EP3076844B1 - Cleaning system - Google Patents

Cleaning system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3076844B1
EP3076844B1 EP13799609.6A EP13799609A EP3076844B1 EP 3076844 B1 EP3076844 B1 EP 3076844B1 EP 13799609 A EP13799609 A EP 13799609A EP 3076844 B1 EP3076844 B1 EP 3076844B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact elements
floor cleaning
appliance
contact
cleaning system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13799609.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3076844A1 (en
Inventor
Jacob Janzen
Mathias KRIEG
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG filed Critical Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Publication of EP3076844A1 publication Critical patent/EP3076844A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3076844B1 publication Critical patent/EP3076844B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2873Docking units or charging stations
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2889Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/02Docking stations; Docking operations
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/02Docking stations; Docking operations
    • A47L2201/022Recharging of batteries

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cleaning system, comprising a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device and a charging station, wherein the floor cleaning device comprises at least one rechargeable electric battery and two coupled thereto device-side electrical contact elements, wherein the charging station has a charging unit for providing electrical energy and two coupled thereto station-side electrical Contact elements comprises, and wherein each a device-side contact element and a station-side contact element in a loading position of the floor cleaning device on the charging station for applying the at least one battery with electrical energy, wherein the device-side contact elements and the station-side contact elements comprise first contact elements and second contact elements, wherein the first Contact elements are arranged in at least one recess which on a housing of / the first contact elements umfa ssenden floor cleaning device or charging station is formed, and wherein the first contact elements are arranged opposite to a housing formed by the outer contour set back in the at least one recess.
  • a floor surface can be cleaned autonomously.
  • the floor cleaning device which comprises at least one cleaning unit, for example a brush roller and / or a suction unit, moves over the floor surface and frees it from dirt particles.
  • a landing gear of the floor cleaning device and the at least one cleaning unit are operated with the electrical energy stored in the at least one rechargeable battery.
  • the floor cleaning device can automatically move to the charging station and take a loading position at this. In each case, a device-side contact element coupled with a station-side contact element, so that the battery can be charged with electrical energy and recharged.
  • the GB 2 374 797 A describes a generic cleaning system.
  • Other cleaning systems are in the EP 1 547 512 A2 , of the DE 20 2011 050 877 U1 and in the EP 1 931 010 A2 disclosed.
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system of the type mentioned, which has a higher electrical safety.
  • the / the second contact elements comprehensive charging station or floor cleaning device comprises at least one electrically insulating contact element carrier on which the second contact elements are fixed and with respect to which in the loading position of the floor cleaning device in the at least one recess Front side, the second contact elements are reset.
  • the cleaning system comprises first contact elements and second contact elements, wherein the first contact elements may be the device-side contact elements and the second contact elements may be the station-side contact elements or vice versa.
  • the first contact elements are arranged in at least one recess on a housing of the floor cleaning device or the charging station and reset with respect to the outer contour of the housing. This reduces the risk that the first contact elements will inadvertently be electrically short-circuited with each other when the floor cleaning device comprising them or the charging station comprising it contacts an electrically conductive object.
  • the charging station or the floor cleaning device comprises at least one contact element carrier, which is assigned to the second contact elements.
  • the second contact elements are on the at least one contact element carrier set and with respect to a front side of the same set back at this. This also reduces the risk that an electrical short circuit between the two second contact elements takes place when the charging station or the floor cleaning device electrically conductive Subject contacted.
  • the contact element carrier can engage so far in the recess until the first contact elements protrude beyond its end face and each contact a second contact element.
  • the risk is significantly reduced that an undesirable discharge of the at least one battery is effected by a conductive object contacting the device-side contact elements. Furthermore, the risk can be reduced that the station-side contact elements are short-circuited by a conductive object and the charging station is damaged thereby. Nevertheless, it is found in practice that the device-side and the station-side contact elements can be found reliably when moving the floor cleaning device into the loading position so that the at least one battery can be charged.
  • first contact elements and the second contact elements are of different sizes, so that they can couple together in the loading position of the floor cleaning device in a simpler manner.
  • first contact elements are smaller than the second contact elements. This facilitates the first contact elements, to engage in the at least one contact element carrier and to contact the second contact elements.
  • the second contact elements are smaller than the first contact elements.
  • the first contact elements are point contact elements and / or that the second contact elements a have spatial extent.
  • the point contact elements have, for example, a size which corresponds approximately to that of a pinhead;
  • the point contact elements may have a diameter of about 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters.
  • the second contact elements are, for example, strip-shaped with a size of approximately 1 cm 2 to 3 cm 2 .
  • the second contact elements are advantageously planar.
  • the planar contact elements define, for example, a plane that is aligned perpendicular to a footprint for the floor cleaning device when the cleaning system is arranged on the ground surface as intended.
  • the floor cleaning device can define a touch level that coincides with the footprint.
  • the contact elements define a vertical plane.
  • first contact elements and the second contact elements are each arranged laterally next to one another.
  • the respective contact elements are arranged in a common plane, which is aligned parallel to a footprint for the floor cleaning device. It turns out in practice that side by side arranged contact elements in the process of the floor cleaning device in the loading position find easier and can work together as, for example, superimposed contact elements.
  • the device-side contact elements are the first contact elements and the floor cleaning device has the housing forming the at least one recess and if the station-side contact elements are the second contact elements and the charging station comprises the at least one contact element carrier.
  • the device-side contact elements are thus set back with respect to an outer contour of the housing of the floor cleaning device in the at least one recess.
  • the Station-side contact elements are set back with respect to an end face of the at least one contact element carrier. If the floor cleaning appliance adopts the loading position, the at least one contact element carrier at the loading station engages in the at least one recess on the floor cleaning appliance.
  • the device-side contact elements can engage in the at least one contact element carrier.
  • the device-side contact elements are the second contact elements and that the station-side contact elements are the first contact elements.
  • the device-side contact elements are preferably arranged on a front side of the floor cleaning device, based on a longitudinal or main movement direction of the same.
  • the floor cleaning device can thereby approach the procedure in the loading position in particular straight ahead of the charging station.
  • the station-side contact elements may be arranged, for example, on an end wall of a housing of the charging station. As a result, the device-side and the station-side contact elements can couple in a simple manner.
  • the floor cleaning device comprises a sensing part for contact-based detection of obstacles and if the device-side contact elements are held on the probe part.
  • the feeler part also referred to as a "bumper” is or forms in particular a section of a housing of the floor cleaning appliance on which the at least one recess is formed, in which the device-side first contact elements are arranged.
  • the sensing part is slidably and / or pivotally mounted on the floor cleaning device. This is advantageous if the floor cleaning device is not positioned exactly relative to the charging station when entering the loading position. It may come to a contact of the probe with the charging station and moving the probe. As a result, the device-side contact elements are moved, for example, in the direction of the Station-side contact elements, which facilitates the coupling of the device-side contact elements and the station-side contact elements as a result.
  • the at least one recess is formed by the housing of the floor cleaning device or the charging station recess.
  • the recess has, for example, a wall which is formed by the housing, and which can serve as a guide for the at least one contact element carrier when engaging in the recess.
  • the first contact elements are arranged in a common recess.
  • the at least one contact element carrier can engage in a recess in a simpler manner than in two recesses.
  • the device-side and the station-side contact elements can thereby couple with each other in a simpler way.
  • the device-side contact elements are movably held on the floor cleaning device and / or if the station-side contact elements are movably held on the charging station.
  • the movable mounting of the device-side and / or the station-side contact elements simplifies that they can be found and interact in the loading position of the floor cleaning device. This is particularly favorable when the floor cleaning device is not positioned exactly relative to the charging station when it is moved to the loading position.
  • the device-side contact elements and / or the station-side contact elements are in particular held displaceably and / or pivotably on the charging station.
  • the contact elements are preferably held displaceably in two transversely aligned directions on the floor cleaning device or on the charging station (ie the device-side contact elements on the floor cleaning device and / or the station-side contact elements at the charging station).
  • the displacement directions preferably define a plane which is aligned parallel to a contact plane of the floor cleaning appliance, with which the floor cleaning appliance rests on a footprint, for example the floor surface or a drive-up area of the charging station for the floor cleaning appliance.
  • the device-side contact elements are preferably held on a sensing part of the floor cleaning device, which is mounted in two transversely aligned displacement directions floating on the floor cleaning device.
  • the feeler is preferably held in two transversely aligned directions of displacement on a chassis of the floor cleaning device.
  • the sensing part may be connected to a holding part, which is held displaceably on a cup-shaped, connected to the chassis receiving part. Due to the floating bearing, the feeler can move particularly versatile and also pivot. It turns out that the coupling of the device-side and the station-side contact elements is simplified thereby.
  • the at least one contact element carrier is mounted in a floating manner in a plane on the charging station in two transversely aligned displacement directions.
  • each contact element is associated with a contact element carrier.
  • Each contact element is set back relative to the end face defined by the respective contact element carrier. The electrical safety of the cleaning system is thereby increased by reducing the likelihood that the second contact elements will be shorted together by a conductive object.
  • the contact element carriers are preferably positioned at a distance from each other and separated by a gap.
  • the contact element carrier are identical in order to achieve a simple structural design.
  • the second contact elements are preferably held by adhesion and / or positive connection on at least one contact element carrier and in particular each contact element on the respective contact element carrier by adhesion and / or positive engagement.
  • the contact element is held in a form-fitting manner in a receptacle formed by the at least one contact element carrier and / or clamped or adhesively bonded thereto.
  • a retaining tab may be arranged, which is passed through an eyelet of the contact element carrier and angled to secure the contact element on the contact element carrier.
  • the at least one contact element carrier comprises or forms a frame in which the at least one contact element is arranged at least partially.
  • the frame may include a receiving space for the contact element, in which receiving space this is arranged.
  • the end face is formed in particular by an edge of the frame.
  • the contact element is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the frame.
  • the contact element may be jammed or glued in the frame.
  • the contact element has a connecting member, for example the abovementioned retaining tab, which cooperates with a further connecting member of the frame, for example the aforementioned eyelet.
  • the second contact elements each comprise an electrical plug-in element for connection to an electrical contact element Plug member of the charging unit, which is arranged on a side facing away from the front side at least partially in the frame.
  • the frame can thereby accommodate at least partially cooperating male members of the contact element and the charging unit.
  • the electrical safety of the cleaning system can preferably be increased by the fact that the at least one contact element carrier comprises a flame-retardant material or is made of such a material.
  • the at least one contact element carrier comprises a flame-retardant material or is made of such a material.
  • the charging station or the floor cleaning device preferably comprises or forms a housing and the at least one contact element carrier is preferably held on the housing.
  • the at least one contact element carrier is held on an end wall of the housing.
  • the at least one contact element carrier projects beyond an outer contour formed by a housing wall.
  • the housing for example a housing of the charging station, defines an outer contour.
  • the housing may have a floor cleaning device in the loading position facing end wall.
  • the at least one contact element carrier can protrude beyond the end wall and thereby engage in a simpler manner in the at least one recess on the floor cleaning device.
  • the housing may be a housing of the floor cleaning appliance and the housing wall may be an end wall of the floor cleaning appliance, via which the at least one contact element carrier projects in the direction of the charging station.
  • the at least one contact element carrier may be formed integrally with the housing.
  • the at least one contact element carrier is formed separately from the housing and if the housing has at least one receptacle in which the at least one contact element carrier is held in a force-locking and / or form-fitting manner.
  • the housing and the contact element carrier are made of different materials.
  • the housing and the contact element carrier are made of different materials.
  • the housing and the contact element carrier are made of different materials.
  • the housing is made of a different material in order to reduce the manufacturing costs.
  • the receptacle comprises, for example, an opening in a housing wall, for example an end housing wall.
  • At least one projection is arranged on the receptacle, for example, which can couple with a corresponding recess on the at least one contact element carrier.
