CLEANING MACHINE HAVING JOINT DEVICE AND CLEANING MACHINE HAVING DRIVE DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning machine, including a cleaning head, a holding rod device and a joint device by means of which the holding rod device is articulated to pivot on the cleaning head. Arranged on the holding rod device is a connection element that has a first region and a second region, wherein the second region is at a spacing from the first region in a transverse direction and the transverse direction is oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the holding rod device, wherein the connection element is connected by way of the second region to a joint of the joint device with which a pivot axis is associated, and wherein the connection element is connected by way of the first region to the holding rod device.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head; a holding rod device; and a joint device with which the holding rod device is articulated to pivot on the cleaning head; wherein arranged on the holding rod device is a connection element that has a first region and a second region; wherein the second region is at a spacing from the first region in a transverse direction and the transverse direction is oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the holding rod device; wherein the connection element is connected by way of the second region to a joint of the joint device with which a pivot axis is associated; and wherein the connection element is connected by way of the first region to the holding rod device.

2. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the connection element takes the form of an angled element or curved element.

3. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the second region is arranged at an angle to the first region, or wherein a transverse web is arranged between the first region and the second region.

4. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the first region is oriented coaxially relative to the longitudinal axis of the holding rod device.

5. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein there is arranged on the cleaning head at least one cleaning tool, having at least one of the following: the pivot axis of the joint is oriented at least approximately parallel to a planar surface on which the cleaning head is supported by the at least one cleaning tool, for a correct cleaning operation; the pivot axis is oriented at least approximately parallel to an enveloping plane of the at least one cleaning tool, in respect of contact with a surface to be cleaned; the pivot axis is oriented at least approximately parallel to an axis of rotation of the at least one cleaning tool; the pivot axis is oriented at least approximately parallel to a width direction of the cleaning head between a first lateral side and a second lateral side; the pivot axis is oriented transversely to a straight-ahead direction of travel of the cleaning head during a correct cleaning operation; the pivot axis lies within the cleaning head and lies between the underside of the cleaning head and the upper side of the cleaning head; the cleaning head has a front end and a rear end, wherein it extends in a longitudinal direction between the front end and the rear end, and the pivot axis lies transversely to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head; at least one of the joint and the pivot axis lies between the front end and the rear end of the cleaning head, and lie at a centre between the front end and the rear end or closer to the centre than to the front end and to the rear end; at least one of the joint and the pivot axis lies, relative to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning head, closer to the rear end than to the front end.

6. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the connection element has a jaw-like opening that faces a rear end of the cleaning head.

7. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein there is arranged or formed in the cleaning head a recess in which the joint is positioned.

8. The cleaning machine according to claim 7, wherein the pivot axis lies in or below the recess.

9. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein, in relation to the pivot axis, the holding rod device has a first position with at least one of the following: the holding rod device is positioned, in relation to a longitudinal direction of the holding rod device, transversely to the cleaning head; the first region of the connection element is positioned transversely to the cleaning head; the cleaning machine has its greatest height in a height direction between an underside of the cleaning head and an upper side of the cleaning head; the second region of the connection element is positioned transversely to the cleaning head; the second region of the connection element is oriented at an obtuse angle to the cleaning head, relative to a jaw-like opening of the connection element between the first region and the second region; the obtuse angle of the orientation of the second region to the cleaning head corresponds to the difference between 270° and an obtuse angle between the first region and the second region.

10. The cleaning machine according to claim 9, wherein a fixing device for the purpose of fixing the first position with force locking is provided.

11. The cleaning machine according to claim 10, wherein the fixing device takes a form such that, if the cleaning head is set on a subsurface that is inclined by 10° to the horizontal in relation to the direction of gravity, the first position is maintained.

12. The cleaning machine according to claim 10, wherein the fixing device has a magnet device.

13. The cleaning machine according to claim 8, wherein the fixing device has a first element, which is arranged or formed on the cleaning head, and a second element, which is arranged or formed on the connection element, wherein the first element and the second element cooperate for the purpose of the force-locking fixing in the first position.

14. The cleaning machine according to claim 13, wherein the second element is arranged or formed on the second region of the connection element.

15. The cleaning machine according to claim 13, wherein the first element is a magnet or comprises a magnet that is arranged on the cleaning head, and the second element is a retaining element for the magnet.

16. The cleaning machine according to claim 15, wherein the magnet is part of a sandwich-type magnet system.

17. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one cleaning tool is arranged on the cleaning head, wherein the holding rod device has, relative to the pivot axis, a second position, and having at least one of the following: in relation to the longitudinal axis of the holding rod device, at least one of the holding rod device and the first region of the connection element is oriented at least approximately parallel to an enveloping plane of the at least one cleaning tool; the cleaning machine has its minimal height H in a height direction between an underside of the cleaning head and an upper side of the cleaning head; a region of the holding rod device faces the at least one cleaning tool; in relation to a jaw-like opening of the connection element between the first region and the second region, the second region of the connection element is oriented at an angle of zero or an acute angle to the cleaning head; the acute angle of the orientation of the second region to the cleaning head corresponds to a difference between 180° and an obtuse angle between the first region and the second region of the connection element; the holding rod device does not project, or projects by at most 5 cm, above an upper side of the cleaning head.

18. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the holding rod device is pivotal about the pivot axis between a first position and a second position.

19. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the joint device is arranged and takes a form such that, by steering the holding rod device, the cleaning head is steered on a surface that is to be cleaned.

20. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the joint device has the joint, as the first joint having a first pivot axis, and has a second joint having a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis is oriented transversely to the first pivot axis.

21. The cleaning machine according to claim 20, wherein the second pivot axis intersects the first pivot axis or is at a spacing of at most 2 cm.

22. The cleaning machine according to claim 20, wherein the second pivot axis passes through the second region of the connection element.

23. The cleaning machine according to claim 20, wherein a joint element of the second joint is arranged at the second region of the connection element and enables pivotability about the second pivot axis.

24. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is provided: in relation to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning head, the joint device is positioned between a first cleaning tool and a second cleaning tool; in relation to a height direction of the cleaning head, between an underside of the cleaning head and an upper side of the cleaning head, the joint device is positioned above a reservoir device for dirty fluid; in relation to a height direction of the cleaning head, between an underside of the cleaning head and an upper side of the cleaning head, the joint device is positioned above a drive device; associated with the drive device is a free space in which the joint device is at least in part positioned.

25. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein associated with the joint device is a casing.

26. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, comprising a cleaning head, a first roller unit, a second roller unit and a drive device for driving the first roller unit and the second roller unit in rotation, wherein the drive device has a drive motor that, in relation to a longitudinal direction of the cleaning head, is positioned between the first roller unit and the second roller unit, wherein the drive device comprises a gear device through which torque of the drive motor is transmissible to the first roller unit and the second roller unit, and wherein the gear device comprises a step-down gear, wherein a speed of rotation of the first roller unit and a speed of rotation of the second roller unit are less than a motor speed of the drive motor.

27. The cleaning machine according to claim 26, wherein the step-down gear has a step-down ratio, of speed of the drive motor to roller speed, in the range between 1:10 and 1:15.

28. The cleaning machine according to claim 26, wherein the gear device takes a form such that the first roller unit and the second roller unit rotate in opposite directions.

