WO2023194152A1

WO2023194152A1 - Tank device for a floor cleaning device, floor cleaning device comprising a tank device, and floor cleaning system

Info

Publication number: WO2023194152A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/057949
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander BRÄNDLE; Stefan GRABANT
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Priority date: 2022-04-05
Filing date: 2023-03-28
Publication date: 2023-10-12
Also published as: DE102022108088A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank device (14; 104) for a floor cleaning device (12; 106), in particular a self-driving and self-steering floor cleaning device, comprising a storage container (54) for a cleaning liquid, said storage container comprising a wall (60) which encloses an interior (70) and comprises a base wall (62) and a lateral wall (64), wherein the storage container (54) is equipped with an outlet opening (72), through which cleaning liquid can exit the interior (70); and an overflow channel (94) or multiple overflow channels (94), comprising an inlet opening (96), which is arranged above the outlet opening (72) in the direction of gravity (30) with respect to a use position of the tank device, and an outlet opening (98) outside the interior (70) below the inlet opening (96). The invention additionally relates to a floor cleaning device and a floor cleaning system.

Description

TANK DEVICE FOR A FLOOR CLEANING DEVICE, FLOOR CLEANING DEVICE WITH A TANK DEVICE

AND FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a tank device for a particularly self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, which comprises a storage container for a cleaning liquid.

In addition, the present invention relates to a floor cleaning device, in particular a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, with a tank device and at least one cleaning tool. Alternatively or additionally, the floor cleaning device can be hand-held.

The present invention further relates to a floor cleaning system which comprises a floor cleaning device and a docking station, wherein the floor cleaning device can assume a docking position at the docking station.

A floor cleaning device of the type described above allows the cleaning of a floor surface. Here, the cleaning liquid is usually applied to the cleaning tool and/or the floor surface in order to wet it and make it easier to remove adhering dirt. The cleaning liquid can in particular be water, to which a cleaning chemical can be added to increase the cleaning performance. Contaminated cleaning liquid (dirty liquid) can optionally be absorbed from the floor surface.

The object of the present invention is to provide a tank device for a floor cleaning device, a floor cleaning device with a tank device and a floor cleaning system with a floor cleaning device, whereby overfilling of the storage container with the cleaning liquid can be avoided.

This object is achieved by a tank device according to the invention for a particularly self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, comprising a storage container for a cleaning liquid, which comprises a wall enclosing an interior with a bottom wall and a side wall, an outlet opening being arranged or formed on the storage container through which cleaning liquid can emerge from the interior, and an overflow channel or a plurality of overflow channels, comprising one Inlet opening, which is arranged above the outlet opening in the direction of gravity, based on a position of use of the tank device, and an outlet opening outside the interior below the inlet opening.

In the tank device according to the invention, the cleaning liquid can be discharged through the outlet opening during intended use and, for example, applied to the at least one cleaning tool and/or the floor surface. The outlet opening can be formed, for example, in the wall. Alternatively or additionally, an outlet opening formed separately from the wall can be provided, for example on an outlet line through which cleaning liquid is conveyed (for example by means of a pump unit). The tank device according to the invention further comprises at least one overflow channel. The overflow channel includes an inlet opening above the outlet opening. Cleaning liquid can be discharged from the interior of the storage container through the overflow channel. For this purpose, the cleaning liquid can enter the overflow channel through the inlet opening and exit through the outlet opening arranged outside the storage container. In this way, overfilling of the storage container, for example when refilling the cleaning liquid, can be avoided. Preferably, damage to the floor cleaning device can be avoided. The cleaning liquid emerging via the overflow channel can optionally be fed to an advantageously present dirty liquid container of the tank device. An optional use of the overflow channel for rinsing the storage container and/or the optional dirty liquid container is also conceivable.

Position and orientation information such as "above", "below" or the like are in the present case based on an intended use position of the tank device and one comprising the tank device Floor cleaning device related. Here, the floor cleaning device stands on the floor surface, which can be viewed as horizontally aligned, for example.

