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
  • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
  • A47L11/4044—Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
• • 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
  • A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a floor cleaning machine with a connectable suction foot.
• Floor cleaning machines with a suction foot which can be moved across a floor surface to be cleaned, are known from the prior art. These machines include a cleaning unit with one or more driven brush elements designed to engage the floor surface and loosen dirt. Furthermore, an application device is provided to deliver cleaning fluid to the brush elements, thus improving the removal of dirt.
• the dirt loosened from the floor surface can be suctioned up by a suction foot attached to the floor cleaning machine by means of a vacuum and conveyed into a dirty water container. To maximize the amount of dirty water the suction foot can collect, it is wider than the floor cleaning machine itself.
• the suction foot of most floor cleaning machines can typically be connected and disconnected via a coupling mechanism. Disconnecting the suction foot is particularly necessary when transporting the floor cleaning machine or maneuvering it through confined spaces, such as doorways or narrow passages. Especially during transport, it's crucial to ensure the machine can pass through these narrow spaces without risking damage to the suction foot. Furthermore, disconnecting the suction foot is essential for maintenance purposes, such as when replacing or cleaning the suction foot or parts thereof.
• the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset in which the suction foot can be coupled to and detached from the floor cleaning machine in a particularly simple and time-efficient 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. The cleaning element is designed to engage with the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the floor cleaning machine has a suction foot that can be coupled to the frame, the suction foot being connected to the frame via a coupling unit.
• the coupling unit has a coupling element arranged on one side of the suction foot and the frame, and a holder attached to the other side of the suction foot and the frame, with a recess having an open end for receiving the coupling element.
• the coupling unit has a coupling latch pivotally mounted on the holder about a first pivot axis. This latch can pivot between a closed state, in which it is pivoted about the first pivot axis to close the recess and prevent the coupling element from being pulled out, and an open state, in which it is pivoted about the first pivot axis to release the recess and allow the coupling element to be moved out.
• the coupling unit has a lever connected to the coupling latch, which can be used to pivot the latch into the open state.
• the coupling latch has at its distal end, away from the first pivot axis, a first inclined surface pointing away from the recess, which is designed such that the coupling latch is pivoted from the closed position to the open position when the coupling element rests against the inclined surface and is moved in the direction of the recess.
• the floor cleaning machine comprises a cleaning element arrangement with at least one, preferably driven, cleaning element.
• 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 suction foot that can be coupled to the frame, with the suction foot being connected to the frame via a coupling unit.
• the term "frame” refers to the stationary part of the floor cleaning machine that is connected to the chassis.
• the frame can be made of steel or aluminum, or of a composite material. Additional components, in particular a housing, covers, cross and longitudinal braces, and electronic components, can be attached to the frame.
• the suction foot has a base from which a front and a rear sealing lip extend downwards, running essentially parallel to each other and, during suction operation when the suction foot is moved over the floor surface to be cleaned, essentially perpendicular to them, so that a suction chamber is formed between the sealing lips and below the base.
• the base has a connection through which the suction chamber can be connected to the machine's vacuumed dirty water tank, so that dirty water present on the floor surface to be cleaned can be suctioned out.
• the coupling unit comprises a coupling element arranged on one side of the suction cup and the frame, and a holder attached to the other side of the suction cup and the frame, with a recess having an open end for receiving the coupling element.
• the coupling element and the holder can each be integrally formed with the suction cup or the frame, or as separate components that are connected to the suction cup or the frame by means of fasteners.
• the coupling element and the holder are made of the same material as the frame of the floor cleaning machine.
• the open-ended recess is dimensioned to accommodate the coupling element. Both the coupling element and the recess can have an arcuate or circular cross-section, allowing the coupling element to be fully supported within the recess.
• This geometry ensures an even distribution of the load, thus increasing the mechanical stability of the coupling unit.
• the full-surface support of the coupling element within the recess creates a secure and stable connection, enabling even load distribution and reduced wear on both the coupling element and the recess. This extends the service life of the coupling unit.
• the coupling unit has a coupling latch pivotally mounted on the holder about a first pivot axis.
• This latch pivots between a closed state, in which it closes the recess and prevents the coupling element from being pulled out, and an open state, in which it releases the recess and allows the coupling element to be moved out.
• a coupling latch is a mechanical locking element that, by pivoting about the first pivot axis, either locks the coupling element in the recess or releases it.
