FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE

Abstract

A floor cleaning machine is proposed which comprises a handle unit for operating the floor cleaning machine and a dead man's switching device with an actuation unit, wherein the actuation unit is retained on the handle unit by means of a first region, the actuation unit has a second region which is swivelable relative to the first region, and the second region is retained on the first region as a single piece by means of a hinge device, a swivel position of the second region relative to the first region determining whether the dead man's switch is switching or non-switching.

Description

This application is a continuation of international application number PCT/EP2013/069002 filed on Sep. 13, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine, comprising a handle unit for operating the floor cleaning machine and a dead man's switching device with an actuation unit.

A dead man's switching device is used to put a machine into a non-operational state (for example into a non-traveling state), when the corresponding actuation unit is not actively actuated. Operation of the corresponding floor cleaning machine is then only possible when active actuation with the actuation unit takes place.

A handle for an electrical floor cleaning machine comprising a centrally mounted actuator with safety lock is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,630 B1.

A rotary floor machine is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,735.

A floor cleaning machine is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,140 which comprises an on/off switch by means of which a motor can only be switched on if a further switch is not in a safety off position.

A floor cleaning machine is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,551 which comprises a safety switch for preventing unintentional operation of the machine.

A safety switch for a floor treatment machine is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,473.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a floor cleaning machine is provided, in which the dead man's switching device is simply operable and is simply configured in terms of manufacture.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the actuation unit is retained on the handle unit by means of a first region, the actuation unit has a second region which is swivelable relative to the first region, and the second region is retained on the first region as a single piece by means of a hinge device, a swivel position of the second region relative to the first region determining whether the dead man's switching device is switching or non-switching.

The actuation unit is retained on the handle unit such that, when the handle unit is held by an operator, the actuation unit can also be activated in simple manner into the operational position of the dead man's switching device.

The actuation unit comprises the first region, the second region and the hinge device between the first region and the second region. Such an actuation unit may in particular be constructed as a single piece, wherein the swivelability of the second region relative to the first region is achieved by means of the hinge device in the manner of one or more film hinges. The actuation unit may thereby be simply constructed and simply mounted on the handle unit.

A switching position (an operational position) of the dead man's switching device is in this case a position in particular of the actuation unit relative to the handle unit in which the dead man's switching device provides an enabling signal for operation of the floor cleaning machine or specific components of the floor cleaning machine. In a non-switching position (a non-operational position), the dead man's switching device does not output an enabling signal for the corresponding operation. The signals from the dead man's switching device are received for example by a control device of the floor cleaning machine, which in turn activates one or more drives and other components of the floor cleaning machine.

In particular, the actuation unit is provided with reinforcing ribs on the first region and/or on the second region and does not have any reinforcing ribs on the hinge device. The reinforcing ribs result in high mechanical rigidity at the first region and at the second region. A configuration without reinforcing ribs on the hinge device allows the hinge device to be embodied to provide swivelability of the second region relative to the first region.

In one exemplary embodiment, the handle unit comprises an envelope plane at the top and a swivel axis of the hinge device for swivelability of the second region relative to the first region is oriented parallel and at a small acute angle of at most 30° to the envelope plane. This results in easy operability of the handle unit with the actuation unit of the dead man's switch.

In one exemplary embodiment, the handle unit comprises a top and a bottom opposite thereto, the bottom facing a machine body, and the actuation unit is arranged on the bottom. This results in an ergonomically advantageous configuration of the handle unit with the arranged actuation unit. If for example the handle unit takes the form of a stirrup-shaped handle (bow-type handle), an operator may grip this and at the same time also the actuation unit. By pressing the actuation unit against the handle unit, an operational position may be achieved for the dead man's switching device.

It is favorable for a restoring spring device to be associated with the actuation unit, a spring force of the restoring spring device having to be overcome for an operational position of the actuation unit. An active procedure is thereby necessary to bring the dead man's switching device into an operational position (i.e. into an enabling position). It is in principle possible for the hinge device to take the form of a restoring spring device. Alternatively or in addition, one or more further restoring spring elements may be provided.

It is advantageous for the restoring spring device to be arranged on the actuation unit and in particular to be joined thereto as a single piece. This results in a simple structure and the number of components can be minimized.

In one exemplary embodiment, the restoring spring device is arranged at least in part spaced from the hinge device. In this way, an effective restoring force may be simply achieved.