As stated, the present invention may provide for more than one overflow channel to be present. Accordingly, the tank device can comprise at least one overflow channel as described above. At least one overflow channel, preferably two or more overflow channels, can preferably be designed as described below. The overflow channels can be of identical or different design.

In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the overflow channel protrudes into the interior. The inlet opening is, for example, at a distance from the side wall surrounding it, so that cleaning liquid can enter the overflow channel from all sides.

It may be advantageous if the overflow channel runs through the wall, in particular through the bottom wall, or for the overflow channel to be formed by an opening in the wall. The last-mentioned embodiment can enable a structurally simple design, in which the inlet opening is formed on the side of the interior in the wall and the outlet opening on the side of the wall facing away from the interior.

It can be provided that the overflow channel does not extend beyond the wall, for example the outlet opening ends flush with the wall on the outside, for example with the bottom wall, and in particular is an opening in the wall.

The overflow channel can be formed in one piece with the wall, in particular with the bottom wall, in particular to achieve a structurally simple design. For example, the overflow channel is formed onto the wall, and can extend, for example, from the bottom wall into the interior. It can be advantageous if the overflow is designed to extend in a straight line, in particular along the entire extent. This enables, for example, a structurally simple design and can be advantageous for the flow behavior through the overflow channel.

It can be advantageous if the overflow channel is free of a closing element and/or a valve. In particular, the overflow channel can be permanently open. This enables a structurally simple design and reliable function of the tank device.

The outlet opening can advantageously be arranged below the outlet opening in relation to the direction of gravity. For example, the outlet opening is arranged at a lowest point of the bottom wall, and the overflow channel extends even further downward in the direction of gravity.

The storage container advantageously comprises a top wall, which is preferably detachably connectable to the wall. By loosening the ceiling wall, the interior can be exposed and advantageously cleaned.

A filling opening is preferably formed in the ceiling wall, via which the storage container can be filled with cleaning liquid. For example, as will be discussed below, the storage container is filled via the docking station.

A closure element can be arranged at the filling opening in order to close it.

It is conceivable to use a filter element at the filling opening to prevent dirt from entering the storage container.

For example, for rinsing purposes, it can be advantageous if the inlet opening and the filling opening are at a sufficient distance from one another. It is conceivable, for example, that the filling opening, based on a top view of the tank device, comprises a distance from the inlet opening that is at least approximately a quarter of the extent of the storage container along largest extension direction is, preferably at least approximately one third. Conveniently, the distance is even greater than a third.

Based on a top view of the tank device, the inlet opening can comprise a distance from the side wall that is less than approximately a third of the extent of the storage container along the largest direction of extent, preferably less than a quarter.

The inlet opening is advantageously arranged below the filling opening in relation to the direction of gravity.

It can be provided that a distance of the inlet opening, based on the direction of gravity, to the ceiling wall is less than approximately 10% of the height of the storage container.

As already mentioned, it can be provided that the tank device comprises a dirty liquid container. The dirty liquid can be picked up by the floor cleaning device, for example actively under the action of a suction unit and/or passively with a cleaning roller, and transferred to the dirty liquid container.

The dirty liquid container is advantageously arranged below the storage container.

With regard to simple structural design, the dirty liquid container and the storage container can, for example, form a structural unit and/or can be detachably connected or connected to one another.

The tank device can form a substantially trough-shaped receiving part onto which the storage container is placed or can be placed. The receiving part can, for example, form the dirty liquid container, at least in sections. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving part can accommodate, for example, a pump unit with which cleaning liquid can be pumped out of the storage container. It is advantageous if the overflow channel opens into the interior of the dirty liquid container via the outlet opening. In this way, there is a fluid connection from the storage container to the dirty liquid container. Cleaning liquid can flow through the overflow channel into the dirty liquid container and be collected there. It is conceivable, for example, that a rinsing operation is carried out in which the storage container and the dirty liquid container are rinsed using the cleaning liquid and thereby cleaned.

The overflow channel can, for example, protrude into the interior of the dirty liquid container.

