DE102021203332B3 - Device for cleaning a floor cloth - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning device for cleaning a floor cloth for an automatic floor cleaner comprises a radially water-permeable drum which is set up to accommodate the floor cloth on its lateral surface; a moistening device for the floor cloth attached to the drum; and a controller for controlling the drum so that the floor cloth is pulled from or attached to a floor cleaner traveling over the drum.

Description

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a floor cloth. In particular, the invention relates to the cleaning of a floor cloth of an automatic floor cleaner.

An automatic floor cleaner is designed to automatically clean a floor surface. In particular, the floor area can be in a household and the cleaning can be carried out by vacuuming or mopping. Some floor cleaners have a type of mop that is run across the floor to clean the floor. The mop can be used dry or wet and is better at removing certain types of dirt from the floor than a vacuum cleaner.

If the mop is operated for a longer period of time, it can become saturated with dirt so that it cannot pick up any more dirt. A cleaning or care effect of the mop can then be reduced. To restore the cleaning ability of the floor cleaner, the mop can be cleaned or replaced by an operator. However, due to the necessary intervention, it is not possible for the floor cleaner to clean a larger floor area unattended. The need for regular intervention in the floor cleaner's cleaning operation may challenge its automatic cleaning purpose.

WO 2020/125 774 A1 proposes designing the mop as a type of cartridge that can be automatically changed in a base station of the floor cleaner. However, dirty cartridges still need to be removed from the base station and fresh cartridges provided.

An object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for automatically cleaning a floor cloth for an automatic floor cleaner. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims reflect preferred embodiments.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for cleaning a floor cloth for an automatic floor cleaner comprises a radially water-permeable drum which is set up to receive the floor cloth on its lateral surface; a moistening device for the floor cloth attached to the drum; and a controller for controlling the drum so that the floor cloth is pulled from or attached to a floor cleaner traveling over the drum.

It is particularly preferred that the control device is set up to automatically take over the floor cloth from the floor cleaner and/or to automatically hand over a cleaned floor cloth back to the floor cleaner so that the latter can use the floor cloth for further cleaning. By using the cleaning device, intervention by a user to clean or replace a soiled floor cloth on the floor cleaner can be omitted. The floor cloth cleaned by means of the cleaning device can be reused on the floor cleaner, so that environmental pollution can be reduced as a result of multiple use. The floor sheet may comprise a flexible sheet; a frame, cartridge or other rigid element to make it suitable for use with the floor cleaner may not be required.

The floor cloth can be attached to the floor cleaner by means of a Velcro fastener, for example. In this way, the floor cloth can be held securely on the floor cleaner for cleaning and still be pulled off the floor cleaner using the drum. The floor cloth can be attached to the floor cleaner simply by pressing on it. While the floor cleaner runs over the drum, the drum can rotate so that the floor cloth is wound or unwound on the drum.

A direction of movement of the floor cleaner when picking up the floor cloth can be opposite to its direction of movement when dispensing. In one embodiment, the rotation of the drum is controlled by the cleaning device, in another it is caused by the removal of the floor cloth by the floor cleaner. The handing over of the floor cloth from the cleaning device to the floor cleaner can essentially take place in the opposite manner to the picking up.

A side of the rolled-up floor cloth that faces the floor during use on the floor cleaner can point to a radial inner side of the drum. The moistening device can rinse the floor cloth in a radial direction in order to loosen dirt from the cloth. In one embodiment, the floor cloth is rinsed radially from the outside in and soiled lye can be discharged in an axial or tangential direction.

Preferably, the drum includes a first gripping member for engaging the floorcloth as the floor cleaner travels over the drum and for pulling the floorcloth from the floor cleaner. The intervention can take place in a form-fitting manner and, for example, use a loop attached to the floor cloth. Alternatively, the intervention can also take place in a non-positive manner, in particular by means of a the floor cloth sticking to the drum. As a result of the intervention, the floor cloth can be automatically transferred from the floor cleaner to the cleaning device.

The first gripping element is preferably set up to grip in the area of a front edge of the floor cloth; wherein the drum comprises a second gripping element which is set up to grip the floor cloth in the region of a rear edge. The front and rear edges of the floor cloth result from a movement of the floor cleaner relative to the cleaning device. A further loop can be provided on the floor cloth for engaging the second gripping element. By using two gripping elements, the floor cloth can be held completely securely on the drum. A detachment of the floor cloth during a cleaning process can be prevented. The floor cloth stretched on the drum in this way is less likely to slip or crease during a cleaning process, so that it can then be automatically attached to the floor cleaner in an improved manner.

