Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
  • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
  • A47L11/4052—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface
  • A47L11/4055—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface for lifting the tools to a non-working position
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
  • A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
  • A47L11/292—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid having rotary tools

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a floor cleaning machine with a locking unit for locking a swivel arm which is connected to a cleaning element arrangement.
• the cleaning element assembly can be swiveled between a cleaning position in which it engages with the floor surface to be cleaned and a raised position in which it is spaced away from the floor surface.
• the cleaning position is used to clean the floor surface with the cleaning element assembly.
• the raised position allows the floor cleaning machine to be moved across the floor surface without the cleaning element assembly engaging with it.
• floor cleaning machines with a locking function for locking the swivel arm connected to the cleaning element assembly are known from the prior art.
• locking mechanisms the swivel arm is moved into a locking position by pivoting it laterally into a locking notch.
• locking units are known in which the swivel arm is connected to a separate locking element to hold the swivel arm in the locked position.
• a disadvantage of the known locking mechanisms is that, due to the high weight of the swivel arm and the cleaning element assembly, lateral pivoting of the swivel arm requires increased force. When using a separate locking element, it is necessary to hold the swivel arm in the locked position and connect it to the separate locking element. Furthermore, these locking mechanisms carry the risk that the swivel arm will not be correctly moved into or held in the locked position, thus creating a risk of damage to the swivel arm or the cleaning element assembly if it hits the ground. These locking mechanisms also exhibit the following drawbacks when... Swiveling the swivel arm poses an increased risk of injury during operation and maintenance.
• the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a floor cleaning machine with a locking mechanism with which the cleaning element arrangement can be held in a position spaced away from the floor surface and released from this position in a particularly simple and safe manner.
• a floor cleaning machine with the features of claim 1.
• the floor cleaning machine has a frame and a chassis arranged on the frame for moving the floor cleaning machine over a floor surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine has a cleaning element arrangement with at least one, preferably driven, cleaning element, wherein the cleaning element is configured to engage with the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the floor cleaning machine has a pivot arm, which is connected to the cleaning element arrangement and pivotably mounted on the frame about a first pivot axis, and a locking unit for locking the pivot arm to the frame in at least one pivot direction.
• the locking unit has a locking lever, which is pivotably connected about a second pivot axis to a component of the pivot arm and the frame, wherein the locking lever has a locking projection that is spaced apart from the second pivot axis and extends away from the locking lever in the direction of the second pivot axis. Furthermore, the locking unit has a cam that is connected to the other components of the swivel arm and the frame, the cam having a first recess in which the locking projection can be received. The first pivot axis is arranged between the second pivot axis and the cleaning element assembly.
• the swivel arm can be pivoted between a cleaning position in which the cleaning element assembly engages with the floor surface to be cleaned and in which the locking projection is released from the cam, and a locking position in which the cleaning element assembly is spaced away from the floor surface to be cleaned and in which the locking projection engages with the first recess of the cam, being held in the first recess by a force acting on the cleaning element assembly.
• This force is preferably gravity.
• the cam is designed such that the locking projection is held in the first recess when The pivoting arm is pivoted from a neutral position towards the locking position by the cam mechanism, and upon reaching a first turning point, it is pivoted into a second direction opposite to the first, so that the locking projection engages with the first recess.
• the cam mechanism is further designed such that the locking projection is pivoted into the second direction when the pivoting arm is pivoted beyond the locking position to a second turning point.
• the locking projection is pivoted into the second direction by the cam mechanism.
• the floor cleaning machine comprises a frame and a chassis attached to the frame for moving the machine across the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the frame is defined as the stationary part of the machine that is connected to the chassis.
• the frame may be made of steel, aluminum, or a composite material. Additional components, in particular a housing, covers, cross and longitudinal braces, and electronic components, may be attached to the frame.
• the chassis may have two or more wheels or rollers by means of which the floor cleaning machine can be moved across the floor surface.
• the chassis may include an electric drive to power the wheels or rollers, thereby facilitating the movement of the machine.
• the floor cleaning machine comprises a cleaning element arrangement with at least one, preferably driven, cleaning element, wherein the cleaning element is designed to engage with the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the cleaning element can be a rotating, driven brush, in which case the engagement elements are bristles whose free ends engage with the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the cleaning element is a so-called pad, in which the engagement element is formed by a flat material provided on the pad, the surface of which comes into contact with the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the present invention is not limited to these two examples, however, and any other form of cleaning element can also be used.
• the floor cleaning machine has a swivel arm connected to the cleaning element assembly and pivotably mounted on the frame about a first pivot axis, and a locking unit for locking the swivel arm to the frame in at least one pivot direction.
• the swivel arm serves to connect the cleaning element assembly to the frame so that it can pivot about the first pivot axis.