29. The cleaning machine according to claim 26, wherein the step-down gear is formed to have multiple stages.

30. The cleaning machine according to claim 26, wherein the gear device has a pinion arrangement, which acts as a two-stage step-down gear, and a belt arrangement, which acts as a one-stage step-down gear, wherein the belt arrangement is coupled to the pinion arrangement in a manner applying torque.

31. The cleaning machine according to claim 30, wherein the belt arrangement is coupled to a respective shaft of each roller unit in a manner applying torque.

32. The cleaning machine according to claim 30, wherein the pinion arrangement has a first gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit coupled to the drive motor, and a second gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit coupled to the first gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit and to the belt arrangement.

33. The cleaning machine according to claim 32, wherein the pinion arrangement has a third pinion-and-gearwheel combined unit coupled to the second pinion-and-gearwheel combined unit and to the belt arrangement.

34. The cleaning machine according to claim 33, wherein the second pinion-and-gearwheel combined unit is coupled to a first part of the belt arrangement, which is coupled to the first roller unit, and wherein the third pinion-and-gearwheel combined unit is coupled to a second part of the belt arrangement, which is coupled to the second roller unit.

35. The cleaning machine according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the following is provided: a drive axis of the drive motor is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller units; the drive axis of the drive motor is oriented parallel to the pivot axis of the joint device; the drive axis of the drive motor and the pivot axis are at a spacing of at most 5 cm from one another.

36. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein arranged on the cleaning head are a first roller unit and a second roller unit that are each formed in two parts, wherein a drive device is coupled centrally to the respective roller units in a manner applying torque.

37. The cleaning machine according to claim 36, wherein the roller units reach as far as an end face of the cleaning head.

38. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein a first roller unit and a second roller unit are provided, wherein at least one of the first roller unit and the second roller unit take the form of cleaning rollers.

39. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein, in a height direction between an underside of the cleaning head and an upper side of the cleaning head, the cleaning head has a height of at most 20 cm.

40. The cleaning machine according to claim 26, wherein said cleaning machine takes the form of a self-propelling and self-steering device.

41. The cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein said cleaning machine takes the form of a manually guided surface cleaning machine.

42. A cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head; a first roller unit; a second roller unit; and a drive device for driving the first roller unit and the second roller unit in rotation; wherein the drive device has a drive motor that, in relation to a longitudinal direction of the cleaning head, is positioned between the first roller unit and the second roller unit; wherein the drive device comprises a gear device through which torque of the drive motor is transmissible to the first roller unit and the second roller unit; and wherein the gear device comprises a step-down gear, wherein a speed of rotation of the first roller unit and a speed of rotation of the second roller unit are less than a motor speed of the drive motor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0106] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning machine having a joint device, wherein the fact that a holding rod device is pivotal about a first pivot axis (which lies perpendicularly to the plane of the drawing) is shown;

[0107] FIG. 2 shows the cleaning machine according to FIG. 1, wherein the fact that the holding rod device is pivotal about a second pivot axis is shown;

[0108] FIG. 3 is a partial representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning machine according to the invention, with a cleaning head;

[0109] FIG. 4 is a perspective partial representation of the cleaning machine according to FIG. 3, in a first position of a holding rod device and with a casing removed;

[0110] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the cleaning machine according to FIG. 3;

[0111] FIG. 6 is a partial representation of the region A according to FIG. 5;

[0112] FIG. 7 shows the cleaning machine according to FIG. 3 in a representation corresponding to FIG. 4, wherein the holding rod device is in a second position in relation to the cleaning head;

[0113] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the cleaning machine according to FIG. 2, in the second position of the holding rod device in relation to the cleaning head;

[0114] FIG. 9 is an enlarged representation of the region B according to FIG. 8,

[0115] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a joint device for the cleaning machine according to FIG. 3;

[0116] FIG. 11 is a sectional view along the line 11-11 according to FIG. 10;

[0117] FIG. 12 is a view of the joint device in the direction C according to FIG. 11;

[0118] FIG. 13 shows a variant of an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning machine, in partial representation;

[0119] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a combined unit comprising a drive device and a roller unit for the cleaning machine according to FIG. 3;

[0120] FIG. 15 is a view of the drive device according to FIG. 14;

[0121] FIG. 16 is a perspective representation similar to FIG. 15;

[0122] FIG. 17 is a sectional view along the plane designated 17-17 according to FIG. 16;

[0123] FIG. 18 is a sectional view along the plane designated 18-18 according to FIG. 16;

[0124] FIGS. 19(a), (b) show a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a connection element between a holding rod device and a cleaning head, in different pivotal positions;

[0125] FIGS. 20(a), (b) show a further exemplary embodiment of a connection element in different pivotal positions; and

[0126] FIGS. 21(a), (b) show a further exemplary embodiment of a connection element in different pivotal positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0127] An exemplary embodiment of a cleaning machine, which is shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is designated 10, is a surface cleaning machine that is used for cleaning surfaces and in particular floors, and in this context in particular hard floors.

[0128] The cleaning machine 10 comprises a cleaning head 12. Arranged on the cleaning head 12 is a (at least one) cleaning tool 14.

[0129] In the exemplary embodiment shown, there are used as cleaning tools a first cleaning roller unit 16a and a second cleaning roller unit 16b. The first cleaning roller unit 16a and the second cleaning roller unit 16b are at a spacing from one another. During operation of the cleaning machine 10, the cleaning head 12 and at the same time the entire cleaning machine 10 are supported on a surface 18 that is to be cleaned by way of the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b.

[0130] The cleaning machine 10 is manually guided. Arranged on the cleaning head 12 is a holding rod device 20. A user 21 can hold the cleaning machine 10 by a handle 22 that is seated on the holding rod device 20.

[0131] The dimensions of the cleaning machine 10 are such that when cleaning roller units 16a, 16b is supported on the surface 18 that is to be cleaned the user 21 can comfortably carry out the cleaning procedure on the surface 18 to be cleaned with one, bent holding arm. In particular, a length of the cleaning machine 10 along a longitudinal axis between the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b and the handle 22 is in the range between 60 cm and 130 cm. In particular, operating elements and display elements are arranged on the handle 22.

[0132] The holding rod device 20 is articulated to the cleaning head 12 by way of a joint device 24. The joint device 24 enables pivotability of the holding rod device 20 in relation to the cleaning head 12.

[0133] In one embodiment, the joint device 24 comprises a first joint 26 with a first pivot axis 28. In FIG. 1, pivotability about the first pivot axis 28 is indicated. In the schematic representation in FIG. 1, the first pivot axis 28 is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0134] As a result of pivoting about the first pivot axis 28, a height position of the handle 22 is adjustable in relation to the surface 18 to be cleaned, on which the cleaning head 12 is set by way of the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b. As a result, among other things it is possible to adjust the size to the user 21 and, during a cleaning operation, movements made by the user can be “balanced out”.

[0135] The cleaning machine 10 has a straight-ahead direction of travel 30.

[0136] In particular, the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b are driven in a rotary movement. The straight-ahead direction of travel 30 is in particular determined by a direction of rotation of the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b.

[0137] Further, there is associated with the cleaning machine 10 a straight-back direction of travel 32 that is opposite to the straight-ahead direction of travel 30.

[0138] The directions 30 and/or 32 may be directions in which the cleaning machine 10 moves automatically, or they may correspond to push directions that have to be instigated by a user.

