SURFACE CLEANING MACHINE

Abstract

A surface cleaning machine is provided, including a cleaning roller holder, a cleaning roller that is arranged on the cleaning roller holder, a drive device for rotary driving of the cleaning roller, and a sweeping element that is associated with the cleaning roller and supplies swept material to the cleaning roller, wherein the sweeping element is arranged rotatably on the cleaning roller holder.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning machine, comprising: a cleaning roller holder; a cleaning roller that is arranged on the cleaning roller holder; a drive device for rotary driving of the cleaning roller; and a sweeping element that is associated with the cleaning roller and supplies swept material to the cleaning roller; wherein the sweeping element is arranged rotatably on the cleaning roller holder.

2. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein an axis of rotation of the sweeping element is oriented at least approximately parallel to, and in particular coaxial with, an axis of rotation of the cleaning roller.

3. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, comprising a resilient device that acts with a spring force on the sweeping element, wherein the spring force presses the sweeping element against a surface to be cleaned when the cleaning roller is placed on the surface to be cleaned.

4. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 3, wherein the resilient device is dimensioned such that the sweeping element is rotatably movable in opposition to the spring force as a result of the force of the weight of the surface cleaning machine.

5. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 3, wherein the resilient device is dimensioned such that the sweeping element is not pushed under the at least one cleaning roller by the action of the spring force.

6. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 3, wherein the resilient device is supported on the sweeping element and on the cleaning roller holder, or a device connected to the cleaning roller holder, and is in particular articulated thereto.

7. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 3, wherein the resilient device has at least one helical spring or torsion spring or rubber spring or pneumatic spring.

8. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 3, wherein the resilient device includes at least a first spring and a second spring which are spaced from one another, and wherein the drive device is at least partly located between the first spring and the second spring.

9. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 3, wherein a direction of rotation of the sweeping element in opposition to the spring force is clockwise, and in particular a direction of rotation of the sweeping element when it is moved by the spring force is counterclockwise.

10. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, comprising a suction device having a suction unit and at least one suction nozzle which is fluidically connected to the suction unit and is directed towards the cleaning roller for the removal of fluid at the cleaning roller by suction.

11. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 10, wherein, in a cleaning mode, the sweeping element is located between a surface to be cleaned, towards which the cleaning roller is directed, and the at least one suction nozzle.

12. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein, in a cleaning mode, the surface cleaning machine is placed or supported on a surface to be cleaned solely by way of the cleaning roller.

13. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 12, wherein the sweeping edge is arranged to be movably rotatable on the cleaning roller holder such that, in any angular position relative to the surface to be cleaned within an operating range of the surface cleaning machine, a spacing between the sweeping element and the cleaning roller, and in particular a spacing between the sweeping element and a contact region of the cleaning roller on the surface to be cleaned, is at least approximately constant.

14. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein, in a cleaning mode with the surface cleaning machine being pushed forwards, a direction of rotation of the cleaning roller is clockwise.

15. A surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein an angular range for the rotatability of the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder comprises at least 20° in relation to a starting position, wherein in the starting position the sweeping element is deflected to a minimal extent in relation to the cleaning roller holder.

16. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping element has a sliding region for sliding on the cleaning roller holder.

17. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 16, wherein the sliding region takes the form of a cylinder shell or part of a cylinder shell.

18. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 16, wherein the cleaning roller holder has an inside that faces the cleaning roller and on which the sliding region of the sweeping element is slidable.

19. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 16, wherein the sliding region has a rigid construction.

20. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 16, wherein the sliding region is of a sufficiently flexible construction for it to be bucklable away from the cleaning roller as a result of accumulations of dirt.

21. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping element has a region for abutment against a surface to be cleaned that is arranged in particular on a sliding region of the sweeping element.

22. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein there is arranged on the cleaning roller holder a first guide device and on the sweeping element a second guide device that cooperates with the first guide device for the purpose of rotatable guidance of the sweeping element on the cleaning roller holder.

23. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 22, wherein the second guide device has guide elements that are arranged on end sides of the sweeping element and cooperate with counter-guiding elements of the first guide device that are arranged on end sides of the cleaning roller holder, and wherein at least one of the first guide device and the second guide device provides a guide track.

24. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping element is guided on a circular track on the cleaning roller holder.

25. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, wherein when the surface cleaning machine having a cleaning roller placed on a surface to be cleaned is pushed in a forward direction, the sweeping element, remote from the forward direction, covers the cleaning roller to the rear and lies on the surface to be cleaned at least over a length of the cleaning roller.

26. The surface cleaning machine according to claim 1, comprising a wetting device for the cleaning roller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine;

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of a roller region of the surface cleaning machine in FIG. 1;

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a partial illustration of the roller region in FIG. 2;

[0050] FIG. 4 shows a further partial illustration of the roller region in FIG. 2;

[0051] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sweeping element that is arranged on the roller region in FIG. 2;

[0052] FIG. 6 shows a further perspective illustration of the roller region in FIG. 2;

[0053] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view along the plane of section A in FIG. 6;

[0054] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the roller region in the direction B in FIG. 6;

[0055] FIGS. 9(a), (b) show different angular positions of the surface cleaning machine in relation to a surface to be cleaned, with different rotary positions of a sweeping element;

[0056] FIG. 10 shows a perspective illustration of the roller region of a further exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine; and

[0057] FIG. 11 shows a partial illustration of the roller region of a further exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] An exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning machine according to the invention that is shown in FIG. 1 serves for cleaning (hard) floors. It is thus a floor cleaning machine. The floor surface cleaning machine 10 includes a device body 12 having a housing 14. Arranged protected in the housing 14 are components of the floor surface cleaning machine 10.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, there is arranged in the housing 14 a suction unit 16 that includes a fan device and a motor device (in particular an electric motor device) for driving the fan device. By way of the suction unit 16, a suction stream is generated in order to bring about removal by suction at a cleaning head 18.

[0060] Further arranged in the housing 14 is a separating device 20 that separates off from one another solid and liquid components in a suction stream.

[0061] Further arranged in the housing 14 is a reservoir device 22 for dirty liquid (drawn in by suction). The reservoir device 22 is in particular removably located on the housing 14.

[0062] The surface cleaning machine 10 includes a wetting device 24 by way of which a cleaning roller 26 of the cleaning head 18 can be supplied with cleaning liquid (water, or water with an additional detergent). Arranged in the housing 14 is a reservoir device 28 for cleaning liquid that provides the wetting device 24 with this cleaning liquid.

[0063] The surface cleaning machine 10 is hand-held. A holder 30 is arranged on the device body 12. This holder 30 includes a holding rod 32, on the end region whereof a handle 34 is seated. The handle 34 in particular takes the form of a stirrup-shaped handle. Operating elements, and in particular a switch for switching on and off corresponding devices of the surface cleaning machine 10, are arranged in the region of the handle 34.

[0064] A winding device 36 for a mains cable may be arranged on the holding rod 32.

[0065] The cleaning head 18 is located on the device body 12 at an end remote from the handle 34. It is for example arranged to be pivotal on the device body 12.

[0066] The cleaning head 18 includes a cleaning roller holder 38 on which the cleaning roller 26 is seated.

[0067] Associated with the cleaning roller 26 is a drive device 40 that includes in particular a drive motor. The drive device 40 is arranged in the housing 14 or in the cleaning head 18.

[0068] In one exemplary embodiment, part of the drive device 40 is arranged in the housing 14 and part is arranged on the cleaning head 18.

[0069] The drive device 40 in particular includes an electric motor. The latter provides a torque for the purpose of driving the cleaning roller 26 in rotation about an axis of rotation 42.

[0070] In one mode of the surface cleaning machine 10, the latter is placed on the surface to be cleaned by way of the cleaning roller 26 and is supported thereon solely by the cleaning roller 26. A person operating the surface cleaning machine 10 holds it by the handle 34, wherein in normal operation the person is standing. The person operating the surface cleaning machine 10 can adjust an angular position thereof (an angular position of the holding rod 32) in relation to the surface to be cleaned. This is done by way of the angular positioning of the whole device 10 in relation to the surface to be cleaned.