  • strip-shaped projections interact with shoulder-shaped or groove-shaped recesses.
  • locking members on the contact element carrier and / or on the housing are also conceivable.
  • FIG. 1 shows in perspective an occupied by the reference numeral 10 advantageous embodiment of a cleaning system according to the invention.
  • the cleaning system 10 comprises a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device 12 and a charging station 14. With the floor cleaning device 12, a floor surface can be cleaned autonomously.
  • the floor cleaning device 12 comprises a housing 16 which has on a bottom 18 a chassis 20 for moving on the floor surface.
  • the floor cleaning device 12 can be moved in particular along a longitudinal direction 22 in straight travel.
  • the longitudinal direction 22 corresponds to a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device 12.
  • Transverse to the longitudinal direction 22, a transverse direction 24 of the floor cleaning device 12 is aligned.
  • the floor cleaning device 12 For cleaning the bottom surface, the floor cleaning device 12 comprises a brush roller 28 near a front side 26 in a cleaning space 27. In the longitudinal direction 22 behind it, a dirt collecting container 29 is accommodated in the housing 16. In the longitudinal direction 22 behind a suction chamber 30 is formed in the housing 16. In the suction chamber 30, a suction unit 31 is arranged. Dirt can be removed with the brush roller 28 from the bottom surface and in the dirt collecting container 29, supported by provided by the suction unit 31 vacuum conveyed.
  • a receiving space 32 is formed in the housing 16.
  • a rechargeable battery 34 of the floor cleaning device 12 is added. Energy stored in the battery 34 is used to drive the landing gear 20, the brush roller 28 and the suction unit 31.
  • the floor cleaning device 12 comprises a sensing part 36 for the contact-related detection of obstacles, for example objects on the floor surface to be cleaned.
  • the housing 16 comprises the sensing part 38.
  • the housing section 38 formed by the sensing part 36 is arranged on the front side 26 and forms an end wall of the housing 16.
  • the housing section 38 extends in sections on the upper side 39, the left side 40 and the right side 41 of the housing 16.
  • the feeler part 36 is movably mounted on a chassis 42 of the floor cleaning device 12 covered by the housing 16.
  • the floor cleaning device 12 has two receiving parts 44 arranged in the receiving space 32, in each case laterally next to the battery 34, which are fixed on the chassis 42.
  • the receiving part 44 is cup-shaped and comprises a receptacle 45, in which a respective holding part 46 is arranged with play.
  • the holding parts 46 are connected to the front part 26 with the sensing part 36.
  • FIG. 12 is simplified, a contour 47 of the probe 36 is shown.
  • the receiving parts 44 are dimensioned such that the respective holding part 46 can be displaced therein in the longitudinal direction 22 and in the transverse direction 24 against the force of spring elements 48.
  • the displacement takes place in a plane parallel to the touch level of the floor cleaning device, which is defined by the chassis 20.
  • the sensing member 36 is slidably mounted on the chassis 42 about two transversely aligned directions.
  • the holding parts 46 are positioned in the receiving parts 44 with play, a floating mounting of the sensing part 36 is provided.
  • the feeler part 36 can thereby also be pivoted on the floor cleaning device 12.
  • the feeler part 36 comprises an upper part 50, which forms the housing portion 38 and lower part 52, which is connected to the upper part 50 and connected to the holding parts 46.
  • At the bottom 52 are device-side electrical contact elements 54 which are connected via not shown electrical leads to the battery 34 in connection.
  • the contact elements 54 are arranged side by side in a common plane parallel to the contact plane and designed as electrical point contacts.
  • the contact elements 54 are first contact elements of the cleaning system 10.
  • the contact elements 54 are arranged on a bottom 56 of a recess 58 which is formed by the sensing part 36 on the front side 26.
  • the recess is a recess 60 of the sensing part 36 and the housing 16.
  • the sensing part 36 deviates from the outer contour formed by it on the front side 26.
  • the contact elements 54 are set back with respect to the outer contour at the bottom 56. Accordingly, the contact elements 54 do not protrude beyond the outer contour of the housing 16 on the front side 26.
  • the battery 34 can be charged.
  • the charging station 14 is used to charge the battery 34.
  • the floor cleaning device can approach the charging station 14 and occupy a loading position at this.
  • the device-side contact elements 54 contact station-side contact elements 62 of the charging station 14, which will be discussed below.
  • the contact elements 62 are second contact elements of the cleaning system 10.
  • the charging station 14 comprises a housing 64, which in the present case is cuboidal.
  • the housing 64 has an end wall 66 facing the floor cleaning device 12 in the loading position.
  • two spaced passage openings 68 are formed in the wall 66. These are perforations of the wall 66.
  • rib-shaped projections 70 and paragraph-shaped or groove-shaped recesses 72 are arranged.
  • loading unit 74 recorded in the charging station 14 .
  • the charging unit is connected via a not shown in the drawing power cord to a power grid.
  • the charging station 14 comprises a contact element carrier 76 assigned to each contact element 62.
  • the contact element carriers 76 are identical.
  • Each contact element carrier 76 forms a frame 78 of rectangular cross-section.
  • On a wall 66 facing side rib-shaped projections 80 are arranged.
  • the frame 78 further comprises at its side facing the wall 66 at a distance from the projections 80 a circumferential abutment flange 82nd
  • the frame 78 further includes near a side facing away from the wall 66, a retaining wall 84.
  • the retaining wall 84 is disposed with respect to a front side 86 set back on the frame 78.
  • the retaining wall 84 closes the bordered by the frame 78 opening.
  • a total of five eye-shaped passage openings 85 are formed, two of which are arranged on an upper side and three on an underside of the retaining wall 84.
  • the frame 78 can be inserted into the through opening 68 and displaced in the plane of the wall 66.
  • the projections 80 engage in the recesses 72 and the projections 70 between the projections 80 and the abutment flange 82.
  • the abutment flange 82 contacts the wall 66 on the inside of the housing 64th
  • the frame 78 is thereby fixed in the receptacle at the passage opening by positive engagement and adhesion to the wall 66.
  • the frame 78 projects beyond the outer contour defined by the housing 64.
  • the end face 86 protrudes in the direction of the floor cleaning device 12 when it occupies the loading position or moves into this.
  • the housing 64 further comprises a cover wall 88 provided with cover wall 90 which is guided over the frame 78 and abuts against the wall 66.
  • the cover wall 90 serves for additional fixing of the frame 78 on the housing 64.
  • the contact elements 54 comprise a flat, planar contact portion 92.
  • the contact portion 92 is dimensioned such that it is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the frame 78, wherein it is aligned parallel to the plane of the retaining wall 84 and rests against this.
  • the contact section 92 is set back on the frame 78 (FIG. FIG. 6 ).
  • the end face 86 is formed by an edge of the frame 78. Accordingly, the contact portion 92 does not project beyond the end face 86 of the frame 78. In the circumferential direction, the contact portion 92 is frictionally bordered by the frame 78.
  • the contact elements 62 further comprise holding portions 93, in the present case four each. At the top and at the bottom of the frame 78 engages a respective holding portion 93 in one of the through holes 85 a.
  • the respective other holding portion 93 passes through a passage opening 85, is designed tab-shaped and angled at the back of the retaining wall 84, for example, bent. As a result, a further positive and non-positive fastening of the contact element 62 on the frame 78 is ensured.
  • the remaining fifth through-opening 85 is penetrated by a contact section 94.
  • the contact portion 94 is tongue-shaped and forms a male member 95.
  • the plug member 95 is partially received in the frame 78 on the opposite side of the end face 86.
  • the frames 78 are arranged together with the contact elements 62 side by side on the charging station 14 in a plane parallel to the contact plane.
  • the frame 78 are spaced apart, the distance being so great that the distance between the centers of the contact portions 92 is equal to the distance between the contact elements 54 from each other.
  • both the floor cleaning device 12 and the charging station 14 increased electrical safety can be achieved.
  • the device-side contact elements 54 are, as mentioned, set back relative to the outer contour of the housing 16. This reduces the likelihood that the floor cleaning implement 12 will contact an electrically conductive object that short circuits the contact elements 54 and triggers a discharge of the battery 34.
  • the station-side contact elements 62 are set back relative to the end face 86 of the respective frame 78 and arranged at a distance from one another. This also reduces the likelihood that the contact elements 62 will inadvertently be shorted by a conductive object. This could result in a flow of current that leads to damage to the charging station 14.
  • the electrical safety of the cleaning system 10 is further enhanced by the fact that the contact element carrier 76 are made of a flame-retardant material. Even if the contact elements 62 are short-circuited to each other and the frame 78 heat due to current flow, they are protected against ignition.
  • the floor cleaning device 12 can move autonomously into the loading position at the charging station 14. For this purpose, the floor cleaning device 12 can first be moved so that it is positioned with the front side 26 facing the wall 66 in front of the charging station 14 (FIG. FIG. 1 ). Subsequently, the floor cleaning device 12 in straight ahead travel in the longitudinal direction 22 to the charging station 14. The projecting beyond the wall 66 frame 78 can engage in the recess 58. The contact elements arranged on the bottom 56 of the depression 58 can in turn engage in the frames 78 and contact the contact elements 62 electrically at the contact sections 92 ( FIG. 7 ).
  • the feeler part 36 is mounted movably and in particular floating on the floor cleaning device 12. If the floor cleaning device 12 does not drive into the loading position in exact straight ahead travel, it may be that initially only one contact element 54 couples with a contact element 62. As a result, the feeler part 36 is acted upon by a force which leads to displacement in the longitudinal direction 22 and / or transverse direction 24. As a result of the displacement, the tactile member 36 is moved so that the other contact elements 54, 62 can couple with each other.
  • the contact elements 54, 62 for taking the loading position of the floor cleaning device 12 can be found reliable.
  • FIG. 8 illustrated further preferred embodiment of a cleaning system according to the invention with the reference numeral 100 received.
  • the reference numeral 100 For identical or equivalent features and components of the cleaning systems 10 and 100, identical reference numerals are used.
  • the above-mentioned advantages of the cleaning system 10 can also be achieved with the cleaning system 100. In the following, only the most important differences will be discussed.
  • a charging station 102 is provided, which is at the same time a suction station.
  • a suction unit not shown in the drawing and a dirt collecting container is added.
  • a suction channel with a suction port 104 is connected.
  • the charging station 102 has a ramp-up area 106, which can be driven by the floor cleaning device 12 to move into the loading position.
  • the floor cleaning device 12 can thereby be moved into a suction position.
  • dirt collected in the dirt collecting container 29 can be sucked off via the suction opening 104 by means of the suction unit of the charging station 102 and deposited in the dirt collecting container of the charging station 102.
  • a valve arrangement 108 is arranged at the bottom of the dirt collecting container 29.
  • the ramp-up area 106 is inclined with respect to a horizontal and forms, for example, a ramp 110.
  • the ramp 110 has for example an inclination of approximately 10 ° with respect to the horizontal. For this reason, the floor cleaning device 12 arranged on the ramp-up area 106 is likewise inclined with respect to the horizontal in the loading position.
  • the frontal wall 66 of the housing 64 which faces the floor cleaning device 12, is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal.
  • the contact element carrier 76 are held by adhesion and positive engagement in the receptacles of the housing 64 and the charging station 102. Instead of the cooperating projections 70, 80 and the recess 72, the contact element carrier 76, however, latching members 112.
  • the locking members 112 are hook-shaped and engage behind edges of the through holes 68th
  • a cover wall 90 is provided, in which the passage openings 88, however, are surrounded by frame-shaped enclosure, which form-fit the frames 78 of the contact element carrier 76.
  • the frames 78 at the loading station 102 are oriented at an angle with respect to the wall 66 which results from a right angle and the inclination of the ramp 110 with respect to the horizontal. This is advantageous because the contact portions 92 of the contact elements 62 also define a plane in the cleaning system 100 which is aligned perpendicular to the contact plane of the floor cleaning device 12 arranged on the ramp-up area 106.
  • the Cleaning system 100 is also guaranteed. Even with the cleaning system 100, the contact elements 54, 62 can be coupled to one another in a simple manner, although they are arranged with respect to the outer contour of the housing 16 or the end face 86 of the frame 78 set back on the floor cleaning device 12 and the charging station 102.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Reinigungssystem, umfassend ein selbstfahrendes und selbstlenkendes Bodenreinigungsgerät und eine Ladestation, wobei das Bodenreinigungsgerät mindestens eine wiederaufladbare elektrische Batterie und zwei mit dieser gekoppelte geräteseitige elektrische Kontaktelemente umfasst, wobei die Ladestation eine Ladeeinheit zum Bereitstellen elektrischer Energie und zwei mit dieser gekoppelte stationsseitige elektrische Kontaktelemente umfasst, und wobei je ein geräteseitiges Kontaktelement und ein stationsseitiges Kontaktelement in einer Ladestellung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes an der Ladestation zum Beaufschlagen der mindestens einen Batterie mit elektrischer Energie zusammenwirken, wobei die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente und die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente erste Kontaktelemente und zweite Kontaktelemente umfassen, wobei die ersten Kontaktelemente in mindestens einer Ausnehmung angeordnet sind, die an einem Gehäuse des/der die ersten Kontaktelemente umfassenden Bodenreinigungsgerätes oder Ladestation gebildet ist, und wobei die ersten Kontaktelemente gegenüber einer vom Gehäuse gebildeten Außenkontur zurückgesetzt in der mindestens einen Ausnehmung angeordnet sind.The invention relates to a cleaning system, comprising a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device and a charging station, wherein the floor cleaning device comprises at least one rechargeable electric battery and two coupled thereto device-side electrical contact elements, wherein the charging station has a charging unit for providing electrical energy and two coupled thereto station-side electrical Contact elements comprises, and wherein each a device-side contact element and a station-side contact element in a loading position of the floor cleaning device on the charging station for applying the at least one battery with electrical energy, wherein the device-side contact elements and the station-side contact elements comprise first contact elements and second contact elements, wherein the first Contact elements are arranged in at least one recess which on a housing of / the first contact elements umfa ssenden floor cleaning device or charging station is formed, and wherein the first contact elements are arranged opposite to a housing formed by the outer contour set back in the at least one recess.

