Surface cleaning unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface cleaning unit for cleaning a surface, having a surface cleaning head, which, during operation of the surface cleaning unit, rests along a vertical axis on the surface to be cleaned, and a tool device having at least one tool that is mounted on the surface cleaning head in a movably drivable manner and is designed to act on the surface, and at least one drive motor that is designed to drive the movement of the movable tool, a guide part, which is designed to guide the surface cleaning head over the surface, and a bearing device, by means of which the guide part and the surface cleaning head are movably connected to one another, wherein a movement direction of the surface cleaning head can be controlled by means of a movement of the guide part relative to the surface cleaning head, the tool device having an eccentric drive, and the drive motor being coupled to the tool via the eccentric drive.

Description

[0001] SR / FS surface cleaning device

[0002] The present invention relates to a surface cleaning device.

[0003] Conventional surface cleaning machines, such as scrubber-dryers, typically have a cleaning head with a movable tool, for example, a disc or roller brush, a cleaning pad, a sponge, etc., which rotates or spins to clean a surface. When using such conventional surface cleaning machines, it is often difficult or impossible to clean corners or hard-to-reach areas of the surfaces to be cleaned. This can lead to incomplete or ineffective cleaning of the surface.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional surface cleaning devices are usually bulky, which makes cleaning difficult in hard-to-reach areas, such as around table or chair legs. This can lead to incomplete or ineffective cleaning of the surface.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a surface cleaning device that offers advantages over the prior art. In particular, it aims to provide an easy-to-use surface cleaning device with which surfaces can be reliably cleaned even in corners or hard-to-reach areas.

[0006] This problem is solved by providing a surface cleaning device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The wording of the claims is incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] The surface cleaning device according to the invention comprises a cleaning head, a guide element, and a bearing assembly. The device is designed for cleaning a surface. The surface to be cleaned can, in principle, be horizontal, vertical, or oriented in any other way. The surface cleaning device according to the invention offers particular advantages when cleaning floor surfaces, such as floors in buildings, which can be, in particular, hard floors or carpets.

[0008] The solution according to the invention is not limited to cleaning surfaces. In principle, it can also be used for treating or processing surfaces, for example, grinding, polishing, or the like. Accordingly, one can also speak of a surface treatment device and surface treatment head, as well as a surface processing device and surface processing head.

[0009] During operation of the surface cleaning device, the cleaning head rests at least indirectly on or against the surface to be cleaned along a vertical axis and comprises a tool assembly with at least one tool and at least one drive motor. The tool is movably mounted on the cleaning head and is designed to act on the surface. During operation, the at least one tool is in direct contact with the surface to be cleaned. The tool preferably acts abrasively on the surface to remove existing dirt. Preferably, the at least one tool is a scouring tool. The drive motor is preferably an electric motor. The drive motor is designed to power the movement of the at least one movable tool.In one configuration, the tooling device has several identical and / or different tools.

[0010] The guide element is designed to guide the surface cleaning head across the surface. The guide element serves to guide the surface cleaning head across the area to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the guide element is designed for manual guidance by a user and can therefore also be referred to as a hand guide element. Preferably, the guide element extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end. Preferably, the bearing device is arranged at the distal end. When the surface cleaning device is used as intended, the proximal end of the guide element is generally facing the user, while the distal end faces away from the user. The longitudinal design of the guide element allows the user to maintain an upright posture even when cleaning floor surfaces.

[0011] The guide element and the cleaning head are movably connected to each other via the bearing assembly, whereby the direction of movement of the cleaning head can be controlled by moving the guide element relative to the cleaning head. Preferably, the distal end of the guide element is connected to the cleaning head via the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly allows the position and / or orientation of the guide element relative to the cleaning head to be changed, and vice versa. This enables access to hard-to-reach, narrow, and built-over areas of the surface to be cleaned. It is also conceivable that the cleaning head can be moved relative to the guide element, for example, by means of a servo motor.In one embodiment, the surface cleaning head and the guide element are pivotally and / or rotatably connected to each other by means of the bearing arrangement. In this case, the relative movement is a pivoting and / or rotating movement. Preferably, the direction of movement is aligned along, and more preferably parallel to, a longitudinal axis of the surface cleaning head. In other words, during intended use, a leading edge of the surface cleaning head points forward along the direction of movement and / or a trailing edge of the surface cleaning head points backward along the direction of movement. The longitudinal axis of the surface cleaning head is preferably orthogonal to its working width, which extends parallel to a transverse axis of the surface cleaning head.

[0012] The tool assembly features an eccentric drive, with the drive motor coupled to the tool via the eccentric drive. The eccentric drive causes the tool to act on the surface in a cyclical, i.e., periodic, motion. Preferably, a leading edge of the tool points forward with respect to the direction of movement throughout the entire cyclical motion. Typically, movable tools of surface cleaning devices are configured to act on the surface to be cleaned in a rotary motion, resulting in a circular cleaning or processing area. Such surface cleaning devices are only partially capable of cleaning corners of floors and other surfaces, or other hard-to-reach areas, such as around table and chair legs.The eccentric drive is designed to convert the drive motion of the drive motor into a cyclic motion of the at least one movable tool. With a tool assembly configured to drive the movable tool in a cyclic motion, i.e., in a recurring and / or repeating motion or in a back-and-forth motion, the movable tool can have a non-circular shape, in particular polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, arcuate, V-shaped, or U-shaped, which makes it easier to clean corners or other hard-to-reach areas. In one embodiment, the movable tool has a multi-part structure with an overall shape composed of the aforementioned forms.In this way, the surface cleaning head and the movable tool can be shaped for maximum maneuverability and appropriate size for optimal cleaning and storage. In various configurations, the eccentric drive is designed to generate different cyclic movements of at least one tool. In one configuration, the eccentric drive is set up to drive the tool so that each point of the tool moves along a circular path, with each circular path having its own center point but all having the same radius. However, other paths of movement besides circular ones are conceivable and possible, for example, linear (back and forth or forward and backward), in particular straight, elliptical, arc-shaped, and / or other paths of movement.When, in the following, the term "circular path" is used specifically in relation to cyclic motion, this generally includes the aforementioned other motion paths as well. The eccentric drive can be designed in any suitable way and is not limited to any particular construction. The crucial point is that the eccentric drive is designed to drive the tool in a cyclical motion. The eccentric drive can therefore also be referred to as an oscillating drive or a vibration drive.

[0013] The solution according to the invention is not limited to cleaning surfaces. In principle, it is also conceivable and possible to use it in the treatment of surfaces, for example grinding, polishing or the like.

[0014] In an alternative surface cleaning device, the tool is not mounted on the cleaning head in a way that allows for movement, and the tool assembly has neither a drive motor nor an eccentric drive. The tool acts on the surface to be cleaned by moving the cleaning head across it. This surface cleaning device also offers advantages over the prior art. Because the tool does not act on the surface in a rotary, centrifugal, or other cyclical motion, it is possible to clean corners and hard-to-reach areas. The tool can have any shape, in particular polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, arcuate, V-shaped, or U-shaped. In one embodiment, the tool has a multi-part structure with an overall shape composed of the aforementioned forms.In this way, the surface cleaning head or tool can be shaped for maximum maneuverability and be the right size for optimal cleaning and storage. This also allows the surface cleaning head or tool to be very cost-effective and flat, making it easy to clean low-profile areas, such as under furniture or in restrooms.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the eccentric drive is configured to drive the tool such that each point of the movable tool moves along a circular path, each circular path having its own individual center point, but all having the same radius. Such a movement has proven particularly effective for cleaning a surface with a movable tool. In a further embodiment of the invention, the eccentric drive is configured to drive the tool such that each point of the tool moves along a straight line, the straight lines being parallel to each other and all having the same length. Such a movement has also proven particularly effective for cleaning a surface with a movable tool.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the eccentric drive has a rotational speed in the range of 2000 to 6000 rpm, preferably in the range of 3000 to 6000 rpm, and particularly preferably in the range of 4000 to 6000 rpm. It has been shown that these speed ranges for the rotational speed of the eccentric drive represent a good compromise between maximizing the cleaning performance of the moving tool and minimizing vibrations caused by the kinetic energy generated by the movement of the tool and / or the eccentric drive. The abbreviation "rpm" means "revolutions per minute".

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the eccentric drive has an eccentricity in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 7 mm, and particularly preferably in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm. It has been shown that these ranges for the eccentricity of the eccentric drive represent a good compromise between maximizing cleaning performance and / or the range of motion of the movable tool and minimizing vibrations or oscillations caused by the kinetic energy generated by the movement of the tool and / or the eccentric drive.

[0018] In some embodiments, the rotational speed and / or eccentricity can be controlled and / or adjusted by the user by means of a suitably configured control device and / or adjustment device.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable tool is configured to generate a thrust along the direction of movement upon contact with the surface to be cleaned, and the drive motor of the tool assembly is configured to drive the movable tool to generate this thrust. When the movable tool is configured to generate a thrust along the direction of movement, it facilitates the movement of the surface cleaning head across the surface to be cleaned in the direction of movement. This advantageously reduces or eliminates the forces applied manually by the user, particularly by hand, to move the surface cleaning head across the surface to be cleaned in the direction of movement. In some embodiments, the movable tool is configured to generate a thrust strong enough to propel the surface cleaning head forward in the direction of movement without user assistance.This means the propulsion is strong enough to eliminate the need to manually push or pull the surface cleaning head in the direction of movement.

[0020] In some embodiments, the movable tool is designed to generate a thrust strong enough to assist manual movement of the surface cleaning head by the user. That is, the thrust is strong enough to reduce the manual force required to push or pull the surface cleaning head in the direction of movement.

[0021] In some embodiments, the amount or strength of the generated propulsion can be controlled by the user by means of a suitably configured control device or the like.

[0022] In some embodiments, the movable tool includes one or more brushes, sponges, cloths, towels, cleaning pads or other material suitable for generating propulsion while the surface is cleaned with a cyclical motion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the movable tool has one or more processing sections, each processing section comprising one or more brushes, sponges, cloths, towels, cleaning pads, or any other material suitable for generating the propulsion while the surface is cleaned. The processing section may also be referred to as the cleaning section.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable tool is configured to generate frictional forces upon contact with the surface to be cleaned in a cyclical motion, preferably anisotropic, which effect the propulsion along the direction of movement. Anisotropic means that the tool generates frictional forces of different magnitudes, preferably of different orders of magnitude, for different directions of the cyclical motion. For example, movement in a first direction, particularly forward or in the direction of movement, causes a first frictional force, while movement in a second direction, particularly backward or opposite to the direction of movement, causes a second frictional force. The first and second frictional forces have different magnitudes. This difference in magnitude, and especially in direction, causes the propulsion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the anisotropic frictional forces are due to the anisotropic frictional properties of the moving tool.

[0026] In some embodiments, the anisotropic frictional forces result from the fact that a force acting orthogonally to the surface to be cleaned, in particular a weight force of the movable tool or the surface cleaning head, is unevenly distributed over the movable tool. This creates an uneven pressure distribution between the movable tool and the surface to be cleaned. This uneven pressure distribution generates uneven, i.e., locally varying, frictional forces. In particular, a first contact pressure at a first point of the movable tool moving in a first direction, in particular forward or in the direction of movement, and a second contact pressure at a second point of the movable tool moving in a second direction, in particular backward or opposite to the direction of movement, wherein the second contact pressure is greater than the first contact pressure, generate a propulsion in the first direction.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable tool exhibits anisotropic frictional properties, such that a movement of a point on the movable tool acting on the surface to be cleaned in the direction of movement causes a first frictional force, and a movement of this point on the tool acting on the surface to be cleaned in the opposite direction of movement causes a second frictional force, the magnitude of which is greater than the magnitude of the first frictional force, thereby generating the propulsion along the direction of movement. The fact that the movable tool has anisotropic frictional properties, i.e., different coefficients of friction for different (frictional) directions of movement, can be achieved through simple design measures, in particular by an inclined surface structure of the movable tool or similar, and represents a simple and robust solution for generating the propulsion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the movable tool has bristles arranged to act on the surface to be cleaned, the bristles being inclined against the direction of movement, thereby generating the propulsion in the direction of movement as they act on the surface to be cleaned in a cyclical motion, in particular in a back-and-forth motion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the movable tool has a structured surface designed to act on the surface to be cleaned and to cause anisotropic frictional forces while acting on the surface to be cleaned in a cyclical motion, in particular in a back-and-forth motion.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable tool has a first processing section and a second processing section, wherein the first processing section is arranged transversely to the direction of movement between a first end and a central section of the surface cleaning head and is configured to act on the surface to be cleaned in a first cyclical movement, in particular such that each point of the first processing section moves along a first circular path, wherein the first circular paths each have an individual, i.e., their own, center point, but all have the same radius.The second processing section is positioned between a second end and the central section of the surface cleaning head and is designed to act on the surface to be cleaned in a second cyclical movement, specifically such that each point of the second processing section moves along a second circular path, each of which has an individual center point but all the same radius, with the first and second cyclical movements having opposite directions of motion. The fact that the movable tool has a first processing section and a second processing section with opposite cyclical directions of motion facilitates the generation of trajectory and / or allows for the compensation of inertial forces resulting from the tool's movement. The processing sections can also be referred to as cleaning sections.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first machining section is configured to move cyclically in a clockwise direction in a top view, in particular on the first circular path, wherein the second machining section is configured to move cyclically counterclockwise in a top view, in particular on the second circular path, or vice versa.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first machining section and the second machining section are both inclined towards the central section or both inclined away from the central section, thereby causing anisotropic frictional forces that generate the feed rate along the direction of movement. This represents a simple but effective design measure for creating a non-uniform pressure distribution. This non-uniform or locally varying pressure distribution causes locally varying frictional forces. If both the first and second machining sections are inclined towards the central section, the contact pressure in the central section exceeds the contact pressure at the first and second ends. In this case, points of the first and second machining sections that are located in or near the central section and that move backward or against the direction of movement generate the feed rate in the direction of movement.If the first and second machining sections are both inclined away from the middle section, the ground pressure at the first and second ends exceeds the ground pressure in the middle section. In this case, points of the first and second machining sections that are located at or near the first and second ends and that move backward or against the direction of movement generate the feed in the direction of movement.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning head has a propulsion device configured to generate thrust along the direction of movement. The propulsion device comprises a movable propulsion element configured to act on the surface to be cleaned and a propulsion motor configured to drive the movable propulsion element to generate thrust along the direction of movement. This facilitates the movement of the surface cleaning head across the surface to be cleaned in the direction of movement. In particular, this reduces or eliminates the forces manually applied by the user to move the surface cleaning head across the surface to be cleaned in the direction of movement.