• the coupling latch can be made of the same material as the holder of the coupling unit. Alternatively, the coupling latch can be made of a less robust and lighter material, which may allow it to pivot more easily about the first pivot axis.
• the first pivot axis is preferably arranged parallel to the floor surface and perpendicular to a forward direction in which the floor cleaning machine can be guided across the floor surface. This arrangement of the first pivot axis enables a smooth and linear pivoting of the coupling latch in the forward direction.
• the coupling latch prevents the coupling element from being pulled out of the recess by completely sealing the opening. Therefore, the suction foot can then be firmly coupled to the floor cleaning machine.
• the coupling element is inserted into the recess and the coupling latch is in the closed position.
• the coupling latch pivots out of the way, allowing the coupling element to be removed. Therefore, the suction foot can be disconnected from the floor cleaning machine when the coupling latch is open and the coupling element can be removed.
• This coupling mechanism offers the advantage of reliably securing the coupling element in the recess to prevent accidental disconnection.
• the pivoting mechanism of the coupling latch allows for quick and easy opening and closing, contributing to the ease of use when connecting and disconnecting the suction foot from the floor cleaning machine.
• the coupling unit features a lever connected to the coupling latch, which allows the latch to be pivoted into the open position.
• the lever can be integrally formed with the coupling latch or designed as a separate component connected to the coupling latch via fasteners.
• the lever can be made of the same material as the coupling latch. Alternatively, at least sections of the lever can be made of a material that offers enhanced grip and ease of use.
• the lever allows the coupling latch to pivot around the first pivot axis between the closed and open positions.
• the lever can be designed for easy access and operation by the user. To this end, the lever can have protrusions or indentations to improve ease of use.
• the coupling latch has a first inclined surface at its distal end, away from the first pivot axis, which points away from the recess.
• This surface is designed such that the coupling latch pivots from the closed position to the open position when the coupling element rests against the inclined surface and is moved towards the recess.
• the distal end is the end opposite the first pivot axis, which closes the recess in the closed position.
• the surface at the distal end, pointing away from the recess is an inclined surface. This means that the inclined surface is at an angle, preferably less than 90°, to the direction of movement of the coupling element when the coupling element is inserted into the recess.
• a floor cleaning machine in which the suction foot can be coupled to and detached from the floor cleaning machine in a particularly simple and time-efficient manner.
• the lever extends away from the clutch latch in a direction away from its distal end.
• the lever extends so far away from the clutch latch in this direction that the first pivot axis lies between the lever and the distal end of the clutch latch.
• the length of the lever can be dimensioned to generate a sufficiently large torque around the first pivot axis, allowing the clutch latch to be pivoted particularly easily and with minimal effort. This results in exceptional ease of use, as the clutch latch can be pivoted with minimal effort.
• the holder has two arms, preferably parallel and spaced apart from each other, wherein the recess is formed by two slots extending, preferably parallel, within the arms and open at one end.
• the coupling latch is arranged between the arms, and the coupling element is designed as a bolt configured to be received in both slots and to extend between them.
• the bolt can be multi-part, for example, consisting of two partial bolts, each partial bolt being received in a slot of one arm.
• the two arms ensure that the coupling element
• the suction cup is held at at least two points, resulting in a stable mounting and reducing the risk of it tilting.
• the slots forming the recesses extend along a first longitudinal axis, which is perpendicular to the base surface and with the open ends of the slots pointing towards the base surface.
• the slots can therefore be arranged vertically to the base surface. This vertical arrangement can facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of the suction cup.
• the suction cup can be positioned below the holder and then inserted upwards into the slots, with the coupling element being held in place by the coupling latch.
• the coupling element can be pivoted into the open position and, under the influence of gravity, slide automatically out of the recess.
• This arrangement offers increased user-friendliness by utilizing gravity. Furthermore, it can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors when uncoupling the suction cup.
• the slots forming the recesses extend along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being arranged at an angle to the base surface.
• This angle is in the range of 90° to 0°, preferably in the range of 80° to 10°, and more preferably in the range of 70° to 20°.
• This angle facilitates easy decoupling, as the coupling element can automatically slide out of the recess under the influence of gravity when the coupling latch releases it.
• the angle also facilitates easy coupling, as the recesses are more easily accessible to the user due to their orientation.
• the angle of the first longitudinal axis is 90° to the floor surface. This ensures that the suction foot is coupled in a direction parallel to the floor surface and It can be decoupled. This has the advantage that the recesses are more easily accessible for a user, thus at least simplifying the coupling of the suction cup.
