EP3781010B1 - Cleaning machine comprising a cleaning head having a transmission device - Google Patents

Description

• einen Antriebsmotor mit einer Antriebswelle, welche um eine Antriebswellen-Drehachse rotierbar ist;
• eine Reinigungswalzen-Welle;
• eine Reinigungswalze, welche an der Reinigungswalzen-Welle angeordnet ist, und
• eine Getriebeeinrichtung, welche drehmomentwirksam an die Antriebswelle und drehmomentwirksam an die Reinigungswalzen-Welle gekoppelt ist,

wobei die Antriebswelle einen ersten Ankopplungsbereich für die Getriebeeinrichtung mit einem ersten Stirnende aufweist und die Reinigungswalzen-Welle einen zweiten Ankopplungsbereich für die Getriebeeinrichtung mit einem zweiten Stirnende aufweist und das erste Stirnende der Antriebswelle in einer Richtung parallel zu der Antriebswellen-Drehachse beabstandet zu dem zweiten Stirnende der Reinigungswalzen-Welle ist, und wobei die Getriebeeinrichtung mehrstufig ausgebildet ist und einen Abstand zwischen dem ersten Ankopplungsbereich und dem zweiten Ankopplungsbereich in der Richtung parallel zu der Antriebswellen-Drehachse überbrückt.The invention relates to a cleaning machine with a cleaning head on which at least one cleaning unit is arranged, the at least one cleaning unit comprising:

• a drive motor having a drive shaft rotatable about a drive shaft axis of rotation;
• a cleaning roller shaft;
• a cleaning roller arranged on the cleaning roller shaft, and
• a transmission device which is torque-effectively coupled to the drive shaft and torque-effectively coupled to the cleaning roller shaft,

wherein the drive shaft has a first coupling area for the transmission device with a first end and the cleaning roller shaft has a second coupling area for the transmission device with a second end and the first end of the drive shaft is spaced apart from the second end in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft of the cleaning roller shaft, and wherein the transmission device is multi-stage and bridges a distance between the first coupling area and the second coupling area in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

Such a cleaning machine is, for example, a scrubbing machine.

the EP 0 286 328 A1 discloses an apparatus for wet cleaning a floor surface or a wall surface, which comprises one or more cylindrical brushes.

the GB 2 371 739 A discloses a suction nozzle of a vacuum cleaner.

the EP 2 018 821 A2 discloses a cleaning device for a floor cleaning machine, the cleaning device comprising a brush housing with a central housing part and two identically designed housing side parts, the brush housing defines a brush space in which two brush rollers are arranged, and each brush roller is rotatably mounted with a front side on a housing side part, driven by a motor, and is rotatably mounted with the other end face on a counter bearing part of the cleaning device. The counter-bearing parts are each held on one of the side parts of the housing.

the WO 02/080749 A2 discloses a brush drive system.

From the DE 10 2012 207 358 A1 a nozzle for a floor cleaning device, for example a vacuum cleaner, is known, with a floor cleaning roller which is designed to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned during operation of the nozzle when rotating about an axis of rotation, with a drive unit with an output shaft which is configured in such a way is designed to put the floor cleaning roller in rotation, and with a substantially disc-shaped display element which is mechanically connected to the output shaft of the drive unit and is designed in such a way to indicate a rotation of the output shaft of the drive unit.

From the DE 600 11 805 T2 a cleaning device with a replaceable brush is known.

The invention is based on the object of providing a cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset, with which extended cleaning options result.

In the case of the cleaning machine mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved according to the invention in that a geometric stepped area with a first area and a second area is formed on the cleaning head, with the second area having a smaller height in a vertical direction transverse to the drive shaft axis of rotation than the first Area, and the first coupling area is on the first area and the second coupling area is on the second area.

The stepped area on the cleaning head forms a clearance on the first area above the latter. This results in a better ability to drive under obstacles. The installation space of the cleaning head is reduced on the side (left and/or right) in order to enable better underride. The built space at a side edge of the cleaning head is reduced in the height direction.

The at least two-stage transmission device enables the formation of the geometric stage area with the improved ability to be driven under a corresponding torque transmission while avoiding the clearance at the step area.

Due to the at least two-stage design of the transmission device, there is an increased range with regard to a speed reduction from the speed of the drive shaft to the speed of the cleaning roller shaft. Greater gear reductions are possible.

Due to the (at least one) step area on the cleaning head, the cleaning machine according to the invention has expanded application options with regard to the ability to drive under obstacles.

The transmission device bridges a distance between the first coupling area and the second coupling area in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. In particular, the transmission device also bridges a distance between the first coupling area and the second coupling area in the vertical direction. As a result, the corresponding drive motor can be positioned in the vertical direction above the associated cleaning roller. A compact construction of the cleaning head results.

In particular, the transmission device is designed in two stages. In a first stage, the torque is transmitted from the drive shaft to an intermediate element. In the second stage, the torque is transferred from the intermediate element to the cleaning roller shaft.

In one embodiment, an intermediate shaft of the transmission device is arranged on the second area. The intermediate shaft is driven via the drive shaft. The intermediate shaft in turn drives the cleaning roller shaft. In this way, a gear device with a compact structure can be integrated into the step area with good (lateral) accessibility for the cleaning head.

In particular, the intermediate shaft is torque-effectively coupled to the first coupling area of the drive shaft and torque-effectively coupled to the second coupling area of the cleaning roller shaft. In this way, a torque can be transmitted from the drive shaft to the cleaning roller shaft, with the stepped area being realized with the resulting improved ability to drive underneath.

It is favorable when an intermediate shaft axis of rotation is parallel to the drive shaft axis of rotation and/or the intermediate shaft axis of rotation is parallel to a cleaning roller shaft axis of rotation. This results in a compact structure.

