DE102023105865A1 - Liquid tank for a cleaning machine and cleaning machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid tank for a cleaning machine (10) is proposed, comprising a bowl (124) with a receiving space (130), a lid device (146) which is positioned on the bowl (124) and closes the receiving space (130), wherein the lid device (146) can be opened, and a sealing device (156) which sits on the bowl (124) and/or the lid device (146) and, when the lid device (146) is closed, ensures a fluid-tight seal between the lid device (146) and the bowl (124), wherein the lid device (146) is pivotably connected to the bowl (124) about a lid pivot axis (150), wherein a movable handle (202) is arranged on the lid device (146), which has a basic position (208) when the lid device (146) is closed, and wherein an operating device (156) is connected to the handle (202) (220) and a support device (166) for the active device (220) is arranged on the shell (124), wherein when the lid device (146) is in the closed position (154) and the handle (202) is moved out of the basic position (208), the active device (220) is supported on the support device (166) and causes the lid device (146) to pivot out of the closed position (154) about the lid pivot axis (150).

Description

The invention relates to a liquid tank for a cleaning machine, comprising a bowl with a receiving space, a lid device which is positioned on the bowl and closes the receiving space, wherein the lid device can be opened, and a sealing device which sits on the bowl and/or the lid device and ensures a fluid-tight seal between the lid device and the bowl when the lid device is closed.

The invention further relates to a cleaning machine comprising at least one cleaning tool.

The WO 2020/207557 A1 discloses a surface cleaning machine comprising a cleaning head with at least one cleaning roller unit, which is driven for a rotational movement, and a tank device for dirty fluid. A probe device is provided for determining a filling level of the tank device for dirty fluid.

The EP 3 750 466 A1 reveals an autonomous floor cleaner with a carrying handle.

The EN 10 2005 030 982 A1 discloses a gas and liquid tight closure for a container.

The EN 10 2006 061 202 A1 reveals a floor nozzle for a hard floor.

The US 2008/0190969 A1 discloses a precision lid for closing a container for liquid.

The CN2003-341706 reveals a container closure.

The invention is based on the object of providing a liquid tank of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be used in a simple manner by an operator.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the liquid tank mentioned at the outset in that the lid device is pivotably connected to the shell about a lid pivot axis, that a movable handle is arranged on the lid device, which has a basic position when the lid device is closed, and that an operating device is connected to the handle and a support device for the operating device is arranged on the shell, wherein when the lid device is in the closed position and the handle is moved out of the basic position, the operating device is supported on the support device and causes the lid device to pivot out of the closed position about the lid pivot axis.

The basic problem is that when a lid is opened, the liquid tank jolts, which can lead to (dirt-laden) liquid sloshing out.

In the solution according to the invention, a controlled opening takes place starting from a closed lid device via the movable handle, so that jerking during opening and thus also sloshing out of liquid can be largely avoided.

The handle with the operating device, which is supported on the support device of the shell, allows the frictional force of the sealing device to be overcome in a controlled manner during the opening process, thus avoiding a jerking process.

A liquid tank according to the invention can be used in different types of cleaning machines.

It is advantageous if the support device comprises at least one column with a contact surface for the active device, wherein the contact surface in particular forms a guide track for the handle and/or a sliding surface for the active device. The column provides a type of platform by which the active device can be supported on the shell. This results in a simple structural design, since the at least one column guides the contact surface closer to the lid device.

• - die mindestens eine Säule sitzt an einem Boden der Schale, wobei bei geschlossener Deckeleinrichtung diese dem Boden gegenüber positioniert ist;
• - die mindestens eine Säule erstreckt sich in einer Höhenrichtung von einem Boden der Schale weg;
• - es sind eine Mehrzahl von beabstandeten Säulen und es sind insbesondere genau zwei Säulen vorgesehen.

It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided:

• - the at least one column is located on a bottom of the bowl, wherein, when the lid device is closed, it is positioned opposite the bottom;
• - the at least one column extends in a height direction away from a bottom of the shell;
• - there are a plurality of spaced columns and in particular exactly two columns are provided.

This results in a structurally simple structure and easy operation. The columns can also be used for other purposes, such as wise as a holder, especially for hanging fixing on a cleaning machine.

If a plurality of spaced columns are provided, a controlled opening can be achieved in a simple manner, whereby a large receiving volume can be achieved.

It is advantageous if at least one recess for the support device on the shell is arranged on the cover device. This allows the support device on the shell to be acted upon via the active device, which is located on the cover device, in order to obtain a relative movement between the cover device and the shell by pivoting the handle. The recess can be continuous or, for example, like a blind hole.

• - zumindest bei geschlossener Deckeleinrichtung ist mindestens eine Säule und insbesondere genau eine Säule der Abstützeinrichtung in einer entsprechenden Ausnehmung positioniert;
• - es ist eine Dichtungseinrichtung vorgesehen, welche bei geschlossener Deckeleinrichtung für eine fluiddichte Abdichtung zwischen der Abstützeinrichtung und der Deckeleinrichtung an der mindestens einen Ausnehmung sorgt;
• - es ist eine Dichtungseinrichtung an der mindestens einen Ausnehmung und/oder an mindestens einer Säule der Abstützeinrichtung angeordnet;
• - die Wirkeinrichtung wirkt an der mindestens einen Ausnehmung auf die Abstützeinrichtung.

Preferably, at least one of the following is provided:

• - at least when the cover device is closed, at least one column and in particular exactly one column of the support device is positioned in a corresponding recess;
• - a sealing device is provided which, when the cover device is closed, ensures a fluid-tight seal between the support device and the cover device at the at least one recess;
• - a sealing device is arranged on the at least one recess and/or on at least one column of the support device;
• - the active device acts on the support device via at least one recess.

This results in a structurally simple design, whereby the active device can be supported on the shell during the opening process. The sealing device results in a fluid-tight closure of the lid device on the shell when the lid device is in the closed position.

In a structurally favorable embodiment, the active device comprises at least one cam which acts on the support device. The corresponding contour of the at least one cam allows the kinematics of the opening process for the movement of the lid device relative to the bowl to be set in a defined manner. The at least one cam is a control cam for the controlled opening of the lid device starting from the closed position of the lid device, in particular to avoid a jerky opening with the risk of liquid spilling out.

• - es sind eine Mehrzahl von beabstandeten Nocken vorgesehen;
• - eine und insbesondere genau eine Nocke ist einer Säule und insbesondere genau einer Säule der Abstützeinrichtung zugeordnet und an dieser abstützbar.

It is also advantageous if at least one of the following is provided:

• - a plurality of spaced cams are provided;
• - one and in particular exactly one cam is assigned to a column and in particular exactly one column of the support device and can be supported on this.

This results in a structurally simple design.

• - ausgehend von der Grundstellung des Griffs und der geschlossenen Stellung der Deckeleinrichtung stützt sich die Wirkeinrichtung an der Abstützeinrichtung bei Bewegung des Griffs bis zu einem bestimmten Schwenkwinkel der Deckeleinrichtung um die Deckel-Schwenkachse ab;
• - nach Überschreiten des bestimmten Schwenkwinkels ist die Wirkeinrichtung beabstandet zur der Abstützeinrichtung und wirkt nicht mehr auf diese.

It is also advantageous if at least one of the following is provided:

• - starting from the basic position of the handle and the closed position of the lid device, the operating device is supported on the support device when the handle is moved up to a certain pivoting angle of the lid device about the lid pivot axis;
• - after exceeding the specified swivel angle, the active device is spaced from the support device and no longer acts on it.

The active device then rests on the support device only for the defined opening process. When the specific swivel angle is reached and then exceeded, the active device no longer has any effect. This results in a structurally simple design.