[0034] The propulsion device, designed to generate forward motion along the direction of movement, can also be incorporated into surface cleaning devices that do not have a movable tool (i.e., a stationary tool), a drive motor, and / or an eccentric drive. Even in these types of surface cleaning devices, the propulsion device offers advantages over the prior art. The propulsion device facilitates the movement of the surface cleaning head across the surface to be cleaned in the direction of movement. In particular, this reduces or eliminates the forces manually applied by the user to move the surface cleaning head in the direction of movement.The following description of designs of the propulsion device and corresponding embodiments of the surface cleaning device can refer to both the surface cleaning device with a movable tool and the surface cleaning device with a stationary tool.

[0035] In some embodiments, the movable propulsion element is designed to generate a thrust strong enough to advance the surface cleaning head in the direction of movement without user assistance. That is, the thrust is strong enough to eliminate the need to manually push or pull the surface cleaning head in the direction of movement. In some embodiments, the movable propulsion element is designed to generate a thrust strong enough to assist manual movement of the surface cleaning head by the user. That is, the thrust is strong enough to reduce the manually applied forces required to push or pull the surface cleaning head in the direction of movement.

[0036] In some embodiments, the amount or strength of the generated propulsion can be controlled by the user by means of a suitably configured control device or the like.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable tool has a recess in a top view in which the movable drive element is arranged. This reduces the dimensions of the surface cleaning head and enables a compact design, which can improve the maneuverability of the surface cleaning head. In one embodiment, it is provided that the drive motor for driving the tool(s) is also used as a drive motor for driving the drive element and / or that the drive element is coupled to the drive motor directly or indirectly, for example via a gearbox.

[0038] In some embodiments, the movable drive element is arranged completely inside the recess, so that in plan view it forms a nested arrangement with the movable tool.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable drive element is arranged behind the tool in the direction of movement, with the movable drive element and the tool overlapping each other transversely to the direction of movement. This design reduces the dimensions of the surface cleaning head in the direction of movement, which can improve the maneuverability of the surface cleaning head, particularly when cleaning hard-to-reach areas, for example, in corners or on low-lying surfaces. Overlap means that a section of a rear edge of the tool is arranged behind a front edge of the movable drive element with respect to the direction of movement. In some embodiments, the movable drive element and the tool overlap each other on one side of the drive element. In other embodiments, the movable drive element and the tool overlap each other on both sides of the drive element.

[0040] In some embodiments, an additional or alternative movable drive element is arranged in front of the tool in the direction of movement, with the movable drive element and the tool overlapping each other transversely to the direction of movement.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable propulsion element is configured to act on the surface to be cleaned in a rotational motion and with the generation of sliding friction, and the propulsion motor is configured to drive the movable propulsion element at a constant rotational speed, thereby generating the sliding friction to effect the propulsion along the direction of movement. This can facilitate the handling of the surface cleaning head. Unlike embodiments that allow the speed of the movable propulsion element, and thus the amount or strength of the propulsion, to be varied, the constant rotational speed and sliding friction can reduce the user's workload, as there is no need to control such variations.In other words, the propulsion element is designed to act on the surface to be cleaned in a rotational movement and with the occurrence of slippage.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable propulsion element is configured to act on the surface to be cleaned in a rotational motion and with the occurrence of sliding friction, and the propulsion motor is configured to drive the movable propulsion element at a variable rotational speed, thereby generating the sliding friction to effect the propulsion along the direction of movement. This means that the amount or strength of the propulsion can be changed, particularly by the user. Such a change or control of the propulsion can, in particular, facilitate the adaptation of the surface cleaning head to different surfaces to be cleaned, i.e., to different types of surfaces with different coefficients of friction. In other words, the propulsion element is configured to act on the surface to be cleaned in a rotational motion and with the occurrence of slippage.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable propulsion element is configured to act on the surface to be cleaned at variable rolling speeds and with the generation of rolling friction, and the propulsion motor is configured to drive the movable propulsion element at variable rolling speeds, thereby generating rolling friction to produce propulsion along the direction of movement. This means that the amount or strength of the propulsion can be changed, particularly by the user. Such a change or control of the propulsion can, in particular, facilitate the adaptation of the surface cleaning head to different surfaces to be cleaned, i.e., to different types of surfaces with different coefficients of friction. In other words, the propulsion element is configured to act on the surface to be cleaned without slippage.In some embodiments, the surface cleaning head has a control device configured to control the drive motor in order to change the rolling speed of the movable drive element, in particular a pedal or foot lever, a hand lever, or the like. In preferred embodiments, the control device is arranged on the guide part, in particular at the proximal end of the guide part, especially in the form of a throttle lever or a thumb control.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable propulsion element comprises one or more propulsion wheels, one or more propulsion rollers, and / or one or more propulsion cylinders. The fact that the propulsion element has one or more propulsion wheels or rollers is particularly suitable for generating propulsion through a rolling motion with rolling friction. The fact that the propulsion element has one or more propulsion cylinders is particularly suitable for acting on the cleaning surface in a rotating or centrifugal manner, in order to generate propulsion through a rotational or centrifugal motion with sliding friction.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the propulsion device includes a damping device for damping movements of the propulsion element that do not contribute to the forward motion. Such movements are caused, for example, by the movement of the surface cleaning head over an uneven surface to be cleaned, which can lead to impacts against the propulsion element and / or result in vibrations of the propulsion element. These movements can be uncomfortable for the user, cause health problems, lead to suboptimal cleaning results, impair the maneuverability of the surface cleaning head, or even cause structural damage to the surface cleaning head or the surface being cleaned. The damping device eliminates or reduces these problems associated with the movements of the propulsion element.In this embodiment, the damping device is configured to dampen movements of the drive element relative to the tool, the bearing assembly, and / or other optional components of the surface cleaning device, such as particle pickup, liquid discharge, liquid absorption, or the like, which will be described below. The damping device comprises, in particular, at least one damping element. The damping element can have any suitable shape, form, and / or be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the damping element is a damped spring element, particularly in the form of a rubber bearing, a friction damping element, and / or a viscous damping element. In some embodiments, the damping element is designed as a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, magnetic, or otherwise acting damping element.In a further embodiment, the drive unit features a pre-tensioning device for tensioning the drive element in the direction of the surface to be cleaned. This causes the drive element to exert a total force against the surface upon contact with the surface, exceeding the weight of the drive element itself. This increases friction between the drive element and the surface being cleaned. Furthermore, the pre-tensioning device ensures that the drive element quickly regains contact with the surface should it lose contact, for example, due to unevenness in the surface being cleaned, causing the drive element to lift off. In some embodiments, the contact pressure of the drive element against the surface being cleaned can also be adjusted via the pre-tensioning device.The prestressing device is controlled to adjust or regulate a propulsive force. This design is particularly advantageous for propulsive elements that act on the surface under sliding friction. The prestressing device includes at least one prestressing element. The prestressing element can have any suitable shape, form, and / or material. In some embodiments, the prestressing element is designed as a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, magnetic, or otherwise acting prestressing element.

[0046] In some embodiments, the propulsion device has a combined damping and pre-tensioning device, which is designed both to dampen the movements of the propulsion element and to pre-tension the propulsion element in the direction of the surface to be cleaned, as described above.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device includes a vibration reduction device for reducing vibrations caused by the kinetic energy of the tool's cyclical movement. It has been found that conventional surface cleaning heads or conventional surface cleaning devices with such heads can suffer from vibrations caused by the kinetic energy of the moving tool. These vibrations can be unpleasant for the user, cause health problems, lead to suboptimal cleaning results, impair the maneuverability of the surface cleaning head, or even cause structural damage to the cleaning head or the surface being cleaned. The vibration reduction device eliminates or reduces the vibration-related problems of conventional surface cleaning heads and surface cleaning devices.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vibration reduction device includes a damping element for damping the vibrations. This represents a simple and robust design measure for vibration reduction.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vibration reduction device includes a vibration damper for reducing the amplitude of the vibrations. A vibration damper for damping the amplitude of the vibrations represents a simple yet effective design measure for vibration reduction.

[0050] In some embodiments, the vibration damper comprises a mass element and / or a damped spring element, in particular a spring element and / or a parallel-acting damping element to which the mass element is attached. In particular, the vibration frequency of the vibration damper, more precisely of the mass element, is tuned to be similar to or corresponding to a resonance frequency of a component of the surface cleaning head to which the vibration damper is attached, and / or to a frequency of the cyclic movement of the movable tool.

[0051] The mass element, the spring element, and the damping element can have any suitable shape, form, and / or material. In some embodiments, the spring element comprises an elastic element made of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the spring element is a coil spring or the like. In some embodiments, the damping element is a friction damping element and / or a viscous damping element.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vibration reduction device includes a mass balancing element designed to compensate for the inertial forces caused by the cyclic movement of the movable tool and thereby reduce the vibrations. This represents a simple yet effective additional or alternative design measure for vibration reduction.

[0053] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable tool has a first processing section and a second processing section, wherein the first processing section is configured to act on the surface to be cleaned in a first cyclical movement, in particular such that each point of the first processing section moves along a first circular path, wherein the first circular paths each have an individual, i.e., their own, center point, but all have the same radius.The second processing section is configured to act on the surface to be cleaned in a second cyclical movement, in particular such that each point of the second processing section moves along a second circular path, wherein the second circular paths each have an individual center point but all have the same radius, wherein the first and second cyclical movements are directed in opposite directions, and wherein the first processing section is configured to form a mass balancing element to compensate for inertial forces caused by the cyclical movement of the second processing section, and / or vice versa.

[0054] The fact that the movable tool has a first and a second machining section with opposing cyclical directions of movement, designed to form a mass balancing element for each other, simplifies the design of the surface cleaning head. This eliminates the need for a special mass balancing element, particularly one intended for a single purpose. Instead, the machining sections serve to clean the surface and, additionally, to compensate for the inertial forces resulting from their movement; that is, the machining sections are multi-purpose components. Combining this multi-purpose design of the machining sections with embodiments in which the machining sections also serve to generate the feed rate results in an even more practical design.

[0055] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first processing section has a recess in a top view in which the second processing section is arranged, or vice versa. This reduces the dimensions of the surface cleaning head in a top view and enables a compact design, which can improve the maneuverability of the surface processing head.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second machining section is arranged completely within the recess of the first machining section, thus forming a nested arrangement with the first machining section in the top view.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device includes a liquid collection device designed to collect liquid from the surface to be cleaned. The liquid collection device is particularly suitable for collecting dirty water. The liquid collection device can, in principle, have any design suitable for the intended purpose. The terms "fluid" and "liquid" may be used interchangeably in this description.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the invention, components of the liquid intake device comprise a liquid intake, a liquid delivery device, and / or a liquid container. The liquid intake is configured to receive the liquid to be received. The liquid delivery device is configured to deliver the liquid to be received. The liquid container is configured to store the received liquid.

[0059] In one embodiment, the liquid intake is designed as a suction bar with at least one sealing lip resting on the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, the suction bar is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the surface cleaning head behind the tool assembly and / or the movable tool.