• the first pivot axis preferably runs parallel to the floor surface. This allows the cleaning element to be swivelled away from the floor surface, so that the cleaning element no longer interacts with the floor surface.
• the swivel arm is preferably made of the same material as the frame of the floor cleaning machine.
• the cleaning element can be locked in at least one position by the locking unit, so that the floor cleaning machine can be moved while the cleaning element remains away from the floor surface, without requiring a user to hold the swivel arm in a pivoted position.
• the locking unit comprises a locking lever pivotably connected to the pivot arm and the frame about a second pivot axis.
• the locking lever has a locking projection spaced apart from the second pivot axis and extending away from the locking lever in the direction of the second pivot axis.
• the locking lever has the locking projection and is pivotably connected to the pivot arm or the frame about the second pivot axis, such that the locking projection is pivotably mounted on the pivot arm or the frame about the second pivot axis.
• the locking projection is spaced apart from the second pivot axis, such that the distance of the locking projection from the second pivot axis defines the pivot radius of the locking projection.
• the locking projection extends in the direction of the second pivot axis.
• the locking projection extends from the locking lever parallel to the second pivot axis, i.e., protrudes from the plane of the locking lever.
• the locking projection can, for example, have one of the following forms: pin, bolt, stud, or hook. This allows for a particularly simple design of the locking unit.
• the locking unit has a cam that is connected to the other components of the swivel arm and the frame, the cam having a first recess in which the locking projection can be received.
• a cam is understood to be a guide that is designed to accommodate the locking projection. to engage and guide the locking projection. Because the locking projection is located on the pivoting locking lever, the cam is able to deflect or guide the locking projection in a controlled manner, causing it to pivot.
• the cam can be integral to the swivel arm or frame, or it can be a separate component connected to the swivel arm or frame via fasteners.
• the first recess of the cam is designed to accommodate the locking projection. This means that the dimensions of the first recess are adapted to the dimensions of the locking projection to accommodate it. This allows the cam and the locking projection to engage, firmly connecting the locking projection to the cam and thus to the swivel arm or frame, thereby holding the swivel arm in position.
• the first pivot axis is located between the locking unit and the cleaning element assembly.
• the pivot arm can be pivoted between a cleaning position in which the cleaning element assembly engages with the floor surface to be cleaned and in which the locking projection is released from the cam, and a locking position in which the cleaning element assembly is spaced away from the floor surface to be cleaned and in which the locking projection engages with the first recess of the cam, being held in the first recess by a force acting on the cleaning element assembly.
• This force can be generated by gravity acting on the cleaning element assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the force can be generated by a spring element.
• the first pivot axis is positioned between the second pivot axis, and thus the locking unit, and the cleaning element assembly in such a way that it acts as a pivot point.
• the cleaning element assembly typically weighs more than the swivel arm or the end of the swivel arm opposite the cleaning element. As a result, gravity pushes the cleaning element assembly towards the floor surface, generating a torque around the first pivot axis. Because the first pivot axis is located between the cleaning element assembly and the second pivot axis or the locking unit, the torque acts in the opposite direction to the floor surface. When the locking projection engages with the first recess, the cam can then absorb the torque acting on the The locking projection acts in a particularly simple way, allowing the cleaning element assembly to be held in the locking position.
• the cam is designed such that when the pivot arm is moved towards the locking position, the locking projection is pivoted by the cam from a neutral position into a first direction and, upon reaching a first turning point, is pivoted into a second direction opposite to the first, so that the locking projection engages with the first recess.
• the neutral position is the position that the locking projection or locking lever assumes when it is not in contact with the cam and is not deflected by it. Therefore, the neutral position of the locking lever and the locking projection can be defined as the position in which the locking lever is in equilibrium due to gravity and/or a force exerted by a preloading element.
• This position is reached when the locking lever and locking projection are brought into their most stable, possibly lowest, position within the swivel range by gravity and/or the force exerted by a preload element, while the floor cleaning machine is standing on a horizontal surface.
• the locking projection In this position, the locking projection is in the lowest possible position of its range of motion, which corresponds to an equilibrium position, free from any interference by the cam. This has the advantage that the locking projection can assume a defined position if it is not deflected by the cam.
• the first turning point is the point at which the locking projection comes out of contact with the first guide surface, meaning that the locking projection no longer pivots further in the first direction along the first guide surface.
• the first turning point is reached when the locking projection comes out of contact with the first guide surface of the cam and is located in a direction perpendicular to the base surface below the first guide surface.
• the first guide surface can be a straight
• the first guide surface is defined as the surface designed to pivot the locking projection in the first direction.
• the first pivot point lies in a direction perpendicular to the base surface, below the first guide surface and below the first recess.
