EP2598010B1 - Floor cleaning device - Google Patents

Floor cleaning device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2598010B1
EP2598010B1 EP11735437.3A EP11735437A EP2598010B1 EP 2598010 B1 EP2598010 B1 EP 2598010B1 EP 11735437 A EP11735437 A EP 11735437A EP 2598010 B1 EP2598010 B1 EP 2598010B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
floor cleaning
tank
cleaning apparatus
rinsing
dirty liquid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP11735437.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2598010A1 (en
Inventor
Gilles Troff
Brunhold Roppelt
Rainer Schäfer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG filed Critical Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Publication of EP2598010A1 publication Critical patent/EP2598010A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2598010B1 publication Critical patent/EP2598010B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • A47L11/28—Floor-scrubbing machines, motor-driven
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L11/4013—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
    • A47L11/4016—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like specially adapted for collecting fluids
    • 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
    • A47L11/4013—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
    • A47L11/4025—Means for emptying

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a floor cleaning device, comprising a dirt receiving device for receiving a dirty liquid from a floor surface to be cleaned and a dirty liquid tank, in which the dirty liquid can be transferred.
  • Such a floor cleaning appliance designed, for example, as a scrubber-drier, usually comprises, in addition to the features mentioned above, a drivable cleaning tool for removing dirt from the floor surface to be cleaned, for example a brush roller or a disc brush.
  • the floor cleaning appliance typically includes a storage tank for cleaning liquid applied to the floor surface, e.g. Water to which a cleaning chemical may be added to increase the cleaning effect.
  • the mixture of cleaning liquid and detached dirt, the dirty liquid can be picked up by the dirt pick-up device from the bottom surface and transferred to the dirty liquid tank, e.g. under the action of a suction unit of the floor cleaning device. After work, the dirty liquid can be drained through an outlet from the dirty liquid tank. It may happen that dirt remains in the dirty liquid tank.
  • the US 4,393,538 describes a generic floor cleaning device having nozzles in the dirty liquid, with which a fine mist can be generated.
  • the mist is discharged towards a foam filter or interior of the dirty fluid tank to minimize foaming in the dirty tank.
  • Another floor cleaning device is in the EP 0 726 057 A2 described.
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaning device of the type mentioned, which is user-friendly to handle.
  • the floor cleaning device comprises a Tank Why adopted for cleaning the dirty liquid tank with at least one purge line, the at least one inlet opening for the tank flushing device crampbare rinsing liquid and at least one outlet opening for dispensing rinsing liquid into an interior of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the dirty liquid tank can be cleaned in a user-friendly way after work.
  • a supply hose can be connected to the at least one purge line in order to pressurize the tank purge device with a rinsing liquid.
  • the flushing liquid can be discharged through the at least one inlet opening, the at least one flushing line and the at least one outlet opening into the interior of the dirty liquid tank. After draining the dirty liquid in the dirty liquid tank still existing dirt can be detected by the rinsing liquid and also discharged through the outlet of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the at least one outlet opening is arranged on a top wall of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the dirty liquid tank can be acted upon from above with the rinsing liquid. This allows a reliable cleaning of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the at least one flushing line has a nozzle comprising at least one outlet opening.
  • the nozzle may be a flat jet nozzle whose exit jet is directed to at least one inner wall of the dirty fluid tank, in particular a side wall.
  • the at least one flushing line comprises a plurality of outlet openings, because this allows the flushing liquid better distributed in the interior of the dirty liquid tank and better cleaning of the dirty liquid tank can be achieved.
  • the plurality of outlet openings are preferably outlet openings formed on nozzles.
  • the outlet openings are arranged on a common flushing line. This gives the tank flushing a structurally simple structure. From only one purge line can pass through several outlet openings through flushing liquid into the interior of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the arrangement of the outlet openings is annular, wherein the rinsing liquid exits in each case in the radial direction from the outlet openings.
  • the outlet openings are arranged along the circumference of an inner wall of the dirty liquid tank and that the flushing liquid in each case emerges radially inwardly from the outlet openings.
  • the outlet openings are each arranged at a distance from side walls of the dirty liquid tank and that the flushing liquid in each case emerges radially outward from the outlet openings.
  • "Ring-shaped" in the present case does not necessarily mean “annular”, but generally "along an imaginary, self-contained curve", which may also be rectangular, along which the outlet openings are arranged.
  • the outlet openings may lie in a common plane, which is advantageously oriented substantially horizontally during operation of the tank flushing device. If the outlet openings are formed on flat jet nozzles, as mentioned above, they can deliver the rinsing liquid in each case in the common plane.
  • tank flushing device is fixed to the floor cleaning device. As a result, the tank flushing device in the intended use of the floor cleaning device can not be removed from this and lost.
  • the at least one outlet opening is formed in an inner wall of the dirty liquid tank, so that the rinse liquid can pass through the inner wall of the dirty liquid tank into its interior.
  • a wall of the dirty liquid tank can form the at least one flushing line as a hollow body at least in sections between the inner wall and an outer wall.
  • the floor cleaning appliance it is favorable if at least one material recess is formed in a wall of the dirty liquid tank, through which the at least one flushing line is guided into the interior of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the rinsing liquid can be introduced through a structurally simple tank rinsing in the interior of the dirty liquid tank. This makes it possible to clean the dirty liquid tank even when closed and at the same time to protect the user from rinsing liquid and dirt.
  • the at least one material recess can be, for example, an opening in a wall of the dirty liquid tank, which is penetrated by the at least one flushing line.
  • the at least one purge line prefferably has a discharge section which is provided in the interior of the dirty fluid tank and has a delivery section in fluid communication with the discharge section, which comprises the at least one inlet opening and if the at least one inlet opening is arranged outside the dirty fluid tank.
  • rinsing liquid can flow from outside the dirty liquid tank through the feed section into the interior of the dirty liquid tank and emerge from the at least one outlet opening of the discharge section.
  • the feed section and the discharge section can merge into each other, in particular be formed integrally with each other.
  • the discharge section is held on a wall of the dirty liquid tank, so that it occupies a defined position relative to the dirty liquid tank. This leads in practice to a better cleaning of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the wall is a top wall of the dirty liquid tank, in particular the ceiling wall formed or covered by a movable cover or by a lid of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the discharge section is movably held on the wall, preferably under the action of flushing liquid emerging from the at least one outlet opening according to the recoil principle.
  • the rinsing liquid can be distributed in the interior of the dirty liquid tank and thereby an effective cleaning can be achieved.
  • the dispensing section is conveniently movably supported by a hinge on the wall to achieve a defined movement of the dispensing section.
  • the discharge section is pivotally mounted on the wall.
  • the delivery section is rotatably mounted on the wall, in particular about a vertical axis of rotation.
  • a rotatably mounted dispensing section includes, for example, the flushing arm described below, which can be driven in rotation by leaking rinsing liquid.
  • the discharge section comprises a self-contained discharge line, on which a plurality of outlet openings is arranged.
  • the rinsing liquid can pass in two directions to the outlet openings.
  • a pressure loss at the outlet openings due to internal friction of the discharge line flowing through the rinsing liquid can be reduced.
  • a plurality of annularly arranged outlet openings can be structurally simply applied with rinsing liquid when the discharge line is annular.
  • the discharge section comprises at least one rinsing arm, which is flow-connected to the feed section at a first end and has at least one outlet opening at a second end.
  • the delivery section preferably comprises a plurality of rinse arms, which may be arranged symmetrically relative to each other. Beyond the at least one outlet opening at the second end of the flushing arm, further outlet openings may be present on the flushing arm.
  • the one or more rinse arms are conveniently rotatably mounted on a wall of the dirty liquid tank, for example, about a vertical axis of rotation.
  • the at least one purge line runs at least in sections in a wall of the dirty fluid tank forming a hollow body.
  • the aforementioned feed section extends through a lid of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the dirty liquid tank comprises a tank opening and a cover, which cover can be transferred from a closed position, in which the tank opening is closed, into an open position, in which the tank opening is released, and vice versa.
  • a user can intervene through the tank opening into the interior of the dirty liquid tank, for example for manual cleaning of the dirty liquid tank.
  • the cover is, for example, a lid of the dirty liquid tank, in particular an openable and zuklappbarer cover.
  • the cover comprises the tank flushing device. This proves to be favorable in practice for a structurally simple integration of the tank flushing device in an already existing floor cleaning device, which comprises a cover for the dirty liquid tank. By replacing the existing cover against the tank flushing comprehensive cover the advantages of the floor cleaning device according to the invention can be achieved. Such an exchange is possible at low cost.
  • At least one inlet opening is arranged on an outer side of the floor cleaning device.
  • the inlet opening can be arranged, for example, laterally on an upper side, in particular on a cover of the dirty liquid tank.
  • At least one inlet opening is formed by an inlet side of the at least one purge line arranged coupling member of a coupling for liquid lines.
  • the at least one purge line can have, for example, a coupling member of a hose coupling, for example a standard hose coupling, also known as "quick coupling". This allows the user to connect a flushing liquid supply hose to the tank flushing device.
  • the rinsing liquid may be added to the at least one hose line e.g. be supplied from a water supply network via a supply hose.
  • the floor cleaning device comprises a rinsing liquid tank and a pump unit connected to the at least one rinsing line, with the rinsing liquid from the rinsing liquid tank through at least one inlet opening into the rinsing liquid tank at least one purge line can be conveyed.