Mit dem Bodenreinigungsgerät eines derartigen Reinigungssystems kann eine Bodenfläche autonom gereinigt werden. Das Bodenreinigungsgerät, das mindestens ein Reinigungsaggregat umfasst, beispielsweise eine Bürstenwalze und/oder ein Saugaggregat, verfährt über die Bodenfläche und befreit diese von Schmutzpartikeln. Ein Fahrwerk des Bodenreinigungsgerätes und das mindestens eine Reinigungsaggregat werden mit der in der mindestens einen wiederaufladbaren Batterie gespeicherten elektrischen Energie betrieben. Das Bodenreinigungsgerät kann selbsttätig zu der Ladestation verfahren und eine Ladestellung an dieser einnehmen. Dabei koppelt je ein geräteseitiges Kontaktelement mit einem stationsseitigen Kontaktelement, so dass die Batterie mit elektrischer Energie beaufschlagt und wieder aufgeladen werden kann.With the floor cleaning device of such a cleaning system, a floor surface can be cleaned autonomously. The floor cleaning device, which comprises at least one cleaning unit, for example a brush roller and / or a suction unit, moves over the floor surface and frees it from dirt particles. A landing gear of the floor cleaning device and the at least one cleaning unit are operated with the electrical energy stored in the at least one rechargeable battery. The floor cleaning device can automatically move to the charging station and take a loading position at this. In each case, a device-side contact element coupled with a station-side contact element, so that the battery can be charged with electrical energy and recharged.

Die GB 2 374 797 A beschreibt ein gattungsgemäßes Reinigungssystem. Weitere Reinigungssysteme sind in der EP 1 547 512 A2 , der DE 20 2011 050 877 U1 und in der EP 1 931 010 A2 offenbart.The GB 2 374 797 A describes a generic cleaning system. Other cleaning systems are in the EP 1 547 512 A2 , of the DE 20 2011 050 877 U1 and in the EP 1 931 010 A2 disclosed.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein Reinigungssystem der eingangs genannten Art bereitzustellen, das eine höhere elektrische Sicherheit aufweist.Object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system of the type mentioned, which has a higher electrical safety.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem gattungsgemäßen Reinigungssystem erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass die/das die zweiten Kontaktelemente umfassende Ladestation oder Bodenreinigungsgerät mindestens einen elektrisch isolierenden Kontaktelementträger umfasst, an dem die zweiten Kontaktelemente festgelegt sind und bezüglich dessen in der Ladestellung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes in die mindestens eine Ausnehmung eingreifenden Stirnseite die zweiten Kontaktelemente zurückgesetzt sind.This object is achieved in a generic cleaning system according to the invention that the / the second contact elements comprehensive charging station or floor cleaning device comprises at least one electrically insulating contact element carrier on which the second contact elements are fixed and with respect to which in the loading position of the floor cleaning device in the at least one recess Front side, the second contact elements are reset.

Das Reinigungssystem umfasst erste Kontaktelemente und zweite Kontaktelemente, wobei es sich bei den ersten Kontaktelementen um die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente und bei den zweiten Kontaktelementen um die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente handeln kann oder umgekehrt.The cleaning system comprises first contact elements and second contact elements, wherein the first contact elements may be the device-side contact elements and the second contact elements may be the station-side contact elements or vice versa.

Die ersten Kontaktelemente sind in mindestens einer Ausnehmung an einem Gehäuse des Bodenreinigungsgerätes oder der Ladestation angeordnet und bezüglich der Außenkontur des Gehäuses zurückgesetzt. Dadurch ist die Gefahr verringert, dass die ersten Kontaktelemente unbeabsichtigterweise elektrisch miteinander kurzgeschlossen werden, wenn das sie umfassende Bodenreinigungsgerät oder die sie umfassende Ladestation einen elektrisch leitenden Gegenstand kontaktiert.The first contact elements are arranged in at least one recess on a housing of the floor cleaning device or the charging station and reset with respect to the outer contour of the housing. This reduces the risk that the first contact elements will inadvertently be electrically short-circuited with each other when the floor cleaning device comprising them or the charging station comprising it contacts an electrically conductive object.

Die Ladestation oder das Bodenreinigungsgerät umfasst mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger, der den zweiten Kontaktelementen zugeordnet ist. Die zweiten Kontaktelemente sind am dem mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger festgelegt und bezüglich einer Stirnseite desselben zurückgesetzt an diesem angeordnet. Dadurch ist ebenfalls die Gefahr verringert, dass ein elektrischer Kurzschluss zwischen den beiden zweiten Kontaktelementen erfolgt, wenn die Ladestation oder das Bodenreinigungsgerät einen elektrisch leitenden Gegenstand kontaktiert. Um das Zusammenwirken der ersten und zweiten Kontaktelemente in der Ladestellung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes zu erleichtern, greift der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger in der Ladestellung in die mindestens eine Ausnehmung ein. Der Kontaktelementträger kann so weit in die Ausnehmung eingreifen, bis die ersten Kontaktelemente über dessen Stirnseite hervor ragen und je ein zweites Kontaktelement kontaktieren.The charging station or the floor cleaning device comprises at least one contact element carrier, which is assigned to the second contact elements. The second contact elements are on the at least one contact element carrier set and with respect to a front side of the same set back at this. This also reduces the risk that an electrical short circuit between the two second contact elements takes place when the charging station or the floor cleaning device electrically conductive Subject contacted. In order to facilitate the interaction of the first and second contact elements in the loading position of the floor cleaning device, engages the at least one contact element carrier in the loading position in the at least one recess. The contact element carrier can engage so far in the recess until the first contact elements protrude beyond its end face and each contact a second contact element.

Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungssystem ist die Gefahr deutlich verringert, dass eine unerwünschte Entladung der mindestens einen Batterie durch einen die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente kontaktierenden leitenden Gegenstand erfolgt. Ferner kann die Gefahr verringert werden, dass die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente durch einen leitenden Gegenstand kurzgeschlossen werden und die Ladestation dadurch beschädigt wird. Dennoch zeigt sich in der Praxis, dass sich die geräteseitigen und die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente beim Verfahren des Bodenreinigungsgerätes in die Ladestellung zuverlässig finden können, damit die mindestens eine Batterie geladen werden kann.In the cleaning system according to the invention, the risk is significantly reduced that an undesirable discharge of the at least one battery is effected by a conductive object contacting the device-side contact elements. Furthermore, the risk can be reduced that the station-side contact elements are short-circuited by a conductive object and the charging station is damaged thereby. Nevertheless, it is found in practice that the device-side and the station-side contact elements can be found reliably when moving the floor cleaning device into the loading position so that the at least one battery can be charged.

In der Praxis zeigt sich, dass es von Vorteil ist, wenn die ersten Kontaktelemente und die zweiten Kontaktelemente unterschiedlich groß sind, damit sie in der Ladestellung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes auf einfachere Weise miteinander koppeln können.In practice, it is found that it is advantageous if the first contact elements and the second contact elements are of different sizes, so that they can couple together in the loading position of the floor cleaning device in a simpler manner.

Günstig ist es, wenn die ersten Kontaktelemente kleiner sind als die zweiten Kontaktelemente. Dies erleichtert den ersten Kontaktelementen, in den mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger einzugreifen und die zweiten Kontaktelemente zu kontaktieren.It is favorable if the first contact elements are smaller than the second contact elements. This facilitates the first contact elements, to engage in the at least one contact element carrier and to contact the second contact elements.

Alternativ kann vorgesehen sein, dass die zweiten Kontaktelemente kleiner sind als die ersten Kontaktelemente.Alternatively it can be provided that the second contact elements are smaller than the first contact elements.

Es kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, dass die ersten Kontaktelemente Punktkontaktelemente sind und/oder dass die zweiten Kontaktelemente eine räumliche Erstreckung aufweisen. Die Punktkontaktelemente weisen beispielsweise eine Größe auf, die ungefähr derjenigen eines Stecknadelkopfes entspricht; zum Beispiel können die Punktkontaktelemente einen Durchmesser von ungefähr 2 Millimeter bis 5 Millimeter aufweisen. Die zweiten Kontaktelemente sind zum Beispiel streifenförmig mit einer Größe von ungefähr 1 cm2 bis 3 cm2.It can be provided, for example, that the first contact elements are point contact elements and / or that the second contact elements a have spatial extent. The point contact elements have, for example, a size which corresponds approximately to that of a pinhead; For example, the point contact elements may have a diameter of about 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters. The second contact elements are, for example, strip-shaped with a size of approximately 1 cm 2 to 3 cm 2 .

Die zweiten Kontaktelemente, insbesondere bei der zuletzt erwähnten vorteilhaften Ausführungsform, sind günstigerweise planar. Die planaren Kontaktelemente definieren zum Beispiel eine Ebene, die senkrecht zu einer Aufstellfläche für das Bodenreinigungsgerät ausgerichtet ist, wenn das Reinigungssystem bestimmungsgemäß auf der Bodenfläche angeordnet ist. Das Bodenreinigungsgerät kann eine Berührebene definieren, die mit der Aufstellfläche zusammenfällt. Beispielsweise definieren die Kontaktelemente eine vertikale Ebene.The second contact elements, in particular in the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment, are advantageously planar. The planar contact elements define, for example, a plane that is aligned perpendicular to a footprint for the floor cleaning device when the cleaning system is arranged on the ground surface as intended. The floor cleaning device can define a touch level that coincides with the footprint. For example, the contact elements define a vertical plane.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn die ersten Kontaktelemente und die zweiten Kontaktelemente jeweils seitlich nebeneinander angeordnet sind. Insbesondere sind die jeweiligen Kontaktelemente in einer gemeinsamen Ebene angeordnet, die parallel zu einer Aufstellfläche für das Bodenreinigungsgerät ausgerichtet ist. Es zeigt sich in der Praxis, dass sich seitlich nebeneinander angeordnete Kontaktelemente beim Verfahren des Bodenreinigungsgerätes in die Ladestellung auf einfachere Weise finden und zusammenwirken können als beispielsweise übereinander angeordnete Kontaktelemente.It is advantageous if the first contact elements and the second contact elements are each arranged laterally next to one another. In particular, the respective contact elements are arranged in a common plane, which is aligned parallel to a footprint for the floor cleaning device. It turns out in practice that side by side arranged contact elements in the process of the floor cleaning device in the loading position find easier and can work together as, for example, superimposed contact elements.