It is favorable for the hinge device to comprise a first hinge and (at least) one spaced second hinge. In this way, a symmetrical structure with optimized force dissipation may be simply achieved. For example, the spaced hinges may then be arranged such that a steering column, for example, or a receptacle for the handle unit for the steering column may be passed therebetween.

For the same reason, it is favorable for a spaced first restoring spring to be associated with the first hinge and a spaced second restoring spring to be associated with the second hinge, the first restoring spring and the second restoring spring being spaced from one another. In this way, a symmetrical structure with optimized force absorption may be achieved.

The actuation unit takes the form in particular of a stirrup. The result is simple operability for an operator.

It is very particularly advantageous for the actuation unit to be constructed as a single piece. The first region and the second region are joined together as a single piece by means of the hinge device. Spring elements of a restoring spring device may be positioned as a single piece on the actuation unit, for example by being injection-molded on.

It is favorable for the dead man's switching device to be or become switching (operational) on pressing the actuation unit against the handle unit, i.e. to supply an enabling signal when the actuation unit is pressed against the handle unit. The result is ergonomically advantageous operability.

In particular, a transducer-sensor unit is provided, by which an operational position of the actuation unit is detectable. In this way, a corresponding operational position or enabling position of the actuation unit may be simply detected. For example, the transducer is a passive element and the sensor an active element. The sensor may for example provide a control device of the floor cleaning machine with an enabling signal when the actuation unit is in an operational position.

It is advantageous for a passive transducer of the transducer-sensor unit to be arranged on the second region. In this way, the actuation unit may be simply configured, for example also as a single piece.

For the same reason, it is favorable for a sensor of the transducer-sensor unit to be arranged on the handle unit. Conventionally, further operating elements are arranged on the handle unit, to which corresponding electrical lines are guided.

In one exemplary embodiment, the transducer is or comprises a pin and the sensor is a contact switch cooperating with the pin. When a specific position of the actuation unit is reached relative to the handle unit, the pin may act mechanically on the contact switch and a corresponding switching signal or enabling signal is provided by the contact switch. Other configurations of the transducer and of the sensor are possible, for example with contactless transducer-sensor interaction.

In one exemplary embodiment, the actuation unit comprises a spoke unit and/or the handle unit comprises a spoke unit, a transducer/sensor unit in particular being arranged on the spoke unit(s). This results in simple operability of the handle unit with the actuation unit. It may for example be gripped from above or from the side with both hands. The spoke unit may be used for the arrangement of further operating elements and in particular also the transducer-sensor unit. Furthermore, a receptacle may be formed by way of the spoke unit, for example on a steering column. In particular, only a single transducer and only a single sensor are provided for the transducer-sensor unit. The arrangement of the spoke unit results in an at least approximately symmetrical arrangement, such that a plurality of transducers and sensors is not necessary. It is favorable for the handle unit and/or the actuation unit to be mirror-symmetrical relative to the spoke unit thereof. The result is greater ease of use for an operator of the floor cleaning machine.

It is favorable for one or more operating elements for the floor cleaning machine to be arranged on the handle unit, such as for example control elements or also main switches.

It is advantageous for operability for the handle unit to take the form of a stirrup-shaped handle and/or for the actuation unit to take the form of a stirrup-shaped handle (bow-type handle). An operator can then grip the stirrup-shaped handle. On gripping, said operator can also press the actuation unit against the handle unit, in order to bring about active switching of the dead man's switching device.

It is favorable for the handle unit and the actuation unit to be configured such that, on gripping the stirrup-shaped handle of the handle unit, the stirrup-shaped handle of the actuation unit is also grippable.

In one exemplary embodiment, the handle unit comprises a closed stirrup-shaped handle, which defines at least one internal opening and in particular a first internal opening and a second internal opening, a spoke unit in particular being arranged between the first internal opening and the second internal opening. Such a handle unit is very easy to use. The handle unit may be used as a steering wheel.

It is favorable for the actuation unit to comprise a first internal opening and a second internal opening, which are conformed to the first internal opening and the second internal opening of the handle unit. In this way, the actuation unit may be simply incorporated into the handle unit and be very easy to use.

In one exemplary embodiment, the second region of the actuation unit comprises a first stop face and the handle unit a corresponding second stop face, the second region being prevented from continuing to move towards the handle unit on contact of the first stop face with the second stop face. This makes it possible to define a distinguished position for the dead man's switch, namely the operational position, in a simple manner by corresponding mechanical contact of the second region with the handle unit.