[0071] A pivot axis 44 for an angular movement of this kind (compare also FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)) is formed by the region for abutment of the cleaning roller 26 against a surface 46 to be cleaned.

[0072] A pivot axis 48 for the possibility of pivoting by the cleaning head 18 in relation to the device body 12 lies transversely to this pivot axis 44 or transversely to the axis of rotation 42.

[0073] The cleaning roller 26 has a longitudinal axis 50. This longitudinal axis 50 is coaxial with the axis of rotation 42. In a cleaning mode of the surface cleaning machine 10, the longitudinal axis 50 lies coaxially with the surface 46 to be cleaned. The pivot axis 44 for pivoting of the whole device 10 in relation to the surface 46 to be cleaned is at least approximately parallel to this longitudinal axis 50.

[0074] As indicated in FIG. 2 by the reference numeral 52, the cleaning roller 26 is provided with a jacket.

[0075] The cleaning head 18 (compare also FIGS. 3 to 8) having the cleaning roller holder 38 is provided for an in particular detachable connection to the device body 12. It includes a connection piece 54 that is arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38 and by way of which the cleaning head 38 is pivotally mounted on the device body 12.

[0076] One or more liquid lines 56 lead from the wetting device 24, which is arranged in particular on the housing 14, to the wetting device 24 of the cleaning head 18. Arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38 are nozzles by way of which cleaning liquid may be applied to the cleaning roller 26.

[0077] For operation of the surface cleaning machine 10, it is provided in particular for cleaning liquid not to be applied directly to the surface 46 to be cleaned but for the cleaning roller 26 to be moistened by means of its jacket 52 and then for the moistened cleaning roller 26 to be applied to the surface 46 to be cleaned.

[0078] Further, one or more connectors 58 for a suction stream are provided on the cleaning head 18, in this case on the cleaning roller holder 38. A connector 58 of this kind is fluidically connected to the suction unit 16 by way of one or more suction lines.

[0079] There is arranged on the cleaning roller holder (at least) one suction nozzle 60 (compare FIG. 7) that is directed towards the cleaning roller 26. The suction nozzle 60 is fluidically connected to the connector 58 and hence to the suction unit 16. A stream having a negative pressure acts on the suction nozzle 60. This stream removes dirt by suction.

[0080] In one exemplary embodiment, when the cleaning roller 26 is placed on the surface 46 to be cleaned, the suction nozzle 60 is arranged above the cleaning roller 26 in relation to the surface 46 to be cleaned.

[0081] In one exemplary embodiment, the suction nozzle 60 has a first nozzle wall 62 and a second nozzle wall 64. Formed between these is the suction nozzle 60, with a corresponding nozzle opening. The first nozzle wall 62 lies above the second nozzle wall 64. The first nozzle wall 62 and/or the second nozzle wall 64 abut against the jacket 52 of the cleaning roller 26 or in particular project into it. This embodiment is described in the international patent application PCT/EP2013/076445, dated 12 Dec. 2013, of the same Applicant, which is not a prior publication. Reference is made to the content of that document in its entirety.

[0082] The cleaning head 18 has a sweeping element 66 that is associated with the cleaning roller 26.

[0083] In a (“normal”) cleaning mode, for example the surface cleaning machine 10 is pushed forwards in a forward direction 68 (compare FIG. 1). The cleaning roller 26 rotates in a clockwise direction 70. A region of the cleaning roller 26 is moistened by the wetting device 24 before it makes contact with the surface 46 to be cleaned. This region then rotates towards the surface 46 to be cleaned. Dirt is loosened. By rotating the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned, dirt is carried along and supplied to the suction nozzle 60. Removal by suction can take place there.

[0084] Coarse dirt which was for example not carried along directly by the cleaning roller 26 can be “collected” by the sweeping element 66 and then carried along by way of the cleaning roller 26.

[0085] The sweeping element 66 is arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38. The sweeping element 66 is transported in a translational movement as a result of being fixed to the cleaning roller holder 38. The sweeping element 66 is mechanically uncoupled from rotation of the cleaning roller 26.