In particular, it is advantageous if the sealing device is arranged on the lid device and moves with the movement of the handle, which leads to a pivoting of the lid device. This allows the opening process of the lid device to be carried out in a controlled manner. In particular, a frictional force of the sealing device can be overcome and this also prevents a jerky opening with the risk of liquid spilling out.

Accordingly, it is advantageous if the active device is designed to be adapted to the support device in such a way that when the lid device is opened, a frictional force of the sealing device is overcome by moving the handle. This allows a force-fit connection between the lid device and the bowl to be eliminated when the lid device is closed, minimizing the risk of liquid spilling out of the liquid tank.

In an embodiment which is structurally simple, the handle is hinged to the lid device so that it can pivot about a handle pivot axis. This provides easy access for an operator.

For example, a stop is arranged on the lid device, which forms a swivel angle limit of the handle away from the lid device. Starting from the basic position of the handle, which can be defined as a zero swivel angle, a maximum swivel angle can be set.

• - die Griff-Schwenkachse ist beabstandet zu der Deckel-Schwenkachse;
• - die Griff-Schwenkachse ist parallel zur Deckel-Schwenkachse;
• - die Griff-Schwenkachse ist quer zu einer Höhenerstreckungsrichtung der Abstützeinrichtung orientiert.

It is intended that at least one of the following is present:

• - the handle pivot axis is spaced from the lid pivot axis;
• - the handle pivot axis is parallel to the lid pivot axis;
• - the handle pivot axis is oriented transversely to a vertical extension direction of the support device.

This makes it easy to use.

• - der Griff ist als Zieheinrichtung für einen Bediener zum Ziehen an der Deckeleinrichtung ausgebildet;
• - der Griff mit der Wirkeinrichtung ist als Hebel ausgebildet.

In particular, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is present:

• - the handle is designed as a pulling device for an operator to pull on the lid device;
• - the handle with the operating device is designed as a lever.

A controlled opening can be achieved using the handle. The lid device can also be opened completely using the handle. The handle then serves as a handling element for an operator and, preferably with the operating device, forms a lever for the controlled opening of the lid device.

• - der Griff umfasst ein erstes Bügelelement, ein zu dem ersten Bügelelement beabstandetes zweites Bügelelement, und ein drittes Bügelelement, welches mit dem ersten Bügelelement verbunden ist und mit dem zweiten Bügelelement verbunden ist, wobei der Griff über das erste Bügelelement und das zweite Bügelelement an der Deckeleinrichtung beweglich gelagert ist;
• - an dem ersten Bügelelement sitzt eine erste Nocke der Wirkeinrichtung und an dem zweiten Bügelelement sitzt eine zweite Nocke der Wirkeinrichtung;
• - ein Bügel des Bügelgriffs umgibt einen Verriegelungstaster des Flüssigkeitstanks.

It is advantageous if the handle is designed as a bow handle, in particular with at least one of the following:

• - the handle comprises a first bracket element, a second bracket element spaced from the first bracket element, and a third bracket element which is connected to the first bracket element and is connected to the second bracket element, wherein the handle is movably mounted on the lid device via the first bracket element and the second bracket element;
• - a first cam of the active device is located on the first bracket element and a second cam of the active device is located on the second bracket element;
• - a bracket of the handle surrounds a locking button of the liquid tank.

This makes it easy to use. If the handle bar surrounds a locking button on the liquid tank, the result is a space-saving design.

It is also advantageous if the handle is positioned in a fixing area for securing the liquid tank to the cleaning machine. This results in a space-saving design.

It is particularly advantageous if the handle is assigned a spring device which exerts a spring force on the handle, whereby the spring force strives to bring the handle into the home position. An operator must therefore exert a force to move the handle out of its home position. As soon as he lets go of the handle, it returns to the home position. If, for example, the lid device is returned to the closed position from an open position, the active device in cooperation with the support device does not hinder the closing if the operator does not intervene on the handle.

In one embodiment, the shell has a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a distance direction between the first and the second end is perpendicular to the lid pivot axis. A lid pivot bearing for the pivotability of the lid device about the lid pivot axis is in the region of the first end and the handle is positioned closer to the second end than the lid pivot bearing. This makes it possible in particular for the lid device to be opened widely and in particular completely. In particular, the lid pivot bearing is then a hinge bearing.

• - wenn der Flüssigkeitstank an der Reinigungsmaschine fixiert ist, liegt das zweite Ende des Flüssigkeitstanks an einer Außenkontur der Reinigungsmaschine oder liegt näher zu einer Außenkontur der Reinigungsmaschine als das erste Ende;
• - am ersten Ende ist die Schale gerade ausgebildet.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided:

• - when the liquid tank is fixed to the cleaning machine, the second end of the liquid tank is located on an outer contour of the cleaning machine or is closer to an outer contour of the cleaning machine than the first end;
• - at the first end the shell is straight.

This results in a structurally simple structure. It results in optimized use of space and a large storage volume can be provided.

It is advantageous if the maximum pivoting angle of the lid device relative to the bowl, starting from a closed lid device, is at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, preferably at least 150°, preferably at least 175°, and preferably at least 180°. This allows the liquid tank to be easily emptied and cleaned.

• - die Dichtungseinrichtung zwischen Schale und Deckeleinrichtung ist umlaufend an der Deckeleinrichtung und/oder an der Schale angeordnet;
• - die Dichtungseinrichtung umfasst eine Radialdichtung;
• - in der geschlossenen Stellung der Deckeleinrichtung ist die Deckeleinrichtung mittels Kraftschluss an der Schale fixiert, wobei insbesondere die Dichtungseinrichtung zum Kraftschluss beiträgt.

It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided:

• - the sealing device between the bowl and the lid device is arranged all around the lid device and/or on the bowl;
• - the sealing device comprises a radial seal;
• - in the closed position of the lid device, the lid device is fixed to the shell by means of a frictional connection, with the sealing device in particular contributing to the frictional connection.

This results in a fluid-tight seal of the liquid tank between the bowl and the lid device when the lid device is closed, in a structurally simple manner.

In one embodiment, an inlet device for coupling liquid into the receiving space is arranged on the cover device. This makes it possible to provide a large receiving volume.

It can be provided that at least one channel is arranged on the cover device, which has an inlet for liquid and an outlet for liquid, wherein the outlet opens into the receiving space. This makes it possible to provide a high receiving volume.

It is advantageous if the outlet has a mouth normal which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the bottom of the bowl when the lid is closed. This allows a high intake volume to be achieved.

For the same reason, it is advantageous if the at least one channel is oriented at an acute angle to the lid pivot axis in relation to a longitudinal direction, wherein in particular the acute angle is in the range between 30° and 60°. Reference is made to the PCT/ EP2023/052810

It is also advantageous if a sensor device is arranged on the lid device. This allows the bowl to be kept free of a sensor device or the like. The sensor device is in particular a fill level sensor device for determining a fill level in the receiving volume during operation of the liquid tank. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device can also be a sensor or comprise a sensor which determines a degree of contamination of liquid in the liquid tank.

The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageous when the liquid tank has a flat design, such as when used on a floor cleaning robot. In particular, a ratio of a height of the bowl to a width of the bowl (perpendicular to the height) is less than or equal to one and in particular less than or equal to 0.5.

The liquid tank is preferably designed as a unit which can be removed as a whole from the cleaning machine and can then be emptied and cleaned separately from the cleaning machine.

In one embodiment, the liquid tank is designed as a dirty fluid tank. It serves to hold dirty fluid containing liquid.

According to the invention, a cleaning machine of the type mentioned at the outset is provided, which comprises at least one liquid tank according to the invention.

In one embodiment, the cleaning machine has a cleaning head, such as a floor head, on which the at least one cleaning tool is arranged, wherein the at least one liquid tank is removably positioned on the cleaning head. A corresponding cleaning machine is, for example, a floor cleaning robot or a hand-held floor mopping device.