  • the rinsing liquid tank may be a tank provided exclusively for storing rinsing liquid. But it is also possible that the rinsing liquid tank is the storage tank mentioned above for applying to the bottom surface cleaning liquid.
  • a liquid discharge line is connected to an output of the pump unit, via the rinsing liquid can be applied to the floor surface to be cleaned.
  • the pump unit can be used both for providing rinsing liquid for the tank rinsing device and for applying the rinsing liquid to the bottom surface.
  • the at least one flushing line is a hose line or at least partially designed as a hose line.
  • the above-mentioned feed section and the above discharge section include hose lines.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a floor cleaning appliance according to the invention, which is configured as scrubber-drier and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
  • the scrubber-drier 10 is a so-called "walk-behind" machine that can control a user from the back 11 by means of a control unit 12.
  • the scrubber 10 On its front side 13, the scrubber 10 has a cleaning tool 14 in the form of a floor cleaning head, which comprises two each about a horizontal axis of rotation rotatably driven brush rollers 15 and 16.
  • the cleaning tool 14 can be lowered to a floor surface to be cleaned, so that the brush rollers 15 and 16 come into contact with the bottom surface and dirt can be detached from the bottom surface.
  • the scrubber 10 comprises a storage tank 17 for a cleaning liquid (in FIG. 4 schematically shown in part).
  • the cleaning liquid used is water, to which a cleaning chemical may be added.
  • the cleaning fluid it is possible for the cleaning fluid to flow out of the storage tank 17 onto the bottom surface under the influence of gravity.
  • a suction line 19 is connected, sucked cleaning liquid from the storage tank 17 and fed via a liquid discharge line 20 to the cleaning tool 16 for acting on the bottom surface.
  • the mixture of dirt and cleaning liquid hereinafter dirty liquid
  • a dirt collecting device 21 arranged on the rear side 11.
  • the dirt-collecting device 21 can be acted upon in a known manner by means of a suction unit, not shown in the drawing of the scrubber 10 with negative pressure.
  • the negative pressure is applied to the dirt collecting device 21 through a dirty liquid tank 22 arranged above the storage tank 17, subsequently tank 23. Dirty liquid can be sucked into an interior 24 of the tank 23 through an inlet 25 and deposited in the tank 23. If the dirty liquid is to be drained from the tank 23, for example after the end of the working day or when the tank 23 is completely filled, this can be done via a dirty liquid outlet which is known per se and is not shown in the drawing. It often happens that dirt particles adhere to the walls of the tank 23, so in the interior 24 so undesirably accumulates dirt.
  • the tank 23 is arranged above the storage tank 17. Its interior 24 is of the bottom wall 26, a front wall 27, a rear wall 28 shown in part ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), a left side wall 29, a right side wall not shown in the drawing and a ceiling wall 30 is limited.
  • the walls 26 to 29 and the right side wall are formed by a plastic molding which forms a housing 31 in the form of a hood 32 of the scrubber 10.
  • the ceiling wall 30 is formed by a cover 33 which is mounted on a top 34 of the scrubber 10 near the control unit 12 about a horizontal pivot axis 35 pivotally mounted on the hood 32. This allows the lid 33 from a closed position in which it covers an upper-side tank opening 36 of the tank 23 and sealingly closes ( FIG. 4 ), in an open position and vice versa. In the open position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the tank opening 36 is released, and a user can engage in the interior 24.
  • the lid 30 is double-walled, wherein the top wall 30 and an outside wall 37 of the lid 33 are spaced from each other. Between the top wall 30 and the outside wall 37, a gap 38 in the cover 33 is formed ( FIG. 3 ). The lid 33 thus forms a hollow body 39.
  • the scrubber 10 has an integrated tank flushing device 40.
  • the tank flushing device 40 is completely held on the cover 33 and is covered by this.
  • the tank flushing device 40 has a flushing line 41, which can be acted upon by a flushing liquid, in particular water, which is subdivided into a feed section 42 which is largely arranged in the intermediate space 38 and a discharge section 43 which is held on the ceiling wall 30.
  • the feed section 42 has at its end a coupling member 44 in the form of a connecting nipple 45 of a standard hose coupling, also known as "quick coupling".
  • a coupling member 44 in the form of a connecting nipple 45 of a standard hose coupling, also known as "quick coupling”.
  • a connecting nipple 45 of a standard hose coupling, also known as "quick coupling”.
  • a corresponding with this coupling member of a standard hose coupling is detachably connected, which is arranged, for example, the end to a connectable to a water supply network supply hose.
  • the connecting nipple 45 forms an inlet opening 46, through which a rinsing liquid, such as water, can enter the feed section 42, which is provided to the tank rinsing device 40.
  • a rinsing liquid such as water
  • the connection nipple 45 is arranged on the outside of the scrubber 10, in a recess 47 which is formed on the lid 33 on the top and right near the pivot axis 35.
  • connection nipple 45 the feed section 42 passes through a wall of the cover 33 and extends in the intermediate space 38 as a flexible hose 48.
  • a rectangular connecting piece 49 is connected to the hose line 48.
  • the connecting piece 49 passes through a material recess 50 of the cover 33 formed in the top wall 30 in the form of an annular opening (FIG. FIG. 3 ).
  • connection element 51 of the delivery section 43 engages over the connection piece 49 and the material recess 50 on the side of the ceiling wall 30 facing the interior 24.
  • the connection element 51 is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the connection piece 49. Also, the material recess 50 is overlapped fluid-tight.
  • connection element 51 Connected to the connection element 51 on two opposite sides is a liquid line 52 of the delivery section 43, configured in the form of a flexible hose line 53.
  • the connection element 51 and the hose line 53 form a self-contained discharge line of the delivery section 43.
  • the hose 53 is arranged centrally on the ceiling wall 30. It is annular and approximately elliptical in shape. By means of a plurality of integrally formed on the underside of the top wall 30 bracket-shaped support members 54, in which the hose 53 is clamped, the hose 53 is held in this elliptical shape. A total of eight holding members 54 are present, each having approximately identical angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the elliptical hose 53.
  • the tank flushing device 40 comprises a plurality of nozzles 55, namely also eight pieces, of which each nozzle 55 is held on a holding member 54.
  • the nozzles are arranged at a distance from the walls of the tank 23 flat jet nozzles whose outlet openings 56 each have a fan-shaped, can produce flat jet lying in a plane.
  • the nozzles 55 are fluidly connected to the hose line 53 (not shown), so that they can be acted upon via the hose 53 with a rinsing liquid. For this reason, the outlet openings 56 of the nozzles 55 and outlet openings of the discharge section 43 and thus the purge line 41st
  • the tank flushing device 40 can be used to clean the tank 23 as follows:
  • the cover 33 is to be transferred to the closed position, so that the tank opening 36 is closed.
  • a rinse liquid providing device can be connected.
  • a supply hose connected to the water supply network can be connected to the connection nipple 45. If the flushing line 41 is acted upon by the flushing liquid, it flows through the feed section 42 into the delivery section 43.
  • the rinsing liquid is discharged into the interior 24, so that the walls 26 to 30 and the right side wall of the tank 23 can be cleaned of dirt.
  • the rinsing liquid emerging from the nozzles 55 in each case directed radially outwardly against the walls of the tank 23, with respect to an imaginary center point of the elliptical hose line 53. This allows the walls of the tank 23 to be cleaned along the entire inner circumference.
  • the rinsing liquid emerges from the nozzles 55 on the ceiling wall 30. As a result, the walls of the tank 23 are cleaned from top to bottom of adhering dirt. This allows a reliable and user-friendly cleaning of the tank 23 by the integrated tank flushing device 40th
  • the lid 33 closes the tank opening 33 in a fluid-tight manner, the user is protected from rinsing liquid and dirt. Neither flushing liquid nor dirt can penetrate into the intermediate space 38.
  • the scrubber 10 includes the pump unit 18 for conveying a cleaning liquid in the storage tank 17. It can be provided that the output side of the pump unit 18 is a in FIG. 4 indicated by dashed lines supply line 57 for the tank flushing device 40 is connected.
  • the supply line 57 can be connected to the pump unit 18, for example, by means of a valve 58 connected in the liquid discharge line 20.
  • the supply line 57 can pass through the housing 31, emerge from the top side and enter through the ceiling wall 30 into the intermediate space 38 of the cover 33. This is in FIG. 2 also indicated by dashed lines.
  • a valve 59 may also be connected, to which the supply line 57 is also connected ( FIG. 3 ).
  • valves 58 and 59 can be actuated by the user by means of the control unit 12.
  • the pumping unit 18 it is possible to use cleaning liquid from the storage tank 17 as flushing liquid for the tank flushing device 40.
  • this can Cleaning liquid through the suction line 19 and the feed line 57 are conveyed into the tubing 48.
  • the valve 59 forms a certain extent an inlet opening 60 of the purge line 41 for rinsing liquid.
  • FIG. 5 shows a side view of the lid 33 with the tank flushing device 61 enclosed by it.
  • a connecting element 64 is used in the discharge section 63, which is also held on the underside of the ceiling wall 30 and the connecting piece 49 and the material recess 50 sealingly engages over (not shown).
  • a rotor 65 of the delivery section 43 is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis 66.
  • the rotor 65 is obtained centrally on the ceiling wall 30. It includes two rinse arms 67 and 68 diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis 66.
  • nozzles 69 and 70 Arranged at the free ends of the rinse arms 67 and 68 are nozzles 69 and 70, respectively, which are flat jet nozzles as in the case of the nozzles 55.
  • Each of the nozzles 69 and 70 has an outlet opening for rinsing liquid, of which only one outlet opening 71 of the nozzle 70 can be seen in the drawing.
  • the tank flushing device 61 If the tank flushing device 61 is supplied with a rinsing liquid through the inlet opening 46, it flows through the feed section 42 into the dispensing section 63, from which it can exit through the nozzles 69 and 70 into the interior 24.
  • the flat jets emerging from the nozzles 69 and 70 are oriented approximately horizontally, so that the rotor 65 is set in rotation under the effect of the exiting rinsing liquid.
  • the walls of the tank 23 are supplied with the rinsing liquid. This also allows effective cleaning of the tank 23 of dirt.
  • the tank flushing device 61 may also be connected to the pumping unit 18 by means of the supply line 57.

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  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Bodenreinigungsgerät, umfassend eine Schmutzaufnahmevorrichtung zur Aufnahme einer Schmutzflüssigkeit von einer zu reinigenden Bodenfläche sowie einen Schmutzflüssigkeitstank, in den die Schmutzflüssigkeit überführbar ist.The invention relates to a floor cleaning device, comprising a dirt receiving device for receiving a dirty liquid from a floor surface to be cleaned and a dirty liquid tank, in which the dirty liquid can be transferred.

