Surface-cleaning appliance with a lateral cleaning tool, and method for operating a surface-cleaning appliance

The integration of a pivotable and height-adjustable side cleaning tool driven by the cleaning roller's rotation or oscillation addresses the challenge of cleaning beyond the cleaning head's contour, achieving efficient and space-saving edge cleaning.

WO2025214766A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-16ALFRED KARCHER SE & CO KG
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/058284
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-04-08
Filing Date
2025-03-26
Publication Date
2025-10-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing surface cleaning devices struggle to achieve an optimized cleaning result with a simple design, particularly in cleaning areas beyond the outer contour of the cleaning head body, such as edges and corners.

Method used

Incorporating a side cleaning tool on a cassette that is removably attached to the cleaning head, which extends the cleaning width and allows for wiping close to edges, with the side cleaning tool being driven by the cleaning roller's rotation or oscillation through a gear device, and featuring a pivotable and height-adjustable design for enhanced cleaning capabilities.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables a large cleaning width and efficient cleaning of areas beyond the cleaning head's outer contour, including edges and corners, with a simple and space-saving design that allows easy replacement and cleaning of the side cleaning tool.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention presents a surface-cleaning appliance comprising a cleaning head (12) with a cleaning-head body (14), also comprising at least one cleaning roller (32), which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (96), also comprising a drive motor (200) for the at least one cleaning roller (32), also comprising at least one cartridge (92) with a holding device (94) for the at least one cleaning roller (32), wherein the at least one cleaning roller (32) is rotatably mounted on the holding device (94) and the at least one cartridge (92) is removably fitted on the cleaning-head body (14), and also comprising a mount (84) for the at least one cartridge (92), which is arranged on the cleaning-head body (14), wherein at least one lateral cleaning tool (270) is held on the at least one cartridge (92).
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Description

[0001] Surface cleaning device with side cleaning tool and method for operating a surface cleaning device

[0002] The invention relates to a surface cleaning device, comprising a cleaning head with a cleaning head body, at least one cleaning roller rotatable about a rotation axis, a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller, at least one cassette with a holding device for the at least one cleaning roller, wherein the at least one cleaning roller is rotatably mounted on the holding device and the at least one cassette is removably seated on the cleaning head body, and a holder for the at least one cassette, which is arranged on the cleaning head body.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for operating a surface cleaning device which comprises a cleaning head with a cleaning head body, at least one cleaning roller rotatable about a rotation axis, a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller and a cassette for the at least one cleaning roller.

[0004] CN 106 901 665 A discloses a multifunctional, modular intelligent household robot.

[0005] WO 2023 / 152082 A1 discloses a surface cleaning device comprising a cleaning head, at least one cleaning roller, and a drive motor with at least one drive shaft for the at least one cleaning roller. The drive motor and the at least one drive shaft are arranged on the cleaning head, and the at least one drive shaft rotates about a rotational axis during operation of the surface cleaning device. The at least one cassette is removably positioned on the cleaning head with a holding device for the at least one cleaning roller.The holding device has at least two spaced-apart stops for the at least one cleaning roller, by means of which the at least one cleaning roller is removably held on the at least one cassette when at least one cassette is removed from the cleaning head, and when at least one cassette is arranged on the cleaning head, the at least one cleaning roller is coupled to the at least one drive shaft in a torque-effective manner.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing a surface cleaning device of the type mentioned above, which enables an optimized cleaning result with a simple design.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention in the surface cleaning device mentioned at the outset in that at least one side cleaning tool is held on the at least one cassette.

[0008] The at least one side cleaning tool, which is mounted on the same cassette as the at least one cleaning roller, results in a large cleaning width (which is greater than the length of the at least one cleaning roller). In particular, this results in a large cleaning width for wipe cleaning, and in particular, wet wipe cleaning.

[0009] The at least one side cleaning tool allows a cleaning process to be performed beyond the outer contour of the cleaning head body. This allows for cleaning close to the edges, and preferably a wiping action. "Close to the edge" refers, for example, to a wall in the case of a floor to be cleaned or a frame in the case of a window cleaning device.

[0010] The cassette provides a holder for the at least one side cleaning tool. This allows the at least one side cleaning tool to be positioned on the cleaning head in a space-saving manner. It can be removed from the cleaning head body along with the at least one cleaning roller by removing the cassette, for example, to replace or clean the side cleaning tool itself.

[0011] If a drive for a rotational movement or oscillatory movement of the at least one side cleaning tool is desired, this can be achieved in a simple manner, for example by providing a drive via the at least one cleaning roller (with the interposition of a gear device).

[0012] It is advantageous if at least one side cleaning tool, including the cassette, can be removed from the cleaning head body. This results in a space-saving arrangement. The side cleaning tool itself can be easily replaced and cleaned.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool is a wiping tool. This allows for a large cleaning width for wiping the surface to be cleaned. This cleaning width is composed of a corresponding length of the at least one cleaning roller and a length of the at least one side cleaning tool in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller. Furthermore, wiping close to the edge can also be achieved beyond an outer contour of the cleaning head body.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool has an impact area for a surface to be cleaned and a holding area for securing it to the at least one cassette. This results in an optimized cleaning result. Cleaning close to the edges can be achieved, while easily preventing the holding area from coming into contact with a wall, for example.

[0015] It is advantageous if the impact area includes a sponge material and / or a textile material. This allows for easy wiping, especially wet wiping, cleaning.

[0016] Advantageously, the impact area extends beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body, at least in a working position of the at least one side cleaning tool. This allows for cleaning close to the edge.

[0017] It is further advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool, at least in a working position, has an outer side that lies at the impact area and is spaced apart from the holding area. This effectively prevents damage to the wall if the at least one side cleaning tool collides with a wall, for example. The impact area is made, in particular, of a compressible material, and this effectively prevents the holding area (which is stiffer than the impact area) from sliding past the wall.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if, at least in one working position of the at least one side cleaning tool, the at least one side cleaning tool extends beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body. This results in a large cleaning width. The at least one side cleaning tool can be considered a continuation of the at least one cleaning roller, whereby a cleaning process outside the outer contour of the cleaning head body is then also possible. For example, wiping cleaning close to the edge and, in particular, wet wiping cleaning can be performed.

[0019] In order to achieve a large cleaning width, the at least one side cleaning tool is advantageously arranged on the cassette in continuation of the at least one cleaning roller with respect to an axis parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein in particular the at least one side cleaning tool overlaps with the at least one cleaning roller, or touches it, or is at most 1 cm apart in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. This also makes it possible to clean a given area in a shorter time, particularly when designed as a self-propelled and self-steering surface cleaning device. An improved cleaning result is achieved because even areas close to the edges of a floor (or a wall) can be wiped clean.

[0020] In particular, the receptacle is closed by a transverse wall toward a first lateral side of the cleaning head body and open by an opening toward a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. The at least one cassette has a first end facing the transverse wall and a second end facing the opening, which is remote from the first end. For example, the at least one cassette can then be fixed to the transverse wall in the cleaning head body with respect to a removal direction. The cassette can be easily inserted and removed.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the at least one side cleaning tool is arranged in the region of the second end on the cassette; the at least one side cleaning tool is positioned in the region of the opening when at least one cassette is held on the cleaning head body; the at least one side cleaning tool is positioned below the opening and / or below a cover for the opening and in particular between a mounting plane of the cleaning head on a surface to be cleaned and the opening; the at least one side cleaning tool is positioned on the cleaning head body, when the at least one cassette is seated on the cleaning head body, at a distance from the drive motor.

[0022] This allows at least one side cleaning tool to be positioned on the cleaning head in a space-saving manner, resulting in a large cleaning width.

[0023] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the at least one cassette comprises a bearing holder on which a pivot bearing for the at least one cleaning roller is arranged, and the at least one side cleaning tool is mounted on the bearing holder. This results in a structurally simple design. The at least one side cleaning tool can be integrated into the at least one cassette in a space-saving manner.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the bearing holder is positioned in the region of an opening of the receptacle when the at least one cassette is fixed to the cleaning head body; the bearing holder is positioned facing away from the drive motor when the at least one cassette is fixed to the cleaning head body; the bearing holder is facing a cover of the receptacle when the at least one cassette is fixed to the cleaning head body; the bearing holder is facing away from a transverse wall with which the receptacle is closed when the at least one cassette is fixed to the cleaning head body; the bearing holder is positioned within the receptacle when the at least one cassette is fixed to the cleaning head body.

[0025] This results in space-saving accommodation of at least one side cleaning tool on the cleaning head. The surface cleaning device can be designed simply with a large cleaning width. This results in optimized use of space on the cleaning head for positioning the at least one side cleaning tool.

[0026] In one embodiment, a retaining plate is mounted on the bearing holder, to which the at least one side cleaning tool is held. This results in a structurally simple design. The retaining plate can, for example, accommodate a bearing for the rotatable or displaceable or rotatably displaceable mounting of the at least one side cleaning tool.

[0027] In one embodiment, a housing is arranged or formed on the bearing holder, which accommodates a holding device and / or adjustment device and / or drive device for the at least one side cleaning tool. This results in a structurally simple design. In one embodiment, a gear device is arranged in the housing, by means of which a torque of the at least one cleaning roller can be transmitted to the at least one side cleaning tool for its rotational or oscillatory movement.

[0028] Conveniently, at least one of the following is arranged on the cleaning head: a rotatable brush roller, which is separate from the at least one cleaning roller and separate from the at least one side cleaning tool and in particular spaced from the at least one cleaning roller and spaced from the at least one side cleaning tool; at least one side brush, which is separate from the at least one side cleaning tool and in particular spaced from the at least one side cleaning tool.

[0029] This results in effective cleaning. For example, a dry cleaning can be performed (temporarily and / or spatially) before a wiping process using the brush roller or the side brushes. It is also possible to "deactivate" at least one side cleaning tool or at least one cleaning roller to perform a purely dry cleaning.

[0030] It is advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool is positionally movable relative to the cleaning head body. This allows the at least one side cleaning tool to be moved into a working position, in which it acts on a surface to be cleaned, and into at least one rest position, in which it is deactivated with respect to a cleaning process.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool is arranged in a positionally movable manner on the at least one cassette and / or is positionally movable relative to the cleaning head body via a positional mobility of the at least one cassette. Due to a positional mobility on the cassette, the at least one side cleaning tool can be moved and / or pivoted on the cassette. Due to the positional mobility of the at least one cassette, on which in turn the at least one side cleaning tool is held, the position of the at least one side cleaning tool relative to a mounting plane can be changed by changing the position of the at least one cassette.

[0032] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool is height-adjustable relative to a mounting plane of the cleaning head for a surface to be cleaned. This allows the at least one side cleaning tool to be easily moved into an active position (working position), in which the side cleaning tool performs a cleaning function, and into an inactive position (rest position), in which it is spaced from the surface to be cleaned. Accordingly, the at least one side cleaning tool can also be easily moved from the rest position to the working position. This results in expanded operating and cleaning options for the surface cleaning device.

[0033] It is particularly advantageous if the vertical mobility of the at least one side cleaning tool includes at least one working position, in which the at least one side cleaning tool acts on a surface to be cleaned, and at least one rest position, in which the at least one side cleaning tool is spaced from a mounting plane of the cleaning head. This allows the cleaning function of the side cleaning tool to be easily activated or deactivated depending on the cleaning purpose.

[0034] In one embodiment, the at least one side cleaning tool is pivotable relative to the cleaning head body, with a pivot axis oriented transversely and preferably perpendicularly to the rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller. In particular, pivoting the at least one side cleaning tool allows an impact area (cleaning area) of the at least one side cleaning tool to be pivoted beyond an outer contour of the cleaning head body. This results in an increased cleaning width with the possibility of cleaning close to the edge.

[0035] It is advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool has at least one working position in terms of pivotability, in which the at least one side cleaning tool acts on a surface to be cleaned and protrudes beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body, and at least one rest position in which the at least one side cleaning tool preferably does not protrude beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body. This results in expanded cleaning options.

[0036] In particular, the at least one working position and the at least one rest position differ in terms of a height difference from a mounting plane of the cleaning head. The rest position is then also, in particular, a position deactivated with regard to the cleaning function.

[0037] It is further advantageous if a drive device for a positional movement of the at least one side cleaning tool is arranged on the cleaning head body, and the at least one cassette has an interface for coupling the drive device to the at least one side cleaning tool. This allows the at least one cassette to be designed in a structurally advantageous manner. The function of positional mobility can be realized, wherein the at least one cassette can be easily removed from the cleaning head body and inserted therein. The cassette is easy to clean. It can be realized without electrical components. In particular, an automatic coupling to the drive device takes place upon insertion. The drive device results in expanded cleaning options.

[0038] In one embodiment, a pin element is displaceably mounted on the at least one cassette, and the at least one side cleaning tool is held on the pin element. This allows a positionally movable side cleaning tool to be easily implemented.

[0039] It can additionally be provided that the pin element is rotatably mounted on the at least one cassette. This allows, for example, the at least one side cleaning tool to be easily moved into a pivoting position in which an impact area of ​​the at least one side cleaning tool protrudes beyond an outer contour of the cleaning head body (for cleaning close to the edge).In a structurally advantageous embodiment, at least one of the following is provided: the pin element is mounted displaceably and rotatably on the at least one cassette; the at least one pin element is mounted rotatably and displaceably on a sleeve which is connected to the at least one cassette in a rotationally fixed and displacement-proof manner; the pin element is assigned a link guide via which a displacement movement of the pin element can be converted into a rotational movement of the pin element; the pin element has a link which is positioned on a link track in a sleeve.

[0040] The corresponding bearing and drive system for the surface cleaning device can be designed in a simple manner. A rotary-sliding bearing can be easily implemented.

[0041] In one embodiment, a drive device with a movable plunger for acting on the pin element is assigned to the pin element. This allows for a controllable, driven positioning of the at least one side cleaning tool in a structurally simple manner.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, at least one ramp element is arranged on the pin element, wherein a displacement of the pin element occurs when force is applied to the at least one ramp element. This allows for a structurally simple design. For example, the at least one side cleaning tool can be automatically positioned at the installation level via the ramp element when the at least one cassette is inserted into the cleaning head body due to the action of the cleaning head body on the at least one ramp element.