• This has the advantage that, upon reaching the first pivot point, the locking projection pivots back towards the neutral position due to gravity and/or, if applicable, the force exerted by a preload element, until it engages the first recess.
• This allows the locking position to be reached simply by pivoting the pivot arm about the first pivot axis, without requiring lateral pivoting of the pivot arm or a separate locking element.
• the cam is further designed such that the locking projection is pivoted in the second direction when the pivot arm is pivoted beyond the locking position to a second reversal point.
• the second reversal point is the point at which the locking projection comes out of contact with the first recess or a second guide surface adjacent to the first recess; that is, the locking projection is no longer pivoted in the first direction by the cam along the second guide surface.
• the second reversal point is reached when the locking projection comes out of contact with the second guide surface of the cam.
• the second guide surface can be a flat surface or a surface of varying shape.
• the second guide surface is understood to be the surface adjacent to the first recess and configured to pivot the locking projection in the first direction or to hold it in the pivoted position.
• the second reversal point lies in a direction perpendicular to the base surface, below the second guide surface and below the first recess.
• the second reversal point lies in a direction perpendicular to the base surface below the first reversal point.
• the locking projection When the swivel arm pivots from the second pivot point towards the cleaning position, the locking projection is pivoted in the second direction by the cam.
• a restoring force in the first direction acts on the locking lever and the locking projection, pushing them back into the neutral position. Pivoting the locking projection in the second direction ensures that, once it reaches the neutral position, it can be returned to the locking position.
• This provides a locking unit that always locks and unlocks the swivel arm by pivoting it in one direction. Therefore, the locking unit functions like a push button, resulting in particularly simple locking and unlocking.
• the pivoting of the locking projection in the second direction can occur either immediately after passing the second turning point towards the cleaning position or only shortly before the cleaning position is reached. This has the advantage of increasing the design flexibility of the cam profile, allowing for further positions of the locking projection.
• the guide can be made of one or more parts.
• the guide can consist of an inner guide and an outer guide, with the inner and outer guides forming a guide, at least partially, in which the locking projection is guided. This allows one part of the guide to be used for pivoting the locking projection in the cleaning position and another part for pivoting it in the locking position. This further increases the design flexibility of the guide.
• the floor cleaning machine provides a locking and unlocking function with which the cleaning element arrangement can be held in a position spaced away from the floor surface and released from this position in a particularly simple and safe manner.
• the locking lever is arranged vertically in the neutral position, so that preferably a connecting line between the The locking projection and the second pivot axis run vertically.
• the neutral position is then the position the locking lever assumes due to gravity.
• the locking lever is in the neutral position, that is, when it is free from the cam and therefore not in contact with it, when the locking projection is centered on the longitudinal axis of the locking lever.
• This has the advantage that the weight of the locking lever and the locking projection is distributed evenly around the pivot axis. This makes it easier for the locking projection to move into the neutral position under the influence of gravity, as there is no asymmetrical torque that would pull the locking lever out of this position.
• the weight forces of the locking lever and locking projection act along the same axis, which has a stabilizing effect. This ensures a clear, stable, and defined neutral position.
• the cam is arranged such that the first recess is offset in the first direction relative to the neutral position of the locking projection, so that when the locking projection engages with the first recess, it is pivoted in the first direction relative to the neutral position.
• the cam has a first pivot limiting element that prevents the locking projection from pivoting back to the neutral position when the pivot arm passes the first turning point.
• the locking projection pivots beyond the first reversal point.
• the locking projection pivots back towards the neutral position due to the force of gravity acting upon it and/or the force of a preload element when the locking projection is released from the cam.
• the first pivot limiting element is arranged in one direction perpendicular to the base surface below the first reversal point and in the other direction in front of the first recess. This creates a clearance between the cam and the first pivot limiting element, along which the locking projection can pivot into the first recess.
• the first pivot limiting element is preferably arranged and designed so that it comes into contact with the locking projection.
• the first pivot limiting element further prevents the locking projection from pivoting back to the neutral position when the pivot arm is pivoted beyond the first and second reversal points. Accordingly, the locking projection can only pivot back to the neutral position once it has passed the first pivot limiting element in the vertical direction, by pivoting the locking projection past the first pivot point and the first pivot limiting element. This achieves a stepwise pivoting of the locking projection, preventing it from pivoting past the first recess when the pivot arm is pivoted beyond the first pivot point.
• the cam has a second pivot limiting element that prevents the locking projection from pivoting in the second direction beyond the neutral position when the pivot arm is pivoted beyond the second turning point.
• the second pivot limiting element is preferably arranged and designed such that it comes into contact with the locking projection.
• the second pivot limiting element is arranged perpendicular to the base surface below the second turning point and spaced apart from the first recess in the second direction.