It is favorable for the handle unit to comprise a guide for the second region of the actuation unit. This ensures defined mobility of the actuation unit relative to the handle unit. The guide may be formed such that a sort of overlap is permanently present between the actuation unit and the handle unit. This overlap minimizes gaps between the actuation unit and the handle unit and the pinching risk for an operator is thus minimized.

In one exemplary embodiment, the handle unit comprises a recess, in particular in the form of a groove, and the second region of the actuation unit comprises an insertion element, in particular in the form of an insertion strip for the recess. In this way, guidance of the actuation unit on the handle unit may be simply achieved.

It is very particularly advantageous for an end of the second region facing the handle unit not to be spaced from the handle unit in any position of the actuation unit. A gap between the actuation unit and the handle unit is thereby avoided, such that the risk of pinching is reduced for an operator.

In one exemplary embodiment, the handle unit is arranged on a steering column and is in particular configured as a steering wheel.

The floor cleaning machine is for example a scrubbing or sweeping machine.

In particular, the floor cleaning machine takes the form of a self-propelled floor cleaning machine. If the dead man's switch is non-operational, advance of the floor cleaning machine for example by way of a working tool or a travel drive is then in particular not enabled.

In one exemplary embodiment, the floor cleaning machine takes the form of a walk-behind machine. An operator walks along behind the floor cleaning machine, guiding the floor cleaning machine by way of the handle unit.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves, in conjunction with the drawings, to explain the invention in greater detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view in direction A according to FIG. 1 of a handle unit of the floor cleaning machine according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged representation of region B according to FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine, which is shown in FIG. 1 and is there denoted by reference sign 10, comprises a chassis 12, on which a machine body 14 is arranged.

The chassis comprises a front wheel unit 16 and a steerable rear wheel unit (not visible in FIG. 1). One or more tools 18 are provided for work on the floor.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the floor cleaning machine 10 is a scrubbing machine and the tool 18 is accordingly a scrubbing tool.

Elements of the floor cleaning machine 10 are arranged on the machine body 14, in particular inside a housing.

In one exemplary embodiment, a drive 20 is arranged on the machine body 14 for a moving working tool 18 and in particular for a rotational moving tool 18.

Furthermore, a tank 22 for cleaning fluid is arranged on the machine body 14. The cleaning fluid is in particular fresh water optionally with chemical additives.

The floor cleaning machine 10 may have a suction device 24 for excess liquid lying on the floor. The suction device 24 comprises for example a suction bar 26. FIG. 1 shows the suction bar 26 in a non-operative position and in particular transport position.

The suction bar 26 is in fluidic connection with a vacuum generating device 28 and in particular fan device, which generates the reduced pressure air stream needed for suction.

The vacuum generating device 28 is connected with a separator 30, which is in turn connected with a dirty water tank 32, which accommodates liquid which has been sucked up.

The floor cleaning machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is in particular self-propelled (self-driven). In one exemplary embodiment, a travel drive 34 for the front wheel unit 16 is arranged to this end on the machine body 14.

Provision may alternatively be made for the working tool 18 to be arranged at a small acute angle to a flat support and for traveling advance of the floor cleaning machine 10 to be brought about by the friction of the rotating working tool 18.

The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a control device 35, which activates the drives 20, 34 and a drive of the vacuum generating device 28.

The floor cleaning machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 takes the form of a walk-behind machine, in which (with regard to travel straight ahead) an operator walks along behind the floor cleaning machine 10.

The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a handle unit 36 for guiding and operating the floor cleaning machine 10. In one exemplary embodiment, the handle unit 36 takes the form of a steering wheel and sits on a steering column, which acts on the front wheel unit 16 for example, in order to bring about a change in direction of travel on turning the handle unit 36 about a steering axis 38.

Further operating elements for the floor cleaning machine 10 are arranged on the handle unit 36, such as in particular a main switch, which takes the form, for example, of a key-operated switch, and adjusting elements for example for adjusting speed.

A dead man's switching device 40 is associated with the handle unit 36 (FIGS. 2 to 6), which must be permanently actively actuated for the floor cleaning machine 10 to operate. In the absence of this active actuation, travel drive of the floor cleaning machine 10 is in particular stopped. Preferably, rotation of the tool 18 is also stopped in the absence of active actuation of the dead man's switch 40. Furthermore, operation of the vacuum generating device 28 is stopped in the absence of an enabling signal from the dead man's switching device 40.

