such a joint device with a double swivel joint is already shown in German Patent Application Publication No. 102009028944. Although such a joint device certainly improves the maneuverability compared to the prior art, as mentioned above, it has the drawback that, in the maneuverable operating state, the operator must bear a considerable proportion of the weight of the guide portion. The present invention envisions that the joint device can be brought to a state that overcomes this drawback, either permanently or temporarily when necessary, via support. The joint device can be supported either on the surface of the joint device or directly within the joint device. Alternatively, the joint device can be supported via the attachment of a support device to the guide portion, with the support device being supported by the floor unit or directly by the floor. According to the alternative configuration, the joint device can be supported via the attachment of a support device to the floor unit, with the support device supporting the guide portion.

[0018] In this regard, in an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a support device is functionally assigned to the joint device, and the support device is envisioned to support the joint device, including the first swivel joint, relative to the floor unit, at least temporarily and / or at least partially, in the steered operating state. Such a support device may be, for example, manually mounted, electrically or electromagnetically connected, or permanently provided, and may optionally have linear, progressive, or decreasing support characteristic lines. As already described above, support for the joint device can be performed directly on the joint device, or indirectly through the attachment of the support device to the guide portion or to the floor unit.

[0019] In this regard, a simple mechanical embodiment assumes that the support device is lockable at least temporarily in at least one locked position, preferably at least two, and particularly preferably at least three locked positions. Alternatively, the support device may be assumed to be infinitely lockable.

[0020] In this case, in one embodiment of the present invention, the support device may be rigidly formed. This can be achieved, for example, via a support stay, support angle, supportive capture fork, or lock yoke.

[0021] As an alternative to a purely rigid support device, the present invention may envision a support device having a spring element that provides a linear, or stepwise, or decreasing, or progressive support action depending on the angle between a first pivot axis and a direction vector defining the feed direction. Combinations of progressive and decreasing phases of the support force acting during support can also be envisioned, for example, the spring element causing the support device to first provide a progressive support action over a predetermined angular range, then provide a decreasing support action, or vice versa.

[0022] In particular, when using a spring-like support device, in order to avoid unwanted vibration effects or to avoid a sudden achievement of the support state, a further configuration of the present invention can be assumed to have a damping element arranged corresponding to the support device. By such measures, for example, a smooth damped transition between a non-supported state and a partially or fully supported state can be achieved.

[0023] A further configuration of the present invention not only supports the guide part in the first swivel axis plane, but additionally assumes the provision of another support device assigned to the first swivel axis, which support device is configured to support the guide part after a predefined or definable swivel angle also during swiveling about the first swivel axis emerging from the first swivel axis plane with respect to the floor unit. In other words, the guide part can be supported at least after a predetermined swivel angle also during a lateral swivel. The support can be carried out, as described above, for example rigidly, spring-like, and / or damped. Reference is made to the above description regarding the support for the first swivel axis, which description also applies mutatis mutandis to the support regarding the movement about the second swivel axis at this location.

[0024] A further configuration of the present invention assumes that the support device is formed such that the guide portion guides along an arc-shaped trajectory with respect to the floor unit during turning about the first turning axis. For this purpose, a guide track may be provided on the support device, in which a guide carriage is guided and the guide portion is placed thereon, or the guide portion is connected to the guide carriage via a form-fitting or friction connection. The connection may be assisted, for example, by a magnet assembly of the approaching part. Further in this context, it is assumed that the support device is formed to elastically support the guide portion during turning about the first turning axis, preferably in a progressive manner such that the elastic support increases as the turning angle increases. Thus, it is possible to provide a kind of restoring moment or restoring force that increases as the displacement of the guide portion from the substantially central neutral position increases. Thereby, the operator is relieved or assisted during the steering movement of moving the guide portion back to the neutral position after turning.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the joint device has a coupling element that couples the first turning joint to the second turning joint, and the coupling element is turnable about a second turning axis with respect to the floor unit, and it is assumed that the guide portion is turnable about the first turning axis with respect to the coupling element. Thereby, a kind of double Cardan joint device is obtained.

[0026] Advantageously in this context, it is assumed that the coupling element is supportable with respect to the floor unit. That is, the support device for supporting in the plane of the first turning axis is connected to the coupling element in order to ensure better mobility of the guide portion about the first turning axis even when the support is effective.

[0027] In particular, in this context, it is assumed that each support device includes a support element that is arranged corresponding to the coupling element and contacts the floor unit to support it in the steering operation state.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each support device may be formed integrally with a joint device. In this case, as already described above, the joint device is formed as a double cardan joint, and at least one of the support devices or support devices arranged corresponding to both pivot axes may be formed integrally with the double cardan joint. Alternatively, the support devices may be formed, for example, in the form of support modules, as a separate group of components that can be attached to or detached from the floor cleaning device as needed. For this purpose, a coupling interface may be provided that assumes a secure and further detachable connection between the support module and the floor cleaning device.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the present invention, as already described above, each support device may be configured to be activated or deactivated as needed by an operator. This can be done by mechanical displacement, for example by the reciprocating flap of the support yoke, or by electromagnetically connecting or activating each support device.

[0030] A further configuration of the present invention assumes that the support device is pivotable by an operator between an operating position and a retracted position, and that the support device is preferably lockable in at least one of the operating position and the retracted position. This allows the support device to be connected or disconnected as needed, and ideally, the support device can remain in both positions. This can be done, for example, by a spring preload or a locking or latching device.

[0031] One embodiment of the present invention assumes that the support device is provided with corresponding attachment elements, particularly magnets, which are configured to fix the support device in place during support until a force threshold is exceeded, against the support device and / or against lateral rotation relative to the support device. In other words, the support device can be auxiliaryly fixed in the support operating position to avoid undesirable release of the support action.

[0032] Furthermore, a further configuration of the present invention envisions that the support device provides a substantially form-connective and / or friction-connective connection between the support device and the guide portion or floor unit, preferably via an adhesive element. This provides a secure connection between the support device and the guide portion or floor unit during support, preventing unintended disengagement. At least a partial form-connective can be provided, for example, by providing a simple notch or recess into which the support device engages.

[0033] With regard to the orientation of the pivot axis, it may be assumed that the second pivot axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis. In this case, the guide portion may further have a longitudinal axis preferably oriented perpendicular to the first pivot axis and, in some cases, perpendicular to the second pivot axis.

[0034] A favorable mass distribution and support action can be obtained, for example, if the joint device is attached to the floor unit such that the weight of the guide portion is introduced into the floor unit via the joint device at a geometric location on the floor unit that is located in front of the floor unit's surface center of gravity or mass center of gravity when viewed in the feeding direction.

[0035] A further configuration of the present invention assumes that, for changing the mass distribution and thus for adjusting the operating characteristics of the floor cleaning apparatus according to the present invention as needed, the floor unit has a mounting device that allows the joint device to be variably attached to the floor unit at various mounting positions along the feed direction. Such characteristics are obtained, for example, by the mounting device having a rail and locking devices that can be attached at predetermined mounting positions.