[0086] In a cleaning mode, the sweeping element 66 covers a rear side of the cleaning head 18, wherein the rear side lies behind the cleaning roller 26, in the opposite direction to the forward direction 68. The sweeping element 66 extends at least and in particular substantially exactly over the length of the cleaning roller 26 along the longitudinal axis 50. In normal operation, the sweeping element 66 abuts against the surface 46 to be cleaned.

[0087] In a normal operation, the sweeping element 66 is located between the surface 46 to be cleaned and the suction nozzle 60.

[0088] The sweeping element 66 is held rotatably on the cleaning roller holder 38. An axis of rotation 71 (compare for example FIG. 3) for rotatability of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38 is parallel to, and in particular coaxial with, the axis of rotation 42 about which the cleaning roller 26 rotates.

[0089] The sweeping element 66 is in particular guided on a circular track.

[0090] For this purpose, the cleaning roller holder 38 is provided with a first guide device 72 for the sweeping element 66. The first guide device 72 (FIGS. 2 to 6) is arranged on an inside 74 of the cleaning roller holder 38 that faces the cleaning roller 26.

[0091] The sweeping element 66 is provided with a second guide device 76 that cooperates with the first guide device 72 of the cleaning roller holder 38, for guiding the sweeping element 66 on a circular track on the cleaning roller holder 38.

[0092] The second guide device 76 (FIG. 5) has guide elements 78a, 78b arranged on end sides of the sweeping element 66. The guide elements 78a, 78b each have an insertion region 80, for example in a dovetail shape.

[0093] The first guide device 72 has, associated with the guide elements 78a, 78b, guide tracks 82 that are in each case on end sides of the cleaning roller holder 38 and into which the respective insertion region 80 penetrates. This therefore produces a forced guidance (on a circular track) of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38.

[0094] The drive device 40 includes a transmission 84. This in turn includes a partial region 86 (FIGS. 2 to 4) that is arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38, facing the inside 74. This region 86 is in this case arranged centrally between opposite end sides 88a, 88b of the cleaning roller holder 38.

[0095] The cleaning roller 26 is for example made in two parts and is seated on, and driven by way of, the region 86.

[0096] A separator 90 is seated on the cleaning roller holder 38, on the inside 74 and centrally between the end sides 88a, 88b. This separator 90 serves to separate dirt and dirty fluid to left and right.

[0097] The sweeping element 66 includes a sliding region 94. This sliding region 94 takes the form for example of a cylinder shell or part of a cylinder shell. The sliding region 94 is for example made from a metal material and for example from a metal sheet.

[0098] The sliding region 94 abuts against the inside 74 of the cleaning roller holder 38 and, when the sweeping element 66 is moved in rotation, slides thereon.

[0099] A region 96 for abutment is seated on the sliding region 94 of the sweeping element 66. The region 96 for abutment forms an abutment lip against the surface 46 to be cleaned. The region 96 for abutment is made from a resilient material and in particular rubber material, in order to achieve an abutment that may be well adapted to the surface 46 to be cleaned.

[0100] In principle, the sliding region 94 may be made with a rigidity such that in normal mode there is no flexible deformation.

[0101] In an alternative embodiment, the sliding region 94 is made sufficiently flexible for buckling of the cleaning roller 26 away downwards (in opposition to the forward direction 68) to be possible. Buckling of this kind may result from an accumulation of dirt and may in some circumstances enhance the cleaning action.

[0102] In addition, the sweeping element 66 is supported by way of a resilient device 98 on the cleaning roller holder 38 (FIGS. 5 to 7). The resilient device 98 provides a spring force 100 that tends to press the sweeping element 66, with the region 96 for abutment, onto the surface 46 to be cleaned. This spring force 100 causes the sweeping element 66 to rotate counterclockwise in relation to the cleaning roller holder 38. The spring force 100 tends to produce a maximum (rotational) deflection of the sweeping element 66 in relation to the cleaning roller holder 38.

[0103] This maximum rotatability is limited by an abutment. In particular, an abutment of the guide elements 78a, 78b against a corresponding abutment element of the guide track 82 limits further rotatability.