In one embodiment, the intermediate shaft is coupled to the first coupling area via a first belt and/or coupled to a second coupling area via a second belt. In this way, with a compact design and a simple structural design, a multi-stage gear device and in particular a two-stage gear device can be formed in an effective manner, which in turn allows a geometric step area on the cleaning head.

In particular, a first intermediate shaft coupling area, at which a torque of the drive shaft is introduced, and a second intermediate shaft coupling area, at which a torque is derived from the cleaning roller shaft, are located in the area of opposite ends of the intermediate shaft. A torque diversion in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft can thus be easily achieved, which in turn makes it easy to achieve a stepped area with reduced overall height at the edge (left edge and/or right edge) of the cleaning head.

It is advantageous if the second intermediate shaft coupling area is above the second coupling area of the cleaning roller shaft in the vertical direction located. This results in an effective structure with formation of the geometric stepped area.

In particular, the second intermediate shaft coupling area is aligned with the second coupling area of the cleaning roller shaft in relation to the direction parallel to the drive shaft axis of rotation. A compact structure results. The intermediate shaft and the cleaning roller shaft can thereby be positioned at the first area in an effective manner.

It is also advantageous if the first intermediate shaft coupling area is aligned with the first coupling area of the drive shaft in relation to the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. In this way, in particular, the first coupling area can be positioned on the second area and the intermediate shaft with the first intermediate shaft coupling area can be positioned on the first area of the step area.

It is particularly advantageous if the cleaning head is at most 25 cm, in particular at most 20 cm and in particular at most 18 cm at the step region in the vertical direction. This results in extended cleaning options.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the step area has a depth of at least 5 cm and in particular at least 7 cm and in particular at least 9 cm in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. This results in expanded cleaning options. This allows you to drive under obstacles.

It is favorable if the drive motor is seated within a motor housing which has a first side wall which is adjacent to the first front end of the drive shaft. This allows the drive motor to be positioned on the cleaning head in a protected manner.

Furthermore, it is favorable if the cleaning head has a second side wall, which is spaced apart from the first side wall in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft, and in particular an undercut depth of the cleaning head corresponds at least approximately to a distance between the first side wall and the second side wall. The second side wall can be used, for example, to rotatably mount the cleaning roller shaft.

In particular, the cleaning roller shaft is covered on the outside by the second side wall or an element connected to the second side wall.

It is favorable if the cleaning roller shaft is seated on the second side wall, or is seated on an element and in particular a cover wall which is connected to the second side wall. This results in a compact structure and essentially the entire width of the cleaning head can be used for the cleaning roller. A width of the cleaning head is then only slightly larger than a corresponding length of a cleaning roller in this direction.

In one embodiment, a cover wall is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein in particular a clearance height of the cleaning head is predetermined by a height of the cleaning head in the vertical direction on the cover wall. To a certain extent, the top wall is a "step surface" on the step area. The cover wall can also be used, for example, to fix the drive motor.

In one embodiment, a fixing device for a cleaning roller of a further cleaning unit is arranged on the second side wall. As a result, a cleaning roller can be fitted and also detached from the cleaning head in a simple manner. A compact construction of the cleaning head results.

In particular, a motor unit is provided, on which the drive motor, the transmission device and the cleaning roller shaft are arranged. This results in a compact structure. In particular, the motor unit is then in turn fixed to a carrier of the cleaning head.

It is favorable if a base body is provided on which the cleaning head is seated, with the cleaning head projecting laterally beyond a boundary plane of the base body in at least one direction, and in particular the second area of the stepped area is outside the boundary plane of the base body, at least in relation to a straight-ahead position of the cleaning head. This results in further cleaning options and, in particular, it is possible to drive under obstacles.

It is favorable if the drive shaft is arranged offset to the cleaning roller shaft in a direction transverse to the height direction and transverse to the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. The cleaning head can thus be made compact with optimized use of the installation space. The stepped area can be formed in a simple manner.

It is also favorable if the drive motor is positioned above the cleaning roller in relation to the vertical direction. As a result, the drive motor can be positioned in a protected manner at a relatively large distance from a surface to be cleaned.

For the same reason it is advantageous if the drive motor and in particular a motor housing for the drive motor are positioned on an upper side of the cleaning head. The result is an optimized use of space.

In one embodiment, a plurality of cleaning units are provided, wherein a first drive motor of a first cleaning unit and a second drive motor of a second cleaning unit are arranged to have coaxial drive shaft rotation axes, or so arranged are that they have transversely offset driveshaft axes of rotation. Depending on the design, the cleaning head is then designed to be compact and it can be adapted to special applications.

In one embodiment, a cleaning liquid spray device is arranged on a cleaning head. Cleaning fluid for dissolving dirt can be applied to a surface to be cleaned, and in particular a floor surface, via the spray device. In particular, the spray device is arranged in such a way that an area to be cleaned can first be sprayed with cleaning liquid before a cleaning roller acts on it.

It is favorable if a front end of the cleaning machine is formed on the cleaning head. In particular, the cleaning head then protrudes beyond a base body of the cleaning machine. In this way, for example, abutting against a limit can be effected via the cleaning head (which is in particular provided with buffers) and not via the base body.

In particular, the cleaning machine according to the invention is designed as a scrubbing machine, with the at least one cleaning unit having a scrubbing roller as the cleaning roller. In particular, the cleaning machine is designed as a scrubbing machine with, for example, a suction bar for sucking off excess liquid from the surface to be cleaned.

The cleaning machine is advantageously designed as a self-propelled cleaning machine and in particular as a walk-behind machine or a ride-on machine. The self-propelled cleaning machine has a traction drive motor for driving independently.