• the second pivot limiting element serves to prevent the locking projection from pivoting beyond the neutral position in the second direction after it has passed the second turning point, which could cause the locking projection to oscillate around the neutral position.
• the second pivot limiting element minimizes the pivoting of the locking projection around the neutral position, ensuring that the locking projection pivots into and remains in the neutral position. This prevents the pivot arm from being displaced by the The locking position can be pivoted directly into the cleaning position without the user having to wait until the locking projection has reached the neutral position.
• the backdrop comprises an element with a first surface that acts as the first pivot limiting element and a second surface that acts as the second pivot limiting element.
• first and second pivot limiting elements are formed by a single element, thus reducing the number of backdrop components and resulting in a simpler design.
• the first and/or second pivot limiting element has an arcuate, and more preferably a circular, cross-section. This reduces the risk of the locking projection jamming against the first and/or second pivot limiting element.
• the cam is designed such that the locking projection pivots back from a position deflected in the second direction to the neutral position when the pivot arm is pivoted towards the cleaning position beyond a third reversal point.
• the third reversal point is the point at which the locking projection comes out of contact with a third guide surface, meaning that the locking projection is no longer pivoted further in the second direction by the cam, via the third guide surface.
• the third reversal point is reached when the locking projection comes out of contact with the third guide surface of the cam.
• the third guide surface can be a flat surface or a curved surface.
• the third guide surface is understood to be the surface that extends from the second reversal point to the third reversal point and is designed to pivot the locking projection in the second direction.
• the third reversal point is located above the third guide surface in a direction perpendicular to the base surface. This has the advantage that, upon reaching the third turning point, the locking projection pivots back towards the neutral position due to gravity and/or the force of a preloading element. This ensures that the locking projection pivots back to the neutral position simply by pivoting the swivel arm around the first pivot axis into the cleaning position, without any additional action required. that the swivel arm pivots laterally or a separate locking element is required.
• the third pivot point forms the highest point of the cam relative to the base surface, so that when the locking projection passes the third pivot point, it is released from the cam and pivots back into the neutral position. Once the locking projection has pivoted beyond the third pivot point, it can be pivoted back into the locking position by pivoting the pivot arm again. This allows for a particularly simple locking and unlocking of the pivot arm by simply pivoting the pivot arm around the first pivot axis in one direction.
• the locking projection pivots back into the neutral position when it is released from the cam or the third guide surface. This allows the locking projection to pivot back automatically, so that it returns to the neutral position without any action from the cam or any other component.
• This provides a locking unit that allows for a simple design and requires minimal material.
• the cleaning element assembly is pivotably arranged about a third pivot axis at a first end of the pivot arm.
• the third pivot axis is parallel to the first and/or second pivot axis. This ensures that the cleaning element assembly rests flat on the floor surface even when the floor cleaning machine is guided over a floor surface that is at least partially inclined. It also reduces the risk of the cleaning element assembly becoming jammed on unevenness in the floor surface.
• the pivot arm has a second end opposite the first end, at which an actuating element is arranged.
• the actuating element can be designed such that a user can actuate it with a foot.
• the actuating element can have a pedal for this purpose.
• the actuating element can be made of a material that has a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the pivot arm, thereby providing the actuating element with greater grip or adhesion.
• the pivot arm can be pivoted beyond the locking position to an end position in which the locking lever is in the neutral position and the pivot arm is in contact with the frame.
• the locking projection is in its lowest position below the second reversal point. Since the locking projection has been released from the cam in this position, it can pivot towards the neutral position. This allows the locking projection to be guided out of the first recess and released from the cam, thus enabling the pivot arm to be moved into the cleaning position.
• the swivel arm has a stop element that is in contact with the frame in the end position of the swivel arm.
• the stop element allows for precise definition of the end position of the swivel arm.
• the stop element includes a damping element. The stop element minimizes damage to the swivel arm or the frame.
• the chassis has a first chassis axle and a second chassis axle, with at least one roller unit rotatably arranged about each of the chassis axles, the first pivot axis being arranged in a direction parallel to the floor surface between the first and second chassis axles.
• first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are arranged parallel to each other. This parallel arrangement allows for parallel and synchronous movement of the pivot arm and the locking projection. This has the advantage of enabling the simplest and most reliable locking and unlocking of the pivot arm.
• the third pivot axis is arranged parallel to the first and second pivot axes. This allows for parallel and synchronous movement of the pivot arm and the cleaning element.
• Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 has a frame 3 and a chassis 5 arranged on the frame 3 for moving the floor cleaning machine 1 over a floor surface to be cleaned.
• the frame 3 is understood to be the stationary part of the floor cleaning machine 1 that is connected to the chassis 5.