The handle unit 36 takes the form of a stirrup-shaped (bow-type) handle with a stirrup 42, which may be gripped by an operator's hands. The stirrup 42 of the stirrup-shaped handle is closed (like a “wheel”). Its dimensions are conformed to typical hand dimensions. It has an edge-free outer contour 44 (in particular FIGS. 3 to 5).

In one exemplary embodiment, the stirrup 42 is composed of a lower shell 46 and an upper shell 48. The lower shell 46 and the upper shell 48 are made in particular from a plastics material.

The stirrup 42 of the handle unit 36 comprises a spoke unit 50. The spoke unit 50 has a central plane 52. The handle unit 36 is in particular mirror-symmetrical to this central plane 52. The spoke unit 50 comprises a receptacle 54, by means of which the handle unit 36 is fixed as a whole to a steering column 56 of the floor cleaning machine 10.

The stirrup 42 of the handle unit 36 surrounds a first internal opening 58 and a second internal opening 60. The first internal opening 58 and the second internal opening 60 are separated from one another by means of spoke unit 50. When an operator holds the stirrup 42 of the handle unit 36, the operator's fingers may be inserted into or through the first internal opening 58 and the second internal opening 60, to allow the stirrup 42 to be gripped with one or both hands.

Further operating elements, such as in particular a main switch of the floor cleaning machine 10 and further switching elements and/or adjusting elements are in particular arranged on the spoke unit of the handle unit 36.

The handle unit 36 has a top 62 and a bottom 64 opposite thereto. The bottom 64 faces the machine body 14. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bottom 64.

The dead man's switch comprises an actuation unit 66, which is arranged on the handle unit 36 and in particular on the bottom 64. The actuation unit 66 is positioned swivelably on the stirrup 42 in one sub-region.

The actuation unit 66 comprises a first region 68, by means of which it is fixed to the handle unit 36. The first region 68 sits firmly and immovably on the bottom 64 of the handle unit 36.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first region 68 is subdivided into spaced sub-regions 70a, 70b, between which lies the spoke unit 50 with the central plane 52. The sub-regions 70a, 70b are in this case in particular mirror-symmetrical with regard to the central plane 52.

The actuation unit 66 further comprises a second region 72. This second region 72 is connected swivelably with the first region 68 by means of a hinge device 74. In one exemplary embodiment, the hinge device 74 in this case comprises a first hinge 76, which is connected with the sub-region 70a of the first region 68, and a spaced second hinge 78, which is connected with the sub-region 70b of the first region 68.

The actuation unit 66 is more rigid in the first region 68 and the second region 72 than at the hinge device 74, so as to allow swivelability of the second region 72 relative to the first region 68.

In one exemplary embodiment (FIG. 6), the actuating element 66 is provided in the first region 68 with reinforcing ribs 80 (FIG. 6), to produce correspondingly high mechanical rigidity.

The second region 72, which adjoins the hinge device 74, is likewise provided with reinforcing ribs 80, to produce high mechanical rigidity. At the corresponding first hinge 76 or the second hinge 78, the actuation unit 76 does not have any reinforcing ribs, to allow swivelability.

The hinge device 74 forms a swivel joint with a swivel axis 82 (FIG. 6).

The top 62 of the handle unit 36 has an envelope plane 84 (FIG. 1). The swivel axis 82 lies parallel to this envelope plane 84 or at a small acute angle thereto which amounts in particular at most to 30°.

The actuation unit 66 is mirror-symmetrical relative to the central plane 52 and conformed to the shape of the handle unit 36.

The second region 72 has a spoke unit 86, which lies below the spoke unit 50 of the handle unit 36.

The spoke unit 86 is forked, with a central web 88 on which a first web 90a and a spaced second web 90b are located. The first web 90a is connected with the sub-region 70a by means of the first hinge 76 and the second web 90b is connected with the sub-region 70b by means of the second hinge 78.

The steering column 56 is inserted through an interspace between the first web 90a and the second web 90b, and/or the part of the handle unit 36 with the receptacle 54 is located there.

The second region 72 of the actuation unit 66 takes the form of a stirrup-shaped handle, which is conformed in shape to the stirrup-shaped handle of the handle unit 36 and follows the contour thereof.

