FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE

The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine, including a floor head, at least one cleaning roller, which is arranged on the floor head, a tank device, which is arranged on the floor head, and at least one sweeping element, which is associated with the at least one cleaning roller. To provide a floor cleaning machine of that kind, which has an optimized coarse dirt pickup function, the at least one sweeping element is arranged on the tank device and that at least a partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is movable relative to the floor head in a cleaning operation.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of international application number PCT/EP2019/073879, filed on Sep. 6, 2019, 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 floor head, at least one cleaning roller, which is arranged on the floor head, a tank device, which is arranged on the floor head, and at least one sweeping element, which is associated with the at least one cleaning roller.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning machine in which a cleaning roller is arranged on a floor head and coarse dirt is fed to the rotating cleaning roller by way of a sweeping element.

WO 2018/099567 A1 discloses a cleaning appliance with a movable sliding element for dirty fluid.

US 2017/0071437 A1 discloses a cleaning robot.

WO 2008/135120 A1 discloses a mobile sweeping appliance with a brush roller and a sweeping edge.

US 2004/0181888 A1 discloses a further cleaning appliance.

US 2003/0028982 A1 discloses a sweeping appliance.

EP 1 179 314 A1 discloses a sweeping appliance with a sweeping roller.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,969 discloses a sweeping appliance with a rotating brush.

Further sweeping appliances are disclosed in CN 104939758 and CN 2899698.

US 2006/0150363 A1 discloses a floor cleaning machine.

CN 2516091 discloses a floor wiping machine.

WO 2016/058901 A1, WO 2016/058856 A1, WO 2017/063663 A1, WO 2016/058879 A1 and WO 2016/058956 A1 disclose surface cleaning machines. A surface cleaning machine is also known from WO 2016/058907 A1.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a floor cleaning machine of the kind stated at the outset is provided, which has an optimized coarse dirt pickup function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the floor cleaning machine stated at the outset is provided, wherein the at least one sweeping element is arranged on the tank device and wherein at least a partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is movable relative to the floor head in a cleaning operation.

It has been shown that it is advantageous if the at least one sweeping element is positioned at a defined fixed distance from the floor to be cleaned with respect to a sweeping edge. As a result of the movable arrangement of the tank device or the corresponding partial region of the tank device relative to the floor head, a corresponding fixed distance can be set, even if the diameter of the cleaning roller changes, for example due to wear, or an adaptation to manufacturing tolerances with respect to the cleaning roller or a mounting of the cleaning roller is possible.

Provision is made, in particular, that the at least one sweeping element and the tank device are configured such that the at least one sweeping element is at a defined fixed distance from a floor to be cleaned in a cleaning operation. It has been shown that if this fixed distance is too small, then the at least one sweeping element can get stuck or get caught, e.g., on joints or transitions on the floor to be cleaned. If this distance is too large, dirt particles can be passed over without being picked up. Setting a defined fixed distance results, for one, in an optimized manner of operation for a user, wherein the chance of getting caught or the like on unevenness in the floor, such as at joints, is reduced and, for another, results in an optimized cleaning result with respect to coarse dirt.

It has been shown that it is favorable if the defined distance from the floor is greater than zero and, in particular, is greater than 0.5 mm and, in particular, greater than 0.7 mm and, in particular, is about 1 mm. This defined distance is, in particular, a vertical distance between a sweeping edge of the at least one sweeping element and the floor. It can thus be effectively prevented that a sweeping edge gets caught on unevenness in the floor.

Further, it has proven to be favorable if the defined distance is less than 1.5 mm and, in particular, less than 1.3 mm and, in particular, is about 1 mm. This results in an optimized cleaning result with respect to coarse dirt. Corresponding particles can be gathered by way of the at least one sweeping element, fed to the at least one cleaning roller, and entrained thereby.

In an advantageous embodiment, the at least one sweeping element is arranged on a base or on a side wall of the tank device. The at least one sweeping element can thus be positioned in relation to the associated at least one cleaning roller in a simple manner.

It is particularly advantageous if arranged on the at least one sweeping element and/or the tank device is at least one support element for a floor to be cleaned, which keeps the at least one sweeping element at a defined fixed distance from the floor to be cleaned. The at least one support element contacts the floor to be cleaned. This results in an optimized cleaning result with a simple operability for a user. As a result of the movability of the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged relative to the floor head, said defined distance is fixedly set, even in case of different diameters of the at least one cleaning roller.

It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided:

    • the at least one support element is configured as a rib on the at least one sweeping element and/or the tank device;
    • a plurality of support elements are provided;
    • located between adjacent support elements is a free region, which does not contact the floor to be cleaned;
    • the support elements are arranged in a row, wherein, in particular, a longitudinal direction of the row is at least approximately parallel to an axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller;
    • the at least one support element is configured as a sliding element or rolling element for the floor to be cleaned.

A fixed distance of the at least one sweeping element from the floor to be cleaned is provided by the at least one support element. This results in an optimized cleaning effect for coarse dirt particles as well, with a simpler operability of the floor cleaning machine. The at least one support element slides or rolls over the floor to be cleaned. A plurality of support elements results in an optimized positioning of the at least one sweeping element. As a result of the free space between adjacent support elements, the frictional force with respect to the floor to be cleaned is minimized or the influence of the support elements on the floor to be cleaned is minimized. The arrangement in a row, which, for example, sits on the at least one sweeping element, results in a simple constructive design.

It is particularly advantageous if the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is floatingly mounted on a tank device holder of the floor head. This results in a defined fixed distance of the sweeping edge of the at least one sweeping element from the floor to be cleaned always being set, even in the case of different diameters of the at least one cleaning roller (for example due to wear or manufacturing tolerances).

In a constructively simple configuration, the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is hangingly mounted on the floor head. A corresponding floating mounting with a movability of the tank device or the partial region of the tank device can thus be achieved in a simple manner in order to, in turn, set a defined fixed distance of a sweeping edge of the sweeping element from the floor.

It is particularly advantageous if the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is mounted on the floor head so as to be movable at least in a z-direction, with at least one of the following:

    • the z-direction is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to an axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller;
    • the z-direction is oriented transversely and, in particular, at least approximately perpendicularly to a contact plane of the at least one cleaning roller for a floor to be cleaned;
    • the z-direction is at least approximately parallel to a removal direction of the tank device from the floor head.

A fixed distance of a sweeping edge of the sweeping element from a floor to be cleaned in a cleaning operation can thus be set in a simple manner.

Here, it is possible that the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is mounted on the floor head so as to also be movable in at least one further direction transverse to the z-direction. This results in a further tolerance compensation.