Fig. 1:

eine isometrische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsmaschine mit einem Reinigungskopf;

Fig. 2:

eine Draufsicht auf die Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3:

eine isometrische Darstellung des Reinigungskopfs der Reinigungsmaschine gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 4:

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Fig. 3 mit einem abgenommenen Motorgehäuse;

Fig. 5:

eine Unteransicht des Reinigungskopfs gemäß Fig. 3 mit teilweise gelösten Reinigungswalzen;

Fig. 6:

eine isometrische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Motoreinheit mit einem Antriebsmotor, einer Getriebeeinrichtung und einer Reinigungswalzen-Welle;

Fig. 7:

eine andere isometrische Ansicht der Motoreinheit gemäß Fig. 6, wobei noch eine gelöste Wandung gezeigt ist;

Fig. 8:

eine Draufsicht auf die Motoreinheit gemäß Fig. 6;

Fig. 9:

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 9-9 gemäß Fig. 8;

Fig. 10:

eine isometrische Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Reinigungskopfs;

Fig. 11:

der Reinigungskopf gemäß Fig. 10 mit abgenommenem Motorgehäuse;

Fig. 12:

eine isometrische Darstellung des Reinigungskopfs ähnlich wie Fig. 3, jedoch mit teilweise gelösten Reinigungswalzen wie in Fig. 5 (Fig. 12 und Fig. 5 korrespondieren miteinander);

Fig. 13:

eine Unteransicht des Reinigungskopfs ähnlich wie in Fig. 5, jedoch mit fixierten Reinigungswalzen; und

Fig. 14:

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 14-14 gemäß Fig. 13.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Show it:

Figure 1:

an isometric view of an embodiment of a cleaning machine according to the invention with a cleaning head;

Figure 2:

a plan view of the cleaning machine according to FIG 1 ;

Figure 3:

an isometric representation of the cleaning head of the cleaning machine according to FIG 1 ;

Figure 4:

a similar view as 3 with a detached motor housing;

Figure 5:

a bottom view of the cleaning head according to FIG 3 with partially detached cleaning rollers;

Figure 6:

an isometric view of an embodiment of a motor unit with a drive motor, a transmission device and a cleaning roller shaft;

Figure 7:

another isometric view of the motor unit according to FIG 6 , wherein a detached wall is also shown;

Figure 8:

a plan view of the motor unit according to FIG 6 ;

Figure 9:

a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG 8 ;

Figure 10:

an isometric view of another embodiment of a cleaning head;

Figure 11:

the cleaning head according to 10 with motor housing removed;

Figure 12:

an isometric view of the cleaning head similar to 3 , but with partially detached cleaning rollers as in figure 5 ( 12 and figure 5 correspond with each other);

Figure 13:

a bottom view of the cleaning head similar to in figure 5 , but with fixed cleaning rollers; and

Figure 14:

14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG 13 .

An embodiment of a cleaning machine according to the invention, which in the figures 1 and 2 1 and designated 10 is a scrubbing machine, particularly in the form of a scrubber drier.

The cleaning machine 10 comprises a base body 12 with a chassis 14. A front wheel device 16 and a rear wheel device 18 are arranged on the chassis 14. The front wheel device 16 comprises, for example, based on a straight-forward travel direction 20 ( 1 ) a right front wheel 22 and a left front wheel (not visible in the drawings).

In one exemplary embodiment, the rear wheel device 18 comprises (at least one) castor wheel 24.

In one embodiment, the cleaning machine 10 is designed to be self-propelled. A corresponding travel drive motor, for example in the form of an electric motor or internal combustion engine, is arranged on the base body 12 and, in particular, drives the front wheel device 16 for a travel movement of the cleaning machine 10 as a whole.

The base body 12 has a front end 28 and a rear end 30. A suction bar 26 is arranged on the base body 12.

The suction bar 26 is arranged in the area of the rear end 30 of the base body 12 .

Excess liquid can be sucked up from a surface to be cleaned via the suction bar 26 .

A suction unit device is arranged on the base body 12 and is fluidly connected to the suction beam 26 and generates a suction flow for sucking off excess liquid (not visible in the drawings).

In particular, a tank device for dirty fluid is arranged on the base body 12, which absorbs liquid (which contains dirt) that has been sucked in.

Provision can also be made for a tank device for cleaning liquid to be arranged on the base body 12 and a pump device for cleaning liquid to be arranged, in which case the surface to be cleaned can then be subjected to cleaning liquid, in particular in the area of the front end 28 of the base body 12.

A panel or housing 32 is arranged on the chassis 14 and covers the components of the cleaning machine 10 such as the suction unit device and the traction drive motor.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cleaning machine 10 is designed as a downstream machine. An operator positions himself behind the rear end 30 of the cleaning machine 10 and walks along with it.

An operating device 34 is arranged on the base body 12 and includes, in particular, a steering wheel 36 and an operating panel 38 .

An operator grips the cleaning machine 10 via the steering wheel 36 which acts on the steering roller 18 . He can set corresponding functions of the cleaning machine 10 via the control panel 38 .

A cleaning head 40 is arranged on the base body 12 . The cleaning head 40 is in particular arranged such that it can be displaced vertically in such a way that it can be lowered onto a surface to be cleaned for a cleaning operation and lifted off a floor surface for a non-cleaning operation.

The cleaning machine 10 has a front end 42 formed on the cleaning head 40 and spaced from the front end 28 of the body 12 . The cleaning head 40 protrudes forward beyond the base body 12 .

A free space 44 is formed on the base body 12 in the area of the front end 28 and towards the bottom, in which the cleaning head 40 (partially) sits.

The cleaning machine 10 has a left boundary plane 46 and a right boundary plane 48 in relation to its base body 12 and in relation to the straight forward travel direction 20. Between the left boundary plane 46 and the right boundary plane 48, the base body 12 extends in a transverse direction 50 to a longitudinal direction 52 of the body 12.