Ein derartiges Bodenreinigungsgerät, ausgestaltet beispielsweise als Scheuersaugmaschine, umfasst üblicherweise zusätzlich zu den vorstehend genannten Merkmalen ein antreibbares Reinigungswerkzeug zum Ablösen von Schmutz von der zu reinigenden Bodenfläche, beispielsweise eine Bürstenwalze oder eine Tellerbürste. Außerdem umfasst das Bodenreinigungsgerät typischerweise einen Vorratstank für auf die Bodenfläche aufbringbare Reinigungsflüssigkeit, z.B. Wasser, dem zur Steigerung der Reinigungswirkung eine Reinigungschemikalie zugesetzt sein kann. Das Gemisch aus Reinigungsflüssigkeit und abgelöstem Schmutz, die Schmutzflüssigkeit, kann mittels der Schmutzaufnahmevorrichtung von der Bodenfläche aufgenommen und in den Schmutzflüssigkeitstank überführt werden, z.B. unter der Wirkung eines Saugaggregates des Bodenreinigungsgerätes. Nach Arbeitsende kann die Schmutzflüssigkeit über einen Auslass aus dem Schmutzflüssigkeitstank abgelassen werden. Dabei kann es vorkommen, dass Schmutz im Schmutzflüssigkeitstank zurückbleibt.Such a floor cleaning appliance, designed, for example, as a scrubber-drier, usually comprises, in addition to the features mentioned above, a drivable cleaning tool for removing dirt from the floor surface to be cleaned, for example a brush roller or a disc brush. In addition, the floor cleaning appliance typically includes a storage tank for cleaning liquid applied to the floor surface, e.g. Water to which a cleaning chemical may be added to increase the cleaning effect. The mixture of cleaning liquid and detached dirt, the dirty liquid, can be picked up by the dirt pick-up device from the bottom surface and transferred to the dirty liquid tank, e.g. under the action of a suction unit of the floor cleaning device. After work, the dirty liquid can be drained through an outlet from the dirty liquid tank. It may happen that dirt remains in the dirty liquid tank.

Die US 4,393,538 beschreibt ein gattungsgemäßes Bodenreinigungsgerät, das im Schmutzflüssigkeitstank Düsen aufweist, mit denen ein feiner Nebel erzeugt werden kann. Der Nebel wird in Richtung eines Schaumfilters oder eines Innenraums des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks abgegeben, um die Schaumbildung im Schmutzflüssigkeitstank zu minimieren.The US 4,393,538 describes a generic floor cleaning device having nozzles in the dirty liquid, with which a fine mist can be generated. The mist is discharged towards a foam filter or interior of the dirty fluid tank to minimize foaming in the dirty tank.

Ein weiteres Bodenreinigungsgerät ist in der EP 0 726 057 A2 beschrieben.Another floor cleaning device is in the EP 0 726 057 A2 described.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein Bodenreinigungsgerät der eingangs genannten Art bereitzustellen, das benutzerfreundlicher handhabbar ist.Object of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaning device of the type mentioned, which is user-friendly to handle.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem gattungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerät erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass das Bodenreinigungsgerät eine Tankspüleinrichtung zum Reinigen des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes aufweist mit mindestens einer Spülleitung, die mindestens eine Eintrittsöffnung für der Tankspüleinrichtung bereitstellbare Spülflüssigkeit sowie mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung zur Abgabe von Spülflüssigkeit in einen Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks umfasst.This object is achieved in a generic floor cleaning device according to the invention in that the floor cleaning device comprises a Tankspüleinrichtung for cleaning the dirty liquid tank with at least one purge line, the at least one inlet opening for the tank flushing device bereitbarenbare rinsing liquid and at least one outlet opening for dispensing rinsing liquid into an interior of the dirty liquid tank.

Mit Hilfe der Tankspüleinrichtung kann der Schmutzflüssigkeitstank nach Arbeitsende auf benutzerfreundliche Weise gereinigt werden. Beispielsweise kann an die mindestens eine Spülleitung ein Zuführschlauch angeschlossen werden, um die Tankspüleinrichtung mit einer Spülflüssigkeit zu beaufschlagen. Die Spülflüssigkeit kann durch die mindestens eine Eintrittsöffnung, die mindestens eine Spülleitung und die mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung hindurch in den Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks abgegeben werden. Nach Ablassen der Schmutzflüssigkeit im Schmutzflüssigkeitstank noch vorhandener Schmutz kann von der Spülflüssigkeit erfasst und ebenfalls über den Auslass des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks abgeführt werden.With the help of the tank flushing device, the dirty liquid tank can be cleaned in a user-friendly way after work. For example, a supply hose can be connected to the at least one purge line in order to pressurize the tank purge device with a rinsing liquid. The flushing liquid can be discharged through the at least one inlet opening, the at least one flushing line and the at least one outlet opening into the interior of the dirty liquid tank. After draining the dirty liquid in the dirty liquid tank still existing dirt can be detected by the rinsing liquid and also discharged through the outlet of the dirty liquid tank.

Günstig ist es, wenn aus der mindestens einen Austrittsöffnung austretende Spülflüssigkeit auf mindestens eine Innenwand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks gerichtet ist. Dies erleichtert es, an der Innenwand anhaftenden Schmutz mittels der Spülflüssigkeit abzulösen.It is favorable if out of the at least one outlet opening exiting rinsing liquid is directed to at least one inner wall of the dirty liquid tank. This makes it easier to detach dirt adhering to the inner wall by means of the rinsing liquid.

Vorzugsweise ist die mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung an einer Deckenwand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks angeordnet. Dadurch kann der Schmutzflüssigkeitstank von oben mit der Spülflüssigkeit beaufschlagt werden. Dies ermöglicht eine zuverlässige Reinigung des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes.Preferably, the at least one outlet opening is arranged on a top wall of the dirty liquid tank. As a result, the dirty liquid tank can be acted upon from above with the rinsing liquid. This allows a reliable cleaning of the dirty liquid tank.

Vorteilhafterweise weist die mindestens eine Spülleitung eine die mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung umfassende Düse auf. Mittels der austrittsseitig an der mindestens einen Spülleitung angeordneten Düse kann die Spülflüssigkeit im Schmutzflüssigkeitstank verteilt und dadurch eine bessere Reinigung desselben erzielt werden. Die Düse kann speziell eine Flachstrahldüse sein, deren Austrittsstrahl auf mindestens eine Innenwand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks gerichtet ist, insbesondere eine Seitenwand.Advantageously, the at least one flushing line has a nozzle comprising at least one outlet opening. By means of the nozzle arranged on the outlet side of the at least one purge line, the rinsing liquid can be distributed in the dirty liquid tank and thereby a better cleaning thereof can be achieved. Specifically, the nozzle may be a flat jet nozzle whose exit jet is directed to at least one inner wall of the dirty fluid tank, in particular a side wall.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn die mindestens eine Spülleitung eine Mehrzahl von Austrittsöffnungen umfasst, denn dadurch kann die Spülflüssigkeit besser im Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks verteilt und eine bessere Reinigung des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks erzielt werden. Die Mehrzahl von Austrittsöffnungen sind vorzugsweise an Düsen gebildete Austrittsöffnungen.It is advantageous if the at least one flushing line comprises a plurality of outlet openings, because this allows the flushing liquid better distributed in the interior of the dirty liquid tank and better cleaning of the dirty liquid tank can be achieved. The plurality of outlet openings are preferably outlet openings formed on nozzles.

Vorteilhafterweise sind die Austrittsöffnungen an einer gemeinsamen Spülleitung angeordnet. Dies verleiht der Tankspüleinrichtung einen konstruktiv einfachen Aufbau. Aus nur einer Spülleitung kann durch mehrere Austrittsöffnungen hindurch Spülflüssigkeit in den Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks austreten.Advantageously, the outlet openings are arranged on a common flushing line. This gives the tank flushing a structurally simple structure. From only one purge line can pass through several outlet openings through flushing liquid into the interior of the dirty liquid tank.

Bevorzugt ist die Anordnung der Austrittsöffnungen ringförmig, wobei die Spülflüssigkeit jeweils in radialer Richtung aus den Austrittsöffnungen austritt. Dadurch kann eine wirkungsvolle Reinigung des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks erzielt werden. Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Austrittsöffnungen längs des Umfangs einer Innenwand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks angeordnet sind und dass die Spülflüssigkeit jeweils radial nach innen aus den Austrittsöffnungen austritt. Möglich ist auch, dass die Austrittsöffnungen jeweils im Abstand zu Seitenwänden des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks angeordnet sind und dass die Spülflüssigkeit jeweils radial nach außen aus den Austrittsöffnungen austritt. "Ringförmig" bedeutet vorliegend nicht notwendigerweise "kreisringförmig", sondern allgemein "längs einer gedachten, in sich geschlossenen Kurve", die auch rechteckförmig sein kann, entlang derer die Austrittsöffnungen angeordnet sind.Preferably, the arrangement of the outlet openings is annular, wherein the rinsing liquid exits in each case in the radial direction from the outlet openings. As a result, an effective cleaning of the dirty liquid tank can be achieved. It can be provided that the outlet openings are arranged along the circumference of an inner wall of the dirty liquid tank and that the flushing liquid in each case emerges radially inwardly from the outlet openings. It is also possible that the outlet openings are each arranged at a distance from side walls of the dirty liquid tank and that the flushing liquid in each case emerges radially outward from the outlet openings. "Ring-shaped" in the present case does not necessarily mean "annular", but generally "along an imaginary, self-contained curve", which may also be rectangular, along which the outlet openings are arranged.

Die Austrittsöffnungen können in einer gemeinsamen Ebene liegen, die günstigerweise im Betrieb der Tankspüleinrichtung im Wesentlichen horizontal ausgerichtet ist. Sind die Austrittsöffnungen an Flachstrahldüsen, wie vorstehend erwähnt, gebildet, können sie die Spülflüssigkeit jeweils in der gemeinsamen Ebene abgeben.The outlet openings may lie in a common plane, which is advantageously oriented substantially horizontally during operation of the tank flushing device. If the outlet openings are formed on flat jet nozzles, as mentioned above, they can deliver the rinsing liquid in each case in the common plane.