[0036] However, the mass distribution can already be influenced by the operator's rotation of the guide section around the second pivot axis. Therefore, for example, by pulling the guide section backward against the support action while in a supported state, the entire floor cleaning device can be tilted backward to a greater or lesser extent. By taking such measures, while utilizing the support action, the load on the front region of the floor cleaning device, for example, the cleaning tool or drive wheels that generate the feed motion, is reduced, thereby making it easier to operate. The aforementioned "tilt" may be in the range of a few minutes or a few degrees.

[0037] According to the present invention, the mass ratio between the floor unit and the guide portion may be assumed to be in the range of 1:5 to 1:1, or 1:1 to 5:1.

[0038] As explained at the outset, the floor cleaning device according to the present invention assumes a feed action in the floor unit, at least optionally. In this regard, it may be assumed that at least one tool is configured to contact the floor surface in operation and to generate at least partially feed motion. However, the action according to the present invention is already obtained—at least to a limited extent—by tools rotating in opposite directions, even without a feed action, which significantly reduces friction between the floor cleaning device and the foundation. When the floor cleaning device is manually slid forward and the guide portion is swung about the first pivot axis as described above, the forward motion and the associated inertia of the floor cleaning device alone can generate the good rotational moment of the floor unit described at the outset.

[0039] In particular, in this regard, according to the present invention, the tool of the floor unit may have at least one rotationally driven brush having a rotation axis that is oriented substantially parallel to the floor surface when in operation.

[0040] One embodiment of the present invention assumes that a first brush has a first axis of rotation that, in operation, is oriented at a slight inclination with respect to a perpendicular to the floor surface, and a second brush has a second axis of rotation that, in operation, is similarly oriented at a slight inclination with respect to a perpendicular to the floor surface, and that the first and second brushes are configured to rotate in opposite directions. The direction of rotation may be freely selectable.

[0041] With respect to the inclination of the axis of rotation with respect to the perpendicular, in a special embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, it may be assumed that the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are inclined with respect to the perpendicular by 0.8° to 5°, preferably by about 1.5°. The inclination may be adjustable by an operator via an appropriate mechanism.

[0042] In addition to or alternative to the generation of a feeding action by a tool, the floor cleaning apparatus according to the present invention may further envision that the floor unit includes at least one drive body, for example, a drive body in the form of a wheel, drum, or roller-shaped cylinder that, in operation, contacts the floor surface and generates at least temporarily and / or at least partially a feeding motion.

[0043] To facilitate understanding of the advantages of operating the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, the following additional information is provided: - The significantly improved maneuverability of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention compared to the prior art is achieved by combining the support of the guide portion, as described at the beginning, with a feeding action and, in particular, some kind of maneuvering movement by the operator when the operator lightly and evenly holds the guide portion. -When the guide section rotates around the first rotation region, and especially around the second rotation axis, the floor cleaning device is moved out of a state of force equilibrium. - As a result, the weight partially borne by the operator is significantly reduced compared to conventional devices that do not have a support that allows the guide portion to rotate around an axis corresponding to the first pivot axis. Therefore, in the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, the operator only needs to use very little force to hold the guide portion during such rotation of the guide portion. The operator can easily hold and operate the guide portion. - A slight hold by the operator on the guide portion, which has been displaced against the feed force, generates a corresponding rotational moment in the floor unit, which is supported by the feed action. This effect is particularly pronounced even if the operator only slightly pulls the guide portion back against the feed action. - The stronger the guide portion is rotated in one direction or the other, centered around the first rotation region, the greater this effect resulting from holding or pulling back becomes. - Advantageously, when using support during maneuvering, small turning movements can already be utilized. - Maneuvering can be further facilitated by the user pushing the guide portion slightly downward toward the floor surface against the support action, in addition to the holding or pulling described above. This enhances the rotational moment in the floor unit, on the one hand by changing the force distribution in the floor unit, and on the other hand by utilizing the feed action.

[0044] All of these actions during operation require relatively little intervention from the user and require very little force.

[0045] Preferably, the floor cleaning device according to the present invention further includes a suction unit configured to suck particles and / or liquids or generally wastewater from the floor surface. In this context, the suction unit may include at least one suction turbine, which is located in or separately from the floor unit or guide portion and configured to generate negative pressure. The suction action can be assisted or enhanced by a straight or rounded suction strip located on the user-facing rear of the floor cleaning device. This suction strip may have one or more sealing lips. The suction strip and / or sealing lips provide a frictional force relative to the floor surface, which can be advantageous in absorbing lateral forces introduced into the floor unit through the guide portion. Absorption of lateral forces can also be achieved via guide wheels or drive wheels.

[0046] However, according to the present invention, wastewater can also be absorbed by another method, for example, via a nonwoven fabric, a capillary absorption mechanism, or a rotating roller or similar device that contains the wastewater and transports it into a collection container.

[0047] Furthermore, the floor cleaning device according to the present invention may include at least one collection container configured to collect inhaled particles and / or liquids used for cleaning, the collection container being particularly removable and located on a guide portion or floor unit.

[0048] Furthermore, the floor cleaning device according to the present invention may have a cleaning agent container, which is configured to supply the cleaning agent to at least one tool, preferably via a supply device, and the cleaning agent container is located in the floor unit or guide portion.

[0049] Furthermore, the floor cleaning device according to the present invention may have a clean water container, which is configured to supply clean water to at least one tool, preferably via a supply device, and the clean water container is located in the floor unit or guide portion.

[0050] The collection containers, detergent containers, and clean water containers may be formed separately or all together as a single unit.

[0051] According to a preferred development of the floor cleaning device of the present invention, the floor cleaning device can be brought into a retracted state, in which the floor unit can be moved to a space-saving retracted position relative to the guide portion, and can be locked in this retracted position.

[0052] A further configuration of the present invention assumes that the support device is formed to completely lock the guide portion relative to the floor unit, thereby locking the rotation around a first pivot axis, and optionally around a second pivot axis, within at least a predetermined angular range. That is, according to this aspect of the present invention, it is possible to fix the guide portion relative to the floor unit such that relative movement or rotation of the two components is impossible. Such complete locking or fixing of the guide portion and the floor unit relative to each other may be connectable and disconnectable as needed in such variations of the idea of ​​the present invention. This can be achieved, for example, by the support device being rotatable between an operating position and a non-operating position about a pivot axis, as described in detail above, and the support device setting a complete lock of the guide portion relative to the floor unit in the operating position. In this case, the support device can support the guide portion on the floor portion, i.e., independently of the joint device. However, the support may be incorporated into the joint device or located very close to the joint device. In particular, such a form of support may be provided in the configuration of the joint device as a double cardan joint or other double joint. Preferably, complete locking of the guide portion relative to the floor unit is utilized when the guide portion is inclined somewhat relative to the pivot axis, for example, by 15° to 45°. This allows the guide portion to be completely locked at a predetermined angular position, preventing it from being displaced or pivoted further relative to the vertical axis, but allowing it to remain movable during a return pivot in the direction of the vertical axis.