• the bolt is attached to a first and a second support arm and extends between them.
• the support arms have guide ramps designed to center the suction foot relative to the arms when the bolt is positioned opposite the open ends of the slots.
• These guide ramps can be understood as inclined or inclined guide surfaces that contact the arms of the holder and guide the support arms along them in such a way that the suction foot centers itself relative to the arms.
• the guide ramps can also be understood as converging surfaces inclined towards each other. This arrangement ensures that the suction foot is centered relative to the arms, allowing it to be coupled to the floor cleaning machine even if the coupling element is not perfectly centered between the arms. This results in particularly easy coupling and increased ease of use.
• the holder extends from a first end to a second end, with the holder pivotably connected to the frame at the first end about a second pivot axis, and the coupling latch being located at the second end. Because the holder is pivotably mounted on the frame, the user does not need to lift the suction cup to couple it. Instead, the user can position the suction cup below the holder so that the coupling element is guided into the recess by pivoting the holder about the second pivot axis. This allows for particularly easy coupling of the suction cup with reduced effort.
• the second pivot axis is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis. This allows for parallel and synchronous movement of the holder and the coupling latch. This has the advantage of enabling the simplest and most reliable coupling and uncoupling of the suction foot with the floor cleaning machine.
• the holder has an actuating element arranged at its second end.
• the actuating element can be designed such that a user can operate it with their foot.
• the actuating element can have a pedal for this purpose.
• the actuating element can consist of a
• the material consists of a material that has a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the holder, giving the confirming element greater grip or adhesion.
• the recess widens towards the open end. Widening of the recess means that the recess tapers from its open end to an end opposite the open end. Thus, the cross-section of the recess widens in the direction of the open end.
• the recess is preferably conical or funnel-shaped. This allows for particularly easy insertion of the coupling element into the recess, as the coupling element can be threaded into the recess due to the widened open end.
• the holder has a stop designed to limit the relative movement of the suction foot towards the front end of the floor cleaning machine such that when a section of the suction foot rests against the stop, the coupling element is aligned with the open end of the recess.
• the stop serves to define a coupling position for the suction foot when it is disconnected from the floor cleaning machine.
• the suction foot can be placed on the floor surface and moved across it until the section of the suction foot rests against the stop.
• the holder can be pivoted about its second pivot axis towards the floor surface to couple the suction foot.
• the suction foot can be lifted until the coupling element is held in the recess by the coupling catch. This results in a particularly simple and user-friendly coupling of the suction foot to the floor cleaning machine.
• the coupling unit has a preload element that biases the coupling latch towards the closed position.
• the preload element can include a spring element that exerts a spring force on the coupling latch in the direction of the closed position.
• the coupling unit has a first contact surface and the suction foot a second contact surface, the contact surfaces being designed to abut each other when the coupling element is received in the recess, so that the suction foot is aligned horizontally, essentially parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned.
• the contact surfaces are preferably corresponding to each other, allowing them to be in full contact. The contact surfaces ensure that the suction foot remains in a position parallel to the floor surface, even when the holder is pivoted about the second pivot axis in such a way that the suction foot is moved into a position where it is spaced away from the floor surface.
• the contact surfaces are intended to prevent the suction foot from tilting about an axis parallel to the floor surface when the suction foot is in a raised position. This ensures that the suction foot does not drag on the floor surface when the floor cleaning machine is moved across the floor surface and the suction foot has been raised, thus preventing damage to the suction foot.
• Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first 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 7 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 9 with a cleaning element 11, wherein the cleaning element 11 is designed to engage with the floor surface 7 to be cleaned.
• the cleaning element 11 can be a brush, in which case the engagement elements are bristles whose free ends engage with the floor surface 7 to be cleaned.
• the cleaning element 11 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 7 to be cleaned.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 has a housing 13 for enclosing the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the housing 13 can accommodate a fresh water tank for receiving fresh water and a dirty water tank for receiving dirty water.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 has a guide handle assembly 15, which is located at the rear end of the floor cleaning machine 1 when viewed in the forward direction.
• the guide handle assembly 15 serves as a support by which the user can hold, control, and steer the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the placement of the guide handle assembly 15 at the rear end contributes to more precise steering. less effort is required.