A corresponding stirrup 92 of the actuation unit 66 and thus of the second region 72 of the actuation unit 66 has a first internal opening 94 and a second internal opening 96, the shape of which is conformed to the associated first internal opening 58 and the second internal opening 60 respectively of the handle unit 36.

The second region 72 with the stirrup 92 of the actuating element 66 is configured such that, when an operator takes hold of the stirrup-shaped handle of the handle unit 36, he or she may thus also take hold of, and in particular grasp, the actuation unit 66 in the second region 72. The actuation unit 66 is configured such that an operator may surround the stirrup-shaped handle of the handle unit 36 and the stirrup-shaped handle of the actuation unit 66 at the same time with one hand.

An operational position of the actuation unit 66 is achieved when the latter is pressed against the handle unit 36. The force of a spring device must be overcome for this purpose.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hinge device 74 is configured in such a way, and in particular the actuation unit 76 has such inherent resilience, that the hinge device 74 takes the form of a restoring spring device, which holds the second region 72 of the actuation unit 66 away from the handle unit 36 without any force being expended by the operator or moves it away after release.

In one exemplary embodiment, a corresponding restoring spring device 98 comprises at least one restoring spring, which is spaced relative to the hinge device 74.

In the first exemplary embodiment, the restoring spring device 98 comprises a first restoring spring 100, which is arranged on the web 90a. The first restoring spring 100 is in particular injection-molded onto the actuation unit 66 and thus joined thereto as a single piece.

In an exemplary embodiment, a recess 102 is provided in the region of the web 90a in which the first restoring spring 100 is arranged.

The restoring spring 100 here rests on a corresponding bearing region 104 of the handle unit 36 and in particular on the spoke unit 50 thereof.

A second restoring spring 106, which is arranged and configured in the same way as the first restoring spring 100, is seated on the second web 90b.

In particular, the first restoring spring 100 and the second restoring spring 106, which are spaced relative to one another, are located in mirror symmetry to the central plane 52.

The restoring spring device 98 may in this case be formed solely by the restoring springs 100 and 106 or the hinge device 74 may have an additional restoring action.

In one exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 66 is made as a single piece from a plastics material. In particular, restoring springs 100, 106 are formed as single pieces on the actuation unit 66.

A transducer-sensor unit 108 is provided, which serves to determine a position of the actuation unit 66 and in the process in particular to determine a swivel position of the second region 72.

In one exemplary embodiment, the transducer-sensor unit 108 comprises as transducer 110 a pin 112, which is arranged in particular as a single piece on the actuation unit 66. This pin 112 is in particular positioned on the central web 88.

The handle unit 36 comprises a corresponding sensor 114 on the spoke unit 50, which sensor determines the position of the pin 112 relative to the handle unit 36.

In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor 114 takes the form of a contact switch, wherein in particular a distinguished position of the pin 112 and thus of the actuation unit 66 relative to the handle unit 36 may then be detected. If the pin 112 acts on the corresponding sensor 114, an operational position is achieved. This operational position is achieved by pressing the actuation unit 66 with the second region 72 thereof against the handle unit 36. If the pin 112 does not contact the sensor 114 mechanically, the dead man's switch 40 is in a non-operational position.

The sensor 114 (for example in the form of microswitch) delivers a corresponding enabling signal for an operational position or a blocking signal for a non-operational position.

Other configurations of the transducer-sensor unit 108 are possible, for example using contactless position detection.

In the second region 72 the actuation unit 66 comprises a first stop face 116 for the handle unit 36. The handle unit 36 comprises a corresponding second stop face 118. On pressing shut the actuation unit 66, i.e. on swiveling the second region 72 towards the handle unit 36, overcoming the spring force of the restoring spring 98, the first stop face 116 moves towards the second stop face 118. When these come into mechanical contact, further movement of the one towards the other is no longer possible and an end position is reached. In particular, in this end position the pin 112 acts on the sensor 114 in such a way that an enabling signal is output for an operational position.

In one exemplary embodiment, the second region 72 of the actuation unit 66 comprises an end 120 which faces the handle unit 36.

In no position is this end 120 spaced from the handle unit 36, i.e. in no position is there an air gap between the end 120 and the handle unit 36. This minimizes the risk of pinching for an operator.