[0053] The present invention further relates to a support device of the type described above. This support device has a base, and the support device can be attached to a shaft or floor unit on this base. The attachment can be fixed in a predetermined position or variable. Furthermore, the support device has at least one support stay that introduces the weight of the shaft to the floor unit, either continuously or by moving to a support position. The support stay can be made to reciprocate between a support position and a retracted position, for example. A locking mechanism or magnet can be provided for fixing the position. The support device allows the weight of the guide portion to be supported on the floor unit in the operating state as described above, and the guide portion remains operable, i.e., remains rotatable about a first pivot axis. Furthermore, the support device may have a lock yoke that switchesly locks the rotation of the guide portion about the first pivot axis. The lock yoke may be configured to block each rotation of the guide portion about the first pivot axis, or to block rotation only after a predetermined rotation angle.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that, in order to achieve the advantages described above, the support device can also be provided as an add-on kit, or as a separate set of components, that can be attached to and removed from a suitable floor cleaning device as needed.

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1] This is a three-dimensional view showing a first embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, together with an actuated support device formed in the shape of a yoke. [Figure 2] This is a stereoscopic view showing a first embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention from a different viewing angle. [Figure 3] This is a detailed three-dimensional view showing a floor unit and a part of a joint device of a first embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 4]Figure 3 is a detailed three-dimensional view showing a first embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, with the floor unit and a part of the joint device viewed from a different angle. [Figure 5] This is a detailed three-dimensional view showing a support device of a first embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a detailed three-dimensional view of the support device from a different viewing angle. [Figure 7] This is a detailed three-dimensional view showing a floor unit and a part of the guide portion of a first embodiment of a floor cleaning device equipped with a support device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a detailed three-dimensional view of the floor unit and a portion of the guide section corresponding to Figure 7, with the support device blocking the lateral rotation of the guide section around the first pivot axis. [Figure 9] This is a detailed diagram of a floor unit used to illustrate the angle of the tools. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the force distribution from the guide portion to the floor unit via the joint device and support device. [Figure 11a] This is a detailed three-dimensional diagram for generally illustrating the operation behavior of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 11b] This is a detailed three-dimensional diagram for generally illustrating the operation behavior of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 11c] This is a detailed three-dimensional diagram for generally illustrating the operation behavior of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 12a] This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating one operation step of a floor cleaning device according to the present invention, in which the operating assembly is loaded by a handgrip on only one side. [Figure 12b] This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating one operation step of a floor cleaning device according to the present invention, in which the operating assembly is loaded by a handgrip on only one side. [Figure 13a] This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating one operation step of a floor cleaning device according to the present invention, in which the floor cleaning device is moved along a wall while the operator maintains a sufficient distance from the wall. [Figure 13b]This is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating one operation step of a floor cleaning device according to the present invention, in which the floor cleaning device is moved along a wall while the operator maintains a sufficient distance from the wall. [Figure 14a] This is a three-dimensional detailed diagram illustrating the retraction position of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 14b] This is a three-dimensional detailed diagram illustrating the retraction position of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 14c] This is a three-dimensional detailed diagram illustrating the retraction position of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a three-dimensional view showing a second embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, which is equipped with a spring-shaped support device. [Figure 16] This is a three-dimensional view showing a third embodiment of a floor cleaning device according to the present invention, which is equipped with a flapable support device that is supported on the floor when necessary. [Figure 17] This is a three-dimensional partial view showing a third embodiment of a floor cleaning device according to the present invention, which is equipped with a support device that enables guided lateral rotation of the guide portion. [Figure 18] This is a three-dimensional partial view showing a third embodiment of a floor cleaning device according to the present invention, which is equipped with a support device that enables guided lateral rotation of the guide portion. [Figure 19a] Figures 17 and 18 are detailed sub-views showing the base of the support device. [Figure 19b] Figures 17 and 18 are detailed sub-views showing the base of the support device. [Figure 20] This is a three-dimensional partial view showing a third embodiment with respect to different operating positions of the support device. [Figure 21] This is a three-dimensional partial view showing a third embodiment regarding the retracted position of the support device. [Figure 22a] This is a three-dimensional view showing a separate support module according to a third embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 22b] This is a three-dimensional view showing a separate support module according to a third embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention. [Figure 22c]This is a three-dimensional view showing a separate support module according to a third embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention.

[0057] Figures 1 and 2 show stereoscopic views from different lines of sight of a first embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the present invention, which is collectively denoted by reference numeral 10. This floor cleaning device has a floor unit 12 and a guide portion 14, which are pivotally connected to each other via a joint device 16.

[0058] The floor unit has two corresponding brush-like tools 18 and 20, which can be rotationally driven. For this purpose, tool 18 is provided with a drive unit 22, and tool 20 is provided with a drive unit 24. The floor unit 12 has a plate-shaped casing 26 to which both drive units 22 and 24 are mounted, with a free intermediate space between the two drive units. The tools 18 and 20 are supported on the underside of the casing 26. As can be seen in Figure 1, the casing 26 has a suction strip 28 attached to its rear, and the underside of the suction strip is provided with a seal lip assembly 30, preferably made of a rubber material. The seal lip assembly may have one or more seal lips. The suction strip 28 has a total of three support rollers 32 on its rear, one of which is not visible in the drawing. The floor unit 12 further has two conveyor rollers 34 on its front side that rise diagonally upward, and these conveyor rollers are supported within support projections 36. These transport rollers 34 are used to facilitate handling of the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention in its storage location, and this will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 14a to 14c.

[0059] The guide section 14 has an elongated shaft 40, to which an operating assembly 42 is attached to the upper end. The operating assembly 42 includes two hand grips 44, 46 with correspondingly positioned operating levers, and a central operating field 48. The central operating field is provided with a display and / or display field for displaying the current operating state, as well as operating parameters, such as the current charge state, the current rotation speed of the tools 18, 20, the filling status for various liquids such as clean water, wastewater, and cleaning fluid, the remaining operating time, and similar information. Furthermore, the central operating field 48 includes adjustment devices for turning on and controlling various operating parameters of the floor cleaning device 10, such as the rotation speed of the tools 18, 20, etc.

[0060] The shaft 40 is further provided with a pure water container 50 equipped with a filling pipe section 52 and a wastewater container 54 equipped with a drain pipe section 56. The clean water container 50 may also be filled with a mixture of water and cleaning solution. Alternatively, a separate container for cleaning solution, not shown, may be provided. Below the liquid containers 50, 54, in a separate casing area 58, in a form not shown in detail, are provided components for supplying clean water and cleaning solution to the floor unit 12, and a suction unit, particularly equipped with a suction turbine, for drawing up water containing cleaning solution that has been applied to the floor and absorbed dirt.