The cleaning head 40 protrudes beyond the corresponding boundary plane at least on one side. In the embodiment shown ( 2 ) the cleaning head 48 protrudes with a region 54 beyond the right boundary plane 48 of the base body 12 .

In principle, it is possible for the cleaning head 40 to protrude beyond both the left delimitation plane 46 and the right delimitation plane 48 , or for example to protrude only beyond the left delimitation plane 46 .

The cleaning head 40 includes a carrier 56 ( figures 4 , 5 ).

A first motor unit 58 and a second motor unit 60 are arranged on the carrier 56 . The first motor unit 58 and the second motor unit 60 are in one embodiment ( Figures 3 to 9 ) basically the same. On the carrier 56 they are mirror-symmetrical to a mirror plane 62 ( 4 ) arranged.

A first cleaning roller 64, driven by the first motor unit 58, and a second cleaning roller 66, driven by the second motor unit 60, are seated on the carrier 56. The motor units 58, 60 are supplied with electricity by a battery device or generator device arranged on the base body 12.

The first cleaning roller 64, when driven by the first motor unit 48, rotates about a first cleaning roller axis of rotation 68. The second cleaning roller 66, when driven by the second motor unit 60, rotates about a second cleaning roller axis of rotation 70 (cf. figure 5 ). The first cleaning roller axis of rotation 68 and the second cleaning roller axis of rotation 70 are parallel to one another.

In particular, it is provided that the two cleaning rollers 64, 66 rotate in opposite directions to one another during cleaning operation.

During operation of the cleaning machine 10, when the cleaning head 40 acts on a flat surface to be cleaned, the first cleaning roller axis of rotation 68 and the second cleaning roller axis of rotation 70 are at least approximately parallel to this flat surface to be cleaned.

The carrier 56 has an envelope plane 72 with respect to its underside ( 3 ). In figure 5 the envelope plane 72 is parallel to the plane of the drawing. When the cleaning rollers 64, 66 are positioned on the carrier 56 and are operative, they partially protrude beyond this envelope plane 72 in order to be able to effect effective cleaning of a surface to be cleaned.

The first cleaning roller 64 and the second cleaning roller 66 are designed in particular as scrubbing rollers and are in particular provided with a plurality of bundles of bristles for scrubbing cleaning (scouring cleaning).

The cleaning head 40 has an extension in a height direction 74 ( 3 ) perpendicular to the envelope plane 72.

The first motor unit 58 has a first drive motor 76. This first drive motor 76 is in particular an electric motor. Correspondingly, the second motor unit 60 has a second drive motor 78 . The drive motors 76, 78 are positioned above the cleaning rollers 64, 66 in relation to the vertical direction 74.

A motor housing 80 is arranged on the carrier 56, in which the first drive motor 76 and the second drive motor 78 are arranged in a protected manner.

The motor housing 80 is made of aluminum in one embodiment.

In one embodiment, a fixing element 84 is arranged centrally on the motor housing 80 in a transverse direction 82 to the vertical direction 74 , via which the cleaning head 40 is connected to the base body 12 .

In one exemplary embodiment, the motor housing 80 has at least approximately the shape of a prism with a trapezoid 86 as the base area. In one embodiment, this trapezoid 86 is isosceles.

The motor housing 80 is embodied symmetrically in particular with respect to the mirror plane 62 .

The motor housing 80 has a first side wall 88 to the left and to the right. The first side wall 88 covers the first drive motor 76 for the first motor unit 58 on the right side (towards the right boundary plane 48).

In one embodiment, the first sidewall 88 has a trapezoidal shape 86.

Correspondingly, the second drive motor 78 is assigned a side wall designed in the same way as the first side wall for housing with respect to the left boundary plane 46 .

The construction of a motor unit 58, 60 is described with reference to the first motor unit 58.

The first motor unit 58 includes a second side wall 90 ( Figures 6 to 9 ). The second side wall 90 is spaced in the transverse direction 82 from the first side wall 88 of the motor housing 80 and is spaced parallel, for example.

Connected to the second side wall 90 is a cover wall 92 which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the second side wall 90 .

A flange 94 is seated on the cover wall 92 transversely thereto and, in particular, oriented perpendicularly. The first drive motor 76 is fixed to the flange 94, which is oriented in particular perpendicularly to the transverse direction 82.

The first drive motor 76 has a drive shaft 96 with a drive shaft axis of rotation 98 . The drive shaft axis of rotation 98 is parallel to the first cleaning roller axis of rotation 68 and spaced apart from it in the height direction 74 .

The drive shaft 96 has a first front end 100. This first front end 100 is located on a first coupling area 102 of the drive shaft 96. A belt wheel 106 is arranged on the first coupling area 102, on which a first belt 108 (transmission belt) of the transmission device 104 acts.

An opening 110 is formed on the cover wall 92, through which the first strap 108 is guided downwards in the vertical direction 74.

A housing 112 is positioned on top wall 92 (see, for example, 6 ), which surrounds the pulley 106 with the first belt 108 laterally. The housing 112 is closed perpendicularly to the drive shaft axis of rotation 98 via the motor housing 80 and thereby the first side wall 88 .

A cleaning roller shaft 114 , which is rotatable about the first cleaning roller axis of rotation 68 , is seated on the second side wall 90 of the first motor unit 58 at a distance from the drive shaft 96 .

The first cleaning roller shaft 114 is rotatably mounted on the second side wall 90 .

It has a second front end 116 which bears against a second coupling area 118 on the transmission device 104 . The second front end 116 is spaced apart from the first front end 100 of the drive shaft 96 in the transverse direction 82 (in the direction parallel to the drive roller axis of rotation 98 or the first cleaning roller axis of rotation 68).