[0043] It is then structurally advantageous if the at least one ramp element is designed such that, when the at least one cassette is inserted into the receptacle, the cleaning head body acts on the at least one cleaning element and exerts a force to move the pin element. The ramp element converts a force in a direction parallel to the insertion direction into a force perpendicular to the insertion direction, which causes the corresponding vertical mobility of the at least one side cleaning tool.

[0044] It is advantageous if a drive device is located on the cleaning head, and in particular on the cleaning head body, which acts on the at least one side cleaning tool to move it vertically. This allows a height position and thus a position of the at least one side cleaning tool on the installation plane to be set and fixed in a controlled manner.

[0045] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the drive device comprises a cable pull mechanism with a cable pull motor and a pull cable. The pull cable makes it easy to raise at least one side cleaning tool. An interface between a removable cassette and the cleaning head body can be easily implemented.

[0046] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the cable pull motor is located at a distance from the at least one side cleaning tool on the cleaning head body; the cleaning head body has a first lateral side and an opposite second lateral side, wherein the cable pull motor is positioned on the cleaning head body in the region of the first lateral side and the at least one side cleaning tool is positioned on the cleaning head in the region of the second lateral side; the pull cable is guided with a partial region at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation on the cleaning head body; the pull cable is guided with a partial region along a cassette for the at least one cleaning roller or a cassette holder; a deflection device for the pull cable is arranged on the cleaning head body.

[0047] This results in a space-saving design.

[0048] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the traction cable is connected to a driver, which is movably mounted on a guide device and which is coupled, in particular detachably coupled, to a shaft for the at least one side cleaning tool. The driver and the traction cable allow for a simple vertical adjustment of the side cleaning tool via the displacement of the shaft.

[0049] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the shaft is rotatable about the axis of movement when coupled to the driver; the driver comprises a gripper by means of which the shaft can be gripped for vertical movement; the driver comprises a fork element as a gripper with an insertion opening for the shaft for inserting and removing the shaft; the driver is permanently seated on the cleaning head body.

[0050] It is easy to couple the shaft to the driver, for example when inserting a cassette into the cleaning head body.

[0051] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the at least one side cleaning tool is mounted on a shaft that can rotate about the movement axis. This makes it easy to achieve a movement such as rotation of the at least one side cleaning tool about the movement axis.

[0052] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool is mounted on the shaft in a floating manner and / or via a spring device and / or via a joint (such as a universal joint). This allows for easy positioning of the at least one side cleaning tool, even in a rest position and, for example, when pivoting relative to the cleaning head body, for example, via a pivoting cassette.

[0053] It is also advantageous if a spring device is arranged on the shaft, which is supported on a gear and a housing part, wherein a spring force of the spring device strives to press the shaft with the at least one side cleaning tool in the direction of a setup plane of the cleaning head on a surface to be cleaned. This makes it easy to design a corresponding drive device for vertical mobility, since an active drive is only necessary in one direction (for lifting from the setup plane). This in turn makes it possible to use a cable pull mechanism, for example, for the drive device. The spring device ensures that, if there is no corresponding counterforce, the at least one side cleaning tool is pressed against the setup plane and is automatically brought into this working position, in particular without any counterforce.

[0054] In one embodiment, the at least one side cleaning tool is coupled to the at least one cleaning roller via a gear device and the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller drives the movement of the at least one side cleaning tool about the movement axis.

[0055] Through a rotating and / or oscillating movement of the at least one side cleaning tool, an effective cleaning effect, and in particular a wiping cleaning effect, can be achieved on a surface to be cleaned, such as a floor. Using the at least one side cleaning tool, a cleaning width can be increased beyond the length of the at least one cleaning roller.

[0056] It can be provided that the at least one side cleaning tool is coupled to the at least one cleaning roller in a torque-effective manner. This drives a movement around the movement axis via the at least one cleaning roller and primarily via the drive motor. This eliminates the need for an additional motor to move the at least one side cleaning tool around the movement axis. This allows the cleaning head body to be designed in a space-saving manner.

[0057] Furthermore, the gear unit can be installed in a space-optimized manner. It can be positioned next to at least one cleaning roller to achieve optimized space utilization.

[0058] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller and the movement axis of the at least one side cleaning tool are oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to each other. This results in optimized use of space with an effective cleaning effect and a large cleaning width. It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the transmission device comprises a step-up transmission; the transmission device comprises a deflection transmission and, in particular, an angular transmission; the transmission device comprises a bypass transmission.

[0059] The transmission gear is, for example, a reduction gear in order to obtain a movement of the at least one side cleaning tool at a lower speed than the speed of the rotating cleaning roller.

[0060] By means of a deflection gear and in particular an angular gear, a movement axis for the at least one side cleaning tool can be realized which is not parallel to the rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller.

[0061] A bypass gear allows for a distance between the movement axis and the rotation axis of at least one cleaning roller. This results in a space-saving design and arrangement of the gear mechanism.

[0062] It is also advantageous if the transmission device comprises a belt drive, and a drive wheel of the belt drive is non-rotatably coupled to the at least one cleaning roller. This allows for a space-saving transmission device and results in smooth running.

[0063] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the belt drive is designed as a reduction gear; the belt drive comprises an output gear which is coupled to the drive gear via a belt; the belt drive comprises an output gear which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a first angular gear element, wherein the first angular gear element is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and is coupled to a second angular gear element which is rotatable about a second axis of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation is oriented transversely to the first axis of rotation and wherein in particular the first axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller and the second axis of rotation is parallel or coaxial to the axis of movement.

[0064] The belt drive can be easily implemented as a reduction gear by a difference in diameter between a drive wheel and a driven wheel.

[0065] The belt drive also allows an angular gear to be easily implemented via the output gear in order to provide the movement axis with a different spatial orientation than the rotation axis of the at least one cleaning roller.

[0066] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the transmission device has a first gearwheel which is coupled to a belt drive and which is rotatable about a second axis of rotation, and has a second gearwheel which is rotatable about a third axis of rotation, wherein the at least one side cleaning tool is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the second gearwheel, and wherein in particular the second axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation are oriented parallel to one another. This makes it easy to achieve a transverse distance between the axis of movement and the axis of rotation. This results in optimized use of space. Furthermore, an angular gear can be realized in which the corresponding axes of rotation intersect one another.Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the first gear is positioned between a drive wheel of the belt drive and the second gear; the first gear is or comprises an angular gear element; with respect to a forward direction of travel of the cleaning head, the first gear is positioned behind the second gear; the second gear is displaceable in a vertical direction with respect to the cleaning head body; the second gear is supported by a spring device, wherein a spring force of the spring device tends to press the second gear in the direction of a mounting plane of the cleaning head; the second gear has a first position, which is a working position of the at least one side cleaning tool and in which the second gear is coupled to the first gear, and has at least one rest position in which the second gear is decoupled from the first gear.

[0067] This results in a space-saving arrangement of the gear device on the cleaning head and in particular also on a cassette with the at least one cleaning roller.

[0068] By supporting the second gearwheel via a spring device, the height of at least one side cleaning tool can be easily adjusted, with the spring force of the spring device easily allowing a working position to be reached. The second position of the second gearwheel allows a rest position of the side cleaning tool to be achieved, in which torque is decoupled and thus no movement around the movement axis occurs.

[0069] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one side cleaning tool is positioned vertically adjustable on the cleaning head body, wherein the at least one side cleaning tool has at least one working position in which it acts on a surface to be cleaned, and at least one rest position in which it is spaced from a mounting plane of the cleaning head. This allows a working position to be achieved, in particular with a wiping function, and, as needed, the at least one rest position can be realized in which the at least one side cleaning tool does not act on the surface to be cleaned.

[0070] It is advantageously provided that, in the at least one rest position of the at least one side cleaning tool, the at least one side cleaning tool is decoupled from the gear mechanism with respect to its movement about the movement axis and is not driven. This allows for energy-saving operation of the surface cleaning device when the at least one side cleaning tool is not activated.

[0071] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the at least one cleaning roller has a textile covering and in particular a microfiber covering; the at least one cleaning roller is designed as a wet wiping roller; the at least one cleaning roller is designed as a cleaning roller for a hard surface.

[0072] This allows for wet cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, just like a floor. This results in optimized cleaning results, especially on hard surfaces.

[0073] It is furthermore advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: a tank device for dirty fluid for receiving dirty fluid is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller; a scraper device for scraping off dirty fluid is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller; a tank device for cleaning fluid for providing cleaning fluid is assigned to the at least one cleaning roller.

[0074] The dirt fluid tank allows for the collection of dirt fluid, resulting in optimized cleaning results for wet cleaning.

[0075] The scraper device allows the dirty fluid to be scraped off at least one cleaning roller. This allows for optimized drainage and collection of the dirty fluid.

[0076] The tank system for cleaning fluid allows cleaning fluid to be provided via a corresponding humidification device. This fluid can be applied directly to the surface to be cleaned and / or to the at least one cleaning roller. If necessary, it can also be applied to the at least one side cleaning tool. A large cleaning width is achieved if the rotational axis of the at least one cleaning roller is parallel to a mounting plane of the cleaning head on a surface to be cleaned.

[0077] Advantageously, a moistening device is provided for moistening at least one of the following: the at least one cleaning roller; the at least one side cleaning tool; the surface to be cleaned.

[0078] In this way, wet wiping can be carried out on the surface to be cleaned, such as a hard floor. It has proven advantageous if the moistening device is used to apply cleaning fluid (pure water, if necessary with a surfactant additive) to at least one cleaning roller. This allows the amount of fluid applied to the surface to be cleaned to be kept relatively low while achieving good cleaning results. This means that a cleaned surface dries quickly. Even surfaces sensitive to fluids, such as wooden floors, can be cleaned effectively. It is advantageous if the cleaning fluid is carried on the cleaning device using a tank device for cleaning fluid. The relatively low consumption of cleaning fluid by moistening the at least one cleaning roller results in long operating times.

[0079] For the same reasons, it is advantageous if at least one cleaning tool is also supplied with cleaning fluid (especially from the same cleaning fluid tank used for the at least one cleaning roller). This allows for effective wet wiping cleaning using the side cleaning tool as well, resulting in a large cleaning width for wet wiping, especially of a hard floor.

[0080] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the moistening device comprises a first pump for conveying cleaning fluid to the at least one cleaning roller and a second pump for conveying cleaning fluid to the at least one side cleaning tool. In particular, a common tank device for cleaning fluid is provided for the at least one cleaning roller and the at least one side cleaning tool. It is then possible, for example, to easily set whether either only the at least one side cleaning tool, or only the at least one cleaning roller, or both the side cleaning tool and the cleaning roller are moistened. There is no need to provide a separate tank device for cleaning fluid for the at least one side cleaning tool.(A cleaning run with only the operation of at least one side cleaning tool can be advantageous if, for example, only cleaning close to the edge of a wall is to be carried out.)

[0081] In one embodiment, the surface cleaning device is self-propelled and self-steering and is designed, in particular, as a vacuum robot, a mop robot, or a vacuum-mop robot. It is also possible for the surface cleaning device to be designed as a handheld device, for example, with a rod device for guidance by a standing operator on the surface to be cleaned (in particular, a floor). The surface cleaning device can also be designed, in principle, as a compact handheld device that is directly handheld and hand-guided.

[0082] The invention further relates to a method of the type mentioned above, in which at least one side cleaning tool is held on the cleaning head body by the at least one cassette. The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0083] In particular, the method according to the invention can be carried out on the surface cleaning device according to the invention or the surface cleaning device according to the invention can be operated with the method according to the invention.

[0084] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the rotation or oscillation of the at least one side cleaning tool is driven by the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller. This eliminates the need for an additional drive motor for the corresponding rotational or oscillatory movement of the at least one side cleaning tool.

[0085] The following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, serves to further explain the invention. They show:

[0086] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention in a perspective view, wherein the surface cleaning device is a cleaning robot;

[0087] Figure 2 shows the surface cleaning device according to Figure 1 in a perspective bottom view;

[0088] Figure 3 shows the surface cleaning device according to Figure 1 in bottom view;

[0089] Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a cover for a

[0090] A receptacle on a cleaning head body is removed, and a housing cover is removed; Figure 5 is the same view as Figure 1, with a cover on a receptacle removed, and a cassette with a cleaning roller and a side cleaning tool removed;

[0091] Figure 6 is the same view as Figure 2 with the cassette removed (the

[0092] cover on the holder is closed);

[0093] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a cassette with attached

[0094] Cleaning roller in perspective view;

[0095] Figure 8 shows the same view as Figure 7, with a cover on a

[0096] housing is removed;

[0097] Figure 9 shows the same view of the cassette according to Figure 8, with parts of a cleaning head body (which are not part of the cassette) additionally shown;

[0098] Figure 10 shows the cassette according to Figure 9 with corresponding parts of the cleaning head body in another view;

[0099] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the area A according to Figure 8 without housing parts, with a driver additionally shown;

[0100] Figure 12 is a partial side view in the direction B according to Figure 4, wherein the side cleaning tool is in a working position;

[0101] Figure 13 is the same view as Figure 12, with the side cleaning tool in a raised position (rest position); Figure 14 is the same view as Figure 12, with the cassette pivoted on the cleaning head body and the side cleaning tool in a further rest position;

[0102] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention;

[0103] Figure 16 shows another perspective view of the surface cleaning machine according to Figure 15;

[0104] Figure 17 is the same view as Figure 15, with a cover of a receptacle removed;

[0105] Figure 18 is the same view as Figure 17, with a cassette removed from the holder;

[0106] Figure 19 is a similar representation to Figure 16 with the cassette removed;

[0107] Figure 20 shows an embodiment of a cassette (corresponding to the cassette as shown in Figure 16) in perspective view;

[0108] Figure 21 is the same view as Figure 20, also showing part of a cleaning head body;

[0109] Figure 22 is a side view of the cassette according to Figure 21 with part of the cleaning head body;

[0110] Figure 23 shows the same view as in Figure 21 with the cleaning tool swung out; Figure 24 shows a side view of the cassette with the part of the cleaning head body according to Figure 23;

[0111] Figure 25 shows another embodiment of a cassette with a side cleaning tool in a rest position;

[0112] Figure 26 the same view as Figure 25 with the side cleaning tool in working position;

[0113] Figure 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a side cleaning machine with side tool; and

[0114] Figure 28 shows a cassette which is fixed to the surface cleaning device according to Figure 27.