The first and/or the second gripping element can be radially movable on the drum, it being possible for a radial depression to be provided on the drum in the region of the gripping element in order to accommodate the gripping element. The gripping element can be pulled into the radial depression after it has positively engaged in the floor cloth. Thereafter, the gripping element cannot protrude radially beyond a circumference of the drum. Access to the floor cloth can be improved for cleaning, and unintentional removal of the floor cloth by gripping the drum in the region of a section of the floor cloth that is positively connected to a gripping element can be prevented.

The gripping element can be set up to clamp the floor cloth on the drum. As a result, the floor cloth can be held on the drum by means of a force fit. The frictional connection can take place as an alternative or in addition to a positive connection that can exist between the gripping element and the floor cloth. The floor cloth can be clamped in particular in the region of the recess by means of the gripping element, so that the floor cloth can be tensioned on the outer lateral surface of the drum as part of a clamping process. The formation of creases in the floor cloth can be reduced as a result, so that the floor cloth can be cleaned in an improved manner and, after cleaning, can be attached to the floor cleaner in an improved manner.

A tub can be provided below the drum. The tub is set up to collect liquid running off the drum and/or the roller. The drum can be partially immersed in the suds in the suds container. The moistening device can be supplied with liquid from the tub, so that the liquid can be circulated in the cleaning device in a resource-saving manner. The tub can be set up to separate sediments or suspended matter in the liquid, so that the liquid provided to the moistening device can have a reduced dirt load. Furthermore, a filter or another device for separating dirt from the liquid can be provided. The tub can be removed from the cleaning device in order to be able to dispose of dirty liquid after a cleaning process. Uncontaminated liquid can be filled into the tub or a separate liquid container.

The cleaning device can further comprise a roller with radial processing elements; wherein the control device is configured to control the drum and the roller in such a way that the processing elements engage the floor cloth in order to clean it.

The roller is preferably mounted parallel to the drum at a predetermined distance and may have different circumferential sections to perform different functions. Various machining elements can be attached to the sections. To select one of the functions, the roller can be brought into a corresponding position with respect to the drum.

In one embodiment, an axially extending sealing lip is attached to the roller to seal a radial gap between the drum and the roller. An area above the sealing lip between the drum and the roller can then be flooded with water, for example to loosen coarse dirt from the floor cloth. The drum can also be rotated in relation to the stationary roller so that the sealing lip brushes the floor cloth. This allows water to be wiped off the floor cloth.

An axially extending recess may also be provided on the roller to form a radial gap between the drum and the roller. In this way, the drum can be rotated about its axis of rotation in an improved manner without the roller coming into contact with the drum or the floor cloth attached to the lateral surface of the drum. In particular when the floor cloth is transferred between the cleaning device and the floor cleaner, a potentially disruptive Influence of the roller can be prevented. The recess can adjoin the sealing lip in the circumferential direction, so that the sealing lip has increased flexibility for bending over in the circumferential direction. Two recesses can also be provided, which lie on different sides of the sealing lip in the circumferential direction. The two recesses can be of different sizes.

The moistening device is preferably set up to convey a liquid into an area between the drum and the roller. In this way, the floor cloth can be treated directly with water in an improved manner. Dirt contained in the floor cloth can be specifically flushed out by the liquid. The liquid is preferably water based and may include a detergent.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a base station for an automatic floor cleaner comprises a cleaning device as described herein for cleaning a floor cloth for the automatic floor cleaner. The base station can additionally be set up to supply the floor cleaner in a different way.

For example, the base station can supply the floor cleaner with electrical energy and/or fresh water. In addition, the base station can take dirt or dirty liquid from the floor cleaner. In addition, the base station can exchange data with the floor cleaner, in particular with regard to cleaning of the floor surface that has already taken place or is about to take place.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning a floor cloth of an automatic floor cleaner comprises steps of automatically taking over the floor cloth from the floor cleaner to a cleaning device while the floor cleaner runs over the cleaning device; cleaning the floor cloth in the cleaning device; and automatically attaching the floor cloth to the floor cleaner as the floor cleaner passes over the cleaning device. The method can be carried out in particular by means of a cleaning device described herein.