[0061] The inclination of the guide portion 14 relative to the floor unit 12 will be described below based on the inclination of the longitudinal axis F of the guide portion, which extends perpendicularly to the first pivot axis A and through the line of action W defined by the central axes of both hand grips 44 and 46. Together with the first pivot axis A, the longitudinal axis of the guide portion defines the inclined plane of the guide portion 14 relative to the floor surface.

[0062] The joint device 16 for connecting the floor unit 12 to the guide portion 14 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint device includes a first support portion 60 attached to the floor unit, a joint element 62 connected to the first support portion, and a second support portion 64 attached to the lower surface of the shaft 40 of the guide portion 14.

[0063] The joint device 16 is formed such that the second support portion 64 is rotatable relative to the joint element 62 about the first pivot axis A. The first pivot axis A extends in a direction diagonally forward in the position shown in Figures 1 to 4, which is approximately the operating position in which the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention is operated to clean the floor, also hereinafter referred to as the operating state. This first pivot axis is located on a plane, namely the first pivot axis plane which includes the feed direction V parallel to the floor, and this plane extends substantially perpendicular to the floor surface on the line of symmetry between the two tools 18, 20. Furthermore, the joint device 16 has a second pivot axis B which extends in a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis A. Thus, the joint element 62 of the joint device 16 connects the floor unit 12 to the guide portion 14 in a double cardan manner.

[0064] In detail, the joint element 62 has a fork shape with two stays 68, 70 in its lower region for connecting to a first support portion 60 attached to the floor unit 12, and these stays are connected to each other at the rear via a reinforcing element 72. A bearing pin 74 extends through both stays 68, 70 and supports the joint element 62 on the first support portion 60 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis B. The joint element 62 has a bearing eye 76 formed in a cone-shaped section at its upper end, which defines the first pivot axis A. Through this bearing eye 76 and the bearing pin belonging to it, the joint element 62 is pivotally connected to the second support portion 64 at the lower end of the shaft 40 of the guide portion 14, so as to pivot about the first pivot axis A.

[0065] The first support portion 60 can move along the guide rail 80 on the floor unit 12 and can be locked at any position along the guide rail 80. Locking is performed via a clamping mechanism, which can be released for movement and brought to the clamped position for fixation. Alternatively, a predetermined locking position can be provided in which the first support portion can be fixed, for example, by inserting it into a predetermined locking opening or locking opening. This mobility allows the mechanical point of action of the guide portion on the floor unit to be changed and defined as desired, thereby affecting the maneuverability of the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0066] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, a free space is provided in the rear region between the two drive units 22 and 24. On the one hand, this free space is used to obtain sufficient space to move and lock the guide portion 14 along the rail 80 in the desired manner without colliding with the drive units 22 and 24. On the other hand, a support device 90 is provided in this free space, and in Figures 1 and 2, a substantially position-adjustable lock yoke 92 of this support device is recognizable. The support device 90 is shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6, and its functional form will be described below in relation to the detailed description of Figures 7 and 8.

[0067] The support device 90 has a base 94 on which the support device is supported by a plate-shaped casing 26 of the floor unit 12. The base 94 is also movable along the rail 80 in a desired manner. The base 94 has two lateral support jaws 96, 98 extending upward from the base 94. Within the support jaws 96, 98, on one hand, the already described lock yoke 92 is rotatably housed, and the two free ends of the lock yoke 92, facing each other, are used as supporting pin sections, respectively. The lock yoke 92 extends from the support jaws 96, 98 in a bent or curved form toward a bent U-shaped region 100, which is connected to a yoke section 104 that extends from there toward two support sections 102. It is obvious that the lock yoke 92 may be formed in other forms.

[0068] A retaining fork 106 is attached to the inner surface of both support jaws 96 and 98, and the retaining fork is also rotatable inside the support jaws 96 and 98. The retaining fork 106 is U-shaped and has two longitudinal legs 108 that are angled upward from the base 94, and the longitudinal legs have rounded free ends 110 that are slightly offset inward. In addition, both legs 108 are provided with laterally projecting contact tongues 112. The lateral legs 114 are relatively solid and are used to rest against the base 94 for support.

[0069] A retaining magnet 116 is provided on the base 94 between the two support jaws 96 and 98.

[0070] Furthermore, in Figure 5, and also in Figures 3 and 4 mentioned above, a fixing element 120 is recognized, which is provided to fix the joint element 62, and this fixing element has a bearing opening 122 that can be aligned with the bearing eye 76. The fixing element 120 is conformed to the geometry of the upper section of the joint element 62 and has a plate-like shape with reinforcing ribs 124 for stabilization, and has a receiving opening 126 in the region below it as seen in Figure 5, into which the rounded end 110 of the leg portion 108 can be inserted and received to support it.

[0071] The lock yoke 92 and guide fork 106 are rotatable relative to the base about a third pivot axis C. The third pivot axis C extends substantially parallel to the second pivot axis B.

[0072] The functional form of the support device 90 is described below. Figure 7 shows the support device 90 with the lock yoke 92 flapped downward, so that the lock yoke 92 rests in a non-operating position in the intermediate space between the two drive units 22 and 24 on the casing 26 of the floor unit 12. In this position of the support device 90, the entire weight of the guide section 14 is supported by the floor unit 12, that is, only through the action of the support device 90 with the retaining fork 106 and through the connection by the joint assembly 16. In other words, the operator no longer needs to bear the weight of the guide section, either fully or partially. The floor cleaning device 10 remains in this state completely stably on its own without user support, as long as the guide section 14 is not tilted laterally. If the guide section 14 is swung laterally, the operator must support the weight of the guide section.

[0073] In this case, as an optional additional feature, it may be assumed that the base 94 can also be brought along the rail 80 at various intervals and relative positions relative to the joint device 16 and fixed there. This allows the retaining fork 106 to be brought to various pivot positions relative to the bearing jaws 96, 98, and consequently the guide portion 14 to be supported at various angular positions relative to the floor unit 12. As a result, various orientations of the first pivot axis A with respect to the inclination relative to the floor surface can also be obtained.

[0074] However, it is also important that the support device allows the guide portion to rotate around the first pivot axis A in the position shown in Figure 7 with virtually no obstruction. When the guide portion 14 is neutral, that is, not rotated to the left or right around the pivot axis A, as shown in Figure 7, the entire weight of the guide portion 14 is directed to the floor unit 12 via the support device 90 and the joint device 16, so that the user does not need to hold the guide portion 14 itself, or even partially in the illustrated embodiment, but the user can steer the floor cleaning device 10 to the left or right with little force by actively rotating the guide portion around the pivot axis A. However, in this case, the user needs to partially hold the weight of the guide portion 14, depending on the degree of rotation. The rotation combined with the support significantly improves the steering characteristics, which will be explained below with reference to Figures 11a to 11c.

[0075] However, the support device 90 has another function: it can additionally lock the floor cleaning device 10 against rotation around the pivot axis A at the position shown in Figure 8.