[0060] In one design, the liquid absorption extends over the entire width of the tool assembly or the movable tool.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the suction bar is curved and extends longitudinally. Preferably, the suction bar has a first sealing lip and a second sealing lip. The first and second sealing lips are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis and each rests on the surface to be cleaned. A suction channel is preferably formed between the first and second sealing lips, from which the liquid to be collected can be drawn by means of the liquid delivery device. In such an embodiment, a longitudinally forward sealing lip of the two sealing lips preferably has recesses through which the liquid to be collected can enter the suction channel during a forward movement of the surface cleaning head. The liquid delivery device is fluidly connected to the liquid intake and the liquid reservoir.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid conveying device includes a suction turbine for generating a vacuum in the liquid reservoir and / or in any suction channel of the liquid intake. The liquid reservoir of the liquid intake device can also be referred to as a wastewater reservoir. Preferably, the liquid reservoir is detachably attached to the guide element. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to the liquid conveying device.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device includes a particle collection device designed to collect particles from the surface to be cleaned. The particle collection device can be used to collect dust, loose dirt, debris, or the like from the surface to be cleaned. In principle, the particle collection device can have any design suitable for the intended purpose.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the invention, components of the particle collection device comprise a particle collector, a particle conveying device, and / or a particle container. The particle collector is designed to collect the particles from the surface to be cleaned. The particle conveying device is designed to convey the particles from the particle collector to the particle container. The particle container is designed to store the collected particles. The particles can be collected from the surface to be cleaned in various ways. For example, the particles can be vacuumed up. Alternatively or additionally, the particles can be swept up. Depending on the specific embodiment, the particle collector and / or the particle conveying device are configured to vacuum and / or sweep up the particles.

[0065] In one embodiment, the particle intake is a suction bar and the particle conveying device is a particle suction source that is connected to the suction bar via an air duct and is designed to generate a negative pressure.

[0066] In a further embodiment, the particle conveying device includes a sweeping tool, for example a rotating or cyclically moving sweeping brush or the like.

[0067] In certain configurations, the particle collection and / or particle conveying device is preferably arranged along the longitudinal axis in front of the tool assembly and / or the movable tool. In this case, the particle collection device enables pre-vacuuming and / or pre-sweeping of the surface to be cleaned. This can result in an improved cleaning outcome.

[0068] In one embodiment, the particle container is detachably attached to the guide element. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to the particle conveying device.

[0069] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device includes a liquid dispensing unit configured for dispensing liquid onto the surface to be cleaned. The liquid to be dispensed is, in particular, fresh water, which may optionally contain a cleaning agent. In other embodiments, the liquid to be dispensed is wastewater from the liquid reservoir of the liquid receiving unit or recycled wastewater. The liquid dispensing unit can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. In a further embodiment of the invention, components of the liquid dispensing unit comprise a liquid dispensing mechanism, a liquid conveying mechanism, and / or a liquid reservoir. The liquid dispensing mechanism is configured for the direct or indirect dispensing of the liquid onto the surface to be cleaned.The liquid dispensing point is, in particular, a liquid outlet. There may also be multiple liquid dispensing points. The liquid conveying device is designed to pump the liquid to be dispensed from the liquid container to the liquid dispensing point.

[0070] In one embodiment, the liquid conveying device includes a pumping device for pumping the liquid to be dispensed.

[0071] In a further embodiment, the liquid delivery device includes a control valve for controlling a gravity-driven dispensing of the liquid from the liquid reservoir. The control valve is preferably electrically actuated. The liquid dispensing point is preferably arranged along the longitudinal axis in front of the tool assembly or the moving tool.

[0072] The liquid reservoir of the liquid dispensing device can also be referred to as a wastewater reservoir. In one design, the liquid reservoir is detachably attached to the guide element. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to the liquid conveying device.

[0073] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing assembly is designed such that the guide element is movable relative to the surface cleaning head in different inclined positions. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly allows the guide element to pivot relative to the surface cleaning head in at least one pivot plane. In one embodiment, the guide element is pivotable relative to the surface cleaning head by at least 10°, preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably at least 90°, more preferably at least 120°, more preferably at least 150°, and more preferably at least 180° within said pivot plane.

[0074] In a further embodiment, the bearing arrangement allows the guide element to pivot relative to the surface cleaning head in at least two, in particular orthogonal, pivot planes. In one embodiment, the guide element is pivotable relative to the surface cleaning head by at least 10°, preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably at least 90°, more preferably at least 120°, more preferably at least 150°, and more preferably at least 180° within a first pivot plane of said two pivot planes.In one embodiment, the guide element is pivotable relative to the surface cleaning head by at least 10°, preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably at least 90°, more preferably at least 120°, more preferably at least 150°, and more preferably at least 180° within a second pivot plane of said two pivot planes. Preferably, the guide element is simultaneously pivotable at least within the first pivot plane and the second pivot plane, particularly in any combination of angles within the aforementioned angular ranges.In one embodiment, the guide element is pivotable at least in one pivot plane with respect to an imaginary or actually attainable vertical orientation of the guide element, at least in one direction, for example to the rear, to the front and / or sideways, by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by up to 90°.

[0075] In a further embodiment, the bearing arrangement allows the guide element to pivot in all directions relative to the surface cleaning head. Preferably, the guide element is pivotable around its circumference and in all directions by at least 10° with respect to an imaginary or actual vertical orientation of the guide element, more preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, and more preferably by up to 90°.

[0076] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing assembly is designed such that the surface cleaning head is rotatable about the vertical axis relative to the guide element. In one embodiment, the surface cleaning head is rotatable about the vertical axis relative to the guide element by at least 10°, preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably at least 90°, more preferably at least 120°, more preferably at least 150°, more preferably at least 180°, more preferably at least 210°, more preferably at least 240°, more preferably at least 270°, more preferably at least 300°, more preferably at least 330°, and more preferably at least 360°.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing assembly forms a gimbal connection between the guide element and the surface cleaning head. This allows the surface cleaning head to be rotated about its vertical axis and in a plane of rotation parallel to the surface being cleaned by rotating the guide element about its longitudinal axis, thus controlling the direction of movement of the surface cleaning head. The gimbal connection allows the direction of movement of the surface cleaning head to be controlled in different orientations of the longitudinal axis of the guide element relative to the vertical axis of the surface cleaning head. In other words, the gimbal connection allows the surface cleaning head to be rotated by turning the guide element while resting on the surface to be cleaned, even if the guide element is inclined.

[0078] The gimbal connection between the guide section and the cleaning head allows for particularly easy and intuitive maneuverability of the cleaning head, while simultaneously simplifying the design of the storage system. The gimbal connection can be designed in various ways.

[0079] In one embodiment, the bearing device has a cardan joint with two orthogonal joint axes, which can be formed by structural elements or be axes in the geometric sense.

[0080] In a further embodiment, the cardan joint is formed by a solid joint, a spring joint or the like.

[0081] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning head is rotatable by means of a rotation of the guide part by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by at least 90°, more preferably by at least 120°, more preferably by at least 150°, more preferably by at least 180°, more preferably by at least 210°, more preferably by at least 240°, more preferably by at least 270°, more preferably by at least 300°, more preferably by at least 330°, more preferably by at least 360°.

[0082] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mass driven by the eccentric drive, in particular that of the at least one tool, comprises a maximum of 15% of the total mass of the surface cleaning device. Preferably, the driven mass comprises a maximum of 10%, more preferably a maximum of 7%, more preferably a maximum of 5%, more preferably a maximum of 2%, and more preferably a maximum of 1% of the total mass. The mass driven by the eccentric drive is the cyclically moved mass, in particular that of the at least one tool, wherein the tool may have user-removable components, for example, replaceable or wear components such as pads or the like, and non-removable components, for example, a replaceable component carrier, pad carrier, or the like. The mass refers to a dry state of the at least one tool.The total mass refers to the surface cleaning device in an operational state, in particular without liquids, with any battery and with dry tools.

[0083] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device has a connecting device by means of which at least two of the three components – tool assembly, drive element, and liquid intake device – are movably connected relative to each other. In various embodiments, the connecting device can allow movement of the drive element relative to the tool assembly and / or relative to the liquid intake device, and / or movement of the tool assembly relative to the liquid intake device in the direction of movement, transversely to the direction of movement, and / or along the vertical axis.The connecting device can, in its various configurations, allow the drive element to move relative to the tool device and / or relative to the fluid intake device and / or allow the tool device to move relative to the fluid intake device in the form of a linear movement and / or in the form of a rotary movement.

[0084] Because the propulsion element is movable relative to the tool assembly and / or relative to the fluid collection device, and / or because the tool assembly is movable relative to the fluid collection device, the propulsion element, the tool assembly, and / or the fluid collection device can change their arrangement relative to each other and adapt to the surface contour of the area to be cleaned. This allows the propulsion element, the tool assembly, and / or the fluid collection device to remain in contact with the surface to be cleaned, even if the surface has a non-flat, uneven, or irregular contour. This ensures that the tool assembly, the propulsion element, and / or the fluid collection device fulfill their respective functions as intended, even when cleaning such surfaces.For example, when the surface cleaning head moves in the direction of travel, the drive element, the tool assembly, and / or the liquid collection device can successively climb a step or ledge on the surface to be cleaned without the drive element, the tool assembly, or the liquid collection device losing contact with the surface. Furthermore, the connecting device makes it possible to distribute the weight of the surface cleaning head, the tool assembly, the drive element, and / or the liquid collection device onto the surface cleaning head as desired, in particular to distribute it individually to the tool assembly, the drive element, and / or the liquid collection device.Preferably, all three components – tool assembly, drive element and fluid intake assembly – are movably connected to each other by means of the connecting device.

[0085] In some embodiments, this weight distribution can be adjusted or changed. In a further embodiment of the invention, at least two of the three components—tool assembly, drive element, and liquid intake device—are connected to each other relative to the vertical axis by means of the connecting device. It has been found that mobility of the drive element and the tool assembly and / or the liquid intake device relative to each other, and / or mobility of the tool assembly and the liquid intake device relative to each other with respect to the vertical axis, is particularly advantageous for the operation of the surface cleaning device. Preferably, all three components—tool assembly, drive element, and liquid intake device—are movably connected to each other relative to the vertical axis by means of the connecting device.

[0086] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least two of the three components – tool, propulsion element, and liquid intake – are movably connected to one another by means of the connecting device. The tool assembly is in contact with the surface to be cleaned via the tool. The liquid intake assembly is in contact with the surface to be cleaned via the liquid intake. The connecting device can therefore particularly effectively adapt an arrangement of the tool, the propulsion element, and / or the liquid intake relative to one another to a surface contour of the area to be cleaned.

[0087] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting arrangement comprises at least one connecting body that is coupled to the tool assembly, the drive element, and / or the fluid intake device. In some embodiments, the connecting body has a joint or an elastically deformable section. In other embodiments, the connecting arrangement comprises at least a first connecting body and a second connecting body, wherein the first connecting body is coupled to a first of the three components—tool assembly, drive element, and fluid intake device—and wherein the second connecting body is coupled to a second of the three components—tool assembly, drive element, and fluid intake device. Preferably, the first connecting body and / or the second connecting body is coupled to the tool, the drive element, and / or the fluid intake device.In some embodiments, the connecting device includes a damping device to dampen movements of the drive element that do not cause propulsion along the direction of movement. In some embodiments, the connecting device includes a pre-tensioning device to pre-tension the drive element in the direction of the surface to be cleaned. The damping device and / or the pre-tensioning device can be configured as described in connection with the drive element. In some embodiments, the connecting device includes a damping device and / or a pre-tensioning device in addition to the damping device and / or pre-tensioning device of the drive element. In some embodiments, the respective damping device and pre-tensioning device are combined in a single damping and pre-tensioning device.

[0088] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated with reference to the drawings.

[0089] Fig. 1 shows in schematic block representation an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention,

[0090] Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0091] Figs. 3 and 4 are schematically simplified side views of the surface cleaning device according to Fig. 2.

[0092] Figs. 5 to 12 are schematic views to illustrate the functioning of a storage device of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0093] Fig. 13 shows a schematic top view of a surface cleaning head of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0094] Fig. 14 shows a schematic side view of a first variant of a movable tool of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 13.

[0095] Fig. 15 shows a schematic side view of a second variant of the movable tool of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 13, and Fig. 16 shows a schematic top view of a surface cleaning head of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0096] Fig. 17 shows a schematic rear view of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 16.

[0097] Fig. 18 shows a functional diagram of a surface cleaning head of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0098] Fig. 19 shows a schematic top view of a first variant of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 18.

[0099] Fig. 20 shows a schematic side view of the variant of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 19.

[0100] Fig. 21 shows a schematic top view of a second variant of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 18.

[0101] Fig. 22 shows a schematic side view of the variant of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 21.

[0102] Fig. 23 shows a schematic top view of a third variant of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 18.

[0103] Fig. 24 shows a functional diagram of a surface cleaning head of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0104] Figs. 25 to 27 show further schematic views to illustrate additional features of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 24.

[0105] Fig. 28 shows a schematic top view of a movable tool of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0106] Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention.