[0104] For rotation of the sweeping element 66 in relation to the cleaning roller holder 38 in a clockwise direction (indicated in FIG. 9(a) by the reference numeral 104), the spring force 100 of the resilient device 98 must be overcome.

[0105] The resilient device 98 in particular takes a form such that the force G of the weight of the surface cleaning machine 10 is sufficient to overcome the spring force.

[0106] Further, the resilient device takes a form such that the sweeping element 66 does not slide below the cleaning roller 26 under the action of the spring force 100 and raise it. By an appropriate dimensioning of the resilient device 98, the possibility that the cleaning roller 26 will be raised as a result of the sweeping element 66 is thus avoided.

[0107] Changing an angular position 106 of the floor surface cleaning machine 10 (in relation to a longitudinal axis 108 of this machine) then has the effect that the sweeping element 66 is automatically brought into a correct rotary position relative to the cleaning roller holder 38. As a result, an optimum sweeping result and hence cleaning result can be achieved, regardless of the angular position 106 of the floor surface cleaning machine 10.

[0108] An angular range for the rotatability of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38 on its circular track lies in the range of at least 20° and in particular at least 30° and in particular at least 40°. In one exemplary embodiment, this angular range is about 55°. A starting position (zero angle) is defined by minimum deflection. For this, an abutment 102 is arranged on the sweeping element 66 (FIG. 8). The cleaning roller holder 38 has a counter-element 103, and when the abutment 102 abuts against the counter-element 103 the starting position (0° position) prevails. Taking this position as a starting point, rotation in the above-mentioned angular range may then be made possible.

[0109] As already mentioned above, the actual angular position of the sweeping element 66 in relation to the cleaning roller holder 38 and hence the rotary angle in relation to the starting position then depends on the angular position 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10 in relation to the surface 46 to be cleaned.

[0110] The resilient device 98 includes a spring device 110 which is supported at one end 112 against the cleaning roller holder 38 and at an opposite end 114 against the sweeping element 66, in order that the corresponding spring force 100 for rotary driving of the sweeping element 66 can be exerted. (If the cleaning head 18 is seated immovably on the device body 12, the spring device 110 can also be supported against the device body 12 at the end 112.)

[0111] In one exemplary embodiment, the spring device 110 includes a first spring 116 and a second spring 118. The first spring 116 and the second spring 118 take the form for example of helical springs.

[0112] The first spring 116 and the second spring 118 are spaced in a direction between end sides of the sweeping element 66.

[0113] The first spring 116 and the second spring 118 are arranged such that a part of the drive device 40 is guided between them to the region 86.

[0114] The separator 90 lies between the first spring 116 and the second spring 118.

[0115] For fixing the spring device 110, a support element 120 is arranged on the cleaning roller holder 38, respectively associated with the first spring 116 and the second spring 118. A first housing part 122 is articulated to pivot on this support element 120 at a pivot bearing 124. A pivot axis of the pivot bearing 124 lies parallel to the axis of rotation 71 of the sweeping element 66.

[0116] The first housing part 122 takes for example a cylindrical form.

[0117] The corresponding spring 116 or 118 is supported by way of its end 112 against a base 126 of this first housing part 122, wherein this base 126 is closest to the pivot bearing 124.

[0118] Further, a second housing part 128 is provided. This second housing part 128 is pushed onto the first housing part 122 in the manner of a sleeve.

[0119] The second housing part 128 is articulated to pivot on the sweeping element 66 by way of a pivot bearing 130. A pivot axis of the pivot bearing 130 is parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot bearing 124 and hence parallel to the axis of rotation 71.

[0120] The second housing part 128 has a base 132 that is closest to the pivot bearing 130. The corresponding spring 116 or 118 is supported against the base 132 by way of the end 114.

[0121] The first housing part 122 and the second housing part 128 form a housing. The corresponding spring 116 or 118 is arranged protected in the interior thereof.

[0122] As a result of the pivotal articulation of the spring 116 and 118 respectively both on the cleaning roller holder 38 and on the sweeping element 66 by way of the first housing part 122 and the second housing part 128, the spring force 100 may be exerted in any rotary position of the sweeping element 66 in relation to the cleaning roller holder 38 on the corresponding circular track.