In particular, provision is made that the at least one sweeping element is arranged and formed such that it feeds dirt particles to the at least one cleaning roller, such dirt particles being entrained by the at least one cleaning roller as a result of the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller. The at least one sweeping element, in a sense, gathers dirt particles and “provides” them to the at least one cleaning roller, wherein the at least one cleaning roller in turn then conveys the dirt particles in order to finally be able to feed them to the tank device.

In an advantageous embodiment, the tank device is configured as a tank device for dirty fluid. Said tank device is, in particular, adjacent to the at least one cleaning roller. Dirty fluid (including coarse dirt particles, as the case may be) can then be conveyed directly from the at least one cleaning roller into the tank device. In particular, this conveyance may take place in a blower-free manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one feed channel for dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller to a receiving space of the tank device is provided. Dirty fluid can thus be effectively removed from the at least one cleaning roller and coupled into the tank device with a short flow path.

A sealing device is favorably provided, which is arranged on the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element sits, and which seals the at least one feed channel from an input-coupling element for the at least one feed channel, independently of a position of the tank device or the partial region of the tank device relative to the floor head. As a result, a fluid-tight feeding of dirty fluid to the receiving space of the tank device can be achieved, even in the case of a mobile tank device or mobile partial region of the tank device (in particular with a movability relative to the input-coupling element).

In particular, the input-coupling element sits on the floor head, in particular with at least one of the following:

    • the sealing device is of movable and/or elastic configuration;
    • at least one scraper for the at least one cleaning roller sits on the input-coupling element;
    • the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is movable relative to the input-coupling element in a cleaning operation.

Dirty fluid can thus, in particular, be removed from the cleaning roller in an optimized manner. A fluid-tight at least one feed channel for the feeding of dirty fluid into a receiving space of the tank device can be achieved in a simple manner. The tank device can be implemented so as to be movable, in order to achieve a fixed distance of a sweeping edge from a floor to be cleaned, independently of a diameter of the at least one cleaning roller.

In a constructively simple embodiment, the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is force-driven and, in particular, gravity-driven, or is pressed against a floor to be cleaned, for example by a spring device, in the direction of a contact plane of the at least one cleaning roller. The position of the tank device can thus set itself in a simple manner, in order to obtain a fixed distance of a sweeping edge of the sweeping element from the floor to be cleaned, independently of the diameter of the at least one cleaning roller.

In advantageous embodiment, a scraping device is provided for scraping dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller and for coupling into the tank device. By means of the scraping device, the at least one cleaning roller can be wrung out, in a sense, to be able to discharge dirty fluid therefrom.

In a favorable embodiment, the at least one cleaning roller has a textile covering like, e.g., a microfiber covering, and, in particular, a scraper of a scraping device penetrates into the textile covering. This results in an optimized removal effect for dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller.

In one embodiment, the at least one cleaning roller is of two-part configuration and a center drive is provided. A cleaning close to edges is thereby made possible. The at least one cleaning roller can be configured and positioned such that it reaches up to a lateral end of the floor head.

It is favorable if a tank device for cleaning liquid and a supply device for cleaning liquid from the tank device to the at least one cleaning roller and/or to a floor to be cleaned is provided. A wiping effect results in an improved cleaning result. Dirt on a surface to be cleaned can be loosened by means of cleaning liquid (which, in particular, is fresh water or fresh water with an, e.g., surfactant cleaning agent additive). The at least one cleaning roller acts mechanically on the dirt due to its rotation.

It is favorable if a pin strip with pins for picking up hair is provided, wherein, in particular, pins abut against a textile covering or penetrate into the textile covering of the at least one cleaning roller. Hair can thus be picked up and collected from the floor to be cleaned. This results in an optimized cleaning result.

It is advantageous if the at least one sweeping element is arranged upstream from a scraper for the at least one cleaning roller in relation to a normal direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller in a cleaning operation. Dirt particles that are collected by the at least one sweeping element can thus be entrained by the at least one cleaning roller and thereby carried away from the sweeping element. Said dirt particles then reach the scraper, where a removal of dirty fluid (including the dirt particles) is possible.

In one embodiment, a first cleaning roller and a second cleaning roller are provided, wherein the second cleaning roller is arranged on the floor head at a distance from the first cleaning roller, in particular with at least one of the following:

    • a first axis of rotation of the first cleaning roller and a second axis of rotation of the second cleaning roller are oriented in parallel to one another;
    • in a normal operating mode of the floor cleaning machine, the first cleaning roller and the second cleaning roller rotate in opposite directions.

This results in an optimized cleaning result. In particular, the tank device is arranged between the first cleaning roller and the second cleaning roller. Said tank device can thereby be positioned “stably”.

In particular, a first sweeping element is hereby associated with the first cleaning roller and/or a second sweeping element is associated with the second cleaning roller. The first sweeping element and the second sweeping element are hereby advantageously arranged on the same tank device.

In one embodiment, the floor cleaning machine is hand-held and hand-guided. A holding device for a user is provided, which is arranged (and, in particular, pivotably arranged) on the floor head, wherein the floor cleaning machine is operable by a user in a standing position.

In an alternative embodiment, the floor cleaning machine is of self-propelled and self-steering configuration and, in particular, is configured as a wiping robot.

In accordance with the invention, a method for operating a floor cleaning machine is provided, in which a cleaning roller is arranged on a floor head and coarse dirt is fed to the rotating cleaning roller by way of a sweeping element, wherein the sweeping element is arranged on a tank deice and the tank device or a partial region of the tank device on which the sweeping element is arranged is movable relative to the floor head in a cleaning operation, and in which there is a defined fixed distance of the sweeping element from the floor in the cleaning operation.

The method in accordance with the invention has the advantages that have already been explained in the context of the floor cleaning machine in accordance with the invention.

In particular, the method in accordance with the invention can be performed on the floor cleaning machine in accordance with the invention or the floor cleaning machine can be operated with the method in accordance with the invention.

It is particularly advantageous if the sweeping element is supported on the floor to be cleaned by way of at least one support element (in the cleaning operation), wherein the at least one support element is arranged on the sweeping element and/or the tank device. The defined fixed distance of a sweeping edge of the sweeping element from the floor to be cleaned can thus be achieved in a simple manner. This defined distance remains constant, even if a diameter of the at least one cleaning roller changes, for example due to wear, or if there are manufacturing tolerances with respect to cleaning rollers.