• the guide handle arrangement 15 can be ergonomically shaped, resulting in improved comfort and reduced physical strain during operation, which is particularly advantageous during prolonged use of the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the chassis 5 has a first chassis axle 17 and a second chassis axle 19, with a first roller 21 spaced apart from each other mounted on the first chassis axle 17 and a second roller unit 23 arranged on the second chassis axle 19.
• the first roller 21 and the second roller unit 23 are configured to roll over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 has a suction foot 25.
• the suction foot 25 has, as shown in Figure 3
• the figure shows a first wheel 27, a second wheel 29, a third wheel 31, and a fourth wheel 33, designed to roll over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, and whose contact points with the floor surface 7 define a wheel plane 35.
• the first and second wheels 27, 29 can also be referred to as front wheels, which are arranged at a front end of the suction foot 25.
• the third and fourth wheels 31, 33 can also be referred to as rear wheels, which are arranged at a rear end of the suction foot 25.
• the wheel plane 35 runs parallel to the floor surface to be cleaned, so that a predefined and uniform distance between the suction foot 25 and the floor surface 7 to be cleaned and a uniform cleaning result can be achieved.
• the suction foot 25 has three wheels designed to roll over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, with a first and second wheel forming the front wheels and a third wheel forming the rear wheel.
• the floor cleaning machine 1 is designed to be moved forward over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned during cleaning operation, with the suction foot 25 being arranged at a rear end of the floor cleaning machine 1 when viewed in the forward direction.
• the suction foot 25 is designed to be guided over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned and to collect cleaning fluid from the floor surface 7.
• the suction foot 25 can be coupled to the frame 3 of the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the coupling of the suction foot 25 to the floor cleaning machine 1 is described below. Figure 2 described.
• Figure 1 shows a schematic partial view of the floor cleaning machine 1 with a decoupled suction foot 25.
• the suction foot 25 can be connected to the frame 3 via a coupling unit 37.
• the coupling unit 37 has a coupling element 39 arranged on the suction foot 25 and a holder 41 attached to the frame 3, the holder having a recess 43, 43' with an open end for receiving the coupling element 39.
• the coupling element 39 is connected to the suction foot 25, and the holder 41 is connected to the frame 3.
• the coupling element 39 and the holder 41 can be integrally formed with the frame 3 and the suction foot 25, or they can be separate components connected to the suction foot 25 or the frame 3 via fasteners.
• the open-ended recess 43, 43' is dimensioned to accommodate the coupling element 39.
• Both the coupling element 39 and the recess 43, 43' have an arcuate or circular arc-shaped cross-section, allowing the coupling element 39 to be received and bear against the recess 43, 43' over a large area.
• This geometry ensures an even distribution of the load, thus increasing the mechanical stability of the coupling unit 37.
• the large-area reception of the coupling element 39 in the recess 43, 43' enables a secure and stable connection, resulting in even load distribution and reduced wear on both the coupling element 39 and the recess 43, 43'. This extends the service life of the coupling unit 37.
• the recess 43, 43' widens towards its open end. This widening of the recess 43, 43' means that it tapers from its open end to an end opposite the open end. Thus, the cross-section of the recess 43, 43' widens towards the open end.
• the recess 43, 43' is conical or funnel-shaped. This allows for particularly easy insertion of the coupling element 39 into the recess 43, 43', as the coupling element 39 can be threaded into the recess 43, 43' due to the widened open end.
• the coupling unit 37 has a coupling latch 47 pivotably arranged on the holder 41 about a first pivot axis 45, which can be switched between a closed state, in which the coupling latch 47 is pivoted about the first pivot axis 45 so that it closes the recess 43, 43' in such a way that the coupling element 39 cannot be pulled out the recess 43, 43' is prevented, and is pivotable in an open state in which the coupling latch 47 is pivoted about the first pivot axis 45 so that the recess 43, 43' is released and the coupling element 39 can be moved out of the recess 43, 43'.
• a coupling latch 47 is a mechanical locking element that, by pivoting about the first pivot axis 45, either locks the coupling element 39 in the recess 43, 43' or releases it from the recess 43, 43'.
• the coupling latch 47 can be made of the same material as the holder 41 of the coupling unit 37. Alternatively, the coupling latch 47 can be made of a less robust and lighter material, which may result in easier pivoting of the coupling latch 47 about the first pivot axis 45.
• the first pivot axis 45 is arranged parallel to the floor surface 7 and perpendicular to a forward direction in which the floor cleaning machine 1 can be guided over the floor surface 7.