A belt wheel 120, on which a second belt 122 is positioned, is seated on the second coupling area 118 of the cleaning roller shaft 114.

The transmission device 104 also has an intermediate shaft 124 which can be rotated about an intermediate shaft axis of rotation 126 . The intermediate shaft axis of rotation 126 is parallel to the drive shaft axis of rotation 98 and to the first cleaning roller axis of rotation 68.

The intermediate shaft 126 is rotatably mounted on a pivot bearing 128 . The pivot bearing 128 is fixed to the second side wall 90 via a holder 130 .

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the holder 130 or the rotary bearing 128 is fixed to the cover wall 92 .

The intermediate shaft 124 includes a first intermediate shaft coupling area 132 on which a pulley 134 is seated. The first belt 108 in turn acts on this belt wheel 134 . As a result, the rotary movement of the intermediate shaft 124 is driven in a mediated manner via the first belt 108 by the drive shaft 96 .

The first intermediate shaft coupling area 132 is aligned with the first coupling area 102 of the drive shaft 96 in relation to the transverse direction 82 .

The intermediate shaft 124 further includes a second intermediate shaft coupling area 136 which is opposite the first intermediate shaft coupling area 132 . This second intermediate shaft coupling area 136 is aligned with the second coupling area 118 of the cleaning roller shaft 114 in relation to the transverse direction 82. A belt wheel 138 is seated on a second intermediate shaft coupling area 136. The second belt 122 acts on this. The second intermediate shaft coupling section 136 is an output section with which the torque which has been input into the intermediate shaft 124 via the drive shaft 96 is transmitted to the cleaning roller shaft 114 .

The transmission device 104 is designed in two stages via the intermediate shaft 124 . The first stage involves coupling the drive shaft 96 to the intermediate shaft 124 via the first belt 108. The second stage involves the coupling of the intermediate shaft 124 and the second belt 122 to the cleaning roller shaft 114.

This two-stage design of the transmission device 104 transmits the torque from the drive shaft 96 both in the vertical direction 74 and in the transverse direction 82, taking into account the distance. Furthermore, a distance in a direction 140 both transverse to the transverse direction 82 and transverse to the vertical direction 74 is transmitted.

Furthermore, in addition to the deflection and distance bridging for the torque, there is also a speed reduction.

In one embodiment, drive motor 76 has a speed of approximately 3,600 rpm. This speed is reduced, for example, to a speed of approximately 1,400 revolutions per minute for the first cleaning roller 64 by designing the transmission device 104 and in particular the pulleys 106, 120, 134, 138.

In principle, the transmission device 104 can be designed in such a way that the speed for the first cleaning roller 64 can be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the gear mechanism 104 includes a slidable contact wheel 142 disposed between the intermediate shaft 124 and the cleaning roller shaft 114 . This can be shifted in a lockable manner in a direction 144 which is oblique to the vertical direction 74 .

The second belt 122 is guided past the contact wheel 142 . In particular, it ensures that the second belt 122 is tensioned in a suitable position in the direction 144.

The first motor unit 158 has a transmission housing 146 arranged on the second side wall 90 . On this are the cleaning roller shaft 114, the contact wheel 142 and the intermediate shaft 124 are positioned. In particular, the second belt 122 is positioned within the transmission housing 146 .

The second side wall 90 of the first motor unit 58 has a recess 148 through which the second cleaning roller 66 can be immersed.

The first motor unit 58 and the second motor unit 60 are fixedly mounted on the carrier 56 .

A fixing device 150 is provided, via which the second cleaning roller 66 can be rotatably fixed to the second side wall 90 of the first motor unit 58 .

In one embodiment, the corresponding second cleaning roller 66 is rotatably mounted on a wall 152 at the end face. This wall 152 can be connected to the carrier 56 and in particular to the second side wall 90 via the fixing device 150 .

The corresponding second cleaning roller 66 can then be removed from the cleaning head 40 as a whole.

A fixability of the first cleaning roller 64 is provided accordingly.

When the corresponding cleaning roller 64 or 66 is inserted, it is pushed in from the other side through the corresponding recess 148 and placed on the associated cleaning roller shaft 114 to form a non-rotatable coupling. The first cleaning roller 64 is thereby placed on the cleaning roller shaft 114 .

In the embodiment according to the Figures 4 to 9 the respective drive shaft rotation axes 98 of the first motor unit 58 and the second motor unit 60 are coaxial with one another.

The cleaning head 40 comprises a first cleaning unit 154 with the first motor unit 58 and the first cleaning roller 64. It further comprises a second cleaning unit 56 with the second motor unit 60 and the second cleaning roller 70.

A geometric stepped area 158 is formed on the cleaning head 40 in association with the first motor unit 58 and the second motor unit 60, respectively.

The step portion 158 has a first portion 160 and a second portion 162. The first portion 160 is bounded by the first sidewall 88. FIG. The second area 162 is delimited by the second side wall 90 .

At the first area 160, the cleaning head has a greater height in the vertical direction 74 than at the second area 162.

The second region 162 extends along the top wall 92 from the second side wall 90 to the first side wall 88.

The first drive motor 76 and also the first front end 100 of the drive shaft 96 are set back with respect to the second side wall 90 in order to form precisely this geometric stepped area 158 .

The geometric step region 158 has a depth extension in the transverse direction 82 with a depth T ( 2 ) on.

The reduced height H (including the part of the cleaning roller 64, 66 that protrudes beyond the envelope plane 72) at the first region 160 of the geometric step region 158 up to the motor housing 80 forms a clearance height of the cleaning head 40.

This ground clearance has a depth of depth T.

Because of the geometric step area 158, obstacles can be driven under.

In particular, the ground clearance H is at most 25 cm, and in particular at most 20 cm and preferably at most 18 cm.

In one embodiment, the ground clearance H is 17 cm.