• the frame 3 can, for example, be made of a steel or aluminum construction or of a composite material.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 has a cleaning element arrangement 7 with a driven cleaning element 9, wherein the cleaning element 9 is designed to engage with the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the cleaning element 9 is driven by a drive unit 11.
• the cleaning element 9 can be a brush, in which case the engagement elements are bristles whose free ends engage with the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the cleaning element 9 is a so-called pad, in which the engagement element is formed by a flat material provided on the pad, the surface of which comes into contact with the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 has a housing 13 for enclosing the floor cleaning machine 1 and a handle 15 for guiding the floor cleaning machine 1 over the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the housing 13 can accommodate a fresh water tank for collecting fresh water and a dirty water tank for collecting dirty water.
• the chassis 5 has a first chassis axle 17 and a second chassis axle 19, as shown in the Figures 3a and 3b
• the figure shows a first roller unit 21 in the form of two opposing wheels arranged on the first chassis axle 17, and a second roller unit 23 in the form of a guide wheel arranged on the second chassis axle 19.
• the guide wheel is rotatable about a pivot axis that is arranged perpendicular to the second drive axle 19.
• the chassis 5 has an electric drive for powering the first roller unit 21, which facilitates moving the floor cleaning machine 1 across the floor surface.
• the chassis 5 does not have an electric drive, so that the floor cleaning machine 1 is pushed by the user across the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 has a swivel arm 25 which is connected to the cleaning element arrangement 7 and swivels about a first pivot axis 27, as shown in the Figures 3a and 3b
• the floor cleaning machine 1 is shown pivotally mounted on the frame 3.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 has a locking unit 29 for locking the pivot arm 25 to the frame 3.
• the pivot arm 25 serves to connect the cleaning element assembly 7 to the frame 3 so that it can pivot about the first pivot axis 27.
• the first pivot axis 27 is arranged parallel to the floor surface and parallel to the first drive axis 17 of the chassis 5. During straight-ahead travel, the first pivot axis 27 is also arranged parallel to the second drive axis 19 of the chassis 5.
• the swivel arm 25 can be made of the same material as the frame 3 of the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the cleaning element 9 can be locked in at least one position by the locking unit 29, so that the floor cleaning machine 1 can be moved while the cleaning element 9 remains away from the floor surface without a user having to keep the swivel arm 25 permanently swiveled.
• the locking unit 29 has a locking lever 31 which pivots about a second pivot axis 33, as in the Figures 3a and 3b
• the locking lever 31 is pivotably connected to the pivot arm 25, and the locking lever 31 has a locking projection 35 that is spaced apart from the second pivot axis 33 and extends away from the locking lever 31 in the direction of the second pivot axis 33.
• the locking lever 31 has the locking projection 35 and is pivotably connected to the pivot arm 25 about the second pivot axis 33, such that the locking projection 35 is pivotably arranged on the pivot arm 25 about the second pivot axis 33.
• the locking projection 35 is spaced apart from the second pivot axis 33, such that the distance of the locking projection 35 from the second pivot axis 33 determines the pivot radius of the locking projection 35.
• the locking projection 35 extends in the direction of the second pivot axis 33, whereby it is understood that the locking projection 35 extends from the locking lever 31 parallel to the second pivot axis 33, i.e., protrudes from the plane of the locking lever 31.
• the locking projection 35 has the form of a bolt.
• the locking projection 35 can be designed as a pin, stud, or hook. This allows for a particularly simple construction of the locking unit 29.
• the locking unit 29 has a cam 37 which is connected to the frame 3.
• a cam 37 is understood to be a guide designed to engage with and guide the locking projection 35. Because the locking projection 35 is arranged on the pivotable locking lever 31, the cam 37 is able to deflect or guide the locking projection 35 in a controlled manner, causing it to pivot.
• the cam 37 can be integral with the frame 3 or designed as a separate component that is connected to the frame 3 via fasteners or other components.
• the locking lever 31 is pivotably connected to the frame 3 about the second pivot axis 33 and the cam 37 is connected to the pivot arm 25, which also results in the pivot arm 25 being locked to the frame 3.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 in Figure 1 shows the swivel arm 25 in a cleaning position in which the cleaning element arrangement 7 is aligned with the surface to be cleaned.
• the floor surface engages and the locking projection 35 is released from the cam 37.
• the swivel arm 25 is positioned between the cleaning position and a locking position that is in Figure 2 It is shown to be swivelling.
• Figure 2 shows a further schematic view of the embodiment of the floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention.
• Figure 1 In Figure 2 The swivel arm 25 is shown in the locking position, in which the cleaning element assembly 7 is spaced away from the floor surface to be cleaned and in which the locking projection 35 engages with the cam 37.
• the locking unit 29 is subsequently described with reference to the Figures 3a and 3b explained in more detail.