Günstig ist es, wenn die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente die ersten Kontaktelemente sind und das Bodenreinigungsgerät das die mindestens eine Ausnehmung bildende Gehäuse aufweist und wenn die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente die zweiten Kontaktelemente sind und die Ladestation den mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger umfasst. Die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente sind damit bezüglich einer Außenkontur des Gehäuses des Bodenreinigungsgerätes zurückgesetzt in der mindestens einen Ausnehmung angeordnet. Die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente sind bezüglich einer Stirnseite des mindestens einen Kontaktelementträgers zurückgesetzt. Nimmt das Bodenreinigungsgerät die Ladestellung ein, greift der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger an der Ladestation in die mindestens eine Ausnehmung am Bodenreinigungsgerät ein. Die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente können in den mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger eingreifen.It is favorable if the device-side contact elements are the first contact elements and the floor cleaning device has the housing forming the at least one recess and if the station-side contact elements are the second contact elements and the charging station comprises the at least one contact element carrier. The device-side contact elements are thus set back with respect to an outer contour of the housing of the floor cleaning device in the at least one recess. The Station-side contact elements are set back with respect to an end face of the at least one contact element carrier. If the floor cleaning appliance adopts the loading position, the at least one contact element carrier at the loading station engages in the at least one recess on the floor cleaning appliance. The device-side contact elements can engage in the at least one contact element carrier.

Umgekehrt kann vorgesehen sein, dass die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente die zweiten Kontaktelemente sind und dass die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente die ersten Kontaktelemente sind.Conversely, it can be provided that the device-side contact elements are the second contact elements and that the station-side contact elements are the first contact elements.

Die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente sind vorzugsweise an einer Vorderseite des Bodenreinigungsgerätes angeordnet, bezogen auf eine Längs- oder Hauptbewegungsrichtung desselben. Das Bodenreinigungsgerät kann sich zum Verfahren in die Ladestellung dadurch insbesondere in Geradeausfahrt der Ladestation nähern. Die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente können beispielsweise an einer Stirnwand eines Gehäuses der Ladestation angeordnet sein. Dadurch können die geräteseitigen und die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente auf einfache Weise koppeln.The device-side contact elements are preferably arranged on a front side of the floor cleaning device, based on a longitudinal or main movement direction of the same. The floor cleaning device can thereby approach the procedure in the loading position in particular straight ahead of the charging station. The station-side contact elements may be arranged, for example, on an end wall of a housing of the charging station. As a result, the device-side and the station-side contact elements can couple in a simple manner.

Als vorteilhaft erweist es sich in der Praxis, wenn das Bodenreinigungsgerät ein Tastteil zum kontaktbehafteten Erfassen von Hindernissen umfasst und wenn die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente am Tastteil gehalten sind. Das Tastteil, auch als "Bumper" bezeichnet, ist oder bildet insbesondere ein(en) Abschnitt eines Gehäuses des Bodenreinigungsgerätes, an dem die mindestens eine Ausnehmung gebildet ist, in der die geräteseitigen ersten Kontaktelemente angeordnet sind. Vorzugsweise ist das Tastteil verschieblich und/oder schwenkbar am Bodenreinigungsgerät gelagert. Dies ist von Vorteil, wenn das Bodenreinigungsgerät beim Einfahren in die Ladestellung nicht exakt relativ zur Ladestation positioniert ist. Es kann zu einem Kontakt des Tastteils mit der Ladestation und zum Bewegen des Tastteils kommen. Dadurch werden auch die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente bewegt, zum Beispiel in Richtung auf die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente, was im Ergebnis das Ankoppeln der geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente und der stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente erleichtert.It proves to be advantageous in practice if the floor cleaning device comprises a sensing part for contact-based detection of obstacles and if the device-side contact elements are held on the probe part. The feeler part, also referred to as a "bumper", is or forms in particular a section of a housing of the floor cleaning appliance on which the at least one recess is formed, in which the device-side first contact elements are arranged. Preferably, the sensing part is slidably and / or pivotally mounted on the floor cleaning device. This is advantageous if the floor cleaning device is not positioned exactly relative to the charging station when entering the loading position. It may come to a contact of the probe with the charging station and moving the probe. As a result, the device-side contact elements are moved, for example, in the direction of the Station-side contact elements, which facilitates the coupling of the device-side contact elements and the station-side contact elements as a result.

Günstig ist es, wenn die mindestens eine Ausnehmung eine vom Gehäuse des Bodenreinigungsgerätes oder der Ladestation gebildete Vertiefung ist. Die Vertiefung weist beispielsweise eine Wandung auf, die vom Gehäuse gebildet ist, und die als Führung für den mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger beim Eingreifen in die Vertiefung dienen kann.It is advantageous if the at least one recess is formed by the housing of the floor cleaning device or the charging station recess. The recess has, for example, a wall which is formed by the housing, and which can serve as a guide for the at least one contact element carrier when engaging in the recess.

Als vorteilhaft erweist es sich, wenn die ersten Kontaktelemente in einer gemeinsamen Ausnehmung angeordnet sind. Der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger kann auf einfachere Weise in eine Ausnehmung als in zwei Ausnehmungen eingreifen. Die geräteseitigen und die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente können dadurch auf einfachere Weise miteinander koppeln.It proves to be advantageous if the first contact elements are arranged in a common recess. The at least one contact element carrier can engage in a recess in a simpler manner than in two recesses. The device-side and the station-side contact elements can thereby couple with each other in a simpler way.

Günstig ist es, wenn die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente beweglich am Bodenreinigungsgerät gehalten sind und/oder wenn die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente beweglich an der Ladestation gehalten sind. Wie bereits erwähnt, vereinfacht die bewegliche Halterung der geräteseitigen und/oder der stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente, dass sich diese in der Ladestellung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes finden und zusammenwirken können. Dies ist insbesondere dann günstig, wenn das Bodenreinigungsgerät nicht exakt relativ zur Ladestation positioniert ist, wenn es in die Ladestellung verfahren wird.It is advantageous if the device-side contact elements are movably held on the floor cleaning device and / or if the station-side contact elements are movably held on the charging station. As already mentioned, the movable mounting of the device-side and / or the station-side contact elements simplifies that they can be found and interact in the loading position of the floor cleaning device. This is particularly favorable when the floor cleaning device is not positioned exactly relative to the charging station when it is moved to the loading position.

Die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente und/oder die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente sind insbesondere verschieblich und/oder schwenkbar an der Ladestation gehalten.The device-side contact elements and / or the station-side contact elements are in particular held displaceably and / or pivotably on the charging station.

Die Kontaktelemente sind bevorzugt in zwei quer zueinander ausgerichteten Richtungen verschieblich am Bodenreinigungsgerät oder an der Ladestation gehalten (d.h. die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente am Bodenreinigungsgerät und/oder die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente an der Ladestation). Die Verschieberichtungen definieren vorzugsweise eine Ebene, die parallel zu einer Berührebene des Bodenreinigungsgerätes ausgerichtet ist, mit der das Bodenreinigungsgerät auf einer Aufstellfläche aufsteht, beispielsweise der Bodenfläche oder einem Auffahrbereich der Ladestation für das Bodenreinigungsgerät.The contact elements are preferably held displaceably in two transversely aligned directions on the floor cleaning device or on the charging station (ie the device-side contact elements on the floor cleaning device and / or the station-side contact elements at the charging station). The displacement directions preferably define a plane which is aligned parallel to a contact plane of the floor cleaning appliance, with which the floor cleaning appliance rests on a footprint, for example the floor surface or a drive-up area of the charging station for the floor cleaning appliance.

Die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente sind vorzugsweise an einem Tastteil des Bodenreinigungsgerätes gehalten, das in zwei quer zueinander ausgerichteten Verschieberichtungen schwimmend am Bodenreinigungsgerät gelagert ist. Das Tastteil ist bevorzugt in zwei quer zueinander ausgerichteten Verschieberichtungen an einem Chassis des Bodenreinigungsgerätes gehalten. Zu diesem Zweck kann das Tastteil mit einem Halteteil verbunden sein, das an einem schalenförmigen, mit dem Chassis verbundenen Aufnahmeteil verschieblich gehalten ist. Durch die schwimmende Lagerung kann sich das Tastteil besonders vielseitig verschieben und auch schwenken. Es zeigt sich, dass das Koppeln der geräteseitigen und der stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente dadurch vereinfacht wird.The device-side contact elements are preferably held on a sensing part of the floor cleaning device, which is mounted in two transversely aligned displacement directions floating on the floor cleaning device. The feeler is preferably held in two transversely aligned directions of displacement on a chassis of the floor cleaning device. For this purpose, the sensing part may be connected to a holding part, which is held displaceably on a cup-shaped, connected to the chassis receiving part. Due to the floating bearing, the feeler can move particularly versatile and also pivot. It turns out that the coupling of the device-side and the station-side contact elements is simplified thereby.

In entsprechender Weise kann vorgesehen sein, dass beispielsweise der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger schwimmend in einer Ebene an der Ladestation gelagert ist in zwei quer zueinander ausgerichteten Verschieberichtungen.In a corresponding manner, it can be provided that, for example, the at least one contact element carrier is mounted in a floating manner in a plane on the charging station in two transversely aligned displacement directions.

Als vorteilhaft erweist es sich, wenn zwei Kontaktelementträger vorhanden sind, wobei jedem zweiten Kontaktelement ein Kontaktelementträger zugeordnet ist. Jedes Kontaktelement ist bezüglich der vom jeweiligen Kontaktelementträger definierten Stirnseite zurückgesetzt. Die elektrische Sicherheit des Reinigungssystems wird dadurch erhöht, indem die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass die zweiten Kontaktelemente miteinander durch einen leitenden Gegenstand kurzgeschlossen werden, verringert ist.It proves to be advantageous if two contact element carriers are present, wherein each contact element is associated with a contact element carrier. Each contact element is set back relative to the end face defined by the respective contact element carrier. The electrical safety of the cleaning system is thereby increased by reducing the likelihood that the second contact elements will be shorted together by a conductive object.

Die Kontaktelementträger sind bevorzugt im Abstand voneinander positioniert und durch einen Zwischenraum voneinander getrennt.The contact element carriers are preferably positioned at a distance from each other and separated by a gap.

Günstigerweise sind die Kontaktelementträger identisch, um eine einfache konstruktive Ausgestaltung zu erzielen.Conveniently, the contact element carrier are identical in order to achieve a simple structural design.

Die zweiten Kontaktelemente sind vorzugsweise durch Kraftschluss und/oder Formschluss am mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger gehalten und insbesondere jedes Kontaktelement am jeweiligen Kontaktelementträger durch Kraftschluss und/oder Formschluss. Beispielsweise ist das Kontaktelement formschlüssig in einer vom mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger gebildeten Aufnahme gehalten und/oder mit diesem verklemmt oder verklebt. Am Kontaktelement kann eine Haltelasche angeordnet sein, die durch eine Öse des Kontaktelementträgers hindurchgeführt und abgewinkelt ist, um das Kontaktelement am Kontaktelementträger zu sichern.The second contact elements are preferably held by adhesion and / or positive connection on at least one contact element carrier and in particular each contact element on the respective contact element carrier by adhesion and / or positive engagement. For example, the contact element is held in a form-fitting manner in a receptacle formed by the at least one contact element carrier and / or clamped or adhesively bonded thereto. At the contact element, a retaining tab may be arranged, which is passed through an eyelet of the contact element carrier and angled to secure the contact element on the contact element carrier.