The subsequent description of preferred embodiments serves in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a partial depiction of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine in accordance with the invention, wherein a holding (rod) device is shown in a partial depiction and only one part of a two-part (front) cleaning roller is shown;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the floor cleaning machine in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged depiction of the region A according to FIG. 2 in the moment of the cleaning roller being placed on a floor to be cleaned;

FIG. 4 shows the same view as FIG. 3, wherein the cleaning roller has been placed for a longer period of time and its diameter has decreased;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a tank device or a partial region of a tank device in a perspective depiction;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the tank device or the partial region according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a cut view along line 7-7 according to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a cut view of the floor cleaning machine according to FIG. 1 in the region of the front cleaning roller in a first position of a pin strip;

FIG. 9 shows the same view as FIG. 8 in a second position of the pin strip;

FIG. 10 shows the same view as FIG. 8 in a third position of the pin strip;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective depiction of an embodiment of a pin strip;

FIG. 12 shows a further perspective depiction of the pin strip according to FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a further perspective depiction of the pin strip according to FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the pin strip according to FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 shows a front view of the pin strip according to FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of a floor cleaning machine in accordance with the invention (in the configuration as a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning machine); and

FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of a hand-held and hand-guided floor cleaning machine.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a floor cleaning machine in accordance with the invention, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a partial depiction and is denoted by 10, is configured as a hand-held and hand-guided floor cleaning machine, which is operable by a user in a standing position.

The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a floor head 12. At least one cleaning roller 14 is arranged on the floor head 12. In the embodiment shown, a first cleaning roller 14a and a second cleaning roller 14b are rotatably mounted on the floor head 12. The first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b are spaced at a distance and are hereby oriented in parallel to one another.

The first cleaning roller 14a is rotatable about a first axis of rotation 16a. The second cleaning roller 14b is rotatable about a second axis of rotation 16b. The first axis of rotation 16a and the second axis of rotation 16b are in parallel to one another.

A first shaft 18 is arranged on the floor head 12 for the first cleaning roller 14a. A second shaft (not visible in the drawings) is associated with the second cleaning roller 14b. The first shaft 18 and the second shaft are each connected to a drive motor by way of a transmission device. Said drive motor sits, in particular, on the floor head 12.

Provision is hereby made that at least for a normal operating mode of the floor cleaning machine 10, the first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b are operated in opposite directions and, in particular, at the same rotational speed.

Regarding further embodiments for the drive motor and the transmission device, reference is made to the not previously published German patent application Nr. 10 2019 109 946.3 of 15 Apr. 2019 from the same applicant. Express reference is made to this document in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b are each of two-part configuration. The first shaft 18 comprises a first shaft region 20 and a second shaft region 22. The respective first part like, for example, the first part 24 of the first cleaning roller 14a sits on the first shaft region 20. The second part of the first cleaning roller 14a is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. There, the second part 26 of the second cleaning roller 14b is visible.

A center drive is provided for the rotational drive of the first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b. A torque-effective coupling of the drive motor to the cleaning rollers 14a and 14b takes place in a middle region between outer ends. In particular, the first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b extend up to a side rim 28 of the floor head 12. A cleaning close to edges is thereby possible.

In this respect, reference is made, as an example, to DE 10 2019 109 946.

In one embodiment, a cleaning roller 14 comprises a textile covering 30, which is arranged on a corresponding cylindrical holder 32.

In a cleaning operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the floor head 12 is supported on a floor 34 to be cleaned (FIG. 2) by way of the first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b. The floor head 12 with its cleaning rollers 14a, 14b has a contact plane 36 for the floor 34. The floor 34 to be cleaned is, in particular, a hard floor.

The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a holding device 38. Said holding device is configured, in particular, as a holding rod device (of which only part is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The holding device 38 is pivotably articulated on the floor head 12 by way of a pivot joint 40. A pivot axis 42 of the pivotability of the holding device 38 in relation to the floor head 12 is oriented, in particular, in parallel to the first axis of rotation 16a or the second axis of rotation 16b.

A further pivotability about a pivot axis 44 may also be present, which is locked transversely to the pivot axis 42. The pivot axis 42 is thereby, in particular, in parallel to the contact plane 36.

The floor cleaning machine 10 is hand-guided. The holding device 38 is configured such that a user can guide the floor cleaning machine 10 over the floor 34 to be cleaned, wherein the floor head 12 is supported on the floor 34 by way of the cleaning rollers 14a, 14b, and the user themselves is standing on the floor 34 at a distance from the floor head 12; the hand-guided floor cleaning machine 10 is configured, in particular, such that it is operable by a user in a standing position. In this respect, reference is made to DE 10 2019 109 946.

A tank device 46 is releasably arranged on the floor head 12. The tank device 46 is releasably positioned on a tank device holder 48 of the floor head 12. The tank device 46 is releasable downwardly from the floor head 12 in a removal direction 50 (FIG. 1).

The removal direction 50 is oriented, in particular, perpendicularly to the contact plane 36.

The tank device 46 is positioned on the holder 48 between the first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b. The tank device 46 serves to accommodate dirty fluid, which is “removed” from the cleaning rollers 14a, 14b and fed to the tank device 46.

In the embodiment shown, one single tank device 46 is provided for the first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b.

It is also possible in principle that the first cleaning roller 14a and the second cleaning roller 14b are each associated with their own respective tank, such that the tank device comprises two separate or connected parts.

The tank device 46 is arranged, in particular, such that dirty fluid from the cleaning rollers 14 is directly coupleable in a blower-free manner (without suction). This is explained in more detail below.

The tank device 46 (cf. FIGS. 5 to 7) comprises a tray 52 with (at least) one receiving space 54 for dirty fluid. The tray 52 has a base 56 on which a peripheral wall 58 is arranged. The receiving space 54 is formed between the base 56 and the wall 58.

In one embodiment, the tray 52 has an at least approximately cuboidal outer form.

The tank device 46 comprises a lid 60. The lid 60 (FIG. 7) may be an element that is separate from the floor head 12. In particular, the tank device 46 is then removable with the lid 62 from the tank device holder 48.

In an alternative embodiment, the lid of the tank device 46 is formed on the floor head 12, for example by the tank device holder 48. In this embodiment, only the tray 52 is removable from the floor head 12 and the corresponding lid remains on the floor head 12.

During a cleaning operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, an underside 56 of the base 56 of the tank device 46 faces toward the floor 34 to be cleaned. A first side wall 62 of the wall 58 faces toward the first cleaning roller 14a, and a second side wall 64 opposite the first side wall 62 of the wall 58 faces toward the second cleaning roller 14b.