[0139] Here, the joint device 24 with the first joint 26, which is pivotal about the first pivot axis 28, in particular takes a form such that the holding rod device 20 is pivotal between a first position 34 and a second position indicated by the reference numeral 36. A pivotal range between the first position 34 and the second position 36 is in particular in the range between 75° and 105°. In a concrete exemplary embodiment (cf. FIG. 1), the pivotal range between the first position 34 and the second position 36 is 90°.

[0140] In the second position 36, in particular the holding rod device 20 points with the handle 22 in the direction of the straight-back direction of travel 32.

[0141] In the first position 34, in particular the holding rod device 20 is oriented at least approximately perpendicularly to the cleaning head 21.

[0142] Further, the joint device 24 comprises a second joint 38 (FIG. 2) having a second pivot axis 40. The holding rod device 20 is pivotal about the second pivot axis 40 by way of the second joint 38. The second pivot axis 40 is oriented transversely to the first pivot axis 28.

[0143] In one exemplary embodiment, the second joint 38 is pivotal by way of the first joint 26, such that the second pivot axis 40 is not an axis that is fixed in space.

[0144] By way of the second joint 38 with pivotability about the second pivot axis 40, it is possible to achieve transverse pivoting (cf. FIG. 2) in relation to a user who is standing behind the cleaning head 12, on the surface 18 to be cleaned.

[0145] A pivotal range in relation to a home position is for example +/−45°.

[0146] In particular, the joint device 24 takes a form such that a user 21 can steer the cleaning head 12 on the surface 18 to be cleaned by steering on the holding rod device 20. The cleaning head 12 follows a steering movement of the holding rod device 20 that is instigated by the user 21.

[0147] In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a wetting device 42 by way of which the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b with a cleaning liquid (which may be clean water, or clean water mixed with a cleaning agent). The wetting device 42 comprises a reservoir device 44 for cleaning liquid. The reservoir device 44 for cleaning liquid is arranged in particular on the holding rod device 20. A supply device is provided, by way of which cleaning liquid is suppliable to the cleaning head 12.

[0148] A reservoir device 46 for dirty fluid is provided, and this receives dirty fluid. In this case, this reservoir device 46 for dirty fluid may be arranged on the holding rod device 20. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reservoir device 46 for dirty fluid is seated on the cleaning head 12, between the first cleaning roller unit 16a and the second cleaning roller unit 16b.

[0149] In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided for dirty fluid to be removed by suction and in particular in this context to be removed from the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b by suction and conveyed into the reservoir device 46 for dirty fluid.

[0150] For example, it is also possible for dirty fluid to be drawn off the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b and as it were spun off into the reservoir device 46 for dirty fluid without the provision of a suction flow acting on the cleaning roller units 16a, 16b.

[0151] One exemplary embodiment of a cleaning machine according to the invention is a surface cleaning machine 50 (FIGS. 3 to 10). The surface cleaning machine 10 serves in particular to clean hard floors.

[0152] The basic configuration with holding rod device and cleaning head is described above in a manner relating to the cleaning machine 10.

[0153] The cleaning machine 50 comprises a cleaning head 52. This is shown in a partial representation in FIG. 3.

[0154] The cleaning head 52 has a head body 54. Arranged on the head body 54 is a first shaft 56. The first shaft 56 is mounted rotatably about a first axis of rotation 58. Seated on the first shaft 56 is a first cleaning roller unit 60, as a first cleaning tool.

[0155] At a spacing from the first shaft 56, a second shaft 62 is mounted on the head body 54, rotatably about a second axis of rotation 64. Seated on the second shaft 62 is a second cleaning roller unit 66, as a second cleaning tool. The first cleaning roller unit 60 and the second cleaning roller unit 66 each have a cylindrical bushing 68 on which a cleaning medium 70 is seated.

[0156] In one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning medium 70 is a textile material such as a microfibre material.

[0157] In principle, it is also possible for the first cleaning roller unit 60 and/or the second cleaning roller unit 66 to take the form of brush rollers or sweeping rollers.

[0158] The first axis of rotation 58 and the second axis of rotation 64 are at a spacing from one another in a longitudinal direction 72 (cf. FIG. 4). The longitudinal direction 72 is a longitudinal direction of the cleaning head 52 between a front end 74 and a rear end 76.

[0159] In particular, the straight-ahead direction of travel 30 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 72. Accordingly, the straight-back direction of travel 32 is parallel to the longitudinal direction 72.

[0160] Further associated with the cleaning head 52 is a width direction 78. This width direction 78 lies perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 72 and at the same time parallel to the first axis of rotation 58 and the second axis of rotation 64. The cleaning head 52 extends in the width direction 78 between a first lateral side 80 and an opposite second lateral side 82.

[0161] In one embodiment, the cleaning head 52 and the cleaning roller units 60, 66 take a form such that they extend as far as the respective lateral sides 80, 82 and are in particular at least approximately flush with the first lateral side 80 and the second lateral side 82. This enables a cleaning procedure close to edges.

[0162] The head body 54 has a cover element 84. The cover element 84 upwardly covers, at least in part, the first cleaning roller unit 60 and the second cleaning roller unit 66.

[0163] Formed between the cover element 84, the first cleaning roller unit 60 and the second cleaning roller unit 66 is a free space 86. Positioned in this free space is a reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid, corresponding to the reservoir device 46 for dirty fluid in the case of the cleaning machine 10. The reservoir device 46 for dirty fluid is indicated in FIG. 7. This reservoir device 86 is not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 or FIG. 8.

[0164] The reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid is configured to be taken off the cleaning head 52 for the purpose of emptying and where appropriate also cleaning. It is for example removable downwards from the head body 54, or can be pulled out laterally.

[0165] In principle, it is possible for dirty fluid to be removed by suction, in particular from the cleaning roller units 60, 66. An appropriate suction assembly is provided for this purpose.

[0166] In one embodiment, it is provided for dirty fluid to be drawn off the cleaning roller units 60, 66 by way of wiping strips, which are associated with the respective cleaning roller unit 60, 66 and extend for example into a textile facing (and the cleaning medium 70). Dirty fluid that has been drawn off in this way can then be removed by suction and conveyed to the reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid.

[0167] In an alternative embodiment, dirty fluid is drawn off the respective wiping strips, and the reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid is arranged such that drawn-off dirty fluid may as it were be “spun” directly into the reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid without the need for a suction flow to be applied by a suction assembly.

[0168] The cleaning head 52 has an underside 88 and an upper side 90 (cf. for example FIG. 5). The underside 88 is defined as an enveloping plane 92 (cf. FIG. 5) of the cleaning roller units 60, 66.

[0169] When the cleaning head 52 with the cleaning roller units 60, 66 is set correctly on a surface 18 to be cleaned, the enveloping plane 92 faces this surface 18 that is to be cleaned. If the surface 18 to be cleaned is planar, the enveloping plane 92 coincides with this planar surface.

[0170] The upper side 90 is at a spacing from this underside 88 in a height direction 94. The height direction 94 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 72 and perpendicularly to the width direction.

[0171] A height and hence overall height H in the height direction 94 (FIG. 8) is defined as the spacing between the underside 88 and the upper side 90.