Bei einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform ist es günstig, wenn der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger einen Rahmen umfasst oder bildet, in dem das mindestens eine Kontaktelement zumindest teilweise angeordnet ist. Der Rahmen kann einen Aufnahmeraum für das Kontaktelement einschließen, in welchem Aufnahmeraum dieses angeordnet ist. Die Stirnseite wird insbesondere von einem Rand des Rahmens gebildet.In an advantageous embodiment, it is favorable if the at least one contact element carrier comprises or forms a frame in which the at least one contact element is arranged at least partially. The frame may include a receiving space for the contact element, in which receiving space this is arranged. The end face is formed in particular by an edge of the frame.

Vorzugsweise ist das Kontaktelement formschlüssig im Rahmen angeordnet. Zusätzlich kann das Kontaktelement im Rahmen verklemmt oder verklebt sein. Denkbar ist auch, dass das Kontaktelement ein Verbindungsglied aufweist, zum Beispiel die vorstehend erwähnte Haltelasche, die mit einem weiteren Verbindungsglied des Rahmens zusammenwirkt, zum Beispiel der vorstehend genannten Öse.Preferably, the contact element is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the frame. In addition, the contact element may be jammed or glued in the frame. It is also conceivable that the contact element has a connecting member, for example the abovementioned retaining tab, which cooperates with a further connecting member of the frame, for example the aforementioned eyelet.

Günstigerweise umfassen die zweiten Kontaktelemente jeweils ein elektrisches Steckglied zum Verbinden mit einem dieses kontaktierenden elektrischen Steckglied der Ladeeinheit, das auf einer der Stirnseite abgewandten Seite zumindest teilweise im Rahmen angeordnet ist. Der Rahmen kann dadurch zumindest teilweise zusammenwirkende Steckglieder des Kontaktelementes und der Ladeeinheit aufnehmen.Conveniently, the second contact elements each comprise an electrical plug-in element for connection to an electrical contact element Plug member of the charging unit, which is arranged on a side facing away from the front side at least partially in the frame. The frame can thereby accommodate at least partially cooperating male members of the contact element and the charging unit.

Die elektrische Sicherheit des Reinigungssystems kann vorzugsweise dadurch erhöht werden, dass der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger ein flammhemmendes Material umfasst oder aus einem solchen Material gefertigt ist. Wenn hohe Ladeströme zum Laden der mindestens einen Batterie fließen und sich der Kontaktelementträger erwärmt, wird ein Entfachen desselben weitestgehend vermieden. Selbst dann, wenn die zweiten Kontaktelemente versehentlich kurzgeschlossen werden, wird ein Entflammen des Kontaktelementträgers vermieden.The electrical safety of the cleaning system can preferably be increased by the fact that the at least one contact element carrier comprises a flame-retardant material or is made of such a material. When high charging currents for charging the at least one battery flow and the contact element carrier heats up, ignition thereof is largely avoided. Even if the second contact elements are accidentally short-circuited, a flaming of the contact element carrier is avoided.

Die Ladestation oder das Bodenreinigungsgerät umfasst oder bildet vorzugsweise ein Gehäuse und der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger ist bevorzugt am Gehäuse gehalten. Beispielsweise ist der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger an einer Stirnwand des Gehäuses gehalten.The charging station or the floor cleaning device preferably comprises or forms a housing and the at least one contact element carrier is preferably held on the housing. For example, the at least one contact element carrier is held on an end wall of the housing.

Als vorteilhaft erweist es sich, wenn der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger über eine von einer Gehäusewand gebildete Außenkontur hervorragt. Das Gehäuse, beispielsweise ein Gehäuse der Ladestation, definiert eine Außenkontur. Das Gehäuse kann eine dem Bodenreinigungsgerät in dessen Ladestellung zugewandte Stirnwand aufweisen. Der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger kann über die Stirnwand hervorragen und dadurch auf einfachere Weise in die mindestens eine Ausnehmung am Bodenreinigungsgerät eingreifen. Umgekehrt kann es sich bei dem Gehäuse um ein Gehäuse des Bodenreinigungsgerätes und bei der Gehäusewand um eine Stirnwand des Bodenreinigungsgerätes handeln, über die der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger in Richtung der Ladestation hervorragt.It proves to be advantageous if the at least one contact element carrier projects beyond an outer contour formed by a housing wall. The housing, for example a housing of the charging station, defines an outer contour. The housing may have a floor cleaning device in the loading position facing end wall. The at least one contact element carrier can protrude beyond the end wall and thereby engage in a simpler manner in the at least one recess on the floor cleaning device. Conversely, the housing may be a housing of the floor cleaning appliance and the housing wall may be an end wall of the floor cleaning appliance, via which the at least one contact element carrier projects in the direction of the charging station.

Der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger kann einstückig mit dem Gehäuse gebildet sein.The at least one contact element carrier may be formed integrally with the housing.

Bei einer andersartigen Ausführungsform ist es günstig, wenn der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger getrennt vom Gehäuse gebildet ist und wenn das Gehäuse mindestens eine Aufnahme aufweist, in der der mindestens eine Kontaktelementträger kraftschlüssig und/oder formschlüssig gehalten ist. Dies erweist sich beispielsweise dann als vorteilhaft, wenn das Gehäuse und der Kontaktelementträger aus unterschiedlichen Materialien gefertigt sind. Beispielsweise ist dies von Vorteil, wenn nur der die zweiten Kontaktelemente aufnehmende Kontaktelementträger wie vorstehend erwähnt aus einem flammhemmenden Material gefertigt ist und das Gehäuse zur Reduktion der Herstellungskosten aus einem andersartigen Material.In another embodiment, it is favorable if the at least one contact element carrier is formed separately from the housing and if the housing has at least one receptacle in which the at least one contact element carrier is held in a force-locking and / or form-fitting manner. This proves to be advantageous, for example, when the housing and the contact element carrier are made of different materials. For example, this is advantageous if only the contact element carrier receiving the second contact elements is made of a flame-retardant material as mentioned above, and the housing is made of a different material in order to reduce the manufacturing costs.

Die Aufnahme umfasst zum Beispiel eine Durchbrechung einer Gehäusewand, beispielsweise einer stirnseitigen Gehäusewand. An der Aufnahme ist beispielsweise mindestens ein Vorsprung angeordnet, der mit einer korrespondierenden Ausnehmung am mindestens einen Kontaktelementträger koppeln kann. Beispielsweise wirken leistenförmige Vorsprünge mit absatzförmigen oder nutförmigen Ausnehmungen zusammen. Denkbar sind auch Rastglieder am Kontaktelementträger und/oder am Gehäuse.The receptacle comprises, for example, an opening in a housing wall, for example an end housing wall. At least one projection is arranged on the receptacle, for example, which can couple with a corresponding recess on the at least one contact element carrier. For example, strip-shaped projections interact with shoulder-shaped or groove-shaped recesses. Also conceivable are locking members on the contact element carrier and / or on the housing.

Die nachfolgende Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsformen der Erfindung dient im Zusammenhang mit der Zeichnung der näheren Erläuterung der Erfindung. Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
eine perspektivische Darstellung einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungssystems, umfassend eine Ladestation und ein Bodenreinigungsgerät;
Figur 2:
eine perspektivische Darstellung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes aus Figur 1;
Figur 3:
eine vereinfachte Längsschnittansicht des Bodenreinigungsgerätes aus Figur 1;
Figur 4:
eine perspektivische, vereinfachte geschnittene Teilansicht der Ladestation aus Figur 1 in Explosionsdarstellung;
Figur 5:
eine weitere perspektivische Teildarstellung der Ladestation in einer Schnittansicht;
Figur 6:
eine Detaildarstellung der Ladestation aus Figur 1 in einer Schnittansicht, wobei ein Abschnitt eines Gehäuses, ein Kontaktelementträger und ein Kontaktelement der Ladestation gezeigt sind;
Figur 7:
eine Schnittdarstellung (teilweise) des Reinigungssystems aus Figur 1, wenn das Bodenreinigungsgerät eine Ladestellung an der Ladestation einnimmt, wobei die Schnittebene entsprechend der Linie 7-7 in Figur 3 ausgerichtet ist;
Figur 8:
eine perspektivische Darstellung einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungssystems;
Figur 9:
eine perspektivische Darstellung von zwei Kontaktelementträgern und zwei Kontaktelementen einer Ladestation des Reinigungssystems aus Figur 8;
Figur 10:
eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung der Kontaktelementträger und der Kontaktelemente;
Figur 11:
eine Schnittansicht (teilweise) der Ladestation des Reinigungssystems aus Figur 8 in einer perspektivischen Explosionsdarstellung und
Figur 12:
eine schematische Darstellung, die die Halterung eines Tastteils des Bodenreinigungsgerätes der Reinigungssysteme gemäß den Figuren 1 und 8 zeigt.
The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for a more detailed explanation of the invention. Show it:
FIG. 1:
a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a cleaning system according to the invention, comprising a charging station and a floor cleaning device;
FIG. 2:
a perspective view of the floor cleaning device FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3:
a simplified longitudinal sectional view of the floor cleaning device FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 4:
a perspective, simplified sectional partial view of the charging station FIG. 1 in exploded view;
FIG. 5:
a further partial perspective view of the charging station in a sectional view;
FIG. 6:
a detailed view of the charging station FIG. 1 in a sectional view, wherein a portion of a housing, a contact element carrier and a contact element of the charging station are shown;
FIG. 7:
a sectional view (partially) of the cleaning system FIG. 1 when the floor cleaning device occupies a loading position at the loading station, the sectional plane corresponding to the line 7-7 in FIG. 3 is aligned;
FIG. 8:
a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a cleaning system according to the invention;
FIG. 9:
a perspective view of two contact element carriers and two contact elements of a charging station of the cleaning system FIG. 8 ;
FIG. 10:
a further perspective view of the contact element carrier and the contact elements;
FIG. 11:
a sectional view (partially) of the charging station of the cleaning system FIG. 8 in a perspective exploded view and
FIG. 12:
a schematic representation of the holder of a probe of the floor cleaning device of the cleaning systems according to the FIGS. 1 and 8th shows.

Figur 1 zeigt in perspektivischer Darstellung eine mit dem Bezugszeichen 10 belegte vorteilhafte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungssystems. Das Reinigungssystem 10 umfasst ein selbstfahrendes und selbstlenkendes Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 und eine Ladestation 14. Mit dem Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 kann eine Bodenfläche autonom gereinigt werden. FIG. 1 shows in perspective an occupied by the reference numeral 10 advantageous embodiment of a cleaning system according to the invention. The cleaning system 10 comprises a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device 12 and a charging station 14. With the floor cleaning device 12, a floor surface can be cleaned autonomously.

Das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 umfasst ein Gehäuse 16, das an einer Unterseite 18 ein Fahrwerk 20 zum Verfahren auf der Bodenfläche aufweist. Das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 kann insbesondere entlang einer Längsrichtung 22 in Geradeausfahrt bewegt werden. Die 22 Längsrichtung entspricht einer Hauptbewegungsrichtung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes 12. Quer zur Längsrichtung 22 ist eine Querrichtung 24 des Bodenreinigungsgerätes 12 ausgerichtet.The floor cleaning device 12 comprises a housing 16 which has on a bottom 18 a chassis 20 for moving on the floor surface. The floor cleaning device 12 can be moved in particular along a longitudinal direction 22 in straight travel. The longitudinal direction 22 corresponds to a main direction of movement of the floor cleaning device 12. Transverse to the longitudinal direction 22, a transverse direction 24 of the floor cleaning device 12 is aligned.