In one exemplary embodiment, the handle unit 36 has a recess 122, in particular in the form of a groove, for the second region 72. At the end 120, the second region 72 has an insertion element, in particular in the form of an insertion strip 124. The insertion element is insertable into the recess 122. This forms a guide for the mobility of the second region 72 of the actuation unit 66 against the handle unit 36.

With regard to the cross-section, there is always a degree of overlap between the insertion element 124 and the handle unit 36, such that the end 120 is not spaced relative to the handle unit 36 in any position.

The floor cleaning machine 10 operates as follows:

For operation and in particular for guiding the floor cleaning machine 10, an operator uses the handle unit 36. The direction of travel of the floor cleaning machine 10 is controllable thereby. In addition, other adjustable control options for the floor cleaning machine 10 may be established.

The dead man's switching device 40 must be in a switching (operational) position for rotational drive of the tool 18. The dead man's switching device then sends a switching signal (enabling signal) to the control device 35 and the latter may activate the drive 20 (and optionally the drive 34, if present) and optionally further drives. In the absence of an enabling signal from the sensor 114, these are not activated.

The operational position is detected by the transducer-sensor unit 108. For the operational position of the dead man's switching device 40, active action by an operator is needed. In the absence of such active action, the dead man's switching device 40 does not output any enabling signal (by means of the transducer-sensor unit 108) and a corresponding control device of the floor cleaning machine 10 prevents travel drive of the floor cleaning machine 10 (and optionally tool drive).

In a starting position of the actuation unit 66 in the absence of operator action, the restoring spring device 98 presses the second region 72 of the actuation unit 66 away from the handle unit 36.

No mechanical contact is then present between the pin 112 and the sensor 114 and no enabling signal is provided.

The hinge device 74 allows the second region 72 to swivel towards the handle unit 36. This swiveling must proceed with the restoring spring device 98 being overcome. To this end, an operator must actively exert force, by holding the handle unit 36 and pressing the second region 72 of the actuation unit 66 against the handle unit 36 until the first stop face 116 meets the second stop face 118.

The corresponding swivelability is made possible by way of the hinge device 74.

The second region 72 of the actuation unit 66 is in this case guided on the handle unit by way of insertion of the insertion element 124 into the recess 122.

As a result of the corresponding configuration of the second region 72 with the end 120 thereof, there is an overlap between the actuation unit 66 and the handle unit 36 to minimize the pinching risk for an operator.

As soon as an operator releases the actuation unit 66, the latter swivels back due to the spring force of the restoring spring device 98, wherein a corresponding starting position is established by the inherent rigidity of the actuating element 66.

With such a movement, the mechanical contact between the pin 112 and the sensor 114 is lost and the sensor 114 thereby no longer generates any enabling signal. The dead man's switching device 40 is in a non-switching (non-operational) position and the travel drive 34 (and optionally the drive 20) receive an “off” signal or are no longer actively activated.

The dead man's switching device 40 is embodied by the actuation unit 66, which is arranged on the handle unit 36, and the transducer-sensor unit 108. The actuation unit 66 may be configured in a structurally simple manner and in particular as a single piece. It may be conformed ergonomically simply to the handle unit 36. Accordingly, it is also simple to operate and in particular operation thereof is “low-fatigue”.

A symmetrical configuration may be simply obtained, such that low-fatigue operation can be achieved.

The transducer-sensor unit 108 may be simply configured and in particular positioned on the spoke units 50 and 86.

In principle, a single transducer 110 and a single sensor 114 are sufficient for forming the transducer-sensor unit 108.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• 10 Floor cleaning machine
• 12 Chassis
• 14 Machine body
• 16 Front wheel unit
• 18 Tool
• 20 Drive
• 22 Tank
• 24 Suction device
• 26 Suction bar
• 28 Vacuum generating device
• 30 Separator
• 32 Tank
• 34 Travel drive
• 35 Control device
• 36 Handle element
• 38 Steering axis
• 40 Dead man's switching device
• 42 Stirrup
• 44 Outer contour
• 46 Lower shell
• 48 Upper shell
• 50 Spoke unit
• 52 Central plane
• 54 Receptacle
• 56 Steering column
• 58 First internal opening
• 60 Second internal opening
• 62 Top
• 64 Bottom
• 66 Actuation unit
• 68 First region
• 70a Sub-region
• 70b Sub-region
• 72 Second region
• 74 Hinge device
• 76 First hinge
• 78 Second hinge
• 80 Reinforcing rib
• 82 Swivel axis
• 84 Envelope plane
• 86 Spoke unit
• 88 Central web
• 90a First web
• 90b Second web
• 92 Stirrup
• 94 First internal opening
• 96 Second internal opening
• 98 Restoring spring device
• 100 First restoring spring
• 102 Recess
• 104 Bearing region
• 106 Second restoring spring
• 108 Transducer-sensor unit
• 110 Transducer
• 112 Pin
• 114 Sensor
• 116 First stop face
• 118 Second stop face
• 120 End
• 122 Recess
• 124 Insertion element