• Figures 3a and 3b show schematic partial views of the exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention.
• Figure 1 and 2 where Figure 3a the swivel arm 25 in the cleaning position and Figure 3b
• the pivot arm 25 is shown in the locked position.
• the cam 37 has a first recess 39 in which the locking projection 35 can be received.
• the first recess 39 of the cam 37 is designed to receive the locking projection 35; that is, the dimensions of the first recess 39 are adapted to the dimensions of the locking projection 35 in order to receive the locking projection 35 in the first recess 39. This allows the cam 37 and the locking projection 35 to engage with each other, so that the locking projection 35 can be held firmly against the cam 37 and thus against the frame 3, thereby holding the pivot arm 25 in position.
• the cleaning element 9 is pivotably arranged about a third pivot axis 41 at a first end 43 of the pivot arm 25.
• the third pivot axis 41 is parallel to the first pivot axis 27 and/or the second pivot axis 33. This ensures that the cleaning element 9 rests flat on the floor surface even when the floor cleaning machine 1 is guided over an inclined floor surface. It also reduces the risk of the cleaning element 9 becoming jammed on unevenness in the floor surface.
• the pivot arm 25 has a second end 45 opposite the first end 43, on which an actuating element 47 is arranged.
• the actuating element 47 can be designed such that a user can actuate the actuating element 47 with a foot.
• the actuating element 47 has a pedal.
• Actuating element 47 can be made of a material that has a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the swivel arm 25, thus giving the actuating element 47 a higher grip or adhesion.
• the first pivot axis 27 is arranged in a direction parallel to the floor surface between the first chassis axle 17 and the second chassis axle 19. This reduces the risk of the floor cleaning machine 1 tipping over when a force is applied to the first pivot axis 27.
• the first pivot axis 27, the second pivot axis 33, and the third pivot axis 41 are arranged parallel to each other. This allows for parallel movement of the pivot arm 25, the locking projection 35, and the cleaning element 9. This has the advantage of enabling the simplest and most reliable locking and unlocking of the pivot arm 25.
• the first pivot axis 27 is arranged between the locking unit 29 or the second pivot axis 33 and the cleaning element 9.
• the pivot arm 25 can be pivoted between the cleaning position in which the cleaning element 9 engages with the floor surface to be cleaned and in which the locking projection 35 is released from the cam 37, and the locking position in which the cleaning element 9 is spaced away from the floor surface to be cleaned and in which the locking projection 35 engages with the first recess 39 of the cam 37, being held in the first recess 39 by gravity acting on the cleaning element 9.
• a spring force acts here, pressing the cleaning element assembly towards the floor surface.
• the first pivot axis 27 is positioned between the locking unit 29 and the cleaning element 9 such that it acts as a pivot axis for the cleaning element assembly 7.
• the cleaning element 9 typically has a higher weight than the pivot arm 25 or the second end 45 of the pivot arm 25 opposite the cleaning element 9, so that the cleaning element 9 is pressed towards the floor surface by gravity alone, generating a torque about the first pivot axis 27. Because the first pivot axis 27 is arranged between the cleaning element 9 and the locking unit 29 or the second pivot axis 33, the torque acts in the opposite direction to the Floor surface.
• the cam 37 can then, when the locking projection 35 engages with the first recess 39, absorb the torque acting on the locking projection 35 in a particularly simple way, so that the cleaning element 9 can be held in the locking position.
• FIG. 4a to 4c schematic partial views of a locking unit 29 of the exemplary embodiment from the Figures 1 to 3b , whereby the Figures 4a to 4c The locking unit 29 is shown in various positions that the locking unit 29 can have when locked.
• the locking unit 29 is shown in a position corresponding to the cleaning position of the swivel arm 25. In this position, the locking projection 35 is released from the cam 37 and positioned perpendicular to the base surface above the cam 37.
• This position of the locking lever 31 and the locking projection 35 is referred to as the neutral position.
• the neutral position is the position that the locking projection 35 or the locking lever 31 assumes when it is not in contact with the cam 37 and is not deflected by it. Therefore, the neutral position of the locking lever 31 and the locking projection 35 can be defined as the position in which the locking lever 31 is in equilibrium due to gravity and/or the force of a preloading element.
• This position is reached when the locking lever 31 and the locking projection 35 are brought into their most stable, possibly lowest, position within the swivel range by gravity and/or the force of a preloading element, while the floor cleaning machine 1 is standing on a horizontal surface.
• the locking projection 35 is possibly in the lowest position of its range of motion, which corresponds to an equilibrium position, free from any engagement by the cam 37. This has the advantage that the locking projection 35 can assume a defined position when it is not deflected by the cam 37.
• the locking lever 31 is preferably arranged vertically to the base surface in the neutral position, such that a line connecting the locking projection and the second pivot axis runs vertically.