• the coupling unit 37 has a lever 49 connected to the coupling latch 47, which allows the coupling latch 47 to be pivoted into the open position.
• the lever 49 can be integrally formed with the coupling latch 47 or designed as a separate component connected to the coupling latch 47 via fasteners.
• the lever 49 can be made of the same material as the coupling latch 47. Alternatively, the lever 49 can be made, at least partially, of or coated with a material that offers increased grip and ease of use.
• the lever 49 allows the coupling latch 47 to be pivoted about the first pivot axis 45 between the closed and open positions.
• the lever 49 is dimensioned to be easily accessible and operable by a user.
• the lever 49 extends from the clutch latch 47 in a direction away from a distal end 51 of the clutch latch 47.
• the lever 49 extends from the clutch latch 47 in this direction away from the distal end 51 such that the first pivot axis 45 lies between the lever 49 and the distal end 51 of the clutch latch 47.
• the length of the lever 49 can be dimensioned such that a correspondingly large torque is generated about the first pivot axis. 45 is generated so that the coupling latch 47 can be pivoted particularly easily and with little effort.
• the coupling unit 37 has a preload element 53 that preloads the coupling latch 47 towards the closed position.
• the preload element 53 can include a spring element that exerts a spring force on the coupling latch 47 in the direction of the closed position. Preloading the coupling latch 47 towards the closed position ensures that the coupling latch 47 is held in the closed position when it is not pivoted by the coupling element 39 or the lever 49. Furthermore, this preload element 53 causes the coupling latch 47 to pivot into the closed position automatically. This results in automatic closing when the suction cup 25 is coupled, thus increasing ease of use.
• the distal end 51 is the end of the coupling latch 47 furthest from the first pivot axis 45 (see Fig. 4 ), which closes the recess 43, 43' in the closed state.
• the surface at the distal end 51, which points away from the recess 43, 43', is an inclined surface 55. This means that the inclined surface 55 is at an angle of less than 90° to the direction of movement of the coupling element 39 when the coupling element 39 is inserted into the recess 43, 43'.
• the force causes the coupling latch 47 to pivot into the open position, thus releasing the recess 43, 43' and allowing the coupling element 39 to be guided into the recess 43, 43'.
• This coupling mechanism ensures efficient and safe handling of the coupling unit 37, as the inclined surface 55 enables the recess 43, 43' to open automatically when the coupling latch 47 pivots under load.
• the holder 41 extends between a first end 57 and a second end 59, wherein the holder 41 is pivotably connected to the frame 3 at the first end 57 about a second pivot axis 61, and wherein the coupling latch 47 is arranged at the second end 59. Because the holder 41 is pivotably arranged on the frame 3, a user does not have to lift the suction cup 25 to couple it.
• the user can position the suction foot 25 below the holder 41 in such a way that the coupling element 39 is guided into the recess 43, 43' by pivoting the holder 41 about the second pivot axis 61. This allows for particularly easy coupling of the suction foot 25 with reduced effort.
• the second pivot axis 61 is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis 45. This allows for parallel and synchronous movement of the holder 41 and the coupling latch 47. This has the advantage of enabling the simplest and most reliable coupling and uncoupling of the suction foot 25 with the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the holder 41 has an actuating element 63 arranged at its second end 59.
• the actuating element 63 can be designed such that a user can actuate it with their foot.
• the actuating element 63 can have a pedal 65 for this purpose.
• the actuating element 63 can be made of a material that has a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the holder 41, thus giving the actuating element 63 greater grip or adhesion.
• the holder 41 has a stop 67 designed to limit relative movement of the suction foot 25 towards a front end of the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the function of the suction foot 25's alignment is described below. Figure 3 explained.
• Figure 3 shows another schematic partial view of the floor cleaning machine 1 with the suction foot 25 decoupled.
• the holder 41 has the stop 67, which is designed to limit the relative movement of the suction foot 25 such that when a suction foot section 69 is in contact with the stop 67, the coupling element 39 is aligned with the open end of the recess 43, 43'.
• the stop 67 serves to define a coupling position of the suction foot 25 when the suction foot 25 is decoupled from the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the suction foot 25 can be placed on the floor surface 7 and moved across the floor surface 7 until the suction foot section 69 is in contact with the stop 67.
• the holder 41 can be pivoted about the second pivot axis 61 towards the floor surface 7 to couple the suction foot 25.