Günstig ist es, wenn die Tankspüleinrichtung am Bodenreinigungsgerät festgelegt ist. Dadurch kann die Tankspüleinrichtung im bestimmungsgemäßen Gebrauch des Bodenreinigungsgerätes nicht von diesem entfernt werden und verloren gehen.It is advantageous if the tank flushing device is fixed to the floor cleaning device. As a result, the tank flushing device in the intended use of the floor cleaning device can not be removed from this and lost.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass die mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung in einer Innenwand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks gebildet ist, so dass die Spülflüssigkeit durch die Innenwand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes hindurch in dessen Innenraum eintreten kann. Eine Wand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks kann die mindestens eine Spülleitung als Hohlkörper zumindest abschnittweise zwischen der Innen- und einer Außenwand ausbilden.It can be provided that the at least one outlet opening is formed in an inner wall of the dirty liquid tank, so that the rinse liquid can pass through the inner wall of the dirty liquid tank into its interior. A wall of the dirty liquid tank can form the at least one flushing line as a hollow body at least in sections between the inner wall and an outer wall.

Bei einer andersartigen Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes ist es günstig, wenn in einer Wand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks mindestens eine Materialausnehmung gebildet ist, durch welche hindurch die mindestens eine Spülleitung in den Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks geführt ist. Auf diese Weise kann die Spülflüssigkeit durch eine konstruktiv einfache Tankspüleinrichtung in den Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks eingebracht werden. Dies erlaubt es, den Schmutzflüssigkeitstank selbst im geschlossenen Zustand zu reinigen und den Benutzer zugleich vor Spülflüssigkeit und Schmutz zu schützen. Die mindestens eine Materialausnehmung kann beispielsweise eine Durchbrechung einer Wand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks sein, welche von der mindestens einen Spülleitung durchgriffen wird.In a different embodiment of the floor cleaning appliance according to the invention, it is favorable if at least one material recess is formed in a wall of the dirty liquid tank, through which the at least one flushing line is guided into the interior of the dirty liquid tank. In this way, the rinsing liquid can be introduced through a structurally simple tank rinsing in the interior of the dirty liquid tank. This makes it possible to clean the dirty liquid tank even when closed and at the same time to protect the user from rinsing liquid and dirt. The at least one material recess can be, for example, an opening in a wall of the dirty liquid tank, which is penetrated by the at least one flushing line.

Günstig ist es, wenn die mindestens eine Spülleitung einen im Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes angeordneten, die mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung umfassenden Abgabeabschnitt sowie einen mit dem Abgabeabschnitt strömungsverbundenen Zuführabschnitt aufweist, der die mindestens eine Eintrittsöffnung umfasst und wenn die mindestens eine Eintrittsöffnung außerhalb des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes angeordnet ist. Auf diese Weise kann Spülflüssigkeit von außerhalb des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes durch den Zuführabschnitt in den Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes strömen und aus der mindestens einen Austrittsöffnung des Abgabeabschnitts austreten. Der Zuführabschnitt und der Abgabeabschnitt können ineinander übergehen, insbesondere einstückig miteinander gebildet sein.It is expedient for the at least one purge line to have a discharge section which is provided in the interior of the dirty fluid tank and has a delivery section in fluid communication with the discharge section, which comprises the at least one inlet opening and if the at least one inlet opening is arranged outside the dirty fluid tank. In this way, rinsing liquid can flow from outside the dirty liquid tank through the feed section into the interior of the dirty liquid tank and emerge from the at least one outlet opening of the discharge section. The feed section and the discharge section can merge into each other, in particular be formed integrally with each other.

Vorzugsweise ist der Abgabeabschnitt an einer Wand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes gehalten, so dass er relativ zum Schmutzflüssigkeitstank eine definierte Position einnimmt. Dies führt in der Praxis zu einer besseren Reinigung des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes.Preferably, the discharge section is held on a wall of the dirty liquid tank, so that it occupies a defined position relative to the dirty liquid tank. This leads in practice to a better cleaning of the dirty liquid tank.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn die Wand eine Deckenwand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes ist, insbesondere die von einer beweglichen Abdeckung oder von einem Deckel des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes gebildete oder umfasste Deckenwand. Durch die Halterung des Abgabeabschnitts an der Deckenwand, z.B. mittig an der Deckenwand, kann der Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes von oben mit Spülflüssigkeit beaufschlagt und dadurch ein besseres Reinigungsergebnis erzielt werden.It is advantageous if the wall is a top wall of the dirty liquid tank, in particular the ceiling wall formed or covered by a movable cover or by a lid of the dirty liquid tank. By the support of the discharge section on the ceiling wall, e.g. Centrally located on the ceiling wall, the interior of the dirty liquid tank can be applied from above with rinsing liquid and thereby a better cleaning result can be achieved.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Abgabeabschnitt beweglich an der Wand gehalten ist, vorzugsweise unter der Wirkung von aus der mindestens einen Austrittsöffnung austretender Spülflüssigkeit nach dem Rückstoßprinzip. Durch den sich bewegenden Abgabeabschnitt kann die Spülflüssigkeit im Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks verteilt und dadurch eine wirksame Reinigung erzielt werden.It can be provided that the discharge section is movably held on the wall, preferably under the action of flushing liquid emerging from the at least one outlet opening according to the recoil principle. By the moving discharge portion, the rinsing liquid can be distributed in the interior of the dirty liquid tank and thereby an effective cleaning can be achieved.

Der Abgabeabschnitt ist günstigerweise mittels eines Gelenkes beweglich an der Wand gehalten, um eine definierte Bewegung des Abgabeabschnittes zu erzielen. Beispielsweise ist der Abgabeabschnitt schwenkbar an der Wand gelagert.The dispensing section is conveniently movably supported by a hinge on the wall to achieve a defined movement of the dispensing section. For example, the discharge section is pivotally mounted on the wall.

Bei einer weiteren, vorteilhaften Ausführungsform des Bodenreinigungsgerätes ist der Abgabeabschnitt an der Wand drehbar gelagert, insbesondere um eine vertikale Drehachse. Ein drehbar gelagerter Abgabeabschnitt umfasst beispielsweise den nachfolgend beschriebenen Spülarm, der durch austretende Spülflüssigkeit drehend angetrieben werden kann.In a further advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning device, the delivery section is rotatably mounted on the wall, in particular about a vertical axis of rotation. A rotatably mounted dispensing section includes, for example, the flushing arm described below, which can be driven in rotation by leaking rinsing liquid.

Vorteilhafterweise umfasst der Abgabeabschnitt eine in sich geschlossene Abgabeleitung, an der eine Mehrzahl von Austrittsöffnungen angeordnet ist. Ausgehend vom Zuführabschnitt kann die Spülflüssigkeit in zweierlei Richtungen zu den Austrittsöffnungen gelangen. Dadurch kann ein Druckverlust an den Austrittsöffnungen aufgrund innerer Reibung der die Abgabeleitung durchströmenden Spülflüssigkeit vermindert werden. Außerdem kann eine Mehrzahl von ringförmig angeordneten Austrittsöffnungen konstruktiv einfach mit Spülflüssigkeit beaufschlagt werden, wenn die Abgabeleitung ringförmig ist.Advantageously, the discharge section comprises a self-contained discharge line, on which a plurality of outlet openings is arranged. outgoing from the supply section, the rinsing liquid can pass in two directions to the outlet openings. Thereby, a pressure loss at the outlet openings due to internal friction of the discharge line flowing through the rinsing liquid can be reduced. In addition, a plurality of annularly arranged outlet openings can be structurally simply applied with rinsing liquid when the discharge line is annular.

Ergänzend oder alternativ kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Abgabeabschnitt mindestens einen Spülarm umfasst, der an einem ersten Ende mit dem Zuführabschnitt strömungsverbunden ist und an einem zweiten Ende mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung aufweist. Der Abgabeabschnitt umfasst bevorzugt eine Mehrzahl von Spülarmen, die relativ zueinander symmetrisch angeordnet sein können. Über die mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung am zweiten Ende des Spülarmes hinaus können am Spülarm weitere Austrittsöffnungen vorhanden sein.Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the discharge section comprises at least one rinsing arm, which is flow-connected to the feed section at a first end and has at least one outlet opening at a second end. The delivery section preferably comprises a plurality of rinse arms, which may be arranged symmetrically relative to each other. Beyond the at least one outlet opening at the second end of the flushing arm, further outlet openings may be present on the flushing arm.

Der oder die Spülarme sind günstigerweise an einer Wand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes drehbar gelagert, beispielsweise um eine vertikale Drehachse.The one or more rinse arms are conveniently rotatably mounted on a wall of the dirty liquid tank, for example, about a vertical axis of rotation.

Vorzugsweise verläuft die mindestens eine Spülleitung zumindest abschnittsweise in einer einen Hohlkörper bildenden Wand des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes. Dies erlaubt es, eine kompakte Bauform der Tankspüleinrichtung zu erzielen. Beispielsweise verläuft der vorstehend genannte Zuführabschnitt durch einen Deckel des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes hindurch.Preferably, the at least one purge line runs at least in sections in a wall of the dirty fluid tank forming a hollow body. This makes it possible to achieve a compact design of the tank flushing device. For example, the aforementioned feed section extends through a lid of the dirty liquid tank.