• the locking projection 35 is arranged centrally, that is, centrally on a longitudinal axis of the locking lever 31. This has the An advantage is that the weight of the locking lever 31 and the locking projection 35 is distributed evenly around the second pivot axis 33. This makes it easier for the locking projection 35 to move into the neutral position under the influence of gravity, since no asymmetrical torque acts that would pull the locking lever 31 out of this position. In the neutral position, the weight forces of the locking lever 31 and locking projection 35 preferably act along the same axis, which has a stabilizing effect. This supports a clear, stable, and defined neutral position.
• the cam 37 is designed such that when the pivot arm 25 is pivoted towards the locking position, the locking projection 35 is pivoted from the neutral position into a first direction 49 by the cam 37 and, upon reaching a first turning point 51, pivots into a second direction 53 opposite to the first, so that the locking projection 35 engages with the first recess 39.
• the locking unit 29 is shown in a position between the cleaning position, as in Figure 4a shown, and the locking position, as shown in Figure 5a
• the locking projection 35 and the locking lever 31 are pivoted along a first guide surface 55 of the cam 37 from the neutral position in the first direction 49, so that a restoring force acts on the locking lever 31 and the locking projection 35, which pushes the locking lever 31 and the locking projection 35 back into the neutral position, opposite to the first direction 49.
• This restoring force causes the locking projection 35 to pivot back towards the neutral position when it reaches the first turning point 51.
• the first turning point 51 is understood to be the point at which the locking projection 35 comes out of contact with the first guide surface 55, that is, at which the locking projection 35 is no longer pivoted by the cam 37, along the first guide surface 55, in the first direction 49.
• the first reversal point 51 is reached when the locking projection 35 comes out of contact with the first guide surface 55 of the cam 37 and the locking projection 35 is located in a direction perpendicular to the base surface below the first guide surface 55.
• the first guide surface 55 is a flat surface.
• the first guide surface 55 can be a surface of varying or curved shape.
• the first guide surface 55 is defined as the surface It is understood that the mechanism is designed to pivot the locking projection 35 in the first direction 49.
• the first reversal point 51 lies in a direction perpendicular to the base surface below the first guide surface 55 and below the first recess 39.
• the locking unit 29 is shown in a position where the pivot arm 25 has been pivoted from the cleaning position to an end position. In this end position, the locking projection 35 rests against a first pivot limiting element 57.
• the first pivot limiting element 57 prevents the locking projection 35 from pivoting back to the neutral position when the pivot arm 25 is pivoted beyond the first reversal point 51.
• the locking projection 35 pivots back towards the neutral position due to the force of gravity acting upon it when the locking projection 35 is released from the cam 37.
• the first pivot limiting element 57 is arranged in one direction perpendicular to the floor surface below the first reversal point 51 and in the first direction 49 in front of the first recess 39.
• the first pivot limiting element 57 is arranged and designed such that it comes into contact with the locking projection 35.
• the first pivot limiting element 57 further prevents the locking projection 35 from pivoting back to the neutral position when the pivot arm 25 is pivoted beyond the first pivot point 51.
• the locking projection 35 can only pivot back to the neutral position once it has passed the first pivot limiting element 57 in the direction of the first recess 39, by pivoting the locking projection 35 between the first pivot point 51 and the first pivot limiting element 57 in the direction of the first recess 39.
• the swivel arm 25 has a stop element 61 which, in the end position of the swivel arm 25, is in contact with the frame 3.
• the stop element 61 enables a precise definition of the end position of the swivel arm 25.
• the stop element 61 is designed as a projection on the swivel arm 25.
• the stop element 61 can have a damping element. The stop element 61 minimizes damage to the swivel arm 25 or the frame 3.
• FIGS. 5a to 5c further schematic partial views of the locking unit 29 of the exemplary embodiment from the Figures 1 to 3b , whereby the Figures 5a to 5c The locking unit 29 is shown in different positions.
• Figure 5a The locking unit 29 is shown in the locked position. In the locked position, the locking projection 35 has passed the first reversal point 51, so that it has pivoted in the second direction 53 and engages with the first recess 39, being held in the first recess 39 by a force of gravity acting on the cleaning element 9.
• the cam 37 is arranged such that the first recess 39 is offset in the first direction 49 relative to the neutral position of the locking projection 35, so that when the locking projection 35 engages with the first recess 39, it is at least partially pivoted in the first direction 49.
• the locking unit 29 is shown in the position it assumes when the locking projection 35 is moved from the locking position to the cleaning position.
• the cam 37 is designed such that the locking projection 35 pivots in the second direction 53 when the pivot arm 25 is pivoted beyond the locking position to a second reversal point 63.