In one embodiment, the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 64 each have a recess 66, which serves to partially accommodate the transmission device, by way of which the corresponding shaft (like, for example, the first shaft 18) is torque-effectively coupled to the drive motor. The recess 66 is arranged in the middle on the corresponding side wall 62, 64.

In one embodiment, fixing elements 68 are arranged on the tray 52. They are, in particular, of dome-shaped configuration. The fixing elements 68 serve to fix the tank device 46 by way of the tray 52 on the tank device holder 48 (cf. FIG. 7) and, in particular, to hangingly fix and thereby floatingly mount the tray 52 on the floor head 12 (cf. FIG. 7). This is explained in more detail below.

The fixing elements 68 also serve, in particular, to center and optionally additionally fix the lid 60 on the tray 52 if such a separate lid 60 is provided. The lid 60 then has corresponding recesses 74 (FIG. 7) through which the fixing elements 68 are passed.

Arranged on the floor head 12 is a first sweeping element 70, which is associated with the first cleaning roller 14a. Further, arranged on the floor head 12 is a second sweeping element 72, which is associated with the second cleaning roller 14b. The sweeping elements 70, 72 serve to gather dirt particles (in particular coarse dirt particles) and feed same to the respective associated cleaning roller 14a and 14b. These dirt particles can then be entrained by the cleaning roller 14a or 14b and be coupled into the tank device 46.

The first sweeping element 70 and the second sweeping element 72 each have a sweeping edge 76. The sweeping edge 76 is adjacent to the textile covering 30 of the corresponding cleaning roller 14 and can abut against or penetrate into it. Reference is made in this regard to WO 2016/058956 A1, which is expressly referred to.

The respective sweeping element 70, 72 with its sweeping edge 76 extends, in particular, at least approximately over the entire length of the associated cleaning roller 14. The sweeping edge 76 is aligned in parallel to the corresponding axis of rotation 16a, 16b.

The first sweeping element 70 is arranged on the first side wall 62 at a distance from the base 56 of the tray 52. Correspondingly, the second sweeping element 72 is arranged on the second side wall 64 at a distance from the base 56.

It is possible that the respective sweeping element 70, 72 is made of a rigid material or has a certain inherent elasticity.

The sweeping elements 70, 72 have, in particular, a contour facing toward the respective cleaning roller 14a, 14b, said contour being adapted to the cleaning roller 14a, 14b.

The first sweeping element 70 and the second sweeping element 72 are arranged on the tray 52 and thereby on the respective side wall 62 and 64 (front and rear side wall).

It is also possible in principle that the first sweeping element 70 and/or the second sweeping element 72 is arranged on the base 56 with the tray 52 being appropriately configured.

The first sweeping element 70 and the second sweeping element 72 are each fixedly connected to the tray 52, such that they are removable with the tray 52 from the floor head 12 and are also moved in a movability of the tray 52 relative to the floor head.

Provision is made that in the operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the respective sweeping edge 76 of the first sweeping element 70 and the second sweeping element 72 are at a defined fixed distance D from the floor 34 to be cleaned (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4). This defined distance D is hereby independent of the diameter of the associated cleaning roller 14 and thus independent, for example, of wear to the textile covering 30. Further, it is independent of manufacturing tolerances.

The distance D is predetermined for an optimized cleaning result with respect to the coarse dirt gathering function of the sweeping element 70, 72. If the distance D is too small, the respective sweeping element 70 or 72 can get caught in joints, transitions, or the like on the floor 34 to be cleaned and this results in a more difficult operability. If the distance D is too large, this results in a worsened coarse dirt gathering function.

In particular, the distance D is greater than zero and preferably greater than 0.5 mm and preferably greater than 0.7 mm. Further, provision is made, in particular, that the defined distance D is smaller than 1.5 mm and, in particular, smaller than 1.3 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the distance D is about 1 mm.

In order to provide this defined distance D in a cleaning operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, support elements 78 are provided (FIGS. 3, 4) with which the first sweeping element 70 and the second sweeping element 72 are supported on the floor 34 to be cleaned. The support elements 78 are configured as sliding elements, which slide over the floor 34 in the cleaning operation of the floor cleaning machine 10.

The support elements 78 are configured precisely such that the sweeping edge 76 is at the distance D from the floor 34.

In one embodiment, the support elements 78 are formed by spaced apart ribs 80, which are arranged on the respective sweeping element 70, 72. Said ribs 80 extend beyond the sweeping edge 76 in the direction of the contact plane 36 to achieve the supporting function on the floor 34.

Between adjacent support elements 78 or ribs 80 is a free space over which the corresponding sweeping element 70, 72 does not contact the floor 34.

In particular, a row of support elements 78, in particular in the form of ribs, is provided on a respective sweeping element 70, 72. A corresponding row has a longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the corresponding axis of rotation 16a, 16b of the associated cleaning roller 14a and 14b, respectively.

Alternatively or in addition, it is possible that support elements 78 are arranged on the tank device 46 and thereby on the base 56 of the tray 52.

In the operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the tank device 46 is supported on the floor 34 to be cleaned by way of the support elements 78. To keep the distance D independent of the specific situation of the cleaning roller 14, the tank device 46 or a partial region of the tank device (the tray 52) is floatingly mounted on the floor head 12 and thereby on the tank device holder 48. The tank device 46 has a movability in a z-direction 82 in relation to the partial region at which the sweeping elements 70, 72 are arranged. This z-direction 82 is hereby transverse and, in particular, perpendicular to the contact plane 36 of the cleaning rollers 14 on the floor 34.

Further, the z-direction 82 is oriented transversely and thereby, in particular, perpendicularly to the axes of rotation 16a, 16b.

Further, provision is preferably made that the z-direction 82 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the pivot axis 42.

As a result of the movability of the tray 52 with the sweeping elements 70, 72 in the z-direction 82 and as a result of the corresponding floating mounting on the floor head 12, the sweeping edge 76 is always at the fixed distance D from the floor 34, independently of the concrete diameter of the cleaning rollers 14. The movability of the tray 52 in the z-direction 82 results in an automatic setting of said fixed distance D of the sweeping edge 76 from the floor 34 during a cleaning operation. The support elements 78 ensure a “correct” positioning of the sweeping elements 70, 72 relative to the floor 34.

In one embodiment, the movability of the tank device 46 or the partial region on which the sweeping elements 70, 72 (of the tray 52) sit is achieved by a hanging mounting of the tray 52 on the floor head 12. In particular, the mounting is such that, for one, this fixed distance D can be set and, for another, the tray 52 does not fall off when the floor head 12 is lifted from the floor 34.