It can be provided, for example, that the tank device comprises a top wall of the dirty liquid container, in which a through opening is formed, into which the overflow channel engages or through which the overflow channel passes. The top wall can be formed, for example, by the bottom wall of the storage container. Preferably, the overflow channel can be formed with the ceiling wall, in particular in one piece. The overflow channel can, for example, protrude from the ceiling wall into the interior of the dirty liquid container.

It can be provided that the outlet opening is arranged within the through opening or on the ceiling wall.

The dirty liquid container can, for example, include an emptying opening. Dirty liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container via the emptying opening, for example using the docking station.

The outlet opening can, for example, be arranged above the emptying opening.

It can be provided that the outlet opening, based on a top view of the tank device, comprises a distance from the emptying opening which is at least approximately one third of the extension of the dirty liquid container along the largest extension direction, preferably at least the half. This can, for example, prove to be advantageous for rinsing behavior for cleaning the dirty liquid container.

As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to a floor cleaning device.

A floor cleaning device according to the invention, which solves the task mentioned at the outset, comprises a housing, a tank device of the type described above arranged on the housing and at least one cleaning tool, wherein cleaning liquid from the storage container can be applied directly or indirectly to a floor surface to be cleaned and / or the cleaning tool.

The advantages that have already been mentioned in connection with the explanation of the tank device according to the invention can also be achieved with the floor cleaning device according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the floor cleaning device according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the tank device according to the invention. Reference is made to the above statements to avoid repetition.

The floor cleaning device can be designed to be self-propelled and self-steering and designed to autonomously clean the floor surface. Accordingly, the floor cleaning device can in particular be a cleaning robot.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the floor cleaning device is hand-held and includes a handle device for an operator. For example, a cleaning head is provided which has the housing with the tank device and the at least one cleaning tool, with a handle with a handle device for the operator being held on the cleaning head.

The floor cleaning device can include a chassis for moving on the floor surface.

The at least one cleaning tool can, for example, be designed as a cleaning roller that can be driven in rotation or as a cleaning cloth or can comprise a cleaning roller or a cleaning cloth. The floor cleaning device can, for example, comprise a distribution element arranged on the cleaning roller or on the cleaning cloth and fluidly connected to the storage container for applying cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller or the cleaning cloth. The distributor element can be, for example, a bar with a plurality of outlet openings for the cleaning liquid. For example, cleaning liquid is conveyed from the storage container to the distribution element using a pump unit. The cleaning roller or cleaning cloth can be wetted via the distribution element in order to improve the cleaning result.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overflow channel can, for example, be arranged in such a way that at least one cleaning tool of the floor cleaning device is wetted with the cleaning liquid emerging via the outlet opening. For example, the cleaning liquid is applied to the cleaning tool via the outlet opening directly or indirectly via a distribution element with outlet openings in order to wet it.

As already mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a floor cleaning system. A floor cleaning system according to the invention, which solves the problem mentioned at the outset, comprises a floor cleaning device of the type described above, a docking station and a control unit, the docking station comprising a storage container for cleaning liquid and a fluid line and a valve unit connected therein and coupled to the control unit and/or a valve unit connected thereto Control unit coupled pump unit, wherein cleaning liquid can be supplied to the storage container under control of the valve unit and / or the pump unit when the floor cleaning device assumes a docking position at the docking station.

Advantages that can be achieved with the tank device according to the invention and the floor cleaning device according to the invention can also be achieved with the floor cleaning system according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the floor cleaning system according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the floor cleaning system according to the invention Tank device and the floor cleaning device according to the invention. Reference is made to the above statements to avoid repetition.

In the floor cleaning system according to the invention, the floor cleaning device can assume a docking position at the docking station. For example, when the control unit is activated, the fluid line is released using the valve unit. Alternatively or additionally, the pump unit can be started. Cleaning liquid can be supplied to the storage container in particular via the filling opening mentioned above. A fluid-tight coupling between the fluid line and the storage container is conceivable here. Alternatively, for example, filling can take place via an air gap.

The control unit can be included in the docking station and/or the floor cleaning device.

For example, the assumption of the docking position can be determined automatically. For example, electrical contacts of the floor cleaning device and the docking station couple with each other in such a way that the positioning of the floor cleaning device in the docking position can be determined by current flow.