Zum Reinigen der Bodenfläche umfasst das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 nahe einer Vorderseite 26 in einem Reinigungsraum 27 eine Bürstenwalze 28. In Längsrichtung 22 dahinter ist ein Schmutzsammelbehälter 29 im Gehäuse 16 aufgenommen. In Längsrichtung 22 dahinter ist ein Absaugraum 30 im Gehäuse 16 gebildet. Im Absaugraum 30 ist ein Saugaggregat 31 angeordnet. Schmutz kann mit der Bürstenwalze 28 von der Bodenfläche abgekehrt und in den Schmutzsammelbehälter 29, unterstützt durch vom Saugaggregat 31 bereitgestellten Unterdruck, befördert werden.For cleaning the bottom surface, the floor cleaning device 12 comprises a brush roller 28 near a front side 26 in a cleaning space 27. In the longitudinal direction 22 behind it, a dirt collecting container 29 is accommodated in the housing 16. In the longitudinal direction 22 behind a suction chamber 30 is formed in the housing 16. In the suction chamber 30, a suction unit 31 is arranged. Dirt can be removed with the brush roller 28 from the bottom surface and in the dirt collecting container 29, supported by provided by the suction unit 31 vacuum conveyed.

Oberhalb des Reinigungsraums 27 ist im Gehäuse 16 ein Aufnahmeraum 32 gebildet. Im Aufnahmeraum 32 ist eine wiederaufladbare Batterie 34 des Bodenreinigungsgerätes 12 aufgenommen. In der Batterie 34 gespeicherte Energie wird zum Antrieb des Fahrwerks 20, der Bürstenwalze 28 und des Saugaggregates 31 verwendet.Above the cleaning space 27, a receiving space 32 is formed in the housing 16. In the receiving space 32, a rechargeable battery 34 of the floor cleaning device 12 is added. Energy stored in the battery 34 is used to drive the landing gear 20, the brush roller 28 and the suction unit 31.

Das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 umfasst ein Tastteil 36 zum kontaktbehafteten Erfassen von Hindernissen, beispielsweise Gegenständen auf der zu reinigenden Bodenfläche. Das Tastteil 36 bildet einen Gehäuseabschnitt 38 des Gehäuses 16. Umgekehrt umfasst das Gehäuse 16 das Tastteil 38. Der vom Tastteil 36 gebildete Gehäuseabschnitt 38 ist an der Vorderseite 26 angeordnet und bildet dort eine stirnseitige Wand des Gehäuses 16. Außerdem erstreckt sich der Gehäuseabschnitt 38 abschnittsweise an der Oberseite 39, der linken Seite 40 und der rechten Seite 41 des Gehäuses 16.The floor cleaning device 12 comprises a sensing part 36 for the contact-related detection of obstacles, for example objects on the floor surface to be cleaned. Conversely, the housing 16 comprises the sensing part 38. The housing section 38 formed by the sensing part 36 is arranged on the front side 26 and forms an end wall of the housing 16. In addition, the housing section 38 extends in sections on the upper side 39, the left side 40 and the right side 41 of the housing 16.

Das Tastteil 36 ist an einem vom Gehäuse 16 überdeckten Chassis 42 des Bodenreinigungsgerätes 12 beweglich gelagert. Zu diesem Zweck weist das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 zwei im Aufnahmeraum 32 jeweils seitlich neben der Batterie 34 angeordnete Aufnahmeteile 44 auf, die am Chassis 42 festgelegt sind. Das Aufnahmeteil 44 ist schalenförmig und umfasst eine Aufnahme 45, in der ein jeweiliges Halteteil 46 mit Spiel angeordnet ist. Die Halteteile 46 sind an der Vorderseite 26 mit dem Tastteil 36 verbunden. In Figur 12 ist vereinfacht eine Kontur 47 des Tastteils 36 gezeigt.The feeler part 36 is movably mounted on a chassis 42 of the floor cleaning device 12 covered by the housing 16. For this purpose, the floor cleaning device 12 has two receiving parts 44 arranged in the receiving space 32, in each case laterally next to the battery 34, which are fixed on the chassis 42. The receiving part 44 is cup-shaped and comprises a receptacle 45, in which a respective holding part 46 is arranged with play. The holding parts 46 are connected to the front part 26 with the sensing part 36. In FIG. 12 is simplified, a contour 47 of the probe 36 is shown.

Die Aufnahmeteile 44 sind so bemessen, dass das jeweilige Halteteil 46 darin in Längsrichtung 22 und in Querrichtung 24 entgegen der Kraft von Federelementen 48 verschoben werden kann. Die Verschiebung erfolgt in einer Ebene parallel zur Berührebene des Bodenreinigungsgerätes, die vom Fahrwerk 20 definiert ist. Dementsprechend ist das Tastteil 36 am Chassis 42 um zwei quer zueinander ausgerichtete Richtungen verschieblich gelagert. Weil die Halteteile 46 in den Aufnahmeteilen 44 mit Spiel positioniert sind, ist zudem eine schwimmende Lagerung des Tastteils 36 bereitgestellt. Das Tastteil 36 kann dadurch auch am Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 verschwenkt werden.The receiving parts 44 are dimensioned such that the respective holding part 46 can be displaced therein in the longitudinal direction 22 and in the transverse direction 24 against the force of spring elements 48. The displacement takes place in a plane parallel to the touch level of the floor cleaning device, which is defined by the chassis 20. Accordingly, the sensing member 36 is slidably mounted on the chassis 42 about two transversely aligned directions. In addition, because the holding parts 46 are positioned in the receiving parts 44 with play, a floating mounting of the sensing part 36 is provided. The feeler part 36 can thereby also be pivoted on the floor cleaning device 12.

Das Tastteil 36 umfasst ein Oberteil 50, das den Gehäuseabschnitt 38 bildet und Unterteil 52, das mit dem Oberteil 50 verbunden und mit den Halteteilen 46 verbunden ist. Am Unterteil 52 sind geräteseitige elektrische Kontaktelemente 54 gehalten, die über nicht gezeigte elektrische Leitungen mit der Batterie 34 in Verbindung stehen. Die Kontaktelemente 54 sind seitlich nebeneinander in einer gemeinsamen Ebene parallel zur Berührebene angeordnet und ausgestaltet als elektrische Punktkontakte. Die Kontaktelemente 54 sind erste Kontaktelemente des Reinigungssystems 10.The feeler part 36 comprises an upper part 50, which forms the housing portion 38 and lower part 52, which is connected to the upper part 50 and connected to the holding parts 46. At the bottom 52 are device-side electrical contact elements 54 which are connected via not shown electrical leads to the battery 34 in connection. The contact elements 54 are arranged side by side in a common plane parallel to the contact plane and designed as electrical point contacts. The contact elements 54 are first contact elements of the cleaning system 10.

Die Kontaktelemente 54 sind an einem Boden 56 einer Vertiefung 58 angeordnet, die vom Tastteil 36 an der Vorderseite 26 gebildet ist. Die Vertiefung ist eine Ausnehmung 60 des Tastteils 36 und des Gehäuses 16. Im Bereich der Ausnehmung 60 weicht das Tastteil 36 gegenüber der von ihm gebildeten Außenkontur an der Vorderseite 26 zurück. Die Kontaktelemente 54 sind bezüglich der Außenkontur zurückgesetzt am Boden 56 angeordnet. Dementsprechend ragen die Kontaktelemente 54 nicht über die Außenkontur des Gehäuses 16 an der Vorderseite 26 hervor.The contact elements 54 are arranged on a bottom 56 of a recess 58 which is formed by the sensing part 36 on the front side 26. The recess is a recess 60 of the sensing part 36 and the housing 16. In the region of the recess 60, the sensing part 36 deviates from the outer contour formed by it on the front side 26. The contact elements 54 are set back with respect to the outer contour at the bottom 56. Accordingly, the contact elements 54 do not protrude beyond the outer contour of the housing 16 on the front side 26.

Durch Beaufschlagung mit elektrischer Energie an den Kontaktelementen 54 kann die Batterie 34 geladen werden.By applying electrical energy to the contact elements 54, the battery 34 can be charged.

Die Ladestation 14 dient zum Laden der Batterie 34. Das Bodenreinigungsgerät kann sich der Ladestation 14 nähern und an dieser eine Ladestellung einnehmen. In der Ladestellung kontaktieren die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente 54 stationsseitige Kontaktelemente 62 der Ladestation 14, worauf nachfolgend eingegangen wird. Die Kontaktelemente 62 sind zweite Kontaktelemente des Reinigungssystems 10.The charging station 14 is used to charge the battery 34. The floor cleaning device can approach the charging station 14 and occupy a loading position at this. In the loading position, the device-side contact elements 54 contact station-side contact elements 62 of the charging station 14, which will be discussed below. The contact elements 62 are second contact elements of the cleaning system 10.

Die Ladestation 14 umfasst ein Gehäuse 64, das vorliegend quaderförmig ausgestaltet ist. Das Gehäuse 64 weist eine dem Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 in der Ladestellung zugewandte stirnseitige Wand 66 auf. In der Wand 66 sind zwei voneinander beabstandete Durchgangsöffnungen 68 gebildet. Diese sind Durchbrechungen der Wand 66. Am Rand jeder Durchgangsöffnung sind in der Wandebene verlaufende rippenförmige Vorsprünge 70 und absatzförmige oder nutförmige Ausnehmungen 72 angeordnet.The charging station 14 comprises a housing 64, which in the present case is cuboidal. The housing 64 has an end wall 66 facing the floor cleaning device 12 in the loading position. In the wall 66, two spaced passage openings 68 are formed. These are perforations of the wall 66. At the edge of each passage opening in the wall plane extending rib-shaped projections 70 and paragraph-shaped or groove-shaped recesses 72 are arranged.

In der Ladestation 14 ist eine in Figur 4 dargestellte Ladeeinheit 74 aufgenommen. Die Ladeeinheit ist über ein in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigtes Netzkabel an ein Energieversorgungsnetz angeschlossen.In the charging station 14 is an in FIG. 4 shown loading unit 74 recorded. The charging unit is connected via a not shown in the drawing power cord to a power grid.

Die Ladestation 14 umfasst jedem Kontaktelement 62 zugeordnet einen Kontaktelementträger 76. Die Kontaktelementträger 76 sind identisch. Jeder Kontaktelementträger 76 bildet einen Rahmen 78 von rechteckigem Querschnitt. An einer der Wand 66 zugewandten Seite sind rippenförmige Vorsprünge 80 angeordnet. Der Rahmen 78 umfasst weiter an seiner der Wand 66 zugewandten Seite in Abstand zu den Vorsprüngen 80 einen umlaufenden Anlageflansch 82.The charging station 14 comprises a contact element carrier 76 assigned to each contact element 62. The contact element carriers 76 are identical. Each contact element carrier 76 forms a frame 78 of rectangular cross-section. On a wall 66 facing side rib-shaped projections 80 are arranged. The frame 78 further comprises at its side facing the wall 66 at a distance from the projections 80 a circumferential abutment flange 82nd

Der Rahmen 78 umfasst ferner nahe einer der Wand 66 abgewandten Seite eine Haltewand 84. Die Haltewand 84 ist bezüglich einer Stirnseite 86 zurückgesetzt am Rahmen 78 angeordnet. Die Haltewand 84 verschließt die vom Rahmen 78 eingefasste Öffnung. In der Haltewand 84 sind insgesamt fünf ösenförmige Durchgangsöffnungen 85 gebildet, wovon zwei an einer Oberseite und drei an einer Unterseite der Haltewand 84 angeordnet sind.The frame 78 further includes near a side facing away from the wall 66, a retaining wall 84. The retaining wall 84 is disposed with respect to a front side 86 set back on the frame 78. The retaining wall 84 closes the bordered by the frame 78 opening. In the retaining wall 84, a total of five eye-shaped passage openings 85 are formed, two of which are arranged on an upper side and three on an underside of the retaining wall 84.