[0076] Figure 8 shows the support device 90 with the lock yoke 92 flapped upward, so that the U-shaped region 100 is received within the casing recess 130 in the casing section 58 below the guide portion 14. In this position, the guide portion 14 is prevented from pivoting around the pivot axis A by substantially receiving the U-shaped region 100 of the lock yoke 92 within the casing recess 130 of the guide portion 14. Thus, a lock yoke 92 that can pivot in that position provides a kind of switchable lock function. This lock function allows the user to temporarily and securely place the floor cleaning device 10 without having to hold or stabilize any of the components.

[0077] Furthermore, it should be noted that the support device 90 shown in Figures 5 and 6 can be provided as a separate component and can also be used for retrofitting purposes. Thus, such a component can be retrofitted to all already known cleaning devices that suffer from the problem that the operator must bear and support at least a portion of the weight of the guide portion during operation, and that this is severely tiring if done continuously. Such a retrofittable support device may consist only of a device appropriately formed to absorb the weight of the retaining fork 106 or the guide portion 14, or it may also include an additionally swivelable lock yoke 92.

[0078] Figure 9 shows that when viewed from the front of the floor unit 12, the tool 20 is rotatable about the rotation axis R, which is inclined inward by an angle γ relative to the perpendicular S. Similarly, tool 18 (not shown in Figure 9) is tilted inward, mirror-symmetrically about the central axis M. When both tools 18 and 20 are driven in opposite directions about their respective rotation axes R, a feed action is obtained in the feed direction V.

[0079] Figure 10 shows, with arrows, that as soon as the support device 90 is activated, the weight of the guide section 14 is introduced to the floor unit 12 not only through the joint device 16 but also through the support device 90, and therein, particularly through the retaining fork 106. Based on the uniform distribution of the weight of the guide section 14, the rear roller 32 absorbs a somewhat larger force and bears a somewhat larger support role. This reduces the load on the brush-like tools 18,20, thereby extending the service life of these tools. If such load reduction on the brushes is not desired, the configuration of the present invention may envision the joint device being positioned further forward in the feeding direction to the floor unit. This allows the support device to be positioned further rearward in the opposite direction to the feeding direction. This achieves a more uniform or more centralized distribution of the weight of the guide unit to the floor section. Furthermore, the advantages of ease of handling and operation, described above and in more detail below, are also obtained.

[0080] Figures 11a to 11c show various operating conditions in which the support device 90 described above is particularly utilized.

[0081] Figure 11a is a side view of the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention, showing that the guide portion 14 is rotated relative to the floor unit 12 by a joint device 16 toward the operator (not shown), and the first pivot axis A extends at an angle α of approximately 30° relative to the foundation to be cleaned. In this state, the support device 90 supports the weight F of the guide portion 14. GF Since it fully supports this weight F GF There is no need to receive assistance. The operator can rotate the guide section 14 left and right with very little force for steering, and the operator grasps the grips 44 and 46 of the operating assembly 42, thereby operating the floor cleaning device 10. Depending on the degree of rotation, the operator must partially bear the weight of the guide section 14.

[0082] For control, the operator can rotate the guide portion 14 of the floor cleaning device 10 to the left, as indicated by arrow P1, around the first pivot axis A, as shown in Figures 11b and 11c. This causes the center of gravity of the guide portion 14 to shift somewhat to the left. As a result, the balance of forces is shifted, and a moment, also called a yaw moment, is generated in the floor unit 12, about the height axis of the floor unit which extends substantially perpendicular to the floor. This action is facilitated by the fact that the floor unit 12 is relatively easily maneuverable on the foundation, either based on the tools 18, 20 which rotate in opposite directions and on the action of the support rollers 32, and is pushed forward in the feed direction V based on the feed action of the drive mechanisms of the tools 18, 20 which rotate in opposite directions. Thus, the displacement of the guide portion 14, indicated by arrow P1, in combination with the feed action and the resulting yaw moment, makes it very easy to control the floor cleaning device to the left in the direction of arrow P2.

[0083] This action is also facilitated by the operator acting against the feed action of the floor unit 12, for example by lightly holding the grips 44 and 46 of the operating assembly 42, thereby increasing the displacement action and yaw moment. The operator can, for example, hold the left grip 44 in Figure 11b at the angle shown, or pull it slightly backward against the feed force, and the operator can push the right grip 46 slightly forward, thereby applying torque to the floor unit 12 via the double cardan joint device 16. This results in curved movement, which can be advantageously utilized during operation. A further action that facilitates this is that the feed action in this case does not act uniformly on the floor, but is more strongly utilized on the right side of the floor unit 12 based on the horizontal force component of the guide section 14 introduced to the floor unit 12. This additional action causes the floor unit 12 to move more strongly to the left.

[0084] However, similarly, in such an inclined position of the guide portion 14, it is also possible to perform a complete straight-line movement, for example, along a wall or under a protrusion, for example, a piece of furniture, with the floor unit moving under the protrusion. In this case, the laterally inclined guide portion 14 allows the operator to move at a safe distance from the wall or protrusion. When performing a straight-line movement with such an inclined guide portion 14, the operator should not hold the floor unit 12 in a way that would expose it to moment. This allows for maximum utilization of the brush surfaces of tools 18,20, for example, and enables optimal cleaning even near walls or under surfaces configured above. However, it is important that the operator does not hold the floor unit or pull the guide portion 14 towards themselves during such a straight-line movement.

[0085] However, in all these maneuvering situations, the support device according to the present invention has a total weight F of the guide portion 14. GF This provides the advantage of absorbing at least a small amount to the majority of the total weight and transmitting it to the floor unit 12. Therefore, in any operating situation, the operator's load is already slightly or significantly reduced. Thus, the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention is remarkably easy to operate and control, even in the case of a time-extended cleaning process. When using the support device, the operator can further influence the feeding action by slightly tilting the floor cleaning device 10 backward or by holding the floor cleaning device 10 against the feeding direction.

[0086] Figure 11c shows a similar control motion by displacing the guide portion 14 to the right in accordance with arrow P3, which causes the corresponding curved movement corresponding to arrow P4 to be performed to the right.

[0087] This type of control can be adjusted by various selections of the inclination angle β; that is, when the inclination angle β is large, a relatively concentrated curved motion with a small curve radius occurs, while when the inclination angle β is very small, the curved motion is less concentrated and has a relatively large curve radius. Another possibility that influences such motion is the strength of the hold by the operator or the magnitude of the feed action by the rotating tools 18,20.