[0172] In one exemplary embodiment, this spacing H is defined by a joint device 96 that is arranged on or in the region of the upper side 90, and may have parts that can project over a (housing) surface of the head body 54.

[0173] The height H of the cleaning head 52 and the height direction 94 may in this case in particular be regarded as a height between the enveloping plane 92 and an enveloping plane 110 at a highest point on the cleaning head 52, at its upper side 90 (cf. FIGS. 5 and 8).

[0174] The height H is in particular at most 20 cm and preferably at most 15 cm and preferably at most 14 cm, or at most 13 cm, or at most 12 cm, and in particular at most 11 cm or at most 10 cm. This makes it readily possible to reach under furniture or similar with supporting legs.

[0175] It is also possible for one or more sweeping elements to be arranged on the cleaning head 52, by means of which coarse dirt is suppliable to the respective cleaning roller units 60, 66.

[0176] In this context, the reader is referred to WO 2019/048496 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0177] A holding rod device 100 is articulated to pivot on the cleaning head 52 by way of the joint device 96.

[0178] The holding rod device 100 basically takes the same form as the holding rod device 20, and serves to allow a user, while standing on a surface 18 to be cleaned, to guide the surface cleaning machine 50 over the surface 18 to be cleaned; the surface cleaning machine 50 is manually guided.

[0179] The joint device 96 comprises a first joint 102 with a first pivot axis 104. Further, it comprises a second joint 106 with a second pivot axis 108.

[0180] The first pivot axis 104 corresponds to the first pivot axis 28 in the case of the cleaning machine 10. The second pivot axis 108 corresponds to the second pivot axis 40 in the case of the cleaning machine 10.

[0181] Formed in the cleaning head 52 at the upper side 90 is a recess 112. The recess 112 is a cavity in relation to the surface 98 of the cleaning head 52. The first joint 102 is seated in the recess 112 and hence at a lower level than the surface 98.

[0182] The recess 112 has an opening 114 at the surface 98.

[0183] In one embodiment, the first joint 102 comprises a pin element 116, which is oriented parallel to the first pivot axis 104 and is arranged set back in the recess 112 relative to the surface 98 and hence also relative to the opening 114. The pin element 116 cannot rotate in relation to the cleaning head 52.

[0184] Seated on the pin element 116 and pivotal about the first pivot axis 104 is a shaft 118. The shaft 118 surrounds the pin element 116 and receives it. The shaft 118 is likewise seated in the recess 112.

[0185] The shaft 118 takes the form in particular of an external shaft or external capsule for the pin element 116.

[0186] The first joint 102 (first pivot bearing) having the pin element 116 and the shaft 118 is arranged such that the first pivot axis 104 lies within the cleaning head 52. The first pivot axis 104 is oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation 58 and the second axis of rotation 64. It is oriented parallel to the enveloping plane 92. It is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 72. It is oriented parallel to the width direction 78. It is oriented parallel to the enveloping plane 110.

[0187] It runs within the recess 112 and thus in particular set back relative to the upper side 90 and thus the enveloping plane 110. In particular it passes through the head body 54.

[0188] The shaft 118 is connected to a connection element 120 (see also FIGS. 19(a), 19(b)). This connection element 120 is in turn connected to the holding rod device 100 at an underside 122 of the holding rod device 100.

[0189] The connection element 120 takes the form of an angled element 124.

[0190] The connection element 120 (cf. for example FIG. 6) has a first region 126 and a second region 128. The first region 126 and the second region 128 are in particular connected in one piece with one another. The first region 126 and the second region 128 are preferably made from a flat material.

[0191] The first region 126 and the second region 128 are offset from one another in a transverse direction 129 (cf. FIG. 19(a)), that is to say that they are at a spacing from one another in this transverse direction 129. The transverse direction 129 is located transversely and for example perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis 146 of the holding rod device 100.

[0192] The first region 126 and the second region 128 are oriented at an obtuse angle 130 relative to one another in order to achieve the transverse offset (in the transverse direction 129). This obtuse angle 130 (cf. FIG. 6) is in particular in the range between 120° and 150°. In a concrete embodiment, the obtuse angle 130 is approximately 135°.

[0193] The angled element 124 defines a jaw-like opening 132 at the obtuse angle 130. The jaw-like opening 132 may be regarded as the inner side of a wedge or arrow. An osculating curve 131 of the angled element 124 at the obtuse angle 130 (that is to say at the jaw-like opening 132) is concave.

[0194] The connection element 120 is connected by way of the second region 128 to the first joint 102 and thus to the shaft 118. By means of the first region 120, it is connected to the underside 122 of the holding rod device 100.

[0195] In one embodiment, the second joint 106 takes a form such that the second region 128 of the connection element 120 is pivotal in relation to the shaft 118 about the second pivot axis 108. The second joint 106 is arranged on the shaft 118.

[0196] In one embodiment, a pin element 134 that is oriented parallel to the second pivot axis 108 is arranged on the shaft 118.

[0197] The second region 128 of the connection element 120 has an opening 136 penetrated by the pin element 134. The pin element 134 is prevented from coming out by way of a securing element 138 seated on the pin element 134. The securing element 138 provides axial securing relative to the second pivot axis 108.

[0198] The second region 128, with its opening 136, forms a shaft for the securing element 138, external and pivotal about the second pivot axis 108.

[0199] The second joint 106, with the pin element 134 and the second region 128 at the opening 136, is positioned such that it penetrates at least in part into the recess 112.

[0200] The second pivot axis 108 is oriented perpendicularly to the first pivot axis 104.

[0201] It is provided for the first pivot axis 104 and the second pivot axis 108 to intersect or to be at least at a small spacing from one another. In particular, this spacing is at most 2 cm and preferably at most 1 cm.

[0202] As described above in relation to the cleaning machine 10, this allows a user to steer the cleaning head 52 on a surface 18 to be cleaned as a result of steering by the user at the holding rod device 100.

[0203] The first pivot axis 104 is a pivot axis that is fixed in relation to the cleaning head 52.

[0204] The second pivot axis 108 is an axis that is spatially variable in relation to the cleaning head 52; its position in space depends on the pivotal position at the first joint 102 about the first pivot axis 104.

[0205] In the exemplary embodiment described, the shaft 118 is a joint element common to the first joint 102 and the second joint 106. It forms a pivotal part of the first joint 102 and, in relation to the second joint 106, a fixed part about which the second region 128 is pivotal. The pin element 134 is fixedly connected to the shaft 118.

[0206] In principle, it is also possible not to provide a common joint element. Corresponding connection parts in this case are preferably at a spacing of at most 5 cm if they are not formed on a common part.

[0207] In principle, it is also possible for the second joint 106 to be arranged for example at the first region 126 of the connection element 120 or to be arranged on the holding rod device 100.

[0208] As a result of arranging the second joint 106 on the first joint 102, it is a simple matter to cause the first pivot axis 104 and the second pivot axis 108 to intersect, or to create a small spacing (at most 2 cm).

[0209] In respect of the cleaning head 52, the holding rod device 100 has an extreme first position 140 (FIGS. 3 to 6, FIG. 19(a)) and an extreme second position 142 (FIGS. 10 to 12, FIG. 19(b)).

[0210] The first position 140 and the second position 142 are extreme positions in respect of pivotability about the first pivot axis 104. The first position 140 corresponds to the first position 34 in the case of the cleaning machine 10. The second position 142 corresponds to the second position 36 there.