• the second reversal point 63 is the point at which the locking projection 35 is out of contact with the first recess 39 or a surface connected to the The second turning point 63 is reached when the locking projection 35 comes out of contact with the second guide surface 65 of the cam 37.
• the second guide surface 65 is a flat surface.
• the second guide surface 65 can be a curved surface.
• the second guide surface 65 is understood to be the surface that adjoins the first recess 39 and is configured to pivot the locking projection 35 in the first direction 49 or to hold it in the pivoted position.
• the second reversal point 63 lies in a direction perpendicular to the base surface below the second guide surface 65 and below the first recess 39. Furthermore, the second reversal point 63 lies in a direction perpendicular to the base surface below the first reversal point 51. This has the advantage that, upon reaching the second reversal point 63, the locking projection 35 pivots back towards the neutral position due to gravity. This allows the locking projection 35 to be released from the first recess 39 simply by pivoting the pivot arm 25 about the first pivot axis 27, without requiring the pivot arm 25 to pivot laterally or a separate locking element.
• the locking projection 35 When the swivel arm 25 is in its end position, the locking projection 35 is in its lowest position below the second pivot point 63. Since the locking projection 35 has been released from the cam 37 in this position, it can pivot into the neutral position. This allows the locking projection 35 to be moved out of the first recess 39 and released from the cam 37, thus enabling the swivel arm 25 to pivot into the cleaning position.
• the locking unit 29 has a second pivot limiting element 67 that prevents the locking projection 35 from pivoting in the second direction 53 beyond the neutral position when the pivot arm 25 is pivoted beyond the second reversal point 63.
• the second pivot limiting element 67 is arranged and designed such that it comes into contact with the locking projection 35.
• the second pivot limiting element 67 is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the base surface below the second reversal point 63 and in the first direction 49 behind the first recess 39.
• the second pivot limiting element 67 serves to The second pivot limiting element 67 prevents the locking projection 35 from pivoting beyond the neutral position in the second direction 53 after passing the second pivot point 63, which could cause the locking projection 35 to oscillate around the neutral position.
• the second pivot limiting element 67 minimizes the pivoting of the locking projection 35 around the neutral position, ensuring that the locking projection 35 pivots into and remains in the neutral position. This allows the pivot arm 25 to be pivoted directly from the locking position to the cleaning position without requiring the user to wait for the locking projection 35 to reach the neutral position.
• Figure 5b The locking unit 29 can be moved into the cleaning position shown below. This will be demonstrated below.
• the cam 37 is designed such that the locking projection 35 pivots back into the neutral position from the second direction 53 when the swivel arm 25 is pivoted towards the cleaning position beyond a third reversal point 71.
• the third reversal point 71 is the point at which the locking projection 35 comes out of contact with the third guide surface 69, meaning that the locking projection 35 moves from the cam 37 along the third Guide surface 69, is no longer pivoted in the second direction 53.
• the third turning point 71 is reached when the locking projection 35 comes out of contact with the third guide surface 69 of the cam 37.
• the third guide surface 69 is a flat surface.
• the third guide surface 69 can be a curved surface.
• the third guide surface 69 is understood to be the surface that extends from the second turning point 63 to the third turning point 71 and is configured to pivot the locking projection 35 in the second direction 53.
• the third turning point 71 lies in a direction perpendicular to the base surface above the third guide surface 69. This has the advantage that, upon reaching the third turning point 71, the locking projection 35 pivots back towards the neutral position due to gravity. This ensures that the locking projection 35 is pivoted back to the neutral position by simply pivoting the swivel arm 25 about the first pivot axis 27 into the cleaning position, without the swivel arm 25 being pivoted laterally or a separate locking element being required.
• the third pivot point 71 forms the highest point of the cam 37 relative to the base surface, so that when the locking projection 35 passes the third pivot point 71, it is released from the cam 37 and pivots back into the neutral position. Once the locking projection 35 has pivoted beyond the third pivot point 71, it can be pivoted back into the locking position by pivoting the pivot arm 25 again. This allows the pivot arm 25 to be locked and unlocked in a particularly simple manner by simply pivoting it about the first pivot axis 27 in one direction.
• the present invention makes it possible to lock the swivel arm 25 by pivoting it towards the floor surface and to unlock it by pivoting it in the same direction. This results in particularly simple handling of the floor cleaning machine 1, since a user only ever needs to pivot the swivel arm 25 in one direction to lock and unlock it.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 provides a locking and unlocking function with which the cleaning element arrangement 7 can be held in a position spaced away from the floor surface and released from this position in a particularly simple and safe manner.

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• Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)

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• 2024
  • 2024-05-14 DE DE102024113443.7A patent/DE102024113443A1/de active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-04-29 EP EP25173116.2A patent/EP4649872A3/fr active Pending

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