For example, corresponding counter fixing elements are associated with the fixing elements 68 on the tank device holder 48, which counter fixing elements enable the movability in the z-direction 28 and prevent the tray 52 from falling off. In particular, a releasing force and/or special release movement is required to be able to remove the tank device 46 from the floor head 12 in the removal direction 50.

In particular, the movability in the z-direction 82 is then also set such that precisely the compensation with respect to the fixed distance D made possible without the tank device 46 sitting “too loosely” on the floor head 12.

In one embodiment, for example, a respective web sits on adjacent fixing elements 68, said web then being positioned in a corresponding receptacle of the tank device holder 48 and being movable in the z-direction 82 when the tank device 46 is fixed to the floor head 12, wherein the movability is limited to a corresponding distance, and a release of the tank device 46 from the tank device holder 48 is blocked without additional measures.

Here, it is possible in principle that the tank device 46 as a whole with the lid 60 is movable relative to the floor head 12 in the z-direction or that, for example, the tray 52 is movable in the z-direction relative to a lid 60 or a lid formed by the tank device holder 48.

Provision may additionally be made that the tank device 46 or the partial region of the tank device 46 on which the sweeping elements 70, 72 sit is movable in at least one transverse direction 84a, 84b (cf. FIG. 5) relative to the z-direction 82 and is thereby floatingly mounted on the tank device holder 48.

The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a tank device 86 for cleaning liquid (FIG. 1). Said tank device 86 for cleaning liquid accommodates a cleaning liquid, which is suppliable directly or indirectly to the floor 34 to be cleaned by way of a supply device 88.

The cleaning liquid is, in particular, fresh water to which a cleaning agent additive and, in particular, surfactant cleaning agent additive may be added. It is also possible in principle that the tank device 86 has separate tanks for fresh water and cleaning agent additive and a corresponding mixing takes place.

In one embodiment, cleaning liquid is supplied to the at least cleaning roller 14 by way of the supply device 88; the textile covering 30 of the corresponding cleaning roller 14 is then moistened by way of cleaning liquid.

Soiling on a floor 34 can be released by the cleaning liquid. In addition, a mechanical action on the dirt takes place by way of the corresponding cleaning roller 14. A rotational wiping movement of the cleaning roller 14 on the floor 34 takes place.

In one embodiment, the tank device 86 is arranged on the holding device 38. It is also possible in principle that it is arranged on the floor head 12.

In this case, reference is made, as an example, to WO 2019/15345 A1 or DE 10 2019 109 946.

Furthermore, reference is made to WO 2016/058901 A1. For example, in a cleaning operation of the floor cleaning machine 10 in which the cleaning rollers 14 are rotated, a supply of cleaning agent from the tank device 86 by way of the supply device 88 to the cleaning rollers 14 is automatically effected by a valve being opened accordingly or a pump being switched on accordingly.

A respective scraping device 90 associated with the cleaning rollers 14 is arranged on the floor head 12 (cf. FIG. 8). The scraping device 90 comprises a scraper 92, which penetrates into the textile covering 30 of the associated cleaning roller 14a, 14b. By means of the corresponding scraper 92, dirty fluid can be removed from the associated cleaning roller 14 and conveyed into the tank device 46. Reference is made in this respect to WO 2019/086083 A1.

For this purpose, (at least) one feed channel 94 is provided, which opens into the receiving space 54.

In one embodiment, the scraper 92 is arranged on an input-coupling element 96. An opening 97 for the feed channel 94 is arranged on the input-coupling element 96. The scraper 92 forms an opening wall for the opening 97. In particular, the tank device 46 or the partial region on which the sweeping elements 70, 72 sit is movable in the z-direction 82 relative to the input-coupling element 96.

To enable this movability of the tank device 46 and to obtain a sealed supply channel 94, a sealing device 98 is provided, which seals the supply channel 94 from the input-coupling element 96 in order to obtain a fluid-tight supply channel 94 when the tank device 46 is at different positions in the z-direction relative to the input-coupling element 96.

The scraper 92 is positioned at a distance from the respective sweeping element 70, 72.

In one embodiment, provision is made that the corresponding cleaning roller 14 rotates in such a direction of rotation 100 that the scraper 92 is arranged downstream from the corresponding sweeping element 70 or 72. Coarse dirt that is picked up by the corresponding sweeping element 70, 72 can thereby be transported by the corresponding cleaning roller 14 to the scraper 92. Dirty fluid is removed on the scraper 92 and conveyed into the receiving space 54 via the at least one feed channel 94.

It is possible, for example, that the input-coupling element 96 and/or the supply channel 94 are arranged on a lid 60 of the tank device 46. Reference is made in this respect to WO 2019/029821 A1.

It is then advantageous, in particular, if the tray 52 is movable relative to said lid 60 in order to enable the movability in the z-direction 82 to in turn be able to set the fixed distance D of the sweeping edges 76 from the floor 34.

With regard to the floatingly mounted tank device 46, the floor cleaning machine 10 functions as follows:

In a cleaning operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, it is placed on the floor 34 to be cleaned by way of the cleaning rollers 14a, 14b and is displaced over said floor 34.

The cleaning rollers 14a, 14b are applied with cleaning liquid from the tank device 86. The cleaning rollers 14a, 14b rotate in the direction of rotation 100 and, in particular, rotate in opposite directions.

The textile covering 30 is moistened. The cleaning rollers 14a, 14b act with a corresponding covering region on the floor 34 to be cleaned. A mechanical action takes place, and dirt is moistened in order to improve the detachment thereof.

Coarse dirt is gathered by way of the sweeping elements 70, 72 and can be entrained by the corresponding cleaning roller 14a, 14b in the direction of rotation 100.

Dirty fluid including coarse dirt can be removed from the cleaning roller 14 on the respective scraper and is then conveyed into the tank device 46 and thereby into the corresponding receiving space 54.

The sweeping elements 70, 72 are arranged on the tray 52 and thereby on the tank device 46 or on a partial region of the tank device 46. The tray 52 with the sweeping elements 70, 72 is swimmingly mounted on the floor head 12 in the z-direction 82. In the cleaning operation, the tray 52 is supported on the floor 34 to be cleaned by way of the support elements 78. The fixed defined distance D between the sweeping edge 76 and the floor 34 is thereby automatically set.

This automatic setting takes place in the case of the different covering thicknesses B of the corresponding cleaning roller 14a, 14b (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4). The covering thickness B can change, for example, in the case of corresponding wear to the cleaning roller 14, or may be different due to manufacturing tolerances.