In particular, the cleaning machine is designed as a surface cleaning machine and in particular as a floor cleaning machine, which is used to clean surfaces such as floor surfaces.

A cleaning machine according to the invention can be designed as a hand-held and/or hand-guided or also as a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine (robot).

In particular, the cleaning machine is designed as a wet cleaning machine, wherein the at least one liquid tank serves to hold liquid-containing dirty fluid. A moistening device can be provided, through which the at least one cleaning tool and/or a surface to be cleaned can be exposed to a cleaning fluid. The cleaning machine then provides the fluid, which is then collected again (contaminated) in the fluid tank.

In one embodiment, the cleaning machine has at least one driven roller as a cleaning tool. For example, this driven roller has a textile trim in order to be able to absorb the corresponding dirty fluid.

According to the invention, a liquid tank according to the invention is used on a floor cleaning machine which is self-propelled and self-steering, or which is hand-guided and/or hand-held.

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsmaschine in Form eines selbstlenkenden und selbstfahrenden Bodenreinigungsroboters;
• 2 eine Unteransicht der Reinigungsmaschine gemäß 1;
• 3 die Reinigungsmaschine gemäß 1, wobei ein Flüssigkeitstank entsprechend einem Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Flüssigkeitstanks von der Reinigungsmaschine abgenommen ist;
• 4 eine Schnittansicht des Flüssigkeitstanks gemäß 3 in der Ebene 4 gemäß 3 bei geschlossener Stellung einer Deckeleinrichtung;
• 5 eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene 5 gemäß 3;
• 6 eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene 5 gemäß 3 bei einem kontrollierten Öffnungsvorgang der Deckeleinrichtung, wobei ein Griff verschwenkt ist und die Deckeleinrichtung zu einer Schale verschwenkt ist;
• 7 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Flüssigkeitstanks bei der Öffnung der Deckeleinrichtung mit verschwenktem Griff;
• 8 eine weitere Ansicht des Flüssigkeitstanks gemäß 3 bei teilweise geöffneter Deckeleinrichtung;
• 9 den Flüssigkeitstank gemäß 3 bei vollständig geöffneter Deckeleinrichtung;
• 10 einen Teilbereich des Flüssigkeitstanks gemäß 3 im Bereich des Griffs bei verschwenktem Griff; und
• 11 eine ähnliche Ansicht wie 7, wobei ausgehend von der vollständig geöffneten Stellung gemäß 9 die Deckeleinrichtung zurück verschwenkt wird in die geschlossene Stellung mit unverschwenktem Griff.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. They show:

• 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning machine according to the invention in the form of a self-steering and self-propelled floor cleaning robot;
• 2 a bottom view of the cleaning machine according to 1 ;
• 3 the cleaning machine according to 1 , wherein a liquid tank according to an embodiment of a liquid tank according to the invention is removed from the cleaning machine;
• 4 a sectional view of the liquid tank according to 3 in level 4 according to 3 when a cover device is in the closed position;
• 5 a sectional view in plane 5 according to 3 ;
• 6 a sectional view in plane 5 according to 3 during a controlled opening process of the lid device, wherein a handle is pivoted and the lid device is pivoted into a bowl;
• 7 a perspective view of the liquid tank when opening the lid device with the handle pivoted;
• 8 another view of the liquid tank according to 3 with the lid partially opened;
• 9 the liquid tank according to 3 with the lid fully opened;
• 10 a portion of the liquid tank according to 3 in the area of the handle when the handle is pivoted; and
• 11 a similar view as 7 , starting from the fully open position according to 9 the lid device is pivoted back into the closed position with the handle not pivoted.

An embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention is a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device ( 1 to 3 ). This floor cleaning device 10 comprises a cleaning head (floor head) 12, which comprises a self-propelled and self-steering chassis 14. In a cleaning operation, the floor cleaning device 10 is placed with its chassis 14 on a floor 16 to be cleaned.

A travel drive is arranged on the traveling body 14 (not shown in the drawings). This drives wheels 18. In one embodiment, a first wheel 18a and a second wheel 18b are provided.

The wheels 18 are driven by the drive to rotate around a wheel axle 19.

Furthermore, a support roller 20 is arranged on the traveling body 14, which has a rotation axis 21. The support roller 20 can pivot about a (steering) axis 22, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis 21.

In one embodiment, the support roller 20 is a passive steering roller which is not driven (and in particular is not driven in a rotation about the axis of rotation 21 and in a pivoting movement about the axis 22).

A change in direction of the floor cleaning device 10 on the floor head 12 is carried out by corresponding control of the wheels 18a and 18b by a control device which is arranged on the traveling body 14, wherein in particular for a change in direction these can be rotated at different speeds.

In principle, it can also be provided that the support roller 20 is an active steering roller for controlling the direction of the ground device 10.

The floor cleaning device 10 has a main direction of travel 24. This main direction of travel 24 is the direction of travel of the floor cleaning device 10 when the support roller 20 is aligned such that its axis of rotation 21 is parallel to the wheel axis 19.

The base head 12 has a mounting level 26 above the traveling body 14. The mounting level 26 is determined by the wheels 18 and the support roller 20. A cleaning roller 28 is located on the installation level 26.

A navigation device 30 is arranged on the traveling body 14. The navigation device 30 is a sensor device and comprises at least one sensor element. The navigation device 30 is connected in a signal-effective manner to the control device for controlling the driving operation of the floor cleaning device 10. The navigation device comprises, for example, one or more optical sensors, one or more radar sensors, one or more IR sensors and/or one or more ultrasonic sensors.

The traveling body 14 has a front end 32 and a rear end 34 in relation to the main direction of travel 24. In the area of the rear end 34, a tank combination 36 consisting of a dirty fluid tank 38, which is designed as a liquid tank suitable for receiving a liquid-containing dirty fluid, and a cleaning fluid tank 40 is removably arranged on the traveling body 14. This is explained in more detail below.

Dirt fluid is understood to be a fluid that can flow. It can be composed of dirt particles or it can be a mixture of dirt particles and a liquid (especially water, possibly with a surfactant cleaning agent additive).

The traveling body 14 has a bottom side 42 and an upper side 44 opposite the bottom side. The wheels 18 and the support roller 20 are arranged on the bottom side 42. The navigation device 30 is arranged at least with a partial area on the upper side 44.

Between the bottom side 42 and the top side 44, the traveling body 14 has a wall 46.

A bumper 48 is arranged on the wall 46 in the area of the front end 32, with which collisions of the floor cleaning device 10 with obstacles can be tactilely detected. The bumper 48 is or comprises one or more tactile sensor elements that are connected to the control device in a signal-effective manner.

The base head 12 is assigned a center 50 ( 1 ). The center 50 is a geometric center of gravity of the bottom head 12 (with tanks 38, 40).

This center 50 can be assigned a height direction (axial direction) 52 perpendicular to the installation plane 26 and then a circumferential direction accordingly. The impact body 48 extends on the wall 46 in the circumferential direction in particular over an angular range of at least 120° and preferably of at least 150°.

42 cliff sensors 54 are arranged on the underside of the chassis, which are connected to the control device in a signal-effective manner. These cliff sensors 54 serve to prevent the floor cleaning device 10 from falling, for example when reaching a staircase, by detecting "cliffs" accordingly.

The floor cleaning device 10 has a battery device, in particular a rechargeable one, which is arranged on the traveling body 14. For example, a corresponding battery compartment 56 is provided, which is accessible from the underside 42 and is closed by a cover 58.

Further elements such as a sensor 60 for carpet detection, a WiFi module, etc. can be arranged on the chassis.

Furthermore, charging contacts 62 are arranged on the chassis in order to be able to charge the battery device at a charging station.

In the embodiment shown, charging contacts 62 are arranged on the underside 42.