[0115] One embodiment of a surface cleaning device is a floor cleaning device in the form of a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device (Figures 1 to 14). In particular, the surface cleaning device is a vacuum-mop robot suitable for cleaning textile floors and hard floors.

[0116] The surface cleaning device 10 comprises a cleaning head 12, which comprises a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning head body 14 (driving body).

[0117] A (ground) station may be provided, in particular for charging a battery device and, if necessary, for cleaning the cleaning head 12 (not shown in the drawings).

[0118] During cleaning operation, the surface cleaning device 10 with the cleaning head 12 is placed on a surface 16 to be cleaned, such as a floor (see, for example, Figure 12). A drive 18 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14. This drives wheels 20 (Figure 2). In one embodiment, a first wheel 20a and a second wheel 20b are provided, which have a common wheel axle 22. The wheels 20 are driven by the drive 18 to rotate about the wheel axle 22.

[0119] Furthermore, a support roller 24 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14 at a distance from the wheels 20. The support roller 24 has a rotational axis. It is pivotable about a steering axis that is perpendicular to this rotational axis. It is fundamentally possible for the support roller 24 to be a passive steering roller that is not driven (and in particular not driven for rotation about the corresponding rotational axis and in a pivoting movement about the steering axis). A change in direction of the cleaning head 12 occurs by appropriately controlling the wheels 20a, 20b by a control device positioned on the cleaning head body 14. A change in direction occurs in particular by rotating the wheels 20a, 20b at different speeds.

[0120] In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the support roller 24 is an active steering roller for controlling the direction of the cleaning head 14. The control is carried out accordingly by a control device.

[0121] The surface cleaning device 10 has a main direction of travel 26. This main direction of travel 26 is a forward direction of travel. When the cleaning head 12 travels in the main direction of travel 26, the rotation axis of the support roller 24 is aligned parallel to the wheel axle 22.

[0122] The cleaning head 12 is assigned a support plane 28 (see, for example, Figure 12). The support plane 28 is defined by the wheels 20 and the support roller 24. On a flat surface 16, the cleaning head 12 rests against the surface when positioned above the support plane 28 on the surface 16. The surface cleaning device 10 comprises (at least) one brush roller 30 for suction operation. It further comprises a further cleaning roller 32, by means of which, in particular, wet-wiping cleaning can be carried out.

[0123] During cleaning operation of the surface cleaning device 10, the brush roller 30 and / or the cleaning roller 32 are located on the installation plane 28 and act on the surface 16 to be cleaned. (It is fundamentally possible for both the brush roller 30 and the cleaning roller 32 to act on the surface 16 to be cleaned during cleaning operation, or for only the brush roller 30 to act on the surface 16 to be cleaned. In a further embodiment, it can also be provided that only the cleaning roller 32 acts on the surface 16 to be cleaned.)

[0124] A navigation device 34 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14. The navigation device 34 is a sensor device and comprises at least one sensor element. The navigation device 34 is connected in a signal-effective manner to the control device for controlling the movement of the surface cleaning device 10. The navigation device 34 comprises, for example, one or more optical sensors, one or more wheel sensors, one or more IR sensors, and / or one or more ultrasonic sensors.

[0125] The cleaning head body 14 has a front end 36 and a rear end 38 relative to the main direction of travel 26 (forward direction of travel 26). A longitudinal axis 40 is assigned to the cleaning head 12, which runs between the front end 36 and the rear end 38 and is parallel to the main direction of travel 26.

[0126] In the area of ​​the rear end 38, in particular, a tank device 42 for dirt fluid and a tank device 44 for cleaning fluid are positioned (see, for example, Figure 1). In one embodiment, the tank device 42 and the tank device 44 are combined and can be removed from the cleaning head 12 or inserted therein as a combination.

[0127] Dirt fluid is defined as a fluid that is essentially flowable. It can be composed of dirt particles or a mixture of dirt particles and a liquid (especially water, possibly with a surfactant cleaning agent added).

[0128] The cleaning head body 14 has a bottom side 46 facing the installation plane 28. It has a top side 48 opposite the bottom side 46. The wheels 20 and the support roller 24 are arranged on the bottom side 46. The navigation device 34 is positioned at least partially on the top side 48.

[0129] A bumper 50 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14 in the region of the front end 36, which can be used to tactilely detect collisions of the surface cleaning device 10 with obstacles. The bumper 50 is or includes one or more tactile sensor elements that are connected to the control device for signal transmission.

[0130] 46 cliff sensors 52 (see Figure 3) are arranged on the underside of the cleaning head body 14 and are connected to the control unit for signaling purposes. These cliff sensors 52 serve to prevent the surface cleaning device 10 from falling, for example, in the area of ​​stairs, by detecting "cliffs" accordingly.

[0131] The cleaning head body 14 includes a rear portion 54. The tank devices 42, 44 and the cleaning roller 32 are positioned at the rear portion 54. The rear end 38 is located at the rear portion 54. The cleaning head body 14 further includes a front portion 56, which is connected to the rear portion 54. The front end 36 is located at the front portion 56.

[0132] A receptacle 58 for a dirt collection container (shown in Figure 1) is arranged on the front region 56, adjacent to the rear region 54. The dirt collection container in the receptacle 58 serves in particular for collecting dry dirt and is assigned to the brush roller 30.

[0133] A connection is arranged on the receptacle 58, via which the corresponding dirt collection container is connected to a blower device. The blower device is positioned at the front area 56. It generates a suction flow. The suction flow acts on a receptacle area 64 (see Figure 3), in which the brush roller 30 is positioned. The brush roller 30 is mounted for rotation about a rotation axis 66. A drive motor is arranged at the front area 56, which drives the rotation of the brush roller 30 about the rotation axis 66 during cleaning operation.

[0134] The blower device applies the suction flow to the receiving area 64 and in particular dry dirt is sucked in and collected in the dirt collecting container (not shown in the drawings) in the receptacle 58.

[0135] The dirt collection container can be removed from the holder 58 for emptying and cleaning.

[0136] In one embodiment, the receptacle 58 is positioned between the receiving area 64 with the brush roller 30 and the tank device 42 or 44 (relative to the longitudinal axis 40) on the cleaning head body 14. The receptacle 58 is positioned between the cleaning roller 32 and the brush roller 30 on the cleaning head body 14. Following the receiving area 64 with the brush roller 30 in the longitudinal axis 40, a rechargeable battery device 70 is located on the front area 56 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0137] In the embodiment shown, the receiving area 64 with the brush roller 30 is located with respect to the longitudinal axis 40 between the battery device 70 and the receptacle 58 for the dirt collection container.

[0138] In the area of ​​the front end 36, contact elements 72 (see Figure 3) are arranged on the underside 56 of the cleaning head body 14, which, in cooperation with a station (ground station), enable recharging of the battery device 70.

[0139] The rotation axis 66 of the brush roller 30 is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 40.

[0140] The rotation axis 66 is oriented parallel to the installation plane 28.

[0141] In particular, the receiving area 64 with the brush roller 30 is positioned between the first wheel 20a and the second wheel 20b (see Figure 3).

[0142] At the front end 56 of the cleaning head 12, side brushes 74a, 74b are also located. These brushes extend beyond a periphery of the cleaning head body 14.

[0143] In one embodiment, a first side brush 74a and a second side brush 74b are provided. Respective drive motors for the side brushes 74a, 74b are located on the front region 56 of the cleaning head body 14. The side brushes 74a, 74b are rotatable about a rotation axis that is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the installation plane 28 or at a small, acute angle, in particular less than 10°, to the installation plane 28. In one embodiment, the battery device 70 is positioned between the drive motors for the side brushes 74a, 74b, and, in particular, the battery device 70 and the drive motors lie on a line oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40. This line is, in particular, parallel to the rotation axis 66.

[0144] In one embodiment, the blower device is located on one side of the cleaning head body 14, and, for example, the drive motor for the brush roller 30 is located on the other side. In particular, a center plane of the cleaning head body 14 lies between the blower device and the drive motor, on which the longitudinal axis 40 lies and which is perpendicular to the installation plane 28.

[0145] In one embodiment, the blower device is located on one side of the receptacle 58, wherein a fluid-effective connection of the dirt collection container is established by the blower device via the corresponding side of the receptacle 58, and the drive motor is located on an opposite side of the receptacle 58.

[0146] An openable and, in particular, hinged cover 78 (see Figure 1) is arranged on the top side 48 of the cleaning head body 14. The cover 78 covers the tank devices 42 and 44 on the top side 48. It also covers the receptacle 58 for the dirt collection container. To remove the dirt collection container from the receptacle 58, the cover 78 must be opened.

[0147] The cleaning head body 14 has a first lateral side 80 and an opposite second lateral side 82. The first lateral side 80 and the second lateral side 82 are in particular mirror-symmetrical to the center plane on the longitudinal axis 40.

[0148] The first lateral side 80 and the second lateral side 82 can be flat or curved. A receptacle 84 for the cleaning roller 32 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14 between the first lateral side 80 and the second lateral side 82. The receptacle 84 is, in particular, a receiving shaft. The receptacle 84 is open toward the underside 46 and thus toward the installation plane 28, so that the cleaning roller 32 positioned in the receptacle 84 can act on the surface 16 to be cleaned.

[0149] The receptacle 84 is positioned at the rear portion 54 of the cleaning head body 14. It is spaced from the rear end 38 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0150] The receptacle 84 is closed on the first lateral side 80 by a transverse wall 86. The transverse wall 86 is in particular fixedly arranged on the cleaning head body 14 or is an integral part of the cleaning head body 14.

[0151] On the second lateral side 82, the receptacle 84 is open via an opening 88 (Figures 4, 5). A cover 90 is associated with the opening 88, by means of which the opening 88 on the second lateral side 82 can be closed.

[0152] In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 6, the cleaning head 12 is shown with the cover 90 closed. In Figures 4 and 5, the cover 90 is removed.

[0153] A cassette 92 is provided for positioning the cleaning roller 32 in the receptacle 84 (see Figures 7 to 10). The cassette 92 includes a holding device 94 for the cleaning roller 32. When the cassette 92 is properly positioned in the receptacle 84 of the cleaning head 12, the cleaning roller 32 is rotatably driven about a rotation axis 96 by the holding device 94.

[0154] The rotation axis 96 is parallel to the installation plane 28. It is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the main direction of travel 26 (forward direction of travel 26). It is transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40. It is at least approximately parallel to the rotation axis 66 of the brush roller 30.

[0155] A cassette holder 98 is positioned in the receptacle 84 on the cleaning head body 14 for holding the cassette 92 and thus, in turn, indirectly for holding the cleaning roller 32 in the receptacle 84. The cassette holder 98 is a non-removable component of the cleaning head 12. It can be fixedly positioned on the cleaning head 12 (on the cleaning head body 14) or, in one embodiment, can be movable and, in particular, pivotable on the cleaning head body 14.

[0156] A guide device 100 is provided which serves to guide the cassette 92 on the cassette holder 98 and to hold it in position in the receptacle 84.

[0157] The guide device 100 comprises a first part 102, which is arranged or formed on the cassette holder 98, and a second part 104, which is arranged or formed on the cassette 92. The first part 102 and the second part 104 cooperate with each other.

[0158] The holding device 94 (the cassette 92) has a peripheral wall 106. The peripheral wall 106 extends in an axial direction 108 between a first end face 110 and an opposite second end face 112. The rotation axis 96 is parallel to the rotation axis 96 of the cleaning roller 32 when the cassette 92 is properly positioned in the receptacle 84.

[0159] The axis 108 is an axial axis. The cleaning roller 32 has a cylindrical outer shape with an axial axis parallel to the rotation axis 96. This allows the cassette 92 to be assigned a circumferential direction and a radial direction. The circumferential direction, the radial direction, and the axial axis 108 define polar coordinates. The circumferential wall 106 has a first region 118 and a second region 120.

[0160] The second region 120 is movably arranged on the first region 118.

[0161] The first region 118 extends in the circumferential direction from an underside of the circumferential wall 106, which faces the installation plane 28, to a front region. The front region lies at an upper region of the cassette 92 when the cassette 92 is properly seated on the cleaning head 12. At the upper region, the circumferential wall 106 has a maximum distance from the installation plane 28 relative to a height axis 128, which is perpendicular to the installation plane 28.

[0162] A first circumferential extent of the first region 118 between the front region and the underside is an angular range which is less than 180° and in particular less than 150°.

[0163] This allows the cleaning roller 32 to be positioned in the first area 118 without jamming.

[0164] In one embodiment, the peripheral wall 106 is closed at the first region 118, that is, it is formed continuously without openings and the like.

[0165] The peripheral wall 106 has an inner side facing the cleaning roller 32 and an outer side facing away from the cleaning roller 32.

[0166] The second part 104 of the guide device 100 is located on the outside.

[0167] In particular, the second part 104 of the guide device 100 is designed as a guide element in the manner of a guide block, and the first part 102 is a counter-element thereto. The second part 104 is designed in cooperation with the first part 102 such that a guide direction of the guide device 100 for the cassette 92 on the cassette holder 98 is parallel to the axis 108 or parallel to the rotation axis 96. Corresponding undercut surfaces ensure retention in directions transverse to the axis 108 or transverse to the rotation axis 96 of the cleaning roller 32.

[0168] In one embodiment, a connection 138 of a humidification device 140 is arranged on the first region 118 of the peripheral wall 106 in the region of the second end face 112. By means of the humidification device 140, cleaning fluid from the tank device 44 can be applied to the surface 16 to be cleaned directly and, in particular, indirectly via the cleaning roller 32. In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that, during operation of the surface cleaning device 10, cleaning fluid is applied to the cleaning roller 32 by means of a nozzle device located on the peripheral wall 106 and there on the first region 118.

[0169] In one embodiment, the moistening device 140 comprises a first pump 142. The first pump 142 is arranged on the cleaning head body 16, and in particular on the rear region 54. It is in fluid communication with the tank device 44 via its suction side and in fluid communication with the nozzle device for supplying cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller 32 via its pressure side. It is connected to the port 138 via its pressure side (when the cassette 92 is attached to the cleaning head 12).

[0170] The connection 138 provides a fluid-effective connection to that part of the humidification device 140 which is positioned on the cleaning head 14 outside the cassette 92.