It is also provided that the driving depth T (in the transverse direction 82 parallel to the direction of the drive shaft axis of rotation 98) is at least 5 cm and in particular at least 7 cm and in particular at least 9 cm. In one embodiment, the undercut depth T is 10 cm.

The geometric stepped area 158 forms a free space 164 on the cleaning head 40 between the cover wall 92 and the first side wall 98 of the motor housing 80, which is open to the outside at the side and at the top. It is delimited at the bottom by the top wall 92 and delimited by the first side wall 88 . It is open on both sides at the front. This clearance 164 allows under-passing of obstacles, as mentioned above.

The two-stage transmission device 104 with the intermediate shaft 124 ensures that torque is transmitted outside of the free space 164 . Due to the positioning of the intermediate shaft 124 , the torque of the drive shaft 96 is initially transmitted downwards in relation to the vertical direction 74 and is then transmitted in the first region 160 in the transverse direction 92 to the second intermediate shaft coupling region 136 . From there, the torque is transmitted further down to the cleaning roller shaft 114 in relation to the vertical direction 74 .

At the front end 42 and in particular in the extension of the respective second side wall 90 there are impact buffers on the cleaning head 166a, 166b arranged. These are designed in particular as rotatable rollers.

In one embodiment, a spray device 168 for cleaning liquid is positioned on the cleaning head, in that, in particular, a surface to be cleaned can be exposed to cleaning liquid before it comes into contact with the cleaning rollers 64, 66. The spray device 168 comprises in particular a plurality of nozzles 170, it being provided in particular that a nozzle 170 is designed as a flat jet nozzle.

The motor housing 68, which encloses the drive motors 76 and 78, is positioned in particular on an upper side 172 of the cleaning head 40.

Another embodiment of a cleaning head 174 ( figures 10 , 11 ) comprises a first motor unit 176 and a second motor unit 178, which are basically designed as described above. The first motor unit 176 includes a first drive motor 180. The second motor unit 178 includes a second drive motor 182.

A first drive shaft axis of rotation 184 of the first drive motor 180 is offset from a second drive shaft axis of rotation 186 of the second drive motor 182. This results in a different use of space than in the cleaning head 40.

Otherwise, the two motor units 176, 178 include transmission devices, which are basically configured in the same way as transmission device 104.

Furthermore, the cleaning head 174 includes corresponding step areas 188 for driving under obstacles.

The cleaning rollers 64, 66 are detachably mounted on the cleaning head 40, with the first cleaning roller 64 and the second cleaning roller can be removed or inserted on opposite sides of the cleaning head 40 (cf. figure 12 ).

The recess 148 on the respective side wall 90 forms an immersion opening for the corresponding cleaning roller. The side wall 90 of the first motor unit 58 has the recess 148 for inserting the second cleaning roller 66.

The laterally opposite side wall (in 12 denoted by 90') has a corresponding recess 148' for inserting the first cleaning roller 64 (cf. figure 5 ).

The respective cleaning rollers 64, 66 comprise a carrier 202 (cf. figure 14 ), which is particularly cylindrical. The corresponding bundles of bristles 204 are seated on this carrier 202.

The carrier 202 has a central recess 206 via which it can be placed on the associated cleaning roller shaft 114 .

For this purpose, the cleaning roller shaft 114 comprises a region 208 which is designed in such a way that a non-rotatable fixing is possible. The area 208 is formed in a star shape, for example.

The recess 206 is provided with a slope 210 ( 14 ) to facilitate attachment to the cleaning roller shaft 114.

A pin 212 which has a smaller diameter than the area 208 sits on the cleaning roller shaft 114 . This pin 212 is arranged coaxially to the corresponding cleaning roller axis of rotation 68 or 70, respectively. It has a length in the transverse direction 82 which is in particular at least 30%, preferably at least 50% and particularly preferably at least 70% of a corresponding length of a receiving space 214 for the cleaning roller 64 or 66 on the carrier 56.

The pin 212 extends from the portion 208 of the cleaning roller shaft 114 to the opposite recess 148 or 148'.

A further recess 216 is formed on the carrier 202 of the corresponding cleaning roller 64 , 66 , which is a continuation of the recess 206 in the longitudinal direction of the corresponding cleaning roller 64 , 66 and serves to receive the pin 212 .

In one embodiment, a penetration element 218 (cf. figure 14 ) arranged, which has an opening 220, adapted to a pin diameter of the pin 212.

The opening 220 is associated with a flared portion 222 which is funnel-shaped to facilitate dipping of the pin 212 into the opening 220 . When the pin 212 is seated in the opening 220, it is positioned centrally on the carrier 202 via the dip-through element 218. FIG.

When the corresponding cleaning roller 64 or 66 is inserted, it is placed on the pin 212 via the recess 206 and is displaced in the corresponding receiving space 214 . The pin 212 facilitates the centering of the corresponding cleaning roller 64, 66. This makes it easier to place the recess 206 of the corresponding cleaning roller 64, 66 on the region 208 of the cleaning roller shaft 114. Since the cleaning roller shaft 114 is on an opposite side to an insertion side when inserted, the area 208 is typically not visible to an operator.

In particular, the pin 212 with the corresponding centering and guidance allows insertion from the side when the cleaning head 40 is mounted on the base body 12 without the operator having to be able to see the area 208 of the cleaning roller shaft 114 .

The wall 152 can already be connected to the corresponding cleaning roller 64 or 66 in order to insert a cleaning roller.

The wall 152 includes a bearing 224 for the corresponding cleaning roller 64 or 66. The bearing 224 has in particular a pin 226 ( 14 ), which is provided for immersion in the recess 216 of the carrier 202 of the corresponding cleaning roller 64, 66 and enables centering, in particular in connection with a disc 228 of the bearing 224.