[0107] Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of a surface cleaning head of the surface cleaning device according to Fig. 29. Figs. 31 to 33 show side views of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 30.

[0108] Fig. 34 shows a top view of the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 30,

[0109] Fig. 35 in side view a section through the surface cleaning head according to Fig. 30 along the section line AA,

[0110] Fig. 36 shows a perspective view of the section through the surface cleaning head along the section line AA according to Fig. 35.

[0111] Figures 1 to 36 show different embodiments of surface cleaning devices G1 to G5. The function and construction of the surface cleaning devices G1 to G5 are largely identical.

[0112] According to Fig. 1, a surface cleaning device G1 is provided for cleaning, in particular wet cleaning, a surface F. The surface F to be cleaned is, in this case, a floor surface, for example, a floor surface in a building, such as, in particular, a hard floor or carpet.

[0113] For wet cleaning of the area F, the surface cleaning device G1 can be moved along a direction of movement B over the area F.

[0114] The surface cleaning device G1 is shown schematically in simplified form in Fig. 1 and comprises a tool assembly 300, a liquid intake device 500, and a liquid dispensing device 700. The liquid intake device 500 and the liquid dispensing device 700 are each optional and therefore not present in all embodiments according to the invention.

[0115] The tool device 300 is set up to act on the surface F.

[0116] The tool assembly 300 includes an eccentric drive, which is described in more detail below (see Fig. 17).

[0117] The liquid intake device 500 is designed to absorb liquid from surface F. The liquid dispensing device 700 is designed to dispense liquid onto surface F. For wet cleaning of surface F, the surface cleaning device G1 can be moved across surface F along the direction of movement B. During this process, surface F is moistened with the dispensed liquid by the liquid dispensing device 700. To loosen dirt from surface F, the tool device 300 acts upon the surface. By moistening surface F, improved dirt removal and binding of the loosened dirt can be achieved. Subsequently, the previously applied liquid, along with the loosened dirt, is absorbed by the liquid intake device 500.

[0118] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of the surface cleaning device G2. The surface cleaning device G2 is specified as a scrubber-dryer with an upstream particle collection unit. The surface cleaning device G2 comprises a surface cleaning head 100, a guide element 200, a tool assembly 300, a liquid collection unit 500, a particle collection unit 600, a liquid dispensing unit 700, and a storage unit 1000.

[0119] The liquid intake device 500, the particle intake device 600, the liquid dispensing device 700 and the storage device 1000 are each optional.

[0120] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the tool assembly 300 is configured to act on the surface F to be cleaned, for example, for wiping, scouring, grinding, and / or polishing. In contrast to a tool, the tool assembly 300 comprises at least the tool itself and at least one further component, in particular a tool suspension and / or a fastening device, preferably within a support structure and / or a structure for attachment to other components. The tool assembly 300 has at least one movable tool 310, a drive motor 320, and a drive train 330.

[0121] The tool assembly 300, specifically the aforementioned drive train 330, comprises an eccentric drive 340 (Fig. 17). The drive motor 320 is coupled to the movable tool 310 via the eccentric drive 340, such that the tool 310 acts on the surface F to be cleaned in a cyclical movement, such that a leading edge 311 of the tool 310 points forward with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the surface cleaning head 100 throughout the entire cyclical movement. In use of the surface cleaning device G2, the at least one tool 310 rests on the surface F to be cleaned, preferably along a vertical axis Z of the surface cleaning head 100, and is driven by the drive motor 320 to move it relative to the surface cleaning head 100. The tool 310 is connected to the drive motor 320 via the drive train 330 in a force- and motion-transmitting manner.The drive train 330 serves to transmit mechanical drive energy from the drive motor 320 to the movable tool 310. It is understood that instead of the tool 310, several movable tools can also be provided, each of which is connected to the drive motor 320 via the drive train 330 or to the drive motor 320 or to its own drive motor via its own drive train.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiments, the movable tool 310 is longitudinally extended. A longitudinally extended tool 310 makes it possible to clean a large area when the surface cleaning head 100 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the movable tool 310, i.e., in the direction of movement B, and results in a smaller overall size for the surface cleaning head 100. This allows the surface cleaning head 100 to reach difficult-to-access areas and to be stored more compactly, i.e., requiring less storage space.

[0123] The liquid collection device 500 is designed to collect liquid from the surface F to be cleaned. Specifically, the liquid to be collected is wastewater generated during the cleaning of surface F. The liquid collection device 500 can have any design suitable for this purpose.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid receiving device 500 comprises a liquid receiving area 510, a liquid conveying device 520, and a liquid reservoir 530. The liquid receiving area 510 is configured to receive the liquid from the surface F. The liquid reservoir 530 is configured to store the liquid received by means of the liquid receiving area 510. The liquid reservoir 530 can also be referred to as a liquid tank and, accordingly, as a wastewater reservoir or wastewater tank. The liquid conveying device 520 is configured to convey the liquid to be received between the liquid receiving area 510 and the liquid reservoir 530. For example, the liquid conveying device 520 is arranged between or in a fluid path downstream of the liquid receiving area 510 and / or the liquid reservoir 530.

[0125] The liquid intake 510 is designed as a suction bar 511. The suction bar 511 is arranged behind the movable tool 310 with respect to the longitudinal axis X and / or the direction of movement B of the surface cleaning head 100. In this configuration, the suction bar 511 extends along a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the surface cleaning head 100 over the entire width of the tool 310. The suction bar 511 rests on the surface F along the vertical axis Z. The suction bar 511 has at least one sealing lip 512, 513 resting on the surface F to be cleaned. In the embodiment shown, a first sealing lip 512 and a second sealing lip 513 are provided, spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis X. A suction channel 514 is formed between the two sealing lips 512, 513. The liquid to be received is drawn through the suction channel 514 by means of the conveying device 520.The first sealing lip 512, located at the front with respect to the longitudinal axis X, can be provided with recesses through which the liquid to be collected can enter the suction channel 514 when the surface cleaning head 100 moves forward along the longitudinal axis X. The suction strip 511 can advantageously be curved longitudinally along the transverse axis Y, such that opposite end faces of the suction strip 511 are curved forward along the longitudinal axis X. This directs the liquid to a central area in front of the suction strip 511, as viewed along the transverse axis Y, and collects it there, thus facilitating liquid collection.

[0126] The particle collection device 600 is designed to collect particles from surface F. Specifically, the particles to be collected are dirt particles. The particle collection device can, in principle, have any design suitable for this purpose.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, the particle collection device 600 comprises a particle holder 610, a particle conveying device 620, and a particle container 630. The particle holder 610 is configured to collect the particles from the surface F. The particle container 630 is configured to store the particles collected by the particle holder 610. The particle conveying device 620 is configured to convey the particles to be collected between the particle holder 610 and the particle container 630. In one embodiment, the particle collection device 600 is configured to vacuum up the particles. In this case, the particle conveying device 620 is configured to generate a vacuum and / or a suction airflow. In a further embodiment, the particle collection device 600 is configured to sweep up the particles. In this case, the particle holder 610 and / or the particle conveying device 620 are designed as a sweeping tool.

[0128] The liquid dispensing device 700 is designed to dispense liquid onto surface F. The liquid dispensed can be, for example, fresh water, to which a cleaning solution may optionally be added. Alternatively, wastewater or recycled wastewater can also be used for dispensing onto surface F. Dispensing liquid onto surface F can particularly support the cleaning function of the tool unit 300. During the cleaning process, the liquid dispensed by the liquid dispensing device 700 becomes contaminated with dirt and can be collected from surface F by the liquid collection device 500. The liquid dispensing device 700 can have any design suitable for the intended purpose.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid dispensing device 700 comprises a liquid dispensing unit 710, a liquid conveying unit 720, and a liquid reservoir 730. The liquid dispensing unit 710 is configured for the direct or indirect dispensing of the liquid onto the surface F and can also be referred to as a liquid outlet. The liquid reservoir 730 is configured for storing the liquid to be dispensed. The liquid reservoir 730 can also be referred to as a liquid tank and, accordingly, as a fresh water reservoir or fresh water tank. The liquid conveying unit 720 serves to convey the liquid to be dispensed between the liquid reservoir 730 and the liquid dispensing unit 710.

[0130] In one embodiment, the liquid conveying device 720 includes a pump for pumping the liquid to be dispensed. In another embodiment, the liquid conveying device 720 alternatively or additionally includes a valve for the controlled opening and closing of a liquid path extending between the liquid reservoir 730 and the liquid outlet 710.

[0131] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the liquid dispensing point 710 is arranged along the longitudinal axis X in front of the tool 310. It is understood that multiple liquid dispensing points can also be present and, for example, distributed along the transverse axis Y. Indirect liquid dispensing is also conceivable, for example, by dispensing liquid onto a tool, in particular the tool 310, which then conveys the liquid further onto the surface F to be cleaned, for example, via a roller.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid reservoir 530 of the liquid receiving device 500 and the liquid reservoir 730 of the liquid dispensing device 700 are connected or bypassed by means of a fluid line shown with dashed lines. This bypass is optional. If present, the bypass causes liquid received by the liquid receiving device 510 to be returned to the liquid dispensing device 710. In this case, at least one of the liquid reservoirs 530 or 730 can be omitted. Alternatively, a single liquid reservoir can be installed in place of the liquid reservoir 530 and / or the liquid reservoir 730, which is fluidly connected to both the liquid receiving device 510 and the liquid dispensing device 710. In this case, only one of the liquid conveying devices 520 or 720 is required.

[0133] In the illustrated embodiment, the particle collection device 600, specifically the particle collection unit 610, is arranged in front of the liquid dispensing unit 710 with respect to the longitudinal axis X, and thus also in front of the tool 310 and the liquid collection unit 510. For example, the particle collection unit 610 is designed as a suction bar positioned slightly above the surface F along the vertical axis Z. In this case, the particle conveying device 620 has a suction device configured to generate a suction airflow. Advantageously, the particle collection unit 610 extends over the entire width of the movable tool 310 with respect to the transverse axis Y.

[0134] During operation of the surface cleaning device G2, the surface cleaning head 200 is preferably moved forward parallel to the longitudinal axis X over the surface F to be cleaned, i.e., to the left with respect to the plane of Fig. 2. The specific design and arrangement of the particle intake 610, the liquid dispensing unit 710, the movable tool 310, and the liquid intake 510 shown in Fig. 2 results in the following operating principle:

[0135] During forward movement along the longitudinal axis X, loose dirt on surface F is first picked up by the particle pickup 610. For example, the loose dirt is vacuumed up by a suction bar. This achieves a preliminary or coarse cleaning of surface F. Simultaneously, surface F is scrubbed by the action of the tool 310. This scrubbing is carried out with the addition of liquid dispensed via the liquid outlet 710. This supports the scrubbing action of the tool 310, and adhering dirt can be loosened and removed more effectively. Due to the movement of the tool 310 and the forward movement of the surface cleaning head 100 along the longitudinal axis X, dirt-laden liquid, which can also be referred to as dirty water, collects behind the moving tool 310.The wastewater is collected by means of the liquid intake 510 and stored in the liquid container 530 for later disposal or reprocessing.

[0136] The surface cleaning device G2 can be moved, particularly manually, by the user at the guide element 200. To assist the user's movement, a propulsion force VK can be generated along a propulsion direction VR. This propulsion VK, VR can alternatively or additionally be generated by the tool device 300. It is also conceivable that the surface cleaning device G2 or the surface cleaning head 100 could generate propulsion on its own, for example, by means of an optional propulsion mechanism of the surface cleaning device and / or the surface cleaning head.

[0137] In these embodiments, the propulsion device is configured to generate the propulsion force VK along the propulsion direction VR. The propulsion force VK assists the manual movement of the surface cleaning device G2. If the propulsion force VK is sufficiently strong, the movement of the surface cleaning device G2 can also be driven solely by the propulsion device. In this case, the user can limit themselves to simply controlling the propulsion direction VR of the movement B, for example, by directing the propulsion direction VR via the guide element 200. Such propulsion (propulsion force along the propulsion direction) can also be generated by means of the tool device 300, as will be explained in more detail below. The propulsion device can be present as an alternative to, or in addition to, a tool device configured to generate propulsion.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element 200 and the surface cleaning head 100 are mechanically connected to each other in a way that allows movement relative to one another (Figs. 3 and 4). The connection between the guide element 200 and the surface cleaning head 100 is preferably detachable. Alternatively, the connection can be permanent. The guide element 200 extends longitudinally between a proximal end 201 and a distal end 202. Due to the longitudinal design of the guide element 200, the user can guide or move the surface cleaning head 100 over the surface F while maintaining an upright posture. The bearing device 1000 is arranged at the distal end 202 of the guide element 200.

[0139] In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing assembly 1000 allows the guide element 200 to pivot in different inclined positions relative to the surface cleaning head 100. The guide element 200 can be pivoted in both a YZ plane (Fig. 3) and an XZ plane (Fig. 4). The bearing assembly 1000 can, in principle, be designed in any way suitable for the present purpose.