• the inclined surface 55 at the distal end 51 of the coupling latch 47 comes into contact with the coupling element 39, so that the coupling latch 47 is initially pivoted from the closed state to the open state against the action of the preloading element 53 and subsequently, when the coupling element Once the distal end has passed 39, the coupling latch 47 pivots back into the closed position.
• the suction foot 25 can be raised until the coupling element 39 is held in the recess 43, 43' by the coupling latch 47. This results in a particularly simple and user-friendly coupling of the suction foot 25 to the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the holder 41 has two arms 71, 71', preferably parallel and spaced apart from each other, wherein the recess 43, 43' is formed by two slots extending, preferably parallel, in the arms 71, 71' and open at one end, wherein the coupling latch 47 is arranged between the arms 71, 71' and wherein the coupling element 39 is designed as a bolt configured to be received in both slots and to extend between them.
• the coupling latch 47 is, as shown in Figure 6
• the coupling element 39 is arranged between arms 71 and 71', and is designed as a bolt configured to engage in both slots and extend between them. This arrangement enables precise and secure guidance of the coupling element 39, as the slots are precisely matched to the dimensions of the bolt.
• the bolt is made in multiple parts, for example by two partial bolts, each partial bolt being received in a slot of an arm 71, 71'.
• the two arms 71, 71' ensure that the coupling element 39 is held at at least two points, resulting in a stable mounting of the suction foot 25 and reducing the risk of it tilting. Inserting the bolt into the slots secures it firmly and stably, minimizing the risk of slippage or dislodging during operation.
• the parallel alignment of the slots allows for an even distribution of the forces absorbed and a particularly simple design, leading to increased overall stability of the coupling unit 37. This enables a robust and durable coupling of the suction foot 25, which is especially advantageous for applications subject to high mechanical stress on the suction foot 25.
• the bolt is attached to a first and a second retaining arm 73, 75 and extends between them, with insertion ramps 77, 77' formed on the retaining arms 73, 75. These ramps are designed to center the suction foot 25 relative to the arms 71, 71' when the bolt is positioned opposite the open ends of the slots.
• the insertion ramps 77, 77' The guide surfaces 71, 71' can be understood as inclined or inclined guide surfaces that come into contact with the arms 71, 71' of the holder 41 and guide the retaining arms 73, 75 along the guide surfaces in such a way that the suction foot 25 is centered relative to the arms 71, 71'.
• the insertion ramps 77, 77' can be understood as converging surfaces inclined towards each other.
• the insertion ramps 77, 77' converge towards each other. This arrangement achieves centering of the suction foot 25 relative to the arms 71, 71', so that the suction foot 25 can be coupled to the floor cleaning machine 1 even if the coupling element 39 is not initially arranged completely centered between the arms 71, 71'. This allows for particularly simple coupling with increased ease of use.
• the coupled state of the suction foot 25 with the holder 41 is described below with reference to Figure 4 described.
• Figure 4 shows a schematic partial view of the floor cleaning machine 1 with a coupled suction foot 25.
• the coupling latch 47 In the coupled state, the coupling latch 47 is in the closed position, in which it blocks the extraction of the coupling element 39 from the recess 43, 43' by completely closing the opening.
• the suction foot 25 In the open position, the coupling latch 47 is pivoted out of the way of the recess 43, 43', allowing the coupling element 39 to be extracted from the recess 43, 43'. Accordingly, the suction foot 25 can then be decoupled from the floor cleaning machine 1 when the coupling latch 47 is in the open state and the coupling element 39 can thus be led out of the recess 43, 43'.
• Such a coupling mechanism 37 has the advantage of reliably securing the coupling element 39 in the recess 43, 43' to prevent accidental release. Furthermore, the pivoting mechanism of the coupling latch 47 allows for quick and easy opening and closing, which contributes to the ease of operation of the coupling mechanism 37 when coupling and uncoupling the suction foot 25 with the floor cleaning machine 1.
• the suction foot 25 has a base 79 from which a front sealing lip 81 and a rear sealing lip 83 extend downwards, which are essentially parallel to each other and, in suction operation when the suction foot 25 is moved over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, in The lines run essentially perpendicular to this, so that a suction chamber 85 is formed between the sealing lips 81, 83 and below the base 79.
• the base 79 has a connection 83 through which the suction chamber 85 can be connected to the vacuumed dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine 1, so that dirty water located on the floor surface 7 to be cleaned can be extracted.