Bearing 224 is a plain bearing in one embodiment.

It is also possible for the bearing 224 to be designed in such a way that, in particular, the disk 228 with the pin 226 can be rotated with respect to the wall 152 .

A handle 230 is arranged on the wall 152 . The wall 152 can be detached from the second side wall 90 via the handle 230, if necessary with the cleaning roller 64 or 66 fixed thereto. When the corresponding cleaning roller 64 , 66 is fixed to the bearing 224 , the corresponding cleaning roller 64 , 66 can be pulled out of the associated receiving space 214 .

The handle 230 allows for an easy attack for an operator.

In particular, a recessed grip 232 is arranged on the cover wall 92 so that an operator can easily grip the handle 230 (in particular with one hand).

For insertion, in particular the corresponding cleaning roller 64, 66 is fixed to the wall 152, the corresponding cleaning roller 64, 66 is pushed through the associated recess 148, 148' into the respective receiving space 214 and the wall 152 is pushed against the second side wall 90 pressed until the fixing device 150 fixation is achieved in particular by snapping.

In one embodiment, a deflector 234, for example in the form of a rubber lip, is arranged on the outside on the wall 142, which ensures that excess cleaning liquid is guided onto the surface to be cleaned in such a way that it can be picked up via the suction bar 26.

The cleaning machine 10 works as follows:
During the cleaning process, the cleaning machine 10 moves in particular in a self-propelled manner (driven via a travel drive motor) on the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head 40 acts on the surface to be cleaned with the cleaning rollers 64, 66. These are driven in rotation via the respective drive motors 76, 78 and act mechanically on the surface to be cleaned.

The transmission device 104 transmits the torque via its two-stage design to the respective cleaning roller 64 and 66.

The metric step ranges 158 make it possible to drive under obstacles.

In particular, a stepped area 158 protrudes beyond the right-hand boundary plane 48 or left-hand boundary plane 46 .

The cleaning head 40 also has a stepped area 190 between the motor housing 80 and the front end 42 for front underride.

For example, the lateral geometric step areas 158 merge into the front step area 190 on the left or right, or an underride height (in the vertical direction 74) at the step area 190 is at least approximate the same as the ground clearance H on the lateral geometric step areas 158.

In the solution according to the invention, a gear stage in the multi-stage transmission device 104 follows a geometric stage on the cleaning head 40 or 174. At least in the first region 160 of the stage region 158 or 188, a geometric height of the cleaning head 40 or 174 can be kept low and it the cleaning head 40 or 174 can be driven under better.

The cleaning head 40 or 174 is designed in particular as a brush head with a brush roller as the cleaning roller 64 or 66.

In the solution according to the invention, the enclosed space on the cleaning head 40 or 174 between the first side wall 88 and the second side wall 90 is reduced. This results in the accessibility. Furthermore, as a result, a speed reduction range can be increased due to the at least two-stage design of the transmission device 104 and greater transmission reductions are possible.

A step portion 158 is a side step portion. Such a step area can be present on the cleaning head 40 or 174 both on the left and on the right or only on the left or only on the right. In particular, the corresponding step area 158 protrudes laterally and/or forwards beyond the base body 12, so that the base body 12 does not impede the ability to drive under the corresponding step area 158 or 188.

Reference List

10

cleaning machine

12

body

14

chassis

16

front wheel setup

18

rear wheel setup

20

Straight ahead direction of travel

22

right front wheel

24

swivel castor

26

squeegee

28

front end

30

rear end

32

disguise

34

operating device

36

steering wheel

38

control panel

40

cleaning head

42

front end

44

free space

46

left boundary plane

48

right boundary plane

50

transverse direction

52

longitudinal direction

54

area

56

carrier

58

first motor unit

60

second motor unit

62

mirror plane

64

first cleaning roller

66

second cleaning roller

68

first cleaning roller axis of rotation

70

second cleaning roller axis of rotation

72

envelope plane

74

height direction

76

first drive motor

78

second drive motor

80

motor housing

82

transverse direction

84

fixation element

86

trapeze

88

first side wall

90, 90'

second side wall

92

cover wall

94

flange

96

drive shaft

98

Drive shaft axis of rotation

100

first front end

102

first docking area

104

gear mechanism

106

pulley

108

first strap

110

opening

112

Housing

114

cleaning roller shaft

116

second front end

118

second docking area

120

pulley

122

second strap

124

intermediate shaft

126

intermediate shaft axis of rotation

128

pivot bearing

130

holder

132

first intermediate shaft coupling area

134

pulley

136

second intermediate shaft coupling area

138

pulley

140

Direction

142

contact wheel

144

Direction

146

gear case

148, 148'

recess

150

fixation device

152

wall

154

first cleaning unit

156

second cleaning unit

158

geometric step area

160

first area

162

second area

164

free space

166a, 166b

bump buffer

168

spray device

170

jet

172

top

174

cleaning head

176

first motor unit

178

second motor unit

180

first drive motor

182

second drive motor

184

first driveshaft axis of rotation

186

second driveshaft axis of rotation

188

level area

190

level area

202

carrier

204

bunch of bristles

206

recess

208

area

210

oblique

212

Pen

214

recording room

216

recess

218

immersion element

220

opening

222

extended area

224

warehouse

226

Pen

228

disc

230

Handle

232

recessed grip

234

deflector

Claims (15)

1. Cleaning machine having a cleaning head (40; 174) at which at least one cleaning unit is arranged, wherein the at least one cleaning unit (154, 156) comprises:

   - a drive motor (76) having a drive shaft (96) which is rotatable about a drive shaft rotation axis (98);

   - a cleaning roller shaft (114);

   - a cleaning roller (64) which is arranged at the cleaning roller shaft (114), and