[0088] A further means of influencing the maneuverability is, optionally, to adjust the position of the joint device 16 on the floor unit 12, as described above. That is, the joint device 16 can be slid forward and backward along the rail 80 on the floor unit 12, thereby changing the kinematics and maneuverability of the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention. Weight F GF It is an empirical rule that the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention can be controlled more neutrally when the center of gravity of the guide portion 14 on which the force acts is aligned with the center of gravity of the floor unit 12 (when viewed from above, i.e., in a horizontal projection onto the floor surface), or when it is positioned with only a small horizontal gap between them. Conversely, when this gap is large, the floor cleaning device 10 reacts more sensitively to displacement. However, by moving the joint device 16 further backward along the rail 80 on the floor unit 12, the cleaning tools 18,20 are reduced in load and are not pressed any more strongly against the foundation. The same applies to the tilting of the guide portion described above against the action of the support device. This can affect the cleaning strength, for example, in the case of a sensitive foundation surface. Furthermore, wear on one of the tools 18,20 can be reduced. In this case, weight F GF The support roller 32 applies a strong load to it.

[0089] For the sake of clarity, it should be added that the displacement motions corresponding to Figures 11b and 11c can be completely locked by the lock yoke 92, thereby facilitating the continuous straight-line movement of the floor cleaning device 10. The lock yoke 92 may also be formed to allow only slight displacements of small angles β1 and β2.

[0090] Figures 12a and 12b show one operating state in which the operator applies a certain pressing force F. D The force is applied from above to the grip 46 of the operating assembly 42 on only one side, while the other grip 44 is released or, in some cases, held while guiding, but not loaded by a corresponding pressing force. This measure allows for easy tilting of the guide portion 14 around the first pivot axis A and / or light holding by the operator. Accordingly, an unbalanced pressure ratio acts on the floor unit 12 by the support device 90 and the joint device 16, and such a pressure ratio generates a lateral force on the floor unit 12. As shown in Figure 12a, this results in arrow P with respect to the feed direction. R This results in a curved motion to the right (indicated by arrow P in the view from below). R (This logically points to the left). In this case, the grip 46 itself or the entire operating assembly 42 does not need to rotate about axis F. In such exemplary operating situations using the support device 90 and interacting with the feed drive, easy control motion is introduced with little effort from the operator, solely by the load on the grip 46 and the resulting light grip by the operator.

[0091] Figures 13a and 13b show one operating state in which the operator controls the floor cleaning device 10 along the wall W (and possibly below the protrusion), rotating the guide portion 14 to a tilt angle β of approximately 70° to the left when viewed from the rear, relative to the floor portion 12. The floor unit 12 is further tilted slightly so that the brush surfaces of the tools 18,20 are utilized as best as possible. In this case, the floor unit 12 is controlled along the wall W with a sliding surface 188 that does not damage the surface, i.e., arrow PW As shown by W , it is controlled parallel to the wall. This is done by the operating assembly 42 being slightly rotated by the operator (arrow P B reference), and a slight pressing force is applied from above to the grip 44 (force F D reference). By such manipulation, when using the support device 90, good force distribution in the floor unit 12 is achieved for the tools 18, 20 that rotate in the opposite direction. Thereby, the floor cleaning device 10 can be easily maneuvered parallel to the wall along the wall with little effort on the part of the operator.

[0092] From this drawing, it is further recognized that when the operator approaches the wall, by appropriate handling, the floor cleaning device 10 can be rotated arbitrarily along the wall, for example, 90° or 180°, with very little force applied, and the guide part 14 does not contact the wall.

[0093] Figures 14a to 14c show that the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention can be brought into a space-saving and more easily transportable storage position or transport position. As is clear from the drawing, the floor unit 12 is pivoted relative to the guide part 14 via the joint device 16 such that the support protrusion 36 stands obliquely forward and the transport roller 34 is substantially vertically aligned with the shaft 40 of the guide part 14, and is locked in this position. Therefore, by acting on the grips 44, 46, the floor cleaning device 10 can be easily slid on the transport roller 34 without the tools 18, 20 contacting the ground. Thus, the floor cleaning device can be, for example, neatly stored away. When necessary, the floor unit 12 can be brought back to the operating position shown above.

[0094] Figure 十五 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the support device 190 is simply formed as a compression spring 192, as schematically shown. This support device counteracts the weight F of the guide part 14 when the guide part 14 pivots about the second pivot axis B GFAt least a portion of the force is absorbed by the spring. The greater the rotational movement of the guide portion 14, the stronger the support effect of the spring 192. The spring can also completely support the guide portion 14 block. Furthermore, or alternatively, a stopper can be provided to provide complete support when rotating at a predetermined angle α (see Figure 11a) around the first rotation axis A.

[0095] The configuration of the support device 190 in the form of a compression spring 192 or in the form of a group of configurations equipped with such a compression spring 192 is particularly simple and inexpensive.

[0096] An alternative embodiment, not shown in detail, has a support device in the form of a single lever that is not rotatable about a pivot axis extending laterally with respect to the feed direction V, but is substantially rotatable about a pivot axis extending in the feed direction or at an acute angle thereto. The support device may be formed to provide a holding surface for the guide portion, on which the guide portion is rotatable about a first pivot axis A, but cannot rotate further about a second pivot axis B when the guide portion is in contact with the holding surface. In such a case, the floor cleaning device may also be formed to have only one pivot axis, i.e., a second pivot axis, so that the guide portion can be easily and temporarily supported on the support device.

[0097] In this regard, for example, a recess can be provided in the guide portion, and when the guide portion is placed on it, a support device, in particular a flapable lever, engages within this recess. This recess can accommodate the lever in a shape-connected manner, or it can also enable relative rotational movement of the guide portion relative to the floor unit about a first pivot axis.

[0098] While the sliding of the guide portion on the mounting surface allows the guide portion to pivot about the first pivot axis A, alternatively with respect to the support device equipped with the mounting surface, according to another configuration of the present invention, the support device may assume a shape-connective and / or friction-connective engagement or action of the support device on the guide portion, thereby assuming that any pivotal movement of the guide portion relative to the floor unit is temporarily interrupted. In this modified embodiment, that is, the guide portion cannot pivot about the first pivot axis or the second pivot axis when the support device acts on the guide portion. For example, the guide portion or the floor unit may be provided with a recess or indentation, and the support device may engage with this recess or indentation in a shape-connective manner or at least partially in a shape-connective manner, thereby providing support that restricts the relative movement of the two components.

[0099] In contrast, another alternative embodiment, not shown in detail, includes, for example, a joint device between the floor unit and the guide portion, which is formed as a spring element, for example, as a flexible rubber body or as a unit equipped with a metal spring element. In this case, it is possible to provide a spring action in any pivoting direction.

[0100] In a further configuration of the present invention, the support device may be rigidly formed, for example, in the form of a rod, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 15. A Bowden cable or a spring-elastic Bowden cable may also be used as the support device, for example, in which case the Bowden cable is positioned in front of the joint device in the feed direction, thereby locking further rotation about the second pivot axis B from a predetermined angular position of the guide portion relative to the floor unit, but allowing rotation of the guide portion about the first pivot axis. A tension spring may be optionally provided for the Bowden cable, and this tension spring can be locked in front of the joint device in the feed direction in the floor unit.