[0140] The bearing assembly 1000 forms a gimbal connection K between the guide part 200 and the surface cleaning head 100. This allows the surface cleaning head 100 to be rotated about a vertical axis, which coincides with the vertical axis Z of the surface cleaning head 100, by rotating the guide part 200 about its longitudinal axis L while resting on the surface F. This rotational mobility of the surface cleaning head 100 is possible in the different tilt positions of the guide part 200. The gimbal connection K allows for particularly simple and intuitive maneuvering of the surface cleaning head 100 across the surface F. In other words, the direction of movement B of the surface cleaning head 100 can be controlled particularly easily and intuitively by manually moving the guide part 200 via the gimbal connection K.If the surface cleaning device G2 is equipped with the optional drive unit and / or a corresponding configuration of the tool unit 300 to generate a drive VK, VR, the drive direction VR can be controlled via the rotational mobility of the surface cleaning head 100. In addition to this cardan joint, any other connection that transmits such a torque from the guide part 200 to the surface cleaning head 100 is conceivable and possible, for example, a solid or spring joint or the like.

[0141] The aforementioned controllability is illustrated by way of example in Figures 5 to 12. The thrust VK, VR generated by means of the optional thrust device and / or the tool device 300 is symbolized in Figures 5 to 12 by a bold arrow.

[0142] In the situation shown in Fig. 5, the thrust VK, VR acts straight upwards with respect to the plane of Figs. 5 to 12. To change the thrust direction VR, the guide element 200 is rotated clockwise about its longitudinal axis L. This causes the surface cleaning head 100 to rotate clockwise about its vertical axis Z, resting on the surface F. As the guide element 200 rotates further, the orientation of the longitudinal axis X of the surface cleaning head 100 changes, and consequently, the thrust direction VR of the surface cleaning head 100 also changes clockwise about its vertical axis Z. Fig. 6 shows a situation in which the thrust direction VK is rotated 45° to the right, i.e., clockwise, from the situation shown in Fig. 5. By further rotating the guide part 200 about the longitudinal axis L, the surface cleaning head 100 is rotated further and further, as shown in the following Fig.The orientations shown in Figures 7 to 12 are to be understood as purely exemplary. In different configurations, the surface cleaning head 100 can be rotated to varying degrees around its vertical axis Z, for example, by at least 10°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°, 210°, 240°, 270°, 300°, 330°, or by at least 360°, and in particular, without limitation. This rotational mobility of the surface cleaning head 100 is possible for different tilt positions of the guide element 200 (see Figures 3 and 4). It should be emphasized that the rotational mobility of the surface cleaning head 100 is by no means necessarily coupled or operatively connected to the movement or rotation of the guide element 200 about its longitudinal axis L. It is also conceivable, and depending on the application even preferred, designs in which the rotary movement of the surface cleaning head 100 can be brought about independently of the movement of the guide part 200, for example by an actuator.In one embodiment, the guide element 200 is pivotably movable relative to the surface cleaning head 100 by at least 10°, preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 45°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably at least 90°, more preferably at least 120°, more preferably at least 150°, and more preferably at least 180° within the pivot plane shown in Fig. 3. The same applies analogously with regard to the pivot plane shown in Fig. 4. In preferred embodiments, the guide element 200 is simultaneously pivotally movable within the pivot plane according to Fig. 3 and the pivot plane according to Fig. 4, in particular in any combination of angles within the aforementioned angular ranges.

[0143] In a preferred embodiment, the guide element 200 is pivotable at least 10° in at least one direction, for example rearward, forward, and / or laterally, with respect to an imaginary or actual vertical orientation of the guide element 200, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, and more preferably by up to 90°. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bearing arrangement 1000 allows the guide element 200 to pivot in all directions. Preferably, the guide element 200 is pivotable in all directions with respect to the imaginary or actual vertical orientation of the guide element 200 by at least 10°, more preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, and more preferably by up to 90°.

[0144] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the tool 310 is (additionally) configured to generate the thrust force VK along the thrust direction VR while the tool 310 acts on the surface F to be cleaned. The drive motor 320 is (additionally) configured to drive the tool 310 in order to generate the thrust force VK.

[0145] The tool assembly 300 comprises the aforementioned eccentric drive 340 (Fig. 17). The drive motor 320 is coupled to the movable tool 310 via the eccentric drive 340, so that the tool 310 acts on the surface F to be cleaned in a cyclical movement, such that a leading edge 311 of the tool 310 points forward with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the surface cleaning head 100 during the entire cyclical movement.

[0146] The eccentric drive 340 has a rotational speed in the range of 2000 rpm to 6000 rpm, preferably in the range of 3000 rpm to 6000 rpm, particularly preferably in the range of 4000 rpm to 6000 rpm. The eccentric drive 340 has an eccentricity in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 7 mm, particularly preferably in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0147] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the eccentric drive 340 is specifically configured to drive the movable tool 310 such that each point 313 of the tool 310 moves along a circular path 314. The circular paths 314 each have an individual center point, but all have the same radius. This contrasts with the typical rotational movement of a movable tool in known surface cleaning devices, in which each point of the tool moves along a circular path with a center point common to the circular path of every other point, i.e., all circular paths have the same center point.

[0148] With a tool assembly 300 that sets the movable tool 310 into a cyclical motion, the tool 310 can be designed in a non-circular shape, for example, arc-shaped, polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, V-shaped, or U-shaped. This makes it easier to clean corners or other hard-to-reach areas. In this way, the surface cleaning head 100 and the tool 310 can also be designed to be as maneuverable as possible and to be the right size for optimal cleaning and storage.

[0149] It is understood that the movable tool 310 may have one or more brushes, sponges, cloths, towels, cleaning pads or any other material suitable for effecting the said propulsion VK, VR while the surface F is cleaned in a cyclical motion.

[0150] If the movable tool 310 is configured to generate the thrust VK, VR along the direction of movement B or the thrust direction VR, this facilitates the movement of the surface cleaning head 100 – and thus of the surface cleaning device G2 – over the surface F in the direction of movement B. Manual forces that the user has to apply, for example by pushing or pulling on the guide part 200 to move the surface cleaning head 100 over the surface F in the direction of movement B, can be reduced or even eliminated.

[0151] In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 310 is designed to generate a thrust VK, VR that is strong enough to propel the surface cleaning head 100 – and thus the entire surface cleaning device G2 – without user assistance. This means that the thrust VK, VR is so strong that the surface cleaning head 100 and / or the surface cleaning device G2 do not need to be manually pushed or pulled in the direction of movement B.

[0152] In other embodiments, the movable tool 310 is configured to generate a thrust VK, VR that is strong enough to assist manual movement by the user. That is, the thrust VK, VR is strong enough to reduce the manual forces required to push or pull the surface cleaning head 100 and / or the surface cleaning device G2 in the direction of movement B.

[0153] In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 310 is configured to generate anisotropic frictional forces F1, F2 while acting on the surface F to be cleaned in a cyclical motion. These anisotropic frictional forces F1, F2 cause the feed VK, VR along the direction of movement B. The cyclical motion of the tool 310 is effected by the eccentric drive 340. The anisotropic frictional forces F1, F2 are caused by the anisotropic frictional properties of the tool 310. As a consequence of these anisotropic frictional properties, a cyclical motion of point 313 of the tool 310, generally denoted by M in Fig. 13, which acts on the surface F to be cleaned, generates different frictional forces depending on the direction in which point 313 acts on the surface F. In the embodiment shown, the exemplary point 313 causes a first frictional force F1 when it acts on the surface F in the direction of movement B.Point 313 causes a second frictional force F2 when it acts on surface F in the opposite direction of motion B while performing the cyclic motion M. The anisotropic frictional properties of the moving tool 310 are designed such that the second frictional force F2 exceeds the first frictional force F1 in magnitude. This difference in magnitude causes the propulsion VK, VR along the direction of motion B.

[0154] With reference to Figures 14 and 15, it is understood that the anisotropic friction properties of the tool 310 can result, for example, from inclined bristles 315 or a structured surface 316. In the embodiment according to Figure 14, the bristles 315 are inclined against the direction of movement B, thereby generating a thrust VK, VR in the direction of movement B, while the bristles 315 act on the surface F in the cyclic movement M. The same applies analogously to the structured surface 316 shown in Figure 15.

[0155] In the embodiment shown in Figures 16 and 17, the tool 310 has a first machining section 317 and a second machining section 318. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second machining sections 317, 318 are arranged side by side with respect to the direction of movement B, i.e., one behind the other along the transverse axis Y. It is understood that other arrangements of the first and second machining sections are also conceivable. For example, the machining sections can be arranged one behind the other with respect to the direction of movement B and / or in a nested arrangement (see Figure 28).

[0156] It can be advantageous to balance the forces resulting from the kinetic energy of the driven machining sections, for example by adjusting the number of machining sections, the directions of movement of the machining sections, a phase offset of the movements and / or a mass of the machining sections for this purpose.

[0157] In the illustrated embodiment, the first processing section 317 is arranged with respect to the direction of movement B, i.e., along the transverse axis Y, between a first end 101 and a central section 103 of the surface cleaning head 100 and is configured to act on the surface F in a first cyclic movement M, such that each point of the first processing section 317 moves along a first circular path. The first circular paths each have an individual center point, but all have the same radius. The second processing section 318 is arranged along the transverse axis Y between a second end 102 and the central section 103 of the surface cleaning head 100 and is configured to act on the surface F in a second cyclic movement M', such that each point of the second processing section 318 moves along a second circular path.The second circular paths each have an individual center point, but all have the same radius. The first and second cyclic movements M and M' have opposite directions of motion. With respect to the top view of Fig. 16, the first movement M is counterclockwise and the second movement M' is clockwise.

[0158] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 16 and 17, each machining section 317, 318 has its own drive motor 320, which drives the respective machining section 317, 318 via its own eccentric drive 340. In other embodiments, a single drive motor is configured to drive both machining sections, for example via a belt, a chain, or a gearbox that connects the drive motor to both eccentric drives 340.

[0159] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second machining sections 317, 318 are both inclined towards the central section 103 (see Fig. 17). This can create an uneven pressure distribution between the respective machining sections 317, 318 and the surface F. The uneven pressure distribution is illustrated in Fig. 17 by arrows pointing away from the machining sections 317, 318 towards the surface F to be cleaned. It is understood that the contact pressure in the central section 103 is higher than the contact pressure at the first end 101 and at the second end 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the machining sections 317, 318 are both inclined at an angle α. The angle α is in the range of 1° to 10°. These uneven, i.e., locally varying, pressure distributions cause locally varying frictional forces.In the illustrated embodiment, the frictional forces in or near the central section 103 are greater than those further away from the central section 103. Due to the specific direction of movement shown in Fig. 16, the frictional forces F2, F2' in the reverse direction, i.e., opposite to the direction of propulsion VR, are generally greater than the frictional forces F1, FT in the forward direction, i.e., in the direction of propulsion VR, thereby generating the propulsion VK, VR along the direction of movement B.

[0160] Fig. 18 shows a functional diagram of another embodiment of a surface cleaning device G3 with a surface cleaning head 100.

[0161] The surface cleaning head 100 has a thrust device 400 which is designed to generate a thrust VK, VR (see Fig. 19 to 23) along the direction of movement B.

[0162] It is understood that the thrust device 400 of the illustrated embodiment can be provided additionally or alternatively to the movable tool 310 that effects the thrust of the embodiment according to Figs. 2 to 17.

[0163] The thrusting device 400 has a movable thrusting element 410. The thrusting element 410 is configured to act on the surface F, i.e., to engage with it. The thrusting device 400 also has a thrusting motor 420, which is configured to drive the movable thrusting element 410 in order to generate the thrust VK, VR along the direction of movement B. The thrust direction VR is preferably oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0164] This facilitates the movement of the surface cleaning head 100 and / or the surface cleaning device G3 across the surface F to be cleaned in the direction of movement B. The propulsion force VK is dimensioned differently depending on the configuration of the propulsion device 400. In the embodiment shown, the propulsion device 400 is configured to generate a propulsion force VK, VR that is strong enough to move the surface cleaning head 100 – and thus the surface cleaning device G3 – in the direction of movement B without assistance from the user. This means that the propulsion force VK, VR generated by the propulsion device 400 is strong enough to eliminate the need to manually push or pull the surface cleaning head 100 and / or the surface cleaning device G3 in the direction of movement B.

[0165] In other embodiments, the thrust generated by the thrusting device 400 is strong enough to assist the user in moving the surface cleaning head 100 or the surface cleaning device G3. The movable thrusting element 410 can have any suitable shape, form, and / or material to generate the thrust VK, VR while the thrusting element 410 acts on the surface F.

[0166] In the embodiment according to Figures 19 and 20, the drive element 410 is configured to engage the surface F to be cleaned in a rotary motion R1 (see Figure 20) and with the occurrence of sliding friction FS. The drive motor 420 (see Figure 18) is configured to drive the movable drive element 410 at a constant rotational speed. This generates the sliding friction FS to produce the drive VK, VR along the direction of movement B.