For example, the textile covering 30 is also compressed to a greater extent at a placement region on the floor 34 to be cleaned than outside of said region (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4). When the tank device 46 is full, the width B may be smaller than when it is empty.

The floating mounting of the tank device 46 or of the tray 52 enables a movability of the tray 52 in relation to the axis of rotation 16a or 16b of the corresponding cleaning roller 14 in the z-direction 82. Compare the FIGS. 3 and 4 in which the tray 52 adopts different positions relative to the axis of rotation 16a.

This always results, as explained, in the fixed distance D of the sweeping edge 76 from the floor 34, independently of the situation on the cleaning roller 14. This in turn results in an optimized coarse dirt gathering function for the respective sweeping element 70, 72. Thus, on the one hand, it can be prevented that it catches on the floor 34 and, on the other hand, it is prevented that larger particles can “slip through” under the respective sweeping element 70, 72.

The corresponding function is independent of manufacturing tolerances and is ensured over the lifetime of the cleaning roller 14 with wear to the textile covering 30 (with a reduction of the diameter of the cleaning rollers 14).

In one embodiment, provision is made that the tank device 46 or the tray 52 is mounted on the floor head 12 such that it is pressed against the floor 34 in a gravity-driven manner so that the support elements 78 rest on the floor 34. The dead weight of the tray 52 effects the automatic positioning of the sweeping edge 76 at the fixed distance D from the floor 32.

Alternatively or in addition, it is possible that a spring device 102 presses the tray 52 in a direction 104 toward the contact plane 36 (cf. FIG. 3). The spring device 102 is thereby supported, in particular, on the tank device holder 48 and on the tray 52 in order to correspondingly press the support elements 78 against the floor 34.

A pin strip 106 with a plurality of pins 108 is arranged on the floor head 12. The pins 108 of the pin strip 106 are pins that abut against the textile covering 30 or project into the textile covering 30 of the associated cleaning roller 14a, 14b.

The pin strip 106 serves to pick up hair in the manner of a hairbrush.

The pins 108 are, in particular, made of a plastic material.

The pin strip 106 is arranged on the floor head 12 such that it is removable as a whole by a user. The user can then clean the pin strip 106 with hair caught therein.

The pin strip 106 comprises a support 110 on which the pins 108 are arranged. The pins 108 thereby project beyond the support 110.

The pins 108 extend in a pin direction 114. They have a flat face side 116. In particular, a pin 108 on the face side 116 has a diameter in the range between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, this diameter on the face side 116 is about 0.3 mm.

In one embodiment, the pin strip 106 is formed on an input-coupling element 118. The input-coupling element 118 is positioned on the floor head 12. The input-coupling element 118 is removable as a whole from the floor head 12, or the pin strip 106 is removable from the input-coupling element 118.

The input-coupling element 118 comprises a holder 120. The support 110 of the pin strip 106 with the pins 108 sits fixedly or releasably on the holder 120 (see above).

Further, the scraper 92 sits on the holder 120 of the input-coupling element 118 at a distance from the pins 108.

Further, in one embodiment, the opening 97 is at least partially formed on the input-coupling element 118.

Arranged on the support 110, which, in particular, sits fixedly on the holder 120, are a first row 122a and a second row 122b of pins 108.

The first row 122a and the second row 122b extend in a longitudinal direction 124 (FIG. 11). In particular, the face sides 116 of the pins 108 in a row 122a or 122b are in a line parallel to the longitudinal direction 124.

When the pin strip 106 is positioned on the floor head 12, the longitudinal direction 124 is in parallel to the corresponding first axis of rotation 16a for the first cleaning roller 14a or to the second axis of rotation 16b for the second cleaning roller 14b.

Further, the longitudinal direction 124 is at least approximately parallel to the contact plane 36.

The second row 122b is spaced at a distance from the first row 122a in a transverse direction 126.

In the embodiment shown, the pins 108 in the first row 122a and in the second row 122b are each in a line.

It is possible in principle that pins are also offset in the transverse direction 126 within a row.

The rows 122a, 122b have, in particular, a length that corresponds substantially to a length of the associated cleaning roller 14a, 14b or is somewhat shorter. A pickup of hair is thereby ensured substantially over the entire length of the corresponding cleaning roller 14.

Coupling elements 128 and, in particular, latching elements, by way of which the pin strip 106 is connectable and, in particular, latchable to a corresponding counter element on the floor head 12, sit on the holder 120 and, in particular, on the support 110. The coupling elements 128 and their counter elements are configured such that a user can release and replace the pin strip 106 or the input coupling element 128 in a simple manner, in particular for cleaning purposes.

In the operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the pins 108 of the pin strip 106 abut against or penetrate into the textile covering 30, cf. in particular FIG. 10.

In the operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the scraper 92 penetrates into the textile covering 30 of the corresponding cleaning roller 14 with a depth T1 (FIG. 10). A corresponding penetration depth of pins 108 is T2.

The penetration depth T2 is in the range between 0 mm and 4 mm inclusively, wherein a penetration depth of 0 mm means that the pins 108 abut with the face side 112 against the textile covering 30.

In particular, provision is made that the pins 108 project to an equal or lesser extent into the textile covering 30 than the scraper 92 (as an opening wall for scraping off dirty fluid and coupling into the tank device 46).

In particular, a difference T1−T2 is in the range between 0 mm and 1 mm inclusively.

Pins 108 and, in particular, all pins 108 are aligned in the pin direction 114 on the pin strip 106. This pin direction 140 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the corresponding axis of rotation 16a or 16b of the associated cleaning roller 14.

The pin direction 140 is further oriented in parallel or obliquely to the z-direction 82. A corresponding angle 130 of the pin direction 114 to the z-direction 82 (and thus also to a normal of the contact plane 36) is, e.g., in the range between 0° and 10°.

Further, the pin direction 140 is in parallel or at an acute angle 132 to the scraper 92 (cf. FIG. 10). This angle 132 is, in particular, in the range between 0° and 25°.

It results in an optimized result for the pickup of hair if the pin direction 114 and the scraper 92 are not aligned in parallel to one another, but rather at an acute angle and, in particular, at an acute angle of about 20°.

The pins 108 on the pin strip 106 are arranged similarly to elements on a hairbrush in order to achieve an optimized pickup of hair. The pin strip 106 is arranged downstream from the scraper 92 in relation to the direction of rotation 100. Hair that was not coupled into the opening 97 can be picked up by the pin strip 106.

The pin strip 106 is resiliently mounted on the floor head 12. Alternatively or in addition, the scraper 92 with the opening 97 is mounted on the floor head 12 subjected to a force and, in particular, is mounted in a spring-loaded manner.