The base head 12 has an outer contour 64 in the form of a circle in a plan view from above in the height direction 52 onto the upper side 44. A distance in the radial direction perpendicular to the height direction 52 from the center 50 to an upper edge of the wall 46 is at least approximately equal (corresponding to the radius of the circle).

It is also possible in principle for the outer contour 64 to have an approximately circular shape, in which case the distance to the center 50 from the outer contour deviates by a maximum of 15% from a corresponding mean value.

The traveling body 14 (the bottom head 12 without the tank combination 36) has as its outer contour the shape of a circular segment with a first chord 66. The first chord 66 is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the main direction of travel 24.

In one embodiment, it is oriented at least approximately parallel to the wheel axis 19.

In relation to the front end 32, the first tendon 66 lies beyond the center 50. It lies at the rear end 34. Between the first tendon 66 and the front end 32 lies the center 50.

In the plan view of the upper side 44 in the height direction 52, the tank combination 36 also has as its outer contour the shape of a second circular segment with a second chord 68.

The first circular section of the outer contour 64 of the traveling body 14 and the second circular section of the outer contour of the tank combination 36 complement each other to form the circular outer contour of the bottom head 12.

When the tank combination 36 is mounted on the chassis 14, the second chord 68 is parallel to the first chord 66 and immediately adjacent to it.

A receiving shaft 70 for the cleaning roller 28 is arranged or formed on the traveling body 14. The receiving shaft 70 is located on the traveling body 14 in the region of the rear end 34. The receiving shaft 70 has a longitudinal extension direction 72 which is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the main direction of travel 24. The longitudinal extension direction 72 is also at least approximately parallel to the wheel axis 19.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal extension direction 72 is parallel to the first chord 66.

The receiving shaft is open to the underside 42 of the traveling body 14, which is a floor side (facing the installation plane 26), so that a cleaning roller 28 held in the receiving shaft 70 can act on the floor 16 to be cleaned.

The receiving shaft 70 is closed by a cover wall towards the upper side 44 and thus away from the lower side 42.

Between the cover wall 74 and the underside 42, the traveling body has a wall 76 which delimits the receiving shaft 70 towards an interior of the traveling body 14. The travel drive, the control device, etc. are arranged in the interior of the traveling body 14, for example.

The receiving shaft 70 is open to the rear end 34 via an opening 80.

The traveling body 14 has a first lateral side 82 and an opposite lateral side 84. The lateral sides 82, 84 are related to the main direction of travel 24.

In the plan view in the height direction 52 from above ( 1 ) on the base body 12, the front end 32 is followed in a clockwise direction by the second lateral side 84, then on the traveling body 14 the rear end 34 and then the first lateral side 82.

A side wall 86 is located on the first lateral side 82 of the traveling body 14. This side wall 86 delimits the receiving shaft 70 towards the first lateral side 82. The side wall 86 has an extension transverse to the first chord 66.

The side wall 86 follows the circular outer contour 64.

The receiving shaft 70 has an opening 88 opposite the side wall 86 on the second lateral side 84.

A drive motor 90 for the cleaning roller 28 is located on the side wall 86.

The drive motor 90 is supplied with electrical energy by the battery device in the battery compartment 56.

In principle, it is also possible for the drive motor 90 to be located, for example, behind the wall 76. A torque transmission device is then arranged on the side wall 86.

The drive motor 90 is associated with a drive shaft 92 which is rotatable about a rotation axis 94.

The drive shaft 92 extends into the receiving shaft 70. During operation of the floor cleaning device 10, it is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the cleaning roller 28. The drive shaft 92 drives a rotational movement of the cleaning roller 28 about a rotation axis which coincides with the rotation axis 94.

In the embodiment shown, the drive shaft 92 is directly connected to the drive motor 90, i.e. it is an output shaft of the drive motor 90 or coaxially connected to such an output shaft.

The drive shaft 92 is rotatably mounted. In the embodiment shown, it is mounted directly on the drive motor 90. It forms a first pivot bearing 96 for the rotating mounting of the cleaning roller 28 during rotation about the rotation axis 94.

The rotation axis 94 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the main direction of travel 24.

The rotation axis 94 is parallel to the installation plane 26.

The rotation axis is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the height direction 52 (which is a normal axis to the installation plane 26).

Furthermore, in particular, the rotation axis 94 lies parallel to the wheel axis 19. Furthermore, it lies in particular parallel to the first chord 66.

The longitudinal extension direction 72 of the receiving shaft 70 is parallel to the rotation axis 94.

The floor cleaning device 10 comprises a cassette 98. The cassette 98 serves to hold the cleaning roller 28 in the receiving shaft 70 during operation of the floor cleaning device 10, and to hold the cleaning roller 28 when it is inserted into the carriage 14 and when it is removed from the carriage 14.

A cassette is understood to be an inherently rigid or stable structure, which is in a sense a receiving container for the cleaning roller 28 (but does not have to be closed), and can be handled as an independent unit.

The cassette 98 comprises a cover 100. The cover 100 serves to close the opening 88 of the receiving shaft 70 when the cassette 98 is inserted. When the cassette 98 is inserted into the carriage 14, the cover 100 is located opposite the side wall 86.

The cover 100 is adapted in its geometric shape to the outer contour 64 of the traveling body 14 and in particular is curved accordingly in order to follow the circular contour.

A locking device 102 is provided for fixing the cover 100 to the moving body 14 and thus for locking the cassette 98 to the moving body 14. This comprises, for example, an unlocking button 104, which is arranged on the moving body 14 and acts on a locking pawl. In one embodiment, a counter element for the locking pawl is arranged on the cover 100, the counter element having an opening into which the locking pawl can be inserted. By actuating the unlocking button 104, the locking pawl, which is in particular spring-supported, can be dislodged from the counter element and the corresponding locking of the cover 100 to the moving body 14 is released.

A second pivot bearing 108 is located on the cover for the rotation of the cleaning roller 28 about the rotation axis 94.

In one embodiment, the second pivot bearing 108 is designed as a ball bearing.

The cleaning roller 28 can be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to the second pivot bearing 108.

If the cassette 98 is properly fixed to the carriage 14, then the cleaning roller 28 is rotatably mounted opposite each other on the first pivot bearing 96 and the second pivot bearing 108. The cleaning roller 28 is supported accordingly on its opposite end faces. The cleaning roller 28 is held on both sides between the first pivot bearing 96 and the second pivot bearing 108. The cleaning roller 28 is held in the receiving shaft 70 in a suspended manner between the first pivot bearing 96 and the second pivot bearing 108 and is supported on its respective end areas. In this way, cleaning rollers 28 with a greater length (in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation 94) can also be used and larger torsional moments can also be absorbed. The cleaning roller 28 is prevented from wobbling.

An embodiment of the cassette 98 is described in the unpublished international patent application PCT/ EP2023/052810 of 6 February 2023, to which reference is made in full.

The cleaning roller 28 comprises a carrier 110 on which a cleaning medium 112 is arranged. The carrier 110 is a ring cylinder with openings at least at the front ends. It is also possible for a continuous opening to be present.

The cleaning medium 112 is a trimming which is fixed to the carrier 110. For use as a wet mopping device of the cleaning machine 10, the cleaning medium 112 is in particular a textile trimming such as a microfiber trimming which sits on the carrier 110. It is also possible for the cleaning medium 112 to be formed by bristles, in particular if the floor cleaning device 10 is designed or used as a sweeping device. It is also possible, for example, for the cleaning medium 112 to comprise both bristles and textile trimming areas.

The floor cleaning device 110 comprises a moistening device 114. The moistening device 114 can be used to apply cleaning fluid to the cleaning roller 28 and/or the surface 16 to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid The cleaning liquid is in particular fresh water, to which a cleaning agent, in particular a surfactant, may be added. The cleaning liquid tank 40 is part of the humidification device 114 and holds this cleaning liquid.