[0167] In the embodiment according to Figures 19 and 20, the drive element 410 has one or more drive rollers 411. The at least one drive roller 411 is arranged on the rear side of the movable tool 310 with respect to the direction of movement B. The drive roller 411 is rotatable about an axis of rotation a (see Figure 20) that is orthogonal to the direction of movement B or horizontal.

[0168] Since the drive motor 420 in the embodiment according to Figures 19 and 20 is configured to drive the drive rollers 411 at a constant speed or rotational velocity, there is no need for the user to change the speed and thus the drive force VK. This can facilitate the handling of the surface cleaning device G3.

[0169] Figures 21 and 22 show a variant of the surface cleaning head 100 in which the drive element 410 has at least one drive wheel 412, for example two drive wheels 412, as shown in Figure 21. The drive wheel 412 is rotated about an axis a (see Figure 21).

[0170] 22) rotatable, which runs orthogonally to the direction of movement B or horizontally.

[0171] In the illustrated embodiment, the propulsion element 410, i.e., the two propulsion wheels 412, is configured to act on the surface F at variable rolling speeds R2 and with the occurrence of rolling friction FR. The propulsion motor 420 (see Fig. 18) is configured to drive the movable propulsion element 410, i.e., the propulsion wheels 412, at variable rolling speeds. This generates the rolling friction FR to produce the propulsion VK, VR along the direction of movement B.

[0172] In the illustrated embodiment, the two drive wheels 412 are arranged behind the tool 310 with respect to the direction of movement B and at opposite ends of the surface cleaning head 100 or the movable tool 310, i.e. at the first end 101 and at the second end 102 (see Figs. 16 and 17).

[0173] If the propulsion element 410 is configured to act on the surface F at variable rolling or rotational speeds R2 and with rolling friction FR occurring, and the propulsion motor 420 is configured to drive the propulsion element 410 at variable rolling speeds R2, this means that the strength or magnitude of the propulsion VK, VR can be varied, for example, by the user. Such a change or control of the propulsion VK, VR can facilitate the adaptation of the surface cleaning device G3 to different surfaces to be cleaned, i.e., to different types of surfaces with different coefficients of friction.

[0174] In the embodiment according to Fig. 23, the movable tool 310 has at least one recess 319 in a top view. The drive element 410 is arranged within the recess 319. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 310 has two recesses 319, each recess 319 receiving one of the two drive wheels 412. In a top view, the drive wheels 412 are arranged completely within their respective recesses 319.

[0175] Since the movable drive element 310 is located in the recess 319 of the tool 310, the dimensions of the surface cleaning head 100 are reduced in plan view, enabling a compact design. This can improve the maneuverability of the surface cleaning head 100 and / or the surface cleaning device G3.

[0176] The surface cleaning device G3 is preferably designed with respect to the cyclic movement of the tool 310, the liquid intake device 500, the particle intake device 600, the liquid dispensing device 700 and / or the storage device 1000 according to the surface cleaning device G1 according to Fig. 1 and / or the surface cleaning device G2 according to Figs. 2 to 17. Fig. 24 shows a functional diagram of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device G4 with a surface cleaning head 100.

[0177] The surface cleaning device G4 and / or the surface cleaning head 100 feature a vibration reduction device 800 for reducing vibrations caused by the kinetic energy of the cyclic movement of the tool 310. These vibrations can be unpleasant for the user, cause health problems, lead to suboptimal cleaning results, impair the maneuverability of the surface cleaning head 100 and / or the surface cleaning device G4, or even cause structural damage to the surface cleaning device G4 or the surface F being cleaned. The vibration reduction device 800 is designed to reduce the vibrations and thus eliminate or at least mitigate the aforementioned vibration-related problems.

[0178] It is understood that the vibration reduction device 800 can be arranged at any suitable location on the surface cleaning device G4, for example on the surface cleaning head 100, on a guide part, on a tool assembly of the surface cleaning device G4, in particular on a movable tool 310, on a drive motor, on an eccentric drive of the tool assembly, on a bearing assembly of the surface cleaning device G4 and / or on any other component, part or section of the surface cleaning device G4.

[0179] It is understood that the vibration reduction device 800 may have any construction, shape and / or material suitable for reducing the vibrations caused by the cyclic movement of the tool 310.

[0180] In the embodiment according to Fig. 25, the vibration reduction device 800 has a vibration damper 801 which is configured to reduce the amplitude of the vibrations.

[0181] In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration damper 801 comprises a movable mass element 802, a spring element 803, and a damping element 804, wherein the mass element 802 is attached to the spring element 803 and the damping element 804. In the illustrated embodiment, the vibration frequency of the vibration damper 801 is tuned to be similar to or corresponding to a resonance frequency of a component of the surface cleaning device G4, on which the vibration damper 801 is arranged, and / or to a frequency of the cyclic movement of the tool 310. The vibration damper 801 is a simple yet effective design measure for reducing vibrations, in particular vibrations caused by the eccentric drive.

[0182] In the embodiment according to Fig. 26, the vibration reduction device 800 has a movable mass balancing element 805 which is designed to compensate for inertial forces C caused by the cyclic movement M of the tool 310 and thereby reduce the vibrations.

[0183] This is an additional or alternative constructive measure to reduce vibrations.

[0184] In the illustrated embodiment, the mass balancing element 805 has a general shape and form and is moved by a movement M". The movement M" of the mass balancing element 805 causes inertial forces C", which counteract the inertial forces C of the movable tool 310, which are caused by its cyclic movement M.

[0185] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 27, the movable tool 310 has a first machining section 317 and a second machining section 318, similar to the embodiment already described above in connection with the embodiment shown in Figs. 16 and 17. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 27 as well, both machining sections 317, 318 move cyclically with opposite directions of movement M, M'. The first machining section 317 forms a mass balancing element for the inertial forces C of the cyclic movement M' of the second machining section 318, and vice versa. Consequently, the second machining section 318 forms a mass balancing element to compensate for the inertial forces C of the cyclic movement M of the first machining section 317.

[0186] The fact that the machining sections 317 and 318 are designed to mutually balance the inertial forces C and C of their respective cyclic movements simplifies the design of the surface cleaning head 100. A special mass balancing element, i.e., one designed for a single purpose, is then not required. Instead, the machining sections 317 and 318 serve as mass balancing elements while simultaneously cleaning the surface F and, optionally, generating the advance VK and VR.

[0187] In the embodiment according to Fig. 27, the first and second machining sections 317, 318 are arranged side by side with respect to the direction of movement B. It is understood that other arrangements are also conceivable, for example, an arrangement of the machining sections one behind the other or nested within each other along the direction of movement B, as shown by way of example in Fig. 28.

[0188] In the embodiment according to Fig. 28, the first machining section 317 has a recess 319 in the top view, in which the second machining section 318 is arranged.

[0189] The arrangement of the second processing section 318 in a recess 319 of the first processing section 317, or vice versa, reduces the dimensions of the surface cleaning head 100 in plan view and enables a more compact design. It is understood that the nested arrangement of the processing sections 317, 318 can be combined with the thrust function and / or mass balancing function described above.

[0190] The surface cleaning device G4 is preferably designed with respect to the tool device 300, the drive device 400, the liquid intake device 500, the particle intake device 600, the liquid dispensing device 700 and / or the storage device 1000 in accordance with the surface cleaning device G1 according to Fig. 1, the surface cleaning device G2 according to Figs. 2 to 17 and / or the surface cleaning device G3 according to Figs. 18 to 23.

[0191] Figure 29 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the surface cleaning device G5. The surface cleaning device G5 is specified in the form of a scrubber-dryer. The surface cleaning device G5 has a surface cleaning head 100, a guide part 200, a liquid collection device 500, a connecting device 900, and a storage device 1000.

[0192] The surface cleaning head 100 has a tool assembly 300. The tool assembly 300 is designed to act on the surface F to be cleaned, for example for wiping, scrubbing, grinding and / or polishing. The tool assembly 300 comprises at least one movable tool 310, a drive motor 320, an eccentric drive 340 and a chassis 350.

[0193] The tool assembly 300 is configured to drive the movable tool 310 via the eccentric drive 340 by means of the drive motor 320, such that the tool 310 acts on the surface F to be cleaned in a cyclical movement, such that a leading edge 311 of the tool 310 points forward with respect to a longitudinal axis X of the surface cleaning head 100 throughout the entire cyclical movement. In this respect, the tool assembly 300 is designed as already described in connection with the surface cleaning device G2.

[0194] The tool 310 is movably mounted on the chassis 350. The tool 310 comprises at least one tool element 353 and at least one tool carrier 354. The tool carrier 354 supports the tool element 353. The tool element 353 is preferably detachably attached to the tool carrier 354 so that it can be replaced, for example, to attach a tool element 353 of a different type or size to the tool carrier 354 or to replace a worn tool element 353 with a new one. The tool element 353 is preferably designed as a cleaning pad, cleaning cushion, brush, sponge, cloth, towel, microfiber cloth, non-woven fabric, or the like. The tool element 353 is, in particular, clipped, screwed, magnetically attached, or fastened to the tool carrier 354 by means of a hook-and-loop fastener.In the embodiment shown, the tool carrier 354 is designed as a plate. In some embodiments, several tool elements 353 are held on one tool carrier 354. In other embodiments, several tool elements 353 are held on several tool carriers 354; for example, one tool element 353 is held on each tool carrier 354.

[0195] The tool carrier 354 is movably mounted on the chassis 350. The tool carrier 354 is connected to the chassis 350 via at least one movable coupling element. In the embodiment shown in Figures 29 to 36, the coupling element comprises an elastomer body. The elastomer body is designed to deform elastically to allow movement of the tool carrier 354 relative to the chassis 350. The elastomer body is rigidly connected to the chassis 350, in particular by screws. Figures 29, 30, and 34 show screw receptacles in the chassis 350, which can accommodate screws that are screwed into several of the elastomer bodies.

[0196] In some embodiments, the coupling element has a joint connection via which the tool carrier 354 is connected to the chassis 350. The mobility of the joint connection is adapted to the cyclic movement of the tool 310.

[0197] When the drive motor 320 drives the tool 310 in a cyclical motion, the tool 310 moves relative to the chassis 350. In embodiments where the tool 310 has several machining sections 317, 318, the drive motor 320 can be configured via the eccentric drive 340 to drive the several machining sections 317, 318 in the same motion or in different motions. A machining section 317, 318 can be formed, in particular, by a tool carrier 354 and at least one tool element 353 attached thereto. For example, the drive motor 320 drives a first machining section 317 in a cyclical back-and-forth motion from left to right with respect to the direction of motion B, and the drive motor 320 drives a second machining section 318 in a cyclical back-and-forth motion from right to left with respect to the direction of motion B.

[0198] The movable tool 310 has a shape extending longitudinally, essentially transversely to a direction of movement B of the surface cleaning head 100, with rounded corners. In a central section, the leading edge 311 and a trailing edge 312 opposite the leading edge 311 are straight. In lateral end sections adjacent to the central section, the leading edge 311 and the trailing edge 312 are curved and meet at their lateral ends, forming pointed tool ends 321. If, in embodiments, the tool assembly 300 has several machining sections 317, 318, the several machining sections 317, 318 share an outer contour as described for the movable tool 310. The longitudinal shape of the tool 310 makes it possible to clean a large area when the surface cleaning head 100 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extent of the tool 310, i.e.,in the direction of movement B, resulting in a smaller overall size of the surface cleaning head 100. The lateral pointed tool ends 321 make it possible to effectively clean the surface F even in corners or other narrow or tight areas.

[0199] The chassis 350 has a shape adapted to the tool 310 with a corresponding outer contour, as can be seen in Figs. 29, 30 and 34.

[0200] The drive motor 320 is arranged on the upper surface of the chassis 350 opposite the tool 310. The drive motor 320 is coupled to the movable tool 310 via the eccentric drive 340. In the embodiment shown in Figures 29 to 34, the drive motor 320 is connected to the tool carrier 354 via the eccentric drive 340 and is configured to drive the tool element 353 in a cyclical movement over the tool carrier 354.

[0201] In other embodiments, the chassis 350 has openings that communicate with the movable tool 310. Fluid connections of an optional fluid dispensing device 700 can be connected to the tool 310 via these openings to dispense fluid onto the surface F to be cleaned. The surface cleaning head 100 has a propulsion device 400 configured to generate a thrust VK, VR along the direction of movement B. The propulsion device 400 has at least one propulsion element 410 and one propulsion motor 420.

[0202] It is understood that the thrust device 400 of the illustrated embodiment is provided additionally or alternatively to a movable tool 310 which effects a thrust, as described in connection with the embodiment according to Figs. 2 to 17.