According to yet another aspect, a system comprises an automatic floor cleaner and a cleaning device as described herein, wherein the floor cleaner is configured to receive a floor cloth on its underside; to guide the floor cloth over a floor in order to clean it and to drive it over the cleaning device in order to transfer the floor cloth to or from the cleaning device. Furthermore, the floor cleaner and the cleaning device can be set up to attach a floor cloth cleaned by means of the cleaning device to the underside of the floor cleaner.

• 1 ein System mit einem automatischen Bodenreiniger und einer Basisstation;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• 3 eine Trommel für eine Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• 4 eine Walze für eine Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• 5A-5D Schritte einer Übernahme eines Bodentuchs von einem Bodenreiniger an eine Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• 6A-6E Schritte der Reinigung eines Bodentuchs mittels einer Reinigungsvorrichtung;
• 7A-7D Schritte einer Übergabe eines Bodentuchs von einer Reinigungsvorrichtung an einen Bodenreiniger

darstellt.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

• 1 a system with an automatic floor cleaner and a base station;
• 2 a schematic representation of a cleaning device;
• 3 a drum for a cleaning device;
• 4 a roller for a cleaning device;
• 5A-5D Steps of taking over a floor cloth from a floor cleaner to a cleaning device;
• 6A-6E steps of cleaning a floor cloth by a cleaning device;
• 7A-7D Steps of transferring a floor cloth from a cleaning device to a floor cleaner

represents.

1 shows a system 100 with an automatic floor cleaner 105 and a base station 110. The floor cleaner 105 comprises a cleaning device 115 and is set up to clean a floor surface, for example in a household. For this purpose, the floor cleaner 105 usually includes drivable wheels 120 in order to move the floor cleaner 105 on the floor surface. In the illustrated embodiment, a floor roller 125 is additionally provided, which can roll on the floor surface. A wiping device 130 is attached to an underside of the floor cleaner 105, to which a floor cloth 135 can be attached. The attachment can be done in particular by means of a Velcro fastener. The wiping device 130 can be set up to move the floor cloth 135 relative to the floor cleaner 105 while the floor cleaner 105 moves over the floor surface. The movement can in particular be oscillating and can take place, for example, on a circular path or else linearly. It is preferred that an orientation of the floor cloth 135 with respect to a direction of travel of the floor cleaner 105 remains unchanged. In particular, a front edge and a rear edge of the floor cloth 135 can remain in a predetermined relative alignment with respect to a usual direction of travel of the floor cleaner 105 . At the leading edge, one or more first tabs 140 and at the One or more second tabs 145 may be provided at the trailing edge. It is assumed here that the front edge is that edge of the floor cloth 135 which is in the direction of travel when the cleaning device 115 is driven over for the purpose of transferring the floor cloth 135, and the rear edge is accordingly to the rear. The floor cloth 135 can be embodied symmetrically with respect to the edges, so that the front and rear edges can also be interchanged with one another by rotating the floor cloth 135 about a vertical axis.

The floor cleaner 105 is set up to travel to the base station 110 in a predetermined manner in order to replenish supplies, deliver other supplies, exchange data and/or carry out maintenance. Usually, the base station 110 is controlled automatically after a predetermined floor area has been cleaned by the floor cleaner 105 . The base station 110 includes a wedge-shaped driveway 150, in the manner of a ramp. If the floor cleaner 105 drives over the driveway 150, the wiping device 130 with the floor cloth 135 passes a recess in the driveway 150, under which the cleaning device 115 is located. In this way, the cleaning device 115 can come into contact with the floor cloth 135 .

It is proposed that the cleaning device 115 can pull the floor cloth 135 from the wiping device 130 while the floor cleaner 105 runs over the cleaning device 115 . It is also proposed that the cleaning device 115 cleans the pulled-off floor cloth 135 and then attaches it back to the floor cleaner 105 in the reverse manner. For this purpose, the floor cleaner 105 can move in the opposite direction over the recess under which the cleaning device 115 is located.

2 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device 115 in a base station 110. The cleaning device 115 comprises a drum 205, a roller 210, a moistening device 215 and a control device 220. The drum 205 and the roller 210 have mutually parallel axes of rotation and can have essentially the same axial have dimensions. Radiuses of the drum 205 and the roller 210 can match or differ from each other. The axes of rotation preferably run in the horizontal direction. The drum 205 is mounted in the cleaning device 115 such that it is accessible through a recess in the ramp 150 . In particular, a portion of the drum 205 may protrude upward through the recess in the ramp 150 . A drive 225 can each be assigned to the drum 205 and the roller 210 in order to control a movement about the respective axis of rotation. A drive 225 can also be set up to brake a rotation of the drum 205 or the roller 210 . In a further embodiment, a controllable brake is provided instead of a drive 225 .