In one embodiment, a distribution device of the moistening device 114 for cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid tank 40 is arranged on the cassette 98. The distribution device comprises one or more distribution channels. Cleaning fluid can be supplied to the cleaning roller 28 via these channels, either by gravity or by a pump.

In this context, reference is made to the PCT/ EP2023/052810 and made full reference to them.

A stripping element is held on the cassette 98. The stripping element is in particular removable from the cassette 98. The stripping element serves to strip dirty fluid from the cleaning roller 28 (from the trimmings of the cleaning roller 28) and to guide dirty fluid via a corresponding guide device to the dirty fluid tank 38. In this context, reference is made to the PCT/ EP2023/052810 referred to and incorporated by reference in its entirety.

One embodiment of a stripping element is formed in one piece. It comprises a body. A channel device is integrated into the body. In one embodiment, the channel device comprises a channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. With the stripping element properly positioned on the cassette 98 and with the cassette 98 held on the carriage body 14, the inlet opening faces the cleaning roller 28 and the outlet opening faces an inlet of the dirty fluid tank 38.

The stripping element is in particular movably held in the cassette 98.

In one embodiment, a sweeping device 120 for coarse dirt is arranged on the cassette 98. It serves to provide coarse dirt to the cleaning roller 28 or to load it with coarse dirt particles.

Regarding an embodiment of such a sweeping device 120, reference is made to PCT/ EP2023/052810 reference is made.

In the tank combination 36, the cleaning fluid tank 40 is positioned above the dirty fluid tank 38, i.e. the dirty fluid tank 38 is closer to the installation level 26 than the cleaning fluid tank 40.

A receptacle is formed on the carriage body 14. The cleaning fluid tank 40 has a tab which is intended to be immersed in the receptacle. A sliding guide is arranged on the carriage body 14 on the receptacle and corresponding counter elements are arranged on the tab. A locking device is also provided by which the tab can be locked in the receptacle with the carriage body. In this connection, reference is made to the PCT/ EP2023/052810 referred to.

The cleaning fluid tank 40 has a top side 122. When the cleaning fluid tank 40 is seated on the base head 12, i.e. connected to the carriage 14, then this top side 122 is aligned flush with a top side of the base head 12. The cleaning fluid tank 40 has a connection adapted to a connection on the cassette 98 for providing cleaning fluid.

The dirty fluid tank 38 is an embodiment of a liquid tank according to the invention. It comprises ( 3 to 11 ) a bowl 124. The bowl 124 has a (bowl) base 126 on which a wall 128 is arranged. Between the wall 128 and the base 126, a receiving space 130 for dirty fluid and in particular liquid-containing dirty fluid is formed.

The fluid tank 38 has a first end 132 and a second end 134 opposite the first end. The fluid tank 38 is removably positioned on the traveling body 14. The first end 132 is located on the second chord 68. The second end 134 is located on an exterior side of the bottom head 12 when the fluid tank 38 is properly mounted on the traveling body 14.

At the first end 132, the liquid tank 28 has a straight extension. A wall part 136 of the wall 128 at the first end 132 has a substantially straight extension. This extension is, for example, in 4 perpendicular to the drawing plane.

In one embodiment, a rounded area 138 is located on the wall part 136 facing the cleaning roller 28 when the liquid tank 38 is positioned on the base head 12, which is adapted to the cylindrical shape of the cleaning roller 28.

The wall 128 has a second wall part 140 which is connected to the first wall part 136 is connected on both sides. The second wall part 140 follows the outer contour of the base head 12 or determines the outer contour of the base head 12 on the dirty fluid tank 38 when it is seated on the base head 12.

The second wall part 140 has the shape (with respect to its outer envelope) of a circular arc if the floor cleaning device 10 is circular in plan view or a correspondingly adapted shape, for example in the case of an oval shape of the floor head 12 in plan view.

The wall 128 extends in a height direction 142 ( 4 ) away from the base 126 and is connected thereto in particular in one piece.

In one embodiment, a roller 144 is located on the bottom 126 on an underside. This roller 144 lies on the installation plane 126 and serves to (additionally) support the base head 12 in the area of the tank combination 36 when the liquid tank 38 is fixed to the base head 12.

The liquid tank 38 comprises a cover device 146. The cover device 146 is arranged in the height direction 142 at a distance from the base 126 and closes the receiving space 130 at the top. The cover device 146 can be opened (see for example 9 ).

In principle, the cover device 146 can be designed in several parts with several individual covers. In the embodiment shown, the cover device 146 comprises a single cover.

The lid device 146 is pivotally connected to the shell 124 via a lid pivot bearing 148. A pivot axis 150 of the lid pivot bearing 148 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the height direction 142. The pivot axis 150 is at least approximately parallel to an inner side 152 ( 5 ) of the soil 126.

The pivot axis 150 is at least approximately parallel to the first wall part 136.

The lid pivot bearing 148 is seated on the first wall part 136 and thereby on the first end 132 of the shell 124.

The cover pivot bearing 148 is located in an upper region of the first wall part 136 with respect to the height direction 142.

In one embodiment, the lid pivot bearing 148 is designed as a hinge bearing. This makes it possible to open the lid device 146 in such a way that the shell 124 with the receiving space 130 is completely exposed upwards in relation to the height direction 142 (compare 9 ).

The lid device 146 is adapted in its shape to the shell 124. In a closed position 154 of the lid device 146 (compare the 3 to 5 ), the receiving space 130 is sealed fluid-tight outside an inlet device for dirty fluid and is sealed fluid-tight in particular in the height direction 142 by the cover device 146.

To provide fluid tightness, a sealing device 156 is provided between the shell 124 and the cover device 146 and in particular between the wall 128 of the shell 124 and the cover device 146.

In one embodiment, the sealing device 156 is arranged fixedly on the cover device 146. It is designed as a one-part or multi-part circumferential sealing device 156, which runs all the way around the cover device 146 and, in particular, is closed all the way around and is adapted accordingly to the shape of the wall 128.

The sealing device 156 is designed as a radial seal or comprises at least one radial component 158. In the closed position 154 of the cover device 146, the radial component 158 rests against an inner side of the wall 128, i.e. lies in the receiving space 130.

The closed position 154 is defined, for example, by the fact that a stop 160 (see 5 ). The stop 160 can be formed, for example, on the wall 128 or, as will be explained later, on a support device. The stop 160 limits the pivotability of the cover device 146 towards the base 126.

The closed position 154 is defined in particular such that in it the cover device 146 is oriented at least approximately parallel to the base 126, at least with respect to envelope surfaces.

In the closed position 154, the radial component 158 of the sealing device 156 exerts a force on the wall 128 or a counterforce acts. As a result, the closed position 154 is held in a force-locking manner via the sealing device 156 in relation to an opening of the cover device 146. To open the A corresponding force must be applied to move the cover device 146 from the closed position 154.

A first column 162 and a second column 164 are fixed at a distance from one another to the shell 124 and thereby to the base 126 (see, for example, 8 ). The first column 162 and the second column 164 are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the direction of the pivot axis 150. In particular, they are aligned parallel.

The first column 162 and the second column 164 each extend in the height direction 142 away from the floor 126.

In particular, they are formed integrally on the shell 124.

A support device 166 is formed via the columns 162, 164, which is explained in more detail below.

In one embodiment, a holder 168 is arranged on the first column 162 and the second column 164, by means of which the liquid tank 38 can be fixed in a suspended manner on the cleaning liquid tank 40 in the tank combination 36. In this context, reference is made to the PCT/ EP2023/052810 .

In this embodiment, the columns 162, 164 are multifunctional in that they form the support device 166 and have corresponding holders 168.

Except for the columns 162, 164, the shell 124 is designed free of components in one embodiment.