[0211] The holding rod device 100 is pivotal for example about the second pivot axis 108 by +/−x° in relation to a home position 144 (cf. FIG. 2). The home position 144 (FIG. 2) is defined as the pivotal position with a pivot angle of zero. For example, x is 45° or 60°.

[0212] The first position 140 and the second position 142 relate in particular to the home position 144. A pivotal range of the holding rod device 100 about the first pivot axis 104 between the first position 140 and the second position 142 is for example in the range between 75° and 105°. In one embodiment, the pivotal range is at least approximately 90° (cf. FIG. 1).

[0213] In the first position 140, the holding rod device 100 is oriented transversely to the cleaning head 52; the holding rod device 100 has a longitudinal axis 146 along which the holding rod device 100 extends. In the direction of a spacing, parallel to the longitudinal axis 146, a handle 22 is arranged on the holding rod device 100, at a spacing from the cleaning head 52.

[0214] The first region 126 is oriented in particular at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 146.

[0215] In the first position 140, in particular the longitudinal axis 146 is oriented perpendicularly to the cleaning head 52. In particular, the holding rod device 100 is oriented with its longitudinal axis 146 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 72 and perpendicular to the width direction 78.

[0216] Moreover, in the first position 140 the holding rod device 100 is oriented with its longitudinal axis 146 transverse and in particular perpendicular to the enveloping plane 92 and transverse and in particular perpendicular to the enveloping plane 110.

[0217] In the first position 140, the first region 126 of the connection element 120 is oriented transversely to the cleaning head 52 (that is to say transversely to the enveloping plane 92, and transversely to the enveloping plane 110, and transversely to the longitudinal direction 72 and the width direction 78). In particular, this orientation is perpendicular to the cleaning head 52 (see in particular FIG. 6 in this regard). A corresponding right angle is indicated by the reference numeral 148.

[0218] In the first position 140, the second region 128 of the connection element 120 is oriented at an obtuse angle 150 to the cleaning head 52 (for example to the enveloping plane 92). This obtuse angle 150 is the difference in angle between 270° and the obtuse angle 130. If the obtuse angle 150 is designated a and the obtuse angle 130 is designated β, then α=270°-β.

[0219] In the first position 140, the jaw-like opening 132 of the angled element 124 faces the rear end 76 (cf. FIG. 4). If the angled element 124 is regarded as an arrow, then the arrow tip points towards the front end 74.

[0220] There is provided a fixing device 152 that secures the first position 140 of the holding rod device 100, and in so doing secures it in particular with force locking.

[0221] In one exemplary embodiment, the fixing device 152 takes the form of a magnet device in which the first position 140 of the holding rod device 100 is secured in relation to the cleaning head 52 with force locking, by way of magnetic retaining forces.

[0222] In one embodiment, the fixing device 152 comprises a magnet 154 that is arranged on the cleaning head 52. The magnet 154 is part of a magnet system that takes the form of a sandwich-type system and is designated 156. With this magnet system 156, the magnet 154 is arranged between two flat iron poles 158. The magnetic force in the magnet system 156 is intensified in the sandwich-type system.

[0223] The magnet system 156 is arranged such that in the first position 140 it acts on the second region 128 of the connection element 120. In particular, the magnet system 156 is arranged such that in the first position 140 there is mechanical contact between the second region 128 and thus in particular on a side remote from the jaw-like opening 132.

[0224] The magnet system 156 has a magnetic retaining force, wherein the retaining forces acts on the second region 128. In the second region 128, the connection element 120 is made from an appropriate material, such as a ferromagnetic material, so that the corresponding retaining force is effective.

[0225] When the holding rod device 100 is in the first position 140 in relation to the cleaning head 52 and thus the second region 128 abuts against the magnet system 156, the magnet system 156 provides an appropriate retaining force that secures this first position 140. A particular application of force is required to move the holding rod device 100 out of the first position 140.

[0226] The magnet system 156 in conjunction with the connection element 120 is dimensioned in particular such that if, with the surface cleaning machine 50 in the first position 140 of the holding rod device 100 in relation to the cleaning head 52, the surface cleaning machine 50 is placed, with the first position 140 fixed, on a subsurface that is inclined by 10° in relation to the direction of gravity, the holding rod device 100 will not simply move out of the first position 140 by itself (because of gravitational forces). Thus, for this inclination of (at least) 10° the first position 140 is secured.

[0227] In the embodiment described, the second region 128 of the connection element 10 takes a form such that it can be retained by a magnetic retaining force. In principle, it is also possible for an additional element such as a ferromagnetic element to be arranged on the second region 128 such that the appropriate retaining force can be exerted.

[0228] The magnet system 156 is arranged at the recess 112. It may be positioned partly in the recess 112.

[0229] In particular, the enveloping plane 110 is predetermined by the magnet system 156.

[0230] The surface cleaning machine 50 has its greatest extent in the height direction 94 when it is in the first position 140.

[0231] The second position 142 may be produced by pivoting from the first position 140 about the above-mentioned pivot angle, which is for example approximately 90°.

[0232] In the second position 142 of the holding rod device 100 (FIGS. 7 to 11), the longitudinal axis 146 of the holding rod device 100 is oriented at least approximately parallel to the cleaning head 52 and at the same time in particular at least approximately parallel to the enveloping plane 92 and the enveloping plane 110. Here, the expression “at least approximately” means that there may be a deviation of +/−10° from exactly parallel, or of +/−5°.

[0233] In particular, the first region 126 of the connection element 120 is then oriented at least approximately parallel to the cleaning head 52 (in particular to the enveloping plane 92).

[0234] In the second position 142, the second region 128 of the connection element 120 is oriented at an acute angle 160 (cf. FIG. 9) to the cleaning head 52 (to the enveloping plane 92 and the enveloping plane 110). The acute angle 160 here corresponds to the difference between 180° and the obtuse angle 130 β. If the acute angle 160 is designated by γ, then γ=180°-β.

[0235] The jaw-like opening 132 of the connection element 120 is in this case such that it “takes in” part of the region of the upper side 90 at the recess 112 (cf. for example FIG. 9).

[0236] The surface cleaning machine 50 has its smallest dimensions in the height direction 94 when it is in the second position 142 of the holding rod device 100. Substantially, in the second position 142 the surface cleaning machine 50 has the height H including the holding rod device 100.

[0237] The holding rod device 100 has a region 162 that faces the cleaning head 52 and has a transverse extent in relation to the longitudinal axis 146. This region 162 is for example formed on a housing of the holding rod device 100. In the second position 142, this region 162 faces the rear end 76 of the cleaning head 52 (cf. for example FIG. 8).

[0238] Further, in the second position 142 it is provided in particular for this region 162 of the holding rod device 100 to lie below the upper side 90 of the cleaning head 52.

[0239] The holding rod device 100 is arranged and formed, in particular in relation to the cleaning head 52, such that by means of an underside 164 (cf. FIG. 8) it does not project beyond the enveloping plane 92 and is in particular set back in relation thereto.

[0240] Arranged on the holding rod device 100 there is for example a reservoir device for cleaning liquid. In one embodiment, a suction assembly may be arranged on the holding rod device 100. In the case of a battery-operated surface cleaning machine 50, in particular a battery holder with battery is arranged on the holding rod device 100.