[0203] The propulsion element 410 is configured to act on the surface F, i.e., to engage with it. The propulsion motor 420 is configured to drive the movable propulsion element 410 in order to generate the propulsion VK, VR along the direction of movement B. The propulsion direction VR is preferably oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0204] The drive element 410 has one or more drive rollers 411 in various embodiments. The drive roller 411 is designed to act on the surface F to be cleaned in a rotary motion R1 and with the occurrence of sliding friction FS, in particular with constant or variable rotational speeds.

[0205] The propulsion element 410 has one or more propulsion wheels 412 in various configurations. The propulsion wheel 412 is designed to act on the surface F with variable rolling speeds R2 and under the influence of rolling friction FR.

[0206] The propulsion device 400 with the propulsion element 410 in the form of the propulsion roller 411 and / or in the form of the propulsion wheel 412 can be configured in particular as described in connection with the embodiment of Figures 18 to 23. In addition, further configurations of the propulsion element 410 are conceivable, for example as a track of a tracked chassis, as a ball of a spherical drive, or as a foot of a walking or running drive.

[0207] In the embodiment according to Figures 29 to 36, the drive element 410 has a drive roller 411. The drive motor 420 is designed as a wheel hub motor and integrated into the drive roller 411, as can be seen in Figures 35 and 36. In other embodiments, the drive motor 420 is arranged outside the drive roller 411 and is configured to drive the drive roller 411 via a drive train.

[0208] The drive roller 411 is arranged on the rear side of the movable tool 310 with respect to the direction of movement B. The drive roller 411 is rotatable about an axis of rotation a, which is orthogonal to the direction of movement B and / or horizontal. The drive roller 411 is received and rotatably mounted in a drive housing 413. The drive housing 413 surrounds the drive roller 411 on five sides, namely forwards and backwards with respect to the direction of movement B, laterally, and upwards with respect to the vertical axis Z. In other embodiments, the drive housing 413 surrounds the drive element 411 on no side or only on one, two, three, or four sides and / or partially on a side facing the surface F to be cleaned.

[0209] The movable tool 310 and the chassis 350 each have a recess 352 on their rear side with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The drive roller 411 and the drive housing 413 are partially arranged in the recess 352, such that the movable tool 310 and the chassis 350, on the one hand, and the drive roller 411 and the drive housing 413, on the other hand, overlap each other transversely to the direction of movement B or transversely to the drive direction VR. This arrangement of the movable tool 310, the chassis 350, the drive roller 411, and the drive housing 413 reduces the dimensions of the surface cleaning head 100 and enables a compact design, which can improve the maneuverability of the surface cleaning head 100.

[0210] It is understood that the movable tool 310 and the drive roller 411 can also be arranged overlapping with respect to the direction of movement B, without a chassis 350 or a drive housing 413 being provided.

[0211] In some embodiments, the propulsion VK, VR generated by the propulsion device 400, in particular a propulsion force VK, is adjustable or controllable. The propulsion force VK can be controlled in steps or continuously, or in various control modes. Control of the propulsion force VK is conceivable via control of a rotational speed of the propulsion motor 420, via a coupling arranged between the propulsion motor 420 and the propulsion element 410, or via a contact pressure with which the propulsion element 410 is pressed against the surface F. In embodiments, the propulsion force VK is controllable via a control element. For example, a control element, in particular in the form of a throttle lever, regulator, push button, or the like, can be provided on the guide part 200. This enables a user to control or adjust the propulsion force VK during operation of the surface cleaning device G5.

[0212] The thrust element 410, in particular in the form of the thrust roller 411, is, in some configurations, additionally designed to act on the surface F in order to clean the surface F, in addition to generating the thrust VK, VF. For this purpose, the thrust element 410 can have a cleaning pad, a cleaning cushion, a brush, a sponge, a cloth, a towel, a microfiber cloth, a fleece or the like.

[0213] The connecting device 900 connects the thrust element 410 and at least one further component of the surface cleaning head 100 or the surface cleaning device G5 to enable movement of the thrust element 410 relative to the further components of the surface cleaning head 100.

[0214] The connecting device 900 comprises a first connecting element 910 and a second connecting element 920. The first connecting element 910 is connected to the other component of the surface cleaning head 100. The second connecting element 920 is movably mounted on the first connecting element 910 and connected to the thrust element 410. Specifically, the thrust roller 411 is coupled to the second connecting element 920 via the thrust housing 413.

[0215] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 29 to 36, the first connecting element 910 and the second connecting element 920 are connected to each other via two hinge joints 911, which allow the connecting elements 910, 920 to rotate relative to each other about an axis of rotation b extending transversely to the direction of movement B and / or about a horizontally extended axis of rotation b.

[0216] The connecting device 900 allows the thrust element 410 and the other component of the surface cleaning head 100, which is connected to the first connecting element 910, to move relative to each other with respect to the vertical axis Z, thus enabling them to adapt to a surface contour of the surface F. This prevents the thrust element 410 or the other component from lifting off the surface F because the other component or the thrust element 410 follows a raised or recessed area of ​​the surface F. This ensures that the thrust element 410 and the other component remain in constant contact with the surface F. Furthermore, the connecting device 900 allows the contact pressure with which the thrust element 410 and / or the other component is pressed against the surface F to be adjusted or changed, if necessary, independently of the other component.

[0217] It is understood that the connecting device 900 may be designed differently than shown in Figures 29 to 36. For example, the axis of rotation b may be oriented parallel to the direction of movement B or horizontally and obliquely to the direction of movement B. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the connecting elements 910 and 920 may be mounted to each other in a linearly movable manner, allowing linear movement of the connecting elements 910 and 920 relative to each other along the vertical axis Z. For this purpose, the connecting device 900 may, for example, have a sliding joint or the like. It is also conceivable that the connecting device 900 may alternatively or additionally allow movement of the drive element 410 and the other component transversely to the vertical axis Z, i.e., in the direction of movement B or perpendicular to the direction of movement B. In other embodiments, the connecting device 900 has connections other than the aforementioned joint connections.The connecting device 900 can in particular have a ball joint or a movable or elastically flexible element, for example an elastomer body.

[0218] As shown in Figures 29 to 36, the connecting device 900 includes a damping and / or preloading device 930. The damping and / or preloading device 930 dampens movement of the first connecting element 910 relative to the second connecting element 920 or relative to the drive element 410. This dampens shocks acting on the drive element 410 or the other component of the surface cleaning head 100. Furthermore, the damping and / or preloading device 930 reduces vibrations that the drive element 410 or the other component is excited to oscillate by movement over the surface F, by the drive motor 320, and / or by the drive motor 420.

[0219] Secondly, the damping and / or pre-tensioning device 930 pre-tensions the second connecting element 920 or the drive element 410. Specifically, the damping and / or pre-tensioning device 930 pre-tensions the drive element 410 in the direction of the surface F to be cleaned. This has the advantage that the drive element 410 can bear against the surface F with a specific, definable force and that the drive element 410 can be quickly brought back into contact with the surface F if it becomes detached from the surface F. The damping and / or pre-tensioning device 930 comprises at least one damping element and / or at least one pre-tensioning element in its various embodiments.

[0220] In some embodiments, the damping and / or pre-tensioning device 930 couples the drive element 410 directly to another component of the surface cleaning device G5 or the surface cleaning head 100 instead of via the second connecting element 920. The damping and / or pre-tensioning device 930 can thus provide the same advantages as described above. Therefore, the damping and / or pre-tensioning device 930 can also be considered part of the drive unit 400.

[0221] As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the damping and / or preloading device 930 has at least one compression spring 932 as a preloading element; specifically, two compression springs 932 are present on the surface cleaning head 100. Each of the compression springs 932 is supported on one side by the first connecting element 910 and on the other side by the second connecting element 920 or by the drive housing 413. The first connecting element 910 has a through-opening for each compression spring 932, through which the compression spring 932 extends longitudinally. On a side facing away from the second connecting element 920, the through-opening is closed with a dome 931, which receives and supports the compression spring 932. The size of the dome 931 determines the spring travel of the compression spring 932, and the spring travel determines the preload force and / or a damping factor. In addition, the dome 931 allows easy access to the compression spring 932.In some embodiments, the dome 931 has an adjusting device designed to set the spring travel of the compression spring 932. The adjusting device can be, for example, an adjusting screw or a detent mechanism. In some embodiments, the damping and / or preloading device 930 has a spring that is arranged in the area of ​​the hinge joints 911 and acts on the two connecting elements 910 and 920.

[0222] In addition to or as an alternative to the compression spring 932, the damping and / or preloading device 930, which is provided in the surface cleaning head 100 shown in Figures 29 to 36, can have at least one damping element. The damping element can be arranged with the respective compression spring 932 in the dome 931 or outside the domes 931. The damping element can support the inherent—albeit slight—damping of the compression spring.

[0223] The liquid intake device 500 according to Fig. 29 is designed to receive liquid from the surface F to be cleaned. The liquid intake device 500 comprises a liquid intake 510, a liquid delivery device 520, and a liquid reservoir 530. In Figs. 30 to 36, only the liquid intake 510 is shown. The liquid intake 510 is designed to receive the liquid from the surface F.

[0224] The liquid intake 510 is designed as a suction bar 511. The suction bar 511 is arranged behind the movable tool 310 and the drive element 410 with respect to the longitudinal axis X and / or the direction of movement B of the surface cleaning head 100. In this case, the suction bar 511 extends along a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the surface cleaning head 100 over the entire width of the tool 310. The suction bar 511 rests on the surface F along the vertical axis Z.

[0225] The suction bar 511 is curved in the direction of the tool 310 and the drive element 410. This allows the suction bar 511 to have a shape that is approximately adapted to the outer contour of the tool 310 and the drive element 410 located at the rear with respect to the longitudinal axis X and / or the direction of movement B, i.e., it conforms to the drive element 410 and the lateral end sections of the tool 310. This shape and arrangement of the suction bar 511 reduces the size of the surface cleaning head 100 and improves maneuverability.

[0226] In other embodiments, the propulsion element 410 can be arranged behind the suction bar 511. This has the advantage that fluid is absorbed from the surface F via the suction bar 511 before the propulsion element 410 comes into contact with the surface F. This means that the propulsion element 410 can act on a dry or largely dry surface F to generate the thrust VK, VR.

[0227] The suction bar 511 has a fluid connection 515, via which the suction bar 511 can be connected to the fluid delivery device 520 and / or the fluid reservoir 530. The fluid connection 515 is located approximately in the center on one of the upper surfaces of the suction bar 511.

[0228] The drive unit 400 has a support device 440, which is configured to support the surface processing head 100 and / or the liquid intake 510 on the surface F. The support device 440 has three support elements 441, which in the illustrated embodiment are designed as support wheels 442 rotatably mounted about a pivot axis c oriented transversely to the direction of movement B and / or horizontally. In other embodiments, the support element 441 can be designed like the drive element 411 or as a sliding support element 441, for example as a skid.

[0229] In the illustrated embodiment, three support wheels 442 are arranged symmetrically distributed on the suction bar 511 with respect to the longitudinal axis X and / or the direction of movement B. The axes of rotation c of the two lateral, outer support wheels 442 are coaxial and, with respect to the direction of movement B, are oriented parallel to and offset forward of the axis of rotation c of the centrally arranged support wheel 442. This triangular arrangement of the support wheels 442 provides effective support for the suction bar 511 and / or the surface cleaning head 100 in the direction of movement B and orthogonally thereto.

[0230] The axes of rotation c of the lateral, outer support wheels 442 are fixed relative to the suction bar 511. The axis of rotation c of the centrally arranged support wheel 442 is rotatably mounted on the suction bar 511 about a vertical axis of rotation d. This allows the central support wheel 442 to rotate with the surface cleaning head 100 about its vertical axis Z. It is understood that the drive unit 400 can have fewer than three or more than three support elements 441. The support elements 441 are preferably arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis X and / or to the direction of movement B. In certain embodiments, at least one support element 441 is arranged on the movable tool 310, on the chassis 350, on the drive housing 413, or on the connecting device 900.

[0231] In the embodiment shown in Figures 29 to 36, the support wheels 442 are not driven and rotate passively with the movement of the surface cleaning head 100. In other embodiments, the drive unit 400 has at least one driven support element 441.

[0232] The first connecting element 910 connects the tool assembly 300 and the liquid intake device 500 to each other, enabling movement of the tool assembly 300 relative to the liquid intake device 500. In the embodiment shown in Figures 29 to 36, the first connecting element 910 connects the tool 310 to the suction bar 511 via the chassis 350. The connecting element 910 allows movement of the tool 310 and the liquid intake device 510 relative to each other about the vertical axis Z, as will be described in more detail below.