The humidifying device 215 preferably comprises a controllable pump 230 and one or more nozzles 235. The pump 230 is fed from a container in which there is a liquid. The nozzle 235 may spray or splash the liquid to an area between the drum 205 and the roller 210 , and water dripping from the drum 205 or the roller 210 may be collected in a tub 240 . In the embodiment shown, the tub 240 also serves as a container for liquid that is sucked in by the pump 230 . A filter upstream of pump 230 is in 2 not shown. It is preferable that a plurality of nozzles 235 arranged in a direction parallel to the axes of rotation of the drum 205 and the roller 210 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, two rows of nozzles 235 are provided, one row of which is oriented more towards the drum 205 and the other row more towards the roller 210 .

A first and/or a second gripping device 245 can be attached to the drum 205 . A gripping device 245 is set up to grip the floor cloth 135 in particular in the area of a tab 140, 145. To facilitate engagement, the gripping device 245 can be moved radially outward so that it protrudes around a circumference of the cylindrical barrel 205 . After the gripping device 245 has engaged the floor cloth 135, the gripping device 245 on the drum 205 can be pulled radially inwards. As a result, the floor cloth 135 can be clamped on the drum 205 with a non-positive fit. A recess 250 is preferably made in the area of an outer surface of the drum 205 in the area of the gripping device 245 . The gripping device 245 can then be pulled radially inwards to such an extent that it lies within the depression 250 and no longer protrudes beyond the circular outline of the drum 205 . When the gripping device 245 is pulled in, the floor cloth 135 can be clamped between the gripping device 245 and the drum 205 .

The drum 205 can be shaped as a hollow cylinder, and it can be permeable to water in the radial direction. For example, the drum 205 can be made from a grid or a smooth material can be provided with a large number of radial openings. The drum 205 may have spokes or be closed at axial ends.

The roller 210 preferably comprises a multiplicity of processing elements 255 each extending in the radial direction. The processing elements 255 can be arranged regularly in the circumferential direction. Axially adjacent processing elements 255 can be shifted in the circumferential direction. A sealing lip 260, which is preferably designed to be flexible, can be formed on the roller 210 at one point along the circumference. At another point in the circumferential direction, in particular adjacent to the sealing lip 260, an axially running recess 265 can be provided, which is dimensioned such that there is a continuous gap to the drum 205 by appropriate orientation of the roller 210. For this purpose, the recess 265 can face the drum 205 or its axis of rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, two recesses 265 are provided, which are located on opposite sides of the sealing lip 260 in the circumferential direction.

3 shows a drum 205 with a floor cloth 135. In the upper area, the drum 205 is shown with the floor cloth 135 that has not yet been wound up, in a central area with a wound up, one-sidedly locked floor cloth 135, and in a lower area with a two-sidedly locked floor cloth 135.

The floor cloth 135 is designed in such a way that tabs 140, 145 can protrude in the horizontal direction while the floor cloth 135 is attached to the wiping device 130 (cf. 1 ). In the illustration above 3 the first tabs 140 are inserted in the circumferential direction into a gripping device 245 which is flared radially outwards. In order to transfer the floor cloth 135 to the drum 205, the gripping device 245 can be moved radially inwards in order to create a non-positive connection to the floor cloth 135. The drum 205 can then be rotated so that the floor cloth 135 is wound up on a lateral surface of the drum 205. If the floor cloth 135 is still attached to the floor cleaner 105 during this process, the latter should be moved in a tangential direction to the drum 205 accordingly. A hook-and-loop fastener that holds the floor cloth 135 on the wiping device 130 can be released automatically in the process.

The middle representation of 3 assumes that the floor cloth 135 is completely detached from the wiping device 130 . The floor cleaner 105 can then be moved to a position where it does not interfere with the operation of the cleaning device 115. For example, the floor cleaner 105 can move a little further forwards or backwards. Before or after the floor cloth 135 is separated from the wiping device 130 in the region of the second tabs 145 , the second gripping device 245 can be deployed in the radial direction from the drum 205 . The second tabs 145 can then engage in the second gripping device 245 . The second gripping device 245 can then be pulled radially inward in order to create a non-positive connection to the floor cloth 135 in the area of the second straps 145 .