[0171] The second region 120 is designed as a flap 144, which is movably mounted on the first region 118 of the peripheral wall 106 via a pivot bearing device 146. A pivot axis 148 of the pivot bearing device 146 is oriented parallel to the axis 108 and thus also parallel to the rotation axis 96.

[0172] In one embodiment, the pivot bearing assembly 156 includes a plurality of spaced pivot bearings 150 aligned along the pivot axis 148.

[0173] In the embodiment shown (see Figure 7), three pivot bearings 150 are provided.

[0174] In one embodiment, a pivot bearing 150 comprises shaft elements which are arranged on the first region 118, and receptacles for one shaft element each, which are arranged on the second region 120 and are formed, for example, in one piece.

[0175] The second region 120 is designed as a flap 144. A spring device is associated with the pivot bearing device 146, wherein a spring force of the spring device tends to press the flap 144 against the cleaning roller 32 and thereby hold it clamped to the holding device 94.

[0176] The flap 144 (the second region 120) has a closed position in which the flap 144 clamps the cleaning roller 32 to the cassette 92. The spring device has a clamping force perpendicular to the rotational axis 96 (perpendicular to the axis 108) for clamping.

[0177] In an open position of the flap 144, which can be achieved by overcoming the spring force of the spring device 156, particularly by manual operation of an operator, the cleaning roller 32 can be removed from the cassette 92 (when the cassette 92 is removed from the cleaning head 12). A stripping device 166 for the cleaning roller 32 is arranged on the flap.

[0178] The cleaning roller 32 is designed, in particular, as a wiping roller or wet cleaning roller. It has a sleeve 168, which, in particular, has an open interior. A facing 172, in particular made of a textile material and, for example, a microfiber material, is seated on the sleeve 168. During cleaning operation of the surface cleaning device 10, the facing 172 is moistened with cleaning fluid (pure water or pure water with a surfactant-based cleaning agent) by the moistening device 140. By acting on the surface 16 to be cleaned, dirt can be loosened and carried along with the facing 172 of the cleaning roller 32.

[0179] It is also possible in principle for the cleaning roller 32 to be a bristle roller and accordingly to be provided with bristle bundles, or for the cleaning roller 32 to have a hybrid covering with textile areas and bristle areas.

[0180] During operation of the surface cleaning device 10 with the flap 144 in the closed position, the scraper device 166 is pressed onto the cleaning roller 32 and thereby onto the trim 172 of the cleaning roller 32.

[0181] The scraper device 166 is arranged and configured such that dirty fluid is detached from the coating 172 of the cleaning roller 32 and directed to an outlet device 174. The scraper device 166 has both a detachment function for dirty fluid and a guiding function.

[0182] The wiper device 166 and the outlet device 174 are located on the flap 144. The wiper device 166 comprises at least one wiper bar 176 (see Figure 12), which, during operation of the surface cleaning device 10 with the flap 144 in the closed position (and with the cassette 92 properly inserted on the cleaning head 12), penetrates the lining 172 of the cleaning roller 32. The penetrating wiper bar 176 allows dirty fluid to be released from the lining 172 and drained away.

[0183] In particular, it extends substantially over the entire length of the cleaning roller 32 (with the direction of the rotation axis 96 as the longitudinal axis).

[0184] The scraper bar 176 is arranged and designed such that it leads to the mouth device 174 in a funnel shape.

[0185] The spring force of the spring device 156 presses the flap 144 against the facing 172 of the cleaning roller 32, and the wiper bar 176 is pressed into the facing 172. The wiper device 176 is spring-loaded.

[0186] As a result, for example, manufacturing tolerances with regard to the cleaning roller or wear of the cleaning roller 32 can be compensated, since the spring-loaded pivot bearing device 146 automatically ensures correct positioning of the wiper bar 176 on the cleaning roller 32 in the function of removing and removing dirt.

[0187] When the cassette 92 is properly positioned on the cleaning head 12, the outlet device 174 (with the flap 144 in the closed position) is positioned such that the dirty fluid is introduced directly into the dirty fluid tank device 42. In particular, the dirty fluid is conveyed from the cleaning roller 32 into the tank device 42 without the use of a fan by direct coupling with a direct transport path from the cassette 92 and from the outlet device 174 on the flap 144 of the cassette 92 into the tank device 42.

[0188] The receptacle 84, the cassette 92 and the tank device 42 as well as their arrangement are designed such that when the cassette 92 is correctly inserted into the receptacle 84, a fluid-effective coupling of the mouth device 174 of the cassette 92 to the tank device 42 is automatically achieved for filling the tank device 42 with dirty fluid.

[0189] An edge flange 180 is arranged on the holding device 94 (of the cassette 92) at the front end 112. This edge flange 180 forms a contact surface for the cleaning roller 32 relative to the axial axis 108. When the cleaning roller 180 rests against the peripheral wall 106, it cannot fall out of the cassette 92 in the direction 108 due to the edge flange 180.

[0190] The cassette 92 (the holding device 94) has a pivot bearing 182 at the first end 110. The cleaning roller 32 can be non-rotatably attached to this pivot bearing 182 for rotation about the rotation axis 96. This pivot bearing 192 is an integral part of the cassette 92 and faces away from the edge flange 180.

[0191] To secure it to the cassette 92, the cleaning roller 32 is first placed onto the pivot bearing 182 with the flap 144 open and then pressed against the peripheral wall 106, thereby pushing it against the first region 118 of the peripheral wall 106. It is thereby pushed over the edge flange 180, which provides an axial contact surface. The flap 144 is then closed, i.e., brought into the closed position (see, for example, Figure 7). This secures the cleaning roller 32 to the cassette 92. The cassette 92 can then be pushed into the receptacle 84. With the cover 90 open, it is inserted into the cassette holder 98 and pushed into the receptacle 84 in an insertion direction 184 until it is secured relative to the axial axis 108. This will be described in more detail below. The insertion takes place on the second lateral side 82 or via the second lateral side 82.

[0192] The insertion direction 184 is at least approximately parallel to the rotation axis 96. The combination of cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 fixed thereto is inserted into the holder 84.

[0193] To remove the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32, the cover 90 is opened and then the axial fixation is released.

[0194] In particular, when the axial fixation is released, the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 is advanced so that it protrudes beyond the second lateral side 82. The cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 can then be completely removed.

[0195] A removal direction 186 (Figure 4) is opposite to the insertion direction 184 and antiparallel to it.

[0196] The removal takes place at the opening 88 facing away from the transverse wall 86.

[0197] The cleaning roller 32 can then be removed from the cassette 92 and cleaned, for example, in a washing machine.

[0198] With regard to the design of the cassette 92 with the flap 144, reference is made to the unpublished German patent application No. 10 2024 103 709.1 of February 9, 2024.

[0199] When inserting the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 in the insertion direction 184 until axial fixation is achieved, an automatic fluid-effective connection of the connection 138 on the cassette with the remainder of the moistening device 140 on the cleaning head 12 takes place. An automatic torque-effective coupling of the cleaning roller 32 to a drive takes place. The orifice device 174 is automatically aligned for fluid-effective coupling to the tank device 42 for dirty fluid. When removing the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 and the corresponding release of the axial fixation, the connection 138 is automatically uncoupled from the remainder of the moistening device 140, the cleaning roller 32 is removed from a torque transmission device, and the orifice device 174 is automatically released from the fluid-effective coupling to the tank device 42.

[0200] The cassette 92 has a bearing side 188 on the first end face 110 with the pivot bearing 182. Opposite, it has a bearing drive side 190. The edge flange 180 is located on this bearing drive side 190. The bearing drive side 190 couples the cleaning roller 32 to a drive motor for rotation about the rotation axis 96.

[0201] The edge flange 180 and the peripheral wall 106 are designed such that the cleaning roller 32 on the cassette 92 can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis 96 even when the flap 144 is in the closed position.

[0202] In one embodiment, the connection 138 is located on or near the edge flange 180. For axially fixing the cassette 92 in the receptacle 84, a fixing device 192 is provided, which fixes the cassette 92 in the receptacle 84 relative to the insertion direction 184 and the removal direction 186. The guide device 100 fixes it in all transverse directions.

[0203] For the design of the fixing device 192, reference is made to the unpublished German patent application No. 10 2024 103 698.2 of February 9, 2024.

[0204] The fixing device 192 has a first part, which is arranged outside the cassette 92 and is associated with the transverse wall 86. The first part of the fixing device 192 is fixedly arranged on the cleaning head body 14 in the sense that it cannot be removed from the cleaning head body 14. In embodiments, particularly with a movable cassette holder, the first part 194 itself can be movable, or it can be positioned immovably as a whole on the cleaning head body 14.

[0205] In the embodiment shown, this first part of the fixing device 192 is arranged on the cassette holder 98.

[0206] In an alternative embodiment, in particular when the cassette holder 98 is fixed (immovably) on the cleaning head body 14, the first part of the fixing device 192 can also be positioned directly on the transverse wall 86 and thereby on an inner side towards the receptacle 84.

[0207] A second part of the fixing device 192, which corresponds to the first part, is arranged on the cassette 92.

[0208] In one embodiment, the second part of the fixing device 192 comprises lugs, and in particular a plurality of lugs, which are seated on the edge flange 180 and in particular extend outwardly away from the edge flange 180.

[0209] The surface cleaning device 10 comprises a drive motor 200 (see Figure 6) for the rotational drive of the cleaning roller 32 rotating around the rotation axis 96.

[0210] In one embodiment (not shown in the drawings), this drive motor 200 is arranged on the cleaning head body 14, and in particular on the front region 56. Torque is transmitted from the drive motor 200 to the cleaning roller 32 via a gear device, which, for example, comprises a belt drive and, in particular, also comprises a reduction gear. With the cassette 92 fixed to the cleaning head 12, the torque is coupled to the bearing drive side 190 via a corresponding drive bearing element, onto which the cleaning roller 32 is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner with the sleeve 168. In the embodiment shown, the drive motor 200 is an internal motor with respect to the cleaning roller 32. The drive motor 200 is an integral part of the cleaning head 12 and is arranged on the rear region 54.

[0211] There is a connection to the control device via control lines and an electrical connection to the battery device 70.

[0212] It is particularly provided that when the cassette holder 98 is movable (as described in more detail below), the drive motor 200 is fixedly connected to the cassette holder 98 and is movable therewith.

[0213] If the cassette holder 98 is not movable, the drive motor 200 is arranged, for example, on the transverse wall 86 and in particular is directly or indirectly connected thereto.

[0214] The drive motor 200 is positioned in the receptacle 84 and extends over a certain area relative to a longitudinal axis parallel to the rotation axis 96.

[0215] A motor driver 202 is provided, which is positioned in the interior 170 of the sleeve 168 when the cleaning roller 32 is mounted on the drive motor 200. The motor driver 202 is rotationally fixedly coupled to the cleaning roller 32.

[0216] The fixing device 192 ensures the axial fixing of the cassette 92 to the cleaning head body 14, facing away from the second lateral side 82. As a result, no space needs to be provided, particularly above the opening 88, for a fixing device for the cassette 92 to the cleaning head body 14. This space can then be used, for example, for the tank 44, or the cleaning head 12 can be realized with a lower height parallel to the height axis 128. In one embodiment, the fixing device 192 is designed as a push-to-release touch latch. The push-to-release touch latch (also referred to as a "push-to-release touch latch"), which is positioned in the region of the transverse wall 86, provides a push-to-release mechanism.Axial fixation can be achieved, and the release of the axial fixation (for removing the cassette 92 from the receptacle 84) can be achieved by exerting pressure on the cassette 92, wherein this pressure is applied in a pressure application direction that is at least approximately parallel to the insertion direction 184. Furthermore, the pressure can be applied to the cassette 92 in the region of the opening 88, i.e., at a "large" distance from the fixation device 192.

[0217] In this context, reference is made to DE 10 2024 103 698.2 of 9 February 2024.

[0218] A fixing area, with which the cassette 92 is fixed axially (relative to the axis 108) with respect to the cleaning head 14, is positioned in particular at a front end of the receptacle 84 and thereby in the receptacle 84 or in an extension of the receptacle 84 in front of the transverse wall 86. The space already provided by the receptacle 84 is then used in an optimized manner for positioning the fixing device 192.

[0219] Snap-on devices are well known and are used, for example, in furniture construction.

[0220] It can be provided that a spring device is arranged on the housing 210, which, when the connection of the cassette 92 is released, provides a feed and, in a sense, "ejects" it.

[0221] The snap-action device 208 can be configured with relatively small dimensions in a direction parallel to the axis 108, so that it can be positioned at the end of the receptacle 84 as described. The feed rate through the snap-action device is in particular at least 0.5 mm and preferably at least 1 mm. The greater the feed rate, the more advantageous.

[0222] The lid 90 serves to close the receptacle 84 at the opening 88. It is also the function of this lid 90 to prevent accidental release of the cassette 92. For example, with the "push-to-release" mechanism of the snap-action device, there is a fundamental possibility that impacting an object in the area of ​​the opening 88 could generate a compressive force on the cassette 92 in the direction of the transverse wall 86, thereby releasing the cassette 92. This risk does not exist when the lid 90 is closed.

[0223] In one embodiment, the cover 90 is fixedly (captively) connected to the cleaning head body 14. A corresponding hinge with a pivot axis is provided for this purpose. In one embodiment, the pivot axis is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the installation plane 28. It is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the insertion device 184 or removal direction 186. It is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the rotation axis 96. It is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the main travel direction 26.

[0224] In particular, the cover is arranged laterally via the hinge and is arranged, for example, on the side on which the cassette holder 98 is located on the cleaning head body 14.

[0225] When the cover 90 is opened, the cover 90 is pivoted from the rear end 38 to the front end 36 (not shown in the figures).

[0226] The hinge is spring-loaded, for example, to ensure a good closure of the opening 88 on the second lateral side 82. It is particularly provided that, when the lid 90 is closed, the lid 90 is spaced apart from the cassette 92 and, at the same time, from the second end face 112, so that no compressive force (which could trigger the "push-to-release" mechanism of the fixing device 192) acts on the cassette 92.

[0227] To fix the cassette 92 (with the cleaning roller 32) to the receptacle 84, the cassette 92 is moved into the receptacle 94 in the insertion direction 184 with the cover 90 open. The cassette 92 is aligned such that the first part 102 and the second part 104 of the guide device 100 engage with each other.