   - a gear device (104) which is operatively coupled to the drive shaft (96) for torque communication therewith and is operatively coupled to the cleaning roller shaft (114) for torque communication therewith,

   wherein the drive shaft (96) comprises a first coupling region (102) for the gear device (104) with a first face end (100), and the cleaning roller shaft (114) comprises a second coupling region (118) for the gear device (104) with a second face end (116), and wherein the first face end (100) of the drive shaft (96) is in spaced relation to the second face end (116) of the cleaning roller shaft (114) in a direction (82) parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis (98), and wherein the gear device (104) is of multi-stage configuration and bridges a distance between the first coupling region (102) and the second coupling region (118) in the direction (82) parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis (98),

   characterized in that formed at the cleaning head (40; 174) is a geometric step region (158; 188) having a first region (160) and a second region (162), wherein the second region (162) has, in a height direction (74) transverse to the drive shaft rotation axis (98), a smaller height than the first region (160), and the first coupling region (102) is located at the first region (160) and the second coupling region (118) is located at the second region (162).
2. Cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the gear device (104) bridges a distance between the first coupling region (102) and the second coupling region (118) in the height direction (74).
3. Cleaning machine in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gear device (104) is of two-stage configuration.
4. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that arranged at the second region (162) is an intermediate shaft (124) of the gear device (104), in particular with at least one of the following:

   - the intermediate shaft (124) is operatively coupled to the first coupling region (102) of the drive shaft (96) for torque communication therewith and is operatively coupled to the second coupling region (118) of the cleaning roller shaft (114) for torque communication therewith;

   - an intermediate shaft rotation axis (126) is parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis (98), and/or the intermediate shaft rotation axis (126) is parallel to a cleaning roller shaft rotation axis (68);

   - the intermediate shaft (124) is coupled to the first coupling region (102) via a first belt (108) and/or is coupled to the second coupling region (118) via a second belt (122);

   - a first intermediate shaft coupling region (132) at which a torque of the drive shaft (96) is applied and a second intermediate shaft coupling region (136) at which a torque is transferred to the cleaning roller shaft (114) are located in the area of opposite ends of the intermediate shaft (124).
5. Cleaning machine in accordance with claim 4, characterized by at least one of the following:

   - the second intermediate shaft coupling region (136) is located above the second coupling region (118) of the cleaning roller shaft (114) in the height direction (74);

   - the second second intermediate shaft coupling region (136) is aligned in in-line relation to the second coupling region (118) of the cleaning roller shaft (114), relative to the direction (82) parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis (98);

   - the first intermediate shaft coupling region (132) is aligned in in-line relation to the first coupling region (102) of the drive shaft (96), relative to the direction (82) parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis (98).
6. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following:

   - an underride height of the cleaning head (40; 117) at the step region (158; 188), taken in the height direction (72), is at most 25 cm, in particular at most 20 cm and in particular at most 18 cm;
   an underride depth of the step region (158; 188), taken in a direction (82) parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis (98), is at least 5 cm and in particular at least 7 cm and in particular at least 9 cm.
7. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive motor (76) is located within a motor housing (80) which comprises a first side wall (88) that is adjacent to the first face end (100) of the drive shaft (96).
8. Cleaning machine in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the cleaning head (40) comprises a second side wall (90) which is spaced apart from the first side wall (88) in the direction (82) parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis (98), and in particular in that an underride depth of the cleaning head (40) corresponds at least approximately to a distance between the first side wall (88) and the second side wall (90), in particular with at least one of the following:

   - the cleaning roller shaft (114) is covered towards the outside by the second side wall (90) or by an element connected to the second side wall (90);

   - the cleaning roller shaft (114) is located at the second side wall (90) or is located at an element, and in particular a cover wall (92), which is connected to the second side wall (90);

   - a cover wall (92) is positioned between the first side wall (88) and the second side wall (90), in particular wherein an underride height of the cleaning head (40) is predetermined by a height of the cleaning head (40) in the height direction (74) at the cover wall (92);

   - arranged at the second side wall (90) is a fixing device (150) for a cleaning roller (66) of a further cleaning unit (156).
9. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a motor unit (58) at which the drive motor (76), the gear device (104) and the cleaning roller shaft (114) are arranged.
10. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a base body (12) at which the cleaning head (40; 174) is located, wherein the cleaning head (40; 174) projects laterally in at least one direction beyond a boundary plane (46; 48) of the base body (12), and in particular wherein the second region (162) of the step region (158) lies outside the boundary plane (46; 48) of the base body (12), at least with respect to a straight-ahead position of the cleaning head (40; 174).
11. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following:

    - the drive shaft (96) is arranged in offset relation to the cleaning roller shaft (114) in a direction transverse to the height direction (74) and transverse to the direction (82) parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis (98);

    - the drive motor (76) is positioned above the cleaning roller (64), relative to the height direction (74);

    - the drive motor (76), and in particular a motor housing (80) for the drive motor (76), are positioned on an upper side (172) of the cleaning head (40).
12. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of cleaning units (154; 156), wherein a first drive motor (76; 180) of a first cleaning unit (154) and a second drive motor (78; 182) of a second cleaning unit (156) are arranged such that they comprise coaxial drive shaft rotation axes (98) or are arranged such that they comprise transversely offset drive shaft rotation axes (184; 186).
13. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spray device for cleaning liquid (168) is arranged at the cleaning head (40).
14. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a front end (42) of the cleaning machine is formed at the cleaning head (40).
15. Cleaning machine in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the cleaning machine being configured as at least one of the following:

    - as a scrubbing machine, wherein the at least one cleaning unit comprises a scrubbing roller as a cleaning roller, and in particular as a scrubber suction machine;

    - as a self-propelled cleaning machine, and in particular as a walk-behind machine or as a ride-on machine.

Images