In the embodiment shown, the input-coupling element 118 is mounted on the floor head 12 subjected to a force and, in particular, is mounted in a spring-loaded manner. The pin strip 106 and the scraper 92 are thereby jointly mounted on the floor head 12 subjected to a force and, in particular, are mounted in a spring-loaded manner.

The input-coupling element 118 is mounted on the floor head 12 so as to be movable and, in particular, displaceable in a motion axis 134.

The input-coupling element 118 sits on a displacement guide 136. The motion axis 134 is thereby oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the respective axis of rotation 16a or 16b.

The motion axis 134 is, in particular, at an acute angle to the z-direction 82.

Further, the motion axis 134 is at an acute angle to the normal of the contact plane 36.

The motion axis 134 is, in particular, aligned to a central axis of the associated cleaning roller 14.

In one embodiment, the motion axis 134 is oriented in parallel to the scraper 92.

A spring device 138 for applying a force is associated with the input-coupling element 118 (cf. FIG. 8). The spring device 138 exerts a spring force, which seeks to press the input-coupling element 118 with the pin strip 106 and the scraper 92 against the textile covering 30 of the associated cleaning roller 14.

In one embodiment, the input-coupling element 118 comprises an abutment element 140 with an abutment surface 142 as a contact surface for the textile covering 30. The abutment surface 142 may abut against the textile covering 30 or penetrate into it.

In particular, the pins 108 and the scraper 92 extend over the abutment surface 142. The abutment element 140 forms a stop for the input-coupling element 118 against the corresponding cleaning roller 14. It is configured such that the pins 108 and the scraper 92 each penetrate into the textile covering 30 with the desired penetration depth T2 and T1, respectively.

It is thus guaranteed that the corresponding (preset) penetration depth T1 and penetration depth T2 is achieved, independently of the diameter 30 of the corresponding cleaning roller 14. The abutment element 140 is pressed against the surface of the cleaning roller 14 by the spring device 138, independently of the diameter of the cleaning roller 14.

Even if, for example, the diameter of the cleaning roller 14 is reduced due to wear to the textile covering 30, the depth T1 and T2 that is predetermined for an optimized cleaning result is maintained.

Corresponding manufacturing tolerances can also be compensated for by the displaceable mounting and spring mounting of the input-coupling element 118.

By means of the input-coupling element 118, a constant distance from the textile covering 30 is achieved, independently of the condition or the configuration of the corresponding cleaning roller 14. This results in an optimized scraping result both for dirty fluids and for hair. The penetration depths T1 and T2 are independent of tolerances, roller diameters, and wear. An optimized dirt pickup (including hair pickup) can thus be ensured. For one, an insufficient penetration is prevented (which can have a negative effect on the dirt pickup) and, for another, an excessive penetration is prevented (which can lead to increased current consumption by the floor cleaning machine 10 as well as an increased load on the motor and on the transmission).

The spring device 138 can be formed by one or more coil springs. The application of force can also be formed, e.g., by one or more rubber buffers. It is also possible that, for example, a pressure cylinder is provided for the application of force.

In principle, it is also possible that the abutment of the abutment element 140 against the textile covering 30 of the associated cleaning roller 14 is gravity-driven alone.

In the described embodiment, an input-coupling element 118 is provided, on which both the pin strip 106 and the scraper 92 are arranged.

It is possible in principle that separate movable and, in particular, displaceable elements are provided for the pin strip 106 and for the scraper 92.

It is further possible that either only the pin strip 106 is movably and, in particular, displaceably mounted, or only the scraper 92 is displaceably mounted.

Shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 are respective different positions of the input-coupling element 118 on its displacement guide 136 relative to the first cleaning roller 14a.

The positions shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are transition positions for explaining the basic functionality.

Shown in FIG. 10 is a final position in which the abutment surface 142 abuts against the textile covering 30 on the outside, such that the pins 108 and the scraper 92 each penetrate into the textile covering 30 with the respectively predetermined penetration depth T1 and T2.

As mentioned above, provision may also be made, for example, that the pins 108 only touch the textile covering 30 and do not penetrate into it (with a penetration depth T2 of 0 mm).

The position shown in FIG. 9 is, in particular, also a position for the input-coupling element 118 when, for example, the cleaning roller 14 is to be exchanged.

It is possible that a floatingly mounted tank, as is described on the basis of the floor cleaning machine 10, is also used in the case of a floor cleaning machine 144 (FIG. 16), which is of self-propelled and, in particular, self-steering configuration. On such a floor cleaning machine, which has a floor head 146, in particular, a tank device for cleaning liquid is then also arranged on the floor head.

With respect to the floating mounting of the tank device for dirty liquid, on which one or more sweeping elements are arranged, the functioning is the same as described above.

The floor cleaning machine 144 may also be equipped with one or more pin strips 106 for hair pickup.

Further, it is possible that a corresponding pin strip 106 and/or a scraper 92 for a corresponding cleaning roller 14 is movably and, in particular, displaceably mounted and, in particular, is mounted under the application of force.

A further embodiment of a floor cleaning machine 148 (FIG. 16) comprises a floor head 150. The floor head 150 is supported on a floor to be cleaned by way of one single cleaning roller 152 in a cleaning operation. A removable tank device 154 for dirty fluid sits on the floor head 150.

The floor head 150 is provided with a pin strip corresponding to the pin strip 106, which, in particular, sits on the tank device 154.

In particular, provision is made that the pin strip 106 and/or a corresponding scraper for the cleaning roller 152 is movably and, in particular, displaceably mounted and, in particular, mounted in a spring-loaded manner, as described above.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