[0228] The cassette 92 is displaced in the insertion direction 184 until the first part and second part of the fixing device 192 (the pressure snap device) correspond to each other and an axial fixing is achieved.

[0229] This can be indicated acoustically, for example, by a clicking sound.

[0230] To remove the cassette 92, starting from the closed cover 90, the cover 90 is opened. The cassette 92 is then pressed in the area of ​​the opening 88 with a pressure direction at least approximately parallel to the insertion direction 184. This releases the fixation at the fixing device 192 and the connection between the first part and the second part. The cassette 92 detaches from the cleaning head body 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette 92 detaches from the cassette holder 98 with respect to the axial direction 108.

[0231] In one embodiment, the fixing device 192 is also designed such that the cassette 92 is fed in a direction parallel to the removal direction 186 when the fixing is released.

[0232] As an alternative to a pivotable cover 90, it is also possible to provide a cover that can be completely removed from the cleaning head body 14. In particular, the cover is held on the cleaning head body 14 via pin elements on the cover or on the cleaning head body 14.

[0233] In a further embodiment, a cover is fixedly arranged on the cassette 92.

[0234] A receiving wall 228, through which the receptacle 84 is formed, is located on the cleaning head body 14. It is fundamentally possible for the cassette holder 98 to be formed by the receiving wall 228 and, in particular, for the first part of the guide device 100 to be arranged on the receiving wall 228 or to be formed by it.

[0235] In one embodiment, the cassette holder 98 is separate from the receiving wall 228 and movably positioned within the receptacle 84.

[0236] In this context, reference is made to the unpublished German patent application No. 10 2024 103 726.1 of 9 February 2024.

[0237] A pivot bearing device 230 is provided, by which the cassette holder 98 is pivotally mounted on the cleaning head 14 (indicated in Figure 10).

[0238] A pivot axis 232 (see Figure 10) is parallel to the axis 108 or parallel to the rotation axis 96. It is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the insertion direction 184 or the removal direction 186. It is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the main travel direction 26.

[0239] The pivot axis 232 is parallel to the installation plane 28.

[0240] The cassette holder 98 has a wall 234 (see Figure 10), with the first part 102 of the guide device 100 formed on an inner side of the wall 234. A transverse region is located on the wall 234. This transverse region holds the first part of the fixing device 192. The transverse region also holds the drive motor 200 via a corresponding holder.

[0241] Spaced-apart webs 242 are arranged on an outer side 240 of the wall 234. These webs protrude outwardly from the wall 234 and away from the receptacle 84.

[0242] In one embodiment, the webs 242 are bow-shaped. The pivot bearing device 230 is formed by the webs 242, and in particular the part that sits on the cassette holder 98. This part cooperates with another part that sits on the cleaning head body 14.

[0243] The receiving wall 228 has openings that cooperate with the webs 242. A web 242 (or a combination of webs in the case of the bracket shape) extends through each opening. The counterpart to a web 242, by means of which the pivot bearing device 230 is then formed, is, as mentioned above, fixedly positioned outside the receptacle 84 on the cleaning head body 14.

[0244] The receptacle 84 is thus positioned between the pivot bearing device 230 and the rear end 38 of the cleaning head 12. When the cassette 92 with the cleaning roller 32 is seated on the cleaning head 12, it is positioned between the pivot bearing device 230 and the tank device 42.

[0245] The counterpart of the pivot bearing device 230 is located in particular on the front region 56 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0246] In the illustrated embodiment, two counterparts are provided for cooperation with two webs or web combinations 242. A spring device is assigned to the pivot bearing device 230. In particular, each pivot bearing of the pivot bearing device 230, which is formed by a counterpart and associated web or web combination 242, is assigned (at least) one spring, such as a coil spring.

[0247] The spring device is arranged and designed such that it exerts a spring force which tends to press the cassette holder 98 against the mounting plane 28.

[0248] Basically, the force with which the cleaning roller 32 is pressed against the surface 16 to be cleaned during cleaning operation, particularly in the case of a floor, is determined by the weight of the cleaning head 12. The movable cassette holder 98 with the pivot bearing device 230 and the spring device allows the cleaning roller 32 to be pressed against the surface 16 to be cleaned with an additional force provided by the spring device. This allows an improved cleaning result to be achieved.

[0249] In one embodiment, this additional force is in the range between 7 N and 17 N.

[0250] The movable and resilient mounting of the cleaning roller 32 via the cassette holder 98 also allows a type of floating mounting of the cleaning roller 32 on the cleaning head 12. This makes it possible for the cleaning roller 32 to avoid obstacles (through movement of the cassette holder 98) by briefly lifting itself away from the surface 16 (lifting itself upwards) (via the cassette holder 98). The spring force of the spring device ensures that such a lift remains for a short time, and as soon as the obstacle is removed, the cassette holder 98 is moved back toward the installation plane 28, and the cleaning roller 32 is pressed against the surface to be cleaned.

[0251] In principle, the spring mechanism can be adapted to the specific application. The spring force should not be so high that the cleaning head body 14 lifts off; that is, the mounting plane 28 must be maintained. For example, it is generally possible that a lower spring force is sufficient for a floating mounting than if a stronger pressure of the cleaning roller 32 against the surface 16 to be cleaned is desired.

[0252] The installation plane 28 is defined by the wheels 20 and the support roller 24. The brush roller 30 is located on the installation plane 28. When the cassette holder 98 is immobile, the cleaning roller 32 is also located on the installation plane 28.

[0253] In the inventive solution with movable cassette holder 98, the cleaning roller 32 is generally only positioned on the support plane 28 when the cleaning head 12 is properly positioned on the surface 16. When the cleaning head 12 is lifted, the spring force of the spring device causes the cleaning roller 32 to be pushed downward beyond the support plane until a stop is reached.

[0254] The surface cleaning device 10 comprises an active lifting device 250 (see DE 10 2024 103 726.1 of February 9, 2024) for lifting the cassette holder 98 in a direction away from the installation plane 28, so that, in particular, the cleaning roller 32 is spaced from the installation plane 28 and, at the same time, spaced from the surface 16 (see Figure 14). In such a position 252 of the cleaning roller 32, it does not touch the surface 16. This can be useful, for example, if pure carpet cleaning is to be performed via the brush roller 30. The lifting device 250 can make the cleaning roller 32 inactive with respect to surface contact.

[0255] The corresponding position 252 can also be useful, for example, if cleaning of the surface cleaning device 10 and in particular of the cleaning roller 32 is to be carried out at a station (ground station).

[0256] In one embodiment, the lifting device is designed as a cable pull device 254. It comprises a pull cable 256. The pull cable 256 is fixed to the cassette holder 98 at its end via a fastening element 258 (Figure 9).

[0257] The fastening element 258 is located on the upper part of the wall 234. This provides space-saving access.

[0258] The fastening element 258 is in particular arranged at least approximately centrally between opposite end faces of the cassette holder 98.

[0259] The cable pull device 254 further comprises a motor with a gear. This motor is arranged on the front region 56 of the cleaning head body 14 and, in particular, in the region of the battery device 70.

[0260] In one embodiment, the motor is positioned relative to the longitudinal axis 40 between the receptacle 58 for the dirt collection container and the front end 36 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0261] The motor is positioned particularly close to the blower unit.

[0262] In one embodiment, it is further provided that the motor is arranged on the same side as the blower device. The pull cable 256 is guided along the receptacle 58 in a first section. A change of direction then occurs at a second section. The second section is guided, in particular, above the blower device.

[0263] In a third area, a further change of direction and a connection to the motor takes place.

[0264] By activating the motor and applying a corresponding pulling force to the pull cable 256, the cassette holder 98 with the cassette 92 and the cleaning roller 32 can be lifted. It is pulled upward (Figure 14) to reach the position 252.

[0265] The motor maintains this position 252. In particular, it is intended that position 252 is also maintained when the motor is not operating (not supplied with electrical power).

[0266] It is further specifically provided that activation of the motor is necessary to move the cassette holder 98 out of position 252 and thereby lower it. The motor then effectively cancels the tension by rotating it in a direction opposite to the lifting direction, and the spring device then causes the lowering.

[0267] In one embodiment, the cable pull device 254 comprises a pulley element (see DE 10 2024 103 726.1 of February 9, 2024). The pulley element is arranged, for example, on the first region of the pull cable 256.

[0268] In one embodiment, the pulley element is arranged at the rear region 54 of the cleaning head body 14.

[0269] In particular, it is arranged closest to the receptacle 58. The surface cleaning device 10 includes a side cleaning tool 270 in addition to the cleaning roller 32 and the side brushes 74a, 74b. The side cleaning tool 270 is arranged on the cassette 92 and is removable from the cleaning head body 14 together with the cassette 92.

[0270] The side cleaning tool 270 serves for wiping cleaning on the surface 16 to be cleaned between an end face 272 of the cleaning roller 32 and the second lateral side 82 and preferably beyond the second lateral side 82.

[0271] The side cleaning tool 270 has an impact area 274 (see, for example, Figure 2) with which the side cleaning tool 270 acts on the surface 16 to be cleaned. This impact area 274 is arranged in a working position 276 (see Figure 12) of the side cleaning tool 270 relative to the cleaning roller 32 such that it touches the cleaning roller 32, or there is a minimum distance in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 96 of at most 1 cm, or that it overlaps the cleaning roller 32 (see Figure 2).

[0272] The side cleaning tool 270 is designed in particular as a wiping tool for wet wiping.

[0273] In one embodiment, the application area 274 is formed by a textile material and / or a sponge material.

[0274] The side cleaning tool 270 is arranged on the cassette 92 in such a way that, when the cassette 92 is fixed to the cleaning head body 14, the application area 274 is positioned below the cover 90 for the opening 88 (when the cover 90 is closed), and is positioned between the installation plane 28 and an underside of the cover 90 facing the installation plane 28 (see, for example, Figure 1). In one embodiment, the application area 274 is designed to be "self-supporting." The side cleaning tool 270 has a holding area 278 to which the application area 274 is fixed (see, for example, Figure 1 or Figure 7). The side cleaning tool 270 has an underside 280 facing the installation plane 28.The underside 280 is formed on the application area 274 and spaced from the holding area 278 so that the holding area 278 does not act on the surface 16 to be cleaned.

[0275] Furthermore, the side cleaning tool 270 has an outer side 282, via which it projects beyond the second lateral side 82. The outer side 282 also lies on the impact area 274 and is spaced apart from the holding area 278. When it hits a wall, for example, the impact area 274 on the outer side 282 touches this wall and primarily not the holding area 278.

[0276] In particular, the application area 274 is designed to be compressible due to its self-holding design, so that the holding area 278 does not normally come into contact with the surface 16 to be cleaned and with a wall or the like.

[0277] In one embodiment (Figures 1 to 14), the application area 274 of the side cleaning tool 270 is designed as a circular disk, which is seated accordingly on the holding area 278.

[0278] It can be provided that the loading area 274 has a through opening 284 (see Figure 2) below the holding area 278. For example, the loading area 274 is fixed to the holding area 278 via this opening 284. Furthermore, it allows the loading area 274 to be compressed from the outer side 262 toward the opening 284. The cassette 92 comprises a bearing holder 286. The pivot bearing 182 is held on the bearing holder 286 (see, for example, Figure 7). The bearing holder 286 is located on the first end 110 of the peripheral wall 106.

[0279] The side cleaning tool 270 is held on the cassette 92 via the bearing holder 286.

[0280] The bearing holder 286 has a rear wall 288. The pivot bearing 182 is mounted on this rear wall 288 (see Figure 8). The rear wall 288 is the rear wall of a housing 290. A shaft 292 (see also Figure 11) is rotatably mounted in the housing 290. A movement axis 294 is assigned to the shaft 292. In the working position 276 of the side cleaning tool 270, this movement axis 294 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the installation plane 28.

[0281] The movement axis 294 is oriented (in the working position 276) transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the rotation axis 96.

[0282] In one embodiment, the side cleaning tool 270 is provided to rotate about the movement axis 294 during a cleaning operation.

[0283] In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that in a working mode the side cleaning tool 270 is operated in an oscillating manner and accordingly the movement axis 294 is then an oscillation axis.

[0284] The shaft 292 is located in the housing 290 adjacent to the cleaning roller 32. It is spaced from the nearest end face of the cleaning roller 32.

[0285] Relative to a direction parallel to the rotation axis 96, the side cleaning tool 270 is a continuation of the cleaning roller 32, with the application area 274 overlapping the cleaning roller 32, or with contact, or with a minimized distance (in the working position 276). Accordingly, the shaft 292 is positioned on the bearing holder 286 and thereby within the housing 290.

[0286] The bearing holder 286 comprises a holding plate 296 which is connected to the rear wall 288 and projects transversely thereto (parallel to the rotation axis 96).

[0287] The shaft 292 is rotatably mounted on this holding plate 296, which also forms a wall of the housing 290.

[0288] The shaft 292 is spaced transversely from the rotation axis 96. In Figure 12, this transverse distance is designated by the reference numeral 298.

[0289] A side wall 300 is located on the rear wall 288. This side wall 300 extends transversely to the rear wall 288 and is connected to the retaining plate 296 and the rear wall 288. When the cassette 92 is seated on the cleaning head body 14, the side wall 300 faces the cassette holder 98 and away from the rear end 38.

[0290] The housing 290 further includes a top wall 302 opposite the support plate 296. This top wall 302 is connected to the support plate 296 and the side wall 300. It is parallel to the support plate 296.

[0291] A receiving space 304 of the housing 290 is formed between the retaining plate 296, the side wall 300, the top wall 302, and the rear wall 288. The shaft 292 is positioned in this receiving space 304 of the housing 290.

[0292] The movement axis 294 is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the holding plate 296.

[0293] The shaft 292 is rotatably mounted on both the retaining plate 296 and the opposite upper wall 302 about the movement axis 294. In one embodiment, the shaft 292 extends through the upper wall 302 via a corresponding opening in the upper wall 302 and has an end region 306 located outside the housing 290. This end region 306 can be used to adjust the height of the shaft 292. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0294] The housing 290 is closed by a cover 308 (Figure 7), whereby the receiving space 304 is sealed fluid-tight.