The filling of the storage container can be triggered automatically by the control unit, for example after determining that the floor cleaning device is in the docking position. Alternatively or additionally, the filling of the storage container can be triggered by an operator, for example.

The same can apply, for example, to the suction of cleaning liquid from a dirty liquid container of the tank device, as explained below.

It is advantageous if the docking station comprises a suction unit coupled to the control unit and a suction line which is in fluid communication with an emptying opening of a dirty liquid container of the tank device when the floor cleaning device is in the docking position, wherein cleaning liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container by means of the suction unit. In this way, user-friendly emptying of the dirty liquid container. The suction line is arranged, for example, in a support of the docking station for the floor cleaning device, and the emptying opening is preferably arranged on the underside of the floor cleaning device. In the docking position, a suction opening in the suction line can couple to the emptying opening. When the suction unit is activated, the cleaning liquid can be sucked out. To hold the cleaning liquid, the docking station can preferably comprise a receptacle.

The suction unit can be designed differently. It is conceivable, for example, to use a suction fan on or in the suction line. Alternatively, for example, the suction unit is used to apply negative pressure to the receptacle. A rapid pressure equalization while sucking in the cleaning liquid can be achieved, for example, by opening a valve unit, which can be controlled by the control unit.

In the floor cleaning system according to the invention, a rinsing operation controlled by the control unit can be advantageous, in which cleaning liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container by means of the suction unit and at the same time cleaning liquid can be fed to the storage container. For example, dirty cleaning liquid in particular is sucked out of the dirty liquid container when the docking position is assumed. The storage container can be filled with clean cleaning fluid at the same time, at least over a certain period of time. The cleaning liquid can, for example, flow through the overflow channel into the dirty liquid container, clean it and be sucked off.

It can be provided that after the supply of cleaning liquid into the storage container has ended, the suction is maintained for a certain period of time in order to suck out any remaining cleaning liquid. The storage container can then be filled with fresh cleaning liquid for the next cleaning operation, for example.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawing. Show it: Figure 1: a perspective view of a floor cleaning system according to the invention with a floor cleaning device according to the invention, which includes a tank device according to the invention;

Figure 2: a schematic representation of the floor cleaning system from Figure 1;

Figure 3: a perspective view of the tank device of the floor cleaning device from Figure 1 and a cleaning tool in the form of a cleaning roller;

Figure 4: a sectional view of the tank device along line 4-4 in Figure 3;

Figure 5: a sectional view along line 5-5 in Figure 4;

Figure 6: a perspective view of the tank device and the cleaning roller from Figure 3 in a sectional view and as an exploded view;

Figure 7: a schematic representation of a tank device according to the invention and a cleaning tool in the form of a cleaning roller; and

Figure 8: a schematic representation of a hand-held floor cleaning device according to the invention with a tank device according to the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention, designated overall by reference number 10. The floor cleaning system 10 comprises the floor cleaning device 12 according to the invention in a preferred embodiment, which in turn comprises the tank device 14 according to the invention in a preferred embodiment.

The floor cleaning system 10 further includes a docking station 16 for the floor cleaning device 12. In the present case, the floor cleaning device 12 is designed to be self-propelled and self-steering as a cleaning robot and enables the autonomous cleaning of a floor surface 18 on which the floor cleaning device 12 can be moved by means of a chassis 20. To clean the floor surface 18, the floor cleaning device 12 comprises at least one cleaning tool 22. In the present case, a cleaning roller 24 is provided as the cleaning tool 22 (FIGS. 3, 5 and 6), which in the present example is designed in two segments, but can also be designed in one segment. For rotating the cleaning roller 24, the floor cleaning device 12 has a drive unit, not shown in the drawing.

Alternatively or in addition to the cleaning roller 24, the floor cleaning device 12 can, for example, include a rotatable sweeping roller.

Alternatively or in addition to the cleaning roller 24, the floor cleaning device 12 can include, for example, a cleaning cloth.

The docking station 16 is used to accommodate the floor cleaning device 12 during operational interruptions or breaks. In particular, there is the possibility that the floor cleaning device 12 can assume a defined docking position at the docking station 16 (Figures 1 and 2).