In the embodiment shown (compare for example 9 ), the base 126 has a bulge 170. This bulge 170 forms a receptacle for the roller 144.

Furthermore, a bulge 172 is provided on the second wall part 140 and the base 126, which serves in particular as a handle for easier removal of the liquid tank 38 from the traveling body 14.

The cover device 146 has a first continuous recess 174 and a second continuous recess 176. These are spaced apart from one another in the direction parallel to the pivot axis 150. The first continuous recess 174 is assigned to the first column 162, and the second continuous recess 176 is assigned to the second column 164.

In an alternative embodiment, the recesses 174, 176 are not continuous and are, for example, designed like blind holes.

In the closed position 154 of the cover device 146, the first column 162 is penetrated through the first continuous recess 174, and the second column 166 is penetrated through the second continuous recess 176 (see 3 ). As a result, an upper region of the respective column is accessible from an upper side of the liquid tank 38 in order to maintain the support function of the support device 166 outside the receiving space 130 and, in the embodiment shown, to additionally enable the tank combination 36 to be held in the cleaning liquid tank 40.

The continuous recesses 174, 176 are each assigned a sealing device 178 (see 9 ). This sealing device 178 can be arranged all the way around the corresponding column 162 or 164 or can additionally or alternatively be arranged all the way around the respective continuous recess 174, 176. In the embodiment shown, the respective sealing device 178 is arranged on the cover device 146 on the respective continuous recess 174 and 176.

When the lid device 146 is closed, the sealing device 178 (and 156) ensures a fluid-tight closure of the shell 124 on the lid device 146.

The shell 124 has a center plane 180 (compare 9 ). The center plane 180 is perpendicular to the pivot axis 150 and divides the shell 124 (in theory) into two areas. It is particularly provided that the center plane 180 lies between the first column 162 and the second column 164. The columns 162, 164 are adjacent to the center plane 180 and are in particular closer to the center plane 180 than to an outer end 182 of the shell 124. The outer end 182 corresponds in particular to an area at which the first wall part 138 and the second wall part 140 meet.

In one embodiment, a sensor device 184 is arranged on the cover device 146. The sensor device 184 serves in particular to determine the fill level of dirty fluid (liquid-containing dirty fluid) in the liquid tank 38. It can be designed, for example, to be capacitive or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the sensor device 184 to also analyze dirt fluid within the receiving space 130 in order to For example, to determine the degree of contamination of a surface to be cleaned.

The liquid tank 38 has an inlet device 186 for coupling dirty fluid into the receiving space 130 (in the closed position 154 of the cover device 146 and with the liquid tank 38 fixed to the traveling body 14).

In one embodiment, the inlet device 186 is arranged on the lid device 146.

In one embodiment, the inlet device 186 comprises a channel 188 which is positioned on an inner side of the cover device 146. The channel 188 is located in a region of the cover device 146 between the first continuous recess 174 and the second continuous recess 176. The channel 188 has an inlet 190 and an outlet 192. The channel 188 extends in a longitudinal direction 194 between the inlet 190 and the outlet 192. Dirty fluid which was coupled in via the inlet 190 can flow in the channel 188 and then pass from the outlet 192 into the receiving space 130.

The inlet 190 is fluidically connected to the traveling body 14 when the liquid tank is located on the traveling body 14 in order to be able to absorb corresponding dirty fluid.

The outlet 192 has a mouth normal 196 which, when the cover device 146 is closed, is oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom 126 (parallel to the height direction 142).

Regarding the design and function of channel 188, reference is made to the PCT/ EP2023/052810 referred to.

A fixing device 198 is arranged on the cover device 146, via which the liquid tank 38 can be connected to the base head 12. In the embodiment shown, the liquid tank 38 can be fixed to the cleaning liquid tank 40 via the fixing device 198, which in turn can be fixed to the traveling body 14.

In this embodiment, the liquid tank 38 is removable from the cleaning liquid tank 40, and the tank combination 36 with liquid tank 38 and cleaning liquid tank 40 can be removed as a combination from the traveling body 14.

However, it is also fundamentally possible for the liquid tank 38 to be fixed directly to the traveling body 14 via the corresponding fixing device 198.

The fixing device 198 is positioned on an outer side of the cover device 146, which faces away from the receiving space 130 when the cover device 146 is closed.

In one embodiment, the fixing device 198 comprises a locking button 200, which comprises a corresponding latch. The locking button 200 can be used to establish a corresponding fixation (when held via the holders 168) and then released by operator intervention.

The locking button 200 is positioned on the cover device 146 in an area between the through recesses 174 and 176.

A handle 202 is movably mounted on the cover device 146. In one embodiment, the handle 202 is attached to a handle pivot bearing 204 (see, for example, 5 ) is pivotably connected to the cover device 146 about a pivot axis 206.

In one embodiment, the pivot axis 206 is parallel to the pivot axis 150 of the cover pivot bearing 148.

The pivot axis 206 is spaced from the pivot axis 150.

In one embodiment, the handle pivot bearing 204 is located closer to the second end 134 of the shell 124 than to the first end 132 (when the lid assembly 146 is in the closed position 154).

The handle 202 has a basic position 208 ( 3 to 5 ), in which it is applied to the cover device 146.

The basic position 208 of the handle 202 is a position in which the handle 202 is located when the cover device 146 is closed and the liquid tank 38 is properly fixed to the traveling body 14.

The handle 202 is provided with a spring device 210 (see 10 ) which exerts a spring force on the handle 202. The spring device 210 is designed in such a way that the spring force strives to bring the handle 202 into the basic position 208. In order to pivot the handle 202 out of the basic position 208, (among other things) the Spring force of the spring device 210 can be overcome.

In one embodiment, the spring device 210 comprises one or more leg springs.

In one embodiment, the handle 202 is designed as a bow handle with a bow 212. The bow 212 comprises a first bow element 214, which is pivotably connected to the cover device 146 about the pivot axis 206 via the handle pivot bearing 204.

The bracket 212 further comprises a second bracket element 216, which is spaced apart from the first bracket element 214 in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 206 and is aligned parallel to it. The second bracket element 216 is also articulated about the pivot axis 206 via the handle pivot bearing 204 to the lid device 146 and, like the first bracket element 214, is articulated to the lid device 146 outside the receiving space 130 (in the closed position 154), i.e. articulated to an upper side of the lid device 146.

The first bracket element 214 and the second bracket element 216 are connected to one another via a third bracket element 218. The third bracket element 218 forms a bridge between the first bracket element 214 and the second bracket element 216. It is oriented, for example, parallel to the pivot axis 206.

The locking button 200 is arranged between the first bracket element 214 and the second bracket element 216.

In one embodiment, the bracket 212 is configured such that the third bracket element 218 is located in the region of the second end 134 (relative to the closed position 154), that is, it is closer to the second end 134 than the handle pivot bearing 204.

An operating device 220 is arranged on the handle 202, which is connected to the handle 202 in a rotationally fixed manner and can be pivoted therewith about the pivot axis 206. The operating device 220 cooperates with the support device 166 and is guided on it.

The columns 162, 164 have a contact surface 222 for the active device 220. The active device 220 is guided in a sliding manner on this contact surface 222, or the contact surface 222 forms a guide path for the active device 220 and thus also for the handle 202.

In one embodiment, the active device 220 comprises at least one cam. In the embodiment shown, a first cam 224 is arranged on the first bracket element 214 (see 5 ) a second cam 226 is arranged on the second bracket element 216

The first cam 224 is located in the first continuous recess 174, the second cam 226 is located in the second continuous recess 176.

The first cam 224 acts on the first column 162, the second cam 226 acts on the second column 164. The cams 224, 226 are arranged and designed with the corresponding contact surfaces 222 on the columns 162, 164 so that they act synchronously.

The handle 202 is designed as a pull handle and serves to open the lid device 146.