In the illustration below 3 the second gripping device 245 is also pulled radially inwards and the floor cloth 135 is applied to a circumference of the drum 205.

4 shows a roller 210 for a cleaning device 115. A complete roller 210 is shown in the upper area, and an enlarged axial section is shown in the lower area. Differently shaped processing elements 255 are used.

The roller 210 can be designed in one piece or in multiple pieces. In one embodiment, a body that can be produced from plastic, for example, is provided, to which the processing elements 255 can be attached individually or together. The sealing lip 260 can preferably be manufactured from a flexible material that can be mounted on the roller 210 . For example, a radial groove can be provided on the body of the roller 210, into which the sealing lip 260 can be pushed or drawn.

Various processes on the cleaning device 115 are described in more detail below. This is an example of an embodiment 2 went out. 5A until 5D relate to an automatic transfer of the floor cloth 135 from the floor cleaner 105 to the cleaning device 115.

In 5A a gripping device 245 of the drum 205 is set out radially and engages in first tabs 140 of the floor cloth 135 attached to the underside of the floor cleaner 105 . The roller 210 is positioned with its recess 265 facing the drum 205 so that the drum 205 can be rotated without rubbing against the roller 210 .

In 5B the first gripping device 245 is pulled radially inwards and has established a non-positive connection with the first tabs 140 . The drum 205 has rotated a little clockwise and the floor cleaner 105 has moved up the ramp 150 a corresponding distance to the right in relation to the cleaning device 115 . a movement of the floor cleaner 105 relative to the drum 205 can be matched to a rotation of the drum 205 . For this purpose, the cleaning device 115 and the floor cleaners 105 communicate with one another by means of suitable communication devices. Usually one of the components 105, 115 acts as a controlling element and the other as a controlled element.

In 5C these movements are continued until the floor cloth 135 has been almost completely removed from the floor cleaner 105. The second gripping device 245 is set out radially and engages in the second tabs 145 at the rear end of the floor cloth 135 with respect to a direction of movement of the floor cleaner 105 .

In 5D the second gripping device 245 is also closed and pulled radially inwards, so that a non-positive connection to the floor cloth 135 is also established here. Here, the floor cloth 135 is pulled completely onto a lateral surface of the drum 205 . The floor cleaner 105 is moved in such a manner that it does not interfere with a movement of the drum 205. For this purpose, the floor cleaner 105 can be moved forwards or backwards so far that it is not in contact with the drum 205. Alternatively, the floor cleaner 105 can also be raised by the cleaning device 115 or it can be lowered with respect to the floor cleaner 105 or the ramp 150 .

6A until 6E relate to an exemplary washing process of the floor cloth 135 in the cleaning device 115. The floor cleaner 105 is in a position in which it does not impair the cleaning.

In 6A the roller 210 is rotated in such a way that the sealing lip 260 rests against the drum 205. Liquid is conveyed through the nozzles 235 into an area between the drum 205 and the roller 210, so that the floor cloth 135 is flooded with liquid.

The drum 205 can be rotated clockwise while the roller 210 is stationary, so that liquid from the nozzles 235 can flow through the floor cloth 135 at all points.

In 6B liquid continues to be conveyed through the nozzles 235 while the roller 210 is rotated such that processing elements 255 flex the floor cloth 135 on the surface of the drum 205. The roller 210 can be rotated relative to the drum 205 for this purpose. The drum 205 may be rotated slowly or intermittently to expose all sections of the floor fabric 135 to the action of the working elements 255 .

In 6C the roller 210 is rotated to a similar position as in FIG 6A , but no liquid is pumped out of the nozzles 235. The drum 205 can be rotated clockwise to force liquid radially inward through the bottom sheet 135 or to draw or scrape circumferentially.

In 6D the floor cloth 135 can be processed in a similar way as in 6B , but without the supply of liquid through the nozzles 235. A pile of the floor cloth 135 can be fulled and/or loosened up. The roller 210 can be rotated relative to the floor cloth 135 in any direction or in an oscillating manner.

In 6E the roller 210 is rotated to a position in which it does not contact the floor cloth 135 on the drum 205. In this position, the floor cloth 135 can dry until it is needed again by the floor cleaner 105. A fan can be used to speed up the drying process.