  • 10 floor cleaning machine
  • 12 floor head
  • 14a first cleaning roller
  • 14b second cleaning roller
  • 16a first axis of rotation
  • 16b second axis of rotation
  • 18 first shaft
  • 20 first shaft region
  • 22 second shaft region
  • 24 first part
  • 26 second part
  • 28 side rim
  • 30 textile covering
  • 32 holder
  • 34 base
  • 36 contact plane
  • 38 holding device
  • 40 pivot joint
  • 42 pivot axis
  • 44 pivot axis
  • 46 tank device
  • 48 tank device holder
  • 50 removal direction
  • 52 tray
  • 54 receiving space
  • 56 base
  • 58 wall
  • 60 lid
  • 62 side wall
  • 64 side wall
  • 66 recess
  • 68 fixing element
  • 70 first sweeping element
  • 72 second sweeping element
  • 74 recess
  • 76 sweeping edge
  • 78 support elements
  • 80 ribs
  • 82 z-direction
  • 84a, 84b transverse direction
  • 86 tank device for cleaning liquid
  • 88 supply device
  • 90 scraping device
  • 92 scraper
  • 94 feed channel
  • 96 input-coupling element
  • 97 opening
  • 98 sealing device
  • 100 direction of rotation
  • 102 spring device
  • 104 direction
  • 106 pin strip
  • 108 pin
  • 110 support
  • 112 face side
  • 114 pin direction
  • 116 face side
  • 118 input-coupling element
  • 120 holder
  • 122a first row
  • 122b second row
  • 124 longitudinal direction
  • 126 transverse direction
  • 128 coupling element
  • 130 shaft
  • 132 shaft
  • 134 motion axis
  • 136 displacement guide
  • 138 spring device
  • 140 abutment element
  • 142 abutment surface
  • 144 floor cleaning machine
  • 146 floor head
  • 148 floor cleaning machine
  • 150 floor head
  • 152 cleaning roller
  • 154 tank device
  • D distance from the floor 34
  • T1, T2 penetration depth

Claims

1. A floor cleaning machine, comprising a floor head, at least one cleaning roller, which is arranged on the floor head, a tank device, which is arranged on the floor head, and at least one sweeping element, which is associated with the at least one cleaning roller, wherein the at least one sweeping element is arranged on the tank device and wherein at least a partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is movable relative to the floor head in a cleaning operation.

2. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one sweeping element and the tank device are configured such that the at least one sweeping element is at a defined fixed distance from a floor to be cleaned in a cleaning operation.

3. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 2, wherein the defined distance of a sweeping edge from the floor is greater than zero.

4. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 2, wherein the defined distance with respect to a sweeping edge is smaller than 1.5 mm.

5. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one sweeping element is arranged on a base or on a side wall of the tank device.

6. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein arranged on at least one of the at least one sweeping element and the tank device is at least one support element for a floor to be cleaned, which keeps the at least one sweeping element at a defined fixed distance from the floor to be cleaned.

7. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one of the following applies:

the at least one support element is configured as a rib on at least one of the at least one sweeping element and the tank device;
a plurality of support elements are provided;
located between adjacent support elements is a free region, which does not contact the floor to be cleaned;
the support elements are arranged in a row, wherein, in particular, a longitudinal direction of the row is at least approximately parallel to an axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller;
the at least one support element is configured as a sliding element or rolling element for the floor to be cleaned.

8. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is floatingly mounted on a tank device holder of the floor head.

9. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is hangingly mounted on the floor head.

10. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is mounted on the floor head so as to be movable at least in a z-direction, with at least one of the following:

the z-direction is oriented transversely to an axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller;
the z-direction is oriented transversely and, in particular, at least approximately perpendicularly to a contact plane of the at least one cleaning roller for a floor to be cleaned;
the z-direction is at least approximately parallel to a removal direction of the tank device from the floor head.

11. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 10, wherein the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is mounted on the floor head so as to be movable in at least one direction transverse to the z-direction.

12. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one sweeping element is arranged and formed such that it feeds dirt particles to the at least one cleaning roller, such dirt particles being entrained by the at least one cleaning roller as a result of the rotation of the at least one cleaning roller.

13. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 12, wherein the tank device is configured as a tank device for dirty fluid.

14. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 12, comprising at least one feed channel for dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller to a receiving space of the tank device.

15. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 14, comprising a sealing device, which is arranged on the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element sits, and which seals the at least one feed channel from an input-coupling element for the at least one feed channel, independently of a position of the tank device or the partial region of the tank device.

16. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 15, wherein the input-coupling element sits on the floor head, with at least one of the following:

the sealing device is of at least one of movable and elastic configuration;
at least one scraping element for the at least one cleaning roller sits on the input-coupling element;
an opening for the at least one feed channel is arranged on the input-coupling element;
the at least one scraping element forms an opening wall;
the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is movable relative to the input-coupling element in a cleaning operation.

17. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tank device or the partial region of the tank device on which the at least one sweeping element is arranged is gravity-driven, or is pressed against a floor to be cleaned by a spring device in the direction of a contact plane of the at least one cleaning roller.

18. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, comprising a scraping device for scraping dirty fluid from the at least one cleaning roller and for coupling into the tank device.

19. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning roller has a textile covering, and wherein a scraper of a scraping device penetrates into the textile covering.

20. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one cleaning roller is of two-part configuration and a center drive is provided.

21. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, comprising a tank device for cleaning liquid and a supply device for cleaning liquid to at least one of the at least one cleaning roller and a floor to be cleaned.

22. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, comprising a pin strip with pins for picking up hair, wherein, in particular, pins abut against or penetrate into a textile covering of the at least one cleaning roller.

23. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one sweeping element is arranged upstream from a scraper for the at least one cleaning roller in relation to a normal direction of rotation of the at least one cleaning roller in a cleaning operation.

24. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, comprising a first cleaning roller and a second cleaning roller, which is arranged on the floor head at a distance from the first cleaning roller, with at least one of the following:

a first axis of rotation of the first cleaning roller and a second axis of rotation of the second cleaning roller are oriented in parallel to one another;
in a normal operating mode of the floor cleaning machine, the first cleaning roller and the second cleaning roller rotate in opposite directions.

25. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 24, wherein at least one of (i) a first sweeping element is associated with the first cleaning roller and (ii) a second sweeping element is associated with the second cleaning roller.

26. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, comprising a holding device for a user, which is arranged on the floor head, wherein the floor cleaning machine is of hand-held or hand-guided configuration, and wherein same is operable by a user in a standing position.

27. The floor cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, having a self-propelled and self-steering configuration.

28. A method for operating a floor cleaning machine in which a cleaning roller is arranged on a floor head and coarse dirt is fed to the rotating cleaning roller by way of a sweeping element, wherein the sweeping element is arranged on a tank device and the tank device or a partial region of the tank device on which the sweeping element is arranged is movable relative to the floor head in a cleaning operation, and in which there is a defined fixed distance of the sweeping element from the floor in the cleaning operation.

29. The method in accordance with claim 28, wherein the sweeping element is supported on the floor to be cleaned by way of at least one support element, wherein the at least one support element is arranged on at least one of the sweeping element and the tank device.

Patent History
Publication number: 20220386839
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 4, 2022
Publication Date: Dec 8, 2022
Inventors: Fabian Moser (Winnenden), Michael Scharmacher (Winnenden)
Application Number: 17/687,285
Classifications
International Classification: A47L 11/40 (20060101);