The handle 202 acts with the action device 220 on the support device 166 of the shell 124. The design is such that by pivoting the handle 202, an easier opening of the lid device 146 from the closed position 154 is achieved and in particular an excessive sloshing of liquid in the receiving space 130 is avoided.

• Bei einem Reinigungsbetrieb mit Nassreinigung wird flüssigkeitsbehaftetes Schmutzfluid in den Aufnahmeraum 130 eingekoppelt. Die Einkopplung kann dabei gebläsefrei sein durch ein Abstreifen von Schmutzfluid mittels des Abstreifelements 116 von der Reinigungswalze 28 und direkte Einkopplung in den Flüssigkeitstank 38. Die Einkopplung kann alternativ über einen Saugstrom erfolgen, oder sie kann gebläseunterstützt sein.

The liquid tank 38 functions as follows:

• During a cleaning operation with wet cleaning, liquid-laden dirty fluid is coupled into the receiving space 130. The coupling can be blower-free by stripping dirty fluid from the cleaning roller 28 using the stripping element 116 and direct coupling into the liquid tank 38. The coupling can alternatively take place via a suction flow, or it can be blower-assisted.

After completion of the cleaning process, the liquid tank 38 must be emptied and, if necessary, cleaned.

For this purpose, it is removed from the base head 14.

This corresponding state is in 3 The lid assembly 146 is in the closed position 154 and the handle 202 is in its home position 208.

Corresponding cuts of the liquid tank 38 are also still in the 4 and 5 shown.

An operator then pivots the handle 202 away from the cover device 146 about the pivot axis 206. As a result, the operating device 220 acts on the support device 166. The cams 224, 226 slide on the corresponding contact surfaces 22 of the columns 162, 164 (see 5 , 6 ). As a result, the lid device 146 is pivoted in a defined manner about the pivot axis 150 and opened. The opening process via the handle 202 by pivoting away from the lid device 146 is defined and is a type of gentle opening. The frictional force of the sealing device 178 is overcome; the force of the frictional connection of the fixed lid device 146 in the closed position 154 is overcome in a defined manner.

The handle 202 with the operating device 220 forms a lever for the defined pivoting lifting of the lid device 146 on the bowl 124.

This avoids a sudden opening, which can lead to sloshing of liquid in the liquid tank 38.

The solution according to the invention achieves a defined opening process of the cover device 146 starting from the closed position 154.

The handle 202, particularly with its design as a bracket 212, is designed as a pull handle. An operator can pull on it and thereby open the lid device 146 further after the initial opening process by pivoting about the pivot axis 150.

When a certain swivel angle is reached, the active device 220 lifts off the support device 166; the cams 224, 226 have no contact with the corresponding contact surfaces 222 of the columns 162, 164. Compare 8 .

The cover device 146 can be opened further. It is particularly provided that an opening angle starting from the closed position 154, which is defined as the zero angle position, is at least 90°, preferably at least 140° and preferably at least 180° and for example exactly 180°.

A corresponding example is in 9 shown. There, the lid device 146 is completely open. This allows easy emptying of the liquid tank 38, and the latter can be easily cleaned, for example under a water tap.

When an operator releases the handle 202, it returns to the home position 208 due to the action of the spring device 210 (see 10 ).

If the cover device 146 is then pivoted back, i.e. if the liquid tank 38 is to be closed, the operating device 220 does not hinder the closing process, since the operating device 220 does not slide on the corresponding contact surfaces 222 until it reaches the closed position 154. These are rendered ineffective to a certain extent when pivoted back.

As mentioned above, in principle, in the closed position 154, contact of the operating device 220 with the contact surfaces 222 can form a stop (towards the bottom 126) for a defined closed position 154.

The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageous if the liquid tank 38 has a relatively small height in the height direction 142, for example 20 cm or less. The risk is then particularly high that dirty liquid will spill out when opening.

In the solution according to the invention, the cover device 146 is pivotally connected to the shell 124 via the cover pivot bearing 148. The connection can in principle be detachable or non-detachable. In principle, the cover device 146 can remain permanently connected to the shell 124.

The solution according to the invention achieves a controlled opening of the liquid tank 38. The risk of generating a jolt when opening the lid device 146, which can lead to liquid spilling out of the (open) receiving space 130, is largely avoided. This is particularly advantageous if the liquid tank 38 is flat with relatively small dimensions in the height direction 142.

This provides an operator with a simple and “clean” operation when emptying the liquid tank 38.

An embodiment of a liquid tank 38 according to the invention was described above in connection with a cleaning robot. A corresponding liquid tank can also be used on other cleaning machines such as hand-guided and/or hand-held cleaning machines and also on other types. The coupling of dirty fluid (liquid The liquid (containing liquid) can be pumped into the receiving space of the liquid tank without a fan or by means of a suction flow or with the assistance of a fan.

A liquid tank according to the invention is advantageously used in conjunction with a wet cleaning device such as a wet mopping device. However, it is also fundamentally possible that the liquid coupled in does not come from the device itself, but is provided externally to some extent.

List of reference symbols

10

Floor cleaning device

12

Floor head

14

Chassis

16

floor to be cleaned

18

Wheels

18a

wheel

18b

wheel

19

Wheel axle

20

Support roller

21

Rotation axis

22

axis

24

Main direction of travel

26

Installation level

28

Cleaning roller

30

Navigation device

32

Front end

34

Rear end

36

Tank combination

38

Dirty fluid tank

40

Cleaning fluid tank

42

bottom

44

Top

46

Wall

48

Impact body

50

center

52

Altitude direction

54

Cliff sensor

56

Battery compartment

58

Lid

60

sensor

62

Charging contact

64

Outer contour

66

First tendon

68

Second tendon

70

Receiving slot

72

Longitudinal direction

76

Wall

80

opening

82

First lateral page

84

Second lateral side

86

Side wall

88

opening

90

Drive motor

92

Drive shaft

94

Rotation axis

96

First pivot bearing

98

cassette

100

Lid

102

Locking device

104

Release button

108

Second pivot bearing

110

carrier

112

Cleaning medium

114

Humidification device

116

Scraper element

118

inlet

120

Sweeping device

122

Top

124

Peel

126

Floor

128

Wall

130

Recording room

132

first end

134

second end

136

first wall part

138

Rounding area

140

second wall part

142

Altitude direction

144

role

146

Lid device

148

Lid swivel bearing

150

Swivel axis

152

inside

154

closed position

156

Sealing device

158

Radial component

160

stop

162

first pillar

164

second pillar

166

Support device

168

holder

170

bulge

172

bulge

174

first continuous recess

176

second continuous recess

178

Sealing device

180

Middle level

182

outer end

184

Sensor device

186

Inlet device

188

channel

190

inlet

192

Outlet

194

Longitudinal direction

196

Muzzle standard

198

Fixation device

200

Locking button

202

Handle

204

Handle pivot bearing

206

Swivel axis

208

Basic position

210

Spring device

212

Ironing

214

first bracket element

216

second bracket element

218

third bracket element

220

Active device

222

Contact surface

224

first cam

226

second cam

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2020207557 A1 [0003]
• EP 3750466 A1 [0004]
• DE 102005030982 A1 [0005]
• DE 102006061202 A1 [0006]
• US 20080190969 A1 [0007]
• CN2003341706 [0008]
• EP 2023052810 [0048, 0123, 0128, 0129, 0133, 0135, 0163, 0181]

Claims (37)