[0233] The first connecting element 910 is connected to the chassis 350 at two front connection points and to a respective support extension 516 of the suction strip 511 at two rear connection points. The connecting device 900 has a connecting body 940 in the form of a ball joint at each of the connection points. As can be seen in Figures 35 and 36, the ball joints are designed as ball joints, each formed by a ball joint head 941 and a socket joint 943 in which the ball joint head 941 is movably held. The ball joint heads 941 are attached to the first connecting element 910 via ball joint necks 942. The socket joints 943 are recessed into the chassis 350 or a plate attached to the chassis 350. The joint head 941 and the respective joint neck 942 are rotatable relative to the joint socket 943 about an axis of rotation oriented transversely to the direction of movement B - into the plane of the drawing of Fig. 35.The rotational mobility of the rod head 941 and the rod neck 942 is limited by areas of the chassis 350 and the supporting process 516 adjacent to the acetabular cup 943.

[0234] The front connecting bodies 940, coupled to the chassis 350, allow the chassis 350 to rotate around the axis of rotation of the connecting bodies. This allows the tool 310 to lie flat on the surface F to be cleaned in the direction of the vertical axis Z, even if the surface F has inclines or declines. The same applies to the suction bar 511 and the rear connecting bodies 940. Together, the front and rear connecting bodies 940 allow the tool 310 and the suction bar 511 to be displaced relative to each other along the vertical axis Z without either the tool 310 or the suction bar 511 needing to change their orientation. In other words, the tool 310 and the suction bar 511 can be arranged in a stepped configuration. This facilitates the cleaning of surfaces F with steps, ledges, or the like.

[0235] The fact that the joint sockets 943 are recessed into the chassis 350 and the support extensions 516 means that the point of application of the first connecting element 910 is located low on both the chassis 350 and the suction bar 511. The point of application is the point at which forces can be transmitted from the first connecting element 910 to the chassis 350 and thus to the tool 310, as well as forces to the suction bar 511. A low point of application reduces the risk of the tool 310 or the suction bar 511 tipping when the surface cleaning head 100 is moved in or against the direction of movement B.

[0236] The front connection points are located approximately in the center of the chassis 350 and / or the tool 310 with respect to the direction of movement B and / or the longitudinal axis X. The rear connection points are located approximately in the center between the support points of the support wheels 442 with respect to the direction of movement B and / or the longitudinal axis X. These arrangements of the connection points relative to the chassis 350 or the tool 310 and relative to the suction bar 511 also reduce the risk of the tool 310 or the suction bar 511 tipping over.

[0237] Because two connecting bodies 940 are provided for the connection to the chassis 350 on the one hand and to the suction strip 511 on the other, the movement, despite the design of the connecting bodies 940 as ball joints, is essentially limited to rotational movement about the axis of rotation oriented transversely to the direction of movement B and / or to the longitudinal axis X. It is understood that the joint body can be designed as any other suitable type of joint instead of a ball joint or can have an elastically deformable body.

[0238] The bearing assembly 1000 allows the guide element 200 to pivot in different tilt positions relative to the surface cleaning head 100. In this case, the guide element 200 can be pivoted in both a YZ plane (Fig. 29) and an XZ plane. The bearing assembly 1000 can, in principle, be designed in any way suitable for the present purpose. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 29 to 36, the bearing assembly 1000 forms a gimbal connection K between the guide element 200 and the surface cleaning head 100, as already described in connection with the surface cleaning device G2.

[0239] The surface cleaning device G5 is preferably designed with respect to the tool device 300, the drive device 400, the liquid intake device 500, the particle intake device 600, the liquid discharge device 700, the vibration reduction device 800 and / or the bearing device 1000 in accordance with the surface cleaning device G1 according to Fig. 1, the surface cleaning device G2 according to Figs. 2 to 17, the surface cleaning device G3 according to Figs. 18 to 23 and / or the surface cleaning device G4 according to Figs. 24 to 28.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) for cleaning a surface (F), comprising a surface cleaning head (100) which, during operation of the surface cleaning device (G1 to G5), rests on the surface (F) to be cleaned along a vertical axis (Z) and comprises a tool device (300) with at least one tool (310) which is movably mounted on the surface cleaning head (100) and is configured to act on the surface (F), and at least one drive motor (320) which is configured to drive the movement of the movable tool (310), a guide part (200) designed to guide the surface cleaning head (100) over the surface (F), and a bearing device (1000) by means of which the guide part (200) and the surface cleaning head (100) are movably connected to each other, wherein a direction of movement (B) of the surface cleaning head (100) can be controlled by means of a movement of the guide part (200) relative to the surface cleaning head (100), wherein the tool device (300) has an eccentric drive (340), and wherein the drive motor (320) is coupled to the tool (310) via the eccentric drive (340).

2. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 1, wherein the eccentric drive (340) is configured to drive the tool (310) such that each point (313) of the tool (310) moves along a circular path (314), wherein the circular paths (314) each have an individual center point, but all have the same radius.

3. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 1, wherein the eccentric drive (340) is configured to drive the tool (310) such that each point (313) of the tool (310) moves along a straight line (324), wherein the straight lines (324) are each oriented parallel to each other and all have the same length.

4. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the eccentric drive (340) has a rotational speed in the range of 2000 rpm to 6000 rpm, in particular in the range of 3000 rpm to 6000 rpm, and in particular in the range of 4000 rpm to 6000 rpm.

5. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the eccentric drive (340) has an eccentricity in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, in particular in the range of 2 mm to 7 mm, and in particular in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm.

6. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool (310) is configured to generate a thrust (VK, VR) along the direction of movement (B) upon contact with the surface (F), and wherein the drive motor (320) of the tool device (300) is configured to drive the tool (310) to generate the thrust (VK, VR).

7. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 6, wherein the tool (310) is configured to cause frictional forces, preferably anisotropic, upon contact with the surface (F) in a cyclical movement, which effect the propulsion along the direction of movement (B).

8. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the tool (310) has anisotropic friction properties such that a movement of a point (313) of the tool (310) acting on the surface (F) in the direction of movement (B) causes a first frictional force (F1), and that a movement of this point (313) of the tool (310) acting on the surface (F) opposite to the direction of movement (B) causes a second frictional force (F2), wherein the magnitude of the second frictional force (F2) is greater than the magnitude of the first frictional force (F1), thereby effecting the propulsion (VK, VR) along the direction of movement (B).

9. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the tool (310) has a first machining section (317) and a second machining section (318), wherein the first processing section (317) is arranged transversely to the direction of movement (B) between a first end (101) and a middle section (103) of the surface cleaning head (100) and is configured to act on the surface (F) in a first cyclic movement (M), in particular such that each point (313) of the first processing section (317) moves along a first circular path, wherein the first circular paths each have an individual center point, but all have the same radius, wherein the second processing section (318) is arranged between a second end (102) and the middle section (103) of the surface cleaning head (100) and is configured to act on the surface (F) in a second cyclic movement (M'), in particular such that each point (313) of the second processing section (318) moves along a second circular path, wherein the second circular paths each have an individual center point but all have the same radius, and where the first movement (M) and the second movement (M') have opposite directions of movement.

10. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 9, wherein the first processing section (317) and the second processing section (318) are both inclined towards the middle section (103) or both inclined away from the middle section (103), causing anisotropic frictional forces that effect the propulsion (VK, VR) along the direction of movement (B).

11. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface cleaning head (100) comprises: a thrusting device (400) which is configured to generate a thrust (VK, VR) along the direction of movement (B), wherein the thrusting device (400) comprises: a movable thrust element (410) designed to act on the surface (F), and a propulsion motor (420) which is configured to drive the movable propulsion element (410) in order to generate the propulsion (VK, VR) along the direction of movement (B).

12. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 11, wherein the tool (310) has a recess (319) in a top view in which the movable drive element (410) is arranged.

13. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 12, wherein the movable drive element (410) is arranged behind the tool (310) in the direction of movement (B) and wherein the movable drive element (410) and the tool (310) overlap each other transversely to the direction of movement (B).

14. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the movable propulsion element (410) is configured to act on the surface (F) in a rotational movement (R1) and with the occurrence of sliding friction (FS), and wherein the propulsion motor (420) is configured to drive the movable propulsion element (410) at a constant rotational speed, thereby causing the sliding friction (FS) to effect the propulsion (VK, VR) along the direction of movement (B).

15. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the movable propulsion element (410) is configured to act on the surface (F) with variable rolling speeds (R2) and with the occurrence of rolling friction (FR), wherein the propulsion motor (420) is configured to drive the movable propulsion element (410) with variable rolling speeds (R2) and thereby cause the rolling friction (FR) in order to effect the propulsion (VK, VR) along the direction of movement (B).

16. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the movable drive element (410) has one or more drive wheels (412) and / or one or more drive rollers (411).

17. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the propulsion device (400) has a damping device (930) for damping movements of the propulsion element (410) that do not cause the propulsion (VK, VR) along the direction of movement (B).

18. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the propulsion device (400) has a pretensioning device (930) for pretensioning the propulsion element (410) in the direction of the surface (F) to be cleaned.

19. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a vibration reduction device (800) for reducing vibrations caused by the kinetic energy of the cyclic motion (M, M') of the tool (310).

20. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 19, wherein the vibration reduction device (800) has a damping element (804) for damping the vibrations.

21. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the vibration reduction device (800) comprises a vibration damper (801) for reducing the amplitude of the vibrations.

22. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the vibration reduction device (800) has a mass balancing element (805) which is configured to compensate for the inertial forces (C, C') caused by the cyclic movement (M, M') of the tool (310) and thereby reduce the vibrations.

23. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 22, wherein the tool (310) has a first machining section (317) and a second machining section (318), wherein the first processing section (317) is configured to act on the surface (F) in a first cyclic movement (M), in particular such that each point (313) of the first processing section (317) moves along a first circular path, wherein the first circular paths each have an individual center point but all have the same radius, wherein the second processing section (318) is configured to act on the surface (F) in a second cyclic movement (M'), in particular such that each point (313) of the second processing section (318) moves along a second circular path, wherein the second circular paths each have an individual center point but all have the same radius, wherein the first movement (M) and the second movement (M') are directed in opposite directions, and wherein the first machining section (317) is configured to form a mass balancing element (805) for balancing inertial forces (C') caused by the movement of the second machining section, and / or vice versa, in particular wherein the first machining section (317) has a recess (319) in a top view in which the second machining section (318) is arranged.

24. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a liquid absorption device (500) which is configured to absorb liquid from the surface (F), in particular wherein components of the liquid receiving device (500) comprise a liquid receiving device (510), a liquid conveying device (520) and / or a liquid container (530), wherein the liquid receiving device (510) is configured to receive the liquid, wherein the liquid conveying device (520) is configured to convey the liquid, and wherein the liquid container (530) is configured to store the liquid.

25. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a particle collection device (600) which is configured to collect particles from the surface (F), in particular wherein components of the particle collection device (600) comprise a particle collection device (610), a particle conveying device (620) and / or a particle container (630), wherein the particle collection device (610) is configured to collect the particles, wherein the particle conveying device (620) is configured to convey the particles, and wherein the particle container (630) is configured to store the particles.

26. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a liquid dispensing device (700) which is configured to dispense liquid onto the surface (F), in particular wherein components of the liquid dispensing device (700) comprise a liquid dispensing device (710), a liquid conveying device (720) and / or a liquid container (730), wherein the liquid dispensing device (710) is configured to dispense the liquid directly or indirectly onto the surface (F), wherein the liquid conveying device (720) is configured to convey the liquid, and wherein the liquid container (730) is configured to store the liquid.

27. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing device (1000) is designed such that the guide part (200) is movable in different inclined positions relative to the surface cleaning head (100).

28. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mass driven by means of the eccentric drive (340) is a maximum of 15%, preferably a maximum of 10%, further preferably a maximum of 7%, further preferably a maximum of 5%, further preferably a maximum of 2%, further preferably a maximum of 1% of a total mass of the surface cleaning device (G1 to G5).

29. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 11 to 18 and / or according to claim 24, further comprising a connecting device (900) by means of which at least two of the three components tool device (300), drive element (410) and liquid collection device (500) are movably connected to each other relative to each other, in particular wherein the tool device (300), the drive element (410) and the fluid intake device (500) are each movably connected to each other by means of the connecting device (900).

30. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 29, wherein at least two of the three components tool device (300), drive element (410) and liquid intake device (500) are movably connected to each other with respect to the vertical axis (Z) by means of the connecting device (900), in particular wherein the tool device (300), the drive element (410) and the liquid intake device (500) are each movably connected to each other with respect to the vertical axis (Z) by means of the connecting device (900).

31. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein at least two of the three components tool (310), drive element (410) and liquid intake (510) are movably connected to each other by means of the connecting device (900), in particular wherein the tool (310), the drive element (410) and the fluid intake (510) are movably connected to each other by means of the connecting device (900).

32. Surface cleaning device (G1 to G5) according to one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the connecting device (900) has at least one connecting body (940) which is coupled to the tool direction (300), the drive element (410) and / or the liquid intake device (500), in particular wherein the connecting device (900) has at least a first connecting body (940) and a second connecting body (940), wherein the first connecting body (940) is coupled to a first of the three components tool device (300), drive element (410) and fluid receiving device (500) and wherein the second connecting body (940) is coupled to a second of the three components tool direction (300), drive element (410) and fluid receiving device (500).

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