Zum Verbinden des Rahmens 78 mit der Wand 66 kann der Rahmen 78 in die Durchgangsöffnung 68 eingesetzt und in der Ebene der Wand 66 verschoben werden. Dabei greifen die Vorsprünge 80 in die Ausnehmungen 72 ein und die Vorsprünge 70 zwischen die Vorsprünge 80 und den Anlageflansch 82. Der Anlageflansch 82 kontaktiert die Wand 66 an der Innenseite des Gehäuses 64.To connect the frame 78 to the wall 66, the frame 78 can be inserted into the through opening 68 and displaced in the plane of the wall 66. In this case, the projections 80 engage in the recesses 72 and the projections 70 between the projections 80 and the abutment flange 82. The abutment flange 82 contacts the wall 66 on the inside of the housing 64th

Der Rahmen 78 ist dadurch in der Aufnahme an der Durchgangsöffnung durch Formschluss und Kraftschluss an der Wand 66 festgelegt. Dabei ragt der Rahmen 78 über die vom Gehäuse 64 definierte Außenkontur hervor. Die Stirnseite 86 ragt in Richtung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes 12 vor, wenn dieses die Ladestellung einnimmt oder in diese verfährt.The frame 78 is thereby fixed in the receptacle at the passage opening by positive engagement and adhesion to the wall 66. In this case, the frame 78 projects beyond the outer contour defined by the housing 64. The end face 86 protrudes in the direction of the floor cleaning device 12 when it occupies the loading position or moves into this.

Das Gehäuse 64 umfasst ferner eine mit Durchgangsöffnungen 88 versehene Abdeckwand 90, die über die Rahmen 78 geführt ist und an der Wand 66 anliegt. Die Abdeckwand 90 dient zur zusätzlichen Fixierung der Rahmen 78 am Gehäuse 64.The housing 64 further comprises a cover wall 88 provided with cover wall 90 which is guided over the frame 78 and abuts against the wall 66. The cover wall 90 serves for additional fixing of the frame 78 on the housing 64.

Die Kontaktelemente 54 umfassen einen flächigen, planaren Kontaktabschnitt 92. Der Kontaktabschnitt 92 ist so bemessen, dass er formschlüssig im Rahmen 78 angeordnet ist, wobei er parallel zur Ebene der Haltewand 84 ausgerichtet ist und an dieser anliegt. Bezüglich der Stirnseite 86 ist der Kontaktabschnitt 92 zurückgesetzt am Rahmen 78 angeordnet (Figur 6). Die Stirnseite 86 wird von einem Rand des Rahmens 78 gebildet. Der Kontaktabschnitt 92 ragt dementsprechend nicht über die Stirnseite 86 des Rahmens 78 hervor. In Umfangsrichtung wird der Kontaktabschnitt 92 formschlüssig vom Rahmen 78 eingefasst.The contact elements 54 comprise a flat, planar contact portion 92. The contact portion 92 is dimensioned such that it is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the frame 78, wherein it is aligned parallel to the plane of the retaining wall 84 and rests against this. With regard to the end face 86, the contact section 92 is set back on the frame 78 (FIG. FIG. 6 ). The end face 86 is formed by an edge of the frame 78. Accordingly, the contact portion 92 does not project beyond the end face 86 of the frame 78. In the circumferential direction, the contact portion 92 is frictionally bordered by the frame 78.

Die Kontaktelemente 62 umfassen ferner Halteabschnitte 93, vorliegend jeweils vier Stück. An der Oberseite und an der Unterseite des Rahmens 78 greift je ein Halteabschnitt 93 in eine der Durchgangsöffnungen 85 ein. Der jeweils andere Halteabschnitt 93 durchgreift eine Durchgangsöffnung 85, ist laschenförmig ausgestaltet und an der Rückseite der Haltewand 84 abgewinkelt, beispielsweise umgebogen. Dadurch ist eine weitere formschlüssige und kraftschlüssige Befestigung des Kontaktelementes 62 am Rahmen 78 sichergestellt.The contact elements 62 further comprise holding portions 93, in the present case four each. At the top and at the bottom of the frame 78 engages a respective holding portion 93 in one of the through holes 85 a. The respective other holding portion 93 passes through a passage opening 85, is designed tab-shaped and angled at the back of the retaining wall 84, for example, bent. As a result, a further positive and non-positive fastening of the contact element 62 on the frame 78 is ensured.

Die verbleibende fünfte Durchgangsöffnung 85 wird von einem Kontaktabschnitt 94 durchgriffen. Der Kontaktabschnitt 94 ist zungenförmig und bildet ein Steckglied 95. Ein in der Zeichnung nicht dargestelltes korrespondierendes Steckglied, beispielsweise ein Kabelschuh, das mit der Ladeeinheit 74 elektrisch verbunden ist, kann mit dem Steckglied 95 elektrisch verbunden werden, um das Kontaktelement 62 zu kontaktieren. Das Steckglied 95 ist auf der der Stirnseite 86 gegenüberliegenden Seite teilweise im Rahmen 78 aufgenommen.The remaining fifth through-opening 85 is penetrated by a contact section 94. The contact portion 94 is tongue-shaped and forms a male member 95. A not shown in the drawing corresponding male member, such as a cable lug, which is electrically connected to the charging unit 74, can be electrically connected to the male member 95 to contact the contact member 62. The plug member 95 is partially received in the frame 78 on the opposite side of the end face 86.

Die Rahmen 78 sind zusammen mit den Kontaktelementen 62 seitlich nebeneinander an der Ladestation 14 in einer Ebene parallel zur Berührebene angeordnet. Die Rahmen 78 sind voneinander beabstandet, wobei der Abstand so groß ist, dass der Abstand der Mitten der Kontaktabschnitte 92 gleich groß ist wie der Abstand der Kontaktelemente 54 voneinander.The frames 78 are arranged together with the contact elements 62 side by side on the charging station 14 in a plane parallel to the contact plane. The frame 78 are spaced apart, the distance being so great that the distance between the centers of the contact portions 92 is equal to the distance between the contact elements 54 from each other.

Beim Reinigungssystem 10 kann sowohl beim Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 als auch bei der Ladestation 14 eine erhöhte elektrische Sicherheit erzielt werden. Die geräteseitigen Kontaktelemente 54 sind, wie erwähnt, bezüglich der Außenkontur des Gehäuses 16 zurückgesetzt. Dies verringert die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 einen elektrisch leitenden Gegenstand kontaktiert, der die Kontaktelemente 54 miteinander kurzschließt und eine Entladung der Batterie 34 auslöst.In the cleaning system 10, both the floor cleaning device 12 and the charging station 14 increased electrical safety can be achieved. The device-side contact elements 54 are, as mentioned, set back relative to the outer contour of the housing 16. This reduces the likelihood that the floor cleaning implement 12 will contact an electrically conductive object that short circuits the contact elements 54 and triggers a discharge of the battery 34.

Die stationsseitigen Kontaktelemente 62 sind gegenüber der Stirnseite 86 des jeweiligen Rahmens 78 zurückgesetzt und im Abstand zueinander angeordnet. Dadurch wird ebenfalls die Wahrscheinlichkeit verringert, dass die Kontaktelemente 62 unbeabsichtigterweise durch einen leitenden Gegenstand kurzgeschlossen werden. Dies könnte einen Stromfluss zur Folge haben, der zu einer Beschädigung der Ladestation 14 führt.The station-side contact elements 62 are set back relative to the end face 86 of the respective frame 78 and arranged at a distance from one another. This also reduces the likelihood that the contact elements 62 will inadvertently be shorted by a conductive object. This could result in a flow of current that leads to damage to the charging station 14.

Auch beim Hantieren mit dem Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 und mit der Ladestation 14 ist die Gefahr eines Kurzschlusses der Kontaktelemente 54 und 62 verringert.Even when handling the floor cleaning device 12 and the charging station 14, the risk of short circuiting of the contact elements 54 and 62 is reduced.

Die elektrische Sicherheit des Reinigungssystems 10 wird weiter dadurch gesteigert, dass die Kontaktelementträger 76 aus einem flammhemmenden Material gefertigt sind. Selbst dann, wenn die Kontaktelemente 62 miteinander kurzgeschlossen werden und sich die Rahmen 78 infolge Stromflusses erwärmen, sind sie vor Entflammen gesichert.The electrical safety of the cleaning system 10 is further enhanced by the fact that the contact element carrier 76 are made of a flame-retardant material. Even if the contact elements 62 are short-circuited to each other and the frame 78 heat due to current flow, they are protected against ignition.

Trotz der hohen elektrischen Sicherheit können die Kontaktelemente 54, 62 zum Laden der Batterie 34 beim Reinigungssystem 10 auf zuverlässige Weise miteinander koppeln. Das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 kann autonom in die Ladestellung an der Ladestation 14 verfahren. Zu diesem Zweck kann das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 zunächst so verfahren, dass es mit der Vorderseite 26 der Wand 66 zugewandt vor der Ladestation 14 positioniert ist (Figur 1). Anschließend kann das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 in Geradeausfahrt in Längsrichtung 22 auf die Ladestation 14 zufahren. Die über die Wand 66 hinausragenden Rahmen 78 können in die Vertiefung 58 eingreifen. Die am Boden 56 der Vertiefung 58 angeordneten Kontaktelemente können ihrerseits in die Rahmen 78 eingreifen und die Kontaktelemente 62 an den Kontaktabschnitten 92 elektrisch kontaktieren (Figur 7).Despite the high electrical safety, the contact elements 54, 62 for charging the battery 34 in the cleaning system 10 can reliably couple together. The floor cleaning device 12 can move autonomously into the loading position at the charging station 14. For this purpose, the floor cleaning device 12 can first be moved so that it is positioned with the front side 26 facing the wall 66 in front of the charging station 14 (FIG. FIG. 1 ). Subsequently, the floor cleaning device 12 in straight ahead travel in the longitudinal direction 22 to the charging station 14. The projecting beyond the wall 66 frame 78 can engage in the recess 58. The contact elements arranged on the bottom 56 of the depression 58 can in turn engage in the frames 78 and contact the contact elements 62 electrically at the contact sections 92 ( FIG. 7 ).

Obwohl die jeweiligen Kontaktelemente 54, 62 bezüglich der Außenkontur des Gehäuses 16 bzw. der Stirnseite 86 der Rahmen 78 zurückgesetzt sind, kann eine einfache und zuverlässige Kontaktierung sichergestellt werden. Koppeln die Kontaktelemente 54, 62 miteinander, nimmt das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 die Ladestellung ein. Die Batterie 34 wird mit elektrischer Energie beaufschlagt, die von der Ladeeinheit 74 bereitgestellt wird. Die Batterie 34 wird dadurch geladen.Although the respective contact elements 54, 62 with respect to the outer contour of the housing 16 and the end face 86 of the frame 78 are reset, a simple and reliable contact can be ensured. When the contact elements 54, 62 are coupled together, the floor cleaning device 12 takes up the loading position. The battery 34 is supplied with electric power provided by the charging unit 74. The battery 34 is thereby charged.

Von besonderem Vorteil ist es auch, dass das Tastteil 36 beweglich und insbesondere schwimmend am Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 gelagert ist. Fährt das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 nicht in exakter Geradeausfahrt in die Ladestellung, kann es sein, dass zunächst nur ein Kontaktelement 54 mit einem Kontaktelement 62 koppelt. Dadurch wird das Tastteil 36 mit einer Kraft beaufschlagt, die zur Verschiebung in Längsrichtung 22 und/oder Querrichtung 24 führt. Infolge der Verschiebung wird das Tastteil 36 so bewegt, dass auch die anderen Kontaktelemente 54, 62 miteinander koppeln können.It is also particularly advantageous that the feeler part 36 is mounted movably and in particular floating on the floor cleaning device 12. If the floor cleaning device 12 does not drive into the loading position in exact straight ahead travel, it may be that initially only one contact element 54 couples with a contact element 62. As a result, the feeler part 36 is acted upon by a force which leads to displacement in the longitudinal direction 22 and / or transverse direction 24. As a result of the displacement, the tactile member 36 is moved so that the other contact elements 54, 62 can couple with each other.

Selbst bei einer nicht exakten Ausrichtung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes 12 relativ zur Ladestation 14 können sich die Kontaktelemente 54, 62 zur Einnahme der Ladestellung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes 12 zuverlässig finden.Even with a non-exact orientation of the floor cleaning device 12 relative to the charging station 14, the contact elements 54, 62 for taking the loading position of the floor cleaning device 12 can be found reliable.