Vorzugsweise umfasst der Schmutzflüssigkeitstank eine Tanköffnung sowie eine Abdeckung, welche Abdeckung von einer Schließstellung, in der die Tanköffnung verschlossen ist, in eine geöffnete Stellung, in der die Tanköffnung freigegeben ist, und umgekehrt überführbar ist. Ein Benutzer kann durch die Tanköffnung hindurch in den Innenraum des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes eingreifen, etwa zur manuellen Reinigung des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes. Ferner ist die Möglichkeit gegeben, Arbeitsgerät im Innenraum zu platzieren, bevor der Schmutzflüssigkeitstank mittels der Tankspüleinrichtung gereinigt wird. Dadurch kann das Arbeitsgerät in demselben Arbeitsgang wie der Schmutzflüssigkeitstank ebenfalls unter Einsatz der Tankspüleinrichtung gereinigt werden. Die Abdeckung ist beispielsweise ein Deckel des Schmutzflüssigkeitstankes, insbesondere ein auf- und zuklappbarer Deckel.Preferably, the dirty liquid tank comprises a tank opening and a cover, which cover can be transferred from a closed position, in which the tank opening is closed, into an open position, in which the tank opening is released, and vice versa. A user can intervene through the tank opening into the interior of the dirty liquid tank, for example for manual cleaning of the dirty liquid tank. Furthermore, it is possible to place working equipment in the interior before the dirty liquid tank is cleaned by means of the tank flushing device. This allows the implement in the same operation as the dirty liquid tank also be cleaned using the tank flushing device. The cover is, for example, a lid of the dirty liquid tank, in particular an openable and zuklappbarer cover.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn die Abdeckung die Tankspüleinrichtung umfasst. Dies erweist sich in der Praxis als günstig für eine konstruktiv einfache Integration der Tankspüleinrichtung in ein bereits vorhandenes Bodenreinigungsgerät, welches eine Abdeckung für den Schmutzflüssigkeitstank umfasst. Durch Austausch der vorhandenen Abdeckung gegen eine die Tankspüleinrichtung umfassende Abdeckung können die Vorteile des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes erzielt werden. Ein solcher Austausch ist kostengünstig möglich.It is advantageous if the cover comprises the tank flushing device. This proves to be favorable in practice for a structurally simple integration of the tank flushing device in an already existing floor cleaning device, which comprises a cover for the dirty liquid tank. By replacing the existing cover against the tank flushing comprehensive cover the advantages of the floor cleaning device according to the invention can be achieved. Such an exchange is possible at low cost.

Um einem Benutzer zu erleichtern, der mindestens einen Spülleitung Spülflüssigkeit zuzuführen, ist es günstig, wenn mindestens eine Eintrittsöffnung an einer Außenseite des Bodenreinigungsgerätes angeordnet ist. Die Eintrittsöffnung kann beispielsweise seitlich an einer Oberseite, insbesondere an einer Abdeckung des Schmutzflüssigkeitstanks, angeordnet sein.In order to make it easier for a user to supply flushing fluid to at least one flushing line, it is favorable if at least one inlet opening is arranged on an outer side of the floor cleaning device. The inlet opening can be arranged, for example, laterally on an upper side, in particular on a cover of the dirty liquid tank.

Bevorzugt ist mindestens eine Eintrittsöffnung von einem eintrittsseitig an der mindestens einen Spülleitung angeordneten Kupplungsglied einer Kupplung für Flüssigkeitsleitungen gebildet. Die mindestens eine Spülleitung kann etwa ein Kupplungsglied einer Schlauchkupplung aufweisen, beispielsweise einer Standard-Schlauchkupplung, auch unter der Bezeichnung "Schnellkupplung" bekannt. Dies ermöglicht dem Benutzer das Anschließen eines Zuführschlauches für Spülflüssigkeit an die Tankspüleinrichtung.Preferably, at least one inlet opening is formed by an inlet side of the at least one purge line arranged coupling member of a coupling for liquid lines. The at least one purge line can have, for example, a coupling member of a hose coupling, for example a standard hose coupling, also known as "quick coupling". This allows the user to connect a flushing liquid supply hose to the tank flushing device.

Die Spülflüssigkeit kann der mindestens einen Schlauchleitung z.B. von einem Wasserversorgungsnetz über einen Zuführschlauch zugeführt werden.The rinsing liquid may be added to the at least one hose line e.g. be supplied from a water supply network via a supply hose.

Alternativ oder ergänzend kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Bodenreinigungsgerät einen Spülflüssigkeitstank sowie ein an die mindestens eine Spülleitung angeschlossenes Pumpaggregat umfasst, mit dem Spülflüssigkeit aus dem Spülflüssigkeitstank durch mindestens eine Eintrittsöffnung hindurch in die mindestens eine Spülleitung förderbar ist. Dies erlaubt es, der Tankspüleinrichtung auch dann Spülflüssigkeit zuzuführen, wenn sich das Bodenreinigungsgerät nicht in der Nähe eines Wasserversorgungsnetzes befindet. Bei dem Spülflüssigkeitstank kann es sich um einen ausschließlich zum Bevorraten von Spülflüssigkeit vorgesehenen Tank handeln. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass der Spülflüssigkeitstank der eingangs genannte Vorratstank für auf die Bodenfläche aufbringbare Reinigungsflüssigkeit ist.Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the floor cleaning device comprises a rinsing liquid tank and a pump unit connected to the at least one rinsing line, with the rinsing liquid from the rinsing liquid tank through at least one inlet opening into the rinsing liquid tank at least one purge line can be conveyed. This allows flushing liquid to be supplied to the tank flushing device even when the floor cleaning device is not in the vicinity of a water supply network. The rinsing liquid tank may be a tank provided exclusively for storing rinsing liquid. But it is also possible that the rinsing liquid tank is the storage tank mentioned above for applying to the bottom surface cleaning liquid.

Vorteilhafterweise ist an einen Ausgang des Pumpaggregates eine Flüssigkeitsabgabeleitung angeschlossen, über die Spülflüssigkeit auf die zu reinigende Bodenfläche aufbringbar ist. Dadurch kann das Pumpaggregat sowohl zum Bereitstellen von Spülflüssigkeit für die Tankspüleinrichtung als auch zum Beaufschlagen der Bodenfläche mit Spülflüssigkeit eingesetzt werden.Advantageously, a liquid discharge line is connected to an output of the pump unit, via the rinsing liquid can be applied to the floor surface to be cleaned. As a result, the pump unit can be used both for providing rinsing liquid for the tank rinsing device and for applying the rinsing liquid to the bottom surface.

Zur Erzielung einer einfachen Konstruktion der Tankspüleinrichtung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die mindestens eine Spülleitung eine Schlauchleitung ist oder zumindest abschnittsweise als Schlauchleitung ausgebildet ist. Beispielsweise umfassen der vorstehend genannte Zuführabschnitt und der vorstehend genannte Abgabeabschnitt Schlauchleitungen.To achieve a simple construction of the tank flushing device, it may be provided that the at least one flushing line is a hose line or at least partially designed as a hose line. For example, the above-mentioned feed section and the above discharge section include hose lines.

Die nachfolgende Beschreibung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung dient im Zusammenhang mit der Zeichnung der näheren Erläuterung der Erfindung. Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
eine perspektivische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes mit einem geöffneten Deckel, der eine erste Variante einer Tankspüleinrichtung umfasst;
Figur 2:
eine vergrößerte Teildarstellung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes aus Figur 1;
Figur 3:
eine Draufsicht auf den Deckel des Bodenreinigungsgerätes aus Figur 1, teilweise geschnitten;
Figur 4:
eine Seitenansicht des Bodenreinigungsgerätes aus Figur 1, teilweise geschnitten und
Figur 5:
eine Seitenansicht des Deckels des Bodenreinigungsgerätes aus Figur 1, der eine zweite Variante einer Tankspüleinrichtung umfasst.
The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings, the detailed explanation of the invention. Show it:
FIG. 1:
a perspective view of a floor cleaning appliance according to the invention with an open lid, which comprises a first variant of a tank flushing device;
FIG. 2:
an enlarged partial view of the floor cleaning device FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3:
a plan view of the lid of the floor cleaning device FIG. 1 partially cut;
FIG. 4:
a side view of the floor cleaning device FIG. 1 , partially cut and
FIG. 5:
a side view of the lid of the floor cleaning device FIG. 1 comprising a second variant of a tank flushing device.

Figur 1 zeigt in perspektivischer Darstellung eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes, das als Scheuersaugmaschine ausgestaltet und insgesamt mit dem Bezugszeichen 10 belegt ist. Die Scheuersaugmaschine 10 ist eine sogenannte "Walk-behind"-Maschine, die ein Benutzer von der Rückseite 11 mittels einer Bedieneinheit 12 steuern kann. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a floor cleaning appliance according to the invention, which is configured as scrubber-drier and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The scrubber-drier 10 is a so-called "walk-behind" machine that can control a user from the back 11 by means of a control unit 12.

An ihrer Vorderseite 13 weist die Scheuersaugmaschine 10 ein Reinigungswerkzeug 14 in Gestalt eines Bodenreinigungskopfes auf, der zwei jeweils um eine horizontale Drehachse drehend antreibbare Bürstenwalzen 15 und 16 umfasst. Das Reinigungswerkzeug 14 kann auf eine zu reinigende Bodenfläche abgesenkt werden, so dass die Bürstenwalzen 15 und 16 in Kontakt mit der Bodenfläche gelangen und Schmutz von der Bodenfläche abgelöst werden kann.On its front side 13, the scrubber 10 has a cleaning tool 14 in the form of a floor cleaning head, which comprises two each about a horizontal axis of rotation rotatably driven brush rollers 15 and 16. The cleaning tool 14 can be lowered to a floor surface to be cleaned, so that the brush rollers 15 and 16 come into contact with the bottom surface and dirt can be detached from the bottom surface.

Zur Steigerung der Reinigungswirkung umfasst die Scheuersaugmaschine 10 einen Vorratstank 17 für eine Reinigungsflüssigkeit (in Figur 4 schematisch teilweise dargestellt). Als Reinigungsflüssigkeit kommt Wasser zum Einsatz, dem eine Reinigungschemikalie zugesetzt sein kann. Zum einen ist es möglich, dass die Reinigungsflüssigkeit unter Schwerkrafteinfluss aus dem Vorratstank 17 auf die Bodenfläche ausfließt. Zum anderen kann mittels eines Pumpaggregates 18, an das eingangsseitig eine Saugleitung 19 angeschlossen ist, Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Vorratstank 17 angesaugt und über eine Flüssigkeitsabgabeleitung 20 dem Reinigungswerkzeug 16 zur Beaufschlagung der Bodenfläche zugeführt werden.To increase the cleaning effect, the scrubber 10 comprises a storage tank 17 for a cleaning liquid (in FIG. 4 schematically shown in part). The cleaning liquid used is water, to which a cleaning chemical may be added. On the one hand, it is possible for the cleaning fluid to flow out of the storage tank 17 onto the bottom surface under the influence of gravity. On the other hand, by means of a pump unit 18, to the input side, a suction line 19 is connected, sucked cleaning liquid from the storage tank 17 and fed via a liquid discharge line 20 to the cleaning tool 16 for acting on the bottom surface.