[0295] In particular, it is provided that the cover 308 does not have to be removed for normal operation and, in particular, cannot be removed without tools.

[0296] The cassette 92 has a first end 310 and a second end 312 opposite the first end 310. The second end 312 of the cassette 92 rests against the cover 308.

[0297] When the cassette 92 is positioned in the receptacle 84, the first end 310 of the cassette 92 lies in the region of the transverse wall 86. The second end 312 lies in the region of the opening 88. In particular, the cover 308 of the housing 290 lies directly opposite the cover 90 for the receptacle 84.

[0298] In one embodiment, it is provided that a drive for the movement of the side cleaning tool 270 about the movement axis 294 is driven by the cleaning roller 32 and thus the primary drive is the drive motor 200.

[0299] For this purpose, a gear mechanism 314 is provided, which is positioned in the receiving space 304 of the housing 290. In one embodiment, the gear mechanism 314 comprises a reduction gear to achieve a lower speed for rotation of the side cleaning tool 270 about the movement axis 294 than for rotation of the cleaning axis 32 about the rotation axis 96. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the gear mechanism 314 comprises an angular gear to achieve rotation about the movement axis 294, wherein the movement axis 294 is oriented transversely to the rotation axis 96. Furthermore, the gear mechanism 314 comprises a bridging gear to bridge the transverse distance 298. (The transverse distance 298 allows the housing 290 to be designed with small dimensions in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 96.)

[0300] In one embodiment, the transmission device 314 includes a belt drive 316. The belt drive 316 in turn includes a drive wheel 318. The drive wheel 318 is rotationally fixedly coupled to the pivot bearing 182 and rotates about a rotation axis that is coaxial with the rotation axis 96.

[0301] The belt drive 316 further comprises an output gear 320. The output gear 320 is mounted in the receiving space 304 so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation 322 and is held in particular on the rear wall 288.

[0302] The first rotation axis 322 is spaced parallel to the rotation axis 96.

[0303] A belt 324 is guided between the drive wheel 318 and the driven wheel 320.

[0304] The first axis of rotation 322 is oriented in particular transversely and preferably perpendicularly to the rear wall 288.

[0305] In one embodiment, the belt drive 316 forms a reduction gear. The output gear 320 has a larger diameter than the drive gear 318.

[0306] In one embodiment, the belt 324 is guided parallel to the rear wall 288. In the receiving space, an intermediate shaft 326 is rotatable about a second axis of rotation

[0307] 328 is rotatably mounted. The intermediate shaft 326 is rotatably mounted in particular on the holding plate 296 and the upper wall 302.

[0308] The second axis of rotation 328 is parallel (and thereby parallel spaced) to the axis of movement 294 of the shaft 292. The second axis of rotation 328 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 322.

[0309] On the intermediate shaft 326 there is a first gear 330 which is rotatable about the second axis of rotation 328.

[0310] In the described embodiment, the intermediate shaft 326 is rotatably mounted on the housing 290. In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate shaft 326 is non-rotatably mounted on the housing 290, and the first gear 330 is mounted about the second rotational axis 328 relative to the intermediate shaft 326. In this embodiment, the intermediate shaft 326 is a fixed pin element.

[0311] A first angular gear element 332 is arranged on the output gear 320 of the belt drive 316. The first angular gear element 332 is rotatable about the first axis of rotation 322. The first gear 330 forms a second angular gear element 334, which is coupled to the first angular gear element 332. An angular gear of the transmission device 314 is realized via the first angular gear element 332 and the second angular gear element 334, by means of which a rotation about the first axis of rotation 322 can be converted into a rotation about the second axis of rotation 328. The first axis of rotation 322 and the second axis of rotation 328 intersect, in particular.

[0312] The bevel gear is designed, for example, as a bevel gear or the like. A second gear 336 is mounted on the shaft 292 in a rotationally fixed manner. The second gear 336 is coupled to the first gear 330. Rotation of the first gear 330 (initiated via the belt drive 316 and transmitted via the bevel gear with the bevel gear elements 332, 334) about the second rotational axis 328 causes rotation of the second gear 336 and thus of the shaft 292 with the side cleaning tool 270 about the movement axis 294. In particular, the rotational speed about the second rotational axis 328 corresponds to the rotational speed about the movement axis 294.

[0313] The first rotation axis 322 does not intersect the movement axis 294, so that a bridging gear for bridging the transverse distance 298 is realized via the gear wheels 330, 336 (and also via the belt drive 316).

[0314] In the described embodiment, a rotation of the side cleaning tool 270 about the movement axis 294 is provided. If oscillation is provided, the gear device 314 is configured to convert a rotation of the cleaning roller 32 about the rotation axis 96 into an oscillation about the movement axis 294.

[0315] The shaft 292 extends through the retaining plate 296 and is fixed to the shaft 292 via the retaining area 278 of the side cleaning tool 270. In one embodiment, the side cleaning tool 270 is mounted in a floating manner on the shaft 292 via a spring device 338. This allows the side cleaning tool 270 to be appropriately positioned upon pivoting of the cassette 92 on the cleaning head body 12, as shown in Figure 14. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0316] In an alternative embodiment, the floating mounting of the side cleaning tool 270 on the shaft 292 is achieved by a joint and in particular a cardan joint (not shown in the figures).

[0317] The side cleaning tool 270 is mounted on the housing 390 so that it can be displaced in position and height. The shaft 292 is mounted on the housing 290 so that it can be displaced in a direction of displacement 340 (see Figure 12). The shaft 292 is mounted on the housing 290, in particular, via a rotary-sliding bearing.

[0318] The displacement direction 340 is parallel to the movement axis 294. The rotary-sliding bearing is located on the upper wall 302 and the holding plate 296.

[0319] A spring device 342 is associated with the shaft 292. In one embodiment, the spring device 342 comprises a spiral spring mounted on the shaft 292. The spring device 342 is supported on the top wall 302 and is supported at another end on the second gear 336.

[0320] A spring force of the spring device 342 is such that it tends to press the second gear 336 against the holding plate 296 (see Figure 12), in particular to bring the side cleaning tool 270 into its working position 276 (Figure 12).

[0321] For a height shift of the side cleaning tool 270 away from the installation plane 28, the spring force of the spring device 342 must be overcome.

[0322] A drive device 344 is provided to actuate a displacement of the shaft 292 and thus of the side cleaning tool 270 away from the installation plane 28. This drive device is arranged on the cleaning head body 14 (see Figures 9, 10).

[0323] In one embodiment, the drive device 344 comprises a cable-pull motor 346. The cable-pull motor 346 is positioned on the cleaning head body 14 and, in particular, adjacent to the first lateral side 80. It is positioned, in particular, in the region of the cassette holder 98. It is positioned adjacent to the transverse wall 86. A pull cable 348 is provided, which is coupled to the cable-pull motor 346. The pull cable 348 is further coupled to a driver 350. The driver 350 can (with appropriate coupling) act on the shaft 292.

[0324] The drive device 344 further comprises a deflection device 352, to which the traction cable 348 is guided from the cable motor 346, and which serves to deflect the traction cable 348 in order to enable a height displacement in the displacement direction 340 via the traction cable 348.

[0325] The traction cable 348 has a partial region 354 extending from the cable motor 346 to the deflection device 352. In this partial region 354, the traction cable 348 is guided outside the cassette 92 on the cleaning head body 14 and, in particular, in the region of the cassette holder 98 along the cassette 92 (when the cassette is fixed to the cleaning head body 14). In the partial region 354, the traction cable 348 is oriented, in particular, at least approximately parallel to the rotation axis 96.

[0326] The deflection device 352 is located in the region of the second front end 112 of the cassette holder 98, facing away from the cable pull motor 346, which is located in the region of the first front end 110.

[0327] On the cleaning head body 14, the driver 350 is movably guided on a guide device 356.

[0328] In one embodiment, the guide device 356 is arranged within a housing 358 (see Figure 10). This housing 358 is mounted on the cleaning head body 14 (and not on the cassette 92).

[0329] When the cassette holder 98 is not pivoted, a displacement direction 360 of the driver 350 on the guide device 356 is parallel to the displacement direction 340 of the shaft 292. In one embodiment, the guide device 356 comprises a rod 362 on the cleaning head body 14, onto which the driver 350 is placed.

[0330] The traction cable 348 is coupled to the carrier 350 by a further section 364. The section 364 is located after the deflection device 352.

[0331] The traction cable 348 is coupled to the driver 350 in the partial area 364 in such a way that by exerting tension (via the cable motor 346) on the traction cable 348, the driver 350 on the guide device 356 (the rod 362) can be moved away from the installation plane 28.

[0332] The driver 350 comprises a fork element 366 (Figure 11), which is designed as a gripper. It includes a funnel-shaped insertion opening 368.

[0333] The cassette 92 has an interface 370 for coupling to the drive device 344. This interface 370 is formed over the end region 306 of the shaft 292, which protrudes beyond the top wall 302.

[0334] This end region 306 has a receiving region 372 for the fork element 366. With respect to the displacement direction 340, a positive connection is achieved when the fork element 366 is coupled, so that by displacing the driver 350 with the fork element 366, the shaft 292 (with the side cleaning tool 270) is also displaced.

[0335] The driver 350 forms a mating interface 374 on the cleaning head body 14 to the interface 370 on the cassette 92.

[0336] For this purpose, the driver 350 protrudes from the housing 358 toward the opening 88. Through the funnel-shaped insertion opening 368, the receiving area 372 can be inserted into the fork element 366 as a gripper when inserting the cassette 92 into the receptacle 84.

[0337] The fork element 366 as a gripper is designed such that the shaft 292 is movable on the driver 350 about the movement axis 294 when coupled to the driver 350 (to the fork element 366).

[0338] By pulling on the pull rope 348, the fork element 366 can be taken along and thus lifted off the installation level 28.

[0339] The spring device 342 ensures that when the tension on the traction cable 348 is released, the second gear 336 returns to its coupling position with the first gear 330.

[0340] When the shaft 292 is raised via the drive device 344, the second gear 336 is also raised relative to the first gear 330 (which is fixed in the housing 290). This results in a torque decoupling. The first gear 330 can then no longer lift the second gear 336, and the side cleaning tool 270 no longer moves around the movement axis 294.

[0341] The surface cleaning device 10 was described above as a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning machine. The solution, in particular the "locking flap" 144, the "push-to-release" locking device 192, and the movable and particularly spring-supported mounting of the cassette holder 98, can also be used alone or in combination with other types of surface cleaning devices, such as surface cleaning devices that are manually guided by a standing operator via a handle.

[0342] Furthermore, the provision of (at least) one side cleaning tool 270 can be used to a certain extent for the lateral continuation of the cleaning roller 32, in particular with positioning on the cassette 92 or with drive via the cleaning roller 32, also with other types of surface cleaning devices, such as devices with a handle device.

[0343] The surface cleaning device 10 according to the invention functions as follows:

[0344] During cleaning operation of the surface cleaning device 10, the cassette 92 with the side cleaning tool 270 is fixed in the holder 84. The cover 92 is closed.

[0345] During a cleaning operation, the cleaning roller 32 rotates about the rotation axis 96. The moistening device 140 moistens the filling 172 of the cleaning roller 32 with cleaning fluid from the tank device 44.

[0346] The cleaning roller 32 acts on the surface 16 to be cleaned (in particular, a floor). Dirt is loosened, and the rotating cleaning roller 32 exerts a mechanical action. The dirt is loosened and carried along by the bristles 172 of the cleaning roller 32.

[0347] Dirty fluid is released at the scraper device 166 and coupled into the tank device 42 for dirty fluid via the outlet device 174.

[0348] (In addition, and especially prior to wet cleaning, cleaning can be carried out using the brush roller 30 and the side brushes 74a, 74b.)

[0349] According to the invention, the side cleaning tool 270 is provided as an additional cleaning tool. It is arranged next to the cleaning roller 32 with respect to the rotation axis 96 and, in particular, protrudes beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body 14 (on the second lateral side 82). The side cleaning tool 270, with its application area 274, is intended for wiping cleaning. The cleaning width of the surface cleaning device 10 for wiping cleaning is thereby increased. A corresponding "cleaning length" is greater than the length of the cleaning roller 32.

[0350] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the side cleaning tool 270 also protrudes so far that additional wiping cleaning takes place in a strip 376 which lies next to the cleaning head body 14 on the second lateral side 82 (see Figure 1).

[0351] The side cleaning tool 270 is positioned on the cassette 92 and lies in the area of ​​the opening 88. It can be removed from the cleaning head body 14 together with the cassette 92 (see Figure 7).

[0352] In one embodiment, a second pump 379 (Figure 1) is provided on the cleaning head body 14 and is assigned to the side cleaning tool 270. The second pump 379 is fixedly positioned on the cleaning head body 14, particularly in the rear region 54. Its suction side is fluidly connected to the tank device 44 for cleaning fluid. On the pressure side, it is connected to a nozzle device, by means of which the side cleaning tool 270, and in particular its application region 274, can be supplied with cleaning fluid from the tank device 44. In this embodiment, the cleaning roller 32 and the side cleaning tool 270 can be supplied with cleaning fluid separately and thus independently of one another via a tank device 44 for cleaning fluid.

[0353] This makes it possible, for example, to carry out a cleaning run in which the side cleaning tool 270 is deactivated with regard to its cleaning function and only the cleaning roller 32 is supplied with cleaning fluid, or the cleaning roller 32 is deactivated and the side cleaning tool 270 is activated and only the side cleaning tool 270 is supplied with cleaning fluid, or both the cleaning roller 32 and the side cleaning tool 270 are activated with regard to the cleaning function and both are supplied with cleaning fluid (see below).

[0354] In particular, the first pump 142 and the second pump 379 are controlled by the control device according to the selected operating mode.

[0355] The nozzle device associated with the side cleaning tool 270 is arranged, for example, on the bearing holder 286.

[0356] It is also possible, for example, that the shaft 292 is designed as a hollow shaft and cleaning fluid is guided through it.

[0357] The cleaning roller 32 has a working position in which it lies at the installation plane 28 (Figure 12). The cassette holder 98 is positioned accordingly. The side cleaning tool 270 has the working position 276 in which it lies at the installation plane 28 (Figure 12).