• the suction foot 25 can be moved into a raised position, which is subsequently described by Figure 5 will be explained.
• Figure 5 shows a schematic partial view of the floor cleaning machine 1 with a coupled suction foot 25 in the raised position.
• the suction foot 25 is coupled to the floor cleaning machine 1, and the wheel plane 35 is spaced away from the floor surface 7.
• the coupling unit 37 has a first contact surface 89
• the suction foot 25 has a second contact surface 91.
• the contact surfaces 89 and 91 are designed to abut each other when the coupling element 39 is received in the recess 43, 43', so that the suction foot 25 is aligned horizontally, substantially parallel to the floor surface 7 to be cleaned.
• the contact surfaces 89 and 91 are corresponding to each other, allowing them to bear against each other over their entire surface.
• the contact surfaces 89 and 91 ensure that the suction foot 25 remains in a position parallel to the floor surface 7, even when the holder 41 is pivoted about the second pivot axis 61 such that the suction foot 25 is moved into a position where it is spaced away from the floor surface 7.
• the contact surfaces 89 and 91 prevent the suction foot 25 from tilting about an axis parallel to the floor surface 7 when it is in a raised position. This prevents the suction foot 25 from dragging on the floor surface 7 when the floor cleaning machine 1 is moved across it and the suction foot 25 is raised, thereby preventing damage to the suction foot.
• Figure 6 shows a schematic partial view of the coupling unit 37 of the first embodiment from the Figures 1 to 5
• the actuating element 63 and the lever 49 can have a marking 93 that indicates the position of the lever 49 of the clutch latch 47.
• the marking 93 thus functions as a position indicator, showing the position of the lever 49, for example.
• the marking 93 is intended to indicate whether the lever 49 is closed or open. It also indicates to the user the position of the lever 49 and the direction in which the lever 49 must be pivoted to open the coupling latch 47 and decouple the suction foot 25.
• the slots forming the recesses 43, 43' extend along a first longitudinal axis 95, 95', the first longitudinal axis 95, 95' being perpendicular to the base surface 7 and the open ends of the slots pointing towards the base surface 7.
• the slots can therefore be arranged vertically to the base surface 7. This vertical arrangement can facilitate the coupling and decoupling of the suction foot 25.
• the suction foot 25 can be positioned as shown in Figure 2
• the coupling element 39 is positioned below the holder 41 and then inserted upwards into the slots, with the coupling element 39 being held in the slots by the coupling latch 47.
• the coupling element 39 can be pivoted into the open position and, under the influence of gravity, automatically slide out of the recess 43, 43'.
• This arrangement offers increased user-friendliness by utilizing gravity. Furthermore, it saves time and reduces the likelihood of errors when decoupling the suction foot 25.
• Figure 7 shows a schematic partial view of a second embodiment of the coupling unit 37.
• the slots forming the recesses 43, 43' extend along a first longitudinal axis 95, 95', which is perpendicular to the base surface 7 and whose open ends point in the opposite direction to the base surface 7.
• the slots can therefore be arranged vertically to the base surface 7. This vertical arrangement can facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of the suction foot 25.
• the suction foot 25 can be inserted from above into the holder 41 and then inserted downwards into the slots, with the coupling element 39 being held in the recess 43, 43' by gravity.
• the coupling catch 47 serves as a safety device, ensuring that the coupling element 39 is held in the slots and cannot accidentally come out of them.
• the coupling element 39 can be guided upwards out of the slots by the user lifting the suction cup 25.
• this arrangement offers increased user-friendliness through the use of the Gravity. On the other hand, this can result in time savings and a reduced susceptibility to errors when coupling the suction foot 25.
• Figure 8 Figure 1 shows a schematic partial view of a third embodiment of the coupling unit 37.
• the slots forming the recesses 43, 43' run along the longitudinal axis 95, 95', which is at an angle of 90° to the base surface 7. This allows the suction foot 25 to be coupled and uncoupled in a direction parallel to the base surface 7. This has the advantage that the recesses 43, 43' are more easily accessible to a user, thus facilitating at least the coupling of the suction foot 25.
• a floor cleaning machine in which the suction foot can be coupled to and detached from the floor cleaning machine in a particularly simple and time-efficient manner.

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• Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

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• 2024
  • 2024-05-14 DE DE102024113490.9A patent/DE102024113490A1/de active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-04-29 EP EP25173191.5A patent/EP4649876A3/fr active Pending

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