When used as intended, the docking station 16 stands on the floor surface 18 and includes a ramp-shaped support 26, which can be traveled by the floor cleaning device 12 to assume the docking position.

The docking station 16 includes a storage container 28 for a cleaning liquid, in particular water, to which a cleaning chemical can be added to increase the cleaning performance. In relation to the direction of gravity 30, the storage container 28 is presently arranged in an upper section 32 of the docking station 16.

A fluid line 34 is connected to the storage container 28, into which an electrically actuated valve unit 36 is connected. The valve unit 36 can be controlled by a control unit 38 to release or block the fluid line 34 be operated. When the fluid line 34 is released, cleaning liquid can flow through an outlet 40 of the fluid line 34.

In the present case, the control unit 38 is part of the docking station 16, but alternatively or additionally a control unit of the floor cleaning device 12 could also be used.

Reference is made to the above statements regarding the use of a pump unit for supplying cleaning fluid.

The docking station 16 further comprises a suction unit 42. A suction line 44 is directly or indirectly connected to the suction unit 42, the suction inlet 46 of which is arranged on the support 26.

By means of the suction unit 42, the suction inlet 46 can be subjected to negative pressure in order to suck cleaning liquid out of the floor cleaning device 12 in the docking position of the floor cleaning device 12. The cleaning liquid can be transferred to a receptacle 48 of the docking station 16, into which the suction line 44 opens. The suction unit 42 and the receptacle 48 can be arranged on the upper section 32 or on a lower section 50 of the docking station 16.

The suction unit 42 is coupled to the control unit 38 and can be activated and deactivated by it.

The floor cleaning device 12 comprises a housing 52 on which functional units are arranged and in particular accommodated therein. In particular, the tank device 14 according to the invention is accommodated in the housing 52. It is conceivable that the tank device 14 can be removed from the housing 52 as a structural unit, for example for cleaning purposes, and can be connected to the housing 52 again.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 4 to 6, the tank device 14 is designed in several parts in the present exemplary embodiment. The tank equipment Device 14 in particular includes a storage container 54 for cleaning liquid, which includes a lower container part 56 and an upper container part 58.

In the present example, the lower container part 56 is trough-shaped and comprises a wall 60 with a bottom wall 62 and a side wall 64 projecting from it in the direction of the upper container part 58. The wall 60 can be stepped on the bottom wall 62 and/or the side wall 64, as in the present example be designed.

The upper container part 58 forms a ceiling wall 66, which can be detachably connected to the storage container 54. A filling opening 68 for cleaning liquid is formed in the ceiling wall 66, which in the present case is arranged centrally on the ceiling wall 66 with respect to a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the floor cleaning device 12. A filter element and/or a cover element can be arranged at the filling opening 68.

The storage container 54 defines an interior space 70 enclosed by the wall 60 for receiving cleaning liquid. An outlet opening 72 is arranged on the storage container 54. In the present case, the outlet opening 72 is arranged at the lowest possible point or, even better, the lowest point of the bottom wall 62.

The tank device 14 further comprises a dirty liquid container 74 for receiving dirty cleaning liquid from the floor surface 18. In the present example, the dirty liquid container 74 is formed by a lower container part 76, which is covered by an upper container part 78. In the present case, the upper container part 78 is formed by the lower container part 56 of the storage container 54. Accordingly, the bottom wall 62 forms, at least in sections, a top wall 80 of the dirty liquid container 74.

The dirty liquid container 74 is arranged below the storage container 54, based on the direction of gravity 30.

The volume of the dirty liquid container 74 is in the present case smaller than the volume of the storage container 54. The tank device 14 further comprises a receiving part 82. The receiving part 82 is connected to the lower container part 76 and partially forms a side wall 84 of the dirty liquid container 74.

The receiving part 82, together with the lower container part 76, is covered by the lower container part 56 of the storage container 54. In the present case, the receiving part 82 is trough-shaped, and the lower container part 56 of the storage container 54 is placed on the receiving part 82.