Claims

1. A floor cleaning machine comprising:

a handle unit for operating the floor cleaning machine and a dead man's switching device with an actuation unit;

wherein the actuation unit is retained on the handle unit by means of a first region;

wherein the actuation unit has a second region which is swivelable relative to the first region; and

wherein the second region is retained on the first region as a single piece by means of a hinge device, a swivel position of the second region relative to the first region determining whether the dead man's switching device is switching or non-switching.

2. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the actuation unit is provided with reinforcing ribs on at least one of the first region and the second region and does not have any reinforcing ribs on the hinge device.

3. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the handle unit comprises an envelope plane at the top and wherein a swivel axis of the hinge device for swivelability of the second region relative to the first region is oriented parallel or at a small acute angle of at most 30° to the envelope plane.

4. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the handle unit comprises a top and a bottom opposite thereto, the bottom facing a machine body, and wherein the actuation unit is arranged on the bottom.

5. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a restoring spring device is associated with the actuation unit, a spring force of the restoring spring device having to be overcome for a switching position of the actuation unit.

6. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 5, wherein the restoring spring device is arranged on the actuation unit.

7. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 5, wherein the restoring spring device is arranged at least in part spaced from the hinge device.

8. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the hinge device comprises a first hinge and a spaced second hinge.

9. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 8, wherein a spaced first restoring spring is associated with the first hinge and a spaced second restoring spring is associated with the second hinge, the first restoring spring and the second restoring spring being spaced from one another.

10. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the actuation unit takes the form of a rocker.

11. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the actuation unit is constructed as a single piece.

12. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the dead man's switching device is or becomes switching on pressing the actuation unit against the handle unit.

13. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, said floor cleaning machine comprising a transducer-sensor unit, by which an operational position of the actuation unit is detectable.

14. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 13, wherein a passive transducer of the transducer-sensor unit is arranged on the second region.

15. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 13, wherein a sensor of the transducer-sensor unit is arranged on the handle unit.

16. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 13, wherein a transducer is of the transducer-sensor or comprises a pin and wherein the sensor of the transducer-sensor is a contact switch cooperating with the pin.

17. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one the actuation unit and the handle unit comprises a spoke unit.

18. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the handle unit and the actuation unit is mirror-symmetrical relative to the spoke unit thereof.

19. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 17, wherein one or more operating elements for the floor cleaning machine are arranged in the spoke unit of the handle unit.

20. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the handle unit takes the form of a stirrup-shaped handle and (ii) the actuation unit takes the form of a stirrup-shaped handle.

21. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 20, wherein the handle unit and the actuation unit are configured such that, on gripping the stirrup-shaped handle of the handle unit, the stirrup-shaped handle of the actuation unit is also grippable.

22. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 20, wherein the handle unit comprises a closed stirrup-shaped handle, which defines at least one internal opening.

23. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 22, wherein the actuation unit comprises a first internal opening and a second internal opening, which are conformed to a first internal opening and the second internal opening of the handle unit.

24. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the second region of the actuation unit comprises a first stop face and the handle unit a corresponding second stop face, the second region being prevented from continuing to move towards the handle unit on contact of the first stop face with the second stop face.

25. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the handle unit comprises a guide for the second region of the actuation unit.

26. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 25, wherein the handle unit comprises a recess and the second region of the actuation unit comprises an insertion element for the recess.

27. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein an end of the second region facing the handle unit is not spaced from the handle unit in any position of the actuation unit.

28. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the handle unit is arranged on a steering column.

29. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, said floor cleaning machine being configured as a scrubbing machine or sweeping machine.

30. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, said floor cleaning machine being configured as a self-propelled floor cleaning machine.

31. A floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, said floor cleaning machine being configured as a walk-behind machine.