[0101] According to another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 16, the guide portion 14 may be provided with a support device 196 which directly supports the guide portion 14 to the floor beyond a predetermined angle or within a predetermined angular range of the first pivot axis A relative to the floor. This support device may be, for example, a two-legged fork 198 which is pivotably supported on the guide portion 14 via a pin 200 at its upper end. Rollers 202 may be positioned at the lower end of the fork 198 which are supported on the floor and roll when the floor cleaning device 10 is in operation.

[0102] The support device 196 can pivot as shown by arrow 204 between the operating support position shown by a solid line in Figure 16 and the retracted position shown by a dashed line. At this time, the support device 196 can be locked in the operating position, the retracted position, and optionally in positions in between, and optionally can be locked spring-like and / or damped. In the operating position supporting the guide portion 14, the operator does not need to hold the weight of the guide portion 14 via the grips 44 and 46, and only needs to act on the grips 44 and 46 to operate the cleaning device 10 with light movements, thereby reducing the operator's load. The light holding on one of the grips 44 and 46 generates the aforementioned effect of torque in the floor unit 12.

[0103] In another embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 17 to 22, the floor unit 12 is provided with a separate support module 208 equipped with a swivelable support device 210. The components of the floor unit 12 and the guide portion 14 that have already been described above will not be described again and will not be given reference numerals again. In particular, the differences of this embodiment compared to the prior embodiments will be described.

[0104] The swivelable support device 210 is provided on the base 212 of the support module 208. The support module 208 can be modularly attached to the floor unit 12 of an existing floor cleaning device 10 via a predetermined coupling interface. For example, the support module 208 can be purchased as an add-on component for retrofitting an existing floor cleaning device 10 and can be permanently or as needed attached to the existing floor cleaning device.

[0105] A base 212 with a casing 214 is recognized. The base has two jibs 216, 218 in the rear region in Figures 17 and 18, to which rollers 220, 222 are rotatably supported, each pivotable via a single vertical axis. The rollers 220, 222 work to support the floor cleaning device 10 behind the suction strip. These rollers are automatically oriented while the floor cleaning device 10 is being operated.

[0106] Figures 22a, 22b, and 22c show the support module 208 detached from the floor cleaning device 10 and displayed separately. The floor cleaning device can be detachably connected to this base 212 via a specially configured interface.

[0107] The support device 210 has two levers 224, 226 that are rotatably mounted to the base 212 of the support module 208. The levers 224, 226 are rotatably supported on the base 212 via swivel pins 228, 230. Furthermore, at least one of the levers 224, 226 is preloaded by a spring to two predetermined positions via a tension spring 232, which will be described in more detail later. Mounting elements 234 are attached to both levers 224, 226 at the ends away from the support on the base 212 via swivel pins 228, 230. The mounting elements are also rotatable relative to the levers 224, 226 via swivel pins 230 and can be locked in the position shown in Figure 17 via a locking hook 238.

[0108] Comparing Figure 17 and Figure 18, it can be seen that the support device 210 itself is rotatable between the support position (Figure 17) and the retracted position (Figure 18). As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the rotatable support device 210 is preloaded in both the support position (Figure 17) and the retracted position (Figure 18) by the appropriate selection of the pivot point 240 of the tension spring 232 in the casing 214 of the base 212 relative to the pivot axis of both levers 224 and 226 defined by the pivot pins 228 and 230. When the support device 210 rotates from one position to the other, the tension spring 232 is first tensioned, temporarily reaching a state of maximum tension, and then relaxed again during further rotational movement in the direction of the target position each time. The same applies to rotation in the reverse direction. This ensures that the support device 210 is reliably preloaded by the spring and remains in the desired position.

[0109] Looking at the mounting element 234 as depicted in individual sub-views in Figures 19a and 19b, it can be seen that the mounting element has an arc-shaped base 250, which has a substantially closed surface 252 with an arc-shaped guide through-hole 254 on its upper surface as shown in Figure 19a. The base 250 has an opening 256 on its lower surface (see Figure 19b). A guide carriage 258 is guided within the guide through-hole 254, and the guide carriage can move inside the guide through-hole 254 along the arc-shaped movement trajectory defined by the guide through-hole, and in doing so slides along the surface 252 of the base 250.

[0110] In Figure 19b, the guide carriage 258 is fixed to a trapezoidal corresponding member 260 inside the opening 256 via screw fastening means 262, and the corresponding member 260 is observed to move together with the guide carriage 258 inside the opening 256. Spring elements, in this case compression springs 264 and 266, are provided on both sides of the trapezoidal corresponding member 260, and these spring elements preload the guide carriage 258 together with the corresponding member 260 so that it takes an intermediate position inside the guide through-hole 254 or the opening 256. Against the action of such a spring assembly including both compression springs 264 and 266, the guide carriage 258 can move inside the through-hole 254 along an arc-shaped movement trajectory. The guide carriage 258 has a metal plate 268 on its upper surface, which may be magnetically formed and can be used for temporary connection with the guide portion 14.

[0111] Figure 17 shows the guide portion 14 mounted on the guide carriage 258. For this purpose, a shape-connective engagement portion may be provided, for example, a recess 270 (see Figures 17 and 18) may be provided in the middle of the guide portion 14 to substantially shape-connectively accommodate the guide carriage 258. In some cases, an additional frictional connection may be made via a magnetic assembly using a metal plate 268. This temporarily connects the guide portion 14 to the guide carriage 258 in a detachable manner. As a result, the guide portion 14 can be guided via the guide carriage 258 and pivot left and right along the mounting element 234 about the first pivot axis A, and such pivoting is performed against the resistance of the spring assembly including both springs 264, 266. The return guide of the guide portion 14 to the middle neutral position is assisted by the spring assembly. In this case, the support device 210 operates in the same manner as described above for other embodiments of the present invention. The support device 210 completely holds the weight of the guide portion 14 through both grips 44 and 46, thereby reducing the burden on the operator and further facilitating operation in the manner described above.

[0112] Looking at the retracted position of the support device 210, it can be seen that in this retracted position the mounting element 234 can also take two different positions: the position shown in Figure 18, where the surface 252 of the mounting element 234 is facing downwards, and the positions shown in Figures 20 and 21. The position in Figure 18 has the advantage that the mounting element 234 is already in the correct orientation when the mounting element is swung upward to the working position for supporting the guide portion 14.

[0113] The mounting element 234 is rotated from the position shown in Figure 18 to the retracted position shown in Figure 20, where it is folded upward relative to the levers 224 and 226 in a space-saving manner. In this case, the surface 252 faces rearward from the perspective of the cleaning device 10. In this position, the mounting element 234 can be positioned in a space-saving manner. This position shown in Figure 20 is particularly suitable for bringing the cleaning device 10 to the retracted position shown in Figure 21, as has already been described in detail with respect to Figures 14a to 14c.

[0114] Figures 22a to 22c show the separately formed, retrofittable support module 208 again, individually, from various angles. In Figure 22a, the support device 210 is shown in the operating position for support, corresponding to Figure 17; in Figure 22b, the support device 210 is shown in the folded position, corresponding to Figure 18; and in Figure 22c, the support device 210 is shown in the retracted position, starting from this position, with the mounting element 234 also rotated relative to the levers 224 and 226.