Das Gemisch aus Schmutz und Reinigungsflüssigkeit, nachfolgend Schmutzflüssigkeit, kann mittels einer an der Rückseite 11 angeordneten Schmutzaufnahmevorrichtung 21 von der Bodenfläche aufgenommen werden. Zu diesem Zweck ist die Schmutzaufnahmevorrichtung 21 auf an sich bekannte Weise mittels eines in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigten Saugaggregates der Scheuersaugmaschine 10 mit Unterdruck beaufschlagbar.The mixture of dirt and cleaning liquid, hereinafter dirty liquid, can be picked up from the bottom surface by means of a dirt collecting device 21 arranged on the rear side 11. For this purpose, the dirt-collecting device 21 can be acted upon in a known manner by means of a suction unit, not shown in the drawing of the scrubber 10 with negative pressure.

Die Unterdruckbeaufschlagung der Schmutzaufnahmevorrichtung 21 erfolgt durch einen oberhalb des Vorratstanks 17 angeordneten Schmutzflüssigkeitstank 22 hindurch, nachfolgend Tank 23. Schmutzflüssigkeit kann in einen Innenraum 24 des Tankes 23 durch einen Einlass 25 hindurch angesaugt und im Tank 23 abgeschieden werden. Soll die Schmutzflüssigkeit aus dem Tank 23 abgelassen werden, beispielsweise nach Beendigung des Arbeitstages oder bei vollständig gefülltem Tank 23, kann dies über einen in eine Bodenwand 26 des Tankes 23 eingesetzten, an sich bekannten und in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigten Auslass für Schmutzflüssigkeit erfolgen. Dabei kommt es häufig vor, dass Schmutzpartikel an den Wänden des Tankes 23 haften bleiben, sich im Innenraum 24 also unerwünschterweise Schmutz ansammelt.The negative pressure is applied to the dirt collecting device 21 through a dirty liquid tank 22 arranged above the storage tank 17, subsequently tank 23. Dirty liquid can be sucked into an interior 24 of the tank 23 through an inlet 25 and deposited in the tank 23. If the dirty liquid is to be drained from the tank 23, for example after the end of the working day or when the tank 23 is completely filled, this can be done via a dirty liquid outlet which is known per se and is not shown in the drawing. It often happens that dirt particles adhere to the walls of the tank 23, so in the interior 24 so undesirably accumulates dirt.

Wie bereits erwähnt, ist der Tank 23 oberhalb des Vorratstankes 17 angeordnet. Sein Innenraum 24 ist von der Bodenwand 26, einer vorderen Wand 27, einer ansatzweise gezeigten hinteren Wand 28 (Figuren 1 und 2), einer linken Seitenwand 29, einer in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigten rechten Seitenwand sowie einer Deckenwand 30 begrenzt. Die Wände 26 bis 29 sowie die rechte Seitenwand werden gebildet von einem Kunststoffformteil, das ein Gehäuse 31 in Gestalt einer Haube 32 der Scheuersaugmaschine 10 bildet.As already mentioned, the tank 23 is arranged above the storage tank 17. Its interior 24 is of the bottom wall 26, a front wall 27, a rear wall 28 shown in part ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), a left side wall 29, a right side wall not shown in the drawing and a ceiling wall 30 is limited. The walls 26 to 29 and the right side wall are formed by a plastic molding which forms a housing 31 in the form of a hood 32 of the scrubber 10.

Die Deckenwand 30 wird gebildet von einem Deckel 33, der an einer Oberseite 34 der Scheuersaugmaschine 10 nahe der Bedieneinheit 12 um eine horizontale Schwenkachse 35 schwenkbar an der Haube 32 gelagert ist. Dies erlaubt es, den Deckel 33 von einer Schließstellung, in der er eine obenseitige Tanköffnung 36 des Tankes 23 abdeckt und dichtend verschließt (Figur 4), in eine geöffnete Stellung und umgekehrt zu überführen. In der geöffneten Stellung (Figuren 1 und 2) ist die Tanköffnung 36 freigegeben, und ein Benutzer kann in den Innenraum 24 eingreifen.The ceiling wall 30 is formed by a cover 33 which is mounted on a top 34 of the scrubber 10 near the control unit 12 about a horizontal pivot axis 35 pivotally mounted on the hood 32. This allows the lid 33 from a closed position in which it covers an upper-side tank opening 36 of the tank 23 and sealingly closes ( FIG. 4 ), in an open position and vice versa. In the open position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the tank opening 36 is released, and a user can engage in the interior 24.

Der Deckel 30 ist doppelwandig, wobei die Deckenwand 30 und eine außenseitige Wand 37 des Deckels 33 im Abstand zueinander angeordnet sind. Zwischen der Deckenwand 30 und der außenseitigen Wand 37 ist ein Zwischenraum 38 im Deckel 33 gebildet (Figur 3). Der Deckel 33 bildet also einen Hohlkörper 39.The lid 30 is double-walled, wherein the top wall 30 and an outside wall 37 of the lid 33 are spaced from each other. Between the top wall 30 and the outside wall 37, a gap 38 in the cover 33 is formed ( FIG. 3 ). The lid 33 thus forms a hollow body 39.

Um den Tank 23 von im Innenraum 24 vorhandenem Schmutz zu reinigen, weist die Scheuersaugmaschine 10 eine integrierte Tankspüleinrichtung 40 auf. Die Tankspüleinrichtung 40 ist vollständig am Deckel 33 gehalten und wird von diesem umfasst. Die Tankspüleinrichtung 40 weist eine mit einer Spülflüssigkeit wie insbesondere Wasser beaufschlagbare Spülleitung 41 auf, die unterteilt ist in einen weitgehend im Zwischenraum 38 angeordneten Zuführabschnitt 42 sowie einen an der Deckenwand 30 gehaltenen Abgabeabschnitt 43.In order to clean the tank 23 of dirt present in the interior 24, the scrubber 10 has an integrated tank flushing device 40. The tank flushing device 40 is completely held on the cover 33 and is covered by this. The tank flushing device 40 has a flushing line 41, which can be acted upon by a flushing liquid, in particular water, which is subdivided into a feed section 42 which is largely arranged in the intermediate space 38 and a discharge section 43 which is held on the ceiling wall 30.

Der Zuführabschnitt 42 umfasst endseitig ein Kupplungsglied 44 in Form eines Anschlussnippels 45 einer Standard-Schlauchkupplung, auch bekannt unter der Bezeichnung "Schnellkupplung". An den Anschlussnippel 45 ist ein mit diesem korrespondierendes Kupplungsglied einer Standard-Schlauchkupplung lösbar anschließbar, welches beispielsweise endseitig an einem mit einem Wasserversorgungsnetz verbindbaren Zuführschlauch angeordnet ist.The feed section 42 has at its end a coupling member 44 in the form of a connecting nipple 45 of a standard hose coupling, also known as "quick coupling". At the connection nipple 45 a corresponding with this coupling member of a standard hose coupling is detachably connected, which is arranged, for example, the end to a connectable to a water supply network supply hose.

Der Anschlussnippel 45 bildet eine Eintrittsöffnung 46, durch die hindurch eine Spülflüssigkeit wie z.B. Wasser in den Zuführabschnitt 42 eintreten kann, die der Tankspüleinrichtung 40 bereitgestellt wird. Angeordnet ist der Anschlussnippel 45 außenseitig an der Scheuersaugmaschine 10, und zwar in einer Ausnehmung 47, welche am Deckel 33 obenseitig und rechts nahe der Schwenkachse 35 gebildet ist.The connecting nipple 45 forms an inlet opening 46, through which a rinsing liquid, such as water, can enter the feed section 42, which is provided to the tank rinsing device 40. Arranged is the connection nipple 45 on the outside of the scrubber 10, in a recess 47 which is formed on the lid 33 on the top and right near the pivot axis 35.

Ausgehend vom Anschlussnippel 45 durchgreift der Zuführabschnitt 42 eine Wandung des Deckels 33 und verläuft im Zwischenraum 38 als flexible Schlauchleitung 48. An dem dem Anschlussnippel 45 abgewandten Ende ist an die Schlauchleitung 48 ein rechtwinkliges Verbindungsstück 49 angeschlossen. Das Verbindungsstück 49 durchgreift eine in der Deckenwand 30 gebildete Materialausnehmung 50 des Deckels 33 in Gestalt einer ringförmigen Durchbrechung (Figur 3).Starting from the connection nipple 45, the feed section 42 passes through a wall of the cover 33 and extends in the intermediate space 38 as a flexible hose 48. At the end remote from the connection nipple 45, a rectangular connecting piece 49 is connected to the hose line 48. The connecting piece 49 passes through a material recess 50 of the cover 33 formed in the top wall 30 in the form of an annular opening (FIG. FIG. 3 ).

Ein Anschlusselement 51 des Abgabeabschnitts 43 übergreift das Verbindungsstück 49 und die Materialausnehmung 50 auf der dem Innenraum 24 zugewandten Seite der Deckenwand 30. Das Anschlusselement 51 ist fluiddicht mit dem Verbindungsstück 49 verbunden. Auch die Materialausnehmung 50 wird fluiddicht übergriffen.A connection element 51 of the delivery section 43 engages over the connection piece 49 and the material recess 50 on the side of the ceiling wall 30 facing the interior 24. The connection element 51 is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the connection piece 49. Also, the material recess 50 is overlapped fluid-tight.

An das Anschlusselement 51 ist an zwei einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten eine Flüssigkeitsleitung 52 des Abgabeabschnitts 43 angeschlossen, ausgestaltet in Form einer flexiblen Schlauchleitung 53. Auf diese Weise bilden das Anschlusselement 51 und die Schlauchleitung 53 eine in sich geschlossene Abgabeleitung des Abgabeabschnitts 43.Connected to the connection element 51 on two opposite sides is a liquid line 52 of the delivery section 43, configured in the form of a flexible hose line 53. In this way, the connection element 51 and the hose line 53 form a self-contained discharge line of the delivery section 43.