7A until 7D relate to a transfer of the floor cloth 135 from the cleaning device 115 to the floor cleaner 105.

In 7A the second gripping device 245 is open and the floor cloth 135 rests against the underside of the floor cleaner 105 in this area. For this purpose, the floor cleaner 105 can be moved lengthways to a suitable position.

In 7B the floor cleaner 105 has moved a little to the left and the drum 205 has rotated a corresponding amount counterclockwise, so that the floor cloth 135 is unwound from its lateral surface and applied to the underside of the floor cleaner 105 .

7C shows a configuration in which the floor cloth 135 is completely attached to the underside of the floor cleaner 105. The first gripping device 245 is opened in order to separate the floor cloth 135 from the cleaning device 115 .

In 7D the floor cleaner 105 leaves the cleaning device 115 or the base station 110. The drum 205 can remain in the position shown, in which it is possible to take over the floor cloth 135 from the floor cleaner 105 again (cf. 5A ).

Reference List

100

system

105

floor cleaner

110

base station

115

cleaning device

120

wheel

125

floor roller

130

wiping device

135

floor cloth

140

first tab

145

second tab

150

Driveway

205

drum

210

roller

215

humidification device

220

control device

225

drive

230

pump

235

jet

240

tub

245

gripping device

250

indentation, groove

255

editing element

260

sealing lip

265

recess

Claims (13)

Cleaning device (115) for cleaning a floor cloth (135) for an automatic floor cleaner (105), the cleaning device (115) comprising the following: - A radially water-permeable drum (205) which is set up to receive the floor cloth (135) on its lateral surface; - A moistening device (215) for the drum (205) attached to the floor cloth (135); and - A control device (220) for controlling the drum (205) in such a way that the floor cloth (135) is pulled off or attached to a floor cleaner (105) moving over the drum (205). Cleaning device (115) after claim 1 , wherein the drum (205) has a first gripping element (245) for gripping the floor cloth (135) while the floor cleaner (105) travels over the drum (205) and for removing the floor cloth (135) from the floor cleaner (105 ) to be deducted. Cleaning device (115) after claim 2 , wherein the first gripping element (245) is adapted to engage in the region of a front edge of the floor cloth (135); wherein the drum (205) comprises a second gripping element (245) which is set up to engage in the floor cloth (135) in the region of a rear edge. Cleaning device (115) after claim 2 or 3 wherein a gripping member (245) is radially movable on said drum (205); and a radial recess (250) is provided on the drum (205) in the region of the gripping element (245) in order to receive the gripping element (245). Cleaning device (115) according to one of claims 2 until 4 , wherein the gripping element (245) is adapted to pinch the floor cloth (135) on the drum (205). Cleaning apparatus (115) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tub (240) below the drum (205). Cleaning device (115) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a roller (210) with radial working elements (255); wherein the control device (220) is set up to control the drum (205) and the roller (210) in such a way that the processing elements (255) engage in the floor cloth (135) in order to clean it. Cleaning device (115) after claim 7 wherein an axially extending sealing lip (260) is attached to the roller (210) in order to seal a radial gap between the drum (205) and the roller (210). Cleaning device (115) according to one of Claims 7 or 8th wherein an axially extending recess (265) is provided on the roller (210) to form a radial gap between the drum (205) and the roller (210). Cleaning device (115) according to one of Claims 7 until 9 , wherein the moistening device (215) is set up to convey a liquid into an area between the drum (205) and the roller (210). Base station (110) for an automatic floor cleaner (105), the base station (110) comprising a cleaning device (115) according to any one of the preceding claims. Method for cleaning a floor cloth (135) of an automatic floor cleaner (105), the method comprising the following steps: automatically taking over the floor cloth (135) from the floor cleaner (105) to a cleaning device (115) while the floor cleaner (105) is about the cleaning device drives; cleaning the floor cloth (135) in the cleaning device; and automatically attaching the floor cloth (135) to the floor cleaner (105) while the floor cleaner (105) passes over the cleaning device (115). A system (100) comprising an automatic floor cleaner (105) and a cleaning device (115) according to any one of Claims 1 until 10 wherein the floor cleaner (105) is adapted to receive a floor cloth (135) on its underside; to guide the floor cloth (135) over a floor in order to clean it and to drive it over the cleaning device (115) in order to transfer the floor cloth (135) to or from the cleaning device (115).

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