[0241] Between the cleaning head 52 and the holding rod device 100 there is arranged a casing 166 (FIG. 3, FIG. 5; this casing 166 is not shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9).

[0242] Positioned in the casing 166 is the connection element 120. The casing 166 is a casing for the joint device 96. Here, the casing 166 is in contact with the cleaning head 52 in particular at the upper side 90 or the surface 98, and accordingly is in contact with the holding rod device 100. The casing 166 ensures fluid-tight sealing.

[0243] In particular, the casing 166 also covers over the recess 112 and its opening 114.

[0244] The casing 166 takes the form for example of a textile bag or rubber bag.

[0245] The connection element 120 may be an integral part of the holding rod device 100, or it is for example a separate part from the holding rod device 100 and is connected to the holding rod device 100 by screws, welding, etc.

[0246] In an alternative embodiment of a connection element, a connection element 120′ is provided, which takes the form of a curved element (FIGS. 20(a), (b)). This curved element 120′ has a first region 126′ connected to the holding rod device 100 and a second region 128′ connected to the joint device 96. The first region 126′ merges seamlessly as it were with the second region 128′.

[0247] In relation to tangential planes or enveloping planes, at both the first region 126′ and the second region 128′, these meet at an obtuse angle 130′.

[0248] As a result of the curved form taken by the connection element 120′ (taking the form of a curved element), a spacing is formed between the first region 126′ and the second region 128′ in the transverse direction 129. This gives the advantages described above in the context of the connection element 120; in the first position 140 of the holding rod device 100 relative to the cleaning head 52 (with the holding rod device 100 connected to the cleaning head 52 by way of the connection element 120′), a fixing device 152 can be produced by way of the connection element 120′. In particular, a region of the connection element 120′ can be used as the counter-element (retaining device) for a magnet.

[0249] In the second position 142 (FIG. 20(b)), the height of the surface cleaning machine in the height direction 94 can be kept small. Here, the cleaning head 52 need not be modified in respect of the cleaning roller units 60, 66 in order to minimise the height in the height direction 94; in particular, there is no need to provide a recess at the cleaning head 52 in the region of the cleaning roller units 60, 66. Minimising the height does not impair the cleaning function or the cleaning. The second cleaning roller unit 66, as the rear cleaning roller unit, may take the same form as the first cleaning roller unit 60.

[0250] In a further exemplary embodiment of a connection element 120″ (FIGS. 21(a), (b)), there is provided a first region 126″ that is connected by way of a transverse web 127″ to a second region 128″. The first region 126″ is connected to the holding rod device 100. The second region 128″ is connected to the joint device 96. The first region 126″ and the second region 128″ are not connected directly to one another, but rather the transverse web 127″ provides a connection region between the first region 126″ and the second region 128″.

[0251] The first region 126″ and the second region 128″ take the form for example of flat elements.

[0252] It may also be provided for the transverse web 127″ to take the form of a flat element.

[0253] The transverse web 127″ is oriented transversely to the first region 126″ and the second region 128″.

[0254] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 21(a) and (b), the first region 126″ and the second region 128″ are oriented parallel to one another. The transverse web 127″ is oriented perpendicularly to the first region 126″ and the second region 128″.

[0255] Other formations are also possible here, for example in the manner of a Z.

[0256] The first region 126″ and the second region 128″ are at a spacing from one another in the transverse direction 129, as a result of the transverse web 127″.

[0257] Here, it is provided that, in the first position 140 (FIG. 21(a)) of the holding rod device 100 in relation to the cleaning head 52, the second region 128″ is oriented transversely and for example perpendicularly to the cleaning head 52.

[0258] In the second position 142, the second region 128″ is oriented for example at least approximately parallel (that is to say at an angle of zero, or a small angle close to 0°) to the cleaning head 52 (FIG. 21(b)).

[0259] This results in the advantages that were explained in the context of the connection element 120 or 120′, relating to minimising the height of the surface cleaning machine in the second position 142.

[0260] In one embodiment, the casing 166 takes the form of a bellows 168 (FIG. 13).

[0261] Arranged on the cleaning head 52 is a drive device 170 for rotary driving of the first shaft 56 and the second shaft 62 (and hence the first cleaning roller unit 60 and the second cleaning roller unit 66) (FIGS. 5, 8, 14 to 18).

[0262] The drive device 170 is positioned geometrically between the first cleaning roller unit 60 and the second cleaning roller unit 66.

[0263] The drive device 170 comprises a drive motor 172, which is an electric motor. The drive motor 172 is fed by mains current, or an in particular rechargeable battery device is provided, which is positioned in particular on the holding rod device 100, and this provides corresponding battery current to the drive motor 172.

[0264] The drive motor 172 has a motor shaft 174. Seated on the motor shaft 174 such that it cannot rotate in relation thereto is a drive gearwheel 176. The motor shaft 174 rotates about an axis of rotation (drive axis) 178. The axis of rotation 178 lies in particular parallel to the first axis of rotation 58 and the second axis of rotation 64 of the corresponding cleaning roller units 60, 66.

[0265] The axis of rotation 178 is in this case in particular parallel to the first pivot axis 104.

[0266] In relation to the height direction 94, the drive motor 172 is positioned above the reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid.

[0267] In one embodiment, a motor speed (speed of rotation of the motor shaft 174) is approximately 6 400 revolutions per minute.

[0268] A desired speed of rotation of a cleaning roller unit 60, 66 is in the region of 500 revolutions per minute.

[0269] The drive device 170 comprises a gear device 180. The gear device 180 has in particular the tasks of providing a step down from the speed of the motor shaft 174, bridging spatial distances between the motor shaft 174 and the shafts 56, 62 and, in one embodiment, also ensuring driving of both the first cleaning roller unit 60 and the second cleaning roller unit 66 by means of a single drive motor 172. In particular here, rotation of the first cleaning roller unit 60 and the second cleaning roller unit 66 in opposite directions is provided.

[0270] In FIG. 14, a first direction of rotation of the first cleaning roller unit 60 about the first axis of rotation 58 is indicated by the reference numeral 182. A corresponding second direction of rotation 184 for rotation of the second cleaning roller unit 66 about the second axis of rotation 64 is indicated by the reference numeral 184.

[0271] In this embodiment, the first direction of rotation 182 and the second direction of rotation 184 are opposite to each other, that is to say that the cleaning roller units 60, 66 are driven in opposite directions by the drive device 170.

[0272] The directions of rotation 182, 184 are in this case in particular such that, after contact with the surface 18 that is to be cleaned, a certain region 186 on a cleaning roller unit (in the example according to FIG. 14, the first cleaning roller unit 60) moves in the direction of the reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid. As a result, the path that dirt entrained by the cleaning roller unit 60 is to take to the reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid is shorter than in an opposite direction of rotation.

[0273] The gear device 180 has a pinion arrangement 188. The pinion arrangement 188 is coupled directly to the motor shaft 174. In particular, the pinion arrangement 188 comprises a two-stage step-down gear.

[0274] Further, the gear device 180 has a belt arrangement 190. The belt arrangement 190 couples the pinion arrangement 188 to the shafts 56, 62 in a manner applying torque.

[0275] In one embodiment, the belt arrangement 190 comprises a first part 192 and a second part 194. The first part 192 of the belt arrangement 190 couples the pinion arrangement 188 to the first shaft 56 in a manner applying torque. The second part 194 of the belt arrangement 190 couples the pinion arrangement 188 to the second shaft 62 in a manner applying torque.