Die Schlauchleitung 53 ist mittig an der Deckenwand 30 angeordnet. Sie ist ringförmig und näherungsweise von elliptischer Form. Mittels einer Mehrzahl von an die Unterseite der Deckenwand 30 angeformten klammerförmigen Haltegliedern 54, in die die Schlauchleitung 53 eingeklemmt ist, wird die Schlauchleitung 53 in dieser elliptischen Form gehalten. Insgesamt sind acht Halteglieder 54 vorhanden, die voneinander in Umfangsrichtung der elliptischen Schlauchleitung 53 jeweils ungefähr identische Winkelabstände aufweisen.The hose 53 is arranged centrally on the ceiling wall 30. It is annular and approximately elliptical in shape. By means of a plurality of integrally formed on the underside of the top wall 30 bracket-shaped support members 54, in which the hose 53 is clamped, the hose 53 is held in this elliptical shape. A total of eight holding members 54 are present, each having approximately identical angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the elliptical hose 53.

Ferner umfasst die Tankspüleinrichtung 40 eine Mehrzahl von Düsen 55, nämlich ebenfalls acht Stück, von denen jede Düse 55 an einem Halteglied 54 gehalten ist. Die Düsen sind im Abstand zu den Wänden des Tanks 23 angeordnete Flachstrahldüsen, deren Austrittsöffnungen 56 jeweils einen fächerförmigen, in einer Ebene liegenden Flachstrahl erzeugen können. Die Düsen 55 sind mit der Schlauchleitung 53 strömungsverbunden (nicht gezeigt), so dass sie über die Schlauchleitung 53 mit einer Spülflüssigkeit beaufschlagt werden können. Aus diesem Grund sind die Austrittsöffnungen 56 der Düsen 55 auch Austrittsöffnungen des Abgabeabschnittes 43 und damit der Spülleitung 41.Furthermore, the tank flushing device 40 comprises a plurality of nozzles 55, namely also eight pieces, of which each nozzle 55 is held on a holding member 54. The nozzles are arranged at a distance from the walls of the tank 23 flat jet nozzles whose outlet openings 56 each have a fan-shaped, can produce flat jet lying in a plane. The nozzles 55 are fluidly connected to the hose line 53 (not shown), so that they can be acted upon via the hose 53 with a rinsing liquid. For this reason, the outlet openings 56 of the nozzles 55 and outlet openings of the discharge section 43 and thus the purge line 41st

Die Tankspüleinrichtung 40 kann zur Reinigung des Tankes 23 folgendermaßen eingesetzt werden:The tank flushing device 40 can be used to clean the tank 23 as follows:

Der Deckel 33 ist in die Schließstellung zu überführen, so dass die Tanköffnung 36 verschlossen ist. An den Anschlussnippel 45 kann eine Spülflüssigkeit bereitstellende Einrichtung angeschlossen werden. Wie erwähnt, kann beispielsweise ein mit dem Wasserversorgungsnetz verbundener Zuführschlauch an den Anschlussnippel 45 angeschlossen werden. Wird die Spülleitung 41 mit der Spülflüssigkeit beaufschlagt, strömt diese durch den Zuführabschnitt 42 hindurch in den Abgabeabschnitt 43.The cover 33 is to be transferred to the closed position, so that the tank opening 36 is closed. At the connection nipple 45, a rinse liquid providing device can be connected. As mentioned, for example, a supply hose connected to the water supply network can be connected to the connection nipple 45. If the flushing line 41 is acted upon by the flushing liquid, it flows through the feed section 42 into the delivery section 43.

Aus den Austrittsöffnungen 56 der Düsen 55 wird die Spülflüssigkeit in den Innenraum 24 abgegeben, so dass die Wände 26 bis 30 und die rechte Seitenwand des Tanks 23 von Schmutz gereinigt werden können. Hierbei ist es von Vorteil, dass die aus den Düsen 55 austretende Spülflüssigkeit, bezogen auf einen gedachten Mittelpunkt der elliptischen Schlauchleitung 53, jeweils radial nach außen gegen die Wände des Tanks 23 gerichtet ist. Dies erlaubt es, die Wände des Tanks 23 entlang des gesamten inneren Umfangs zu reinigen. Weiter ist es vorteilhaft, dass die Spülflüssigkeit an der Deckenwand 30 aus den Düsen 55 austritt. Dadurch werden die Wände des Tanks 23 von oben nach unten von anhaftendem Schmutz gereinigt. Dies ermöglicht eine zuverlässige und zugleich benutzerfreundliche Reinigung des Tankes 23 durch die integrierte Tankspüleinrichtung 40.From the outlet openings 56 of the nozzles 55, the rinsing liquid is discharged into the interior 24, so that the walls 26 to 30 and the right side wall of the tank 23 can be cleaned of dirt. In this case, it is advantageous that the rinsing liquid emerging from the nozzles 55, in each case directed radially outwardly against the walls of the tank 23, with respect to an imaginary center point of the elliptical hose line 53. This allows the walls of the tank 23 to be cleaned along the entire inner circumference. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the rinsing liquid emerges from the nozzles 55 on the ceiling wall 30. As a result, the walls of the tank 23 are cleaned from top to bottom of adhering dirt. This allows a reliable and user-friendly cleaning of the tank 23 by the integrated tank flushing device 40th

Weil der Deckel 33 die Tanköffnung 33 fluiddicht verschließt, ist der Benutzer vor Spülflüssigkeit und Schmutz geschützt. Auch in den Zwischenraum 38 kann weder Spülflüssigkeit noch Schmutz eindringen.Because the lid 33 closes the tank opening 33 in a fluid-tight manner, the user is protected from rinsing liquid and dirt. Neither flushing liquid nor dirt can penetrate into the intermediate space 38.

Ferner ist es möglich, dass ein Benutzer vor dem Beginn der Reinigung des Tankes 23 Arbeitsgerät im Innenraum 24 platziert. Dieses kann im Verlauf des Reinigungsvorgangs ebenfalls unter Einsatz der Tankspüleinrichtung 40 von Schmutz befreit werden.Further, it is possible for a user to place work equipment in the interior 24 prior to commencing cleaning of the tank 23. This can also be freed of dirt in the course of the cleaning process using the tank flushing device 40.

Weil der Deckel 33 die Tankspüleinrichtung 40 vollständig umfasst, ist es sogar möglich, bereits vorhandene Scheuersaugmaschinen zu einer erfindungsgemäßen Scheuersaugmaschine 10 unter geringem Kostenaufwand durch Austausch des Deckels umzurüsten. Bei den herkömmlichen Saugmaschinen ist hierfür lediglich der Deckel ohne Tankspüleinrichtung gegen den Deckel 33 mit Tankspüleinrichtung 40 auszutauschen.Because the cover 33 completely covers the tank flushing device 40, it is even possible to convert existing scrubber-suction machines to a scrubber-suction machine 10 according to the invention at low cost by replacing the cover. In the case of the conventional suction machines, only the cover without tank flushing device is to be exchanged for the cover 33 with tank flushing device 40 for this purpose.

Wie bereits erwähnt, umfasst die Scheuersaugmaschine 10 das Pumpaggregat 18 zur Förderung einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Vorratstank 17. Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass ausgangsseitig des Pumpaggregates 18 eine in Figur 4 durch gestrichelte Linien angedeutete Zuführleitung 57 für die Tankspüleinrichtung 40 angeschlossen ist. Die Zuführleitung 57 kann beispielsweise mittels eines in die Flüssigkeitsabgabeleitung 20 geschalteten Ventils 58 an das Pumpaggregat 18 angeschlossen sein.As already mentioned, the scrubber 10 includes the pump unit 18 for conveying a cleaning liquid in the storage tank 17. It can be provided that the output side of the pump unit 18 is a in FIG. 4 indicated by dashed lines supply line 57 for the tank flushing device 40 is connected. The supply line 57 can be connected to the pump unit 18, for example, by means of a valve 58 connected in the liquid discharge line 20.

In ihrem weiteren Verlauf kann die Zuführleitung 57 durch das Gehäuse 31 hindurch verlaufen, obenseitig aus diesem austreten und durch die Deckenwand 30 hindurch in den Zwischenraum 38 des Deckels 33 eintreten. Dies ist in Figur 2 ebenfalls durch gestrichelte Linien angedeutet. In den Zuführabschnitt 42, insbesondere dessen Schlauchleitung 48, kann ebenfalls ein Ventil 59 geschaltet sein, an das die Zuführleitung 57 ebenfalls angeschlossen ist (Figur 3).In its further course, the supply line 57 can pass through the housing 31, emerge from the top side and enter through the ceiling wall 30 into the intermediate space 38 of the cover 33. This is in FIG. 2 also indicated by dashed lines. In the feed section 42, in particular its hose line 48, a valve 59 may also be connected, to which the supply line 57 is also connected ( FIG. 3 ).

Die Ventile 58 und 59 können vom Benutzer mittels der Bedieneinheit 12 betätigt werden. Unter Einsatz des Pumpaggregats 18 ist die Möglichkeit gegeben, Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Vorratstank 17 als Spülflüssigkeit für die Tankspüleinrichtung 40 zu verwenden. Mittels des Pumpaggregats 18 kann diese Reinigungsflüssigkeit durch die Saugleitung 19 und die Zuführleitung 57 hindurch in die Schlauchleitung 48 gefördert werden. In diesem Fall bildet das Ventil 59 gewissermaßen eine Eintrittsöffnung 60 der Spülleitung 41 für Spülflüssigkeit.The valves 58 and 59 can be actuated by the user by means of the control unit 12. Using the pumping unit 18, it is possible to use cleaning liquid from the storage tank 17 as flushing liquid for the tank flushing device 40. By means of the pump unit 18, this can Cleaning liquid through the suction line 19 and the feed line 57 are conveyed into the tubing 48. In this case, the valve 59 forms a certain extent an inlet opening 60 of the purge line 41 for rinsing liquid.