The receiving part 82 accommodates a pump unit 86, to which a fluid line 88 on the suction side and a further fluid line 90 on the pressure side are connected. The fluid line 88 has a suction opening 89 which is arranged below the outlet opening 72. Cleaning liquid can enter the suction opening 89 from the interior 70 through the outlet opening 72 and is conveyed by the pump unit 86 through the fluid lines 88, 90. Cleaning liquid is supplied to a distribution element 92.

In the present case, the distributor element 92 is strip-shaped and has a plurality of outlet openings for the cleaning liquid, which are directed towards the cleaning roller 24. During operation of the floor cleaning device 12, the cleaning roller 24 is wetted with the cleaning liquid conveyed from the storage container 54.

4 to 6, the tank device 14 in the present case comprises an overflow channel 94 with an inlet opening 96 and an outlet opening 98. As already mentioned at the beginning, more than just one overflow channel 94 can be present. Accordingly, the floor cleaning device includes at least one overflow channel 94. The overflow channels 94 can be of identical or different design. If there are two or more overflow channels 94, these are advantageously arranged spatially at a distance from one another on the storage container.

In the present case, the overflow channel 94 projects upwards from the bottom wall 62 into the interior 70. In addition, the overflow channel 94 projects from the Bottom wall 62, which is a ceiling wall 80 of the dirty liquid container 74, downwards into its interior 100. In the present case, the overflow channel 94 accordingly engages into the interior 70 and into the interior 100.

In the present case, the overflow channel 94 is connected in one piece to the wall 60, in particular the bottom wall 62.

The bottom wall 62 and the side wall 64 are also integrally connected to one another.

The overflow channel 94 is designed to extend in a straight line.

In the present case, the overflow channel 94 is positioned in such a way that, in relation to the largest extension direction of the tank device 14 (in the transverse direction of the floor cleaning device 12) and in its top view, it has a distance from the filling opening 68 that is more than a quarter and in particular more than a third ( for example, approximately 40 percent) of the extent (Figure 4). When rinsing the storage container 54, a flow can form from the filling opening 68 to the inlet opening 96, which captures large parts of the storage container 54.

The inlet opening 96 is spaced all around from the side wall 64 to allow cleaning liquid to flow in from all sides. The distance from the side wall 64 in a plan view of the tank device 14 is in the present case less than a third and in particular less than a quarter of the extension of the tank device 14 along the largest extension direction.

The inlet opening 96 is arranged near the ceiling wall 66. However, there is a gap between the inlet opening 96 and the top wall 66 to allow cleaning liquid to flow in. The inlet opening 96 is arranged above the outlet opening 72 with respect to the direction of gravity 30.

There is a flow connection from the storage container 54 to the dirty liquid container 74 via the overflow channel 94. The flow connection exists permanent because the overflow channel 94 is free of a closing element or a valve.

In order to prevent the storage container 54 from overflowing, cleaning liquid can flow through the overflow channel 94 and is collected in the dirty liquid container 74. In addition, a flushing operation can be carried out for the tank device 14, which will be discussed below.

The dirty liquid container 74 includes an emptying opening 102. The emptying opening 102 is arranged on the bottom of the container lower part 76 (FIGS. 4 and 5). Cleaning liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container 74 via the emptying opening 102. If the floor cleaning device 12 assumes the docking position at the docking station 16, the suction line 44 is in flow connection with the interior 100 via the suction inlet 46 and the emptying opening 102.

The outlet opening 98 is at a distance from the emptying opening 102 in a top view of the tank device 14 which, along the largest direction of extension of the tank device 14, is at least approximately one third of the extent, in the present example more than half of the extent. This allows an effective flow to form in the dirty liquid container 74 for an improved rinsing effect and thus better cleaning.

When the floor cleaning system 10 is used as intended, the storage container 54 can be filled with cleaning liquid when the fluid line 34 is released. There is also the possibility of sucking clean or dirty cleaning liquid out of the dirty liquid container 74 using the suction unit 42.

Advantageously, a flushing operation can be carried out in which the storage container 28 is simultaneously filled and the dirty liquid container 74 is emptied by suction, at least for a predetermined or predeterminable period of time. The cleaning liquid can be taken from the storage container 54 through the Overflow channel 94 flow through and is used to clean the dirty liquid container 74 and is subsequently sucked off.