[0276] The belt arrangement 190 in particular takes the form of a one-stage step-down gear.

[0277] The pinion arrangement 188 has a first gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 196 with a first gearwheel 198 and a first pinion 200. The first pinion 200 is coupled to the first gearwheel 198 such that it cannot rotate in relation thereto. The first gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 196 is rotatable about a first axis of rotation 202 (FIG. 18). The first axis of rotation 202, about which the gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 196 is mounted to rotate, is parallel to the axis of rotation 178 of the motor shaft 174. The first gearwheel 198 is coupled to the drive gearwheel 176 in a manner applying torque; the drive gearwheel 176 drives the first gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 196.

[0278] The pinion arrangement 188 comprises a second gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 204 with a second gearwheel 206 and a first pinion 208. The second pinion 208 is coupled to the second gearwheel 206 such that it cannot rotate in relation thereto.

[0279] The second gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 204 is mounted to rotate about a second axis of rotation 210. The second axis of rotation 210 is parallel to the first axis of rotation 202.

[0280] The second gearwheel 206 is coupled to the first pinion 200 in a manner applying torque.

[0281] As a result of coupling the drive gearwheel 176, which has a smaller diameter than the first gearwheel 198, a first step-down stage is formed.

[0282] In one exemplary embodiment, the step-down ratio of this first stage is 11:34.

[0283] The first pinion 200 has a smaller diameter than the second gearwheel 206. This forms a second step-down stage.

[0284] In one exemplary embodiment, the step-down ratio at the second step-down stage is 14:29.

[0285] The first part 192 of the belt arrangement 190 comprises a first belt 212. This first belt 212 is coupled, in a manner applying torque, to the first shaft 56 by way of a first belt wheel 214 that is connected to the first shaft 56 such that it cannot rotate in relation thereto.

[0286] In one embodiment, the belt arrangement 190 comprises a first deflection element 216 on which the first belt 212 is guided.

[0287] By way of the first belt 212, it is possible to achieve a torque-applying coupling between the pinion arrangement 188 and the first shaft 56, which is at a spacing in the longitudinal direction 72 of the cleaning head 52.

[0288] The second pinion 208 has a smaller diameter than the first belt wheel 214. This forms a further step-down stage.

[0289] In one exemplary embodiment, the step-down ratio of this third step-down stage is 15:30.

[0290] The pinion arrangement 188 has a third gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 218 with a third gearwheel 220 and a third pinion 222 (FIG. 7). The third gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 218 is mounted to rotate about a third axis of rotation 224. The third axis of rotation 224 is parallel to the first axis of rotation 202.

[0291] The third gearwheel 220 takes the same form as the second gearwheel 206 and is coupled to the second gearwheel 206. Rotation of the third gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 218 is in the opposite direction to rotation of the second gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 204.

[0292] The third pinion 222 takes the same form as the second pinion 208.

[0293] The second part 194 of the belt arrangement 190 is coupled to the third gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 218 in a manner applying torque.

[0294] It has a second belt 226 that is seated on the third pinion 222 and is guided to a second belt wheel 228 that is seated on the second shaft 62 such that it cannot rotate in relation thereto. The second belt 226 is deflected over a second deflection element 230.

[0295] The second part 194 of the belt arrangement 190 functions in the same way as the first part 192.

[0296] Stepping down of the speed is the same as in the case of the second gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 204 with the first part 192 of the belt arrangement 190. The second gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 204 is driven by way of the first gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 196, wherein the second gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 204 is in turn coupled directly to the third gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit 218, which it drives.

[0297] The overall step-down ratio of the gear device 180, which has multiple step-down stages, is in particular in the range between 1:10 and 1:15, and is for example approximately 1:12.5, wherein an appropriately high speed of the motor shaft 174 is stepped down to a speed of approximately 500 revolutions per minute at the cleaning roller units 60, 66.

[0298] A respective centre drive is provided for the shafts 56, 62.

[0299] The respective first belt wheel 214 and second belt wheel 228 lie centrally between external end faces 232a, 232b of the respective shaft 56, 62. Each shaft 56, 62 then has a first receiving region 234 and a second receiving region 236. Positioned between these is the respective belt wheel 214, 228. A cleaning medium such as a textile facing is positioned around the first receiving region 234 and the second receiving region 236. There is no cleaning medium 70 in the region of the respective belt wheel 214, 228.

[0300] As a result of a centre drive of this kind, the corresponding cleaning roller unit 60, 66 is formed in two parts.

[0301] A two-part form of this kind with a centre drive makes it possible to clean close to edges.

[0302] The drive motor 172 of the drive device 170 is seated in a housing 238 (FIG. 14). The gear device 180 is seated in a gear housing 240. In particular, the gear housing is connected to the housing 238 for the drive motor 172, or a common housing is formed.

[0303] The joint device 96 is seated above the housing 238, on the cleaning head 52.

[0304] In one embodiment, a free space 242 is associated with the drive device 170, in particular here at the combined unit comprising the housing 238 and the gear housing 240. This free space 242 is in particular delimited by a region, in particular a step-shaped region 244, at the combined unit comprising the housing 238 and the gear housing 240.

[0305] The region 244 and the free space 242 lie at least approximately centrally on the cleaning head 5, in particular relative to the width direction 78 of the cleaning head 52.

[0306] Arranged in the free space 242 and in the region 244 is in particular the gear device 96, or the recess 112 is located in this region 244 or in the free space 242. This gives a space-saving construction with optimised utilisation of space. This allows the height H to be kept small.

[0307] In particular, the first pivot axis 104 is located in the free space 242.

[0308] In order to maintain a compact structure of the cleaning head 52, it is provided here for the drive axis 178 and the first pivot axis 104 to lie as close to one another as possible and in particular to be at a spacing of at most 5 cm and preferably at most 3 cm.

[0309] Here, it is provided in particular for the joint device 96 with the first joint 102 and the second joint 106 to be seated centrally on the cleaning head 52, relative to the width direction 78. In relation to the longitudinal direction 72 between the front end 74 and the rear end 76, the joint device 96 preferably lies centrally or close to the centre, with a slight offset in the direction of the rear end 76, that is to say in the longitudinal direction 72 the joint device 96 lies closer to the rear end 76 than to the front end 74, wherein the joint device 96 lies closer to the centre in the longitudinal direction 72 than to the rear end 76 or to the front end 74.

[0310] The surface cleaning machine 10 functions as follows:

[0311] During operation, a user holds the holding rod device 100 by way of a handle. The cleaning head 52 is set with its cleaning roller units 60, 64 on the surface 18 to be cleaned. The user also stands on this. The surface cleaning machine 50 is manually guided.

[0312] A user can adjust the size by way of pivoting the holding rod device 100 about the first pivot axis 104.

[0313] During the cleaning procedure, because of the pivotability of the holding rod device 100 on the cleaning head 52 about the first pivot axis 104 and about the second pivot axis 108, the user can carry out a cleaning procedure comfortably.

[0314] In particular, by steering the holding rod device 100, the user can steer the cleaning head 52 on the surface 18 to be cleaned.