[0358] Figure 12 shows an illustration in which the cleaning roller 32 and the loading area 274 of the side cleaning tool 270 protrude beyond the installation plane 28. In practice, the trim 172 of the cleaning roller 32 is compressed, and the loading area 274 is also compressed, so that they lie at the installation plane 28. (This compression is not shown in Figure 12.)

[0359] In the working position 276 of the side cleaning tool 270, the second gear 336 is pressed in the direction of the holding plate 296 by the spring device 342 and the second gear 336 is torque-effectively coupled to the first gear 330.

[0360] Via the gear mechanism 314, a torque of the driven cleaning roller 32 is transmitted to the side cleaning tool 270, which moves and, in particular, rotates around the movement axis 294. This results in a mechanical action of the side cleaning tool 270 on the surface 16 to be cleaned.

[0361] The torque of the cleaning roller 32 is transmitted via the belt drive 316 to the first gear 330 via an angular gear. The first gear 330 transmits its torque to the second gear 336 and thus to the side cleaning tool 270.

[0362] This is held floating on the shaft 292 via the spring device 338.

[0363] The side cleaning tool 270 has a first rest position 378 (Figure 13). In this first rest position 378, the side cleaning tool 270 is raised relative to the support plane 28 such that it does not touch the surface 16 to be cleaned. The cleaning roller 32 lies on the support plane 28.

[0364] To reach the first rest position 378, the cable pull motor 346 is activated. This activation occurs in particular via the control device.

[0365] When the cable pull motor 346 is activated, a pull is exerted on the pull cable 348. This pull is transmitted to the driver 350 with the fork element 366.

[0366] By coupling the fork element 366 to the receiving area 372, the shaft 292 can be lifted (counteracting the action of the spring force of the spring device 342).

[0367] In the first rest position 378, the second gear 336 is decoupled from the first gear 330. No torque is exerted on the shaft 292, and no movement occurs about the movement axis 294.

[0368] When the cable motor 346 is deactivated, the spring device 342 pushes the second gear 336 downward and into engagement with the first gear 330, and the working position 276 shown in Figure 12 is reached. In the corresponding first rest position 378 of the side cleaning tool 270, the cassette holder 98 can also pivot on the pivot bearing device 230 (see Figure 12). In this case, the cleaning roller 32 is lifted from the support plane 28 and is not in contact with it.

[0369] By supporting the side cleaning tool 270 via the spring device 338, the side cleaning tool 270 can be held in its position against the holding plate 296 (on the housing 290) from the outside (see Figure 14).

[0370] In particular, the positioning is such that the side cleaning tool 270 does not touch the installation plane 28 even in this pivoting position.

[0371] It is also possible to provide a further position in which the cassette holder 98 is pivoted, thus raising the cleaning roller 32 from the installation plane 28. The side cleaning tool 270 is lowered and rests on the installation plane 28. Due to the floating arrangement, the surface 16 to be cleaned can be cleaned using the side cleaning tool 270 alone. For example, a single run can be performed (if the surface 16 to be cleaned is a floor) in which only side cleaning takes place.

[0372] Basically, this results in the following positions for the cleaning roller 32 and the side cleaning tool 270 on the cleaning head 14: the cleaning roller 32 and the side cleaning tool 270 are in their respective working position and act on the surface 16 to be cleaned, i.e. they are located on the installation plane 28; both the side cleaning tool 270 and the cleaning roller 32 are lifted off the installation plane 28 and are therefore deactivated with regard to their cleaning function for the surface 16 to be cleaned; the cleaning roller 32 is located on the installation plane 28 and the side cleaning tool 270 is in a rest position; the side cleaning tool 270 is in its working position 276 and the cleaning roller 32 is lifted off the installation plane 28.

[0373] The side cleaning tool 270 is arranged on the cassette 92.

[0374] When the cassette 92 is removed from the cleaning head body, the second gear 336 is coupled to the first gear 330 due to the action of the spring device 342 (see Figure 8).

[0375] The cassette 92 can be inserted into the receptacle 84 in the insertion direction 184. When appropriately secured via the fixing device 192, a connection to the moistening device 140 is established at the connection 138. The drive motor 200 is torque-effectively coupled to the cleaning roller 32 via the motor driver 202. The outlet device 174 is coupled to the tank device 42 for dirty fluid. Furthermore, the shaft 292 is inserted at the interface 370 into the counter-interface 374 on the cleaning head body 14 by being inserted into the fork element 366 at the insertion opening 368. This then also achieves a torque-effective coupling of the side cleaning tool 270 to the cleaning roller 32 (and thus also to the drive motor 200).

[0376] The cover 90 can be closed.

[0377] To remove the cassette 92 in the removal direction 186, the cover 90 is opened, and the cassette 92 with the side cleaning tool 270 can be released by pressing using the push-to-release mechanism and then removed. According to the invention, the wipe cleaning width is increased by the side cleaning tool 270 next to the cleaning roller 32. Wipe cleaning close to the edge outside the contours of the cleaning head body 14 is also possible.

[0378] The arrangement of the side cleaning tool 270 on the cassette 92 results in easy positioning and also cleanability of the cleaning tools 32, 270. The side cleaning tool 270 can be driven in a simple and space-saving manner by driving it via the cleaning roller 32.

[0379] The side cleaning tool 270 can be easily deactivated with regard to its surface application via the drive device 344.

[0380] An embodiment of a surface cleaning device 10 has been described above, in which the side cleaning tool 270 is held on the cassette 92 and is driven in particular in rotation about the movement axis 294.

[0381] In principle, it is also possible for the side cleaning tool to be non-driven and to be moved along by the movement of the surface cleaning device on the surface 16 to be cleaned, and thus the wiping movement on the surface 16 to be cleaned is effected solely by the movement of the surface cleaning device 10 (the cleaning head body 14).

[0382] In a corresponding embodiment of a surface cleaning device, which is shown in Figures 15 to 19 and designated 402, the basic design of the cleaning head body 14 is as described above with reference to the surface cleaning device 10. The same reference numerals are used for identical elements. A cassette 404 is provided, on which a side cleaning tool 406 is held laterally to the cleaning roller 32. The side cleaning tool 406 can be removed from the cleaning head body 14 with the cassette 404 (with the cleaning roller 32) or inserted into it.

[0383] The cassette 404 includes a bearing holder 408 on which the pivot bearing 182 is seated.

[0384] A holding plate 410 is in turn located on this bearing holder 408. The side cleaning tool 406 is fixed to the holding plate 410.

[0385] In one embodiment, a sleeve 412 is mounted on the holding plate 410 at a distance from the rotation axis 96. The sleeve 412 forms a sliding-pivoting bearing for the side cleaning tool 406. The sleeve 412 is mounted on the holding plate 410 in a rotationally fixed and displacement-resistant manner and thus on the cassette 404 in a rotationally fixed and displacement-resistant manner.

[0386] The side cleaning tool 406 is mounted on the sleeve 12 via a pin 414.

[0387] The pin 414 is penetrated through an interior of the sleeve 412.

[0388] A slide track guide is implemented. A slide track 416 is formed on the sleeve 412. A slide 418 is located on the pin 414 and is guided in the slide track 416. This guidance of the slide 418 in the slide track 416 determines the movement of the pin 414 and thus of the side cleaning tool 406.

[0389] An interface 420 is arranged on the cassette 404 in order to establish a connection to a drive device 422, which is seated on the cleaning head body 14 (see, for example, Figure 19 and Figure 21), when the cassette 404 is inserted on the cleaning head body 14 (Figures 15 to 18). In one embodiment, the drive device 422 comprises a drive motor 424. This is firmly seated on the cleaning head body 14 in the region of the opening 88. The drive motor 424 comprises a movable plunger 426. The plunger 426 is, in particular, linearly displaceable. It can act on an end face of the pin 414.

[0390] The bearing holder 408 includes an opening 428 as an interface 420. When the cassette 404 is fixed to the surface cleaning device 402 (to its cleaning head body 14), the drive motor 424 penetrates through the opening 428 so that the plunger 426 can act on the pin 414 on its front side.

[0391] The side cleaning tool 406 has a working position 430 (Figures 23, 24).

[0392] In the working position 430 of the side cleaning tool 406, it rests on the installation plane 24. The side cleaning tool 406 is pivoted relative to the holding plate 410 such that it protrudes beyond the second lateral side 82 of the cleaning head body 14. This working position 430 is achieved by the action of the plunger 426 on the pin 414. As a result, the side cleaning tool 406 is held in the working position 430 or brought into this position with the corresponding pivot position according to Figures 23 and 24 and the contact with the installation plane 28.

[0393] The plunger 426 acts by appropriate mechanical contact on the pin 414 to establish and then maintain this position.

[0394] When the plunger 426 on the drive motor 424 is retracted, the pin 414 returns to an initial position, particularly under the action of the spring force of a corresponding spring device 432. This causes a vertical displacement of the side cleaning tool 406 with a rotation, resulting in a rest position 434 (Figures 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22). In this rest position 434, the side cleaning tool 406 does not protrude beyond an outer contour of the cleaning head body 14. Furthermore, the side cleaning tool 406 is raised relative to the installation plane 28.

[0395] If, for example, the drive motor 424 is activated via the control device and the plunger 426 is extended, thereby acting on the pin 414, then, on the one hand, the pin 414 is displaced downward toward the installation plane 28, thereby displacing the side cleaning tool 406 in the direction of the installation plane 28 until contact is made with it. On the other hand, the side cleaning tool 404 is pivoted about a pivot axis 436 and brought into the working position 430.

[0396] In the illustrated embodiment, the side cleaning tool 406 has a triangular-shaped application area 438 for the surface 16 to be cleaned. In the working position 430, the application area 438 has a rear side 440. This rear side 440 faces the cleaning roller 32 and overlaps or touches it, or is at a distance (parallel to the rotation axis 96) of at most 0.5 cm.

[0397] A triangular region 442 projects beyond the second lateral side 82 of the cleaning head body 14 in the working position 430 of the side cleaning tool 460.

[0398] The pivot axis 436 is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the rotation axis 96.

[0399] In a further embodiment (Figures 25, 26), a cassette 444 is provided in which a height-adjustable side cleaning tool 448 is positioned on a holding plate 446. A sleeve 450 is seated on the holding plate 446. A pin element 452 is slidably guided on the sleeve 450. A ramp element 454 with an inclined surface is seated on the pin element 452.

[0400] The ramp element 454 is part of the cassette 444.

[0401] The ramp element 454 corresponds to a counter surface on the cleaning head body 14. When the cassette 444 is inserted into the cleaning head body 14, and a displacement movement occurs in the insertion direction 184, the ramp element 54 is supported on the cleaning head body 14 and thereby presses the pin element 42 downward toward the installation plane 28 (see Figure 26). As a result, the side cleaning tool 448 is displaced on the pin element 452 toward the installation plane 28.

[0402] A counter surface for the ramp element 454 on the cleaning head body 14 forms, in a sense, a drive device for the height displacement of the side cleaning tool 448.

[0403] The corresponding force is exerted by an operator when inserting the cassette 444 in the insertion direction 184 on the receptacle 84.

[0404] In the embodiment shown in Figures 25, 26, there is no rotation (pivoting) of the side cleaning tool 448 relative to the cassette 444.

[0405] In a further embodiment (Figures 27, 28) of a surface cleaning device 460, a cassette 462 (Figure 28) is provided, which has a holding plate 466 on a bearing holder 464. A side cleaning tool 468 is fixedly (immovably) mounted on the holding plate 466. Positional mobility of the side cleaning tool 468 is not provided.

[0406] The side cleaning tool 468 forms, in a sense, a continuation of the cleaning roller 32 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 96. In the surface cleaning device 60 according to Figures 27, 28, no interface needs to be provided for coupling the side cleaning tool 468 to the cleaning head body 14.

[0407] List of reference symbols

[0408] Surface cleaning device

[0409] cleaning head

[0410] Cleaning head body

[0411] Area (ground)

[0412] Drive

[0413] Wheels a First wheel b Second wheel

[0414] wheel axle

[0415] Support roller

[0416] Main direction of travel (forward direction)

[0417] Installation level

[0418] Brush roller

[0419] cleaning roller

[0420] Navigation device

[0421] Front end

[0422] Rear end

[0423] Longitudinal axis

[0424] Tank facility for dirty fluid

[0425] Tank facility for cleaning fluid

[0426] bottom

[0427] Top

[0428] Impact body

[0429] Cliff sensor

[0430] Rear area

[0431] Front area

[0432] Recording

[0433] Recording area

[0434] Rotation axis battery device

[0435] Contact elementa side brush b side brush

[0436] Lid

[0437] First lateral page

[0438] Second lateral side

[0439] Recording

[0440] Transverse wall

[0441] opening

[0442] Lid

[0443] cassette

[0444] Holding device

[0445] rotation axis

[0446] Cassette holder 0 Guide device 2 First part 4 Second part 6 Circumferential wall 8 Axis (axial axis) 0 First front end 2 Second front end 8 First area 0 Second area 8 Height axis 8 Connection 0 Humidification device 2 First pump 4 Flap 6 Pivot bearing device 8 Pivot axis 0 Pivot bearing 6 Wiper device Sleeve

[0447] Stock

[0448] Mouth device

[0449] scraper bar

[0450] edge flange

[0451] Pivot bearing insertion direction removal direction

[0452] Warehouse side

[0453] Bearing drive side Fixing device Drive motor Motor driver Mounting wall

[0454] Swivel bearing device

[0455] Swivel axis

[0456] wall

[0457] outside

[0458] web

[0459] lifting device

[0460] position

[0461] Cable pull device

[0462] pull rope

[0463] Fastening element

[0464] Page cleaning tool

[0465] front side

[0466] Exposure area

[0467] Working position

[0468] Holding area

[0469] bottom

[0470] Outside opening bearing holder rear wall

[0471] Housing

[0472] Wave

[0473] Movement axis holding plate

[0474] Transverse distance side wall

[0475] upper wall

[0476] recording room

[0477] End area

[0478] Cover first end second end

[0479] Gearbox belt drive

[0480] drive wheel

[0481] Output gear first axis of rotation

[0482] belt

[0483] Intermediate shaft second rotation axis first gear first angular gear element second angular gear element second gear spring device displacement direction spring device drive device cable motor

[0484] Pull rope driver

[0485] Deflection device sub-area

[0486] Guide device

[0487] Housing

[0488] Direction of displacement

[0489] rod

[0490] Sub-area

[0491] Fork element

[0492] Insertion opening

[0493] interface

[0494] Recording area

[0495] Counter interface

[0496] Strip first rest position second pump

[0497] Surface cleaning device

[0498] cassette

[0499] Page cleaning tool

[0500] warehouse keeper

[0501] retaining plate

[0502] sleeve

[0503] Pen

[0504] Slide track

[0505] backdrop

[0506] interface

[0507] drive device

[0508] drive motor

[0509] pestle

[0510] opening

[0511] Working position

[0512] Spring device

[0513] Rest position swivel axis

[0514] Rear exposure area

[0515] Triangular area

[0516] cassette

[0517] retaining plate

[0518] Page cleaning tool

[0519] sleeve

[0520] pin element

[0521] Ramp element

[0522] Surface cleaning device

[0523] cassette

[0524] warehouse keeper

[0525] retaining plate

[0526] Page cleaning tool

Claims

Patent claims 1. Surface cleaning device, comprising a cleaning head (12) with a cleaning head body (14), at least one cleaning roller (32) rotatable about a rotation axis (96), a drive motor (200) for the at least one cleaning roller (32), at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) with a holding device (94) for the at least one cleaning roller (32), wherein the at least one cleaning roller (32) is rotatably mounted on the holding device (94) and the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) is removably seated on the cleaning head body (14), and a receptacle (84) for the at least one cassette (92), which is arranged on the cleaning head body (14), characterized in that at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468).

2. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) with the cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) is removable from the cleaning head body (14).

3. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is a wiping tool.

4. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) has an application area (274) for a surface (16) to be cleaned and a holding area (278) for fixing to the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462).

5. Surface cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the application area (274) comprises a sponge material and / or a textile material.

6. Surface cleaning device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the application area (274) projects beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body (14) at least in a working position (276) of the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468).

7. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) has, at least in a working position (276), an outer side (282) which lies on the application area (274) and which is spaced from the holding area (278).

8. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least in a working position (276) of the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468), the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) projects beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body (14).

9. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is arranged on the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) in continuation of the at least one cleaning roller (32) with respect to an axis parallel to the rotation axis (96), wherein in particular the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) overlaps with the at least one cleaning roller (32), or touches it, or has a maximum distance of 1 cm in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (96).

10. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (84) is closed towards a first lateral side (80) of the cleaning head body (14) by a transverse wall (86) and is open towards a second lateral side (82) opposite the first lateral side (80) by an opening (88), wherein the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) has a first end (310) facing the transverse wall (86) and has a second end (312) facing the opening (88) which is remote from the first end (310).

11. Surface cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized by at least one of the following: the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is arranged in the region of the second end (312) on the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462); the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is positioned in the region of the opening (88) when the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) is held on the cleaning head body (14); the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is positioned below the opening (88) and / or below a cover (90) for the opening (88) and in particular between a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12) on a surface (16) to be cleaned and the opening (88); the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is attached to the cleaning head body (14) when the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444;462) is seated on the cleaning head body (14), positioned at a distance from the drive motor (200); 12. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) comprises a bearing holder (286; 406; 464) on which a pivot bearing (182) for the at least one cleaning roller (32) is arranged, and in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is held on the bearing holder (286; 406; 464).

13. Surface cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized by at least one of the following: the bearing holder (286; 406; 464), when the at least one cassette is fixed to the cleaning head body, is positioned in the region of an opening (88) of the receptacle (84); the bearing holder (286; 406; 464), when the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) is fixed to the cleaning head body (14), is positioned facing away from the drive motor (200); the bearing holder (286; 406; 464), when the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) is fixed to the cleaning head body (14), is facing a cover (90) of the receptacle (84); the bearing holder (286; 406; 464) is, when the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) is fixed to the cleaning head body (14), facing away from a transverse wall (86) with which the receptacle (84) is closed; the bearing holder (286; 406; 464) is positioned within the receptacle (84) when the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444;462) is fixed to the cleaning head body (14); 14. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that a holding plate (296; 410; 466) is seated on the bearing holder (286; 406; 464), on which the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is held.

15. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a housing (290) is arranged or formed on the bearing holder (286), which housing accommodates a holding device and / or adjusting device and / or drive device (314) for the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468).

16. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following is arranged on the cleaning head (12): a rotatable brush roller (30), which is separate from the at least one cleaning roller (32) and separate from the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) and in particular is spaced from the at least one cleaning roller (32) and spaced from the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468); at least one side brush (74a, 74b), which is separate from the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) and in particular is spaced from the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468).

17. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 462) is positionally movable with respect to the cleaning head body (14).

18. Surface cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 462) is arranged so as to be positionally movable on the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) and / or is positionally movable relative to the cleaning head body (14) via a positional mobility of the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) relative to the cleaning head body (14).

19. Surface cleaning device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is vertically movable with respect to a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12) for a surface (16) to be cleaned.

20. Surface cleaning device according to claim 19, characterized in that the height mobility of the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) comprises at least one working position (276) in which the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) acts on a surface (16) to be cleaned, and at least one rest position (378) in which the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is spaced from a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12).

21. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (448) is pivotable relative to the cleaning head body (14), wherein in particular a pivot axis is oriented transversely and preferably perpendicularly to the rotation axis (96) of the at least one cleaning roller (32).

22. Surface cleaning device according to claim 21, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (448) has at least one working position with respect to the pivotability, in which the at least one side cleaning tool (448) acts on a surface (16) to be cleaned and projects beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body (14), and at least one rest position in which the at least one side cleaning tool (448) preferably does not project beyond an outer side of the cleaning head body (14).

23. Surface cleaning device according to claim 22, characterized in that the at least one working position and the at least one rest position have a different height distance from a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12).

24. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that a drive device (344; 422) for a positional movement of the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) is arranged on the cleaning head body (14), and in that the at least one cassette (92; 404; 444; 462) has an interface (370; 420) for coupling the drive device (344; 422) to the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468).

25. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pin element (414) is displaceably mounted on the at least one cassette (404), and that the at least one side cleaning tool (406) is held on the pin element (414).

26. Surface cleaning device according to claim 25, characterized in that the pin element (414) is rotatably mounted on the at least one cassette (404).

27. Surface cleaning device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized by at least one of the following: the pin element (414) is displaceably and rotatably mounted on the at least one cassette (404); the at least one pin element (414) is rotatably and displaceably mounted on a sleeve (412) which is connected to the at least one cassette (404) in a rotationally fixed and displacement-fixed manner; the pin element (414) is assigned a link guide, via which a displacement movement of the pin element (414) can be converted into a rotational movement of the pin element (414); the pin element (414) has a link (418) which is positioned on a link track (416) in a sleeve (412).

28. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the pin element is assigned a drive device (422) with a displaceable plunger (426) for acting on the pin element.

29. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that at least one ramp element (454) is arranged on the pin element (452), wherein when force is exerted on the at least one ramp element (454), a displacement of the pin element (452) takes place.

30. Surface cleaning device according to claim 29, characterized in that the at least one ramp element (454) is designed such that when the at least one cassette is inserted into the receptacle (84), the cleaning head body (14) acts on the at least one ramp element (454) and exerts a force to move the pin element (452).

31. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive device (344; 422) is located on the cleaning head (12) and in particular on the cleaning head body (14), which drive device acts on the at least one side cleaning tool (270; 406; 448; 468) for its vertical movement.

32. Surface cleaning device according to claim 31, characterized in that the drive device (344) has a cable pull mechanism with a cable pull motor (346) and a pull cable (348).

33. Surface cleaning device according to claim 32, characterized by at least one of the following: the cable-operated motor (346) is located at a distance from the at least one side cleaning tool (270) on the cleaning head body (14); the cleaning head body (14) has a first lateral side (80) and an opposite second lateral side (82), wherein the cable-operated motor (346) is positioned on the cleaning head body (14) in the region of the first lateral side (80) and the at least one side cleaning tool (270) is positioned on the cleaning head (12) in the region of the second lateral side (82); the pull cable (348) is guided with a partial region (354) at least approximately parallel to the rotation axis (96) on the cleaning head body (14); the pull cable (348) is guided with a partial region (354) along the at least one cassette (92) for the at least one cleaning roller (32);a deflection device (352) for the traction cable (354) is arranged on the cleaning head body (14); 34. Surface cleaning device according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the traction cable (354) is connected to a driver (350) which is movably mounted on a guide device (354) and which is coupled and in particular detachably coupled to a shaft (292) for the at least one side cleaning tool (270).

35. Surface cleaning device according to claim 34, characterized by at least one of the following: the shaft (292) is rotatable about the movement axis (294) when coupled to the driver (350); the driver (350) comprises a gripper by means of which the shaft (292) can be gripped for vertical movement; the driver (350) comprises, as a gripper, a fork element (366) with an insertion opening (368) for the shaft (282) for inserting and removing the shaft (282); the driver (350) is permanently seated on the cleaning head body (14).

36. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270) is seated on a shaft (282) which is rotatable about a movement axis (294).

37. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270) is held on a shaft (282) or a pin element in a floating manner and / or via a spring device (338) and / or via a joint.

38. Surface cleaning device according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that a spring device (342) is arranged on the shaft (282) or the pin element, which is supported on a gear (336) and a housing part, wherein a spring force of the spring device (342) strives to press the shaft (282) with the at least one side cleaning tool (270) in the direction of a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12) on a surface (16) to be cleaned.

39. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270) is coupled to the at least one cleaning roller (32) via a gear device (314) and that the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller (32) drives the movement of the at least one side cleaning tool (270) about the movement axis (294).

40. Surface cleaning device according to claim 39, characterized in that the rotation axis (96) of the at least one cleaning roller (32) and the movement axis (294) of the at least one side cleaning tool (270) are oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to one another.

41. Surface cleaning device according to claim 39 or 40, characterized by at least one of the following: the transmission device (314) comprises a transmission gear (316); the transmission device (314) comprises a deflection gear and in particular an angular gear (332, 334); the transmission device (314) comprises a bridging gear (316).

42. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 39 to 41, characterized in that the transmission device (314) comprises a belt drive (316) and a drive wheel (318) of the belt drive (316) is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the at least one cleaning roller (32).

43. Surface cleaning device according to claim 42, characterized by at least one of the following: the belt drive (314) is designed as a reduction gear; the belt drive (314) comprises a driven wheel (320) which is coupled to the drive wheel (318) via a belt (324); the belt drive (314) comprises an output gear (320) which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a first angular gear element (332), wherein the first angular gear element (332) is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (322) and is coupled to a second angular gear element (334) which is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (328), wherein the second axis of rotation (328) is oriented transversely to the first axis of rotation (322) and wherein in particular the first axis of rotation (322) is parallel to the axis of rotation (96) of the at least one cleaning roller (32) and the second axis of rotation (328) is parallel or coaxial to the axis of movement (294).

44. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 39 to 43, characterized in that the gear device (314) has a first gear (330) which is coupled to a belt drive (316) and which is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (328), and a second gear (336) which is rotatable about a third axis of rotation, wherein the at least one side cleaning tool (270) is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the second gear (336), and wherein in particular the second axis of rotation (328) and the third axis of rotation are oriented parallel to one another.

45. Surface cleaning device according to claim 44, characterized by at least one of the following: the first gear (330) is positioned between a drive wheel (318) of the belt drive (316) and the second gear (336); the first gear (330) is or comprises an angular gear element (332); with respect to a forward travel direction (26) of the cleaning head (12), the first gear (332) is positioned behind the second gear (336); the second gear (336) is displaceable in a vertical direction with respect to the cleaning head body (14); the second gear (336) is supported by a spring device (342), wherein a spring force of the spring device (342) tends to press the second gear (336) in the direction of a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12);the second gear (336) has a first position, which is a working position (276) of the at least one side cleaning tool (270) and in which the second gear (336) is coupled to the first gear (330), and has at least one rest position in which the second gear (336) is decoupled from the first gear (330); 46. ​​Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 39 to 45, characterized in that the at least one side cleaning tool (270) is positioned vertically displaceably on the cleaning head body (14), wherein the at least one side cleaning tool (270) has at least one working position (276) in which it acts on a surface (16) to be cleaned, and at least one rest position (378) in which it is spaced from a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12), and that in the at least one rest position (378) of the at least one side cleaning tool (270), the at least one side cleaning tool (270) is decoupled from the gear device (314) with respect to its movement about the movement axis (294) and is not driven.

47. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cassette holder (98) is movably arranged on the cleaning head body (14), on which cassette holder the at least one cassette (92) is removably held, wherein the cassette holder (98) is mounted on the cleaning head body (14) in particular via a pivot bearing device (230) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (232).

48. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: the at least one cleaning roller (32) has a textile covering, in particular a microfiber covering; the at least one cleaning roller (32) is designed as a wet wiping roller; the at least one cleaning roller (32) is designed as a cleaning roller for a hard surface.

49. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: the at least one cleaning roller (32) is assigned a tank device (42) for dirty fluid for receiving dirty fluid; the at least one cleaning roller (32) is assigned a scraper device (166) for scraping off dirty fluid; the at least one cleaning roller (32) is assigned a tank device (44) for cleaning fluid for providing cleaning fluid.

50. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotation axis (96) of the at least one cleaning roller (32) is parallel to a mounting plane (28) of the cleaning head (12) on a surface (16) to be cleaned.

51. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a moistening device (140) for moistening at least one of the following: the at least one cleaning roller (32); the at least one side cleaning tool (270); the surface to be cleaned (16).

52. Surface cleaning device according to claim 51, characterized in that the moistening device (140) has a first pump (142) for conveying cleaning liquid to the at least one cleaning roller (32) and a second pump (379) for conveying cleaning liquid to the at least one side cleaning tool (270).

53. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a self-propelled and self-steering design and in particular by a design as a vacuum robot or as a mop robot or as a vacuum-mop robot.

54. Method for operating a surface cleaning device which comprises a cleaning head (12) with a cleaning head body (14), at least one cleaning roller (32) rotatable about a rotation axis (96), a drive motor (200) for the at least one cleaning roller (32) and a cassette (92) for the at least one cleaning roller (32), in which at least one side cleaning tool (270) is held on the cleaning head body (14) by the at least one cassette (92).

55. Method according to claim 54, characterized in that a rotation or oscillation of the at least one side cleaning tool (270) is driven by the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller (32).

Citation Information

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