It may be advantageous to also clean the cleaning roller 24 during the rinsing operation or separately therefrom. Cleaning liquid can be applied via the distributor element 92 and the cleaning roller 24 can preferably be rotated while the floor cleaning device 12 assumes the docking position.

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the tank device according to the invention, assigned the reference number 104. Identical reference numbers are used for identical or equivalent features or components of the tank devices 14 and 104. Only the essential differences between the tank devices 14 and 104 will be discussed.

An overflow channel 94 is also provided in the tank device 104. In this exemplary embodiment, the outlet opening 98 is directed towards the cleaning tool 22, in particular the cleaning roller 24. Overflowing cleaning liquid can be used to wet the cleaning roller 24 during cleaning operation and/or to clean it in the docking position of the floor cleaning device 12, which includes the tank device 104.

The overflow channel 94 can, for example, be in fluid communication with the distributor element 92, as shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. In this way, it is possible to distribute overflowing cleaning liquid spatially on the cleaning roller 24, preferably over its entire length.

The tank device 104 can be used, for example, in the floor cleaning device 12 and in the floor cleaning system 10 instead of the tank device 14.

Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention, which is assigned the reference number 106. For the same or equivalent features and components of the floor Identical reference numbers are used for cleaning devices 12, 106. The floor cleaning device 106 can be part of a floor cleaning system according to the invention and can be used, for example, as an alternative to or together with the floor cleaning device 12 at the docking station 16.

The floor cleaning device 106 is hand-held in the present example. For this purpose, the floor cleaning device 106 includes a handle element 108, which is arranged, for example, on a handle 110 and can be gripped by an operator to guide the floor cleaning device 106.

The handle 110 is connected to a floor cleaning head 112 of the floor cleaning device 106, for example on the housing 52, the floor cleaning head 112 comprising the at least one cleaning tool 22.

The floor cleaning device 106 further comprises a tank device according to the invention, for example the tank device 14 or the tank device 104.

In the floor cleaning device 106, the chassis 20 is omitted, but this can also be provided. The floor cleaning device 106 includes two roller-shaped cleaning tools 22, the number of which could also be different.

Reference symbol list

10 floor cleaning system

12 floor cleaning device

14 tank facility

16 docking station

18 floor space

20 chassis

22 cleaning tools

24 cleaning roller

26 edition

28 storage containers

30 gravity direction

32 upper section

34 fluid line

36 valve unit

38 control unit

40 outlet

42 suction unit

44 suction line

46 suction inlet

48 receptacles

50 lower section

52 housing

54 storage containers

56 container base

58 container top

60 wall

62 floor wall

64 sidewall

66 ceiling wall

68 filling opening

70 interior

72 outlet opening Dirty liquid container, lower part of container, upper part of container, ceiling wall, receiving part, side wall, pump unit, fluid line, suction opening, fluid line

Distributor element overflow channel inlet opening outlet opening interior emptying opening tank device floor cleaning device handle element handle