[0315] During the cleaning operation of the surface cleaning machine 50, the first cleaning roller unit 60 and the second cleaning roller unit 66 are driven in a rotary movement by the drive device 170. In particular, they are driven in opposite directions.

[0316] As a result of a wetting device, there is provision for wetting of the cleaning roller units 60, 66 with cleaning liquid (clean water or a mixture of clean water and cleaning agent). As a result, dirt is drawn off in an improved fashion.

[0317] A moistened facing (a moistened cleaning medium 70) of the cleaning roller units 60, 66 acts on dirt on the surface 18 that is to be cleaned. This dirt is drawn off and entrained by the cleaning roller units 60, 66 and discharged into the reservoir device 86 for dirty fluid. This may where necessary also be performed or supported by way of a suction flow by a suction assembly.

[0318] The holding rod device 100 can be put into the first position 140. This is a type of stowing position. In the first position 140, the position of the holding rod device 100 is secured by the fixing device 152.

[0319] In the second position 142 of the holding rod device 100, the surface cleaning machine 50 has a minimal height in the height direction 94. In this way, the surface cleaning machine 50 can for example be stored in a space-saving manner outside of a cleaning operation.

[0320] Further, in the second position 142 of the holding rod device 100, the surface cleaning machine 50 has a minimal height even during the cleaning operation, and this gives an optimum capacity for reaching under furniture and similar.

[0321] The drive device 170 takes a space-saving form and is arranged on the cleaning head 52 in space-saving manner. As a result of a multiple-stage step-down gear of the gear device 180, the drive motor 172 can take a form with small geometric dimensions and thus the height H of the cleaning head 52 may in turn be kept small.

[0322] This produces optimised edge cleaning in respect of the lateral sides 80, 82, but also in respect of the front end 74 and the rear end 76.

[0323] Moreover, as a result of this arrangement of the drive device 170, the surface cleaning machine 50 has a low centre of gravity. This results in optimised operability, with a low risk of tipping over.

[0324] As a result of providing spaced cleaning roller units 60, 66, there is no need to provide additional drive rollers or support rollers, and as a result corresponding tracks are not produced on a surface 18 to be cleaned, that is to say the appearance of the wiped area is not impaired.

[0325] The result is optimised operability at the same time as an optimised cleaning function of the surface cleaning machine.

[0326] The described arrangement and form of the drive device 170 can also be achieved on a cleaning head 246 (indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 14) on which no holding rod device 100 is arranged. A cleaning head 246 of this kind takes the form for example of a self-propelling and self-guiding device (“cleaning robot”).

[0327] In that case, there is no need to provide a corresponding joint device either.

[0328] A cleaning head 246 of this kind—in particular taking the form of a self-propelling and self-guiding device—has the advantages described above, with a low height (corresponding to the height H). This in particular results in an optimised capacity for reaching under furniture and similar. It results in cleaning close to edges both to front and rear and also to both sides.

[0329] With a corresponding cleaning head 246, it is possible for example to provide a steering roller 248 or similar in order to enable appropriate steering, in the absence of guidance by a user, on the surface 18 to be cleaned.

[0330] Otherwise, the cleaning head 246 functions as a device as described above.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0331] 10 Cleaning machine

[0332] 12 Cleaning head

[0333] 14 Cleaning tool

[0334] 16a First cleaning roller unit

[0335] 16b Second cleaning roller unit

[0336] 18 Surface to be cleaned

[0337] 20 Holding rod device

[0338] 21 User

[0339] 22 Handle

[0340] 24 Joint device

[0341] 26 First joint

[0342] 28 First pivot axis

[0343] 30 Straight-ahead direction of travel

[0344] 32 Straight-back direction of travel

[0345] 34 First position

[0346] 36 Second position

[0347] 38 Second joint

[0348] 40 Second pivot axis

[0349] 42 Wetting device

[0350] 44 Reservoir device for clean water

[0351] 46 Reservoir device for dirty fluid

[0352] 50 Surface cleaning machine

[0353] 52 Cleaning head

[0354] 54 Head body

[0355] 56 First shaft

[0356] 58 First axis of rotation

[0357] 60 First cleaning roller unit

[0358] 62 Second shaft

[0359] 64 Second axis of rotation

[0360] 66 Second cleaning roller unit

[0361] 68 Bushing

[0362] 70 Cleaning medium

[0363] 72 Longitudinal direction

[0364] 74 Front end

[0365] 76 Rear end

[0366] 78 Width direction

[0367] 80 First lateral side

[0368] 82 Second lateral side

[0369] 84 Cover element

[0370] 86 Reservoir device for dirty fluid

[0371] 88 Underside

[0372] 90 Upper side

[0373] 92 Enveloping plane

[0374] 94 Height direction

[0375] 96 Joint device

[0376] 98 Surface

[0377] 100 Holding rod device

[0378] 102 First joint

[0379] 104 First pivot axis

[0380] 106 Second joint

[0381] 108 Second pivot axis

[0382] 110 Enveloping plane

[0383] 112 Recess

[0384] 114 Opening

[0385] 116 Pin element

[0386] 118 Shaft

[0387] 120, 120′, 120″ Connection element

[0388] 122 Underside

[0389] 124 Angled element

[0390] 126, 126′, 126″ First region

[0391] 127″ Transverse web

[0392] 128, 128′, 128″ Second region

[0393] 129 Transverse direction

[0394] 130, 130′, 130″ Obtuse angle

[0395] 131 Osculating curve

[0396] 132 Jaw-like opening

[0397] 134 Pin element

[0398] 136 Opening

[0399] 138 Securing element

[0400] 140 First position

[0401] 142 Second position

[0402] 144 Home position

[0403] 146 Longitudinal axis

[0404] 148 Right angle

[0405] 150 Obtuse angle

[0406] 152 Fixing device

[0407] 154 Magnet

[0408] 156 Magnet system

[0409] 158 Flat iron pole

[0410] 160 Acute angle

[0411] 162 Region

[0412] 164 Underside

[0413] 166 Casing

[0414] 168 Bellows

[0415] 170 Drive device

[0416] 172 Drive motor

[0417] 174 Motor shaft

[0418] 176 Drive gearwheel

[0419] 178 Axis of rotation (drive axis)

[0420] 180 Gear device

[0421] 182 First direction of rotation

[0422] 184 Second direction of rotation

[0423] 186 Region

[0424] 188 Pinion arrangement

[0425] 190 Belt arrangement

[0426] 192 First part

[0427] 194 Second part

[0428] 196 First gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit

[0429] 198 First gearwheel

[0430] 200 First pinion

[0431] 202 First axis of rotation

[0432] 204 Second gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit

[0433] 206 Second gearwheel

[0434] 208 Second pinion

[0435] 210 Second axis of rotation

[0436] 212 First belt

[0437] 214 First belt wheel

[0438] 216 First deflection element

[0439] 218 Third gearwheel-and-pinion combined unit

[0440] 220 Third gearwheel

[0441] 222 Third pinion

[0442] 224 Third axis of rotation

[0443] 226 Second belt

[0444] 228 Second belt wheel

[0445] 230 Second deflection element

[0446] 232a End face

[0447] 232b End face

[0448] 234 First receiving region

[0449] 236 Second receiving region

[0450] 238 Housing

[0451] 240 Gear housing

[0452] 242 Free space

[0453] 244 Region

[0454] 246 Cleaning head

[0455] 248 Steering roller