[0123] For cleaning a surface 46 to be cleaned (for example a floor surface), the surface cleaning machine 10 functions as follows:

[0124] The surface cleaning machine 10 is placed on the surface 46 to be cleaned by the cleaning roller 26, with a load-bearing line 47. A person operating the surface cleaning machine 10 holds it for example with one hand, by the handle 34. In so doing, the person adjusts an angular position 106 between the surface cleaning machine 10 and the surface 46 to be cleaned. This angular position 106 can be varied (compare FIG. 9(b)) in order for example to carry out cleaning under an item of furniture.

[0125] By actuating a switch, the surface cleaning machine 10 is set in operation. Here, rotation of the cleaning roller 26 about the axis of rotation 42 is actuated. This is driven by the drive device 40. Further, the suction unit 16 is actuated, and this generates a suction stream that is applied to the cleaning roller 26 at the suction nozzle 60. Further, the cleaning roller 26 is wetted by the wetting device 24.

[0126] If for example the surface cleaning machine 10 is pushed forwards, in the forward direction 68 (FIG. 1), then the cleaning roller 26 preferably rotates in a clockwise direction 70.

[0127] The moist cleaning roller 26 applies moisture to the surface 46 to be cleaned, and this detaches dirt. The rotation of the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned causes dirt to be carried along by the cleaning roller 26. Removal by suction is performed at the suction nozzle 60.

[0128] The sweeping element 66 serves to collect coarse dirt that has not (initially) been carried along by the cleaning roller 26 and to supply it to the cleaning roller 26. This coarse dirt can then be carried along by the cleaning roller 26 and removed by suction. The sweeping element 66 abuts against the surface 46 to be cleaned by means of the sweeping edge 67, over a load-bearing line 69.

[0129] The region 96 for abutment abuts against the surface 46 to be cleaned and ensures that material is carried along appropriately.

[0130] According to the invention, the sweeping element 66 is held rotationally movably on the cleaning roller holder 38. The sweeping element 66 is spring-loaded by the resilient device 98.

[0131] This automatically ensures that the sweeping element 66 abuts with the region 96 for abutment against the surface 46 to be cleaned in all angular positions 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10 in relation to the surface 46 to be cleaned. The spring force 100 of the resilient device 98 presses this region 96 for abutment with the sweeping edge 67 against the surface 46 to be cleaned.

[0132] If the angle 106 is made smaller (compare FIG. 9(b)), then, as a result of the rotational movability of the sweeping element 66, the latter can be entrained. When the spring force 100 is overcome, there is a movement in a clockwise direction 104. In particular, the force G of the weight of the surface cleaning machine 10 is sufficient to overcome the spring force 100 accordingly. Where appropriate, a (slight) pressure by the person operating the machine can provide for the movement.

[0133] A spacing D between the load-bearing lines 69 and 47 (taking the form of a spacing between the points of contact of the sweeping element 66 and the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned) is minimized, regardless of the angle 106.

[0134] This produces a substantially constant spacing (gap) between the rotating cleaning roller 26 and the sweeping element 66, and in particular between the region 96 for abutment, where there is abutment against the surface 46 to be cleaned, and a load-bearing region of the cleaning roller 26 on the surface 46 to be cleaned. There is no skewing. The sweeping element 66, with a sweeping edge, provides for sweeping up coarse dirt, and guiding away by way of the cleaning roller 26 is ensured at any angular position 106.

[0135] The variability of the angular position 106 has the effect of ensuring a constant spacing, because of the rotational movability of the sweeping element 66 on the cleaning roller holder 38. A region between the sweeping element 66 and the cleaning roller 26 forms a suction duct 134 that is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 60. As a result of the rotational movability of the sweeping element 66, the length of an arc between the surface 46 to be cleaned and a projection of a nozzle of the duct 132 onto the surface 46 to be cleaned is bridged in a variable manner, and the corresponding spacing is kept substantially the same, regardless of the angular position 126.