Bei einer Variante der Scheuersaugmaschine 10 kommt anstelle der Tankspüleinrichtung 40 eine andersartige Tankspüleinrichtung 61 zum Einsatz mit einer Spülleitung 62, die unterteilt ist in den Zuführabschnitt 42 sowie einen Abgabeabschnitt 63, der sich vom Abgabeabschnitt 43 unterscheidet. Figur 5 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Deckels 33 mit der von ihm umfassten Tankspüleinrichtung 61.In a variant of the scrubber-drier 10, a different type of tank rinsing device 61 is used instead of the tank rinsing device 61 with a rinsing line 62, which is subdivided into the feed section 42 and a delivery section 63 which differs from the delivery section 43. FIG. 5 shows a side view of the lid 33 with the tank flushing device 61 enclosed by it.

Anstelle des Anschlusselementes 51 kommt beim Abgabeabschnitt 63 ein Anschlusselement 64 zum Einsatz, das ebenfalls untenseitig an der Deckenwand 30 gehalten ist und das Verbindungsstück 49 sowie die Materialausnehmung 50 dichtend übergreift (nicht gezeigt). Am Anschlusselement 64 ist ein Rotor 65 des Abgabeabschnittes 43 um eine vertikale Achse 66 drehbar gelagert. Der Rotor 65 ist mittig an der Deckenwand 30 erhalten. Er umfasst zwei einander bezüglich der Achse 66 diametral gegenüberliegende Spülarme 67 und 68. An den freien Enden der Spülarme 67 und 68 sind Düsen 69 bzw. 70 angeordnet, bei denen es sich wie im Fall der Düsen 55 um Flachstrahldüsen handelt. Jede der Düsen 69 und 70 weist eine Austrittsöffnung für Spülflüssigkeit auf, von denen in der Zeichnung nur eine Austrittsöffnung 71 der Düse 70 zu sehen ist.Instead of the connecting element 51, a connecting element 64 is used in the discharge section 63, which is also held on the underside of the ceiling wall 30 and the connecting piece 49 and the material recess 50 sealingly engages over (not shown). At the connection element 64, a rotor 65 of the delivery section 43 is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis 66. The rotor 65 is obtained centrally on the ceiling wall 30. It includes two rinse arms 67 and 68 diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis 66. Arranged at the free ends of the rinse arms 67 and 68 are nozzles 69 and 70, respectively, which are flat jet nozzles as in the case of the nozzles 55. Each of the nozzles 69 and 70 has an outlet opening for rinsing liquid, of which only one outlet opening 71 of the nozzle 70 can be seen in the drawing.

Wird der Tankspüleinrichtung 61 durch die Eintrittsöffnung 46 hindurch eine Spülflüssigkeit zugeführt, strömt diese durch den Zuführabschnitt 42 in den Abgabeabschnitt 63, aus dem sie durch die Düsen 69 und 70 in den Innenraum 24 austreten kann. Die aus den Düsen 69 und 70 austretenden Flachstrahlen sind ungefähr horizontal ausgerichtet, so dass der Rotor 65 unter der Wirkung der austretenden Spülflüssigkeit in Rotation versetzt wird. Zusätzlich werden die Wände des Tankes 23 mit der Spülflüssigkeit beaufschlagt. Dies ermöglicht ebenfalls eine wirkungsvolle Reinigung des Tankes 23 von Schmutz.If the tank flushing device 61 is supplied with a rinsing liquid through the inlet opening 46, it flows through the feed section 42 into the dispensing section 63, from which it can exit through the nozzles 69 and 70 into the interior 24. The flat jets emerging from the nozzles 69 and 70 are oriented approximately horizontally, so that the rotor 65 is set in rotation under the effect of the exiting rinsing liquid. In addition, the walls of the tank 23 are supplied with the rinsing liquid. This also allows effective cleaning of the tank 23 of dirt.

Auch die Tankspüleinrichtung 61 kann mittels der Zuführleitung 57 an das Pumpaggregat 18 angeschlossen sein.The tank flushing device 61 may also be connected to the pumping unit 18 by means of the supply line 57.

Claims (23)

  1. Floor cleaning apparatus, comprising a dirt collection device (21) for picking up a dirty liquid from a floor surface to be cleaned as well as a dirty liquid tank (22), into which the dirty liquid is transferable, characterised in that the floor cleaning apparatus (10) has a tank rinsing mechanism (40; 61) for cleaning the dirty liquid tank (22) with at least one rinsing line (41; 62), which comprises at least one inlet opening (46, 60) for rinsing liquid to be supplied to the tank rinsing mechanism (40; 61), and at least one outlet opening (56; 71) for delivering rinsing liquid to an interior (24) of the dirty liquid tank (22).
  2. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that rinsing liquid leaving the at least one outlet opening (56; 71) is directed onto at least one internal wall (27, 28, 29, 30) of the dirty liquid tank (22).
  3. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one outlet opening (56; 71) is arranged on a cover wall (30) of the dirty liquid tank (22).
  4. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one rinsing line (41; 62) has a nozzle (55; 69, 70) comprising the at least one outlet opening (56; 71), in particular a fan nozzle (55; 69, 70).
  5. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one rinsing line (41; 62) comprises a plurality of outlet openings (56; 71).
  6. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that the outlet openings (56; 71) are arranged on a common rinsing line (41; 62).
  7. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the arrangement of outlet openings (56; 71) is annular, the rinsing liquid in each case leaving the outlet openings (56; 71) in the radial direction.
  8. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the outlet openings are arranged along the periphery of an internal wall of the dirty liquid tank and that the rinsing liquid in each case leaves the outlet openings radially inwardly, or that the outlet openings (56) in each case are arranged at a spacing from the side walls of the dirty liquid tank (22) and that the rinsing liquid in each case leaves the outlet openings (56) radially outwardly.
  9. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is formed in a wall (30) of the dirty liquid tank (22) at least one material recess (50), through which the at least one rinsing line (41; 62) is guided into the interior (24) of the dirty liquid tank (22).
  10. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one rinsing line (41; 62) has a delivery portion (43; 63), which is arranged in the interior (24) of the dirty liquid tank (22) and comprises the at least one outlet opening (56; 71), as well as a feed portion (42), which has a flow connection to the delivery portion (43; 63) and which comprises the at least one inlet opening (56, 60), and in that the at least one inlet opening (56, 60) is arranged outside the dirty liquid tank (22).
  11. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that the delivery portion (43; 63) is held on a wall (30) of the dirty liquid tank (22).
  12. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that the wall (30) is a cover wall (30) of the dirty liquid tank (22).
  13. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the delivery portion (43; 63) is movably held on the wall (30).
  14. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, characterised in that the delivery portion (63) is rotatably mounted on the wall (30).
  15. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterised in that the delivery portion (43) comprises a self-enclosed delivery line (51, 53), on which a plurality of outlet openings (56) is arranged.
  16. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterised in that the delivery portion (63) comprises at least one rinsing arm (67, 68), which has a flow connection at a first end to the feed portion (42) and has at least one outlet opening (71) at a second end.
  17. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one rinsing line (41; 62) runs, at least in portions, in a wall of the dirty liquid tank (22) forming a hollow body (39).
  18. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dirty liquid tank (22) comprises a tank opening (36) and a covering (33), which covering (33) is transferable from a closure position, in which the tank opening (36) is closed, into an opened position, in which the tank opening (36) is exposed, and vice versa, in particular, that the covering (33) is a lid (33) that can be folded up and down.
  19. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 18, characterised in that the covering (33) comprises the tank rinsing mechanism (40; 61).
  20. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one inlet opening (46) is arranged on an outer side of the floor cleaning apparatus (10).
  21. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one inlet opening (46) is formed by a coupling member (44), which is arranged on the inlet side on the at least one rinsing line (41; 62), of a coupling for liquid lines.
  22. Floor cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the floor cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a rinsing liquid tank (17) as well as a pump unit (18), which is connected to the at least one rinsing line (41) and with which rinsing liquid is conveyable out of the rinsing liquid tank (17) through at least one inlet opening (60) into the at least one rinsing line (41).
  23. Floor cleaning apparatus according to claim 22, characterised in that there is connected to an outlet of the pump unit (18) a liquid delivery line (20), by way of which rinsing liquid can be applied to the floor surface to be cleaned.
EP11735437.3A 2010-07-26 2011-07-21 Floor cleaning device Active EP2598010B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010038422A DE102010038422A1 (en) 2010-07-26 2010-07-26 Floor cleaning device
PCT/EP2011/062572 WO2012016848A1 (en) 2010-07-26 2011-07-21 Floor cleaning device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2598010A1 EP2598010A1 (en) 2013-06-05
EP2598010B1 true EP2598010B1 (en) 2014-12-24

Family

ID=44509270

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11735437.3A Active EP2598010B1 (en) 2010-07-26 2011-07-21 Floor cleaning device

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US (2) US8776305B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2598010B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103025222B (en)
DE (1) DE102010038422A1 (en)
DK (1) DK2598010T3 (en)
RU (1) RU2553025C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012016848A1 (en)

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WO2017190785A1 (en) 2016-05-04 2017-11-09 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Floor cleaning system
DE202016102396U1 (en) * 2016-05-04 2017-08-07 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Soil Treatment System
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WO2020147970A1 (en) 2019-01-18 2020-07-23 Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Floor cleaning device
USD973985S1 (en) * 2020-06-08 2022-12-27 Avidbots Corp Floor cleaning apparatus
USD997475S1 (en) * 2020-08-20 2023-08-29 Aziobot Bv Cleaning robot
CN114343516B (en) * 2020-09-27 2023-09-26 苏州爱普电器有限公司 Cleaning head and hard floor cleaning machine
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USD1006356S1 (en) * 2021-01-21 2023-11-28 Alfred Kaercher Se & Co. Kg Floor cleaning device
EP4209163A1 (en) * 2022-01-11 2023-07-12 Versuni Holding B.V. Cleaner head and wet cleaning apparatus comprising the same

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2013108172A (en) 2014-09-10
US20130139347A1 (en) 2013-06-06
WO2012016848A1 (en) 2012-02-09
EP2598010A1 (en) 2013-06-05
US20140283327A1 (en) 2014-09-25
CN103025222B (en) 2015-11-25
CN103025222A (en) 2013-04-03
US9675228B2 (en) 2017-06-13
DK2598010T3 (en) 2015-02-02
RU2553025C2 (en) 2015-06-10
US8776305B2 (en) 2014-07-15
DE102010038422A1 (en) 2012-01-26

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