Günstig ist es dabei, dass eine mögliche Verschiebung des Tastteils 36 und damit der Kontaktelemente 54 in einer Ebene senkrecht zu der von den flächigen Kontaktelementen 62 definierten Ebene erfolgt, welche Ebene senkrecht zur Berührebene ausgerichtet ist.It is advantageous that a possible displacement of the sensing part 36 and thus the contact elements 54 takes place in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the flat contact elements 62 level, which plane is aligned perpendicular to the contact plane.

Nachfolgend wird auf eine in Figur 8 dargestellte weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungssystems mit dem Bezugszeichen 100 eingegangen. Für gleiche oder gleichwirkende Merkmale und Bauteile der Reinigungssysteme 10 und 100 werden identische Bezugszeichen benutzt. Die vorstehend erwähnten Vorteile des Reinigungssystems 10 können mit dem Reinigungssystem 100 ebenfalls erzielt werden. Nachfolgend wird nur auf die wichtigsten Unterschiede eingegangen.The following is an in FIG. 8 illustrated further preferred embodiment of a cleaning system according to the invention with the reference numeral 100 received. For identical or equivalent features and components of the cleaning systems 10 and 100, identical reference numerals are used. The above-mentioned advantages of the cleaning system 10 can also be achieved with the cleaning system 100. In the following, only the most important differences will be discussed.

Beim Reinigungssystem 100 ist anstelle der Ladestation 14 eine Ladestation 102 vorgesehen, die zugleich eine Absaugstation ist. Im Gehäuse 64 ist ein in der Zeichnung nicht gezeigtes Saugaggregat und ein Schmutzsammelbehälter aufgenommen. An den Schmutzsammelbehälter ist ein Saugkanal mit einer Saugöffnung 104 angeschlossen.In the cleaning system 100, instead of the charging station 14, a charging station 102 is provided, which is at the same time a suction station. In the housing 64, a suction unit not shown in the drawing and a dirt collecting container is added. To the dirt collecting a suction channel with a suction port 104 is connected.

Die Ladestation 102 weist einen Auffahrbereich 106 auf, den das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 zum Verfahren in Ladestellung befahren kann. Das Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 kann dadurch auch in eine Absaugstellung verfahren werden. In der Absaugstellung kann im Schmutzsammelbehälter 29 aufgenommener Schmutz mittels des Saugaggregates der Ladestation 102 über die Saugöffnung 104 abgesaugt und im Schmutzsammelbehälter der Ladestation 102 abgeschieden werden. Zu diesem Zweck ist untenseitig am Schmutzsammelbehälter 29 eine Ventilanordnung 108 angeordnet.The charging station 102 has a ramp-up area 106, which can be driven by the floor cleaning device 12 to move into the loading position. The floor cleaning device 12 can thereby be moved into a suction position. In the suction position, dirt collected in the dirt collecting container 29 can be sucked off via the suction opening 104 by means of the suction unit of the charging station 102 and deposited in the dirt collecting container of the charging station 102. For this purpose, a valve arrangement 108 is arranged at the bottom of the dirt collecting container 29.

Bei der Ladestation 102 ist der Auffahrbereich 106 bezüglich einer Horizontalen geneigt und bildet beispielsweise eine Rampe 110. Die Rampe 110 weist beispielsweise eine Neigung von ungefähr 10° bezüglich der Horizontalen auf. Aus diesem Grund ist das auf dem Auffahrbereich 106 angeordnete Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 in der Ladestellung ebenfalls bezüglich der Horizontalen geneigt.At the loading station 102, the ramp-up area 106 is inclined with respect to a horizontal and forms, for example, a ramp 110. The ramp 110 has for example an inclination of approximately 10 ° with respect to the horizontal. For this reason, the floor cleaning device 12 arranged on the ramp-up area 106 is likewise inclined with respect to the horizontal in the loading position.

Ebenso wie bei der Ladestation 14 ist die stirnseitige Wand 66 des Gehäuses 64, die dem Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 zugewandt ist, senkrecht zur Horizontalen ausgerichtet.As with the charging station 14, the frontal wall 66 of the housing 64, which faces the floor cleaning device 12, is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal.

An der Wand 66 sind auch bei der Ladestation 102 die Kontaktelementträger 76 durch Kraftschluss und Formschluss in den Aufnahmen des Gehäuses 64 gehalten. Anstelle der zusammenwirkenden Vorsprünge 70, 80 und der Ausnehmung 72 weisen die Kontaktelementträger 76 jedoch Rastglieder 112 auf. Die Rastglieder 112 sind hakenförmig und hintergreifen Ränder der Durchgangsöffnungen 68.On the wall 66, the contact element carrier 76 are held by adhesion and positive engagement in the receptacles of the housing 64 and the charging station 102. Instead of the cooperating projections 70, 80 and the recess 72, the contact element carrier 76, however, latching members 112. The locking members 112 are hook-shaped and engage behind edges of the through holes 68th

Auch bei der Ladestation 102 ist eine Abdeckwand 90 vorgesehen, bei der die Durchgangsöffnungen 88 allerdings von rahmenförmigen Einfassung umgeben sind, die die Rahmen 78 der Kontaktelementträger 76 formschlüssig einfassen.Also in the charging station 102, a cover wall 90 is provided, in which the passage openings 88, however, are surrounded by frame-shaped enclosure, which form-fit the frames 78 of the contact element carrier 76.

Die Rahmen 78 bei der Ladestation 102 sind unter einem Winkel bezüglich der Wand 66 ausgerichtet, der sich durch einen rechten Winkel und der Schrägstellung der Rampe 110 bezüglich der Horizontalen ergibt. Dies ist von Vorteil, weil die Kontaktabschnitte 92 der Kontaktelemente 62 auch bei dem Reinigungssystem 100 eine Ebene definieren, die senkrecht zur Berührebene des auf dem Auffahrbereich 106 angeordneten Bodenreinigungsgerätes 12 ausgerichtet ist.The frames 78 at the loading station 102 are oriented at an angle with respect to the wall 66 which results from a right angle and the inclination of the ramp 110 with respect to the horizontal. This is advantageous because the contact portions 92 of the contact elements 62 also define a plane in the cleaning system 100 which is aligned perpendicular to the contact plane of the floor cleaning device 12 arranged on the ramp-up area 106.

Im Übrigen wird auf die voranstehenden Ausführungen zum Reinigungssystem 10 verwiesen, insbesondere in Bezug auf die elektrische Sicherheit, die beim Reinigungssystem 100 ebenfalls gewährleistet ist. Auch beim Reinigungssystem 100 können die Kontaktelemente 54, 62 auf einfache Weise miteinander koppeln, obwohl sie bezüglich der Außenkontur des Gehäuses 16 beziehungsweise der Stirnseite 86 der Rahmen 78 zurückgesetzt am Bodenreinigungsgerät 12 bzw. der Ladestation 102 angeordnet sind.Incidentally, reference is made to the above statements on the cleaning system 10, in particular with regard to the electrical safety, the Cleaning system 100 is also guaranteed. Even with the cleaning system 100, the contact elements 54, 62 can be coupled to one another in a simple manner, although they are arranged with respect to the outer contour of the housing 16 or the end face 86 of the frame 78 set back on the floor cleaning device 12 and the charging station 102.

Claims (18)

  1. A cleaning system comprising a self-propelling and self-steering floor cleaning appliance (12) and a charging station (14, 102), wherein the floor cleaning appliance (12) comprises at least one rechargeable electric battery (34) and two appliance-side electrical contact elements (54) coupled to said battery, wherein the charging station (14, 102) comprises a charging unit (74) for providing electrical energy and two station-side electrical contact elements (62) coupled to said charging unit, and wherein in each case one appliance-side contact element (54) and one station-side contact element (62) cooperate in a charging position of the floor cleaning appliance (12) at the charging station (14, 102) for supplying electrical energy to the at least one battery (34), wherein the appliance-side contact elements (54) and the station-side contact elements (62) comprise first contact elements (54) and second contact elements (62), wherein the first contact elements (54) are arranged in at least one recess (60) formed at a housing (16) of the floor cleaning appliance (12) or of the charging station comprising the first contact elements (54), and wherein the first contact elements (54) are arranged set back in the at least one recess (60) in relation to an exterior contour formed by the housing (16), characterized in that the charging station (14, 102) or the floor cleaning appliance comprising the second contact elements (62) comprises at least one electrically insulating contact element carrier (76) to which the second contact elements (62) are fixed and are set back in relation to its end face (86) which, in the charging position of the floor cleaning appliance (12), engages in the at least one recess (60).
  2. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the first contact elements (54) and the second contact elements (62) are of different sizes, in particular in that the first contact elements (54) are smaller than the second contact elements (62).
  3. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact elements (54) are point contact elements and/or in that the second contact elements (62) have a spatial extent and are, in particular, planar.
  4. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact elements (54) and the second contact elements (62) are each arranged laterally adjacent to one another.
  5. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance-side contact elements (54) are the first contact elements (54) and the floor cleaning appliance (12) comprises the housing (16) forming the at least one recess (60) and in that the station-side contact elements (62) are the second contact elements (62) and the charging station (14, 102) comprises the at least one contact element carrier (76).
  6. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance-side contact elements (54) are arranged on a front side (26) of the floor cleaning appliance (12), with respect to a longitudinal or main movement direction (22) thereof.
  7. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor cleaning appliance (12) comprises a sensing part (36) for contact-based detection of obstacles and in that the appliance-side contact elements (54) are held on the sensing part (36).
  8. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one recess (60) is a cavity (58) formed by the housing (16) of the floor cleaning appliance (12) or the charging station.
  9. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact elements (54) are arranged in a common recess (60).
  10. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance-side contact elements (54) are movably held on the floor cleaning appliance (12) and/or in that the station-side contact elements (62) are movably held on the charging station (14, 102), in particular, in that the contact elements (54, 62) are displaceably and/or pivotably held on the floor cleaning appliance (12) and/or on the charging station (14, 102).
  11. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the appliance-side contact elements (62) are held on a sensing part (36) of the floor cleaning appliance (12) which is mounted on the floor cleaning appliance (12) in floating manner in two mutually transversely oriented displacement directions (22, 24).
  12. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two contact element carriers (76) are provided, wherein a contact element carrier (76) is associated with each second contact element (62), in particular, in that the contact element carriers (76) are of identical configuration.
  13. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one contact element carrier (76) comprises or forms a frame (78) in which the second contact element (62) is at least partially arranged.
  14. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that the second contact elements (62) each comprise an electrical plug-in element (95) for connecting to an electrical plug-in element, which contacts it, of the charging unit (74), and which is arranged at least partially in the frame (78) on a side facing away from the end face (86).
  15. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one contact element carrier (78) comprises or is made of a flame-retardant material.
  16. The cleaning system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging station (14, 104) or the floor cleaning appliance comprises or forms a housing (64) and in that the at least one contact element carrier (76) is held on the housing (64).
  17. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 16, characterized in that the at least one contact element carrier (76) projects beyond an exterior contour formed by a housing wall (66).
  18. The cleaning system in accordance with claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the at least one contact element carrier (76) is formed separately from the housing (64) and in that the housing (64) has at least one receptacle in which the at least one contact element carrier (76) is held in force-locking or positively-locking manner.
EP13799609.6A 2013-12-06 2013-12-06 Cleaning system Active EP3076844B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2013/075818 WO2015082017A1 (en) 2013-12-06 2013-12-06 Cleaning system

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EP3076844A1 EP3076844A1 (en) 2016-10-12
EP3076844B1 true EP3076844B1 (en) 2018-05-30

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WO (1) WO2015082017A1 (en)

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EP3076844A1 (en) 2016-10-12
CN105873488A (en) 2016-08-17
CN105873488B (en) 2017-11-28
WO2015082017A1 (en) 2015-06-11
KR20160095029A (en) 2016-08-10

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