[0115] This embodiment provides a support module 208 that can be retrofitted to the cleaning device 10, or can be attached to the cleaning device as needed.

[0116] It should be noted that the support device or joint device according to the present invention may be formed to further include damping elements to dampen vibrations or to avoid excessively abrupt contact. Such dampers may be, for example, pneumatic or hydraulic dampers, or may simply be formed in the form of a damping rubber body. The present invention has the advantage that, by various configurations of support devices according to various embodiments, the weight of the guide portion 14 can be introduced to and borne by the floor unit 12, all or at least partially, in multiple operating conditions, thereby allowing the operator to operate the floor cleaning device 10 according to the present invention significantly better. Refer to the above description in the introduction to the specification and the description of the drawings.

[0117] In the operating assembly 42, particularly through the simple tilting motion via the grips 44, 46 and the compensated or different pressing force distribution, the floor cleaning device 10 can be easily handled in a variety of operating situations by utilizing the feeding action of the tools 18, 20 which rotate in opposite directions and are slightly inclined with respect to the floor surface. Unless the support device is in action, the guide portion 14 can be easily tilted to the left, right, backward (towards the operator), and forward (away from the operator). As soon as the support device is in action in its various configurations, advantageous maneuvering motion with appropriate force transmission (see above description) can be achieved with little effort from the operator.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning device (10), A floor unit (12) is assigned a feeding direction (V) parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned, Tools (18, 20) are arranged in correspondence with the floor unit (12) and come into contact with the floor surface in an operating state, and the tools (18, 20) are movable relative to the floor surface by a drive device (22, 24), A guide portion (14) for guiding the floor cleaning device (10), A joint device (16) that pivotally connects the floor unit (12) and the guide portion (14) to each other. The floor cleaning device (10) is configured such that the tools (18, 20) are operated relative to the floor surface by the drive devices (22, 24), thereby generating a feeding action with respect to the floor surface in the feeding direction (V). The joint device (16) is formed with a first pivot joint that allows pivoting motion of the guide portion (14) relative to the floor unit (12) about the first pivot axis (A), having a first pivot region including a defined or virtual first pivot axis (A), The first pivot axis (A) is located in a first pivot axis plane (E) that extends perpendicular to the floor and includes a direction vector (V) that defines the feed direction (V). In the floor cleaning device (10), In the operating state, the guide portion (14) is rotatable relative to the floor unit (12) about the first pivot axis (A), and the guide portion (14) can be fixed or temporarily supported relative to the floor unit (12) or the floor in the first pivot axis plane (E), and the rotational movement of the guide portion (14) about the first pivot axis (A) performed while the guide portion (14) is supported in the first pivot axis plane (E) causes a feeding action that improves the operation of the floor cleaning device (10) by generating a rotational moment of the floor unit (12) on the floor surface. The floor cleaning device (10) has support devices (90, 190), The support devices (90, 190) are functionally assigned to the joint device (16). The support devices (90, 190) in the operating state support the joint device (16), including the guide portion or the first swivel joint, at least temporarily and / or at least partially, relative to the floor unit (12) or relative to the floor. The floor cleaning device (10) is characterized in that the support device (90, 190) comprises a spring element (192) arranged to provide a progressive support action in a first angular range and a progressively decreasing support action in a second angular range.

2. The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pivot axis (A), together with the direction vector (V) that defines the feed direction, forms an acute angle of 5° to 85° in the operating state.

3. The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pivot joint is permanently fixed in the floor unit (12) around the first pivot axis, or can be locked in the operating state at a predetermined position set by the orientation of the first pivot axis (A) with respect to the direction vector (V) that defines the feed direction.

4. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the joint device (16) is formed with a second pivot joint that allows pivoting motion of the guide portion (14) relative to the floor unit (12) and centered on the second pivot region, the second pivot region including a defined or hypothetical second pivot axis (B), the second pivot axis (B) being substantially parallel to the floor surface and extending laterally with respect to the first pivot axis (A).

5. The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the support device (90) prevents the rotation of the guide portion (14) around the second pivot axis (B) so as to keep the guide portion (14) stable without support from the user.

6. The support device (90) has a rotatable lock yoke (92), The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the lock yoke (92) is switchable between a first state that allows the guide portion (14) to rotate around the first pivot axis (A) and a second state that prevents the guide portion (14) from rotating around the first pivot axis (A).

7. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support device (90) can be locked at least temporarily in at least one locked position.

8. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support device (90) can be locked in a stepless manner.

9. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support device (90) is rigidly formed.

10. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a damping element for damping vibrations or for avoiding excessively sudden contact is provided in the support device (90).

11. The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the joint device (16) has a coupling element (62) that connects the first swivel joint to the second swivel joint, the coupling element (62) is rotatable with respect to the floor unit (12) about the second swivel axis (B), and the guide portion (14) is rotatable with respect to the coupling element (62) about the first swivel axis (A) of the first swivel region.

12. The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the support device (90) is arranged in correspondence with the coupling element (62) and includes a support element (106) that contacts the floor unit (12) to support it in the operating state.

13. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support device (90) is integrally formed with the joint device (16), or is formed as a separate group of components that can be attached to and detached from the floor cleaning device (10).

14. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the joint device (16) is formed as a double cardan joint, and the support device (90) is integrally formed with the double cardan joint.

15. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the support device (90) is formed to be operated or deactivated by an operator as needed.

16. The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 15, wherein the support device is rotatable by an operator between an operating position and a retracted position.

17. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the support device (90) is provided with an attachment element (116) that holds the support device (90) in a position that supports the joint device (16).

18. The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 17, wherein the support device provides a substantially shape-connective and / or friction-connective connection between the support device and the guide portion (14) or the floor unit (12).

19. The floor cleaning device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the second pivot axis (B) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis (A).

20. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the guide portion (14) has a longitudinal axis.

21. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the joint device (16) is attached to the floor unit (12) such that the weight of the guide portion (14) is introduced into the floor unit (12) via the joint device (16) at a geometric location on the floor unit (12) that is located in front of the surface center of gravity or mass center of gravity of the floor unit when viewed in the feeding direction (V).

22. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the floor unit (12) has a mounting device that allows the joint device (16) to be variably attached to the floor unit (12) at various mounting positions along the feed direction (V).

23. The floor cleaning device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the mass ratio between the floor unit (12) and the guide portion (14) is formed in the range of 1:5 to 1:1, or in the range of 1:1 to 5:

1.

24. The floor cleaning device (10) further has a retracted state, in which the floor unit (12) can move to a space-saving retracted position relative to the guide portion (14), and can be locked in the retracted position, according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. The floor cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the support device (90) is formed to completely lock the guide portion with respect to the floor unit, thereby locking the rotation around the first rotation axis and, optionally, around the second rotation axis, in at least a predetermined angular range.

26. A support device (90) for a floor cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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