Liquid tank for a cleaning machine (10), comprising a bowl (124) with a receiving space (130), a lid device (146) which is positioned on the bowl (124) and closes the receiving space (130), the lid device (146) being openable, and a sealing device (156) which sits on the bowl (124) and/or the lid device (146) and, when the lid device (146) is closed, ensures a fluid-tight seal between the lid device (146) and the bowl (124), characterized in that the lid device (146) is pivotably connected to the bowl (124) about a lid pivot axis (150), that a movable handle (202) is arranged on the lid device (146), which has a basic position (208) when the lid device (146) is closed, and that an operating device (156) is connected to the handle (202). (220) and a support device (166) for the active device (220) is arranged on the shell (124), wherein when the lid device (146) is in the closed position (154) and the handle (202) is moved out of the basic position (208), the active device (220) is supported on the support device (166) and causes the lid device (146) to pivot out of the closed position (154) about the lid pivot axis (150). Liquid tank after Claim 1 , characterized in that the support device (166) comprises at least one column (162, 164) with a contact surface (222) for the active device (220), wherein in particular the contact surface (222) forms a guide track for the handle (202) and/or forms a sliding surface for the active device (220). Liquid tank after Claim 2 , characterized by at least one of the following: - the at least one column (162, 164) is seated on a base (126) of the bowl (124), wherein when the lid device (146) is closed, said column is positioned opposite the base (126); - the at least one column (162, 164) extends in a height direction (142) away from a base (126) of the bowl (124); - a plurality of spaced-apart columns (162, 164) are provided and in particular exactly two columns (162, 164) are provided. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one recess (174, 176) for the support device (166) on the shell (124) is arranged on the cover device (146). Liquid tank for a cleaning machine according to Claim 4 , characterized by at least one of the following: - at least when the cover device (146) is closed, at least one column (162, 164) and in particular exactly one column (162; 164) of the support device (166) is positioned in a corresponding recess (174; 176); - a sealing device (178) is provided which, when the cover device (146) is closed, ensures a fluid-tight seal between the support device (166) and the cover device (146) at the at least one recess (174; 176); - a sealing device (178) is arranged on the at least one recess (174; 176) and/or on at least one column (162; 164) of the support device (166); - the active device (220) acts on the support device (166) at the at least one recess (174; 176). Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acting device (220) comprises at least one cam (224, 226) which acts on the support device (166). Liquid tank after Claim 6 , characterized by at least one of the following: - a plurality of spaced cams (224, 226) are provided; - one and in particular exactly one cam (224; 226) is assigned to a column (162; 164) and in particular exactly one column (162; 164) of the support device (166) and can be supported on the latter. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following: - starting from the basic position (208) of the handle (202) and the closed position (154) of the lid device (146), the active device (220) is supported on the support device (166) when the handle (202) is moved up to a certain pivoting angle of the lid device (146) about the lid pivot axis (150); - after the certain pivoting angle is exceeded, the active device (220) is spaced from the support device (166) and no longer acts on it. Liquid tank after Claim 8 , characterized in that the sealing device (156) is arranged on the lid device (146) and is moved when the handle (202) is moved, which leads to a pivoting of the lid device (146). Liquid tank after Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the active device (220) is adapted to the support device (166) in such a way that when the cover device (146) is opened by moving the handle (202), a frictional force of the sealing device (156) is overcome. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (202) is pivotally connected to the lid device (146) about at least one pivot axis (206). Liquid tank after Claim 11 , characterized in that a stop is arranged on the cover device (146), which forms a pivoting angle limitation of the handle (202) away from the cover device (146). Liquid tank after Claim 11 or 12 , characterized by at least one of the following: - the handle pivot axis (206) is spaced from the lid pivot axis (150); - the handle pivot axis (206) is parallel to the lid pivot axis (150); - the handle pivot axis (206) is oriented transversely to a vertical extension direction (142) of the support device (166). Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: - the handle (202) is designed as a pulling device for an operator to pull on the lid device (146); - the handle (202) with the operating device (220) is designed as a lever. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (202) is designed as a bow handle (212), in particular with at least one of the following: - the handle (202) comprises a first bow element (214), a second bow element (216) spaced from the first bow element (214), and a third bow element (218) which is connected to the first bow element (214) and is connected to the second bow element (216), wherein the handle (202) is movably mounted on the lid device (146) via the first bow element (214) and the second bow element (216); - a first cam (224) of the active device (220) is seated on the first bow element (214), and a second cam (226) of the active device (220) is seated on the second bow element (216); - a bracket (212) of the handle surrounds a locking button (200) of the liquid tank. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (202) is positioned at a fixing area for fixing the liquid tank to the cleaning machine. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (202) is assigned a spring device (210) which exerts a spring force on the handle (202), wherein the spring force strives to bring the handle (202) into the basic position (208). Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell (124) has a first end (132) and an opposite second end (134), wherein a spacing direction between the first end (132) and the second end (134) is perpendicular to the lid pivot axis (150), that a lid pivot bearing (148) for the pivotability of the lid device (146) about the lid pivot axis (150) is located in the region of the first end (132), and that the handle (202) is positioned closer to the second end (134) than the lid pivot bearing (148). Liquid tank after Claim 18 , characterized by at least one of the following: - when the liquid tank is fixed to the cleaning machine, the second end (134) of the liquid tank lies on an outer contour of the cleaning machine or is closer to an outer contour of the cleaning machine than the first end (132); - at the first end (132) the shell (124) is straight. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum pivoting angle of the lid device (146) to the shell (124) starting from a closed lid device (146) is at least 90°, preferably at least 120°, preferably at least 150° and preferably at least 175° and preferably approximately 180°. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following: - the sealing device (156) between the shell (124) and the cover device (146) is arranged circumferentially on the cover device (146) and/or on the shell (124); - the sealing device (156) comprises a radial seal; - in the closed position (154) of the cover device (146), the cover device (146) is fixed to the shell (124) by means of a frictional connection, wherein in particular the sealing device (156) contributes to the frictional connection. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inlet device (186) for coupling liquid into the receiving space (130) is arranged on the cover device (146). Liquid tank after Claim 22 , characterized in that at least one channel (188) is arranged on the cover device (146), which has an inlet for liquid (190) and an outlet for liquid (192), wherein the outlet opens into the receiving space (130). Liquid tank after Claim 23 , characterized in that the outlet (192) has a mouth normal which, when the lid is closed, is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a bottom (126) of the bowl (124). Liquid tank after Claim 23 or 24 , characterized in that the at least one channel (188) is oriented at an acute angle to the lid pivot axis (150) relative to a longitudinal direction (194), wherein in particular the acute angle lies in the range between 30° and 60°. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor device (184) is arranged on the cover device (146). Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shell (124) has a height which is at most as large as a width of the shell (124) perpendicular to the height and in particular the height is at most 50% of the width. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by being designed as a unit (38) which is removable from the cleaning machine. Liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design as a dirty fluid tank (38). Cleaning machine comprising at least one cleaning tool (28) and at least one liquid tank according to one of the preceding claims. Cleaning machine after Claim 30 , characterized by a cleaning head (12) on which the at least one cleaning tool (28) is arranged, wherein the at least one liquid tank (38) is removably positioned on the cleaning head (12). Cleaning machine after Claim 30 or 31 , characterized by a design as a surface cleaning machine and in particular a floor cleaning machine. Cleaning machine according to one of the Claim 30 until 32 , characterized by a design as (i) a hand-held and/or hand-guided cleaning machine, or (ii) as a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning machine. Cleaning machine according to one of the Claims 30 until 33 characterized by a design as a wet cleaning machine, wherein the at least one liquid tank (38) serves to hold liquid-containing dirty fluid. Cleaning machine according to one of the Claims 30 until 34 , characterized by a moistening device (114), by means of which the at least one cleaning tool (28) and/or a surface to be cleaned (16) can be exposed to a cleaning liquid. Cleaning machine according to one of the Claims 30 until 35 , characterized by at least one driven roller (28) as a cleaning tool. Use of a liquid tank in accordance with one of the Claims 1 until 29 on a floor cleaning machine which is (i) self-propelled and self-steering, or (ii) which is hand-guided and/or hand-held.

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