Floor cleaning head

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Tank device (14; 104) for a particularly self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device (12; 106), comprising a storage container (54) for a cleaning liquid, which has a wall (60) enclosing an interior (70) with a bottom wall (62) and a Side wall (64), wherein an outlet opening (72) is arranged or formed on the storage container (54), through which cleaning liquid can emerge from the interior (70), and an overflow channel (94) or several overflow channels (94), comprising one Inlet opening (96), which is arranged above the outlet opening (72) in the direction of gravity (30), based on a position of use of the tank device (14; 104), and an outlet opening (98) outside the interior (70) below the inlet opening (96 ). Tank device (14; 104) according to claim 1, characterized in that the overflow channel (94) projects into the interior (70) and/or that the overflow channel (94) extends through the wall (60), in particular the bottom wall (62). runs, or is formed as an opening in the wall. Tank device (14; 104) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the overflow channel (94) is formed in one piece with the wall (60), in particular with the bottom wall (62). Tank device (14; 104) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overflow channel (94) is designed to extend in a straight line. Tank device (14; 104) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overflow channel (94) is free of a closing element and/or a valve. Tank device (14; 104) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container (54) comprises a top wall (66), which is preferably detachably connectable to the wall (60), with a filling opening (66) in the top wall (66). 68) is formed, via which the storage container (54) can be filled with cleaning liquid. Tank device (14; 104) according to claim 6, characterized in that the filling opening (68), based on a top view of the tank device (14; 104), comprises a distance from the inlet opening (96) which is at least approximately a quarter of the extent of the Storage container (54) along the largest direction of extension is, preferably at least approximately one third. Tank device (14; 104) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the inlet opening (96), based on a top view of the tank device (14; 104) and a distance from the side wall (64), comprises less than approximately one Third of the extent of the storage container (54) along the largest extension direction is, preferably less than approximately one third. Tank device (14; 104) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank device (14; 104) comprises a dirty liquid container (74). Tank device (14; 104) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the tank device (14; 104) comprises a substantially trough-shaped receiving part (82) onto which the storage container (54) is placed or can be placed; the dirty liquid container (74) is arranged below the storage container (54); the dirty liquid container (74) and the storage container (54) form a common structural unit and/or can be releasably connected or connected to one another. Tank device (14; 104) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the overflow channel (94) opens into the interior (100) of the dirty liquid container (74) via the outlet opening (98) and in particular projects into the interior (100). Tank device (14; 104) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the tank device (14; 104) comprises a top wall (80) of the dirty liquid container (74), in which a through opening is formed into which the overflow channel (94 ) intervenes or through which the overflow channel (94) extends, in particular that the outlet opening (98) is arranged within the through opening or on the ceiling wall (80). Tank device (14; 104) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the dirty liquid container (74) comprises an emptying opening (102) and that the outlet opening (98) is arranged above the emptying opening (102). Tank device according to claim 13, characterized in that the outlet opening (98), based on a top view of the tank device, comprises a distance from the emptying opening (102) which is at least approximately one third of the extent of the dirty liquid container (74) along the largest direction of extension , preferably at least about half. Floor cleaning device (12; 106), comprising a housing (52), a tank device (14; 104) arranged on the housing (52) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one cleaning tool (22), wherein cleaning liquid of the storage container (54) directly or indirectly can be applied to a floor surface (18) to be cleaned and/or the cleaning tool (22). Floor cleaning device (12; 106) according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the floor cleaning device (12) is designed to be self-propelled and self-steering; the floor cleaning device (106) is hand-held and includes a handle device for an operator. Floor cleaning device (12; 106) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the at least one cleaning tool (22) is designed as a rotatably drivable cleaning roller (24) or as a cleaning cloth or comprises one (s) and that the floor cleaning device ( 12; 106) comprises a distribution element (92) arranged on the cleaning roller (24) or on the cleaning cloth and fluidly connected to the storage container (54) for applying cleaning liquid to the cleaning roller (24) or the cleaning cloth. Floor cleaning system (10), comprising a floor cleaning device (12;

106) according to one of claims 15 to 17, a docking station (16) and a control unit (38), wherein the docking station (16) comprises a storage container (54) for cleaning liquid and a fluid line (34) and a fluid line (34) connected therein and connected to the control unit (38) coupled valve unit (36) and / or a pump unit (86) coupled to the control unit (38), the storage container (54) being controlled by the valve unit (36) and / or the pump unit (86) when it assumes a docking position Floor cleaning device (12; 106) can be supplied with cleaning liquid at the docking station (16). Floor cleaning system (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the docking station (16) comprises a suction unit (42) coupled to the control unit (38) and a suction line (44) which is connected to an emptying opening (102) of a dirty liquid container (74). Tank device (14; 104) is in fluid communication when the floor cleaning device (12; 106) assumes the docking position, with cleaning liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container (74) by means of the suction unit (42). Floor cleaning system (10) according to claim 18 in conjunction with claim 19, characterized by a rinsing operation controlled by the control unit (38), in which cleaning liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container (74) by means of the suction unit (42) and at the same time the cleaning liquid from the storage container (54). can be supplied.