[0136] Regardless of the angular position 106 of the surface cleaning machine 10, coarse dirt that accumulates at the sweeping element 66 can be swept up and guided away with the aid of the cleaning roller 26.

[0137] By means of its spring force 100, the resilient device 98 restores the sweeping element 66 if for example the angle for an angular position 106 is made larger (change-over from the position in FIG. 9(b) to the position in FIG. 9(a)).

[0138] As already mentioned above, in principle the sliding region 94 of the sweeping element 66 may have a rigid construction. In the case of a flexible construction, buckling away from the cleaning roller 26 may be allowed. In a corresponding buckling region, it is then possible to accumulate coarse dirt in particular during lowering (as the angle for the angular position 106 is made smaller). When the surface cleaning machine 10 is raised (as the angle for the angular position 106 is made larger), this accumulated coarse dirt can then be transported away.

[0139] In an alternative embodiment which is shown schematically in FIG. 10, the cleaning head is in principle of the same construction as that described above. For like elements, like reference numerals are used. This exemplary embodiment differs in the construction of the resilient device. In this case, a resilient device 134 is provided. The resilient device 134 includes torsion springs 136 that are arranged on each end side of the corresponding sweeping element 66. A torsion spring 136 is in this case supported against the sweeping element 66. Further, a torsion spring 136 is supported against an element 138 that is part of the cleaning roller holder 38 or is fixedly connected thereto. This element 138 is arranged in an interior 140 of the cleaning roller holder 38. The cleaning roller 26 is also located in this interior 140.

[0140] The element 138 is for example a rod that lies coaxially with the cleaning roller 26 and lies for example in an interior of the cleaning roller 36. Here, the cleaning roller 36 in particular takes the form of a hollow roller.

[0141] In a further exemplary embodiment (FIG. 11), a resilient device 142 is provided that has a rubber spring 144 for generating the spring force 100. This rubber spring 144 is in turn supported against the cleaning roller holder 38 and the sweeping element 66.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0142] 10 Surface cleaning machine [0143] 12 Device body [0144] 14 Housing [0145] 16 Suction unit [0146] 18 Cleaning head [0147] 20 Separating device [0148] 22 Reservoir device [0149] 24 Wetting device [0150] 26 Cleaning roller [0151] 28 Reservoir device [0152] 30 Holder [0153] 32 Holding rod [0154] 34 Handle [0155] 36 Winding device [0156] 38 Cleaning roller holder [0157] 40 Drive device [0158] 42 Axis of rotation [0159] 44 Pivot axis [0160] 46 Surface to be cleaned [0161] 47 Load-bearing line [0162] 44 Pivot axis [0163] 50 Longitudinal axis [0164] 52 Jacket [0165] 54 Connection piece [0166] 56 Line [0167] 58 Connector [0168] 60 Suction nozzle [0169] 62 First nozzle wall [0170] 64 Second nozzle wall [0171] 66 Sweeping element [0172] 67 Sweeping edge [0173] 68 Forward direction [0174] 69 Load-bearing line [0175] 70 Clockwise direction [0176] 71 Axis of rotation [0177] 72 First guide device [0178] 74 Inside [0179] 76 Second guide device [0180] 78a, b Guide element [0181] 80 Insertion region [0182] 82 Guide track [0183] 84 Transmission [0184] 86 Region [0185] 88a, b End side [0186] 90 Separator [0187] 92 Sliding surface [0188] 94 Sliding region [0189] 96 Region for abutment [0190] 98 Resilient device [0191] 100 Spring force [0192] 102 Abutment [0193] 103 Counter-element [0194] 104 Clockwise direction [0195] 106 Angular position [0196] 108 Longitudinal axis [0197] 110 Spring device [0198] 112 End [0199] 114 End [0200] 116 First spring [0201] 118 Second spring [0202] 120 Support element [0203] 122 First housing part [0204] 124 Pivot bearing [0205] 126 Base [0206] 128 Second housing part [0207] 130 Pivot bearing [0208] 132 Duct [0209] 134 Resilient device [0210] 136 Torsion spring [0211] 138 Element [0212] 140 Interior [0213] 142 Resilient device [0214] 144 Rubber spring